morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-29
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Campsite near Big Horse Gap
Miles today: 18.7

We left this morning exited by the promise of cheeseburgers and other real food for lunch at Trent's grocery about 6 miles away. Also we were excited to be going to my friend Sam's Kentucky Derby Party. But first we had to get to the store and call my brother Michael to arrange for our pickup. So, the four of us, Uncle Ben, Leki-less, Grass, and myself headed out to make Trent's grocery for lunch. On the way we met Flora & Fauna. They told us they had just seen a small bear moments before. After a few more minutes of hiking we saw Leki-less, who was ahead of us, hiking south toward us. When I told him he was walking the wrong way he said he had to calm down. I said "because you saw a small bear?" He was shocked until he found out that Flora & Fauna had seen it too. He saw it up in a tree and it took off down the hill. He was freaked out but Grass, Uncle Ben and I took off down the trail being quiet in hopes of seeing it. We just hoped mama bear wasn't around when we did. We ! did catch up and saw the little furball running downill into the gully. I had my camera, but he was too fast. I tried to run down a ways to see if I could get a shot but a stick tripped me up and I took a tumble & roll down the hill. lesson: It's hard to run in the woods with a full pack.Anyway we hiked on down to Trent's and had a nice long lunch and made our phone calls. We arranged with Michael to be picked up in Pearisburg, VA at 2pm Friday afternoon. That would mean we would have to hoof it to get there in time.We decided to do some night hiking tonight to make some miles. We made it first to the Wapiti Shelter for dinner. We got to have dinner with Flora & Fauna, Walk Softly (he carries a big stick), and another gentleman who's name escapes me. It was great company, but after dinner it was time to say goodbye and get in a few more miles.We took off as the sun was sinking and hiked on into the night. It was 16 miles to Pearisburg so whatever we could do tonight we wouldn't have to do tomorrow. Doc's Knob Shelter was 8.4 miles away. We weren't sure if we'd make it that far but we'd just go until we got too tired and stop and camp. Well, around 10:30-11:00pm Leki-less was done. He has been having some stomach problems and was feeling pretty bad. Ben was getting tired as well. Grass and I were doing fine, but we called it a night to get some sleep. We put up our tents and went to bed. We'd still have to get up early tomorrow to meet Michael, but we were 5 miles closer.It was a great day for wildlife. We saw a big garter snake which I almost stepped on, the bear cub, deer, a fearless rabbit, a bee hive swarming with bees, it was nice.
Date: 2004-04-30
From: Campsite near Big Horse Gap

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I was assured last night that everyone would wake up early, but it turned out I had to get everyone up at 7am. Those of you that know me know that this is not a good time for me. We did get on the trail by 8am or so for the 11.7 miles to Pearisburg. We saw some great views from up on the ridge and had a little time to enjoy them. By noon however we had to turn it up and get down of the mountain. Grass and I practically ran the last few miles downhill into Pearisburg. This would be Grass' last hiking day. It was a beautiful one, but I think she was looking forward to some well deserved rest. We made it by 1:30pm and walked over to the hotel. We met up with some people that Grass knew, "Grandma"(a real grandma doing vehicle support) & "Doof" (her grandson who is thru-hiking), and hung out with them and their dogs until Michael arrived. Michael took us to the Post Office, lunch at Dairy Queen, and to his home in Richmond. There Tommie, Michael's wife, cooked us lots of great pizzas and other goodies for dinner. Thanks guys for a great night!
Date: 2004-05-01
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Falls Church, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Stayed in a house.We had a great breakfast at Michael's house, then we all piled in the cars to head up to Falls Church, VA to attend my friend Sam's Annual Kentucky Derby Party. Present were Uncle Ben, Leki-less, Grass and I, plus Michael and his wife Tommie, and my friend , Jack. We were about as cleaned up as we could get. Grass even went out with Tommie and bought a new outfit. A very cute top and skirt. She looked fabulous, like a real girl! We had a great time at the party. I didn't win any money on the race, but Grass and I did beat Uncle Ben and my friend, Jack, at Bocce. It was great tossing Bocce balls around barefoot on the lawn. Later that evening we had a nice soak in the hot tub and relaxed a little before crashing out in Sam's living room and office. Leki even had a visit from a friend, Vanessa, since she lives in the area. All in all a great way to spend a Saturday. Thanks, Sam, for the hospitality, and thanks to Michael and Tommie for coming to get us, opening your home and making it all happen.
Date: 2004-05-02
From: Falls Church, VA

