morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-02
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Mr. Ed was back into form. He got up at 6:00 and was hiking by 6:30AM. He was the first one out of the shelter. He enjoyed a nice, easy walk to Johns Creek Valley. He jumped a couple of deer and some turkeys only about a quarter mile apart. He had a small climb to Rocky Gap where he met 5 other hikers at Laurel Creek Shelter. They were just getting up at 10:30 due to a late night. They were Caboose, Flick, Seabee, Pegasus, Golden Boy, and Bushwacker. Mr. Ed crossed several farms in Sinking Creek Valley. He crossed 10-12 fences in moving through the area. Here he saw the famous Keffer Oak. It is the largest oak tree on the AT in the South. It had a girth of 18 feet, 3 inches the last time it was measured. It is extimated to be 300 years old. Old trees are beautiful things. I wonder how many people have passed by that old tree.Next, he had a good climb up Sinking Creek Mountain, a change in elevation of 2,240 to 3,450 feet. Mr. Ed stopped to take a break. There he noticed a distinct darkening of the sky. In the distance, he could see rain clouds headed his way. He was 1 1/2 miles from Sarver Hollow Shelter. He took off as fast as his skinny legs could go. Lightning started to flash and thunder rolled. Five minutes after arriving at the shelter, the rain came down in sheets. It rained for about 40 minutes. The people he met at Laurel Creek Shelter were all caught out in the rain. Some of them got a little wet, but others got soaked. Finally, Mr. Ed and the others left the shelter. Within 1/2 mile, he saw a sight he had never before experienced. Lightning had struck a tree and set it on fire. The tree had broken leaving 5-6 feet sticking out of the ground. Fire burned at the roots and had burned away the insides of the tree. The hikers spent the next 40 minutes putting the fire out before traveling on. They did not want a forest fire to get started. Sounds like they were at the right place at the right time. The next 4 miles took the hikers through very wet, slick out-croppings of rocks. They had to be very careful. This is where Mr. Ed took his second fall. He slipped on slick rocks and pitched into a patch of briars. Luckily, he was not hurt it you don't count lots of scratches. The hikers went to Niday Shelter. Mr. Ed stayed in his tent because the shelter was full. They had a fire going and would probably have a late night. Mr. Ed wanted to go to bed. It rained during the night, but he slept very well. He had traveled 18.2 miles and is at mile marker 672.
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Niday Shelter

To: Cataba, VA
Miles today: 22.5

Today Mr. Ed was up at 6:00 and hiking by 6:30. It was cloudy and cool. At 8:30 the rain started and continued all day. The first part of the trail was easy. He had two good climbs before noon. However, the next 8 miles were extremely difficult due to the rainy conditions. He had to climb over, under, around, and even through rocks. It took 5 1/2 hours to travel 8 miles. He climbed to Dragons Tooth on Cove Mountain. This was named by Tom Campbell, an early member of RATC and helped locate the AT on its current route. The views are supposed to be spectacular from here, but today it was totally fogged in. Some of the climb had to be made holding onto iron bars that had been put into the rocks to enable climbers to go up or down the rocks. With the wet conditions, the climb was treacherous. It made for a long day.Finally, Mr. Ed made it to Cataba and a restaurant called Homes Place. His brother, Terry, picked him up there. He traveled to Roanoke to his brother's house to wait for Jason, his son. They are going to hike together this week-end. Mr. Ed looked pretty beat up to his brother, probably due to the scratches from his fall into a briar patch. He said he considered dropping him off at the local hospital, but instead, took him to his house where he had 2 gallons of ice cream waiting. Jason arrived around 10:00 PM. They stayed up until midnight organizing packs. Terry will drop them off at the trail head early in the morning.
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Cataba, VA

