morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 173.8

Okay folks, I need to apologize--again--for letting my journal entries lapse. It began with an inefficient town stop that prevented me from updating my journal and was compounded by a broken phone charger which prevented me from using my phone to keep a daily log! At any rate, I will continue ENDEAVORING to improve. I'm doing a much better job of keeping my Instagram feed up to date, so check out my blog (URL below) for photos, videos (YouTube), and other content related to my attempted thru-hike!I'm posting this entry from Damascus, Virginia where I arrived yesterday afternoon. It feels great to be back in the Old Dominion! I'm zeroing here today to clean/maintain my kit, purchase some new gear, resupply, and rest/recuperate. I'm doing okay physically, save for some really gnarly shin splints in my left leg that began a couple days ago. I had increased my mileage to 18-22 miles per day, which apparently took its toll. Prognosis: acute and chronic pain. Remedy: wrapping and lower miles for a couple weeks. Still, I'm pleased I was able to put in such long miles and I'm hopeful that will continue when my shin splints improve.I'm planning to head back out tomorrow, and should be in the Grayson Highlands on Friday. I'll be in Virginia for a LONG time, so I'm trying to break it up into discrete chunks to avoid the notorious Virginia Blues (which I contracted prematurely in North Carolina). I'll work on keeping this journal more current, and I appreciate the patience and forbearance of all those who are regularly checking in for updates! Thank you for your support and encouragement these many miles!
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Damascus

To: Campsite Past U.S. 58
Miles today: 17.6

After starting the day with my customary stretching at the Hikers Inn hostel in Damascus (WONDERFUL place), I headed down the trail to Moe Joe's coffee shop at the "north" end of town for a final real espresso. I ran into Lost And Found and Mad Jac there, who had the same idea, and I enjoyed chatting with them for a bit. I left Damascus at around 8 AM and began the day's hike, which was difficult from the start. My shin splints caused me considerable pain even when I slowed my pace, and I had to concentrate very hard to avoid altering my biomechanics and strain or injure something else. It was challenging both physically and emotionally, as I thought (hoped) I had turned the corner on pain of this severity. I pressed on and reached my goal for the day, but I regret I didn't fully appreciate the beauty all around me in my preoccupation with my physical discomfort. I'm camped at a nice little spot near a stream, which I can hear flowing in the distance. Time for bed.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Campsite Past U.S. 58

To: Stealth Campsite Past Grayson Highlands State Park
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: moderate rain

I had a tough time getting out of the bag this morning; after the pain I experienced yesterday, the prospect of more of the same was not exactly an incentive to rise and shine. I was on the trail by 7:45 for the first of the day's many climbs, which culminated at Mount Rogers and the Grayson Highlands. The weather was clear and chilly, perfect for hiking. My shin splints caused me grief from the start, and didn't let up all day. It was absolutely brutal, and my frustration was compounded by the fact I was being frequently passed by other hikers. I still find this galling, even though I know the AT isn't a race and the only person I'm competing against is myself!Still, the Grayson Highlands were amazing and I enjoyed seeing the famous "wild" ponies. I put wild in quotation marks because what wild animal will allow itself to be petted by hikers? The hiking was fabulous, even if my condition left something to be desired (check out my blog for video of the day's terrain). When I reached my intended destination--Wise Shelter--I found no fewer than 20 tents around the shelter, which was of course full. So I pressed on for a mile or so and found a lovely stealth site in a meadow awash in the setting sun. Which is where I'm writing this entry, snug in my bag at 8:45, 15 minutes shy of hiker midnight. I hope and pray tomorrow brings less pain, but I'm not optimistic.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Stealth Campsite Past Grayson Highlands State Park

