morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-10
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

What a day. I don't think I've ever worked so hard to get 13 miles in for the day. But it was a magnificant day.The profile map read like this:      up 500'   down 900'   up 1300'   down 900'   up 900'   down 700'   up 1200'   down 400'talk about changes in elevation!Roan Mt was the prize today. We walked up hill almost all day yesterday and again today. Almost 4000' up hill today alone.Many hikers have been slack packing this northern part of North Carolina and Tennesee. Slack packing is when you get someone to drive you up ahead, usually someone frim a hostel, and then you walk back to the hostel. Because you are sleeping at the hostel, you need only carry the bare essentials, making your loadvery light. You are also walking in the easier direction. Right now, north is the more difficult direction, so hikers have someone shuttle them north and walk south. There is a price to be paid to hike this way, but the deal is that you need to hike your own hike, and the miles count either direction you go.   I am not against slackpacking, I just haven't had the need for it yet.Once I made it to the top of Roan, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment I had yet to experience here on the trail. I have struggled so much on the ascents for the post two days and Ive' made it through shining.I met two troops of boy scouts today, both practicing for a hike at Camp Philmont in New Mexico. One of the boys in the first troop offered me a Mountain House Beef Stew dinner. He mentioned that it said it served two. I re;lied that that wasn't true. I would be able to finish it off on my own!The last troop was 1.7 miles before the end of the day. They were hiking out today because of the weather repport of thunderstorms tomorrow. I had mentioned that I got the dinner from the first group of scouts. I might have mentioned that I needed some breakfast food and I received 2 granola bars and 1/2 bag of granola cereal. Im not sure, but this may qualify as yogging. You remember how yogi the bear always tried to get people to give him some food from their picinic baskets? If a hiker received food without asking for it, it's referred to as yogging.Tomorrow starts the march to Damascus. 17 miles planned, but thunderstorms predicted. We'll let Mother Nature call the shots.Live is good!
Date: 2008-05-12
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 42The day started uphill. It had rained all night and was still raining as I began my daily walk. I came to a meadow where the trail seemed to go up forever. Because of the rain, I had on my Marmot Precip jacket, which somewhat limits my vision. I reached the very top of a 1000' climb and could find no white blazes. I walked a few hundred feet up a road that looked like the most obvious trail, with sight of no blazes. I climbed a very steep trail for 150' that just ended. As I began to descent to find the last white blaze that I had seen, OHM was standing, eyeing up the situation. The last blae lacked the double slash symbol signifying that there was a turn in the trail. There was jowever, a white arrow on a rock near the blaze. Very confusing and I understand that quite a few hikers got mixed up with the lack of or improper signage.After I got on the straight and narrow path, the day went well. Just a beautiful walk in the woods. I passed many water events, as in streams with waterfalls.I can say the 18.7 miles kicked by butt. When I arrived at the shelter, I was cold and tired. Towards the end of the day, the wind kicked up and temps dipped to the high 0's. I hung my food, crawled in my bag and retired for the day.Life is Good!
Date: 2008-05-13
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Pond Flats
Miles today: 11.5

Day 43Woke up to frigid temps this morning. I was cold last night in my 10 degree bag as the wind was blowing right into the shelter. But once I brought my rain jacket into my sleeping bag, covering my legs, I was nice and toasty warm.First one to break camp, which is not unusual for me, but I'm also the last one to arrive at the destination. Today I was hiking to Dennis Cove to stop and pick up a maildrop that contained my second pair of trail runners. The bottoms of my old ones are feeling thin and I can feel every rock that i step on, causing my feet to scream louder than usual.I hiked with Chris from Maine and D, who are quite the characters. I laughed all the way to Demmis Cove. Kincora Hostel is an awesome place and the Peoples have been serving the hiking community for 14 years. I recommend this hostel highly. I only stayed long enough to do laundry, shower and get my maildrop. MAMA HAS A NEW PAIR OF SHOES!Got back on the trail by 3:00 pm. and walked alongside the Laurel river. It was an amazing hike once the trail went down by the falls and became a boulder scramble right aslong the river. Some parts of the AT just take my breath away, ant this was one of those parts.All too soon the path turned and started on a 1700' ascent up Pond Mountain. I pray that I take the lesson taught to me and remember it always. The ascent was a tough one. I remember looking across the horizon, looking at the mountain accross the way, measuring my progress against it. I came to a lookout and took pictures, celebrating my success, and quickly got back on the trail which quickly began to descend. The guidebook described the trail to start at 1900' elevation, go to 3700', then back to 1900'. My descent was quick and my instinct was telling me that something was wrong, but I continued. It wasn't until I descended aroung 500', that I finally realized that I was going SOUTH! not north. Panic stricken and angered with my mistake, I turned tail and started back up. Why do I only make mistakes on the ups! On the way back up, things looked very familar. When I got to that very same lookout, where I celebrated my ascent, I learned that it was a false sumit and I had even more to climg. I must have looked frightful, because two gentlemen going south asked me if I had a rough day when they say me.Speaking of a rough day. As I as coming to the end of my ascent, I came to a backpack lying in the middle of the trail. A young girl carried it to that ppoint and decieded that backpacking wasn't here thing, dropped her pack in the middle of the trail and walked to her destination. As I retired my my tent up on the Pond Flats, her boyfriend came to retrieve her pack for her. He sat in my campsite, resting, as he told me his story. I thought my day was bad. I lost time today, but I'm still on the trail, healthy and happy.Life is good!
Date: 2008-05-14
From: Pond Flats

