morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: light rain

The plan for today was 23 miles but changed in a good way. The rain stopped by mid morning. Mrs. Gray Ghost had been urging me to go to a medical clinic to get something for my cold. As I was stopped and eating lunch, I got a text message from Big Dawg indicating that they were in Bland, VA waiting for the rain to end. I looked at my guide book and noticed there was a medical clinic in Bland. I was only a couple of hours away, and I started seriously considering stopping there for the night. After a couple of hours, I arrived at U.S. Highway 52 and saw that Bland was only three miles away. As I stood by the highway crossing trying to decide between stopping in Bland or continuing on, a car pulled over and approached me. The car window rolled down, and the couple asked me if I needed a ride to somewhere. At that moment, I knew the right decision was to go into Bland for the night. I told them I could use a ride into Bland to the Big Walker Motel, but warned them I was very smelly. The lady responded that they help hikers all the time and were not concerned about smells. Her husband helped me load my pack in the truck, and the we took off for Bland. I learned their son had hiked the AT a few years ago. Rick and Carol go out of their way to see if there are hikers they can help. When we got to the motel, Rick gave me his card and told me to feel free to call him if there was anything they could do to help. As it turned out, Rick Lindamood is a methodist minister in nearby Wythesville, VA. Some would say their arrival at just the right time was a coincidence, but I know otherwise. God is caring for me everyday. I got cleaned up and had Bubba drive me to the clinic. I waited almost two hours but finally saw a doctor and got a prescription to help me. After I got back to the motel, Big Dawg ordered pizza, bread sticks, and cinnamon buns for dinner. We ate until we could hold no more. Today, I did not complete my planned 20 miles, but it had been a very good day.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Bland, VA

To: Trent's Grocery
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: scattered clouds

After breakfast at the Dairy Queen across the street from the motel, Bubba took several other hikers and me back to U.S. Hwy 52 to resume where we left off the day before. The weather had cleared, and the morning went very well. By mid afternoon, I had knocked out 17 miles. I had read in the guide book and had heard other hikers talk about Trent's Grocery, which is a country store with a deli and a small campground. I decided I would stop there for the night. From where the trail crossed the highway, was a .5 mile road to reach the store. I arrived at the store and paid for a campsite. I set up my tent and then went into the store for dinner. They had just given out of hamburgers, so I ordered two chicken sandwiches, fries, and a honey bun for dessert. It was delicious. The store had groceries, hunting supplies, fishing and trapping supplies, hardware, and most anything else you could imagine. Before dark, eight to ten other hikers had arrived and set up camp. Today was a beautiful day, and I had plenty of good food.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Trent's Grocery

To: Docs Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

I woke up this morning, and my tent and contents were wet from the heavy dew and condensate inside my tent. It was a clear night, and the temperature had dropped to 37 degrees. I packed up my wet tent and headed to the store for breakfast. After a hearty meal, I headed back to the trail. I had hoped to be in Pearisburg by this evening, but it was 25 miles away. I decided to see how the day went, and then decide if I could make it all the way. Mrs. Gray Ghost checked motel availability for me, and later we found out there no motel rooms available at all. This made my decision easy, so I decided to stop at the last shelter before Pearisburg. I ran into Indiana Jones and Big Dawg and joined them for a few minutes of a lunch break. Their plan was to stop at Wood's Hole Hostel. This hostel is a very unique organic farm and resort. I decided I would pass it up, because I was still coughing a lot and not feeling 100%. I do intend to visit this unique place after my hike. The trail was fairly easy, and I made it to the shelter by mid afternoon. By the end of the day, several others joined me in the shelter. Tomorrow will be an easy eight miles into Pearisburg.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Docs Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: few clouds

