morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-07
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I got up when I heard the others stirring so I could say good-bye -- I'll miss them today, but it felt really good to be doing my own thing, sticking to my commitment, "hiking my own hike." I'll enjoy my alone time today -- and just sitting (my favorite part of any day). I'll also enjoy meeting back up with them tomorrow. Hal keeps saying, "Now we're really going to see you tomorrow, right?" I think it's really cool that they haven't tried to persuade me to keep going. It's very respectful and I appreciate it. Anne and Hal are going into Hot Springs today, then we'll meet back up there tomorrow night. They'd planned a zero day there and have a maildrop coming that they can't pick up until Monday, as I do. We hope to stay at Elmer's--I'm really looking forward to the organic homegrown vegetarian food! Then Monday night we'll hook back up with Joe out on the trail. She and Ben took a few days to spend with friends, then Ben will go home, and Joe go on alone to Damascus. Ben -- Young Ben, I guess we'll have to call him -- will also start out with us from Hot Springs, so we'll have our little group!So I had a great morning by myself, reading, and writing postcards; had some worship time. Then I napped for awhile, but it started raining. Pouring, actually. And I'm rather displeased with my tent -- it leaks. So I packed stuff up and moved down to the shelter around 2 pm. Two college kids, Steve and Andy, were already settled in. Soon up walked Toby and John! We'll probably have an even larger group Monday night. This is cool, all the people.It's stopped raining finally. Even saw some sunshine and blue skies. I hope it's nice tomorrow...
Date: 2003-06-09
From: Sunnybank Inn (Elmer's) Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter (tent)
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Up early, superb breakfast at 8:30 AM ¢ had about four bowls of granola (the bowls were small) in addition to two banana ¢nut pancakes and a piece of cantaloupe. Elmer said, ¢I know a thru-hiker when I see one.¢ What he didn¢t know is that I¢d probably eat that much at home! Then to the post office to pick up our packages and sort through them, reorganizing for the week ahead. As usual, Anne and Hal were ready before me, so they took off. I¢d talked to my friend Erney and we worked out a way for her to come over from Greeneville for a few minutes before I headed out on the Trail. It was nice to see her, and I guess my Mom sort of requested the visit ¢ ¢I just want someone to see her,¢ I understand she said. Fair enough.It was not as hard an ascent today, and there were actually views. Today was the kind of day that was made for hiking! I¢m paying for my good pace yesterday, though. Some shin splints. By the time I caught up to ¢the group: at the side trail I was really in pain. But Hal, Ben, I and a new guy, Larry, took our packs and walked up to see the view ¢ worth it.After that Ben and I hiked together until we got to the shelter ¢ the last two to roll in. I was glad for the conversation; it took my mind off the pain in my shins. Jo was already at the shelter, and the six of us (Jo, Toby, Ben, Anne, Hal and I) had a blast sitting around the fire we all tented around, laughing, gossiping about other hikers and giving each other a hard time. We¢ll all hike and camp together tomorrow. It¢s fun to have a group.
Date: 2003-06-10
From: Spring Mountain Shelter (tent)

