morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-30
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Low Gap US 421, stealth camp
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today Hiked with Apostle John and Half Tongue. Elevation for today is considered "flat". Start of "easy" Virginia type miles. But there is actually a lot of climbing even on the down hills there are climbs as the trail follows the ridge lines. Only 2,200 ft climb from start to high point, But probably more like 4,000ft total counting all the little 100 to 300 ft ups and downs. AJ played rugby at Boston College. He is about 230lb solid muscle. Goes up hill like Freightliner truck. Half Tongue is tall and lean. He glides up hill seemingly with out effort. Either way it's hard to keep up. They have averaged over 20 miles per day from the start. Also I'm running low on food. I can keep up easy on level and down but drop behind on the steeper sections.   I have gotten really fast on down hills hiking w/ heart issues. Go my own pace up, then use my long legs to catch up on downs.After lunch I stop for water but don't eat, since I have only 1000 cal of food to last next 24 Hr and 25 miles. Next up hill I get dizzy.. Hypoglycemic. I let the young bucks go ahead and stop to rest and refuel. All I have is 5 packs oatmeal, one pack mashed potatoes, and 3 packs miso soup. The miso soup is only 35 cals ..no wonder it's so light.   I eat one of the oatmeals mixed with cold water. Not bad. I find a spice pack from a MRE. Its pretty big so I guess there is flour filler along w spices.   Add it to 2 packs miso soup and eat it.   I start to feel better and start hiking. If I go slow I can stretch the food by burning fat. I remember that I've got metamucil with sugar! Like Gatorade w fiber... So I drink 3 cups next water stop. It does give me an energy boost. But remember also low on TP. There is a section of wheel chair accessible trail thru a meadow so I really load up on dandelions. Flowers leaves and even roots. I think there will be more starch and calories in the root. Come into Double Spring Shelter around 5. Going slow has paid off I feel fine. Enjoy the company of Bumble Bee and Moss while fixing greens and mashed potatoes.   Use all my olive oil. Makes a good hearty meal. But still 20 miles to big D.
Date: 2011-05-01
From: Low Gap US 421, stealth camp

To: Damascus, The Place, Church Hostel
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Stayed up too late enjoying being alone with my own campfire last night. Should be easy miles 15 to town. So should be able to make it with out bonking if I meter out my last 4 instant oatmeals. 2 packages when I get up, then 1 every 5 miles. I'm hungry tho. I've bummed enough ibuprofen. Catch up with Apostle John and Half Tongue after 5 miles at first shelter. The thunder has stopped wout any rain. AP gives me an empty peanut butter jar. He has already given it to Half Tongue who scraped it first. I get about a teaspoon more out. After watching this process, AJ gives me some Gatorade powder. Now I'm set and coast in effortlessly the last 10 miles in 3 1/2 hrs. With no food in it, no guitar, pack is barely noticeable. All the B&Bs are booked so I go to Church Hostel where Riverdance and Uli are staying. Shower and clean clothes are heavenly, but should have tented on the lawn. The plywood bunk platform is too short and kills my sore feet where they hang over the sharp edge of wood! "There ought to be a law with no bailSmash a guitar and you go to jail!With no chance of earning parole. You won't get out until you get some soul."John Hiatt, "Petfectly Good Guitar"
Date: 2011-05-02
From: Damascus, The Place, Church Hostel

To: Feathercamp Branch, US 58
Miles today: 4.9

Beautiful town day in D. Ran into Lucky at Mojoes Coffee. Met Jim, Doodah Man also. Planned on resting while waiting for brother Henry , but ended up on quest looking for earbuds for iPhone. Walked to far end of town and found the ear buds at Dollar general. Decided to get extra food to stretch 5 day supply which EE mailed to 7d. That way no need to resupply for whole week w/ Henry. He arrived around 3pm. It took me 1/2 Hr to walk back to The Place Hostel to meet him. By the time I got there he had made several friends. We decided to start out even though it was late-- around 5 pm. Just as we left the road to go into the woods met a bunch of younger hikers giving out beer for trail magic and good bye for Dube who is getting off trail. We went about 5 miles to first good tent site with water. Had just enough time to set up and cook before dark. Had nice camp fire. Happy to be reunited and alone in the woods of Virginia.
Date: 2011-05-04
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter (mt Rodgers)
Miles today: 12.2

