morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-30
From: Atkins

To: Lynn Camp Mountain
Miles today: 16.0

Sorry for the delay in entries, I had phone but no email reception the past few days so no way to update. I went to bed at the motel (not locked out!) past midnight because I wanted to call my brother and his wife in Singapore, update my trail journal and generally organise myself. It was great to sleep in a real bed but I had several neck pains as I'm now used to hard floors! I went to the diner attached to the Exxon petrol station for breakfast and I ordered pancakes and an egg sandwich. I asked for an extra pancake but the cook assured me that only two people had finished the pancakes. Indeed, they were huge! I covered them in syrup and managed to eat 2.5 of the 3. On the trail, I felt very sleepy due to my late night and the warm (over 30C, in the 80sF) day so I laid my mat next to the trail for a nap. Once I got up, I went about 5 metres and saw a really long (1.5 metres) black snake also having a snooze. I'm glad he didn't crawl on me! I tried to shoo him from the trail by throwing a stick at (not on) him. Instead, he slithered down the trail at a leisurely pace. I had to do some cross-country to detour around him. It was a hard day today as it was very hot and we passed through meadows where there was no shade. My quad (in a different place) was playing up so walking was a real chore, an obligation, not fun. I wished I had taken a zero at the Relax Inn to relax!On the way up the hill it started drizzling and all of a sudden my leg stopped hurting. Weird. I decided to stop beating myself up about low mielage and just stop when I felt like it. At the next shelter, I met a gang of fathers and sons from Huntsville, Alabama. Nasa has a big HQ there and it is a town full of army people. Army retirees, recruits, cadets... I had previously met some section hikers from there. Today's (as with the others) were lovely. I prefer section hikers to most thru hikers as they are more interesting and I find their camping enthusiasm endearing. Everything is exciting and new for them. Even filtering water, which for me is a chore, seems to fascinate them! One guy gave me some food. I got a packet of grits, a protein bar and some peanut butter. He said (about what I consider to be a tiny amount of peanut butter) "That might be too much for a serving but you can save it", I laughed and told him that amount is my spoonful for dessert. I eat a large jar of peanut butter every 4 days. The protein bar was hard core and I needed water to get it down but 20 g of protein is useful! I decided to head on after the shelter as my leg felt ok but I didn't want to go far. After 2 miles I found the most ideal spot I've seen so far with room for one tent and a small campfire place (although I won't use that). I need to remember the saying "the journey is the destination". I only did 16 miles. but I'm camped in a lovely spot relaxing in nature. As I had spare time I tried to throw my food bag out of reach of bears. I failed miserably and almost KOed myself with the rock I attached to the string.
Date: 2010-05-31
From: Lynn Camp Mountain

To: Laurel Creek
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The Manager has had my first disposable camera developed so some photos are on display under the "photos" tab on the left. It was Memorial Day today in the US, a public holiday which honors the people who've fought in past wars (so I was told) so I expected to see more people on the trail but there was no noticeable increase. Last night San Gabriel and Ladybird passed my tent so we had a chat. They'll be ahead of me for a while as they have some high mileage days planned. The tortoise always catches the hare though! At about 4 am, I heard two hikers walk past, then later I saw one passed out in a field in just his sleeping bag and the other was at the next shelter. They had just done 35 miles from 8am to 7am the next day, with a trip into town to buy guitar strings. The guy was playing his guitar when I passed and had no intention to have a sleep! It started raining when I was walking 8 miles on a ridge which was annoying as I was very exposed if it started lightening. I passed two old local day hikers and they weren't in the slightest bit worried so I lightened up too. My poncho is ok but I still get fairly wet. I rolled my ankle and walked on the outside side of my foot so that it was perpendicular to my leg. Ouch! Lucky I have strong ankles. I had some sour chive dip with tortillas for lunch as a change and tried a Zagnut bar, which is coconut and toffee. It was sweet but nice. 220 calories. I know the number in every chocolate bar. I am camped on a tiny little ledge at a large incline. I had dinner in bed, which is usually forbidden, but I don't think there are bears and there are lots of bugs. What a treat! Tomorrow is a big day as I need to go to a little grocery store to resupply for one day. It's 22 miles away so I'm going to get up early (515am) to get a good start.
Date: 2010-06-01
From: Laurel Creek

