morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-15
From: Watauga Lake

To: Trail Days, Damascus VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Hi everyone! I am in Damascus for the Hiker Festival! Turner and Lea and Joe picked Ups, Sideways, Country Gold and I from the lake on Thurs and brought us in to town for the annual fest! What a time! It was so good to see them, I can't tell you! The festival was a good time and quite the milestone! We spent a lot of time in town and in tent city with all the hikers! It sure was sweet to have a hotel room to come back to though!The hike is still going well and I am ready to get back out there! Turner is going home with my latest pictures and will be posting some for me. I have been so busy with the festivities and the normal town chores so I am very grateful! I wanted to make a note that while all my journals show me happy and cheesin, I am busting my butt! This has been very difficult at times, usually a couple each day! The hiking is just what I do and when the trail gets tough, I just keep going...there is no other choice! I am in better shape but this trail is going to kick my butt from here to Maine! It's funny how fast those hard times are forgotten, especially when I am in town doing these entries! The terrain has eased a little, for now, but once I cover the 40 miles left from the Lake to Damascus it will all change! I will continue to take each day as it comes and push through the rough stuff. It's really neat in that when I am struggling, I know it will be over in less than an hour or 2. Things come and pass so quickly out here. I've seen terrible mornings turn out to be the best days! I suppose that's what keeps me going! The rewards each day of mileage, new scenery, new camps and approaching towns are what makes us smile on the good days and keep us going on the bad! It definitely proves this is a mental game. I can physically hike to Maine, this I already know...we'll see if I can conquer the heat and bugs mentally! These are 2 of my worst fears out here so at least I am ready for them! I am so excited for my next visitors, Uncle Rog and Aunt Janet! They will be meeting me in Pearisburg, VA in 2 weeks! Between now and then I will also be arriving at Rambunny's hostel in Adkins. She is a fellow hoosier and I am very excited to meet her and Aqua and stay with them!I better get going as it is really Sun, the 16th and we have to check out shortly. Time to hit the trail! God bless Turner for toting us all around this weekend! We gave many o ride to hikers with the truck and she carted me around for all my chores. What a luxury! She brought my radio and birks and slippers as well as camp chairs and coolers...just little things to you out there, enormous luxuries to us from the trail! I'll try to check in again as soon as I can. Thanks again for all the support! I think of you all often and really appreciate the encouraging words!Later is NOW...what dream can you make come true??? All you have to do is go for it!!peace and love
Date: 2010-05-20
From: Damascus,VA

To: Stealth camp, Straight Branch
Miles today: 6.6

Hey everyone! Thought I would catch you all up since I haven't had much service since leaving Damascus! This was a short day...but at least I made it out of town! I almost took another 0!! I hiked out of town with Sanman and Ups, Sideways and Indiana Jones a day behind.
Date: 2010-05-21
From: Stealth camp, Straight Branch

To: Stealth camp, Whitetop Mtn
Miles today: 15.0

This was a nice, long day. We wound up climbing Whitetop only to find a bald, high winds and rain! We trudged on another mile or so and found a campsite tucked back in the woods! We joined Redbear there and had a lovely, short evening as we didn't roll into camp until 8! Most days I am hiking by 9 and still going until 7 or so! Much longer days than I anticipated but they sure are fun! Hopefully I will be able to hike 15-20 in less time but for now I just try and keep the breaks to a min and the lunches short (and by short I mean less than an hour!)
Date: 2010-05-22
From: Stealth camp, Whitetop Mtn

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Oh what a day! We had a short 6 miles down and back up only 1000' to Mt. Rodgers (SO glad we climbed the 2500' ascent to Whitetop yesterday!!)Then we reached the Grayson Highlands with the wild ponies! We saw them in a couple places and boy was that cool! The hiking was ROUGH though, all rocks! BIG ones...well, and little ones and medium ones...tons of them! They really slow you down, but what can you do?! Slow it down and keep on trekking, that's what! HA!!
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Wise Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 21.0

