morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-09-12
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Todays hike seemed to go by quick. My mind remained occupied with positive thoughts and the strain was nothing compared to hiking the Priest. I am beginning to think about the fact that this adventure is 2/3 of the way over. One part of me is excited about getting home and seeing my friends and family. I visualize hugging so many people and telling them all about my experience and how much I missed them. The other part of me is disappointed that I'm on the last leg of the trip. I have come to love being in nature and the woods and my crew and all of these amazing people that I have met along the way. Something magical happens every single day. Thoughts of leaving the trail have completely taken me over. I am beginning to reflect on places that I have been and what it is that I am learning on this incredible journey.I am at Brown Mountain Creek Shelter this evening. The shelter floor is completely covered in rodent droppings and it has been vandalized with carvings and graffiti by previous occupants. I chose to sleep in front of the shelter in my hammock.Before climbing in to my hammock I completed a 30 minute shoulder and biceps workout with my mobile rubber-band gym. I also did my abs and stretches. Cubby had a beautiful fire going all evening. I pulled the picnic table close to the pit and meditated on the tables edge for 45 minutes. This is something that I have been doing more frequently. It allows me to clear my mind and practice my meditative disciplines in this special and rare setting. Meditating has also proven to help me recover physically and sleep more soundly.~Santana~ "by myself but not alone"
Date: 2008-09-13
From: Brown Mountain Creek

To: Robinson Gap Rd. VA 607
Miles today: 65.9

We hiked out of Brown Mountain Creek Shelter and in to Buena Vista VA today. Once on the road in to Buena Vista (9 miles off the trail) we hitched a ride. The ride we got is another example of trail magic. We waved at pick-up trucks and SUV's trying to capture the ideal hitch for 5 hikers and our gear. For over one hour all of the cars sped by, sometimes we got a honk or a friendly wave. Then an old beat up white mini van came along. The van was packed with a woman, man and their three (larger than average) children. The gentleman hopped out of the passenger seat and asked where we were headed. He agreed to drive us but told us that they would need to drive back to their house to get straps for our gear to be put on the roof. We couldn't believe that they were going to make that kind of effort. Sure enough after turning around they returned 10 minutes or so later. We strapped all of our gear to the roof and packed in to the van. One of their kids crammed in the very back, another crammed up front between the two captain chairs and the third crammed on the seats with the five of us.The gentleman was interested in how many deer and black bear we had seen in the area. He was an avid hunter and knew all of the stats on population counts and when open season was for different animals and weapons to be used while hunting. His wife was Alaskan. She told us that she had hiked Mt. Katahdin and wanted to hear stories about the trail and where we were all from and how we had met each-other etc. We all talked the whole way in to Buena Vista. They dropped us off at the local Subway for lunch and went on their way. Awesome people, we thanked them wholeheartedly.Today Grettles parents came to pick us up. They live on a farm in Virginia and have been planning to have us visit them for months. Them coming today was a bit earlier than planned but I think both they and Grettle got anxious and couldn't resist. The drive in and the farm are to much for me to write about in this entry. I'm relaxing for the evening and will catch up tomorrow... the farm is unbelievable.
Date: 2008-09-14
From: Robinson Gap Rd. VA 607

