morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-09
From: Lost Mt. Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I climbed up to the Virginia Highlands this morning. A very beautiful area. The shelter tonight is on the edge of the Grayson Highlands and has marvelous views from the rocks at the back of the shelter. The water is down a ways with a corral around the spring to "keep the ponies from contaminating the water" but there are several rails down. When I got water the ponies were around. Got pictures of 2 mothers and babies up close and a picture of a whole group of ponies off down the valley. Quite a variety of colors. They did not run, but would not let me get real close; I had no trouble with them nibbling on my clothes as I have heard of before.I got in around 4:45 and for a long time it looked like there would only be 2 of us staying here; but now at 8:00 there are at least 6 of us and a couple more tenting in the area. The fog is rolling in from the valley, then rolling back out; quite an interesting scene. Lots of birds singing as the nearby ones eagerly wait (beg) for crumbs. A very peaceful evening.
Date: 2006-05-10
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Breakfast on the rocks behind the shelter at 6:30 looking down on the ponies a few yards away having their own breakfast-the mom ponies, that is. The child ponies were playing tag. One of them had so much energy that when he couldn't get another to chase him, he just ran around in circles by himself. It was a beautiful morning. The fog burned off leaving clear blue skies with intense sunshine rather than the predicted thunderstorms. The Grayson Highlands are awesome! I felt like a mountain goat, rock-scrambling all morning - but they don't carry elephants on their backs, do they? I went through fat man's squeeze. I had no trouble personally, but my elephant, I mean pack, felt a little pinched. I saw another group of ponies before I left the Grayson Highlands area. Later at Wise Shelter I read a note in the register about a problem with the ponies "stampeeding" near the shelter. They saw the hammock and avoided it, but broke through some of the guy lines. I saw another snake this afternoon. It had its head under some dry leaves so I couldn't see it, but it had a short stout body, no rattles. I didn't feel inclined to poke at it to get it to show me its head so I could see if it was poisonous or not.I arrived here at Old Orchard Shelter about 3:20, having decided earlier to stop at 11 miles as they are predicting "heavy thunder storms" this evening; one of those nights that I would like to be in a shelter, and the only way I can be reasonably sure of space is to stop early. Besides, my feet were killing me. Everyone else who arrived here had the same complaint after the last couple of miles of very rocky downhill. We got our suppers done and food bags hung just about the time it started to rain about 6:15. Now 30 minutes later the sky is brightening, still no T&L. In the shelter tonight are Master Plan, Postcard, No Lines, Plugger, and myself, with a few others tenting. There is a large group of kids and counselors trailing in through the rain.
Date: 2006-05-11
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

