morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-20
From: WhiteTop Mountain Spring

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: light rain

This morning is clear but cool, as long as you are moving, you'll be warm.The winds seem especially strong today. Along the way we encountered 3 guys whom were former Thru-Hikers, Evil Eye, Pootz & Too Many Birthdays.It was good talking with them, but it was even better when they gave each of us a small airline size bottle of Old Forester Whiskey. They even threw in a granola bar. Unexpected Trail Magic! Thanks guys, I did enjoy it.Today was another landmark day, The Grayson Highlands. It was a scenic rocky area. The wind had to be blowing no less than 50 m.p.h. We were being blown as if something very big was pushing us over, no exageration.It didn't take long for the Feral Ponies to appear, they roam freely here. They do come right up to you. I was able to pet them and take pictures and even some of recently born colts.Along the rocky trail I found a bag containing an MSR water filter. The dilema was do I pick it up or leave it? Does it belong to a North Bounder or South Bounder? There have been both today. Finally I decided to pick it up and would make every effort to find it's owner.I stopped in at the Wise shelter for a break. Wookie, Sandman and Happy were there. I asked if anyone had lost anything? "Happy" said that he had lost his water filter. After he described it, I opened my pack and played Santa Clause.The look on his face alone was worth carrying the extra weight.It was a happy reunion. (no pun intended)We reached the Old Orchard Shelter late afternoon. The shelter was full and there were tents everywhere due to the the exodus from Damascus. We found a spot away from the clusters of tents. After getting water, I spoke with Sweathog, Landlubber and Ice Princess. Later, while lying in my tent a voice called out looking for Papa Sarge?It was "Vapor" whom I have not met. Apparently Sprite had left her hat in a shelter. "Banjo" recognized it and had Vapor whom was continuing up the trail, in order to find Sprite, freckles or myself. Trail Magic! It comes in all forms. Thanks Vapor and thanks Banjo, to bad you didn't make it here tonight.
Date: 2008-05-21
To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Another great day on the AT. It doesn't really matter how high you climb, how the weather is or how far you go, it's all good. Just being out here makes all the difference.After doing about 10 miles, we came to a trailhead at the entrance of Hurricane Park. The companion noted a small restaurant/store 2 miles down the road in Troutdale. We set up our tents in a grassy area by the road to finish drying out. Sprite stayed with them while Freckles & I tried hitching.We ended up walking the whole 2 miles. I did a partial resupply of things I really didn't need but wanted. Such as Cheeseburgers, snacks & pop.The waitress made her husband drive us back. Thanks to you both!We met a couple of guys bicycling the "Heritage Trail". A coast to coast trip.They said it would take about 60 cycling days with another 30 days for stops in between. Their wives were doing the B&B thing. Also, just met "Groucho"the name sort of fits.Packing up and continuing on another 4 miles, I arrived at Trimpi Shelter.Found a spot down the hill to tent. Several others were here including "Rock & Roll". I barely recognized them as they had gone "Tribal" as I put it, by growing out their beards and taking on a wild look. I haven't seen them since around the Smokys.Other than entries in a shelter register, you are never sure when you lose track of someone if they are still on the trail? It was good to see them again.I had mentioned before about "privys" and their sometimes uniqueness?The privy here was built up on a platform. There were no walls or roof. Essentially, you were on a stage. I could see the others not so far away, therefore they could see me as well.Anyone who has been on the trail for this length of time, has long since lost any shyness when it comes to privy related business. Therefore, stage fright was not a problem here. Dinner was much better with the added compliments from todays trip to the store. These little detours are welcome treats most of the time.Well an otherwise mellow day. It's already 8:30 p.m. time close the tent fly.
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Locust Mountain
Miles today: 14.8

Downed some quick oatmeal and headed out first thing. The coming attraction was the much acclaimed "Partnership Shelter". So after an enjoyable walk through the woods about 10.6 miles later, I arrived. It was indeed a nice shelter but I wouldn't stay here in it situated in a rustic park. It had a shower stall addition built on the side. So, naturally I took a cold shower, But I was clean. The other feature of this shelter is just a few hundred feet further is a visitor center. You can buy a cold pop and/or use the phone and order from a nearby Italian restaurant, who will deliver. I ordered a pizza.Just picture me sitting on the trail with a box of hot pizza in my lap.Even I am having trouble visualizing this. Only on the AT can such a thing happen. Excuse me while I have another slice.
Date: 2008-05-24
From: Anthrax Inn Atkins VA.

