morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Holiday Motor Lodge

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Day started simple enough. Up, pack all ready, out the door. At 7:35, actually a good start for coming off a zero day. Cold and very windy conditions hit me as I exit. Still 1 mile to get to the trailhead. As I turn onto the sidewalk the wind hits me head on. Hard to walk against. On the way I stop at the Hardee's. Grab a couple of biscuits and eggs and coffee. With that done, I start back down the road again. Still very windy. Back to the trail at 8:21. Still not bad.I pass the old Pearis cemetery, cross the river, then complete a scrub section of trail. Up, around, and back down some hill that brings you maybe 400 yards down a road from where you started. The trail is the trail. Then the morning climb begins. Just under 2,000 feet in all. Some hard, but still OK. If the rain holds, my goal is to push about 23+ miles. A big day when coming off a town stay, but to shave a day off this section, I need another 75 mile three day push, then a 17 mile day into the interchange.While on the ridge, I heard this hum that sounded like a muffled jet engine. I looked up and 50 yards to my left passed a glider. With only 20-30 yards above the trees, it was certainly taking advantage of the wind currents blowing up the side of the mountain. This happened two more times before I left the ridge. The ridge was rocky without much good tread.Arrived at the shelter. An older couple I met previously was there. With the mileage I was putting in, for someone to pass me they have to be really moving. As it turns out, they are skipping some sections and filling in gaps of their previous hikes. They moved forward and started again at Pearisburg. Also, there were Mexico from Mexico and Meno for Menonite. Later 3 Bear came in.Mexico and Meno set up their tent in the shelter. With no rain forecasted, I was a bit puzzled. I guess Mexico has a fear of spiders. OK. But when the rain fly was added, it seemed to be a bit of an overkill for spiders. Whatever works, I guess.With a big day planned for tomorrow, got to bed early with the light of a small campfire. A good day. Three more to the interchange.
Date: 2010-05-10
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: broken clouds

Second one up, first one out. If the weather holds, hoping for a 27 mile day. If completed, it would be second only to my 30 mile day. I know the first 6 miles are on the ridge, then a big 2,000 foot down, then 2,000 up, 1,500 down, 1,000 up, 5 miles of ridge, then a finish with 1,500 down.As it turns out, the hiking tread really sucked. The ridge line was nothing but boulders, ups and downs were eroded paths and at no time did the trail let up. All 27 miles were hard. By the end of the day, I was beat. My legs were brutalized by the rocks and my back hurt from the pounding all day from my pack.3 Bear and I leap frogged all day. He is a much faster and stronger hiker than I am, but since I take only a few short breaks, I was always passing him. But it was never long until he went right by me again. His goal is to get a maildrop he has at Danville then get a ride back to Damascus for trail days. By the end of the day I caught up to him. I thought he was a section hiker and was going to pass him, but with only a mile or so left, I held back and slowed my pace. For him to be at my pace, he must be really tired.When we got to the shelter, a younger couple was getting water and moving on. At the shelter was Missionary, a middle-aged man who is going to walk the trail then go back to Michigan where he wants to fulfill a calling he has to do God's work. He wants to work with young fathers to embrace the responsibilities of being a father and a male in today's society. A good and well needed cause and I wish him well.At the shelter, bother 3 Bear and Missionary talked for the first time about getting off trail. I'm not sure what Missionary's cause is, but for 3 Bear, today's hike is talking. It really was the toughest I've ever had. The rocks were really that bad. He will be better after trail days. Missionary I'm not so sure about, but still wish him well.Clouds moved in late afternoon. Before I left Pearisburg, the weather is supposed to be cold for two days but no rain for four days. The cloud cover has kept the evening warmer. Again with a nice fire from Missionary, and a long day, bed came early. A well deserved rest.A hard day but very rewarding now that is is over. One more big mileage day tomorrow. If the tread is as tough as today, I may pull a shorter day and add it to the final push into the interchange. I'll see. My feet took a real beating today.Life is good, but for now, sleep is even better.
Date: 2010-05-13
From: US 220 - Howard Johnson

