morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Relax Inn

To: USFS 222 (Big Walker Motel, Bland, VA)
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Stile After StileThis was one of those days when I wonder, "What have I gotten myself into?" I was carrying a pack containing two liters of water and five days worth of food up a mountain in stifling heat and humidity. And I thought it was hot yesterday! I stopped every few minutes to mop the sweat off my brow with my extra large yellow bandana. As if that wasn't enough, there were the many stiles to climb over. I used to think of stiles as quaint additions to the trail--"Hey cool! Someone left playground equipment on the trail." Today my sentiments were more like--"Great, I will probably break my neck trying to climb over that thing." Misery aside, the trail traversed beautiful, pastoral, rolling hills and fields. I walked through herds of cattle and romped over cowpies.A highlight of the day was meeting Seminole. I figured that she was many days ahead, but she had been off the trail for a while, attending her niece's wedding. I had not seen her since the Smokies many weeks ago. I had an enjoyable time chatting with her as we walked and endured the heat. Her company was a great help when I felt the trail was beating me down. Her husband, David, is well known for providing trail magic to hikers. He positions his white Jeep at roads that intersect the trail and provides water, fruit, snacks, and soda to hikers that pass by as he waits for Seminole. I had been the recipient of his kindness at Newfound Gap and was glad to see him again. He provided me with water, Pepsi, and bottles of chocolate milk during this encounter. He also offered to take me to Bland, VA where I could stay in a hiker-friendly motel when I reached the next road crossing in six miles. A shower and night in a bed?! I didn't have to think twice. I dumped my heavy food bag and tent in his Jeep and headed down the trail with Seminole, determined to reach the next road crossing before sunset.So here I am, cleaned up and laying on a comfortable bed in Bland, VA. Thank you, trail angels Seminole and David.To lead people walk behind them.-Lao Tzu
Date: 2010-05-03
From: USFS 222

To: VA 615 (Big Walker Motel, Bland, VA)
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

Above the ValleysHard rain last night and it threatened to rain through the morning. Dave dropped Seminole and me at the forest road by 8:20AM. We began the long climb up to Chestnut Ridge in the drizzle and fog. The pitch lessened after about an hour as we emerged on a field. Near the summit, we found Chestnut Knob Shelter where we took a short break. This shelter was fully enclosed with a door and glass windows. It had an eerie feel, enshrouded in the clouds with the wind moaning softly outside. The inside smelled like a barn. After a bit, the door flung wide, and we were joined by Ruh.After getting to know Ruh for a bit, we headed out into the gloom and wind. We descended to Walker Gap, and then started the slow climb along a rocky, undulating ridge that seemed to go on forever. During this long segment, the clouds started to lift and we caught glimpses of the beautiful pastoral valleys on either side. We arrived at a road crossing where David was waiting with refreshments. At that point, I decided to continue with Seminole and accept a ride back to the motel in Bland at the end of the day. I threw my tent and food bag in the back of their Jeep to reduce my pack weight.After several hours of hiking, we met David at the next road crossing and headed out for pizza. Once again, I was very grateful for the kindness and assistance provided by this wonderful couple. When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.-Lao Tzu
Date: 2010-05-04
From: VA 615 (Big Walker Motel)

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

The Long Dry MarchDavid dropped us back on the trail, and we were chugging up the first climb by 8:15AM. The humidity was low and temperatures were good for hiking. In no time, we reached the I-77 crossing, where we were treated with views of the valley below. After a snack break on the side of the road, we headed up the ridge which lacked a water source for about ten miles. As the afternoon heat arrived, we realized that we had to conserve our water and drink sparingly. Perhaps, it was the drive to reach the next water source, but we covered those ten miles in record time. I took the trail to Jenny Knob Shelter, and Seminole continued for another mile to meet David. I called David so he would have a cold soda in hand for her arrival.I was the first at the shelter, but was soon joined by Megalodon, and subsequently: Breeze and Bumper, the zany non-couple, who recently graduated from Temple University. Breeze was suffering from a nasty outbreak of poison ivy which she had treated with a layer of mud. I gave her my bottle of clobetasol solution which I felt would be slightly more effective at controlling the itch. Apollo arrived a bit after dusk. The fellowship of Saunders Shelter was now complete (Apollo, Breeze, Bumper, and I were the occupants of Saunders Shelter during the cold and rainy day that we departed Damascus. I slept well that night on my bed of pine needles.It is better to travel well than to arrive.-Buddah
Date: 2010-05-05
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wood's Hole Hostel
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

