morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-21
From: Niday Shelter 1,800

To: Four Pines Hostel 1,790
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: moderate rain

It started to rain around 3:00 this morning. Wizard had to jump up and get his clothes off the line. I didn't sleep well because my sleeping bag was too hot and my toes were hurting. This morning it was 60 degrees. I don't mind getting out of my bag for that. I finally slept some in the morning and didn't get up until at least 7:00. I started hiking around 9:00 and had no idea what this 16 miles had in store for me. I knew I was going to the hostel tonight and there is a store nearby so I knew I would get a soda! But, to get here was a lot of work. The first 10 miles weren't so bad, and it didn't rain. I made good time to the first shelter and felt pretty good. Then I got to Dragon's Tooth. It is at 3,020 feet and is a bunch of rocks at the top of a ridge. For over two hours I navigated my way up, then down. It seemed ridiculous to me that the trail took us so far up these rocks, then I seemed to go down just below where I had climbed. I felt like someone from the Roanoke ATC was watching me on hidden camera and laughing at me. This was my biggest challenge so far. There were two places going down where bars were installed like a ladder. I slid on my butt a few times, too, because I am too short to make the step down. I thought I would get to the hostel around 4:00. I got here around 5:10.Once I got to the road, I headed straight to the store for soda and chips. Then I headed to the Four Pines Hostel. I just discovered this place in Wingfoot's book two days ago and am glad I did. Joe Mitchell is the owner. The hostel is in a 3 bay garage behind his house. He has a big AT sign on the garage and a sign out front by the mailbox. There is a shower, microwave, hot plate, mattresses and cots, lots of games, a radio, and a fridge loaded with sodas and beer for $.75 each. I am in the hostel with Wizard, E-Dogg from Maryland, 50 and Do It, Deysman from Maine, Legion from Ft. Lauderdale, The Viking from Germany. This is an awesome hostel and convenient to a store only .6 miles away. Joe also runs a shuttle and will allow hikers to occasionally use his phone if it is convenient. Great place. We are even accompanied by Shoestring, Joe's dog. She is asleep in the chair. She acts like she hiked 16 miles today. All this for donations only. Mentally and physically, this was one of my most challenging days. I had to concentrate so hard on where to put my feet for the last 6 miles and it rained today, but it was warm. I did something today I have not done before. I hiked in the rain with no rain jacket, only the pants so I wouldn't get so muddy. Temps were in the low 70's and I was working hard! I'm off to doctor my feet. They are really sore. I'm due for new shoes in Daleville and a new summer sleeping bag. $$$$$$Goodnight Oscar.
Date: 2003-05-22
From: Four Pines Hostel 1,790

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter 2,080
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: light rain

I slept pretty good on my cot at the hostel. I got up around 6:45 and had Doritoes and dip and two Mountain Dews for breakfast! Today we went over Mcafee Knob and Tinker Cliffs which both have great views, but not today. It was cloudy all day and the trees dripped on me all day and when we got to the knob and the cliffs there was so much fog we couldn't see 10 feet. No pictures. I didn't think the climb to either place was difficult but I now have a blister on the back of each heel so going uphill today was a slow and painful process. Downhill was not so bad. My shoes have worn out and are causing the blisters. Only 10 more miles to go in them.I am so ready for a sunny, warm day to hike. We've had only one sunny day this past week and that was Tuesday. This rain is not good for the attitude but I've felt pretty good all week except Sunday and tomorrow is a town day! I am at the shelter tonight with E-Dogg, Wizard, Booble, Bull, and Tunel Vision. Booble went to trail days and has been taking it easy so I caught up with him. It is a little chilly so I'm going to get ready for bed and climb in my bag and read. I don't feel like writing much tonight. Goodnight Oscar.
Date: 2003-05-23
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter 2,080

To: Daleville VA 1,300
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: mist

