morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Fontana Dam

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Started out at Fontana Dam at 7:15 a.m. Did 16 miles. Got to Spence Field Shelter just in time -- it started raining. Stayed in shelter. Rained all night. No mice this night. Thunder. Slept good especially toward morning.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-03-28
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: snow

Woke up to rain turning to snow. Snowed all day. Hiked 13.5 miles today. Staying at Double Spring Gap Shelter with 10 of us. Four are from Milwaukee, WI (not thru hikers), Darcy from Maine, Nimblefoot from Danbury, WI. Cold!Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-03-29
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Started at Double Spring Gap. Climbed Mount Clingman, the highest Mountain in the Eastern U.S. It was snow-covered. Plus it rained, snowed and ice clumps fell off the fir trees. 12.8 miles today. Turned nice, sun shining. Staying at Ice Water Spring Shelter tonight. It was a good day.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-03-30
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: ?
Miles today: 20.3

Went 20.3 miles today in the smokies. It was a beautiful day--clear with nice scenery. Tomorrow we should be by Standing Bear.Some snow, ice and rocks on trail. Saw Nimblefoot from Danbury, WI--what a card!!Going to bed at 6:50 p.m. The robins are chirping.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-03-31
From: ?

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Ican and Seneca safely out of the Smokies. Had some strenuous days of hiking but made it through just fine. Glad to be inside at Standing Bear Farm, washing clothes, cleaning up, repacking pack with mail drop items. Seneca looking forward to Hot Springs stop where his wife will meet him. Ican's notes: Stopped at Standing Bear Hostel at Waterville,NC., right next to I-40. Staying in bunks. Tomorrow 90% chance of rain. We've been real lucky so far. Thinking about Chelsea -- Happy Birthday tomorrow on April Fool's Day. Going to bed at 7:30 ap.m. Eiya-ya-ya-yaya!!
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Forks Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

Happy Birthday, Chelsea! We left Standing Bear Farm at 7 a.m. They said 90% chance of rain but only misted all day. It was a little windy. Another hiker, Darcy, played an April Fool's Day joke telling Seneca and Ican that there had been a brawl in a pub in Hot Springs involving some thru-hikers. She said that town officials weren't letting thru-hikers walk through the town but were shuttling them around it. Ican first was concerned about whether Seneca would be able to meet his wife there then remembered that he had a mail drop waiting in Hot Springs. Darcy eventually told them it was just an April Fool joke.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Roaring Forks Shelter

To: Elmer Halls, Sunnyside Inn, Hot Springs
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

Left Roaring Forks Shelter at 6:30 a.m. It had rained all night. Snowed on the trail today, a little bit miserable, but got through it. Arrived as cold as they have been so far on the trail.Seneca met his wife, son and son's girlfriend. They stayed at a motel. Ican stayed at Elmer's with many other hikers. So many hikers were staying in town (because of the weather) that every place available was taken. Laundromat to wash clothes. Shower to clean up and warm up. Saturday night in Hot Springs: hamburgers and the first beer of the entire hike. Looking forward to Sunday -- first zero mile day since leaving Springer Mountain. Ican enjoys reading all the guestbook entries and sends greetings to all. He appreciates the encouragement and support all of you are giving him.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Elmer Halls, Sunnyside Inn, Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Nice breakfast at Elmers -- eggs, grits, biscuits and gravy, juice, tea and milk. Called home to let everyone know whereabouts. Said that the zero day felt good but relaxing made Ican more tired than hiking does. Seneca and his family picked up Ican to join them for lunch. Next a trip to the Outfitters for a new stocking cap (has lost two on the trail so far) and warmer gloves. Pizza for evening meal together and a separate room in the same motel as Seneca's family so they can get a decent start hiking the trail tomorrow. Probably won't have contact with folks at home for another six days when they are hoping to arrive in Erwin Tennessee.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Hot Springs

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Started out from Hot Springs, NC at about 10:30 a.m. Late start. Had breakfast with seneca and his wife at Mangolia Bed and Breakfast. Hiked 15.5 miles to Allen Gap. Set up tents, no shelter close. Happy Birthday, Dianne Donner.I'm getting tired--it's 8:04 p.m. so I'm going to bed.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-05
From: Allen's Gap

