morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-23
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: clear sky

Ooops, I did it again. Okay, it wasn't planned really, but I wanted to push a little bit and catch the other four before Friday night. Hotdog and I just kept hiking and hiking, and did our biggest day yet, and that was over some pretty good size mountains such as Buzzard Rock and Mt. Rogers!We hiked from our usual 8:40-something until about 6:30pm. It was a long day, and right before the shelter, we had to sit down for another break. But I feel good about it. Maybe tomorrow my body will hate me for it, but that's okay. I'll just tell it to wait until after tomorrow is over and see how it likes me then! When Hotdog and I got to the shelter, we were surprised to see that Sonic and Guana were here! Reunited! Then, to add icing to the cake, Fly and Smoothie got here around 7:30! Now that the 6 of us are together, I hope we stay together for the next few days, especially since Sonic and Guana are leaving the trail in four days. We'd planned on a little get-together before then. The only catch is that in order for us to do it, we have to go about 35 miles over the next two days. From what I've looked at on trail elevation profile and what I've heard, tomorrow's terrain might be the time to do more big miles. I'm not sure how that will be, after today's mileage! But, I'm willing to find out.This shelter is near the top of Mt. Rogers, which is Virginia's highest peak at 5729 feet. It's cold tonight. The wind had a bite to it all day long. There are seven of us in the loft of the shelter, so I think body heat will keep us all warm enough. I won't want to get out of my bag though...again. I guess I'll do like this morning and stay in it as long as I can.Some at the shelter said there are a lot of deer around, and there's been a mare with her foal within 25' of the shelter. Neither one is too concerned when we humans get close to them for photos.So far, Virginia has been just beautiful. I remarked to Hotdog that I really like the state, and he replied "That's good, because you're going to be in it for a while." Very true. But if I keep liking it, that won't be a problem at all. And even if I start to like it less, I'll still be in it for a while. And I'll just keep hiking.
Date: 2003-04-25
From: VA16, Dickey Gap 

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

Hotdog didn't have any other side effects to last night's tumble, but he did find a bump and another scrape on the top of his head. I'm glad he's feeling no ill effects. I had one thing on my mind today: pizza! The day was quite overcast, and cool, but not much rain fell. That made for some fairly quick hiking. We left at 8am from camp, and arrived at the shelter at 3:15. The W. Pat Jennings Sr Visitor Center here is very nice, and luckily we arrived before they locked up the Pepsi machine and restrooms! Partnership Shelter is very nice. According to the guides, it sleeps 16, but we have at least 20 in it. It also has a hot shower, which several hikers took advantage of, but I did not, because I didn't want my hair to be wet with the cool air.Hotdog and I split a large Pizza Hut pizza. There is a phone, and menus right at the visitor center, less than 200 yards from the shelter. Pizza Hut has been here four times already today!Gator, a 2001 thruhiker from Florida, and his wife Ally, are here delivering some Trail Magic: cold beer, chips and salsa, apples and candy bars. They are very cool, and Gator fans too! Great people. I chatted with Gator for quite a while, about Florida, and especially Turner River, which I'd like to canoe some day. I meant to get his email address to contact him about the river, and a map he made of it. Maybe I can figure that out someday.I can't understand how people can stay in the shelters and be mean to people who snore. A guy in the shelter threatened to wake up anyone who snores, no matter how little sleep he got! I prefer to just wear earplugs, and twice in the last 3 nights, I've slept between two of the best snorers: Sonic and Hotdog. It hardly bothers me anymore, and if it still did, I'd sleep in my tent instead of the shelters.Sonic and Guana have two more days on the trail, and a friend is here tonight to hike the last two days. Guana's sister will be meeting them sometime tomorrow to hike too. Or that's the plan anyway, once they get in touch with her.It's good to be with Sonic, Guana, Fly and Smoothie. I don't know why I didn't just wait for them the day before yesterday, but I guess I thought they'd catch up to me. Oh well, we're all here now, and I hope we at least get to the same place every night to camp or shelter. Every night! Ha! There's only one night left with Sonic and Guana! Oh well, I'll see how it works out tomorrow.
Date: 2003-04-26
From: Partnership Shelter

