morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

The day started good. Left at 8:30. Still not early but getting better. Hiked out with some Boy Scouts for the first 1/2 before they stopped for some reason. Another 1/2 mile and I ran into 2 of the Scout leaders who left earlier in order to get a head start. They were the 2 I passed at the end of the day in a gap with 0.8 miles to go and it still took 30 minutes for them to arrive. Their packs were extremely large. After the first five miles my left foot problem began to act up. Pain scale of 1-10, it was a solid 9. Stopped at the first shelter 8.8 miles into my day to take off my shoes, eat, water up. Wouldn't you know it, the water was about 1/3 mile away. The blue blaze trail to the water actually had switchback to get to it. In fact, those were the only switchback the entire day had. The grade on all the climbs were straight up. Grades between 35-50 degrees gave my foot the smack-down. The next 10 miles I needed to stop 3 times to take off my boots and work my foot. Every step had major pain. Then the sun baked down all afternoon. Rocks, more rock, then roots, then rocks and roots. By far, the hardest day yet. Got to Big Bald at 6:00. At least that was wonderful, and meant that I only had one mile to go. 10 hours to go 18.8 miles. Glad to be done with it. Sheltered with the Senator, Novicane and another hiker whose name I forgot. Shelter was good for 10-12 so we had plenty of room. The big group is still behind a day or so from staying in Hot Springs. Nice hiking alone all day for 3 days in a row. I think back on those hills, and I can't help but worry about the 2 Scout Masters and their 8.8 miles of solid hills.
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Much better day. Started tough, foot acting up within 2 miles, not a good start. About 5 miles in, had to stop, take care of foot. Got going again, hit Spivey Gap and trail magic. Parents of a hiker left a cooler full of wonderful things. I had 2 oranges, 3 candy bars, a cream filled cookie, coke and 2 juice boxes. I normally would not take so much but I knew the group behind was small and of course I didn't want it to go to waste. On the other side of the gap was a sign that indicated that the trail maintenance crew changed. The last 30 miles or so of trail was not only very steep but poorly maintained. Sure enough, the trail was better, back to at least some switchback which gives your body time to recover. My foot was improving. I don't know, or care, exactly what it was, 1) The extra energy from the trail magic stash, 2) Taking off the extra sock from my left foot, 3)Taking 600 more units of vitamin I (For a total of 1200 that morning), 4) The better trail conditions, 5) More switchbacks, or 6) Getting closer to town. The day was much better than yesterday, and that is all that matters. Day 26 with 338.7 miles complete. Kick ass. Life is good.
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Erwin, TN

To: Zero Day in Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Next stop, Damascus, VA. Eight days if I push, 9 if 1 shorter day. If my foot and vitamin I hold up, I am going for 8. I will hit Roan Mt. on day 2, stop and sleep on the peak, but of course, rain tomorrow and severe thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday. Roan Mt. is the third highest spot on the AT, 6285 at the shelter. I think this is the highest shelter on the AT. Lightning and high ridges don't go well together. Time will tell. Hope all is well with everyone in Chicago. Keep cool. Life is good.
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Zero Day in Erwin, TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: scattered clouds

It is always hard to leave town and this morning was no different. On the trail @ 10:00. A few hard climbs, but actually rather pleasant, isolated T-storms for next 6 out of 7 days. Got to the shelter @ 5:45, rain started @ 6:00. Raining as I write. Feet were better today, tried taking off the shoes with each stop and even though it was a pain in the ass, the pain in my foot was better. Bisuit is at the shelter and heading out and tagging along (husband & wife). Just arrived, 7:15. The pack is definitely thinning. Hiked completely alone today. Shelters have plenty of space. Big day tomorrow. I need to reach Roan Mtn. Shelter to stay on schedule for Damascus in 8 total days. One down, 7 to go. Life is good.
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Planned on going 15.2 but when I arrived at Roan High Knob Shelter, there were already 5 locals there. Decided to move on. The day started out ok, out at 8:00. Good weather, cool in morning, then became sunny. The ups were hard, straight up, no switchbacks. Hard on my feet. Took 600mg of vitamin I in the morning and another 800 around 2:00. Feet are doing better. The taking off my boots every 5-8 miles with a quick foot rub has helped. Still in some pain but at least I could still go forward. When arriving on Roan Mountain, I had a whole Yogi thing planned. There is a parking area on top so as I became closer, I drank my water so the bottle was empty. I let the sweat build on my face. When I finally got to the parking area, of course, no cars or people anywhere. As the first paragraph indicated, since the shelter was so close to access roads, and it being a Friday, already the locals were moving in, so I moved on. 4.8 more miles, my first 20 mile day, to Stan Murray Shelter. The Can-Do-Man and I were the only 2 in the shelter. 2 more came in, ate, and left. The Can-Do-Man indicated he yo-yoed in 1998. He took some medication later and that disolved his bone marrow in both hips, resulting in 2 hip replacements. He now wants to be the first person to complete the AT with 2 artificial limbs. Good luck to the Can-Do-Man. A solid hiking day. Life is good.
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: US 19E Mountain Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 10.4