To: Floyd VA, Franklin Farm
Miles today: 0.0

It was just under a 2 hr drive back to the Franklin Farm. This entire area of Virginia is farms farms farms as far as the eye can see. There are cattle and horses and mules and goats scattered among the country side. The Franklin Farm is 60 acres. The driveway is a dirt path that sneaks up off of the main road. We drove over a little hump before decending in to this amazing hillside covered in lush green grass and trees. The house is a little bungalow with tons of character. John (Grettles dad) is remodeling the whole house. He designs and constructs unique houses for a living and is doing the same to this one. There is a brand new wrap around porch that extends out 10 ft. on all sides from the bottom floor. The interior of the house is primarily still origonal. The Franklins just moved here in February 08. I've seen pictures of their old farm in Pennsylvania as well as John's website (jfranklindesign.com) and John is capable of doing some absolutly incredible work. He was featured on the front of Country Living Magazine for a Tuscany house that he built in Pennsylvania. Anyway, John described his visions as we toured the house. He has inspired me so much regarding things that I would like to do when building my own house in the future. John uses recycled / salvaged materials from around the world in his work and it creates great character and a warm living space.John recently dug out a pond at the bottom of the hill. The area is packed with clay so the water does not drain. The pond is fed by natural springs. The pond is 100% spring water and is similar to a mineral bath. In the center of the pond John left a small island of grass covered land. He planted 2 willow trees at either end of the 15' mound. Around the 60 acres is probably 20 apple trees, 5 peach trees and 3-4 pear trees. As we walked around we sampled just about all of them. The peaches were so juicy and fell right off of the pit. Each of the apple trees was different either in size, color or taste. I ate up toward 15 pieces of fruit. As we walked around the property John described his plans for the future. He discribed this place as being a retreat and welcomed people to use it as such. Both John and Linda (Grettle's mother) are very hospitable and welcoming people.Today was a zero day. Last night John and Linda cooked us a steak dinner with grilled peppers (with marinated cloves of garlic, onions and hot peppers inside them) and lobster alfredo pasta... oh my God! They are both great cooks and made some of the best food I have had in my life. This morning Linda made an egg casarole dish with spinich and potatoes. Spoiled once again... It would be a shame not to record these things in my journal and not acnowledge the work people put in for us and how we are treated along this trip.   ~Santana~ "by myself but not alone"
Date: 2008-09-15
From: Floyd VA, Franklin Farm

To: James River US 501
Miles today: 0.0

So the slack packing begins. The Franklin farm is located in a premium spot for us to use it as a headquarters for several days while we drive about 1 hour out each day and slack pack ourselves. Actually the farm lies in a pivotal spot where the trail arches over it and we can progress south while remaining within 1-hr 30min for over 100 miles. John and Linda seem more than happy to accommodate us for as long as we would like. Not only do I enjoy shedding my base gear while I hike, but this farm is unbelievable and I can't wait to spend more nights with the Franklins.Today we hiked from just outside of Buena Vista at US 38 to the James River at US 501, 18 miles even. I feel great lately and am pushing myself to walk faster with less (or no) breaks.Today at the farm John and Linda put on an acoustic concert for us on the porch. They play anything from the blues to folk and rock. They used to play professionally and have several produced records from the 70's and 80's. Linda and Johns band was called "Coast to Coast". They also both have solo projects that can be found on U-tube. John hitch hiked over 35,000 miles in the early 70's and many of his songs reflect on his adventures and self discovery. My face hurt at the end of the night from smiling, they are awesome.~Santana~ "by myself but not alone"
Date: 2008-09-16
From: James River US 501

To: Parkers Gap VA
Miles today: 0.0

We hiked out to Parkers Gap today. About 17 miles of pretty easy terrain. I've been so excited to get back in to Floyd and enjoy the farm that the hiking seems secondary to the town experience.Today we went to Floyd's center. I got a mushroom sandwich and hummus at a hippie cafe called Half Moon Cafe. I also went to the local natural foods store. I picked up some all natural coconut energy bars, some blue-green algae energy blocks that are loaded with natural cleansing agents, carbohydrates and peanuts. I also bought a bag of Chia seeds. Lately I have been drinking 1/4 cup of cold pressed olive oil twice per day in order to add calories to my diet and also add healthy fat's and Omega 3's and 6's. The oil has been messy and I'm destroying my liking for olive oil. The Chia seeds are lighter as well as more neat and nutritionally they blow olive oil out of the water. Chia is a new discovery for me and I'm excited about it. These seeds have Omega 3's, 6's and 9's. They also provide 10 times the amount of antioxidants as blueberries and have high amounts of fiber and protein. I wanted to add the Omegas to my diet because they are essential to maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.Tonight I did 125 push-up's, ab's and my yoga stretches. I have been distracted at the farm and it has been difficult to keep on my exercises regiment.Linda made the most amazing pork ribs that I have ever had. I'm not kissing anyones ass either. I don't usually go for pork products but these smelled so good and tasted unbelievable. The meat melted in my mouth and the flavors initiated floods of saliva pouring down my throat. I couldn't exaggerate if I wanted, this pork was heavenly. I feel strong and healthy. The farm is rejuvenating physically, mentally and spiritually.~Santana~ "by myself but not alone"
Date: 2008-09-17
From: Parkers Gap VA

