morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-10
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Catawba Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today is for Roisin. Late rising after a very event filled night at Four Pines Hostel. ¢Fubar¢ had too much to drink and attacked some lady called ¢Popsickles¢. The Police were called and Fubar is now behind bars. I was going to take a rest day today, but decided to get away from the confusion and back on the Trail. Ambled along slowly through wet meadowland and along some lovely river that ran beside the path for almost a mile. Then a long climb in an open field with an awesome view of the mountain ridge I had walked yesterday. Feeling very, very tired, I decided to climb to the end of the field and rest. I spread my poncho on the grass and lay down and slept. Then I had myself something to eat and washed it down with lemonade. I was able to buy some groceries last night. I wandered on over fairly gentle climbs till I came to the Highway VA311 and met two nice ladies who gave ¢Happy Feet¢( Sean Joseph Kelly), , Wolfe Man and I a lift into Catawba, nothing there except a small store and a Post Office. Drank 1 litre of milk and carried another. Ate a pile of ice cream before getting back on the road north. Only another 2 miles to the Shelter, but it seemed much more. Only 8 miles today but at least it was something. A beautiful day and a lovely evening here at Catawba Shelter (2460 ft.). I will be to bed early and have to cover some good miles tomorrow. Happy Feet, Double A and Indiana Slim shared the Shelter. Then we were joined by a young 19 year old south bound hiker, Gordon
Date: 2003-06-11
From: Catawba Mountain Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today is for Jim & Statia and all the Leahy family Early rising at Catawba Shelter. Forecast is for rain all day but the early morning is dry.. Drank the reminder of my milk , some bread and cheeze and was striding out at 7 . Feeling good. 1 14 miles to the famous McAfee Knob ( 3197 ft) . Many of the hikers had gone there the evening before because it is so beautiful and the view is awesome .I didn¢t have the energy. As I reached the top, it began to rain and I said, ¢ Oh, shit here it comes¢. But no, it was only a passing cloud and I had a splendid view in the early morning. I moved on to the next Shelter for a Pit Stop. Some of the previous evenings hikers were still in be. The day held well and I was treated to some spectacular views from the high rocky ledges. It was mostly ridge walking over some very rocky terrain, hard on the feet and also the boots. Another highlight of the morning was Tinker Cliffs (3000 ft.), walking along the edge of the world in bright sunshine. The day was hot and humid as I headed for the next Shelter, Lambeths Meadow for lunch. A lovely shelter beside a babbling creek where I washed my boots and filled my bottles . I was later joined by Happy Feet , a very nice character. 12.30, I was ready to leave. A long 10 miles to Troutville along more rocky ground. It was the hottest day so far. The sweat was soaking my pants. I changed the shirt and it was a little better. The thunder was in the distance. Soon it was closer and closing in. I feared the worst high up on the ridge, but there was nothing I could do but ¢plod along¢. The clouds were gathering on all sides and the rain held off. I began the decent and felt safer. I met Sean Patrick Flanagan coming in the opposite direction. He was slack packing and heading up the mountain. I reached Daleville on the US 220, VA 816 around 5 p.m., the rain was starting, but not bad. I rang Meredith¢s house in Roanoke which was near and luckily she was home. Chris and herself came for me and another hiker , Wild Flower, whom I hadn¢t seen since Trail Days. Jim , another from back around Easter was already there. Linda and Rand Bowden gave us an excellent evening. After a wonderful dinner, the storm broke but we were safely watching New Jersey v San Antonia in the basketball play offs. Wild Flower went through my pack and we decided that a lot more could go. I will try and post the excess when I reach Glasgow.
Date: 2003-06-12
From: Daleville

