morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Watauga Lake

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

A bitter sweet day: W&A and I hiked apart. I started the day 9 miles ahead dueto yesterday's slack packing. It was hard to say goodbye this morning at thehostel...I cried when I gave Abal a hug. We've been hiking partners for over300 miles and a month together. We've shared food, washing machines, and motelrooms. I don't if I'll meet another woman with such a passion for knowledge,wealth of curiosity, eye for details, and such a big heart. We'll see each other again for Trail Days, and I plan to get to St. Cloud, if they'll have me!So off I went "alone" today, but you're never alone on the AT. Slinky Dog,another couple that I've gotten to know also joined me today and we had plans to go the same distance tonight. I came into the shelter about 5 after some light rain today, only to find the shelter full with people who left the hostelyesterday. They holed up in the shelter today when it started to rain anddidn't hike. I'm not sure what they'd do if there was really bad weather. This rain was delightful and not particularly cold. There hasn't been much rain the last 7 weeks, so I didn't really confirm it until today (although I suspected it) ... my rain gear has lost it's waterproofness and gets totally wet inside (no it's not my sweat)! That's why that day in the rain and cold a couple of weeks ago I nearly got hypothermia...my warm clothing underneath gets wet and I get cold. I definitely need some merino wool long underwear and good rain gear...looks like I'll need to do some shopping in Da! mascus...ewww!... oh boy!I'm laying in my hammock in the rain tonight. This is a first. I've alwaysbeen able to get into a shelter before. These shelters are much smaller thanfurther south. This one only sleeps 6. We had ones that slept 10 - 14 before. It doesn't matter to me, as I prefer my hammock to the shelter. In the shelter there are people who snore, stay up late, or get up early and bother the others. I don't have that problem with my hammock. But it is only 6:45 and when I finish this journal, I've nothing else to do here in this hammock. I guess I'll be to sleep quite early tonight!
Date: 2007-04-28
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Montgomery Homestead B&B, Damascus,VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Some hikers are so inconsiderate. Last night a hiker arrived at the shelter at8:30, long after everyone else had gone to bed, and spent the next 2 hoursclanging pots and scraping dishes making it hard for anyone to sleep. Hecrawled into his bag at 10:30 and then was up again clanging away at 6:00 am!It's so hard to sleep in a shelter anyways, but that was the last one. I'mlooking to get a new tent and move past the shelters to some of the beautifulcampsites to spend the night, and hopefully sleep better.Had a speedy 10 mile hike into Damascus, VA, a town of under 1000 people thatbrags that it's the friendliest town on the AT. I must say that so far that'sbeen quite true. Everyone says Hi and asks if you need anything. I'm stayingin a B&B for a change. I just need some time and space to myself, and a bit ofcivilization like what I'm accustomed to. This place is quaint, and Arts andCrafts bungalow right in the middle of town. Rest is on the agenda fortomorrow, but I also have the usual resupply activities to do.Slinky Dog are staying at a B&B around the corner and we're dining at the OldMill tonight together. But we shan't be out late, 'cause we're pretty tired. Step lightly
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Montgomery Homestead B&B, Damascus,VA

To: Summit Cut
Miles today: 16.9

We slack packed today, Slinkey Dog and I. It was a hot one and I don't know that slacking made it any easier because I got hot spots on both both heels.I was walking along behind Slinky, and she jumped pointing to the right. Oh, my god a huge black snake was coming at me! My feet tried to fly, I was tiptoeing so fast, and I couldn't move fast enough...he crossed the trail right behind me! I was the most flustered that I've ever been. He was either a black racer (like the one I almost stepped on a few weeks ago) or a rat snake. Whatever he was, he was big, black, and long...and trying to get me!!! What a fright! I do forget to watch for snakes and my hearing loss doesn't help me any. I've been told there a rattlesnakes in them there woods and I need to watch out for them. It took us all day to cover the mileage, but we had a couple of treats as wecame back into town: ice cold water coming out of a pipe near the road...and anice cream shop at the edge of town that we got milkshakes and smoothies.We're sharing a room at a hostel tonight...can't afford any more B&B rates. These hostels are pretty basic: a shower, bathroom, and bunks, but tonightthat's all we need. And we're pretty tiredStep lightly
Date: 2007-05-01
From: Summit Cut

