morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

I finally got hold of Socks early this morning. She and Hoop are fine. I haven't heard any more details about the accident in Damascus. I can't get service and my battery is low anyway. I guess I'll have to wait until everyone returns to get more.We woke up to rain and hiked in it until late afternoon. Even now at the shelter (8 PM) it looks like it could start up again any time.I am by myself tonight. I knew there would be a night like this - most thru hikers have one. We'll see if I can get any sleep. Slim Jim fell and cut his arm pretty bad today. Odat said he could have a stitch or two but I think they planned to just do field first aid. They're a couple of miles ahead of me. Tomorrow is supposed to be the best hiking day this week so I plan to get an early start. Maybe I'll catch up to them.
Date: 2003-08-14
From: Bennington, VT

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

      I actually got up early and headed downtown to a barber shop I had seen yesterday. Things were rather quiet at Bob's Barber Shop. I had the hair mowed, and my beard and mustache trimmed, while Bob filled me in on some of the local history. The end result wasn't as good as the Footslogger Special, but at least it looks and feels better.       I couldn't find a little diner or restaurant that served breakfast, and had to settle for going to Dunkin Donuts. On the way back to the motel, I stopped to use an ATM. The machine wouldn't spit out any money, so I had to retreat to the bank back down the street. I think I've already walked an additionl ten miles just wandering around town since I got here. That required a nap. I'm feeling lazy and restless at the same time. In order to sort this out, I went to the pool and floated on an inner tube for a couple of hours. I decided that lazy is the way to go.       When I went to the room, I found out about the power outage. This called for emergency action, and I ordered a pizza to be delivered immediately. While I waited, I watched thousands and thousands of people in NYC filling in the streets trying to get on a couple of ferry boats. All I could think was where are all those people going to go to the bathroom while they wait for hours to get on those boats. I can empathize, having been without power for most of five months. Well....almost!!      I called Marge (mom). I complained about the rain, mud and humidity while she complained about how dry it was there.       I hurried down to the little store for a pint of Cherry Garcia before they closed. I enjoyed that while packing for departure in the morning. Ice cream, fresh fruit and vegetables are the things I crave most on the trail.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Keffer Oak
Miles today: 18.3

I did get some sleep last night although I was worried Bucket Man would come and I had a mouse nudge my head. For the latter, I just shook my head and he/she went away. The mouse just wanted to know who was sleeping in it's home.But, at the crack of dawn I was up and away. I have been in a fog for the last two days - literally. We are walking in clouds and it is an eerie feeling. You are in this world of verdant lush growth and can see nothing beyond that world. Today the fog finally lifted early afternoon and I actually got a look at these mountains we've been walking in. Not as high or extensive as NC but very pretty.I can't say such nice things about the trail. It is tough! Straight ups and downs and tons of rocks. ( Aunt Sand - you left in the nick of time.) I was totally lacking in energy yesterday and so tried eating a lot more food and drinking more fluids. It did help me go the mileage I did today.The mileage came in because I didn't want to stay alone again so when I ran into Odat and Slim Jim, I jumped aboard their train. They were nice enough to let me tag along. We're on different schedules so will part ways tomorrow - they want to be in Daleville Thurs. I will get there on Fri. with a detour to Four Pines hostel on Wed. I did a little trail laundry today. You put the clothes and soap in a plastic ziploc and then let that ride with you as you hike - aka presoak. Then when you get to a stream, you can wash and rinse. I use Dr. Bonner's soap - eco friendly. It works! I'm wearing clean sleeping bottoms.So, what is my wardrobe now? I have two pairs of socks, two ex-officio underwear, raincoat, puffy down sweater, shorts, my Old Navy active wear long pants (inexpensive and worn since day one), Athleta short sleeve shirt (love it! Dries so quick!) and my sleep top and bottoms. That's it - it makes for easy choices when you get dressed in the morning. I do need to get some type of tank shirt for when it is really hot. Definitely hitting up the Outfitters in Daleville.We are camped under an ancient Oak tree. The Keffer Oak is over 300 years old. Awesome.
Date: 2003-08-16
From: Caughnawaga Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: light rain

