morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-26
From: thomas knob shrlter

To: hurricane mtn shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

In which I get to see the ponies! and yesterday's horrors were forgotten (almost).Let me just say I totally enjoyed Grayson Highlands State Park. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can't wait to go back and explore more some time especially to see Mt. Rogers in good weather. This morning so far the weather has been clearing, misty and the sun is attempting to peek through the clouds. I'm cheering on the sun! It continued to rain more on than off throughout the night so glimpses of sunshine are quite welcome!I packed up my soaking, wet tent, not just wet but soaking! It is heavy. My quilt is even damp, my sleep pad is damp, everything is wet. Best yet my clothes are soaking wet and a delight to put on especially since it is also cold this morning. Wet socks, wet shoes, wet tights and shirt and gloves. Did I mention the sky is also a beautiful blue when I can see it through the rapidly blowing clouds?I walked through a conifer forest briefly on a rocky trail which gave way to expansive views of the surroundings. Rocks were everywhere. So was evidence of the ponies, piles of poo and their sweet smell. In the distance a few were spotted up on the hill. Further into the park the views were spectacular and reminded me of out west but on a smaller scale. There have been no views like this yet on the trail. It was breath taking. I climbed up and over boulders, down a rocky path, over stiles and through gates and had a wonderful time passing by many ponies grazing. It was magical. I took my time and took many pictures which just don't do the terrain justice.I got to Wise Shelter for lunch and spread out my tent and quilt to dry in the glorious sun. Ponies were walking all around. One was trying to eat my mango as I was, sorry, not sharing! They were right up in my face. A few ponies were very pregnant and enjoying the attention they were receiving. They just followed you around. Was so cool.The rest of the day was spent climbing more mountains then down them. Then up some more again. I got to hurricane shelter and once again no one was there, no tenting up there either. So back down I went to a great tenting spot by the creek where I happily joined Blue Jay and Left Turn, great company tonight.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: hurricane

To: campsite
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I which I get a stare down by the cows. I slept pretty well by the creek last night. The sound of water is always so soothing. I had a lazy morning enjoying breakfast around the fire pit. Was very relaxing, I need to do more of this. Walking was pretty uneventful today. I did surprise 2 deer up on a ridge. They went scampering down the hill when I walked by. Then I walked over a stile into a cow field, not your usual wide open field. This one was an orchard with shrubbery. I was getting ready to take a picture of the trail and the white blaze on the tree. Then lo and behold a cow comes walking across the trail about 20 feet down trail. Then I notice a bunch of cows to my right in the bushes, then about twenty more on the left and I was walking right down the middle of them. Their big, brown eyes locked gazes with mine. They just stood there and watched me walk through. I certainly didn't expect to see cows today. Totally cool.Found another camping area tonight not quite as nice as the night before. No creek to listen to but the owls are hooting already. Blue jay showed up, Red leg moved on, three section hikers are here and Dallas also went ahead. Glad it was a shorter day. My shoes are shot and my feet are really sore, no more cushioning left. Time to go put them up!
Date: 2014-04-28
From: campsite

To: marion
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: light rain

In which I have an unexpected town day.I packed up a wet tent this morning because it did in fact rain this morning. The race is on to make it to Partnership shelter before the rain and storms come in. I am not getting caught in the forest alone in storms again as long as I can help it! The threat of storms also helps motivate me to hike very fast. Likewise, this is the shelter in which you can order a pizza and have it delivered there. More motivation!I made it to the Mt. Roger's Visitor's Center by 1000. Jo showed up and she called for the 1100 shuttle to pick us up. Then DaVinci arrives! and Rob shows up! What a great reunion! Blue Jay is also here. Awesome. We take the shuttle in to town and at this point I've decided to stay there for the night and let the storms pass. Blue Jay did likewise. Then Jo, DaVinci and I decide to split a room and we have a delightful day together.First order of business is to shower, then to do laundry. Done. Now on to food. We walk over to Sonic and I ate a cheeseburger, fries and De. Pepper. Second soda for today, had a mountain dew at the Visitor's Center while waiting. We got coupons for ice cream and breakfast stuff also. Next, we walked back to our room, took inventory of our food, made grocery lists and headed back to the grocery store.Seeing how we had coupons for free ice cream cones we went back to Sonic before shopping. Score again...the ice cream was "soupy" so we got ice cream in cups... better yet with hot fudge and whipped cream. That was delish! So shopping finally.After many phone calls and catching up with people it was time to eat again. Off to the Mexican restaurant we went, five of us in all- Blue Jay, Jo, DaVinci, Wet Dog and me. I can't believe it but I ate 4 enchiladas! Cleaned my plate. Was a red letter food day as we watched the clouds and rain roll through.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: marion

