morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-01
From: Big Bald Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Uncle Johnny dropped us off as far as he could where we originally started few days back. A mile or 1 1/2 miles wasn't plowed. We had to start hiking from that point. Today, we actually got to see a view from big bald. It sure was beautiful! We were still covered up to our knees in snow on the first half of the hike. The frozen rain on top of that kind of made it hard to hike through, but The weather was nice and pretty. We didn't have a hard time following the blaze like we did a few days ago. I usually tease Stormennorm on how nice it is to be short...not having to squat down where there is a fallen tree. Well...this time I wasn't so lucky. I was watching where I was stepping...and boom! I ran into the tree and fell backwards. Glad that it didn't hurt all that bad. Norm laughed. Boy, don't I feel stupid. (LOL) We ran into several people today. One of the couples were the ones that we ran into when we were leaving Hot Springs. It was funny running into them again. They were just day hiking like they were before. Later in our hike, I couldn't believe what I saw. It was a big goat! Apparently, it is someone's pet. It was cute. Something you don't usually see on the trail. Dr. Pepper will be hiking out with us in the morning.
Date: 2008-03-03
From: Cherry Gap shelter 

To: Clyde Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 8.8

Day 32 Good day but the gaitors, ice, and snow was driving me nuts. Kept getting frozen ice/snow stuck on the bottom of my boot & I can't get a good grip on the ground with my hiking poles because of icy spots. Warn out by the time we got to Clyde Smith shelter for lunch. By the time we finished eating we just decided 2 stay put and hike tomorrow with fresh legs. Water source was horrible so Stormennorm decided to build a tripod out of sticks & filled Dr. Pepper's pot with snow & then placed it over the fire to melt it down. It turned out great! We decided to leave the tripod there for anyone else who may want to use it. First time that I didn't really enjoy the fire because gushing wind was coming from all sides of us which pushes the smoke every direction. Oh well! At least we had water. Waterbear 9 vs Mtn's 16
Date: 2008-03-04
From: Clyde Mtn. Shelter

To: Roan High Knob
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: light rain

Day 33 Warm rainy day which then led to pouring rain as we were climbing. The trail then turned into what seemed to be a river. The water was above our ankles! There was just no way avoiding it. Gaitors could not even help with a day such as this. Considering how wet we are and how heavy its still raining (which poured the entire day) we stayed at the 1st shelter we came to. Lucky us it was a 4 wall/2 story shelter. It probably had to be considering we are over 6200 ft. Dr. Pepper; Stormennorm and I hung our clothes on the 1st floor and slept on the 2nd floor. We're sure the water source is good but none of us decided to go considering we just put dry clothes on...so we used our pots & set them outside in the rain then we filter afterwards. Played the game Blisters & Dr. Pepper won.
Date: 2008-03-05
From: Roan High Knob

To: Mountain Harbour B & B Hostel
Miles today: 15.2

Day 34We woke up to a dusting of snow. Our clothes went from being wet to stiff as card board! Putting our stiff boots on was not so easy either. This was the 1st day using our yack tracks (for ice). The trail was icy here and there..still snow in some parts as well. I was not quiet ready yet so I told the guys that I will meet them at the road (1 mile away), because they were getting cold. Some how I missed my turns and got on the blue blaze. I still got to the road just the wrong side. I told them I will be right back..I had to go back where I came from and take the turn that I was suppose to have gone (it took another 10 min.). I knew that if I did do that I would never hear the end of it from these boys. They would say, "You did not do the whole trail."Once we started climbing again we were above the clouds. Big Hump mountain. It is now one of my favorite views with Max Patch being second. It was a long steep climb but it was gorgeous. It really is an amazing view! I wish you all could see it for yourself. On the other side was some apple tree orchards. I would like to come back to see it when in season. We made it to the hostel which is the nicest one I have seen so far. The hostel is built above the 1-- year old barn. There were horses and goats all around. The family there is very nice and we watched a movie and ate popcorn with a cup of coco and for dinner we each had a large pizza. What a way to end a beautiful day.
Date: 2008-03-06
From: Mountain Harbour B & B Hostel

