morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-06
From: James River Rt. 60

To: Natural Bridge
Miles today: 0.0

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. Ralph Waldo Emerson   Up early to hike a good day's walk to Buena Vista. It's windy and cold, rain coming down in buckets. Uh oh, I feel an unplanned zero coming on. Ick, ick and double ick.    I learn that this rain has a name. Not a good thing for hikers who've already seen plenty of unnamed rain so far this spring. And the forecast is for more of the same, with gusto. Ack.    We hung out for a while, then I received a call from Strawberry Donut. She and Whistler are a couple trail days ahead and are out in this maelstrom. Unable to find a Waynesboro based shuttle, they ask for Alex's help. He agreed to go for them, but their location is hard--a long way by hydroplane inducing roads and in driving rain. It took hours to reach the road crossing where they awaited. I've never seen two hikers happier to get out of the rain (until next Monday, when Specs and I will take that spot).    They decided to return south with us for the night and after further discussion, accept my invitation to join us at my brother's Wintergreen mountain home.   They retire to dry out and warm up, and we get pizza and the NBA playoffs to cap off a very rainy day and night. It's all good, and I heard somewhere that patience is a virtue. Tie DyePS. My personal patience level is being tested in a big way. I have written nearly every day, but am unable to access a data network to upload posts. While hiking, I sometimes find service on a high point or a ridge, but it's often fleeting and I cannot stop long enough to do what's required to get things current.       I actually have service now (inputting this nearly a week later) and when I tried to upload 4 entries this morning they had disappeared. I am rewriting (with one finger, on my phone!) and am hoping to have things more current soon. I've had some amazing days, and will share those experiences ASAP.    I am very behind on email, as I give priority to journaling. I will get better at all of this and am very thankful for the great comments and prayers sent to me. Best!! TD
Date: 2013-06-07
From: Natural Bridge

To: Wintergreen
Miles today: 0.0

In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria. Ben Franklin    Friday dawned clear, but then clouds came soon and rain followed. Oh well, we were headed to Waynesboro and family today. Bring it on, rain!!    This zero was typical. Two stops for coffee on the way north, my kids in the Kroger trying to shop for 8, boot repair needed NOW!, outfitter yadda yadda yadda. Whose needs are primary? Sorting this all out takes the patience of Job.    We arrived at the Kroger parking lot. ALex had a meeting at the Ming buffet with Circuit Rider and Sherlock. I went to find my kids in the grocery while RS and the others worked on their lists. Rendezvous later, amigos.       Later, we met at a local pub for some happy hour cheer before driving to my brother's home. Lots of hikers were there, so we compared notes and asked after friends. RS and I are miles back, trailwise, but we are glad to be headed to Wintergreen for the weekend.    We arrived at the house and the fun began. Gear is off loaded to the screen porch (hiker funky smells are best out there with some fresh air), food is organized, beds are readied and appetizers are prepared.   We enjoyed excellent cheeses and snacks with a fair quantity of wine and beer. Dinner will be served, but relaxing in a lovely home takes precedence.       You can take hikers out of the woods, but the trail sensibilities remain. Counting Polaris, we were 6 hikers and 2 regulars. Way lopsided and it showed. RS set a beautiful table and we gathered 'round to about the most crazy, bawdy, raucous meal I've ever enjoyed. We ate chicken and pasta at midnight, learned naughty German translations to everyday English words, teased and laughed at dinner conversation that would have made Patton blush and enjoyed one another thoroughly. I had to leave the table twice I laughed so much. This is certainly a favored state for me!!!       I could never have too much laughter in my life. Every day is a gift, and guess what? Each day keeps getting better than the last. I am thankful for this opportunity to rest, share time and laugh with good friends. Hats off to my brother and his wife for their generosity! Bravo!It's all so fun and pretty hilarious here at Wintetgreen Tie Dye
Date: 2013-06-08
From: Wintergreen

