morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-24
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

We were initially planning to resupply earlier in this stretch of hiking; however, with the pizza, restaurant, gas station, trail magic and leftovers we really had not touched a lot of our food. But today we realized we were still not going to make it all the way to Pearisburg, VA despite our best efforts. So, we detoured into Bland, VA to pick up a little more food. However, this detour was one of those painful ones where nothing goes quite as smoothly as you would like it to. We made it to the road crossing and I relied on Sauerkraut's expert sense of direction to dictate to us where we would hitch from and what direction we would hitch. Neither was correct. It just took me about an hour to figure out that no matter HOW confident she is in proclaiming that she, in fact, is correct... she really has no idea. I was on the phone talking to my parents trying to acquire directions via a computer while she led me down random roads and tried to get me to hitch on the interstate -- but even that was in the wrong direction. Finally, another section hiker came around and after looking over his map (which I should have one... but, my father is holding them hostage in a box in his office... ) we were able to not only hitch from the correct road but in the right direction. The hitch was not nearly as exciting as our last one -- we had a third hiker with us. However, the "gentleman" in the passenger seat was drinking a bud light and last time I checked there were open container laws? Maybe, maybe not. After the grocery store we got a second hitch to the Subway and then a third hitch back to the trail. By this time (the hitching, shopping, and eating took a few hours) it was already coming up on sunset so we only made it to the first shelter out of town before our motivation deteriorated. There are still not too many people around aside from Sandman, the third hiker we went into town with. We need some rest because I have a sinking feeling the next two days are going to be pretty intense....
Date: 2008-05-25
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: clear sky

What the heck? 24 miles? no way. Well, if you ask my feet they will tell you that surely we did do 24 miles. I love it! We passed the 600 mile marker today which is refreshing. Finally, we are knocking out some miles. We had a lot of really cool things to see today. I sat on/beside/near the Kimberling Creek suspension bridge for a while waiting on my dear Sauerkraut to join me. The bugs are coming out in full force and I am beginning to lose skin surface area to itchy welts. We also made our way to Dismal Creek Falls and soaked our feet! I really, really wanted to swim but the water was ice cold. There were quite a few people out for the Memorial Day Weekend (figures... and we have a mail drop to get, as always) either hiking or camping along the trail. The last 4 mile stretch of our 24 mile day was what I would dub, tedious. I felt as if my feet were rebelling and my mind was playing games with my mileage. Every time I thought we had hiked a mile I would come to the sad realization that it was probably only about a half mile... if that. BUT, we could not have asked for better terrain during the last 8 or so miles of the hike and the shelter did appear after awhile. Still no one we know at the shelter. There were only section hikers/weekend hikers out. We will head into Pearisburg tomorrow!!
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: few clouds

After a 24 mile day it just didn't seem right to do another 20+... luckily, we were less than 17 into town. Too bad that didn't include the additional 3 miles to get to the hostel (and this time we didn't hitch!). We actually did not leave the shelter until about 2 in the afternoon. We are working on developing a regimen that includes mid day siestas to beat the heat. Unfortunately, that means we may have to start getting up a little earlier and that sounds terrible :0) We woke up this morning, made breakfast, crawled back into our sleeping pads and transitioned quite easily into our siesta. It was so late by the time we got out of camp we did not think we would cover many miles. However, we made it to the last shelter outside of town in pretty good time and we were feeling surprisingly well. My feet definitely did not feel like they had hiked 24 miles the day before. We cooked up a nice dinner and then decided to make a run for it while I was still not thinking in a sane matter. It was another 8 or so miles into town but the idea of having a whole day to get things done tomorrow was just too appealing. It was pretty dark outside and my headlamp was hardly up to par; however, Sauerkraut and I made our way into town without much of a problem. Funny, the town itself was the problem. We failed to thoroughly think through our plan. Arriving in a town at 1130 in the evening does not bode well for hitching... and we still had to cover 3 miles to get to the shelter. So.... we kept walking. And walking. I think I had passed my threshold but our options were limited to only one: keep walking. We wanted to sleep in front of the post office -- but being federal property and all I guess they frown on that kind of thing. So we walked some more. We finally made it to the hostel about around 1 in the morning and in an effort not to disturb everyone we laid out on the floor in the middle of the foyer area. Our trail mileage was only 16.6 but we walked almost 20 today.... and I can say that I am officially exhausted!
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Lipstick was our trail angel today! We had a loooong list of things that needed to get done to include post office, showers, laundry, internet, resupply, etc. and Lipstick, who is supporting her husband, a thru hiker by the name of Racoon, took us all over town. I do not know how it would have been done without her! We would have had to take a zero day to recover from our almost zero day if it wasn't for her. I am so grateful! But, we did get the monstrous list complete and the hours of the day passed rather quickly. It was really great to see a handful of familiar faces again and to meet a couple new hikers. Back to the trail world in the morning...
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: moderate rain

