morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Campbell Shelter

To: U.S. 220
Miles today: 15.4

I can't believe how many trail runners that I've seen along my journey! I'm a runner myself and I can't see my self running around rocking areas. More power to them! Seen Tinker Cliffs which was pretty nice. Started talking to this guy who is planning on thru-hiking next year and as soon as we finished talking, Unknown Hiker and Norm took off. I was literally trail running for at least a mile. How they are "walking" and I'm "running" I just don't understand how that could be. I don't have that short of a legs. Went into town and got my package from my mom. Thanks for all the wonderful goodies! Going into stores just over whelms me. SO many people and all the craziness....WOOO! As we were putting our stuff in our bags, we were wondering how we are going to get to our hotel room for it is MILES away. Unknown Hiker asked this guy if he would give us a lift. Bless his heart, he went out of his way to give us aride for free. People who helps hikers out our known as trail angels. Trail magic is when an unexpected kindness happens--such as goodies out on the trail. Got to the hotel and a nice relaxing shower. Ate at Cracker Barrel, watched a chick flick, and then went into the hot tub. Can't get any better than this.
Date: 2008-03-30
From: U.S. 220

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Enjoyed the rest of the time that we had at the hotel before they give us the boot. Carrying my bag feels like it weighs more than it did than when we first started. My 20 liter bag is full to the rim with food. I fell once again going down the hill on wet leaves. Luckly it was an easy fall. As Norm was gathering water (0.7 before shelter), I kept going for I was ready to sit down. Ended up finding a nice Clip Light tent by Sierra Designs that someone left because part of it was broken. It's easy to fix and cheap to get the part to replace it. Many hikers usually leave items either at the shelter or along the trail when it is either broken or they are tired of carrying it. I was very worn out by the time I got to the shelter. Tried eating alot of my food for dinner just to lower some of the weight out of my pack.
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

SO...along with my heavy "everyday" load and the tent in my arms..I hiked on. I don't know if that was the greatest idea for me to do or not, but I ended up doing it anyways. The weather was off and on of a sprinkle. Met a few flip floppers (people who hike half of the trail and go to the other end and hike from that part to where they started). What amazes me is that this father and his 10 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER are doing that!! WOW!! Hiking this trail is NOT easy. Whether or not she finishes, it is a great accomplishment. Good luck to ALL the thru-hikers! We noticed the last few shelters that Amazon Woman haven't been signing in the register with the other two she have been hiking with. Noticed in the register today the reason why. She has some type of foot problems. Amazon, I hope you recover soon. Hopefully, we'll hear that you returned back on the trail. You are in my prayers. Had a HUGE...and I mean HUGE fire tonight. I think this is the biggest fire that I have ever seen. The flames were over my head. We dried our clothes out after hiking off and on in the rain. Had a great time goofing off. Unknown Hiker and Norm are ganging up on me. They keep picking on me because they know that I am out numbered. Watch it boys! I may be the only female around, but paybacks maybe just around the corner. ( /wink wink) I moved my clothes and boots away from the fire when they were dry. Noticed that I had my boots alittle too close to the fire. One of the boots tongue had a burn hole. It's still holding up though.
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a sunny nice day. As we were packing this morning, Unknown hiker tried to April fool us this morning how there is a 60 mile reroute to be expected soon...nice try, Unknown Hiker. Got to try harder than that. I tried fooling him by saying "Mouse! Mouse!", but that didn't work. Tried fooling Norm throughout the trail by saying " didn't you have a pack of bagels on the outside of your pack?" and that didn't work either. I give my self credit though, because normally I can't keep a staright face. Ate lunch at the Bryant Ridge Shelter (nice BIG shelter)and notice some black and yellow butterflies. Thought that we would've seen Unknown Hiker by the time we left from eating lunch, but no sign of him. As I am hiking along the trail, I noticed that there was a fly on my tent getting a free ride. Just what I need, more weight. (LOL)It was on there for a good mile before it flew off. The climbs for today kicked my butt. Especially how I am still carrying this tent in my arms. With big climbs on sunny days, this tent makes my arm sweaty. Carried it this far...there is now NO way that I am just going to carry it from one shelter to the next and then just leaving it. I am planning on sending this sucker home. As I am climbing the hill of this moutain, I was thinking that this is the top. Boy, was I wrong! It had me fooled many times. Got to the shelter and met these two nice guys, Fred and Richard, who hiked it in '06 and are back out here section hiking. Still no sign of Unknown Hiker. About a couple of hours later, here he comes. Come to find out, he hiked the wrong way. At least he's now back on track. On this journey, he is the 2nd person to do this. Not sure how it happens, but it could happen to anyone of us....I guess. Enjoyed the night around people.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