To: Wintergreen
Miles today: 0.0

The journey not the arrival matters. TS Eliot   Heavy rain was once again the order of the day. By evening, flash flood warnings would be issued for this area. I'm so thankful for a protected place to wait out this storm system.    A trip to Waynesboro was on the agenda. RS left his trek poles at the outfitter on Friday and hoped that they could install new handles that were sent by Leki. Grocery items were needed, too, and plans for the next days were coming together.                        Coordinating our group was tricky. RS and I were far away on the trail, driving wise, so hiking today was not feasible. It was already raining, but Strawberry Donut and Whistler were prepared to hike eleven miles, ending at the Blue Ridge Parkway road crossing at Reid's Gap, just a mile north of the entry to Wintergreen.          I drove them to their start point, about an hour south. We met up with Hamster there--he and two others were slacking north too. His wife, Punkin, has been slacking the threesome in VA for the better part of a month.   Hats off to Punkin, as slacking is a boon for the hiker but a veritable nightmare for the support person.       RS and I have see firsthand what Alex has done for us and it involves hard driving, a lot of waiting, excellent map skills and abundant patience. He has these things in spades along with a vast knowledge of the trail. Having thru-hiked many times, his passions include cycling, the AT and living life on his terms. We share the experience of having survived cancer, but his daily existence is impacted by ongoing health care needs that include pain management and adjuvant therapy. I am always grateful for his advice and insights and I see the kindnesses he offers on a daily basis not only to RS and me but to many others. He is a free spirit and a truly unique friend.    The hikers set out and we returned to the house for some family time. Later, all were returned "home" safe and sound. Showers and dry clothes were followed by dinner (well before midnight this time!) and dual birthday cakes. Redspecs played "Happy Birthday" on his kazoo and we all enjoyed another evening together. It's all good, especially when you celebrate with friends and family. Happy, happy, happy! : )Tie DyePS. Just spoke with Circuit Rider (he's in Front Royal, VA) and learned that the frustrating lack of data service will not abate through the Shennies. Ack!! Writing madly fast with one finger to get things as updated as I can. TD
Date: 2013-06-09
From: Wintergreen

To: Wintergreen
Miles today: 0.0

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.Ralph Waldo Emerson   Another Wintergreen day dawned to mixed skies. Strawberry Donut and Whistler were hiking north from Ried's Gap, Kelly would drive back to SC today, Polaris was here for another night and we made our hiking plan for the coming week.    I had a little time for thinking today. When we arrived here, my two worlds collided. Where did I fit in, as a thru hiker or as a mom/hostess? It turned out that both roles were important, but Tie Dye the hiker missed the trail. Karen, the mom, enjoyed the family time, but I was in the middle of a project that called to me, insistently. I have loved my hike so far, every minute, as is probably clear from reading this journal.    I've enjoyed the days here, but it's important to carry on with my adventure, to be with my own simple needs and to just head north. I love hiking and I've learned that one of the real gifts I've received has come from myself. I gave myself permission to do something important, something that I knew would challenge me. And, wow, this hike has been more amazing and astounding than I could ever have imagined when I first thought about it last summer.       It's so hard to find words for these experiences that I just shed joyous tears. Over and over. I am blessed with kindness, and I feel a level of thanks and gratefulness that I could not have imagined. And it's so wonderful that every day is the best day. And that's a truth I embrace daily. I am a lucky girl. It's all better and better!Tie Dye
Date: 2013-06-10
From: US 50/VA 130, James River

To: US 60/Buena Vista
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: light rain