To: US11/I81/Atkins 
Miles today: 11.6

When we got up this morning, Guana asked Hotdog, Fly, Smoothie and I if we wanted to go to a diner for breakfast. Of course we all said yes, and after two trips in Ann's car, we were at the Sugar Grove Diner. We had a good breakfast, and that seemed to take away some of the drive to hike, but we'd set our goal for the day at Groseclose, VA, about 11 miles away, for shakes. That seemed enough to propel us for the day.It was fun hiking with a large group. There were 7 of us, until about 2 1/2 miles from our destination, when Guana's sister Michelle came from Groseclose to meet us. The time seemed to pass rather quickly, as I hiked with different people than usual, and chatted with them the whole way. I hiked a little slower than my usual pace, but enjoyed it greatly.As is usual, any destination that I'm anxious to get to, can be seen from the trail well before we get there. Such was the case with Dairy Queen! And yet, somehow, we all made it. Then we decided to go across the street to The Barn Restaurant for dinner first, then dessert. The Barn was good, and had good prices. Needless to say, some of us were too full for dessert, but I managed a small blizzard anyway.We made a big decision then... stay in a hotel. Ann, Michelle, and Guana left to get Ann's car from the Visitor Center, Sonic, Smoothie and I went to the store to look for some decorations and gifts for Guana'birthday, and Hotdog and Fly had laundry duty. We found no decorations, so did the best with what we could, and put toilet paper all over our room! The cake was 2 cupcakes, and 3 Reese's peanut butter cups, each with a match in them.When Guana returned, we asked them to come to our room to discuss tomorrow's plans. Guana walked into our TPed room and the birthday celebration was on! Gifts were opened, and beer too, and we hung out for a long time just chatting, and laughing. I'll miss Sonic and Guana, and hope when they return to the trail, I meet up with them again.They are planning on a 12-mile slackpack tomorrow, because Michelle and Ann need to get home at a decent hour since they have to work Monday. The four of us have decided to sleep in, and hope to seem them on the trail tomorrow before they leave.
Date: 2003-05-03
From: Pearisburg,VA

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

It was a rough morning for me, and for the other bar-goers. I had a great time last night, but could've done with a few less drinks. I didn't feel too rough, just had a litle headache and was tired. Despite going to bed after 3, I woke up the first time at 6:45, but dozed until about 8am. Not nearly as long as I wanted to sleep, but I'll take it.Around 9am, I went to the post office to check for mail. I had none. It was a good thing I waited until Fly got all of his and Smoothie's mail, because I was able to lend a hand carrying. I was rewarded with homebaked brownies for my troubles. No trouble at all, but I couldn't turn down brownies!Today, I put off doing my chores as long as I could by just piddling around the hotel room. At lunchtime, Hotdog, Fly, Smoothie and I went to Dairy Queen for lunch. And for dessert. Mmmm...chocolate chip cookie dough blizzard. It was yummy!On the way back, we stopped at a couple of stores, but I didn't feel like shopping, so just browsed. I got an idea of what the stores had to offer, for whenever I finally decide to do my resupply shopping. I made some phone calls, finally talking to someone instead of just answering machines and voice mail, when my dad answered the cell phone. It was good to talk to him. I don't think I've felt homesick yet, but when I get to a phone, once or twice a week, I want to talk to family. Sometimes I'm disappointed when nobody's home. Eventually, I get to talk to someone, and that makes it all better.Around 5, I did laundry, and while it was in the works, called my brother Dan, and wished Mary Sue a Happy Birthday. I got to hear Baby Dan making some noise, but not too much. I really want to see the little guy, but will have to wait I guess. It's hard to miss his first 6 months of life, especially since I used to live so close to them and would be seeing him a lot if I weren't out here. It's okay though. It was my choice, and I know I'll see him soon enough.I'm very anxious to have other family coming to visit, as I miss them all, and they've been so supportive of me.After laundry, dinner was in order, and we wanted a pizza buffet, but it wasn't for dinner, so we had Chinese buffet instead. It was pretty good, and I was getting just plain tired. I made another call, then Fly, Smoothie and I just relaxed in the room, watching movies on TV until falling asleep. I still have to do my resupply shopping tomorrow, and try to get back on the trail. This has been a fun time in Pearisburg, but it's time to get back on the trail ... AFTER a good night's sleep!!!
Date: 2003-05-10
From: Roanoke, VA