A semi-hot day... Got to see the Guillotine which is a round bolder that is wedged inbetween two other bolders. It would be interesting to know how some of these bolders end up being where they are.Stopped at a shelter for a quick break. As we were about to leave, here comes a hiker who seemed to have full of energy. Come to find out, it is another thru-hiker name Brerr Rabbit. Talked with him for a brief bit...and you won't EVER guess when he started...March 1st!! He hikes 30-35 miles a day! He seems to be having a blast...just the usual hiker issues (blisters). I think his name should be the energizer bunny. Towards the end of our hike, we hiked on top of the mtn. which runs along the James River. Such a wonderful view! Across the river, I could see a train running along beside another mtn. I really enjoyed seeing that.Got to the shelter which had a creek running right infront. Always love having the creek this close to the shelter (especially this time of season) for we can drink as much water and get cleaned up/cooled off. Another reason why I like Norm's gravity filter...just take the filter out and you can use it like a shower. We washed our hair with it. Felt so nice and refreshing.Speaking of water...for some odd reason, I find my self drinking more water if I use a soda bottle than using a nelgene. May have to go to that to help me stay more hydrated.Before going to bed, we all dumped our bags of food to see what we have until our next resupply which would be in 3 days. Come to find out, I have just enough to get me for another 3 days which means that I was carrying 7 DAYS worth of food on top of everything else that I normally carry + the tent. If I had to guess, I would say that I was carrying almost 50 lbs all together! The ideal thing to do as far as carrying food is 2 lbs per day...and we TRY to not carry more than 3-4 days of food which means 6-8 lbs or so on food alone. WOW! I just can't believe what I just did! I'm going to have to REALLY make sure that I don't do this again.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

Headed out hoping to be able to get a ride into Glasgow without any trouble. Before getting to the road, we walked over the longest foot bridge on the AT. Got to the parking area and luckly we got a ride from this nice elderly woman. She told us that she was meeting some of her other friends there for some day hiking which they do every week. Their group is known as "Happy Hikers". THANK YOU for being so gracious and helping us out! We REALLY appreciate you taking some of your time out from hiking to help us out. Norm resupplied...got another ride back to the trail from a nice gentleman. Walking several miles beside a road with little shoulder would have been difficult and dangerous. So THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!At this point, it started to rain. Met 2 guys (Sky King and Super Chief)who was headed the other direction. They are doing some section hiking on the AT. Both seem to be nice and enjoying them selves. Super Chief gave me a hug. That was really nice considering I don't get much hugs anymore. Thanks for the hug!I am a HUGE hugger. Hugs are the greatest thing in the world! If you haven't hugged anyone lately...you NEED to do it.Got to the shelter thinking that on a rainy day that we're not going to see anyone else. Around dinner time, 2 fellows came in with big smiles on there faces. I was just amazed to see so many people grinning from ear to ear considering it was a cold rainy foggy day. Don't get me wrong, I am having a nice day, but having wet clothes and being cold, I wasn't grinning from ear to ear. Pockets and Peter are there names and I am so very happy having their company. They are friendly people. Come to find out, this is the first time Peter has ever been hiking...so we had to give him a trail name..."Rookie" it was. Let us know when your trail name changes...whether you come up with a good one yourself or someone gives you a different one. It's nice to see a first time hiker enjoying themselves even though the weather was yucky. Hope you continue to enjoy hiking for it is a wonderful experience...especially the longer that you are out here. Hope to see the both of you in the future. Until next time, take care.
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Cow Camp Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Said bye to our new friends. They were so kind and gave us some snacks to take with us. THANKS SO MUCH! Going to enjoy it for sure.Today is a partly sunny/cloudy day. I was able to see some nice views. Went through a section with signs briefly explained the area and about Mr. Taft Hughes. I could see stone wall fences and an area that once stood a house or something. Whatever it was, it had 2 fire places. I could only imagine what it was like for these people back in the 1920's.Today is another day were I would hike up a mtn. thinking that is the top, but then see another peak...kept doing that to me over and over again. My right hip started to hurt shortly before the shelter. It doesn't always hurt though. The only bad thing about the shelter was that it was .5 miles off the trail. Hikers don't like doing more miles than you have to, but we just have to accept it sometimes. Besides, there wasn't anywhere close by to camp.
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Cow Camp Gap Shelter

