morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

This morning was fairly typical. I woke up at 6:15AM, and was on trail at 7:00AM. I knew I had a tough climb coming, so I wanted to take it on early, and not during the noon day sun.The first 4.5 miles to United States Forest Service road 222 were fairly easy. Therre was one climb that took me by surprise, but everything else was simple.The climb up Chestnut Knob was quite hard. It was fairly steep at times, and there were plenty of rocks to go around. I was moving at a fairly good clip today, so I finished the 4.5 mile death march before 11:00AM.I spent the rest of the day walking a never ending ridge. There were many little ups and downs, but nothing too terrifying.There were plenty of delightful views. I was always looking down into "God's Thumbprint", which is a flat valley surrounded almost entirely by ridges of Appalachia.My home tonight is Jenkins Shelter after a respectable day. Tomorrow I shall march 24 miles.Good night, and good luck.Kirby
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: clear sky

31, 56, 42, hut, hut, hike! These numbers, which sound like a football play, represent the change in temperature I experienced in my first hour and 45 minutes of hiking today.As you might imagine, it was cold this morning. That made things a tad bit more difficult to do.I was once again on trail at 7:00AM, knowing it was going to be a long and hard day. I like to cover as many miles as I can before the noon day sun kicks in, which is when my body becomes sluggish and fatigued.At Virginia route 615, five miles into my hike, I stumbled upon trail magic. Unfortunately, some hikers before me had raided it, leaving me a cooler full of ice. It was a serious blow to my morale.I spent most of today walking along a ridge. There was nothiong special about this ridge, very few views.After the trail crosses I-77, it is poorly marked. It took Cookie and I a solid ten minutes to determine which way we were supposed to go. Someone, specifically the person responsbile for that section of trail, needs to go through there and re-blaze that section of trail.The trail then hopped back on the rdige, where it remained for the rest of the day.This was a very dry section of trail. I ran out of water seven miles south of the shelter. This made me a very miserable person for the remainder of the day. Cookie offered me ten ounces of water about two miles south of the shelter, which made a huge difference for me.Once again Sprint has proven why it is the worst cell phone company created by man. Under normal circumstances, I can talk to my dad without being charged minutes because we are both on the Sprint network. Apparently, though, this only applies when I am in my "home network". When I leave this network, the free network to network calls don't apply anymore. It seems I will be switching providers within the next week, gosh darn shame. Tonight I shall have two dinners. I am feeling lazy right now. Actually, I am exausted.Good night, and good luck.Kirby
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: broken clouds

"T'was the 18th of April in '75. Hardly a man is now alive who remembers that day and year." --Henry Wadsworth Longfellow233 years ago today, Paul Revere rode his horse through what are now the streets of greater Boston to warn his fellow revolutionaries that the British were coming.However, I did not have the blessing of riding a horse today. I had to once again walk today, which is why I was on trail at 6:48AM, a new record.The walk to Virginia route 6606 was a rocky one, but it was a fairly level one, except for one 700 foot climb.At Virginia route 606 I walked .4 off the trail to Trent's Grocery, where I proceeded to purchase a cheeseburger, fries, Dorito's, and a 32 ounce bottle of Powerade. I earmarked thse items as my lunch items for the day.The walk from Virginia route 606 to Wapiti Shelter was wonderful due to the fact that it was practically falt the entire way. I crosssed several streams along the way. Wapiti Shjelter was my lunch break. I felt I earned it considering I walked 14.2 miles in five hours.My Appalachian Pages claims it is 8.4 miles from Wapiti Shelter to Doc's Knob Shelter. It felt like at least 15. There were plenty of ups and downs, rocks and roots. My body started to go on strike, so I ate some power bars to break through the picket line.At the top of the random bump you climb coming out of Wapiti Shelter I made some phone calls. I called Awol to confirm my reservation at the Rendevous Motel, then I called my dad and learned that I will soon be a T-Mobile customer, goodbye Sprint! I will now have unlimited text messaging, free roaming, and no long distance charges.When I arrived at Doc's Knob Shelter, my home for tonight, I borrowed Cookie's AT Data Book to confirm it was actually 8.4 miles from Wapiti to here, which it is. These were some very long miles, and I am quite pleased they are behind me.Tomorrow I shall walk eight miles into Pearisburg, Virginia, where I shall stay at the Rendevous Motel courtest of the author's of the Appalachian Pages(David Miller and Rick Towle). They offered to cover my town stay from time to time, and in exchange I will continue my voluntary field edit of the Appalachian Pages. I also promised them I would keep my journal up to date.Time to read.Good night, and good luck.Kirby
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, Virginia/Rendevous Motel
Miles today: 8.2

