morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

After sleeping for 14 hours during a T-Storm, I woke up feeling a little more refreshed. My cough and runny nose didn't quit yet, but I felt better. Bumps and I ate an exciting new flavor of Pop Tarts this morning: Strawberry Milkshake. Thanks to Squarl for pointing the flavor out. I'm sick of the other flavors.We headed out on the trail at 11. At aout mile # 5, my body was absolutely exhausted. I was blowing snot rockets along the trail because I ran out of Kleenex. I know it's disgusting, but if I down I'm taking you all with me. We arrived at Partnership Shelter, which looks like a lodge. This place has a shower, a sink and a four walled bathroom. It's the Ritz Hotel of the trail. But the bonus part of this establishment is that you can order food and have it delivered here. How awesome is that? Below is a list of the food that Bumps and I ordered:- Ham and Turkey Panine (Extra Cheese)- Bowl of French Onion Soup- Onion Rings- Tour of Italy- Small Hawaiian pizza- 2 liter of PepsiNow is that good or what. Double-Shot and Squarl were hanging out with us for the night along with Outbreak and Morning Fit. Double-Shot found a watermelon shaped piece of wood he insisted in making into Trail magic joke. Him and Squarl are leaving at midnight to see how many miles they can do in 24 hours. I'm going to bed!
Date: 2006-05-04
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Well Double-Shot and Squarl didn't do their 24 hour Hikapade, but we still got started after them. Thee weather today was perfect. Bright blue skies with a warm sun kept the trail steamy and fast. Bumps and I raced to Atkins for re-supply of food. On the way though, we saw a huge red barn that stood out on the green grass and blue sky. We took some pictures and moved on into town. There we met some other hikers that were scrambling to get a room before the storm came. Tonight, it's warm showers, a good meal and some much needed rest.
Date: 2006-05-05
From: Atkins

To: Crawfish Valley Campground
Miles today: 6.2

After waking up and watching Ring 2 on HBO, Bumps and I thought we should actually hike today. So onward we went through a cow field. We stopped for awhile shooting some pictures and video of landscape with my camera. 3 miles later, we were at the next shelter deciding if we should move on. We ate lunch there with Pumpkin, an older thru-hiker and then decided to push an before the rain came. The terrain was tougher today than it was the past couple of days, but we arrived at our campsite just after the drizzle came down. We set camp in record time and relaxed to the soothing sounds of water splattering on my tent. Mountain Dewer, Orlan and Beaner joined us an hour later. After dinner we spent a couple of hours trying to light a fire with saturated wood. When we finally lit the blaze, we were all ready for bed as the rain fell harder. This is how we entertain ourselves. Goodnight all.
Date: 2006-05-06
From: Crawfish Valley Campground

To: Lick Creek Campground
Miles today: 10.8

Todays' journal is brought to you by Bumps.After a rainy night we woke up and dried off Grinds tent. I headed out about 20 minutes before Grinds. He met up with me about 3 miles down the trail just past a road in a beautiful field of tall grass. And we ate lunch by a stream on the side of a road next to a farm. We moved on to Knot Maul Shelter for a quick break. Then I had a difficult mile and a half up Lynn Mt. My vertigo acted up a couple of times today and Grinds seemed to find it hilarious. At one point he even reached for his camera in order to film me freaking out on the top of a ladder. But I don't find it very funny when I'm afraid I'll slide down a muddy cliff. What I do find funny, however, is when Grinds thinks that "Oint" is a word. As we were walking over the hills of golden grass he said that he was Ointing the land with every step he took. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure that isn't a word," I said. And he replied, "Yeah, like when you get blessed you get ointed." "That's anointed." And we both busted out laughing.All in all a good day, full of laughter and a good work out.
Date: 2006-05-07
From: Lick Creek Campground

