morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-13
From: Blue Blaze to Wal*Mart

To: Blue Blaze to Wal*Mart
Miles today: 0.0

by Righty In my Zero Day journal entry on 6/13/06 I talked about taking a Blue Blaze trail to Wal*Mart and realized that many people may have no idea what I'm talking about. In fact, unless you're a hiker, you may not be familiar with "blazes" in general.First, let me explain that when you hike the AT, you follow white blazes. The blazes are 2" by 6" and are about 100 yards apart....more or less. Usually the blazes are found on a tree along the trail about 5' high. Occasionally you will find the blazes on rocks, especially when there are no trees. Sometimes blazes will be on posts when you're traveling across fields, meadows, or across the top of a mountain ridge. When you see two blazes togeher, it's like a yellow light, a warning that something is coming up. Usually it's simply the trail changes direction; but sometimes it means another trail is intersecting. Anyway, you learn to PAY ATTENTION because it's no fun when you miss a turn or get onto the wrong trail.When we talk about "blue blazing" there are several connotations. Sometimes blue blaze trails are there to give you an alternative route to a difficult area or to provide a shortcut. For most AT thru hikers, this type of blue blaze is a NO-NO. But, blue blaze trails are also used to direct you to a water source or privy from a shelter. These are OK. Sometimes they give you an opportuniity to hike off the AT to see something else and then return to the same spot on the AT. These are OK, too. Blue blazes are also used in towns to direct you to a hostel or an outfitter.When we were staying at the Holy Family Catholic Church Hostel in Pearisburg I got such a kick out of the blue blaze from it to the local Wal*Mart. The hostel was on the top of a big hill in a residential area and the Wal*Mart was about a mile away across a few fields and down in the valley. The Blue Blaze led you right there. If you had to take the road, it would have been several miles. So, here's to Wal*Mart and the Blue Blaze!
Date: 2006-06-14
From: Road 601, VA

To: VA 621
Miles today: 16.7

By RightyLefty and Bouy picked me up at 11am and we were at the trailhead and started our hike at noon. It was a beautiful day, clear and cool. In spite of a 2 and a half mile climb up, the first 4 miles were easy. The trail meandered over fields and meadows and across cow pastures. We had to go up and over many stiles (ladders over the barbed wire fences).At the top, we checked out the profile for the next section and saw 4 miles across the top of the mountain and then 3 down and we thought, "Oh good, EASY!!! Boy, were we ever fooled. Dragon's tooth was HARD....I mean REALLY HARD. It was all rocks and big boulders and poles were virtually useless. Some of the rock faces were so slanted that it was hard to keep your footing and balance and a real challenge to get across. It really did a job on your knees. The down part was so steep and combine that with more rocks, it was real treaterous. We didn't get out until almost 9pm and I was exhausted. So much for what you think is going to be an easy day.
Date: 2006-06-15
From: Va 621

To: Catawba
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: few clouds

By RightyAnother clear and sunny day. It's so nice to see blue skies and not worry about rain. If the weather had been bad the day before, I don't know if I would have been able to get down off that mountain without mishap. Of course, our day started with an uphill. But, since switchbacks were used, it didn't seem to bad. Once we got to the top, we were faced with miles of rocks and hugh boulders much as the day before... except these rocks and boulders were even bigger. We hit an area called Dragon's Tooth because of the ragged rocks. It should have been plural (Teeth) because this was literally 7 miles of rock climbing. Our photo's will NOT do it justice. I actually had to sit and scoot on my butt in many places and had to grab hold of rocks and pull myself up to the next level in other areas. We walked on the edge of the mountain on slanted (up to 90 degree angles) rock faces where you could easily slip and fall WAY DOWN. It was grueling and very scarry. Once we got down all this rocky and steep stuff and came to a road, we still had 6 miles to go to get to our final destination. I was so exhausted and everything hurt.I tried to convince Lefty to quit for the day and have Bouy pick us up there; but she wouldn't have it. So, we hiked the .03 miles to a small store/gas station to treat ourselves to something to eat. I had about 3 cokes an a cheeseburger and headed back to the trail to do the last 6 miles. It started with a steep uphill. By the time I got to the top, I was exshausted and overheated and I left my cheeseburger on the side of the trail. It seemed like the trail would never end.That day I saw deer, a yellow spotted turtle, buzzards, and wild turkeys.We didn't get out of the woods till dark. We went back to the hostel and I went right to bed. Between the day before and this day, I was done in. Definitely the two hardest days for me so far... and right in Virginia which is supposed to be easy.
Date: 2006-06-16
To: She Runs for Life- by Michelle Ferreira
Miles today: 0.0

