morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-15
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: stealth site, Fox Creek area
Miles today: 13.6

OMG, it is wicked cold. I woke up and it is 29 degrees. My bottles of water were slushy. I couldn't cook. I couldn't even feel my fingers and toes. I gotta get out of this wind. I threw everything into my backpack, helter shelter, kept my sleep clothes on and layered on more. I told Kangapard I needed to bolt and so I did. Off I went in a big hurry. But of course, it is a very rocky area and required some major climbing. I raced across the Highlands, which is a beautiful area, but it was too cold to even look up and look around. I just wanted to get to a lower elevation. I will have to return in the summer weather to enjoy this area.Having gone 5.2 miles on empty belly, I got to Wise Shelter and tried to recoup by cooking breakfast, redressing into hiking clothes, having a cup of tea and warming up. At the lower elevation the wind wasn't so bad but the temps are only in the high 40's. The rest of the day challenged me with rocks and roots, not much to look at. As I approached the Stocks area I was amazed to see about 80 people wearing white hard hats! They were out here doing trail maintenance! As I came down the trail, they would yell out "hiker approaching" and work would stop and everyone would move to let you by. It made me feel like "Princess CuppaTea"!!I had lunch behind the concrete block building, which was a privy. I know, the ambiance was lacking, but the privy blocked that infernal wind. Then it was time to move on. Up and over another bald area and down into the trees. At Oak Orchard Shelter, I took another rest break and chatted with White Noise, and Ukelady. There were also 6 young men already there in their sleeping bags, at 4 pm, trying to warm up from last night. We were all up at Thomas Know and collectively decided it was a horrendous night and that warmer temperatures are needed!I got to Fox Creek, a great stealth area, with water nearby. It is low elevation, no wind and quiet as could be. After dinner and chores, it was time to turn in and make up for last night's lost sleep.Passed the 500 mile marker today. Wow!
Date: 2016-05-16
From: stealth site, Fox Creek area

To: stealth site
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

What a wonderful night, warm with no wind. Thank heavens. It's a cloudy day and our hike began with a climb up to Chestnut Flats, at over 4000 feet. Virginia is very rocky and the footing is tough going. There was not much to see in the way of views but I passed many streams, crossed footbridges and enjoyed the few cascades that the trail passed. The trail descended as I approached Trimpi Shelter for an afternoon rest stop. This is an old stone shelter, with a fireplace. It is small, sleeping only 6. Hikers were setting up tents nearby as it was late afternoon. I so wanted to do the same, but we had decided to push on 3 more miles to a campsite next to a creek. It was an uphill and rocky trail. My feet were getting so sore by the time we found the site, I could hardly walk. I had wanted to stop at a previous site, next to water, but Kangapard thought the one listed in the book would be better and put us further up the trail. When we found the site, there were two hikers already there who had a campfire blazing. That was the good news. The bad news was that there was no water and we would have to walk back to the site I saw to get water. Sigh. So back I went, got water and returned to camp. By this time I was so tired that I just snacked for dinner instead of cooking, and went to bed.(The picture above is the place we stayed in Damascus. Very nice and clean and run by a wonderful woman named Susie. I highly recommend staying there, you won't be disappointed!)
Date: 2016-05-17
From: stealth site

