morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-07-06
From: Daleville

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

Day 50 - Bobblets Gap ShelterThis morning, I duct taped/bandaided the crap out of my feet, grabbed a quick meal and coffee and headed out. The weather was great today, and the hiking was unbelievably easy. Roughly half way through the hike, the trail finds and then runs along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Apparently it will continue to do so for 100 miles or so. It's kind of strange to be walking within 100 feet of the road for the second half of the hike, and I wonder if it will continue to be like this. I saw a bunch of people out today, given that it is Saturday and given the proximity to the road and its myriad parking lots. I ran into what appeared to be a father and son who were out riding their hogs for the afternoon. I told them some of my stories and they seemed genuinely interested and asked a bunch of questions. The son said he was thinking of doing it in a couple years, and I gave him the best advice I could: why WOULDN'T you do it? Hopefully it works and he'll be out on the trail soon. The miles were super easy today, which was great because I was concerned about having taken the time off. My feet held up ok - a little sore, but I was able to walk without any sort of limp - AND I wore my hiking shoes the whole time woohoo!   Hopefully they'll continue to get better. I got to the shelter early - around 5:30 - and hung out with a couple new people who are trying to make it to Harper's Ferry. Eventually, a bunch more people showed up, including members from yesterday's group at the hotel. Here's hoping for two days of sunshine in a row!Today's song: "Mr. Crowley" - Ozzy Osbourne
Date: 2003-05-03
From: 10 miles

To: Silver Bald Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning was my first rough morning emotionally. I talked to Adam on the phone on and well things did not go to good. I took a nice hot shower and it made things so much better. It was so hard to get out of that shower to the cold air. I just thought how much I enjoyed the water running on my back.I really enjoyed my stay at Rainbow Springs. I ended up leaving later then I expected I hiked in 7 miles to the shelter racing a storm that went around us.A t the shelter a boy scout troop came in. They made some awesome peach dessert that I so much enjoyed. It;s been really fun just chatting around the fire.I forgot to get toilet paper so I traded with Laughing Bird with carrots.
Date: 2013-07-08
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: broken clouds

My goodness today was hard!The first 16.3 miles weren't tooooooo bad, ultimately losing the 3000 feet of elevation I had gained yesterday. There was one decent climb in there, but for the most part it was some really great hiking. During this section, and for really the first time, I was able to see exactly where I had come from and where I was going. Most of the time, the trail is in the woods, and it twists and turns so it's hard to have perspective of where you've come from. This section had a lot of trail which skirted the outside of the mountains as it headed north, then slowly curved and headed south before curving again to head north. I could use that weather station on top of Apple Orchard Mountain as my guide the whole day, and it was really awesome to see just how far 25 miles is. I took one great panorama picture from Big Rocky Row - from there I could see the valley below with the James river, which I had crossed before ascending towards Bluff Mountain. In the same shot the weather station is visible as just a small dot in the distance. It was really cool.The fun and games were all over after those first 16.3 miles. The last 9 miles were absolutely brutal, as I climbed another 2800 feet at the end of a 25 mile day. It was also like 90 degrees, with no breeze and high humidity. And to top that off, can someone please tell me why gnats constantly try to fly into my EYEBALLS?!? My entire body is coated with bug spray, and they don't seem to mind one bit. If not for not wanting to call the poison control center and/or go blind, I would like to spray it into my eyeballs! By the end of all the climbing, I was absolutely exhausted, and I didn't even eat dinner before passing out in the shelter at like 8:30. I forgot to mention that I passed a couple of people who (I later found out) had never gone hiking before. They were maybe two thirds up the climb, and it had taken them 8 hours (it had taken me 1.5 hours). They were low on water, and I told them their best bet was to turn around (there was no water until the next shelter, which it took me until 7:45 to reach). I hope they made it out ok! Not a good choice of location for your first hike!Today's Song - "Your Eyes" (Like the bugs constantly get in "Your Eyes") - Allen Stone
Date: 2003-05-04
From: 10 miles

