morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-20
From: Walker Gap, VA

To: US 52
Miles today: 20.2

Actual miles hiked were 19.8. We had to take the High Water Trail to bypass the crossing Little Wolf Creek, which cut .4 miles off our hike. Un fortunately, the bypass trail took me back to the AT right before another creek crossing ¢ Laurel Creek. Well, the bridge that had been there was, like, gone. There were remnants of a bridge, but nothing to crossover. I had to ford the river and almost bit the dust twice.It rained all night. When I woke up, it was still raining and I could tell my leg was still hurting. I didn't want to start hiking and wind up stuck somewhere cold and wet. I took my time packing up and eating breakfast inside my tent. When I didn't hear rain for a while, I got out and packed up the tent. The leg was well massaged and the pressure strap I had for my right leg was moved to the left. I'd done all I could do.I started hiking and felt some twinges. I thought I might have to stop early, but I babied it and eventually I felt OK. I actually made it the whole 20 miles to Bland.   It started hurting again right at the end of the day. We'll see what happens tomorrow. We got a ride into town from a nice guy, Danny Smith. His wife runs the hotel. He's a 70 year old Vietnam Vet and musician and says he's credited with being he first to convert classical music to rock back in the late 50's/early 60's. (Flight of the Bumble Bee and Nutcracker).
Date: 2006-05-21
From: US 52

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Left leg still hurts some, but doesn't seem to be getting worse as I hike, so I'm moving on. Hoping to get to Pearisburg and see how I feel ¢ maybe take a zero and rest ¢ and see both the American Idol competition AND the final episode. Go Taylor!
Date: 2006-05-22
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: South of Ribble Trail on Sugar Run Mt.
Miles today: 18.1

Both legs are doing OK today. Though there were a couple of climbs today, I think the terrain has been the flattest I've seen sp far ¢ and Flat Rocks. I took the side trail to Dismal Creek Falls and was glad I did. I had a fun time ?playing? around there ¢ crossed to the other side of the creek, soaked my legs while I ate a snack and splashed some cold water on my face.I should be in Pearisburg tomorrow where I can go to the Dairy Queen and try out 2 more things I saw but didn't get a chance to try in Bland ¢ a Brownie Batter Blizzard and a Butterscotch milkshake.My guide book just mentions the DQ and a bunch of pizza joints in P-Burg. I hope I can find a real meal.
Date: 2006-05-23
From: South of Ribble Trail on Sugar Run Mt.

To: Lane Street, Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

Made it to P-Burg for my mail drop and resupply. I had a nice surprise waiting for me at the post office ¢ the folks from work sent me a nice care package with notes from everyone. It made my day and gave me a few laughs. The guide book mentions Dairy Queen and a bunch of pizza joints. I found a fine dining restaurant. What it's doing here, I have no idea, but I had a fantastic salad with seared tuna. I brought the homemade pineapple upside-down cake with homemade coconut ice cream back to my room to watch Taylor Hicks rock the hizzouse on American Idol (though I must give the utmost props to Kat on ?Somewhere?).Long stretch to the next town. Not sure whether I'll take tomorrow off ¢ have to see how the legs are doing. My knee is bothering me, abut I couldn't wear my brace because it gave me a rash. I bought a new one ¢ we'll see how it goes
Date: 2006-05-25
From: Lane Street, Pearisburg, VA

To: North of Groundhog Trail, VA
Miles today: 13.1

Miles are approximate.Finally got out of town and back on the trail. It was a hard climb out of Pearisburg. Rain was predicted, but instead I got hot sun - which is still better (so far - until it gets really hot). My pack was really heavy with 5 days worth of food. I'm trying to eat down some weight quickly! Unfortunately, I won't make it to the famous Homeplace Restaurant in Catawba in time. They are only open Thursday through Sunday. Apparently, it's family-style all-you-can-eat, and quite the treat for hungry hikers. Oh well, I atte enough in Pearisburg.
Date: 2006-05-26
From: North of Groundhog Trail, VA

