morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Sarver Hollow

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a sore hip again to start the day, even twelve hours sleep couldn't ease the pain and man does it suck. I can't figure out what's wrong with it but I'm guessing it's some kind of hip flexor problem and stopped a few times in the morning to try and stretch it out. Whatever it is I'm just hoping it'll end soon starting to get annoying cause the pain is more of a nuisance than a hindrance. That being said if I hadn't stopped so much to stretch I may have missed the trail magic we had waiting for us down at the gap.There was a really friendly couple sitting their anxiously awaiting our arrival with a delicious picnic style spread with hot dogs, chips, sodas, and pasta salad. I'm usually not a big fan of Pasta salad but I made an exception for it today since it was so dang hot out already and the cold food was an amazing treat. I kinda laughed to myself at how quickly my distaste for cold food had changed as the warm weather started to make it's way around. After filling my belly and water bottles I took off to conquer yet another mountain in the never ending race to Maine.As I summited the mountain sweat was pouring off of me as i plopped down into the perfectly placed bench looking over the little valley. An odd spot for a bench but I can't even explain how glad I was to rest my body in the shade and escape the sun for awhile. In shadowed by a massive tree I had sweat dripping and decided I'd check my little thermometer, 90 degrees. Wow that didn't take long to happen at all I was under the impression we'd have atleast another month of reasonable temperatures but I'm pretty sure after the last couple days that ship has sailed.I got into the shelter pretty early but decided to stay for a couple reasons primarily because there wasn't any water nearby at all until I got about 8 miles out. Secondly Loner Boner actually ended up beating me to the shelter so I figure I can pop a couple Vitamin I pills (ibuprofen) to relieve any inflammation. After only a couple hours the hip felt amazing and I did some solid stretching before I drifted off to sleep with the hopes I'd be healed come morning and people to get to Catawaba and figure out what's up with my phone.
Date: 2015-05-06
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Was the last person out of the shelter as usual but didn't mind too much I kinda enjoy that solo time to myself to just listen to the woods come alive. My hip felt a lot better but still not running on 100 percent just yet maybe another day or two and I'll be tip top shape. Took off from camp and started making my way back to the trail as I shockingly saw Pumpkinbutt breaking down his tent, I just met him last night and he'd been hiking with his sister who sustained some kind of leg injury requiring her to get off the trail for a while.I wasn't going super fast but I made it to the little general store by about 10 and grabbed a couple snacks so I could try and use their phone without feeling too guilty. I called verizon and to my surprise all I had to do was take the sim card out and put it back in, man did I feel dumb after that one. Now with a working phone and happy girlfriend I could set out for the day and conquer McAfee Knob with a sense of satisfaction.The climb up was beautiful with hardly a cloud in the sky until I got to the parking lot, but to my satisfaction they were big fluffy white clouds and not the dark ominous storm clouds I've come to know so well. The rest of my climb up to the summit was spotted with shadows from the clouds and words of encouragement from the day hikers I blew by. As I finally reached the top of the knob and infamous over hang I saw a batch of clouds off to my left that looked rather mincing, bringing trouble along with them. I was able to take a panorama on my phone that turned out pretty awesome as half the valley is shadowed by the gloomy clouds with the other side unsuspecting of the impending storm.As the thunder began to roll I made my way down the mountain hopping I might be able to beat it and get to the next shelter 6 miles away. As I went by Campbell shelter though I thought I'd stop and take a look at the forecast and boy am I glad that I did. There was some of the darkest red I've ever seen on that radar and it was headed straight for us. Unfortunately the shelter had been taken over by day hikers and I was sure to ask them how far they were going and how long they'd been on trail as a passive aggressive reminder that those shelters are really for thru hikers. I ended up setting up my tarp off the side along with about 4 or so other thru hikers who had been hoping to do the same thing as me hoping getting to the next shelter. Luckily I got my tent up just as the rain started to come down and after that I wasn't much in the mood for hiking anymore and neither was anyone else.
