morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-23
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: few clouds

Pez and I were supposed to meet his brother-in-law at Rockfish at 3PM. Pez and I planned a nice treat for him his first day out. We stashed a 12 pack of beer a mile from the shelter and we froze a pack of hot dags to pack in. We got word that he would not get here until late so Pez and I hiked the first six miles and I carried the beer up to the shelter while Pez and AhChoo went back to meet Dr Buckeye. It was a tough climb carrying the extra weight up the mountain. I stopped at the spring to deposit the beer for chilling and set about finding some firewood for cooking the dogs. Pez, AhChoo, and Dr Buckeye arrived and brought extra dogs and we invited the shelter occupants to join our party. We cut up fresh jalapenos and cooked up a big pot of chile. Everyone enjoyed a fine feast of chile dogs and beer. We topped off the evening when Gandalf read chapter one of the Hobbit to all of us. One of my fondest memories of my '02 hike was when Mongo read the Hobbit at the Calf Mountain Shelter. So I had my wife ship me a copy to Waynesboro so I could try to duplicate the experience for the '04 occupants. It turned out to be a great evening and Gandalf did an excellant job. We had a little unexpected excitement when three food bags fell from the ceiling and crashed to the floor. The bugs at the shelter do not seem too bad and I will be testing out the new fleece blanket I picked up in Waynesboro. I will be testing the new boots with a 12 mile day planned for tomorrow. But that will be tomorrows story. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-05-24
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Ahhh, only thirteen miles planned for today so there was no big hurry to leave the shelter. I enjoyed a nice breakfast and cup of coffee and some home made brownies. My food bag is still a bit heavy so I ate all I could. We had beautiful weather all day - a bit on the warm side (high eighties) but with a nice breeze and plenty of sunshine. The trail was extremely well maintained and nicely graded. It made for an easy and pleasant day of hiking. I did have to backtrack a little over a mile when I realized I lost my water bottle. Pez watched my pack as I hiked back to retrieve it - an extra two miles of hiking. I ran into a deer but didn't have my camera with me. Earlier AhChoo had encountered a rattler and came away from the encounter a little spooked. I went up to the rattler and it did not seem impressed with me. Not even a little rattle. It just laid there looking at me and tasting the air. I had to encourage him to vacate the trail so we could pass. We got some good photos and I used my hiking pole to chase him into the brush. He finally rattled out his warning and slithered away. AhChoo had to build up her courage to hike past that location. She had nearly stepped on the poor thing. We continued on and were getting a little low on water. There was a stretch of 12 miles with no place to replenish our supply. I shared some of mine with others since I always carry a bit extra. I got to the shelter and tanked up and enjoyed the cold water straight from the spring. After dinner and a cold soda (we had stached some at the last road crossing two days earlier) we all settled in for the evening entertainment. Thumper, a SoBo section hiker offered to read chapter two of the Hobbit. As we had done last night, we all cheered whenever Gandalf's name was mentioned. Thumper had read professionally and did an excellent performance. He even assigned different voices to each character. We enjoyed ourselves and the bedtime story relaxed us and got us ready for a good nights sleep. So, goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-05-25
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