To: North of VA 632
Miles today: 20.4

Rained last night but most of today was nice, until late this afternoon when the skies opened up. Everything is soaked, and the air is too humid for it to dry out by morning. Had to ford another river (Stony Creek) whose bridge went out in 2004 from Hurricane Jeanne. Met a nice guy, Tafka, and had a great conversation about why the heck we are out here and whether we should do the whole thing. We have no answers yet.
Date: 2006-05-27
From: North of VA 632

To: North of VA 621
Miles today: 18.0

Miles are approximate.Today was interesting. Because it was relatively warm, putting on wet clothes this morning wasn't as bad as it has been in the past. Despite this, I spent much of the day thinking about what my last journal entry would say if I left the trail. I have come to peace with the idea. I am no longer depressed about the idea of not wanting it anymore. I even stuck my thumb out at the road at the end of the day - ready to go to a hotel and sleep on it, knowing I could come back out in the morning if I wanted to. Nobody picked me up, and I had to get into the woods to set up camp. Basically, I've got to do 14 miles tomorrow to get to some kind of civilization. At that point, I decide... Oh, and it looks like I should make it to the Homeplace Restaurant in time - partly because I did a lot of milesyesterday and today, and partly because it turns out you can get there from about 5 miles earlier in the trail than I thought. I will reflect over all you can eat.
Date: 2006-05-28
From: North of VA 621

To: VA 620, Trout Creek
Miles today: 7.3

Had a great day today. Climbed over one mountain. I had one more - big one - to go before I could to the Homeplace Restaurant. I got water in Trout Creek, and wondered whether I should just try to hitch a ride to the restaurant. I I knew my plan was to not hike another day - I could feel it. I decided I would just need to bear the uphill for another hour or so, and in a few hours I would be done. I started up the hill toward Dragon's Tooth - hoping the view would be as spectacular as they say it is. After about 15 minutes, with the sun beating down on me, sweat pouring down my face, I looked ahead at the hill in front of me and said out loud, "Fuck this." I turned around, hiked back down to the road, and started walking around the mountain. After almost an hour, I caught a ride to the restaurant.The place was packed with dozens of people -hikers and Sunday chrchgoers, waiting on the patio and lawn. I joined some of them, and put my name down for the hour and a half wait. When Outlaw and her crew were called, the 3 were sat at a 5-top, so they invited Singlemalt and I to join them. We had a lot of fun stuffing our faces with the southern cookin' served family-style. I told them I was leaving the trail and felt good, but that last night, I got bummed when I saw the rock I had picked up at Spring Mt. to bring to Katahdin. Good Time Charlie said he was bummed he didn't pick one up, and offered to take mine with him. I had 2 anyway, so I gave hime one. I think it is so cool my rock has been passed on to someone that didn't have one.While in food comas back on the lawn, a woman drove up to say something to one of the hikers. I asked if she was going to Roanoke, and she said to get in. She was giving some section hikers a ride back to their car in Daleville. When we got there, Lucky Dime and Sue were sitting there, and she picked them up as well. She dropped me off at the Roanoke airport so I could rent a car, and took the others back to Catawba. She wouldn't take a dime from me. Francis was her name, and she was a true Trail Angel.I got a car and checked in to a hotel. Slow Up and Toppish are flying in next weekend to join us, so I'm going to stick around here, do some trail magic, maybe see some sights, then bounce up to the Shenandoahs so the 4 of us can hike where it's flatter, and I'll get to see that area finally. After that, I'm going home, and I'm glad. I know I have made the right decision, and that's what's important. More to follow on my decision and how I feel...
Date: 2006-05-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Brought some trail magic to Salt Log Gap, and had a great day talking to hikers coming through. Late in the afternoon, I jumped out of the grass to surprise Little Wing as she walked out from the trail. A fellow hiker tood a picture of the reunion. It was so cool my plan worked!I gave Bama and Little Wing a ride back to Roanoke to clean up and get a good meal and a real bed. Tomorrow, I'll take them back and hang out a while to see if I can get rid of the rest of this food and drink.
Date: 2006-05-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Took Bama and Little Wing back to The Trail, and hung around for the day doing more Trail Magic. Old Drum showed up in the afternoon, and I gave him a ride to the B&B he was scheduled to stay at. Met some nice hikers and got rid of some more food and drink. I've got a ton more drinks to get rid of...
Date: 2006-05-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Went to Luray Caverns. I was fascinated with caves when I was a kid, and I finally got to see a cavern with spectacular stlactites and stalagmites, and heard the "stalacpipe" organ. Then I walked throught the Graden Maze - I've wanted to be in something like that since I saw The Shining.Driving toward Dkyline Drive, I picked up a hiker hitching back to The Trail. I brought him back and got rid of some more food and drink as more hikers came through.They wanted 15 bucks to drive on Skyline Drive. I figured I'd be walking the area soon, so I turned around. We'll probably drive it nextt week to back from the end of our hike.
Date: 2006-06-04
From: Rockfish Gap, VA

