morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-12
From: Double Springs shelter

To: Damascus, Va
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We got an early start knowing we had a lot of miles to cover.We came to Low gap and walked into trail magic provided by hammer.He had homemade bean soup, crackers, carrots and dip, chips, and a garbage sack to deposit our trash! Thanks Hammer, it was wonderful.We hiked four more miles into the next trail magic at McQueens gap provided by former thru hikers. Amazing.... Blueberry pancakes, eggs, orange juice, and utterly scrumptious. At that rate, we were going to waddle into Damascus if we hadn't lost too much time to make the miles. Then they added another dimension of magic. They said you still have over 11 miles to go, and we will be going back to Damasvus when we finish here,"do you want us to take your packs in so you can slack"? OK... Of course. So we emptied the tent, sleeping bags, our clothes, food into a garbage bag and put in the back of their truck. We got their directions on retrieving the stuff and took off!At the state line marker we ran into Evergreen and Prometheus. We all got into Damascus and the Baptist church was feeding the hikers dinner.We didn't have a clue where we could find to stay because things are revving up for trail days with thousands of hikers, but we got a room for tonight by some luck, and hope to get s 21 mile slack pack in tomorrow. We have to log the miles because we are going to make another trip home to straighten out a problem with Jim's retirement and to see and love Parker. Like before, we don't know where we are getting a car, but sehow things work out.We loved reading our new messages, and thank you for sharing our journey with us.
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Damascus, Va

To: Beartree Gap
Miles today: 11.6

We ate breakfast then headed to the outfitters to retrieve our mail drop. UH-Oh, it wasn't there. This is the first time this has happened and was an eye opener. We went to the post office to see if they could help, but no luck. This was a box we had sent from Erwin because we had too much food at the time. The box also contained extra socks, Advil, etc. We will be careful from this time on not to ever send anything crucial...not to mention the wasted postal fees.We used the phone at the outfitters to arrange for a rental to get home this coming weekend. We cannot get any cell service here, and the Baptist church has been great by providing internet service to hikers. Jim has to get home to straighten out this pension issue, and it will be an opportunity to give Parker our love.We put on our hiking clothes and hit the trail out of Damascus as slack packers along with many other hikers having the same idea. We took water, rain coats, and snacks. We hiked to Beartree Gap that has a cut across giving access to Rte 58 where we hitched a ride back to Damascus. Even though slack packing, it seemed like a hard day. We have not taken a day off in the past 12 days knowing we needed to save our days for trips home. Our bodies are tired, but we were lucky to get another 12 miles done without the pack weight on our knees, and come back to dinner and a shower. Once again the Baptist church showers the hikers with love by providing a home-cooked meal that was amazing. We had roasted chicken, noodles, sweet potatoes,green beans, corn, bread, pork, salad, and an array of desserts.There was a play going on at the arena, but we went to rest. It is so great to be able to see so many hikers that we have met over the past several weeks. We ran into Kevin, who we met at the Blueberry patch way back in Hiawassee. He had a dog with him that he rescued from demise on the trail. He is a young man filled with kindness and spent his money to take this dog to the vet and provide for it. It made me feel so happy to know the goodwill that exists out here.
Date: 2010-05-14
From: Beartree Gap

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We are spending the day visiting with hiker friends and checking out the vendors giving away free samples, etc. It is nice to relax, eat, and not feel guilty to go hike.We get the car this evening and plan to head for Ohio tomorrow afternoon. We will come back probably next Wednesday and pick up where we ended hopefully not losing too much fitness in the few days.Gotta give the computer to another hiker so I'll say Good-bye for now.
Date: 2010-05-15
From: Damascus