We got a slightly earlier start today and had a nice climb to the rocky summit of Blackrock. We scrambled up the rocks and enjoyed a great view from the top. I would have loved this place when I was a young kid. I was always fond of rock hopping and climbing. Now, as an old kid, I still enjoy rock hopping but with a little more caution. Self preservation becomes more significant as you age I guess. Anyway, we continued our hike and stopped next at the Loft Mountain camp store. There Dr Buckeye and I picked up a dozen eggs, cheese, and two cans of corn beef hash. I added this loot to my pack and plan to make a nice morning feast tomorrow. I continued along the trail and turned off on a half mile side trail leading to the first Wayside. I was greeted there by AhChoo who handed me a cold soda. I ordered my lunch - a Philly cheesesteak sub, French fries, large soda, a grilled cheese sandwich, and another grilled cheese sandwich for desert. The woman at the counter looked   around to see who I was sharing all that food with - just me... And I had no problem as it was really quite good. I then headed back to where I had left the trail and continued on toward the next shelter. The trail passes through a lot of tall grass and I stopped often to check for ticks. I had found one imbedded in the back of my hand earlier this morning. It was a deer tick - very small and hard to spot. As I was hiking along I could sense a change in the weather. It had been warm all day and rather humid. I could tell that rain was on its way and a few minutes later I heard the sound of distant thunder. It was time to put my legs into a higher gear. I blew past Dr Buckeye and for a while I was jogging down the trail. The thunder was getting louder and louder and the streaks of lightning were getting impressive. After that long jog we may be having scrambled eggs tomorrow. Anyway, all of us made it to the shelter just before the skies opened up. The thunder really echoes in the mountains. It was a lot more enjoyable from inside the shelter. After the storm passed we all had a cup of hot cocoa and then climbed into our sleeping bags. Pez read chapter three of the Hobbit and did a fine job. My only complaint was that the chapter was too short. Everyone is now asleep except me and the mouse which is running around the shelter. I have to turn off the headlamp so I can't see the hundreds of spiders crawling around me. Goodnight. Have a pleasant bug free sleep,Lwop
Date: 2004-05-26
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The plans for today call for an easy 8 miles to the next shelter. There was no hurry to break camp so we took advantage of the extra time. Dr Buckeye and I prepared a breakfast of scrambled eggs with colby cheese and corned beef hash. That along with a strong cup of coffee had us ready to tackle the rest of the day. We enjoyed having Dr Buckeye read chapter 4 of the Hobbit as we finished our feast. After a quick cleanup we headed out - at 10:30. At least we had a few decent climbs today and got to give our legs a little workout. While the temps were not too bad the humidity was very high. I was soaked in sweat all day and was looking forward to getting out of my wet clothes. After arriving at the shelter I resupplied with water and rinsed out all my sweaty clothes. As soon as I hung them out to dry the rain started. So tomorrow I will be carrying a bunch of wet clothes with me. With the rain came the Thru-hikers. The shelter filled up quickly with hikers talking of miles and 20's and 30's and other such crap. I am going to grab my copy of the Hobbit and try to block out all the boring talk. Goodnight, Lwop
Date: 2004-05-27
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

With the rain and the sudden influx of Thru-hikers the shelter last night was filled beyond capacity. With that many hikers trying to pack and eat I found it easier to just lay back and relax and wait till they all cleared out. With our group only hiking hut to hut there is no rush to get moving.So we ate and were on our way at 9:30 under foggy grey skies. There were a few climbs today but nothing very difficult. We spotted a lot of dear but unlike many other hikers have reported, we didn't spot any bear. The skies cleared early and remained that way most of the day. We arrived at the Lewis Mt Campground about 3PM and I got to take a shower, did laundry, and purchased supplies. That included hot dogs, chile, and other goodies for tonight. We then headed to the shelter, built a fire to cook the dogs, and sat around chatting. Sea Eagle was at the shelter when we arrived. She will be joining our group possibly to as far as Harpers Ferry. After dinner everyone settled in to listen to our bedside story - Chapter seven of the Hobbit - read by Ashtray. He did such a good job with the last chapter that we invited him back to read another. Some hikers have been adjusting their schedule so they can be around to hear a chapter or two. I have started to ask each chapter reader to sign the book and will be keeping it after it is finished. We have already selected a replacement for when this book is finished. Anyway, everyone has gone to sleep except me and about twenty mice I see wandering around the shelter. They seem to have enjoyed listening to the Hobbit and are now loading up on the food left here by a group of section hikers who left here earlier. There are bags of trash and discarded food. Too much for us to pack out tomorrow as there will be no trash containers within miles. No wonder there are so many mice. I am going to try to get some shut eye. Goodnight, Lwop
Date: 2004-05-28
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

