morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Deer Park Mtn Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We took most of the day off and stayed in Hot Springs to resupply. My friend Christy met us there too. This weekend is Trail Fest so a lot of hikers were coming in for the event. We stayed the night at the Bridge Street Inn and were very displeased. We were charged double because of the weekend and the bed was so uncomfortable that I ended up sleeping on the floor. I definately don't recommend the place. We went to the AYCE spaghetti dinner they put on, it was very good, but James ate too much and was sick most of the night. That's one of the hazards of going into town. Tomorrow we hit the trail again.                              L
Date: 2004-04-17
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

We got up this morning and went and had a good breakfast and then said goodbye to Christy. We hit the trail at about 9:30. Our packs sure feel heavy since we resupplied. I didn't get as far as I would have liked but I was tired from lack of sleep and we hiked uphill most of te day. Maybe tomorrow will be better.                  L
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Spring Mtn Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

The weather was great today and we made good miles but the climbing was pretty steep. They rerouted the trail up to the Ridgeline and most of the walking was on big rocks but there were some great views. Because of te rerouting we weren't sure where the shelter was but we finaly found it. We have been here by ouselves for an hour and a half. Someone finally showed up, we were beginning to wonder where everyoe went. I guess they'll be here soon.                                          L
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Great hiking today, the weather was perfect, about 68 and breezy. No great excitement today but we did see two snakes. One was a black snake about 4 ft. long. He was right in the middle of the trail and he really didn't want to move but James convinced him otherwise. Well I guess it's time for a candy bar and then bed.
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Great day for hiking - cool and breezy. We're staying in the tent tonight, it's only the 5th night that we've used it so far. It's just easier to stay in the shelters. Hopefully we'll make it into Irwin tommorrow to resupply.                                             L
Date: 2004-04-21
From: Spivey Gap

To: Irwin, TN
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a great morning and got into Irwin at about 1:00 pm. I guess we'll stay at Miss Janet's House, we've heard a lot of good things about her place and she fixes breakfast in the morning too. I'll let you know how it goes.                                                      L
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Irwin, TN

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Last night at Miss Janets was awful. We only got about 3 hours sleep because of all the noise. Alot of the guests were drinking beer and talking loud. They didn't go to bed till about 2a.m. and others started getting up at 5:30. We were so tired we decided to go to the Super 8 Motel for another day. I think that's a good decision.
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Ash Gap

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 16.2

What a great day! The weather was perfect for hiking, cloudy with a little breeze. We conquered Roan Mtn. early this morning then moved on to Hump Mtn., after that it was all downhill. We met some trail angels this morning before we started Hump Mtn. They gave us bananasand a new bottle of sunscreen. They were really nice folks.It's supposed to start raining tonight and get cooler tomorrow, I guess we'll see what happens.
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: moderate rain

Today was very wet and soggy. We woke up to rain and it continued most of the day. We ate granola bars most of the day because there was no place to stop and eat where you could stay dry, so we ate as we walked. we made good mileage but that's because we couldn't take breaks. We got to the shelter at about 5:30 but we're pooped. The temps are falling and it's getting pretty cold. The wind is also picking up. I'm sitting here in my long johns and I'm tucked into my sleeping bag as I write this. I hope the shelter is full tonight,we need all the body heat to keep us warm.
Date: 2004-04-28
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Vanderventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

Great weather today! We had a lot of ups and downs today and my left shin is bothering me. I hope it's not a shin splint. I'm taking Advil maybe that will help. We met Rodney and Repeat a couple of days ago, they're section hiking.They're both really nice guys. Repeat even gives me Hersheys Treasures! Unfortunatly they'll be going home in Damascus. good luck guys, it was great to meet you.
Date: 2004-04-29
From: Vanderventer Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

My shin still hurts today although the Advil helps some. We'll probably stay 2 days in Damascus to let it rest, hopefully that will be long enough. We stopped a litle earlier than usual because James wants me to rest my leg. Only 18 more miles to town.
Date: 2004-04-30
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: scattered clouds

We stopped about 2 miles from Damascus tonight. We'll walk in tomorrow morning.The weather was really nice today although it looked like rain all day. The terrain was fairly easy today so that gave my shin a break. We saw some really pretty flowers today, hopefully James got some good pictures. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-05-02
From: Damascus, Va

To: Damascus, Va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We're staying at the Montgomery Homestead. What a wonderful place! The owner,"Susie", took me under her wing and did everything she could to make me comfortable.She even loaned me a nightgown. Her home was built in the 1920's and they're in the process of slowly remodelling it. Susie even provided me with a recliner and ice pack for my shin. We couldn't have gone to a better place. She also makes a wonderful breakfast. My shin is a little better, I've gotten some of the swelling down. We'll be heading out tomorrow, we'll see how it goes.
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Lost Mtn. Shelter

