morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-23
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Audie Murphy Memorial
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Friday 5/23. Title: Audie Murphy Memorial. Miles today 17.5. From Laurel Creek Shelter to Audie Murphy Memorial.Today, I'm on my own on a mountain top. I'm camped in a nice site just down a short hill from The Audie Murphy Memorial. WWII history buffs will remember him as the most decorated veteran during the war. He died in an airplane crash near this site on May 28, 1971. His decorations include: The Medal of Honor, Legion of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and three Purple Hearts. The monument, a large stone block about the size of a dish washer, is engraved with his award and family information, and was placed here in 1974 by the VFW, post 5311, Christiansburg, VA. I remember him and this bit of history thanks to Hollywood as I recall a movie about him. The monument is well taken care of and recently a bench has been installed. I don't know if there is any other way to get up here except to hike. I'll see the other way up tomorrow as I hike on north and down hill.Dale got off the trail mid-afternoon as planned. He was a good guy and good to hike with. He's hiked a lot of the trail in PA and is going to send me information on the places to go and do's an don't along the trail there.Our hike had a steep climb or two as usual. We saw some quail and two wild turkeys fly off as we walked along thick grasses and pastures. Then, back into the mountains as we moved on. Dale left his car at a trail road crossing and we arrived there after 13.5 miles. I had another 3.8 to go and 2.5 was a very steep climb. There is no water along the way so I loaded up at Dale's parking lot stream with 2.5 liters, should have gone for three. I have about a half liter left so will use it sparingly as the next source is 35 miles and down hill. I will be ok. It's times like these when utmost care is used to make sure one doesn't spill the water carrier.Its been quiet and windless this evening, now pitch black. The wind is picking up and a couple drops are hitting my tent. Hope it passes over.More later, better batten down the hatches.
Date: 2009-05-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear Old and New Friends:I haven't placed a journal entry since getting off the AT last May 24th., I guess it was. My last entry stated my feet hurt (later learned plantar faciitis), I had a big blister on my left heal, and was mentally shot and exhausted with the last 4 long hiking day. Well, as the doc said would happen, my feet recovered in a couple months (used a tendon stretcher thing at night) and over the summer put on back on much of the 27 pounds I had loast.Feeling fine now, as most of you know, and am planning on returning to the trail (where I got off) next week. Will be hiking on Tuesday, May 12. Life is good but I'm looking forward to getting away for an extended period, not sure just how long, but hoping at least a couple months, and maybe into early August.First week out, we're planning on a 78 mile jaunt from Daleville, VA to Buena Vista, VA. There are six of us together on this section: hiking pals Carol (Dang Dang) from NC; Lorraine (Gator Bait) from FL; Don (High Tops) from GA; Dale (Cap'n Kirk) from KY, your's truly Tom (Repack) from OH; and a new guy to join our group this year, Jesse (no trail name I know of) from Montgomery, AL. We will be meeting for dinner on Monday night and on the trail first thing Tuesday. Don, Jesse, and I will be continuing on for a couple weeks throught the Shenandoah Nationl Park. Jesse will peal off near the northen end; Don and I plan to get to near Harrisburg together from where he will return to Atlanta. I plan on continuing and hope to get to Vermont.So friends, thanks for you interest and concern for me, and for my well being. I've had some experience now, having hiked 720 miles of the AT (635 last April/May, and 85 miles in 07. Picking up where I left off last May and hope to complete the entire 2,178 miles, perhaps not this year, but soon after.Almost out-a-here!
Date: 2009-05-09
From: Catawba, VA

