morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Daleville

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

Summer! 1/3 the way! Hot and humid today, although a welcome overcast kept it from being unbearable. We took boxes down to the UPS store, about a 1/4 mile away, stopped in the coffee shop for a last good coffee, then came back to the motel and got our packs and headed to the trail.First amazing thing was ripe strawberries by the path, as we left Daleville. The next was the intensely sweet, lemony scent of honeysuckle which lined the path coming into town yesterday and going out today. And then the trail itself was good going for most of the way - easy grades, good surface, fast traveling. Just before leaving town, we ran into Buzz Lightyear, ZOOm and TUIT, who had started in Georgia from the Hiker Hostel around the same time we did. It was fun to catch up with them - they'd been way ahead of us but got off the trail for a couple of weeks and now we're in the same general area again.I had a note from Puppy who we hiked with a good while back, and she recommends drinking protein powder shake right when you get done for the day - supposed to help with muscle recovery. So I brought some along and mixed it up tonight, and we'll see. I tend to forget how much exertion we put out for hours and hours, and it might be good to take a page from others who have done this sort of thing.This shelter site has good tenting areas, and Marsh and I were able to put the tents up right next to each other, close enough to talk easily. That is very rare - often, flat areas are so hard to find that we are not near at all.Thunderstorms possible tonight, and showers tomorrow. We'll see what happens. Tentatively planning long day tomorrow, so less rain would help that plan. Blue Ridge Parkway intersects the trail a lot tomorrow - should be interesting and different.725 miles is the 1/3 mark - we celebrated with a glass of wine and some hummus and chips and Thai noodles. Marsh brought the wine up in a Pepsi bottle, and the rest of the meal as a special treat. It was a great way to end the day!
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Cove Mt. Shelter

To: Campsite Mi. 754.6
Miles today: 13.1

The same type of owl we heard a week or so ago called,loudly, this early morning. Increasing tones on "who-who-who-who-WHO-AHHHH", the aahhh going down. They seem to call just after dark and again just before dawn - handy time keeper. It dawned clear, to our great joy - nothing like hiking all day in the rain to develop appreciation for sunshine and clear skies! We headed out onto wonderful, graded trails all morning, happy to be hiking - strangely enough, this happens every morning. Something gets re-set overnight.Lunch at the splendid Bryant Ridge shelter - two stories, porches, loft, covered cooking and eating area - as good as it gets! Zach came by just as we were leaving - no one else had come to last night's shelter site, which was probably the third time in the whole trip that it was just us. Usually we have the opposite situation, in spades!We then started up the afternoon's hill, a long, sometimes graded and switchbacked climb up Floyd Mt. The wildlife scene saved us from boredom and disgruntlement - first, we startled a mother turkey, who ran off the trail ahead of us, leaving her dozen or more TINY chicks to scatter, peeping, into the underbrush. She then raced back across the trail in the other direction, at top speed, like members of the grouse family. We just walked through as quickly as we could so she could get back to the chicks.Soon after that, I saw a scarlet tanager, briefly, the reddest red you ever saw on a bird. It flew up into the canopy so Marsh didn't get a glimpse.Then, after cresting Floyd and having a snack at Cornelius Creek shelter, we were about to cross a rocky stream when a middle-sized rattle snake who was having a drink quickly slid aside, rattling to warn us of its presence. Very pretty - distinctive markings which would camouflage it well. The day turned out quite warm, reminding us of summer again. I guess it will keep going in this direction pretty much, now.We are now camped in light green, ferny woods, near a stream, and about to get up and make supper. It is cooling off, which should make for a good night's sleep. Others may come yet, since this site is listed in the guidebooks, but there is room enough for several tents if that happens.A great day - so far, on schedule for re-supply in Glasgow on Saturday, and to make Waynesboro next weekend.
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Campsite Mi. 754.6

To: Matt's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

Wildlife events continued with curious deer stomping their way into the campsite just before midnight. They make a LOT of noise, stepping on twigs and wading through leaves. One stood beside my tent breathing loudly, and finally I clapped my hands a few times to get it to move on. Morning was clear but already warm when we started out. It really is like summer already - got lulled by the really long spring. High humidity is not my thing, but I guess I better get used to it! Lots of nice trail and then lots of uphill, back and forth through the day. Saw the FAA dome on Apple Orchard Mt., and "the guillotine", a big boulder suspended between two vertical slabs of rock. Highcock Knob, barely mentioned in the book, wore me out - really warm and muggy by then, and the body just isn't used to laboring in the mug. Had to stop and rest a lot, and then remembered the stash of gatorade powder I kept for these situations. Mixed it up and it helped a lot.Very long day for us, at over 16 miles, but we thought it best to get close to the road into Glasgow where we will get more food for the next stint to Waynesboro. Don't know how long it will take to do that chore, since we need to get some sort of ride into and out of town.Nice campsites here at Matt's Creek, right beside the stream. We had stopped and picked up 2 liters of water each, about 4 miles back, thinking to stay at a campsite mentioned in the book. But the campsite didn't appear, and we just kept going - ended up at the creek, having carried over 4 pounds of extra water the whole 4 miles. Believe me, you notice the extra pounds, especially when it's the the last 4 miles of a 16 mile day - the feet do mind!Still very muggy, and people are winding down for the night. I'm tenting on a leaf pile, which gave a good night's sleep last time. Good night from Matt's Creek, Virginia.
Date: 2008-05-31
From: Matt's Creek Shelter

