morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-26
From: Dennis Cove Rd

To: Wilbur Dam Rd
Miles today: 13.0

We spent another lovely night at the Black Bear Hostel - great people and great accomodations!I now know what it is like to hike in a thunderstorm with lightning! I cannot say it was my most pleasant experience on the trail, but I did a lot of praying along the way. It was at its worst when I hiked across Watauga Dam - of course, that is all in the open.Watauga Lake is just gorgeous. All of this was dammed up by the TVA, and there were parts that clearly reminded me of the movie "Nell". I hope to come back here someday with our kayaks. Just before I got to 321 in Hampton, there was a mama duck with about 8 little ducklings that swam under the bridge I was on. I had not even seen them, until mama "quacked" - it somewhat startled me!Since I hiked south today, from there is was a LONGGGGG uphill before I descended down to the Laurel Fork River. The down was as long as the UP, but much steeper. The rapids and bridges across the river were just beautiful. Once the rain stopped, the birds were singing away. The hike along the river was amazing.From there it was to Laurel Fork Shelter and to Laurel Falls - picture perfect, except I forgot to snap a photo of the Falls! I figured that out about a mile or so later down the trail - oh well. The trail then levelled out back ot Dennis Cove Rd.I saw Ladyfish again today along the trail, and also Gribley, and Daybreak. Also met Birdman for the first time, just after Watauga Dam. When I got to the other side of the lake, I could look at the Dam and see where I had hiked - really neat.There was another huge downpour about an hour after I got off the trail today. Am hoping for better weather tomorrow, as I would like to put in some miles!! Until later......
Date: 2012-04-27
From: Wilbur Dam Rd

To: TN 91
Miles today: 16.1

It was hard to keep my head in the game today. Unfortunately, I had a nasty anonymous post on my guestbook last evening, which was a total lie, and I just cannot keep my mind off of it.Either this person is a) completely uninformed, b) jealous, or c)just wants to be mean and destructive. If it is the latter, I am not certain if I can stay on the Trail. Hiking the AT is far more mental and emotional, than physical. Don't get me wrong, the physical part is hard and bodies do break down, but keeping one's head in the right frame of mind is what keeps one on the trail. I will assess over the next couple of days what I am going to do for certain. Other hiking acquaintances who see me on the Trail all the time, tell me to forget about it - that this person may just be ignorant. But then, that is easier said than done.Now, that I have that off my chest, the morning began as a very, very foggy one. The fog never cleared until after 11. At times it was hard to make out the white blazes on the trees. I was hoping for beautiful views of north end of Watauga Lake, but that was not in the cards today. I did get one shot when the fog was starting to lift - behind Vandeventer Shelter.It was pretty much a gradual ascent (around 1800 ft) for the first half of the day, which plenty of ups and downs on the way. Water seemed to be pretty scarce on the trail today, so when I saw the spring just before Iron Mountain Gap Shelter, I took advantage and filled my water bottles. At the shelter, I ran into a couple of hikers and we chatted for awhile.About a mile and a half after the shelter was the Nick Grindstaff Monument. It was listed in the AT Guide, but I had no idea what it was.   It appears that it is either a gravestone or a monument to a very lonely individual. The monument reads that he lived alone, suffered alone, and died alone. Wow....From there I continued to hike toward TN-91 and ran into a couple of southbound hikers who were asking about water. I told them where I had filled up and moved on. Then I ran into Birdman again, who was resting comfortably on a log. I told him about Trail Magic near the road, that the other hikers had told me about. So, he said he had better get moving so he could partake. I was figuring that it was in the parking lot, however that was not the case.The wonderful trail magic from the Nelson Chapel Baptist Church GA's in Mountain View, TN was located about .2 miles before TN-91. Cold pop, and snacks, and a journal book to sign. It was very welcome at the end of my day - the ice cold soda really hit the spot. Thank you so much!I debated whether or not to continue on to US 421, but decided to call it a day and rest up for tomorrow. Going to try to make it to Damascus - if I do, it will be a really long day.
Date: 2012-04-28
From: TN 91