To: Bearwallow Gap VA 43
Miles today: 0.0

Parkers Gap to VA 43 Bearwallow Gap, 18+ miles on the day. There were a couple of climbs that were over 1000 ft. but they came and went. It is much easier to climb with a slack pack obviously. Today was another day of hiking fast ahead and not seeing or speaking with anyone on the trail. I am thinking about all sorts of new things lately. The idea that the trip is ending sooner than later has settled. Now I am gathering all of my attention and energy for the next adventure... which is moving to San Francisco with Sarah and going back to college. I also enjoy thinking about how to avoid getting back in to a corporate job and staying away from the rat race life. I have ingrained in myself that I refuse to go back to sitting in a cube and doing work that does not full fill me. I have a pretty good network of really smart, ambitious friends and would like to get some projects together where I can be creative and make money without clocking in every day. Hiking the AT was partly to prove to myself that you can make anything happen... as long as you do it. I really think it is that simple. I am realistic in knowing that not all of my ventures will be financially successful, but they will be successes. I feel like so many people have so many ideas, they just never act on them. I am excited about the risks and am also excited that I am not scared of money, not scared to lose it or make it. I look at it as more of a necessity in order to build a solid foundation for my future family and myself. I can't let money rule my life or that is exactly where I will be stuck. I want my future to be diverse and creative and comfortable... for me and my family.I am disappointed when my hikes come to an end. I always used to wish that I had more time to think about life when I was in the work field. My drive to work and back seemed like the only opportunity to get lost in my thoughts. Now I have up to 8 hours per day. I have appreciated every second of it. I think that is why I have never thought about getting off the trail for any reason. Even in physical torment I am still happy that I have that time to myself.~Santana~ "by myself but not alone"
Date: 2008-09-18
From: Bearwallow Gap VA 43

To: Daleville VA US 220
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Finished today in Daleville at US 220. We all hiked about 22 miles. I took off quick ahead of the group. Once I established my pace I kept walking until the day was over. I didn't speak all day and I did not see any other people for 7+ hours. I did stop at Bobblets Gap Shelter to sign the register but could not find a pen to do so. There was a thru-hikers pack on the picnic table but no one was to be found. I later heard that it was a south bounder named Mercury who was in the privy when I came through. My adrenaline was pumping when I arrived at that shelter and after quickly recognizing that there was no pen for the register, I kept walking.We stopped at the grocery store to resupply on some of the damage that we have inflicted on the Franklin's food situation. We bought meats, beer, snacks, milk, cereal and bread. I looked all over for Count Chocula... Krogers does not carry it. Do they still make Count Chocula and Frankenberry and Booberry? The Count was my absolute favorite when I was a kid. I used to work on a whole box myself. I had a strategy down every morning. I would separate all of the marshmallows and keep them afloat to the side while I ate all of the crunchy, chocolate ghost heads. Then at the end I would savor 3-4 full spoon fulls of pure marshmallow... it was much more complicated than that, but I was really good at what I did. The Count has been replaced with natural granolas and rolled oats in the recent years because I realize that cereals such as the Count are horrible for you. They are loaded with refined sugars and chemicals and bad calories... this is the time for me to revisit my love f! or sugar-chemical cereals! My body burns everything up like a coal furnace anyhow, so why not enjoy these treats that I will never allow myself to eat otherwise. Anyhow, Krogers did not have Count Chocula. I got Cinnamon Toast Crunch instead (also in my top 5 favorites as a kid... no strategy to report on). ~Santana~ "by myself but not alone"
Date: 2008-09-20
From: Catawba VA 311

