morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-08
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rochester, NY
Miles today: 0.0

We took a impromptu shuttle to Pearisburg, trail was closed, having been declared a crime scene. I was planning to head to Rochester soon for an expected delivery, not due to the new deliverance like feeling that was tugging on my pack. Everything had happened not five miles from where we lay in our tents, a little close to home. A little closer to home sounded like an okay idea. I got a rental car in Pearisburg (great service!), a fat stack of audio books at the library (thanks ladies, such kindness!), shuttled around the boys around a bit and headed out. Ten hours later I was home, just in time for my birthday. I hope to be back on the trail Monday morning. Fingers crossed...
Date: 2008-05-10
From: Rochester, NY

To: Rochester, NY
Miles today: 0.0

Makeover cityWith my birthday flowers inspiring my giving mood I decided to receive a massage. Not really such of a mental battle. Arrrrrrggggggg (happy drool based smile) note to self, get more of those asap! I had her focus on my legs and feet. And by the by- (read with tone of annoyance not pride) none, none of my old shoes fit! What are my feet going to do if we manage another 1600 miles? Bologna, they are going to be big wads of bologna!La sighFully relaxed I also decided it was time for a haircut. Ten inches is all it takes to donate your hair to "Locks for Love" They take the donated hair and make wonderful natural hair wigs for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Happy mother's day- it was nice to give back- I had just enough. Now I won't have to wash OR carry all that bulk. Always working toward the lighter summer weight.Tonight dinner at my favorite restaurant, a girl could get comfy here, not me, I am already itching for the trail.Scratch that itch
Date: 2008-05-11
From: Rochester, NY

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

Happy Mother's DayBig big miles for me today- in the car that is. After some more championship sleeping, Michael and I went to one of my favorite breakfast joints and dined with all the mothers. Despite multiple cups of coffee, forward movement was difficult. I went through my pack again, slimming it down even more. Will I miss/need it once I am out there?Pack composed (me less so), I started off on my 9+ hour drive. I am excited to hike again tomorrow. Like starting all over again, my nerves are a twitter.I hope I get some good sleep, I have got some miles to cover.
Date: 2008-05-12
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Kimberling Creek
Miles today: 24.9

Southbound and Lady Cluck EatsI woke this morning with not quite four hours of sleep under my belt. The "Storm Team" prattles through the tv screen- "Though the continuous rain of the past 24 hours has seemed to move out of our region, wind gusts upwards of 60mph are expected with temperatures peaking in the high forties. What a day to go for a hike. Optimistically with the winds, rain, and cold temps there is unlikely to be any snakes on the trail. After running errands I set off, later than I would have liked with such a big day planned. I hiked south out of town (meaning I get to climb out of Pearisburg twice) to cover the section of the trail that was closed after the shootings. I had counted on the kind folks at Trent¢s Grocery to be able to help me with a ride back to Pearisburg and they pulled through. Wonderful people abound out here. It was a long day, my body not ready for such work, but I was not smooshed by any falling limbs and there were no snakes, so a good day all in all. The lack of views encouraged haste and limited the dilly-dally one might expect at vistas.Lady Cluck Eats for May Monday MenusBIG serving of granola in waterOrange Gatorade 22 ozDiet coke 10ozCheese on cracker 6 in a pack 3 packsNature valley granola bars 2 packsNature valley sweet and salty granola bar 1 cashew type, 1 peanut typeBeef stick (like a fat slim jim)Cliff bar (chocolate chip flavor)Water from faucetNot all to exciting but caloric that is for sure. Tomorrow north again, seventy miles, four to five days separate our friends- will they reunite? Will lady cluck go insane first ... I need some big sleep!
Date: 2008-05-13
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Symms Gap Meadow
Miles today: 11.7

The fatigue, hiker mono, blahs, whatever you want to call it I had it today. I have never rested so much in such a short period of time. I did not start hiking until eleven and I was napping in the a meadow by three. I am proud of that nap and I felt refreshed. I was able to push five miles further. The sun was shinning and there was a cool breeze but the fatigue! Overwhelming!I feel as though I will never catch the boys. I ran into Danjo and Steelman and met Wooly Mammoth and we shared a beautiful campsite in a meadow. Apple trees, mid-blossom surrounded us with chirping frogs in a nearby pond- ideal. I hope tonight I can sleep well and move some miles tomorrow.Wish me luck, already I wish I had a few more layers of clothing.
Date: 2008-05-14
From: Symms Gap Meadow