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: moderate rain

As we went to sleep dry, this morning everything but our gear was wet. I sent Bumps ahead of me for a head start and so I could wipe the tent down with a towel. I pushed on the trail about a half an hour after her and we met soon after an extreme hard climb. The rain came in and saturated us and decided to stay. Because of the rain, we started to get cold so I moved on as Bumps took a quick break. There was this hill that was suppose to offer spectacular views, but because of the rain and heavy fog, it was a struggle just to see a white blaze. The hill was a constant uphill for over three miles. I found it annoying for the feet that it was constant and as soon as I thought maybe I've reached the top, it would curve and continue the constant climb. We arrived to a four-sided stoned shelter and decided quickly that we weren't moving. It was wet and it was cold. We made a hot meal and soon other hikers quickly followed behind. Tonight is about staying warm and maybe drying some clothes, but they'll probably freeze instead. I'm still sick with my cold and need a hot shower and medicine. I'm hoping to push Bumps tomorrow for a 22-mile day to Bland. That's a lot of miles for anybody. We'll see.
Date: 2006-05-08
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Bland
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Written by Bumps.For some reason I thought it sounded like a good idea when Grinds suggested a 22 mile day so we could get into town a day early and take a zero before I leave. I had extreme doubts about whether or not I would be able to do it. Seeing how the most I'd done so far was 15.But we decided to try. We left before 6:00 a.m. in the dark and in the middle of a cloud. We took it slow at first since we could hardly see anything, but the sun came up quickly and we made it to the next shelter by 10:30. When we got to a campsite where we planned to stop for lunch we found a cooler full of juice for the hikers. It was perfect! Along the way, to make the miles pass quickly we told each other "choose your own adventure" stories and rated each other on enthusiasm and creativity. Followed by sessions of question and answer and trips down memory lane and we made it to the road by 4:30. At this point both our bodies were in pain and we were unbelievably exhausted. Our dream of hitching the 3 miles into town was shot down when we realized that every time we stuck our thumbs out the cars would speed up and hug the shoulder of the road as we jumped out of the way. We'd heard the locals weren't keen on hikers, but had no idea it was that bad. This has to have been the longest 3 miles ever. We were now both slowly hobbling and hunched over. We went through stages where, first we were giddy & silly, then about to break down in tears, then irritable, then angry and when we finally saw a town we were full of smiles. We passed some really nice homes, a church and a gas station. And as we passed the used car lot the most ferocious looking sheep dog ran to the fence and went crazy. I remember looking at it and saying "man, that's the scariest little dog ever." We continued limping past when we noticed that the gate was open up ahead. I figured he was one of those protective dogs who would just bark to keep you off their property. We were both a bit shocked when it darted straight for me foaming at the mouth like a rabid animal. I didn't know what to do, but I just stood still ready to beat it with my walking stick, when at the very last moment I heard a woman yell from the yard, "No come back here!" The dog stopped in it's tracks and ran back to the yard. As we left the area Grinds said he was about to stab it with his trekking pole. And we laughed at the thought that it was about to tear my leg off after all that walking. I even might have appreciated it. As I put it at the time, "Go ahead, take my foot off. I really don't need it any more. It hurts so bad right now it might feel better just to get rid of it." But we did make it through town and to the hotel. Nothing could have felt better than a warm shower. Now I'm ready to head home.I had a great time out here visiting Grinds. It was challenging, rainy and full of memories. What a wonderful experience! Thanks for reading along with us everyone! I know we will both enjoy following along with the rest of Grinds adventure.
Date: 2006-05-10
From: Bland

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: light rain

Bumps had a shuttle pick us up from the hotel. He dropped me off at the trail head at 11 so already I had a later start than usual. On the way though, we picked up Redhead, a thru hiker from Iowa. We headed out with an incredible pace and put in 9.5 miles in three hours. He pushed on and I stopped at the shelter for food and water. The spring was half a mile down a blue blazed trail so it took me some along with extra miles I had to walk. After the shelter, however, I crossed a suspension bridge that crossed Kimberly Creek. It looked pretty modern, but it shook as I crossed. Thankfully it held me up. A few miles later I took a side trail to Dismay Falls. I almost decided to camp there, but I left my pack on the AT. I pushed further hoping to reach Wapiti Shelter. The sun was out, but I saw heavy dark clouds creeping up behind me. I don't think I've ever walked that fast, but soon the drizzle would begin. I looked at my databook that guides my distance so I could determine how far the shelter was from me. To me, I was less than a mile away, but unfortunately darkness came and I don't know if I passed it or if I haven't passed it yet. I pulled over to a field where a couple million bugs and frogs are singing and chirping. Probably the loudest section of Virginia and I just so happened to camp here. Today was a long day of miles, but it was filled with big thoughts and miles.
Date: 2006-05-11
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light rain

