morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-05-21
From: Mt Rogers National Recreation HQ

To: Hwy 11 near Atkin VA
Miles today: 11.4

Today we hiked with rainy weather from Mt Rogers Nat'l HQ to Hwy 11 where the trail intersected. Saw an orange colored salamander today, called a 'Red Eft'.  According to Wikipedia, The term ¢Red Eft¢ refers to a temporary land stage in the life cycle of the Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens). This species¢ huge range extends from southern Canada through most of the central and eastern USA to Texas and Florida; in North America, only the Tiger Salamander has a wider distribution.  They secrete powerful skin toxins which can irritate skin, mucous membranes, eyes and wounds if not washed off immediately.  See Wikepedia link added to the photo of this salamander for more information.  There was just one I saw today but there are apparently plenty of them. Today we only hiked 11 miles and planning on a longer hike tomorrow.We are staying in the apartment of one of Commanders' daughter Sara, who is currently on vacation for 10 days.  Lucky timing for us hikers who are able to stay there and not camp in the rain. There has been alot of rain but we are fortunate to be able to stay in town so often for the time being and dry out our gear for the next days hiking.
Date: 2018-05-22
From: Hwy 11 / Atkins VA

To: Hwy 42 / Bland VA near Bear Garden Hostel at mile 557.8
Miles today: 12.5

Hiked a shorter day of about 12.5 miles today.  Today we have completed 1/4 th of the AT journey .There was alot of mud and muck due to heavy rains the last few weeks, interesting stream crossings and quite a few fences and gates to climb over. Planning to do 18 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2018-05-23
From: Hwy 42 / Bland VA near Bear Garden Hostel at mile 557.8

To: Forest service road 623 in Bland VA
Miles today: 18.8

Hiked with Commander and Wander Woman again, today, as well as several other hikers we met along the way.  No rain today and it was quite warm in the mid 80's  and we drank alot of water.  Took some pictures from Chestnut Knob Shelter on top of a bald mountain with fantastic views.  Most of the views along the AT are fantastic !We hiked along some rocky ledges above the trees where I took some more photo's. Saw a yellow orchid / lady slippers.  Pictures to follow. It was a nice day hiking all in all.
Date: 2018-05-24
From: Forest service road 623 in Bland VA

To: Bland , VA
Miles today: 16.6

Today alot of the hike was in the woods, with continued displays of many many blooming flowers and flowering bushes or trees.One section the trail was on a paved road today.  Did not see many hikers today but we are probably getting more spread out and we are not taking any days off the trail since Damascus Trail Days.Saw a sleeping hiker along the trail and some very beautiful views here and there between the trees.The weather was overcast but no rain. By tomorrow should be close to if not reach the 600 mile mark on this journey.   Commanders' wife, Brenda, met us at the end of today's hike after driving her car up the mountain, negotiating numerous switch backs !  In another few days we will be going back to just camping along the trail at night since Brenda will be going back to their home in TN next week. I spoke with my wife (Els, otherwise known as Harriet) again tonight and got caught up on things going on at home. She is planning to come out to join us soon. I feel so lucky to be able to do this and enjoy this trail at this time of year.   Looking forward to tomorrow,  another day hiking on the trail as I head north to Kathadin !
Date: 2018-05-25
From: Bland , VA

To: Kimberling Creek 
Miles today: 17.6

Highlight of today :  Made it past the 600 mile mark !  See photo with the 600 number and our hard working feet around it ! Crossed a neat wooden suspension bridge which AT hikers use to cross Kimberling Creek.  Most of the hike was in the green tunnel again today, no spectacular mountain top views but an enjoyable day hiking in the woods, nevertheless.At the end of the day Brenda met us on the suspension bridge and took us back to Wytheville for the night. Tomorrow we are planning to hike between 15 and 16 miles to reach Sugar Run Road.  Planning to start very early tomorrow to  hopefully avoid most of the anticipated rain in the afternoon hours.  Happy Trails !
Date: 2018-05-26
From: Kimberling Creek 

