morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-26
From: Campsite above US 421

To: DAMASCUS!
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I have one beautiful word to say ( you wish ! ) Damascus... Yahooo! I really hadn't given doing this trail again serious consideration so getting a chance to come into this splendid little town again is fantastic. Lucky me.. I woke up at dawn and gathering my stuff, trying not to wake the guys. I enjoy being the first out...feels like I am alone, the forest waking up around me. The day was perfect for hiking. It is still colder then normal but ya warm up as you go along. I got to the border before I knew it and grazed my hand slowly along the Virginia border sign. Well, hello..I glanced behind to wave goodbye to Tennessee and for a moment my hike rolled thru my mind. What a walk so far...! Thanks for the memories. I was flying by this time, looking into the valleys in search of that first white roof or maybe a dog barking or lawn mower. There is a kind of excitement about coming into this town unlike any other. I rolled out of the woods and walked under the the posts that welcomes us to the ultimate trail town. I stopped at the Outfitter and ran into Dead Animal who said there was plenty of room at The Place and that is where I am sitting now writing this. Houdini and Red are making me laugh. What a cast of characters! I have hiked with alot of very special people over the years and this group is no exception. These trails bring out the very best in folks while allowing you to learn and accept your weaknesses. Maybe that is why I enjoy distance hiking so much. Trying to put all this into words can be a real challenge...I have an old friend who is a Cowboy is Eastern Oregon.A lonely ,windswept and achingly lovely place. He makes next to nothing and walks with a painful limp. Everyone always wants to know what keeps him in the saddle and why. His answer- to try explain to a person who doesnt have this riding in his bones, this NEED, is like trying to rope the wind....that about sums up putting into words why we do this. Unless you have been blessed by a passion for this, it cant be done.
Date: 2005-04-27
From: Braemer Castle Hostel

To: still here
Miles today: 0.0

april 27 I am in "Cowboys" enjoying a cup of coffee and the easy comraderie of the guys in the Cowboys Coffee Club - a group of men that obviously celebrate each others company every morning. I love how in small towns across America there are working men gathering around scratched and worn tables doing this. It makes me homesick for 2 Rivers Alaska and the little store we have that sees just about everyone who lives there before the day is done. On most days I go in and do exactly what I am doing now...soak up the voices and watch the eyes ,faces - expressions of long friendships. I think I could take a nap here right now. That is how safe I feel here in this little store surrounded by these folks. But the trail waits......
Date: 2005-04-27
From: Damascus

To: Campsite by pond
Miles today: 11.7

??I took a spill, cut my forehead and am now in the hospital. Ahaaa, that got your attention !!..lol ??Not really. I am snug in my tent listening to the rain outside and writing to you guys. Yes, it is raining, was hailing a few moments ago. Mnt Rogers is hidden in the clouds but the Lord only know what is going on up there. I guess I will find out tomorrow. ??I left town around 11 and didnt have much energy. I wanted to get out of there though..so am glad to get the few miles in. I sleep the best in my tent now. The hostels are cool but loud and we all stay up late. I leave town more tired then when I got there! The trail today was nice.. in fact about like it is every day. You know, UP.. I have been trying a little experiment lately. I dont eat while I am hilking up hill cuz I can barely breath as it is, ya know ? So, I snack while on the down hills or the flat. Well, it seems as if I cant even get done with my freaking candy bar before I am going up again ! Lately we are all thinking that this trail could use some flat. Do they have to go up every mnt in between here and Maine ? I laugh cuz I have done this trail before but I guess I blocked out some of these climbs. The 1 good thing is we can eat anything we want cuz we use so much energy going UP them. ??Anyhow, I wonder where Red and Houdini are ? It is just Dead Animal and I at this pretty spot .Going into 1 of my favorite place on the AT tomorrow and I cant wait !
Date: 2005-04-28
From: Campsite by pond

