morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-12
From: Punch Bowl Shelter

To: Camping Spot
Miles today: 13.7

Punch Bowl Shelter was a nice spot, located by a rare pond high in the mountains. We had no mice last night. I have been told that some people won't stay here because they think it's haunted by a young boy who wandered off and died nearby a long time ago. We were not visited by any spirits last night. The trail in Virginia is great. I love every bit so far. The walk is pleasant and I am enjoying myself. I catch Lady Green and Sir Wounded Knee at Little Irish Creek where there's a suspension foot bridge. As we are getting ready to leave a backpacker approaches from his nearby campsite. He introduces himself as SparrowHawk. I am in disbelief and quickly recover, to tell him "I am Bushwhacker and you saved my life!" I gave him a hug and told him how much I appreciated all he did when I was sick on Roan Mountain. We eventually start out walking and catch up on trail gossip. As we approad an old logging road, we come upon Trail Magic of the best kind. Two through hikers from 1987 named Flash and Hot Flash provide sandwiches and fudge, apple pie, soda, cake, and best of all were their wonderful stories and advice. We leave fully satisfied and happy. I leave last and walk to the Brown Mountain Shelter for a break, meeting up with Flash and Hot Flash there for some more tales from the trail. I leave them and hike in earnest on a trail headed up. When I reach the summit I walk ridges to beautiful balds with 360 degree views, then across momre balds and down a little to a perfect camping area where Lady Green and Sir Wounded Knee are pitching their tent. A very nice group of students from Washington and Lee are nearby and offer a few beers to the thirsty through hikers. I even get challenged to a chugging game, and of course, I lose to the pros. After I cook dinner and retire to my tent, reflecting on the perfect day. Again, I am very happy. As I write, I can hear the pleasant sound of the students having a good time in the distance. I thought about my journal today and feel like I write when I'm tired and trying to finalize my day. Most of the time, I give a summary of events and apologize for the casual and hurried way I report them. I don't know how I can improve upon this unless I hiked less, but maybe I can go back and edit the entries when I'm done. For now, this will have to do. There's so much happening out here that I don't report and wish I could include it all. Every day, there's wonderful conversations and fun things that occur. Everyday is full of surprises. I never know what beautiful vista I will discover and what great people and stories I will hear. The community is the best part of the hike.
Date: 2006-05-13
From: Camping Spot

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up to a pretty morning with happy songbirds. My tent was dry and all was good as I packed my gear and tent. I wathced the W&L students awake and break camp in an organized and quick manner. They knew what they were doing! We said goodbyes and they wished us luck. I hiked again with Lady Green and Sir Wounded Knee. We seem to be getting along pretty well and so our partnership continues. It's hard to explain the terrain today, but the hike went up and we went over several ridges. Another beautiful Virginia trail. We stopped at Seely-Woodworth Shelter for a luch break and planned to hike to the Priest Shelter for the night. When I reached the Fish Hatchery Road, I had to decide whether to get off and go to the Dutch Haus B&B or continue. I decide to go on beacause I want to reach Waynesboro, the next trail town, sooner. The hike from this point was all up and a seriously strenuous stretch to the Priest Shelter. Arriving, I found a new roofed and freshly painted shelter and a Boy Scout group tenting nearby. The Boy Scouts were very friendly and had 3 adult leaders. We talked for quite awhile and they even shared some food. I ate all they brought and also my own food. My appetite is good!The weather report calls for rain tomorrow so I'm glad to be in the shelter. We make a campfire tonight and all is well. I end the day as usual in my sleeping bag writing with my headlamp on. We plan on an early start tomorrow and we'll have a challenging hike, so I will end now and say goodnight.
Date: 2006-05-14
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