Today was supposed to be a long day, 18.2, so I thought. First I went 4.8 miles farther yesterday and second I misread the book, leaving me a rather easy 10 mile day. I only had one day of food plus snacks over the last 3 days so I need to stop and resupply. I hate to carry food, so I don't. Left at 7:30 this morning, cool, overcast and windy. By the time I started the climb of Hump Mountain, the wind had to be gusting at 50-60 mph. Constantly blew me off the trail. Bandanna blew off, sticks were hard to control. On top, the views were beautiful. So far, I think the neatest ports have been the Tennessee Bald Mountains. Hike for awhile without water. I only carry one liter and with a short day, just feeling lazy about it. Eventually picked some up about 1/2 mile before I left the AT. I have become acustomed to seeing things floating in my water as I drink it. I also took a drug holiday today, no vitamin I AT ALL. Very brave. The hostel I am at now is nice. 2:00 and I am showered and rinsed my clothes out. The Senator is here, taking a couple of sick days off. I met him out of Hot Springs. He is a much faster hiker than me. He will catch me by Damascus. Also caught up with Sandman and Food Lion. They went on when I stopped for my zero day. They are moving on past US 19E. I should catch Sandman by Damascus, but Food Lion will be gone. No word what-so-ever from the group I left at Hot Springs. With my lowly 10 today, some should be on my heels tomorrow. Actually I have really enjoyed my alone time and would like more of it. The crowds have thinned out a lot. At the start a group of 30-40 people was not unrealistic. Lately, 305 people on the same day is crowded. Hoping for a steakhouse after the market today. Hoping for a ride to it, then will walk 2 1/2 miles back to the hostel. It will be worth it. Life is good. Yum.
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

Last one up from the shelter. Energizer Bunny and the church group were up @ 7:00. I waited till they all fussed, then got up & 1st one to hit the trail, 7:40. Goal is to go three shelters. The day started cool. Miles spun off quickly. In the final shelter at 6:10. Not bad for 23 miles. My feet are shot. The rain caused everything to stay wet, both feet have big blisters on the heel and big toe. Bugs are also now out, several more bites. Rash on my ankles still there, also on my hip where my pack's hip belt sits. Each thing is minor but they are adding up to a mess. Time to heal in Damascus. Food Lion is in the shelter but I think he is moving on. Goliath is up the hill in a tent. Energizer Bunny stopped at the last shelter. Bicycle and Bonesaw came in for the night. Day was good. Life is good. Damascus for lunch.
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus - The Dancing Bear B & B
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: moderate rain

End of day 34. Damascus. Last one up @ 7:00, first one out @ 7:30. Woke up to thunder. I didn't care. I was Damascus bound. By 7:45, it started to rain, by 8:30, full blown thunderstorm. I humped it. Damascus at 11:05. Ten miles in 3 1/2 hours, in a storm... Yea baby. First stop was at the laundry mat. Changed out of my wet clothes, threw them in the wash. Ate a big breakfast at the Dairy Queen, went back to dry the clothes. Found a room. Expensive but nice. Of course, no rooms in the entire town has a phone. This still puzzles me. There are no hotels, only hostels and a few small B & B's. It being my zero day tomorrow, opted for a B & B. Picked up my mail drop, picked up some cash at the ATM, band-aids at the pharmacy and juice and gatorade at the dollar store. Rain has stopped. Blisters are attended to. Gear switch in process. A knock at the door. It is the proprioter of the B & B with my breakfast choices. Life is good.
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Damascus - The Dancing Bear B & B

