morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-23
From: Atkins, Va

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Relax Inn to Knot Maul Shelter"Stylin and profilin"It was tough to leave the warm dry safety of the Relax Inn.  The Weather Channel forecasted heavy showers and chance of snow in the evening.  We slept in and got a late start after breakfast.  It was cold and blowing rain, but the first few miles to Davis Path went relatively fast.  We took a short break and moved on to the Crawfish Creek for a longer break.The weather was sporatic all day going from sunny blue sky to wind and hail.  Although our break was during a sunny spot, I was a little discouraged that it was almost 2 PM and we'd only come 6.3 miles.  That late start was getting it's payback.Fortunately, the 7.8 miles the rest of the way to the shelter came surprisingly easy.  There were some beautiful sections through green, grassy farmers fields.  Some if these sections were easements through provate property.  Every place you crossed a fence there was a stile to go up and over.  Walk, walk walk, hit fence, climb stile.  With the wet weather the wooden stiles were slippery and precarious.  Fortunately, we didn't have any falls.As we neared the shelter the weather turned south to snow and freezing rain.  Fortunately, there was room in the shelter.  Great group at the shelter tonight including a family of five thru-hiking.  The kids are bright and charming.  I can't imagine the adventure and challenge hiking as a family like that, but they are all doing great.  Two girls and a boy ages 14, 12 and 10 and 2 parents operated like a quirky but very operational machine.  I am both amazed and impressed.We've been meeting some new people the past few days and having a good time getting to know them.  Sharing the shelter tonight with Spoonie, Senator, Geronimo, Red Rover and El Jefe.  Flip, Geri (now named Frenchie), Steady Step and the family are all tenting.  We had quite a lot of fun with Geronimo and his fruit rollups with tongue tattoos.  Senator and Geronimo's basic training stories had us all laughing too.It's nice that we made the long mileage plan today, warm and dry in a shelter surrounded by good company.  The weather called for 2 inches of snow tonight, but despite the cold my heart is warm.Danger
Date: 2005-04-24
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light snow

Knot Maul Shelter to Chestnut Knob Shelter"Snow, again!!?"The forecast was irritatingly accurate and we woke up to half an inch of snow accumulation and lots still coming down.  It was difficult to get motivated to pack up and get going, so everyone languished in their warm bags as long as possible.  We finally came to terms with the fact that we had to move forward, even if only to the next shelter, 9 miles up.Finally a bit after 10:30 we were packed up and bundled up, ready to face the day.  As we climbed, the wind and snow got worse.  I was happy for a lunch break at the Forest Service road before the climb to Chestnut Knob.As we came out of the trees and crested the bald the wind swept the snow fiercely in little whirling snow drifts.  Up higher here there is a lot more snow.  I estimate 4 to 6 inches with drifts up to a foot.With no water at the shelter, we had to load up at the spring fed pond 1.7 mi before it.  The 3.5 liters I was carrying felt heavy as lead climbing through the wind and snow up the hill.  Finally, thinking we never would reach it, there stood the humble stone shelter.  An old fire warden's cabin, it is four sided, completely enclosed against the elements unlike most of the three sided lean-to style shelters along the trail.The nine miles here were exhausting, and we decided to call it a day.  Sharing the shelter with Spoonie, Senator, Steady Step and Frenchie.  The wind is howling ferociously outside and I swear it sounds as though it could rip the roof right off. Though a respectable 32 degrees, this is the coldest I have been on the trail yet.  It felt like it took forever to warm up my sleeping bag.  Thanks however to Senator's generosity in giving me a couple of foot warmers, it did finally warm up.We cooked a hot lunch, then huddled and napped in our bags until dinner time.  Had dinner as quickly as possible, then straight back to the bags for the night.  I was not expecting another bout of winter weather, and it has come as an unwelcome surprise.  I sure do hope this really is the last of it.Danger
Date: 2005-04-25
