morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Trent Store

To: Doc's Knob
Miles today: 16.1

I woke up at 6 A.M. and had to go to the bathroom. Can you imagine how hard it was to crawl out of a warm sleeping bag and climb down out of the loft? It was so cold and windy I came back to the loft and went back to sleep for another hour. We left the trail head and was walking in an inch of snow. Hiking today is L.K., Peter and me. The wind blew hard all day. As we were getting close to Wapiti Shelter we saw four deer running. They were the first this year. They seemed to be much smaller than Maine deer. After lunch we had a 1200 elevation climb. It was not that much fun. Shortly after leaving the summit I met a dad and daughter. He was finishing a south bound thru hike he started last year, but stopped because he was not enjoying the snow. We arrived here at 5. Not nearly the good time I made yesterday. All agreed that muscles were sore and a small day of hiking was needed. Tommorrow is Peter's last day of hiking with us. I will miss him because he already is a good friend.
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Doc's Knob

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

We got started at 7:15. I was going well when a pain in the muscle above the knee started bothering me. It started late yesterday and reoccured after 4 miles today. There was a long up after a power line to get us to the top of the ridge. There was some nice views on the way in but I was just wanting to get to the town and get off my legs. I decided to stay at the Holiday Motor Lodge so I could watch the NCAA Championship. When I called Mrs. Mailar she told me that Chief was suppose to be in town, but I don't know how to get a hold of him. I hope he can run me down before I leave on the 6th. I also heard Stumpknocker just missed me at Partnership Shelter. Stop just missing guys!!!!
Date: 2005-04-05
From: Pearisburg

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We are taking a zero day to get caught on town duties and rest . We will be at the Holiday Motor Lodge. Sassafrass headed to her sister's in D.C. I think she was afraid to wait to see L.K. because she might change her mind and she just didn't want to hike anymore. So all you good looking hikers that was trying to catch up to see her will miss out. She was cute and promised her undying love for a Dr. Pepper. I think it had to be in the woods when she needed it most. Too bad guys! We are going to miss you a lot. Hope to see you in the future.
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Pearisburg

To: Rice Field
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: few clouds

It is now L.K. and I hiking together. The fellowship is dissolving. We finally made it out of Pearisburg. It was not easy. We were just heading out when Peter got a phone call from Ann and Bob Fletcher inviting us to breakfast. How could any hiker refuse? Ann made enough for 10 hungry hikers. We tried to eat everything but failed. As we were getting ready to go the trailhead they invited us to stay another day. We had a lot of reasons for staying but only one to leave. They dropped us off at 12:15. Stuffed, hot, long climb, and heavy packs could be reasons for a long day but I think that the magnetic power of town was the most important thing. Being on top of the ridge just didn't seem as important. I am glad we are here and am sure we will do better tomorrow. The leg is doing better with 2 days rest and smaller miles.
Date: 2005-04-07
From: Rice Field

To: Pine Swamp Branch
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: light rain

I got up at seven to go to the bathroom but went back to sleep until 8. I got underway at 9 and hadn't gone 1/3 mile when deer took off in all directions. I counted five for sure, but think there was more. I couldn't quite get them in the camera. A little while later I saw a partridge. The 2nd in two days. It threatened to rain all day but it only rained enough to get damp. I put on my rain jacket but took it back off in 1/2 hour. There wasn't much climbing today but the terrain was rocky so it was hard to get a good pace going. My leg got a little sore on the long descent to the shelter. We gathered firewood because there is a fireplace in this shelter. This shelter and Trimpi are donated in the memory of Robert Trimpi, a young man killed in Vietnam.
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Pine Swamp Branch

To: War Spur
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: broken clouds