It rained almost all night! I was plenty warm in my winter bag but this weather better break soon. Once again, I walked in a fog all day, no views, no pictures. My only goal was to get to town by noon so I could get all my stuff done. I made it by 11:30 or so. Said bye to E-Dogg. Her boyfriend picked her up and they are going somewhere for the weekend. The hike into town was rocky and muddy. No big climbs, but the rocks on the ridge were rough. We did some real ankle-breakers coming downhill. When I popped out of the woods, I was in town! I went to the Econo Lodge, showered, and Wizard and I hit the Pizza Hut. Then I was off to the outfitter. I got a new summer bag from Marmot, fuel, socks, shorts (mine were falling down!), and new shoes. I got Lowa and they are comfy! I think they will treat me well.I went to the local coffee place and saw Clover and Snort. They were traveling on after eating lunch. Do It, 50, and myself called Dell, a local trail angel, and he picked us up at the coffee place and drove us to Troutville to the post office to get our food drop. He was so great, and even offered to take me to a Doobie Brothers concert in Roanoke tonight for free. I passed on that one. When I got back to the hotel, I turned on CMT and got to work drying everything, doing laundry, and organizing my food, etc. Man, my clothes reeked even worse than usual since it rained all week. My new sleeping bag weighs 1 lb 4 oz and is 1/3 the size of my winter bag. I'm so excited! I should be able to pack my pack differently and have more space.I am so glad to be in town drying everything and cleaning everything. I have to check my laundry and get ready for a short day tomorrow - only about 12 miles for me in my new shoes. Goodnight Oscar.
Date: 2003-05-24
From: Daleville VA 1,300

To: Wilson Creek Shelter 1,830
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

Something very strange happened today. Around 2:00, the sky turned this weird color. I believe it is called blue. Then this big yellow ball began shining in the sky and it became really warm. Someone told me it was the sun! I hear it is coming back tomorrow! I left town today at 10:45. It was hard to leave knowing there was a coffee shop to hang out in, a Pizza Hut nearby, sodas readily available and all the TV I could watch. The terrain was really easy today, though, and I was glad to do short mileage. I am with a whole new crowd tonight and the shelter is full. I am in the shelter with Bull, Nick, Rocky, Snack Machine, Bob from Athens, GA, and Healer. He took time off so we are together once again. I haven't seen him since before Fontana Dam. Tenting we have Booble and his two friends, Grizzly, who I thought I would never see again, Medicine Man and his dog Virginia. She is a beautiful Jack Russell puppy he found outside Atkins, VA. After hiking in my new shoes for 11 miles, my feet feel so much better! I am so excited about my new shoes. They made such a huge difference! I bought Lowa's. I have been rubbing lotion on my feet every night and massaging them for the last week and that has also helped a lot. I think I am getting some of the feeling back in my toes, too. I hear Ben Gay is the best to rub on them so I'm getting some in Waynesboro. I finally sent my winter clothes home, even the pants. I kept my long johns and fleece hat and a fleece sweatshirt. So far, so good tonight. I am trying out my new Marmot Trails summer sleeping bag tonight, too. It weighs 1 lb 4 oz and compresses to 1/3 the size of my Marmot Maverick. Hope it keeps me warm tonight. I sent my air pillow home because it got wet and stayed wet and I can't get the smell out. The shorts I bought are too big. I thought they fit when I bought them but after moving and sweating in them, they are too big. They are two sizes smaller than my others. I think I've lost at least 10 pounds but I'm not losing right now. My appetite is not the appetite of a thru hiker. I feel good, I have plenty of energy (usually), and am in good spirits after seeing the sun today and having lots of soda and sleeping in a bed in town. Wizard had to stay at the hotel today for a zero because of his leg. I heard Healer fixed it so maybe he will be on the trail tomorrow. ReBob is ahead by at least one day. I probably won't see him again unless he takes a zero somewhere.I am glad to see some of the people I hiked with earlier. It is amazing how much you can learn about someone out here and not know their real name.Goodnight Oscar."Tucson"
Date: 2003-05-25
From: Wilson Creek Shelter 1,830

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter 1,320
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

