morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-04-07
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: broken clouds

When its difficult to fill the water bottles a little trick is to use a rhododendron leaf secured by a stone to channel the water into the bottle.An early start was needed so there would be enough time to consider different options should my leg play up. I headed out on the trail, which dropped to a road then gave me a steep long climb. Thankfully I had a welcomed change in pace and scenery as I found myself crossing a number of farmer¢s paddocks. (a paddock is the Aussie term for a field)Then more climbing and a ridge walk that required ¢angled slab traversing¢.  It was a full, tiring day. I kept leapfrogging Underdog and Magic Mike.I have now arrived at the shelter. The rain has started and seems to be getting heavier.Honesty time- the short entries are as much due to challenging psychological / emotional states as due to tiredness. However even when the mind gives attention to these transient thoughts it still is a great place to be - on trail.Dear Reader just a quick ps. When Monarch starts seeing these transient states creeping in her response is quick and decisive. This time She sends me a video clip of Taylor Swift¢s song ¢Shake it Off¢ - what a perfect response from my Lady who knows me so well. The One the Only Monarch.
Date: 2019-04-09
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 19.0

I awoke from a rather poor nights sleep at the Four Pines Hostel still mustn¢t complain as I am well rested at least and my clothes are all dry.The day got underway at 7:15 as Underdog ,Magic Mike and myself headed off towards McAfee Knob.  This spot is considered to be the most scenic point along the Appalachian Trail and offers panoramic views of the Catawba Valley  (1,600 ft. below).  The lads were planning to stay in this stunning location to create some amazing video footage of the sunset and sunrise.  But along the way, as we arrived a VA route 311 also sorts of dramas were unfolding. A large truck was pulled over and had its enormous engine hood open. Milling around were Firemen, Ambulance officers and support crew. As we watched additional people kept turning up along with more fire engines, ATV¢s with stretchers were being unloaded by yet more support crew.   I¢m still none the wiser as to what it was all about and eventually I left the spectacle and moved on with the day.  We passed a few huts and then arrived at McAfee Knob.  I stood high on the cliff in awe of the mighty great vistas - it was indeed a feast for the eyes! We took the time to have lunch here and then after the obligatory photos I said farewell to the YouTube duo and headed on down the trail, which took me to Tinker Cliffs with further great views. I wanted to get close to Daleville where I needed to resupply.  I was able to stealth camp on the cliffs overlooking the valley and was treated to a great sunset. Looking back, the day was full of great vistas, the leg is improving but best of all, I was able to talk to Monarch.   So all in all, my world is in excellent shape! I bid you goodnight from the best Stealth campsite of the trip - to date!
Date: 2019-04-10
From: Stealth Camp

To: Daleville 
Miles today: 6.3

The picture today is my ¢Oh! What a Feeling¢ moment on top of McAfee Knob.The last time I felt this good was as a young lad, having climbed the face of Half Dome in Yosemite and then posing nonchalantly on ¢the Visor¢ at the summit.   I went back there whilst on the PCT in 2015 but of course, took the cable route and was shamefully shaky as I looked out at the top.  I can even remember (whilst my knees were shaking) begging my friend who was taking a photo to ¢hurry up¢!   You know, come to think of it, quite a few people have asked me:  ¢Why Walk the AT¢?There are as many answers to this question as there are people doing the trail.For me walking the AT allows for the simplicity of life to reveal itself.However in that simplicity there is a depth of understanding that is not available to most folk in daily living.As the mind defocuses the illusory belief of the boundary between the inside self and outside world is revealed and dissolves allowing for the true celebration of life to manifest or be revealed.The mind may asks the question ¢why walk the AT¢ however it is direct experience that answers on a daily basis.And on that note, I woke early and was pretty quick in getting up and on trail, as I was heading to Daleville today. Don¢t laugh, a hiker that I met at the last shelter casually told me that the trail today was all down hill, and I fell for it!  Usually its me telling couples who are obviously new to the outdoor environment (you can tell because they look pretty and smell nice) that there¢s a cappuccino machine set up at the top of the next ridge.  Anyway this resulted in an incline being begrudgingly ascended and then the trail showed me Daleville far below but as if to add insult to injury, the trail kept leading me away from the obviously shortest route down!This frustration was best expressed by Underdog as we sat down in a restaurant waiting for our grub.   He threw his hands in the air and said ¢it was fine to show a view of Daleville far below us but we didn¢t need SIX other views from different angles before the trail finally descended!Never mind.  I managed to get together a 6 x day resupply (ouch, I'm hurting already) but more importantly I got some new underwear!   I've lost so much weight that the only way I can keep my undies from dropping down round my knees is to hitch them up like Harry High Pants and secure them with the belt of my rucksack! Monarch Interjects:  Sorry everyone, I think WOW got back on track having been fed, watered and resupplied but I'm not too sure.  Guess we will all have to wait until tomorrow to find out.
Date: 2019-04-11
From: Daleville 