To: short trip home
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday we got to see Ripple and Six toes again. They were both with family, and it was great to see them. We got to see so many hikers we have hiked with over the weeks and planned to stay in Damascus until the parade today. But we walked up to the Dairy bar for a milkshake and saw some hikers heading out. We said good-bye to One Life & Sugar Ray. We started thinking maybe the best way to approach this necessary few days at home was to get the rental and head out losing as little time behind everyone as possible when we get back in a few days.The Enterprise agent picked us up at Mount Rogers Outfitters and took us to Abington to do the paperwork. We came back through Damascus to find Prometheus, Evergreen, Zissou, Fox, Tim, and Kelly to tell them we had decided to leave tonight instead of tomorrow.We tried to find Dancing Wind, One Beer, Two Sides, Haika, and Breadmaker. It looks like a lot of fun to stay, but we have to do what makes the most sense. So we did.We planned to drive straight home without stopping to save all of our time for home and hotel rooms for nights out of the elements but were too tired to keep driving. We stopped in Summersville and got home today. We knew when we hit the Ohio border that it was a good thing we had purchased the insurance on the rental because the pot holes are so big and deep that it may need a new axle or two.I have taken Parker for a walk and given her a bath because she got so dirty. As before, Gingie and Sue have done an awesome job of taking care of her and everything else.Jim started sifting through the mail hoping the new papers were there. Since it is Saturday, he will have to wait until Monday morning to straighten out the issues. We hope to head back to Damascus Wednesday morning and on the trail in the afternoon. We hope our buddies are hiking slowly.
Date: 2010-05-16
From: short trip home

To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Jim worked on uploading photos and I did laundry, cleaning etc. We had breakfast with Richard and Cindy then Robin came, and we took Parker for a walk. She got polluted with ticks yesterday on our walk, and I had had to groom her for hours to get her OK.We are heading to Walmart to resupply for the next week.
Date: 2010-05-17
From: home

To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Jim mailed the corrected forms and talked to an agent about the health insurance. He overnighted them so tomorrow he can check to make sure everything is in order.It rained all day, but I took Parker to the park for a nice walk. She is so good and had fun. It is very difficult to leave her, but I know it would be even more difficult to take her with us so I will wait until we get closer to home in the hike to give it a try.We have decided to head back to the trail tomorrow after Jim can insure that everything is OK, and I have taken Parker for a walk. Hopefully, we'll be on the trail again early Wednesday morning with a chance to catch up to some of our hiking buddies who may have lingered in Damascus after trail days.
Date: 2010-05-18
From: home

To: Back to return car
Miles today: 0.0

We did last minute things at home, took Parker for another walk, and headed back to Abington to return the car. We got into Virginia and stopped at a rest stop. That is where the problem started. I suggested that since it was already ten o'clock why don't we just sleep in the car and save a hotel cost for a miserable night out on the trail. The front seat had a console, and the back seat was too short and cramped especially when whoever was in the front seat put the seat back. Long story, but at best, we probably slept two hours.
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Beartree Gap

To: Whitetop Mtn road
Miles today: 9.7

We went to McDonalds for a huge breakfast, found a gymthat would let us pay to take a shower, and returned the rental. The rental agency took us back to Beartree Gap where we had ended. We hiked over very damp, muddy trail feeling a little down thinking so many of our hiking buddies had probably gotten far ahead. We walked into Lost Mtn Shelter to find Dancing Wind, Evergreen, Prometheus, Moment, and others!!We were happy to see them.We ate lunch then moved on to Whitetop Mtn road. It started getting cold and windy, and we put the tent up and card it a day. We were tired and the tent looked like a castle at that time.
Date: 2010-05-20
From: Whitetop Mtn road

To: Wise shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Although we slept fairly well, everthing was damp. We ate an oatmeal bar and headed out. When we got to a road crossing, we ran into Birdie. We started climbing towards Thomas Knob shelter, and the trail was extremely rocky and slick. I fell from one rock into another cracking my head and spraining my right wrist. Jim came back to help me sit up as I was pinned between two rocks with my pack. I knew I had hit my head hard, and started teaching Jim the signs of danger following a head injury. I had to hike out of there as we were not near any help. My wrist was painful, and I couldn't use my hiking pole very well, but we kept going. I took Advil when we reached Thomas Knob shelter, and tried to figure out if I was Ok or not. Y head felt like it was in a vise grip, and I couldn't muster much energy.We still had to get over Wilburn ridge which is a treacherous section of rocks then on to Grayson Highlands where the ponies run free. We made it, but I was spent. We ce across two men going southboud with a dog in distress. She was trying to get up the rocks, but kept stumbling. They had a heavy pack on her, and she was old. We begged them to turn around for her sake and to take her pack off. They were only concerned with going over the highlands and made her go. I told them they were cruel then had a meltdown. I couldn't stop crying worrying about the dog sffering because of th. Jim was upset too and tried to tell them. We later heard from hikers who caught up to us later that the dog was completely spent when they saw them.We got to Wise shelter, and neededto get more miles in for the day, but I was spent so we stayed at the shelter. It was a very lousy day.
Date: 2010-05-21
From: Wise shelter

