morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-09
From: Buena Vista

To: Buena Vista
Miles today: 0.0

Great night of sleep last night. Woke up to the smell of bacon. Misty and Stormy cooked French toast, bacon, and we had fruit. Yummy! Misty drove the five of us to Glascow to pick up our mail drops. A big thank you to the girls from South! Thank you so much for the card! It almost brought me to tears. I love you all, and I thank you for your prayers. We again raided Wal-Mart, then went to the Country Cooking Restaurant in Lexington. Good food that was cheap and all you could eat. Can't beat that--especially if you are a hiker with a bottomless pit for a stomach.On the way back to our beautiful place in the country, storm clouds blackened the sky. Very thankful we weren't hiking today. We made it back to the house. The storm ended up blowing over, leaving a cool breeze that would flow through the long open windows--allowing the curtains to freely dance.Stormy and Misty gave us massages. Even though I laughed when she would hit my third vertebrae or lower, I did let it all go and be in total relaxation, which was wonderful! Diesel played the guitar and we had good praise and worship.Had an amazing time with Stormy and Misty. Everytime I'm around them they re-light the flame inside of me, making me hunger and thirst for more of God. They are totally amazing people who have definitely left an imprint on my life.Had leftover calzone and cereal. Played some on the guitar outside on the huge covered porch. The only word that I can say about these last two days is ....GOD!
Date: 2003-05-10
From: Buena Vista

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another storm came this morning--waking me up. I lay in bed looking around the room, watching the curtains blow with the wind. I love this room; I love this place.We packed everything up, showered, and left the nice, peaceful farmhouse. It was probably one of the most relaxing and spiritual zero days I've had so far. A house in the middle of nowhere. The neighbors are the cows, the sounds of the creek that runs down from the house.We ended up eating at the Whistle Stop Cafe. It was good food and good times hanging out with everyone. We made it back to the trail. My pack was pretty heavy--mostly because of my food and a 1 pound tube of honey. Said our goodbyes and started hiking. The first climb which came right away was tough. It was hot and humid with no breeze. My stomach was upset--leaving me nauseous. Don't know if it was from the food I ate or from being carsick. I made it up to Cold Mountain and got to use my new head net. Put on my fleece so my whole body was covered. The black flies were out again. I ended up taking a short nap.We found a tree swing which we played on. We took lots of breaks today. Then, another one of those thunderstorms came. After a while I got used to it. The thunder was so loud. Made it to the shelter and ended up putting up my tent because it was full. Did everything as fast as I could because of the flies. Had a good day. Really tired right now. Hit 800 miles today.To all those who've graduated, congrats! I'm jealous. This is when I should've finished, too. Good luck with everything!
Date: 2003-05-11
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Harper's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: light rain

Realized this morning how much I love sleeping in my tent. It was windy this morning, and I felt so cozy lying in my sleeping bag. We took our time this morning. We only had to do 2.2 miles by 10:30. This guy named Earl comes at 10:30 and 12:30 to pick up hikers. He takes the hikers to his bed and breakfast in Montebello, VA for a free meal. So, how could we pass that up. We made it to the road and sure enough he was there.His wife, Lois, welcomed us and started cooking us a brunch. The house was so nice. They even had a piano, which I gladly took advantage of and played. Mrs. Lois made us apple sausage, pancakes, and sliced oranges. It was delicious. Could've eaten the apple sausage all day long. She even made us this cake with whipped cream, ice cream, and strawberries for dessert. While we were there, it rained some and the wind picked up. Didn't really want to leave. Packed the 5 of us, Cire, the Kennedy couple, Mr. Earl, 6 full packs, and 2 day packs in his SUV. Tight squeeze.Oopu and I went up to Spy Rock which was this huge rock. We had to climb up on all fours. It was so windy at the top. We had to hold our hats in our hands. Great views from the rock. We had a mountain called the Priest we had to climb. It was a great day to hike. The sun was out and there was a cool breeze. We had a 2,000 foot climb down. There was this nice viewpoint.We saw about 6 vultures flying over the land that looked so flat. I stopped by a creek to get water. As I was looking for a dry rock to sit on, I slipped and landed on my side. Yeah, thank goodness I have padding on my upper leg; it still hurt though. We got to cross over a swinging bridge which Oopu loved jumping up and down on.There was room for us in the shelter but I chose to stay in my tent. Jeff and Sam stayed at the shelter. I told them an animated story of how I got my name. It got cooler and was windy.So the flies are black flies. They don't bite you. They drill holes in you. This guy from Canada said that the flies like this kind of weather, that soon they will go away and then come back in Maine.I believe I'm turning purple. My scars on my legs are turning purple. On my right upper leg I have a softball sized bruise due to the fall.
Date: 2003-05-12
From: Harper's Creek Shelter

