morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-01
From: rest

To:  Marble Springs Campsite
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 61, May 1, 2014Another great breakfast from Ms. Bev. Then a stop for an ice mocha and chi and off we went to the trail head. It was a nice drive except for the fact Cooper had gas. We got back to the trail and as we were getting on our gear when Bev suddenly commented that she felt like she was abandoning us in the woods. We reassured her she was not and we said our good byes. What a great couple of days!!!But as I was hiking today it dawned on me that in fact she and Coach had literally driven us into the woods, dropped us off, drove off and abandoned us in the woods. Worse yet she had fattened us up for the wicked witch!!!! As always it was great to be back on the trail. The sun was out. The trees are budding and wild flowers are every where. The trail was cool today with lots of different trees and more great views of Virginia. The hike was a little short of 10 miles and evening was short due to the late start. We didn't care because we had such a great day. Thanks again John and Bev for the hospitality, the long drive and the smiles. Virginia is for hikers!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 9.6Completed: 773.1Remaining: 1412.2Start Point: (Davis, WV with Bev and John Lawrence - house)End Point: Marble Springs Campsite (tenting)States Completed: 3 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9)States Remaining: 11 VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-05-02
From:  Marble Springs Campsite

To: Punchbowl Shelter 
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 62, May 2, 2014Today Radioman and I celebrated our 2 month anniversary on the trail. It is hard to believe that we have been on the trail that long already. Time really does fly when you are having fun. Last night the wind was really howling. Radioman does not like the wind and did not sleep well. Tonight there is no wind but the frogs and birds are really getting after it. When we started hiking it was rather chilly but once the sun came up it really warmed the forest up. Today we had to do our first stream crossing where the boots came off. I helped Coop across because that's how I roll. After crossing the stream we came to the shelter where that poor gentleman passed away a couple weeks ago. Today was not a bunch of ups and downs. Just one large down and one large up. We did get some nice flat terrain which included a stroll along the James River. We also crossed the longest foot only bridge on the AT. That was impressive. We got to the Punchbowl shelter and were pleasantly surprised to see Pooh Bear. Coop acted like he didn't know him until the beef jerky came out. Pooh Bear also told us that he heard the Punchbowl Shelter was haunted. He took a few pics and got one with lip orbs. Just as we were falling asleep a HUGE plane flew over top of us. I was in the tent but I have never heard a plane flying that low in my life and it was super loud. I briefly thought we were goners and braced for impact. Pooh Bear and Radioman felt the same way. Creepy. Virginia is for hikers!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 18.2Completed: 791.3Remaining: 1394.0Start Point: Marble Springs CampsiteEnd Point: Punchbowl Shelter (tenting)States Completed: 3 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9)States Remaining: 11 VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Punchbowl Shelter 

To: Hog Pen Gap
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: few clouds

Day 63, May 3, 2014800 miles! I have walked 800 miles. There is a song here somewhere. So last night about eleven we heard a bunch of people come into camp. There was a lot of clanking and I swear they brought a chuckwagon in! This morning we woke up and found a whole slew of Boy Scouts. They were really nice. Pooh and Cooper both yogi'd to great success. The first ten miles today were on pretty level ground. We got to walk with the Brown Mountain stream for a good ways. As I was walking along I came to a sign that said the area use to be a freed slave settlement. The last part of the day had us going up a big old mountain before final dropping us down to the Hog Pen Gap where we are now camping. I hear the weather is supposed to be in the 80's Thursday. How excited am I!!!?!?!?!?! Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 17.6Completed: 808.9Remaining: 1376.4Start Point: Punchbowl Shelter End Point: Hog Pen Gap (tenting)States Completed: 3 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9)States Remaining: 11 VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Hog Pen Gap

To: Dripping Rock, BRP (Motel in Waynesboro)
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 65, May 6, 2014Well, there is no easy way to put this so suffice it to say Radioman has decided to hike his own hike. He headed up the trail yesterday evening. So this morning I had a destination on my mind. I also needed to get to an outfitter for a few necessities. Waynesboro is 4 miles from the trail and due to my promise to Aunt Bev and Mrs. Coach Bev that I would not hitch hike, I decided to call Woody. I knew he was just loafing around recovering from open heart surgery and fighting for his benefits. Well, luckily I picked a perfect time and he said he would come my way. So I continued on. Once again I had a big old climb. The afternoon was filled with lots of rain. I stopped at Maupin Shelter for lunch. Cooper decided it was ok to just make his wet self home on Brother James' lap. It was rather embarrassing. I made it to to the rendezvous point about 5. A guy named Big Dog was there. He had taken a pretty serious fall on the wet slippery rocks, twisting his ankle so he was cutting his section hike short. As we both sat there waiting for our rides Cooper decided it was ok to make his wet hairy self home on his lap too. Its rather embarrassing. Woody and Kim came about 6. We didn't get any errands done because of the late hour. But we did get to visit and eat pizza. Oh and Coconut and Spice Kit are here too. They are a day ahead of me so I might not get to see them for a bit. Virginia is for hikers!!!Signed, Cowgirl and The Little ManHiked today: 15.5Completed: 843.5Remaining: 1341.8Start Point: VA 56 Tye RiverEnd Point: Dripping Rock, BRP (Motel in Waynesboro)States Completed: 3 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9)States Remaining: 11 VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Dripping Rock, BRP (Motel in Waynesboro)