To: US 421 - TN
Miles today: 6.5

A day of unexpecteds......Waking up this morning, I just felt kind of sluggish, somehow just not right. After eating breakfast and getting to the trailhead, my stomach was somewhat queasy. I told Tagalong to be sure to wait for me at 421 as I was not sure how the day was going to unfold.What a pleasant surprise the beginning of today's hike was! The first 1/2 mile of the trail is handicap access - nice and smooth, and allowing those with physical disabilities to be a part of the AT as well. Great idea! It wound through pastoral farmlands until it ended and came to a stile.I climbed over the stile into some farmer's pasture and soon realized that I had company - a herd of cows and their calves! I kept my eye on the lookout for a bull, but saw none. The cows were lowing as I walked by, and I spoke gently to them and made certain to give them and their little ones a wide berth. What an experience. I climbed over the second stile, where the trail entered the woods.My path moved over a number of gentle ups and downs and I passed a couple of day hikers headed south. The terrain alternated between fresh green growth and dried brown leaves - interesting how it does that. Soon I was at Double Springs Shelter, and there were remnants of a fire, but the hiker or hikers had cleared out. The trail turned right and uphill from there and I soon saw a single orange tent near the top of the slope. I could also see a black animal lying about three feet from the tent (presumably a dog). As I neared, I realized it was not a dog, but in fact, ......A GOAT!!! Now, this is something one does not see every day. Whoever was in the tent was fast asleep, and the goat eyed me with interest as I neared. I just had to snap a photo. Unfortunately, I was so intent on capturing the goat, and had to zoom in, that I missed the tent. Not certain if the goat had just settled in by the hiker, was with the hiker, or what. As I passed by, the goat stood up and took a few steps toward me. I averted my eyes and kept walking as I did not want to tangle with those horns! I glanced back several hundred yards up the trail, and it had once again settled in by the tent.I kept hiking those gentle ups and downs - very nice walk in the woods this morning. Voices soon became apparent and as I came over the top of a hill, there was a scout troop with their leaders headed to Double Springs for a campout. I debated whether or not to tell them about the tent and the goat, and decided to let them be as surprised as I was. Moving on down the trail, I came upon Birdman again, and we talked for a bit. By now my stomach was really rolling, and I had a pain on the bottom of my left foot every time I made an ascent. So it was with a grateful heart, when I arrived at 421 and saw Tagalong.I thought I might rest a little while and continue, but my condition was getting worse so we decided to leave the trail for the day. Just before we left, I met Confused who is a section hiker. The trail to Damascus was just not going to happen today. An unexpected NERO. We will see what tomorrow brings.
Date: 2012-04-29
From: US 421 - TN

