morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-01
From: Camp Past Wapiti

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

   What a night--didn't get much sleep due to the high winds and falling debris. It continued to be cold and blustery. There were a lot of branches and trees down along the trail. Got going early, trying to get warmed up. Even the steep descent into Pearisburg didn't bother me--I was so glad to be going down for a change. Hitched a ride to the Holiday Motor Lodge, checked in and immediately took a welcomed hot shower, and crawled into bed for a short nap. I used their internet access to send and check emails briefly. Across the street to Food Lion, wandered through the aisles eyeing all the good stuff I can't carry. Uh-oh--no pepperoni! It may be a tuna week. No small jars of peanut butter! Not a good hiker store-lol. Then it was over to the DQ for a cone, even though it was still cold and windy and not exactly ice cream weather. Looks like many others managed to hobble into town also-- this motel is very hiker friendly, so many people I know are here.
Date: 2013-02-24
To: AT Guide Books Have Arrived!
Miles today: 0.0

My Guide Books have arrived! Now is the time to get down and serious! There are actual guidebooks published on hiking the AT - everything you need to know on navigating the 2,186 miles that make up the 2013 Appalachian Trail. The conundrum is that what I consider the two best - pictured - are quite different. Yes, they both give the mileage and information on what services to expect at each stop, whether in towns or at shelters (water sources in the latter), but the focus is a bit different. I wish there was one that combined the best of both.The green book is published by a past thru-hiker, AWOL, and is extremely helpful to let one know of places to stay, eating establishments, and other services at every locale along the trail. Plus, it is clever in showing the profile of the section shown so you have an idea of the mountains to climb that day. This can be good and bad. Socks used to fixate on the profile - I remember a section outside of Bland where she kept saying 'what about that last hill? We still need to climb a hill.' Well, we had just been bopping along the trail and had gone over 'that hill'. You can imagine if she was this bad in VA, what the effect of advance anticipation was when she entered the notorious Whites! Hoop, on the other hand, just got up in the morning and hiked - what ever came his way, came his way. It was probably good when the Ying met the Yang (ie., balanced each other out).The other book, The Thru-Hiker's Companion, is published by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and gives much more in the way of the history of the trail, sites along the way. Not as comprehensive as AWOL's in the way of amenities, but does include info on this. Initially, I bought both books thinking that I would select one that would be my guidebook, leaving the other at home for Don's reference. Now, I'm thinking I may divide them into sections so I have the best of both. We still have Sock's 2011 Thru-Hikers Companion (which I used as an at-home reference) and it would suffice for Don's use. I have a month to mull over this...On the other fronts, I have all my dinners together and have been working on breakfasts. I'm trying to do a mix of hot/cold breakfasts so if I want to get a fast start, I can eat a cold meal. Surprisingly, my favorite so far of the hot variety is Sausage Gravy and biscuits - so easy! You just get the Pioneer brand Sausage Gravy, take your little proportion (I do half a cup for a serving), mix it up in hot water and then add dressing mix. Honestly, it really is good! I had Don test and he asked where I got the biscuit-haha! I need to get focused on renewing the walking now that the days are getting longer. I might be able to squeeze in a half-hour at the end of my day. I've been doing the treadmill but don't like how it is hard on your legs (at least mine are achy after I do miles on the treadmill).Happy Trails to all out there hiking - stay safe and hope to give some of you Trail Magic when I make my way down there. Warm days are coming!
Date: 2003-06-04
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Campsite
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: light rain

