morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-03-09
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: overcast clouds

         My biggest day yet- and a big day it was. It started at 530 when I heard FS start packing. When I sat up, it was still dark and I could see the brilliant stars still hanging in the sky. Knowing that it was going to be a beautiful day, I packed up and got started in the dark. I tried to keep quiet so that the 4 professors could enjoy their rest. None of them ever said a word. FS and I were on the trail by 6, walking into an amazing sunrise on this brisk morning. About 630, we broke over the ridge to see the sun shining. We made 12.5 miles to Pine Swamp Shelter by 1100.   FS was ahead of me by about 15 minutes. Once there, we took a long, relaxing break. I washed up, wrote some emails, and basked in the sun. Three hours later, I packed up and headed out again. Much of the trail today was poorly maintained and needs lots of work. A lot of debris was on the trail and more blazes are needed. Paul caught up woth me at about 515. He snuck up behind me and poked me with his hiking pole. Scared me so bad, I nearly wet my shorts... thats right shorts. Today was in the 60's and the sun was beating down hard. I walked in shorts and a silk shirt for the entire day. I love good weather. At 600, we still had 5.1 miles to do. We made good time down to the sign that says that there is only 1.3 miles to the shelter. That was the longest 1.3 miles I have ever walked. It took us nearly 45 minutes going downhill! I think that sign must be wrong.      When I got close I could hear talking and see fire.   FS was talking to Eric, who is just out for the night. He is a senior at Virginia Tech. We chatted until 930 around the warm campfire. Now it is after 1000 and with the early start I got today, I am tired.      Tomm we can do 18.X or 27 miles... not sure what I'll do. They are calling for a rainstorm tonight, but clearing skies by morning.   I may just take it easy and do 18, but we will see how I feel tomm morning.         353.7 miles and 13 days left in the VC.
Date: 2003-03-10
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

         Today I did a lot of thinking....         Started this morning- I did not sleep well last night. I woke up at 450 sweating... I was overheating in my bag! Spring is on its way! I woke up, packed and hit the trail about 820. I caught up with Eric as I was about .3 miles from the road at which he was parked. We chatted as we walked. FS left this morning about 20 minutes in front of me. My feet were feeling the 25 from yesturday and I took it easy today. I did not catch FS until this shelter at about 430- hea had already been here for 2 hours.         When I walk by myself, I tend to walk at a slower rate- about 2 mph. That is because my wheels get turning in my head and I begin to drift. Back to the thinking I did today:            I have come up with a new "plan of action" for this trip. I have until May 15th to do whatever- I start work on the 16th. So if I am not to the Maine/ New Hampshire border by May 1 (which realistically- Its not gonna happen... too many miles/ too few days) then I will probably get off the trail then. I will buy a greyhound pass and go visit friends in New York, Illinois, and possibly Colorado, then I might visit some of my relatives in Wisconsin, and of course, I will go home for a couple days.   Then, back to Maine I go. Only time will tell what I will actually do.         It is only 715, but I am quite tired from these long days. Today was another beauty- in the 60's and blue skies. I hope more follow... Spring is on its way!335.5 miles and 12 days left in the VC
Date: 2003-03-12
From: Boy Scout Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

      My eyes crack open and I cant see the sun- it has clouded over. I grab my stomach. Is it still there? Am I alright? YES!   No GIARDIA!!!!! YAHOOOOO!   Dont know what I came down with last night, but I was not feeling good at all.      Long, full day today!   When I woke up at 815, I had expected that FS would be long gone. Wrong! He was still sleeping also. So we laid there and finally got rolling about 930. Today we went by one of the "landmarks" of the AT- McAfee Knob. While we have had good weather for the past week or so, it was sleeting and cloudy this morning when we got to McAfee Knob. We still got some good pictures. McAfee Knob is a cool geological formation that is shaped like the top of an anvil and overhangs the valley down below. Anyhow, we took a couple shots and were on our way. As we walked, the clouds lifted and in three hours time, the sun was beating down on us again. It turned out to be another beautiful day in the 60's.      About 400 we rolled into Daleville. I got my haircut for the first time since Xmas. It feels good to have short hair again, but now I have a funny SUNBURN line. My hair was so long, that my forehead was not recieving any rays, while the rest of my face has been soaking it up. So my cheeks are a slight red and my forehead is a pastey white. I guess it is all good though- at least we have had the sun.   Anyhow, we hit the Country Cookin- a resturaunt that has an All You Can Eat (AYCE) salad, bread, and dessert bar. So we hit it and hit it hard! Ymmmm.... After the feed we walked over to the truckstop to do our laundry and make some phone calls. While waiting for our stuff to dry, we talked to Don- a truck driver. Real nice fellow. It was getting late as we carried on a good chat. Real late. When all was said and done, we left the truckstop at 1130. We walked backed to the trail and because the weather was so nice we crashed right here ON the trail. Literally. There was no decent camping spots and the shelter was another 2.5 miles uphill. So we threw down our tarps and crashed under the stars. Its late- past 1, so I am hitting the sack. Good day.
Date: 2003-03-13
From: Campsite