To: US 220 - Howard Johnson
Miles today: 0.0

2:20pm and I am now done with my errands. Alarm went off at 6:30. Right... up at 6:30 on my zero day... just not going to happen. Did get up at 7:40. Shoes on, out the door to breakfast in the lobby. I have already decided I'm going to cross the interchange and go to McDonald's for an Egg McMuffin. So after 7-8 pieces of what looked like some kind of egg thing, 4 waffles with lots of syrup and butter, 2 glazed donuts, O.J. and coffee, I went back to my room, grabbed my money, and started my deadly track over to Micky D's. Looks easy in a car, but when on foot these interchanges with cars and semis plowing through the ramps is a bit tricky. But with the goal in mind, I made it.So 9:30 and meal #2. So after 2 Egg McMuffins, hash brown and large coffee, I start my trek back. I look up and notice my favorite store is right across the street, Dollar General. So I cross the six lanes of traffic and go in. Picked up the snacks for my next four day section. Also toothpaste, band-aids, and vitamin I. On my way out, I noticed it was now 11:00. Hmmm. Lunch is now being served at McDonald's. It is right here so why not? Back in I go. Big Mac, large fries, and Sweet Tea. Yum. With meal #3 complete by 11:20, I'm feeling pretty good. All-in-all, I figure I have had about 2,500 calories so far, and it is only 11:20. I maneuver my way back to the hotel. Legs feel good. No hiker hobble at all. Ankle still a bit sore and blister a bit sensitive, but after 719 miles I'm feeling pretty good.I still need my dinners and something for my mornings, plus more Aquamira. So down to the shopping area the other way. At the Outfitters, I looked at bug netting and bag liners. If I could get something with a 40-45 degree rating at 6-8 ounces I think I would do it. The liners are 6-9 ounces with little or no real warmth advantage. So I passed on them. Too early perhaps for bug netting so I skipped that as well. What I did get was my Aquamira and a treatment to hopefully help my rain jacket out. Not really sure if this stuff works, but for 8 bucks and with the storms expected for the next five days, I figure whatever it does help will be worth it. I need to do 95 miles in four days, so if it rains, I need to hike in it.With the Outfitters done, I moved over to the Kroger. Picked up what I needed. Instant Breakfast powder, Honey Buns, tuna in four different delivery methods, and paper towels. I use the towels for my perpetually running nose and the sweat out of my eyes. With a fridge in my room, I also picked up a pint of Ben and Jerry's chocolate chip cookie dough. Yum. Of course, with Wendy's right there, stopped in for a Frosty. So at 2:20, it is time to get caught up on my journals.--Update... 7:45 and dinner is done. Ate 1/2 slab of ribs, BBQ pork tenderloins, cheese soup, baked potato and some hushpuppies. My ice cream will be eaten after my hot Epsom salt bath. Leaving tomorrow. Weather is bad now. Storms in the area.
Date: 2010-05-15
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Marble Spring
Miles today: 24.2