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

This photo was taken on a ledge near the trail.  May they rest in Peace.Up early and had a good hotel breakfast and was on trail by 06.45 hrs. Despite gaining height, this morning¢s section of the trail was gentle and well constructed.I met Rocky who is a young woman from the Netherlands who has come to American to work for a short period.  She told me she had little hiking experience but was keen to enjoy the beautiful wild outdoors and so has kitted herself out with the necessary gear and is now enjoying a nine day hike.  May it be the beginning of a life-time passion for experiencing all that nature has to offer!When I arrived at the shelter towards the end of the day, I met two SoBo¢s Porcupine and Columbus. It was good talking trail with them and getting plenty of useful information about what¢s ahead and because they had been noting all the NoBo¢s that they had passed in the last few days, I was able to catch up about where a few of my trail mates were on the trail.
Date: 2019-04-12
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today, the trail kept crossing a road and offering wonderful vistas.   On a fine day this would have been nice but just now there is a low cloud ceiling, and large patches of rolling fog.  (But I did manage to witness one or two). And of course this meant intermittent rain so a great deal of effort was spent struggling in and out of waterproof gear.   This led to further frustration as concentrating on getting the rucksack off and the jacket on, I took a wrong turn at a poorly marked trail intersection and headed off in the rain.   I followed the faded white blazes on trees for few miles before realizing I was on an old track and doing non-trail miles and had to retrace my steps.On the upside, the Bryant Ridge Shelter is in a lovely wooded valley and is worthy of a visit and indeed a stay. It has a large capacity being able to shelter around twenty people and has a unique dual-level design that is well thought out. For a start, there¢s a skylight so you can see what your doing, there¢s tons of pegs to hang your gear on and with wrap-around seating there¢s room enough for everyone to relax and catch up with one another. It was here that I met up with Rocky again.  The last time I saw her was on my approach to McAfee Knob. It turns out that she is from the Netherlands and doing an internship with a medical company.  Rocky, with only about five days previous hiking experience, had decided to do a section of the AT.  As youngsters do, she¢d watched YouTube clips as part of her research and then bought all the gear she needed on the Internet, including her boots and a hammock! Unlike Monarch and myself; we get the books, the maps, and then take days walking round the ¢outdoor¢ adventure shops comparing design, quality and price of just about everything, before making a decision.  True, we do buy some things online, but only if its not available on the shop floor.   Anyway, Rocky liked the look of McAfee Knob so she started her nine-day hike from there, which as I said, is where I first met her. She has a steep learning curve ahead of her but I do admire her adventurous spirit and I hope she goes well.  There¢s no better way to learn than from direct personal experience, as it validates ones reality.
Date: 2019-04-13
From: Cornelius Shelter