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Woke up this morning at about 830 to the sun shining in my eyes- that is ALWAYS a great way to start the day. The sun burned down on us all day, bringing the temps up to the lower 70's. Clouds later rolled in, but went away without leaving us and our stuff any wetter. Another good day weather wise.         As we laid there, in the middle of the trail, 3 dayhikers came walking by. Those three older guys were having a great time out there- enjoying the great day. I hope that when I retire someday, that I will be able to enjoy myself like they were. FS and I packed up and headed to Fullhardt shelter for breakfast. We passsed the guys and about a half an hour after we got there, they arrived at the shelter. We downed a few calories and then mossied on down to Wilson Creek. There we rinsed off. My feet really appreciated the dip in the icy cold water. After my "bird-bath", we pushed up to Wilson Creek Shelter, arriving at about 430. WE stopped, cooked dinner, relaxed, I did some paperwork for my job this summer, and FS used Pocketmail to update his journal. About 700 we shoved out again. We moved at a good pace and made it here by 930. After eating again, I am laying down at about 1100. It is quite a pleasant night- about 45*. My sleeping bag is an overkill (15*) and lately at night I have been too warm. But I will continue to carry the trusty thing.      Well today we took a well deserved low day. It feels good to relax a little.
Date: 2003-03-14
From: bobblets Gap

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: clear sky

      Another long, beautiful day- how many is that in a row. Lately we have truely been blessed with great weather. I only hope that it continues. I guess after going through the worst winter in 7 or 8 years, we deserve a bit of the good stuff too. And good it is. We could not ask for better. It has been in the upper 60s and lower 70s. Maybe a slight breeze and no precipitation. I have been walking in shorts and a very thin silk top. Yet still I have been breaking a vigorous sweat on the uphills. Cant complain though, things could definatly be worse- it could be snowing....         Well today was long and I am tired, so to my bed I go. By the way, if you have not figured it out, the Virginia Challange won. Too many miles/ too few days. Maybe if the weather had been this good at the start. But those first few days of snow really put a damper on our efforts. Oh well, I would still like to get through Virginia by the end of the month. 500+ miles in 32 days still is not too shabby in my book.      ....Just as I am laying down to sleep, a cloud rolls into the shelter. Is this the end of our great weather streak?????
Date: 2003-03-15
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: broken clouds

Topped my biggest mile day yet by .1 miles. When I woke up this morning, the cloud was gone. The sun was tanning my face and I had to squeeze my eyes shut to keep too much light from getting in. What a great way to start a morning. When I get back to civilization someday, I want to position my bed under the window, so that I go through the same process everyday. It gives me good energy in the morning. ANd for the folks who know me well- they know that I am not a morning person.I got rolling and made it down to 501 by 115 or so. Then I had another great hitch. The driver stopped, picked me up, drove me into town, waited for me at the PO and then took me back to the trail. Nice guy. I think I spent a total of 4 minutes and 28.454 seconds in town- my quickest town stop yet. The reason I did not stop longer is that tomm, we have some awesome trail magic coming our way. Hippie Hiker Chic is going to drive and pick us up, take us back to her parents house, feed us, let us shower and then we will go out for a night on the town. Should be a load of fun. So I was back at the trail by about 130.I pushed to Johns Hollow shelter and then took a snack break. Then UP the mountain I go. As I am coming over the ridge, I spotted another hiker. I80, a trailjournals reader, had read portions of my journal and asked about Bono and a couple other things. Then we went our seperate ways. Speaking of Bono- Where are you Man?? Keep on trucking and have a good hike whereever you are!I got to this shelter by 545. I made good time over that last haul. About an hour after I arrived, a SOBO section hiker, David, rolled in. We chatted and about 900 FS rolled in. Apperantly, he took a wrong turn somewhere and got on the old AT. Did an extra 3 miles onto this already long day. He was not a happy camper. Tomm we have a whopping .4 miles to do to the road where HHC will pick us up. A good day of relaxing is on its way.
Date: 2003-03-15
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Hensley's House (Blue Ridge Parkway mile 51.7)
Miles today: 0.4

