morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-03
From: Pig Farm Campsite

To: Daleville, VA - Howard Johnson Hotel 
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: few clouds

It surely is nice to have hiking partners. It allows me to stay in a hotel room with a few more niceties than a hostel for the same price. Hostels are great and I have enjoyed immensely the ones where I have stayed. But here in Daleville there is none available. After a long day, it's a treat to be able to take a room instead of pushing on to the next shelter. Rain is in tomorrow's forecast but we're planning a zero day to give our aches and pains a small opportunity to heal before we start abusing our poor feet and legs for another 100 miles.April Showers bounced out ahead of us this morning. For one, she's already hiked this section, and two, she's anxious to take a dip in the hotel's swimming pool. Because our hiking speeds vary, Ursa Minor and I hiked separately, but rendezvoused at numerous locales along the trail for lunch or to enjoy together various vistas as we came upon them. The AT took us along the mountain ridge a majority of the day with occasional roller coaster up and downs enroute. The rocks, which I was anticipating, turned out to be huge boulders. For a change the trail took us around most of them instead of the usual up and over. Late in the hike a rustling in the leaves to my left commanded my attention. When I turned I found myself directly in the path of a ruffled grouse, tail fully fanned out, running full tilt towards me. I suspected it was simply trying to scare me away and would divert as it got closer, but the silly thing kept coming. I started swinging my poles in its direction and yelling at it to "leave me alone, stop, fly away". I was running backwards and, of course, fell over, still yelling and swinging away. (Where's the video camera when you need one?!) About three feet in front of me it crossed the trail. Ten feet on the other side was another grouse, tail fanned out, running the other way. So...was grouse # 1 after me, or did I simply interrupt some mating dance? I'll never know, but I'm very glad it was a grouse instead of a bear!!!After the much needed shower and laundry duty we yogi'd a ride to Country Cookin' and were thrilled to see a full AYCE (all you can eat) buffet table with a great salad bar. The food was excellent and we rolled out of there very glad we will not be hiking in the morning.By the way, April Showers was already in the pool when Ursa Minor and I arrived.
Date: 2004-06-04
From: Howard Johnson Hote - Daleville, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Chores, chores, chores: maildrop, outfitters, groceries and library for internet access. More hikers have checked in. Baby Blue, T, and Sundown are next door. Bear and Radio Flyer are here. Blue checked in late. Anyone coming in today came in soaked as it poured all day long. We are fortunate to have traversed yesterday's miles on a clear day, enabling us to enjoy the multitude of views.Upon checking in yesterday we were given the business card of Del, trail angel extraordinaire. We indicated to the desk clerk we'd be calling him but before we had the opportunity he phoned us. This saint spent all afternoon shuttling us around town and waiting for hours at the library for us to complete our internet tasks. I've not been able to access a couple of my mailboxes for a month. After spending tons of time on hold on the telephone last night, I finally was able to get the issues resolved and everything is activated once again. A few hours at the library gave me time to read a month's worth of mail, answer a few, read my guest book (thank you everyone!) update the journal site, and get a glimpse at some of the pictures which Jeff has so expertly edited and posted. We were all feeling so guilty tying Del up for so long, especially since he had to go to work tonight and should have been sleeping instead of waiting on us. He is a nurse who works primarily with Alzheimer's patients. They are blessed to have him. His patience and deep care and consideration for others are unmatched.Dinner hour approached and this time April Showers put her thumb to work as we were leaving the hotel. Immediately we got a ride, this time from Cuz. He has hiked a good portion of the trail this year, had a free weekend and decided to drive back in an attempt to reunite with some fellow hikers. He was asking all around for the probable progress of some and we were able to give him what we think was accurate information. We did this over our second dinner at Country Cookin. Good food, great conversation, and then it was back to the room where we repacked our packs in preparation for re-entry onto the grand AT in the morning.
Date: 2004-06-06
From: Howard Johnson Hotel - Daleville VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