This was a fantastic day! This terrain was much different than the flat hike into Damascus (when I did my first 20 miler) and I could have even gone further! I felt GREAT all day! We arrived at Trimpi shelter but wanted to move on so Sanman offered to refill our water there and I would hike on to find a campsite. It was looking grim (and by grim I mean hilly) so I kept going. About 15 min/1/2 mi later I could tell it was going to open up to a bald area...when I arrived at the opening I panned the view and found THE SCHOOLBUS!! Another magical moment!!! (If you all watched your copy of Trek you know what I am talking about!!) It was SO exciting! What an incredible way to end this awesome day! I went right over to it and checked it out. It was like the movie Into the Wild...there was a cot, couch, stove, woodburning stove and table! Sanman arrived shortly after and we began to make camp. As we did, the cows came up from the water and grazed right by us! VERY cool! Just as we were wrapping up the evening chores it began to rain! This is 1 of 3 or 4 days where the rain seemed to wait for us to get set up! This is AWESOME! The rain over the last week or so was mainly during the day which is fine! SO, this was one of my favorite days on the trail yet! I couldn't believe how good I felt after all those miles! I can tell you the next morning was a little rough, but not too shappy considering!
Date: 2010-05-24
To: Stealth camp on Locust Mtn.
Miles today: 14.4

This was a special day in that we had pizza and Mtn. Dew delivered to Partnership Shelter for lunch! The shelter is 50 yards from the Mt. Rodger's Visitor's center which has a phone we can use for free! THIS shelter should be called the Hilton! It had a shower and sink, a loft, an awesome fire area and great camping...too bad we couldn't stay! We pushed on so that we could get here to Adkins and Rambunny's hostel!! We did enjoy our leftovers for dinner though!! Yahooooo!!!
Date: 2010-05-25
From: Stealth camp on Locust Mtn.

To: Happy Hiker Hostel, Adkins, VA
Miles today: 7.0

So the day started with rain but cleared up just as we were crawling out of our tents! I can't believe how many times this has happened!! I thank the Lord everyday for the weather we've been having!We got 3 miles in and stopped at the shelter for breakfast as we were low on water last night, then headed out the for the last 4 to Rambunny's Hostel!! I can't believe I am here, even now! It was so great to finally meet her and what a set up they have going on here! Marsha: thanks for the message! I told her I heard from you and she said to tell you hi!! I've showered and caught you all up a little. I am sitting here in a robe and slippers with a vat of Dew! Does it get any better than this??? They have some things going on tomorrow so I can't be tempted to 0! Blessing in disguise I am sure! Ups, Restless and Indiana Jones (actually from Belgium) are here in town at a hotel so we should catch back up with them tomorrow! I'm very excited about that! I am a little behind to meet Uncle Rog and Aunt Janet in Pearisburg by the weekend so I will see what roads are in my future and where they can pick me up! I am very excited to see them too! I wish I had more time but the shuttle run is calling! All is well, thanks for the well wishes! Dara, please know I didn't dare stay in that fenced shelter! Wasn't that atroucious! ok, better go...peace and love
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Happy Hiker Hostel, Adkins, VA

To: Motel, Adkins,VA
Miles today: 0.0

This was a nice day I wound up staying at the Relax Inn, worst motel yet! Had a good time with the Goonies none the less. They all took off for a short evening hike back to the woods and I enjoyed a quiet evening in the room.
Date: 2010-05-27
From: Motel, Adkins,VA

To: VA42/Picnic Shelter
Miles today: 11.8

So this morning I heard back from Uncle Rog and Janet and made our plans to connect in Bland. I would not make it to Pearisburg but the big road in Bland would do! I requested a late check out and relaxed some more since I didn't have to cover so many miles. I headed for the restaurant for my last meal and the wonderful lady offered to make me breakfast even though it was over Before taking off for a fairly short day I met Master Chief and Sauerdough and wound up hiking with them all day. We came to rest at a picnic shelter where I was reunited with Restless, the Good Fellas and Indiana. We had a short but big downpour and was excited to stay at this large, group party-sized shelter with fireplace!
Date: 2010-05-28
From: VA42/Picnic Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

