morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Hot Springs - Alpine Motel

To: Log Cabin Road - Hemlock Hollow Farm
Miles today: 16.3

Watch was set for 7:45. Goal is to wake up, eat, Post Office, repack box, send box out, on trail. And for the most part, all went well.I woke before my alarm went off but still waited in bed until it went off. Got dressed and headed back to the Smoky Mountain Diner, ordered their special skillet, toast and coffee. The skillet was so large that I admit to eating only half of it. It was now 8:30, the Post Office is open and I had to go. Took the leftovers to-go. Stopped at Dollar General for a 420 calorie chocolate chug shake. Headed to Post Office. In front I realized the to-go box simply weighed too much so I had to eject it with the empty milk container. Picked up my 2 boxes. One with my lighter sleeping bag and supplies and the other with my windbreaker and hat that I had somehow left at the Hike Inn at Fontana.I took my bag, pills, candy and a few other items and packed everything else up with my 30 degree bag. Back to the Post Office then back to the hotel. I took a quick shower, packed up and left.On the way out, I stopped at the Outfitters to weigh my pack. 18 pounds with food and water. A nice weight. On trail at 10:10. A bit later than I wanted but still not bad.The climb out of Hot Springs was just over 2,200 feet. Legs are getting stronger and the climb did not feel bad at all. Cloudy, cooler day meant less water needed. Started the day with one bottle and stopped for one bottle and that was it.This section had bad memories for me in 2006. Bad experience in Hot Springs, rain all day and bad encounter with other hikers at Spring Mountain Shelter caused me to find Hemlock Hollow Farms. My stay there that night got me back on track. April 8, 2006 was the night. With the next day being my birthday, I almost took a zero day, but didn't. Hit the trail the next day in the rain again.Well, this time my visit in Hot Springs was fine, the hiking day was great and once again I am sitting in a cabin at Hemlock Hollow Farms, for old time sake.Got here around 4:30 or so. 0.6 mile road walk to here. I already ate 1 of 2 Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sandwich, 520 calories each, 1 of 2 cinnamon rolls at 240 calories each, and 2 servings of Frito's at 160 calories each. I am ready to eat the remaining BBQ sandwich, roll, more Frito's, a pack of tuna with mayo and possibly another candy bar. This hike I seem to have added Frito's to my munch list. Light to carry, good for several munch sessions and high in calories. It all works for me.I got my maildrop at the office and I can't believe everything I put in it. I have plenty to get me to Erwin on Thursday.Well, 6:30, still light, watching and listening to the brook outside my window, showered and ready to eat more. Life is good.Rain is now expected tomorrow. We need some rain to knock out the next batch of hikers on the fringe of getting off the trail. Too many people out here that may be better suited being elsewhere. Time will tell.I have really enjoyed my hike so far. 10 days to Damascus and Virginia.
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Log Cabin Road - Hemlock Hollow Farm

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, it is getting easier for me to leave a hard roof, i.e. towns and hostels. I think it is because I enjoy my hiking day. Before I did not want to leave the comforts. Now, I think I am more comfortable on the trail. On the trail, I am in control. In towns and hostels, you become dependent on those around you. And with this hike, so far, most of this group is not the best the trail can offer. Still way too many people who just should not be out here.Up at 6:45, at the office by 7:15 for the 7:30 ride back to the trail. Talked to the owners a bit, then a ride to the trailhead. Started hiking around 7:45. Being at a road, the first think I do is climb up. I came to this field that I remember I went through last hike. The trail turned and last hike I missed it. Not this time. Made the turn.Since I left Hot Spring, I have come across 4 memorials. Small headstone with dates and names. The day's hike has been generally OK. There has been some rain but not bad as yet. Hit the shelter at 2:30. Was tempted to move on. Only 16 miles in. Rain started again, so I whimped out. I admit it. 16 miles is good but this will be the last time I stop so early.Shelter is full. A southbound section hiker came in late. Older guy. 60 or so. He came in, stripped butt naked and started cleaning up and other things while naked. Very odd. In fact, this is actually a sign that he may be hypothermic. In about 7-10 minutes he got his dry clothes on. Thank God... not a pleasant site.The group got a nice fire started. With the cold dampness setting in, it was very comforting. Went to bed when the darkness set in around 8:00 or so. Warm, comfy and dry. Short day but a good day.
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: light rain

