morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-06
From: Kincora Hostel (Dennis Cove)

To: Intermission
Miles today: 0.0

Friends and faithful followers,Like all long and boring movies or shows, there has to be an intermission. In this case, the show is not nearly over but we've got a break in the action.I'm off of the trail for a few days for visits with family/friends and the wedding. My trip to the piedmont of NC for the wedding will take me away from the trail community. I will miss the connection with some of my recent hiking friends.Many thanks to all of you who have followed this long slow train to Maine. I truly appreciate the comments on my guest book. Though I am not generally able to respond to most entries, I really enjoy hearing from you.So, enjoy the break and do all those things that are done at intermissions. On Monday, 5/12, I'll be back on the trail and heading north. I'd love to have you along. See you soon.
Date: 2008-05-12
From: Intermission

To: Griffith Branch 
Miles today: 10.2

on the AT for me. Probably for the first real time, my commitment and resolve was tested.My return to Kincora hostel after a week's absence was filled with apprehension. I know that all of my hiking friends had moved on north but I was not prepared for a hostel full of strangers. I didn't want to stay inside the hostel so pitched by tent on the grounds.I woke with the knowledge that my hike was now solo. I could feel my resolve nosediving. Then, as I deliberately broke camp, I found a small slip of paper in my pack. On it, was a quotation about following one's dreams and the courage to do so. It was provided to me weeks ago by a very sweet person . My spirits lifted.My hike started with a closeup view of spectacular Laurel Falls. The rest of the morning was spent along Laurel Fork, a fast moving stream with numerous rapids.The uphill of the day was tough, challenging my stamina loss from the 7 day absence.The remainder of the day was an easy downhill to Watauga Lake, another TVA flood control project.I am now resting comfortably on the banks of the lake enjoying the sounds and smells of the woods that I love. There will be more dips in my resolve to complete this hike. However, I will try to remember that this is My hike and a long-held goal of which I have dreamt.
Date: 2008-05-13
From: Griffith Branch 

To: Iron Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

I hiked out of a beautiful setting on the banks of Watauga Lake and onward towards Damascus. My spirits are much improved and I have met several new folks.On my way to the shelter, I barely missed spotting a yearling bear that was hanging around a shelter. A guy hiking ahead by 15 minutes saw him close up. I also missed seeing a rattlesnake. Maybe that's not a bad thing.One of the prices of trip home is that you don't always come back with everything. In this case, my spork was left in the dishwasher. When the mashed potatoes were ready to eat tonight, the spork was missing. I performed the quickest whittle job of a spoon on record. It's a bit crude but it was better than using my hands/fingers.
Date: 2008-05-14
From: Iron Mountain Shelter 

To: Abiingdon Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Some fellow young hikers were so motivated to get to get to town (and trail days) that they were attempting a 40 mile day. I saw them last at the 22 mile point and they had that dazed and glazed look.I am camping here tonight with a group of '01 thru hikers who have shared great stories and advice. They do this stretch of trail each year and enjoy the 3-day Trail Days experience after their hike.Mind & Body Update:I've shaken the Kincora Blues and am back to my positive self.On my break for the wedding, I made trips to the outfitters for a clothing overhaul. My weight loss (20-25 lbs) was creating the possibility of severe embarrassment to someone. Both of my hiking shorts were literally falling off of me. I feared that anyone witnessing that event would be mentally challenged for life.
Date: 2008-05-15
From: Abiingdon Gap Shelter 

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The call of a trail town gave me encouragement to make fast tracks this morning. I covered the gently graded 10 miles in a speedy 2.5 hours. Too bad I can't average that normally. This sleepy little town turns into hiker heaven on this weekend each year. Hikers from past years come for the festivities and party. I plan to be here for the evening and tomorrow morning based on my current plan. My old golf buddies are planning to meet me in Grayson Highlands for a couple of days of fun.I'm tenting in this giant tent city where the promise of excessive drinking (not me, of course, is a given. I'm told that my tent is situated next to a 4 keg beer camp that may not provide me with much sleep.I just ran into one of my early trail friends , Longwe Tru. She has dutifully sent me notes in shelter registers since we last saw each other in March. She came back to TD from 120 miles up the trail--great seeing her.Damascus is a nice town and living up to its reputation as "friendliest town on the trail"
Date: 2008-05-16
From: Damascus