      That's right, four whole miles today!! After I had settled in last night, a very persistent porcupine decided to make a snack of the shelter and its contents. I would shine my light on the gnawing pin cushion, and he wouls waddle off, only to return again and again all night long. At one point he got bold enough to crawl up onto the platform, and I had to give him a face full of broom bristles to let him know he was not welcome. Poetic justice perhaps. As it got light, he finally left, but I had gotten zero sleep fending him off.       It was foggy and overcast, and I tried to get some much needed sleep. I'd doze until hikers would come, relating their own porcupine woes. It was almost noon before I left. I waded through the water, mud, and rocks that comprises the trail. There were alot of frogs and toads hopping around today. Little wonder. I also saw another eft, a little blaze orange salamander barely two inches long.       I kept hearing thunder in the background, and as I got to the shelter, it got darker and more threatening. There was a maintenance crew from Connecticut tented there for the weekend, but the shelter was empty. After yesterday's fiasco, I thought it prudent to wait and see what developed. When the rain started the rest of the crew returned from their duties and got a nice fire going. They were a friendly and gracious group---and well supplied!      After being alone so much, it was rather refreshing to observe the conversations and interactions. I perched on the shelter platform like a crow at a picnic until offered a treat: corn on the cob, pasta salad, congo bar cookies. They had wine and bourbon, and I wished I had some because I felt like getting a little tipsy and talking stupid. But I didn't, which was probably a good thing. I sat and watched with amusement as they roasted hot dogs over the fire. I was like a guest at a party I hadn't been invited to--outside looking. As usual apart, on the fringe, invisible. A snapshot of the story of my life. There was plenty of space with just three of us in the shelter.
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: VA 624 Newport Rd.
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

Today was to be a short day - a breeze. Instead, the AT decided to show me who is the boss around here! I had THE hardest descent since I've been out here. The dreaded Dragon's Tooth descent. Getting up there was no problem but getting down was taking my life in my hands. I had to put away the poles and scoot on my butt, crawl on my knees, go backwards like down a ladder, etc... In two places they had attached steel rungs to use. I know everyone found it challenging but I think it was especially hard for short legged people. And to make things worse, I took the wrong trail and so added to my misery. I like how the sign shown was on the downhill. Us NOBOs never had such a sign to warn us.Finally, an hour later than my eta, I made it to VA 624 Newport Rd. Another .3 mile and I was at the Four Pines hostel. This hostel is a 3 bay garage with couches, cots and one single bed. I was the first there so put my stuff on the bed. Not long later, Lady, Homebrew and Blood Orange walked in. About an hour later, a big thunderstorm rolled in and it wasn't long before hikers started rolling in. After a week of seeing very few people, I saw lots of familiar faces. Mother Teresa, Army Ant, Burning time (saw him at Wise shelter, never thought I'd run into him again), Fun size and Bottle Cap (haven't sent them since NC), Mando (yes! Got some more mandolin playing), Tags and Jet lag. It's funny how someone can be just a day or two ahead of you and you never know until something like a storm brings you together.It's been a fun day. Some hikers partaking of fishing and cornhole. I've been chilling. I'm clean and fed and dry. I couldn't ask for more.
Date: 2003-08-17
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

      The morning came cool nad clear. I had slept quite well. As the crew got up and fired up their stoves for breakfst, I got organized and packed. One of the ladies gave me a couple of bar cookies wrapped in wax paper to take along for later. While they lolled around before heading for home, I made my departure hoping to make up for the short distance yesterday.       I had to make the big climb up Stratton Mountain, and back down again in muddy, wet conditions. At the bottom was Stratton Pond, a beautiful spot. I sat in the sun overlooking this picturesque small lake, and ate my treats. A large butterfly was enamored with my pack, and flitted about all the time I was there. Newts and minnows darted about in the shallows, and I soon joined them, going for a quick swim. I was tempted to stay in the empty tenting area on the far side of this beautiful pond, but it was too early in the day.       Reluctantly, I pushed on to Spruce Peak Shelter. Enroute it clouded up with thunder in the distance. This shelter has windows, a sliding door, table and stove, and a large porch. I shared this structure with two young women and their dog, who are hiking the Long Trail. The rain arrived shortly after they did. The clouds came passing through the trees. Alpha, Inc, who were tenting here, gave me some of their tortellini, which was delicious. It is cooling down now at night, and the days are getting shorter.
Date: 2013-05-23
From: VA 624 Newport Rd.