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Bridge out ¢ roof gone.Motivation levels improving, it helps when there are no climbs and the weather is cool. On the Appalachian Trail each section is maintained by a different group. Often times these are hiking clubs, college groups, even local residents will undertake the care of smaller sections. Maintaining the trail includes clearing brush, keeping up the white blazes, clearing blow downs and in some cases signage. Shelters are fairly sturdy structures and, if hikers deal with their trash appropriately, besides an occasional privy check there should be little maintenance to do. Unless a tree branch falls on the shelter and takes out the roof! Then some assistance is required. The logistics of fixing a roof in the middle of the woods, on a foot travel only path, with volunteers as employees, and donations as your financial backers, well I just can't even get my brain around that one. I guess that explains why the Pine Swamp Branch Shelter remains roofless. The bridge across Stony Creek was washed out in 2004; needless to say that bridge is still MIA. Many people forded this stream; many people slipped, splashed, and fell. Some of us took a by-way and were shamed by others but were safe and dry. So you see folks- send help now. These groups are always looking for volunteers and if you don¢t live near the trail, these groups will gladly take your money, I mean generous donations. I will gladly sleep under a roof, and cross a safe bridge, as will hundreds of hikers for many years to come.Off the pulpit, into the sleeping bag, tomorrow something new- hiking! Everyday is new and different so we shall see.
Date: 2008-05-15
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Racing the rainThe forecast predicted rain. Everyday rain- for a whole week. I think it was only a week because that was all they could threaten us with (only offering a "seven day forecast", had they the option I think they would forecast rain until Maine!) We made it to the shelter last night just as a few sprinkles hit, the front would be more featured today we were sure. Nope. Trail magic, it only rained the last hour of my hike, but it managed to successfully terminate any advances for the day. As I waffled in the shelter about whether to push on or not, it seemed with my shadow of doubt came the thundercloud of aggression. Today things were spaced perfectly, a shelter about every six miles. I feel justified in taking breaks at shelters, or predetermined points. I need that carrot on a string to move me forward and also to tell me when enough is enough. I really ought to stop when ever I feel like it, but then I may still be in Georgia.I am enjoying hiking with Troutbum, Wooly Mammoth and Steelman. Their humor is a little cleaner then the "five knuckle shuffle" and I miss our toilet jokes. (My mother tolerated them fantastically in Damascus.) I am repeatedly amazed at the kinship on the trail. An unwritten script would read, "You hike? Me too. Friends then? You bet." A rudimentary (me Tarzan, you Jane) yet graceful courtship not yet captured on Animal Planet.The rain pitter-patters on the roof. I am thankful for dry shelters, with shingled roofs, and a dry tent to carry tomorrow. A clock race and a Dragons Tooth tomorrow.
Date: 2008-05-16
From: Niday Shelter

To: John's Spring Shelter
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: light rain

