morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-12
To: Ready to Return
Miles today: 0.0

Last night I sent an email to family, friends and others informing them of the link to this journal. This week I've been finalizing my food order...that is the order for ingredients to make my freezer bag meals and beginning the process of cooking and dehydrating enough pasta to feed a small army for one meal or just me for about 5 months. Now I'm finally getting amped up to start and finish my AT journey!For the last several months I've sort of just laid off getting ready as much of the planning is now rather easy because of experience gained last year in both planning and actually hiking. Now after a month of being under the weather health wise, dealing with snow here in KY and helping my daughter move it now feels like I'm a bit behind. Oh well so goes it. Cathy and me have planned a get-a-way weekend in April a few weeks before I leave. That should be a good time for us to relax and build up "together time". Time to now get some more pasta out of the dehydrator. More later...BlessingsLogman
Date: 2015-04-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We went on a "pre-hike" getaway to Hot Springs and Asheville two weeks before I leave for the AT. Besides a great visit to the magnificent Biltmore Estate we stopped at two places I hiked through/over last year and that I wanted to show to Cathy. Did you know that the Vanderbilt's, who built Biltmore, gave a lot of the land for Pisgah National Forest? AT hikers pass through a large section of that on the AT. On the way to Asheville we stopped in Hot Springs. We enjoyed a visit to the hot springs and a meal at the Smokey Mountain Diner. After two days in Asheville we drove about 10 miles (one way) on forest service roads to near the top of Max Patch. Once there we hiked about 2 miles so that I could show Cathy one of the magnificent panoramas I visited last year. This one was easy to get her to because of road access. The other two will involve long day hikes and maybe one night in the woods. Here is a picture of Cathy on the trail on Max Patch. Note the AT blazes on the posts..simple 2 inches X 6 inch white blazes. Before leaving Asheville we picked up bananas for trail magic. On Max Patch we where able to give several away to AT hikers we met. The remaining we left for others heading that way. It was fun to give back in this way. The hikers, two we talked to (Boombox and Journey), were very appreciative. Just as I was last year and will be this year when blessed in this way.Now it's time to get home and pack for my trip starting in two weeks.Blessings
Date: 2015-05-02
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

One more day at home today. It was great. Family and Derby Day, a fine way to spend my last day home for a while. I did a few last minute odds and ends which if one is not careful can lead to pack overload. Fortunately most were of the preparing my home and wife, Cathy, for my leaving. A perfect spring day, sunny and warm, and the first Saturday in May...KY Derby Day... the fastest and best two minutes in sport! The entire family was here, minus my son-in-law who was obligated to attend graduation at Cedarville University where he teaches. We spent the day outdoors, snacking, walking, and just hanging out together. Grilled burgers and had corn on the cob for dinner, followed by Derby Pie. Yes we did also serve up some mint julips. It's not Derby Day if you don't.   In about 12 hours from now, my friend Walter, will come pick me up and drive me back to Damascus, VA where I stopped last year. I hope to hit the AT on Monday for my "Aim for Maine" journey...Day One.Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-03
From: Lakeside Park, KY

To: Abingdon, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Left home about 8:00 this morning. First stop is Abingdon, VA. Walter and I hit the road south after a light breakfast at home. The goodbye with Cathy were sweet, but more difficult than last year. Our drive was leasurly as we went south on I-75 to Corbin where we got off to head east. Lunched in Middleboro before Cumberland Gap and Tennessee. We immediately turned left into Virginia and took the "scenic" route through western Virginia to Abingdon. Arrived at our motel at 3:00, checked in, rested for a while and then explored Abingdon. Back at the motel we relaxed before dinner of fish at the Harbor House restaurant, which hit my spot and was actually pretty good for this part of the world. After dinner I loaded my water and then we watched TV. Tomorrow we will have waffles at the motel before heading to Damascus. Walter will drop me off at about 9:30 or 10 and he,will head to meet his cousin for lunch in Wytheville and I will "Aim for Maine".Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Damascus, VA