To: North of Wildcat Ridge Trail
Miles today: 14.7

Miles are approximate.Bid day for Slow UP! Ran into Bama, LW & T as they were backslacking, and we all had lunch together. The Shennies are definitely better graded than other parts of the trail, but not enough to make me want to do this for 4 more months. I'm looking forward to getting home soon, but am enjoying my last moments on The Trail. I will really miss this place.
Date: 2006-06-05
From: North of Wildcat Ridge Trail

To: Skyline Drive MilePost 82.2
Miles today: 9.6

Slow Up hiked today with his back getting worse and worse, and I did something to my ankle that didn't feel like it was a good thing. We decided it would be best to go ahead and get off now. After 700 miles, I have officially ended my hike, and am looking forward to gett back home!
Date: 2006-06-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today we drove Bama, Toppish and Little Wing back to The Trail, and littlw Wing and I said our final goodbyes as I prepare to go home, and she heads North toward Katahdin.Just as we let them out, we ran into Old Drum. We had a nice conversation with him. I met Old Drum on March 20, back at the Lodge at Amicalola Falls, and we spent our first night on The Trail together in a Shelter. It was fitting that he be the last hiker I see as I leave The Trail. I wish him, Little Wing, and all the other folks I met along the way the best of luck as they hike their hikes.
Date: 2006-04-05
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

For those of you who do not know, I did not complete my thru hike last year. After completing 1597 miles, I had to get off in Bennington, VT due to a knee injury. It came as a devestating blow, but it was the right thing to do to prevent further injury. A lot has been going on since I've been back in civilization. I will be done with community college in three weeks with a business degree. I will be starting FSU in the fall to get my bachelors in Accounting. But before I do that, I will be going back to pick up the 578 miles that I didn't do last summer. My knees are doing 100% better, so I am really looking forward to this summer. My partner, Stick, is going to do a southbound, so we'll be walking together, and he'll keep going when it is time for me to get off and go back to school.Now I know my other journal isn't all the way up to date, but I am in the process of getting all of the entries up. It is hard since I am so busy with school and work. But hopefully I will have it all up by the time I start in June.
Date: 2006-04-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I believe there needs to be three entries up before this will show up, so I will use this one to address my gear issue. Last year, when I started out, my pack weighed a whopping 55 pounds. Looking back, I can't help but laugh at some of my gear choices. But as the miles past, I really learned a lot about reducing my pack weight. A few weeks ago, Stick and I did a weekend hike from Springer to Neels Gap. I carried all of my winter gear. With food and water, my pack weighed in at a mere 28 pounds. I have made a few changes, and a few more to come before this summer. Some of this things include:Ditched the water filter, and am using aqua mira.Got rid of the 4 pound rain pants and got Marmot precips, although I will probably be leaving them at home totally.Will be investing in a lighter sleeping bag. Will not be bringing a first aid kit big enough to perform surgery; just some moleskin and ibeprofen.Leaving the knife big enough to skin a rabbit at home, just a pen knife will suffice. Purchased a thermawrap jacket (10 ounces) instead of my "parka".That's all I can think of right now, but if I think of anymore, I'll be sure to put them up.
Date: 2006-04-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've got my approval for my leave from work, my bus ticket is bought, and I will be riding down to Ft. Lauderdale on June 17th to meet Stick. He bought our plane tickets last week for Portland. There, our good friend Humpty will pick us up and take us to the trail.I made what I hope to be my last gear purchase for this trip the other day. I bought a 3/4 length thermarest to replace my old one. The new one only weighs 13 ounces, and compared to my other one at over 2 pounds, this will be a nice change. Now all that is left to do is finish school and wait. And wait. And wait some more. I'm getting very itchy to get back out there. I miss it so much. I never thought I would while I was out there, but I do. They say your worst day on the trail is better than your best day at work. That is the truth. I can hardly contain myself, just at the thought of lacing up the boots, shouldering my pack and once again following that all so familiar white blaze. All in good time.
Date: 2006-06-09
To: Almost Ready
Miles today: 0.0