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Resupplied this morning. We will be in the woods for a full 4 days. Strangely enough Target is where I bought all of my food. We had to stop there for Spoon to pick up a shirt and while we were there I visited the market section (this was a Super Target or whatever you call them). They do offer a great variety of organic granolas and trail mixes. I sped through the isles and resupplied in 10 minutes. I didn't want to keep John and the rest of the crew waiting in the car (they were all set on a resupply).We got the ball rolling pretty late this afternoon. John dropped us off at US 311 in Catabwa where we had left off yesterday. As soon as we crossed the road we found ourselves in a huge pasture scattered with cows... more importantly, scattered with cow dung. There was crap on the trail and in the grass and under trees... everywhere. The cow's themselves were right on the trail. There were several instances where there were cows within 3 ft. of me, right in front of me blocking the trail. They were actually stubborn about moving. I would shout that I was passing through and ask them to moooove (ha) out of my way and they would literally get agitated and whip their tales around all while not moving an inch. Eventually they would wonder off the trail and I could pass. It was pretty funny.We hiked 11 miles to Pickle Branch Shelter. Because we started so late in the day I had to hike with my head lamp for the last hour of the hike. I resisted using the light as long as I could (out of pure laziness). It wasn't until I took a hard spill on my face that I put it on. I survived the fall pretty well. It was in a rocky area and some pebbles got driven into my palms and right knee. When I got to the shelter I rubbed the pebbles out, pulled the hanging skin off and scrubbed the wounds furiously with alcohol pads. It was painful but I refuse to run the risk of an infection.Two other south bounders were here at the shelter when I arrived. Medicine Man and Smoothy. Medicine Man got his name because he smokes weed all of the time and smoothy can not grow a beard... at all. Their names suit them fine.I am a bit discouraged that I had to night hike in to the shelter. This leaves no time for organization or exercise. I ate my dinner (bagel with swiss cheese) and am going to bed.~Santana~ "by myself but not alone"
Date: 2008-09-22
From: Sarvor Hollow Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Got up at 6am today. I had to get around with my headlamp because it was pitch black dark outside. It has been pretty cold recently at night. I'm guessing that the temperature is in the mid to high 40's. My sleeping bag is only rated for 60 degrees, but I wear my thermal underwear as well as shorts, socks and my hat. If the temperature continues to drop I will have my mom send me my sleeping bag that is rated for down to 20 degrees. The benefit of toughing out the cold with the lighter weight bag is the fact that the 60 degree bunches up to the size of a softball and weighs 1 lb. The 20 degree is the size of a rugby ball and weighs 3 lb.I hiked 22 miles today. The group had decided to do 16 miles because the terrain was difficult. As I hiked I passed 3 other gentleman who intended on staying at that same 16 milk camp site. Right then I had decided that I would push on to the next shelter at 22 miles. I told the last guy that I passed to please inform my friends that I moved on and I would meet them tomorrow at Rice Field Shelter.I am at Bailey Gap Shelter. I got here at 4ish. Upon arrival I hung a clothes line to dry my soaking wet (with sweat) clothes. I did 50 lateral shoulder exercises with my rubber-bands. I did 50 front raise shoulder exercises with the rubber bands. I did the 500 ab exercises and also did my yoga stretches. After my stretches I took a half ass bath with baby wipes and rubbed my feet with Badger - Soar Foot Balm. Everything that I needed to do was done. I was able to meditate for 30 or so minutes before Cubby showed up. Mango and Grettle came shortly after. Spoon must have stayed at the campsite that we had originally agreed on. I hope he got the message early enough that we pushed on. Regardless, I am sure I will see him tomorrow.~Santana~ "by myself but not alone"
Date: 2008-09-23
