morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-28
From: Salem, Va

To: Catawba, VA (Homeplace Rest.)
Miles today: 6.0

We check out late from the hotel after another continental breakfast. We hitch a ride easily back to the trail with several very nice guys. They drop us off at the trail and another car stops with a cooler of drinks. Its a former thru hiker "Southpaw." We chat with him for about an hour, sharing trail stories. We ask him about his trip and he tells us he wouldn't do it again and it was really hard but he was glad he did it. He says it changed him and was a great experience. Its always fun and encouraging talking to other thru hikers about your feelings. We all have such commraderie as we share the same difficulties everyday. we set on our way only having 6 miles to go to get to the Homeplace Rest. in Catawba, an all you can eat family style southern cooking spot. I've been thinking about this meal for a week! We make it a few miles when it starts raining again. We stop under some trees for a bit and then knock out our last few miles quickly.   We get to the Homeplace for an early dinner and wonderful meal!!! Its in an old 1900s farmhouse. Beautiful! We stuff ourselves with the yummy homecookin. After dinner we hang out on the large front porch, swinging and rocking and talking to some other hikers. We decide we're not ready to get back on the trail, not knowing when the storm would be coming back in. We ask the owners of the restaurant if we can stay on their grounds. They offer for us to sleep on the front porch or in one of their gazebos. Joey and I pitch our tent in a gazebo and Salty sleeps on the porch. We get in our tent just as the storm comes in again. Its so nice sleeping at this beautiful old house. Its experiences like this that make the trail so special.
Date: 2009-05-29
From: Catawba, VA (Homeplace Rest.)

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Sunshine is out, sky clear, spirits are up.. time to walk! We hitch back to the trail after an awesome night sleeping in a gazebo outside the Homeplace Rest. We have 20 miles to go to get into Daleville tonight. We start our day with a climb out of Catawba and up to McAfee Knob, one of the trail's landmark overlooks. Its a large rocky outcrop with awesome views and great photo ops. We explore the area and climb the rocks to the Devil's Kitchen, a cave below. Our next stop is Tinker Cliffs, another great spot to see some views and relax in the sun. We stop for a few minutes and can see for miles... we see a rain shower in the distance so we hurry to try to out run it to the next shelter. We duck in to the next shelter just as the rain starts to pour. We wait it out about an hour and then set back out on our way down to Daleville with visions of Bojangles cajun filet biscuits in our heads!! The last 7 or 8 miles into town are tiring!!! We finally make it to Daleville at 8:30 and get our Bojangles and resupply at Kroger. We are exhausted from the 20 miler and desperate for a spot to pitch our tents. Salty, Joey and I spot a church, St. Mark's Methodist, up on a hill in town. We decide to camp under the covered picnic area. The pastor's parsonage is right next door and the light is still on. Its 10:30 when I softly knock on the door. Pastor Dave answers the door with a smile on his face and a freeze pop in his hand. He tells us we are more than welcome to camp at the church, he unlocks the church for us to use the bathrooms, and brings us each a freeze pop. He is super nice!!! We end up all 3 setting up our sleeping bags inside a child's playground Noah's Ark. Its awesome. Joey and I are down in the storage of the Ark and Salty's upstairs in the wheelhouse. Definitely our favorite camp spot!
Date: 2009-05-30
From: Daleville, VA

To: Harvey's Knob, BRP (Daleville, VA)
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hop on the trail a little late after having a nice night's sleep in the Ark. We're hiking 16 miles today to Harvey's Knob off the Blue Ridge Parkway where my parents are picking us up for a night in Daleville. Nice day for hiking, sunshine in the sky. The day's walk is not too tough, the climbs we have are filled with switchbacks! Yea! Much of the day's walk follows closely beside the BRP. Again, mentally I'm having a hard time. I cry AGAIN, ready to go home. Its so tempting when family visits to want to just go home with them. Oh well, keep on walking, that's what we do... we walk on through! We come out a Harvey's Knob and wait about 30 mins on mom and dad. As we're waiting about 5 other hikers congregate with us, hoping my parents brought a little "trail magic" to share with them. When mom and dad pull up they pass out gatorade, fresh cherries, and chips to the hungry mob of hikers. We hang out awhile while ALL the food gets devoured. Then we head to the HOJO for showers and laundry and then eat dinner at Three LIttle Pigs BBQ. Excellent food, great atmosphere outside on the patio with live music. Nice cool night! Its great to see my parents and relax for a night.
Date: 2009-05-31
From: Daleville, VA

