morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-10-27
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Matt's entry: This shelter has a fireplace!!! At the moment I'm a little far from it, but it was nice to sit by it tonight and chat with our sheltermates - who are from Kalamazoo!!! They are NOBOs who skipped a section of VA to Harpers Ferry, and they are finishing up. They live on Douglas street! We have their info and hope to chill out with them when we get home. Anyways, we chatted with them for a long while. I felt bad for Crazyhorse, who was a little left out because he was the only one in the shelter not from Kalamazoo.No cell signal here. Wanted to check on the dynamic duo (Lrod and Sbird). Heard that they were heading into town today, which means we are just a day behind them. We will only catch them if they zero tomorrow. We have minimal chores to do, so maybe we will be able to catch them.It's cold tonight, and it's snowing a little. First snow of the year! Dan Knobloch said that it was supposed to snow in MI today as well. I wonder if it is. It's been windy all day, which has made walking interesting. It is hard to dress for it - kinda. when we stop, we instantly get cold, so we don't stop much. Also, I am not sure we are getting enough water. But, we drink lots at breaks, and we ahve been heating up gatoraide for our lunch.We still have 'the hunger' bad. I am SO looking forward to Pearisburg. Dairy Queen here I come! I hope they're not seasonal!Saw some more deer today. I forgot to mention yesterday that we saw a red fox. Anyways it's no surprise about the deer. The changing weather does it all the time. It's cool to see them so much - I don't know what is gonna happen after firearm season for deer opens. Probably we won't see them much.Glad we're indoors in this shelter. I am getting cold, so it's time for bed. Besides, we are looking to get up early for town tomorrow - 20 miles and then DQ!!!
Date: 2008-10-28
From: Pineswamp Shelter

To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Kate's entry: Today was a rollercoaster day for sure. We woke up and it was still snowing...as we climbed the ridge, we saw the snow had accumulated. It was magical - just like every first snow before anyone touches the snow. And then, the wind started to blow. The first snow was so magical anymore. The wind was gusty and sharp. It bit. I was cold. I hate the cold. I hate the cold. So I put on my vest and I felt a little better. Still cold. I hate the cold. I put on my rainpands...Soon I had just about every piece of clothing I owned (that I carry out here) on. It helped. Walking in the cold isn't so bad when you have enough clothes on. I don't know when I've ever been so comfortable hiking in the cold. It made such a difference. When I was cold, I was thinking about could I do this trip - for 6 weeks in this type of cold???? Bleh - I wasn't sure. But once I was warm, my attitude completely turned around. But it was cold. We finally made it into Pearisburg and got into the Rendevous Hotel. We found out Lightning Rod and Songbird were here! Hurrah. We made dinner plans with them. Got a shuttle to town from the hotel folks - PO, Walmart and then their hotel. It was nice to them again - decided we'd hike together for awhile.Dinner. Back to hotel - chores, phone calls, crash. So late, time for bed.
Date: 2008-10-29
From: Pearisburg VA

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: clear sky

Matt's entry: Today ended up bein gpretty much a nero, which is fine. We will be in a hotel I think in 4 more days, where we have a resupply waiting. We sent it off this morning.Seth (Lrod or Lightningrod for all of our frequent readers) and I walked together most of the day, which is cool. I enjoy his company. He's 25. It's cool to be with another dude.Kate and I were having a communication FUBAR day; I'm glad that's over. It seemed warmer today, and it was, but tonight it got cold again. Really cold. Seth set up their tarp as a front to the shelter to block the wind that was blowing directly into the shelter. It keeps it warmer it here.We bought halloween costumes while in town, which is really rad. I haven't dressed up in years. It will be fun, even on the trail. Kate is gonna be batman and I will be a young Kris Kringle. This all spurred a 'favorite costumes as a kid' discussion. Mine was Condor Man. Long story, ask me when I get home or else ask my Mom. It was sweet (thanks Mom).We got to the shelter at about 4, and spent the time around the fire and roasted marshmallows and ate food that Sbird and Lrod brought. They have too much (so sad).Our packs were seriously lightened this town stop - we ditched lots of stuff, including camp shoes and sandals, my flute, and some other smaller stuff we don't use much. We needed to do it becuase our winter bags are heavy and we need to start carrying more food. Tradeoffs!!MAN it's getting cold at night! My hands are outside the bag and it's cold. They aren't working well. Just moved inside the bag and put the hood over everything. It's much better.The day was good - looking forward to tomorrow - sleeping in til 6:30!! Yesterday we saw a bear and a 4 pointer, and also 2 bowhunters. Dude they were kinda clueless! Well, anyhow, I'm tired, so goodnight!
Date: 2008-10-30
From: Doc's Knob