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

I saw a bear! It was just a little guy and very aware of Fun size, Bottle cap, and me. Maybe he was so used to people because he was on a ridge on the way to Tinkers Cliff, a heavily traveled area. In any event, we watched from a distance for about 5 minutes or so as he moved about the forest. So cool! Today was such a day for wildlife! I saw my bear, two box turtles, toads, lizards, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, deer and a buzzard about ten feet above my head in a dead tree on Tinkers Cliff. Check the photo section for some of the above. I didn't get a picture of the bear - boo - but, really, I did see one. Just ask Fun size and Bottlecap!The hike today was up to McAfee Knob and then a ridgeline walk to Tinkers Cliff. The views are magnificent from both! Tinkers Cliff is a .5 mile cliff walk so the vistas just keep coming. It is amazing to see how the mountains are formed. Long ridges undulating across the landscape. Pilots may see this all the time - most people never have the opportunity. Days like this make me realize what a fantastic journey this is. Who would know what fabulous things exist on the top of mountains! I am tented at Lambert's Meadow shelter. You are required to stay in 'official' camping areas in the McAfee Knob and Tinkers Cliff areas because they get so many hikers. There's a big group of 30 kids and chaperones tenting in the adjoining campsite. This weekend will be crazy since it is Memorial Day holiday.A thunderstorm just rolled in so I'm listening to the rain as I write this. Such a soothing sound after a long satisfying day.
Date: 2003-08-18
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: light rain

      I waited until the girls began stirring about before I got up. Both the moon and the sun were out. Soon I was heading up the trail, again crossing many springs and creeks. It didn't take long for the herd to pass me, so there was no need to hurry. When I got to the highway, everyone was milling around, waiting to hitch into town. It took quite a while for everyone to get rides, in the order of arriving at the road.       A lady stopped for the girls, and I squeezed into the back of the pickup with them, and the dog, and our gear. I went in search of food, and checked out the laundromat on the way. After I ate, I stashed my pack, and went to wash clothes. Someone had bought detergent and left it for the other hikers to use, an appreciated kindness.      It began raining off and on, and by the time I went to the food store and Dollar store, it was getting late in the day. I retrieved my pack and, at the outfitter, found there was a cool place to stay in town.      I went up a couple of blocks to Sutton's Place, where there are roomd in a big house. A B&B type of place without the breakfast is the best way to describe it. After taking a shower, I strolled around town a bit, and returned with Chinese takeout for supper. Turned in early, hoping for a good night's sleep.
Date: 2013-05-24
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

Holiday weekend! I'm taking a day off tomorrow. Don is meeting me in Daleville tonight and will stay until Sunday. Hope everyone has a great holiday.Before I go - I have to tell you about two weird things that happened last night. One was another mountain rescue of a girl in the big youth group. She was severely dehydrated. The group was over at the campground (all they had were tarps - very unprepared. Some of the group had a hodge podge of tarp created tents at the shelter. The rangers had them return to the main group and it was a sight to see them put everything in the tarp and make a parade of it when they marched back to their group.The second thing was a young man that showed up after dark. He had nothing with him. He curled up in a spot in the shelter but apparently didn't sleep much. It was pretty cold last night. In the morning, he went to the privy and then left. He never really spoke to anyone. We are 10 miles from a road - I wonder if he was lost, running away, or just mistimed his walk and ran out of daylight. I didn't think quickenough to offer him some food. He kinda took all by surprise.
Date: 2003-08-20
From: Old Job Turnoff

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

      Today was hot and sunny. Bluejays were my alarm clock this morning, ensuring am early start. As soon as the sun came up, it got very warm. I just tried to keep moving. I used a lot of water today, trying to replace it as fast as I sweat it. I'm still using my original Hiker filter. I thought I would have needed to replace it by now, but it is still working well. I haven't had any problems with it, and it does a good job. Usually it only takes about five minutes to filter a gallon of water into my Nalgene Canteen. Then I transfer it to my drinking bottle as I need it. The Nalgene Canteen is very light weight, durable, and one of the best pieces of equipment I bought.      Actually I've been very pleased with all of my gear. I've had to fuss with my pack from time to time, but considering the beating it takes, it has performed as well as I could have expected. For not having any knowledge or experience, I have been fortunate in my equipment selections.       The trail keeps getting steeper and the climbs and descents longer. No more big mile days, no matter how early a start I get, seem possible. I feel like I'm working harder, but not getting anywhere.
Date: 2013-05-26
From: Blackhorse Gap