To: Trents Grocery Store
Miles today: 23.0

Had a great night's sleep on the incline. It didn't rain although looked threatening and the dogs and gunshots I heard in the distance didn't get any closer. It's not hunting season so I'm not sure what was going on. I was on the trail ay 530 am so used my torch to see for about 10 minutes since I was up so early. I got to eat breakfast with a beautiful sunrise. The day went well but there was not much water on the trail so that was hard to deal with rehydration. I don't think I drink enough on the trail. I had planned to visit Trent's Grocery Store to resupply and have a late lunch so was looking forward to that. At about 10 miles from Trent's, I realised the cramping pain in my quad was now also in my other quad. Then because of the dual pain, my hip started to throb. Immediately I realised my body wasn't taking the punishment I've been putting it through so I decided only to go to Trent's, get a lift to Pearisburg and take a rest day. I met Birdy at Trent's. He is an economist whose trail journal I had followed before departing for the States. He decided to join me. For dinner, I went with him and Ole Blue Eyes to The Bank. It's an organic, locally grown, homemade food restaurant. I had a barley soup followed by homemade pasta with Bolognese sauce. I accompanied this delicious meal with a glass of Virginian Merlot. It was a most tasty and filling meal which will give me so much nutrition. I almost can't believe a town this small had such an amazing restaurant. After dinner, I went to the pharmacy (which in the States sells food) to buy an ice-cream for dessert. They didn't have any but the cashier said "I'll run you down to Dairy Queen". So she hopped in her car, drove me to the shop, waited while I ordered my ice-cream then she drove me back to my hotel, before going back to shift. I can't believe how nice people are! So I'll be taking a rest day tomorrow, then I'll get a lift to Trent's, hike back to to town to stay at the motel again. Walking with only a day pack in this manner is called "slackpacking". I'll bring a great fresh lunch! Can't wait!
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Pearisburg

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I took a zero day or rest day as Birdy likes to call them. I didn't really sleep in but I had a lovely breakfast with lots of fruit and yogurt. I messed around a bit then decided to do laundry. Since my arrival in towns, I'd been wearing my shell jacket and men's boxer shorts. Unfortunately my expensive Icebreaker merino top got another 2 holes, to add to the holes I made while washing it in Atkins. Washing such garments in large commercial washers is not ideal but I need to in order to make them lose their funky smell. Afterwards I resupplied at Food Lion which is a large supermarket. I bought extra food, thinking about how many breakfasts, lunches and dinners both my Mum and I would require, I went to the post office to send my package. I needed the biggest box available! After the PO, I visited the local museum. I suppose it has local history but it comprised mainly of a selection of historical objects donated from the barns of local people. There was miscellaneous interest in the individual items but the Settler's Museum near Atkins provided a more cohesive display. I saw an old T Ford hearse and a horse driven buggy.I decided that I'd been on my feet long enough so I went back to the motel for a break. The motel is very retro looking with pastel green themes, an outside pool and signs which look like they belong to an old Hollywood movie. For dinner I went with some buddies to the local Mexican. I invited Ladybird and San Gabriel to stay in my room as I have 2 double beds.
Date: 2010-06-03
From: Trents Grocery Store

