morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-13
From: Campsite @ Mile 621.1

To: Dismal Creek Falls
Miles today: 19.5

Man was it great to see clear skies this morning. We had to hang tents to dry due to condensation but were on the trail by 8:30 am. On my hike today I crossed Dismal Creek several times. It appeared to have a limestone bottom, the water was crystal clear.As I approached Wapiti Shelter I heard a buzzing sound to the left and behind me. When I turned around a couple of feet off the trail was a very large Black snake. The buzzing sound was being caused by its tail vibrating in the leaves much like a Rattle snake. I was able to get close enough for a photo.The first half of my day was pretty easy hiking and I got to the shelter at 11:00 am and had lunch. The second half of the day was tough with a lot of ups and numerous rock scramblers to cross.I got to Doc¢s Knob Shelter @ 4:30 pm and decided to eat an early supper and then hike 5 more miles to the campsite closer to town. Going into Pearisburg tomorrow to resupply.
Date: 2008-05-14
From: Campsite, @ mile 621.1

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I am heading into Pearisburg today. The usual chores to be done. In additional this will be a reorganizing time in preparation of summer hiking. I¢m sending my winter clothing home (I hope not to soon) and scaling down the weight of my pack.On our hike into town we jumped 3 deer. Hammer and I tried hitching a ride without any luck so it was a mile walk uphill into town. Our first stop was breakfast at Hardee¢s and then I went to the Holiday Motor Lodge to secure a room. Hammer is going down the road to a hostel. We¢ll meet up later to shop, make a library run, and eat supper.One dilemma a thru hiker has is consuming a lot of time doing chores since everywhere you go you have to walk there.
Date: 2008-05-15
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Try as I may I could not get my journal pages entered. Between getting booted off the computers at the library or having to walk long distances to get to a computer, it just wasn¢t happening. I¢ve got to find a better solution.I got no sleep the night before due to the crowd in the room beside me partying until the morning. Definitely not hikers!I checked out of my motel room at 1:00 p.m. and Hammer and I headed to the Dairy Queen for a Blizzard but based on his facial expression, it won¢t be his last.We were on the trail by 1:30 p.m. and had 212 hours of ups before reaching a ridgeline. It was very humid and sprinkling rain. Upon reaching the ridgeline the wind picked up considerably and so did the rain. It was then a mad dash to the shelter.
Date: 2008-05-16
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up to dark skies and it looks like its going to rain any moment. There is another dog in camp and I learned that it belonged to one of the hikers in the shelter. The dog was in really bad shape and could hardly walk. This is the 3rd dog that I have encountered on the trail that had been injured due to the rigors of hiking. Real disturbing situation¢¦Try as I could the pain this dog was enduring kept coming into my mind. Finally I just stopped to let some tears flow to try and wash away some sadness.Bad day on the AT, enough said. The only bright spot today was a quote on a message board from naturalist Henry David Thoreau. This really speaks to the need for wild places but more importantly it explains why I¢m hiking the AT.         It reads:                I went to the woods because I wished to live life deliberately,               to front only the essential facts of life¢¦               and not when I came to die,                discover that I had not lived.
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

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

Woke up to cold, damp weather but by the time we got on the trail the sun had popped out and it quickly warmed. The first couple of hours of hiking consisted of tough rock scrambles, but then the terrain leveled out somewhat and it was nice hiking to War Spur Shelter I got there at 12:30 pm. and had lunch.On my morning hike I met two trail maintainers (Fred and Charlie) and I helped them remove a tree from the trail. I also encountered a Garter Snake that was warming on a rock beside the trail. The afternoon hike was made up of more rock scrambles and a significant uphill grade. At one point I jumped a doe that only went 30 yards then stopped. I began imitating a fawn blet and she started walking towards me. She got within 20 yards then moved off. I was able to get a photograph of her.As I was hiking up the mountain I began thinking that I hadn¢t had trail magic in a while. Just then I saw Hammer sitting beside an ice chest with a big smile on his face.Trail magic! Soft drinks, oatmeal cookies and candy bars courtesy of Trail Angel Super Dave. What a great surprise!Our next treat was White Rock overlook where we spent 30 minutes enjoying the views and soaking up the sunshine. We got to Laurel Creek Shelter at 5:30 p.m. and got settled in for the evening. Overall a great day of hiking!
Date: 2008-05-18
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: moderate rain

