morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-15
From: Trail Days, Part 2

To: Trail Days, Part 3
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Another highlight of Trail Days is the Parade. It features the requisite local Firetrucks, various Organizations associated with the Appalachian Trail and Hikers from previous years. Of course, the class of 2011 Hikers is prominently displayed. The Parade can also be categorized as the world's largest waterfight. The Parade spectators were armed with shopping carts filled with water balloons, the biggest water pistols I've ever seen; and some people on the sidelines were even armed with garden hoses! Can you guess who the unsuspecting targets were? Water was being shot at us from strategic locations, such as long distance hurls, second story windows and building rooftops! It was all in good fun! The best part is that now I have a new Bucket List item; which is to seek revenge on an unsuspecting future class of Hikers. Sometimes, silliness is good for the soul!
Date: 2011-05-16
From: Trail Days, Part 3

To: End of Trail Days
Miles today: 20.0

After such a successful first day at the Trail Days Festival, you are not going to believe day two. After a good southern breakfast of bacon and eggs which was followed by biscuits, sausage gravy and coffee, I decided to see what the free medical screening (for thru hikers only) was all about. The price was right and the Mobile Medical Facility was set up in the parking lot of the Baptist Church; which once again confirmed that my idea of camping nearby on Kyle and Pam's lawn was a great idea! On the medical registration form, I selected foot care as my reason for needing medical attention. Well, you are not going to believe this, but the registration form should have had ¢euphoria¢ as an option. When my number was called, a sweet old lady that can only be categorized as a true Southern Belle was waiting for me with a dishpan of warm water and peroxide for my feet. Then this sweet old lady got down on her knees, right there in the parking lot and scrubbed my feet. Then, once my feet were dry, another Sweet Ole Southern Belle got down on her knees, in the parking lot, and massaged them with lotion. My initial reaction was a combination of guilt and embarrassment, but the ladies assured me they enjoyed doing it, had volunteered for it, and were extremely happy about the whole affair. I will never forget what these ladies taught me, and will forever be grateful for the experience. These ladies have changed my life and I will always remember them in my prayers.
Date: 2011-05-20
From: End of Trail Days

To: Mt. Rogers, VA
Miles today: 60.0

Walking In The Rain. These past few days have been the hardest by far, because of the uncooperative weather. Intermittent rain, cold temperatures and wet clothes are not the ingredients for a comfortable outdoor experience. Many readers have asked, "How does one cope with such adverse conditions?" Well, I take my lead from Gene Kelly and just walk while ¢Singing In the Rain.¢ One of the songs in my repertoire includes ¢Rain, Rain Go Away,¢ but I've been singing it for over 40 years and it never seemed to work. ¢Here Comes the Sun¢ and ¢Waiting for the Sun¢ (Beatles & Doors), keep me optimistic, but they haven't yielded desired results either. The Artist Formerly Known As Prince has a song titled ¢Purple Rain,¢ but since I don't know the words, I feel justified substituting ¢Purple Haze¢ by Jimi Hendricks. ¢Penny Lane¢ (the Banker wears a Mac) is a favorite, especially since I know all the words. Harry Chapin's ¢Taxi¢ is also often repeated since the phrase ¢It was raining hard in Frisco¢ is easily relatable to existing conditions. There is apparently (or so I've heard) a song called ¢Raining Men,¢ which is very popular within the gay community; I'm happy to report that I don't know the words and never heard the song. ¢Rainy Days and Mondays¢ is another staple, but my number one rain song is ¢Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head.¢ The image of Paul Newman riding a bicycle with his Lady on the handle bars can bring a smile to anyone's face under the stormiest of conditions!
Date: 2011-05-22
From: Mt. Rogers, VA

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: broken clouds

After 4 solid days of rain and the temperature barely out of the 40s, I decided to call it quits after 15 mile at the Partnership Shelter; which is near the Mt. Rogers Ranger Station. This Shelter is famous because it has a shower and since it is close to the road, a pizza can be delivered. There is a free local phone and a waterproof menu, just in case a hiker has a pizza craving. With mixed emotions, I must report, been there, done that!!
Date: 2011-05-28
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 30.0

