morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-07
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Taking a zero day in Pearisburg. Good thing too because it is raining again.Had a great dinner last night with Wood's Dragon and Pokey at Anna's Restaurant. Then we made a trip to Wal-Mart for food and other essentials. Pokey is section hiking and had her car in Pearisburg. She has been so nice to us. She brought us to the P.O. and library today.I was so tired last night that I just went to bed. I found out later that there was some hiker craziness going on at the local Sports Bar including some karaoke. And I missed out :(I'm at the library right now catching up, but I still need to work on my journal entries for the past week. I promise I will try and get those done soon.I am starving and can't wait to hit the AYCE at Pizza Plus. Must eat food!Big thank you to my friend, old roomie, and journal transcriber Melissa. She sent me a great package with lots of food including her moms famous rice crispy treats and a potty training award for learning how to poop in the woods. She loves me, what can I say :)
Date: 2013-06-24
From: Little Bigelowe Lean-To

To: Pierce Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: few clouds

Today was a 17 mile to Pierce Pond. The At crosses the ___ River, it is not advisable to Ford, the __ has a ferry service to take hiker across, service 0900- 1100 hrs, the river is 3.7 miles from Pierce Pond Lean-To.Start hiking at 0700, the trail was flat and smooth, a little mud, hiked past 3 Ponds today, before I know it I was only 3 miles from the Lean-To. I arrive at 1400 set up tent, do some house keeping and took a nap.A couple of South Bounders here, will leave about 0700 to catch the Ferry. If the rest of trail like today will have good mile tomorrow.
Date: 2003-06-08
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: campsite past Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: scattered clouds

6/8 Pearisburg, VA to Campsite past Rice Field Shelter - 8.7 milesSlow moving out of town today. Wood's Dragon had several chores to finish up this morning so I got packed up and then too a nice mid-morning nap.We left the hotel around 11:30. Hiked a half mile and ended up back on the road we started from, but in front of a supermarket. I was hungry as I only ate rice crispy treats for breakfast so we stopped in. I was expecting to pick up something light and breakfast like but no, I went all out and got the chicken tender dinner complete with potato wedges, macaroni and cheese, and 2 dinner rolls. I also got a giant cookie for dessert. So we sat outside the supermarket and ate our huge lunch.Now it is 12:30. Our tummies are full and digesting, the sun is hot, and we are walking uphill. Blah, it kicked my butt so bad. I guess the weather gods are listening a little too carefully. We complain about the cold and rain so they give us warm sunshine and now we are too hot. Can't win. Not only was it hot but my pack was !@#$&*%$#@ (insert your own words) heavy. I think it weighs the most it ever has, and of course the majority of it is food. I just can't get enough of it. So we took our time and decided to camp 8.2 miles from town. When we got to the shelter before the campsite our favorite animals were grazing right in front of it. You even have to go over a stile to get to the shelter. Mooooooooo!Obviously Wood's Dragon and I weren't staying there after our last bovine experience. At the campsite tonight are WD, No Pepsi, Randy, Gerri, Bearable and myself. Nice spot but we've been hearing thunder and already had a spittle of rain.On a more intersting note, the guy that was next to us in our hotel (another hiker) was arrested Saturday night probably for public drunkeness. Turns out he was wanted by the law for other crinimal charges. Goes to show that some of the people on the trail aren't as nice and innocent as you would think.I also heard that the Eric Rudolf guy was finally caught. If anyone comes across intersting articles about how he survived, who helped him, etc. I'd appreciate having them sent to my mail drops for some entertaining reading.Time to turn in for a decent nights sleep. I am busting my butt this week to make it to Troutville by Friday because Ed has promised to meet me there! Can't wait to see him and my new shoes!
Date: 2013-06-25
From: Pierce Pond Lean-To

To: Moxie Bald Lean-To
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: light rain

