morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-03
From: campsite north of Laurel Fork

To: Kincora with Bob Peoples
Miles today: 12.7

Don't know why but my body was rather exhausted today. (Well, heck i guess i know why.... I have been hiking mountains for 7 weeks!) it was a particularly tough day, a lot of ups but they weren't killer-tough. I am so looking forward to Damascus for a full zero, no hiking day!!We hiked to Dennis Cove rd. where the famous AT legend, Bob Peoples has a hostel. Bob took several of us hikers into a small town to get our food resupplies. I sat up my tent to sleep in the side yard and one of his darling kittens thought it was playtime.... Lol, he kept jumping into the side of the tent and playing with loose straps then he tried to get under the tent!! I was laughing but there was no speed record for setting up tonight.Called my mom in Kentucky to get details of the Kentucky Derby and we had a good chat.Afterwards we hikers met in the common room, there was Achilles, Jpeg, Scruffy, Lumpy, Bama and Bob Peoples. We heard lots of trail stories from Bob.
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Kincora with Bob Peoples

To: Camp site near Dam
Miles today: 12.2

We left the Kincora hostel at 7:30 and Bob asked me to report to him about suspected blowdowns.Laurel Falls were gorgeous after descending down a tricky rock path then it was easy for a bit then came the 2.5 hour climb up and out! We were all exhausted but after the mountain was concurred we dipped our feet into the lake (some of the younger ones swam) brrrrrr!Hiking around the lake i ran into the LARGEST black snake i have ever seen!! I kid you not! It made my heart jump as it ran from the path... Maybe 4 feet long and FAT!! It ran off the path and i could hear it rustling the leaves far off into the woods!We came to several large downed trees, making a jungle gym of the trail. I did call Bob so he and crew could come with saws to clear the trail.I am in my tent by the lake and i geese sounding off. Another special day on the trail... Night all!
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Camp site near Dam

To: Unknown campsite
Miles today: 16.7

Bama and I awoke to a clear day by the lake and heard the geese once again. I had this feeling of getting to town soon so I wanted to complete many miles (turns out Bama had the same idea.)The days have been beautiful but turn quite hot around 1:00 to 3:00 so I have found logging a good amount of miles before then turns out best for me. There was a large group of us needing water for quite sometime, McGuiver, Ty, Oliver & Twist and Beans. We finally found a gap with pretty good water source and we all allowed for an hour lunch break to re-gain some energy. I have noticed the black knats (sp?)love all the sweat on my body and buzz around my head (like Pigpen from the P-nuts cartoon)We started the afternoon knowing we had our work cut out for us. The terrain has been a bit friendlier lately but the many 'ups' are ever present on the AT.Once again the same group all gathered at a water source to have a snack and take a break from the heat. We all dispersed heading for wherever we wanted to camp for the night. I had an idea I wanted to reach a certain water source but there was no mention of camp sites. (In my head I was praying I was not leading Bama astray with nowhere to put up our tents.....we were getting exhausted.Just before sunset we came to the water source and lo and behold there WERE a few tent sites! Hallelujah!! We were sticky from sweat and our feet were stinging and Bama says "How many miles into Damascus tomorrow?" I said "22 miles"....Bama says "Do you think we have it in us??" my answer was "Heck Yeah!!" I actually slept in my nasty clothes on top of my sleeping bag to get the earliest start possible.
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Unknown campsite

