morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: light rain

Sinking Creek Valley has always been a favorite area of mine and this morning I went through it again. The rain put a gloom on the scene, but it was still pretty. Keffer oak is a massive old oak tree right on the trail. It is likely hundreds of years old and is the kind of tree that poets should write about.The trail went along a ridge line where the rocks are slanted at an obcene angle. I have been there on two other occasions and have thought the ridge was treacherous in dry weather-it was downright dangerous today in the rain. The area is covered with dense thorn bushes where there aren't slick slanted rocks. If I tried to avoid a section of rock I ended up tearing myself and clothes on the thorns. I fell once but didn't get hurt though I lost some confidence in myself. On the ridge someone has placed a sign indicating the Eastern Continental Divide is along the ridge top. This means that a stream flowing down one side of the mountain will flow into the Gulf of Mexico and a stream flowing down the other side of the mountain will flow into the Atlantic Ocean. There were miles marked for distance to both destinations, though I"m not sure how they came up with those figures.The rain kept up all day drenching my clothes and boots. Fortunately I am going home tomorrow so I can dry off.
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba/Roanoke, VA
Miles today: 12.6

Sleeping at homeWell the rain finally stopped and the morning dawned slightly foggy though once the sun was up everything cleared and the day was beautiful. There are so many flowers blooming now with a veritable riot of color. I've seen the most amazing wild azaleas and wild irises amonst the hundreds of others.Today was challenging since much of the trail and rock faces were still wet from yesterday's rain. The trail went by Dragon's Tooth which is an interesting rock formation. What made it easy was the fact that I was going home to spend a few days. It's amazing what a little motivation like that can do even with sore feet. It really was a nice day. When Kirby, Cookie and I got to the 311 parking lot we hitched a ride and met Angie at the school. Cookie and Kirby will stay at my house for a coule of days. I'm looking forward to a little R and R.
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Catawba/Roanoke, VA

To: Roanoke, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Sleeping in bed at homeFor being a zero day it sure was busy! This morning after breakfast (home-made waffles with strawberries and whipped cream) I went to my daughter's 2nd grade class and gave a little talk and power-point slide show of my trip so far. They have a map of the AT on the wall and read my journal every day.After leaving her school, I went by my office. It was fun seeing everyone there. They also have an AT map on the wall and print and post my journal every day. I got a massage from our massage therapist which really made my shoulders feel sooo good. I had been thinking about this massage for the past few weeks. Everyone at work is so supportive of me, though they all want me back soon.This evening we all went to the Homeplace where I ate beyond the point of comfort. The food there really is as good as its reputation. Tonight I am planning my remaining mail drops til Maine.One thing I have thought about today is that I really have a good life. As I was getting the kids off to school this morning and going by the office I realized that after my hike I think it will be relatively easy to go back to what I usually do. They say the trail changes you and you're never the same after the AT, I imagine the change will be mostly internal-changing my outlook on things. Of course, this all conjecture at this point.
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Catawba/Roanoke, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: light rain

Sleeping at homeToday was a slackpack day. Angie dropped us off this morning and picked us up after we hiked the 19 miles without backpacks on. It was a beautiful section of trail. We went over McAfee's Knob and along Tinker Cliffs following a ridgeline to Daleville.Again the flowers were incredible as were the views. Not five minutes after we got picked up, rain poured down. We got home, showered, then ate a quick supper just in time for an open house for friends to come by. There were quite a few people who came to see me, meet my friends, and encourage us all on our trip.Today was a fun day though it seemed to go by so fast. I still have a to-do list here at home and should get all those things done tomorrow. Right now I'm planning to get back on the trail Sunday afternoon or Monday morning.
Date: 2008-04-26
From: Roanoke, VA