To: Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 12.5

Sprinkled off and on today... Few miles into our hike, we came across an area where there were two tree swings. A good place for camping for me for I love to swing. Ok. Ok. You got me. So I still enjoy doing kid stuff. I know that I will never grow up. Which there is nothing wrong with being kid at heart. Little things amuse me. Shortly after the swings, we then ran into a skunk on the trail. Luckly, it didn't spray.Another thing I like seeing is lightning. Even though there wasn't any today, the sky was dark which gave the mtn.'s a spectacular view.Done 10 miles before lunch. I then had to stop for I was hungry even though we had only a couple of miles to go.The Dutch Haus is beautiful inside and out. Love the seeing woodin' homes. We showered and done laundry...and then we just plopped our selves on the couch and watch tv. Shortly after, the door bell rang. Lone behold, it was Sky King and Super Chief. So we ended up talking with them more getting to know more about them and their family. They are such nice guys.Lois fixed us a fabulous dinner consisting of salad, chicken on the bone, pasta, and steamed vegetables. And then topped it off with a brownie and icecream with rasberry syrup on top. MMMMM! Wish I could have seconds..Everything was just wonderful! I haven't used more than one utensil in who knows how long that I ended up forgetting to use my salad fork.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Dutch Haus B&B

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather: cloudy with a chance of rainLois fixed another wonderful meal. We had egg caserole, muffin, bacon, and fresh fruit. Wish people like her would be able to follow us on the trail and cook us a nice hot meal. The only real time we get a nice cook meal is when we go into town...which is like once a week. Everything else is just cold junk food...except for dinner. Dinner usually conist of Lipton meals.THANK YOU Super Chief and Sky King for the jerky! Earl from the B&B place dropped us off back on the trail. Had to walk an extra mile up the gravel road to get back to the AT. We hiked over the Priest Mtn. but couldn't see anything because it was real foggy. Just another reason to come back to the B&B place. We hiked down a mountain which is known for its switch backs-36 of them! You would think it's easy, but most of if was walking on rocks. UGH! I just can't get away from those dang rocks! The trail isn't always as smooth as many people may think. There are roots, stumps, rocks, bolders, twigs, mud...etc. along with climbing over/dunking under fallen down trees while going up or down steep hills. Running my marathons and marine mud runs have nothing on hiking the AT. Hiking the trail is a whole new ball game.I am amazed how many trail runners I have seen so far on this journey. I love running, but there is no way you would find me out in the mountains running. I am clumsy enough as is. (LOL) Seeing these people run makes me miss running. I miss alot of things...just have to continue to put my hobbies on hold.Came across new trail signs that had pictures on them with an arrow directing which way to go. It's not hard to figure out, but I rather just have the normal signs that says shelter this way...etc. etc. Going to the shleter is a nice little waterfall...got to the shelter, and there was one there too that runs right in front of it. Its very soothing hearing the water flow down as you eat or sleep.Waterbear 26   vs   Mtns. 29
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

