morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Big meadows Campground

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: overcast clouds

After 6 days sitting around and waiting for my leg to heal I had decided to move on and push towards Waynesboro. It was likely to be a long and painful day I wanted to do 20 miles or there abouts my intention was to see how my leg would hold up and then make a decision one way or the other whether I would be able to continue or take a long brake possibly going home and returning later to Maine and travelling South.I left a note at the Ranger station thanking them for thier support over the last few days and set off once again on the trail. It felt good to be moving again despite some discomfort my leg was holding up well.I passed Lewis Campground the trail was fairly easy going and I reached Bearfence Mountain Hut before lunch, so far so good. I reached Hightop Hut at 1700 and had covered 19.5 miles in just over 10 hours which included breaks for lunch and snacks my leg was a little swollen but not to painful.Hog on Ice came up to the shelter and cut some firewood so we made a good sized fire which was appreciated by all after three previous wet days.I cooked dinner and settled down for the night, tomorrow is another day
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Hightop Hut

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

I was up and on the Trail early it was a beautiful day I like hiking early I saw a large Owl sitting on a branch as I walked towards the road crossing also rabbits the sun was already coming through the trees it was going to be a good day. I stopped on an overlook above Skyline drive the road through the Shenandoahs it was so peaceful just sitting and taking in the wonder of natures bounty. To my left and below was Powel Gap to my right in the valley I could make out the houses of a small mountain settlement like a small model village far below, birds were singing and a hawk was cruising above on invisible thermals of warm air, in the far distance the mountains slowly disapeared into the blue haze. It was not all good of course there are the bug's with the sun comes bug's and more bug's just to remind you that nature has down sides too.I was just about to get going when I met a young guy also hiking South for a short section his name was Chad, so we hiked together chatting about the trail and hiking as we went along. We stopped for lunch at Pinefield Hut then moved along over a great section of trail. There are many of the small flowers that are now giving the trail a carpet of mixed colours as the wood's are changing in the warmer weather. Later in the afternoon we came upon a grizzly site a large Doe had got caught up in a fork of a tree breaking her front leg and hanging by the tendons, she must have died a painful death the buzzards had already started to do thier work and her unborn calf was laying half devoured at her feet. Nature can be cruel as well as wonderful. We hiked on in silence for a while before reaching Blackrock Hut for the night.I met "Travis" who I had not seen since before Damascus he was realy moving along, he updated me on who was coming up behind him so I would be seeing some old faces in the next few days. My leg was holding up well things were looking up.
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Waynesboro Virginia
Miles today: 20.0

After a restless night I woke up to find others already moving and preparing breakfast, both Chad and Charles from New Jersey were intending to hike North, Travis had already left so it would just be me continuing South today. My leg was a little swollen again and I also had some additional tender areas under my feet these were likely caused by the fact that my shin injury was altering my gait so parts of my feet that had not been pressure points now were, I would just keep an eye on them today as I pushed towards Wayneboro.I said goodbye to Chad who was heading home and then set off South I would be in town tonight and would be making a decision on whether I could continue on with my hike as things stood it was looking better than I thought it would a few days ago.I crossed Skyline Drive for the first of ten times today, Skyline drive brings thousands of people into the Shenandoah's every year most of those people never even get out of thier cars, some amazingly pull into the overlook areas and drive slowly through without even stopping let alone even realizing that a few feet into the trees is a completely different world, they then drive home and tell thier friends "we have been to the mountains" LOL have they realy, I dont think so!!!!!!!!! they have no idea what they are missing.It was hot and sweaty today and when I stopped for lunch at Jarmin Gap I took off my boots and soaked my feet in the creek (Bliss). I hiked on over several up's and downs, I met Grasshopper and Brakeman coming out of town they gave me information about getting a ride into town from Rockfish Gap. I pushed on town was pulling me towards her and I was looking forward to her luxuries. I got to Rockfish Gap and Bill Gallagher gave me a ride to the Motel, I bought some Newcastle Brown Ale and put it in the sink with ice filled the bathtub with hot soapy water and got in with a cold beer. My leg had held up a little swollen maybe but I felt confident that as long as I was careful it was well on the way to recovery. I am still on the Trail.
Date: 2008-04-26
From: Kincora Dennis Cove

