morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Wilbur Dam Rd

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 22.0

Well, today was another long one, but the trail was pretty easy and the weather was just about perfect (maybe a little warm). The trail this morning immediately went up to the ridge of the mountains around the lake, and followed it most of the day. It was just spectacular to look down on the dark blue water as the white sailboats floated across the water. Truly picturesque! Even though I still don't have all my strength back (from Giardia and meds), I couldn't help but cry out, " Then sings my soul . . ."Another fun part of the trail today was that near the end of the day the trail ran through a cow pasture. There were specially built fence crossings, and even a resting bench in the middle. All the AT ain't in the wilderness!I got a shuttle back to Roan Mtn after my hike and picked up my Jeep. (Sorry kids, you won't have any inheritance left after I pay for all these shuttles!) I then drove to Damascus where my good friend Rick Thigpen is going to join me for a few days. I'm so much looking forward to his company. He and I "Gee and Haw" (for you non Rednecks that means get along well). We enjoy many of the same things in our lives. First of all our love for our Savior, Jesus Christ, then also our passion for the ministry of Special Kids (we've served on the board together), and also hiking. He and his son hiked parts of the AT last year. Jared,Rick's son did over 1000 miles. Tonight I am staying at a hostel in Damascus with a dear Christian lady, Susie Montgomery. Last year she and Jared became friends, and it was great to connect with her. I think I will be taking a zero tomorrow. I am going to see if giving the old body a break will help it recover. I'm thankful I don't have a time limit on this hike ( or do I WB?). Thanks again for following, and "Blessings on Ya!"Later on . . .
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Low Gap

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 15.0

After a very relaxing zero day in Damascus yesterday, I was feeling a lot stronger. Yesterday morning I took advantage of a unique opportunity. My mother-in-law, Ethel Bean, was born and raised just about 5 miles west of here. Mamaw (as we affectionately called her) and I were very close. One of the last meaningful times our family shared with her, before her death 10 years ago, was at her home place here in Damascus. It is a beautiful mountain farm with a tall hill overlooking the old house. There was a fallen tree on top of the hill and we took several pictures of the family and Mamaw sitting on that tree. Yesterday I climbed that hill, sat on that same tree (which had deteriorated greatly), and had a good cry. My memories of that farm, the good times had there with Trisha's grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and families as well as my family, are very special. I was thankful to spend the morning in such a fashion. This morning after breakfast Rick and I jumped in the Jeep and drove to Low Gap where I had ended my hike on Sunday. It was raining steady as we started, and only increased as we hiked on. The rain turned to sleet. The sleet turned to ice pellets. The ice pellets turned to snow. I call that a "Wintry Mix"!! Most of the trail was a slight downhill, few rocks or roots, and smooth sailing. We covered the 15 miles in about 5 1/2 hours, which is pretty good for two old men! It was great having Rick to converse with as we hiked and the time seemed to fly by. When we got back to Damascus we were real cold, pretty wet, and very thankful for a warm room and shower. Love those hostels!!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Damascus VA

To: Streamside Tent
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

What a difference a day makes! As tough as the weather was yesterday, it was every bit as beautiful today. Magnificent!! Not too warm for the uphills, not too cold for the downhills. Just right! Thanks Lord. Rick and I had a great time hiking, but the miles were starting to take a toll on his feet. There is no way to prepare one's body for hiking the AT, other than hiking the AT. We put moleskin and band aids on his ankle, but at the end of the day it looked pretty rough. He was one tough rascal to keep going! When we decided to camp, we found a stream to set up camp beside. We pitched our tents, got a couple logs to sit on, built a campfire, and started supper. We both remarked what a great day it had been and what a perfect camp this was. No sooner were the words out of our mouths than we heard some voices coming up the trail. It was two college girls from California, and they walked up to a spot right beside us. "We think we're going to camp here Okay?" Rick and I just looked at each other. (Get the picture here. There are miles of wilderness all around us, lots of other campsites, and these two are setting up just about on top of us). We just had to laugh! They set their tent up not 50 feet from us, and let me tell you, they talked, giggled, and sang until dark. We just shook our heads and smiled. Oh well!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Streamside Tent