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Fullhardt Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I left before 8 but it took me forever to get everything all packed up and I was feeling a bit sore to start the day. The morning hike was gorgeous though and I was making pretty good time. I got yelled at by a crow and when I stopped to yell back at him I realized he had been yelling because I was standing right over top his nest. Inside was a Momma and 3 babies who must have been just on the verge of learning to fly since none of them left the nest as I got closer to inspect and take pictures.I thought it was kinda funny that he'd been cawing at me so vigorously as if I were about to attack the family but I had no clue they were there till he did. When I went in for closer inspection he flew away rather than come attack me, what a guy huh? I also saw a couple of snakes on the rocks sunning themselves as well but they weren't nearly as cool as the crow family that honestly made me day.I got to one of the main road ways and saw a red trapezoid which can only mean one thing...PIZZZAAA! I was a little dismayed to discover that they didn't have a buffet but I settled on a like 4 foot long pizza, it was so much food. I stayed there for a solid two hours while I charged my stuff and filled my big ol belly with pizza and still had enough left over for a decent breakfast for tomorrow.Everytime I get to a town I try and swap out my gatorade bottles so I hit the little gas station next to the trail for some new ones. After my purchase I inquired about the rest room and the owner told me it was occupied at the moment so I sat down to wait. It didn't take long for the door to open and a 400 lb man to walk by me with a devious smile on his face. He had stunk that thing up something fierce and left an unsinkable log slightly devastated I went to inform the owner of the situation and went out to hit the trail. The woods seemed like a better place any way.The climb out of town was a bloated agony filled one as the pizza sloshed around inside my stomach. I felt like the burps were propelling me up the hill at times and when I reached the shelter couldn't have been more relieved to see it. To my surprise pumpkin butt came in a little while after me followed by still bill and another couple who had a little dog with them, but they decided to camp out further up the trail.
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Fullhardt Knob Shelter

To: Middle of the Woods
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up just after sunrise with the intentions of taking off for an early start but before I knew it me and Wild Bill had cracked a couple beers and have a good ol time. Took about an hour and a half to get out of camp and moving with the beers and safety supplies but was well worth it. Chowed down on a few slices of pizza too and I felt more than ready to take on the trail.Me and Bill had a great talk to start the day going back and forth about our plans after the trail. I really hope his dreams come true of opening a hostel trail side with his wife, didn't get a chance to meet her but I'm sure she's just as awesome as him. They'd be great hostel owners, totally have the right mind set for it and was really hoping he could make it donation based if everything goes as planned.We stuck together for the first part of the day but he was a stronger hiker than me and not wanting to slow him down we parted ways during our early morning snack break and I hung around crushing the rest of my pizza. The combination of beer and pizza did a number on my insides and I could feel it burning and churning on my insides. The heart burn was unreal by lunch time and felt like it slowed me down a good bit.Didn't have to get too many miles in today so I took it kind of easy and wasn't stressed about the time I was making. I stealth camped pretty close to town so I wouldn't have to deal with getting into town halfway through the day and losing my charge time. It's so much easier to just walk down into town first thing in the morning that way you can still get miles done later in the day and its cooled down a bit.
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Middle of the Woods

To: Half Way up the Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up and finished up the last couple miles before I hit the parkway and tried to get a ride into town. I figured with how close I was to the trail a hitch would be easy but I probably got about halfway down the mountain before anybody picked me up. The couple that did were really nice and I was stoked when they did after how many people had just driven by me with empty seats.I got into town and was a little dismayed to find that the entire town was out of power. At least I was able to get my mail drop though, that would have totally killed my entire day. I'd been hoping to hit a little dinner or something but with the power out half the folks weren't open and the ones that were couldn't take credit cards.The walk out of town seemed even more discouraging as even more cars had passed me by on their way up the mountain. The ride ended up coming from a Mercedes which was the last person I expected to stop for me, just goes to show ya don't judge a book by its cover. He actually had a nephew that had hiked the trail and totally understood the spot I was in and luckily his nephew had explained the difficulty of finding a ride.There was a little river side swimming hole along the way to the shelter but I decided to skip it when I saw the Park ranger in the middle of a not too friendly conversation with another thru hiker. Avoiding the possible conflict I took off up the mountain and without a dip in the stream but it gave me extra time to work my way up the mountain. By the time I got to the shelter my body was still feeling great so I decided to try and make it half way up and avoid the brutal climb in the morning.Found the campsite already inhabited but didn't mind much the hiker there solo was a pretty cool guy and we chatted it up while I fixed dinner. Was looking pretty clear out so I thought I might be able to get away without using my tarp. Right before dark the couple with the dog from the other night stopped and set up too but didn't chat much they went right to bed.
