morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-25
From: Watauga Dam Road

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: broken clouds

Another high mileage day - 22.8 miles.Something you may not know about me - I am fascinated by cemeteries and the history of those buried there. A short ways off the Trail was a monument which reads "Uncle Nick Grindstaff - born December 26, 1851 and died July 22, 1923 lived alone, suffered alone and died alone". He lived and died before the Trail was formed so his burial vault sticks up above the ground. It looks like an old chimney with a plaque on it.We tented at Low Gap.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-26
From: Low Gap

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today we hiked out of Tennessee for the last time and entered Virginia for the first time and headed for Damascus. We will be hiking approximately 544 miles through Virginia, the longest mileage state on the Trail. We hiked about 14.9 miles into Damascus, got a ride out of town north on the Trail 5.6 miles and hiked that back into Damascus so we could take a zero day tomorrow.We got a room at a Bed & Breakfast, the Montgomery Inn. This is a very nice B&B and the breakfast was great. All the hikers at the Inn loved the cheese grits that were served at breakfast. I was able to get the recipe from the owner. I learned to eat grits (Southern faire) as a boy as my Mother was a Georgia-born and raised girl. My daughters have been eating grits since they were very young also.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-27
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a zero day in town - the first one taken by my fellow hikers - Sawbuck, Magic Touch, Tsquared, Miss Wiggy, Gator Dew, Coops, and Amy. Tsquared and I did our laundry. I also went to the library to get caught up on the internet, had lunch, and bought a few groceries. Tsquared and I made a couple trips to the outfitters. I needed to have my pack adjusted - a little out of alignment. We also bought a few miscellaneous supplies. Just talked to my wife and one of my daughters. Going to go and have dessert with a group of hikers at the Mill Restaurant here in Damascus.Heading back to the Trail early tomorrow morning.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-28
From: Damascus, VA

To: Elk Garden, VA Route 600
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

Got a late start today since T2 and I couldn't pass up the great breakfast at the Montgomery Inn Bed & Breakfast and the staff didn't start serving breakfast until 8 am. We ate blueberry pancakes and those wonderful cheese grits. We got to the trailhead about 9:45 but told ourselves the breakfast was worth being late. We spent most of the day hiking along side the Virginia Creeper Trail which runs parallel to the Appalachian Trail. There is a short part of the Virginia Creeper Trail which actually is on the AT and is a very well-known bicycle path used by those who bring their own bikes or those who rent bikes in town.I forgot to mention that on Thursday, May 26, T2 and I were sitting on the front porch of the B&B in Damascus talking about where to go to supper. The rest of the hikers we came into town with had already left for supper. While sitting there, Glenda (Hi Hills) and her husband, Franklin, whom we had not met previously, came up to the B&B and sat down and talked with us. Hi Hills is a hiker that T2 and I had practice-hiked with prior to our long hike. While we were talking, the rest of the group came back from their dinner and joined in the conversation - including Tiger Lil, Coops, Miss Wiggy and Loon. After a while, T2 and I headed to the Baja Cafe for dinner and were joined by Hi Hills and her husband, Franklin, Miss Wiggy and Pokey. We had a pleasant surprise as Franklin had sneaked off and paid the bill. That was much appreciated Trail Magic!!Back to today - we hiked a total of 18.2 miles and tent camped at Elk Garden, Virginia along Route 600. Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-29
From: Elk Garden, VA Route 600