Got going a little earlier, since the other hikers are all early risers. I think Bald EAGLE, No Problem, Doodah Man, Riverdance, Pappy and On Time were all there. We were happy to be in the crowded shelter due to rain. A lot of younger thru hikers and section hikers were in tents and hammocks.A big climb today up to Buzzard Rock and on to Mt Rodgers, highest point in VA.Met Flame, Greenstone and Thimbleberry heading sounth after getting ride to the high point. They said get your warm clothes "Its a winter wonder land with rime ice on everything" Emerging into the open below Buzzard Rock, the wind was howling and ice indeed covered everything. I took many pics while waiting for Hen to ascend. Numb fingers again even with gloves. We continued on up towards the shelter at 5430 ft elevation,which is only 1/2 mile from summit of Mt Rodgers. We encountered bands of Ponies in the woods almost all with small foals. We traversed open meadows with rocky citadels at the peaks. Everything covered with ice. Driving sleet and wind..well below freezing. Convient as the "rain" bounces off so you and gear stay dry.Nice two level log shelter but chinking not done and air whistling thru. The upstairs (warmer) was already crowded. So we staked out spots below in the open part. I started to feel ill, and could not eat my dinner of red beans and rice due to stomach ache. Temp dropping fast, sleet continued. I regretted sending home my winter sleeping bag, long johns and extra wool shirts! Into the bag at 6 pm with all my clothes on, rain jacket wrapped around the lower half of the bag. Nothing left for pillow except dirty underwear. It took about 2 hrs for hands and feet to warm up. Borrowed an ambien from Henry. Slept about 5 hrs waking cold at 1 am. Need to pee but too cold. I was awake till 6 am when I finally got up. Listened to music to pass time since I couldn't sleep. Tapped feet to music to stay warm. Never cold enough to shiver but not warm enough to be comfortable. Beautiful clear skies when sun came up. Shelter and trees covered with ice snow. Henry and I were last ones out of the shelter after hot oatmeal and mocha coffee. I felt like I had been run over by bulldozer! headache and every joint sore. My sprained ankle has gottem worse despite short miles. The huge blister on my right heel doesn't seem to be healing. Whole heel is now inflamed. I have one sore on a toe which has not healed since 2nd day of hike in March. Usually feels better in a.m. then gets sore during walking. Toe went pain went wild during cold night though. Leaving packs at shelter, Hen and I backtracked 1/4 mile to the trail to top of Mt Rodgers and on up the easy 1/2 mile climb. No view, but as Virginians we had to go to the high point. Hen did find 2 clear Bobcat prints, making it all worth it.
Date: 2011-05-05
From: Thomas Knob Shelter (mt Rodgers)

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Continuing North from the shelter, I ached all over. Henry waited for me as I stumbled along and kept stopping to rest. It took till 2 pm to make 5 miles to the next shelter, which was empty at midday. I am getting worried now I am holding Henry back. May have to take a rest day zero on trail. Then Henry will not make it back to car. Also worried about having to quit trail completely. Averaged 3/4 mile/ hr. Tried unsuccessfully not to complain. We took a long lunch a cooked a big pot of oatmeal with maple syrup and fresh strawberries with hot coffee. Both took vitamin I. I have been taking Ibuprofen at max dose since last doctor visit in Hot Springs. Never seemed to do much for me in past, but with what I have now it is a miracle drug. Its effect is much stronger with caffien from coffee. "The oatmeal soothes my upset stomach. I spend a long time massaging my feet and sprained ankle with various creams for the various owies. We decide to go on and try another 5 miles to Old Orchard Shelter. The Grayson Highlands are spectacular, but regret not enjoying it properly. Easy elevation gains but the trail is very rocky. Fun if your feet don't have sores.Now I feel better, semi ok, and gain strength as afternoon progresses. I could go another 5 miles when we pull into shelter at 6pm. Meanwhile, Henry is now totally wasted. He is stumbling along just like me in the am. We know now Henry is a morning person. He runs out of gas at 3pm regardless of if we've gone 5 miles or 15 miles. A clear night and shelter is full so we tent a good way off, in part to be away from a character who makes us uneasy. We eat and feel well enough to try the harmonicas with instructions. Not much came out sounding like a song. Cold clear night but just warm enough to be comfortable and sleep well in 40 deg rated bags. Open meadow causes very heavy condensation on inside and out of tent. Sleep much better in tent..soft ground...all my stuff inside with me not mixed with other's stuff. My own space and routine. I give my whole feet and toes a good massage at night and a.m. I feel so much better it's a distant memory how worried I was yesterday.We get off by 6:50 am! Henry has his rountine down now.
Date: 2011-05-06
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

