morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Trents grocery VA 608

To: Docs knob shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

From the highway the next 7 miles were easy and actually gentle with Dismal creek running rampant through the area. I met one SOBO on the trail today, in his twenties and happy to have only 616 Miles to go. Other than that the trail has been empty. I was thinking about hiking 5 more miles but the sky was getting mad and it was going to rain sometime so I stayed. Then about an hour later a thru-hiker named Gary, about 63, came by and spent the night there as well. Nice guy and I hope to see him on trail again. it was nice to bs for awhile. I've been having a hell of a time sleeping for the last few weeks and it has continued on trail as well. It's got to improve-two hrs or so doesn't cut it. Tale of two worlds today, first part, life existed. From M shelter to docs, tons of blow downs, dead wood on the side, no water and it got hot as hell in the afternoon. Ok, maybe just hot, but being from UT and walking in 10 degree weather, I haven't gotten used to hot sunlight yet. I didn't stay at the hostel, I wanted to go a bit farther. Overall a nice day. Overall total of miles is over 600, working on 700 and Harpers Ferry. Then we'll reset the cross hairs. I did see two sets of shoed horse tracks on the trail today. I don't think the rangers use them, but don't know.
Date: 2013-04-15
From: Docs knob shelter

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Started raining last night about 10:00 and kept up till I got to Pearisburg at 11 this morning. I did laundry, bought food for the next three days and then decided that I'd keep this a nero. I'm wary abt my foot muscles so I'm taking it slow in the damp rain, especially since it's a hard climb out from here. Didn't want to take one so early but this is about the time in my journey last year that I hurt myself so I don't want a repeat. My rain jacket is more like a wind jacket I guess. I may have to look into that because I was soaked from the rain. The trail was easy, the downhill that goes down steeply lived up to its hype. Then towards the end the switchbacks went on forever. I hate having a destination because the last mile goes forever. I swear that road kept moving as I kept trying to catch up to it. I'm going to hit the trail early tomorrow and get some miles done before the heat hits. There is a group or two moving fast behind me that'll catch and pass me in a few days. So life goes on.
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Pearisburg

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Hike out of pearisburg was tough and I made it tougher. Left at 5 am because the Holiday Travel Hotel was crap. Renters in rooms made it hard to sleep, the room was filthy, the white hair dryer had black dirt on it from old dust gone wild. The tub was the same, the carpet was dirtier than shelter floors. The plaza hotel had good reviews from a few folks...it was clean. Anyway walked hwy 460 in the dark with semis zooming by, fastest mile I ever walked. found the trail turnoff and instead of going up I took the flat route and merrily walked until I noticed the lack of blazes....after I got back to the trail it goes up and up. Rice field shelter is real nice on top with kind of a grass knoll. Water in symms meadow water looked bad so I didn't load up. I was happy to see the stream at the shelter. Had a section hiker, who had brought dehydrated food, but no canister, got fuel from another nice section hiker couple. Didn't get much sleep, so I walked about 23 miles on about 1 1/2 liters of water. but at least I was walking.
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was just a tough day for me. I felt sluggish from almost zero sleep. it started raining around 3 AM and stopped about 7:30. I had intentions of walking big miles, but never hit gear. I decided to listen to the old body. I did get to see alot of down by the river. saw the "captains" pulley system to get across the river. Maybe when I was 20 I would have tried it. Crazy setup, but I guess it works. At the shelter I got to meet Nitro Joe who is 71 and hiking the AT after breaking his leg last year. We talked about our trail war stories for a while. His heart meds are acting up and it limits his walking rate. He hiked the PCT in 08. He's a real nice guy. I told him I had taken a sleeping pill and was crashing before hiker's midnight. I couldn't fall asleep again, but I gave it a try. Going to get up early and hit the trail. The trail in this section reminds me of some of GA, sometime it goes up without switch backs, but it levels out between ups and downs. I was told by a ridgerunner and a few local hikers that this section is the hardest I'll see in Va. Then it gets easier after Tinker cliffs. Now is a good time to get in shape. I think a few birds fell out of the sky in the area I stopped due to lack of oxygen since I was using it all. It was nice to meet a hiker on the trail today.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

