morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-31
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter 1,700

To: Waynesboro VA 1,900
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Daylight can be deceiving. I woke up after a decent night's sleep thanks to Walksoft's down vest over me and thought the skies were clear. I was on the trail at 7:20 and 20 minutes later I heard thunder and felt rain. I could not believe it. I only had 5 miles and I was headed for town, so I didn't care.When I arrived at Rockfish Gap, a really nice woman at the visitor's center called a shuttle for me. There are a lot of people around Waynesboro who put their name on a list to run shuttles. I never got the man's name but he brought Walksoft, Peacehound, and me to town, gave us a tour, then took me to the post office and the hotel. So nice! I showered, did laundry, and ran into Grizzly at the A&W. Later, I went to the library to check email and trailjournals, then Grizzly, Lemming, and I went to eat at Weasie's. I had a BBQ pork sandwich, baked potato, and a salad. Then, we went across the street and I got a banana shake. It was all good but that BBQ pork sandwich was the best I ever had. I think that was my best meal on the trail so far. I will dream about that sandwich.I needed this day in town. I am looking forward to my zero tomorrow. Then I am ready to tackle the Shenandoah's. Talking to Lemming really helped put things in perspective. I was all set to push through the Shenandoah's and mark that section completed. Now I say, "Why push it?" and I'm going to do what I feel. I am looking forward to this next section and my mental status is improving. Easy to say while I'm in a warm, dry hotel room, clean and pleasantly full watching CMT.Gotta buy some pants tomorrow. Lemming remembered me today as the girl he met at a shelter wearing no pants. My shorts got soaked walking in the rain earlier this week, and so did the undies. So I was at camp wearing my wet undies and long johns trying to dry them. My shirt covered me for the most part, but it was still noticeable that I had no pants. I'm getting some tomorrow just to wear at camp.So far, I am in the hotel by myself. Clover and Snort may show up later. I may move to the campground at the YMCA tomorrow. It's free, but we'll see what the weather does. There are a lot of hikers in town today and there is a nice atmosphere here in Waynesboro. The people at Weasie's and at the Quality Inn are great. I am headed to Kroger to shop while I'm full. Goodnight Oscar.
Date: 2003-06-01
From: Waynesboro VA 1,900

To: Waynesboro VA 1,900
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a great zero day. I had the hotel room all to myself, which was nice, but expensive. I woke up around 7:00, had a continental breakfast and went to Kroger for groceries. I saw Lemming and Grizzly on my way back. Grizzly was leaving town and Lemming said he would share the room with me tonight. The day turned out to be good weather, even though it was a little chilly and windy. Lemming and I walked to K-Mart which was about two miles away (we didn't know that when we started) and then we went to a Chinese Buffet. It was excellent and I ate more than I ever have at a buffet. I had dumplings, sweet bread, chicken on a stick, onion rings, two eggrolls, fried crap sticks, honey chicken, salmon, ribs, bananas, jello, and watermelon. I was miserable. As we were leavning the buffet, we saw Undetermined and Sumac. I was so glad to see them again. We met them later for dinner at this burger place. It was terrible. Weasie's wasn't open or we would have gone there for more BBQ pork. I got all my stuff done today, called my sister and found out my dog's surgery went well but he has to wear a lampshade so he will leave his stitches alone. Too funny! She is sending pictures and I can't wait to see him in his lampshade. I slept like a baby in this hotel bed. I don't think I have experienced a more comfortable bed in a hotel. There is also a massaging shower head. Excellent.Good day today, lots to eat, enjoyed Waynesboro.Goodnight Oscar.
Date: 2003-06-02
From: Waynesboro VA 1,900