To: Unnamed Stream
Miles today: 12.4

Day 66, May 6, 2014 Got going early. Finished laundry, resupply, outfitters and lunch. Woody and Kim then took me back to the trail. When we pulled up Professor T was sitting there. It was so great to see him. I had him pose with Woody and Kim. As we were doing laundry Woody figured out his milage to get there. 185 to waynesboro and 15 on the BRP. He was like YEAH! I tied the Coach! They were heading to Monticello after dropping me off. I have beem there three times. It is a cool place. The trail was awesome today. As was the weather. As I was sitting enjoying a break on Humpback Mountain Deep Blue came up the trail. He has had the worst time with mice. Three different episodes resulting in chewed gear. I told him I had not seen a mouse one. Then I mention maybe Coop had something to do with that. Deep agrees and said I should give him his due. And just think I thought Coop just layed around sleeping and licking his butt!!! Virginia is for hikers!!! Signed, Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 12.4 Completed: 855.9 Remaining: 1329.4 Start Point: Dripping Rock, BRP End Point: Unnamed Stream (tenting) States Completed: 3 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9) States Remaining: 11 VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Unnamed Stream

To: Unnamed Camp Site
Miles today: 15.0

Day 67, May 7, 2014 Today was another emotional milestone for me. I entered the Shenandoah National Park (SNP). I am sure I had a little smirk on my face when I crossed the imaginary line into the park. I always thought about making it this far and so close to the DC area where I lived for 5 years. But if the truth be told there was a part of me that was not sure I had it in me. Alas, here I am!!!! The first part of the SNP was a little rocky but not to bad and no killer 5 mile climbs! I stopped for lunch by these communication towers that had old tractor seats to sit on. Two section hikers came by and chatted. The man was a 2006 thru hiker. They told me I was coming to a 10 mile dry section. I got to the last stream about 230. A little to early to call it a day. So I load up with 8 liters of very heavy water and waddled on for a couple more hours. I have been here now about three hours and saw only 2 other thru hikers. The tics are loving themselves some Cooper. Every stop I check him and find at least one. I did a thorough check after dinner and found 5 of the disgusting little beasts. I also checked myself. Icky. Well, I know I have said it before but the support and kind words from family amd friends and people I don't know has meant so much to me. You all make this journey even more fun. I will have one big bill to pay after this hike. I am thinking paying it forward may be just the ticket!!!! Virginia is for hikers!!! Signed, Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 15.0 Completed: 870.9 Remaining: 1314.4 Start Point: Unnamed Stream End Point: Unnamed Campsite (tenting) States Completed: 3 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9) States Remaining: 11 VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Unnamed Camp Site

