morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: scattered clouds

My sincere apologies to Dickens but, It was the best of trails, it was the worse of trails. The morning started out almost as it had ended - with that *&^% whiperwill singing out at 530 and was still going when I left at 630. As I have mentioned before I love walking through the woods early in the morning. That day I was able to see 4 deer right off the git go. Then 45 minutes later I came onto a doe and last years deer and they never moved and I just kept on hiking and taling to them. I quickly had to shed my fleece and the rest of the day I was able to hike in my shorts and t shirt. Today I went over the 600 mile mark and got some great pics of the mountains and valleys as well as a real cool suspension bridge. The trail continued to be soft and graded well with only some slight climbs and descents until I got to Wapati Shelter. After that the rocks came tumbling down. It started with a straight up 1400 ft. in a washed out creek bed that was strewned with rocks. Then it continued its way up over glacieral left overs that made walking on the moon look like a cinch. Needless to say my left foot was just an achin and my right achilles tendon started to complain. About 2 miles before Doc's Knob was the turn off to Woods Hole hostel which was suppose to be a pretty neat place and if my foot and ankle had had a vote I would have gone there. However, since I am O/C on getting to my goal, I continued to richochet from rock to rock until finally making it to Doc's Knob at 7. Right away it was off with the shoes and a sigh of relief from my feet. I initally had the place to myself, but about a half hour later Stray Wet Dog came in and said Cromwell and crew would be joining us and sure enough they did. There were no tenting sites so everyone was in the shelter which was no big deal as there was plently of space. Tomorrow its onto Pearisburg for a shower, laundry and some food and Monday to pick up my summer gear and send some of my winter gear home. The decision as to what to send home is so difficult as you balance weight to comfort to rate of use. I only hope whatever decision I make helps me to lighten my pack because if I hope to continue to do these long mile days I definitely need to lighten my load. And one things for sure, giving up food is not an option as I am eating more and more. Trips to town are good as a way of bulking up to hold you over until the next trip into a town. I know I have lost more weight but don't have access to any scales. It will be interesting to find out how much I weigh and what my waist line measuement is now. Oh well, as long as I continue to feel ok and have the energy to hike I'm not worried about it. I feel like I could go down to 150 which is another 13 pounds before I would have to start to be concerned. And if I get the chance to meet up with Terry at Waynesboro, Dan at Luray or Kristen at Harper's Ferry those places will all be great locations to eat.
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Pearisburg, Virginia

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Day started out pretty warm from the very beginning. On top of that there was a huge straight up climb of 1000' over only a mile and to make matters worse rocks were thrown around everywhere! Once on top the trail was great with views. Got to Rice Field around 2 and had lunch with Davinci and Head Banger. Headed for Symms Gap since it was only 4 pm and decided to shoot for Pine Swamp Branch. Had another hard straight up climb w/ rocks again. Is this Pensylvania? Long decent with rocks of course. Thank goodness I have new shoes to cushion the impact. Left foot still hurts - took an Aleve and it helped some. Finally made it down to the shelter and met Gray Ghost and 2 other couples, 1 section hiking, the other thru hiking. Overall miserable day. I was frustrated and mad at myself for not planning better for my mail drops. I wanted to get a summer bag as my current one is a 20 degree bag and I've been seating in it at night; so I had Laura send me one that I thought was a summer bag. Lo and behold when it got here it was heavier and larger than my current one. I could have kicked myself in the butt. Now I have to figure out what I'm going to do. It's not like I can hop in a car and drive to the local outfitters. Ha, Ha, Ha. I hope I can find something in Daleville in a few days. It's funny when you have days like this. What you would really like to do is have a pity party and feel sorry for yourself. However, to have a mindset like that is defeatist and that's something you can't afford out here. And another thing others are experiencing the same thing and you won't get a lot of empathy. Therefore, you pack the day away and look forward to tomorrow where you know something or someone is going to make you smile. This holds also at home. Too often we can get caught up in the mundane day to day drama and let it control us. Instead we need to look at the half full side and realize how truly blessed we are with what we have in life and especially those we have closest to us.
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Springs Campsite MM 773.1
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

