morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-18
From: Pond/Spring campground

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

The sleep by the pond was very restful. Didn't get going until 10am. It was a slow day. The terrain was bad; we didn't make much progress. The weather was warm so we got pretty wilted. Did have some nice views of Burkes Garden, a sleepy little valley town. Finally made it into the shelter around 8pm. It was fix dinner and go to bed as it had been an exhausting day.
Date: 2005-05-19
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Before we were able to get going, in came Cuppa Joe and Scholar and Gypsy Lulu. They had camped up at the forest service road back 4 miles. Funky Monkey had helped them out and he was meeting them there. Funky also gave us sodas and beer. There was a note on the wall saying there would be free breakfast on Thursday and it was a Thursday, so off we headed for the road 5 miles away.When we reached the road a guy named Tim was there to take us to the Methodist church for a meal.Wow, thanks Pastor Alan and all the crew from the 3 churches for the wonderful meal and fellowship. The ladies really put out an excellent meal. Thank you from all the hikers.When we got back to the road crossing there was more trail magic in a cooler beside the trail. I grabbed an orange juice for later. Scholar had been walking with us today and it was nice to have the company. We stopped for a break with Touk, Sunshine, Cuppa Joe, Scholar and Butterfly Moon when up walks Serenity and Feeling Free. Hadn't seen Serenity since before trail days so was good to catch up with what was going on with her.Met everyone again at the road into Bland. Had a Dr.Pepper, visited and then took off for the shelter. It was threatening rain. As we passed over Interstate 77 we got the trucks coming up the hill to honk for us. It was a steep climb up to the shelter and it started to rain. We were so warm the rain felt good. Fit 9 people into a 6 person shelter because of the rain. It really poured hard during the night too so I was even more glad to be in the shelter. The walk to the water source was a marathon so we took as many people's water bags as we thought we could carry back. Everyone shared and it came out OK. The biggest problem was that the next water sourse was 10 miles ahead so you couldn't skimp on water.
Date: 2005-05-20
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Jenny Nob
Miles today: 10.0

Everyone laughed at me this morning for having screamed out in the night.I felt something go across my face and thought it was a mouse. Not sure if it was or just Gypsy Lulu's hair. Anyway I guess I woke everyone up with my yelp. Butterfly Moon and I were the last ones out of camp we just couldn't get going.Saw more Lady Slipper flowers and Flaming Azaelias today. Also an orange salamander. Came up on Serenity, Feeling Free and Scholar taking a break so we did too. The miles to the shelter went pretty quickly and with the threat of rain and Butterfly walking in one Croc and one boot we decided to stay at the shelter. I was really cold so made dinner right away and then laid down for a short nap. Well with journaling done it's not even 6pm yet so we really did have an early day. Would have been nice to go on with everyone and swim at the river but both of us were tired.
Date: 2005-05-21
From: Jenny Nob

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Started off the day at 8am, that's a good time for us. The 6 miles to Kimberling creek went quickly as we were looking forward to a dip in the creek to cool off and because we haven't had shower in 6 days. As we started to cross the suspention bridge over the creek we heard "trail Magic, trail magic over here."It was Scubaman 03's parents. They had burgers, dogs, potato salad, chips, sodas, beer, strawberry shortcake, brownies, snickers, peanut butter crackers and I've probably forgot something because there was so much. Thank you mom and dad scuba!!!After we were completely full we headed for Dismal Falls. It was 0.3 miles off the trail but very worth it. We met Bassline and Gypsy-Lulu on their way out. Touk and Sunshine were just getting ready to leave, we talked them into staying and swimming again. So Touk, Sunshine, Mello Mushroom, Bluelight & Boots, Butterfly Moon and I went and jumped in the pool below the falls. The water was so cold it almost took our breath away. We quickly jumped out on the big flat rocks and basked in the sunshine. It was so refreshing and added so much to the day. After changing we were on our way again.The Wingfoot book was somewhat confusing again today. You see he says things like the stream in the rhododendron thicket and then you pass through 4 or 5 of them and you don't have a clue where you are on the mileage guide. We finally made it to the shelter and it was being used by a couple of women with a bunch of children. Hopefully the night won't be too noisy. Buttoms Up is reading to everyone from some book, I didn't get the name because I've been journaling.Stilts just came in and we let him know that 2 weeks ago they had a bear here. He's headed out to hang his food. Turning in because my shoulder is sore from falling on the slippery rocks at the falls today.
Date: 2005-05-22
From: Wapiti Shelter

