morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-27
From: Catawba General Store

To: Daleville Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We got picked up by the shuttle service as planned and were dropped off at the Trail Head. I was still a bit worried about another 20 mile day, but it was made easier with the lighter pack. The first spot was Macafee Knob, which is probably the second most photographed spot on the Trail. The usual pose is for hikers to sit on the rock and dangle their feet off the edge, about 100' up in the air. Susan has seen these pictures and made me promise not to do that. It was an easy promise to make as I am afraid of heights. The neat part was that Macafee Knob is the 700 mile point on the Trail. 700 miles..I was amazed I had hiked that far. Felt so great to have completed nearly a third of the Trail.We continued hiking and came to Tinker Cliffs; they were totally awesome and in my opinion were a better sight than Macafee.Our hike that day ended in Daleville. Sunshine was due to head back home tomorrow so Tima nd I treated her to a great Mexican dinner. We were picked up by the shuttle and spent the night at the hostel.
Date: 2008-04-29
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: broken clouds

For what ever reason, I let Tim talk me into another long day. My committment was that I would try. I got out before him and just focused on "one foot in front of the other". The irony was that I started before him, could not figure out how far away I was from the shelter, and when I arrived at the shelter almost kept walking because it only took me 8 hours to get there. I am not supposed to be hiking this far or this fast. It certainly gave me confidence that I can finish this Trail.
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marbel Spring Campsite
Miles today: 17.0

Up and out early to get to Marble Spring Campsite..about 17 miles. The weathe rthis week has been a bit cooler than normal so it helps to keep moving. The sky is clear, green seems to be the color, and the noise level from birds is increasing. All that made the hike a bit easier, but I could feel the sluggishness in my legs. A noon nap on a warm boulder in the sun gave me some extra energy. I got into camp around 5 and was followed by Tim and the 4 sisters.A fire that eveing, along with several visits by deer to the camp and great weather made a great hiking day.
Date: 2008-05-01
From: Marbel Spring Campsite

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We, the Four Sisters, Memphis Tim, Time Traveler,Budge, Pocket Change,and I, decided to hitch into Glasgow for town food, blog updating, and supplies for a hot dog roast as well as taking a "nero" or short day. I'm still surprised to think 10 miles is a short day.The hike into town went quickly, expecialy since the weather was nice and cool. Crossing the James River was a great experience; the bridge is the longest pedestrian bridge on the AT.So we get our errands done and hang out for a while; our shuttle driver showed up, which meant hot dogs and beer (for the adults). Nice chnage from Ramen and tuna.We're in camp, Piper has the fire going and in come a few more hikers: Antwon and Allison, 2 sobos, followed by the legendary The General. Like the others, these are good people to be around and all trying to do the same..challenge our physical and mental capabilities by hiking on a path that has a variety of booby traps like rocks, roots, leaves that hide those rocks and roots, while carrying a (often times too heavy ) back pack , constantly looking for those white blazes, trying not to think too much about food, and remembering to stay hydrated. Talk about multi-tasking!The General, like many hikers, is a on a return trip. In his private life, he works for the British version of Blackstone. He seems to be the stereo typical Brit..very socialable, polite, and easy to be around.Though it was a short day, the fatigue of many days and miles on the trail was starting to build. A day of two off was needed. Tim suggested trying to the Dutch Hostel in 2 days, which meant about 40 miles.
Date: 2008-05-02
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Tim and I took off heading for the shelter, about 19 miles away. The weather was very good for hiking, about 70, clear skies and a mild breeze. That helped as the initial climb was pretty tough, about 3000 feet, however great views were to be had. I sw the FAA radar tower, also called the National Volleyball Hall of Fame ( see picture). Big Rocky Row had spectacular views.I hiked on my own most of the day, which worked out well. Still not quite in stride, I took several breaks and was very glad I did. At one point, I found the perfect napping boulder..in the sun and I stretched out for the noon time power nap. That provided some good rest and I continue on. The Lynchburg resevoir came into view which meant the shelter was within 3-5 miles. That also meant hiking along side the creek, which was beckoning me like the Statue of Liberty..¢give me your poor tires, sweaty, grimy body and I will wash it off¢ ..a little poetic licence. So I dropped my pack, removed boots, and sox and hopped in. One of those ¢AHHH¢ moments. One could say I polluted the creek with the sweat, salt and grime that came off of me. I also know my body temp dropped by several degrees and I was quite invigorated. The best part was that I got into camp pretty cooled off and clean. So I had one more day of hiking before getting to a day or two off.
Date: 2008-05-03
From: Brown Mountain Shelter

