morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-10
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Breakfast at the Apple Tree B and B. Coughed up the 'love' donation and met the Only Wanderer at Mojoes on the way out of town. Tempted momentarily to take the Virginia Creeper out of town, but the purist intention within forced me up the switchbacks, where I met John Grunt and his sweet little pup "Baby." By far the most impressive specimen of stray mutt to grace the AT. With it's one blood-shot eye, drooling beard, and uncanny resemblance to Wicket from Star Wars, I nearly died on the spot. I'll miss you my 'Baby,' and look forward to our next encounter.
Date: 2008-03-11
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

An excellent section through the Grayson Highlands. Elk Garden is a place i must visit again sometime.Grunt met us at one of the road crossings where he lavished hungry thru-hikers with a lunch fit for a king. And who was there for the postprandial comic relief? That's right. My sweet little wicket 'Baby,' spreading her love like wildfire to anything that moved. She deserves a treat. Ran into Moosehead, Tortoise, and Pooh-Bear after lunch. Dr. Pepper sounds like he's only a day or two behind.Icey through Fat Man's Squeeze and a rocky approach to the shelter as the sun set.
Date: 2008-03-13
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Chatfield
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Short hike to the Partnership shelter where we enjoyed 2 large pizzas down by the pond. Torchy went for a dip while I lounged in the sun. Fighter jets flew overhead. Late push to Chatfield after an hour nap. Foot soaks and cold pizza for dinner tonight. Woke the next morning to the songs of a Winter Wren. Off to Groseclose in the morning
Date: 2008-03-14
From: Chatfield

To: Knot Maul Branch
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Breakfast at the Barn after being booted from the Village Truckstrop by 'The Dreamer' (refrained from using her real name as displayed on the name tag she sports on the left pocket of her collared work shirt) Bless her heart. Let this be a warning to all who plan on resupplying in Groseclose. She's a mean one. So try make her stop short and sweet.We did meet Geek at the Barn who was in route to Low Gap with 150 beers and hot dogs for the horde of thru-hikers that have now hit the trail. His green hair tells me St. Patty's must be approaching and the three beers he left on my pack before leaving only confirms my suspicion. This is the guy that thru-hiked with a cat some years ago. Great guy. Incredibly generous.The rain moved in around 16:00. Lots of farm crossings with questionable water supplies. Met up with Merlin and Willow at Knot Maul around 19:00 shortly before Sgt. Rock showed up. Thanks again for the 'Thin Mints,' Sgt. Rock. Maybe I'll see you up north after your time off the trail.
Date: 2008-03-15
From: Knot Maul Branch

To: Jenkins Knob
Miles today: 19.0

More rain today, and with it has come two momentous discoveries: ring worm on my left forearm and what appears to be 'frostnip' on the tops of my ears. Thankfully Trent's is only a day away. Lunch atop Chestnut Knob Shelter, where we met 'Cakewalk,' who was out for the day maintaining the trails for PATH.My right quadricep has an unrelenting cramp that tightens on the downhills and it feels like there's a ball bearing under the front pad of my right foot. What fun would the trail be without a little pain to spice it up. I wonder, does pain arise to occupy the mind when it has nothing else to think about, or is it the manifestation of over 500 miles of micro-compression injuries over the course of 1.5 months? It does seem that as one pain subsides, another arises only to mask the long list of pains i've already suffered through and recovered from or more realistcally, 'beeen distracted from.'
Date: 2008-03-16
From: Jenkins Knob

To: Helvey's Mill
Miles today: 14.0

A shorter day today. And my body leaps in a fit of joy. Amazaon caught a ride from Va. 615 with "Chester," into Bland and met Stride and me at the shelter later that day, where we would feast on all that Dairy Queen had to offer. Twelve burgers, three hot dogs, a box of cookies, and three 22 oz. beverages. Excellent. Looking forward to Pearisburg where I'll be able to repair my boots that are beginning to show signs of wear and tear. Krazy glue should do the job. Temporarily.
Date: 2008-03-17
From: Helvey's Mill