To: Mt. Rogers Visitor Center
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I awoke to a pitter patter of rain on my tarp at 6:30 am. Ah, I thought, it's still early so I can wait for this shower to pass. I nodded off for another hour. Boy, I was tired from yesterday's efforts. I could just stay in my hammock all day, but it was not to be. The rain showed no sign of giving up, so I got up, had breakfast and packed up, tarp wet again.Off we set, hiking in a gentle but steady rain. It really was pretty hiking, somewhat foggy, but very green. Again the trail was rocky; small rocks, the kind that causes you to roll an ankle if you are not careful. It's an uphill climb this morning and I was really struggling, just had no energy at all. This just doesn't feel right: I seem to be getting weaker and slower this week. As I plugged along, Kangapard would wait until I caught up and we would sit and rest while snacking. By noon we arrived at Partnership Shelter near the Mt. Rogers Visitor Center. The shelter is beautiful, like a log cabin, complete with running water, showers and flush toilets. Nearby is a phone to order pizza delivery!I threw down my pack, plopped down next to it, looked at Kangapard and said "I gotta bail out". It was day 6 on this section and I was just depleted. We were to be going into town tomorrow anyway, but I knew I couldn't finish our mileage for today, nor tomorrow's 12 miles.We hiked over to the Mt. Rogers Visitor Center to wait for the shuttle bus into Marion, VA. Inside was a bear!! This is the only bear I hope to see on the trail, so I had my picture taken with him to commemorate the event. They also had a scale for hikers to weigh themselves, so I did. Oh boy, I have lost 13 pounds. I knew I was down 3-4 pounds since weighing myself in Erwin, TN, but this last 10 came off in the last 2 weeks. This is not good. No wonder I don't have any energy.The bus came and we rocketed down the mountain. I think it amused the driver to see tired hikers being thrown side to side. This was probably payback for smelling so badly and tracking mud onto his bus.We checked into the Travel Inn and walked to the nearby Mexican restaurant to calorie load! I spent the remainder of the afternoon contacting a local trail angel, Rambunny. She has hiked the AT 3 times! I set us up for a slackpack for tomorrow so we don't lose any time off the trail. We'll slack from Mt. Rogers VC to Atkins where we have scheduled a much needed zero day and resupply. Rambuny is full of good information and even brought me a stick of butter and a container of coconut butter and instant breakfast to fatten me up. Did I mention the thermos of hot chocolate she left with me? How wonderful is that!
Date: 2016-05-18
From: Mt. Rogers Visitor Center

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Rambunny picked us up at 9 am and brought us 2 daypacks. We loaded what we needed and off we went to the visitors center. Today is cool and cloudy and will be good hiking weather. As she dropped us off and turned around, she then picked up a stray hiker looking for a ride into town. She is so caring.Off we went right uphill. It sure was nice not having a huge pack on. My legs felt better and as the day went on I felt pretty good hiking. At the top of the hill we came upon a hiker resting. Hey, it's Pops! It is great to see him again. Last time we were together was back in Erwin, Tn. His hiking buddy, Jules, has had to get off the trail due to injury. She will not be returning. Pops was glad to have some company and we hiked together the whole day.By the time we got to the Chatfield Shelter for a late lunch, my feet were aching. Where did Virginia get all these rocks? Maybe it is time for new boots. At the shelter, I encountered Peanut and her dog Radley having lunch. I was so happy to see her, it's been more than a month since we last talked. I was glad to see that they are well. After lunch we cruised along as the trail suddenly improved. We came upon Lindamood School, an old one room schoolhouse. Hikers love stopping here because there is usually trail magic inside. We were not disappointed and I made a beeline for the mandarin orange fruit cup. The rest of the hike went by quickly as we crossed cow pastures, streams and railroad tracks.Just as we crossed the tracks, I heard the train whistle blow! A train is on its way. We went down into a marshy area with a boardwalk, paralleling the tracks. I wanted to watch the train go by so we stopped on the boardwalk. All the sudden I heard this animal 'chuffing' sound. Pops turned around and looked at me and I said "Could that be a bear?" The noise came again, off to our right. Pops started talking to it loudly and I clacked my poles as we hightailed it out of there. We didn't see the bear, and it is hard to fathom why a bear would be sitting in a marshy area, but we weren't going to take any chances. Shortly after, we arrived at the road, and Rambunny was there waiting for us. Telling her about the chuffing noise, she reported that there had been an old bear hanging around in that area!!!I can't wait to check into the Comfort Inn and spend 2 nights while taking a zero. I even have my own room, complete with fluffy towels and a comfy bed. Who could ask for anything more!!
Date: 2016-05-19
From: Atkins, VA