To: Lynn Camp Creek
Miles today: 5.0

Freckles had arranged a shuttle for us after breakfast. Back to the Red Barn restaurant again. I will miss this place.We checked out. I would like to comment,the owners of the Relax Inn were genuinely nice people, their son looked after the shuttling. About a half hour later we were back where we started our Slak- Pak yesterday. Climbing over a stile of a fenced in pasture, the trail continued north.After a little way, we ran into Banjo. She clued us into some Trail Magicjust ahead. Sure enough, a short while later I was crossing a dirt road, there was a pavillion like shelter at a trail head.The Trail magic was courtesy of Banjo's friends Monica & Michelle. Both were previous thru-hikers. Monica was "Flutterby" I'm not sure what Michelle's trail name was/is? Can you believe this? We just left civilization and now we are being treated to Arbys roast beef sandwiches, cold beer, pop, veggies,fruit and snacks.Although it wasn't that long ago since we ate, By AT standards it was time to eat again. Truthfully, I was already pretty hungry. What mileage assassins!An easy 2 hours passed while just laying in the sun talking, laughing and exchanging stories. Needless to say, any real shot of bagging respectable miles was blown away. today was also "Green Teas" birthday, she & Feral were here as well.After finally having to tear ourselves away, we only did about 5 miles today.Several of us ended up at Lynn Camp Creek, just past Knot Maul Branch Shelter.Here tonight are Banjo, Peach & Fuzz, Burass, Mathewski and 2 Sectioner's "Cooler & Old School".I'm sitting on a little foot bridge over the creek writing in my journal. It's about 6:15 p.m. I am grateful for this sunny day, it rained severely last night and again this morning before we had left.I'm also grateful to Banjo and her friends. Today was an unexpected really good time. You just never know when you wake up in the morning, what the day is going to bring?
Date: 2008-05-25
From: Lynn Camp Creek

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: clear sky

Doing an 18.7 mile day today. It was hot and water sources were few and far between. I ran out of water around 3:00 p.m. We crossed a small gravel road on Garden Mountain, dropped our packs and went looking for water along the ditches.Not long after, 2 guys pulled up in a white convertable Beamer. We all started talking, turns out Mr.Davidson here, had bought the Davis farm nearby. He knew nothing about the Davis Farm campsite listed in the 2008 companion.Upon learning of our water dilema, they produced 3 beers! Cold beer on a hot day when you have a real thirst going on. Gotta love the Trail Magic.Up here in this isolated area, who would have thought? The beers were split 6 ways. Peach & Fuzz, Truckin, Sprite, Freckles & myself. Cheers to you gentlemen!Along the way we had run into a couple setting up, motion triggered, night cameras. They were trying to document and prove the existence of the elusive Virginia Cougar. An interseting story, I wish them success for their effort which spans a few years.A few miles later, upon arriving to the Jenkins Shelter, I pitched my tent. Banjo offered to get my water, thanks babe, that is a kind gesture.Another kind gesture came in the form of a note left at the shelter.It stated that a local church (ATOM- Appalachian Trail Outreach Ministry) was putting on a hiker feed breakfast every Monday. Well tomorrow is Monday!All you have to do is be at a road crossing, 5 miles away at 09:30 a.m.Can this be for real? You bet it can, this is the AT!Have you noticed yet that food is a really big deal out here?And free food is even a bigger deal. Chalk up another great day.
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Mountain Ridge
Miles today: 16.0

