morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Joy is not in things, it is in us. Ben Franklin      I awoke to a cold rain, with more forecast all day. Looks like today will be another eating day!   I have seen tons of hikers I know at Uncle Johnny's and met lots more.    I decided to go to a local bluegrass festival, Fiddlers and Fiddleheads, a yearly event in Unicoi, TN. It's held on a beautiful property with old buildings and tents, so we were protected from the rain. Local musicians set up in various places and played all day. It was fabulous--the music, the people, the food, the joy!   Musicians played banjos, mandolins, fiddles, bass, guitars and washtubs and shared their joy with the listeners. Folks were dancing, and enjoying themselves and the excellent music. One rendition of "Rocky Top" had three local folks up clogging and entertaining their friends.    What a joyous food place, too. I had already eaten a lot of brekky, but dove right into Shagtown Stew (collards, ham, potatoes and field peas), cornbread, strawberry shortcake, blackberry cobbler and homemade bread.       I got back to Uncle Johnny's in time to enjoy trail magic fruom the church across the river-- more free food. OK! Let that sit then ordered spaghetti with the works for dinner a little later. A great day all around.    It continued to rain hard all afternoon and evening. I'm making my plan for the next section of trail, from here to Damascus. I'd like to be there to meet Copilot by May 8. We will then travel to SC for Kelly's graduation. This is very doable; 12 mile days will get me there easily. I'll go further if things go well. I have to travel over Roan Mtn. , the second highest point on the AT. The weather can be interesting there.    I'll be out hiking tomorrow, rain or no rain. I don't know where the guys are....and I miss them. We'll probably cross paths again, somewhere. My hiking pace is a bit faster now and I just need to head north and hike another day. And enjoy every one.It's all good.Tie Dye
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Erwin, TN

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 8.8

You can observe a lot just by watching. Yogi Berra      Awoke early and it wasn't raining much. But, by 7 the rain was back with a vengeance. Pounding, cold and unending. Change of plan. I called Miss Janet, a trail angel like no other. We'd met several times already, when she was helping other hikers. Her kindness is legendary.       She hooked me up with a ride to Indian Grave Gap. From there I could slack back to Uncle Johnny's. I'd get some miles in and be able to dry my stuff out later. I renewed my cabin spot for one more night and got my rain gear. It is pouring.       I mentioned previously that I've been reading the Barefoot Sisters books. When they finished their southbound trek in 2000, they decided to yo-yo (turn around and hike back north). I'm now reading "Walking Home", as they are from Maine.    So, Miss Janet sends Shepherd around midday, to get me to the gap. He is so nice, and we chat about hiking, of course. I asked when he'd thru hiked. "Oh, I hiked southbound in 2000" was the reply. Wait a minute....."did you know the Barefoot Sisters?" "Yes, I hiked with them in NH, then they were mostly ahead after that. They did mention me in their book."         Knock me over--I had just read about him, and now the book character is driving me through Erwin. Telling me about his hike and how things change as you hike further and become more attuned to the trail.   And to yourself. We talked about the spiritual aspect of hiking and he shared some of his experiences, which I related to easily. And I learned a lot, by watching and listening on that short ride.       At the gap, two soaked hikers were waiting for Shepherd to take them to town (all this arranged through Miss Janet central). I got pointed in the right direction and started walking. And, damn, I gotta tell you Shepherd, it hardly rained on me at all. Little drips, light mist, brightening sky, everything clean, wet and magnificent.       I took off a layer right away--not cold at all. I walked through a spectacular rhododendron forest all day, always hearing the sound of rushing water from a stream next to the trail. What a day. All of a sudden, I was getting views of the Nolichucky River. I was done already? I even had to stop at the train crossing and wait for a passing train. But I was back to Uncle Johnny's by 3:30.    And, I forgot to mention. Yesterday, I saw a bald eagle flying down the river. Twice. Awesome. It's all amazing. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Unaka Mountain stealth campsite
Miles today: 5.1

The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness. John Muir   I just went outside, and I'm surrounded in mist. It's 2:30 in the morning. I'm camped atop Unaka Mountain in a dense spruce forest. The elevation is 5180 feet. Wow, this is fantastic. The piney smell is so strong. I feel transported to another world. It is so quiet. No sounds. Nothing. I'm the only one here. Amazing.       I'm lying on a soft bed of spruce needles. Tall spruces cover this mountaintop and I just had to stop here to enjoy the beauty of it. It is mystical. I feel like I am in Middle Earth and Frodo could come popping out anytime.       I started super late today because I had to wait for my ride back to Indian Grave Gap. But, that process ended up with me here. I'll be up in a couple hours for an early start but for now, I'm once again in tears as I think about this awesome world we inhabit. It is humbling in every way and I'm privileged to be in this spot, on this mountain, in this mist, right now. It's all so good. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-05-02
From: US Route 19