Today turned out to be a great day to hike. I woke up at 6:00. Well, actually I think I woke up around 3:00 because I got cold in my new bag! So at 6:00 I got up, got ready, and was on the trail by 7:15. I had lunch at a shelter with Rocky, then arrived at Bryant Ridge Shelter by 5:30 after talking to several day hikers. It rained this morning but cleared up when I started walking. Stayed cloudy almost all day but got warm and sunny around 3:00. I hear more rain is coming though.This shelter is amazing! It is a triple decker. The first level has room to cook and a picnic table. You can sleep on the second and third levels. It is very spacious but there are not many of us here. We are all in the shelter because it is so nice. I am sheltering with Healer, Grizzly, Rocky, Do It and 50, Bob, Nick, and Snack Machine. Do It and I are the only females. I am hoping tonight will be warmer.I had cheese, hot chocolate, and oatmeal raisin cookies as an appetizer tonight. Then I had salmon and mac and cheese for dinner. Healer ate half the salmon because it only comes in 7 oz packages and I can't eat it all. Grizzly finished my mac and cheese for me because I had too many appetizers. Everyone seems to have a huge appetite except me. We hiked along the Blue Ridge Parkway today for several miles. I couldn't see it but I could hear the cars so it was never far away. There were some great views from the overlooks since there wasn't much fog today. I enjoyed the hike today and with my new shoes the 20 miles were much easier. My feet feel much better and I am getting some feeling back in my right big toe. I figure as long as my toes are the right color and are still attached each morning, I'm not going to worry about them.Had a little trail magic today. I was running low on toilet paper and someone left some high quality tp at this shelter so I helped myself. No worries. Goodnight Oscar."Tucson"
Date: 2003-05-26
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter 1,320

To: Matt's Creek Shelter 835
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Our luxury model shelter turned out to be not so luxurious, at least not for Rocky. It rained most of last night and it rained hard. The roof leaked where Rocky was sleeping, so he had to move in the middle of the night. When we woke up this morning, we found out the mice had gotten in the stash of community TP and built a nest right over me. Rocky had moved right in their path, but neither of us felt a thing. We think they crawled along the rafters. A big spider also built a web near the mouse nest. I slept pretty well considering all the festivities. I didn't get cold until around 5:00 and I got up at 6:00.This must be some sort of record. I got on the trail again by 7:15. I knew we had a long day and I wanted to get to camp in time to cook and do chores before dark. I also wanted a space in the shelter since we've had so much rain. No rain today, though. We had some sun, some clouds, and it was probably in the low 70's today. Great hiking weather.We had some great views today of the valley below the Blue Ridge Mountains. We also hiked under The Guillotine which is a bolder suspended over the AT. I had a nice lunch with Grizzly, Healer, and two guys doing trail maintenance, a father and son I believe. We appreciate them very much. This section of trail today is very well maintained but not blazed too well. I really had to look around a few times to figure out where to go.I have decided that maybe 20 miles is my limit. After that, I am grouchy, tired, in pain, and ready to be there. The last three miles today was rough, even though the terrain was very easy. I am in the shelter tonight with Healer, Nick, Rocky, Grizzly, and Grandma Bear and Grandma Turtle. I just met them today about 4 miles from the shelter. They are 50 and 60 years old and started in Damascus. They are going to flip-flop when they get to Kahtadin. Today was their longest day so far - 12 miles. Go Grandma's!"Tucson"
Date: 2003-05-27
From: Matt's Creek Shelter 835

To: Punchbowl Shelter 2,500
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: moderate rain