There are several combinations that make for a great day or a terrible day for hiking. These include but are not limited to: miles to hike, elevation gain AND descent, composition of the trail (pine needles, crushed stone, razor sharp rocks), temperature and humidity, the presence or lack of a breeze, your physical condition (aches, pains and mental state of mind) to name just a few. Well today the temperature started out in the mid 60's and quickly climbed to the upper 80's lower 90's along with a humidity level to match. Furthermore we had a 3000 foot ascent to make not counting the descents in between. On top of that the rocks were like irregular shaped golf balls and bowling balls and had been recently sharpened. Finally I was nursing a painful ankle which made going downhill quite difficult especially with the rocks. And of course all of this put me in a pretty foul mood all day long. We did finally make it to the top where there is an FAA Regional Radar Tower ( you know you are up high when you get to one of those) and then moved on to the Guillotine which is a tunnel with a very large rock wedged in between the two walls and looks like its going to fall. Just when we thought we had it licked the terrain thought it would throw one more 700 foot climb up and then a 700 foot climb down to finish the day on a good note. Despite the trials of the day we made it and quickly pitched our tents. Again I left off my fly to enjoy the view and the breeze. Sleep did not come easy though as we had a whipperwill serenade us throughout the night, a large tree fell around 330 and we had a visiting deer that was so close I could hear it pulling up the grass that was in the camp site. Oh well all in a day of dealing with nature. Tomorrow we push on about 8 miles to highway 501 that leads 6 miles into Glasgow where we will eat, shower and resupply and try to get back on the trail that day.
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Brown Mountain Shelter

To: Seely - Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Got out of Brown Mnt. Shelter around 715 after a very restless night. Since I did not have my air mattress I tried to use my fleece jacket to soften the floor boards but that gave me little relief - especially since I have little fat on my butt or hips anymore! On a positive note, the rain had stopped in the early morning and I was able to eat 2 breakfast snackpacks and drink some water to try and rehydrate myself. As we headed out to conquer the 2700 foot giant the sun peaked out over the top of the ridge and worked it way through the tree cover giving us a more invigorating outlook on the day. Even better was the soft cool breeze blowing across a more user friendly trail that made our hiking much more manageable. When we got to Hog Camp Gap we laid out in the sun and had lunch. There were wild strawberry plants everywhere and would problably begin producing fruit in 2 - 3 weeks. Oh well. While Gray Ghost went to get water I laid in the grass enjoying the sweet earthy smell it has realizing it had been some time since I had done this. We all need to take some time out of our busy little worlds and do this from time to time; especially with our children and grand children. Speaking of which, in this meadow there was a tree swing that Gray Ghost and I also took turns swinging on. Again something neither of us had in a long time and boy did it feel good. Well, play time and lunch was over and it was more ups and downs with some rocks. My right shin continues to bother me and vitamin I (ibuprofen) is not cutting it. Gray Ghost is gracious enough as he stops from time to time to look back and see how I am doing and to make sure I'm ok. I'm fortunate to be hiking with him as we have become good trail friends. Made to the shelter around 420, a lot better than the day before. Muchie from Munich is here but he is just eating dinner and then moving on. These younger hikers have a time schedule of their own and really put the miles in. I was able to eat some instant mashed potatoes and pepperoni nuggets for dinner and boy did it feel good to eat again. Talked to Terry who we will meet around 10 am tomorrow and we are so looking forward to seeing each other. Getting off the trail is always a very pleasant experience but more so this time as I will be seeing a very special friend from home. I have thought more about my ankle which continues to hurt more and more and have decided to go to a clinic in Charlottesville when I'm there. Finished journaling and read some. It will be quiet tonight as the only other person in the shelter is Problem Bear. All the others are tenting.
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Seely - Woodworth Shelter

To: Seely - Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Got out of Brown Mnt. Shelter around 715 after a very restless night. Since I did not have my air mattress I tried to use my fleece jacket to soften the floor boards but that gave me little relief - especially since I have little fat on my butt or hips anymore! On a positive note, the rain had stopped in the early morning and I was able to eat 2 breakfast snackpacks and drink some water to try and rehydrate myself. As we headed out to conquer the 2700 foot giant the sun peaked out over the top of the ridge and worked it way through the tree cover giving us a more invigorating outlook on the day. Even better was the soft cool breeze blowing across a more user friendly trail that made our hiking much more manageable. When we got to Hog Camp Gap we laid out in the sun and had lunch. There were wild strawberry plants everywhere and would problably begin producing fruit in 2 - 3 weeks. Oh well. While Gray Ghost went to get water I laid in the grass enjoying the sweet earthy smell it has realizing it had been some time since I had done this. We all need to take some time out of our busy little worlds and do this from time to time; especially with our children and grand children. Speaking of which, in this meadow there was a tree swing that Gray Ghost and I also took turns swinging on. Again something neither of us had in a long time and boy did it feel good. Well, play time and lunch was over and it was more ups and downs with some rocks. My right shin continues to bother me and vitamin I (ibuprofen) is not cutting it. Gray Ghost is gracious enough as he stops from time to time to look back and see how I am doing and to make sure I'm ok. I'm fortunate to be hiking with him as we have become good trail friends. Made to the shelter around 420, a lot better than the day before. Muchie from Munich is here but he is just eating dinner and then moving on. These younger hikers have a time schedule of their own and really put the miles in. I was able to eat some instant mashed potatoes and pepperoni nuggets for dinner and boy did it feel good to eat again. Talked to Terry who we will meet around 10 am tomorrow and we are so looking forward to seeing each other. Getting off the trail is always a very pleasant experience but more so this time as I will be seeing a very special friend from home. I have thought more about my ankle which continues to hurt more and more and have decided to go to a clinic in Charlottesville when I'm there. Finished journaling and read some. It will be quiet tonight as the only other person in the shelter is Problem Bear. All the others are tenting.
Date: 2014-05-18
From: VA 826 - Terry

