morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-22
From: Day 73 Troutville VA

To: Day 74 Quality Inn, Troutville VA
Miles today: 0.0

After staying up way too late (1:00) eating pizza and drinking beer (I needed the carbs ;-) it was tough getting up this morning. It was almost 8:30 when I finally stumbled back to the lobby for the free continental breakfast, Tramp was still fast asleep. Around 9:15, Louis Garza, the manager on duty, let me use a computer in the office to upload my pictures. I was at the computer until 3:30 (yes 6 hours) but I got to upload a whole lot of pictures, check them out.  While I was uploading pictures I also got to spend time with Louis and had a great time listening to his story. At the time I didn't know he was the General Manager and he never mentioned he was. When he offered to take me to Walmart on Monday,his day off, to see if I can get my glasses repaired, I quickly accepted. Around 4:30 Toaster showed up, what a nice surprise, so we spent the rest of the evening catching up with what she had been doing since we last saw her at the Hostel. Being Sunday not much was open so for dinner, it was Domino's again. Still somewhat tired, we won't be up as late tonight.I'm still on page 65 (Troutville) in the A. T. Guide by Davis Miller  (the green book)Temps, it's 68* outside our motel room (11:00) no forest sounds but traffic sounds from the interstate exit nearby.There were severe thunderstorms this evening so I am really glad I'm safe inside. Total AT miles hiked today 0.0  Nite all
Date: 2011-05-23
From: Day 74 Quality Inn, Troutville VA

To: Day 75 Quality Inn Troutville VA
Miles today: 0.0

After a good nights sleep, I was up by 7:00 and again quickly took advantage of the free Continental breakfast. At 8:00 I got a call from a local company, Blue Ridge Optical. I had called them yesterday, but being Sunday, they were closed, so I left a message. Allison said they might be able to repair my glasses if not, hopefully find a frame that my lens would fit into. At 9:00, I started checking other optical services and Walmart vision center to get my glasses repaired, no one could but everyone referred me to 20/20 optical, a full service repair center, but when I checked with them they couldn't and said nobody in the nearby area could repair my titanium frames, so i knew where I was going to go for help. Around 9:30 Louis picked me up and took me to Blue Ridge Optical where I ended up buying new frames and Allison was able to use my current lens. She really took her time searching for just the right frame so that my lens would fit perfectly. This was terrific since I need my glasses to see the map, a menu and write this journal. Louis then took me back to the motel so I could get my box I was sending home, I would have taken it with me but Toaster was doing the laundry and I was sending home hiking shorts she was washing. Then he took the 3 of us to the post office and to the local outfitter. Here we said we would walk back to the motel but he insisted he wanted to wait and take us back. Leaving the outfitter and grocery store Toaster got dropped off at the trail head and Tramp and I went back to the motel. Louis was really a great help and he did this all on his day off!  I don't think he fully understands just how helpful he was to us. It would have taken us the entire day to get only a portion of what we accomplished with his help. Not having a car to get around really slows you down when your in town, so having someone like Louis help you, to me is just another example of trail magic. Thank you again Louis. Quality Inn is lucky to have Louis Garza as the General Manager here in Troutville, he is a true ambassador of friendliness and  customer service.  Please send him a note of thanks; gm.va554@choicehotels.com.While talking with Gerrie tonight she reminded me that next weekend is Memorial Day Weekend so I better reserve a spot at my next resupply stop. Boy am I glad she did since we got 1 of the last sites available. Thank You Gerrie, you are always looking out for me.  I Love You & Miss You.I'm still on page 65 (Troutville) in the A. T. Guide by Davis Miller  (the green book)Temps, it's 76* outside our motel room (10:00) and only traffic sounds can be heard from the interstate exit nearby. Tomorrow I will be once again on the Appalachian Trail, and happy.Total AT miles hiked today 0.0Nite all
Date: 2011-05-24
From: Day 75 Quality Inn Troutville VA

