morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Whitetop Mountain campsite

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

Today turned out to be one of my favorite days on the trail thus far. The weather was kind to us and ended up being sunny and warm but not hot. We made good time up Mount Rogers, which in my opinion was one of the easiest mountains we've had to climb. I put on my iPod and scampered up the mountain quickly. It was similar to an obstacle course with the mud and rocks, which made the ascent fun. At the top of the mountain I came out to a beautiful bald full of flowers and wild ponies. The shelter, Thomas Knob, was right on top and it was a great lunch spot. Restless and Indiana made it shortly after I started eating and we had a nice break. After lunch we had an amazing hike through Grayson Highlands State Park. The terrain was gentle and gorgeous and we spent some time hanging out with another pack of wild ponies. After lunch I ended up going the wrong way out of Fatman Squeeze, a rock tunnel on the trail, and doubled back toward the shelter, but it ended up being a blessing because I ran into Indiana and Restless so we walked through the park together and played with the ponies. We had a great time and took some great pictures so I was happy I hadn't walked through alone. I got a great video of one particularly spunky male pony trying to eat Indiana's cookies. We fed him some dried apples I had and he ate right from our hands. He also tried to eat Indiana's pack, which was hilarious. We then walked to the next shelter for a quick break, then set out for the final six miles to Old Orchard shelter. All of the rocks on the trail made my right shin ache by the end of the day, but all in all I felt pretty good after the near 18 mile day once we got settled. Indiana and I are camping in a nice field by the shelter and Restless is alone in the shelter, which she's a bit freaked out about, but right as she was deciding to come set up her tent with us, it started raining so she decided to just stay put. I'm dry in my tent and the rain sounds nice. I hope it stops before morning because one of my least favorite things to do out here is break down camp in the rain, but I'm grateful it held off for the day so we could enjoy today's hike. The plan is to hike another 18 miles tomorrow. We still haven't run into Sideways; it looks like he did a pretty big day yesterday and is about half a day ahead of us now, though he didn't sign the register at this shelter so we don't know where he was heading tonight. He did mention in a register at the last shelter that he was accosted by a cow this morning, so I'll be interested to hear that story when we see him again. We haven't seen any cows though so I'm wondering if he knows the difference between a cow and a pony.
Date: 2010-05-25
From: Trimpi shelter

To: Atkins
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained all night last night so I was extremely happy with our decision to stay in the shelter. I woke up fairly early and set out on my own. I felt great and the first 10 miles to the Partnership shelter went quickly. I got there by lunch and waited for the rest of the group so we could order food. While I was waiting I decided that I'd try to convince everyone to hike all the way to Atkins that afternoon so we could get a shower and sleep in a bed. Everyone agreed to the plan so after we ate, we packed up and got geared up to go. As I was walking through the parking lot at the visitor's center, here comes Sideways and Wingin It. They'd resupplied in town and were going to go back to the shelter, but Sideways agreed to hike into town with us, so he's back with the group for now. The profile in the companion made the last stretch look pretty easy, which is why we decided to hike all the way to Atkins in the first place, but it was a bit more challenging than we were expecting. But we made it and when we got there, Crazy Train was waiting for us. So we're all here at the Relax Inn, which is a disgusting, overpriced motel. I would not recommend it, but luckily for them, it's the only place to stay here. We're going to hike out tomorrow but I'm not sure how far we'll get.
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Atkins

To: Davis Path campsite
Miles today: 2.7
Weather: broken clouds

We could not get out of town today. The hotel owner hated us a bit I believe, with fairly good reason. We clogged a toilet, locked ourselves out of one of the rooms, pushed our check out time back twice and then once we were supposed to be out for good, we just moved all of our packs to Ripple's room and hung out on the sidewalk. He finally told us we had to get out of there, which we were more than happy to do, but the problem was that Sideways left his shoes in Crazy Train's car and he'd driven back to Blacksburg. So we waited in the crappy motel all day for him to be able to bring them back. Most of us finally hiked out around 7 pm and just made it to the first campsite. At least we got out of town though! I'm glad to be back on the trail though- I feel cleaner out here than I did in that motel.
Date: 2010-05-27
From: Davis Path campsite

