morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Columbia, SC/graduation

To: Columbia, SC/graduation
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it you can become it. William Arthur Ward   What a weekend it has been, amidst glowing graduates and their adoring families. The ceremony was positive and joyful. Kelly and her roommate, Taylor, are much more confident and poised than I was at their age. They have the adventure of life ahead of them.    We stayed an extra day and it was busy for me. I've been heavily congested, so this day helped to clear that up. I've also been working on Kelly's computer to update a few things.    High priority for me was adding songs to my shuffle. When I purchased it, I was visiting Kelly and made a small playlist of 51 songs from her music to listen to. Being a total technical dud, I didn't realize that my shuffle was then synced to her laptop. Adding songs at home became a problem. I really like those 51 songs, but I've heard them over and over and over. And over. Ad nauseum.    My kids stay abed until late morning, so I used the early hours to choose more music. Later, they were dismayed that I'd actually purchased music (Mom--coulda got all that with Hulu or Limewire or something--said with heavy sighs and eye rolling. Spending up their inheritance, LOL). Just give me the search tool and a credit card and I'm happier than a pig in you know what. Works for me.       I also added a book of good short stories by thru hiker Ken Byerly to my Kindle. "Good Looking Bloke". I think it's still in the cloud (in process?) but should be OK soon. I have no idea how or why these things work, I just plow ahead with blind faith that it'll turn out the right way.      I ordered something that was personalized but forgot to fill in the text. I gotta get back to the trail--life is too stressful out here!       Another bonus was getting my boots repaired. They are doing well, but the rubber toe part was separating on the right boot. They are now glued, cleaned and newly waterproofed. This is very important to me because it's so hard to find any shoes or boots that fit well due to the surgery on my left foot. I will have to deal with this when my boots wear out, but I'd like them to last as long as possible. One day and $19 later and they look better than new.       We were recruiting promising AT hikers after dinner. That's Taylor in the photo. I think she'd make a great addition to the hiker community!It's all good when you're surrounded by smart, personable twenty-somethings. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-05-13
From: US 421

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 15.2

Make voyages. Attempt them. That's all there is. Tennessee Williams      It is so great to be back on the trail. Copilot, Polaris and I drove back to Virginia and they dropped me off at the AT crossing on Route 421. That's where I stopped the day I was feeling hypothermic.       The walk into Damascus was easy--pretty flat trail, mostly downhill.   My legs were feeling the days off, muscles much tighter than normal by the time I got close to town. The AT drops right into someone's side yard when you get to Damascus, then goes through the park and right down the Main Street in town. People were working in the park, getting things set up for Trail Days.       Today I walked by the smallest shelter I've seen thus far. It was big enough for two people. Someone had carved "Holiday Inn" in the wood above the opening. Right above that was "Love Shack".       The forest was beautiful and the miles passed quickly. I found Copilot on the edge of town and we walked to Larry's. A bath was at the top of my list, to help the tight muscles. Larry was cooking dinner so we all hung out, relaxing, reading and resting.      Larry cooked venison tonight. It was fabulous. He ground it fresh and added seasonings and chopped onion. At the very end was a dollop of cream cheese. He served saut©ed potatoes, corn and biscuits with the venison. This was the best meal I've had anywhere, on or off the trail. Mmmmm, I am truly in food heaven. Larry is the best.      I'll be hiking in the Jefferson National Forest in the next few days. Forty years ago, I spent the summer before my senior year of high school working for the Forest Service in this area. (Yep, class of '74--which makes me 56 years young). We worked on trails, built campgrounds, planted honeysuckle and enjoyed social and educational events in the area. I feel a special sense of connection to this section of VA and am glad to be back here enjoying the natural beauty of this part of my home state.    Looking forward to hiking with Polaris tomorrow!It's all great at Larry's!Tie Dye
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Wise shelter