To: Day 76 Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Ok we knew we weren't going to try for a high milage day so it wasn't necessary to set an alarm. We were up by 7:30 and headed back to the free breakfast. After breakfast Tramp had a package he needed to send, Louis offered to handle it for him. That was great since we now don't have to hike to the post office before getting back on the trail. Another big Thank You shout out to Louis.  Now away we go. First it was South about .4 mile to the TA truck stop store for a few final items. Leaving the store, we had to cross a very busy intersection and then head back to the trail, 1.5 miles away, we tried to hitch but in the end, we walked the entire 1.5. About 15 minutes after crossing the intersection, I noticed one of my hiking pole straps was missing, do we turn around and look for it or what. We decide to go back and look for it. Fortunately Tramp found it just where we had crossed the intersection. Whew I got lucky, it was only a 30 min. delay. Now back to the trail. We finally got to the trailhead at 10:45 and headed north. Oh I forgot, going to the TA store, it was downhill, going back to the trail, of course was all uphill. Ok back to the trail, it was up over a railroad and some pastures and  a quick up 200' in .3 mile, then down 100' in .2 mile then up over 1200' in a little over 4 miles to the Fullhardt Knob Shelter where we stopped for lunch. The water source at this shelter is a cistern behind the shelter which is filled only by rain water collected off the shelters roof. With all the rain recently the cistern was full, although the water is a pale yellow even after filtration. After lunch it was down 200' up 300' down 600'. Then up 400' in under 1 mile.  Now back down 200' and finally the "kick in the pants" (KITP) up 300' in under 1 mile to the Wilson Creek shelter and our home for the night. It's 4:15. Even with the storm threat, Tramp and I decided to setup our tents, Cappy is already at the shelter. Quickly hikers continue to arrive and the shelter fills up. By 9:00 the shelter is full and there are 9 tents. Other than the climbs and the heat and humidity, (I stopped at every stream to  soak and rinse my shirt) today's trail was rather ordinary but again there were vast areas of white and pink mountain laurel, turning ordinary into beautiful. Everyone was concerned about the approaching storm but around 8:30 the sky at sunset was a beautiful red. We all took that as a good sign, red sky at night, hikers delight. Maybe the storms won't come our way tonight.....I'm on page 68 (Wilson Creek Shelter) in the A. T. Guide by Davis Miller  (the green book) .....Temps, it's 69* in my tent right now (9:00) and we are expecting TStorms later. There is quiet shelter chatter nearby, no rain right now but it did a little earlier. Light to no wind. .....Once again life is beautiful on my piece of Appalachian Trail, and it feels Great to be back. .....Total AT miles hiked today 9.8......Nite all
Date: 2011-05-26
From: Day 77 Jennings Creek

To: Day 78 Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: few clouds

It was heavenly looking up at the sky and pondering my place in the cosmos while falling asleep under the stars. During the night I awoke several times and every time I looked up I could see the stars and that meant no worry of rain. Today the weather is less than perfect for hiking.  It's 74* already (8:00) clear skies, full sun and already very humid. I knew I was going to have another tough day ahead of me. As we were leaving camp,Tramp exclaimed he was looking forward to the end of the day and wishes it was here already. I seconded that thought. Leaving camp it's immediately uphill 1000' in just 1.5 miles.  Yeah!  Today the humidity was higher than yesterday and it felt like someone had their hands around my chest and it was difficult to breathe. Like yesterday, I make sure to drink often and snack a lot but even that didn't  seem to help very much.  Now we go back down 600' over the next mile, then a little Virginia Flat,  and stop at the Bryant Ridge Shelter. What an amazing shelter. Post and Beam construction, room for 20 and in an excellent location. Then up a whopping 2350' over the next 4.3 miles, yes I said a 2350' climb. Ok I get it, "Virginia is Flat" is a joke told by former thru-hikers, there is no flat hiking in Virginia. After reaching the summit of Floyd Mountain we dropped down over 430' in just .7 of a mile and came to Cornellus Creek Shelter. We are both totally exhausted so we decide this will be our home for the night. It's 3:30. I quickly find a spot for my tent, set it up and crawl in for a nap away from the biting bugs. After a short nap we had dinner but because the knats or something are still biting, we retreat to the bug free comfort of our screened-in tents. A good thing about stopping when we did is that our soaking wet hiking clothes, had time to completely dry, and that's a good thing. Nothing much to write about the trail today, no views-too much vegetation, some wild flowers but not much, all in all today was all about the climbs.I'm on page 69 (Cornelius Creek Shelter) in the A. T. Guide by David Miller  (the green book)Temps, it's 72* in my tent right now (8:00) and we are expecting clear sky's again tonight. There is a very light wind and the familiar forest sounds are back, ahhhTonight life is beautiful on my piece of Appalachian Trail, but I am one awfully tired hiker.Total AT miles hiked today 8.8.Nite all
Date: 2011-05-29
From: Day 80 Wildwood Campground