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

We woke at Sam's and went out to breakfast. Sam took us by the PATC office in Vienna, VA where he volunteers. PATC has a list of phone numbers for shuttle options from Pearisburg. Grass is leaving the trail and heading back to Damascus to work at the Sidetrack Cafe until Trail Days. We'll miss her. I drove us back to Richmond where we said our goodbyes to Tommie, and then Michael drove us back to Pearisburg. Michael dropped us off back at the Rendezvous Motel where we would spend the night. Thanks Michael for picking us up and giving us a nice break!
Date: 2004-05-03
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Pearisburg, VA - Rice Field Shelter (7.3mi)Stayed in shelterWe took our time getting up in the morning. We had to say goodbye to Grass and Uncle Ben. Grass needed to get back to Damascus and Ben decided to go with her. Grass is leaving the trail for good. After Trail Days she will be heading back to Colorado. It won't be the same without her...Leki-less and I, however, were headed back on the trail. We stopped on the way out of town at the grocery to resupply and get lunch. It was a short day out to Rice Field Shelter. The shelter was right on top of the ridge. Beautiful views, but cold and windy. I watched a nice sunset and hit the sack early.
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

Rice field Shelter - Bailey Gap Shelter (16.2mi)Stayed in shelter.We spent a cold night up at Rice Field. We both have our summer sleeping bags now and they were not quite warm enough. I even got out my plastic ground cloth for my tent and pulled it over my sleeping bag. It helped a little. We packed up quick and got the heck out of there in the morning. When we got to Pine Swamp Branch Shelter we checked the register and saw that Flora & Fauna, Tinder and Camel all left the same day as us but put in a big 19 mile day and had plans to do it again the next day with some night hiking. Flora & Fauna had written us a note to catch up so we would do our best.
Date: 2004-05-05
From: Bailey Gap Shelter 

To: Laurel Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Bailey Gap shelter - Laurel Creek Shelter (14.6mi)Stayed at shelterWe had a pretty good hiking day. We were planning on a night hike to try and scoot ahead and catch Flora & Fauna and the guys. It turned out that the girls did not opt for the night hike after all. That may make it easier to catch them. They have been doing some higher mileage than normal for them, must just be sticking with Camel and Tinder. We'll find out soon enough.
Date: 2004-05-06
From: Laurel Creek Shelter 

To: Pickle Branch Shelter 
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Laurel Creek Shelter - Pickle Branch Shelter (22.3mi)Stayed in shelterThis was a long day of hiking!We set out just after the rest of our sheltermates, Late Start, Second Chance, Bean & Stretch and their dog Root, and Freeze. We passed them by the Keffer Oak. The tree is estimated around 300 years old, and is 18 ft around. It was very cool.We also passed the Audie Murphy Memorial. He was the most decorated soldier in WWII and then an actor. He died in a plane crash near the trail. We paid our respects and kept on moving to Pickle Branch Shelter.
Date: 2004-05-07
From: Pickle Branch Shelter 

To: Catawba Mtn Shelter 
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: scattered clouds

