morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-05
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter, VA

To: Sarver Cabin Shelter, VA
Miles today: 24.9

Talked to Cubbie & Boston a little before we all headed out around 7:30. They initially thought they might join me at Sarver Cabin, but then revised their plan as it seemed too far for them and I was pushing at a strong pace. I was also considering going on to Niday if time allowed, but then decided it was getting too late, and the mileage was unclear. The battery in my headlamp was dead (left on inadvertantly), so I was afraid to arrive near dark with no light. I had to hike a long way down from the trail to Sarver Cabin (why did they put it so far and so low?) and don't look forward to coming back up first thing in the AM. Got there by 6:00 and had time to eat, study maps, and journal before dark. I was the only one in the shelter for the first time on the entire trip, a weird feeling. Will try and get an early start and make the hostel in Catawba and an AYCE buffet in town that's supposed to be good. When I'm on the trail for several days, I find that I just don't get the calories I need and lose the energy that I need to climb hills with. Can't carry enough food to cover a 4,000 calorie day!
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Sarver Cabin Shelter, VA

To: Just past Rt. 624 Crossing, Catawba, VA
Miles today: 22.5

I had to use my ear plugs in the shelter last night because it was so quiet being alone there that the noises of the outdoors made it difficult to get to sleep! Left the shelter about 7:00 and it took me 15 inutes to climb out of the gulley the shelter was in, and it exhausted me to do it. Once I was back up on the ridge, it was a nice hiking day and relatively easy terrain. Unfortunately, I saw a sign on a tree nearing town that the hostel I had hoped to stay in was closed, so I had to figure something else out. B&B is expensive and unknown/suspect. Coming into town, the last 5-6 miles were KILLERS over Dragon's Tooth, with lots of rugged terrain and ups/downs. It was slow going and made me later getting into town than I hoped. I hitched about four miles to the Homeplace restaurant from the first Catawba road crossing, and it was well worth it. The food was good quality/taste, family style and plentiful. Met Old Yeller and Steady Step coming out of the restaurant and they gave it a thumbs up also. I missed the Blackberry Cobbler by minutes though, and had to settle for Cherry. REALLY would have preferred blackberry (trail life is rough, huh?). Hitched back to the crossing and called Patty from the pay phone just before dark, then hurried to get in the woods a half-mile from the crossing to set up my hammock for the night. Not a bad day all-in-all, and tomorrow I can get a motel room in Dalesville to shower, do laundry and regroup from.
Date: 2005-05-07
From: Just past Rt. 624 Crossing, Catawba, VA

To: US Rt. 220 Crossing, Dalesville, VA
Miles today: 25.0

Today might have been the nicest hiking day so far of the entire trip. Got an early start without incident (about 6:30). It was cool out, but had been a warmer night than many recent nights. A group of other hikers were breaking camp about a half-mile further in than I was and I greeted them but didn't stop. The views were spectacular, particularly looking over Catawba from McAfee Knob, and then later back to McAfee from Tinker's Ridge, seeing all that I had hiked for the afternoon. Most of the ridge was pretty easy going, but at the end it got tough at Hay Rock, like it had at Dragon's Tooth the day before. I was able to get cell reception and made a reservation at the Comfort Inn so that I was sure to have a place to stay on a Sat. nite, rather than having to hunt around. That freed me up to relax my pace and take in more of the scenery, without having to worry about where I would stay. Once in town, had dinner at a local italian restaurant that actually served WINE with dinner. The waitress HIGHLY recommended White Zinfandel, but I chose the exotic Chablis against her advice. Always nice to have the comforts of civilization like a warm shower, clean sheets and a roof over your head. Won't ever take it for granted again...promise. A week from tomorrow, I'll meet Patty in Waynseboro area, near Charlottesville. Can't wait to see her. Hope to pass the 1/3 mark tomorrow...
Date: 2005-05-08
From: US Rt. 220 Crossing, Dalesville, VA