To: Cold Springs Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

10:00am:WHat a beautiful morning. I had a 7 am start. Hiked up Silver Bald mtn. to catch a veiw so breathtaking. Then mountain tops were rised above the soft clounds. and you can see the outline of mountains in the distence in soft shades of blue and grey.Then up at Wayah Gap there was another view of the mountains so peaceful. In the shades of Blues, Grey, and Green. I actually took time out to stretch and just enjoy the day.7:54 Okay I took it easy today and enjoyed the weather. I arrived at Cold Spring Shelter at 3:00. I was so hungry I just ate for an hour straight. I just relaxed. Tonight there is pepperment patty, Silver turtle, 2 sailors, from Calif. and Montana, and a local and his dog.It's been a great time at camp just chatting. Long cut and laughing Bird went onahead. I'm sure I will catch back up with them.Today was so peaceful and so far I've had some of the prettiest scienic view's. I also had some time to think of my personal life toda while hiking. Which was nice. I've been so getting used to the trail that I really haven't had time to think.Buttercup
Date: 2013-07-09
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Buena Vista
Miles today: 11.3

Day 53 - Buena VistaToday was an easy woods walking kind of day. It was short, which was great, and it followed some nice creeks and a reservoir for a while. I was excited to get into town, especially when I got to route 60 and a guy named patches informed me that the Bluedog Art Cafe (and hostel) was in fact open for business. I had called and gotten their voicemail which alluded to them being closed, but it turns out only their shuttle service was closed for the season.   I stuck my thumb out and did my goofy fake hiking routine, and was lucky enough to get picked up within about 15 minutes. The driver was an army dude who was headed back to Lexington from a class he had taken, and was cool enough to drop me off on his way. He was also listening to a band named Volbeat, which I had never heard before. They seemed kind of cool so I may check them out. Once in town (which is a lovely trail town, in my opinion), I hurriedly checked into the hostel, which is in right in the middle of the little downtown, and sat down for a lovely lunch of reuben and fries with coffee. A guy named Sir Stooge, who I had met briefly a couple nights ago, stopped into the cafe and we chatted for a couple minutes (he stayed at the Budget Inn).   Afterwards, I took all my stuff up to the hostel, which is a big apartment up above the cafe, showered and headed to the library to screw around on the internet. Later, after a Food Lion run, I had dinner at the cafe then went to see Monsters University. Yes, I saw Monsters University by myself. And yes, it was delightful.   The other option was The Lone Ranger, which is really long and got bad reviews. I think I made the right choice. When the movie let out, I went for a nighttime stroll through town. I discovered that there is a university there - Southern Virginia University - and so I walked around there too. It actually is a Liberal Arts college "for Latter Day Saints", which I found interesting. Also, their main building was originally a grand hotel, with lots of ornate decorations and verandas all over the place. I let myself in to check it out, and it was kind of spooky. It was probably because there was nobody there, but it was definitely historic and a little eerie. I definitely enjoyed it. I finished the night off by packing up all my new food items and watching Hoosiers on Netflix on my iphone. The internet is amazing. Today's song: "This is How We Do It" - Montell Jordan
Date: 2003-05-06
From: 10 miles

To: Sassafra's Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Well I didn't get the early start or lots of miles I wanted today. It was 6.8miles straight up to Sassafra's Gap Shelter. Tomorrow I hope to make up the difference in miles.I had a great Pancake Breakfast at NOC. THe river was roaring and the rain continued a good part of the day.I had to cross the Rapid Waterfall that was challange to find out the trail switched back so I had to do it again. Nerve Racking. Hopefully tonight I will step sleep a little longer and better. I ate alot so hopefully that will help with milage. WEll, I have to go power up for tomoroow I hope to have 21 miles done. Well see how it goes. It's mostly down hill with a few spikes up. I miss you guys at home!! Love you all and your in my prayers.Good Night! ButtercupPS Trail Angels of the week Jerry and Al!! Thank you for the great conversations, GOrp and taking us to town for a movie. Hope all goes well fo you guys!!
Date: 2013-07-11
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Random Camp Spot
Miles today: 21.3