To: Blackrock Hut 2,645
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

I woke up late today at 7:30. Man, it was hard to get out of that bed! Then I took another shower, my third in three days. Hard to get out of the shower, too. Lemming and I went to the post office, then got a shuttle back to the trailhead. Waynesboro has a list of older folks who you can call for shuttles. They are awesome! This is a very hiker friendly town in every way.Lemming and I hiked together all day. He is very fast, so he followed me. We started with Nimble and Nick too, but Nimble went on ahead to meet his parents and Nick stayed behind at the first shelter, we believe. We talked almost all day about music, our motivation for doing this, trail experiences, etc. Made the time go by very quickly. The terrain was super easy and the trail is well maintained because we are in the Shenandoah National Park now. We got to the shelter around 7:00 to see 50 and Do It, All Right Burrito, and a 19 year old named Rufus from England who is section hiking. His accent is great and he is very interesting to talk to. He said he started three days ago and had learned a lot from thru hikers. All Right Burrito used to work for Americorp, like Dunkey did. Also a very interesting, adventurous young man. He has gone through wilderness survival training and volunteered to become hypothermic so others could work on him. He is nuts I told him. He also hiked 41 miles to get to Damascus, VA. Again, he is nuts. Very likeable, though. I was glad to see Do It and 50 from Quebec. I enjoy talking to them.Today's hike was so great. Not a cloud in the sky and I didn't have to put long sleeves on once. It was probably in the low 70's. Everyone is asleep but me. I think I should be. My light is attracting bugs. Lemming loaned me his jacket to put over my sleeping bag. He also hung my bear bag for me. Thanks Lemming.Goodnight Oscar.
Date: 2003-06-04
From: Pinefield Hut 2,430

To: Bearfence Mtn. Hut 3,210
Miles today: 22.3

The alarm went off at six this morning. I waited 30 minutes and finaly got up because almost everyone else was up. I didn't get cold last night, thanks to rainpants and a hot water Nalgene Lemming loaned me. I still didn't sleep that well, though.It rained all night but this morning it stopped and we only got a couple of light sprinkles this afternoon. Today's temps were in the 60's.I hiked with Lemming all day again. It is weird to have a hiking partner with me all day. We didn't talk much today. I was in a bad mood and just wanted to do the miles. This weather is getting to me. Tomorrow is supposed to be better. Lemming tolerated my bad mood but .7 miles before the shelter, we went to the camp store at one of the campgrounds and I got two Pepsis, apple juice, chips, and a banana moon pie. Only the sodas made it to camp. I had one at dinner, one for tomorrow.At camp tonight we have the company of two deer. They are somewhat tame, which is not good. I am in the shelter with 50 and Do It, Amble, Lemming, SWIFT who is back on the trail after being off 9 days, Ultreya, Honeybee and Beekeeper. Ultreya is trying out a new hammock tonight. He was not happy with his tent. Hope it doesn't get too cold tonight. I am tired and in a funk. I don't feel like writing. Tomorrow, Lemming and I are doing 11.5 and are going to hang out at Big Meadows Lodge and eat and goof off. I'm ready for a goof off day.Goodnight Oscar.
Date: 2003-06-05
From: Bearfence Mtn. Hut 3,210

To: Rock Spring Hut 3,460
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

With such a short day, waking up did not seem like a priority, so I laid in my bag for what seemed like a long time after everyone else got up. Then I got up and packed and was halfway ready to leave, then looked at my watch and it said 7:00. I took my time and was on the trail with Lemming by 8:00. We had sunny skies and temps in the 60's. I was a happy hiker today!We hiked about 8 miles to the Big Meadows Lodge and found out their dining room was closed! But this nice man and his wife said they would take us a mile down the road to another restaurant. His name was Happy Pappy and he is a section hiker. More trail magic!Lemming and I ate lunch with Amble, Ultreya, Do It and 50. I had a BBQ pork sandwich (not as good as Weasie's), potato soup, Mt. Dew, and a blackberry milkshake. It was all good! We walked on a paved trail for less than a mile back to the lodge and everyone left for the shelter except Lemming and me. I tried to call my uncle and sister to change meeting times but had to leave messages. I will try again tomorrow. Then I read for a while and fell asleep on the couch in the lodge. I decided when I woke up maybe it was time to hike the last 3.5 miles, so we left.At the shelter, I am with Bear Bait, Amble, Mountain Momma and OLOF who are section hiking and will finish the entire trail in 5 days. Ultreya, Honeybee and Beekeeper are tenting. Lemming hiked on a bit and is taking a side trail to Hawksbill. It is the highest peak in the park at 3,600 feet. He is camping by himself to watch the sunset and sunrise. I wish I was that adventurous. I feel like such a city girl sleeping here in the shelter doing the same thing I have been doing for 900 miles, but I simply don't have the mental or physical energy to hike up there. It is as if I have a destination each day and when I make it there, I am done. I feel old sometimes out here and not at all like the energetic, spontaneous person I used to be. Then I think I must be somewhat energetic and spontaneous just to be out here.On to Skyland for breakfast in the morning. Another short day tomorrow at 15 miles, so a stop for breakfast is in order. I brought way too much food on this leg of the journey but my cheese tortollini hit the spot tonight. So did the candy bar, the spiced cider, and the cookies and kool-aid. Ultreya told me about a trail in Spain and France where you stay at hostels every night and they cook for you. Sparked my interest. More about this later after I do some research...Goodnight Oscar.
Date: 2003-06-06
From: Rock Spring Hut 3,465