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter, VA
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Stayed up late last night on the computer in the hotel lobby updating my journal, so I slept in a little. I had two breakfasts at the hotel, so that I could be sure of getting my necessary caloric intake for the day's hike. Stopped at Subway (Eat Fresh) to get a hero to take on the trail for lunch, and at Kroger's for food re-supply. It may be five days before I get town food again, unless I get a mid-way stop somewhere. Finally entered the trailhead at 12:30 and had to push for most of the afternoon to make the shelter by dark. Luckily, the terrain was moderate, with no heavy ups/downs, and some pretty scenery on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I met one guy in a shelter stop mid-afternoon who had just sent his wife home from her hike with a stress fracture in her foot. A reminder that I have to be careful and not push TOO hard. "A man's got to know his own limitations...", as Clint said. When I got to the shelter, there was one guy there named "Dirty Deeds". Name sounded menacing, but he was an OK guy, turns out. I'm hoping to put some miles up tomorrow into the 20's so that I can make Waynesboro by seeks end to meet Patty. Feet were OK today, with the blisters healing a little more each day. My shaving cream leaked in my shaving "bag", so I will be bearded for a few days, besides the mess.
Date: 2005-05-09
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter, VA

To: Petites Gap, VA
Miles today: 28.4

Not a super-early start, but was on trail by 7:30. Another perfect weather day for hiking, with easy terrain to start. Only one tough uphill all day (Apple Orchard Mtn.), and even that had gradual switchbacks that made it manageable. Ran into a group of five young guys section-hiking for the week, They were swimming in a creek and sunning, making me wish I could join them. Must push on. To their credit, they soon began hiking again and I saw them at lunchtime and again later in other shelters along the way. I hiked later into the day than they did though, and after making dinner at Thunder Hill Shelter, I hiked another two hours to get in the extra miles (since the weather was nice..). Had cell reception mid-day and talked to Patty and left some other messages. Cell phone battery is just about dead, with no charger until Patty's visit.
Date: 2005-05-10
From: Petites Gap, VA

To: Punchbowl Shelter, VA
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

I didn't sleep very well last night in the hammock. I didn't use the inflatable pad, since it was a warm night. But the slightest breeze underneath me coold me too much and I was chilled all night, wven in the down bag with the liner. Another negative for hammock camping, I've discovered. Started hiking at 7:30 and made good time to the James River. Another mild, beautiful morning, great for hiking. Stopped at the river to wash sox & shirt to get salt/sweat out. Saw Bubble Toes at parking lot (met earlier on hike, near Mt. Rogers), who was doing "trail magic". She gave me a ride to local market to resupply for next two days, a BIG help. I went to Big Island (east), but should have gone west to Glasgow, which I later found had better selection. Slim pickins' at this store, but had a Steak & Cheese hoagie at the little sandwich bar, which later caused me some considerable upset. Maybe grease, or maybe onions/psppers, but it didn't agree. Not as severe as the earlier gastric episode at Albert Mtn, but not pretty or fun. Anyway, I lost the oomph to hike for the afternoon (maybe lack of sleep, too), and couldn't cover the miles I hoped for, so I had to stop short at Punchbowl. The water supply is sketchy, but I managed. Michigan was there (finally caught up with him from Damascus) and River Otter and Wild Turket came in later. Will push for more miles tomorrow, but probably will be Friday for Waynesboro.
Date: 2005-05-11
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Seeley Woodworth Shelter, VA
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Michigan and I were up and out by 7:30, with the others sleeping in. Got a good nights sleep and felt more rested, with gastric issues seemingly resolved (thanks to Pepto-Bismal). The downhills early in the day got me off to a nice start, but by late morning I had three big uphills to tackle. My legs felt good and I was able to maintain a pretty strong pace up the hills, although the sun/heat made it even more difficult. I had considered pushing thirty miles or more to the Priest Shelter (or the Dutch Haus B&B), but I rested a number of times along the hills (don't watn to overdo it, remember?..) and ran out of time. Greenhorn was in the shelter breaking wood for a fire. He's a Mainer heading south to look for a new life-I wish him well. I had boped to be able to talk to Patty today, but no reception or phone opportunity. Feet continue to feel OK, but minor pains/numbness here and there. Hope nothing develops into more serious problems. Can use a zero day soon, like in Waynesboro? I misjudged my resupply in Big Island the other day, so I'm a little light in food, but rather than waste another off-trail run, I think I'll stretch the energy bars to fill in and make it work. If I can put in another 20+ day tomorrow, I can make mid-day Friday in Waynesboro...
Date: 2005-05-12
From: Seeley Woodworth Shelter, VA