Word of the day - WET! It looked threatening all morning, but didn't let loose until 11:15. It was warm and I opted to just get rained on and not do the rain jacket. Big mistake. I was drenched to the skin in a couple of minutes; the temp dropped from upper 60s to mid 50s and a stiff wind came up. I was definitely chilly, and was also in need of a break and a snack, but not in the rain! It kept raining off and on for most of the day, including after arriving at the shelter. Did the whole 14 miles with my pack off for only 10 minutes. When I got here I wanted to get out of all the wet clothes and put on dry stuff. As there were 2 men here, I headed to the privy with my dry things - low and behold, the privy had no roof (raining again), nor did it have any walls; it was one of those "open-air" affairs. And I needed to change from the skin out, mind you! At least it was out of sight of the shelter. It sure felt good to be clean and dry; well, dry at least.Later...the shelter is more than full. It is quite chilly and definitely damp, although it seems to have stopped raining at last. We have a dog named Bailey here tonight who brought a couple of section hikers with her
Date: 2006-05-12
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept quite well for such a cool, damp night. Love my WM sleeping bag! It showered many times during the night and I was glad we all had fit in the shelter, including Bailey. I shared bites of breakfast with her; she catches treats as well as my dog Royal does.It was a very cool but easy hiking day to Partnership Shelter, which has quite a reputation as a luxury shelter. It is large, solid log, clean, has a nice privy, a sink with running water (warm & cold) out back, AND a shower! However, it is so cold this afternoon, I don't think anyone has taken advantage of the shower (warm water but no heat in the area). There is also a phone at the Mt. Rogers Recreation Area Visitor Center from which you can order pizza for delivery. As a group we just ordered $150.00 worth, to be delivered in about an hour. Hikers look forward to this shelter from the time they leave Springer Mt.OK - time to tell the truth, even though it hurts (excuse most awful pun). I have been having left foot pain, and it has been getting worse, to the point that it has become more than I choose to continue to hike with. I suspect Morton's neuroma. Plan to go home and see a podiatrist and see what can be done. I have been making, rethinking, and remaking this decision all week. The first hour of the day all is well and I think "This is great, I can hike forever!" Then the thing flares up and the rest of the day is matter of endurance. I got cell reception today for the first time this week and began notifying family of my decision which made it seem quite final and brought on a flood of crocodile tears. I plan to get to Relax Inn tomorrow afternoon and DH will pick me up Sunday morning. The only comforting thought right now is the fact that rain is predicted every day for the whole next week and I'll miss it!
Date: 2006-05-13
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Relax Inn, Rural Retreat, VA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Several hikers came in at 12:30 last night after doing 35 miles from Thomas Knob Shelter; I didn't even hear them. Woke to a welcome change of clear blue sky, and headed out about 7:45.Virginia is very nice; elevation changes are more gradual for the most part and there are frequent changes in scenery. Today there were plenty of woods, pastures, rhododendron tunnels, views, streams, a swampy area with boardwalk, and even an old farm museum with school. To top it off the sky was vivid blue with lots of fluffy white clouds, just what I love to have as backdrop for my pictures.The first hour of hiking was great and then, as usual, the left foot began acting up and continued all day. I was actually very thankful, because it helped me know I was making the right decision to get off for now. If I had hiked comfortably all day I would have been in limbo again, wanting to continue on. When I got to Chatfield Shelter for lunch break there was my last bit of trail magic. On the picnic table was a perfect red apple with a happy face note saying "Enjoy!" I did! It went very well with my leftover pizza from last evening. A few more miles and more pastures and I arrived at Relax Inn right near I-81. Quite a noisy area and the room left much to be desired and had several broken items, but it was private and dry, and I commenced relaxing (after a shower)! Now looking forward to being home with family, and making plans for the rest of the summer, such as camping and hiking in the Shenendoahs in June and visiting my Dad in Maine. There are other ways to get to there besides on foot!Will be adding pictures soon.
Date: 2006-05-21
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I have been off the trail for a week now, and am amazed at how much my knees and feet stiffened up AFTER getting off the trail! I saw an orthopedic/foot doctor Thursday regarding the left foot pain. I don¢t have Morton¢s neuroma. I have ¢4th metatarsal head protrusion¢ (end of foot bone protruding at bottom of foot), causing pain, but at least it only bothers me with hiking, not walking around the house. I will be getting some custom orthotic inserts that should help, but will take about 3 weeks to obtain.To those who have been reading my journal and/or signed my guest book ¢ thank you so much! I have appreciated every expression of interest and word of encouragement. I sure enjoyed the portion of AT that I was able to do ¢ it was great! I am looking forward to seeing more of the Virginia AT in June; maybe I will run into some of the hikers that I have become acquainted with. Class of 2006 - good luck, and enjoy every day of your hike!
Date: 2006-06-09
From: Pollock Knob

