morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0

As I had planned since Hampton, I took a zero here in Damascus. It was wonderful to wake up warm and cozy indoors after the previous night's cold!It's a neat pro-hiker town of about 1,000 folks. The town had a replica AT shelter in the park and even had another famous trail cruising through it. That famous trail is the Virginia Creeper Trail. It is a very popular biking path that descends for miles and miles into town. Many/most folks pay a shuttle to take them to the top of the mountain and just coast their way down for miles along this scenic trail.I love the eateries... No surprise, right?? Well, there are three great places in town. First, there is a nice friendly coffee shop with good dark roast coffee. Second, there is a great greasy spoon with a fantastic burger and homemade milkshakes! Third, is a super-friendly, upbeat Mexican joint with good music and beer!!Those are great, but I am staying in town first and foremost to rest my leg/knee. It is still very tender, but improving. I have gotten back flexibility, but there is localized pain at my knee.My hope is just that my knee is sore from the cramped/pulled thigh muscle. Any pain anywhere the knee gives hikers and runners the freak out!!In town, I hung out with LittleDebbie, MedicineMan, and Cinderella. All great guys in their 20's and 30's. MedicineMan has been accepted to medical school and starts in August!! I went to the local outfitters and got stove fuel (alcohol), bought my resupply, and sorted my gear. It felt good to get organized. It felt even better waking up indoors after yesterday's cold, cold weather.The Hikers Inn is wonderful. Skink and Lee are also hikers and VW bus folks! They even have a 1990's double cab and a Wolfsburg Vanagon. I knew that was my place to stay as soon as I saw the driveway.Well, the rest of today is for rest and relaxation.... It feels good to be in Virginia!
Date: 2015-03-31
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Zero Day #2. Also, what Lee from Hikers Inn calls, the Damascus Vortex. (It is also right about the perfect mileage in the trip for pains and strains to show up or worsen. That also means hikers stay...and stay....and sometimes, stay!).I could have tried my leg out today. I really wanted to. I knew, however, in reality what would happen. I would probably get 6-9 miles in, hit my first decent downhill, and begin to feel the pain again.It was worth it to stay off of my knee/thigh as much as I can. It's an investment in the future. Easy to say, hard to do! I am itching to get moving... It is even harder as you see hikers leaving town and new ones showing up. The nice thing is this town is so small and compact, it is a good zero. You don't walk 10 miles around town for chores and sightseeing. Tomorrow, I will head out and get back to home--the woods. It will feel great to be back there... Maybe the weather will even hold out for me... Ya never know!!So, today was a lazy day. I tried to basically cram as many calories in my hole as possible.... I went to the convience mart to see if they had any good beer. The guy behind the counter was smoking... I didn't expect that!So, he was actually smoking inside the store. It smelled like a bowling alley from the old days. It was crazy for this day and age.Even crazier, I was told that, even if you are on your own porch, if the law sees you drinking out of an alcoholic container (e.g. Beer bottle), you will be fined... Really???? Nuts. So, ok to smoke... Not ok to drink?!This has been a great town, but I am excited to see what the trail holds next!!
Date: 2015-04-03
From: near side trail to USFS hurricane creek campground

To: Mt Rodgers Visitor Center
Miles today: 17.0

Last night, I thoroughly enjoyed a bunch of coyotes last night talking to each other! They were "talking" more like huskies than coyotes. It went on for what seemed was hours. The best part was that I had a central point and they were talking all around me.After the coyote chats, the rains came. And it came down hard. My repair on my tarp held! That was very good news. The rain continued until morning, when it temporarily subsided. Perfect!The morning was milder than it has been. It made the wetness very tolerable.   I knew there was an option to possibly catch a shuttle bus from the Mt Rodgers visitor center to town for only 50 cents. This would allow me to get just a couple extra supplies so that I could go the next 100 miles.For me to catch the bus, I had to make the 10 miles in just over 3 hours. Doable, but definitely a tall order with my calf cramped up. It was worth a try!The trail was reasonable and avoided any painful tread..... In other words, it didn't have excessive rocks and high steps. I periodically stopped and stretched. But otherwise kept on hiking. I surprised a very large turkey. The poor guy flew up into a nearby tree. But it sure looked difficult for him to get airborne. There have been a ton of turkey lately. I also spooked a grouse who was lurking in the brush by the trail. He went rocketing up to a nearby tree which, of course, startled me.I made it to the visitor center in 2:40... That meant I could get a ride to town for 50 cents!! Woohoo!! The shelter adjacent to the visitor center had a unique reputation. One-it had a shower, two-pizza delivery is available!! How hard it was to pass up the "pizza delivering" shelter!!I needed two more dinners to make it the next one hundred miles. This town will also help me to address my calf cramp. Epsom salts and stretching!! I will also buy a bunch of fruit for potassium and electrolyte mix. Hopefully, that will fix up my cramping muscles and I can start putting miles back in.This town seems HUGE compared to Damascus and Hot Springs! I think the population is upwards of 5,000 folks. This town stop could take a lot of walking!! I went and did my laundry and stopped in at the grocery. After all of the chores, it was over a mile's walk back to the Econolodge. This town has a lot of stores, but they certainly are spread out.I really hope I can find a ride back up to the trail tomorrow. It would be a rough 6 mile uphill walk back. (Not to mention that there isn't much of a shoulder to walk on).Fingers crossed!!
Date: 2015-04-04
From: Mt Rodgers Visitor Center

