morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Cammerer Tower, stealth camp
Miles today: 10.5

Well, the earplugs worked to drown out the noise of the jerks. They laughed and talked for a long time, into the wee hours of the morning, but I didn't hear them. Ironically, I slept really, really well. And I didn't feel the least bit bad about making all kinds of noise when I woke up at 6:45 and started packing up. Most were still in their drug-induced stupper and didn't hear me. I had a leisurely breakfast, and still set off before 8. The terrain was gentle and the path was clear of rocks and roots, so you could easily hike AND look around. I went through a long stretch of dark, cool forest. It was almost pitch black except for the glowing green moss growing on each trunk, limb and root. The sun tried to peak through the branches, but the forest held on to its secrets. E.T. passed me arly on, and I played leap-frog with Uncle Buck most of the morning. We hiked together and chatted for awhile. We both stopped and enjoyed the vistas (there were lots!) I made great time to Cosby Knob Shelter, and I even saw some wild turkeys along the way. Other than a snake, the turkeys and a few ridiculously tame deer at Double Spring Gap Shelter, I haven't seen much in the way of wild life. I really expected to see more in the National Park, but instead I've just seen lots of wild humans. I chatted with Pathfinder and a day hiker. Banyan, Crash and several others from the night before started showing up. The sky clouded over and the temperature stayed low, perfect for hiking. The trail got steep again and really showed signs of erosion and over-use. Given the number of visitors to the park, it really is no surprise. I got the turn off for Mt. Cammerer tower, and I didn't hesitate for a moment. After last night's experience at the shelter, I wanted to create some distance between myself and some of the others. So that would mean breaking the park rules. I got to the tower and Pathfinder was there. I had shared with her my plans to stealth camp/sleep in the tower, and she too liked the idea of avoiding last night's crowd. The view was fantastic. A wonderful 360 degree vista of the park and the plains below. There was a family of day hikers there when we arrived. We talked with them a bit. After they left, we went into the tower and took off our packs. Two more day hikers came through, and we said hello. Then without even thinking, we both started pillaging through our food bags like bums through a garbage can. The day hikers stared at us with a combination of awe and disgust. I can only imagine how we must have appeared to them: dirty, hungry, scroungy, odorous? After the crowds had cleared out, I went back out to collect some water. We hung our food bags over the railing of the tower, crawled in our bags and hoped that we wouldn't get busted by the park rangers.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Hostel @ the Laughing Heart Lodge, Hot Springs, NC

To: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0

I slept sooooo well last night. I had left the window open, and the cool night air felt helped me snuggle a little deeper into my bed. But as expected at 6:45, I was wide awake. I got some brewed coffee (okay, so maybe I had half a pot). I spent the morning laying in bed and updating Trailjournals (it takes about an hour per entry, FYI. My phone likes to mix up words and auto-correct, and it takes longer to undo its "fixes" than it does to type). I ate breakfast out of my food bag and paid my bill and talked with Double Dare for a while. Finally I grabbed my pack and headed down the hill to Elmer's Sunnybank Inn. It is probably one of the neatest and most curious hostels/hotels/bed-and-breakfasts situated in a neat old Victorian. I sat on the porch and read my emails while my room was being sorted. I pillaged through my maildrop, and wondered what in the hell I'm going to do with all these meals (I think I'm going to mail half of them to Erwin, TN rather than carry 10 days worth of food?!). I wandered back down to town, and Tom called while I was poking around Artisuns. It was so nice to have a long, un-rushed conversation with him. I headed for the Iron Horse for lunch and continued my TJ updates. Big Foot Jim came in, and I sat and chatted with him while he ate his lunch. I ventured over to the outfitters again, and decided to buy a new tent. I got a 2-person Sierra Design for a reasonable price. It only weighs a little more than my current tent/tarp, and it offers a lot more protection. I saw Pathfinder, and sent her to Elmer's. We'll be roomies for the next two nights! :D It's so neat seeing everyone in town. It's genuine and excitement to see all the familar faces. We chat and talk as if we've been friends for years, though we may have only met a few times before. Everyone shares tales of their adventures. We catch up on gossip as to who is back on the trail, and who has gotten off. I'm always sad to hear when someone has gotten off. It's like losing a friend. In the evening, I met up with Pathfinder and Violet at the local tavern. Duct Tape, Double Dare, Crash, Nimble, Bitter Goat, Blue, Little SAS, Cookie, and Big Foot Jim were just a few of the familar faces. I had a couple of snake bites and a plate of nachos. At 8:00 p.m., I started yawning and so I headed back to Elmer's to my bed.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: The Place, Damascus, VA