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 0.0

I awoke this morning thinking I was in my own bed at home, and thought "ahh, the hike is over". Then I saw where I was, and thought, nope, not yet! There is nothing like a good night's sleep. First order of business was attacking the free breakfast. I put a big dent in what was offered: 2 fried eggs, one sausage, 3 pieces of ham, 2 biscuits, one banana, two yogurts, one glass of oj and a huge cup of tea, all chased down by a Carnation instant breakfast. The rest of the day was consumed by laundry, organizing and planning out the next 2-3 weeks mileage.Kangapard's Aunt and Uncle took us out to dinner. I hope she warned them about our appetites! Tomorrow we will return to slack the next 12.5 miles, meet Rambunny at VA 42, retrieve our packs and continue hiking another 2 miles to the next shelter. But it is supposed to rain heavily tomorrow night. Hmmm, may need a plan B
Date: 2016-05-20
From: Atkins, VA

To: VA42
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Rambunny picked us up, got us to the trailhead and pointed us in the correct direction. Today's hike went well. It is always fun to slackpack. The footing was great today, very few rocks and a well graded trail. The one big climb came early in the day and I felt pretty strong going up. I am noticing that my boots are feeling like bedroom slippers, so I have a new pair ordered, and new socks as well. I came across a trail marker today noting that we crossed the 1/4 way mark!The trail took us through forest, cow pastures, creek crossings and beautiful farmland. It remained cool and gray all day making hiking very comfortable. While hiking I kept thinking how smart it would be to sleep inside tonight and start off tomorrow with dry gear. By the time we finished up, Kangapard was of the same mindset. Rambunny met us and we went with Plan B: head to a hotel while we still can. Heavy rains are moving in. Many other hikers had that same thought, so it took three tries to find a hotel, but our perseverance paid off. Let it rain!
Date: 2016-05-21
From: VA42

To: Chesnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: moderate rain

Rambunny picked us up at 8 am and we drove up and over Hungry Mother Mountain. What a steep winding road. I was glad I was sitting up front! We finally got to the trailhead and she lovingly kicked us out and gave us a hug goodbye. She is truly a trail angel and cares so much about AT hikers.Our day of hiking began, as usual, uphill and the footing was so rocky. Ouch,ouch,ouch. Getting up to Chesnut Knob shelter at 4393 feet took all day and rain threatened the entire time. I finally stopped taking my raincoat on and off and just left it off. As we hit the top of the bald, the storm clouds were racing into the valley and looked like it might miss the mountain that we were on. I had to stop at the pond 1.5 mi south of the shelter to fill up on water for the night and morning's cooking. As I looked ahead, it looked like there was a long, slow climb up more of the bald and then into the woods where I hoped the shelter stood. How wrong I was. Across the bald I went, into the woods. It started to rain, but I'm close, right? So no raincoat. I kept going. Now I am following an old road, and water is running down it and mud is everywhere. Keep on hiking. Up, up, up. The rain is coming down, down, down. Oh, I see the shelter. Thunder, boom! I pick up my pace, racing for the shelter. I flew in the door and the wind slammed it behind me. The wind has picked up and shows no sign of relenting. Kangapard arrived shortly after. This shelter is unusual in that it is totally enclosed and has a door and plexiglass windows. It sleeps 8 and while there were already hikers here, there was still room. I quickly threw down my sleeping pad to claim a space and began to get out of wet clothes into dry ones. Even though my pad is really thin and might not be too comfortable, it was better than being outside in this raging rainstorm. The shelter filled up by 6 pm and we all hung wet things to dry while our dinners cooked. I can honestly say it did not smell very good in there, but hey, we're hikers and used to the stench!While sleeping on such a hard surface was not the best, I was so thankful to be shut inside, listening to the wind howling around the small concrete block building and the rain hitting the metal roof. It was a great night with a nice group of fellow hikers.
Date: 2016-05-22
From: Chesnut Knob Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It is still raining this morning so I lingered over breakfast, chatting with the other hikers. About 9 am, I set off into the fog. The trail is now wet, muddy and very slippery. The map showed a ridge line walk today which is usually enjoyable hiking. Not so this ridge. Rocks and boulders and mud was the theme for today. This kind of hiking is very hard on the feet and the mind. There were no views to speak of so it was a "head down and hike" kind of day. Finally by late afternoon I hit a section that was well maintained and had good footing, enabling me to move along more smoothly. There was a nice long downhill run to the shelter and I coasted in by 4 pm. Hearing thunder rumbling in the distance, I quickly set up my hammock/tarp and prepared for the night. There is a great group here tonight, 15 in all. We are a combination of thru hikers and two section hikers. Two of the men offered to throw up a bear line to hang our food. It was hilarious entertainment. After 8 or so tries, they finally got it, and we observers lavished praise upon them. That is, after we all hooted and hollered!Cozy in my hammock, there were a few pitter pats of rain, but it didn't amount to anything other than music to sleep to.
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: few clouds

