morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-06-08
From: Hilltop campsite

To: Harrison Ground Spring campsite
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: scattered clouds

1. Date: Sunsday, Forelithe 19 (Jun 8)2. Day 409-133. Morning temp: 704. Weather: some clouds, calm5. Time start: 06376. Time stop and miles: 1426-12.37. End point: Harrison Ground Spring campsiteLog:I slept pretty good all alone. Heard a weird call early in the morning. Sort of a screech. Maybe it was bigfoot. I woke up thinking about my mother. Today is her birthday and I asked her to give me the strength to get up the day's climbs. I felt her presence all day. I was up early trying out my new deuce of spades I found behind the campsite. I was all packed up and out before 07 to finish the climb. I just took my time as it was another short day, made even shorter by yesterday's necessity of having to move on to find a hang site. It was funny. I had just had a conversation the day before with Two Crows. We were discussing hanging and he asked if I ever had a problem finding a hang site. I had told him that to that point, I hadn't ever not found a place where I had planned. I guess the Trail had heard and had to show me some humility.I had dry camped the night before, so getting water was at the top of the list. I came to a campsite that had a spring and had to walk down pretty far to get water, but it wasn't too bad.  After a morning break at a shelter, Apple Orchard Mountain needed to be climbed. It was another challenging climb, but I had a nice lunch at the top where a FAA tower dominated the landscape. Shortly after that, the steep rocky descent brought me to the Guillotine. A popular rock feature.  Today, I was in no hurry and took breaks at a second shelter and at an overlook. I made it into camp nice and early and would be alone again as all the others were moving further along. There was nice water nearby, but the bugs were waiting for me. I just settled into my hammock and closed the bug net to keep them away. I read a bit and went to sleep early.Tomorrow will be my last short day and then the challenging days begin as we work to finish this Push and Phase. I am increasingly becoming ready to finish this Phase. Walking all day staring at rocks gets old after a time. I have just about enough food to last me all the way to Rockfish Gap, but I can tell I'm definitely calorie deficient. I can feel a tiredness creep into me each day as I burn all my calories walking up and down mountains. I may have to get into Glasgow to load up on some town food if the opportunity presents itself.  Flora: NettlesFauna: squirrelsHigh: Getting to the top of Apple Orchard MtnLow: The long climbHope: To maybe have an opportunity to get into Glasgow for some food.
Date: 2018-06-09
From: Harrison Ground Spring campsite

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

1. Date: Moonsday, Forelithe 20 (Jun 9)2. Day 410-243. Morning temp: 604. Weather: drippy, calm5. Time start: 06556. Time stop and miles: 1640-13.17. End point: Johns Hollow ShelterLog:The rain came in the middle of the night and I stayed nice and dry, but my shoes and pack got splashed a bit. It was all over in the morning and I was up and out as usual before 07. The morming stroll was nice. I didn't see anyone for awhile, but a doe stood in the trail and waited for me to turn on my phone and take a pic. I got within about 10 feet before she jumped up the hillside a little to let me pass.There was only one challenging hill of about 700 feet that I slowly made my way up in the morning. The trail was pretty good and I had town food on my mind, so I made good time to the river and crossed the longest footbridge on the AT. I only took one short break at the shelter.I got to the road and put my thumb out. After a few cars had passed me, I saw a pickup with a kayak on a rack start up. I asked the guy if I could get a ride into Glasgow and he waved me over.I jumped in the back and five windy miles later I was in town. First stop was lunch at Scotto's. I got a double bacon cheeseburger and loaded fries. After that, I went to the post office to see if they had any automatic machines where I could sent a box home, but no. But I had an idea. I pucked up a medium box and went to the dollar general for a few snacks and a drink. Next I was heading to the Hostel when I saw a lady waving me over. She was Donna the caretaker at the Hostel. Just the person I needed to talk to. She said she could mail a box for me and I also made arrangements for her to take me back to the trail.She dropped me at the hiker pavilion and I relaxed there, took a shower and talked with the other hikers. I filled the box with all the things I didn't need for these last five days. Trying to get my pack as light as possible. She picked me up at 1530 and I gave her the box and some money.I was back on the trail before 1600 and at the shelter 40 min later.It's raining a little again, but I'm snug in my hammock for the night. Tomorrow will be the first of my long days. There is some climbing at the beginning (2700' spread over three climbs), but then it evens out for the rest of the day.Fauna: deer, squirrelsSmell: The riverHigh: Lunch in town Low: Being caught and passed by the kidsHope: That I can do the 18.5 maybe in the rain tomorrow
Date: 2018-06-10
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

