morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-01
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 6.1

First, i forgot to tell you I saw Freddo after Round Bald. He is the law prof. from BYU I hked with early on. His 5 week section hike is now finished. Nice guy.Evan & I are still hiking together and after breakfast we set out for the famous Kincora Hostel run by Bob & Pat Peoples. Our food bags were empty save for the gorp donated by the Boy Scouts.Upon arriving, I settled in and sorted clean from dirty clothes and made a list of what was needed for food resupply. It so happened that the washing machine died that day so laundry was put aside. There were 6 others at the hostel, most taking a 0 day. We sat out on the porch or snoozed on our bunks ubtil 5 pm when Bob & Pat took us into Elizabethton for shopping and dinner. We had 1.5 hours to take care of our business before being picked up. on the way back, the people in the rear of the truck shared space with a new washer. Laundry was finished late but we were all grateful. Bob & Pat are very nice and gracious folks. Some of the hikers went and used the weat lodge at the back of the property, I was too tired.
Date: 2006-06-02
From: Dennis Cove

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: moderate rain

Great day for hiking! Laurel Falls was a beautiful start to the day. Easy terrain made for extra mileage. I ran out of waterinthe last few miles before the night's shelter and planned to filter at a spring a couple of miles before the shelter. Well, that spring was more like a seep and the filter kept getting clogged so I moved on. the water supply for the shelter was a nightmare. It is located .1 mile before the shelter only to reach it one must decend at least .3 miles down a steep path. Of course that means one must ascend that same steep path. Tough climb at the end of the day with thunder sounding above. With enough water for the night and to reach the next water 5 miles awaythe next morning I made it to the shelterin time to change out of damp clothes (yes, it rained earlier) before the storm broke. It stormed all night with the rain pounding on the metal roof and the wind blowing damp gusts into the shelter. As I like storms, it was a fine night snuggled in my bag.
Date: 2006-06-03
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: scattered clouds

This was a pretty easy day, if long. The objective was to be within a few miles of Damascus, VA for a half day on Sunday. With 5 miles left, Evan & I met up and had a snack. He remarked that the last 3 miles might feel like a Chinese death march. It wasn't that bad but it may be that the people measuring the last miles of each day use a bungee cord for measuriing. Some of those miles are long.There were 8 other people at Abingdon Shelter, some tenting. They were section hiking and were all very nice. Needless to say, it was an early night.
Date: 2006-06-04
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Who would ever think I would say, "no big deal, it is only 10 miles"? Well, that as my thought as I waked toward town. I was here by 11:30 and walked to the Dairy King for a banana milk shake made with real bananas and to call Jim. Mt. Rogers Outfitters have private rooms for $10 so I thought I'd splurge on some privacy. I spent a quiet day and ate supper with Wild Poodle, a woman I met at Kincora Hostel a few day ago. She has been having knee and back problems so skipped ahead to visit the clinic here.I have now completed 3 of the 14 states through which the AT passes. Virginia has the most miles and is known for inducing the Virginia 'blues'. We shall find out. 459.5 miles down, 1715.1 to go.Goodnight.
Date: 2006-06-05
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Nothing out of the ordinary today. there was a nice climb out of Damascus. I arrived at the shelter around 3 pm and decided against moving on as ssoon there would be a climb to 5100 feet from 3100 feet and I didn't want to get halfway up and be too tired and have no place to tent.Diesel & Cargo, from Holland and Claire bear & her dad shared the shelter. It proved to be a quiet evenng. Locomotive Joe came in about dark, fixed supper, then tarped out back.
Date: 2006-06-06
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a beautiful day for hiking. the 5100 ft climb was easier than anticipated with lots of balds and views. I may have scared a bear today as something large went crashing thru the brushand it wasn't a deer. Too bad I couldn't see what it was.There were two Forest Agency men checking nesting boxes for the endangered Northern Flying Squirrel. apparently this is one of the few areas they may be found.I met some of the wild ponies in the Grayson Highlands today. Ild is relative as they will come to you if you talk to them and especially if food is suspected. There was one grouo of mares and foals that were cute and I ran across one mare I suspect will foal tonight or tomorrow.There were a large number of section hikers out today, perhaps 20, and a group of girls on a wilderness program.All in all, a relaxing day. Locomotive Joe ate dinner here and moved on. It is after dark now and I am the only one in the shelter. Goodnight.
Date: 2006-06-07
From: Wise Shelter

