morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Sarver Hollow

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

From: Sarver ShelterTo: Pickle Branch ShelterToday's Miles: 15.9Total Miles: 681.9Waking up at this shelter was really nice. Mountain Mike, Flint, and I got up and ate and Flint and I left around 8:00 AM. Again, it was a beautiful morning. The walk was great until we hit a sign that said "Continental Divide" with the mileage to the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. After that, there were huge rocks to climb up and over and you had to walk across these slanted rocks that made you feel like you were going to slide into oblivion. It made me nervous and I was very glad for a dry and sunny day. Flint and I saw two deer today as we were on top of those rocks and wondered why we weren't walking down where they were, where it was nice and flat.We ate lunch at Niday Shelter and then moved on. I did this part of the trail with my son, Richard, about three years ago, but we had hiked southbound so I knew the walk up to the Audie Murphy Memorial was long, but it was even longer than I remembered.I thought we would never get to the top. On the way up we met two Roanoke ATC members who were doing trail maintenance, Homer and Teresa. The Roanoke ATC is the club I belong to as I live close by and will be home tomorrow! Flint stopped to help them for awhile and that gave me a chance to catch up. Thanks to all the trail maintainers out there for helping make the trail an easier place to walk!When we finally got to the top, there was a bench to sit on. It seemed out of place, but we were glad to see it. Flint had run out if water, but I had about a liter left, so we divided it up as we had four miles to the next water source. Flint called home and his with was not feeling well and that worried him a lot. We hiked the short distance to the Audie Murphy memorial. He was the most decorated WW II officer and also starred in some movies, but was killed near this spot in a plane crash in 1971It is amazing at how much I remembered from my hike with Richard. I guess when you walk something with no outside influences your mind is imprinted with images of what you see and do and hear. Flint and I arrived at Trout Creek around 4:30 and were taking a water break when Red Dog arrived. He sat down and gave Flint a cigarette as he had run out. He told us that Calamity Jane was behind him. Flint and I decided to wait on her here and walk the last mile together. As she and Mountain Mike walked down the hill we stood up and clapped. She had walked 22 miles to catch up with us and that is amazing! But I was so glad to see her. We then walked the last mile to Pickle Branch Shelter. As it was late, it got dark quickly and then started to rain. We all got into our sleeping bags for a well deserved rest!
Date: 2007-05-11
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: VA 311
Miles today: 12.6

From: Pickle Branch ShelterTo: VA 311, Catawba, VAToday's miles: 12.6Total Miles: 694.5It had stopped raining by the time we got up, but it was hot and humid as we walked out around 8:30 AM. There were these large holes all around the path to and from the shelter and Flint told us that was a sign there were caves in the area. He wanted to explore but we encouraged him to move on. We thought it was going to be an easy day as we were only going 12.6 miles and we were being picked up around 5:00 PM to go to my home. We were wrong! It felt like we were never going to get to Dragon's Tooth. But just like every other mountain I have climbed, we did eventually get there. Flint led the group with Calamity and Mountain Mike in the middle and me in my usual place at the back. I like being last as I don't like to feel I am holding anyone back and I can walk my own pace and don't feel pushed.We had lunch at the Tooth (it was named by Tom Campbell a member of the RATC, he also named Lost Spectacles Gap, north of here, after he lost his glasses there) and we took lots of pictures. I have eaten lunch up here for years so it made me smile to show my spot to others. Then we started down and Flint was way ahead and Calamity next. After a while I started to notice I didn't remember this part. We were on a side trail and had to turn around and climb back up. I could not believe I had gone the wrong way on a trail I have done so many times! That is what I get for just following along. Flint was waiting at Lost Spectacles Gap for us and he could not believe it had taken us so long. I had never walked the trail between there and 311 before. The trail was fairly difficult with Rawies Rest, a knife-edge ridge. It took us until after 5:00 PM to walk 12.6 miles where the day before I had walked 15 miles by 4:30 PM. It is all about the terrain!It really felt like coming home to see the 311 parking lot. The three of us were picked up by my neighbor, Tom, and Hobo was with him. Hobo had made a chili dinner for us and a friend of mine, Gail, brought salad and ice cream and we had a feast. Sleeping in my own bed was another treat, but also to have hikers in my home still connects me to the trail!
Date: 2007-05-12
From: VA 311