Leaving town is always so painful! And, as always, a good "warm up" climb awaited. It was pretty slow going and when we made it to the top in the midst of fog and rain -- Sauerkraut was soaked. I was, of course, perfectly dry as I invested in my handy umbrella. But, at the shelter there was a fire already going and with blisters galore on our feet we decided to just take a "nero" of sorts. At least we made it out of town. But, it goes that I am in need of a vacation from my vacation from the trail... I can never remember everything I am supposed to be doing. Life off the trail is too complicated for my current taste :0)
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: few clouds

We have a horrible habit of getting up late... Grandad, you would be so disappointed! But, my excuse is that with more hours of daylight (therefore less hours of darkness) my body hasn't adjusted to not having the requisite 10-12 hours of sleep I got when I first started hiking... seriously! That is my story and I am sticking to it. The rhododundrun and mountain laurel are now in bloom and it really is gorgeous out here. We took a road detour today only to discover it was unnecessary. The signs told us to take the road and it was an official AT rerouting (although with no white blazes) because the bridge had been washed out and the river crossing wasn't safe... lame! So, we took the road. However, when we came to where the "river crossing" was (because you could see it from the road we were walking on) we discovered that it was not only hardly treacherous but someone had built a makeshift bridge... oh well. We are feeling good and making progress...
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

The OSU boys made an early morning debut at our shelter. My dreams were shattered by the chorus "I've got friends in low places". Needless to say, I think this was our earliest morning out of camp in a while. Who can go back to sleep after that? The OSU boys had caught the sunrise on McAfee's Knob and were making their way into Daleville, VA -- as were Kraut and I. Our first stop of the day was Tinker Cliffs and it really was quite a sight. It also put distance into perspective for me. It is amazing to look back at what you have hiked. We could see McAfee's Knob from where we sat on Tinker Cliffs (likewise the other way around) and we were only about 4 miles away as the crow flies but it was still amazing to take it all in. I really liked Tinker Cliffs, even more the McAfee's because it was not nearly as touristy -- fewer of them venture this far away from the paved paths and easy trails. From Tinker Cliffs it was an easy mostly downhill (never ALL downhill) climb to Daleville. I was extremely low on food as I did not partake in AYCE like Kraut and I had remained on the trail a day longer than expected. Thank goodness Zephyr made me a delicious bologne sandwich for lunch or I would have crashed during the hike into town. We made our way to the first hotel I have stayed in since Hot Springs, NC. The walk to the post office was painful but the shower, food, and margaritas afterwords were great. Kraut and I were joined by the OSU boys (Pathfinder, Quiet Riot, Snacks, and last but not least Pre) for the evening festivities. We even went a little crazy and had a second dinner as well: Pizza Hut. How could we resist? The unfortunate event of the evening involved my phone. You see, it does not function the same way after a 10 minute soak in the washer machine. In fact, it hardly functions at all. I won't point any fingers or place blame because it really was a joint effort -- however, it was Sauerkraut's fault. Sadly, I can't say I haven't committed similar offenses. But, it does alter my plans for tomorrow as I now have to hunt down a Verizon store... without a car. We had not planned to zero but with our usual long list of errands getting gradually longer it is looking like our poor feet are going to get the break they want. Oh, and due to the loss of my cell phone I no longer have your phone numbers. Just so you know.
Date: 2008-06-04
From: Daleville, VA