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Rising early at Rand and Lin Bowden¢s house in Roanoke. A delicious breakfast of fresh juice, coffee, bacon and pancakes. Geraldine rang while I was enjoying the grub. Meredith then drove Wild Flower back to the Trail. Wild Flower was 1.6 miles ahead so we dropped her and then headed back to Cloverdale where I had come off the Trail the previous day. Meredith was slack packing south from the same spot. I tried to buy some alcohol but with no luck. I bought some groceries and headed on through mucky fields and slippery grass through Daleville & Troutville, crossing the Highway several times. A long hard climb to Fulkardt Knob Shelter ( 2,676 ft.) where I stopped for lunch. Lin had prepared a lovely ham sandwich and some bananas which went down a treat. Today is for Peggy & Ned Fogarty. I ate alone and wandered on through continuous ¢ups and downs¢. The weather was sultry with clouds gathering and the odd rumble of thunder. I reached Wilson Creek Shelter around 3 in the afternoon and decided to call it a day. 11.2 miles , but the alternative was to go another 7 miles to the next Shelter and risk the looming thunderstorm. Luckily, I took the right option. The Shelter soon filled as more and more hikers arrived. Tents were set up and a long nights rain followed. The talk and banter lasted till late but I drifted off to sleep. Weary limbs are the best sleeping pills I know.
Date: 2003-06-13
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is for Christina Mooney Rising early in a packed shelter, I loaded my gear and ate a cold breakfast.. The day was damp and very humid. Today I¢m passing through the famous Blue Ridge section and we cross the road regularly. I fill my water cans early from a nearby stream on the Trail. The water hole at Wilson Creek was almost 12 mile down hill and yesterday I walked past another Black snake. I hate the bastards !! I met two older section hikers, southbound and we had a long chat. Amazing the number of Flynns and Flanagans I have met. I was moving nicely and before I realised I was at Boblets Gap Shelter. I passed on and stopped for an early lunch at 10.30 but I had started at 6.30. Mixed a carton of powdered milk, thanks Wildflower and some Vienna Sausage (cooked this time) and moved on. I met Indiana Slim, who had hiked through the night. He was trying to get a ride in to Buchanan for a feed. He is afraid he is losing too much weight. The heat was intense, a dead heat and I was sweating gallons. Another climb to the top of Cove Mountain (2,720 ft.). I was headed for Cove Mountain Shelter, a little over three miles away. There were rumblings of thunder in the distance but the day was bright. I reached the Shelter around 1.30 and had a second lunch and drank the remaining water. The Shelter is ¢Haunted¢ and the fact that it has no water made me decide to push on. 6.9 to the next shelter, I said , why not ? Three miles to the road and mostly downhill. I move fairly quickly but the sky changed, the place darkened and the thunder was very near. I stopped for water and the heavens opened. I put on my poncho , but this rain was special . I crossed the Highway VA 614 (951) and then had to climb Fork Mountain (2042 ft). For the first time I was scared of the lightning.I thought of St. James and like Tommy Bannon , wondered would he protect Moycarkey people even outside the parish boundary. It was awesome. 4.30, I was at the summit (safely), my boots were soaking and the socks and insoles were in constant motion. Downhill for 2.1 miles and the rain stopped as quickly as it began. Slim passed me on way down. He too was afraid. The walk to Byrant Ridge Shelter (1337 ft.) was beautiful in the ¢after storm¢ cool of the evening. I arrived at 5.30 and was met by Slim and 6 others. Changed into something dry and cooked my supper. We played cards till darkness forced us to our ¢leabas¢. 20.6 miles today!
Date: 2003-06-14
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: High Cock Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 17.2

Today is for Len Commins and family. Left camp at 7 and the first task was Floyd Mountain (3,560 ft.). Feeling good after yesterday¢s long hike. Four of last nights group and their dog passed me on the climb. It went on and on till we came to the next Shelter 5 miles away. There I caught up with Rambler, Balu and his wife Jersey (60 yrs). We walked together all day. Some wonderful scenes and the day was clear after yesterday¢s rain. But some awesome climbs. Number two for the day looming ahead, Apple Orchard Mountain (4225 ft.). I was tired and hungry as we walked to the next Shelter for lunch. There we relaxed and ate in beautiful surroundings. I met a man from Edinburgh and his daughter Thistle who were hiking the Trail. They started in March. We chatted over lunch. Then it was time to move on. A long downhill to Petities Gap (2369 ft.), where I was hoping to stop (with the Scots). However, when we got there, there was no water so we had no option but to move on 2.5 miles to the campsite at Marble Spring. Seems like a small walk but that¢s where the Trail is tough. High Cock Knob (3073 ft.) had to be overcome and again the by now familiar sound of thunder could be heard. We quickened our step but I soon realised that there is no use rushing., you take what comes. Jersey and the other three rushed ahead but I soon caught up with Jersey who was almost collapsing with fatigue. The rain held off and we got to the campsite around 6. Getting good at erecting my tent!! Good water source and we were soon cooking supper. Everyone¢s food bags were low but we shared what we had. Keeping the minimum for the morrows short 7 miles into Glasgow. 17.2 miles today and feeling good. I was looking forward to meeting Nick Brailey. We had barely ¢washed¢ the dishes when the rain came and it continued all night. My tent is heavy to carry, but on nights like this, I think it is worth the effort.
Date: 2003-06-15
From: High Cock Knob Shelter 