The Falls of DismalThe day began with the opportunity to climb over Brushy Mountain, now, for the third blasted time. I enjoyed chatting with Love it or Leave it from San Diego. He had completed the Pacific Crest Trail in sections and was planning to hike the Continental Divide Trail in 2012 to complete the Triple Crown.Somewhere on the top of Brushy Mountain, I crossed the 600 mile mark. Once back in the valley on the other side, I crossed Kimberling Creek on a unique swaying wooden and cable suspension bridge built for the A.T. A tenth of a mile later was VA606, and on this road were a familiar white jeep and trail angel, David, dispensing cold cans of Pepsi, bottles of Nestle chocolate milk, honey buns, and cold water. Yay for trail magic! A crowd of hikers amassed in a short while.But alas, it was time go get back on the job. In two miles, a group of us arrived at the side trail to the Falls of Dismal. It sounded like a depressing place, but we felt compelled to go the 0.3 miles to check it out. We dropped our packs about 50 yards down the side trail and continued on with a weightless feeling as if walking on the moon. The falls were well worth the trip. We washed up in Dismal Creek and rinsed out some of our clothes. I also soaked my bandana and tied it around my neck as temperatures were rising.After lingering too long at the falls, I speed-hiked for the next 5-6 miles to get back on schedule. I took a break at Wapiti Shelter which stood before a 1200 foot climb up Sugar Run Mountain. The ascent was more sweaty than sweet and was followed by an undulating ridgewalk over limestone and shale rubble (deja vu all over again!). There was a great overlook, however, with views to the east. Megalodon was there when I arrived, so we took each other's pictures with the dramatic backdrop.I ran out of water and energy about four miles prior to Docs Knob Shelter, my planned destination. Thankfully, the Wood's Hole Hostel was only about two and a half miles away, a half a mile down a dirt road at the next crossing. There, I was resurrected by owners Neville and Mike. I had a fantastic vegetarian meal which included loaves of freshly-baked bread, and a salad made from organically-grown produce from their garden. I also was pleasantly surprised to be reunited with The Three S's: Sherlock, Saguaro, and Soul-Searcher. I also met Mimi and Sam whom I had seen earlier at the falls. An evening of great food and fellowship.Summary of today's firsts: crossed the 600 mile mark on the A.T. and walked my first 20+ mile day.The mind is everything. What you think you become. -BuddahBe careful what you pretend to be because you are what you pretend to be. -Kurt Vonnegut
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Wood's Hole Hostel