To: Brushy Mountain
Miles today: 19.0

Kate's entry: Woke up and the wind had STOPPED! HURRAY! It felt much better outside. We still were bundled up when we started out, but were much more comfy. We started plodding along and the terrain was mostly rolling hills. The sun was out. It was comfortable enough to shed layers and to sit to take breaks. It was a nice change of pace. Lunch was at a shelter where we found some trail magic - sausage, some energy bars, graham crackers. It was a nice surprise. A lot of our walk was in Rhododendron groves, which I am in love with to be sure. I want one in our backyard, but Matt says the plants probably won't grow as big as they do down here. =(We decided mid-morning that we would stop at a restaurant/store .4 off the road later in the day for dinner. I was looking forward to it all day. Allegedly there was pizza to be had and I was craving it. We got there and Matt and I ordered a pizza a piece and then shared a salad. It was a bit more than we could eat and we are carrying about a pizza to show for it. I haven't had cold pizza for breakfast in a looong time and am looking forward to tomorrow b-fast.We started hiking up the ridge. It had some really funny turns to it in this stretch. It was getting dark but we were going to try to push on. .. but then the ridge got realy rocky. It quickly was becoming unsafe to walk on so we decided to throw up our tents on the side of the trail and to start in the light tomorrow. So that's where we are right now. I am happy to report we have less than 600 miles to go as of today and Matt and I are starting to really shave days off our tentative summit date of Dec. 15 =).
Date: 2008-10-31
From: Brushy Mountain

To: Laurel Creek Campsite near VA 615
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: clear sky

Matt's entry: Happy Halloween!!We dressed up today; as you know Kate was batman, I was a young Kris Kringle, Sbird (AKA Becca) was a bunny (a pretty cute bunny if I am allowed to say so in public), and Seth was a Pirate. It was so fun. Especially when we met other hikers!!!!It got hot today - WTF?!Nearly 70 degrees in the sun. I walked for a couple of hours alone this afternoon and iPoded. It was GREAT. It was hard to stand the santa hat though it was so hot.We made pretty good time today and got in my 5:30. the terrain was really easy today - rolling hills and fire roads mostly. It was really great walking, and we got in, built a fire, and roasted marshmallows after dinner. It was WAY fun. Yesterday we stopped at a store in the afternoon and ate pizza and had the leftovers today. GOD I love the south - stores everywhere. And nice waitresses, and cheap food. Good stuff!!!!!
Date: 2008-11-01
From: Laurel Creek Campsite near VA 615

To: Lick Creek 
Miles today: 20.8

Matt's entry: I know I know I just DID an entry. But do the 'odds.' So you're stuck with me.So today was the opening day of deer season here in VA - muzzleloader. I knew something was amiss becuase all night long the little road near our campsite was busy with truck traffic, and early this morning as well. The troops were moving in.Seth and Becca are from Philly, so I was telling them all about hunting on opening day. It was exciting, and I started getting excited about it for the hunters. I love opening day. I also was giving them tips like probably if you hear a close shot it's at a deer running away from you and not at you, etc. Anyhow it was cool.We saw a successful hunter - he was dragging out a nice little 4 pointer. Picked up his drag trail right away.We made pretty good time today, and ended up camping right near the creek. I was whomped at the end of the day. We age marshmallows and celebrated our victory of doing more than 20 miles today, even though we were tired, and then went to bed. Marshmallows are such a morale booster for me these days!We all decided to sleep in tomorrow a bit, as we don't have to go far tomorrow.
Date: 2008-11-02
From: Lick Creek 