   Getting out of Pearisburg isn't easy. It took an hour to hitch a ride (it is illegal to walk along the highway). Then we couldn't find where the trail resumed. Luckily the guy that picked me up is interested in hiking the trail. We drove up and down the highway a couple of times and finally, after thirty minutes of searching, found it. I wasn't in good form today. Coming out of any town always involves a big climb. This one seemed tougher than it should have been. When I finally got on the ridgeline, I was too tired to take advantage of it. Considering my late start, I did okay but it wasn't what I had hoped for. I stopped briefly at Rice Field Shelter and, reading about the difficulty in obtaining water there, pressed on. If you have to walk a mile to get water at a shelter, you may as well walk a mile up the trail to get it here and camp. I.B. came along and had the same thoughts as I did concerning the water situation. There is a very good spring here. As we were pitching our tents, a large doe appeared and hung around without fear. She was very curious. The forcast is for thunderstorms tonight (surprise!!), so I didn't want to push my luck about finding a good place to set up. The trail is very muddy and my boots are caked with mud. There were also a lot of rocky stretches today. Walked through a herd of cattle just before the shelter and was concerned that there might be a bull in the bunch. But made it past without incident. The calves sat right on the trail until I was within feet of them, then they would bolt.
Date: 2013-03-02
To: Those @#$%& Snakes
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

We had a restless night last night in our household - one of those where Fritz kept waking us up to go outside. He has them every now and then.The funny thing was sometime during the night, Don said I was talking in my sleep! Fritz came over and listened intently - whether to see if I was saying something of worth or if I was a little off my rocker.It was the @#$%& snakes! I had my first Trail dream! I was walking in a field and it was full of copperheads - everywhere! I was having a hard time finding a place to put my foot. I woke myself up and remember just lying there - thinking 'whoa - trail anxiety dream'. I confess, this is something that frightens me more than bears, homeless people that hang out at the shelters, running out of water, blisters... I'm fine with the racers and blacksnakes - it's the poisonous variety that give me concern. We don't see a lot of these in my neck of the woods.Is it stupid to carry snakebite kits...? On the other front - I am ratcheting it up. I have my maildrop boxes all labeled, reservations made for the 'launch', work notified of my intent, necessary dentist/doctor visits to get me through the next 6 months. How do the couples/singles wing this! I have lots of awe/respect for them. I don't have to make arrangements for the house - I know I am very fortunate to have the home support. Thanks family!
Date: 2003-06-06
From: Symms Gap Meadow

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

   Spent a pleasant night in my little camp. Filtered water in the morning from the river and packed up. Corssed the river and the road and started a long, steep climb up to Bailey Gap Shelter. This was not a good way to start a day, with a 25 yard-at-a-time climb. The thought had crossed my mind last night to try to push on to this shelter. I never would have made it. An hour after starting out, I was already dragging. Took a long break at the shelter trying to recover, only to encounter another rocky ridgeline. Virginia isn't for lovers. Virginia is for the understimulated. Nothing like spending hours and days picking your way in a slow, tedious crawl across a Virginia ridgeline. There is nothing up there. Nothing but rocks: Big rocks, little rocks, an endless jumble of rocks! That and lots of downed trees and seven kazillion millipedes. Do you know what killed all those trees? They died of boredom. If you have stumbled across one Virginia ridgeline, you have seen them all. I kept looking for a rattlesnake to bite me and put me out of my misery. No self respecting snake would want to live there. Three hours to go; four foot-pounding, mind-numbing miles. How welcome was the steep, rocky drop and seemingly endless steps and switchbacks down to War Spur Shelter--after a mediocre but highly touted vista at White Rock. I.B. had already settled into one end of the shelter, and I was more than happy to join him. The knees, ankles and feet were throbbing. I don't care for the shelters generally. I would rather stay in my tent. It's quieter, warmer and softer for sleeping--and you don't have to contend with the activities of others, and they don't have to put up with me. The mountain laurel around the shelter area was in full bloom, and there was a nice stream just up the trail. Had a nice evening of socializing before it was time for sleep.
Date: 2013-03-16
To: Update
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

