morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-09-12
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

The rain stopped around noon at Marble Spring and shortly after she saw someone running south down the trail and recognized him as Karl Meltzer, the man who's trying to break the AT running record. Bama was thrilled and stopped him long enough to say "hi" and take his picture. Karl was as just as amazed that she knew who he was. Check out www.whereskarl.com. His goal is to be the first to do the entire AT in less than 43 days. Lord love a duck! I cannot imagine it.No call tonight - bad signal? Wet phone? We'll see. Lots of rain, still expecting better weather today and especially tomorrow.Bama plans to hitch into Glasgow with Professor to re-supply, do laundry(!) and then get back on the trail. Glasgow is no hiker town and probably not the best place to try to spend the night (See Bama's May 26, 27 entry on Glasgow on her 2006 Trail Journals thru-hike entry).UPDATE: After reaching Matts Creek Shelter, Bama and Professor found that a homeless man had taken up residence in the shelter, apparently having been there for several weeks. His stuff was spread out over half the shelter - plus he was smoking in there. Obviously, this was not going to work.Bama had a polite talk with Mr. Homeless and he straightened the shelter and moved his smoking to his little tarp city he had constructed outside. Bama later gave him some hot chocolate packets.Bill
Date: 2008-09-13
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

Well, hadn't heard from Bama in about 24 hours, finally did at 11:00 am today.The rain let up late yesterday around Marble Spring, the sun came out and it was very nice, beautiful views with mists still down in the hollows. She walked several miles around Matts Creek Shelter trying to get a cell signal with no luck.Bama and Professor tried in vain to hitch a ride into Glasgow for food and laundry, but could not get ANYone to pick them up, not even the horse trailer folks (I think they would have ridden with the horses). After over an hour they said the h$#* with it, decided they could split their food for the next couple of days and got back on the trail.Trail Angel Jill Byrd called me last night and she has been trying to catch up with Bama and Professor to hike with them for a day or so. She and I have been cell phoning, both trying to reach Bama, but luck eluded us. She was going to meet them on the road and give them a ride to Glasgow. Oh well. I'm hoping she can meet up with Bama at Punchbowl tonight.On to Punchbowl . . . good luck, Jill, I hope you find them.UPDATE: Bama and Jill were able to get together by cell phone and Jill is headed to meet up with Bama and Professor at Punchbowl Shelter this afternoon. Whoo hoo! Trail Magic: After bypassing Glasgow and being a little low on food, Bama found a big package or Oreos and a can of Spam someone left at Johns Hollow Shelter. Bama and Professor enjoyed the Oreos and the Spam would be eaten later. Thanks Trail Angel! UPDATE 2 Jill hiked up to the top of Bluff Mountain and met up with Bama and Professor at the Ottie Cline Powell Memorial. They'll go the two miles to Punchbowl Shelter together.Bill Total miles hiked=59.4
Date: 2008-09-14
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Cow Camp Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Everyone made Punchbowl safe and sound last evening, although Bama and Professor were pretty tired. Trail Angel Jill brought a large Subway sandwich which she shared with Bama and Professor. Yum, thanks! Also, someone left some Spam singles and energy bars in the shelter, so the food situation is working out - at least there is some protein and fat to go along with the ramen.New SOBO; Bama enjoyed meeting Energizer Bunny from Korea. Lots for Bama and Jill to talk about. Professor entertained everyone with his recorder - it was a really nice night. Thanks again to Jill who left oatmeal and raisins for Bama and Professor for breakfast; her visit was greatly enjoyed!This morning was an early up-and-out (15 miles of what turned out to be physically and spiritually draining heat [92+]). Bama said what was once soaked by rain was now soaked by sweat - she's looking forward to nearby Dutch Haus B&B to dry out!Bama called me from near the top of Bald Knob, near Cow Camp Gap - after 2,800 vertical feet of climb from this morning! She was whipped! Her low cell phone battery was beeping at her and she had to go to conserve what was left. Only a little over 12 miles tomorrow, then some R&R.The cold front is sliding in tomorrow and the highs will drop to the lower 70s and lows in the 50s this week - thanks be to God.Bill
Date: 2008-09-15
From: Cow Camp Gap Shelter

