morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-14
From: Cherokee Flats VA635

To: Narrows Bridge Pearisburg
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: broken clouds

Thursday, May 14th The Iceman decided to flip flop so that he could hike 21.2 miles from Cherokee Flats, which is on the VA635, to Pearisburg. He would cross the bridge over the New River. This river, it's claimed, is the 2nd oldest river on earth. What's the oldest? The trail took him over a wooden bridge that crossed the Stoney creek and then up 1500' to a ridge where he walked for 12 miles. Coming towards him was a NOBO who stopped to talk to him and warn him about snakes on the trail - a common warning. After that conversation the Iceman continued on and came to a sunny part of the trail, looking down he saw between his feet a three foot black snake. He panicked and started doing a jig when he again looked down and noticed that the snake had disappeared. With a sigh of relief he continued his hike that now brought him to a spot called Rice Field which is a bald, where he had a view of a wide valley in West Virginia. The valley was filled with miles of brilliant green farmland. He descended the mountain for 2 miles and finally came to the point were the bridge crossed the New River in Pearsiburg. Another great day hiking the AT. The Sherpa dropped off the Iceman at 9AM and headed back to the motel in Blacksburg but before going to the motel she visited the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to ask about roads leading to the AT trailheads that she might have to drive on in the next few days. The woman who was there was helpful and gave her some ideas as to which roads were paved and which ones were not in good shape. It was time to go to the motel to pack up before check out time, 12PM. One trail journal was written and then she packed up the remaining things and left for an appointment at the Elite Hair Salon. Leah at the salon did a nice job with the hair. Next it was a stop at the Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters for a few short sleeved shirts for the Iceman. It's been in the 80's the last week so time to shift from long sleeve to short sleeve shirts. From watching the Iceman on an app on her Ipad (InReach Explorer has an app that allows one to see the hiker dropping "crumbs" as he goes along the trail) she noticed that he was almost at the end of his hike so she headed to Pearisburg to the Bridge over the New River to pick him up. That done and back at the new base camp, Comfort Inn and Suites in Salem, VA, it was time to get ready for dinner at the Blue Apron. We can't say enough good things about that restaurant. It was fabulous and the best place we've eaten in on the entire trip. Michelin used to give designations to restaurants and for the best of them it was "worth a trip". This one is "worth a trip".
Date: 2015-05-15
From: Rocky Gap

To: Cherokee Flats/VA635
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Friday, May 15th. Just like yesterday, today's hike was a flip flop for logistic reasons. The hike started with a climb of about 2000' and then it leveled out for about 7 miles with a walk along a ridge and finally a decent, but a deadly one. The photo shows what the trail for the last mile and a half looked like. In addition to being a boulder field with boulders of 2 1/2' high, they were pointy and wobbly and because it had rained, they were slippery. A recipe for disaster. One wrong step and the Iceman could have twisted his ankle but fortunately he made it without incident. It was a life threatening experience and it took two full hours to get through the boulder field. He lives to hike another day. The drive up to Rocky Gap was on a dirt road with some spots that were just plain rock. It wasn't as bad as some roads but it wasn't great. Again the Sherpa stopped at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy after dropping off the Iceman to discuss other ways of getting him to his destination and this time a woman named Sara was there. After the two of us exchanged pleasantries she pulled out some maps and we went over various roads. Some minutes went by and she called one of the Rangers, from the National Park Service or maybe it was the National Forest Service, who can remember, to come and assist us. The three of us spent over an hour talking about the roads and everything else. They were great and the Sherpa received a lot of good information. It was time for lunch so the Sherpa stopped at Chick Fil A. While eating she read an article in a magazine, that she picked up in the restaurant, about the owner of the Salem, VA Chick Fil A and noticed that the photo of the owner, Vanessa, looked like the woman behind the counter serving the customers this day. Shortly after she noticed that, the same woman was now stopping at the tables to chat with customers and inquire as to whether or not everything was satisfactory. The Sherpa caught up with her in the ladies room when a customer asked for directions to the main highway. She was from NY and said that she got off the highway just to have lunch in a Chick Fil A. The Owner was very proud and thanked her and the Sherpa for stopping by.
Date: 2015-05-16
From: Salem

