morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-02
From: Pearisburg

To: Pine Swamp (tent) Branch
Miles today: 19.0

For a day that promised an easy 13 mile walk out of town, things definitely took a turn for the interesting.We woke up at 8 and ate all the wonderful baked goodies courtesy of Blue's Mum.I must admit however that my breakfast did not consist only of cinnamon rollsand pound cake.I have gotten in the habit, on Loon's advice of walking out of town full from a can of Bush's baked beans. Baked beans for breakfast you ask---yes!All jokes about gastric propulsion aside, a can of baked beans fends off the hunger pangs of a thru-hiker and provides energy for hours. It has become a staple.We planned on leaving the motel directly after breakfast, but right as the packs were in the trunk of the car the rains came.ASIDEI will dedicate an entire entry to the weather in the near future, but for now all you have to know is that it has rained for what seems like weeks.Anyway, we decided to wait out the rain in the palatial motel room watching television and catching up on all the culture we'd missed.Just after 11 there was a break in the weather and Blue's parents took Tara, Blue and I to the Trailhead.The terrain was moderate with only one climb out of town and the weather appeared to be cooperating.As we started to think about lunch and the first shelters, the rains came again.I immediately pulled out my umbrella and made it the quarter mile to the shelter relatively unscathed. Tara was not so lucky. Not armed with an umbrella and a couple of steps behind, she made it a little frazzled and soaking wet but with a giant smile from ear to ear.The shelter was filling up at 3 and we decided to put our mats down and possibly call the day at 7 miles. At 4:30 the rain halted and under semi-blue skies we headed out again aimed at the campsite 5 miles up the Trail.Immediately after having left the shelter I was commenting to Blue on how nice it had gotten. He concurred and then nonchalantly added that the day was made even nicer for the bear in the valley. I quickly scampered up next to him and sure enough there was a bear feasting in the meadow. Very, very cool. Unfortunately, as we took our first steps in his direction he bolted into the brush.High from our bear sighting, we made good time to the campsite but to our dismay it was full.At this point our fate was known. We had no water for the next 7 miles. We would have to push on to the next shelter and make a 19 mile day with a considerable night hike.The hike after dark was fine although a little eerie at first as we were in the clouds with low visibility. The only major problem of the day is that we had not found our first water until 0.7 before the 19 mile mark. That meant hiking the better part of 19 miles on a liter and half of water.Not recommended! Thankfully it was raining most of the day and not hot, but hydration is key.Oh well, it's all part of the travails of a thru-hiker.More laterMuch love to all"T"
Date: 2004-06-03
From: Pine Swamp (tent) Branch

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: few clouds

Boy did it rain last night !!!!I did manage to get a couple of hours sleep amid the thunder claps and lightning strikes, but it was quite a show.We didn't end up leaving camp this morning until noon and the hiking was well, wet.In most parts the Trail was a stream and in others it was a certified river.This all served to keep the boots wet and the spirits slightly deflated. The most disappointing part of the day is that my feet continue to hurt after 3 days. I am pretty sure that the new pair of boots I bought are too big and are flexing in the wrong places. I will keep an eye on it and may have to get another pair in the near future.The good news is that we took a shorter day today and will get plenty of sleep tonight. I love my tent and sleeping outside that I wonder how my eventual return to a bed will be.Not much else. I hope it stops raining soon as wet everything is getting old.More tomorrowMLTA"T"
Date: 2004-06-04
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter (tent)
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: moderate rain

It was sunny today!!!!!Today was a good day with sunshine and forgiving terrain, but a big bummer is the state of Tara's stomach.I had a decent sleep last night with two notable exceptions. As I said in an earlier entry I recently changed my 20 degree sleeping bag for a lighter less bulky 45 degree bag. I don't know what the temp was but last night I was cold. I hate being cold at night. Anyway, I woke up at 5:30 in the fetal position to the sound of Tara getting sick outside my tent. I sat with her for awhile until she felt a little better, but we're going to move ahead without her. It makes me quite sad to see her in so much discomfort, but she's an unbelievable trooper and I know she'll catch us when she gets her trail stomach.As I said earlier, the hiking was nice today. Blue and I had a great lunch with Powder and Red today in a beautiful rolling Virginia cow pasture.We got into camp around 8 just in front of yet another set of menacing storm clouds. Just in time!!We'll do 16 tomorrow into the Pines Hostel.My observation for the day is that after 2 months and 650 miles, my body is truly a machine. Things still hurt daily, but if I'm fed and selpt I feel I can walk forever.More tomorrow,"T"
Date: 2004-06-05
From: Niday Shelter (tent)

