morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-26
From: Troutdale, VA

To: Campsite
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

It's too damn hot, and we're told that there is probably no more cooler weather coming in. This will be a loooong summer!Today we walked through a cow pasture and got right up next to a baby calf laying in the shade. I wanted to pet the little guy but thought I might scare him away, so I only photographed his little black face. In that same pasture was an abandoned school bus that has been on the trail for years. I always wonder why things become abandoned and forgotten, it's fun to imagine the bus full of kids off to a school trip somewhere here in Southern Appalachia. We got in the bus and it was filled with all sorts of random weird things, like a stove and some furniture, beer bottles and an old mattress. It reminded me of Into The Wild a little, though I don't think a full on kitchen stove was in that bus. The gear shift still shifted and the steering wheel was still full of movement, so naturally I pretended to drive that rusty yellow beast. I crawled on top hoping I wouldn't fall through the rusted-out roof. Good news, I didn't. Got my picture taken and hopped down. Oh and I was the only fool who would climb up on top of the bus.Tomorrow we're headed out early so we can get to Partnership Shelter at lunch time. It is one of 2 shelters on the AT that get pizza delivery, freakin cool. Oh and it has a shower too, so I might take advantage just to say I showered in the woods. Good night!
Date: 2009-04-27
From: Campsite

To: Chatfield Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 13.8

Woke up with the sun and made a dash for Partnership Shelter for lunch. We ordered pizza and went over to the visitors center for a few hours to wait out the sun, only we started hiking in the heat of the day again. I have to say, pizza in the south is horrible, but today it was pretty decent. It was better than my easy cheese and crackers for sure. The shelter was really nice, probably the only one on the trail with a shower and running water. I have decided that if I can get myself up and ready on time, I need to start hiking at 7 am and get in a bunch of miles before noon. I turn to mush in the heat and become really irritable. So I will just take a long afternoon break, wait out the heat, and keep on. I hope it solves the heat problem. Otherwise, I will have to construct some kind of air conditioned bubble to hike in.Off to Atkins tomorrow for breakfast and mail drop retrieval.
Date: 2009-04-28
From: Chatfield Memorial Shelter

To: Reed Creek Campsite
Miles today: 10.7

Nice day on the trail. We started really early to get to Atkins for breakfast, and how sweet it was. It was an easy breezy 4.5 miles to town and the temps were still comfortable. The trail took us through some of Virginia's finest and greenest pastures and rolling hills. Virginia is a really purdy state, my favorite so far. I wonder what the next 400+ miles in this state have in store for us.I picked up my mail drop and then we sat around waiting out the heat to hike again. A lot of town food was consumed, and my favorite southern beverage, sweet tea. I can't get enough of it, I wonder how far north I can get it until? So we just kept sitting around some more on some benches until 5, then finally hiked the 7 miles to camp. It was nice to wait out the heat of the day and consume lots of junk before panting up a mountain. Lorraine, Patricia and Theresa-thank you all so much for sending such thoughtful items! The homemade cookies are all gone already (I shared, of course) and I gave out a few things I couldn't fit in my pack. Thanks for the early birthday card too!
Date: 2009-04-29
From: Reed Creek Campsite

To: Campsite on Chestnut Ridge
Miles today: 15.0

Looooooonnnng day. I woke up feeling crappy, so I packed up and left camp first since I wanted to walk slow and take my time. I had the first hour or so to myself so I got the job of clearing out the spider webs. The first person to walk the trail in the morning always clears the webs, yuk! Today's hike went through a cow pasture, I was a few feet from a heard of cows that seemed to be drunk by the sun. I felt that way too, but I had to keep hiking, all they had to do was continue eating grass and lay around. Rough life. So I took some glamour shots of the cows and kept moving. What's up with the abundance of stiles down here? They are really hard to climb with a pack on, someone should install moving floors to go up and over the barbed wires to make a hiker's life easier. We took a 2 hour lunch/nap break at the shelter, and boy did my body and soul need it. I am pooped by the afternoon and the sun has been zapping me of energy these last few hot days. Sometimes I wish I could levitate my way down the trail when the day is really hard. It would save me the expense of new shoes every few hundred miles, something to consider. Speaking of, it may be almost time for new kicks, these babies have over 500 miles on them and they are ripping at the seams now. Tonight I was just too tired to do anything after setting up my tent in the rain, so I cooked my dinner in my vestibule and refused to get out until the morning. I am also sleeping with my food in here; I hope the bears are lacking their sense of smell tonight. Perhaps they are hiding from the rain?I am beat down and tired, here's hoping to sleeping through the night. I haven't since leaving home.
Date: 2009-04-30
From: Campsite on Chestnut Ridge