To: Three Ridges Overlook-Blue Ridge Pkwy, VA
Miles today: 22.8

Two young guys came in late as I was getting to sleep and engaged Greenhorn in a loud conversation. I was annoyed, but waited until morning to say hello and aske them to be more considerate in the future. You need your sleep after a long day hiking, and they had just done a few miles. Was hiking by 7:30, with another seemingly perfect weather day for hiking. I had two early climbs that went well, followed by a long downhill (which usually means a long uphill following..funny how that works with mountains). Had lunch by the Tye River, then began a series of three BIG bumps up that REALLY wrung the sweat out of me. Maybe it was the humidity, maybe my conditioning, maybe my age, but it WIPED ME OUT! I went through about twop liters of water on the climb, then rested at a shelter, where I met Flu Bug, a young girl, who had the same experience. SO maybe it wasn't just me. Maybe it was a TOUGH climb. It was still early in the day, so I decided to go a little further and chance that the weather would hold. We had a brief sprinkle while I was in the shelter, but the same had happened yesterday and there was no further activity. I wanted to shorten the day Friday, so I pushed on to the BRP crossing, was able to call Patty and discuss some of our arrangements for her visit, then cooke dinner in a picnic area. My mistake for not setting up camp first, as it began to rain hard as I finished dessert (a small package of Chips Ahoy cookies I'd been saving..). I had to scurry for the woods, and set up my hammock in the rain (shades of Gooch Gap, my disasterous first-night experience). I managed, but am pretty damp. Hope it dries out in the AM. Either way, it's a hotel for me tomorrow night to rest and dry out.
Date: 2005-05-13
From: Three Ridges Overlook-Blue Ridge Pkwy, VA

To: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained on-and-off thru the night, but at least it was dry when I got up. Packed up all my wet things and headed for town. Got an early start, with a couple of light climbs right away. I think they are easier if you're still half-asleep in the morning, rather than the hot afternoon. There was a fair amount of moderate terrain for the rest of the day, and I made it into Rockfish Gap early afternoon. Hitched to the outfitters to get a couple of things, then to the hotel. Spread everything out to dry, got a late-afternoon Chinese AYCE (that's All-You-Can-Eat PIGOUT, to non-hikers) buffet lunch and am doing a few errands in town. Was pleased to hear from Popeye, who came off the trail until after his daughter's graduation 5/22. I'll miss seeing him, but am sure he'll make it through. Patty may not be able to come until Sunday, as her Saturday UUFH Services Auction hike is in danger of postponement until Sunday, so I'll have to wait and see. I'm anxious to see her and would like to spend a day hiking with her, in addition to relaxing together and catching up, but she has to be back in NY for Wednesday. So, we'll see how it all comes together. I'm hoping for sun in NY tomorrow...and would hike in the rain myself to get it for her. I think I'll start into the Shenandoahs tomorrow regardless, and then have her meet me if she comes in tomorrow, or keep going until she does. Can't wait to see her... loneliness on the trail is one of the major stresses of a thruhike.
Date: 2005-05-14
From: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro, VA