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

I think I messed up today. Apparently I didn't learn a lesson last time I felt so good that I pushed too hard and hurt myself because I just turned right around and did it again today. We heard there was supposed to be trail magic at a pavillion eight miles away (which turned out to be nine...) and because I was first out on the trail this morning, I rushed to get there in time to try to make sure everyone in the group would get food. A church group was set up at a pavillion cooking food and I let them know a bunch of our group were on their way, so they were nice enough to stay later than planned to make sure there was food for everyone. I ended up staying there for an inordinate amount of time, just relaxing and hanging out. Low Rider is back on the trail for his final stretch before he has to go back to work, so I spent some time with him, the Goodfellas, Indiana, Restless and Sideways. Right when I was getting ready to pack up and head out to the shelter, it started pouring and hailing, which delayed my departure. I waited out the storm and then Low Rider, Sideways and I headed to the shelter while everyone else decided to stay at the pavillion for the night, despite the numerous signs there that announced that camping there was prohibited. On my way to the shelter, my ankle and shin started bothering me, but I made it and I'm really hoping it's better in the morning.
Date: 2010-05-28
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

Today was the worst day I've had on the trail thus far. I woke up during the night several times due to the pain in my shin and ankle and had a hard time walking once I got out of my tent. I debated going back to the pavillion to see if someone from the church group could take me to a doctor, but I figured I'd save the time and money as I already know what they'd say- rest, ice, compression, elevation. I started hiking to see if it would get better but it didn't and it took me forever to go three miles. I made it down to Lick Creek and stopped and I was just feeling really low. I was hurt and mentally I was struggling with feelings of loneliness and wondering how I wanted the rest of my hike to go. The rest of the group made it down to the creek and rumblings of thunder in the distance and looming dark clouds inspired Low Rider and Wingin It to set up their tarps so we could all wait out the storm and stay dry, which we did. It rained just a little and once it looked nearly finished, I set out to climb the mountain up to the shelter. I was in a bad head space, which I knew would happen at some point out here, so I just wanted to hike, get to the shelter and wake up to a mew day. The shelter ended up being fully enclosed and had a beautiful view so I tried to enjoy the rest of the evening. I shared a spot next to Ripple and went to sleep hoping tomorrow would be better.
Date: 2010-05-29
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: VA615
Miles today: 14.8

I struggled today. My ankle/shin pain has not gotten any better and I was wondering how I was going to go a few more days before taking a day off in Pearisburg, which has been our plan. I hiked as best as I could today and loaded up on Aleve, but I was not happy hiking today. Restless is having foot pain and Aqua Man is also experiencing ankle pain, so at lunch we all just layed in the shelter, wondering how we were going to make it the rest of the day, not to mention the three days left to town. Enter Crazy Train yet again. A section hiker mentioned that he was waiting down at the road for us, so we mustered the energy to make it down there to see what his plan was. I met up with him as he was walking up to meet Restless and he said he was taking all of us to Blacksburg for the weekend. While I really wanted to try to make it to Pearisburg before taking a day off, my body was screaming at me to take this opportunity to rest and try to get better. So I decided to roll with it and go. So me, Restless, Aqua Man, Featherweight, Ball Hawk, Indiana, and Sideways all piled into Crazy Train's car, strapped our packs on top and headed to Blacksburg. I have no idea what I'm getting myself into, but it will no doubt be an adventure.
Date: 2010-05-30
From: VA615

To: Blacksburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0

We spent the day in Blacksburg. It's been interesting here, albeit not very restful. We're in one of Crazy Train's friend's houses, and it's an odd scene here. We're getting back on the trail tomorrow, though I don't know that we'll get to hike because Crazy Train won't be able to take us back until late.
Date: 2010-05-31
From: Blacksburg, VA

To: Laurel Creek Campsite
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We made it back to the trail today but we didn't get back until 9 pm so we were unable to hike. I'm extremely happy to be back on the trail but I'm afraid I may need some additional off days to recover from these past two days. My leg is still bothering me and I fear I'll need to take some time off in Pearisburg to fully heal. We're all camped by the creek tonight and I'm excited about getting some good sleep. I love falling asleep to the sound of water; I'm looking forward to being back in my tent with the sound of the creek to lull me to sleep.
Date: 2010-06-01
From: Laurel Creek Campsite

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke from a long night's sleep feeling sick this morning. I don't know if it was just a repercussion of this past weekend or what, but I was dragging and hiking slowly. Luckily the terrain was extremely easy and once I hiked a few miles I started feeling better. We stopped at Helveys Mill shelter for lunch and I offered to make the ridiclously long trip to the water source for a few of us, which ended fairly disasterously. When I finally got to the source I stood at the top of the embankment down to the creek trying to figure out how I was going to get down there, as it was quite steep and muddy, without falling. I figured it out soon enough as I took one step, lost my balance and slid about 15 to 20 feet right down to the water. Squatch got to witness this, making it my first fall with an audience. I'm sure it was quite entertaining. Unfortunately I fell right on my hurt ankle and the pain worsened significantly as I hiked for the rest of the afternoon. I'm glad we hiked some decent miles today but I don't know that my leg will be able to get better if I continue big days like this. We had a nice surprise when we got to the shelter tonight however; Ripple and Low Rider took a little time off in Bland and took it easy while we were off the trail so they're here tonight. I thought they'd be at least a day ahead of us so that was a nice reunion. On the other hand, we lost Restless today. We're figuring she got off in Bland because her foot was bothering her but we have no way of knowing until we can contact her when we get to Pearisburg. I hope she's okay. I also hope I can walk tomorrow.
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Dismal Creek Falls
Miles today: 8.4