This day was another good one! We started hearing thunder 'bout lunch time. I stopped to eat before it hit when I heard the group somewhere up ahead. After eating I hiked on to find them setting up tarps to ride out the storm. It was nice...a big creek right there and maybe 7-9 people. I am proud to stay I only stuck around an hour or so and decided to head off in the rain. I need to get to my next destination, rain or shine. This way I could at least have more time to deal with the wet stuff. After a very nice, 3 mi. incline and a few showers I found myself on top a wonderful bald, then another one and then another one! I finally reached the top and this shelter! It was a BUILDING! 4 walls and a DOOR! The sky was amazing with the clouds right at our level, elev 4409. Eventually the rest of the gang rolled in and we had another fantabulous evening on the Appalachian Trail!
Date: 2010-05-29
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Laurel Creek
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

This was yet another AWESOME day guys! I wound up hiking slow and steady all day! The terrain was very mild. We hiked an 8 mile ridge around Burke's Garden. Lowrider and I wound up breaking and hiking most the day! We rolled into the next shelter for lunch about 3 and was surprised to find some of the Goonies (Ups, Restless, Sideways) were still there taking one of their infamously long lunches! This terrain has really been a treat! We are all slowing down and really enjoying it! They all wound up going into town with another hiker who's from around here so Lowrider and I camped next to this rather large creek! There were some locals with horses next to us. Marcus was also near and visited. We were chased and then revisited by a crazy raccoon, got some soda's from the neighbors and had yet another fantabulous night on the trail! The soda's were extra special because we had been teased by the Goonies, an empty cooler and some other soda~having, non~sharing locals and came up unsuccessful! That was one of the best Pepsi's I have ever had! We enjoyed a small fire, some dinner and greast conversation. We planned to hit the trail by 9 to hike the 7 miles to meet Uncle Rog and Aunt Janet and enjoy this very special trail magic!
Date: 2010-05-30
From: Laurel Creek

To: US52/Bland,VA
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: scattered clouds

So we hit the trail at 9 and hiked 6.5 miles before we could believe it! We were taking some good breaks too! We thought we had 3 more miles to go and discovered we only had .5 left! That, my friends, RARELY happens out here! It was awesome! While we were waiting for them to arrive a fan [a VAN I mean!! HA! that was a typo, but I suppose I COULD call you fans ] pulls over into this parking area we were in and asked if we wanted a coke or mtn dew?!! ARE YOU KIDDING??? YES PLEASE! After chatting I learned it was George and Jenny Fisher and they had been following me on TJ's! CRAZY! It was so nice to meet you guys! What a small world! They were there to leave some trail magic! Thanks again you guys! Wasn't long and R&J showed up and before we knew it was in a car, on the highway to a hotel and welcomed to request any stops for anything! They spoiled us rotten to say the least! We decided DQ by the hotel would be lovely, and boy was it! We got checked in, cleaned up and headed out for dinner! Texas Roadhouse...yuuuummmmm! Both Lowrider and I had a wonderful time with them! They sure seemed to enjoy listening to our stories! We returned to the room just as the hot tub and pool closed but the kindest lady let us go in for 1 hour anyway! What a day! Life is Good! I feel SO blessed!
Date: 2010-05-31
From: US52/Bland,VA

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 2.3
Weather: light rain

Yet another awesome day! I can't get over how every day is awesome out here! Sure there are trying times most every day but the rewards FAR out weigh! We had a great lazy morning in the room, enjoyed the breakfast and headed out to the outfitter and 5 guys in Blacksburg. We took a little tour on the VA Tech campus on the way and had a really great morning! They took us back to the trail around 3 and we said our good~byes! I have been hoping I could flip my pack over my back and got a wild hair so I gave it a whirl! SUCCESS! I couldn't believe it! If you've seen Trek, you should have seen this done. I thought it would take a lot longer before I could do it! I was excited they were there to see it too! A special trail moment for me! So off we went... the short distance to the shelter and got to work on camp and the fire which we heated up our burgers on we brought from 5 guys! Another great day...this life is amazing. I often reflect on how lucky I am to be living this way. It has become our way of life. It feels like I've been hiking for a really long time...and it really makes me smile. I am so thrilled that I still get another 3+ months out here...what an opportunity!
Date: 2010-06-01
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I've been on this computer a bit so I better try to pick up the pace...This was another great day, got rained on but did short miles and had plenty of time to recoup. The goonies and good fellas (Ball Hawk, Boston George and Aquaman) arrived (we hadn't seem them since before town)and Lowrider and I enjoyed hearing all the stories from THEIR town experience! Man o' man!!
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Dismal Creek Falls
Miles today: 8.4