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Chestnut Knob to campsite by streamToday started off hard.  The wind screamed and howled up on that bald knob all night long and was still at it this morning.  Luckily the snow had stopped and the sky cleared, though it was still very cold.  We had to use the broom handle to bang the snow and ice away in order to open the shelter door enough to get in and out.  Using the privy was a frigid experience with the wind blowing up from under and over the scant "walls".  We managed to get hiking just after 9am, trudging through the snow once again.  As we descended the wind lessened and the snow on the ground thinned, but it was still tiresome, and slow going.  It was ridge walking up and down along rocky dry ridge line all morning.  Thankfully, the sun was shining and the temperatures steadily rising.By the time we reached Jenkins Shelter, 10 miles away, I was tired and disheartened.  But, it was 65 degrees, I was in shorts and there was no sign of snow anywhere.  Everyone else had had a tough day too through that section.  At least it wasn't just me being a complete weenie.We took a very long break, cooked a hot lunch and decided that it would in fact be all right to move on a few more miles to the next campsite.  I felt enormously better after the break and food.  The terrain also improved and the 4.7 miles to the campsite came easily.  We decided to take the high water route, which was beautifully graded old logging road.Same group from last night here tonight:  Spoonie, Steady Step, Senator and Frenchie.  Good times telling stories and laughing over dinner.  We all seem to be in brighter spirits now.  I just hope that was winter's last hurrah and that Spring is here to stay!Danger
Date: 2005-04-27
From: Campsite

To: Campsite at Dismal Falls
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Campsite to campsite at Dismal FallsIt rained a couple of times last night, but we stayed dry and were happy to wake up to clear blue skies.  We were up and going at a reasonable hour, and the first few miles went fast.  We thought we were in for a sunny hot day, but before we knew it the sky had clouded and the air gained a chill.Took a long break at Jenny's Knob Shelter.  Once again, I was famished by the time we got there for our morning break and I devoured tortillas filled with peanut butter and honey.  Sunset Screamer and Bones were breaking at the shelter when we arrived and Spoonie pulled in a bit later.The next 6.5 miles were fueled by some intense discussion between Gravity and I.  It made the miles go fast to the suspension bridge and road, but I wouldn't describe them as pleasant.  We worked everything out by the time we'd crossed the suspension bridge though, kissed and made up.There's a general store with a little grill with sandwiches and snacks 1/4 mile down the road, so we decided to walk down there for a treat.  Once again we ran into Sunset Screamer, Bones and Spoonie joined us shortly.  We enjoyed a snack and cold drink, and stayed a bit longer to avoid a thunder shower.  Once the shower passed, we headed back to the trail.Camping tonight with Spoonie near Dismal Falls.  I can hear the steady white noise of the falls in the distance but besides that the night is very quiet.  No crickets, frogs or bird sounds to speak of.  We had another rain shower with hail pass over us while we set up camp.  Fortunately it was short though and the sky seemed to clear up after.I am getting tired with these cold temperatures.  Just when I thought Spring was here, it seems to shy away and retreat.  Fortunately my body is holding up very well, and most days I feel strong.  I do get spurts of anxiety over planning too many miles in a stretch though, and it causes some difficulty when we're planning upcoming sections.I know I should be confident by now that I can do the miles but I just seem to be holding this fear that I can't.  Or, that it will be painful or difficult.  I guess I continue to deal with the emotions and fears associated with the last hike.  I hope that I find a way to let go of that and embrace the reality of this hike.  Because, in reality, I have been strong and the miles come more easily each day.  The snow was a set back emotionally, though.  I guess each day is a new opportunity, and I should focus on it anew.  It is hard not to cling to the challenges and difficulties of the past.  But I am working on it.  I can only hope that, like the miles, will come increasingly easy as I move forward.Danger
Date: 2005-04-28
From: Campsite at Dismal Falls