To: US11/Relax Inn
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Kate's entry: I woke up to the alarm at 5 am. Matt had set it an hour earlier than we had discussed. UGHHH. So we laid there - though I dozed a bit. At 6, we started moving. I had slept well, but I was dragging...bad. Moving slow, looking forward to eats, hotel and shower. We pulled up into the truck stop, got snacks and beverages. Then to Relax Inn - piled into the room. Started to do showers, added to our resupply. All the nearby restaurants were closed so we did delivery while we did laundry and crawled into bed. Did phonecalls, watched TV, chilled. Looking forward to breakfast at The Barn tomorrow.
Date: 2008-11-03
From: US11/Relax Inn

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Matt's entry: So on the way into town, we passed the Barn Restaurant, and the sign said that they were reopening on the 3rd. That's today. So we walk over today, expecting a great breakfast. Guess what - the sign was changed today to say the 5th. No good Breakfast. Just crappy Shell Station breakfast. SUCK.Anyhow my net session is ending soon. More to come...
Date: 2008-11-04
From: Partnership Shelter

To: 603/Troutdale Baptist Hostel
Miles today: 23.0

Kate's entry: Woke up and it was warm!!It was a GREAT change. Big day, so we got moving. We were kicking butt and moving fast. We were hitting 4000ers but the grades were good and we were moving quick.We were seeing hunters today. Matt and Crazyhorse started to play the "hunter" game - but it didn't last long..it wasn't like opening week back home. We were in the woods all day with no views. It was 3:30 when we had finished the 23 miles - we were astounded with ourselves! We made dinner at nearby picnic tables and waited for Storyteller. We were starting to get worried as it got dark, but he rolled in at 6 and took us to the hostel. He had homemade cupcakes, cider and hot cocoa. YUM! He proceeded to tell us story after story...until we were pooped and falling asleep. Thanks for the help ST! To bed we go!
Date: 2008-11-05
From: 603/Troutdale Baptist Hostel

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: broken clouds

Matt's Entry: First, Sorry to you all who have been following the journals. As usual, I was doing other things when Kate updated her journal (mostly goofing off), so I didn't get my stuff done at the last trail town. Here are my entries...Today was a pretty good day. We didn't really sleep in as planned, but that was cool because Jerry's (the only place in town for food) was open at 6 and we were hungry (despite Storyteller's awesome cupcakes last night). the food at Jerry's was great. We all ate lots.Found out that Obama was the President. It was strange not really being around during the whole election hoo-ha, but we did at least get to vote via absentee ballot. Good stuff.It was mild today, and we had a pretty easy walk in. Saw the wild ponies and we even got to pet one. One walked right up to Kate and she got to pet it, and I know she was hoping to see one.Our group (Crazyhorse, Becca, Seth, Kate and I) seem t oreally be getting along well. Becca seems happier these days. We all saw the sunset tonight, and took lots of pics. It was good, and I finally am getting caught up on my journal. It's rocky, with few trees, that does remind me of Montana (sort of - the AT data book says it looks the same but I am not so sure). Tomorrow we are planning to be up early and maybe walk to Damascus.We broke the 500 mile to Springer line today. It seems so strange. I remember when we hit the 500 mile into the trip mark. It was a lot to get there, and now the miles go so much easier. I am looking forward (in a way) to getting back to real life, but at the same time, I will try to enjoy this last month out, and stop to look around as much as I can. I really love it out here.
Date: 2008-11-06
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: clear sky