To: Sugar Run Road 
Miles today: 15.3

Hiked with our rain suits on today, since rain started at 11 am until about 3 pm but the first couple of hours in the morning it was dry.  I walked through mostly water and mud today, and crossed 27 water crossings ! some of them had bridges, but my shoes still got wet anyway from the rain, despite that I wore my rain boots over the shoes. Saw another Red Eft today ! It was a tiresome hike due to all the water but we are happy and ready for a good nights sleep.Brenda picked all 3 of us up at Sugar Run Road and we ate at a Cracker Barrel Restaurant tonight.We had a variety of chicken dinners to eat. Tomorrow we will be staying somewhere in the area of Petersburg.  Wander Woman and Floyd are usually staying in their RV at the end of each day.
Date: 2018-05-27
From: Sugar Run Road 

To: Clendennin Road
Miles today: 15.7

Another rainy day on the Appalachian Trail.  We slid down some muddy side hills but caught ourselves with the poles and no one got hurt.Saw a black snake slither across the trail today, and I took some video of this.  Stopped at Doc's Knob Shelter and would have seen the town of Harrisburg from top of a mountain but since it was rather cloudy and misty didn't have a good view.  Brenda ( Blonde Lady) picked us up at the intersection of Clendennin and Pocahontas Roads today at mile 640.6. Tonight we are staying in the town of Narrows,  at McCarthur Inn motel.  Sure beats staying in tents in the rain and thunderstorms tonight, and getting everything soaked.  Ate a nice supper at a Mexican restaurant and tomorrow ready to continue my hike north to Khatadin !
Date: 2018-05-28
From: Clendennin Road just outside of Paerisburg, VA

To: Stony Creek Valley
Miles today: 15.5

Hiked with Commander and Wander Woman today across mountain tops along the border between Virginia and West Virginia.No rain today and pleasant temperatures in the 70's, perfect for hiking.Saw another black snake today, about 3 feet long, which I believe is a rat eating snake, not venomous.Have not yet seen any rattle snakes thus far,  but some other hikers tell me they saw several and I saw their video clips of these snakes.Also still have not seen any black bear, but heard several reports from others who have seen them. Brenda picked us all up again and we ate at a family restaurant for dinner.
Date: 2018-05-29
From: Stony Creek Valley // Peters Mountain Trail Head 

To: Rocky Gap 
Miles today: 15.2

Another slack packing day for these hikers !  Today Wander Womans' friend from Alaska joined us. Her name is Karen and she will be spending some time on the trail until June 4th.  So our little hiking club is growing. There were alot of Mountain Laurel in bloom with beautiful white blossoms everywhere, azaleas along the trail. Brenda picked us up at the end of the day at Rocky Gap and drove us to a Chinese place for dinner tonight.Ozzie is one tired hiker tonight, more to follow tomorrow after a good nights' sleep.
Date: 2018-05-30
From: Rocky Gap 

To: Craig Creek Road 
Miles today: 17.0

Hiked with Commander, Karen and Wander Woman today.  Lots of variety today along the trail, including forest, green wetlands and rocky outcroppings with beautiful views.Came by the largest oak tree on the AT which is 300 years old and 18 feet around.  Took a picture of all of us hugging this tree. Hiked through a wet land area where there were boards on the trail, what a luxury ! Saw some nice views from the rocky outcroppings , and hiking down those rocks was a bit slippery but no one fell.We keep meeting Duo along the trail, who is usually sitting on a rock along the path or along the road somewhere.  Each time we see him he is sitting , not hiking.  Yet, he continues to show up.  He received some teasing about secretly hitchhiking and planting himself along the trail to greet hikers.. instead of hiking himself.  All in good fun, he is carrying a backpack.  After all, we are hiking our own hike too, and enjoying plenty of slack packing days lately.
Date: 2018-05-31
From: Craig Creek Road 

To: Route 624
Miles today: 15.2

Hiked through numerous challenging areas with steep rocks which required some serious negotiating our walking and climbing. Another milestone as I hiked more then 700 miles sofar. On some places there were ladders and handles in the side of the rocks because the steps down were too large to take without using handles.Saw Dragons' Tooth Rock which is on top of a mountain.  On some areas the slope was so steep you could not maintain your balance without hiking poles but also could not use the hiking poles alot of the time due to needing to hold on to rocks and handles. If this would be in wet condtions it would be very treacherous. No-Bo hikers have a great challenge with this section, and since we were slackpacking today it was do-able for us. It was also very warm today so I drank alot of water throughout the day.  It threatened thunderstorms but only a light cooling shower came along.Brenda gave all the new hikers a ride to the hostel and picked us up afterwards to go to town of Blackburg.
Date: 2018-06-01
From: Route 624

