morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-25
From: Lamberts Meadow

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: few clouds

May 25Daleville, VA9.4 milesWe were up and off by 7:00 for what looked like an easy 9.4 mile hike into Daleville for resupply and a half day off. As is sometimes the case, what looked easy on the map wasn't as easy on the ground. While there were no major ascents for the day, there were quite a few short ups and downs (PUDS - pointless ups and downs) making the hike a roller-coaster ride. However, once again accompanied by the drone of cicadas, we pushed into town by mid-morning.In town, we quickly performed the usual chores, including a stop at the outfitter to buy some new pants (with a smaller waist size). As well, I picked up a letter form my brother at the post office, with Canadian pins and flags to hand out on the trail - thank you, James. I also weighed myself at the outfitter and haven't lost any weight since the last time, so my enhanced calory regime seems to be paying off.Chores finished, we went back to the motel for a swim in the outdoor pool. With the temperature approaching 90 degrees F, the pool was a godsend. All too soon, the day was over and we were getting ready for bed and a morning start back onto the trail.
Date: 2012-05-26
From: Daleville, VA

To: Montvale Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway
Miles today: 15.5

May 26Montvale Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway15.5 milesWe were slow setting off this morning, not getting on the trail until 9:45. The forecast was for temperatures again approaching 90 F in town and it was already in the 70s when we started hiking. The cicadas were still humming as we hiked, but with less vigour. Perhaps they were wilting in the heat as well.Fortunately, we finished our longest climb in the morning, before the heat of the day. While the afternoon was quite warm, the heat was not overpowering in the mountains. Once again, we endured PUDS for much of the day, with no views to reward us. In late afternoon, we stopped at a cold stream to soak our overheated feet - heaven!We had an early supper in a shelter and set off again at 5:00 to cover a few more miles before setting up camp. We hope to reach a free "hiker feed" tomorrow afternoon, so having fewer miles to do tomorrow gives us a beter chance.We are now camped near a scenic overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway and are hoping for a brilliant sunrise tomorrow.Milestone: Today, we completed 1/3 of the AT.
Date: 2012-05-27
From: Montvale Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway

To: Jennings Creek, Middle Creek Campground
Miles today: 12.7

May 27Jennings Creek, Middle Creek Campground12.7 milesToday was a wonderful day for trail magic!!We got up early to see the sunrise at the Blue Ridge Patkway overlook. Sadly, the sun came up behind a large nearby hill, so we weren't able to see it rise.We set off early and met a very nice lady, Mrs. 'Focus', the wife of hiker 'Focus', with her van parked at an overlook. She made me a second breakfast of pancakes and homemade peach preserves - amazing. Thank you to another Trail Angel!We then pushed on for a relatively short 12.7 mile day. The hike wasn't too difficult; however, the temperature rose steadily into the 80s. Our plan was to stop at a private campground, Middle Creek Campground. We had been in contact by e-mail and cellphone with another Trail Angel, Ann. She had invited us to an annual Hiker Feed put on by 4 lovely ladies - Ann, Pochahantas, Lizard and Ms. Wiggy. Some of them are former through-hikers and they all enjoy helping out the trail community. As Plantman and I were too far away to hike to the feed, Ann drove an hour to pick us up and take us there. There was an amazing variety of food - salads, fresh fruit, stew, quesadillas, ice cream, soda, etc. They managed to feed at least 50 hikers today, and had fed many others yesterday. They certainly made a large group of hot and tired hikers very happy. Many, many thanks to them.Back at the campground, we decided to stay another night. The weather has been hot and is forecast to remain hot for a least several more days. As well, we have a big climb (2,000+ feet) up Floyd Mountain waiting for us when we resume the trail. We haven't had a zero day in over a week, so it will be good time for a rest. This is a long weekend in the US, so the campground is packed full tonight. Tomorrow is Monday, so it should be much quieter.We are less than 2 weeks from Shanandoa National Park - the next major milestone.
Date: 2012-05-29
From: Harrison Ground Spring Campsite

