morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Laurel Creek campsite

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Fortunately, everything I and my fellow thru-hikers did for my ankle - ice, elevation, ibuprofen, wrapping - seems to have helped. Slack packing half a day and easy rolling terrain also didn't hurt. I don't know how we will ever survive without Mr. and Mrs. Biscuits, who fed, pampered, and shuttled us for the past three days. I kept walking on a hurt ankle yesterday in part because I knew Tim and Peggy were waiting at the campsite with their trail magic - hot dogs, salad, fruit, cookies, soda, and the list goes on. I also figured they would be an ideal source just in case I needed to come off the trail and rest for a few days. This morning after breakfast we filled the Snow White shuttle with our back packs and headed out for a morning of slack packing. The next time the ten dwarfs saw the familiar vehicle was lunch at a roadside parking lot, where the Biscuits Seniors had whipped up a huge pot of vegetable stew, 40 servings of which we demolished in no time. Standing around our unloaded back packs, we were hesitant to leave, looking for tasks - such as reorganizing packs, applying chap stick or sunscreen, filling water bottles, wrapping duck tape around trekking poles, doctoring feet - to extend our time with our trail angels. It's hard to say good-bye to two people who treated 10 thru-hikers so phenomenally well over the past 3 days. Mr. and Mrs. Biscuits supported us with their generosity, encouraged with their company, nourished with their food, strengthened with their spirit, entertained with their good humor. I sure hope I see them again down the trail. To the original Biscuits - your parents rock, and I'm so glad you shared them with us. Now all I have to do is figure out what to do with all the meals and snacks still remaining in my food bag, for I barely needed to open it in the past three days. And this may be the first time I actually felt full on the trail, which is indeed an accomplishment in itself.
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: clear sky

In the past 8 days, I have walked 154.4 miles, which averages 19.3 miles per day. Although I'm most assuredly in the best shape of my life, my body is definitely feeling it, the wear and tear and utter exhaustion of working so hard so many days consecutively. I love how my body is functioning, surpassing all my expectations in my biggest physical challenge to date. Now the challenge may become more mental than physical, as I hear happens to many hikers in Virginia. We have passed the 500-mile mark, a big achievement and worthy milestone, yet so many miles still remain, a bulk of them in Virginia which makes up a quarter of the trail. Much of the initial thrill of being on the trail is gone as we push ever northward. Some become bored, many aren't having as much fun any longer, most are redefining just what it is they hope to accomplish, all who made it this far have the potential to reach the goal and make it all the way to Maine. But why? As we hike, for many hours in solitude each day, we have many hours to think, some times random thoughts, other times searching for the meaning of life, or at least why we are out here. I once spent an entire day debating, inside my head, whether dirt has calories and nutritional value; I decided it must and so now drink it willingly from the bottom of my water bottles. Other hikers create entire songs about ramen noodles, or water pumps to the tune of "My Hump." One even tried to explain to me how he comprised and sang a four-part round with harmony in his head. Now that's impressive. Just as I remind myself why this journey is so important to me, it at once again becomes crystal clear when I step off the trail for a moment, drop my pack, sit and enjoy the view. Ah yes, now I remember. I have legs of steel, a positive mental outlook, strength of body and spirit, a life filled with adventure, and nowhere else to be right in this moment than standing on top of the world. What more could I ask for?
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I have never seen a group of hikers rise so early, get their belongings together so quickly and start on the trail so eagerly as this morning. We were all out of the campsite and ready to hike by 7:30 am, a definite record for this group. What's the draw? Pearisburg today, with visions of Pizza Hut lunch buffet, nine of us and a dog crammed in two hotel rooms which soon smell like hiker boots, Chinese food dinner buffet, clean clothes for a few moments while we wear our rain suits around town, Dairy Queen blizzards for dessert and any time in between. Town, glorious town, here we come.
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