To: Crawfish trail campsite
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: moderate rain

In which I have another great food day and manage to hike a few miles.We got up this morning, packed up and called for the shuttle back to the Visitor's Center. I ate my blueberry yogurt and saved my green apple for the bus ride back to the trail. We were being picked up at the Ingles's so naturally I had to go get a donut or two to complete my breakfast. An apple fritter and chocolate glazed donut later the shuttle picked us up. Time to get back to work!The terrain was very nice in parts, pastoral-through cow fields and lush rolling hills. Today's goal was to make it to The Barn for a late lunch/early dinner. But prior to getting there we walked by the Settler's Museum and were treated to trail magic inside the little old school house. This time a wonderful Mountain Dew. Thank You!At the Barn we ran into Wet Dog, Left Turn and Rob. I ate well once again. Today was meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans, followed by a hot fudge cake. Yum. It really is amazing how much better I hike after I have eaten well! So no need to cook tonight. Onward we hiked the last 6.8 miles to a beautiful camping area by the river nestled in the rhododendrons. Was very peaceful and the frogs provided great white noise.Surprisingly we were hungry again by the time we got set up and ate more food. Red letter food day! I highly recommend the habanero almonds I got, delish.
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Crawfish trail campsite

To: Chestnut Knob
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

In which I had many hard climbs and sore feet but the payoff was a fantastic view at the end of the day.I just have to say I had the best campsite last nite! The creek was babbling, frogs croaking and the Bard Owls serenading. I even think I slept relatively well, except for the fact that I slept on my stomach at some point (which I never do) and woke up with very swollen eyes. Darn salt and town food! I'd still do it all over again.Three big climbs awaited and they did not disappoint. They were conquered! Saw more cows as I walked through a pasture along a creek. Then I had the pleasure of a lemon lime soda compliments of former thru hikers. Thank you!The final ascent of the day took us up a bald and by a wonderful little pond with a piped stream. It was really warm and it felt great to sponge off some of the salt and grit from the day. I hauled water up to the shelter as there was no source at the top. This shelter is a beautiful 4 sided stone shelter with a door. Full house inside so I set up my tent on the ridge with a beautiful view of the valley below. The best part was watching the fog and clouds roll in through the valley and eventually overtake this mountain top so we were in a white out. Then it began to rain and a few rumbles of thunder were in the distance, which is where I hope they stay ( yes, I'm still a little shell shocked!). DaVinci is here, along with Jo, Rob and Wet Dog and Jolly. I'm writing by the light of my head lamp and I can see the mist from the clouds blowing by in the light's rays. Pretty cool. Did I say it's very windy up here too?
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Chestnut Knob

To: Laurel Creek
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

In which I had an awesome night at camp and laughed until my gut hurt.Everything was wet, blowing and cold when I packed up this morning. The valley could not be seen and the mountain was clouded in. My chocolate peanut butter pop tarts were marvelous. I did a lot of ridge walking today and the views were rather lacking through many rocky areas of the trail. My feet were screaming so I was happy to make it a shorter day and stop hiking around 3:30pm.DaVinci and I set up camp above a wonderfully flowing stream. We collected water, did a bird bath, washed a few pieces of clothing and hung them to dry. Wet Dog comes in to camp and sets up, followed by Jo, Al, eventually Mike and Long Haul Trucker. There was a parade of other hikers rolling on. We all sat around the fire pit, cooked our dinners and stayed up way past hikers' midnight just talking and carrying on. I haven't laughed that hard in a while. Was one of those nights were I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I cherish those times!The falls below are providing wonderful white noise for sleeping tonight, rain last nite and a symphony of frogs the night before. I wonder what tomorrow night will bring?It's been a great day with great friends!Happy May Day!
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Laurel creek