To: James River Foot Bridge ( Glasgow)
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: moderate rain

Today is for Mick Campbell and family, Newbridge. Early rising as the rains have ceased. I gave Jersey a snicker bar as he was at zero. He was so tired and exhausted the previous evening that he threw caution to the wind and ate everything. There is never any problem on the Trail as people share and Section Hikers are always carrying too much food, but it is always the topic of conversation. The ideal situation is to walk into town with the food bag empty and water down to the last few drops. ¢ No extra weight!! I am learning and was happy to walk in to Glasgow with the ¢needle on reserve¢. I left camp at 6.45 and what a beautiful Sunday morning as I walked in the clear air and saw the clouds way below me. I passed a sign, Blue Blaze, which said Belfast Trail, but I was headed for Glasgow. A bit of a climb and then down to the river where I sat and ate my ¢snicker¢ breakfast. Then a long way down to Malts Creek Shelter (678) and then a fabulous 2 mile walk alongside the creek and stepping through small streams joining the creek till I came to the James River. From there I hitched into Glasgow. (5 miles). Three black people in an old car stopped and went out of their way to bring me to the store and the motel in the town. A small ¢aon capall¢ town with nothing doing, and the motel was 50 bucks but ¢No Hear Um¢ came to the rescue. I wanted to rent a room but they were full. Bought some food and tried getting a phone card but no luck. . Did my laundry ¢¦rang Peggy Quinn, (no answer), rang John McLaughlin (not there). Later I got a phone card but it would only connect within the US. Rang Cliffside Park and asked Mick Morris to ring you, but I was thinking you¢d be out. Later I asked Peggy Quinn¢s son in law Andy to try your mobile ¢ no luck. I walked the town and had dinner with No Hear Um wondering if Nick would show up today or tomorrow. 8.30 Decided to hit the sack and was barely asleep when a knock on the door made my heart skip a beat. I knew it was Nick. He had hired a car and driven 800 miles from New York. We chatted for some time, he gave me letters and emails before driving to some nearby town to hand in the car and get a motel. The letters from Christina Mooney, Mary, Christina in Melbourne, Joe & Ger Stapleton, John & Agnes Fanning, Berni in Italy , Christine Lockhead and Karen Brennan (Lagos). I would save it all for the morning.
Date: 2003-06-16
From: James River Foot Bridge ( Glasgow)

To: Punch Bowl Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

Today was for the Doyle Family and all the Travelling People.Rising with first light, I sat outside and read my mail and one from Donal Duggan, delighted. Berni wrote he inimitable ¢epistle¢. It was great. Then I got my things ready and headed for the Post Office. Letters from Patricia and Geraldine, photo of baby May, who will travel to Maine and some bananas chips from Donegal. Thanks Geraldine for the ointment. The left knee is still a little sore but nothing serious. I wear Catherine¢s brace each day and even with the long miles there is no problem. More rain this morning and it looks bad for the day. Nick is to come at 10 and we hope to start hiking today. I mailed my last instalment to you today. I sent some clothes and I roll of film (surface mail) to Laharden it will probably take weeks to arrive. No sign of your parcel, John so I asked them to forward it to Waynesboro. Nick arrived around 11 so we went and got some food and grub in the Deli. Met Ken & Marcia, a couple from California who have hiked all over. They were going back on the Trail and had a ride so we decide to go with them. Nick was well equipped and raring to go. It was 12.30 when we started out in the rain. Not a very pleasant way to start but he was anxious to get moving. We ate our ¢take away¢ in the rain and set off. John¢s Hollow Shelter was 1.6 miles up and I thought about staying there, but Nick would have none of it. We climbed to Fullers Rocks, Little Rocky Row (2472). Nick was drinking water every 10 mins. We walked slowly because I was conscious that this was his first day. We had studied the terrain and Nick felt he could easily manage the 70 miles to Waynesboro in seven days. But today was tough in the rain. We climbed up to Big Rocky Row ( 2992 ft.) and Nick began to see that this was no stroll in the woods. The rain stopped around 2.30 and the evening was nice and cool. Down again to some Gap or other and up to Bluff Mountain (3372 ft.). It was a killer and I knew that Nick was hurting. We moved slowly arriving at Punchbowl Shelter around 7.30. Ken & Marcia were cooking. No Hear Um was in bed. I made supper and a tired and bewildered Nick spent his first night in the shelter. He had walked 10.5 miles in rough conditions and the climbs were not easy. But his feet were fine and he had no great pains or aches. Two more tired souls joined the sleeping group before 9.
Date: 2003-06-17
From: Punch Bowl Shelter

