morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-10-09
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: .7 mi. S. of the Pinnacles, SNP
Miles today: 20.3

Matt's Entry: Well, we hit our goal for today! That feels good. And, it seems like we played a bit today too.When we woke up, ther sky was clear, and it was still dark out. We ended up rising at about 6, and started walking at about 7:30. It was warmer than I thought it would be, and it had rained last night a bit, leaving everything wet. Luckily, the trails in SNP are not brushy, so we didn't get wet.Elkwallow Gap was a great stop. We found gifts for Aaron and we got food for the rest of today and tomorrow. It cost a small fortune, because we are in a National Park. Yay. I did buy 3 beers for when we arrived at camp though since we had a 20 miler planned. I figured it was a good victory dance.We made great time, and we saw Mary's Rocks, which was an awesome view. We met a neat family who said that they had seen a bear, and were really interested in the trail. We didn't see the bear, and that's OK.Arriving at camp was excititng; it felt good to hit our goal for the day. I called Dad and talked to Grandma. It was really nice to talk to her. I am really excited to see my family tomorrow. We made a tentative plan to meet at the showers or at food in Big Meadows, because my cell phone hasn't been working so well here. BTW, the 3 beers were DELICIOUS.
Date: 2008-10-10
From: South of Pinnacles Picnic Area

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

Kate's entry: "Raisen bread. I want raisen bread." Those were my first words to Matt early this morning. The tree frogs would not shut up, I was tired and apparently wanted some raisen bread. Neither of us were sleeping so we got up and were on the trail by 6 am - why lay there in bed when we had miles to cover. It was getting lighter and lighter and the sun was coming up when Matt was 15 feet tops away from a 10 point buck who was standing on the trail feeding. He did not care that we were there...and we could hear him crunching on his acorns. It was amazing. We had a great view from the Stony Man Cliffs. Then we came to Skyland Lodge and grabbed a quick cinnamon roll and hot beverage there. We continued to walk and who was there in front us but Jan Latham (of Kalamazoo) and a group of hers from In Good Company. It was nice to see her again. We did some nice ridge walking, saw more deer, including an 8 pointer. By 12:30, we made it to Big Meadows and were showering and laundering. That took 1.5 hours...and we were hungry so we headed to the Lodge and managed to get in just before it closed for lunmch. As we finished, I saw Deb and Jim pull up in a van...They'd been looking for us in Big Meadows fro awhile. We went to the Wayside and got the rest of the gang. They hadn't had lunch yet so we ate at the Wayside.Then we headed towards Fredricksburg and caught up on news/stories along the way. We got settled into the hotel. Then we went to the Golden Corral - an all you can eat place. I ate like I haven't before. I felt like I was waddling out. Back to the hotel and made plans for tomorrow to hit downtown (and specific locations) and onto the Battlefield in the afternoon.
Date: 2008-10-11
From: Fredericksburg Travel Lodge

To: Fredericksburg Travel Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Matt's Entry: Today was exhausting but awesome at the same time. We all had a great time walking the downtown shops of Fredericksburg, ate lots of food, and saw some historical stuff. Hugh Mercer's apothicary was neat - they did lots of first person interpretation, and showed the general medicinal practices of the day - 1760 or so. They also showed us the different herbs etc. used, and 70% of those are still used in medicine today. Cool stuff.We also saw the Battlefield of course, and the tourguide was really good. Kate was tired but I could tell that even she enjoyed most of it. The battle was sad though, the union army basically destroyed the town and left. It sucked. One quote said it best 'the inhabitants left everything, the soldiers left nothing.'After that, we went back to the hotel for a nap, and then went to dinner in an Irish Pub with live music. It was cool, and we stayed until late. Then we crashed hard core in the hotel. TTFN!
Date: 2008-10-12
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Hazeltop Mountain
Miles today: 4.5