To: US58
Miles today: 1.1

We hiked out to the road this morning and caught a ride back to town. The people at The Bike Station were very helpful, they called around trying to find us a rental car and they shuttled us to the airport in Bristol,Tn to pick it up.We were only about 5 hours from home so it didn'nt take long to get here. I'll see my doctor tomorrow and hopefully be back on the trail next week.
Date: 2004-05-05
From: home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

well hopefully I'm well. We're heading out again tomorrow. I went to the Dr. and I don't have any broken bones just shin splints. He's had me seeing a physical therapist for several days and it's helped alot. I asked the therapist what the odds are that it will start hurting again and he said 50/50. He also said that if I can get on flatter ground for awhile that will help. At least Va. does have alot flatter ground than where I've been. Wish us luck and say a prayer, I'm sure we'll need it.                                             L
Date: 2004-05-13
From: Campsite

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We didn't do a lot of miles today because it was really rocky most of the time but there were some nice views. My shin did OK today, I'm real relieved. I was afraid the rocks would really hurt the shins.   We got to see the wild ponies today along with 3 foals. One was just a couple days old. We also saw a white tail deer, she didn't seem too afraid of us. It started raining at lunch and continued off and on all day. All in all it was a really good day.                  L
Date: 2004-05-14
From: Wise Shelter

To: Racoon Branch Shelter
Miles today: 17.6

Today had some steep uphills and there was nowhere to camp so we had to go all the way to the shelter. The trail was really rocky so the going was slow. It started raining about a mile from the shelter. It rained so hard that the trail became a river. We were real glad to get inside.                           L
Date: 2004-05-15
From: Racoon Branch Shelter

To: Parnership Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I think we died and went to hiker heaven! First it was a beautiful day to be hiking. Then we got to the shelter and there was a shower with hot water! That's not all - we had pizza delivered! And I got a Diet Dr. Pepper out of the pop machine. You can't get any better than that.L
Date: 2004-05-16
From: Parnership Shelter

To: US11 Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was an uneventful day but last night was rather interesting. Everyone was awakened at about 3:30 to Hitrailer saying "get out - get out!" and shining his flashlight at something. We all thought it must be some kind of wild animal after the food bags. We look around and there's a dog curled up on Hitrailer's sleeping pad. He refused to get up so James finally had to push him off the platform onto the ground. No one knew the dog's owner, he had come in after everyone was asleep. He never even woke up during all the commotion, just went on snoring. James had to shake him 3 times before he woke up. It was all rather amusing. Today we made it to Atkins where we'll go to the P.O in the morning to get our box.                     L
Date: 2004-05-18
From: US11

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

We had a nice breakfast this morning on the way out of town (eggs, bacon, potatoes & toast), then on to the trail. It was a little too warm for comfort and it made the climbs worse but at least it didn't rain on us. We saw a coyote out in a field, he was just wandering around. We stood watching him for about 10 mins. and he never even noticed us.                                             L
Date: 2004-05-19
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

We did some major climbing today, one mtn. was more than 200 ft of climbing. It was also really rocky everywhere today. It started raining this morning. It started thundering and lightening just as we were about to start across an open field so we had to wait it out under a tree. Thankfully it wasn't too long before it stopped.   We saw 2 orange slamanders today. James picked one of them up and I got a good picture, I hope.                     L
Date: 2004-05-20
From: Campsite

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a really long day, although I'm not sure why. We did receive trail magic today and we were very grateful. One of the things they left was bottled water which we really needed since it had been 9 miles since the last water source. They also left us cold pepsi and Little Debbies Oatmeal Cookies. We really enjoyed those. They didn't leave their name so I don't know who to thank.                  L
Date: 2004-05-21
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: VA 606
Miles today: 16.3

Today was easier hiking but it was really hot and humid. We walked to Trent's Grocery to pick up a couple days food and get a cheeseburger. It was really good too. We're tenting here for the night and tomorrow morning, after our breakfast pizza, we'll head out again.                                       L
Date: 2004-05-22
From: VA 606

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night we had a lot of thunder and lightening, then a little rain. hen we got up this morning we found a fellow hiker sleeping in the laundry room. He didn't have a tent so he had to find shelter from the rain.   We had breakfast sandwiches, then headed back to the trail. The mrning was an easy hike but this afternoon it was hot and humid. The climbing was pretty steep too, but we got to the shelter before 6:00. Tomorrow we get to Pearisburg, Va.            L
Date: 2004-05-23
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, Va
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: light rain

Hiking was good today except for the last half mile when it rained on us. We hiked into town and stopped at Hardee's for lunch. Mis Tolly and a friend came in and offered us a ride to the hostel. That saved us a mile walk. The rest of the day we just relaxed.
Date: 2004-05-24
From: Pearisburg, Va