A lot of ups today. I'm sorry but when the leaves are off and the logs are on the ground today would have been a great place for zombies to come out. Interesting spot was near Sarver hollow where piles of rock about five ft or more higher by 8-10 ft across were stacked in many (40ish) places on top of this God forsaken mt top. I talked with a trail maintainer and found out that a pig farmer had lived there a long time ago and fed his pigs chestnuts and other stuff from the mountain. I'm going to have to research this more. What a rough go that had to be. A cart road long abandoned went down the mountain side. Water had to be pumped up to his place. The family had to be strong as oxen. I wonder if they did any shine on the side? Tough walk at times, the ups are steep. Did some boulder and slab walking today. I'm glad they were dry. I was looking for the trail at times and saying ok...slide here and I'm getting a ride down. Nitro Joe made it to the shelter late but it was nice to talk with him. Nice guy. You mainly just get into hiker mode here. I know when it greens up it'll be beautiful, but today wasn't the day.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Niday Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

Audie Murphy....need I say more? What a fitting tribute to a true American hero. I sat there for a while and saw the flags and read the inscription and saw what was left behind. In reality folks like him, that generation is why we can walk the trail freely. I thought of my dad who died last Sept, who gave so much to this nation and never expected a thing in return. A generation of heroes and doers. Trail up was great and I had thoughts of going on, but the weather was supposed to get real bad. I sat there for awhile and then all of a sudden a tree branch comes crashing down five ft from me on my left. If I had sat on that cut log versus the one I did it would have left a mark. It had to fall from only 50 ft up. A lot of dead branches in the trees hanging on until the wind picks up. Norseman showed up, then three section hikers, then Nitro Joe, then Gary, dripping wet since the rain came down in buckets. The section hikers this time were really great. They have hiked all over and were seasoned hikers...class acts. Once the rain slowed down they set up tents saying they were only out one more day and we had a ways to go. Nice folks...thanks! Wind all night long. Animal from last year's thru hikers was doing a section hike there and we talked for a while. Then Norseman and I and the three sections hikers decided we were going to do a tough 17 and do 16 the day after to get into town. Animal didn't think we could do it....repeatedly. Well bro we made it.
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Campbell shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

Went over dragon tooth which is a preview of NH. Sliding down rocks that if you kept sliding life would have been interesting. The trail here in this section had everything, steep ups, downs and flats, big rocks, small rocks. Great section to get into shape on. Also made it to Mcafee knob today. Great view nice trail, lots of people. College kids emptied the trail magic of gatorade and cokes. I'm hiking today with Norseman - fast 20 something hiker. We stopped at Va 224 I believe for lunch, pizza, choc milk, gatorade and he added a monster burrito. Then we hiked 12 miles more to Cambell shelter. I have a few blisters, mainly on my big toes that were swollen and the nails are coming off from prior damage before I left. You know....I don't even feel it compared to last year. Loving the hike now. First few days of seeing no one and stuff was hard. I'll fill in the other days when I get to Troutdale on Sunday. I'm taking a zero so I can get stuff I need, a rain jacket that keeps the rain on the outside...for a change. Just had Hot dog that Norseman yogied....I'm starting to like that kid. Today for the first time we had mainly green forest. Last few days...it was dead, dormant, crappy. Different species of trees now. Supposed to be 32 degrees tonight....chicken wings tomorrow night. We've been too far out front for trail magic. Good Night and thanks for the comments. I should have cell coverage from now on.
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Campbell shelter

