morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-29
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning started out quit wet from the big rain yesterday. Close bushes kept me rather wet for about 4 miles. I passed up a big hiker feed at "The Captain's", due to my early start [6:50 am]. It's a traditional "feed" two weeks after Damascus Trail Days. From what I have been told since, it was a great event. Several who attended stayed all day! Got to Bailey Gap Shelter[took a picture that I hope it turns out [for my grandson Bailey who lives in Alabama]at 9:50 am. The area that followed was a relatively flat area but full of difficult rocks and thick firns. Very tough and slow going. Saw my first orange salamander [endangered species].It's an interesting creature... bright oraange and about 3 inches long. Finally arrived at the Mountain Lake Wilderness area and had a great view at Wind Rock. Took a picture. [I hope my pictures will turn out OK... I have a very unsteady hand as many of you know.] Had lunch at War Spur Shelter. Resupplied with water. Saw my first deer about an hour later. It was quite large. The next section in Johns Creek Valley included a short but very challenging climb. I met Boomer [57. from Australia]. I have met several non-US citizens hiking the trail. They all have added to the people experince aspect of the trail. Got to Laurel creek Shelter about 4:15 pm. Boomer arrived a little later. Met Robin, from Kenttucky and two week-end hikers from Blacksburg, VA... Jim and Eric. Shelter was a nice one. Everyone else camped in their tents, so I had the shelter all to myself... kind of "spooky". Weather was warm, but dry! Slept in my sleeping bag liner only... on top of my sleeping bag and pad. Later...
Date: 2010-05-30
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a relatively short day [time and mileage]. I am planning a "marathon day" for tomorrow, so I wanted to rest some before that. Had some tough climbs today. Saw the second oldesst Oak Tree on the At after a stroll through meadows and pastures. Very pretty area. The Oak was impressive, BUT not as big as either the Treaty Oak in jacksonville, FL or the one in my running-bud's front yard [Rob Mason] in Lakeland. The shorter growing season in VA must explain that. The VA oak is estimated to be 300+ years old. The ridgeline in the arear after the oak was long, hot and tough. Walked on solid rock for quite a way. Felt like a mountain goat with the 20' angle or so of the rocks. Met Blue Sky again there. First met her at Woodshole Hostel. Also met a section-hiker from PA [Sprawl]. The views were stunning and he took a few pics for me. He's a good example of the friendly nature of most hikers I have met. People make the trail! After a very tough, long downhill, I arrived at the shelter. Boomer appeared shortly thereafter. He decided to stay there as well, even though it was only 2:45 pm. Met another weekend hiker [again from Blacksburg] and two thru-hikers...Adam and Elinore, from PA and Colorado respectively. Nice couple.
Date: 2010-05-31
From: Niday Shelter

To: Johns Spring Shelter
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: broken clouds

Left Laurel Creek Shelter at 6:50 am and planned on a long day... my longest mileage day on the AT to date. The first climb was quite difficult [1500+ feet in about 3.5 miles]. Missed trail magic [again] at the Audie Murphy Monument on the AT. It happened on Sunday, Oh well... I'll experience magic again at some poit... when you least expect it... or it would not be "magic". Did get ginger ale from a litre bottle in a cold stream at the road crossing at VA 620. Very helpful and refreshing! Ate lunch and resupplied water at Pickle Branch Shelter. The next AT area gave me a real unsettling experience... Dragon's Tooth. Believe me, it's not for the faint of heart. The climb up was long and tough, but it was the climb down [Northbound] that was the real challenge. Picture shear, rock cliffs, sometimes with little more than the width of your shoe soul to walk on... with a 36 lb pack on your back... fatigued from the tough climb before it... that's just what it was. Forty-to sixty foot drops on each switchback section. Oh... did I mention the thunder and lightning... just to add abit of treachery. Had it rained... I would have stayed or gone back. Wet rocks on Dragon's Tooth would be insane! The climb down was the first time I was actually afraid. One wrong move, and it would NOT have been pretty! But... I survived [even got some water from a day hiker on her way up... trail angels appear just when you need them. After the descent, it did rain... very hard... very hard... I was drenched. When I got to VA 624, I road walked .3 and then .1 on VA 311 to a grocery store. Bought two hot dogs, two Dr. Peppers [my drink of choice when i can get it] and then sat outside, drying out. Squeezed a "gallon" of water from my socks and boots and sat for about an hour. Sun came out and I decided to trek on. Refresshed and hydrated again, I strolled through meadows and pastures [22 head of cattle were with me]. After that, the climb was a short butt-kicker, but I made it to Johns Creek Shelter around 7:30 pm. Adam and Elinore arrived, joining me, Rendezvous and an artist [who has participarted in Mayfaire in Lakeland before [again, a small world], Seoul Patch and one other thru-hiker. Did not cook, due to my layover at the store. I finshed my longest day on the AT... 24.5 miles. Went to bed!
Date: 2010-06-01
From: Johns Spring Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