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It turns out my pessimism was somewhat misplaced. I awoke at my lovely campsite to the same pain, but once I got underway it retreated a bit. It was a chilly morning but clear, and the day soon warmed. I breakfasted on a sun-bathed rock near the top of Pine Mountain and I surprised myself with the time I was making. The day's hiking featured a number of pronounced climbs and descents, and while many stretches required rock hopping few were steep enough to be problematic. Around noon I came across some excellent trail magic at VA 603, including breakfast burritos and beer! I just ate some candy and drank a Gatorade before heading on my way (beer and athletics don't mix well for me). As the afternoon wore on my shin began hurting acutely and, more troubling, my right knee began complaining. I'm concerned I may have strained my IT Band again as a result of compensating for my left leg, even though I've been trying hard not to allow the pain from my shin splints to affect my biomechanics. Tomorrow will tell. I pulled into Trimpi Shelter at 6:30 and found only two other hikers, although that soon changed and at last count there are over 20 people here. If you're searching for solitude, the AT isn't for you!
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Atkins
Miles today: 22.2

Sometimes I loathe the Appalachian Trail. Don't get me wrong, the AT is a miraculous achievement in conservation and preservation and it is a national (and natural) treasure, but it's also cruel and sadistic! But then there are days when I love the AT. When everything aligns and it offers up a smorgasbord of sights and sounds that would be impossible if not for the trail. Today was one of those days. It started at a ridiculously overcrowded shelter full of noisy hikers complaining of norovirus exposure (the worst of the AT) but ended with a twilight walk through rolling Virginian pastures under a bluebird sky, encouraged onward by a cool breeze and the wind in the trees.I didn't mean to hike to Atkins, and planned originally to stop at Chatfield Shelter. When I arrived there I found no suitable ground for tenting, and given the ongoing crowded conditions and noro outbreak I decided to move along to a stealth site. The only problem is that there weren't any stealth sites to be found! I arrived at the Lindamood School at around 6 PM and was thrilled to find trail magic waiting, courtesy of Valley Baptist Church. I sorely needed it, given I had only planned on an 18 mile day and was out of snacks! After a couple protein bars, a banana, and a Mountain Dew I decided to try for Atkins, only 2.7 miles further. The walk was absolutely lovely and I arrived just shy of 8 PM. I felt pretty depleted after 22 miles, and my shin and knee were causing me grief (probably because a 20+ mile day isn't an ideal way to resolve overuse injuries), but all's well that ends well!
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Atkins

To: Atkins
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Because I arrived early and planned to stay in Atkins tonight anyway, I decided to call it a proper zero and give myself a chance to recuperate a bit. I've managed my resupply and am catching up on my Trail Journal, blog, Instagram, and YouTube, and I plan to hit the hay early to facilitate a prompt departure tomorrow morning. Pain notwithstanding I'm making strong progress and I can't wait to get back on the trail. As hard as it has been, arriving in Virginia gave me a boost and I have my sight fixed on Shenandoah National Park (which I've always wanted to thru-hike) and ultimately Harpers Ferry and the psychological halfway point. Barring a hike-ending injury (which is ALWAYS a very real possibility), I'll make it.
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Atkins

To: Stealth Campsite Past VA 625
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

I wanted to get a quick start this morning so I set the alarm and was out the door by 6:45. The skies were clear--the forecasted rain failed to materialize--and the day promised to be warm. The trail took me under I-81 then through a series of pastures and scenic easements, punctuated by four rather steep climbs. These will culminate tomorrow with 2,000 feet of vertical gain in about four miles.There were fewer people on the trail today, and I enjoyed some good conversation with I Believe, Tentmaker, and First A. I also ran into Scout, who I've been bumping into since before Franklin, NC, and a couple other now familiar faces.I had planned to hike to about mile 17 then start looking for a campsite, but in a repeat of May 4 I only came across one and it was already occupied. Fortunately I happened across a nice little spot on the shoulder of Walnut Mountain, where I'm now camped and writing this entry. I'm looking forward to the day I don't need to worry about whether I'll find an unoccupied place to lay my weary head!
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Stealth Campsite Past VA 625

