morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-16
From: VA 311 (Catawba, VA)

To: Troutville, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Once again, things don't always work out as planned. There were about ten of us sleeping in three gazebos. After dinner, Dirt Nap was violently sick. I wasn't feeling well either. In fact, I had severe digestive trouble. Of course, there were no restroom facilities, other than a field. My problem continued until morning, leaving me queezy and weak. There were other ailments plaguing many of us. Rather than hiking, a few of us decid to hitch to Troutdale, get a room and take a zero.After an interesting hitch with the local funeral director who was headed to Virginia Beach for a convention (if we had more time, we would have gone with him to the beach) we found ourselves at the Red Roof Inn. Dirt Nap had already gotten a room, so Bullwinkle, Fishsticks and I joined him and began to relax.Then Smooth showed up. We had met Smooth here and there on the trail, but never hiked with him. One more hiker to split the cost of the room. What could go wrong?Fast forward a few hours. There are five cop cars outside the hotel, and police are escorting Smooth out. He showed up at our room drunk, and proceeded to start yelling that he had lost his wallet and cell phone. For the next several hours, he tore the room apart, talking extremely loudly and getting in everyone's way, argued and got into several confrontations with nearly every staff member at the hotel (accussing them of stealing, berating them for not helping him more, etc...) He called down to the front desk four different times asking the exact same question, and getting the exact same answer. He also got in the face of the hotel manager, refusing to put out a cigarette in the lobby. When informed that the manager was allergic to smoke, he proceeded to blow smoke directly in her face. He was drunk, abusive, and told to leave the property. He hitched back to Catawba to search for his wallet there. Peace and quiet at last.As we were getting ready to go to dinner, we spot Smooth walking up the driveway to the hotel. This wasn't going to be good. Apparently, he had gotten a hitch, and convinced his ride to buy him a sandwich, a 6-pack of beer and give him $30. Ignoring the hotel staff, he proceeded up to our room and camped out - despite Dirt Nap telling him he wasn't welcome. Given plenty of warnings, the police were called to escort him out. Even though he knew they were on their way, Smooth refused to leave. Instead, he downed the 6-pack while waiting. The rest of us left the room, not wanting to be involved in any confrontation. When the police did show (finally), he harassed them, challenged them, and tried redirecting their attention to us (insinuating we had pot in our backpacks and that they should search our gear.) Finally, he was led out, charged with being drunk & disorderly in public, and hauled away. We got some good pictures, including one of him surrounded by 5 officers, smoking, and giving a thumbs up. we had dinner at Cracker Barrell (I was still eating light, satified with a salad due to my stomach issues), went back to the room and went to sleep. So much for a relaxing zero day.
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Troutville, VA

To: McAfee Knob
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

I was feeling a bit better in the morning, but far from 100%. I ate light throughout the day. None of us were moving quickly, and I decided to hang out with Bullwinkle and Fishsticks throughout the afternoon and wait for some friends of theirs who were getting back on the trail. That was also our ride back to the trailhead near Catawba. We re-supplied and eventually found our way to a coffee shop. Two hours and lots of coffee later, the crew showed up, and we piled into the back of a truck.Around 6:30, we were finally hiking and reached our destination - one of the most beautiful spots on the AT. McAfee Knob. This is a rock that juts out over a valley, giving incredible views. We arrived jsut before sunset, enjoyed the views and hung out. We took plenty of pictures (including one with 12 of us mooning the camera - we find our amusement where we can), adn everyone moved on to a tent site 1/2 mile away, well after dark. I decided to risk the rain and sleep out under the stars right htere. Looking out at the lights of Roanoke VA in the distance, I finally fell asleep.
Date: 2007-06-18
From: McAfee Knob

To: US 220
Miles today: 16.1

I woke to a beautiful sunrise. I didn't sleep well, thanks to all the coffee I drank the day before. (I should know the effects of caffeine on my system.) I was hiking by 7 am, and momentarily found the tenting area everyone else was at. This included Capt'n Jack, Bonnie, Clyde, Nutella, Yogi, Sweet Blood and others. After hanging for awhile, I moved on. The hike started well, but soon discomfort from the hernia began slowing me down. Plus, I still wasn't eating much, lowering my energy. Six mile later at the next shelter, I pulled out my sleeping pad and took a nap.Everyone else rolled in a bit later. It was getting really hot out. I hiked with Bullwinkle and Fishsticks, taking our time in the heat. We hiked into Troutville, and ran into Miss Janet while eating at Pizza Hut. Miss Janet runs the hostel in Erwin. It started getting late and four of us decided to split a room, including Shadow, a hiker suffering severe dehydration. It was time for much needed sleep.
Date: 2007-06-19
From: US 220