To: .9 mile past Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Started at Allen's Gap. Went 18.5 miles to camp .9 mile past Flint Mountain Shelter. Later night, now 8:47 p.m. Ate supper of shell pasta with tuna. New sleeping bag works good--warm.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Just past Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Started out at campsite just past Flint Mountain Shelter. Stopped at Bald Mountain Shelter--17.9 miles today. Long day over Bald Mountain. It rained a little during the night. It was a good day. Going to bed at 8:20 p.m. Happy Birthday, Kathy Klein.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-07
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Holiday Inn Express, Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light rain

Arrived in Erwin late in the afternoon. First stop was Miss Janet's House to pick up mail drop. Disappointed to find that she didn't have room for us to stay there. Checked into the Holiday Inn Express. Seneca and Ican washed clothes, showered, ate "real" food in a restaurant and called home. Ican called his working buddies at Stark Electronics to say hi. Seneca went shopping to resupply his food. Ican and Seneca repacked their packs so they would be ready to head out in the morning after eating the continental breakfast. Ican mentioned that the fresh grapes from the grocery store were a real treat. Also that he had lots of food left from the previous mail drop. Somehow they managed to hike the estimated 6-day trip in 4 days--no wonder he had food left over. Ican says that they plan to ease up a little on the miles during the next segment from Erwin to Kincora Hiking Hostel in Hampton, TN. It will be interesting to find out if they do. Ican's notes: Woke up early at shelter, started at 7:45 a.m. Got to Erwin, TN at about 4:00 p.m. Staying at Holiday Inn Express because Miss Janet's House was full. Got my food drop. Went to eat at A & W--Had double hamburger with fries with chili and cheese on top. It was good. Did 16.9 miles today. Good to sleep in a bed tonight. Went to bed at 9:40 p.m.Ican enjoys reading your guest book entries and appreciates everyone's interest and encouragement.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Holiday Inn Express, Erwin, TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

Stayed at Cherry Gap Shelter at night. Started from Erwin, TN, went 16.5 miles. Rained most of the day. Kept putting on and taking off rain coat. Stopped on top of Unaka Mountain for about 15 minutes while it rained. Muddy and slippery but made it fine.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-09
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Started out from Cherry Gap Shelter. Did 14 miles to top of Roan Mountain. Stayed at Roan High Knob Shelter, Elevation 6285'. Slept upstairs. Thought about my friend Gary Donner today. He died on April 9th.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-10
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Mountain B & B near Hwy 19E near Roan Mt.
Miles today: 14.8

No mice, but didn't sleep well. Woke up at 6:00 a.m., woke Seneca up, made breakfast in the dark. Started out on Trail at 7:25 a.m. Took pictures today.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-11
From: Hwy 19E near Roan Mountain, TN

To: past Moreland shelter
Miles today: 19.0

Started at Hwy 19E near Roan Mountain, TN. Stayed at Mountain B & B, stayed over horse barn. Terry and Mary Hill. Great food, $5 for supper, $3 for breakfast. Did 19 miles today. We tented in a meadow post Moreland Shelter. To bed at 8:50 p.m.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-12
From: meadow past Moreland Shelter

To: Kincora Hiking Hostel, Hampton TN
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: light rain

Short day, bout 6 miles to Kincora. Stayed at hostel. Started to rain after we got there. Seneca went to doctor to see about his achilles tendon. Just saw a nurse practitioner. They looked in the book together. Prescribed some pills and stretching exercises. Seneca brought back a foot long sub for me--ate it all!Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Kincora Hiking Hostel, Hampton TN

To: Vandevender Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Started out from Kincora Hiking Hostel at about 8:00 a.m. Rained last night. Cloudy all day. A little mist as we arrived at Vandevender Shelter. Started to rain when we went to bed. Good day--17 miles today. Beautiful views of Lake Watauga. Crossed the dam near Hampton, TN.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!!!
Date: 2005-04-14
From: Vandevender Shelter

To: Gap by Double Spring
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Cold last night. Woke up about 6:00 a.m., ate and moved out. Went 19.7 miles today. Camping out at a gap by Double Spring. Tomorrow we will be in Damascus. Sunny today, not too warm, high of around 50 degrees plus. Got a blister on my right big toe, so I put a moleskin on it. Also on back of my ankle. Tired and am going to bed at 7:40 p.m. Good views -- took picture of village, but don't know if it will turn out. Saw new plant (May apple) need to take a picture.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-15
From: Gap by Double Spring

