morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-05
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today is our zero day in Damascus, VA. I picked up five large boxes from the post office this morning because I brilliantly decided that every time I needed to forward extra gear/food that I would send it to Damascus... and when the gentleman working at the post office cleared off an entire shelf of just my boxes I realized how not necessarily particularly brilliant my idea was in the first place. But, another gentleman, a thru hiker by the name of LoneWolf who also resides in Damascus, thankfully gave us a ride back to the apartment or we would have been quite the sight to see walking through town juggling all of our stuff. Basically, I spent the entirety of the day trying to update these journals. Exciting? I think so. It really is fun. But, I also had to make the final arrangements for the wedding today and it seems that it is a lot more complicated than I originally planned. Then again, I originally planned to be a lot further along in my hike -- it just so happens that we are rather remotely located and Damascus is a pretty small, quaint town in the big scheme of things. Also, gas prices supposedly jumped up (see, I don't realize those kinds of things out here) and the cost/time to drive all the way up here to pick me up and take me to the wedding and drop me off just became unreasonable. SO, after a ton of hassling and quick decision making... basically, I am stuck in Damascus or close to Damascus for the next few days and hiking out into the wilderness before I return is rather unlikely. Parkay has offered to drive me to Marion, VA where I will catch a bus to Knoxville where my uncle will provide me with a seat in his vehicle for the ride into Charleston. I would hike to Marion, but it would require me to leave at this very minute and I would have no room for error (must hike 18-20 miles each of the next two days) and with the good luck I have been having lately I am just not too excited about taking the gamble... BUT, there is this awesome trail called the Virginia Creeper Trail that runs right through Damascus and I am thinking about taking the 33 mile bike ride tomorrow! Might as well make the best of my time here. I was freaking out about my schedule, naturally, and how far behind I am -- but, Parkay came up with a brilliant idea. Currently, my end date (by my schedule) is 3 September which is a whole month early...   SO, Parkay suggested just moving my schedule back 3 weeks and then I am actually AHEAD of schedule... brilliant!!   DONE. I am officially ahead of schedule. So, now without a care in the world I will enjoy the next couple days in Damascus, attend the wedding, and then return, anxiety free, to the trail and conquer the great state of Virginia.
Date: 2008-05-06
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Rest and Relaxation 101. Still in Damascus. Road bikes down the Virginia Creeper Trail today which rocked. Spent a lot of time on the computer updating journal entries and answering emails. Oh, and movie marathoning it last night and cooking up a spaghetti dinner and movie marathoning it again tonight... and you thought I hiked! Ha. I am antsy to get back on the trail but the logistics are pretty complicated right now. I will just take the week off and come back 100% next Monday. (Glad I had such an early start date or this may not even be an option for me....)
Date: 2008-05-09
From: Knoxville, TN

To: Charleston, SC
Miles today: 0.0

As if yesterday wasn't exciting enough... my first experience with sushi topped it off. But first, the background information required: I may have been one of those picky little kids that refused to branch out much further than mac and cheese and hot dogs. So, seafood wasn't one of my favorites. Every time my mother would make something with seafood in it I would cause a fuss. I swore to her it made me sick (and it did!). She always told me I was making excuses and it would go on and on from there... Well, as I grew older and wiser I became pretty ashamed at how picky I was so I decided to start branching out. On one such branching out occasion I decided to try some snow crab. I was delighted to find out that I really enjoyed it! Until 5 am when I woke up to the taste of it the second time through my mouth -- not nearly as appetizing. When I told people that seafood made me sick and conveyed the story I was told repeatedly that it was just "bad snow crabs". Well, it took a little while for me to build up my courage to tackle seafood again but last night when my wonderful uncle took me out to a sushi restaurant I decided there was no better time to dive right in. I am making so many life altering transactions these last few months I figured it was just in line with the times. So, I definitely jumped in head first -- I like my meat cooked rare -- but sushi is a whole other story. I ate some octopus, eel, red tipped clams, ummm... you name it I probably tackled it. I felt really accomplished by the time we left. But, I could already feel the uncertainty in my stomach. It was like it just didn't know what to do with what I had just fed it. And, sure enough -- the wee hours of the morning came around and my stomach finally decided that digesting it wasn't in it's best interest. UGH. My mother now thinks we need to deduce exactly what made me ill -- so we need to try everything all over again :0) Sounds fantastic. But, I will probably let my stomach settle for a little while first. Oh, and we just drove to Charleston, SC today. I am really worried about all this civilized business. I dropped some food on the ground today and went to pick it up and eat it (as is expected of any thru hiker) and got a really disgusted look from my little cousin -- not to mention the lecture I got about licking my fingers! I just don't know if I am going to be able to handle this.
Date: 2008-05-10
From: Charleston, SC