I forgot to mention yesterday that I had just passed the 900 mile mark on this hike. We had all "high fived" and gave a cheer and congratulated each other on our accomplishment. During the reading of the Hobbit last night the moon was shining. A short while later it was pouring rain which lasted most of the night. I was happy to be in the shelter. When we started hiking this morning it looked like it would start again any minute. Low dark grey clouds would come and go all day. But it didn't rain. I hiked this morning with Sea Eagle and enjoyed her company. When I turned off to go to the Big Meadow Wayside she continued on the AT to the next shelter. I hit the Wayside for a nice big lunch and picked up a few snacks. I also bought a cheap knife to replace the good one I somehow lost yesterday. After making a phone call I set out alone where I had left the trail. This section was the nicest in the park so far. Everything was such a lush green and there were many great views. I saw lots of deer and mushrooms of every shape and color. I did not yet see a bear but Dr Buckeye did and he got a photo of it. Maybe tomorrow will be my turn. I arrived at the shelter just before 5 and everyone was asking for an afternoon chapter of the Hobbit. I turned the book over to Fauna who did a fine job with chapter 8. We moved the story telling inside the shelter when the rains finally arrived. After the chapter was finished the rain stopped and many of us headed out to watch the sunset. The temp had really dropped and you could actually see your breath. We headed back to the shelter and warmed ourselves around the fire built by Dr Everlast. A family of hikers joined us and Ashtray did a fine reading of chapter 9. He is enjoying the story so much he doesn't want to hike past the book. After the reading I went behind the shelter to brush my teeth and take care of last minute business before hitting the sack. I saw two beady little eyes approaching me. As I was doing what I was doing this deer started coming closer and closer. When it got within ten feet of me I started talking to it. The others came around back to see me talking to the deer and watched as the deer walked right up to me. They could not believe I could chat with a deer and have it come to within inches of me. When the deer got really close I realized it was only craving salt. Or maybe a little recycled beer....It was good for a laugh. Good thing I already have a trail name or who knows what this crowd would have named me. It was a great day today with nice trail, lots of good company and many good laughs. And the weather didn't rain on our parade. This is truely a great adventure - and we are all very happy Hobbits - cozily tucked inside our bags in the shelter. And ready now for sleep. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-05-29
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