To: Daleville
Miles today: 31.6
Weather: scattered clouds

This entry covers a 20 mile hike I did last August, about the 27th but not really sure about the date. I got off the trail on 5/24 at Catawba VA and got a lift into Daleville. Catawba to Daleville on the trail is just a hair short of 20 miles, which would have been the next day's hike if I have stayed on.My hiking pals which I mentioned in 5/5's journal arranage a 63 mile southbound hike from Marion VA to Damascus VA about this time. I wanted to get this short section (Catawba to Daleville) done so if I got back on in 09 (which I am), I could start from Daleville. So Carol and I met a couple days before the group and hiked together the 20 miles from Catawba to Daleville. This was a liesurely 2 nights out with beginning mid-day day 1 (4.4 miles) stoping at Campbell shelter. Day 2 was another short 6 miles day stopping at Lambert's Meadow Shelter; and day 3 was into Daveville for a 9.4 finish up day. The hike was dry and warm. We enjoyed the scenic view from McAfee Knob at 3,250' overlooking Catawba Valley (I think). There are many published photo's of the knob with people sitting at the edge of a cliff (the knob itself) with their feet dangling over a 2,000' drop. Gutsy, and not for me. Got close but stayed a good 5-10' from the edge. There were many student from VA Tech enjoying a day hike to the Knob. The second day we passed Tinker Cliffs, a series of rock fomation jetting out over the valley. This went on for a mile or so. Again not to close. We stayed at each of these scenic area for about an hour, and enjoyed lunch and a long break.So this brings my trail end as of now to Daleville, for 718.6 total trail miles so far, over the last two years. I'm fudging the daily mileage on this entry to try to get the accumulated mile to Daleville's mark at 718.6, hope it works as the accumulated mileage is automatically added up from daily miles listed.Signing off for now, still lots to do in preparation for 5/12's beginning of 2009's long section, Daleville to wherever, hopefully, somewhere in New England.
Date: 2009-05-12
From: Daleville

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Dear Friends: Sorry for so long to get a jounal or two in but poor signals coming out of these VA mountains. And I'm limited on time today so will try to get up to date after a full week of hiking with highlight only and skip the small stuff.Got started hiking today after a Mexican dinner last night and a photo shot in front of the HOJO's in Daleville VA this morning. First day out was cool and wet with dew but quickly drid out and second layer shed after a half hour. Water supply was plentiful with many streams crossing the trial. Some have foot bridges and some are rock stepping. AT guide maps are pretty accurate with location of water sources. We hiked 11.2 miles today, not bad for first day out with full packs including seven days worth of food (that's alot).In our group of 6 hikers are: your's truly (62), Carol (65) from NC; Don (66) from GA; Lorraine (61) from FL; Jesse from AL; and Dale (63) from KY.Arrive at the shelter at about 4:00, had a Mt House freeze dried dinner of Beef Strogonoff with Noodles. Darn Good. Didn't sleep worth a hoot, have to get used to the hard floors again. All seems well.
Date: 2009-05-13
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice night in the shelter, only a little cool in the morning. Had coffee and Oatmeal, got packed up and off we go. This is the longest day of the week due to shelter location. Plus, there is no water at the Cove Mt. Shelter so we'll have to pack in in from 3 miles out.Dale from KY got off the trail today with a knee problem. He's been able to deal with it in past hikes but he was hurting yesterday and today and not having fun. So he got a lift wih a guy from Connecticut and assume you made it back ok, Dale. We're down to 5 and will remain so for the rest of the week.I wont go into the "muds" (mindless up's and down's) of the trail. Every day is up and down, heavy breathing with frequent stops to catch our breath. Some muds more severe than the other. The down hills are tought on the knees.Tonight a group of youth boys (you might call them troubled teens) came into camp. About 15 of them with two leaders and a supervisor. They were a nice bunch and well disciplined. They were a part of The Discovery School of Buckingham County VA. Their group name is "Chinook" which means Courage. We will see them again tomorrow night and that will be it. The one of the kids was from Columbus. Also that night, I met another hiker from Columbs, his trail name is Jerimiah (sp) Johnson from Clintonville.I took a couple of nightime pain relievers (drowsiness warning on the label) tonight before turning in. Helped a lot, I slept well, and will for the rest of the week. Most folks are doing some Ibuprofen most of the day for the knees and legs. Big storm rolled through the night. We stayed dry and warm.
Date: 2009-05-14
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Didn't make good notes about today's hike but things seem to be going well. No one has fallen or been injured. This weeks animal sighting were lots of deer, a weasel (we think), a few salamanders (one bright orange and one green and white stripes); a couple squirrels, and a 5' black snack. This was a big'en, about as fat as a lemon. I have a photo. It was sunning itself across the trail. We had to nudge it off the trail to get around it.Our horticultural experts identified: Lillies of the Valley, Spiderwort, Squawroot, Tirllium, Piedmont Azelias, Mt. Ivy, Black Cohosh, Jack in the Pulpit, Rhodedendron, Cinnamon Fern, May Apple, Star Flower, and Wild Geraniums. Sorry if my spelling skills are lacking. Huge Oaks, maples, locusts, and Poplar trees abound.Another night in a cozy shelter. We've met a few thru-hikers so far: MudFlap, Growler, Hoosier and Hodgepodge, Greyhound, Rabbit, LuLu (had a banjo) and a small frame young man who called himself Tank... didn't seem to fit. Every one so far nice. Also, a couple hikers had their dogs with them. This is good. Dogs bark a bears, which no sightings as of yet.This our third night out, sponge baths were in order. All seems well, but a little scented.
Date: 2009-05-15
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Marble Springs Camp Ground
Miles today: 12.2