To: Matt's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: moderate rain

This photo brings to mind Tagore¢s Gitanjali where he describes how pride and ego, when accepted into our finite beings, becomes as inseparable as a form and its shadow.    Well Cornelius shelter was not quite as salubrious as the Bryant ridge Shelter I had passed by on the walk yesterday and being smaller, was full.  So I camped out in the rain but it was bright clear when I awoke this morning.  I arranged to meet Rocky at the Matt¢s Shelter despite her telling me she had not had a good nights sleep.The trail was gentle for most of the day and along the way I met a few day hikers. On arriving at Matt¢s Creek Shelter, I met with Renee and Alan who had trail magic for me.   Yum!  Renee inquired about Underdog and Magic Mike and their whereabouts as she had been following them on YouTube and wanted to meet them. I was able to tell her that they were only a day behind which really pleased her.Physics and Classic came on in, and both are travelling well.
Date: 2019-04-14
From: Matt's Creek Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: clear sky

I expected it to rain throughout most the day and to intensify into a storm as the day draws to a close, and it did!For most of the hike there was a low visibility fog and of course rain. I was heartened to see a few day hikers on the track who were willing to brave the elements.  This section promised beautiful vistas and I¢m sure they are out there somewhere but I wouldn't know, as the fog had them locked away. There was nothing else for it but to put my head down and walk.  Monarch interjects:Hey sunshine!  I¢ve just discovered this awesome website for sports advice with some handy hints for trekking.  Here goes:  ¢The rain has negative ions which are good for you.  While it sounds like magic, and negative isn¢t the best title, negative ions can have a positive impact on you. The rain is great at spreading them around. They help refresh the air, and help to reduce asthma and fatigue. So the next time you go out to take a good breath of fresh air, wait until it rains to get all the benefits".   Te-hee ¢ Are you feeling better now?My concern was how many miles to resupply and number of day¢s food still in my sack.   It is always possible to stretch one¢s food supply but not a good option and to be avoided if possible.As I approached the hut there was a river crossing to be negotiated.  The crossing stones looked slippery and were well submerged in the fast flowing water.  I looked, left and right for other options but there were none to be found.  So with one deep breath I sprinted across like a pro. and thankfully arrive at the other side without any mishap. Just as I dumped my sack down in the hut, the heavens truly opened and I watched as the camp ground, which was nestled by a quiet stream, now become a subterranean landscape and the stream, a raging torrent. My only hope is that we do not have to cross the stream again in the morning. Tonight I share the small shelter with Classic, Physics and John who has started his NoBo AT hike, in early January and his AT registration number is 13. Good night from a very damp but happy Wow.
Date: 2019-04-15
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Priest Shelter
Miles today: 22.4

Today has been a full day. Early start as usual and there was a very long steep climb to start with.  This was made even more arduous, as I was accompanied by a very strong, chilling ¢ lazy¢ wind.Physics soon passed me, as he had arranged a shuttle to take him to town for treatment on his feet and we are not talking pedicures here! As the trail crossed the tops of the mountains, the wind attempted to blow me back to Georgia!   It literally forces you sideways, off the trail.I passed two female section hikers, one of whom said she had been reading the blogs  but again I forgot to ask her name.  Honestly I was ¢brung up¢ better than that, so maybe as I¢m heading to the Priest Shelter I¢ll confess my lack of manners. If you¢ll excuse the pun! As I took a short breather on one of the ascents, a familiar face came into view.   It was ¢merica followed by Lucky and Catmando who I had not seen since late February and finally Togs.  Fabulous!   You may remember that within a week of starting the trail, hikers were telling me about an ¢English girl¢ who lived in Australia. As the weeks went by, more and more information about this ¢English girl¢ (who I now know is called Togs) came from the passing hikers.  And finally, today we caught up! Togs has worked with doctors from the same hospital I worked in for 30+ yrs. Togs also comes from Sheffield in the U.K., where I have a brother who is a Doctor in Emergency.It was great to see them all and what a great ¢Tramily¢ (trail family) they make. And believe me, they are doing big miles. Tonight I¢m with Classic at the Priest Shelter where one is supposed to confess all ones sins into the shelter logbook. Many hikers have used the opportunity to confess their innermost secrets. But I¢ve always lived by ¢What happens on the trail, stays on the trail¢!!!
Date: 2019-04-16
From: Priest Shelter