We awoke with expectations of a good food day. It was 6 miles to a country store for lunch and then 6 more miles to a great restaurant in Catawba. Leki left first and was planing to stop at a hostel for a shower. I took my time in the morning and decided to just meet him for lunch and skip the hostel. The hike over Dragons Tooth was a rocky, but beautiful, knife edge overlooking valleys on both sides. It was cool, but slower going over rocky, uneven footing. I met Leki at the road just as he was coming back from the hostel and heading for lunch. Perfect timing! We had a great lunch of chili dogs and other junk food. We met Stretch's parents looking for her and her husband Bean and Freeze. We told them that they had left the shelter ahead of us so should be in Catawba by now. We stuffed ourselves and I had a chance to send some emails so Leki took off while I stayed to finish up.I hiked the next 6 miles and got to route 311. I started my walk into town and was unsuccessful in hitching a ride. It was only one mile so that was OK. Just as I was reaching town, who should I run into but Flora & Fauna! Finally we caught up to them. They were just coming from dinner and were headed out to hike up to the second shelter out of town, only 2 miles. That was our plan as well, so we would see them there after dinner. The Homeplace Restaurant was great. It is an old farm house that serves family style homecooking. I found Leki at a table with Stretch, Bean, Freeze and Stretch's parents. They kept bringing out food, fried chicken, roast beef, green beans, mash potatoes w/ gravy, biscuits, etc. Blueberry cobbler for dessert. It was great! I was stuffed. We got a ride back to the trail with Stretch's parents. With no time to digest and it getting dark, it was a slow 2 miles up the mountain with a bloated belly. Ugh!We arrived to find Flora & Fauna and Apple Pie. We all crashed out with full tummies. It was a good day.
Date: 2004-05-08
From: Catawba Mtn Shelter 

To: Daleville, va
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

We all took off from the shelter at different times. Apple Pie was hurting and getting off the trail soon. She would meet us in Daleville and go with us to Trail Days. I hiked by myself for most of the day. I hiked up to McAfee Knob with some kids from a church group. One asked about where the giant rocks on the mountain came from. I explained about how the Appalachian Mtns are some of the oldest in the world and about millions of years of errosion, etc. He replied that he didn't think the earth was millions of years old, just thousands. Welcome to the bible belt.We didn't get much of a view from McAfee Knob due to clouds and fog. It had all cleared up by the time I reached Tinker Cliffs and the view was spectacular. The cliffs wrap around a corner and it is a very cool place. I got to talking with a lady and her daughter. The mom is going to Rome next month and I was telling her about some of my girlfriend and my favorite places around our neighborhood. By the time I left it was getting late. I needed to get to Daleville by 6pm to get to the outfitter to pick up a mail drop. It was 2pm by the time I ate lunch and left Tinker Cliffs, I was feeling so lazy. I still had 11 miles to go so I took off. I moved out as fast as I could. I practically ran down to Daleville. I passed Flora & Fauna with about 5 miles to go. I made it down the mountain and into town just at 6pm. I ran over to the outfitter and arrived at 6:05. The door was locked, but I knocked and Mark came and let me in. He was just closing up and was nice enough to let me in. I did get my package, it had arrived just today, and I was able to purchase a few needed things as well. Mark was very nice and accomidating, thanks for everything!I met up with Camel, Tinder and Leki-less outside the outfitters. They had just left before I got there. We walked over to the hotel and checked in. Now for a shower and a good nigts sleep!Note: My hipbelt is now officially too big. I have been pulling it tighter and tighter for a while. Now I have it cinched all the way and it still slips down and chafes my hips. I'll have to take care of that at Trail Days.
Date: 2004-05-09
From: Daleville, va

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

We all checked out late and Flora & Fauna hit the trail. The guys, Camel, Tinder, Leki-less and I, headed into town for lunch first. We had a nice meal at the BBQ place and even played a round of Pass the Pigs. We only had 11 miles so leaving a little late was OK. After lunch I went over to the grocery store for a quick resupply. While I was inside it started pouring down rain. It looks like these afternoon showers will be the norm for some time. I left after it stopped. I was the last out of town and avoided the brunt of the rain. I arrived at Wilson Creek Shelter kind of late and found the gang cooking dinner. I had wanted to stop and break at the first shelter we passed, but was lost in thought and totally missed it. I was keeping track of time and knew that with my pace I must have passed it, so I took a little break at Salt Pond Road. There was some crazy lady camped near the road. She had a suitcase and was told later, by Country and Ramblin' Man who talked to her, that she was the crazy lady that "lives" at Fullhardt Knob Shelter and has been court ordered to stay away. Freaky. Tonight at the shelter was Camel, Tinder, Flora & Fauna, Bandicoot, Leki-less, Country, Ramblin' Man and Machine. Machine was a new face and quite a character. He Has been trapping mice at the shelters after one chewed into his pack when he first started. He has wracked up and impresive number of kills and even takes pictures.It was a good crowd, we all had a nice meal with great conversation and went to bed.
Date: 2004-05-10
From: Wilson Creek Shelter 

