morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-16
From: Campground in NC

To: Pearisburg, Va.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Brenda, the owner of the Rendezvous Motel was kind enough to drive me to the local emergency room last night. I was very concerned about my feet and ankles and wanted to have them x-rayed to check for stress fractures. The staff in the ER was friendly and I was seen right away.The x-rays showed a heel spur on my left foot and the doctor that read them said I could call Friday afternoon for the radiology report. I was given a prescription for Naproxin and told to stay off the trail for 2 weeks. They knew that 2 weeks was asking a lot and said if I could stay off for a week, take my medication and ice my feet and ankles, I should see a difference in my comfort level.I agreed to taking 1 week off, afraid that if I didn't I would be jeopardizing my entire hike. I rented a car, filled my prescription, picked up Stripe and Sean-O who were hitching on the side of 460 and took them to the Post Office and them their hotel. It felt good to do some trail magic since so many people have been good to me.At 2pm I headed out of town for my friend Glenn's campground in NC. Dirty Harry had helped me get directions from Expedia.com on the motel computer. Dan River Campground is located in Stoneville, NC on the Dan River. I couldn't go home for the week; it would be too difficult to leave again. I didn't want to go to south Jersey to see family; the first 600 miles were free, after that it was 20 cents a mile!I had to be out by the 22nd as all the sites were booked for the Memorial Day weekend. Perfect! I would drive back to Pearisburg on the 22nd, turn in my car, and hit the trail which ran right behind the Ford dealership.I called the hospital Friday afternoon from the road. The radiology report said, No fractures, no dislocations". That was a huge weight off my shoulders. I didn't want my hike to end like that.I arrived at the campground around 6pm, much longer than it should have taken after several wrong turns. Expedia directions have been wrong before for me and todays trip was too.It's raining so I'll be putting my tent up in it----just like on the trail.
Date: 2003-05-17
From: Dan River Campground, NC

To: Dan River Campground, NC
Miles today: 0.0

After only one day off the trail and several doses of Naproxin, my feet have already started to feel better. I'm stretching, icing and staying off them most of the time. It's difficult to go from walking 10-20 miles per day to doing nothing but watching tv and working on the computer. I'm anxious to get back on the trail and continue to head north. My breakfasts are still energy bars and I'm trying hard not to eat as I have on the trail; I'll weigh 10 lbs. heaver when I get back if I do.Bob, my transcriber is taking a much deserved week off and I'm entering my own journal entries this week. I've also updated my gear list. I didn't delete things that I sent home because I thought it may be of interest to read why I don't use something any longer.I'm sleeping well in my tent, but getting wet every night. It has rained since I arrived and is expected to do so for the next several days. Every morning I revel in the fact that I don't have to take down and carry a wet tent; I just mop it out and climb in again that night!
Date: 2003-05-18
From: Dan River Campground, NC

To: Dan River Campground, NC
Miles today: 0.0

It's amazing how quickly my feet have felt better. In only 24 hours of taking the Naproxin and not hiking the pains and throbbing that I experienced all night long have disappeared. I still have discomfort but I'm doing my stretches, icing and staying off my feet as much as possible.I did walk a short way this afternoon around the pond with the campground's chocolate Lab puppy, Del. Don't tell Sooner and Aggie, they'd be very jealous. I thought being around Del would help with me missing the girls, but it's only made it worse.The rain continues to fall, I got wet again last night but I think about how difficult it would be on the trail to deal with 6 days and nights of rain and I'm happy that I'm here.
Date: 2003-05-20
From: Dan River Campground, NC

To: Dan River Campground, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Another day relaxing at Dan River Campground. I'm getting anious to get back to the trail and continue my hike.Today I helped open the campground pool for the Memorial Day weekend. It looked so inviting in the 75 degree heat, but the water was freezing. I got an e-mail from my work today; Nathan has received my latest digital disk and new pictures should be up soon. It took so long because I bought a disk that took 150 pictures!I went through my pack today. Some things will be sent to my brother--to be sent back to me in the Whites, some things to be sent home and some repacked for Pearisburg. I have to do some food re-supply tomorrow before I head out on Thursday morning.I think I'll get my Vasque boots back from my brother. I've had nothing but trouble since wearing the Montrails. Though I'll miss having 22 ounces on my feet.Another dry night tonight in my sleeping bag; no rain expected until tomorrow.
Date: 2003-05-21
From: Dan River Campground, NC

