morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-07
From: Dickey Gap

To: Dickey Gap
Miles today: 0.0

   Up and packed by 7:20 am. Town days always get us moving! On the road and hitched a ride by 7:45, eating McDonalds McGriddles by 8:10!!   Booked a room at the Virginia House Inn and vegged in front of the tv! Caught the "Friends" cast on a few shows. I had listened to the final episode, in the tent, last night. Could not miss it!   Walked to Walmart, then went to an excellent Chinese food buffet, for $4.99 each! mmm good! Back to the room, for more vegging in front of the tv! Back to the trail tomorrow.Close Call - lazy and love'n it!
Date: 2004-05-08
From: Dickey Gap

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

We had a very lazy morning, checked out of our room at 11:00 am. Hitched a ride back to Dickey Gap trail head. A young collage grad, in a trans-am, went a few miles out of his way, to get us to our destination! When we arrived, Justine & Tom, from Ogonquit Maine, were eating lunch. We met them back before Erwin, Tennessee, but had lost touch with them. Got caught up on each others adventure, before starting on the trail at 1:00 pm. Weather was very warm, sunny,and quite humid. We poured the water to us- but I still got a slight headache.We stopped several times, for short breaks & snacks. At 4:00 pm heat thunder started rumbling & continued until well after sunset. No rain until 9:00 pm and that only lasted a short time. Ok, one black snake was interest- ing, 2nd black snake was exciting - with the snake charmer - BUT by the 3rd... @ 6 feet long - I'm a tad bit jumpy! The turkey vultures, soaring overhead, were much more interesting! Other than the heat, the hike went well. We hadn't planned on getting as far as we did, but before we knew it, we were within striking distance of the shelter. So we hiked on. And boy, were we glad we did! At 7:45 pm got to Partnership shelter, just before the road, to offers of beer, pizza, & chicken nuggets/fries! Leftovers, that other hikers were more than happy to share, so we dug in! There were about 10 staying in the shelter. There was lots of room, so, we opted for that, in case of rain. So glad we did! The best shelter yet - showers attached, and a sink with hot & cold water! Lower & upper level - holds 18. PS - Dingle, thanks for the chicken nuggets! Glad to hear your mom is keeping you up to date, with all the trail news. Wish I had that contact :}Close Call - warm, dry & tummy full :}
Date: 2004-05-09
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

   Woke and up by 6:45 am. Talked with the guys that stayed at the shelter. Thanked everyone for the food, last night, then packed up and headed for the road.    Hitching back into Marion, to get a room for the Survivor finally!! Well... actually that's a bonus... we have a UPS parcel being delivered tomorrow morning.    Our pocketmail device was sent for repair. We got it back & it started cutting out again!   SO .... Thanks to Carter's mom... the company is sending us a brand new one ... Which they should have done to begin with!!    Back on the trail tomorrow. But today... veg , veg, veg, veg!! Chinese buffet for lunch - under $10.00 for the both of us! Pizza Hut delivery for Survivor ... can't wait!   Ran into DoRag & Little Ponderosa, as we walked to get groceries this afternoon. They were at the shelter with us last night. Loved the Johnny Cash imitation man!!! DoRag, from Arizona, shared a story with us about how he owned a bar in Wyoming. Carter asked how he could live in Arizona & own a bar there. His response cracked us up. He got drunk 1 night, & found out the next am, that in his inebriated state, he bought the bar! They heard us talking about Survivor and got a room too :}   Oh, Cheryl you'll like this. We found out that Survivors' Big Tom, lives here, in Virginia, only one county from us! Wow, what a live show! Close Call
Date: 2004-05-10
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

   Our new pocket mail device was due to be here by 10:00 am. When it had not arrived by 11:00 am check-out, we gave up our room & sat under a shade tree, for several hours, waiting.    Finally, we knew that it was now too late in the day to catch the post office, to return the crappy one. So we re-booked our room and wouldn't you know it, as we're putting the packs on the bed, the front desk calls, "UPS is here with your parcel"    I was so mad, I was seeing red! I couldn't even speak right. Carter said he'd try to get our room $ back. I used some colorful words and said no, the hell with it, I'm not moving!    If I didn't enjoy doing my journal so much, or keeping in contact with home, I'd call Pocket Mail Inc, & tell them to take this little device, & their piss poor customer service, and shove it so far up the wazoo, they'd have to have it surgically removed!!Close Call - quite cranky!
Date: 2004-05-11
From: Partnership Shelter