To: Cloverdale
Miles today: 15.5

The thought of chicken wings and...Coronas, I made 15 miles by 1:30 pm. fast for me. It was cold in the shelter last night. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise coming over the mountains as we laid in our bags. I took off first and Norseman was to catch me. The walk over Tinker cliffs was great and the views over the cliffs I thought were better than Mcafee. After that the trail became the easiest I've seen on my hike. Semi-tough in places and easy flats in others. A little rock, ridge walking towards the end. We did go up ridges, just the ridges are lower elevation now....yeah baby, for a day any way. Norseman met me at the motel....I walked for wings today. 3 little pigs restaurant had a fourth pig today. 20 wings, b-q nachos, Coronas...I can barely move. Nitro Joe is in town, he is going to get checked at a clinic on his heart meds. Walking the AT is a thrill of a lifetime, but not worth a life. I hope the doc checks him out good. I had to laugh today, Norseman said he kept asking folks if they had seen a thru hiker ahead of him. They all said no, because of my small backpack they think I'm a day hiker. One guy coming down said the same thing. It was light and empty of food today. I was showing some folks it last night. 14.1 oz Z-pack back pack is great....thanks Deb for buying it for me. Jess I love you. I'm so proud of you daughter. You are my only daughter and I couldn't have gotten any luckier. I hope to keep the Martin tradition going. I've updated prior entries so hopefully I'm good now. Took out my two big toe nails with a small knife Spools, once I got to the hotel in clean surroundings. Ready to go, but a zero to toughen up the skin a bit....maybe more wings? I'm broke can't eat for rest of trip....Enjoy the day, tomorrow is never a given.
Date: 2013-04-22
From: Cloverdale

To: Zero day
Miles today: 0.0

Felt guilty about taking a zero, but by the time I bought food, walked to and back from the PO and got trail ready it was already 3pm. Bought a rain jacket to keep the big stuff off me and sent home my wind jacket. The new jacket can double as both. Had to walk down a busy highway. I remember the days folks actually moved over a bit for peds. Had logging trucks zooming by that could have moved but didn't. Until people have respect for others this world will remain crazy. Every news channel is packed about the boston bombing dudes. How about if we didn't cover them? I don't need to know anything about them....f them! We focus on making idiots famous. I know I have to make big miles so this week I am going to try and go to the next step for me. I'll see what happens. If my body says no, I'll push only so hard, but miles and sights to see. Nitro Joe got instructions on how to take his meds correctly and hit the trail at noon. I'm packed and ready to go. Spring is starting to happen here. It makes the miles much easier. But I've just begun. Waynesboro is the next stop on my journey. It feels good moving. The images I used in my head during foot rehab are slowly happening in real life.
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Cloverdale

To: Cove mt shelter
Miles today: 25.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail was real nice today. I mean freeway first 15 miles. When I started walking BRP trail, it was hard to not walk the hwy and get off the trail since we ran next to it all day. Met a real nice man from France along the road and he offered me "bad coffee". I said water instead and he brought out a big five gallon container and I drank a few bottles. This paid big dividends later since I didn't have to stop for water and walk down hill a quarter mile and them back up at Bobblets shelter. Going to Jenkins creek campground for my food drop and then I hope to make thunder hill. Have some climbs tomorrow. Feet are ok. Achilles is doing good. Today was my first more than 20 on this hike and my first 25er.
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Cove mt shelter

To: Thunder hill shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Some of the toughest ups since GA on the BRP AT. They straighten out and are flat as well, but I think on top of the hills they ran a five gallon bucket of water down the hill and said "thats the trail". I was happy to hear one of the younger thru-hikers also comment on how tough it was. They lied when they said VA is flat. I got my food drop at Jennings middle creek camp ground. Fantastic people and such a beautiful place. I had planned to camp there but got there either too early, or too late. the mother had to run an errand, but not before she made me an egg, bacon, cheese tomato toast sandwich.....damn that was good. I've met a few hikers, Hambone, Bright Side,Nnd Norseman. Other than that we are a few days behind the others. Oh, I met Sabre if you can say that. He is the most elegant 30 mile a day hiker I've seen. Came by, said hi, and was in the next state by the time I said hi back. What a strider...and smooth. I doubt I'll ever see a bear, I'm a loud, stumbling dude....doing ok. Blisters are better. Side of heel has one but ok.
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Thunder hill shelter