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I am freezing ! and yes, it is snowing, AGAIN ! I might as well start from this morning. This was the coldest one yet.. It was hard to get out of my bag. What is with this weather?? I hiked in tights for the first time this trip. I am so so SO ready for summer! The hike was like most other days, until we began the climb to Buzzard's Rock. Beautiful ! I would have stayed longer except that it was cold up there and the wind was starting to blow. Folks have been saying this is a cold spring so far. There was a guy up there planning on spending the night.. man, he is gonna be chilly! Right before the highway we met a nice guy who had started in Springer, but got off the trail in Franklin and is now climbing peaks and riding a motorcycle. He is probably warm right now.. grrrrrr, he did give us a Snickers bar.. The last part of the day was up Mt Rogers to this shelter. It started snowing about an hour before we got here and it is still doing it. yuck! I am having a tuff time typing cuz my hands are cold. will finish this tomorrow...Well, it is early morning here and I have the pocketmail in the sleeping bag It was a tuff night. I am surrounded by snorers! I NEVER snore myself..lol. this is only my 2nd nite in a shelter, cuz I don't like them much for sleeping. I must say though, glad I am not breaking down my tent in this dismal weather. It is blowing like crazy outside! I am not sure what I am gonna do today. We may walk 21 miles to get to Troutdale if it stays like this. Red, Houdini and BearTracks came in late and lots others here, too --all in various moods as the storm settles in on us. I am sure glad I didn't send home my winter gear cuz she ain't done yet... nope... and I think she still has some bite in her.
Date: 2005-04-29
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Shelter
Miles today: 16.1

The miles are confusing today. The signs don't match the data book. We woke up to a blowing storm. I laid in my bag and watched the storm for about an hour before I motivated myself to move. It is a challenge to get up when it is that nasty out. The weather has proven to be the biggest challenge of this trip so far. Some folks are quitting over it... sad to see them go but understandable. For me, quitting is not an option, at least not yet. [transcribbler's note: I want to delete that last part, but that is what yappy wrote. I talked with her by phone and she said she was in it for the long haul]Why people get off this trail is a complicated deal. I hate seeing them go. I think after 500 hundred miles you feel tired and excited about what you have accomplished but it is still not quite a quarter of this trail. That can be discouraging. Anyhow, Dead Animal and I set out around 8 and were quickly soaked. This is rough, rocky and high country, so I spent most of the day either looking for the blazes or watching my feet. I twisted my ankle yesterday, so I was taking it easy. Hiking thru Grayson Highlands is a pleasure no matter what the weather, but I would have loved to see it in the sun. It is such wide open, glorious country. The gray skies did give it an even more remote feeling though. We did see the ponies which made the trip worthwhile.One of these days I will come back in the summer and hike this area! This shelter is a new one and there are only a few of us here. I think most folks might have gone into troutdale to get warm...don't blame them. Dead Animal is down at the creek camping. My tent is still soaked so in the shelter again... miss my tent. Tomorrow is pizza at Partnership shelter !! now THAT is something to look forward to !
Date: 2005-04-30
From: Hurrican Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: light rain

The pizza is coming !! I am soooo hungry..that I can hardly wait to sink my teeth into all that cheese.. yeah baby ! I woke up to ...umm, let me see? RAIN !! Yes ladies and gents, it just keeps raining on us poor beat up hikers. The terrain wasn't too bad.. just up and down. I had pizza on my mind so did the 20 miles by 2:30. My feet are tired but the rest of me is feeling good. I guess we are finally in good shape. The trail has been soaked the past few days. I have given up trying to keep my shoes dry. I slosh thru the puddles like a kid. The rain stopped early and it was a pleasant grey day... (yes, grey is now pleasant) not too bad compared to what we have seen lately. I didn't see another hiker all day and that was nice. When I got hear Dead Animal was here. He had gotten up at 5:30 and hiked out. I was chatting with a lady in the parking lot and she offered to take me to the store for a coke. Nice --thanks Nicky! Of course, I had to get chips and donuts too. Hey, I had to bring back some for the gang too. When I got back and wandered to the shelter the guy sleeping in his bag popped his head out...Cola ! I hadn't seen him since Mnt Albert. A very cool kid. Most of them are out here. Tomorrow is Atkins and some much needed R & R. I hear this motel has 3 channels of HBO... yeah baby!
Date: 2005-05-01
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Relax Inn
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I knew when I woke up that the weather had changed. I was burrowed in my bag with just my nose sticking out and it was cold. When I peeked out I saw the blush of dawn in the sky. Could that orange thing actually be the sun?! It was a cold raw morning though... the wind my steady companion as I packed up. Brrr!!!I had a sleepless night at the shelter. I am definitely a tent person. Hiking and sleeping sorta go hand in hand, if ya know what I mean. I was up and gone before 7. I had 1 thing on my mind: the Relax Inn in Atkins. I had some relaxing to do ! The trail was hard the first part of the morning, but the last few miles were thru fields and following creeks..real nice. I came over the ridge and saw the free way I felt like cheering. When I checked in I told the owner that I was SO glad to see him. He said I wasn't the only one. I guess he has been pretty busy the past few days. Folks hole-ing up because of the weather. After I checked in I went up to the restuarant with Dead Animal and am now feeling much much better. The past 75 miles have ben a big challenge. I dont think I was ever truly warm except for in my bag and sometimes not even then. This had been the hardest week for me so far. It is all part of the hike though. Exhaustion comes with the territory. Physically, I feel very good, not all aches and pains... just general fatigue. The length of this bad boy is starting to settle in. We have a LONG way to go. Better sleep on it! :D
Date: 2005-05-02
From: Atkins