To: Trail to Humpback Rock
Miles today: 14.1

THE FIRST BEAR SIGHTINGDidn't want to get up because the wind was blowing so hard. It was a lot colder today. We immediately started our 2,000 ft. climb. I sang the song, "If you want to be happy for the rest of your life" (don't know if that's the correct name) all the way up the climb. I felt so happy and giddy. There were white and purple wildflowers lining the trail. There were also these little round things that were lime green with brown spots all over them all over the ground. When you stepped on them, they popped. So I had a good time jumping on them.There were a lot of nice views. At times it felt like we were walking through a hurricane. It was nice hiking with Jeff and Sam. Good luck to you guys with your upcoming hikes. You guys are great!After we crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway, Oopu came up saying he saw a bear. Or should I say the rear end of a bear. He apparently scared it, and it took off running up the mountain.It started to lightly rain as we were putting up our tents but stopped. Going to be another windy night.
Date: 2003-05-13
From: Trail to Humpback Rock

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Didn't want to get out of my sleeping bag this morning. Again, another sunny, windy day. It was a relaxing hike today. At the shelter as we were getting ready to leave a goat walked down the trail. Apparently, it's been hanging around that area. We did the 13 miles by 3:00. This guy shuttled us into Waynesboro to the Quality Inn. Cire already got a room so we showered. Thank goodness things are pretty close here in town. We walked to the post office and then I went to the library.Really nice and historic town. Big houses with sidewalks, a river, places to picnic and just sit. Sandi & Jason Taylor came (Speck's best friend). We went to El Puerto for supper. Then we did laundry. It was an all-around good day.
Date: 2003-05-14
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I got to take a bath this morning and I smell the best I've smelled the entire time on the trail. Sandi brought all sorts of body washes and lotions.We ate Weasies for breakfast. The home fries were so delicious! I found out last night that I've been accepted into nursing school, plus I've gotten a scholarship. Wow. That puts a little stress on me. Will I get back in time? It's something I'm going to have to take as it comes. If I get back in time, I can start the program. If not, I can still take classes and start in the spring.As I was riding in the back of the car looking out the window, I started thinking of life, of who I am, of what my life is like now and how much it will change when I get home. Excited about the things to come. How much God has opened my eyes and lessened my want of unnecessary things. How the people I'm with now seem like my family. How 2 1/2 months ago I didn't know them at all and now I know them so much. I feel so blessed.
Date: 2003-05-15
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