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Kraut and I took our time packing up this morning. Pre wasn't feeling well so when the OSU boys made an early departure he stayed back and waited for us. The three of us made our way to the post office, the coffee shop, and the outfitter before actually proceeding to the trail. It seemed like we were all dragging our feet this morning. But, we did hike. For a minute. Then we got sidetracked. The heat was intense. Pre and I noticed a pond to the left of the trail. It was on private property but we were covered in sweat (because, yes, I DO sweat... despite what Kraut may claim) and we had only hiked a few miles -- it was too perfect to pass up. There was a dock and a zip line. I don't think temptations like this should be located near the trail if they are not accessible to hikers... just my thought anyways. So, Pre looked at me and asked if I would go for a swim. Yes, please. And we veered off the trail only to find our way blocked by barbed wire. Kraut was oblivious to the reason for our detour however when we came across the obstacle we asked her if she was still willing to go... still not even knowing what we were getting into she faithfully said "Of course!". I love Sauerkraut. The pond had fallen out of view but after we climbed over the barbed wire and through the tick filled field of grass we arrived. We more thoroughly assessed the situation at this point. The house overlooked the pond so it wasn't possibly to be discreet. The neighbors were out in their own backyards (also overlooking the pond) and so it wasn't possibly to be discreet. We had technically tresspassed but, in my defense, I was not only delirious from the heat but there wasn't a sign. So, I did feel like we should attempt to do the right thing and we made our way up to the house to ask permission. Of course, back in the real world people probably go to work and I do believe it was what some people call a week day -- they weren't home. So, by default, we got to swim. And, we did. Pre took on the zip line. A few hours later we reluctantly put on dry clothes and packs and went back to hiking. Because of our side trips we decided to put in a couple hours of night hiking to push on to the next shelter. Of course, it was not without incident. Going down the trail Sauerkraut was leading the way, I took middle and Pre followed up in the rear. All of a sudden something moved on the trail. Kraut had hit a creature with her pole and I stopped to investigate thinking it was another cool frog or lizard that we have been coming across frequently. Rather it was another cool copperhead that I have been coming across frequently. Thank goodness I had stopped to investigate because Mr. Copperhead was none too happy about being hit by Sauekraut's hiking pole and he was ready to strike at the next disturbance, i.e. Pre or myself. We took the requisite pictures and Pre did his best to move him off the middle of the trail so we could bypass our friend without injury. We did make it to the shelter unscathed. Good night.
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 16.9

Today we made our first, of many, crossings of the Blue Ridge Parkway. And, it was HOT. With 90+ degree weather I am feeling terribly lethargic. I am making sure I force myself to eat because I know that one of the first things to go in the heat is your appetite. But, we have been making slooooow progress. The miles seem more tedeous and the breaks are longer. The solution: The Siesta. Unfortunately, the bugs are equally intense. If you can imagine laying down in 95 degree weather under a blanket just to try to deter them from taking another couple hundred bites. I had to come out for air every few minutes. By the time our siesta was over it was almost dinner time. We still put in the miles and night hiked to Jennings Creek which happened to have a very nice watering hole for swimming/bathing. We set up camp, took a cold swim, made a fire, and munched on some dinner. This was also the day I lost my hiking poles. And, by lost I do not mean that I could not locate their whereabouts. They broke, both of them, simultaneously. I won't reveal the name of the culprit but it wasn't Sauerkraut this time and I only wish I was clever enough or clumsy enough to pull off such a feat myself. Now I am carrying my poles in my backpack. I find the situation comical -- the culprit feels terrible and I am not in the least bit angry. I will let you know how hiking poleless goes.
Date: 2008-06-06
From: Jennings Creek

To: Black Rock
Miles today: 9.6

Nothing interesting happened today. The heat is taking away all of my energy and motivation to hike, eat, and write in my journal. So, even if something relatively interesting happened, I don't know if I could muster the energy to relay the story. Even as I type this entry a month later, I become lethargic just thinking about how exhausting the heat was. Of all the times I said I love the heat -- let me clarify -- I love the heat when I am not hiking. When I am hiking I am much more productive when it is cool, even cold. We spent most of our siesta playing cards and being munched on by the no-see-ums (bugs). I figure it is a lost cause at this point. We failed to carry bug spray because prior to the last couple days we haven't had any problems. My next purchase will be bug spray. Again, we set off to night hike. However, we came across the view point on Black Rock and decided to take in the sunset. And... we didn't make it any further.
Date: 2008-06-07
From: Black Rock