To: Fox Creek, Virginia Route 603
Miles today: 16.9

We headed out this morning at 6:30 am and headed up through Grayson Highlands State Park which is known for its herds of feral ponies. Although the ponies are wild, they will come right up to you for a handout. When we came to the area of the Highlands just before Wise Shelter, we came upon a herd of approximately 40 ponies. Gator Dew gave me her camera and I took a picture of her petting one of the larger ponies. I then gave her my camera and went over by the same pony to have my picture taken. As I got close to the pony, he swung towards me and attempted to bite my arm, barely nipping me because I jumped back as soon as I knew what he was up to. In my haste to avoid getting a full bite and a possible case of rabies, I moved back very quickly and only received a small black and blue mark on my arm. In the process though, I wound up tripping over the rut in the AT Trail and ended up on my back. After getting over the initial shock, I had some choice words directed at the pony. After this I realized that he probably was trying to get the apple in my jacket pocket, but because I was so mad at what he did, I was not going to give him the apple. I ate the apple myself. Gator Dew and T2 witnessed the whole episode which they both found amusing.As we moved closer to the shelter, we found the most modern privy we have seen yet on the trail. It was a new structure with a solar panel on the roof which was used to power a vent fan also located on the roof. This allowed the privy to be very clean smelling (quite unusual out here on the Trail). I took a photo of T2 being the first one in the group to use the privy as the side walls were quite low, T2 is rather tall, and it was easy to identify him "on the throne".We camped at Fox Creek which was just up the road from a horse camp where riders could camp and stable their horses. It was quite crowded since this was part of the Memorial Day weekend. During our hiking today we also saw a very large number of section hikers who were out for the Holiday weekend.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-30
From: Fox Creek, Virginia Route 603

To: Mt. Rogers NRA HQ
Miles today: 23.1

We headed towards Mt. Rogers NRA (National Recreation Area) Headquarters. It was a long day of hiking - 23.1 miles.We ended the day at the Headquarters area with a new two-level shelter and numerous campsites around the area. This shelter is unique in that it has a hot shower attached to the shelter although no one in our group had energy to take advantage of this luxury. Another good thing about the shelter is that it had a phone outside the building which we used to order pizza. This shelter is on Virginia Route 16 which is only 2 miles out of Sugarland. Some of the group hitchhiked into Sugarland to a restaurant for dinner.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-05-31
From: Mt. Rogers NRA HQ

To: VA Route 42
Miles today: 23.3

Headed out about 6:30 am as we had a long day of hiking toward Ceres, Virginia. T2 and I wound up hiking with Scotty Too-Lite off and on most of the day. I had first met Scotty Too-Lite on Roan Mountain a week before this and had a short conversation with him then. Although today was a long day, it was enjoyable because we hiked into the Town of Atkins (right on the Trail) at lunch time and ate at the local Dairy Queen. While T2 and I were enjoying lunch, Scotty Too-Lite was resupplying at a local truck stop.When we got to Ceres, Miss Wiggy's husband, Brian, was there to take her off the Trail for a couple of pre-hiked, banked days. Since T2 and I had prehiked this section in early April, we were also able to take advantage of some banked days. Miss Wiggy's husband, Brian, was our Trail Angel this time and we thank him for the lunchmeat sandwiches and chips for our supper. Brian (thank you again) and Miss Wiggy gave T2 and I a ride to Pearisburg, Virginia where we met up with my wife, Judy, who had come out to spend a few days with me. These banked days allow me to keep up with my business activities that I must take care of even while hiking the Trail. Brian also gave two other young hikers and their dog a ride who were leaving the Trail to attend a wedding in the San Francisco Bay area.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-06-01
From: VA Route 42

To: Garden Mountain, VA
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

T2 and I took a zero day today. We had previously hiked this section in the beginning of April to allow for the zero day for business purposes.We used the time to eat a late breakfast, do laundry and get pictures developed at WalMart.We ate grilled chicken, a salad and veggies and dessert for dinner at Darlene's here in Pearisburg which is an excellent place to eat.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-06-03
From: Kimberling Creek; VA Rt 612

To: VA Rt. 606
Miles today: 18.2

Today was the third zero day because of hiking this in the beginning of April.Judy (my wife), T2 and I went to Blacksburg (about 25 miles) today to go to the outfitter to see if there was anything we needed. I wound up purchasing a Patagonia long-sleeve shirt.We went to More Than Coffee for lunch and had Calzones. They were huge and Judy and I couldn't eat all of ours. T2 finished all of his as he is definitely a member of the "Clean Plate Club".Took a ride to figure out the logistics of where Judy will drop me off at the trailhead on Monday morning to resume my hike.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-06-04
From: VA Rt. 606

To: New River Bridge, US Rt. 460, Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: light rain