RAIN IN THE SHENANDOAHSSlept past 10:00. Ate a couple of bowls of Lucky Charms. Got a shuttle back to the trail. We saw a deer right away. Couldn't believe we are actually in the Shenandoahs, one part of the trail that I've been excited about and looked forward to. The first 3.5 miles went by so fast. As we were taking a break, clouds darkened the sky. It started to rain and never let up. We would've had so many views if it were a clear day. Thunder rolled in the distance. Hoped the storm would hold off at least until we got to the shelter.We did make it to Calf Mountain Shelter around 3:00. Saw another deer. I was soaked to the bone. We decided to stay at the shelter. We were going to hike another 7 miles and camp. Soon the storm hit. That finalized our decision. "Not the Kennedys" were here and 2 other hikers came in. It was a big shelter so we all fit.It got cool so we ate a late lunch, then got in our sleeping bags. Diesel got out his guitar. Nothing better than music with rain in the background. Cozy--so glad to be here. I read the following on a graduation card. It's just so true and fitting. It said, "As you travel through life, choose your destinations well, but do not hurry there. Avoid the shortcuts....wander the back roads....enjoy the scenery. And remember that the true worth of your travels lies not in the destination but in who you come to be along the way." Great words!I wanted to say thanks to Sandi & Jason Taylor! It was nice to finally get to meet you! Thanks for hauling us around everywhere. After the guys left, we realized how lucky we are, how much is done for us. All we are doing is hiking, and friends and families do so much for us, come visit us, and feed us. All the thoughts and prayers. Wow! God really knows how to bless us.We played Rook while everyone was going to sleep. It wasn't even 8:00. About 13 hikers stayed in the shelter.
Date: 2003-05-16
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

The rain finally stopped. Cire and Slick Rock's food bags got attacked by a flying squirrel. Got holes chewed in them. The sun did come out today. Had our best view at the Skyline Drive where we took a break. We did good time on our mileage. We did 9.2 by 12:30. I ate tortillas and soon left because a dark cloud was forming. My clothes had finally dried so I was trying to get to the shelter before the rain hit. I stopped about 20 yards before the shelter. I needed to air out my feet. So wrinkled and wet from my boots. Cire and Diesel ended up passing the hut. (In the Shenandoahs the shelters are called huts.) In the park there are no signs, just these posts that have a little silver thing on them telling mileage.We relaxed, elevated our feet, then left. Right after we left, we ran into the guys. Decided to backtrack to the shelter. We ate early and played Rook again, second night in a row. We were entertained by "Not the Kennedys" and Speck as they attempted to cook and eat. Got to see a rabbit. Glad we stayed because it rained most of the night.
Date: 2003-05-18
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mtn Hut
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: moderate rain

RAIN RAIN GO AWAYWell, it's our 4th day of rain. I should've worn some flippers because the trail was like a stream. We did 8.5 miles to the first shelter. It was the first time I've cooked in about a week. We were all wet and cold. The temperature dropped down to 40 degrees. So I ate and started hiking as soon as I could. The fog stole all our views today. I went about 12 miles or so without stopping. It was too cold to stop. Because of my wet socks, I got blisters on 7 of my toes. I tried to stay positive, tried to encourage myself. The last 5 miles really got to me. We were planning on going to the Lewis Mtn Campground--hot shower, food, and get a cabin for the night. Every time I went downhill I had a lot of pain. I was so glad to reach the trail to the campstore. My bubble soon got busted. Made it to the trail by 5:10 and the store closed at 5:30. Also, all the cabins were taken. I soon got over it and was pleased that we caught up on lost miles. We did our miles in about 8 hours. Broke the record of the fartherest hiking day. We also broke 900 miles today. There was plenty of room in the shelter. IT IS FREEZING HERE!!!
Date: 2003-05-19
From: Bearfence Mtn Hut