Though this be madness, yet there is method in't. William Shakespeare (Hamlet)      We began this chilly day in a light mist at the James River. Guess what? The forecast is for rain. Fuggedaboutit. Four zeros was a bunch, rain or no rain. We'd had a lengthy ride back to this point and were eager to get started on the day's walk.    The trail was wet from the daily rains. We climbed up past a shelter and followed a pretty ridge trail to Bluff Mountain. There we found a monument to Ottie Cline Powell, a four year old who had wandered away from a schoolhouse 7 miles distant in 1891. His body was found at this site nearly four months later.    Skies darkened as we hiked on. The rhodies and mountain laurel are blooming profusely now and the colors are fantastic. All shades of white, pink and purple surround us. The heavy rains have knocked many blossoms onto the trail and I feel like I'm at an AT wedding, with Mother Nature as flower girl. It's fantastic.    We hiked south and east of the Lynchburg Reservoir. I'd seen just four people and one wet dog all day. The rain came, steady at first then in waves. Little creeks became fast moving streams and streams turned into raging torrents. Water was falling from everything and everywhere and I've never seen so many waterfalls. Water ran onto the trail from all directions, and we hiked in a river. Our boots were sucked down into muddy muck as we made progress towards the swollen terminus of the reservoir.    We came to a stream crossing but the stepping stones were submerged. Seeing no safe options, we walked upstream and found a downed tree. It was moss covered and looked slippery. I went first, carefully placing one foot then the next. Half way there I straddled the log and scooted across to the other side on my butt. Redspecs followed and we bushwhacked back to the trail. Fortunately that was the last water crossing.    The last miles of the day followed Brown Mountain Creek, now running as a raging river. It was beautiful--water was surrounding us and we were one with it, wet to the bone and slogging along in a river of our own. We climbed two miles up to the road and were thankful to have a dry bed to call home for the night. It's all good and extremely wet. Tie Dye(Extra pix)
Date: 2013-06-13
From: Wintergreen

To: Wintergreen
Miles today: 0.0

Rules are for fools. Paul Petzoldt   I am making my hike up as I go. No rules seem appropriate. Takin' things day by day.    I felt better this morning, but had low energy. Today would be devoted to eating and eating and eating.   Been here before!! OK, big brekky and mid morning snack coming up.    We all hung around and soon the weather changed again. It had been warm yesterday and now a gust front portended more choppy weather.   I felt normal by midday and organized myself to complete the hike from the Tye River to Ried's Gap tomorrow. And kept eating.       Alex received a text from Circuit Rider. He and Sherlock were in Front Royal. He needed help getting to Kansas City and to his extended family who were gathering there. They had sadly experienced a sudden death in the family.    Plans were made and people were contacted. The way this network of friends works is astonishing to watch. The world could take a lesson in compassion, caring and selflessness.   Net net, Alex agreed to pick Circuit Rider up in Front Royal and take him to Daleville where another supporter named Homer would lend him a car for his journey. I tagged along with my bag of food. I always enjoy seeing Circuit Rider and Sherlock and didn't want Alex to drive alone on the great circle route from Wintergreen-Front Royal-Daleville-Wintergreen, a trip of many hours.    We drove to Front Royal in more hard rain and wind. Signs of severe weather were in evidence as we saw downed limbs and leaves everywhere. We hit the Burger King with our two friends and set off south by late afternoon with Circuit Rider.   We arrived at Homer's place in Daleville and found darkness due to a power outage. We enjoyed a quick visit at their kitchen table by oil lamp, then hit the road again.    The return to Wintergreen was made more interesting by a night tour of outer residential Waynesboro. Oh well, I navigate best at an earlier hour. C'est la vie.   A nights rest was the final task for today. Back to the AT with a stronger disposition tomorrow. It's all good. Tie DyePS. Today's photo is from April--I couldn't stop laughing at Lemon Gap. Come to think of it, I rarely stop smiling or laughing on this adventure. Love it!
Date: 2013-06-14
From: Ried's Gap/BRP 13.6/VA 664