Did not see Boomer at the shelter last night. Another hiker told ne he decided to go into town via VA 311, about 1 mile befor Johns Creek Shelter. Perhaps I'll seee him again. He's an interesting guy and a good hiker. Left the shelter at 7:30 am. What a great morning it was... McAfee Knob says it all! God's handiwork doesn't come any better when talking about this planet earth! The view was the best I've seen yet on the AT and there have been many great ones. You may find this hard to believe [I am not a verry emotional person] but I actually started to cry [with joy, awe, and wonder] in this beautiful place. The valley between the ridge lines of mountains sakes sits way for miles. An unbelievably beautiful sight! How anyone could observe this [and other aspects of the AT] and think it all happened by chance out of nothingness is NOT in touch with reality. God's design abounds! The more I experience our natural earth, the more convinced I am of intelligent design, by a loving creator. This...we... did not happed to be... by random chance! I stayed on McAfee Knob for 30 minutes and called my wife, Don Woods [a friend and fellow past co-worker who also finds the AT to be worthy of study, and tried to reach several others by phone, without success. Something this great has to be shared. I took several pics and reluctantly hiked on.Later I saw another snake [green/yellow about 4' long]. Flicked him out of my way with my hiking pole... handy, multi-purpose tools they are. Hiked to Tinkers cliffs. Another area of great views, looking back all the way to McAffee Knob. Took more pics. Ate lunch at Lamberts Meadow Shelter and resupplied with water. Next section include several parts of "newly created" trail. The related AT club should be proud of its work. The final ridgeline went on forever. Under a threat of heavy rain, I sped along like a madman. It's not good to be on a ridgeline in a thunderstorm. Got wet...but not electrified. The downhill to Daleville was slick, rocky and steep. I was relly getting tired... and on a relatively flat slippery part of the trail, I went down... very hard... hopefully nothing but my pride was hurt. I'll know more when I wake up in the morning. I plan to take a "0" day in Daleville tomorrow. Got to the Howard Johson's Expresss Moteel [50 yards from the AT on US 220] around 4:30 pm. Showered, ate, and ate, and ate [my appetitie is very strong now... good thing after likely losing 25 lbs to date since April 30. [I'm starting to look like Ghandi!] Got to do better! Looking forward to tomorrow's day off relative rest. Will try to update my journal, first chance since Pearisburg. Met Klarity, Adam, Elinore and Blue Sky again, also staying at the HJ. Good to see "new friends" again. Later...
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Daleville, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a great night's rest. Updated my journal. Got my UPS package that Kristi [my wife] sent me. Opened it and had some really great drawings and notes from one of my grandsons, Adam Johnson. He's only 5.5 but is very creative and quite verbal. Thank you Adam! I loved the "scratching stick" that was in the box too! I am so blessed with six fantastic grandchildren. Krista & Kayla [soon to be 16 year-old twins], Daphne, AL... Bailey and Riley [8 and 6 respectively]Hampton Cove, AL... and Adam [5.5] and Troy [almost 1], Lakeland, FL. I love them all and of course their parents [ my children... Tracy, Jeff/Jennifer, Heather/Eric, and Stephen/Leah. My AT experiencee has helped me to appreciate family [and friends- Scott Lake Baptist Church, PD staff & others-Polk County School Board, and LRC running colleagues]] more than ever before. You have a lot of time to think and reflect on what is valuable to you when you hike for 10 hours a day! Got my beard trimmed today... need to be stylin' even on the AT. Plan to eat a Wendy's Baconator [and who knows what else] for lunch. Then I'll do some food shopping to plan well for the next 7 days. It will be that long until I can re-supply with food, so my pack will be a little heavier when I trek North tomorrow. If I can, I'll update this later today. The HJ staff has been very accomodating to me for my computer needs. Later... It's 4:30 pm... Had my Baconator and a Frosty; shopped for food supplies at the Kroghers... nice store but not as good as Publix! Boomer, Rendezvous, Seoul Patch and a few others arrived about Noon today at the HJ. Planning on eating dinner with them & other hikers tonight. The commraderie [sp???] is great! It will be my last really good meal for about 7 days. My sister Jane called me today. [Winter Haven, FL] Surprised her with my location. I also called Ken & Ruth Kimball [SLBC friends}. ken is very interested in my trek. Told him that if he had trouble sleeping, he could read my journal and that would ensure he would get some good sleep. Will try to call some other friends later this evening to share my status and story. By the way Verizon is a great cell phone service provider. It surely beats AT&T according to the other hikers that have it. Glad Alltel was bought out. It was good. Verizon is really good. Well... closing for now. Later...
Date: 2010-06-03
From: Daleville, VA