To: Glasgow VA/US 501 
Miles today: 2.2
Weather: broken clouds

Hot, humid and still - and that was 5:45 am! Since this was going to be a resupply day, we had short miles scheduled in order to allow for time to get ride, do errands, repack, get ride back to trail, etc.Although there was a soft bed of leaves beneath the tent, sleep was fitful because of the stickiness - especially on the air mat. We were also right next to the stream, so there was a lot of moisture in the air. The quilt and liner both absorbed a lot, making them heavy and damp. I'm wondering if this is a drawback of natural materials (down and silk), and if some good old fiberfill might be better in the summer...The walk from the shelter down to the James River was pleasant and fast, and the trail goes along the river for quite a while until it reaches the foot bridge. This is the longest foot bridge on the AT, over this very serious river, and it is actually named for Mr. Foot, who was an ATC luminary (read: hard worker). We hiked across, and examined where the best place to try to get a ride would be. A trail maintainer we met a few days ago,, swinging a weed whacker over the sides of the trail, gave good advice on where to stand so that cars going in our direction could pull over easily. Hardly had we got in position when the first car to pass swung in, and it turned out to be Ken, the shuttle person for this area that Tom had told us about.Ken took us to Glasgow, 5 miles up, and showed us the small town, the grocery and dollar store, cafe and motel. We decided to get a room, to stay out of the heat, and we'd make up the 2 miles tomorrow. We probably should have looked at the room first - it turned out to be the hiker special. Anyway, it is a very convenient town to do basic resupply in, but I can't recommend spending the night. Showered, breakfasted, shopped and repacked, we read and relaxed some in the afternoon. Many hikers hitched in and congregated at the grocery store across the street, so we could stroll over and get news of who was where.Still a very warm evening, but perhaps some miracle will occur and the heat will be gone in the morning? Ken will take us back to the trail, and we hike on towards Waynesboro.
Date: 2008-06-01
From: Glasgow VA/US 501 

To: Pedlar River Bridge
Miles today: 15.0

It's June, and the end of 3 months of the hike - review time! The feature of this hike which is so different from other hikes is managing the time factor. Most thruhikers are concerned about this, whether it's how to get to Katahdin before the park closes October 15, or before the leave runs out (if employed), or before family obligations require return.So, planning the week ahead always involves factoring distance, supply points, personal strength, and the need to go a certain distance if the overall goal is going to be reached.Milestones like the hundred-mile marks, or 1/4, 1/3 or 1/2 the distance, or a new state line, are noticed and celebrated - they become really important motivators. Usually these milestones are very cheerful occasions, although sometimes they are gloomy because you haven't made the progress you anticipated when you were drawing up the plans in the recliner last winter.We can only hike so fast, and it looks like we're in the 12-mile- average category. More than 12 miles is possible on a given day, but it often requires either unusually good trail or recovery time the next day.I'm also hiking in a team - and it has turned out to be extremely valuable to me. We're able to keep each other motivated, which is a serious issue both day-to-day and over the long haul. The months have developed this team in ways I didn't anticipate - Marsh is way funnier and way more disciplined than I knew! And those are probably the most helpful two attributes a partner could bring to this hike.So, we are where we are, we are who we are, and we'll see what happens. So far, so good - very good, actually, if health and attitude are the markers.Today's hike was beautiful! We started hiking around 9, after a good breakfast in the restaurant. It looked like showers were possible, but cleared off for much of the day. It was maybe 7 or 8 degrees cooler, and the humidity was closer to 75% rather than the 100& yesterday, and these small differences made the hiking delightful. High humidity seems to interfere with oxygen availability - you breathe hard but it doesn't go to your muscles like it should. Today we both felt great, and were happily powering up the major hill out of town (always a big hill going out of town).Lots of mountain laurel, very delicate and cute, on bushes throughout sections of the forest. Many different ecological systems again, from oak-pine and scrub brush to tall hardwoods in rich dark soil. The spring flowers are pretty much gone now. Saw oxalis for the first time and some other familiar plants.No longer seeing juncos, but more often orchard orioles hopping in the underbrush. Red eyed vireos sit high in trees singing their constant song. As we approached our intended campsite, it began to rain, but lightly enough that we could scout around for a good site. Eventually we found cleared area out of sight of the small road and near a creek. The rain let up so we could set up tents and fix dinner, and crash into bed!
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Pedlar River Bridge