By Michelle Ferreira-Something most probably don¢t know about Lefty is that in addition to the support her family and friends provide her on this magnificent2,100 mile trek, there is a heartfelt song about survival that is deeply meaningful to her along with thousands of other woman who's lives have been forever impacted by breast cancer. She listens to it everyday and each time it moves her as if she was listening to it for the very first time. I RUN FOR LIFE by Melissa Etheridge inspires her to push on mile after mile on her journey to not only fulfill a personal dream but also to spread the message about the importance of early detection. Perform breast exams regularly and don¢t dismiss even the smallest irregularity. Early detection really can make the difference between life or death.Melissa EtheridgeGreatest Hits: The Road Less TraveledI RUN FOR LIFEIt's been years since they told her about it The darkness her body possessed And the scars are still there in the mirror Everyday that she gets herself dressed Though the pain is miles and miles behind her And the fear is now a docile beast If you ask her why she is still running She'll tell you it makes her complete I run for hope I run to feel I run for the truth for all that is real I run for your mother, your sister, your wife I run for you and me my friendI run for life It's a blur since they told me about it How the darkness had taken its toll And they cut into my skin and they cut into my body But they will never get a piece of my soul And now I'm still learning the lesson To awake when I hear the call And if you ask me why I am still running I'll tell you I run for us all I run for hope I run to feel I run for the truth for all that is real I run for your mother, your sister, your wife I run for you and me my friendI run for life And someday if they tell you about it If the darkness knocks on your door Remember her, remember me We will be running as we have before Running for answers Running for moreI run for hope I run to feel I run for the truth for all that is real I run for your mother, your sister, your wife I run for you and me my friendI run for hope I run to feel I run for the truth for all that is real I run for your mother, your sister, YOUR DAUGHTER, your wife For you and me my friendI run for life I run for your mother, your sister, your wife For you and me my friendI run for life
Date: 2006-06-17
To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

by RightyWe had to take a zero day today to give my heel a chance to rest. Bouy decided to take advantage of the off day and hiked up to check out McAfee Knob since it's so well known and a photo that is in all the books. He looks like he's enjoying himself! Lefty and I did laundry and journal entries. We had dinner at a really great restaurant described in the AT Guide as a place not to miss. It was a beautiful old farmhouse turned into a restaurant. It was situated right in the middle of meadows with farm land all around and cattle grazing. It was called the Homestead and featured home cooking, family style and AYCE for $12. You got three meats: chicken, roast beef and ham, six vegetables, tea or lemonade, rolls and desert. That's a thru hikers dream! The food was GREAT. What a deal! The AT book said that hiker's could camp there so we asked and sure enough, it was OK. They just asked that you not set up your tents till after the dinner hour. Lefty and Buoy went into Roanoke to go too the movies; but I stayed and watched a beautiful sunset and saw the cows walk single file back to the barn. IT WAS A GREAT DAY!!!
Date: 2006-06-18
To: Salt Pond Road
Miles today: 7.8

by LeftyTook a zero day yesterday for mom's foot to heal. Did a short hike today. At country cooking for an early dinner. They have free wifi here! Will be looking for a new place to camp tonight. We have lots of entries and pictures to update. More later.by RightyWoke up this morning to a beautiful sunrise at the Homestead. We packed up and headed out. Stopped at the Crackerbarrel for breakfast since we were only hiking 7.8 today so I could test out my heel. It was an easy day. Even the uphills used switchback so it wasn't too strenuous. It was a beauutiful, clear day - about the 5th in a row - but it was HOT. My knees were a little sore and my heel a little tender, but no pain. It was hard to believe that a day of rest and ice could make that much difference.After the hike, we looked for a new campsite off the parkway. Ended up staying at "It's a Wonderful World" campground. Actually ownership had changed and the name had changed to Middle Creek Campground. The new owner (Susan) who ran it gave us a good deal on a tent site and there were showers that met Bouy's approval. Susan was great to us. We'd come in late from hiking and she would open up the grill and cook us something to eat. Her husband, Tim even got the washing machine running so we could do laundry. I would highly reccomend it to all hikers who are passing through.
Date: 2006-06-19
From: Salt Pond Road

