morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-01
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Just a quick update to let you all know I made it to VA! I am taking a zero tomorrow and hopefully will get a good bunch of journals updated for your reading pleasure. Last night we celebrated the victory of TN by filling our faces with s'mores! It was a wonderful night and it was finally warm after the cold and snow of previous days. I was planning on sending some winter gear home, but after the crazy weather I will keep it as planned till Perrisberg. I finally had some gear issues, my shoes are starting to break down in the toe area. I was thinking that the tread would be the issue but I was wrong. I am going to call Merrill and see what they can do. If all else fails I will have Brad call as he can be an angry consumer haha. Other than that everything in the gear department is cool. Still very happy about my warm bag!   I have been finally making bigger mile days too, but continue to have a "whatever goes" attitude. Everyday I feel so blessed to be out on the trail. I see amazing sights and enjoy amazing company. I have been hiking with a good group of folks, we call ourselves the "Snack Packers" as we all take plenty of snack breaks and share all of our goodies. We would rather add 20lbs of snacks while "Slackpackers" subtract 20lbs of gear. We are dorkie of course but we have fun. Yesterday, Venture the guy who sold me my broken shoes at EMS joined us for our S'more fest. He started the 1st, he walks much faster than I do of course but it was great to see him. I felt slow in comparison but to each their own. That is about it. I am really smelly, very full of a yummy bacon cheeseburger from DOT's Pub, and HAPPY. I have no complaints and continue to enjoy what I do everyday.   Heck Yes!Sun Beam
Date: 2008-05-03
From: Damascus, VA

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

WITH rain in the forecast I finally bebopped out of town around 3. It was late for sure, but towns always have a way of sucking you in. I couldn't let it happen again. I left Damascus on the "Creeper Trail." Which was the old railroad now turned into an amazing bike trail system. From there back to thewoods. It was a beautiful hike next to ariver, very leasurly. I found myself taking many breaks because the views were so good. I was told by 3 guys that my sister was up ahead. At first I was a little puzzled but then thougt of "Bananas" my trail twin. We often get mistaken for one another. sure enough when I reached the shelter there she was. I had the shelter to myself while every one else chose to tent. There were 4 great dudes who were out on a section hike that made us a roaring fire. We sat around and talked for hours. BD, Sunkist, and KYonite showed up late. I went to bed much too late.... but enjoyed myself.One Sleepy lAdy,Sun Beam
Date: 2008-05-04
From: Saunders Shelter

To: White Top Mt Road Campsite
Miles today: 11.4

It was a pretty nice day today. I got to hike a mix of terrain, including more of the Creeper trail. I even stopped to take a bicycling families photo near the stream. They asked a few questions and were shocked that i had already hiked nearly 500 miles. I also decided tht the bike trip looks like fun, so during Trail Days I'll take the 19mile ride. The trail crossed several small creeks so I took full advantage of that and soaked my feet. I also endulged and took a great 2 hour break at LOst Mt. Shelter. It is so nice to have your boots off. pLus someone wrote the entire story of Dr Suses' "The Lorax" in the privy. What a riot. (of course I took pictues.) Next it was the long climb up Buzzards Rock. I knew it might be taxing so i listened to NPR. That also made me a bit dissapointed by biased people in W.Va. Sometimes it's better not to know what is going on in the world. But I did make it to the top and my what a beatiful view. I just sat there for a while taking it all in. We ended up camping onn the other side of the mountain. It is a pretty field with a view. We found agreat spring right nearby too. Sunkist and I made tonights fire (which is pretty awesome.) Joined tonight by Bananas,B.d., Sunkist, Kyonite, Canibal, and Genuine Draft. Perfect night for star gazing. The Fire Starter,   SUn BEam
Date: 2008-05-05
From: Dismal Creek Falls Campsite 

To: Mt. Rogers NRA~ Wilson Creek Campsite 
Miles today: 12.0

I woke up roasting in my tent today. The sun was definetly out to wake me up. It was fine though because today was a great day of hiking. After 4 quick miles downhill, I finally reached Grayson Highlands State PArk. The hike was so nice up the side of Mt. Rogers (VA's highest MT.) I had been a bit worried about it as it is so high. As I got close to the top and the trail to the actual summit, I was able to see ponies and a roof in the distance. I first thought It was somebody's home. As I got closer I was able to see that it was the shelter. I sat for lunch and then went down by the fence to see the legendary wild ponies. They were so cute and neat. There were even two little foals hanging out by their mommas. I took several photos. tHe land was very much like being out West. I hope to come back to this area some day, for sure. From there I walked through several more beautiful rocky areas. I also saw several more clusters of wild ponies. It was great! I highly reccomend this area. Brad and Aggie caught up to us at the Wies Shelter. We pushed on from there about 3/10ths of a mile to a great campsite near Wilson Creek. We made an excellent fire and melted chocolte bars into hot cocoa. It has been really nice. Off to sleep and listen to the sound of the rushing water. Water lAdy, Sun Beam
Date: 2008-05-13
From: White Top Mt Road Campsite