To: Pass Mtn. Hut 2,690
Miles today: 15.3

Another sunny day! Yippee! I was so excited. Temps were in the 70's and we had a great hiking day. I hiked about 5 miles and met Amble and Lemming at Skyland for breakfast. I had a three egg omlet with cheese, tomatoes, and mushrooms, hash browns, English muffin, and two Pepsis. Then we hiked about 9 more miles to Panorama where they have a gift shop with sodas, chips, candy, etc. I had chips and a soda and some milk chocolate fudge. It was all good! We had some great views today of the Shenandoah valley. Also passed Mary's Rock which was pretty huge and had pink lichen growing on it. Our highest peak today was The Pinnacle at 3,730. Not too challenging, but my ankle is hurting. I don't know what I've done to it, but I am hoping a few days rest at my uncle's house will fix it. I am in a full shelter tonight! Haven't been in a full shelter in a long time but I guess much rain is predicted tonight. I am with Undetermined and Sumac, Ultreya, Pillow, Booble, Jug, Joe, and two southbound section hikers. There are other people here but I don't know them. I am definitely wearing earplugs but some of these guys have already started farting. Nothing I can do about that. I should have set up my ten, but packing it up wet does not appeal to me.I called my uncle and he is picking me up at Front Royal on Sunday. I am so ready for a rest.Goodnight Oscar.
Date: 2003-06-07
From: Pass Mtn. Hut 2,690

To: Gravel Spring Hut 2,480
Miles today: 13.1

I slept great last night! The shelter was full so I used my earplugs for the second time. Didn't hear a thing! I will be using them again tonight even though there are only a few of us here. A mouse did run over my head onc, but I went right back to sleep after that. I even stayed warm last night.It rained today. Imagine that. But the temps were warmer, in the low 70's maybe, so it wasn't too bad. Only doing 13 miles helped me stay positive, too. I slept in a bit but still got on the trail at 8:15. Lemming and I hiked 7.5 miles to the Elkwallow Wayside. Ran into Booble on the way there and convinced him to join us instead of doing big miles today.At Elkwallow, I ate chicken fingers, fries, Mt. Dew, and a coke and fudge for dessert and a cappucino. We stayed for three hours sitting on a display case talking to the staff and customers. Jesse was especially funny and she gave us generous free samples of fudge. While we were there, Booble showed us the poison ivy on his arm and asked if mine looked like that. Mine didn't. He had huge blisters and I told him he should pop them and put bleach or alchohol on it. So one of the employees got a needle, alchohol, and some bleach. Jesse was particularly mortified and started calling Booble, Bubble. He popped the blisters and treated them, then found more on his other arm! He'll live, though. We were all giving Booble a hard time because he hasn't showered in 14 days. He was a little ripe.The staff at this park has been so great to us as thru hikers. The park is beautiful and has the cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen in a public restroom. They have the coolest paper towel dispensers. You wave your hand in front of them and a red light comes on and it gives you a paper towel and you don't ever touch the machine! Ahhh, the wonders of federal money.We finally got motivated to leave and did the last 5.5 miles to the shelter with no rain but we walked in a fog. No views today. I have not seen a bear but lots of other people have. Amble said he saw a huge one today. I have seen no less than 10 deer a day, most of which just stand and look at us as we walk by. Saw three bucks today traveling together, all with good size antlers. I also saw a red salamander after I almost stepped on him. I've seen rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, the usual, but no bears.I am in the shelter with Ultreya, Amble, Booble, Lemming, and three other weekenders. We are camping in a fog so far, but I am hoping for another warm night. I am looking forward to another 13 miler tomorrow and meeting my uncle. I am staying with him through Thursday, slackpacking a couple of days so I hope I can catch up with Undetermined and Sumac after Harper's Ferry. Yesterday was Sumac's birthday and Lemming bought a bottle of blackberry wine for camp last night. It was pretty good. I gave her some skittles for her birthday. I have some planning to do and some Burt's Bees Hand Salve to rub on my feet. Thanks Shev!Goodnight Oscar.
Date: 2003-06-08
From: Gravel Springs Hut 2,480