To: US 11 / VA683
Miles today: 11.5

   Bad am - things just didn't seem to go our way! Did our post office stuff and had a bite to eat. Hitched back to the trail, hiking by 12:20 pm.    Very sunny & humid, 82 degrees {~ 24-25 celcius}. I had no energy at all - had to will myself to move forward. I wasn't hungry, but I made myself eat some snacks, to boost the "go factor". Fortunately, the terrain was quite easy.   By 3:45 pm the clouds rolled in, hiding the sun, and my energy level rose.    Through out the day we saw several wild bunnies, startled a large deer - {boy can they jump high!}, several red cardinal birds, and a turtle on the trail!   Came across the "Settlers Museum", a farm and school house, dating back to the early 1890's. The school ran from 1894 to 1937, when transporting to larger area schools began. On display were some old english books & the chalk slates, used by the students! Snapped some great photos, and obtained an info pamphlet, for my scrapbook.         Ended our day at Dairy Queen - blizzard & sundae! Then back tracked and pitched the tent just before the road.Close Call - happy, once again
Date: 2004-05-12
From: US 11 / VA683

To: VA 742
Miles today: 10.8

   Up & at The Barn {restaurant} for breakfast by 8:15 am. Then, Carter headed to the Atkins post office, to mail home some winter gear. I stayed at the Dairy Queen gazebo, with the packs.   We ate LOTS of DQ ice cream before hitting the trail. Weather very warm and humid.    We crossed a lot of fields and farmlands, stopping under a huge oak tree for a late afternoon break. Watched some turkey vultures soaring over the fields. Carter pointed out the horizon - a chain of mountains as far as the eye could see - one 'bump' after another. We sat, amazed, staring at the 'wall' in the backdrop.   Later, as we walked through a rhododendron forest, I pointed out the purple blooms. Carter couldn't believe how big they were.    By 5:30 pm I was beat, not feeling well. I think the heat got to me. I don't do well in the heat anyway, but the added exertion of hiking...   We were hiking through a section of private land, so, Carter went to a homeowner, & got permission to tent near the river. The couple stopped by for a visit. She was born & lived in that home, all her life, 74 years! She married her husband and he moved in 54 years ago! Sweet couple! She even returned with 3 stalks of fresh asparagus, to go with our supper :}A full tummy and good night's sleep, is what she said I needed! Close Call - snuggled in!
Date: 2004-05-13
From: VA 742

To: South of Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: clear sky

Thursday May 13, 2004Destination: From North Fork/ Holston River to Pond/Spring S of Chestnut Shelter Distance: 10.3 miles   {16.48 km}    Neither of us feeling well today. Low energy, upset stomach, etc. I think this darn humid weather has us whooped! By 9:00 am we were dripping in sweat. So, we stopped several times, for rest breaks.   We've been drinking extra water, but we're sweating it out, as quick as we drink it! For both snacks and lunch today, we ate extra salted Ritz crackers, to get our salt content up.   Sunny with a few cloudy periods. Temp in the mid 80's, again today! Then, by 4:00 pm, the daily round of thunder started. I can't remember the last day, without it! The days are SO hot, the evenings SO cool, the pressure builds, causing daily thunderheads, with very little rain!That's our Science lesson for today children! :}      Late afternoon, we messed up, missing the water source @ 2800 feet. That meant we had to climb to 3800 feet, in 1.5 miles, with very little water left. Fortunately, we kept our wits about us, and eventually made it to the pond / spring at 5:10 pm.    We got our water, and decided that because of the way we both felt, continuing to climb to the shelter, at 4410 feet, was not in the cards. So, we pitched the tent, cleaned up and ate supper. In bed early, hoping a good night¢s sleep will help.   The terrain, yesterday and today, has been a lot of up and down - quite steep, at times. That, coupled with the heat, has caused me to question our sanity! What the hell are we doing out here??? Close Call ¢ Drained
Date: 2004-05-14
From: South of Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: VA 615 Laurel Creek
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: scattered clouds