To: Charleston, SC
Miles today: 0.0

OK, I know people don't come on here to read about weddings so the long and the short of it is that I went and it was wonderful. Every chance I have to see my family is a blessing. I acted fairly civilized -- at the very least, no one picked up on the fact that I live in the woods. I had a very brilliant disguise: a dress, make up, and clean hair! It does wonders :0)
Date: 2008-05-11
From: Charleston, SC

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So, I conclude again that being back in civilization does terrible things to my mind. It is simply overwhelming. Trying to do 200 things in the few precious hours that I had was exhausting and frustrating. I wanted so badly to get back on the trail and hiking again, but I also wanted so badly for another couple days to spend with my family and get my gear/mail/random things in order. I was torn between systematically getting through my long list of errands/chores and just making a run for the woods. I failed to get pictures uploaded and I have no idea when I will get another opportunity. I know have a camara card that holds some 2000 photos so it may be awhile! Oh well, I long ago figured out that I wasn't super human. But, back to loosing my mind -- or my wallet (AGAIN). My uncle had to wait at an exit up the interstate for a bit while my brother brought it to me -- after I had obviously left it behind. Then, my brother's car wouldn't start back up so that became a whole deal within itself. I just figure my best bet is to get back to the woods as soon as possible. Oh, and there were tornados on the beach rather than sunshine so my grand ideas of sunbathing didn't pull through either. Anyone ready to do some hiking??? I need to get to Maine.
Date: 2008-05-12
From: Damascus, VA

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

Well, wouldn't you know, another zero day. BUT -- at least I can smell the trail from where I am currently located. After a week off the trail it would seem reasonable to assume that I would pack up and head right back out. But, when I finally woke up this morning, surprisingly exhausted from the weekend festivities, I could finally do a self analysis in preparation for departure. I had noticed all week that my feet had been hurting, but that is nothing new. However, hurting after 8 days without subsiding was a little unsettling. I headed to the outfitter in town to look into purchasing a new pair of shoes -- lighter than the boots that I am currently wearing. So, supposedly I have extremely high arches and I have increased my mileage without providing the necessary support. The long and the short of it is that I have plantar fasciitis which is a relatively common foot ailment -- but not something you really want to hike long distances without addressing. I have an appointment for tomorrow to get orthodics custom made. It was a long and arduous debate all day which does not need to be retold on here -- but, the final decision was made and in my effort to head off future problems I am taking the plunge and making the investment. Another glorious, or rather un-glorious, zero day to look forward to. Will I EVER make it back on the trail? It is becoming rather comical...
Date: 2008-05-13
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The content of this journal becomes rather dull when I can only delve into topics of the "common" world, per say. Although I LOVE spending time in Damascus with Parkay, it is past time for me to make my departure. I feel completely at home in Damascus, but tomorrow is officially the big day. However, the big finale will not be until after Trail Days as I have decided to return for the event. I never really intended on going to Trail Days (Trail Days is a large annual hiker festival) because I figured I would be at least two weeks out from Damascus; however, I will only be three days out and it will give me the opportunity to meet back up with Sauerkraut and the rest of the hooligans I have met and come to love on the trail. Therefore, Parkay is driving me three days up the trail and I will spend Wed-Fri making my way back to Damascus in the southern direction. A lot of companies that produce hiking gear will be at the festival and I am going to get a smaller waist belt from Granite Gear (the maker of my backpack). But, mostly, this is an opportunity to do a serious run through with my orthodics/new shoes and see if my system is going to get me to Maine. UPDATE: I am in Lynchburg, VA -- a little shy of 800 miles, 1/3 of the way through and trying desperately to adjust to the heat. I am staying with the Webb family for a couple days and will be updating as much of these journals as I can while I am here! I have some GREAT stories so I will try to get them posted ASAP. MUCH LOVE to everyone.
Date: 2008-05-14
From: Fox Creek