To: Elk Garden
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

As we started out yesterday morning, Rick's feet were in pretty tough shape. Then when we got to a high ridge, I gave Bean a phone call and discovered that her dad (who had been failing) was not doing well at all. We hiked on, but when we came to highway VA 600, we decided to call it a day and hitchhike back to Damascus, about 20 miles by road. The road was not heavily traveled, and it seemed like 75% of the traffic was headed the other direction. We finally got a ride and ended up back in Damascus late in the day. We grabbed a burger, showered at a hostel, and started the 6 hour drive back to Murfreesboro. I had planned to come home for Easter, and this was just a few hours early. On a personal health basis, I am feeling much, much better. Starting about Tuesday my appetite started coming back, and I was able to begin eating better. I have gained a little weight back, and I'm feeling a lot more normal. It is so good to be home for Easter! For those of us who call ourselves Christ-followers, there is no more important day than Resurrection Sunday. There are no more important words in all of Christendom than those three words uttered by that angel 2000 years ago, "HE IS RISEN"! It was God's final and complete victory over death and sin, and because our Savior lives, so can we! Hallelujah!! Have a Blessed Easter. I will be home until Sunday, then going to my father-in-law's funeral on Monday, and then heading back to the trail sometime after that. Later on . . .
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Elk Garden

To: Streamside Tent
Miles today: 10.0

After meeting Matt Phelan at the Mt. Rogers Visitor Center, Trisha dropped us off at the base of Mt. Rogers on VA 600. It was real hard to see her drive away, because I'm not sure when we will see each other again. I am getting farther and farther from home, and thus it's not as easy for her to travel to meet me. We were both thankful that Matt had driven up to hike with me a couple of days. I have known Matt for over 40 years. We laughed at how in the world that could possibly be when we were both still so young! (We didn't feel so young after climbing Mt. Rogers). Matt is one of the most solid men I know. His Godly character, and the balance he shows in his walk with The Lord, make him a pleasure to be with. I always value his opinions and the wisdom God has given him. As we walked and talked, it was a blessing to have him there!The weather was a little wet, with lots of mist and fog. I'm sure we missed a lot of great views from the mountain. I was glad that we got to see the wild ponies in Grayson Highlands State Park. They were almost tame, and would walk right up to you. Wish the grandkids could have seen them!Just before we set up camp, the skies began to clear, and by 10:00 we had a sky full of stars. I think Wendy (Matt's wife) must make him sleep outside. He was right at home in the tent and on the ground as evidenced by his snoring all night! Later on . .
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Streamside Tent

To: Dickey Gap Troutdale Baptist Hostel
Miles today: 16.0

The wind blew all night, and we woke up to a cloudless blue sky. It was a little cool this morning, making me wonder if my leaving my warm clothes at home had been a good idea. It warmed up real quick, and before noon I was hiking in shorts. Matt and I enjoyed the skyline views, and had a wonderful time hiking together. We were both glad when we made it to Dickey Gap where VA 16 goes through. We decided to walk the 2 1/2 miles to the Troutdale Baptist Church hostel. I was sure we could hitch a ride! Wrong! We walked and walked, but got no ride. ( I did have my shorts on. Maybe it was my legs?) Anyway, we finally arrived at the hostel where I experienced the highlight of my day. Several times on my hike I had shared lodging and meals with a couple named Bismark and Hopper. They are some of the kindest people I have met on the AT. Lo and behold, here they were. I hadn't expected to see them again because of my being off the trail for so long. We shared stories again and renewed our hiking experiences. They have both hiked all of the trail a couple times, and know more about the trail than anyone I've met. They readily give advice, and know all the best (and worst) hostels, campsites, and eateries. They are taking a very relaxed thru hike this summer going anywhere from 10 - 15 miles a day. They are both Christ-followers and are of the Catholic faith. The really special thing about their hike is that they always arrange their schedule so they can attend mass at whatever town they are close to on the weekend. A really special couple!Another milestone, 500 miles behind me! "You've come far Pilgrim! Feels like far!" quote from Jeremiah JohnsonLater on . .
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Dickey Gap Troutdale Baptist Hostel