To: McAfee Knob parking lot 
Miles today: 6.0

Hiked a short day today of only about 6 miles, a " Nero" day as we call it.  ( near zero). It was hot day today and some of our hike went through 3 large pastures. We started at Newport Road ( Route 624) to the parking lot at McAfee Knob parking lot.
Date: 2018-06-02
From: McAfee Knob parking lot 

To: Daleville VA
Miles today: 20.0

Hiked over a spectucular trail section today, including another famous place known as McAfee Knob. See photos' which only do it some justice, but not the same as being there in person.  Amazing views and mountain top vista's were our reward ! We hiked in some rain and mud again, saw Tinkers' Cliff as well today where we ate our lunch. Commander is having alot of shoulder pain which he will need to have looked at one of these days.
Date: 2018-06-03
From: Daleville VA

To: Montevale Outlook
Miles today: 15.5

Today was relatively easy on the ups and downs with nice hiking surface as well.  Beautiful views from the Blue Ridge Parkway as the trail criss crosses it many times.One of the hikers we met, ( trail name Jet Pack) saw a black bear just minutes after we left the area where we ate our peanut butter sandwiches. Commander had his shoulder checked at an Urgent Care clinic and I went there to have a rash checked out, which turns out to be a small patch of poison ivy. I received a cream and some prednisone to treat it.Ready for another hiking day tmorrow.
Date: 2018-06-04
From: Montvale Overlook on Blue Ridge parkway

To: Jennings Creek Bridge on Hwy 614
Miles today: 12.7

Hiked along the Blue Ridge Parkway and criss crossed it several times during our hike today, as the trail meanders along this road for awhile. Many beautiful scenic views from this area ,as you can see from the photo'sCommander still having shoulder pain despite wearing a sling to rest his arm most of the day.Tomorrow we will hike to Thunder Ridge Overlook where Els will meet us as she arrives from Wisconsin to spend some time on the trail with me.
Date: 2018-06-05
To: Thunder Ridge Lookout
Miles today: 15.6

Today I hiked 15.6 miles with Wander Woman and Commander from Jennings Creek Bridge to Thunder Ridge Lookout.Els met us there today and we took some pictures at the lookout point. Beautiful weather today with temps in the 70's, which was great hiking weather.Still have not seen any bears but talked to someone who saw one just yesterday at the area where we had eaten our BP sandwiches. We also saw three groups of girl scouts and their leaders from Kentucky who were on the trail for about a week. Saw 'the guillotine', which is actually a big boulder wedged between two huge rocks ! I can only imagine where the name Guilotine came from here !
Date: 2018-06-06
From: Thunder Ridge Lookout

To: James River Footbridge 
Miles today: 13.1

Today we hiked from Thunder Ridge Lookout for 13.1 miles to James River Across the the longest footbridge on the AT.We saw our first bear today just before we got to the trail early this morning as he crossed the road. It was a young looking black bear.  He stayed and looked back at us over his shoulder for awhile trying to figure us out before meandering further into the woods.Later on I saw a little black lizard with a yellow stripe on its back, on a tree.  Towards the last few miles Els met us as she hiked towards us and we all walked across the James River Footbridge.  ( See photo in memory of this man)
Date: 2018-06-07
From: James River Footbridge 

To: Punchbowl Overlook then back to McAfee Knob 
Miles today: 11.3

Today I actually did two hikes totalling about 19 -20 miles, including 11 + miles with Commander and Wander Woman, then in the afternoon after Els (Harriet) picks me up driving to McAfee Knob to hike that section again, in order to share this outlook with her.We started early today at 7:30 and I reached the pickup point at Punchbowl Lookout by a little after noon where Els met me and we drove 50 miles south to Salem VA where we started the climb up to McAfee Knob.  We were rewarded with the most amazing views and had other hikers take our pictures on the famous rock.We returned the photo opp favor multiple times.Hiked back to the car for a total of about 9 miles.One more memory we will treasure having made together!  enjoy the photos!
Date: 2018-06-08
From: Punchbowl Overlook 