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 35We did see some bobcat prints and a hummingbirds nest on the trail. Then seen a big beautiful waterfalls known as the Jone's. We ate lunch at one of the new shelters and there was a carved a bear there they made out of a wood stump. It adds a nice touch. Later on we crossed alittle bridge that crossed a creek which someone wrote on the side of it that says "no diving". Thought it was pretty funny. Crossed alot of farm land and old roads which was nice to see and hike across. About 10 minutes before reaching the shelter Dr. Pepper came up behind us which was surprising to see because he left about 15 minutes before us this morning and he said that he was planning on going into town thatnight..apparently he went off the trail and turned around to find his way backon it. So he is here with us for the night.
Date: 2008-03-07
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora hostel 
Miles today: 6.1

Day 36 We left early this morning trying to beat the rain storm even though it didnt downpour at all. Got to the shelter and met Baltimore Jack and Lumber + his dog Beast. Everyone was really nice. Bob took us to resupply for food. For dinner that night we bought us some cheddar sausages (brats)..ate all 5 of them on a bun shared chips and dip and had soda. Looked over Yogi's PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) handbook...got me intersted in doing that next...but probably wont be able to do that until years and years from now.
Date: 2008-03-08
From: Kincora hostel 

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Day 37 This would be one of our zero days in Kincora again. It started to rain as we were eating breakfast which turned into snow. So we decided to stay for   another night. Dr.Pepper left at lunch time and a couple of hours later the 3 Canadians, Dozer, and Skittles came in and stayed the night. They said "There was alot of snow and its really cold." So glad we stayed!
Date: 2008-03-09
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Watauga Lake Shelter 
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 38 we are the first ones to head back on the trail this morning. I kid you not, as soon as we got on the trail my calf started to hurt. Then about 10 minutes later my other calf started to hurt. I tried stretching and everything...it just would not go away. I then just tried to keep going though i was in pain. I would take several steps then i have to stretch once more. This kept on for a couple of hours. Norm was very frustrated because i was moving like a turtle. I dont blame him...I was fruatrated too. In between that time Skittles past us ....and then Dozer. Dozer asked if i taken any pain medicine ...now why didnt I think of that...thanks Dozer. It helped some. By the time I got to the top of the mountain I was flying. Got to the shelter...Dozer was there and said "That we just barely missed Skittles for he is off to the next shelter." Dozer is a hoot! He cracks me up all the time. He just turned 50 not too long ago. We also met a group of people who was with Itsy Bitsy Spider....nice group of people. I'm ususally stubborn when it comes to taking medicine but after today....I will be taking it everyday throughout this hike.
Date: 2008-03-10
From: Watauga Lake Shelter 

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 39 It started a great sunny day! We walked through more farm land and heard some spring peepers (frogs). We got to the shelter and met back up with Dozer. We starting eating dinner and I started to feel as if I was going to faint on top of feeling hot and cold. I felt kinda as if my clothes were choking me. The had to lay me down and prop up my feet. Then about 10 minutes later I felt fine. I think that I may need to drink more water even though I have been drinking lots! So I am not sure why that happened.Waterbear 12 vs Mountains 19
Date: 2008-03-11
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Dave's Place In Damascus VA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 40 We started hiking right before the sun rise - my favorite time to hike. We heard a huge tree fall near by. That was a neat experience. Got down to the cuttest little town Damascus. I had been to the town once before to ride the Virginia Creeper with some friends. Dr. Pepper, the Canadians ( the good, the bad, and the ugly), and Dozer. We walked a couple of miles to the grocery store to resupply and then walked alittle more to do laundry. Then we met up with the canadians and dozer for dinner. Its neat how people recognizes me from my journal. Everyone was really nice.
Date: 2008-03-12
From: Dave's Place In Damascus VA