I woke up this morning and my leg was killing me. It wakes me up at night it's so bad. Every time I move it I can feel it in my sleep. This is not good when all you do all day is walk. Sideways let me borrow his ace bandage and taught me how the nurse at trail days showed him how to wrap it and I'm downing aleve in hopes that I can make it to Pearisburg and take some time off to properly rest it. I don't like taking so much time off but I have to listen to my body. Not taking care of yourself out here and pushing yourself too hard can end your hike so though we may end up taking longer to complete the trail than some, I want to actually finish, so I have to do what I need to do to keep myself on the trail. With this in mind, when I ran into Sideways and Low Rider taking a break at the top of a hill and they suggested hiking a shorter day than planned and spending the afternoon and night at dismal falls, I was game. Low Rider has to get off of the trail in Pearisburg to go back to work and one of the things he wanted to do before he left was find a nice spot by the water and spend some time swimming and relaxing, so it worked out perfectly that we would pass the falls today. I limped to the falls with Ripple while Sideways and Low Rider hiked a half mile off of the trail to grab drinks and food to grill. Once we got to the falls the day turned into one of my favorites. We swam in the falls, which were freezing but felt great on my leg, made a great fire and spent the night talking and grilling food. Sideways, Ripple and I are all tenting right on the rocks beside the falls. The sound is amazing; I'm really looking forward to being able to fall asleep listening to the water again. Aqua Man also stayed with us tonight but everyone else hiked on. We'll all meet up in Pearisburg, where I'm also hoping to catch Peach and Bam Bam.
Date: 2010-06-04
From: Doc Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: broken clouds

We were pretty sure we heard a bear last night close to the shelter but there were no issues luckily. We got a relatively early start (for us) and headed toward town. The terrain was fairly easy and we made decent time. Low Rider and I hiked together most of the way, especially as we started the descent to Pearisburg. Once we got into town we went and had lunch at a Mexican place. We hadn't showered yet so we asked to be seated away from other customers for the good of their business. I texted Peach to see if they were still in town and a few minutes later she walked into the restaurant. It was great to finally catch them and by a stroke of luck, they'd gotten a complimentary night at the Holiday Motor Lodge across the street and were staying another day though they'd planned originally to hike out today. We walked over to the hotel and met up with Bam Bam and a ton of other hikers that were also staying at the hotel. The place looked a little rough around the edges at first impression but it had charm and it was fun to have so many hikers in one place. I got a room, took two showers and hung out with Low Rider, Peach and Bam Bam. Later in the afternoon Ripple, the Goodfellas and Sideways all showed up so we're all here. Tomorrow is Ripple's birthday and it's Low Rider's last couple of days with us so we're all staying tomorrow as well.
Date: 2010-06-05
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Today was a great off day. We celebrated Ripple's birthday all day today, starting with breakfast in the morning. The rest of the day was spent relaxing at the hotel. I didn't do any town chores today and it felt great. I got Ripple a few of her favorite trail food items and a birthday cake and Food Network and Sweet Tea worked together to make her dinner. Peach, Bam Bam, Sideways and I spent way too much money on a really nice dinner at a place called the Bank, but it was probably the nicest dinner I'll have for six months and certainly one of the best bottles of wine I've ever had. We planned on hiking out tomorrow but I may need one more day to heal my leg and we want to spend as much time as possible with Low Rider before he has to leave, so it looks like some of us may end up staying one more day. I promise I'll still make it to Maine.
Date: 2010-06-06
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Obviously we did in fact stay another day. I got up early and Sideways and I did laundry and finally got around to finishing our other town chores. Aqua Man has hurt his ankle and is now also sick, so he's going back home for a week to get better. Featherweight (also known as Boston George) is getting off of the trail, so Ball Hawk is the only Goodfella left for a bit. He hiked out today, as well as Peach and Bam Bam, so it's just me, Sideways, Ripple, Low Rider, and Wingin It left at the hotel. Though it was fun to have so many hikers here, it's been nice to have a quiet day today now that everyone is gone. Tomorrow I get back to what I haven't been doing; hiking. My leg feels a lot better and I'm going to be smart from now on and try to take care of it. It has to help get me to Maine.
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: campsite after Rice Field
Miles today: 8.4