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: broken clouds

Left Daleville @ 7:40 am. Great weather. Met Walt from Lakeland, FL [small world] at a stream crossing to get water. Lives in Stoney Point, about 3/4 mile from Kristi and me. Never know who you're going to meet on the AT!!!. Spent much time thinking today as I walked. Trail journals tend to highlight the events and people one meets on the trail. But I'd like to take a moment to comment on how important the people back home are to making the AT journey possible. I could not do this without the complete and loving support of my wife Kristi. She has been my emotional, spritual and home-front keeper with each step I have taken. I know the added responsibilies during my absence are a bit of a burden on her and I appreciate her willngness to give me total support for my crazy hiking plan. I am sure each person I have met has someone like her, providing suppport and keeping things together at home. None of us could do this endeavor without that. So... Kristi, THANK-YOU! I appreciate you more than I can express. I did not originally plan to ddo 25 mile today, but the weather was a hiker's dream, so I prressed on. Got to Cove Mountain Shelter @ 7:30 pm, tired, but without water [shelter has no source]. I ate cold food and went to bed. I was the only person at an empty shelter. L
Date: 2010-06-04
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

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

Left Cove Mountain Shelter @ 6:40 am and hike to Jennings Creek where I re-supplied water. It was a tough clim out of Jennings Creek. Saw a box turtle aand 3 deer this morning. At a snack at Bryant Ridge Shelter from 9:50 am - 10:30 am. It's a great shelter... sleeps 20, with a porch!. This morning continued to be tough. Uphill, uphill, uphill! Got to Cornelius Creek Shelter and planned to eat lunch there... the the truly unexpected happened. It was about 2:00 pm and there was a hiker in the shelter in his sleeping bag, with food bag and pack still hanging there. I won't give you all the details, but the hiker was dead! Unbelievable! Very unsetttling! Another hiker [ Mrs. Joy] and I spoke with two day-hikers headed back to their car and they called 911 and ranger station to report it. She and I could not get cell service at the shelter. I hiked on and all I could think about was the hiker who had passed away and still lay in the shelter. Very unsettling and emotionally draining experience. That could have bbeen anybody, even me. it appears that he died of some natural physical issue. I hope to contact the Ranger who interviewed me as a witness sometimee later to see wwhat information he might have about the person Don't know if I may have met him earlier or not. Time will tell. Spent the night at Thunder Hill Shelter... very warm and long night. Later...
Date: 2010-06-05
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: broken clouds

