morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Camp at trail near Humpback picnic area

To: Rockfish Gap/Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 13.3

It always rains on tents. Rainstorms will travel thousands of miles, against prevailing winds, for the opportunity to rain on a tent.Dave Barry   I awoke after sleeping pretty well.....but what was that sound? Oh, duh, raindrops on my tent. What a shocker. It wasn't torrential this time, so I began organizing my stuff for the day. I would finally complete this section of trail and end at the Rockfish Gap overpass. Been there many times over the past week! Now I'd walk there.    We were camped near a picnic area and I walked down the side trail to see if there was a trash can. I hit the trifecta--a trash can, restroom w/soap and running water and a water fountain. I returned to our campsite under heavier rain and borrowed Alex's umbrella to sit and enjoy some brekky. We packed out and walked towards Humpback Mountain in a cloud and drizzle. The trail was interesting...many rock outcroppings, pretty vegetation and some views (but not today!). We walked by old stone walls, moss covered and falling down.    We met another maintainer and chatted a bit. He confirmed that this season had seen twice the normal precipitation thus far. He did pass along that the forecast was good for the next few days. The day brightened as we hiked and we found a wonderful spot for lunch. A granite bench had been placed in memory of another hiker just in front of a stream. We laid out our wet gear and enjoyed a break and some food.    Six miles later we were at Rockfish Gap. The weather was nice, the hike was terrific and I could not be happier. Alex is a very thoughtful and considerate hiking partner, and he taught me how to care for my feet today. I've not had problems with blisters, but my feet are tired at the end of the day. He carries a large Ziploc with Gold Bond foot powder. Twice a day (once for me) he removes his shoes & socks and dips each foot into the powder. It helps to remove moisture and it makes one's foot feel great! After the powder, you put a clean sock on and carry on. I did this last night, and slept in clean liner socks with my powdered feet. This morning, I applied Bag Balm all over each foot before donning socks and boots. It's like Vasoline and helps keep the feet from developing hot spots. That felt great too, and my feet were good at the day's end. It's all good with clean, powdered and pampered feet.Tie Dye
Date: 2013-06-21
From: Rockfish Gap/Waynesboro, VA

To: Campsite near a stream, Shenamdoah NP
Miles today: 8.6

This we know. The earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth. This we know. All things are connected like the blood that unites one family. All things are connected. Chief Seattle   Today I hiked into the Shenandoah National Park. It is beautiful. The trail is well maintained here by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.                     Hikers are required to register at entrance stations and to carry a backcountry permit at all times. In the park, what I've known as a shelter thus far is called a hut. Park regs require camping at the huts or at designated campsites nearby. Other camping is regulated according to distance from park facilities, water sources and other campers.       Got a later start today. Didn't sleep well, so became a tent slug to rest a bit more before hiking. The trail climbed up a ways at first then wound past pretty rock outcrops and through fabulous forest.   I hiked slowly, and met Alex at the first road crossing for a break.    We pressed on, and hiked by some communication towers which had old tractor seats set in front for the taking. They were full of hikers, enjoying a break. I felt thirsty, so we looked for a water source to refill our bottles and found s spring near the next hut. We hiked another mile in the evening light to find a camp site. I was too tired to cook anything, so ate a cold dinner and retired to my tent.    Oh--this day is the summer solstice, which offers the most daylight hours of the year. In the hiking community it's also "hike naked day". I didn't see any naked hikers (sigh....) but I did take a bath in the stream near our campsite. Under cover of darkness, of course! My contribution to the day, heehee. It's all good. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-06-22
From: Campsite near a stream, Shenamdoah NP