To: Lynn's Camp Creek
Miles today: 26.0

I lucked out this morning with a ride back to the trail. I was asking the motel clerk questions about the weekday shuttle and taxis when she offered to drive me! It turned out that the trail was on her way home. What a huge stroke of luck!!That meant a good and early start for 'ol Sycamore! I was back on the trail at 7:15am. It was cold.... And windy. Luckily, the intense rain storms ended last night. The remainder of those storms had high, cold winds and dramatic looking clouds.After several hours, the clouds finally relented and I was fortunate enough to have beautiful skies. It took hours for the temp to finally climb. It was wonderful. The birds came out to sing and the terrain was relatively moderate. As I was hiking along, a friendly Sobo section hiker named OrangeCrush (or maybe ClockworkOrange) struck up a conversation. He was quite nice and even gave me a spontaneous Snickers! What a cool gesture!!! Thanks again!!!Evidence of Spring was starting to poke out and be more noticeable. Skunk cabbage was popping out of the swampy area I passed. Forsythia, Daffodils, and other flowers were finally beginning to bloom. I think spring is really trying!! I know the bugs think it is Spring! The moment that I left Damascus, the bugs came out!!!After about 11 or 12 miles, the trail had to go on the road to avoid I-81. Because of that, it also went by a hiker-friendly restaurant named "The Barn".   They are known for their "Hiker Burger"--it is a whopping 16 ounces!!I exhibited a little bit of sense (and restraint) and got the 1/2 lb version. Heck, I still had to hike!! I learned this lesson (about not gorging during the day while hiking) on the PCT. The pancake challenge in Seiad Valley is 5 pancakes with 2-8 oz ladles of batter for each. Many attempted it, few felt well after... Immediately down the road from the pancake challenge was a HUGE climb out of the valley. Doesn't feel too good on the ol belly.My lunch was fantastic!!! Simple and good. After indulging, I got quickly back to hiking.Today's real goal was to take care of leg. Hopefully, no strains or increase in pain. The trail was compatible for recovery with good grades on most of the climbs and few rocky sections.As I am on a 100 mile resupply, I did want to put in whatever miles felt comfortable. I surprisingly did 26 miles, even with my lunch stop!!As the day grew late, I decided to climb and descend one more mountain. I was tired, but it is really easy to put in one or two extra miles at the end of the day. After all, it is the end of the day!! That put me at Lynn's Camp Creek. Good enough for a first day of resupply. Food is heavy!!!! (But soooo worth it!!). The camp was low in the valley, so I knew morning would be dark and cold. I was protested, however, from any strong storm that should blow through....Time for dinner!!!
Date: 2015-04-06
From: Just Before Trail Boss Trail

