morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-29
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Rice field
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

I slept much better last night. I was really tired. Woke up ready to go hiking but could have been talked into staying at Woodshole forever. I really like the place. I feel a connection with Neville. She is calm, spiritual and 'channels her grandmother' as she says which really means she is a very good caretaker of what she has been given. I really want to bring G back for a long weekend and I'd like to go back and work for her during next hiking season. I will go meet her mom; she suggested we do a road trip up to the hostel. That would be fun! I just totally enjoyed everything. Love the way she runs the place and felt really calm and like my buckets were totally filled.So, I declared today Meandering Sunday. I was just taking my time. Not looking at my map. Not being concerned. I did really well until late in the afternoon. BIG climb out of Pearisburg that never ended. I did check the map a couple of times for landmarks.Pretty day that turned hot. Rhodos in full bloom - tunnels of them. Also great rock formations. Up near the shelter there are mountain laurel in bloom; those great little purple flowers I like and some new purple that look almost like a sweetpea.Crossed the New River. I enjoyed seeing a dog swimming with his stick. It as a long walk on concrete. Too much highway noise and Noise from the Celanese plant. Trains, too.Up at the shelter I've seen at least 3 deer. Interesting enclosed area in the woods east of the field. Had to climb a stile to get here.Group of 5 teens here when I arrived. At least 4 have hammocks. A larger group of older scouts came in. They settled quickly which wad nice.Middlebury told me she would be hiking more. Good for her!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-05-30
From: Rice field

To: Bailey Creek
Miles today: 16.4

This site is not as nice as Rice Field but it will be fine. I've got to be in my tent away from the bugs. I have dozens of bites on my calves and bruises on the insides of my thighs from scratching the bites.It was warm and muggy last night. Slept ok. I could feel all those uphill miles from yesterday today. I waited too late to eat lunch today and it was a tough, hot climb this afternoon. Had to carry water over .2 miles. Not that far but usually don't have to do it with a full pack. And, God forbide, I thought I got stung by a sweat bee. I may have nut I didn't have a reaction. Thank You, Lord!Early start, about 6:50, walking directly into the sun so it was warm early. I was above the clouds - got 2 pretty pics of the view. Wanted to get pics of the deer last night but they were too quick.I caught up with Journey today. She spent 5 days at Woodhole nursing that sore foot. Says it is better and she was going on another 4 miles.I am really liking no hot meals. The couscous, cranberries, nuts and tuna or salmon is working out well. I'm sending home my stove, cool weather clothes and maybe my sleeping bag. Also enjoying the bandana baths; very nice at the end of the day.Good day. Praise God!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-05-31
From: Baile Creek

To: Laurel Creek
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

I can hardly believe today was the last day of May! It's almost 6pm and still hot. I'm on my tent with all the flies open and there is no breeze. It's in the treetops but not making it down here. My bandana bath is wearing off!Another early start, about 6:40. Wasn't sure what I was going to do today so I wanted to give myself time for options. Beautiful birdsong this morning - I tried to record it. It warmed up quickly.Saw lots of chipmunks, squirrels and butterflies today.I tried sleeping without my bag last night since I'm thinking of sending to home. I had to pull it out around 2:30 am. It's fine. Would be nice to lose that pound for the Summer.Whomever said VA was flat and easy is full of whooee! It's beautiful. It does have some flatter trail but mercy does it have some major ups! And they are like straight up. Also seem to come at the end of the day. That's planning but hard to avoid.The goodness today was even though there were huge rocks, or jumbled rocks, or slippery rocks on the ups and downs the Trail was surrounded by either lemon ferns or mountain laurel in full bloom as far as the eye could see. Amazing! I've never seen this much mountain laurel in bloom.I discovered something cool about spider webs. They are lime prisms and refract light into rainbows . Hey, when you have as many on your eyelashes, face and body as I have recently you discover ways to appreciate them or you'd go crazy.Speaking of going crazy I let my mind go off today on the fairness issue of folks calling themselves thru-hikers when they are yellow blazing. I believe in HYOH. I don't believe in being dishonest and claiming to have hiked every white blaze if you haven't. Ok, climbing down now...Change of resupply plans, instead of going into Newpory I'll go into Cawtaba on Thursday. Then Daleville on Saturday for big resupply.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-01
From: Laurel Creek