To: US 58 North of Damascus
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent the rest of the day yesterday in bed, and it seemed to do the trick. So thankful that it was only a 24-hour bout. Felt slightly weak when I got up this morning, but this saying kept going round and round in my head, "and miles to go before I sleep".   So, off to the trail I went.All of the birds and insects were chirping and humming this morning. It was almost like a 3-part harmony as I was hiking along the trail. Tagalong said he was going to try to make it up to McQueen's Gap - and he did! Took a short break with him and then headed up the trail toward Abingdon Gap Shelter. There were two hikers just getting ready to leave the shelter as well as 3 o4 4 tents to the west, where hikers were just waking up. I bid hello to all and moved on. Soon I met two section hikers - a father and son - headed south. I joked with them that they were headed the wrong direction but they assured me they were on the right path. LOL They were from Columbus, OH and hiked a week last year from Mt Rogers to Damascus, and this year are hiking for a week from Damascus to Erwin. Nice people.Around noon, I finally made the last ascent and began to descend into Damascus. The trail was great today - pretty clear and not too many rocks. Before I knew it, I could see Tagalong and I was headed onto Laurel Street into Damascus. Good-bye Tennessee, hello Virginia - 3 states down! After the standard photo by the Welcome to Damascus sign, I hiked on into town and to the outfitters. There, I ran into a number of hikers that I knew, including Lighthouse. He is having some major foot issues and the backs and sides of his feet are rubbed raw. So, I shared my moleskin with him, and told him that should help - at least it is better than the duct tape he was using!! Made a few purchases at Mt Rogers and started to head north again. My trail friends could not believe that I was not going to zero there.It got pretty hot this afternoon - around 82 - so the ascent out of Damascus was tough. I was so happy to get to the top of that mountain this afternoon. It made the descent to US 58 all that much more enjoyable. Saw a few dayhikers on this section, and chatted with both for awhile. One hiker had his black lab with him, and said his dog had drank over a gallon of water at the last break. I can totally relate - I went through a LOT of water today. There was a decent rushing stream on the last part of the descent, and somehow, even though it was so hot, it made me feel cooler. I so wanted to take off my boots and soak my feet, but Tagalong was waiting for me so I hurried on down to US 58.Ended up doing more miles than I had thought today - 20.6. It was a great day!!
Date: 2012-05-02
From: Fox Creek, VA 603

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I only had about 2 hours sleep last night due to foot pain. While I thought some hydrotherapy would help, it did not.It is clear to me, that this is more than a 2-3 zero day problem. Thankfully, Tagalong hung around for a few more days than he had originally planned. Otherwise, I would have been stranded.So, I am going to take a couple of weeks or so, off the trail in order to let my feet heal. I just cannot keep popping the Vitamin I the way I have been. This will also let me tend to some business at home during my recovery.So, I will be coming back soon, more than likely in the Shenandoahs, and then finish up this big Virginia section I will be skipping.It was a tough decision, but barely even being able to step down on my foot this morning made it clear as to what I need to do.Be back soon......
Date: 2012-05-09
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I have been nursing my left foot in particular, and am happy to report that it is much better. Two days ago, I was able to put on a sock, and today, I actually donned my hiking boots and went for a little hike.The trail today was a flat terrain, and I went far slower than I do on the AT, but wanted to see how the foot and heel would be. Good news - it felt great! So the plan for this weekend, is to do my normal hike here at home - at my normal pace - with all of the elevation changes and see how that goes.I am starting to get antsy to be back on the Trail. The house cannot be cleaned anymore, and I am running out of things to do. Haha! On a good note, it has been wonderful to reconnect with family and friends, and to get a few things taken care of here that needed to be done. The grandkids have been like shadows as they know I will be leaving again soon. They want to come with me!I will update more in the coming week, once I do the real test drive on the foot, and know more as to my return date.
Date: 2012-05-17
From: Home

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

On the road again......br>We are headed back to Virginia this morning.   Left pretty early at 5 AM. After being home for a couple of weeks, kind of got used to sleeping in a little later.   Being back on the trail will be an adjustment!My foot is feeling great.   Let's hope it stays that way.The forecast for the next few days is good hopefully making for a nice return.   Looking forward to the tranquil beauty of trekking through the woods once again.
Date: 2012-05-18
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Turk Gap
Miles today: 11.2