Kate's entry: When we woke this morning, we could clearly see the stars still. The sun was coming up and was gorgeous - though we were in the woods for the rising. A lot of downs today and it was pretty exhausting. We decided we are going to mero into Damascus tomorrow (9.5 miles) and zero the next. I was feeling pretty shipped when we came in. We went down to pump water (Seth and I) when we heard something moving in the woods quickly. We looked up and a 6 point buck was running straight for us!!! It changed it's course only when we stood up and yelled. Fire again and smores tonight. I am tired and looking forward to town!
Date: 2008-11-07
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Hiker's Inn, Damascus, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

Matt's entry: This A.M. we woke up excited as usual. At 5:00 though. We made the short walk into town without much trouble - it was an easy hike. It was much warmer at the shelter than down in the valley we had to walk through to get to town. It's amazing how the little valleys here can hold the cold air. It is cool to finally be in Damascus. We have been hearing about it all through the trip. We stopped at the country diner on the way (on the right as you walk into town). I had Bfast again and then a blizzard. It was so yummy!We checked out the outfitters and met Suzanne at the Hiker Inn. She is sweet, and is making some apple butter today. She was great. We did our chores, and Kate got some new boots. I finally replaced my plastic spoon with a titanium one, because my spoon broke last week. Kate and I have been sharing and it will be so nice not to have to again! All is well. Also, we got some polyprop. glove liners.Spent the rest of the evening in bed - we turned in early as we were rather exhausted. We did go to Dots for dinner and a beer; it was just OK though.
Date: 2008-11-08
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Kate's entry: Woke up hungry. Ate crappy gingerbread cookies from the dollar store. I've beem craving gingerbread. Anyways, finished organizing maildrops. Met Crazyhorse at Dairyking for a great breakfast. Post office fo maaildrops. Caught up on journals at the library. Lunch time - decided on subway as Songbird has been craving it. Also went to the next door coffee shop - AWESOME. Back to the Inn. Made phone calls. Chilled. Took a BATH! I forgot how great zeroes are. Dinner. Back to the Inn- hung out with Suzanne - she's a canner and hand quilter. She shared her homemade salsa which was amazing. Dad take note on following tips: drain juice and can V8 or dehydrate tomatoes ahead of time and crumble them into the salsa to soak up extra juice. She had fun stories and we had a great time. We are looking forward to her breakfast tomorrow.
Date: 2008-11-09
From: Hiker's Inn, Damascus, VA

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Matt's Entry: It's cold tonight. I am guessing low 30's, high 20's. Tomorrow it's supposed to be down to 25 in Damascus; not sure about up here in the mountains.Today has been good - bfast with Suzanne at her place. She is so nice! Damascus was a great little town. I wouldn't mind visiting for the Trail Days festival in the spring, but the whole thing seems so crazy to me. LOTS of people, and I hear lots of partying too. Not our scene really.It's getting COLD...I hope the Smokeys aren't too hard on us all. The cold is especially hard on Becca. I hope she does OK.I thought alot today about journaling after the trip. It seems like I remember the day better after I read what I have done. I also have thought alot about how this trip has helped me realize that I can really hit whatever goal we set for ourselves. I am looking forward to setting future goals with the Katester soon - maybe that could be a New Year's tradition or something. Kate and I had our second real quarrel today. It really sucked. But, I am glad it's over and I am glad that we have gotten better at talking about stuff. It's nice to have a "fight" that is more like an upsetting discussion. I like it a whole lot better and fellings don't get really hurt. Well, that was today...
Date: 2008-11-10
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

Kate's entry: It was a cruising day today - we moved fast. We decided on getting up later for the cold and we were still in here around 4. No major ups or downs all day. Matt and I had our second fight of the whole trip - not a bad record I suppose...but I don't like it anyways. Though all is resolved now. Maybe that's why the two of us moved so fast? Who knows. We passed by two shelters. We went over Watauga Dam and walked pass Watauga Lake for quite sometime. Made a fire and the five of us gorged on smores. Getting cold so snuggled into our bags early.
Date: 2008-11-11
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 10.7