I slept so well last night it was easy to get up at 6:30 am. Backpack loaded, I joined the others at the picnic table to make breakfast. The sun came out and we enjoyed watching a Nuthatch feeding her babies in a nearby tree. Also in the eave of the shelter was another mama bird sitting on a nest. Kangapard set off by 8 while I lingered over my morning tea. The trail awaits and I couldn't put it off any longer. I was dreading a day of more rocks. Lo and behold, it was easy footing, all dirt and no rocks! Wheee...... I zoomed along. With my food whittled down to only one lunch left, the pack weight was no problem. It was a 2 mile climb up to the ridge, but then the trail evened out with gentle ups and downs and well graded switchbacks. I made 4.5 miles in just 2 hours, wow!I came out onto VA 615 and there was trail magic! A woman, named Mickey, greeted me, asking if I would like a hot breakfast. What? Of course I would, but I was trying to catch up to Kangapard, so I declined. But I did ask her if she knew anything about slackpacking to Bland and she said no, but I can slackpack you today. Hooray! I accepted and Mickey drove another hiker, Dulsie, and me into Bland to the motel where I had a reservation for tonight. I was permitted to put my pack in the room, even though it wasn't ready. Then Mickey drove us back to the trail, gave us grocery bags to put our water and lunches into and hugged us goodbye. She sectioned hiked the AT, finishing last June after working away at it for 9 years on school vacations. Mickey is an amazing woman and I was so grateful to have met her.I had 6.9 miles left to go for the day and I set off, racing up the trail. I just could not believe my good fortune. The trail allowed for a fast pace and I finished up by 2 pm. I got to the road and there was Kangapard, sitting with Dulsie, who had passed me. She was irritated that she had missed the slackpacking, but she was offered a hot breakfast, but had turned it down. Our shuttle driver was not available to pick us up, so we headed down the road for 2.5 miles to the motel. I stuck my thumb out to hitch and finally a pickup truck stopped and added us to the two hikers already inside. Now I am happily tucked into a hotel room, watching it rain some more. I have arranged for us to slackpack another section tomorrow and return to the hotel, as my boots have not arrived as promised. Then Wednesday it will be back to lugging the backpack, but the weather is supposed to clear and warm up. Tomorrow will be fun!
Date: 2016-05-24
From: Bland, VA

To: VA608
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

It is a gorgeous morning. As Bubba, our shuttle driver, drove us up to the trailhead at Rt 52, the fog was still hanging in the low valley areas. It is so pretty to see the ridges and mountains rise up out of the fog. After one mile of road walking we came to the turn off to head back into the woods. Parked there was a man providing trail magic: hot coffee, sweet cinnamon rolls and juice. Even though we had only hiked one mile, we stopped for a cinnamon bun and chatted a bit. Then it was time to start climbing up out of the gap and onto the ridge.The trail in this section is well maintained and enables you to move along rapidly. There were no views again, but the highlight was at the top of Brushy Mountain, a stone reminder that we are crossing the 600 mile mark! The trail then turned downhill for 2.9 miles to where the trail crosses Rt. 608. We were an hour early so it gave us time to rest and stretch. Bubba arrived a little before 3 pm and returned us to the motel.I was relieved to get back to the motel as I am having some major intestinal distress! It is probably food poisoning, not norovirus, and will resolve soon, but I am not taking any chance. I am going to give my body a rest by getting a shuttle to Woods Hole Hostel in Pearisburg, VA, thus missing 20.5 miles of trail. This is unfortunate, as I was looking forward to seeing Dismal Falls, after hearing how pretty it is, but paying attention to my health is a top priority and critical if you want to make it all the way to Maine......
Date: 2016-05-25
From: VA608