To: Harrison Ground Spring Campsite
Miles today: 17.3

May 29Harrison Ground Spring Campsite17.3 milesToday was a day of climbing - over 4,500 feet of ascent over various mountains. The weather was still quite warm, but not as hot as yesterday. There were some cool afternoon breezes to help us finish the day. And now, just after 7:00 pm, I am on my tent, the sky has turned very dark, thunder is rumbling and heavy rain has started to fall.The morning had two good climbs for us: 1,000 feet up Fork Mountain right off the bat, followed by a descent and then a 2,200 foot climb up Floyd Mountain. However, all of that hard work went unrewarded, as neither mountain provided a view. When we entered Virginia, there was a view that the trail was easier here. So far, apart from a few short stretches on a some ridges, the trail has been just as difficult as in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee.After Floyd Mtn, another 1,000 foot climb took us to the top of Apple Orchard Mountain. At 4,225 feet high, Apple Orchard Mtn is the highest remaining mountain on the AT until New Hampshire. Descending from this mountain, we finally got a couple of good views. As well, we passed under the 'Guillotine', a boulder suspended between rock walls on either side of the trail - another good opportunity for a trail photo.Tonight, we are in a small campsite, near a good spring. We are hoping for the rain to stop overnight, for a good day of hiking tomorrow.P.S. I have now been hiking on the AT for 2 months.
Date: 2012-05-30
From: Harrison Ground Spring Campsite

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

May 30Johns Hollow Shelter13.0 milesToday was a relatively short day, due to spacing of shelters, lack of water and afternoon heat. We decided to stop at this shelter, as we would have faced a 2,000 foot climb in mid-afternoon heat, with no likely water source for 9 miles. So, we will take an early rest and climb Bluff Mountain tomorrow morning when it will be cool.This morning when we got up (around 5:45 am), the rain had been replaced by a cool mist. The morning was very nice for hiking, as the sun slowly burned off the mist. However, the day got progressively warmer, certainly into the 80s for the afternoon.We saw two snakes on the trail today, including a 4 foot long Black snake shortly after lunch. However, the highlight was a copperhead snake that we saw (almost stepped on) coiled up at the side of the trail early in the morning's hike. Since the snake was coiled, we couldn't easily estimate its length; however, I would guess around 3 feet long. It was very sluggish in the early morning cold and didn't move as we walked past and took pictures. It was a beautiful snake, with a striking pattern along its back.Today, we also crossed the James River on a 600+ feet long pedestrian bridge, the longest on the AT.
Date: 2012-05-31
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

May 31Brown Mountain Creek Shelter18.3 milesOnce again, we started the day with a steep 2,300 foot climb, up past Big Rocky Row to Bluff Mountain. This time, there were a few good views on the way. We hiked along the mountain ridge for several miles with Longstride and Silver Girl, a through-hiker couple who we have been leap-frogging for the past week or so.Then it was back down the mountain, until we had lost all of our morning's hard won elevation gain. Once off the mountain, we hiked across a steep hillside above another artificial lake (i.e., created by a dam) for a few miles. According the the Hiker's Companion guidebook, there are only 2 natural lakes in the entire state - neither on the AT.We encountered more trail magic near the end of the day. Where the trail crossed a gravel forest service road, an older couple of hikers (Flash and Hot Flash) were handing out home-baked brownies and other goodies, as well as soda, from the back of their truck. Many thanks.Finally, after a long day, we reached a shelter with some great campsites beside a good sized stream. The stream is perfect for soaking hot, tired feet!Tomorrow, no surprise, we gave another steep climb to start our day.
Date: 2012-06-01
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: moderate rain