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

OMG -- I have forgotten what it is like to enter mileage. In fact, I almost forgot how to hike mileage. Unfortunately, my excitement in regards to my return was short lived. I had an amazing day when it came to the views/scenery. I am hiking through the Grayson Highlands today which is truly one of my favorite parts of the trail thus far. There are feral ponies on the trail and you can stop and enjoy their company for a significant portion of the day. There were a few climbs to get me warmed up and around every corner there was something to take in. BUT, at the same time the pain in my feet was excruciating. For the first time on the trail I wanted to sit down and just cry. I don't think that my grand plan is that grand anymore. Breaking in new insoles/new shoes ON the trail when I still had foot pain to begin with probably wasn't as thought out as I initially decided it was. But, it needed to be done some time. I just hope it isn't my feet that are breaking instead! Of course, I also had to stubbornly complete 12.7 miles and I made my way to Thomas Knob Shelter -- which I found to be packed. Great, the last thing I want to do is walk another step and the shelter is full! I sat around forlornly for a little while. I didn't know anyone at the shelter. I grabbed the shelter log and sure enough there were no messages from Sauerkraut or the guys. I felt, for the very first time, extremely lonely and no longer so keen on hiking solo. I have been off the trail so long that the people I used to see every day have long passed this spot and reading how far behind I was in the trail logs was even more disheartening. But, I had to get over my pity party and I moved on to consuming food, tending to my ailing feet, and finally convincing a couple fellow hikers that if they moved their stuff over just a little itty bit that I would fit just fine up on the second floor. Sigh. I don't like wishing a day on the AT over with -- I really love it. I am just full of a lot of fear and frustration. The good thing: tomorrow is a new day.
Date: 2008-05-15
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

I awoke to gloomy weather. Everything was fogged over and it definitely resembled my mindset from the night before. However, I was determined to push forward and not let my frustrations get the best of me. I am only two days out from Trail Days and reuniting with Sauerkraut and crew and the many other people I have met on the trail. As the day went on and the weather improved so did my mood. My feet were still aching but it was more of a dull ache in the background rather than the sharp pains of the previous day. I took my time and elongated my stride in order to keep the pounding down to a minimum. I was walking in the opposite direction and only saw people as we crossed paths. I did not recognize any of them so our conversations were short and sweet -- the usual cordials. But, I realized about halfway through the day that I was beginning to enjoy hiking completely solo. As soon as all my fears had subsided from yesterday (I had convinced myself my trip was over because of my feet...) and my confidence had returned I actually started to have a lot of fun. I was able to stop at every spot that suited my fancy and take my time when the terrain was a little more harsh. I felt far from 100%, but my morale has taken a turn for the better and hopefully my body will follow suit. I still completed another 12+ mile day and although I intended on camping by myself tonight I stopped short at a shelter because it looked like the evening would bring rain and the company was just my style: good! I ran into a gentleman that I had previous met on the top of Clingman's Dome earlier in the hike hanging out in the shelter. I believe his trail name is Wornoutboots and it was great seeing a familiar face. I also met a few section hikers and The Professor who is heading north on the trail for a while. All in all it was a day of marked improvement. Just keeping my fingers crossed that my body stays as strong as my mind.
Date: 2008-05-16
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

to Damascus. I must make the announcement from the beginning: my days of hiking are far from over! I was a wee bit nervous about doing almost 16 miles today into town after struggling with the last two days of 12 -- and the terrain was definitely the most challenging of the three days. But, my feet are progressing and I absolutely loved being solo today. The difficult terrain and distance was every bit the confidence boost I needed going into Trail Days. I covered the miles in great time -- playing mental games to push myself up steep grades. By the time I reached Damascus I felt my spirits refreshed and I was ready to give my body (specifically my feet) a bit of rest and recuperation. As soon as I walked into town I started seeing familiar faces and conversing with hikers I hadn't seen in weeks. Being the socialite that I can be at times -- I loved it!! The whole town was filled to the brim with hikers and it was an infectious feeling being there. I was worn out from the days challenging hike but I couldn't keep the smile off of my face. Things seemed to finally be coming together again. I made my way to Parkay's apartment and then to check out Camp John Cougar Mellencamp. At Trail Days most hikers set up residence in tent city and various groups name their camp areas. I stayed in camp that evening waiting to be reunited with my long lost Sauerkraut who was off galavanting with other parties. I was definitely happy to see her and finally catch up on all the things that had happened over the last week while we were separated. But, I had a long list of "to do's" for the morning so despite the loud antics going on around camp, I fell fast asleep rather early.
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

What? Another zero day? Well, I actually don't think it counts for much of a zero because I walked comparable mileage. I made my way to Granite Gear, ate a ton of food, walked around the festival area and visited all the tents, got a medical screening, participated in the hiker parade, and then lounged around camp in the afternoon just trying to stay off of my feet.   The highlight of the day was the hiker parade, by far. Thru hikers from past years join the Class of 2008 hikers to make their way through downtown. The catch? Many hikers dressed up in costume and I was advised to wear my rain gear -- what for? The water fight, of course. Who knew? (not me!) The locals line up the streets on either side armed with water guns and water balloons. The hikers must carry their own ammunition in order to combat the attacks for the duration of the parade. I carried an umbrella -- as always, it seemed quite practical during my initial assessment. I was soaked by the time we made our way to the other side of town. Figures. It was a LOT of fun and I will definitely return more prepared on a later date. The only downside of the day was that I was too tired to participate in a lot of the additional hiker activities they had -- like movies, talent contests, information sessions, etc. My feet are recovering slowly from my three day venture and after visiting the medical tent and talking to a doctor I think I am going to try my new orthodics in my old boots when I head out of town and see how that works. I am tired but happy; very happy.
Date: 2008-05-18
From: Damascus, VA