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light rain

A GIFTI woke up seeing a blue sky. The sun does actually come out in the Shenandoahs. I decided to wear all dry clothes today. The dry socks helped my blisters out a lot. We took the hike slowly. So nice and dry today. We got to see views. I saw about 15 deer along the trail. I tried to get pictures of them. The terrain wasn't bad at all. It's amazing how the sun and warmth can uplift everyone's spirits.We made it to Big Meadows around lunch. We decorated the lawn with our wet clothes and bags. I was looking forward to a good meal. I didn't eat enough the last two meals because I was running low on food. It's interesting to see what hungry hikers can do. This couple sitting next to us left, leaving almost a full bowl of cherry cobbler. Yep, the guys, Slick Rock and Cire took it off their table and ate all of it. The funny thing was that the man came back to leave a tip and saw them devouring his uneaten cobbler.We walked a mile to do laundry and take showers that cost $1.00 for 5 minutes. It was nice! We talked with the guy who worked there. We bleached our boots that smelled like something had died in them. I got to talk to my mother on the phone, and she told me about the wedding of Stacy, one of my best friends. I hated that I couldn't go but I know that out here is where I'm supposed to be.We ate dinner at the lodge and decided to just stay here. Our room had this great view. I had another moment. I was sitting outside our room on a cement fence, watching the sunset. Three deer, not even 20 feet down the hill, were eating. The air was cold, the sky a light blue with several dark blue clouds randomly spaced, the sun about gone leaving a trace of pink. Diesel was playing the guitar in the room--the music carries outside. He is singing...God, be near, Oh God, be near (a Shane Bernard song)....I think to myself, God is so near right now. Yesterday at this time we were so wet, tired, and cold, curled up in our sleeping bags. I was disappointed about the last 4 days. Today is truly a gift. This moment is better than any gift. To be outside, to see the mountains, to see nature, to see God. What else can be better than this moment?
Date: 2003-05-20
From: Big Meadows