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Campsite to Doc's Knob Shelter"flow"Today was one in which my mind and my body just got it and actually felt good to hike.  The weather was fair and mild through the day, and most of the terrain was good.  We've been able to pick up the pace on this gentler terrain, and it feels good to get some of the stretches covered faster.  There are some stretches of trail that I would not want to hurry through for their unique beauty or special features. But, there are other sections of trail that, though pretty, are not necessarily remarkable.  Those sections I find just distance to be covered and where I enjoy challenging my body and pushing the pace.  Here in central Virginia there are many such stretches, and thus the focus and goal are more internal.So, we made great time to Wapiti Shelter* despite sleeping in and a late start.  I thought the late start might ruin our mojo today, but it was to the contrary and we covered over 14 miles by 4:30 pm.  A long break with Spoonie, Old Yeller and Forever North at Wapiti Shelter was welcome though.I enjoy a long mid-day break.  I've not cared so much for the way shelters tend to dictate our timing, but it's a tough thing since they're usually a convenient place to get water and break at the picnic table.  I also enjoy reading the shelter registers.  It has been breezy and cool the past several days too, and the shelter from the wind is nice.  Hopefully the weather will warm soon and long breaks at vistas and grassy fields will be more comfortable.  Fortunately, there are no rules saying where and when to take breaks, so this is a flexible matter.We pulled out the MP3 players after lunch, having not listened to them for quite some time.  The music was undescribably wonderful and motivated me the whole afternoon.  I was practically dancing and bouncing down the trail.  My body was working smoothly, mind happy and spirits high.  I was in the flow for the first time in a shile, and it felt oh so good!  I hope I learn to find this flow more frequently and easily as the hike goes on.  When I'm there I feel as though there's no other place I'd rather be and nothing else I'd prefer to be doing.  I suppose some would liken the feeling to Zen, but can you be Zen while listening to rock and roll?Danger* (ed note:  Wapiti Shelter was the scene of a grisly double murder in the 1970's.  Read about it in the book "Murder on the Appalacian Trail").
Date: 2005-04-29
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Doc's Knob Shelter to Pearisburg, VaAs we cooked dinner last night the sky greyed and a thin sprinkle began to fall.  Over the course of the night the drizzle intensified to a steady shower.  There was no thunder or lightning, just the steady rain.  It was still grey and the rain insistent when we woke up this morning.  Although we were heading into town, it was difficult to motivate and expose ourselves to the elements over the 8 miles between us and town.  So, we sat there in our sleeping bags and watched it drip.  We contorted to get our food bags down from the mouse hooks without exiting our sleeping bags so that we could eat our breakfast in bed.That's probably what ultimately motivated us; the sparseness of our food bags and the prospect of a real meal in town.  So we scarfed the couple of bars and trail mix that we had, packed up and headed out.  It rained on us the entire way, and I was grateful for the short 8 miles.  The descent to town was steep and long, especially in the cold rain.  We finally reached the road with the Rondesvous hotel, where we'd planned to stay.  When we saw the hotel's location and discovered only a used car dealership and abandoned house within easy walking distance we decided to change our plans.So we crossed the street and continued on the AT to the main highway.  We only had to stand there in the rain wet and looking pathetic for about seven minutes before someone took pity on us and pulled over.Though not the classiest of accomodations, the Plaza Motel was centrally located, offered a clean, warm dry place to rest and the management was very hiker friendly.  It was as good a stay as I could have hoped for, and that hot shower was heaven after a long cold morning in the rain.Chinese food made a delightful lunch.  Our next errand was the PO where we picked up our summer sleeping bag and bounced our bounce box forward.  Tom's Ma included a wonderful surprise with the sleeping bag; rice crispy marshmallo squares homemade - Yum!  Once again, thanks for the treat and thinking of us!The weather forecast calls for more rain tomorrow, and once again I am grateful for our timing as we plan to take a much needed zero day tomorrow.  There's not much so sweet as being warm and dry in a town when a front of bad weather moves through...Danger
Date: 2005-04-30