What a rough week it has been but I have officially joined the ranks of the unemployed. Why so rough? Well, my co-workers decided to show me why I have enjoyed working at this company for the last 8 years. They were relentless in the well wishes, ice cream cakes, nice gifts, fun dinner out - it was brutal! My emotions are usually on my sleeve anyway but I had a tough time keeping them in check; indeed, they did slip out unannounced once or twice.So - I am soon on my way. Less than 10 days to go. The other night, as Fritz and I were doing the nightly property perimeter check (he likes to make sure all is well in his 'dog' world before bedding down), we had one of those rare night skies where the stars were so bright that you could actually see some constellations. They used to be more frequent when Don and I moved here some 30+ years ago. But now, it is only straight up that you can see them - the horizons are polluted by the encroaching lights of neighboring town. I can't wait to see a good night sky again!Well, got to run. We are looking at wedding dresses all day - how much further can you get from the trail than that!
Date: 2003-06-07
From: War Spur Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

   About midnight it began raining, and at dawn it increased in intensity. I.B. and I decided to wait it out, although some of the more adventurous chose to brave the mud and rain. Conditions didn't improve until well after noon. By that time, there wasn't enough hours to make much headway. So I resigned myself to staying put until the morning. No Pain came in and decided to stay. I had talked with him prior to beginning the hike via email, and had hoped to do some practice hikes with him before starting. The wintery weather had prevented that, which was too bad, because he has alot of trail experience and could have better prepared me for this trip. He is an interesting guy, and we talked quite a bit. Double A showed up too. I.B. had been waiting for her to catch up for weeks now, and to my surprise, he packed up and headed out with her. Might be the last I see of him for awhile. Hopefully, things will dry up a bit, and I can get an early start come morning, after wasting a day here.
Date: 2013-03-17
To: Last Minute Gear Additions
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I'm adding to my last minute chores by sewing two sleeping bag liners for myself and she-who-is-yet-to-be-named (actually we are both yet to be named!). Sleeping bag liners are a way to sleep between the sheets and save wear and tear on your expensive sleeping bag by allowing the liner to be washed, rather than the bag. Especially for mine, which is a down bag - I'd have to find tennis balls every time I wanted to wash it to fluff it up again. (Jerry, Melissa's dad, is an avid tennis player so I'm sure he could oblige with that but I think I'll just go the easy route)So, for the price of one liner, I'm sewing two. There comes a time when you just have to shut down the costly gear purchases. Really! You can spend a small fortune on this stuff! And, I can customize with size (I'm a shorty). They won't be pure silk, which is a preferred fabric, but a synthetic that is not much heavier and feels awesome. You may think this whole obsession with weight is a little overboard but believe me, I know from Socks' experience, it does become an obsession.I also added some Mail Drop locations on the left sidebar of towns where the trail will walk through or be in close proximity. I hope that some of you will send notes - life slows down out on the trail and the big point of the day can be receiving mail. It takes you back to a time in our past when the postman was watched for...The big day is coming - I can feel it in the air!
Date: 2003-06-09
From: Storage Shed In Town

To: Near Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

   Seems like I had just fallen asleep and it was morning already. Thunder had continued long after dark. My samaritan gave me a ride back to the trail, going way out of his way when he left at first light for work. I tried to give him some money for gas and his trouble, but he kept calling me "sir" and refusing. First encounter on the trail was with the Keffer Oak, with its huge 18 foot circumference. It was quite a sight in the early morning haze. I had to keep moving today, trying to make up some miles lost the last two days. I stuck strictly to the trail and bypassed the far-flung shelters. I must confess I spent little time observing my surroundings today, and took only a couple of brief breaks to get the pack off my shoulders and temporarily remove the mud from my boots. After little rest last night, and a long, hot, sweaty day today, I dragged into a campsite with darkness not far off. I unceremoniously set up the tent and crawled in, and just layed there awile.
Date: 2013-03-24
To: Countdown to Springer
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