   Wow - much better day today! We both got a really good night's sleep and we ate a huge breakfast, before hitting the trail at 8:45 am!   The weather was better. About 80 degrees {mid 20's} & sunny, very nice breeze blowing all day. Much less humid! :}    The terrain seemed better, still up and down, but spread out more... or maybe our attitudes were better... really pushed for a good distance today, to make getting into town, early tomorrow, possible. And we did it - only 6.9 miles to go! With that in mind, we called it a day, at 6:45 pm.   Happy Birthday Bon! Had hoped to be in Bland, Virginia, by today, to call, but plans didn't go our way. :{   We're tenting near the river. It sounds great, so relaxing. Ran into Eagle Eye, Pucca & her dog Zack, this am! Hadn't seen them since we left Damascus. The humidity got to them too, & they did a 10 & a 9 mile day - so we didn't feel so bad. They are tenting nearby.         Clouded over about 6:00 pm, with only a few sprinkles. But at 7:50, as we sat in the tent, eating supper {away from the bugs} rain started. We jumped out, gathered our stuff, threw the fly on the tent, got back in, just as the rain stopped!   Hung our food bag, took a short walk to the bridge, before heading in for the night.   As sleep nears, I know the answer to my question - We are out here to:   *spend time together! *walk a path that many have, but more have not! *see the beauty that surrounds us!    *feel proud of each other, & what we've already accomplished! *take the bad, along with the good! *appreciate what we have! *take the time to breathe! *take the time to just Be!!Close Call - peaceful :}
Date: 2004-05-15
From: VA 615 Laurel Creek

To: US 21/52
Miles today: 7.0

   Must be a town day - up and on the trail by 8:20 am!!   Easy hike to the road crossing. Then, hitched a ride into Bland Virginia, 2.5 miles away.That was an experience! I have never hitched, in my life, until this trip. Everyone that has picked us up is so friendly, and knows about the trail.Anyway... back to the experience...   A woman in a Ford Ranger stopped to pick us up. She was rushed to get to work, conveniently at the motel, where we were heading. During the VERY SHORT drive, she said she'd take us back up to the trail in the am. she shuttles hikers all the time and this trip is $10.00. Bells went off in my head...does she want money? She stopped at the store and while she was gone I questioned Carter. He said she meant for the am shuttle. When we arrived at the motel she said she needed her gas money! Carter held his composure, and said that we were hitching, if she wanted money, she should have said something BEFORE we got in the vehicle. Had she said that, we would have turned down the ride. We refused to pay - I was not so polite!   Later, we found out that she conned Pucca, her mom, & Eagle Eye for a ride to & from the grocery store and would be happy to do their laundry - AFTER they were on their way she told them they owed her $24.00! It's about 1 mile! Eagle Eye beat her down to $15.00.    They got to the grocery store, and she locked the doors, and wouldn't let them out until she got her money! She told them that another couple stiffed her. When they found out it was us - they laughed.   We hit DQ for ice-cream and back to the room, to do laundry. Boy, the hiking shoes need scrubbing - my feet would knock out an elephant!!      Pleased to get an e-mail from Jason, the 'snake charmer'! We really enjoyed hiking with him and Rob! Sorry to hear that time won't allow him to hike more with us. He and his wife, Tamara, are keeping up to date, with our adventure, on trailjournals.com. Thanks to Gimp, for updating the sight!   Staying in tonight. The daily thunder arrived around 5:30 pm, but this time, we're getting a real storm, lightening and lots of rain! A good night to be in a room!!   Back on the trail in the am. Next stop, Pearisburg, {42 miles away} by Wednesday, for a mail drop - thanks Stu! But for now, I need to fumigate my feet, yet again!   STINKY! Close Call
Date: 2004-05-16
From: US 21/52