Wow! Look at those big miles today!   What a great day of relaxation. Iwoke up at 730 and got out of my bag. FS and David continued to sleep while Iate breakfast, drank hot cocoa, and baskeed in the rising sun. About 830, thoseguys woke up and we all had a good chat. Around 930 FS and I walked down to theroad. Soon enough, a red Rodeo with the license plate "TAK A HYK" pulls up.   Out pops Joy (aka Hippie Hiker Chic). She opens up the back and we throwour packs in. Off we were to Harrisonburg for the night. When we arrived, Caroland Winston greeted us with open arms. They wanted to know if we neededanything, or if there was anything they could do to help. Great Folks.   Weshowered and did laundry and relaxed.    Carol is an AWESOME cook! For lunch we had sandwiches on homemade breadand for dinner we had an incredible London Broil. Most definatly the best mealI have eaten while on the trail. If any ever has the opportunity to stay withthe Hensleys- Do it. Awesome food and they are really great folks! ThanksCarol, Winston, and Joy for everything! I really appriciate all of yourhospitality and will remember that town stop for a long time to come.   After dinner, Joy & FS & I went into Harrisonburg to one of the locsalbars- Calhouns. I of course did not drink, but we all had a good time and agood laugh. The bar had a band playing as part of the St Patricks Daycelabration.   It was a real good time ans it felt good to get back intocivilization for the night.      Now it is well past one and Carol told us earlier this evening thatbreakfast will be served at 9. Less than 8 hours of sleep.... I dont know howmuch walking that I'll be doing tomm.
Date: 2003-03-16
From: Hensley's House (Blue Ridge Parkway mile 51.7)

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: light rain

This morning, I woke right up at 600. I think my body clock is finallygetting used to this early morning stuff. I quickly shut my eyres andfell backto sleep for another 2 hours. Only to be woken up to the great smell of BACON.Ymmmmm.   Carol cooked us an awesome egg, bacon, pancake, and scone breakfast. It all was delicious. After breakfast, I caught up on journalling and repackedmy gear. And finally at 130 we said our thank yous and goodbyes. We then hitthe walmart for a few little things and then were bqack on I-80, headed for thetrail.   We thanked Joy and after an exchange of hugs and best wishes, we werewalking North on the AT. After a pleasant walk, we rolled into this shelter atabout 530. There was oneother section hiker- Jim- here and as we chatted two more walked up. This isthe most pewople we have seen at a shelter since Curly Maple, outside of Erwin,TN.   Spring break has somemthing to do with it. I think we will be seeing morepeople due to the grand arrival of Spring.   The two section hikers- Apo and Hi- decided to tent out. I went down andshared some of the fresh fruit Carol had given me. I had a good chat with theguys. I think they enjoyed the fruit.      Well yesturday and today were great days of relaxation and I wont soonforget them. I really had a good time and enjoyed being civilized for thenight. It rained as we made the drive down here, but it stopped before westarted walking. Tonight I can see the stars, so hopefully tomm the goodweather will return. We will do 23 miles tomm on our well rested feet. Shouldnot be a problem.      Well its about 9 oclock ans after I type this into pocketmail, I am goingto get some shut eye.
Date: 2003-03-17
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Priest Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