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Walter dropped me off at the far end of Damascus where the AT leaves town. Walked through town last year and didn't want to repeat. The first three quarters of a mile were on the Virginia Creeper Bike Trail and then a right up some steps and back into the mountains. Sunny and sorta cool day in the valley and as I climbed it got considerably warmer. Not to mention of course that I too was getting hotter from the,first effort of my journey. The AT skirted just above the Creeper Trail steadily rising for a few miles and then the remaining miles were switch backs to the Shelter. This was a good first day. Just enough miles and climbing for the first day. At the Shelter I met several hikers I would see over the rest of the first week. I hit it off with one in particular...Roy from Morehead City.NC. Roy is thru hiking. There also was Jen/ Soda Pop from Louisville out with her partner, Skittles, who is a faster hiker and already ahead. They too started in Damascus and will be on the trail for four weeks before heading back to jobs at UPS. Everyone except Roy left to go on. I sheltered for the night. Roy tented. Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Saunders Shelter 

To: Whitetop Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 12.0

(One word describes the next 4 days: brutal)Roy, with about 6 weeks of hiking under his belt, decided to stick with me (me,with only 9 miles under my belt) this day. Roy and I have really hit it off during our stay at Saunders. We are close to the same age and share a lot of interests. I was honored when he, obviously ready to hike much faster and further than me, wanted to stick with me so we could talk more. Roy is from Morehead City, NC. ...yes my friends a Duke fan too. He's not really a,basketball fan. His Duke connection is not sports so much as care his wife and family got during an extended illness.The day began well as we basically hiked parallel to the Creeper Trail and even on it for a short while. Our journey this day would take us over a 2000 foot climb and a 5000 foot one to the top of White Top Mountain. Roy was content to follow me at my pace for most of the day. We talked and hiked. Well on the climbs he talked...not me. I was doing good just to keep breathing and not stopping every 20 yards to recover before moving on. Roy moved ahead just before the 5000 foot climb up White Top. At the start of the climb as I exited a cow pasture there was Roy resting and waiting for me. After the climb yesterday up from Damascus and the previous 2000 footer earlier today, I was not real anxious to tackle this one. No choice as there were few camp sites and less water sources until the top. Roy quickly moved out of sight. Several hours later and almost totally wiped out I reached the top. A guy was there tenting and I was tempted to join him. Roy had asked him when he passed to encourage me to go the additional mile and a half. That encouraging word and news that the remaining distance was downhill boosted me. Almost at the campsite was a wonderful spring...piped and easy to refill. Nothing like cold mountain water to quench thirst after a long hot day. I arrived at camp and set up right before a brief rain. Completely whipped and not a bit of appetite from the day's exertion, I hit the sack. I had started the day at 7:30 am and made it to camp at 7:30 pm. A brutal day for the second day. Harder I think than any day in Georgia last year. Tomorrow's planned miles were going to have to be reduced for recovery. Blessings, Logman
Date: 2015-05-06
From: Whitetop Mountain Campsite

To: Thomas Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 6.7

A short day today made necessary by the tough one yesterday. Climbing began almost immediately up to Mt. Rogers. Rogers is the highest mountain in Virginia. It will be all downhill from here...ha. Since miles today would be low I took them slow. Although a short hike, I was anxious to get over Rogers and into the Grayson Highlands. They are reputed to be one of the most beautiful and enjoyable areas on the AT. Home to friendly and maybe too friendly wild ponies and stunning landscape and views.Roy left camp a few minutes before I did. Since he hikes faster it was a bit sad as I may not see him again. He is getting off the trail in mid May to visit with his girlfriend so maybe I can catch up with him again. The trail up was rocky but nice with enough switchbacks that hiking was relatively easy. The AT does not go to the peak but skirts around near it as we move north. A side trail to the top signals me that I'm only about 2 tenths of a mile from the Thomas Knob Shelter and the end of hiking for the day.Breaking out of the forest onto open vista is grand. Immediately I see the first ponies and a foal nursing right on the AT and by a marker. (See pictures section) It's only about noon and with the broad view I see rain clouds on the way. Good time to be stopping early at a shelter. When I arrive a lot of hikers have congregated. Odd that few seemed to pass me and many were not at my previous campsite. Roy had stopped and was just about to leave but a chance for a final goodbye. Soon after my arrival hikers who would be staying the night began to arrive. First was Dave/ Fisher king who SOBO'ed in 2003. Very nice guy out for only a few days. He was a wealth of good information and even carried garbage out for us. Arriving early we had lots of time to talk. Six guys from Alabama arrived. One actually a native of Louisville, teased another of the group of being a Travolta. And by golly that guy did really resemble the actor. I took a picture without trying to be obvious about it. Another guy, Justin and his dog, Jesse were also there. Justin is out for a month and like me he started in Damascus.I had not eaten last night so first thing I cooked and ate last night's dinner. A must to try and regain energy lost yesterday. Beef stroganoff yum! Food and almost a whole day of rest and hopefully ready to start increasingly mile.Tomorrow will be a trip through the Grayson Highlands, more ponies and vistas.Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Thomas Knob Shelter 