It's wonderful to be back! And the Shenandoahs are absolutely gorgeous. And even better, I have hiking partners. My sister-in-law, Gerry (Tagalong2) and her husband, Bill (Tagalong3) are hiking with me for a while. It is nice to have company on the trail.The morning began at Rockfish Gap, where we did a couple of 300+ foot climbs up to the summit of Bears Den Mountain. The woods were dense and very green with plants and the leafing out of the trees, along with some rocky trail along the way. Yes, there are still rocks in Virginia!! We met several through hikers (including Nutter Butter) along the way, all headed north, and then some section hikers headed south.We took a break at the summit of Bears Den (do you think it is named that for a reason?) with some great views, along with about 8 or so different communication towers. Reminds me of my days long ago when I worked for the phone company and had to go out in the field. A really neat part was that near the communication towers, there was a circle of old tractor seats mounted in the ground to take a break on! The descent was mild and just a peaceful walk in the woods. As we were coming down Bears Den Mountain we ran into some hikers doing a day hikers and one of them was a retired ranger from the Park. We talked with them for quite a while and then moved on. Great people. Just before Beagle Gap there was Trail Magic in the form of ice cold water - thank you Bill G.!!Thereafter we made our way up Calf Mountain and Tagalong2's legs started to hurt a little, and I told her that was why it was named Calf Mountain. Good for a laugh anyway. Once we made the climb (about 450 ft) the trail was a nice rolling wooded trail. Rounding a bend, I could hear a high-pitched squeal and looked up - huge electrical lines and towers. But at the same time, a gorgeous view into the valley as well as the next mountains we would climb.From there the trail ascended again to Sawmill Run Overlook which was beautiful. The AT then re-entered the woods for our last climb of the day - about 500 ft up Turk Mountain. The first half was on the steep side, although nothing like what I have done in the past, and then the last half of the climb was just a slight grade up - nice.   Before we knew it, we were at the junction for Turk Mountain Trail, and only had .2 to go to Turk Gap where we were meeting Tagalong3.It was a wonderful hiking day. Now for the big surprise. Tagalong3 is sitting in a chair in the parking area at Turk Gap and thinks he sees a dog bounding down a hill. Not a dog - it was a mama bear!! Now go figure on this one - we hike the trail all day and never see one. He sits in a chair in a parking area and has the best view of the day!See you on the Trail......
Date: 2012-05-19
From: Turk Gap

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

Another wonderful hiking day.....and wildlife was abundant!When we first got on the trail at Turk Gap, within the first 1/2 mile there was a deer not more than 6 feet from me. It did not seem to be shy at all - just stood there looking at me, so I was able to snap a great picture. This day was starting out great!We had a number of climbs today, which all went well until the one in the afternoon. Up and over several mountains. Tagalong2's feet and legs were really starting to hurt so we slowed down a little. Met VeryMerry from Texas on the trail today - also attempting a thruhike.So, I am hiking right behind VeryMerry and Tagalong2 from behind me (about 100 yds)says, "GungHo, did you see this sign?" Me - "What sign?" Tagalong2 - "This one. It says Big Rattler - 10 ft." Holy crap! GungHo - "Quit reading the sign and get out of there!!" Shows you how observant I am on the trail. Haha! Fortunately, the subject of the sign did not make an appearance.Our climb up Blackrock Mountain in the afternoon was a real effort, but with a real benefit (later). The temp was well into the 80's and the climb was all in the sun - really did us in. Now for the benefit. As we were hiking up the mountain, I had stopped to wait for Tagalong2. I was staring off into the forest looking at this black area, thinking is that a hut out there, or is it a huge black rock. Guess what - neither! Tagalong2 comes huffing up the mountain and says, "Look, that's a bear!" Here I had been staring at a bear for over 3 minutes - way to go GungHo. What are you trying to get yourself killed out here or what? Then the bear moved so I could really see that it was one. Time to snap a quick picture and get moving up the mountain. Fortunately, it did not follow us. On and on we trudged up that mountain until we finally made it to Blackrock, and then it was down the mountain to meet Tagalong3.After a break, Tagalong2 decided to get off the trail for the day, and Tagalong3 joined me on the hike until Dundo Picnic Area. From there, I hiked on making yet more climbs, and I was really starting to get tired. Fortunately, they had already secured a campsite at Loft Mtn Campground, as it ended up filling up, and cars were still lined up to get a site.After dinner, it was early to bed. I was beat. Hiker midnight - 6:30.Hikers beware - no water in this stretch, so make sure you have enough!
Date: 2012-05-20
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Swift Run Gap
Miles today: 18.6

