morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-04-16
From: Audey Murphy Monument

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

We had a great sleep at Audey Murphy stealth camp spot. Woke and hiking by 7:40 am. We were excited to get to Four Pines Hostel. Didn't bother stopping at Pickle Branch Shelter as we got water about 3 miles out of camp. Where we saw Rabbit, Crash and Leopard. They camped there. OB and Wet Beard went by also. They camped near us, but they hammock, so it's easier to find a spot. We had a pretty rough day again. Big up and rocky. Then boulders then.....wait for it.....The Dragons Tooth. We thought the leading up to it trail was tough, that was a cake walk compared to the after. Big Cypress had to relieve me of my pack. Yep....rock slabs that ya pretty much had to slide down and it was crazy!!! We did it. Fiber went on ahead as he does rocks very well and I do not and hence Big Cypress doesn't, only cuz of me. This hike today we saw the most day hikers than we've seen since leaving GA. Virginia Tech students hike it and were in full force!! So....because of God's Grace and guidance of our feet and keeping us safe!!!! We made it to Four Pines by 2:45. Fiber was here 20-30 minutes already. Rabbit, Crash and Leopard are here, they weren't planning it, but Crash insisted!! New Thru Flip Flopper, Bean is here. Who Dat, Polar Bear, Rain man, Frost, OB, Dr Trail, Lucky Duck, Patchy from Germany, Tephlon and (?) Can't remember his name. We shuttled, thanks to Eddie, to The Home Place Restaurant. AYCE served home style!!! We pigged out!!! Miss Alicia had here hands full. Then we stopped at the GROCERY, really a gas station that knows hikers needs. Laundry done, showers and full tummies!! Can't thank Joe and Miss Donna enough!!! It's not just a three bay garage....it's everything a hiker needs and then some. Beat Joe at Corn Hole and laundry was free, he said....all we need and all for donations!!! Except laundry $6 LOL. Love it!! Joe's been doing this since 1997, I believe he said. And to the extent it has become since 2000. Much love to Them and appreciation!!! Goodnight, from the garage "warm, dry, home away from home"
Date: 2016-04-17
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

Current Weight Loss Big Cypress down 35#Moonbeam down 32#Fiber down 25#We woke this morning at Four Pines Hostel. Some hikers are slack packing, (hiking without packs, packs being shuttled to hikers end location for the day). We decided long ago that we didn't want to slack pack. We feel like it would be so great that we'd want to do it ALL the time. Anyway...We had got a few items at the grocery/gas station last night. We've been craving cold cereal, so....Fruity Pebbles it was. The younger hikers thought it was cool, that we were eating that for breakfast! Too funny! We had plenty, so Fiber had some too. Then we had fried eggs, since the cereal wouldn't last long in the tummies. After breakfast Big Cypress visited with Moonwatcher.Our hike today was hot, dry and filled with day hikers. We passed the Johns Spring shelter, as the water was unreliable. Hit the Catawba Mountain shelter, water was also unreliable, but it was flowing enough to fill our bottles. We then pressed on to McAfee Knob. It was about 2:30-3 pm, so people were heading back down the trail, so...less people to contend with for the picture spot. The knob is a big rock that jets out and has excellent views, a photo must for AT hikers. We got our pics and pressed on to Tinker Cliffs. I was nervous about the cliff, being afraid of heights. Well.....it wasn't as scary as the name, it was beautiful and our new favorite part of the trail. Don't get me wrong, it was a cliff and the trail did run very close to the edge, but....focus on the trail and not the edge....it's ok. Plus, watching your step is still necessary, rocks and roots a plenty, as not to trip.We arrived Lamberts Meadow Shelter at about 6:45 pm, completely pooped out. Fiber got a camp fire going for us this night. The shelter was full, we camped down by the stream. Crash, Rabbit and Leopard camped near us also, along with Lucky Duck (he hammocks).   Big Cypress is starting to get a chest cold, so he went to bed right after eating our dinner. Fiber hung his and our bear bags and then we sat around the fire and visited with Seam and Puzzles. Puzzles is a fellow Michigan girl, from Petosky. It was a nice evening and Big Cypress would chime in once and a while from our tent. Definitely a late night, we stayed up till almost 11 pm. Critters: 2 deer on the super steep hill above our stream & camp spot. They were just walking around, then one took off like a bullet and the other followed. Something must have scared them. Later, we know what spooked them....coyotes were close and howling and making all sorts of crazy sounds.
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Howard Johnson Express