To: Fox Creek/ VA 600 Campsite 
Miles today: 12.7

Awoke early today to start what would be a longer day than Tuesday, the one that about did me in. Anxious to see how much I recovered and get on with getting in hiking condition. It's much easier to get an early start from a shelter because there is no tent to load. I really like the first 3 hours in the morning. The forest is quiet and there is a better chance to see wildlife. During these early hours I pray and praise the Lord for his help as I hike. No better place than in the midst of creation. Shortly after leaving the shelter and at the gate...yes gate entering the Highlands I came upon Skittles and Soda Pop who hammock and we're stopped at the gate because there is no camping in the Highlands. The hiking here includes several stints going over rocky ridges into mountain valleys and vistas. Always the ponies are around. And not really wild at all. I soon pass through "the scales" a large fenced corral where annually some of the ponies are checked by veterinarians and sold. One good thing about reaching the scales, which the AT goes right through, is that there is a compost toilet and garbage can. These are almost luxuries. After the three previous three days of climbing, today's route ended with the last few miles downhill to the campsite. We did get some rain today but nothing major. At the,camp it was Skittles and Soda Pop, me and a guy who came in late sick and who set up and stayed in his tent. The three of us all with Louisville ties spent the late afternoon cooking, talking of things Louisville, resupplying water and relaxing around a campfire.Tomorrow I will aim to get as close to Marion, VA as possible with hopes of getting to my first zero day as early as possible on Saturday. (Please take a look at my photos and get more information on my hike.)
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Fox Creek Camp

To: Trimpi Shelter 
Miles today: 12.4

The longer and further I can hike today the closer I can get to Partnership Shelter at the Mt. Rogers Visitor Center and then off the AT into Marion, VA. for the first Zero day on this "Aim for Maine" journey. If possible I would like to be in Marion early in the day on Saturday to get the business part of trail town visiting done...shower, laundry, and mail pick up. Mail of course is my resupply for the next section so the AT.The hike today begins and ends with climbing and relatively easy in between and downhill at the end to Trimpi Shelter. Water will be scarce for about the last 5 miles today. On the AT it is important to be aware of stretches with limited water and heck watch your own supply. Climbing right off the start today was good to get me warmed up in the cool morning. Hiking was great...nice trail and not to rocky. By lunch I had reached a road crossing before the last climb leading to the planned stop. It was just close enough to Marion so reach there timely. And by now the cool morning had transformed into a hot day. Myself and two other hikers were relaxing over lunch...me with tuna and tortilla along with water, when a wonder of the AT arrived....Trail Angel. The Trail will provide...Trail Magic, this time a van full of goodies. Steve, a 2013 thru hiker was out giving back to the AT. Was I ever glad to get a Gatorade and chips and a couple of snacks for my pockets to eat along the way. While relaxing there I had prayed for a way to get something to drink besides water to help me up that last certain to be hot climb. Praise the Lord...Gatorade!Once at Trimpi Shelter I reconnected with Justin and Jesse. We teamed up to share a room in Marion tomorrow and Sunday. Tomorrow we would leave early. First one to Partnership Shelter would try to secure a ride. I was to make reservations once on top again with hopes of cell service being available. Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Trimpi Shelter 