Left Thunder Hill @ 7:25 am. Saw another box turtle and two more deer. took a break at the Marble Spring area. Very nice. I have seen no other hikers thus far today. Where are they? I know of 10-12 about 1 day behind me. The others must be ahead. Seems strange not to see any day-hikers either... It can get a bit lonely out here sometimes. I am thankful that my wife, Kristi, is willing to talk by cell phone, whenever I have service. That is especially helpful today. She is serving as my "emotional rock" as I am still quite unsettled about the deceased hiker. She has "been there" for me today. Very important to me. I finally did meet another NOBO, Paintbrush, from the state of Waashington and a local day-hiker, an MD from the nearest town. Good to see sme people. Ate lunch at Matts Creek Shelter. This area is quite beautiful. The hike along the James River was fantastic as well. Got a Coke after crossing the James River Footbridge from a local resident, Laser Legs. He's very familiar with thie upcoming section and gave me some great advice. Got to Johns Hollow about 4:00 pm. Talked more with Laser Legs and Paintbrush. Ate and went to bed. Overall it was a good day. Great scenery and supportive conversation with Kristi. Later...
Date: 2010-06-06
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Johns Hollow early... 6:10 am. It's often helpful to leave early in the AM to get to the next shelter before the PM thunderstorms. Today is brutaally hot and humid.It was a very long and tough climb this morning. Saw more deer. They seem to be everywhere! Passed Paintbrush early on. Sh had left before me. Again... no hikers encountered! The stroll through Saddle Gap Ridge was a great "walk in the woods". Virginia provides alot of that. The afternoon was a bit cooler and cloudy. Nice relief from the heat... though short-lived. After Punchbowl Shelter, it turned sunny and warmer. Saw another snake. I'm getting really good at "flipping" then with my hiking poles! Hiked along a beautiful mountain lake in the Pedlar River Bridge area. Met 3 SOBO hikers at the bridge. Again... good to see some other human beings on the trail. at the road crossing before the shelter, I met two locals, Ruthie and Hal. Drank some of Ruthie's sweet tea [trail magic is great]. Then I headed to the shelter. Rain was on the way. Got to the shelter just in time! Great shelter, located next to aa really pretty stream. Met Raven, Single Malt and Ted-E-Bear, 3 section hikers from Maryland. Nice people. Painttbrush arrived, drenched. Had good company at the shelter tonight, even though Raven decided to hike to the next road and go home. He was missing his family and not enjoying the AT at this time. I understand how that can happen. I am glad I will see Kristi in about two weeks in Harpers Ferry, hopefully on my 66th birthday. That will be a great way to finsih this year's section... Hot Springs, NC to Harpers Ferry, WV... about 800 miles! not bad for an old guy! Rain stopped and we had a nice cool [but damp] evening. Slept well. Tomorrow's target id the Dutch Haus B&B... with bed, showeer & good food. Can't wait! Later...
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Dutch Haus B&B - Montebello, VA
Miles today: 19.3

Good Morning! It's great to be alive and on the AT! Brown Mountain creek Shelter was a great shelter. Had good company last night in the form of two section hikers from Maryland - Ted-E-Bear and Single Malt... and Paintbrush. Good conversation and commentary. Left the shelter @ 6:50 am aand heeaded to Montebello, VA. Hope to stay at the Dutch Haus B&B. It has a great reputation among the hiking community. The morning climbs were long and tough, but the views from Cold Mountain balds were spectacular. I skipped Cow Camp Shelter [.6 of a mile off the AT] The Cold Mtn. balds rivaled that of Max Patch! After that, the walk became a beautiful "walk in the woods" with easy rolls and beautiful meadows and woodlands. Virginia is a beautiful state! Got water from a spring and stream durring the day and ate lunch at SaltLog Gap. Skipped Seeley-Woodworth Shelter also in my haste to get to the Dutch Haus. I arrived a the Dutch Haus at about 3:45 pm after a 19.3 mile day... bringing my total for 5 days to 96+ miles. Checked in, showered, ate an unbelievable dinner, conversed with other hikers... Klarity [good to see her again] and Hoofit [now from Flagler Beach, FL, but originally from Wales]. Settled into a nice bed for sleep. Decided to take a zero day here tomorrow as well. It's so relaxing; hosts are great; food is magnificant! Later...
Date: 2010-06-09
From: Dutch Haus B&B - Montebello, VA

