morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-18
From: VA16, Dickey Gap near Troutdale, VA

To: Woods across from Mt. Rogers Visitor Center
Miles today: 14.6

14.6 miles, Mile Marker 530.7I didn't sleep well at the hostel, as my pad wasn't thick enough on the plywood. But it was cold out last night and I was warm and dry. On Sunday at 8:30 am, Mary, the Pastor Riggins' wife, brought us pancakes, egg souffl© rolls and orange and apple juices. The Baptists here in the south really take care of hikers. Now, I'm not one for church. I've always said I'd rather get a root canal done than go. However, my young bunkmates are religious and Baptists, so I agreed to go to Sunday sermon. I forewarned them though that the roof might collapse. This is a very small town, so I found the experience interesting, but not one to be repeated. I did give a generous donation when the plate was passed. I got a ride back to the trail by a guy who stopped by the hostel, and was hiking again by 1pm. Along the way, I saw Big Shep, a 67 yr old, with a cropped white beard. He stayed at the B&B in Roan Mtn with me. I like him, he's good people. There is no camping near Partership Shelter, so I camped in the woods on a hill across from the visitor center, right off the A.T. Life needs Trail Magic and more good people like the Riggins! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Woods across from Mt. Rogers Visitor Center

To: Woods across from Mt. Rogers Visitor Center
Miles today: 0.0

Zero-mile day, Mile Marker 530.7My replacement boots did not arrive at the P.O. in Sugar Grove, so hopefully tomorrow. To kill time, I did some wash and visited the visitors center here. The greeter's name was Louise, a very nice older lady. I told her how I did my wash - she really got a kick out of that one. (I stopped washing my clothes in the field later on, as they were sometimes too hard to get dry. I bought more socks to change instead.) I went back several times during the day and once took her a bloom of rhododendron for her counter. While in camp, several hikers I knew passed by. One was Wolf, who I last saw in Hot Springs, AR. We get along well, so he stayed about 30 minutes to talk. Later, an elderly couple came by geocaching. That reminded me of great times doing that with my son - we did that just before he went off to college. It also used to be our New Year's Day tradition. They have a courtesy phone outside the visitor center for local calls. I called Ken Riggins, the Pastor, and thanked him for my time at their hostel. I also asked if he could call Pearl with a message, as I of course have no service. He said he would, and offered a ride tomorrow if my boots come in. You can also order a pizza from that phone as they deliver right to the visitor center. Sounded like a plan for dinner tonight! At 6:45pm I ate all but 3 pieces of that pizza and gave that to two hikers who joined me tonight. It's nice to have company. Life is a free phone and pizza! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Near Mt. Rogers Visitor Center

To: Just past Davis Path Campsite, VA
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

14.8 miles, M.M. 545.5This morning I packed up and at 10am, called the P.O. in Sugar Grove VA. Unfortunately my new boots came in yesterday at 3pm but they had no way to reach me. I called Pastor Ken, and he picked me up at 11am. I got my replacement boots and mailed the old ones home to Pearl. Ken's car started leaking anti-freeze, so he dropped me off at a small grocery/grill, as I was hungry. I got something to eat and looked for soft wraps for resupply. They were out, but the bread man was there and gave me a package out of his truck. I now needed a ride back the 4 miles to Mt. Rogers where the trailhead was. A local couple was getting gas, and I asked if they were going that way. They said no, but would give me a ride there anyway. I jumped in the back of their old truck, and away we went. I thanked him for the Trail Magic, and was hiking by noon. These Asolo boots are great right out of the box, no blisters and no break-in needed. I just hope this time they don't leak. There was a ton of Trail magic at the Lindamood 1894 School House, m.m. 539.5 thanks to the Methodist church. Cold sodas, fruit, treats and various small items hikers may need. I gave a donation and had two Cokes, an apple, bags of Fritos and Cheetos, a 6-pack of cookies, a moon pie and a chocolate cookie! I never eat like this at home but I burn it off here as fast as I eat it. I saw Trickle as I got within a mile of camp. She's a nice gal. There were a few guys and Trickle camping at the Davis Path site, but I moved on to be on top of the mountain. This way I go to bed with and wake up with the sun. I also thought I might have reception higher, but no. Life is sleeping on a mountain top in VA. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Just past Davis Path Campsite, VA