With the promise of a big breakfast, just a few short miles away, I got moving at 06:45 a.m. I arrived early to the designated rendezvous point, so I washed up in a creek near by. I wasn't sure what to expect? It wasn't long after that, a guy in a pick up came down this old road and pulled up beside the small group of hikers that had now gathered.His name was Tim and he was from (ATOM)-Appalchian Trail Outreach Ministry.We piled in the truck and were driven through the country side until we came to their country church. We were greeted by some folks and led into the basement of the church.As I entered the door, I was seated along side the table they had prepared.Talk about feeling like a celebrity, like family, like an honored guest, Iwas in total amazement?Homemade everything, their church members stood off to the side serving us, telling us stories and making sure our every desire was looked after.This was no small spread. We were just one group in one day of many days that they do this. It was hard to imagine, how this small church, with no other agenda, other than to serve their fellow man, would/could do this? They had chosen thru-hikers as the weary travelers far from home whom might be in need of their service?I was touched at how a congregation could not only use their tithe, but volunteer their time away from their families and livliehood to aid and serve total strangers?I met a guy named Pete who drove the 3 of us several miles into Bland for resupply. He would not accept any money, we all tried. He finally accepted it after we asked him to accept it as an offering to the church. He reminded us that it wasn't necessary, they were all here to serve. However, it would be accepted and appreciated. Thank You!All this in a matter of about 2+ hours. I was dropped back off at the trailhead by 11:00. The Kindness, Generosity and Giving I have experienced from others so far has been simply amazing. What is the message being sent here?In my most humble opinion, I believe we are being reminded that we matter?We are loved and are never alone. This message is sent to us through the work of others. And like a voice in my head I hear "Remember this, as there will come a time when I too, will become the messenger".About 7 miles later, the trail crossed a creek. There was a flat clearing next to it. What a great place to take a break and have little nap? So, I did. Gideon, was joing us today. A likeable guy from Utah who had a mean underhanded swing technique when hanging his bear bag line.I pushed on past Helveys Mill Shelter for a couple of miles. Mainly, to avoid a certain personality that was annoying and tried my patience. The easiest remedy was to just move on. I didn't want it to spoil the day.This is Memorial Day weekend. Freckles told Sprite & I how much she appreciated us for having served in the military. It was nice to hear someone say it, But it was especially nice coming from her.I'm now waiting for the benedryl to kick in. I have become all stopped up and there is a heavy congestion moving into my chest. Hopefully, I will feel better tomorrow?
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Trenton 

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: light rain

An extremely tough day today.The heaviness in my chest is getting worse. I am tired and getting weaker. All I can do is keep going. My spirit is high, my desire is strong, yet I feel like I am made of lead.Within a few miles, I took a break next to a creek. I treated & filled my water supply and had a short nap. I needed the rest as I am really drained.Eventually we crossed a road that was only .4 tenths of a mile from a little grocery store and patch of land to camp on. This is also where the murderer was caught when he crashed his vehicle in the police chase.It was a welcome detour. Checking in at the store, I picked up some lunch. We pitched out tents next to a fenced horse pasture. There were a few other hikers that arrived. I was progressively getting worse and now I had a high fever up from a bad headache. I couldn't even finish the beer I was trying to enjoy with "Fuzz". I was going down for the count. Sprite & Freckles checked in on me but there was little they could do. I had a suspicion yesterday, but today confirmed it. This was all to like the pnuemonia I had a few years ago when I returned from Mexico?There is no mistaking the feeling, Far worse than any flu. When I had this before, it took me 4-5 days of fever & sweat before I could muster the strengthto go to the hospital. After x-ray confirmation, I remember the relief hours later, I had after starting the antibiotics. That's what I needed now.I loaded up on tylenol p.m. to try and sleep. The fever prevented it. I could not accept the idea of having any lengthy down time. Like I really had a choice? I was very incapacitated, it hurt just to lay here.Eventually some time in the night I was able to pass out for awhile.
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Trenton

