morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-17
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour B&B/Hostel
Miles today: 10.4

It rained all night long and nearly all day too. We were out of camp by 8 and went over Little Hump Mountain, Hump Mountain, & Doll Flats - all in a foggy rain with 30+ mph winds. We like to froze! There were no trees to buffer the wind.The trail was one long river today. Our boots, socks and feet are wet. There were no views whatsoever (and this was supposed to be a beautiful area). Coming down towards the first shelter the trail was filled with large bolders we had to cross as well as the running water. Made for very slow going. It has rained so much that the water has nowhere else to go, so it takes the path of least resistance which just happens to be the trail. At one point going down I lost my footing and fell. I have a large bruise on my right thigh but no major damage. We got to the shelter to find a bum asleep in it. He was no hiker - only had a sleeping bag with him. Got a weird feeling about him so we decided to push past. We had heard about this hostel and a steakhouse nearby so headed here. Good choice - All You Can Eat (AYCE) buffet at the steakhouse, a hot shower & a warm soft bed for the night. Also had a chance to call home and have a nice talk with Mom & Dad (saw 2 wild turkeys while on the phone with them).The weather looks better for the next 4-5 days. We will be pushing miles & tenting where possible. Really looking forward to getting to Damascus & seeing my family (and introducing them to Phatmandu). It's been a while & I am missing them.
Date: 2009-05-18
From: Mountain Harbour B&B/Hostel

To: Abby's Place Hostel
Miles today: 12.5

We left the hostel this morning by 9. Slept great (and warm) - wonderful place!Today was a pretty easy day - terraine wise. Soft ups and downs with lots of sunshine. We met up with 2 section hikers who told us about a beautiful waterfall 0.1 miles off the trail and we stopped there for lunch. It was fantastic! Called Jones Falls, it was over 100 feet. Great place to take a break. The second waterfall we passed today was Mountaineer Falls - a lot smaller but still beautiful.We stopped for a break at Mountaineer Shelter (very nice - very new) and then pushed on to Laurel Fork to camp. Found the campsite but it was still early so we checked out our books and found a listing for this hostel - $5 for a bunk in a heated room. The temps should be in the 30s again tonight so we decided on this option. We are warm and dry and so far have the place to ourselves.We are trying to get to Hampton, TN on Wednesday for my resupply and then on to Damascus.
Date: 2009-05-19
From: Abby's Place Hostel

To: Laurel Fork Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: clear sky

Phatmandu stayed on the computer until 11:30 last night - grrrrr! As soon as we got up he was back on it again. Needless to say, it was a very short night and I was very grumpy. We were the only 2 who stayed at the hostel last night. It is under renovation and the dust was horrible. Phatman feels like he has a cold from breathing all the dust.Today's hike was really not too bad but I did not feel well all day and had to stop frequently - my tummy is upset. Phatman wasn't into it either, so it was a very long day. I think we finally got to the shelter by about 5:30 - none too soon.The highlights of the day were the 2 waterfalls we passed - Hardcore Cascades and Laurel Fork - beautiful! Looking forward to a good night's sleep, then into Hampton.
Date: 2009-05-20
From: Laurel Fork Shelter

To: Braemer Castle Hostel - Hampton, TN
Miles today: 7.0

In spite of Phatmandu, I slept great last night. What I mean by that is that during the night he rolled over and clobbered me with an elbow to the head. Incoming! I pushed him off and went back to sleep. Sleeping is very close in a shelter. The temperature was great last night - not too warm or cold - with teh sound of Laurel Fork Falls in the background.Today started off easy, then a 2,000 foot climb straight up only to descend to our beginning elevation. A definite PUD (pointless up & down). On the way up I began to feel very week and my stomach started bothering me. Made for a very slow 7 mile hike. We finally got to the road into Hampton. It took about 20 minutes for us to thumb a ride (2.6 miles we did not want to have to walk) to the post office for my mail drop. Found a restaurant & had lunch. Now my tummy's really upset so we decided to check-in to the hostel. Good decision because I was getting worse. I will go to the walk-in clinic in the morning. I'm pretty sure I have giardia and need drugs. Phatmandu will go on to Damascus to get his mail drop & Mom, Dad & I will pick him up there on Saturday.
Date: 2009-05-21
From: Braemer Castle Hostel - Hampton, TN