This morning, I had one thought on my mind: Pearisburg, Virginia. I was not thinkig about the 82 miles that stood between me and that town.I set another record this morning: I was on trail at 6:45AM. I needed to be in town before 12:00PM, when the Post Office was due to close.The climb to the top of Angel's Rest was fairly easy. From the top I could see the never ending pasteurlands of Virginia. I could also see Pearisburg.I arrived at the Rendevous Motel at 9:25AM. I was then lead to my room, where I showered and prepared things to walk into town.Cookie and I then marched into town. In town I ate lunch, did laundry, and resupplied.For resupply, a local by the name of Bobby Leece offered to drive us to the(gasp) Super Wal-Mart, where we proceeded to resupply while waiting for laundry. Bobby then drove us around town, showing us the sights. I forgot to mention Bobby is 79. I would like to thank Bobby for everything he did for us, it was a great help.By the way, I easily made it to the Post Office before the closing bell was rung. This is wherqe I picked up new maps, and sent back the old ones. I also sent my heavy weight layers and two disposable cameras home.Packing up a backpack after resupply is never easy. The name of the game is consolidation, and it takes a while to complete. Future thru hikers: The trash bins in the motel/hotel rooms are never large enough for everything you need to toss out, and the hiker friendly ones know this. Please be kind and leave all your trash in the plastic bags your food came in from the store and stack it neatly near the actualy trash bin, the motel management will be greatful for this.Afterwards I got a ride from Brenda at the Rendevous to the Courthouse Cafe. This coffee represents the best coffee on the trail thus far. The owner, Pat, is a really nice guy and an extremely friendly man to hikers. We talked for a while and I quickly checked my email whie drinking French Vanilla coffee. Afterwards I had dinner and then went back to the motel room, where I shall sleep like an angel toight.I have no idea how far I shall go tomorrow, depends on how I feel and what the weather is doing.Time to sleep. It's currently 10:30PM.Good night, and good luck.Kirby
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Pearisburg, Virginia/Rendevous Motel

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: light rain

I looked out my motel window this morning to discover that it was raining. I turned on the weather channel to determine when it might clear up.I decided I wanted a cup of coffee, so Cookie and I got a shuttle from the Rendevous Motel to the Courthouse Cafe. This is where I had a cup of coffee and used the internet service.At 9:30AM I walked back to the Motel and did final preparations to hit trail.It was starting to clear up when I hit trail at 10:15AM, a pretty late start for me. As usual it was uphil leaving town, but the climb was not all that difficult in the grand scheme of things.Once I was on the ridge, it was smooth sailing for the rest of the day. Rice Field Shelter is located in the woods adjacent to an open field with a supurb view of the Virginia and West Virginia countryside, it was absolutely amazing.There were once again plenty of rocks though. The upper arch of both my feet started to feel sore after a while due to these rocks.The climb to the top of Peters Mountain was straight up for the first part, eventually connecting to a ridge and "leveling" out a bit.My home for tonight is Swamp Branch Shelter. Actually, I am tenting due to the fact that the shelter seems to be missing its roof.I have been thinking a lot lately about why I am out here, Evertime I am in a town, someone always asks me "What made you want to do that?", and I never have an answer for it. I am going to think about it a lot over the coming days.By the way, if you were on my email list, please send me an email so that I may re-add you to the list. Being the computer savy kid that I am, I managed to delete all the email addresses from the group I created.Well, I think I shall hang my bear bag, read a book, and then sleep.Good night, and good luck.Kirby
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

It seems that when ever I tent, no matter what the weather forcast is, it always rains. Last night was no exception.I was restless this morning. I woke up at 4:45AM and decided to continue reading "Winterdance" by Gary Paulson. At 5:30AM I decided I was just going to start getting ready for the day earlier than usual.By the time I finished packing up and cursing mother nature, it was time to hit trail. It was 6:37AM, and I was wet and miserable.The walk from the shelter to Stony Creek was wet and rocky, the theme for the day. When I got to Stony Creek, the bridge was out. I knew this ahead of time, but being the hardcore Mainer that I am, I decided not to use the detour and instead for the creek.The creek was 15-20 feet wide, and roughly one foot deep. I had a couple of near misses, but I made it across in one piece without falling in and continued my journey northward.The climb up to "Wind Rock" was indeed rocky. All these rocks were quite slippery as well, making for a trecherous ascent as well as descent.I then meandered my way to War Spur Shelter, where I took my lunch break. I felt like I could take a nap, but I forced myself to stay awake.Just before the final approach to the top of Kelly's Knon, at Virginia route 630, I came across trail magic. A man by the name of Super Dave left a cooler with Cola and Orange Soda. It significantly raised my low morale. Thank you Super Dave!I spent the vast majority of my day listening to music. I am quite confident I would have lost my mind if I did not have music today. At 4:00PM I turned to NPR and listened to "All Things Considered" to catch up on the news of the day. My home for tonight is Laurel Creek Shelter. As of today I have walked 200 miles in Virginia. I do believe a physco analysis needs to be done of anyone who has declared Virginia "easy" or "flat", it is neither thus far.I think I shall eat dinner and continue to read my book.Kirby
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: light rain