To: Marion, VA
Miles today: 10.7

Up and out of camp early today. The earliest yet at 6:30am. Goal one was to reach a high point and hope I had cell service to make reservations in Marion. And I had not had good enough service all week to call my bride...I was anxious to hear her beautiful voice. Early on while in my prayer time I passed through an open section of trail. Probably the prettiest I've seen so far since Damascus. See picture. Hiking was easy today and I made better time than expected arriving at Partnership Shelter 30 minutes faster than expected. Justin and Jesse were there and had secured our ride into Marion. Again more trail magic from a former hiker. Once in town we had to wait awhile for our room. We had arrived too early for it but too late for me to retrieve my mail drop from the PO. It closed at noon on Saturday. What a bummer. Now leaving town on Monday gets complicated and delayed. That will likely result in a short day on Monday. After long showers and some equipment cleaning we headed to lunch/dinner and the much needed laundromat. Food was had at a fine Mexican restaurant...of course after 6 days on the trail any food would be fine. Marion is a long town. It was a long walk to food and laundry. More magic at the laundry. They supplied free soap. On the way back to the motel we stopped at Walmart to pick up snacks for tonight. The motel provides breakfast so that's a break. All in all I feel good after this first week. Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-10
From: Marion, VA

To: Marion
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Being the first Zero of my 2015 AT hike, I was just a little out of practice on how to do a zero. That's not exactly accurate. They are easy especially when all laundry and grocery resupply have been completed upon arrival in town the day before. Continental breakfast was provided by the motel. I had a waffle with syrup and orange juice. Basically Justin, Jesse (his dog) and me just lounged all day.We did run out before lunch to buy food and snacks to eat...and save money over another restaurant meal. The rest of the day until venturing out for dinner was spent watching NBA basketball and packing to get out of town tomorrow.And of course as previously mention, I have to go to the PO before leaving town to retrieve my mail drop, take what I need out, and then mail it on to Pearisburg, VA, my next major resupply stop. Dinner was at Pizza Perfect. I had the mother's day special...flat iron steak, baked potato, and a salad.Very nice meal before we get back on the AT tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-11
From: Marion

To: Chatfield Shelter 
Miles today: 7.0

After a nice restful day lounging at the motel mostly watching professional basketball and a fine dinner, I awoke to catch the local bus to downtown Marion and the Post office. It opened at 9 and I was in and out in about 25 minutes to catch the bus on it's return to the motel. One interesting thing is that Marion provides bus service to and from the AT three times a day during the week. And hear this...it's only 50 cents! Our shuttle in on Saturday was $10.One oops I discovered later that I had made at the PO in my haste was...forgot more TP!Back on the trail Justin and me aimed for the first shelter. That was about all we could hope for after our 11:30 start.We arrived at Chatfield about 5 pm. Several others were there already, including Mr. Don. He is a very interesting guy from Maine. One of several I have met already from Maine. Another is Sam I am who showed me a picture from his house of Mt. Kahtadin. He's really walking home. Mr. Don is a former LL Bean employee and still helps on their AT maintenance crew. Many of you probably know how much I like LL Bean gear. And in fact have several pieces with me now. Mr. Don is a interesting guy that I could learn a lot from. I hope to see him more along the way. He is getting off for a day tomorrow in Atkins. I'm sure he will catch you later. Speaking of my LL Bean gear. It poured rain on use at Chatfield starting at about dusk. My portion of the Shelter front was not covered with the tarp provided. Guess which way the wind was blowing? Thankfully my Bean raincoat covered just enough of my sleeping bag so that I remained dry and cozy.So long for now. Tomorrow I hope to bag a 16 or so mile day, plus stop in Adkins for a meal at the famous trail side restaurant. ..The Barn.Blessings
Date: 2015-05-12
From: Chatfield Shelter 