To: near Bearwallow Gap
Miles today: 7.0

All day I feel down. I"ve been homesick and guess I've gotten the VA blues for the past 2 or 3 weeks. Its also hard knowing my parents are going on a family beach trip next week while Joey and I are out here working hard everyday. Its so hard to feel isolated and out of touch with the ones you love most. I try to remember Joey and the Lord are with me each step of the way. I struggle to put negative thoughts out of my head all day. Anyways... we eat cont. breakfast at the hotel, dip our feet in the pool and get ready for church. Since we're back in Daleville on a Sunday we decide to visit Pastor Dave's church, St. Marks. The church service is nice, they really seem like a church "family." I've missed being in church the past 2 months... the fellowship with other believers, preaching of the Word, prayer and praise and worship. Pastor Dave welcomes the church and notices us right away and says "we have some AT hikers here today." We talk with him after the service and he is super friendly and excited to see us. After church we resupply at Kroger and go to an outfitter fro some odds and ends. Next we head to Buchanan, VA for some lunch at a German Rest. that is in an old historical house. Lunch is good and the atmosphere is nice. Next we drive to Peaks of Otter Welcome Center and Lodge and walk out to a nice lake with views of Sharp Rocks Mtn. behind. Now comes the fun part... saying goodbye to my parents. I cry off and on all day thinking about it. Mom and dad drive us back to the trailhead and I can tell its hard for them to see me so sad, but they are so supportive and know the importance of the commitment Joey and I have made to each other to finish unless injured or sick. We start walking as I cry, but Salty tries to cheer me up with a new verse to his AT song "Say goodbye to the ones you love, makes you blue, sad but true, but you walk on through, that's what you do." It makes me laugh and I keep on walkin. We walk only 6 miles to Bearwallow Gap where we see some Trail Magic beside a stream.. baggies of goodies and drinks in the cold stream. This is perfect timing and cheers us all up! WE hike another mile or so and find a nice mossy spot to set up camp.
Date: 2009-06-01
From: near Bearwallow Gap

To: Thunderhill Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

We wake up with a mission in mind... make it to the Hiker Feed at Thunderhill Shelter which we've seen advertised for awhile. We have about 19 miles to go on a very hot day. We have a good AM walk, nothing too difficult. AFter lunch is the climbing, 10 miles of it up to Appple Orchard Mtn. Muscles ache and body is exhausted after our last 2 weeks of pushing ourselves with big mile days. We take lots of breaks and Joey has his point of feeling down. We're both just tired of the hiking in VA, that is much harder than we expected. I never thought 2 months into our trip, I'd feel as tired as I do. I try to be strong for Joey and we continue walking on quoting some Scripture to each other... "I boast in my weakness, when I am weak, them I'm strong" ... " I"ve learned to be content in ALL circumstances... I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." We make it to the Hiker Feed late, but there's still food left for us... chicken off the grill, quesadillas, hummus, couscous salad, lots of cookies, ice cream. Yum!! We eat our fill and talk with the nice trail angels, a group of women many of which have thru-hiked the AT. We get to the shelter and set up camp early which feels great! We give each other foot massages and get a good night's sleep.
Date: 2009-06-02
From: Thunderhill Shelter

To: John's Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

WE decide after yesterday to listen to our bodies and not push as hard for the next week as the terrain looks pretty tough over the next 4 days or so. We set out to do 16 miles to John's Hollow Shelter. The sky is blue and clear and there are nice AM breezes. We're all tired again, but the AM walk is nice. Today Salty is not feeling well, stomach hurts and weak and he's feeling down. I guess it happens at some point to everyone out here... questioning why you are doing this to yourself. Joey and I try to encourage him. The day only has 2 shorter climbs, and a lot of the terrain is downhill. Its hot though, we soak our feet and legs in Matt's Creek as we break. WE take it slow with many long breaks, trying to let our bodies recover.   We make it to the shelter before 7 and have a nice leisure night. Salty, Joey and Zen do some sudokos and we have a nice fire going. Pretty good day.
Date: 2009-06-22
From: John's Hollow Shelter