We had to say goodbye to Low Rider today, which was extremely sad. It won't be the same without him. He was getting picked up by a shuttle in the afternoon so we went out for breakfast and hung out at the hotel until he left. I got packed up and set out on my own out of town and in usual fashion (Low Rider has threatened to change my trail name to Wrong Way), I missed the turn off to the trail and hiked an extra mile down the interstate. When I realized what I'd done I started walking back and ran into Sideways, Ripple and Wingin It and they showed me the right way to the trail. We hiked just eightish miles to a campsite and we're staying put for the night, with plans to hike a 20 mile day tomorrow.
Date: 2010-06-08
From: campsite after Rice Field

To: campsite after Bailey Gap
Miles today: 19.9

My first 20 mile day in a while! It felt good to hike big miles today. I started the day feeling great and made good time to Pine Swamp Branch shelter for lunch, which was 11 miles into the day. The rest of the group came in a little later and Ripple and Wingin It were both feeling sick, so they decided not to hike the full 20 today as planned. Sideways and I were still feeing good so we pushed on to stick with the plan. Things were going well until I got to a section of the trail that was what seemed like an endless sea of ankle breaking rock field. It was really tough on my ankle and though my body had been feeling good since leaving Pearisburg, my shin and ankle started aching again. I finally finished that terrible section and took a break by a road that was just about a mile and a half to the campsite we were shooting for and Sideways caught up to me. I took some Aleve, tightened my ace bandage, loosened my boot and felt a little better. We hiked the final stretch and made it to the campsite right before dark. I threw the bear bag while Sideways made a fire and it's going to be bedtime very soon. The plan is to hike 16 miles tomorrow and continue a decent mileage streak.
Date: 2010-06-09
From: campsite after Bailey Gap

To: Sarver Hollow shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

I built my very first fire this morning! I woke up first and decided to give it a try and I did it! I've never built one on my own before; hence my excitement. I had very little motivation to hike today. I've always heard that Virginia is a mentally difficult state and I am starting to understand why. Many call the Virginia section of the trail the "green tunnel," which I'm finding to be appropriate. You spend most of your time hiking through basic woods and even when you climb mountains, you're rarely awarded a decent view, so the climb feels pointless. We had several ups and downs like this today and I was just not into it. My body feels good but my mind is not quite present. It started raining on our way up the mountain so though the plan was to eat lunch at the top, we decided to hike a couple more miles down the mountain to the shelter to get out of the rain. The descent was brutal; extremely steep and rocky, which did not improve my motivation issues. We debated just staying at the shelter for the rest of the day but the weather cleared and we decided to keep going as planned. I left the shelter first but stopped to wait for Sideways a little way down the trail because right off the trail is the house from the Blair Witch Project. We explored the house, which was super creepy but so much fun. We took a ton of pictures and played for a while before setting back out. We hiked together for most of the afternoon and just when we were cursing Virginia for being a green tunnel, we came out into a field and got to hike through pastures for awhile, which was a nice break from the monotony of the woods. After also spending some time taking pictures of the Keffer Oak, which is a 300 year old 18 plus foot white oak tree, we hiked the last stretch to the shelter. The hike down to Sarver Hollow shelter was a half mile off of the trail and is ridiculously steep, so by the time we got there we were beat and it was getting dark. We are staying in the shelter with several other people and it smells really bad in here. Plans for another 20 mile day tomorrow.
Date: 2010-06-11
From: VA624

To: campsite after Catawba Mountain shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: clear sky

Sideways and I took an eating tour of Virginia today with just a bit of hiking tossed in. After our crazy day yesterday, we decided to give ourselves a bit of a break and have a shorter day. First thing in the morning we walked down to the store and ate breakfast. We ended up staying there for hours just sitting at a picnic table behind the store, drinking, eating and talking to other hikers that stopped by. We finally got motivated enough to hike the six miles to VA311 where we decided to again get off of the trail and eat at a restaurant called the Homeplace. That six miles was hellacious, however, due to the heat, rocks and string of pointless ups and downs. I was not very motivated today and I was already ready for another long break after the six mile stretch. Sideways and I walked down to Catawba and ate at the Homeplace, which is an excellent all-you-can-eat southern food restaurant. I felt a bit bad for how nasty we were, but they're used to hikers. When we got ready to pay our tab, the waitress told us someone that wanted to remain anonymous wanted to help pay our bill and she handed us a $20 bill. Sideways and I were so surprised and touched that someone would do that for us- it was great trail magic. After eating we laid on the lawn for a long time, digesting and trying to get ready to hike again. We hitched a ride back to the trail and hiked just a couple miles to a campsite. When we got here GORP alerted us that he'd already chased a bear off three times. I sincerely hope we don't have a bear incident tonight; I can't handle it.