To: Dutch Haus
Miles today: 18.0

The initial 3000' climb was just plain old tough. While it wasn¢t as tough as Roan or the I40 mountain, I was challenged quite a bit mentally more so than physically. Staying focused on one foot in front of the other was very difficult and my mind continued to wander. When that happens doubt starts to creep in and questions of why I am doing this (hiking the Trail) and/or how I think I can do this and/or how much I enjoy sitting on our patio in the spring in Glen Ellyn and the doubts really start to build. All that is a sign of either human or my own nature of getting negative thoughts which is very counter productive. I remember reading about the mental challenge of doing the trail. This was one of those moments.I worked on refocusing my thoughts on listening to the various sounds around, like the many different birds calling one another or the crunch of the leaves as I put one foot in front of the other, or of the wind whistling through the pine trees. Yet my thoughts continued to go back to negative ones. I knew this was mostly a result of my growing fatigue. I had not had a day off in nearly 2 weeks. There were no significant physical issues, just this growing fatigue and feeling like I was running on empty. I also knew by the day¢s end I would be in a bed and have a home cooked meal.Continuing on, I came to a gap and decided to take a break. As a stretched out in the shade. It hit me..I was on Cold Mountain. That meant I was at 800.2 miles. I had hiked 100 miles in less than a week. No wonder I was tired and worn out; the irony was that my energy level just shot up. How in the world had I managed to hit 800 miles so far. I was just at 700 last week. But I had that little charge I needed.The importance of taking time off became very clear. My body needed to just stop and take a break and more than a 20' break. At the same time, the temp seemed to drop, a stronger breeze started and I had that little extra burst I needed to get to the Dutch Haus. When I got to Fish Hatchery, I could not get phone reception. It didn¢t seem to matter; I actually added another 2 miles (bringing my daily to 20+) as I hiked to the general store where Earl (from the Dutch Haus) picked me up.Tim arrived followed by the 4 Sisters an hour later. Lois, Earl¢s wife, cooked a great chicken dinner followed by brownies and ice cream to celebrate Grace¢s birthday (one of the 4 Sisters).A great end to a physically and mentally up and down day.
Date: 2008-05-04
From: Dutch Haus

To: Dutch Haus
Miles today: 0.0

This is what I needed..a day off. Tim, along with the 4 Sisters decided to slack pack 20 miles. It did sound a bit inviting, but after about 3 seconds of consideration,I opted to stay put at the hostel. The weather was just great and I was able to catch up on rest and relaxation.About midafternoon, Ishmael showed; he is a high school grad looking to do the AT before going to college in the fall. I asked about his trail name and he said he preferred it to Harry Potter. It dawned on me that he looks just like Harry. He and I headed down to the store where for the first time I ate a quart of ice cream in one setting, some thing a lot of hikers do. Pretty much just like some non-hikers pick up a sweet roll in the morning, hikers will scarf down a quart of ice cream in a setting. For some it is training for the half gallon challenge held somewhere in Pa. For others (like me), it is just fun to eat that much ice creamat once. This food obsession is constant. I guess if it weren't, it wouldn't be an obsession.Two more hikers showed up..Snake and Whitefish. They were the guys I saw when I got off the Trail at Catawba; they felt bad that they couldn't give me a ride, but I remember the ice cold Coke they gave me.After dinner, some of us put a movie in..Matrix. Then it was to bed for another day of hiking.
Date: 2008-05-05
From: Dutch Haus