To: Spartanburg,SC HOME
Miles today: 0.0

Sorry I haven't written in awhile... its been hard to bring myself to write. I feel a bitter sweet feeling about being at home and our decision to get off the trail. The last 2 or 3 weeks of our hike was the most difficult for me and Joey... we were both getting really homesick and just weary from the walk. We had a looming deadline for early Sept. that caused us to daily feel the need to keep pushing our bodies, too hard at times. But above the physical struggle, mentally I was struggling. I was miserable for several weeks, crying everyday and secretly wishing something would happen that would "force" us off the trail. I wasn't anticipating Katahdin for the joy of finishing, I was just eager for "the end." We talked a lot about the future, of Thunderpants getting his first job, getting a house, starting a family, and being back in Greenville near family and friends. Being out on the trail I felt isolated when I would talk to friends and see pictures of them back at home. I have "dreamed" of my great adventure of hiking the AT for 5 years, but about a month into our hike God taught me something that I hope to carry with me the rest of my life. Adventure and dreams are not the most important thing in life. I truly feel that people, relationships are more lasting and important. God wants us to put others first and to serve each other. I hope to live my life more selflessly... Joey taught me this along the way. I also learned that when life gets hard and we have to keep "walking on through" , God is working on my character and this can give me peace even if I'm not happy or comfortable with what's going on. Joey and I have definitely grown closer, relying on each other for so much during the 2 months out on the trail. We've shed tears together and shared some sweet times together. We will take the experiences we've had with us the rest of our lives. We may have only hiked 872.5 miles, and we are not going to be able to carry the title "thru-hiker" but we both feel that the trail is a part of us now and we hope to keep hiking it and one day stand on Katahdin and say "it is finished." We both feel we will enjoy the AT more as "section hikers" and that's ok. "Hike your own hike" is what we heard over and over again and for us this was our own hike. The decision we made was a very difficult one and we still both miss the trail, its hard to say exactly what we miss but I could think of a few... the simpleness of life, the people we met, the daily challenges we overcame, the beautiful sunsets and vistas, the kindness of strangers, and yes, even the walking together. The trail taught me some life lessons and caused me to grow in many ways. I will treasure the experience and friendships! We are thinking and praying for all the hikers that are out there hiking their hike to Katahdin. We respect and admire each of you for sticking it out!!
Date: 2009-03-29
To: En-route
Miles today: 0.0