To: Damascus Zero Day - Dancing Bear B & B
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Busy day. Breakfast at 8:15, post office trip #1 @ 9:00, Outfitters for new socks, knife and insect repellant, few pictures of town, repacking new gear, all by 11:00. I am still concerned about the blisters on my right foot. Everything else is healing up fine. Damascus, thought of as the 1/4 point, but actually about 70 miles short at 459.5 miles. By now over 1/2 the hikers that started have gotten off trail. On the AT, there is no quitting, you just go off trail. Statistics are as follows: Total days - 35, Miles - 459.5, Zero days - 3, Bears - 1, Snakes - 1, Deer - 0, Nights in Tent - 0, Illnesses - 0, Blisters - 8, Poops in the woods - 3, Pack weight - under 20 lbs - Now, Falls - 0, Turned ankles - 7, Lonely days - 1/2, Farthest day - 23.8, Days over 20 miles - 3, Use of a phone - priceless. My next push is to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, 549.9 miles from here. Virginia is the longest state. I will be in VA for the next month or so.
Date: 2006-04-21
From: Damascus Zero Day - Dancing Bear B & B

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Hard to leave this morning so I didn't, well, at least until 11:15. Stopped @ station to get a new gatorade bottle, then saw Pilgrim as I was leaving. He just got into town. Left city limits @ 12:00. Very late. It was raining, and was supposed to rain all day, and it did for the most part. I heard the best saying that is very true: "No rain, no gain, no gain, no Maine." The hikers that stay in town because of rain lose a lot of day since every day threatens to rain. Thunderstorms tomorrow. Just under 16 mile by 6:00. Not bad. Two climbs and rain, so I am happy with it. The numbness in my right foot seems to be now in my calf and thigh. I will need to keep an eye on that. Rain did not help the blisters, but all but one are in OK condition. Arrived at shelter, Goliath is only one for now. I think Sandman should still make it. 23.2 miles scheduled for tomorrow. Not sure about it since it is over Mt. Rogers and several other peaks. Good to be back on the trail. Life is good. New gear is great.
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: moderate rain

Today actually began @ 1:15am when 6 hikers came in. Novicane and Freight Train & Co. night hiked from Damascus. They were all still asleep when Sandman, Goliath, and I woke in the morning. Out by 8:15, not good, not bad. Rained hard overnight again, still, whatever. Started raining as I left. Rained steady throughout the day. Nothing threatening, just enough to make you wear your rain clothes. Trails were rocky and wet, climbs were long. Got through Buzzard Rock, White Mountain, Briar Ridge, Mt. Rogers, Fatman Squeeze, and many other what would have been beautiful views, all in fog and rain. The fog lifted on Mt. Rogers just for a minute and just in time to see some of the wild ponies the park is known for. With 34 miles of wet feet, my blisters were back in full force. Both heels, I was ready to stop 5.9 miles short of my goal since the pain was getting rather intense. But I did not stop. Pushed on to my 23.2 miles today. About one mile before the final shelter, I felt a sharp pain in my left foot. Blister broke. Raw skin. I used my hiking poles as crutches the rest of the way. Got into the shelter just as the sun set over the mountain. Alone in the shelter. The worst one yet. Big gaps allowed the cold night wind in. First night I was chilled so far. All night, I could not put any pressure on my heels because of the pain. I decided to back off on my 24 miles planned for tomorrow, maybe a 14 mile day will help my feet. Time will tell.
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: broken clouds