1. Date: Treesday, Forelithe 21 (Jun 10)2. Day 411-253. Morning temp: 684. Weather: clear, calm5. Time start: 06526. Time stop and miles: 1625-18.3 7. End point: Brown Mountain Creek shelter Log:I was up early and out before 07. The morning climbs went pretty well. They were nicely graded and I just went along at my own slow pace and before I knew it, I was done with them. Once again I saw two deer that hang out on the trail and wait looking at me as if I'm the one who will step off the trail and let them pass. I also saw a couple of rabbits dart across the trail as I approached. I like the mornings on the trail. I'm usually alone as the kids sleep in and catch me later and the wildlife are still moving about.I had lunch at an overlook and had no energy after lunch. Rice Mountain, which didn't even show up on my radar as a hard climb actually took a lot out of me. The trail was pretty empty today as most of those I have been hiking with have been doing longer days, but I did see myself catching another hiker as I neared Reservoir road, where I was planning another break and getting some water.I caught Triple Rainbow just as we got to the road and we hung out together. She is nursing a knee issue, so I got her water for her. After the break we both started together, but I quickly pulled ahead. Not a common occurrence for me. It was pleasant hiking around the reservoir as the trail followed the contour on the hillside.  As I walked along, the rumble of thunder came rolling along the ridge and after awhile the rain came down fairly heavy. It was actually refreshing and gave me some renewed energy as I was cooled off with the soaking.  The storm only lasted about 10 minutes and the sun was out again with the last of the rain still falling. I'm sure there was a rainbow somewhere, but being in the forest, I couldn't see it.  I arrived at the shelter and once again the pickings were slim for a descent hang, but I found a spot and set up. This area was interesting as it was an old freed slave settlement back in the late 1800s. You could see some remnants of a stone wall along the creek, but not much else is left as the forest has reclaimed the land.  Triple Rainbow came in and elected to stay in the shelter and a group of four also caught us at the end of the day. I had met a couple of them going into Glasgow as I was heading out the other day. The 18.3 went pretty well. Tomorrow, will be a little easier with 15.8, but once again there will be a climb in the morning.Flora: Fallen Mountaun Laurel flowers looking like spilled popcornFauna: Deer, rabbits, squirrel, frogVOD: Bluff MtnSound: thunderHigh: Sitting on Bluff Mtn after my climbsLow: Rice Mtn surprised me
Date: 2018-06-11
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

