morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-09
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: John's Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The mist and fog melted away and we finally got to see some amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  It was a very moderate walk; much of it spent ridge walking and then walking along the James River.  Eventually,  I walked over the James on the longest foot bridge on the AT....pretty cool bridge.  Met a cool section hiker named Sundance (he looks like Robert Redford) and he made my picture.  I made it to John's Hollow Shelter early...1:30 ish but decided to stay cause it looked like rain.  Renissance Man and Spidderman stoped for lunch but never left because the rain came.  We sat in the shelter and Renissance shared his tea and we just relaxed and visited.  I liked both young men.  They're both 22 and southern...one from GA and one from KY.  We had a lot in common, which might seem unusual, but the trail seems to be dominated by north easterners.  It was nice to openly discuss our love/hate relationship with the south, without any 'yanks' giving their opinion about sweet tea, southern cooking or how great it will be when we cross the Mason/Dixon line.  It was very quiet and peaceful, but right at dark a group arrived and filled up the shelter and tenting area.  They were excited about trail magic we'd missed but I didn't completely miss out. Sit-a-Bit brought me an orange and a coke.
Date: 2012-05-10
From: John's Hollow Shelter

To: Cow Camp Gap Sheltet
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: clear sky

Left early and it was an absolutely beautiful hiking day.  There was a climb, right off the bat, and  the temperature was so cool, I left my jacket on for most of the climb.  The sun came up and stayed out, which was a welcome change.  There was more climbing today but lots of ridge walking too.  I thought a lot about my mountain biking buddies in TN.  I could see a lake as I walked, and the trail and the views reminded me of the biking trail at Tim's Ford State Park.The only concerning thing, today, was after a break, I was twisting to put my backpack on and felt a catch in my back.  I worried that it might progress into full blown 'down in my back', but so far it just hurts when I move certain ways but is fine when I'm walking.I ended up tonight at another very remote shelter.  I didn't realize, when I planned to stay here, that it's 1/2 mile off the trail.  I'm in the shelter with an older section hiker named Greenbush (who can't hear very well so he doesn't talk much) and Sundance who is tenting. A very quiet tranquil place....perfect for my mood tonight.  It's much colder and someone said it might get down in the  40's.  It's 8:30 and we're already in our sleeping bags cause we're all too tired to build a fire and it is rather chilly.
Date: 2012-05-11
From: Cow Camp Gap Sheltet

To: Harper's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 24.7

I'm happy to say trail angels are alive and well in VA.  A concern of mine, from the beginning of this adventure, has been that I'd lose too much weight and  be forced off the trail.  I tried to gain weight, before I began, and got up to 120 pounds.  After a month on the trail, I lost 12 pounds, but for the last few weeks I've held steady at 108. I've been worried about what would happen when I increased my mileage this week and next.  I'm carrying extra food....even doing 'shots' of canola oil....but I know I can't let my weight drop below 105.  Every day, at different times and on the tops of different mountains I pray and/or meditate as part of my break and eating regime....and this week, every time I've come off a mountain I've found trail magic...three times today....this morning and this afternoon. A number of hikers ( me included) have come to the conclusion that someone should write an AT book about trail angels...they are such an intricate part of the AT experience.  PS: Sue, could you remind Stretch that he is my candidate for writing the book....
Date: 2012-05-12
From: Harper's Creek Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap 
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another very quiet night in the shelter....just two of us...Johann (German, about my age) and Doc Dave.  I got an early start and immediately climbed Three Ridges.  It was a difficult but beautiful first 6 miles.  I met a group of trail maintainers and thanked them for all their hard work and a young girl in the group gave me a whole sleeve of Oreos.  I ate them all immediately.  I had decided to hike to the last shelter, before Waynesboro, but when I got there, two section hikers said the last 5 miles were moderate, so I decided to push to the road. My resupply box was at the Colony House (1 mile away) so I called and they picked me up.  The hotel isn't near anything,  so I ordered Domino's pizza and bought some snacks from the supplies they have in the lobby.  I was so tired when I got here I didn't care about the isolation....just glad to have a bath/shower and bed.  I'll have to figure out about how to resupply and how to get to town tomorrow.
Date: 2012-05-13
From: Rockfish Gap 