June 1Seeley-Woodworth Shelter15.8 milesThunderstorms rolled in last night after dark with very heavy rains at times. The rain had stopped by morning, but clouds and mist remained. We were able to pack up in 'dry' conditions; however, a wet tent got stowed in the pack. We managed to finish most of the day's initial climb, 2,600 feet up Bald Knob, before the rain started again. The rain lasted for the rest of the morning and intermittently for the afternoon and evening. However, hiking in the rain is not too bad, as long as you can stay warm and have someplace dry to spend the night.After the steep climb to start the day, we stayed on a high ridge, rolling up and down a series of small peaks. We would have had good views at a number of overlooks and a grassy bald, but could only see mist and cloud.Tomorrow will be an easy day with a chance to sleep in - 'till 7:00. We have a 3 1/2 mile hike before getting picked up by a shuttle to a B&B/hostel. Then, it will be real food, real bed, hot showers and a chance to dry everything.Milestone: 800 trail miles today and a new month on the trail.
Date: 2012-06-02
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 2.3

June 2Dutch Haus B&B/Hostel2.3 trail miles (plus 1.1 road miles)It was a cold night, down into the 30s, as yesterday's rain heralded a cold front. The forecast for the next few days is for cloudy, cool days (temperatures in the 50s and 60s), but little chance of rain. It should be excellent weather for hiking, at least as far as Waynesboro.We had a short hike to a gravel road and then a mile down the road to a parking lot where we were picked up by the Dutch Haus B&B shuttle. The shuttle wisked us to a beautiful rustic home where we dried gear, showered and were treated to a great hot lunch. Tonight, real beds await us! Tomorrow, I will succumb to the temptations of the dark side and 'slackpack' a section of trail. We will hike 20 miles of the trail (including a 3,000 foot climb) with only day packs (no tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, etc. and only lunch food and snacks). Then, we will be picked up and returned to the B&B for another night. Decadent! (And much easier on the knees.)In 4 days, we should arrive in Waynesboro, just a mile short of Shenandoah National Park. Hiking in the park is reputed to be excellent (according to Bill Bryson and others), not least because there are several easily accessible restaurants and snack bars along the way. I believe the trail is quite scenic as well.
Date: 2012-06-03
From: Dutch Haus B&B

To: Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 19.8

June 3Dutch Haus19.8 trail miles plus 1.1 road milesAs promised, we slackpacked today - no heavy backpacks, only daypacks. Nevertheless, it was still a demanding day. We covered almost 21 miles, including over 5,000 feet of climbing and an equivalent amount of descent. We started by climbing to Spy Rock, a bare peak used as an observation point during the American Civil War. There was a great 360 degree view from the top, although it was windy and still quite cold in the early morning. That was followed by a steep 3,000 foot descent from Priest Mountain to Tye River - ouch. Next, it was back up 3,000 feet again, across the Three Ridges. Then, we finished the day with more descending to the road where we were to be picked up and taken back to the Dutch Haus for a shower, dinner and bed.Fortunately, we arrived at the road about 45 minutes early. Fortunately, because there was trail magic waiting for us in the parking area. A current through-hiker, taking a few days off, had arranged for food and soda where the trail met the road. In addition, a former through-hiker, who now works for the local Devils Backbone micro-brewery was there with cold beer (even a couple for our daypacks to take back to the B&B). So, a demanding day, with a happy ending. Tomorrow, we will hoist our heavy packs and go back on the trail for real hiking again.
Date: 2012-06-04
From: Dutch Haus B&B

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: scattered clouds

June 4Paul C. Wolfe Shelter14.1 milesToday was a rather uneventful day. We had short mileage (14.1), no significant hills (1,200 feet of ascent and a little more descent) and no wildlife sightings or trail magic. On the other gand, we did get 3 or 4 good views on the way and I have set up my tent in quite a nice site near a stream.We have had a few slight showers this evening at the shelter/camping area, but the forecast is for the skies to clear.Tomorrow, we head into Waynesboro for the usual town chores and R&R. Plant Man is also planning to visit a medical clinic to get his knee checked. It has been bothering him on the downhills and has accumulated some fluid. I will be calling home to finalize plans to meet my wife Carolyn in the Shenandoahs, which cover the next hundred miles of trail, for a short hiking vacation.We are being put up in town by a former through-hiker who Plant Man hosted last year in New York state. He has promised to show us several micro-breweries in Waynesboro, which will make a nice change from doing laundry and buying supplies.Then, it will be onward to the "Doahs".
Date: 2012-06-05
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