To: Howard Johnson Express
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

GEAR UPDATE: we and several other hikers, we've spoken to, have purchased Leki Hiking Poles. Purchased partly because of the Lifetime Warranty. They ONLY cover shaft breakage!! The tip we were told is made to break if stressed at or beyond 30 degree angle. To protect the shaft, the part that is under warranty!! So....buyer be informed!!! An amazing sleep last night at our real bed, indoors, with electric and flush toilet!! Full breakfast, waffles, eggs, biscuits and gravy, cold cereal selection, bagels, donuts, OJ, apple juice, coffee etc....Resting is the job of the day!! Thank you Jesus, for guiding our steps, making them swift and keeping us safe. Keeping our family safe while we are away! We added some new pictures if you are interested. They are all in our photo section and some we put in the daily journals, maybe a little out of order, but that's ok.
Date: 2016-04-20
From: Howard Johnson Express

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: few clouds

Howard Johnson Express to Bobblets Gap Shelter 18.7 milesWe only had to cross the busy road to get back on the trail at 8:25. Fiber changed hotels yesterday to be close, so we were on our way after a good breakfast. Lunch at the shelter, where we met Sooner or Later, thru hiking and from Hanover NH. We had hot pizza grits with Gold Fish crackers, snickers and mozzarella wrapped with salami (we packed out from a Kroger stop in Daleville).It's (usually) always hard to get back on the trail from a stop, for one reason or another. This reason was not sleeping well. It's strange, seems as though sleeping in the woods on a little air mattress is better than a bed.....Not Always !! The Ho Jo bed mattress was great, sheets kept coming off and blankets were small for bed.Sunny - Butterfly Day 65 low 49Arrived at 7:15 pm.Lots of wildflowers...more every day! Excited to see Columbine.Critters: Doe on one of the ridges, fat grey brown lizard, Black Snake sunning on the trail.
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Bobblets to Bryant Ridge Shelter (aka the Taj Mahal of shelters) 13.7Sooner or Later was at the shelter last night along with Spencer and his Labordoodle, Calvin. Only one tent spot and they had it so we shelter slept last night.Today we got a late start, 9 am. Lunch at Cove Mountain Shelter with Sooner or Later also. Fiber found a Black Snake and it climbed a tree (I've never watched a snake climb a tree, amazing!!) It went into a small cavity for few minutes, then came out. Fiber went on ahead of us later in the day. It was a tough climb at Fork Mountain, from 951' to 2042 in just over 2 miles. Our AWOL guide wasn't very clear about water at the shelter and we got it too soon. Lugged it to the shelter, arrived and them there were 2 streams so close you could toss, not throw, a stone in. We arrived at Bryant Ridge Shelter @ 4:45....Fiber has a fire going!!! L O V E it!!! He was there 40 minutes....We visited for a bit and he was on his way. Fiber had a resupply box to get a Three Springs Hostel and needed to go a few more miles for a few days. Our plan is to reconnect on the morning of 25th at Hog Camp Gap campsite. At the shelter tonight was Sooner or Later and Tephlon. So....the Taj Mahal.....this shelter has three levels for sleeping, and a big porch. Big Cypress and I slept on the side piece of the porch and listen to the water girggling.
Date: 2016-04-22
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Spring Campsite
Miles today: 17.1

Bryant Ridge to Marble Spring Campsite 17.1 milesRain started early this morning, close to go time. We left at 8:20 am. Big Cypress and I had a rough sleep, as I was up with a fever and chills off and on. I believe I was dehydrated and having issues from a UTI, I suspected I was getting....now I know I have one for sure. I downed almost 2 liters of water, stopped shivering and then just sweat profusely....argh! Robert prayed over me and I went to sleep! Saw the rock called the Guillotine. A boulder, that you have to walk under, wedged between to other larger boulders in a narrow passage. We soon after stopped at Thunder Ridge Shelter for lunch. Sooner or Later, Bluesman and Spencer w/Calvin were there and staying put. It's been raining ALL day, not down pouring, just light rain. Thunder Ridge lived up to its name, as we heard 3 thunder rolls. Sooner or Later want us to stay, but we moved on and he prayed for us. It eventually stopped raining and we arrived camp at 7 pm. Lots more different wildflowers...things that look related to Bleeding Heart, but white and pointed not round. Plus, my favorite....Michigan's state flower, the Trillium. Critters: Whiporwill, Minipeed, tiny centipede and ....what for it......a vibrant orange salamander!!!! So cool!! It was during a heavier rain and we didn't stop for a pic.
Date: 2016-04-23
From: Marble Spring Campsite