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I guess I had some violent kind of dream last night. The guys said that they woke up and I was holding the lamp about to throw it, and I had knocked the alarm clock off. Funny how I don't remember a single thing. The guys met Staci, a law student who is taking a vacation, at the lodge last night. She wanted to hike with us today so we decided that we would slack pack. Speck has been having hip problems so she decided that she would take the day off to rest. I'm glad that she is listening to her body. We left the lodge at 9:45 planning on going 17 miles to meet Staci and Speck. Staci hiked the first 3 miles with us to the shelter. She got to experience the privy and the privy's in the Shenandoahs aren't the best privys. Staci headed back to the lodge and we all headed north. Nice day for a hike. Physically my body was really tired. We had some cool views. Oopu, Slick Rock, and I hiked together most of the day. Conversation and Questions were what helped me get through the day. We made it to Thorton Gap where Speck and Staci met us with Whoppers and fries. Oh, it was so good! We hung out for a while, reloaded our packs, and headed to the shelter. Speck decided to stay with Staci and meet us sometime tomorrow. Made it to the shelter that had 20 people already there, so we set up our tents on a rocky campsite area. I was exhausted so I went straight to bed.
Date: 2003-05-21
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Woke up to rain. Slick Rock's tent kept me dry. The guys tent turned into a swimming pool. Diesels down sleeping bag was like a ball of dough. He called Staci and she was going to pick us up at Thornton Gap. So we hiked South a little over a mile. Still raining pretty good. Staci and Speck showed up and we decided to go to Luray to the Days Inn. There, we discussed what we should do. WE could either dry everything off and head back to the trail, or go to Front Royal. We decided to yellow blaze. I wasn't really wanting to at first but realized that by doing so Speck could hike with us again. Plus, we'll be taking it easy for the next couple of days. Thankgoodness there are people like Staci. She made two trips from Luray to Front Royal. We even pulled over on the side of the road to take a picture of this house with tons of roosters. Staci was so excited about that. We decided that we should take her out to lunch so we went to a Mexican restraunt. She now knows all of our stories. I hope she had fun on her vacation. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for all that you did for us. You are an awesome person!!We hitched back to the trail and all got picked up by this farmer. I left first and ended up going the wrong way. I went through deep mud that my feet would completely sink and make this suction noise. After about half a mile I realized that I was heading South so I turned around and got to walk through the fun mud again. At least the rain let up some. I caught up with Oopu, Slick Rock and Speck. We had so much fun. We played the radio game. Oopu wanted to hear Oldies so I would sing a song until he would say SEEK, then I'd change songs. I didn't just sing the songs, I hacked it out. Yeah, we weren't going to be seeing any wildlife today. We made it to Jim and Molly Denton Shelter. It was a really nice shelter. They had a shower that didn't work. WE ran into the Dude and Dumpy. We happen to run into them everytime we yellow blaze...that has only been twice. Ben and Michelle were there too. It was cold and rainy. So we are now out of the Shenandoah's. It was a big rainforest for us. THere are some things I didn't really like. At times I'd feel like I was so far away from civilization until a car out of nowhere drove by. There were so many people here. We'd cross a road about five times a day. I might go back and hike the trails that have waterfalls or either just drive the road because those views are suppose to be really good.WEll, another cold night. I'm wondering if it will ever warm up again.
Date: 2003-05-22
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a very relaxed morning. The rain turned into a light mist. We are definitely out of the Shenandoahs. Had a good climb all morning. It was nice that it wasn't raining. We crossed under another interstate. Made it to the shelter for lunch where we gave Diesel a squished Swiss Roll with candles on it because it is his 22 birthday. The second part of the hike was very nice. We made it to Dick's Dome Shelter by 3:00. It was dome shaped and small. Looking at it just made me laugh. I again didn't want to cook so I ate Ritz crackers, honey, and p-nut butter. Cire built a fire which kept us warm. Tonight remimded me of old times. Just the five of us,and cire, a big fire. Wishing Mr. Cranky Pants, Early Riser, and Denmark were with us. I laid in my sleeping bag watching the fire burn. Memories upon memories of the trail going through my head. How many stories, good times we've had. Heading to bed; another chilly night with rain.
Date: 2003-05-23
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We got going faster this morning, motivated by BBQ. It was a nice hike, really pretty even though it was rainy and foggy. At Ashby Gap - .8 miles from the trail - is a place called Doc's BBQ. Flet longer than .8 but it was worth it. I had a huge cheeseburger and a brownie sundae. We hung out there for a while, enjoying the warmth. They shuttled us back to the trail and told us that a thunderstorm was heading our way. We only had 4 miles left and they went by quickly. I think my body appreciates the short days and mileage. The shelter was empty and much bigger than Dick's Dome. Oopue found a tick on his side that was in there pretty good. We finally got it off then we had a tick searching party. Made it just in time to the shelter because the clouds opened up and the rain poured down. GI Jane, Truck, and Sci-their dog- came along with a large group of boyscouts. The scouts ended up tenting down the trail. Good thing cause I don't know how we could've fit all of them into the shelter. Oopu was determined to make a fire in the rain so along with Cire's help they succeeded. Slept more comfortable and had more space. We saw a mouse but it didn't bother us.
Date: 2003-05-24
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The sun came out today. We got challenged right away with the thick mud. It was fun just sliding down the trail. Then we entered the roller coaster part of the trail. Took some funny pictures. Beautiful day and lovely hike. There were climbs which were tough because the last several weeks have been pretty flat. I didn't mind them at all. It is really pretty here in Northern Virginia. At one of the overlooks we met Nasty and this other guy that thru hiked the trail last year. We were asking about Pennsylvania, which everyone refers to as the worst state. They said that the best parts of the trail have yet to come.....HOW EXCITING!!!! We made it to Bear's Den Hostel and relaxed. I wrote some outside...too pretty to be inside the hostel. They have a very nice place here. Very outdoorsy and nice. I had a pint of Ben and Jerry's and we picked up mail drops. We were picked up by Mike Ring, one of David's friends. He lives outside of Washington D.C. They, Mike and Heather, have three precious children....Samantha-5; Natalie-3; and Courtney-1. We showered and helped ourselves to some wonderful 7 layer dip. The kids grew a liking to us pretty quick. We had pillow fights and all sorts of fun. They put on a show on their stage wearing dresses, singing and dancing...oh it was so entertaining. We had fajita's that were great! Watched this Japaneese show that was so funny, then Office Space.....more laughs. I attempted to read a book but soon felt tired and headed to bed. It was a good day. Really enjoyed it.