Today, I got an early start and was excited about reaching Pearisburg today. The trail was very moderate and smooth, and the miles flew by. By 3:00 P.M. I was in Pearisburg. Once in the outskirts of town, I walked another 1.5 miles to reach my motel. My room was not yet ready, so I waited in the motel's hiker room. I saw Dirty Harry and Fran, who were taking a zero day. I finally checked into my room, showered, and headed for the Chinese Restaurant Buffet. The very words "buffet" or "all you can eat" get hikers very excited. I got my money's worth at the buffet. Next, I got my clothes cleaned and relaxed. I called home, and Mrs. Gray Ghost was watching the Kentucky Derby. I had forgotten it was today. I turned on my tv, and we watched it together. The Triple Crown races are something we always watch together. For my evening meal, I went to a Mexican Grille across the street. Tomorrow will be a zero day, and I am looking forward to some rest and being totally lazy.
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is a zero day. A day to rest, eat, resupply, and relax. I had breakfast at Hardees with Star, a section hiker from Chattanooga, that I have been seeing for the last few days. After breakfast, I found Grace Covenant Ministry Church, which meets in an old store building just down the street. I opened the door, and the pastor and his wife were already there. They told me that worship service was at 11:00 A.M., and they would be glad to have me join them. I went back at 11:00 and joined for worship. There was a time of prayer, a short video, and a sermon from 2 Timothy. It was great being there, and I was made to feel welcome by the small congregation. After the service, a shuttle guy by the name of, Skeeter, carried me to a buffet restaurant and to Wal-Mart for resupply shopping. The rest of the afternoon, I caught up on my journal and other chores. Later in the afternoon, I met a hiker who I knew about through a message on my journal. His wife is from Powder Springs, GA, and she left me a message several days ago when she saw I was from Dallas, GA. She said her husband, Al, should be at about the same place I am on the trail. I ended up going to dinner with Al, Mike, and Trouble Bear. Al and Mike are retired military, and Trouble Bear is from California. We caught up on trail towns, hostels, who knows who on the trail, and had a great time of fellowship and getting to know each other. While there, we also saw Rain Pants, Pippin, and DFI. I will be leaving out tomorrow morning, and Al, Mike, and Trouble Bear, I think are staying over tomorrow. I am sure we will cross paths again. I want to thank my daughter, Liz, for all of the effort she has put into helping me keep this journal updated. Thank you, Liz. I also want to congratulate her on the completion last week of her Educational Specialist Degree. I am very proud of her in all of the roles she fulfills- daughter, wife, mother, teacher, and a wonderful person! Well, my stop in Pearisburg has been good, but it's time to get my gear in order, so I can get off tomorrow morning.
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

After a big breakfast at Hardee's, I headed up the trail. Over the first few hours, I ascended 1,700' with some nice views of Pearisburg and the New River. In the early afternoon, I passed through an old apple orchard. The apple trees were in full bloom, and the smell was very pleasant. After a 19 mile day, I made it to my shelter. I met some new hikers and ran into Rob, whom I last saw in Hot Springs, NC. We compared our plans for the next few days and realized they were pretty much the same. After dinner, it was off to bed by 8:30 P.M.
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Today, I had a 1,400' climb and a 1,200' climb. Also, the weather is really getting warm, and the trail is getting more and more rocky. Today was a very hard day, and I finally reached the shelter by about 4:30 P.M. I met Davinci, Bismark, and Hopper for the first time. Bismark thru hiked in 2013. After a quiet dinner, it was bedtime.
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Audie Murphy Memorial
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night, Rob and I agreed to end our day at the Audie Murphy Memorial. In the morning, I passed by the Kieffer Oak Tree, which is the second largest on the trail. It is 18' in circumference and over 300 years old. As the previous two days, today included a couple of major climbs. By late afternoon, we reached the Audie Murphy Memorial. It was a very moving tribute to a true hero from WWII. In fact, he was the most decorated soldier in WWII. The reason this memorial is here, is because he died in a plane crash nearby. Just down the hill from the monument, there was a nice campsite, and we set up camp. Several young hikers came by and asked if it was worth walking up the blue-blazed trail to see the monument. We both encouraged them to see it. I commented to a couple of them, that without the service and sacrifice of men like Audie Murphy and all others who have defended our freedom, we would not be able to be hiking the AT. Just before dark, Heartwood showed up and camped beside us.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Audie Murphy Memorial

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Today, the main goal was to reach Four Pines Hostel, get a shower, and go eat at the Home Place Restaurant. During today's hike, we passed over a mountain called, "Dragon's Tooth." The view was really good, but the trail near the summit was the most challenging trail since I started. It was all boulders, and in several places it was so steep that ladders had been attached to the boulders. It was very tedious and dangerous. Unfortunately, my last memory of Dragon's Tooth will be getting it behind me. Finally, Rob and I made it to the Four Pines Hostel. A man named, Joe, has converted a three car garage behind his home into a hostel. He accepts donations, but does not turn anyone away. When we arrived, we saw there were many familiar faces and a few new ones. My guess is that over 20 hikers were here for the night. The Home Place Restaurant is just a few miles down the road, and it's reputation for delicious, family-style food is widespread. Many thru hikers have advised to plan your hike, so that you are here on a day the restaurant is open, which is Thursday-Sunday only. Joe loads everyone up and shuttles them to the restaurant and back. It is located in a beautiful, old house. It is a favorite of Virginia Tech students and faculty. We were greeted by a 1.5 hour wait for a table, but it was well worth it. They served us fried chicken, pulled pork, and roast, with vegetables for sides. They kept serving until you could eat no more. You can't imagine how much 12 hungry hikers can eat! After we finished stuffing ourselves, we returned to the hostel for the night. The Home Place Restaurant is certainly one of the places along the trail I will revisit.
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Today was a relatively shorter day. Our plan was to get close enough to Daleville to make Saturday a short hike into town. The highlight of the day was McAfee Knob. The view was spectacular, and we hung out there for a while enjoying it. By 4:30 P.M., we reached our shelter. The shelter was full as what usually happens when there is rain in the forecast. Later in the evening, I was resting on my sleeping pad and decided to get up for a minute to take care of a couple of chores before it got dark. As I slid to the front edge of the shelter, I suddenly spotted a small snake crawling across the floor. I commented to the group about the snake. Someone asked what kind of snake. I responded that I wasn't entirely certain, but it looked like a baby copperhead. Several of the others took a look and confirmed it was a copperhead about 8-10" long. Before we could remove him from the shelter, he crawled through a crack between the floor boards and into the space below the floor. Needless to say, I slept with one eye open, but he didn't reappear. Someone commented the next day that there are certainly no mice in this shelter.
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

