morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-31
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 16.9

Thankfully I got packed and moving early this morning because a storm drenched us as we were heading to the Blue Ridge Parkway. From now on, assume it rained unless I say otherwise.Later, when the rain stopped, our clothing and gear dried off. We bumped into the same gang of slackpackers along the way. Spiderweb mentioned that Saltlick and Coyote were taking a zero day at a shelter north so we could catch up. But we were thinking of staying at It's A Wonderful Life Campground near Jennings Creek.It turned into a nice day and the miles were easy. Navigator will be leaving the Trail and "aqua-blazing" the Shenandoah's, but took time to leave sodas in a cooler at one of the road crossings. I also had an opportunity to dunk myself in Jennings Creek before finishing my day.But the campground is a dump and the lots are rocky. I found it very difficult to stab my tent stakes into the ground. The owners closed their office early which eradicated any reasons for staying at a campground. I felt very detached from the trail. It wouldn't have been much to continue a few more miles to the next shelter and enjoy fun conversation with fellow thru-hikers.The only saving grace of the place was that they sold pretty decent cheeseburgers which we grabbed before they closed shop. Jitterbug and Hoover, the Virginia southbound day hikers, were also there and willing to shuttle us to the head of the trail the next day. We learned that they had done 700 miles of the trail last year in ten weeks. Now they spot cars approximately forteen miles apart and hike south. So we were bumping into them all the time. They will be done when they reach Linden after the Shenandoah's.Bear Tracks, a young hiker, also joined us on the porch. He was running out of money and planned to quit at Harpers Ferry. He was sharing his cabin with Franco and Benny. They said their stuff was all wet from the storm that morning and looked pretty defeated.While on the porch, I noticed a deer tick burying his head into my ankle. "Get, get, get!" I was pretty sure I had extracted it completely but marked the spot to make sure. Another parisite to worry about.By nightfall, the sky was clear.
Date: 2004-06-02
From: Marble Spring

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

After spending days trying to catch up with Coyote and Saltlick, I got out of camp ahead of them never to see them again the rest of the day.Hawk showed up at our campsite early and gave a yell outside my tent to wake me up. Ack, I had overslept. Saltlick came over to say hello while I packed. Then Hawk and I set out for the road to Glasgow for resupply. To get to US501, you must cross the James River Foot Bridge, constructed in 2001, I believe. But the Trail got a little confusing and we ended up at the railroad tressel. Fortunately we turned back to find the correct passage to the other side of the largest river crossing I have seen since the southern terminus.We met a couple doing trail maintenance at the parking lot, but they were not heading to Glasgow. Instead they offered us a ride to Big Island, a few miles down the road. We took it since we only wanted short term resupply and a cheeseburger.I have to recommend Big Island for a quick stop. The convenience store and deli suited us fine. Glasgow would have taken an hour to get to according to the couple who drove us. At the store, we saw Crash! Bang! (C!B!) who had a terrible time hitchhiking that morning.Even more scary is that he risked his life crossing the tressel after taking the same wrong turn to the foot bridge. When Hawk and I crossed the river earlier, a freight was heading through and there was no space between the wall and the cars. C!B! was lucky.The three of us managed to get a return hitch quickly and headed back into the woods and up Bluff Mountain. The sun was shining and the breeze was light. At overlooks, we could see for miles. Finally, a day free of thunderstorms and rain. Will this change the pattern?At one overlook, we got talking about chiggers. The South insists that a chigger doesn't just bite you or take your blood. It boroughs under your skin. I apparently had three chigger bites below my knee. Okay, I said, what do I do? Cut the chiggers out? No, you just let them die in there, was the answer. Actually, people suggest that you put nail polish on a chigger bite and it will suffocate. I'm shaking my head. First, what is the point of being a chigger? Is their goal in life simply to crawl under someone's skin and wait to die? At least mosquitos are trying to feed when they steal your blood. I really don't believe chiggers borough into your skin. It doesn't make sense. But maybe someone out there can give me a simple explanation like you did regarding the grouse noise.Bluff Mountain is the resting place of four year-old Ottie who wandered, so they say, seven miles from school in the late 1800's. They claim Punchbowl Shelter nearby is haunted by him. Actually, they claim that every other shelter on the trail is haunted.Punchbowl was actually pleasant and quiet except around 7 pm when another gust of wind blew our campsite to pieces. Then it was quiet again.
Date: 2004-06-03
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