Coyotes, Bears and Snakes, oh my!We woke to rain at 5:30 but by 6 it had stopped! More rain based trail magic. Catawba lay 22 miles to the north with a post office that closed at five and the finest AYCE (all you can eat- key lingo for people who live on a tight dime and hollow legs i.e. hikers) restaurant on the trail. Physics said the PO was not possible with two massive climbs and one technically difficult descent but what does physics know? I blasted off at seven and had finished the two climbs and descent of Dragons Tooth (more about that later) by 2:15 giving me two hours and forty-five minutes to go seven miles. Well what is a girl to do... Hitch! I got a ride to the post office, got some lovely birthday greetings, and forwarded other packages forward. Back to the trail. Hiked another mile and a half and now just wanted a rest. With no water in my guide I choose to get off at the next road crossing, hitch back into town, go through one of my forwarded packages (the post office was still open) and wait for Troutbum, Wooly and Steelman for dinner in town at "The Homeplace". While waiting a hiker relayed that Beatbox, Rocksteady and Butters were just one shelter out of town! (5.3 miles away for me). Still with me? Resting done and dinner done my initial plan was to reunite tonight then go back and make up tomorrow AM the 4.3 miles I would have missed. The logistics and the time wasted hoping for hitches made my head dizzy and I turned a one eighty and decided on a bit of power walking in the dark. Not the best idea, not the worst one I have made since starting the trail, but let¢s not split hairs. In record time I blasted those last 5.3 miles fearing each noise was one of the bears or packs of coyotes the waitress had warned us about. In the end nothing ate me or attacked me but my crew wasn't at the shelter either. I will see them tomorrow I am sure.Best food on the trail- The Homeplace in Catawba, VA. Not to miss. Period.Dragons tooth- a nice looking rock and an awful descent that lead me to say "ouch!" "Yikes!" "ENOUGH!¢ and "sucks" about half a dozen times each. Sand on the bottom of soles gracing slanted rock acts as hundreds of tiny ball bearings totally eradicating the coefficient of friction.No broken bones, no broken spirits. Tomorrow Daleville- maybe
Date: 2008-05-17
From: John's Spring Shelter

To: Troutville, VA
Miles today: 20.3

I woke early in the empty shelter, having survived my night in the dark scary woods with animals of all manner waiting to eat me alive, or dead. While packing up I realized that today really could be the day that I see the boys again, at least some of them. Sampson was many days ahead still but Rocksteady, Beatbox and Butters were due to be in Troutville today as well. I was excited to get the day rolling, plus there were big miles and some epic views coming up. It proved to be a beautiful day, weather wise ¢ sun, a nice breeze, no rain. Perfect. I made it to McAfee Knob early enough to beat the weekend crowds of day hikers, actually there was no one else there. It was a precarious situation, photographing myself with the timer, hustling across the rocks and not falling to my demise. (I feel like my demise has been quite near of late.) I was happy to have such a clear day and to reach a spot that I had only seen photos of before. About 6 miles later I was due to reach Tinker Cliffs. Note- due to reach. There have been a lot of rocks recently. Big ones small ones, boulders to climb on and around, slabs to gingerly cross, all manner of rocks. Well some rocks appeared and I got a bit discombobulated and ended up separated from the trail. As I plodded on, looking for a place to cross the rocks again they rapidly formed 40-70 foot cliffs. Oh well, this was Tinker Cliffs, not just another pile of rocks. I was supposed to be on top of the cliffs not the bottom. I had traveled some time when I realized I was going to be royally lost if I did not get back to the trail ASAP. Fastest way (not the smartest safest way mind you) was to scale the cliff. I found a reasonable place, took my pack off, collapsed my poles and prepared. I tied my 25ft bear rope to my pack, the other end to the drawstring of my shorts and started to climb. A vertical climb. Hand over hand, into vertical cracks, toes to small crags. Not real safe. I knew I had gone 25 ft when the rope went taught. I was on a ledge so I pulled the pack up, and completed the second stage of the climb. Breathless with fear and at the top I staggered 2 feet away from the cliffs and well, right onto the dang trail. Success! NO death, Trail found. YES! A few miles later who do I see walking south toward me but Butters! He came to find me, and carry my pack and usher me into town. We discussed the 2 weeks events that we were apart and babbled all the way into town. Rocksteady and Beatbox were waiting there for me too. Happiness is finding your friends, feeling wind and gravity lick your dangling legs, and scaling a 40ft climb that was never meant to happen. I was happy. And tired. I never sleep well in town but tonight I just might pull off 6 hours. Happy, home on the trail. Tomorrow, more rain predicted, and fewer miles planned.
Date: 2008-05-18
From: Troutville, VA