To: Fish Hatchery Road- Dutch Haus
Miles today: 12.5

Bama and Professor have spent five days wet. Nothing is dry - and I mean nothing. They reached Cow Camp Gap after hiking down the Old Hotel Trail .6 miles on what Bama said looked like an old buggy road.According to Virginia Park Service links, the Old Hotel Trail is a 3.2 mile hike that can be made into a 5 mile loop by joining with the Appalachian Trail at Cow Camp Gap. This trail passes through a large mountainside meadow and through lovely hardwood forest along Little Cove Creek. "Old Hotel" does not refer to an old hotel site, as some believe, but is actually named for a former herdsman's cabin that local hunters used as a retreat.Yesterday they met 2 SOBOs on the trail, Music Man and Lancelot. Today they met 3 more SOBOs: Toad, Mercury and Cat. There was also a smattering of some section hikers.They were told by others that Cow Camp had no water, but decided to go anyway. Professor did manage to find enough for their use. Yeah Professor! He and Bama had the shelter to themselves again.This morning they left early, while still dark to make the 12.6 miles, mostly to get the climb out of the gap behind them and over Cold Mountain. Of course I immediately thought of the movie by the same name. Bama said this was one of their coolest mornings in a while and while chilly in wet clothes, she welcomed the change.They made their 3:00 pm shuttle appointment at the Fish Hatchery parking lot by Dutch Haus host, Earl Arnold. Bama was very impressed by the beautiful gardens at the B&B and learned that Earl does all the gardening. Very nice.Hostess Lois Arnold did Bama's and Professor's laundry and gave them robes to wear. Everything was hung out to dry, including sleeping bags. Lois fixed a lovely pot of coffee and Bama and Professor (who normally doesn't drink much coffee ) had their fill.Tonight guests are Bama, Professor, Dan & Eileen. Definitely a place to go back to.Bill
Date: 2008-09-16
From: Fish Hatchery Road

To: Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 0.0

Bama is dry, clean, fed and a happy girl. Last night dinner was wonderful and there were pancakes for breakfast. Besides Professor, she's there with Just Jim and a couple, Dan & Eileen.She took a Zero today because, well, because she could! It was a lovely day and she shopped at the little Montebello village a half mile away, lazed around the house, read books and had a great time. Earl & Lois have been the perfect hosts.Tomorrow, back on the trail.Bill
Date: 2008-09-17
From: Tye River

To: Reeds Gap
Miles today: 10.05

Well...Bama and Professor had intended to hike out from the Dutch Haus B&B toward the Maupin Field Shelter today, but SOBO reports (several) told of a huge hornet's nest in the Maupin Field Shelter. Now I don't know about you, but I am not eager to share my living space with hornets. Coincidentally, Maupin Field shelter is just past Bee Mountain - whatta hoot!Therefore, being the wise and well-seasoned hikers they are, Bama and Professor decided to hike the miles but have Earl from Dutch Haus pick them up just past the shelter at Reeds Gap. Weather? Fantastic! Cool , dry and very fall-like. Weather to die for in the beautiful southern Appalachians. Leaves aren't changing yet, but will soon.Of course, it was no rocket science that convinced Bama to accept another night's excellent hospitality from Earl & Lois.Tomorrow - back on the trail at Reeds Gap and on toward Paul C. Wolfe Shelter.Does life get any better than this?Bill
Date: 2008-09-18
From: Reeds Gap

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Bama and Professor were dropped off by Earl at Reeds Gap and will be hitting some tough climbs today, especially Humpback Mountain. Bama remembers it well from 2006 when it was in the 90s and she and Little Wing were about to collapse from the heat and exhaustion.A big shout out and thanks to Christina K for her Trail Angel gift on Humpback that day in '06!They arrived at the shelter in early afternoon and did the usual routine. A couple (Silver Potato and Cracker) joined them later and were tenting. Professor offered up his recorder concert which drew applause from the tenters.Tomorrow will be a quick five mile to Rockfish Gap and a hitch to Weasie's Kitchen in Waynesboro which offers the hiker AYCE pancake special. I don't think Bama worried about her oatmeal this morning.Bill
Date: 2008-09-19
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