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

60 days on the trail.I think my feet may fall off one of these days; they are hating me again. Today was a shorter day, about 11 miles, but it absolutely killed my tootsies. I limped and hobbled to the shelter, and I am so happy to be here with my feet up at the end of the day. I am offended by my stink and thought it was time for clean clothes, so I did my first load of camp laundry. A ziplock, Dr. Bronners soap, water and 2 hands to scrub and there ya go! I hope the clean scent hangs around at least a day. Normally it leaves once I start moving. It will be a few more days until I can shower and do real laundry, making it a whole week, the longest I have gone out here. I reek, yuk! After much thought and consideration, I have placed myself at a level 3 on the stink scale. I started out at 1 on Springer Mountain and quickly advanced; it's amazing that your body goes through stink stages. I kid you not. I hope to not advance past a 3, Rocket says she is a 3.5. The weather is only getting hotter. We are doomed.On guitar tonight is Early Bear, Nutmeg, and Aesop. There is a really nice jam going on, and live music is one of my favorite things. It makes me feel like I am at a summer concert sitting on the lawn of the arts center. It's the little things. We are hoping to go to a bluegrass concert this summer, as requested by Grommet. I hope we can find one.Here's to good foot health so I can get through the next few days...
Date: 2009-05-02
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Trent's Grocery
Miles today: 16.3

Happy 600 miles!An easy 16 miles to Trents, and my first shower in a week. It really lifts the spirits, being sweaty, salty, and smelly for a week sure can get ya down. Clothes have been washed and they smell luxurious, almost too nice to wear! I am clean and happy.Today was super easy, but rough on the feet. I really do not want to part ways with my shoes yet, but I think I may need a new pair. They are still in good shape for getting me through 600 miles, and I have an emotional connection to them, so we'll see. There needs to be some sort of remedy for my feet though.
Date: 2009-05-03
From: Trent's Grocery

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

Long day of rainy hiking and no views. I took yet another nasty fall on a slippery footbridge over a stream. I swear it was a joke and someone Crisco'ed it, it was unreal. I showed my best ice skating moves first before I fell and bashed my knee cap in, how graceful. That's how I roll!Tonight we got to the hostel too late for dinner, there were already the alotted amount of people signed up. We were so pissed, after hiking in the cold rain all day. All we wanted was a nice dinner that we heard so many wonderful things about. So we were handed frozen pizza while everyone else ate some gourmet meal. This is a really cool hostel, however, it is peak hiker season, nobody should be turned away. It hurt. So we are staying in Pearisburg tomorrow and plan on a really good dinner since we got the shaft tonight. I also pick up my summer gear there, can't wait to send home all this winter weight! More from Pearisburg...
Date: 2009-05-04
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

I inhale deeply, I exhale deeply. Clearing my lungs all day long is key to powering up and down mountains, hour after hour. Today, I don't have the lung capacity. My rib is painful and it feels like a pulled muscle. After consulting with Doc, who happens to be a paramedic, he thinks I may have separated the cartilage from my rib bone when I fell yesterday. It's not horribly painful, but made my day a little more uncomfortable. Oh well, Vitamin I to the rescue. We made our way into Pearisburg for the night and did the usual town chores. Linda, the owner of the motel took our smelly hiker clothes and washed them for us (they smell amazing, but not for much longer), then drove us to El Ranchero for dinner. What!? How kind of her, amazing. One Pint, Wind Up and Saint joined us for dinner, it was really nice to spend time with new friends out here. They have been hiking with Amy (Wags) since Georgia and we are FINALLY meeting her tomorrow for breakfast! We have been friends for a while but never actually met, the Diva's are excited!Rocket and I talked with Persistent tonight. We're super excited that she is going to pick us up and bring us to trail days. So, another trail friend we are going to soon meet after many months of emails and a few phone conversations. This trail is amazing and has brought so many wonderful people into my life I would have not otherwise met. Also, we are all kind of hurtin, so it's really nice to have something to look forward to. Until then...
Date: 2009-05-05
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter, VA
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: moderate rain