To: Tye River/VA 56
Miles today: 10.4

If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress. Barack Obama      Today, I am more than willing to walk and just hope I'm OK otherwise. We chose to walk south from Ried's Gap to the Tye River. It's a beautiful walk in either direction, but this way we'd walk down a six mile drop from the top of Three Ridges Mountain to the river. It would be the right choice as I was still unsteady.       This area is fascinating geologically. Three ridges all come together at Rockfish Gap, just north of here at the beginning of Shenandoah NP. These ridges have been in play for me since GA, but they were far apart there. Steadily, they've come together and today's walk offered a view of all three as they converged on SNP. Fabulous.    On the way to the top of Three Ridges Mountain, I stopped at Hanging Rock overlook. It was beautiful but for the first time on this hike I was in an inner funk. I vented to myself there--stuff that was left over from the past few days, my physical state and miscellaneous bits and pieces. I think so much as I walk, but this was more of an inner rant. My universe was telling me to brain dump some stuff and move on to the good. This I did as I sat at that lovely spot.    I caught up with Redspecs near the top of the mountain. He once again hiked just behind me as we did the six mile downhill. I wasn't as unsteady as I'd been on Wednesday, but I was still tripping much more than usual. The hike was sprinkled with viewpoints and we tracked a beautiful stream at the bottom. It was marvelous, and I took extra care to avoid a faceplant.    We met a trail maintainer who was painting blazes.   Wow, we've been lucky enough to meet many fine people who keep the VA trail very lovingly maintained. They are all terrific and are so caring and passionate about this footpath called the AT.    Once again, we met Alex at the river. I had enjoyed this hike but was glad to be done for the day. The weather was good and we headed to the house for our evening respite. It's all good. Tie Dye PS. Extra pix of the amazing flowers in bloom--Mountain Laurel and Rhodies. The photos do not do justice to the wonder of walking in the forest right now. It is glorious.
Date: 2013-06-15
From: Wintergreen

To: Wintergreen
Miles today: 0.0

"Take this moment. Enjoy it".....saying on my Dove chocolate wrapping.    What a fabulous weather day we got today. After so much rain, the temp was perfect and skies were blue. We prepared to hike from Ried's Gap to Rockfish Gap, just outside Waynesboro and at the entrance to the Shennies.    RS stepped down the trail and I hollered my usual " right behind you, see you for a break at 11".   I lingered and sat down to enjoy the sun. It struck me that I was again in a bit of a mental state--not with the hard emotions of yesterday, but one of wonder about this day. A light bulb turned on. I was taking today off. No hiking, just a time to enjoy the spectacular day in any fashion I chose. Best!! Happy as ever.    I'd been hoping to visit a master cobbler in Waynesboro. Fortunately, Alex had to shop at the outfitters so I went to town with him.   I met Duffy at Graham's Shoe Service and asked his opinion about a couple of boot issues. He was fabulous, and fixed the toes of both boots where the sole was pulling away from the upper. He also restitched two spots where my bunions were pressing the stitching and causing the thread to abrade. It was a relief to have this work done.    I went to the Kroger for a few more supplies and met Alex for a beer. It was so relaxing--no worries about the house, anyone else or whether I'd hike OK or trip. I made a point to keep eating all day. It was the best day ever. It's all good when you give yourself permission to take a day off. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-06-16
From: Wintergreen

To: Durham, NC & return to Wintergreen
Miles today: 0.0

This day had been in the plans for over a week. Alex decided to hike with RS and I but needed return his car to home base in NC. We rented a car and drove both vehicles to Durham. After dropping his car at home and visiting with his roommate (a wonderful and highly skilled baker who kindly brought Alex two marvelous loaves!) we quickly hit the road north to VA again. We traveled on Route 501, a great blue highway with many interesting towns along the way. Because I was now a day behind Redspecs, he opted to have us drop him at Rockfish Gap and he hiked north today, rather than wait for the car drop. I will miss him, but will be right behind. We may cross paths again, as is the way with life on the AT. He hiked out to overcast skies (surprise, surprise!) and was off for an adventure in the Shennies. He loves ice cream, so when he finds the first concession stand selling milk shakes at Mile 27, he will realize that he is carrying WAY TOO MUCH FOOD. They sell sandwiches and burgers, too! Can't wait.   We completed the car drop and returned for one more night at my brother's home in Wintergreen. It's been amazing to have the conveniences of a car and a beautiful home, but I am ready to be homeless and carless. Back to the trail!!It's all great.Tie Dye
Date: 2013-06-17
From: Durham, NC & return to Wintergreen