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

This morning was very frustrating, with my shins. They are no better today. The left one is worst; the pain is in the front of my ankle. I got up early and went and prayed about it. Cried, too, because now I just got hooked up with this great group of people and I won¢t e able to stay with them. I surrendered it to God. ¢Thy will be done.¢Dr. Jo (a family physician) said to take Vitamin I (Ibuprofen), that it treats both the symptom and the cause. I¢m not convinced ¢ isn¢t the cause overuse? Nevertheless I took some, and an hour into the hike I was doing okay. I managed the nine miles to our lunch rendezvous. The weather was great again (sunny, 75 degrees) and we lingered over lunch; I managed the six and half to the shelter this evening.But my feet are not happy. Besides the shin pain, they just feel like they¢re being pounded to death on these downhills ¢ what to do . . .This pain is frustrating because I just took a zero day, I had a massage in Hot Springs, soaked in the hot tub, and I stretch daily ¢ what more could I do?So here we are around the fire again, anticipating rain tonight. Hmmmmm . . .
Date: 2003-06-11
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a TOUGH day. The last three days have been especially draining. I don¢t know really what made today so much harder, nothing was really different. Walking for three days on a painful leg, some PMS maybe, and then a rainstorm this afternoon combined to create the most challenging day yet mentally. We also stopped for lunch earlier than usual, before we were even halfway and I think that makes a difference, too.At any rate, on the last mile to the shelter I almost bonked. Ben was walking behind me, thankfully. It helps my spirits to have company. I was close to tears again today ¢ I do think it was some PMS along with low blood sugar? ¢ but then I thought of a book I re-read recently ¢ probably sounds cheesy, but I kept trying to remind myself of all the people who are wishing they¢re out here who can¢t be, physically. Then I remembered the book, ¢A Little Princess¢ by Francis Hodgson Burnett, and how Sarah; maintains such a positive attitude and sense of dignity in the face of miserable circumstances and injustice. I asked myself, like she does, ¢How would a princess act?¢ and I determined to walk into camp with dignity at least. It helped, and then when we FINALLY got here I went off to the privy by myself and had a good cry. I couldn¢t bear for everyone to see; it¢s not like I walked any further than anyone else today. It just hit me differently, I guess. But I knew that as soon as I ate and changed into dry clothes I¢d be able to joke around again. And I did.The rainstorm was actually pretty cool. In about a 45 minute period we had sunshine, an ominous black cloud, a roaring wind, hail, rain, and then sunshine again! Just enough to get rid of the bugs and humidity. I was just glad our group was here tonight. What would I have done if I¢d been alone? How would I have combated the blues alone?
Date: 2003-06-12
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today was TOUGH. In fact the last three or four days have been tough. More about them later.Just got in to Erwin, my group of five and myself are staying at the Holiday Inn Express - awesome hotel, they totally cater to hikers. Already drank two cups of mocha, raided the hiker box, took a shower, ordered burritos to deliver, checking my e-mail with FREE access! and we'll pick up our complementary pints of Ben and Jerry's shortly. Our spirits are picking up considerably.In the light of the past few days' mental challenge, my guestbook entries are the hugest source of encouragement. Thank you all SO MUCH. Please continue to keep me in your prayers. I will call friends and fam soon - probably will be here a couple of days.More later!
Date: 2003-06-14
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

. . . and up very early again.I rode with the gang of hikers back to Spivey Gap and then drove the car back to the hotel with Jo. Then Steve and Matt and I drove up to church in Johnson City. It was nice to be there ¢ a friendly Church. Good message, too. The pastor¢s girlfriend invited us to the pastor¢s house for lunch ¢ DELICIOUS FOOD! Those were gourmet (and healthy!) cooks!Much of the conversation centered around the AT and my adventure on it, and I felt myself getting enthusiastic again about my hike. ¢Expression deepens impression,¢ I stress. When they all changed clothes to go on a walk, the guys and I headed back for the hotel. We sat by the pool for a few minutes while I sorted through my food bag and made a list of needs.I¢m torn. My ankle/shin is feeling better albeit quite swollen ¢ Dr. Jo says it could be the meds or the inactivity or a combination. At any rate the pain is less and I¢m not limping anymore. A part of me says give it one more day, but the social part wants to head out with my friends tomorrow. I did get some great advice on the forum tonight! Thanks, Chirokid!The hikers had just returned from slack packing ¢ made great time ¢ and were headed out to dinner and Food Lion to get ready to leave tomorrow. I was still unsure what I should do, but was getting caught up in the excitement of getting back on the Trail. When Hal asked me what I was going to do, I made kind of a snap decision and said, ¢Head out tomorrow¢ ¢Back at Spivey?¢ he asked. ¢No, probably with you guys.¢ He broke into the biggest grin and gave me a big hug . . . how could I resist staying with the gang?They will leave from there tomorrow morning and have a 16 mile day planned ETA at Kinkora Thursday evening.So my options are to go with them tomorrow and come back in the fall to pick up the Spivey to Nolichucky section. Or start at Spivey alone. Or stay here another day and then start at Spivey alone. Or stay here another day and shuttle to wherever they are and leave a longer section to pick up later.If I go on with them just to be with them, will I feel like I¢ve compromised? Maybe a little. If I get to Katahdin knowing there¢s a section down here I missed will I feel the same exhilaration? Most likely.If I don¢t go on with them tomorrow, I know I¢ll feel like I¢m missing out. This is the only time these people will be here to be with; the Trail will always be here. What¢s more important to me ¢ people or things? That settles it.Then of course there is my shin to take into consideration. I have enough food though, in case it takes me longer to get to Kinkora than it takes them.Steve and Matt were so cute. They hung around until the last minute! I kept thinking they were going to leave, but they stayed until nearly midnight before heading for home on the 3 or 4 hour drive. Matt said a couple of times, ¢I wish I had all my stuff and was heading out with you tomorrow . . .¢ Thanks so much for coming, you guys.
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Campsite South of Moreland Gap
Miles today: 16.4

