morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-03
To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

May 3, Evening in Lost Mt ShelterTotal distance this evening is 475.6 miles. Just finished the best days so far. The last four days with son, John, were great. We left Damascus yesterday in a drizzling rain. We camped 6.5 miles north of town along the stream that runs beside the Virginia Creeper Trail. It was a beautiful site.Our hero of the day was hiker friend, Boo-boo. He happened along just in time to show us how to pitch John's tent. The tent was a loaner from the Roger Mountain Outfitter. We were in rain but still a great night. We slept like logs hearing the river waterfall roar and the rain. The rain stopped about 2:00 AM.We fooled around too much, fixing breakfast and partially drying out equipment. On the trail at 9:00 we had to meet John's shuttle at 1:00 PM. That means we had to cover about 8 miles in four hours. We made it! Arrived VA highway 859 only 15 minutes late. John left me his excess food so I am now set for at least five days.After saying bye to John I hiked only about two more miles, arriving here at about 2:20. I was first to stop at the shelter. There are now 10 people here.I was able to dry and organize all equipment and food. Also able to get dinner in a more peaceful and controlled manner than usual. The temperature in Damascus is predicted to be 33 degrees, probably colder here.Tomorrow I plan to go only to Thomas Knob Shelter - it's supposed to be a classic place and besides the elevation will be about 5400'. That means only a 12 mile day.For those who may be interested, look for an update that fill in the last few days. Have been battling the dilemma - to hike or write. I have been covering quite a few miles and not taking time to keep Journal up to date each day. I'll continue to catch up over the next couple days.
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

May 4 - Second Day After John's Visit, to Thomas Knob ShelterThis was another completely peaceful day. I was last to leave the Lost Mountain Shelter. Carrying lots of food, with all the extra from John. Did only 12.2 miles for total now of 487.8 and 43 days. Hiked all day in new Super Feet insoles that I purchased in Damascus. These things do not fit well at the edge closest to your heel. Developed hot spots on the heels of both feet.Thomas Knob is at the beginning of the Grayson Highlands. The deer came right up to the shelter.  I was able to get some great pictures.
Date: 2004-05-05
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

May 5 - To Old Orchard ShelterDid only 11.0 miles today. Left Thomas Knob Shelter at 9:00. At about 7:00 we saw deer come right up to the shelter. Got to make contact with wife, Mary Ann, last night by cell phone. All is well on the home front. Isn't technology wonderful.Was cold and looked like rain. Weather stayed good all day. Beautiful section. Saw the wild ponies in Grayson Highlands and passed thru Fatman squeeze. (natural rock tunnel). Over bald vistas of Stone Mountain (4800') and over Pine Mountain (5000').For lunch, I had tuna on pita bread and Uncle Joe's Moose Goo. Great! Planning a 14 mile day tomorrow. My food supply will last till I get to Atkins. (3 days).Developed blisters at heels due to new superfeet liners in shoes. Taped up this AM but continued with new liners. Switched back to original Nike liners tonight for tomorrow. I am staying out of the orthotics.Talked with friend, Soxs, today about thru hiking experience We concluded that it's good training for being a bum. When we get back home, we will know all the tricks of being homeless. It's a great life. Seriously, makes you appreciate your support person or persons. In my case I owe a lot to my friend, Wally Stewart for helping with this journal and giving Mary Ann assistance. Of course it would not be possible without Mary Ann.John, I miss having you up front, finding all the white blazes. Wish you could come back soon.Its late. Must get to bed. Almost 10:00.
Date: 2004-05-06
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: scattered clouds