To: Damascus
Miles today: 22.0

Hi to all readers! First I want to say I know my mileage is a little off and I am not sure where I went wrong but I will try to remedy this if I have time with this computer session.WELL, I am in Damascus after a long, but inspiring day.We were up at 5:00 and had a quick breakfast (my headlamp is really dim but I do the best I can with packing up and getting out of camp).After Bama and I cleared some bog bridges we came to an empty "trail Magic" box.We crossed the road and entered a beautiful cow field and had to clear some styles. I also stopped to take pictures of the sunrise and a cool breeze was blowing. These are the times I take deep breaths and say my prayers of thanks for being able to be on this journey because a lot of the time I am trying to focus on other things besides the discomfort in my legs. (My cardio has really gotten better and can climb the mts. breathing with my mouth closed)!! But once again I have to stress how hard this continuous trek is and to those who made the decision to get off the trail, I have to hand it to you that you knew when to break away.Beans and Bama and I took a break at a road gap and made some coffee and had energy bars. I decided for the first time on this hike to use my music to get me through the long day. Attaching my little 'shuffle' to the pack and clicking on a good tune, I am off and striding along. I did love this.The days are very sunny now and I do apply the sunscreen liberally twice daily but I still have a very distinct suntan!We hiked 12 miles by 12:15 and it boggles my mind that at one time this was a long hard mileage day. But somehow the 10 more miles into town was doable and we headed off for a mostly downhill hike.By the time I got to town my toes and knees were really screaming out to me!! BUT we had done it. I am not one of those who thinks long mileage means you are a better hiker.....but it did feel good to know it was in my power to be able to eek out 22 miles.After taking pics under the archway, Bama and I joined Chance and Tomas at the Blue Blaze Caf© for food. I ordered a whole pizza for myself, thinking I could surely eat it all but three pieces of pizza, one Fat Tire beer and a coke were all I could hold. We are staying at The Place tonight.Feels so good to have made it to this milestone part of the journey.Thanks again to all those who write because it is a treat to see those encouraging me along.I also wanted to mention that it was this section of the trail (Mountain Harbor Hostel to Damascus) that I hiked with and got to know Buffalo Bobby. As I walked along I remember places we would stop and talk and get to know each other....that was one genuinely kind soul. Made me tear up a bit as I recognized places we would take pictures and remembering him as I strolled along those sections of trail. (Hope you were watching from above, BB)
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0

Today is one of two zero days. My body really needs it and I need to rest my knees and get some good food as I eat so many of the same carbs and energy bars out here. I am staying at The Montgomery Homestead. Susie Montgomery has been a friend of mine since 2007 when Tony Tiger and I stayed at her B&B. Found out Susie is from my neck of the woods in north Ga.First I went to the Mount Rogers Outfitter and bought new hiking shorts. (Two sizes smaller mind you) and even the size 4's were a bit large but I will have to make do. I do love the ExOfficios. Bought some good foods Avocados, apples, asparagus and a few other things.I soaked in a wonderful tub of hot water and put up my feet/knees on the bed and watched Dr. Phil....lol. Funny how these things are now what seem foreign to me. It sure felt good, though!I wanted to address the issue of hurt ankles and knees.....In the start of my hike I felt the pain/discomfort daily. When these pains would raise their ugly heads I would really back off. I mentioned I took a zero in a shelter to rest my ankle and I also change up my walking stride. I take much smaller steps keeping my weight centered over my torso and really focus on each step when I descend using the hiking poles to the fullest extent. My doctor said it was totally ok to take Motrin twice daily but flush it with plenty of water. So all these things keep me in the game.I also received two CARE packages full of goodies and someone asked me to write in some designated areas I would stop so they could send cookies or some 'fun-stuff'. I will take a look at my map and stop areas and put them in my journal. Thanks to those who asked about this. Thanks so much Zig Zag for all the goodies you sent!! Can't wait to take a rest at your place near Harpers Ferry!! The Chex Mix treat was YUMMY!! (and to see you at Trail Days) So, I will head back out on Friday with the prediction of rain for 5 straight days...ugh....but I will survive. Bye for now!
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 15.6

Headed out of Damascus after two wonderful zero days. Met Bama. Tomas and Belch at Mojo's for a last cop of coffee in a real mug. The threat of rain and gray sky did not make me happy. We did get rained on but only slightly.Crossing one creek were several beautiful cairns in the middle if the water flow. I delicately added another rock to one of them, holding my breath that the art work would not topple.The day was pretty light on thru-hikers. It seems we left the hiker community behind.
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Lost Mt. Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