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

Marble Spring Campsite to Punchbowl Shelter 18.4 miles Left at 8:20am, arrived 8 pm.Camped with 3 men on a section hike and Mustard Seed. He knew it was us, but we didn't know it was Mustard Seed, since he was in his tent when we arrived and left. Windy evening and very song filled....yes the Whipporwill was singing up a storm....Thank God for ear plugs!!Well....another tough night of shivering and sweating....I could Not get warm. Mind you it's in the high 40's and we are sleeping together in one big sleeping bag. Big Cypress is hot and I'm frozen. I put ALL my clothes on, even my rain jacket. Big Cypress prays over me, I drank almost 2 liters of water and no shivering, only sweating profusely. Then remove layers and try to sleep some.We stopped at Matts Creek Shelter, as we had to walk directly in front of it after crossing the creek. So...pretty!! Sooner or Later, Spencer and Bluesman showed up. Later Mustard Seed too! Mustard Seed immediately asked where Fiber was!! I related that he had a box to get and we weren't hiking together again until the 25th. My hands started cramping, I felt faint and dizzy, so we stayed at the shelter a while. Sooner or Later prayed with me!! Bluesman gave me his Zpack, I almost started crying! (see a pattern....yes, I am a crier) I drank a bunch of water, rested and we pressed on. Highlights--- Lunch with Lucky Duck at Johns Hollow Shelter. First day unzipping the lower part of my pants off to have shorts and have wood tick sitting on my knee, not attached!! Climbed Bluff Mountain went from 678' to 3372'...it kicked our butts!!! Oh guess what....I was crying at one point, well, completely inconsolable!!! Which was super hard on Big Cypress. I was muscle weak from no sleep and shivering. Tough tough day for Two Peas!!No other hikers at shelter, we stayed inside. Frogs oh my the frogs....loud high pitched chirping at the pond close to shelter.Saw our first Mountain Laurel blossoms and Rhododendron blooming.
Date: 2016-04-24
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

Punchbowl Shelter to Hog Camp Gap for 17.3 milesGreat sleep for Moonbeam...no shivering and well hydrated. Big Cypress on the other hand tossed and turned. This trail has a way of breaking you down physically and mentally. Big was reeling all night with both, concerning both of us and how hard it is. Lunch today at Brown Mountain Creek Shelter. This area was once a community of free slaves, with a lot of history. Met Pen Dexter from Freeland MI. We ate Dehydrated Cheesy Tuna Ramen. Fiber left us a note in the log book, we took a picture of it. Foliage is coming in and giving us shade at 2000' and below, not above those elevations yet. Arrived 6:45 pm at Hog Camp Gap. White Chicken Chili for dinner, no fire. Tented! Water was a bit of a hike to get to, unfortunately.Critters: Squirrel, Chipmunk, Black Snake, Garter Snake, and most exciting....a sound of rocks moving from our left, we stop, a doe running up the hill toward us. She doesn't see us, coming straight for us, finally she sees us and darts and runs only about 15-20 feet in front of us and across the trail!! WOW!!
Date: 2016-04-25
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Priest Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