May 6 - Great Day to Trimpi Shelter Without question this was the easiest 14 mile day I've had yet. Actually 14.1 miles. I passed the 500-mile mark today. My total miles so far is 512.9.Even felt I had time to take a side trip down a blue blaze to see Comers Creek Cascade. I stayed there for an hour and half eating a leisurely lunch and still made it to the shelter here by 5:45.This place is very green with a good spring about 150' in front of the shelter. A few minutes ago a deer came walking up to see us. They were out next to the cabin last night too.Writing this on Fri morning as I am planning to do only 10.6 miles to Partnership Shelter where there is a phone. Will email in journal entries from there. Hopefully I will also make contact by email with friend, Rolfe Johnson. Yesterday I met the local ATC Ridge Runner, David. Asked him about my friend David Hebert, who also works for the ATC. Turns out they are both staying nearby at Sugar Grove. Worked with D. Hebert for the last two years in the Mid-Atlantic area. Well, while having dinner last night, we looked up to see my friend, D. Hebert, walking into camp. What a surprise! He came out just to visit with me and bring some goodies, a Mr. Pibb and some Snickers. Great treat and honor for him to make the effort. Had a great visit.
Date: 2004-05-07
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

May 7 - To Partnership ShelterToday I finally did it. After over 500 miles I finally tried to drink denatured alcohol! This was not on purpose, mind you, but by accident. Mixed some Spark drink mix with a little less than a cup of water in my mixing tub. Only thing was that I somehow got hold of my fuel bottle. Like Clinton I did not inhale it so everything turned out OK. Spit it out immediately. Now I'm out of fuel. Will go to town tomorrow. This is the 6th day on the trail - maybe a record for me. Without question this is the greatest social evening of the whole trail experience. Many people have converged on this place and we all seem like old friends. It's like a reunion of sorts. For that matter every evening on the trail is a little reunion because people are drawn together. Usually you knowmost of the people - the players just change due to various delays or spurts of speed. All of us are doing comparable mileage. Lets see if I can call the role.There's Canada Goose, Chris and Ellie, Scholar, Sanquine, Sox, Jester, Switchback, Zippy, his sister, Poky, Wild Horse, Mad Libber, Bear Tracks, Iodine, Star Gazer, Fuzzy, Ranger Jim, Tom, and me, Tree Frog. I got some pictures of everyone. Its like a big party - just a really nice time.Today I decided that my feet just have to toughen-up. I will hike with all combinations of inserts. Hiked with Nike insoles and orthotics today. Will try socks and sandal tomorrow. This was first day I hiked without a shirt. Took long lunch again and soaked feet in cool stream for about 10 minutes to boot!We ordered Pizza and Coke (some ordered beer) because this shelter is adjacent to the Mount Rogers NRA Headquarters and a phone is available. Its a tradition for hikers to order Pizza from here. Also its special because the shelter has a shower and regular toilet facilities. I am sleeping in the loft with six other people.Tomorrow will go only 11.6 miles because I will need to go into town for supplies. May stay in a motel, sharing room with other hikers then head out with other hikers. Have also considered going to church, next day, depending on where I spend the night. Will just have to see what develops.
Date: 2004-05-08
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Adkins, VA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

May 8th - Another Day In ParadiseThings just seem to work out. Coming down into Adkins, VA was like a kids storybook atmosphere: The trees, the meadows, the flowers, the plumb thickets in bloom, the grassy bog, the log bridges, and finally the opening to the highway where you could see the Dairy Queen calling.This was all happening at about 5:00 PM. A few minutes later and at last I was attacking a large Chocolate Malt. What a dream - and with no guilt.Only 11.6 miles for the day and 535.1 total but needed to stop for re-supply. Got a room at the nearby Easy-Rest Motel with Jester and Danny. They left about mid morning and I packed up and went to Church. Tried to hitch a ride but no luck. Had planned to attend Marion Church of Christ as it is right on the highway. Walked about 1 1/2 miles to the Cedar Bluff Baptist Church. Got there about 11:00 so figured the Lord wanted me to be a Baptist today. Good worship service.Last night two carloads of hikers from the motel went into Marion to eat and re-supply. I rode with Crispy Critter and his wife, Trail Widow. We stocked up then ate Mexican food. It was great.   Its now about 1:06 PM and I am polishing off lunch at the Barn Restaurant... ham, peas & baby onions, creamed corn, sweet potatoes, gigantic salad from salad bar, turkey and dressing, banana pudding and German choc cake (only one helping of pudding and cake), plus all the sweet tea I could drink (only 3 glasses). I reckon that I'm ruined for life now; don't know how I'll ever get back to eating those sissy meals we used to do to control weight; worrying about fat and all that! Anyhow this is a very hiker friendly lunch. (Got ride up here from church) This location is right on the trail so I expect to be on my way in a little while.This afternoon I will pass the 537 mile mark and will have completed 25% of the trail. Planning to reach the North Fork of the Holston River at 545.9 miles - that will be only 10.8 miles for the day. (600 miles, here I come). I expect to pick up the pace again this week.
Date: 2004-05-09
From: Adkins, VA