Today's hike was to a Camp Ground vs. a Shelter. The trail went right through the middle of it. Big logs surrounded a fire pit where meal prep and dining took place. We're all in tent's tonight (except Don who uses a hammock). Right after tent go up we had about a half hour of rain. Every one got a little wet. Jesse's tent leaked profusely and when we got into Buena Vista on day 7, he replaced it. So, packed up wet tents and headed out in the morning. A routine day. The first day out we passed the "one-third of the trail behind us" mark, mile 726. Twice this week we heard loud cracks and thuds where large limbs had falled from tree tops. They call these events "widow makers". Must be on the look out for this, especially when pitching a tent.
Date: 2009-05-16
From: Marble Springs Camp Ground

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today and tomorrow were very short days with some tough climbs. Got into shelters early today (2:00) and rested, dried things out, and enjoyed the company of other hikers. The weater is still a bit cool but heats ups in the pm especially walking up hill. A hot drink of decaf after the day's hike was routine. Dinner tonight was couscous.
Date: 2009-05-17
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

This day the shortest of the week as far a mileage for all day. Another tough climb, yet the day ended early. It was a cold, windy, and wet day. Ponchos and rain gear were in order. But, it cleard up, and again, we were fortunate to be in a sheltered area where we could dry things out. Looking forward to ending the first week out tomorrow at Buena Vista VA.
Date: 2009-05-18
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 11.3

The first week is ended with 78.8 miles from Daleville to Buena Vista. We arranged a ride (shuttle) from the trail crossing at Rt.60, nine miles into BV. Carol and Lorraine took the shuttle back to Daleville; Don, Jesse, and I got a room and some cold refreshments. Not much here. Early dinner was at a Burger King (that whopper jr. was really good) and a later dinner at Subway. We replanned the next 55 miles to Waynesboro VA, to the southern tip of the Shenandoah National Park (SNP). Tomorrow, the 19th., were getting a late start (1:30) and 4 mile climb to a campsite. Clean clothes, a bed, and a refresing and restful few hours in BV. We hope to be in Waynesboro on the 23rd. and begin the SNP on the 24th. SNP is 101 miles. We're planning a week to do it. There are campgrounds and resupply throughout the park. Skyline Drive offers many opportunities for a cold soft dring along the way. We may even be able to mooch a hot dog from campers, if we look pitiful enough....So until the next opportunity for a journal entry, thank you for your interest. All is well, I'm feeling good and after the first week, feel stronger hiking legs already.
Date: 2009-05-19
From: Buena Vista, VA

To: Hog Camp Gap Campsite
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: clear sky

I'm presently at the Waynesboro, VA public library updating my journal entries for the past few days. For this particular date, I didn't journal in my phone but wrote it out longhand.. and I've neglected to bring the text with me. Will try to do it from memory. After 24 hrs of Subway and Burger King, we were glad to be back on the trail. We adjusted our plan out of BV to leave early p.m. to get a steep hike out of the way and end up at at campsite with a water source, and therefore reducing our miles for the next day. Hog Camp Gap camp site was a perfect place for what it is. Nice stream close by and the campsite even had a tree swing. Chilly night but comfortable in tents. The sun was up with us about 6:20 and the day warmed quickly. The next two days are big ups and downs so we're just psyching ourselves up for them. Can't recall anything more worth mentioning on this day except it was a very pleasant evening and the 3.8 miles was uphill. Don, Jesse, and I are on our own as the ladies took off for home yesterday.
Date: 2009-05-20
From: Hog Camp Gap Campsite