I feel almost good. Henry has plenty of energy in am. By noon we've already gone 11 miles! We continue to enjoy the ridgetop trail and feel of Virginia forests. Henry loves the Rhodedendron tunnels, birds, grandfather trees, pretty much everything about the woods. We get in to shelter before he bonks today at around 2:30. I tent so as to sleep better, but Henry goes shelter since he is worried about untested tent in rain forcast.
Date: 2011-05-07
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Pretty good rest. I really worked my feet over w/massage and creams in the tent. Toes calmed right down after dinner. Feet don't really even hurt at night! What an improvement. Big blister is healing well now, despite long days hiking. Sprained ankle barely noticable! We get off almost last from shelter. All the mature hikers leave at 6:30, wanting to go 10.6 miles to the Mt Rodgers visitor center where you can order pizza. Only the young guys, Switchback and Cubby sleep in. Mill House leaves about same time as us. They will catch up quickly once they get going.We reach visitor center by 11:15am feeling fine. Pizza which Doodah, Bald Eagle, and On Time order is just arriving from Marion VA. It looks great so Henry calls order for Anchovie, extra veg large. Beautiful sunny afternoon on the lawn. We eat so much all are worried about barfing as we start climb from visitor center. Some steep sections, but only 15 to 30 mins at a time. Pizza doesn't give immediate energy, it weighs us down. But scenery and weather continues stellar. Leaves are out, but not fully and light filters thru the light spring green foliage. It certainly nourishes the soul. Peak a boo views of the fields and towns. Continual bird song. We conjecture about plants and flowers. Hen will check in book when he gets home and let me know.We all love the spindly trees with the giant white flowers. There is no water at the place we were going to camp after 14 miles so we go another 4 to catch up all the old boys at Chatfield Shelter. Shelter full. Rain forecast. Perfect time for Hen to test tent, with short easy hike to car if he gets wet.We are entertained by "Smoke" who is more of a tradditional hobo than a Nobo or Sobo. He has been on the trail since Feb but says he started South from Troutdale 3 months ago. It is only a week walk away. No matter He is enjoying the woods and company. It starts to rain at 8 as we all go to bed tired and ready after our routine of 5:30 am rising.
Date: 2011-05-08
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Atkins, VA Comfort Inn
Miles today: 4.3

Last day with brother Henry. Slept well in tent. It rained most of the night. Stream and rain noise soothing. Henry's first test of his little tent in the rain.. it passed and he woke dry. Started hiking easy 4.3 miles down hill to Atkins around 8 am. An hour later than our routine, in light mist. An enchanted gentle walk. Continous sweet singing by birds. I can only imagine what it would sound like with out my major hearing loss in high frequency! Hen and I both love the birds but have limited birding skills. Still we are excited when occasionally a bird is ID'd. Emerge from the woods into broken fields and orchards. The sweet smell of flowers and ungrazed meadows is intense after the rain. Lots of blooming cherry trees both wild and from historic orchards. We stop at Settlers Farm Museum, 1890, when we come across the one room school house. It is just like our Grandma Brown described teaching in Ohio at turn of the century. Museum center closed, but found place to charge dead phone while walking the grounds and visiting barns and other buildings. EE has been worried due to no service for a week. I was sick when last phone call cut us off. Finally connected today....Happy Mother's day! We continued our stroll into Atkins and had lunch buffet at the Barn Restaraunt. Not so great but stuffed with pot roast.Sad good byes. I apologized to Henry for not being at my best, and having to keep up schedule of making miles. But Henry is very gracious and went out of his way the whole trip to meld into my trail world smoothly without upsetting the balance. In short, a great visit.
Date: 2011-05-09
From: Atkins, VA Comfort Inn