As you can tell by the big 0.0 on today's mileage, we're holed up here in Daleville. It was a very difficult decision to make this morning, as we all wanted very much to be on the trail. I thought a slack of five or six miles would be doable but my wiser self said stay off this ankle. The zero was unanimous and here we sit. I spent several hours lounging outdoors catching up on this journal and reading. Later on I was able to grab a small nap in hopes of pulling out of this low-energy snap into which I've fallen. I've soaked the legs and lavished the ankle with Melaleuca oil and Pain-a-trate and now at 9:30 p.m. I'm feeling some relief. Trail angel Del appeared at 6:30 and drove us to a Ruby Tuesday's in Roanoke for an evening meal. A quick run into Target produced an ankle brace and a restock of trail mix.Although we're all unhappy about the injuries and setback, today was well deserved and necessary. I've taken only four zeros in two months and 730 miles. My intent was one every 85 miles and weekly. Perhaps had I stuck to that I'd not be limping out of here tomorrow morning. But in these nine weeks I have tried to trust God in every respect and in regard to every detail. This was easier to do when I was alone and had only my own thoughts to keep me company. Now, being involved in the lives of two other wonderful individuals, I have been regressing into some old thought patterns and habits. In many ways I'm no longer hiking my own hike. But the joys and benefits of companionship far outweigh any compromises I've made. This injury is telling me to integrate the two hiking scenarios and experience the best of both.
Date: 2004-06-07
From: Howard Johnson Hotel - Daleville, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.0

Another slackpack has enabled us to tally up 12 more miles to our total distance. And what a great day it was! Del was unable to be here by 7:30 so he contacted a good hiking buddy who shuttled us up the trail at 8:30. We had all day to travel this very easy terrain so we could take our time and not risk further injury. Del was at the end and tooled us back to this hotel for one more FINAL night. My disposition is much improved. The nights here have been relaxed and I've slept much better the past two nights, which is always a plus. But, more importantly, the ankle brace worked. Coupled with easy terrain, the extra support negated all pain the entire day. I've done a cold water soak (thanks to the cold swimming pool here), an Epsom salt/warm water soak, and a Melaleuca Pain-a-trate rub to facilitate quick healing. The extra zero day was a big benefit! Let me not forget to add to the list the multitude of prayers and Reiki bringing positive healing energies my way.Tomorrow we'll be on the trail again. I can't begin to thank Del properly for his generosity of heart and time. He has offered to take us yet another 14 miles further up for another slack tomorrow. He'll meet us at the end, take us back to the top where we'll retrieve and repack all our gear and head .3 mile northward to the shelter for the night. So it's a final farewell to Room 211 here at the Howard Johnson Hotel, with happier hearts, healthier bodies, and lighter wallets.    The stay was necessary and worthwhile. I cannot speak for Ursa Minor and April Showers, but Swan has been reminded again to slow the pace and to enjoy the journey.
Date: 2004-06-08
From: Howard Johnson Hotel - Daleville, VA

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy Birthday, Dr. Paul Vance, cellist extraordinaire!!I thought I'd do something different today to celebrate your birthday so I climbed a mountain or two. Del showed up as promised at 12:30 and delivered us to the trailhead. We had 14 miles planned for today, a lot for the late start, but the light packs made it possible to achieve. It was a rather uneventful hike, but very pleasant. We started at the top of the mountain and headed down; that's always a plus. The biggest fallacy out here is the statement "It's all downhill from here". It's NEVER all downhill! Towards the end of the hike was Bryant Ridge Shelter, a new triple-decker shelter in a gorgeous setting by a rushing creek. As Sundown wrote in the register: "If Fontana Dam is the Hilton, and Partnership is the Taj Mahal, this must be the Ritz!". Unfortunate it is that we couldn't spend a night there, but the benefit is we are already 10 miles past it! Del was waiting for us at 8 p.m. as planned and gave us a final lift back to the top so we could hike in .3 mile to the next shelter. How is it that I can know someone for only a few hours or days and feel as though I'm saying goodbye to a best friend of many years? I believe it's the extra care and love that is constantly extended to us with so much sincerity and genuineness that pulls at the heartstrings. "Del, you are a true angel. Thank you, thank you, thank you. With love ~ Swan-ster."For the first time I pulled into camp in the dark. I didn't hear Del's truck leave for at least five minutes; he stayed within hearing distance in case we had trouble. But we made it just fine. We tried to be ever so quiet so as not to wake anyone; not certain we succeeded. There was room for only two in the shelter; April Showers prefers her tent so Ursa Minor and I took the shelter floor. It was good to see Rob again. The others were all new faces to me. I slept with my contacts in, as I wanted to watch the moon cross the sky. Although I didn't sleep all that well, it was a lovely evening and it felt incredibly satisfying to be back in the woods.
Date: 2004-06-10
From: Campsite by a creek