To: Saunder's
Miles today: 9.4

Day 41 As we were about to go, Missing Link (sorry if i wrote your name down wrong) brought over some yummy brownies from her and some others. She too was one of the people who recognized me. This town knows alot about the hikers that comes down. Thank you Damascus for your love for the hikers! Said bye to a couple of people that we met (Tortous and Pooh Bear) who was also nice. During the hike...i flew up the mountain it must have been the brownies. Cooked ceddar sausage (brats) over the fire..ate all 6 + 1 of norm's and then just watched some cowboy tv until it was hikers bed time.We are now a quarter of the way to Maine!
Date: 2008-03-13
From: Saunder's

To: Wise Shelter 
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 42 It is a nice sunny day. This time we actually seen a small tree fall right in front of us. We were just sitting taking a break and then some crackle and then boom! Seen some blue tubes wrapped around many of the trees it is for gathering maple syrup. That was neat. Seen alot of spectacular views with wild ponies. Too many miles with lots of rocks and hills just kicked my butt! I barely made it to the shelter. I was in so much pain. Eating dinner two guys with their dogs came by and chatted with us for a bit and gave us a pack of good homemade jerky.
Date: 2008-03-14
From: Wise Shelter 

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 43 It is partly sunny/partly rainy day and pretty boring. We heard some fighter jets which could have been for the nascar events. Seen a very old school bus in one of the fields that we passed through. We got to the shelter with Dozer and warmed up by the fire (inside of shelter) from the rain. I was beat and went to bed early.
Date: 2008-03-15
From: Trimpi Shelter

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

DAY 44   We got up early to try to beat the rain. We had our eyes set on Pizza Hut's Pizza because this is the only shelter that you can have pizza delivered. On the way to the shelter we met some trail maintainers working on the trail (P.A.T.H.) Mark invited us over for a wonderful potluck dinner. Until then, we washed our clothes and hair from a spicket. We tried hanging our clothes to dry but with the rainy weather coming in there was no such luck. We enjoyed our time with them and the wonderful meal. It topped pizza for sure! Pasta, corn pudding, soda, peach cobblar, etc. Thanks P.A.T.H. for your dedication on helping the trails and the hikers. Its people like you that makes our journey more enjoyable.
Date: 2008-03-16
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Davis Path Shelter
Miles today: 14.3

Day 45 Dozer decided to go to the next shelter yesterday. So we had no motivation to get up early. It was also sprinkling off and on. OK do I sound pathedic? The Canadians (the good, the bad, and the ugly) came through. We then decided to eat lunch and then head out. Considering the clothes that I washed were still not dry. I hung them all including socks and panties on the outside fo my pack thinking that it would dry. I guessed wrong! I guess it was not warm enough. We started hinking and came by an area that looked like trash, but it was actully good unwrapped food that someone left for hikers. Lucky for us! We walked across more farm fields and seen 2 deers. We resupplied at a gas station and then got to the shelter and had a nice fire to dry out our clothes. I now have my first blister on my little toe and it is not yet bustedWaterbear 15 vs Mts 21
Date: 2008-03-17
From: Davis Path Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 46 We woke up to a beautiful sky and hiked through more farm land double checking for bulls before getting in the fenced area. Whew! Just cows and lots of smelly poop. I feel great today with lots of energy. We seen a turkey along the trail and 11 deers in the same area before the shelter. From the shelter, we can see Burke's Garden. This was the area whree the 1st choice to build builtmore but it did not happen. Here are some links about Burke's Gardenhttp://www.virginia.org/site/description.asp?attrID=15134http://www.craborchardmuseum.com/Burke's%20Garden.htm
Date: 2008-03-18
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Laural Creek VA Route 615 tented
Miles today: 14.8

day 47 Today was not a good day for Norm. He had little energy. Now that he has been in my shoes, I think he now realizes that sometimes days don't always work out the way you want them to. There will be days that one will have more energy then the other. It may stink but like many peope say, "it is not a race and hike your own hike." We seen a couple of rib bones which we thought from deers. It has now been a week with no shower! It will be a couple more days talk about nasty! Hopefully there will not be to many times of this happening on our journey. You do learn to appreciate the small things in life like hot water, heated house, a bed, a pillow!...the list goes on and on.
Date: 2008-03-19
From: Laural Creek VA Route 615 tented