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: few clouds

My first day of slackpacking started by a visit to Food Lion to ensure that I had a fresh, healthy lunch prepared. I bought fresh rolls from the bakery, baby spinach leaves, avocado, cumcumber, carrots, celery and other delicacies. Our shuttler, Tom, a retired tax auditor, was exactly on time and drove us from the motel to the trailhead. My bag was full of heavy food, a huge Powerade bottle and 2 litres of water so was still reasonably heavy but no where near what it would be with my tent and sleeping bag and all other gear. I knew I'd be consuming all that was in the pack so the weight didn't matter. Slackpacking is unreal!You can hop and lightly skip over all obstacles such as rocks and creeks, without being laden down by a heavy bag. The first miles in particular were very flat and I felt as if I were flying down the trail. I climbed to the ridge without difficulty. As there was thunder, I decided to eat my lunch before any rain arrived to ensure that my bread didn't become soggy. I chose a lovely outcrop and thoroughly enjoyed my heavy (in water) lunch. Afterwards, obviously, my pack was even lighter. However my quad (not the one which hurt originally) began to hurt like a strained muscle. I am goign to rethinky my strategy tonight and tomorrow.Upon arrival at the motel, I ordered a large Pizza Hut pizza without realising that they don't deliver, so I had to walk another mile or two to pick it up. It was delicious though!
Date: 2010-06-04
From: Pearisburg

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

After yesterday's day, I sat down and thought about my hike. I've been enjoying the surroundings while hiking, the miles covered, camping, everything. However it has always been a race to get my miles finished every day. I set my alarm to get up, I'm usually on the trail by 630am or annoyed at myself if it's 700am or later. I hike until about 700 or 730pm at night with a short 20 minute break for lunch. I allow myself several short (1-2 minute) breaks every hour to rest my feet. I eat my snacks and drink my water while walking, without stopping. I hate treating water and washing my socks as it takes 10 or 20 precious minutes away from hiking. I feel rushed every day and completely exhausted upon arrival in camp. I can't take days off and I beat myselfl up if I only do 20 miles. You're pathetic, you're lazy, you give up far too easily....I decided that this is not enjoyable. To meet my Mum on time in Harper's Ferry, I would need to average 30 miles per day. With my current dodgy quads, that would be hard, very hard. Therefore, I have decided to yellow blaze (drive in a car rather than hike) a short section. Tomorrow, I'll be getting a lift 100 miles up the trail to the town of Troutville where I will immediately hike onwards North. It was a big decision to make and I spoke to the Manager and my Mum before making it. I won't have time to make up the 100 miles on this trip but perhaps another year. This will mean that I can keep my mileage to a maximum of 20 miles a day, allowing me to enjoy myself more. I feel like a fraud but that's something I'll have to deal with.The water stopped working in my room last night. I didn't think much of it but was going to ask in the morning. Turns out it happened to a few people and as compensation, we were offered a free night at the hotel. So that is why I'm still here. I managed to organise my shuttle for tomorrow and everything on this extra day off. Hopefully my quads will more fully relax and recover as well.
Date: 2010-06-05
From: Pearisburg

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was my first day as a long distance section hiker rather than a thru-hiker. Thanks for the reminder of the distinction Dave. Although no person "attempting" a thru hike is actually a thru-hiker until they finish the trail. I don't mind what people call me. I got a great shuttle from Pearisburg to Daleville and consequently got to see a lot of the Virginia countryside. It was a very warm day and I fell asleep by the end. I was dropped off at the trail on a busy highway. It would have taken me 4 or 5 days to walk the section and unfortunately it's a very picturesque section that includes an outcrop called McAffee's Knob. But at least I'm now on track for meeting my Mum in Harper's Ferry. For some reason I appear to have an inordinate amount of food after my resupply. It doesn't weigh too much but it fills my 25 litre food bag completely. I had two avocado and cucumber rolls for lunch with an apple for dessert. Delicious! Then I took my time getting to the next shelter. Along the way I saw two box turtles and a deer. They were my first turtles and I almost stepped on one.I met some great section hikers at Fullhardt Knob Shelter, two guys who'd married sisters, who hike together with the brother of the sisters. They had hiked 7 miles and were sitting in camp in jeans. That's the way to do it! They were laughing about their massive 11 mile day tomorrow. They said that "long distance hiker" sounds more distinguished than "thru-hiker". They made me feel really good. I sat with them for over an hour then decided to head on. I had to go to the next shelter as the Blue Ridge Parkway passes too close to the trail and I would have to camp too close to it. A bit dangerous. I feel great after a low mileage day. No aches and mentally I feel good about my decision and the rest of the trail.
Date: 2010-06-06
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