The day started out with a decision. 2 miles of PUDS and a tough stream crossing or an easy road walk. I am dumb enough to be walking to Maine with bus fare in my pocket but not that numb. God put two people in the right place and the right time for me today. The first was a fisherman who I had just talked to, who had driven by me and was coming back to his truck. He told me that I had just walked past the trail crossing. I walked back a hundred yards and found the trail. Everything was going well until I got to Bailey Gap Shelter. For the next two to three miles I was on a rock field. Slippery, moving, and tripping over rocks. I doubt if I was moving more than a mile an hour. I did see a partridge and heard two more. What they were doing in this area, I have no idea. I also saw a pileated woodpicker. I really enjoy seeing these anywhere. After crossing VA 613 I came to a field with Windy Rock on the left, but couldn't find the blazes for the trail. There was a good trail straight ahead so I tried that first. After walking 300 yds. without a blaze, I returned and tried up by Windy Rock. There I met Eric, my second Angel, who knew were the trail was. It turned to the right(without any sign or blazes) and went through a campsite. The rest of the way to the shelter was good walking and I made it by 4:00. L.K. just got here at 5:00. He ran into two guys who brought him on a 2 mile shortcut and gave him some beer. He is in heaven.
Date: 2005-04-09
From: War Spur

To: Laurel Creek
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: clear sky

What a difference a day makes. Today's hike was great. First L.K. was tired from yesterday and didn't want to do two large climbs today, so we took a short day (nero). At VA 601 Super dave, an exhiker, had left a cooler full of orange soda. Did that hit the spot! The second trail magic this year. The climb after that just flew by and soon I was on top of the ridge. The weather was beautiful.: cooland sunny with a light breeze. Because I was doing a short day, I was going to see some of the side views. I would have missed them all, but heard voices to my right. I backed tracked and found the trail to Kelly's Knob. i talked to a group of college kids that do several day hikes then an overnight along Tinker Cliffs. Also talked to a man and a woman at Kelly's Knob who took my picture for me. On the way down to the shelter, I ran into a hiker Steve, who was from Michigan visiting Virginia Poly Tech. He had a couple of free days so was out hiking. It was great getting here at 12:30 with a big break. I read in the last two registers that almost everybody is getting confused at Windy Rock and losing an hour or more to find the trail. How about a little more paint trail managers? A twenty mile a day hiker, Juicekey, joined us tonight.
Date: 2005-04-10
From: Laurel Creek

To: Niday
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

I found out this morning that L.K. had another motive for the short day yesterday. He thought that they guy that gave him the beer the other day might show up with some more. He didn't. I tried to beat the heat today and got started at 7:50. It was pretty Virginia farms the first three miles. I got to see the Keffer Oak. It is estimated to be 300 yrs. old and over 18 ft in circumference. Next I climbed over 1300 ft in elevation. Juicekey went by me almost to the top. He was doing another 20 mile day and just flew by me. The top of the ridge had some rocks that might have been fun if had not been so hot. It was almost baking on the rocks. After arriving at the shelter, I set up my sleeping area. While getting water I went down stream and took a spong bath and washed out my t-shirt. Both needed it a lot! The short day yesterday worked worked out great today also avoiding two big climbs and having to go to a shelter that was .3 miles of the trail down hill. A hiker E came in tonight. He already done a 50 miler and did 27 yesterday. Youth!!!
Date: 2005-04-11
From: Niday

To: Four Pine Hostel
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: few clouds

L.K. got a ride part way so was willing to do 15.9 so he could get some beer. This would make it possible for me to be in Glasgow on the 18th. The usual today drag myself up a ridge to go back down to climb another ridge. It has been hot so I have been drinking a liter and a half of water. It is 12 and I am sitting in the shade of a big rock on top of Mt. Cove. I just passed Hemlock Point and only saw pine. The flowers are starting to come out. I have seen violets, and maybe mountain laurel. I also saw mayflower, which my father would pick each spirng for my mother, because of the aroma. I have seen several others that I did not recognize. The trees are starting to leave out, which will produce more shade but less views. I also saw and got a picture of my first lizard (or lizard like) this year. I have about a mile to dragon's tooth where L.K. should be waiting. 7:30 P.M. I only had 6 miles to go at noontime. What a 6 miles it was! It went up then down then for a steeper up, and on and on. When I finally got to the top L.K. was waiting for me. We took pictures at the dragon's tooth and then started down. 2 1/2 miles and I was totally exhausted. That was the toughest 6 miles I have done and I have done Maine. Granted it wouldn't have been as bad if I hadn't already done 10 miles. When I got to the road I went to the store. I was so exhausted I got sick after trying to eat some ice cream. We got to the hostel and found it was closed. They took mercy on us and allowed us to stay anyways. I was so exhausted I don't know what I would have done.Thanks Joe and Mrs. Joe. I was only this tired once before on the trail and that was at Mahoosic Notch in Maine.
Date: 2005-04-12
From: Four Pine Hostel