To: Grassy Ridge 
Miles today: 14.6

Call it town food or just an itch to get to Grayson Highlands. Despite a late start, I made it to this impromptu camp site. No water here but I had plenty.I took in the hiker parade in Damascus, which was a hoot. Despite urgings from fellow '08ers, I did not walk in the parade with my class. Maybe next year. The legendary water fight kept me out plus I jumped out of town immediately after it ended.I heard from my old friends Tracer & Strider today. They are returning to the trail after a family emergency. I really hope to see them again someday soon.My night's sleep amidst the beer party was better than expected. I crammed my ears full of earplugs and couldn't have heard a small bomb. The noise was incredible however. Tonight's party there is said to be bigger still. I'll hear only the occasional hoot of an owl.ZZZZZZZZA Good Feeling:While walking the streets of Damascus, a guy stopped me and asked if I was Crabby Appleton. Thinking that I had crossed paths with him on the trail, I asked if he was a thru hiker. No, he said, I'm a section hiker from Kentucky and have been following your travels on Trail Journals. He was so encouraging and wished me luck. So, thank you Chris for recognizing me and the kind words. It's these kind of things that keep us all going. Thanks everyone!!
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Grassy Ridge 

To: Massie Gap
Miles today: 16.3

Typical Mt. Rogers weather greeted me today with strong winds and rain. However, it was still a very meaningful day.Nearly 25 years ago, I began my hiking life on these trails. A long discussion with a thru hiker on Pine Mtn so many years ago also spawned a dream that I am now living. As I hiked in today, I retraced steps that I have taken many times. Whether on hikes with friends or loved ones or leading/co-leading public trips, these trails are special to me. Many thrus remember Grayson Highlands for the wild ponies and diverse scenery. I also love it for the rocky outcrops on Wilbur Ridge and the cozy campsites at Wilson Creek.
Date: 2008-05-18
From: Massie Gap

To: Massie Gap
Miles today: 0.0

A blustery night in the campground plus one of Mt. Roger's unexpected thunderstorms made things interesting. With nearly a full day of no hiking and waiting for my friends to pick me up, I had planned to update my journal. Once again, good internet service did not exist. I'll wait and hope for better chances tonight.A Nice Trail Story:While at Trail Days, I had the pleasure of being introduced to a great guy by my old hiking friend, Longwe Tru. Her friend hiked the trail several years ago with the trail name, Geek. More astonishing than his thru was his completion of a triple crown of sorts. He preceeded his hike with a canoe trip down the Mississippi from Ohio to New Orleans. Immediately following the hike, he rode his bike across the country.Aside from this incredible feat, Geek's story includes his cat, Ziggy. Early in his canoe trip, Geek adopted Ziggy in Ohio. Ziggy was a scraggly kitten with Manx bloodlines. He rode in the canoe he whole journey, occasionally jumping out to swim.Immediately following the canoe trip, Geek & Ziggy started the northbound hike of the AT. Ziggy soon tired of the walking so Geek fashioned a place for him to ride atop his external frame pack.During the day,Ziggy rode but at night he terrorized the mice that plague the shelters from Georgia to Maine. At trip's end, Ziggy weighed more than anytime along the trail.Following the hike, began his bicycle ride with, yes, Ziggy behind him. Geek says that Ziggy would shifting sides to lean into the turns.Though Ziggy lived a short life, Geek shares a fascinating story of his remarkable cat.
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Massie Gap