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Back on the trail again! I got dropped off at Pollock Knob on a beautiful morning and headed south on the AT. Within 5 minutes I ran into Bama and Little Wing. I first met Bama at Jerry Cabin Shelter, NC/TN area, when I was hiking with Burned Pancake. We had a nice visit, catching up with trail news, then headed our opposite ways. Next I met up with a couple of ladies who were new to day-hiking, and they were interested in everything I was wearing or carrying-it was fun talking with them.The temperature was perfect with a nice breeze. The terrain here in the park is very nice, mild ups and downs, with some rocky trail. I also passed over several rock slide areas, eyes and ears alert for snakes. The only snake I saw was a small ring-necked one, and right after that I saw a pile of what I think was bear scat, VERY fresh. But no bear to be seen. I did see approximately a million millipedes.I stopped in at Rock Spring Hut to read/sign the register and there was a couple spending the day because of sickness. While I was snacking a deer came by to graze a few yards away. There are so many deer in the park, and they are not at all afraid of people. Just after the shelter I came to a long section of trail with mountain laurel in full bloom, just beautiful! Took several more pictures, saw some more hikers I know, and just generally had a nice day. Bad news/good news: Today was my test day with the custom orthotics in my boots (picked them up Monday). After an hour of hiking, the same sore spot flared up on the bottom of left foot; so I don't think the orthotics are going to help much. Good news is that it makes me feel better about being back at work, as opposed to waiting to hopefully get back on the trail and losing the opportunity to get my work back. Back on the trail long distance isn't going to happen unless I can get a new pair of feet!
Date: 2006-06-10
From: 1 mile south of Swift Run Gap

To: Bearfence Mt. Hut
Miles today: 10.3

On the trail, northbound! Good, even if only for a couple of days. Perfect weather/temps with a nice breeze. I saw no one on the trail for the first couple of hours until I got to the South River Picnic Area. I stopped there to use the "facilities" and have a snack and look at the map. When I headed back to the AT there was a regular traffic jam of people on the trail for a while, none of whom were backpackers. A while later I met an older couple who were section hiking the Shenandoahs and they were telling me about a couple of bear sitings, one of which was at the shelter area I am at tonight. I was really having second thoughts about staying at this shelter tonight; it is near a road, on a weekend, and I hadn't seen a backpacker all day - plus bear activity! I would really like to see a bear, but only as he runs away from me, and not where I am camped for the night, especially if I am alone! Picky about how I want to see my bear, aren't I?Well, I was contemplating checking at Lewis Mt. Campground (right on the trail 1 mile before Bearfence Mt. Hut) to see if they had any campsites empty, when just then a thru-hiker passed, and said she was going to Bearfence Hut. So that made me feel better about heading there myself without bothering to check on the campground. It looked full anyway. I heard reports later in the evening that there was a bear visiting the campground every night. Maybe I should have stayed there!Now here at the hut there are at least 14 people, almost all women. Many are tenting, including me. It is quite cool with a bit of a breeze.I saw lots of bear scat today, but no bear. It seems like most everyone I talk to has seen one or more bears since they have been in the park. There was a deer near the shelter soon after I arrived. I am tented in one of the few "designated tent sites" which is tiny, slanted, and rocky - I have had to tie out one stake; there was no way to get a stake in the ground and no options of moving the tent around.The birds are singing, the leaves are rustling, and I am ready to go to sleep - at 7:30! It may be a long night; at least it will be easy to get an early start in the morning. Good night!Later ¢ Well, I managed to stay up until 9:00! Some of the hikers got a nice fire going and it was cool enough that it really felt good to huddle around the fire. There was one little mouse who thought so too. He kept coming out of the bushes and sitting right up against the fire pit rocks, then someone would scare him and he would run back to the weeds, only to return again in a few minutes. He was very small and very cute. I told him he could share the fire as long as he promised not to climb up anyone¢s pant legs.
Date: 2006-06-11
From: Bearfence Mt. Hut

