morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-05
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: scattered clouds

So what¢s today¢s plan?One of the romantic attractions to backpacking is that by carrying everything you need on your back that you can do anything you want and go anywhere you please without restriction.But reality is often different ¢ a six month, 2,000 mile plus journey must be broken down into chunks (usually dependant on the need to resupply with food) and then these chunks need to be broken down further (usually into days) to ensure that you have enough supplies to get you there.So for instance, when in Troutville 6 days ago I needed to consider where I would resupply next. This is dependant on what services exist either on or near the trail and how far away they are. I personally like to go 5 - 7 days between resupplies that in turn equates to between say 90 and 120 miles and I like to resupply in towns near the trail, say under 4 miles so that I can walk if necessary. (So far I have not hitched once on the trail although I have received unsolicited lifts) In this way I need to carry heavier food loads but go into town less often (others do it completely differently).So, in this case I decided to head for Waynesboro, 133 miles away and to take 7 days getting there. This actually means that I have very little flexibility on the trail to say find as nice spot and stop for half a day. No, what I actually need to do is map out the next 6 nights¢ destinations. In general I try and simplify the numerous options here by concentrating on shelters as my preferred targets considering other options when the shelters seem inappropriate in terms of mileage.So today it was 22.7 miles from Brown Mountain Shelter to The Priest Shelter. That sort of daily mileage in turn cuts down considerably on any potential flexibility and I have to make that sort of progress or run out of food.So It¢s important to get the plan right. Recently I don¢t think I have and have found myself committed to too many miles (and as I say no opt out).The long and short of this is that I¢m still bushed and so are my feet but Mike outdid himself again tonight by cooking black bean and rice with chicken burritos.My compliments to the chef.
Date: 2003-06-06
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Rough Camp near Bear Spring
Miles today: 25.6

Today¢s target was to do 20 miles as a minimum but to see if I could stretch it on a little as each extra mile done today would be one mile less to do tomorrow when heading into town and to putting my feet up.As a result I hit the trail pretty close to 6.30am but half way through the morning I was muttering under my breath about the Appalachian Trail and what I thought of it!It happened a little like this¢¦..I had just started the 6.2mile section from Harpers Creek Shelter to Maupin Field Shelter when I passed a sign pointing to Maupin Field saying only 3 miles. It was apparent that the trail would take us a longer, steeper route perhaps with one or two nice views similar to what I¢ve seen already but that I¢d probably ignore due to the other constraints I faced today.From a personal (and selfish) point of view I think this is an example of the AT trying to be a jack of all trades and master of none. Is it a long distance trail between two places or does it just happen to join two places? If it¢s a trip from ¢A¢ to ¢B¢ then I think it should try to take ¢The path of least resistance¢ and offer longer, more scenic trails as options. However today if I took the shorter option on my way to Kathadin (the sensible option) then I haven¢t ¢technically¢ walked the trail by following the white balzes.Of course, I don¢t ¢have¢ to do anything but we all have our crosses to bear and for whatever reason I am committed to trying to walk the White Blazes if I can.My question is why does the Trail feel it necessary to put people through it?It was tough going and during this period I made a fairly big decision ¢ that my body needed a rest day in Waynesboro and that as a result I¢d have to part company with Mike. There would be no way that I could make it to Front Royal with him where he was heading into Washington DC (which he had been kind enough to invite me along to).Things improved in the afternoon as we made the good miles we had hoped to. I told Mike I¢d be hanging back and we stopped to eat at 5pm with the intention of seeing how much further we could get in the evening. We chatted and walked on to 8pmish where we found somewhere to camp and finish what was left of the whiskey ¢ celebrating our longest day to date.
Date: 2003-06-07
From: Rough Camp near Bear Spring

To: Waynesboro 
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

Woke today to light drizzle so we packed up early to start the walk into town before it got any heavier. I don¢t know what it is with us and towns but I always seem to arrive in towns soaked to the skin (Hot Springs, Damascus, Atkins and now Waynesboro). As we walked we passed a turtle on the trail and it seemed to be more suited to the weather.We arrived at the Visitor Centre (about 4 miles out of town) and immediately got offered a lift by a lady dropping off her husband and daughters who were heading out on the trail. I was both thankful and pleased to get the lift as I wasn¢t sure how hitching would go in our bedraggled state.We arrived at the hotel and met Hepcat and it appeared that there would be quite a gang of hikers staying the next two nights. The room wasn¢t ready so we headed to the laundry before getting checked in and a hot shower.I¢d bought a paper and was chuffed to see that there was going to be some quality boxing on the TV tonight as Arturo Gatti and Mikey Ward were going at it for a third time. So I headed out for ice cream and some Newcastle Brown Ale and relaxed in the bath waiting for my evening¢s entertainment to begin. Needless to say they didn¢t disappoint but even with a hurt right hand Gatti dominated the fight and defeated an ever game Ward.
Date: 2003-06-08
From: Waynesboro 