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: clear sky

This is the 9th. day of our trip. The weather has been very good with cool and sunny days and chilly nights. The woods are full foilage I'd say, so the sun only gets in thru the branches a little. We did cross a couple grassy meadows today at high elevation for some good mountain views. I've leaned a couple of importantant lessons from my hiking pals this year. Lorraine taught me not to leave a handi-wipe cloth to close to your cook stove... it will burn. Don taught me not to leave a plastic soup bowl to close to a cook stove as it will melt (good thing he had an extra one!). We're the only ones in the shelter tonight and its almost dark. Check that, a young man just rolled in after a 28 mile day. We met another guy earlier who's been doin 30 a day! We're happy with our 14-16 a day. Maybe up the trail when things flatten out a bit, we'll get up to 20 plus per day in the Shenandoah's or beyond.We hiked up a 4,000' mountain today. The next two days have some very challenging ups and downs for us. However, there are no more 4,000' mountains on the AT until Vermont.Another chilly night this high up. Turning in.
Date: 2009-05-21
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

I've commented a few times on the steep climbs and down-hills trying not to be redundant. But today has to be one of the toughest climbs I've experirnced, and all of those in the shelter tonight agree. It started at the Ty river with a 997' elevation up to 3900' but most of it the last 3 miles and extemely rocky. No more on that, just an extremely no-fun day. We did however come across a rattlesnake today. Jesse was ahead of me by 10 minutes or so. The snake was moving out of the brush and stopped on the sunny path and curled up at Jesse (he was far enough back for no danger). Jesse tried to encourage him off the path with a stone toss or two but no luck. Then he picked up a big rock and was about to throw and the intelligent viper slithered off and into a bush. I got a pix or two. I've seen 4 snakes since hiking on the AT. They like the sun. Most of the trail is brushy stuff on both sides so sunny spots need a keener eye. One is always looking down while hiking.Most of the hikers we've met have been racking up 20 plus miles per day. Its about 21 miles into Waynesboro from here and all the other 5-6 hikers are hiking in tomorrow. We're planning 15.8 tomorrow and 5 on Saturday morning for a nero (part hike) day in Waynesboro, then into SNP on Sunday.Turning in.
Date: 2009-05-22
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Paul C Wolf Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today's hike was much better than yesterday's. Had some minor climbs but a good long day, the longest miles per day yet for us. But some not so good news. For the last few days, Don has been dealing with blister on the side of his foot. The thing has swelled to the size of a silver dollor and is fluid filled. So at a road crossing he got a lift into Waynesboro to get some medical attention. Jesse and I hiked on for the remainder of the day. It looks bad but I'm not the doc. I hope this doesn't knock Don out of the rest of his planned hike up to Duncannon PA. Don will be resting up at the motel we will be staying at tomorrow nignt. He promised to have a few cold ones ready for us upon our arrival about 10:00. No, that's not too early for a beer after 4 days on the trail.This shelter is only 5 miles from Waynesboro so most hikers skip it and do the 5 into town. Its a nice double-decker, right off the trail, with a fast moving stream in front. The sound of the rushing water over rocks will help with sleep tonigh. Jesse and I were the only ones in the shelter for the night, so we thought. A family of 4 (mom, dad, and two boys about 6-7) came in for the night from a nearby parking lot. They brought s'mores and treated us to a late dessert. That's what you call "trail magic".Turning in, saying a prayer for Don for a quick recovery.
Date: 2009-05-23
From: Paul C Wolf Shelter