Because I got in this campsite last night late, I had no energy to cook. I did the worst thing one could do. Eat a pop tart for dinner. Not only did I wake up starving. I was weak physically and mentally all day. The sky was grey, which has become a typical scene the past couple of days. I got going somehow and realized I was only a quarter mile shy of the shelter. I ran into Sleepy the Arab, a 2001 thru hiker who stated the shelter was full anyway. I haven't seen him since Fontana Dam and he must of passed me when we were in Bland. He was exhausted too so we slowly worked our way North.The highlight of the day was when I saw a blind mole circling in the leaves trying to find a hole in the ground to go into. Other than that, the sun peaked out for a minute but then was blocked by storm clouds. I reached a shelter to have lunch and two minutes later, the sky let go of the rain and it soaked the ground. I waited about a half an hour and finally it stopped, but the trail, which was full of rocks, became extremely slippery and difficult to walk. Although, I was tired, I had one thing on m mind: Hardees Thickburger in the town of Pearisburg. I finally reached the steep downhill to get to town and soon before I reached the road, I slipped so fast on a rock that I fell hard on the side of my pack. I laid there still like dead roadkill only to begin laughing at the site I've just created. I stood up and looked around in embarrassment, but no one was around to witness the crash. I got into town and found a hotel that had to be built in the 60's. I didn't care. Tonight it was about a shower, a Monsterburger, and a couple of beers. The bonus was watching ESPN. I've decided to ignore the weather channel. It's just too depressing to see Virginia full of green on the screen. Tonight, however, I have a four sided shelter that's not made of nylon.
Date: 2006-05-12
From: Pearisburg

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I have learned two things being out here. One being I struggle sleeping on beds. Maybe, they're just hotel beds and their lumpy pillows, or maybe it's because I'm used to the hard wooden shelter. The second thing I've learned is that Virginia is all about steep climbs out of town then ridge walking for about fifteen miles and then a steep downhill to a shelter, road or town. The terrain is rockier than I would like, but once on the ridge, it's smooth sailing. The sun actually came out today, but grayed up again after I reached the shelter. My feet have red blotches on top of them due to he hot spot that has been created by my boots. I'm just happy I have a shelter spot to sleep in. They're calling for rain tonight. We're not surprised by that forecast.
Date: 2006-05-13
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 24.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Ladies and gentlemen, we had sunshine! What a gorgeous day it ws today. Blue sky with the big, white, fluffy clouds. I got an early start to the day and ran into a sign that stated if I didn't want to ford a river, walk on the nearby road. So, I continued on the trail until I came uon a shallow river that use to have a bridge across it. The sign stated that the bridge was damaged and destroyed by Hurricane Jeeanne in 2004. So, after searching for a place to cross this thing, I simply took off my boots and replaced them with my sandals and walked across it. The water was very cold and the rocks were extremely slippery, but as soon as I got across, I saw a cooler. Someone left juice and Ho Ho's as trail magic. I quickly grabbed some and ate them at the next shelter.After lunch, the time just flied by along with the miles. I didn't really see anything exciting. I was in a great mood because of the weather even though the terrain was rocky. I arrived at War Spur Shelter where I was going to call home for the night, but I ran into Squarl who talked me into hiking 7 more miles to the next shelter. A few miles in, we saw a 300 yr. old tree and took some pictures of it. Quite incredible. Upon my sore arrival of Sarver Hollow Shelter, I was graced by the presence of Coolhand and Tecumseh. I finally caught up to them after 4 days of pushing large miles. I didn't hang out for to long. I simply ate, got water, talked for a bit and then got into m tent.
Date: 2006-05-14
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: VA620
Miles today: 14.9