To: Uncle Kelly's House
Miles today: 13.1

I didn't sleep that great last night but I was warm. It was about 60 degrees when I got up and it was sunny. I was glad I wouldn't be rained on for my last 13 miles before getting to my uncle's house. I walked with Lemming and Booble for the first 8 miles or so, then they left on a side trail to go to the Terrapin Station Hostel which I have not seen but it got great reviews in the shelter register.I hiked the last 5 miles to HWY522 without seeing a bear. I was a bit early to meet my uncle so I sat down and ate everything in my food bag except the powdered milk and some peanut butter. He picked me up around 4:00 and I was so glad to see him! At his house, I got settled in, left my shoes outside, and we had dinner. My aunt Elizabeth made roast beef and gravy, rice, dill carrots, green beans and for dessert we had ice cream with strawberries and blueberries. It was all good!We talked for a while and I went to bed in a real bed with cotton sheets and I slept like the dead! I also took a really long shower before I went to bed so that probably helped. I am glad to be here.My sister is coming tomorrow. She's bringing pictures and a video of my dog after his surgery while he's wearing his lampshade. Can't wait.Goodnight Oscar.
Date: 2003-06-09
From: VA605 gravel road 1,100

To: Manassas Gap VA55 800
Miles today: 19.6

I slackpacked southbound today. My uncle and aunt had to work, so thir friends Duke and Lois Eagerly dropped me off at VA605. Duke recently retired from being president of a bank. They knew the area and we had no trouble finding the trailhead. Lois is an artist and told me she has sketched Ashby Gap before for her son. The view of Ashby Gap is wonderful from the road but not as good when I was actually on the trail. They were wonderful people and I appreciate them taking time to drive me to the trailhead.I headed south and since I was slackpacking I could move pretty fast. I thought since I was southbound I would see a lot of people and I was right. First I saw Do It and 50, then I took a break at the shelter with The Little Mermaid. I still had a long way to go so I was trying to go fast, and ran into Librarian and Grizzly. Then I saw Undetermined and Sumac and we talked way too long. I also saw SWIFT, Ultreya, and Amble. There were several people on the trail I had never met before, either. After talking to all these people, I was running late. I met my uncle on the trail. He walked a bit to see if he could find me. I had a great hike today, the weather was perfect. Sunny and close to 80 I guess.When we got back home, dinner was ready. We had roasted chicken, broccoli, corn, baked potatoes, cottage cheese and pinapple salad, and mango cake for dessert. I took a shower for the second day in a row, and my sister arrived from Ohio. She ate dinner and we talked for a while, arranged a slackpack for tomorrow, and went to bed. Weather should be good tomorrow.Goodnight Oscar
Date: 2003-06-10
From: Manassas Gap VA50 800