To: Rt 16, Troutdale, VA
Miles today: 15.9

I slept in this morning, not getting up until 7:30. Jonah showed up last night at 9:40 and proceeded to fix his dinner and talk. Finally about 11, he settled down. This was after "I won"t talk anymore and let you sleep" at least twice. At least I slept thru the night, a rarity.I took my time going over some lovely balds, alas, nomore ponies. At aroad crossing I met and talked with some ladies on a week long intro to the A T. They asked me, among other things, what was a surprise I had found while on the trail. Well ladies, one of the most phenomenal is how much people care about the trail. I have met people who help maintain the trail and shelters that will carry a 3/4 inch 4x8 sheet of plywood 1.5 miles or further to a shelter to repair damage from an inconsiderate hiker who wanted a fire even tho it was raining and built one IN a shelter and burned a hole in the floor. Then there is the network of volunteers who can be called upon to walk/run 12 miles round trip to a shelter to leave a note in a register to advise a hiker to call home for emergency reasons. Thanks, L.W. These are some of the incidents one hears about.Some folks just come to the trail with soda and/or food to surprise hikers with trail magic. All of these folks do this because th! ey love the trail and want to support the trail and those who hike.About 2 pm I decided to put on some speed to see if I could reach Rt 16 and hitch a ride into Troutdale to pick up the maildrop from my DH and my new pack. I was successful! A nice young lady picked me up within 5 minutes and dropped me at thee PO. She said I was the 2nd woman hiker she had picked up this year. The databook said the PO was open until 5. I got there at 4 and found it closed at 4:30. I got the new pack and my food and went outside and frantically began switching packs so I could mail the old one back to Golite. (It had split along the seam) I barely made it and the postmistress stayed open just long enough to take the packages. A gentleman just leaving the PO gave me a ride to the church hostel where I am alone.      I ate at the Troutdale Trading Post and as I was leaving had 2 offers to take me back to the trail in the morning. Doesn't get better than that.I'm going to try to do a 20+ day tomorrow to get back on track. I should be on or ahead of schedule after that.Goodnight.
Date: 2006-06-08
From: Rt 16, Troutdale, VA

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: broken clouds

I received a ride back to the trail by the kind lady in Troutdale and started out briskly. The terrain was relatively easy and I saw my first deer on the trail. I smelled a skunk and saw some cows and squirrels as the sum ofthe animal viewing today.I met and talked with a lady from Maine doing sections. This is part of what she feels necessary to her well being after surviving cancer and the treatments after. Nice lady.Stopped at Partnership Shelter for lunch. This shelter has hot & cold running water, shower and a phone to call for pizza delivery. Plus, it is a beautiful two story shelter. The day was young so I moved on to this shelter where I am alone. I know Jonah won't come in toight as he is a couple of miles ahead so it should be a quiet night.
Date: 2006-06-09
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Knob Maul Shelter
Miles today: 18.4

Tough morning!! This was a rough morning as I had trouble moving. After 4 miles I came upon a truck stop where I bought an ice cream cone thinking it would give me energy. It didn't. I draggeds myself to the next shelter thinking I might stay, unfortunately, there was no water for 2 miles either direction so no choice but to move on. I was low on water so... The afternoon was better, I felt better and moved better. I was so pleased to find water just about the time I was out, whew. I filled up more than normal as a sign of relief. VA is supposed to be dry so I'll need to begin carrying more.Arriving at the shelter I found quite a few folks I've been following. They have been known to party so it was unclear what to expect. The group is quite nice and working toward putting ome miles in. No partying tonight.
Date: 2006-06-10
From: Knob Maul Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another long hard day. It started with a couple of long hard ups that wiped me out early. There was basically no water for 7 miles. I was out when I reached the spring at the pond. The next 2 miles was thru a bald to the next shelter for lunch. Several folks just in front of me saw a whopper of a rattlesnake, approx 4 inches in diameter all down it's body. It must have moved on by the time I huffed by.The Chestnut Knob Shelter, the lunch place is an old fire warden's cabin. It is really quite handsome sitting on the bald. From the bald one can look down into a natural bowl or crater. It was lovely.The 10 miles to this shelter looked to be realtively easy. NOT. Lots of rocky ups and downs that seemed to never end. I did make it into the shelter before all but one of the younger crew. Their names are Miss Direction, Stretch, JT, Mash, Cud, and Straw. One of the guys made comment about being out hiked by an older woman. i just told him it just walking and I WAS tired. I am so tired I may take a short daytomorrow or perhaps take a zero (no miles) day here at the shelter. Maybe after 567 miles I could not walk for a day. we'll see tomorrow.By the way, I did see a nice black snake that posed for my camera and there was a deer at the shelter ronight.
Date: 2006-06-11
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: light rain