T minus 24 hours! Having a great time in Asheville - preferred home of past AT Thru-hikers. Seriously, in any given crowd, you can find a past thru-hiker. So many kindred spirits down here.We had a great Birthday party for Socks at the Altamonte Brewery. We made a huge pan of pulled pork - added a carrot cake - threw in some live Bluegrass music - and a good time was had by all! We are moseying down to the hostel this afternoon, adding a couple of stops to drop off food at Neels Gap and a hostel. After a little consideration of the best way to maintain this journal, I've decided to enlist Socks' help. I'll be posting from the trail but will also have her do some transcribing of mailed notes. I'm giving her literary license to add her own thoughts at the end of each entry - she'll denote by 'Socks' note:'.And on that note - here's Socks (I'm warning you, she likes to write with exclamations!).Had an awesome birthday and for the second time I'll be headed down to Springer with a hangover! We had the pack shakedown for Mom and Sis yesterday, needless to say they are still hanging on to some "comfort items" that will probably be coming back with me from Neel's Gap! Have the food all figured out so we are ready to head out today for The Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega. Later!
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Troutville, Va

To: Waynesboro, Va
Miles today: 135.0
Weather: overcast clouds

6-13 thru 6-18-03  I haven't made any journal entries since leaving Troutville. It has been a terrible week of rain, mud, storms, falls, and fatigue. I've been wet all week, and all my gear is damp and sour smelling. There has been no escape, so I've just had to kep going. I even walked at night in the rain rather than try to camp in the rain and mud. If I was going to be awake and uncomfortable, I may as well be moving as just lying there. But I got to Waynesboro and hitched a ride to the Quality Inn. I got the worst room they have, no doubt, overpriced and under-cleaned. But I'm too sick and tired to care. I hava a scratchy throat, rattling cough, and a fever. I crawl across the street and get some cough medicine, which along with some ibuprofen, gives little relief. I go to the library for a brief internet session, then meander back after picking up some food I have no appetite for. In the evening I call my sister, Barb, in Falls Church seeking sanctuary. She agrees to come and retrieve my miserable butt tomorrow afternoon. One ray of sunshine after a dismal week. I collapse into the bed, but cannot sleep due to congestion and cough. I fill the tub with hot water and soak in there for an hour, then return to bed for a few fitful hours.
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

It was tough saying goodbye to our little mountain cabin, but the trail beckoned. It was our first 'go alone' and I was anxious as to how we would get along . No worries. The day was nice and the trail easy for the first part of the day. I'm beginning to tell when the trail follows an old Indian trail-it will be below the ridge and easy to walk. The trail outside of Neels Gap had two Marker trees that I noticed. Both ancient remnants of a time when our country was quite different.This was a day of firsts:First spring flowers daffodils on top of Cow rock MountainFirst trail magic (an occasion where someone does an unexpected act of kindness) - x2- we had pop and snacks from King Tut in Tesnastee Gap and then a huge hot dog from Captain Guts in Hogpen Gap.First time spent at a shelter - Low Gap. This shelter is situated in a little glen with a stream running through it and also facing east so it gets the first morning rays. Delightful.And lastly a bad first. Blueberry tripped on something in a very muddy section, falling on her good knee. She is determined to continue on.
Date: 2003-07-09
From: Falls Church, Va

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

   Got up early and Barb dropped me off outside Front Royal around 6:30. It was in the 70's and very humid. Needless to say, my shirt was soaked shortly after starting out. Walked all day without a single view. There were only a few flowers but I saw several deer. I passsed a couple of guys going south around noon. They warned me that severe storm warnings were posted for later. There were alot of rocky and muddy areas which slowed me down some. I got caught in a thunderstorm with monsoonal rains for the umpteenth time. Within minutes the trail was a series of rivers and ponds. I put on the pack cover for what little good it did. I was thoroughly soaked from head to toe. There were several areas with torrents of water rushing across the trail that had to be crossed.    It seemed to take forever to get to the shelter, and then shortly thereafter the rain eased up. Now I am trapped here since the small streams on the way in are raging due to the flash flood. Changed into some dry clothes after going to the spring for water. At least the spring is running clear from its piped source. Bagels with peanut butter and pepperoni was dinner. As the light rain continued, hundreds of fireflies came out to play. I doubt that anyone will be able to cross to the shelter tonight, so I'll have the place to myself. It is very warm, but I will crawl into the silk liner to help keep the bugs frustrated.
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

