morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-10-09
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut, Shenandoah, VA

To: Swift Run Gap, U.S.Rte 33, Elkton, VA
Miles today: 9.1

10/09/2011Time: 9:36 p.m. DISTANCE TRAVELED:  9.1 Miles FROM/TO:  I hiked from the Bearfence Mountain Hut to U.S.33 at Swift Run Gap where my friend, Margaret, picked me up. WEATHER:  The weather was beautiful today. I almost feel bad for hiking only 9 miles. MEALS:  I had two cups of Cappuccino and four packs of instant oatmeal for breakfast, and later I ate a Protein Bar and drank some water. For lunch I had a BK Stacker, a Double Cheeseburger, a Spicy Chick¢n Crisp Sandwich,, and a Dr. Pepper. For dinner I made chicken in sundried tomato vinaigrette over angel hair pasta. I also made homemade garlic bread and some French cut green beans with almonds. I had a liter of Pepsi with dinner, and after our meal, I had a piece of angel food cake topped with fresh strawberries. And I mustn¢t forget the whipped cream. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  The Trail was fast moving as SNP (Shenandoah National Park) has provided from it¢s very start. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I slept on a Futon at Margaret¢s house. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I hiked alone today. When I got to Margaret¢s, we met up with her roommate, Freddy. We all used to salsa dance together on Thursday nights. ANIMALS SEEN:  Today I saw the usual - - - deer, squirrels, dogs and cats. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I spent $40 on food today. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  My main concern today was to make it on time to the location where I was to meet Margaret, but I actually made it an hour and a half early. SPECIAL NOTES:  Today, while I was waiting there in the sunshine to be picked up, it occurred to me that it¢s been months since I had just relaxed outside in the sun in the middle of the day. It was a refreshing change. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  I got up at the usual time, even though I didn¢t sleep well last night - one man in the shelter snored way too loud to allow a sound sleep. I started hiking at 8:00 a.m. I had my music going, hiked 9.1 miles in just over 212 hours, and waited until noon to be picked up by Margaret. I showered when I got to her house, and started my laundry. Then we went shopping and I picked up food for dinner and snacks. On the way back, we stopped at Burger King. Upon returning to the house, I finished my laundry, checked my Facebook, and started cooking dinner as we watched a Harry Potter movie that I hadn¢t seen before. We ate and watched some TV before I logged my day. Now it¢s off to bed. ¢Night, my friends.
Date: 2011-10-10
From: Swift Run Gap, U.S.Rte 33, Elkton, VA

To: Harrisonburg to Churchville, Virginia
Miles today: 0.0

10/10/2011Time: 8:17 p.m. DISTANCE TRAVELED:  0 Miles FROM/TO:  Harrisonburg, Virginia to Churchville, Virginia WEATHER:  The weather was beautiful. MEALS:  For breakfast, I had cinnamon rolls, Pepsi, and the all-you-can-eat Breakfast Bar at Shoney¢s. Lunch was a Burger King Double Cheeseburger and a Spicy Chick¢n Crisp Sandwich, along with a drink. And dinner was two plates of homemade spaghetti with sauce, six ¢bitch¢ beers and two liters of Pepsi.  ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  I don¢t know about the Trail, but the roads I traveled in cars were good. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I slept at my friend, Tom¢s, house. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I didn¢t hike today. I met up with my former co-workers from VVTC, and even did a question and answer session for some of the students in the back building. ANIMALS SEEN:  Didn¢t see any animals to speak of today. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I spent about $20 on food, but Tom wouldn¢t let me pay for anything else when I was with him. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  I was concerned about getting over to Kim¢s and trying to collect the money she owes me. SPECIAL NOTES:  It feels good to be among good friends. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  I woke up at Margaret¢s house at 6:00 a.m., and cleaned up the Futon, the kitchen and myself. I packed up my things, and Margaret dropped me off at the Mall in Harrisonburg on her way to work. Tom picked me up shortly thereafter. We went to Shoney¢s in Staunton for brunch, and then on to Valley VoTech to see some friends. I was asked to do a question and answer session for the students, and I spent about 20 minutes doing that. Then Tom and I went to lunch with Bruce, one of my former co-workers. After lunch, Tom needed to run some errands, and I just tagged along. When we returned to Tom¢s, I sorted through some of the things that I had stored there, got out my guns, and got on Facebook for a while. We had dinner, and then we went to Texas Steakhouse for some drinks. My friend, Connie, stopped by with her daughter on their way home from a Valley ball game, just to say ¢Hi.¢ Then Tom and I went back to his house and to bed. Not together - LOL - but I in the guest room and he in the master bedroom. ¢Night, my friends. :-)
Date: 2011-10-11
From: Churchville, Virginia