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I woke up still feeling like crap, but my fever was back down to a headache.My chest was heavy and congested, but I was phsyching myself up to endure the miles of today. I was trying to figure out how I could get a prescription and where to get it? I wondered as well just how far I could actually go?That's when I found out Sprite & Freckles had already somehow arranged a shuttle into Pearisburg, a 35 mile drive from here. Jeff, the son of the store owners would drive us. I wanted to argue, but couldn't. These ladies were saving my bacon!Fortunately, there was a payphone. After a few calls I was able to reach my brother-in-law Chuck whom was on vacation at Hilton Head. Being a doctor he was able to phone in a prescription. Fortunately again, Pearisburg was actually a dot on a map and even had a Walmart. Chuck, with all my gratitude, you could never know just how much you have done? This trip would have greatly been affected, Thank you. Thank you!We arrived and checked in to a little motel. It was rainy and dark. The weather pretty well matched how I was feeling. I walked 2 miles to pick up my prescription. I'm glad I didn't have to walk farther, but I would have because I knew what relief it was going to bring.On my return, a woman pulled up next to me. It was Linda, the woman from the motel office. Once she heard of my condition,she jumped into her van and came looking for me.I spent the next few hours laying down & resting. Later I got up and we all went to eat around the corner. Sprite & Freckles are the greatest for many reasons. However, they didn't have to do what they did. But they did!.They didn't have to take a "zero" with me, but they did! They didn't have to do alot of things, but they did!Just in the last 24 hours, there have been many little miracles that have taken place around me. From the middle of no where, I am now here. From no where, I now have medication, from no where, I am now in comfort. Could I be looked after and taken care of any better?Trail Magic, Trail Angels or actual Angels? You be the judge.Later, I was back among the living. We took advantage of being in town and resupplied at Walmart. Still weak, my spirit was strong. We had adjoining rooms, but ate our dinner in mine. What to do? Nobody, wanted to burn another day, least of all me.Sprite was already working on a Slak-pak plan for tomorrow, That is...so Sprite!Before falling asleep, I reflected on the blessings I have received today. Is it the magic of the AT, or does the AT condition you to better realize what already exists?I regard Sprite & Freckles as being 2 major blessings in my life. Although, I would have toughed through this somehow, had it not been for them along with the help from others, things would have been entirely different. Thank you all.
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Pearisburg

To: Pearisburg -Slak-Pak
Miles today: 24.3

I know I should be resting, I know, I know, I know. But it is so like me to be defiant at times, even with myself.But this was an unplanned stop afterall, there are miles to be made.Sprite arranged for "Brenda" the owner of the neighboring Rendevous Motel, to shuttle us back to where we left the trail and Slak the 24.3 miles back to here later today.So now at 06:15 a.m. we are on our way. Brenda was a hoot! In her 30's, pregnant and her oldest son being sworn into the Army tomorrow, she had us there in record time.I am surprised at how I am feeling? Not strong, but a big improvement over the day before. Crazy, pneumonia and doing 24 miles. You gotta want it? And I want it! The terrain was surprisingly good. In fact, today was one of the most enjoyable days of hiking I have had.Along the way we met "Franklin" and his friend Stu. 11.5 hours later, 24.3 miles done, and feeling accomplished, we were laying on a roadside, waiting for Linda to pick us up and return us to the motel. In the mean time Freckles began to entertain us. Maybe it's because I am not well? Or maybe it's because we were tired enough to laugh at anything? But as we were all laying spreadout along the road, Frecklespinched what tiny belly flab she had and sqeezed it, making her belly button move like it was speaking when she talked. Sprite & I were sucking air. I guess you just had to be there?With what remaining energy we had, Linda took us back to Walmart for one final resupply. On the way, Freckles had a bag of cherries she was passing around, naturally I threw one into my mouth and chomped. Crack, oops, I forgot they had pits. I cracked the back half of my left molar. Son of @^#$%!, I spit the piece out and inspected it. Yep, FUBAR alright. Usually when this happens, an absess will follow in a few days, then pain, lots of pain. Wonderful, this is not my week.Next was showers then at 8:45 p.m. we headed to a restaurant.Walking a few blocks of course, we came to the "Bank".A bank converted into an mediteranian style restaurant. It had excellant atmosphere, excellant food and the owner fixed me a martini that eased my aches & pains.A record mileage day for all of us, it was a fitting way to celebrate the day.I remember dropping into bed, I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Pearisburg -Slak-Pak