To: Lynchburg, VA
Miles today: 19.0

Just to get this out of the way -- it is still HOT. But, I was determined to push past the heat today and get us into Lynchburg, VA so we could spend some time with the Webb family. Andy Webb is a classmate of mine from West Point and although he is currently deployed he graciously offered us a place to stay with his family. I was extremely weak, but persistent. Pre had to meet his mother and Kraut and I were to meet with the Webb family so we really had no choice but to cover the miles. Kraut is not doing so well. I know she is in a lot of pain but I really can't say anything. I am extremely fearful that it may be something serious. She is so tough and she hides it so well but when you are together as much as we are you start to pick up on things. Maybe a few days rest will do the trick. There isn't much to say about the hike today because it was hot and I tried my best to stay focused on the distance we had to cover -- I was soaked and it wasn't from any detour to swim. We did make it to the James River for pick up and despite my embarassment of having to climb into a car smelling as bad as I did -- it was a wonderful experience meeting the Webb family. I can't even begin to describe how great it felt to walk into a home and feel like we fit in perfectly. The lot of the Webb family had come together for some affair and I met them all... and love them all! Andy's two teenage sisters provided Kraut and I with REAL clothes -- people won't stare at us when we go out in public now. We spent the evening getting to know the Webb family and enjoying the comforts of "home".
Date: 2008-06-08
From: Lynchburg, VA

To: Lynchburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0

I wish I could detail my experience here in Lynchburg in a fitting manner... but I can't. It has been wonderful. I hogged the computer to try to get some of these journals updated, we went shopping for our resupply, we went to see Sex and the City (I thought of you, MEG!!), we had an amazing spaghetti dinner, and we relaxed. I can't sing enough praises of the Webb family. All I know is that my own family is hard to top... and the Webb family is right on par. They are inspiring and loving and if it wasn't for the trail calling I would make camp in their back yard and refuse to leave.
Date: 2008-06-09
From: Lynchburg, VA

To: Lynchburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0

We were supposed to head back to the trail today but instead Kraut had to take a trip to see the doctor. Unfortunately, her foot is swollen and she has no choice. Andy's father is a physician and he took a look at her feet and arranged for her to get an x-ray. The prognosis was not good. Kraut came back to the house on crutches!! She will not be hiking for at least 8 weeks and we spent the afternoon dealing with the rollercoaster of emotions that came with the verdict. Kraut is so tough and it definitely wasn't will power or determination that was lacking... she has plans of returning to the trail when her recovery time is up and finishing the NOBO hike with me and then flip flopping and finishing the section she misses. It is tough to see her in so much pain -- and not just from the feet (she has a stress fracture in one and tendonitis in the other... aside from the shin splints and knee problems she has been fighting since the beginning). It is a helpless feeling to want something so badly but be incapable of achieving it... I felt that way the day I drove away from West Point. It would be silly to say that there are no worse feelings -- but, it is a hard one to cope with. I love you Sauerkraut. My trail experience would be lacking if I hadn't had you -- and I won't be able to fill your shoes. I will have to settle and I will miss you. The good ending to this story is that Kraut is in a good place with the Webb family and I know they will take care of her when I leave to go back on the trail in the morning... I am forever grateful.
Date: 2008-06-10
From: Lynchburg, VA

To: Lexington, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Well, today I was reunited with the OSU boys and I said my goodbye to Sauerkraut. Ugh. I had packed up that morning at the Webb's home -- they were all off at school or work -- and Sauerkraut and I drove to the post office, then lunch, and then the drop off point. I had stayed in touch with Pre who was with the OSU boys who were with their girlfriends'... no worries. The point is that I am not alone and I have access to a vehicle. The guys have been slackpacking so they could combine visitations with hiking -- and I will do the same in the morning. My intention was to be back on the trail this afternoon but this way I will at least be able to stay with Pre and the OSU boys and may be able to ease the withdrawal symptoms that come with losing my dear Kraut. So, we went to see Natural Bridge. It was kinda cool -- minus the distracting signs, benches, buildings, etc. that contributed to the demise of its allure. It was touristy. Overdone. It was in contradiction to most places we see on the trail. There may have also been a venture to a haunted house of mirrors which lacked a significant number of mirrors. It was not haunted either. So it goes. I hike in the morning. Kraut is gone.