To: Harper's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 8.5

Woke up at Terry's around 6 feeling refreshed. The sound machine of ocean waves breaking all night long made me feel like I was at Myrtle Beach. After showering and packing our gear we headed out to breakfast at the Tip Top, but only after a ducking into a Starbucks. Breakfast was pretty good and again felt full. We stopped at Gander Mt. and was able to get the pants I have been looking for as well a container of fuel. With that done we got our resupply food and then to the laundry mat. We then repacked our back packs one more time for the trail and headed back to the mountains. On the way we stopped at the Blue Mountain Brewery for lunch where we had some really good local beer and some tasty food. Then Terry once again worked her magic by driving up VA 826 with her Highlander on a road with a sign that says only big ass 4x4 trucks should try driving up here and she drove all the way to the trail head. In life you are blessed from time to time and come into contact with some very special people. One of those that I have been fortunate enough to call friends are Jack and Carol and through them another special group the Rodee family of which Terry is a member. She has been a true friend and is now a true Trail Angel. Gray Ghost and I will never be able to thank you enough for your hospitality. Gray Ghost and I then hiked back the .5 miles to the AT and then the 1 mile to the spot we had climbed to the day before. It was then up and over the Priest with no views until a third of the way down and a really great view of the valley below and the next mountain we had to climb that day it was spectacular to see the mountains so tall the west and slowly fade lower to flat lands in the east. Ran into Ridgerunner so said someone saw a bear in the area earlier. We then moved onto the Tye River and across the suspension bridge and up the mountain. It was a long up of 1200 feet but the trail was real good and made getting to the shelter nice. Made it by 630 to the shelter with some tenting and only one in the shelter with Gray Ghost and I. Had dinner of potatoes and cheese. I'm trying to eat more but was still full from yesterday. I used the ankle wrap and 600 mg of vitamin I 3 times a day and it seems to be working. I looked at the next 2 - 3 weeks and looking forward to the Shenandoahs.
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Harper's Creek Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: few clouds

We left Harpers Creek around 720 with a long 2000 ft. climb out of the gate made even less pleasant by the jumble of rocks everywhere. We did have great views from Chimney Rock mm 832.8 and Hanging Rock 835.0 looking back at the Priest from different angles. We had lunch at 3 Ridges Overlook on the BRP where a couple told us they had seen a beer shortly after we passed them. We had some great views from Cedar Cliffs mm 843 of the entire valley below and so vast you can't see it all at one time. I also saw the condo ski resort Wintergreen which was pretty neat. The last 2 miles to the shelter were great as it was downhill and nicely padded. The shelter was the coolest I've seen so far with a loft and overhang that covered the picnic table. The neatest thing was having to cross Mill Creek that was overflowing. I did this by crossing on a huge tree trunk that ad fallen across it while video taping it. Fortunately I made it without getting wet at all. We met a nice couple from Maryland out for the night and another kid heading south. It was bed time at 8 and I quickly fell asleep to the sound of rushing water. Tomorrow Waynesboro!
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Sky Line Drive 66.7 / Mile Marker 902.0