To: Campsite near Skyline 87.4/Black Rock Gap
Miles today: 11.2

The biggest prize in long distance hiking is the gift of time. Time to look. Time to feel. All those hours you spend with your thoughts. You don't solve all of your problems , but you come to understand and accept yourself. Cindy Ross "Journey on the Crest"   Awoke to clear skies but, again, not feeling well rested. I usually sleep OK in my tent, but I have realized that I would like a bit more room.   I absolutely love my Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 and am looking at the two person version. It's not much heavier and I'm considering a change.    We hiked out, stopping occasionally for breaks and at view points. We saw the bug in the photo at an overlook. Maybe it's an immature cicada?   I've heard cicadas, but haven't seen many. They are coming, as this is a seventeenth year for their cycle of life. Should be a fun addition to this year's adventure!   My stomach was not great today, but I had to eat in order to avoid fatigue. My food bag contains lots of trail bars, peanut butter and assorted candy in addition to my regular brekky and dinner food. Nothing appeals to me, so I eat a protein bar or a spoonful of peanut butter to keep going. I'm hoping dinner will be better.    The temps and humidity rose as the hours passed. Alex and I were both tired by late afternoon so we found a tent site near a fire road and set up camp. I didn't feel like cooking again, but had found a freeze dried meal at a shelter a few days ago, so I heated water to reconstitute that. Yummy, rice with chicken and chemicals. Lol. : )   This camp site is pretty. Tall trees, a little stream and enough level ground to sleep comfortably. Here's hoping I do. It's all good in the SNP.Tie Dye
Date: 2013-06-24
From: Elkton, VA

To: Luray, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Follow your instincts. That's where true wisdom manifests itself. Oprah Today was a day for rest, food and reflection. A chat with my doctor will help me put my best foot forward (no pun intended!). Luray is a lovely small town, and I passed on the regular town chores in favor of some quality R & R.       I spent time today rethinking my gear. I'm going to upgrade to a slightly larger tent.   Changing my cooking system is on deck, too. I need to eat more calories and having a more versatile and larger stove/cookpot will allow me more dinner options. At the local outfitter I found an MSR Superfly canister stove and an MSR 1.3 liter cookpot.   I left my old stove/fuel bottle in the hiker box there and happily started planning my next trail dinner.    We met a group of hikers who had just aqua blazed (hired canoes and paddled the Shenandoah River for several days). They'd met up for the river trip and were now returning to four different points on the trail to resume hiking. We also met Story Time and Sweet Cheeks, a nice pair in town for rest and resupply.    I have a package coming to Harper's Ferry with items that will help address my sleep issue. I've thought a lot today about my hike, about the importance of staying healthy and happy via good food and better sleep and the overall logistics of my current location vis a vis the point where I stopped hiking Sunday. My first priority is to hike to Harper's Ferry without undue delay to pick up the mail.    So, now comes the hard part. I can resume hiking at Loft Mtn., about 50 trail miles south. Or, I can return to the trail here. I really need to reach Harper's Ferry in a reasonable time. After a lot of thought, I've decided to go north from here and return to SNP in the fall to complete the missed section.   I think hiking those miles in the fall would be a delight. I'm at peace with this, as my health needs trump everything else right now. While I'd prefer not to have a gap, I'm looking at the big picture and seeing the positives.   Day after tomorrow I'll be hiking north again and I'm very happy and thankful for that. It's all good and so much fun to plan some new dinners. Tie DyePS. I will add the missing miles to my daily total on Wednesday. If I don't do this, my TJ mileage total will not track my guidebook, which will be confusing for me going forward. I will think of the total with a phantom asterisk****representing the return trip to VA this fall. Best!!
Date: 2013-06-25
From: Luray, VA

To: Luray, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Gratitude is the music of the heart, when it's chords are swept by the breeze of kindness. Author unknown      I am so very grateful for the warm embrace I've received through the input and prayers from those who are reading this and who have been moved to sign my guest book.   Today I'm looking forward to a special treat. I will be able to meet a TJ friend who lives close enough to Luray to drive over later and meet for dinner. Anticipating some good girlfriend time, something I have been missing.    Thinking on a fun evening later made the required town chores easier. Laundry, resupply, outfitter (again, for a new map) and the post office called.       To be continued...........a brief coda:   Luray is a lovely town, with many murals, a river greenway and lots of eateries. I have enjoyed some quality rest time. The folks at the Artesian Grill, the Best Western, Gennaro's pizza and the outfitters have been very welcoming and I'm grateful to have landed here at possibly the toughest point in my hike thus far. Not mentally, but physically. But, now I'm good to go. It's all good especially when I have some girl time. Yes!Tie Dye
Date: 2013-06-26
From: Luray, VA