To: The Place, Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0

I was so pooped last night. I slept really well in my wooden bunk. The guy above me snored off and on. I accidentally kicked the bunk, and it would stop. The clouds blew in over the mountains in eerie formations. It looked ominous. I was glad not to be in the mountains. I went back to Crazy Larry's to let me know that I wasn't going to take the room. He already had somebody lined up to take it. They were happy to have the bed, he was happy to have his beds full, I was happy to have somewhere else to lay my head. I saw Little SAS and Kokopelli. I went back to the Place to drop something off. They are closed from 10-1 p.m. for cleaning. Bayou was about to read me the riot act, but I told him that I wanted to help him clean. His demeanor completely changed. I don't think hikers help out there much. It's a vicious, unfortunate cycle. He gets frustrated with them, they get frustrated with him. In the end, no one is left with positive feels. Anywho, I swept the downstairs and mopped the bathrooms. In no time, we were done. I took the hostel towels to the local laundromat to wash and dry. I got to talk with Steve and Elaine. All is well there!I dropped the towels off at the hostel and walked over to Mojoe's, an awesome cozy little coffee shop at the edge of town. I had a lovely, refreshing veggie plate and some coffee. I updated trail journals and talked with some hikers and locals. The rain was really coming down in sheets and the wind was still blowing. A few more hikers came in with startling reports of the terrible weather up on the balds. They, too, had to call for a shuttle to come rescue them. Wow. 2013 is a crazy weather season. I bought a beautiful handmade coffe mug made by a local potter. It was a gift to myself for completing the first quarter of the trail. Tom called and we chatted for almost an hour. Awwwwwwwww.....I had my Tom fix! I closed the coffee shop down and walked in the rain back to The Place. Several of them were headed over to the Blue Blaze Cafe for happy hour, dinner and karaoke. Oh boy. How do you turn that down? It only took 5 hours and 4 beers, but I was finally convinced (actually someone signed me up) me to sing Bob Seger's, Turn the Page. The song had been looping in my brain for the last couple of weeks, with AT modifications, of course. I wasn't asked to leave afterwards, but it was pretty terrible. LOL. At 10:05, it was way passed my bedtime. I said my good-byes and headed back to "The Place." I crawled into bed still wearing my town dress. It was after "lights out and quiet time" so I didn't dare make anymore noise that absolutely neccessary. I didn't want to rouse the sleeping lion!
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Sugar Run Gap, Wood's Hole Hostel

To: Wood's Hole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a lovely, lazy day. I got up early and helped to prepare breakfast (participation is welcomed and kind of expected). I had the pleasure of meeting Neville. She's a lovely, petite ball of calm, positive energy. I felt immediately at ease. I was put in charge of making the cream cheese frosting for,the homemade pumpkin bread (with freshly ground cloves. OMG). I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the production. I love being able to pitch in, especially here. When breakfast was ready, we circled up, held hands. We started with a moment of silence, and then we went around the circle introducing ourselves and saying something that we are grateful for. Then we sat down and had our breakfast family-style. What a perfect way to start such a morning!The rest of the day was spent helping with kitchen clean up. Meandering out on the porch swing. Writing in my journal. Watching the chickens and pigs. Doing some trail journal updates. Writing postcards. Meandering out to a rocking chair. Watching misty rain fill the fields with fog. Making lunch for Dreamer and myself. Leading a yoga class for the other guests with dogs, cats and chickens wandering among us. Watching hikers filter in and out-some staying for the night, others just passing through. They brought news from Trail Days. It was such a restorative day. We debated whether or not to stay another night. More and more hikers poured in as the evening progressed. They were in various stages of wet. The forecast for tomorrow isn't good, so we decided to stay another night and just slack pack to Pearisburg tomorrow. I'm happy to be staying at Wood's Hole again tomorrow, but I'm a little anxious by the shorter mileage days. The zen is being tainted, and I need to fin a balance.After dinner, Neville, Dreamer, Green Blaze, Aristole and I meditated. It turns out that Neville is a Vipassana meditator as well. We sat for an hour.I spent the rest of the night fretting over how to balance mileage, hiking partnerships, smelling the roses and hiking my own hike.
Date: 2013-05-23
From: Wind Rock campsite

