morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-14
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We're in the thick of Trail Days. I've gotta be honest, I thought it would be a little different. Not quite as many people as I expected. Pumpkin, PB & J, Zero, Thrifty, & I with a few others are actually camped behind a great B&B along the river. An AMAZING location! Nice and quiet, no crazy rowdies, which is great cause I've been loving my sleep lately. We were down at Tent City last night for a dinner of free chili from the Granite Gear guys, yummy! But, I was glad I was able to come back here to sleep. Tonight I'll have to hang out there late night with those I met last year. Burnie is coming into town today, can't wait to see her and catch up. I'm a little worried that she and Mike might not find a place to stay.Trail Days is perfect timing actually. I've had a knee swollen to the size of a tennis ball and it's finally coming down. Really no pain with it, just gigantic. And Tuesday I'll have some more time. Looking forward to Hardcore. Sunday and Monday. Trail maintenance with Bob Peoples. Did I already mention that?Have seen lots of people I was hoping to see, some we started with and haven't seen since the first week, etc. Was able to see Hooky, we hiked together last year. We started on the same day this year, she from Springer and me from the Approach Trail. Didn't see her until two days ago. Sounds like she's having fun. Saw Clay, Kip, Doc, Night Rider, and Morgan from last year, as well as Red Beard, Lumpy, Caveman, and a few others. That has been fun. Everyone else is just so nice and interested in how things are going on the trail. We've gotten great trail magic with a few rides to the grocery store and such, too.
Date: 2005-05-17
From: [possibly near Lost Mountain Shelter]

To: before Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I don't have much to say about Trail Days. It was alright, got some free stuff, etc. Lots of free food (score!) and saw lots of people. I guess it wasn't as amazing as I had expected, but isn't that how it always works? Yeah, I guess most importantly I was able to spend some time with Burnie! That was great! She's doing well, missing her hike from last year. She saw TONS of people that she hiked with.Umm, so I have more to say about Trail Days, but...it's dark. We, (Nipnuck, Southpaw, PB&J, Zeno, Mother, Moonpie, Thrify, & Pumpkin) are all in our tents and its been kinda a freaky night. We kept seeing eyes in the distance past the fire tonight. Yikes! Just heard a weird noise, too. Better close my eyes and go to sleep so I don't totally freak out. We are guessing coyotes or something.
Date: 2005-05-18
From: before Thomas Knob Shelter

To: The Scales
Miles today: 15.0

We are camped in a prettty cool spot tonight, a fenced in area where they used to weigh cattle in the area. It's super beautiful grassy with a male and female privy with TP, water from a hose. A far cry from last night with the scary eyes. Tonight it's just PONIES & frogs.So the hiking today was BEAUTIFUL! Through the Grayson Highlands and walking amongst the wild ponines. They were so CUTE! We were even able to see a foal (is that what a baby pony is?). I was thinking of NORA.Another person I was thinking of today...my DADDY! Happy, happy birthday DAD! In fact, we all sang "Happy Birthday to Vogue's Dad", today during one of our breaks. Thought you might like that! Running into lots of new folks out of Damascus. Not recognizing many names in registers.
Date: 2005-05-19
From: The Scales

To: Raccoon Branch Campsite
Miles today: 17.0

Today was a lesson in greed. Well, maybe that is a bit much, but... We were told by section hikers yesterday that we could expect trail magic at a particular road crossing. It was basically what motivated me to pick up the pace a bit this morning. We arrived to the spot at 11:45 and sat until 2:00pm waiting for someone to show up. They never did. There was even a note and some chairs, but no magic. Annoyed hikers 'cause we had expectations, and I must say they were pretty high, but in reality there were no promises made. Actually, I'm glad that it happened 'cause its a reminder as to how special Trail Magic really is. It is to be enjoyed when LEAST expected.Another great example would be again today, we were at our last road crossing. PB&J and I decided not to follow everyone else into town for dinner and a truck pulled up with sodas. It was perfect timing. Late in the day, just under 2 miles to go. Wonderful. Anywoo, the point being LET'S NOT BE SO GREEDY!Other than that, the hiking was GREAT, beautiful stuff to look at, easy terrain, lovely, after we got over the diasppointemnt of no T.M.We also had a girls only hiking morning and afternoon. Pumpkin, PB&J, Southpaw, I. It was great! We set a reasonable pace and chatted the whole way without having to watch the boys FLY ahead. FUN!I wanna give a shout out to some birthday girls! I'm a little late for one and early for another, but it all works! So...Happy B-Day Manders Potempers Vedders and my favorite Greenberg! I hope you both have stupendous days! Love YAs! Mady are you huge?
Date: 2005-05-19
From: The Scales