To: Dismal Creek
Miles today: 25.0

I awoke to the repetitive knocking of some large woodpeckers. I always enjoyed this sound, especially in the morning. They are usually the first ones up in the forest. There must be an awful lot of bugs in those trees!As I was camped high up on a ridge, I got to see dawns first light as its illumination increased from behind the next ridge. This gives a relaxed feel to the morning as you know you will be on the trail at a reasonable time.I was on the trail and hiking by 715. The dawn was pretty mild in temperature, so it wasn't too hard to get going. I was curious about how the trail would be today. It was pretty difficult to judge these little climbs and their steepness from the maps.The day was mostly overcast today. It partially shielded me from that fierce mountain sun. The trail varied from a nice tread with reasonable grades to short bursts of steel climbs and rugged terrain. All in all, I was pleased at the trail and how it was fairly forgiving to my leg.So, my leg is doing ok. I am be very protective of it so that I don't injure it further. Just when you think it's healed, "bang!", and the pain comes back. My muscles are working just fine, just probably need a day off with Epsom salts.After about three or so hours, I ran into Lucky and California! They were taking a break and I stopped to chat. Their plan is to go to a hostel in about 15 more miles. It is supposed to be very cool. The cabins at the hostel are from the 1880's.I am personally excited because in two days I get my new shoes!! Woohoo!! Can't wait for Pearisburg!So, later in the afternoon, I decided to splurge. There was a general store/grill about 1/2 mile down a road crossing. I scooted down there and got a hot dog and hamburger!! So cool!! I was proud that I didn't blow it off and actually walked down there.I ate and walked and it was worth it!! This would save me time at camp because I now wouldn't have to make dinner. I considered hiking down a .3 mile side trail to a great campsite by a waterfall. I decided that it might not be worth it as there was some road access to the waterfall.As I got a few more miles into the forest, I picked out a camp spot. It was on the Dismal Creek. I was shocked that it was only 5:30pm. The skies sprinkled a bit on and off in the late afternoon. Not a lot to get really wet, just enough to remind you that it can rain at anytime (and make you put on your backpack cover!).There was a nice little hidden camp in amongst the rhododendron. I was very pleased at my campspot. I soaked my feet in the icy water of the creek. I also got camp set up and had a bit of time to actually relax!! Very nice!Tomorrow, I will get into my resupply town called Pearisburg,VA. I may even take a zero, if the place is decent!Tonight and tomorrow's forecast is for rain.... Well, what is your vote?? Rain or no??? I am guessing...rain!! Ha!
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Dismal Creek

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: overcast clouds

During the night, powerful storms cycled through. It mostly stormed, but occasionally it would subside.I was keen on getting a good and early start. I also knew that because of the thick rhododendron, it would be dark until after sunrise. I woke up at about 5am. It was the rain stopping that spurred me to wake.I sat and wondered, "how long before it is light enough to hike efficiently?" I say "efficiently" because it is no problem to night/morning hike, but if the trail is obscured or difficult to follow, it may not be worth it.I debated and debated. Finally, I chose to pack at 6 and start at 630am. The should be plenty of light. I got my food bag down when the rain was stopped, so breakfast and packing was easy.I did start at 630am. There wasn't quite enough light yet, so I used my headlamp. The mornings light grew and eventually I no longer needed my lamp. Had I started hiking earlier, it could have been a bit confusing with the heavy vegetation and a few downfalls.Today, the trail would be sparse of water. My water management would be important. I decided to fill up at camp and hike all the way to Pearisburg without refilling. The trail gave me a couple of hours to warm up on level terrain. This was very much appreciated! Following this gentle walk, the trail went high up on a ridge. This ridge line would have some great views and pleasant landscape. The periodic "rock gardens" on multi-ton rocks jumbled about provided interesting sights along the way. One had to be careful not to enjoy it too much, or you would quickly trip on the rough trail.I kept a good pace and was making miles. At 1pm, I was quite hungry and decided for a quick break to eat anything and everything I had left. Just as I pulled my gear out, the rains came down again. Ha!! I will be in town today!!! Let it rain!!!!The trail wrapped closely along the edge of the ridge. It was idyllic to see the lush, green farms along the valley floor. Shortly thereafter, the path harshly descended toward town and the New River. It was exciting, but I also had to be very careful of causing an injury. This is the time when you get hurt. Hurrying into town and suddenly you feel a pain....I was careful and made it to town without incident! Time for me to get my resupply box!!! New shoes!!!! I checked into the motel and got settled. Linda, from Plaza Motel did my laundry for me! Thanks Linda!As I perused my resupply box, I found all kinds of wonderful things in there!!! Easter candy, boozy drinks, and surprise snacks!!! Thank you mom and dad!!! I couldn't do it without you!!!!!! Awesome!!I think the smart thing to do is to take a zero day tomorrow. I think I can hike, but really want to take care of my weary muscles this early in the hike. We will see....
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0