This morning things did not look good. Rain, rain, and more rain. My first thought was not positive. I thought, "I didn't sign up for this." It stopped while we got packed up and started again shortly after I started hiking. I started hiking around 8:30 wearing rain pants and a short sleeve shirt. Two miles later I had the rain jacket on and was all bundled up, even going uphill. The day actually got colder instead of warmer, temp probably not above 60.We did a major climb today. We went from the James River at 710 feet to Bluff Mtn at 3,372 in 8.6 miles. It rained the whole time. It took me two hours to do the worst of the climbing. After that, I decided to cut my day short. I got to the shelter before 2:00 and made myself at home. There were several people here when I arrived but they were only here for lunch. Healer, Juke, Papa Roach, Flatlander (the guy, not my original partner), and the Librarian were here eating. So was Grizzly, who I have a story to tell about. I met Grizzly in the Smokies. We were on the same path for a while, then he got ahead of me. He went to Trail Days, so we met up again a few days ago after Daleville. Grizzly is well aware that instead of craving and thinking about food, I think about soda. He got some trail magic today that he knew I would miss. He hid a Pepsi in his jacket for me and gave it to me at the shelter when no one was looking. How awesome is that? I am always amazed at the great people I have met out here. So after I got to the shelter, about two hours later, the rain stopped and the skies cleared somewhat. I was already settled in, so I stayed put. I had no pants to wear, though. My shorts got wet while I was hiking and I sent my winter pants home. I really regret that. So I am wearing long johns and fortunately my shirt comes down far enough to hide most of the least attractive parts of me. I think my rain pants will be dry soon. I am planning to sleep in them to help keep warm. My sleeping bag isn't quite up to snuff in this weather. I will also buy some cheap pants in Waynesboro. This weather is ridiculous. Is it ever going to get warm for two days in a row?I am meeting a whole new group of people here at this shelter. So far, I am here with In and Mem (In Memory), Blue Sky from Macon, GA, Deysman, Colby, and Trucker. In and Mem are hiking in memory of her mother who died from a malignant heart tumor in 1988. They set up a memorial fund and are doing this to raise money. They just told me they carry two pounds of cookies.I had some very negative thoughts today about the trail. The rain is hard to deal with day after day, especially when it is cold. I believe if there is one thing that could conquer me, it would be cold rain day after day. I did not expect it to be this cold for this long and it frustrates me. I have spent so many days it seems hiking in perfect hypothermia weather, and almost experienced hypothermia in the Smokies. That scares me. I hope tomorrow will be better weather and I will work on being in better spirits.Goodnight Oscar."Tucson"
Date: 2003-05-28
From: Punchbowl Shelter 2,500

To: Cow Camp Gap Shelter 3,160
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

We had blue skies this morning. I have not been sleeping well since I got this new sleeping bag. It is not warm enough. Later on it might be but for now it is not. I got up around 7:00 this morning with the intention of doing 24.4 miles. I felt good, the first 8 miles were really easy but I stopped at 14 anyway. Today was a little cold but we had sunshine and a few clouds. I got everything dried out and was the first person at the shelter at 3:30. I cleaned up, swept the shelter, got water, stretched, and then Nick, Bob, and Snack Machine showed up. We are the only ones here so far at 7:15. This is a nice shelter, bigger than the ones we've seen lately but the same design. There is a picnic table here big enough to seat an entire boy scout troop I think. When I got to the shelter, I had to cross a stream. Remember how I said everything was dry and there was no rain today? I got almost across the stream and dunked my right foot in all the way up to my ankle - twice! I was soooooo mad!I am in a hiker funk. I am so ready to get to Waynesboro but I don't feel like doing long miles. Because I cut the last two days short, I have to do 24.5 tomorrow and 21+ the next day so I can get to the post office by Sat. morning. I dinged myself on this leg of the race. I am feeling burned out. I plan to get up early tomorrow and hit the trail by 7:15. I'm hoping a zero in Waynesboro will help get me out of this hiker funk.Nice hike today, no view really but the weather was good and the trail followed a Brown Mountain Creek for a long time. When slaves were first freed, they lived along the edges of this creek and worked as sharecroppers. There is still evidence of them living there. I was hiking with Blue Sky and we saw old rock walls.Blue Sky is from Macon, GA and got a degree in criminal justice but never used it. He is probably in his mid 20's and hikes pretty fast. He went on today like I should have. I did the first four miles today in one hour and twenty minutes. That is how light my pack is and how easy the terrain was. My new shoes are great. Goodnight Oscar."Tucson"
Date: 2003-05-29
From: Cow Camp Gap Shelter 3,160