Rained all night. Not heavy, simple, light, constant.Got up on time 6:30. Out at 7:12. Ready for the rain. Of course, it stopped shortly after I left the shelter. Rain jacket off, extra layer off, back to the basics.Before I left, Little Fork asked me to give Shakes a message when I caught him. Many ups and downs with a 2,000 foot and then a 1,000 foot right after. Almost to the top of the 2,000 footer, I came up to a heavy girl with a very large pack. A bit farther up, I came up to her father who asked enough questions to make it obvious he was a bit concerned about her. Of course, my thought was if you are that concerned, you should be with her and/or pick a section within the physical constraints causing the concern. Whatever.As I was climbing down the second hill, I came across Shakes and at 1:30 Little Spoon's message was delivered. By the top of the hill, I passed Thunder Ridge Shelter. This is the shelter where on a cold, rainy day in 2006, a trail dog named Trucker helped me to decide to end my hike in Glasgow. Just 12 miles from here.Today is different. 2010 hike has been good. Mind and body are both in the game. But by the top of the climb, I was feeling a bit tired. Today was supposed to be a 30 mile day, so no time to feel tired. But the trail had a different idea. More ups and downs. On top of another climb, I ran into a couple that I think were hunting rattle snakes. Then on the way down the hump, I ran into my first outward bound group. It has always been obvious that they are well instructed on how to approach other hikers. The lead hiker always stops and makes an attempt to get the group to stop and let the hiker pass. I always make it a point to let them know to continue, I step aside and offer words of encouragement to each of them as they proceed past. I respect their situation, position, and efforts. If they experience the gesture of respect, perhaps the personal building process can begin from within themselves.The humidity has been high. My water consumption has already been six bottles. At the bottom of the hump, I hit a campsite with a second, older group of outward bound boys. I headed down to the spring, got water, and back up to the campsite. Something clicked. I'm tired. But it is only 5:30 and five more miles to go. No... not today. This site looks good. Nice tent area, no rain expected so I made the decision to stay. Glad I did. Still made 25 miles so I will make up the missed miles tomorrow. Mule, a section hiker there, told me my elevation climbs are in the range of 7,000 feet. This is actually a lot of a day and even though my mind did not know it, my body did.The group was in bed at 8:15. My tarp was within ear shot of their night ending group conversations. Wow. I hope this process helps. Major issues for such young people.Day was good. Ready for sleep. Out by 8:30. Miles to make up tomorrow.
Date: 2010-05-16
From: Marble Spring

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 27.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, the "no rain" for the next 48 hours started around 12:30am last night with the lightning and thunder and, of course, rain. The storm was not right on top of me. With the time delay between the lightning flash and thunder, I guessed the storm's center was between 5 and 8 miles away. The rain fell most of the night. Due to the night before, I was listening for falling trees. But none fell around me. At least none that I was aware of. It was not raining when I got up, but my tarp was soaked. Everything else seemed OK. But with the extra weight of the wet tarp, I will need to stop and dry it or carry the extra burden.I was out on the trail at 7:12. Miles to make up from yesterday's shortage. Passed the first shelter, crossed the James River, and started up again. With Glasgow now behind me, I started my climb out of the river valley. Watered up at the second shelter and kept my climb up. Over eight more miles of climbing, I hit the entrance to the last shelter to dry my tarp. It was 0.2 miles off trail. Not worth the extra movement. 9.5 miles now to go to my planned stopping point, Brown Mountain Creek Shelter.Feeling OK and I remember the last four miles would be rather easy. With a near 28 mile day planned, I could use it.Again, as I got to the shelter, the rain began. One other hiker at the shelter. I hung my tarp in the shelter all night to finally get it dry.No thunder or lightning, just rain all night. I was dry, my gear was all in good shape, and my tarp is drying. Today was a success. A big day done. Tomorrow I have 18.1 miles to go to Montebello. There I will go 2.5 more miles and arrive at the best hostel on the trail. The Dutch Haus B&B.I adjusted my overall hiking plan, where, once at the Dutch Haus, I will complete a 20 mile southbound hike, then zero the next day. With my maildrop, I will be able to skip Waynesboro. Right on to the Shennies where I want to do a couple of 30 mile days. A good day, a good plan. For today, life is good!!
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Dutch Haus B&B