To: Roanoke, VA
Miles today: 0.0

It was another relaxing day today. I could get used to this! Actually, I did run a few errands, but nothing major. Once again, my hosts have been wonderful! They've allowed me to use their phone, spare bed, computer, TV, shower, taxi service... anything I wanted! I certainly do appreciate it, and could not have asked for more. What wonderful people!Even though I enjoyed, and needed this time off, now that it's the night before heading back to the trail, I'm ready and even a bit anxious to do that. It's weird, but it'll take me two days to get to a place where, yesterday, we drove to in 10 minutes. That is a weird concept. While on the trail, I think only of trail miles and maps, not road maps, but the days off, and driving around this area have made me think about both aspects and how they intertwine. It almost doesn't seem fair, but then again, I get to see things those people in the cars don't get to see. That makes it not seem so unfair anymore!I'm going to try to take it a little easier over the next few days, if I can. I can't say how much I did not like the pushing for 16-mile days when I didn't feel up to it. If I feel up to it, I don't mind at all. Actually, I really enjoy pushing myself physically... as long as the chance of injury isn't raised. I guess I am out here for the physical challenge too, but it's not a speed thing. I just want to complete the journey. And I do know that the journey could be done before Katahdin is reached, but I don't think that will be the case for me.I'm looking forward to seeing hikers at Trail Days that I haven't seen in a long time, especially Subman and the other Pack 31 members! It'll be cool to talk with Subman again, since he's one of the few I met before arriving at Springer.This hike is about meeting all of these people, even if it's just for a few minutes of a day. We share something special, a desire to be on the trail, headed north, and that's an immediate reason for bonding. I can't say how awesome this has been, and I hope it continues to be. I've been nothing but happy about the experience, and I can't say that about too much else that I've done in my life. That is just amazing to me!
Date: 2003-05-12
From: Campbell Shelter

To: US220/Daleville
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night, it was a little bit warm in my sleeping bag when I climbed in, but in the night, a front came through, the wind picked up, and the temperature dropped, making for some great sleeping! This morning, the wind was still roaring through the trees. It didn't seem too bad at the shelter, but once I got up on the ridges, I realized it was strong. I'm sure we had at least gusts of tropical storm strength. It made for some interesting hiking.I didn't think much would top McAfee Knob, but Tinker Cliffs were awesome too. The trail follows right along the cliffs for 1/2 mile, and once again, the views were great! I could see McAfee, plus many other mountains and valleys. If the wind weren't ripping, I would've stayed up there longer, but it was a little chilly, even though the sun was out. At one point, I could hear the wind coming, as I was standing on the cliffs, and I braced myself against the wind. Good thing I did...it was a big blow! The good thing is that the wind was blowing toward the mountain, not off the cliffs.The trail followed the ridge of Tinker Mountain all day today, and toward the end of today's hike, I could look across Carvin Cove Reservoir to McAfee Knob, and follow the Tinker Ridge to where I was standing. It's not often that I can see where I've been for the last day or day and a half, and it was really neat to see that.The trail was nice today. Before Tinker Cliffs it was fairly level, until the climb before the Cliffs. After the Cliffs, there were some ups and downs. I climbed through huge rocks, including walking under a gigantic rock that was angled from the ground next to me, up over my head. That was cool, but the graffitti took a lot away from it. There were many good overlooks today. Some of them I walked out to the edges and stood there for a few minutes, and others I just stopped on the trail for about 30 seconds, looking into the distance, or down at the valley. I like doing that.Today was a pretty good day, until the downhill coming to US220. My leg started hurting on that downhill, and by the time I reached the road, I was limping. Hotdog's foot was bothering him a lot by the end of the day too, so we both limped to the road. By that time, all we both wanted was a place that had ice (for our injuries). The Best Western was right by the trailhead and we made a beeline there. It seems weird to spend 3 nights at a house, one on the trail, then one in a hotel, but there weren't any other reasonable options, as camping isn't allowed in this area, and the next shelter is about 5 miles from here. I'm hoping the next several days before going to Trail Days, I'll take it a little bit easier. The daily mileages I have in mind range from 11-13, so that's a bit less than I'd been doing. Time will tell. For now, I'll ice tonight, and head on out tomorrow.
Date: 2003-05-25
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