To: Pearisburg, Va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we got a ride into town from the caretaker at the hostel. We had breakfast at the DQ and then headed for the P.O., to get our supply box. After that we went to the laundry mat. We'll me staying in a motel and heading out again tomorrow.                  L
Date: 2004-05-25
From: Pearisburg, Va

To: Campsite
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We got a late start this morning, as usual when we leave town. We stopped at DQ for breakfast, then walked back to the trail. I wasn't feeling my best today, so we were a little slower than normal. I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow. Now we're sitting in the tend listening to the rain and thunder. It has rained 13 of the last 14 days. Usually not much, just a nuisance.         L
Date: 2004-05-26
From: Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

Rain, rain go away! It has rained off and on all day. We just got the tent up this evening when it started to pour. Then the wind came. Right now we're waiting for it to slow down so we can cook dinner. It's already 7:00pm and we're starved.            L
Date: 2004-05-27
From: Campsite

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: light rain

The rain finally stopped sometime after 5 this morning but the wind has continued to blow most of the day. We saw a raccoon this morning. He ran up a tree then turned to pose for a picture. We received trail magic today from Super Dave. He left us cokes and candy bars. They sure hit the spot. Well it's getting too dark to see. Goodnight all.                           L
Date: 2004-05-28
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Today was tough walking in the morning, it was mostly rock. And since it rained all night the rocks were really slick. James fell once but he didn't get hurt, just jarred a bit. Tonight he's doctoring his feet, he has several blisters from his new shoes. Hopefully that will get better soon. We also received trail magic from Longhorn today. Thanks for the soda!                     L
Date: 2004-05-29
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Johns Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: broken clouds

Today's weather was perfect, sunny and 75 degrees but all we did today was climb up and down rocks. Our feet are really sore tonight. We finally made it to VA 311 where we got a ride into Catawba and had dinner at the Homeplace Restaurant. It was AYCE and we ate plenty. We even had hot cherry cobbler with ice cream. That sure makes a tired body feel much better. We already received more trail magic today, Mt Dew and candy bars. No one left their name so we don't know who to thank. We're about to call it a day in this shelter we have all to ourselves, maybe tomorrow will be less rock. Thanks to Bret for the ride back to the trail.                  L
Date: 2004-05-30
From: Johns Spring Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was like a rat trying to get thru a rock maze. Then it started raining and the rocks got slick. We were glad to finish the day. James is still gettin gblisters from his new shoes so he was rather miserable. I noticed this evening that I also have a couple. We may have to buy new ones at the outfitters. We're staying in the tent just outside of town. Tomorrow we'll go into town and call the P.O. to see if they'll let us pick up our box even though it is a holiday.
Date: 2004-05-31
From: Daleville, VA

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

We hiked in the rain this morning but we didn't have far to go. The lady at the P.O. told us to come on down, she'd be glad to give us our box. Her name was Rhonda. We really appreciated it. I'm doing laundry now and going thru our box. We'll head to the Pizza Hut for lunch then on the grocery store. The rest of the afternoon is for rest.
Date: 2004-06-04
From: Daleville, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

We started out on the trail Wednesday morning and hiked about 7 miles. My asthma which has been bothering me for some time continued to worsen, so we made the decision to turn around and go back to town. I had decided to return home, at least until I could see my asthma specialist and get myself straightened out. James was debating whether he wanted to go without me. So we rented a car and drove home. James decided he would return alone, at least for awhile. Amazingly my asthma doctor, "Dr. Aarons," worked me in the next morning. He changed all my medications and told me to stop taking Advil for my shins because he thought that was what was triggering my asthma. So now I could come back to the trail and hopefully continue. I went to fill my new prescriptions and found out that no one carried enough for a 3 month supply. My pharmacist, "Jennifer," got on the phone and worked diligently to find everything I needed. Both Dr. Aarons and Jennifer made it possible for me to get back on the trail in just 2 day. Thanks guys! Tomorrow we'll be back on the trail. I just hope my asthma will allow me to continue, if not my friend "Christie" has agreed to pick me up in Glasgow, Va. and James can continue on.            L
Date: 2004-06-05
From: USFS Rd. 191

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We got started a little late this morning, about 9 or 10. We also had to rehike a couple of miles so we actually walked a little farther than it says. My asthma seemed to be better this morning but worsened as the day wore on. We'll see how tomorrow goes.
Date: 2004-06-06
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.3