Heard the rain most of the night. Temps are colder, dampness has set in. I was warm at night which makes it hard to make that step to unzip your bag. Up around 7:00. Packed. Talked a bit. Left the shelter into the rain at 7:50.The hiking day had many ups and downs. It rained most of the day, temps remained colder. I felt like my rain jacket has failed. I'm cold. My jacket is new and should be among the best water protection. For miles I drafted a letter to Marmot on this piece of crap.I passed over 7 hikers during the day. Arrived at the shelter around 4:00. Wet and colder most of the day. Big group already at the shelter, at least 12. Tree, Whippersnap and Mule were there.When I took off my rain jacket, I was still relatively dry. Jacket kept the rain out. I guess it was just that cold and I did not have enough warm layers underneath to stop the cold from getting to my skin. OK. No letter to Marmot.It was another cold, damp night. Still another fire. You can't believe how comforting a fire could be. It gets that chill out before you go to bed.Bed came early again. Warm, dry. Another good hiking day.
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Nolichucky River - Uncle Johnny's
Miles today: 16.9

Group was up at first light. I was up at 6:20 and was out by 7:00. Three people were already out before me. To them the 16.9 miles to the Nolichucky River would be a big hike for them. The three are two sisters, and the third is a daughter of one of them.When I got to the Gap, the daughter was there wondering where her mother and aunt went. I did not pass them which was odd since I was moving along. I passed the tenters who went an extra three miles to tent last night.It was cold when I started this morning. I was wearing all of my layers. After the Gap, I stopped before my next climb and started removing a couple of layers. Hit the first shelter at 11:00. Water and out by 11:15. Pushed the last 6 miles. Mr. Fusion and Mule were pushing hard. I knew they were pushing so I pushed even harder. I knew they would catch me but I was going to make them work it. As I neared the top, there were 4 quick ups and downs and I pushed even harder. Mr. Fusion caught me at the top of the last hill. He said he was a bit pissed with those climbs. They were really moving. The switchbacks started, the downs were good, and I was nearly running. Got to Johnny's, they were at the counter. Of course I would not let them in on how hard I was pushing.At the counter where I was told the place was full. Tenting only. So the first time I am going to tent is when I get to a town. Go figure. The place was packed. All rooms and bunkhouse full. About 20 tents are set up. My plan was to take a zero day in Erwin but this is not what I planned. A zero day in a tent is not what I planned on. Talked to Johnny and first on the back-up list for a room. Yea, sure.Took the shuttle in town at 6:00. First stop Dollar General then KFC. Got a sandwich called a Double-Down. Two pieces of chicken with bacon and cheese. Really. And you wonder why America is fat. Duh!! So next stop was a chocolate shake then over to Subway for a foot-long for tonight.Back in packed shuttle. At Johnny's at 8:40. Talked a bit then in my tent at 9:50. Rain expected next 5 days. Heavy on Saturday. Got up around 10:30 to eat 1/2 of my sub. Decided to do a 20 mile slack tomorrow. Ride at 7:00. Going to rain so why not. At least I got some miles in.Rain started early in the morning. Condensation build-up is bad. Top of tarp dripping. All is still good. I actually like my tarp. Slept well. This situation with sooooo many people everywhere kind of sucks. But good day.Side note update: As it turned out, the two sisters who left the shelter early took a wrong turn early out of the shelter. Went an extra five miles. 2 1/2 each way. Over two hours wasted. Bummer.
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Nolichucky River - Uncle Johnny's