Another zero day.We tried to get several fellow hikers together to go to dinner at the HomePlace Restaurant in Catawba, Virginia. The HomePlace is about an hour from Pearisburg and serves the best Southern-style chicken, beef, ham, fruit cobbler, etc. family style. Before going to dinner, Judy and I drove out by Trent's Grocery Store (30-40 minutes) to try to meet up with Sawbuck and Magic Touch and take them with us to dinner. We waited an hour and a half but had to leave and get back to Pearisburg to join the other hikers and then travel to the restaurant which closed at 8:00 PM. I left a note under a rock on the bridge for Sawbuck and Magic Touch explaining we had been there but couldn't wait any longer. We found out the next day that they had found my note and we had missed them by only 15 minutes. Judy and I were still able to enjoy our meal at HomePlace with T2, Miss Wiggy and her husband, Brian, Gator Dew and Miss Wiggy's friend, Kevin.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-06-05
From: New River Bridge, US Rt. 460, Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: scattered clouds

The final zero day. T2, Judy and I had 3-egg omelets ($2.95) at our favorite breakfast place in Pearisburg, the Friends and Family Restaurant. We spent the rest of the day getting caught up on laundry, groceries, internet, pictures, calling family and packing.As we were standing outside the Plaza Motel talking with some fellow hikers, Stretch walked by. Tiger Lil invited Stretch to join our conversation and he did. T2, Judy and I then gave Stretch a ride to the Holy Family Hostel which saved him a 1-1/2 mile walk. Stretch mentioned that his son, BJ Huntsinger is on the Motorcross Pro Circuit - 125 Class Outdoor Nationals and rides a Yamaha (I think I got that right).Sawbuck, Magic Touch, Tiger Lil, Coops, T2, Judy and I ate dinner at a local sports bar. While there we saw several Aussie hikers. We then gave Magic Touch a ride to the Holy Family Hostel.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: VA Rt. 613
Miles today: 20.0

Started out this morning having to ford a stream 1-1/2 miles in because the bridge crossing the stream was out due to one of the 2004 hurricanes. Stopped at Bailey Gap Shelter to take a picture of the shelter since it has the same name as my Giant Schnauzer, Bailey.Having breakfast at the shelter were Moonshine, Praying Mantis, Colors, TO, Bear Canless, Captain Hook and one other hiker whose name I can't remember. Later in the day, after a few of them had passed me, I then passed them at a shelter where they stopped to have lunch.As it got towards evening, I passed a couple hikers from the opposite direction who told me my destination shelter would have 2 hikers tonight - one of which would be me. I guessed the other hiker would be TO who I knew was ahead of me. I got to the shelter about 6 PM and TO was there. Around 8 PM, 5 of the other hikers had shown up but not Captain Hook. This group of hikers were all in their early 20's. I went to bed shortly after 8. Around 9 PM the group decided to have pudding to celebrate Moonshine's birthday (same birth date as my oldest daughter, Kimberly). They asked if I would like to join them for pudding but I declined as I was still full from dinner - although pudding did sound good. Around midnight, Captain Hook showed up and we made room for him in the shelter. I talked to Captain Hook the next day and learned that he had become interested in a book and had sat and read the book most of the afternoon. Therefore, he ended up hiking in the dark. He said while hiking he saw or felt eyes on him and was concerned that maybe he wasn't alone out there in the woods. He started singing out loud to make himself feel more comfortable. I also spoke to a few other hikers who said they heard Captain Hook singing as he was walking down the Trail.It was a good night with no rain after a long, hot and humid day of hiking.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-06-07
From: VA Rt. 613

To: Craig Creek Valley; VA Rt. 621
Miles today: 25.5

Left the shelter by 6:30 AM while the rest of the group there were still in bed. They didn't even realize I had left. This was another long, hot and steamy day of hiking. I was planning to hike to Pickle Branch Shelter but noticed around 5 PM that I still had 10 miles to go. I had even contemplated going 4 miles further from Craig Creek Valley to find a place to sleep with my tarp near the Audie Murphy Monument but chose the comfort of a tent. My 7 friends from last night passed me and said they were headed to the monument. Wildcat came past about 45 minutes later and asked me about the group. When I told him how far ahead they were he said that the monument was where he was headed also.It had started to rain so I took the opportunity to share a tent with T2 at Craig Creek Valley. It rained hard from 10:00 PM to 12:30 AM. The lightning and thunder really didn't bother me while I was in the tent.Until tomorrow.....PS - I gave Judy a quick call this morning to make sure she made it safely back home to Indiana. She thanked me for the flowers and card she found on the kitchen table. Two of my daughters are taking turns being my personal homefront "Trail Angels" by having flowers and a pre-written note from me ready for Judy when she gets home from visiting me.
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Craig Creek Valley; VA Rt. 621