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 16.0

Today was a bit of a rough day with tough terrain and aching feet.A pattern has begun to develop in the Virginia terrain. Hike up 1500 or so feet to a ridgeline, walk its entirety and then decend to the beginning of the next ridge. This sounds all well and good, but what they don't tell you is that many of the ridge runs are actually scrambles across somewhat trecherous boulders. I'm not going to be dramatic, and say it's so hard, but is is tough and plently tiring.We finally made it off the last ridge at 5 and headed to the gas station for hot dogs and chips. After gorging on gas station cuisine we got a hitch to the hostel. The hostel as it turns out is actually just the garage of Joe, Joseph, and Josh Mitchell that they kindly let out to weary hikers.Red, Paradox, Will, Blue, Machine, Waterloo, Powderfinger and I finished off a bunch of pizzas and are now heading to bed.More tomorrow,Much love to all,¢T¢
Date: 2004-06-06
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Campground (tent)
Miles today: 10.0

Today we ate like kings.After a leisurely start to the day at the hostel we walked the 6 miles to Catauba, VA and the Homeplace Restaurant. This place was amazing. It was an all you can eat home-style restaurant with biscuits, pulled pork, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, baked beans and blueberry cobbler. The best part was that all the eating done by the hikers was done behind a hastily arranged partition. We were told we added to the ambiance of the entire restaurant, but the partition suggested otherwise!Full to the brim, we hopped back on the Trail and hiked 4 miles up the McAfee Knob. The view and sunset were breathtaking. This was definitely one of the highlights to date.Off to bed now and 16 tomorrow into Daleville.More later MLTA"T"
Date: 2004-06-07
From: McAfee Knob

To: Daleville
Miles today: 16.0

After going to bed beneath a full moon the clouds rolled in and the storm began.This will be a short entry because I am still too cold to write but suffice it to say we walked through 16 miles of frigid, unrelenting rain all the way to Daleville.        It is still raining now and the weather channel calls for six straight days of thunder and rain.        Rain + Hiking = Misery        More later         Much love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-06-10
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 13.5

Today was a very nice day for walking, and with the weather cooperating, we decided to take it a little easier. The forecast as of late has called for rain but in the last two days we have gotten quite lucky. We haven¢t exactly seen brilliant sunshine but if it¢s not raining then we¢re happy.We took a leisurely lunch by Jennings Creek and then walked up to the palatial Bryant Ridge Shelter. We decided to push on another half mile to a camp site and then we cooked and chatted until dark. It was a slightly sad night as it may our last in a while with Pippin and Cowgirl. They¢re going to be pushing ahead in the next couple of weeks so that Pippin can take some time off to work in D.C. We plan to meet back up around the 4th of July.Early to bed tonight and more hiking tomorrow.Much love to all,¢T¢
Date: 2004-06-11
From: Campsite

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 23.0

Today was a very long day and my stomach and knee are feeling the strain.We all got up at 6 and after some doddling around camp we pushed off. The terrain was pretty tough all day with two major (2,000 +) climbs.Our original intention was to stop at the campsite at 17 but for some reason, unbeknownst to me, we pushed on to the shelter. Blue, Rally, and I rolled in a t 8 only to find that Pippin, Cowgirl and Jolly Time had gone the extra 2 miles into town. My knee was pretty sore when we finally made it here and the thought of 2 more miles was rather unthinkable. The good news is that we only have a quick 2 in the morning where a hot breakfast awaits.We¢re almost at 800 miles now but for some reason I¢ve been a little sluggish of late. Things seem to be hurting a little more and I can only surmise that the weather and the immensity of the task are starting to wear on me. My spirits remain relatively good but I do need to emerge from the small funk I am in. When the knee settles down my mental game will be sure to come around as well.Off to bed now for some sleep and repair time.More tomorrow,Much love to all,¢T¢
Date: 2004-06-12
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Galsgow, VA
Miles today: 2.0