To: Nolichucky River - Uncle Johnny's
Miles today: 20.2

Up at 6:40. Ready for the slack. Again it is 20 miles, rain expected. My hopes of a zero in Erwin are over. Can't wait to get out of here. After my hike I want to dry things out, eat and leave in the morning. Once again, the group here has been here for days. I don't get it. If all you want to do is eat pizza, drink beer and party, go home. You don't need to be on the trail to do that.At the front at 6:55. Obvious that the shuttle is not leaving anytime soon. The rain stopped around 7:20 or so. Ate the other 1/2 of the sandwich I was going to eat for lunch. The shuttle finally left at 8:05. At trailhead at 8:40.Hit the first shelter. Signed the register. A guy with dreadlocks was still in his bag. He said he was sick. He was moving on to the next hostel.I hit the first bald. Nice. Took some pics. Then on to the area named Beauty Spot. Another bald area. More pics and kept moving.The hiking day turned out great. No rain, sunny, warm. For those that wanted to hike in the rain, they lost still another day.Finished around 4:15. Still no bunk or room option. It was clear there was no effort made. I tried to wash my clothes. There were so many people here it has taken me 2 days to wash my clothes. I went to the front to ask about detergent and I was charge $4.00 for a load. Now I know why no one had detergent. Screw it. I paid for my load so I placed my clothes on the washer and stood over it. I paid. I was next. Free loads could wait. I hate to take this position but with so much overcrowding, you need to do what you need to do just to get the basics complete.Took another shower. Put my bag out to dry. Ready for town shuttle at 6:00.Back to town. KFC and the all-u-can-eat bar. 4 pieces of chicken, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, etc. Went to the gas stations. Looking for a new bottle. None here. Went back to the grocery store and saw my bottle type in grape on top. Score.Back to Johnny's, talked, went to bed early. Good hiking day. Time to leave tomorrow. Can't wait.No more rain expected tonight. Hope to pack up dry in the morning. If so, my stay will be good.The good news came the next morning. By tenting, my two nights, 2 rides for my slack, wash, a couple of snacks and the two rides to town cost a total of $38.00. As crowded as it was, well worth the $38.00. Nice. That made it a good stay.
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day started early. Cookie and Tick-Tock were up at 6:00. I gave them some time to get ready and then I was up at 6:30. On the trail at 7:05. Not bad. Morning was OK, wind was picking up. With big ups and downs to get up and over Mt. Rogers, I knew it would be a hard day. I also remember from my last hike that the rocks would be in full play today.The first climb was 2,300 feet up to Whitetop Mountain. Then down to VA 600 then up to Thomas Knob Shelter and Mount Rogers. As expected, the climbs were tough. Caught up to Cookie and Tick-Tock at VA 600, Elk Garden parking lot. The wind was really gusting now and I know the exposed area after Thomas Knob would be bad. And it was.Even with a clear day I did not see a single wild pony. Bummer. Perhaps with the very high winds, they went to lower elevations. On top there was no real path to walk on, just a lot of rocks. When hiking on rocks, the placement of every step counts. If you take a misstep, you could easily hurt your foot and/or trip. The 40+ mph wind gusts made foot placement hard. With possible storms on the way, the goal is now to get off the exposed top area and back to tree line.Arrived at the shelter as around 5:00. Back at Thomas Knob, Cookie and Tick-Tock were coming in as I was headed out and I was not sure if they were going the extra 11 miles to get here. There was a shelter at the 5.5 mile point after Thomas Knob and that might be a good stopping point for them. At the shelter, Naptime was already there. Another hiker was also there. Again, a shelter with space at 5:00. Go figure. This is a sign that the hikers are the ones that have passed out of Damascus. The second day now things are getting good again. An hour or so later, Cookie and Tick-Tock came in. A good mileage day for them. Not only was it longer at 23.2 miles, it had big climbs, rocky tread, and windy conditions. A really good hiking day.We all completed our chores, talked about the day, a fire was going and life was good. Naptime pulled a tick off a dog that was with one of the section hikers. Then the task was killing the tick since they are near impossible to squish. Burning was the method of choice and pop it went.We talked about a 24.7 mile hike tomorrow to Partnership Shelter. Naptime had hostel reservations the next night so she did not have to go that far and Cookie and Tick-Tock thought today was far enough. I told them that if they could do today that tomorrow will be much easier because the trail will have less climbs and better tread. They were skeptical. Either way, today was a good hiking day and the people around seem to be hikers. Glad to be past Damascus. All is good!!
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: clear sky

