morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-23
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: USFS Road 103
Miles today: 18.8

Got a 2 hour earlier start this morning. The sun finally decided to come out--Hallelujah! Went a slower pace today, trying to soak up the views and the heat. Felt like a prune because of all the rain. Crossed over a suspension bridge that crossed a relaxing creek where we decided to have lunch. Put up our tents and tried to dry out our socks and boots. Beautiful sunny day!Hiked most of the afternoon alone. About 7 miles of basically level flat ground. Couldn't believe it! Crossed a lot of bridges and streams. Right before the next shelter, we passed a pond that reminded me of the one I would always go sit by and play the guitar back home. The water sparkled as the sun's rays came down on it. Seemed almost perfect.Got to Wapiti Shelter and read in the register that a couple had been murdered in a nearby shelter by a guy from Pearisburg in 1981...really sad. Then they built this one to replace the old one. Had supper there and left with 4.5 more miles to do. Again, it became dark. Had a great view of the remnants of the sunset. After that, the hike wasn't fun. My headlamp died, so I used Speck's blue light that you had to constantly push the button for it to work. There were climbs and rocks. We were moving so slow--felt like we'd never get there (seem to feel that way a lot). We did make it close to 10:00, set up our tents, massaged our feet, and went to bed.
Date: 2003-04-24
From: USFS Road 103

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

FINALLY, WE MADE IT!Again, another cold night. Saw the guy, Winebago, this morning at 7:30 when we left. Had 2 falls this morning within the first hour. First one was pretty funny--fell straight on my butt. The second one, my ankle collapsed and I ended up rolling several times down the mountain. Scared me but I was okay. So I put on my ankle brace and got it taped up.Had a straight up climb followed by several miles of gradual increase. Had an amazing view overlooking Pearisburg. Watching crows and hawks flying by. Everything was so flat from up here. Then we had a wicked 2.8 miles of a 2,000 ft drop into the city. Hurt my feet but didn't bother me because I wanted to get down so bad.The closer we got, the more green and colorful everything was. There is this mysterious looking plant. Has a light green stem and leaves that look like an umbrella which are darker green. They are everywhere and we don't know what they are. If anyone knows, please let us know somehow.Made it the 11.6 miles by 1:30 and were met by Mike, Diesel's stepdad. He took our packs and drove us to the Rendezvous Motel. Saw Chaos, Crumbsnatcher, and the Yellow Submarine there. Had lots of food to eat and a nice shower. 7 days without one. The guys went 10 days and talk about bad smellin boys! Whew!Listened to Shane Barnard's new CD--"Carry Away" as Diesel played along with his "real" guitar. Really liked what they wrote on the lyrics of their CD...titled "We Have to Have Him." "Jesus, who seems way too good to be true, is the greatest taste we have ever known. So, may all that we hold so dear leave us appetized, at best, for Him who created it--the Author and Fulfiller of life and pleasure. Who, no matter how shiny "things" become, outshines them, and no matter how cloudy our days become, outlasts them. For in Him, clouds become glorious (Romans 8:28)! Their rain falls with Grace and we are flooded under the downpour of a fallen world (Romans 8:20). Wet, hurt, and...satisfied. Blue skies are no longer our pursuit and sunny days no longer our reward...HE IS! And He Is Better!"How amazing is that!
Date: 2003-04-25
From: Pearisburg

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Felt good to wake up and take a shower. Had banana nut bread with cream cheese and fruit. Got to hear a lot of music from VH1. Oh, how I miss the music. Last night I got to watch part of the Braves game. Go BRAVES!We went to Blacksburg--the college town of Virginia Tech. Went to the Outfitters store, bought some new socks and got my hip belt readjusted. We ate at Woody's Baja Bar & Grill. Really good! Got looks because I was wearing my empty pack while Slick Rock carried one of her boots. Sort of overwhelmed at all the cars and people.Got to go to Wal-Mart--Woohoo! Still hungry so I wanted to buy everything. Denmark and Early Riser are staying at the Rendezvous Motel as well. We decided to take another 0 day because of Slick Rock's knee and our bodies need a break.Went to Christianburg for supper. Diesel's mom's birthday is today. We went to O'Charley's where everyone ordered steak but me--had my chicken parmesean. His parents have been a real blessing to us. Driving us around everywhere, feeding us. Didn't go to sleep until 12:30--way past our bedtime. Was a good day that really didn't feel like a 0 day.
Date: 2003-04-26
From: Pearisburg