To: Dan's House in Warrenton VA
Miles today: 0.0

I was up early to do some laundry then Dan and I headed out to an auto parts store as he was rebuilding part of his truck. While out we stopped at Panera's and hot some sweet delectables and some tasty coffee. Being in a car was a little strange, not as strange as some people report, but the rushing of cars on a busy metro road, with people everywhere rushing about, it was totally different than when on the trail. Back to the house where I aired out my sleeping bag and made a list of things I needed to get done at REI. Dan let me borrow his car that was standard and which I hadn't driven in a really loooooong time. Needless to say I did stall it 4 times, once was even in the driveway as I was leaving. When I got to REI, the problem with the buckle was solved, the issue with the tent netting resolved and I was able to get a summer bag to fit my needs and at the right price. It was unbelievably hectic in there at the time as they were having one of their big sales event and I found myself overwhelmed at times. So many people in such a small area buzzing about like flies on (*&^. From there it back home with a stop at one of my favorite grocery stores and another hopping place - Wegmans. Boy, what a destination place this is withs more selections than one could ever think of and one of which I was kind of embarrassed by as an American, where we have so much and really don't truly appreciate or understand this fact unless we've been to some other developing countries or have been truly without such luxuries for sometime. Back at Dan's I spoke to my cousin Leo who is going to hike a week with me up in PA. We discussed different hike options and it looks like he will hike with me from Carlisle to Summit Mtn. As we get closer we will nail down the logistical details. I talked to my son's step sister Kristen who is living down her and also wants to hike with me. She will be coming over to Dan's tomorrow and we will get more specifics. By then it was evening time and Charm was headed out to visit with a friend and her daughter so Dan and I went to a cookout at his friend Gary's house where I had 3 burger, a hotdog, 2 plates of baked beans and a plate of potatoes. Do you think my hiker appetite is kicking in? We played horse shoes and corn hole (a game where you throw bean bags onto a platform and hopefully in a hole to score points) just so you didn't get any redneck ideas. Stayed until around 11 and then drove home. Really enjoyed hanging out with Dan and socializing with his friends even if it was for only one night. Great day and looking forward to tomorrow.
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Dan's House in Warrenton VA

To: Dan's House in Warrenton, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Up at 6 and off to church for first time in about 3 months. Felt good to get reconnected. Had some more of the Panera cinnamon bread for toast and lathered them in butter trying to put the calories on anywhere I can. After Dan and Charm got up we went to a local diner where I had a ham and cheese omlet, bacon and toast . got back and called Mom and then sprayed clothes with permethrin to keep ticks away. After a hour long nap I was able to catch up on 5 days of journaling on Dan's laptop. It goes oh so much faster using it than my phone. Dans good friend Ray showed up while Dan and Charm were away and while he played candy crush and I journaled Charms dog got loose off the porch and we had to go search for him thinking if we didn't find him we would be in a ton of trouble with Charm. Fortunately we located him next door where he had jumped into their pond and then into their camper. I was able to get him to come to me with a couple of biscuits and it was back home where we safe and off the hook. We chilled the rest of the day and then went to wegmans for some cookout food. Back at Dans he grilled burgers and sausage and we snacked on fresh salsa and green olives stuffed with cheese. Yum yum. Kristen arrived with friends and we talked and drank beers on the deck. She had bought a new bike and had been out riding it all day. Its a nice bike and she looks good on it. Talked about hiking and we both agreed the logistics didn't make it possible. At least we got to visit and meet her friends. After they left we hung out and watched the movie Frozen Ground with Nicholas Cage. It was actually a true story and pretty good. With that over it was off to bed.
Date: 2014-05-28
From: Byrd's Nest #3

To: Gravel Springs Shelter
Miles today: 17.5

I was up around 6 packed and breakfast done. Today looked like it would be breezy and blue skies to start. Hopefully it would be like that all day. The foilage is growing taller and taller and sometimes filling in the trail. Because of the foilage, the views are not so good. This coupled with the haze that develops throughout the day makes good pics far and few between. I stopped at Elkwallow Wayside for a hamburger, french fries, diet pepsi and of course a Blackberry Milkshake. On Hogsback Mountain I saw a Perigine Falcons nesting program and then on the way down I was able to take some pictures for a family at one of the lookouts. It ended up to be to my advantage as I asked them if they had anything to drink and they ended up giving me a couple of bottles of water. Thanks Ahmed and Ali. As we finished up with the pictures you could see the sky getting blacker and it would only be a matter of time before it would rain. So off I raced to see if I could get to the shelter before the skies opened up. I got within a half a mile of the shelter and my luck ran out when it started to spit and then all )(*& broke loose with the wind blowing like no tomorrow and it was quickly joined by hail the size of dimes as well as a driving rain. Fortunately I had anticipated this and had put my pack rain cover and my rain jacket on. The trail quickly turned to a quagmire of a stream and there was no place to walk without getting my feet and shoes soaking wet. Not that it mattered because my shoes were already wet from the rain itself. I got to the shelter in due time and the couple called the Lux's (from Luxemburg) were already there and they were waiting for the rain to let up so they could put up their tent. They are really die hards but do have a nice 4 person tent to stay in. There were also a couple of people heading southbound staying in the shelter but I didn't catch their names. Baggie and Cheese Burger were also tenting. We were then joined by Junco and Early Bird who were stopping in for a snack and then moving on to make more miles. The rain had stopped but the thunder continued to roll and I had all my clothes laid out to try the best I could. Sometimes I don't hang my food bag but tonight I did as the log book indicated a couple of bears have been cruising the shelter at night. With that done, it was off to sleep and see what tomorrow brings.