To: Spring near a Pond
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: broken clouds

17.9 miles, M.M. 563.4I was hiking by 7:25am. While still early morning, I had service on a high mountain top, and was able to call home. I didn't have service the remainder of the day. I briefly hiked with a hiker named Rudy. He's from New Hampshire. I havn't mentioned bugs, because I don't see many. I have yet to see a tick. Today, I went through woods and cow pastures. The A.T. has easements on some private property. I camped alone at a spring and got some wash done. I don't like smelly clothes. I hope they dry, as it has been cool here. Also, the rhododendron is in bloom in the mountains - it's really pretty. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Spring near a Pond

To: Laurel Creek, VA
Miles today: 16.6

16.6 miles, M.M. 580.0I awoke at midnight to raindrops. I got up to move my clean laundry under the fly and out of the rain. A thunderstorm moved in and the thunder really rumbled. I stayed dry in my hammock. The morning started off foggy, but soon cleared to a nice day. As I approached my destination, there was a man standing in the road talking to some hikers. He was dressed like he just came off a safari, and even drove a Land Rover. His name was TruBrit and I guessed him to be 55yrs old. Yes he was British. He said he runs a place in the woods called Fort Bastion for hikers. For a few bucks, you could get breakfast and the shuttle back to the trail. I thought it might be like the island for misfit boys in Pinocchio, too good to be true, but I went along with a few other hikers. His place is a work in progress, but he has very good intentions. Tonight we're having tacos and salad, with bacon and eggs promised in the morning. Can't wait! Life is the need for more calories! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Laurel Creek, VA

To: Near Jenny Knob Shelter (~5 miles)
Miles today: 26.0

26 miles, M.M. ~606Nearest shelter is Jenny Knob. I'm camped in the woods about five miles from there. TruBrit made us an early breakfast. Scrambled eggs, pancakes, great bacon and coffee. I really enjoyed all of it. He was in the British Special Forces and that's where he learned his survival training that he runs classes for now. So, I got two meals, a shuttle and a night of camping for $10. I tried to pay him more, but he refused in his English accent. He charges only enough to cover his costs. He's a real piece of Trail Magic! Well, with all that good food, he dropped me off and I launched onto the trail. The weather today was beautiful and great for hiking. About six miles in, there were hikers enjoying sodas and water a Trail Angel had left on the trail near a road. There were several bags of soda, so I drank two knock-offs of Mountain. Dew. Now I was full of sugar and caffeine. Yeah Baby - somebody open the gate! Off I flew. My knees were telling my feet to slow down, we're no spring chicken, but they would not listen. Now I was really Gumping it - Forest would have been proud! My fear someday is that I'll be walking like Redd Fox on his sitcom. Aleve has become my friend on some nights. The trail today was moderate to easy, so I just kept Gumping it. There was a large black snake just off the trail today. It just laid there in the sun as you passed. Today I met Bilbo Baggins and his girlfriend Peter Pan, as well as an Irish fellow named Ireland. He said he bought a Hoyt bow to send back to Ireland for target shooting. I stopped at 7pm and camped just off the trail on a hillside. I made dinner and put my chairs in the only level spot to eat: the trail. It was about 8:15pm and here comes this young German I had met before. He was going to get a few more miles in. Life is Gumping It! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Near Jenny Knob Shelter (~5 miles)