Okay, Virginia wins Trail Magic award.It was our third nice day in a row. The temperatures were slightly above 70 in the shade. Unfortunately, I had a slow start and a tummy ache.I bumped into Jitterbug and Hoover. They were staying at the campground near Glasgow and saw Catdog there as well. Her spirits have picked up since she is hiking at her own pace, they said.As I walked alone past Pedlar Dam and all its No Trespassing signs, I started wishing for a water hole to dunk myself. Sure enough, a perfect waterhole appeared beneath a footbridge over Brown Mountain Creek. Other hikers saw me getting out and thought it was a good idea. I started a trend.As I headed toward Brown Mtn Shelter, Flash and Hot Flash, a couple that hiked the trail in 1987, offered me a Coke and some pastries. Perfect. The carbonation helped my upset stomach. I also craved the caffeine.Right after Brown Mtn Shelter is a huge climb up 4000 feet to Bald Knob, which isn't bald. And just so you can enjoy the last mile of elevation again, the trail descends a mile and then ascends to 4000 again to Cold Mountain. Yeesh. It was hot and there was no breeze.But I bumped into more Trail Magic at US60, the road to Buena Vista. A guy was handing out Pepsis. C!B! also managed to get there in time. He hoped to hitch a ride into Buena Vista for the night. I hoped to make the next shelter just beyond Bald Knob until I read in Wingfoot that it was .6 off the trail.These four women who had spent four days backpacking from Tye River, advised me to pass the shelter and stay at Hog Camp Gap instead. Good advice because it is a grassy meadow with plenty of tent spaces and the clearest water spring I have ever seen. It also had a swing so you can rest your feet.Hawk was already there and enjoying a beer offered to him by Chicken John, a young entrepenour choosing this weekend to give thru-hikers trail magic. His friend, *Pop* (although you don't say "Pop", you fold and release your lips to make the noise inorder to say his name), showed up to help out. He completed his thru-hike in '99. A couple, new to camping, were there cooking chicken and beans and offered us some leftovers.It was a glorious evening with a balmy breeze and a red sunset. Hawk commented that at 7 pm, the usual gust of wind would come blowing through, but it never happened.Although the trail magic was delicious, the highlight of the hike was Cold Mountain. Once again, the trail opens up onto a meadow with views and sunshine.Still no sign of Saltlick or Coyote. Now I am ahead of them. Guess they'll catch up because I am hiking a mere ten miles tomorrow to the Fish Hatchery Road for a free lunch at the Dutch Haus B&B. I also plan to stay there--too many nights camping out gets tedious. But nights like tonight are worth the effort.
Date: 2004-06-04
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Dutch Haus B&B, Montebello, VA
Miles today: 10.0

The rain started at 3 am and did not stop. Well, at least we had a couple of days of fine weather. I packed while it was spitting and then took shelter under one of the picnic tents while it poured. Eager to reach Fish Hatchery Road by 11 am for a free lunch, I headed into the storm and hiked ten miles in four hours.Along the way, we met up with No Worries and Minus One. We reached the dirt road to Montebello by ten and had to walk an extra mile for a shuttle pick-up by the Dutch Haus B&B.I had already made the decision that I was calling it a day and will resume my hike Saturday. As the rain continued, others made the same decision.Earl Arnold from the Dutch Haus showed up with the "shuttle", an open pickup loaded with beanbags in the bed. I swear he took the longest route to the B&B so that we would relish the warmth and dryness of the Inn nestled in this small town.The free lunch consisted of loaded burritos and chili made by Lois Arnold. Scholar, Jitterbug, Hoover, Slowpoke (remember him?) and Meanderthal were all there. Meanderthal still had problems with his shin splints. Slowpoke finally healed after a month reprieve and decided to jump ahead on the trail.I met some thru-hikers who pressed their luck last night and decided to sleep under the stars at Spy Rock. Duh! Now their down sleeping bags were soggy mesh.Jitterbug and Hoover offered to shuttle some hikers to Waynesboro for the night and they took Scholar and me to Shrek 2.Shower, internet, laundry (done for me, by the way) and a warm bed--hard to believe I was negotiating a slippery rock trail in the dark woods this morning.
Date: 2004-06-05
From: VA 644, Reeds Gap