To: Wanyesboro Virginia
Miles today: 0.0

Hello all,this is just an update to let you all know where I am at present, most of you regular visitoprs to my journal will know that I have fell behind some what in updating, this I can assure you is not through lack of enthusiasm for the task just brought about by a lack of computer access and time to be able to update you all. Computer access is scarce as most library's only give you a couple of hours at most and some only one.Anyway that aside this is where I am to date and I will endeavour to fill in the gaps as and when I can get internet access. On April 8th I entered Damascus Virginia after a marathon 40 mile day to beat the crowd, I stayed 3 day's and then on Saturday 12th April I Jumped almost 500 miles North to Front Royal Virginia where I started to hike South back to Damascus for the annual Trail Days hiking festival.I entered The Shenandoah National Park on the same day and headed South through some spectacular scenary, following the Eastern ridgline with the Shenandoah valley far below, those Military buff's amongst you will know this is where General(Stonewall)Jackson and his much smaller Confederate force ran the forces of the Union a merry dance during the American Civil War until his tragic and untimely death at the hand of one of his own men. Probably the greatest Military tactician of his day. Then came a problem, I developed what looked to be a stress fracture in my right leg, causing my lower leg to swell considerably larger than the other. I laid up for 6 day's in the park hoping for it to "go Away" LOL no such luck, anyway I tried the old 2 Ibruprofhen and soldier on trick but the leg had other ideas as you can imagine all sorts of thoughts have been going through my mind, was this to be the end of my hike for 2008???.After 6 days 3 of which were glorious and three were just about as miserable as it gets I decided to push on to Waynesboro, if the leg was still attached after the next 60 miles them fingers crossed it would be ok. So here I am in Wanyeboro Va, the leg is still swollen at times but I have managed to do 3 x 20 mile days without to much discomfort and intend now to push on towards Damascus and Trail Days. I will review the situation with the leg as I go, I figure if my old friend from 2004 Scott Rogers can do the trail on one leg then I can put up with a little discomfort with mine.I have met many people over the last few weeks some just passing some for a few days, thank you all for you support and good luck to you all.Stay safe
Date: 2008-04-27
From: Wanyesboro Virginia

To: Paul C Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I decided to Zero in Waynesboro. A zero is a day with no hiking miles usualy spent in town or at some relaxing location in the woods. I went to Weazies diner for breakfast where I met Bad Humus who I had not seen for some time. I also did my laundry before walking around a local park where there was a small fete going on. I spoke to a native American (Shawnee) about Native American culture in the area which was interesting. I rang home and told them I would not be coming home as my leg was much improved this was a great moral boost for me as I had been missing my family a lot just lately.I spoke to "Southside" on the phone to find out where he was and he was just North of town so we arranged to meet at Weazies for breakfast the next day. (Sunday)I got up early and packed before walking down to the diner where Southside and Strides Joined me for a great breakfast and catch up. I departed town and got a ride to Rockfish Gap with Len a local guy (thanks Len) It was a great day for hiking and now my leg looked like being ok, It was good to be back in the woods.
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Paul C Wolfe Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: moderate rain

It had been raining most of the night and was still raining lightly by the time I was ready to leave the shelter. So rain Jacket and pack cover on and out into the rain I went, the stream in front of the shelter was a raging torrent but I managed to rock hop over on some of the larger rocks without getting my feet wet. The trail starts to climb from 1,700' to Humpback Mtn at 3,600' the rain had picked up and the trail was now well soaked and the rocks were slick. I wanted to get to the first shelter at least today as I wanted to take a shot at reaching The Dutch House B&B tomorrow. The rain continued until 1400 as I pushed on over the Three Ridges Parking area and Reeds Gap. I rang home from the top of the ridgeline to let my wife know I was back on the trail, I was still missing home, If I had been hiking in the UK I would possibly have got of the trail by now.I hiked back down to Maupin Field Shelter where I found another old face from Tennesee "CJ" good to see him he was sporting a fine new haircut and as usual was in good form. The area around the shelter looked like a Chinese laundry with wet gear drying out in the late afternoon sun, despite natures best efforts to get me wet today I was dry thanks to my good rain jacket it may be heavier than most but it works and that is fine by me. I ate dinner and settled down for the night the weather forcast say's it will be cold tonight.
Date: 2008-04-29
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Fish Hatchery Road (The Dutch House)
Miles today: 18.2

I wanted an early start today as I wanted to make the Dutch House B&B by evening. The Dutch House is Bed and Breakfast that has an very good reputation for i's hospitality, I did not stay there on my previous trip so I wanted to check it out for myself this time around. To get there I had to pass over The Three Ridges and the Priest which for Northbounders is the last 4,000' peak until you get up into New Hampshire though as I was still Southbound through Virginia I would still have one or two additional ones to climb.I got under way and was soon onto The Three Ridges where the wind was howling and cold but not enough for me to wear more than my shorts to the amazment of a couple of guys coming up the Southside a I decended, they were dressed like eskimos, each to his own and the cold keeps me moving.I got to The Fish Hatchery Road and rang The Dutch House, Louis came up to pick me up from the car park 1.1 miles down the road. Louis showed me around and explained the set up you have to see this place to believe it. I showered,changed and ate dinner then slept like a baby.
Date: 2008-04-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