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

At 8 am I was up adn excited to get hiking. That is, until I had to take another Imodium. Based on conversations with other hikers, I believe I have food poisioning from the restaurant in Catawba. For the fourth day in a row, I couldn't eat that much. Just before 1 pm I started hiking on my own. The others still had errands to run, so we parted ways.It was hot. I mean, really hot. It was over 90, and close to 100% humidity. Within minutes, I was soaked with sweat. I had no energy from my sickness. I pushed on as the wind picked up, teh temperature dropped and thunder could be heard. I came to a shelter just as an intense thunderstorm rolled through. Over in 1/2 hour, I started hiking again. The humidity returned, bringing with it mosquitoes and various other flying, biting insects. I was tired, but still felt pretty good. Rather than stop at the next shelter, where Hawkeye and Wyoming had taken up residence (along with Bill the Poney, Tuko, Lazy Legs and others), I decided to push a bit further. First, I made dinner adn was excited that I was both hungry and able to eat a large meal. Hopefully this thing is passing. I changed my mind about hiking and set up my tent near the shelter, and headed off to bed.
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: few clouds

During the night, the most intense thunder and lightning storm I'd ever seen struck. The sound of thunder was drowned out by the sheet of water hitting the tent. It was like someone was spraying the tent with a fire hose. This is the first time I slept in the tent in these conditions, and it kept me nice and dry. I was up, packed and hiking early. It was a beautiful day, the humidity was gone and I was feeling great. Stopping at a shelter for a quick break, I noticed a 4 foot black snake not two feet from me. Passing on, I found myself at a road and a great swimming hole. It was only 2 pm, and I'd already hiked 18 miles. A sign for a country store 1 mile off the trail proved irresistible. Two sodas, two cheeseburgers, fries and one chocolate milk later, I returned to the trailhead. I soaked my feet in the stream, running into Rider and Lumpy. Unfortunately, the food didn't sit well and my pace slowed considerably. Just a few miles away, at the Bryant Ridge shelter, I stopped for the night. This shelter is an architectural wonder. With 3 levels and a unique design, it was the nicest shelter I'd seen. After a few hours, I was feeling better and decided to press on. It was only 5 miles to the next shelter, but included a 2,000 foot climb. Hiking it at night was a mistake. I finally got there, to find Lumpy and Ryder already settled in. I was asleep within minutes of arriving.
Date: 2007-06-21
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: few clouds

I was woken in middle of the night by an unwelcome visitor. The stomach issue I thought I had gotten rid of was back. Spending half the night in the privy, I was feeling weak and lethargic. I moved on anyway. If I was going to feel sick anyway, I might as well feel sick while hiking.It was very slow going. Like the day before, the trail crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway several times. My spirits were lifted a bit when I saw a bear off in the distance. Then, on Apple Orchard Mountain, there was an interesting but unexpected sight - an FAA radar dome. Slowly moving forward but feeling better, I came across great trail magic. Sideways and his brother Nubs (thru-hikers I had met yesterday) had a visit form their parents. Set up in a parking area along the parkway, they had hamburgers, hot dogs, cold water, soda, chips, cookies, peach cobbler, etc... I spend a good hour with them and kept moving. I ran into Rider and Lumpy who were a bit jealous they missed this feast by less than 10 minutes. We continued to hike together, reaching the shelter. Lazy Legs, Brandon (a section hiker), Tuko and Bill the Pony all showed up as well. Planning an easy day for tomorrow.
Date: 2007-06-22
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: scattered clouds

