morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Apple house shelter

To: Upper laurel fork
Miles today: 13.1

4/29Apple house shelter to upper laurel fork13.1 milesThe 19E situation had either been resolved or well hidden. Extensive trail relocation (based on my recollection of the same section in 2001) has moved the trail away from some trouble spots. But also businesses now advertise to the hikers, there are two hostels in town, and I watched two hikers get a ride today after less than a minute of hitching. So I'd say things are a lot better now than they used to be. The terrain was pretty and mostly easy hiking today. I did 13.1 miles in 9.5 hours. I was ready for the day to be over but not in serious discomfort.  I'm not hiking as fast as a lot of other hikers but my speed is gradually increasing and I'm happy about that. I do feel that I haven't gained the level of fitness that I have on earlier long section hikes and I wonder if Lyme is to blame. Not that it matters. I hike how I hike, and the reasons don't make any difference to the reality.I'm camped with Cody and Stickwalker tonight. We plan to get to Kincora tomorrow night, with the aim of getting Belle's dogfood from a maildrop at the Hampton PO Saturday morning. From there we will move on to Damascas. We have no fixed schedule for where we're going each night, which I find relaxing. I guess we will set a lunch spot and destination every morning and leave it at that. The upcoming trail segment is pretty even terrain. Should make for pleasant walking!I was thinking today about things I already know I will miss or that will be difficult when I leave the trail. Things like peeing wherever and whenever, having all my possessions within arms reach at all times, sleeping outdoors (in good weather), eating any time I want and as much as I want, drinking sugar sodas with caffeine, and constantly meeting new and interesting people. I won't miss camping out in bad weather, poison ivy, the occasional asshole hiker, constant scheduling, a new set of rules at every hostel, and never seeing my husband.
Date: 2010-04-30
From: Upper laurel fork

To: Kincora
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

4/30Upper laurel fork to kincora11.8 milesToday is hard. I'm just not recovering from the long hours I'm putting in to get these miles done. Curse my stubby slow legs!  Cody is having similar trouble though her legs aren't stubby. We aren't sure if we need more rest (don't know how we'd get it, either), more food, or better food. I'm going to try to pack both more protein and more fruit on the next segment. I start out the day with leaden legs, and the PUDs (pointless up and downs) aren't helping. I remember this section as being wearisome from last time. Apparently several hundred miles of prep work haven't changed that. It got really warm today, over 80. Days ago I was hiking in temps below freezing. My body has definitely not adjusted. My elephantine heat rash has returned, and I can't drink enough water to keep urine flowing well. All in all I'd say today isn't a good hiking day for me. I do finally get a cell signal and am able to text DeLee and JD, the two mainstays of my emotional life. We don't really say much but the contact helps me feel a lot better.Midway through the day I realize the headache I have is on its third day, which means it's probably a migraine. At lunch I look for my excedrin but it's not there. Slowly and stupidly I remember that I tossed it while lightening my load. Fortunately Rabid has some and gives it to me. It doesn't kill the headache but it does let me move slightly easier. I get to Kincora just after the dinner run has left, which also means I don't resupply. So that will have to happen in the morning.  I call for delivery and get a sub and soda. After drinking most of a two liter bottle I develop a tremor in my hand so severe that I can't safely hold a cup.  Wow, caffeine is powerful. Cody offers to share some pineapple but has to feed it to me as I also can't hold a spork steady.The evening reveals that our little group is fragmenting. Mountain Man decided to move on last night to get in more miles. Stickwalker (and therefore Belle) will do the same in the morning. It will just be Cody and me now - and I wonder how long our partnership will last. Maybe we'll accrete some more likeminded folks. I'll miss the company and humor of the two men, and the delightful canine companionship of Bellyrub.
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Kincora

