morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-09
From: campsite at 423.7

To: campsite approx mile 438
Miles today: 14.3

Left camp at 7:45 and arrived 3.5 miles later at 9 am at Shook Branch Recreation Area. Beautiful Watauga Lake. Bathroom open....yay....makeshift shower. Stayed an hour here. Saw Akela, the girl from Belgium, here. I last saw her in Hot Springs. The 3 miles up to the dam was tough. I saw a girl with a soda and practically accosted her. Where did you get that? Back in town. Watauga Lake Shelter is closed this year due to serious bear activity but there sure are some pretty campsites here but also closed. I hiked on to Vandeventer Shelter. On this section I ran out of water. Ugh. I get seriously physically drained when that happens. Got to the shelter and the water was the most difficult place to go down to fetch. It took me 35 minutes round trip to get it. Thankful though that God does provide! Met Mbop and Rapunzel at the shelter. Beautiful view of the lake here. Rested an hour and then hiked to my favorite private little campsite yet. Only me on this ledge. One of the quietest days yet. Did not meet many hikers. Great day all around!About the picture. I accidentally went off the trail a few steps and saw this posted. It made me sad to read that this part of the AT was land forcibly taken away from a WWII veteran. Here I am trodding on his land. I do respect it! Thank you Willard Campbell for your service!
Date: 2015-05-10
From: campsite approx mile 438

To: Low Gap, US 421
Miles today: 17.9

Rough night last night. I think I ate to much Mac n cheese. Felt better when I woke up though. Such a beautiful little camp spot. Sun peeking in my tent for sunrise. Broke camp at 7:30. Indy passed me this morning at about 8:30 am wishing me Happy Mothers Day. At 9 am I called Shady Vally Church of Christ to see about services. The preacher Daniel Koen was wonderful to talk to and said he wouldn't mind picking me up this afternoon for evening services. So the plan for me would be a 17 mile plus day to make it to the service. Pushed hard today. Crossed the first gap and came to a beautiful meadow that felt likes someone's property. Yup, sure enough after closing the cattle gate the cattle came at me! It was so funny to see one at first coming over the hill AT ME and then the rest of them. The picture is posted. Then I met the two farmers who were herding them with their truck while the dogs sat in the bed of he truck watching. I talked with them a little bit. They seemed a little friendlier when they found out I live in New Tazewell. I am a local! Hiked on fast to the next gap and I found amazing trail magic. Jenny was doing magic in honor of her mother for Mother's Day. So sweet. I just loved visiting with her. Thank you Jenny! Love you. Called Daniel and Heather who were so gracious to load up their 18 month old son Logan, and 3 month old daughter, Evie, to come pick me up. They brought me home. I got a nice shower and an incredible BBQ sandwich dinner homemade by Heather. Went to service were Daniel preached an awesome lesson on Rev 2:8-12. Back at the house had another sandwich and a great visit getting to know this sweet family. Slept over in a cozy bed. Thank you so much Daniel and Heather for taking in a stinky stranger. Love you and will come visit again when my journey is complete!
Date: 2015-05-11
From: Low Gap, US 421