To: Johns Spring
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

What a difference a day makes again! First the body has recovered from over tired. Second the trees leaves have come out. It was imazing to see the difference in one day. We walked to the store for breakfast, then back to the trail. It helped to have food in my stomach again. We decided to only go to Johns Spring Shelter today because of my reaction to the long day yesterday. We got to VA311 at 1P.M. and decide to stash our packs and go to Catawba General store for pizza. It took at least 1/2 hr. of hitching and hiking before we got a ride. It was worth it though. We spent the time out of the rain in a warm store for at least 2 hrs. The hitch back was worst and the owner finally gave us a ride. When we got here there wewre two girls, Earlybird and her friend Kathy, who were in for a break before moving on. They were fun to talk with. Also joining us was a Sobo Laslo. We have been swappingtrail info ahead of each of us. I saw more flowering plants today. I recognized May apple and I think a kind of vetch. The wild cherry is blossoming. I also think I found 2 Ramps. I was going to have them for supper but was to full. I also had a 15 oz. can of friut cocktail I bought at the store.We also went a short day in hopes that McAfee Knob would be clearer. We'll see tommorow.
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Johns Spring

To: Lamberts Meadow
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: light rain

When we woke up it was so foggy we waited until 9:30 to see if it would clear. No such luck! McAfee and Tinker Cliffs are not that great in dense fog. I wouldn't have missed them and I got pictures, but I wonder what they would have been like in the sun. I saw a group of 3 deer and another group of five just as I was coming to the shelter. I picked some wild onoin to go with the ramps and have it soaking with Ramen noodles. L.K. and I are ready for Daleville and some rest and food.
Date: 2005-04-14
From: Lamberts Meadow

To: Daleville
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

It was an early up even if we had planned an ealier one. We left at 7:15. They hike in was bumpy but food had us going at over 2 miles an hour. When we got here we went to the Three Little Pigs BBQ. While we were eating Kathy, no named Cheddar, showed up with her husband, Munster. We talked for a while and then they left. We had just got up to leave when in came Earlybird. We talked some more. Next we visited the outfitter store were I got a new pack cover and L.K. got a head lamp. We are staying at Comfort Inn. Showers and Laundry were next. I ate at the Country Cookin, an all you can eat bread, veggies, and dessert place. L.K. got word that he has been accepted at S.M.U. into law school. That a go !!!
Date: 2005-04-15
From: Daleville

To: Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

This is a zero day. we have most of our chores done with the exception of resupplying. We will head out tomorrow for 5 days to Glasgow. Just want to talk a little about gear. My ULA pack Has been great with no problems. I would not recommend it if you were carrying more than 30 lbs. I have worn a tip of my Leki poles that I will need to get fixed. They have saved me from falling many times a day and are a must for me. I would not hike without them. Last my NB running shoes are wearing out after 450 miles. they are tearing on the sides. I have a new pair coming to Waynesboro. The running shoes works for me better than boots. They are lighter both wet and dry and will dry much faster than boots. I couldn't keep my boots dry no matter what I treated them with. If you need any advice on my gear just sign my guest book. The stay at the Comfort Inn is fantastic deal. $38 for a double includes a breakfast. The cost normally on the door is $95.I cleaned the outside of my pack. I couldn't believe the mud!!!!
Date: 2005-04-16
From: Daleville

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

L.K. saved us a 2 mile walk walk to the trail my Yoki-ing a ride at a gas station. Today started with a three mile climb. It wasn't steep but climbing is climbing. After that we would drop down to a stream and climb the next ridge. We did this four times making it a long day. We met three section hikers and a trail maintainer all going south. We took off our shoes at our lunch break and soaked our feet in Wilson stream before climbing (yes climbing) .7 miles to the shelter. Early Bird left a note for us in the register and also said she had seen a morrel mushroom. I have been looking but none for me. Today I went over 1000 miles total on the AT. 80 more miles to the half way point for my hike. There were two locals, John and Mike, eating Baked potatoes and steak. (Not legal within smelling distance of a hiker) Also a thru hiker Big Daddy D and two section hikers Phil and Dave.
Date: 2005-04-17
From: Wilson Creek