A planned easy day is so much more enjoyable than an unexpected, unplanned easy day. Unplanned, I'm always thinking about the miles I should be making, stressing about lost time. There's none of that guilt when it's planned.Rider, Lumpy and I set out early for the 3 mile hike to the road leading to Glasgow. Somehow Lumpy and I missed the bridge over the James River, and came across railroad tracks. Rather than backtrack, we started over the railroad bridge across the wide river. And yes, a train came. Luckily, were were off the bridge with 2 minutes to spare. After a great breakfast in town at the Tired Feed Restaurant and Motel (where Dirt Nap joined us), I was off to do laundry. I missed the rope swing into the river, but Rider had plenty of pictures of his aquatic adventures. Back on the trail, I headed to the shelter. Rider pushed on ahead, planning to meet friends he had thru-hiked with a few years ago. He promised us beer his friends were bringing. Unfortunately, the beer was nearly 1/2 mile down the trail, past the shelter, and down a 400 ft decent. I wasn't looking forward to the extra hike down. More accurately, I wasn't looking forward to the return hike and climb back up to the shelter. Not to worry. Just down the trail, there was a ziplock bag full of ice and four cold beers. Thank you Rider!!! A great way to end the day.
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: US 60
Miles today: 11.3

I was up early and hiking by 7 am. Mitchell was coming out for a quick visit and I told her we'd meet in Buena Vista, VA. I was warned it was a tough hitch into town, 9 miles from the trailhead. But luck was with me. At a shelter 2 miles before teh road, I ran into Sideways, Nubs and the gang. They were with friends who camped with them the night before, and just happened to be leaving that morning, going back to their cars. They offered me a ride into town. I met at 1pm and we decided to drive into Waynesboro and stay there. Driving in one hour what it would take me three days to walk was a bit disconcerting. We got a hotel and I spent much of the day eating and relaxing. We also caught a movie - Oceans 13. And I can't forget the A&W root beer float. Just what the doctor ordered.
Date: 2007-06-24
From: US 60

To: US 60
Miles today: 0.0

Zero Day!!! Unfortuntaely for Michelle, I probably wasn't the best company in the world. Much of the day was spent on equipment repair, resupply, relaxing and eating. I picked up a new sleeping bag (a simple fleece bag from K-Mart for $15 - just right for summer), inserts for my booots, glued some treads back on teh boots, etc... Very much needed. Thank you Michelle for putting up with me and being my driver for the day.
Date: 2007-06-25
From: US 60

To: VA 56, Tye River
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Rested and well fed, Michelle dropped me back on the trail before driving to Richmond and her flight back. I was feeling really good, and the miles flew by. I really wasn't trying for big miles, taking lots of breaks, relaxing, but always pushing on before too long. By 6 pm I made it 21 miles. I saw Hawkeye and Wyoming at a shelter and we chatted for awhile. Feeling good, I decided to push on another 5 miles to the Tye River, which I heard had great camping and a perfect place to relax. After 2 1/2 miles it was fully dark and a thunderstorm rolled in. I was soaked, and my progress limited due to a steep descent, darkness and wet and slippery rocks, tree roots, and a muddy trail. I finally arrived. I knew the best camping areas were across the river, but I wasn't going to cross the suspension bridge with metal cables when lightning was cracking all around. I set up my tent in the rain, had pb&j for dinner, and let the sound of rain put me to sleep.
Date: 2007-06-26
From: VA 56, Tye River

To: Blue Ridge Parkway - Mile 9.6
Miles today: 15.4

With a big day yesterday, I realized I could actually push it and make Waynesboro today, a full day ahead of what I had planned. Thirty miles was possible, especially since I knew the final 12 miles were cake.Then I woke up, and realized I had literally been dreaming. Yep, dreaming about hiking - like I don't get enough of it during the day. With the thunderstorm behind me, it was a beautiful day. The Tye River was gorgeous, with flat rocks perfectly placed to lay on, soak your feet and relax. Which is exactly what I did. For breakfast, I made my intended dinner from last night - ravioli with pesto sauce. Before I knew it, Hawkeye, Wyoming and Big Blue came rolling by. It was already noon.Thunder had been building, so around 1 pm I finally packed up and started off. Right off the bat there was a 1,000 foot climb, followed by a 2,000 ft climb soon after. They weren't nearly as bad as I feared, but they were tough. At the shelter I had dinner, renewed energy, and the intention to keep going. The rain held off, but unfortunately my water purifier was was not working - again. What was worse, my final few tablets of iodine (my backup water purification) had disappeared. Apparently, some idiot didn't screw the cap on the lid after the last use. I was out of water and it was hot and humid. At a crossing of the Blue Ridge Parkway, I decided to detour off the trail and follow the parkway all the way to Waynesboro if necessary. The trail parallels the parkway after all, and I needed clean water ASAP.I quickly came to a parking area with an overlook, with several people enjoying the sunset. After chatting with a few of them, describing the AT, my hike and some of my adventures, I was offered water by a gentleman from Denmark. Enough water, in fact, to get me back on the trail. Plus an invitation to visit in Denmark. Maybe that will be my next trip.A few miles down the parkway the AT crossed again. I got back on the trail and quickly found a campsite. Tomorrow, Waynesboro. FINALLY!!!
Date: 2007-06-27
From: Blue Ridge Parkway - Mile 9.6