To: Pond flats
Miles today: 5.7

5/1Kincora to pond flats5.7 miles plus .2 unofficial from hostel Last night I decided to set up my tent rather somewhere quiet than sleep in the bustling hostel. I want to get lots of sleep.  Nevertheless I wake up at 5:30 with my mind going full speed. When sleep doesn't return I decide to get up, though I really need the rest. Lying awake with my mind running through everything I need to do isn't particularly restful. From the porch of the hostel I watch the sky slowly brighten over the ridgeline.Seiko says he'll take me into town for a resupply at 8.  That's a lot earlier than I had thought and I'm happy with it. I go to make some oatmeal for breakfast but a hiker tells me he's making pancakes for all. However when I check again he says he has only made them for three people (and I'm not one of them). Aggravating, and it leaves me without a breakfast as I have to go.  After my resupply Cody and I have a quiet morning at the hostel. She wants to do a short day and it sounds great to me. Seiko and Bob Peoples tease us that we aren't actually going to leave. I enjoy chatting with them. They are both really nice. I tour the property a little. Last time I was there I never left the hostel. Bob has a lot of rhododendron and wildflowers growing out back. There is what looks like an old springhouse being used as a sauna.  Really neat.Cody and I eventually mosey on out at 1:15. Today's hike took us to Laurel Falls - unappreciated by me. The climb down was hard on my knees and I'm not a big waterfall person.  Ah well, it was white blazed and I did it. Good enough. I had somehow forgotten how tough Pond Mtn is. Yikes!  Probably for the best or I'd have been dreading it.Tonight we are camped on top of a mountain. It's a nice little spot. We both hope our tents are still good for rain. We should find out tonight. I have a giant amount of good in my pack. I've been hungry and low energy. Time to remedy that with massive infusions of food. Or that's my theory anyway. The hardware / grocery store I resupplied at had lots of canning goods but not so many hiker staples. As a result I'm not carrying exactly what I wanted. Not even close actually. It's going to be weird food week for me. Tonight I had shrimp ramen and generic fig bars for dinner. It was filling if not nutritionally sound.
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Pond flats

To: Vandeventer shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: few clouds

5/2Pond flats to vandeventer shelter12.1 milesThe weather was surprisingly good today. It was hot, yes. 87. But not stormy during the day. I tanked up on water so I was okay. I actually ended up giving away water to two hikers who ran out so that worked out okay. I gave away oatmeal cream pies too. I got four to have for breakfasts, but it was really awful when I tried it. Other hikers were happy to help me out by eating them. The walking today was quite pleasant and I felt pretty strong. I think it was the eggs I ate yesterday. I'm going to make an effort to keep more protein in my diet from now on. I'm at a shelter with Holy Smoke, Cody, and Supermax tonight. Nobody claims to be able to sing so it's pretty quiet. Ah well.
Date: 2010-05-03
From: Vandeventer shelter

To: Double spring shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

5/3Vandeventer shelter to double springs shelter14.4 milesIt started to pour last night. I was really happy to be in a shelter. Not that my tent isn't stormworthy, but it meant no wet stuff to pack up in the morning. Plus in the morning it turned out that the place I would have set up the tent was flooded. It was still raining in the morning but I was feeling pretty good so I got up and went about my business. Which involved peeing and eating. Not stressful business. I started walking in the rain but it quickly let up. I was thrilled. I really, really wanted to listen to an audiobook but couldn't risk my phone in the rain. So I got to listen after all. I'm listening to "Ender in Exile" by Orson Scott Card and enjoying it very much.Right now I'm in a really smooth, easy area with a lot of ridgewalking. This allowed Cody and I to do our biggest day so far, and it was easy.  I'm not particularly tired or sore. Gotta love the easy walking. I didn't see anybody but Cody all day. It was nice!  We are in between waves of hikers right now so it's not crazy busy on the trail like it has been recently. I didn't have to step off the trail a single time today to let anybody by, which usually happens many times per day. We are camped again with Supermax, who I like. We are all wondering what has become of Winston and Churchill, who should be in our vicinity. Today I went through a relo since my last time through that is just spectacular. The trail goes through an old farm with magnificent open views of Shady Valley and the surrounding mountains. And there was a bench!  I sat in awe to admire for a while. Tomorrow we are considering trying to get into town for a real food breakfast. Even if we don't make it, our next real town stop is day after tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it greatly. There is a great outfitter where I should be able to shop for less cavernous shorts, and I hope to take a shower with real shampoo. (it's the little things, isn't it?)
Date: 2010-05-05
From: Damascus