1. Date: Skysday, Forelithe 22 (Jun 11)2. Day 412-263. Morning temp: 654. Weather: overcast, fog, calm 5. Time start: 06486. Time stop and miles: 1520/15.87. End point: Seeley-Woodworth ShelterLog:I was up and out quick again as there was another 2700 feet to climb in the morning and getting it done in the cool of the morning was the plan. It was wet and foggy in the woods. You could feel that something was coming and it wasn't sunshine. The climb actually wasn't too bad. Once again it was well graded with lots of switchbacks and I was up in due time. It was eerie up on Cole Mountain, where it opened up into meadows and fields and the fog was so thick, it felt as if you were walking in a dream. I could hear hikers coming at me, but didn't see them until they were very close.  I came down to Hog Camp Gap where there were some campsites and water an easy .3 away, so I decided to eat lunch a little early. I saw Freight Train, who said he was taking a zero in his tent as the day was crappy and his knee was bothering him. I decided to have a cold cup of coffee at lunch to try and keep my energy up and it seemed to help as I moved on after lunch. As I moved along slowly, I heard a hello from behind. It was eWolf once again. I thought they had passed me for the last time a couple days ago. We talked a bit and he said that he had hit some nettles and his leg was tingling. He also mentioned that he had heard of a plant that helps that he thought was called forget me not. I told him about Jewelweed aka Touch Me Not and looked down to see one growing at my feet. I picked it and showed him how to crush the stem and apply the juice. He did so and moved on. It felt good to impart some woods lore on a fellow hiker.  The rain started just after noon and keep off an on all the way to the shelter in the afternoon. At first I just walked with no rain gear, but when I get soaked, I need to put it on just to keep warm and that is what I eventually did.  Luckily, the terrain wasn't challenging in the afternoon and I arrived in camp nice and early once again after a decently long day.  I checked the shelter where I saw hikers already wrapped in their down, trying to get their core warmed up and I set up fast between the showers and got out of my wet clothes and into my own down.  I cooked dinner from my hammock and went to sleep early once again. Tomorrow was going to be the long day of this last Push. I wanted to be well rested.  Flora: jewelweed Fauna: Squirrel VOD: noneSound: rainHigh: Getting to the top of today's climbLow: Getting real wetHope: That the rain is done for a day or two.
Date: 2018-06-12
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

1. Date: Seasday, Forelithe 23 (Jun 12)2. Day 413-273. Morning temp: 504. Weather: Drippy5. Time start: 06486. Time stop and miles: 1825/20.47. End point: Maupin Field ShelterLog:It was cold in the morning and the rain had fallen off and on all night. The forest was still drippy, but it appeared that the rain was done for now. I packed up quickly and hit the trail so I could warm up.  The first couple of miles were easy then the first climb was before me. It was only 700' and I was able to take a break 3/4 of the way up at the Priest Shelter. This is the shelter where you are supposed to confess your sins in the shelter register. After reading some other's disturbing deeds, I added my own. Since confession is supposed to be anonymous, I will keep mine that way.  I tried a new tactic to get myself up the hill. I told myself a story. Just a little something that came to me as I walked along. It kept me occupied and distracted enough to get the hill done. It was fun to do it that way.The after lunch climb was a challenging 3.3 miles rising 2000'. I used music to get me up this one. My iPod battery was getting low, so I just said I would listen until it died, but it ended up lasting all the way to the shelter.For the last couple of days, I have been seeing an insect fly past me that I'm calling a Forest Fairy. They remind me of the things we called Santa Clause, which are fluffy seed pods that float around in the wind, but these I could tell were being propelled some way. The thing is, I would see them for about half a second and then they would disappear in front of me. Eventually I was able to follow one and see that it was a larged legged insect with small wings that are invisible when they are flying. I wonder what they are. When I was about seven miles from the shelter, I came to a sign that showed a blue blazed trail that led to the shelter in only three miles. I stood there for a minute or two, but I knew I would be climbing Three Ridges and not taking the easy route. I was out here to walk the trail. Any bypasses I had taken were for a reason and one of the reasons I never use is to cut off mileage. I continue on.I got into camp and set up. I had completed a long day and was feeling good. I met Begonia, a southbound hiker with striking blue hair. She had started in PA and was trying to get to TN, but a tooth problem has laid her up for a week in Waynesboro.  They have a bear pole here, so for the first time in a long time, I didn't sleep with my food. It was already getting dark as I finished up dinner and headed to my hammock. It had been a long day.  I was done with the long days though. Tomorrow would be 15.8 once again and then another five the last day and I would be seeing my bride, LoGear, who was coming to pick me up as I finished this Phase of my Quest. Fauna: Forest FairiesVOD: The PriestSmell: flowersHigh: Seeing the sun come out for awhileLow: Slogging up Three Ridges Mtn Hope: A nice easy day tomorrow
Date: 2018-06-13
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