To: Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

Nice short hike into Waynesboro this morning, only took a couple hours. This place is extremely friendly to hikers. We got a lift into town from Rock Fish Gap. We stopped at the RFG Outfitters to pick-up a mail-food drop I had sent ahead. I also bought a back-up cooking fuel canister and some AquaMira water purifier drops.Don was at the motel upon our arrival a few minutes later. He had stopped at the Outfittler and bought a new pair of hiking shoes and some new trecking poles. He visited the local CVS for advise on the blister and the pharmacist fixed him up with a sterile needle to drain it and instruction on keeping it padded and covered. If we continue on tomorrow and it doesn't work out for him, there are a number of places on the trail Skyline Drive crosses so it wont be hard form him to get on and off the trail.So for today, it is sunny, 84*, and very pleasant. I just finished up an All You Can Eat (AYCE) chinese at the Ming Gardern, a very popular hiker restaurant. I need to get going as laundry and another errand or two await yet this beautiful afternoon. It may be a week before I can journal again. The Shenandoah NP is about 101 miles ane we're planning 7 days to do it. The weather however doesn't look good as scattered thunder showers are called for, for the next few days. The next town stop will be Front Royal, VA.So far, we've hiked about 135 miles in 12 days with a couple of half-days off in there. All is well.
Date: 2009-05-24
From: Waynesboro VA

To: Calf Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.0

Sunday 5/24: From Wboro (Rockfish Gap) to Calf Mt. Shelter, 7 miles only.The good news for today is it seems Don seems to be fine with his self blister treatment. No complaints and it seems to be healing.We re-did our plan for the SNP. Put an extra day on it instead of a couple 20 milers.So we enjoyed a pretty good continental breakfast at the Quality Inn, ran over to the Kroger for a couple last minute items and a trail angel named Margarite, picked us up. Then after another stop at Wal-Mart and Wendy's, we got back on the AT at the the southern end of the SNP. We're off! Next major stop is Front Royal, VA., the N end of the SNP.Today's short 7 mile walk was relatively uneventful with another black snake sighting and a rabbit that was only a few feet away and sat still for a photo op.The forecast for the next 5 days is scattered thunder showers for the entire southeast including VA. Only a few sprinkles this afternoon.Our shelter tonight has a few hikers we've met before. We have Gutsy Rabbit and Greyhound, two gals from FL. Gritty and Grommet (guy and girl) from Portland, ME. When we first arrived about 4:00, there was a gal here name Carla from New Orleans who has yet to get a trail name. She said she wants a trial name "that is bad-ass and not gender specific". By bad-ass, she said she means not a name like Tulip or Missy. Carla is 41. Then we have one other guy came in called Kitchen Sink. This guy is a self proclaimed trail angel on the trail. He's packing like all kinds of foods, offering to any hiker here who want it. He has: candy, cereal, rice dinners, canned meats, snack bars, lots of other stuff, and a little Jack Daniels. Nice guy. So, we're talkin' about tomorrow. Thirteen miles to the next shelter (they call them "huts" vs. shelters through the park).Nothing more for today. Turning in.
Date: 2009-05-25
From: Calf Mt. Shelter

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Monday 5/25, Memorial Day. From Calf Mt Hut to Black Rock Hut, 13 Miles.Lots happening today. Don's blister is bothering him walking on the rocks on the sometimes uneven and moderately rocky trail. Skyline Drive crossed the trail 7 times today so Don walked along SD meeting us at the various crossings. It seemed to relieve some of the discomfort.We had some trail magic today. Every Memorial Day, a group of folks from Afton, VA set up a picnic lunch station at a road crossing on Skyline Dr. and treat hikers to burgers and all the trimmings. Besides burgers, they served us fresh fruit (bananas, apples and cold watermellon), cold drinks including beer and milk, brownies, cookies, and chips. Needles to say, it was a real treat and we all appreciated it and were very grateful for the wonferful treat. Thanks very much.Just after leaving that great lunch, the rains came. A steady rain fell for a couple hours and the trail turned to a small creek and most things got soaked in spite of rain jackets and ponchos. We'll need a sunny day to dry things out. Tomorrow our plan is only 7 miles to Loft camphground. We will shower and do laundry and resupply although we all complaining on how much too much food we're carrying.The rain has been off and on since coming into the hut. Rabbit and Greyhound were here before us. Now 8:30 and there are 11 inside the hut and probably another 12 tenting. One guy I met last year is here, trail name Solar Cell. I do remember him and we only met in passing. He heard someone call me by name and recalled our meeting. Many of the folks here are younger and thru-hiking. They have names like Snuggles, Skip, Thunder, and The Bear. Most of them know each other. Busy night. Turnin' in.