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

I was up early and all packed to go to the store prior to hiking. There were several "domestic" taks to be done, and I opted to use the pay phone at the store. I got on the Trail around 11:00 and took a while to find my stride, but just kept going. Snake and Whitefish left a couple of hours before me so I didn't expect to see them again. But I forgot about Trail Magic.As I left the woods to cross the road, I came into a parking lot where somebody yelled out "Willie boy". It was Snake at the opposite end. He and Whitefish were in folding chairs, drinking beers and eating hot dogs, courtesy of Bloody Nose, a thru hiker from 2007 who along with his girlfirend were providing trail magic. It looked like a picnic in a parking lot..a grill going, hot dogs, fixings, chips, salads, beer, gatorade, candy bars. "It don't get no better than this!" Hikers will always take free food. I had 3 hot dogs, a beer, 2 gatorades, and 2 candy bars. I had eaten lunch just an hour ago, so I wasn't too hungry.This is a great example of Trail Magic. Last year somebody had done the same,, so Bloody Nose was just returning the favor, all on his own tab. He refused to take any money for this picnic. Of course Snake and Whitefish had been there for quite while and were planning on going another 15 miles.I headed out to hte shelter and got there abotu an hour later and was followed by Snake and Whitefish, who admitted they didn't have the engergy to go further; they were too busy processing food. Just another great day.
Date: 2008-05-06
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolf Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: broken clouds

So I am and off around 8, thinking I would probably head to the next shelter (6 miles) or go alittle furhter and tent camp. In the back of my mind I wondered about going to Wolf Shelter, but I had never gone that far.For whatever reason, I was in the "zone" and just kept hiking. I pulled into the Wolf Shelter around knowing I had a new PB. While I was a little tired, there were no big aches or pains and it felt good knowing I had been able to go that far.So I am feeling pretty heady. There have been many times in my life when I have accomplished something like this and felt pretty heady. That should have been the warning right there, but I wasn't astute enough to realize it. I would pay for my "headiness".After meeting the some new section hikers, hwo were impressed with my day, I ate dinner, stretched, then hit hte sack, just before dark.Half asleep in my sleeping bag, I remembered I needed to brush my teeth. The half awake aprt of me got to the edge of the shelter platform, then the half asslpe side took over; I remeber placing my foot on the small boulder, the next sensation is falling down. The fall seemed to be both instant and in slow motion. The instant part was that I went from one foot on the boulder to laying on ground wondering what happened. The slow motion part was feeling my self fall, waiting for my head to hit the boulder, completly convinced I would sustain a hike-ending injury. After I stppped rolling, I just lay still terrified. Then I started that scary process of wondering what I had broken. Literally wiggling my toes very slowy, then my fingers, then arms, legs, sittingup seeing if I had any blood on my head. My leg was pretty sore as were my ankle and knee.Again I was convinced the pain was going greatly increase.Getting into siting position told me I might not be in too bad of shape. That thought was followed by how do I explain I had to quit my hike not because I hurt myself hiking 23+ miles, but that I had fallen out of the shelter. So much for feeling heady over a long hike. I got back the shelter and got into bed, still pretty sure I would make that phone call the next day.Sleep came pretty quickly which was kind of surprisng. Instead of brooding about the fall and worrying over what would happen, I knew just going to sleep was the best option.
Date: 2008-05-07
From: Paul C. Wolf Shelter