To: Johns hollow shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: few clouds

Took it easy today. Trail had a few steep ups but I camped at the base of the next up. Going to do an 18 tomorrow. Walking along the James river I wanted to pull out a catfish pole and go fish. Just plain nice. Cold this morning but heated up just in time for one up. Going to be cold tonight as well. The foot bridge over the James was awesome. Another thing off my list of things to see. Got a picture of the guillotine yesterday....looks better in a magazine. With rain chasing me yesterday it was another interesting rock. Some tough climbs tomorrow, I'm waiting for the VA flats. Time to get water and eat......
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Johns hollow shelter

To: Brown creek shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: few clouds

I've had spotty service so I'm catching up. Trail had a nice combo of flat, ups and downs. Saw some weekenders on the trail, whom I can pass! Makes my slow ass feel good. Pedlar lake we could see as we followed the shoreline front hundreds of ft above. Saw some folks in a boat with a cooler of beer and it reminded me of how my buddy Draney nets fish....we have a blast and should be on "how not too fish video". Weather has been great. It gets hot, but nothing like last year so far. It's nice to see spring coming. Like they say you can't rush beauty and spring is getting ready to be beautiful. Out of no where today a tree had white blossoms with everything else dormant. It was a nice boost. Seems like the younger folks are into "detoxing miles". It's the dominant theme in the register. Shame if they miss the point of this hike. Funny, one guy is blasting the goverment, but stated he had to be in town on the first to get his food stamps.....? Really? Take care. Love you all.
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Brown creek shelter

To: Montebellow
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Tough climb today to start the day overall easily climbed over 5000 ft. Two climbs ea were over 2000 ft. I didn't have the energy today and it was a hell of a fight today. It would have been real easy to rollover. We stayed at the Dutch Haus B & B. What a great place! The hosts were so nice. I hadn't showered in a week so I didn't like how I smelled at all. Cleaning up in a stream just doesn't cut it. I told my clothes to march into the washer and they did. The food was fantastic! The bed great and breakfast better than my cliff bar on the trail; eggs, french toast, sausage, oj. Not looking forward to the 3000 ft climb tomorrow along with the 3200 ft drop. Plus all the little ones. I'm looking forward to a zero in Waynesboro. There are good folks In the world, nightly news just doesn't cover them. Miss my family and friends...take care everyone.
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Montebellow

To: Maupin field shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: moderate rain

Rained all day. I think my new rain jacket works nice, if I put it on. The up went forever and I get hot going up so I kept it off, then the wind started blowing me sideways and it was 50 and I got cold at the summit and put it on. Yup I'm still Polish.....got to the shelter and set up and fell into the sleeping bag. Long hard day. Mentally tough. Fog was so thick that the white blazes were invisible. Hiked over rocks and dead leaves very carefully, one fall would have been trouble. I'm really glad to be almost done with this section. They have done well, but this trail needs some tender loving care with picks in places. I heard that there are great views on the way up but I could barely see my walking sticks in the rain, wind, fog, and my glasses....I actually enjoyed today. Nature kicked my ass, but I survived.
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Maupin field shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 20.8

I'm beat but I'm taking a zero to sleep. P J, CVS has Coronas and they are right across from the hotel. My expensive pack on the shoulder adjustment strap stitching came loose today on the hike so when I got here I went to the coolest shoe repair shop in the world. The picture is of his (Joe's) Aunt's wheel chair from 1930. The gears and sprockets were made by the Wright brothers. She sat in that chair for 60 years. She was the local switch board operater for decades. So I'm blessed to be walking much less the ability to create these damn blisters...although they could go away. I quit wearing my gaiters a few weeks ago because they made my feet too hot. that has solved getting more blisters, but the blisters on my heels are still sore. I think they are caused by my scar tissue from before. I'm going to take it easy but go check out some more sights tomorrow. In 2011 a SOBO hiker was killed and buried in a shallow grave for his stuff. His killers were never found. Hiking the trail shouldn't come to that outcome. Last year up north a hiker was lit on fire. They were never found. Isolated incidents, but you have to be aware 24/7. Me...the damn mice like my stuff...shelter sleeping may be ending. Looking forward to the Shenandoah hike. A long rehab on the ft to get here. Not going home yet. Love you Jess...thanks for the messages. Updated prior days.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0