To: Fox creek, Va 603
Miles today: 7.6

I had a restless night with my wrist and head, but we got up hoping for a better day. It was a very nice shelter, and we had nice company so that helped.We started out and watched for Evergreen and Promethius, but walked past their camp without seeing them.We went past the Scales and on to Old Orchard shelter to have lunch. Evergreen came in and asked us if we missed them as we walked by this morning, and we told her we had wondered where they were. Birdie stopped, and we came up with the idea to get into Marion out of the rain and for a much needed rest. Hopefully, my body will heal quickly, and we can start logging more mile soon.
Date: 2010-05-22
From: Fox creek, Va 603

To: Route 670, South Fork Holston River
Miles today: 14.9

The shuttler picked us up early to get back on the trail. We ate bagels and orange juice before leaving and it tasted so good compared to cereal bars which is our normal breakfast.Another odd weather day dictating rain coats off and on and high humidity, but at least not cold so that was good. I was able to hold my right pole, but not put any pressure on it. I taped my wrist for support and think it will heal. I hope I'm past the danger zone for the head crackin.We had nice trail today and made great time. When we got to Dickey Gap, we saw Moment and Evergreen. They recommended Jerry's diner in Troutdale for lunch and said it was an easy hitch. They were right! We ordered a huge lunch of steak, vegetables, onion rings and strawberry shortcake. It was raining outside, but warm and dry in the diner so lots of hikers were taking advantage of a good thing. The owner took us back to the trail eventually and the sun came out.We hiked over more easy trail going through pastures, gentle rolling hills, and woods. We stopped at the Trimpi shelter sign for a break but did not go on to the shelter. Birdie came by, and we all went on the Holston river where we were greeted by Promethius, Evergreen, Fox, Moment, Five Stones, Shaken and Nature. Shaken had a truck and beer and gave us one when we arrived. We were going to go on a few miles, but decided to stay with the great company. We put up the tent and ate cheese and crackers because we had already eaten so well earlier. They had a nice campfire, but the old folks had to go to bed.
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Route 670, South Fork Holston River

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

The trail started out nice with scattered rocks and nice climbs, but gradually turned not so nice. We hiked to the Partnership shelter which is famous for being so nice. It lived up to its reputation and then some. It has showers, a sink, a clothesline, a beautiful patio, and gorgeous setting. It is close to the Mount Rogers visitor center so lots of hikers order pizzas from town and have them delivered. We ate our packed lunch, enjoyed the setting and left reluctantly to get the miles behind us. The trail turned rocky and my energy diminished. We had wanted to get to Atkins, but stopped at the shelter. Wendigo, Doc, and a section hiker were there and great fun so it was a good decision. The shelter sits in a rhododendrun patch and a small waterfall. It had its local residents (mice), but was very pretty. The section hiker told us about a shelter he had been in with giant hairy spiders so of course I had to stay awake prepared to scream.
Date: 2010-05-24
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