To: Waynesboro YMCA
Miles today: 5.0

I got up and went through the toe wiggling, moving hands, legs, knees, etc. Everything moved as they were supposed and I was just feeling some soreness and stiffness in my right leg. Hey, did I escape disaster? Moving around slowly and loosing up also helped ease the stiffness somewhat. I had skinned my elbow, but appeared I would be okay. How lucky was I going to be.Fortunately, my plans included going into Waynesboro for a shower and supplies before heading back to the Trail that evening.I got a ride into town and headed to Weazine's, a popular diner. Nothing fixes a bad leg like food.However, I also decided to take it easy for a day or two, knowing that an injury can be worse the 2nd or 3rd day. That meant tent camping down by the river near the YMCA. So after the Y sponsored shower, I set up my tent and enjoy the warm weather and calm by the river.Tim and the 4 Sisters had taken a zero in Waynesboro and invited me to join them, but I explained the caution I needed to take and that I would hang in Wanynesboro for the night. I wondered if I would catch up to them again.Dartman came by, and he and Piper had arranged to have a cookout at this tent site. Lance, Piper' sson was there and we enjoyed a cookout on a warm May eveing in small town America..just a great evening.Before turnign in, I arranged for a shuttle ride back to the Trail. Sherri was the Trail Angel.
Date: 2008-05-08
From: Waynesboro YMCA

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

After getting dropped off by Sherri, I hiked at an easy pace and got to the selter around 2. Rain was in the forcast and finally came down around 8:30 that evening.The injury was actually a blessing, in that it forced me to slow down a bit and enjoy the Trail. So with my extra time, I ended up doing a little birding in the area near the shelter as well as trying some macro photography of flowers. The flovers offer great color in contrast to the increasng amount of green on the ground and trees.By day's end, my leg really seemed much better and was moving almost normally. I decided to increase my miles tomorrow a bit.
Date: 2008-05-09
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

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

The rains came around 9pm yesterday and just continued all night. They stopped in the morning before I headed out. That didn't stop me from being completeley soaked wihtin a few hours of hiking.Some of it (the soaking) was from sweating, but most was from the weather. I would love to knwo the term for the kind of weather we were having. While it was not raining, the clouds, fog, mist, whatever, was everywhere. Maybe it is called 100% humidity. It just soaked everything. As always, even with moderate temps around 50 degrees, hypothermia was something I continued to watch for. As long as I kept moving, I was generating heat. The minute I stopped, I could feel the chill set in.I ran into Big Yellow and First Day; they had tent camped last night and had a great attitude after that deluge/storm. The shelter came into sight just before 1; I had done 13 miles in 5 hours, including a few breaks. So glad to know my leg was back to normal. Glad I opted out of going another 5-6 north. Tomorrow would give me the opportunity to continue to test my leg as well as go a bit longer.
Date: 2008-05-10
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and on the Trail early, around 7. I planned on a long hike. I even skipped the Wayside Grill; it meant another 1.2 miles and I didn't want to any more miles at this point.In the morning, I had to remind myself to go slow, that it was going to be a long day. The hills seem to make me want to go faster, probably just to get them over. I know they are not going to ever be over until I am done with this hike, hopefully at Katadin.My pace got me to the shelter just before 4, where I remet Greybeard, and Rabbittfoot. New to me were Smokey and Iglet, a couple from New Hampshire. They are real nice younger folks who shared the latest and ominous weather forecast..a storm was coiming in and would bring lower temps (30's and 40's) along with more precipatation. That didn't sound good, especially the temps. Around 7, Piper nad Dartman arrived; one could tell it had been along day for them. We are all trying to do the same thing..hike 2100+ miles. Piper has some family gatherings that take him off Trail for a few days at a time. Once a hiker does that, expecially an older one like Piper or me, it takes a few days to get the trail legs back. That is very frustrating.So we all made our dinners, and hung around the fire that Smokey had made; it provided some warmth against the growing chill.
Date: 2008-05-11
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 22.4