State hiking at 0730. The Canoe to ferry across Kennebec doesn't start until 0900. Hike the first 3.7 miles to the river, got there at 0915. The Brothers and the other Hiker went to Harrison for Pancakes Breakfast, I don't hike well with full stomach so I didn't go. The Canoe ferried 3 hikers from North side. I got in to enjoy the experience, I helped paddle across, the was very strong. Not a river you want to ford. The trail was a little boa so the Mosquitoes and Black Flies were out, I pull out the net for the first-time. When I got to Pleasant Mountain a 2470 climb, I was quite surprise how steep it was, i was expecting Moxie Bald to be the hard climb. I was low on water after Pleasant Mountain, there was a 6 miles stretch with no water. I saw a South Bound Hiker I asked how far was the steam, he said quite a ways ahead. I was a little dejected because I though I was close and I am warm and was thirsty. Well I was surprised to get the stream after 5 mins of talking to him, that was the best cold water I had on the trail so far (guess because I was thirsty. Then it was time for the climb up Moxie Bald turn-out to be an easy climb to the Summit. The view on Moxie were spectacular, Rolling Hills and Ponds (Maine is the Jewel of the AT). As I start descending for the 1.7 miles to the Shelter, a T-Storm came through with a vengeance so I was off and running to the Shelter. At the Shelter was South Bounder, who has completed both CDT and PCT and now going for the Triple Crown. He's pack very light-little skinny Italian guy. The Brothers came in a little later, they used Moxie Summit bypass trail because of the storm.Tomorrow the hike into Monson and food.
Date: 2003-06-11
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

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

6/11 Laurel Creek Shelter to Niday Shelter - 12.4 milesRain drops are falling on my head.....More like torrential downpours are falling all around me. Woke up at 6 today, was all packed and ready to go except for my tent when it started to rain. I sat in my tent in my boots and raincoat, sulked at the fact and ate breakfast. This morning was one of the first that I didn't wake up to condensation. I was so excited to have a dry tent :(Wood's Dragon even mentioned how it may be a good day to spend in a tent, but I said no I am going to hike shleter to shelter and see how the weather holds.It was beautiful all morning. We got to the first shelter before noon. I ate lunch, dried my tent out and rested my feet. While I was sitting at the edge of the shelter stairs a rattle snake jumped out from underneath the shelter. I'm guessing it was about 2 feet away from me. It gave a little rattle and slithered around. My first rattle snake!!!! I was so amazed and in awe that I didn't even move from the stairs until Wood's Dragon said something. Of course I didn't get a picture.The shelter was big and beautiful, unfortunatly it was far off the trail. We need that shelter here.As we were walking along the ridgeline on rock cliffs it began to thunder. Eventually it began to pour.We hiked for a good 3+ miles in the storm. I had lakes in my boots. I was at the point where I was purposly stomping thru puddles it was so wet.The thunder and lightning got a little scary. It wasn't your average afternoon rumble. It was the 'angels are bowling' thunder where it rolls and rolls and then a big bang to top it all off. At one point it was so loud I looked back behind me hoping someone would say something comforting but everyone was so concentrated on hiking and staying upright on the slippery rocks.The Niday shelter is small and unfortunatly can't hold everyone that showed up. That nice big shelter should have been built here.Because of the rain and the terrain I am totally off schedule to met Ed in Troutville. Wood's Dragon and I will make it to Catawba and hopefully he can pick us up there.
Date: 2013-06-26
From: Moxie Bald Lean-To

To: Shaw Lodging, Monson, ME 15
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Start hiking early wanted to get to Post Office to pick up my replacement rain fly from big Agnes. The wind from a t-storm in Main tron the left rear side.I had my first river ford, Piscataluis River, there is a Zip Line across the river was trying what it was for, the water was just above my knee but the current was strong, make it over easy, the bottom of the River was slippery. About a mile after crossing the River I saw a Female South Bound Hiker, as she get closer it was __Bug, we first met at NOC, we hiked to the same Shelter for a few days so we catch up on what is going on. She hike to Harper's Ferry and flip-flop, She was surprised how far I had gotten. I wish her happy trails. The trail was in mostly good condition and relatively flat, so I made good time to the road junction. Saw a few snakes out because of the warm temperature one was determine not to get out of the way, so hat to __ him.I called Sue of Shaw Lodging, she was there in 10 mins to pick me up. Pay for room and laundry, then it was shower, food and resupply. I had a Mail-Drop but went to General Store to get some more food, want to keep my energy up for the 100 mile wilderness hike. Pick up my Fly from Post Office got a Sandwich form the Deli for lunch.Back at Shaw did laundry, pack-up food bag. I went to Lake Shore Pub for dinner, had a nice meal, purchase a Chicken Quesadilla for later.I saw Red Beard when I came out from the Post Office, so we plan to Summit Katahdin on 1 July. They are staying at Lake Shore.After Dinner, I Face-time with my Family, my wife tole me I was supposed to send the Old Fly back to Big Agnes, I was about to trash it, so tomorrow have to go to the Post Office to mail it. So going to get some sleep, this is my last resupply stop on the AT, my journey is coming to the end, it bitter-sweet feeling excited to get to Katahdin but yet I will miss the trail and the trail community.At the Post office the Clerk thank me for visiting Maine all the way from Alaska. I told her Maine and Alaska are similar, she asked how so. I paused for effect then said, the Mosquitoes, we had a good laugh.
Date: 2003-06-15
From: VA 311 (Catawba)