To: Laurel Creek Campsite
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

I have nothing good to say about the trail today. It was a waterless stretch of mostly pointless ups and downs (PUDs) without any worthwhile landmarks to get excited about. It's days like this that earn Virginia its place next to "blues." That's all I'll offer about that.The highlight of the day, which was pretty amazing, was some incredible trail magic being done here at the campsite by trail angels Dave and Deann Werner of Pennsylvania in memory of J-Bird, an AT thru-hiker who passed away far too young from cancer. They had literally everything a weary hiker could need or want, all served up with a smile. They made not only my day but that of the other folks camped here tonight. What an incredible service to those in need, and an incredible way to honor a loved one who passed long before his time. Thank you, David and Deann!
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Laurel Creek Campsite

To: Stealth Campsite Past VA 608
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: few clouds

Today was a good day. Sometimes everything just clicks: the terrain, the weather, one's body, one's technique. It's a beautiful thing when it happens! I was on the trail within 45 minutes of first unzipping my sleeping bag (good for me) and I hiked efficiently all day. Paired with nicely rolling ridges and only a few big climbs, I was able to knock out 25 miles in less time than it took me to do 18.5 miles yesterday. I wish I understood why my body works well some days and terribly others, but I'll take it when I can get it!The trail itself wasn't that remarkable save for crossing over I-77, a roughly 18-mile stretch without reliable water, and of course the 600 mile mark. I'm worried that miles 600-800 will prove the crux of the Virginia Blues, but I'll climb that mountain when I come to it! At this rate it should take about two weeks. That's not so bad, right?
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Stealth Campsite Past VA 608

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

It took me a bit longer to get going this morning--about 55 minutes--probably because my body was protesting after yesterday's 25 miles! One I got on the trail it took me a couple hours to warm up, but when I finally did I once again found myself making good time.The day's hike took me across a great suspension bridge over Kimberling Creek and through miles of rolling terrain through a riparian valley and stands of towering pine. It all made for fast hiking and I found myself at the infamous Wapiti Shelter well before noon. I did my stretching there and chatted with some section hikers who were unfamiliar with the shelter's history (site of a double murder many years ago), then pressed on up the day's biggest climb.Throughout the day I was prodded forward by the prospect of my stay at the Woods Hole Hostel, which so far has not disappointed. It's a lovely compound of historical buildings managed by good folks dedicated to sustainable living. They served an amazing dinner in their historic chestnut log cabin with food taken largely from their on-site organic garden, and we enjoyed great conversation around the table. I'll be zeroing here tomorrow in light of my arrival a day early, and barring something unforeseen Woods Hole has secured a place among my favorite hostels on the AT, alongside the Blueberry Patch (Hiawasee), Elmer's Sunnybank Inn (Hot Springs), Hikers Inn (Damascus), and the Buffalo Creek B&B (Robbinsville).
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Considering I arrive a day early, I decided to go ahead and take today as a zero to manage my resupply, laundry, and just recuperate a bit. I caught a ride into town with Jennay, Yote, and Gary, and spent about five hours walking to and fro between Dollar General, Food Lion, Rite Aid, and a great little diner. Then back here to Woods Hole to square everything away before I hit the trail tomorrow morning. I'm planning to stop next in Daleville, which is the better part of 100 miles away. It'll take me about 5 1/2 days, which means I'm carrying a lot of food! I'll likely zero there before continuing on my way. I've really enjoyed my stay here at Woods Hole; if you ever have an opportunity to visit, do so!
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Stealth Campsite, SNP
Miles today: 239.1
Weather: moderate rain

First off, I need to offer yet another mea culpa for doing such a poor job updating my journal. Over the past two weeks I've hiked nearly 240 miles, and just this afternoon entered Shenandoah National Park (SNP). The hiking has been challenging, but I'm holding up well physically. The reason I haven't been writing stems from my increased miles, which are almost always in the twenties per day now, and also a case of the Virginia Blues.I feel bad saying this, but at a point thru-hiking becomes something of a job. It's less pronounced when there are significant milestones to mark one's progress (e.g., entering a new state), but in a big place like Virginia it's hard not to think of the hundreds of miles remaining before reaching that next stage of the journey. I've tried to avoid thinking of hiking Virginia in terms of a daily grind, but that's what the past 300 miles or so have felt like. That's not to say there hasn't been some fantastic sights and exciting hiking along the way--there has--but it is to say that the mental hike has been the more challenging one for the past several weeks.That's about to change, though. I'm looking forward to thru-hiking SNP, which I've always wanted to do. I remember seeing thru-hikers here during past visits, and the fact I'm now that bearded, dirty, smelly adventurer makes this a psychological milestone for me. After leaving SNP it will only be a short hop to Harper's Ferry and the psychological halfway point, then Maryland and Pennsylvania in short order. I'll try to do better keeping this journal updated as I go; expect a tranche of posts once I clear SNP! Thank you as always for following along!
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Stealth Campsite, SNP