ANOTHER FANTASTIC DAY!!! This ranks first on my list of days, with other folks! We wound up camping on top of these waterfalls! There was a store .4 off the trail so Sideways and Lowrider went and picked us up some hamburgers and deli sandwiches, and soda of course, for lunch! They also thought to get hot dogs, buns and sausage for dinner! There was already a fire pit right there on the rocks so it was perfect! They returned with the goodies, we swam and relaxed. It was heaven! Words will never describe that day! Lowrider would be leaving us soon (in Pearisburg) as his work called him back so we truely made the MOST of this incredible area. We all fell asleep to the creek and waterfall. It doesn't get any better than this, not in my opinion! This is why we work so hard hiking every day. We literally decided on a whim to stop and enjoy and it resulted in one of my best days on trail. These Goonies and Good Fellas are a great bunch! I am so excited to be sharing this experience with them!
Date: 2010-06-03
From: Dismal Creek Falls

To: Sugar Run Gap/Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: mist

Good Lord, ANOTHER awesome day! Nice weather, still great terrain and a historical hostel! To save a little time here go check out their website... it's called Woodshole Hostel. The main house was built in 1880! This is the kind of hostel I came out here to experience! All organic food, great scenery, awesome host~thanks again Neville! Upon arrival I found several folks(good fellas, sideway's and lowrider) who were all supposed to be moving ahead, skipping the hostel but could not resist the draw of Woodshole and the soda's it held. I literally felt called there myself, for several days. Even though I would be in town the next day, I knew I needed to go here. I know why now... Food Network, Buck, Mynown, Jamie, Wingin It, Wandering Jew, Squatch and Sleepy were all there too. Before I knew it the evening had come and I was hearing Brokedown Palace (Grateful Dead) from Buck on the porch swing! I was in heavan. He was good and could sing too. Then it happened...yes he did...he knew Ripple, and knew it well! As the sun finshed setting he and I enjoyed my favorite song, as did several others! This really has been everything I hoped it could be! There truely is AT magic in the air, all the time!!
Date: 2010-06-04
From: Sugar Run Gap/Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg,VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Ripple is taking a zero day in Pearisburg,VA on her b-day tomorrow June 5th, hopefully she will be able to hop online for a moment. Hey all! I have been updating the entries since Adkins so go back and check them out. I will finish this one and hope to get back to this computer tomorrow with some pictures!We made it into Pearisburg, finally! Not without getting soaked in a quick downpour, 1 mile before town! HA!! Long story short, we decided on the Motor Lodge and found the rest of the gang! We will celebrate and remember this town stop. Lowrider and Boston George must leave us and my b-day is Sat. We are all very sad to loose them, but duty calls and they must answer. They are both ok with it so we are trying to be too. Quite selfish, I know Peach and I went across the street and hit the goodwill for some new clothes! We each found a dress/skirt and think we'll hike out with them. Sometimes folks will buy a shirt and shorts and then take them back to goodwill or leave them at the hostel. It really helps us by allowing us to wash EVERYTHING!Off to Dinner at some Italian restaurant...great sicilian pizza, garlic knots with cheese and get this...the best cheese fries I have ever had in my life! Gonna have to get some more of those! What a great day on the AT!
Date: 2010-06-05
From: Pearisburg,VA