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

Left for Pearisburg a day early. Will re-supply at Wal-Mart tomorrow morning and head for the trail. I can't wait to get back out there, even if it is STILL RAINING.I want to thank Glenn for having me at the campground since last Friday. It kept me from having to spend the week in a cheap motel. Thanks.Tomorrow I'll head for Troutville at 2 mph after moving at 60 mph for the last few days. I don't think that I'll miss the speed at all.
Date: 2003-05-22
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

My morning started at 5am when I awakened and couldn't go back to sleep. I sent some e-mails, made a list of places that I had to go and things that I needed to get before leaving for the trail.I was showered and out by 7, my first stop....Wal-mart. Next stop...Rite Aid.Back at the Motel I saw Mambo and Slug whom I hadn't seen in weeks. We chatted for a while and then they went off to breakfast. I also saw Zack's Dad who joined me on a trip to the Post Office and back to the Rite Aid. After breakfast at Dairy Queen, Zack's Dad and I returned my rental car and headed to the trail.I had promised the doctor in the emergency room in Pearisburg that I would do low miles starting out and then work my way back up so I was only going as far as the first shelter today.The woods were dark, damp and misty but it didn't rain until I was 2 miles from my destination.I thought that I would be the only one at Rice Field Shelter tonight because of it being so close to Pearisburg, but boy was I wrong. I am joined tonight by: Tuck (a section hiker), Night Fever, F-stop, Retro and Orbit, and Alexa--Ping's daughter. Fire Angel and Last Minute came in late and went to the water source a half mile away, bringing back water for everyone. What a great thing it was for them to do that!Earlier in the day Ping and Alexa had lost Tate, the Beagle that is traveling with them. It's so upsetting to see someone in that situation; I've been there several times myself. Ping went off to the road, several hours away to look for the dog and call for help, Alexa stayed at the shelter in case Tate came back. I was sure he would show up sometime in the night.My heart really goes out to Ping and I hope he's reunited with his buddy soon.
Date: 2003-05-23
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept in this morning since everyone in the shelter was still asleep at 7am. It was cold and raining and I was only going 12.3 miles today, so there was no reason to get up early.I was sure that Tate the Beagle would show up at the shelter last night, but he didn't, so they continue to look for him.Night Fever started stirring first, so I got up, packed my things, ate breakfast and headed out at 9:20.The rain held off all day even though it was cloudy. The trail was very pretty with the mountain laurel ready to pop open as soon as the sun decides to come out again.My feet were behaving until the last several miles before the shelter, but with rest and a Naproxin I'm comfortable tonight.I built a fire in the fireplace in the shelter and am now joined by Last Minute, Fire Angle, Charity, Buttercup and Oreo.Several people have asked me why I didn't go home for my week of recovery. Here's why:A week and a half ago I had my first meltdown. My feet were causing me constant agony and I hadn't had a day off since Damascus. On the trail I had been finding numerous heart shaped rocks which reminded me of home. I've always called the cottage the Love Cottage because one of the corner posts has a raised knot in a perfect heart shape.Anyway, the heart stones that I found reminded me of my home, family, pets and friends. I had called Jack and boo-hooed to him for a while. He asked if I was ok, told me that I always bounce back quickly and that he loved me. After we hung up I cried for another half hour.I've really missed the company of my women friends. Women don't tell blond jokes. A woman wouldn't make fun of all the tape used to send a box home.......she would understand that the contents were precious and an extra piece of tape might ensure it's safe arrival. I miss the camaraderie and support of my women friends. Their e-mails and phone calls help, but it just isn't the same.So.......I didn't go home because it would have been too difficult to leave.
Date: 2003-05-24
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I was up and out by 8:30 this morning, while the sun tried to peek out from behind the clouds.The woods were dark and moist as they have been most days lately. I saw my first Lady Slipper orchid today. It reminded me of a good family friend and neighbor, Pat Raynor, who first introduced me to the world of wildflowers. Tragically, Pat was killed in a car accident when I was 13 years old but I never lost my interest.My 1st lunch break was at Bailey Gap Shelter where I met a man named John who was waiting for his scout troop #147 out of Christiansburg, Va..John was generous enough to share food with Charity because she was running low, he made coffee, and even took our trash. The sure way to a hikers heart is to offer to take their trash. Thanks John, I enjoyed the hour that I spent with you today.The first 4 miles out of Baily Shelter found us on rocks, rocks, and more rocks. It can be pretty slow going when they are moss covered and wet.I stopped for my second lunch around 2pm in a sunny clearing in the woods. I was surrounded by ferns, some as tall as my shoulders. The Flame Azaleas are blooming here and I'm even seeing Trillium again, only not near as many as in the previous states. Today, along with the sun, the Mountain Laurel came out and treated me to a glorious show on my way down the hill to Warspur Shelter.When I arrived at the shelter, Montana, Theat, and Makoshiko were already here setting up their tent and filtering water. I had a nice conversation with Makoshiko who will turn 15 on the trail the 13th of June.Charity came in soon after me and I shared some food with her after going through my food bag.After dinner, Last Minute came in and we're expecting Fire Angel any time.Last night after arriving at the shelter, Fire Angel announced that she had carried Hershey Bars and marshmallows from town and offered them to everyone. You take a squareof chocolate and push it into the marshmallow, then the marshmallow gets toasted on the fire in the traditional manner. By golly, they're delicious! We know that there are leftovers so Last Minute is working on making a fire right now. I'll probably be asleep when she gets here.
Date: 2003-05-25
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Sarver Hallow Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

