morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-19
From: Trent's Campground near VA 606

To: Dublin, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Hoover awoke several times last night with tummy trouble, so we decided to take a zero day at a hotel where he can recuperate in comfort. We picked a good day to take off, as it has poured rain all day. Our hike today would have included the Dismal Swamp area, which is muddy and boggy on the best of days, so we were happy to miss it on a wet, rainy day!I've spent the day thinking about why I enjoy backpacking so much, and I've decided that it's simply inexplicable. I am completely confounded--it is so out of character for me, but I really feel like I thrive out here. With sweat pouring off me, gnats in my eyes, bugs everywhere, snakes here and there, blisters on my feet, heat rash all over, dirty, stinky and tired -- I am smiling, and loving it. Anywhere else I'd be miserable. I could NEVER force myself to work this hard physically (and it IS harder than I remembered!), day in and day out, for any other reason. I can't explain it--I don't even understand it myself, but the hiking and the Appalachian Trail are in my blood. Although I continue to be disappointed that we weren't able to complete out thru-hike of the AT last year, I am glad that we have this chance to be out here again this year. And I am so grateful that I have a beloved husband who is willing to put his life on hold (during prime golf season, no less) to indulge this passion of mine, and to pretend, pretty convincingly, that it is his passion as well. I am blessed.
Date: 2004-05-20
From: Dublin, VA

To: Dublin, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Hoover still isn't at 100% so we took another day off to give him a chance to recover his stamina.We are near the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, so we took a drive over to the campus to visit. Our son, Scott, attended VT, so we enjoyed taking a trip down memory lane. We found a grassy field and took advantage of the sun to lay out our gear and thoroughly dry everything out. I'm sure Scott would have been mortified if he'd seen us, but we didn't see anyone we knew and he'll never know--unless he reads this!We also went to the outfitter here to find some new boots for Hoover. No luck, but it was a fun and relaxing day. We even went to see a movie (Troy) and had a yummy restaurant meal. Early to bed, as usual, because tomorrow the trail awaits.
Date: 2004-05-21
From: Trent's Campground near VA 606

To: Sugar Run Gap
Miles today: 13.9

Today we hiked a shorter, easier distance to accommodate Hoover's recovery from the flu. This section took us through a boggy area that was crisscrossed by several branches of the Dismal Creek. I decided that a good name for the area is the "Dismal Swamp." The forest was eerily dark in places, and made me think of the poor Hobbits wandering in the enchanted forest. And there were bugs galore! We couldn't stop at all for fear of being carried off by the insects!Once we got out of the swampy area and back up into the more familiar woods, the hiking conditions improved incredibly. We stopped for lunch at the Wapiti Shelter. Wapiti is an Indian word that means "white", and was used to refer to the herds of white elk that used to populate this area. Now the only elk in the eastern U.S. are in protected herds up in Pennsylvania. A Virginia Tech researcher, Roy Wood, and his wife Tillie, bought land in the area back in the 1940's so that he could study the remaining elk. Since the elk have died--as has Roy Wood--his wife opens the land near the AT to hikers as a hostel. We didn't meet Tillie, but we understand that she is a very interesting woman, and her home is in a fabulously beautiful place.It's a good thing that our hike today didn't involve any major climbs, as Hoover's stamina is not yet back to full speed. We plan another relatively easy day tomorrow, and by then he should be back to himself. We are tenting tonight under the stars, hoping it won't rain on us.
Date: 2004-05-22
From: Sugar Run Gap

To: Pearisburg, VA 641
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: few clouds

We had a great day of hiking today. I could get used to these shorter (less than 15 miles) days!We had about ten miles to hike into Pearisburg today, but decided to go on a little past the town to make tomorrow's day a bit easier. Most of the hike was downhill, which sounds good in theory. Our knees were protesting by the time we got down, though--steep descents are tough on our older knees.We had several great views of the valleys below Pearis Mountain today. One looked out over the south towards Blacksburg, and the other down over Pearisburg. One of the views was from a place called "Angels Rest." I don't know the history behind that name, but I'm sure there's an interesting story.Tonight we are tenting on the lawn at the hostel run by the Holy Family Catholic Church. It is the nicest hostel we've seen yet--hot showers, a full kitchen, and a covered gazebo with 270 degree views of the mountains around us, including the ones we have to climb tomorrow. We've left the fly off the tent so we can see the stars, and we hope it won't rain. It's much cooler for sleeping without the fly--just netting between us and the rest of the world. Nature's air conditioning.It's a good thing we're not superstitious people, as we just discovered that our tent is set up within feet of an old cemetery. Well, at least it's a quiet neighborhood!
Date: 2004-05-23
From: Pine Swamp Branch, VA 635