weather: foggy/mistyNothing like starting our morning off with a HUGE climb in the morning (2,000ft in 3 miles). If it wasn't for the cool weather, I probably would have died by the time I got to the top of the mountain. Top of the hill, we met a retired Marine name Top. He is section hiking and planning on going to trail days. Been real foggy all day. Saw some sun at lunch time, but it didn't last long. First time we ate lunch outside in a long while with out a coat or being in a shelter. We walked on nothing but rocks today. Most of the trail was just so rocky that it made my knees and feet sore. Barely made it to the shelter. Later that evening, Scuba and his dog Fiona came in finishing up their day hike. Wished they stayed for I enjoy having company. I am just proud of us for actually going back to doing big miles with out having someone modivating us. But I don't want to do big miles everyday. If I had my choice, I would hike 12 miles or less a day....at the same time wanting to do 25 miles a day just to hurry back home to see my loved ones. Norm heard from Vagus...he asked if we know a guy name Andy. We never met him, but we were sure that we seen him pass us by. He is another one who is hiking HUGE miles. He started on February 29th!...so we heard. As long as they are having a fun and safe time...that's all that matters. I just know that I would be miserable and worn out if I did that. I don't know how they all do it. Besides, I want to take things in and not rush. You all have to tell me what your secret is on doing that many miles "with out" being worn out. Some days, I am worn out just doing 15 miles. That's why everyone says to HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE...and that is so true!
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: YMCA campground (Waynesboro)
Miles today: 5.0

Weather: morning-foggy   day-sunnyHiked to the visiters center and got a ride from one of the trail angels that likes to help hikers out. Thanks Tom for the lift into town and showing us around!We camped about 150 yards away from the YMCA. We were so close to the road and a factory that we tried finding a spot that was isolated so that no body won't steal our stuff. We showered at the YMCA. And for the rest of the day, we did nothing but walk many and many blocks to go eat, do laundry, went to the library to up date journal, and went to the grocery store to resupply...so we walked more miles to one place back to our tent..to another place..back to our tent..and so forth. When we grocery shopped, we always get a basket to help us to remember how much weight in food we are carrying. We ate at the chinese restuarant which was great...had 3 full plates, 2 ice creams, and 2 plates filled with fruit.Camping close to houses and such, I have to walk to the YMCA to use the rest room vs just walking around the corner of the shelter or going behind the nearest tree. You probably didn't want to hear that, but just giving you an idea of what it is like being out here. Norm hates how easily I can just fall asleep, but tonight was the first night he actually fell asleep before I did.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: YMCA campground (Waynesboro)

To: Calf Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

Weather: nice sunny dayForgot to mention that Norm found a tick in his clothes bag. Time to start checking for ticks...oh, boy! Grass was really wet this morning which made it "difficult" to pack. (not getting our stuff wet) Met Mark (P.A.T.H.) at the all you can eat pancake house. Believe it or not, Norm and I could only eat 4. They were huge! Mark drove us to different places that we needed to go and then back to the trail we went. THANK YOU AGAIN MARK for ALL your help! We'll keep in touch.Mark thru hiked in the '70's. I enjoy meeting new people and hearing what they have to say. However, I really enjoy hearing what the past thru hikers have to say. My eyes open more and more about life on and off the trail. Listening to them can be like listening to what an elderly person has to say. And no, Mark, I am not calling you old. (LOL)1st day into the Shenandoah's. Got to the shelter and noticed some poop on the second deck. Norm said that it looks like rat poop. Wonderful! Just what I wanted to hear. We slept on the bottom deck. Hopefully, I won't hear, see, nor feel any rats tonight. If Norm hears me screaming...he knows the reason why. Back to hanging our food on the bear hangers. Except these bear hangers are not pullies. I have to put them on the end of the pole and bring it up to the pole that is sticking out of the ground. Boy, was it HEAVY! I had to get Norm to do it for me even though I only had a few days of food in my bag.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Calf Mtn. Shelter