After an easy 2 mile jaunt into Glasgow we ate breakfast and, stuffed from the meal, decided to stay for the day. Mine and Rally¢s stomachs were still feeling a little dicey so taking the day off, though not in the original plan, seemed like a sensible idea. I loved Glasgow. When I started the Trail I was convinced that zeroing in large towns with plenty of amenities would be the way to go. The reality is that the smaller the town the more rest you get and that¢s the point of the zero. Our motel was connected to the lone restaurant, which was next to the laundromat and across the street from the supermarket. It was perfect. We ate and watched movies for the entire day. No running around doing errands; just pure unadulterated sloth!More hiking tomorrow,Much love to all,¢T¢
Date: 2004-06-13
From: Glasgow

To: Brown Mountain Stream Shelter
Miles today: 19.5

After our much needed 0 in Glasgow we set out at 10 and put in a full 19+ mile day.Rally and I were both feeling better and oh what a difference a good stomach does for the hiking. The terrain was decent after a protracted 2,500 ft climb first thing out of town. The day flew by for the most part with the exception of the afternoon thundershower which, though cooling on the 90 degree heat, meant wet feet for the remainder of the day. I will say that the umbrella came in handy once again. I don¢t use it every day but it sure makes a difference when it pours.We rolled into camp at 7 and were greeted by Statler and Waldorf (one man) whom we hadn¢t seen since Damascus. I was really nice to see him after all this time.We are planning on a 16 tomorrow which is sounding more and more sensible.More later,Much love to all,¢T¢
Date: 2004-06-14
From: Brown Mtn. Stream Shelter

To: Seely Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

In the spirit of ¢something hurts every day¢ my foot really hurt today. I have no idea how some of these ailments begin and then vanish but the sharp pain I got in my foot really freaked me out.We left this morning at 9 and started up the 2,500 ft. Bald Mountain. I was a fairly gradual climb over 4 miles and was not all that bad. Then it was onto Cold Mountain which was another descent climb but rewarded us with a magnificent panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We then lunched by a nice creek and that¢s where the foot pain began. I walked for a half mile after lunch in the rain and this searing pain on the top of my foot stopped me in my tracks. I though that my laces may have bruised the tops of my feet so I loosened my shoes and walked on. Unfortunately the rain persisted and amid the deluge I decided to take drastic measures. In an homage to the barefoot sisters (one of which was a Carleton grad) I took off my shoes and walked in my socks. I felt completely ridiculous but my foot felt a little better so I walked another 2 miles. I met Blue and Rally at a road crossing and immediately felt better when Blue informed me that the road crossing marked mile 800. I told them of my travails and then tried the shoes again. It felt better the last 4 miles but is still tender to the touch. My fingers are crossed. Other than the foot the only other event of the day was Rally and I making it to the shelter in advance of what the Weather Service dubbed ¢a severe weather event.¢ The lightning and thunder were pretty incredible but thankfully we got to watch it all from the shelter.More hiking tomorrow,Much love to all,¢T¢
Date: 2004-06-15
From: Seely Woodworth Shelter

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.0

It was a very, nice, very leisurely 14 miles today.The day was book ended by decent climbs but with no rain it hardly mattered. After a quick 2 miles this morning we parted ways with Rally as she headed into Montebello and the Dutch Haus Bed and Breakfast. Blue and I briefly considered the amenities of the town stop but thought otherwise with Waynesboro in a couple of days.We got to the shelter at 5:00 and had a wonderful evening with Mark, Christopher, and Nick, a father and 2 son team up from Virginia Beach.They seemed to be having a great time and were excellent company for our reality-starved selves. Not sure how many miles tomorrow but Waynesboro and the upcoming Shenandoahs are calling.More later.Much love to all, ¢T¢
Date: 2004-06-16
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Paul C Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 22.0