I forgot to mention in yesterdays journal that we've seen a lot of old wooden abandoned buildings in this area. Squarl and I took pictures of what looked like the Blair Witch house with all the hardmarks. I was glad we saw it during the day rather being there in the dark.Last night we got some rain. As soon as I got up and wrapped up my wet tent, the sun came out. Tec, coolhand, and I didn't leave until 10:30. the late start put us in a lazy mood, but as soon as we heard thunder and saw a storm coming, we took off running for the nearby shelter. It was only 6 miles into hiking when we reached the shelter after the storm hit us briefly. It lasted for about 35 minutes as about 14 of us hikers scrunched into a dry shelter. Most of the guys hiked from the shelter before the one I stayed at. When the sun came out we set out again, we pasted the Audie Murphy memorial site. Audie Murphy was a well known war veteran and his plane crashed at the place his memorial was at during his latter years. We noticed another storm coming in the distance so we pushed on. This one hit us right on so we walked our soaking bodies to a campsite close to a Virginia road. I set up camp and then the sun came out again. It's just been a crazy weather day. Tomorrow is the town Catawba where my cousin's Julie and Brent will be picking me up. I can't wait for a warm shower and laundry. It's what I hike for these days.
Date: 2006-05-15
From: VA620

To: VA624
Miles today: 7.7

Luckily, we didn't receive anymore rain. I did however, have another late start but for good reason. Upon waking up, I realized there was another tent next to me. It was Rematch. Formerly known as Red. He's a high miler who's been on and off the trail. We chatted for awhile and left the campsite around 9. The sky was cloudy, but I reached Dragons Tooth around noon. Dragons Tooth is a large rock formation. It's a neat camp area, but I never saw how the rocks look like a dragon's tooth. The climb out was extremely difficult. Tec, Coolhand and myself slipped a couple of times. Anyway we reached the highway that had a store 0.4 miles away. We had a couple of burgers and decided that we didn't want to hike anymore. Luckily my cousin Julie came and picked us up. She drove Tecumseh and Coolhand to a hotel and took me to her and Brent's house. It was nice to have a home cooked meal, shower, a tour of Virginia Tech and a chance to play with their son Preston. Thank you for the wonderful hospitality.
Date: 2006-05-16
From: VA624

To: Pig Farm Campsite
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: broken clouds

We said goodbye to Julie, Brent and Preston and got started on the trail around 11. Today was pretty chilly out, but we did have sunshine. Tec, Coolhand and I made fun of each other for most of the day to help pass the miles. But for some reason, the miles were going by slow. Luckily, we ran into a must see view called McAfee Knob. This view is one of the more popular attractions in Virginia. This cliff juts out creating an amazing view. We spent a couple of hours talking to day hikers and enjoying the site. We didn't walk to far from there until we found a campsite. It was another low mile day, but we're heading to Troutville tomorrow to clean up and head to Damascus for Trail Days. It'll be a nice weekend off to visit fellow thru-hikers and rest our ailing bodies.
Date: 2006-05-17
From: Pig Farm Campsite

To: Daleville
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

We got an 8:40 start today and hiked North. After a long break before the Tinker Cliff, Tec decided to lead Coolhand and I down the trail. It wasn't long when we noticed there were no white blazes or much of a trail left. We all decided to keep going under the cliff so we didn't have to walk back. It wasn't until we reach the end of the mountain. The only way was to climb the cliffs. So we took our packs off and hoisted them through a crevice as we climbed up. Low and behold, there was the trail, right on top of Tinker Cliffs. We raced the rest of the way to Daleville where we met Squarl, Dufrane, and Double-shot. We decided to drive into a nearby town and go with Dinosaur and Hellbender's friends with Plunger and Yukon. It felt good to know we were getting a weekend off the trail.
Date: 2006-05-18
From: Daleville