To: Churchville, Virginia
Miles today: 0.0

10/11/2011Time:  8:44 p.m.  DISTANCE TRAVELED:   0 Miles FROM/TO:  I stayed another day at my friend, Tom¢s, home, in Churchville, Virginia. WEATHER:  The weather was beautiful. MEALS:  When I got up, I had a Coke and cheese. Tom made bacon, eggs and toast, and I was offered milk or orange juice to drink. Later I had three hot dogs, some fries, and a large iced tea. I snacked the rest of the day until we went out to listen to some Blue Grass, where I had a few beers, two bacon cheeseburgers, a Coke, and a ¢Silk Panties¢ (that¢s a drink.)  ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  I don¢t know about the A.T., but the road we travelled in Tom¢s car was effortless for me.  SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I stayed at Tom¢s. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I hung around with Tom all day. ANIMALS SEEN:  Tom has a couple of dogs and an old cat, but I didn¢t see any other animals today. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I spent $50 on food and other stuff today. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  My main concern for the day was how to not let Tom keep me out too late. I need to hike 25 miles tomorrow.  SPECIAL NOTES:  I discovered at the bank that I had more money than I thought. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  When I woke up this morning, I checked the Net before having breakfast, then we headed off to the bank. After our stop there, we went over to the hospital to see how Ted, Tom¢s brother-in-law, was doing. Then we checked out prices on shoulder holsters for my guns. We picked up some paint for a friend¢s car, then headed back to the house to make chili. We went out to Blue Grass, and got back to the house around midnight. Now it¢s off to bed. TTFN
Date: 2011-10-12
From: Churchville, Virginia

To: Rte 33 to Blackrock Hut, Shenandoah Nat'l Park, VA
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: moderate rain

10/12/2011Time: 9:04 p.m. DISTANCE TRAVELED:  24.7 Miles FROM/TO:  I hiked from Route 33 (in Virginia) to the Blackrock Hut, still in Virginia. WEATHER:   The weather sucked. It rained all day today. MEALS:  I had a Diet Coke when I got up this morning, followed by two Egg McMuffins and another large Coke. Later, I had a Protein Bar and a pack of Ritz Peanut Butter Crackers with a Pepsi. For lunch I had a Buffalo Chicken Wrap, fries, and a Mountain Dew. My dinner was three packs of ramen noodles with turkey pieces in it, and a Pepsi, followed by two strawberry Yogurt Bars. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  Besides being wet and muddy, the Trail was nice and fast-moving.  SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I¢m spending the night in the Blackrock Shelter. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I hiked alone, but met up with Sobo Joe, Double D, Kennedy and some others. ANIMALS SEEN:  Today I saw the usual birds, deer, and chipmunks. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I¢ve spent about $30.00 today for food & drinks. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  Today I was mostly concerned about staying warm even though everything was wet. SPECIAL NOTES:  I think my view of people has changed. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  When I got up, I thinned out and lightened my pack to carry only the minimum for two days. My pack weight ended up being about half. Tom drove me to Skyline Drive and Route 33 where I got off the Trail a few days ago. I started hiking in the rain, and stopped at a shelter 14 miles in, where I saw Kennedy. I kept going and stopped in at a Wayside where I met up with Sobo Joe. I grabbed a bite to eat there before continuing on my way. I made it to camp, and now I¢m writing my logs. Time for bed.
Date: 2011-10-13
From: Blackrock Hut, Shenandoah Nat'l Park, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