To: Thornton River Trail campsite
Miles today: 56.0

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.   Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. Calvin Coolidge   Back to the trail today and I couldn't be happier!!   Best!      I had a lovely dinner last night with Cheryl.   She lives in Basye, VA, a beautiful community less than an hour from Luray. She is a hiker and an outdoor enthusiast--plotting escapes from work to put together fun trips for her hiking group. We talked about everything and it was a pleasure to hear about her plans for hiking an AT section this fall. I am leveled at the kindness she extended in taking the time to come to Luray.   Thanks, Cheryl! Hope we meet again.    Alex arranged for a ride to the trailhead at 12:30.   We packed and walked to the cafe to order a takeout lunch. Our ride was delayed until 2ish, so that gave us time to try out our umbrellas. Yup, it was raining. We waited downtown, nice and dry under cover.    The man who took us to the park is active in the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. He is VP for volunteerism, a busy position as PATC maintains and protects 240 miles of the AT and 800 miles of other trails, checks over 70 trail shelters and cabins and oversees three major trail centers. All of these projects utilize volunteers at myriad jobs.    I enjoyed talking on the ride up to the Thornton Gap entrance. We sat in a breezeway and ate our sandwiches as more raindrops fell. We were gonna get wet on this hike.    By 3 p.m. we were hiking north. The trail wound up gently through the forest. I was glad to be walking, and felt fine. The skies darkened and a cloud descended upon us. Rain came, gently at first and eventually as a heavy downpour. My umbrella worked perfectly, keeping my head and shoulders dry. It's warm enough so that getting wet is no big deal. Everything will dry out.   My boots are squishy but my feet are fine.    Due to the rain, we stopped hiking sooner rather than later. A side trail led to a water source and a campsite. I loved my mac 'n cheese dinner with extra olive oil, added bits of bacon jerky and Parmesan cheese on top. My new stove worked well. I ate cookies and pie for dessert and felt tired, full and sleepy. Now to sleep, perchance to dream. It's all fabulous here in the SNP. Love it!Tie DyeExtra pix
Date: 2013-06-27
From: Thornton River Trail campsite

To: Campsite near Compton Springs
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep,And miles to go before I sleep. ... Robert Frost      Make that rainy miles!! We walked 14 miles today and got hit with three hard rains. The trail was a river, my boots are soaked and my umbrella got a workout. I love my umbrella--it's pink and it matches my T-shirt.       Things looked good initially, and the temp was pleasant. As we hiked, wispy clouds appeared and soon they enveloped us. We took a few quick breaks, eating under the brollies then moving on.       Our destination was Compton Springs, for water, then a campsite. We achieved these goals around 5:30 and began to make camp quickly as more rain was on the way. I cooked dinner--ramen with sun dried tomatoes, dehydrated onions, salmon and crushed salt 'n vinegar chips on top. It was goooood.    Tired from the day and in my tent, the rain came and lulled me to sleep. I would end up having the best night of sleep ever. Love that--what a blessing. It's all good, rainy & sleepy out here. Tie Dye
Date: 2013-06-28
From: Campsite near Compton Springs

To: Front Royal/US 522
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. John Muir   I awoke early, but well rested. Couldn't be happier! As we were having brekky, Alex says "sister--check it out, over there". I look up to see a large black bear about 20 yards away, eyeing us. We watched it settle into a green copse and munch on bear food. No cubs around so we assume it's a male because it was pretty big.       We finished our morning chores and packed up. The bear's head popped up regularly to check on us. How cool, a bear periscope. This was my first bear sighting, in a beautiful forest on the AT in Shenandoah NP. Perfect. Especially if he doesn't come any closer.       We eventually hiked north. I guess Mr. Bear then checked out our campsite for anything of interest. But, we'd left nothing, only memories of a rainy night in tents.    Front Royal was 6.6 miles away, and we have a bounce box there at the post office. A shower, a meal or three and a rest are on our agenda. The trail there was downhill and we got a hitch into town within five minutes of hitting the road crossing. Sweet.    Circuit Rider contacted Alex and we have plans to meet later for dinner. I like it! We already made a dent in 2 pepperoni pizzas and I'm headed for a nap. Food coma.   It's great to be feelin' good and resting better. I think I found my mojo again. Yes! : It's all good and beary.Tie Dye (Extra pix)
Date: 2013-06-29
From: Front Royal/US 522