When I got up this morning it looked like another beautiful day but within minutes after starting hiking the skies darkened and it began to rain,The first part of the day was pretty easy as I crossed several pastures. As I crossed one ridge I heard several coyotes. Also along my hike I encountered 5 deer all within 40 yards and one within 15 yards. All I know is that I¢m wearing a backpack and carrying treking poles this hunting season! I also saw a ground squirrel today and heard a Bob White Quail.I encountered my first challenge today as I crossed a bolder covered ridge in high winds and heavy rain. This would have been a beautiful spot with great views in good weather but the moss covered rocks angled at 40 degrees made for tedious and slow hiking. A slip here would have meant a long slide down the mountain.My next tough spot was Sinking Creek Mountain. A long up and as I was reaching the summit the rain came again with 20-30 MPH winds. Tough to stay standing upright.        When I got to the Audie Murphy Memorial I paid tribute to this war hero by giving him a salute and adding a stone to one of the cairns. I got to Pickle Branch Shelter at 6:45 and got settled in for the evening.        At more than 22 miles this is the longest hiking day on the AT for me and I feel great!
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: McFee Knob
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: broken clouds

Right before dusk last night the temperatures dropped quickly and soon everyone was in their sleeping bags writing journals or reviewing guidebooks by headlamp light. About midnight the thunderstorms rolled in. Not much rain but the thunder shook the shelter.         Got up to clear skies and cool temperatures. There was a turkey near the shelter this morning and every time a crow would call the turkey would gobble. This went on for 30 minutes.        Hammer and I were on the trail by 7:00 a.m. heading to Dragons Tooth. On the way we crossed several pastures that were really beautiful.        We got to Dragons Tooth at 11:00 a.m. This is a rock formation that juts out from a cliff and resembles the teeth of a dragon. This area offered fantastic views and we spent quite a while there taking photos. I met a 77 year old section hiker (D-Man)today who is also a traditional archer. I showed him my Traditional Bow Hunter Magazine and shared some web sites with him. Boy, I hope I¢m still hiking at 77 years old.We then headed into Catawba, VA to re-supply with food. I was unable to hitch a ride. Luckily it was downhill. I got to the Catawba Valley General Store at 2:00 p.m. and had a huge cheeseburger. Man was it great to eat real food after 5 days of backpacking grub. Real nice folks at this store. I called my wife and daughter and as always it was great hearing those sweet voices. The journal is getting too difficult for me to manage with the way I¢m doing it now so I¢m having my wife purchase a Pocket Mail device that will allow me to type my journals and then email them to her. (Insert: Unfortunately the pocket mailer is sold out so for now I will continue to help him out with his journals)About 4:00 p.m. it was time to head back to the trail. Luckily we got a ride within a couple minutes. We were not looking forward to a mile uphill walk just to the trail head.The real treat of our hiking day was McAfee knob. Not only were the views spectacular but this spot marked 700 miles hiked on the AT. What a great feeling!
Date: 2008-05-20
From: Catawba Mtn. Shelter