To: Raccoon Branch Campsite
Miles today: 17.0

Today was a lesson in greed. Well, maybe that is a bit much, but... We were told by section hikers yesterday that we could expect trail magic at a particular road crossing. It was basically what motivated me to pick up the pace a bit this morning. We arrived to the spot at 11:45 and sat until 2:00pm waiting for someone to show up. They never did. There was even a note and some chairs, but no magic. Annoyed hikers 'cause we had expectations, and I must say they were pretty high, but in reality there were no promises made. Actually, I'm glad that it happened 'cause its a reminder as to how special Trail Magic really is. It is to be enjoyed when LEAST expected.Another great example would be again today, we were at our last road crossing. PB&J and I decided not to follow everyone else into town for dinner and a truck pulled up with sodas. It was perfect timing. Late in the day, just under 2 miles to go. Wonderful. Anywoo, the point being LET'S NOT BE SO GREEDY!Other than that, the hiking was GREAT, beautiful stuff to look at, easy terrain, lovely, after we got over the diasppointemnt of no T.M.We also had a girls only hiking morning and afternoon. Pumpkin, PB&J, Southpaw, I. It was great! We set a reasonable pace and chatted the whole way without having to watch the boys FLY ahead. FUN!I wanna give a shout out to some birthday girls! I'm a little late for one and early for another, but it all works! So...Happy B-Day Manders Potempers Vedders and my favorite Greenberg! I hope you both have stupendous days! Love YAs! Mandy are you huge?
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Symms Gap campsite

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sorry I keep leaving gaps in the journal. I've been walking long days and not really all that pumped about writing at night when all I really want to do is sleep. I do enjoy keeping the journal, don't get me wrong, just when there are a few extra moments at night.Again I must fill y'all in on the last few days....Actually there are not a whole lot of details...We've had pretty amazing weather until this afternoon. today we all (our group of 10) did 16 miles to Pickle Branch. Actually a few are camped back at the road a mile back. but, it was a pretty good hiking day. I loved the terrain. Oh, except for all ther freaking ROCKS! Who said Virginia was EASY?!? Its not super hard, but come on! Tomorrow we'll walk into Catawba for what is touted the best meal on ther trail at the Homplace Restaurant. I'm pretty excited about it actually.Because the scenery isn't as amazing as farther south I think I've been able to think a bit more. I think I've found that this is something that I can do and actually relatively well. I'm really never waking up not wanting to be exactly where I am and doing what I'm doing. I mean this is hard, but so doable! I do have to say, each day persents a brand new challenge to tackle. to put it into perspective for my LA school friends..Senior Thesis was much harder! This is not something to think about and stew over, its something you've just got to make happen. In the grand scheme of things you don't have a whole lot of time to change your mind. Its still so hard to believe that I'm actually doing this, still enjoying myself and in VA! Amazing!"WHO WANTS TO GO TO MAINE???"
Date: 2005-06-03
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Lambert's Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So, last I wrote, I was really enjoying myself. Then I woke up the next morning. Oh...my...gosh! It rained all day yeaterday, our first foul weather in a long time. Everyone was pretty freaking miserable. I was on ther verge of tears multiple times and wanting my mommy. Not good. And to boot, it was the hardest 12 miles so far. I think, for whatever reason. Missed cool views at Dragon's Teeth, which was a cool section traversing crazy rocks and slabs. Probably not the smartest thing to do in such bad weather, oh well.We did walk intending to get into Catawba by early afternoon to go to the PO, store and to the Homeplace Restaurant for dinner, which we were able to do actually. But...we were planning to walk back into the woods after our amazing meal. Rain does funny things to a hiker, especially GROUPS of hikers. We ended up going to a hotel last night, drying out and doing laundry. Not a bad idea really. it made today's hike much more enjoyable.Today in fact was great. We were expecting bad weather and even worse terrain. Turned out to stay dry and the hike was great. I'm so happy I was able to get out of town at a reasonable hour today. Tomorrow we are planing another in and out town stop. I'm thinking I need new boots, the STINK! Wow! They have made it a 1/3 of the way and are starting to fall apart, feeling pretty good about their lifespan.Again...trying to pick up the miles, the goal at the moment is to make it to the 1/2 way point by the 4th of July. I think it might be possible.Still in great spirits and thriving out here, but definitely missing those important at "home". Love Y'all! Hey thanks for the guestbook hellos, keep em' comin'!
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Lambert's Meadow Shelter