To: Lambert Meadows Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: mist

6/15 VA 311 (Catawba) to Lambert Meadows Shelter - 10.2 milesEd dropped Wood's Dragon and I off at the trailhead in the rain. It was tough for me to get motivated to hike. We hiked two miles to the first shelter in moderate rain. We stopped, analyzed the weather conditions and decided to stay there for the night. About an hour after we stopped the rain cleared up and the sun was even trying to peak out. We continued hiking up to McAfee's Knob which is supposed to have the best view in Virginia. What did we get a view of - fog. If we had waited a half an hour or started just a little later we would have had a view. Oh well. There was a pretty impressive view from Tinker Cliffs. I saw lots of ridges, mountains, valleys and a factory. It is an awesome feeling to see where we have come from and all the peaks we have already conquered.Tinker Cliffs have some really great rock formations and out croppings. If I wasn't so worried about getting more rain I would have spent more time relaxing there.We made it to the shelter, got our tents up and cooked dinner all without any rain. I hope it holds off tonight. The forecast this week calls for rain every day - blah.Wildlife count for today:1 black snake - medium sized, right on the trail1 deer
Date: 2013-06-29
From: Logan Brook Lean-To

To: Wadleigh Lean-To
Miles today: 33.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I head to Ford Pleasant River, the water was at just below waist level, got across okay. The Terrain was flat and the trail was mostly smooth and with the mosquitoes trying to sting or suck me dry, I was moving at Saber speed (3-35 MPH). the Mosquitoes was so bad that the Deet spray didn't top them. I didn't want to stop to urinate, they were all over you. the insect face net I got in Hanover NH was a good investment. I know I need a big miles day, so I planned for 36 miles. I stopped at Wadleigh Shelter which was on the trial to ask a South Bounder if they were camping sites after I climb Mt. Mesunta Bunt, while taking to the South Bounder Hiker a t-storm came in fast and furious, the sky was clear when I got there. So I decided to not hike in the storm. There was a Section Hiker and Son who was hiking 100 miles wilderness, South but Dad hurt his knee so planning to hike to the landing for ride-out.Prepare dinner, layout sleeping bag. About 1930 two South Bounder show up, one had a pack looks like it weights over 100 lbs. Both of them has machetes in the huge pack, is well tattooed one read f---4 life, he wanted to continue hiking, the other didn't. The Shelter is a 6 person Shelter 4 or 5 are okay, we make a space for him. Mr. F---4 life was upset, he threw is pack down pull out a 20 lb car camping tent set it up in front of the Shelter, he started throwing his stuff inside his tent, he didn't say anything to us. The other hiker was very friendly. If I didn't already had my stuff out I would have hike on. So now the shelter is crowded, going to be a fun night. I would not want to be on the trail with that character.
Date: 2003-06-17
From: US 220 (Troutville)