To: VA Rt. 311
Miles today: 21.2

Headed out early again. When I got near the Audie Murphy Monument (4 miles into the hike), the group of 7 from yesterday were sitting around having breakfast. They pointed me in the direction of the Monument so I went to see it and took pictures. When I came down from the Monument, I told the hikers that Wildcat was looking for them. They responded that Wildcat had spent the night with them but had already hiked out for the day.The day continued to turn extremely hot and humid and I had very little opportunity to get water. I was totally dehydrated by the time I hit camp tonight. Most of the group I had been hiking with also camped early because of the heat and humidity. We wound up tent camping in the grassy area outside a country store that had the best hamburger sandwich you could buy for $2.50.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-06-10
From: US Route 220, I-81

To: Bearwallow Gap, VA Rt. 43
Miles today: 21.7

We headed out from Daleville, Virginia early this morning and had difficulty finding the Trail. About a mile into our hike, we found the white-paint blazes near a railroad crossing. Our hike today also took us onto the Blue Ridge Parkway which begins several miles north of here and extends all the way south to Cherokee, North Carolina, just south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During the second half of our hike today, we passed the Parkway numerous times and were usually within earshot of the Parkway traffic. The weather was unbearably hot and humid which made it difficult to keep a good pace.We were beat by the time we reached our campsite, ate a quick dinner and hit the sack.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Bearwallow Gap, VA Rt. 43

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Halfway through our hike we came to Bryant Ridge Shelter, the second largest shelter on the Trail. It is a 2-story structure laid out in an "L" shape. It's confusing as to why there is such a big shelter in this area since it is way back on the Trail and not near any high population crossing. After having lunch at the shelter, we stopped to take a short nap but the bugs were too bad. We did stop later on to take a picture of The Guillotine which is a large boulder suspended over the Trail.We tented at a campground and Miss Wiggy's husband, Brian, met us and grilled bar-b-que chicken and served cole slaw and brought pecan pie for dessert. Thank you so much, Brian!Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-06-12
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: James River
Miles today: 15.3

We hiked a little over 15 miles today before we arrived at a footbridge which took us across the James River. We had planned to tent tonight but there is no camping available in this area. We did however, meet a Trail Angel, named Ken, who offered us soft drinks and a ride to the Wildwood Campground about 4 miles away. Five of us hikers shared a cabin for the night. We were able to get a shower and a sandwich at the campground store. Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-06-13
From: James River

To: Long Mountain Wayside
Miles today: 21.7

Our Trail Angel from last night, Ken, met us this morning and ferried us back to the Trailhead. Today's hike was long and tough due to the terrain, high temp and humidity.About halfway into our hike we saw the Ottie Cline Powell Memorial. Ottie Cline Powell was a little boy who was just 4 years and 11 months old when he walked away from the school where he was collecting wood. He got lost and proceeded to walk to a mountaintop about 7 miles from where he was last seen. He was found at the spot where the memorial is and this is right on the AT. Ottie got lost in November and was found the following April over 100 years ago. The memorial caught my attention because in addition to having a concrete and metal headstone, there were many toys laying next to and on the headstone, i.e., frisbees, balls, toy soldiers, etc.We passed two shelters today that are probably two of the least appealing that we have seen so far. Punchbowl Shelter is one of these. After leaving Punchbowl Shelter, we ran into a couple hikers who told us there was Trail Magic ahead. When we got to the spot where the Trail Magic was supposed to be, nothing was there so we continued on. About 3 miles further at the next road crossing, we found the Trail Angels who were made to relocate to a new spot by members of the Forest Service. They served us cooked sausage with peppers, cole slaw, baked beans and a soft drink. This was a most welcome treat.We then had a short 2-mile hike to our campsite for the night.Until tomorrow.....PS - Be sure to check out the latest pictures I've added to my photo gallery.
Date: 2005-06-14
From: Long Mountain Wayside