To: Hwy 60 pick up
Miles today: 11.1

Hiked with Commander and Wander Woman from Punchbowl Overlook along Blue Ridge Parkway, to Hwy 60 intersection with the AT at the parking lot. Major milestone of today was that I have now reached over 800 miles on the AT solar !Ended today's hike at 806 miles.I hiked across several creeks via stepping stones and one larger river via a suspension bridge.Harriet (Els) hiked with us the first 1.5 miles and then hiked back to the car, to later pick us up at the end of our hike at Hwy 60 parking lot.I saw a few deer and came by a historical sign about freed slaves that lived in a clearing in the woods many years ago who farmed there, raising various crops. We drove on to check out the end point we plan for tomorrow's hike and found it is along a gravel road where the AT again intersects.We snacked on some trail magic and drank our gatorade and electrolyte drinks to re-hydrate after working up a major sweat hiking uphill in sunny hot weather out of the valley.
Date: 2018-06-09
From: Hwy 60 pick up

To: Hwy 432 / Hog camp Gap 
Miles today: 9.6

nice day for a hike with sunshine most of the day, rain expected tonight and tomorrow.Hiked 8.6 miles today starting off with a steep climb of an hour and a half followed by more level walk through the woods with more gentle ups and downs the rests of the walk.Els joined us for about a half hour in the morning and met us hiking about 2 hours back with us.Saw colmbine and other Prairie flowers along the way as well as a deer.
Date: 2018-06-10
From: Hwy 432 / Hog camp Gap 

To: VA route 56 parking area
Miles today: 0.0

Uneventful day today, no rain, warm to hot weather and still have not seen a rattle snake..I did see an enormous fungus growth in a very wet humid forest near a tree, larger then any mushroom type I have ever seen.  See photo ! Hiked 17 miles today with Commander and Wander Woman.  Els and Brenda picked us up at VA Route 56 parking area just before the suspension bridge heading us northwards tomorrow.Got back to town, had a well deserved shower and meal, did hiker chores and packed up for tomorrow.Sleeping early tonight to rest for the journey ahead !
Date: 2018-06-11
From: VA route 56 parking area

To: Dripping Rock parking area along Blue Ridge Parkway 
Miles today: 15.5

Started hiking in cool, slightly damp but dry conditions today and accomplished a 3000 ft ascent which was pretty tough in some areas.It started raining early afternoon and was steady for about an hour or so.Not many great views today since the clouds were covering up most of the mountains and valleys.Saw alot of wet trail, wet and slippery rocks and long puddles too to enjoy the hike especially today.At one place we saw clear footprints in the mud of what I thought was a Raccoon. See photo.At one point Wander Woman walked by a young fawn lying along the trail and when it leaped up to run away it scared her so much she said she almost fell off the trail!
Date: 2018-06-12
From: Dripping Rock parking area along Blue Ridge Parkway 

To: Rockfish Gap at Hwy 250 
Miles today: 14.4

Today our hike started out misty with water dripping off the trees. It stayed cloudy and wet but pleasantly cool all day until later this afternoon.Harriet hiked towards us for about 3 miles from Humpback Rock Gap and then back with us as we passed that point; then she drove ahead to the end point for today at Rockfish Gap, and hiked towards us again for 3 miles and 3 miles back. We saw quite a few of the red spotted salamanders also known as the red eft, some interesting fungi called hummus,  that resembled wax like snowbells.Met some hikers along the trail including DNA " trail name" whom we have not seen since Georgia with a friend Slack Rack which is her trail name.Rock hopped over numerous water Crossings due to all the rain lately  and towards the end met with Blonde Lady and Floyd as we emerged from the woods on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Hwy 250. We stopped at a local outfitter on the way to Waynesboro.  We hiked a total of 14.4 miles south to North while Harriet hiked her longest hike thus far while meeting us of 12 miles both south and North again.A great hiking day today all on all and I feel good.
Date: 2018-06-13
From: Rockfish Gap at Hwy 250 