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

In which I hike 19 miles in record time.I left early this morning expecting a long day's hike and trying to get some miles in during the morning. Morning is my favorite hiking time! The first half of the day the hike was awesome. It was relatively flat and a very welcomed change from the "norm". I got to the I-77 overpass then totally lost the trail. How can the trail disappear? Well road walking is no fun and the white blazes were scarcely marked. I wondered aimlessly looking for the trail doing many extra "bonus" miles. (not official AT miles)Over the bridge walks Rob and Titty cakes. They are a very welcome sight. So together now we do more "Bonus" miles until we finally found the trail much farther down the road than I expected. So glad we finally found it though! Then it was another long, steep climb up the final mountain of the day. I was surprised when I made it to the shelter around 4:20pm, record time. 19 miles in 8 hours. It's amazing how flat terrain really makes one able to hike faster, and farther. Tonight my feet are just unhappy instead of screaming, also a nice change.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

In which I ate a lot of food and totally enjoyed Woods hole.Today is going to be another long day, so I'm up and out early. I enjoyed the morning walking and was able to get 12 miles in by noon. I even scared a turkey very near the trail's edge, that was funny. There were a few creepy parts along the creek and through a pine forest (not the pretty kind). I'm noticing that Spring is springing finally and I've gotten glimpses of the "green tunnel" when the trail narrows and the shrubs fill out with green leaves. It feels rather claustraphic at times. DaVinci stopped at a creek for lunch so I joined her. Great to take a break and soak my feet in the creek for a bit. The rocks on the trail are really tearing up my feet. Can't wait to get my new shoes in a few days.We got to Woods Hole Hostel around 4:30 and claimed our bunks. We got there just in time for yoga and that was awesome! Got a shower taken in the outside, breezy shower, helped cook dinner and then we were treated to a feast. Tonights menu was Mexican food. We ate homemade tortillas filled with hamburger, black beans, corn, brown rice, onions, peppers, cheese and sour cream. Prior to this was a salad with homemade bread and salad dressings. All of this was topped off by an ice cream cone. This place is awesome. It has such a great, communal atmosphere. Lights out at 2200 so I'm headed to bed.
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

In which I played Apples to Apples.It was cool this morning when I packed up. It smelled like rain and the clouds were gray and heavy sitting on the horizon. I put everything in my backpack just in time for it to start to sprinkle. I headed in to the shelter for breakfast. Everyone else soon came in doing to the same thing, trying to pack up dry. As I ate my breakfast, Thirsty and Eyore hiked in, then AYCE and Mac. Then it began to rain and thunder so I sat this storm out in the comfort of the shelter.I hiked out about 0920 and took some pictures as I went down the hill and up the bald area. The view to the valley was gorgeous and constantly changing with the light of the sun and clouds. At the top of the hill was a beautiful orchard of apple trees. The air smelled sweet, the bees were very loud buzzing around the blossoms, the sun was warm, breeze cool and the air still smelled of rain. It was lovely up there. Everything was alive and happy. Then I hiked through a dead zone of blow downs and rocks which killed my feet and wasn't very scenic.I took a break at a shelter and soaked my feet in the creek after I had a snack. The water was so cold it made my feet hurt in a matter of minutes, but they sure feel better after a brief soak. One more climb for the day and I'm at the shelter with more new people. I met Bismark and Hopper, Heartwood and Trail light. Soon thereafter MAC and AYCE came in and Titty cakes. We all set up in the shelter with another chance for storms tonight. So after dinner Titty Cakes pulls out the game Apples to Apples that he carried out from Pearisburg so it's only right we should play and we did. It's especially funny that he has the game since he only carries ultra light weight gear, so we had to put the game to use. That was an unexpected end to the day and very fun. It's always good to laugh with friends!
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Nidday Shelter