To: Crawfish Valley-Reed Creek
Miles today: 6.2

Sunday and Monday, May 9 & 10Well, I fooled around loitering at the Dairy Queen, visiting with Chris and Ellie, and, of course, drinking another Dairy Queen Special - a medium Choc Silk French Swirl Blizzard. After the "all you can eat" Sunday dinner at the Barn Restaurant, I actually took time to make some calls and email messages. Got to talk to Mary Ann (my wife & mother of my children, wishing her a good Mother's day). All is well on the home front - got the Mom in Branson, Mo. just going to a musical show.Anyhow I was about to pop from town food but started out finally at about 4:30. It's easy to see why the early Virginians were so willing to fight for their land. Every turn seems to be from a fantasy land. Actually the Va country is strikingly different than previous trail country. There seems to be a greater variety of plants and trees. Dotted with shrub-type plants and streams, open meadows, I had no problem hiking once started. Seemed to be propelled by the sheer curiosity of what would be around the next corner, I hiked till the joint occurrence of sundown and an excellent camping spot, next to water. It was Crawfish Valley, Reed Creek. Did only 6.2 miles but actually completed a little passed the 25% point of the trail. Was feeling a little proud as I set up the tarp and heard thunder. I just thought, I "double-dog-dare-it" to rain, I won't get wet. It did not rain and I was up for a quick start on Monday.
Date: 2004-05-10
From: Crawfish Valley-Reed Creek

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: scattered clouds

To Chestnut Knob ShelterHiked mostly uphill on Monday, covering 16.7 miles and arriving at Chestnut Knob Shelter at about 8:20. Decided to camp outside shelter in my tarp on the grassy knob. Great experience. The wind was blustery all night but not too cold. Woke at about 6:30 this morning and took a series of pictures of the sun rise.Hiked most of the day in sandals but about an hour in Nikes with orthotics and about three hours with orthotics out. Orthotics kill my feet. Now have a big bruised place on my left foot arch. Starting Tuesday 5/11 with Super Feet insoles. May switch back to sandals about noon. Terrain seems to be mostly downhill or flat today.Still want to make entries for April 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, May 1, and May 2.Got to get moving now.
Date: 2004-05-11
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

May 11, Tuesday and All is Well on Day 50I have pictures to show the start of another perfect day. The sunrise over the Garden Valley is fantastic. Actually, the real test is simple for this simple life. You see my tarp has 12 stakes. When I account for all 12 stakes, its a perfect start to the day by definition. Today I counted 12 stakes once again.Journaling took up some time this AM. Did not choose to stay outside last night. Lots of wind but no rain. A combination of bruised feet from yesterday's experiment with orthotics and lots of rocks today limited progress to only 10 miles. Well, at least I'm now closer to 600 miles than 500. Total distance tonight is 568 miles. Tomorrow its back to the sandals. So far they are much more comfortable than any combination of shoe and insert. Can't get over the beauty of Virginia so far. Today it rained about 30 minutes but basically the weather is fine. Probably hit 83 degrees F today. May try to do a 20+ mile day tomorrow. Sharing the Jenkins Shelter tonight with Chris and Ellie, Home Boy, and Heat Miser. Was by myself for a while. So glad to have company. For the last couple days I have been able to start working on memorizing long passages of scripture. Reviewing Sermon on the Mount and working on Psalms and Proverbs. Having a ball. Just get a little homesick at night. Heck, I just have 1606.1 miles to Mt Katahdin! Then I'll have to worry about how to get home. Guess I could walk home like Forrest Gump.
Date: 2004-05-12
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: scattered clouds