I awoke early because it was soooo cold last night. I pulled the tent out of my backpack and threw that on top of my sleeping bag. It didn't help much but I was able to fall back asleep for a short while. I was not the only unhappy camper as everyone was wearing almost everything they had with them. A hot cup of coffee helped somewhat and the promise of a clear sunny sky. After a short hike I came to some rocky ledges with fantastic views. I spent quite a bit of time shooting photos and enjoying the warmth of the sun and the scenery. I was tempted to stop at Skyland for a big lunch but decided I would rather have more time to chill at Mary's Rock. I ran into Pez, Dr Buckeye, and Ashtray at the Pinnacles Picnic area and joined them for lunch. The next stop was Mary's Rock which is a must see if you ever hike anywhere in Shenandoah NP. The Rock was a bit crowded for my taste with the Memorial Day Weekenders and cotton people smell a little funny so after a few quick photos I headed on to Thornton Gap. I was able to buy a few supplies at Panorama but was unhappy to see that they removed the pay phone. There were about ten hikers there buying all kinds of sweets and snacks and having a picnic outside the store. At closing time we loaded our packs and headed up the trail to the next shelter. Everyone was anxious to hear if the dwarves survived their long day floating around inside the barrels so we quickly built a fire and started chapter 10 and finished with chapter 11. Dr Buckeye and Gandalf read first with Gimli reading chapter 11. We passed around pieces of fudge and enjoyed a beautiful evening under the stars. It is going to be a cold night with no clouds or wind but I will be ok with the tent on top of me. Maybe some of the many mice in the shelter will cuddle up with me and keep me warm. Goodnight, have a nice warm nights sleep,Lwop
Date: 2004-05-30
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, most good things come to an end sooner or later. Today we had to say goodbye to Dr Buckeye. This was his first backback trip and he survived in spite of Pez and I. Anyway, Pez, Sea Eagle, and I headed north after saying our goodbyes. Scout, aka Achoo, headed out with Buckeye to retrieve her car from near Waynesboro. The weather was nice to begin the day and we were rewarded with some nice views. As usual, we were all looking forward to hitting another Wayside for a big meal. I am sure that I gained a little weight going through Shenandoah. Too many hot dogs, a dozen eggs, and all those Waysides! I'll burn it all off soon enough. At the Wayside I ordered a cheese burger, fries, bowl of chile, and a grilled cheese. Then I had some coffee and desert. The weather started to turn ugly before long and I found myself in a race to get to the shelter before the skies opened up. There were no views the remainder of the day - just fog and drizzle. I arrived at the shelter and everybody was anxious for the next chapter of the Hobbit. I insisted that we wait for Pez who I left at the Wayside waiting for Scout. When they arrived we had a Hobbithon. Since this was our last day in Shenandoah we wanted to finish the story. Pez and Ashtray and Gandolf took turns reading until the book was finished. Now the fellowship has ended and our group of hikers will move on at our own seperate paces. Shenandoah was a lot of fun - easy hiking, nice views, good food, good companionship, all a thru-hiker wants. Tomorrow I will head out of the park and will head into town to resupply and pick up my mail drop. The Hobbithon went on long after our normal bed time so we are all sleepy now. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-05-31
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: US522 Chester Gap Front Royal, Va.
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: moderate rain

After the late night Hobbithon I listened to the rain hitting the roof of the shelter all night. You could see a fog roll right inside the shelter. The plan for today is to go into Front Royal and spend the night. Pez is going to slack and be picked up by Scout. Sea Eagle and I want to carry our packs (its good training for the White's) so Scout will come pick us up a little later. We started hiking in the fog with a light rain falling. Just as we were passing a trailhead someone pulled in and yelled "you guys want some trail magic". Silly question. It turned out to be Detective Friday and his wife (Mrs. Detective Friday). They brought out a cooler of drinks, a tray of red, white, and blue cupcakes. Also chips, candy, hot dogs, etc. Det. Friday did the AT in 2003 so he knew exactly what a thru-hiker likes and wants. In spite of the light drizzle, my day became a little brighter. After enjoying their company for about an hour I headed on. For the second time I was able to hike the full length of Shenandoah NP without seeing a bear. I exited the park and immediately noticed the change in how the trail was built and maintained. Inside the park the trail is level, wide, and relatively free from rocks. Even a klutz like Skunknocker can hike there without hurting his tender little feetsies. Once you leave the park the trail gets a lot tougher. Anyway, I got to Chester Gap and was picked up by Pez and Scout. They, Sea Eagle and I shared a room at the Super 8 and enjoyed the luxury of a nice hot shower. We went out for a nice meal and did laundry and I picked up some supplies. I organized my gear and prepared to ship some of it home. It feels good to sleep in a real bed with real sheets. Godnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-01
From: US522 Chester Gap Front Royal, Va.