I got a late start, 9 am, due to the companyAt the shelter and the fact I was trying to decide if I needed to just stay at the shelter and rest.Well, my food supply was getting slim so that decided me. Miss Direction, Stretch, Cud, Straw decided to head into Bland to the Dairy Queen which was 12 miles away then continue 2 more miles to the next shelter. I choose to continue to the next shelter, sans DQ. At the road crossing, I met Elvis, Memphis and Hightech. We checked in at the Helvey's mill shelter and then moved on. (I ate there) After 10 miles I arrived late, 9 pm, just in time to set up my tent and go to bed. It was humerous to see 6 tents around the shelter. 23 miles was my longest day and was capped by thunder showers in the night.
Date: 2006-06-12
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: campsite
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I travelled with new friends today, Leah, Crutch, and Sweatbeast. We travel at about the same speed, which is nice. Noonish after 6.5 miles, we detoured .5 mile to Trent's Store and had a soda and hamburger for only $3.50. It was large and good.I hadbeen in the lead position with he others somewhere behind. Suddeny here comes Sweatbeast followed by Leah then Crutch moving at a very fast speed. When I said something like "wow, you are in overdrive" I was told that Sweatbeast needed to get to the shelter as he had some urgent business. I just couldn't keep up so I walked up to the shelter's picnic table minutes later and was told not to go in front of the shelter. Apparently Sweatbeast's urgenproblem was a bad case of chafing. He had rone into the shelter, dropped his pants and was sitting on the edge of the platform airing out his chafed parts. The boy scouts and ther leaders didn't quite know what to make of this. Leah was returning from the privy and was thankfully intercepted. This falls ito the catagory of "Don't look, Ethel". While at Wapiti Shelter we checked in with Why Not who had left a little later than us. We, with the excrption of Why Not, decided to move on to climb the 2000 ft rise ahead of us instead ! of having the clime 1st thing in the morning and to get us loser to Pearisville where mail drops, laundry, other resupply and food other than trail food awaits.We are at 3900 ft and it is pretty chilly. I'm in my tent and bag and the others went to catch the sunset. Our plans are to wake at 5 am to catch the sunrise. Then on to Pearisville, 16 miles.Bye for now.
Date: 2006-06-13
From: campsite

To: Pearisburg; Holy Family Hostel
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We arose at 5 am and watched the sunrise from a rocky out cropping. Theb the 4 of us (Crutch, Leah, Sweatbeast & me) headed into Pearisburg. The trail immediately before Pearisburg ia a steep downhillwith slipper clay dirt interspersed with rocks. As the 4 of us mmrched down the hill, Sweatbeast rounded a switchback and promptly slid ono his backside. Being friends, we laughed. Then I said,"let me show you how. you are supposed to step on the rocks." Stepping on the rocks, I immediately fell on my tush. That will teach me to be smart aleck! After the falls,we made it in to town and promptly stopped at the DQ for a treat. It was good thing to get the nourishment as we had to walj the 2 miles to the hostel.The hostel was nice with sleeping quarters upstairs, a coveredporch with picnic tables, a gazebo and lots of yard space. The quarters looked cramped so the tent was pitched. I met Trouble, Doc, John McEnroe, Jay-man, Rickles, Zippo and all seemed nice.Pizza Hut was the evening meal. Lots of walking.
Date: 2006-06-14
From: Pearisburg; Holy Family Hostel