To:  Pearisburg 
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

Started off the day knowing that Mom and Dad Scuba were going to be doing breakfast at Sugar Run Gap, 6 miles up the trail. Up is the key word here, there was a large mountain just ahead and we had to get up to the ridge. As that was accomplished, time was passing but the views from the rock outcroppings were great. Beautiful valleys and large upsweeping mountains dotted with farms. When we finally came to Sugar Run Gap it was long past breakfast time, to our delight they were also serving lunch like yesterday. Again it was burgers with all the fixings and extras and that great strawberry shortcake. Thanks a million to the Alexanders!!When we hiked out of there, Thunder hiked out with us. He was in the lead and really set the pace. Did my body and heart ever get a work out. We stopped in a the Docs Knob shelter to use the privy and Mellow Mushroom and Riley were there for the night. We have stayed at the same shelter as them for several nights. Today we were moving on to camp closer to town. By the time we reached a place called Angel's Rest it was 7pm. Everyone else had headed for town. Thunder said he was going in and we decided to try for it too. It was an extremely steep downhill an my feet and knees were sore from 14.5 miles but they did hold up and got me 1.7 miles more into town. The motel close to the trail was full so headed up the hill to the other ones. Finally got into our room at 8:45pm. Showered and hit the sack.
Date: 2005-05-24
From:  Pearisburg 

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: light rain

Well I made it through the rainstorm. Woke up around midnight and it had stopped raining. By the time we left in the morning the tent had dried out from the wind. By the time we reached the top of the ridge it had started to rain. Before we got to the shelter it was really picking up. Touk, GypsyLulu,Bassline and Stilts were at the shelter. Soon all but Stilts packed out. We decided to wait a while and see if the rain would let up. Slowly more people started showing up. We claimed a spot in the shelter as the rain and wind picked up. Soon the shelter was full and many were tenting. The spruces gang started a big fire and we all gathered wood, at times the flames were 4 feet high. There was alot of joking and fun. There's a guy who's been bothering people and he got dubbed Wingfoot. It's almost 9pm and getting colder, the forcast is 42 down off the mountain so don't know how cold we'll have it. Probably won't leave early tomorrow.
Date: 2005-05-25
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke to a very cold morning with fog. We had a long day planned so wanted to get out early. The wind was so cold; I wished I hadn't sent my gloves home from Pearisburg. The trail was a lot of ridge-walk today. Found a huge rock to sit behind for our lunch break. Saw several deer today and many birds. There was a note just after the Pine Swamp Branch shelter saying that the bridge was out and you could take an alternate route or ford the creek. Because of the recent rain and the cold weather, getting wet didn't sound good.Don't I feel stupid? sent Dr. Foster a jovial postcard last week and just found out today about his wife. Wish someone would have let me know.Made it to the shelter and they had a fire started so we would stay warm tonight. The shelter was full with Bruce Spruce, Bruce Moose, Squid Jerky, Piker & Mileage, Buzz and Butterfly Moon and I.
Date: 2005-05-26
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