No mice last night. Staying at the shelter also were Easy, Lightening Rod, Afterburner, Dudley and Maverick. As we left I waved goodbye to the Boy Scouts and headed up the trail to the top of the Priest Mountain, then the long downhill descent began, to the Tye River and VA 56. I stopped here to wait for Lady Green and Sir Wounded Knee. Shortly after they arrived with bad news. The long downhill hurt Sir Wounded Knee's knee. They needed to rest. We tried to get cell phone service unsuccessfully. A few minutes later, the Boy Scouts arrived and we asked the leader for advice and help. He offered to drive them to his house and pick up his car, then take them into Waynesboro. This troop is Troop 183 from Bedford, VA, an excellent example of what Boy Scouts stand for. I salute them and am glad to have met them. After everyone left, I continued across the the Tye River suspension foot bridge and then begin an uphill climb. I reached the Harpers Creek shelter and had lunch, and washed up in the creek. It looked like it was going to rain again. I forgot to mention that it had rained all the way down from Priest Mountain. I could hear thunder in the distance. From the river it is a 3000' climg to the top of the Three Ridges. It was a nice, strenuous climb. I was being chased by a thunder storm and was walking with purpose. As I finally reached the Maupin Field Shelter the thunderstorm caught me and it poured rain.A father and son through hiker from 2000, EZ and Lightening Rod, were at the shelter. It looked that that would be all for tonight. Shortly after, Afterburner arrived, then Maverick and Dudley from the Maine Train rolled in. The shelter was now full. Our wet gear was all over and the place was a mess. All got into dry gear and cooked dinner, then spread out their sleeping bags. It's about 8:30 as I write this and EZ is already sawing wood. Everyone discusses their plans for tomorrow. Afterburner's son is just home from Iraq and he is going to try to make it to Waynesboro to give him a call. I am sorry that Sir Wounded Knee is injured. I really enjoyed their company, but that's the way it goes out here. Someone else will come along soon.
Date: 2006-05-15
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Everyone is up at 6am this morning and I join them in the morning routine. Breakfast is eaten, gear is packed, water is filtered or purified, privy visit and wash up, then take off layers and put pack on and head out. A quick check to make sure nothing is left behind and the hike begins out of the shelter and up the trail. Previous discussion about the trail from here to Rockfish Gap, where Waynesboro is located, suggested that the 21 miles would be predominantly down and easy. The hike started out up and I warmed up quickly. I decided to do the 21 miles today and walked at a good pace in order to get to town before the Visitor's Center closed at 5 pm. This section had many interesting viewpoints and went over Humpback Mountain. There was a section of rock steps called Stairway to Heaven and many rocky ridgetops to the summit. I passed Elk, a 3 time thru hiker, and then made my way to the Paul C Wolf Shelter where I took a late lunch break. As I sat there, Elk caught up with me and sat down. It was the first time I ever saw him at a shelter - he seems to always camp out in his tent. Elk told me that he was thinking about going off trail because his foot was sore. I was shocked. He always has such a positive and upbeat attitude and is a pleasure to speak with. I guess he has been silently dealing with pain and feels it's time to heal, then maybe hike some more up north. I hope is is okay. I have to leave, so I say goodby and head up the trail. I arrive at the Rockfish Gap and the Visitor's Center at 4pm. The volunteers at the center are very helpful and call a volunteer Trail Angel named Bill Phillips, who drives me to the outfitter and then to a hotel. I find Lady Green and Sir Wounded Knee there and after a shower we go to dinner. I do my laundry while we eat. They advise me to slackpack tomorrow. I will Zero tomorrow, go to the P.O. and get my maps, then plan next week so I can get my groceries.
Date: 2006-05-16
From: Waynesboro VA

To: Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I will be zeroing today and will send my photos home. I need to do a photo log and get my chores done. I also hope to rest today and tonight will dine with Lady Green and Sir Wounded Knee. I ran into Afterburner last night and he was doing fine, this morning I ran into Buttercup, who also was fine. I will try to catch up on the news and watch the weather reports. I am amazed at the President's address regarding immigrants and all the attention it is getting. I'm glad to be on the trail and don't have to deal with the daily BS that the media and government keeps coming up with. I'm not trying to make any political statements, but I am happy to be in the forest discovering new pleasures, meeting new people, getting great exercise, taking pleasure in a creek, a view, a new songbird, or just a fresh breeze. It seems sad to hear the negatives in society. I am grateful the AT exists and is so lovingly cared for by so many special volunteers. Thank You!
Date: 2006-05-18
From: Tenting Spot - SNP