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

What a day it's been: late start, beautiful views, rocky terrain, wild ponies,and a late finish. The shuttle didn't leave til 9:20,and then when we got thehalf hour out to the gap, Slinky realized she'd left her hiking poles back inthe hostel. She and Dog went back, while I hiked on. I had a new Extra Smallhip belt on my pack that I got at the outfitters in town, but they'd screwedsomething up when they put it back together. I finally got it adjusted and gothiking. It was a glorious morning with the sunbreaking through the trees and Ijust felt so happy to be hiking. I've decided I don't particularly likeslacking and probably won't do it again. I like backpacking...going north withall my wordly possessions on my back. I hiked slowly this morning alone, it was an uphill climb. And within 3 hours Slinky Dog caught up with me.It's 9:30 because we hiked a full day 16 miles until 8:30, so I'm pretty beat. I'll have to tell you about the wild ponies who tried to bite me tomorrow. Step lightly
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Dickey Gap campsite

To: Partnernship Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

Has anyone ever heard a Whipperwill? What about a lot of them? They sure arenoisy when one is trying to sleep! Add to that the trucks and it made for quite a night. The rain held off until this afternoon,b ut for the last 5 miles we got very wet! And cold, 'cause the temperature dropped when the front came through. But the shelter we stopped at had a hot shower! It doesn't get any better than that!!!After a shower, some pizza (yes, pizza - they deliver to this shelter!),andtearful goodbyes, I left the trail and tried to hitchhike into Marion. In therain. After about 15 minutes and 20 cars passed me,I decided I may have to hike the 6 miles into town so I'd beter start walking. About 15 mintes down the road, a local guy picke me up and took me into town, past his turn off, andhelped me find where the Greyhound bus would pick me up.So now I'm sitting in a Wendy's just passing time until the bus comes at10:45...it's 6:45 now. And even though I got a shower, my clothes stillstink...so I'm looking the part of the bag lady.After a 3 hour bus ride, then a taxi ride, I'll endb up at my motelaround 3 am. Boy will that bed ever feel good!Saying goodbye to Slinky Dog was very hard. What good friends and reallyenjoyable people they were. I loved hiking with them, even if I had troublekeeping up! I get distracted a lot when I hike and they have great focus andconcentration! I learneed to keep moving steadily with them...hope I can keepit up when I get back to the trail. While sitting in Wendy's passing the time, a couple having dinner with theirboys asked me if I was hiking the trail. I answered a bunch of their questionsand chatted with them awhile explaining that I was waiting for a bus. Didn'tthese wonderful people, Randy and Crystal Walk, invite me to their home to spend the evening with them. It was the highlight of my week! It's all about the people...I've said it before and I'll say it again. i made plans with them to pick me up again from the bus when I return and shuttle me back to the trail. Trail magic...that's how it happens..when you least expect it! Thank you Randy, Crystal, Cory, and Hunter for a warm relaxing evening getting to know all of you. See y'all in two weeks!Right now I'm sitting on a Greyhound bus somewhere in Virginia waiting tocontinue on to Roanoke. It's quarter to midnight. I haven't been up this latein a long time...hiker midnight was 4 hours ago...and remember, I did hike 15miles today, so I'm pretty tired. Moving at 60 mph is pretty frightening aftermoving at 2 mph for 2 months...I fear we're going to crash...and we come soclose to the trucks that we past. A bit of culture shock is going on for me. I must really look like a bag lady now with duct taped glasses, one earing,pants 2 sizes too big, a dirty smelly fleece, dirty hiking boots, and my curlspeaking out from under my buff cap...get the picture? I fit right in on thisbus!Hopefully I can get a little sleep on our way in to Roanoke.Step lightly
Date: 2007-05-04
To: Roanoke, VA
Miles today: 0.0