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I thought you might like to meet some of the great characters walking the AT this year. From left to right is, ¢merica, Lucky, Togs and Catmando:  The Tramily.    Because I was high up on the hills this morning, I had AT & T reception.    So I spent a fair bit of valuable trekking time, attempting to recharge my phone¢s SIM card.  I had tried a number of times previously and in slightly more comfortable circumstances but with little success.   As usual I find myself resisting a chilling ¢lazy¢ spring wind as I try to stand in the only spot with good reception to complete the task; All very tedious.  Anyway a degree of success in that they took my money!   I¢ll just have to see how it performs over the coming days. I had great views over what I think was vineyards but climbing has taken its toll on me today.   Despite enjoying the vistas and the day in general, I felt that I needed to phone REI for a ¢wheeled walking frame¢.  The legs ¢shut down¢ on me, forcing me to ¢camel up¢ and go hunting for a campsite. Despite eating quickly and getting straight into bed, sleep did not come at the same pace. I awoke at 2 am with a strong full moon.  It was so bright; I could sit up and read something without putting a torch on!  I decided that since I was awake I might as well venture outside.As I look out towards the town nestled below, I saw lines upon lines of flickering lights and the image took hold that they, the lights, were the fires of the opposing army with whom we would be engaging in hand to hand combat at dawn the following day.Seen from this perspective the sheer number of lights sent a shiver down my spine and I retreated to the warmth of my sleeping bag. The men of yesteryear were made from different metal.For as John O¢Donohue once said:¢Real intimacy is a sacred experience.  It never exposes its secret trust and belonging to the voyeuristic eye of a neon culture.  Real intimacy is of the soul, and the soul is reserved.¢But I will have to front up, as I need to go in to Waynesboro for a resupply and to plan the next stage of the trail, which includes Shenandoah National Park.
Date: 2019-04-17
From: Stealth Camp

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 13.6

Technically, today should have been easy as having eaten all my tucker the sack is now at its lightest. As I started the descent into Rock Fish Gap, my feet were buoyed by the thought of food, especially those eateries that display a hikers four favorite letters, ¢AYCE¢. (All You Can Eat) but I soon realized I was running out of gas! For a start, on the uphill sections (even when your supposedly descending there are always bit to climb) my legs just didn't want to know. The sack started to feel heavy and I started fighting with it, as it was not sitting well on my hips.  I think perhaps the ¢carrot¢ dangling in front of me was not enticing enough or my ¢town legs¢ had simply arrived too early.This too will pass!You may recall I walked for a while with Underdog and Magic Mike as they video-blogged their way along the trail.  I¢m impressed as the time and effort it takes to create the video would be too much for me.  However, if you go to YouTube - Underdog on the Appalachian Trail 2019 - day 62 you will see the effect that the trail is having on me and right at the very end of the clip there is a message from me to Monarch.By the way Magic Mike you will become famous for your closing every video with your sign off ¢ Good night America¢.  Monarch Interjects:I just wanted to say a very big thank you, to Underdog for his efforts in making these videos.  This is the very best of Trail Magic, as we get to witness the warmth of the friendship that you folks offer to one another along the track.  In my book, its that love and warmth that keeps you all going.  ¢ Walk well my friend, your doing a great job and we love you for it!  Well, while being here in a hostel is great, as lets face it we all like to feel clean and fresh with the kit in the same clean condition.  Never the less, I don¢t sleep well. For example, here I am at 02.30 hrs writing this blog when I should be getting my much needed, beauty sleep!
Date: 2019-04-18
From: Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

While the ¢ hiker brain¢ was calling for the miles to be walked, the greater part of me just needed to stop and rest. You¢d think that if it started to rain, it is fortuitous that I had taken a zero day. However it took me 4 x non-trail miles to get my re-supply together!  It did rain! And yes, learning has NOT occurred !!!!! Big shout out to Stanimal¢s Hostel.Most hostels have their own quirky style, which is great as it adds character to a place. Here the emphasis is definitely on the hiker.Stanimal and Jeopardy are both willingly to go out of their way to help with any problems, no matter whether they are simple or complex. Thank you both.
Date: 2019-04-19
From: Waynesboro