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

   Did all our errands & got ready to go. Stopped by to thank Dick, a used book store owner, for his hospitality yesterday. Very nice guy - reminds us of a certain book store owner back in Maine :} Wink!    On the trail by 1:00 pm. Excellent hiking. Weather warm & sunny, with an afternoon shower, to cool us off.   We planned to tent before the shelter BUT at 6:00 pm the clouds got dark and heavy thunder! So, we bumped up the pace, arriving at the shelter at 6:45 pm. The skies opened up at 6:50 pm!!    Here with us is Pucca & Eagle Eye, Doc {from Boston} and Meandrithal. As the evening progressed we learned that it's a small world...    Gimp - did you enjoy your bagel & peanut butter, on the summit of Katahdin?   Stu - do you remember a Ms Marsh who taught at Fairmont? Grade 3 or 4?   When Meandrithal found out where we were from, he mentioned meeting 2 guys from Nova Scotia, on the summit last year, as they finished their thru-hike. Low & behold, it was the Grayhounds - Gimp & Scrounger!!         Also, turns out that he is from Maine - lives in Elsworth, works for a publishing company. He's summitted Katahdin 27 times, and is currently thru-hiking.    His eyes lit up when we mentioned that our Maine friends live on Thomas Hill Road. As a child, he lived for 2 years, in the big building just below Thomas Hill, which is now a Day Care Centre, I believe. He went to the same school, as Stu, and is near the same age.      He is on trailjournals.com, under his trail name - Meandrithal - and he would love to hear from you guys!   We talked well into the night, about our love for Maine, and the things we had in common.   Close Call    -sleepy but not ready to give in!
Date: 2004-05-17
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light rain

   Great day! Up and on the trail by 9:10 am. Sunny, but not too hot. Did an easy 6 miles by 11:40, arriving at a road crossing with a restaurant / store near by.    Couldn't pass it up, so, we headed the 0.7 miles down the road - our tummies thanked us! Seems everyone from the shelter, last night, had the same idea! The place was packed with hikers :}   Checked our mail, then returned to the trail by 1:00 pm, as the Thunder started. Stopped, on Pucca's advice, for a break, at Dismal Creek Falls, 0.3 miles off the trail. Great Place!When the rain & lightening started, though, we opted to get moving again.   I just got my sneakers smelling better, in Bland, & was discouraged to see the mud puddles collecting on the trail! I was trying to avoid them, but finally gave in, & trudged right down the middle of them!    We had to cross several branches of Dismal Creek & there was a lot of flooding. The water was ankle deep. A bit further down the trail it was calf deep. Then we got to one bridge that was half under water! Crap!    We felt around, with our walking sticks, to see how deep the water was. Then realized, that we couldn't see the trail. Water was flowing from every direction possible and no white blazes were in sight.    Carter took my hand and we stepped off the bridge together. It was up passed my knees and flowing fast. Four steps aloud us to see where the trail was supposed to be. We made it to higher ground, and hurried on our way. Fortunately, the water didn't feel cold.    After trudging through water for 45 minutes, we made it to the shelter at 5:15 pm. The rain stopped five minutes later. We set up the tent because the shelter was full - Pucca & Eagle Eye, the Honeymooners {married March 13, started trail on 17th}, and a guy out for one week.   Dry clothes, hot food, great conversation - What more could you ask for? How about a wildlife experience while you're peeing!!    Yes, I went off to take care of business, and as I'm doing so, a deer comes up over the hill in front of me, looking right at me! I did not want to move, but the knees felt differently. I stood up, expecting it to take off. It stopped for a moment, then continued towards me, stopping only 5 feet from where I stood. It munched on some leaves, hanging overhead, for about 10 minutes. The whole time I'm standing as still as I can, wishing I had my camera.    Eventually, it walked, so I did. We walked towards the shelter, a few feet at a time. It didn't act scared of me at all! I got everyone's attention and grabbed my camera. Got a couple of great shots. We watched it for another 20 minutes, before it wandered off. A great way to end a great day! Close Call
Date: 2004-05-18
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Campsite/spring
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Great hiking day. We're tenting, along with the Honeymooners {Kim & Mark, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana}. We all chose to lay up 2.5 miles from Pearisburg, and head into town first thing, taking a near 0 day tomorrow. Pucca & Eagle Eye headed in, to meet up with her mom. Weather was sunny & cloudy today, with a few pm sprinkles, & of course, the usual rumbles of thunder. Not too hot, which made for a happy hike! As I type, I'm sitting on a rock ledge, looking out over the valley below. Carter's sitting beside me catching up on some reading. Wind has picked up so we're wearing long pants and sweaters. The view - hazey, but still amazing! Looking DOWN on a flock of birds as they fly by! My feet are quite sore tonight. We had to wade through more water this am. So, between yesterday and today, my feet have been wet for TOO long, now chafed {sp?} and hurts to walk. So...TLC tomorrow!! Close Call - enjoying the view!!
Date: 2004-05-20
From: Pearsiburg