To: Angels Gap
Miles today: 14.7

Terry, Mr. Ed, and Jason were up early and eating breakfast at Burger King. At 8:15, Terry left them at the trail head. It was overcast and a misty rain was coming down. They made it to McAfee Knob. This place is supposed to have one of the best views in VA, but not today. Nothing could be seen due to fog. They traveled on to Tinker's Cliff. This was a very pretty area, but no views could be seen. They walked 10 miles to Lambert Meadows Shelter by 3:00. Most of the day was good walking with no big ascents or descents. At the shelter, they rested on their mats for about an hour. Neither had enough sleep the night before to be putting out this kind of energy. They tried to dry some of their clothes. They decided to cook hot meals, since they were both chilly. Jason had gathered some wild onions on the way. Jason cooked some kind of Asian stir fry and Ed cooked potatoes. They added the wild onions to both of the dishes and liked them alot. They left the shelter by 5:00 and walked until after 7:00PM. The set up tents on a rock cliff over looking a valley into Daleville and part of Roanoke. They had traveled 14.7 miles and are at the 709.2 mile marker.
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Angels Gap

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

Mr. Ed and Jason slept very well. They were both up at 6:00AM and on the trail by 6:45. They made plans to walk to Daleville to get breakfast. They had 5 miles to go. They walked Tinker Ridge. Tinker Cliffs suppposedly got its name from Revolutionary War deserters who hid near the area and repaired pots and pans. They were called tinkers back in those days. The area had some pretty views. They made the hike to US 220 by 9:30AM, and walked 1/4 mile to Shoney's. Both enjoyed a hearty breakfast. They made it back to the trail by 10:30. Later, they crossed under I81 and then on to a good climb. It had lots of switchbacks which made it easier. The elevation changed from 1300 feet to 2670 feet. They met up with Spike. Jason enjoyed talking to him during the ascent while Mr. Ed listened to his digital radio for weather forecasts. They stopped at Fulhardt Knob Shelter to get water. They walked on to Curry Creek. They could not resist taking their boots off and soaking their tired, sore feet in the cold water of the creek for 1/2 hour. The cold water from creeks can soothe even the sorest of feet, probably because it numbs them. Later on, the skies began to darken promising rain. They were still 2.6 miles from Wilson Creek Shelter. They were able to get to the shelter without getting wet. They plan on spending the night here. They fixed potatoes and a sausage, rice, gumbo mixture. The hot meal tasted good. They are both looking forward to getting into their sleeping bags. Mr. Ed has given his son Jason a little taste of what he has accomplished since late March. I am sure that Jason will come home full of admiration for what his 60 year old father has been able to do. Hopefully, history can repeat itself and Jason can come back to walk those same paths again with the memories of his father walking the trail with him.
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Montvale Overlook
Miles today: 4.3

Today was a nero day for Mr. Ed. He and Jason had slept well in the shelter last night. They were on the trail by 6:50. Black Horse Gap was the first place of interest they encountered. This is the southernmost point at which the AT meets the Blue Ridge Parkway. The AT runs parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway and later Skyline Drive for about 200 miles. The original AT route was along the Blue Ridge south of Roanoke. Since hitchhiking is not permitted, it is no longer a good route for backpackers. They often rely on hitching a ride to get where they need to be. Trail towns all know this and will usually pick up a backpacker. Mr. Ed and Jason walked on to Montville Overlook where they were picked up by Terry. He thoughtfully supplied potato wedges, date bars, biscuits, and coffee for their breakfast. Terry has experienced Mr. Ed's ravenous appetite and knew food would be a good idea.Since Jason had to travel back to his home, Mr. Ed decided to rest and resupply. He washed clothes(necessary before going to town) and went shopping with Terry. Mr. Ed thought back over his three days with Jason. He said they had lots to talk about. It meant alot to him to have his son with him for a few days. He knows that Jason made many sacrifices to be able to do a part of the trail with him. He thinks that he had a good time. Also, for a person who had not backpacked for a year, Jason was a very strong hiker. They did 35.3 miles in 2 days and 2 hours of the 3rd day. The rest of the day Mr. Ed listened to Blue Grass Music and talked to his brother. Tomorrow, back to the trail.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Montvale Overlook

