morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-08
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Spring
Miles today: 17.2

The shelter was really nice last night. Bryant Ridge Shelter sleeps at least twenty and has a loft. The picnic table fits in the shelter where there is a large cooking area. Most shelters are about 12¢ X 9¢ and are really dirty. It rained last night and in the morning. I can't believe it, since all the forecasts called for partly sunny with a high of 87 degrees. In reality, it rained all damn day and never got over 70 degrees. How can the forecasters be wrong every single day? How do they still have a job? If your job is to forecast the weather and you're never even close, I think try another career. They have their bases covered tomorrow, though. Partly sunny with a chance of showers or thunderstorms. How can they possibly go wrong with that forecast? The only weather that they didn't call for is snow! If we get much more rain I'm going to have to swim to Maine. It is always foggy and you can't see any views. The trail is often a small stream. The worst is all the mud. The mud makes the trail slippery and it sticks to your shoes making them heavier. It works its way up between my legs to my knees. I wash my legs about 4 times a day and yet they are muddy right now. The huge mountain I climbed today was quite pretty. Lots of rhododendrons in full bloom. I am pushing hard to get to Waynesboro, VA. There, I am going to make some serious gear changes before I go into the Shenandoah National Park. I don't quite have enough food to get me there without some kind of re-supply. I have considered trying to make my food supply stretch, but it is over 80 miles and it looks impossible unless I get really lucky or fast. Speaking of fast, I am so impressed with the hiking ability of many of my comrades. I am constantly out-hiked by girls and old men. I guess at this point, everyone is in the same shape since we've all followed the same exercise program. I am trying to get out of Virginia before two things happen: it gets too hot, and the Virginia blues. It is just too hot to hike in central VA in July, but the biggest worry is the psychologically disheartening Virginia blues. This state is big, so big that it has 1/4 of the trail. It seems like forever getting up it and since it is kind of featureless, it takes a mental toll on hikers. If you get up Virginia, your chances are much better of finishing. My feet get new blisters every day. I'm not sure what is happening, but I'm getting good at living with it. I put anything from special blister bandages on them to duct tape. Pretty soon I will just start wrapping the whole foot in duct tape. I know I keep going on about the rain, but I am in a huge thunderstorm. Thank goodness I didn't decide to keep walking into the night to meet up with Loser and MG. It is a long way to Maine and I'm sure I'll catch them. Tomorrow will be better I can feel it. Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-06-09
From: Marble Spring

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

Last night storms were violent, but they pushed the wet weather away. I woke to a very windy morning. The bugs are out in full force. There are mosquitoes and some small gnats that really hurt when they bite. It seems worse around the shelters. Someone said that they are glad that mosquitoes are at the bottom of the food chain. Where does that leave us when they feed on us? My feet are killing me. I have decided not to do any 20 mile days for a little while. They are beyond blistered, they are bleeding. I keep bandaging them up, but I have to do something soon. I may walk a while in my Tevas again. My little toe looks like it is sore the entire way through. I always look to see if it has rubbed off yet. I think my new insoles are crap and don't give me any support. I am only 8 days behind my schedule now and seem to be right on track for finishing in late September. There was another 3000 foot climb again today. That is like climbing 300 flights of stairs. The weather was excellent today and I expect the same tomorrow. Tonight I get to sleep without a rain fly so I can watch the stars. Goodnight.Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-06-10
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: scattered clouds