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yep, today our second zero day--first time we've had 2 days without hiking. Cire and his mother, Patricia, came by the room this morning to see if we wanted to go to breakfast with them. We went to the Family and Friends Restaurant. Had a wonderful breakfast! Talked about funny stories and memories so far on the trail.Slick Rock has decided to give her knee a rest and lighten her pack. It was hard to see her leave us. It will be weird not having her here with us. She'll be back with us in about 3 days. I'm trying to rest as much as I can. Eating, eating, eating. We had to go to the library to get on the internet. We went by the hostel here. It was really nice--had a swing on the porch that I took advantage of. The view was pretty cool. Looking at the mountains, the colorful trees--mostly dogwoods. Watching the birds playing chase. The beauty and peacefulness that I'm a part of right now is so special. I know that I've mentioned how beautiful and peaceful things out here are. God keeps on giving me these moments where He shows me that when I just stop and sit and observe that I can see so much more of Him, that life isn't all about rushing through each day but enjoying every moment. Had a great nap, then ate a caramel sundae and a Mr Misty from Dairy Queen. Going to order pizza and watch a movie. Heading out in the morning. Mr. Cranky Pants and Eileen dropped by just in time for pizza. We watched Forrest Gump, sang along with the guitar, and listened to CD's. He told us that there have been bear sightings recently around the areas we've been hiking. Ended up staying up until 12:00 again.
Date: 2003-04-27
From: Pearisburg

To: .1 mi before Symms Gap
Miles today: 12.5

We said our goodbyes this morning to Diesel's parents. They were so good to us. Thanks for all that you did! We stayed around the motel for a while. Dreading the hike today for several reasons. First, we always have heavy packs after we get our mail drops. Then, we are usually tired after one zero day and we have taken two. Plus, Slick Rock isn't with us so it is totally weird not having her here. The bugs were really bad. We had lunch on top of this bald which had a really cool view of West Virginia. It didn't seem like we were high up but we were on the highest mountain around. Really enjoyed the hike. I saw some deer and we got to the campsite right before sunset which was beautiful. Speck and I needed water and the closest thing to us was this little swamp. She dug through the muck so our filters wouldn't get clogged up. It was so loud. We couldn't even hear each other because the frogs and crickets were so loud. Nice sort of warm night tonight.
Date: 2003-04-28
From: .1 mi before Symms Gap

To: 1.8 mi past Wing Rock
Miles today: 16.1

It was warm today. Cire is hiking with us for the moment and Mr. Cranky Pants is going to catch up with us. We went over lots and lots of rocks. We met Truck and GI Jane with their huge dog Sci. GI Jane hiked the PCT last year. They are a cool couple from California. I have poison ivy on my head and both of my arms. Crazy I know....have no idea of how I got it on my head. We went to Wind Rock where there was this group of guys there cooking hotdogs. They gave us one. They were in a Bible Study group from Virginia Tech. It was nice talking to them. We had a great view from the rocks to see the sunset. How lucky we are. We hiked in the dark to the campsite which is not my favorite thing to do. Speck and I shared a tent. I'm getting better at setting up her tent. I do miss mine though.
Date: 2003-04-29
From: 1.8 mi past Wing Rock