To: Campsite @ Mile 715.6
Miles today: 16.7

It rained all night long. It doesn¢t seem we can cut a break with the weather. We packed up quickly and luckily it had stopped raining but the high winds were making it cold. Hammer and I stopped back at McAfee Knob to take in the views one last time. The entire mountain range was shrouded in a thick cloud cover that only exposed the mountain peaks. Real cool looking. The only tough climb today was to Tinker Cliffs. When we got there the winds were blowing 30 to 40 MPH making it very hard to stand and negotiate the trail that followed a cliff edge.Hammer and I stopped at Lamberts Meadow Shelter for lunch and due to no water source until we reached our final destination we had to pack water. With more than 8 miles to hike the extra weight was no fun.When I got to Hay Rock I was really disgusted to see that it was covered with graffiti. What a shame.About 6:30pm I found a marker that Hammer had left by the road indicating he had located a campsite. It was great to stop for the day. Lots to do in town tomorrow.
Date: 2008-05-21
From: Campsite @ Mile 715.6

To: Fullhardt Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: broken clouds

We camped about one mile from town last light. It felt real weird hearing cars most of the night.We were up by 6:00am and quickly packed up. Hammer and I are heading into Daleville VA to re-supply, get showers, and wash clothes.The first stop was the Shoney¢s AYCE breakfast bar. We definitely got our moneys worth. Next to the truck stop for showers and laundry. Unfortunately we had to wait more than an hour before the showers were available. After taking care of these chores we made a grocery run and stocked up with 4 days of food. For the past several days we have been experiencing cold and wet weather so I went to the local outfitter and purchased an insulated shirt. My boots are showing considerable wear so I plan to replace them when I reach Waynesboro VA.Hammer hung out at the local coffee shop while I went to the post office. It was close to a mile away and I had no luck with hitching a ride. Do I really look that bad! We finally got our chores done and were on the trail by 3:30pm. On the hike to the shelter we met The Walking Man. He is a 3 time AT Thru Hiker who completed his first hike at age 64. Now at 80 years old he is quite the physical specimen and mentally sharp. It was fascinating talking to him and comparing gear that he used to what is in use today.Hammer and I got to the shelter about 5:30pm and unfortunately the cistern water system was dry. We both had enough water to eat a cold supper and in the morning we will pass a reliable water source.
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Fullhardt Knob Shelter 

To: Bobbets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiker Lesson: When getting water from a stream be sure to place your bottle cap in your pocket. Nothing like jumping rocks and chasing a bottle cap as it tumbles down stream.I woke up this morning to something amazing¢¦. It wasn¢t raining and the wind wasn¢t blowing 30 MPH. I stopped at Wilson Creek Shelter to have breakfast and while there a whitetail deer walked within 35 yards of the shelter. Within a few minutes a second deer showed up. Both did not seem concerned with my presence.My afternoon hike crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway several times at overlooks. Great views and the weather made it even more enjoyable. Although not a lot of miles hike today, it was a very enjoyable experience. With the bad weather and high mileage days lately I needed a break.
Date: 2008-05-23
From: Bobbets Gap Shelter

To: Campsite @ Mile 754.7
Miles today: 19.5

I woke up to overcast skies but it soon cleared up. Looks like another great hiking day.I got to Cove Mountain Shelter and took a short break. I plan to stop at Bryant Ridge Shelter for lunch.The afternoon hike was pretty tough with a lot of ups. I got to Cornelius Creek Shelter about 4:00pm and as I passed by a stream¢¦ trail magic! A Trail Angel had left some sodas in the stream. Man was that good after a hard hike. Hammer was already at this shelter and I quickly got my meal together. We plan to hike another mile to a campsite after supper.There were no spectacular views today. Even the Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks were bland compared to the mountains I have encountered previously.While sitting in camp this afternoon a large whitetail doe approached. I was able to lure that deer within 20 yards by imitating a fawn bleat. A few minutes later another deer approach and I was able to stalk within 12 yards of this deer. Man did I wish I had my camera or rather my bow!   How do you tell the difference between a day hiker, a section hiker and a thru hiker?If a day hiker finds M&M¢s on the ground he will pick them up and place them in his trash bag.If a section hiker finds M&M¢s on the ground he will look around to see if anyone is watching, pick them up and then eat them.A thru hiker will look around to make sure there is no one around that could take the M&M¢s from him, reach down and pick all of them up and eat them. Then he will scratch in the leaves trying to find more.
Date: 2008-05-24
From: Campsite @ Mile 754.7