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Trail Days is a weekend festival for hikers in Damascus, Virginia. Double drove his van and picked us up in Daleville to drive us down. There are eating contests, vendors, free food, and gear representatives at Trail Days. We tented in an area called Tent City a mile out of town. Throughout the weekend, Coolhand and I spent at Baja Burritos watching the Cubs, Sox games as I won $20 bucks from him. It was a great chance to talk to MSR, Henessey, and Granite Gear about my hiking gear. I bought a new pair of shoes because my Merrill boots started to split at the tow. I got some great ideas on lightening my pack weight and a I love mountains bumper sticker. I watched the hiker talent show and stayed away from the waterfight/hiker parade. I hung out at Baja Burrito and listened to a bluegrass band and even danced a little. All in all, it was a great weekend to heal, rest and celebrate for completing a third of the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2006-05-22
From: Daleville

To: Wilson creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Although I was exhausted from a long weekend, Tecemseh and Coolhand hiked to the shelter slow today. The terrain was easy and the weather was beautiful. Not too much happened today, but I'm staying at the shelter with Yukon Cornelius, Brave Friend, Suncrow, and Sunshine Day Dream. I ate some tortillas filled with cheese, Mexican rice and Taco Bell sauce. I'm heading to bed early tonight for a longer day tomorrow.
Date: 2006-05-23
From: Wilson creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

My watch alarm that was set when Bumps and I woke up for our 22 miler went off this morning at 5:15. I stayed awake and decided to get out of my sleeping bag at 6 and was on the trail by 7 this morning. The morning was beautiful, not a cloud in the sky and cool air breezing around. I found a Nalgene bottle on the trail so I brought it to the next shelter where I saw Jody Foster and She-Bear for the first time since Hot Springs. We chatted it up and they took off as I got water and a quick snack. The hike got interesting when I had a showdown with a grouse. This bird jumped up from a log and spread its wings trying to intimadate me with his load screeching voice. I being a noble defender, took this threat as a serious fight. As Dan Cook would say, "It was on." So, this grouse has it's wings spread ready for attack. I lift my trekking like a Star Wars Light Saber. As he charges, I get ready to tee off on a par 5 in Augusta. The grouse, smarter than I thought, runs up the mountain on an angle towards me. Thinking this grouse ws going to flank me from the left, I cautiously walk backwards as I hear fast rustles in the leaves. The grouse knew it was over. My skills were too much for him to overcome. He walked away sheepishly and embarrassed as I claimed victory. I respected him as my enemy and gave him credit for his courage. After that debacle, I continued on the trail and reached our destination shelter which is a 3-story mansion. Tec, Coolhand, Brave Friend and I are having a slumber on the 3rd floor. If anyone starts a pillow fight, I will take them out with my 15 pound food bag.
Date: 2006-05-24
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Spring Campground
Miles today: 17.2

I got a late start this morning due to the fact that there was a group of kids with emotional disorders. One kid was absolutely screaming at his counselor. While that was going on Tec, Coolhand and myself had a bag off. Meaning the person who can stay in the sleeping bag the longest wins. It was pathetic, but I prevailed. We got on the trail around 10 and hiked slowly due to the climb we had. It was a picture perfect day with some amazing views. Tec and I went to Black Rock and enjoyed the sun and a beautiful valley of trees and rocks. We arrived at the campground before dark and made a campfire for the night. Tonight I'm hoping for clear skies and no rain.
Date: 2006-05-25
From: Marble Spring Campground

To: Rocky Raw Run Campsite
Miles today: 7.9

Today was a pretty easy day with light terrain and beautiful weather. Tec, Coolhand, Brave Friend and I hitched into Glasgow for a quick re-supply and food. We got back onto the trail after a former hiker asked us if we wanted a ride. I jammed in the back of his truck and he took us back to the trailhead. We hung out near some railroad tracks next to a river and tossed back of couple of cold ones as the sun beat down around us. It was a nice little break so we walked about a mile down and found a small campsite next to a stream. Tonight a good rest for the climbing we'll be doing the next two days.