To: Damascus 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

5/5Zero day in Damascus I love this town. I want to have its babies. It's so easy to get to everything. And it has THREE outfitters. I'm at a B&B (which oddly enough does not offer breakfast) situated right in the middle of town. In thirty seconds walking distance are the library, a good outfitter, a restaurant, a Dollar General, and a hardware store. Another thirty seconds gets you to the post office. Plus traffic actually slows for crosswalks.I'm sitting on a swing in the front yard, handing out cookies to passing hikers.  The sky is a clear blue with just a few little white clouds for contrast. I have freshly laundered clothes plus brand new shorts and a top. If the shorts work over the next two days I'll send the cavernous old ones home with JD. Who, btw, will be here in two days and I am hugely excited. True, my arthritic left foot is bitching and moaning about yesterday's miles. And true, I am a wee bit stiff. But overall I feel great. I am so lucky to be able to be here right now. In a few days I will turn 40, and I think the trail is a wonderful place to do that.
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Damascus 

To: Pond campsite
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

5/6Damascus to pond campsite11.8 milesThe sixth of May!The sixth of May!My big brotherWas born today!Happy birthday, Dan. Contemplating my own upcoming birthday, I am very happy with my life. I'm successful in my job, I'm happily married to a wonderful man who is also an old friend, my immediate family are all still with me, and my various injuries and illnesses have not left me too feeble to do the things I want to do.They say you should never love anything that can't love you back, but I love my old house. Walking into it for the first time was like getting a forty foot wide hug.I have lots of friends inside the hiking world and out of it. For a shy, introverted person, I know an astonishing number of people. And many of them are really spectacular people.With the help of JD, Amy Gaston, and others, I have faced a number of fears in recent years, leaving me a more whole and happy person. In short, it's good to be me.Also some hiking happened today. I passed two Konnarock trail crews. They evoked a mild sense of guilt. I think it would be a great thing to volunteer, but I barely have the time and energy to do what I'm doing now without adding in a week of backbreaking work. And I like my back unbroken.The rhododendron are finally in bloom, or starting to be. The next week or so they should be eyecatching with their flowers.Cody and I both found today to be pretty hard. We got spoiled by the trail into Damascus. Today had actual mountains to climb. Tomorrow does too, and over five thousand feet. So I expect to get my butt kicked. But then JD will whisk me away to a B&B where I can sleep in a real bed. That'll be four times this week!  Weird!Tonight we are camped next to a pond and being serenaded by bullfrogs and spring peepers. It's loud but fun.
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Elk Garden

To: Massie Gap
Miles today: 7.1

Last night we realized there was no way I'd get 16.9 miles in today. The B&B doesn't start breakfast until 8:30, and it's a leisurely affair. Then there's the hour drive from there to the trailhead. So we came up with an abbreviated hike to do, and I'll have to miss the walks past Wise and Old Orchard shelters. I've been there before so I'm not heartbroken. A weekend with JD is worth missing 10 miles.The breakfast was in several courses and was a very civilized affair. I wasn't super civilized sitting there in my stinky hiking clothes, but the lady next to me didn't appear to mind. The ten of us guests had a good time chatting about this and that.After breakfast I hustled to get a daypack together and we drove out tiny little roads to get to Grayson Highlands State Park. JD got out with me and walked a little way up the trail - maybe 1.5 miles total. I wanted him to get high enough up to see the Wilburn Ridge so he could see what I've been talking about. Four ponies were just hanging out, not eating. We ogled them but didn't get close.At about the turnaround point we spied Cody's shirt off in the distance so we waited for her and then JD walked northbound with her, back toward the car.I kept going southbound with the intention of meeting him in 3 hours. Which seemed like a very reasonable number. After all, I was slackpacking! But I had forgotten a key fact: the Grayson Highlands have crappy footing. I spent the first two hours unable to stride out because I had to plan every step. Didn't matter the first time I went through because I wasn't hurrying, but I wanted to move fast this time. Wherever the way was smooth I strode out. I actually passed some people. Young men, even. This made me very happy. I *never* pass people. I got a ton of pictures of the highlands. It's so pretty up there! The bluets were clustered together in bunches so intense it looked like neon. The rocks themselves are pretty amazing too. There were boy scouts and other hiking groups everywhere, since it was a Saturday, so I didn't get to have any solitude. But it was dang pretty.I finally found smooth trail about two miles from the parking area and was able to move out. I arrived there 3.5 hours after I left JD. And he arrived moments later. So it worked out quite well. Webwalker and Just Blue Skies were still there and I was able to meet their family, who had come out for a Mother's Day celebration. Sunday will see me back on the trail for a normal hiking day, after another leisurely breakfast. What a great weekend!
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Fox Creek