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

From: HomeTo: HomeToday's Miles: 0Total Miles: 694.5Waking up in my own bed felt funny and wonderful at the same time. Today was a very busy day. I lent out a lot of my cloths to my hiking buddies and we washed our very smelly hiking ones. The four of us, Calamity, Hobo, Flint, and I went down to Mill Mtn. Coffee Shop at the end of my street for breakfast. Flint's wife, Kim (Paws) arrived from West Virginia to spend some time with him. We all had lunch with some of my friends at a Mexican Restaurant, went to the outfitters, saw some thru-hikers there, then went to a friend's house, Laurie, who is a D.O. and she helped us get back in shape. Then went to re-supply.It was a sight to see four people re-supplying in my living room. We sort of all bought things then put it all in the middle of the floor and sat down with ziplock bags and took what we wanted.Flint ( we will miss him) and his wife left for a motel and we all watched TV until 12:00 AM! We stayed up way to late to walk 20 miles tomorrow!
Date: 2007-05-13
From: VA 311

To: Daleville - Va 220
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: scattered clouds

From: Catawba, VA 311To: Daleville, VA 220Today Miles: 19.8Total Miles: 714.3Some of my friends brought over breakfast and then Hobo, Calamity, and I left to slack pack to Daleville. Another friend, Caroline, met us and we all hiked up to McAfee's Knob together. I have done this hike so many times in practice, and I was thrilled to actually be walking it as a Thru Hiker. The day was cool and fairly clear as we hiked up. I had told Calamity and Hobo it was an fairly easy hike and for once I was correct. We had a break and snack at McAfee's Knob took the pictures and said goodbye to Caroline, who hiked back down to her car. We heard from Flint today that he was going back to West Virginia to be with his family. We will miss him but understand the need for a break and to be with family.Today's hike was one of the nicest so far. They say every day is hard but some days are less hard. Today was a less hard day. The views and weather were great. We looked down on Carvin's Cove for many of the miles (Roanoke's water supply). The only draw back was it was long. Wingfoot's book was giving us powerlines as landmarks and there was suppose to be four until we had mile to go. Well after the sixth or seventh and we were still far from the end, and we were getting discouraged! We did finally get the 19.8 miles done and arrived at US 220. It was mother's day and Calamity's mom came to have dinner with her and take Hobo and I back to the car. We ate at The Three Little Pigs and did not get home until 9:00 PM. Hobo and I were to get back on the trail tomorrow for five days and Calamity would take a day off to be with her mom and catch up later. We were so tired, we decided why not take a zero (a real zero) and leave with Calamity since we were going to the same spot to get picked up for Trail Days in Damascus. And this would allow Calamity not to have to do a long day to catch us. Hobo's ankle seems to be okay but was slightly swollen by the end of the day. But he is ready to be back out there walking each day.
Date: 2007-05-14
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

From: HomeTo: HomeToday's Miles:0Total Miles: 714.3I woke up this morning feeling relaxed and content. I again was in my own bed and whole a zero day lay in front of me with not too much to do. I have not had a day like this since Tennessee. I needed to just be here and get ready slowly for the next trek out. Hobo and I walked to Mill Mtn. for breakfast. Later, I downloaded all my pictures to my computer so I will have empty cards for the rest of the trip. We met Calamity and her mom for lunch at Mac & Bob's (a local restaurant). I packed my pack and soaked my feet. It has been a good day that I needed! Back out on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2007-05-15
From: Home