A lot of the hikers dislike the Smokies because you are required to stay in shelters. This limits the daily mileage you can do - for example, today I could do 12 miles or 20. One is a bit short, the other way too long. Such is life and I don't let it detract from this experience but I must say - it will be nice when I can determine the length of my own daily walks again. Another nice, enjoyable hike today. Lots of views and sections where snow and ice from earlier this spring still remained. Only 2 weeks ago, hikers were walking in 2 feet of snow! So happy I missed that!The other fun thing today was doing the 'fallen tree obstacle course'. There must have been at least a dozen fallen big trees across the trail - not recent but from the past and too big to remove. So you have the choice to go over or under. At my 5'2", I had a couple where I just had to contemplate which route I was going to take. I have never tried to limbo with a full pack on. I later heard of a couple of hikers that had to take their packs off to push ahead and climb under. I never had to resort to that so maybe the small height did work to my advantage once!In at the shelter by 4 PM and another cold, cold night! We typically eat dinner and then get in our sleeping bags to read or journal and stay warm. There is a great bunch of people here tonight, including Camel and his 14 yr. old son, Alfalfa (from Oklahoma), Dave - a section hiker who is celebrating his birthday today, and Tie Dye. Dreamer had told me about Tie Dye and I was hoping to run into her. She is about my age, from New Jersey, and is a lot of fun. We had our bags next to each other and chatted the night away. Her son, Polaris (trailname), thru hiked last year so there was a lot in common. She is a faster hiker but I hope to run into her now and again. She had a bit of an affect on the following day - as we finally settled down to go to sleep, she announced 'I don't care - I am getting up at 5 AM and getting out of this park! I am tired of being cold and I want a shower!' I went to sleep on that and when I awoke the next day, I was of the same mind!
Date: 2003-07-15
From: Pen Mar

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

      At the first road crossing this morning, there was a good spring. That first climb erased last night's indulgence of a great meal. Stopped at Bailey Spring which has a roof built over it. Passed Antietem Shelter which was on an attractive creek, but again with undrinkable water. The next shelter, Tumbling Run, was another pretty spot-- twin shelters for "snorers" and "non-snorers", hemlocks, and hundreds of birds all singing in the sun. Made the long rocky climb up to Chimney Rocks while my demented mind kept telling me it wasn't as bad as yesterday. When I got up there a couple of people on bicycles came from the overlook. They certainly didn't come up the way I came, so I took that to indicate that the descent might not be too bad. Met a group of teenaged rock climbers from a Y camp coming up the other side. When I hit the highway at Caledonia, I tried hitching a ride to a hostel down the road. Turns out it has been long closed, but the guy was nice enough to turn around and give me a ride back to the park. They charge $17 for a campsite, and I was tempted to stealth there somewhere, but made the steep climb out of the park to find a place.
Date: 2013-04-20
From: French Broad River

To: Stealth camp past Log Cabin Dr.
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

A cool and cloudy day - actually perfect for hiking. I never got hot all day. There was very light traffic today. Many stayed over in Hot Springs for the festival. I was ready to move on. With 2 days off, my legs were protesting!Just a very quiet day. I have been enjoying the wildflowers. Everyday there is a new type for my enjoyment. Today it was tiny wild irises. My irises at home are probably blooming soon. They are plants on steroids compared to the tiny delicate woods variety.I ran into B-line, Why Not and Srocket at the end of this long day and they tried to talk me into going 4 more miles to the next shelter but I was beat. I found a level spot about 10 ft off the trail and set up a stealth camp. This is when you are camping in an undesignated camping area - or what they would do 'back in the day'. I had a nice chili dinner and then listened to music for a little before calling it a day. I had the best sleep yet while on the trail.