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I was up early and enjoyed taking another shower. I had a lot to do and Pez and I plan to hike some today. I used the hotel computer and checked my email and read a little of Stumpknockers journal. He wrote that he had trouble hiking over the 6 inch step that Pez and I built during the Hard Core Project. Had I remembered he was hiking this year I would have built three 2 inch steps instead. There is a short handicapped accessible trail in Florida that he may want to consider instead. Anyway, I checked with Bob and he confirmed the Skunknocker is the only hiker to have caught and torn their panties on that step so no repairs are planned at this time. Anyway, after stopping at the Post Office and running other errands we finally got on the trail at 1PM. The skies, which were a bright blue all morning, quickly turned dark grey. Within an hour we were wet and the trail was a muddy mess. The storm did not last long but the trail was slick. We stopped at the Denton Shelter for a break and met Dragon Slayer and Wicked Lobster who were chilling out and soaking up some sun. We continued on with the hope to make it to Dick's Dome Shelter before dark. 15 miles after a 1PM start was pushing a bit for us. We got to the shelter just as the moon was rising. After a quick meal we both headed into our sleeping bags. A quick check for ticks and I am ready to get some sleep. The tick problem is a major concern out here. I found two on me today while we were hiking - in spite of the Deet I had applied. It is something we just have to live with out here. Tomorrow Pez and I plan to hike to the Bears Den Hostel. It is a great place for thru-hikers to visit and they have Pizza. I'll dream of that tonight. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-02
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Bears Den
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: scattered clouds

The dawn broke with fair skies and the promise of a nice day for hiking. We will need it since we have a tough day of hiking ahead of us. After a good cup of Starbuck's coffee and half a box of Cherio's I left Dick's Dome just before 9AM. Not the early start I had hoped for. The area we hiked today is referred to as "the roller coaster". You climb up 500 feet and immediately descend 500 feet. Then you do it again and again until you feel nausous. The trail is either sloppy with mud or loaded with rocks. Every step has to be made carefully so you don't break an ankle. And this area is notorious for bugs. All day they swarm around your face and head. I don't know why flies get their kicks out of flying round and round your head - but they can drive you insane. And today was Cicada Day - the noise in some areas was deafening. There were so many of them buzzing - it sounded like I was stuck inside a giant computer modem. This is their year and I guess if I lived in the ground for sixteen years I would be singing pretty loud too: "sixteen years and today's the day - come and find me baby". At least that's the way I interpet their song. Anyway, after surviving the bugs and the roller coaster Pez and I nearly stepped on a copperhead snake. It was laying on the gravel road leading to the Bears Den. Copperhead's know they are bad - they have no intention of moving for anyone. It just laid in the middle of the trail and figured we could find another way to get past. I used my hiking poles (fully extended) to get it off the trail. It was not happy and struck the pole a few times. Very nasty little bugger. We dragged our butts into the Bears Den and were rewarded with a nice shower and a hot pizza. Real linens and a comfy bunk bed. Tomorrow we plan to hike to the Blackburn AT Center. It should be an easy day for us. But now I am going to enjoy the feel of those sheets. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-03
From: Bears Den

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Not exactly a big mile day today but then again who cares? Both the Bears Den and the Blackburn Center are great places to chill out. I have been sitting on the porch updating my journal and answering emails. It is a beautiful mostly sunny day with comfy temps. After hiking the roller coaster the last two days it is nice to rest a bit. I didn't leave the Bears Den until 10AM as there isn't a need to hurry when doing only 8 miles. We crossed VA7 at Snickers Gap and there in front of us was a big cooler. And it wasn't empty like so many we've come accross in the past. There were drinks of all kinds, Oreo cookies, and cakes and oranges. I enjoyed a cold drink and a cake. Thank you Pigpen & Found - they really hit the spot. We continued on the roller coaster and stoped and enjoyed some nice views. Then we reached a landmark. We came to a sign saying welcome to West Virginia! After hiking in Virginia for 535 miles it feels good to enter another state - even if only your left foot is in that state. For about 15 miles the trail follows the border.We continued on and soon passed the spot where I was charged by a bear back in 2002. But that is another hike and a diferent story. This time there was no bear and I really didn't mind. We followed the side trail to the Blackburn Center and arrived about 3PM. The rest of the day we spent taking it easy and are anxiously awaiting the spegetti dinner sponsered by the center. It is run by the PATC and is a donation only hostel. It has a big beautiful porch with a view that goes on forever. I am going to spend the rest of the evening relaxing. So for now, goodnight.Lwop