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 68, May 8, 2014 I started the morning off by serving Cooper some bacon and eggs amd then we set of to get our hike on. Today's highlight for me was Blackrock summit. It is a large boulder field and a pretty great sunset. I stopped by Blackrock Hut for lunch. There was a great little spring there. The unique thing about this spring is it seems to come out of nowhere and even though it was spewing plenty of water it was going no where. So the trails in the SNP are stamped in metal bands and fasten to concrete poles. I find myself wanting to stop and read every sign. I guess I like signs. The SNP also has what is known as Waysides. They serve food and beverages. Today one was about .3 miles off the trail. I got there about 4:30 and didn't leave for two hours!! I had a burger, fries, Dr. Pepper and Blackberry ice cream. Then for the road I got some chicken tenders. I also met some nice people. One group from Europe asked me how much my pack weight. I said about 30 pounds. Then they started talking about potatoes. I must have had a funny look on my face because they stopped and explained that where they are from they compare weights to bags of potatoes. I wonder how many potatoes in weight I have lost. LOL!!! I got back on the trail much later then anticipated. I find that now that I am hiking alone I do like to lollygag more and hike later. I didn't get into the shelter until after dark because I was lollygagging around on a vista. But I was rewarded with a beautiful sunset so it was worth it. Virginia is for hikers!!! Signed, Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 20.8 Completed: 891.7 Remaining: 1293.6 Start Point: Unnamed Campsite End Point: Pinefield Hut States Completed: 3 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9) States Remaining: 11 VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Lewis Camp Ground
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 69, May 9, 2014 900 MILES!!!! And a bear. I slept horribly last night. I swear it's a shelter thing. I feel like Coop is going to cause troubles. I should have just tented up. Anyway we got our hike on. Coop had his pack on, no leash. About a hour into the hike he does his squirrel dance and suddenly STOPS!!! Then I hear a grunt and two lumbering steps. I know its a bear!!!! I put the leash on Coop, que up the video and walk on. Mr. Bear is there and poses we part ways. For the next hour I hear bears at every turn. Freakin myself out!! lol!! So the SNP has been beautiful. But not a lot of WOWWIE moments. Which surprises me. Today was up and down. I had a hankering for a BL. So I pushed hard for me. I got to Lewis Campground about 630 pm. Sheepishly I walked out of the store with a 12 pack. I saw 3 other thru hikers, Golith, Handsome Dan and ? I was like, "What?!? I like BL!!! I was going to tent but weather was coming in. So instead I overpaid. Again, for a sh#thole and was happy to do it. Service in the SNP has sucked. And from what I hear will continue to suck. So I talked to Michelle C to up date. As soon as she did I got 4g. Haha. This is the second time this has happened. I think we should keep it up!!! She is a 4g goddess Trail? Oh yes. It was up and down. One substantial climb. For the most part smooth. Virginia is for hikers!!! Signed, Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 19.8 Completed: 911.5 Remaining: 1273.8 Start Point: Pinefield Hut End Point: Lewis Campground (crappy cabin) States Completed: 3 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9) States Remaining: 11 VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Lewis Camp Ground

To: Bootens Gap
Miles today: 3.4

Day 70, May 10, 2014 Today I did a nero, almost a zero. I did not want to get my hike. As you could probably tell from my FB posts, likes and comments. Coop and I just sat at a picnic table relaxing. If there had been a cabin open I would have zeroed. Even if it cost a bazzilion dollars About one it started to rain really hard. I went up to the store and Professor T was there. I keep watching the radar for a time to move. It happened at 330. Yes you heard me 330!!! I decided to move too. I rationed I would walk .1 miles or 10 depending on the weather. Better to tent for free then pay 15 bucks. So backtracking. Yesterday Cooper and I were both very tired. 60 miles in three days was a lot for us. I knew he was tired because he keep fake peeing so he could rest. So as I sat at the picnic table today I did a lot of contemplating. I haven't pontificated a lot because for me this journey has been all honeymoon, rainbow, Skittles and bunny rabbits. It was not until the "incedent" that I felt any negative thoughts. So with that - I do not think I came to this trail to find myself. But despite of that, and myself, I think I am. Not just the trail, but the last 7 months, have been the happiest I can ever remember in years. Thanks to the people, friends and family. For almost 3 decades I have been self absorbed with work drama. Now I get to be self absorbed with all that is good. It centers a person. So back to 340. I knew immediately as we started hiking that the rest stop was the right thing by Coop's attitude. His tail and ears were both at full mast, even with the pack. Oh and he had the min-pin swagger. And my pack felt light too!!!! About 5 Pooh Bear texted me. He was just behind me. I stopped at 3.4 miles. He walked further then anticipated just for me. I had told other day hikers that passed me to tell him not to lollygag as I was afraid of the dark. Hehe. Any way great evening with the Pooh we tried to do his internet radio show but to know avail!!! On another side note, I have a friend who is having eye issues, another with a terrible bacterial infection and a family member who just had hip replacement. My thoughts are with them!!! P.S. if a human does not like a dog, especially a cute little 3 pound poodle puppy do not trust them. (Quote by Aunt Bev) Virginia is for hikers!!! Signed, Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 3.4 Completed: 914.9 Remaining: 1270.4 Start Point: Lewis Campground End point: Bootens Gap (tenting) States Completed: 3 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9) States Remaining: 11 VA gg WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NYfbg ghost by d), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Bootens Gap