It¢s amazing how when you get used to something if it¢s taken away you really get thrown for a loop.We¢d heard there was a re-route of the Trail between Apple House and Moreland Gap Shelters, adding two more miles that the Data book doesn¢t account for.Some people out here have topographical maps, some people have the Thru-hiker¢s Companion, others carry Wingfoot¢s book. I just have the Data Book, which I¢ve been satisfied with for the most part. The mileage between points listed is typically right on the nose, sometimes it tells you the shelter or water source is half a mile off the Trail and sometimes it doesn¢t, however ¢ and it never tells you they¢re half a mile DOWNHILL!At any rate, today was incredibly frustrating to all of us as we entered the re-route area and lost track of where we were.Jo was having a tough day anyway, not feeling 100%, torn between knowing she was getting off the Trail in a day or two and wanting to go home but wanting to stay. Around 4 PM I was dragging and my feet were killing me; I wanted to stop. Hal said, ¢Let¢s just go until 5 or 5:30 and then we¢ll camp.¢Okay. I psyched myself up for that. I focused on an hour and a half ¢ I could make it.We came to a campsite at 5:21. The rain had subsided enough it would have been convenient to set up camp. We stopped and looked at each other. Jo said she could go on or not, either way. Hal gestured to go on. I wanted to stay, but at his gesture I chose to go ahead. He was convinced it was a good idea ¢ I was not.What if we couldn¢t find another spot? What if it started to rain harder? My spirits and energy level fell instantly, and I lagged behind. As Hal went on far ahead I started to feel angry ¢ what was he doing, trying to get us to the shelter after all? It became a mental battle. I realized it wasn¢t fair to be angry at him ¢ it really wasn¢t him I was angry at after all.I chose to go on at his suggestion¢ if I was this set on stopping I should have said so. I chose to come out here and hike the AT. I chose those boots that are hurting my feet! I chose all this, this moment, and every step I take I¢m choosing to go on with our group.An hour went by and although I still struggled to find a smile, by the time we found another campsite I was more at ease and my frustration was directed in the right place ¢ at the situation ¢ not displaced on Hal.We set up our tents one by one., holding up the rain flys for each other. When I got in mine and took off my boots and socks and wet clothes my tent was permeated with the most disgusting smell I¢ve ever smelled. I sprayed some tea tree oil around and on my feet to try to fumigate a little. Sure glad I¢m not sharing a tent with anyone . . .
Date: 2003-06-19
From: Camp Sites of Moreland Gap