To: VA 42 Campsite 
Miles today: 16.4

After rain last night it was slow getting packed and started today. I really needed to hike long today so as to catch up with my hoped for schedule. Well to stay close to it as possible. Leaving from a shelter, especially after rain, is much easier and faster than having to repack a wet tent. I was underway shortly after 6:00 am. First stop, 4.4 miles away was Atkins,VA. The AT passes right through this little town, which is famous on the AT for the hiker friendly Barn Restaurant. I hoped to get there for a late breakfast or early lunch. And a hot meal in any event. I arrived and had a cheese omelet with sausage, chocolate milk and a biscuit. (I can almost hear my bride saying that all I talk about is food.)By the time I finished Justin and Jesse, slow starters in the am, had arrived. Justin desperately needed more fue, which he had forgotten in Marion. Unfortunately none was to be found. He settled on a can of Sterno in hopes that would suffice. Jesse the beagle causes Justin the hiker problems at such places as restaurants. I watched Jesse while Justin ordered a sandwich to go. After that we headed out of town around 11:00 for another 12 miles. Justin wanted to go even further to make Pearisburg a day earlier. For me at my pace that is still about a week away. As man and dog moved ahead I was a bit sad because I might not see them again.Alone now for the rest of the day I enjoyed a day of wonderful grasslands, many of which the AT crosses private land, and scenic vistas of the mountain range of western VA. As the day progressed and I grew more weary every uphill was very laborious. 16 miles was going to take until darn close to 7:00 pm. Numerous fence stiles needed to be traversed. Think of a ladder up one side and down the other with a pack on. By the time I finally reached the Holston River and was just under 2 miles from the camping spot I was aiming for, just putting one foot in front of the other was tiring. Just on the other side of the river I passed Whisper and Drug Store, two very strong and young hikers from Portland, Ore. whom I have been leap frogging with for a few days now. They were moving on to the next shelter about 5 miles away. That is probably where Justin ended up. I was just about cooked and knew I had to reach camp soon. Just as the three of us got to the final fence stiles...wow trail magic. We sure hoped there was some left. And there was ! Several cans of Dr. Thunder! Never had heard of this before. Apparently the Wal-Mart version of Dr. Pepper. Given a choice I don't drink Dr. Pepper...but after 15 long miles on the AT with almost 2 to go, this stuff was awesome. And for some reason it reminded me of a recently deceased and colorful character from Newport...Johnny Thunder. My chosen camp site was near a road, which no one ever likes. And to boot a couple of local guys were nearby camping. I set up at almost dark and broke camp at 6 am to catch up with Justin and again hike long miles. Those other guys probably never even knew that I was there. All in all another good day on the AT. Blessings
Date: 2015-05-13
From: VA 42 Campsite 

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 12.0

Today's hike while several miles shorter than yesterday was just about as challenging. A lot of uphill through beautiful meadows. There was little opportunity for water resupply because the trail stayed mostly on the ridges. The final spring before the Shelter was almost two miles away. The process in such a situation is this: load your bottles and then load yourself. And you also need to make sure you have enough water for getting to the campsite, for dinner and until you reach the next spring to refill.A lot of hikers collected this day at Chestnut Knob Shelter. The reason is the awesome view of Burke's Garden. We have heard that many locals call it "God's Thumbprint". I set my tent so that I had an unobstructed view as I sat and basked in the warm sun. The Shelter is one of the few so far that is completely enclosed. And there is good reason. Constant wind holds the promise that tonight will be cold on the mountain. We had to go inside to cook and eat. My light weight sleeping bag would need help to keep me warm. Besides the view we could also get full cell phone reception! Yea. I could talk and text Cathy and others. A great day...talking to Cathy, a warm sunny day, with just enough breeze to not be hot and that view with a simple uplifting ok my head while sitting in the tent.When the sun started to set the wind picked up and the temperature started to plummet. Time to dress for bed in hopes of being warm enough to sleep. I would need it because tomorrow would be another long day. Bedtime is always early on the AT. Not much to do in the dark and especially on a cold windy mountain. (Please check out my photo album on this site. There are more pictures there and several have descriptions.)Blessings,