morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-05
From: campsite before Knot Maul

To: Happy Hiker Hostel (Atkins)
Miles today: 13.0

When I began talking about my "Backflip to Damascus" I certainly didn't mean it literally. It simply referred to hiking south instead of north for a section. So I crossed 42 and headed past the Holston River, up past barns and over more stiles. But as I headed up what my book calls "Big Walker" I stepped wrong on a muddy rock and took a slip backwards. It happens all the time to hikers. I usually manage to catch myself with my hiking poles, but not this time. I unhooked my pack and tried to stand up. My left ankle wouldn't support my weight. With much effort, I finally managed to get up and put the pack back on. Then I dragged myself up and over the mountain. The foot seemed to feel better when going uphill, and hurt like crazy when pointed down. I called Rambunny and arranged for my pickup. She arrived and drove me to the hostel where I took a shower. My foot was swelling, so I put it on ice and stayed off of it. I'll probably take a zero tomorrow to see how it goes.
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Happy Hiker Hostel (Atkins)

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

When I woke up my foot was even more swollen. Rambunny suggested that I call Suzanne at the Hikers Inn in Damascus, since she seems to know where all the good doctors are. Aquaman shuttled me down to Damascus where I could pick up my car and get to the doctor. I got an appointment with the Blue Ridge Orthopedic group in Abingdon. So when I got to the Doctors office I filled out the necessary paper work. They took me right in to see a nurse practitioner. She ordered x-rays. A little while after taking three x-rays the doctor came in. Good news! A slight tear in my ligament, but nothing bad. He said only a class 1 or 2 tear. He prescribed an ankle brace and said I should be good as new in a week or so. I felt relief immediately when I put the brace on. I can walk almost without limping. So I'll be taking a few days off here in Damascus. I have 72 miles between Atkins and Damascus to do before I head back to Catawba. I'll probably arrange to slackpack them. (walk short miles without a pack) But it will be several days before I attempt anything.
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Friday May 7th. What do you do in Damascus? You walk, you sit, you eat, you visit. I limited my walking, but enjoyed visiting with the hikers here. Took a couple of hikers to Abingdon for breakfast at Cracker Barrel this morning. That was cool! Miss Janet and Baltimore Jack were here today. Miss Janet had to go back to work, but Jack is here to work on the campground area with a bunch of volunteers. They have to make trail and camping areas since the old area is becoming a baseball field.Saturday May 8th. A friend in town is letting me stay in his backroom for free! Everything is booked for Traildays, so this is major! Today was the big Yard Sale. I helped my friend sell his Holey Soles (Crocs). I also walked around to see what everyone had for sale. People sure do buy a bunch of junk, then try to get rid of it. (myself, included) Mala came in to work on the campground, along with Dirty Feet. I also saw Fishing Fred today. This evening there is a party down under the trestle with music, a campfire, and lots of hiker friends. Fun!Sunday May 9th, Mother's Day. I fixed breakfast, then went to church. After church I just walked around. I came back and took a long nap. Talked to my kids. Just sitting waiting for my ankle to get better.Monday May 10th. After breakfast, I took my usual walk around Damascus. More hikers are coming to town. I talked to Matty and Jester outside Mount Rogers Outfitters. Then I decided that I would drive up to one of the crossings and pass out trail magic. I bought bananas, strawberries, oranges, and gatorade. I decided on VA603 crossing. Saw 8 hikers who were very happy to see and the magic.Tuesday May 11th. I had volunteered to help the church with anything they needed for Traildays. This morning I joined Linda (who is in charge of the hiker ministry) to make coleslaw. Funny, Frank said I didn't make coleslaw as good as his Mom, so I stopped trying... Anyway, this is called Oriental Slaw and uses Ramen in the recipe. How appropriate for hikers! We made up tons of it! Afterwards I went down to Quincy's for a sandwich, where I ran into Circuit Rider and Sherlock. It was great to see them again! Next it was off to the park for the "hiker meet and greet" where one of the Sunday School classes was handing out assorted goodies.
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Damascus