   It's been a crazy few weeks but I am steadily moving toward getting everything done and getting on the Trail. I finished out my last day of work on Friday--went on one last trip with my Outdoor Explorers to Vlaie Pond. It was a glorious day and we sat in the sun (except Dan who says it's against his religion!) on the other side of the pond and talked about what we have most enjoyed in all the time we have been together. As always we had some good laughs. I loved being outside with them, soaking up the sun, watching and listening to the Canada geese, seeing spiders scurry around in the grass, reminiscing about days gone by. I will miss being part of their lives and sharing adventures with them though hopefully if things work out they can meet me on the Trail as it passes through Massachusetts or Vermont.    Amazingly I did get all of my belongings(I own way too much stuff!) out of my apartment, a week before Friday so I had a week to get used to sleeping on the ground. Of course it is not quite the same as sleeping on the ground OUTSIDE. Soon enough...   I will attempt to get my things organized and packed in my car today so I can head to Buffalo to pick up my Mom. She will join me on my road trip to Texas to meet up with my brother, Doug. I am looking forward to the drive this afternoon as it will give me a chance to do nothing other than exist in the moment. I can escape from the To Do lists and other chores that have been overwhelming me now for what seems like weeks. We plan on taking three days to get to Austin.   Then Doug and I fly to Atlanta on Saturday and get on the Trail on Sunday. ! How exciting, to take on this challenge! I am so looking forward to getting started.    I packed my backpack last night! And weighed it--only 17 pounds with everything but food or water. Not bad. I was hoping to keep it under 25 and that seems likely. I have replaced a lot of my gear, including my backpack and tent and hope these changes will prove successful.   Am off to load up my car. Maybe I will have a chance to write again when I arrive in Texas.
Date: 2008-04-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

      Another day closer to starting the big trip! I didn't arrive in Buffalo last night as planned because I ended up not getting all of my stuff done in time, so in the end I stayed another night in Patterson and got a good early start this morning. Arrived in Buffalo in time for lunch, then my Mom and I headed out. We had clear weather, lots of hawk sightings and spent the time talking which made the drive seem to go so much faster. I'm glad she is with me to share this part of the trip. We made it to just outside of Columbus, Ohio where we are staying at a nice hotel--am running out of days with big soft beds so I will sure appreciate it while I have it!    One of the highs of my day was getting a call from Dale. It was fun hearing about his weekend and chatting with him. I kind-of thought once I left Middleburgh I wouldn't hear from anyone again for weeks, months or ever. it was nice to be wrong!          More driving ahead tomorrow!
Date: 2008-04-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So after three long days of driving my Mom and I arrived at Doug¢s in Austin, Texas. I didn¢t mind the drive at all. Mom and I talked, we looked around for hawks and other wildlife and listened to my homemade CD¢s--a little of everything: Dwight Yoakam, Alan Jackson, Nickleback, Merle Haggard, the Goo Goo Dolls, Don Williams, The Eagles... (of course I sang along to everything that came on! ) On Wednesday we were lucky enough to see two coyotes, one in the morning hunting in a field and one after lunch in the median, also looking to find something to eat. I was thrilled and took it as a sign (of exactly what I¢m not sure!) We got into Austin Thursday night just in time for rush hour which of course delayed our arrival but wasn¢t really that bad. But it was great to pull in Doug¢s driveway! Another step closer to starting our hike.After a Mexican dinner and stops to get a few last minute things, Doug and I compared our gear. We set up our tents in his living room and weighed every little thing on Doug¢s digital scale to see whose was lighter. We are taking similar things, though a few things we will share--the seri-pen for filtering water, the stove and fuel, rope for hanging the bear bag, knife. We both have the essentials and a few of what we are calling ¢luxury items.¢ Doug¢s luxury items are his gps recorder(the device he created to rent to participants in adventure races. It will track our route so afterward he can map it out and see exactly where we went) cell phone, umbrella and camera. My luxury items are camera, tiny journal, razor, cell phone and comb. Doug does not plan on combing his hair for 6 months! Of course his hair is shorter than mine so won¢t get tangled.Today, Friday, is our last day to get everything done as we leave for Atlanta early tomorrow. Food shopping, getting our bounce box ready, making postcards are some of the things on our To Do list.It is good to be here! I'm glad Mom has shared this part of our trip and I am excited about spending time with Doug. Next week at this time we'll have been on the Trail nearly a week! It is sure to be interesting.... will let you know!
Date: 2008-05-03
To: Almost there!
Miles today: 0.0