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

As promised, Bubba arrived at 7 am and whisked us away. First we dropped Kangapard off at the trailhead at Rt. 608 and by 8:15 am I was delivered to Woods Hole Hostel. Fortunately I was in time for breakfast and found I was able to eat everything put in front of me. So far, so good.Much to my surprise I found Heisenberg here. She was due to leave today but has been having a terrible time with blisters on her feet and can barely walk, so she will be here tonight as well. Also here is StormCrow, whom I met way back in March at the Hiker Hostel in GA. I had been wondering about him and suddenly here he is! We caught up over breakfast, then he is off to slackpack a section today, returning to the hostel tonight.Woods Hole Hostel is an incredible place. It is an organic farm, plus hostel. It has pigs, cows, goats and chickens. There are vegetables growing on hillsides and in front of the farmhouse. It is so well maintained and clean, it is a joy to be here. To sweeten the deal, they also offer meals, massage, yoga and meditation. Right now it is relatively quiet as most of the hikers have returned to the trail. I imagine about 4 ish, a new batch will come hiking in as they are fully booked tonight. I have a spot in the bunk house and tomorrow will move into the main farmhouse. Kangapard, Dulsie and I will share a private room. My laundry is being done for me while I relax on the porch of the bunkhouse with a cup of tea.Today's agenda: catch up on my journal, rest and eat.
Date: 2016-05-26
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I awoke to the sound of hikers packing up and getting ready to head out. Some were getting back to the trail, one was leaving the trail for good and returning home and others were being shuttled into Pearisburg to do errands and hike north from there.Breakfast was not being served this morning, so I fired up my stove and made my tea and oatmeal. Taking it to the porch of the bunkhouse, I climbed into the hammock and ate while watching the activity going on in the yard. Ducks were leaving the pond and walking up to the driveway to where their "duck house" is. The goats had somehow jumped their fence and were gamboling around the yard, chased by the owners of the establishment. One goat tried to enter the bunkhouse, but was chased away by an employee. All the goats suddenly dashed up the hill to their pen, hearing the sound of the food can being rattled. Thankfully the cows, pigs and chickens were behaving themselves in their own areas.Soon the hikers all departed and the hostel quieted down. I used the time to take a shower, reorganize my pack and start to work on making up food packets for when we leave on Saturday.One of the dogs began barking, alerting everyone that a hiker was approaching. I looked up, and here comes Jim. He's a section hiker we have camped with the last few shelters. He had come in to charge his phone, buy some homemade bread and left. Kangapard was the next one to arrive, and got settled into our room in the main house. Next up come Jack Rabbit and Buzzard. They also have been at the last few shelters with us. Now there is a nice group here, and we are having a ball making fun of Buzzard for hiking an extra mile in the wrong direction! He takes the teasing well, and he knows that he is not the only one who has done such a thing.Tomorrow will be another R and R day. I am beginning to feel better and have been trying to eat more. To pump up the calorie count today I just polished off a one quart smoothie made with ice cream, milk, banana and peaches. It took an hour to consume, but I got it all down. Buzzard drank his in 10 minutes!
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Finally, a wonderful night's sleep. I stayed in bed until the very last call for breakfast, then dashed down to join the circle of thanks. All the guests gather with the owner on the lawn, form a circle and hold hands. Then we observe a moment of silence, broken by the owner with a statement of your name and naming one thing for which you are thankful. It was a tradition begun by the owner's, Neville, grandmother who created this farm. It's a nice way to start the day and even nicer is the wonderful breakfast that follows.My intestinal distress has been resolved, but I started with a sore throat last night and it didn't go away. My body must really be tired! After helping clean up after breakfast, I went back to bed to read. Then I remembered that my new boots arrived yesterday and I thought I would go for a walk in them, testing their comfort and my endurance. Up the hill I went toward where the AT crosses the road. Wow, have I been off the trail that long? It was a good test for both, and I think the boots did the best.The rest of the day will be spent resting and reading. Tomorrow I head out towards Pearisburg. Hopefully I will be able to slack pack it, which will be an easier way to get back into it after being sick. I have reservations in a hotel for tomorrow night as more rain is on its way. It has rained every day.......