To: Pearisburg; Holy Family Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow! This was my first day to not hike on the AT in 45 days. Most folks hiking try to take 1 day a weekoff t let their body rest. Until now, I haven't felt the need to to take an entire day off.Laundry was first onthe agenda. Bill, the hostel caretaker, came by to take folks to whereever thy needed to go thus savin a mile walk to the laundry mat. wedid hae to walk back. We ate at the AYCE Chinese place and went to the library for internet access then to Wal-mart for re-supply. Crutch, a chef in aformer life, treated us to steak on the grill, kabobs, parsley baked potatoes and a wonderful salad. Leah prepared garlic knots and a fruit cheesecake. Needless, no one was hungry tonight.In the night I awoke to hear a deer snorting and stomping near the gazebo. No, I did not gret up to look.
Date: 2006-06-15
From: Pearisburg; Holy Family Hostel

To: campsite
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

The trail leading out of P-burg is goofy. It winds around and up and down in a pointless fashion then runs up a 1700 ft climb. After a day of town food it was sluggish moving. Still traveling with Crutch, Leah and Sweatbeast we all slogged out the miles crossing some nice meadows. After a hard 14 miles we found a ste that would accommodate out 4 tents and called it good.
Date: 2006-06-16
From: campsite

To: War Spur shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

we bagan the day with a nice downhill that lead to a sharp up of about 1300 feetin about 1.2 miles. We stopped at Wind Rock to take in a view. While there, Beekeeper Snail and Trouble showed up so a good visit was hadby all. We all ended up at the shelter long with Doc Gnarley and Why Not. Round 9:30 3 other hikers came in and set up their tents.By the way, Leah now has a trail name, Gimpy Gazelle. Her feet have a LOT of bad blisters but she loves to run and jump downhills. Imagine jumping over rocks and roots with a 40 # pack on your back and without poles. Simply Amazing.I popped my crown off again at lunch. It went back on but came off as I was flossing so I left it off. Due to this I have been dubbed Tooth Fairy. I guess I'll try and see a dentist when DH picks me up in a few days.
Date: 2006-06-17
From: War Spur shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: scattered clouds

What an eventful day. This morning Crutch, GG, Why Not and I left the shelter at nearly the same time. Sweatbeast was running a bit late and we knew he would catch up. The profile showed a large up then flat then a steep downhill then repeat. On the first high flat we detoured to a vista and sat on some huge rocks where we found Trouble. We left ther headed for Laurel Creek Shelter. When almost there, we found Sweatbeast who informed us he needed to leave the trail as he was hurt. It seems his groin was tenser upon awakening and had formed a knot. He suspected either a hernia or a swollen gland. He decided to go to the next road and hitch into the nearest ER. We are betting on the gland. He is supposed to leave a voice mail with his condition.After leaving SB, we had quite a fe meadow crossings, complete with stiles and cows.When DH gets thee photos you'll see the Keffer white oak tree that is more than 18 t around and estimated to be more than 300 years old. This is the size trees that existed when the colonies were being formed.those who know me know that I can be hasty. Well, in my haste to cross a stile while craning my head to look at the cows, I slipped. and got tangled in the tile. Why Not was close enough to help me. Great crpe and bruise.Talk about tired when we reached the shelter. The last 5 miles consisted of a rocky ridge with the rocks tipped at a 45* angle.Tough on the feet.
Date: 2006-06-18
From: Niday Shelter

To: campsite
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

This is an earlu day. We arrived at the shelter at 3:30, the earliest in a long while. This will allow me to catch up on my journals and photos when I am not so tired from tromping up and down hills.Our intent to sleep in this morning didn't work. We were all out of our tents by 6:30 and took our time leaving camp and left at 9:00. This was the hottest, most humid day we have had. It was brutal. We were all hot and fighting each and every uphill step. The day was sadderwhen we got word that Sweatbeast is off the trail until next year. His swelling is indeed a hernia and surgery is necessary. Bummer. We were betting on an infection.Just before noon the heat got to Gimpy Gazelle (Leah) and she began to hyperventilate. We took it slower after that.Herre at the shelter are Why Not, Gimpy Gazelle, Crutch, and a father/son from Maine headed south named too fast and Head Hanger. I may be in luck. Too Fast is an oral surgeon and says he will replace my crown. Nice. We will see how successful this will be. Well, we did no dentistry tonight. It seems the cement I have is so temporary that it may come off each time I eat. Too Fast told me what to get at the net large store. Zippo, Evan, my past hiking buddy, and Chad showed up tonight as well.
Date: 2006-06-19
From: campsite