To: Tye River, Virginia
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: few clouds

Today was a long, hot day with many ups and downs. We attempted to take advantage of the views from Spy Rock but changed our minds. The climb was too tough considering we were well into our hike and were getting hot and tired.Later we did summit The Priest Mountain which was the second climb in a row towards the end of our hike. Following that ascent, we immediately did a long descent down to the Tye River. Our feet were hot and sore so we decided to soak them in the cool water before cooking dinner and heading to bed.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-06-15
From: Tye River, Virginia

To: Dripping Rock
Miles today: 15.3

Temperatures were a little cooler which made for a much better day for hiking.We climbed Three Ridges but because it was buried in the woods, there wasn't much we could see.We ate lunch at Hanging Rock with good views. We could look back at Priest Mountain which we ascended and descended yesterday.We had a chance to sit and talk to a couple hikers who have been coming back and hiking this section of the Trail for approximately 25 years. They had a lot of knowledge about the area so it was very enjoyable talking with them.About 1/2 mile before we camped for the night, we stopped at Cedar Cliffs and relaxed for about 35-40 minutes to marvel in the beauty of God's glorious creation.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Dripping Rock

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

As I mentioned in an earlier journal, I love visiting cemeteries. Well, we came to one today but we chose not to stop but rather to continue hiking. A little while later we approached an old stone cabin with ruins just off the Trail. The stone fireplace as well as the stone foundation is still standing.We made it to Waynesboro, Virginia late afternoon where we planned to spend the night. We stayed at a local motel, did laundry, and picked up mail at the Post Office. We ate a nice dinner at the New River Bar & Grill and then headed back to our room to watch the Spurs vs the Pistons.I was able to give my granddaughter, Aubrey, a call to wish her a Happy 7th Birthday and also wished my daughter, Kimberly, and her husband, Todd, a Happy Anniversary (yesterday).Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-06-17
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Blackrock Hut, Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: clear sky

Today we hiked 20.2 miles. Pretty level terrain runing along Skyline Drive. We crossed over Skyline Drive numerous times. Fortunately, the weather was cooler and less humid than it has been.We tent camped in the area around Blackrock Hut (shelter) in the Shenandoah National Park. The Trail runs the length of the Park.Our Trail Magic tonight was provided by Red Rocket who made us soup and cooked spinach (need those green vegetables).Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-06-18
From: Blackrock Hut, Shenandoah National Park

To: Hightop Hut, Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today T2 and I experienced Trail Magic from an intended thru-hiker from Phoenix who hiked the State of Georgia and then decided she wasn't enjoying her hike and left the Trail. Her Trail name is Phoenix Rising. She offered us soft drinks and candy.We also were treated to Trail Magic for our supper from Miss Wiggy's brother and nephew, Mitchell, from Nashville, Tennessee. They served us spaghetti, bread, pecan pie and brownies. We tented near Hightop Hut (shelter) in the Shenandoah National Park.Until tomorrow.....
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Hightop Hut, Shenandoah National Park

To: Fishers Gap, Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 22.0

All of Miss Wiggy's family hiked portions of the Trail with us today. Those family members were her brother, nephew, mother, husband and their dog, Missoula. They also met us at the side of the Trail and gave us cold cuts and chips. They are an entire family of Trail Angels.We wound up spending the night at the very nice Big Meadows Lodge in the Shenandoah National Park. Five of us shared a room above the gift shop (Tiger Lil, Miss Wiggy, Coops, T2 and myself).Since this was Father's Day, I was able to talk to my wife and 3 daughters before going to bed. My daughter, Courtney, told me that her husband, Jason, got his architect's license - Congratulations Jason!We ate a good dinner at the Wayside Restaurant that is part of the Park system. For dessert, we had blackberry ice cream which is a specialty of the area.Until tomorrow.....