To: VA 615 Lindamood School
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: clear sky

This morning I caught a shuttle back to the AT and Matt headed home (or so I thought). The trail was good and I made it to the Visitors Center by 1:00 (15 miles in 5 1/2 hrs). Just before I got to the center, here comes Matt walking down the trail to meet me. He had taken some of my gear and was going to leave it at the center for me, but they would not allow him to. He went and had breakfast, read his Bible, and then hiked to meet me. They great thing was, he then took me for lunch! A cheeseburger and a Coke were not expected for lunch, but sure were appreciated. It was good to have the break in the middle of the day! Matt dropped me back off at the center and I hiked another 9 miles before getting a shuttle into Atkins. Long day! Good day!Later on . .
Date: 2014-04-25
From: VA 615 Lindamood School

To: VA 42
Miles today: 14.0

Today was a different day! Yesterday as I was ending my hike, I noticed that my inside right ankle was getting tender. I thought it was something that would go away, so I didn't worry about it. This morning as I started hiking, it was hurting pretty bad. The farther I went the worse it got. As my boot put pressure on my ankle, it shot pain up my leg. If I could take the pressure off, it was fine. When I came to a highway, I decided to hike into Atkins and see if I could get a low cut shoe. I found a Dollar General and bought a $12 pair of tennis shoes. I put the right one on and stuffed the left and my boot in my pack. So today I hiked with one tennis shoe and one hiking boot. Worked good, but my foot took a beating with all the rocks. I hope I can use my boot tomorrow. I also experienced another first today. A Lightning Storm!! No fun! As I hiked up Little Brushy Mountain, a storm moved in. The higher I got the closer the lightning came. I hiked on and finally got to head back down as the storm moved off. I could do without that! The weather stayed rough all day, and was still raining when my shuttle picked me up. The shuttle is owned by Skip who is a great guy. He really cares about his hikers, and tries to help them in any way he can. This afternoon I messed up and went to the wrong pick up point. He could easily been upset, but couldn't have been more forgiving and kind. Ya gotta love this AT community!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-04-26
From: VA 42

To: Tent Streamside
Miles today: 20.0

Today was one of the best hiking days I've had so far! After the storms of yesterday, the trail and the woods seemed fresh and clean. The whole creation was just right! It was glorious. I hiked much of the day along the crest of the Chestnut Ridge Mountains. It was about as pretty as it gets. A azure blue sky with a few puffy white clouds. I looked down on both sides of the mountain at beautiful Virginia farms in the valley. The white farmhouses with red barns surrounded by rich green fields made me think I was looking at the cover of a picture jigsaw puzzle. The walking was easy and the trail was smooth for the most part. I met several really interesting hikers today. All much younger, but very friendly. At 2:30 I reached a shelter and had gone 16 miles. I thought about stopping there, but decided to push on. My ankle hardly hurt at all, and I think it has started to heal. Towards the end of the day I started to play out, so I stopped a mile or so short of the next shelter. There is a babbling creek about 10 feet from my tent as I write this. I had to get creative to make a flat spot big enough for my tent, but I'm relatively level and I'm horizontal. This is the first time I've been able to journal from my tent. Pretty cool!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Tent Streamside