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: broken clouds

I went between joys today. JD dropped me off at a parking lot next to Aspen and Toothpick, and I got to hike with them. I had a wonderful weekend with JD but I wasn't unhappy to get back on the trail. The terrain was forgiving, I felt strong from all that town food, and I had a new Sookie Stackhouse novel to listen to on the iPhone. So it was a very good day.I forgot to mention something yesterday. It was very windy all day. I was nearly blown over several times and was forced to use my poles to brace myself against the wind much of the time. It was Max Patch quality wind or stronger, and for a much longer period. During one gust I looked down and saw a bumblebee clinging to the base of a rock, trying not to get blown away. Poor little guy.It wasn't as windy today but it was quite chilly. I doubt it got over 55, and the wind made it feel much colder. I lost the feeling in my hands on a long downhill, but exertion warmed me back up on the uphill.This evening at the shelter I had a delicious dinner of mashed potatoes from Mom and a spicy sausage from Joe. Thanks! I also had some Mom cookies and some raspberry rum. Immediately after dinner I joined Aspen and Toothpick at a special birthday fire that they made. They also performed a short sketch they came up with, to hilarious effect.Tonight it's supposed to get down around freezing. I hope I don't freeze my tush off. I've sent a lot of warmer gear home despite general advice, after many sweaty days and nights. But I still have my (theoretically) 30 degree bag, fleece top and bottom, hat, etc. And some handwarmers. I might not be super cozy but I should get through the night okay. You see very few "hiker frozen to death" reports in May.Other things of note today: trail magic of tiny sodas in a cooler beside the trail. A "troll toll required" note taped to a bridge, and somebody's stuff under it but no troll. A mothers day call home when I came upon a Call Mom note scratched in the dirt and found I had cell signal. Lots and lots of southbounders heading to Trail Days. And one passerby wishing me a magical day. That doesn't happen often.Kind of wish I could use the steam bath at the Trinkle Mansion B&B again ...
Date: 2010-05-10
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

The big deal today was pizza you could order in to the shelter. Actually I got wings, but the novelty of delivered food was fun.All day long, people kept telling me happy birthday and/or singing the song. It was intensely embarrassing.Not embarrassing was consuming the remaining alcohol I had with me. Three little nippers. Very enjoyable.I didn't have any signal to call Shannon so I think I'm totally going to miss her. Sorry Shannon! I had looked forward to meeting the family and critters.I glued my boots back together tonight. I hope they last another couple hundred miles but I need to get some ordered so I have new ones ready when these finally die.
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Today kind of sucked. I was in a foul, pissy mood all day. I'd have paid a thousand dollars to spend the day at home in my bed. I felt on the edge of tears all day and still do. Weather, hormones, homesickness? Maybe all of them.I had set the alarm early so I could get to Atkins reasonably early. We were going to a hostel and wanted plenty of time available for resupply. When I awoke, the sky was ominous. I had actually slept very well - I'd taken pills to deal with sciatic pain and allergies, and they had knocked me out. But the dark sky quickly overwhelmed any positive feelings I had. I ate breakfast, shouldered my pack, and headed out into the increasing rain and wind. On the way out I noticed the streetlights were on and casting shadows. It was seriously dark.Other hikers had all claimed it was smooth trail from Partnership to Atkins, the lying dipweeds. As I puffed up and down several mountains in the sideways rain, I wanted to do violent things to them until they bled and cried and promised not to lie anymore.Around lunchtime the weather cleared up a little. I removed my rain skirt and jacket, and eventually my fleece shirt. I kept my long gaiters on because we were going through tall grass. I may hang on to them after all instead of sending them home with the last of the winter gear. They're useful in many situations.My friends were all in great moods today. I'm trying not to infect them with my gloom. Or my sore throat. Or my poison ivy for that matter. It has not particularly responded to the crazy expensive Zanfel I purchased. I guess I'm the only one it doesn't work on. Dammit.Anyway, I'm at the hostel now. I'm clean, I should get resupplied soon, and then there's a homemade dinner. With luck a good night's sleep will set me right and I won't be so miserable tomorrow.
Date: 2010-05-12
From: Atkins, VA