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 159.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiker Monkey here, coming to you from wild and wonderful West Virginia! Harpers Ferry, to be precise, where I'm zeroing after arriving yesterday. It felt pretty amazing to cross the bridge into town here and have my midpoint photo snapped at ATC Headquarters, especially considering there have been many points along the way when I thought my journey was finished. So reaching the psychological midpoint of the AT was incredible, even though I have more than half the trail remaining.The past week--Brown's Gap in Shenandoah National Park (SNP) to Harpers Ferry--was extraordinarily challenging, and for reasons owing nothing at all to the terrain. I parted with someone I love very much on Monday, which is always difficult. On Tuesday I just didn't feel strong, but I still eked out 24 miles on wooden legs. Wednesday brought sharp Achilles pain for 23 miles and then a complete soaking in an afternoon thunderstorm. I didn't dry out until Saturday! Thursday went smoothly (23 miles and the northern terminus of SNP), but Friday brought a complete physical meltdown. Within an hour of hitting the trail I was hobbling due to acute shin splints in my right leg and a left ankle swollen to the size of a softball, both of which erupted out of nowhere. I fought that pain for 27 miles before stumbling into camp a complete emotional wreck, certain I had ruptured something and that my hike was over. When I awoke the next day though, the pain was largely gone. I simply don't understand why my body does the things it does.Saturday was a good day, as I was blessed to spend time with some friends and former colleagues who drove out to meet me at Snickers Gap. It was great to catch up and spend time with their lovely families! Immediately after leaving them I passed the 1,000-mile mark and first reached the West Virginia border. These milestones were all a prelude to yesterday, when I finally reached Harpers Ferry.I want to thank everyone who has done so much to help me reach this point. There are too many people to name, but I wouldn't be here without you. Special thanks go to Britta and my parents, who have encouraged me via countless phone calls and text messages. I love you. I have a long, LONG way to go and I very well may not reach Maine in the end--although I absolutely will barring a hike-ending injury or illness--and we have a long way to go before we reach our fundraising goal for People Serving People, but I BELIEVE we will with your help.Next stop: Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the numerical midpoint!
Date: 2014-06-16
From: Blue Mountain B&B, Pennsylvania

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 49.6
Weather: light rain

After my initial zero at the Blue Mountain B&B I took a good look at my feet and decided to take another. Most of the Immersion (AKA Trench) Foot sores cleared up quickly, but the sores on my ankles stubbornly refused to close and I was concerned about getting an infection and having to leave the trail for an extended period. It was a tough call, but it gave me the opportunity to catch up with an old friend and his wife, now living in Philadelphia, which was a wonderful silver lining. By the end of the day I still wasn't certain my feet were ready for the rocky trail to Delaware Water Gap, but I decided they were close enough to give it a shot.Fortunately, once I got moving yesterday it became clear my feet would hold up. I somehow put in 29.4 miles, a stretch including the Palmerton Superfund Site, and another 20.2 miles today to arrive at DWG around 3:30 PM, just in time for a milkshake at a local ice cream shop! The trail from mile 1,240 was extremely rocky with a fair amount of scrambling, particularly on the ascent to the superfund site. I'm happy the rocks of Pennsylvania are behind me, although I understand they continue into New Jersey and New York. Oh well, they're worth it if it means I'm progressing north. My feet are definitely on the mend and the risk of infection is decreased, but man are they ever sore from all the rock hopping!I'm heading out mid-morning tomorrow for New Jersey and New York, and will be taking a couple much anticipated zeroes over the weekend to visit with my own personal trail angel. Once I get back on the trail, Connecticut will be just around the corner!
Date: 2014-07-03
From: Congdon Shelter, VT