To: Roanoke
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Saturday, May 16th was a zero day for the Iceman and his Sherpa (no driving). Today the Iceman would be urban walking, not country walking, in downtown Roanoke on a Food and Cultural Tour. At 11am the tour began at the famous Hotel Roanoke in downtown Roanoke with Becky as the tour guide. There were a total of three couples, one from Chicago, the other from Fredericksburg, Virginia and us. The first stop was in the dining room of the Hotel Roanoke where Becky talked about the changes that were taking place in Roanoke for the last 10 years. The revitalization of the city and the economic growth taking place in and around it. As we ate the hotels famous Peanut soup and cornbread in a skillet she discussed the past and present history of the city. We then moved across the tracks to a lively area where the market is today and enjoyed outdoor live music and rows of booths set up with all kinds of products and handicrafts. The tour took us to a Lebanese Restaurant where we tasted Tabbouleh and then Billy's, a restaurant with a spicy history, where we sampled shrimp and grits and local beer. We stopped at old and new establishments to taste their specialities and heard, along the way, stories of Roanoke, Big Lick was it's original name, from the time it became a city up until the present day. A visit to the ultra modern Taubman Museum of Art was wonderful and the three hour tour ended on the roof of the "Center of the Square" building overlooking downtown Roanoke. Becky was a perfect guide and very knowledgeable. The Iceman did some hiking today but of a different kind and he enjoyed it almost as much as hiking the AT. A stop back at Billy's for another glass of the delicious local beer Devil's Backbone and then home to the Comfort Inn in Salem.
Date: 2015-05-17
From: Rocky Gap

To: VA621
Miles today: 16.7

Sunday, May 17th The beginning of the trail today was nice and easy but that wouldn't last. The Iceman hiked on a relatively smooth surface after climbing 1000' to a ridge that ran for about 3 miles and it was mostly free of rocks and roots. As he descended, for a mile or more, the views became quite picturesque and he traveled through lush farmland. A stream ran down through a farmer's field where a beaver had built a dam and house. It was obvious to the Iceman that this beaver wasn't the sharpest tack in the box as he chose to build his dam and house at least 1/4 mile downstream from the closest wooded area. It must have taken him a considerable amount of time just going back and forth to get his building material. As the Iceman continued on to the second half of the hike he began a 1500' climb and passed a tree, with a sign, that claimed it was the largest Oak tree on the AT in the South, the Keffer Oak (see photo). This tree is 18 feet in diameter. There is another Oak tree on the northern part of the AT and that one is larger. The climb was rocky and steep and lead to a ridge. For 2 1/2 miles he hiked a ridge of solid rock, something like walking along the roof of a house that has a steep slope but only worse because rocks aren't nice and smooth like a roof. The trail was now slippery and treacherous and took 2 1/2 hours to go 2 1/2 miles. After that exposed ridge the remainder of the hike was a breeze down to VA621. On the trail there was another sign that pointed out the Eastern Continental Divide. Water falling to the east, at this place, would flow 400+ miles to the Atlantic Ocean while water falling to the west would flow about 1900 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. The Iceman and his Sherpa enjoyed the company tonight of 3D, a fellow hiker, at a restaurant in Roanoke that had the absolute best pasta outside of Little Italy in NY, Stefano's, An Italian Kitchen. DELIZIOSO!!!
Date: 2015-05-18
From: VA621