Happy Cinco de Mayo!We stopped short at the shelter since it was pouring, nobody wanted to pitch tents at a camp site further down the trail. The shelters have become my friend, I used to be so against staying in them, well until I packed down a tent in the rain. It sucks. Period. So we are all crammed in a 6 person shelter with at least 4 others, it's a tight squeeze! You get to know people really fast out here. Hiker time is different than real world time.So today we met Wags, too exciting! We all went to breakfast and Saint came along too. She is zeroing and will probably catch up in a week, and we made her promise to camp with us at least one night so we can hang out. I am looking forward to it for sure.I have only worn stretchy clothes with elastic waists for 2 months now, so no matter what, everything always fits. I finally got my kilt, which is really just a wrap skirt that snaps shut. Even though I have gained some muscle weight out here, the skirt that once was snug falls off. I had to rig up a belt to keep it on. This news makes a woman so happy! Men lose weight, and women's bodies sort of redistribute weight. It will be interesting to see what keeps happening to my body over the next few months.Off to sleep on another rainy night.
Date: 2009-05-06
From: Rice Field Shelter, VA

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

Rain rain go away! We passed some day hikers that said tomorrow will clear up, but I will believe it when I see it. Out of nowhere the weather has been cold, just in time for my light weight summer sleeping bag. Yay!Today was a an easy 16.5 and went by faster than usual. I fell asleep on lunch break at the shelter, it was a quick and much needed nap. An abnoxious snorer was next to me and kept me up all night, so I was really exhausted all day. I think if someone's snore could knock a house down, you should be banned from a shelter. Nobody slept. So we raced here to beat out the snorer and got shelter spots. I only don't feel bad because he kept everyone up last night. Rocket said he sounded like Chewbacca, I agree with that statement.I am really looking forward to getting off the trail for a few days. I think we all need a break, thankfully Trail Days is around the corner. And I definitely need to pick up new shoes at the outfitter there, mine feel like I am walking in paper bags, I feel everything under the balls of my feet and it is super painful. These babies have almost 700 miles on them, time for a retirement party.
Date: 2009-05-07
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: light rain

Ah, so we cut the day really short since we came across a really sweet camp spot as the rain cleared and the sun came out. It's been miserable weather, so we took advantage and had the late afternoon off. This means a really long day tomorrow, about 18ish miles, our longest so far. An early start and I think we will be fine.Today offered only one pretty view of the valley and a giant storm cloud on the horizon. Lately, there hasn't been much to look at. Virginia started out just as I had pictured it; rolling green pastures, cows, blue skies, rainbows and skittles. I hope to see that side of Virginia again, soon. Despite all the pain, hard work and bad weather, there is no other place I would rather be. I am happy that I can still keep pushing along, slowly but surely.
Date: 2009-05-08
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Longest. Day. Ever. We started hiking at 7 am, and got to the shelter at 7 pm. That is with 2.5 hours of breaks, but still, a really long day. Virginia was cruel today, there were 2 really steep climbs and some really rocky ridgelines that required some balancing acts. My skills proved well. Lunch was 1.5 hours long at the Keffer Oak. I think I called the gnarly tree at the GA/NC border the Keffer Oak, I was misinformed. The real deal is over 300 years old and is 18+ feet around, I bet a car could drive through it, it is absolutely enormous. Grommet tried to climb one of the limbs that hung low, but needed assistance. I agreed to let her step into my hands as I launch her upwards into the branches. It didn't go as planned, I launched her right into a huge sticker bush, oops! I never laughed so hard, sorry Groms! Rocket filmed the whole show down on my camera, perhaps it will be up for your viewing pleasure some day.I realized something today, by the time we leave the trail for Trail Days, it will be almost 4 weeks with no breaks and no neros. Man I can't wait for a 3 day break!Off for a long night of sleep, I hope. I haven't been sleeping well at all lately and I feel the effects during the day. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed.
Date: 2009-05-09
From: Niday Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Late start and a short day. I finally had a good nights sleep and didn't wake up until 7:15 am, latest I woke up in a long time! I was pretty excited to say the least, wahoo! There was one really long climb, 2 miles of up up up, and a few long switch backs. At the top there was a bench, finally something with a back on it. Whoever put that there is an amazing person. The little things make a hiker happy, so we ate lunch and enjoyed the sunshine, all while leaning back, ahhhhh.Tonight we got to hang with Wags, she caught up to us finally after zeroing in Pearisburg. It was nice to actually talk with her since breakfast was brief the other day. Totally cool, although I don't think we'll see her again for a long time, possibly many miles up the trail. Tomorrow we are hiking to an all you can eat restaurant (AYCE) for dinner, I can't freakin wait! It is going to rock my world, I'll be dreaming of the gluttony all night. Mmm...
Date: 2009-05-10
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba, VA
Miles today: 12.6