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Out with the old and in with the new!When Don said he brought along my second pair of boots I had purchased for this hike, my first thought was 'I've got lots of life left in my old ones'. I had been very careful of keeping them dry so the stitching wouldn't dry rot. But then I compared the tread on the old vs. new. What a difference! I don't know if you can tell by the picture, but the old ones are quite worn. They were my training boot too so probably have close to 1000 miles on them. Could explain why I've been slipping so much recently and why my feet have begun to hurt so much at the end of the day. So, they are being retired and the new ones are taking their place - if I ever make it back to Neel's Gap I'm going to throw them up in their shoe tree (the tree in front of the Outfitters is full of old shoes).I was on the trail pretty late today - about 11:30 am. Don and I had a leisurely morning watching the Sunday Morning show while we had our coffee and Irish Cream. But I finally got him on the road and down the trail I went. I like how I passed the road he took. He was there 12 minutes after dropping me off; I was there 4 hours later.The trail runs parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway after leaving Daleville and will continue to do so for about 100 miles, often intersecting at the Overlooks so we get some nice views. I met the nicest family at the Peaks of Otter Overlook. I thought it was two sisters and their parents but it turned out the younger 'sister' was actually the other's daughter! She said lots of people confuse them for sisters so I didn't feel too stupid. They were all interested in my hike. Who knows, maybe there is a thru-hike in their future.I'm camped at a large creek with Banter and his son, Even Beard. Banter was concerned his snoring would keep me up but I don't think it will be a problem with the sound of the rushing water. This is what they play to help babies sleep. I hope I sleep as sound as a baby!
Date: 2003-08-21
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Pico Camp
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

      Heavy fog surrounded me as I broke camp this morning. Depending on the altitude, the density varied. Even when the sun burned it off, it remained hazy and humid. This is ski country. The mountains are big and steep. Sometimes you can look across and see the ski runs on the shoulders of these peaks. Some places run the lifts down to the lodges, and I've talked to some people who have done this, but it isn't attractive to me. If a storm rolls in, you will be stranded at the bottom, when they shut down the lift.       I'm looking forward to getting to The Inn at Long Trail tomorrow. I've heard so much about it, that I have to check it out. But that will have to wait until morning, because I am just too tired to make there tonight.      I camped near the trail junction, instead of going into the shelter. A half mile is too far off the trail as far as I'm concerned. I carry enough water in the evening, so that I can stop anywhere without having to consider a water source.
Date: 2013-05-27
From: Jennings Creek

To: Harrison Ground Spring
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

Saw my second bear - ho hum... Actually it was a bear's bare behind. The little guy ran as soon as he saw me. Right in the same area was a large deer. I started out really early and was the first to go through the area so the wildlife sightings were pretty good.Lots of ups and downs today. We are in a section of pretty steep mountains. Long day - I am pretty tired so hitting the sack. Longer day planned tomorrow.I've been hiking with Banter and Even Beard, father/son from Florida. Banter leaves about when I do - around 7. His son sleeps in until 9 or 10 but has been getting to camp about the same time as us. Fast hiker!Also with Why Not, B-line, Dip N'Sip, S-Rocketand a very nice couple from around Damascus - UV, Whole Bean and their dog Maze.
Date: 2003-08-25
From: Pomfret Road

To: Happy Hill
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

      Today was cloudy all day. It kept looking like it might rain, but it never did. I had my sights set on getting as close to Hanover as possible. It would be nice to have a short day going into town. That took some work though. I did stop in West Hartford at the general store to get something to eat and to rest. These little places are very interesting and the hub of local activity. And they always have a good assortment of food to satisfy a tired and hungry hiker. Now if they only had a little place out back where you could take a nap....      Since that wasn't going to happen, I hoisted my load and sluggishly hit the trail. It took my awhile to get a good pace going again. I really didn't want to stop at the next shelter, so I passed it up until I found a nice quiet spot. It feels like it is more humid again tonight, but at least cool.
Date: 2013-05-31
From: VA 56 Tye River Suspension Bridge

To: Reeds Gap
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Sometimes you have to take a different trail to show you are in charge of your own destiny.After a hearty breakfast, I was shuttled to Reeds Gap for my hike today. It is a10 mile section but there is another trail that parallels part of it - the Mau-Har. Our guide book describes it as having waterfalls and is nice but strenuous. I thought 'What the heck! I know what the AT hike will be - we've been doing the same terrain for the last four days. I'm doing something different'. And so I set off...The trail follows a rushing stream and had lots of waterfalls. It was cooler and the hike was nothing more strenuous than what we've already encountered. The mileage was shorter so the end result was that I was at the pickup point much earlier than the other three slack packers (we were all being picked up at 4). I found a large rock by the river, took off my shoes, and stretched out to take a nap. It wasn't long before people came by - UV and Whole Bean and Mazey. Fun size and Bottle cap. Why Not, B-Line, Srocket, Dip n Sip. The river made a great swimming hole - and nature center ( we watched a bullfrog lay eggs!). The wait time passed in a flash and it was soon time to head on back for showers and lemonade.I'll have a tough time leaving the Dutch Haus tomorrow. It is just so comfortable here but Waynesboro is waiting. We have another victim .oops, I mean guest hiker. Karen Torvik is coming to hike a week in the Shenandoah National Park. More on that later.