To: Harper's Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: moderate rain

It rained almost all day. Imagine that.   I woke up around 6:15 and was on the trail an hour later. Slept a little; cold again last night. It rained all night and kept me awake some because I was anticipating hiking in it today, which I did. I had no choice but to do 24 miles if I wanted to make the Waynesboro post office by Saturday morning.The morning started out cold. I wore short sleeves, long sleeves, shorts, rain jacket and rain pants all day. The rain finally stopped around 1:30 but started again at 4:30 when I was almost dry. I got to the shelter around 6:30 thinking I would be alone tonight for the first time, then Overshot showed up. I was so glad! He is from Columbus, OH and may get off the trail in Waynesboro. He is out of money. He hiked 30 miles to get to this shelter today.I saw a deer on the trail today and she just stood there, unafraid. I took two pictures and when I started hiking again she took off.   I've seen a lot of deer, but this one was only about 10 feet away. I have had a really hard time mentally these last three days. I think I lost sight of why I'm doing this. I've lost sight of the end. So, today, I was feeling pretty rotten in the rain and then I thought about what it will feel like to climb Katahdin. I think I am back on track now and I am motivated to finish. I still plan to finish on my birthday.The terrain today was easy and I think this is my first day over 20 when I didn't get frustrated. I started early, hauled ass most of the day, took two 30 minute breaks and almost froze to death. I knew I had to eat, though, or I wouldn't make 24 miles. I think I am not eating enough. I've lost two clothing sizes already which is unusual for women. I'm going to carry more snacks I think and try to eat more in town. I feel good, though.Got a big blister on the back of my left heel today. Left overs from my last pair of shoes. Tomorrow's uphill will be hell. It really hurts.Goodnight Oscar.
Date: 2003-05-30
From: Harper's Creek Shelter 1,800 

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter 1,700
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: broken clouds

My roommate last night, Overshot, got up at 4:30 and was on the trail around 5:00, I think. What a guy. He has the same problem I do. He has a fleece bag that doesn't keep him warm, so he just got up and left. I woke up to clear skies and cool temps! I was so happy it wasn't raining. I got up at 6:00 and was on the trail by 7:15, ready for another long day. I felt really tired today. I think I need to eat more. I did the first climb, which was the hardest, in two hours. The blister really slowed me down. The mountain is called Three Ridges and stands at 3,970 feet. We were climbing from 1,800 and the climb was about 3 miles long. After all my hard work, I had beautiful views at the top and clear skies!There was a lot of ridge walking today, but it was rocky. My feet hurt for the first time since I got new shoes and I think it was the rocks. I just seemed to have no energy, even on the flat sections. I stopped at another good viewpoint when I had about 8 miles left and had myself a snack. I poured honey into my peanut butter, then stirred in some of my GORP. That was an awesome snack! I finished the last two miles or so to the shelter with Clover. She is from Canada. Fortunately, the last few miles were all downhill. Clover usually hikes with Snort but they were separated today. I saw Snort and The Librarian on the trail today. They were identifying wildflowers.I am sheltering with Bob and his brother, Snack Machine, again. They did almost 30 miles today. Clover is here and so is Walksoft and his dog, Peacehound. Very cool dog. They were low on food today so Clover fed Walksoft and I fed Peacehound. He is a very cute, very large Elkhound. Walksoft gave me his down vest to put over me if I get cold tonight. I was so excited! I have met such great people out here and am once again very glad to have the company of a dog. He is laying right next to me.Walksoft plays a bamboo flute and Bob is an excellent guitar player. It is getting late, though, so we probably won't be rocking out tonight.I had a hard time mentally today, partly because I didn't sleep much. I was so glad for the warm weather and clear skies, though. I needed that. I can't wait to go to town tomorrow, only 5 miles away. I had a real thru hiker appetite today and not enough food to satisfy it. This is the first day I've spent a lot of time thinking about food. I'm going to eat in town and drink sodas like there is no tomorrow!Good day today overall. I'm hoping to shed this blister in Waynesboro and get back on track Monday in the Shenandoah's.Goodnight Oscar.