morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-29
From: Pond Flats Camp Site

To: US 321
Miles today: 3.2

Around midnight it started raining again so had to close the tent back up. I have a single wall tarptent so if the ventilation isn't good there is condensation on the inside of the tent. Well with it closed up because of the rain all night we did end up wet on the inside. Tried to wipe it down as much as possible but when the rain would hit on the outside it would make it drip on the inside. So our sleeping bags were getting wetter and wetter.Didn't even cook breakfast just grabbed up some snacks and packed up in the rain to move on. When we reached the road into Hampton we reevaluated our situation. We were very wet, our packs were wet and our bags and misc. stuff was wet and it was still raining steadily. So into Hampton we went. Got a ride from a nice lady named Julie, thanks Julie for waiting to rescue us.The forcast was for thunderstorms and more rain the next two days. We were afraid with the rain we couldn't meet the deadline of meeting Jay on time. We will hang out here in Hampton at the Braemar Castle Hostel awaiting Randy's ride to the airport. The castle is a great big rock exterior house full of multiple rooms and 4 levels. Part is a hostel and part is more like hotel rooms with a common kitchen and livingroom. As the afternoon went on more and more hikers arrived until the place is mostly full tonight. Walked down and had a great BBQ dinner with the best baked beans I've ever had and some sweet tea because soon I'll be out of the south where sweet tea is available. Not sure what to do about walking out tomorrow. Would like to be to Damascus by Monday but it doesn't look to promising. Will enjoy spending my last day for a while with my hubby.
Date: 2005-04-30
From: US 321

To: US 321
Miles today: 0.0

Spent the day in Hampton at the Braemar Castle again. Just relaxing and walked down to Subway for lunch.Restless said he was fixing dinner for everyone so that was taken care of. He made a great dinner and we all ate heartily. Enjoyed spending my last day with Randy before he had to return home. Got my food bag squared away and the pack all loaded again. Will head back to the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2005-05-01
From: US 321

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: few clouds

Jay showed up to pick up Randy and shuttle me back to the trail. Thanks Jay for helping us out with this trip. Thanks for the biscuit too, I saved it and ate it for lunch.Ran into some one I knew on the trail and they asked me what I was doing now! They knew I had gone south for 3 days earlier. I said I was hiking north and they got a funny look. Well it turned out they had started from the next shelter and gone the wrong way. Only had to backtrack about 20 minutes.I sure didn't have a lot of energy today. Guess it was all that laying around relaxing for almost 2 days.The trail followed the ridge above Lake Watauga for miles so enjoyed watching the boats on the lake. When we were almost to the first shelter Colorado and Marshmallow had found a tiger-striped cat that kept following them. It came all the way to the shelter with them. Well it must just hang out up there because others mentioned it in the register too.Made it to the next shelter earlier than expected. The ridge walking here is a little easier than normal.Enjoyed conversation around the table and campfire. Here tonight Squid jerky, Cuppa Joe, Andy, Poet, Bluelight and Boots, Draggin and Mr. Clean jr. Getting pretty chilly so I'm climbing in the bag for the night.
Date: 2005-05-02
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: broken clouds

Thought I would get away earlier as I woke up early. It was cold though so I stayed bundled up a while. Got going around 8. We had been saying that the hiking was not as easy as they claimed, today I know we hit the Tennessee Turnpike because I was making record time. Today was a grand slam day. Averaged 2.7 mph over some 5.5 mile sections, did an over 20 mile day, finished another state and did the 26 mile challenge of going the distance into Damascus in one day.Hadn't planned to do the challenge but when I thought about stopping I was only one hour to town so came on in. Now I will be in the stat of VA for many weeks as the trail goes the whole diagional of the state.Felt so good to get my boots off and a hot shower. Was so tired I didn't even bother making dinner. Not sure where Butterfly Moon is maybe I'll find her tomorrow as they say she is in town.
Date: 2005-05-04
From: Damascus

