morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Roan Mtn Shelter

To: 19 East Road
Miles today: 15.1

Woke up freezing! All of us were cold! We were given several candy bars to get us 15 miles. We were planning on hiking to the road so we could resupply food--and I could figure out somehow to replace the things I didn't have--which is basically everything.We made the first 2 miles quickly and silently--still worried about Paul and Denmark. Then out of nowhere Denmark walks out of the woods. I was speechless! WHEW! Thank goodness! Thank goodness! Thank goodness! Were we glad to see her! I packed up my sleeping bag and the rest of my stuff feeling very relieved.I thought we were at the top of the mountain but we ended up climbing more. For several miles we hiked along this bald. Of course, there was going to be a challenge. We had to hike against 45 mile per hour winds. Diesel and Oopu's pack cover blew off. I couldn't walk straight at all. It was like we were walking in a big cloud--we could see the wind and clouds right in front of us. I hated that we were going to miss all the views.We ate lunch at this shelter that was basically a barn. The Yellow Submarine, Cire, and Mr. Cranky Pants all were there. We ate lots of snacks because later we decided to go into town to eat supper.Little Hump and Hump Mountain were great! It of course was a good climb but the top was beautiful! I sat on one of the rocks looking out. By this time it had cleared up. I could see several little towns. The contrast in the mountains was pretty cool!We had a 5 mile hike downhill to the shelter which was full when we got there. I met Trail Frog and saw lots of new faces of people who started days and even weeks after us. Good to meet new people. We set up tents, emptied our packs, and headed to 19E hoping for a hitch into Elk Park, TN. After going a mile, a guy in a Lexus picked us up and took us .2 miles to Country Kitchen. Most of the families looked shell shocked the whole time we were there. Yes, we smelled. We ate good, and it was cheap! The guy who took us back to the trail swerved off the road--almost hitting me--then turned around to give us a ride. We hopped in the back of his truck. After he dropped us off, he told us of his drinking problem...scary!It felt good getting away from Roan Mountain.
Date: 2003-04-08
From: 19E Rd

To: Campsight
Miles today: 13.7

Got a late start leaving close to 10:00. Fell trying to get out of the ditch. The trail was really polluted through the first mile. The trail was rerouted. I've heard that the trail is now 20 miles longer this year. We walked through several grassy fields. We came up to Jones Falls which we could hear for miles. It was beautiful! First waterfall--big waterfall--I've seen. It's so cool how some water can be so powerful while at other times it can be so calm.We ate at Elk River where I added ketchup to my Ramen noodles. It grossed out everybody. I had to add taste cause there was no way I could finish it. So now everyone calls me Ketchup. The new joke is, if it's broke just put ketchup on it.Well, it started raining and we hiked into ditches and out of them. Lots of them. We decided to stop because the shelter was going to be full. I quickly put up my tent and changed into dry clothes. I crawled into my sleeping bag and finished my book. I fell asleep before it got dark.
Date: 2003-04-09
From: Campsight

To: Kincora
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Everything was wet this morning--still raining. The first part of the day was not a fun hike. Constant straight up 50 ft and straight down 50 ft. It rained all day. We ended up at Bob & Pat's hostel at Kincora close to 2:00. Boy, were we glad to be here. We took warm showers and tried to dry out everything. Chaos, Trailfrog, Mr. Cranky Pants, & Cire were all here. Chaos was getting over the 24 hour bug. So far, at least 15 hikers have gotten it.Bob took us into town where we raided Winn Dixie, then ordered Chinese food. Back at the hostel, Diesel got out his guitar and we entertained everyone with our theme song, "Dixieland Delight," by Alabama. It was cool because he played lots of praise and worship songs which most of the people stayed and listened to. Snow is forecasted for tomorrow so we're going to slackpack and come back to Kincora.
Date: 2003-04-10
From: Watauga Dam Road