May 12th - BILL VICK DAYHave been saving this day for a while thinking of my friend and trainer at the Pasadena YMCA. Bill is my trainer there and is the one who first suggested interval training with longer sessions to build the stamina needed for this trek. Well Bill "HERE'S TO YOU" on my longest day yet. Today I did 23.6 miles. Got to Jenny's Knob Shelter at 591.6 miles.You know, no matter how much you train there is one aspect that just seems to require real trail miles to develop. Thats the ability for your joints and ligaments to stand up to the constant use all day every day. Bill says you can build muscle faster than ligament strength and so you should be careful to not force too much weight too fast. Thats how injuries occur in the gym and I believe it's true for the trail too. Have been slowly gaining strength. Most notable, My knees can now stand the downhills much better than at first.   There is a way you can take a full long step on the downhill that seems to require girdle muscles and flexible knees more than normal hiking. Anyhow there is a way that you lean forward causing your speed to pick up. You just use your poles to keep control and avoid going too fast. Just cannot be done without strength in the knees. Then, of course there are the uphill climbs. I think that's where the YMCA gym work paid off the most. Thanks Bill.
Date: 2004-05-15
From: Pearisburg, Va - Rendevouz Inn

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

Out of Pearisburg Va and on to Rice Field Shelter Only 7.3 miles but World Class Invention May 15 Well here I sit after getting a hair cut and picking up supplies for the next 4 1/2 days. Dairy Queen is getting to be a tradition with me. So is the medium Chocolate French Silk Blizzard. Its now 2:15 PM and I'll be leaving town as soon as I finish these goodies. (Forgot to mention the double meat cheeseburger with bacon and order of french fries. This trail eating is terrible, but someone has to do it. I reckon all my hiker friends have left town to go back to Damascus Trail Days or north up the trail by now. This afternoon I will go only 7.3 miles then stop at 'Rice Field Shelter', (7.3 miles but a climb from 1620' to 3375' elevation).Had to go to a hardware store to get denatured alcohol...but I'm rigged to cook, big time. Got lots of stuff to eat. Seriously, am trying to eat as healthy as possible. Think I've been doing OK. Got some good food and trail advice from a buddy who shared a motel with me here in Pearisburg. His name is Toe-Break and he is a former thru-hiker who had to quit with injuries. He is a retired pharmacist and has been great company off and on over the past week or so. We shared a room with Home Boy. Home Boy is a former university history professor. Think he also ran a construction business. He's been retired about 5 years. Great people to share this adventure with.This thing is a surprise a minute. Had intended to save my french fries to eat later today. Just sat here and ate all of them. Must get going.Somehow those Dairy Queens seem to always impede my progress in getting out of town. Finally got away about 4:00PM. Crossed over the New River and just started climbing when the rain started. The rain continued and continued all evening.It was at a higher elevation during this trek that I finally perfected the soon to become famous "Tree-Frog-Umbrella- Hitch". After trying several versions, I finally discovered a simple and practical way to mount and hold my umbrella that keeps it in a good position, leaving both hands free to work with the hiking poles. I have a carabener on the right sholder strap of my pack on which I often hang my trail crew (baseball type) cap. Open side of the cap is normally against my chest. It's possible to turn the cap and place the butt of the Umbrella in it. You then loop the packs sternum strap around the Umbrella pole, wrapping it two times. Fasten the s strap and adjust tight and the mount is complete and stable. Much better than trying to hold it by extra strings, etc.Very difficult to find the shelter in driving rain. Folks there were very kind and made space for me. Got to sleep about 10:30.
Date: 2004-05-16
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: light rain

Record Broken on Sunday, May 16thNo its not speed or distance. Shortly after leaving the Rice Field Shelter, with one foot in W. Va. and one in Virginia I blew my nose with a handkerchief the same way most other people do. That's it. Since leaving Springer Mt, Ga. I have been so free of allergies that my nose actually has never been stuffed up at all. Maybe its pollen from something, just lowered resistance from too many DQ Blizzards or hiking too long in the rain. Anyhow I'm no longer Nose-blow free. Hiked the rest of the day without incident. Covered 16.2 miles to Bailey Gap Shelter. Total distance is 645.5 miles.
Date: 2004-05-17
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