You may think that the worst part of walking in the rain is getting wet. I beg to differ. On a warm day, the rain can actually be refreshing. Even on a cool day, it's not bad as long as you keep moving. I would argue, and believe many a thru-hiker would agree with my contention, that the worst part of walking in the rain is the rain pants. No matter what the temperature, they are going to make you sweat. If you wear pants underneath, your pants will still be wet from perspiration instead of rain anyways. And with shorts you might not be as hot, but the sticky wet inside of the rain pants will adhere to your legs nonetheless. The salesperson who tried to persuade you that this particular pair is breathable was most assuredly lying. One of the tenets of backpacking is all gear should have a double purpose to be worthwhile. Rain pants definitely serve this function, used for wet weather, laundry attire, an additional layer during cold spells, and now, your own personal trail-ready sauna. As I walked and sweated through the rain, I wondered where I would sleep this evening, for I noticed along the trail a warning that my planned shelter was no longer "usable," whatever that meant. After 19 miles, half of them wet, I just wanted a dry place to sleep. As I approached the shelter, I saw the problem: a huge tree had crushed part of the roof, but no worries, for the remainder of the roof was still intact, the other half of the shelter still dry, maybe not completely safe but that wasn't exactly my priority at the time. Actually, I couldn't imagine a better place to spend the night, for the shelter's best feature, a rarity among AT shelters, was its indoor fireplace. I was so grateful to Swamp Yankee and Triple H, collectively known as RIBS or Rhode Island Boys, for somehow turning wet wood into a roaring fire that warmed our bodies, dried our clothing, and created a cozy ambiance, even as one half of the shelter was dripping rain. What a perfect ending to a soggy day. I hope I don't have to wear my stupid rain pants again any time soon.
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

I met today one of the trail's most memorable characters, Tyvek, an ex-Marine walking SOBO, or southbound from Maine to Georgia "to call attention to the need for mandatory P.T.S.D. Counciling (sic) for all troops prior to discharge," as so states his business card. All his gear is made out of, you guessed it, Tyvek; I'm not sure how he does it, but he sure is a strange sight coming down the trail, a large bedroll hanging in front and a sort of shoulder bag in back. No fancy gear for him, he's decided he doesn't need shoes either. Yes, he is hiking the entire trail barefoot partly in order to spread his message, in part because he doesn't believe in such frivolities. It's definitely slower going without shoes and when trying to disseminate a political message. Last year he made it from Katahdin to Virginia before his legs went numb, and so he picked up where he left off this year to continue south. I haven't checked out his website yet, thelongwalkhome.org, nor have I decided if I think the guy's a whack job. His manner may be unconventional, although his idea may have merit. Unless it is environmental in nature, I'm not sure the AT is the place for a political agenda. I'm pretty sure I don't have one - I just like to hike. But the AT definitely has room for all types of individuals, and those like Tyvek just make the whole experience more interesting. As for me, I'm wearing shoes.
Date: 2007-04-28
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Trout Creek campsite
Miles today: 21.3

Seven weeks in and you'd think my body would be getting used to this, feeling fresh as a daisy and strong as an ox when I arise each morning. Not so. My body is stiff and aches each 7 am when the dreaded alarm lets me know it's time to get moving, however much it may hurt. Hoisting my backpack onto my shoulders still isn't easy; neither are the first few hours or the first climb of the day. Although the mornings are still always difficult, which still surprises me each and every dawn, by lunch I hopefully have once again found my groove, or not, as was the case today. Whoever said Virginia is flat and easy must have been smoking something that I apparently am not. Granted I cruised right into Damascus and enjoyed a few days of easy terrain and high miles thereafter, but this current section is pretty rough and rugged, lots of obstacles, a smorgasbord or rocks that is ripping my feet and spirit to shreds. The hurricane of 2003 really did a number on this portion of the trail, with bridges washed out and trees downed all along. Part of the challenge, but one I enjoy, is figuring out whether to go over, under, or around the fallen trees that block the path, then balance on precarious rocks as I try not to fall in the water. Wet shoes, I'm sure, will only add to my current feet problems. I picked a hell of a week to try to break in new shoes, my backup boots sent to Waynesboro 200 miles ahead. Even with shoes, the soles of my feet feel like ground hamburger meat, with a bit of chili powder and hot sauce added to turn up the heat. Each step had my dogs screaming in agony, and every now and again I could not suppress the audible version from escaping my lips. The pain was so bad I felt sick to my stomach, so vomited up my entire lunch halfway up the day's biggest climb. I know, much more information than you need to know. Athlete's foot, new shoes, and rocky terrain do not a good combination make. Damn it, I want my boots, and my mommy. Don't worry, good days always follow the bad. The next day tops almost all others out here.
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Trout Creek campsite