All went according to plan and I arrived at my hotel by taxi about 1:45 am. Had a little trouble finding the office and someone to check me in...thought I was going to have to pitch my tarp in their yard! Then I was so buzzy I had a hard time getting to sleep and woke up at my usual 6:00 am. Managed to go backasleep until 8 though. The noise of the highway right outside my window is most annoying and disturbing after so much quiet these last 2 months. Even the towns we were in weren't this noisy.The other thing I'm noticing is how large and heavy everything is. I had a boxof travel clothes and toiletries shipped to the hotel and when I unpacked them I was most aware of those features. A full size hairbrush felt so strange in my hand.I had arranged to pick up a rental car at the airport so I could try and shop to find a dress to wear to the wedding, but this hotel doesn't offer a shuttle over there even though it's pretty close. So I got directions and decided towalk...how far can it be? I've walked 523 miles, what's another mile or two? Besides, the exercize will do me good. Well, I had to walk down a 4 lanedivided highway, up and over an exit ramp to get to the airport. It only tookmw 30 minutes, but it wasn't a popular walking route!A car, what a great invention! Roanoke has a great downtown district with afarmers market open every day and lots of boutique shops so I started my dresshunt there. I told the young girl in one of the shops to think about what they would want their mother to wear to their wedding...I don't want to embarass my daughter. Couldn't find anything I liked, but she told me about several other shops at various shopping centers around the city. I had a fun day looking, meeting people, sharing my story, but, alas, no luckfinding anything that 1) I liked, and 2) I could afford. They showed me dressesvalued upwards of $800. I said I didn't think my dress should cost more thanthe bride's! I later found a Calvin Klein dress I liked at Marshall's (myfavorite place to shop, but my last resort for this occasion), but they had itin a 4, 8, and 10...but not a 6. I didn't know if I would have time to dealwith alterations so I passed it up. I have faith that the right dress will show up in time.Tomorrow I fly to San Diego via Atlanta. I'm meeting up with my daughter Danathere and we'll fly out together. Can't wait to see her! I'll get to see Avery and Kevin and his family when we arrive. It's been 8 months since I was out there last so I'm anxious to see her!   Dennis is joining us onWednesday...can't wait to see him too!!!Today, as I drove around Roanoke, I could see mountains off in the distance inevery direction. It was cooler and rainy today and the clouds hung around thepeaks. I couldn't help thinking about my friends hiking onward, wishing I waswith them, hoping their staying warm and dry. Divided between two worlds.Step lightly
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Roanoke, VA

To: San Diego, CA
Miles today: 0.0

I've decided hiking is easier than flying! It took me 15 hours to get to San Diego today. I was at the airport at 6:30 for an 8 am flight. We boarded the plane, taxied to the runway and sat a while. Then we were told that there were technical difficulties in Atlanta (my connecting airport where Dana and I were to meet to fly to San Diego together), so we were taken back to the terminal. I was told I would be rerouted to Cincinnati to connect to San Diego, leaving from Roanoke at 1 pm. Ugh! Then at 10 am they decided to reboard the flight to Atlanta and since my San Diego flight in Atlanta was delayed a couple of hours, they thought I could make the connection. So we reboarded, and taxied out and waited on the runway. No go. They couldn't read the gas gauge. Have to go back to the terminal and reboot the plane. Did that. No improvement. Have to deboard...again! Guess I am going to Cincinnati. That flight left on time and I met the most delightful woman, an author named George Ella Lyon from Lexington KY. Here most recent book I'm very eager to read is called Don't You Remember?I ate, then slept in Cincinnati til my flight left at 5 pm. I didn't know they had put me in a 1st class seat until I boarded. Trail magic is still happening!!! I got food and a comfortable seat for the long flight. And true to tradition, my luggage was lost...no, they call it "Delayed"! It arrived the next morning.I'm exhausted but glad to be here! Dana arrived safely only a couple of hours late. And Mike and Denise Moore, her new in-laws, had a wonderful, tasty dinner for us when we rolled in about 8 pm. They are the nicest people and are putting us up for the week...and have supplied us a car. We just move in! Dana's taken over the kitchen. She's got a wedding cake to produce this week and over 50 flowers to be handmade. We both have dresses to be found and bought so we have something to wear to the wedding. No stress on us...nope, not us!Step lightly
Date: 2007-05-06
To: San Diego, CA
Miles today: 0.0