I felt good today. After a 22 miles day, I still feel good. Goes to showwhat a day of relaxation can do for the body.   Started walking at about 745 this morning. I made good pace up the 3 milehill that was right out of the gate. I maintained a 3 mph hiking pace for mostall of today. My feet still feel good and I like I might have had a 30 in metoday. Oh well, maybe tomm.   Today started out clear and as nice as the past couple of days, but as itprogressed, the clouds rolled in. Big, dark clouds. I thought for sure that wewould be rained on. But we made into this shelter by 530 and I never felt adrop. I think it is going to rain tonight and break our great weather streak,but at least we are dry in here for the night.   Well tomm, if the weather holds out, FS and I are going to attempt a 30. Should be a good challange. That will put only 5 miles outside of Waynesboro. So on Tuesday I will pull a short day (12 miles total) and go into Wayensboro,hit the grocery store and the library, and then in the evening walk 7 miles tothe next shelter. That is the plan for now... it is all depending on theweather. Well its 735 and I am still catching up on my sleep from this weekend. So off to sleep I go.
Date: 2003-03-18
From: Priest Mountain Shelter

To: Paul Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

      A decent start and decent terrain, made today possible. The days of relaxation the day before yesturday, helped a lot too.   Today was long. And I will not lie, my feet are beat. But that is all ok. Tomm I am only doing 12 miles so no worries. That includes a town stop at Waynesboro.   So good food and clean clothes are on their way.         The weather was crappy today. This morning when I left, it was drizzling and that continued for much of the day. The clouds never really lifted. I hope the good weather that we had for the past couple of weeks will return soon. I guess the good can not last forever.       Tonight when we got to this shelter, there were two young guys in the shelter. When I asked where they were from, they replied that they were going to school in Vermont. It turns out they are both attending Putney. When I was in Maine this past summer working with the Trail Crew, I worked with a guy from Putney. Turns out they know him.... boy, it is a small world.         Well I am quite tired....ZZZZzzzzZZZZzzzzZZZZ...
Date: 2003-03-19
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rolled over this morning at about 710. I ate my jello (lately instead ofdrinking it hot at night, I let it cool and have it for breakfast in themorning) and packed up. I gave a note for Alex, the guy I know at Putney, tothe two guys- maybe I'll see Alex this summer in Maine.   About 8 o'clock, Istarted my 5 mile stroll towards Rockfish Gap (Waynesboro, VA). I arrived atthe visitors center up at the pass where US250 crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway atabout 935. I called for a free shuttle into town (the visitors center has alist of people who offer shuttles) and then I walked up to the Inn at Afton topick up my package of maps that I sent to myself from Damascus. There, I waitedfor Ed, my shuttle.   Ed gave me a ride down to the Kroger. I bought food for the next portion oftrail. I am not exactly sure how many miles I will hike on this resupply, but Ihave about 8 days of food with me now.   I think my pack is as heavy as it hasever been- 590 lbs is my guess. I will be eating very well for the next coupledays. After shopping, I headed for Ciro's for a large pepperoni pizza. Iquickly devoured it and then walked down to the library to use the internet. After updating the website, ai walked over to the YMCA to get a shower. Theynormally charge $2 for a hot shower, but the guy gave it to me for free becauseI was the first hiker of the season. That was appreciated. After washing up, Iwalked through the drizzle to BZ laundramat. While I washed my stank clothes, Icalled home and the Hensleys. Looks like I may stay with them while FS stays ina hotel with his girlfriend who is coming from Conneticut to visit. No sureplans yet, but we shall see. Then I !walked up to Rockfish Gap Outfitters to buy some fuel and a new hat (I droppedmine somewhere along the trail).   About 545, I called Janet for a shuttle. She said "If you are crazy enoughto go out in that stuff, Then I'm crazy enough to take you up there. I'll be upin ten minutes."   Soon enough, Janet pulls up in a nice Chevy Avalanche. I hop in and we wereoff. As we ascended the mountain, we drove deeper and deeper into a cloud. Thefog was getting thick. We slowed to a crawl and finally made it bac to the BRP. She dropped me off and after 5 minutes of wondering through the fog, I regainedmy orientation.   Off I walked through a thickening fog. Visability was down to less tn 5feet. No joke. I looked at my feet and they were hazy. Many times, I consideredturning around and going back down to Waynesboro for the night. But onward Ipushed. It took me 3.5 long hours to walk 7 miles. Quite a slow pace for me...on a normal day it would have only taken 2 hours and 20 minutes. I was losingthe trail often but it was well worn and marked. I rolled into here at about945 to find FS laying in his sleeping bag. As I settled in and ate dinner, Iheard on the radio that we have gone to war. Not good. I said a prayer fothose involved and I hope it does not last long.
Date: 2003-03-20
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Well the rain picked up last night and has continued for the past 20 hours. Idid not sleep well last night after hearing the news about Iraq. I listened tothe radio and the rainstorm until after 12 last night. So this morning, I sleptuntil nearly 10. FS slept in as well. With a heavy rain still falling, neitherof us had any intention of getting out today. We layed around, listened to theradio, caught up on journalling and ate. My food bag is shrinking quite nicely. We also looked at our plans for this weekend. Looks like anyway we do it, wewill be at Bearfence Hut on Monday night. So that the only real plan we aremaking. I will likely hitch to Harrisonburg, and visit the Hensley's again. But we will see.
Date: 2003-03-21
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Hensley Hostel (Pinefeild Gap)
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up today knowing that by the end of it, I would be sitting back at the warm homw of the Hensleys. When I stepped foot outside the shelter, it was sunny. I could see the thick blanket of fog covering the vast valley down below. As I walked the temps picked up and slowly it began to get cloudy. Big Dark clouds rolled in. At the next road crossing, I told myself, I was getting off and hitching down to Swift Run Gap and into Harrisonburg. I wanted to catch a ride before the rain started because hitching in the rain is next to impossible.Soon enough a couple from New Mexico picked me up. They were going the other direction at US 33, so I hopped out there. After maybe 10 minutes of thumbing, a big truck pulled a U-ie at the top of the hill and picked me up. Chad, a local fireman, had driven by and decided to turn around and come back for me. He gave me a ride all the way to Harrisonburg (20+ miles). He dropped me off at the Walmart and then I walked ober to the "Books-A-Million". I called and left a message at the Hensleys figuring that they would not be out of work for a couple more hours. I sat and read and soon enough I heard "Ron, you ready?" Winston picked me up and took me back to the house. It was raining good now- Im glad I made it back in time.Soon, I was clean and once again eating at the Hensley family's dining table. Winston grilled up some great burgurs. I stayed up late watching the NCAA tournament. Now its past 100 and I need to sleep.
Date: 2003-03-22
From: Hensley Hostel (Pinefeild Gap)