kate's entry: Sooo tired. Got up, started packing. I think everyone was tired and moving slow. Made some early morning phone calls. Went to breakfast. Then went to the Kenmore Plantation, once owned by Mary Washington. GORGEOUS mansion - the artistry was out of this world. Then it was time to head back to the Shenandowh. Everyone was pooped and were either napping or readying. When we got there, it was packed. We got to the Big Meadows Wayside for ice cream and it was crawling with people. Then they dropped us off at the Lodge. We were sad to see them go - it was a great visit and a nice break. We hadn't decided yet if we were going to stay at the lodge or walk, but the multitudes of people there helped us decide to move on. Called my folks and then put our shoes on. It was an easy walk to the top of Hazeltop and we found an amazing overlook. We decided it'd be a beautiful sunset spot and decided to make camp. It was GORGEOUS. We ate dinner and watched the sun set over the mountains. So glad we moved on for that. It's dark now and a deer just walked up to our tent.
Date: 2008-10-13
From: Hazeltop Mountain

To: Hightop Mountain Hut, SNP
Miles today: 15.9

Matt's Entry: Kate said it best: Nothing exciting happened today. It's Columbus Day, which I suppose is simply coincidence. I hope my fam made it back safely; I didn't get a message last night or this AM. I am sure no news is good news.We had a hard time waking up today. Not sure if I didn't sleep well last night, but I am BEAT today. So is Kate, so we ended up stopping early and taking a nap. Tomorrow we had a shorter day planned, so we will switch and do two 20-milers in a row during the next couple of days. On to my new book about George Washington and then to sleep! TTFN!
Date: 2008-10-14
From: Hightop Hut

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

Kate's entry: It was warm when we woke up this morning - kilt and skirt weather! It was early but we were feeling well rested and re-energized. We were soon motoring. The colors were really splendid in this stretch - reds and yellows just exploding everywhere. We saw a couple of bucks this morning. We had lunch by Ivy Creek which was beautiful. Then our last campstore for the Shen - we had ice cream and cold beverages.Before we knew it, it was 4 pm and we were pulling up to the shelter - a lond day under our belts. Nobody's here. Tomorrow is Waynesboro and we need to mega-catch up on our chores - especialy internet. Sorry we've been so behind - we have had busy, fun zero days, instead of productive ones. Hopefully, we'll be able to catch up in Waynesboro.
Date: 2008-10-15
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Matt's Entry: Today was a great day. We made really good time for the second day in a row and we are staying at a B&B tonight. I think it's going to be really nice. So this morning we had some excitement today during our second breakfast...Kate and I were sitting there eating Goldfish (the snack that smiles back...) and we heard something large coming through the woods toward us. It was coming from behind and off to the left of us. Kate grabbed my leg to get my attention - we both thought it was a big buck or something, because we have seen lots of them lately. Then Kate exclaims, "Oh Sh_t." At the same instant, Kate and I realize that a HUGE black bear was staring at us, maybe 16 yards away.Keep in mind that I am a bowhunter. I know the difference between 10, 12, 16, 20, 40 yds, etc. This bear was CLOSE. 16 or 17 yards away. Well, you can imagine our trepidation. And, this was a BIG bear. I am thinking 3 of me at least - so maybe 400 lbs plus. It was massive.Luckily, the folks here in the Shenandoah Park really do a good job educating people about bears, and they are still afraid of people. I got up and started shouting at the bear, which couldn't smell us becuase we were upwind. The bear took off like a shot and went thumping and crashing through the woods. We both looked at each other and just about died. It was SO COOL but SO SCARY at the same time. The rest of the day really went well and we were done by before 4! So, that is great stuff. We have been doing 20 mile days and getting done at a decent hour.
Date: 2008-10-16
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: paul c wolfe shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: few clouds

kate's entry: A word of advice: when eating a sandwich that starts to upset your stomach, don't continue eatting the other half because you don't want to carry the weight. I think I have a touch of food poisoning...Good thing I have a cast iron stomach, bot dang it hurts! We stopped 5 miles from Waynesboro. It's supposed to rain tonight and my stomach is rocking my world. No food for me tonight - which is meaningful in the hiker world. Anyways,we woke up, packed up, and had a lovely breakfast here. Matt then beat me in chess and we were off to the library where it took two sessions to get caught up. It was so busy so we got kicked off, went to the post office, went back to finish up.Went to the grocery store to get my infamous sandwich. Bill then took us back to the trailhead (2 pm), had lunch there and were on our way. Raleigh popped in this shelter too. I am going to bed. Matt says I have a fever and my tummy hurts.
Date: 2008-10-17
From: paul c wolfe shelter