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

800 miles! Seems it came quickly - feels great. What a gorgeous day, blue skies, warm sun, non-humid air (unless you were slogging up a long hill on the leeward side). Much long climbs and rocky trail today, very strenuous (in Virginia terms). But the payoff was wonderful - 360 degree views from the top of Cold Mountain, then rolling fields of grass along the ridge for a mile or so. Spectacular. And to top it off, we finally got to the campsite at Hog Camp Gap and found it to be stunning. Huge fields with occasional trees, and little campsites here and there. The ridges loom off to the north, framing this lovely site. We hiked off and on with Red today, and so the three of us are tenting nearby each other.And that's not all...a hiker named Crutch came over and offered to go to town for pizza - we took him up on this offer without hesitation! Heworks at the Cloud 9 Hostel in Hiawassee, GA, but now that their busy season is winding down he is out doing trail magic in various places. Thanks, Crutch!So, robins are singing as the sun gets lower in the sky, filling my tent with golden light. Soon the pizza will arrive, and all the hikers here will enjoy a feast.
Date: 2008-06-03
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Fish Hatchery Rd./Dutch Haus
Miles today: 10.0

My, what incentive the promise of real lunch provides...we were on the trail by 6:45am, hoping to go the ten miles to the Dutch Haus in time for lunch! We made it, but my feet are sore - a little too much, too fast - but worth it!Pretty day, with some clouds coming in, and some humidity also, but not bad hiking. Breezy on the ridges. We heard the first veery today - downward spiraling double notes, very distinctive sound. There were also many places with a sweet scent in the air, but no visible source. That's been happening for over a month now. The main thing going on visually was the sea of ferns, as far as you could see, as undergrowth in the forest for most of the way. Reminded me of the sea of tiny wildflowers we had in Tennessee for a while, all underneath the forest canopy.We are all cozy here in the front room of the Dutch Haus, as it rains outside, and Lois is fixing dinner. A few other hikers are here for the night as well. It is an extremely warm, comfy and tidy place, well designed for the B&B and hostel functions. Log house, bunkroom, bunkhouse, other bedrooms, lots of windows, peaceful woodsy setting, everything you need. Lois offers to do laundry, and provides bathrobes so you can get everything (which isn't much to begin with) clean.Hoping the rain lets up by morning, and we'll be on our way up "The Priest", and on towards Waynesboro in a few more days. It feels great to be making good progress through Virginia. The Shenandoahs are coming up soon!After supper: we decided to take advantage of an offer to slack pack the next 20 miles. They will drive us those 20 miles north and we will hike back to the hostel, hoping its in time for dinner! Then the next day they will again take us to that same place and we will continue north.The advantages are many - just a daypack, more miles than we might otherwise hike in a day, and a real bed tomorrow night, plus breakfast and dinner. And this positions us well to get in to Waynesboro earlier in the day on Friday so that we have more useful time. Yay!
Date: 2008-06-04
From: Fish Hatchery Rd./Dutch Haus

To: VA664/Reed Gap
Miles today: 19.9

Slack packed south, from Reed Gap back to Fish Hatchery Rd, and then also walked the 1.1 mile down the road to the pick up point - for 21 miles on the old feet today. Not nearly as sore, though, as when I carry a full pack. Twenty-odd extra pounds make a huge difference in how the feet feel!Tornado warnings were posted for early morning, but were taken up by the time we got hiking. Everyone was talking about the weather and how to decide what to do. There were a couple of bail-out points on our route today, so we decided to hike and see. It was extremely muggy today and hot, not a bit fun to hike in, so we had to get our heads around the training value of these conditions!It was also a strenuous hike, with a lot of elevation gain and loss and rough footing much of the way, so it was particularly good to be doing this section with a light pack. To our amazement we were able to keep a 2 mph pace and complete the AT part in exactly 10 hours. I guess we're getting conditioned...Earl and Lois run this B&B with great efficiency and care for hikers. We were given a ride this morning to the trailhead by Earl's dad, and Earl picked us up tonight. Lois waited dinner for us, and so did the other 5 hikers here tonight! Thanks, everyone! Probably time for some gear review, but tonight I'm tired and hitting the sheets - soon, though, when I have some relaxed time.
Date: 2008-06-05
From: VA664/Reed Gap