To: Bobblet's Gap Shelter for siesta
Miles today: 0.0

A blanket statement. TOWNS ARE EVIL! Wow, I get so sucked in there, they amke me miss the dumbest things about home. I get all anxious and stressed out, and the food makes me feel like CRAP when I finally do start hiking again. ANNOYING!Most recently Daleville, the plan for BB,J & I was to hike in, go to the grocery store, the outfitter, lunch, and then hike out. Yeah...it didn't happen! Our friends decide to stay at the Comfort Inn which was ridiculously cheap for hikers, so we got a room with 3 others- a total of 6 and stayed the night. Turned out to be a really nice place for the price, so it probably would have been dumb to pass it up. The next morning we finally rounded up the group at 11 am and got a ride to the trailhead. We hopped out of the truck and decided it was way too hot to start hiking for the day, so we walked down to the coffee shop and successfully killed 3.5 hours just sittin' around. ARGH!I was not in a good place mentally, all of my "good choices" had fallen by the wayside and I was felling major frustration. And the fact that we are hearing of more and more people thinking about going home is NOT helping. I take back the statement I made to my LA friends that thesis was harder. These last few days may take the cake! Most imporantly though... I'm still out here and feeling MUCH better back in the woods. A head game, that's all this freaking is! Pretty Amazing...I have a feeling EVERYONE must get a touch of the VA blues, I sure do. But not to worry. I'll keep putting one foot in front of the other!
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Bobblet's Gap Shelter for siesta

To: Thunder Hill SHelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The last two days have been really big miles: woo hoo! Well, for me, maybe acceptable miles, what I should have been doing for a while now. Oh well. I'm feeling a bit of pressure, HIKE so that I can take time off here and there with my Aunt and Uncle Jessi, Jen, Julie! People (my friends and aquaintenances alike)are really having a rough time these days. It's starting to really get hot, we are still in VA, it's just mile after freakin' mile. Hard stuff. In fact, I'm at a loss for words. I must say I feel MUCH better now than I did leaving Daleville! Keep the positive thoughts flowing! I thank you all for all of the ones up to this point, I think they are working. You are all in my thoughts! I've got to mention this again! VIRGINIA IS NOT FLAT!!!!! Do I need to repeat myself?
Date: 2005-06-10
From: Thunder Hill SHelter