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up at 3:00 with a pounding headache due from dehydration. I look out my tent and was greeted with a grey sky. Right after we got our tent packed up, it started raining. This morning was a rought morning for me. My feet started hurting right away. Rocks, Rocks, Rocks. We had an uphill that totally got to me. It was hot and i was tired. I was thinking to myself...am I enjoying myself? I was not. I felt like the days were becoming like a job. I wake up in the mornings to quickly get ready, hike all day, take a few breaks and lunch off, get in after dark worn out and fall asleep....then get up the next morning and do it again. I at that point wanted to quit. I was really down and discouraged. At the top of that part there was trail magic from Super Dave. Had some candy bars and an apple.Made it to the shelter for lunch, ate and left. I needed the time to be alone; to think. Made it about a mile when i saw this green field and decided to stop. I was just going to take a picture but decided to take a break. It was so nice. I spread out my fleece and laid on it. I was shaded by a blooming dogwood tree. I watched its branches sway as the clouds floated by. I closed my eyes and sang Draw Me Close; then just sat and listened. I could hear birds and cows. Realizing that the miles consumed all my thoughts. I also decided to slow down my pace and enjoy everything i could. We hiked through pastures. In this one pasture we had to go through mud, manure, and water. Ended up with fresh manure all over my boot. Yeah, gross. I cleaned it in a nearby stream as the donkeys stood and watched. The next 3 miles were wonderful. I stopped to smell all the flowers, blowing dandelions, taking lots of pictures. Ran into 2x4 and his dog. He stopped to change his film because he went camera happy like I did. The last two miles were straight uphill....glad I had a talk with God this morning cause I felt better going up this mountian. Oopu and I sat on some rocks at an overlook under these loud powerlines. We made it to the shelter which we climbed half way back down the mountain to get to it. This has been a day that I've struggled almost to tears. Slowed down and soaked up the day. Now, I sit here tired, throbbing feet, dry manure on my boots, and a smile of satisfaction, knowing that I am here.
Date: 2003-04-30
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

The hike out of the shelter was not the best wake up call this morning. I slept so good last night, thanks to my new best friends...my ear plugs. My back was hurting me this morning i think because of the heavy pack. I have been packing it differently so maybe that is why. Had great views most of the morning, climbing on ridges of just rocks. THought of all the places I want to travel, the dreams I want to reach. We stopped at a creek for lunch. We enjoyed the sunshine, the nice creek. I had so many big ants in my pot that I had to kill. We climbed up the next mountain as the thunder rolled in the distance. That made me increase my speed.I made it to the top, putting on my raincover right before the rain came. We hiked only a little before the thunderstorm hit, and boy what a storm. We were walking along the ridge as fast as we could. It poured on us. Lightening bolts were hitting so close at times we would all duck down and the bolts struck nearby, causing my heart to almost jump out of my chest. The storm lasted for about an hour. I was completely soaked, even my boots. Speck and I did cheers and tried to make the best out of this. The shelter was a 6 person shelter and when we got there there were already 6 there, plus 3 dogs. We somehow fit all 10 of us in there. At least we kept each other warm.
Date: 2003-05-01
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: VA 311
Miles today: 11.9

Wow, first day of May! Wasn't very motivated this morning because had lots of climbs. I took the AT instead of taking the blue blazed trail to Dragon's Tooth so I made my own trail; climbing on all fours up rocks while I left my pack. I made it and boy was it a view! The fun part was trying to find my pack. I realized that I had gotten off the trail but not too far. The climb down was all rock. Felt like an obstacle course. I slid down rocks, sat on rocks. Some of the rocks even had ladders built in them because it was so steep. Right before we got to the road we had some trail magic. There was even a chair for us to sit in. We enjoyed the treats, then headed to Four Pines Hostel. The hostel was in a garage type of building. We had a bowl of cereal, one of our favorite things to eat, or at least mine. We took showers, then decided that we would hike the six miles, then go to the Home Place Restaurant for supper. The hike was through pastures. The cows just stood there as we walked by. We did those miles so fast, caught a ride to the restaurant and joined the other hikers that were there. It was a great place. There were tons of people there...parties of up to 45. Mostly college students from Virginia Tech. All the food was homecooked and the waitresses would bring out 3 meats, cole slaw, veggies, and desserts out to you....all you can eat. The atmosphere here is so peaceful. There are gazebos, people throwing frisbees, and views of pastures with mountains. Feels like it should be in some movie. We got back to the hostel and were entertained by Truck and Diesel on the guitar while GI Jane played the harmonica. Good times. About 15 people stayed the night. We got to hang out with Denmark and Early Riser which was really nice.
Date: 2003-05-02
From: VA 311