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 20.8

I said my goodbyes to Rocky, Stanimal and Jeopardy, and made my way back to the trail, having been dropped off at the trailhead.Hiker Brain Pickings.I hadn¢t been walking that long, when I witnessed my ¢Hiker Brain¢ emerge and take control. Firstly, it ensured that I was walking to the right beat  (see blog of March 26th) In breath, out breath. Then the sound of my sticks, click and clack.  Followed by my boots, crunch and munch.Secondly, Hiker Brain clearly thinking its fully in charge, goes through the following check list:1.         Ensure that the body is actually moving forward.2.         Ensure there is a place for everything and that everything is in that place.Apparently, Hiker Brain is happy that I brought a sewing kit to repair my cap but unhappy that I forgot to secure the loose button on the hiking shirt.3.         Recheck by visualizing each item in the rucksack and making sure it corresponds to the feeling that it is where it should be.4.         Review that  process again, just to make sure the ¢to do¢ list is valid and complete.This ¢Hiker Brain¢ gets its energy from ¢eating¢ up the miles. It does not care how many miles  It just goes on churning out its motto again and again: ¢These miles don¢t walk themselves! One step at a time!  NoBo ever NoBo¢!However, Hiker Brain has a near fatal flaw, in that it is unable to judge or calculate distance travelled and again and again it  overestimates the ground covered.  But so confident is this Hiker Brain; that it insists I stop and confirm its proclamation on my phone app.When Hiker Brain realizes it has made a blunder, it then starts twisting, turning, and justifying, resulting in its own little dance of frustration. I¢m sure by now you understand Hiker Brain is a menace. To deal with it kindly but firmly, I have resolved that prior to setting out, I will set a destination for the day and ONLY check distance travelled at lunch time and around 4 pm.  For me the hardest miles on the AT are the last 1-2 miles of each day. This is when Hiker Brain will kick up as at this point it starts mixing anticipation with expectation that my destination is in sight and almost trips me up!Such is life with a Hiker Brain. Well the trail today, basically follows a skyline drive through Shenandoah National Park.  Rain was forecast and sure enough we got rain and dense rolling fog. Visibility was very poor, so with my head down and my nose to the ground I followed the white blazes with Pavlovian slavishness.At one point it had started to rain,  So I stopped to get myself kitted out in my waterproof gear.  Just as I started to walk again, a hiker dressed in a tee shirt, shorts and trail shoes ( totally soaked) passed me and said in all seriousness that I was totally overdressed - I just agreeing.The heavy rain held off till just after I got into the shelter where I was greeted to a hut full of Physic¢s family and friends.
Date: 2019-04-20
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: light rain

Up early and on trail pre-sunrise. The trail followed Skyline Drive crossing it usually at Gaps.I dropped down into Loft Mountain Wayside, which is like a visitors centre that sells food. There I met Eric who has worked with the trail maintenance crew since the early 1980¢s and has logged over 10,000 miles within the Shenandoah National Park.Later, when I arrived at the hut, the first thing I noticed were the pretty descent sized bear poles for hanging food bags. I found a spot for myself and in no time at all, I met up with No name and No Service and we had a good laugh while talking trail. This always makes for a good day!
Date: 2019-04-21
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadow Camp Ground
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail was relatively gentle today. I dropped into Lewis Campground and had coffee and sticky buns while talking to a couple whose son has done the AT. And later I had the chance to meet up again with the Tape Worm Brothers; it was great to see them both! It looks as if a few of us are suffering at the moment as T had shin splints and needed time off. They had spent time in town with Dusty Papa. No Service and No Name also came, however No Name was also going off trail with ongoing foot problems.Tonight I am camped at the Big Meadows Camp ground with No Service and Dusty Papa. We are all looking forward to an early start as the Skyline resort has an AYCE breakfast on offer. Such is life on the trail.About today¢s image: (L to R) No Service is 69, Wow is 64 and Dusty Papa is 68. I am clearly the youngest person in the photo so WHY do I look the most haggard and the oldest?  And where the hell is Photoshop when you need it the most. !!!!!!!