To: Linden parking area/just next to I-66
Miles today: 6.3

Get your study hall outta my recess.Fat Pat   As I was thinking about my plan for the day, Circuit Rider texted Alex. We missed them last night, but decided to meet for brekky at L Dee's. It was good to catch up. They are both ministers, and their hike involves seeing many friends along the trail (this is their 9th AT thru) and stopping every Sunday for church time. We talked over brekky about my tiredness and my concern about making progress. They reassured me that all was well (in their experience, I was on par) and that they would be checking in from time to time to help if needed. Wow, knock me over. Now that's what I call trail magic. The fun didn't stop there, as they had two cars with them and offered us the use of one. Errands became much easier. Thanks, Circuit Rider and Sherlock!   I ended up hiking a nice section to Linden.. It's so interesting to walk through the woods here and feel that one is in the wilderness. Then, you end up near a big interstate and drive back to town. Out the car window is northern VA, and stuff is everywhere. I grew up nearby, so this part is a lot of fun. I'm near many towns that are very familiar. Can't believe I'll be in MD soon.   I took a long mid-day break at the Jim and Molly Thompson shelter. This was a shelter to beat all shelters.....solar powered shower, built in deck chair for three, separate covered picnic table and a treasure box. I've loved the shelters in VA and hope those in the next few states will be as nice. Returned to town for a good meal, a good rest and repacking of stuff for tomorrow. We will hike on to the Bear's Den hostel. The forecast is for rain every day and I'll have my umbrella handy. It's all good when two ministers are looking out for me!Tie Dye(extra pix)   PS. Had to adjust miles down by 2.1 to agree with my guide. I hiked 8.4 but logged 6.3 with this post.
Date: 2013-06-30
From: Linden parking area/just next to I-66

To: campsite past Dick's Dome shelter
Miles today: 8.9

Laughter is a celebration of the human spirit. Sabrina White      I laughed so hard today, that I cried. This happens all the time--first the giggling begins, the jokes keep coming and then I cannot walk straight because I'm laughing so much. I have to be careful not to trip when I'm belly laughing my way up the trail.   I've been blessed with hiking partners of good humor who let it show. From the beginning, Jolly and Captain Dan were constantly cutting up, keeping a big smile on my face. As the only girl in that original group of six, I took lots of ribbing. That always led to massive laughter when I tried to fight back.       Camel and Alfalfa made me smile with their good natured father-son bickering. I miss all of them. I've learned through the trail grapevine that they've all returned home.   I know they enjoyed their time on the AT and I send out happy wishes to them.    My current hiking partner, Alex, has a wicked sense of humor. His verbal ability leads to funny give and take as the miles pass and the laughs roll on. It's the best. I am lucky to have tons of fun every day on this journey. I can't imagine being anywhere else.    Since we had a car, I spent the morning doing errands efficiently and then organized my pack. Town food was on the agenda, so we hit a local restaurant for lunch. Story Time and Sweet Cheeks were enjoying a bite there and we caught up on their adventures with the rangers in SNP.       As we parked the car at the trailhead, the daily rain began. Umbrellas up. Wild Willy was there and we shared stories until the rain stopped.   We crossed a footbridge and walked through a beautiful forest. We hiked slowly in the high humidity and enjoyed nicer temps as the day wore on.   The stopping point today was a site past Dicks Dome shelter.    I'm enjoying dinner with my new cooking tools. Tonight's menu is Annie's mac 'n cheese with mix ins: sun dried tomatoes, seasoned ground beef (dehydrated), onion, bacon bits and Parmesan cheese.   I found some Little Debbie coffee cakes at the 7-11 that have 440 calories. They are on the brekky menu tomorrow. That plus a bagel w/cream cheese, milk, granola and an apple will fuel my first few miles in the morning.    It's all good and often very funny. HeeheeTie Dye    PS. A shout out to Mileback. So glad to hear from Circuit Rider that you are back in Damascus.   Be well. I miss you and Larry!!
Date: 2013-07-02
From: campsite just past the 1000 mile marker