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Daniel dropped me back on the trail at 7:30 am. Another beautiful morning. Met a mother named Squirrel, and daughter, Spock, team out to set the record for mother daughter team on the AT. They both listen to music real loud while hiking. I can hear it through their headphones. They don't stop to look at the beautiful flowers or anything. You can see my beautiful pictures of the pink lady slippers and the flaming azaleas I posted. They can't be enjoying the hike. They have done 470 miles in 21 days. That averages 22.8 miles per day with no down time. Sounds awful. I got to the TN-VA border at noon. So excited! This is exactly 300 miles for me. Wow just can't believe it. I stopped to call a bed and breakfast place but ALL of them are full. Why? One lady told me because of trail days. But that is not until the weekend. Ugh. A sweet lady, Lee, from Hikers Inn, told me she had a spot. Sweet place. Took a shower and set out for new hikers. My boots have stretched out so much from getting wet and drying out that my feet slip all the time. Painful. Scored my size shoe at Sundog Outfitters and while there ran in to Backwoods Barbie and Beaver! Wow good looking couple clean up nicely! Almost didn't recognize them. They are finished with their section hike. They took me to the grocery store and brought me back. Got a great pic with them. So Tuesday I am taking a zero day. Even a zero from this journal. Will be hiking out Wednesday heading to Grayson Hightlsnds State Park where Trail Widower Dave will be with the trailer on Thursday. Yay. 30.5 miles on the AT to the park. Should be there after he sets up. Fun weekend ahead. Trail Days in Damascus on Saturday. I flagged down an officer to ask him some questions and found out it was the Chief of Police here in Damascus. Haha. Small town, chief is out driving himself around. He told me there will be 40,000 people here this weekend. Population here 815. I wonder if they hate trail days? Got the picture with him!   Feet are feeling great. Will enjoy lots of food and foot soaks for a couple days!
Date: 2015-05-12
From: Damascus, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I know I said I was taking a break from this journal also but I just have to say how awesome the Virginia Creeper is. Awesome! Loved it. Felt like a kid. Wolf (pic of us in photos) gave me a ride up the road and I did the 17 mile coast down. Felt like I was the only one on the trail. I was the only one being shuttled up. Stopped at 10 miles and had a burger, fries, and a root beer float! I ran in to Bionic Woman who was heading out on her hike. Sections of the AT coincide with the Creeper Trail. Pics of us and her alone are in photos. She was rappelling in Utah a year and a half ago and fell. Landed on her left foot but impact caused serious crushed pelvis. She is Pretty inspirational. Don't know how much of the trail she is hiking. So going to Hey Joes for some fish tacos after that amazing bike ride!
Date: 2015-05-13
From: Damascus, VA

To: campsite
Miles today: 19.0

Planned to go to breakfast but I was up too early so I had some leftover pizza and left Damascus at 7:30 am. Tons of hikers going southbound in to Damascus for Trail Days. Not a lot of talking. Today was the easiest day on the entire trail so far. New shoes, feet feel great and I hiked my longest day yet. 19 miles! Got to a sweet campspot all by myself at 5 pm and set up my tent before some section hikers sat up a little ways off but I couldn't see them. They did start a fire so I went to visit them. Virginia and Matt hiking just 3 days. Beautiful sunset!
Date: 2015-05-14
From: campsite

To: Massey Gap
Miles today: 12.0

Harder day today. Seemed to be up a lot. met Rogers was in today's hike. It is Virginias highest peak at 5729 ft. Lots and lots of rocks also. Hiked the last 3 miles in to Grayson Highlands with Goodenough. Got to see the beautiful wild ponies on the frderal land and then in the park. So sweet. Beautiful terrain today. Got to the park at 4:30 pm and went to the wrong campsite. Got a ride from the park police officer, Joe, to where Dave set up our trailer. So awesome. Dave is the best trail angel ever. I surprised him by arriving on Thursday. He made me the best burgers. I had two! Lots of Mountain Dew, chips, and Haagen Daas! I owe him big time!
Date: 2015-05-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Went to hear Jennifer Pharr Davis in town. She holds the record on the AT and I had just read her book, "Becoming Odyssa". Her and her husband are so funny. I got this picture with her and I told her she was just like me but taller, skinnier and younger! Haha. Great evening.
Date: 2015-05-17
From: Massey Gap

To: campsite
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Such a great 2 days off the trail! Now I will be saying goodbye to Dave for 2 1/2 months! Dave, Rick and Sandra saw me off from Massey Gap. We all hiked up to the trail and I hiked on alone at 11 am. Such a mellow day of hiking today. Don't have much to say but I have to mention a lady I met. Her name is Corky. She has hiked sections and has done the whole thing like that but this year is doing a thru hike, in CROCS! What? How do you hike on the rocks, in crocs, without getting rocks in your socks? She is tough. She is 52, lives in Virgina, and has less than 20 pounds in her pack. I like her. We had a light, very light, rain this afternoon. I set up my tent at 6 pm and was able to soak me feet in the creek before we got a good rain shower. Sweet day today.
Date: 2015-05-18
From: campsite