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 48 We hurried out again hoping to beat the rain. We went over interstate I77 and had fun waving at people as they drove by. We got many people to wave and an 18 wheeler to blow his horn. Hopefully, we made their day as they made our day with a wave back and/or a toot of the horn. Made it to a shelter for lunch debating whether to stay or go to the next shelter. We decided to stay not to much longer it started to rain. Then around dinner time Mr. Wrin (SOBO) came in and said that the shelter that we were thiking about going to had a hole in the roof from a fallen down tree. I had to go to the privy and of all the days and of all the other privys, this one had no roof. So I got a litte wet. Nothing like getting wet while using the restroom.
Date: 2008-03-20
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: VA Route 606 Trent's Grocery
Miles today: 16.3

I am just going to assueme that anytime it rains that it is going to snow. We woke up to a small dusting which melted by lunch. At the end of our hike we went over a suspension bridge which was very nice. We finally showered and did laundry before StormenNorms's family came by to pick us up. We stayed in the hotel room with them and ordered Pizza Hut. I had my own stuffed crust pepperoni pizza and I could have ate it all easily, but I wanted to save 2 slices for lunch on the trail. Awwww! Bed and pillow....Loving it! Loving it! Loving it!
Date: 2008-03-21
From: VA Route 606 Trent's Grocery

To: VA route 663 Sugar Run Gap Rd.
Miles today: 13.9

Had a WONDERFUL night sleep and chowed myself down on the hotel's breakfast. Headed on trail and seen Desmal Falls. Enjoyed the hike alittle more because we didn't have to "hurry". Ate lunch by the creek and met 2 hikers, Blueberry and the Proffesor. Checked our phone message and realized that we didn't have "all the time in the world" to hike these short miles like we thought. Stormennorm's family ended up being at the meeting spot alot earlier than expected. So we did some trail running to help keep them from waiting. Got picked up and said bye to Stormennorm's mom and stepdad and stayed at a different hotel to spend the next couple of days with his dad. It is wonderful having loved ones around. Sure do miss them. Wish that we can spend time with our loved ones more along the trail.
Date: 2008-03-22
From: VA route 663 Sugar Run Gap Rd.

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Stormennorm's dad dropped us off to do some more hiking and finishing at the spot where we stayed the night. Had a wonderful weather and a beautiful view for lunch. Ate at a chinese buffet for dinner. Just a nice relaxing day.3/23/08 ZERO DAY!Ate at a Pizza Hut buffet. Not sure when the last time I've been to one of them... Visited the area where the movie Dirty Dancing was filmed with Stormennorm and his dad. Seen a few snow flurries while we were there. Drove down and around Burke's Garden. Enjoyed myself today. Hard to believe that it is Easter. Trying not to think about it...not use to being away from my family on holidays. However, I'm thinking about each and everyone of you--family and friends. Hope you all had a wonderful Easter. My Easter dinner was a lovely DQ. I don't know when the last time I had a burger. Boy, was it good! Thanks Mom, Ed, Lisa, and Curtis for all that you do! Love ya!
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Pearisburg

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice sunny day with alittle snow flurry. Had another slow day. My calves started hurting again. Love my zero days, but I am thinking that could be the problem. Norm was more patient with me this time around. It took a couple of hours before it the pain went away. I moved up from walking like a turtle to walking like a 100 year old woman. So we walked maybe 2 miles in 4 hours. Normally, 2 miles would take no longer than 45 minutes. I hope I have no more days of this. The pain is unbarible. Unknown Hiker came by us as my pain was in session. Seen a beautiful sunset as we hiked to the shelter. We ended up hiking in the dark to the shelter which ended up not having a roof. People say that a tree fell on the shelter and that is the reason why the shelter doesn't have a roof. The shelter is still in good shape though...we slept inside looking up at the stars.
Date: 2008-03-25
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