To: Rip Rap Gap along Skyline Drive
Miles today: 17.0

Hiked 17 miles today with two hiking buddies, and sections of it with Els ( Harriet) who hiked in and again towards us at the end of the day for a total of 12 miles. The trail started out rocky and some ups and downs, then leveled out more on the higher elevations, across small calf mountain top, then back into the woods with various terrain including rocky areas, ups and downs and some pine needle covered sections.  No extreme climbs today ; we hiked at elevations ranging from 1800 to 3100 feet. Hot day today, very humid and no rain.  (Nice break from mist and rain and fog)Met alot of hikers we know by their trail names including General, Spence, BK, DNA,  Slack Rack and alot of other ones whose name I currently cannot recall.  Some of them hike almost 30 or more miles a day ! Another hiker we met had just seen a very large rattle snake on the side of the trail, but we came to that spot after the snake had left into the woods. We did see a few non venomous snakes including one very small one and a larger black snake towards the end of the day.  One of the hikers we talked to had just seen a black bear which ran across the trail ahead.  Still have to experience my own bear sighting while hiking on the trail.. the chance is pretty good here in Shenandoah National Park because there are quite alot of black bears.  One hiker going south told Els she had seen several bears in Shenandoah and a bob cat as well. Planning another 17 mile hike tomorrow.  Slept in town again tonight and ate a great chicken fajita pizza to boost energies for tomorrow's hike.Happy Trails !
Date: 2018-06-14
From: Rip Rap Gap along Skyline Drive

To: Pinefield Gap 
Miles today: 17.1

Enjoyable and generally sunny hiking weather today.  Went 17.1 miles from RipRap Gap north to end the day at Pinefield Gap. Saw a baby rattle snake today and have photos and video to show.It was a very young snake only about 16 inches long. Baby Rattlers are especially dangerous because they cannot dose their venom release yet when they bite you and tend to inject a very large dose if they bite. They also don't have a fully developed rattle on the tail end yet so they you cannot hear any warning rattle. Other then that highlights of the day included that Els (Harriet) hiked most of the day with us, towards us and back again and again later on then hiked the rest of the day with us.We met several hikers including a now well known through hiker named Pappy. He is 85 years old who immigrated to the US from Lithuania at age 16. He fought in the Korean War and wore his Korean War Vet cap. We took pictures with him and of him.Still looking for bears while many hikers have seen bears in Shenandoah National Park. Did see some deer and more interesting flowers today.Planning another 17 miles tomorrow and to be through the 105 mile Shenandoah I Park section within a week. Tomorrow we will also reach the 900 mile mark.
Date: 2018-06-15
From: Pinefield Gap 

To: Pocosin Fire Road 
Miles today: 17.0

Hiked over Hightop Mountain which included 3 big long uphill climbs and 3 long downhills.  Big highlight of the day is that we reached the 900 mile mark today.  Saw a black bear at the edge of the road on the way to the trailhead, and later on a deer close up and pretty unafraid where this picture was taken by Commander as Wander Woman and Ozzie were looking at the deer on the trail.Camped out tonight at Lewis Mountain Campground where Els ( Harriet) had set up our tent.  Another hiker came along after the campground was full and asked if he could share our campsite. His name is Psych, a retired psychology professor from San Antonio TX who is also through hiking the AT after having recently retired. Took a warm 5 minute shower for $ 1.00 at the campstore and relaxed while eating rehydrated food from our packs and visited with Psych. He had an interesting tent which weighed less then a pound and could be set up with just the flick of the wrist.. it is a one man tent which resembled a bivouac sac but in the form of a tent with netting on top.  Great little handy tent.Wander woman and husband RV are also staying at this campground in their RV.  Hiked a total of 17.8 miles today.
Date: 2018-06-16
From: Pocosin Fire Road

To: Crescent Lookout Parking area
Miles today: 15.4

Another very beautiful hiking day with sunny skies and temps in the 70's.  Met many hikers on the trail today including day and through hikers. It is fathers day tomorrow and saw many hikers with their families out for the weekend. Els joined us on the hike today from start to finish .  Started at Pocosin Fire road and hiked right past our campground which was only 2 miles from the starting point today. The hike included some very long and rocky ups and downs which taxed our feet and ankles today. Saw several deer and chipmunks as well as a big fat centipede of which there are many. Also saw a snail on the trail.Shortly after we passed our campground we met up with Psych who had just started out on the trail after his shower.  He hiked with us a little distance and someone took this picture of the 5 retired hikers. At a lookout point just past Bootens Gap Wander Woman met an ex co worker named Kevin who came up to visit after just having returned from Iraq where he served.  He hiked the rest of the day with us.Tired but with a feeling of accomplishment we reached the end of today's hike at Crescent Lookout. Took warm showers and made a meal of mashed potatoes and cheese from dehydrated form and added some of our home made dehydrated chicken pieces.  It was remarkably filling !