Since I knew my miles were uncertain, I got a late start. It was colder and windy and I could barely put any pressure on my feet. Got out late, 9:00. The day was mostly sunny, but would still be raining a bit. I'm sure there was a rainbow, just didn't stop to look. There was no single large climb, just up and down 200-300 foot elevation changes. Started the day with 800mg of vitamin I. Another 800 @ 12:30. The trail was still very rocky, all day, but drying up considerably. I hit Trimpi Shelter at 3:30, my 14.1 mile point. Nice stone shelter, good water, but still 10.6 miles short of what I wanted. 800 mg more of vitamin I, and away I went. Hit Partnership Shelter @ 7:30. On the way up, there was a sign that read, "SHELTER BY PERMIT ONLY". But it being a Sunday night, who would be there. A group of girls with a church group. Don't they have school in the morning was my first thought. I ran into the leader with my glum face and asked, or rather said, "So you guys are here tonight?" He of course replied "Yes, but there is only one person upstairs with his dog." "Dog" I said, "I love dogs" and with that I was up the stairs, unpacked and working on my feet in less than 30 seconds. I ran into two snakes during the day. The first was about 2 - 2 1/2 feet and didn't want to move so I went around it. The second one almost made me soil my pants. I was about 6 inches from my left foot when I saw its head. If there was a record for jumping straight back I would have it. This snake was 5-6 feet long, black, and reall did not care that I was there. After I realized it was a black rat snake (friendly) I did what all experienced thru hikers would do, I started yelling at it. "How dare you scare the s**t out of me like that". This went on for 3-4 minutes. He simply flickered his tongue at me and went on his way. He was big, really big. And yes, I have a picture to prove it.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Partnership Shelter

To: US 11 / VA 683
Miles today: 11.6

Got going by 8:00, skipped breakfast since the lower level was filled with the church group. My feet hurt, the trail was still very rocky, and it was of course overcast. The first 7 miles was cumbersome. Took 5 stops in seven miles for one reason or another. For a short day, it was not going well. The last 4 miles were better. At the Inn by 1:00. Taking a short day to work on my feet. Ate meal #1, did laundry, showered, ready for meal #2. Not with today's short mileage, I did 63.7 miles in 3 days, most of which was completed with bad feet and severe pain. I'm happy with it. Life is getting better already.
Date: 2006-04-25
From: US 11 / VA 683

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: clear sky

Wow, what a day. I always seem to leave the comforts of anything, other than a shelter, late, and today was no different. After a good breakfast, finally got out @ 9:30. Late again. At this rate, no way was I going to make my planned 23 miles. The trail started out good, made good time. My backup plan was to make it 14 miles or so to the second shelter by 4:00 when the thunderstorms were expected. At 3:30 made the shelter and finally caught up to Maine Train, a group of 5 (now 6) hikers, hiking together. They have been putting in big miles so I was surprised to have caught them. The shelter was taken over by wasps and fire ants, so plan B was not going to work. Now 4:00, plan A was too far, especially with the rain expected at anytime. Took off, not fast since now plan C was to hike until the rain and then set up my tarp. No rain until 6:30 so now I only had 4 miles to complete plan A. Without a hiking lamp, knowing it will be dark & rainy, plan A was a really bad idea, so I did it. Almost didn't, but eventually worked out great. It's been raining heavy for over 2 hours and I am in a 4 sided shelter, snug as a bug. Ate, warm, dry. Life is good. Only 2 other hikers are here. I had many climbs today in the 500-700 foot range. Of course there was a 2100 foot final climb to the shelter, blah. Saw the most beautiful view today. Not high, but coming off one mountain, switching to another, I came into this valley that was incredible. My favorite part so far. Time for bed. It was a good day!! Very hard, but good. With everything that happened, I really was in the Lord's hands.
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: moderate rain

Rained heavy until about 2:00am. Woke up at 7:15, out at 8:30. Better. As soon as I left the shelter it started to rain. Heavy fog, dark out. I kept seeing "vista" signs, but with 30' visibility, no reason to stop. Rocks, rocks, roots, and more rock. Hard hiking, wet, muddy, crap. As I was approaching Little Wolf Creek area, the trail seemed to cut back sharply. There was a sign on the ground, but I looked up and saw a blaze. Took off running. At the bottom, there were around 20 stream crossings, at least knee deep due to the heavy rains. Got through all that. Wet, cold, and slow. By the time I arrived at the shelter it was 7:30 and getting dark quickly. The shelter was packed. I ended up sleeping at an angle at the edge of the floor. Glad I did. It rained all night. Stopped at 7:00am the next morning. I was cold in my bag. I don't think my 40 degree was the right choice yet. Oh well. Long, cold, wet, rocky, hilly day. Blisters are back with a vengeance after being wet all day.
Date: 2006-04-27
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: clear sky