To: Stealth Camping
Miles today: 16.8

We got a late start at 8:15. It was 2.4 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway, but I made it in one hour including stopping for water. When L.K. got there I had to make a decision. Did I want to walk where it was easy walking with great views (Blue Ridge Parkway) or poorer walking with few views (A.T.). I am not going to tell you the one I chose. It was a beautiful day for walking. Temperatures in the low seventies with a cool breeze. I saw a few wild strawberry flowers and mayflowers. At one of the road crossings Dave and Phil were waiting with 4 cold Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout. Great trail magic!! It is the best chocolate stout I have ever had. Thanks guys! More names to be added to the list of: Wait Till You Get to Maine. As we were settling in for the night at least one if not more owls started serenading us.
Date: 2005-04-18
From: Stealth Camping

To: Stealth Camping
Miles today: 16.7

From Jennings Creek to Apple Orchard Mt. there is over 3000 ft elevation climb. Have I mentioned that climbing is my least favorite hiking activity. Apple Orchard Mt. has a FAA radar dome on it and is the tallest Mtn. on the A.T. until you get to New England north and Mt. Rogers south. After you leave the top of the mountain you come to the guillotine, a rock lodged between two other rocks, which the trail goes under. We, of course, got pictures. I finely met Rufus and Daisey. They are from Washington and started a thru hike last year, but had to stop in Pearisburg when Rufus ruptured a disc. They are now slack packing because he no longer can carry a heavy pack.
Date: 2005-04-19
From: Stealth Camping

To: James River
Miles today: 12.0

The magnet of town made the miles fly. At Matts Creek shelter I met a man and woman from the area that helped me I.D. some of the flowers for me. I saw four different colored violets, red Pud, gay wings, columbine, and phylox. We crossed the longest footbridge today across the James River. It only took 10 min. to get a ride to town. Hopefully we will be as lucky tomorrow on our ride back to the trail. We have to climb back out of this river valley tomorrow. Have I mentioned my lack of desire to climb? We are planning 5 nights to Waynesboro so should be there in seven days from today, if anyone is looking for me.
Date: 2005-04-20
From: James River

To: punch bowl
Miles today: 10.5

I was up by six and on the road out of town by 6:30. I wanted to beat some of the heat. It was very hot in town yesterday. I finally got a ride from a man named Shannon after 30 min. Thanks Shannon! It would be so much harder without the thoughful help from people like you. It is now 9:20 and I am at the top of my first climb, Fuller Rocks (elevation 2470). I still have another 900 ft. of elevation left but I am taking my time so it isn't too bad. I have heard from hikers about the climb from the James River, so slow and easy is the pace for me. New flowers today are some red, white and pink flowers looking like bladderswort and a dwarf iris. There is a great view of the James River. The town magnet is not strong here. Maybe the 6 miles to town dulls it. Glasgow is a small town once you get there with everthing in walking distance. The motel is a bit run down for the price they charge. I stopped into Johns Hollow Shelter and saw I had missed Stumpknocker finishing his hike by one day!!! By 11:30 I have crossed over Big Rock Row. I decided to stop for lunch, where I met Rufus and Daisy going south. Daisy's voice is so similiar to our good friend Dorothy and Rufus is a retired teacher with the last name of Larsen. I told him out here that makes us related. Also met two section hikers going south. They have 300 miles to finish the A.T. Made it over the last climb, Bluff Mt. and to the shelter by 2:30. On top is a plaque to Ottie Powell, a 4 yr. old who got lost and walked 7 miles to this place where his body was found (1891). The day was a good for walking with clouds and a breeze.
Date: 2005-04-21
From: punch bowl

To: Brown Mt. Creek
Miles today: 9.1

Today seemed to go fine. The terrain was good nad I was walking well, but it still took a long time to get here. I guess I would rather enjoy the hike then set land speed records. There was a new bridge with a trail relocation that might have added some more distance. We walked along a lake that made me think of hiking in Maine. I met Rufus and Daisy again today. They are becoming old friends. The new flower for today is a pink buttercup. At the shelter there was what looked like a white swallowtail butterfly. It would not land long enough for a picture. I saw in the register that Stumpy gave soda and chips to Earlybird. I didn't stand a chance. The forecast is for afternoon showers and it is clouding in and starting to sprinkle. Nice being at the shelter. Decided not to go to Cow Camp Gap because it is .6 miles off the trail and there are some good climbs between here and there. Day Tripper and Boomerang came in about 6. Day Tripper goes to Colby College about 5 miles from my home.
Date: 2005-04-22
From: Brown Mt. Creek