After an early 6 am wake up we started the fire anew (we were running low on fuel) and cooked up breakfast feeling like traditional campers.Mark and his 2 sons began to stir shortly thereafter and we had a great breakfast chatting and intermittently gearing up for the big day ahead.We bid adieu to the 3 and headed up the rest of the 2,500 feet Three Ridges climb. It wasn¢t too bad of a summit, but, unfortunately, once on top the views were obscured by the thick cloud cover. We continued along the ridgeline and immediately ran into Rally and April Showers headed South with scant slack packs attire.   We talked with Rally for a bit as she explained her luxurious stay at the Dutch Haus. She said something about robes, laundry, wonderful food and slack packing. I could hardly contain my jealousy and so we soon left them.The rest of the day was nice and at the end of 22 miles I feel pretty good. The only bummer of the day was the blister I developed on the bottom of my foot most assuredly due to my filthy socks. I must clean them.We have 5 miles into Waynesboro where we will meet my friend Matt and head into the Shenandoahs. More later.Much love to all, ¢T¢
Date: 2004-06-18
From: Waynesboro

To: Campsite
Miles today: 10.0

With my friend Matt now part of the team we get off toward the Shenandoahs and the next leg of the journey.We got a bit of a late start out of Waynesboro. After a tardy wake up we set out to do a number of things before hitting the Trail. We hit the Post Office and grocery store, and after some other miscellaneous tasks we started hiking around 2 pm. Matt was quite pumped about getting on the Trail, so when we finally got out there everyone was feeling good. Unfortunately, true to Virginia form, the rains soon started and everyone was drenched.The hiking was fairly nice and by late afternoon the rain had stopped and the views were gorgeous.We had a number of deer sightings with plenty more to come. We got into camp around 8:00 and after a huge serving of squeeze mac and cheese we headed off to bed.Rally was kind enough to lend Matt and I her tent and she¢ll take mine.More hiking tomorrow.Much love to all, ¢T¢p.s. It¢s great to have Matt here.
Date: 2004-06-19
From: Campsite

To: Campground
Miles today: 17.0

What an excellent day in the Shenandoahs! We got a late start from camp today but soon hit our strides and the miles melted away.With the exception of an afternoon downpour the weather was nice and the terrain was easy.We saw a ton of deer today along with a wild turkey. Not a bad day for nature watching.We¢re off to bed now with 17 on the schedule for tomorrow. At the end of the day Blue¢s friend Veejay is going to pick us up for a zero day in Charlottesville. It should be nice.More later. Much love to all, ¢T¢
Date: 2004-06-20
From: Swift Run Gap

To: Campsite
Miles today: 15.0

We had a very nice and relaxing 0 day in Charlottesville and are now back on the Trail.I must admit that our 0 day was fun, full of good food and drink, but it was almost too far removed from the Trail. By this I mean creature comforts are nice but the contrast with Trail life is stark and I¢d almost rather resist the temptations of town.The walking today was easy over flat terrain. I unfortunately have a vicious shin splint at the moment and am hoping it doesn¢t sideline me. The aches and pain of the Trail are daily and usually alright to deal with, but it always makes me nervous when a new pain arises. I have never dealt with the searing pain of a shin splint and so will keep my mind on assessing the severity.We will do another 15 tomorrow on our way to Harpers Ferry and the midway of the trip.More laterMuch love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-06-21
From: Campsite