To: Massie Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Zeros are so nice sometimes. They are especially gratifying when you are with your good friends. My long time golf buddies, Harold & Steve, have driven to the mtns. from our home town and we have had a great time. Many, many thanks to them and to Debbie too for a wonderful couple of days. The recharge to my initiative will go a very long way. Thank you so much, my good friends (we missed you, Ed).It's back to the trail tomorrow and the trip northward. Though it's unlikely that I'll catch my old hiking partners, I'll plug away at making as many miles as possible.
Date: 2008-05-21
From: Massie Gap

To: Old Orchard
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: few clouds

I bade farewell to my good friends from home after a great day playing golf and catching up on what¢s going on at home.The remainder of two short days was spent covering the remainder of Grayson Highlands. As always, lots of section hikers enjoy this area and I passed several.At the shelter, which has excellent tent camping areas, there were many thru hikers that are now moving north after a full three day stint at Trail Days.Goals and destinations are a popular topic. Here, many are focused on the Partnership Shelter which is 24 miles ahead (a 2-day hike for most). The shelter has a gas-powered shower, a luxury on the trail. More unique, pizza can be ordered from the nearby town and delivered to within .1 miles of the shelter. Another special feature. I haven¢t decided on Partnership, but it sounds enticing¢¦.
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Old Orchard

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

I am convinced that the trail has a way of taking care of its own. Since leaving Kincora Hostel nearly two weeks ago and after my return to the trail, I have been generally hiking solo. I don¢t mind that much, but hiking with trail friends is much better.Over the last few days, the solo thing has become a drag. Friendly conversations at shelters are okay, but seeing familiar faces daily makes things much better.Today, just a mile away from last night¢s shelter, I caught up with a group of four folks who call themselves the Lima Deltas. The L&D refer to their injuries and pains that the group members have. They invited me to hike with them given my obvious knee-brace and regular bouts with soreness.The hike with these folks was wonderful and suited me perfectly. They are lots of fun and very engaging. The Lima Deltas are Rodeo, Bojangles, Dutch and Bigglesworth. I will hike with them for the foreseeable future and start enjoying the social aspects of this experience once again.
Date: 2008-05-23
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Chatfield
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

This was a very nice day especially enjoying my hiking partners, the Lima Deltas. The birds got us up this morning and we made great time to the Partnership Shelter. The plan was to shower and have pizza delivered. Unfortunately, the hot water for the shower was on the fritz so we concentrated on the pizza. It was a great lunch.Lots of daylight remained so we took off for this shelter. Limited tent space and a full shelter sent Bojangles north either to Atkins or a campsite in between.Tomorrow morning we head down the short distance to Atkins, VA where we¢ll spend the day doing the normal resupply, laundry, shower and resting.My hiking friend, John (Thumper) is here from my hometown. His is section hiking as he was doing when I saw him last several weeks ago. It¢s always good to see him.John saw Chewy today and he is only a couple of days ahead in miles. Still not sure I can catch him.
Date: 2008-05-24
From: Chatfield

To: Atkins
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: clear sky

Motivated by a town visit and all that goes with that, we got up early and headed into Atkins. By 9:00 a.m., we were waking up Bojangles who had made it to town the night before. Our timing was great so we took in a large breakfast at the local restaurant.We then got ourselves a room at the local bare bones motel. The day was spent making phone calls and trying to resupply. Unfortunately, the only nearby resupply outlet was besieged by hikers and my supplies for the next five days are suspect. Fortunately, my new hiking friends are all about sharing so I am not worried.Everyone is loving Virginia. The climbs are easier and the diversity of farmlands, woodlands, and mountains is very enjoyable. If this will last until the Shenandoah¢s, I¢ll be very happy.
Date: 2008-05-25
From: Atkins

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

We left the motel early this morning with intentions of making it an easy day. Beautiful farmland views and hikes through fields were thoroughly enjoyed. We stopped several times to take in the beautiful countryside. We waded in a trout stream mid-afternoon to cool our feet/legs.The afternoon¢s hike ended later than we expected as we rolled into camp after a significant climb. Water is scarce tonight, due to a lengthy walk to the source from the shelter. Few people are making the trip and trying to make do with what little water on hand. I did not cook and ate bagels and peanut butter instead. It doesn¢t reduce the ominous food weight, but keeps me from having to cook. Cooking is a necessary evil for me.
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: scattered clouds