To: Fish Hatchery Road 
Miles today: 19.9

Sometime in the evening I had decided to slackpack south today. I looked at the profile and the terrain would not be easy with a full pack. Temperatures outside were below 55 which made the notion of camping less than appealing.I have to admit that I really enjoyed the slackpacking and did not feel that I was cheating in the least. The Trail was still fairly challenging with an extensive hike up 36 switchbacks, I was told later, to the summit of The Priest and a steep descent over the Three Ridges Summit. I also took the time to climb Spy Rock for a 360 degree view of the Appalachian Mountains.I can't say that I completed the trail in record time but managed to finish before dinner at the B&B after starting from Reeds Gap at 10 am, a late start in my opinion.Strangely, I did not see too many thru-hikers as I traveled south. And somehow, I had missed Saltlick and Coyote even though I hardly strayed from the trail. Hawk, who was heading north that day, landed at Harpers Creek Shelter the same time as me. So we had lunch together and then headed off in opposite directions saying, "See you in Waynesboro."The fog was very thick in the morning. You couldn't see two feet in front of you. Earl had to show me where the trailhead at Reeds Gap started. Eventually it cleared but it was never sunny and warm. I was glad to return to the B&B for some delicious dinner and the company of fellow hikers.Lois picked me up at the Fish Hatchery and remarked that I must have flown. Slackpacking can be dangerous. No matter how strong you feel and how light your pack, your knees and feet take the brunt of punishment.When I got to the house, Catdog and Paul were there. Lois made us pizzas and insisted we finish our plates. The atmosphere was alive and relaxing. After a brief preview of Waynesboro yesterday (an old highway town with rundown hotels), I was pretty sure I would be taking my zero day at this B&B tomorrow instead. So much for attempting nine straight days on the trail. But I did not commit to anything. Chasqui and Scholar assured me that I will see things clearly in the morning.
Date: 2004-06-06
From: Dutch Haus, Montebello, VA

To: The Kitchen
Miles today: 0.0

Hi Everyone,I'm a little behind in the journal entries but hope to catch up today while I enjoy the hospitality of Lois and Earl at this cozy B & B. In the meantime, feel free to sign my guest book and let me know who you are. I'm very curious. I've been getting many hits and I can't believe they could be all Ski Bum.The adventure continues....soon!
Date: 2004-06-07
From: Reeds Gap

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: light rain

Somehow I pulled myself away from the freshly brewed coffee, warm sheets, and quaint decorations to hit the Trail not to look back. Jitterbug and Hoover agreed to shuttle my pack to Waynesboro, so I slackpacked the miles. Once again I did not see too many familiar faces but I had an opportunity to chat with Mad Scientist. Like many hikers, he's been taking his time. But he spends his zero days in the woods. It saves him money.For a close to twenty mile hike, I found the day somewhat uneventful. The challenge was negotiating the slippery rocks. I came upon Breeze and Buzz admiring a view of the clouds. The sun was on us at our high overlook but we could see nothing below. I felt like I was in a plane.Later I watched two clouds converge. But these fleeting moments of entertainment did not deter me from my destination. I managed to finish the hike in 7.5 hours. Mad Scientist also finished at the same time.The next challenge was to find a ride to the YMCA where the town of Waynesboro allows us to camp and use their showers. Mad Scientist found us a ride but they were taking their time leaving. Half Moon, who has completed the Trail three times and is on his fourth trip, came into the office of tourism and offered to shuttle me to town.While driving, Half Moon told me how he had to be admitted to the hospital after feeling dehydrated in the mountains a week ago. He's been taking it easy and plans to slow down a bit getting back on the Trail.I found Scholar, Southern Man, Jitterbug, and Hoover at the Y. Hawk and Peggy showed up to discuss plans for tomorrow evening for dinner. Catdog, apparently, was still hiking and would arrive tomorrow.We topped the evening with a visit to the AYCE Chinese restaurant that everyone raves about. The Y campground is not that bad as a cheap alternative. They offer you showers. The grocery store and library are right around the corner. Of course, if it rains, I'll check into a hotel.
Date: 2004-06-08
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: The AYCE Restaurants
Miles today: 0.0

I took another zero day today to get a few things done such as resupply, recharge batteries, and sort maildrops. Somehow, I still don't have time to relax.The YMCA got crowded with thru-hikers I have not seen before. I spent the early morning getting aquainted with Beatbox (aptly named because he can create a rap drum sound through his pursed lips.) He is trying to sell his house in DC while on the trail. We talked about fixer-up homes and US history since he just obtained his masters in social science. You can tell immediately that he's a pretty smart guy.I ended up walking to breakfast with the Hobbits. Popeye, formally Firefly or Holly Hobbit, had cut her hair to a buzz. She wrapped a colorful bandanna around her head and looked very stylish. Everyone was amazed she had made such a dramatic change, but you could tell that everyone, including Popeye, liked it as she demurely accepted praise.Later, Meanderthal came upon the premises with plans to camp, but opted for the hotel once the sweltering heat got to him. Apparently Catdog, Hawk, and Peggy were all at the Quality Inn. It is amazing how I manage to have sunny zero days. I think I got a sunburn on my shoulders from walking around.Waynesboro is spread out but most of what you need is near the Y. Walking down Arch St for breakfast, my impression was that Waynesboro was on the low income scale. However, one block over into the hills are the larger houses. The city resembles Holyoke, MA somewhat in the definitive line between working class and wealthy.Before the evening's end, we got some food to eat at an okay steakhouse. Jitterbug, Hoover, Catdog, Hawk, Peggy, Meanderthal, and Scholar were all there. This is of course after sharing a few beers at the hotel that Peggy bought for us.
Date: 2004-06-11
From: Simmons Gap