10/13/2011Time:  DISTANCE TRAVELED:  20 Miles FROM/TO:  I hiked from the Blackrock Hut to Afton Mountain, and then hitched a ride for 4.7 miles into Waynesboro, Virginia, where my friend Tom (aka ¢Pops¢) picked me up again. WEATHER:  It was wet and windy all day. MEALS:  I had water with a flavored drink mix in it, oatmeal, and a Protein Bar for breakfast. I ate a few Power Bars throughout the day, along with a few Zone Bars and water. When I got to town, I ate at the Oasis, and had three ¢bitch¢ beers, three Cokes, a Buffalo Chicken Wrap, and fries. I also had some fried pickles. Later I had more fried pickles and more fries, and that was after feasting on some of Tom¢s seafood chowder. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  Both the Trail and the road were fast-moving, and both were wet. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  Pops picked me up at the Oasis, and I stayed another night at his house. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I hiked alone, but when I got into town I saw some old friends. ANIMALS SEEN:  Other than Tom¢s pets, I saw no animals today. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I spent about $50 on food and drink in town. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  My concern today was to make good time and get into town. SPECIAL NOTES:  I am amazed at how well I¢ve been moving through the Shenandoah National Park (also known as the SNP.) SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  I woke up this morning in the Blackrock Shelter on the A.T., ate, and headed out. I checked my map a few times to see if walking the Skyline would save me any time, but it wouldn¢t, so I continued on the Trail. I took a few breaks, about 10 minutes each, but for the most part I kept moving. I started getting grumpy the last five miles, though. I was hungry and wanted to be in town. I got to U.S. 250 on AftonMountain around 3:30 p.m., hitched a ride into town. and got some food while I waited for Pops to come get me. We stopped by Elevations (a gym where I taught for a while) on our way to Tom¢s. I showered when we got to Pops¢  place. We ate, and then headed back out to the Oasis to socialize and dance. We got back to the house around 12:20 a.m., and I¢m whooped! TTFN
Date: 2011-10-14
From: Churchville, VA

To: Churchville, VA
Miles today: 0.0

10/14/2011Time:  DISTANCE TRAVELED:  0 FROM/TO:  I didn¢t hike today, took a zero-day and stayed in Churchville again. WEATHER:  The day started out rainy, but changed to sunny and very windy. MEALS:  (Please remember that I have hiker hunger. LOL) I snacked on chips, cheese, nuts, pop (soda,) cookies and candy. We went to Peck¢s BBQ for lunch. Later I snacked on more chips and hot sauce. Then I had hot dogs and chili for dinner. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  I¢m assuming the Trail is good because I didn¢t walk on it today. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I stayed at Pops¢ place again. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I didn¢t hike today; instead, I spent my day meeting up with old friends ANIMALS SEEN:  Only saw Tom¢s pets again today. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I¢ve spent over $100 on re-supplying and changing over to cold-weather gear. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  I¢ve been going back and forth between seeing all my friends and resting. I started feeling bad, so I stayed in. SPECIAL NOTES:  I¢m somewhat surprised to discover to whom I had to go to if I wanted to see them at all, and at those who couldn¢t even make time to see me. I think I now know which of my ¢friends¢ are worth keeping. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  I grazed like a cow all day, rested, and slept.
Date: 2011-10-15
From: Churchville, VA

To: Churchville, VA
Miles today: 0.0

10/15/2011Time:  DISTANCE TRAVELED:  0 Miles FROM/TO:  I didn¢t hike today . . .  spent another day in Churchville, Virginia, and thereabouts. WEATHER:   It was sunny today, but very windy. MEALS:  I have eaten more today than I can possibly list here. I snacked on everything that wasn¢t nailed down. I started my day at Shoney¢s with their breakfast buffet; later hit Wendy¢s, then the Tastee Freez, etc. etc. I ate anything and everything that came my way. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  I wish I knew how the Trail was today ¢ I¢m ready to get back at it. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I¢m staying with Pops again tonight. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  There was no hiking for me today, but I did get to see some friends. ANIMALS SEEN:   Nope, none today ¢ except Tom¢s pets, of course. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I¢ve spent about $75 on food and such today. Get me out of town before I go broke!! MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  It¢s already Saturday, so I worked on getting my stuff ready to go on Monday. SPECIAL NOTES:  When you change how you view things through your own eyes, things and people look different. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  I¢ve grazed, napped, helped Tom with his garage, saw some friends, and now it¢s time to call it a night.  TTFN
Date: 2011-10-16
From: Churchville, VA

To: Churchville, VA
Miles today: 0.0

10/16/2011Time:  DISTANCE TRAVELED:  0 Miles FROM/TO:  I didn¢t hike today, just remained in my ¢hometown¢ area another day. WEATHER:  The weather was beautiful all day. MEALS:  I continued to eat everything in sight today.  ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  Not having traveled it, I can¢t say how the Trail is doing today. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I¢m staying another night at Tom¢s house. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I met up with friends throughout the day. ANIMALS SEEN:  The only animals that have crossed my path today are Tom¢s pets. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I¢ve spent about $30 today on food, drink, and miscellaneous ¢stuff.¢ MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  My thoughts today centered on seeing friends and getting back on the Trail. SPECIAL NOTES:  I realize how easy life has become for people. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  I saw friends, ate, and packed-up to hit the Trail in the morning.
Date: 2011-10-17
From: Rte. 250 on Afton Mountain, VA