To: The Rendezvous Motel, Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

ReunionsAt 9:00AM, I took the second shuttle back to the trail with Megalodon, Sam, and Mimi, since I had a short day of hiking planned. My destination: the Rendezvous Motel in Pearisburg. The Three S's headed out one hour earlier as the were going into town to resupply, then head back down the trail. I lingered at the trailhead organizing my gear and adjusting my pack harness as the others disappeared down the trail. As I climbed up the embankment, I saw the white Jeep round the bend. David was dropping Seminole off at a road crossing about a mile south of me. We agreed to get together for dinner in the evening.I arrived at Docs Knob Shelter after a leisurely two miles and found Megalodon, Mimi, and Sam taking a break. I read the shelter register to catch up on the news of those ahead. I also saw an entry by Cricket whom I met last September while on a section hike. She was sectioning from Penmar to Damascus and appeared to have made it at least this far. I hope that the remainder of her hike went well.After leaving the shelter, the trail gradually climbed to a ridge, eventually crossing powerline cuts. I stopped for lunch after another quarter of a mile. Shortly, after resuming forward progress, I happened upon two men sitting on a log who turned out to be Bulldog and Hitchcock. I had last seen them at the NOC, so it was great to catch up on their adventure. Seminole came striding up the trail as we spoke and joined in. Finally, Seminole and I bid them farewell and headed toward town. We arrived at two overlooks along the way. The second overlook, named Angel's Rest, provided commanding views of the New River and the towns, factories, and farms below. We sat on this high perch for quite a while as fluffy clouds floated by in the distance on a sea of blue. I could have stayed there for hours, but town was calling.We came upon The Three S's as we crossed the first road leading to Pearisburg. They had just been dropped off by David after resupplying in town. A bit later, we arrived at a second road crossing where I caught sight of the Rendezvous Motel. I bid Godspeed to Seminole who had a couple more miles to go before she could rest.I was grateful to find three packages waiting for me at the motel. Life is good!The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground. -Buddah
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Town ChoresI'm takin' a zero in Pearisburg. Nice town. They're proud that the Confederate Army defeated the Union Army in a battle here during the War of Northern Aggression, otherwise known, above the Mason-Dixon Line, as the Civil War. I mailed back my 15 degree down sleeping bag and now have my 40 degree version. I also returned my wool underwear. Hope it doesn't get too cold.Well, it's back to work tomorrow even if it is a Saturday. The trail waits for no one.Thanks again for following along. Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.-Buddah
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Even Thru-Hikers Get the BluesThe Virginia Blues, that is. I thought that I could avoid them or will them away, but here they are. Some folks feel that the time it takes to traverse the over 500 miles of Virginia is the cause--it demoralizes the hiker; it takes most of us more than a month to get through. However, I feel it comes from the strain of stepping up the daily miles. We commonly hear the phrase "Virginia is flat", implying that is an easy saunter through the park. Let me tell you my friends: Virginia is not flat or easy. Most of us feel obligated to increase mileage to make up for the shorter days in the beginning while patiently awaiting the arrival of trail legs. In my case, I plan to go about 93 miles over the next five days en route to Daleville, my next re-supply point. Many times, I would be filled with doubt regarding my ability to stick to the schedule laid out months ago from the comfort of an armchair.I started the long and slow climb out of Pearisburg with five days of food on my back. A couple of dayhikers whisked past. At my current rate of speed, it would be tomorrow before I reached the shelter. I finally reached a bald after climbing over a stile. The sun was bright and the wind was bending the tall grass in playful waves: things were looking up a bit. The trail climbed steeply up the bald before reaching the ridge. I turned and looked back when at the top, pausing to shoot some pictures.Next, I followed a long ridgewalk which crossed some meadows and finally climbed over some rocky terrain near the end. Light was fading as I descended down off the ridge and arrived at the shelter. I was pleased to find my friends Love It or Leave it and KnightCrawler who announced that they had saved me a space in the shelter. I had survived Day 1.Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others. -Buddah
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The Virginia Blues (Part 2)I set off in the morning with a positive attitude. After a couple of miles of flat terrain, the trail started the rocky steep 1300 foot climb up Big Mountain. I made an effort to charge up this first climb of the day, but my legs started to feel like lead. Something was clearly wrong. My nose had been running more, I was coughing some, and my stomach was in knots. Perhaps I had caught a virus. Maybe it was the pollen and mold spores in the air. Under the rigors of trail life, it is often difficult to discern whether the problem is physical, mental, or spiritual. At any rate, I felt a growing lethargy and malaise that was weighing me down and slowing my forward progress. Once again, I was filled with doubt, and felt that I could not complete the mileage of the day. An advantage of moving slowly is that I could appreciate the wild flowers that lined the trail. There were several striking purple lady slippers on the climb that I may have missed were I charging ahead.I stopped at the Bailey Gap Shelter which was several hundred feet short of the summit. I found Missionary (walking for fatherhood and marriage) and a nice young couple from New Hampshire: Poison Ivy and Mischief, taking a break there as well. We discussed the various wild flowers that we saw on the trail. I pulled out my map, hoping to find a place to end the day short of the 18.5 mile goal. There were no good options and I would simply need to soldier on.I eventually crested Big Mountain and began a ridge walk that seemed to go on forever. My stomach cramps worsened and I took frequent stops to practice "leave no trace" methodology in the woods along the trail. Finally, I arrived at the steep descent to War Spur Shelter. One more climb to go.Surprisingly, the second climb went better than the first. I was now resigned to reaching my planned destination. I hit the ridge as the sun was approaching the horizon. As it turned out, the setting sun provided dramatic lighting of the surrouding mountains and valleys viewed from a rocky outcropping called Kelly Knob.I finally reached Laurel Creek Shelter at dusk, and was pleased to find my old friends Love It or Leave It, KnightCrawler, Bulldog, and Hitchcock. I had survived another tough day and overcame the gathering gloom of doubt and despair.Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it. -Buddah
Date: 2010-05-10
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Stealth Campsite 0.3 miles south of VA620
Miles today: 21.0

Falling ShortToday was the 22.5 mile march to Pickle Branch Shelter. Love It or Leave It and KnightCrawler had the same goal and set out 15 minutes ahead of me.The trail descended into a pastoral valley crossing many fields and even more stiles. I was captivated by the beauty and stopped often to take photos. A farmer pulled up on an ATV while I was climbing over a stile. We paused to chat for a while. He mentioned a hard frost that morning and hoped that his garden plants had survived. I added that it was 40 degrees inside of my tent when I awoke.A bit later, I crossed a field occupied by a donkey that brayed loudly as I passed.I came to the Keefer Oak as the valley climbed toward the next ridge. This tree is the largest oak in the south with an estimated age of 300 years.The climb to the next ridge was not easy and it was getting hot. Once on top, I found an undulating spine of peaked limestone boulders and rubble. I found lizards darting about on the warm rock and stopped again to take pictures. I was ten miles from my objective when I reached the Niday Shelter at 3:45 PM. It was unlikely that I would make my destination before dark. I stopped at a stream and collected 4 liters of water in case I had to camp short of my goal and the next water source. This amount of water added significant weight to my pack and would slow my progress.It was a very long hard pull up the next mountain, but my legs seemed strong in spite of my burden. I found a bag of apples left by a trail angel near a dirt road crossing about three quarters of the way through the climb. I took one and ate as I walked-it provided a necessary lift. The slope lessened and the trail followed a gradually climbing ridge. I took a side trail and visited the Audie Murphy Monument. At that point, it was 7:30 pm and I knew that I only had an hour of daylight. I came to a small, nearly flat area on the ridge where I could hear the creek a hundred feet below. I pitched my tent here and then prepared supper in the dark. I had walked for twelve hours and had fallen short of my goalSleep is the best meditation.-Dalai Lama
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Stealth Campsite