This was a tough day as rain and hard wind kept me hunkered in a crouched position as i hiked. We started upward through the beautiful Mt. Rogers rock mazes. There were a lot of rock technicalities and the rain didn't help. When we reached the highest point (Thomas Knob Shelter) it was very cold and i and several guys hunkered down sitting on the shelter floor to sip hot coffee or whatever we had to drink.We all agreed to go to lower altitudes to tent for the night (it's only 5 miles) someone said.... But they were the HARDEST 5 miles you could have ending the day. One time i got lost among the rock mazes and two great young men, Mason and Adam helped me find me way. Mason gave me an apple and some cashews as trail magic. Thanks guys!!!Tonight we tented in a field and had pony visitors at midnight. They came trotting into camp and began licking the dew off our tents. Oh yes!!!! 500 mile point reached!!
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Trimpi

To: Partnership/Marion
Miles today: 10.7

Boy oh boy.... Today i had a meltdown!! What was the problem?? The weather was gorgeous (though hot) the terrain was kind (a lot of rolling ups and downs) and me milage was going to be under 11 miles. It all was the prelude to the perfect day.....NOT!Belch, Tomas and i headed out early to get to Marion to do laundry and get food supplies. It was very high humidity so we all were sweating before 8:00a.m.With each UP that i faced i got more and more frustrated and upset. I truly had a few tearful moments and put my face in my hands and cursed! I soon realized yesterday's hard 20 miler left me fatigued and several hours later i was demanding even more of my body. I calmed myself down and started planning ways to make my hike enjoyable. It is already getting very hot.....maybe a mid-day nap would help.Missed the shuttle into town so a few of us stuck out our thumb and lo and behold Sarah (trail crew for Mt. Rogers) picked us up. I ate a barbecue sandwich with fries then a few hours later a Ky. Fry Chicken dinner!!Also ran into Sloth, Big Spoon, South Bound, Big Sexy and Marathon!! How good it was to see my early-on hiking buds!!!
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Partnership/Marion

To: Atkins, Va.
Miles today: 12.4

Several of us caught the shuttle back to the trail (can't beat 50 cents for a shuttle!) The weather was nice and sunny. Our group loaded up with water because we knew there wasn't any for 7 miles. I had a much better day of making the uphills (and there was one doozy in the beginning) but I need to fuel myself better so I don't have the bottom fall out of my energy supply.I passed a few hikers heading south to Damascus. Trail Days will be full to capacity so I am glad I made my reservations several months ago!Our group stopped at Chatfield Shelter to have a simple lunch. We had heard there was trail magic ahead so we always like to be hungry when we discover what's ahead.We hiked into the Settlers' Museum and it was very cool. An early American farmhouse with all the other buildings needed to run a farm efficiently. There was a meathouse, henhouse, washhouse, and all the tools one needed to run a farm.We hiked a little further to the schoolhouse where a gentleman from a local church provided us with soft drinks and snack crackers and water. We had a good time reading the 'punishment' chart for things like pulling a girl's hair or having dirt on your face.....The hiking was good terrain today so it is good times again on the trail....
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Atkins, Va.

To: Knot Maul Branch
Miles today: 14.0

The start of this day took me through a dew ladened field. I walked through several pastures and fields today. I really liked today's travel! It has been quite hot by 2:00 everyday but i manage to keep my kerchief wet by dipping it in a stream and wrapping it around my neck. Feels great!! Midway through the day i came upon a huge flowing creek and several hikers had stopped to jump in. Their fun didn't last long as two 'water-type' snakes chased everyone out!! I have observed the abundance of snakes on the trail right now. They have come out of their winter sleep and are on the move. I sat up my tent and fell asleep pretty quickly but was awakened to rain pattering on the tent roof. Uh oh.... Packing up a wet tent tomorrow.
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Knot Maul Branch