Day 55 - Random Camp Spot There are two types of people that I know are liars: those who say Virginia is flat, and those who say they'd rather hike uphill than downhill. First, Virginia is not flat. Is it flattER than other states? Maybe, but not much. There are some stretches of relatively easy terrain, but having had consistent climbs of 2000-3000 feet for the last handful of days is proof that those people are just trying to make you feel better about getting through North Carolina. Speaking of uphill, people that say they prefer it to going downhill because it's "better on the knees" are full of crap. It is better on the knees, but you can't tell me you wouldn't take a little knee pain all day if it means not having 4 miles climbs which destroy your muscles and your will. Anyway, today was a pretty good day overall. Sir Stooge left around 7:40 and I followed shortly thereafter. Within the first ten minutes I came to the view from The Priest mountain. I'll tell you what, that was the first view I've had on the entire trail that was awe inspiring. The view itself wasn't unlike many other views, with valleys and other mountain ranges visible in the distance. The difference was in the nature/sky/weather. It was quite windy out on the ledge, and it was blowing cold air from northeast to southwest right into my face. A storm had recently let up, and the line where the dark gray clouds met the peaceful blue was practically overhead. I could watch and actually feel the weather as it was passing through. In the blue section of the sky there were lots of thin clouds, which stretched horizontally and looked like they were stacked on top of one another. The sun was behind some of these clouds off to my right, and all that could be seen was its bright silhouette as it was trying to break through. In the valleys below was mist and clouds, and I watched as they hit the mountain and slowly rose before dissipating. The whole seen was magical, almost spiritual, and I stayed up there for quite some time. That was the kind of experience I envisioned when thinking of the AT, and I hope to have more like it. I took today slow again, which was again nice. It spared my legs a bit during the 4 miles of straight climbing which occurred immediately after the initial 3000 foot descent. After that was over, there weren't too many large ups and downs, but the terrain sure got rocky. It was all woods walking on the sides of hills, and trying to cross the mossy wet rocks was definitely tiring. Fortunately, it only rained for maybe 10 minutes while I was hiking - it saved the thunderstorm for after our tents were already set up. We got into camp around 6 and were thankfully able to cook dinner before the lightning started. Today's quote: "Hungry fella? There ya go." - Ace Ventura
Date: 2003-05-07
From: Sassafra's Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning there were thunderstorms. I stayed in my sleeping bag past 7:30 due to the weather, because I would be hiking on the Ridgeline for the first couple of miles. I was the first one out this morning so I put my rain gear on and went to get my food. I ended up losing my carabiner in the treee. I was stuck between a little branch. I thought I had a great idea of gravity bringing down th biner if I cut the string no luck. So then I decided I can climb the tree. Yes in the pourring rain with thunder and Lightening. SO I put my foot on a nub I thought It was a good foot hole, but it wasn't. I ended up sliding scraping mu leg on the tree. I gave up that idea because I can't afford to put a hole in my rain gear. then I tried to throw a rock at the biner to see if I could fall out of the tree. But my aim was no good. Actually it wasn't even close. SO I had to let go of my lucky biner. I hope that it will bring a new owner luck someday. Now I'm afraid to hang my bear bag. I fear the food will fill another instead of me. I kiked butt today I have longest hike in. I was hoping to catch up to fugiboots or Pounch. No Luck!!
Date: 2013-07-12
From: Random Camp Spot