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: few clouds

Hiking by 8, I flew down the easy trail to Rockfish Gap and the road leading to Waynesboro. After a long break at a shelter near a stream, I was at the Gap by 3 pm. And who should I run into? The parents of Sideways and Nugs. The same folks who provided the feast off the Blue Ridge Parkway several days ago. I knew their kin were just behind me, and I once again accepted their gracious hospitality and had an ice cold soda. Gotta love trail magic.I got a ride into town from a trail angel who volunteers to shuttle hikers around. After a quick stop at the outfitter to pick up AquaMira - a chemical water treatment, I was dropped off at the hotel I left just three days ago. I had left some things there, including my cold-weather sleeping bag, that I intended to mail back. A trip to the post office, and my excess equipment was mailed back to Ally.The YMCA in Waynesboro allows camping behind their building. After setting up my tent, I hit the showers at the Y and had a mini-feast at the chinese buffet. I'm trying to eat all I can. At the Y I found I was down to 164 lbs. I'm sure my bout with food poisoning was partially responsible for the serious weight loss, but I can't afford to lose any more. After running some errands, it was back to the tent for sleep.
Date: 2007-06-28
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

An unexpected zero day. I woke up late, and spent way too much time wandering around town, doing some errands, updating my journal, enjoying the shower at the Y, eating, etc... I called the outfitter around 4:30 to check their hours (I needed fuel), and only then realized they were only open until 5:00. Nearly 2 miles away, I wasn't going to make it. Soooo....another night tenting outside the Y.
Date: 2007-06-29
From: Rockfish Gap

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

Hiking, hiking, hiking. The trail through Shenandoah National Park is all everyone said it would be. While there are still ups and downs, they are well graded, and the jagged and loose rocks I've become accustomed to have mostly disappeared. I didn't get on the trail until after noon, and still put in twenty miles with little effort. It rained around 3 pm for about 20 minutes (and by rain, I mean the air around me simply turned to water - it was intense), leaving me soaked. I was actually considering a longer day, but as I pulled into the shelter, the sky opened up for a very heavy, very long rainstorm. I wasn't going out in that. Nice and dry in the shelter, I turned in.
Date: 2007-07-01
From: Swift Run Gap/Skyline Drive Mile 65.5

To: Rock Springs Hut
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: broken clouds