I had trouble getting up this morning and I felt drowsy while walking. I think it might have been the two Ibuprofen I popped last night. I'll just take one in future. I decided yesterday to make my food last until Waynesboro which was 120 or so miles away. I seem to have so much and I want to lose all excess fat from my body. Unlike last time when I decided to limit my food (that lasted 15 minutes) I lasted 24 hours. Around 1230 I felt weak while hiking and decided I needed more calories. My diet will work one day! Maybe in town I'll try to only eat one cheeseburger instead of two or a medium pizza instead of a large. On the trail it's a bit hard to limit calorie intake. I have been sampling all the American chocolate bars and today I had a Payday. It has the distinction of being the best bar for hot weather. It is made of caramel covered in peanuts so does not melt. One hiker told me he can't eat chocolate bars on the trail anymore since he had to squeeze a chocolate bar out of its wrapper like toothpaste after it melted. I had a leisurely hike, following the new rules. Took a 30 minute mid morning break then an hour over lunch at a beautiful shelter with 3 levels and windows. It sleeps 20 and is probably the nicest I've seen.After that I started a 5 mile climb. It was sadistic as there was no view at the top. It started raining in a tropical manner half way up and I was buffeted by the force of the wind and the downpour. It was FANTASTIC! No lightening to be afraid of so I harnassed the power of the storm and had a wonderful climb! It was only 5 miles to the next shelter but I was guaranteed a spot in this shelter and the trail was turning into a stream so I decided to stay here.
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night a real twat spent the evening explaining how people who skip sections of the AT, who take other trails and who walk South rather than North when slackpacking are cheating and that hiking the AT in such a manner is worthless (his words). Another couple were agreeing and saying how such people should not accept trail magic. I tire of such losers but the answer is not to stay in shelters. To be fair, the oly reason I was there was the rain. I was the first to leave and the first twat muttered something about people being in and out. You can't win with some people! I got to the next shelter before its inhabitants had started hiking. Apparently it had been quite cold there overnight. The air was still rather cold and there was a lot of wind. I had a most excellent day. The trail was beautifully maintained and made for stressfree hiking. My favourite trail has no rocks or roots, is even and not on a slope and doesn't have severe elevation change. All those wishes were granted today.I managed to get telephone signal so rang to organise a shuttle for my mum from Dulles Airport to Harper's Ferry and at the same time I organised our hotel in Harper's Ferry. Only 10 days to go! I don't get lonely on the trail as I don't ever get lonely but I've hiked with other people for perhaps a total of 2 days. This means I don't have many laughs on the trail and I have no one to share sights with. I had lunch in the sun. Sausages from Wisconsin, cheese and crisps called Fritos. Ladybird eats them so I thought I'd try them. I also went for a swim in a little stream and rinsed my clothes. If you can manage a dip every day, you notice the grime a lot less. I now smell like a river. I dried very quickly, in particular my synthetic pants. My merino top takes longer to dry but keeps me warm while wet. I came to my shelter at 500pm and considered continuing but there was a discarded book about aliens taking over the world. Reading is my favourite activity in the world so, in keeping with my new chilled attitude and to keep the memory of a wonderful day, I set up my tent and plan to read this masterpiece. Hiking the AT is more challenging mentally than physically for me and I suppose I've been having a tough time but today (along with the nice messages from Skink, Troutcatcher, former hiking buddies and friends) reminded me how good it is.
Date: 2010-06-11
From: Dutch Haus B&B