Hog Camp Gap to The Priest Shelter 14.3 milesDuring morning pack up I found what I thought was a spider on Big Cypress sleep pad. Nope, not spider, teeny tiny deer tick. Not engorged, but kicked up our tick checks a notch!!Fiber thought he'd be on trail this morning about 8-830, from his Three Springs Hostel stay. We waited till 8:30 and the plan was to meet at the second shelter, so on we went.Arrived at Seeley-Woodworth shelter for lunch at 12:20, Fiber at 1 pm. We were happily surprised!!Arrived 6:30 at our sleep shelter, after stopping for a few minutes at the road to snack and pee, before the last biggish up. Bluesman, Sooner or Later, White Rabbit and her dad Large stopped for a few also. We tented as the shelter was full, but camp spots where nice and plentiful!! Fiber built a wonderful campfire and some of the group scoured for bigger pieces of wood. We called it a night at about 9.Critters: Lots of squirrels and chipmunks
Date: 2016-04-26
From: Priest Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Priest Shelter to Maupin Field Shelter 13.8 milesWe arrived tonight at 6:30 pm. It was a 60% chance of it being a salamander day, but that held off until almost 9 pm. Then it was Thunderstorms.         Topic of food.The other day we had a meal we had never had before. So...variety isn't an issue as much as, we are getting tired of eating soft food from a quart Ziploc. Tonight our dinner was clam chowder. Sooner or Later is from NH. Earlier he was saying he was tired of Quacker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal.   Well..that's my favorite and Big Cypress absolutely loves the clam chowder! So, I proposed a trade! Chowder cooked, how many packets would he trade for it. Answer 4!! We were both lovin' life!!!!
Date: 2016-04-27
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Paul C Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: few clouds

Maupin Field Shelter to Paul C Wolfe Shelter 15.8 milesWe hiked with Fiber for a while then he went ahead. We have no shelter stop for a half way there lunch today. Fiber left us a note in the dirt, he was there at 12, we passed by at 12:15, later Fiber said he stayed 30 minutes, so we were 45 minutes behind him. Humpback Mountain was our big up today at 3628 feet high, but we were already in the 2000's for elevation, but it was rocky and rough. We arrived at the shelter, Two Hip was there. Toast showed up, then Penn Dexter and Tephlon. Penn and Toast left to get to Waynesboro. About 10-15 minutes after we arrived the sky opened up!! Heaviest rain we've seen since our start. Toast just made it, before the rain. But, she's been hiking with Penn and (?)(i can't recall trail name) and they talked her into pressing on in the rain.
Date: 2016-04-28
From: Paul C Wolfe Shelter

To: US 250 & Blue Ridge Parkway
Miles today: 5.0

Paul C Wolfe Shelter to US 250+Blue Ridge Parkway for 5 milesMy Birthday!! Yippy....we're headed to real beds, toilets, running water and electricity!!Fiber and I talked about breakfast, we traded eggs for 2 Cliff Bars. Big missed the chat and accidentally ate the eggs. Fiber said no problem!!! He's a breakfast bar eater and has plenty, so.... No harm. Rained all night. It was very misty and the shelter was well covered, as it had a big front porch with a picnic table on it also. We were damp and our sleep systems were damp from the rain and mist. Big Cypress and I have moved from sleeping in our "pod" (sleeping bags put together), to laying on our pads and inside our silk liners, with Big's sleeping quilt open up as a blanket. Big Cypress down quilt is a 20° and mine is 0°; too warm for current conditions.We headed out at 8:30. No rain, but damp, wet dripping trees, foggy mist. Lots of salamanders on the trail.   Fiber had a feeling he needed to slow down, then about 15 feet in front of him a dead tree branch fell on the trail. A bit too close for comfort though!! Jesus is definitely walking with us!!!We walked the 5 miles quick, arrived at 10:15 at the road. Tephlon was there. Fiber went ahead a bit, and was getting pics with his dad and Melanie. It was nice to finally meet, Jeff (Fiber's dad) and to be picked up and dropped off at the Tree Streets Inn. Tephlon went to the YMCA for a shower. Fiber surprised me with 2 Mounds candy bars and a can of Root beer for my Bday. Miss Melanie even gave me a birthday present....a cheerleader Minnie Mouse watch, with a super nice note attached about hiking and being your own cheerleader!! Be confident and I can do it!! After arriving at the Inn. We got showered, walked to do laundry, ate at an Italian restaurant across from the laundry and I checked messages and made some calls and took some calls. Then we met .Com, she a fellow hiker (section) staying at the Inn also with her husband. She offered to take us to the Urgent Care at the Hospital. Arrived at 3; in a room by 3:20. Xray of my toe to make sure infection didn't go to the bone. Pee'd in a cup, still have the UTI. So....meds, clean toe with bandage, no bone issues and on our way by 6. Bill, from the Inn picked us up, took us over to the CVS for my meds and we rested the evening. Surprised by .Com and her husband, with 2 cupcakes for my birthday!! So....super sweet!!
Date: 2016-04-29
From: US 250 & Blue Ridge Parkway