To: Campsite before Turkey Pen Gap
Miles today: 16.0

Day 44The direction of travel is up. Went past the Watauga Lake and Dam. Quite a big body of water. The view all day included Watauga Lake. Met up with Low Gear, Chipmunk and Savanah at the Pond Mt campsite and walked with them most of the day.Rumor has it that the 40 miles between Watauga and Damascus are really easy. I'm not sure who's perception that is, because we walked up hill most of the day and it wasn't easy. Peraps it is because it's been a long while since our bodies have had good nourishment and the lack of nourishment has reduced our energy level and challenged our attitudes.I arrived at the campsite at 7:00 pm, set up my tent as it began to rain lightly.I will be in Damascus tomorrow. I will take 2 days off. I will nourish my body. I will rest.Life is good!
Date: 2008-05-15
From: Campsite before Turkey Pen Gap

To: Hwy 421
Miles today: 14.2

Today started out as any other day, although I had to pack in the rain. The goal was Damascus, VA for various reasons which would require a 29 mile day.I was hiking a fast pace today and the miles went by quickly. I ran into Michigan Wolverine a few times today. When I see him I need to smile and shake my head, as he has a canning kettle tied to the back of his pack. There is a guy who sums up the phrase, "Hike your own hike"!14.2 miles into the day I came to the trailhead at Hwy 421. I secretly was hoping for trail magic to be there, because I was beginning to fret that i would not be arriving in Damascus on this day. There were 2 cars in the parking lot, both looked empty. As I walked past the first car, the window rolled down and this little french canadian voice asked if I knew a hiker by the name of Spirit. I thought that he was ahead of me. We spoke for awhile and the information we exchanged made me know for certain that they knew Spirit and I knew I could trust them. I explained that if they could drive me to Damascus, I could help them find Spirit. And so it happened. Although there was no roon in the car for me, Monette sat on top of the cooler in the back seat and insisted that I sit in the front seat with my pakck on my lap. Ron drove me to The Place, a hostel in Damascus. They waited for me to set up my tent and we set off to town to find their friend sitting with his shoes off in the community park.There was trail magic at the trailhead in the form of two angles.Life is so good.
Date: 2008-05-16
From: Goundhog Creek Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I know, it's been forever. Since my Pocketmail broke, I'm in the US Postal system. I have been writing in my journal each night, just haven't gotten it to Emily to transcribe. I PROMISE, it will be in the mail tomorrow. So much has happened, so many miles, over 450 so far. Can you believe it. I wonder who is already out of the pool at work, those who guessed when I would "tap out" of the trail. Guess what, here I am.I am told that the terrain will be easier for awhile. I have been told never to believe anything that anyone tells me. I tell others that you should never believe anyone going downhill. Their perception is warped and they can not remember the last 10 minutes of life, they are just happy to be going down hill.I'm taking two zero days in Damascus, VA. Hey, state number 4, I'm in Virginia!Thank you to all who have helped me along the trail, and to my support team at home. I love you all! Gotta go so that I can check my e-mail. I'm on a timed computer and I only have 1/2 hour. Take care and stay tuned for the updated journal.Zeke! and life is very good!
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Damascus, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I had an ah ha moment this morning and I need to share it with my family and readers; I think I found the reason that I am here.Had breakfast with Always Changing and Never the Same this morning, two young people I met on the walk to the resturant. It is amazing how sometimes we meet people along the way that are there for just a moment, but there for a very important reason, to teach you a life lesson.During the course of the meal, I spoke of my family and the closness that we have. How when one link is missing, sometimes the balance is upset, as is one leaving for a 6 month stint to hike this wonderful trail.I told them of the morning I left, the breakfast with the family and how the grandchildren were strong, because they truly understand that I have to do this. And my children, and the tears that were shed by us all. I spoke of the day my daughter drove me to Georgia and how we cried the whole night before I departed to the trail; and we all cried at the resturant as I told the story. I spoke of this selfish act that I am partaking in and Always changing reminded me of the "Oxygen Mask" theory.A mother and child are on a plane that begins to lose cabin pressure and the oxygen masks come down. The specific instructions are that the mother must put her mask on first before she helps her child sitting next to her. She must act for herself before she is able to tend to the one she most loves.I'm breathing in oxygen, then I'll be home soon.I love you all so very much!
Date: 2008-05-31
