morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Meadows north of SamÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Gap

To: Campsite overlooking Erwin, TN
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: broken clouds

I watched the sunrise while sitting in my hammock eating breakfast. I could tell it was going to be like yesterday ¢ hot and dry.I was so sluggish this morning. I¢m unsure why I felt that way, but I can only contribute (attribute) it to not drinking enough water. I made sure to load up during my lunch break, and the difference was quite noticeable. Having found an as-of-yet-unclaimed Platypus bottle, I can carry 4 liters now and was quite happy to have had the capacity today. Water was abundant in places, non-existent in others. In fact, the place where I¢m camping now is several miles away from water. But some planning kept that fact from becoming an issue and I stocked up at the last reliable source.The weather also made sections of the hike feel like hikes I¢ve done out west. The rocky, dry ground and pine trees with their needles carpeting the trail didn¢t make me think I was in eastern Tennessee.I saw less than ten people today.Looking back at it now, it strikes me as unusual when compared to the first couple (of) weeks. Am I walking fast? Are there fewer people out now? Or am I simply in a pocket between hiker groups?Oh, I should mention a couple of milestones:1) Four weeks hiking (soon to be one month).2) 300 + miles completed.I could potentially spend up to 26 weeks hiking, so to think that I¢m 1/6 complete kind of caught me off guard. And since I have to do all 2,180 miles, I¢ll take any significant milestone I can get. And if I keep hiking like I did today, this trail mileage will fall faster than expected.                1.3 miles into town tomorrow. I¢ve got a bunk with my name on it and a pint of ice cream marked for consumption.First night alone on the trail. I¢m getting used to the noises in the dark. I just have to remember that everything out there is more afraid of me. Clothing and sleeping bag have taken on my hiker funk. I don¢t mind it as long as I don¢t get too close. The townsfolk are going to love me.No stars for me because the trees are dripping on me ¢ sap, I guess. What a shame, it¢s a beautiful night! I wonder if I¢ll be able to see the Aurora Borealis up north this year?
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Campsite overlooking Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 1.3
Weather: clear sky

There was only one problem with last nights camping spot ¢ it not only overlooked the river, but also the train tracks into town, I woke to a whistle blast at around 2 AM, but it was over shortly and I slept until almost 7, quite a late morning for me.Walked the short distance to the hostel where I¢m spending tonight. Morning shuttle took us in for breakfast and I ordered both specials for just $4 total.Most of my day consisted of debating heading to Damascus for trail days, a choice I just finalized about an hour ago. I¢m going.I realized that I was so focused on mileage goals that I was having trouble letting myself be open to the idea having a fun, long weekend. And now that I¢ve made the choice to go, I feel relieved. I know I¢ll be able to do the miles next week and that I won¢t suddenly be overwhelmed because I took three days off (which might even benefits some parts of my body that are sore, strained, etc). I¢m also happy to know that there is good company to be found there.I already did my resupply shopping, but I¢ll take that food with me and maybe save a few bucks by eating camp food. I. among with hundreds (thousands?) more will be camping anyway, though I do plan to hit up the fire departments free 7 AM breakfasts.Tomorrow marks my one-month trail anniversary and I¢ll celebrate by eating four cinnamon buns I bought yesterday. I¢m not sure on the calorie count, but I think its over 2,000 (and I¢m still slim!).
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Erwin, TN