To: Seely Woodworth
Miles today: 15.9

Today started off by spotting two large white trilliums. Ten, I saw my first orange salamander. I got to US60 just as Rufus and Daisy were dropping off a vehicle for a south slack pack. They had a Mountain Dew for me and left another with other drinks at their 2nd vehicle for when we came thru. Thanks guys. It was awesome! During the climb up Bold Knob I saw several large patches of pink trillium. On the top there were huge patches of Duthmen Britches. The top of Cold Mt. is a bald so I took my lunch break there. I still can't get use to fields on top of Mts. It had been foggy all day but cleared enough for moderate views. At US634 our sodas and gatorade were waiting. While we were taking a short break Rufus and Daisy showed up. Our short break ended lasting an hour. The last 5 1/2 miles were a lot better with rehydration and break. I saw a Jack in the Pulpit. I couldn't believe it at this elevation. Those in Maine are almost always lower along streams and rivers. I am celebrating tonight with a Mountain Dew. I just went over half way completed on the A.T.
Date: 2005-04-23
From: Seely Woodworth

To: Maupin Field
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: scattered clouds

The day started with two big ups. I had elevensy on the top of the 2nd one. On the way down I met a man from Scotland who is now living in the U.S. He was climbing Priest for the third time that day as conditioning for Mt. climbing in Peru. He said it was the toughest up he could find in the area. Next, I met a troop of Boy Scouts and leaders that were climbing for conditioning for Philmont. From Priest we drop 3000 ft, to the Tye River so I was eating a 2nd lunch when Boomerang and Day Tripper showed up. They had both received trail magic, but did they remember me? No way! I went by a beautiful waterfall with lots of trillium and voilets growing on the banks. It was almost worth the tough climb. I did see a deer and partridge today. The first in a while. Rumor has it it will get into the twenties tonight. Let's hope not!
Date: 2005-04-24
From: Maupin Field

To: Paul C. Wolfe
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I think my hopes failed. It was very hard to drag myself out of a warm sleeping bag at 6:30. L.K. looked at the temperature at 7, it was 31. He was going to wait until it warmed up, so I headed out at 7:30. It was over a mile before my hands warmed up enough so I didn't wish I had my gloves I had sent home. There was hoarfrost on the ground and icicles hanging from some of the rocks. I guess it did get into the twenties. O.K., I still was warm enough last night. I saw some new violets and false solomon seal. I also saw poison ivy for the first time today. It was warm enough for it to start leaving out. There were three guys section hiking here when I arrived. One was from Cape Elizabeth, Maine. They said they nearly froze to death last night. What a nice shelter! There is a second story and a picnic table on the front porch. There are many jack-in-the-pulpit around here. After Boomerang arrived it started snowing.
Date: 2005-04-25
From: Paul C. Wolfe

To: Rock Fish Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The town magnet was at full force this morning. Boomerang and Day Tripper, who likes to hug the bed, were up and out of the shelter by 6:30. We followed soon after and made the 5 miles in 1 hr. and 45 min. It took us 10 min. to catch a ride right to the Quality Inn, where we are staying for 2 days. L.K. headed out to an all you can eat (AYCE) breakfast and I went to the PO for my mail drop. Mrs. Mailar sent new shoes and a 3X5 silnylon for sitting on while on breaks to reduce the number of ticks I get on me. It is a great psychological lift to be heading north and east. Even though the rest of the trail needs to be walked, if you are going to get to the end, it is frustrating to be walking the wrong direction.
Date: 2005-04-26
From: Rock Fish Gap

To: Rock Fish gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

The usual zero miles stuff. For those of you that might be hiking there is a bus service called the 250 connector. You catch it in front of Krogers at 8:50, 9:50,... and it will take you to Kmart, Walmart, etc. which is a little too far to walk. It took me most of yesterday to figure how it worked. No one seem to know.