Jet lag is the pits. I'm so tired, but can't sleep too well. My clock is all screwed up. Hope I adjust soon!Tennis friends of Denise's threw Avery a shower today. What fun it was! The decorations were terrific! Avery's colors are orange and purple for the wedding. They used those colors and animal prints to decorate for the shower. It was so vibrant! Great food, wonderful people, one fun game where Avery and to guess what Kevin answered to about 15 questions (his mom recorded his answers earlier in the week), wonerful gifts for her, and tasty dessert! All in the delightful San Diego weather!!!! Thank you!Step lightly
Date: 2007-05-07
From: San Diego, CA

To: San Diego, CA
Miles today: 0.0

Everyone, please don't be concerned. Updates will be coming today or tomorrow. Dana has been busy with getting things done so that she could get to San Diego and have all the supplies necessary to do her sister's wedding cake, while finishing cakes for her own customers in Annapolis.I have great stories to share about my adventures getting here...I'm in San Diego too. But now I'm off to shop for cake supplies and a mother of the bride's dress...can't wear hiking shorts and boots, that's for sure.Stay tuned...step lightlyOK...journal is updated from the 25th of April forward. I'll try to keep it updated while I'm off the trail. I hope to get some time to post some new pictures too! Dana is quite busy in the kitchen, so I guess I'll have to learn how to do this posting myself.It's only Monday. I still have a few days left to find a dress. I hope to locate something tomorrow because Dennis arrives on Wednesday and I really don't want to be shopping. It's my least favorite thing to do.The weather out here has been fabulous: hot and sunny! And I'm relaxing and trying to catch up on sleep. I have to say, I'm also trying not to overeat and regain any of the weight I lost. If I'm not hiking, I can't be pigging out!Step lightly,
Date: 2007-05-08
From: San Diego, CA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I found a dress! The suspense of whether or not I was going to be naked at the wedding is over!!! When it gets this close, my requirements list gets shorter: not tacky, fits comfortably...I'll take it!Spent the day shopping for "the dress" and getting Avery and Kevin clothes they needed for their honeymoon in Thailand. I don't often get to shop with Avery any more, what with her living out here and me living in the east...so it was fun to spoil her today. It's been nice and hot, in the 90's, out here. I love it, but the locals have been complaining. They like their weather in the 70's to low 80's. It will be dropping down over night so they should be happy!I just got a call from Abal.   I miss her and Willing and it was so good to hear her voice. They are at a shelter just past Atkins, VA, doing well, and trucking along.Today I found the best two links that I want to share with people who are trying to follow along and figure out where the heck I am when I say I stayed at this shelter or that. The first is a listing of all the AT shelters, but if you click on it, and then click on the Google Maps link, it shows the shelters on the AT on a Google map. YOu have to move your cursor over the red balloon and the name of the shelter pops up. If you were to connect the red balloons like "connect the dots", you'd see the Appalachian Trail.Here's the link to the shelter listing:   http://www.cs.utk.edu/~dunigan/at/And here's the Google link: http://www.cs.utk.edu/~dunigan/at/googleat.php?lat=34.99987&lon=-83.49487&scale=11You can just click and drag on the Google map to move up it to a more northern state, just be sure you keep showing the red balloons, as those are the AT shelters. Then hover over a shelter and the name pops up. Now y'all should be better able to follow where I am, and what towns I'm near as I move north. Have fun following along and if you have any problems using this tool, please let me know. If you're having problems, others may be too...and perhaps, I can help.Off to join the family for dinner...Step lightly
Date: 2007-05-09
To: San Diego, CA
Miles today: 0.0