To: Trent's
Miles today: 16.0

Sixteen miles felt more like twenty today. I hobbled into Trent's and set up camp. Met Amoeba and Purple Rose. Had dinner at the Grocery and curled up under my tarp for another night of rest. I am still battling the quadricep cramp and 'ball-bearing' effect on my right foot. The slow onset of neuropathy has taken its course in my toes and the pads of my feet. The pain goes away during the hike. It's only when I stop for breaks, does the feeling and sensation come rushing back to deliver yet another pain response until I begin hiking again, one numbing step after the other.
Date: 2008-03-18
From: Trent's

To: Doc's Knob
Miles today: 16.0

Hey there gang. Just found the time to upload some photos here from The Plaza in Pearisburg. I'm short on energy and time so i'll keep it short. Things have been going well since Damascus. Stride, Amazon, and I are all having quite a trip out here and continue to look forward to what lies ahead. We've met some really great people in the past week including; Vera, John Grunt, Moosehead, Tortoise, Poo-bear, AT, Cinnamon, Tom from MRO (again), Mr. Wren (SOBO), Tabasco, Sgt. Rock, Cakewalk, Tempest, Purple Rose, Geek, One too Many, and Amoeba. Three of the above walk on four legs. Can you guess which? The names are astonishingly unrevealing. Such is life on the trail. Amoeba, well, you'd assume she might tout a sluggish pseudopod. Neh. She approaches as a biped. An in CROCS nonetheless! Keep me posted on your future sections, Amoeba. Maybe we'll meet again. The first day of spring is right around the corner and the weather seems to be following in suit. Still expecting some colder mornings so i'll hold onto the 10 degree bag. Best of wishes to the 'hundreds' i imagine that have just begun their own journey down south in Georgia. And too all the early bird NOBOs that trail just behind, 'Step it up so we can meet and have a walk or two.' I'll try to provide in greater detail the happenings of the past week when i find the time. Let's just say my feet look and feel like hamburger helper. Unfortunately, they smell nothing of the like. See you guys in 200 miles or so.Oh and Wooster, congrats again on the table victory. It's all in the wrist.
Date: 2008-03-19
From: Doc's Knob

To: Pearisburg, Va
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was quite a surpise to see Dozer and Dr. Pepper last night. They had hiked 30 and 25 mile days, respectively, to catch up to us in Pearisburg. They both looked beat but in good spirits. It was a pleasure to still see Dozer out on the trail, since I hadn't seen or heard from him since Feb. 5th.Our plan was to take off early in the morning. The story of my life.
Date: 2008-03-20
From: Pearisburg, Va

To: Pine Swamp Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: broken clouds

Needless to say we didn't hit the trail till 10:30. Such is the vortex.Still no roof on this shelter. Ironically this was the largest group I've seen since i began. Dozer, DP, Tabasco, Merlin, Willow, Lily, Amazon, Stride, Vagus, and no roof. But plenty of shingles and pieces of the roof for the fire! Also the footbridge across Stoney Creek 3 miles north is still out of commission. Signs lead the way to a road walk bypass just down the hill from the shelter. I unfortunately missed the sign in the dark of the morning and had to ford the creek. Knee deep and freezing cold but manageable. I awarded myself with 4 pop tarts on the northern bank. Constant positive reinforement, of the like, is the only way Vagus survives.
Date: 2008-03-21
From: Pine Swamp Shelter

To: Sinking Mountain
Miles today: 25.0

Tarped on the ridge. Big full moon. Tabasco's coyote call could be heard through the hills. Apparently he was 'just letting off a little steam' after completing a 25 mile day from Pine Swamp. Apparently he'd been cheated out of all the good trail magic on last year's hike so he wanted to get 'first dibs' on Hubcap's trail magic down south of Audie Murphy.With an early start, I left the group behind for a long solo day. My longest day yet. In the morning, I met a strange little 'Hobbit' on a mission to distribute Bibles through the shelters on the AT as part of his ministry. Lunch just after War Spur Shelter. That afternoon I had the great pleasure of meeting Skittles in Sinking Valley where he was waiting to be picked up by Recess, his hiking partner from Blacksburg.A beautiful sunset and the coyotes call this evening atop Sinking Mt. Tabasco passed by later that night around 22:00. Get you some trailmagic!
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Sinking Mountain