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: clear sky

I got on the trail last as usual. We were going 13.7 miles to Cove Mtn Shelter. There is no water at the shelter so everyone was stopping to get water at Bobblets Gap Shelter and carrying it in 6.4 miles. I arrived there to find the gang in for a nap. They were too hot it seems. Whiners! It was nice and warm for sure, just right for hiking. I am just starting to warm up after the past few months. They got together and took off just before me. I was just finishing up filling all my water bottles to take to Cove Mtn Shelter when Machine rolled in. He was staying here for the night. I said goodbye and headed out after everyone. I caught Flora & Fauna just before we arrived at the shelter. It was pretty full so I set up my tent and slept in it. Seems that was a good idea. Apparently no one slept well in the shelter. There were bugs as well as some carpenter bees that kept buzzing and grinding wood all night. Bandicoot did try find the rumored trail that led .4 miles to a stream. The .4mi was with a 500ft elevation change as well. I let him take my water bucket so he could carry more back if he found it. It was dark before he got back. He didn't take a flashlight with him, so when he was gone for quite a while we were starting to worry. He did stumble back though the darkness sweaty and tired. It must have been a hard climb back up the ridge! He was successful though, and did bring back some water. Mission acomplished.
Date: 2004-05-11
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter 
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a long day planned for today. We are getting picked up in Glasgow, VA by Fauna's boyfriend, Derrick, on Wednesday. He will take us to Daleville for the night, then we all go to Trail Days in Damascus for the weekend. I decided to go to Bryant Ridge Shelter for lunch. When I got there I was happy to take a break. It was the coolest shelter I have seen yet. Three levels, sleeping loft with balcony over the babbling brook, covered cooking area. It was beautiful, too bad we were not staying there. I had a nice lunch and even picked up some coffee singles that had been left by Flora & Fauna. They had been given a bunch of food and snacks, including the coffee, by two older gentlemen I had passed earlier. They were cutting their trip short, and getting off the mountain because one had popped a hernia. Ouch!I caught Flora & Fauna a few miles from the Thunder Hill Shelter. We walked together over Apple Orchard Mtn, with the FAA radar dome on top, and under a rock formation known as the Guillotine. It is a narrow space between two rock faces with a large boulder stuck above where you walk under. It was pretty cool, it looked like it could fall at any moment. We made it to the shelter soon after that and had a nice dinner with the gang before bed.
Date: 2004-05-12
From: Thunder Hill Shelter 

To: Glasgow,VA 
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Thunder Hill Shelter - Glasgow,VA (14.6mi)Looking forward to Trail Days. We hiked into Glasgow, VA to wait for Fauna's boyfriend, Derrick, to pick us up. The small town is covered with large dinosaurs. It is very weird. Apparently some guy nearby had a Zoo/Amusement Park and it burned down so he brought down his dinosaurs and donated them to the town. We ate at a nearby restaurant while we waited. Bandicoot bought a toy plastic Baseball set and we played Dino-Ball in an empty lot by the store. Well it wasn't totally empty, it had a 30ft brontosaurus in the middle of it. Derrick made it and it took two trips to get all of us to Daleville, VA, where we spent the night. Final count in three rooms: Fauna & Derrick, Flora, Apple Pie, Bandcoot, Camel, Tinder, Leki-less and myself. Mike will be here in the morning to take me and whoever needs a ride down to Damascus for trail days.
Date: 2004-05-18
From: Glasgow,VA 