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So today I was going to find myself on my ¢own¢ again for the first time in a while.Mike and myself had a last breakfast of biscuits and gravy at Hardees before a final handshake and a ¢Hasta Luego¢. It¢s probably not goodbye anyway as there is every chance our paths will cross fairly soon but for the moment he headed off to the trail while I headed out for more ice cream.It was nice, however, to have my own space for the first time in a while and I spent the rest of the day pottering about with only myself to consider.F-Stop is here with her parents and they were most generous in cooking burgers etc and supplying sodas and beer to anything up to 30 hikers this evening. I hope they don¢t have too many sleepless nights thinking about the company their daughter is keeping.A leg wrestling contest was being organised as I headed off for another bath and to watch the third game of the NBA Finals. However my body clock struggled to stay awake until the end of the game. I¢m definitely suffering from ¢Hiker¢s Bedtime¢ . Many nights out on the trail end at 9pm so staying up in town until 10pm really represents burning the midnight oil. Or maybe I am just turning into a boring old fart!
Date: 2003-06-09
From: Waynesboro

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

¢Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River¢ ¢ John Denver¢Country Roads¢ bounced around my fairly vacant mind this morning as today would see me entering ¢Shenandoah National Park¢I was fairly ravenous at breakfast and devoured 3 packets of Frosted Flakes (Frosties to you and me), 2 bagels and some orange juice.After a trip to the post office I packed up and ordered a taxi. There was a list of people you could call for a free ride to the trailhead but I feel a bit uncomfortable with imposing like that and I have the cash to make a small contribution to the local economy. Anyway, as a result I was on the trail by 10am.Planning in the Shenandoahs seems a bit difficult as the shelters aren¢t situated at either convenient or flexible distances. I¢d planned to find a campsite at about 15 miles but there wasn¢t that much choice and I was feeling good so I kept swinging along the fairly easy path to the shelter at 20 miles.Arrived at the shelter to find many, many people ¢ Cuba Libre wrote down everyone¢s name and came up just short of 30. It was a squeeze as there were not too many good camp sites but everyone eventually found a spot they could live with.The shelter register had made mention of a resident rat and just after lights out this was confirmed. Timber, who as sleeping on the ground just in front of the shelter saw something move, shouted and shone his headtorch on what we could now all see was not an inconsiderably sized rat. It seemed unphased by the attention but took a little more notice of the rock Timber threw at it. Timber and Vagabond took up a temporary guard while the rest of us tried to get to sleep.
Date: 2003-06-10
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

So where to today? A nice short 13 miles or a more testing 21 miles.I decided to see what everyone else was doing and go with the smaller group to break up the numbers a bit, but it seemed others were doing the same. I set off to do the 13 and reassess then.Early in the morning I met Radar doing some trail magic (I recognised him from photos I had seen while following his journal last year). It appears he is out for a few days catching up with some of the folks he had met earlier this year.Lunch today saw us reach a campground and restaurant. I walked down to the restaurant for burger, fries and shake and on the way back up I saw another bear wandering about in the middle of the day. I watched it for a couple of minutes before it ran off.When I reached Pinefield Hut Shelter it appeared that one of the bigger groups (about 8 people) were moving on so I decided to stay. Radar turned up again delivering a case of beer for Last Minute and he drove Red Beard and myself back to the camp store we had left at lunchtime to get some wine for the evening¢s entertainment.We had a good laugh at the shelter tonight (although the wine was bowff) and had an early birthday party for Last Minute
Date: 2003-06-11
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bear Fence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