To: Kincora
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: moderate rain

I had a wonderful bowl of Applejacks with milk. The 5 of us, Denmark, Mr. Cranky Pants, and Cire got dropped off 13 miles north and headed back. Still raining and 35 degrees. The lake was beautiful! We basically walked around the whole lake.I tried hiking a lot with Denmark because she's getting off the trail in Damascus. When we got to the top, it started snowing. We were drenched! My socks were soaked and my gloves were not really working.Despite being wet and cold, it was beautiful watching the snow quickly covering everything. Most of the last 3 miles were flooded. We were walking through a waterfall. Then we ended up taking the low trail--not knowing we should have taken the high trail.The river was moving fast and was very rough. The stairs had washed away years before so the trail was under water. We had to carefully hug rocks to get by. At this same spot Cire fell 20 feet from the cliff, landing in water up to his neck. Thank goodness he was okay.We all made it back wet and puny, took hot showers and got dry. We cooked--having steaks, salad, and garlic bread.
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Watauga Dam Road

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a big pancake breakfast. Hit the trail close to 11:20. The weather forcast said it was supposed to be in the 60s but they were a little off. It was cloudy, rainy, and freezing cold! We got another great opportunity to wear ourselves out by walking at times through the snow, slush, and mud. So it wasn't a great hiking day. At lunch the temperature was around 30 degrees, according to the thermometer in the shelter. To make things even better, the shelter was full of section and day hikers. We got to experience something we've never done before.....set up our tents in the snow covered ground. It was so wet and muddy. Mr. Cranky pants and Cire were also with the 6 of us. They are so funny...i like hiking with them. Now we are all bundled up in our sleeping bags trying to get warm. I'm sleeping in the tent with Denmark and Cire is sleeping in mine because he sent his tent home this morning. Hopefully tomorrow will be warmer.
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

BRRRRRR!!!! Slept maybe a solid hour last night due to the cold and wetness seeping through the bottom of the tent. We were welcomed this morning by the sun in which we haven't seen in several days. The day was nice! We pushed it trying to make it to Low Gap because some of Cire's friends, and Paul-Slick Rock's boyfriend- were going to meet us there. We walked through a lot of slushy ice and mud. We made the 11.1 miles after 1:00 and Oopu and i caught a ride by this nice family into Damascus. We still lack 14 miles into Damascus. We are staying The Place, a hostel sponsored by the Methodist church. The town is really small, but it is nice here. A lot of people are riding bikes....just a wonderful day!Paul brought all of our cotton clothes, so we are clean and comfortable. We are at the side Track Cafe with the Yellow Submarines. Laundry was quite different. We went to the laundromat and attacked the Juke Box. We sand, at times danced-trying to teach Denmark the electric slide. We got to hang out with Red who was another victim of the stomach bug. We headed back to the cafe later on that night where they had live music. This guy named Beer Poet read to us poems which were really good. All the thru hikers were here-about 16 of them. Diesel got up and played Dixie Land Delight on the guitar. Oopu got up and danced and played the "air" fiddle which was the funniest thing ever! Then some guiys from the Yellow Submarine came and we had a praise and worship thing. The Place, is very nice. A two story big house that hold lots of hikers. Hardwood floor, high ceilings, tall windows. Excited about getting to sleep inside!
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Low Gap