As I look back through my last few days journals, I've noticed a slightly bad attitude. I know I have the Virginia blues, but this state goes on forever. Just central Virginia is longer than the entire trail in Pennsylvania. At least I got trail magic this morning. It wasn't much, since the 24 hikers that camped by them ate everything. This couple, twice a year, camp out for a week by a road and cook for thru-hikers. They have quite an elaborate setup. All that was left for me was three tiny cold pancakes and a bowl of cereal. They did have a donation bin so I threw them a couple bucks. It got me thinking, though, about a lunch wagon that followed hikers to Maine. I could do it in my bus since it is easy to see. I would supply cheeseburgers at all hours of the day. I sure do wish I had a cheese burger. A nice thick one with Swiss cheese and mushrooms. I would eat it nice and slow. After I was done, I'd eat another one just so the first one had company. Today I had yet another 3000 foot climb. My heels have been completely rubbed raw from walking uphill. My food supplies are working out well. I have too many dinners left over, but that always happens. I will get a quick re-supply the day after tomorrow, and that will last until I get to Waynesboro. A lot of hikers have seen bears, so I have been camping near other people for safety¢s sake. I ate a fettuccini alfredo for dinner followed by a delicious raspberry crumb dessert. I am going to hammock full for the first time since town. Loser is four miles ahead of me, and I have been right behind him all week. He leaves me notes in the shelter registers, but it is easy to see he's just ahead. There are dead insects all over the trail. Now I'm not saying Loser is to blame, but I did find a dead raccoon along the trail. He doesn't realize the death and destruction he causes. I will have to catch him and tell him to watch where he is walking. Insects are one thing, but he shouldn't be trampling raccoons. Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-06-12
From: Tye River

To: 2 miles north of Dripping Rock
Miles today: 17.4

When I woke up, I got to have an orange juice I bought last night. I also ate a small can of beans and franks and a honey bun. A honey bun has 450 calories for only 33 cents. I would have bought more but the store only stocks one at a time apparently. When I got packed, my feet said there was no way I was going to put them in wet socks and shoes. I don't mind it when my feet strike up a conversation with me, but I don't trust them when they start whispering amongst themselves. I had a huge climb this morning, and I planned on taking my time and hiking in Tevas. I hiked for a couple miles until I stubbed my toe on a rock. I decided on letting my socks dry as much as possible then wearing my shoes. I laid everything out on some rocks and prepared lunch. For lunch today, I went with a southwestern flair and had an entire bag of BBQ potato chips. For dessert, I had a bag of M&Ms. With my nutritious lunch behind me, I started hiking up the ridiculously steep hill. The hill was so steep I needed a ladder. I stopped often to catch my breath. Soon Billyboy came by. He told me very grim news. Smiles hurt her knee yesterday and she already has had 3 operations on that knee. She got to a hospital, but it really doesn't look good. I have my doubts she'll be able to continue. It took me forever to climb this hill and I was running behind for the day. It is very important I get to Waynesboro tomorrow or I won't be able to stay at Chicken Leg's parent's house. I tried to hike fast, but it was so rocky I had to watch every step. I heard the terrain is easy in Virginia. They were very wrong. It is steep hills and rocks. I decided I would make my tomato sauce and added water to it to start it re-hydrating.   Finally, as I got to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Barking Spiders came up from behind. Along with him came a bad thunder storm. He decided to camp, but I wanted to try for a picnic area a couple miles ahead. I picture a picnic area as having a pavilion and picnic tables. I could make dinner under a roof. There was no picnic area, so I wound up hiking in the downpour until the top of the mountain. It was still raining when I set up camp. I did as well as I could, but things are wet. Good thing I'm getting to town tomorrow and can dry out. I never got to eat my tomato sauce and will dump it out somewhere in the morning. All in all, today sucked. My feet hurt, I'm hungry, and everything I have is wet. I need a zero in Waynesboro, maybe even two. I need the comfort that only multiple cheeseburgers can supply. I may go to the burger joint with my hammock and have them fill it up. Then I can string up somewhere and lie naked in my hammock with cheeseburgers all over me. I'll just reach down and pick off another cheeseburger like I'm a cheeseburger tree. Or maybe I'll just get a couple to go. Goodnight. Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-06-15
From: 0.6 miles past Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: light rain