To: US 220
Miles today: 19.6

We got up at the crack of dawn this morning. Mr. Joe took the 7 of us back to the trail in the back of his pickup truck. We got going at 6:30, which was nice. Got to see the sun rise. I really like hiking this early too! I was in such a positive mood this morning...i felt great!!!! We had a climb up to McAfee Knob. It was absolutly beautiful. I could've stayed here all day long. I wrote with my feet hanging over the edge. Everything was so small. The towns around, the trees, everything. This world is so big and we are so small. I wonder if people realize how big this beautiful world is? We did have to move on. I got to see another snake. This one was big and fat and didn't budge as I walked past him as he sat on the trail. We reached our 700 mile mark. It was a day of views. We had Tinker Cliffs next. Another great spot that I loved. It was really hot and not shaded so we decided to go a little further for lunch. The trail ran right along the edge which was way cool! Took a long lunch and a little nap. The breeze felt good, very relaxed. We headed on, planning on staying several miles outside of Daleville. Cire informed us that we were suppose to get thunderstorms tonight so we decided to just push it into town. It was nice all the way there. We did a lot of miles today but took a lot of breaks. Oopu and I hiked most of the last 6 miles together. He climbed every rock he could. Because of the miles my feet were throbbing and I was pleased when we reached Daleville right before dark. The Econo Lodge was right across the street from the trail which was good. I got my mail drop and showered, then decided that I wanted McDonalds because I was CRAVING it for the last couple of days. So, I went up to this lady at the gas station right next to the trail and asked if she could take me. It was probably about 3 miles away and my feet were so bruised. She was kind hearted and took me. Then, this fedex guy brought me back. I enjoyed every bit of it. After a long day i had no problems sleeping. I was excited because Slick Rock was coming back tomorrow.
Date: 2003-05-03
From: US 220 Daleville VA

To: US 220 Daleville VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light intensity shower rain

Another Slack Packing Experience Gone BadWe walked to Shoney's this morning and had a huge breakfast, then a three hour nap. Slick Rock and her parents came. It was so good to see her! We hung around the motel, then went in for lunch at Pizza Hut. Her parents wanted to Slack Pack us so we decided to go about 7 miles North and hike back to the motel. We got all packed up. I decided not even to take my pack. The seven of us- the five of us, Mr. Cranky Pants, and Cire, all went. We finally found the road we were to get on the trail but it wasn't in the best condition and we thought we were pretty close to the trail so we left. Well, we hiked and hiked. Soon it started to rain, then came a thunderstorm. The road kept on going.....no trail. We soon decided the best thing to do is to turn around and go back. We ran some to keep warm and soon made it back to a house. The lady living there was so nice. She offered us drinks and to come in but we were drinched and decided it best to stay outside. She then offered to take us back to the motel. She gave us all sweatshirts to wear as we rode in the back of her truck. Yep, another slack packing experience gone bad. Maybe this is just a sign saying that we shouldn't slack pack anymore. Well, we all made it back to the motel and dried off. We had porkchops, cake, and the rest of the group had spicy BBQ wings....too hot for me. Good to be back, dry and warm. Hopefully we'll have better luck on our hike tomorrow.
Date: 2003-05-04
From: Daleville

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a good breakfast at Cracker Barrel. The guys ended up going to a coffee shop, and the 3 of us--Speck, Slickrock, and I--pushed on. It was a short hike today, and the weather was nice. Took lots of breaks and took my time. Made it to the shelter by 5:00. Able to enjoy and relax before dark. The guys came in soon, and I fell asleep before dark.Mr. Cranky Pants is taking several days off. Cire is hiking with us. Thanks to Mrs. Lyn and Mr. Bob for all the food. It was good seeing you guys again. Can't wait until our trip to Gettysburg. Tell Grandpa I said hey!
Date: 2003-05-05
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