To: Lost Spectacles Gap
Miles today: 22.0

Left this morning around 6:50 to find Tabasco taking a break a couple miles south of Niday Shelter. We strolled up to Hubcap's supply which was a welcomed sight. Gatorade on chill in the creek with a barrel of goodies on the side. Hubcap's homemade Moonshine was an excellent surprise that Tabasco rightfully earned and shortly consumed, I can only imagine. He deserved it. I took off up Audie Murphy after a short break to enjoy an orange and some jerky. Haven't seen ol' Tabasco since. Yet i'll never forget the great words of wisdom he bestowed upon me as we walked together that day as he was complaining of the new blisters that had arisen from his long 25 mile day. 'Today's blister is tomorrow's callus.' -Tabasco And with that 'pearl' I was off.Found a feather today from a yellow shafted Flicker. Adding it to my feather collection, which is dismal to say the least. Blooming yellow trout lilies along Trout Creek. Spring is encroaching, one flower at a time.Met Eli, Joey, and his wife atop Dragon's Tooth to watch the sunrise before descending down to the gap for another night under the tarp. They passed by my camp later that night on their way down to 311 where we chatted for sometime. Joey was gracious to give me a liter of water and three tangerines. I was also able to coordinate the reunification of Amoeba and her long lost Croc that night. Thanks again Joey for all your help. Amoeba is eternally grateful.
Date: 2008-03-23
From: Lost Spectacles Gap

To: Lambert Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Later start today. Left camp around 9. Left a tangerine behind for the others with my name carved on the peel. Dozer caught up to me around 11 and we hiked together to 311 to wait for Stride. We debated making a trip to the Homeplace for Easter brunch, but there were around 50 cars parked out front so we continued to press on through McAfee's Knob and Tinker Cliffs. We finally made it down into Lambert Meadow where we met Phoenix (SOBO '04). Amazon cruised into camp by headlamp around 21:00. We couldn't believe she'd made it so far that day, given the condition of her feet. Hardcore Torchy Flambeaux. She never ceases to amaze me. Mid-night snack attacks and an insatiable thirst woke me up around 3:30. All is well.
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Lambert Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

Apologies again for the lack of updates. Everything is going well. Starting to crank up the daily mileage. Amazon, aka "Torchy Flambeaux" is dealing with a serious case of trench foot, but other than that, everything is copesetic. The weather is really starting to warm up.Tonight we stayed at Heidi's in Daleville. This was an excellent place to rest our weary bones after a halfday on the trail. Thank you again Heidi, Mike, and Cody. We truly appreciate your generosity.
Date: 2008-03-25
From: Daleville

To: Black Horse Gap
Miles today: 15.0

Another late start out of the trail town. Stopped at the Pizza Hut around noon for a quick lunch. Merlin and Willow showed up towards the end of the meal, so we were able to exchange stories and talk for a bit before hitting the trail again.Torchy's trench foot needs some time to heal so she is going to hand back with Heidi for a bit. So Stride and I pushed on into the late afternoon, minus Torchy. We miss you Flambeux and look forward to your return.Crossed paths with Amoeba this afternoon on my way up Fulhardt Knob. She was so grateful to finally have her one missing Croc back. It was then that I was told she's actually section hiking the entire AT in Crocs. Unfotunately, the style she prefers is discontinued. Fortunately, she has 16 pair. Stride and I were just finsihing up dinner as Skittles showed up. We spoke for a bit and then decided to crank out a few more miles to Black Horse Gap. The moon didn't rise till the AM so it was quite a struggle to see with my LED keylight. But i managed. Spring Beauty and Bloodroot are beginning to bloom.
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Black Horse Gap

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Lunch at Bearwallow Gap with Skittles, where our paths diverged. He headed to the Peaks of Otter via the Blue Ridge and Stride and I made our way north on the AT to Bryant's Ridge Shetler, which is probably the nicest shelter thus far. It sleeps nearly 20, but in my opinion, two fit just fine. The forests are beginning to come alive. Each morning i awake to the perpetual buzz of the morning songs from the Winter Wren and find it hard to imagine wanting to be anywhere other than here. These past few days have been exceptionally warm, as the insects have begun to spring forth. I almost see a new flower each day which is really exciting. I was beginning to tire of the dull browns of my winter thru-hike, but look forward to the sound of wind blowing through leaves.Hepatica spotted along the creek near the Shelter. Add one to the list!
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: broken clouds