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 20.2

by Righty We're camping at Middle Creek Campground. The regular rate is $18. but Kelley got it for $12. It has showers, pool and a laundry. We dropped Bouy off at 8am this morning to start his hike from Va 614. We started our hike at 8:30 from the Forest Service Road and at 9am from the trailhead. We started out at the Souther terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway and will follow it for about 100 miles. Today we crossed the parkway at least 6 times while hiking. It stated to rain in the afternoon; but we didn't get too wet since we were under the trees most of the time. We saw dozens of deer. My knees did OK even though it was a long day. We finished hiking around 6:30pm.
Date: 2006-06-20
From: FS Road 191

To: FS Road 35
Miles today: 0.0

by RightyToday is bright, clear and cooler. Our day started with a 2 mile uphill. In fact we went up for 6 hours. A total of 4000 foot elevation gain in 10 miles. There were 3 shelters spaced 5 miles apart so we stopped and took several breaks and read the journal entries from other hiker. We like to see where some of our fellow hikers are. SkyWalker, who we haven't seen since Damascus is about 3 days ahead of us. We're hoping to catch him in Waynesboro.The rhododendrums are in bloom and make the mountain side look so beautiful. We went under guillotine rock and hoped it would stay in place for another billion years or so. We crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway two times and did see some pretty views.I saw deer and a possum.We met Harley, Playdoe and Rabbitt and Librarian at different times today.
Date: 2006-06-21
From: Petites Gap

To: Punchbowl Mtn
Miles today: 20.5

by Righty Today was clear and sunny again. The first 8 miles to the shelter was typical, up and down and a little rocky. Then the next 4 miles to the next shelter were downhill or flat. We hiked along the Matt Creek and around the James River. We also crossed the James River on a footpath bridge built just for thru-hikers. We met Buoy at a shelter and took a break. Afterwards, we had two tough ups. Switchbacks were used, but it was still steep. It took over 2 hours to do 3 miles. It was really HARD. Then it flattened out across the top for a while. Then there was another up, not so long: but I was way past done by then. We hiked for 10 1/2 hours. EVERYTHING HURT!!!
Date: 2006-06-23
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: VA 56 Tye River
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

by RightyIt was a little cooler today and overcast. Basically a good day. Not too hard. We did the almost 20 miles in 8 hours. I did have one fall. A group of boy scouts went by me so I moved to the side. I said good morning to them and got a pleasant reply from the scout leader. The boys either glared ar me or grunted. Not a very social group to say the least. I started hiking again and saw one more scout. He was a smaller boy with a BIG pack on and was lagging behind. I moved over to let him go by and he said "Oh, no mamm, you go ahead". So, I looked where I was placing my right foot, looked up to thank him, and caught my left foot in a root. Down I went; first onto my knees and then my hands. The scout put his hand out to help me up and asked if I was OK. I probably looked about 100 years old to him and he thought I was probably hurt. He was so polite and so concerned. I reassured him I was OK. Brushed off my hands and knees and went on my way. His Momma should be real proud of him.Lefty took this greaat picture of a tree growing out of stone.
Date: 2006-06-24
From: Va 56