To: Hwy 52 Bland VA
Miles today: 13.0

Well, tonight I am the beneficiary of some extreme trail magic by three trail angels! I am spending the night at the home of the Priests. Charles, Lenore, Katy, and dog Oscar. Today Charles drove several miles to pick me up, brought me to his home, washed my clothes, allowed me to shower, and then get a little rest. Tonight we all went to Ryan's where we enjoyed some great steaks and salads. Katy even gave up her room! Charles and Lenore are Bryan College grads and had heard about my hike on the Bryan Facebook (Thanks Connie B, Love Ya). We had fun swapping old Bryan stories. Charles and I both met our wives there. The hiking today was rather uneventful. A rather short day ending at 2:00. I was thankful for the rest, because as I look at the trail guide, I think I've got some long days coming up. Tomorrow may be a wet one, and my mom and sister are driving up from Winston-Salem to join me for supper and lodging tomorrow night. Later on . . .
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Hwy 52 Bland VA

To: VA 606 
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning Charles dropped me off and I got started about 8:30. There was an uphill climb at the start, and then I was hiking on the ridge most of the day. The trail was excellent. Wide, clear, and in hardwoods most of the way. There was thunderstorms forecast, but I only heard thunder once and it was in the distance. I was thankful that I was able to avoid the storms. It rained a little, but I made good time and my day hiking was done by 4:00. I passed the 600 mile mark this afternoon, and I have to realize that is a significant chunk of this long trail. Just keep on, one day at a time!My mom (Mary Decker), sister (Janice Bishop),and nephew (Danny Bishop), drove up from Winston-Salem to spend the evening with me. They were planning to pick me up, but the directions got a little confusing, and it was about 5:30 before we connected. Then I got mixed up on a cabin reservation, and reserved a cabin 50 miles away. Oops! Anyway, we drove for a while, ended up near Fancy Gap, VA, and are spending the night in a quaint log cabin. We all got a good laugh out of our mistakes. It's good to be with them, I just hate the long ride back to the trail in the morning. Just got to roll with the punches!Later on . .
Date: 2014-04-29
From: VA 606 

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 14.0

Kaboom! The cabin was rocked by another round of thunder. I laid there on the floor in my sleeping bag thinking, "No hiking today!" It was about 5:00 AM and it had been storming for at least an hour. The forecast was for storms most of the day, and I had a reservation at the Woods Hole Hostel which was 15 miles from where I was to start hiking. Shortly Mom, Janice, and Danny (my family) got up, we loaded up, and headed back up the highway to the AT. After enjoying a great breakfast at Cracker Barrel, we traveled back to the AT where they bid me adieu. It was good to be with them even if we did get lost a time or two. God works in mysterious ways! The delays allowed the storms to move out, and it was barely raining when I started hiking at 10:30. After a short uphill, the trail leveled out and the hiking was good. There was a light rain, but none of the storms that had been predicted. At around 2:00 I caught up with Columbus and Queen ( a great couple I had hiked a little with a couple days ago) and we hiked together for a couple hours. It is interesting how the time goes when you are hiking on level ground with good company. I got to the hostel about 4:30 and it is very crowded. There are a lot of hikers I've met along with many new ones. Again, the friendship and community are really special on the AT! I'm looking forward to a good nights sleep before a big day tomorrow. Thanks Lord for a good day and this wonderful opportunity. Please keep me Walking Worthy!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Cross Ave Narrows VA
Miles today: 11.0

Some days are very interesting on the AT. Today was one of them! After a wonderful stay at Woods Hole Hostel, I got up fairly early and left before the wonderful home cooked breakfast offered so I could reach my destination before the bad weather hit that was headed our way. I made it in the rain and the fog to Pearisburg by noon, had lunch at Dairy Queen, and then was picked up by Allen the owner of the MacArthur Inn in Narrows (a little town 3 miles west). It turns out Allen was a contractor also, so we talked trade a little. I checked in at the hotel,and had all afternoon to relax and wait out the bad weather. Never happened! The wind blew a little, the sun came out, there were bad storms to the east and west, but that was it. Oh well! The hotel is an old 1950's hotel that has been remodeled, kind of!? It is just fine, and I'm thankful for a hot shower and a bed. The town of Narrows is not exactly booming, but everything a hiker needs is here. Post Office, grocery store, laundromat, and a restaurant. I saw it all in about 30 minutes. It's good to relax! There are a couple other hikers here and we had some good conversation. I'm going to try to leave pretty early in the morning, as I will be tenting for the next few days. Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Cross Ave Narrows VA