To: Catawba Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: moderate rain

Dampened SpiritsI awoke to the sound of a light rain falling on my tent. The winds picked up and the rain intensified as I packed up. After a cold breakfast, I headed down the trail with a wet tent.After walking an hour in the rain, I could tell that my GoreTex-lined waterproof boots were taking in water. Another hour later, my socks were squishing with each step and I was at risk for blistered feet.I was briefly excited about reaching a large limestone monolith called Dragon's Tooth. Then I thought about the company that this formation would keep, namely vast piles of limestone boulders and rubble that I would have to traverse on the trail under wet, slippery conditions--promptly got less enthusiastic.The climb did prove to be a very difficult 4.5 miles. In spite of the wind, rain, and fog, I took out my camera and shot a few pictures of the impressive monolith. I declined the option to climb it. However, the fun really got going on the descent which involved climbing down near vertical rock faces with significant exposure and fall risk. Most of the hikers that I subsequently spoke with felt that this was the most dangerous stretch of trail to date.At any rate, I survived the descent and eventually found my way to Catawba Mountain Shelter where I found FOG, an ultra-light hiker who had previously blasted past me on the trail some hours ago. He turned out to have a great sense of humor and was a great conversationalist. I am glad that I got a chance to meet him.I hung my wet tent over the rafters of the shelter and prepared my bed in the corner. Thankfully, this day was shorter than the last two.We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.-Dalai Lama
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Dalevile, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

The HomeplaceI caught up with Seminole and David who were staying across the street at another motel. We went to The Homeplace, a legendary AYCE (All You Can Eat) restaurant in Catawba that is revered by most thru-hikers. I am glad that I went. There are two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live.John Adams
Date: 2010-05-14
From: Daleville, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Trail Days and UnimogsFirst of all: HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEVIN!!!I felt that my body needed a second recovery day, so I decided to go along with David to pick up his camper from the shop in Tennessee. We planned to drive through Damascus to get a look at Trail Days. While there, I also wanted to get replacement tips for my trekking poles. Just as we were about to leave the Outfitter in Damascus, I saw Rocket, Storm, Persistent, and Baltimore Andy. It was amazing to run into them in this way! After heading south from Damascus for an hour or two more, David picked up his Unimog. It was a great opportunity for me to see a Unimog up close and get to ride in it. Tomorrow, I will be back on the trail.Thanks for following along.As much as I converse with sages and heroes, they have very little of my love and admiration. I long for rural and domestic scene, for the warbling of birds and the prattling of my children.-John Adams
Date: 2010-05-15
From: Daleville

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

In the DarkThe departure from Daleville started with a trail that rolled over fields and crossed several roads. It was a sunny day and promised to be a hot one. Thankfully, I was in better spirits than when I left Pearisburg.After a bit, it was time to get back in the mountains and the climbing began. After gaining about a thousand feet, I stopped to take a break at Fullhardt Knob Shelter where I could catch up on the news of the trail community by reading the shelter register.As I walked the ridge, I encountered many purple rhododendron and white and pink mountain laurel in bloom; spring was in full force. There were still a few azalias and fragrant honeysuckle in bloom as well. It was a great day to be hiking the Virginia woods.Later in the afternoon, I stopped at Wilson Creek Shelter where I met two section hikers, Boyscout, a veterinarian, and Colonel Mustard, a retired teacher. We had a great conversation and an hour had passed before I knew it. It was now time to powerhike the remainder of the distance to beat nightfall.In spite of a strong effort, the next shelter where I planned to stay seemed to remain out of sight and the sun was setting. I hiked on in the gathering gloom. Finally, the sign at the shelter trail. The bad news: I still had a third of a mile to go. I arrived at the shelter after descending a number of switch backs. I quickly gathered water before I had to use my headlamp for the remainder of camp chores. There were several tents at the shelter site, but no one was to be seen and the shelter empty. Everyone had apparantly gone to bed as it was after hiker midnight (7 pm). I set up my tent in the shelter to provide protection from insects. I could hear the rain begin as I crawled into my sleeping bag. Soon there was wind, thunder, and lightening. I was glad to be in the shelter.For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? ~Luke 9:25