My plans had me camping at the park camprground, however the day's events called for a change.The hike went well,and I was continuing to be concerned about the forecasted storm, wondering if it was going to happen. The skies kept changing, then the winds picked up. It just had that feeling something was going to happen, and I don't mean Christmas.Around 1, I heard what I thought was the sound of a tree falling, but wasn't sure. As I rounded a switchback near the road, I saw the accident.A woman, had run off the mountain and had her car hung up on the side of the tree. She was already on the road, trying to get a signal. A motorist was trying to help her. Since no phone signal was avaiable, he drove her down the mountain to he police station. I ended up trying to direct traffic. People couldn't see the car right away, and the smoke from the car was just starting to get heavier. I expected at least 2 explosions..the battery and the gas tank. I wondered how big of a fire it would make and if people driving by would get hit by any flying debris. It had to have looked somewhat comical: some guy in hiker garb, directing traffic on a curvy mountain road, for no apparent reason. I probably would have yelled at him, at least.Most people were pretty trusting once I pointed out the accident.It took the police about 20' to get there. So another case of my loosing my job.I had about 2 hours left; timing is everyting. The storm started about an hour from the lodge where I had made reservations. I had decided to stay in a warm room vs. putting up a tent in cold, windy, rainy conditions. I got settled into my room wondering about tomorrow and how bad this sotrm would be.
Date: 2008-05-12
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Budget Motel - Luray
Miles today: 0.0

So glad I had chosen to stay in a hotel; the temp was around 35, winds very similiar, and the snow and sleet was just coming down non-stop. I had decided to move to a cheaper motel in Luray, taking a zero and catching up on my blog, groceries, and rest.I met a couple, Bill and Janine at Big Meadow; they are locals who are big supporters of the AT community. Janine gave me a ride to Luray while Bill drove aother hiker elsewhere. Janine refused to take any money for her driving. Very generous folks.The activities in Luray went well and I would be ready to leave by 11 the next morning; Dale agreed to drive me back to the trailhead.
Date: 2008-05-13
From: Budget Motel - Luray

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: clear sky

Dale, Budget Motel mgr., gave me a ride back to Big Meadow Lodge around noon where I would restart after a day off. Off course noon tme meant food time so I headed to the grill where I joined Catfish for lunch; we both then headed the short distance to the shelter. There was almost a full house at the shelter and I met Pounder and Crumbs; nice couple who had been hiking the Trail.
Date: 2008-05-15
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Springs Shelter
Miles today: 13.1

Was intending to go about 20 miles today, but got boged down eating at the Wayside. Actually ended up being kind of a party. Catfish and I got there around 9:30 and other hikers continued to show up over hte next hour or so. The weather was very relaxing..sunny and warm temps.. perfect for just hanging around the picnic table. So the long miles would be put off until tomorrow.
Date: 2008-05-16
From: Gravel Springs Shelter

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: light rain

This ended up being a pretty awesome shelter. The club had built a large deck on the shelter and included an Adorondack (sp?) 3 seater bench; perfect place for relaxing after a good hiking day. The club had a separate eating/cooking area as well. The only thing missing was music.That came along in about an hour. Banjo Boy and Swampy Pa showed up around 5; Banjo Boy is 14 and probably destined for greatness. Turns out he has been playing the banjo for about 4 years and is very good. He sat on the deck and entertained us for about an hour. Also at the shelter was Sparky and Tortuga, a younger guy and his father-in-law.
Date: 2008-05-18
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Got to the Hostel around 1 and decided to stay here. A storm got us all pretty wet and chilled, so I took the easy way out, and decided to stay. A good choice of hostels as they included a ppint of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream, pizza, and laundry in the fee. The hostel was rather old, about 75 years and was well laid out. The bunk was towards the back and in the front was a very large living room that seemed to serve also as a reading area. The dining room was off that living room as was the kitchen. The caretakers were former hikers, so they absolutley understood what hikers needed.Very relaxing stay which was good as I had a long hike planned for tomorrow.
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Towns Inn Hostel
Miles today: 21.5

The day started off with pretty good weather so it was off to Harpers Ferry..the unofficial half way point of the AT as well as the headquarters for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The ATC is the overseer of the Trail and provides services and information for hikers. I headed there first to get the obligatory picture taken, which is enetered in the year book. A fewe errands then I headed to the hostel.The hostel is a somewhat new venture that is looking to cater to the hikers. Bill the mgr. and Karen the owner really seemed to go out of their way to help hikers. They also were very interested in learnign what hikers needed from a hostel.After errands I had dinner, then turned in, knowing tomorrow was another day off.Harpers Ferry is an old town with a rich history.