To: Little Irish Creek
Miles today: 14.7

April Showers beat us out by 45 minutes this morning. I took my sweet little ol' time, partly to enjoy the lovely setting and partly to give my feet a cold water soak before the day's hike. Last night we agreed upon Punchbowl Shelter as our destination with Little Irish Creek as an option, depending upon time of day and level of pain. There was great motivation to reach this locale as we heard there was to be breakfast, lunch and supper trail magic here today and tomorrow. My feet were not happy most of the day but Ursa Minor and I stopped every two hours to rest, air my feet and soak them in a mountain stream or creek whenever possible. It certainly helped but I've been very concerned all day about whether this pain would worsen over time or heal. Ideally, I should take a few days off the trail to ensure no further injury but April Showers has been telling me that we must average 15 miles per day in order to complete our thru-hike in Maine on time. If that's the case, I can't afford to take any days off! I must sit down and do my own calculations.In the meantime, I'm very distressed and having a very difficult time enjoying the days' hikes. What happened to that positive, trusting frame of mind I was developing, nurturing and enjoying? It seems as though we're simply always rushing, very harried and constantly planning out a full week in advance, down to at what shelter we'll be staying. I'm trying to perfect a "one-day-at-a-time" approach to life, and the opposite is taking control. Something must change.If all this fretting and confusion wasn't enough 'dis-ease' for today -- there's no trail magic!! Word has it they left at noon.    But the drama continues. Ursa Minor and I reach the non-trail-magic site and find a note from April Showers. "Moving on - this place is just too dangerous. The tree on the ground ahead of you fell just as I reached the road - twenty feet beyond!"Yikes!!! We came through a little rain shower but where we were, less than an hour behind, there was no mighty wind. The tree that fell was a very much alive tree too, not dead at all. I haven't talked to April yet, of course, as Ursa Minor and I have set up camp here, but I can imagine the adrenaline rush gave her plenty of energy to get 4.4 miles to the next shelter. We're hoping to get an early start and perhaps she will get a later start so we can re-unite tomorrow. We've sent a message ahead with Pacemaker that we're staying here tonight.In camp tonight: Froggy Pete, CeeBee, Red Beard & friend, Ursa Minor and Yours Truly. We've a lovely site, have had a delicious meal of our own making, great conversation, and are looking forward to a peaceful night by another rushing creek.
Date: 2004-06-12
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Dutch Haus B & B - Montebello, VA 
Miles today: 10.0

We could have started quite early this morning, arriving at the pick-up point by 11:00 for a free lunch at this incredible B & B. However, after yesterday's storm we weren't in the mood to hustle out. Assuming April Showers wouldn't be waiting for us to share a ride to Dutch Haus we decided to enjoy the short hike and take care of ourselves.This week will be bittersweet. Because of a combined maildrop to Waynesboro we'll all be together a few more days. Since talking to her boss and good friend a couple days ago, April Showers seems to be very concerned about a completion date. In Damascus we were saying how much fun it would be if we would be able to summit Katahdin on Ursa Minor's birthday, September 25th. I'm greatly saddened that April Showers feels pressure to rush her hike and finish early but if real life calls and reminds us of other commitments we need to respond.   I hope we can maximize the enjoyment of our last few days' hikes together as a threesome. I've been so blessed by April's presence. I still feel like a rookie out here and she has taught me so much! She hiked these very miles over the last two years and has had marvelous recall. I've grown to depend on her to set our daily itinerary and mileage, determine which shelters are preferable, water sources, campsite availability, terrain difficulty, etc. She's also been invaluable when planning town stops, knowing exactly where to stay, hitching possibilities, and location of closest pizza joints! I'm going to miss her greatly. But she must move forward ~ and quickly: yes, it will be bittersweet. Thank you my dear trail sister for your generosity of spirit and knowledge to make my journey a little easier and a lot more enjoyable. Godspeed and God bless.And now I do believe it must be almost time for supper. I've been promised eggplant parmigiana as my vegetarian entree. Yummies!!!
Date: 2004-06-13
From: Dutch Haus B & B - Montebello, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 9.4