To: Rockfish Gap (Colony House)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up feeling refreshed and pleased to be in a relaxed setting, with phone service, for Mother's Day.  Talked to all the kids and feel truly blessed to have given birth to all three.  The Colony House has ended up being a very good stop for me.  There was fresh coffee this morning, in the lobby, and Raj (19 year old son of the owners) offered to take me to the Kroger, in Waynesboro, to resupply.  I have a fridge and microwave in my room, so I bought groceries, as well as trail food.  I got a rotisserie chicken, pasta salad and cheesy rolls for lunch (and ate the whole chicken), a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream and a box of vanilla wafers.  That's all been eaten.  I'll order something from a local restaurant, Scotto's, for dinner.  The best thing about being outside of Waynesboro is it forces me to truly rest.  Sometimes, when I get to a trail town,  I walk from the laundromat to the post office then the outfitters.... And it's not really a zero day cause I tramp around for five miles or so getting everything done.  I'm also pleased to be just a mile from the trail, so tomorrow I should be able to get an early start.  If I can keep up a decent pace, next week, I should be in Front Royal by Friday and my husband will pick me up, so I can spend the whole weekend at home in DC.  Most people plan to take some days off at Harper's Ferry, in West VA, but I think that would be dangerous for me.  That's considered half way and ends up being a get off the trail and never get back on point for lots of folks.  The weekend I'm in DC is also Trail Days in Damascus and a lot of hikers that are through Damascus will shuttle or hitch back for the festivities.  I think I'll feel very content to celebrate at home. PS:  Thanks to all those who have signed my guest book. The encouragement and humor are much appreciated.
Date: 2012-05-14
From: Rockfish Gap (Colony House)

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: moderate rain

I keep waiting for the feeling, many hikers describe, of relief to be back on the trail after being in town.  I haven't felt that yet.  Maybe it's because every time I leave town for the trail again it seems to be raining. I was relieved when Colony House agreed to give me a ride to the trail head, so I didn't have to hike a needless mile in the rain and on a busy road. But once on the trail the rain got harder and continued all day long.  It's funny how you rationalize things as you walk along in the rain.  As I got wetter and wetter I  pointed out to myself that at least it wasn't a cold rain....then as the wind picked up I acknowledged that I was colder with the wind but at least it wasn't snowing.  The bad days are the ones when you can't imagine anything worse.  The best thing about this all day rain was that it occurred in the Shenandoah valley.  I hated not seeing any views, but I was relieved and impressed with how well maintained the trail was/is and it made the whole walk so much more enjoyable.  The trail never became a stream and it was so well graded there was always great traction.I got to the shelter and found four people there, but this 'hut', as they call it in the Shenandoah's has two levels so there was plenty of room for me.  With-in the hour the whole place filled up and I met four new guys....No Sweat, Hot Sauce, Foo Fighter and Easy Turtle.....two of my favorites showed up too...Steveo Supremo and Blue (the guy not the girl).  It was a great night with plenty of banter, but most everyone was in their sleeping bag by 8:30 because it continued to rain.....and rain...PS:  We had another cool kid in the shelter named Specs.  He's in med school but is out on the trail for two weeks to do a survey about hikers emotions.
Date: 2012-05-15
From: Black Rock Hut

To: High Top Hut
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: light rain