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: few clouds

Michael is not going to join me as planned due to his responsibilities getting ready for South America trip with Sweetgrass. He will be also moving his stuff out of his 3rd Ave house. Hopefully he can give EE some support with taking care of our old sweetheart dog, Molly. She has been sick. Hitched ride back to trail ready to go North again after lunch. Gorgeous day. Worried about family at home and their worries. Can't do anything from here to help. Last week no service for full week. Longest gap. Remember on AT no news is good news. There are crowds of hikers. If I have any problems I will get to town w service quickly. May 9Atkins, VA US11, 539.5Knot Maul Branch Shelter 553.614.1milesHad hard time sleeping at Comfort Inn despite clean comfy bed.  Worried about plans for Michael.  He finally calls at 8:30(hiker midnight). It's not going to work out for him to visit and hike with me.  I am disappointed and even mad since I have spent last 4 hrs making arrangements.  But he needs to do whatever it takes to make his upcoming trip a success and safe.I need to get in a sustainable routine and increase my daily miles.  Being alone simplifies my efforts.  So far including zero days and nero days my overall average is only 8.8 miles.  At this rate I will hit Katadin in Dec!     Henry left yesterday after a great week.  Jim, the Doodah Man left yesterday. Both are missed.After sorting plans and undoing arrangements for Michael's trip, hit the trail at 1:30. Manage 14.1 miles.  Last 3 miles with Wolf Pack who is moving fast.  He doesn't get up early or plan too much as long as he can get more than 20 miles/day.
Date: 2011-05-10
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Knot Maul Branch Shelter 553.6To Jenkins Shelter 572.619.0 milesSlept really well in tent. 9pm to 5:15am.  A few rain drops woke me. Took my time packing and working on my feet. Out at 6:30 am.  Water is .2mile N on AT so packed up and went to water for breakfast.  Traffic Controller also up early passed me as I tried to text EE.Another tough day planned in "flat" Virginia.  1.1 mile drop 350 ft.  Then up 650ft over 1.1mile.  Down 700ft in .9 mile,  then a couple of 200 ft blips.  Then 2200 ft climb over 4 miles to Chestnut Knob.  Starts steep, but gradually flattens in the last  2 miles thru beautiful open meadows and abandoned orchards.  Mix of clouds and mostly sun w thunder showers forecast.  I start slow feet ache.  But get into pace as endorphins kick in. Blisters, sprains etc seem to numb themselves w steady walking, then scream when you stop.  Pick a load of dandelions at the shelter on top.  Pretty beat reaching shelter at 11 am after 91/2 miles mostly up.  The 4 granola bars and 3 Reeses peanutbutter cups I ate while hiking in am not enough to keep up blood sugar.  So make hot oatmeal w 1/2 and 1/2 and butter packs from the hotel breakfast bar.  Also almonds and dried fruit.  Hot coffee with coca.  Someone left all kinds of trash in the fire pit.  Make a hot fire and burn every thing that will burn including pop bottles and alum cans. This is not what you are supposed to do,   but it's too heavy and filthy to pack out.  Looks much better when I leave.The trail drops 900ft the next mile and half.  Then climb back 300ft to 6 mile long ridge that looks level at 4000 ft in the guide profile.  But the line looks rough and the ridge beats me up.  It continuously goes up and down. Instead of climbing a skyscraper, this is like going up and down the first 5to 10 flights of stairs over and over.  Its very pretty with rock outcrops overlooking verdant farms.  But the trail winds over rocks which tear up my sore feet.  Seems like the ridge goes for ever.  Half way across thunder starts and a few rain drops.  It is eery how calm the wind is for thunderstorms on a mountain top. Although anxious to get off the ridge before serious lightning, I have to stop and refuel getting dizzy need simlple carbs, coffee vitamin I.  Refreshed w pain gone ,my speed doubles.  Wolf Pack overtakes me just as the trail starts to drop.  He is a nice 23 year old who moves fast.  He slows a little and I speed up considerably and the last couple miles fly by effortlessly on the now smooth leaf cushioned trail. This two days in a row he has overtaken me late in the day and. Provided moral support and energy to finish.The rain had held off but we decide to call it a day at 19miles.  Hope for easier miles tommorrow. Rain finally starts in earnest, conveniently at 8 pm just after turning in.
Date: 2011-05-11
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: light rain