To: Pond Campsite
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Had a great breakfast at the Victorian and then headed out with Butterfly and Toast. After driving around trying to find who would shuttle us. It ended up being Cuppa Joe who dropped us off at VA600 by Elk Garden. We would walk the 25 miles back into Damascus. The views from Whitetop Mt. and Buzzard rock were really nice. Ate lunch at Buzzard Rock and enjoyed looking at the surrounding mountains and valleys.The time went quickly hiking as it was mostly downhill. Ended up camping out at a pond/campsite. Wanted to stay by the river but it would have made to many miles for tomorrow. Toast made us a great campfire to sit and eat dinner. Raindrop & Train and Miss Priss & Bug came in and camped too. Mr. Clean Jr. went on to camp by the river as he was northbound.
Date: 2005-05-05
From: Pond Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Started making our way down the mountain as we were anxious to get back to Damascus and Toast could be on his way because of needing to get back to work.The morning went quickly and then we started running into people heading out of town. Stopping to talk a while with each slowed us down some. They wanted to know about the terrain ahead, water and camp spots. Someone even said it would be great to have someone southbound all the time so there would be current info.Won't be meeting the southbound group for a long time.Saw some new plants along the trail but couldn't identify them because they weren't blooming yet. We have a little wildflower guide in our guide book.Made it into town in pretty good time and went directly to Dot's for a hamburger and fries.Next stop was to pick up the truck and then on to the outfitters. Butterfly Moon is having some boot problems that make the side of her foot by her little toe real painful. They were able to strech the leather a little there and it seems to be better. They are ordering her a pair of boots that she will pick up at Trail Days.Stopped at Subway on the way out of town and took subs with us for dinner.Toast made another great campfire and we got set up for the night. He decided to stay over and drive back home rested in the morning as we didn't get back up here until after 8. The wind is blowing hard, I'm afraid it will be a cold night.
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Campsite

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

Camped out last night and it was very cold. Didn't warm up until the wind stopped blowing. Started our way up to the Thomas Knob shelter which is just below the trail to the top of Mt. Rogers. Had a snack and enjoyed the beer we got as trail magic. When we left there we saw our first [Grayson Highlands] ponies. They let us come right up to them and they wanted to nibble us because of the salt in our clothing from sweating. Took some pictures of the newborn pony. It couldn't be more than a couple days old because it was still shakey when it got up to walk. As we continued through Grayson Highlands we saw more and more ponies. They either had babies with them or were ready to have them. Several had very swollen bags so they couldn't be too far from delivery. We finally saw a display board that explained the ponies had been specially bred and called Virginia Highlanders. They had been given to the park to keep the balds cleared in 1974. The last 3 miles of the day seemed to take so long. A deer came walking up the trail towards us and didn't even run away, I guess it sees hikers alot lately. Finally made it to the shelter around 6:15. My feet were so tired and sore, but had to get chores and supper done before relaxing. It's now almost 8 o'clock and I'm ready for bed.Each time Butterfly Moon comes up with a good reason for me to go to trail days, the percentage for me going goes up 5%. Today it is up to 55%. Only 5 days to go before making the decision.
Date: 2005-05-07
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: scattered clouds

What a cold night, one of the coldest on the trail. Made our way down to the road to see if we could hitch into Troutdale. Truck after truck after truck went by and wouldn't stop for us. They say it's easier for women to get a hitch, we must have looked really bad or they could smell us as they came down the road. Finally some hikers came by and gave us a ride. We made it to the post office with 15 minutes to spare. Got our drop boxes and bounced one ahead. My new shoes came and today they made my toes a little sore, they don't seem to be as wide. Made a stop at the trading post to get supplies and eat a burger. Got an easy hitch out of town in a full size pickup that had been jacked up with big tires. I could hardly get my pack in so wasn't sure I'd make it, but did.We also accomplished 500 miles total today. Even with all our delays we made good time and go to te Trimpi shelter. We were tired so was glad to see Spots left in the shelter. Later that night it rained so it was doublely good to be inside.
Date: 2005-05-09
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Davis Path Shelter
Miles today: 14.7