To: Cow Camp Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

Today is for Tim Fahey and all the family. Rising early as usual. The rains continue during the night and the early morning is damp and wet. The others leave camp, I cook breakfast for Nick. He has slept well but the frogs, birds and snoring did bother him. We set off around 8 with Nick in the lead. We walk .7 miles to the road, VA607 where Nick says he can¢t go on. He is chaffing badly and the next road crossing is 9 miles away. We chat in the rain and I realise that the walk to Waynesboro is not on. Nick is realistic and happy to go to Waynesboro, rent a room and a car and do some sightseeing. We hurriedly agree that I would meet him on the Friday. He would leave a message at the Catholic Church and let me know where he is staying. A sudden end to what I expected to be 7 easy days hiking. The first car stopped and Nick got a ride to Waynesboro 65.5 walking miles away. I continue on with mixed feelings. Had we done too much the previous day ? what if? Etc. But I soon realised that there is no way someone can join in on this walk. It is too strenuous and the weeks of walking takes you to a level of fitness that you can¢t prepare for. And Nick had done NO training. I caught up with Ken & Marcia who had walked the Pacific Coast Trail and are moving at a massive rate. He is 60,retired, Marcia early 50¢s . They walk slowly, walk long hours and long miles. They are very experienced and helpful. I crossed a stream called Little Irish Creek before coming to a massive Dam, Pedlar Dam (960 ft.). The Trail walks under, over and all around the Dam. Dirty,yellow, sticky, shitty muddy climb up to Brown Mountain Creek Shelter where Ken, Marcia and I ate lunch. My water tablets (drops, Aqua Mira) have run out but Ken has a filter and says we¢ll stay together till Waynesboro. After lunch we have a very tough climb over Bald Knob (4049 ft.). This would have killed Nick. It went up and up on a hot , humid and misty evening. We had an easy decent to Cow Camp Gap Shelter (3,428 ft.) where No Hear Um was already ¢drying out¢. Everything was wet and miserable. My sleeping bag and sleeping gear was dry. ¢Bearable¢, a young lad from N. Carolina soon joined us. He wondered if we¢d ever see the sun again. The rain has certainly been something but it is not the end of the world. In fact, it is sometimes easier in the rain. Supper with the leaves dripping, Marcia made Hot Chocolate for all and I did ¢Mac & Cheeze¢ (macaroni)
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Cow Camp Gap Shelter

To: Tye River
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is for Tom Gorman and all the Gorman family. Started at 7 with Ken & Marcia but not before I cleared a ¢nesting mouse¢ from my pack. Every morning I empty my pack and put the sleeping bag and mat in the bottom. When I put my hand down into the rubbish sack, I could feel all kinds of ¢fluffy¢ and damp material. It was chewed into very fine pieces. I turned my pack upside down and a mouse jumped to freedom. Marcia had left some tissue papers and a blue flannel towel beside her and Mr. Mouse had spent the night transporting this and making his home in my pack which was hanging high on the side wall. We had a great laugh as the mystery was solved. Straight away we had a climb up Cold Mountain (4022 ft.). No Hear Um passed us on the up. Then ¢Bearable¢ sped by. They were men with a mission. Some ¢Trail Magic¢ was on offer 12 miles up the Trail. Some B&B was offering free breakfast /lunch to all Thru-Hikers and you had to be there before 12.30. Too far for me even though the offer sounded good. Any offer of food is good on the Trail. I moved along steadily. The day began to brighten. The walking was easy after the early climb. We reached Seeley-Woodworth Shelter ( 10 Miles) by 12 and decided to have our own lunch. We were 2.3 short of the mark1 Moving on we had two more climbs and then we arrived at ¢The Priest Shelter¢ around 3.45. There I met ¢Lumberjack¢, Sean O¢Shea from New York, father from Clare, mother from Kerry. He had all the GAA results, mad into hurling.. No Hear Um was staying for the night. I decided to move on with Ken and Marcia and shorten the road to Waynesboro. I was interested to see how I would fare with the long hike. Climb up ¢Priest Mountain (4063 ft.) and then a long 4.9 mile decent to the Tye River ( 970 ft.). No Hear Um and Bearable were not happy men. In spite of all the effort there was no Trail Magic. We crossed the Tye River and camped. 22.5 miles and feeling good. It was 7.15 and time to cook.
Date: 2003-06-19
From: Tye River