 Can¢t imagine that it was anything to do with last night¢s drinking but I woke at 3.30am with a bit of a sore head and was relieved to get back to sleep and wake none the worse for wear at a more civilised hour.Today I decided to try walking in my sandals again. It wasn¢t too bad last time and the trail through the Shenandoahs is pretty smooth. I¢m hoping it might be a bit easier on my feet which are still pretty tender. The Shenandoahs are starting to dictate the daily plan. If you are not in too much of a hurry and can live with lower mileage than usual then a nice schedule falls into place where you can get to a store or a restaurant most days. Today¢s target was a camp store near the end of the day for ice cream, soda and milky way bars (Mars Bars in the UK).The sandals worked well again and when I arrived at the shelter I found we were back in the big group as many of the people who went a bit further yesterday took a shorter day today.It¢s different being on my own now and seeing how other groups have formed as people get well into their hike. I¢m enjoying the independence but am also lucky in being around these people who offer support, encouragement and a friendly face at various times during the day.Oh well, time to turn in and see if I can find anything interesting on the radio.
Date: 2003-06-12
From: Bear Fence Mountain Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Another short day today and I am really beginning to enjoy the Shenandoahs. People say they are different and they are but not for the obvious reasons. Unfortunately the scenery is much the same ¢ more trees but whereas previously it was just more trees in the Shenandoahs they hold the promise of wildlife which maintains the interest. Round any corner could be a bear encounter and deer with fawns make regular appearances. Today I saw two bears (mother and cub I think) early in the morning. I heard something off to the left and when I investigated more closely there they were.Today¢s meal stop was at Meadowland Wayside for breakfast. They did me proud with pancakes and hot chocolate. I¢d planned to spend some extended time there but after a couple of hours it felt like time to move on which resulted in me being caught in a thunder storm.This gave me the chance to see how my sandals worked in the rain and puddles. It¢s not ideal but better that I had imagined and hasn¢t put me off the sandals thing.As the shelter wasn¢t far from Meadowlands and its camp shop the two big groups had carried hot dogs and marshmallows up for everyone to roast and toast.Vagabond dug out the firepit and got the fire going and then everyone tucked into hotdogs and I was taught now to make a ¢smore¢. Toast marshmallows and put them between two crackers with melted chocolate. (Good but no substitute for the Milky Way chocolate spread) It was a great night and gave everybody a chance to relax, chat and of course eat.I¢m aware that often I don¢t name check people who deserve a great deal of recognition but I haven¢t wanted this to end up just a list of names. However, bear with me when I say thanks to (in no particular order):Kodiak, Sassy, Timber, Toothpick, Mom, Vagabond, Hepcat, Cuba, Willow, Jen, Tank, Slaughter, Last Minute, Red Beard, Jack of the Mountains and anyone else I¢ve forgotten.I really appreciate being made part of your hikes.
Date: 2003-06-13
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

A fitful night¢s sleep last night as I had a bit of a sore throat which I am putting down to the smoke form last night¢s fire. Anyway, no time to feel sorry for myself as it is time to hit the road for the 5 miles to Skyland Lodge and another cooked breakfast.While I was having my omelette and biscuits and gravy someone was out dispensing anonymous Trail Magic on all of our packs ¢ as each and every one of us had a Balance Bar placed on our packs which were lined up outside the lodge.Saw another bear today. Only 2 out of about 14 of us are yet to see one and most of the rest have numerous sightings. It appears to be only a matter of time and being in the right place at the right time. Just after seeing it I appeared at a carpark and found 2 other thru hikers taking a couple of days off and handing out Trail Magic from the back of their truck. Thanks go to Cuss and Snack Attack for their efforts, their sodas and the nice gathering of people they brought together just chilling in the afternoon sun.However, we almost paid for all this lounging about later in the afternoon as we rushed down the hill to avoid another soaking as the thunder rolled in. It was looking pretty grim when I arrived at a crossroads to find Red Beard saying that everyone had gone to a nearby shop to sit out the storm. We bought snacks, some folks cooked dinner and then just as the rain stopped Timber and Toothpick arrived with their aunt and some beer.After some liquid refreshment it was a quick splash through the puddles for the last mile and a bit to the shelter.
Date: 2003-06-14
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Tom Floyd Wayside Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: broken clouds

Thought for the Day (1 of 2)Think Once, Think Twice, Think BikeHad the misfortune of witnessing a cyclist cart wheeling off his bike this morning.We were sitting at what for me was the beginning of the end of the Shenandoahs (as we were at the last of the Park¢s restaurants/eateries) when a motorcyclist cut up this guy on his bike. He wasn¢t going slow and ended up flying through the air and landing out of sight behind one of the buildings. Things weren¢t too bad though, although not swimmingly good either, as he just appeared to have a dislocated shoulder (just!!!).A Park Ranger appeared and hopefully all turned out OK. You see a lot of both bicycles and motorbikes on the more remote roads out here and I guess it¢s not an unusual occurrence.Thought for the Day (2 of 2)Polish a floor and put a rug on it¢¦¢¦. (only kidding)No not so much a thought as something I thought I¢d talk about. Late this afternoon Sundance and I were sitting taking a last rest in a car park before the final couple of miles to the shelter when we were offered two separate lifts into town. The first proved you don¢t have to go far to meet really nice people (OK I guess I came 5,000 miles but ignore that for the moment). This couple came out from a stroll in the woods said ¢hello¢ and immediately offered to drive us anywhere we needed despite not knowing us from Adam and ignoring the fact that we were filthy and smelly and both they and their car were clean and fragrant. We declined but thanked them and enjoyed chatting with them for a while.The second proved you don¢t have to go far to meet really nice people (yes, I have said that already). Another hiker ¢56¢ pulled in with her dad and offered to take us into town where her folks had organised some food and drink for weary hikers. Again I felt I had to decline. One of the things I said (to myself) that I wouldn¢t do was to jump up and down the trail. If I miss things so be it and anything that I¢m in the right place at the right time for would then be all the more special. Oh Well.¢¦¢¦.. And to think she¢d only just come out of hospital.(Old British TV reference I¢m afraid ¢ Just in case you were getting confused)
Date: 2003-06-15
From: Tom Floyd Wayside Shelter