To: John Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: few clouds

It rained a couple hours last night but at sunrise it was clear and very cold. I hung out my tent fly to dry while I fixed breakfast and started packing up. Fortunately the sun and light breeze dried the tent fly within a few minutes. I¢m heading to Glasgow VA today to re-supply.On the hike today, Hammer and I met a group of Boy Scouts and their assistant scoutmaster. We showed them our gear and they had a lot of questions about hiking the AT. They even gave us some fruit and a peanut butter sandwich. Great trail magic! We encountered a Black Snake on the trail today that was vibrating its tail just like a Rattlesnake. This is the second time I have seen this behavior.The terrain was really good today and it allowed us to cover the miles quickly. We got to the road crossing at 4:40pm and the first person I approach agreed to give us a ride into town. We took care of buying groceries and had huge cheeseburgers before heading back to the trail. Our luck getting a ride was not too good with nearly an hour wait. Thanks to fellow hiker Zellie for giving us a ride.By the time we got near the shelter we had to use headlamps to see. Long day but a very good one.
Date: 2008-05-25
From: John Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3

I just remember that this is Memorial Day weekend and my archer club is hosting the NC Traditional Archery championship. I sure hope that we had a good turnout. A lot of work goes into this event each year. Speaking of archery, my wife recently sent me a copy of Traditional Bow Hunter Magazine in a mail drop. What a comfort item! I know it is extra weight but thumbing through the pages each night helps take some of the homesickness away. Man I'm looking forward to shooting my bow and hunting this fall.I got up to another beautiful day. The first half of my hike consisted of a lot of mountain climbing. I finally got phone service on top of one mountain and I was able to speak to my girls. During the phone conversation a whitetail buck began walking down the trail towards me. It got within 20 yards before veering off the trail.I got to Punchbowl Shelter about 12:30pm and had lunch. My afternoon hike was very pleasant with good terrain and weather. I got to Brown Mountain Creek Shelter about 5:30pm and got settled in for the night.Today marks 2 full months on the trail, and 793.4 miles hiked. Other than the usual soreness I really feel great and I think I have finally got my ¢hiker legs.¢
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Spy Rock
Miles today: 18.6

What an amazing day! I got on the trail early today so I could get to Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort to take care of laundry and get a shower. I had not been on the trail 30 minutes when I encountered my first trail magic of the day. Man that Trix candy bar was good. I was blessed today with good terrain as I had a lot of miles to cover. Doing laundry always burns up a lot of time and I had about a 3 mile hike uphill when I finished.I got to the road crossing about 4:00pm and began the nearly 3 mile hike into town. The road I was walking on was gravel and for a hiker this is the worst. I had not been hiking 10 minutes when two fellows approached in an ATV. They gave me a ride and got me within 100 yards of the resort. I can¢t thank Eddie and Josh enough for their kindness.When I entered the general store to pay for laundry and a shower I was immediately approached by several people asking questions about my hike. One fellow who had attempted a thru hike a few years earlier even bought me a soda. I wish I had gotten his name but a very interesting fellow who had made a lot of his own gear. His trail magic was certainly appreciated. After a large bowl of chili it was off to take care of my chores.I got back on the trail about 7:00pm and made it to Spy Rock about an hour later.I met some great folks today and their acts of kindness will not be forgotten.
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Spy Rock