To: Captain's Place
Miles today: 20.0

Tonight I am laying in my tent, listening to the mountain creek and the conversation of other hikers outside my tent. I am tenting in the yard of a gentleman called "The Captain". He has a zipline from the AT (which is on the other side of the creek) to his place. He invites hikers to come to his place, tent in his manicured yard, drink all the cold sodas you want, and he will not take anything for all this. Another member of the AT community!Today Allen, the owner of the MacArthur Inn, drove me back to Pearisburg where I started my hike at about 7:30. This morning I met up with Whiskey Bill just outside Pearisburg, and we hiked together almost all day. He is a young guy (24) from Cleveland who just graduated from Dayton University. We had a fun time hiking together, and our pace was good. We hiked the 20 miles in about 9 1/2 hours, getting here about 5:00. The trail was good today, and I'm starting to notice that more and more of the trees are budding out. It won't be long before the fabulous views we are getting from the ridges will be gone. Many hikers quit in Virginia because the trail closes in and becomes a green tunnel. When one cannot see out of the forest, it can become very monotonous. I am very thankful to have had the views and sights that we have to this point. I am confident that there will be beauty in whatever is ahead!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Captain's Place

To: VA 630
Miles today: 21.0

I had heard how rocky Virginia was but didn't really believe it until this morning. Ouch! It was rock to rock to rock to rock! The first few miles were pretty tough. Not really too bad as far as elevation change, but the rocks really made it slow. I kept thinking that surely it would end, but it was the longest stretch of rock yet. However, I found myself saying, " It's okay. We'll get through it!" It is pretty amazing the change in attitude that it seems I've had since I started this hike. The climbs don't seem to bother me as much. The rocks don't seem to bother me as much. The rain doesn't bother me. But I did experience something today that definitely does bother me. A tick! First one! Hate 'em! Not sure why Noah didn't squash those two when he had the chance!? Guess it will be time for repellent soon. Around lunch I mostly got out of the rocks, and overall it was a good day. Tomorrow I'm going to meet my dear sister-in-law Kathy and her husband Mike. They are driving from Roanoke and will meet me about 10 miles down the trail from where I've tented tonight. I'm just a little nervous about my location tonight because I'm pretty close to some houses. I would just as soon be far from civilization. The two legged animals cause me more concern than the four legged ones! The wonderful thing is that my God can keep me safe no matter where I am. I can rest assured that nothing will happen in my life that He does not orchestrate. "My peace I give you ; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."   John 14: 27Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-03
From: VA 630

To: Ridgetop Tent Site
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

This morning I got up thinking I had ten easy miles to go to meet Mike and Kathy. An early uphill, cruising the ridge, and then downhill to our meeting point. Wrong! The uphill was steeper than I expected, and the ridge was rocks, rocks, and bigger rocks. Once I finally got to the downhill, I really had to bust it to make our noon meeting time. It was so good to see them and spend some time together. We drove into Salem and had a leisurely lunch at the K&W Cafeteria. Mike is very familiar with this area as he lives only 30 minutes from Roanoke. As we drove in he showed us a beautiful Virginia valley where his mother and grandmother had grown up. It doesn't get any prettier than a Virginia countryside on a day like today!After stopping for hand dipped ice cream on the way back, Mike and Kathy dropped me back at the AT. I took it real slow and did a long graded uphill climb and then tented on the ridgetop where I am writing this journal entry. It is really nice when I can lay in my tent and journal right on the AT. It is a little windy and if it picks up tonight I may regret camping this high. Oh well, we'll see!Later on . . .