Began the day with no rain and a sigh of relief that there was no rain.  It was a beautiful hiking day and I finally got to see some views of the Shenandoah Valley.  My goal for the morning was to go six miles and stop at Loft Campground for fuel and food.  But the most exciting thing about the day didn't involve food or fuel.  When I was about a mile from the campground I saw my first bear!  It wasn't a cub or an adult....more of  a middle schooler.  I was so excited.  We stared each other down, then he crashed into the woods.  It was a banner day for wildlife 'cause I also had a hawk fly so close in front of me that I could see the mouse in it's talons.  It was being chased by a crow. It may be contradictory, but I am a mouse who loves birds of prey, so I was excited about seeing that too.  I did get fuel and food....a bologna sandwich, chips, chex mix, a banana, Sundrop and a king size Reese's cup.  Blue and I hiked together on and off all day and it was nice to have someone to talk to.  I got to the shelter a little ahead of everyone and beat the rain that began around 3:00.  It ended up being another good group that came in for the night....Steveo, Blue, Specs and a new guy named Hoot.  We've decided Specs is sort of like a war correspondent for our class.
Date: 2012-05-16
From: High Top Hut

To: Rock Springs Hut
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: clear sky

Another early day that began with the goal of reaching food.  Blue informed us that if we hiked 20 miles we could get hot food at a place called Wayside in the big Meadow.  It was another beautiful hiking day.  I was concerned a bit about my left shin and ankle that had started to hurt the day before... not sure why...of course, it's the ankle I rolled...I've been using my trekking poles less (carrying them on the smooth terrain here in the park) so maybe that's what has contributed to the pain.  I took some Alieve  and that helped the first ten miles or so, but the last part of the day was challenging.  Thank goodness we made it to Wayside around 3:00 (me, Blue, Steveo and Hoot) and had fried chicken, fries, slaw, onion rings and a milkshake.  We hiked on to the shelter and met some cool section hikers, Ray-Ray and Jeff who helped us celebrate going over the 900 mile mark.  Steveo had packed in a bottle of wine and some beer, Blue got marshmallows, Hoot had cookies, I had some chocolate and Ray-Ray had Grand Mariner cognac and Stilton cheese.  It was quite a celebration!
Date: 2012-05-17
From: Rock Springs Hut

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 28.4
Weather: few clouds

I've decided the two words that best describe the Shenandoah's are pleasant and delicious.  There's nothing really dramatic about the views or terrain in the park, but it's all very pleasant and impeccably well kept.  The deliciousness comes from the wayside stores, grills and dining halls that are sprinkled through out the park.  Blue had taken a zero last week, before we entered the park, and he and his wife ( visiting from PA) had scouted out the eateries close to the trail.  So, this morning we  had the valuable info that 6 miles in we could get a full breakfast and at mile 22 we could feast on burgers and shakes.  The only catch was we'd have to push on, six miles more, after dinner, to reach the next shelter, making it a 28 mile day.  When weighing the options, hot food, prepared by someone else, won out over mileage.When all was said and done, none of us regretted the long day.  The food was delicious and Blue ended up buying everyone's  breakfast (me, Hoot and Steveo).  I had already decided that if the 2012 AT class has superlatives I'll nominate Blue for best dressed hiker ( he sometimes wears a white collared shirt and wool vest) but now he might get 'nicest AT hiker' as well.  The only down side of the day was that my ankle continued to bother me.
Date: 2012-05-18
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Hwy 522, Front Royal
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up to a very swollen ankle and the dilemma of whether to try and hike the 13 plus miles out of the park, to the road crossing where Mark was picking me up for the weekend, or to call and have him meet me at the first Skyline Drive crossing... about 4 miles away.  I decided to do the smart thing and called, but had no service, so I started walking but left my phone on.  After four miles, still no service, so I kept walking.  My ankle continued to hurt, so I decided that at the next Skyline crossing (the AT crosses Skyline Drive 28 times in Shenandoah park) I'd try to hitch a ride to the closest town...Front Royal, and call Mark from there.  When I got to the next crossing I didn't find any cars but there were two bike riders.  They let me try their phone (they had AT&T ) but that didn't work either.  I saw from a posted mile marker that I was only 6 miles from our meeting spot, but knew Mark would worry when I didn't show up on time.  When I expressed my concern, the cyclist promised that as he rode he would check his phone and when he got a signal he would call and give Mark the info of what was going on.  The next six miles were my hardest on the AT, but I did cross out of the Shenandoah's, saw another bear and finally made it to Mark who had received a message from a stranger on a bike about the latest turn of events.  I continue to be amazed by the kindness and thoughtfulness of strangers.  Now the question of whether it's a good idea or not to come home for a few days rest have been answered...not just a good idea, but a necessity.  I'm home in an easy chair with my feet up, my ankle iced and an infinite selection of order out choices.  Life is  very, very good.
Date: 2012-05-19
From: Hwy 522, Front Royal