We made good miles today but some of the mountains were really hard on me. We had one over 2000 at the end of the day. I wasn't sure I'd make the top. My asthma is just not doing much better in the day. I will probably return home when we get to Glasgow, we'll see.                        L
Date: 2004-06-07
From: Cornelius Gap Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a good day. We didn't have a lot of big climbs and there was a lot of downhills. We saw a doe today and she let us get within about 6ft of her before she walked away. She never did run off. We got a couple of pictures. Tomorrow morning we'll get into Glasgow, Va.
Date: 2004-06-08
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Glasgow, VA
Miles today: 2.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We made it into town at about 10:30am. It was hard getting a ride since there were 5 of us waiting for one. It was too far to walk (6 miles) and there was no shoulder to walk on either. A young girl stopped and picked all of us up. We're heading out in the morning. This next section should be a good indication of how my asthma is going to respond to my new medications.                                 L
Date: 2004-06-09
From: Glasgow, VA

To: USFS 39; campsite
Miles today: 14.9

In the end, today was a really good day. We had a very big climb today that went from 735ft. in Glasgow, to 3372ft. on Bluff Mtn., then back down to a 1000ft. at our campsite. I did really good, I just had to slow down a little because of the asthma. I just took my time. When we got to our campsite there were trail angels waiting for us. They cooked us dinner. We had sausage dogs, slaw, baked beans, Little debbies, and Cokes. Yum-yum. Tomorrow morning they're going to fix breakfast. Bacon, eggs, and pancakes! We can't wait!                                       L
Date: 2004-06-10
From: USFS 39

To: USFS 48
Miles today: 12.8

We got a late start because we were enjoying the breakfast that Tomboy and Renegade fixed for us. We had eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes and cokes. It was excellent! Just what we need to make it up those big climbs today. We stopped a litle early today because James is still getting blisters from the shoes he bought in Daleville. We'll have to do something when we get to town.                                                                     L
Date: 2004-06-12
From: VA 56

To: campsite
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a great day, it was cool and cloudy again but no rain so far. We met 2 trail angels today on the BlueRidge Parkway. They are Checken Feet and Flanders, they hiked the AT last year, they gave us bagels with cream cheese, Ding Dongs, bananas, donuts, candy bars, cookies and cokes. Thanks guys! We saw our first rattlesnake today, he was curled up at a campsite we were looking at. Needless to say, we moved on.                              L
Date: 2004-06-13
From: campsite

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a great day. We found out this morning that Waynesboro was putting on a BBQ dinner and music for Thru Hikers today so we came on into town. They are also taking us to a movie with refreshments. I think we may be getting spoiled. We're waiting on a free shuttle into town from Kurt. We'll be tenting at the YMCA tonight. Tomorrow we'll get a room a the hotel and go to the P.O. We'll let you know how dinner goes.                              L
Date: 2004-06-14
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Waynesboro is the most amazing town we have been in. Last night was unbelievable. We went to the BBQ dinner, which costs $5. We got great texas BBQ sandwiches, slaw, baked beans, macaroni salad, cookies and soda. There was live music. And we met the nicest people, "warm & friendly." Then we went to an empty building on Main St. where they showed the free movie, " Lord of the Rings #3." They also provided popcorn, candy, cookies, granola bars, and soda and even had us take the leftovers with us. Then they shuttled us back to our tent site. Pam even gave me a blanket to cover up with when I got cool during the movie. All the people we have met so far have been very helpful and welcoming. We were also given a list of peoples' names that will shuttle us back to the trail for free. We want to thank Kurt for the shuttle in. And thanks to all those who worked so hard to make yesterday possible. This is certainly the friendliest town we've been in so far.
Date: 2004-06-15
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Turk Gap
Miles today: 11.4

Today was a slow day. We started a little late as usual when we leave town. Kurt drove us to the trail head, and we started going up to the ridge line. My legs were protesting against my heavy pack. When we resupply it adds about 10lbs to my pack weight. We did ok til about 2:30 when it started raining. It continued raining til late evening, so we just stopped early and set up camp and then took a nap. We could finally go outside at about 8:00 to cook dinner. Now we're getting ready for bed. tomorrow's another day.                                       L
Date: 2004-06-16
From: Turk Gap

To: Ivy Creek
Miles today: 20.8

James saw his first bear today. I missed it, oh well. We also did our first 20 mile day, not really by choice though. We couldn't find a campsite till after dark. We were using our headlamp to see where we were going and I came upon a skunk. His threw his tail in the air but he didn't spray us. It was definitely interesting!            L
Date: 2004-06-17
From: Ivy Creek

To: Baldface Mtn
Miles today: 17.7

Today was hot and humid. It seemed like we were going up all day. It rained again this afternoon but we had dinner at a nice picnic area once it stopped. Then we started looking for a tent site. It only took about an hour to find one. I finally lost my toenail today. My feet have been water logged for the last 3 days from the rain. I guess the wet helped it fall off.                                    L