We were planning on doing 16 miles again today, so got going as soon as we could. The day seemed to slip along quickly.In the registers several people have reported seeing bear with cubs. I have not seen any yet and that is good. We did see a dead deer that had been partially eaten. Lunch was at the War Spur shelter and we stayed for about an hour just resting and visiting as others had stoped too. Then we had a long hard climb up out of the river bed. As I was hiking I thought it would sure be good to have a cold soda, about a mile later at the USFS road crossing Super Dave had left a cooler with sodas. Thanks Super Dave! While we were drinking our soda we heard a truck start up and went up to see if it was Hopper or Spike. Sure enough it was Spike. They are hiking with the aid of their truck, each walking the same section, just different directions. He had backed the truck around because he was getting a flat tire. This is a huge truck with a full size camper on it so no easy way to jack it. Turns out we used rocks and the camper jacks and was able to get it up enough. Scholar, Domino and Sunshine showed up too. After the tire was changed we set off up the last mountain for the day.Butterfly Moon, Scholar and I ended up walking the rest of the way to the shelter together. Stopped for a few minutes at Kelly's Knob to see the views and get pictures. Once at the shelter we decided not to move on for the night. Everyone shared food and stories and had a fire to warm us compliments of Domino. There was talk of trying to work out some slackpacking we are still working on the details.
Date: 2005-05-27
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Started off the day with a real nice walk, gently through the woods and then across the cow pastures. Butterfly Moon was out in front and what should come around the corner of the trail but a white donkey. It took her by surprise and she jumped and it startled me. Turned out there were two of them, I guess they live in that field. The next thing we passed was the Keffer Oak. It's 18 plus feet around and they say it's over 300 years old. No other trees around are near as big and we wondered how it managed to survive.Then the hard work for the day began as there was a 1100 vertical foot climb over the next 1.2 miles. Thankfully it wasn't a hot day. The rest of the afternoon was mostly ridge walking with some real rocky spots. The wild flowers really seemed to thrive up there as the colors were abundant. A guy asked us if we saw the rattlesnake? No, we missed that one. Later though we did see a black snake right in the trail. Thankfully they are harmless.When we got to the shelter there was still room so didn't have to pitch the tarptent. Not much happening tonight so it's 8 and journaling is done.
Date: 2005-05-28
From: Niday Shelter

To: VA Hwy 620
Miles today: 8.9

Woke up to some sprinkling rainshowers. Some type of small flying insect was the problem last night. Any exposed skin was subject to the biting. To top it off it was a much warmer night and being covered up was uncomfortable. Needless to say I didn't sleep much last night. I was meeting Randy today so was anxious to get on the trail. There was another valley to go down to and then up an even bigger hill than yesterday. It took several hours to make the climb. When we reached one of the highest points on the ridge there was a memorial to Audie Murphy.He had died in a plane crash near the sight 34 years ago today. Odd that we ended up there on the very day. Nothing else of particular signifigance happened on the hike today. Hiked with TDS, Lou and Butterfly Moon. When we reached the road Randy was there waiting. We all piled in and headed for The Homeplace. It's an all you can eat restaurant in an old house. Really great food and atmosphere. After taking Lou back to the trailhead we headed into Troutville. Got motel rooms straightened out, went to the outfitter and then went to Roanoke to watch Star Wars. It was good but got over late and I was real tired from not having slept well last night. Hot shower felt great.
Date: 2005-05-29
From: VA Hwy 620

To: Stream campsite
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: light rain

Had a great visit from Randy, so glad he came down. We resupplied in town ad had a quick lunch and then was driven back to the trail to slackpack. That's when you don't carry your full pack. We were headed to Dragon's Tooth and then down. The climb seemed to take forever even with our light load. Got there and talked with some day hikers, they had all sorts of questions. Then I heard my name being called. It was Randy, he had hiked up from the other road where he was meeting us. Enjoyed the views and a snack and then started down. It was a bit of a scramble over the rocks and letting yourself down on some iron rails. Because of the Memorial weekend there were quite a few day hikers out. When we reached the car it was the job of repacking the backpack and sorting of food. Said goodbye to Randy and he got on his way around 7pm. Thankfully he can break the drive up as it's about an 9 hour trip. We headed up into the woods but only got a mile or so and came to a nice campsite by a stream. Decided to stay and then go on to Tinker Cliffs tomorrow. Set up camp and collected wood for a fire. Ate dinner by the fire and visited. The skies are threatening rain so may wake up wet.
Date: 2005-05-30
From: Stream campsite