To: VA311
Miles today: 21.3

Monday, May 18th Today was the Iceman's most difficult hike on the AT. He began the day with a climb up 1500' on Brush Mountain and there he passed a monument to Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier of World War II. This is the place where the plane carrying Audie Murphy crashed on May 28, 1971. Near this monument there's a brass plaque, with kind and loving words, put there by a staff sergeant who knew him. The Iceman remembers, as a young boy in grade school, going to the movie theater in Westfield, NJ and seeing the "Audie Murphy Story". He hiked for 2 more miles on a ridge then descended to Trout Creek and then went back up to Hemlock Point where the trail continued along another ridge for 3 miles. This ridge was a trail of 2' and 3' high boulders that he had to climb around or through. The trail became steeper as it climbed upward until it reached the top of Cove Mountain. Cove Mountain is capped by a stone monolith called the "Dragon's Tooth". Now he was about to have fun! The boulders were now as high as 10', steel ladder rungs had been drilled into the rock so that one could use them to scale the rock faces. In some cases it was necessary to walk along narrow rock ledges, no more than 12" wide, where the drop off was at least 20 feet. After he managed to get across the "Dragon's Tooth" he descended the rock face at an almost vertical pitch for about 1 mile. Noticing that there weren't any white blaze marks he realized that he had gone the wrong way for about 200 yards. At this point he was exhausted and with tears in his eyes he climbed back up the Dragon's Tooth and relocated the AT. The mishap caused 40 minutes of lost time and a lot of lost energy. Finally, he completed the correct rock face which took another hour and then it was back to normal hiking. The Sherpa took it easy today. No trip to historic places or museums. Dinner was at Mama Maria's which is in Salem and it was very special. The owner/chef, Dominic had lived in Summit, NJ and moved to VA 10 years ago when he opened the restaurant and then a pizzeria nearby. We had a long conversation and he made a special pasta dish for me that was as good as any we've had in Italy. That's because his mother taught him how to cook and she's from Palermo. Chianti and great pasta, what more can one ask for!
Date: 2015-05-19
From: VA220

To: Black Horse Gap on Blue Ridge Pkwy
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

Tuesday, May 19th The calculation of miles is different depending on which publication one is using but as of today the Iceman hiked 721 miles. A great accomplishment! The Iceman chose to hike a section of the AT that was a little easier for him since yesterday's was grueling as was the day before. The hike took him over two mountains and he climbed about 2000 vertical feet. Unfortunately there were no views because the trail went through thick foliage. The temperatures are rising day by day and today it reached the low 90's. It was not an easy hike but it was easier than the last and the Iceman started the hike at 10am which gave him a few more hours of sleep last night. The Sherpa found out today that 5000 employees of the Norfolk & Western railroad were in the process of losing their jobs. This has been happening over a period of time and it will certainly have an impact on the city of Roanoke and the surrounding towns. Amtrak will be stopping at Roanoke soon and perhaps that will help a bit although jobs are needed to replace those lost. The Iceman was picked up at about 4:30 today from the trail which came very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway so he only had to walk a short distance on a dirt road to the car. Driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a wonderful experience. It is a two lane road that runs along a ridge and the views on either side are stunning. On the side of the road there's a sign describing the migration of people from Pennsylvania to this area of Virginia (see Photo). There's also a photo of one of the vistas.
Date: 2015-05-20
From: VA311/Catawba, VA

To: US220/Daleville,VA
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Wednesday, May 20th This section of the AT was the most spectacular so far. The Iceman climbed at least 4000' and hiked over two miles of boulders and rock outcroppings but nothing compared to the sight of the McAfee Knob. This Knob is a feature of the Catawba mountain and is located in Roanoke County Virginia. It stands out over a 200 foot vertical drop and offers a 270 degree view of the Catawba valley and the North Mountain to the West, Tinker Cliffs to the North and the Roanoke Valley to the East. The views from the Tinker Cliffs are so awe-inspiring that the Iceman had a hard time leaving. Some folks stay at this place all day just taking in the view. When the Sherpa dropped off the Iceman this morning at 7am another hiker arrived in the parking lot at the same time. The gentleman introduced himself and told of hiking the AT as a through hiker in 2002 at the age of 65 and his trail name was Bucky. Bucky gave the Iceman an orange for the trip and they hiked pretty much together all the way to McAfee's Knob where Bucky took the photo of the Iceman that you see on this page. Bucky had many interesting stories to tell as they hiked. After leaving McAfee Knob the Iceman was hiking at his usual pace when he looked down and noticed that he was stepping over a snake, not an ordinary snake, but a rattlesnake. The snake was between 3 and 4 feet long and when the Iceman saw the rattle at the end of the snake's tail he realized how lucky he was not to have been bitten. That could have been the end of his through hike. When he was a good distance away he took a photo of the snake so that everyone could see it. (Look at the Photo's). You will see the blacktail and the rattle on the left and his head on the right. The Sherpa had a good day shopping and then lunch at Panera's. While on line at Panera's she met a lovely woman who she had lunch with named Gail. She spent about 2 hours on the patio of Panera's talking with Gail about all sorts of things. It was a very pleasant day. After picking up the Iceman it was back to dress for dinner and this night would be the last night in the Roanoke/Salem area so they went back to Blue Apron for one more fabulous meal.
Date: 2015-05-22
From: Parkers Gap