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

Finally headed back out to the trail. After a too quick goodbye to Grass, I headed out with Bob Peoples to pick up the rest of our pack. Grass said that it was not goodbye, that she would return to the trail soon and see us again. I do hope she can get back on and finish, just not so sure I'll see her again. If not, Grass, have a good hike and may your life be filled with good friends that you can bore with AT stories for many long years to come!After picking up Flora & Fauna and Camel at The Castle hostel, they said goodbye to Seiko and we all set out for Glasgow, VA. Bob drove us by a truck stop on the way where he knew we could get Krispy Kreme Donuts. We got 2 dozen assorted for the four of us. We all ate too many. It was great!Thank you, Bob, for your wonderful hospitality and for the fun ride back to the trail. When we arrived in Glasgow we stopped by the store for a quick lunch and so I could resupply, then we headed out to the trail. It was about 2pm or so when we started walking. We stopped at Johns Hollow Shelter to take a break, eat a snack, and more importantly, check the register to see where everyone is after we took so many days off. We saw a lot of new names, people that have passed us now. It looks like Tinder and his friends as well as Leki-less stayed here last night so are not too far ahead, great!It was not too long before the regular evening thunder shower caught us. We didn't get too wet. We arrived at Punchbowl shelter to find Leki and an older gentleman by the name of Papo. It seems Tinder and his friends decided to do a long day! We'll catch them soon enough. Leki didn't look so hot. It seems he has been struggling with some stomach illness. He has been on the trail since yesterday and only made it this far. He said that today was his worst day ever. Sorry to see him so miserable. I put up my tent because I had packed it up wet after it poured on us the last night of Trail Days. It was soaking wet but not too moldy smelling. I towel-dried the floor and let it sit while I made dinner. We talked about going in to the Dutch House Hostel in a few days. It seems they pick up hikers for a free lunch everyday near Fish Hatchery Road. We made plans to make it in two days. The plan is to make it for lunch and stay the night. It sounds like a great place. A closet full of comfy robes to wear while your laundry is being done, and all the other amenities as well. We'll relax the rest of the day away and get a goodnights rest. That's the plan anyway
Date: 2004-05-19
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, it poured on us last night. Wouldn't you know it, just when I'm trying to dry my tent out!I slept in late, but so did Camel. Everyone else was gone by the time we got out of bed. We hit the trail late and took a wrong turn out if the shelter. We ended up going 1.6mi south before we figured it out and turned around. So by the time we got back to Punchbowl it was 12:15pm. Damn! It was a pretty hard climb once we hit Bald Knob. I have not been feeling well over the past few days and todays hiking was hard on me. It ended up being over 20 miles for us due to the morning mixup.The area has changed a bit from what I remember from hiking this section 20 years ago. The bald up on Cold Mtn was not as impressive. They are mowing to keep it clear, but the trees are pressing in. I reached Hog Camp Gap just as it was getting dark. Flora & Fauna and Camel were already there. It was a great campsite, very pretty. It even had a swing, hanging from a tree branch. I put up my tent, and got water from a great spring, and we started a nice fire. I was just getting ready to cook dinner when it started to rain. Damn! We had such a nice campsite and would not get to enjoy it. I was looking forward to hanging out with everyone by the fire, but instead had to eat alone in my tent. I got some journals done and went to bed. If I wanted the free lunch at the Dutch Haus B&B I would have to get up early to make the 10 miles before 12:30.
Date: 2004-05-20
From: Hog Camp Gap campsite

To: Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 10.0

Well I got up a little late and left the campsite last, as usual. We had planned to hike to Fish Hatchery Road by 12:30 to get a ride into Montebello, VA to a B&B called The Dutch Haus. It is run by Lois and Earl Arnold and they pick up hikers and bring them to their place for a free lunch every day. Wow, really nice people. We read about their place in the trail registers and when we heard about the closet full of bathrobes for us to wear while they do our laundry, we new we had to spend the night there.I did my best, but I soon became aware that I would not make the road by 12:30. Oh well, no big deal I would just walk a few extra miles into town. It meant I would miss lunch, but I would get dinner at least. Well I got to the road around 1:15 and who do I meet coming back from lunch but Tinder and Bandicoot. Finally catching up to those guys. They informed me that I had just missed my ride back to the B&B. Damn! I kept walking and before long I see a man approching. "Are you Patrick?" he asked. He was Earl Arnold from the Dutch Haus and he had hung around to wait for me. It was a very nice thing to do even if he knew laundry was waiting for him when he got back!When we got there, Lois even had a plate of food saved for me. I got my lunch too. Thanks Flora, Fauna and Camel for looking out for me and letting them know I was coming. We settled in for a relaxing evening and did get to lounge around in our robes all day. We even went to the small country store for ice cream dressed in them!Dinner was great and we hung out with a great crowd of hikers. Late Start & Second Chance, Tyson, Semicolon and a bunch more. Thanks Lois & Earl for a great day!