To: Blackrock Gap, Skyline Drive, VA
Miles today: 19.5

Got a pretty early start for a town day, beginning with cheesy motel AYCE breakfast, packing up and hitching back to the trail. Saw Flu Bug coming in as I was going out. She's ending her section-hike here, as her parents are picking her up. Had a few last-minute gastric issues (attributable to the chinese AYCE buffet yesterday, I think...), but a couple of Pepto-Bismal tablets calmed things down pretty quickly, fortunately. Got on trail by 9:30 (beautiful, sunny day), hoping to put at least 20 miles in today. The Weather Channel made it sound promising for Patty's UUFH hike in NY today, meaning she may be able to come down to rendezvous with me tonight, not tomorrow. The terrain in Shenandoah National Park (SNP) was very much like the Blue Ridge Parkway, rocky and inconsistent. But after a few miles it smoothed out and became very pleasant to hike. Gentle ups & downs, wide trails, nice scenery. Saw a couple of deer close-up and they hardly notice me or seemed to care. Made good time and got a message on cell late afternoon from Patty she was on the way. I heard thunder claps in the distance around 5:00, so I decided not to press my luck and got onto the road at a crossing to hitch north to Big Meadows Resort (in the SNP), where Patty made reservations for us. A delightful couple, Dan and Valerie (I think?) picked me up and took me there on their way north. We had a great visit and Dan might even join me on Katahdin, as he is originally from ME. The skies opened up and it poured shortly after they picked me up, so I was relieved to miss the rain. I checked in to the resort, which is absolutely charming and very tasteful/rustic/original looking from the 30's, had dinner and waited for Patty to arrive. She pulled in at exactly midnight and we were both complete again. Taking a zero day tomorrow, as it's supposed to rain anyway.
Date: 2005-05-15
From: Blackrock Gap, Skyline Drive, VA

To: Big Meadows Resort, SNP, VA
Miles today: 0.0

BIG ZERO DAY! First one since Patty's last visit three weeks ago, and was I ready for it. The body needs time to recover, and I haven't been getting it for a while. We had our traditional coffee-in-bed Breakfast Meeting to start the day, then on to the dining room after we had solved all the problems in the world (our world, that is...). We had a leisurely morning at the resort (it was sprinkling outside, so I didn't feel any anxiety about not hiking),then drove to Front Royal, about 90 minutes away and the nearest major trail town. Had a lousy lunch there, did laundry, got groceries, transferred the pictures from my camera to CD (coming soon to the website) and went to the outfitter there. We bought hiking shoes for Patty (so she can join me tomorrow for a day hike), a summer-weight sleeping bag for me (so I can send the too-warm down bag home with her) and a water filter (I've been chancing it with unfiltered water so far, but don't want to risk it anymore as it gets drier further north and good sources become harder to find). The outfitter was a bit disorganized and the place was a mess, so it didn't inspire confidence, but luckily I knew what I wanted, pretty much. Didn't get back from errands until 7:30 PM, then had a quick bottle of wine and late dinner before turning in. It was so nice spending the day with Patty and catching up on our lives. It's lonely on the trail and I miss the intimacy of having by best friend and soulmate there with me, so it was wonderful to be together again today.
Date: 2005-05-16
From: Blackrock Gap, Skyline Drive, VA

To: Ivy Creek Overlook, SNP, VA
Miles today: 12.1

Awake at 7:00, had our brief coffee breakfast meeting as usual, then on to the dining room. Ordered a box lunch for hiking then left around 9:30 to park the car at our target destination. We hitched a ride from a nice Iowa couple back to where I had left the trail Saturday, and started our first hike on the trail together (since the fateful first day at Springer Mtn in GA). Launched right into an uphill climb, which Patty handled easily, then took a blue-blaze (side) trail to a shelter (called a hut in SNP) so Patty could see one up close. The terrain continued to be easy and we made good time (avg. over 3 mph), having lunch at about the halfway point of the day at about 1:00. We cruised into the overlook where we had parked in the morning by 4:00 and were back to Big Meadows by 5:00, giving us plenty of time to finish our chores, have cocktails and dinner. Patty did a great job of hiking with me today (and in NEW boots...), even though she tired a little at the end. But after 12 miles, with little training. I think she'll be ready for Katahdin in July! Patty trimmed my hair a little when we got back, did some sewing for me and we went through paperwork and supplies to get ready for parting company tomorrow. I don't think it will be any easier to say goodbye in the morning than any of the other times, especially since we had such fun together. The resort was a delighful place to stay and it was like many of our fairytale escapes in the past. I even forgot I was hiking at times. We're planning to get together in two weeks though, in Doncannon, PA, which is PAST the halfway point. I'm hoping to be out of the Shenandoah's by this Thursday, then Harper's Ferry by this Saturday (the spiritual halfway point) and then the ACTUAL halfway point by next Tuesday 5/24, less than two months from the start.
Date: 2005-05-17
From: Ivy Creek Overlook, SNP, VA