To: campsite
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a great day! I got up this morning. looked at the window and I saw. ...I know you guys are worried about me and all...rain clouds. Darn it ! The owner of the hotel took Blue Eye, No Worries, Dead Animal and I to the grocery store. I really like Blue Eye and No Worries. They have great attitudes and make me laugh. A good thing don't ya think? Anyhow, I knew everyone was taking off today but Dead Animal, who wanted to take a 0. I decided to hike as well. Blue, No Worries and I went to Dairy Queen and had hamburgers and blizzards while watching the sky turn a wicked slate color. I took off about 1 pm and I felt liberated.. free ! I have wanted to just be hiking on my own timetable for awhile. I have had a great time with Dead Animal; it has nothing to do with that. It is about being alone. Finally. I don't mean not with any other hikers. I mean a solo hiker...making all my own decisions. I am sure I will hook up with DA again but, for now I am on my own and how sweet it is. I got up to the Davis shelter and Blue, Chairmen and Worries rolled in. Also, there was Nimblewood who is camped by the creek. The first night in his hammock. He is a very funny guy and I am enjoying his company immensely. We talked some while hiking and then again at camp. Anyway, we did lot of walking thru fields and along river banks today. I love that..I enjoy looking down at the barns and farm houses. VA is proving ot be very beautiful. While hiking along the rivers I am finally seeing spring. The flowers are becoming thick along the hills and spilling, with a riot of color, along the banks -- themselves covered with fresh, green grass. Green everywhere! I also saw another old and much missed friend this afternoon: the sun. She lit the fields up til they gleamed a molten gold and the sky a crisp, vivid blue. I tipped my face up to all that warmth many times. The sun proved to be shy and only flirted with us and then hid behind her shelter of clouds, but I have a funny feeling she will be bolder tomorrow. Oh yeah, we saw a dead cow.it STUNK and was sad to see. I wonder what happened ?
Date: 2005-05-03
From: campsite

To: Jenkins Spring Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: few clouds