To: Braemer Castle Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Started out feeling better this morning, but went to the clinic anyway. There is a 50/50 chance on having a parasite so I am now on drugs to kill it and can have no milk products. You would not believe what all has some form of milk products in them. I can't eat anything I had in my mail drop so I had to go to Dollar General & Brown's Grocery to get food for the day. Still missed something with milk in it and am paying the price tonight. I will be off the trail for a few days so Mom & Dad will swing by here to pick me up on their way to Damascus (Abbington) for the weekend.
Date: 2009-05-22
From: Braemer Castle Hostel

To: Braemer Castle Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Slept late this morning - 7:15. No need to get in a hurry. The owners are letting me hang out until Mom & Dad get here this afternoon. My tummy was not happy again last night - lots of gurgling & bubbling. Got up and packed my stuff to get ready to leave. Got a call from Phatmandu - he has the same thing I have. Said he passed out - don't know the details - and he had a bad night but would be in Damascus tonight. He will get his mail drop and try to get to a doctor to get some medicine. We must have picked this up at one of the hostels where we did not filter out water. Who knows. Doesn't matter where it came from, we got it.I hung out in the general area watching TV, a movie and reading. Mom & Dad got here about 3:15. We packed up and headed to the campground in Abbington. The RV is acting up - don't know what's wrong but it's not good. We will pick-up Phatmandu tomorrow in Damascus.
Date: 2009-05-23
From: Braemer Castle Hostel

To: Riverside Campground, Abbington, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up really refreshed. It was cold & I had gotten up earlier to grab my warmer clothes & then crawled back into bed.Dad grilled hamburgers for dinner last night - YUM! Mom baked an apple cake (my favorite). She had to put a different icing on it - the original called for milk & butter, neither of which I can have right now. Good to have home cooking. We are grilling steaks tonight with baked potatos and salad.Turned on my phone early & it wasn't long before Phatman called. He made it to Damascus and we arranged to meet at the post office at 10. He said he is feeling much better - just had gotten severely dehydrated. Does not think he has the bug after all.We headed to Damascus to pick him up and spent a little time walking around before going back to the campground. Saw several people in town - Old Hobo (who is pushing on); Panama Bill (who will probably get off the trail soon due to feet pain); Dude (who is done & getting off the trail now because of injury); we heard 10x10 (Greg) had gotten off the trail because of his ankle. It is amazing how many have or are coming off the trail. Also heard Just Larry is continuing on (he has been traveling with Panama Bill).We went back to the campground & spent the remainder of the day resting, relaxing, eating & talking. Mom & Dad hit it off with Phatmandu right way. He is feeling very weak & tired. I am feeling a bit better now that I have had a few days worth of medicine.
Date: 2009-05-24
From: Riverside Campground, Abbington, VA