To: Pearisburg,VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Hi again! This has been the best birthday I have ever had! SO much to share! Please know that my new friends are seeing to it I have an incredible birthday! As did my friends from home! (Thank you Turner, Ame and Scarlett!) I hate to tease you but I really should break. I've been at this for an hour or so. I will definitely get back on here before leaving town (tomorrow or maybe??? Mon) All is well Stay tuned...Hi again! It's 6/14 or 15th and I thought I'd update a little.We had such a great group at the hotel on my birthday! It's started with a great morning greeting from Lowrider, Ups brought me a bag full of all my favorite goodies, everyone at the place began wishing me a great day as soon as I stepped out of the room! Food Network gave me tye-died duct tape then he and Sweet Tea went to the store and bought pork chops and corn on the cob! Food Network is an AWESOME cook and hooked us all up! We swam and ate and relaxed and ate...Sweet Tea gave me this GROOVY outfit to sport for the day, although it didn't last long I'm afraid there ARE pictures too! Later in the night the girls surprised me AGAIN and came out singing Happy B-Day with a cake and candles! They even decorated it! Boy was it good and such a great time! These guys are something else! What a family we have out here! I couldn't thank them enough for giving me such a special day!! I also got a birthday tune from my girls, Turner and Ame! Love you all so very much!!
Date: 2010-06-06
From: Pearisburg,VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hey all! I'm sorry I didn't make it back here to get some more entries in. I had such a great, fun, busy birthday!! I'll have to fill you in from Daleville though. I'll go to the next entry for the rest of my update This was a great day! We got up and made our way to Marsha's Diner for another fabulous breakfast only to find them closed on Sunday! What?! That was crazy to us but we went on back to the DQ and managed quite nicely! They hooked us up with breakfast even though lunch was starting. It truely is the little things, eh?! Then Ups came by and offered to do my laundry! What a treat!! Thank you Ups! I very much enjoyed laying for a bit after that breakfast! Lowrider and I went for one more dose of these CRAZY good cheese fries (at the local italian joint!) and then we hung with Ups and Sideways as the night came to close. Good times...really good times!
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Campsite, 8.4 miles out
Miles today: 8.4

So I relaxed yesterday after getting most the chores done and even took a nap! This morning we all got up and had our last meal with Lowrider, for now that is! We wrapped up our errands and got our postal needs taken care of! That left us with about 45 min to spend with Lowrider before his shuttle arrived. He's headed to Roanoke and will pick up a car to drive 600 miles! His path has changed but I know he'll enjoy the rest of his journey (and can't wait to hear how it goes!) We can't wait to get to CT to visit and catch up with him! Ups has hit the trail and Sideways, Wingin' It and I are close behind. One last stop at the motel by the trail for alcohol/fuel. I'll be to Daleville in 6.5 days if all goes according to plan. I think I will 0 there and hope to get some pictures up for you!Thank you for all the wonderful birthday wishes! They sure made me smile!! Bye for now! UPDATE: I've had a few calls regarding Ripple's coming mail drop location. Here it is. Make a note on the envelope or package to "HOLD for NOBO AT thru-hiker" and ETA. Should be good if mailed out by Tue/Wed. She thinks she'll be in Daleville this weekend. 4) ETA: 6/11Jennifer FreemanOutdoor Trails (Outfitter)Botetourt Commons28 Kingston Dr.Daleville, VA 24083
Date: 2010-06-08
From: Campsite, 8.4 miles out

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a cery long day! We had a nice morning but I hoped to be on the trail by 8:30, not 9:30! I woke up with a sore thoat and just had trouble moving! Because I wanted 20 miles today I was hurryung all day and I'm sure that played a role in the foul day. A late lunch didn't help. I did discover that I had already climbed a mtn I thought was still to come so that was great! I saw 3 deer and a wild turkey and I also believe there was a berar roaming around the tent last night maybe 30 or 40 yards away! The butterflies are out and are everywhere! I can't believe how many we see!The last 2.25 miles were really tough and the bugs managed to bring a tear, but no breakdown They are something! So a managed the last LONG hour and make it to the shelter. I continually ask God to stay with and it seems he does The water source was .25 mi before the shelter and .25 down some crazy rocks but I loaded down so I wouldn't have to come back! That probably added 8 lbs! Never the less I made it and had a nice short night at the shelter.
Date: 2010-06-09
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today was another tough one, but better than yesterday-mentally and physically. A late start with 3 miles up and big rocks was slow going but handled a big up after lunch pretty well, even with my first "real" fall! Luckily no major damage was done. It was no surprise it was a slightly wet big rock that took me down! I can't believe it took me this long to really wipe out! I guess that's what my pace does for me!! There was a lot of thought about time and mileage while hiking today which needs to stop! As it turns out, it's not just me worrying about this and I was glad to hear it!