This was my longest day yet on the trail and I am feeling every foot of it. We knew that we had a long climb to begin the hike but the combination of woodlands and meadow made it enjoyable.Unfortunately, the lack of water on the trail requires that shelters be placed further apart than is desirable. After the first 10 miles, we were faced with another 9 miles in order to get to the next shelter.Those last nine miles were brutal. You may recall my episode with the stretch of trail that I referred to as the ¢Maze of Death.¢ Well, apparently they didn¢t lock up that trail designer fast enough because he struck again. Those nine miles wandered through many PUDS and more rocks than in all of Pennsylvania.I staggered into the shelter, happy with my longest day but feeling every rock that I stepped on. The looks on the faces of everyone who made that trip were the same.
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: HelveyÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Mill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

The shelter and tenting area was packed last night but all abuzz with a rumor that a local church would be providing a trail magic breakfast.We broke camp and hiked five miles down to a dirt road. Sure enough, sitting on the road was a truck with two nice guys waiting to haul us to the nearby church. And what a feed it was!Fat and happy and with our sweet little ravenous stomachs full, nearly 20 of us smelly hikers thanked those wonderful folks and moved on. With those mega calories doing their work, the rest of the day was a breeze. The Lima Deltas rolled into the shelter feeling great.The feel good event of the day (aside from the trail magic) was the unification of a little dog and two nice hikers. A small rat terrier appeared a couple of days ago and began following different hikers. We figured she must have covered 25 miles that first day. A young couple from Idaho, Pegasus and Unicorn , clearly had a soft spot for this little dog and within a day had purchased a flea collar, dog food and a leash. Knowing that this little dog would not be best suited for the day to day strain of the trail, they plan to send ¢Virginia¢ (Ginnnie, for short) to relatives in Idaho. It¢s a great story with a happy ending.
Date: 2008-05-28
From: HelveyÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Mill Shelter

To: Route 606
Miles today: 16.3

I hastily broke camp today as it began to rain. Our team plan was to make it to the Trent Store on Route 606 where there is a campground.As the hike progressed so did the rain until it was a steady downpour. Now, for me, hiking in the rain is not a bad thing. Aside from the resulting wet stuff, the rain keeps me cool and adds life to my hiking day.Unfortunately, rain brings mud and messy hiking conditions. As the afternoon progressed, things got worse but we ended our hike just in time.With wet gear, feet, clothes, etc., we made our way to the Trent Store where there is food and camping in a field. Bojangles, our creative team member, arranged a shuttle into Pearisburg so that we could get showers and a warm place to sleep. We¢ll go south to complete those miles.Later at the motel, I ran into a couple of hikers that I know who informed me that my old friend Chewy was only one shelter from town and looking for me. I phoned him and soon he was in my motel room. We spent the evening catching up. I learned that the third member of the ¢C Croo,¢ Colby, had left the trail a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, Chewy is also considering leaving the trail. Both he and Colby say that the day-to-day drain of the trail has taken its toll. I understand completely but will do my best to change his mind.Relationships on the trail are incredibly strong but often not sufficient to counteract the draw of home or the day-to-day sameness that is the trail life.Monotony is an insipid viallian that eats away at you. Throw in some ugly weather and the brain starts moving in the wrong direction. The final steps can be as simple as a town zero and decisions are made.The arrival of Chewy last night and very sore feet and leg muscles caused Bojangles, Rodeo and me to declare a zero day today.Mail drops, laundry, town food, rest, town food, phone calls and town food have been the order of the day. Dutch joined John and Kelly in catching a shuttle back to the Trent Store to head north again.Deep Thoughts:I¢ve tried to keep this journal light and as lively as possible. Sorry if it hasn¢t always been so.I guess, predictably, the movement north of so may of us NOBO¢s and the time elapsed brings the fallout no one wishes to think about. These realities are now confronting me personally. The departure from the trail of dear friends, New Song, Colby, and now, possibly, Chewy are tough hits on the psyche.Fortunately, my dips in resolve have been met with strong support from friends and family. Tough love also goes a long way.As we lose our hiking friends, for whatever reason, we more often now discuss the irony of the situation. The truest irony is that this point in the hike finds most hikers in great shape physically, a battle we forget we fought from the beginning. Now we struggle with the mental challenges daily.For me, the spirit is strong and I look forward to the trail ahead.
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Route 606