Took our time getting going this morning as we had thoughts of possibly staying in Atkins. By the time we got to the Chatfield shelter it had gotten really warm. Decided to rest, have a snack and put our feet in the creek. Butterfly Moon went to the privy and found two baby mice on the ground. We got some cute pictures of them and then she noticed there was some nesting stuff on the ground, well she looked up and could see where they had fallen out. She gently tucked them back up there and they climbed back into the nest.After we had chilled our feet and stuffed our bellies we were off again. I had been fighting exhaustion all day and it was hard to keep going.We kept hearing a loud hum for a long long time. Finally we figured out it was the power lines, they we huge. Just after the power lines we came to the Settler's Museum. It's an old farm and there's a one room schoolhouse. We went in and signed the register and got some pictures. Then it was on to Atkins. Well at least the truck stop and Dairy Queen near Atkins. Was good to get a burger and some ice cream. Picked up a few resupply items at the truck stop grocery. It was another two miles to the shelter and we looked at the terrain map and decided we should go to the shelter. Got in about 8pm and had to rush to get all the chores done. Saw Bassline, had not seen him since Erwin. Also met Sunshine and Lost & Found and Raindrop and Train were there to. Had plenty of room in the shelter as the two couples tented. Today was a really hard day for me physically ans emotionally. Told Butterfly I was afraid to go to Traildays because I might not go back to the trail after being off a few days. I am feeling really exhausted most of the the time. Not sure if I need to eat more or if my thyroid levels are messed up again.Decided to try the few days off and get some rest and go from there. I hate the thought of this possibly being over. Rachel sorry I got you upset when I was so upset.
Date: 2005-05-10
From: Davis Path Shelter

To: VA Hwy 42
Miles today: 9.1

Really slept in this morning and left around 10am. Only short miles to go today so we were lazy, it felt great. Nothing too exciting happened today. Crossed about 10 fences where we had to climb up wood structures of different sizes and shapes, some not too sturdy. There was this cow or bull, we never actually saw it hollering and hollering in the woods. We probably heard it for over a mile. Don't know if it was angry or hurt or what it sounded awful. Made our way through the open fields with the threat of thunderstorms as we could hear the thunder around us. Made it back into the woods without getting hit by lightening. When we reached VA42 we tried to get a hitch into Marion but no one would stop. Sunshine and Lost & Found called for a shuttle. We decided to camp and see if Footloose and Fancyfree would pick us up in the morning. If not, we are not sure what will happen. May be a long walk. It's only eight o'clock but it felt good to turn in early and get journaling and emails done. Someone else has come in and decided to tent nearby, maybe we'll meet him in the morning.
Date: 2005-05-11
From: VA Hwy 42