A day of toothiness, and Happy Mother's Day mom! Today we hiked over Dragon's Tooth on the most perfect day. The sun shined and the cool breeze swayed. All was right in the world of hiking, and we were on our way to an AYCE, such motivation. All you could see from the top of the tooth was green for miles and miles. We were all amped for the amazing day we were gifted. Coming down the tooth required some crafty manuevering over narrow foot ledges and rebar. It was a fun challenge, and a nice change of pace.We flew through the last 5 miles in 2 hours and started walking down the road towards the restaurant. I didn't feel like walking the mile, so I decided to stick my thumb up and hope for a ride. Well, Anette, an angry man-hater driving a convertible mustang gladly pulled over. It was the funniest experience of my life. This is a small snippet of how it went:Me: thank you so much for driving us, we're headed to the restaurant a mile awayAnette, throwing random things from the back seat into the trunk: Well I wouldn't have picked you up if you didn't stick out your thumb! I just ran away, I have a 30 year failed marriage and a boyfriend who was cheating, men effing suck. Motorcycles driving by, Anette fixing her shirt.Anette: let them look at my (insert vulgar word), that's what they want to see anywayUs: wowAnette, saying some other man hating lines: !@#$%^&*, #$%^, *^#!, I am going to the river to float (what that means I have no idea, I ask no questions, clearly she is pissed)Grommet talking to me as we are all completely smashed in this tiny car with our packs in our laps: Storm you smell soooo bad, get your arm pit out of my face. She's driving fast isn't she.Me: shut up she might hear, we're almost there!We pull up to the restaurant, there are at least 50 people outside waiting to be seated, all dressed nicely for Mother's Day except the other hikers, it was insanity. I haven't showered in almost a week and have mud all over my shirt and legs, we look homeless and everyone stares at us. Anette almost backs into another car and says "it's just an effing piece of metal on 4 wheels!" Wow, greatest hitch ever. I wish I had it on video, the play-by-play does no justice.The food was amazing and kept coming. I ate a few helpings of everything, we all ate ourselves silly, then relaxed on the front porch until it closed down. They let hikers stay on the back lawn, so we waited until everyone was gone and pitched our tents. With us is Billyhoot, Nutmeg, Little Dipper and Early Bear, and Georgia the dog. We sat on the porch singing songs as Nutmeg and Early Bear took turns on guitar. A perfect ending to a perfect day. I only wish I got to see my mom for Mothers Day.Off for another night in tent land.
Date: 2009-05-11
From: Catawba, VA

To: Zero Day in Catawba, VA
Miles today: 0.0

The weather decided on a zero for us. So, we moved from the lawn of the Home Place to the inside of a deli and had breakfast. Most ridiculous zero ever. The deli had a game room in the back for hikers to hang out in, so we spent some time in there waiting out the rain. There were bench pressing contests, arm wrestling contests, and foosball matches. Early Bear was feeling strong and even bench pressed me a few times. We are classy bunch out here. More tomorrow when my day is more productive.
Date: 2009-05-12
From: Zero Day in Catawba, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: scattered clouds