Rained all night. Woke some with thunder. Mostly got good night sleep. Slept in till 7! Waiting for rain to stop, which it did. Hot breakfast and off at 8. Elevation profile looks easier than yesterday. The trail was much smoother and softer with more gradual up/downs. So smooth the first 5 miles in just over 1 1/2 Hr!   All day trail stayed mostly on old dirt road grades. At 9:30 entered a beautiful Rhodedendron tunnel with cascade. Then thunder and rain. It didn't rain much but lots of lightening. Glad to be in protected low spot. Got so dark I almost got headlamp. Then sunny rest of day. Thankfull of shade provided by trees with new bright green leaves. Virginia is so lush and green. From the ridge there are a few open views of surrounding farms and adjacent mountains. Mostly quick tantalizing view framed between branches and canopy.   The views pass out of sight quickly leaving me looking for next gem.Trees seem very happy to have new leaves again.After noon trail just as easy and pleasant till I run out of water with 5 miles to go. Next water is dried up. I hike a little slower with LoTAT and Wolfpack passes us again. After seeing almost no one all day, there about 30 people at the shelter which sleeps 6. Wall to wall tents
Date: 2011-05-12
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Didn't sleep well due to noise and lights in adjacent tents. Thunder and rain at 4:30am. Started packing in tent at 5:30, hoping to pack tent before it gets too wet. Every thing is just a little damp after several rainy nights coupled w long days hiking no time to dry out on sun.   Started hiking at 6am with Bald Eagle who likes to rise at 4:30 am!Hike w Bald Eagle taking turns going first ... And. Getting all of last nights spider webs on face. Skipped going to Trent's Grocery to save 1 mile off trail round trip walk. Long break cooked hot breakfast on trail. Stopped w Bald and No Problem at Wapati shelter right before big climb. IStayed longer to work on feet blister and sore toe. Felt up climb and across ridge. The descent to Woods Hole road crossing rocky and slippery. Real hard on sore feet. I went so slow I was sure I had missed the correct road crossing. Finally road w sign showing way to the Hostel. Good thing since instrucions worn illegible on my guide pages. Limped in at 5:30, the most sore and tired I've ever been. 20.3 trail miles then about 3/4 to hostel, you have to go past then come back up drive. Neville was in middle of yoga so waited Hr w No worry before checking in. No dice full only tenting in field 1/4 mile up the hill. Almost cried. Hobbled up and set up tent. Then back to visit and get home made pizza. With big rush of hikers and peeps for Trail Days I'm Damascus, Neville too tired to cook usual family style dinner. But she make about 20 pizzas by hand and handed out in order they were ordered. Me last. When my pizza was in oven, she started taking orders for smoothies. Second in line this time.. Got killer blueberry banana w homemade vanilla ice cream.. Full quart canning jar. Heaven. Pizza was good but happy to give away half I couldn't eat. Skipped shower and laundry due to lines. Didn't really need either anyway, since it was only 6 days from last shower and clothes change.
Date: 2011-05-13
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg, Rendezvous Motel
Miles today: 10.3

Woke in upper field by the bee hives, to loud bird songs. It rained again during night so packed wet tent again. Not sure if I can walk at all due to large blister. Go down to main house and have coffee with Cubby, Step n Half, Connecticut. Admiring the historic cabin made of American Chestnut. Beautiful greens growing in raised bed organic garden. Everything done by hand. Mike is in the middle of what looks like about 6 carpentry projects on the side porch. Despite the crowds of hikers Neville calms the vibes down. Before breakfast she organizes a hand holding circle on the lawn w mediation and introductions. Wonderful breakfast with their famous bread. Lots succulent just picked arugula in the omelet. Young Cubby has zeroed, the only way I could ever catch up. He seems rested and contented, helping Mike and Neville with chore after chore.Connecticut gives me and Bald Eagle a ride back to trail. Start hiking at 10 after relaxed morn. We have to resupply in Pearisburg, 10.3miles. Bald wants me to take an easy day and only go another 6 or 7 after. Despite my very successful blister repair taping, I have to limp a little. This is uses at lot of extra energy and slows me down. Bald tries to wait but I can't keep up so I take break and say good bye.A mile walk into town I go to the Post Office first. All my stuff is there! My iPod and ambien! Next go to laundramat 3 blocks away it is hot and sunny and I have not even taken off by black tee shirt for 6 days. Half way thru downpour and thunder start. Heading into the driving rain, ZigZag picks me up in a mini van and takes me to hotel . Full so she drops me at hotel next door. Also full, due to VA tech graduation. I can't find a hiker I know to let me sleep on floor, so nice lady working in hotel gives ride to Rendezvous Hotel out side town near trail. A young hiker has just taken the last single room, but agrees to share. Thank you "Snowy River"!!