To:  Day 81 Wildwood Campground
Miles today: 0.0

Just like in Damascus, there were many more morning birds at the campground than in the forest, so it was a very, very loud wake up call at 5:30. I woke up, went to the bathroom then right back to sleep. After staying up so late playing cards etc., we didn't get up till after 9:00. During the day, Seth & Terry took Robert on a field trip to see the many attractions in the area while we set about doing our in town things with laundry and another shower being top on the list. After being lazy for most of the day, we finally asked the shuttle driver, Ken Wallace, for a ride to the local Food Lion so Tramp could do his resupply and I could buy a few needed items. I am now including peanut butter (I look for the one with the PB and jelly together, but I can't always find it in a plastic jar) and tortillas in my food pack. I use the peanut butter and tortillas to make a sandwich or two, for a very good and healthy lunch with added carbs, and well worth the added weight. When we returned, Terry invited us over for dinner, we gladly accepted. Before dinner Tramp and I sat about organizing our food supply for the next 5 days. We also studied the upcoming trail to map out our hiking and anticipated night stops.  Of course all of this might change when we start hiking, but for now it's a plan......I'm on page 70 (US 501, VA130) in the A. T. Guide by David Miller  (the green book)Temps, it's 72* in my tent right now (10:00) and we are expecting clear calm night so it's off with the rain fly. There is a very light wind and again the loud chorus of crickets and a frog or two can be heard down by the pond. Today is Sunday of the Memorial Day weekend, there are horse shoe contest, mini golf tournament and many other fun actives for the entire family, and perfect weather making this a delightful holiday vacation for everyone, including us.Once again I am not actually on the Appalachian Trail. Tonight at the campground I'll rest well knowing I don't have to pack up in the morning and take a zero day tomorrow to relax by the pool.Total AT miles hiked today 0.0Nite all
Date: 2011-05-30
From:  Day 81 Wildwood Campground

To: Day 82 Wildwood Campground
Miles today: 0.0

It was a hot night even with the rain fly off my tent so I slept on top of my sleeping bag all night, and it was still warm (73*) when I awoke, so I knew right then this was going to be a hot day, perfect to be spending time in the pool. The mass exodus from the campground started early around 9:00, all but the permanent summer residence, (26) and us, will be leaving today, going home and back to work tomorrow. We will be leaving, and getting back on the trail, early tomorrow morning. We started off slow and got our free coffee from the camp store then set about fine tuning our plans for the upcoming days.  I have a 7 day resupply box going to Waynesboro and I want to plan on lighting up my load by making that into at least 2 stops. By noon most of the weekenders have left so we headed to the now almost empty pool to cool off, it's 94*. Jumping in we cooled off instantly and splurged on some strawberry milkshakes. This is definitely the way to spend a zero day. We stayed at the pool for most of the afternoon then retired to our tents for some bug free napping, but with the sun shining on them it was almost too hot in our tents to sleep so it was back to the pool around 6:00, it was still 92* and now we had the pool to ourselves. Then it was back to camp for a mac & cheese dinner and early to bed.I'm still on page 70 (US 501, VA130) in the A. T. Guide by David Miller  (the green book)Temps, it's 77* in my tent right now (10:00) and we are expecting another clear calm night, so it's no rain fly again tonight. There is no wind and again that loud chorus of crickets will lull me to sleep. Today is Monday, Memorial Day, so we paused to reflect and give thanks to those who gave it all defending our country.Still not on the Appalachian Trail, but it's never out of my mind. I'll be back on the trail tomorrow.Total AT miles hiked today 0.0Nite all
Date: 2011-05-31
From: Day 82 Wildwood Campground