Well, it's time to come clean. For the past 6 days, I've been off the trail. My life-long friend and confidant, Peter Del Vecchio drove from his house near Lexington, VA to pick me up in the town of Bland, VA. Pete had 2 days worth of business in NJ and was nice enough to drive 5 hrs, round trip, to pick me up from the AT, let me stay with his family, Patty & Tommy for 3 days, then drove me home to NJ. Today, Saturday May 28th, he drove the 5 hrs again to bring me back to where I left the trail. While at his house, Patty, an excellent cook and hostess, made delicious meals and gave me a reflexology treatment. It was an amazing rejuvenation for my body, mind and spirit. Tommy, the formidable athlete, took me on an aggressive hike to the river; demonstrated his prowess with a baseball by allowing me to catch his fastball, change up, knuckleball, and curve ball (I seem to remember baseball gloves having much more padding), and waxed me in ping pong. I am indebted to Peter, Patty & Tommy for their hospitality and friendship. The few hours at home in New Jersey will be cherished for a long time. The opportunity to spend 36 hours with my wife Lisa, after being apart for 7 weeks was very emotional for both of us. We cried when we said hello, we cried when we said goodbye, I'm crying as I type this, and she'll cry when she reads it. Being apart is difficult for both of us. There's nothing else I can write about our separation, but I can reflect on our time together and eagerly anticipate our next reunion! Some people can relate to our situation, and some may not.
Date: 2011-05-29
From: Bland, VA

To: First Day Back After 6 Days Off
Miles today: 20.0

My first day back on the trail was one of mixed emotions and thoughts. Emotionally, it was very hard to leave family and friends. Physically, after 6 days of rest, my knees still ached and did not feel as restored as I had hoped they would! My backpack and walking sticks felt like old friends; and the piece of homemade cheesecake I carried, courtesy of Patty, and so intensely wrapped by Peter D, provided the mental diversion needed for the re-starting of my journey. Believe it or not, that piece of cheesecake became my source of motivation for the first few miles back on the trail. I delicately carried it for 2 hours and about 4 miles, up and down hills, across fields and through thick brush, searching for just the right spot to unwrap and devour it. Should it be eaten while sitting on a log? Would a rock be better? Should I wait till I'm at the top of a mountain, or hold off for the cool spring in the next ravine? It was getting very hot, and I knew it had to be eaten soon. In the end, timing became the deciding factor so I just sat at the base of an ordinary tree, unwrapped and ate my cheesecake while feeling a touch melancholy. Then, just as soon as I was finished, coming down the trail was fellow hiker named Whisper, whom I met in Damascus a few weeks earlier. A little later, it was my friend Chuck Town from Charleston, North Carolina that welcomed me back. It was exactly the happenstance I needed. Moral of the story? Eat cheese cake and good things will happen!
Date: 2011-05-30
From: First Day Back After 6 Days Off

To: Quiz To Test Your Outdoor Prowess
Miles today: 19.5

Outdoor IQ Test!Just for fun, and to bolster the outdoor awareness of my followers, I prepared a simple quiz. Hopefully you'll have as much fun answering them, as I've had thinking them up and writing them down! 1. True or False: The preferred place to pitch a tent is near a stream; so the serenity of the babbling brook can lull you to sleep?2. True or False: The Smokey Mountain National Forrest is an illustration of the successful, symbiotic relationship between man and forest?3. Multiple Choice: The Green Tunnel refers to:a) A revival sitcom featuring Robin Williams as Mork & R2D2 from Star Wars?b) The proposed environmentally-friendly Tunnel connecting Manhattan and New Jersey? c) A hip, new vegetarian gay bar in San Francisco?d) None of the above.4. True or False: Of the approximately 3000 hikers that begin a thru hike on the AT, only 15% actually finish the 2181 miles in one year.5) True or False; Oil is a renewable resource. Stay tuned for the answers, coming soon!
Date: 2011-05-31
From: Quiz To Test Your Outdoor Prowess