To: Hensley Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Today contained everything needed to make a zero day complete: a good rest, good people, good food, and of course, no miles.   I woke up to the smell of a deliious breakfast. My nose lured me out of the comfy bed and after a quick shower, I was at the dining table filling up on what is known as the most important meal of the day.   After breakfast, I lounged around, surfed the net, and watched some more TV.   Around 400, Winston and I went out and ran errands. I stopped at Walmart and Lowes to pick up a new pot and the components for a cat can stove... FS's birthday present. This should cut some weight from his pack and I think he will like it- he has been eyeing my setup for a while now.   Next we went to the Greyhound station. The lady there was not helpful and was quite rude. Then back to the house.   I went almost immediatly to work on FS's stove. Soon, Winston hollered down the stairs "Ron, we're almost ready for dinner." I shot up the stairs like no one would believe. Carol had been cooking all day (fresh, homemade French bread...ymmmmmm!) and I was hungry. Chicken Parmesean. It of course was delicious and Carol recieved my compliments.       My stomach seems as if it has grown 2 or 3 times as large since the beginning of this trip. Well after everyone else had finished (Carol and Winston had 8 friends over for dinner) I was still hungry. I went back for 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, and Im a little embarassed but even 5ths. I was just so hungry and it was all SO good. And if that was not enough, Carol then served chocolate covered strawberries....Yummmm.    After everyone took off, I was back at the couch. The NCAA tournament is addictive and I am hooked. The funny thing is that before, I could have cared less about basketball. But for some reason, I got sucked in.   I stayed up past 130 watching BBall and CNN. Once again, a late night at the Hensley's, but what a great day.