To: Roanoke VA
Miles today: 0.0

Sleeping in houseAgain, for being a zero mile day it sure went by quickly. I woke up early this morning and had a pleasant time reading. I¢m glad I did as I didn¢t sit down all day. I just finished reading The Shack by William Young given to me by Hunt in Pearisburg. Wow, what great reading! I highly recommend that book.Besides running some errand with Angie and the girls, I bought a new hat for summer and am looking for bug netting. I have decided to carry a tarp instead of a tent. I have been carrying a Eureka Zeus LE tent that weighs 3.8 pounds and have only used it 4 times since I started. My friend Thomas lent me a tarp that weighs 18 ounces and takes up less pack space. If I can find a bug net to go with it I think I will be set for summer. I am also switching footwear. I seem to have outgrown my Asolo boots. They are great boots that show little or no wear after 700 miles, but my feet hurt in them. I don¢t know if my feet have spread or are just swollen, but my toes seem to be jammed into the front of the boot and I think my tendonitis may be linked to the boots as well. I have a pair of light weight boots that I have had for awhile that I will use until they fall apart. I wore them yesterday on my slackpack and they felt pretty good.This evening my parents had us all over for dinner. Of course Cookie and Kirby went as well. We had a nice time there. Tonight I¢m packing up. I plan to go to church in the morning, eat lunch, then get back on the trail. Of course, if it¢s pouring down rain and storming, we have agreed to leave Monday morning at the latest. I know it will be difficult saying good bye to my family, but at the same time I¢m ready to get back to my journey.
Date: 2008-04-27
From: Daleville, VA

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

Well, saying goodbye today wasn't too bad. Perhaps I was better prepared, perhaps I had spent more time with my family this time, I don't know. The trail wasn't too bad today either. The sky threatened rain, but it stayed dry. I left my knife at home and I'll probably find other things I forgot to get as well. My feet were happy in my old Hi-Tec boots. I really hope they hold up. I thought my pack weight would drop since changing tents, but it felt the same. As usual, coming out of town having eaten and rested I felt strong.Overall its good to be back on the trail. I have to keep reminding myself that this is something I've wanted to do for a long time. It would have been very easy to get back into my usual comfortable routine at home, but I'm not yet finished with my journey.
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: moderate rain

Today was a rough day. I slept well last night. It rained all night so the sound of the rain, the cool night air, and my sleeping bag made for nice sleeping. Unfortunately, it was raining when I got up too.My Sierra Designs rain jacket does nothing to keep me dry. It actually did a better job letting water in than out. I use hiking poles so my arms stay out in front of me. The rain soaked through my sleeves and actually pooled up at my elbows. I had to periodically stop, drop my arms and loosen the cuffs to drain the water out of my sleeves.My Red Ledge rain pants are failing me as well. Usually they keep dry whatever I'm wearing underneath, but today the shorts I was wearing were soaked. Of course my shoes and socks stayed drenched all day too.Compounding my misery was an overwhelming feeling of homesickness. I resisted the temptation to hitch into Buchanan from Bearwallow Gap but did call Angie from Cove Mtn Shelter where I stopped to eat lunch. I know she was torn between encouraging me to keep going and running out to get me. She said the right things and I felt better just talking to her. Shortly after I started walking again the rain peeked out like someone trying to smile through their tears. The rain stopped and I got to the shelter. If it's raining tomorrow morning I plan to stay in my sleeping bag. I really hate hiking in rain.
Date: 2008-04-29
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: broken clouds