To: Porter's Field (just after Seeley-Woodworth)
Miles today: 0.0

It's been a ROUGH week! Bigger miles and LOTS of emotion! I believe I mentioned before how people I knew were considering getting off the trail. It in turn makes you contemplate your own state. Some realize that this is where they need to be and others, lots of others, realize it's not. In this stage in the game, mile 807.7, this is where I am to be. I'm not going to say I'm loving every second, or this is the most fun I've ever had, 'cause its NOT! This is hard, freakin' HARD! Luckily, I don't dread getting up in the morning to hike all day, like some. But, there sure is a lot to think about during the day. Right now the motivation is a day and half off starting Monday. I NEED a room with a shower, phone, and MTV for a day. I cannot wait! In fact, I'm putting in a big mile day over rough terrain tomorrow to get there sooner. The things we'll do for the simple pleasures in life!So, the "Gang of 10" is breaking up more than ever now. SAD! Zeno will hopefully hike the Shannies with PB, J & I before he leaves as planned. He was only to be out this long, so it's not a shocker, but still just as sad! ZENO, it's been a pleasure hiking with you! Thank you for answering all of our trivia and your morning fires! You WILL be missed, but I hope to hike with you again sometime.Southpaw and Nipnuck are, as of now, considering going back home to CT. PB, J, Pumpkin, and I saw them yesterday at a road crossing where they were doing Trail Magic with a Trail Angel couple. they are taking a few days to reassess how they are truly feeling about being out here. I WILL NOT write a good-bye 'cause I hope to see ou guys out here again, but of course, do what needs to be done! At least I'll be sure to see you in CT in a few months! Be sure of that one.Sensei is hiking ahead to make-up for some time he's taking off in a week or so....and Mother and Thrify are a bit behind at the moment, probably only a 1/2 day so I'm sure I'll see them in Waynesboro.Pumpkin will be hiking with her Dad for the next week, which I'm quite jealous of!!-and PB & J are taking tomorrow to spend with J's brother. I'm gonna be all by myself, how weird! Oh don't everyone freak out, not totally by myself, there are tons of other people out here, just not my old standbys. i'm actually looking forward to meeting some new people, maybe even catch a few that are ahead that I ahven't seen in a while. Oh, the possibilities! So yeah, things are changing, we aren't at "Summer Camp" any longer, but so many things to look forward to are coming pretty quickly, so this is just the time to hang in. So bite the bullet!Aunt Mary Jo....here I come!!!! Hope you are ready for smelly hiker funk 'cause I've got quite the case of it!
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Porter's Field (just after Seeley-Woodworth)

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was L-O-N-G! Some tough terrain with big miles=tired VOGUE! I made decent time and din't resort to whining to myself so I'd call it a success. First day on my own in a while. A little strange, but in some ways satisfying, ya know, knowing I can do this stuff by myself.I'm so exhausted right now I can't bring myself to keep writing. Night, Night!
Date: 2005-06-15
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: 14 mi. north of Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Yeah, so, the day after my last entry was a DISASTER. Well...that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but it wasn't any fun! I woke up intending to walk 16 miles to the next shelter. BUT...I walked only six, sat on the side of the road and sulked. I just couldn't seem to walk that day. I really didn't know what to do...just finish the 10 miles, or try to get to town, which was very close, too. As I was sitting there weighing my options up pulls two trucks. A guy hops out (looks like the hiking type) and asks if I'm a thru-hiker. "Yep", I answer and would you be able to give me a ride to Waynesboro? Turns out he thru-hiked last year and knew Burnie from Maine. Magnet...Burnie, he asked for you to e-mail him. So funny how small this world is. So Magnet and his two friends dropped me off at the Quality Inn (Thanks a bunch, again!!!) where I got a room and proceeded to have a mini-brekdown. I was just so exhusted I didn't knwo what else to do but cry. Sad, but true. I called Jim, he talked me down, called my Mom and Dad and they had good words of encouragement as well. Just sort of chilled out for the rest of the day. Watched TV, showered, talked on the phone, all in my OWN room! It was great, I really needed that space and time to myself. I was able to set up a ride to get back to where I got off for the next morning and slacked that remaining 15 miles into town on Monday. I took a full zero on Tuesday, met back up with PB & J and just relaxed! Amazing how your body somehow tells you you need that time for just zoning out. And here it is Wed. night. I'm back on the trail, our first day in the Shenandoah, and feel MUCH better about where I am and what I am doing! Only 10 days or so til I'm able to visit with my Aunt in Harper's Ferry! Yippee!!
Date: 2005-06-17
From: 14 mi. north of Rockfish Gap

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 0.0

A good last couple of days. My funk has lifted and I'm feeling pretty darn good! Walking in the Shenandoah is GREAT, the terrain is FAB-U-LOUS, AND the waysides sell cheeseburgers and amazing blackberry shakes. they might even be worth a trip out here for one! We (PB & J & I) did 14 miles out of W-boro, then 20+ and another 20+ today. How cool. I really thought I'd never be able to do 20 mile days, let alone back to back! I hope to take advantage of this for the next few days while we are still in the park. Other than big miles...the only other news to report is...BEAR! I FINALLY saw one! Around 6pm this evening we were leaving the picnic area where we had dinner. PB & I were walking along when I heard something in the brush beside us. All of a sudden two cute ears were plodding along. He stopped when we stopped and we all just stared at each other for a good 5 minutes or so. Enough time for J & Mother to catch up and catch a glimpse. Soooooo cool and not nearly as scary as I though it would be. I must say though, it was pretty small and cute. Not a cub though. Yea, I thought I was going to be one of the few who never sees a bear!
Date: 2005-06-18
From: Bearfence Hut