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Trail Days was crazy. Lots of hikers, lots of former hikers, lots of volunteers and vendors.A group of us left Uncle Johnny¢s at noon on Friday, and I met some great guys en route, one of whom also spent time in Japan (Titus).Our first mission on arrival was to find a camp spot and that¢s where I made my first mistake.I hung my hammock and guyed out the tarp, but my hammock (with pads and bag inside) was peeking out. An afternoon thunderstorm brought lots of rain and some of it ended up in my sleep system. My hammock and my bag were soaked. I was distraught and worried, but the amazing volunteers at Trail Days offered to take my gear to the laundromat and dry it. Two hours later, I got them back warm and dry, and I felt very thankful for the generosity received.The rest of the weekend was wild. Though I retired fairly early every night, lots of people stayed up well into the mornings. Earplugs came in quite handy for me and both nights ¢ sleep was nice. Our campsite was along the river and the small rapids helped drown out the rabble and offer up some relaxing sounds.I¢m sorry I can¢t provide details, but there was an auto accidents during the hiker parade, which I chose not to participate in.An elderly male driver drove into the crowd of hikers and a least a few had to be transported to hospitals, some by helicopter. It was an awful event to have occur during such a festive weekend and I hope for the quick recovery of the accident victims.All said and done, it was fun but I don¢t feel the need to go again. We got back safely and tired, but it was a fun time.
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Damascus, VA

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: light rain

Short day out of Erwin and got drenched. Quite angry at some parts of today¢s segment. The rain stopped before I got to the shelter and once I laid my things out, ate, and dried off a bit at the fire, I felt a lot better. Tails is here, a few other that I know. Earplugs will come in handy again, that I¢m sure of.Pardon the short entry, but I¢m tired and it¢s dark. No idea on mileage tomorrow. I¢ll see how breakfast goes then decide after that.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I forgot to mention that I was reunited with B D & M in Damascus. It was such a surprise and a great feeling to be together again at least for a few days. They challenged me to catch and meet them in Damascus, though they only had 100 miles to go whereas I had 120 to go.Today was long. I got started at 8 AM, a little late, but still made 20 and about 13 by 2 PM.My right shin started to really hurt, perhaps a shin splint. It hurts when I flex my foot upwards and on certain downward steps. Landing on my heel caused some pain, but toe landing kept the sharp pain from occurring. There¢s also a part of me that¢s worried that it¢s related to a nasty slip I had this morning. I can¢t say and all I can do is wake up tomorrow and hike to find out. Camping with Tails and Skeeter at a pretty nice spot. I started a fire to cook over, but last night¢s rain had mostly soaked everything and it took a long time to get a half-liter to boil. But I did get it and I ate too much in an effort to lighten my pack. Resupply is 25 miles away and I have too much food anyway.I¢m about 100 miles from Damascus, what most consider to be the 14 checkpoint, though the mileage is not accurate. It¢s more the end of a region and the start of a long trek through Virginia.The weather is warming up. That means more flies. They have a strong affinity for my ears. And I have a strong affinity for their deaths.Happy Birthday Dougal and Toki. Have a great day!
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke a bit later than usual and was pleased to find that my right shin had no more pain (and it was pain-free all day).The weather today was sunny with clouds and it stayed cool. I took the time to soak my hat and bandana in water sources and it helped increase my comfort level immensely.Scenery was beautiful in parts today, particularly Round Bald and Jane Bald. Even now at the shelter, I¢m overlooking a valley, and right in front of me the descending hill is covered with golden ragwort. Clouds are threatening right now, and staying in looks better than the 2.5 mile hike to a campsite I was eyeing earlier. The crowd is good too (Tail, Springbuck, Kittie) so I¢m going to be happy with 16.6.I had a run-in with some civilians who were heading up for a day hike - two girls and a guy. They must have walked close to me because they started commenting about my odor and how it was ¢very prominent¢. I laughed because I liked the idea of impacting their day and also because of how they seemed to think that smelly hikers are also deaf.I need to resupply soon, but I didn¢t plan as well as I should have. So now, instead of a near-zero into town, I have to do a half-day to town, hope to get a hitch, and then get back out to the trail for some afternoon miles.I¢m close to Kincora Hostel, which everyone says is a must-stay. So if I can do two 17-mile days, then I¢ll be good to go.* * *Change of plans: I have enough calories to get to Kincora (in 34 miles) but so much of it is in trail mix. So I can eat that and all my remaining food, but by the time I hit Hampton, TN, I should be out of food and ready for a new diet. I¢ll survive, but it will be a test and a good lesson in planning.Also decided to hang my hammock in the large upstairs of the shelter. Room for thirty, but it¢s only me and Tails. And Easy Rider helped us all off to sleep with a bourbon nightcap.I love trail life!
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Vango/Abby Memorial Hostel
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: haze