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Day 56 - Waynesboro I got out of camp by 7:30 and tried to get to Waynesboro as quick as I could. There wasn't much to see on the hike, as it mostly stuck to lower elevations and generally descended toward town. I did however see another bear. This one again was off in the distance and running away. It's crazy, but bear sightings are starting to become like deer sightings in that they're happening pretty frequently. I'm glad their tendency is to run away!   I got to the road crossing and ran into Raven, who is a German girl thru hiker and whom I haven't seen since the Smokies.   She pointed me in the right direction, and I started the perilous trek down US 250 towards town. I tried to hitch, but the road was really busy and there were no shoulders for anyone to stop on, so I kept walking. Eventually, a couple of trail angels stopped and let me hop into the back of their pickup, and drove me into town to the Quality Inn. I've been staying at more motels than I thought I would but, to be honest, I don't get the greatest sleep on the trail so it's definitely worth it.   I checked into the hotel, showered and then walked downtown. It's a lovely little town, in my opinion, and I stopped into a place called Market on Main. It's a little wine/beer shop with a little cafe in it as well. I got the lunch special and a cup of coffee and hung out there for a couple of hours. It seems like some people stay out of the towns whenever possible, but I personally really enjoy going into town. A little shot of normalcy is what I need to get rejuvenated and ready to get back out there. Plus I just like to check out the towns and to see how the people in them live their lives - it's interesting to me. Afterwards, I went to the grocery store to resupply. I'm fully planning on taking advantage of the waysides throughout Shenendoah National Park (apparently they're little food stands that serve all three meals and milk shakes, and they're right off the trail (which parallels Skyline Drive)), so hopefully I'll get by with only a few days' worth. For dinner, I went to Heritage on Main (I think that's the name of it). It's pretty much a classier version of a sports bar. I saddled up to the bar, watched some soccer and had the pesto turkey panini along with a couple local brews. It was quite delicious and I had a great time. After that I headed back to the hotel for some mind-numbing television (Scary Movie, to be exact), and it was lovely.
Date: 2003-05-10
From: 10 miles

To: Silver Bald SHelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I woke up and I just wanted a zero day. I tried to hike anyway so I just hiked to the next shelter. THere was less bugs and a nicer shelter. It was just a hard day my body was tired and I just had an emotional challange. I thought about my break up with Adam. I did lie to him but I was just trying to protect his feelings. I've learned that you have to trust in the truth. But I had to take care of business with my ex-boyfriend. I'm happy that I found peace with John and I'm ready to go on. I wanted it to be with Adam but if he does not want to or can't forgive me then well I have to go on. I will miss him but if he does not want to be happy for me and my peace with myself. He does not even want to hear about it. He has been everything but supportive with things I do. He has not done much to help me with this trail or anything else. He has been really nice to me but when it comes time to come throught he is never there. As much as I would like him to be, he never is. This is something I have to stop fooling myself with. This was a day I just was at peace with all that was going on with him. I found peace with somthing that was bothering me. I know everything happens for a reason and I'm really not upset with any of my actions. I have no regrets but I just would of like a different out come. I'm just glad I was able to see true colors. Tonight I have curly Dan, Snail, Patience and Papa John (Who bibied a night ago). Even though Papa John talks to much I'm glad to see he's safe. Laughing Bird went ahead today. I really like the smokies. I've decided to take my time to go throught them. Iwill be happy with 10 mile days. THis place has a magic surrounding it. Very peacefull and self observing.
Date: 2013-07-15
From: Hightop Hut