To: Hikers Inn, Damascus, VA
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Started out at Double Springs Gap, went to Damascus, VA, about 15.5 miles. Good day -- Sunny! Arrived in Damascus around 1:30 p.m.. Staying at Hikers Inn, a 4-bunk hostel. Good to get showers. At pizza at Sicily's. Had 3 beers at Dot's Bar. Watched the movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou" with Seneca.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!!!
Date: 2005-04-16
From: Hikers Inn, Damascus, VA

To: Hikers Inn, Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero day in Damascus. Painted a window for Hikers Inn -- change of pace, right? Ate breakfast at Country Inn. Will be going there tomorrow too, on the AT. Went to BaJa for Mexican food then over to the mill for a couple of beers, then back to the hostel. Good day -- pack weighs heavier now that the food supply is here. Thanks to all who are writing messages in the guest book.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-17
From: Hikers Inn, Damascus, VA

To: almost to White Top Road
Miles today: 21.1

Started out from Damascus this morning. Breakfast at the Country Kitchen -- scrambled eggs with hash browns, wheat toast and orange juice. Good breakfast. Got started around 8:30 a.m. Went 21.1 miles today almost to White Top Road next to a spring. Cory, Cracker and Cotton Joe joined us tenting. Good day -- sunny. Got here around 8 p.m. Had mac & cheese. Am in bed now, getting cool out -- it's 9 p.m.Creeper Trail where they bus you up to Whitetop Mountain and you can ride bikes back to damascus by way of old railway bed. AT runs above the Creeper Trail.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-18
From: almost to White Top Road

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: light rain

Went around 21 + miles to Old Orchard Shelter. Went through the Grayson Highlands State Park where they have ponies running wild, only they are quite tame. Welsh Ponies, I believe. Got pictures to add later. Good Day -- sunny.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-19
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: clear sky

Went around 21+ miles today again to Partnership Shelter. Great place next to Visitors Center where we ordered pizza from Pizza Hut for 17 people. Each one got a large for $6.00 each. Good!! My feet are pretty good. There are lots of rocks, small ones. I have to be extra careful not to roll an ankle.Slept upstairs in shelter.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-20
From: Partnership Shelter

To: The Relax Inn, Rural Retreat (near Atkins)VA
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Started out at around 7:30 a.m. heading for Interstate 81 at Groseclose (close to Atkin's, VA) where there is a truckstop and motel. Only about 11.5 miles today. Staying at the Relax Inn, doing laundry, mailing a box home with winter and heavy clothing. Looks like rain for next 3 days, but that's life. We'll start out in morning. Going out to eat tonight. Thinking about Jon and Heidi closing on their house today.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-21
From: The Relax Inn, Rural Retreat (near Atkins)VA

To: Chestnut Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: broken clouds

Left Relax Inn near Atkins and went to top of Chestnut Shelter. 22 1/2 miles today. Light rain off and on. Good day -- a stone shelter -- top bunk. Lots of butterflies. Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-22
From: Chestnut Shelter

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: light rain

Started out at Chestnut Shelter. Stopped at Jenkins Shelter for lunch then on to Bland, VA. Did 21.5 miles today. Rained most of afternoon. Downpoured for about 20 minutes. We did about 12 stream crossings at about this time. Water running pretty good. Feet got wet. Ate supper at Subway -- foot long sub club plus a dilly bar plus a bag of popcorn. Dried out equipment and ourselves at Walker Motel tonight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-23
From: Bland, VA

To: ? Shelter
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Stayed at Bland at Walker Motel last night. Good day. Got colder as day went on. Got in 26 miles today to a shelter. Big day trying to get to Pearisburg, VA by 4/24 to call Heidi to wish her Happy Birthday. Cold--predicting snow tonight. Six in shelter tonight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-24
From: ? Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Happy Birthday, Heidi # 27. Snow on the ground, 2 inches. So cold my camelback with water froze so I'm drinking out of bottles. Snow showers all day. Made it to Pearisburg. 16 miles today. Slippery -- I fell twice but didn't get hurt. Am staying at Plaza Motel in Pearisburg.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-25
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: few clouds