I left Houston oh-dark-thirty for a flight to Washington, with a connection in Atlanta last Thursday. The HOU departure was on-time and uneventful. However, ATL was closed for weather and we circled the area in a holdong pattern for sometime. In fact, the captain announced we were low on fuel and would be diverting to Birmingham, then announced that we had just be cleared for landing and made a dash for the landing approach. During the descent, we encountered this huge explosion and large flash of light. My first thought was a gunfire, then bulb or some other explosion. The plane showed no other ill effects, and surprisingly, no announcement of the event came from the crew. A lady sitting 2 rows forward, rang the call button to point out a rather noticeable dent in the ceiling. The flight attendant said she would notify the pilot and informed her that we had been struck by lightning. I was in the emergency exit window seat and was getting nprpeared to do my duty if needed. We landed safely in the rain and there were more than a few "Thank You Jesus" 's spoken. The airport schedules were totally amuk. I missed my connection; but, my bags did make it to DCA. I eventually arrived in DC and got my rental car. It was still nasty weather, and rush hour was near, so I cancelled plans to meet former colleagues from NASA HQ, and went to friend's townhouse (Mr Ed)in Crofton, MD for part of my stay.The next day, I returned to DC and had lunch with my friends at NASA. This was good to see them as it had been many years since my last visit. This was a Friday and they have a work schedule that about 1/2 the office is off on any particular Friday, so I was unable to visit with all that I had hoped to see,Later, that afternoon, I visited a friend from my Scouting days, Chief Mike. In fact, he and I were advisors on a Philmont Trek back in the early '90s. Mike wants to talk to Terry and brief him on all my traits (Lies all!!), such as: "I've seen him nekkid and it AIN"T a pretty picture", "the climbs are only 6% grade my #$%#$% #$%#$, "this is my side of the tent!", .... Ms Brenda joined us later and we had a farewell Mexican food dinner and I returned to Crofton.Saturday, I visted some other friends in Southern MD, Skyking Mike and Miss P&B. This was an outstanding visit in all regards. Miss P&B has volunteered to be my transcriber, and they have offered to provide air support by M&M Air. Right now, we're checking for airfields near the AT for beer and pizza delivery, and probably most important, have a resource for air evac in case its ever need. Thanks M&M!!!. And we had a very nice visit and they also did an outstanding job (really overkill) in carbo loading before the big departure: grilled steak, crab cake platter, potato, pie, etc. REally looking forward to our first air resupply.Sunday, I transferred over to Terry's house. He's get his last medical appointments completed and we;re doing final gear checks, and preparing meal shipments.Planning a Wed departure for Harpers Ferry. Plan to sign in at the ATC center, maybe visit with my sister from Charles Town and then start trekking southBound and down-L-
Date: 2009-04-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Still in Virginia -We didn't make the trail today as originally planned. Terry had a medical lab report that needed a re-test today. Turned out negative, due to suspected lab error. We also continued packing boxes most of the day, as well as mailing out the first re-supply. And then it was predicted to rain some today, which came late in hte afternoonThe re-supply was a challenge, as it related to our Jetboil fuel canisters. In the data gathering phase, stops at 3 different shipping stations all reported the same conclusion: you can't ship fuel!!We went to the USPS website and found the directive that provides guidance for shipping ORM-D material. Returned to UPS center and they still were not interested in accepting fuel for delivery, even with a printed copy of the regulations. Then went to local PO and there were knowledgeable and quite helpful, even provided some "No Air" labels for our package. We got the attendant's name, as well as a knowledgeable alternate, for the times when Terry's wife will bring in our next mail deliveries. We also found on the website that this situation appears to be a most common experience.We then continued packing our resupply boxes. We have most of the supplies needed to fill 10 boxes, which might last us thru the 1st SOBO leg. A lot will depend on how we deal with this initial supply of vacuum packed homemade meals, as well as a supply of some commercial meals. More on that after some time on the trail.We got our packs all loaded last night. Suprisily, both came in at the 42 lb level. I expect a slight increase, and then we have a carry weight. Will try to get total weight at a weigh-in tomorrow.There has been some skepticism observed about our resolve to complete this hike. In fact, Ms Kitty (Terry's wife) is considering orgainizing a raffle. The winner will be the one who most accurately predicts the date we quit hiking or complete the trail. We suggested that a 50-50 pot be established, with 1/2 the proceeds being donated to the ATC. If you're interesting in participating, drop me a line at the guestbook. For all potential entrants, our plans are to start at Harpers Ferry, WV and hike south to Springer Mtn, GA, arriving late June or early July. Resuply and then proceed to Maine, ending in Harpers Ferry late October.Hope to be on the trail tomorrow-L-
Date: 2009-04-02
To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

This should be the last "preparation" entry, as we leave later this am for Harpers Ferry, a visit to the ATC office, and then on the trail for a very short hike south.I can't leave without the "Croc" story. Earlier this week in our preps, Terry asked about camp shoes. I replied that I had some Gulf water socks, essentially little more than a mesh upper and crepe sole used for wading in the Gulf. Terry spoke about of friend of theirs who absolutely raved about "Crocs", and in fact, had numerous pairs. Terry decided he must have a pair of Crocs. Ms Kitty went to a shoe store and found that if she bought herself a pair of walking shoes, then Terry's Crocs would only be 1/2 price. So, she saved Terry $15, and she now has a very nice pair of walking shoes. Terry loves his Crocs. He talked about them so much to the point of annoyment. If I was going to get any relief, then I too must have a pair of Crocs. Ms Kitty was going to the grocery store, and mentioned that an adjacent Hallmark Card Shop had Crocs. I found a pair I could live with and went to purchase them. When I got the bill, I was shocked that they were over $37!!! Now, Terry's Crocs are these ugly, low-end models that are made of about $.10 worth of recycled material. My Crocs are of the high-end model, pretty camoflaged color (with a signed label card from Bill Jordan - the camo clothing designer, not the NASA trooper), and mine have holes in them, so they probably only have $.09 worth of recucled material in them. So, if you run across two geezers in Crocs, say hello.Happy Trails,
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Keys Gap
Miles today: 6.0