To: Kincora Hostel, Hampton, TN
Miles today: 7.2

I am utterly repulsed at my boots, socks and clothes. Being wet for five days does not sit well Knowing I¢m town bound I wore my clean shirt and socks even though it¢s still raining.We packed up early and agreed to breakfast when we arrived at the shelter. Glancing over the Data Book again I estimated it was a mile and a half, assuming there were no more re-routes.Sure enough, we made it in less than 45 minutes. Jo let out a whoop before we realized there was someone still sleeping in there. Walrus (Mike here) disengaged himself from his sleeping bag and we all chatted while Jo, Hal and I ate breakfast.A short time later we all dragged ourselves back out into the nasty rain and fog ¢ Walrus decided to wait awhile to see if it would clear ¢ and made great time all the way into Dennis Cove (remember, never assume it is all downhill from here . . . ). By the time we reached the road at noon the sun had come out. The 2 miles to Kincora on the road passed quickly and before we knew it we were at the famed ¢best hostel on the AT¢. It was great! Pat came to greet us and showed us around. We were the first to arrive, and so were at liberty to scrounge through the hiker¢s fridge and hiker boxes. We found some pizza breadsticks in the refrigerator and promptly tore into them without even bothering to reheat them. Jo grabbed a poptart, and eating the crumbled pieces exclaimed, ¢This is the best poptart I¢ve ever eaten!¢¢What flavor is it?¢ I asked.¢It doesn¢t even matter! It¢s just the best!¢We soon had laundry going, our mail drops opened and sorted through, our showers taken. Jo called a friend and was soon picked up to go home. So sad! The first of our group to leave the Trail. She was leaving a little earlier than planned but felt anxious to get back home.Hal and I had meant to simply shower and do laundry there and then move on to the next shelter. But it took me awhile to get organized and just about the time he planned to leave Ben, Toby and Anne arrived (Walrus had come in soon after us). Once again the pull of socializing was too much and we changed our minds to stay.¢Man, I just packed up all my stuff,¢ Hal joked.It turned out to be a good decision. Once we were all showered Bob took us into town and we ate at a Chinese buffet. Returning to the hostel, we hung out and read, made phone calls (It always amazes me how much time in civilization is taken up by phone calls!), ate ice cream, and organized or repaired gear. As usually happens back in civilization, bedtime came late . . .
Date: 2003-06-20
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We composed this while Anne was popping her Jiffy Pop. Sing it to the tune of the Christmas Song.Popcorn popping on an open fire;Black flies nipping at your nose.Campfire songs being sung by hikersDropping trow and sneaking peeks.You never know when John may pee in his milkjug.A chorus of snores and moans echo in the shelter each night.And every hikers feet are sore and tired;Pete's been begging for a massage for days.Everybody knows some ramen and a Snickers barHelp to make a hiker's day.And so, it's been said many times by Blue Tarp,"Have you accepted Jesus into your heart?"It's been stuck in my head for days!!!
Date: 2003-06-22
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: clear sky

My longest ¢ and earliest ¢ day yet! We left the shelter just as my watch beeped 7 AM. I was so proud of myself. I¢d like to drag myself out that early more often.We hadn¢t gone far when I rounded a corner and saw Hal stopped in the Trail staring off to the left. He motioned me to be quiet and keep coming, pointing to a tree. Oh it was so cute ¢ three bear cubs clung to the side of the tree and were slowly making their way up. That is the cutest thing I¢ve seen; I just wanted to cuddle them. Their little arms stretched out clinging to the tree trunk, the way they inched up the tree. Hal said later they reminded him of his two-year-old son. They were just too cute.Where was the mother, was my next thought. We proceeded with caution and managed to escape any encounter with her!Plenty of climbing again today. First up to Vandeventer Shelter, where we stopped for a late breakfast on the rocks behind the shelter overlooking the lake, a beautiful spot in the sunshine. Seven miles down, 14.6 to go. We set our sights on the next shelter and kept going.I hiked alone much of the day today, Hal usually not more than ten or 20 minutes ahead. We made great time ¢ I guess this terrain is easier, in spite of more climbing!We lunched at Iron Mountain Shelter and I changed from my new shoes back into my boots, just so that I wasn¢t wearing new shoes for 20 miles in one day. As soon as we pulled back out in the Trail my right shin/ankle began to hurt just like my left one did two weeks ago. (Thanks to Dr. Jo and Chirokid¢s forum advice, ice, stretching, massage, and Ibuprofen and haproxen have helped to ease the pain in my left one. It¢s still a little tender to the touch, and there is a knot there, but most of the time I can forget it¢s there.)In an hour or so I changed back to the new shoes and finished out the day in them ¢ 20 miles in new shoes after all! Shin still hurts, but at least I know what to do for it now and I was getting to town sooner than last time. I took it a little slower.Still we arrived at Double Springs Shelter at 7 PM ¢ 10 hours of hiking. I almost could have kept going, drawn by the idea of fewer miles tomorrow, but I didn¢t think Hal wanted to, I was limping, and it felt so good to set my pack down!Surprisingly, it was just us again, no other hikers to be seen. We got water, cleaned up, ate dinner, and were soon in bed. I wasn¢t as tired as I expected to be, so I stayed up writing some post cards and journaling. Once I lay down, though, I was out!
Date: 2003-06-24
From: Apple Creek Bed & Breakfast, Damascus, VA