To: Atkins
Miles today: 72.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Of course I didn't do 72 miles! The thing is that I need to get my mileage adjusted. These miles were done back in 2003. Some of them have been done twice. I am sure that I'll do them several more times, as this is a favorite hike before Traildays. Unfortunately, my hike back took a shortcut when I tore my ligament. But I am adding these miles in so my mileage is correct.
Date: 2010-05-16
From: Damascus/ Traildays - Catawba

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

After early church services, I picked up Lion King and Walkingman who were headed to Catawba with me. We drove the two hours up to The Homeplace Restaurant and it was everything I hoped it would be, again. We ran into Hunter, aka Hightower there with another hiker. After dinner, Lion King dropped Walkingman and me off at the trail where we planned to go only to the second shelter. But when we arrived there about 2pm, we decided to hike on over McAfee Knob. McAfee Knob is crazy on weekends with the locals. It was difficult to even get the requisite photo because there were so many people. I did get one of Chris (Walkingman) before we decided to move on. We hiiked on up to the third shelter where I pitched my hammock just in time to get out of the rain. Soon four 09 hikers arrived. Deja vue, they said.... yeah, me too. Last year was the year of the rain. They decided to hike on when Kit and Fuzzy (from my Damascus teatime) showed up. They are in Daleville slacking back to Catawba. After visiting, they too moved on. I was nearly asleep in my hammock when I hear Chris calling "Red Hat". One of my facebook friends was here, Hikernutt. I knew of her from her own journals, and we became friends because of our common interest. It was great to meet her. Dartman was hiking with her. I knew him because he used to work at Neel's Gap. We all went to bed in the rain, hoping for better weather tomorrow.
Date: 2010-05-17
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Lambert's Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: moderate rain

I got up in the rain and packed in the rain. Since Chris is a late sleeper, and a faster hiker, he had told me to go ahead, so I did... I kept looking for the blue blaze that avoids Tinker Cliffs. I sure didn't want to be on those rocks in the rain. Unfortunately, the trail is not marked. I remember what a time I had last year, walking in circles, but at least I found it. This year, no such luck. Pretty soon, I was up on the rocks. I was very, very careful. It was not fun. The only views were clouds below. Soon it was over and I was headed down. Pretty soon, Chris came up. He was upset because he had made a wrong turn in the rocks and been lost for a bit.We headed straight for the next shelter, still in the rain.As much as I wanted to get to Daleville, the fact that it was another 9.4 miles away kept us from moving on. It would wait for tomorrow.
Date: 2010-05-18
From: Lambert's Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville!
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up early and ready to beat the rain to Daleville. It was a 9.4 walk that should have been all downhill. But the AT manages to go up and over everything so it wasn't down until we were almost in town. Go figure. We checked into the Howard Johnson, ate Mexican food for lunch, then went to resupply. It was more Mexican food for dinner, and finally LOST! Tomorrow we plan on doing a slack from the Blue Ridge to see if my foot can do some mileage without a pack.
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Daleville!

To: Bearwallow Gap at Blue Ridge Parkway
Miles today: 21.6

My ankle has been feeling really good so I decided to see if it could do some miles without weight. I left almost everything in the motel room and called Homer for a shuttle. Homer, Theresa, and their two children hiked the trail together back in 2002. Cascade was 11 then. I met Cascade several times last year when she was hiking again after her graduation. They are a great family and provide service for hikers in this area.Anyway, Homer drove us up to the trail so we could hike back to town SOBO. But when we got to VA43, a truck driver had attempted to drive down the winding road and gotten stuck. We had to wait for wreckers to get him loose so he could back down the road. We finally hit the trail about 10:15am. I knew that we had about 11 hours of daylight and felt sure I could do this. If there was any problem, the trail crossed the Blue Ridge in enough places that I could get off easily.The hike was great! It started with trailmagic in coolers right away. Then it was just hike along fabulous trail crossing the Blue Ridge for about 7 miles. Of course, there were plenty of hiker friends headed north. When the trail turned away from the BRP we began to climb a little to the first shelter. I hit that before 3pm. I was averaging better than 2 miles per hour with no pain!Then came the big climbs... ugh. When I finally got to the trail to the next shelter, I did a little math and figured I could still get in before dark. Luckily the rest of the way was mostly down and I hauled it. There were some changes since last year, but the trail is great! I got into town about 7:40pm with time to spare. After dinner at the Mexican Restaurant I was ready to crash. Tomorrow Homer drives us back up to Bearwallow Gap where I'll head north with my full pack. Back to 10s and 12s.
Date: 2010-05-20
From: Bearwallow Gap at Blue Ridge Parkway