To: Answers to Quiz
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Outdoor IQ Test!I know you¢ve been anxiously waiting, so I won¢t make you wait any longer! Here are the answers (along with the original questions), to the quiz from yesterday:1. True or False: The preferred place to pitch a tent is near a stream, so the serenity of the babbling brook can lull you to sleep. Answer ¢ FALSE! When you hear the sound of running water while sleeping, you have to pee more, which is thoroughly inconvenient while sleeping in a tent! 2. True or False: The Smokey Mountain National Forest is an illustration of the successful, symbiotic relationship between man and forest? Answer ¢ FALSE! The Smokey Mountains and the American forest, in general, are dying! Read my trilogy of the Smokey's previously posted on April 29th. 3. Multiple Choice: The Green Tunnel refers to: a) A revival sitcom featuring Robin Williams as Mork & R2D2 from Star Wars? b) The proposed environmentally-friendly tunnel connecting Manhattan and New Jersey? c) A hip, new vegetarian gay bar in San Francisco? d) None of the above. Answer ¢ NONE OF THE ABOVE! The Green Tunnel relates to the endless-upon-endless miles under the tree canopy of the AT; even the majority of sunshine is blocked so, hikers are known to go nuts! 4. True or False: Of the approximately 3000 hikers that begin a thru-hike on the AT, only 15% actually finish the 2181 miles in one year. Answer ¢ TRUE! Historically, only about 15% of attempted thru-hikes are completed on the Appalachian Trail in one year. 5) True or False: Oil is a renewable resource. Answer ¢ TRUE! There is a growing list of prominent scientists that believe carbon, hence oil, is a closed-loop cycle; it would be similar to the hydrologic cycle for water. Conclusion: If you answered any of the questions INCORRECTLY you must stop watching TV and get outside to enjoy the outdoors! It needs you, its free, and has no commercials!
Date: 2011-06-03
From: Answers to Quiz

To: Dragon's Teeth
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: few clouds

There is an old saying about ¢being in the right place at the right time,¢ and as luck would have it, the right place was the Niday Shelter, and the right time was dinner time! I think my readers know where this is going. Just as I walked out of the woods and into the Shelter compound, I met Little Grey Squirrel with her arms full of extra food that she was donating to hungry thru--hikers. There was Fettuccini Alfredo, Curry Chicken Pasta and Shepherd¢s Pie; plus, she even offered Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie for dessert. As if that wasn't enough, the final course was an assortment of Teas, Granola Bars and a real honest to goodness ¢real¢ apple, we thru-hikers split 7 ways. As it turns out, Little Grey Squirrel was one of 7 section hikers from around the country and they were all members of the Sierra Club. The group's fearless leader was One Sock from the Raritan Valley Chapter in NJ. After dinner, fellow thru-hiker Hippy Kippy pulled out his Banjo and let Little Martin, one of the Club members play it, while he accompanied on the Harmonica. Thru-hikers Whisky and Domino watched while the other Sierra Club members, Squeaky Pack, One With Pack, Slurka and Wildflower Maybe, all gathered around to listen and talk. It turned out to be a very enjoyable and memorable evening for all. Boy, I sure am glad the Sierra Club realized that it pays to be in the right place at the right time!
Date: 2011-06-04
From: Dragon's Teeth

To: Bubble Bath
Miles today: 19.0

Today the trail crossed RT 220 in Daleville, VA. To the right was a Howard Johnsons, and to the left was a Kroger supermarket......So What do you think I did? I bought a big bottle of lavender bubble bath and checked into the hotel. You can figure the rest out yourself. BUT, the dilemma manifested upon selecting the proper photograph to memorialize the event. Me in a tub? I don't think so. A picture of the bubble bath bottle? Nah, I deleted it. The flower at left will have to do.
Date: 2011-06-05
From: Bubble Bath

To: Peter's Mountain
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

In Virginia, at AT mile-post 643.8 there is a mountain called ¢Peter's Mountain.¢ On top, there is a typical Shelter, but this one is positioned on the edge of a beautiful meadow, complete with wildflowers and other greenery. As I entered the field, a doe and a fawn moved off lazily, just enough to widen my berth, which allowed me to see a rock outcrop that offers one of the best mountain/valley vistas to date. The setting was so beautiful; I couldn't take a picture, due to my fear of short-changing the moment! Hopefully, these words will adequately convey the imagery in the minds of those who read them. There are no roads leading to this mountain top, no sidewalks and no bike paths. Just the Appalachian Trail and it's hikers have the serenity all to themselves. I was alone at the top of Peter's Mountain, except for the family and friends, past and present, that are with me spiritually.
Date: 2011-06-06
From: Peter's Mountain