Wendigo had started planning his breakfast at Atkins last night, and we all had visions of good food waiting for us in 4.5 miles. We were up early and treated to gentle trail but wet. Wendigo spotted a snapping turtle on the trail that could have easily been mistaken for a black rock.We got to RT 81 by 0930 and had breakfast ordered. Jim and Wendigo got the trucker-hiker special of eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, toast and pancakes, coffee and pie. I ordered lunch of chicken stir fry and also vegetable soup and coconut cream pie. We checked into our room and started unloading the packs to dry the gear out. Jim's socks are lethal so we are throwing them away. Doc was there too and asked us if we needed to get to town to the Walmart. His friend was driving here to see him and would take us wherever we needed to go. Wow, talk about trail magic. So we went to the Chinese buffet, dollar store, grocery and Walmart. Jim got new socks.We did our laundry and were heading up to get ice cream when we ran into Fox, Evergreen, Promethius, Five Stones, and Moment. They were ordering pizza. They are going to hike out a little way and wait for us to hike by in the morning to give them a wake up call.Thank you all for your support and messages. They mean so much to us.
Date: 2010-05-25
From: Atkins, VA

To: Lynn Camp Creek
Miles today: 15.1

We woke to rain, and headed up to eat breakfast. We each ate eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, and pancakes for the planned high mileage day. It stopped raining thankfully, and we started our day. Doc caught up to us at break and hiked with us all day. He is retired military and lots of fun. We stopped at VA610 for lunch and pretty soon there were a whole bunch of hikers gathered.We still haven't seen many animals, but did see one small snake.We got to our campsite and put the tent up in very damp conditions, but it was warm and all was well.
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Lynn Camp Creek

To: Davis Farm campsite
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We started out with a moderate climb up Lynn camp mountain in extreme humidity. That mountain was OK because we were rested. It took our energy for the day because of sweating so much. We stopped at USFS 222 for a break. Turtle was there, and a southbounder came by enlightening us to the brutal rocky conditions ahead for us.I love it hot and hid, and today it was certainly humid. We stopped at Chedtnut Knob shelter for lunch with Fox and Doc was still hiking with us. Later we stopped again at Walker Gap for more water because we were going through it quickly. We got to VA 623 and saw many tents. Evergreen, Moment, Fox, corn bandit, and other hikers were camping there because they had been told of a church group doing trail magic in the morning. Jim, Doc, and I moved on trying to get closer to Bland. The trail rained rocky, and I ended up ony face smacking my head again. Jim and Doc goty pack off, and I got up. Nowy knee took a beating too. There aren't too many spots left on my body without lumps and bruised. But with nearly 600 miles done, I can't throw in the towel yet.We got to our campsite, and I just sat for a fewinutes ny myself to think about all the miles, and still even though I afraid going over the rocks, I have to keep trying at this point. So I got outy toothbrush and brushed my teeth to get the blood out of my mouth, then looked for a suitable tentsite. Torrow will be better I hope.
Date: 2010-05-27
From: Davis Farm campsite

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

It was a beautiful warm morning, and we got going. The fern fields are thick, and many flowers. The birds sing constantly as if to welcome you to their home. We sopped at Jenkins shelter for a break and water. This shelter was clean and set among pines and rhododendruns. We stayed a long time and drank a lot of Gatorade.We left there to find gorgeous trail all the way to Laurel Creek VA 615 where zissou was waiting for Fox and Evergreen. Zissou had been seperated from the group since Damascus when his friends came to visit. They were all so happy to be reunited, and Zissou played his guitar and sang for us and Doc who haden't heard him before. Doc agreed he was awesome. The kids hitched a ride into Bland from there, but the 3 of hiked 7 more miles to get there. A thunder storm forced us to hover under Doc's tarp over the bank for a few minutes, but we were close to getting here so all was well.We have eaten pizza and wings, washed our stinking clothes in the bathtub, and now I am off to soak my body. I pray each day for Parker to be OK, and for many other blessings. Thank you all for your support.
Date: 2010-05-28
From: Bland, VA