To: campsite before Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

Chris decided that he was too sore to walk today, so I left without him. Homer drove me up to Bearwallow Gap and I headed north. On the Loose and Braids left a message in the register that they planned on swimming in Jennings Creek doing some short miles to Bryant Ridge Shelter. Bryant Ridge is a Taj Mahal of shelters and sleeps 20. But since I stay in my hammock, it doesn't really matter. I had one thing on my mind... LOST. The finale is Sunday, the 23rd. If I did 15 miles to Cornelius shelter today, then to Matts Creek, then to Punchbowl, I could make Buena Vista and a motel for Sunday's finale. It was a plan! I got to Jenings Creek and it was hot! I changed into my swimming clothes to join Braids. Loose had walked over to the campground I stayed at last year to get some soda. (long walk for a soda!) The water was really cold, so I just ended up sitting with my feet in it. There were tons of tadpoles swimming around. It felt great on my ankle, though. After a bit, Loose showed up, but I told them of my plan for the Lost party and hiked on. I got to the Bryant Ridge shelter early in the afternoon and laid down for a nap. I was feeling a little congested and started coughing. I knew I had to make more miles, though, so I got up and hiked on. I hadn't realized what a climb it was to the Cornelius Creek Shelter. I was getting dizzy from feeling sick and knew that I had to stop soon. About 7pm I saw sign that said "spring". Now this spring is not mentioned in any of the guidebooks, but there it was. I pitched my hammock and walked down to the spring for water. It was a ways, but it was a perfect cold water mountain spring. I fixed dinner, hung my food back and crashed.
Date: 2010-05-21
From: campsite before Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Buena Vista
Miles today: 5.0

I woke up and wanted to stay in my hammock. I was really congested and feverish. But I knew that the weather forecast was not good. So I forced myself to get up and ready to hike. When I got to the shelter I told Hightower that I was sick and heading to town. Then I hiked up to the Apple Orchard Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. At the overlook sat Bonnie. She was touring the Parkway and had stopped. I asked if she would drive me to town and she said she was headed up to Hwy 60 (which is the exit for Buena Vista). She said okay, if I would sit in the back, since she was concerned about whatever I had being contagious. She drove up the parkway, stopping at the overlooks to reminisce. Her father was a ranger here in the Parkway years ago. We stopped at the James River for her to do a little walk, and arrived in town around 2pm. I checked into the Budget Inn because I wanted to save money.The book says that the Buena Vista Motel is $55 for a single, and the Budget Inn is $45. After I checked in, I noticed that my bill for two nights was $119. I asked the owner and he replied that it was because of taxes, and weekend rates. Bonnie was already gone, and I was too sick to argue, so I took the room. I walked over to the Dollar Store, bought some Nyquil and cough drops, then went back to the motel and crashed again.
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Buena Vista

To: Buena Vista
Miles today: 0.0

Feeling somewhat better, but still not ready to hike. I decided to stay another day and went to the manager to discuss my rate. He refused to lower it, saying it was still weekend. (don't most hotels consider Sunday night a discount night?) I refused to pay it and checked out. By the way, the continental breakfast at the Budget Inn turned out to be cheap pinwheel pecan rolls that you buy by the dozen at Sam's Club. No cereal, no fruit, just junk rolls. I packed my pack and hiked up to the other motel. It was clean and worth the extra, and still less than the dive where I had spent the last two nights. So, if you go to Buena Vista, choose the Buena Vista motel!I had lunch at Captain Tim's Galley which has great seafood. I enjoyed Maryland Crabcakes and frogs legs. Then I went back and took a nap before my LOST finale. I ordered Italian food in for dinner, turned on the tv, and endulged the full five hours. The first two were a review of the last six years, then there was the three hour finale. Great is all I can say!
Date: 2010-05-24
From: Buena Vista