To: Chester Gap US522 950
Miles today: 8.2

My sister and I left the house around 10:00 for a short slackpack today. I packed lunch so we had way too much food. We hiked the 8 miles between Linden and Front Royal. We took this picture at the trailhead near Linden and then we took off. We met a group of school kids on the way to the shelter. They were going to an organic farm nearby. Then we took a break at the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter. This is a super nice shelter and even has a couch of sorts made of wood on the deck. After our break, we only had 5 miles left so we took our time. Saw Booble on the way. He was northbound after a zero day at the hostel. We gave him some chocolate chip cookies and brownies which he ate while he walked. We also saw Snack Machine and his girlfriend who is visiting. At the trailhead, we saw Dirty Harry who had taken a 7 day break to go to his daughter's graduation. When we got to 522, Tunnel Vision, his brother Bull, Peaches and Josh (Teflon), and Harmon were there waiting for Tunnel Vision's uncle to pick them up. We had a good hike, very easy but lots of mud. We were pretty clean though. Found several ticks today, though, but none were attached.Came back to my uncle's house and showered a third day in a row, and got ready for dinner. My cousin and her husband came over. Her husband Brian made lasagne which was fabulous. The leftovers are my lunch today! My cousin Ellen bought a Tiramisu at a church auction and that was dessert. I ate two servings of salad, lasagne, and dessert and two sodas. Yum!We stayed up until almost midnight after my cousin left. That is about 3 hours past my bedtime these days! No hiking the next two days. My feet and ankles will thank me. They need a rest. I plan to do a lot of nothing except update my journal and read some other journals and eat!Goodnight Oscar.
Date: 2003-06-11
From: Marshall, VA 

To: Uncle's house
Miles today: 0.0

Today was great. Zero day. Much needed rest and lots of food! My uncle and aunt had to work, so my sister and I were at his house all day relaxing and catching up on my journal, reading other journals, resting my feet and knees, and eating. I spent the morning working on my journal and emailed it to me friend, then I checked email and ate more lasagne from last night for lunch today. I did a few "trail" related chores then I watched TV until my uncle came home around 5:00.When Uncle Kelly got home, we went to a cookout at his friend's house. They had ribs, burgers, hotdogs, potato salad, chips and dip, fresh fruit and veggies, and baked beans. I ate the biggest hamburger I have ever seen with potato salad, fruit, baked beans, chips and dip, and after dinner we had lime sherbert with vanilla ice cream and strawberries. I was full when I left and it was all good! After we got back to my uncle's house we looked at my cousin's wedding pictures and I ate almost a whole box of Pepperidge Farms Spritzer cookies. Those are excellent. Never had them before. I talked to my cousin on the phone for a long time too. It was good to talk to him. I believe I have gained weight here, but not much. I'm sure I will work it off again soon.Went to bed around midnight again. Slept like a brick again. My legs are a little stiff, my ankle is still hurting but is beginning to feel better, and my feet are looking and feeling much better. I rub Bert's Bees Hand Salve on them every night and it works great! I have been using Ben Gay on my knees which have not bothered me at all until this point. I am icing my ankle but it is my biggest concern. It is not swollen, but I think I have pulled a tendon or ligament or some relatively important part. I hope a little TLC will help it get better. I have also taken a shower every day since Sunday and I wear deodorant every day! Old habits die hard.It is almost lunch time. Gotta go see what's to eat in the kitchen. There are lots of Spritzer cookies... Can man live on these alone? There are only two Mt. Dew's left. May go to IGA later for a Sunkist...Mary
Date: 2003-06-12
From: Uncle's house

To: Uncle Kelly's House
Miles today: 0.0

Didn't do much today except eat and rest. Tried to rest my ankle all day and recover. I was glad to be inside since there was a major thunderstorm this afternoon. Today was warm and humid which is fine with me. My aunt and uncle took my sister and me to eat at Tony's tonight. I had cheese tortallini, salad, bread, canoli, and a sprite. It was all good! Before dinner, we stopped in an antique shop and I bought a quilt. I'm not carrying it. My sister is taking it to her house. After dinner, we went home and talked until almost midnight, then it was time for bed. Nice relaxing day today. It will be hard to leave tomorrow.