To: The Land of Enchantment
Miles today: 25.0

The story you are about to read is true. The names have been changed by Brother of the Wind.............Once upon a time there was a Momma Hiker and a Daughter Hiker. They were excited that a new Chipotle Restaurant had opened and decided to get ¢Salads to Go¢ and bring them on an afternoon hike. Their destination was the Bobblet¢s Gap Shelter, which was about 6 miles away. While on their journey, they passed some Mountain Laurel that was in bloom and many singing birds; it was a wonderful day for a Momma and Daughter hike. When they arrived at the Shelter, they met a very tired and very thirsty Thru-Hiker. He was a good looking and personable man, but he was in quite a quandary. You see, Thru-Hiker had walked many miles that day and was planning on quenching his thirst at the Bobblet¢s Gap Shelter. Alas, the spring was dry and the standing pools of water reminiscent of a full-flowing brook were not very appealing. Momma and Daughter Hiker, sensing Thru Hiker's despair, offered to meet him at a nearby road and upon completion of their own day-hike, would deliver to him some water, ale and other goodies highly coveted by all thru-hikers. Several hours passed and day turned to night. Momma and Daughter Hiker soon returned with the bounty for Thru-Hiker. Then, when Momma and Daughter realized that Thru-Hiker could not walk another step and that due to the late hour, he was likely to pitch his tent amongst the poison ivy, rocks and stumps, they decided to bring him home to their Castle. At first, Thru-Hiker objected, but not wanting to sleep amongst the poison ivy, rocks and stumps decided, if the King of the Castle was willing to lower the drawbridge and allow a destitute Hiker to cross the mote, then he, Thru-Hiker would not argue with royalty. Using Smartphone technology, Daughter Hiker secured permission from the King of the Castle and the three-some were soon on their way to the Castle. ¢What wonderful happenstance,¢ thought Thru-Hiker, as they travelled the magical Blue Ridge Parkway across the Land of Enchantment. The Castle was a beautiful place. It had a shower, a laundry room and a bed larger than Thru-Hiker had seen in a very long time. He was so enamored by the generosity of his new friends, he dubbed them Trail Angels; for Thru-Hiker was truly touched by their magical spell. Moral of the story...random acts of kindness can restore faith in mankind.
Date: 2011-06-16
From: The Land of Enchantment

To: Happy Birthday
Miles today: 25.0

Today I would like to wish my wife Lisa Happy Birthday. Without her, this journey would not be possible. In her honor, I wrote this song. It should be sung to the tune of LOVE STORY.Where do I begin,...To tell the story of the Appalachian,...A sweet love story from the top of a mountain,...Where do I start?...(PARA)With her first hello,...She beckons to me with a voice I must follow,...Without her in me life's existence is hollow,...I have to go....(PARA)Vistas all around,...From the heavens and down to the ground,...Mother Nature for me offers a surround,...I must move on....(PARA)On this long journey,...Walking beside are my friends and family,...Their presence in my heart is what I really need,...They guide for me....(PARA)And for my Sweetness,...Your tender touch is what I really miss,...I can't stop longing for our first reunion kiss,...It will beee blisssss....
Date: 2011-06-17
From: Happy Birthday

To: Shelter Life
Miles today: 87.0

Mick Jagger said "gimme shelter"; the weatherman may say "seek shelter"; but Brother Of The Wind can be quoted as saying "Where the #$@& is the damn shelter?"... Along the Appalachian Trail, there are shelters located about 8 to 15 miles apart, and are usually (but not always) located near a reliable water source. Inside each shelter is a logbook wherein hikers can sign in and leave inspirational words of wit. Therefore, shelters naturally become the epicenter of activity and communication. Generally they are about half the size of a single car garage and only have 3 sides, but some are much more elaborate having 2 levels and internal fire places as opposed to a fire ring outside. There are a few photos of shelters uploaded to the photo tab. In fair weather, shelters are usually avoided by seasoned thru hikers because of mice, bugs and bears stake them out. They are favored by section or 'temporary hikers' going only a short distance. When the weather is bad, Shelters live up to their namesake. I've sat out more then one rainstorm in a shelter, and have taken several mid-afternoon naps. As this is being written, the clouds are building, I'm thirsty, and ready for a nap. Where the #$@& is the damn shelter?
Date: 2011-06-19
From: Shelter Life