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today is a town day, which is always busy. I woke @ 5:30 am and got on the trail by 6:00. Ive discovered that I can't start any earlier than 6 as it just isn't light enough. However, I can now hike until 9:00 pm as it is still light at that time.I got to town by 11:00 am in time to pick up my mail drop at the post office. this was important, because if I didn't make it, I would have to stay in town until Monday. I like to keep my options open.While I was at the PO, a lady heard me talking to another hiker about my day and when I completed my business, she asked me if she could give me a ride to the motel. I could have hugged her, but I was hiker dirty and she was dressed nice. I also told her that I didn't hitch hike, and she responded that she had never given a hiker a ride before. Tru trail magic- but it gets better. I left my bag with maps and my schedule in her car. I had already started replacing the notebook and pens. Apparently she realized it and went out of her way to bring it back to the hotel office for me. A tru trail angle, and I didn't even get her name. My heart is so full!The day is warm. I am staying at a motel with 3 other hikers, Stardust, Wolfhound and Savanah. It just doesn't pay to get a room by myself. The day was spent eating @ Dairy Queen and Hardee's, shopping for odds and ends and trying to get clean.My winter gear is on it's way home. I was so glad to send home my 10 degree bag. Although I will be carrying 8 days of food @ 2 pounds/day. Getting out of town will be difficult. It's great to sleep with a real pillow!Life is good!
Date: 2008-06-01
To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Thanks everyone for your patience. Updating a journal by snailmail is not my idea of a good time. Most of the time I have been forgetting to send the notes to Emily for her to update in this system.I have been well and pressing forward. I way has gotten a bit easier, but I have setteled into the idea that it's always going to be hard for me to go up. In fact I have almost gotten confortable with that idea and don't mind the uphills.This has certainly been the journey of a lifetime. The trail community, trail angels, those that have supported me via e-mail, the rain, the wildlife, birds, flowers, smells. It is just an incredible journey.You will soon have updates and I thank everyone that has sent me messages. I don't get to a computer often, but when I do, people can hear me smiling and laughing, getting filled with love.Now off to the woods.
Date: 2008-06-01
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Started the day today by catching up with phone calls to family. Those I call are one hour behind me, so my sis got a call @ 6:30 am. So good to catch up with her.didn't get out of town until 2:30 pm. My pack weight was out of control. I will need to eat lots and often to get the pack weight down.Trying out my new Mont-Bell 40 degree sleeping bat. The climb up to here was tough, so I'm turning in early. Another long day tomorrow with the big pack weight.Had a big storm come up for the last 2 miles of the trail this evening. The trail passed next to several electric towers. Not a comfortable feeling, being in an electric storm walking under the towers, but we arrived safe and very wet. In the shelter were Biggelsworth, Two Mile, Weatherman, Plugger, and Burass. They gladly squished together to make room for Stardust, My Way and I to sleeep in the shelter. Most times, when the weather is poor, hikers are more than willing to try to accomodate as many hikers as possible into the shelter. It doesn't always turn out that way, but tonight was a blessing. Good people and Life is good!
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: few clouds

OH CATERPILLAR POOP!We've been invaded by caterpillars of the Gypsy moth type. The fall on you while you are hiking. The hang on their threads in the middle of the trail. When we got to the shelter, we found that a tree had fallen on it and it had no roof, so we are all tenting. Two Mile thought that the sound we kept hearing was the sound of the caterpillars eating, but we soon figured out that indeed it was the sound of them pooping. Looks like a poppyseed. GROSS!I am favoring my right leg. I suspect that I have shin splints, or at least the beginning of them. At breakfast, I received a vast array of knowledge regarding the injury and I will slow it down to just 12 miles/day for a few days to see if it will decrease the pain. I will also do some stretches, rub Blue Emu cream, which was recommended by a coach/trainer in Damascus and tye bandanas tightly around the affected area to help relieve the pain, especially during descents.Last night, quite a few of us were trying out our warm weather sleeping bags. Most were cold, but I was nice and toasty warm.I needed to get water right away this morning, but chose not to get it at the shelter because the way was long and steep. There was suppose to be water 2 miles ahead, but the spring was dry. I had no choice but to go 5 miles without water. I arrived at Syms Meadow Gap, which was listed in the book and on the map as a water source. I found a big puddle of stagnant water loaded with hundreds of pollywogs. I had no choice but to scoop and filter the water, and it tasted just fine. Most of the other hikers passed on this water source until the next, but desperate people take desperate measures and I was thirsty.Life is still good!
Date: 2008-06-03
From: Daleville, VA