As Bama was leaving the shelter, she met a SOBO named Fringe Dweller. It was only about five miles to Rock Fish Gap. When she got there, she saw names on the trail kiosk offering trail services. Bama called a local Waynesboro Trail Angel, Bill Galliger, who was more than happy to come get Professor and her and take them to Weasie's for breakfast. Thanks Bill!!After a stuffing at Weasie's, they walked to the Kroger Store. After shopping, Bama approached a man in the parking lot and asked him would he give them a ride to the outfitters. He looked at them for a few seconds and then agreed. His name is Harlan Phillips and his brother lives a mile and half from us in Pelham, Alabama. What a small world! Bama also met a couple of SOBOs, Skeeter and Spoonful, at the outfitters.Meanwhile, hiker and Trail Angel Jill Byrd was calling me trying to find out where Bama was to offer them a ride. I thought they might be at the outfitters and sure enough, Jill caught them. Soon she had deposited Bama and Professor back on the trail. Thanks, Jill!!Bama and Professor have the Calf Mountain Shelter to themselves tonight. It's coolish and they are looking forward to a good night's rest.Bill and from there to the outfitters. Waynesboro is called the biggest trail town on the AT. The folks in town are very hiker friendly and there's no shortage of volunteers to offer rides to and from the trail.Bama and Professor will get back on the trail and head for the Calf Mountain Shelter.
Date: 2008-09-20
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: broken clouds

Whatta day! Bama and Professor entered the Shenandoah National Park and filled out the usual hiking permits, etc. Not long after Turk Gap, they saw a doe - who unlike most in this park are nearly tame - stood her ground and snorted at them. It was so late in the season, it seemed unlikely that there was a fawn nearby. Most does run off hoping you'll go after them rather than go towards the fawn. I guess this one decided she was sick and tired of hikers getting in her space.Not soon after that, Bama said she heard some commotion in a tree and heard a thump that turned out to be a baby black bear cub hitting the ground after scrambling down the tree. It ran off before Bama could react and get a picture, but just as well. Baby cubs up trees mean momma bear is nearby and Bama wasted no time moving on lest she confront momma.The waysides and shelters are somewhat oddly spaced here compared to the rest of the AT. Bama and Professor were hoping to stop, but the next shelter (Blackrock Hut) was too close for a decent day's hike. They pushed on, passing a couple of camping spots, until they reached Loft Mountain Campground, one of the big commercial Shenandoah tourist spots. Nearby was a wayside (what we would call a concession area) and after setting up their tents made the 6:30 pm closing - barely - to buy hamburgers and fries.Bellies full, they went to the rest area to clean up and get to bed after a very, very long twenty mile+ day.Bill Total miles=144.3
Date: 2008-09-21
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