Today was another rough day. My feet felt like they had lead weights on them. I am still feeling terribly homesick and I know that each step I take Northward takes me farther from home. I know I need to get out of this mindset or I'll never make it to Maine-I just don't know how.I had not intended to go so far today. I stopped at a shelter for lunch, but at 4000 feet elevation it was only 40 degrees with a strong wind blowing and I didn't wish to spend the night up there. I kept going to the next shelter and I'm glad I did. I think it will be warmer here.Today I saw lots of Trillium blooming. I also had some views of the James River which I'll be crossing tomorrow.
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Brown Mtn Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a great day. I think I have rediscovered the joy of the trail. The day began with a walk alongside the James River-a river steeped in history. Then I crossed over on a foot bridge. The trail then ran along some beautiful streams before climbing. At the top of the mountain there were incredible views of the James and all the wilderness I covered yesterday. The day ended following and crossing numerous streams.The sun was shining, the temperature was perfect, the air was perfumed by hundreds of wild flowers-it was wonderful. OK call me a fair weather hiker, but I sure enjoyed the day today.Tomorrow I am going to Buena Vista to resupply and give my legs a little rest.This evening as I write this I am the only one at the shelter. There is a nice stream in front gurgling and bubbling. It's seven o'clock and I've eaten and am enjoying the peace and quiet. Cookie and Kirby went in to resupply in Glascow today. I'll probably run into them again, but tonight I'm spreading out in my own "personal shelter".
Date: 2008-05-01
From: Brown Mtn Creek Shelter

To: Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 1.8

Today was pretty much a zero mile day as I needed to re-supply. I walked the short distance to the road this morning following a creek. There were the remains of a community of freed slaves there with stone walls and foundations dating back a hundred years or so.I got to town and got a room. Since it was only about 8 o'clock, I called Angie, caught up on some emails, and had a long breakfast. I then checked out the small town of Buena Vista. I had to walk everywhere and the town is kind of spread out so I did a few miles, but they were easy ones. Overall it's been a pretty relaxing day. I am clean, I've got clean clothes and enough food to last me to Waynesboro so I'm ready to hit the trail tomorrow.Thank you to all who sent me encouraging messages. I want this journal to be an honest representation of my trip so I am going to have good days and bad days. The messages you all send me really help and I appreciate them.
Date: 2008-05-02
From: Buena Vista, VA

To:  Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

This morning I woke up and ate a box of cereal before going back out on the trail. One of the hotel's housekeeper's husband shuttles hikers from the hotel to the trail so I rode with him to the trailhead.After a climb, the trail went over a bald then along a bald ridge for awhile. I had a full food bag so after 14 miles I decided to stop for the night. I had a relaxing afternoon and evening today. This shelter is located at a fairly high elevation so everything around me is still brown with the exception of a small number of tiny flowers on the ground.There were lots of Trillium today after not seeing any in several days. The ones I saw a few days ago were speckled inside whereas today the color was solid. All were pink, purple, or white. Seeing these got me thinking of Mendel in his monastary garden a long time ago and how his work and observations with flowers laid the groundwork for genetics.I really do feel like I am between two worlds at times. This morning as I was waiting for my ride I considered how comfortable I was and how easy it would be to have Angie come and get me. As I waited though, I had the news on and saw the reporters all saying the same stuff. That made me appreciate the trail and the simplicity of trail life. Once I got out here I felt better.
Date: 2008-05-03
From:  Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a tough day. There were some significant ups and downs. The trail climbed to 4000' then dropped to 900' then back up to around 4000'. I crossed over The Priest and am just south of Reeds Gap.Last night I shared the shelter with Hike Farm, Pocketchange, and Budge. This morning I woke up around 6 o'clock with the sun streaming in the shelter and the birds singing. I got up and got ready to go. As I was headed out at 7 I looked back and the other three were all still in their sleeping bags reading or munching on breakfast and I thought it looked like a typical Saturday morning even though the fact that today was Saturday was merely coincidental.I just finished reading Walden by Henry David Thoreau. I have been nibbling on it and savoring each little bite since I started. He certainly was a great thinker and observer of the world around him. I suppose you could say I thoreauly enjoyed the book, but I wouldn't.I made it to the shelter just ahead of the rain this afternoon. If it's raining in the morning I plan to stay put. Waynesboro will be my next town stop and I'll probably get there tomorrow or more likely Monday.
Date: 2008-05-04
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To:  Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: clear sky