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

From: VA 220, Daleville, VATo: Wilson Creek ShelterToday's Miles: 11.2Total Miles: 725.5Calamity and her mother arrived around 9:00 AM to pick us up for the Trail. Hobo and I had already been up, showered, and gone to Mill Mtn Coffee for breakfast. We were on the Trail by 9:30 with fully loaded packs. It has been a long time for Hobo to be hiking with a full pack. Again, the weather was sunny and cool, but quickly warmed up during the morning. If I had to recommend a section to hike to someone right now, I would say from 311- north. It has been fairly gentle ups and downs and the trail has been maintained well. There also have been some wonderful views. At this time of the year, the mountain laurel and rhododendron are all in full bloom and welcome you along the trail with their colors and scents. The leaves on the trees have the deepest greens I have ever seen. Although, I have to say, that I love winter hiking as you can see so much more without all the leaves on the tress. The trail has truly turned into a green tunnel.Calamity, Hobo, and I had lunch at Fullhardt Knob Shelter which has an elaborate cistern system of water that collects the roof run off and puts it into a holding tank. The shelter was built in the 60's and so we did not try the water.We arrived at the Wilson Creek Shelter around 3:30, pretty early for us but we stayed as we were all tired. As I sit here at 6:15 PM writing this, Hobo is already asleep!The water source was a ways down and not that good but as I was climbing down; I slipped and landed with my butt in the stream and feet in the air. I was fine and I am glad no one had a camera out as it was a funny sight to see. Here tonight besides the three of us are thru hikers Chill Out and Bowlegged (and his dog Bono, I spent the night with him in the shelter with the tree through the roof), Singe, and Old Yeller (who I had not met before) and section hikers Shadow and three young men from Daleville. A lot of people, but except for Shadow, they all kept to themselves.Well, to bed early tonight. I hope rain holds off tomorrow until we get to the shelter!
Date: 2007-05-16
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Cove Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

From: Wilson Creek ShelterTo: Cove Mtn ShelterToday Miles: 13.7Total Miles: 739.2As we woke up this morning, Shadow came by to tell us there was a copperhead snake next to his tent. Hobo went to look and got our food bags. An hour later, when we were leaving camp the snake was still hanging around. I don't think I have ever seen a copperhead in the wild like that and it is okay if I never see one again. I certainly watched my step for the rest of the day.I sound like a broken record, but again the morning was sunny and cool. The walk was rolling ups and downs and the woods were alive with all the spring colors. I thought it was nice yesterday, but today the rhododendrons lined the trail for miles and I felt I was in some famous English garden on a tour.We climbed up for awhile until we hit the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 97 for the first time. We crossed it 5 more times during the day and each time it was at an overlook. It made today's walk very interesting and seemed easier because it was broken up so much. You can get board out here when the miles don't seem to change and it is just up and down. We also saw a huge rock wall that I think must have been a bridge on an old road, maybe even the old Parkway.We had lunch at Bobblets Gap Shelter, and as Calamity and I arrived we knew something was wrong with Hobo. His ankle was giving him trouble again. We talked about his options as we were coming up to VA 43 which is a road where he could get off. He decided to see how it was in the next three miles. We all filled every container we had with water, as there is none on the way, and none at the shelter we are staying at. I do understand why they would have a shelter with no water. My pack was very heavy with three liters, but Calamity and I shared the load by splitting it up so that we each carried the extra water for three miles. Hobo's ankle was getting worse so I called my friend, June, and she left work to come get him. She met us around 2:00 at VA 43, Bearwallow Gap with Cokes, cookies, and chocolate! Thanks June!!!Once again we said goodbye to Hobo and Calamity and I started up Cove Mtn. We were trying to beat the rain that was on its way. It sprinkled some but we made it to the Cove Mtn. Shelter and it started to pour! As we were cooking dinner a doe stood about 100 yds away from us and just watched for awhile. She was so beautiful standing and observing us as we watched her and then Calamity and I sat and watched snails crawl along on the rocks.It is only the two of us here tonight. We can't figure out where everyone is! A long day tomorrow!!!!
Date: 2007-05-17
From: Cove Mtn Shelter