To: Holy Family Hostel, Pearisburg
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

Today we did a "slackpack" from outside Pearisburg back to the hostel where we stayed last night. We carried just light day packs, so we could move a little faster and take it easier on our feet and knees. Besides, we were excited about leaving our tent set up, and then getting a hot shower again tonight. We're getting spoiled!The trail took us along the VA/WV state line for a good portion of our hike today.   We walked along the mountain ridge that divides the state, first in one state, then in the other. Sometimes with one foot in each state. We hadn't done that since NC/TN state line hikes through the Smokies last year. The terrain was beautiful, with Red Oaks, Hemlocks and giant ferns everywhere.And rocks. Have I mentioned how much I hate hiking on rocks? I'm talking about football-sized rocks without any flat surfaces to step on. It's really tough on ankles and feet to walk on those bloomin' rocks for hours at a time.We had an early lunch with thru-hikers BP and Ski Bum at a campsite near the trail. The campsite was sheltered from rain by thick vegetation, so we managed to eat and relax while staying fairly dry. Although we heard a lot of thunder and walked through wooded areas that had obviously been drenched this morning, the light sprinkle at lunch was the only rain we experienced today.Towards the end of the day we met up with some hikers we knew from last week--Cuppa Joe, Chill Out, and Spider Web--and rested at the Rice Field Shelter. There were awesome views from Rice Field, and a thoroughly pleasant walk down the mountain back to Pearisburg and our shower. Within minutes of getting back, the skies opened for a two hour deluge, but we were toasty and dry. We are so lucky!
Date: 2004-05-24
From: Holy Family Hostel, Pearisburg

To: Sinking Creek Valley, VA 42
Miles today: 20.6

Yikes! 20.6 miles, and they weren't easy miles, either.We climbed up and down a more than 6800 feet today -- two HUGE ups, and the corresponding descents. Add to that an hour and a half of %$&* ROCKS, and you'll figure out that I had a bad day today. This hiking business is darned hard work, and on a day like this it's difficult to remember why I think it's so much fun.We were a little ambitious to choose to cover this many miles over such tough terrain. I think I've figured out that I'm a 15 mile-a-day kinda gal. Beyond that, I'm too worried about getting the miles done and I don't spend enough time "smelling the wildflowers." We learned a lesson from this, and we are going to do a better job of matching mileage to the terrain in the future.I did great on the first 1700 foot climb first thing this morning. But by the time the second 1700 foot climb came around at 12:30, I was simply out of gas. I had chosen to wait on lunch until after I'd polished off the climb, and I think that was my mistake. I simply had nothing left to give, with 500 feet remaining. We stopped and ate a quick snack of nuts and dried fruit, and then I was able to pull myself up that last bit. It took me a good hour after lunch to recover my energy level. So I guess that's a second lesson I learned today. It seems like I learned both of these lessons while hiking last year, but I obviously didn't learn them well enough!Today was not all bad, though. We met some new people: a recent graduate of the Coast Guard Academy out for a section hike before he goes on active duty, a thru-hiker named Lonesome Dove, and a couple about our age who're trying for a thru-hike, Hulgar and Bunny. And of course we saw Eric and Jessica, Cuppa Joe, Spider Web, Southern Boy, Ski Bum and others we have come to know over the past couple of weeks. I remember that one of my favorite things about hiking last year was the interesting people we met, and that is true again this year as well.We're tenting again tonight, but thunderstorms are predicted, so I guess we'll leave the rainfly on. Oh, well--we were so lucky with beautiful hiking weather today, I can't really complain. Tomorrow we'll rest up from today's exertions, then it's onward towards northern Virginia.
Date: 2004-05-25
From: Blacksburg, VA