To: Day 83 Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful night, and we were awakened by the morning birds at 5:30.  It was eat and pack up and back into Ken Wallace's car by 7:30 for a ride back to the trail head. Ken is the local trail angel that hikers rely on for shuttles. He is also a wealth of information about the trail. It's 70* no wind but still very high humidity. We were back on the trail by 8:00. The elevation is 670'.  We go up about 400' over the next mile to the Johns Hollow Shelter. The temperature has risen quickly to 80*, we stop in and have a snack. Now comes the big climb of the day, we climb up over 2300' in just over 4 miles. That is not a typo. Yeah Virginia is flat alright. With the temps still going up, the climb is very difficult and we are totally soaked. There are no water sources at all so we had to carry as much water as we could, of course that adds a lot of weight. When we finally reach the summit of Big Rocky Row the air is so thick with haze the view is disappointing.  Then it's another 4 miles of Virginia Flat, then another climb, this time it's only 800' to the summit of Bluff Mountain. The elevation is now 3372'. We then go down 870' to the Punchbowl Shelter, It's 3:30. We thought of resting and then going further but it was just too damn hot and humid. Also the flies or knats or something are swarming around me, biting and drawing blood. We quickly setup our tents and climb inside. It's still very hot in the tent but at least we are away from the biting bugs. We stay inside until about 6:00 then come out and try and make dinner. It seems the little buggers like me most of all and begin swarming around me and biting me again. I leave the area and step inside the shelter and they seem to lighten up a bit but the minute I step back towards the table, they're back, so I once again have to retreat to my tent. This is not fun! I'm hungry, hot and itchy. I have already hung my food bag so there is no snacking for me.  Other Hikers arrive at the shelter and they are also being attacked by the bugs. Everyone is getting bit.......I'm still on page 70 (Punchbowl Shelter) in the A. T. Guide by David Miller  (the green book)Temps, it's 75* in my tent right now (9:00) and we are expecting a clear calm night so the rain fly is off. There is no wind at all and still very muggy. Since we are near a pond several frogs are calling and the night birds are already singing.Tonight life is beautiful on the Appalachian Trail, but I am not a happy hiker. I am extremely itchy from all the bug bites and I am hungry. Total AT miles hiked today 10.6.Nite all
Date: 2011-06-01
From: Day 83 Punchbowl Shelter

To: Day 84 Buena Vista
Miles today: 11.2

After a very hot night the biting flies were at it again as I exited my tent. I had a quick breakfast and we hit the trail by 8:45. No big climb this morning only 9.5 miles of Virginia Flat to the Brown Mountain Creek shelter. The trail wasn't difficult but the excessive heat, now over 90*, and excessive humidity quickly wore us down and made hiking dangerous. As we were taking a break at the shelter we decided it was just too unhealthy to try and climb the next mountain (2885') during this extremely hot and humid weather. We left the shelter and hiked the 2.4 miles to US route 60 where we could hitch a ride the 9.3 miles to Buena Vista VA, and hope to get a room @ the Budget Inn.  No luck hitch hiking and no AT&T service to call the local shuttle. ugh. Shortly another hiker emerges from the trail and also has decided it is just too hot and is looking to get to Buena Vista also.  She does have cell service. (Verizon). We call the shuttle and very quickly we are picked up and taken to the motel.  We ask the  shuttle driver to pick us up tomorrow morning at 8:00 so we can get on the trail before it gets too hot.  We do get a room; now we can get a good night sleep without the biting flies, and a good dinner, the A/C will help also. Right after we checked in, I checked my thermometer and saw it was now 106* outside. Whew that's hot  There is a Subway right next to the motel and who do we find there, none other than Hot Sauce (Tyler). His foot has healed and is now back on the trail.  We find that many other hikers have left the trail because of the heat and are also at the motel, most of us will leave in the morning. ......I'm now on page 71 (Buena Vista VA) in the A. T. Guide by David Miller  (the green book)........Temps, it's 68* in our motel room right now (9:00) and we are expecting a dinner delivery. Stuffed shells for me Veal parm for Tramp. Everything was delicious.  The only sound is the A/C..........Tonight life is just too damn hot on the Appalachian Trail, so we are in an air conditioned motel room......Total AT miles hiked today 11.2Nite all
Date: 2011-06-02
From: Day 84 Buena Vista

To: Day 85 WaynesboroÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Quality Inn
Miles today: 5.7