To: A bench
Miles today: 12.6

Beam me up, Scotty   This trip to a parallel universe began with a bench. A lovely garden bench right on the trail. Dedicated to a trail angel named Van Go.    I sat and enjoyed the view. My feet were weary from the previous two days. I'd come just over 12 miles and I knew that a side trail led to a hike-in only hostel which offered cold drinks, pizza and ice cream. It was early, but my curiosity won out.       Down the path to the hostel, I found the swing in the photo. Gotta sit there, too. What a view. No buildings in sight, just a wonderful swing in the middle of a pretty part of the forest. I swung.    Eventually, I found Scotty, a three time thru hiker, trail maintainer and host at the most peaceful spot I've seen yet. I signed up for a shower and a room high up above the bunkhouse. My own little balcony, a comfy bed and an electric blanket. I am in some alternate world and I love it to death.    I was the only one there for hours. I rested and read and thought and reflected. It was refreshing for body and soul in every way, and just what I needed. I loved the solitude above all.    When I left the next day, I sat on that swing for a long time. I didn't want to let go of the serenity of this place. I'll have to beam myself right back there when I need to rebalance myself. Thanks, Scotty. Who knew? It's all good when you can swing in the middle of a forest. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-05-03
From: A bench

To: Hampton, TN
Miles today: 14.6

Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened into you. Matthew 7:7   Off I went today, with a good swing to start the day off right. The trail was so nice--easy terrain, a good flat path, pretty streams and wonderful weather. I headed for Kincora hostel as I had a mail drop there.    I hiked alone all day yesterday and today. Didn't see many others on the trail. It was great. Very peaceful. When I reached Kincora, no one was there except other hikers waiting to pick up mail. I wanted to hike an      additional three miles, so waited and hoped for someone to return soon.    I had to decide what to do for the night. Kincora is owned by a trail legend, Bob Peoples. I'd love to meet him, but didn't want to stay there. Someone soon arrived to distribute the mail, but not Bob P.       I tried calling the Braemar Castle Hostel in Hampton while waiting. Poor phone connections led to a triangular system with me calling Copilot and him calling the hostel. What would I do without the highly skilled and very efficient Copilot? He is the best.    The last few miles were fabulous. I walked by Laurel Falls, a magnificent waterfall. The trail was literally right on the river, a narrow rocky path hugging the bank. Big rock cliffs rose on all sides. The trail down to the falls was 400 feet of rock steps.    I took the side trail to Hampton, which added an additional mile to the days walk. When I finally got to the road crossing, a trail maintainer was at the parking lot and offered me a ride to the hostel. Yes!! In a convertible with the top down.    The hostel is so nice. $25 for a private, clean room, a sunny sitting room with a rocker, polished wood floors and a little communal kitchen. And the best thing--a pink bathroom. What could be better? Nothing that I know of. It's all good in Hampton, TN Tie Dye's lovin' it!
Date: 2013-05-05
From: TN 91, Shady Valley

To: Low Gap, US 421
Miles today: 6.5

If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is "thank you", it will be enough. Meister Eckhart   A million thank-yous could not even begin to cover the loving kindness which others have shown me on this journey. Over and over and over. It's a powerful, positive stream of synergy--and I'm smack in the middle of it. All day, all the time. What a gift, to see the best in people constantly.       After a safety check by Alex and a huge brekky served with love by Clara in Hampton, I set off for Damascus. The weather forecast wasn't good, but I hoped to make it there before the worst of the rain came. It was not to be.    I ran the many flat parts of the trail, but the wind became stronger and raindrops came within an hour. Another hour of hiking led me to the only road crossing of the day. Decision time. I was becoming hypothermic and I had a long 16 miles left.       I knew I needed a safer plan. Hiking on meant at least five more hours of cold, wet and wind and I was hiking alone. I had my stove and dry clothes in my little pack, but I knew it would be foolish to go on today.    I looked around, and a car slowly drove by and stopped across the road. I walked over and asked the driver where the nearest town was. The lady was from Erwin and was very familiar with the area. She almost hadn't stopped because I didn't look like a hiker--the slack pack strikes again!    She told me that it was a long way by road to Damascus from there, but that the nearest town was just down the mountain. I asked to go there, happy to pay for a lift to somewhere warmer. I could figure out the rest from somewhere dry. We set off, and she offered to turn on the heated seat. The warmth coming through my wet clothing was incredible. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this kindness. Ohhhh my......prayers are answered in the most unexpected way.       Her name is Pam and it turns out that she is very familiar with the AT and all the local trails. She will thru hike when she retires in two years, after 40 years at a factory job. We talked and talked, and she just drove me to Damascus. It was a long way.                        I had arranged to stay at Crazy Larry's, upon Alex's recommendation, and we found it easily.       She wouldn't take anything from me for the ride. She'd easily driven an hour out of her way and had to return to TN. She told me so much about the local towns we drove through, speaking in a gentle Tennessee drawl. Her compassion and gentle kindness to me, a total stranger, is just one example of the generosity and unmitigated selflessness that is everywhere in this wonderful community I've become a part of. I keep seeing the best in people and it inspires me to be a better version of myself. It's a lesson in total humility and love in every way, every day. Love from others and the awesome love from a higher power....in whatever form which resonates in each of us. It's all right here, a banquet laid out for the heart and soul. It's all astounding. And wrapped in love.Tie Dye
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Low Gap, US 421