What a difference a day makes. I woke up late (8:30), got ready quickly and afraid daylight would draw unwanted attention to my...unauthorized...tenting site, and headed to the nearby Wayside. Breakfast was calling. As soon as I left the tenting area, I saw three fauns - two still with their white spots - wandering through my home from last night. Probably attracted tot eh salt from my sweat that i leave everywhere I go.I enjoyed a long, relaxed breakfast of 6 cups of coffee, 2 eggs, 2 sausage patties, toast, homefries and a side of two biscuts with gravey. No leftovers. I hung out at the restaurant area for awhile, chatting with Baltimore Jack for a bit (he keeps turning up.) I decided to hitch south to where I ended yesterday and continue north. The second car that went by pulled over to give me a ride. A BMW Z4, with the top down, I was riding in style. I began a relaxed hike at 2 pm. My feet still hurt, but not as bad as yesterday, thanks to an alternate method of lacing my boots to give more room in the toe box. These are teh important skills thru-hikers pick up along the way. Stoppping for lunch, I decided on more drastic corrective actions. First, I drained and bandaged the two massive blisters, using denatured alcohol from my stove to steralize everything. Next was the real surgery. I needed more room in the boot, so I made the room. Two small parallel cuts were made through the boots on the side. surprisingly, cutting the boot open worked! For the first time in days, I was hiking without pain.Befor, I was going slowly and taking plenty of breaks. Now I was flying. A good thing, too. I wanted to make it back to Big Meadows for food and beer. I was there by 8:30, averaging 3 1/2 - 4 miles an hour. I took a quick shower and headed to the bar, where I am now. After they kick me out, I'll hike the 3 1/2 miles to the next shelter.During the day, I reflected on the changes I've underwent on the trail. I've lost 20 lbs., have much larger calves and thights, a few more scars, and a very, very bushy beard. The biggist change - just starting - is my outlook on life. I'm much more relaxed now. I've always been laid back, but that's not the same as relaxed. I realized that I used to set extremely high expectations for myself - often impossible expectations - and I'd inevitably fall short. This carried over to my job, making committments I shouldn't, and either killing myself to fulfill them, or worse, not living up to my promises. This is just one change I've noticed. With over 1,000 miles left to go, I wonder what other changes are on the horizon, or that have been made that I haven't realized.
Date: 2007-07-02
From: Rock Springs Hut

To: Elkwallow Gap Picnic Area
Miles today: 22.3

I didn't actually make it to Rock Springs Hut. Tired and despising night hikes, I instead set up in nearly the exact location as yesterday. Taking my new-found "relaxed" style of hiking to heart, I first had breakfast at Big Meadows Lodge, and finally got going a bit after 9am. I wasn't in a hurry, and saw lots of deer, another bear, and a huge owl. I wasn't in a hurry - until the afternoon when I realized I had two packages at the next town, Front Royal - over 45 miles away from where I started out the day. Time to kick it into overdrive. Unfortunately, I was running out of steam by late afternoon. I also couldn't get enough to eat. My hiker appetite is out of control.I kept on and finally made it to Elkwallow Gap a bit after 9pm. It's 20 miles from here to Front Royal. I'm cutting it close, but should make it by 5pm when the post office closes.I made dinner in the dark at the picnic area and headed back tot eh trail to find a camping spot. There's lots of rules about where you can't camp. Essentially, you have to be far away from everything (roads, trail, water source, etc...) I set out "cross country and found a decent spot - if you don't mind a slope and tree roots in your back. I just hope I can find the trail again in the morning. Would someone please call the front desk and order me a 5:30 wake-up call?
Date: 2007-07-03
From: Elkwallow Gap Picnic Area

To: US 522, Chester Gap
Miles today: 19.1

Not quite awake, I opened up the fly to my tent around 7:30 am to see a large black bear about 20 yards away, checking things out. And good morning to you too. As I made some noise to scare it off, it shuffled another 20 yards or so away, and watched as I struck camp. Heading over to a little store and grill at Elkwallow Wayside, I waited for it to open at 9 am, and ordered a steak, pepper and onion sub, fries, soda, and a large blackberry milkshake. A great breakfast.My goal for the day was Front Royal. From there, I'd hitch to Harpers Ferry and link up with Team Ninja for a relaxed 4th of July. It was an easy hike, with some good views. Towards the end of the Shanendoahs, I walked Skyline Drive for a change of pace. Near the last crossing with the AT, a car pulls over with Baltimore Jack and two Cornell students (my alma mater), offering me a ride to Harpers. Even though I still had a few miles to hike to Front Royal, I jumped at the opportunity. I arrived at Harpers before Team Ninja, and checked out the Appalachian Trail Conference HQ. My picture was taken, and I was logged in as the 511th thru-hiker of the season to make it that far. A trip to the outfitter fixed my bent hiking poles and replaced the tips, and I got my third pair of boots of the trip - New Balance trail runners, size 11 4E. They feel great! I met Doc and Crockets sister, and Spartan's girlfriend, who were also waiting for Ninja. Eventually they rolled in, as did Doc & Crockets grandparents, and we loaded up to their aunt's house for the 4th. I heard we would be just outside of Harpers Ferry. Actually, after a 2 hour drive, we were at a multi=million dollar house about 25 miles outside of Baltimore. The place is beautiful. After much needed showers, we relaxed, grilled up some food, drank a few beers, watched a DVD and passed out.