To: Maupin field shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Matt's entry: Today we woke up at 5:12. It was pouring rain outside. The tin roof on the shelter was a hummin'. Kate nor I wanted to walk in the rain, so we decided to wait it out. I checked weather.com, we saw it would stop later in the AM, so we rolled over and went back to sleep. Actually, I think it was the perfect start to the day. We have walked in the rain enough I think.It was a pretty lazy morning; played some yahtzee with Raleigh and stayed dry. By 10, the rain was subsiding so we packed up and were out by 10:30. The hike went pretty well; there were some sections that really had me wishing for the Shen - it was rocky and hilly. Virginia trails haven't been easy (except for the Shen), but they are pretty this time of the year. We were rather surprised at how cold it got today - the rain brought in a cold front, and it was wet and the wet leaves on the wet rocks made it slow going.We were WAY behind Raleigh by 6 pm and were crossing a road when a dude in a white jeep stuck his head out and said " Hey, are y'all through hikers?" We of course said "yeah". He said "Do you know DeJo? He's right behind you." This came as a great shock - we thought he was a week ahead of us. It turns out he hurt his foot and had to take 8 days off. So, he was slackpacking today.Jim (the guy in the jeep) offered to warm us in the vehicle and since we were just 1.7 away from the shelter, we took him up. DeJo was so surprised to see us!! Turns out he lives nearby, about 90 minutes away.We ended up going to dinner with he and jim, and iddn't roll into the shelter about 10 pm. It was a great evening. I was sitting in the restaurant, not believing I could order all that stuff on the menu and I couldn't believe I was there with Doug. We ordered a slice of apple pie for Raleigh, who hiked with Doug a lot in maine and who we knew would be worried about us. He was and we agreed to meet doug at the Dutchhaus B&B which was 1.6 off of the trail wahat a surprising turn of events!!
Date: 2008-10-18
From: maupin field shelter

To: Fish hatchery rd...buena vista hotel
Miles today: 18.2

Kate's entry: I'm worried. Worried about the cold. I forgot how much I dislike the cold. Plus, having less fat, it's easier to get cold and harder to stay warm.I wonder if my usual layering is enough.I wonder if I can do day after day in the cold.Obviously,I woke up to cold weather today.Raleigh's thermometer said it was 34. Our summer bags kept us warm. We slept in to make up for coming in so late last night. We started by climbing up and down "the three ridges". Then down down to the Tye River. We came to the trailhead and Jackolope was there waiting for D-Jo and trying to get a hitch to get their second car. We offered to ride with him nd drive back the other car.He said he could slack us the next 10 miles over the Priest - our first 4000er in a while. So we did that - Matt said it was weird to drive again, but it was like riding a bike. As we came back, D-Jo was there.He declared he was off the trail as of today - his foot was still hurting him. We made plans to meet up with them 5:30 and headed up the Priest. He was a long 5 mile up but not having our packs helped. It was cold up there. Somewhere along the way, my gloves unclipped off my pants. I didn't realize it til I wanted them. Going back for them...not really an option. The views were spectacular but it was cold. It was long and I was tired. We finally got to fish hatchery road.D-Jo was there with Raleigh. Jackolope had decided to go back home. The B&B nearby, but do to a variety of reasons, we decided to go to Buena Vista. Had a great dinner and was glad to be able to hang wwith D-Jo one more time on the trail.
Date: 2008-10-19
From: Fish hatchery rd...buena vista hotel

To: Brown Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: clear sky

Kate's entry: Today I'm feeling better, but I started the day in a funk - stressed about the cold and just feeling overwhelmingly homesick. At lunchtime, I broke down, had a good solid cry and have felt better since. Matt and I made a plan for some clothes purchases for me.Today we had a mostly easy hike - 2 4000 foot peaks, our first balds and amazing views. The balds are so pretty; they are very different from being about tree line - special in their own way. Weather did seem better. I felt warm most of the day. I am feeling better about the weather thing for sure.
Date: 2008-10-20
From: Brown Mountain Shelter