Very warm today. Could the high have been somewhere in the 70s? Why am I glistening and having to drink more fluids? - the sad and pitiful self-narrative of a February Northbounder.....I do enjoy not having to layer up at the slightest decline in activity level though. Maybe with a few more warmers days like this i'll be able to send a few odd items home.Long day today. And for those approaching this section, the shelter is not at the top of a 500 ft. climb as seen on the map. It's right at the bottom near a creek. So don't fret. There must have been a recent reroute or the map is need of an update.Enjoyed a nice foot soak in the ice-cold creek. I could see many small fish in the creek eating the insects that floated on the water's surface. Yet another sign of the change in season. I wonder what tomorrow will hold?
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Brown Mt. Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Trailing arbutus is in its fully glory right now along the James River. Bloodroot is also very prolific there. Saw a dead deer right on the trail covered in a million carrion flies. (See skittle's page for a close up view, but don't get too interested in his journies. We're competing for hits.)Up and over Bluff Mountain. Nice climb. Have fun.Met up with a Scout Troop of 27 where we stopped to have lunch. It was nice to see so many youngsters out slinging packs around. They even gave us some free food to help us get to Waynesboro. Much appreciated. Finally made it into the Shelter around 19:00 where we met Pokey and Jaybird. I had a bath in the creek before dinner, which was quite refreshing. A tad cold though. Apple turnover quenched the mid-night snack attack tonight. Thanks to the scouts who had been there the night before. Considering a stop at the Dutch Haus tomorrow. My feet are numb and need a break.
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Brown Mt. Creek Shelter

To: Montebello, Va
Miles today: 18.0

Decided to head off the trail today, to spend the night at the Dutch Haus, where we met up with Skittles and his friends Jay and Jolie. This is the kind of place you want to zero. And zero we shall. Few distractions, good food, a warm environment, and NOTHING TO DO! We had a great time this evening after a heaping serving of lasagna with meatballs. Long conversations at the dinner table graced with Pale Ale and the most impressive imitation of the call of a Bard Owl. I WILL NEVER FORGET! It was a pleasure to spend the evening here in the presence of such excellent company.
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Montebello, Va

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We're heading back out this morning with the intention of making it to Maupin. The cold drizzly weather welcomes us from the warm confines of the Dutch Haus. I had the pleasure of spending the day with Amoeba and learning of her adventures through New Zealand yesterday. The evening hours were filled with the crunch of laptop keyboard keys as I updated the journal with photos and entries, followed by the rustling of scrabble pieces as Amoeba proceeded to school us in a game of Super Scrabble. All in all, i think my feet will thank me for the downtime. Waynesboro in two days. Hasta luego.
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Montebello, Va

To: Maupin
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light snow

Loved the 1.1 mile gravel detour from the Dutch Haus. Started and finished in the rain today. Met 'Otis' a southbounder from Maryland just after climbing the Priest. Had lunch under a massive boulder at the Tye River with Stride. Harvested some wild chives to spice up the Ramen for dinner. In for the night at Maupin with the 'famous' Winterhawk and his wife Queen B. Thankfully i had earplugs with me to drowned the drone from Winterhawks incessant snoring.
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Maupin

To: Waynesboro, Va
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

Left the shelter casually around 8:30, in the mist and rain. Found a salamander of some sort (will ID later), on one of the rockier sections of trail. Passed Winterhawk and Queen B around 10:30 at which point Stride and I made the decision to 'book it,' into town so we could make it to the PO before it closed at 5pm. After skipping lunch and pushing nearly 4 mph, we made it to Rockfish Gap by 4:20 where Steve drove us into town. We met back up with Torchie at the Quality Inn where Skittles was also staying. Chinese buffet dinner. Resupply. Indian Pale Ale. Burt's Foot Cream and Rub. Lights Out.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Waynesboro, Va