Day started with one of the top level hikers getting up around 6:00. Then a second. When the first one was out, I got up. Used his space to expand and pack in. Down the ladder at 6:50. With a short day, it was an early start.Final adjustments and conversations then out right at 7:00. A beautiful morning. Nice hike. Early ups then slight down into the next shelter. Only a few miles into the day so why stop? So I didn't. On the way to the Relax Inn, I noticed I was feeling good and it was still another fantastic hiking day. Why stop? I thought about it and saw there was a shelter another 15 miles or so past the hotel. Hmmm. Why not? But I still needed to eat since I had several more hiking days and only one day of food left.Once at the interchange, I stopped at Exon Grille. After 11:00 so no more breakfast but they had a meatloaf lunch special. So it came with 2 pieces of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, fried cabbage, and a roll. Polished it off. It was so good I ordered another but no more fried cabbage so I had coleslaw. Then I went to the market section and picked up what I needed for snacks. I phoned in a mail drop for lighter clothing and more importantly my watch charger. While at the Grille, Cookie and Tic-Toc came in. They are going to stay at the hotel. So around noon I was stuffed, had some snacks, felt good with great hiking conditions ahead. And away I went.The next 15 miles were 500-900 ups and downs. It went by rather quickly. Two others already at the shelter. A fire was going. Nice. Took my spot in the shelter. One more hiker that I passed earlier ended up at the shelter. Again, the shelter was not to capacity.At night, one of the hikers had sleep apnea. It was so explosive when he started breathing that I moved out of the shelter onto the picnic table outside. Finally got to sleep. The next morning he knew he had it. Never apologized. My point is that most people who know they have noise issues as bad as his will either let you know ahead of time or will tent out on nice nights. He did neither. Oh well. Such is shelter life.While on the table, the view of the stars was amazing. Again, you have good from the bad. A good hiking day, still six hours of sleep ahead then still another big day ahead.Before I went to sleep, I came up with a semi-plan. I have to do another big day. The plan is to eat my food tomorrow then hit still another big day and hit another grille 1/2 mile off trail. I have two options and both will work for me. I look at my sheets and start thinking of a 30 mile day possibility. Not required to get me into Pearisburg before 4:30 Friday, but it would be fun. Hmmm. One step at a time. For now, sleep.A good day. By passing the hotel, I feel I am solidifying my desire to hit bigger miles more consistently. My legs are really hitting, my body is solid and above all, my mental game is full on.The FOG is rolling now. And it feels good.
Date: 2010-05-05
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Side of Trail - Mile 579.2
Miles today: 26.4

Woke up around 6:20. The person with the sleep disorder was already up and packed. His goal was to do 19 miles and end up two shelters ahead where he wanted to catch up with a group of guys he was hiking with. The 19 mile day was a real big day for him.I was up and out again right at 7:00. The day started with a 500 foot warm-up climb and then into a 2,500 foot climb. I caught up with the early riser at the base of the big climb. You could tell he didn't want to go up. HIs mental game was not on yet. I went by, said hi, and started my climb. To make a long story short, the first 19 miles sucked. Besides the big ups, the 3 mile ridge walk was nothing more than short, quick ups and downs, all over rocks. In fact, all 19 miles were over rocks. Pretty tough. I'm sure the guy behind me is not having a good day. This 19 mile section was hard.When I hit the Jenkins Shelter, the 19 mile point, I ran into the group he was trying to catch up to. Their plan was to keep moving up trail to campsites at Laurel Creek, about 5 more miles. This was my plan as well.I got going first. Passed the area that once crossed the same stream like 12 times. I remember it because it rained for several days last time I was here and the stream was very high and fast. Now the trail skips that area and the old high water blue blaze route is now the AT route.I arrived at the campsites around 6:15 or so. A couple of the nicer ones were already taken. I grabbed 2 liters of water at the stream and decided to keep going. I thought I would go until I hit a site on the mountain. The trail was real nice since right after passing the last shelter so the hiking was good. Went for another hour and still no sites. I came across what looked like it was a very old forest service road. It was actually semi-flat so I stopped. Set up my tarp, treated my water, hung my food bag and went inside. It ended up being a good hiking day.My goal was now to hit the grille tomorrow with a 23+ mile day. Eat there since I now have no food left. I ate the last of it for lunch at the last shelter. No big deal. I have enough snacks to get me there. For now, I need to get a good night's sleep. All is good.At some point I turned on my lamp to get a sock out of my pack. Big mistake. The bugs saw it and swarmed. Took a bit to kill the ones that got in. Had a great night's sleep. I set my watch to get up at 5:45 so I could be on the trail at first light.
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Side of Trail - Mile 579.2