To: campsite
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Broke camp at 7:30 am. Beautiful day today. I hiked about 16 miles to arrive at Partnership Shelter just before Mt. Rogers Visitor Center. Could not believe there is a shower at this shelter! A cold one, but a shower. Cleaned up and went to the visitor center. Can you believe we can order pizza here? YES. Another score! I ordered a salad, fettuccini alfredo and a large Hawaiian pizza! I don't have any beautiful pictures to show for today. The one I am posting just does not do the trail justice. The rhododendrons are so beautiful! I left the visitor center and hiked a couple more miles while listening to the distant thunder. I could tell it was coming my way. I set up tent at 7 and 7:15 I was in the WORST major booming thunder, lightning and rain I have ever been in in a tent! I was in my tent praying not to be struck by lightning. I was so very thankful it lasted only 10 to 15 minutes or so.
Date: 2015-05-19
From: campsite

To: camp
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

Got up late today. 7:30 or so. Broke camp at 8:45. Lots of mist coming off trees from the rain last night. Met 4 men who were section hiking and when we arrived at Lindamood School they gave me a lot of their leftover goodies since they were finishing today. Sweet. Also found an ice chest with cold drinks inside it in the school. Got to Atkins today at 2 pm. Had a burger, fries and a peach cobbler with ice cream. Hiked on and when I got out of town hiked across a beautiful field. I turned around before going in to the woods and took one of my favorite pictures yet. The terrain is always so different. I just love it all!
Date: 2015-05-20
From: camp

To: camp
Miles today: 11.0

Broke camp at 7 this morning and hiked to the street to head to Quarter Way Hostel. Two nice men in a truck were also looking for the place and gave me a ride the 0.8 miles. They were Alan and Rick. Rick ended up being the man who left soda in the ice chest at Lindamood school. Sweet. They wanted to meet the owner of the hostel because they want to do trail magic but don't want to take away her business. Thoughtful. I was thinking about staying but it was just too early. I had coffee, took a much needed shower, washed clothes in a real washing machine not a creek, and made a pizza. This was a really sweet place. The owner, Chunky (trail name) hiked the AT in 2009 and had been looking for a place to set up a hostel. Really enjoyed it here. Met Lookout and her husband Rico, Paddington and Hyder here.
Date: 2015-05-21
From: camp

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

This day turned out to be my hardest day yet. I slept well last night and was on the trail by 6:45 am. The rain began at 7. I hiked 6 miles in cold rain. I got to Chestnut Knob Shelter at 8:50 am and the sight of it just made me smile. The cutest shelter yet. With a door! I thought Hansel and Gretel's house. I stayed here an hour and a half to dry out. I met a man, Just Dave, and his daughter Hanna. He is thru hiking and she is hiking a few days with him. I realized later that this shelter is where I reached my 400 mile mark! Wish I'd had a cake to celebrate. Left the shelter and hiked the next several miles in what is called a rock outcropping. These are the hardest areas to hike. It must have been 5 miles of rocks. I was just so worn out at the end of the day. Not sure if it was the rain or the rocks that wore me out, probably both. I set my tent up far up the trail from the packed shelter. I crawled in bed at 8 pm and didn't get out of it until 7 am. It rained half the night and I heard it was 36 degrees. I slept well.
Date: 2015-05-22
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Bland
Miles today: 13.0

What a difference a day makes. Much easier hiking. There were some climbs up but I will take that over rock outcropping any day! Quiet hike. I met a couple of men, Joe and Joel, section hiking. Joe asked me my trail name and he actually told me he had read some of my trail journal! That is pretty awesome to know. Later at just when I need another rest, I met Shiner. She is doing day hikes with her husband, Just Larry. They have hiked most of the AT. She was a joy to talk to. I got to US 52 (North Scenic Hwy) at 1:45 pm. It is 2.5 miles east to Bland. Well, I tried my hand (humb) at hitchhiking for the first time in my life. I am not young enough or cute enough. 20 cars passed so I gave up. I walked about 1 1/2 miles and a van slowed down and asked if I would like a lift to town. I asked how much? He said no charge! His name is Ken and he lives in the area and always gives hikers a lift when he is going to town! Super nice man. My trail angel for the day! Dropped me off at Big Walker Motel. Took a shower, washed clothes by hand and hung them on the motels clothes line (that tells you a lot about the motel) then went to Subway and had a foot long sandwich with 2 bags of chips, chocolate milk, and lemonade! Re supplied at Dollar General and crashed. Slept well.
Date: 2015-05-23
From: Bland