To: Tinker Cliffs
Miles today: 13.8

We got a few sprinkles but heavy rain held off. Got up late and left around 10. I was hoping that people were having lunches at VA311 like we had seen the other day. That might mean a cold drink. Used my neck wrap that helps keep you cool and it works pretty well. Thanks Nate! Also want to thank the girls for the goodies they sent. Couldn't pack them all out but did enjoy them!When we reached the road there was alot of cars but no one eating. Just water to drink today. We were anxious to get to McAfee's Knob as we had seen many pictures of it. It was a long uphill climb in the heat so when we got there it was a nice rest. The views were great and we all got our pictures out on the edge of the overhang. TDS told us the story of the John's Spring sheler he had stopped at. It is named after a former thru hiker who died and his father had come up there while TDS was there and talked with him.We wanted to camp at Tinker Cliffs and could see it way around the ridge. By this time it was 5pm so off we went for the last 5 miles.The ridge walk wasn't too bad and we took some time to stop for water. The last 1 1/2 miles was up to the cliffs and it was steep. Saw alot of deer as it was early evening and they were moving about. Finally came to the cliffs around 8pm and what a awesome view. The cliffs run for about a half a mile and are a giant granite rock. From the edge of the cliffs it just drops off into the woods. Once we took a few pictures and enjoyed the moment we found TDS and set up camp. We all took our food out to the cliff and started to cook. I had just finished mine when the rain started so retreated to my tent for dinner. By that time it was 9pm so I ate and went to bed.
Date: 2005-05-31
From: Tinker Cliffs

To: Troutville
Miles today: 12.5

It rained off and on all night but dried up this morning. Got up early and went over to the cliffs, there was fog all down in the valleys. It was really a beautiful site. Knew we were headed to town and needed to make the post office so got on the go. There were rolling ridgelines to walk down all the way. We stopped for a break and saw a small yellow and greyish bird but it wouldn't sit still for a picture. Got into the first road in town and it was 3:15, we still had 2 miles to hike to the other road and a hitch to the post office before it closed.We did make it but had to walk part of the way to the post office. While there we ran into Pheonix Rising who is now doing trail magic along the way instead of hiking. She gave us a ride to the Country Cookin Resturaunt where we met TDS for a meal.Then it was over to the Comfort Inn to get a room for the night. It was an exhausting day and was glad to be able to rest.
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Troutville

To: Troutville
Miles today: 0.0

Decided I needed a zero day here as I haven't taken one for 2 weeks. Made the trip to the laundromat first so I had clean clothes. Then it was on to the outfitter and to resupply at the grocery store. A nice lady gave us a ride back to our motel and it was good because I had my clean clothes and 2 bags of groceries. Just hung out here and watched a little TV.
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Troutville

To: Troutville
Miles today: 0.0

Was all set to walk out of town this morning but woke up to cold rain and wind. Didn't take to long to decide to stay put. We had gotten in that last cold rain and it wasn't pleasant. Took advantage of some time to use the computer here at the motel. Walked to the CVS and got a few things and then to get some dinner. Hope to walk out tomorrow even if it is raining. Need to get going up towards home
Date: 2005-06-03
From: Troutville

To: Bobletts Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke to a drizzle outside but was determined to get out of town. Used the computer at the motel one last time and had their free breakfast.Took a little while to get a hitch but a former hiker who lives in the area finally stopped. Today's hike was relatively easy. Several steep hills but alot of easy terrain too.Met a few new hikers, Steady On, Wilderness Bob and a section hiker without a trail name. Checked the registers at Fulkhart Knob and Wilson Creek shelters to see when others had come through. We are now 4 or 5 days behind the group we are the most familiar with. Today was a milestone, at Wilson Creek we are 1/3 done with the trail. Someone also said we are half done with VA.The first place we came out to the BlueRidge Parkway there was a couple giving out Gatorade. It was humid so a cold drink was great. Then it was on to Bobbletts Gap shelter another 5 miles. Didn't get in until around 7 but not bad having done 17 miles. The shelter was a .2 walk downhill but there didn't appear to be any campsites nearby and we also needed water. There are three section hikers, Turbo Joe, Butterfly Moon and I tonight. The section hikers have made a fire to dry there clothes and shoes from yesterdays rain. Oops, some of it just got melted! Better turn in.
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Bobletts Gap Shelter