I have soared to the highest of highs, or the lowest of lows. Depends how ya think I guess... I have (re)discovered big hostess oatmeal cakes and moon pies ! It happened yesterday while I was in Atkins resupplying. I was tooling down the aisles looking for the usual stuff when I swore I heard a "..Psst, over here!" I looked up and the oatmeal cakes whispered, "Remember us? ...your mom probably gave us to ya when you were growing up." The moon pies chimed in.. "take us too!" "I don't know why you hikers are always going for those cardboard cliff bars and dry balance bars," I swore that Little Debbie shot a baleful look at the energy bars. I glanced around at them and they did have a smug, superior look ... I looked left and right.. hoping noone was hearing this rather bizarre conversation. Then I smiled and grabbed a half a dozen. While I was checking out the cashier gave me a suspicious look. I could almost hear her asking... Who do you think you are eating this stuff - a kid ?.. I grinned sheepishly, shrugged and answered silently back.. "At this moment, yep I am!" I took my bounty back to my room and packed it into my food bag and promptly forgot all about it. Until now... sitting barefoot in this sun drenched meadow, high on Chestnut Bald, I remembered. So under a wild spring sky I endulged blissfully.. Now, I am typing to you guys, eyelids closing ..might take a nap. Just a short one ...promise.... ??The rest of the afternoon was spent hiking the ridge line with pretty views of the Virginia countryside. I like this state ! The sun once again grew bashful in the afternoon. Hiding behind her cloud buddies. It was still a sweet spring day. It didn't get above 55 degrees, amazing huh? It is usually in the 80s this time of year we were told. [transcibbler's note: hmmn... VA Mtns in May? somebody's pulling yer leg] I got to this shelter and decided to stop for the day. Pacer and Diver were here and Red, Houdini and Chairmen joined the party. Lots of laughs over dinner and another moon pie for dessert. I am happy. I missed the dogs today though. Their funny, joyful faces...man oh man, how I miss them.
Date: 2005-05-04
From: Jenkins Spring Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I had an interesting encounter today. It all started when Chairmen and I got to the road outside Bland and decided to go in to DQ for blizzards and hamburgers. I stuck out my magic thumb and the 3rd truck turned around and took us in. I seem to have a knack for hitching! After I had eaten I went into the bathroom to basically crawl inside the sink and take a bath. While I was trying to wash 4 days of grime, dirt and sunscreen off my face, a heavy set lady came in. I noticed her - without really paying much attention. She had a nice flowered dress on and skin that was pretty, hadn't seen much sun. She was watching me with just as much interest as I was now taking in her. She came up to the sink and said, "Long drive?" Without thinking I said, "I walked here. I am doing the Applachain Trail." She sorta laughed and once again took in my unruly hair, sunburned face, stained shirt and traveled her way down to my trail hardened legs and filthy sneakers. By now I was a bit unnerved with the scrutiny and glanced at the mirror, trying to see myself thru her eyes. I saw a half feral, rangy nomad looking back at me. My eyes slid back her way and time stopped as I waited for this soft spoken, sweet looking woman to say something -- anything. Then an astonishing thing happened. She grinned. The smile of a kindred spirit and I smiled back at her, delighted with the bonding that was happening in such a odd place, a bathroom at a DQ close to the interstate in Bland Va, between two very different people who probably had nothing in common. Then she said something that broke my heart, "I could have hiked the trail, but now I'm too big." Before I even had a chance to respond she was gone. The whole conversation only lasted a couple of minutes, but I was still thinking about her when I came back to my pack and there was a shiny scarlet apple on top of it. I glanced out the window and she was backing out. Our eyes met and we each waved. A silent salute to the other. And there it was: one of those moments that defines you... all our differences and coming together in spite of them. I never got her name, but I won't forget. Sometimes this trail isn't about hiking at all.
Date: 2005-05-05
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Woodshole Hostel
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

I am tired...I got my earliest start yet at 6:30 cuz I wanted to get to Trents grocery store. Yeah, I know you guys are thinking all this girl thinks about is food ! Well, I am hungry..lol. The hike wasn't too bad..and I rolled into the store in time for a fresh cup of coffee and some good conversation with the locals..yeah .. I also had a fried egg sandwich, 2 Little Debbies, a banana and a large gatorade. For dessert I treated myself to a long hot shower. It was awesome..I must say. After I talked with my love muffin, Brad ( lol... that was fun ! he HATES when I do that ! ) on the phone I set out again. But not before I finally ran into Jersie Jones, who is from Fairbanks ! Can you believe it ? I knew he was on the trail and I had been chasing him for awhile. It was very rewarding to yack about Alaska and things familiar to us both. The trail in the afternoon was terrific... easy walking with lovely forest views, lots of creeks and the sun came out occasionally... playing peekaboo. It was still cold though. Just as the day was ending the trail went straight UP for some daggone reason...yikes ! Don't want to get too comfy in VA. She still has some tricks up her ridges I ran into Jersie again... so fun to have him out here! He went on to the next shelter and I walked down to this hostel. This place, too (once again), a very nice place. This cabin is nestled in the hills out in the middle of nowhere and the hostel is an old barn and very comfortable. The woman is in her 80s and comes out here every year for the summer. I hear she makes outstanding biscuits for breakfast..Yum!There is a new crew here tonight; I only know 1 hiker. I guess I am catching up to folks. They are all nice and I hear them downstairs talking... maybe I will go visit a bit. Pearisburg tomorrow. I can't wait !
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Woodshole Hostel