To: Pickle Branch
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Quite the crew here tonight: Fling, DC, Journey, Jack Rabbit, Middlebury, Nat Dog, Indy, Daydreamer, Tiara and Pebbles.Long day. I started T 6:30 and pulled into the shelter at 18:50. 3 uphills, walked thru the section that burned - sad. Beautiful morning and I would have been out earlier but I couldn't find my spork. Again. Not sure how it ended up with my toothbrush...Really nice this morning. One big up, 6 fence stes; cow fields; old farm house and barn; lRgest oak - Keefer - in the south. I tried to get some pics of the mist on the mountains and in the valley. Wanted pics of the dew on the daisies but the iPhone camera isn't that good. The honeysuckle and lemon ferns were scenting the air. Very pleasant.Here's a quick poemOn gossamer wingsNature brings the glory of SpringMist rising off mountains, dew on wild daisiesHoneysuckle and lemon scented breezesI'm refreshedA toe grabber got my left foot which caused me to trip over my pole. I ended up with. Oth hNds ND feet on the ground. I looked at that rock and said, loudly, 'Really?!'. Then started laughing so hard I almost peed my pants. Not 3 minutes later I was negotiating rocks and kicked out my planted pole. I stumbled and I said, 'ok Lord, what's up?'. He was saying slow down and enjoy. I did and the reward was cool honeysuckle and lemon scented breezes.Pretty walk today. Moved from the woods looking at big rock formations to walking on the cliff sides of those formations. Interesting. Hot. Scary at times. More of those large rocks to negotiate along with the dark grey/black shale type rock that is lose and slides. Makes for interesting walking.I saw 3 deer this afternoon - late. Lots of squirrels today. No wildlife in the burned section e en though it is coming back.Enjoyed talking to Jack Rabbit today. He adopted an orphaned dog and named her Annie. Isn't that sweet! Nice Christian young man.It's been interesting watching the young men develop and change their plans. Moving from big mileage days to cutting back ND enjoying the journey because they realize, with school deadlines, they can not finish the whole Trail without killing themselves.I'm grateful for being content. Thank You, Lord!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-02
From: Pickle Branch

To: Catawba Mountain
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Crossed 700 miles today. Wow! Hard 14.6 miles. Seemed like a long day physically and emotionally.I got a bit of a later start, 7 am. A group was planning to do a short resupply in Catawba and then go to dinner at the Homeplace. We were all basically together in the AM. Beautiful morning, clear with a great breeze. Somewhere before we crossed the road for the first grocery we lost a few. Not a big deal. Second grocery close to the dinner place. Hitched a quick ride, walked back after a pint of butter pecan ice cream and started the last 6 miles. They were tough. Made it. Hitched a ride to the PO; mailed my cool weather stuff home and the group reconnected. Except, we lost Journey and Middlebury found out her dog is in liver failure. Never found Journey.Those of us continuing on got a ride back to the Trail from Derrick who works at the outfitters in Daleville...thanks so much for shuttling at least two car loads back!I hiked the 2.1 to the second shelter, pitched a tent and went to sleep. Too much food and emotions.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-03
From: Catawba Mountain

To: Camp Site before Daleville
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