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

Breakfast included pancakes this morning. Personally the perfect breakfast and what I'd eat every day if I had the choice is muesli (granola in the States) with fruit and milk but pancakes are my next favorite. I ate 4 small ones and was offered more but due to my new town diet I declined. Two Tents offered me a lift to the trail. Two Tents (so named because he once climbed a massive 5 mile hill only to realise he had packed not one but two tents - and he slept in the shelter anyway!) is a section hiker who has been section hiking the AT for 21 years. He has only 83 miles left, which he will complete on Columbus Day (10 October). That is real perseverance. I only had 19 miles of mainly flat terrain to arrive in Rockfish Gap near the town of Waynesboro. The trail was well maintained and I saw two men with whippersnippers removing weeds from blocking the trail. Most of such trail maintenance people are volunteers so kudos to them. I drank 5 liters of water yesterday but it's harder to remember to do so when you have a full pack so I only drank 2 liters today. Not enough as I believe it was in the 90s (30s C). It's very humid around here too so on every climb sweat pours down your face. I don't mind though because I love warm weather.At one stage the trail became very newly maintained and then a sign appeared stating that the next shelter was in 5.8 miles. I time every section of my hike so I always know where I am. It seemed that I had a lot longer to go than I had expected. When I reached the shelter, someone had written that the trail was changed by the maintenance crew and 2 miles added. I don't know whether this was true but it seems likely. Therefore I may have walked 21 miles today. Upon arrival at Rockfish Gap, the husband of HD Mama, another thru hiker, offered me a Pepsi from an esky. Lovely, it was a welcome gift! Then I got talking to a guy in a truck about the location of the visitor centre where you apparently could get a lift into town. Instead, Fred Zimmer, his name, gave me a lift into town himself. He even offered to take to the outfitter, which was out of town, and wait for me. He dropped me right outside the reception of my motel. What a trail angel! I got to visit "Krogers" which is a Southern supermarket chain. They have a great selection of fruit and veg so I got organic vegetarian lasagna, cherries, grapes and some healthy resupply. Bring on the Shenandoah tomorrow (and the scheduled 94F - 34C and the severe thunderstorms!).
Date: 2010-06-12
From: Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I woke up this morning and really didn't feel like hiking. I just wanted to stay in bed. I called the Manager to discuss the issue and she confirmed that it was not lazy to want a day off and urged me to zero. I had cereal, fruit and yogurt then went about exploring town. It was extremely hot and I knew my skin would not survive long in the sun. Luckily I found a museum - my favourite! It was called Plumb House and 5 generations of Plumbs had lived there. The gentleman showing the visitors around was a Civil War fan and he used to go metal detecting for all kinds of artifacts and also goes to flea markets to pick them up. My brother would have enjoyed the exhibits, as he knows more about each individual battle and general in the Civil War than I'm sure most Americans. I saw some old rifles, bayonets and knives, bullets and the rarest but also most horrible piece was a slave chain used at slave market around the person's neck. The house is in pristine condition and you can get a good idea of how it would have been to live in such times. During the battle of Waynesboro, when 150 Yankees were pitted against 500 confederates, the house came under fire as it was located near the middle of the battle. The family hid in the basement. The Yankees won. After the museum, I went to Scotto's an Italian restaurant, where I had a delicious spag bol and salad. Gordon Ramsay would have thought there were too many things on the menu however. Diverse pasta, baked dishes, pizzas, burgers, sandwiches... Many restaurants seem to be like this in the States. In the afternoon, I went to the Waynesboro Heritage Museum. The lady taking care of it was the wife of the Plumb House volunteer. This museum is also excellent, going into the history of the town, its buildings and people. I love these small town museums, they allow me to find out a lot about the areas I through. When I left the museum, the severe thunderstorms started.        I got absolutely soaked to the bone. I can't believe that I stay dry while hiking then in town I manage to get all my clothes and shoes completely wet! I met Ladybird and San Gabriel in the evening and we went for dinner together. They have slowed down on the mileage since talking to me about enjoying the trail.