To: Dutch Haus
Miles today: 16.3

I packed up and decided that I was going to move on north today, no matter what. I stood out front trying to hitch a ride up to the trail for about 30 minutes. Finally a young man stopped and offered me a ride to the trail. I decided that I needed to take it easy today, so instead of the AT (which I have done), I would road walk. From 60, there is a little country road, 605 which goes directly from the highway up- to the BlueRidge, while the Blueridge curves a good bit before 605 comes in. I am so glad I decided to take this road. It is like a national treasure! First there is a CCC campground. Then you follow a trout stream. On the opposite side of the road are old farm houses. At one point there is the remains of either an old one room school or church building. It is hard to tell because it it boarded up. There is a big fireplace where a home used to stand. Anyway, it was like a trip back in time. Finally I hit the Blueridge, which is wonderfully graded. I walked up, enjoying views and loving the terrain. At Whetstone Ridge, I took the road down toward the Dutch Haus. I was almost there when a car coming toward me, turned around and offered me a ride. Turns out he is the owner of the Dutch Haus! I got a beautiful room, a shower, a fresh robe, and lots of hiker friends. Can't beat it!
Date: 2010-05-25
From: Dutch Haus

To: Reed's Gap
Miles today: 10.6

The plan was to slackpack from Reed's Gap back to Spy Rock, where the Dutch Haus picks up hikers. I figured it would take me about 10 hours, but it was doable. I started in heavy rain about 8:30 am after a shuttle to the trail. I began to feel icky again and decided that I was not going to be able to hike up the Priest sick. So when I got to the Tye River, I crossed over to the road, and stuck out my thumb. The first car picked me up and I soon was in front of the Dutch Haus once again. Tomorrow, I'll do the rest of the hike.Hey, it means another night in a real bed!
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Spy Rock Road

To: Tye River
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

After breakfast, Lois drove 7 hikers up to Spy Rock Road where we began our mile walk to the trail. Along the walk up we passed 7 hikers on their way down to the Dutch Haus. (Free lunch, are you kidding!) We finally got to the AT and turned north to climb towards Spy Rock. There were a number of people camped there when we got to it. Everyone began climbing up to see the view. I was more concerned about getting a phone signal. I got a message yesterday that my son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons might be coming up for the long weekend. I was really excited! I reached my daughter-in-law but the signal wouldn't stay, so we talked briefly and agreed that I would call from Waynesboro where I know I'll have a signal. But they are coming!!!I was so excited that I didn't bother to climb up and check out the views. I just started hiking. The trail to the Priest (mountain) was pretty nice and I got to the shelter earlier than I expected. The register there is a confessional of sorts. People confess to all kinds of things, some funny, some not. A number have to do with using the bathroom in ways, that are not environmentallly recommended. After reading, and signing the register, I ate a light lunch and headed back up the trail.The trail down from the Priest to the Tye is quite steep, but I did pretty well. I even passed a couple of people (which is not common for me...). Just when I was feeling a little proud, here comes Captain Slick who is running up the the steep side of the Priest for fun. Hikers! Anyway, I made it down to the Tye River and got a ride back to the Dutch Haus. When the lady who gave me a ride found out that I had been hiking since Georgia, she pulled out an unopened bottle of wine, opened it, poured it into a crystal champagne glass, offered it to me, then toasted me.Unfortunately, this will be my last night here at the Dutch Haus, as I must move on. Too many nights in real beds, can be addictive.
Date: 2010-05-27
From: Reed's Gap