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: moderate rain

6/17 US 220 (Troutville) to Wilson Creek Shelter - 11.2 milesToday was very special. I hit the calculated 1/3 point - 724.2 miles woo-hooAnd of course I did it in style with my snazzy new shoes. I made a run to the post office this morning and received alot of surprises. my new shoes - thanks Tom! Cookies from my mom - Thanks mom! and a postcard and package from my aunt - thanks Nancy! I was a little apprehensive to switch shoes as my boots weren't bothering me over the past two days. I can rationalize this in many ways, but I mainly attribute it to low pack weight, less rocks and less steep downhills. But I figured what the heck, why not try something new and lighter and fast drying compared to my leather boots. So I put my brand spankin' new Montrail Java GTX Gor-tex low cut shoes on and shipped my boots to Waynesboro. My new shoes are a cross between trail runners and boots. A little stiffer sole but lightweight and cushiony. I initiated them properly with many tramples through mud and dunking them during stream crossings. By the end of the day you wouldn't have been able to tell that they were new. The goal lately is to make it to Harper's Ferry by July 4th. Wood's Dragon and I were looking at the mileage and we are going to be hiking some big miles in the next few weeks with no zero days. Yikes.Cold update - still coughing and congested. Voice is barely there. I sound really pathetic.The Roanoke paper ran a story today on the rainy weather and how it is adversely affecting the hikers. It was kind of funny because you could tell that people read it. We got 3 easy hitches to and from the post offices. I was waiting outside the second post office while Wood's Dragon ran to the grocery store. I was sitting in line with our 2 packs up against the wall facing the parking lot. I was huddled in my raincoat and had my hood up. Everyone going into the post office had to pass by me. Many commented on the weather and how it must be rough to hike in. One woman even asked if I had a warm dry place to sleep tonight and if I needed anything. Too bad we were dead set on hiking out today. We could have received some big trail magic!Tonight I am in the shelter as I don't want to take any chances with the rain. I want to keep my tent dry at least for a little while. I'm here with Shamrock, Wood's Dragon and an older couple from Missouri who are doing a section hike. I hope I don't keep everyone awake with my coughing.
Date: 2013-07-01
From: Katahdin, BSP Northern Terminus

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Woke up early, but didn't get out my Bag until 0630, ate my last breakfast, pack-up, walk the 1/4 mile back to the Range Station. I paid the Ranger for my stay at the Birches. He signed me in the Thru-Hiker log (I am Thru-Hiker # 11). He told me I should be able to hitch a ride from the day use parking lot to Milinocket .At first I was planning to take my full pack up to the Summit but I decided to use a day pack from the Ranger Station. Would make the trip more fun, put my flag which I have been carrying since Harper's Ferry (it was a flag i had in Iraq), water snacks and down jacket. I was walking on air.The weather was partly cloudy, temperature 70's-80's. I was going to take it easy up the Mountain but with no weight on my back I was flying up the trail. The first part was an easy hike, then you have some pull up rungs, then the table __, then the fund begin a rock scrabble, man I love the AT. I thought the rock scramble. Nope have to hike another mile, it is worth it.I asked a Female who starting her Thru-Hike South Bound to take the pictures for me. The first picture was with the flag. Throughout my hike I have been reflecting on how great and free my Country is, and it is because of the sacrifice men and women have made since the revolution war, some paid the price for the freedom with their lives. So the flag will always will represent freedom. Then the picture with the pole, the pole save me from falling many times, pole save my knees some stress. I have both of my ACL reconstructed. The third picture was me being over joy have complete the Thru-Hike on my first attempt. I spend about 2 hrs on the Summit, took it easy coming back down, no need to rush, my journey has ended, no more mile to hike. On a sad note I was at the site of the accident, where a couple of rock came loose and the hiker fell dislocated his shoulder, injured his legs and arms. I also met his Hiking Partner up at the Summit, we hike down together, On the way down passed the injured hiker coming down the trail with the Medics, hope he makes a speedy recovery and is back hiking soon.Back at the Ranger Station I repack talk to a hiker starting South Bound for a few minutes. I changed into clean clothes to hitch a ride to Millnocket. I stand at the parking lot for about 45 mins, no vehicle left. I went back at the Ranger Station to leave a note for the Brothers. when I got back I saw a guy getting in a Mini-Van I asked if he is going to Millnocket he said yes, I asked for a ride he said sure. My plan was to stay at the Appalachian Lodge and get a ride to the CYR bus at Medway. I told them my plan, they are going through Medway so I went to Medway, stayed at the Gateway Inn, will take bus to Bangor and flight to DC tomorrow.
Date: 2003-06-20
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: US 501 (Glasgow)
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: moderate rain