To: Front Royal ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Quality Inn
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: moderate rain

A fitful night¢s sleep last night as I woke from time to time with a hacking cough and a runny nose. I hope I didn¢t force everyone else to have a poor night¢s sleep as a result. Feeling OK this morning and up for the whopping 2.9 miles to the road.Walked with Sundance, who I was going to split a hotel room with, and once we reached the road we set about hitching a lift for the 4 miles or so into town. If I had been alone I¢d probably have walked it but instead set about the first hitch of my trip. We got a lift in the back of a truck after about 10 minutes and soon found ourselves in the town of Front Royal.Despite being early the hotel could give us a room straight away and a quick shower washed away the accumulated grime of 6 days hiking the Shenandoahs. I then set off on my customary trip to the laundry and on to the Royal Dairy for a burger and milkshake.Spent much of the rest of the day lounging in the room and catching up with my ¢admin¢ between trips out for food and some ¢Killian Red¢ beer.Front Royal is a nice little town. The book described it as spaced out but I found it quite the opposite as Main Street had lots of shops and they weren¢t all 50 yards apart and there was car parking for 150 cars!!! (although I did overhear someone commenting on how scarce parking was). Maybe they meant that the car parks were spaced out?Evening consisted of a bath (with a beer) and the sixth and, as it turned out, final game of the NBA finals. Sundance is feeling under the weather so rather selfishly I¢m thinking about myself and crossing my fingers that I¢ll be OK in the morning and of course I hope he is too.
Date: 2003-06-16
From: Front Royal ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Quality Inn

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Back to the trail today but first some personal grooming and wardrobe alterations.Personal GroomingThis morning saw me getting an early start and heading to the barbers. After a couple of years of long messy hair the time had come to go back to the Number One crop of yesteryear. Lately I have struggled to see where I was going in the wind and rain as my hair obscured my vision. Even in the calm of the shelters it would tickle my face as I was trying to get to sleep. With personal preferences ruling out bandanas or tying it back I was left with little option. It¢s surprising how chilly air conditioning can be once you get rid of that layer of insulation.WardrobeToday I said goodbye to my boots. I have always been a fan of boots and still am but have come to the conclusion that perhaps 50 days or so of being wet, not being given the time they need to dry out and not having the opportunity to be taken proper care of is not conducive to a happy relationship between foot and boot. Besides the thought of breaking in a new pair of boots while on the trail doesn¢t really bear thinking about.The sandals have been working well and almost all of the really bad foot pain I had been having seems to be a thing of the past (I hope!) I¢ll stick with them until they start to fall apart and then we will just have to see.Oh yeah and today I found a deer tick happily gulping up my blood. I removed it, hopefully in an appropriate manner, and will keep an eye out for any signs of Lymes Disease which apparently these little fellows can cause.
Date: 2003-06-17
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: light rain

I try not to get too far ahead of myself out here but today as I wandered along my mind started drifting and thinking about the impending 1,000 mile mark.If the Proclaimers were a suitable musical accompaniment to 500 miles then what would be appropriate for 1,000? Somehow I ended up drawing a comparison between me hiking 1,000 miles and Pele scoring 1,000 goals. I know! - there is really no comparison but that¢s where I ended up none the less.I remembered reading that Pele¢s 1,000th goal was a penalty awarded after he himself was taken down by a defender called Fernando. The article went on to claim that Abba immortalised the event in song. I¢ve always been sceptical about this last claim and could never make the connection. However, my mind was set ¢Fernando¢ it would be for 1,000 miles.Anyway as the day progressed through mud, mud and more mud I reverted to listening to my radio to help make the miles fly (or is that sludge?). Around lunchtime a request show called ¢The Retro Caf©¢ came on and then something spooky happened.Third song up was The Proclaimers and ¢500 miles¢, then fourth request ¢ anything by Abba! Could it be? Well, no actually as they played ¢Take A Chance On Me¢. Later ¢ anything by Barry Manilow ended up being ¢Copacabana¢. The relevance? Well there had been an effort earlier on the trail to name me ¢Copacabana¢ after I had told someone that my job in the real world used to be as a female impersonator on cruise ships performing such cabaret favourites as ¢Copacabana¢ and ¢Big Spender¢.I know it is not as unusual as raining fish but with nothing else to occupy my mind it seemed pretty strange to me.