700 miles down, 1/3 done with this beast!We had our biggest day, 19.5 miles. Another great day, we passed Mcaffee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. I had my picture taken at the famous spot on the knob, legs dangling off the edge and all. That was the one thing I was asked not to do by my mom, oops, sorry mom! It is not as high or scary as it looks in pictures, but completely amazing. I think it is one of my favorite places on the trail. Onward to Daleville, where the Cracker Barrell was waiting for our assault. We cleaned up shop! I had a huge spread of chicken and dumplings, carrots, mashed potatoes, biscuits, corn bread, and of course, dessert. No meal is complete without a tasty treat, at least while I can afford a bazillion calories. It was delightful, we rolled out of there with full bellies and on to our cozy hotel room for the first shower in a week and a bed. Done and done. Next!
Date: 2009-05-13
From: Daleville, VA

To: Zero Day in Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Yup, another zero. However, since we need to be at a certain point on Friday where Persistent is picking us up, we are doing another 20 miler to make up the miles. So, we are not behind, just having fun and taking breaks.It was a productive day of TV watching. We never really rest on a zero, but finally we gave our bodies ample horizontal time. I forgot how horrible daytime TV is, but it passed the time in a comfortable way. Rocket iced her foot all day in bed and Grommet and I went to get us all lunch, so we did get a little walking in and burned a few calories. See, productive! Time to be productive in dream land.
Date: 2009-05-14
From: Daleville, Va

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I forgot to mention that I was physically abused by a twizzler yesterday. Thanks, Rocket. And green apple IS the worst twizzler flavor ever!I thought a lazy day would have been good for my feet. No such luck. They did not do me well, but tomorrow is the last day I have to hike in my current shoes. Plus they smell awful and make my socks stink; it's time. Bye smelly shoes!Today we got to walk along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs along the trail on and off for 100 miles. It was such a nice clear day, so we could see the mountains for miles from the parkway; it was georgous. I hope tomorrow is just as nice.We're completely excited. Tomorrow we hike a short 10 miles and get picked up by Persistent for Trail Days! It's going to be such a fun off-trail weekend, and I am happy to go back to Damascus again, my favorite trail town so far. More tomorrow.
Date: 2009-05-15
From: Daleville, VA

To: Hiking Update
Miles today: 0.0

: Initially, I did not receive Journal entries for 15-16 May. However, the entries -- sent via a portable email device called PocketMail -- sometimes get lost in transmission. I sent Patrice a note to inquire and she sent them with a later batch. I have since posted those entries. However, I took the opportunity (while awaiting the missing entries) to post a link to Patrice's terrific pictures -- all 477 of them! -- from the current batch received in early May on Shutterfly at: Patrice PicturesIn coming days, I'll continue to upload selected photographs to this site from that batch, but the one-per-day limit here will mean that I'll have to be selective. Patrice also sent some very nice video clips, all quite brief, which I've posted on YouTube for your viewing pleasure. Here are links to the most recent uploads:Max Patch -- Patrice Talking about Hardest Day YetMax Patch -- Rocket in Tent Talking about Being SickIn High Winds on Rocky Top -- Egg Afraid that She'll Blow OverGrommet Singing on Rocky Top as Rocket Curses the 40 mph WindsView of the Bald with Mention of Fire TowerView from Deck at Wesser TowerSinging in Amber's CarDescending a Trail and NOT Hoping Someone FallsDescending a Trail and Singing 'Get Your Act Together'Feeding Ducks in GatlinburgPlaying Miniature Golf in GatlinburgView of Charlie's Bunion and the Smoky MountainsGrommet Holding a Vol (small animal)Patrice and Grommet in Snow on Big BaldSnacking and Joking about 'Boogies'Waterfall and Stream (brief clip)Rescuing Bag Caught in TreeHauling Food Bags Up into TreesEgg Displaying her Awesome Dance Moves at DotsMore Dancing at DotsGrommet Feeding Apples to a Pony