To: Paul Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: few clouds

Hot! Muggy! Caterpillars chewing leaves in the canopy above, not a pleasant experience in the most bracing of weather...But it was sunny most of the day, and a few pretty views appeared from the rocky ridges along the way. That was a good thing because it was really quite a slog - might seem strange, but I've felt motivated to hike, and wake up ready to go every morning the whole time so far. Today, with the heat building in and yesterday's long miles, was an exercise in making myself keep going!Feet hurt after 5 miles, which didn't help - I'll get some good insoles in Waynesboro soon, which might help. The stock insoles have worn down to nothing under the balls of my feet, so we'll see. Had good luck for several hundred miles with the Spenco hiking insoles, but they got tossed with the retired boots.Keeping a good attitude out here is key, so it is important to know what throws you off and to be able to deal with it somehow. Clearly this hot and humid weather is my biggest challenge by far! Stay tuned - I'm hoping that we'll get adjusted to it in a few weeks.Happily, we were greeted by a lovely rushing stream right in front of the shelter this afternoon, which we promptly stood in - downstream, of course - and rinsed our very sweaty bodies. With the heat have come the bugs, midges (no see ums) and black flies and a pack of honeybees hanging around the shelter, interested in everything we do. They tolerated being waved away without stinging us, but it was a nuisance. The little bugs just bided their time and got busy biting whenever we were still long enough. Bug repellent is now on the list, too, for Waynesboro!The evening never cooled off - it stayed hot and muggy and breeze-less, which presented a challenge in a shelter of how to keep bugs off if too hot for sleeping bag. I was lucky to have a silk liner to pull over me, but it was a fitful night's sleep all around.Well, we are finally within shooting distance of Waynesboro and a planned zero day - just in time, too!
Date: 2008-06-06
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It never cooled off last night, and the humidity seemed to have risen to 100% by the time we left the shelter. Sort of foggy out, but very warm. We hoofed it into Rockfish Gap by 9:30 or so, and found the visitor's center tucked away behind some former restaurant and motel buildings. It was staffed by friendly knowledgeable people, and also had a great map model of the Shenandoahs. I called the Inn for a ride, but while we were waiting a trail angel offered to take us in - so we accepted and called the Inn to let them know.Waynesboro has a well-organized shuttle-provider list, which is so helpful for hikers to get into town, about 4 miles from the gap. They also have a map and list of services for hikers - very nice!The Tree Streets Inn is a gorgeous brick home from the early 1900's. Large rooms, very pleasant common rooms and blessedly airconditioned! It will be great to relax and cool off a bit as we plan the Shenandoah leg to Harper's Ferry.Once settled, we launched out again for Weasie's, a diner of AT fame, and when we walked in heard our names called. It was Jill (Raffle Queen) who we had met briefly at Trail Days. We all sat down and got caught up, and as we were winding down, Jill offered us the use of her car for a few hours while she worked! Unbelievably helpful offer, Jill!Wheels then made it possible to get to the outfitter, a mile or so out of town, and get insoles,the maps for the next leg, bug repellent and some other key items, and also to get to the grocery store. Thanks, Jill!Tomorrow, a zero day and as the weather channel notes, a "heat emergency warning" will be in effect, so we'll be staying put!
Date: 2008-06-07
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Good night's sleep! Charming room with period wallpaper, art and furnishings making for a particularly comfortable feeling. One of the benefits of hiking with Auntie Mame is the ability to share a room and the attendant cost, which has brought the occasional high-end B&B within reach. Nine guests gathered for breakfast and talked about their various adventures - a motorcycle journey up the Shenandoahs, a trip to get the grandchildren and take them to the Outer Banks to learn about sea turtles, Gulla culture and other interesting things, and a stop in Waynesboro for a boyfriend's graduation - it was fun to talk and eat together. Big naps followed breakfast, not an unusual event on zero days, and then we walked down to the library to check and answer email and work on trail journals.Then came a visit to Ming's Chinese Buffet, which was excellent, and a stop at the Grace Lutheran Church hostel. The church is hosting Hiker Fest this afternoon and evening, with a movie about the CDT, spaghetti supper and shuttles to the movies later. Ran into the long-lost Leaping Turtle, who had gotten off trail for a friend's wedding a few weeks ago and then we'd lost touch. Back in synch! At least for a few days - hikers seldom stay on the same schedule for long.Rested and puttered around with bounce boxes, then went out to the Purple Foot for supper - one of the most-recommended spots in Waynesboro. Good wine and salads and robust sandwiches. Altogether a very different sort of day than we've been used to!