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: broken clouds

Mr. Ed is hiking alone again. He got on the trail at 7:45 after Terry dropped him off at the trail head. The weather could not have been better for hiking. The temperatures are in the 60s. The leaves on the trees are getting bigger. Red bud blooms everywhere. The trail is easy walking. For the next 12 miles, Mr. Ed had no big ascents or descents. He met several southbound section hikers. He stopped at Cove Mountain Shelter for lunch. Two young hikers in their early 30s from Pittsburgh arrived at the shelter shortly after Mr. Ed did. Their trail names were Monkey and Cocoa. They are a husband and wife team who started from Springer on March 3. Mr. Ed hiked on to Jennings Creek. This is a popular place for hikers, as well as locals, to swim and fish. Today was great for fishing, but a little cold for swimming. Mr. Ed did soak his feet in the cold water. He wants to leave a message for Terry. This is a great fishing hole. You will love it.After leaving Jennings Creek, he had a small climb up to Fork Mountain. The elevation changed from 951 feet to 2,042 feet. There were many switchbacks making the ascent easier. Next, he had a small descent to Bryant Ridge Shelter. He plans on camping here tonight. Also here are Monkey, Cocoa, Ranger, and two section hikers from Virginia Tech. The AT would be a good place to find some peace after what they have been through.Mr. Ed traveled 16.3 miles today. He is at the 746.1 mile marker. He hopes everyone on the trail had as perfect day for hiking as he had.
Date: 2007-05-08
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Big Cove Branch
Miles today: 20.8

Last night the temperature got down to 37 degrees, but today it warmed up to the low 70s. It was overcast until around 1:00. Overall, a very good day for hiking.Mr. Ed was the first out of the shelter. He was on the trail by 6:30. Ranger, a retired policeman, was close behind. Mr. Ed stopped part way up Floyd Mountain to fix hot oatmeal for breakfast. Ranger passed him while he was eating. Later, Mr. Ed was hiking about 30 yards behind Ranger. Three deer ran right between them. The deer were not afraid and even stopped to look at the hikers.Floyd Mountain was a good climb, changing in elevation from 1,320 feet to 3,560 feet. There were a few more small climbs until he arrived at Apple Orchard Mountain, elevation 4225 feet. On this mountain top were a couple of interesting sights. There was a large dome-like structure with several antennae coming out of it. This place was once an Air Force radar base. At one time, the meadow was covered with barracks for 250 soldiers. On the northern side of the mountain, the AT leads you under The Guillotine. This consists of a very large bolder stuck over the Trail between rock formations. Good luck going under that one. Mr. Ed realized that he had been on Apple Orchard Mountain once before. Over 10 years ago, crews from C. W. Wright had been repairing power lines in the area. He had been there observing the men work. The big dome made him remember the place. Ranger and Mr. Ed stopped at Thunder Hill Shelter for lunch. By 3:30, Ranger was ready to set up camp at Marble Spring. Mr. Ed wanted to hike a little farther, so moved on down the trail. He finally decided to set up his tent at Big Cove Branch. He can look down on the James River from his site. Yesterday he saw three snakes - 2 black ones and 1 green one. Today he saw none. Everything is changing quickly. Leaves, branches, and shrubs are all growing green. Dark purple, light purple, and white rhododendron surround the mountains. Mr. Ed passed by one whole hillside covered in white and yellow flowers. The world is a beautiful place right now.His only complaint is sore feet due to the rocky terrain he traveled over most of the day. He was hoping tomorrow would be rock free. Then he looked at his boook to plan tomorrow's hike. He will pass through Lower Rocky Row Run, Rocky Row Run, Rocky Row Trail, Fullers Rocks, Little Rocky Row, and Big Rocky Row. This is no joke. Want to take bets on his chances for a rock-free walk tomorrow?Mr. Ed hiked 20.8 miles and is at the 766.9 mile marker.
Date: 2007-05-09
From: Big Cove Branch