Another fantastic hiking day....warm, but very good.I started early this morning around 7:15 which is probably what saved me - from the heat. After noon, the temp really went up.Leaving the campground, I hiked to and over Ivy Creek - only one of two places where there was water today. I had quite a few climbs today, the largest of which was 1300 ft. Fortunately, they were mostly shaded in the forest, and the miles just flowed.Tagalongs 2 & 3 met me at various crossings on Skyline Drive today, and took good care of me - thank you so much!! Always made sure I was watered well. The real treat was when they greeted me with a cold iced tea at the first road crossing - I don't think they ever saw anyone suck down a 32 oz. beverage so fast in their lives!! Really needed it today with the climbs and the heat.No wildlife today, with the exception of a number of centipedes on the trail.Never saw another hiker until the afternoon. On the way up to Hightop, I ran into a trail maintainer and made sure that I thanked him. The trail had not been cut back near Loft Mountain and the grasses and blackberry bushes were well over waist high. I took a break on Hightop Mountain on the rock outcropping which was absolutely amazing. Pics will have to wait a couple of days as they are downloading very slowly tonight. I saw another trail maintainer on my way down to the Hightop Mountain parking area. Also met Q, another thruhiker between that area and Swift Run Gap. He was hiking all the way on to Bearfence Mtn Hut from Black Rock Hut - neqaqrly a 35 mile day!! Oh, to be young again - haha! Staying in a cabin tonight in Elkton, VA. Dinner was Pizza Hut - yes!Headed north in the morning!
Date: 2012-05-21
From: Swift Run Gap

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Rain, rain go away......no pictures today. Everything is socked in. I could barely see 10 ft ahead of me on the trail today.And it poured. I was soaked from head to toe (boots - squish, squish, squish) when I got to Bootens Gap. I only passed one hiker headed north today, and then 2 hikers headed southbound.The forecast was calling for lightning adn thunderstorms beginning around 2, so I got off the trail around 12:30. I can hike in rain, but do not like the other stuff. Plus, I was chilled to the bone, even though it was warm.I may update this later if the weather clears and I get back on the trail, but not looking good at the moment. We are staying at Big Meadows Lodge in the Shenandoah National Park. Unfortunately, due to the weather, there are no views. I am hoping that this clears off, so I can hike a little more today.Got back on the trail this afternoon during a brief two-hour period where the rain let up a little, and the sun peaked through the clouds for about a half hour. The birds were chirping, and the woods smelled new again. It was a beautiful walk.
Date: 2012-05-22
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Stony Man Overrlook
Miles today: 9.6

It was a much shorter day than I had planned today. I had hoped to hike to the intersection going into Luray, VA but that did not happen.This morning at Big Meadows we were totally socked in with fog, so I did not start hiking until around 9. Even then, there were no views. About 1/2 mile from the start, I had my first dizzy spell, and my legs and shoulders felt like they weighed 100 lbs. each. The trail was also rocky and slippery, so I was only hiking at a little over 2 miles per hour - slow for me.That spell was followed by two more, where I nearly fell off the side of the mountain on the last one. So I took a break, and ate a protein bar, thinking that perhaps my blood sugar had dropped for some reason. I had eaten a good breakfast, so that really didn't make sense either. The protein bar really did not seem to help either.Soon Tagalong2 was coming toward me from the north, and we hiked out to Skyland resort together. I decided to try to make it to Stony Man Parking area, and managed to do so, but at a much slower pace. Once I got there, I decided to hike on to the Overlook. It was a beautiful hike up and over the cliffs. Tagalong2 hiked with me to the Overlook. Just before we arrived, it started to rain. Decided to try to wait out the rain, but then it really got humid and I wasn't feeling very well, so decided to call it a day. Some days are like that....... However the views from the Overlook were amazing down into Luray and Lake Arrowhead.Hoping for a better day tomorrow!!