Rain stopped @ 7:00am. Rained all night. By 7:30 it was clearing. Looking like it might be a good day. Sun by 12:00. Just a great day for hiking, cooler, good treadway most of the time. Not many climbs. Some water still around, but crap, it has rained for some five days now. Arrived at shelter by 6:30. Still some sun left. Opened up sleeping bag, very wet. Now drying. All-in-all, a good day. Pearisburg tomorrow. Will take a zero on Saturday. Feet need to heal again. Back needs a chiropractor. Been really acting up. Now on 800mg, 3 times a day for blisters and back pain. Hope to go to church on Sunday. Life is good today. Really nice hike. Only 2 others in the shelter now at 8:00. Hope it will stay that way. After last night, some space would be good. First time I thought about work.
Date: 2006-04-28
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Cold night, 40 degrees or so, right at the rating of my bag. I was shivering, cold and damp because of the condensation problem I'm having with the bag. This climate is very damp here, all the time. I'll just have to work it out. Out at 7:00. Steep climb right out of the shelter. Rock and roots are back. Took 4 hours to go 8 miles. Slow morning. In the 17 miles, about 2 had good trail conditions. Spring is definitely here. The undergrowth is getting bad with all the rain. Finally one good view from the ridge line. Very steep downs to Pearisburg. Arrived @ 3:30 or so. Walked the mile into town. 162.6 miles since Damascus. 87.3 miles in the last 4 days. My goal is to try to let my feet heal up. Same old, same old. Life is good.
Date: 2006-04-29
From: Pearisburg

To: Zero Day - Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day. Nice. Band-aids on blisters. Legs, feet, and body healing. Looked at the sheets and it looks as if the next big push is to Waynesboro, some 225 miles from here. Looks as if I will only have one real opportunity for a food resupply, which means a heavy pack. I think I will zero there since the next stop is the "Shennies", i.e. the Shenandoah National Park. I can't believe that in 2 more weeks, I will have hiked all the way to Shenandoah National Park. Kick ass. So far I like Virginia. Other than all the rocks and rain, the hiking has been good. Hopefully that will continue. Still a long way to go in VA. I am thinking more and more about work lately (need to get back on the trail). The trail really isn't much different in some ways. Some people you meet really come through, and others disappoint you. The big difference is that just hike further, and you are in control on that trail, at least in that respect. Zero-day - Life is good.
Date: 2006-04-30
From: Zero Day - Pearisburg

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Left town @ 10:30, late again. Completed the climb to the ridge line around 12:30. Mostly rocks but I think I'm getting used to them now. In the shelter @ 6:30. Early, and a short day, but it is nice stopping with some daylight left. Found my first tick this morning. Not pleasant. I thought it rather rude where it attached itself. Argon is at shelter. Going south to Damascus for trail days. Food Lion arrived @ 10:00. It was around 40 last night. Wore all my clothes. Was ok. Cold again tonight, then it is supposed to warm up a bit at night. Bridge out ahead. I want to do 24 tomorrow. Bridge will add 1.5-2.0 miles. Good day. Life is good.
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up late, 7:30. Food Lion was up and making breakfast in his bunk above me. A few minutes after I was out and about. Argon was up, Green Blazin by 8:00. Perhaps a bit early but on the trail, to each their own. I was surprised I hit the trail before Food Lion. I finally left @ 8:30. Argon is a nice guy, talkative, and it was fun conversation. Food Lion is all business, but I think he wants to do a short day to Laurel Creek Shelter, 18.5 miles out. Two big climbs and rocks, rocks, and more rocks, caused slow miles. The ups and downs were steep, no switchbacks. Tried to limit my vitamin I, but to no avail. My feet seem to be holding up now. Blister on my left heel still a problem, but the vitamin I is now for my back. I need a chiropractor, and soon. Ten days will be the earliest, in Waynesboro. If these rocks keep around, probably 12-13 days. I am the only one in the shelter so far, but @ 6:00, still early. I plan on eating two dinners tonight, in order to help reduce my pack weight, thus hopefully increasing my miles. Rain is expected tomorrow, with thunderstorms on Wednesday. Last cold night should be tonight, I hope. Next 2 days have to be 20+. If not, I have to put in a 20 day into the next stop, shower, food. 6:30 now. Getting chilly. All is good. Just started raining. Clothes still wet. Will figure it out. No spares.