To: Knot maul branch shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

5/12Atkins to knot maul branch shelter14.0TentWhat a day. But let me start with last night. Rambunny cooked an *amazing* dinner. I won't list it all, but my top four items are ice cold lemonade, baked acorn squash with brown sugar, raisins, and butter, fresh (incredible) corn on the cob, and birthday cake arranged in secret by Aspen, Cody, and Toothpick. I was so stuffed I only had one piece of cake, then headed to bed. In the morning, she did it again. A perfect banana by each plate, donuts, eggs, sausage, French toast, and more. We couldn't do justice to her meal but we tried. She gave us a ride back to route 11 around 9 am and I set off. I was less teary than yesterday but plagued by cramps and nausea. Fun stuff. I decided to take it slow but expected not to have any difficulty getting to our destination.I met the crew for first and second lunch. After second lunch was a largish mountain. I didn't hurry but I did experiment with my poles. I determined that I now have the cardiac capacity to really use my poles. While really using them (as opposed to just balancing with them) I think I move a little faster, and can go about twice as far before I need to stop. I do expect my triceps to hurt tomorrow. Despite that, my progress was quite slow. I arrived at camp right at dark.  Aspen had a margarita waiting for me, bless her heart. I was in tears once again, afraid I couldn't do tomorrow's planned mileage and not wanting to split up with my friends. Who all were wonderful to me. Toothpick had gotten water for all and hung a bear line. Cody calmed me down, hugged me, and we worked out a shorter day for tomorrow. Aspen stayed with me while I sniffled and made me come sit with them instead of hiding in my tent. Sniffliness aside, I noted a few things today. One is that grocery stores are seductive. They suck you in with their fresh goods and their yummy things, and you think that a) you'll have no problem carrying everything, and b) you'll have no problem eating everything. Wrong on both counts!  Once again I have too much food. It's good stuff though. I have hummus, for instance. And nutella. And hard boiled eggs. And now I'm drooling a little. The other is that if you watch cattle long enough they look different. I spent a long time walking through a pasture today. There were a variety of breeds of cattle in it, mostly black angus.  Most wore a tag in each ear. I don't know what for - identifying numbers, ages, vaccinations?  At any rate, the longer I looked, the more they looked like dangly earrings.  And the more each cow looked like a society lady interrupted by an impertinent servant. But maybe that's just me.
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Knot maul branch shelter

To: Campsite on ridge after chestnut knob
Miles today: 12.2

5/13Knot maul branch shelter to campsite on ridge past chestnut knob12.2ishI am so very unhappy. Cody and I have split up. I can't keep up. She wants and needs to hike days in the high teens and not take rest days. I need to hike days in the low to mid teens, and I need rest days. Trying to keep up was starting to feel like a forced march. I left camp first every day, and got in last. The late arrival meant less sleep for me, so every day I was growing more tired. It just wasn't working. After yesterday's arrival at dark, I woke late and therefore got a late start on today's planned sixteen miles. And the extra three we weren't doing today were being tacked on to tomorrow, meaning three days in a row of arrival after dark, and exhaustion.  I finally told Cody I couldn't do it and that I was camping at the next spot I could find. We both cried. I could barely talk. The next four months are looking pretty bleak at the moment. I need to come up with a revised plan for the next few days. My habit of carrying too much food will actually be good for once, as I will likely get to my resupply point a day later than planned. Tonight I hope to get sufficient sleep. And then we will see what tomorrow brings.