To: Catawba Shelter
Miles today: 14.5

The shelter last night was abuzz. Three guys each with their own version ofsnoring. After 1 hour, I picked up my groundcloth, mattress, sleeping bag and pillow and just slept under the stars. (This is known as cowboy camping).Im the afternoon the 4of us hitched into Catawba as GG and Why Not had maildrop pickups. At the general store we had tea and soda except for Why Not who drank a quart of chocolate milk. some nice guys gave us a ride back to the trail in the back of their pu truck. In getting out, I fell face first so on the way to the gravel I reached out to grab something to stop my fall. That somethng was Crutch's leg. Not a bad thing except he still had 1 foot in the bed of the truck and was lifting his pack. The momentum of my fall caused him to turn in a circle with me still attached to his leg. It must have been a comical sight! No, I wasn't hurt, just embarassed.After stopping, the 2 miles to the shelter seemed a long walk. Besides we 4, Trouble, Beekeeper, Snail and 2 other guys with their dogs came in to share the shelter. I had a quiet night in my tent.
Date: 2006-06-20
From: Catawba Shelter

To: campsite
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was beautiful weather and we took advantage of the day and the fexibility of hiking. We began our day with a climb up McAfee Knob. It is an area of rocks jutting out into air and hosting fabulous vistas. We took photos and had snacks there before moving on.After McAfee Knob we hiked another 4.1 miles up a teeper climb to Tinker Cliffs. This was anothe spectacular high view thatactually had us overlooking Roanoakz, VA and it's airport. As it was 1:30 we had lunch then sat in the sun watching the airport and 3 red shouldered hawks rising the thermals. Beautiful. It was interesting to note that not one plane landed ordeparted from the airport in the 2 hurs we spent there. We are camped on a wide ridge with a delightful breeze. We can only hope that it does't rain. It isn't pleasant folding and carrying a wet tent.By the way, as of today I have hiked over 700 miles.Goodnight.
Date: 2006-06-21
From: campsite

To: Daleville
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

A miserable night was had by all. It seems we were all plagued by big black ants. They were everywhere. They cralled between theground cloth and the tent floor sounding ike mice. Let me tell you ere were some interesting noises as we slapped at the floor. This morning everyone said they had little or no sleep. Today was the summer slostice and traditionally Hike Naked Day. Why Not and I were ready to head into town at 7:30, fully clothed so we left Crutch and Leah to hike in and/or catch us in whatever manner of dress they preferred. It was a good trip into Daleville where we booked a room at the Econo Lodge. The smell of hikers after 6 days of hiking in warm weather is indescribable. Laundry and showers were first on the agenda.DH had called and made an appointment with a dentist to replace my crown, hopefully permently. A trail angel (person who helps AT hikers) happened to be a the hotel and was able to give me a ride to and from the dentist. All went well and it is possible I won't find the crown floating in my mouth in the forseeable future.Mexican food was on the menu tonight and we are relaxing in the room flipping thru channels on this thing called TV.Tomorrow we head out for a 10-15 mile day. Ther are some healthy climbs in the next few days.Goodnight from Daleville.
Date: 2006-06-22
From: Daleville

To: Wilson creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a late start from Daleville. I forgot to buy denatured alcohol for my stove and 3 gas stations didn't have yellow Heet so we waited for thew outfitter to open at 10. This was the first 90+ degree day I've hiked in. To make matters worse, there was NO breeze. I hiked in my sports bra and shorts to beat the heat. It certainly helped. To make matters even more interesting, there was no water for 9 miles. It seems Virginia has been suffering drought conditions for the past couple of years and a lot of the streams have dried up. Let me tell you that packing 6 days of food and 3 liters of water makes for a heavy pack.We arrived at the shelter around 6 to find a group of disadvantaged boys out for 2 week camping trip. There also were Pockets, riceburner, T amd scardy cat. As I was eating, guys from Camp Bethel arrived with a promis of a couple more arriving around 9:30 tonight. All in all, this is a full shelter.We are planning to get up at 5 am to beat the heat and get in 20 miles, so, I'll say goodnight.