June 5Waynesboro, VA5.0 milesEveryone at the shelter was up early, eager to get into town. We raced down the trail, covering the 5 miles in an hour and a half, a fairly good pace. We arrived at the road to Waynesboro, took our photos and were starting to sort out how we would get into town - about 4 1/2 miles. Just then, a van pulled up, dropped off another hiker, and offered us (6 smelly hikers) a lift into town. Thank you to Santa's Helper, a section hiker who is doing some trail magic.First stop in town was Weasie's, a breakfast place with AYCE (all you can eat) pancakes. The record is 24, but no one in our group managed more than 8. Plant Man visited a medical clinic where his knee was pronounced fit to continue on the trail. Then off to the post office to pick up my bounce box, where we bumped into Solo, another hiker who has been keeping the same pace as I have for most of the trail. We are now in a cafe/book store taking a break, browsing through books and checking e-mail. -- later --We relaxed in town until around 6:00, when Milo, a through-hiker last year, picked us up after he finished work. Milo took us to a couple of local micro-breweries for dinner, Blue Mountain and Devil's Backbone. We had a flight (sampler) of beer at Blue Mountain, some of which were quite good. Then, we tried the India Pale "Lager" at DB. Finally, we moved on to the Farmington Country Club, where Milo's parents, Miles and Stephanie, are members. They then put us up at the club overnight, which we very much appreciated. I continue to be amazed at the generosity and warmth of the people that we meet on and off the trail.Tomorrow, back to Waynesboro and the usual off-trail chores.
Date: 2012-06-07
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

June 6 & 7Waynesboro, VA0 milesI have been relaxing in Waynesboro, giving my feet a chance to recover from the pounding they are subjected to on the trail. As well, I have been sorting out when and where I will meet my wife Carolyn. As she has a commitment on Ottawa, we have decided to meet in Elkton, about 50 miles (1/2 way) up the trail in Shenandoah Park, on the 12th. I have 5 more days to get there, so will be moving fairly slowly up the trail. However, that will give me time to do some exploring on the way, checking out side trails and overlooks on the way. It will be a vacation from the usual rush to cover miles on the trail.Waynesboro has been quiet. I have finished my chores and have been doing some reading. I also visited both of the town's local heritage museums. Yes, it is time to start hiking again.Waynesboro is very hiker friendly. There is a list of Trail Angels who will give you a drive back to the trail (4.5 miles) at no charge. So, I will be picked up at the hotel at 8:30 in the morning and get back to hiking. The weather forecast looks good, but a bit warm - 80s and possibly 90s over the next 5 days. It should be great for moseying down the trail.
Date: 2012-06-08
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

June 8Calf Mountain Shelter7.0 milesI dragged myself out of the motel bed this morning to finish loading my pack. Then, it was a breakfast of waffles at the motel. Finally, I was ready to be picked up by trail angel Cindy Davis. Once again, many thanks to Cindy and the other wonderful people who have helped make my hike much easier.Good-bye comfortable bed, restaurant food, hot showers and cold beer. Hello trees, rocks and roots. It was actually quite an easy day today - only 7 miles and no big hills. So, I strolled along at a very comfortable pace and took my opportunity to see the sights. The trail crosses the Skyline Drive parkway fairly frequently, often near scenic overlooks. A short hike down the road at a trail crossing can provide great views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west, or further Appalachian ridges to the east. I took advantage of this at the McCormick Gap overlook this morning and hope to do so frequently over the next week or so.For lunch, I followed a short side trail to the top of Little Calf Mountain - although there was little climbing required. The top was a small bald with some nice views and a perfect shade tree. Since I was off the AT, there was nobody else in sight - I had the small peak to myself. As I was on no hurry, after lunch I had a 45 minute nap in the warm afternoon air. On the trail after lunch, I came across a fascinating bit of small scale wildlife. I noticed a small marble sized ball of earth (about 1/2 inch in diameter) and 2 small midnight black blobs on the trail. Bending down for a closer look, I realized it was 2 beetles curled up like like turtles and their ball of packed dirt, or more probably dung. After a few minutes, they uncurled and placed themselves heads down on the sides of the ball and proceeded to roll it down the trail and into the grass. That was something I have never seen in the outdoors before.I am now at the shelter with a good flat campsite. Tomorrow, I have a bit longer hike, about 13 miles. Again, it doesn't look too difficult on the map. However, the trail doesn't have many water sources here, and tomorrow will be hot, so I will have to carry quite a bit of (heavy) water.
Date: 2012-06-09
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