It got quite cold last night and several of my shelter mates complained this morning of freezing during the night. Charity pulled out her emergency blanket and Fire Angel put on extra clothes. I'm glad that my "summer" bag is a 20 degree one! When it gets hot I'll just sleep on top of it in a silk liner.When I finally got out of my sleeping bag at 7:30, I found that it was warmer outside than it was in the shelter.I was so hungry this morning that I ate 2 packages of oatmeal in addition to an energy bar. Hiking out at 8:20 I was hoping for a nice day. I had two significant up hills before getting to my destination for the night and would like to do them without the aid of a downpour.I got my wish, it was a beautiful day, probably in the 70s. There was trail magic waiting for me right before Va. 601 so I took my 1st break of the day and enjoyed one of the Cokes that Super Dave from Blacksburg had left for thru-hikers. He also left a disposable camera so we could take our pictures for him. Very clever Dave!I met 5 day hikers on their way to Kelly Knob and ended up being up on the knob with them. What awesome views from up there.During my second lunch I met Buzz, Shaka, and Aloha, three thru-hikers.I'm meeting a lot of new faces since coming back from my week off.I crossed several pastures today and met a herd of cows standing in front of the stile that I needed to climb over. I spoke softly to them, telling them that I wasn't going to bother anyone, I just needed to get out of the pasture. They waited until I was 10 feet from them and then they all high tailed it away. I apologized for the disturbance and went on my way.Crossing the pastures on the side of the mountains was beautiful. The fields were full of buttercups dragon flies and clover; the scenery brought a smile to my face as I crossed. It made me think of backpacking in Europe and how much fun that would be. Jack, are our passports up-to-date? I'll bet Tom and Pam would join us.In the afternoon I met 4 more day hikers; the holiday weekend and beautiful weather brought out a lot of people today.I arrived at Sarver Hollow Shelter just hours after a team of trail workers had completed the new switch backed trail .3 miles off the AT. The climb out in the morning will be a bugger but it will be worth it.This shelter was built in '98 and still looks brand new. I don't think many hikers appreciate the .3 mile downhill then uphill the next morning, so it doesn't get as much use as the ones that are right on the trail.I've set up my sleeping area, eaten my dinner, and made a big fire, where I am sitting on a log to journal. I'm expecting Last Minute, Fire Angel and Charity here tonight but as of 8:10 they haven't arrived. Great, I may be alone tonight for the first time on the trail and I had to pick the shelter that's supposed to be haunted. Just great!
Date: 2003-05-27
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: 4 Pines Hostel, Catawba, Va.
Miles today: 6.0