May 17th, Bailey Gap to War Spur Shelter - Less is BetterOnly 8.8 miles today to 654.3 miles total.Beautiful beginning but humbling mistake today. I've learned that no matter how great you start or how solid the effort, you must stay on the right trail to get where you want. [There is probably a more profound message associated with this but you can make your own application.]Got off the trail after crossing VA 613 and finally had to admit my mistake a little over an hour later. Counting the U-Turn I l lost about 5 miles and about 2 hours. Ha! I was so sure that I was even considering complaining to the ATC that they should mark the trail better in this area! Can you imagine? Its like everyone being out of step except my little Johnny. Besides that it rained like the devil again this afternoon for about 3 1/2 hours.Well at least by the end of the day I am now closer to 700 miles than 600. Total distance is 654.3 miles.Less miles today allowed a much more civilized evening -- and a little more rest than normal. In fact I'm about to decide that 8 to 9 good hours of hiking is a good average to shoot for on a regular basis. This translates to about 16 to 20 miles and will normally allow me to set up camp no later than 7 PM. (I want to quit cooking and eating in the dark) Eight to nine hours should be good enough for any reasonable schedule.Now, did I ever tell you about the running conversation we have had over the last 3-4 days? Its about the reactions and feelings concerning the social aspect of hiking the AT. The high personal qualities of the 'average' hiker is quite a big surprise. This evening I had to stop short of my original goal because of wasted time today. But it was good and comfortable to see Huff & Puff and Strider again. Strider is 60 ands a retired Air Force pilot and currently works as a business consultant. His wife is teaching art in Europe this summer. She is an artist and Strider helps manage her gallery. Take a look at her work at www.margarethoybackdesigns.com. Puff is a medical and injury insurance adjuster and Huff is a recently retired high school English teacher. Its now 8:20 and LL Fuzz and the Star Gazer (both recent college grads) just showed up. Guess we will be squeezing them in shortly. Two other guys showed up too - a couple of chaps from England, Cappo and Reader. Great visit with them.   Its just like a great big family.
Date: 2004-05-18
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

May 18th, Did it AgainAfter making resolutions to the contrary I still ended up hiking later than intended. At least I did not have to use my light. Got to Niday Shelter at 8:20. Covered 18.2 miles for total distance of 672.5. I'm knocking on 700's door!My hike today crossed over valley meadows and very beautiful scenery. Passed by and took a picture of the 300 year old Keffer Oak. Massie! Makes you wonder what the woods would be like today if it had never been logged. Almost no place has been left unchanged by man.
Date: 2004-05-19
From: Niday Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel-Catawba, Virginia
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

May 19th and 20 Four Pines Hostel, TwiceSee Journal for 05/20/04 for complete details of this days journey. He spent two nights (Wednesday and Thursday nights) at Four Pines Hostel in Catawba. Today (Wednesday) Johnny hiked 15.9 miles for a total of 688.4 miles. The 15.9 miles was over the most difficult terrain in Virginia. He hiked it in a thunderstorm and the rocks were the most difficult he has ever climbed. He thought it was KICK!.
Date: 2004-05-21
From: The Priest Shelter

To: On The Way to Daleville, VA
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: few clouds

May 21 - Camping with the Experienced, Day 60After staying at the Four Pines a second night, I got up early to get a ride to the trail head with Joe Mitchell. Joe runs the hostel but works for the railroad. Hiking at 6:20 put me way out in front but by the PM I was joined by Spot and Easy Does It. By night I was joined by Nobody and I'm OK. We camped at Lamberts Meadow Campsite. No-seems ate me up. Enjoyed hiking and camping with these guys. All experienced hikers. Picked up lots of tips. Earlier in the day I was able to get good view from McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs.Plan was to split the distance to outfitter in Daleville. Covered 10.5 miles and crossed the 700 mile mark to 704.8 miles.