Package with heavy sleeping bag and card with pictures of trip on way home. Raining lightly outside, so good day to relax. Fishburne military school is located in Waynesboro. Opened in 1879 and is on the historical register. Tons of history on this trek. Two days ago I went over Spy Rock. During the Civil War the Confederate Army had people on the rock that could track movement of the Union army. So think about this..if communication back then is like our email chains.....Grants moving go 2000 feet, go down tell Lee....Lee "which direction?" Back on top, "west", back on bottom, "how far?" Back on top "five miles". Believe me, about the second time up, someone was getting shot. Maybe that is where 'don't shoot the messenger' came from. I also passed a 300 year old chestnut tree. The old sign said it was the oldest tree of it's kind being studied. Imagine the stories it could tell if it could talk; it was down along the James River. This is why I walk this trail, not to crush miles, but to think about how this country evolved. Otherwise I could do other easier things this sumner. I hope this is just the start! Dont get me wrong I plan to still hike long days, but stopping to see things makes the days not so long. Think about it....hiking is kind of brain dead work, if you know how to move your feet, you can hike - your brain needs stuff to do. Got a shuttle set for 8 am. Nitro Joe will hike along at the start. Trail is supposed to be freeway quality. Take care, sleep soundly knowing that as I am walking I am solving all the world's problems.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Waynesboro

To: Blackrock hut
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

Made it into Shenandoah! First part was green and pretty but over 3000 ft we are still a couple of weeks away from life. Valley views are fantastic. So much history in Shenandoah Valley. Think about the families that fought the war. Shenandoah park from my understanding forced families from their properties so the park could be made. How would that go over today? Hell, folks get in trouble not being PC. Trail was nice but water was scarce. I think two places for water within 20 miles. I only carry 3- 20 oz bottles so I think down the road I may have to change that. Tomorrow we are going to Loft Mt wayside for a burger and them press for 20 more. Nitro Joe has been hiking with me shelter to shelter. I take off do my thing and he comes sauntering in later. Saw three deer but that was it. Hut is nice looking. Take care. Nothing real exciting to report. Naturally my phone is messing up. Could not mess up yesterday in town so Deb had to help out again. She is a great support team.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Blackrock hut

To: High top shelter
Miles today: 21.4

Life was good today. Trail easy and weather perfect. Three ups have grades on them so I can't even tell we are going up most the time. Met NOBO that is getting off at Harpers as he planned. No bears yet, three more deer. Phone is messing up so this is short. Met some nice section hikers. They came and were eating on the table by the shelter. Tons of food. I said it's not the bears and your food you have to worry about. After that I got 1/2 meat ball hogie, three pieces of cheese and sausage, and a huge homemade choc chip cookie. My first real good yogi!
Date: 2013-05-03
From: High top shelter

To: Skyline lodge
Miles today: 29.9

I did over 30 today but I like to keep it weird. Trail was super nice and I was filled by the fact of a shower, food, warmth and a killer bf. I'm over budget on this but....supposed to be 33 tonight. I sent my heavy sleeping bag home....froze last night at 40. Mercy....thanks for the invite, but I need to keep hiking. I want to meet my buddy on Thursday in Harpers Ferry. I'm getting a little tired of being looked at like I'm homeless. Stinky, yup, but my hiking combo cost as much as some of the shitty cars they are driving. I'm like the homeless dude with $200 shoes you see on corners. I'm tired, eating a fantastic chicken dinner not from a bag....thanks Deb for everything. Jess I love you bunches!