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The days just keep getting better! I left camp at 7:20 this morning, long before everyone else. My watch alarm goes off at 6am. At 6am it is still dark and cold enough to see my breath. I am most productive in this setting. I enjoy sneaking around trying to be respectfully quiet while I pack up.There were a couple of large inclines today but they didn't bother me. As I was climbing 1000 ft. to the summit of Peters Mt. (at 9:45am) there were beams of sunlight coming through the trees and lighting up the forest floor in such a perfect way. Even though the sun had been out for a couple of hours, it was just making it over the 4000 ft. ridge that I was climbing. As I was walking upward I could see my destination at the top. Being able to see the long ridge that I would be walking on over the next several hours made it easier to power through the climb. I was saying to myself "I'm coming up there, this mountain is just the price for what I know is up there". I was right. When I reached the top I could see the entire ridge line and the valleys on both sides of me. I remained above 3500 ft. for the rest of the 14 miles.Within the ridge I passed through Symms Gap Meadow. After walking in the dense woods for hours I came upon open fields of grass and... apple trees! There were at least 20 apple trees. I stopped at the ones with the biggest, most ripe looking apples and sampled several in some cases. Actually I probably ate over 10 apples. Some were good, some were sour but they filled me none the less. I spent about 30 minutes making my way through the meadow.I am at Rice Field Shelter. This is one of my favorites. The shelter is facing east. In front is an endless field of long grass and sporadic trees and bushes. Currently Spoon and Cubby are here but for the past several hours I have been alone (side note... I did not speak a word today for 8+ hours of walking and being at the shelter alone). When I arrived I hung my clothes line to dry my sweaty clothes. I collected fire wood and lit a fire. I did 50 pull ups on a perfect tree that is shaped like an "L". I did 50 low row back exercises with my rubber band gym. I did 50 shrugs with my rubber band gym. I did 500 sit up exercises... and I did my yoga stretches. I feel 100% and have plenty of time to rest and recover. I enjoy hiking fast and not taking breaks. It allows me to get to camp early enough to do these things that make me feel complete. If I do not do these things it is difficult to fall asleep because I think about how I should have found a way to get them done. ~Santana~ "by myself but not alone"
Date: 2008-09-24
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I hiked in to the town of Pearisburg VA today. I am relieved because I was running dangerously low on food. I guess the 10 minute resupply at Target wasn't as effective as I had hoped. I have been eating enough to remain healthy, but I would have eaten more If I had the food. Thankfully my mother had sent me some Mountain House freeze dried meals recently. Mountain Houses are so incredibly light that I was saving two of them as "emergency food". I ate both of them for breakfast this morning. There a couple of issues with the Mountain House meals. One (which only applies to me) is they require a stove to cook, which I do not have, I sent my stove home three weeks ago. I used Mango and Grettle's stove to cook these ones. Two, they cost to much money to be eaten regularly on the trail.When I got in to Pearisburg I visited the library first. I tried to post my journal entries there but something went wrong with the transmission. There was no way to complete that task so I sat outside under an oak tree and read my book.It is strange but we were all waiting for Grettle's mom (Linda) to pick us up. The trail passes around the Franklin Farm is such a strange way. It arches around it for the part that we completed last week. Then it goes far away from the farm for the 4 days that we just spent in the woods. Then it comes back in near the farm at Pearisburg. So we have been invited to spend more time with the Franklin's until the trail officially is south enough from them where it no longer makes sense to drive in and out every day.I am at the Franklin Farm. We got here at about 6:30pm. John and the dogs joyfully welcomed us back when we walked in the back door. Even though it has only been four days since we were here, it seems like much longer. We all sat around the kitchen and talked about the big issues going on in the world. Everyone had a refreshed, happy glow about them. John and Linda played some music for us. I am sleeping outside on the porch. I have done my abs as well as my yoga stretches. It is in the low 40's. I am bundled up in pant thermals, 2 pairs of socks, a thermal long sleeve shirt, t-shirt, hat and light wool gloves. I am loving it. These are all of my clothes that I have. I love the challenge of the elements. I feel great! ~Santana~ "by myself but not alone"