Woke up feeling pretty good. I saw Rambler and Monster stroll by. They were moving pretty fast and it reminded me that I have twenty miles to do today. I got packed up and headed out. I checked my data book and there is no water for this entire 20-mile stretch. I got 4 liters to take me the entire way. It started to drizzle right away. The weather forecast is just dreary for the entire week. Just as the rain picked up, I ducked into a shelter. I waited, but it didn't look like it was going to stop anytime soon. I laid out my stuff and took a nap. Two hours later, I woke to a slow drizzle. I then decided 12.5 wasn't enough and headed out again. The terrain is easy here and I was able to make good time. I got to a campground store where I found Monster and Rambler again. I was able to get some beer and junk food. We decided to make the 24-hour laundry a shelter and sleep there. While we were there, a guy drying out his sleeping bag gave us more beer and a bottle of cheap rum. We, needless to say, got very drunk and slept on the laundromat floor. These guys are a blast. We laughed all evening.Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-06-16
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Hightop Mountain
Miles today: 14.6

My 5th grade school teacher, Mrs. Singer, once professed that I would wind up passed out drunk in a laundromat floor. She also predicted Jerry Springer would become a senator of Ohio, but what are the chances of that coming true. I am surprised no one chased us away in the middle of the night. They charge $16 to camp in the campground. I am not paying $16 just to set up my hammock when it is free 10 feet outside the campground. Of course it is raining this morning. I am so sick of the rain I could scream. I'm also tired of hearing people that live in houses complain about it. After 7 miles, I found a shelter and took another nap while I waited for a bad storm to pass. I woke up and it was just drizzling so I made a break for it. As soon as I passed the next shelter the rain picked up again, so I set up my hammock. I didn't make the miles I wanted or needed to today. I planned on re-supplying at camp stores and the restaurant here in the park. It is still a good plan, but they charge a fortune for everything. Now I just want out of here so I can go to a real grocery store. I am almost out of food even though I've tried to stretch it out. It's an early night but I really need the sleep. Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-06-17
From: Hightop Mountain

To: Bearfence Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: moderate rain

I write my journal at the end of the day. I reflect on how much my feet hurt, how steep the hills are, and all the damn rain. Today I want to do something different. I want to complain first thing in the morning about all this damn rain. It rained from the time I set up to right now at 9am. It doesn't look like it is going to let up at all and I don't know if I'm going out in it. I was cold all last night despite wearing all my clothes. It was foggy and condensation has made everything damp. I am trying to stretch my food supply but I can tell hunger is setting in. I wish I had brought more food. I wish I hadn't sent my warm sleeping bag and rain pants home. I wish this damn rain would stop for just 10 minutes so I could pack up and find a nice laundromat to sleep in. There is no more walking in nature¢s glory. I sure don't feel like I'm fulfilling some lifelong dream of freezing and starving. I think Virginia is sinking and I don't want to swim. This rain is supposed to continue until the weekend and it is only Tuesday. I am right in the middle of the Shenandoah Park, so there are no towns or motels where I can dodge this bullet. I also can't wait for three days; it will put me way behind on my schedule. I can't remember the last time it didn't rain all day. I should try to find shelter but I risk getting everything wetter and chances are the shelters are full of people who didn't leave them last night. If I do hike, I will have to wear my shorts since I need my pants at night. I may just stay here. It is boring but I know my situation won't worsen. At least I don't think it can. Well, I'll complain more later after I either hike or not.Meanwhile, 10 hours later¢¦ Well, after great debate I decided to hike. Right away, I ran into Billyboy, Ranger, and Uncle Mark. When I'm alone I hike slowly, but if I can hook up I'll hike as fast as they do. We went to a picnic area hoping for a pavilion, but instead we wound up eating lunch in the men's rest room. Next we went to a campground to see if we could get anything indoors. There was nothing to be had. I got some more food, enough for another day or so. I hate the way they can price gouge in the state park. A dollar for a pack of two Pop Tarts - criminal. Striking out at the campground, we went to the next shelter and found enough room.   It was 52 degrees at 4pm. It is going to be really cold tonight. Tomorrow there should be more rain. It seems like it has been raining hard forever. There is a guy out here making a documentary. He has a website: www.walkingwithfreedom.com.I have some very grim news. Nuts and Twigs are off the trail. They said they left for financial reasons. I never got to say goodbye. Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Bearfence Mountain Shelter