Today was not fun. Today was not scenic. Today was an absolutely miserable day.The walk from the shelter to Sinking Creek was pretty nice. The trail weaved though pasteurlands where I saw cows and my first sighting of Donkeys.Just passed Virginia route 630, I passed by Keffer Oak, the largest Oak on the soutern AT. The tree was last measured at 18 feet, three inches. That is one large tree.The climb up Sinking Creek Mountain was fairly easy. What made it a tad bit more difficult was the abundant amount of slick rocks. It did not become easier once I was on the ridge either. There were plenty of exposed rocks to go around, and they were all nice and slick. I took two nasty falls today, and had many other close calls. I had no views due to the fact that I was walking in a could for the vast majority of my day. Can you tell I am having fun yet?I did, however, have a nice lunch at Niday Shelter. It's nice to take an extended break in the middle of the day.The climb up to Audie Murphy's Monument was long and annoying. However, I do feel that the most decorated veteran of World War II is worthy of a monument.The final miles of the day never seemed to end. My feet were prunifying, and my brain was completely fried. Tomorrow I shall go to Roanoke, Virginia, where I shall be a uest in the house of Hardbound and his family. I am looking forward to being in a city once more.Time for dinner.Kirby
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Virginia Route 311/Hardbound's House, Roanoke, VA
Miles today: 12.6

When a hiker knows that town is waiting for them at the end of the day, one tends to move faster. Today was the exception to the rule.I was extremely sluggish all day today. My feet were sore and my brain was out of touch with reality.The climb up to Dragon's Tooth was long and rocky. There were plenty of nice views though. It reminded me of why I am out here, it renewed my hiking spirits on some level.The rest of the day was, well, I'm not quite sure, I was zoning out a bit more than normal. I do rememver walking along a nice stream, and I do remember going up and down quite a bit.I rolled into Virginia route 311 at 12:30PM, fairly good timing considering I was quite sluggish today. This is where Cookie hitched us a ride into Roanoke, Virginia, where we met Hardbound's wife at Glen Cove Elementary School.Angie then drove the three dirty hikers(Cookie, Hardbound, and me) to their house. I proceeded to take a shower, eat lunch courtesy of Hardbound and his family, and prepare laundry to be cleaned.After lunch I checked my email and began the long and tedious process of updating my journal.Between that and some random conversations, it was time for dinner. Angie, behind my back, paid for my meal, thanks Angie.Before that, I now realize we paid a visit to the star that sits on top of a hill overlooking Roanoke. There was in incredible view from up there, and the best part is that there was no walking required.Meanwhile back at the house. After dinner I continued the tedious process of updating my journal. I determined I would finish the rest during my zero tomorrow.I am very tired right now. I have a funny feeling I will sleep well tonight considering I am sleeping in an actual bed, which makes a huge difference for me.Time to find out what tomorrow brings.Good night, and good luck.Kirby
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Virginia Route 311/Hardbound's House, Roanoke, VA

To: Virginia Route 311/Hardbound's House, Roanoke, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Today was all about rest and relaxation, both of which I got plenty of. Doing absolutely nothing is a skill I have now mastered.I started out the morning by having homemade Begium Waffles, courtesy of Hardbound. They were absolutely delicious, especially so with strawberries and whipped cream. It was a supurb way to start out my morning.I then finished the tedious process of updating my journal, which eventually included adding some photos, all of which were courtesy of Hardbound(Ken Anderson).Afterwards I showered, did a little reading, and then prepared to resupply at (gasp) Wal Mart.Resupply is fairly easy these days, in fact, it's almost a habit. I tent to buy the same things until I am sick of them, which is when I change it up a bit.I also got my haircut today, I was very excited about this. The days are becoming warmer, which means more sweat building up in the hair. It's just a lot more practical to have short hair out here.It was then time to return to Hardbound's house to relax some more and consolidate my food. Consolidating food is a tedious process that tends to take a bit of time.After a bit more lounging and watching Hardbound set up his new tarp tent, it was time to head to the Homeplace restaurant for dinner.The all you can eat at the Homeplace is pretty darn good, and the place is hiker friendly even though they get so much other traffic. I sugguest eating here if you are ever in the neighborhood.I then played a little frisbee with some other hikers, my first time since leaving for the trail. I look forward to playing more often when this adventure is over.Tomorrow I shal slackpack 20 miles, which includes McAfee's Knob and Tinker's Cliff.Attention those of you who have my cell phone number(ending in 3265). As of mid-night tonight, my phone will be disconnected. Please email me at kirbyinanutshell232@yahoo.com so I can tell you my new cell phone number. I will personally contact as many people as I can VIA email and other forms of communication.Well, it's time for sleep, lots of walking to be done tomorrow.And that's the way it was.Kirby
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Virginia Route 311/Hardbound's House, Roanoke, VA