I reluctantly decided to take a whole day off today. Although I wanted to get back to the trail, I knew a full day would do my muscles wonders.Since I was taking the day off, I wanted to make great effort in staying put as much as possible. Soaking in Epsom salts was one of my top priorities.Luckily, I didn't need much in town this trip. I have received my first resupply box here. That means......NEW SHOES!!!!!! I definitely pushed the old ones to their limits.I went to breakfast at Hardee's. It was interesting to see that it was the social hub of the community. Instead of teen agers hanging out, there was about a dozen older gentlemen chatting it up. I was wondering why the parking lot was nearly full of all pick up trucks and then I knew...So, I thought I'd share this oddity... The cable at the motel had an ID box in the corner that had the station number and the call letters. So, when you changed the channel this popped up to tell you what channel you are on. Odd? Nope. The seventeen church channels?? Not odd.After scrolling through, I noticed that the home shopping network had "JEW" for the call sign... Odd! (Much, much later on the trail, I realized that it must have been a jewelry specific channel. Why not use "jewel" or "jewl"????)It was truly a lazy day, editing journal entries, perusing trail maps, and organizing my resupply. I think I will do another 100 mile stretch for this resupply. Hopefully, things don't get to hilly in the early days.During the afternoon, severe storms came rolling through. The road temporarily flooded with the extremely large volume of water. Lightning lit the sky with several strikes up on the ridge. I am a little nervous as the forecast is for the same for 2-3 more days. This next section could be a real wet one.I am really grateful to be in town right now... Maybe the rain will taper off a bit. (I can hope, can't I?!?). I will try to good and early start tomorrow.
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: just north of Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 23.0

As soon as I woke up, I turned the tv back on. I wanted to see the latest weather forecast, especially after last night's storm. It showed two more days of rain and then a possible break.I proceeded to get ready for my departure. As I finished up, I saw a hiker standing out by the road. I hollered at him and he turned out to be MediceneMan! Very cool!We quickly caught up on what's been going on. He also said Lucky and California were in town. MediceneMan happened to be standing out in front waiting for them to come by. Apparently, Lucky's editor buddy was in town and he was giving them a ride back up to the trail.As we were talking, they all showed up. I was graciously offered a ride and quickly accepted. The ride was only a few minutes long...and yet it was so valuable!We started hiking together, but Lucky and California went a bit slower. MediceneMan and I hiked together for most of the day. It was quite enjoyable to hike with him. The trail gained a ridge and then had lesser climbs and descents along the way. There was more of the standard rocky, pointed rocks that littered the trail. the views of quaint farms and country homes dotted the valley floor.Later in the afternoon, there were some spectacular rushing whitewater creeks that I walked along. Unfortunately, last night's storm had turned the trail into a creek itself. Another obstacle we hit later in the day was blow downs. They were scattered all along the trail for the last several miles.After one last climb, we were at Bailey Gap Shelter. I considered camping there as MediceneMan was staying in the shelter. I found, however, no good flat spots to camp at.I carried on for just three-quarters of a mile and found a nice spot. If the rains her bad tonight and tomorrow, I wonder if I'll have regretted not staying at the shelter.The rain has started and stopped a few times already. Thankfully, I am dry and comfy in my tarp. I expect to get to Troutville/Daleville in three more days.. (It's about 100 miles). Time for bed!
Date: 2015-04-10
From: just north of Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: moderate rain

Gobble gobble gobble!!So, last night it stormed hard again. It cycled from heavy to steady and back to heavy. Eventually, the rains let up and the birds finally got to speak up."Gobble gobble gobble" was being called out loudly and frequently last night. So loud and frequent that I thought someone might be messing with me. But then again, who would put that kind of effort into such an endeavor..There must have been dozens of turkeys. It was quite amusing and a good start to the day. Once the birds settled down, I packed up and headed to the first spring down the trail.I filled up my water bladder and cameled up. As I was drinking, MedicineMan came walking up. Right on time! We exchanged morning pleasantries and started hiking.The trail varied from smooth and well-groomed to rugged and rocky. There were some steep sections, but the most difficult were the wet, slippery slabs of rock. These slabs were at a 30 degree slope. They were also crazy slippery!!After walking down a slope, I came upon a giant oak tree. The data book said it was the second largest oak on the AT and was 300 years old. Very cool and very large!MediceneMan and I hiked quickly this morning. We navigated a substantial rocky section and got to the next shelter by 1100am. Time to top off water and take a break. Almost immediately, a dark sky opened up and just poured down. The best part was that we were dry in the shelter! It got to be absolute deluge in just a few minutes.In about 25 minutes, the rains tapered off and MedicineMan and I headed out again. We had some difficult climbs to do, all while being threatened by more ominous clouds.Eventually, our luck wore out. The rains came storming down again. It was heavy and soaking. We endured it and it eventually stopped. We walked until 630pm and came up to Niday Shelter. There we found three other thru hikers. I found a nice campsite nearby and set up. It was nice and we all ate and chatted.At about 9pm, a father hiked in with his son and dog and set up their tent right next to mine. and they weren't quiet about it either...why would they feel the need to pitch their tent right next to mine???? And be super noisy??This night might get interesting..