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today Mr. Ed was on the trail by 6:30. At 7:00 he stopped at Matts Creek Shelter to eat breakfast. Monkey and Cocoa were staying there. They told Mr. Ed that they were going to hitchhike 6 miles into Glasgow for hotcakes. One hour later he was sitting in Glasgow eating blueberry hotcakes with them. They had Ranger along. He had gotten up at 3:30 and walked and hitched into the town. He plans on staying the night to celebrate making it this far. This is the 7th time he has tried to be a thru hiker. Last year, he had to leave the trail at Glasgow on doctor's orders. Mr. Ed was back on the trail by 10:00. He started our following a pretty stream of water that reminded him of Glade Creek at home. He had a good climb at US 50 to Big Rocky Row. The elevation changed from 670 feet to 2992 feet. Thankfully, it was not as rocky as the name implied. It was a dry area with only one water source in the next 14 miles. He had lunch on top of Big Rocky Row where he met 3 section hikers going down. Next, he had a climb up Bluff Mountain. On top were nice views of Buena Vista. At Punchbowl Shelter he had a dinner of noodles, tuna, and fig bars. After resting, he decided to hike on to Rice Mountain. The next 4.2 miles were mainly laurel thickets with few views. Mr. Ed has been very pleased with the way the trail has been maintained from Pearisburg to here. The white blazes are easy to find. The trail is easy to follow. Those things really help hikers.He walked on a little past Brown Mountain Creek Shelter to find a place to tent. He walked 7.5 miles from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Total for the day is 22.1 miles and he has traveled 789 miles.One note of interest. A community of freed slaves lived At Brown Mountain Creek Valley from the Civil War till 1918. Excavations are under way to learn how they lived. There are some remains of cabins still there.
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Cash Hollow Road
Miles today: 21.0

As Mr. Ed lay in his tent last night, a deer came within 20 yards of his camp. The deer stayed for a long time walking around in the dry leaves. It did not have any fear of him. This morning he was up and on the trail by 6:30. At Brown Mountain Shelter, he ate hot oatmeal with raisins. He noticed where rocks had been piled up years ago to clear farm land. Supposedly, the freed slaves sold corn. There was a large grist mill here at one time. In 1920 the land was purchased by the Forest Service.Mr. Ed had a big ascent to Bald Knob. The elevation changed from 1394 feet to 4059 feet. It seemed to take all morning to reach the top. Cold Mountain is a bald (no trees on top). The views were beautiful. The rest of the day was easy. He stopped at Seely-Woodworth Shelter for dinner and moved onto Cash Hollow Road to find a place to camp for the night. He traveled 21 miles today.
Date: 2007-05-11
From: Cash Hollow Road

To: Cedar Cliff
Miles today: 21.3

Mr. Ed was up very early this morning. By 6:00 he was on the trail. He stopped at The Priest Shelter for breakfast. He needed his energy to make the long hard descent to Tye River. The area was rocky. The elevation changed from 4063 to 970 feet. Once he got to the river, he spent an hour wading and resting by the river. Tye is a small, but pretty, river. Next, came a hard climb up Three Ridges. The trail is rocky, but his boots are holding together. Mr. Ed said that one good thing about the trail is when you look around and nothing is higher. You feel really good. Then you realize you have to go down and do it all over again. He made it to Cedar's Cliff where he is tenting for the night. The mosquitoes and gnats have become vicious. Today was hard except for the last 6 miles. His feet are complaining again. He walked 21.3 miles and is at mile marker 833.
Date: 2007-05-12
From: Cedar Cliff