Today turned out to be an unexpectedly long day filled with lots of good and some bad.Last night¢s storm was loud, rain pounding on the barn¢s rooftop, lightning strikes filtering through the slats in the walls and thunder rolling quite loudly over the valley.But the storm brought a clear morning and a nice sunrise. The peaceful joy didn¢t last long as the first five miles took me over Little Hump and (regular) Hump Mountains. It was still early, and the weather was nice, so I found the hike tolerable. A little more heat, or a storm, would have mad the climb much less so.The scenery through the Roan Highlands was beautiful. The rolling mountain balds were leading were leading me over a ridge, while the forested hills of Tennessee and North Carolina surrounded them for miles. I passed US 19E and opted to head for Hampton, TN for resupply. Given today¢s miles, I¢ll easily make it there by tomorrow, early afternoon. I plan at staying at the Kincora Hostel, too.At 12.5 miles in, I came upon a church just off the trail with three hikers sitting on the front porch avoiding the rain. It was B, D and M! We caught up quickly and started hiking together for the first time in over a month. Along the way, we picked up a stray that was wandering the trail. We split up five miles later because I had already done 18 miles at that point and needed to eat.I continued on shortly after and had all intention of camping until a dark storm swelled up and soaked me. I sought out a hostel on a side trail and was fortunate to find a bed, a hot shower, and a store. D also showed up not too long after I arrived, stray in tow. It was good to clean up and stay out of the rain, which is even now still falling.A short 12 tomorrow, shopping to resupply, then three days and 50 miles to Damascus, VA and a zero day with town food, beers, and not a lot of walking.
Date: 2013-05-23
From: Vango/Abby Memorial Hostel

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: few clouds

Unexpected, the new buzzword in my trail life. After yesterday¢s trek, I was determined to take it easy with a short 12-mile hike to the hostel outside Hampton, TN, Kincora, a place highly recommended by lots of people. But that simple plan was thrown into disarray upon arrival.Statue and I stayed at an off-trail hostel last night and he left an hour earlier than me, the stray still in tow. When I caught up with him, it sounded like he was keen to stay at Kincora as well. We found out later that B and M also planned to do so. Things would not stay so simple.As I walked into the hostel and took a seat, Bob Peoples, the proprietor, asked me I cared to join my friends for an 8.5 mile slack-pack over the huge mountain in our path (1800 feet in 2.5 miles, going Northbound). My spirit was high, but my feet were sore and my stomach empty. It only took a little convincing and the knowledge that my 3-day hike to Damascus, VA would be shortened.So we took off around 1:30 and with only some food and water and light daypacks, we tackled the mountain. The best part of the stretch was Laurel Falls, a powerful waterfall that fed a swift and deep river.Slackacking certainly made today easier, but it was still not easy. We pushed ourselves because of our lightened state and by the end of it my right shin was acting up, again. We feasted on pizza tonight and while most seem eager to do a big day tomorrow, two 20-plus days have left me wanting to take it easy. With 41 miles to Damascus, I could coast it with a few 13¢s or maybe some 15¢s with an 11, etc. The point is that there is no need for me to do two more 20¢s. There¢s no rush. I can only hope the weather dries a bit. Hiking wet gets disinteresting quickly and there are only so many slips and slides I can take in a day (no falls, yet!).
Date: 2013-05-24
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: few clouds