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

As described by the map: A 'delightfully' wild section along a 'sinuous' ridge. After all the excitement of entering Shenandoah, I am finally here. And surrounded by invasive exotics. Vines and deer seem to flourish here like no other. Hope the scenery improves. It always does.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Shenandoah is unusually flat. The poses issues for people like Vagus. My shorter legs lend themselves to a much slower pace on flat ground, thus allowing Skittles and Stride an unfair advantage. Needless to say, I showed up to the shelter 45 min. after Stride. I'll catch her on the 'ups.' No biggie. All in all, a long wet hike today.
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Hightop Hut

To: Rockspring Hut
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another cold and wet day on the trail. My stench is approaching intolerable. Could my feet be culturing something interesting? My hiking partners would all probably agree that 'yes,' I do have the pre-on set of......no don't say it!......YES! TRENCH FOOT. Translucent skin and a smell to kill. Ehhhh. I'll deal. Bob, Pat, Flames, and Snickers showed up later that night to stay in the PATC Cabin below the shelter. They invited us down to the cabin for dinner and wine, which was excellent. I can forsee a very late start tomorrow morning......
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Rockspring Hut

To: Pass Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

My suspicion of trench foot proved true as I cruised into Skyland for a late breakfast. A 1mm open soar has appeared on one of my toes. Initially it freaked me out, but after calming myselft with a tall stack with blueberries and 3 cups of coffee, I treated my feet to some Neosporin and a fresh new pair of socks. Long rocky decent down to the panorama where we met some 'flipfloppers,' who were waiting for their ride. Decided we earned a shorter day today so we stopped at Pass Mt, in time to do sock laundry in the spring and start a fire. Just before sunset One-eyed Jake, O.B. SPED Kanoby, Stoner Smurf, and Wolverine. Nice kids and good laughs. Right now, my main focus is keeping my feet dry and obsessing over clean socks, neosporin, and baby powder. Gotta show the feet some love. Night.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Pass Mt. Shelter

To: Tom Floyd's Wayside
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Good news! Feet are healing. Less translucent. No pain. Soar is closed and beginning to callus. Early start this morning in the rain and fog,.....again. Met a group of 20 day-hikers from Fairfax. Search and Rescue Op. seen throughout the day passing grids through the woods in search of a lost hiker. We were told to let them know if we 'saw' or 'smelled' anything unusual. Evidently this guys has been lost for a few days now and the outcome doesn't look promising. Met 'Midnight' the ridge runner who was very encouraging. Says we should stay in every single hut up in the whites. Something he highly regrets on his own thru-hike. Met Twilight in the shelter this evening. Nice gal from Mass. who is out on a week trip. WATER CONDITIONS AT WAYSIDE: Ginger Spring is not dry but hardly producing. It's flowing at a rate of about 1 liter every 15 minutes. Hope it improves with all this rain, but it looks dismal.
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Tom Floyd's Wayside

To: Dick's Dome
Miles today: 20.0

Rainy and fog again. Regardless, my feet continue to improve. Resupply in Linden. Spent a couple hours grazing and lounging at the Monterey Grocery Store. An excellent plance for short term resupply, more than excellent local entertainment, and less than excellent chilli dogs. Met 'Andy' at Manasses shelter with Twilight again. Andy left Feb. 29th from Springer! All this way without a trailname. I figured he should go by "Leap" since he left on Leap Day and is completing the trail in leaps and bounds. This kid is fast. And by hook or crook, he lept past all of the hikers I know that are south of us without ever meeting a single one of them. He lept and so he shall be called "Leap." Hike on Leap. Maybe I'll see you on the way down Katahdin. The Dome was occupied when we arrived so we tarped in the mist. The funny thing is, I only saw two sleeping bags in the shelter that night, but three people emerged in the morning........(scratches chin). Very interesting. Nice family out for a short section. Both father and son were toating bear spray on their hip belts. I suppose that's just in case the wife gets out of control????or too hungry????
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Dick's Dome

To: Sam Moore
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Setting up for a short day tomorrow into Bear's Den. Hit the roller coaster today. What an amusement. Feet are still improving thankfully. Considering changing to the Keen Arroyo for better ventilation though. These Gore-tex boots feel like little bricks on my feet anyway. And they smell to high heaven. Enjoying an empty shelter this evening with Skittles and Stride. Candle light shadow foot puppets and a National Geographic spiced up the evening. Three miles to bear's den tomorrow. Nice.