To: Jewell Hollow Overlook
Miles today: 20.4

I was chilly last night but it was just bearable. I tried to use my emergency blanket but it was so crinkly it would have woken everyone up. It was raining, of course, when we woke up. I went to the privy, and on the way, I stepped into a mud bog. Now my clean socks that I sleep in are muddy and wet. Most of the people were planning huge days today and headed out. I am just planning on getting my socks clean and dry. It was 8 miles to the next campground. Along the way the rain stopped, and soon it even stopped dripping from the trees. Then the craziest thing happened: the sun came out. Just a little at first but then it put on a show and beamed with all its glory. I suddenly realized how beautiful the Shenandoah Park really is. The trail is maintained immaculately. It is practically paved. The 8 miles went fast and soon I found myself amongst RV campers. I went straight for the laundry and shower. I've noticed the employees here don't care for hikers much. All they see is yuppie 4.5 person families, retired couples, and smelly muddy hiker trash. I was able to wash my clothes and myself for $3.50. Afterwards, I went to the lodge and got a cheese steak with fries. I also got a cheeseburger to go for dinner. It was all ridiculously priced and I will try to wait until town to get hot food. Hiking out of there was incredible. The deer here are very tame and I was within 10 feet of one every hour. It seems if you don't shoot the wildlife, they grow to appreciate or at least tolerate people more. One time, I was admiring a deer and then I finally saw one. It was a full grown black bear. I haven't mentioned it because I didn't want to jinx myself, but I have been really hoping to see my first bear. Everyone else has seen two or sometimes three a day. I haven't been paying attention and have been consumed with the weather. Soon after the bear, a storm blew in. I set up my hammock, but only to enjoy the burger under the rain fly. About a half an hour passed and the rain stopped again. There were light sprinkles, but Mother Nature let me put in the miles until dark. Then I found the place I said I have to wake up at. It is gorgeous with a great view. I made sure I spent extra time hanging my food high in the tree since there are bears in the area. I have no doubt there will be bear visiting my campsite tonight. I feel so much better today with the improved weather. I have clean dry socks and that makes all the difference in the world. It is raining right now but it is supposed to stop by morning. I am well over the 900 mile mark. Less then 6 days behind my original schedule; I am catching up. Most importantly, I am almost out of Virginia and at the halfway point. If I can get halfway, all I have to do is walk that much again and I'm done. Well, goodnight.Peace,Dutch
Date: 2003-06-20
From: Tuscrora Trail Crossing

To: Terrapin Station Hostel
Miles today: 13.2

CHECK OUT THE NEW PHOTOS!!! By the way, these photos are from 6/6 - 6/14. The photo place forgot my CD for the previous week's photos (5/29 - 6/6), so they will follow in about a week.The radio is calling for rain, rain, and more rain. The high is only getting to 65 today. Tator is camped near me so I told him of a hostel I'd heard about. The rain has been relentless. Everyday I say it has to stop sometime, but I've been saying that for a month and a half. I decided to hike in my Tevas today because of all the mud and puddles. It was fun to just splash in the small stream the trail has become. It is so foggy I can't see past 20 feet. The entire way through the park I came to places where there should be terrific views but all I can see is a white abyss. I checked in at a shelter mostly to confirm directions to the hostel. The terrain couldn't be easier, literally a walk in the park. I almost ran right into a deer. It startled me since it jumped just a couple feet in front of me.   I finally got to the hostel called Terrapin Station. My compass always points towards Terrapin. There is a ton of music here. Laundry, shower, and a bunk for $13. Plus, he shuttles us into Front Royal to get supplies and go to the post office. Pace is here and Barking Spiders and Viking have come in, also. I called Jess. This is the first time I've talked to her since she stopped by the Four Pines Hostel. Since we are relatively close, she is going to come and see me tomorrow. Ah, the luxury of being close to PA. I need a rest and this is a great place¢¦ by far the best hostel so far. The place is run by Grateful Mike. He hiked the trail in 1995 and just opened the hostel this year. I am realizing the difficulty I'm going to have walking away from home. So far, I've been walking closer and closer. Soon, I'm going to sleep in my bed for a couple days and then go hike. I will have to go further away from Jess and the comforts of being close to home. A lot of people have dropped off by now. Morale is really low because of the rainy month. I think the ones that hike into New Jersey will likely finish. I am looking forward to getting out of Virginia, and getting to the halfway point. Halfway is a huge victory. Well, it's very late. Goodnight.   Peace,DutchThe memories of an old man are the deeds of a man in his prime.
Date: 2003-06-21
From: Terrapin Station Hostel