To: Dripping Rock - Blue Ridge marker 9.2
Miles today: 15.7

by Righty It rained all night so had to pack up wet tents today. It took us over an hour to drive to the trailhead so we didn't start hiking until 10:15am. We had a 3800 foot elevation gain in 4 1/2 miles first thing in order to get over the Three Ridges. That will wake you up!The weather was overcast and not too hot; but very humid. The kind of humidity where you just LOOK UP the mountain and break out in a sweat. I was soaking wet after the first half hour. It took me almost 4 hours to get to the top. I'm in much better shape now than I was two months ago; but it was still a tough climb. The last 8 miles were flat, easy uphills or downhills. It started raining with 3 more hours to hike; but it actually felt good. Only concern was all the rocks. They get dangerous when they are wet and I have a tendency to fall.We're driving to Waynesboro tonight since we only have one more 15 mile stretch to get there. We'll stay at the YMCA hostel and put up our tents. We only have one more day of slack-packing then the three of us will backpack through the Shenandoahs to Front Royal.
Date: 2006-06-25
From: Dripping Rock on BR Pkwy

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

by RightyLast night we actually stayed in the Quality Inn instead of at the YMCA because we got into town so late and had so much to do. It was so nice to get a good hot shower and not worry about avoiding the bugs and to sleep in a soft comfortable bed. Also, we wanted to get our journal entries updated before we take off for the week.Today it was overcast with light rain and fog in the morning. By afternoon it cleared off and was sunny. We only had 14 miles to hike today and it was a fairly easy one at that. We did it in less than 6 hours. We hiked right into Waynesboro. We ran into Skywalker and his wife, Anne. We hadn't seen him since Damascus; but had been reading his sheler journal entries and knew he was only a day or so ahead of us. We all went out to dinner together so we could get caught up on all the trail gossip. Hopefully, we'll see them again this week as Anne is going to slack-pack him and others through the Shenandoah's.
Date: 2006-06-27
To: Zero Day in Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0

by RightyToday we took a zero day and are staying at the Days Inn in Waynesboro. We're taking advantage of the zero day by getting our journal entries up to date. We had to drive back up to our campsite and get the tent we left up last night. It couldn't be a better day for a zero day as it has been raining heavy and constantly all day. Bouy is feeling better. He says he's not in too much pain; but Lefty is keeping him pretty well medicated. His foot is REALLY swollen and is slowly turning black and blue. I know he's really bummed out that he won't be able to hike through the Shenandoah's with us as planned and we're really dissappointed too; but, quite frankly, I'm just so relieved that he wasn't hurt more seriously. Lefty and I have decided to slack-pack through the Shenandoah's so that Bouy will be with us until he has to leave to go to Germany. We'll have to carry our full packs soon enough. I'm glad for the reprieve.This morning we had breakfast with Dirk, our Parkway Angel. We learned that he is an author and that he loves country/western music and is a DJ back in Germany. Oh, ladies, did I mention that he was hot! I know, grandma's aren't supposed to say things like that; but HOT is HOT. I wish he was about 20 years older. Even Lefty thought he was dreamy. Aside from being rock-star georgeous, we got a chance to see past a handsome face and found he's an amazing guy. As hikers, we talk alot about trail angels. These are people who go out of their way to do somethige nice for someone else. Dirk went above and beyond when he helped three strangers out last night.
Date: 2006-06-28
To: Second Zero Day in Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0

By LeftyBuoy will fill you in soon on his slip and fall. I just wanted to let you know that he is doing ok. We took another zero day today. He has had his foot up for most of the day except for breakfast at Crackel Barrel and a movie in Staunton. We loved Gore's movie, "An Inconvenient Truth". Check out its trailer at http://www.climatecrisis.net/Mom and I will get back on the trail tomorrow (Thursday). We're all very sad that Buoy won't be able to hike with us through Shanendoah National Park. This was going to be our week of hiking north together.
Date: 2006-06-29
To: Ivy Creek Overlook
Miles today: 20.0