Date: 2015-05-10
From: Half Way up the Mountain

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Rain started falling at about 630 and I sprang up in fear that everything would get soaked but it was just a brief little drizzle. Since I was up I took my time getting everything all put together and mixed up my "rocket fuel." Got out on the trail by 730 and made my way up the rest of the hill which didn't end up being too bad after knocking out the first half yesterday.I felt like I was crushing miles today and banged out 25 in about 11 hours including breaks and everything. I passed a lot of day hikers out for mothers day and made sure to call my own mamma and chat with her for a bit. Other than the over cast it was a gorgeous day to be out on a hike with all the flowers that were blooming on the mountainside.Thought I was gonna have the shelter all to myself for a while but just as I was getting my stuff all laid out a couple came up the trail. They told me they were meeting some friends up here with kids and there was a chance they'd be staying in the shelter. I instantly feared the idea of loud kids running around the shelter keeping me up but they camped out with their folks in one of those big winter tents.To my surprise I saw Shadow fax and clockwise camped out back of the shelter and they came around quick as free food came out. The people were actually really cool and offered us some chili and all kinds of goodies. There was also some moonshine and safety supplies that got passed around after the kids went to bed. Gotta say it was a pretty solid day of hiking.
Date: 2015-05-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up insanely early because there was a pair of mockingbirds right out front of the shelter that would not shut up. I couldn't figure out why there was a heavily dented baseball bat sitting in the shelter last night but it suddenly became clear it was to be used to make the birds shut up. I made as much noise as possible but they would not shut up no matter what I tried fed up I chucked the bat in their general direction. I know not cool, but if you had been there you'd understand I promise.Took me forever to get out of camp and I was super lucky scoring some chili for breakfast so the wait was definitely worth it in my book. After dragging my but up over Bluff Mtn I called Mary and chatted for a bit excited about tomorrow. I took off too quick after the call and hurt my hip again on the front right side, feels like my hip flexor.I dragged ass the next 6 miles with no plans on picking up the pace until the rain hit. I just about ran after that and was praying I'd be able to find a spot in the shelter since sleeping on wet ground sucks. To my surprise there was one left inside the shelter and I was quick to take. Not even 5 minutes after I got in another pair of guys came by looking miserable from the rain and I felt bad till I realized they were day hikers so I didn't feel as bad knowing they'd be home in a couple days.
Date: 2015-05-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Tried to do a little Yoga this morning to get my muscles all stretched out and loosened up but I don't know how much it really helped. Also tried to do a little meditation except I think it was more of me being tired and lazy then any kind of meaningful meditation. Was off on the trail at about 9, need to get myself back into the hiker mindset.Taking a couple days off is always amazing but can kind of throw you out of groove if you're not careful. The miles seemed to drag on today and listening to some Podcasts really helped me get through the day. Found a nice spot to cowboy camp this evening and settled in to get myself some dinner with a good nights rest if I'm lucky.
Date: 2015-05-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Got up early but it didn't do much good still took me forever to get out of camp this morning. Doesn't matter what I do it always takes me at least an hour to get myself up and moving. The hike today was pretty awesome though lot of up and down before I get into the Shenandoahs and I can't wait to get into the home turf.Heard a really loud air craft getting closer and closer, t my surprise it was an osprey doing a fly by. I immediately dropped my drawers giving them a full moon salute. They liked it so much they came back around for a double dose and I was dying laughing the whole time as they looped back around. Luckily for me I'd pulled my pants back up by the time the day hikers had rounded the corner of the look out, could have been an awkward moment.I was kinda shocked with how many people were out on the mountain today but it was a gorgeous day for hiking. By the end of the day I must have seen 50 people total and a grand finale of about 30 people who seemed to be out with a local hiking club or something. It was an odd mix and they hadn't exactly figured out how the right of way works on the trail making me brush shoulders with about half of them apologizing my way down the mountain.Wasn't sure where I'd camp out for the evening but the original plan was to make it to the shelter right outside of Elkton but I just wasn't making the time I needed to. Ended up finding a good spot up on the mountain with a preexisting fire ring I took full advantage of. Unfortunately after dinner as I was laying down the log I'd stuck in the middle snapped and shot hot coals all over me burning a hole in my bag, liner, and ground tarp
Date: 2015-05-16
To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up pretty early at about 5 just as the sun was starting to rise and got everything all packed up as the sun was coming up over the mountain. Made it on the trail before it was fully risen and started to work my way down the mountain. Didn't even have 10 miles but I was moving as quick as I could got an awesome pictures of the sun melting away the fog over the valley and was super glad I was up early enough to see it. Hit the shelter before most people were even packed up so I knew I was making pretty good time. When I hit the entrance to the park I gave Brayton a call to see if he could come pick me up and hang out for a day, unfortunately he was up in Winchester but wanted to hang out when he got back to town. Got pretty lucky though since one of the guys I hit the road with was getting picked up by his wife.He offered me and another hiker a ride into town which was awesome and saved me from running through the list of folks that offer free rides to hikers. His wife pulled up in one of those small RV campers she drops him off each morning and picks him up in the evenings, that's totally the way to hike the trail in comfort. She also had a big batch of fresh homemade cookies waiting for us, awesome!They dropped me off at the post office and I was freaked out at first since the service lobby was closed. I could hear people working in the back and tried to call out to them but no one answered. I kinda started freaking out a bit worried about getting my package but I decided I'd give them a call and see if I couldn't have someone get it for me. To my surprise the guy working the phones was kind enough to meet me out back with my box and I couldn't have been happier.After getting my box unpacked and all bagged up I ran over to Kroger to get a couple little things. Then I went to one of the best Chinese buffets I've ever been to and easily the best buffet on the trail. They had literally everything from french fries to sushi and it was actually pretty good quality too. I left that place bloated and feeling disgusting I actually had to sit down out front for about 15 minutes before I could even think about moving.