To: 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

In which the Dragon's Tooth ate a piece of my shoe.My shoes are dead! and actually have been the passed two weeks. The cushioning is gone, I feel every rock, branch and twig, and the soles are finally peeling apart. Aside from that they have been great shoes!Today was broken down into three parts. The first part was a long climb up switchbacks (which made the climb very nice) to the Audie Murphy Monument, also very moving. I enjoyed that climb. The weather was beautiful, couldn't ask for better!The next section was once again up another climb of rocks and more rocks to the infamous Dragon's Tooth. That climb went on forever and I thought it would never end. It was a 4 mile stretch of steep inclines and, yes rocks. After a short side trail to Dragon's Tooth the view was spectacular. It was fun to climb the rocks through a gap between 2 slabs of rock, a little unnerving get down though. I always forget about that part because I'm too excited to see the view, which was spectacular. The descent from Dragon's Tooth was not what I expected either. More sheer rock faces to shimmy down. Trekking poles were of no use in this section. I just threw them down and used my hands to hold on to rocks and trees as I inched my way down. That's when the Dragon gripped a piece of my shoe and took a bit.The third part of the day was relaxing time at 4 Pines Hostel. Thanks Jo! He shuttled us to the store where I got dinner. I ordered one cheeseburger for dinner but ended up with two. Oh well, can't let that go to waste! Got a root beer and a pint of Moose Track ice cream for dessert. Back at the Hostel we all ate outside while the chickens, guinea hens and roosters roamed. There were 4 alpacas grazing in the field above. The dog and cats were ambling about and the frogs now starting to croak by the pond. An intense game of corn hole was going on and provided my entertainment for the evening as I ate every last drop of my ice cream! So good! I can't believe I ate it all, something I only dream of doing in my "real" life. But I can proudly say I did it, just practicing for the half gallon challenge at the half way point!
Date: 2014-05-08
From: 4 Pines Hostel

To: Route 311
Miles today: 5.9

In which I have a lovely stroll through the woods.After a sleepless night due to some snorers and mice scattering about, I got up and ate my cold burger and chocolate milk for breakfast and hit the trail. As I walked I was getting wafts of bacon, maple syrup and toast as I walked down the road back to the trail. Smelled good but my burger hit the spot.Morning is my favorite time to hike. I love the solitude, the quiet, the serenity especially after a noisy evening. Everything just feels right with the world, the day is full of possibilities and hope. The forest was alive with activity, noises, and aromas. I passed the 700 mile mark and continued to walk through more fields.I climbed over one stile and proceeded through the field along the creek. Then down the trail which lead me right into the middle of a herd of cows. They all just stopped and starred as I walked 2 feet away and through them. It was another great photo op. I love the smell of cows and straw and mud. That was another cool experience.Once again were more climbs and more rocks. I'm considering this practice for Pennsylvania, aka, Rocksylvania. But all is right with the world today because I am being picked up for a few days off. I get to see my family and spend some time with them! Can't wait. That motivates my fast hiking this morning.I got to the parking area sooner than I expected but found a nice big rock on which to sit and do some journaling. It's funny to me how sensitive my smell has become while in the woods. On the descent to the road crossing I kept smelling tar, rubber, asphalt, cars. I thought that was odd, but when I got to the parking area there was VDOT doing road work along this stretch. So I enjoyed my sit watching the real world go by while waiting for my ride. I also ate another huge cookie bar which was fantastic! Thanks Donna!
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Route 311

To: Campbell shelter
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: clear sky