To: U.S. Route 220/Hardbound's House, Roanoke, VA
Miles today: 19.4

Slackpacking combines the fine art of doing nothing while making progress on the trail at the exact same time. Today represents the longest slackpack thus far, and it felt damn good.Angie Anderson dropped us off at Virginia route 311 at 7:40AM, and we startes walking at 7:45AM.After 3.7 miles of walking through the woods we came to the famous McAfee's Knob, which is a mandatory stop on the trail. I had the famous photo taken of me sitting on the edge of the rock.The trail then follows a ridge that leads to Tinker's Cliff, another mandatory stop on the trail. After some photos and lounging around we continued our journey northward.We stopped for lunch at Lambert's Meadow Shelter. This is where birds were chirping loudly and where a deer was spotted.The rest of the day wass uneventful. There were plenty of rocks, but we spent most of the rest of the day walking a ridge that seemingly never ended.The trail cuts off the ridge on the final approach to US 220 and Daleville, Virginia.When I arrived at US 220, I went to the outfitters to see if they had tent stakes that I needed, which they did not. I then marched to the Post Office where I picked up my package with my new phone my dad sent to me.I then marched back to the plaza with the outfitters where I stopped by a coffee shop and picked up a New York Times at the grocery store to catch up on the world events.Angie picked us up at 4:15PM and took us back to headquarters where I showered and ate a homemade dinner courtesy of Angie, it was delicious.I am currently in the midsts of Hardbound's "open house" where his family and friends can come by and examine him and chat about the trip and otherr things that pop up.It seems to be winding down now, but it has been enjoyable.I'm not sure where I'm hiking out, that's to be determined later.It's now time to post this online and organize my pack for whenever I leave.Good night, and good luck.Kirby
Date: 2008-04-26
From: U.S. Route 220/Hardbound's House, Roanoke, VA

To: U.S. Route 220/Hardbound's House, Roanoke, VA
Miles today: 0.0

I am thoroughly enjoing my second zero mile day in three days. Since Hardbound and has family have been absolutely wonderfulm I felt it would be rude to leave Hardbound behind.Since I completed my town chores two days agom I spent a lot of time lounging around.Today was the day that Hardbound completed his town chores, and I went along for the ride.Over the course of the day we went to a outdoor store, food store, and had lunch at Panera Bread, courtesy of Cookie. I had a chicked Caesar salad, which I absolutely love.Back at Hardbound's house I added some photos from McAfee's Knob and relaxed some more.At 4:40PM we left for la casa de Hardbound's parents, where we were treated to din ner, which was absolutely wonderful. We are currently talking about the many different things that come up during a post-dinner discussion over coffee.Tomorrow I will join Hardbound and his family for church(Southern First Baptist). I have not been to this type of formal church in almost ten years. It should be interesting because I am not religious, I don't agree with the views of the First Baptist Church, and I am a somewhat liberal person.Well, I think I shall rejoin the dinner conversation, I have 11 miles after church to walk for those who are interested.Good night, and good luck.Kirby
Date: 2008-04-27
From: U.S. Route 220/Hardbound's House, Roanoke, VA

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I once again awoke in comfort, that never gets old. The difference about this morning was that I knew I was leaving the comforts of Roanoke for the unforgiving hills of Appalachia.After eating breakfast and taking a shower, I packed up my pack and prepared for (gasp) church, southern style.Church was an interesting experience, I did not agree with a single thing that was preached, but it was a fascinating experience.After church we returned to Hardbound's house, where Angie already had lunch cooked and sitting on the table. Thank you Angie!It was finally time to return to Daleville to continue my journey northward. Leaving town is never easy, but it must be done.I owe a HUGE thank you to Hardbound and Angie for everything they did for me during my stay at their house. The spoiled Cookie and me, and we enjoyed every minute of it.Today's walk did not have anything noteworthy. There were ups and downs, twists and turns, rocks and roots. I spent the entire tiime listening to music, which gave my brain something to do.Tonight I am at Wilson Creek Shelter. As of today I have walked just over 1/3 of the trail(mile point 725), and it feels pretty darn good.When I started this trip, 11 miles was a full day. Now, I can leave at noon from a road and be at my destination for the night by 4:00PM. 20 mile days are the norm, and anything less than 13-15 is a short day. My legs are as strong as they have ever been, and I am in the best shape of my life.That's what this trail does to you, it breaks you down and builds you back up stronger, both physically and mentally.Well, I think I shall read. I am about to start "Atlast Shrugged" by Ayn Rand.And that's the way it was.Kirby