To: Range View Cabin Campsite
Miles today: 15.0

The day started with a humorous run in with a very friendly park ranger. See, we knew we weren¢t allowed to camp next to the picnic area the night before, so we made every effort to camouflage and waited out the night. In the morning, as we were eating breakfast a ranger approached us. We all thought we were totally busted but our fears were allayed when he just asked for our permits and continued on his way. He must have known we camped there, but let us off the hook in the end.The hiking today was another easy one under gorgeous skies. The highlight of the day was eating dinner at the Elk Wathow Wayside where we had burgers, fries and blackberry milkshakes. Matt was a total trooper today right to the end when he lugged a six pack the one mile to the campsite so we could all have a cold beer.The shin continues to be a problem and I am beginning to think that I am destined for 3 or 4 days off to let it heal. The pain is bad at times and yet I dread the idea of stopping even for a short time. I will see how things go today. I have healed on the go from everything else so let¢s see if this works.More later,Much love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-06-23
From: Terrapin Station Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello Everyone,I just wanted to hop on the site again and give you a little update on our progress.We are currently in Front Royal, VA having just gotten out of the beautiful Shenandoah National Park and have our sights set on Harper¢s Ferry and the psychological half-way point. With an impressive 950 miles under our belts I have a little bit of disappointing news. The stress of mounting miles has begun to take its toll and I have succumbed to a bout of shin splints in my left leg. Always wary of over-stressing my body I am taking a little of my own advice and resting for the next 5 days. The decision to get off the Trail, if only for 5 days, was a difficult one to make. It is disappointing to disrupt our recent momentum and sad that Baby Blue and Rally have gone ahead but resting will ensure I reach my goal and enjoy my hike to the fullest. I will be meeting back up with Baby Blue and Rally in Harper¢s Ferry in 4 days. Though the injury is upsetting the timing has been good. My friend Matt has stayed with me in Front Royal and made my convalescence truly enjoyable.I am now off to ice a little more but I will update everyone soon.Much love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-06-28
From: Washington D.C.

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

¢T¢ here updating everyone on the recent spate of bad luck with the shin.After a very relaxing two days in beautiful Harpers Ferry, WV I decided that the shin was still not ready for the Trail and, as such, I have moved my recovery up to D.C. and the support of my sister and visiting parents.As far as my plan of action I am scheduled to see a sports medicine doc tomorrow at the GW Hospital and am hoping that a little physical therapy in the next week with put me back on the Trail just after the 4th of July. Baby Blue has gone ahead once again and when he comes into D.C. on the 2nd will be 160 miles ahead of where I got off. Though that distance is a little daunting I plan on making up those miles some time in early September when Blue is attending to the details of his brother¢s bachelor party. Planning to make up the miles, however, is not of great concern to me. When it comes to the logistics of a southern swing early in the fall I know I can make it happen. It¢s the uncertainty of the injury that is more daunting. I have been so very lucky up until this point. Aside from the early blisters and the constant thru-hiking twinge of various parts I have never missed a day. Furthermore, the blues of VA (or the entire Trail to this point) have avoided me and my mentals remain strong. Despite this fortune I find myself injured. This seems a little unfair but I guess fairness does not really come into the equation. The real question is what I do now.This is one of the many trials facing all thru-hikers. Injury is a reality and persevering is up to each individual. I figure this is my challenge and if I hold on I will get through it. I appreciate all your support. Keep writing in the guest book and soon enough there will be a new round of updates from the Trail.Much love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-07-05
From: Washington D.C.

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Happy 4th of July to everyone!I am currently writing from Washington D.C. where, after fairly extensive convalescence, I am getting set to hit the Trail once again tomorrow.The last time I wrote I was heading into the city with a doctor¢s appointment on the horizon. I did go to the doctor and was diagnosed with anterior tibial tendonitis. While this is not shin splints as they are traditionally conceived, it causes similar pains and requires similar treatments. I have received a week of ultrasound therapy and massage along with a strict regimen of icing and rest. My leg has felt considerably better on my travels through Washington but has yet to be battle tested. Tomorrow is the first real test.As a result of my injury my plans have been altered. Rally and I will get on the Trail tomorrow just south of Boiling Springs. As I work myself slowly back into shape Blue will rocket forward. He plans to hike for three weeks before meeting his family and while he is away at the end of the month I will be able to catch up. As you can imagine it will be difficult for me to see Blue leave. Other than ensuring that our bear bag is at the proper height and that the coffee is as thick as mud I will miss his companionship. We have not hiked a day apart in over three months and so the transition to ¢Blue free hiking¢ will be a difficult one. I will be excited to see him once again as I cross into MA some time in the near future.   It has been difficult to be off the Trail. For those of you who know me as Josh you can imagine that the transition to the city has not been not difficult. That being said, it took some time back in the ¢real world¢ to realize why I so loved being on the Trail. It may be clich© to say that life is simpler on the Trail but I have no other way to put it. If I¢ve eaten, drank and slept everything else is purely bonus.Take care to all and I will be sure to update you as to how I¢ve faired on my return to the Trail.Much love to all¢T¢