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello again. Updated [6/21/10] I left the Dutch Haus at aboutb 7:30am wthe Paintbrush, Ted-e-Bear and Single Malt... Hiked up the 1.1 mile hill back to the AT and headed North. Last time I saw Paintbrush. The day's hike went well but finished with very tough downhill [that "works" on one's knees, quads and ankles] and steep uphill to the shelter. The "hiker's drought" ended today big time! There were at least 20 hikers at the shelter [Tater Chip, Ted-e-Bear, Single Malt, Serenitina, Stck Walker, Med Man, Paul Bunyon, City Squirrel, Seoul Patch,Papa Smurf, other distance hikers, and a youth counselor group being trained to lead youth groups this summer.] Great to have people back WITH ME on the trail. One issue today... my boots finall "died". Had to duct tape them together. Hopefully they will make it to Waynesboro. They have a good outfitter store there. Later... God bless you [and us] all.
Date: 2010-06-10
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Harpers Creek shelter at 6:30 am. I'm hiking now with Tater Chip. He's seems to be a good hiking partner, even though our backgrounds are quite different. Med Man is trailing us as well. He's a local pharmacist section hiking to Waynesboro. The day started with a long steep climb, followed by a relatively easy downhill [if there is any such thing aseasy on the AT]. Ate a snack and got water at Maupin Fielkd shelter @ 9:20 am. I was blessed with trail magic from two section hikers driving back to Florida... Cherries, honeybun, gatorade. It often seems that trail magic appears just when you need ot most! The afternoon was filled with a hellacious rocky climb and downhill. I could also tell I was in "bear country" from the amount and size of the bear scatt on the trail. Tater Chip even had a "confrontation" with a 450 lb female bear arround Humpback Rocks. The bear would not move off the trail to let Tater Chip go by. He yelled, blew his whistle... even threw two fiercrackers at the bear [ they fizzled without going off... just his luck]. The big mama fuinally did amble off but the sat and watched Tater Chip go by... stepping quickly. I'm sure Tater Chip will tell his bear story as he hikes north with pride... he successfully "grinned down" a bear! Spent the night at a great shelter with Tater Chip, Med Man, Serenetina, Paul Bunyon, City Squirrel, Slow Train and Grey Wolf. First use of bear pole to hang food I've seen on the AT... necessary and nice to have. All in all it was atough, but really good day. Later...
Date: 2010-06-11
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was short and very "sweet"! Hike in to the visitor's center that serves Waynesboro, VA... with Tater Chip and Med Man. We arrived at 9:00 am. Med Man was the greatest... he had his truck parked at the visitor's center and took Tater Chip and me into town. We ate breakfast at a great little mom-and-pop resturant [Weezies Kitchen]. He the took us to register at the Quality Inn. He the took us to the outfitter. I needed new boots [yes they survived until Waynesboro... with much duct tap] and Tater Chip needed some resupply items as well. Med Man was indeed a "trail angel" himself. We thanked him and he headed home! Tater Chip and I rested, ate lunch at a local sandwich shop and rested some more before dinner. Dinner was the best Chinese I have ever eaten... Ming's Chinese Buffet. If you are ever in Waynesboro, VA, DO NOT miss the chance to eat there! Plentiful, superbly prepared, exceptional, service... all for $12.00... every menu item imaginible!. We left stuffed and happy! I got a hair cut an beard trim earlier today, so I do not look as shaggy as before... a good thing. I also did laundry today... have sweet smelling clothes again. I even got to see three hikers who I really like and who I had not seen for sever days... Stucco, Zan and Neutron [Brian]. I had first met them way back in Erwin, TN at Uncle Johnny's Hostel and had camped with them on several nights at shelters. It was like old home week! Had a great time in Waynesboro. Looking forward to heading back out tomorrow. God is pouring out his blessings on me daily. I am very thankful!
Date: 2010-06-12
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: few clouds

Tater Chip and I had another great breakfast and caught a ride from Waynesboro back to Rockfish Gat and the AT fro a local volunteer shulter service. Waynesboro is a very hiker-friendly town! We entered Shenandoah National Park [SNP] at 11:00 am and headed North. The first two miles into the Park were rocky and tough. Everyone we had spoken with told us we would love SNP. Obviously, the best is yet to come. We did get some "magic" in the form of bottled water, left by a local AT club volunteer at Beagle Gap. We arrived at Calf Mountain Shelter @ 2:00 pm and were joined by Serenatina, Stick Walker, his dog, Belle [friendly and very well-behaved] and a few other section hikers. It rained hard, but we stayed dry in the shelter. Cooked, ate and went to bed. Another great day on the AT!