After a ok night in the motel my alarm went off at 6:00 and I was up and getting my pack ready. The shuttle driver would be here at 8:00. We went across the street to Burger King for breakfast. Boy do I hate fast food. Then it was back to the motel where the shuttle driver was waiting. It was Thimble, Tramp, Hot Sauce and myself heading back to the trail. I haven't been feeling very good since I left Troutville, over the last several days I have been getting worse and today was no exception, but I had a big climb and great weather so away I went. It wasn't very long before I knew I was sick, really sick. I started coughing up large green chunks of phlem, my eyes burned, my muscles ached, every move was painful and I had absolutely no energy. I barely made it up the remaining 2000' to the summit of Bald Knob. With every step I felt worse. I knew I was in trouble and knew I would have trouble hiking the next 4 days to Waynesboro. I had to make a decision. I wasn't making any miles and I was holding Tramp back. I knew I needed medical help and I couldn't make it back the 6 miles to the road that goes to Buena Vista, and if you remember yesterday, when I got to that road I didn't have cell service to call for help.  We were at Hog Camp Gap and as luck would have it, I actually had cell service, only 1 bar and that wasn't holding so I walked around and finally found that if I walked over the edge of this hill I had 2 bars, sometimes.  I called Ken Wallace, the shuttle service from Wildwood Campground, for his advise. He told me the best medical services in the area were in Waynesboro. I asked him if he knew where I was, Hog Camp Gap, and could he shuttle me to Waynesboro. He explained he was going on a 10 day vacation starting tomorrow and gave me the number for another trail angel shuttle, Karl from "The Dutch House B&B" but Ken told me that if Karl couldn't help me today, he, Ken, would come and take me to Waynesboro. Even with my phone constantly dropping the call, I was able to connect with Karl, and yes he could help me. With his 4 wheel drive vehicle we was able to drive up the gravel forest road in the gap, and pick me up there so I wouldn't have to hike the six miles back to the main road. He arrived in under an hour and it took us over an hour to get to Waynesboro. As soon as I got to the motel I called Emergicare. They were closed but open tomorrow at 9am. I'll leave the motel around 8:00 since it's just under 2 miles and I want to be there when they open. I'll make one of my trail meals for dinner tonight because I feel just too sick to go out. Then its straight to bed.  I'll see what happens tomorrow, I'm hoping it's not too serious, and I'll be able to return to the trail very soon.......I left the trail on page 71 (Hog Camp Gap) in the A. T. Guide by David Miller  (the green book)........Tonight I feel like s#&t........Total AT miles hiked today 5.7.....Nite all
Date: 2011-06-03
From: Day 85 WaynesboroÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Quality Inn

To: Day 86 WaynesboroÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Quality Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Ok I had a very bad nights sleep, coughing most of the night. Up @ 7:00,  showered and went down to the free breakfast. I learned my mother (89) had fallen yesterday and broke her hip. She was taken to Underwood Hospital and will probably have surgery today. I'll check in on her when I leave the Dr's office.  I found a cab service in Waynesboro so I didn't have to walk to the Dr. After spending 4 hours at the center, where I got real professional attention, the Dr. advised me to rest for 8-10 days and was given 2 shots and scripts for additional meds, which I took to the local CVS drug store to fill. I called Mom, the surgery went well, she is in good spirits and hopes to be leaving the hospital on Monday.  Then I went to Kroger's and picked up something for dinner.  After dinner, it was a little TV then bed.......I'm on page 77 (Waynesboro, VA) in the A. T. Guide by David Miller  (the green book)........Tonight I feel a little better, very little.Total AT miles hiked today 0.0.....Nite all
Date: 2011-06-04
From: Day 86 WaynesboroÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Quality Inn

To: Day 87 WaynesboroÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Quality Inn
Miles today: 0.0

I had a quiet nights sleep,  just a little coughing, I took it slow today. After breakfast in the lobby I spent the morning being lazy and staying mostly in bed. By the afternoon I felt good enough to open my resupply box and prepare my pack. Around 3:30 there is a knock on my door, Tramp has made it to Waynesboro in near record time. Boy was I glad to see him. I know that with my desire and his encouragement I WILL be back on the trail sooner than later. We spent the next several hours catching up, then after he took a quick shower we went out for some pizza and beer......I'm still on page 77 (Waynesboro, VA) in the A. T. Guide by David Miller  (the green book)........Tonight I feel a little better than yesterday, but now I have a smile on my face......Total AT miles hiked today 0.0.....Nite all