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

I'm hanging out at the Side Track Cafe again (third time in two days) here in Damascus, VA. Just ate a bowl of ice cream (so much for the strict vegetarian non-dairy route...) Got into town yesterday, will head out tomorrow after letting my muscles rest a little again! As usual, I feel reluctant to leave town... wish they built towns on the tops of mountains! It's always a climb out, with a fully loaded pack to boot. But nothing I haven't done before, so there! I'm ready for it.
Date: 2003-06-24
To: The Place, Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I rose early, thinking I'd go out on the porch and read or journal. Hmmm...a little chilly out, so I settled in the sitting room where Hal was already up - of course - reading the paper. It's about 6:30am. I like being up early like this. But breakfast isn't until 8:30 - hope I can make it! I'm already hungry.We took a short stroll up through town before breakfast, then Anne and Hal packed up and left with Hal's sister. Toby came over from the hostel to say goodbye, too, and then I moved over there with him. Stayed in the room with him and Walrus; we each had an entire bunk - the bottom to sleep on, the top to spread out our gear on.Headed over to the Mt. Rogers Outfitters to inquire about my feet and shoes. They guessed my boots were too small, possibly even the new Salomons, but I ended up just getting some insoles. They let me put them in and try them out all day before coming back to pay for them! Great service there. Next Toby and I hung out at the Sidetrack for awhile, he writing postcards and me planning my itinerary for the next little while. Then we split a pizza. It feels kind of quiet and empty without our other friends!Laundry was the next errand on the list, raiding the hiker box and getting groceries, calling my sister, and then dinner at the Sidetrack again. I love that place.Tired tonight, and up late as usual...
Date: 2003-06-27
From: Wise Shelter

To: Raccoon Branch Shelter
Miles today: 17.5

Well, it was bound to happen sometime. The rain came back. One of the Sierra Club members is a meteorologist, so they were all asking him how long it was going to rain."Well, as long as this moisture's in the air..." He was serious, but we were unimpressed. In fact we all laughed - reminded me of the KCDS weather forecast from years ago "Well, it's going to be dark out tonight..." Toby said later about this guy, "He's a bright light." or something like that - it was so funny at the time. He was kind of - challenged. But anyway he made some decent blueberry pancakes, which they graciously shared with us! Yum.It was tough for both Toby and me to pull out in the rain, and neither the SOBO (Homer - great guy!) or ourselves left the shelter until nearly 10am. The Sierra Club only had a day hike planned, so they were taking their time.As usual, the rain's not so bad once you're in it. It was a light rain, mostly dripping from the trees. We reached Old Orchard Shelter a little early, but stopped there for lunch anyway. What a pretty view! It appears there was indeed an old orchard there out in front, now overgrown, the mountains rising up behind. The clouds seemed to be clearing a little off in the distance, and by mid-afternoon we saw fleeting patches of sunlight on the Trail.The miles really do come easier in Virginia. There is a lot more flat ground. It feels SO GOOD to be able to walk fast at last! Even the climbs I'm able to to do faster; I don't feel like I have to pull over and let Toby pass like I always did Hal!Around 4pm I started thinking about Friday afternoons at home, what my mom, sisters, Lisa, myself, if I were home, would likely be doing. Getting off work early, cleaning house, buying groceries, likely cooking something special for tonight or tomorrow. As a Seventh-day Adventist, Friday afternoon and evening have always had a special feel, in anticipation and preparation for the Sabbath day of rest the following day. I'm happy I still have some of that special feeling on the Trail, knowing I'll take it easy tomorrow. Was also happy to note today that I felt perfectly content to be just where I am.Toby and I arrived at Raccoon Branch about 7pm; not bad time at all. 10am to 7pm, with about two hours of breaks. There are two kids here, Henry and Ellen, a brother and sister from Cincinnatti, section hiking down to Damascus. Cute kids; we played some rummy with their 41-card deck before turning in at 10pm.
Date: 2003-06-27
From: Raccoon Branch Shelter

To: Raccoon Branch Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Inspired by Toby's comment this afternoon...I've got sunshine on a rainy day.When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May.I guess you say, What can make me feel this way?Gold Bond; Gold Bond.Talkin' 'bout Gold Bond (Gold Bond!).I've got so much chaffing all over me.When it bothers me, I sneak into the trees.I guess you say, What can make me feel this way?Gold Bond; Gold Bond.Talkin' 'bout Gold Bond (Gold Bond!).