To: Blacksburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0

We're taking another day off to handle some equipment issues and to recover from yesterday's tough hike. We plan to regroup and set up a less strenuous schedule. It may mean that we won't make it beyond Virginia this year, but we'll enjoy the experience much more.I just wanted to throw in a note to thank everyone who supported us for this hike. Of course there's family--our son, Scott, who's handling our finances; our sister-in-law Karen who is an emergency point of contact; our darling grandsons, Andy and Ty, who give us so much to talk about on the trail; and our parents, who are rooting us on. And there are friends who have done a lot to make this hike better--Dr. Bo, our "music man" and exercise stretch advisor; Susan, Shona, Tina and Teri who kept me fit by walking, working out, and/or running me around the tennis court last fall and winter; and all of Hoover's golf buddies who walked the course with him (or didn't tempt him to ride rather than walk!). We hit the trail in better shape this year than last, and it has made a huge difference. We miss all of you!Thanks, too to all of you who have signed our guestbook. Unfortunately, limited internet access time doesn't permit me to write to each of you from the trail, but we do greatly appreciate the expressions of support. If any of you want to e-mail us the address is at_jitterbug yahoo.com (add an "@" symbol between jitterbug and yahoo). I'll do my best to respond to you sooner or later!
Date: 2004-05-26
From: Sinking Creek Valley VA 42

To: Craig Creek Valley VA 621
Miles today: 11.3

We're back on the trail with a fairly easy hike today. I was so flat exhausted after Monday's hike that we needed Tuesday to recuperate. We are hiking fewer miles from now on, but enjoying what we hike more.Today started out uphill through some farmland. We climbed over at least six stiles in the first hour, and dodged cow patties across the fields. It threatened rain all morning, but despite a few drizzles we kept pretty dry until lunch time. Hikers with dry feet are happy hikers.   Early on in the day we saw an ancient oak tree--so old it has its own name: Keffer Oak. Of course it has a stile attached to it, so up and over we went, again. There's an art to gracefully climbing a stile. An art I haven't yet managed to master. Hoover is forbidden to take photos of the positions I get myself into climbing over stiles.We had planned to lunch at the Sarver Hollow Shelter until we learned it is .3 miles off the trail. So instead we sat on a rock ledge and munched, admiring the views from the mountain top. The butterfiles were out in the hundreds--all different colors, and quite brazen about landing on us and our packs. We also found a stray cat that tried to con us out of part of our lunch with typical cat-like charm. He looked fat and happy, though--probably living on the mice from the shelter!Shortly after we resumed hiking, a thundershower soaked the area. We stayed dry enough (including feet), but the rocks we were climbing over became extremely slick. Hoover's shoes are not made for such conditions. We came to that conclusion after he slipped three times in as many minutes. Now Hoover hasn't fallen much on the trail--one other time that I can remember--so the situation was serious. We had LOTS of wet, slippery rocks between us and a dry place to sleep tonight. So we improvised. Hoover removed his shoes and socks and walked the rocky trail the old fashioned way--barefoot. Fortunately the rocky patch lasted just another 1/2 mile or so, and he could put his shoes back on again. We reached our hiking goal for the day, and--from the safety of shelter--giggled over the sight Hoover had made barefootin' it over the rocks. We are easily amused these days.
Date: 2004-05-27
From: Craig Creek Valley VA 621

To: VA 624
Miles today: 14.6

Today we hiked up and over one of the toughest sections of the AT we've done yet--Dragon's Tooth. I had heard rumors about the difficulty of this section, and I dreaded the rock-climbing it involved, especially after Hoover's experience on slick rocks yesterday. Although it had rained hard last night, the rocks were fairly dry and the climb went well. There were places where we had to fold up our poles and climb hand-over-hand, or edge around a bus-sized boulder.Suffice it to say that I pushed my envelope again today, and I am proud to have survived the climb up Dragon's Tooth. I have decided that I am mildly acrophobic. Just don't ask me to look down! Since we got the climb out of the way early, I was able to relax and enjoy the rest of the day's hiking. We had beautiful scenery and a great day of walking. We passed a monument to the WWII hero and actor, Audie Murphy, who died here in a plane crash. At Trout Creek we met up with twin sisters, the Hobbits, and Chasque and his son, Brian. We'll see them again tonight in Catawba, as that is their destination as well.Tonight we're staying at a hostel (in a converted garage), but we're clean and going to the Homeplace Restaurant for an all-you-can-eat meal. We are happy hikers.
Date: 2004-05-28
From: Troutville, VA US 11