To: Maupin Field Shelter, VA
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: broken clouds

10/17/2011Time:  DISTANCE TRAVELED:  20.8 Miles FROM/TO:  I hiked from Route 250 on Afton Mountain, in Virginia, to the Maupin Field Shelter, in Virginia.  WEATHER:  It was about 70 degrees today, and partly cloudy. MEALS:  I started my day with two Ginger Ale¢s, three Pepsi¢s, and a Broccoli/Mushroom Omelet. Throughout the day I munched on two handfuls of mixed dried berries, two handfuls of Golden Grain cereal, and I downed three more Pepsi¢s. For dinner I had some Knorr Buffalo Chicken Rice Sides along with two 20 oz. Gatoraid¢s. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  The Trail was somewhat rocky. That, along with the fallen leaves, makes it hard to place the feet and watch your step. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I¢m spending the night in the Maupin Field Shelter. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I hiked alone all day, but at the shelter I met up with a few sobo¢s. ANIMALS SEEN:  I¢ve seen no animals of note today. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I spent about $50 today to put gas in Tom¢s truck, and to pick up Pepsi. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  I was concerned about making the shelter before dark because I didn¢t get started this morning until 10:45 a.m. I made it, however, by 6:00 p.m. SPECIAL NOTES:  After three or four more days of rest, I can feel the pain of walking. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  After getting up this morning and getting my stuff together, Tom and I went to breakfast with Tom¢s Uncle Earl. Afterwards, Tom took me by the bank to get some cash before he dropped me off at Rte. 250. Then I hauled ass. I made it to the shelter, made my dinner, and headed off to write my log. Now I plan to read a while before sleeping.
Date: 2011-10-18
From: Maupin Field Shelter, VA

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter, VA
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: overcast clouds

10/18/2011Time:  6:00 p.m.  DISTANCE TRAVELED:  20.7 Miles FROM/TO:  I hiked from the Maupin Field Shelter to the Seeley-Woodworth Shelter. WEATHER:  It was sunny with clear skies all day. It was a little warm for hiking, but not awful. MEALS:  I had oatmeal, and two 20 oz. bottles of Gatorade, for breakfast. I later had another 20 oz. Gatorade and two snack bars. For my second break I drank 20 ozs. of water and ate another snack bar. When I got to camp, I had two packages of Knorr Rice Sides, and three 20 oz. bottles of Gatorade. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  The Trail was very hard today. There were a lot of elevation changes. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I¢m sleeping inside the Seeley-Woodworth Shelter tonight. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I hiked alone all day today, but met up with Double D, Sobo Joe, and Footwork at the shelter. ANIMALS SEEN:  I¢ve seen the usual today - - chipmunks, birds, bugs and snakes. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I¢ve spent no money today. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  I was concerned about making my miles today and, consequently, made the day harder by my stressing about making my miles. SPECIAL NOTES:  I had all kinds of ¢special notes¢ running through my head before I made camp and got myself fed.  Now . . .  I have none. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  After getting up this morning and eating, I headed up and over the Three Ridge mountains. Then up and over the Priest Mountain, and after that it was Spy mountain, to get to my shelter. I had over 10,000 feet of elevation changes today, and it kicked my ass! I¢m off to read for a bit.  TTFN
Date: 2011-10-19
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter, VA

To: U.S.60 - Buena Vista - Lexington, VA
Miles today: 13.4

10/19/2011Time:  DISTANCE TRAVELED:  13.4 Miles FROM/TO:  I hiked from the Seeley-Woodworth Shelter to U.S. 60, heading into Buena Vista, Virginia, where my friend, Michel, picked me up and drove me into Lexington, VA. WEATHER:  It rained throughout my hike, until I was picked up ¢ then the rain stopped. Go figure! MEALS:  I drank 20 ozs. of Gatorade and some snack bars for breakfast. When I got to the Wayside, I had another 20 ozs. of Gatorade and ate two more snack bars. My friend, Michel, treated me to lunch, where I had Pulled Pork BBQ, chips, and a Pepsi. Later, I enjoyed a steak dinner at Michel¢s restaurant, Caf© Michel. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  The trail was wet and all uphill until my last two miles. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I¢m spending the night at Michel¢s house. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I hiked alone and saw no one until Michel picked me up. ANIMALS SEEN: I saw Michel¢s cats today. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I put out $100 for more phone minutes and for a new head lamp. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  Today I just needed to rest. I think I¢m fighting a cold. SPECIAL NOTES:  No special notes today ¢ none. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  None ¢ You do it. J
Date: 2011-10-20
From: Lexington, VA