6/20 Thunder Hill Shelter to US 501 (Glasgow) - 14.6 miles Woke up early this morning with all intentions of getting an early start, but the odds were against me.First, I had the most snot up my nose that any person could ever have. I had about half a roll of tp left which was supposed to get both Wood's Dragon and myself to Glasgow. I ended up using almost all of it blowing my nose for half an hour. I am sure I had alot of coughing in between blows.It was not a pretty sight.Wood's Dragon made me hot lemonade (from fresh lemons!) with honey to help my coughing. While she was cooking she looked at the sky and said it looks like it's going to rain. 2 minutes later we got a downpour. I crawled back into my sleeping bag, drank my lemonade and went back to sleep.We didn't leave the shelter until 11:30ish. But the sun was shining and it was georgous out. We saw 3 does today. None ran away. Alot of people have written in the shelter registers that they have seen fawns. So we now ask the deer if they have babies we can see. The first deer actually followed us on the AT for about a quarter mile. But we didn't get to see any fawns. The trail ran along several creeks and the James River. There were many cool water falls to admire. We got to the road at 7pm, but still had to hitch 6 miles into town. No one was stopping for us. A car coming in the opposite direction beeped and turned around. Snot Rocket happened to be with his friend John and spotted us. They gave us a ride to town. It was some great trail magic and good to see a familiar face.So Wood's Dragon and I are staying at the Wright Place Motel. Deacon Blues and Martin are here too. There are dinosaur statues everywhere in this town. On signs, on top of buildings, in random fields and even on a church lawn. I wish I knew the significance of these Glasgow dinosaurs.
Date: 2013-03-02
From: Amicalola State Park

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light snow

We left the Hostel around 9:00am to head out for the Trail. Some of the people at the hostel were not starting at the falls, so I had to go with the shuttle to drop them off first. The were starting at the southern terminus of the AT. Is seemed funny to then drive 8 miles back to then hike 8 Miles to the actual start, and then walk the 8 miles to the terminus, but the approach trail has a little history to it and I figure Ill only be here once, so what the hey! It was beautiful. There were 603 steps that take you up the falls. I made it past springer mountain. I signed in and took some pictures and then headed for my first shelter. It was around 35 degrees when we started and there had been a recent snow, so it was cold. I met about 15 other thru hikers and we all hunkered down for the cold night to come. It would get down to 15 degrees over night. But we had a fire and hot food before bed. I wore most of my clothes in my sleeping bag including my hat and gloves. It was very cold and I slept on and off. We did have some midnight serinade by the a local snoring group. Unfortunately, it last All night long. So this is why I will try to tent more that sleep in a shelter.
Date: 2003-06-21
From: US 501 (Glasgow)

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

6/21 US 501 (Glasgow, VA) to Punchbowl Shelter - 10.5 milesHappy Naked Hiking Day! Now I bet you are wondering if I hiked naked. I'll leave that up to you to decide. All I can say is what happens on the AT stays on the AT.Update - You have got to read Flash's account of his naked hiking day. I love the orange bit. He is my hero!Had a busy crazy morning. I did laundry, ate breakfast, went to the P.O. and grocery store...all before 10am. There is a local guy who shuttles hikers and 4 of us had agreed on 10am. Wew.The sun was out, but there was alot of cloud coverage and it was extremely breezy...but no rain! There were alot of uphill climbs today, but the views we had were great. One view was towards the south and I could see the James River and the mountains we had conquered. Then we hiked up Punchbowl Mountain. The views there were to the North. You could see for miles. We hiked down to Punchbowl Shelter with the intention of taking a break before hiking 4 more miles, but ended up staying here.It was nice getting to camp early, although it is almost 9 now and still light out and it is the longest day of the year. I'm tenting tonight. The others here are Deacon Blues, Wood's Dragon, a section hiker named Nan, and another guy that just got in.My goal tonight to to get caught up on my journal entries. I know I've been slacking a little bit. I promise I'll get caught up soon.