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Chewy and I spent last night catching up and talking about our respective visits to the ¢real world¢. Both of us agreed that the ¢reality¢ can place a strain on the trail world psyche.Dutch and our other hiking friends, John and Kelly, caught a shuttle back to the Trent Store on Route 606 to finish the 24-mile gap created by our shuttle into Pearisburg. Rodeo, Bojangles, and I have decided to zero today to heal some very sore legs and feet. The last two days have taken a significant toll.The day was spent doing the regular list of chores. Resupply, eating, laundry, eating, post office visits, and eating are all a part of the day¢s activities. The Holiday Lodge motel is full of hikers, most of us trying to rest and do the trail town routine.
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Last night, it was apparent to all that a single zero here in Pearisburg was not sufficient to satisfy the recuperative needs of our group. We decided to take a second zero day in town.Our decision also implies a fundamental move that I find challenging and troublesome at the same time. We will leave the 24-mile gap south of Pearisburg and the Trent Store open. This will allow Dutch & John and Kelly to join us for the hike out of town tomorrow. More importantly for me, it will allow for me to hike with my old friend, Chewy, once again. I am committed to returning here and completing the 24-mile gap.In my discussions with Chewy, we have decided to hike the ninety some miles to Daleville, Va and enjoy an off-trail visit with former hiker friend, New Song. She will pick us up at a road crossing.Chewy is still struggling with staying on the trail in the face of the growing monotony of this day-to-day grind. I have asked that he delay his decision until after we reach Daleville. If he is still determined to depart, making connections through New Song will be much easier.The two zeroes are wearing on us and we are eager to return to the trail
Date: 2008-05-31
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 12.5

The Lima Deltas plus Chewy left the motel and Pearisburg this morning, eager to get out of town and back onto the trail. We made our way through several puds in the first two miles that carried us through an industrial area.As anticipated, we soon reached a moderately steep uphill section. Rodeo and Bojangles moved well ahead and out of sight of the rest of our group. Chewy led our group followed by me and Dutch. Just after the grade changed to uphill, I noticed a distinctly sharp pain under the knee cap of my left leg. As we climbed, the pain increased. Though the grade of the trail leveled off, the intensity of the pain did not subside.From the first miles out of Springer Mountain, my knees have always been stressed by steep downhills and I have the effects primarily on the outside edges of the joint. It has been a manageable condition and I had come to expect that I could control stress on my knees through the use of a brace, ibuprofen, and lots of pampering.The new knee pain is much more intense and centered away from the other knee condition.I soon recognized that the knee pain was going to cut short my distance for the day. Dutch was also experiencing knee pain and so she, Chewy, and I decided to cut our hike short for the day.The shelter is nicely placed on the edge of a ridge top meadow, which provides an excellent view of the valley below. A spectacular sunset was one of the nicest yet on the trail and provides a nice glow over distant West Virginia.As I write this entry, I am alarmed and concerned over this new knee condition. A nagging pain will surely impact my hike and my ability to keep up with hiking companions. Failure to keep up could be a death nail to my psyche. I have decided that throttling back to accommodate the knee is not a viable option and I will continue on the original mileage plan to make our rendezvous with New Song. Put simply, the knee must cooperate or my hike is in jeopardy.