Aww! Slept good last night. We slept in until 8:00. Normally, we're up between 6:30 and 7:00. Within a couple miles into our hike, we came to an area that looked like the trail ended. The area was a mess. We were looking around for a white blaze hoping that the other blaze wasn't across the creek. Sure enough, it was. We had to take our socks and boots off and cross the icy cold water. BRRR!! Was it cold! After crossing over, my feet felt refreshed. Then we came to a fallen down tree. We got on our hands and knees and crawled on our bellys. I was laughing so hard at Norm, I told him that if he kept making me laugh that I am going to have to eat/carry more food which I am NOT going to do. Tonight, We are companied with Unknown Hiker. Glad to have some nice company.
Date: 2008-03-26
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

Humid/sunny day. Walked across some farm land and seen some donkeys. Still hiking on rocks which I can't stand. It really makes me sore. I was really worn out today. Met Faithful along the trail (Southbounder). He seems nice.I got to see a massive Oak Tree (the biggest one on the Appalachian Trail). LOL...and some how Unknown Hiker missed it. Sometimes, you will see hikers (including myself) just looking nowhere but the ground most of the way to their destination. I know that at times as soon as I get sore, I don't really care about what is around me...I just want to get to my destination. Hopefully, next time I can get a chance to see this HUGE Oak tree when it has leaves on it. Seen some more deer and lots of butterflies. What surprizes me is that these deer seen us, but didn't care that we were there. Before reaching the shelter with Unknown Hiker, we reached a sign that saying that we were at the Eastern Continental Divide. OH NO!! Their ALIVE!! Mosiquittos are out and about! Time to start using my lovely perfume.
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Niday Shelter

To: VA route 691
Miles today: 16.8

What a way to start the day with some trail magic! Thanks Hubcap for your barrel of goodies for the thru-hikers! I enjoyed what was left in there. We hiked past a monument for Audie Murphy who died in a plane crash. He had (I believe) 3 purple hearts, medal of honor, and much more dedications. Enjoyed lunch by a creek with Unknown Hiker. Both Dozer and Unknown Hiker crack's me up...even though Dozer is far ahead. I enjoyed everyone's company so far along this journey. Maybe, I will run back into them before Katahdin. I tell you what...we did some SERIOUS rock climbing. I thought Albert's Mtn. was rock climbing...I need to think again! I know that there will be more to come on this journey though. Hiking is not just "walking" up and down hills...there are some rock climbing to do too. Got to the top of this one mountain and seen Dragon's Tooth. What a neat view once you sit on top of it. Got to our tenting area and filled our gravity filter (we hate using chemicals) with water. Unknown Hiker and I went to the gas station to get some things. Came back, and all the water that we had in the bag to filter over flowed. Norm forgot about it. (we both done this from time to time)It is easy to forget about it filtering. Other than that, I like the filter. We didn't gather any more water because it was just too far away. Sorry, Unknown Hiker...you probably didn't want to hear that for you helped get the water with me. Well, my blister on my toe finally busted. And from time to time, my right hip hurts. Other than that..still doing good.
Date: 2008-03-28
From: VA route 691

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Started hiking as quickly as we can because a storm is suppose to be coming. It's funny how we pack faster when we tent than when we stay in the shelters. Just seeing your stuff scattered around makes me think where to begin. Got to an area of farm land and as we about to cross over the fenced in area, we noticed a bull. Dozer always prewarned us to look around before crossing over into a fenced in area. Norm said that it is in a seperate fenced in area, but as soon as I crossed over I noticed that there was an opening between where they were (2 cows and 1 bull) and where we were. The bad thing was that there was a steap hill for us to climb at that point. As we are hiking up the hill, we turn to make sure it wasn't following us. Thank goodness it didn't! Got to see one of the views that I was anxious to see...McFee Knob. It didn't rain today, but had some humid weather. We got to the shelter and called to book us a room at the Holiday Inn for tomorrow. Unknown Hiker and Norm are ganging up on me...giving me a hard time about everything. I guess you have to pick on somebody...of course pick on me because I am out numbered. (LOL) As we were hanging out, we noticed a guy passing through on the trail...come to find out it was Andy. Not sure when this thru-hiker started, but he passed us.