It's been awhile since I'v posted so I'll go ahead and get you guys up to speed. I'm all done with work, have been accepted to FSU and am leaving for Maine next Friday. Not too much has been going on lately, besides not being able to contain my excitement for leaving for Maine. I went up to Trail Days back in May with Stick, Spoonie, and Sci Fi. That was a great time. I brought my dad's old canvas tent, which is older than I am. Probably not the best idea in the world. I came to realize this about 3am Saturday morning when it was pouring down rain, and I woke up laying in 2 inches of water! Me being the hardcore hiker I am, just wiped off my thermarest and went back to sleep. While I was up in Damascus, I bought a tarptent for this hike. The thing weighs only 23 ounces, which brings my base weight down to right around 17 pounds total. A major improvement from last year. Only about 35 pounds lighter!!I just got done at the dentist. Going there is my least favorite thing in the enitre world. I would rather wait in line at the DMV for several hours than go to the dentist, even for just a checkup. But since my diet is going to consist mainly of Snicker bars for the next two months, it is a necessary precaution. Well, I'm off to Louisiana tomorrow to visit the grandparents for a few days before coming back, packing the pack and cathcing the bus to Ft. Lauderdale to meet Stick. We'll be homeless for a day, since our plane doesn't leave until Sunday morning. Next update will be from the trail.
Date: 2006-06-19
From: Mount Katahdin

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a very rough day, wven with the adrenaline rush of climbing "Big K". It was about ten times harder than I had imagined. Humpty woke us up around 4:45, when it was getting light. We saw moose in the river, which was really awesome. We packed up quick, and were off to Baxter State Park. We had a little confusion with the reservations, but we got it worked out. The weather wasn't looking too promising at all. It was very cloudy and we were kind of hesitant to start up the mountain. But after a little bit of debate, we decided to give it a go. We grabbed our poles, got day packs from the ranger's station, said goodbye to Humpty until Monson, and headed up the mountain around eight. The first mile and a half was not bad at all. We stopped briefly at Katahdin stream to fill up on water. I had only two liters for the 8.2 mile roundtrip up and back down, since there are no realiable sources from there on. I would soon find out that this was nowhere near enough. About a mile after the stream is where it got hard. Harder than I would have ever guessed. We met three people that turned around right above the treeline because it was too hard. I soon found out why. Once above treeline, visiblity wasn't spectacular, but good enough to see 20-25 miles. There was a lake of clouds, but it didn't last long. The trail was so steep in some places, they had driven rebar in the rock to help heave yourself over boulders. It was hand-over-hand climbing for 2 miles just about, and took us nearly 2 hours. It flatened out into the tablelands, but was still very rocky and slow going. The sun was beating down unrelenting, and was frying my freshly shaven head!! We made it to the summit around one. We took a few pictures, ate a quick lunch and headed back down. At the top, I had about half a liter of water for the 4 hour hike down. It was miserable. By the time we reached the stream, I was burned, aching and dehydrated. I sat there and drank two liters without even treating it I was so thirsty. After almost ten hours, we reached the campground, got checked in. We have a shelter right next to the stream. I washed all my clothes in the stream because of the salt buildup and drank another 3 liters of water with dinner. I am feeling much better. I didn't enjoy Katahdin as much as I had hoped. It really put me off on the wrong foot for this hike. Hopefully things will get better tomorrow. Even though we are carry nine days of food, it will be easy terrian for a few days.
Date: 2006-06-20
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Abol Pines Shelter; Abol Bridge
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: few clouds