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Got ourselves out to the road around 8:30 and started to try and hitch. Finally an older couple on their way to get wood up on the ridge picked us up and took us to a road crossing. We sat there in the sun for a long time and many people passed us by. Butterfly Moon worked on her journal entries and I whittled a stick from an apple tree. A guy finally stopped and said he could take us to the bottom of the mountain but we thought we should stay there because there was the possibility of two roads. Even later an older lady stopped and said she was going to the bottom of the mountain to the little store. Well, a little store sounded good plus people stop there and maybe we could talk to them and get a ride. We hopped in her car and went to the store. Of course that also meant a place to get food and drink so that wasn't bad. After snacks and a drink we went to the spot in the road that had a little shade. I had hardly set my pack down when a guy stopped in a nice truck! stopped to give us a ride. Thanks Buddy what a blessing. He took us to the south side of the town of Marion on route 11 to head south. Stood there for a while and a young woman named Mel who had been in Marion shopping stopped in her Bronco and let us ride in the back with her dog Matahas. Thanks Mel! She got us as far south as Chilhowie. After standing on the roadside for maybe half an hour with no luck we went over to the McDonald's to eat. Our bellies full we decided to try hitching near the I81 onramp. Again nothing, people would just look through us or wave and keep going. The nice couple named Mary and Warren finally pulled over and wanted to know where we were going. They said that was not a good place to hitch, get in and they would help us. Turned out they took us all the way to Damascus. So 7 1/2 hours and 5 hitches later we arrived at our destination. Made our way to "The Place" a hostle in Damascus for hikers and bikers. Hooray there were still bunks available. Went down to tent city and set up our tents so we have a place reserved. Walked around and said hi to others and told of our hitching adventure. Then it was a quick dip in the creek to cool off. That sure felt great!Laundry was the next order of business so in went the clothes and we went down to "Dot's" for a burger and fries. Laundry done we headed back, had run into Fallout earlier and he told us he has to get off trail because of a stress fracture in his foot. We were supposed to meet him at the Mill for drinks but it was late and we were tired from our multiple adventures of the day.It was showers and into bed.
Date: 2005-05-12
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Decided to take our Leki [hiking] poles down to the Leki guys so they could clean and repair them. That was located down at tent city so that was a walk down there again. We were the first ones to drop ours off so got them back on the same day. They got the clunking noise out of my left pole so that was great. They fix them for free. Was surprised all the hikers I was seeing that I didn't know.Headed back in town to hear a talk by Tin Man, it ended up not being the one we thought so didn't stay.Ran into Phoenix and he got us tickets for the free dinner at the church. Began to run into others we knew too. Ended up back at The Place and played cards on the lawn. Toast showed up and Scholar joined in too.Went over to the church dinner which was put on by the Baptist church, it was very nice. On my way out I see this guy talking to Scholar, it was Beatbox. He had hiked last year and I knew him. I just stood there at a little distance and looked at him, finally said oh you don't remember me. Well he did and said wow Socks you look different. It was good to catch up with what was going on in his life since his hike last year.When we got back to The Place we found out Longhaul had arrived. He is one of Butterfly Moon's former hiking partners. He had a stress fracture and knee surgery after getting off at the Smokies. He will start his hike back up after Traildays. The time had really passed quickly and it was already around 11. How could I do this I was suppose to be getting rest. Well maybe tomorrow.
Date: 2005-05-13
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Wanted to get up early and go to the breakfast at the Firehouse. Thought it was going to be a pancake breakfast and it wasn't. Headed down to the Dairy King instead. It was Scholar, Butterfly Moon & Toast, Longhaul and we picked up Fallout along the way. After breakfast we wanted to get the free health screen at the church. Did the body analysis first and couldn't remember the percentage of body fat before I left so will have to check that. Then gave our blood sample for checking of sugar and cholestral. Sat around and waited for results for a while but they were slow so headed down to the park to check out the vendors. Walked around and checked things out and entered some drawings. Butterfly Moon ordered a new pot cozy that will come to Pearisburg. I'm debating about getting a lighter sleeping bag, or possibly a down quilt throw. Had some lunch and an ice cream and it had begun to rain so went to the booth for getting my feet, shoes and socks analyzed. Had to wait a bit as they were very busy. Ended up getting them to make me some custom footbeds from Superfeet. Hope that stops my foot movement on the downhills. The whole process took about two hours. Butterfly Moon heard she had won something at the Golite drawing but we were still in the foot shop so missed out. Got some quick dinner and headed to the Rock School for the showing of Lion King's new video. It was really good but lasted well over an hour and a half. When I got back I was just going to rest a while and then go down to tent city. Fell asleep for about an hour and then didn't feel like going down there. Good thing because it really started to rain. Will have to go down tomorrow and retrieve my tent after it dries out. Heard that someone else had their pack stolen down at tent city. Some of the guys are walking around town with their packs on for fear they will loose them.It's after 11 and it is raining hard and thundering, hope this doesn't last all night, glad I'm indoors and not tenting.
Date: 2005-05-14
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well today was another busy day. Not much rest going on today. Headed out for breakfast at Cowboy's and sat with Maniac and Eagle Eye. They had a ride out today so were leaving right after breakfast. The showers that the church offers weren't open yet so went back and showered at The Place. Went down to the park so we would be there in time for the hiker talent show. Watched about an hour of that and then went to the Golite booth for their gear drawing. Came up empty again.By then it was time to get lined up for the parade. Went to the other end of town and it started to rain. Ducked under a nearby houses carport for protection. Well did it ever rain and close lightening and thunder. Finally the firetrucks and rescue vehicles left so the parade had been cancelled. Not. The hikers took to the road and stopped traffic and walked all the way through town in the rain having our water fights amongst us and with the locals. It was great because we were the parade.I had changed into my light weight town dress and was very wet and cold so went back to change. The Boy Scouts were doing a spagetti lunch for free so popped by there to get a plate full.Then it was back to the park and bid on some stuff at the auction to benifit The Place. Didn't end up with anything which is probably a good thing. Also went to the drawing at the Antigravity Gear booth. Really wanted to win the Fanatic Fringe quilt throw for sleeping. It would replace my sleeping bag and save weight now that it's warmed up some. At least a current hiker won the 1st prize and not some local.Went down to tent city and retrieved my tent and set it up so it would dry out. Visited there some and then went to the Backpacker giveaway.Again I came out without winning anything. They must have given away a half dozen packs filled with stuff.Finally came back here to The Place and was able to just relax and rest. Hope everyone doesn't stay up to late tonight. Should go down to the drum circle but probably won't.
Date: 2005-05-15
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Went to breakfast and then down to the park to check on Butterfly's shoes. They finally got them fixed correctly and they felt better for her. Went to the drawing at the Golite booth and Toast and I both won something. You had to be there and a lot of people had left plus it was raining so our chances of winning were greatly improved.Toast drove us into the WalMart to shop for a sleeveless top and resupply food. I got a new top, underwear and food.Yes, I'm going to try going back out and see if I feel better. Haven't gotten much rest so who knows how it will go. Still staying at The Place, a lot of people left but many more came in from tent city. Was in the kitchen and someone said hi, it was Zen, haven't seen her since Neel's Gap. Then in came Red Beard too, it was so great to see them again and catch up on everything. They showed me pictures of a rattlesnake 5 feet long and as big around as my arm that Zen almost stepped on. Tomorrow will be another off day as Toast can't get a shuttle to hike and wants to stay and be with Butterfly another day.
Date: 2005-05-16
From: Damascus