To: Dismal Creek Falls Campsite 
Miles today: 18.2

What an amazing day. Was the last to leave the shelter around 10a. Headed off to the next shelter for lunch, and the miles seemed to fly by. I very happily scarfed down two PB+J tortillas as well as some various other snacks. After collecting some water and talking to two nice section hikers I was off. The big push was 7.smthing miles to Trent's Grocery. The hike was fairly easy and incuded another "Brushy Mountain," the second of the day. We crossed a beautiful and fun suspension bridge that reminded me of T~wood. Then a quick .4 up the road and poof... a yummy cheeseburger and fries! I also got a gatoraid and a dr pepper as it was a hot one. I scarfed down my delicous greasy food sitting in the sun with great company. I highly reccomend Trent's because not only was the food great but, the town folks were awesome too. We finally dragged ourselves away around 7, we still had another mile and some change to go before we were at our campsite. We crossed another awesome milestone in that mile plus...600 MILES!!! The miles keep dropping like crazy. There were several "600's" in various forms so I chose not to make my own. After my photos signed in and was off. We (Sunkist, kYonite, and myself) reached the campsite and found we had caught up to our snackpacking friends. Aggie, S. Forecast, B.D., Mr bOnes, and Stubbs were all hanging out round the fire with an amazing water fall beside them. It's good to be back with friends. We joined the fire and ate some of S. Forecasts amazing treat. Probably the best snck I've ever had! It was a great time, wht a beautiful spot. My legs are very tired, it was a long day. Not only did I hike the 18.2, but the .4x2 to and from Trents but also the.3 down to this campsite...sadly only whiteblaze miles count. All 601.4 of them I have hiked so far!   The HaPpy Hiker,      Sun BeAm
Date: 2008-05-14
From: Dismal Creek Falls Campsite 

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The first 7ish miles of my day was very lovely. People always joke and say "Oh, Virginia is flat." First off don't beleive them... secondly this part was rather flat haha. It was a great section also very beautiful. I ended up traversing Dismal creek several times, sometimes over bridges while others were more interesting crossings. Having so much water avaiable is wonderful, you never get thirsty and it always reminds me to drink. While in the "flat" section I ran into a wonderful lady and her dog. After talking for a while she asked if I was hungry. I sure was, when am I not? She had gotten an extra sausage mcmuffin from McDonalds in the AM, and gave it to me! It was such a nice thing to do, and it was very Yummy. A big thanks to her! Right after I talked to her I nearly stepped on a grayish long snake. Luckily it slithered off into the woods, but it still made me very squimish! I am not a huge fan of the creatures. A little while later the Hiker train came rolling in. Mr. Bones, Stubbs, Brown Bag, Aggie, Brad, and Blues Traveler all came hiking by. I joked that they each needed to pay the toll to cross the bridge I was resting by... a snickers bar for each of them. Sadly they never paid up. We all hiked over to Wapiti Shelter to eat lunch. The rush of trying to hit town near Trail Days has created a very busy hiking trail. Many other folks also joined us for a break. I sometimes miss the smaller numbers of folks, as we usually are more spread out on the trail. But it is also nice to have new wonderful company. From my lunch break I headed off to a climb much like many I have done before in Georgia. It was much more straight up then filled with switchbacks. On the upside it went much quicker than most climbs as of late. At the top I took a break with several folks on a great log. It is very hard to pass up a solid log. Even when you do not need a break they suck you in! I tend to think I am a log conasour these days, I have rarely found a good log I didn't like. The later evening hike got long, but that usually happens when you break all the time. I was happy to roll into the full shelter. It has a wonderful water source, and it is very close! I made myself some dinner and was able to squeeze into a shelter spot. I have missed my shelters, its hard to get a spot when you mossie along and there are zillions of hikers out at once. But I still consider myself a "shelter rat," and sleeping on the hard wood floors make me happy. Tomorrow we make the push into Pearisburg, and hopefully can find ourselves a ride South to Damascus for Trail Days.    The happy Shelter Rat, Sun Beam
Date: 2008-05-15
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Was the last to leave the shelter again today. Everyone was in a rush to get to town. I really enjoy the silence of having the woods to myself and I'll be in town for several days. Once I finally got walking it was a nice mellow hike. No major ups and a nice gentle downward motion. It was tempted to rain, but it held off to a minor sprinkle. Once I reached "Angels' Rest" I decided to take a look. It was a small walk downward to the rock. The rock was so large there was really not a good view at all. But It was nice to take my pack off and rest for a bit before the reallly large down that was coming up. After the break I started the down. Thankfully it was switchbacked, and that I was heading down. It would have been a real pain to hike up haha. I reached town and saw Catfish trying to hitch into town. I decided to join him and take my chances on finding a room. I got myself my own room for 37.00 at the Plaza Motel. It was a nice room and I was happy to have a shower and bathroom to myself. Before I even showered though I had to feed my angry stomach. I joined Catfish at the AYCE Chinese Resturant near the motel. It was cheap and although not a lot of choices, it hit the spot. I was really happy to rest after that. It is so nice not to have anything to do. Eventually I hitched a ride to evil wally world to put all my pictures on cds. It was supposed to take an hour, I was there for 3. Their computer was messed up and thus, we had to go in on another machine and wait forever. But now I have an easier way to get pictures to you. It may take a while as time on computers is limited. I made it back to the motel room in time to watch Greys, which made me very happy. I then went to sleep as tomorrow I am getting a ride back to Damascus for Trail Days, the free ride is picking me up at 5:30 in the morning. Definetly the earliest I will be up on the trail haha.Be Well,Sun Beam
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Damascus, VA (Trail Days)