Eager to get into town today, we got an early start. Today, the trail was up and down, but there were no major climbs. By 11:40 A.M., we arrived in Daleville and walked down Hwy 11 to the Howard Johnson Express. Rob and I are sharing a room. For lunch, we went to the Three Little Pigs BBQ. Afterward, I went by the local outfitters store and bought a smaller hip belt for my pack. I had a size large, but with weight loss, I had very little adjustment room left. I spent the afternoon napping and updating my journals. Tonight, we dined at the Country Cooking Restaurant. I am washing clothes and need to get that finished before bedtime.   After a week on the trail, town stops are something to look forward to, and this has been a very good one.
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Daleville, VA

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

We got up and ate breakfast at the motel. Just before noon, we checked out and stopped by Kroger for a few supply items, and I grabbed a sandwich for lunch. It seemed strange starting so late, but we only had a little over 11 miles to get to our shelter. The afternoon hike was relatively easy, but it was getting very hot. By late afternoon, we arrived at our shelter. The weather was so nice, I decided to pitch my tent instead of staying in the shelter. I met several new people, Jo Hawk, Journey Man, Tor Tor, and Long Haul. There was a big crowd at this shelter tonight. Tomorrow, we have a 21 mile day planned.
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We got off to an early start, but as the morning wore on, it got hotter and hotter. Much of today's hike paralleled and crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway. We kept hoping that we would be able to enjoy some trail magic at one of the crossings, and we did finally get a bottle of cold water from a nice couple at one of the overlooks. Today was a very emotional day in a good way. I received pictures from Mrs. Gray Ghost and others showing me what they were all doing on Mother's Day and the day before. The pictures were wonderful, and I thought about all those precious ones back home. I also thought a lot about my mother and father. God blessed me with the best parents I could ever hope to have, and also the best mother-in-law and father-in-law. They have all gone on to their Heavenly home, but I rejoice in knowing that in God's time, we will be reunited with one another. What a glorious reunion that will be! The trail guide mentioned that there was a swimming hole at Jennings Creek, and everyone was looking forward to cooling off. By mid-afternoon, we made it there, and everyone jumped into the cold water. It felt so good. There was a campground a mile up the road that had a store and a deli. One of the guys called them, and the lady who ran it came and picked us up. As soon as she showed up, several of us went directly from the creek, straight into her Yukon SUV. Once we arrived, she took our orders for lunch, which included hamburgers, fries, shakes, and other beverages. We sat on the porch, and she brought them to us. It was all so good! I had a coke, bacon cheeseburger, fries, chips, and a milkshake. After we finished, she took us back to the trail and we finished the day's hike. No one needed any dinner tonight. It had been a very, very special day in so many ways.
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Spring Campsite
Miles today: 17.1

Today's hike featured over 3,000' elevation gain. As yesterday, we were in close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Today was nearly 90 degrees, our hottest day so far. I am seeing more and more rhododendrons and wild azealias in full bloom. It is so beautiful ang gives the trail a really sweet fragrance. Today was hard and so hot. We reached our campsite, set up our tents, and retired for the night.
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Marble Spring Campsite

To: US 501, Glasgow, VA
Miles today: 7.7

We started early this morning on our seven mile walk to the James River Bridge and Hwy 501, near Glasgow, VA. Most of the hike was downhill, and it went by very quickly. We crossed over the James River on an old railroad bridge, which is now strictly an AT bridge. AS we reached the other side, we found trail magic with a nice banner, saying it was provided by friends of Jo Hawk. Thank you, Jo Hawk and friends. We enjoyed doughnuts, beverages, and fruit. Another hiker, Uncle Tom, was there waiting for his grandfather to pick him up, and when he arrived, they were so nice and let us catch a ride into Glasgow. We got out and walked over to a hiker shelter, provided by the city of Glasgow for AT hikers. After cold, but very refreshing showers, we ate lunch at Scotto's Restaurant, resupplied at the general store and Dollar General, and did our laundry. This is a very small town, but they are very welcoming to hikers. Tonight, we will dine again at Scotto's Restaurant. Their special for Wednesday night is all the spaghetti you can eat. Severe weather is in the forecast for tonight and the next two days. I'm glad to be here in Glasgow for now.
Date: 2014-05-15
From: US 501, Glasgow, VA