To: Damascus
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

Absolutely beautiful, wonderful, great day! I got to sleep until 10:15-which my body really needed. Then, probably my favorite things of the day was going to a church service. It felt so good going to church. It was cool that it was palm sunday. They gave us all a bag of m&m trail mix. It was a wonderful service...making me realize how much i miss my home church-wishing i could be back at home for Easter Sunday.Had a scrumptious double cheeseburger, fries and strawberry shortcake for lunch. We got shuttled back to Low Gap and we slack packed. Two of us didn't even carry a pack.It was so beautiful! Sun out, warm, birds singing, no weight. Saw my second snake which i chased, trying to get a picture of it. Mr. Cranky pants and Cire actually ran through the 14.8 miles in around 3 hours. We finally crossed the Tennessee/Virginia border. Our fourth state. We reached Damascus-the trail runs right through the town. It felt good getting here. We have now hiked 458.9 milesWe ate at an Italian restruant which hit the spot. Staying at the place again. Tomorrow we are taking a o day which i'm so glad.
Date: 2003-04-14
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Had two huge pancakes this morning, which i couldn't finish. It was another beautiful day. Spent most of it by Laurel Creek. It was so relaxing. I read some of a book that i borrowed it from the hostel-has over 400 pages. I just wish i could capture this moment. Trying to write down the smells, the views, everything.....   Laying here on the grass, feeling the dampness   a slight breeze playing with the grass   the sun beating down giving off its warmth   a river smoothly running by   ducks floating with the current-at times they open their wings and fly            closely over the waters   just a mere stranger in this town   i watch a family feed the ducks, enjoying each others company   a white butterfly lands on a fallen tree, then flies over the yellow             flowers   sitting here reading, writing, thinking, dreaming   with mismatched clothes on, unbrushed hair, bandana flapping in the wind   no schedule to meet, no worry in the world.....this is life.I ate a pint of moose track ice cream for lunch. Diesel, Oopu and Denmark went on a 17 mile bike ride down the Virginia Creeper Trail. Then we spent most of the afternoon in the Cafe on the computer and putting together a puzzle which we didn't finish. About to hit the Italian place again....Yum Yum! I love 0 days!
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Damascus

To: Campsight 2.8 mi past Lost Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 18.6

Right now having an amazing moment--sitting on a bald under a full moon....This morning I passed up pancakes for my usual poptart. Ran errands and quickly got my stuff together so I could relax. Lay down on a picnic table outside "The Place"--looking up at a cherry tree, listening to several birds repeatedly chirping the same song.We left town at 11:00. I felt tired and empty. Another beautiful day! 78 degrees. Most of the hike was along streams or Laurel Creek, which I enjoyed because the rushing water relaxes me, plus it is cooler.We had one mountain that had about 10 switchbacks--my least favorite part of the day. The AT met up with the Virginia Creeper Trail which was flat and ran by the river. We crossed this huge bridge that I could tell was an old railroad because of the smell of it. The sunset was so beautiful. I believe that the evening is my favorite time of the day to hike. We made it to the shelter by 8:00--having done 15.8 miles. We ate, hung out with the crowd of people who were there, used the nice privy, and packed up our stuff. We decided that we would night hike because there was a full moon and the night was clear.I'm so glad we did! It was perfect hiking weather--not too hot or too cold. We came to the top of this mountain that was pretty much like a bald. We saw 2 deer and decided to camp on top of the bald. It's so peaceful out here, so quiet you can hear the wind, so far away from the busy world, so relaxing.I'm changing my trail name to Ketchup. It's shorter, fits me better, and has a better story behind it. About to go and enjoy this beautiful night. Peace out!
Date: 2003-04-16
From: Campsight 2.8 mi past Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Campsight 1.5 miles south of Wise Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another day that is gone, but oh what a day. Despite a bad ankle turn and fall, and the first climb in the morning, this day couldn't have been any better. View after view. Buzzard Rock reminded me of Max Patch's Orchard. You could see forever. Diesel played as we rested and ate lunch. It was really warm today (I think we all got sunburned today.) We had Mt. Rodgers to climb--which is the highest peak in Virginia.As I was close to the summit, a deer ran across the trail. Then 2 more stopped on the trail and we stared at each other for what seemed like forever--about 45 seconds. It was as if we connected somehow. Both living out here--sharing a home. I saw about 12 wild horses and ponies. Wonderful, amazing views! We climbed a rock just in time to catch the sunset--which was a view in itself. Days like today make me realize how lucky I am.We found a flat spot right before it got dark to set up camp. I would probably have to say that this was my favorite day of hiking--because of the terrain and mostly because of the endless views and wildlife.
Date: 2003-04-17
From: Campsight 1.5 miles south of Wise Shelter