It's early - I'm listening to the birds. I decided I wasn't rushing out of here this morning. I don't want to do almost 18 miles to town and then need to spend 2 nights to get all my stuff done. I'll take a slow day, stop when I'm ready and walk in tomorrow.I just need to comment there is a lot of 'drama' that goes on on the Trail. Some people come out here to escape from life issues. That doesn't work. You can't run away. Those issues follow and ultimately that is the reason a big number of people quit the Trail...to go home and resolve issues. I really am trying to stay out of other people's drama. I care about them as people and they need to do what the need to do.So, yesterday was tough climbing. Still beautiful. It was a clear morning and their were nice views of the Eastern range and, later, layers. A lot of cow pastures, fence stiles and heat. Walking in full sun, in a field of shoulder high weeds is hot.The Trail was very rocky in the morning - lots of climbing up and down. Ditching poles, using hands, sitting to scoot along, and, in 2 places, actual hand bars installed to assist. Different and f ; difficult and a small taste of what is to come in the Whites. Dragon's Tooth wad sort of a bust for me. They have a lot of hype.Ok, I feel better about yesterday and ready to start today. Praise God...no matter what the day brings!LaterI declared today Purposely Slow No Sweat Friday. Well, it's impossible not to sweat but I did go purposely slow and just let th day unwind. It was very nice. I took my time getting out of camp, walked slowly to McAfee Knob, took some pics. Got a Roanoke City Firefighter to take pics of me. He was up with his friend Nathan and his dog, Colt, to have breakfast. I called G from the Knob. He is ordering Avon Skin so Soft for me and arranging for the Bland package to be bumped to the ATC. All good.I want to give a big thanks to Dustin for the ride into Catawba he gave Pink Floyd, Jack Rabbit and me.I had lunch on Tinker Cliffs - great views of the valley. Today I saw 2 deer, several lizards, a fly attacking a spider and a small black rat snake. I'd just been thinking - no snakes, no bears - there was the snake. Still NO BEAR!I watched hawks soaring over the valley. I was above them. What a breath taking site to see them beat their wings to catch the draft then glide forever, beautiful.I've got a great campsite, overlooking a lake and mountains - had a pretty sunset. I'm blessed! Thank You, Lord.Hike on!ScribblesThere is a whipperwill calling; there have been several over the past week.
Date: 2011-06-04
From: Camp Site before Daleville

To: HoJo Express Daleville
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: clear sky

So, I guess today technically counts as a Nero. But I think I walked another 5 miles getting all my 'stuff' done in town. Breakfast at Cracker Barrell, got to say my experience there today, while fine, confirms why I prefer to go other places. Still, I ate 2 eggs, almost 4 slices of bacon and the better part of 3 buttermilk pancakes with a chocolate milk and coffee. I was hungry. Made my lunch of a salad and an apple really good. The pint of Ben and Jerry's later tipped the scales. I saw the sunrise this morning as I was packing up. On my walk in, in addition to at least 6 other hikers camping closer than I was, I saw 2 deer, 4 rabbits and a ground hog.Saw Journey, she is heading home tomorrow. Good for her, following her heart and doing what will make her happy. I wish her the best.I woke up this morning thinking about all the people coming out on the Trail looking for something. I wasn't looking for anything other than fulfilling a dream and, honestly, just being able to say...yes! I hiked the whole thing. Purist style. Walking past every white blaze and I'm proud of it. What I realized this morning is I found contentment. Yes, there are definetly people and things I miss. I don't think I want to live a minimalist lifestyle and I know there are 'things' I can do without in my life when I finish and go home.   It's the 'satisfied mind' that will stay with me.Thoreau said he went to the woods because he wished to live life deliberately, to confront only the essential facts of life.I have some understanding of that now. I can appreciate the essentials of clean water, nourishing food and a shelter from the weather.I'm blessed and grateful for the opportunity.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-05
From: HoJo Express Daleville