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

33.3% and 4/5Beatbox, Butters, Rocksteady and I headed out of town in our typical timely manner (read with pleasant, non biting sarcasm). The boys are often antsy to get back to the woods, but I don¢t feel that urge. The first day out of town is always a trial of spirit for me, often resolved by the next morning. For me town poses a paradox. I want to get there, get clean, recharge physically as well as electronically and it stands as another milestone reached. Yet with these things accomplished I always hike worse. I move with a great resistance, the miles seem longer, and the climbs epic. I worry that one morning this feeling won't be resolved, but I will face that challenge as it appears. As we hiked we would call out Sampson¢s name playfully, but maybe just to remind ourselves of the quest at hand, why we needed to push a little harder. We needed to catch Sampson. Now I know, based on mileage it doesn't look like we pushed at all but you see- there was good intent, but there was also the most intense quasi-storm (but very real threat) right before this shelter. The rain, whipping winds and dark skies held us hostage long enough to ruin all hope of avoiding night hiking to the next shelter. We crossed the 1/3 mark today and all of us could think of nothing but the halfway point. The photograph is of a deer, without zoom. When animals let me get this close I think I must be like Snow White. Ha! Tomorrow we will hike further and continue our quest for the Great Red Sampson.
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: scattered clouds

May's Monday's MenusRocksteady EatsA beautiful but long day, lengthened by a ninety minute lunch and a 2 hour nap. We started criss-crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway and rumor is we will do so for the next 100 miles. My feet ache, as does my back but hopefully by tomorrow this too shall pass. The day starts with a 2200 foot climb in 4.4 miles...But now- Rocksteady Eats for MMM3 bagels with chive cream cheeseGORP with MMs 2cupsNutraGrain fruit barGatorade drink powder5 flour tortillas with summer sausageHummus on a cracker (1)Snickers minus a bite (I got the bite!)Cracker and cheese handisnackBeef jerky stickHormel complete meal (pot roast)3 wedges of soft cheeseString cheese (1 stick)4 coffee caramelsThat's a day, keep in mind- Rocksteady has lost over thirty pounds.The rhododendrens are blooming!Tomorrow- waking up in the nicest shelter on the AT and some monster climbs, plus signs of rain.
Date: 2008-05-20
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: light rain

Hat trick in the hills!Eekaseesh I climbed a lot of hills today! Up from 1300 ft. to 3500 ft. then down and up again to 4200 ft. My own feet hurt today in a new way. Although the pain was fleeting it was disconcerting nonetheless. Separately each arch screamed for a few minutes and I worried about plantar fascitis. Cross your fingers and toes that this is that last time it rears its ugly head.It was tricky leaving Bryant Ridge this morning for a number of reasons. First of all it was flanked to the north with a massive climb, add to that rain, cold winds, a beautiful shelter, and an awesome crowd of people (many of whom appeared to have noooo forward momentum) and you can understand a departure time of nearly ten. Before I left I wished for some trail magic, it would be perfect on this cool day.The first climb felt good; all the climbs felt good today actually. Rocksteady, Beavis (from CT), 85 (an NYU student from MD), and I loitered at the first shelter for some time trying to read the storm clouds before moving on. It never did rain on us and we crossed safely under the infamous AT Guillotine, with time for photos. We caught up to Short Trip (a section hiker) at the next shelter. He had left me a Luna Bar (that I promptly gobbled up) on a rock as trail magic just to grant my wish. I was hemming and hawing for some time about going another seven miles to camp but it was already nearly five. Moments after I was persuaded to stay guess what.... More magic!A gentleman named John, whose son "Snake Bite" had completed a thru-hike last year, came to the shelter to repay some of the kindness his son had experienced. Well his son must have been treated right because John cooked eggs, pancakes, sausage and had OJ for all of us. As we were beaming in delight more trail angels brought fresh fruit and Powerade! Life is good. I hate to say that sloth is celebrated but that is twice now that good things have come with miles unfinished. Now with a tubby tummy I am off to my tent. There is room in the shelter but I have slept so poorly because of the cold I am trying a new approach. Wish me luck, warmth and a good hitch into Glasgow tomorrow... Well that is the plan anyway, we shall see.
Date: 2008-05-21
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: John's Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Trail Boss conquered! Today I managed to get into Glasgow, VA well before the post office closed. It is always a minor threat, time + the trail + the post office. So sad it would be to arrive too late into town for some much needed sustenance, or affection and well wishes from away. Whenever the following day holds such a threat, I lie in bed and forecast out how the day¢s hike will need to go. "Ok, I can wake up at five, be hiking by six, into town by two, then I can make it twelve more miles by....." Never happens. Never. Instead I wake up when I have to urinate, hike when I am all packed up and then proceed to calculate and re-calculate my mileage and ETA based on completed miles and pending miles with a two mile an average applied. This fills my time, and can be at one moment satisfying, the next, infuriating! I doubt I will ever stop. Today I did well, we all did. Rocksteady, Beavis, 85 and I were all squeezed into a little sedan by 2:30. Re-supplied, with sodas and sandwiches in our bellies, Rocksteady and I were back on the trail and at the shelter before five.While we were in town I thought I would get some warmer gear. It has been quite cold and temperatures in the forties were still in the forecast. I was mentioning to Rocksteady that I had found neither rights nor a winter hat when a wonderful woman, who had seen us earlier with our packs, offered to run home and grab me a hat to take! Amazing kindness, that hat is already being put to use. Icing on the cake she even gave us a ride back to the trail head- dream come true. Tonight at camp, Rocksteady was the hero. He had packed out hot dogs, buns and ketchup that he shared with myself and two others. Delish!The image is of an FAA tower with pending storms. For those of you at home that were wondering- it is not a true "Bucky" Ball.Tonight I hope I can sleep a bit better, there is no wind- plus I have a sweet new hat. Tomorrow more massive climbs. For anyone who is curious, you can Google Earth each AT shelter. Maybe I will see you looking down at me, well not down your nose, though it had been a few days since a shower so you may turn up your nose.... Anyway you know what I mean.
Date: 2008-05-22
From: John's Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mt. Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