To: Riverside Campground
Miles today: 0.0

Slept good again last night. Phatmandu was in the over-cab bed and we folded the dinette down for me to sleep on. Not bad at all.Mom fixed sausage, eggs & biscuits for breakfast - good stuff! Today has been a good day - lazy, relaxing, nothing to do, nowhere to go. Phatman did some laundry; Mom & I took a walk. That was about the extent of our activities.Ok - I have made the decision to get off the trail. I have accomplished so much: 400 miles in rain, snow, wind, sun; over level, uneven, rocky, wet, slippery, nicely graded & very steep terraine; overcome physical challenges, mental frailties & emotional upheavals; & so much more. I am very comfortable & happy with my decision. I have always said that when I came off the trail, I would have been farther than I had ever been before. It's true. These past 2 weeks have been very challenging in many different ways and on many different levels. I am ready to head home and heal. I will miss Phatmandu very much but will be keeping in touch with him as he continues his trek north. We will take him back to the trail tomorrow morning. He has enjoyed this day and a half of rest and relaxation and is getting stronger again. I think he understands my reasons for getting off, though he still thinks I should push on. I hope his journey is everything he wants it to be.As for me, it's time to go home. I think I had a rose-colored glasses view of what the trail would be when I started. I knew it was going to be hard but I had no idea of the reality of what it would be like. * I have met some truly wonderful people & some who were in actuality scary. * The scenery is only good when you can actually see it, & you don't get any views when its raining & foggy. * It is hard to enjoy your day when you have so many miles to do just to get to your destination.* I am amazed by the number of people who smoke on the trail - tobacco & other things.* PUDS.* There are so many sections of the trail filled with broken rock & roots just waiting to twist your ankles & trip you up.* Water takes that path of least resistence - we walked through so many "rivers" of rain water.* Not all hostel owners actually like hikers. Met several who acted as though they were being imposed on or harassed by the very people they were catering to.In spite of all of the above, the trail is a fascinating experience & I am so glad I had the opportunity to hike this portion of it. I would not have missed it for the world. I am so pround of what I have accomplished - both physically and mentally - and who knows, I may come back at some point & pick up where I left off. But for now, this journey is at an end. I'm tired, sick, fit, toned-up, tan, bug-bitten & have lost close to 20 pounds. It's time to go home.Thanks to everyone who has supported me in this adventure. I HAD A WONDERFUL TIME!
Date: 2009-06-02
From: Home

Miles today: 0.0

Part 2 begins . . .Well, after about 2 weeks off the trail, I have come to the conclusion that this journey is not over yet. I am over the giardia, am rested and feeling good, and its time to get back on the trail. Yes, I'm going back!While on my break I have had a chance to see a lot of people at church and at my office. Thank you all so much for your encouragement, prayers and well wishes. Pastor Ryan, I enjoyed our visit yesterday and look forward to the next one when I come off the trail again.I have ordered a new backpack (which should be here today) - a GoLite Pinnacle - that weighs 1 pound 8 ounces (my other one weighed 4 pounds 15 ounces) - and am changing to my summer weight sleeping bag. I am also dropping some of my cold weather gear. So far I have dropped about 8 pounds and still have some tweaking to do. I would love to get my pack weight down to 30-32 pounds with food and water.A lot of you have asked if I will get back on where I left off. No. I am going to skip ahead and catch up with my hiking partner, Phatmandu, and continue north with him. The plan is to drive to Pearisburg, Virginia on Saturday, June 6, 2009, and catch up with Phatmandu. We can't leave before Saturday due to Mom and Dad's work and a couple other obligations, so I am using this week to reorganize everything. At some point I will go back and due the section I missed from Hampton, TN to Pearisburg, VA, but for now I will push on north.I really needed and have enjoyed this break. I am well again, rested and mentally recharged. Now its time to get back to the business of walking. Mom said my vacation is over and now its back to work. There are some very cool things coming up - the Keffer Oak (the largest oak tree on the AT in the South - 18 feet around) and the Audie Murphy memorial (Audie Murphy was the most decorated soldier during World War II) - just to name a couple. Thank you all again for all the prayers and entries in my blog. I could not have gotten this far without them and will continue to depend on them as I begin again. The rose colored glasses have come off and this time I know some of the challenges I will be facing and still I have to go back. God's creation is calling and I can't wait to see what He has to show me.See you down the trail!
Date: 2009-06-06
From: Home

To: Hampton Inn, Dublin, VA
Miles today: 0.0

The second part of my adventure has begun. The new backpack is packed and I am ready to hit the trail again.Mom, Dad and I dropped the dogs off at the puppy dog hotel and were on the road by 7:15 this morning. Seven plus hours later we are at the Hampton Inn in Dublin, Virginia. We will stay the night here and drive into Pearisburg tomorrow morning to meet up with Phatmandu. We have to change the tips on his hiking poles and then Mom and Dad will head back home and Phatman and I will head back into the woods. This time I know what I am getting myself into. I feel good, both mentally and physically, I'm excited about hiking with Phatman again, and I am looking forward to what's coming up. I'm so glad I went home and had a chance to heal and regroup. It was definitely a good thing.Thanks, Mom and Dad, for everything! I love you both very much and appreciate everything you have done to support me. And thanks to all of my prayer warriors out there. I could not have gotten this far without you! Thanks for your interest in this trip and keep on praying. This journey is not over yet.Well, guess it's time to hike. See you down the trail!
Date: 2009-06-07
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Before Symms Gap Meadow
Miles today: 10.7