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Deer, deer, and more deer! The park is full of deer that look at me like I am the item of interest. I left the shelter quite early and headed for Big Meadows Campground to rejoin my family. I arrived in time for lunch after climbing Blackrock Mt. It really doesn't seem reasonable to call these climbs mountains as they seem like a different category from the GA/TN/NC mountains.   Still no bear, although I did see a handwritten note dated 2 days prior that some hikers had seen a mother with 2 cubs in the area that had been somewhat aggressive. I kept my eyes and ears open, but to no avail! I had to be content with lots of friendly deer. I went through some beautiful very green areas of chest-high fern; the deer seemed to especially like this section.The trail is big, beautiful, peaceful, challenging, and awesome; an experience I am grateful to have had and I will always enjoy remembering my hike. This ends my thru-hike attempt, and now I enter a new category ¢ that of a section hiker. I do hope to do more of the trail, in smaller bits and pieces as time and feet allow.Post- hike note to follow ¢ when I find time, I plan to read through my pre-hike entries, and compare my expectations to the actual long-distance hiking experience and write about similarities and differences. In a nutshell: It was GREAT!
Date: 2006-03-09
To: First Journal Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So, I have officially started my trail journal. A little over 3 weeks until we shove off for the BIG walk. Still a lot more to prepare for, and a few more dollars to save. I can't wait to be done with work! This trip is about a year in the making. I just graduated from The Ohio State University in December and decided not to enter the "real" world until much later this year, I am thinking mid-October. I am definitely a novice hiker, so this journey will mold me into a pro.I will be traveling with my buddy Pete who I met freshmen year in the dorms, and his friend Devin, from back home, who I have yet to meet. My parents, friends and family have all been really supportive about my decision to hike 2200 miles, eventhough they may have been skeptical in the beginning that I would really do it. Hopefully I will get some hiking in this weekend, it is supposed to be beautiful and warm here in central Ohio and I could use the practice. We'll see!
Date: 2006-03-21
To: Getting Nervous
Miles today: 0.0

So I know that this is not going to be easy, but the mental thing I am going through right now is pretty tough. I keep doubting myself, and I am getting really nervous. I have recently developed a facial twitch between my eyes that I am attributing to my nerves, and I have a heightened sensation for everything that might be wrong with my body. For example, I am convinced that I am getting a cavity, but the pain in my mouth keeps moving, so I know I am going crazy. I also just bought a dehydrator to make some yummy trail food...I get to take my moms home cooked meals!!! Pete and I are getting together to finally get our maildrops in line, and I only have a few more things to buy, and I still have to settle up my boot fiasco. The boots I bought a defective, and I have to get a new pair with 1.5 weeks left to go, AHHHHH! Oh well, I know everything will work out. Only 12 more days until we are on the trail.
Date: 2006-03-31
To: Beck Tavern
Miles today: 0.0

Goodbye Columbus.I would like to thank my family and friends, all of my regular customers at Mozart's, and my boss and fellow co-workers for being my official cheerleading squad for this trip.   We leave tomorrow morning for Georgia, and officially start our hike on sunday!! wooo whoo!Everyone has been so generous and kind and I would like to give a very huge THANK YOU!Tonight we are celbrating one last night at the Elevator for dinner and then the Beck Tavern for a night of rowdiness. I am sure we are going to have a blast. I am nervous, but when I packed up all my gear and food, my pack only weighed 25 lbs!! Can you believe that! but that doesn't include water.Peace out Ohio, see you in June for Hood's wedding!
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: scattered clouds

My parents dropped Peter, Devin, and I off on Springer this morning. We had a good breakfast at Waffle House and they provided me with a spoon for the first part of my trip since I forgot one. There were a lot of people starting off today, we met 2 guys from Ohio even. The terrain was mostly downhill but when we started going up, boy could you tell I haven't been working out. The shelter was packed so about 20 people had to tent camp. Which I really don't mind. Tomorrow we are only going to Gooch Mountain shelter only about 7.5 miles from Hawk. Hope my body feels ok tomorrow.
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: light rain