To: Bobblets Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: broken clouds

First let me say this did not feel like a Sunday. And, I lost my glasses today. They must have slipped off the log at lunch. I knew I should have bought those cheaters at Kroger. Oh well! We shall see what we can see.It rained overnight. I thought I heard it and everything was wet this morning and the sky overcast. It was spitting a bit when I left HoJo.I didn't catch up with Journey before she left. I wish her all the best.The walk out of town was different: thru a cow pasture, over the fence stile and finally into the woods. By Fulhardt Knob it was mostly sunny and warming up. The bugs were really bad at that shelter; I had a quick break, decided i was going more than 11 miles and took off.Good lunch location by a creek with cascades and fish. Made me think of Summer and Jerry. I will never eat Fritos without thinking of Daydreamer. And, I may never forgive him for turning me onto them! Kidding!!It was strangely quiet today. After hearing the city noise and the traffic from I-81 since midday Friday there was no noise. No birdsong, no traffic, nothing. Then there were far off trains and lots of trains. The Trail must be right in he flight path.Late in the afternoon the AT met up with the Blue Ridge Parkway. Very strange to be hiking along and crossing a road I've traveled on.Wilson Creek Shelter was suppose to be the 1/3 point. Crossed that today.I saw a rabbit and a deer. Late today I saw the rear end of a deer running around a bend.The rhodos are done blooming here and th mountain laurel is fading. I did see some blackberries tuning red - won't be long.In for the night at Bobblets Gap Shelter. Remember gap still means climb and now I know 'knob' means big, steep never-ending climb over rocks.Hike on!ScribblesADMIN   06/04/11        EDIT: Personal Info | Trail Info / Journal Options | About Hike | About Trailname        WelcomeACCOUNTAdminJOURNALAddEditPHOTOAddSimpleEditVIDEOAddListGEARAddListMail DropsAddEditIn NewsAddListGuest bookEditEmailHelpContactfaqSupportForumCheck ListKeywordsRatingsLog OutJournal Entries - AddStep 1: Select Entry Type and Hit ChangeEntry Type: Preparation Trail Conclusion Guest Step 2: Enter Your JournalYou should use trail entry type(default) once you started your hike. Before you hike you should change your entry type to preparation.Entry Type:        TrailDate:example 01/09/2000        Destination:        Starting Location:      Select or Enter:        Sleeping Location:        Tent Shelter Hammock Under Stars Hotel Hostel HouseDaily Miles:        Trip Miles:        (calculated)Picture File Name:        Display in Journal:        Yes NoEntry: Select one: HTML formatText Format (will convert all line returns) © 2011 All Rights Reserved.Terms under which this service is provided to you.Contact us. into th woods. By Fulhardt Knob it was mostly sunny and warming up. It cleared entirely Nd was hot
Date: 2011-06-06
From: Bobblets Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I'm in for the night at a camp site. It did not rain last night but it was muggy and warm. Quiet day. No traffic, it seemed, on the BRP. Still hearing planes. Saw 2 deer; one, late this afternoon, just stood on the Trail looking at me. She finally bound off.The mountain laurel is still pretty up higher. Mostly all green now. The woods changed several times today from hi-canopy with no ground cover to dense to hi-canopy with lots of low ground cover. All very pretty.Very hot this afternoon; the sweat as just dripping making the two big climbs. I regretted taking the side trip to Jennings especially since it was a total bust. The camp store was like a throw back to the 80's and there was little food, no ice cream and they wanted $5 to go swimming. I bought a lemonade and went down by the creek. That was nice and relaxing.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-07
From: Campsite