It¢s been cold all day and tonight will be no different. It might even freeze, so I¢ve got a liter of water in my sleeping bag.The hike today was chilly, but the real issue was my right shin splint. It is so painful at times that I question if I can even walk, let alone make my miles. Other times the pain subsides or I adjust my stride/footfall to keep it from shooting pain up my shin. I¢ll start tomorrow with more stretches and slow my pace to Damascus. It¢s only 26 more miles and I plan on taking two days. Even at 2 MPH, that¢s plenty of time.B pushed into Damascus in a 41-mile single day attempt. D (Statue) and m are trying to make it there by tomorrow evening. I¢m glad my judgement won over my desire to stick together, otherwise I might have hurt myself.Filled up at two separate springs today and didn¢t treat either. Based on location, sources, etc. I¢m sure they¢re all good. It¢s quite refreshing drinking clean, cold mountain water.Camp is busy tonight, four in the shelter with a few tenters. Nice people and easy to talk to. I hope to find more of this easy camraderie in whatever ventures follow my hike.Terrain has somewhat leveled out, so tomorrow¢s 16 to the next shelter should be OK. I also bought less food than in previous shopping trips so the weight savings are also making a positive difference.
Date: 2013-05-25
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Cold night but my bag kept me warm. My padding did not keep me comfortable, however. On my back, my legs were tight. On my side, my hips dug into the wood flooring. Waking to cold weather and stiff legs was hard, as always.I hobbled around camp retrieving my food bag, eating breakfast and packing for departure. It took a considerable amount of time for my legs to be in hiking condition. Despite that, I started at 7:45 AM and walked 15.9 miles by 2:50 PM. Could I have pushed 10 more into town? Maybe, and at what physical cost? By sheltering here I save some energy, don¢t overstress myself, and have a morning 10 into town.Staying out of town also has other advantages. I save money and I don¢t exhaust the 2-night maximum that some hotels enforce. The downside is that I can¢t have a beer tonight or a hot coffee first thing in the morning.The shin warmed up throughout the day, but sitting here it¢s getting tight and painful again. It¢s not an easy thing, waking up to pain and soreness and deciding to walk more in one day than most do in a week. So why do it? Because I¢m a boss. And I can do this amazing thing called thru-hiking. It¢s a long and serious challenge and I want to know that I can complete a task like this despite the odds and hardship. I had some low moments today (catching my toe on a rock) and some highs (trail magic at 10 AM in the form of sodas and snacks) and a lot of walking in between.All of this makes me appreciate what I took for granted much more so. Free-flowing, clean tap water; warm showers anytime; toilets, hot meals of varying styles; ease of communication with internet and phone; clean clothes; and comfortable sleep.Tomorrow and Monday I¢ll be in town and I plan to rest up and eat up. It will be my 40th day on Sunday. Maybe only 110-120 left to go.
Date: 2013-05-26
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.4