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

Today we cannot leave because Sauerkraut has to wait for the post office to open in the morning. Despite my initial fears that she and the rest of the group would be days and days ahead of me they are actually only 9 miles ahead AND they skipped a section due to bad weather. SOOO, tomorrow I will head out and cover the approximately 9 miles that I am behind and Sauerkraut will cover the 10 or so miles they had to skip and we will meet up in the evening at a hostel in Troutdale and take it from there. Today we packed up tent city, cleaned all our gear, completed resupply and just watched movies at Parkay's. I really don't know what I would have done without Parkay these last couple weeks and it seems a little surreal that we will finally be hiking out of Damascus tomorrow for good.
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Fox Creek

To: Dickey Gap
Miles today: 8.5

la di da, di da, di da... I am back on the trail and doing my thing. I have my old reliable boots back and my new orthodics and the combination is working magic. I have officially escaped the clutches of Damascus. I knocked out the 8.5 miles rather quickly and then worked on the 2 miles I had to get to town and the church hostel where everyone was meeting. Although I am not adverse to hitching -- I am not a big fan of it solo style. However, two ladies made a U-turn and let me hop in the back of their pick up truck so they could give me a ride. When I got there I found three of the crew (Truckin', Dirty Girl, and Pilot) already camped out. They supposedly left earlier that morning to hike the missing miles (the same missing miles that Sauerkraut was currently hiking) but decided against taking the plunge back into hiking that day. I was able to get in a game of horseshoes -- and despite my best efforts to hold our team together (Pilot and myself) we failed to win against Dirty Girl and the horseshoe prodigy, Truckin'. Tomorrow is our first "real" day hiking (in a long time) -- maybe there is still hope for us to become "real" hikers? But, don't get too excited. Humorous predicaments are just my style -- and we have some serious miles to cover still.
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Davis Path Non Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

Our first official 20 mile day. SWEET. It was a hard day and I am beginning to dislike Virginia a lot. BUT, I felt great hiking and it was amazing to feel so strong and full of energy. We had 5 ascents today climaxing in the final 2100 ft climb to the top of Chestnut Knob. The weather was perfect, the temperature verging on too hot but not quite there. It was challenging and I loved every second of today. I was worried about Kraut but I was determined to make a move on the mileage. At the top of Chestnut Knob we could look back and see the ridge lines we had crossed over -- it was an amazing view and definitely worth it. Clear skies and a beautiful sunset capped off the day. Days like today bring me back to focus and days like today make me want to actually begin to dream about making it to Katahdin. I try not to. I won't let myself. I talk about it as if it is a goal, like getting a diploma or a job -- but, I don't dream about it. Too many things that I have dreamed about haven't come true and I am trying to focus on being thankful for every day. Every day out here is a blessing. Each day IS my journey. Each day is my story. If I spent every day thinking about Katahdin then all I would have at the end is 6 months of hiking and one amazing summit. The way I try to think about it is that I have 6 amazing months with hundreds of summits and one day that brings it all together in the end. That way, if I had to get off the trail tomorrow I will know that every day I had out here was treasured. I love the AT. I love how the AT is changing my world. I love who I am when I am hiking the AT.
Date: 2008-05-23
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Trail magic ruined our motivation to go anywhere today! We spent a bit of time talking to Jim, E.T. and Kentucky Jack before we made our way to the first shelter only 10 miles out. We were a little sore and worn out from the tough day yesterday so it wasn't bad for us to take it easy. I just hoped we would do just a few more miles. No matter. We came across Wildflower and Windup and Malmut today who we figured were days in front. It was great to see familiar faces again! I have blisters on 3 out of 5 toes on one foot. I think it has to do with adjusting to the orthodics. But, if that is the most I have to worry about I am not in too bad of shape! We hung out at the shelter and caught up on journal writing, reading, Sodoku -- got a fire going even if it was just the two of us for the evening. We are between crowds of hikers -- the ones that were ahead of Damascus before Trail Days and the large group that headed out on the trail right from Damascus after Trail Days. The skirt crew is at least a few days behind us now but I still hope to push out a 24 miler in the near future... tomorrow maybe? We will see!!