To: Matt's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: clear sky

Matt's entry: Last night we were a bit chilled, at least I was so tonight we are tenting it! It is warmer in here, by a little. It's cold tonight. Got a nice early start to the day and the terrain was a little challenging. Mostly up until lunch. We ended the AM on a bald, made some phone calls (including Emily for our warmer sleeping bags) and had a great lunch. Warm gatorade, apples with peanut butter and PB on taco soft shells. It was yummy. I guess it is supposed to get cold this week at night. 28 degrees on Wed. BRRRR. At least we are getting our bags - too bad not until THURSDAY.The shelter had some sectioners here - they had extra food and gave us chili dogs and also we made s'mores, which Raleigh and we had been craving. Way for trail magic!! Go VA! Bearwalker is a day behind us and L-rod and S-bird are about 2 days ahead. Maybe we'll catch them in Troutville. We are going 20+, so maybe we will. Today we saw a cool lizard and a big buck - his wide rack caught the sun as he bounded away. He was neat.Today we crossed the longest footbridge in the world devoted to foot travel 630 feet I think.
Date: 2008-10-21
From: Matt's Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Matt's entry: Today was relatively challenging. We hiked up a fair bit to Highcock Knob, asnd we hiked up Apple Orchard Mtn, the highest point of the AT in Va. We also went under a boulder suspended above the trail, called the Guillotine. You might think it was a grand day. It wasn't really. We got moving a little later - 7:20 and Raleigh was still in his hammock. Not sure what his plans are. He never passed us, which is weird, and I hope all is well with him.The trail was mostly good, but there was a section that was rocky, but the leaves had fallen on the rocks. In some places you oculdn't see them, and you couldn't really see where to step.We also saw a radar device that I think planes use. It looked like a big golf ball. I took a photo of it. We arrived at the shelter a little later than usual, and it was almost full. Rusty was there along with 3 sectioners - Andy, Paul, and Paul's brother, I don't remember his name. Anyhow, they were all cool and shared their coffee with us. Nice guys and nice company. It's cold tonight. I plan to sleep with my longees and my pants and my fleece - can't wait for those winter bags in Troutville!
Date: 2008-10-22
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Fullhardt Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Kate's entry: MARATHON DAY!!! I wanted to do a Marathon hiking one day before the end of the trip and we did it today! I'm so pumped - even though my toes feel like they are ion fire. This all is part of our attempt to catch up to L-rod and S-bird. We are psyched.Woke up earlier than planned and it was COLD! It was cold through noon/1 pm. There were a lot of little ups and downs to begin with. By lunch, Matt was saying he was frustrated with the cold and was surprised I wasn't whining about it - he doesn't know I have decided that there is a no-whining-about-the-cold-policy in my book. It did concern me that HE was frustrated with the cold, so when five minutes later we came to the Blue Ridge Parkway and a picnic table in the sun, I suggested a hot lunch of chicken alfredo and hot gatorade. This seemed to cheer him up and then we walked in the sun...and had some easy walking for awhile. We hit our 20 mile goal at 4, decided to fix dinner and push on to the next shelter 6 miles away to make it a marathon day and less than 4 miles into town. It was a nice walk and we pushed.When we pulled in, Crazyhorse was there, as well as 2 sectioners standing around the fire. Ate sausage, cheese and crackers, hot gatorade. Gonna sleep in a little tomorrow before we head out for town and winter bags!!
Date: 2008-10-23
From: Fullhardt Knob Shelter

To: HoJo, Daleville, VA
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: clear sky

Matt's entry: Today was a super nero into town. Packed up our maildrops - we had FIVE boxes waiting (!) and then had to hike back on to Daleville (maildrops in Troutville). It wasn't that hard of a day, but Kate's feet were bothering her and we had some chores to get done (outfitter stop for warm clothes, fuel, internet, voting) so we decided to get a hotel and chilll.We had lunch at pizza hut, which was pretty amazing. I ate a salad (huge) and half of a large stuffed crust pizza. I ate WAY too much and was feeling ill after chores (groceries and outfitters). I felt like puking, so I got some alka-seltzer. It worked great, but I wasn't right for a couple of hours. We did laundry, enjoyed the hot tub in the room (oh yeah) and just chilled for the evening. We also made phone calls. Crazyhorse is in the room next to us; he hasn't called or anything, which is cool. We need some down time anyhow.
Date: 2008-10-24
From: HoJo, Daleville, VA