To: Woods Hole Hostel, Sugar Run Rd (Giles County, VA)
Miles today: 14.4

14.4 miles, M.M. 620.4Well, the day started off rough, but ended nicely. I was almost out of food and trying to get to the hostel for a ride to the Pearisburg VA P.O. to pick up my much needed 6th mail drop before they closed at noon. I had a peanut butter wrap for breakfast, and finished off the PB on the way, but didn't make it in time to the post office. Not enough food so not enough calories to get me there in time. Pearl had made me a reservation at the hostel for Sunday evening but I was a day early. When I got to the Woods Hole Hostel, I got checked in and had a strawberry smoothie in a quart jar while on the porch swing. This place was great, it's a couple of very old but modern log cabins with an addition for more guests. They have a great garden as well as pigs and chickens. What they can't produce, they get from the nearby Amish, including the ice cream. All the food here is really good and I'm hoping to put on a few pounds while here. Sorry kids, I'm spending your inheritance on food and lodging on my adventure! I only planned to stay here one night, but with the holiday, I can't get my mail drop until Tuesday, so I have no resupply until then. The hostel is only a half mile from the trail, so hikers are constantly coming and going. I am seeing those I have met before along with meeting new hikers. There's a section hiker here who I have really enjoyed talking to. He's 65 years old and is great company. He gave me his phone number and said once I reach Harper's Ferry, WV to contact him for a great tour of DC. I am getting more R&R than expected but I have to say it feels good! Life is R&R with good people. -Hoythttp://www.woodsholehostel.com/
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Woods Hole Hostel, Sugar Run Rd (Giles County, VA)

To: Woods Hole Hostel, Sugar Run Rd (Giles County, VA)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero-mile day at Woods Hole HostelWell, today I moved into my loft in the house. It's part of the original log cabin and it's pretty neat. I soon had a shower, shave, and groomed my growing mustache. On this holiday every year, the community gets together for a picnic. Now, Michael and Neville could have left us all here with some homemade bread and the hiker fridge, but no! We all went in three vehicles to the picnic. It was held on a neighbor's beautifully cut front lawn - Pearl would be envious. There were large white tents with plastic chairs and tables, and, let me tell ya, more good food in one place than I have ever seen! Three tables just for desserts. Those southern ladies really cooked their hearts out. There were also four guys picking and playing, and they were great too! Now, with my hand resting firmly on the Good Book, I'm here to tell ya, I've never eaten so much food in all my life. Then, a guy brought out homemade ice cream, and that's when I hurt myself. I just sat in my chair, enjoying good company, great music and the beautiful day. I was toooooooo full to do anything else. What a Day in a Life this was. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-26
From: Woods Hole Hostel, Sugar Run Rd (Giles County, VA)

To: Woods Hole Hostel, Sugar Run Rd (Giles County, VA)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero-mile day at Woods Hole HostelToday, many hikers left and a few more arrived. With the holiday and the PO closed, I continued to get some R&R, until tomorrow when I pick up my mail drops and head back to the trail. We had another great breakfast, and later I had another quart jar smoothie. Before the morning and evening meals, we go into the front yard, hold hands in a circle, state our name and what we're thankful for. I'm not really into that sort of thing, but I go along. About dinner time, Banjo, Chase and Dancer showed up. They said Bill came back, but fell and hurt his shin, so he's off again. They're staying here tonight and heading out tomorrow. They're still behind me as they did some hitchhiking to get here and will have to hike the section they missed. It was good to see them again. I'm anxious to get back on the trail. It's time to get the train back on the tracks. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Woods Hole Hostel, Sugar Run Rd (Giles County, VA)

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

11.4 miles, Mile Marker 631.8We had another great breakfast at Woods Hole Hostel. Afterwards, Little Trickle and myself, went with Neville to Pearisburg to resupply and pick up mail drops at the local post office (a day delayed due to the holiday). After we got back, I loaded my pack, said my goodbyes, and had one more ice cream smoothie. I headed out about 1:45pm. My plan was to stop about 7pm to set up camp. The trail goes through one end of Pearisburg, and that's where I wound up at 6:30pm. It looked like rain as I made my way through town. I wasn't too far into the woods when light rain started. I set up my hammock and then it stopped. So not much sleep tonight, as I'm close to the sounds of a factory and trains. The rest and food I got at Woods Hole Hostel really helped me. I have lost a lot of weight, and now I feel stronger again. Life for me was Woods Hole Hostel. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-28
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: VA 635, 2.5 m past Pine Branch Swamp Shelter
Miles today: 19.7