Didn't want to get up because it was windy, rainy, and cold, but we had to get going. Didn't make a plan on where we were going. I decided that today was going to be another good day. The weather was miserable. The temperature dropped, and the rain continued.Got some trail magic from Mr. Cranky Pants. William, if you read this, you rock! And I hope that you make the decision that makes you happy. We miss you!It has been so wonderful hiking with Cire and Mr. Cranky Pants. Always make me smile and bring endless laughter to the group with jokes or quotes. They are truly amazing people--blessed to know them and hike with them.Having done 11 miles yesterday puts extra stress on the group--knowing we would have to hike about 17 miles a day in order to get to Buena Vista by Thursday. Since the day was miserable and Cire's mother met us at one of the overlooks, we decided the best thing to do was yellow blaze. We skipped around 13 miles where we only had 3 to do to get to a shelter. I'm really glad we did. We all realized that the miles were consuming us, causing us to not enjoy the hiking. I know for me, when I first started hiking, that I was going to pass every white blaze, walking every mile. Now,I'm realizing that the miles are not what I'm here for. I'm here to enjoy nature, to see more of God, and to experience life in a different way--without the luxurious materialistic things. So we hiked about 7 miles.I made it to the shelter at 12:30. I talked to Half Day, ate, and got in my sleeping bag. Lay here and talked to all the hikers who came through. Then the guys got here hours later. Oopu came in complaining that his pack was so heavy. He was asking us if we could carry some of it. Then he starts pulling out Burger King Whoppers, one after another. Oh, baby, were we happy! We even had soggy fries and ketchup! It was cozy in this huge 2 story shelter, listening to the gentle rain. Very relaxing. The privy had a register in it. Kinda not expecting that.
Date: 2003-05-06
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble River
Miles today: 17.2

It rained all night long but stopped before we started our hike. I decided today not to even look at Wingfoot's book, to just hike--not knowing what was coming up next. Beautiful day! New flowers bloomed and saw some rhododendruns--I really like those. The sky darkened at lunch but blew over. We had a 3,000 foot climb that I'm glad I didn't know about. It wasn't that bad of a climb. The bugs were a pain today--probably because of the rain from last night. They'd be in swarms. We killed no telling how many.As I was putting up my tent at the campsight, a deer walked right by me--about 10 to 15 feet away. Got as close as I could and got its picture. Saw some salamanders as we were getting water and ate dinner looking at a beautiful sunset. Couldn't have been a better day.
Date: 2003-05-07
From: Marble River

To: Punch Bowl Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

No Virginia Blues for MeYeah, for several weeks I believe I had the Virginia Blues. That is what thru-hikers usually get because Virginia is so long. More hikers quit in the state of Virginia than any other state.I loved today! This morning I saw the neatest thing. As we were hiking along the ridge, the fog looked like a thick mist over the sea. Mountaintops peeped out here and there. It looked so cool. Saw another deer run across the trail. Today I think may be another one of my favorite days. Springtime is finally here. The mountains now are green, there are gardens of rhododendruns, and there is a smell of wild azaleas.We hiked along the James River and crossed the longest manmade bridge on the AT. I loved the water. Something about the water just pulls me in. So I stopped and journaled some. The rest of the gang came. We skipped rocks and watched the butterflies as they would land on our arms. Oopu got to see his train that ran alongside the bridge. The afternoon was full of hard climbs. Virginia is beautiful, and the mountain ranges aren't as high as North Carolina and Georgia but there are still hard, tough climbs here. The shelter was full so I gladly put up my tent. The flies are horrible! Going to buy Deet and a head net. Never swallowed or had so many bugs fly up my nose before. There is a small but noisy pond by my tent. I'm listening to the songs of frogs and crickets. Hope the rain holds off.
Date: 2003-05-08
From: Punch Bowl Shelter

To: Buena Vista
Miles today: 10.6

It rained all night long but stopped before we started hiking. Another humid but beautiful day. Saw a white rhododendrun along with many more. Today we passed by a reservoir and another large body of water. We got our 10.6 miles in by 1:30.We met Stormy & Misty, some friends of ours, at the road. They had us subs, fruit, and chips. It was so good to see them. They rented a Durango so we could all fit and they also rented us a two story farmhouse. It was perfect. There are pastures among pastures out here. So beautiful.We ate supper at this Italian restaurant in Lexington, Virginia. It was so good. Diesel ordered a large calzone. Boy, was it big. It looked like an animal lying on the large pan. We got a laugh out of it. He only finished half of it.Lexington is a very nice college town. Cadets were walking around. We did laundry and then hit the Super Wal-Mart. It was a good day today. Excited about our zero day tomorrow.