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 17.7

Spy Rock was a beautiful campsite and the star gazing last night was fantastic. Unfortunately there were some folks in the camping area that were in to partying until the wee hours so very little sleep last night.Got up to dark clouds and humid temperatures. The morning hike was all downhill and the afternoon hike was all uphill. In a nutshell a strenuous day. I¢ve heard a lot of hikers describe Virginia as an easy hike. I have found that in some areas it has been easier but in others it has been as challenging as other states I¢ve hiked in. Bottom line there are no easy days on the AT just some are not as hard. You have probably see in my photos that the Rhododendron and Azalea are blooming. Very beautiful and the Azalea have a wonderful fragranceHiker observation:When in town you will often hear thru hikers say as they pass each other ¢how long are you in for?¢ Meaning how long are you staying in town. The first time I heard this with my background in law enforcement it was like two inmates comparing prison terms.
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 20.8

Overcast and cool this morning. After an hour of hiking it started to rain. The first half of my hike involved a lot of rock scrambles and boy were they slick from the rain. My trekking poles saved me from a nasty fall several times. When I got to Humpback Mountain I had to resort to handholds to negotiate the trail. I decided early in my hike if the terrain was good I would hike the 20 miles to Waynesboro VA. I have a mail drop there and had planned a re-supply. Over the past couple of days I have become weak and losing fine motor skills. I think it¢s from the lack of real food so I¢m going to make every effort to get top town today.When I left Hammer this morning he was suffering from chills and nausea. I¢m not sure if he was going to leave the shelter today. Luckily about noon the rain stopped and the terrain leveled out allowing me to cover a lot of miles. I made it to Rockfish Gap at 4:00pm and went to the Visitors Center to call for a shuttle into town. There are several Trail Angels in the area that provide free rides to hikers. I would like to thank Trail Angel Ann for giving me a ride.I checked into a local motel and then went to Burger king for the biggest hamburger I could buy. Feeling better already! I used the rest of the day doing laundry and buying food for the next few days on the trail. Tomorrow I will take care of forwarding a mail drop and buying a new pair of boots. I also have to buy a new spoon. Yep, the unbreakable one did break and I have been using a disposable one with extreme care over the past few days.
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

I got up early and had a free breakfast at the motel. I then sorted my food for the next 4 days and for the mail drop to Harpers Ferry WV. After a post office run I hitched a ride to the local outfitter to buy another pair of boots. Due to my shoe size (13W) the selection was small but I did find a pair I liked.I got a ride back to town and went to the library to check my web site. It was great to see all the guest book entries and it really makes my day to hear from friends.About 5:00pm I went to a local church that was hosting hikers. What a great group of folks and a great meal. While there I learned that Hammer had been taken to the hospital due to nausea and dehydration. I called the hospital but not knowing his last name I was unable to learn his condition or contact him. I really wish him the best and hope he can return to the AT soon.Trail Angel Bill Gallagher is going to give me a ride back to the trailhead in the morning. I can¢t wait to get back on the AT.Waynesboro is the most hiker friendly town I have been in so far.
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

No sleep last night. I¢m just too excited about getting back on the trail and hiking in the Shenandoah National Park. I¢ve mapped out a plan that will get me to Harpers Ferry WV by June 6th. Of course weather and terrain can alter that plan.Today¢s hike was definitely hiking in the green tunnel. Fairly level terrain made for easy miles but with no views it was kind of boring. I did see 4 deer and 1 turkey today. When I got to Blackrock Hut I decided to stop for the day.I spoke to my wife and daughter by phone today which is always a treat. I told my wife about Hammer and ask that she check my website for any posts from him. I also spoke to my archery buddy Jim Vogt who told me that the 2008 NC Traditional Archery Championship was a huge success.
Date: 2008-05-31
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I was on the trail by 7:00am heading to the camp store and restaurant that is near the AT.I got to the camp store about 10:00am and after a soda and snack I walked the mile to the Wayside Restaurant. It was a long walk but the cheeseburger was worth it. I was back on the trail a couple hours later and man was the bear sign everywhere. Lots of scat and overturn rocks.About 2:00pm the skies darkened and it rained hard for about an hour. Then the sun popped out and it was clear the rest of the afternoon.I got to the Hightop Shelter about 7:00pm and after another long day I decided to stay in the shelter.