After cleaning up and eating, Bama was ready to hit the tent and catch some Zzzs - it had been a l-o-n-g day. A couple of week end hikers, Stephen and Michael, were tenting nearby and had built a nice campfire. They asked Bama and Professor to come over to chat. Stephen's originally from Ireland and Michael from NY and the four swapped trail tales and shot the breeze - nice evening.This morning Bama slept in and waited until the wayside opened so she could get a hot breakfast. She and Professor got back on the trail around 9:00 am. At Ivy Creek Overlook, Skyline Drive they met Switch Ash taking a break on the wall and enjoying the overlook. She has plans to thru hike the AT one day. Up the trail she met a nice SOBO couple, Fjord and Six-Toe and SOBO, B Rizzle. Again the mutual sharing of trail info from whence they came. One almost dependable fact is hikers will stop if only for a moment to meet, share information and anything else of interest. It is rare to pass someone who just stares at the ground and scurries by.No big news except another Shenandoah wildlife spotting. After seeing a rabbit (wow, how exotic), Professor saw a bobcat! Now that's cool - the bobcat was probably on the heels of the rabbit. Another great day traversing one of the prettiest stretches of the southern Appalachians. Bama and Professor continue to rack up impressive mileage.Bill
Date: 2008-09-22
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Happy Birthday, Professor!! AND today marks the second anniversary of Bama's successful 2006 AT thru-hike and Professor's, Jesse James' and her summit of Mount Katahdin. Congrats, all!!Bama is hoping she and Professor will get to the Lewis Mountain Campground soon. She said it's time for a shower and laundry. This morning about 7:30 am she saw another bear, an adolescent, not very big. It rumbled off before she could get a picture. The deer on the other hand, are so used to hikers that they just stand on the trail and look at you when you pass. See also met another SOBO, Carrot.Bama and Professor got to the Lewis Mountain Campground where there were pay showers for hikers ($1 for 5 minutes) - odd that a state camp ground charges for showers - but Bama said it was the best $1 she's ever spent. Good thing they don't have pay toilets! All Shenandoah National Park facilities (waysides, lodging, campgrounds) are managed by a commercial concern and they have their own way of doing things.All cleaned up, they bought some drinks and snacks at the camp store and headed off for Bearfence Mountain Hut just about a mile up trail.Bill
Date: 2008-09-23
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Yesterday, Bama was all set-up at Bearfence for the afternoon. She and Professor had the shelter to themselves again. She was hiking up a side trail (old road?) toward a crest looking for a cell signal to call me. Couldn't find one.On her way back, she was approaching the privy when a very large black bear crossed the trail between her and the shelter/privy area. Since she had nothing in her hand but a cell phone, it was a good thing the bear seemed not to even notice her and went on its way without hesitation. Of course, no camera.Today, it's an 11.5 mile plan to Rock Spring Hut with a stop-over at Big Meadows. Bama and Professor will stop for lunch and to buy some more food.Big Meadows is the largest of the Shenandoah camping complexes, with camping, cabins, a lodge and dining room, stores and of course, pay showers for hikers. Lots of tourists, especially this time of year. Most of them gawk at the stinky "poor homeless people" (AT hikers). I'll wager the majority have never heard of the Appalachian Trail or walked more than a mile in the woods. But then, the hikers gawk at the plump tourists in their freshly purchased LL Bean "camping outfits," complete with black nylon knee socks and sandals. Heh, heh.Bama and Professor had a relatively light day. She bought a sandwich from the Big Meadows wayside and something for breakfast tomorrow. She¢ll save half her sandwich for her dinner tonight. Bama ran in some more wildlife - or let's say they (the yellowjackets) ran into her. Couple of stings, no biggie, nothing a little benadryl capsules and gel won't help.They reached the Rock Spring Hut. She saw three men going to the near-by Rock Spring Cabin, that she thought was only for the AT trail maintainers. She approached them and asked if she could look inside. ¢Sure,¢ they said. It was cute and Bama said had a lovely view of the sunset from the porch. They said anyone could rent it for $25 a night ¢ I guess from the Park Authority.Bama met more SOBOs today: Dropbear, Sasquatch from Pawling, NY (near the Appalachian Trail Station to NYC; he maintains the area and offers rides to hikers ¢ check out the kiosk at the station) and Josh from Minneapolis who is sharing the shelter tonightBill
Date: 2008-09-24
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Thornton Gap
Miles today: 14.1

This morning, it was professor who saw the bear, briefly before it ran off. He and Bama enjoyed looking over the "outlooks" where they could see the Shenandoah Valley for miles. They hiked to Thornton Gap where they were met by hiker and Trail Maintainer, DR Dick. Bama met him in 2006 at Carter Notch Hut in New Hampshire. He had said to visit him sometime in Virginia, and so they did.DR Dick maintains several of the huts on this Shenandoah hut stretch and Rock Spring Hut was the first of the four. He and his wife, Donna, live in the valley on the west side of the Shenandoah ridge, not far from Luray, VA. We drove thru this area when Bama and Little Wing were on the AT in 2006. It is a beautiful place to live.DR Dick picked up Bama and Professor and took them to Wal-Mart in Luray where they loaded up on food and stuff. Then he took them home where they showered and enjoyed much conversation and a fabulous dinner by Donna. Bama and Professor will spend the night in the "shed," actually a cute cottage near the house.Tomorrow, Bama is going to take a zero day and Professor will get back on the trail to continue making up his AT mileage. They'll get back together tomorrow evening.It's been cool and beautiful weather, but rain and wind is coming from a coastal disturbance. Maybe it won't last too long.Bill
Date: 2008-09-25
From: On a beautiful farm in the Shenandoah Valley