To: Footbridge, Sinking Creek, VA 42
Miles today: 13.1

With Chad and Dreamer tucked in their tent, whispering happily like newly weds- in fact their first anniversary had passed only two few days earlier- I slipped into a deep sleep. A soft rain fell all night long. I wanted to get up and get as early of a start as possible, but when I groggily woke up and saw that it was only 3:45, I happily closed my eyes. I woke up again at 5:00. There was plenty of light to get moving. The rain had stopped, thank goodness. I hate packing up in the rain the worst. Fortunately the light rain hadn't penetrated my tent, and only the rain fly and bottom edges of my tent were wet. Dreamer and Chad were also up and moving. We walked together down to their car. I grabbed a few items that I had left in there and filled up my fuel bottle with a container of alcohol I'd purchased in Marion, VA the week before. Chad had been my mobile swag wagon. We hugged. I wished them safe travels to Ohio, and they bid me happy trails. It will be curious to see where we meet up again.I walked back up to the Wind Rock campsite, waving at the wildlife camera set up along the trail. I saw a small yellowish light ahead. It looked like a headlamp, but the campsite had been empty when I left. Who was up there? As I kept walking, the lights started multiplying and looked like twinkling Christmas lights hanging above an outdoor dinner party. Over the next few steps, the lights seemed to flicker on and off at random. A broad smile spread across my face. It was the sun just making it over the crest of the hill ahead of me at eye level. The trees and vegetation were so thick and the trail was aligned just so that only a few rays of sun could seep through the filter action of the branches. The trail curved and all the lights disappeared as quickly as they appeared. And again, I knew without a doubt that this was why I was supposed to have stayed at Wind Rock. I was exactly where I was supposed to be. The trail knew, but until that moment, I had not. When I got to the campsite, I continued up to the lookout. A river of clouds flowed through the valley below. I heard a rooster crow. It sounded like it was right beside me, but I knew that the sound must have echoed from the across the valley floor from one of the farms below. A buzzard took flight and soared gracefully on the wind currents, just the tips of feathers showing any movement. It was 7:00 am and time for me to get moving.
Date: 2013-05-24
From: Footbridge, Sinking Creek, VA 42

To: Terrapin Cabin
Miles today: 0.0

Terrapin cabin 24-27 May 2013We've had a lovely visit, my family. Aunt Elaine, Uncle David, Cousin Kate and my parents drove/flew in from Texas to spend a few days with me in Appalachia. We rented a little cabin in the woods (with a severe bug problem- this coming from someone who has spent the last two months in the woods) along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Big Island and Glasgow. We did a few section hikes of the AT (Apple Orchard Mountain, James River, McAfee Knob). We took a long, scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive and back down the Shenandoah Valley. The weather was a bit colder than anyone expected, especially the first few days. We sat out on the deck, bundled in every layer of clothing we could get our hands on. We played cards (spades), and the older generation taught the younger generation (Kate & I) how to play 42 (dominos). We laughed a lot, argued a little, and thanked our lucky stars to have each other to create such memories with. I think I have the best family the Universe could conjure up. Uncle David learned the art of trail magic by handing out beers and shuttling hikers. He really upped my "cool" factor. Thanks, Uncle David! Mom and Dad picked up a few hitch-hiking hikers and became trail angels in their own right. Thanks, Mom and Dad! Aunt Elaine and Kate joined me on along the trail to McAfee Knob to guarantee a sunny view from the top (given my track record of missed vistas due to inclement weather, I'm taking every chance I can get so see the "must sees"). Thank you, Aunt Elaine and Kate! I also ate about a pound of Uncle David & Aunt Elaine's famous fudge. My hiker appetite worked in my favor allowing me to eat five times as much of it as I normally do before I started to feel sick. Mmmmm. And there is still plenty bring with me. Jackpot!And all too soon, our time together drew to an end. There's still so much to see, but it will have to wait until the next time. I love you all. Thanks for making the trip. It means the world to me
Date: 2013-05-31
From: Lambert's Meadow Shelter