Splish SplashWell the deer made quite a racket last night but I slept well with my new trail magic hat, and Rocksteady lent me a long sleeve shirt to wear as well. There were some climbs today but I managed them well (a good nights sleep is key). I also received some chocolate covered espresso beans in the mail (thanks mom), which are a handy false elevation.After lunch, just as Rocksteady and I were hypothesizing when we would see Butters and Beatbox again (did I mention that we had lost them?) and there came a fierce warrior cry from the eastern bank of the trail. Out shot Butters and Beatbox, wearing only homemade loincloths. Striking really. The pinnacle of that moment was that three innocent bystanders (hikers, actually) wandered into the situation. Wooly Mammoth came from the South and two day-hikers from the north. The boys handled it with a composure I would not have been able to muster. We hiked the rest of the day together, coming across 85 with some sore feet, and finished the day with some of the most beautiful trail. We skirted along a reservoir then followed Matts Creek to the shelter.Splish splash, gurgle burble outside my tent will lure me to sleep. Tomorrow some R&R may be in order (a shower mostly).
Date: 2008-05-23
From: Brown Mt. Creek Shelter

To: Fish Hatchery Rd. (Dutch Haus B&B)
Miles today: 19.1

Ladies nightAnother beautiful day on the trail. Virginia is really starting to outdo herself. Today I crossed beautiful balds and rested in shaded gaps. The day was kicked off with a nearly 3000ft climb. Near the top I had fully decided to treat myself (as if I had been unsure before the sweaty mount) to a shower and town food at the Dutch Haus. It was going to be a long day and I wanted to push it so I could cram in the relaxation.The day itself was without loincloths and much jocularity but not with out a rather unique occurrence. At the Dutch Haus an event that may have seemed statistically impossible occurred. Three females, all in their twenties, in one place! The males noticed the danger immediately. Trouble, empowerment, giggling even! So shameful was our behavior that Creek Diver, 85, and I collected in the bathroom to chit-chat. Icing on the lady cake- 85 and I watched "The Wedding Planner" and not one but two episodes of "Sex in the City". Gluttony, wonderful wonderful gluttony. Be afraid boys, be very afraid.The Dutch Haus understood a Thru Hiker¢s needs- never ending food, robes to wear, soft beds, hard showers and a free load of Laundry.Tonight I won't freeze, and tomorrow Memorial Day Weekend starts ¢ the trail will be packed!