In which I reaclimate to the woods and still eat great food.Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers of 2 and 4 legged babies! I serendipitously got to see my babies on this day and couldn't be happier about that! I was so caught up in other family events I forgot about it being Mother's Day, what a nice surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed the company of my babies this morning. I'm so proud of them and the lives they are living. They treated their mama duck to a starbuck's coffee and breakfast! Fabulous and bittersweet in that I also had to say 'til next time to them. I've shed many tears today parting ways with them but I know this too is temporary. Just like it's a challenge adjusting back to trail life. It's more difficult than I admit to go in between world's, often disorienting and I realize that each time I have done that it gets more difficult. I am however, extremely grateful that I get the opportunity to go in between worlds! I get the best of both worlds in one day! What more could I ask for?It was a very busy day on the trail this afternoon. Many people were out hiking McAfee's Knob. Who could blame them? It certainly was a beautiful day for that, except for the black flies who have suddenly appeared out of no where. They had a tasty feast on my legs. Those little things hurt! I'm not liking them. I got my picture up on the rock, enjoyed the view in which I could see for miles and hiked on in my new shoes which are really cushiony for now. They are an improvement over my old shoes. My feet are happy tonight and now screaming at me. The warm afternoon sun was equally delightful.I got to the shelter after 6pm and set up my tent, collected water, got my bear bag line hung and enjoyed another feast. I wasn't even that hungry. Before I got back on the trail we stopped at Dairy Queen where I had a wonderful hot fudge and peanut butter sundae. That hit the spot. I love ice cream, increasingly more as the days go on. So seeing how I packed out an avocado and banana I ate them for dinner. Dinner was a feast of two tortillas with salmon and avocado. Followed by two nutter butter cookies and my banana. I'm now stuffed and it's time for bed even though it is still light out at 2030. Oh summer!I switched out winter gear for summer clothing. Sure hope it doesn't get cold now! I had such an awesome weekend with my family. Was great! So awesome to see everyone! I miss my babies already, but they have their lives and I have mine and we're all Movin' On...
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Campbell shelter

To: Fulhardt Knob
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

In which my feet are screaming and I save Pack Rat's hammock from the knife.I realized this morning as I was lost in my thoughts that I don't have any deadlines for pickup off the trail and I have no agenda to follow. I can walk however far I want to walk...or not. I feel a little lost, but free. Part of me wants to push on hard and catch up with friends. My sanity tells me, "don't do it, take your time and enjoy." We shall what wins out in the long run...I was up and out early this morning which afforded me the opportunity to see Tinker Cliffs in the morning sun. It was very peaceful, quiet and still with a cool breeze and warm sun illuminating the earth below. I look back at McAfees Knob and it looks like I've walked so far already.The rest of the walk was uneventful and rather lonely again. I saw a few section hikers then absolutely no one until Daleville. At the Rt. 220 road crossing I stopped in at Exxon and took advantage of the opportunity to get a Mountain Dew, Yes I am drinking one much to my own amazement. I haven't had soda in two years before this trip and now I crave soda! Strange! but I'll enjoy them for now. I also bought a healthy drink of water as that has been very scare today.As I was leaving Daleville I stumbled across Pac Rat in the woods trying to untie his hammock. Evidently he had been working for hours trying to pry open the knot in his rope and he asked for help. So I obliged. I tried to loosen the knot with my fingers. That wasn't working so he handed me his knife and I wiggled the knot and pried away at it for a while. He was done with it and said he'd just cut it. I gave it one more try. Progress! It started to loosen until finally, mission accomplished. The knot came loose and his hammock was free from the tree and spared the knife. So onward I went under I-81, across US11 and through a cow pasture.I started up a long climb to end my day and I heard a laugh. I thought to myself, "wait, I know that laugh!" It's Murphy! Yay! A person and someone I know in this baron stretch of no thru hikers today. She was slack packing with Pip and Mombo and stopped to chat with DFI and Hoss who were headed North like me. I stopped and talked for a bit catching up until the rain began, then I took off up the mountain, in the pouring rain, trying to outrun another thunderstorm. It poured. I got soaked. The thunder beat me to the shelter.I made it to the shelter after a quick hike up the mountain. I wanted to go further but decided to stay put for the night, so I did. Met some new faces and caught up with old friends. Now I'm ready to crash. Me feet are talking rather loudly to me. So much for new shoes helping my feet.P.S. I'm one third done!