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. Abraham Lincoln.    Well, I am in happy land. I keep ending up in the perfect place, for me, and I am surrounded by just what I need. This time I've landed at Crazy Larry's, and I feel like I'm at home. And I love it. Very happy.    Today it poured rain again, until early afternoon. Three other hikers here, Peaches, Blimey and Mr. Awesome told me that many hikers had been taken off the trail the day before due to the high winds and rain. They had been in town for three days. I opted for a zero as I have to wait here for Copilot and will have two more days to hike, perhaps in better weather.      Larry's home is a hub of activity. Hikers stop in, friends drop by, something is always going on. Gypsy Dave said they call Larry "Walmart" because you can find just about anything at his place. His card says buy-sell-barter but his real talent is dealing in human capital. He cares deeply about his community, and is part of a vibrant network of locals who make Damascus a special place.       I really like a guy who is OK with my restlessness and didn't mind that I wanted to reorganize the kitchen a little. He shared food and philosophy and I sorted through stuff and listened. Very happy. I can feel myself relaxing on a pretty deep level.       I'm in happy food land, too. Larry is a great cook and told me to make myself at home. I did so to the tune of homemade chicken noodle soup, fresh hard boiled eggs, apples, chocolate cake with a glass of milk, and homemade apple butter. He's up cookin' at 5:30 every morning to make sure the hikers in residence don't go hungry. What a guy. Kind, compassionate, humble and unique in every way. And he has the best dog, too--Sally. It's all happy here at Crazy Larry's. Tie Dye. : )
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Damascus, VA

To: US 58
Miles today: 16.7

To walk; to see and to see what you see. Benton Mackaye      Today I saw what I hope to see more of. I walked off into the woods, and immediately walked up behind Cabo. What a delight! We'd met back at the Aquone hostel and I'd seen him again in Gatlinburg. We hiked and chatted, and I mentioned that I was hoping to catch up to Violet B. somewhere. "No problem, she's just ahead on the trail", he said. Oh boy, this is a great day, and it just started.       I sped up and caught Violet. We talked and hiked and laughed and compared notes. It was wonderful. The group she's with includes Cabo, Bierdra, Sparky and a father/daughter team from NY whom I'd met at the Cabin in the Woods. They seem to hike at a compatible pace for me and I'm going to try to catch up again after I return from the graduation. I'm working out a plan.    I eventually hiked ahead and saw loads of friends hiking out of Damascus. After the days of rain, a mass exodus was taking place. I was back to town in good time, and missed another downpour by an hour.       At Larry's, there was another treat. Two hikers had arrived for the night, Circuit Rider and Sherlock. We'd met briefly at Indian Grave Gap outside of Erwin and I was delighted to get to know them better.    Circuit Rider and Sherlock are ministers who have hiked the trail nine times. They have a network of friends everywhere, and their journey is like a big reunion much of the time. They are an amazing pair.    They had some very special friends in Damascus who came to see them at Larry's. Larry grilled ribs and everyone sat around his table, catching up and sharing stories as close friends do. Once again, I witnessed the deep bonds of fellowship and love between life long friends, and it just filled me with joy. How fortunate to be included at that table. It was better than best. It's all wonderful, when friends are together. Tie DyePS. After talking to Circuit Rider and Sherlock, I feel better about my lost episode at Watauga Dam. In their many previous thru hikes, they'd never seen the water so high. The trail was rerouted but not well marked. They only saw a single sign while hiking northbound, and did some bushwhacking of their own.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: US 58