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

The trail has a way of giving me just what I need, exactly when I need it. When I get a little too sure of myself, the terrain toughens and puts me right back in my place. But the converse is true too. Yesterday was one of my worst days on the trail; I was in pain and alone, questioning what I'm doing here, if I want to go on. Today was one of the best days on the trail, demonstrating that yes, this is exactly where I want to be. My feet still hurt, but not as bad. The rocky trail was interspersed with soft pine needles, which felt like walking on pillows after yesterday. The ups and downs were difficult, but led to magnificent views. And new friends Backbend and Dirty Blonde are proving to be a wonderful uplifting support system. The day's final climb led to Dragon's Tooth, to which I somehow missed the side trail, but it didn't matter for the view was still spectacular, and the scaling rocks to get there and back down just plain fun. Afterwards during the descent, I messed with the ascending day hikers something fierce, warning them "in nearly 700 miles of hiking, that's the worst I've come down." My trekking poles of no use, I threw them off the rock ledges to the ground below as I used my butt and hands to guide me instead. Deeming my level of effort this morning off-trail and ice-cream worthy, lunch was a stop at a convenience store less than a half mile off the trail where I sat in front and devoured a pint of ice cream in no time at all, asking myself why I didn't get the half gallon instead. Next time. Then with a few beverages we made our way the remaining miles to the day's highlight, as if the day could get any better. Oh it could. According to the literature, McAfee Knob is considered by many to have the best view in all of Virginia, and I have to concur. I expected the cliffs to be packed for sunset, but only six thru-hikers remained. As we cooked our dinner in the wind-reducing bushes, watched the sunset standing on what appears to be the edge of the world, and admired the view, we all knew were sharing a defining moment as thru-hikers. What an unbelievable day. I sure did need one, the trail knew it, and gave me something to exceed all expectations.
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville, VA - Howard Johnson
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

It's amazing to me how much civilization has encroached upon my "wilderness" experience. I called my mom from a hotel room this evening and she remarked, "I thought you would be spending six months in the woods." Technically, yes, but... Maybe the AT is not a true wilderness experience, for it is rare for a day to go by without the trail passing over a road, sometimes interstate highways, from where hikers can get a hitch to the nearest town, restaurant, or resupply. Every 4 or 5 nights I am in a hotel or hostel where I desperately need a shower, laundry, resupply, Internet, and to pig out like there's no tomorrow. The proximity to civilization is in part what makes the AT accessible to so many. At the same time, it's sad to see every part of nature being exploited for the purposes of development. For example, the most beautiful part of today's hike was a half-mile long cliff walk, where the trail goes right to the edge, with an inner track for the faint of heart, but I bet you can guess which path I chose. The view is astounding, until you round the corner and see a giant factory spewing forth fumes. Or right before Daleville, the trail follows a ridge for a few miles, overlooking a beautiful lake and verdant hills, once a pristine view, now with power lines cutting every vantage point. I know this infrastructure - roads, factories, and power lines - is necessary for a thriving developed society. But other indications of civilization that I see along the way are not. I hate, despise, detest seeing trash along the trail. Hikers - pack out your rubbish! It is just plain rude and disrespectful to think it is someone else's responsibility. Leaving garbage damages the environment, attracts critters, looks ugly, makes it bad for everyone who comes after, shows ignorance, violates principles of "Leave No Trace." NOLS, the National Outdoor Leadership School, and premier entity of outdoor education and stewardship, espouses a series of guidelines to enjoy the outdoors, minimizing impact to fragile ecosystems, respecting nature and wildlife. Trails such as the AT are hard on the environment, and it is therefore our duty as thru-hikers to care for and protect what we've been given. It's the least we can do to prevent the encroachment of civilization even further into the AT wilderness experience.
Date: 2007-05-01
From: Daleville, VA - Howard Johnson

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Towns have a way of sucking you in, grabbing ahold and never letting go, causing you to spend more time and money than planned or expected. The record heat also aided our procrastination, along with the opportunity to eat one last fast-food fest. So we decided on a short day, leaving Daleville in the afternoon after a morning of lazy slothery. But we had something to look forward to this evening, with the one-third party at the shelter! I can't believe I have already completed 33% of the trail. But many miles remain, so I won't get complacent or cocky just yet. Maybe at the one-half celebration in PA in a few weeks. Local family and friends, I'm counting on you to show me a hell of a good time.
Date: 2007-05-02
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