We decided to sleep in, since we were still suffering from yesterday's beating. I ate breakfast and drank another 2 liters of water before we left to combat the dehydration. My clothes were still pretty damp from yesterday. The bugs were absolutely horrible today. I had to apply deet four or five times. It was pretty hot, but we stopped and went swimming in one of the creeks. It had a nice big rock so I washed my clothes again and laid them out to dry while we were swimming. Although it is mid June, it was ICE COLD. That's Maine for you. There were several tricky stream crossings, but I managed to stay on my feet. The trail was pretty flat, but there were plenty of roots to make it interesting. About half a mile before Abol Bridge, it started raining, just enough to get us soaked before getting to the shelter. We went into the campstore and bought a sub, pop, and chips for lunch. We were getting ready to leave, but the sky was still looking really nasty, so we decided to call it an early day and stay the night. It ended up being a good call as it rained on and off through the afternoon. I bought a bug net for my head because the bugs are probably going to be a real problem. The bugs were worse today than they were at all last year. Lucky, a section hiker from Michigan came in a little later that evening. He started in Pennslyvania and is just finishing up. We decided to brave the bugs and sleep in the shelter, but by 8:30, they got the best of us and we pitched our tents.
Date: 2006-06-21
From: Abol Pines Shelter; Abol Bridge

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Since it gets light so early, Stick and I were up around 4:30. Despite how chilly it was, the bugs were still out on the prowl. Stick left about 5:30 and I did about half an hour after him. I crossed over the bridge, and had a great view of Katahdin. I stopped at the infamous "100 Mile Wilderness" sign for a picture and plunged right in. There is no resupply for 100 miles south to Monson. The trail just crosses a few dirt logging roads, but that's about it. The bugs are merciless. I was glad that I bought the net, it saved me. I made it to the shelter around 7:30, and discovered that it was a good call staying back yesterday. The shelter was full, the bugs were bad, and tenting sites were non-exsistant. I finally caught up to Stick around Rainbow Ledges, where we took a break for as long as we could stand the bugs. The bugs are manageable as long as you keep moving. There was only one big up today, which I managed to survive alright. I'm still in decent shape from last year. The tree cover was very thick today, which kept it fairly cool for a while. When it did get hot, I knocked the water off the trees to cool me. The trail was a muddy mess, with plenty of rocks and roots to go with it. We followed Rainbow Lake for about 7 miles, most of the day. We stopped at noon at a campsite for an extended lunch. It had a clear cold spring so I drank up. A very muddy 4 miles later, we were greeted with a tricky stream crossing, which I managed just fine. Here tonight with us are EasyRider, Floater, Stretch, who are all doing Southbound hikes. Around dark BonePac came in, the first official Northbounder for the year. He did 38 miles today, insane!! We are tenting again because of the bugs. I think that is going to be the norm. Also, almost swallowed a bug today. Dad always said a I'd eat a fly if I kept my mouth open!!!
Date: 2006-06-22
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Nahmakanta Stream Campsite
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It was pretty chilly this morning again. I guess that is going to be the norm. We were up at six, and Bone Pac was already gone. I guess he is really set on being first. The trail was pretty plesant this morning aside from the bugs. The climb up Nesuntabunt was pretty tough, the first tough climb of the trail (Besides Katahdin of course). At the top we took a break for pictures but didn't stop long on account of the bugs. I think that this is going to be a problem. We get tired since we don't take many breaks since the bugs tear us up. Down at Wadleigh Stream Shelter, we took a long break and just put up with the bugs. Stretch came by while we were stopped. He is soon going to leave us in the dust, he is in really good shape. After lunch, the day went downhill (not literally) The bugs got worse, and the trail go rootier, rockier and muddier. The rain also threatened for several hours but held off. There were a couple of stretches that went right along the beach of the lake, which was nice. The last mile or two followed a stream. We found a clearing that kind of looked like the campsite, so we crashed there for the night. We washed our clothes and went swimming/bathing. We made a fire to keep the bugs away, which didn't really work, so we ate supper in our tents. Three guys that we met on Katahdin are also camping here tonight. I have yet to learn their names.