Last night I tended the fire for the last time at 10pm and snuggled down into my sleeping bag to spend what was to be my first night alone. The woods were pitch black except for my fire which only kept me company until midnight. The pouring rain started around 2am and awakened me, but soon lulled me back to sleep. I awakened often, but always went back to that sleepy place quickly.I was awake for good at 5, but with the rain and darkness, saw no reason to start my day until 6 when I heated water for oatmeal and tea, which I ate in my sleeping bag.I hiked out at 7:30, planning to go the 12 miles to Rt. 311 in Catawba.The rain fell all morning, sometimes light, sometimes heavy.I felt so accomplished when I slayed the dragon, Dragon's Tooth that is, and in a storm! Dragon's Tooth is a rock outcropping that (on the north side) has metal steps in several places because of the steep drops. It's about a half mile of rock climbing and I loved every minute of it, even in the rain.When I got to Va. Rt. 624, wet and cold, I saw the sign to Four Pines Hostel and turned right, walking the .4 miles to the hostel and jumped right into the hot shower where I stood for a half hour trying to warm my cold body.F Stop, Ted, Steve, Buzz and Gordon were already at the hostel taking a zero day after having arrived yesterday. We spent the afternoon talking and eating. I made a fire in the woodstove to take some of the dampness out of the hostel.By evening 15 hikers had gathered there. We ordered pizzas for dinner and afterward several of the guys played the guitar and sang. It was one of my more enjoyable evenings to date. I settled into my sleeping bag on a cot around 10pm, falling asleep immediately. What started as one of my more miserable days, ended as one of the best.
Date: 2003-05-28
From: 4 Pines Hostel, Catawba, Va.

To: Lambert's Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: light rain

Someone in the hostel popped open a soda can at 5:30 this morning causing numerous heads to come up. I rolled over and went back to sleep as the first of a steady stream of hikers left for the day.My day started at 7am. I packed up and was out by 7:40. I had bought a pint of butter almond ice cream last night that had not been eaten, so it became my breakfast as I walked back down the road to the trail.It was a typical cool, wet morning, having rained again throughout the night.I leap frogged all morning with Buzz and the 3 Philly boys. F-Stop and I hiked together for several hours, ate lunch together--along with Spit Fire, and took pictures at McAfee Knob. Finally, my first time at a major destination place, and we had good weather AND a view! Thanks Regan for taking the black and white photo of me on the outcropping, I can't wait to see it.I saw lots of Flame Pink and Cardinal Flowers today, which are almost the same color, and when growing together are difficult to tell apart.Tinker Cliffs was another amazing place to walk along today. Again, good views.I arrived at the Shelter in the early evening and said good bye to F-Stop who was going ahead to a camping spot a little closer to Daleville. Sparky was already at the shelter and settled for the night. Spit Fire came in soon after and we talked about how much we missed our friends back home. It was the first time I had been at a shelter with all women since I had started 2 and a half months ago. We talked and laughed for a time and were joined later by Lion King, a past thru-hiker who is staying in the shelter with us tonight.I'm tired tonight and we're all turned in at 7pm. Hopefully the resident rat won't pay anyone's socks a visit tonight.
Date: 2003-05-29
From: Lambert's Meadow Shelter

To: Best Western, US 220, Daleville, Va
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: light rain