To: Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day six. Up at 6:50. Went for coffee in the main house. No one up yet. With all the hikers staying today, breakfast is now at 8:00. OK. Fussed for an hour and back for coffee and breakfast. Eggs and biscuits and gravy. Yum. A couple, a woman, the section hiker and I stayed at the table after breakfast and had a great conversation. The section hiker is a psychiatrist and has an interesting outlook on things. He is in charge of a state-run hospital for women with mental disorders. All are permanent patients.After we dispursed, I started the long process of updating my journals. 5:45 and I am still on them. I took a break to get to the P.O. and get some items sent back. I actually have much more to add, but I'm sure Holly is ready for a break for now. I hope I remember the many details at a later date. For now, I have my next hiking section planned. I will be skipping Waynesboro, hit the Shennies hard and stop at Terrapin Hostel at the other end. Then the next push will be to Harper's Ferry.To-date, my head game is strong. My body is holding up. My weight is down only 17-18 pounds since my start. My use of Vitamin I is way down with none or less than 800mg used per day. I have made it through some very tough moments. My climbing is getting stronger every day. I am in the game and playing hard. All lights are green and I am ready to run. I am looking forward to being back on the trail tomorrow. I'm ready to be an AT thru hiker.
Date: 2010-05-21
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 54The group was up early. Of course I get up with them since today is day 1 of the Shennies, which means a bigger mile day. I find that the shelter rat left my bag alone. The others are not so lucky. Clue phone.... always have your pack. Always!!!As I was getting ready to leave, the man from England laid his pack on the ground. A bit odd, but whatever. Then he got on the ground and began to fit himself in his pack. I thought.... you have to be F'n kidding. Sure enough, I and another hiker helped him up and it was obvious his pack had to be 55-60 pounds. 800 plus miles and still with an insanely heavy pack. Suggestion #1: You don't need six bottles of water in Virginia. In fact, no where on the AT do you need to carry that much water. Well, he left 15 minutes ahead of me and I caught up to him in 5 minutes. He simply needs to lose 30-40 pounds out of his pack.In about a mile, I hit the southern boundary of the SNP. I now have zero food and a few snacks. Goal is to hit the camp stores and Wayside's when I can. I know they are very over-priced, but they will help me reduce my pack weight for the next 100 miles.The day was nice for hiking. A bit on the warmer side and sunny, but still a great day. At 13 miles, I ran into Missionary at the blue blaze to Blackrock Hut. He cut a section to meet up with his dad. I needed water, so I headed the 0.2 miles downhill to the shelter. Got my water, had some snacks and got back on the trail. The ups and downs are more than you think.I hit Loft Mountain Campstore and found Missionary already there. I picked up 2 ham & cheese sandwiches, 2 liters of Gatorade, candy, ice cream, chips, and crackers. All totaling just under $25.00 for a bunch of crap. The Wayside is another mile away and back, so with a 25+ mile day planned, I stuck to the Campstore. I ate, packed the rest and went back 3/4 mile to the trailhead where I got off. I have just over five miles to go to the next shelter. The weather is starting to change. The wind is picking up, the sky is clouding over, and it looks like rain may be coming.I hit the shelter and Missionary and another thru-hiker were there. In addition, there were the other hikers out doing a high school project. They have two weeks to do something or go somewhere and then give a report on it. Their choice is to hike the SNP. Sounds like a good project.Missionary gave his position and goals on his future work. The group seemed to have a long conversation on the topic of fatherhood in today's society.I had this conversation earlier with Missionary, so I stayed out of it. It was interesting to hear the perspective from the group.Anyway, I went to sleep since I had another long day tomorrow. It seemed like rain is on the way and if so, the others are planning on shorter days. No rain, no gain.... no gain, no Maine. Either way, I'm out early.
Date: 2010-06-06
From: Chicago, Illinois