To: Super 8, US 220, Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4

Last night was a crappy night for sleep. The gnats and mosquitos bluzzed and bit all night. I tried to cower under my sleeping bag, but it was too hot. I'd wake up in a pool of sweat. A night hiker passed through around 1 a.m. and decided to cook. He tried to be quiet, but we were all sleeping so poorly that he woke us up just the same. The gnats were still biting as I tried to make breakfast. I have so many bites on my hands that my fingers are swollen. Usually my wedding band slips easily along my finger, but today the finger is swollen up fat around it. The early morning walk was easy. I saw a few snakes, but none of them were poisionous. The trail climbed up on the ridge. You could see a reservoir to the right and Daleville to the left. It was getting hot, and I wanted to get to town to wait out the heat of the day. But the trail was rocky, and it made it difficult to move fast. My right knee started to ache. I'm hoping it's just the extra weight and not something that will plague me. Shame on me and my heavy pack. I've come far enough to know better.I got into town around 12:20. I had planned to grap lunch and hide from the heat. I went straight to the Outdoor Trails outfitters. I found a summer bag, DEET, new toe socks (My big toe popped out of the end of the sock a few day ago. I guess they met their 600 mile limit), and some electrolyte tablets. I stopped at the Mill Mountain Tea & Coffee shop. I ordered a salad Nicoise(I've been dreaming about one of these for the last 100 miles), a large iced coffee, a large fresh squeezed limeade and a lemon bar. I sank into the couch and knew it would be hard to coax myself back out again. I charge my phone and camera and called my in-laws. My knee was still hurting, and my inner thighs were on fire (from chaffing). I considered calling it a day. By 3 p.m., by pre-determined restart time, I decided to stop for the day. I collected all my goodies and started taking care of my to-do list. I stopped next door at the Verizon store to buy a new phone case. I had managed to destroy my Otterbox (indestructable phone case) in only two months. I went to the UPS store and mailed my mother-in-law a very stinking sleeping bag (I'm so sorry ahead of time, Elaine! I promise to send flowers next time). I went to the grocery store and picked up some fresh fruit and a couple of granola bars. And then I headed to the Super 8. They had an open pool, a place to do laundry and free computer access. The pool was fantastic, and I had it all to myself. It felt great on my feet and legs. Too bad I can't have one of these at the end of everyday! I ate my entire plate at the Mexican food restaurant next door; I'm not sure I've ever done that in my entire life. I headed back to the hotel, and tried to get some more trail journals updated. I spoke with my parents and caught up with my written journal. Before I knew it, it was 1 a.m. So much for getting to bed early and getting an early start in the morning. Oh well. At least I got everything struck off my to-do list!
Date: 2013-06-05
From: Glasgow Commons, US 501, VA 130