To: Blue Ridge Parkway Milemarker 97
Miles today: 12.9

We did a day hike today, out of order because of the heavy rain showers predicted. We wanted to be able to get back somewhere warm and dry after hiking, rather than being stuck out in the woods cold and wet. And, since the next section we are scheduled to hike includes some of the best views of our hike this year, we wanted a clear, pretty day for that hike. Tomorrow's weather is supposed to be much nicer.Sure enough, we awoke to heavy rain showers. Ugh! But by the time we got up, dressed, fed (suausage biscuits :>) and ready, the downpour had slowed to a drizzle. And by the time we'd driven up on the Blue Ridge Parkway and left a car and then got back to Troutdale to start our hike, the rain had essentially stopped.We had a great section of trail to walk today. We especially enjoyed the pine needle covered trail, and the relativley flat and rock-free pathway. Kudos to the trail maintainers for this section. The views from the Blue Ridge were awesome.   I hope to have pictures up in the near future. We hope the rest of the BRP hikes are as wonderful--this was one of our easiest and most relaxed hikes to date. And having a shower waiting at the end of the day was a huge bonus!
Date: 2004-05-29
From: VA 624 Hostel, Catawba VA

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a high point in our hike this year. We left the hostel in Catawba early and quickly hiked over Catawba Mountain towards the north. We had a big climb through a pasture (and around more cow patties), and over more of those blasted stiles. As we approached the top of the pasture, we were treated to a view of a deer bounding across the field and over fences. It was a beautiful sight.By late morning we had climbed to McAfee's Knob, one of the most scenic viewpoints on the AT. We asked some other hikers there to take photos of us at the peak. Since our little digital camera doesn't zoom at all, the photographer kindly shot a couple of pictures of us with her 35 mm, and she will send them to us. Thanks Elaine and Sally from Rochester NY--we enjoyed meeting you. Elaine and Sally were on the trail because they had volunteered to take part in a "Day in the Life of the AT" photo shoot tomorrow. This project will result in a book that will be used to raise money for some AT-related project. Tomorrow photographers will be busy all day along every mile of the AT, taking pictures that they'll send in to a central processing site. Maybe we'll be included in a photo somewhere, and perhaps make it into the book...After a relaxing lunch in the sun on McAfee's Knob, we hiked on towards Tinker Cliffs. I hadn't heard nearly as much about them as I had McAfee's Knob, but I think I liked Tinker Cliffs even better. They are amazing rocks, with breath-taking views. (We were amazed to find several men atop one of the rocks at Tinker Cliffs, sitting in lawn chairs and drinking beer. One guy even had a laptop with him.) What a day for views, and the weather was perfect. I sure hope our pictures show how amazing this area is.Off and on today we met up with a young couple we'd seen at the hostel last night. Jennifer and Hans SOBO are recent UGA grads attempting a thru-hike. We all stopped for dinner at the Lamberts Meadow Shelter. Although we had intended to hike a little further today, we were tempted by the nice shelter and a cushy tentsite, so we decided to stay for the night. We hit the hay early, hoping to get up early enough to finish the 11 miles into Troutville in the morning, leaving the afternoon to play. A perfectly wonderful day!
Date: 2004-05-30
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Troutville, VA US 11
Miles today: 10.9

We awoke to a serenade by a host of birds--such sweet sounds in the early morning light. Hearing their excitement about another beautiful morning made it easy for us to get up and hit the trail early. Who needs an alarm, when the birds perform such a great wake-up service?Today was an easy hike, mostly downhill, into Troutville. We got an early start, so we were able to make it down off the mountain and back to our car by just after noon. This left us plenty of time to do laundry, shop for groceries, and all of the other chores that don't get done while hiking.Tomorrow we head back up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our plan is to hike down to a commercial campsite about 14 miles north of where we left off on Friday, and then set up a home base there for some day hiking over the next couple of days. It is very easy to day hike in this area, as the AT parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway for some distance through this part of the state.
Date: 2004-05-31
From: Blue Ridge Parkway Milemarker 97