To: campsite
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

I woke at 6 am. Tried to sleep in but just couldn't. Packed up and started walking to the Sunoco gas station for breakfast but Pooh Bear saw me and gave me a ride. I like him. He hiked the AT last year and now just does a lot of trail angel stuff. He has a web site called Hiking for Wellness. Big ole smile, his name fits. Had breakfast and went to pay and a man in overalls, Chuck, was picking up mulch. Yes at the same place I had breakfast. He offered me a ride back to the trail. Sweet. Got on the trail at noon. It was a game trying to find the trail. My pics show some of the markings. Hard to figure it out. Just a sweet easy day today. Beautiful blue butterflies all around. Found a campfire going about 6:30 pm and joined Midnight, Father Goose, Running Boy and Just Dave. I took a picture of the way Running Boy put his food bag in a tree. I am betting the raccoons are going to have a feast. We'll see in the morning.
Date: 2015-05-24
From: campsite

To: campsite
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Broke camp at 8:20 am and hiked to Trent's Grocery store. PIZZA! I hiked all day today with Just Dave. Loved hiking with him. He is a philosopher! I had to get him talking. We talked Bible. He is very knowledgable. I listened a lot. The time flew and when we arrived at Wapiti Shelter it was only 4 so we hiked on. Whew. Didn't realize the next several miles were straight up hill. I was just worn out again. No water up here and very few campsites. Found one at the top at 4000 elevation. Got a little windy and cool but nice. Just Dave and I talked movies and music. Had my pizza and slept well.
Date: 2015-05-25
From: campsite

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: light rain

Broke camp at 8 am. Moving a little slow knowing I only have 5 miles or so to hike. I am slowing Just Dave down. He is not stopping at the hostel so he is doing 17 miles to Pearisburg. Got to Sugar Run Gap at 10:20 am. Said our goodbyes. I walked the .5 miles to the hostel. SWEET. I decided to splurge on a private room inside this beautiful 1880's log home. Yes, two nights. Believe it or not, I have to zero here for the notary to find me in the middle of nowhere because we are refinancing our house! Can you just believe that. I wonder how often these things happen? I will make sure Trail Widower Dave is not serving me divorce papers. Ha. But what a wonderful place to HAVE to zero.   www.woodsholehostel.com
Date: 2015-05-26
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

My sweet room. I have the entire upstairs to myself since no one rented the other room. I almost thought I was home when I woke this morning. This room is a lot like mine and Dave's. The sounds in this house are just the same. Went to town, Pearisburg, VA , with Pooh Bear. Got some food supplies and a pizza so now I can pass by tomorrow. Will go back to the hostel and wait to be served. The rain storm has hit. Heard it is suppose to rain everyday until Monday. Oh, JOY. No rain, no pain, no Maine.
Date: 2015-05-27
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: campsite 643.4
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I decided to skip breakfast. Was just so ready to hike after doing a zero. I left at 6:40 am and was on the trail by 7. Today was a wonderful day. I did my longest day yet. 19.6 miles! I hiked all day by myself until about 4 pm where I met D.No and his wife C.Shell. They are from Florida. He is a retired Pharmicist so we had something to talk about. Beautiful views today. Got to camp and set up. There are too many people here tonight. Noisy folks. I think I will have to stealth camp tomorrow to have some quiet.
Date: 2015-05-28
From: campsite 643.4

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I slept so well last night. I got a little later start out of camp, about 8 am. I moved a little slower today, maybe because yesterday was such a long day. I can't really say to much about this day. Nothing real exciting. It was pretty much a straight up climb to Bailey Gap Shelter. When I got there I found Just Dave sitting there. Couldn't believe it. I thought he would have been an entire day ahead. He said he zeroed in Pearisburg. I changed clothes because I was so sweaty and just then the rain came pouring down. Several of us, Mama Moab and her dog Utah, Hammertoe, Simple Soul, D.No, C.Shell, Just Dave and myself were all waiting out the storm. Somehow we talked about age. Everyone here was in their 50's! That just doesn't happen much. I had thought about going a few more miles but decided not to. I am happy I stayed. Arrow who is from Germany interviewed me for a book he hopes to write when he is done. He seemed to like my story of how I got started on my journey by doing a section hike. He will look me up later to see if I indeed made it! Yes, I have big plans to.
Date: 2015-05-29
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Keffer Oak
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I just can't seem to sleep in a shelter. I woke up at 5:30 and tried to be quiet getting my stuff together but I am pretty sure I woke up Bon Bon. She came out as I was about to leave. I told her sorry and she was ok and told me to have a good hike. The first couple of miles today were rocks. It started out hard today. I was glad I didn't do these at the end of the day yesterday. Not to many views today but I just have to talk about the Mountain Laurels. I have never seen these before this hike of the AT. I know, where have I been? They are so gorgeous. I walk for an hour in rows and rows of these beautiful trees. Pictures just don't do them justice. You just must climb a mountain and see these! I hiked most of the day alone. Got caught in the afternoon rain. Found a creek and washed my clothes and took somewhat of a bath when Just Dave, D.No and C.Shell came back from hitching a ride to town. The rain as threatening again so we found the camp just up the hill near the 300 year old Keffer Oak tree. Not much room and I had to put up my tent under the big old branches. The storm hit and I prayed the tree would hold out. Oh and I made my 500 mile mark today!
Date: 2015-05-30
From: Keffer Oak