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We went up, over,and down today. They call these mountains the Tabletop mountains. Instead of simply going up and down, the mountain top is flat for about 3-5 miles.Started out with a road walk, because the Stoney Creek Bridge was out. Then we went up to the top, which was a boulder scramble much of the way. I too my time, trying not to wretch my right ankle and disturn by shin injury.The last part of the day was rainy. When I got to the shelter, I put up my tent, but decieded to move into the shelter. Looks like it's going to be wet for a few days.Life is good, but hoping for a dry tomorrow.
Date: 2008-06-04
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

And a mighty tough 12.2 miles at that. Two 1000' climbs; one at the beginning of the day and of course one at the end, my favorite.The morning was warm and humid @ 68 degrees and changed to a warm and windy day topping out at 90 degrees. I am finding that it is easier for me to go uphill and I am faster going uphill. My shin splint injury was a bit improved today, but it still took me 11 hours to go 12.2 miles. I'm trying to be patient so that I don't make the injury worse.This morning the rododendrons were in full bloom. Just beautiful.After the 12.2, we were treated to a beautiful shelter. I'm sure that it is so nice because it is .4 niles down a steep hill and too far for party animals and naughty people.T-storms are expected tonight. Tornado watch in effect for the area until 1:00 am. Alarm is set for 5:00am.Life is good.
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Weather- L 67/ H 90+Alarm went off @ 5:00 this am, but the birds weren't even singing yet. I chilled awhile. did not sleep well last night in the shelter. Looks like I'll be in my tent from now on. Too many bugs and my bag makes me too warm.Got to climb the big hill out from the shelter first off this morning.Sinking Creek Mt was a blast, but my knees are still shaking. Huge rock ridges left me asking, "You want me to do what?" again. I don't know if the stream of sweat from my brow was due to the heat or my nerves. Not much room for error. I should have taken some rock climbing lessons before I started.Later on in the morning, I felt myself pushing too hard, so I decieded to take a break. I was feeling kinda blue, so I decieded to eat something. But when I took my sleeping bag out of my pack and placed it on the ground, it began to roll and roll and roll down the hill. I actually screamed for it to STOP! I began the descent to retrieve it and after grabbing it, I sat down on the first rock and sobbed.My frame of mind is missing my family and friends so much. I'm injured. I pushing for 16 miles today. The season is changing and I'm not used to the heat. Seems like it went from the 70's to the 90's with no transition. All of these factors are weighing heavily on my mental status. So I'm trying to be good to myself. Slow down, rest often and just try to enjoy. This too shall pass.This afternoon, I cam upon a sign noting that I was standing on the Eastern Continental Divide. I took some pictures, some self portraits, trying to smile.The trail seemed to keep rising all afternoon. The day was hot, somewhere in the high 90's. As I came to the top of Brushy Mt, I came upon a nice bench to sit and rest upon. I found it amusing that after 4 miles of climbing there was a nicely manicured bench, very unlike the AT that I have been hiking on for almost 700 miles. At the top of the mountain is a monument in honor of Audie Murphy, the most decorated soilder from WWII. Apparently there is a parking lot, so the public must be able to drive up that which I labored so long to arrive to. I wonder if he loved the AT.I got to the shelter late. It was a gloomy shelter, and I was by myself. I set up my tent, orginally intending to put it in the shelter.
Date: 2008-06-07
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm in town, recouperating from a wild day/week. I ended up getting into Daleville last night and going into urgent care in Roanoke to have my right ankle and leg x-rayed. I guess the conclusion is that I have shin splints, which will only mend with rest. What a blessing that if anything was going to happen to get me off the trail for a short period, this was the time to do it. The weather has been so intensly hot. A heat wave it seems. In fact the temperature went from into the 70's right to the high 90's. Tomorrow's high is forcasted to be 99. What part of staying in an air conditioned room, with my feet up icing my leg for 30 minutes of every 3 hours does not sound appealing to me?It will be difficult to sit in one place after walking almost 700 miles. Your body gets into a rythm, maybe a routine, that just becomes who you are. The bad thing is that there will be many individuals that are ahead of me that will get even farther ahead of me. But this is life on the trail for me, never being with the same group, every day a surprise.But it's all good. In the following days I will attempt to update the last days since Pearisburg. Yesterday was quite an adventure, but now you will have to go backwards and catch up as I do.Thanks again for the support from home and from on the trail. I got so much encouragement from both sides when I thought that I might have a stress fracture and thought that I would have to get off the trail. Well it's not so, and give me a few days of R&R and I'll be out on the run again.Life has been so good to me!