To: Nicholson Hollow
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 71, May 11, 2014 Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms and extra big hugs to my Mom!! It rained a little last night. Nothing bad just enough to make the tent wet. The first planned stop was Big Meadows Wayside. Pooh Bear missed the turn off so I didn't see him again until 13 miles at Skyland Lodge. I had ordered chicken tenders at the Wayside he missed so I shared them with him. We decided to hang around and wait for the restaurant to open. Boy was it worth the wait. I had pot roast!! Yum yum! I got a text from Raman Shaman. He and Cheese Its were in ths park handing out trail magic. They stopped by amd we got to spend a little time with them. It was so great to see them. Pooh and I decided to hike a kittle further. We ended up being on Little Man Stoney Cliffs right at sunset. WOWWIE was it beautiful. As we continued hiking Pooh Bear took a terrible fall. On a flat trail with no rocks! It was a total face plant and very scary. He's ok. Just a small cut on his cheek and maybe a blackeye. All and all it ended up being a great day!!! Virginia is for hikers!!! Signed, Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 15.8 Completed: 930.7 Remaining: 1254.6 Start Point: Bootens Gap End point: Nicholson Hollow (tenting) States Completed: 3 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9) States Remaining: 11 VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-05-12
To: Elkwood Hollow 
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 72, May 12, 2014 The SNP has been beautiful but rather uneventful which shocks me for some reason. I think the bears have beem the most exciting thing for most people. The vistas to have been outstanding too. Today I knew I was only walking as far as the Elkwood Hollow. From there my friend Carrie was picking me and Pooh Bear up to spend the evening with her. About 4 from my end point I stopped for a break and to de-tic Cooper. As I was sitting there Deep Blue and Windscreen came by. I got back on the trail and after about 2 miles I had to stop because Coop had gping crazy itching himself. He was covered in about 20 tics!!! More de-ticing. I have a vet appointment Monday so hopefully I can get something to help with the tic issue. I got to the Wayside just before a heavy down pour. Visited with Deep, windscreen and tender. As we were waiting the Shamans pulled up. Coop jumped in their car. As I tried to fet him put he growled at me and tried to bit me!!! I think he wanted to run away with them!! Carrie pulled in around seven. She brought Pooh and I a salad from Cafe Rio. HEAVEN On her drive up she saw a bear and a cub. How cool!!! We spent the evening visiting and laughing. I stored my camper at her house for a year and use to spend every weekend out here. The summer of 2012 was one for the books. Floating the Shenandoah River and Watermelon Park felt like coming home. Virginia is for hikers!!! Signed, Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 15.8 Completed: 946.5 Remaining: 1238.8 Start Point: Nicholson Hollow End point: Elkwood Hollow (tenting) States Completed: 3 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9) States Remaining: 11 VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Elkwood Hollow 

To: Gravel Springs Hut 
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: few clouds

Day 73, May 13, 2014 Wow what a day. Carrie and I stayed up yakking until four in the morning. When we woke up Pooh was in no hurry to get going. He's lsays - I make a mean lasagna, hint hint. So off to the store we go for the ingredients. it was wonderful I must say. So a few stories about Pooh (I asked permission to tell these): 1. Last night at three am he wakes up and says, "I hear FORKS"!! LOL!! He was correct. Carrie was eating a salad. So she made him one. 2. Then today Carrie's daughter was eating a cupcake. Well, when I say eating what I mean is she licked all the frosting off the top. That darn Pooh Bear actually says hey I'll eat the rest and he did. I thought that was a little disgusting. 3. Pooh Bear has a genetic disorder called NF1. He said it is the most common genetic disorder. As I understand it his nerve endings explode and cause skim modules to form. Leaving him a looking a little disfigured. He has shared with me the heartache this has caused, as women have told him they can't be with him because of this. He longs to be a husband and father. I tell you this story in order to bring awareness about NF1 as I had never heard of it. So yestersay I also met Carrie's sister, Lindsey. We were telling her about the trail. She looked at us and just said, "I don't get it"! That really made me laugh. So I want to contemplate/pontificate a little more. I know I have been in a little bit of a funk the last few days. Keeping with the "truth in journaling" I know it is because the falling out with Radioman. I am actually a little emotionally drained. But each day it gets a little better. Today helped. But we just hiked a few miles and this also caused me angst. I was telling Pooh and Carrie that for some reason if I am not hiking I feel bad and guilty. It is so weird. My goodness I am three weeks ahead of where I thought I would be during the years I plotted and planned this hike. They brought up a good point that zeros and those memories are also part of the hike. And its true. My time with UG, Dorito, Coach, Bev, Woody, Kim and Carrie have been some of the most memorable. I have more zeros planned in my future and I want to learn to enjoy them and the people. DAMN I'm a MESS So dispite the late start we did get a few miles in. When we got to the Shelter Coconut anf Spice were there. It made me so happy to see them. The drive up to the trail rocked dispite bad weather. And the trail itself was nice. Complete with another gorgeous sunset. I hear we have bad weather in our future. Lots of rain. At least it will be warmer. And the tics still suck. Virginia is for hikers!!! Signed, Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 5.2 Completed: 951.7 Remaining: 1234.3 Start Point: Elkwood Hollow End point: Gravel Springs Hut (Shelter) States Completed: 3 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9) States Remaining: 11 VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)