Matt's entry: Well, today has been strange. In the A.M., we decided to do big miles today rather than stop at Bob People's hostel, since the weather is supposed to be better today than tomorrow. Becca seemed not OK with this, so at our morning break I suggested calling the Mountain Harbor hostel and seeing if we could arrange some sort of slackpack. Bob wasn't in anyhow, but Mary was there at Mountain Harbor and she arranged a shuttle to pick us up at the 11 mile mark for the day. Not what we were thinking, but we figured we could make it up during the week anyhow. After we made the arrangements, Seth and I ran forward to let Crazyhorse know that we had a ride coming. Right before our pickup point, we caught him resting at a waterfall and he was in!So, when we did get picked up, there was this dude in a pickup truck with a large cab. He had room for 4 riders, but there were 6 of us (Kate and I, Becca and Seth, Crazyhorse, and some other guy who showed up at the last second named King Charles). So, the driver said that we could ride in the bed of the truck. Seth and I volunteered, not thinking it would be a far ride and thinking that he would take back roads or something.Mom, this is the part in the journal you should not read. This dude proceeded to take us on a 4 lane highway. Needless to say, Seth and I are now trauma-bonded for life. And, we have lots to be thankful for this thanksgiving. Geeez.After that excitement, things got much better. The hostel here is really nice. Kate and I shared this little space that is semi private. We have a full house. Rusty is here, and King Charles is turning out to be a really cool guy. He is from England, and he's a comedian back home.We spent the afternoon playing cribbage and eating pizza and ice cream. The hostel has a movie library, and we are wearing it out! It's pretty great here; they have a little wood stove and everything to keep the place warm, and it works really well. We are having a great time!
Date: 2008-11-12
From: Dennis Cove

To: Mountain Harbour
Miles today: 24.3

Kate's entry: Soooo sleepy again. Tummy's full. Feet hurt - loooong day. Walked over 24 trail miles - lost the trail twice today =(. Climbed lots. No good views. It was the five of us plus a section hiker King Charles from London. Hit under 400 miles to go! I'm excited for that! I'm ready for this thing to come to its end and miles keep dwindling. I'm not sure what it's going to be like when it's all over though. Don't know what it will be like to not feel like I need to walk every single day. Random thoughts today I guess. I'm tired. I'm happy. My feet hurt. Tomorrow's slacking again - it's supposed to be cold and rainy.
Date: 2008-11-13
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 18.5

Matt's entry: This A.M., we arose at 6:30, and it was raining hard. King Charles decided not to come with us today. Smart Man. It rained quite hard, but it really wasn't bad and it didn't last long once we got on the trail. The afternoon was cloudy and warm.In general, the miles went quickly. I talked to Amelia from back home and she said she has been searching for property and houses for us. It really got Kate and I talking about what we wanted when we got back, and we really are excited about things. It was a great way to spend the day - talking and dreaming and walking.So, it's one thing at a time right now. First, finish walking. Second, secure a job. Then, see what's what. But it's still exciting.The walk wasn't that bad. It was Roan Mountain, and there were no views becuase of the rain. It was mostly foggy and it reminded me of Maine. Kate and I walked together for most of it, and that made it better (I know that sounds corny but it is true - we haven't really walked together for a few days at least. She is up ahead or I am...)Tonight, we watched some more movies at the hostel, drank some beers, and it was fun hanging out. We are taking some time off tomorrow morning before leaving this great place and we are planning a shorter day. It's awesome.
Date: 2008-11-14
From: Hughes Gap (Mountain Harbour)

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Kate's entry: We slept in until 7 am - it was delicious. We packed, ate breakfast, lounged and were off by 10 am. Terry dropped us off. It was a great stay and I was bummed to leave. A zero would have felt good, but onward south we go. Just 12 miles, but something. The trail was pretty nice. There were a few nice views. After lunch, we ran into some thru-hikers we started with - Brandon and Bryce (Skeeter and Spoonful) who were finishing a section north that they had skipped. They are finishing tomorrow on Roan Mountain. I'm envious - that'll be us in 3 and 1/2 weeks. We are all nestled in the shelter for the night - waiting for a storm that's supposed to be coming through. Tomorrow's miles will all depend on the weather.