Started out from Pearisburg, VA about 8:30 a.m.. Long climb but once to the top pretty level -- 19.5 miles today. Good weather, a little cool (34 degrees starting out). Staying at Pine Swamp Shelter. Good day, Seneca seems to be doing better. Saw a doe today. Greener in the valleys but pretty brown in higher elevations.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-26
From: Pine Swamp Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Stopped at Bailey's Gap for a break. Moved on and saw a brown bird about the size of a robin with a light colored breast. Staying at Laurel Creek Shelter with Michael from North Carolina and Shawn from Mountain City, Tennessee. Five total at shelter. Will be cold tonight--supposed to rain or snow. 18.5 miles today.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-27
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Started out at Laurel Creek Shelter and went 22.3 miles to Pickle Branch Shelter. Stopped at Audie Murphy monument at top of a mountain where his plane crashed in 1971. He was the most decorated person the World War II. Trail magic (pop and brownie) by Super Dave. Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-28
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Started out from Pickle Branch Shelter. Went through Dragons tooth, big rocks, steep on to Catawba, VA, where I had a food drop at P.O. Trail magic by Jeff (cooler with pop, Gatorade, water, cinnamon rolls. Stayed at Campbell Shelter. 16.5 miles -- over McAfee Knob Rock overhanging the valley.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-29
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

Started out at Compbell Shelter. Up at 5:45 a.m. and on the trail by 6:45 a.m. Raining most of the day. Over Tinkers Cliffs (Trail goes right to the edge of the cliffs). Stayed at EconoLodge, Daleville, VA. Hiker rate $38 to motel Comfort Inn price. Went 15.5 miles today.Congrats to Jon LaPine!Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-04-30
From: Daleville, VA

To: under a bridge in Virginia
Miles today: 18.5

Happy Birthday, John. Started out at 9:30 a.m. from EconoLodge in Daleville, VA. Went 18.5 miles today. Shelter was full. Started to rain so we set up tents under a bridge. Five of us tenting here -- Cory, Toaster, Metric, Seneca and Ican. Before we left the motel this morning, I called John Grayden to wish him a happy birthday and called Jon LaPine to congratulate him on his Navy wings. Jon and Heidi are moving to Oklahoma City today. It's 8:15 p.m. -- time for bed.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-05-01
From: under a bridge in Virginia

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

Got an early start at 7:00 a.m. Went 18.5 miles today. Good to call John Grayden on his birthday yesterday and Jon LaPine on his wings. Got to Cornelius Creek Shelter. There is water close by and a new privy.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-05-02
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: north of new bridge over James River
Miles today: 21.2

Took picture of FAA radar on top of Apple Orchard Mountain. Breakfast at Thunder Hill Shelter. Trail angel giving bananas and oranges. Lunch break at Marble Spring. Afternoon break at Matt's Creek Shelter. Crossed James River on a new bridge.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-05-03
From: north of new bridge over James River

To: Cow Camp Gap Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today we went 23.5 miles. Last night we stayed at John Hollow Shelter 2 miles past James River. We started at 6:50 a.m. Morning break at Punchbowl Shelter sign. Lunch at Pedial (sp?) Bridge. Supper at Hwy 60 wayside rest. Got to Cow Camp Gap Shelter. It's 8:15 p.m. -- time for bed.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-05-04
From: Cow Camp Gap Shelter

To: Dutch Haus B & B, Montebello, VA
Miles today: 13.0

Started out at Cow Camp Shelter -- Seneca and Ican only two there. Mice kept me awake part of the night. We are shooting for Montebello, VA tonight, only about 13 miles and we did make it. Staying at Dutch Haus B & B. Free lunch -- we arrived before 1 p.m. Great evening meal and breakfast. Shoes came -- thanks, Jeff, for breaking them in. Tomorrow will start for Waynesboro, VA.Ei-ya-ya-ya-ya!!NOTE: Ican and Seneca called Front Royal, VA, on Thursday, May 12. Both doing well. Seneca met his wife there and will take a zero day there with her on Friday. Ican is anxious to get to Harpers Ferry and will hike out on Friday ahead of Seneca. They will meet up in Harpers Ferry early next week to continue their hike together.
Date: 2005-05-05
From: Dutch Haus B & B, Montebello, VA