Well we are almost ready to get started on the Trail! It is Saturday night as I write from the beautiful hiker hostel we are staying at in Georgia and our last night of civilization for a while. What a wonderful place to stay before we head out on our great adventure. Doug and I are in a room upstairs, him on the top bunk me on the bottom--a comfy bed, bathroom in the room, internet, great room with couches and chairs. Our last night with a pillow. And bed. And running water. And shower 10 steps away, free. I will enjoy it while it lasts.Our day went fairly smoothly. Only two glitches. The first was that I tried out some new contact solution and it was as if I poured acid in my eye! Yikes. I thought I might go blind, ended up throwing those contacts out and had to take a pair from my supplies. No big deal. Good thing I didn't buy ten bottles! Then we nearly missed our flight out of Houston! We arrived in plenty of time for our 10:50 departure to Atlanta but then they announced they didn't have a plane for us and the time was moved to 11...then 11:30...then 12:30, but that was up in the air. So we decided to get lunch after which Doug and I split up, him heading for a store and me to make a phone call. Then I heard an announcement "Paging Sharon and Doug Mammoser, please return to your gate." So I booked down there and the lady was like, "the plane is here and everyone is on but you! The door will be closing momentarily!" Aughh!! So I ran through the airport to where I thought Doug would be--he was! And then we ran back to the gate, laughing about getting shin spints. And got on. Doug managed, amazingly, to fit his backpack in the overhead bin! To the amusement of everyone already seated and waiting. Then we sat while they fueled up the plane for 15 minutes! Luck was on our side today! I am excited to get started tomorrow!!!! Hope I chose all the right things to bring and that my feet remain blister-free. We had Chinese food tonight--my fortune was: You will soon be crossing great waters on a fun vacation. ?? I'm not sure one would consider this a vacation!!! But it's sure to be fun. (and lots of other things too.) Wish us luck!
Date: 2008-05-04
From: Springer Mt, Georgia

To: Sassafras Mountain
Miles today: 11.2

Well we're finally off! Today was our first day out on the Trail. How fun! After breakfast at the Hiker Hostel, Leigh dropped us off at the parking lot .9 mile north of Springer Mountain. So to start, we hiked south, the wrong way... the good news is we're making good time, the bad news is, we're heading the wrong direction! So we reached Springer, met the famous, "Roger" who we had heard about in the books and at the hostel. Roger is a ridge runner, 70 some years old, there on Springer most of the time to talk to hikers and get their names for the log book. Doug and I respectively are #734 and #735 of the thru-hikers for this year. Hope that's my lucky number! Roger wished us luck and we were on our way. Being on the trail was fantastic! Have I mentioned that I LOVE being outside??? Of course, yikes, it is a lot of work! The trail, as I expected was lovely.... dogwoods blooming, trillium, newly opened leaves, ferns, a little windy, some up, some down... Our first lunch was beside the trail, us sitting comfortably on an old fallen log covered with moss--peanut butter and jelly on a bagel, cheese and crackers, fig newtons and some chocolate cookies for dessert.And a butterfingers bar. The more calories the better! Gotta have my chocolate! And we hiked on. And on. And on... Camped near the summit of Sassafras Mountain, even had a campfire. What more could a person ask for?We arrive at camp, get set up and then rest beside a fallen tree by the fire. Doug sets up his backpack, leaning against it likening it to an easy chair and he says, "It's all but wrapped up now. Only 2165 more to go!!!"
Date: 2008-05-05
From: Sassafras Mountain

To: Dockery Lake Trail 
Miles today: 12.1

We are at our camp for the evening, have been here since just a bit after 4:00. Doug is taking a nap in his tent. I walked down a little side path along the creek by our camp. Washed up (even my hair!) and am now sitting to write. This moring when we woke up it was only 45 degrees. I already had to get out my hat, mittens, all my shirts (short, long and fleece) and two pair of pants! We used the steri-pen today. I am skeptical of the effectiveness of it. It seems hoaky to stick that thing in the nalgene and see the beam of light through the water. I try not to look when I drink from the nalgene, as there are always lots of things floating in the water! Doug drinks from his camel back tube so he doesn't have the fun of seeing what he is drinking. The best is when we get water right from a cold spring, how good! I love being out here! I saw two hawks today! We had lunch today at a spectacular spot on a rock face overlooking the valley. The only thing we could see was trees. No roads, or houses or signs of people. Just wilderness. It is refreshing to know such places still exist.Doug and I shared some great laughs today. And yesterday. About all kinds of things.... me always having to unpack everything to find anything, about my spork hanging from my backpack knocking me in the head all day, about his "easy chair", about me needing to free my feet when we have a meal. And we'll say, "what's on your agenda for tomorrow?" Oh, another hike? Sounds great. Quote of the day: (from Roger's truck) "If you're lucky enough to be out here, you're lucky enough. "