To: pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Thursday May 20, 2004Destination: Pearisburg VirginiaDistance:   0 miles      Supposed to get back on the trail today, but after breakfast, I started feeling sick. Ended up spending the day in bed - very nausious, and weak. Slept a lot. Carter was great - he encouraged me to eat, but food just made me worse. Hope a good night's sleep will help.   Close Call   At supper time I got up enough energy to go across to
Date: 2004-05-21
From: pearisburg

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Heading back to the trail. I'm not feeling much better. Forced some food down. Hope I made the right choice! We may only do a few miles. have to wait and see.   Close Call   Well, we were all packed and ready to go. Carter, worried that I'd get into the woods & get worse, suggested we re-book our room. I wanted to leave, but my fever, weakness, and stomach pain said differently. So, another day in bed will, hopefully, have me well again.   Close Call
Date: 2004-05-22
From: Pearisburg

To: campsite/spring after Rice Field
Miles today: 8.7

   Hard day! Back on the trail by 10:45 am. Weather sunny & extremely hot - High 80's {mid 30's}.    I was weak & slow. Without my pack, I felt fine. Wearing it, I felt sick, because the waste belt went over my tummy, which was soar.   Carter, worried about me, tried to get us to return to town. I refused.   We took a lot of breaks and drank a lot of water. Eventually, made it up to the ridge and the going was easier. Had climbed from 1600 feet, to 3400 feet before days end.    Stopped here for the night at 5:15 pm. The next water source is 10.3 miles away, so we'll start fresh in the am. Did not want supper, but I forced myself to eat.    We were the 1st tent pitched. Eventually, 6 other tents joined us. Not sure exactly who, because by 6:30 pm, we were in for the night. Both of us are zonked!Close Call - Sick & Away From Home :{
Date: 2004-05-23
From: campsite/spring after Rice Field

To: Pine Swamp Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: light rain

   Still feeling pretty bad, so we did lower miles again today. Up by 7:20 am, forced some food down, packed, filtered water, and on the trail by 9:15 am.    Hard to get moving - took me over an hour to 'get in the groove'. I was drenched in sweat, but everyone said today was cooler. So, I don't know if I had a fever, or if it was from the heat.         Arrived at the shelter at 3:45 pm and set the tent up. Great timing - skies opened up minutes after we got our stuff put away. I was quite nervous because there was major thunder & lightening, going off at the same time! Lasted about 45 minutes, before the sun was out again.   Forced more food down - not fun! Got cleaned up and hit the sack by 6:00 pm - aahhh to be horizontal - that feels good! 12+ hours of it, YES!   Close Call - muddling through
Date: 2004-05-24
From: Pine Swamp Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

   Ahhh, it feels good, to feel good! My energy was up & I actually craved food today. No forcing it down!   Carter was pleased, but had doubts at 1:00 am, when I woke him to find out the symptoms of dehydration.    I woke, with severe pains running just below my rib cage. I, being the twit that I am, was sure that my pancrious {sp?} was revolting, because there was no water in my system, to break down the food.      Concerned, I woke you know who! Rather crankily, he reminded me that HE'S been SHOVING the water at me. He asked if I had a headache or dry mouth. When I said no, he very quickly turned over, muttered some not so audible comment, & tugged the sleeping bag over his head!    When I asked him what he said, he grumpily, told me to go to sleep!    When we woke this am, he asked if we had a conversation, in the night, about being thirsty, or did he dream it! :}      Anyway...   We're tenting near the shelter. Clear skies all day and through evening.