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

The deer were still outside and greeted me this cool morning when I emerged from my tent. I changed into my hiking clothes and began the morning routine. The bearbag came down, the gear was repacked and the tent stuffed. I ate a quick breakfast and soon was out hiking. The trail was pleasant, and soon passed the sign for the Blackhawk Hut. I went on, planning a break at Blackrock Mountain. When I arrived there I found an open rocky summit with great views. I went to the lee side of the summit and ate two sandwiches. The trail then continued with a gentle slope to Loft Mountain where there were nice views from rocky overlooks. I walked over to a wayside restaurant at Loft Mountains and ate heartily. I had a steak and chhes with fries and a Pepsi, then a bacon cheeseburger and a beer. I was going to have a blackberry milkshake, but the machine was broken. I sat there and wrote this journal entry. It's about 3:30 pm and I have to plan my next moves. I have the maps spread out and I'm looking at the Pinefield Hut for tonight, but first I have to finish up here and make myself hit the trail again.After a smooth walk, I arrive at the Pinefield Hut and find room, so I decide to stay with Crazycreek, Quarters and a southbound sectional hiker named Jive. Shortly after a dad, Graham, and two daughters Ashley and Stephanie, arrive. Around dark two through hikers, Bonesaw and Tricycle, arrived in camp and began their routine of checking into the shelter and cooking their dinners. We already had a nice campfire, and we all began to talk and enjoy the pureness of the moment.
Date: 2006-05-19
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Everyone except Quarters and CrazyCreek are up early, including me! I start out hiking with Bonesaw and Tricycle and the plan is to hike to the Lewis Mountain Campground where there is a campstore. The store closes at 5:30 so we have a goal. The hike elevation profile looks like it has many mountains to climb. The day was cool and the trail more resembled the AT we all love. The landscape is improved and the trail was challenging with good rewards. When we arrived at the campstore, the temperature seemed to drop rapidly. The thermometer outside the store shows 48. Even though it is cold, I consume a pint of ice cream. We then eat several sandwiches, some coffee, snacks and carry out some beers. The Bearfence Mountain Hut is close, so the end of our hike is not far ahead. We arrived at the shelter and there is a group of sectional hikers there. We have a campfire and sit around for awhile, enjoying the night. Today's hike was almost 21 miles over many mountains and I am feeling good.
Date: 2006-05-20
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Camping Spot
Miles today: 20.0

We are still in the Shenandoah National Park and the hike will go past two restaurants where we can eat and drink. So, the walk today needs to be planned so we pass the Big Meadows for lunch and then dinner at Skyland. Along the way we pass a small cabin which was the summer retreat of President Hoover. The hike today was better than yesterday. The SNP portion of the AT seems manicured and less wild than previous sections we have walked. Plus, the trail passes the roadways many times and the sound of the traffic seems close most of the time. I have enjoyed the Virginia section, but the SNP is not up to the rest of the state. It's nice, but there are much more beautiful areas south of the park.After eating and drinking at Skyland Lodge we sit for a few minutes in the lodge and enjoy the chairs and sofa next to the fireplace. It's good to relax and sit. The pleasures we take for granted at home are now greatly appreciated and missed. After a while, we get up, hoist our packs and hit the trail. We were looking for a place to camp in the woods. The SNP does not have many places to camp other than the huts, so we feel lucky to find one about two miles from the lodge around Crusher Ridge Trail. There's just enough room to pitch our tents. During the night we are visited by deer.
Date: 2006-05-21
From: Camping Spot