Last night it rained like no other. I thought a bolt of lightening was going to go right through my body!! Needless to say I didn't sleep well. My body is really sore, but not unbearable. The hike today was up and down, up and down. I am like a snail going uphill. We decided to pass the shelter this eveing and go on to the camp ground because the shelter was packed anyway. It was really windy when we were setting up camp, but hopefully it dies down tonight, but I doubt it. Tomorrow we are going to try for blood mountain, but it is about 12 miles away. We'll see.
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Gooch Gap

To: Slaughter Creek Campsite
Miles today: 11.3

Today was our longest day yet, 11.3 miles, wooo whoo. We camped up on blood mountain, not in the shelter but on the side of the mountain, and boy was it windy. I got a little cold, but mostly in my feet. The sunset was BEAUTIFUL! we camped on the west face of the mountain, so we got to see it all. Tomorrow we are going in to Neels Gap, so I am excited to get some snacks. THat is one thing I totally forgot to get for the trail, was snack food.
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Slaughter Creek Campsite

To: Rock Spring Top
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It was cold this morning getting out of bed, and windy. Blood mountain was awesome. The best views we have had yet. Neels Gap was a good stop, stocked up on food, changed my hydration system. I sent home my filter and my nalgene bottles, and now have and MSR bladder. I like it, sometimes it is a little annoying to fill, but I can drink whenever I want, instead of having the boys pull my bottle out of the holder for me. I also got a silk sleeping bag liner to help with my cold feet problem. It took us a little longer at Neels than anticipated so we only went 6 miles for the day. Today I got my trail name. It is Trips. After we get all set to go from Neels, I am all geared up, full pack, walk down the stairs and fall right down them, therefore I am Trips. Hopefully I won't do that on the actual trail. Tomorrow we will hopefully get passed Low Gap Shelter.
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Cheese Factory

To: Moreland Gap
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

Rough night last night. It started to rain really bad about an hour after we went to bed, until about a half hour before we got out of our tents. Needless to say it was tought to get up. About a hal hour into our hike that morning I saw a signe that read, "Free Food and Water Ahead." I thought to myself, yeah right, but sure enough there at Tray Gap was a boy scouts troop, Troop 605 I believe feedint the thru hikers. Hot chicken noodle soup, snickers bars, homemade carrot cake, and fresh fruit! It was great.The hike up Kelly Knob was awful. Everytime we thought we were done there was another mountain to climb. We made it all the way to Moreland Gap and camped there. Tomorrow our first town!!!! Hiawassee here we come.
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Moreland Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 1.9
Weather: clear sky

We ran into a couple this morning on the way to the gap that recommened the Holiday Inn Express so we decided that was where we were going to clean up. We got a hitch from Mary Mac, Martha her 5 year old neice, and Pearl a black poodle. They were really nice, but Mary Mac didn't crack a windown the whole way, and we are 3 very smelly hikers. She dropped us off the hotel and we immediately took showers. It felt so good to finally be clean. We did laundry and I walked and got us Subway. Mmmmmmm. It is amazing how fast I can walk without 35 lbs. on my backOur hotel room still had a little funky smell because of our gear, but it isn't a tent.We rode bicycles to the grocery store and restocked, but we were very upset when we found out no where in that county in Georgia can you buy alcohol. Not even in restaurants!!! We ate at the local Mexican joint and went back to the hotel to watch TV. What a luxurious day.
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: clear sky

We were kind of late getting going this morning but we only had to hike about 4 miles. Got fuel for our stoves and hitched a ride back to the gap. We got to the shelter earlier than usual, and were able to talk to the other thru-hikers. There was Kojak, a veteran of the AT, BeeKeeper, Fargo, another gentleman and the three of us. We had good conversation. A group of three guys came in later, a dad and two sons and then Beth and Michelle showed up late. Pete and I slept in the shelter for the first time and I definately forgot ear plugs. Someone snored really loudly so I didn't sleep the greatest. Tomorrow we finally hike into another state. North Carolina here we come!!!