To: Front Royal, Quality Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I slept straight through he night. Mike took Barking Spiders, Viking and I to town. I got my mail drop at the Post Office then off to Kmart. I spend about $15 on assorted bandages for my blisters. There was a Radio Shack and I got a $14 radio. My old one works but this one should be better. Not long after we got back, Jess came by and whisked me away. We got a nice room at the Quality Inn. She sat me down and told me I've been whining too much about the rain. She said she didn't marry a wimp and I knew it was going to rain sometimes. Complaining isn't going to make the rain stop, she pointed out. She is really pretty and smart so I'm going to listen to her. No more whining like Reason for me. We had a great time and were able to shuttle some hikers to and from the trail. I am so glad she was able to come down. We ate well got some good rest.Peace,DutchThe memories of an old man are the deeds of a man in his prime.
Date: 2003-06-22
From: Front Royal, Quality Inn

To: Manassas Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

Jess and I took our sweet time getting ready and then went out for a bite. She dropped me off at the trail and headed back home. I had clean bandages on clean feet in clean socks in clean shoes. A quarter mile into my day, I had to go through a mud bog that spoiled all of it. My shoes are waterproof until I go over my laces. Then my shoe acts like a funnel for mud. I pulled 3 ticks off my legs today. I got to a crowded shelter and ate some asparagus. I sent my stove home so I will be eating fresh fruit, vegetables, and sandwiches. It is all heavy but easier to prepare. Well, I'm beat. Goodnight.Peace,DutchThe memories of an old man are the deeds of a man in his prime.
Date: 2003-06-23
From: Manassas Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

I was the first one up, eating breakfast, and hiking out this morning. Nevertheless, everyone still passed me as the day went on. Just like yesterday, the sun is really shining. Everything is starting to dry out. Some places are still very muddy and streams are flooded. I got a little bee stuck in my shirt sleeve and it stung me 4 times before I got it out. My feet are still hurting and I switched to my Tevas at 4pm. As soon as I started hiking, I stabbed by big toe with my hiking pole. My poles are very sharp and I cut my poor toe pretty good. My feet are a total mess with blisters and cuts. Tomorrow I will clean them up well. Despite my 20-mile day, I still can't get to Harper's Ferry until the day after tomorrow. I'm really tired and going to hammock. Goodnight.Peace,DutchThe memories of an old man are the deeds of a man in his prime.
Date: 2003-06-24
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Keys Gap, WV
Miles today: 17.1

Another sunny day. The forecast has nothing but beautiful sun for as far the forecast predicts. Things just naturally go my way.....when it isn't raining for 6 weeks straight. Until I got to a shelter, I didn't see another thru-hiker. I think we are more spread out and a lot of hikers dropped out. I know the rain took its toll. I hear of a new casualty almost every day. I am now in West Virginia, which means I am done with Virginia. I am also past the 1,000 mile mark. Wow, that is two major milestones. In two days, I should be across West Virginia and Maryland and into Pennsylvania. I am trying hard to get to the halfway point by the 1st. I should be able to do it. The hiking lately as been tough and this area is called the rollercoaster. I was hoping for a real rollercoaster, but it was just more hills that went up and down. When I got to where I wanted to camp, I found out there was a bar 0.3 miles away. I got a cheeseburger and 2 beers. I was also able to call Jess. It is going to be a warm night with lows in the 70s. I'm beat, so goodnight. Peace,DutchThe memories of an old man are the deeds of a man in his prime.