I was awakened this morning at 6:50 by Lion King's voice saying, "Where's my f-ing sock?" A minute later, he said the same thing, then it hit me...the rat had paid a visit to us during the night. I sat up and told him about the entries in the shelter register about the resident rat and asked Sparky what it said about where he puts his "treasures". Sparky said to look under the middle of the shelter about an arm's length back, and there it was! And still in one piece, no chewed holes, no sock full of baby rats. Lion King pulled it out, put it on, and was on his way.I left the shelter at 7:30 in the rain, expecting to walk into Daleville around noon and that's just how it worked out. At 11:50 Sparky and I got a room at the Best Western and were joined later by Spit Fire. This is the first time I've shared a room since starting my adventure and I've enjoyed the girls company. We went to the outfitters, Krogers, and had chinese buffet for dinner.The alarm will go off at 5:30, for them, not me and we'll part ways in the morning. They're going 18.5 miles tomorrow, my dawgs will go 11.2 miles. They have behaved well this past week and I want to give them a few more days before trying to pound out another high mile day.
Date: 2003-06-01
From: Cove Mt. Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: few clouds

The weather today was magnificent! When we awakened in the full shelter, it was cold and windy so everyone stayed in their sleeping bags until 8:30.I put on dry socks, pulled zip locks over my feet and pushed them into my still soaking boots. I didn't want to chance getting any blisters because I was hiking in wet feet. Blisters are not my friends.Spittfyre and I started out around 9:10 for our 3 mile hike to Va. 614 where we would go to It's A Wonderful Life Campground for lunch. By 10am the sun was shining and the sky blue. The wind stayed with us all day but was a big help with all of the up hills.Back to the trail by 1:00 with clean laundry, a full tummy, and a cold Gatorade, I was ready for the afternoon of ups.As I walked, I started to think about a quote of Thoreau's on sauntering that was sent to me today by my internet hiking friend, Karen. So today I took the time to saunter, and I enjoyed it. Thanks Karen, you always give me something to think about on the trail.The sun was dipping as I sauntered into the shelter. Spittfyre was already here, basking in the ever elusive sun. As the sun went down the temperature went with it and I now lay in my sleeping bag writing. Tonight will be another hat night even in the sleeping bag.I have to say something about the beautiful new privy here. I'm calling it the Tajmaprivy. Someone put a lot of work into it and I really appreciate a nice privy. It had a plexiglas roof, and great door with a handle that rivaled any on the trail. All it needs is a magazine stand and a phone.No snakes today, no deer, no unusual flowers or bugs, just me and the trail on a beautiful June day.
Date: 2003-06-03
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: moderate rain

I was up and packing by 6:30 this morning, eager to have my tent down and pack ready to go before the rain started. Spitfyre and I left camp at 8:00 and hiked the 1st 3 miles to the James River quickly and were to the next shelter by 9:30. She took a real short break and moved on, I ate my first lunch and chatted with a fellow named Jim who is thru-hiking too.Minutes after leaving the shelter it started to rain and within several miles it was a torrential downpour. I can't talk much about the trail today. Between the wind, the rain and the temperature, I really didn't see much more than what was right in front of my feet. It was so cold and miserable for the last 7 miles that I just put my head down and went as fast as I could.When I finally reached the shelter Spittfyre had arrived just before me, Last Minute was there cooking a hot meal before pushing on into the storm, and Groundhog was trying to decide whether to go on or stay the night.The first thing I did was to go to the stream and get water so that I wouldn't have to go back out after I had changed into dry clothes. The next thing I did was put on dry clothes. Nothing, absolutely nothing feels better than dry clothes after a day like today.A hot meal was next on the agenda, and cooked right on the shelter floor.While I cooked, the fellows from the ballet (who are only out for a week) came in drenched and cold. We made room for them to change and cook a meal, then they put up their tent and departed the shelter. We thru-hikers were envious of their coffee, canned goods, and foot long summer sausage. Short term hikers carry the most wonderful things!Night Fever joined us and a while later Medicine Man did too. Medicine Man says that there are 4 more people headed to this shelter tonight. This shelter that normally sleeps 6 will be packed to the gills with hikers trying to get out of the weather.Tomorrow, it's supposed to be nicer.Yee-haw!