I slept well last night and got an early start today. My pace was fast, about 3 MPH, if not a tad more. At around 9:45 AM I walked out of Tennessee for good and into Virginia. The first major region of my hike is complete.But this completion is bittersweet. I¢ll start with the bitter.In an effort to catch up and keep up with my starting group, I pushed my pace and mileage this week. I did three 20+-mile days and none below 15 except for today¢s walk into town. The mileage and the pace combined for a painful development in my right leg -¢a shin splint.A trail angel who has seen many hikers come and go identified it quickly and gave me advice on how to keep it from becoming a hike-stopper.One, rest. I already planned on a zero-day on Monday, but now I¢m looking to zero miles on Tuesday well, maybe even on Wednesday, depending on how my leg feels. In addition to rest, I¢m to stretch regularly and ice, if possible.Two, less miles per day. My heavy mileage this week severely pushed my body past a physical limit and I¢m paying for it now. Thankfully, mileage is easily controlled and I can plan around it. Crafting a schedule will also give me something to do over the next few days.Three, slower pace. Perhaps the hardest one to follow, I must simply hike more slowly. I¢ve been enjoying my pace so far ¢ hiking 20 miles in a day is rewarding in one sense. But a few 20-mile days pale in comparison to reaching Katahdin. So even though I may have to hike much more slowly and will only cover 10, maybe 12, miles a day for a few weeks, slow progress is better than no progress.On a sweeter note, Littlebird came to invite me to dinner and while strolling down the town¢s main street, Springbuck caught us and invited us to a South African style dinner. We gladly accepted and once we arrived at the rental house where his and Kittie¢s friends were staying, we were treated to some delicious food. This included several types of meat, one of which was called boerwurst and another more steaklike cut of lamb. Spinach salad with tomato, corn, and a crumbly cheese I couldn¢t recognize, grilled vegetables, beer and dark chocolate rounded out the meal.It was a great evening and such a heartwarming gesture, one of many that Springbuck and Kittie have extend3ed to me over the past weeks. Also, many thanks to D and D for their hospitality and generosity.So the balance of life is maintained even on the trail (or off, depending on your viewpoint).Good comes with bad, pleasure with pain, momentary despair with glimpses of hope. I just hope that I can hike again soon and rejoin the 2013 thru-hikers going north.
Date: 2013-05-27
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero. It¢s not a word I wanted to use as often as I am, but it¢s necessary.Today was nothing special. I bought some food for when I hike out, eventually. Read some, did laundry, and read some more, and ended up at the Blue Blaze Caf©¢ for happy hour and pizza. I hung out with Tails this evening and had a good chat. We talked a lot about not getting hung up in the group-think hiking and about taking care of ourselves first and foremost. Besides, there is no lack of interesting people to meet out here. The social scene is changing daily and though I am determined to hike my hike, I don¢t have to do it alone if I choose not to.I need another zero day, or two, and when I start up again, I won¢t be dashing down the trail. I won¢t have any goal in mind other than to hike slowly, not too far a distance, and responsibly, listening to the signals my body is giving me. I don¢t know if I¢ll finish with the three we started with, but I can¢t let it worry me. I will finish this hike barring prohibitive injury and it will be on my terms. And I¢m fine hiking slowly if it means I have a better chance of making it the remaining 1719 miles.My shin fells tight now but it doesn¢t really really hurt. If I can manage to stay off it more tomorrow, I¢ll do so. Some ice would be nice, too. For now the plan is to rest and hike, and unless you hear it from me, that won¢t change.
Date: 2013-05-28
From: Damascus, VA

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

Another zero and another day of rest.My leg feels a little better but I¢m not sure how much better is good enough to start hiking again, so I¢ve decided to take a third zero tomorrow as well. It will give me more rest, more time to stretch and ice, and more time to commit to hiking at my own pace and distance.There is a bridge that is washed out just north of town, so an alternate route has presented itself. Instead of hiking up too the detour, I will take the Creeper Trail out of town. It¢s a bike trail on a former railroad so it¢s flat and steady and seems perfect for evaluating an injured leg. If I can hike the 10 miles to the first shelter without undue strain, then I will continue. Then I will continue. If not, then I will walk back into town and postpone my trip. The key, it seems, lies in several strategies: reducing intensity, more foot support, more frequent stretching, and if possible, improved nutrition.I want to believe that my leg pain was not an indication of irreparable damage, rather, a warning of overuse and stress. So if that is the case and my three days off and a revised hiking strategy help, then I will be greatly relieved to know that I can keep going. If not, and my injury proves to be too much, then I will have learned a valuable lesson for future thru-hike attempts.My biggest fear is coming off the trail early and having to figure out what to do with myself. Life out here is not hard; it is quite routine. I don¢t like to think of it ending prematurely. I¢ll update briefly tomorrow and I hope to have good news going forth from this Thursday.
Date: 2013-05-29
From: Damascus, VA

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

Today was a day of experimentation. I really want to keep my leg pain-free, so I took some steps to do just that.I researched some movement and stretching exercises, purchased some durable cushioning for my shoes, worked out a system to apply compressive pressure to my shin as I walk, and restocked my supply of NSAIDs.The test will come tomorrow when I take the easy trail out of town. Should my shin start acting up, I¢ll stop for a break and stretch, eat, rest, etc. I fell confident that I can get past this slight setback and continue to hike on slowly and steadily.Town is cushy and I¢m ready to get back to hiking. Even a mile is better than none.