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

From: Cove Mtn ShelterTo: Thunder Hill ShelterToday's Miles: 17.2Total Miles: 756.4The birds woke me up early this morning but it was so cold neither Calamity or I wanted to get up. I couldn't believe I had cold hands again! The day stayed very cool all day, and we climbed up all day to 4225 ft, so we had to stop and put more cloths on.Yesterday we met two women who are section hiking the AT. Today we met them again and had a nice long talk. They are Icy and Early Bird. Icy is from NC and Early Bird is from Georgia, near Springer. They will be hiking in New Hampshire in August, so maybe we will run into them again.We had over 10 miles of our 17 going ¢up¢ today. Some of the ups felt like they would never end, but they always did. We had lunch at Bryant Ridge Shelter. It was a shelter with two levels and benches etc. I wish they were all built with an area to cook out of the weather, but I guess that would be asking a lot!On top of Apple Orchard Mtn. there is a FAA radar dome that I had hiked to with my son, Jason, a few years ago. I think it is the highest point along the trail until we get way up north!And then we passed under the Guillotine bolder that is suspended over the trail. We took pictures and were glad it stayed up and least a few more minutes. We got the Thunder Hill Shelter around 5:00 PM, which I think is pretty good for a 17 mile day. We averaged 2 miles an hour even with all the ups. I was surprised that I was walking that fast.Bonnie Caroline was at the shelter when we arrived. I have not seen her in a long time. So it is just three women here tonight on this very cool evening in May. I am not looking forward to getting up in the cold in the morning, but like the mountains we climb there is no choice but to do it! Thunder Mtn Shelter lived up to its name as we had the worst storms I have seen on the trail and it shook the whole shelter!
Date: 2007-05-18
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: VA 812
Miles today: 15.7

From: Thunder Hill ShelterTo: VA 812, USFS 36 Today's Miles: 15.7Total Miles: 772.1Last night the shelter and the ground shook from the thunder and lightening. It started about 9:00 PM and felt like it went on for hours. I hate thunder and lightening storms and would count between the flashes and the thunder and I could not even get to 1. I was so glad when it started to move away. Thunder Hill Shelter was certainly appropriately named!Calamity and I got up early and headed out as it was cold and foggy morning. We left Bonnie Caroline cooking her breakfast in her sleeping bag. I could barely see Calamity ahead of me for most of the day, but by the afternoon it had cleared up but remained very cool. We had three climbs today with only one tough one and the rest of the time we were going down. The 10 miles up yesterday were reversed today and we had about 7 miles of down. It feels like we are the only north bounders out here lately. We only see day hikers or section hikers during the day. The shelters used to be full, but lately, it is one or two others at the most. Maybe Trail Days really does take people off the Trail.A friend of mine, Annie, picked us up today at US 501 to get off of the trail to go to Trail Days tomorrow. She is a District Forest Ranger in the area and walked up the trail to meet us. We then crossed the longest foot-use only bridge on the Trail. It is dedicated to Bill Foot (good pun here) a 1987 thru hiker ¢Happy Feet.¢ It is a great bridge and hikers used to have to walk up to the vehicle bridge and then down a busy road to the trail. So again thanks to everyone¢s efforts to make the this wonderful walkway possible.Annie then dropped us off 1.2 miles up the road and we did a small slack pack (actually a no pack) back to the road. It was a unique walk as we were again next to water and had to cross two log bridges. We felt like we were flying with not even a water bottle.   We went back to her house and all my friends had a cookout for us. Flint and his wife, Paws, also came and she is getting on the trail with Flint. Hobo also was there and they had a cake for Calamity's birthday with the Trail on it. It was great. Thanks everyone for a wonderful time.
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Home