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 70Last zero day. Already too many. Came in for the Memorial Day weekend and 10 days later I am now on a train back to Harper's Ferry.Since I was informed that the X-rays confirmed I broke my ankle back at Wyeth Bald, I have been hesitant to go back out. But I simply have to get it done. 2010 is my year. Even with my broken ankle, the pain I have is still far less than my hammer toe in 2006. It just won't heal until I am done with the hike. I have several bone chips and I suspect the scar tissue will be with me forever. Still will be worth it. How many people can say they hiked the AT on a broken foot?My time at home has been good. There is always something else to get done, so unless you make the decision to just leave, you will never start up again. I also look forward to the hike being complete so I can hook up my trailer and spend some time exploring more of this country. I will also use this time after my hike to look at all of the opportunities currently out there to make a few bucks.The train headed to Harper's Ferry just got underway. 6:50pm. 10 minutes late. Not bad for Amtrak.Goal is to get to H.F. at 11:35, change clothes in the station there, get to the Post Office to send my train clothes back, and cross the Potomac River around noon and then hike 15 miles to the shelter. The man has a plan. I will hike for 30 days, jump back on a train to Chicago for a week and then head out again to finish the trail.Although I have lost my conditioning, I also have healed a bit. With the gaining of 3 pounds, I figure I have 7-8 thousand calories I don't have to eat. To hit where I am catching my next train, I need to average 15 mile days with 3 zero days. Very do-able. I will warm up my foot for 2-3 days then start the 22-25 mile days if/when my body is ready. I can't wait to be hiking again.
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Chicago, Illinois

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

Day 71Day started of course sleeping on the train. Around Pittsburg, PA I took my clothes bag out of my pack and used it as a pillow. It actually was much better and I did get some sleep. Had an odd seat-mate but I'll go into that when I have more time.The train ended up an hour late, about 12:30. After departing the train, went into the station bathroom and changed into my hiking clothes. Went up to the Post Office, and mailed my train clothes back. Picked up an OJ at the liquor store and saw that the pizza place was open. No slices, so I had a ham and cheese sub. My cereal, grapefruit, and 3 cups of coffee were not enough.Started my hike right at 2:00. Plan is to go 15.5 miles. A very late start, but 6 hours will give me until 8:00. Pushing it, but I should be OK. The rain stopped and the day is a great day to hike.As it turned out, the first 10 miles were nice tread conditions with rocks the last 5. But I think I only went up 1,500 feet so it was a good day to use as my first day back after 10 days off.Finished my day in 5 hours 15 minutes. Not bad. A bit stiff, but foot is holding up fine. All alone at the shelter, although there is a group close by. I can't see them but I could hear them.Tomorrow should be another short day. I want to give myself two days to warm up before I start pushing the miles again. With the rocks ahead, a big day will be 15-20 miles. I am focused on my goal. 30 days and then back to Chicago for a week. This last 10 day period was not really anticipated, but the break in July is.Sun is setting, I still need to eat. Then sleep. At least no one will be snoring. A good first day back on the trail.
Date: 2010-06-08
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Wolfsville Road - Free State Hostel
Miles today: 15.5

Day 72What a great hiking day. This is the kind of day that if you hiked it, you would get the wrong impression of what hiking the AT is all about.My night's sleep was terrific. Looked at my watch, 6:05. Closed my eyes for a minute and next time I looked it was already 7:30. The night was cool. I needed sleep after my train ride. No other hikers here, so no snoring. I have a short day to the hostel, so it already is a good morning.I packed up, drank some water, used the privy and headed out. Hit the trail just after 8:00. The day was cooler. On the blue blaze back to the trailhead, I looked over and there was a second shelter here. I was alone at the older shelter. It appears there is a brand new shelter as well. That is where the voices were coming from. Oh well. I did have a great night's sleep.The hike for most of the day was on good tread. Passed by several historical sites, including the Washington Monument. I ran into several hikers, including Blue Steel and Tup. I am with a new group. After 10 days off, my group is way ahead of me.Hit the end of my hiking day around 1:30. Very early to call it a day, but I want to test run my foot and build up for a couple of days. The last several miles were very rocky and I did twist my foot a few times. Not much pain but it is weak.Arrived at the hostel with a ride. A man in a pick-up truck stopped and offered me a ride, and I took it. The Free State Hostel is built out nicely. A bunk room, shower, living area, game area. Had a core, will order food later. My mail drop arrived. What a great day. A shame to have it end early, but I will start my bigger days tomorrow. My goal is also to take fewer zero days since I will be off-trail again in 30 days.There actually are two other hikers here and one group, the Rat Pack, is still behind me. Oh well. For now, a shower. Nice!!