Happy Birthday Doug! -- Happy Birthday Jessica!April Showers started her race to Katahdin this morning taking advantage of the opportunity to do a 20-mile slackpack. She'll do a second 20-mile slack into Waynesboro tomorrow, getting her there in two days instead of the previously planned three. Ursa Minor and I on the other hand have no deadline and chose a short 9.4-mile slack. We had a marvelous, relaxed hike and enjoyed every mile. We visited extensively with Chris, a southbounder, and, with him, scrambled up Spy Rock for a view of........total fog!    (It is great fun walking in a cloud.) In all the rain puddles which had collected in the   multitude of crevices (atop this huge magnificent rock) we found, of all things, thousands of tadpoles, each about one-half inch long. It certainly doesn't seem like the safest, most conducive locale to raise a new generation of frogs!! We stayed up there as long as we dared before we had to descend to catch our ride back to this delightful "home-away-from-home".I must tell more about Lois and Earl and this lovely place but not now. Supper bell has just sounded.
Date: 2004-06-16
From: Tree Streets Inn B & B - Waynesboro, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Last night was my first full uninterrupted night's sleep since I left home on March 31st. I'm feeling like a real person this morning. Ursa Minor is incredibly stiff and sore from her falls. We agreed the zero day we could take today per our original plan was warranted. And a truly lovely day it has been! We were joined at the breakfast table by a delightful couple from Cornwall, England. Introductions and informational conversation flowed as we savored Georgia pecan pancakes, fruit bowl, homemade granola, cranberry juice and tea.Acting upon our request, Bill made appointments for each of us at Body By Nature, a massage salon. Ursa Minor was desperate for some body work and I am not one to pass up an opportunity. Only my ankles are achy, but I was certain the therapist could find other areas of tightness and stress. First point of town business was a visit to the outfitters. No one in Waynesboro carries New Balance shoes, so I hoped to find something else. I walked away with a pair of low Garmot hikers, but I'm not convinced they are all that great. We phoned a trail angel to transport us from the Outfitters to the massage appointment. She was a dear, 80 years old, and an avid hiker her entire life. She took one look at my new shoes and proceeded to lecture me as to why they won't work at all and why I'll be back in a week with blisters and raw feet and twisted ankles! That's not what I needed to hear. Ursa Minor was laughing in the back seat because she was reading my expressions of despair turning into frustration and was thoroughly enjoying the show!!! Now the massage was needed to calm me down as much as relieve any muscle strain; it worked.The short walk back to the B&B took us past the post office where I learned my last box of Melaleuca products still had not arrived. Bummer! The remainder of my afternoon was spent sorting through the great quantity of goodies home base had sent me. What a treasure chest. I divided everything into equal piles and forwarded four boxes ahead. Foodwise, I am now fully supplied up to and slightly beyond Duncannon, PA. Thank you Meghan and Jared!We opted to bypass a Chinese buffet meal this evening; we didn't want to walk the six blocks. The pool water was temperate, even after today's rain so I took a short swim and sat outside writing thank yous until dark. Over a couple cups of French Vanilla cappuccino we reviewed and solidified our maildrops, discussed our upcoming week's journey through the Shennies, and confirmed we were still on the same page regarding schedule and goals.I'm still undecided about my choice for footwear for the next 107 miles, but I do believe I'm unable to think with any clarity any more this evening. So it's lights out as I look forward to my second full uninterrupted sleep since I left home. Sweet dreams.
Date: 2004-06-19
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: scattered clouds