Today was absolutely beautiful! It only rained a little last night and the dawn broke clear and sunny. The flowers are still absolutely amazing. I have to remember that I am heading north. I keep seeing dogwoods and azaleas in bloom. That is the advantage of following spring as it moves north.I saw the most wildlife today as I have seen in one day. I saw a rabbit, a deer, and two snakes. The rabbit and snakes were considerate enough to pose for a picture, but the deer was not. I only took a picture of one of the snakes since they both looked the same.The trail was not difficult altitude-wise, but is was very rocky and the miles wore me out. I stopped in Waynesboro to resupply. Since it is Sunday night and there is nothing convenient to the trail I am sharing a room with Traveller. He is a 60+ year old retired physician with whom I've been sharing shelters with for the past several days. When we got to Waynesboro, there was a visitors center where there are people there who volunteer to take hikers in to town. We got there just as they were closing, but one of the ladies took us to a hotel and told us she would be back in the morning to take us back to the trail. We are staying in a Quality Inn which looks like a 5-star hotel compared to the other places I've stayed in. Now, I know you are again thinking, Boy, he sure stays in a lot of hotels. Sometimes it just works out that way-no I'm not getting soft, I still enjoy being out there and really like sleeping in the shelters.This evening we ate at an AYCE place and there is breakfast in the hotel lobby so I should be back on the trail fairly early in the morning.
Date: 2008-05-05
From:  Waynesboro, VA

To:  Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, today I entered Shenandoah National Park. After a great AYCE breakfast at the hotel, I felt strong and ready to go. In SNP you have to register as a thru-hiker and attach a back-country permit to your pack. They also call shelters "huts".The terrain was relatively easy today and the miles just kind of flew past. I only saw one rabbit as far as wildlife goes, but again lots of flowers in bloom. I'm glad I had plenty of water because the last 13 miles were dry. At the shelter there is a spring that merely drips so it took a little bit of time to obtain water.The trail roughly parallels Sky Line Drive. It actually crosses the road many times. Sometimes you can hear cars but not see them.
Date: 2008-05-06
From:  Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: few clouds

In 1926 Congress authorized the creation of Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mtn national parks. In Shenandoah, many families were uprooted and some forcibly evicted in order to create the park. Before the park was even officially established, Skyline Drive was planned and started. The Civilian Conservation Corps worked on the road and built a new route for the AT. In essence, SNP is a park to be driven through and enjoyed from the comforts of a car. Now, with high gas prices and cuts in government funding for rangers and programs it seems like a big waste to me. The AT does not have the views that Skyline Drive enjoys. While the trail is well graded and not difficult, it is rather boring. I know there are bears and many other kinds of animals here, but they seem to be avoiding me.I did 13 miles and stopped at a beautiful shelter for lunch. I considered staying, but the day was so pretty I continued on to the next shelter. I am still staying with Traveller and tonight there are 6 section hikers in the shelter with us.
Date: 2008-05-07
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bearfence Mtn Hut
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Today was an easy day. I purposely decided to do a low mileage day. It's a good thing, too as I was feeling kind of tired. I am still hoping to see at least one bear, but today was not to be the day. I got to the shelter, ate a nice lunch, and rinsed my shirt and socks in the stream. Unfortunately, all the plant life downstream immediately died. It just felt like a lazy kind of day. I did some reading and sat around chatting with the other people in the shelter. Kirby showed up here this evening and I'm still with Traveller.In Shenandoah they have an interesting system of keeping food away from bears. Instead of cables or just hanging food in the shelter there are metal "trees" that are 12-15 feet high with hooks to hang your food on. To get your bag up there, you have to use a very heavy metal pole that has a hook on the end. You put your bag on the pole then hold the pole with your heavy food bag at the top and try to maneuver your bag to get it on one of the hooks on the metal tree. The funny thing is the heavy metal pole is chained to the tree as if a thru-hiker is really going to steal this 8-10 foot 20 pound metal pole and walk off with it strapped to his backpack!
Date: 2008-05-08
From: Bearfence Mtn Hut