To: BearWallow Gap
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Friday, May 22 Today's hike was Iceman's last hike before his and the Sherpa's hiatus. We will be off the trail until about June 3rd celebrating a family event. This day the hike was not easy because there were a lot of vertical climbs but it was smooth walking not like those trails with lots of rocks and roots to get caught on. There were enormous tulip trees reaching 100 feet or more and 3 to 4 feet in diameter. Views of mountain ranges and valley's are rare this time of year, for the hiker, as the thick foliage tends to block them from sight. It was a flip flop day because the Iceman was hoping to see some of his thru hiking buddies, that were in his bubble, and say goodbye to them, as he may not see them again. By June 3rd most of them will be at least 150 miles away from where he will resume his hike.   He has hiked with these people for the last 8 weeks and will miss them. He was able to say goodbye to 3D and Captain K and several more whose names he just can't remember, there are so many names to remember. The Sherpa found out that the hiker, who the Park Police were searching for yesterday, was located and is fine. Many hikers have sent their winter cloths home but that may have been a mistake as this morning when the Sherpa dropped off the Iceman, the temperature was 43 degrees which means that during the night the temperature dropped to the 30's and those in shelters or tents were probably cold. The Iceman expected to be on the trail for 10 hours so the Sherpa had a decision to make, whether to go on the Bedford Wine Trail or visit Poplar Forest, the summer home of Thomas Jefferson in Forest, VA. Thomas Jefferson won out and the tour at Poplar Forest, the name of the estate, was very nice. It turns out that the tour guide, Mrs. Melroy moved to VA from, of all places, Lake Mohawk. She lived in our town from 1970, the year we moved there, to 1987 and we had never met. Small world! The Sherpa killed two birds with one stone when she noticed that the gift shop sold wine made at Thomas Jefferson's estate in Monticello. That was just as good as going on the Bedford Wine Trail. Now we have two bottles of wine made in VA. to bring home. Please look for our next trail journal when we get back on the trail..Happy trails to all of you, until we meet again.
Date: 2015-06-03
From: Apple Orchard Trail (Parkers Gap)

To: US501/VA130 James River
Miles today: 17.1

Wednesday, June 3rd and the Iceman and his Sherpa are back on the trail/road. After a visit home for 6 days and a trip to San Diego for another 6 it's time for the Iceman to put the pedal to the metal and that's just what he's doing today with a 17.1 mile hike which he started, early this morning, in the rain and fog and a temperature of 52 degrees. After arriving home from San Diego on Monday night we were up early Tuesday and left for the long drive back to where we left off, the Blue Ridge Mountains and now we are in Lexington, VA at a small newly renovated hotel in the center of the historic district, The Robert E Lee. We are just blocks from Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute where history abounds. Until the Iceman has been picked up today this is all there is to write. Picked up the Iceman at 5:30 soaking wet and cold but even though he was very uncomfortable he completed the 17.1 mile hike in light and heavy rain and slippery conditions. On his hike he noticed that many of the hikers hadn't broken camp, they were just staying in their tents. When it rains like it did there's no sense in trying to pack up a soggy tent which won't dry in a backpack and will be wet the next time it's setup. He saw several section hikers and about 5 thru hikers and also met and thanked one of the AT maintenance volunteers. They are the true trail angels, without them the trails would be much more difficult to hike. This section of the AT was very well maintained and it was a pleasure to hike all except for the rock outcroppings that were at the tops of all the mountains this day. The steep uphill climbs were slow going as well as the descents. Because it also rained all day in Lexington the Sherpa spent time shopping for fruit and other supplies for the Iceman's lunch and then stopped off at the Visitor's Center in town to ask questions about the highlights of Lexington and pick up literature. The Visitor's Center is a great place to get all kinds of information and most times the person there is very helpful. The gentleman who was there on this day pointed out a nice walking tour of the town including several homes of famous people and several museums. When the rain stops, if we're still in Lexington, that's the first thing the Sherpa will do. Dinner was at the Southern Inn across from the hotel and it was very good. We were both very tired and part of the reason was the jetlag. The photo is of a large boulder that the Iceman had to walk under or rather run under which is what he probably did.
Date: 2015-06-04
From: US501/VA130 James River