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Started out from Lois and Alan B & B --Dutch Haus -- great place to stay. Free lunch plus they pick you up and deliver you to trail head and do your laundry. Morning break on top of Priest Mountain. Big climb from 1000' to 4000'. Rocky -- 18 miles today -- stayed at Maupin Field Shelter. No mice! Steak & Eggs stayed with us -- good to see him again.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Quality Inn, Waynesboro
Miles today: 21.0

Started out with a 700' climb. Got to Reed's Gap where Lyman and Carolyn hid a postcard for me to find under a flat rock. They placed it there on March 19. I found it and am sending it back to them tomorrow. Hiked around 21 miles today. Very rocky -- got to Waynesboro. Had AYCE (all you can eat) at a Chinese Restaurant -- three plates full. We can burn up to 6,000 calories a day hiking. Staying at Quality Inn -- had a shower. To bed at 11:15 p.m.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-05-07
From: Quality Inn, Waynesboro

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: clear sky

Started out at Waynesboro, VA at about 9:30 a.m. Started in the Shenandoah National Park -- had to register for a permit (no charge for hikers). Went to the shelter named Black Rock Hut (they call them huts in Shenandoah). Went 21.3 miles today. Real tired tonight. They said it took me 2 minutes to start snoring.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-05-08
From: Black Rock Hut

To: High Top Hut
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: clear sky

Happy Mothers Day -- went 22.4 miles today. Big day -- couple of big climbs. Staying at High Top Hut. Wind blowing pretty good. Good to be out of the wind. They have different bear bags here -- took a couple of pictures. Going to bed at 8:50 p.m.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-05-09
From: High Top Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: clear sky

Started out at High Top Hut. Sunny today. Lunch at Bear Fence Hut. Stopped at Rock Spring Hut. Stayed with Metric, Toaster, Cory (Street Fighter, and Steak & Eggs Aunt (Donna). Good company. Saw deer -- got pictures -- real tame. Beautiful sunset -- more pictures.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-05-10
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Started at Hut. Saw more deer. Started at around 7:30 a.m. Pictures of flowers, star chickweed, trilliums, May apple, toad shade trillium. Stopped at picnic area. Had lunch at Pinnacles. Met Humbug from Afton, MN. Went on to Pass Mountain Hut -- staying the night only about 26.5 miles to Front Royal, VA. Nice day today. Washed out socks, shirt and shorts.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-05-12
From: Tom Floyd Shelter

To: Scottish Inn, Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Got early start. Made it into Front Royal, VA. Staying at Scottish Inn. OK place but not too friendly to hikers. Went to eat late breakfast, food store, outfitters, back to eat Hoagies (foot long). Went to post office -- sending boots home. May need them later. Ice cream shop before returning to motel to go to bed.Seneca's wife met him here. He will be staying a couple of days. Ican will resume hike tomorrow to Harper's Ferry where he will wait until Seneca catches up.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-05-13
From: Scottish Inn, Front Royal, VA

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: broken clouds

Left Front Royal, VA. Seneca drove me up to the trail. Started at 6:38 a.m. Cloudy all day, but no rain. Stopped at Dick's Dome Shelter for lunch, then on to Rod Hollow Shelter for the evening -- only one here so far. A little different not hiking with anyone. Seneca's wife came to see him, so I'm moving on and we'll meet in Harpers Ferry, WVA. Saw a very beautiful very dark blue bird, also a pirated woodpecker with white on the wings. I'll have to look both up to make sure. 24 miles today. Goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-05-14
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn Center
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Started out at Rod Hollow Shelter, only one there. It was peaceful, and I could snore all I wanted. Went 20.6 miles today to Blackburn Center, a place where trail maintainers hangout. A maintainer who was turning 50 had a birthday party there and thru-hikers were invited. Big meal, three pieces of cake and a glass of wine and we were happy. Rained during the night, but once again I lucked out with a roof over my head. Goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-05-15
From: Blackburn Center

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: broken clouds

Lazy day -- went only 3 miles to David Lesser Shelter. Read a book that was in the shelter ("Black Betty"). Waiting for Seneca to catch up. Had the shelter all to myself again. Most of the hikers are at Trail Days in Damascus, VA. Rained some throughout the day -- again I was under a roof. Goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!