To: Cove Mt Selter 
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: light rain

Today was one of those days on the trail. It was really hot again today, up in the 80's. Warm weather is rough to hikein. Especially snce my pack is still pretty heavy from town. That and this reoccuring pain in my right calf made it a slow day. I'm not sure about the leg pain. It can come and go, think it's usually a uphill that triggers it. Sometimes it brings tears to my eyes. I guess it feels like a cramp at times, but it has been around for a few weeks. I have tried stretching and masaging it. Both only seem to give temporary releif. So I'm not sure what to do about it, I'll probably just let it be. (if you have any ideas let me know.) I reached the BLue Ridge Parkway today. I sat for a bit on a rock near the road. It must not get too much use, as I was sitting there I saw 3 deer and only 2 cars. It was neat, the deer were a little weary but hung around. Plus the views from the countless road crossings were A+! There is a huge lack of water around here. I had to makete .2m trek down to the Bobblets Gap Shelter for some h2O. Zach, Duncan, Kyonite, and Sunkist were all down hagingout for lunch. I felt really tempted to take a nap, but knew i might get suckered into staying there. After a long lunch I pushed on. Lazy days make me love logs and rocks thtmuch more. Every good sitting spot gets tested. Yup, I know this takes a lot of prime hiking time up. But I really enjoy it. What's the rush when you have no where to be at any given time? That is prett much wy i ended up where did tonight. Pure lazyness. Everyone else headed down to the creek. Im very content right here."Where ever you are, it's where you ought' to be." Sun Beam
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Cove Mt Selter 

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: light rain

What a difference a day makes. I am pretty sure staying at the shelter last night was the right move. I got a good 10 hours of sleep and woke up ready to hike. The weather was cool and good for hiking. I met up with the snackpackers at Bryant Ridge Shelter. It had started to rain abit, so decided to eat lunch. The rain brought cool weather and made the up's so much more enjoyable. On Apple Orchard MOuntain the clouds parted for some amazing views. There was a crazy "UFO" tower making a lot of noise. It was beautiful for pictures. From there I pushed downward to The Guilletine. A very neat rock which is just waiting to drop on a unsuspecting hiker. We got some neat photos of course. From there we pushed on to the shelter. Just after the road lovely smells filled the air. I thought the miles were getting to me. But instead it was some amazing trail magic! Pancake JOhn filled our plates with eggs, sausage, and pancakes. He even brought along some OJ! I was so stuffed, but vey happy. A big thanks to Pancake John! We ended the night with a huge fire and some "snack poker." Where our chips come from our candy bags. I won a few big pots only adding to my snack bag. It was the best poker Ive played in a while. Oh on another note we saw a tiny fawn in the woods by the shelter. It was so small and beautiful. I took a few photos and let him be. All in all a great day.   My spirits have been refreshed. Sometimes there are hard days, and others are a walk in the park. (no pun intended.) Life is good and M happy to be out here. Sun BEam
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