It was raining this morning before I got out of bed. I could tell by the way the cars driving by outside sounded. That, and the cold I still have, made me not want to go back to the trail, but I did anyway. Hotdog and I got a shuttle at 9:30 and were back on the trail by 9:45am. The rain was over, and we didn't see any for the rest of the day.Before leaving the hotel, I received a phone call from one of my nephews, Josh. (With some prompting from Grammie of course.) He sounded SO cute when he asked "Aunt T, are you still moun-tain climb-ing?" So I talked to him for a bit, and I could tell he was on the other end of the line, pointing around the room, as he told me "Grammie's over there and Mommy's over there and Grandpa's over there..." I miss the little bugger, but will be seeing him in late June or early July. I miss all of my family, which makes phone calls like that even more special.Today was the big day! The day I enter the so-called "easy" Shenandoah National Park. I didn't think it was easy, but did 20 miles in just over 9 hours, so it wasn't too terribly bad, I guess. Most of the ascents and descents were well-graded, but there were a few long climbs. The sun tried to come out a few times, and I did have a couple of views, though not very far. I hope for some clear skies to take in all of the overlooks. I'm happy there was no rain, but it's supposed to be coming back. Lucky me. I'm not used to rain and temps in the 50s and 60s. It's not too bad though. While hiking, I stay warm enough, then change at least my shirt at the shelter.I was considering getting a cooler bag (one rated to 45 degrees) and sending home my 20 degree bag, but I'll probably keep this one a while longer. I don't know that my cooler one is much lighter in weight anyway, and when my sister comes to hike, we'll use both of them anyway so I might as well hang onto this one. I'd surely like to drop some pack weight, but not sure how much I can drop. I'm keeping my tent, pack and bag, and that's most of my weight. Oh well, I've done okay this far, I'll be okay with it.I just had a coughing fit here in the shelter while most everyone was sleeping. I hate having those, especially with 9 others trying to sleep in a confined space. I tried water and cough medicine, but those fits only stop when they want to. Finally it did, and I'm hoping no more come tonight.Here in Shenandoah, bear poles are provided and we are required to use them. One shelter ago, about 13 miles back, I'm sure the night's occupants were hanging their food in the shelter, since it's just outside the Park. The bear poles are about 12 feet high, but when the food bags hang down, they are only about 8 feet above ground. It's kinda funny, since bears can reach that high pretty easily. Oh well, park rules!I've been very tired lately, and am again tonight. I was yawning for most of today's hike because of it. Most nights lately I haven't read my book at all. Maybe when I stop hiking until 7:30 or 8:30 at night... Or maybe I'll keep doing that anyway. Whatever I feel like doing usually wins out!
Date: 2003-06-19
From: Eckville Shelter 

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter 
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