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I am so glad I stayed at Tillys last night. She was on my list of must see things on this hike. When I got to the road I almost went on but instead strolled down the hill to yet another intriguing hostel and cabin. I wouldn't mind house sitting there for the winter... When breakfast is ready they come out and ring an old fashioned bell on the porch. I never saw 9 hikers move that fast !! I thought Buttah was gonna trip over his own 2 feet he was trucking so fast. Tilly set a pretty table with nice plates etc. We were like bulls in a china shop, trying to remember our manners. Buttah who is a lanky 6 foot 4 or so and with hands the size of the plate was trying to cut a small piece of sausage in to squares ! You know he could have easily devoured everything on that table . The guy had a look of such concentration on his face... I was expecting the meat to go streaking off his plate and into the living room..lol. I was having my dilemma..I wanted more sausage... The biscuits were delicious, but the atmosphere was worth the hike here. She is a lovely woman who cares about us and makes you feel at home. I got on the trail around 8:30 bound for town and some rest. I have been enjoying the miles, but nice to get off my feet for a bit. The terrian again was fairly easy with glorious views of the valleys . The weather has gotten ALOT better and it seems as if it is greener every morning. Yahooo.. I was getting worried that it might never happen ! I have done my laundry and resupplying. I am running into new hikers every day. There are alot of folks in this town. I do miss Red and Houdini though ! I want to say hi to my good friend Lisa Cherian.. I miss you girl !!.: We had some good times didnt we .....
Date: 2005-05-08
From: Pearisburg

To: Campsite
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

may 7- 0 day in Pearisburg ??Wildhare, my transcriber, came up! It was terrific to meet her. She is as nice as I thought she would be... Believe it or not she brought her massage chair gave all of us a back, neck and hand rub. It was beyond words...sigh. She also did me yucky feet! with over 600 miles on them - the woman is my hero. She left early this morning and I hope to see her again sometime soon. Maybe for an Idol episode..we are both fans. Thanks again girlfriend ! May 08First the good news.. I am chewing a piece of Wrigleys gum. Hey, dont laugh.. ! Suki, I think you still owe me some gum that you stole a long time ago. If you are reading this pay up ! Now the bad news. While hiking my ankle crumpled out from under me twice. The first time was on the road walk and I went down so fast I didn't have time to do anything . Luckily, I didn't fall into the road but onto the gravel, not so lucky for my leg, though, as it is now sporting an impressive gash. The 2nd time was while I was walking with Chilling Out. One sec I am on my feet the next I am on my back clutching my ankle in severe pain.. This has happened to me 4 times in the last 100 miles or so. I am worried now. My body is trying to compensate for my unbalanced gate and other aches are beginning to make themselves known. I am going to try to make it to Daleville and get some kind of brace. That is a long 80 miles from here. I can get off the trail if need be at a road crossing though. I can be a very stubborn person and the thought of this chasing me off the trail just gets my back up. I have been walking on, over and around rocks for weeks now. There is just no way to avoid all of them and Pa is covered with every variety of the freaking things ! Anyhow, I am camping in a spectacular high meadow with views of ridges and valleys for miles. The sky is a deep, clear blue and I am sleeping without my rainfly on for the first time this trip. It is gonna be a perfect evening and the stars will keep me company. It is nice to be out of town and back in the woods. I sleep best out here. Red and Houdini are back at the shelter probably. I miss them ! and my Alaska buddy is a few miles ahead. We are all hoping to be in Catawba on Thursday for the all you can eat at the Home Place. I am happy.. but if someone see the ankle that I KNOW could they please send it back to me ?