1. Date: Earthsday, Forelithe 24 (Jun 13)2. Day 414-283. Morning temp: 554. Weather: clouds, calm5. Time start: 07156. Time stop and miles: 1545/15.87. End point: Paul C. Wolfe ShelterLog:There were sprinkles off and on overnight, but it was clear in the morning. I was out early once again. The morning climb wasn't too hard, but there were a lot of rocks. As the day warmed up, the rocks started to sweat and made walking over them even more precarious.  I took a break at Cedar Cliffs which had a nice view. The climb up from Laurel Springs Gap was very steep with lots of stone steps. It slowed me down quite a bit.  I ate lunch at Wintergreen view, which was a ski resort across the valley. After that I had a long downhill coming down from Humpback Mountain.  On the way down, everyone needed water, so we had a bit of a crowd at the one spring we came to. We all worked together and everyone got their water and were on their way again. I kept leapfrogging Dog Whisperer and a group of three slack packers, plus the foursome I had met a few days ago. As I was starting my final descent towards the shelter, I saw Dog Whisperer talking on his phone. I had traded a couple text messages with LoGear during the day, trying to plan tomorrow's meetup, so I checked and saw I had good signal.  Her last text didn't make sense to me, so I called her. She answered and let me know that she was about to park near the visitor's center at Rockfish Gap and was bringing in hoagies for dinner. I was elated. There were tears.  I was so ready to be done and to see her, that I had been counting sleeps for the last couple of days until I would see here again. She was coming a day early! I was so happy.I floated down the mountain the last mile or so and found four trees to use for us. I put my tarp at one spot to save the spot and my hammock at the other.  I hung out at the shelter with the others who had come in for the night and probably pissed them off a little as I thought about all the "other world" things I would be doing the next day, like taking showers and shitting on a real toilet and eating cold, fresh food that I had taken out of a refrigerator. I was so ready to be done.It was good seeing a couple of the hikers that I hadn't seen since Pearisburg or so. They are all such good people. I will be missing them, but I was happy to be finishing this Phase and taking off my pack, unpacking it and not repacking it again the next day. My itch had been scratched.Right at 1800, I saw LoGear coming down the trail. She had made great time and I ran to greet her. I had missed her so much. I introduced her to all and we sat down and ate our store bought, handmade, hoagies. Yum!LoGear setup and after hanging out at the shelter for awhile, we retired to our perspective hammocks and I fell asleep with a satisfied smile on my face.  Tomorrow we finish Phase III.Fauna: 2 fawnsVOD: Cedar CliffsSound: My darlings voiceHigh: Seeing LoGear walking into campLow: The climb after Laurel Springs GapHope: Shower, hot tub, food, my bed...
Date: 2018-06-14
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 5.0