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Dorothy was right.."there's no place like home."......so much better than a budget hotel!  The day was spent resting, eating, shopping  (all the usual trail town activities), but doing those things from the comfort of home is indescribable.  Yesterday was a day of complete role reversal for me and my husband.  I sat on the couch, working on my resupply boxes, and he cooked, cleaned, took care of the dogs and did laundry.  He proudly displayed his swiffer technique and explained that he preferred the smooth side of the swiffer sheet for the kitchen  and the more textured side for the bathroom.  I was amazed and appreciative of his 'new' domestication.A number of friends dropped by...all very encouraging and interested in my adventure.  I watched TV for the first time in two months (the UEFA cup finals); did real laundry....washed my down sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner; ate real food....Mark's famous egg sandwiches, Greek food and Italian, and grilled curried chicken that our neighbors, Shaun and Paul prepared.  It was a 'million dollar day'.As far as the ankle goes, it is improving.  I called my daughter, who was a sports trainer in college, and she said to just do the traditional R.I.C.E.; rest, ice, compression and elevation.  I also received some great information about a non intrusive ankle brace I can order that should work with my Teva's (thanks Margo) and help prevent this happening again.  However,  I think time is the real key.  I'm scheduled to be back on the trail late Monday afternoon, but I'll have to make a judgement call after another full day of rest.  Thanks to all of you for your concern and advice.  By the way, did I mention,  "there's no place like home? "
Date: 2012-05-20
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

First time to have back to back zeros.  I've almost felt guilty about totally enjoying this respite, but it's clear my body was demanding the time off.  I'm still unsure about how the ankle will be in the morning.  I guess time will tell.  If it's much improved I'll hit the trail after lunch and hike to the first shelter past Front Royal...my hiker's companion calls it 'a most excellent shelter'.  It's the Jim and Molly shelter and has a solar shower,  porch and chairs.  Sounds like a great place to put your feet up!
Date: 2012-05-21
From: Home

To: Still home
Miles today: 0.0

Two months ago, today, I started this adventure.  Many people have said, you should keep doing it as long as it's fun.  If that was the criteria I would have quit after just a few days.  The trail is rarely 'fun', but it is almost always  rewarding; physically, psychologically, socially.  My 'plan' or schedule was to hit the trail this afternoon, but if the trail has taught me anything it has taught me to have a 'que sera, sera' attitude; whatever will be, will be.  My ankle is still swollen and painful.  I'm pretty sure I'm suffering from Extensor Tendonitis....a malady marathon runners deal with.  The extensor tendon in the foot can become inflamed from overuse. When the extensor tendon is inflamed the treatment is simple; ice, ibuprofen and rest until there is no more pain.  My new plan is to count my blessings that I'm home and can do just that.  I won't post again until I am 'relatively' pain free and back on the trail.... Not sure how many days that will be, but 'que sera sera'...
Date: 2012-05-24
From: Still home

To: Still home
Miles today: 0.0

Just a quick update to say it looks like I'll be off the trail for an entire week. I tried a mini hike yesterday and the ankle started swelling again. It is improving (if I just stay off of it), so I'm exerting all the will power I possess to stay on the couch. It helps that some friends are playing words with friends with me (an iPhone game I was addicted to before I left for the trail). If anyone out there wants to play, I'm on Facebook under my real name (Mickie Amundson) or Bob_abbie if you do an ordinary WWF'S search.
Date: 2012-05-27
From: Still home