To: Glasgow Commons, US 501, VA 130
Miles today: 0.0

I slept well last though the shelter crowd stayed up long after me. I woke up in the middle of the night to use the port-o-potty, and someone was singing by the campfire. I didn't envy the hangover they would have. I heard everyone moving about when it was time to get up. I, too, started packing up but the miracle cure for my knee didn't happen overnight as I had hoped. It was barely 7:00 a.m., and I needed someone to tell me what to do. Go or stay and rest another day. I saw Mouse across the way, and I yelled out to ask his opinion. He recommended flipping a coin, if I was disappointed in the outcome then I would have my answer. Sounded like pretty good advice, actually. I dug out a quarter: Heads I stay, Tails I go. Heads. I felt relieved. I spent an half an hour looking up my symptoms online. Either my IT band was acting up or I had a torn piece of meniscus. Or maybe both. I decided to call my mom, she's a nurse and my go-to person in such cases. Unfortunately she didn't have a magic answer or cure either, just that one day wouldn't heal or fix the problem, but it certainly wouldn't hurt it to give it a day's rest. It was good to hear her and Dad's voice. They had some funny stories from home to relate, and I could really use a laugh. So I spent the day lounging around Glasgow. I had breakfast with Fifteen and Quaker at the gas station. I moved to the restaurant for coffee and to charge my phone. I went to the library and spent a few hours updating trail journals. I talked to Tom for a long time, keeping him up well past his bedtime. I went to the post office and mailed home a few more pieces of gear that I hadn't used in several hundred miles. I went back to the restaurant and ordered food I wasn't the least bit hungry for just to have an excuse to sit there. Lynde called and we must have talked for at least an hour. It's so good to catch up with her and share some belly laughs. I came back to the campsite and picked up garbage with Quaker. Hikers can be pretty messy, and I didn't want the town of Glasgow to think we were unappreciative of their hospitality. I joined Quaker and Fifteen for dinner, and Quaker treated me to coffee and a canola. I thoroughly enjoyed their company. By the time I knew it, it was hiker midnight. It's a lot quieter tonight. I just hope I haven't underminded my sleep with the half pot of coffee I consumed.
Date: 2013-06-13
From: Grace Hiker Hostel, Waynesboro, VA

To: Grace Hiker Hostel, Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up before the 7:30 wake-up call. I couldn't believe how quiet everyone had been. An open room with 18 bodies and not one of them snored. I couldn't believe my luck. We had to pack everything up, put away our cots, store our belongs if we were staying and clean up the area. The sleeping area is also the main room of the fellowship hall, and the church had events scheduled later in the day. So we had to clear our stuff out of the way. I headed down to Constitution Park to see Breeze, Wind & Cheese off as they were heading off on their Aquablaze. I was envious not to be a part of their flotilla, but I also knew that if I was serious about resting my knee then I needed to stay put. I gave them all hugs and wished them well. I really hope our paths cross again. I enjoyed their company. I headed to the laundromat with my bag of bio-hazardous socks. While they washed, I splurged 25 cents to weigh myself on the scales next to the washers. I took off everything but my dress and wedding band. 132.5 That's about 2.5 lbs heavier than when I started the trail. I sat in a chair next to the big wide glass windows. Dark, ominous clouds rolled in. If I were out on the trail, I would be concerned, but as it were I sat attentively and watched as the minivan parked in front of the laundromat with the names "Misti" and "Stormie" written in shoe polish on the windows was pummeled with hard, fat rain drops. If you ask me, it seemed the minivan had it coming! i folded my piping hot laundry, but much to my dismay my socks smelled lightly of clothes detergent but mostly like the inside of my boots. I guess I'll still be sporting my signature fragrance. Tom called. We talked about how far I'd come, and how far I still have to go. and somewhere in our conversation it hit me: I've walked eight HUNDRED and fifty-seven point five miles. HO-LEE SHIT. That's a long way! I suddenly felt really, really proud of myself. I've been keeping close track of my miles, but not really registering what that meant. It's cliche, but I've been missing the forest for the trees, the mileage for the miles. No wonder my knees hurt!I wandered to Stone Soup and claimed a table in their dining room. I had a lovely lunch and dug into the book I'd purchased the day before. After a few hours I moved out to their front porch. I watched the rain move through. Eventually I went back inside for a late afternoon snack and finished off the book. The place was just about to close and Id been there through a shift change. It was time to head back to the hostel. the hostel was slammed. All the cots were spoken for, so I set up my sleeping bag on the floor. It's super comfortable, so I wasn't concerned in the least. the church people were hosting a free dinner for the hostel guest. Taco casserole, chicken casserole, spaghetti casserole, salad, ice cream, fresh berries and sliced watermelon. Thank you again, Waynesboro!