To: Trimpi shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Walking is man's best medicine. Hippocrates   The wind blew, hard, all night long. We were up and out early, walking across grassy, rocky fields dotted with scrub vegetation. In one area, fiddleheads were pushing up though the soil, tightly wound. I wanted to snap a photo, but the wind was pushing me off the trail. I was tossed this way and that, struggling with each step to maintain my balance. I put my head down and pushed forward.    Two tiring miles later we arrived at an area called the Scales, an old livestock corral. The trail went back into the woods here, blessedly out of the wind. We had a second brekky at Old Orchard shelter. The shelters in VA are very nice. All have privies, something I rarely saw in Tennessee. Lucky to find a shovel there!    Hiking on, we enjoyed a beautiful day. I think spring may finally have arrived. It was very warm, and a little breeze was in the air. All shades of green surrounded us as new leaves were growing, and mosses, grasses, ferns, flowers and plants made a beautiful mosaic in the forest.       We caught up with Double Dare at lunch. I hadn't seen him since Hemlock Hollow and was delighted to catch up. He is doing a 10 year anniversary hike, having first thru hiked in 2003. He just loves hiking and is happily walking north again.    We decided to go to the next shelter as the endpoint for our day. It was another 9 miles. I arrived there just before five, a long day for me. My legs were tired and I was happy to sit at a picnic table and chill. Polaris got water and we made sloppy joes with cheese, sun dried tomatoes and bell peppers on tortillas for dinner. It was tasty.    Spent a great night at Trimpi shelter with Snafu and a German couple. There are a lot of German hikers on the AT because a documentary was filmed and it became very popular there. Now they are here, seeing for themselves what a wonderful experience this is.    We were both tired after the day's miles and bedtime came early. What a wonderful day, hiking with the best person ever--my son Polaris. My heart could not be happier.    Tie Dye, the happiest hiker on the AT
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Trimpi shelter

To: Mt. Rogers Visitor's Center
Miles today: 10.7

There is a real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment. Norman Vincent Peale    Polaris and I walked away from Trimpi shelter and immediately found ourselves in the beautiful meadow in the photo. A grove of honeysuckle bushes there smelled heavenly as the trail wove towards the fence. We were both stunned by our good fortune, to be in such a place, sharing the wonder together.    Just beyond the exit steps, we found a colorful box that said "Pray It Forward".   It was set under a tarp, with chairs, a cooler, a trash container and a water jug suspended from a tree. The youth group at the Valley View Baptist Church had outdone themselves. The box was filled with snacks, resupply items like Ramen noodles, nuts, cocoa mix, first aid supply items, baggies with tortilla chips, little baggies with Q-tips and a guest register. We sat and enjoyed a cold drink and a snack and left our trash bottle--full from three days of hiking. Thank you Meghan, Alyssa, Katelyn, Nathan, Adrianna, Kasey, Ethan, Maddie and Jess. The Dali Lama said "My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness". Thank you for showing such kindness to us and to others, whom you have not met but who so deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity.    We hiked on into a beautiful morning. There was a slight steady breeze and it was a bit cooler. The miles flew by, and suddenly I had the Partnership shelter in sight. This shelter is famous amongst hikers. It is beautifully constructed with two levels, has a shower, and hikers can walk easily to the Mt. Rogers Visitor Center and have pizza delivered!    We met Copilot here and returned to Damascus. Things were much busier in town, as Trail Days events were ramping up. We ate, rested, ate more, showered, ate ate ate and did laundry. Best was Mile Back's biscuits and gravy, a brekky leftover. I inhaled that.       Off we went to the airport, for Obie and Jolly. Obie had returned home to CA to rest some seriously sore tendons in her feet three weeks ago. Jolly had rehabbed his ankle and sore tendons and had gotten the OK to hike on. What a riotous reunion it was. Yes! The three amigos, together again. Trail days, here we come.       We returned to Larry's to get settled and had a fabulous meal of beans, greens and cornbread. A little moonshine then off to the Blue Blaze cafe for music. Best. Day. Ever!!!It's all good, always. Tie DyePS. Extra pix entered.
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Damascus Trail Days

To: Damascus Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0

There has been a tragic accident here today. It occurred during the Hiker Parade. A car somehow drove onto the parade route and many hikers were hit and injured. Nine have been hospitalized, two critically injured but apparently they will be OK so there will be no fatalities. Others were treated at the scene. Medivac helicopters came to transport some to the hospital.    This occurred right next to me. I had just drifted towards the side of the road, fortunately. I'm OK, and I am asking for prayers for all of the injured. The driver of the vehicle was an older man who seemed in a daze when his car was finally stopped. A friend of mine was clipped by the rear view mirror and was able to open the rear door of the car and lean over to put the car in park.    There have been many news trucks here including CBS and Fox. I wanted to let all of you know about this in case it becomes more widely reported on the news.       Thank you for your prayers. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Mt. Rogers Visitor's Center