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

I left Keffer Oak camp about 7:40 am just a little after D.No and C.Shell. Immediately went across a beautiful field where the grass was so high and wet and the trail so narrow that my shorts and shoes got completely wet from all that rain from yesterday left on that grass. Next was straight up a forest mountain. Got to the ridge line on top. When the map shows a sort of flatter ridge line you think it will be a bit easier. So deceiving. I learned this lesson the hard way. Major rocks and boulders. Just hard! D.No slipped in front of me. Then later after I had passed him, he took a hard fall just behind me. This was a crazy trail but the views were great! Just Dave caught up with me and we hiked up to the Audie Murphy Monument. Most decorated American Soldier of WWII and an actor. The monument is in the area where his plane crashed. Hiked on and got down to the gravel road and a t man named Mountain Dew, told me to go have a cheeseburger! Ahhhhhhhhh!!!! Sweet trail magic after a hard, hard day. One of the men doing the magic, Spruce, said he did the trail last year and this was one of the hard days for him and thought this spot would be good for trail magic. He was right. This was perfect. Hiked just another mile and a half to the shelter. Water was so scarce today and I needed to go down the very steep trail at the camp to get some. So I stayed down there awhile. Soaked my hot tootsies while the can of beer Just Dave carried all day got cold in the creek. Took a sponge bath and went up the hill to camp. Just Dave shared his beer with me. Nice ending to the exhausting day.
Date: 2015-05-31
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: campsite about 706 mile mark
Miles today: 11.1

Hiked out at 7. Just Dave hiked out with me but when I needed my privy time I told him not to wait for me. I really needed my time to hike alone. Some days I want company, most days I don't. And I never want to make plans with anyone. Just want the flow to be whatever. Hike your own hike. I hiked alone ALL day. Today was a lot of uphill. Got to a place called Dragons Tooth, which is a stone monolith. Had to do a bit of rock climbing to get to the top. What a view! I met a man, XL, who is going Southbound. He took my picture for me and I did the same for him. I had gone all the way to the top, though, and he told me I was a brave woman! I like that compliment. After coming down and hiking again down this mountain was the hardest trail yet. I put several pictures in the photo group but I don't think you can grasp just how difficult it was by the pics. Finally got down and headed to Four Pines Hostel. This is a converted garage with a shower. Super nice folks but someone needs to do some cleaning. I did take a shower, always with my camp shoes on and washed clothes, in the shower. Hung them on the fence and got a ride to the Homeplace Restaraunt. Advertised as the best food on the AT. Yes, it is. Southern home style food. All you can eat! Ate dinner with Tawanda and Sachet. First for me hanging out with women. They were young but abslolutely awesome. Tawanda was not shy to ask if we could have a prayer! So proud of her. Just love her. Sachet is from Australia and has the cutest accent, especially with a mouth full of food. We laughed so much. Stopped at the grocery, gas station, store and got one day of food since I would be in Daleville soon. I literally ran out of food on that last section. Got back to the hostel just in time to get my clothes off the fence when the big storm hit. Packed up my stuff. Storm moved out fast. Not staying here, afraid to sit on the couch, might get something. Yuk. The owner told me he finds good chairs on the side of the road. Great. Hiked out alone. Beautiful after a storm. Found a sweet spot high on the mountain. Camped all alone!