To: camped near Pollack Knob
Miles today: 0.0

So, I was cocky enough to think that I could knock out 3 or 4 20-mile days in a row. Yikes, I was SORELY mistaken! My feet were screaming at about mile 12 today and that was with a 2 hour break for cheeseburgers and Mtn Blackberry Shakes at mile 7. I must say, rolling into camp at 5 pm was REALLY nice. We were able to cook and eat at a leisurely pace, chat and there was even some time for me to actually be bored. Something that doesn't happen too often out here. Was able to stretch and popped some Advil so I hope to feel much better in the mroning. We're looking at 2 more long days, PB & J need to get to Front Royal to meet friends. hopefully Mother will keep me company while they zero and I keep hiking to Harper's Ferry. It's AMAZING how quickly moods are able to change. I felt GREAT at lunch, shitty around 3:30-4pm and content 5-5:30-ish. A whole range of emotion! I can also gauge how good I feel by how willing I am to talk to inquisitive strangers.Oh, a "big news". I forgot to report yesterday....we crossed the 900 mile mark! totally UN-BUH-kids!!!As I write, there are a good 3 or 4 deer just kind of grazing around all of our tents. A little weird to hear their snorting noises just feet from your head.
Date: 2005-06-19
From: camped near Pollack Knob

To: camping near 4th peak of Hogback Mtn.
Miles today: 0.0

As much as I love the terrain of the Shenandoah and even some of the views, I gotta get out of here cause of the expensive food! This morning we woke up and walked about a mile and a half to the amazing Skyland Dining Room for breakfast. There I had an awesome waffle with an even "awesomer" blackberry syrup. All this blackberry stuff is sinfully delicious! Again, I might have to come back just for the shakes. Because of breakfast and a nice lounge on the comfy chairs in the lobby, we didn't get an early start. So, needless to say, it was another LONG day. We walked about 21.8 miles, a new record with packs. Today was actually really nice walking...Oh saw another bear. He was pretty far away though. Feelin' pleasantly tired and satisfied. I'll sleep and we'll walk into Front Royal tomorrow. A shower perhaps? I'm STINKY!!
Date: 2005-06-23
From: camping near 4th peak of Hogback Mtn.

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, the Front Royal stop wasn't as amazing as one would have hoped, in fact...downright disappointing. Scuzzy expensive motel for the most part. Grocery store and outfitters was actually pretty nice. Maybe we were just staying on the wrong side of the tracks. Anywho, I was able to get less stinky and hike on. PB & J stuck around to visit with some friends and Mother & I hiked out. 'Cause we did such high mileage through the Shannies AND I wanted to stay here at Bears Den Hostel we did an 11 mile, 12 mile, and 10 mile day. Oh so nice! And here we are at the Bears Den, the COOLEST Hostel yet. Yep, the past few days have been filled with lazy walking, random breaks, early afternoons in camp and stangely enough...boredom. Just a little though, only between dinner and just before dusk, so not too long. Not to worry, y'all. So, tomorrow I will be hiking out of VA. Woo hoo! F-I-N-A-L-L-Y! I must say I had tons of fun, but I'm looking forward to getting back "up north". So many things to look forward to up there. For example...I'll be meeting up with my MOMMY and Aunt Mary Jo tomorrow in Harpers Ferry. I knew I would be meeting up with my Aunt, but when I called home when in Front Royal, I found that my Mom would be joining her. How exciting! I know we'll have a great visit. I just hope I won't suffer a bout of homesickness when they leave on Monday. Nah! I guess that's really it, just doing a lot of walking these days, mostly contemplating what I'll eat for my next meal. Rough life, huh? Again, I wish you ALL could join me on this amazing adventure. I think of everyone often and missing you all more! Can't wait to tell some of these stories in person. Oh and thanks for all the words of encouragement!