To: DICKEY GAP
Miles today: 17.6

Woke up to a beautiful sunrise and was able to get several more hours of sleep after watching it rise. The miles seemed to go faster today. It was mostly overcast, raining on us several times.On top of Stone Mtn everything was burned. For some odd reason, it reminded me of Gone With the Wind...random I know. We passed our 500 mile marker today. Ended up wandering off the trail 3 times because I was in my own world. I know that's crazy but there are so many trails out here in Mt. Rodgers Park. Last night I opened up and shared my testimony with the group. I'm so glad that I did. I feel so close to these 4. Now, I'm hoping for more brokenness in my life.We decided to hitch into town, Troutdale, Virginia--the smallest corporated town in the U.S. We had a great big dinner and decided to stay at the Baptist Hostel. Nice to be dry and warm because it is and has been raining.
Date: 2003-04-18
From: DICKEY GAP

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up hearing the rain beat against the windows. So glad we had a roof over our heads. We all got our stuff together and ate in the one room that had a fan heater. It was 40 degrees and raining.We quickly got a hitch back to the trail in the back of a truck. They are hiker friendly people here. The terrain wasn't bad at all so we got good mileage in. At the shelter where we ate lunch, we hung out with Ounce and his 3 legged dog. I was wondering how tough it was for her to hike.It rained off and on all day. It was pretty walking along the ridge. On one side you could just see fields of green with little houses all spread out over them. I noticed that more green plants and leaves were coming out, waiting for the right time to bloom.We made it to Partnership Shelter by 6:00. This is the only shelter (I think) on the AT that you can call and order pizza from. We weren't at first but were tempted by the sneaky Mr. Cranky Pants and Almighty Cire. It was cheap and very good! This shelter is very big. 9 of us are sleeping upstairs. It has a shower and a nice privy. It is cold again...I'm longing and waiting for the nights to warm up. Heading off to sleep with the sounds of crickets and frogs.
Date: 2003-04-19
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Davis Path Shelter
Miles today: 14.3

Wrote a poem for the day...Twas the Day Before Easter   Twas the day before Easter and all through the woodsRaindrops fell from trees, splattering on our jackets & hoods.   Fog filled the air and the wind slightly blewWondering what views I would see beyond the thick mist & heavy dew.   I kept walking over huge rocks & big rootsWishing I were wearing anything besides these wet smelly boots.   Will there be any wildlife? Will the birds start to sing?Taking one step at a time; not knowing what the next minute will bring.   Then 7 miles pass and there lies the shelter & its privyI ate the rest of my food, leaving my pack almost empty.   Then all of a sudden to our surprise,Out popped the sun and the big blue sky.   So good to have some nice warm weatherOur packs even felt lighter than a feather. I sang song after song as I walked to a happy beatAgain happy to be here, for it is the first day of our 8th week.   I walked through fields of green as the horses nearby grazedI stop and stand in awe of how awesome God is...I'm amazed.   Up next is the schoolhouse museum that reminds me of Anne of Green Gablesand Avonlea   The one room that was so simple, that set a peace within me.   Dandelions and violets both here and thereWith smells of honeysuckle and onion grass filling the air.   Then came our next stop at a village that was smallPicked up our mail drops, sliced my finger on a knife, as thetemperature started to fall.   Went to the Barn Restaurant where we had a big mealCaught the laughing bug, cause after I ate, it was exhausted I did feel.   We left the town by going under the InterstateTrying to reach Davis Field Shelter, before it got too late.   As I was making a trip to the privy, a large creature ran byGiving me a scare.   I suddenly stopped, frozen by the huge eyes that gave me a glare.   Whew, oh what a long long day   As I lay my head down on the wood floor of the shelter, I pray...Thinking of the song Via Dolorosa and His walk to Calvary   All the pain and beating He suffered for me.   As I think of this, a tear slowly goes down my faceCaught by the crease of a smile, knowing that yesterday, today, andtomorrow He will fill my life with His love, mercy, and grace.   Goodnight!
Date: 2003-04-20
From: Davis Path Shelter