June 9Blackrock Hut13.0 miles (plus 2 miles off the AT to overlooks)The trail remained fairly easy today; however, the afternoon was quite warm. Again, there were several good views from Skyline Drive parkway overlooks that were accessible from the trail.A number of hikers saw a mother bear with 3 cubs just off the trail. Unfortunately, I missed that. My only wildlife sighting was a tame deer that was preoccupied eating some delicacy at the side of the trail. It let me get about 10 feet away before wandering off into the forest.Overall, a pleasant day, but little of note to report.
Date: 2012-06-10
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 7.4

June 10Loft Mountain Campground7.4 milesThe day's hike started with a short climb to the top of Blackrock Mountain, only 3,100 feet high. However, the mountain had a bare rocky peak with great views all around. As well, the trail passed near several good lookouts on the Skyline Drive parkway for additional views. The hiking continues to be fairly easy, but the weather also continues to be hot.I had a number of wildlife sightings today, including another large Black snake, another very tame deer and quite a few rabbits - but no bears.Since I have plenty of time to cover the trail miles necessary before meeting Carolyn in Elkton, I stopped early in a real campground that the trail passes - Loft Mountain Campground. The campground includes a camp store with expensive supplies (including junkfood and ice-cream!), a fast food restaurant, showers, washrooms and comfortable campsites. I set up my tent and headed off for a hot shower - heaven! When I returned the campsite, there was a quite large copperhead snake coiled up at the edge, enjoying the sun. While I do appreciate a beautiful snake, I exercised discretion and moved to another site. I don't want to be tiptoeing around poisonous snakes if I have to get up during the night.I am hoping not to have a repeat of last night, when I had to put in my earplugs. It wasn't due to a snoring neighbour. Instead, I was seeking refuge from a loud and very persistent whip-poor-will that seemed to be pearched above my tent.
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

June 11Hightop Hut14.0 milesThis morning was cloudy and cooler. I had heard various forecasts for rain starting any time over the next few days. However, it looked like a good possibility for rain today.There were a few good views in the morning and some more very tame deer along the trail. I made good time and stopped at a lookout for lunch with a view of the ridge to the south.shortly after I stopped, black clouds started rolling over the ridge, so I quickly finished and packed up. Just as I was ready to set off, rain started, so I had to take a few further minutes to get out the rain cover for my pack and my rain gear. I finished the 3 1/2 remaining miles to the shelter in a steady rain which continued for the rest of the afternoon and evening.When I reached the shelter, the bottom level was already full, but the smaller second level was empty - saving me the task of setting up my tent in the rain. Several more hikers arrived over the afternoon, so we ended up cramming 11 people into the shelter. As usual in the shelters, there was a resident colony of well fed mice. However, in most shelters, the mice gave the courtesy to wait until dark before starting to forage for your leftovers and crumbs. In this shelter, the mice were scampering by almost as soon as I sat down and unloaded my pack.I have only a short hike to town tomorrow to meet Carolyn, but it looks like I may be hiking in the rain again.