To: Waynesboro, VA/Quality Inn
Miles today: 0.0

When you come to a fork in the road, take it! Yogi BerraToday I will become homeless. Back to the pack--yes! The morning was spent accomplishing necessary house chores. We had a couple of town errands to finish and would return the rental car in the afternoon. The driving yesterday was tiring and we had already decided to rest one more night in Waynesboro before hiking on. It was very humid by mid-afternoon. My room at the Quality Inn in Waynesboro had a balcony and I enjoyed resting there and looking out at increasingly cloudy skies. I made a plan to meet Alex for a meal at the Heritage, a local bar and eatery. I was hungry, as always, and my body was recouping. I thought about the strength and energy needed to have hiked here, a distance of over 800 miles. It's a mental and physical challenge. My outlook was good on both counts, but I realized that I needed to focus on keeping myself well fed and rested. I will be visiting more towns as I hike north, to enjoy regular food and to resupply more often. It's counterproductive for me to carry tons of trail food at this point. I need more calories than I can carry and will head for the food stand whenever I can. This is of course after I find a shower!! Nothing has changed that priority. We enjoyed a late lunch (yummm....an "Irish" burger made of ground corned beef with cheese, a little kraut and Russian dressing on a pretzel bun with fries and a beer) and chatted with others at Heritage. When I retired to my room later, the skies opened up, big time. It poured and poured, with added lightening for fun. I fell asleep wondering if it would ever stop raining. It's all good in Waynesboro, where I can find great eats when I'm hungry.Tie Dye
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Waynesboro, VA/Quality Inn

To: Waynesboro, VA/Quality Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. Confucius.    I awoke early to finish organizing my pack. All was set and I went to the lobby for a little brekky. Got wet on the way there, as it was RAINING. No comment!!   Lingering with a coffee seemed wise, as the rain intensified. C'mon-- will the sky ever be blue? Back at the room I sat on my balcony and checked the weather channel.   Oh my, heavy rain due all day and flash flood warnings. Time for a conference with Alex. We talked about the day, and during that conversation the rain came down so heavily I could barely see across the street. That's it--I called it. Not going anywhere until tomorrow.    OK, the new plan for today involved a stop back in to see Duffy, the master cobbler. I needed some waterproofing for my boots. And another visit to Heritage for more good food and fun. Hey, I'm becoming a regular, Lol. An added bonus is Game 6 of the NBA playoffs, scheduled for tonight.   A great day--bring it, rain! It's very simple. No worries. I'll roll with each day's challenges and relax with a good, uncomplicated plan. It's all good and simple, when you don't overthink stuff. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-06-19
From: Ried's Gap

To: Camp at trail near Humpback picnic area
Miles today: 6.0

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. Confucius.    I was up early again,this time looking out at clear skies. OK--like it! Brekky in the lobby led to some time on the hotel's computer. I caught up on a lot of email and ate as much as humanly possible (waffles, yogurt, juice, decaf, an apple, donut holes, a hard boiled egg and mini muffins).      I walked to Graham's Shoe Service, Duffy's cobbler store. He'd kindly let me take a can of silicone waterproof spray back to the hotel yesterday to treat my boots. I was returning the unused portion. He is the best, a skilled master of his trade. There are few like him anywhere in our country. I was happy to learn how to care for my boots from him. I am always super careful with them, and he gave me more specific care info.       I am hoping against hope that these boots will last a looooong way. My feet are very difficult--both have bunions and the left underwent extensive surgery in January 2012. Finding any shoes or boots that fit comfortably is a challenge. I'm having zero foot issues on my hike and want to keep it that way.    We arranged for a shuttle to Rockfish Gap, but no one came at the agreed upon time. Kept trying and found another ride around two. We reached the overpass and set our packs down to hitch a ride up the Blue Ridge Parkway. This took a while, as there wasn't much traffic and a lot of it was motorcycles. We eventually got a ride with a nice local woman. Road crews were repaving this part of the parkway so the ride was slow but we enjoyed chatting.       Finally, we were at the trail. It was already late, so we hiked a few miles and found a nice camp site. No rain, just beautiful woods, a nice dinner and my tent. Love it so much. Life is good. It's all good when you're on the AT under clear skies.Tie Dye