The 2nd part of my adventure began this morning at the Hampton Inn in Dublin, VA. Mom, Dad and I drove up yesterday and spent the night. Pearisburg is 24 miles so we drove over and picked up Phatmandu (he would have had a 3 mile road walk back to the trail from the hostel he was staying in). Took the requisite pictures, hugged everybody and once again walked into the woods. Of course, I cried a few tears - that's just me.The terraine in Virginia is pretty nice - mostly flat with a few ups and downs for variety. Nice for the 1st day back in nearly 3 weeks. The long ups gave me pause as I wasn't used to them, but we estimated our travel time at 1 1/2 miles an hour - not bad. We met a new thru-hiker today - Don't Panic - whom we had never heard of. Also ran into Tully and Seque (pronounced Segway). Tully was excited to see Phatman again and to meet me for the 1st time. Nice guy - gave me a hug to welcome me back to the trail (Phatmandu evidently told quite a few people I was coming back out). Seque stopped by after we had set up camp for the night - "the lovely couple's together again!" Funny!We had a quiet, peaceful day and managed to scare 2 grouse who were guarding their chicks. They made lots of noise and acted wounded to draw us away from their babies. Could not get a picture - too fast. Also saw a little frog, a big doe and lots of beautiful flowers and mountain laurel.We have pitched out tents, eaten, hung the bear bag and I am not long for this world. I am so tired! Journal is updated, Mom & Dad had a safe trip home, mosquitos are coming out. Time for bed. Tomorrow will come early with birdsong as my alarm clock.
Date: 2009-06-08
From: Before Symms Gap Meadow

To: Bailey's Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Not surprisingly, I did not sleep well last night. Too tired. Talked with Mom last night. They were almost home but had to stop for a tire problem.Got up this morning at about 5:30 and we were out of camp by 7:15. A bit slow but not bad considering the new pack. Stopped for water at Symms Gap Meadow, whispered good morning to Seque who was still in his tent (he usually gets up about 10:00), and kept moving on. Pretty trail - good morning. Met Rattler this morning while we were taking a break and then later on heard him call Phatman from up ahead of us. He had a days-old fawn walk right up to him and he wanted a picture with it. We all had pictures made and then it wandered off in search of its mom. I only hope she will take it back after our contact with it.The climb to the shelter we are at was a bear! I got turned around and lost for a bit before finally finding the trail again. Got almost all the way up the trail but just gave out of energy. I sat down on the side of the trail and sent 2 other hikers to ask Phatman to come back and get me. Thank goodness we weren't far from the shelter. Phatman wanted to push on but I was wiped out and so we are here for the night. Also here are RLB, Nordic, Maui Bob and Phoenix Rising.
Date: 2009-06-09
From: Bailey's Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