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 2.3
Weather: light rain

Trail magic started early this morning. A representative from the Methodist church outreach went around to rooms gathering hikers as well as going to trail heads. They took us to a tiny church that had a privy for an amazing breakfast of pancakes, eggs, homefries, bisquits,baked apples, homemade salsa, homemade molasses, and homemade apple butter. We also had coffee, milk, orange juice and goody bags and a cross when you left. They shuttles us back to the room, and we had to hurry to make check out time. After the three 15 mile days in a row, I really wanted to stay, but we have to keep moving.We walked to the DQ on the way out of town and yogied a ride back to the trail.The trail was very close to Rte. 77 and a road walk of about a mile before turning into the woods. We got to Helveys Mill shelter and the sky opened up with thunder and lightening. The plan was to wait out the storm and go on, but Warrior promised chocolate cheesecake if we stayed. That wouldn't have been enough temptation, but the promise of continued storm did. We stayed and had a great evening. Johny Ringo, Hobo, and a couple of section hikers showed up too.The section hikers were very prepared! They offered us smoked oysters and crackers, a special homemade sausage, and whiskey sours. Unbelievable.The down side was that Warrior snored all night, and it made for a very restless night.
Date: 2010-05-29
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: VA 606
Miles today: 18.2

We got our earliest start yet knowing we had to get some miles done. The trail was misty and gentle. The ferns are huge and bountiful and lots of wildflowers. We have not seen much wildlife other than squirrels, deer, bunnies, and bugs.We stopped at Jenny Knob shelter for lunch and water. We kept a good pace and got to Va 606 and walked to Trent's grocery for hopefully some good food. We got ribs, baked beans, cole slaw, ice cream and gatorade. It had been so humid all day, and we needed hydration. Hobo, Johny Ringo, Not yet, Evergreen, Promethius and Zissou were there. They were all going to camp at Dismal Creek Falls so we decided to do the same. The falls are gorgeous, but tricky to cross the creek to the camp site. We had to put on our crocs and wade. Jim took my pack across and pushed me up the cliff like Winnie the Pooh. It was steep and my leg couldn't reach the crest.We set up camp a little way up a blue blaze while the younger ones stayed at the falls. We walked back down because Zissou promised to play his guitar and sing for us. He is amazing, and such a wonderful young guy.We went back to our tent, but heard a lot of yelling and sounded like a fight, and got afraid that someone would get hurt. About an hour later, Evergreen and Zissou came to our tent to warn us of an aggressive bear. That is what all the yelling had been. The kids were chasing off the bear, but some got scared and packed up and left. We stayed without any problems. Our bear bag was hung and we were lucky.
Date: 2010-05-30
From: VA 606

To: Sugar Run Gap
Miles today: 13.9

We got going and followed the creek bed for miles. How sweet of trail that is sometimes. We got to Wapiti shelter and found Shivers in her tent in the shelter to avoid the bugs. She has an adorable dog named Tanber.We had one big climb with no help from switchbacks and then a rocky descent, but the day wasn't bad.We got to Wood's hole hostel and are staying in the bunkhouse. It's crowded, but the outdoor shower had hot water so not too bad I guess. Zissou and Moment were here for a short time to dry out as we all got soaked in a thunderstorm and downpour. I coaxed Zissou into another song. My time is up on the computer as other hikers are waiting and I can't get any cell service so will update again as soon as possible. Thank you all for your support.
Date: 2010-05-31
From: Sugar Run Gap

To: Pearisburg,VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a restless night in the crowded bunkhouse, and the steps up into the loft seemed steep in the middle of the night. But we had a great breakfast of blueberry and walnut pancakes, homemade apple butter, and eggs. We all got a work assignment, and I did dishes and Jim helped carry wood. We got back to trail late, but happy knowing we were getting to town and a shower and bed. The trail was somewhat boring until we reached Angel's rest, pearis Mtn. Zissou had hiked there before and told us about hoe beautiful it was. It was amazing with giant rocks the size of buildings. The view was awesome from there. Then we had the long descent into town that causes your knees to complain.The next town stop is over 70 miles away, and would mean carrying a heavy food bag not to mention it has rained on us the past 4 days, and is expected to rainost days next week. So we got the idea to get shuttled up to a trailhead 20 miles from here and hike back to town. We will slack pack it, and if we get soaked, we can get dry when we get back.We went to the grocery and bought a half of gallon of milk and bagels, fruit, candy, etc. We had to drink the milk because we don't have ability to keep anything cold.Thanks to all for sharing our adventure and support. Some days are difficult, and we treasure reading your guest entries.