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up early and walked over to the store for a cup of cofee and a couple of frozen biscuits, which I microwaved. Rob and another guy in the shelter had been sick all night long. I didn't mention it previously, but I was sick last Friday night. It's going around, and I would estimate nearly half of the hikers we know have been sick. It starts with nausea and vomitting 12 hours, and then it's over except for weakness from not being able to hold anything down. It took me about two days to fully recover. Ken, our shuttle, picked us up at 7:15and took us back to the trail. Ken retired from a long career working in the insurance industry in Manhatten. He now lives in the area and shuttles hikers. The weather forecast called for heavy rain and flash flooding. We climbed over 2,000' in the first few miles. We decided to stop at a shelter, so Rob could rest as he was very weak from being sick. Just as we reached the shelter,the rain began. After a good break at the shelter, we put on our rain gear and hiked out into the rain. It continued all afternoon. At 6:30, we reached our shelter and found it already full with section hikers. Only after Rob asked, did they attempt to make room for us. It's proper trail etiquette for section hikers to save some room for thru hikers. They must not have known this, but we piled in to get out of the pouring rain. We went to bed soaked to the bone. It had been a long day. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a beter day.
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

It rained almost all night long, but we awoke to blue skies and sunshine. It was a perfect day for hiking, with temperatures in the 60's all day. Our big challenge of today was a 2,700' ascent up Bald Knob. The scenery gave us beautiful views of the valleys below. Since today was only a 16 mile day, we arrived at our shelter by mid-afternoon. At the shelter, we saw Ace, Mock, Problem Bear, Munchie, Grasshopper, Runaway, and several others. Today was a near perfect day, in contrastto the torrential rain of the previous day, and we were so thankful. Tomorrow, Rob's friend, Terri from Charlottesville, VA is picking him up at VA 826, and he has invited me to join them.
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: VA 826
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Rob had previously arranged for his friend, Terri, to pick us up where the trail crosses VA 826. We moved quickly all morning eager to get there and enjoy a night in Charlottesville and lots of good food. The meeting time was set for 10:30-11:00 A.M. We crossed a washed out dirt road and continued on. After almost a mile, we came to the Priest Shelter. At that poing, it hit us. The washed out dirt road was obviously VA 826. We turned around and headed back. Upon getting back to the road, we knew it was impassible by an ordinary vehicle, so we headed west on it for a half a mile to a parking lot. In the parking lot, were a few Jeeps but not Terri. Rob would have called her, but we had absolutely no cell service. At the parking lot, we took a trail which led to Crabtree Falls and eventually to Hwy 56. We hiked on three mils to get to Hwy 56, passing the beautiful Crabtree Falls along the way. Once we reached Hwy 56, we started walking down it, hoping to be picked up by a passing vehicle. After about 15 minutes, a car stopped and offered us a ride. It was a very nice couple, Mr. and Mrs. Evans, from Northern VA, and their two dogs, Gracie and Jeremy. Rob climbed into the cargo area. I climbed into the back with Gracie and Jeremy. We asked them if they could take us to a store that had a land line or anywhere we could get cell service. They were headed toward Charlottesville also. We were half way to Charlottesville before Rob was able to call Terri. She had driven on for as far as she could go on VA 826. She had waited for a long time, hoping we would show up but finally decided to drive back. Rob told her we were nearly in Charlottesville, and he would call her to arrange a meeting place. The Evans gave us a tour of the UVA campus, and then suggested we might enjoy the downtown mall. We liked the idea, and they dropped us out at the outdoor mall, which was a wide, tree lined avenue with outdoor dining and many restaurants to choose from. We sat down at Millers and ordered hamburgers. Meanwhile, Rob called Terri, and she said she would join us there. We all enjoyed our lunch and then proceeded to Terri's place, stopping along the way for some resupply needs. That evening, we enjoyed a buffet at Wood Grille Restaurant.
Date: 2014-05-18
From: VA 826

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

We had breakfast, went to Gander Mountain, Harris Teeter, and the laundromat. We then started back to the trail. Along the way, we ate lunch at Blue Mountain Brewery and Restaurant.   After lunch, Terri dropped us off as close as she could get to where we left off yesterday. Terri had been a wonderful hostess and did so much to help us. Thanks again Terri. We started hiking at 2:30 P.M., since we had only eight miles to do. The first part of our hike was the ascention up the Priest, elevation 4,063'. Once we started don the other side, we had some magnificent views of the valley we had driven through to get back to the trail. We reached the shelter by late afternoon. Our time in Charlottesville had been very restful and enjoyable.