To: Chestnut Shelter 
Miles today: 9.3

It did rain steadily all night. My sweet 'Hubba' tent was once more nice and dry!! I stayed in my tent for quite a while just slowly packing and eating breakfast. When i decided i couldn't dally any longer i got out in the rain and packed up. The hike was a VERY tough 'up' the entire day. It just kept pouring and pouring. My clothes were stuck to my body.I swore i was not taking any pictures! But. As you can see one of God's masterpieces was right by the trail... (I dug down to the bottom of my pack for the camera).When i finally reached the enclosed shelter i quickly peeled off the cold/wet clothes and ate a quick lunch and am now warm and snugly in my sleeping bag... It's 3:00, lol
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Chestnut Shelter 

To: Damascus and Trail Days
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: light rain

It was very cold sleeping in the Chestnut Knob shelter as the night time temps dropped drastically after the storm and we were at a high altitude shelter. However, I was very glad to be sleeping in an enclosed stone shelter and we heard the winds and rain pummeling the shelter all night long.Throughout the afternoon and early evening a lot of soaked hikers came into the building and we made room for everyone and it was a crowded house for sure.Hawkeye is a young funny, sweet gal (reminds me of my daughter)and we were able to sleep in the same bunk and we were cozy and warm in our sleeping bags.At one point Hawkeye shared her smashed fudge rounds with me before bedtime...yummy.All around was talk of Trail Days and hopes for rides back to Damascus. Tony Tiger will pick me up when I hike 6 more miles up the trail to get to a state road. The morning hike out was very cold but I hiked downward off the mountain it became warmer. The trail was a bit of a roller coaster and a lot of rocks. OH!....I saw my first bear!! Well, I saw his rear end as he ran off!! I was coming up one side of a stone wall and heard the loud crunching of branches breaking and looked over the stone just in time to see the bear....awesome!Met up with Tony for my ride and stopped at Subway First thing....I hope when I get off the trail my stomach doesn't always rule the day! I have lost a good bit of weight and it sure feels good!.
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Damascus and Trail Days

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Trail days is always a lot of fun. This year the hiker parade was without any tragic incidence and since water balloons were not allowed the water-dousing was not as bad. The local children sure do enjoy using those big water blasters on us, though.Osprey has always been very good about repairing my pack without questions. Lately I have not been able to cinch the waistbelt tight enough because of my weightlose. They did a great job of fixing little repairs and making the waistbelt tight enough to 'buy me some time'.....feels great, Osprey team!I sure did enjoy seeing trail buddies who I have not seen in quite a while.It is nice staying in town for a bit but I do get the fever to leave town after a bit.....time to hit the road so Tony Tiger and I left Sunday morning to hike again.This time I need to jump up the trail a bit because of date obligations. I had hiked all the trail up to Catawba so that is where we will head.
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Damascus and Trail Days

To: Catawba Mt. camp site
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: clear sky

Now I am entering a section of the trail I have never hiked. Up to this section I have hiked the AT a few times. I have a few date obligations so I needed to jump up the trail. First Tony treated me to an awesome all-you-can-eat meal at the HomePlace. We stuffed ourselves with meat and vegies and it was good fuel I would need to hike the next few days. As we hiked north on the A.T. it was evident it was Sunday as there were lots of day hikers going to McAfee Knob. I am so very excited to see this attraction and have my photograph taken here. (Most photographed area of the trail!)Was good to be back out in the woods and I sat up my tent and crawled in for a good night's sleep.
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Camping spot North of Catawba

To: Daleville
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

This was a fantastic hiking day!! We were up very early and started hiking at 7:15. McAfee Knob was waiting! When we arrived a young couple Chase and Zay were taking pictures so we were able to reciprocate in getting photos of each other.This view was as grand as I had imagined. I was tempted to sit out on the little 'ledge' but it was a bit scary so I opted to just stand for my photos. I hiked alone all day and only toward the end of the day did I see other thru-hikers. I sat alone on Tinker Cliffs (oh so beautiful!!)and ate a quick lunch. I lay back and just listened to the qietness.....I felt like falling asleep but made myself get up because I still had 9 more miles of hiking.I met a very nice couple at the shelter doing a section hike (was it Sandi and Craig?) forgive me as I am so bad with names. Later in the day I was feeling a bit fatigued and along came trail magic in the form of former thru-hikers. Shepard, Stretch, Little Bear, a german shepherd carrying Cokes and sorry beauitful, darkhaired girl...(I forgot your trail name)..but they handed out candy bars and I was so grateful.My knees were very over worked today but I finished the 17 miles by 4:45...good times. I really did like today's hike (even though there was lots of tricky rocks to negotiate).
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Daleville