Dennis arrived today! Need I say more!!!! I sure have missed him. He's quite impressed with my new muscles: stronger legs, stronger arms, and stronger hands, he says. He came with lots of stuff for me. I had been sending him lists of things to bring from home. He's been quite busy getting it all together, I can tell. Step Lightly
Date: 2007-05-13
From: San Diego, CA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The wedding was wonderful! No major catastrophes and everyone had a great time. What a venue for a wedding: the mountains of San Diego with Bengal tigers and lion cubs!!! I'll post pictures for all to see, but I'm pretty tired from all the activity. The newlyweds left for Thailand this afternoon. I have wrap up things to do for them to get their house in order. She worked hard all week on two cakes: the wedding cake and a surprise groom's cake which was a replica of the groom's off-roading jeep going over boulders. It was a hit! Check out the photos.Dana's flying out tomorrow...and Dennis and I leave Wed morning. We'll be busy in between cleaning Kevin and Avery's house, packing boxes to ship stuff home and ahead on the trail.It's been a wonderful time here in San Diego and Mike & Denise Moore (Avery's in-laws) have been the most gracious hosts giving over their kitchen to Dana and their house and a car to all of us. We've had the best time because we've been able to make ourselves to home. Enjoy the photos from San Diego...and step lightly
Date: 2007-05-16
From: San Diego, CA

To: Roanoke
Miles today: 0.0

I flew back to the East Coast today, leaving San Diego at 8 am and arriving inRoanoke, VA at 6 pm. A couple of trail magic incidents occurred today...lovethat trail magic. First, I had to arrange for a ride from the bus back to thetrail for tomorrow. Originally, Randy and Crystal Walk (the couple I met atWendy's on my way out last week), but because I was coming in in the middle ofthe day, they weren't free to help me out. I also had gotten from a southbounder on the trail before I left the name of a trail angel in Marion and hisphone number. So while I was in Atlanta, I called him and he agreed to meet mybus and shuttle me to the post office to mail Kathy Rioux (Dennis' sister) theduffle bag I borrowed to fly my pack in. Then, while I was on the phone, theoutfitters left a message that my new rain coat was in...oh boy! They'reshipping it to Bland VA post office where my summer bag and new tent are beingshipped. New toys when I get to Bland!But not all things worked as planned. I had made a reservation at a paricularDays Inn because it had an airport shuttle and was close to the busstation....nope, no shuttle, but they'll call me a cab. Oh well...the cabbie turned out to be a great guy who helped me with my stuffand arranged my pickup in the morning.A quick walks to the nearby Freez for $$$ and the Subway for a veggie sub andback to my room to veg and try to get to sleep.Step lightly
Date: 2007-05-17
From: Roanoke

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm back! And it feels like I'm home. For the first hour I felt very buzzy...couldn't really focus, couldn't get me head settled down. I must have been still racing from all the traveling. The first thing I noticed was all the greenery! The leaves are full size and the forest floor is all green too. And it's so quiet...and I love that! I hate noise. The woods seem very empty. I was so glad when I saw some hikers up ahead. Turned out to be a father and son: Turtle and Navigator. They come out and hike for a month every summer. We got to the shelter early, about 5:30, and I've really enjoyed their company here tonight. I love how you can meet people out here and share an evening so comfortably with them without all the pretenses.I feel so calm, so serene now. I love the outdoors! I'm tucked warmly into my sleeping bag and even though this is not as comfortable as my bed at the Moore's, I'm happy listening to the rain outside and the thunder muttering in the distance. Should be a great night tonight back in the woods!!!Step lightly