To: Bearfence Mtn. Hut, VA
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The dreaded end to Patty's visit came today.... I guess it went as well as could be expected, but it still gets no easier saying goodbye each time. We'll rendezvous in about ten days this time, not so long a wait as the previous ones. Patty dropped me at the trailhead at about 11:15, and I started hiking at a very fast pace, having had two restful days and LOTS of good town food to give me strength. According to the map, I covered 8 miles in under two hours, almost impossible to belive. But I was moving pretty good. It was a perfect hiking day, sunny and cool. I had lunch on a stone wall alongside Skylne Drive, and kept up a pretty good pace for most of the afternoon. So, despite getting a late start, I was able to get in 22 miles today. Tomorrow I'm shooting for even more, so I can get in to Harper's Ferry on Saturday. I want to get to the actual halfway mark by middle of next week, so I have to stay focused and keep pressing. So far, so good...
Date: 2005-05-18
From: Bearfence Mtn. Hut, VA

To: Pass Mtn. Hut, VA
Miles today: 26.8

Got a good nights sleep and was on trail by 7:00, right be hind Ninja & Stealth. Was able to get Patty on the cell phone, which was a nice way to start the day, hearng her voice. Another nice hiking day, cool and sunny. I was warm in my new summer-weight bag, although I slept with clothes on, just in case. I REALLY spoiled myself today...had a second breakfast at Big Meadows at 10:00, on my way by on the trail. Then, I happened by Skyland (not as charming...) at about 1:00, and of course had to personally check out their lunch menu. I missed completing the Hat Trick however, as Panorama was still closed for the season when I got there at dinner time. Oh well, noodles again. The terrain was pretty easy most of the day, a few ups, a few downs, but none too difficult. If ther rest of the trail were like this, it would be a breeze to get to Maine. I stopped a couple of times to rest and luxuriate in the sun, something I don't generally do too much of. Usually I'm just cranking out the miles. I had plenty of time to get in to the shelter, but I guess I could have gone farther and camped out beyond. Rain was possible in the forecast, so I didn't want to take the chance of being outside and getting wet. I met Handlebar, a nice young guy, who is pushing to finish around the same time as I am, so we may see more of each other in the coming weeks. I also met a nice young couple who had experienced a bear encounter at Bearfence Mtn. Hut two nights ago, just before I was there. The bear apparently chewed on her pole and pack, and clawed a gash into their tent in his exuberance to find food. Glad it wasn't me, although it makes a great story to tell. Ninja & Stealth came in late and had dinner while I was writing my journal. We all may get up early and see how far we can get tomorrow.
Date: 2005-05-19
From: Pass Mtn. Hut, VA

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter, VA
Miles today: 31.7
Weather: overcast clouds

 Got a nice early start and was on trail by 6:00. ANother nice day. I pushed to get to Elkwallow Gap for breakfast at the snack bar there. It wasn't open when I arrived, but Handlebar and Geri were there waitng and seemed hopeful that they would open shortly. The employees were late getting there, but just when we were about to leave, they arrived. Had a couple of egg muffins, juice, milk, pastry, whatever seemed good at the moment. Also got one more dinner item, in case I needed it on the way to Harpers Ferry. I hiked with Handlebar most of the day, as he was thinking of staying at the same shelter I was. The last couple of hills were a little tough, but we made it in about 6:30 to find Steve & Derek (section hikers) there. We had a quick dinner, then all walked into Linden (about 25 mins) to a variety store for snacks and some beer. We hitched a ride back to the trailhead from a local, and had our beer as the sun went down and the rain started. It was a nice end to the day being safe in the shelter, with the rain coming down and sippin' on a cold one. Tomorrow I'm hoping to get in about 26, but am apprehensive about the "Roller Coaster", a section of about 12 steep but short ups/downs. Handlebar and I are on the same page, so we may hike together again.