To: John Springs Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Kate's entry: the breakfast at the HoJo was Delish!! We ate it while we filled out our absentee ballots. We were both so happy they came with time to spare. It was around 8 when we headed out - rain was coming and we were hoping to hit a shleter as it's supposed to storm tonight. I was excited though; today was Macafee Knob day. Macafee Knob is a rock that stretches out into the air with nothing below. I had challenged myself a loooong time ago that I'd go out to the edge of this thing. I was hoping we'd beat the rain to it, but as the day progressed, it became clear we wouldn't. It started misting and then sprinkling while we were on Tinker Cliffs. Then it stopped, but as we passed the shelter a mile before the Knob, it started to rain again. I walked out on that puppy anyway - in the fog and rain. At first, we came to one ledge and took pictures there, but realized that wasn't it. Then I was worried we passed it, but then there it was! Those pictures will go in a frame man! I was psyched. We came to Johns Spring Shelter. Rusty was already there. I climbed into my winter bag before writing and I think I have died and gone to a heaven that conists of a down hug!
Date: 2008-10-25
From: John's Spring Shelter

To: 1 mi. S. of Pinnacle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.8

Matt's entry: It rained nearly all night long, and when we woke up, it was still raining. It was a lazy morning, and we left the shelter at about 10. Crazyhorse pulled in just as we were leaving. Turned out he was behind us. We didn't go as far as I thought we might today. First, we started late. Second, the terrain was moderately difficult, especially up the dragon's tooth. Third, Kate fell, tore her new rain pants, and banged her knee. It seems to be doing alright, but we took it easy anyhow.The rain continued on and off until about 1PM, but it was warm, so we walked without rain gear for most of the day. We arrived in camp dry, so I guess it doesn't really matter.Not sure where Songbird and Lightningrod are - probably about 2 days ahead. I figure we must be about 3 days from Pearisburg. I am not sure if we will catch them by then. Maybe they will zero; that will help.It seems weird to be in reach of Damascus - that is our next stop after Pearisburg. Tomorrow we hit 1500 miles - soon we will be done. Part of me is ready and part of me isn't. I guess that's normal.Saw 2 deer (doe) today and some yesterday too (4 doe, 2 buck). It must be that the rut us further behind down here; the bucks are still in their bachelor groups. I guess that makes sense.We are ahead in miles, but only about 8. Hopefully by Pearisburg we will be ahead 22 miles, which is about 1.5 days before December 15th. We are trying to shae some time off that date to be done earlier. I guess whenever we are done we are done - I don't want to rush much. We are doing our 15-20 mile days, and resting when we need to - that seems like a good plan. Maybe tomorrow we will really be able to put some miles down.The view from the dragon's tooth was really neat. I am glad we had good views. Not much more to report - Onward, to the South!!
Date: 2008-10-26
From: Trout Creek

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: clear sky

Kate's entry: Today was a big day - we hit FIFTEEN HUNDRED MILES!!! Wooooohooo! We also did over 20 miles of up and down rocky ridges. We are wiped out. We saw the Keffer Oak - perhaps the oldest tree on the trail. It was huge. I stepped in the juiciest freshest cow pie - GROSS! Matt thought it was hysterical. The weather was hot and cold, hot and cold all day. We saw a fox this morning - running up the trail. Beautiful views. Some rocky bits in the trail, but not bad. We met a hunter who had just found a poor beagle mix that looked like it had been starving in the woods for quite some time. It was all skin and bones. He said he'd look for the owner and if nobody was found, he'd keep her.Crazyhorse is in the shelter with us tonight. I think I messed up my shoulder a bit when I fell yesterday (It was a BAD spill - I ripped my rainpants). It's very sore and stiff, but it has full range of motion. I'm on Ibuprofen patron. My book is calling me - it's a good one and I can't wait to read some more of it.