by RightyIt was a beautiful day. Blue sky, sunshine, and white puffy clouds. Picture perfect! Plus, it wasn't too hot. We had a busy morning before we were able to hit the trail. We had to pick up the car from the shop and return the rental car. We started hiking about 11:00 am and had to do our 20 miles. It was basically an easy day. Lots of ups and downs but no long ones. We had a thunderstorm mid day but it only lasted for about half hour. Not even long enough to pull out the rain gear.I saw 7 deer, 2 frogs, and 2 rabbitts. Oh, yes, I also saw a mother bear and her two cubs. I had just come up an hill and saw the bears in front of me about 20 feet away. They were walking the same direction I was going and had not seen me. The two cubs were playing around and one was jumping up on the other one and the mother bear took her paw and smacked it.... as if to say stop playing around and pay attention. Then the three of them stopped on the trail and started rooting around in the greenery. After a few minutes they changed direction and started to walk towards me. That's when I decided I'd better make some noise and let them know I was there. You don't want to mess around with a mother bear with her babies. When they saw me they went off the trail and down into the woods. I watched until I could no longer see them.This evening we're driving to a friend's mountain house that's about an hour's drive away from Skyline Drive. We'll probably stay there for a couple of days while we hike that section of the Shenandoah's. What a treat to finish a long, hard day of hiking and be able to go to a beautiful place with real bath rooms, bed rooms and even a kitchen. And, oh yes ... a beautiful view too. That's definitely one of the perks of having a van and slack packing.
Date: 2006-06-30
From: Ivy Creek Overlook

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: few clouds

by RightyIt was a nice bright sunny day today. Not too hot and a cool breeze. We were up at 7am and on the road by 7:45am. Lots of strange things happened today but Lefty is going to tell you about them. All I can say is that it was a LONG day of hiking but I did it! When we got back to the house that evening, Bouy had a wonderful spaghetti and meatball dinner already prepared. What a treat!By LeftyNow see, I waited too long to write this and a bunch of details have already blended together. As they pop into my mind I will try to update this entry. the list of craziness that happened to us today was unreal. First thing, While we had just paid nearly $1000 on car repairs the day before (part of which included getting all of our dashboard warning lights to go off) we started the am off with all of our lights flashing, our odometer fluctuating between zero and 120 mph, and a new gurgle sound that scared the hell out of us.Next, Buoy drops mom and I off. We both get our gear out of the car and I say bye to Buoy. About 10 seconds after he drives away I realize that I have pulled out one of my boots and one of his. Disaster! I tried calling him, no cell ph reception. I was stuck with one of his boots for a 22 mile day, fabulous!Next, Buoy picks us up. He tells us that he was involved in a fender bender. Darn it, there was so much more. I'll fill in later as it comes back to me.
Date: 2006-07-01
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Pinacle Mountain Parking lot
Miles today: 20.5

by RightyLefty had us up at 6am and we left the house at 6:45 for the drive to the trailhead. We were hoping to get the hike done earlier so wecould relax and enjoy where we're staying. Bouy has been going back to the house each day after he drops Lefty and I off so he can relax and keep his foot elevated. He's lovin it! The first half of the day was fairly easy ups and downs. We ran into Rabbit on our way to the Wayside Grill where we'd heard they have wonderful blackberry milkshakes. The three of us had lunch together. We had enough food and drinks on the table for five people.The last half of the day was very rocky. After a couple of hours and after I had gotten out of the real "touristy" area I saw a bear right next to me on the trail. Close enough to touch. When he realized I was there, he leaped .. yes, he leaped back into the woods and ran about 20 feet away and then stopped and looked at me. I looked at him as he looked at me. Realizing I probably shouldn't be staring it down, I moved down the trail a few feet and then got behind a tree to watch. He apparently thought I had moved on because he started working his way back to the spot on the trail where he had been rooting for something. Soon, he was about 10 feet away and I just kept watching. I was hoping Lefty would show up so she could see it too. After about 10 minutes, he realized I was there and went across the trail right in front of me and on into the woods. I still watched for a while until he got too far away. Really AWESOME! Five minutes after I left there, I came to an area of big rocks and boulders and standing above me was a beautiful bob cat watching me. When I looked up and saw him, he ran off. I didn't think you ever saw cats during the day, but I did. A few minutes later, I reentered the woods and immediately saw a mother bear and her cub up in a tree that was right on the side of the trail. I'm now getting really brave. The bears made no move to come down the tree; so I cautiously walked right under them and went on my way. These bears in the Shenandoah's are not overly concerned about humans, it seems. This was definitely the most wildlife I've seen since starting this journey.We had a nice dinner of spaghetti and meatballs (leftovers) and then we were able to watch early 4th of July fireworks right from our balcony. Notice how I said "our". This is beginning to feel too much like HOME. A big THANK YOU to our trail angels for their generosity and hospitality.