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 30.6
Weather: clear sky

Well, I get it. My alarm went off and I was so comfy I did not get up. In fact, I slept another hour until 6:45. Now I know why I am always passing the tenters. You get so comfy and without the others causing a stir, you just want to stay sleeping. Still took me time to pack up. All done by 7:15. Later than I wanted, but if the trail holds up I should make the grille by 4:30.As it turned out, the trail did hold up. The tread was good, some rocks but mostly good. The ups and downs were not too bad. Crossed the beautiful suspension bridge, trail magic, then the road to food. Yum. 0.4 miles later I had my 2 bacon swiss cheese burgers and curly fries in the works. Drank a liter of Powerade and grabbed one for the trail. I hit the grille at 3:45, much earlier than I expected. Done with my meal at 4:45 so with that much sunlight left, I thought I would go the extra 7 miles or so. It appears to be flat and if it holds up then I should have my first 30 mile day. The trail held and I arrived a bit before 8:00. Three others at the shelter. Again, the shelter was not at capacity. The trend is set. Time to get my hike on each and every day. A big day. The most miles I ever hiked in one day. Over 80 miles in three days. My last nine hiking days have an average of 25 mile days. Not bad for the Fat Old Guy.In 2006, Greyhound told me at Neels Gap that you should be able to do 25 mile days in Virginia. It is only now that I understand that could be a reality. If not 25, then pretty darn close. Hike on, hike strong. Feeling good.
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Wapiti Shelter

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

I wake up this morning knowing the hump is over. I made it. The big miles I completed over the last six days have left me with just 16.6 miles to Pearisburg. A 1,300 foot climb right out of the gate, then ups and downs. Then a big 1,900 foot drop into town.I just can't eat anymore snacks. I eat for fuel only. Not hungry. I have never really developed the hiker hunger. Now I just don't want to eat. My day's hike was lackluster. No oomph in my step. Still moving, still doing well, but seems like the push is over. I had big miles and I like it. Town seems like food. I need to take time to rest up but it takes me off the trail. I'll eat, I'll rest, I'll be back.I hit town around 2:30. Stopped in the DQ for a banana split and a slush drink. Have not showered for a week or changed clothes. Still not too bad, I think. Then to the Holiday Hotel. Got a room, showered, picked up box at P.O., walked to laundry, Dollar General, bank, back to laundry and room. Took an Epsom salt bath. Watched TV, prepped gear, bandaged feet, rested. Not hungry so I did not eat. Some snacks.Today was a day to do errands and start the process to head out again on Sunday. Full zero day tomorrow.In bed, lights out.
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Holiday Motor Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Day started early 6:30. Fussed until 7:30. Got items ready to send back. Walked to Marsha's Restaurant. Had biscuit and gravy, omelette, order of french toast, coffee. A good breakfast. Then back to the room, picked up items to mail, to P.O., laundry since I forgot my ground sheet last wash and back to Dollar General for insect spray and some snack items for the trail.I completed 2 trail journals with six more to do. Took a break. Another banana split and to Food Lion. Picked up a sandwich for my lunch tomorrow. Chocolate milk, oranges, orange juice, more snacks and blah blah blah. Now on my last journal until my next stop at the US 220 interchange. Big days planned again. I want to cut a day off from last hike. Four days instead of five. Time to see if I could raise the bar without crashing and burning. I'm ready. But first, time to carb load. Going for some spag or pizza.With a DQ chili dog done and 1/2 a large pizza, back at the room. Started to pack. I was planning to go to Marsha's for breakfast, but with tomorrow being Sunday, I'm sure they will be closed. Instead, I will hit Hardee's on the way out. For now a beer and some TV.