To: Grayson Highlands
Miles today: 0.0

Walked up to Cowboy's with Butterfly Moon and Toast for breakfast. When we got back we started sorting out our food. Then a guy who manages The Place came in and said everyone needed to leave because a church group was coming in to use the facility. Decided to go up to the Grayson Highlands State Park so Toast could see the ponies and then camp out in the campground. After we did our town chores of visiting the post office and the outfitters we headed out.Set up camp and then walked up into the Highlands. Most of the ponies were on the far end so headed over there. Ran into two mom's with babies and then the rest of the herd. Also saw the pony we could tell was real close to giving birth when we hiked through, now she had a real cute little one by her side. Walked around some more and just enjoyed the scenery.Made some dinner and Toast got a great fire going and we sat and enjoyed it. Tried to call home but no one was there. Tomorrow we will be going back on the trail.
Date: 2005-05-17
From: Grayson Highlands

To: Pond/Spring campground
Miles today: 9.3

Woke up to my tarptent filled with condesation. I had not left the door vent open enough. Hope I get this thing figured out.Called home and reached Rachel, it was good to talk with her. Randy was in the city [New York city], so no wonder I couldn't get him at work.We headed north to get back on the trail at VA42. Got started hiking again around noon. Our packs are way too heavy with 5 days of food. It seemed I struggled with the weight and terrain all afternoon long. It was also warm so I was sweaty and a little nauseated. Today we saw our first Lily of the Valley's, Lady Slipper's and rabbits!The hills were steep and long today and we finally reached the campsite and decided to stay instead of going on to the shelter. We're camped beside a pond with 2 resident bull frogs. Set up camp, made dinner and then jumped in our bags to relax and journal.