To: Lexington, VA
Miles today: 0.0

10/20/2011Time:  DISTANCE TRAVELED:  0 Miles FROM/TO:  Took another Zero in Lexington, Virginia. WEATHER:  It was cold and windy today. MEALS:  I didn¢t keep track of what I ate today, but I know that I ate very well. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: I have absolutely no idea. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I¢m spending another night at Michel¢s. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  Didn¢t see or meet any hikers today, spent much of the day alone. ANIMALS SEEN:  I spent the day with Michel¢s cats. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I spent about $30 on resupplies for my hike. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  My main concern today was to rest. I haven¢t been feeling well, and I just want to rest. SPECIAL NOTES:  No special notes for today. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  I did very little today except rest and eat.
Date: 2011-10-21
From: Lexington, VA

To: Lexington, VA
Miles today: 0.0

10/21/2011Time:  DISTANCE TRAVELED:  0 Miles FROM/TO:  Stayed in Lexington, VA. WEATHER:  It¢s still windy and cold. MEALS:  I didn¢t keep track of what I ate today, but I¢m fattening back up. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  I sure don¢t know. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I¢m staying at Michel¢s place again tonight. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  Met my friend, Jewel, for lunch. ANIMALS SEEN:  Just cats. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I put $40 worth of gas in Michel¢s car to replace that which I¢ve used, and I spent about $20 on lunch. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  I keep thinking about how tired I am. It¢s getting harder to get back on the Trail. SPECIAL NOTES:  I¢m beginning to understand what the nobo¢s I¢ve passed meant when they said that they were ¢just tired.¢ Even after 3 or four days of rest, I¢m still tired. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  I did as little as possible today. Went to lunch with my friend, Jewel.
Date: 2011-10-22
From: Lexington, VA

To: Buena Vista/U.S.60 - Matts Creek Shelter, Virginia
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: clear sky

10/22/2011Time:  6:30 p.m.  DISTANCE TRAVELED:  24.6 Miles FROM/TO:  I hiked from U.S. 60 to the Matts Creek Shelter. WEATHER:  It was cold this morning ¢ frost on the windshield. In the afternoon it got up into the 60¢s. I believe the forecast called for the temps to get down into the upper to mid-30¢s tonight. MEALS:  I had oatmeal with bananas in it, and a 24 oz. Pepsi, for breakfast. On my first break, I had 12 ozs. of Pepsi and two snack bars ¢ a Zone Bar and a Luna Bar. When I took my second break, I drank the rest of my Pepsi, and started another one, but didn¢t eat anything. My next break came when I got to camp. There I drank 24 ozs. of Pepsi and ate a protein bar and a granola bar, while I made two packages of ramen noodles for my dinner. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  The trail was fast-moving today. Leaves have covered the path, so I must pay closer attention to where I¢m going. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I¢m sleeping tonight in the Matts Creek Shelter. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I came across some day hikers today, but I hiked alone all day. ANIMALS SEEN:  In addition to cats and dogs, I¢ve seen the usual today . . . birds and the ever-present bugs. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  No money spent today. Yay!!  MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  Today, my main concern was mileage. I know some other sobo¢s who are ahead of me now, and I will try to catch up with them. Today I pushed past my first choice of shelters, and did a 24.6 mile day. The others usually only do 15 to 18 miles a day, so I think I can catch up with them in a day or two. SPECIAL NOTES:  I think this will be the fourth night that I¢ll be sleeping in a shelter alone, unless, as in the past, someone comes in after dark. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  I showered this morning when I got up, and having packed my bag the night before, I enjoyed the great breakfast Michel made for me. I passed on checking out the Net, and Michel drove me back to the trailhead. I started hiking, and was making such good time that, by lunch, I had committed to walking 25 miles.  I was dropped off at 9 a.m. and was moving at a good pace by 9:07.  I did it, and was at camp by 5:00 p.m. I made good time today, and hope to keep it up. So now I¢m off to read a bit before I sleep. I plan to be on the trail tomorrow morning by 8:30 a.m. ¢Night my friends.