To: Crazy Larry's, Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0

The problem with doing nothing is not knowing when you are finished.Ben Franklin      I have a hard time just sitting. I'm a doer, have energy to spare and can always find something to do around a household. It's what I do for fun. Besides hiking, of course!    Everyone went for breakfast at the Blue Blaze Cafe, treated by Circuit Rider and Sherlock. I had the best brekky ever--a stack of berry pancakes, a side of bacon and a scoop of ice cream on top.    Alex was coming over from Hampton with the packs of hikers who'd be arriving later in the day. It was raining (again!) and I wanted to hang with him for a while. I was stuffy (Larry said I snored, loudly, for a little while early this morning--this is getting embarrassing!) so I decided not to hike again. Not sure if a little cold was coming on or whether allergies were the issue.    I decided to clean the floors and bathroom. Larry's home isn't dirty, just some extra dust bunnies here and there. Went for a long coffee break with Alex--always a highlight in my day--and hung around town a while.    Today, Copilot is arriving to pick me up to travel to South Carolina for our daughter's college graduation. Polaris (my son, who thru hiked last year) just let us know that he would be able to complete the papers and exams required at Rutgers University in time to join us on Friday. I can't wait for all of us to be together for this happy occasion.    Folks came and went at Larry's, the bathroom sparkled a little brighter and it was time to head back to the Blue Blaze for AYCE spaghetti. Copilot finally arrived around 8:15. He'd had a long day traveling from Utah. It was the very best moment yet, to see him after so many weeks. It's all so very good!Tie Dye
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Crazy Larry's, Damascus, VA

To: Columbia, SC/graduation
Miles today: 0.0

To laugh much ; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better.....to know even one life had breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success. Ralph Waldo Emerson   Today we prepped, pampered and polished to get ready for Kelly's big day. The folks at the salon had their work cut out with me. My feet are a mess, but they painted over the missing toenail and did what they could with the calluses and toughened skin. I'm in culture shock, but sooo happy to be with Copilot and Kelly. Polaris arrives tomorrow night. We will celebrate her achievement and success and I couldn't possibly be happier. She is truly my hero, every day in every way.       I want to respond to some entries in my guest book that did not have return emails listed.   To Trailweaver, currently recovering from surgery and a broken leg: Prayers for complete healing and empathy during the process. You'll get there! In Jan. 2012 I had extensive surgery on my left foot. Toes were shortened and straightened, bone was scraped and tissue was released at the base of three toes. I wore a protective boot for a long time. My toes there do not bend now, but no matter. I'm doing fine with it 15 months later. I'm sure you will, too. Keep dreaming and you will soon be living that dream and it will be better than anything you can imagine!   To Olive Oyl's mom: it was such a pleasure to hike with 02. She is an amazing and strong woman and you must be a very proud mom! I hope to see her somewhere again, although she is well ahead of me right now.    To the Bandaid Kid: thanks for the insights. I've heard from others who miss the trail and the experiences they had. I hope to see some of Polaris's friends at Trail Days because I know that will be so very special for him. I may never quit hiking!! It is the best thing I've ever done.    To everyone who enjoys reading, thank you for the support and kind messages. I enjoy sharing what's happening in my world and love to hear what's on your minds.    It's all good. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Columbia, SC/graduation

To: Columbia, SC/graduation
Miles today: 0.0

The more you share your happiness with others, the more you have yourself. Maxwell Maltz   This is the happiest day for our family. We are together, healthy, and celebrating the accomplishments of the fabulous college grad Kelly. It can't possibly be better. We are so very blessed. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Columbia, SC/graduation

To: Columbia, SC/graduation
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The world is so full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings.Robert Louis Stevenson   Today my world is full of family and crawfish. We are attending the Crawfish Festival in Columbia and enjoying spicy crawfish served up by a company from Sulphur, LA and live music on the street from local bands. It's bliss.   Gear reveiw: The best thing I have, by far, is my Montbell puffy jacket. I keep it in the outside pocket of my pack and it's always with easy reach. It keeps me warm and is like my blankie. I'd be lost and unhappy without it.   My sleeping bag is a modified quilt, constructed without a mummy hood or zipper baffle. On really cold nights, I've slept in my puffy. Other times, I'll stick it up near my head for warmth and softness. Sometimes, I'll just slip the hood around my head for comfort. It always comes out an night after I've changed from sweaty shirts into my tie dye layers. It will stay with me for the duration. I dislike being cold, and I never am if I have this jacket on.   The next best thing is my Leki trek poles. They have saved me from falling or just becoming off balance so many times. They provide extra support when descending steep sections of trail or rocks, help keep my arms swinging to keep the circulation going when wearing my pack and give a little oomph when climbing. They are designed with slight compression in the bottom segment, so give a bit when weighted. They are lightweight, and I've bent them twice--once in Maine last summer and once about a month ago. Leki sent me another section to replace the bent area the first time, and Captain Dan straightened them out between two trees the second time. Superb!   The last best thing for today is my Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 tent. It is my refuge at night. It's so easy to set up and is big enough for me and my pack. I can sit up in it easily, so packing and dressing are simple. It has a large entry door and a nice vestibule for my poles and boots. Three pockets hold my Kindle, headlamp, reading glasses and other stuff that I can access easily anytime. It affords me privacy and I love it. I can pack it up easily and quietly in the mornings when I'm moving at a very early hour, without disturbing others too much. It's all good in the home of the Gamecocks. (It is what it is, Julie!)Tie Dye