To: Dripping Rock Parking Area
Miles today: 15.4

Today is for all the Meany family. Rained all night but the tent was great. Used some of Geraldine¢s ointment on the knee before retiring. Ken¢s sleeping was soaked with condensation. Their tent is small and badly ventilated. We discussed hitching a ride to Waynesboro, getting a room and returning next day to complete the journey. We left camp at 6.30 in the rain, miserable, is this rain ever going to stop?2.5 miles to the next Shelter Harpers Creek, all up hill where we stopped and had breakfast ¢¦still raining but some hot chocolate helped to brighten the morning. We needed it as the next climb was rough, (Three Ridges (3870 ft.) and it was over rocky terrain. The knees felt good after yesterday¢s long run. Getting stronger with each passing day. The rain cleared and we had lunch at the next Shelter, Maupin Field. 6.7 miles to the road where we would get a ride in to town. It sounded good to me as I could make early contact with Nick. We reached Dripping Rock Parking Area around 4.15 and got a ride from the first car. He brought us to the Post Office. No sign of your letter, John. Then he took Ken and Marcia to a motel. I checked and discovered that Nick was staying there. He was out but Marcia said she would keep calling his room. The Catholic Church was nearby so I walked up and was met by a very friendly Fr. Jay Stephens. no problem, the bed was ready. Nick had called and said I would be arriving on the Friday. I showered and changed and was walking down to the Motel when Ken, Marcia and Nick arrived in Nick¢s hired car. He was in ¢great form¢. Enjoyed his time touring the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah. We all went out for a meal and had a great evening. I ordered a T-Bone and devoured the salad bar. Back around 9.30, I didn¢t get to bed till 12. Jay was in great talking form, very friendly and welcoming.
Date: 2003-06-20
From: Dripping Rock Parking Area

To: Rockfish Gap ( Waynesboro)
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

Today is for John, Eileen & Jamie Costello , remembering Sarah and Jim.Breakfast with Nick, Ken & Marcia at the Motel. Nick drove us out to Dripping Rock at 7.30 and soon we were on our way over some scary rocks climbing back on to the ridge. It was dark and overcast and suddenly the heavens opened. We walked for 1 12 hours in the heaviest rain I have experienced, splashing along like three ducks in the Appalachian Creek. We were soaked and my boots were filled with water but still we made good time. No point in stopping. Then it cleared and the day appeared to look hopeful. The walking was east as we headed for lunch at the last Shelter five miles short of the town. Jason and Skelton (with their dog) passed us. Then Neil (the Scott) caught up with us. He had been chasing me for the last few days trying to catch up. Today was his last day and he wanted to meet me. Leaf, another friend from the Pre - Smokey days also joined us. They were all moving fast and kept joking about how hard it is to catch ¢Tipperary¢. They spend longer times in the town!! We all had lunch together and the sun was shining. It was a happy group of seven that walked together those last five miles. The day was glorious and two miles on we met Nick coming to meet us. He hiked 3 mile out and back again. We reached Rockfish Gap around 3.30. 844.8 miles done (without counting those initial 8.8 miles). Now for the ¢Shenandoah¢. We went to the Post Office and your parcel was there. Showered, changed, we headed for Saunton where Nick, Neil and I had a beer. It was great that Nick hiked today. He hopes to do another 6 or 8 tomorrow. I will finish here and leave the rest for another letter