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 8.0

Today was a momentous day in my Appalachian Trail experience. I will explain why in a moment. I had planned another low mileage day as I was meeting Angie at Big Meadows Lodge. My nurse of 12 years retired today and I wanted to go to her retirement dinner. Angie was to pick me up and take me to the dinner, then I will get back on the trail on Saturday. Yes, visits at home with the family make it hard to get back on the trail, but I felt I couldn't miss this special dinner for a very special person in my life.So, as I was hiking the 8 miles from the shelter to the lodge, I... saw... a... bear! It was a pretty good sized one up on a rock pile about 30-40 feet off to the right of the trail. I walked by until I knew I was out of sight and quietly took out my camera. Softly I walked backwards to where I could see it again, but as soon as it saw me it turned and ran away so fast I failed to get a picture of it. I returned my camera to its pouch and walked on feeling elated. Just then, on my right about the same distance off the trail was a round little bear cub! It too turned and ran away as soon as we saw each other. I didn't get any pictures, but I was like a little kid, giddy with excitement. I wanted to run and yell and tell someone "I just saw a bear!" It made my day to say the least. I also saw several deer and managed to get a picture of one that was right on the trail, but deer are just not as exciting as bears.Just as I got to the lodge, it began raining. Angie came and we drove back to Roanoke. I suprised my nurse and everyone else at the dinner tonight and I'm glad I came down.Tomorrow I will see about getting some new shoes and resupply for the next few days on the trail. Tomorrow evening I will attend my daughter's dance program which is something else I was determined not to miss.
Date: 2008-05-09
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Roanoke, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a zero mile day. I got some new shoes for hiking in. They are made by Chaco. They have good support, they are light weight, and they breathe. I am hoping they last a while. I also got a new rain jacket from Mountain Hardwear. Besides being waterproof and lightweight, it has plenty of ways to ventilate so it won't be quite so hot. Several people have recommended I use an umbrella, but I am just not keen on the idea-yet. I treated my rain pants with revive-x so I think they will work better now too.Other than dropping a chunk of money at the outfitter today, I got groceries and did some other chores. My bug netting came in the mail so I'll take that along for use in my tarp or even in a shelter if the bugs are too bad.I was originally planned to get back on the trail tomorrow but Angie and I are going to spend the night in Shenandoah tomorrow night. I will slackpack some then and get back on the trail for real on Sunday.
Date: 2008-05-10
From: Roanoke, VA

To: Skyland resort Shenandoah
Miles today: 0.0

Thanks to the generosity of some of my friends, Angie and I are spending the night in Shenandoah National Park together. No, Angie is not out on the trail with me, we are in a hotel room with a great view of the Shenandoah Valley. Tomorrow I will get on the trail and continue my way north.
Date: 2008-05-11
From: Skyland resort Shenandoah

To: Pass Mtn Hut
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: light rain

Happy Mother's Day Mom!Here's a review what's been going on. On Thursday Angie picked me up at Big Meadows Lodge and took me home for a few days. Yesterday we drove back up to Shenandoah and spent the night at Skyland which is about 10 miles north of Big Meadows. We had a great time together.This morning I was tempted to just hike out from Skyland, but in the interest of maintaining the integrity of my through hike I had Angie drop me off where I left off at Big Meadows. I should have left my pack at Skyland and slackpacked the miles, but I didn't think about it then. Thirty some years ago my dad and I hiked the trail between Big Meadows and Skyland.I stopped for lunch at a picnic area. I was the only one eating there. At the time it was 46 degrees and very windy and foggy. A little while after I was back on the trail it began pouring down rain. Needless to say I got soaked. There was also thunder and lightning though since I wasn't up on a ridge I didn't get too concerned and I was only a few miles from the shelter.Once I got to the shelter I changed into dry clothes and climbed into my sleeping bag. I intend to stay put until the rain stops so I may be here tomorrow.