It rained during the night but I was dry and slept great. Took me a long time to get organized and out of camp - 7:45. Don't know why, just could not get everything organized. Today was a long day with several steep ups and downs. I have 2 blisters on my right heel. Both calluses on my big toes are aching and I have moleskin on both. I am also losing another toenail. Basically I am having lots of feet issues again. Welcome back to the trail!We saw several deer today. They did not appear to be worried about us at all. Also spooked a hawk eating his dinner. The humidity is horrible. We have been sweating out as much as we are taking in.
Date: 2009-06-10
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Stayed in the shelter last night - did not sleep well. The bugs were biting, but did not want to tent in the rain. This morning was beautiful. We got out of camp by 7:20 after an impromptu concert by Fiddler and Allgood. Fun!First thing out of camp we passed a cool old building - old homestead? After that we passed from meadows to forests. The meadows were awesome! What views! Saw some box turtles and a couple of deer, lots of butterflies and tons of flowers. The air smells very fragrant.The humidity was very high again today which really saps your energy. We also got to see & take pictures of the Keffer Oak, the largest oak tree on the AT in the South - 300 years old - 18 feet 3 inches around. And right before the descent to the shelter we crossed the Eastern Continental Divide. Good day, but it rained on the way to the shelter and for 2 hours once we got here.
Date: 2009-06-11
From: Niday Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a full house at the shelter last night thanks to the rain. Phatman tented - I should have. We were all eaten alive by some kind of little bug. In fact, 3 of the guys got up at midnight and left because of them.Got a bit better start this morning and made it up a steep climb to the Audie Murphy Memorial. Audie Murphy was the most decorated soldier in World War II and died in a plane crash very near the spot of the memorial. I put my American flag at the monument and we took several pictures and then headed down the other side of the mountain. Before we got even halfway down it started pouring. We donned our raingear and kept going, being careful of our footing. I decided before we got down the hill that if I could I would catch a ride into town (either Catawbe or Daleville) and get some treatment for my feet. I have blisters on both heels - ouch. Unfortunately, there was not a good road so we hiked another mile to this shelter. Phatmandu has gone on without me. I knew it would happen sooner or later (I just cannot do the kind of miles he wants to do every day), but it still hurts. I have 6 miles to do tomorrow to Catawbe and will try to get in to Daleville and find a hotel. I am all alone here (for right now), it is raining again & I have no phone service. Great night!
Date: 2009-06-12
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Howard Johnson Express, Daleville, VA
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: broken clouds

It rained ALL night - 5:30 pm until 4:00 am. 10 1/2 hours in a tent! Got up and packed as soon as it got light outside and was out of camp by 7:00. It started raining again before I even got to the trail so got out all of the rain gear & kept going. Rained all the way up the mountain and was foggy at the top so I did not bother going out the side trail to Dragon's Tooth. I was ready to get off that ridge. The back side of the mountain was very treacherous and it was very slow going. I'm surprised I did not fall as a lot of the trail was climbing down rocks that were taller than I was and you had to get on your behind and ease yourself over the side to the next foot hold. Very dangerous and scary.Once I was off that section and on my way down, I met a man and his daughter and they offered me a ride to a nearby gas station where I could call for a ride into Daleville. They had also offered a ride to another hiker - 40 Degrees. Good trail magic! Got to the gas station and called Del Schechterly for a ride. He took us to the post office, Wendy's and then to the hotel - for $10 each. Thanks, Del!Was checking in at the hotel when I turned around to find Willow was checking in right behind me. It was definitely good to see her. I have my stuff spread out everywhere to dry. Will be meeting 40 Degrees and Willow for dinner at the Mexican restaurant across the street. Looking forward to a zero day tomorrow.
Date: 2009-06-13
From: Howard Johnson Express, Daleville, VA

To: Howard Johnson Express
Miles today: 0.0

I slept so good last night - 1st time in a week. It was nice to have a bed & pillow with no bugs biting me. Today was a good day. Willow and I went to breakfast at 7:30 - the hikers ruled the room. So many were there, it was like a little reunion. When we got back to our rooms she borrowed my pack and did a 15-mile slackpack (she only carried food and water - nothing else) & I headed to the laundry.Phatmandu called me and said he was in Daleville. We made arrangements for him to split the room with me for a couple of nights and then get back to the trail. He dropped his pack and we headed to the outfitters and grocery store. New boot laces for me; a shirt, new socks and insoles for him. Then to Kroger's, Wendy's for lunch (Phatman was introduced to a Frosty) & back to the room.There is a Methodist church across the road (the Baptist church is 2.5 miles away). Their service starts at 8:30 - I'm going! Tomorrow afternoon is a hiker bash - free food! Spent the afternoon in the pool then a bunch of us met for dinner - Mexican again - YUM!