In camp last night were Sarge & Boy, A-Dog, Harry, and Froggie Pete. Thanks to Froggie Pete's early rising we rousted ourselves out at 6 a.m. We had hoped for an early start so no complaints! It truly has been a marvelous day. Everything felt healthy with minimal aches or pains so we cruised through the day quite nicely. As usual, if one or the other got ahead, we rendezvoused at a signpost, road crossing or vista. Today's first stop was Hightop Mountain for lunch while enjoying an expansive vista across these green-carpeted Virginia hills.I counted five ascents today, none significant in comparison to the climbs in Georgia and the Smokies, but climbs they were nevertheless. In order, they were: Weaver Mtn., Hightop Mtn., Saddleback Mtn., Baldface Mtn., and Lewis Mtn. The deer were plentiful; I probably saw six or eight today, none very frightened by my presence. A week or so ago April Showers experienced a "near-miss" of a falling tree 20 feet behind her. Today an eight-foot long, ten-inch diameter branch fell five feet behind Ursa Minor. My turn next?! I told Ursa Minor never to fear. If I get too far ahead and she doesn't show in a reasonable amount of time, I'll come back to find her and give her a proper burial.No rain today! We would not have minded as we were planning a stop at Lewis Mountain Campground for laundry and showers before a final mile's hike to this shelter (called "huts" here in Shenandoah National Park). At 5:30 in the campstore, we asked to do laundry but were told the facility closed at 7:00 and we hadn't enough time. So we grumbled a good bit and then bought ourselves some ice cream and oreos, along with sandwiches and carrot cake to calm our woes. That purchase also saved us having to cook in camp tonight.While scarfing down our evening meal we met Aussie, a thru-hiker from Australia. He had already set up at this shelter but backtracked to the campground store for nourishment. He escorted us back here and we've been enjoying his company in addition to that of A-Dog, Froggie Pete and several weekenders. The group campfire served to warm my toes and bring to a close a very delightful day on the glorious AT.
Date: 2004-06-20
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Campsite at Nicholson Hollow Trail Jct.
Miles today: 18.5

It was cold last night. I'm so glad I didn't send my sleeping bag home. Thunder was rumbling, lightning flashes were lighting the sky, but no rain fell. As usual, I was awake every couple hours but when I do sleep, it's a sound rest. My natural alarm woke me for good at 5:50, par for the course, and we broke camp by 7:30, not in too great a rush.Eight miles away was Big Meadows Campground where we stopped to shower and do laundry. The restaurant was another .4 mile -- didn't go. T, Baby Blue, Matt and Rally were relaxing on the grass when we arrived. They made it as far as the vending machines two hours earlier and got planted right there under a tree. Eventually they pulled up roots and moved on. How far they got today I have no idea. But it's refreshing to see other thru-hikers slowing down a bit to enjoy the journey. Too many are being forced off the trail because of foot or knee injuries. A majority of these hikers have been pounding out 20-mile days for quite a while now. It all catches up eventually. From Big Meadows, after 2-1/2 hours of tasks, we headed northward another eight miles to Skyland Campground. Whoops!! Skyland is a lodge with restaurant but no camping facilities! Swan missed that minor detail. We got there at 6 p.m., perfect timing for dinner, but didn't stay. Instead we kept trucking up the trail hoping to find some flat terrain for two tents. Two and a half miles further we finally found this location. We managed to set up, cook, eat and bear-bag all before dark. I munched on homemade hemp crackers from the kids, while enjoying a glorious sunset. There is a deer (or two or three) encircling our little stealth camp. I'm hoping he doesn't get too curious and stick his nose into my tent or his paw on top of it tonight!Message for Peggy: my notes say, "Big Meadows to Skyland is a snap". Ursa Minor and I would like to know on which gravity-free planet you were hiking?!   Did you forget the massive climb to Hazeltop? And the ascent to Rock Spring Hut? What about the Pollock Knob incline? *grin* Actually, it was all quite manageable and we thoroughly enjoyed the day. Tomorrow and Tuesday we'll draw out equal mileage, arriving at Front Royal Tuesday night. I'm hoping Larry and Judy still have that chardonay on ice at their home in West Virginia. I'm not so sure they will want to hear me work those Steinway ivories though. My piano fingers are probably like wet noodles right now. I can't believe we've come so far already. Even I am awed by the accomplishment. Time and miles are flying by quickly and tonight I'm very happy and very much at peace. I'm also very tired and a little chilly. Is tomorrow truly summer equinox? Brrrrr. Tucking deep into my bag now. Week number 12 has begun.