I slept on the floor in the hotel last night, but didn't mind. I have a hard time sleeping in beds sometimes anyway. This morning, I did laundry, and began to organize myself and my sister so we could head out today. I had wanted a day off today, but this will work out better for them.I have an old backpack that my mom brought, and my sister borrowed a smaller backpack from someone she works with. She decided she liked the fit of the smaller one better. Or maybe she was smarter than I, knowing the smallerthe pack, the less she'd have to carry. I loaded it with, sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad, her dry clothes, rain gear, and her personal items. She said it felt okay. We went shopping for some more food, and had lunch--Taco Bell!!! I hadn't had Taco Bell since I left on this trip. It was pretty yummy. After a restroom stop or three or six, we headed back to the trail where I'd gotten off yesterday.Michelle and I put our packs on, and Sam and Tristan put their packs on, and the four of us, plus Ma headed north on the AT. The pace was excellent, but I'm not sure I'd be able to finish going at a 5-year-old's pace. We might step on every rock, and play with every bug though, and that would be fun too. Ma and the boys walked over a half mile north before turning back, leaving Mich and I to go on without them.I got to show here how good and smart of a hiker I'd become by walking waaaaay downhill for water and returning with none, falling in the rocks and bloodying my shin, getting us to the shelter around 7:30 which was about an hour and a half after the thunderstorm started, and leading her 0.25mi down to the spring and 0.25 back up. I'm so glad there was room in the shelter! I heard that the weather I'd expected (clear and sunny) had been changed to chance of showers Friday through Sunday. Lucky me. Well.. I'm kinda used to it, not that I enjoy it. Lucky Michelle. I felt bad today, as we stumbled our way across rockbed after rockbed.When we'd first started today, we talked about maybe doing a big day tomorrow (15-17 miles), but if the weather is rainy, and the rocks are... rocky, I might suggest that the 10 miles to the next shelter will be sufficient. Heck, I didn't start off doing 10-mile days, and I surely didn't have the crappy footing Mich has had so far.I hope she doesn't get turned off to backpacking because of this trip. It hasn't been too bad, despite the rain and rocks. Hopefully, by letting her eat all the candy, she'll see the bright side of it. We got one hazy view from Dan's Pulpit today, and she saw a few chipmunks, a millipede, toads and/or frogs, and 2 turkeys. Plus, she said, once or twice "that's pretty" or "that's neat" so all is not lost. Whatever happens, it's an adventure I'm glad she's sharing with me. It gives me a chance to share with her too. I like that.
Date: 2003-06-22
From: PA248/Palmerton 

To: Allentown, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Good zero day today. Laundry, photo developing, food shopping errands, then... I went on a train ride with Michelle, Sam and Tristan! It was pretty cool, and the kids had a great time. We'd debated going to Dorney Park in the evening, but decided we'll just go tomorrow morning through early afternoon, then I get dropped off at Palmerton Jail where I'll spend the night.It looks like Hotdog and I will be reunited, as we're both leaving Palmerton Tuesday morning, headed north. That'll be good. I missed the Dog, but don't tell him that. I have four hiking days until Pa, Dan and Bryan come to visit. I'm not sure what we're going to do, but it will be good to see them. If we had enough backpacking equipment, they'd hike with me for sure, but I don't have much more than I'm carrying, so we've been discussing our options. It doesn't matter what we do... I'm excited that they're coming!I had a good time with Sam and Tristan today, even if I did make Tristan mad when I ate his candy bar. I'm such a meanie! He must forgive easily because later, in the pool, he was climbing all over me yelling "Go, motorcycle! Go, motorcycle!" and I'd hop up and down, spin left and right, dip side to side, and other silly movements to try to throw my rider from my back. Tristan and Sam laughed and laughed. I got tired, but made it through pool time.I haven't shaved since I began my hike, and I'm pretty careful about not showing off my armpit hairs, but in a bathing suit, it's difficult. All I can say is... thank goodness I have light-colored hair! I ALMOST decided to shave, at least there, but didn't. I will after the hike is over. I did, however, get a well-deserved haircut from Ma. That'll probably be my last cut until after the hike, or early Sept, whichever comes first. I'm loving this short hair though! I am SO glad I had it cut before the hike started.It's funny... guys grow their hair long while hiking, and girls cut it short for hiking. Funny.Since the nice mice perforated my hiking shirt the other night, that beloved shirt found it's way into the hotel trash can today. (sigh) After all we'd been through!! I guess it's time for me to start a new relationship. Starting over is so hard. With the warm temperatures forecasted, I will make my new shirt feel welcome rather quickly, I fear. Poor it.One more day off the trail, then back on. The rain was off and on today, but the forecast is for mostly sun for at least 3 days, with highs in the upper 80s. Upper 80s!?!? I haven't seen that since I left Florida!! Maybe I will be able to look at streams and creeks as something to swim in, instead of something to avoid falling in, for fear of freezing. I'm going to miss Ma, Mich, Sam, and Tristan, but am looking forward to getting back on the trail. I'm really looking forward to putting another state behind me soon! I almost can't wait to say 'Goodbye, Pennsylvania!' I will try to enjoy my last few days in this state, for I might never return to again...!