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: few clouds

We awoke to another beautiful day and hiked to the Byrd's Nest picnic area for breakfast, then hiked hard to the Elkhollow Wayside where I caught up to Bonesaw and Tricycle. We ate a lot of food and drank some beer. As we hiked toward the Gravel Springs Hut we spotted a nice-sized black bear walking along in the woods. It did not seem afraid of us and walked slowly away, keeping an eye on us as it went. We walked awhile and had a beer to commemorate the bear sighting.We arrived late at the shelter and had a campfire and drank the rest of the beers we carried in from the wayside 6 miles away. It was a nice day and I feel asleep fast.
Date: 2006-05-22
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal Virginia
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: few clouds

We hiked to Tom Floyd Wayside and then to a parking area where we took a break. While there several cars turned in and the occupants looked at us and then drove away. I am beginning to think we must look a little wild and scary. I'm sure I smell a little wild and scary! A couple did park and get out, and walked a ways on the trail. The gentleman looked like Thurston Howell III and the lady looked like Lovey. We laughed at them, and had a fun time watching them. He had on a blue blazer jacket and dress shoes and she was in a designer outfit. So many different types of people enjoying this trail!We headed out towards Front Royal for a town stop. A nice lady stopped for us and rode us into town to a hotel, where we checked in, ate, cleaned up, and relaxed.
Date: 2006-05-23
From: Front Royal Virginia

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: clear sky

We awoke and did our town chores. Did our laundry, went to breakfast, went to the outfitter and I found a seamstress who could repair my backpack. I have a ULA Catalyst pack and the buckles on the shoulder pads are digging into my shoulders. It's driving me mad. I asked Lynne to call about it for me, and was advised to have it sewn. So I was lucky to find a seamstress that would do it while I waited. While at the laundry a woman who may have been homeless approached Tricycle and offered him a stuffed animal that looked like a miniature wolf. Tricycle turned her down and she went away. We walked to the grocery and resupplied and were organizing ourselves when a lady approached us. I asked if she would pick us up and take us to the trailhead. I told her we would be at the fast food place when she was done at the grocery. She picked us up as planned and drove us to the trail. Another trail angel helps us out - thanks Barbara. We hiked to the Jim and Molly Dent shelter. We had filled a platypus with wine and were ready to have a campfire and a party when we arrived. Three section hikers were there, as well as Dutch Chef, and Patrick, Granite and Tofurky. I was happy to see Tofurky and glad to meet Granite for the first time. We shared our wine and had a great evening.
Date: 2006-05-24
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

We got a late start. We were last to leave and just enjoying the shelter. It has a shower and a nice porch with a bench. We finally got going and reached a road, and took a break. There was a grocery store pretty close and a gentleman who was waiting for his wife to finish a day hike offered to take us to the store. Bonesaw and Tricycle went, and came back with more wine and a case of beer. We split the bounty and hiked on to the Dick's Dome Shelter. It is small and uninviting. Tofurky and Dutch Chef, Patrick and SparrowHawk were there. We set up our tents and started another great campfire, and had another party. Everyone joined in and we had a great time. We told some funny stories and Tricycle was in rare form.
Date: 2006-05-25
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

We had another easy day. We only hiked to the Rod Hollow Shelter and somehow were talked into staying. Tofurky, Patrick, Dutch and Chef were there and we started a campfire in the afternoon. Soon many people arrived and the place was buzzing. People were playing frisbee and a card game of Euchre was going on. Patrick apparently is a very good card player. Bonesaw and Tricycle and I tented in the woods near the shelter. Tofurky has been going slow so she can let Curly and Swansons catch up. I would like to see them as well. I haven't seen them since I was sick at Roan Mountain.
Date: 2006-05-26
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

We hiked and were challenged by the section called the Roller Coaster. As you can imagine, it's an up and down section over about 8 mountains. On one of the mountains I took a wrong turn and had to do an extra up and down to get back on the trail. While off trail, Curly and Swansons passed us, unbeknownst to us at the time. We arrived at Bears Den Hostel and decided to stay. Bonesaw, Tricycle, Curly, Swansons, Granite, Don Johnson and Brian were there and we all went out to the Horse Shoe Curve Tavern for dinner. We also bought 3 bottles of wine to go for tomorrow.
Date: 2006-05-27
From: Bear's Den Hostel