To: Harvey's Knob Overlook
Miles today: 16.2

As I left out of Daleville there was a definite feeling of being alone and being a bit wary of what the day would bring. I had to calm down and enjoy the trail. I hiked under the interstate then through another town section (noticed a flyer for another Traildays coming up)I finally climbed over a style and entered a beautiful pasture that eventually led me into the woods. I was still very aware of being a solitary hiker.I stopped at Fullheart Knob Shelter for a snack and in walked Three Thumbs with a cheery whistle. Could tell he was a runner and was a very fit hiker. He said he got the name Three Thumbs from having the ends of his pointer and middle finger mangled in a machine accident.I hiked out first thinking surely Three Thumbs would catch me.After a few miles I came to a fire road where an unconventional backpacker was off in the woods 'watering a tree'. He left his pack smack in the middle of the trail so I tried to skirt around it. As he started talking to me I noticed a huge hunting knife strapped to his side (he was also in camouflage outfit). He babbled a little bit about bouncing back and forth between here and Waynesboro. I guess this meant he just lived on the trail hiking back and forth. It did spook me quite a bit and I told him I needed to move on to where my friends were waiting. Yep.So, the whole day was mostly a 'woods walk' with lots of fears going through my head. Very fast hiking with looking over my shoulder every few minutes.I know it was VERY unlikely for anything to happen but I would have just felt calmer with another hiker or two near me. Never did see Three Thumbs that day.
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Harvey's Knob Overlook

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a change in all things 'trailwise'. In my prayers the night prior I asked the Lord to give me some answers to my hike because I did not cherish walking totally alone not knowing where people were in general. I don't have to be hooked to s string of marching backpackers, but to just know I am close to 'someone' who could help in case of emergency is comforting to me.I started the hike and I noticed my pack being very heavy with food and water. (I anticipated being out in the woods for 6 days this stint) I descended about 1/2 mile down to a shelter for a break and a snack. (boy these Virginia miles are LONG ones!!) There at the shelter was Three Thumbs! Nice to see someone familiar! Also at the shelter were four young college guys out for a section hike. There was Corncob, and Stumbles and the other two did not have names yet. I warned them they would have trailnames soon enough! So after getting to know the young men they mentioned they were camping another 10 miles ahead so I asked if they minded if I pitched my tent in their vicinity just to feel safe and they happily said "Of course"!As I hiked upward to get out of the shelter area I noticed a young gal sitting on the side of the trail (she was smart enough to not descend down the steep trail just to take a break at the shelter). I stopped and said "Don't I know you?".....it was Wrecking Ball and we had met way back in Hot Springs!! She was also hiking alone and had a huge pack full of food too (so she wouldn't have to hitchhike to a town for re-supply). Smart girl and I was thinking the exact thing. She said she was going to Bryant ridge Shelter and I wanted to go there too but it was still 14 more hiking miles!! She told me it was one of the nicest and largest on the trail...(certainly an enticement!)So as I hiked I came upon the camping site of the four young men. They were swimming in the creek by their tents. I stopped and took off my boots and got in for a rewarding wade through the icy waters. The question was - stay or go on to the shelter where Wrecking Ball was. So, I hike on four more miles.It was close to dark and I was very sticky with sweat and oh so tired, but it was fun getting to know this young gal. We had the whole shelter to ourselves and we spread everything out (the ultimate pack explosions!!) and even sat up our tents INSIDE the shelter.....it was supposed to rain that night - and it did!! Ahhhhh so nice and cozy to be in from the rain!