To: Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0

From: HomeTo: Home (Trail Days)Today's Miles: 0Total Miles: 772.1I drove down to Trail Days in Damascus today. It is about a 2 1/2 hour drive and I picked up Calamity (who was at a hotel) on the way. We walked around looking at the vendors and went to the outfitters all morning without seeing anyone we knew. We were beginning to wonder where all the people we have been hiking with were! Around 1:00 PM, Sun Dog Outfitters, started serving FREE hotdogs to hikers and what do you know, all of our friends showed up!Pebble was there and it was so great to see her. I had not seen her since the snow storm in Erwin, TN. Her mother was with her and had even hiked 50 miles with her! After we ate, there were banners to sign for the year you hiked or the current year and there even was one for The Dreamers. Then there was the parade. The hikers again lined up with the Class of 2007 last. The parade is more like one big water battle. The hikers have water balloons and the biggest water pistols I have ever seen, and the spectators are also armed with everything from balloons, pistols, buckets, and even hoses. Calamity, Flint, and I walked together and found out if you are inconspicuous and do not draw attention to yourself you can stay fairly dry.The parade ended and the talent show began. Pebble twirled her poles like batons while some guy played the harmonica. She was great and we all cheered her on! Billy the Kid and Moon Pie (who we have not seen since Watauga Lake) sat with us and then our biggest surprise was we ran into the Colonel. I met him at Neal¢s Gap and hiked awhile with him. He had to get off because of blisters and is in Hot Springs now.We also saw Fishing Fred who sells signs, stickers, and small wooden AT symbols. He is getting back on the Trail about where we are. Also, Waffle, Brew, and Larry are getting back on at Glasgow.Today I ate an egg sandwich at Mill Mtn Coffee, a cheeseburger, corn on the cob, a hot dog with chili, and funnel cake at Trial Days. If I keep eating like this I will gain all my weight back. It is going to very hard when I do get off the trail not to eat so much as I get so hungry even when I am not walking.It was a fun and tiring day. I am helping Calamity, Flint, and his wife, Paws, get back on the Trail tomorrow and I am taking a week off to see my son, go to Florida and visit with my dad and uncle, and then go to Atlanta to do some line dancing. This was all planned before the hike and it might do my body some good to have a real rest even though it is tough to think about being off even for a week. You do get into that hiker mode where you just want to get up and hike each day even if the days are hard.
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Got up today to do a little trail magic of my own. Calamity and I went to Mill Mtn. for breakfast and then we picked up Flint and Paws, as they are all getting back on the Trail. We drove Calamity to VA 812 in Glasgow and she hiked off. I will miss her and hope to catch her when I get back. She says she will go slowly and her husband, Chase will be picking her up in Waynesboro for a few days off. I then drove Paws and Flint to Wildwood Campground, where they had made arrangements to leave their car for a week. After living in the woods and in shelters for the past months, this campground looked like a five star hotel. There were gates you had to drive through, and golf carts you rode in, so you would not have to walk, a swimming pool, and you could take a shower every day. Most of the people had huge RV¢s or they stayed in cabins. I guess some peoples¢ idea of camping is different from others!We drove back to VA 311 near my house and Flint and Paws also set off walking up the Trail. I hope they make it to 812 as then Flint would get back on the AT the same day as I would at the same spot. A thru hiker, Dogs¢ Life, was hitching a ride to the Home Place to eat so I drove him there. It turns out he started from Springer, March 7, the same day I did. Small world!
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Home

To: Florida
Miles today: 0.0

From: HomeTo: FloridaToday Miles: 0Total Miles: 772.1I flew to Florida today. First to Atlanta, then to Tampa and last to Sarasota- Bradenton Airport. The last flight was in the smallest airplane I have ever been in. I knew I was in trouble when we had to wait and walk to the plane with the pilot! It was an 8 passenger plane and I did get to see a lot of the terrain even if I did have to hold on to my seat.Today was strange as I am used to going 2 miles an hour and I traveled hundreds of miles in one day and there were so many people it was disconcerting.I arrived in the early evening and was very glad to see my Dad
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Florida

To: Florida
Miles today: 0.0

From: FloridaTo: FloridaToday Miles:0Total Miles:772.1I walked a total of three miles today to see my Uncle Ron. He is 93 and lives close to my dad. Then my dad and I drove to family friends who I have known for over 50 years and went to dinner.It was a nice relaxing day. I am resting and reading a lot and it feels pretty good.
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Atlanta

To: Atlanta
Miles today: 0.0

From: FlorIdaTo: AtlantaToday Miles: 0Total Miles: 772.1I flew to Atlanta today to go to a country western hoedown. It is a gathering of about 500 people who country western dance.I thought I would dance more but my knees and feet are not doing well. I think it is because I have been walking on cement and not wearing my orthopedics and knee braces.--------------------
Date: 2007-05-26
From: Atlanta

To: Atlanta
Miles today: 0.0

From: AtlantaTo: AtlantaToday Miles: 0Total Miles: 772.1More of the same today. Dancing, workshops, good conversation with friends, and a wonderful foot massage. I have a good friend who going to massage school and she worked on my feet and legs twice today. It was the first night in a long time I had no foot pain at night. Thanks Lorraine!Home tomorrow!