To: Keys Gap, WVa. Route 9
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

I awoke early and walked down to the stream for water. I was there alone, and sat at the 1000 mile sign for a while. Suddenly, a movie started playing in my head. Images flashed by--the Atlanta airport, meeting Jolly and Obie, the .9 miles southbound to Springer, places I'd stayed, the beautiful miles of trail I'd hiked and especially the wonderful people I'd met. I was moved to tears, again. I can't find words to describe how incredible this journey has been. But, I really mean it when I say every day is the best day. I can't wait to see what's next.   I returned to my tent and lazed around until mid-morning. I eventually hiked out and immediately crossed in West Virginia. After over 500 miles in VA, it was exciting to hike into another state. I'm looking forward to reaching Harper's Ferry soon. The hike was lovely, but I was hungry. I actually stopped and cooked a hot lunch (love the new stove!) to keep me going. My legs were a bit tired from yesterday's miles, but a pizza restaurant awaited at the end of today's hike. Motivation enough!   Circuit Rider was at the parking area when I popped out of the woods. He, Alex and I headed to pizza and we enjoyed a nice chat before CR returned to Bear's Den hostel for the evening. We made a camp in the woods just beyond the parking area in the dark. I was full of good pizza and beer. There was a little store adjacent to the pub, and I had bought snacks there. My food bag was running low and I wanted something different. I found a banana Moon Pie, which I ate in the middle of the night when I woke up hungry again.    I'm pretty hungry all the time now (every couple of hours) and I'm happy to eat almost anything. Just not a regular Cliff Bar. Yuk!It's all good in West Virginia.Tie Dye
Date: 2013-07-03
From: Keys Gap, WVa. Route 9

To: Harper's Ferry, WVa., High Street
Miles today: 6.3

Packed up early today as the rain was a'coming. The trail to Harper's Ferry out of Keys Gap was flat, wide and not rocky--you guessed it, a great skipping place. And skip I did.   I walked through a light rain and came upon a sign marking the Harper's Ferry Historical Park boundary. The trail wound down from there to the Shenandoah river, and I stepped carefully over slick, lichen covered rocks. Soon, glimpses of river and a bridge came into view. Walking across the bridge, I enjoyed views of rocky shoals on the beautiful Shenandoah river. Making my way to town was a historical treat, as many informative markers were placed along the canal. I geeked out on some very cool birds, too (a great blue heron, for one). Walking up High Street led me to the ATC Headquarters, and I set my pack down outside.   The Appalachian Trail Conservancy maintains records of thru-hikers each year. I registered as NOBO #883 and had a photo taken for posterity. It was apropos of my hike thus far: soaked hair, sweaty Tee, grubby and very happy!Looking through this year's photo album, I saw friends who'd already passed this way. Very fun.   After purchasing maps for the trail ahead, I walked on to my accomodation for the night. Pizza was again on the agenda (very hungry!!). Circuit Rider had offered me use of a car while in Harper's Ferry. What a guy--my family (Mom and brother/sister-in-law) live nearby and I had planned to see them. A car made this process very easy, and I planned a visit for the next day. I'm so thankful for the friendship of Circuit Rider and Sherlock. They are the best!    This day was exciting for me in many ways, and I'm very grateful and thankful to be here. I'm loving my hike and will be looking at my guide and maps to plan the next part. Headed to MD, PA and New Jersey! Yes!!It's all great for #883!Tie Dye(extra pix)