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Good day! I slept great last night all comfy in my tent. The water was a long walk and slow but it all came together for a relaxing evening.I woke to birdsong and got a 6:40 start. Really nice breezes. I sure wish I could save some of those breezes for the late afternoon when it feels like ther isn't a breath of air to be had. Yes! It's hot. I've never sweat this much.First thing this morning I saw a ribbon snake. He was small and slithered off. I saw a second, larger one, after lunch. It looked fat like a meal might have just been eaten.Lots of green now. I did see two new wildflowers - a purple and a coral. There were also plants taller than me that could have been a type of Queen Ann Lace. And, of course, I'd no sooner finished thinking I had not seen rhodos whn a few popped up then a whole tunnel, thn acres of them in full bloom with mountain laurel mixed in. Very very pretty. So thick a person could not walk thru. Just as quickly the woods changed to hi-canopy with acres and acres of ferns; lush and cool. Truly another beautiful VA morning.I love these soft mornings. Sunlight filtered thru the trees, barely; breezes, birdsong; quiet before the heat comes. Alone. No one else gets up and out to enjoy the cool mornings.Yes! Virginia is not flat. Whomever started that ridiculous rumor should be floggd. VA has sOme very challenging steep climbs combined with rocky terrain and boulder climbing.'matter GA, NC and TN hikers are ready for the terrain but it's not easy. In between there are flatter spots. They don't last long and are usually followed by very steep recents. With no rain, loose rocks and sandy soul those recents can be challenging, too; everyone has been sliding.Hot, hot, hot afternoon. Beautiful mountain laurel in bloom after the Apple Orchard Mountain summit. Entered the Thunder Ridge Wilderness. Still in he Jefferson National Forest. Saw one deer. Views of the James River from the hi-sandy exposed ridge. I was dripping sweat and thinking this is prime rattlesnake country. Thank You, Lord, I didn't see any.My appetite has certainly kicked in. Good thing resupply is tomorrow. I could go another 3 days but I'd be short on snacks which would ruin my days. Joking! A little. Those snacks boost my energy and keep me going. I'm really enjoying the couscous. Need more. I'm munching Fig Newtons and sipping Makers Mark. I'm sure that's not a first but it sure is good.Tonight I'm grateful for a cool, quiet place to sleep.Hike on!ScribblesE
Date: 2011-06-08
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

It was another warm muggy evening by the creek. I knew everything would be damp this morning. Thankfully it all dries in the heat and sun. We had plenty of that today. Whee! I've never sweat like this. I was thinking of the Peachtree Road Race and that it will feel like a walk in the park after hiking 16+ miles a day in temps exceeding 94 with little breeze. Always seems the end of the day climbs are on the west side of the mountains, too, with no tree cover.Today was resupoly in Glasglow. I really didn't want to try hitching alone so I talked to Jack Rabbit and Indy, we agreed to go in together. Sometime after I'd gone to my tent Nat Dog came in songs joined us. Great except 4 people hitching is more difficult than 3. It took us about an hour but we did get a ride 3 of us were in the bed of a pickup. It was actually fun. The neatest thing is all 4 of us are Christians and we decided we would pray to get a ride and we did! Glasglow has a decent setup with the grocery, dollar general and PO right together and acros the street is the library. We found out the also have a free hostel behind th laundromat...I could have used a shower and clean clothes but not enough time. We got a hit h quickly for the return from a woman in a pickup;'she owns a girls camp in VA, Mont Shenandoah, I believe. Thanks to both folks for the rides.Again, VA is not flat. Little Roxky Row and Big Rocky Row - just like their names imply - rocky and steep. Then Bluff Mtn and ended the day with Rice Mtn. Started the day at about 900' and went up to 3200'. Straight up it feels like most of the time. Sometimes I look up and the Trail appears to go forever -up. I just keep putting one foot close to in front of the other. I'm not doing the shuffle any longer; I can now pickup my feet! Ha! Just plant them close together cause these are some serious steep climbs.Crossed the James River foot bridge - the longest foot use only bridge on the AT. The breezes were fantastic! I got a pic of me as well as of ND, JR and Indy.Mostly green in the woods until late afternoon when the rhodos and Mtn laurel came back. Amazing to see them in full glorious bloom. I walked thru several acres of nothing but mountain laurel. It was so hot. But smelled good.Water was scarce today. I was glad I filled my bottle at the faucet behind th grocery. The water at Punchbowl Shelter was a trickle and needed to be pumped. Luckily the spring was running about 2 miles further. It took a while but I was able to fill my bladder and bottle so I could find a campsite and be done for the day.Not many critters today. Always birds and squirrels. I continue to see mli- and centi-pedestrian and butterflies.No cell servic for days. Hope to have it on Friday to call G fo his birthday.Tonight I'm grateful for wet wipes and Praise God for people willing to pickup hikers!Hike on!Scribbles