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Mr. Ed woke up at 4:30 this morning and started hiking early. He was looking forward to making it to Waynesboro where his brother Terry will pick him up to give him one more break from the trail. Having Terry in this area has been a God's send. He has given him several breaks at his house and many treats to good meals. He will miss this when he moves on.The trail was easy to Humpback Mountain. It had rained a little last night making the air clean smelling and fresh. The birds were happy also. They were making lots of noise to celebrate such a fine morning. The views from Humpback Mountain were great. This was just a great day for hiking. He made the 14.8 miles to Waynesboro. He is looking forward to a zero day on Sunday and back to the trail on Monday. He is at the 848.1 mile marker.
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Mr. Ed enjoyed a lazy day. Terry took him to Shoney's for breakfast. He ordered a good meal, but did not eat everything on the bar this time. He took it easy on Shoney's. He and Terry took a nice ride in the country and went to Food Lion to resupply. His cousin, Betty, help prepare steaks, baked potatoes, and salad. It was a great meal. Now, he is relaxing and keeping his feet elevated to prevent swelling. When he stops hiking for a day,he gets a lot of swelling in his feet and ankles. Keeping them higher than his head helps this condition alot. Once back on the trail, it goes away completely. He is looking forward to being back on the trail through the Shenadoah. We hiked more than 50 miles here in 1995. It will be interesting to see how things have changed.
Date: 2007-05-14
From: Waynesboro

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today Terry dropped Mr. Ed off at the entrance to the Shenandoah National Park at 7:00 AM. It was a beautiful day for hiking with clear skies and temperatures in the low 60s to mid 70s. He is now back on the trail. He asked me to send a special message to his brother. He would like to thank Terry for his support the last 226 miles. The food, company, place to sleep, and transportation meant alot. He couldn't have asked for more. This will not be forgotten. "You had my back, and I thank you very much." Now, his pack is overweight with food. It looks like after 850 miles he would learn not to carry so much food. He planned on having a 4 day supply. He has 6 or 7. If you count the food he will buy in the park, he may have 8-10 days. Unreal! He is also carrying an extra 5-6 pounds due to all the food he ate this week-end. His pace will be slow today. Thankfully, the trail was easy. He looked for bears. Many sighting have been made in this area. His camera was ready, but none appeared. He is still walking through blooming rhododendron. Many birds inhabit the area and lift up their voices throughout the day. The only bad thing is lack of water sources. He hiked 13 miles today without a place to resupply his water. That meant careful conservation of what he did have. He walked 20 miles today. And that was taking it easy. He is staying in Blackrock Hut tonight with 12 others. Youngndum caught up with him and is staying the night. Papa Hawk, DRE, Tapper, a nurse from Vermont, and others who are section hiking are all staying here tonight. Mr. Ed has traveled 868 miles.
Date: 2007-05-15
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: clear sky

Mr. Ed is hiking thru the Shenandoah National Park. Part of this trail is a trip down memory lane because we hiked over 50 miles of it together in 1995. He is looking for places we saw and places we stayed. The Shenandoah National Park has a very interesting history. Before Congress authorized the creation of the park in 1926, the land was privately owned. It contained many farms and settlements. Much of the land was grazed or timbered. Mineral ores were mined here. There were 3 nice resorts in the mountains which were used by vacationers trying to escape the heat of cities. Then the blight that killed the American chestnut trees hit the area. That blight killed 30-40 percent of the Appalachian forest. It also destroyed a way of life for many. In 1927, Virginia passed laws condemning all privately held property withing the boundary of the park. That uprooted 465 families, some of whom had to be evicted. However, 45 elderly residents were allowed to spend their final days in their mountain homes. Today, 95% of the park is reforested due to the CCC boys and President Franklin Roosevelt. Mr. Ed was hiking by 6:15 this morning. After 1 1/2 hours of walking, Tapper and DRE caught up with him. They walked together for 2 hours. They walk fast, and Mr. Ed had a hard time keeping up with them so he let them go on. Later, Youngndum caught up with him, and they walked together the rest of the day. He told Mr. Ed that it had taken over 800 miles for him to catch up. He had been trying to catch him ever since he had to get off the trail for a few days to mend an injury. Youngndum told Mr. Ed that there are others who aspire to catch him. I guess some of the young ones want to see the 60 (almost 61) year old who is tearing up the trail. Perhaps they need some inspiration. They walked to Hightop Hut where they will spend the night with Papa Hawk and DRE. Tapper put in a 32 mile day. She has outwalked everyone. Mr. Ed walked 21.5 miles today. He is at the 889.5 mile marker.