To: Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero Day Waynesboro & Some New Gear10:30 am The arrival of Patrick, Amanda and Emmett!! So, very excited to see everyone!! We thought Emmett might be apprehensive about Grandpa and his big beard, but.....nope!! Didn't miss a beat!! Excited to see us as much as we were to see him!!We gathered up our stuff this morning before breakfast with .Com and hubby, so we could just scoot when Patrick arrived. We made reservations at Holiday Inn Express a few miles away, but still Waynesboro. Checked in, rested, and headed to REI near Richmond.               GEAR Got a new pack for Big Cypress. ULA was not rated for the weight he's carrying, so it's not comfortable. As Big Cypress is carrying all our food for the both of us. (My superman!!) He switched his new Vasque Breeze Boots for non leather ones, more breathable! I got Keen Logan Low hiking shoes. The toe box is bigger, hopefully they work for me!!We got Pack Covers. Big got a new blow up pad, his nozel wouldn't lock easily and he opted for a Thermarest NeoAir Xlite. We also downloaded Gut Hook to Big Cypress phone, so we got 2 external chargers for phone charging. Moonbeam sent home insulated rain pants and got regular rain pants. Mainly to block the wind in the north, if it gets real cold. We were checking out at REI and Fiber, Jeff and Melanie were walking in. It was nice to see them again and nice to see them, while not being a smelly hiker!! Hugs all around!! Introduction, visit and on our way. I was feeling awful and wanted to just go to bed!! Definitely not in a shopping frame of mind!!Back in town for take out from Panera Bread and bed!! After eating and soaking in Epsom salts.
Date: 2016-04-30
From: Waynesboro VA

To: Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Zero Day Waynesboro VA We woke fairly early, cuz it just happens now. We had a wonderful breakfast with Patrick, Amanda and Emmett. After breakfast, Amanda and I took Emmett to the pool. He swam and we visited! Big and Patrick went back to rest.At 1 pm, We went for lunch to New Ming's Garden Chinese Buffet!! We heard it's the BEST on the Entire AT. Well.....yes, yes it is! Biggest Best Chinese Buffet we've ever seen. My grandpa Scott would have absolutely Loved It!! Lots of seafood, sushi, fruits, desserts, main dishes, so much!!! And awesome quality, great tasting!! 10.99 a person today. We thought it was going to cost a bit more, seafood and being Saturday, but nope!! Filled our bellies then headed to Bryant Ridge Winery! Amanda has never been wine tasting, and it was something I requested for my birthday. We tasted and bought a Port, that Patrick & Amanda would take home for us. After tasting we sat on the lawn and let Emmett run and play and blow on the fuzzies from the spent Dandelions. Next, ran to Wal-Mart....Then hotel, more soaking, back pack redoing and items to send home etc.....We have been dreaming (mostly me, cuz I was hanging on to warm gear) of sending items home. Patrick, Amanda and Emmett visited for a few hours while we worked our packs. Then, they went to their room since they are leaving super early. I soaked in Epsom salts a bit more then, sleep sleep sleep!
Date: 2016-05-01
From: Waynesboro VA

To: Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero Day Waynesboro VA I woke at 2 am, with my toe hurting enough to make me cry. I believe it was the salt from the bath, as I didn't rinse it. Took some pain reliever and fell back to sleep.Sad Faces !!! Knock on the door at 4:30 am, With our Hard to say See Ya Laters!! (not goodbye). Patrick, Amanda and Emmett have to go to NC and pick up Amanda's folks and car to haul back to FL. We had breakfast at Holiday Inn, Big went and rested, I soaked again after eating. Then, at about 10:30 Bill & Vicky's daughter picked us up at the front lobby. We arrived and Bill had our room ready within 10 minutes!! Amazing!!! Big visited with another guest outside, I visited with Vicky in the living room. Vicky shared with me about meeting a lady from Israel last year. She was thru hiking and had just got out of the Israel Army. She was telling Vicky that this hike was harder than the military, boot camp and anything she's EVER done!! Yep folks....it is an amazing journey, but Yes, the hardest thing mentally and physically!! Well, thanks for your patience with our lack of journals daily!! The trail is not Sprint friendly, so.....We are heading out tomorrow into the Shenandoah's for an Eight (8) sleeps stint. We heard from Subman & Suds today. They are in Glasgow and doing well. Better at 15 miles days, but doing some 20's and regretting it. Hopefully we will see each other again soon!!