To: Lewis Mtn Campground
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: overcast clouds

There are some days where you forget what happened by evening. All you know is that you're in your tent again hiding from the rain. I am convinced that we have reached the number of downpours that had cursed the class of 2003. If it doesn't rain during the day, it rains during the night. I prefer the latter but have been subjected to a number of the former. And you know...it is really beginning to piss me off.My feet are so wrinkled that they are white and cracking. My boots haven't been dry since last Sunday when I took a zero day at the Dutch Haus.I was fortunate enough to get to the Lewis Campground 45 minutes too late to avoid the deluge that soaked me to the bone. I had plans to move on a mile to the next shelter, but Jitterbug, Hoover, and Hawk were here sharing a campsite and offered me space. I took it when we all agreed to drive down to Big Meadows for dinner and the taproom. That was a pleasant way to end the day.Now I am back and hoping the wet ground that I erected my tent upon does not seep through the floor. It is lightly pattering outside. I'm as dry as I can get. Is it so much to ask to have one beautiful day in the Shenandoahs?Things weren't all that wet today. Granted we had a mini storm during the night and lots of wind. The morning was ideal for packing. We dropped Scholar off at the Wayside where she will wait for her ride home and we said our goodbyes and salutations of hope that she will return to the Trail in a few days.Then I was dropped at Simmons Gap with my full pack and started my journey north. Oy, it is amazing how fast the body forgets the weight. But I was also impressed with how fast my time was this morning.I met Krispy Kritter, a retired fire fighter from Florida, who can walk and chew at the same time. I kept hearing popping noises and had to ask if he had gum. Yes, he did. He's been wanting to hike the trail since he was seventeen. An interesting man with a dark humorous name.I met Pegasus, a linguist and strong female hiker who had been travelling with Krispy Kritter.I also hiked with Quest right around the time the storm hit us. He was disrupted by the rain and wanted us to all share a room at the Big Meadows Lodge. But nobody wanted to split the $102.We made our way to the campground hoping to get refuge at the store. A few hikers hung out on the porch waiting. Thick fog rolled in. I decided to give up on the shelter and pitch my tent at the Bender's campsite.Dinner went slowly but there were no complaints. We were just happy to be dry. Now I have fully enjoyed Big Meadows and can head on tomorrow without stopping (Hah!).Besides the usual sightings of deer, I did not see any wildlife. However, I was stepping over a hardened mud puddle and noticed a perfect bear paw print. Very cool and made my heart race. It was fresh. Krispy Kritter came up behind me and asked if I saw the fresh bear scat a few yards back. No. The bear must have made a pit stop in the time between us.
Date: 2004-06-13
From: Big Meadows

To: Pass Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.8

We woke up to windy, spitting weather with highs in the 50's. Otherwise, it was a dry night and Krispy never had to knock on our cabin door to get out of the rain. Nobody was excited about hiking but it turned into a perfect day for it, in my opinion. I don't know how I managed to pull the miles today when we had breakfast at the Big Meadows Lodge and then a three hour lunch at Skyland.I stopped at the Rock Spring Hut briefly to find Luna taking a nap. She apparently didn't sleep well because of the wind. But Krispy informed me that one of the other hikers brought wine to the shelter the night before.We all regrouped at Skyland and after lunch, Quest asked if we were all staying for the night. I said I wasn't going to make any decisions until the taproom was open.Pegasus took off after lunch. Woolly lingered. Krispy Kritter followed Pegasus after a beer. And Hawk waved cabin keys in my face. He, Catdog, and Quest decided to rent for the night. I just couldn't stay despite the temptation to have another lazy day in the Shenandoahs. For one thing, the sun was shining finally and I had been slacking. Of course, ten miles to the next shelter is always easier after a Pulitzer Heffenweiser with lemon.So I left them and enjoyed some beautiful views finally. The trail cuts along the side of the mountains beneath the Skyline Drive and allows many valley overlooks. Because the park was riddled with tourists, the wildlife was nowhere to be seen though.But I felt the weekend crowd made the Shenandoahs more lively. I saw climbers on Little Stony Man Cliffs, passed up some wicked Trail Magic at the Pinnacles picnic area (family reunion--I heard they had carrot cake. Should have stopped.) And I caught up with Krispy Kritter and Pegasus.We arrived at the crowded shelter at 8:30. I still cooked a decent dinner of risotto that I dehydrated a few months ago. Pretty yummy, but it is still hard to go back to one-pot meals after a string of restaurant visits.When we arrived at the shelter, there was a six-month old baby. Its mother was saying goodbye to her husband as he embarked on a three day hike north on the trail. They also had a very energetic three-legged dog.As an added touch to the evening, the woods were sparkling with fireflies. Nice.