Date: 2015-05-19
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got back on the trail after a couple days hanging out with Brayton and then a couple more with Mary. It's nice being so close to home and getting to see everyone for a while and so much. Me and Mary took a couple days off in Jefferson National Forrest since there's a bunch of spots to camp for free. I got back on the trail today at about 3 since Mary had to get back to work this evening.It felt awesome to be in my home turf and filling out my permit was a great feeling knowing I'd be spending the next couple weeks so close to home. The hike was great and it was a perfect afternoon to be out on the trail. I crushed the first few miles through the park and saw a deer within the first couple hours, already know it's gonna be awesome through here.I hit the first shelter and was shocked with how many people were there, walking up I saw 4 tents set up out around the shelter. When I walked into the shelter there were even more people all set up and it was filled to the brim. I really didn't like how many people were there so I decided to hike on a bit and find a stealth spot.Got pretty lucky and scored a spot next the little stream down the hill from the shelter. I was feeling like a total badass so decided to ignore the no fire rule so I set up a little fire ring and fixed some dinner. I set it up to be three sided so I could direct the heat towards me and kept the fire going all night long to keep me nice and toasty.
Date: 2015-05-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Had a great start to the day getting up around 6 taking my usual hour to get everything together and get out on the trail. I got passed by a bunch of people as I was gathering all my stuff up. A few of the folks let me know how jealous they were about me getting such an awesome little spot away from everyone.Started out my hike listening to some classical music and was crushing miles running down the mountains feeling inspired by the sounds of Bach and Beethoven. After the first few miles I decided to take it easy since I didn't wanna tweak my hip again. Threw on some podcasts and before I knew it I was hitting the 13 mile shelter by noon and pretty happy with the pace I'd managed so far. I knew I could have made it to the 26 mile shelter in about 10 hours but my body just wasn't feeling it and I didn't wanna push myself too hard.I think I'm officially in the "Tunnel" now as the views are far and view in between even on top of the mountains. Feels the same with the water too all the small seasonal springs are starting to dry up and I've been feeling like a camel. Didn't make it as far as I'd planned but I got a nice sunset view and no sight of rain so I couldn't give up another night with a fire and a night of cowboy camping.
Date: 2015-05-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Had a cold wet start to the day and didn't get up till about 7:30 and took another hour to get everything all pulled together. The rain started about an hour after that and didn't let up till about 230. Motivation for the day was completely shot after the rain started in and didn't make it very far at all.The hike wasn't too long since I'd done so many miles the other day but man was it cold. It reminded me a lot of my start down in Georgia with the never ending rain and fog. I got into the shelter and it wasn't too long after that a big group of hikers came in and settled down for the day. I couldn't figure out why so many people were out on the trail but then I realized it was memorial day weekend. It all started to make sense and I knew the next few days the park would be packed with people. I really don't like when there's s many people around it really takes away from the wild aspects of the trip when around every switch back you run into another group of people.
Date: 2015-05-22
To: Elkton, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Went into town to pick up my mail drop today and got lucky as I was getting out of the park when a couple driving an RV picked me up and took me down into town. I stopped by the bank to get everything with my card all sorted out since they thought it was stolen because of me bouncing up the coast. After that I hit the Mickey D's and got a charge and a little grub while I sorted out my package.That afternoon I started scheming about doing a flipflop since I'd been running into so many people and I really didn't like it very much I waned the solitude again. I called mom to mill the idea over with her and by the end of the call she'd agreed to take me up to Maine. By the end of the day though it was gonna be dad though who would drive me up after his trip to NYC with my cousin.