To: Random Camp Spot Near Big Meadows
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 59 - Random Camp Spot Near Big Meadows No bears today. I talked to a ridge runner who said he had seen a ma and a cub, but I made a bunch of noise in order to decrease the chances. I woke up, talked with Mac & Cheese and Molasses while I ate my usual pop tart and protein bar, then headed out. I was really dragging this morning, and I concluded that it was because I hadn't gotten enough calories last night for dinner (all I had was some instant mashed potatoes (which are delicious - why didn't anyone tell me??)). I had slammed that bacon cheeseburger around two, and it was quite hot so I wasn't really hungry. I should have eaten more, because I had to take a 45 minute break only 6.3 miles into the hike because I was drained. I stopped at a picnic spot and talked for a while with a retired guy who was taking his dog for a walk. He had lots of info about the trail, and it turns out he had retired to the area from Annapolis because the taxes were too high. While we talked, I ate somewhere in the neighborhood of 1000 calories, and when I hit the trail again I felt way better. The trail has been way easier here, which I'm thankful for, but the hiking has been a little mundane. Lots of woods and not too many views. Sure, there are views to be had, but a lot of them require taking side trails which add to the 20 mile quota. I don't much care for side trails because they aren't getting me closer to my goal. Plus there area many views right along the trail - just not on this stretch. I put my mileage in by 5, and it worked out that the Big Meadows wayside was right near my intended stopping point. So I went there and had the fried chicken dinner, a beer, soda and ice cream. I don't want to understate the awesomeness of these places. They are like oases in the desert, and they are magical. I stayed there for a couple hours, then headed back to the trail in search of a camp spot. I was a little concerned because there's been lots of rocks and a lot of undergrowth, but I found a spot almost right away. I was a little bummer at first to be out here by myself (are the Virginia Blues finally getting to me?), but another couple of section hikers showed up with the same intention. We haven't talked much, but it's nice to have people around. Tomorrow should be another good day, with the Skyland Resort and Restaurant as my lunch/siesta destination!Today's song: "Neon" - John Mayer
Date: 2003-05-12
From: 10 miles

To: Tri Corner Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

12.6 miles today. It was a very cuindy day. A cold wind that I just could not stay warm. My fuel for my stove is running low so I'm going to have to go resupply. I was hopeing to just go to HotSprings but I know I won't make it. SO I'm going to go to a mountain store pretty well known called Mountain Momma's. There is a short order grill so maybe I can eat as well. Unfortanatly they don't take ATM or Credit Cards and I'm @ 2 dollars short for the hostel. Oh well! I can suck it up for 2 more day without a shower It will be 2 weeks between laundry loads. I'm sure I smell really pretty! Wolverine, New Leaf and daughter, Tony, and good I'm buad with names , give e a minute and I'll get it, Hopefully, Ann. didn't get it... yes I did Mark. Damn cold night again.
Date: 2013-07-17
From: Pass Mountain Shelter

To: Camp Spot Near Compton Mountain
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: thunderstorm

Day 61 - Camp Spot Near Compton Mountain Today was my last full day in the Shenendoahs, as I'll be out early tomorrow morning. I'll tell you Jan Gogh was quite upset with me when I saw her at Elkwallow Wayside and told her I had seen 5 more bears already this morning. For some reason I'm like a bear magnet! All in all, I saw 6 bears today, giving me a total of 16 seen in the park and 21 for the trip. Crazy! I made it into Elwallow for breakfast and to take a 3 hour siesta to try to stay out of the heat. It seems to be getting hotter and hotter. While there I talked a while with a couple PATC members (trail maintaining volunteers in the park), one of which had thru hiked in 2000. People at this point are starting to be more on board with the idea that I can actually make it to Maine in time - i guess I'm far enough in that is seems feasible.   I also talked with a couple of teacher friends who had come down for a five day trip. They were nice to talk with, and eventually I caught up with them down the trail again and we hiked together for a little while. Neither of their families were too keen or had time to do something like that, so they decided to come down together and do it without them - good for them! It was nice to have a little camaraderie on the trail again, after having hiked alone for a while.   The hiking was pretty good again today, with a number of views of the valley. In the end, I found a campsite near Compton Mountain and was slightly bearanoid all night (of course nothing happened!).
Date: 2003-05-17
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Stayed at Elmers again. Today I had the best pancake breakfast. I ended up eating like a pig. My Maildrop still did not com in. I'm going to wait until Monday.People at the hostel Snoil, Patience, Laughingbird, Timamu, Smurf, Mark, and Tony. Other hikers in town Boomhouser, Curly Dan, and Long Cut.Laughingbird and I ewnt to the Hot Spring Spa and split an hour rental. The water did not seem that warm at first but toward the end it was very hot.Super at Elmer's was great I struffed myself, then went to the Paddlers Pub to hear the band play "Rocky Top", but byt the time I got there the band was done (before 10 ?why). So I went back to Elmers to catch the end of "Half Baked" the video were a buch of hikers where watching.