19.7 miles, Mile Marker 652.5I was hiking by 6:50am. It was a damp and humid morning. I was soaked with sweat early, as it was a good climb out of Pearisburg, VA. I soon saw Sherpa Mom and her husband Waldo. At 9:00am, Waldo went back to move the R.V. so Sherpa Momma and I hiked most of the day together. We were heading for VA 635 and the R.V., as they generously invited me for dinner. As we got closer, Waldo hiked in with some Cokes. As we were heading to the R.V., we came upon The Captain's. He lives next to a creek: you sit on a wooden board and zip line across the creek. One pulls across to the Captain's yard and he lets hikers camp; the three of us went to check it out and zipped across. He has fridge of soda on his back porch. He was having a hiker party that weekend, so there were a few guys already there. I've only seen about three black hikers and one was here. He a great guy and looks like he got just off the boat from Jamaica. I had a dinner of venison and hamburger helper, beers and an ice cream sandwich with Sherpa Mom and Waldo. Another couple stopped by to eat at the picnic table and all of us talked awhile. Later I thanked Waldo and Sherpa Mom for their hospitality and went to bed. Day 50 tomorrow! Life is good food and company. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-29
From: VA 635, 2.5 m past Pine Branch Swamp Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

16.1 miles, Mile Marker 668.6I was on the trail by 6am. The trail today was the hardest I've had in awhile. Some steep climbs and a lot of rock to work through. The day was cloudy, the temps weren't too bad, but there was NO breeze. The last climb of the day was steep, I was sweating bullets. As I neared the top, I expected to see St. Peter holding a glass of lemonade and the devil holding a gallon of sweet tea. I would have sold my soul for that gallon. I got to the shelter about 3:30pm; Ireland was there and a young German fellow. Soon, Sherpa Momma stopped in on her way to meet Waldo. I washed some clothes and wrote my daily journal. About 5pm a thunderstorm rolled in. My hammock was already up and dry but I sat it out in the shelter. It rained pretty hard. As the evening wore on, other wet hikers came in to spend the night. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-30
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: 0.5 mile before Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: light rain

21.9 miles, Mile Marker 690.5I was hiking by 6:50am. I stopped near the shelter for water. Salamanders live in and around where we get our water. I've tried to catch one twice, but they are faster than you would think. The clothes I washed last night were still wet due to the thunderstorm we had. The sun didn't come out until midday. Everything was foggy and damp. I wore my bugsuit, as my pants were still wet. I used my belt to hang my wet clothes outside of my pack. I was afraid they might sour inside. This made my pack not only heavier but made the pack hang back. It was hard carrying those wet clothes. I hiked through several large fields early on. In a woodlot between two fields was the Kieffer Oak. It's over 18 ft around and really massive. At the first road crossing there was Trail Magic...I had a Mountain Dew. Later in the afternoon, I had another big climb. Unlike the verticals of yesterday, this mountain had well-groomed switchbacks. They made the climb easier. I tried to call my son who turned 21 years old today, but no service once again. Near a second road crossing, yet more Trail Magic! I got the last cold Coke in the cooler. I stopped more frequently today to eat something instead of just always pushing on. While I don't like to stop, I have more energy in the long run this way. I set up my camp about a half mile before the shelter in a nice spot to dry my clothes. Life is hard carrying the weight of wet clothes, but the two cold sodas were great! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-05-31
From: 0.5 mile before Pickle Branch Shelter

To: One mile past Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

18.6 miles, Mile Marker 709.1I was hiking by 6:08am. My pack felt so much better without the wet clothes hanging off. It was foggy early, then beautiful. I met up with Sherpa Mom about 7:30am. We climbed Dragon's Tooth together, then hiked down to Waldo. He met us a mile or so in with some cold sodas. What a guy! We three then hiked down to VA 624 and walked the quarter mile or so to their R.V. and the Catawba General Store. We had lunch there. I had a cheeseburger, great brownie, a mint icecream sandwich and a Mountain Dew. We ate at the R.V. After lunch, Sherpa Mom and I hiked more miles and met Waldo at VA 311 where he was waiting. Sherpa Mom is going to zero it tomorrow, so she stayed with Waldo. I had another Mountain Dew the hiked on alone to the famous McAfee Knob - a great view. I then hiked to Campbell Shelter where I saw Peter Pan & Bilbo B. just leaving. We hiked together for about a mile, where I then decided to camp on a ridgetop. They continued on to Lamberts Meadow Shelter about five miles further on. Before they left, they gave me a little more water, as they would have plenty at the shelter - thanks! I had a great day with great people! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-01
From: One mile past Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 14.4