To: Last night at home
Miles today: 0.0

Tonight should be my last night at home. I'm still a hundered miles or so from being half way through with the trail, so next week should hold some major milestones. I feel pretty calm contemplating what lies ahead. I think my perspective has changed after almost 1,000 miles. I had a schedule when I began my adventure, and I stayed on schedule as of a week ago Friday; when I came home with an injured ankle. I hadn't scheduled nine zero days, so originally I was due in Harper's Ferry two months after my starting date of March 21. Now my tentative schedule has me arriving March 30. I say tentative, because if I've learned anything from the trail, it's that I'm not really in control of what might or might not happen out there. And the interesting thing is that I'm OK with that. Mark and I had some unexpected guests last night; Early Bird and Stretch....two thru hikers I've mentioned in my journal. They found themselves at loose ends, in DC, after deciding to zero here and ended up at our house. I was so pleased for Mark to meet them. It was also cool to have help regaling stories of the trail to different friends who stopped by with goodies and good will. The boys will be four days ahead of me, when I head out tomorrow, because we got off the trail in different places. The old me would have said, "Well, that's the last time I'll see them," but I know that's not necessarily true. Thank goodness there is no script for this endeavor.....or at least not one I'm writting, and realizing that takes a lot of pressure off and makes each day an unknown with all sorts of possiblities.
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Last night at home

To: Dick's Dome Sheltet
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

I guess I could say after today's hike I am moderately optimistic.  My ankle hurt, but it was manageable pain.  My worry now is noticing since I've been over compensating for the ankle,  my right knee is starting to act up again on the down hills (it hasn't bothered me since the Smokey's).  The wonderful thing is that the shelter is right by a stream, so I've been soaking the ankle on and off since I arrived.  One person I saw and talked to today was Caveman.  He's a kid I met over a month ago.  When we stopped, mid day, for a snack he asked if it was true what he'd heard about me?  When I asked what he'd heard, he said, "Did you hike 38 miles once just for food?"  I told him no, but that I'd appreciate him keeping  the rumor circulating.  I've hoped to earn the name 'Mighty Mouse', on this hike, but with my injury Modest Mouse seems more likely.  Caveman is contemplating trying the four state challenge so he's trying to position himself close to the VA/ W VA border to attempt to walk thru those two states, all of MD and finish in PA all in one day.  It's about 43  miles.  I had thought about trying it, but of course now that's not an option, but it's cool knowing someone who's going to attempt it.  Another interesting encounter was meeting Hitchcock again.  I haven't seen him since March 24....the third  day of my hike.  He was one person I would have predicted wouldn't still be hiking.  When I met him his response, when asked "Are you thru hiking?", was, "I'll hike as long as I enjoy hiking."  I guess he's still enjoying it.Looks like Caveman, Hitchcock and I are the only ones at what might be the smallest shelter on the trail.  It has a geodesic shape and only sleeps four people.
Date: 2012-05-29
From: Dick's Dome Sheltet

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

This morning was my earliest start.  I got on the trail at 6:00 trying to beat the heat.  The forecast called for highs in the 90's.  It was hot, (supposedly set a record at Dulles airport), but I really didn't mind.  My mantra all day was, "I don't care about the heat as long as nothing hurts.".  I am thrilled to say that nothing really  hurt, at least not any more than it did yesterday!  (And the really encouraging thing was, the terrain was much more difficult.).  I ended up at Bear's Den hostel which is just an amazing place...well organized, clean and beautiful.  I'll head to Harper's Ferry tomorrow, and I'm encouragedly optimistic.Caveman ended up at the hostel too.  Me, him and Nitrous Oxide are the only thru hikers here...7 section hikers.  The cool thing about Nitrous Oxide ( other than being a very interesting guy) is that we started on the same day; March 21PS:  The reason Caveman has his name...he cooks with fire, started out carrying a blow gun in case he needed to hunt for food and he didn't have an eating utensils when he startrd; he used a 'forked' stick (no pun intended)!