To: Loft Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 20.4

Weather: sunnySure enough I woke up to at least one rat. My head lamp scared it off, but I kept waking up Norm when ever I turn my head lamp on. Sorry, but I ain't goin' to have these yucky critters come near me. Nuh-uh! No way!Started off hiking in shorts and short sleeves. Not much happened through out the hike. 1st day to using chemicals in my water, but I added juice powder to get rid of that yucky taste. Our filter started slowing down..so until we get a new filter for it, we had to use the iodine. Hate chemicals! Seen in one of the log books that Dr. Pepper is off the trail due to Knee injuries. Hope you get better soon, Dr. Pepper.Met some women flip floppers-"Rabbit, Owl, Roo, Tigger, and Soaring". My fingers feels so stiff that at times it hurts. Especially, my pinkys. Guessing it is from holding onto my hiking poles all the time. I feel like I need some WD40.
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Loft Mtn. Shelter

To: 1/1/2 miles North of South River picnic grounds
Miles today: 21.9

Weather: nice sunny day/ thunderstorms at nightGot up before we could even hear the birds. We heard that a storm would be coming and we wanted to do as many miles as we can before it started to rain. It has been a wonderful day. Seen many great views...even seen our 1st bear on this journey! Met a flip flopper name Shoe Machine. He seems nice.Got to the shelter around the time the storms were suppose to come through. However, the sky was clear and the sun was just a shinin', so we pressed on. Had a hard time finding a tenting spot for there were fallen trees EVERYWHERE. The storm was on our butts. Norm finally found a good spot. We hurried to get our tent up and then we still had to have time to cook our dinner. As Norm was pounding on one of the tent stakes, it ended up braking. I didn't mean to laugh, but I did. Norm got pissed. It was just the type of laugh out of nervousness while thinking to my self "Great! What else could go wrong". Then I thought of a great idea....told Norm to use the caribeaner and rope to tie it down around the tree. Sure enough, it worked! I felt good coming up with a plan within a hurry. Luckly, we got the tent set up, had dinner, and hung our stuff up in the tree just in time before the lightning and thunderstorms came. The lighting kept hurting my eyes, it was so bright. I had to keep my eyes shut. My first time in a tent out in thunderstorm. It doesn't sound good out there...oh, dear!
Date: 2008-04-12
From: 1/1/2 miles North of South River picnic grounds

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

weather: nice and sunny The storm wasn't as bad as we thought it would be. The storm didn't last too long. Ran into my first ridge runner. I know I may look silly now, but I am thinking about wearing a bug netting over my face. Flys and what not keeps flying towards my ears and face. Drives me nuts! I have to start doing something before I lose my saniety. Stopped at the first campground area and bought me an icecream. Went to the second campground (few miles away) and showered which cost $1 for 5 minutes. Today, was our first day of someone taking a picture of us because we are thru hiking. Shortly after that, we talked with a family who then called over their girls. She said " Hey, girls! Come meet some REAL hikers!" One of them pulled out her little video camera and started asking questions. It was funny and cute all at the same time. Friendly people. Started hiking on, and all I could smell was people grilling. MMMMmmmm! Boy, doesn't that smell good! Better than what I normally eat, but I had to stay focus and keep on going..quickly.Today, was the first of having a sore throat.
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Luray (Throton Gap)
Miles today: 14.1

weather: cold/snow flurriesStarted hiking with our "winter gear". Wooohooo! No bugs sworming my face today! Stopped in at this one restaurant on Skyline Drive and ate breakfast. We just couldn't resist. It was cold, wanted a break. I felt alittle out of place being in there for we had a little stink to us from this morning. Glad we went though. My new cravings on the trail is icecream and waffles.Norm keeps making me laugh.. You know...in order to maintain your weight (on the AT) your suppose to have 7-9,000 calories aday. Otherwise, it is 5-7,000 calories. So, between hiking, laughing, and shivering, it is even harder to have that amount of intake...especially when you have to carry your food. It's hard to intake that many calories period within a day.Norm's dad came down to visit. Picked us up and ate at Hardee's and done laundry. Felt so nice to sleep in a bed again.Coughing and having a running nose...Caught a cold.