14.4 miles, Mile Marker 723.5I awoke at 1am and couldn't sleep. This was the day to hike in to Daleville for resupply and meet up with George and Susie. I decided to do a night hike, my first attempt. By 2:30 am I was on the trail. About 30 minutes in I saw a light ahead. As it got closer, I saw it was a young fellow; I said "you must be as crazy as me". He said that he watched the sun set on Tinker Cliffs and was going to see it rise on McAfee Knob. He still had several miles to go - I wished him a good hike. Well, it wasn't long before I knew I should have been sleeping. But onward I went. There was no moon, so when I got to Tinker Cliffs I had to be careful. The trail went right along these cliffs. At times, coming too close for me with just my headlamp on. I tried to stay back as I moved along. It's a great view though, even in the dark. You can see towns all aglow off in the distance as well as farms. As it approached 6am it was light enough to see. Near the end the trail got harder and I was so tired. I thought I would NEVER get there. I kept thinking about how much I wanted pancakes - I was really hungry. I arrived in Daleville at 9:15am, The local Howard Johnsons was very near the trail so I checked in there. It was not kept up very well but I was too tired to go elsewhere. I stashed my pack and did the walk of death - roads very busy and there were no sidewalks. Not too hiker-friendly. I got something to eat and had a call from George. He and Susie were staying at the same motel. We had pizza later and made plans for the next day. I think I'm done with night hiking - too boring and tiring. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Daleville, VA

To: 3 miles past Fullhardt Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.5

9.5 miles, Mile Marker 733.0Today, another young hiker named Ghost joined us. We all got into Waldo's R.V. to resupply as well as gear shopping. I sent my sleeping bag and some other gear home to save weight, as it as gotten warmer. I replaced it with a couple of sleeping bag liners that should work out. It was nice of Waldo and Sherpa Mom to run my butt around shopping today. Trail Magic from fellow hikers. Sherpa Mom is taking a zero, so I left our group at 2pm to resume hiking.I camped on top of a ridge, just off the trail. I am tired, time for bed. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-03
From: 3 miles past Fullhardt Knob Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter (VA)
Miles today: 21.6

21.6 miles, Mile Marker 755.5I was hiking by 6:30am. Today I used some padding on three tender spots the pack has caused due to my weight loss. They seemed to have helped. Today was not too eventful. It was cloudy and cool most of the day. But when the sky cleared, it warmed up. I saw some new faces today as well as old. I used my two liners last night with a light, long sleeve shirt. It got cool during the night, and I put on a jacket, too. My legs were still cool. I'll have to have a light, long underwear bottom sent out. It's getting dark and I'm really getting tired as I write this in my hammock. So, good night folks! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter (VA)

To: Big Cove Branch Stream (2m before Matt's Creek Sh)
Miles today: 20.7

20.7 miles, Mile Marker 776.2Today I was hiking by 6am The first two hours I spent climbing, but it got more moderate after that for the most part. In the mountains you do climbs everyday, it's just a part of life. I meet people everyday: some older and some younger, I just don't always journal about it. I had to stop and eat more often today. It seems I'm hungry most of the time. Could be too that the meals are small until dinner. I usually have a freeze dried meal for dinner, but I had a tuna wrap also. Since I sent my sleeping bag home, I have more room for food. I usually camp alone high enough on the mountain to get a breeze. I was set to do that at 5pm when a thunderstorm came in. I hadn't unpacked yet, so I hightailed it down the mountain. A mountain top is not a good place to be with lighting. The rain caught me at 5:30pm, but I quickly got my pack cover and rain gear on. It rained for about 20minutes as I hurried down the mountain. Once the rain stopped I set up in an old campsite lower down. I had time to eat my dinner and get into my hammock before the thunder and rain started again. It was 8:30pm; I hope the rain stops before morning. In every life a little rain must fall. -Hoyt