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

Wow, what another great day. Left the shelter in no particular rush. I was able to see several beautiful views and I took my time. The grade was generally downward, but there were some ups too. I was once again blessed by trail magic. At Petetis Gap there was a cooler filled with soda and water, plus there was a bag of oreos. I took a few oreos ad a pepsi for the trail. I was so excited about the oreos, I forgot my trekking poles! Luckily I didn't get to far away before I realized. Later up the trail I met the guys responsible for the magic. They asked when I started, I told them, then was told that I needed to look at the numbers. In othr wordsI as hiking to slow and should consider a flip flop (hiking to Harpers ferry, then headingup to Katahdin and hike south.) Now I know I'm not the fastest hiker, but I have been pulling 15ish mile days for weeks. I am not even 3 months out yet and am closing in on 1000 miles. (800 is just a few days away.) I'm having fun and am enjoying myself, so I was a bit upset with this fellow. Let me hike my own hike... yaar. I felt better once I found out that all the other snack packers were also told similar things. Gesh. I had some nice ups after that like soaking my feet in Matts Creek and walking across the James river on the foot bridge. It was there that Bus Driver and Brad decided to head into town to get stuff to cook on thefire. The rest of ushiked the 1.7miles to the shelter. Peepers was there with a fire burning. After getting everythingin order, BD and Brad showed up with hot dogs, chips, soda, and even sun beam buns. We gorged ourselves silly. It was a great night! Sun Beam!
Date: 2008-05-30
From: John's Hollow Shelter 

To: Brown Mt Shelter
Miles today: 18.3

What a long warm day. Well I made it all 18.3 miles regardless of a few large climbs. It was so warm but my legs held up great. All I could think about was swimming. I was determind to make it. We ate lunch at Saltlog Gap, there was a nice breeze and a great log. Afterlunch I pushed on past the shelter as it was a ways off the trail. We hadheard of water down by therod. When we got there it was pretty weak. Luckily Bd had a pump ad gotagreat liter of water. We all took a break from the heat near thecreeek. We caughtup with BRad and Aggie and took off towards the shelter. We arrived around 8, dropped our packs and ran dow to the creek. It was cold, but felt so good! It was the perfect end to the day.SunBEam
Date: 2008-06-17
To: Harpers Ferry!!!!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hello from Harper's Ferry, WV. 1000 miles into my hike and the unofficial halfway point! I am so excited to have made it this far. I also can't wait to continue on. I am sorry I have not been updating as well as I wish I could. I am still having some issues with my pocketmail. I now have new batteries and will hopefully updating soon. As a celebration and a push to continue on the next leg of my journey... I and my fellow Eau Claire'ians have all gotten MOHAWKS. It looks silly but well, you only live once right? And now I really have a reason to stay on the trail. I wouldn't be able to get a real teaching job with this haircut. Haha, dont worry I really love it and will post a picture soon. That is my update for now, hopefully I'll be able to get more updates to you soon as well as some pictures. Life is good! Life couldn't be better! I hope you are having a great summer an keep smiling!<3 Sun BEam
Date: 2008-06-23
To: Duncannon, PA (Doyle Hotel)
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Greetings from Duncannon, PA. I have been kicking out some big mile days (50 miles in two days!) Although my feet are a bit upset now, I enjoyed taking my time and putting in some bigger miles. I finally got a "Marathon day," which is over 26miles. I am now happily dry in a pretty awesome place, the Doyle Hotel. PA has been great so far, many great views and even a few field walks that remind me of home. I've also been very spoiled in the food department. We are in a more populated area, and thus food is more readily available. In the past week I have had pizza, Stromboli, and a half gallon of ice cream. (It took me 2ish hours to do the half gallon challenge, I know a poor showing on my part but soo much ice cream and 14 miles after eating it... they don't mix too well.) I am now also officially closer to MAINE than to GA, which is pretty amazing. The halfway point was reached on Saturday. I had a nice group of folks take my picture at the halfway sign. I really think after PA it will really sink in. I am doing this thing. Every day still is amazing. I have had a few days where I question my reasons for hiking, but then another day comes and I know exactly what I am doing out here.    Life is good, a big thanks to all of my readers. Again I am very sorry about the lack of updates. I think my pocket-mail may be toast for now. New batteries brought life for about 2 minutes. I think you may just have to settle for a general update every time I can get to a computer. Hopefully this will tide you over till I am done and able to go back and fill in all the amazing blanks. SO much is going on every day, I meet amazing people, and see beautiful views. Oh what a trip!
Date: 2008-07-07
From: Fogelsville, PA

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 7.0

Greetings from the Mayors House in Unionville, NY. I hadn't actually planned on staying but things just worked out. I am currently showered and have done my laundry, Plus as an added bonus I have been feed! Beleive it or not this place rocks. I am actually going to zero here tomorrow as I have a broken tooth that needs to be yanked! The good folks here (mayor Dick, Butch, and Bill) all helped me find a dentist in the area and are going to hook me up with a ride and a place to stay. This place is awesome and these guys are so very friendly. I will update tomorrow with some new adventures and stories from the past few days. Life is good bummer tooth and all!