First ¢trail entry!¢ We left Burke, VA for Harpers Ferry at 9:00 am and arrived at the ATC at 11:00 am. My sister came up from Charlestown, WV. We had a nice visit. We signed in it and had our pictures taken at the Thur-hiker registration where we met a number of staff including Mama Boots. Mama said she is looking for 3 hikers on the trail. Our lunch at the National Park was turkey club sandwiches. We hit the trail at 1:30 pm, walked six miles crossing the Shenandoah River via bridge. Terry¢s heart monitor pegged out on our ¢heavy elevation climb,¢ so we took it slow from there on. We saw lots of bear scat, mostly old but 1 fresh sample, met Mama Boots¢ three girls and two men who started in Springer, GA. The two groups were section hikers. We had a nice rest at Keys Gap where we noticed my water bladder was leaking badly. As we were leaving, I saw my first signs of a Trail Angle who left 1 liter of water in the middle of the trail. Thank God for Trail Angles. A half a mile south of Keys Gap we found a place off trial to pitch our tent. We fixed camp, ate supper, calling in our log entry and went to bed. According to Terry¢s heart monitor we averaged 139 beats per 3 seconds over 4 hours and burned 3,900 calories. Hurray for us,Miss P & B for Tic
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Keys Gap

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was interesting: cold front moved in, 30 knot wind, rained from 3 am to 12 pm. The tent held, but it was wet and nasty breaking camp and hiking. Hiked to David Lesser Shelter, took the packs off and hiked 14 mile, almost vertical, down to the spring. Our ¢Steri-Pen¢ with the ultraviolet light water purifier worked like a champ (happy face shows when the water is clean). We purified about 6 liters of water. On the way back to the shelter we saw one doe and two fawns. Upon arrival at the shelter, we discovered we had company ¢ 27 ninth graders from a Montgomery County MD high school located in Poolesville on their two day field trip for their ¢Global Ecology Class.¢ There were 9 adult leaders, Mr Sparrow, his real name, not a trail name, being one. It was noon so we decided to eat breakfast (not a typo). We bid farewell to the kids and their leaders. We entered a rocky area where Bruce almost did a face plant but managed to save himself with his hiking pole. [For Moe - see equipment list for pole details] It became very apparent how people can injure themselves. We saw large turkey tracks. We met several 20-somethings, north bounders, who were going to do a ¢4 state challenge¢ tomorrow. In 24 hours, they will hike 47 miles and pass through VA, WV, MD, and PA. We asked them how far to Blackburn Trail Center. They said 5 to 10 minutes. They have hiked 1,000 miles in 45 days were going down-hill and booking it. One hour later the 50-somethings going up-hill who started yesterday and are not in trail shape yet arrived at Blackburn. Blackburn is paradise: hostel, bunk beds, wood-burning stove, care taker who cooked chicken fajitas for dinner, soft drinks, apples, and pamello (giant grapefruit). [For Miss Kitty ¢ you know we won¢t get scurvy.] Several north bounders dropped in (section hikers). Two south bounders (section hikers) arrived after dinner. A Search and Rescue Team is here for training. We hope not to become part of their exercise.Good night from the trail,Miss P and B for Tic. [Seeking suggestions for a trail name for Terry. Examples: Tic (Luna-tic family tradition), P & B (Pizza and Beer. My husband and I will be flying in pizza and beer occasionally to the trekkers in our 1970¢s small four-seat plane.) The pilot is Skyking (Bruce¢s choice, not pilot¢s choice). Our air service is called M & M (Mike and Michele) Air. I will check Tic¢s trail e-mail for inputs and provide them to Tic when he calls in. Have fun!]