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 14.3

We enjoyed an amazing day of hiking again today. The weather was perfect, and a slight breeze blew to keep us cool. Who could ask for more? We had the pleasure of running into several hikers we've met: Chasque, Spider Web, and Holly and Heidi Hobbit, who were all out slackpacking southbound for the day, courtesy of Navigator (who has had to leave the trail because of knee pain). We stopped for lunch at Bearwallow Gap, and met up with Pooka, Eagle Eye, and Flamingo Joe there. Pooka and Eagle Eye had just decided to reward themselves for finishing 1/3 of the AT by taking a break in Virginia Beach for a few days. While we were eating, they snagged a hitch into Roanoke where they'll rent a car. I hope they come back to the trail. They seem like nice kids. We hiked a while with Flamingo Joe, who had just come back from a weekend with his family. We talked about the fact that a lot of people seem to be quitting the trail about now, and that 700 miles/two months on the trail seems to be a critical point for a lot of hikers. It sure was for us last year!When we got to Jennings Creek, we headed to a commercial campground nearby called--I swear this is true--"It's a Wonderful Life Campground." It is NOT a garden spot, trust me on this. We set up our tent, showered, and headed out to pick up our car on the BRP. Just as we got back to Jennings Creek, we ran into Hawk, CatDog (and her dog, Wags), and Lonesome Dove, who were starting the 1.5 mile walk to "Wonderful Life", so we gave them a lift to save them the trek uphill. When we got back from retrieving our car, all five of us (and Wags) sat around and shot the breeze for a couple of hours. We set up a plan to run them back to the trailhead tomorrow, and hit the sack early once again. It really IS a Wonderful Life we're leading out here on the AT.
Date: 2004-06-01
From: Blue Ridge Parkway Milemarker 74.5

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 15.4

We were out of the tent and ready to hike by 7:00 this morning. The weather was promised to be clear and cooler--perfect for hiking, as we generate our own heat! We dropped Hawk, Lonesome Dove, CatDog and Wags at the trailhead, and set off on our own hike southbound from the BRP back to Jennings Creek. We are staying a second night tonight at the It's a Wonderful Life Campground. Some people are just gluttons for punishment!The views from the Thunder Hill Overlook were terrific, but we didn't tarry, as there was also a brisk wind blowing and we needed to hike to warm up. We several more great vistas along the way, and we also got a look at an FAA radar site on Apple Orchard Mountain. It seemed so odd to see so much technology in the wilderness!We ran into Lonesome Dive and CatDog just after 11 a.m. They'd had a tough hike up Floyd Mountain, and were wishing they'd been southbound along with us. Well, we offered to slackpack them, but they are "purists" and want to carry there full packs all of the way to Maine. We are just out there to enjoy the trail, so we don't mind a slackpack and/or heading southbound instead of north once in a while.After lunch we stopped by the new Bryant Ridge Shelter for a break, and we had a very exuberant--and wet-- greeting party. Three labs, one yellow female (Sunny), one chocolate male (Cadburry), and one black male (Worf) met us with enthusiasm. The hikers at the shelter said they were strays that had followed them up from Jennings Creek. Since that tags with a Buchanan phone number on them, Hoover and I decided to try to herd them back down to Jennings Creek and call their owner. This "mission" wasn't nearly as dramatic as our efforts to save Bubba dog last summer, but we had our hands full getting them to the creek. We were able to get them there and then reuntie them with their owner, Mike Hill. A shower and a visit to the library to update the journal completed this great day.On the way back to the campground we decided to pre-position our car for the hike tomorrow. This involved driving up the Blue Ridge Parkway in a thunderstorm, in the dark, for about 25 miles. We had to drive very slowly because of the debris on the road, and because there were deer everywhere, grazing on the grass that lines the parkway. We left the Jeep by the bridge at US 501 where our hike will end tomorrow, and headed back to the campground for a sound night of sleep at "It's a Wonderful Life."