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

At the Bears Den last night Don Johnson and Brian came back in late and were in good spirits. There was an older man who wasn't a hiker and I'm not sure why he was there. Anyway, he was a jerk and tried to start a big argument with Don Johnson, who did a good job putting him in his place. In the morning, we had a nice breakfast of french toast, bacon and sausage and got ready to hike. We started out north and the trail continued in the roller coaster fashion for a while. We ran into caretakers from the Blackburn Hostel, a PATC operated cabin just up the trail. They offered us brownies and bananas and invited us to stay there. After som debate, we all decided to stay. It was a funny scene with the caretakers on one side of the trail handing us food, and me, Bonesaw, Tricycle, Granite, Tofurky, Curly, Swansons, and Patrick on the other side. We decided to stay at Blackburn and had a great time. Tricycle and Swansons made a beer run and helped out with a crew doing trail maintenance in exchange for a ride into town. I took a solar shower and relaxed on the screened porch. Later we had a great campfire and were invited up for dinner. Trail Boss told a story and passed around a special drink. A good time was had by all and we retired in our own cabin. I slept on the porch and talked to Patrick about his plan to continue on as a through hiker. Patrick was also named Trump for his card playing skills.
Date: 2006-05-28
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We woke at the Blackburn Center and headed out separately up the trail towards the 1000 mile point. I reached the David Lesser Shelter and signed into the register. It¢s good to know I¢ve hiked 1000 miles. Later up the trail I ran into Tofurky and Trump and we walked together awhile. We were almost into Harpers Ferry when I was again walking by myself. The trail crosses the Shenandoah River then goes up a hill into town. I walked to the ATC Center and got my picture taken; I was recorded at the 162nd through hiker to arrive. We went to a pizza restaurant and I ordered a large pizza and a 2 liter of coke. I had a few slices left and a small amount of coke left which I gave to Bonesaw and Tricycle when I met them back at the ATC Center. Went to the outfitter for some resupply and then headed out. Bonesaw and Tricycle noticed an invitation for through hikers to come to a reunion party at a PTC house next to the trail. We went and met thru hikers from 2004 as well as some 06 hikers. We ate some food and had some beer, then left and headed north out of town in the C&O canal towpath. After awhile, we headed back into the forest and up a hill to the Ed Garvey Shelter. We arrived late and found a Boy Scout troop at the shelter. The boys were well behaved and went to sleep soon after we settled in. Since we just had eaten at the reunion party, we did not have to eat dinner.
Date: 2006-05-29
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Pine Knot Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

The Boy Scouts were up and out before us. We lazed back to give them some space to get going. We then got up and talked to some ex thru hikers who were out hiking with their young children. They said they planned to hike more miles then the youngest boy could manage so they relaxed their schedule and were having a great time. We hiked to the Gathland State Park and looked in the museum and then walked on past the war memorial. Before leaving we had a soda from the machine. After awhile we reached the Dakegan Backpack Campground where we took a shower and a long break. When we finally got going it had cooled down somewhat. We reached the Washington Memorial State Park and climbed the old rock monument. The view was great and we lingered for awhile before setting off again. While at the State Park an old black dog walked with us and we hoped he wouldn¢t follow us too far. It soon turned dark and we walked on with our headlamps for illuminating the trail. We crossed a footbridge across Interstate 70 and I saw someone sitting in the middle. Thinking it was Tricycle, who often walks ahead, I said ¢Nice of you to wait for me!¢ but it turned out to be two young lovers who I know I scared to death. We decided to go to a biker bar nearby and blueblazed off the trail, walking down a local street to the Dog Patch Saloon. We arrived at about 9:20 pm and found the saloon closed at 9 pm. We were amazed and disappointed that a biker¢s bar would close at 9pm. We walked back to the AT and continued for awhile, arriving at the Pine Knot Shelter where we had the place to ourselves.