1. Date: Starsday, Forelithe 25 (Jun 14)2. Day 415-293. Morning temp: 704. Weather: clear, calm5. Time start: 07206. Time stop and miles: 0934/5.07. End point: Rockfish Gap Log:It was a good night. I lazily got up a little after 06 and slowly made my way to the privy as my achillies loosened up. I enjoyed a hot coffee up at the shelter talking to Squirrel, Molasses and Smiley as LoGear got up and packed up. I finished my pack up and we were on the trail around 0720. The short hike out was easy and we made good time to the gap.When we reached the road, I walked up to the point where we had started north into Shenandoah last year. As I approached, I saw Big Tuna and Kaleidoscope getting ready to head out. I wished them well and said goodbye before heading back to where LoGear was waiting. I'll admit I had a tear or two in my eyes. I was happy to be done hiking, but this kind of life can be intense.We got to the car amd headed to the ymca for a free shower and got into some fresh non-hiking clothes, then headed over to Mings AYCE restaurant. Google said it opened at 10 and we walked in at 1030. The only thing ready was the salad bar, but we were seated (in the regular seating area, not the hiker area). We got some salad and I checked the website to see that they actually open at 11. We weren't in a hurry, so we hung out until all the other food was out. Squirrel came in and they sat him in the seperare hiker area, but he came over and sat with us. We filled our bellies, then headed out and headed home.Three plus hours later we were unloading our packs in the basement. The final weight of my pack with virtually no food was 22.6 lbs. I wish it was close to that all of the time.Phase III was complete. I have now hiked 1593.3 miles of the Trail, with only VT, NH and ME to be walked. I'm pretty sure I'm finished hiking for now. I will rest and reflect some more and I need to get my shoulder checked out, but I think Phase IV will wait for another season (or more).  I'll follow up with another Post-Hike entry in a few days, but for now, I'm enjoying being back in this world of leisure. I have TV shows to watch and a garden to attend to. Hot tubs to sit in and showers to take, every day.  Hiking long distance is an interesting challenge, but for now. I may become a camper again for a bit.  Time will tell. Until then, The Quest is still there to continue. I'm just not sure when that will happen.Peace,EarthTone
Date: 2019-04-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My shoulder is pretty much good to go. Now, I just have to wait for the calendar to roll around to my start date. I have about 48 more sleeps until I hit the Trail. I'm ready now, but the Trail isn't quite ready for me. In VT, they ask that you don't start using the Trail until Memorial Day, so that is my start date to get back "on Trail" at Williamstown, MA. The hardest part about this multiphase Quest is the waiting to get back on Trail.  I have a rental car (pickup truck) reserved and plan on heading up to Mass, getting a motel room, drop off the truck in Albany, NY then take an Uber back to the Motel. The next morning I will head to the Trail and start the final Phase of Pamola's Quest. ~600 miles and around 50 more days of hiking.  I'm starting when I am because, this time, I will have a reason to get done by a certain date. My first born is expecting her own first born and is due mid July. I hope to be home for the birth or as close to it as possible. I have my fuzzy plan and am getting my consumables together. Planning my first five days of food bag items and getting antsy to get back out there.  Soon... The Quest will continue...Peace,EarthTone
Date: 2016-12-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Gear Overload - My head is spinning!Most hikers that I know have had the same brain overload trying to select gear and equipment for the planned long haul hike. Reviews are actually very helpful, and steer you in the right direction. Some brands will be a perfect fit, while others are not. Trialing your gear and equipment is essential before hitting the mother trail. I've had a few shakedowns with my equipment and tweaks had to be made and some gear returned to find a better fit.Selecting a backpack is probably one of the most important purchases you will make besides hiking boots. My backpack had to fit like a comfortable bra, as I will be wearing it for many months. The first backpack was an Osprey and the fit was good, but while trialing, one of the straps ripped from the side seam. Back to REI to try on other brands, as I didn't feel confident going back to a product that could potentially rip again. Finally purchased a Gregory Jade 63. The fit was good and the harness didn't cut into my armpits. Yes, just like a comfortable bra.Tents, tents and more tents. Decided on a North Face Storm Trekker 1. Single person tent with enough room for me and my backpack. Can stretch and sit up and dress without hitting the top of tent. Little vestibule for muddy boots.Thermarest sleeping mat was by far the best choice for me. Since I'm a stomach sleeper, the thermarest has wider arm room at the top of mat and narrows down. Fits perfectly in my tent. Self inflating with a couple of blows.Sleeping bags galore! Articles on synthetic vs down, numerous. Purchased a North Face 600 Down fill bag good to 10 degrees. I've used it motorcycle camping for the last few months and it sure keeps you warm. Most times I'm unzipping to cool off. Will be good in the mountains when the temperatures are much cooler. I can also turn around inside the bag without getting tangled. Trekking Poles. Again, there are many to choose from. I purchased the Black Diamond with the clips to adjust. Soft sponge grips do make your hands a little sweaty, but no soreness noted after several hours of use in a day hike. Wasn't sure I wanted poles at first, but now I wouldn't hike without them.