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Pearisburg, VANot much to report today.  It felt great to sleep in a bit, and we did receive some nice instances of trail magic.  First, this morning we were out in front of the motel discussing how we were going to get across town to the WalMart where we had several errands.  Two section hikers that we met yesterday came out, and kindly offered to drive us even though it's in the exact opposite direction from where they were going.Next, we were planning to get a new canister of fuel at WalMart, but found that they didn't have it.  This put us in a very precarious position because no where else in Pearisburg carries our kind of canister fuel.  Who does Gravity run into right there in Walley World but Old Yeller who was there with his visiting wife.  They planned a trip into Blacksburg to an outfitter, and agreed to pick up some fuel for us.  SAVED!  I would not have enjoyed eating all cold food from here to Daleville.  So Old Yeller and his wife truly saved the day and the coming week!Finally, having finished all of our Walley World chores we just had to get to the PO to send home the CD we'd just burned our pictures to.  It being Saturday, the PO closes at noon, and it was already 11:45!  We'd have to get a quick hitch if we were going to make it.  Three minutes later someone picked us up and delivered us to the PO at 11:58 am.  We snuck in by the skin of our teeth and got the CD sent off in the nick of time.With chores done, the rest of the afternoon was relaxed and we enjoyed listening to the rain come down outside our hotel windows...Danger
Date: 2005-05-01
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Campsite
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Pearisburg, Va to campsite past Rice Field ShelterWow, two full months and over 600 miles done already!  I can hardly believe it, the time has gone so fast.  I think that is a positive indicator though.  After all, time flies when you're having fun, right?A nice relaxing day getting out of Pearisburg today.  We managed to quickly get a ride across town near Walley World to have breakfast at the Friends and Family Restaurant.  Enjoyed a long leisurely breakfast with Spoonie, then got a quick ride to the trailhead.  Although the climb out of the valley up to the ridge was long, it wasn't so bad since we were distracted by conversation with Spoonie.  Though cold and breezy the sky was clear and sunny; a nice change from the grey skies and rain of the past 2 weeks.We decided to do a short day out of town today since it makes the scheduling of the rest of this stretch work out better.  So, we arrived at camp just after 4:30.  It was nice to stop a bit early after a nice short day and have some extra time to enjoy our lovely campsite.  As I journaled I caught sight of two large birds swooping and gliding like a dance in the sky over the valley.  Our tent is oriented due west, and as I write my paper illuminates pink reflected off of the sunset sky.  The gold orange sphere hangs half obscured by the mountainside and trees just enough that one can look at it.  The gold stretches towards the north across the sky turning the clouds orange then pink and the distant mountains below that violet.  Now just brilliant salmon and violet fingers spread out from where the sun was a few minutes ago.  Everything has a gentle pink hue to it.  Up this high the trees are only just beginning to leaf out, so it is a clear view of the sky through where the forest canopy soon will be.I am happy to be back in the woods, cozy in the tent away from the city sounds of cars, electricity and industry.  Up here it is quiet and peaceful.  The crickets aren't even out yet, and the air is perfectly still in the absence of any of the breeze from earlier today.  The smell of fallen leaves fills my cold nose, and I know that tonight I will sleep well.Danger
Date: 2005-05-02
From: Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Campsite past Rice Field to Campsite past Bailey Gap ShelterI was sad to wake up to grey skies this morning after a cold night.  We traded in our 15* winter bags for our 40* summer bag system, and me thinks it was a little premature.  We didn't freeze, but we weren't toasty either.It stayed cloudy with light rain off and on most of the day.  The terrain was fine if not espcially pretty.  This morning we found out that there is a large group behind us, all headed to Bailey Gap Shelter where we'd also planned to stay.  Since there is no real tenting to speak of around that shelter, and not wanting to squeeze in to a loud crowded situation, we decided to change our plans and push ahead.  This was actually a difficult decision because we've been hiking with Spoonie, who's been having a tough time of it lately, and we didn't want to abandon her.  