To: reservoir road
Miles today: 14.0

Thursday, June 4th and the Iceman started again this morning in rain, fog and low 50's temp from Elon Road/US501/VA130 heading north to the pickup point, Reservoir Road.   The Sherpa dropped him off and he wasn't sure if he could make it to the pickup point so a decision was made to meet at the Blue Ridge Parkway which was 4 miles less and if he felt he could continue then the Sherpa would pick him up at Reservoir. The drive back to Lexington was about 45 minutes. A stop at CVS proved fruitful in that the Sherpa found out, from an employee, that there was a good hair salon nearby so off to Cindy's for color and a trim. While there it was mentioned that the Iceman was hiking the AT and one of the stylists was very interested in all the details of his adventure apparently she too is a hiker and it seems from the questions she asked, that she'd like to do a through hike. She said that she thought she was too old but after our conversation she realized that she would fit right in with all of the other hikers. Hair all pretty again and it was off to find the meeting place on the BRP. The Iceman showed up at about 2 soaked and so he changed his shirt and then proceeded to head to Reservoir Rd even though he was drenched to the skin and hurting he wanted to complete more miles. The Sherpa headed in the direction of Reservoir Road and found that it was a gravel and dirt road with some large rocks and gullies. The Audi was able to maneuver pretty well and the Sherpa finally found the AT trailhead. The Iceman was dripping wet again and complained that everyone passed him and he feels he is now the slowest hiker of the pack. That may be true but we all know "Slow and Steady Wins the Race"! Dinner was at the Bistro On Main and the food was excellent. Fried Oysters lightly coated with cornmeal, Dill Cucumber soup, Catfish with Almond crust and homemade sorbet. The Iceman has his first blister and he believes it's from wet socks and shoes. Pray for sun, at least where we are. There were no views today as he could only see about 50' in front of him due to fog. The bridge crosses the James River and is the longest foot use only bridge on the AT
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Salt Log Gap

To: Reservoir Road
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Friday, June 5th and today the Iceman did a flip flop for 15+ miles in bright sunny and warm weather. He passed many through hikers but knew none of them as this is a new bunch of folks who started the hike probably 2 to 3 weeks after the Iceman. While he was on the trail he met a "ridge runner", a woman in her 40's, and she stopped to ask the Iceman how he found the shelters and other questions like that. She is a volunteer, unlike the one's who do maintenance, she asks for feedback from the hikers as to how they think the facilities on the trail are and if they have any suggestions to improve it. The Iceman happened to mention that on the way to the starting point one forest road was blocked by a huge tree that must have fallen during the night and brought down all the lines with it. It was necessary to backtrack and take an alternate route to get to Salt Log Gap which cost time. But the hike was a pleasant one except for the throbbing blister on a toe on the left foot and the smashed toe nail on the right foot. Other than that, all went well and the Iceman thinks that he hiked over what might be one of the last balds, Bald Knob. The Sherpa moved from the Robert E Lee hotel to the Hampton Inn, still in Lexington, for one night as the Lee couldn't accommodate them. The Hampton Inn is a special place as they restored a manor house named "Col Alto" and it has 10 specially decorated rooms from the period. Dinner was at the Sheridan Livery Inn, a restaurant and small Inn in Lexington and was very good. For those of you who are coffee lovers, the house pictured here may be just the thing for you. If you're interested it's for sale in Lexington, Va on route 60.