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I'm writing this entry from inside my tent, which is currently being lashed by high winds and rain as lightning flashes outside and thunder booms around me. I'm nice and dry inside with most of my kit, but in my hurry to dive out of the rain I left my pack in the vestibule. Too late, it's soaked.This albeit nasty squall aside, today was decent. The rain that soaked us yesterday passed on overnight, and most of the day was dry if humid. After awaking to find a mouse had chewed through my rain shell and food sack to devour my trail mix, I pulled on my still-wet clothing and hit the trail by 7 AM. Much of today's trail was rocky and muddy, with a steep descent to VT 9, a long climb to the forested summit of Little Pond Mountain, and a longer climb to the much more scenic summit of Glastenbury Mountain, complete with a lookout tower that offered the AT's first truly excellent views in Vermont. The balance of the day was spent hiking in something of a green tunnel, although with more moss, birch, tree roots, and mud than I've seen to date.Despite the storm, my mood was much improved today. I thank the sun for that, and a lovely 70+ minutes spent running down the trail while listening to Beethoven's 9th symphony. Ode to Joy, indeed. Tomorrow I'll head over Stratton Mountain, which at 3,936 feet is the tallest peak since Virginia and the highest point until I reach Mt Moosilauke in New Hampshire (God willing). Then on to Manchester Center for a badly needed zero!
Date: 2014-07-04
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 21.1

Well, that nasty squall lasted about four hours then transitioned to steady rain, which lasted until about 10 AM. Everything was soaked and covered with mud, which made packing up (in the rain) especially gross. The best part was the special joy of putting on wet clothing! When I stopped by the shelter it was packed but dead silent. I think everyone was steeling themselves for what was to come. There was nothing to do but pop in my headphones (my go-to when forced to hike when I'd rather be curled up somewhere warm and dry) and hit the trail.En route to Manchester Center I hiked over Stratton Mountain, which was completely socked in, and through about 10 miles of Vermont's answer to the green tunnel. It's a shame the weather wasn't clear, as Stratton was the summit that inspired Benton MacKaye to propose creating the AT. The trail was impossibly muddy and resembled a waterfall in many places, but the pull of a dry hotel and pizza were powerful and I arrive at the VT 11/30 trail crossing where was promptly retrieved by the owner of the Red Sled (nice and clean). Not too long after I had showered, done laundry, spoken with Britta and my folks, and had a local root beer and pizza in hand. Not a bad way to end a ROUGH stretch on the trail!
Date: 2014-07-05
From: Manchester Center

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 0.0

As with all of my zeroes, this was a busy one! I got up early, grabbed breakfast at Bob's Diner, and returned to the Red Sled to put in some quality time on 2,000 Miles From Home and sort through my kit. I dried out my tent (finally), patched my rain shell and bear bag, and cleaned everything as best I could.I caught a ride into downtown Manchester at around 11:30 to do some shopping at EMS and resupply at Price Chopper. I hoofed it all over town in search of good espresso, which was surprisingly hard to find! I carried my pack and poles, and drew a lot of funny looks from tourists who probably knew nothing of the AT and were wondering what such a scruffy individual was doing in a picturesque New England town!At 4 PM I met the owner of the Green Mountain House Hiker Hostel at Price Chopper and caught a ride back to the hostel for the evening. It was quite simply the most comprehensive and best appointed hostel I've visited on the trail. The accommodations were fantastic and the owners offered everything thru-hikers could possibly need. The free pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream was especially appreciated! It was an amazing place, and I wish I could have stayed longer. Fellow thrus: DO NOT MISS THIS HOSTEL!I concluded the day with some more work on 2,000 Miles From Home, packing for the trail, and most importantly a call home. It was a highly productive if not relaxing day, and I finally turned in around midnight. One of these days I hope to take a RELAXING zero!