We did decide to move on though and it made for a long day.We did have a bit of an adventure earlier today, after our lunch time break at Pine Swamp Shelter.  We came to a sign posted on a tree by a road saying that the Stoney Creek Bridge was out having been washed away with a hurricane last summer.  The sign gave directions on the road to avoid having to ford the creek.  Not knowing how significant a ford it would be or if the alternate route was reliable, we decided to take our chances with the ford.  When we reached the place where the bridge used to be we discovered that it was a doable but unpleasant ford.  So we took off our shoes and socks and tied the bottoms of our rainpants tight.  Gravity went across barefoot first.  Water was about knee deep on him, and though slippery and cold, made it across fine.  I wore my rubber croc's and made it across pretty fast.  About half way across the cold really hit me and by the time I made it to the other side my feet and legs stung and ached with the cold.  The river water poured out of my rain pants legs and I had to just stand there a few moments to regain sensation in my feet.We recovered and dried out soon enough.  Fortunately, the terrain the last 5 miles was forgiving.  I am quite tired and cold tonight.  Gravity built a fire for which I was very thankful.  Hopefully we've offset our schedule from the rest of the crowd as I am quite enjoying some relative solitude right now.Danger
Date: 2005-05-03
From: Campsite

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Sarver Hollow ShelterToday felt longer and harder than yesterday's ~20. Fortunately the sun came out and it was warmer. Gravity has come down with a cold and I feel so badly for him. I do hope he can kick it soon. Very tired and cold. Will write about the giant oak tree tomorrow."It's big, it's old, and it's alive!"Excited one would think we'd beTo come upon the Great Keffer oak tree. Unlike the poplar of which I've told From these bows did green leaves unfold.Not dead and grey, hollow and oldThese great branches hung alive; proud and bold.Shading fields of brilliant greenA pastoral setting it would seem.But lo, with tired legs and Tom's coldWe could only briefly admire, then move on up the road.Danger
Date: 2005-05-04
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

Pickle Branch ShelterColds Stink!There are 2 kinds of colds out here.  Cold that chills the bones and colds that stuff up the nose.  Unfortunately for the past few nights I've had both.  We made the jump to the summer bag using the general AT lore that Pearisburg is the spot to do that.  I guess they were talking about April 1 starters, not us!  Of course it looks like Mother Nature was also caught unawares as some of the new leaves are limp with frostbite.  Hopefully it will warm up soon and the blasted head cold will go away too!  It's really tough being out here and sick but still having to walk 16 miles so you get to town before you run out of food.  That's the down side.  The upside is that somehow, some way, it is still fun.Tonight it looks like we are the only ones in the shelter - a first!  We are low enough here that there are actually leaves on the trees.  Most places we've stayed have been up in "the winter zone" which appears to be near 3,000 ft right now.  Hopefully we will have more nights down here, and less nights up there from here on out...Danger
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Catawba, VA

To: Catawba, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Down Home B&BI woke up this morning stuffed up and with a sore throat.  My body felt like lead.  Tom asked me how I felt.  When I told him he said it would be OK if we took the day off and stayed another night here at the Down Home B&B in Catawba.  No words could have been sweeter.Dave and Judy, the B&B proprietors served us a wonderful breakfast of egg casserole, sausage, fresh fruit, toast and home made muffins, coffee and juice.  We told them I'd came down with Tom's cold and asked if it would be OK to stay another night.  We had to change to the other guest room to accommodate the requests of two new guests tonight, but that was no problem.We enjoyed a quiet and relaxing day watching movies and resting. Dave and Judy were generous nurturers providing chicken noodle soup.  It was so fortunate that If I was going to come down with a cold, it would be here with these kind and generous people.  When I am sick all I want to do is curl up with a warm blanket at home, and Dave and Judy provided a home away from home where I could do just that.Danger