To: VA 683
Miles today: 11.5

The thing to remember when traveling is that the trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast and you miss all you are traveling for. Louie L'Amour      Woo hoo, back on the trail again, with Jolly and Redspecs. It took two vehicles to get us back to our start point at Mt. Rogers Visitor Center. Copilot had us, and Polaris and Snake Girl had our gear in her pick up truck. After lots of hugs and goodbyes, we hit the trail, Copilot headed for Greensboro airport and Polaris and Snake Girl drove back to Jersey. Polaris is headed to the Whites in NH on Monday morning as a group leader with a trip from Rutgers University.       Jolly and I skipped across the road and up the trail. We all found trail magic immediately--Oreos, little chocolates, trail bars, Starbursts and applesauce pouches. So nice.....we all munched out!   We hiked through misty green forest all morning. It was beautiful. We came upon a vista and hollered to hear our voices echo. I was so happy to be hiking again, but could feel residual tiredness from the emotional strain of yesterday.    We were walking with water all morning. At Chatfield Shelter we had lunch next to a babbling stream. A few miles beyond that we came upon an old schoolhouse and museum. Had a lot of fun there. Outside the old building iris was blooming and a lilac tree was covered in purple flowers. I stood and inhaled the sweet smell. We had also been smelling autumn olive, fragrant and sweet. Plus some good piney scents too. This was a great day for the nose!   The trail in VA is more rolling hills with smaller ups and downs. We passed cows grazing (we mooed, and they all came to us), farm fields and could see homes here and there. It rained in the afternoon but the temperature is blessedly warmer, so it was fine for walking. The forecast is for rain showers most days this week.    Jolly is reestablishing his trail legs and brain, which is a trick at first. After weeks away, the leg muscles let you know that they are trying to remember what to do and how to do it, but it takes time. He slept poorly Saturday night, too, so we stopped for the day right at the I-81 crossing near Atkins. His new shoes are causing blisters and he is evaluating that. I know that we will all benefit from a better night of sleep.    It all good. Tie Dye PS. Extra photos today.
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Walker Gap

To: VA Route 610
Miles today: 14.9

It's just walkin. Lone Wolf   I love to walk. Always have. I've always been a tumbleweed, too, happiest when gadding about. When I graduated from law school, I became a flight attendant and traveled all over. I met Copilot on a flight to London, but that's another story.       Many flight attendants are truly professional shoppers, snagging deals worldwide. I really dislike shopping and am very happy out here with my one change of clothes and two pairs of socks. I always went for walks in the cities I landed in, curious about the neighborhoods, looking at homes, smelling food smells or bread baking and people watching.    On the AT, I feel like I'm walking through different neighborhoods, too. The terrain is constantly changing along with the resident flora and fauna. Smells awaken my nose, then fade into memories. I look down and see history beneath my boots in the footprints of those who've walked by this season and in previous years.       The walk today took us up Chestnut Ridge, with a spectacular view to the entire valley from the Chestnut Knob shelter. We passed through a beautiful long meadow that just cried out for skipping and I obliged. We crossed streams on every kind of AT footbridge. It was a fabulous walk.    Near the end, we crossed the Holston River bridge and found Pumpkin, Hamster's wife. She offered cold water and fresh apples. Perfect. Another mile through a farmer's field and we were done.       Jolly is awaiting another pair of shoes and some gear, so we returned to Bland. It should all arrive tomorrow. Until then, I will enjoy the pleasure of simply walking.   The AT. It's just walkin'. It's all good when you're walkin'. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Walker Gap

To: US 52/Bland
Miles today: 20.6

It's about as nice a thing as anybody can do--walking, and it's cheap too. Grandma Gatewood      Jolly's knees were sore this morning, so he zeroed to rest them. Redspecs and I hit the trail pretty early, determined to walk back to town. We traversed a rocky ridge line for the first six miles, then descended through forest for two miles.    Alongside the trail we met Dobbie Ma and G.G. They were section hiking from Bland to Damascus. What a delight! Dobbie Ma carried a beautiful staff, personalized with her trail name carved on one side and an interesting face on the other. She wrote down the trail names of all who'd passed her, so you check to see if friends were ahead.       These ladies were the best. We chatted about the Camino de Santiago trail in Spain, and Redspecs shared his experiences and info with them. They were excited to think about hiking there in the future.       G .G . had hiked part of the AT with her grandson two years ago. He was now 15 and would be joining her at the Partnership shelter to hike the Grayson Highlands section, just as Polaris and I had done.       Dobbin Ma offered us a Vitamin C hard candy, even taking the wrapper back so we didn't have extra trash. Before leaving them, we shared a group hug. So good! What an inspiring pair. Smiles all around.    We hiked on, stopping at Jenkins shelter for lunch. Until today, I've not been inspired to take photos of any AT privies. Check the two extra pix of this unique bathroom.    The last seven miles of trail were a gift.....a wide path with gentle ups and downs, strewn with pine needles to cushion the feet. We literally flew over this part in just two hours.    Back in Bland, the rain came, but we had dodged that today and were happy to pack up for an early departure in the morning. Strawberry Donut and Whistler hiked 20 miles yesterday and 25 today. They arrived back almost two hours earlier than anticipated, giving us a report on the trail ahead. Looks good. Yes!!! Lovin' Virginia!It's all good. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-05-23
From: US 52/Bland