To: Symms Gap Meadow
Miles today: 11.7

60 days on the trail today!I woke up weak & shaky. I had pushed it to hard and to fast yesterday.I would have liked to have slept in, but for some reason couldn't?Showered, I went to get a coffee a few blocks away, then decided to get a haircut next door.A buzz cut, I haven't had one of these for a while, but it felt good in this heat. We got kind of a late start. Our packs were heavy with fresh resupply, and we had to walk a couple of miles before we finally started to make the long climb back up the mountain.Hiking in close proximity all day was Peach & Fuzz, Blue Butterfly, Sherpa Dan and Terry. The climb was exhausting. Despite a late start, we managed an 11.7 mile day.Symms Gap was an open meadow on a mountain. It offered excellant views to the north. The tall grass made it easy for snakes to hide, we saw several. I'm not bothered by them. I once owned an 11 foot Python that I raised from a pup-so to speak. Others however, seem to freak and cringe when they have an encounter.Camping nearby as well are some new faces. We have entered another bubble of hikers. Brama Bull & wife Sweet Potatoe, Thinker, No Amp, Spidey, Green Tea & Feral, Pic & Rabid.I don't think I have ever been homesick in my life? I've seen people actually suffer from it like it was an illness? I have however, had my loved ones on my mind a great deal. I feel like I should be writing letters to them?The reality is, I don't know where I would find the time? Although, every day is euphoric/torture/wonderful, long distance hiking has demands that need to met. It is as much a job, as it is a way of life.I carry everyone in my heart and send thoughts that I wish could be received as letters. Though not committed to paper, I write many people every day.I am looking at a beautiful sunset, I see the mountains I will be travelling tomorrow. I know, that I am where I am suppose to be.
Date: 2008-06-01
From: The Captain's Hiker Fest

To: Spring
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up but didn't get up right away.This Pneumonia has been up and down, randomly kicking my ass.I did get up and was surprised to learn the Captain had Hot bisquits & gravy arriving from a restaurant of a friend. Being catered on the AT? Simply amazing! The Captain & his friends are beyond words. Thank You!The yard full of tents slowly began to clear as they were being packed up.There was still plenty of food, I couldn't squeeze another biscuit down if I tried. And I did try. Knowing the shelters would be full with this herd heading out at the same time, as well as late stragglers rolling in late, we passed 2 shelters and ended up stopping near a water source for the night.I was feverish most of the day. What a drag. My head took more of a pounding than my feet did. We did learn of a cooler that had trail magic about 1 mile ahead. We set up camp and continued up the trail. Sure enough, just over a mile we found the cooler. It had 3 pops remaining.How's that for a number? 1 each for Sprite, Freckles & myself.The sky was getting dark, the thunder was rolling in. It was time to hustle back to camp. It was sprinkling lightly as we were preparing our dinner of Tortilla's, Mexican Rice, Refried Beans w/hot sauce. Rain or not, this dinner is to good to be passing up.It began to rain & thunder hard, fortunately we just finished eating.I've been in my tent now about an hour. It is still pouring out. It feels good to be dry. Went to check the time, but just remembered I have stowed my watch.The band broke today. I almost lost it on the trail.This watch was a gift to me from my good friend Don Stauffer. Thanks buddy, I think of you everytime I check the time, altitude & barometer.You would certainly enjoy being out here.Need to vent before I go to sleep. Earlier today we passed 8 weekenders returning to their cars. No big deal until we went about 500 feet to where they had been camping. Just below a beautiful look out point, they had left their trash. Left over food slung around, their fire pit contained the bottles and cans they tried to burn? I am choosing not to write what I really feel, and what I would like to say face to face. How can anyone think of being so low, especially in a beautiful place like this?Grrrrrrrr.