To: Skyline Drive
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

After following Doctor's orders and taking 3 zero days (no milage) in a row, I'm more than ready to get back on the trail. Waynesboro, VA has been a wonderful and hiker friendly town. To prove the point, just before you get off the trail, a hiker will find a list of volunteers and phone numbers conspicusouly (sp) affixed to a tree. The volunteers offer free shuttles for hikers from the trailhead into and around town. It is amazing that so many people will drop whay their doing, drive a few miles to the edge of town, then give a stranger a ride to wherever they want to go. During my 3 days in Waynesboro, I've tapped the kindness of 3 volunteers and not one would take a few dollars for gas. Life is good for a lame hiker in Waynesboro, but the trail is calling. Instead of calling a volunteer for a ride to the trailhead, I think I'll walk.
Date: 2011-06-20
From: Skyline Drive

To: Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 50.0
Weather: light rain

Today was a major turning point of my journey. The mystique of the trail is long gone, the adrenaline that carried me thru the Smokies is but a memory; and the trudging through the forest has become increasingly mundane. To top it off, my foot blisters are so incredibly painful that I've began to question the validity of my pursuit. This morning as I lay in my tent, I actually contemplated giving up. My wife can give testimony to the depth of my despair...............so, in order to give my feet and psyche a rest, I decided to hike only 5 miles to the Skyland Lodge; which is inside the Shenandoah National Park. After checking into a room and talking the desk clerk into giving me a free dinner voucher, I began to feel just slightly better. My room in the Lodge was a ¢standard¢ and a bit rundown, but much more luxurious then the hostels I¢ve grown accustomed to. Since there was one bed for me, and one for my backpack and everything I carry, the accommodations became another boost to my battered morale..........but the real summit of glory appeared in the form of Twin Medallions of Beef Tenderloin, Vegetable Barley Rice, Green Peppercorn Sauce, and a glass of Cabernet for dinner. Perhaps the summit of Mt Katahdin in Maine, just 1,257.1 miles away will offer the same satisfaction. There's only one way to find out.....PS: Many thanks to the other guests and day hikers I met during dinner. Your friendly conversation was well placed. Thank you for taking an interest in my journey and elevating me to celebrity status.
Date: 2011-06-23
From: Shenandoah National Park

To: Shenandoah River
Miles today: 30.0

Through the Shenandoah National Park, the Appalachian Trail parallels Skyline Drive and the picturesque Shenandoah River. As a result, many hikers choose to substitute River miles for Trail miles by canoeing, instead of walking. Considering my foot and heel were still very tender and with a strong desire to maintain northerly progress, "yours truly" decided to canoe 44 River miles in exchange for 17 Trail miles. So, after renting a canoe and obtaining adequate supplies, I paddled 44 miles from Luray, VA to Front Royal, VA in 2-1/2 days. The fact that I had been listening to an Audio Book titled "Tom Sawyer" and had to camp alone on an island seemed to be fate rather than coincidence. Oh, and by the way, there was also an Indian looking fellow that I decided to watch from a very far distance.
Date: 2011-06-24
From: Shenandoah River

To: Shenandoah River Day 2
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Get ready for this one folks, for it as deep as the Shenandoah River....During our lifetime, we sometimes experience events that are uncanny or we attribute to some coincidence. We may also give credit for unexplained happenstance to divine intervention or some other type of supernatural energy. Whatever the circumstance, the happening eventually plays out, and we go on with our lives as the influence of the oftentimes mystical event disolves into a faded memory..... Well, Brother of the Wind has an explanation for these heretofore unexplained moments of wonderment....As we go through life, we accumulate guardian angels that pray for us. These guardian angels can be close friends, a spouse, or family members. These angels can also be friends of friends and be either deceased or very much alive. Either way, these angels pray for us and watch over us, and their prayers can be words of inspiration, wishes of good luck and ofcourse formal prayers.....Accordingly, these angels are responsible for the unexplained positive events that surround us every day. The trick is for us to recognize these occurrences as they unfold, and with practice, become guardian angels ourselves for the benefit of others.....Based on all the positive things that have happened to me on this incredible journey, I firmly believe that my guest book has been signed by many of my guardian angels. How did I come to this realization? Read the next entry about the Fairfax Family, but for now, I'll just contradict Garth Brooks and 'Thank God For Answered Prayers'.