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Wow, was it ever hot today! I was sweating buckets all day. I must confess to roadwalking a good bit. I did this AT section in 2005 and now I just want to get to Harper's Ferry where I'll be starting new territory once I climb up out of the C&O. I am walking every mile, but the Blue Ridge is just so much nicer grade and views than the AT. I know some folks won't approve, but hey it's my hike. I have more than 2200 actual AT miles now and over the past years, so I know which areas I've done are nice trail, and which I'd rather not do again. I got almost to the Gap when a man offered me a ride. I told him I had only a mile or so left to walk. He said he'd wait at the parking lot. So when I got there my ride was already waiting... how cool is that? I'll be at the church hostel tonight.
Date: 2010-05-28
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Charlottesville, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday, I received an email from my friend, Booboo (SOBO 2007) saying that she would pick me up and bring me to her house in Charlottesville. How could I resist that? So Friday afternoon (5/28) I was in her red Subaru headed to Charlottesville. Saturday (5/29) my son and his family arrived from North Carolina. After lunch we headed over to the AT to do some hiking. Parker, who is four, had been wanting to hike "the green tunnel" he had heard me mention on my journal. I chose the section between Reeds Gap BRP mile 13.7 and BRP mile 13.1. It was great! Afterwards we sat at the road while Stephen ran back for the car. Then we passed out Gatorades to passing hikers. We eventually headed down to the Humpback Rocks visitor center to see the old farm exhibit. We had a great time. Then it was Ming's Chinese for dinner, of course. Today (5/30) we hung out in downtown Charlottesville, which has a great open area called "The Mall". We visited the Children's Museum, where I ran into one of the volunteers from the church hostel in Waynesboro. I bought a new camera since my old one hasn't been working for over a week. (sorry about the lack of pics!) Tomorrow (5/31) they will drop me off at Skyline Drive where I'll continue my journey north. This was just the boost I needed. Maybe I can get one of my daughters to meet me at Harper's Ferry... (hint)
Date: 2010-05-31
From: Rockfish Gap0

To: Blackrock Hut SNP
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

Steve, Kim, and the boys dropped me off at Rockfish Gap about 9 am. I started hiking up the trail (yes, the real trail). I got to the check-in and guestimated where I'd be each night. Just as I was attaching the card to my pack, up came Cowgirl and Kelly! Wow, I was surprised since I thought they were way ahead. After Cowgirl filled out her card, we started hiking. About 3 miles later, I spotted Skyline drive and decided I was tired of the rocks. Again, the AT gets rocky ups and downs with no views, while Skyline Drive has nice grade and terrific views. So I bushwacked my way down and hiked the road. Several times the AT crossed and I visited with other hikers. Finally, I came to the place where the AT led to the Blackrock hut and I climbed up for the night. I hung up my hammock, cooked dinner, and went to bed. The place was full!Characters of the Day: Conan and Backwards are a young couple from Michigan who were living in the DC area before their hike. They are recently married and just plain cute. They always seem to have a smile on their faces and they remind you of why you want to hike. Backwards is blond and perky. Conan is red headed and funny. Together they are unstopable.
Date: 2010-06-01
From: Blackrock Hut SNP

To: Hightop Hut SNP
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: broken clouds

Since I have found that I do 2.5 to 3 mph on the road, and 1.5 mph on the trail, I decided to keep on hiking the road. Today was hot and humid, so I took several breaks. The best was at the Loft Mountain Wayside where I had breakfast and lunch back to back. Gotta love those waysides! Toward the afternoon we got a few sprinkles, but not enough to even put on my raingear. When I came to the fireroad that lead to the hut, I took it.
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Hightop Hut SNP

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 21.1

More road hiking, but today I saw bears! The first was after crossing Hwy 33, about mile 64. A cub was just behind the stone wall and ran off as I approached. I could almost hear his mother saying "I told you to stay away from that wall!" Then several miles later, about mile 58, I saw a large bear down in a greenway. It tried to hide behind a tree, but I managed to get a picture. I continued on to my destination, Big Meadows, and had a snack at the wayside, before heading over to the lodge. I got a cabin, had a wonderful dinner at the restaurant, and enjoyed my evening.Word of the Day: Trail Magic. Folks have different ideas of what trail magic is. To me, it is the unexplainable, unexpected gifts the trail has to offer. If you seem to be begging for something, or to be expecting something, it is not trail magic. Today I had the opportunity to give some magic. At dinner, I invited Backwards, Conan, and Alkeline to join me at my table for dinner. I had already ordered, but wanted company. During dinner I snuck away like I was going for a bathroom break, but actually I asked for the whole dinner check. It was just something I wanted to do for them, and I knew they certainly didn't expect it. I hoped to be able to pay and leave before they even realized it. Unfortunately, when the waiter presented my check, he asked "you wanted these all together?" They objected, but it was too late. The look on their faces was priceless.