To: On a beautiful farm in the Shenandoah Valley
Miles today: 0.0

Professor got up early this morning and DR Dick took him back to the trail to work on his mileage. DR Dick went on to continue his routine trail/hut maintenance.Bama did absolutely nothing but drink coffee, watch the deer run by her window at DR Dick's and Donna's cottage, watch movies on TV, nap, eat and lie around - in other words - a wonderful day.DR Dick brought Professor back to the cottage about 6:30 pm. Professor didn't see any bears today but saw another bobcat. Cool. Tonight is another of Donna's great dinners. They are watching the weather closely and if this eastern seaboard storm isn't too bad, they will get back on the trail tomorrow. They are trying to stay on schedule to meet up with Debbie, Professor's daughter, who is driving to get them on the trail Saturday. We'll see.BillShuttle Service in the Shenandoah National Park area can be provided by Mountain & Valley Shuttle Service based in Luray, VA. Ho:540-743-1355 Cell-540-671-1734. Email: service@mvshuttle.com & website: www.mvshuttle.com. These are people that DR Dick & Donna know personally.
Date: 2008-09-26
From: Gravel Spring Gap

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

Thanks again to Trail Angels DR Dick & Donna for their hospitality and Trail Magic. DR Dick put Bama and Professor back on the trail this morning at 9:00. It had rained a good deal last night, but was only foggy and a little misty this morning. Bama said most of the "rain" was dripping from the trees.No wildlife, no drama. Short hike to Tom Floyd Wayside. It's a small shelter; there's only room for six and Bama hopes they'll have no others tonight; all their stuff is hanging up to dry - or at least stop dripping.Bama snuggled into her sleeping bag and boiled water for hot cider while Professor - ever the trooper - walked the quarter mile for water. She was able to call me from her sleeping bag which she thought was a real luxury. Usually she's tromping all over the site, hiking up hills and climbing on the privy to get a signal.Tomorrow, another short hike toward Front Royal, VA where Professor's daughter will meet them for lunch and then put them back on the trail later in the afternoon. Only about five more days to finish up this section of Professor's unfinished mileage, then a drive down to North Carolina to do a section and he will have completed the whole AT! Whoo hoo!Bill
Date: 2008-09-27
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning was wet ¢ again. Three SOBOs had shown up last night and were tenting. About 11:00 pm two of them came into the shelter because of a collapse or malfunction with their tent. It had stopped raining by dawn, but still drippy.Bama and Professor got a late start out because they were only going three miles to US 522 where Debbie (from Reston, VA) met them. She brought some yummy red velvet cupcakes for Professor¢s birthday. While Debbie and Professor drove around to see a shopping center she had designed (she¢s an architect), Debbie dropped Bama off at the laundry so she could have some dry clothes. They went to lunch at Victoria¢s Buffet ¢ they ate lots & lots. They are now officially out of the Shenandoah National Park (ends at Front Royal, VA).Back on the trail and Debbie hiked in one mile with them before turning back. At about mile two, the sky opened up and Bama and Professor got soaked again. So much for dry clothes, but at least they didn¢t have far to go and their bellies were very full. It was a short hike to Jim and Molly Denton Shelter, arriving around 4:00 pm. Thank goodness this is a big shelter because of the rain and the need to get things hung up to drip. Two other hikers, Dacks and Jaybird joined them in the shelter. Bama remembered Dacks from somewhere back on the trail.To keep on schedule, they will hike to Rod Hollow Shelter. The rain is supposed to let up and taper off tonight with only a 40% chance tomorrow then get pretty again. Keep a¢haulin¢, Bama!Bill
Date: 2008-09-28
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Bama and Professor were out of the shelter at 6:45 am - long day today. They took a break at Manassas Gap Shelter and moved on. Yes, it was still wet and there was more rain. Wet, wet, wet. Such is the AT - you take what it hands you.By 3:30 pm they reached Rod Hollow Shelter, again a big one, much unlike the "huts" of the Shenandoah Park shelters. Sharing the shelter tonight is Jermm aka Rabbit. She is a friend of S.H.O.E's and has been hiking a few days heading south. It was nice to meet her and share some stories. Tomorrow a stop at Bears Den Hostel and on to Blackburn AT Center for the evening.Another good day on the AT - which they all are.Bill