Signs of spring are all around as the trail becomes greener and flowers begin to bloom in purples, pinks, and yellows. I've seen a bit more animal life as well - always lots of birds and squirrels, now a few more snakes and turtles, a deer running through the woods today, what sounded like Big Foot running through the woods last night, a flying squirrel trapped in our shelter this evening, bugs and bees galore. As I write this, I feel like I am being eaten alive. I am certainly being driven nuts, not that there's much sanity remaining at this point, by the little black gnats that fly in and out of nose and eyes, buzz about my ears, constantly encircle my head. Each one I kill, which I'm sure violates one of the principles of "Leave No Trace," gives me a moment of satisfaction but is soon replaced by a posse more annoying than the one I successfully exterminated. As much as I love the outdoors, I really hate the bugs. Add the fact that I am deathly allergic to bees, and this insect revolution makes me one less-than-happy camper. In the heat of the day, all we talked about, dreamed of, motivated with was a dip in the swimming hole towards the end of our miles. Our big plan for the afternoon backfired when two missed the river, even though the trail passed directly overhead, and kept hiking, and another chickened out when the rain blew in and the temperature dropped. The women, however, stood by their word and immediately entered the freezing cold current, I in nothing but what God originally intended. Although we didn't stay long in the water, I definitely felt a bit cleaner and a lot refreshed afterwards. The daytime air temperature may indicate spring, but the water won't feel warm for a few more months, if ever. But when showers are few and far between, I'll take what I can get.
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Speaking of showers, it's been raining for the past 24 hours straight, and doesn't show signs of letting up any time soon. It's not too bad walking in the rain, as long as you keep moving. I finished my miles in pretty much record time today, because my snack breaks were just long enough to shove some food in my mouth before I started shivering and had to again be on my way. I was so glad to arrive to the shelter, where I did everything possible to get warm: changed into dry clothing, made a hot dinner, had a few shots of tequila, and crawled into my sleeping bag. The rain is still coming down outside, chilling me to the bone. Just about everything I own is wet, and what isn't wet, is still damp. Hopefully the sun will come out tomorrow, warming me and drying my belongings. One day of rain is bearable, but I imagine more than a few in a row would dampen my spirits as well.
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Glasgow, VA - Tired Feet Motel
Miles today: 2.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I guess one day of rain was enough, not necessarily to break my spirit, but to entice me to stay in town for a day to get clean and dry. We had to stop in town anyways to resupply, and it was all downhill pretty quickly and steadily from there. Back up a minute. The road crossing is about two miles from the shelter where we stayed last night, but from there, it's another five or so miles to the nearest town. Supposedly an easy hitch, especially if you notice a guy with Florida tags hanging out at the trail head. Sure enough, there he was waiting when I came off the trail this morning at 9 am, offering to take me wherever I needed to go. Somehow all five of us, the group with whom I am now traveling - Iceman Dan, Dirty Blonde, Backbend, Mo Lassus and I - ended up at the same restaurant for breakfast. Iceman's knee was bothering him so he floated the idea of taking a day to rest in Glasgow. Soon we were all on board, the peer pressure on the trail stronger than any I've every experienced in high school or college, sometimes pushing me to do more miles than is best for my body, other times encouraging me to just take a day and be lazy in town. I enjoy the people around me and at times am easily convinced in order to share their company for a few days more. I, too, play my part in planning how many miles to hike each day, with others quickly agreeing to the proposed schedule. I figure, with a day off, I can easily make up the miles another. And if not, so what? If I were in a hurry, I wouldn't be walking. I try to plan my days - how many miles, where I want to end up, sleeping arrangement for the evening - in advance. But with unknown and ever-changing variables like the weather and injuries, plus options for resupply or restaurant meals, as well as the peer pressure to remain with hiking pals, plans change often. So the five of us spent the day in Glasgow, doing, well not much of anything, resting, getting clean, laughing, and eating, all crammed in a tiny hotel room with two single beds, our shoes smelling up the joint, our packs forced to remain outside for the night due to lack of space in the room. Yet another good time hiking the AT, even when it has nothing to do with the hike.
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Glasgow, VA - Tired Feet Motel

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

!Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Let the tequila be shared, for a shot or two will do ya on an empty stomach after hiking all day, and a shelter in the woods with thru-hiker friends is as good a place as any to celebrate a holiday. After nearly two months of hiking, pushing my body to the limit, I feel much more in touch with my physical being. It is indeed part of the attraction of the trail for me, finding out what my body is capable of, figuring out what pain can be walked through, which aches may mean something worse. I am learning as much about myself physically as I am emotionally and mentally. I truly want to see what I am made of. Women's and men's bodies function differently out here. Granted we have all become hiking machines by this point, burning more calories than we take in, but the males drop weight quickly while the females hang on to every sacred ounce. Many of my male counterparts have already lost 20 pounds or more; by Maine they reputedly will look like prisoners of war, gaunt in appearance, skin hanging on bones, full-bearded faces, long scraggly hair. The women don't seem to change as much in appearance, nor have any of my female peers yet lost weight on the trail. Many of us have actually gained a few pounds of muscle mass, developing rock-hard legs, while any robustness in our upper female anatomy has withered away. A guy on the trail actually called me "Crusher" the other day, remarking that my legs could probably crush him if he gets out of line. Gee, is that supposed to be a compliment? I am certainly all for a woman being physically strong, yet I struggle a bit with my corresponding perceived loss of femininity. I'm doing all I can to make killer calves, thighs of steel, and hot-cross buns fit the new definition of womanhood, become the new standard of what it means to be feminine, hear me roar.