To: Dismal Falls
Miles today: 20.2

Thru hiking is easy. . .except for the hiking part.   Hopeful Hiker   Off we went this morning, north towards Pearisburg. We scored trail magic immediately in the form of a cooler with cold sodas or beer. The Dr. Pepper provided a sugar shot to propel me up the first incline to the ridge line.    The trail was pretty, although views were limited as the trees are now fully leafed out. A road crossing was eight miles away and the walking was easy. I arrived at the road to find that Jolly had decided to call it quits and go home. He'd already called Bubba.       He had thought a lot about things yesterday, and after these miles he realized that he didn't want to hike another 1500. His heart was at home, with his wife.    The AT is so many things--a footpath in the wilderness, a community in a line, a social network, a demanding mistress. Above all, it's hard. For me, hard in a good way, but hard nonetheless. Aside from the physical issues, the biggest challenge is one's emotional commitment to this journey. You have so much time to think every day, hours upon hours. You gotta want to be here.    Our leave taking was tearful for me. I love Jolly and have a friend for life. I respect his choice and his honesty. We have shared so much. I gave a skip for good luck, and was off.    HOLLER TO JOLLY: will I ever learn? Not far from the road, I stepped right on a large log laying across the trail. Just like that day into Neel's Gap, it was slippery and I was down in an instant. Had mud and leaves everywhere--and I used Wiggy's bandana to clean myself off.   Laughed my arse off. That one's for you, mate!!!   I feel as though I'm hiking through a rain forest. It has rained regularly and the humidity level is very high. Water is everywhere--and on me as I am sweat soaked constantly. I am walking through fern forests.          Redspecs and I lunched at Jenny Knob Shelter. I took another privy photo--this is getting a bit quirky, but hey, when you walk ten hours a day quirkiness is a virtue.    We crossed Kimberling Creek on a cool suspension bridge that swayed with every step. Two more miles brought us to our camp at Dismal Falls. These falls are not spectacular by any stretch of the imagination, but dipping into the cold water was heavenly.    It's been raining on and off, so I'm snug in my tent. It's been a different kind of day, but I enjoyed my afternoon walk as I remembered so many good times with Jolly. He is a prince of a guy--the best. I will miss him tremendously. It's all good, always Tie Dye(extra pix)
Date: 2013-05-24
From: Dismal Falls

To: Woods Hole hostel/Sugar Run Road
Miles today: 13.7

Gratitude is the best attitude.    I have fallen through another crack in the AT time/space continuum and ended up in a parallel world again. And this one is organic.       A place where peahens were the first noise I heard. And chickens roam freely. Baby ducklings swim in a little pond and cows graze the pasture. Pigs and piglets live right next to a terrific outdoor shower. Raised bed gardens are everywhere, containing every kind of greens imaginable. The smell of fresh bread is in the air, and you can sign up for that. And for yoga. And for massage. A beautiful 1800's cabin is the centerpiece of this magical place. Woods Hole hostel.       I arrived this afternoon, just after Redspecs, and he was already having a massage. It'll be my turn tomorrow morning. I got situated in a cozy bunkhouse and hit the outdoor shower. Once clean, I hung my wet tent to dry and wandered into the communal space below the sleeping area. A container of home baked oatmeal chocolate chip bars was there, along with a 'fridge full of cold drinks. Mmmmmmmm.    Redspecs had signed us up for dinner, so I rested a bit, then went to the cabin to help. Preparations were underway to serve 23 this night. In a lovely dining room, tables were set with pretty dishes and linens. Colorful napkin rings were personalized with trail names/places. Mine said Springer Mountain.    In the kitchen, Neville was in full blower, finishing the meal prep while directing others to tasks such as grating cheese, readying homemade salad dressings and bringing bowls to the table. Her kitchen is well organized and she is a master at directing others who love to help. It's wonderful--dogs and cats wandering about, an old wood stove in the corner and shelves full of spices in Mason jars.    Before eating, we all joined hands and shared a moment of silence. Then, each person said their name, where they were from and something they were thankful for. We sat down to huge bowls of fresh salad and loaves of bread hot from the oven--jalape±o cheese or rosemary. Michael, Neville's husband, had made a vast pot of soup for the second course. It was full of garden veggies and chicken. I could not be more grateful or thankful to be at this table.    Redspecs and I had planned to linger a bit the next morning then hike ten miles to Pearisburg where we needed to stop for resupply. Michael offered to take us there instead, where we could shop quickly then walk back to Woods Hole for another night. Perfect!!!!   I am filled with gratitude for this place, the wonderful people I've met everywhere, the beauty of spring flowers and trees blooming everywhere and the privilege of walking on the magnificent AppalachianTrail every day. My days are full of wonder and my heart is full of love. It's all terrific and organic and lovely. Tie Dye. (Extra pix and more coming tomorrow)