To: Campsight
Miles today: 16.4

Happy Easter! Imagining myself back at home, having a family Easter egg hunt. We would've dyed the Easter eggs the night before. Then, we'd be getting ready for church in either a new Easter Sunday dress or an old one. Going to church with every pew filled--seeing faces I haven't seen in awhile. Possibly playing the piano along with Mrs. Lyra--the organist. Then, having a big lunch in Brundidge with my family and grandparents.Well, I'm cuddled up in my sleeping bag wishing I were warm but thankful that I am here. Cire, who has been hiking along with us, left about a half hour before we did. We decided that we were going to do a 20 mile hike today...not realizing that today's terrain is basically all uphills; plus, it was cool and overcast when we first thought of it, then out came the sun and the heat.We had to climb these ladders that would take us over fences--a lot of ladders that aren't the easiest to climb over. The day was beautiful! Slickrock and I ended up taking another trail because I kept asking her the name of flowers. Had lunch under these 2 trees in a huge green field. Wonderful day--just thanking God for each minute.Well, we didn't make it the 20 miles. We did get to see the sun set. Orange filled the sky contrasting with the blue mountains. What a sight to end the day!
Date: 2003-04-21
From: Campsight

To: Campsight
Miles today: 20.3

STREAMS, TRAIL MAGIC, ARE WE THERE YET?Rained on us last night so our stuff is damp. Had a 1600 ft climb. Went over several balds. It was rainy, foggy, and windy. Made it to Chestnut Knob Shelter which was like a hostel with bunkbeds in it. The storm sounded worse inside.The hike after the shelter to the next one seemed to last forever. My legs are completely broken out due to, I think, an allergic reaction to my long silk underwear. So my legs burned and just flat out hurt. So I was miserable for about 10 miles. Made it to the shelter--thank goodness! It had a really colorful privy which was neat to see. Still had 6 miles left. I hiked ahead of everyone because I was slowly moving. Cried for a solid hour as I hiked. I hurt so bad but hiking was really all I could do. We had to cross over 12 streams. Since it had rained earlier, they were all a little higher. After my foot slipped off a rock and went completely under the ice cold water, it turned out to be kind of fun. We basically just walked through them all.Soon it became dark and we were off for another night hike. As we started, we found an ice chest full of trail magic. Had a Welch's Grape Juice and an apple. The night was warm and nice. We went several miles until we found a flat place to set up our tents. Right when we got our tents ready to put up, it started raining. It was so dark and my stakes were buried under a bunch of leaves. As I was frantically trying to find them, Speck & Slick Rock's poles broke. Finally, I found my stakes after my tent was soaked. Had an extra fixit pole thing which ended up working for their broken pole.Well, it was a good day. Hiked over 20 miles and now going to bed in a dry sleeping bag. Fell like I can lay here forever. Love it when it rains--especially when I'm inside but I'm now dry.
Date: 2003-04-22
From: Campsight

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

So tired--glad that we got to sleep in till 9:30. It still rained off and on. One of the hardest things to do is get out of a dry sleeping bag and put on wet boots. This week we are pushing to make it to Pearisburg, VA by Thursday because Diesel's mom is going to be there. So I've been thinking and thinking about mileage. Not enjoying the hike as much--which I don't like to do. So, I again today pushed myself. Seemed like I was hiking in circles. Tried to get my mind off of the miles--enjoying the things I tend to take for granted out here. Had some more trail majic that was left in memory of Ted Soleman.Ended up crossing a bridge over the Interstate which was pretty cool--me hiking, having only my pack and my poles; a wanderer, a searcher, a lover of this lifestyle.Made it 7 miles to Helvey Mills Shelter. Since I was carrying an extra journal in my pack, I left it at the shelter. How cool will it be when they return it to me in a year or two. To read people's/hiker's stories, struggles, how exciting! We stayed at the shelter for 2 hours debating on whether or not we should stay here or go another 10 miles to the next shelter. It was really cold and threatening rain. We ended up deciding to go. Glad we did because we quickly warmed up. Basically walked along the ridge--not too many views. Cool because there were mountain ridges running parallel to the one we were on, on both sides of us.We averaged 3 miles an hour...not too bad. Pulled into Jenny Knob Shelter around 8:30 and were pleased that there was enough room. 180 degrees was there--a southbounder who snored really loudly. Another cold night and one day closer to Pearisburg.