To: Bryants Ridge
Miles today: 13.3

Today we would cross the BlueRidge Parkway a few times and was hoping for some trail magic. The only magic we found was to empty our trash bags.Made it to the Cove Mtn. shelter and there were several resident deer there. Then it was down to Jennings Creek for a swim. There's a nice big pool just below the bridge. The water was cold but very refreshing. Several other hikers were there too.We also made a channel from the closed in pond to the creek so the pollywogs could escape. All cooled off we started the climb up Fork Mt.It wasn't long before I was so hot I'd forgotten how cooled off I'd been. Finally made it to the shelter and some of the guys were having dinner and then moving on. Ended up with 6 staying the night in a 20 person shelter. We had plenty of room. This shelter is frequented by groups so it's bigger. It has a big wrap-around porch and 2 stories.Met some hikers for the first time, Fancy Pants, his girlfiend, Tag-a-long, Cowboy, Crickett, and Litmus.
Date: 2005-06-05
From: Bryants Ridge

To: Marble Springs
Miles today: 17.2

Decided to get going earlier than normal because of the heat and humidity. We had a series of long climbs today. The heat, humidity and I are not getting along. It really zaps my strength no matter how much I drink. Gatorade is almost a must item. Ran into Snowman and his family at the Cornelius Creek shelter. We would leap frog them off and on all day.Crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway a few times but only got rid of trash again. Came out on Apple Orchard Mtn. to a nice breeze which had been almost non existant all day. There's a huge FAA radar tower there and it looks like a huge soccer ball. Up and down over rocks and then we came to what they call the Guillotine. It's two huge rock masses next to each other with a rock wedged between them. Butterfly Moon and I took each others picture and then moved on. When we reached the Thunder Hill shelter we took a long break as it as the hot part of the afternoon. It was 7 more miles to where we wanted to spend the night. Took off after 4 and made good time. Stopped to cook dinner so we wouldn't have to do that late. Got to camp before dark and just enough time to get water and set up the tarptent. Not feeling too good tonight. Hope it's just the heat and I'm not getting sick.
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Marble Springs

To: John Hallow Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: few clouds

The deer were up grazing in and around our campsite all night. Knew we were doing a lower mileage day so did not rush out of camp. As we decended towards the James River it felt like Erwin all over again. The sounds of trains, cars, and the rushing river but it was still miles away by trail. When we got across the footbridge we saw Hopper and Spike's truck in the parking area. Hopper was home because she had injured her calf and wasn't hiking. She quickly offered us a cold drink and we didn't refuse because of the extreme heat. After talking and enjoying our soda we moved out to the road to try and hitch into Glasgow, VA. Finally a guy pulled over to take us in. He was returning to Lexington, KY via Mapquest instructions. He thought he was going through Glasgow so we were off. He was really surprised about us hiking and that we were going so far. When we exited his car in Glasgow Butterfly Moon left her hiking poles in his car and off he went. She was so mad at hers!elf.About 20 minutes later he shows back up and she has her poles again. We were so shocked that he came back. Made sure to get his address to send him a thank you. Bob Breeden had introduced himself to us in the restaurant. He heard the poles were missing and went all the way home to a nearby town and brought Butterfly Moon a pair of ski poles. We thanked him and explained about the poles being returned. He offered to wait while we shopped and then he would take us back to the trail. We took him up on it. Once back to the trail we headed up the creek. Came to a real nice spot and took our shoes off to go in and cool off. While my sweaty socks were sitting there 7 little blue butteflies came and lit on them and several more were fluttering nearby. Guess they wanted the moisture or maybe the salt. Shoes reapplied, we took off because we could hear thunder in the distance. Made it to the shelter just before it started to pour. Met another hiker I didn't know named Vapors. The bugs are really bad here it will be hard to sleep tonight.