morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-06
From: VA 311

To: Daleville VA 220
Miles today: 20.1

Back on the trail today with Aubrey dropping me off at VA 311. Within the first mile I met New Dave, Mom and OrbitThey took a zero day on Thursday to avoid rain and cold weather. I pushed on, but told them I would met them at McAfee Knob. I was challenging myself to see how fast I could hike to McAfee Knob. I left at 7:30 am and reached goal at 8:58 am, 3.9 miles in 1 1/2 hours, pretty quick for me. Today's hike felt like a "home court advantage" for me in that I have hiked all or part of the route at least ten times over the last several years. The highlights are McAfee Knob, the most photographed spot on the AT and Tinker Cliffs, both offer outstanding Valley views and did not disappoint. It was enjoyable to hike with New Dave, Mom and Orbit from McAfee Knob to Daleville. Plan to hike out of Daleville with them tomorrow morning at 7 am. Weather was outstanding to hike, i.e. 60's and no rain.
Date: 2016-05-07
From: Daleville VA 220

To: Bearwallow Gap
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Aubrey dropped me off at the Daleville trail head this morning at 7 AM. I met New Dave, Mom and Orbit. Mom and Orbit are a mother/daughter from Vermont and New Hampshire and New Dave is from North Carolina. Great group to hike with. They are spending tonight at the Beeson house and Aubrey will shuttle us all back to Bearwallow Gap tomorrow morning.Today's hike leaves Daleville and slowly climbs up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which it parallels, it is a route I have previously hiked, not overly difficult and lends itself to a 20+ mile day with slack packs. We met Virginia Creeper and Kiwi, another mother/daughter team from Blacksburg VA. Also met GO, from Georgia. Saw entries in Wilson Creek Shelter journal from Moose and Forrest, who are one day ahead of me. My daughter, Aubrey met us on the trail with about 3 1/2 miles to go and hiked with us to Bearwallow Gap. It was very enjoyable to hike with Aubrey. I believe she enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the trail.The Blue Ridge Parkway was closed from mile mark 105 to 90 for resurfacing activity. This meant no cars or motorcycles were present at any of the overlook areas, we had them to ourselves. It also meant we hiked a little longer to get to VA 43 for pickup. It was a wonderful weather day to hike, i.e., low 60's with nice breeze.Tomorrow I will end my slack packing from Roanoke and head north with a full pack.
Date: 2016-05-08
From: Bearwallow Gap

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

Aubrey dropped us off at VA 43. Difficult emotional day for me in that I have hiked and spent the last week in the comfort of my home. I enjoy spending time with Jill and Aubrey and today I made the break from home. From a hiking standpoint some days you feel great and other days you do not feel as strong. Today I did not feel strong. Also decided to leave my cook stove and fuel at home to save weight. I will go cold with my dinner meal. With warmer weather a hot meal at night is not as important. I will try it, if I do not like it I can get my stove back. Very much enjoyed hiking with New Dave, Mom and Orbit today.VA 43 to Cornelius Creek Shelter15.3Vincent and Jennifer surprised us with Little Caesars pizza at Cornelius Creek Shelter. They parked on the Blue Ridge Parkway and walked in.
Date: 2016-05-09
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: US 501 VA 130
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: scattered clouds

What a difference a day makes, felt better emotionally and physically. I felt good today and hiking reflected it. Left the shelter at 7 am and headed toward Apple Orchard Mountain and The Guillotine, two locations I have hiked on multiple occasions. Met an ATC Ridge Runner at Thunder Hill Shelter, his last name was Davidson and he was from Roanoke. Good informative conversation with him. Treated to beautiful display of blooming Trillium (see pictures) near Thunder Ridge overlook on Blue Ridge Parkway. Big climb out of Petite Gap, i.e.,700 feet in 1.2 miles, but leveled off after that with views of the James River and the last 2 miles was a level trail along Matt's Creek and the James River. Highlight was crossing James River Footbridge, longest footbridge on AT. We were met by Mom's husband, Paul who drove down from Vermont. He drove us into Buena Vista VA. We will be able to slack pack with Paul dropping us off in the morning and picking us up at end of hike. I am very fortunate and appreciative of this support. Another good day hiking with New Dave, Mom and Orbit. Also saw Go and Uncle Bob on trail today
Date: 2016-05-10
From: US 501 VA 130

To: Swapping Camp Road
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Began at 7:30 am under extremely humid and foggy conditions, which continued through most of the day. Significant climb to begin from 680 to 2992 feet elevation over 4 miles. Followed by an 800 foot climb up Bluff Mountain over 1.5 miles. The balance of today's hike was fairly level and enjoyable. Passed Ottie Cline Powell Memorial, which marks location in which the body of 4 year old Ottie Cline Powell was found after wandering away from school in 1891 (see picture).Felt good today after a big evening meal and breakfast, I need the calories to remain strong. Again, fortunate to hike with New Dave, Mom and Orbit. Paul, Mom's husband dropped us off and picked us up at trail head. Met Simple Man, Doctor Gary, Quirk and Go. Paul provided a ride into Buena Vista to GO. Another example of AT trail angels helping other hikers. I shared a room at Buena Vista Motel with GO. GO is a retired school superintendent from Georgia, great guy. It looks like Moose and Forrest are close.
Date: 2016-05-11
From: Swapping Camp Road

To: Spy Rock Road
Miles today: 20.1

Started trail this morning at 7:40 am under threatening skies and very humid conditions. It rained for approximately 45 minutes this morning, a slow drizzle. Once again, the day opens with 2700 foot climb up Cole Mountain over 4 miles. Reward was excellent views and large Meadow on top. Fortunately, once I reached summit and Meadows fog burned off and the sun was out. Met Tinker, Slow Hiker and southbound hiker Iceberg on Cole Mountain. Paul, Mom's husband met us at Hog Camp Gap Road with sodas,also ate lunch. The rest of trail was fairly flat but late in day fog rolled in and limited visibility. In fact, it had a spooky feel to it. Spy Rock Road where Paul was to pick us up turned out to be a gated rocky gravel road that was not passable. We started walking down the road and met Paul walking up. The walk down to his truck was approximately 1 mile. We will resume hike tomorrow morning at Spy Rock Road. New Dave took a zero day to visit his family and will rejoin shortly. Again, fortunate to hike with Mom and Orbit, supported by Paul, a.k.a. Super Dad. We ate dinner at Burger King. I had a Whopper meal with large chocolate milk shake, probably 2000 calories.
Date: 2016-05-12
From: Spy Rock Road

To: VA 56 Tye River Bridge
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Later start today, i.e., 11 am. Humid conditions with fog and occasional sun, but not a good day for views. Climbed to Spy Rock, which was used by both Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War, because it offered views of surrounding area and helped determine troop movements in the Shenandoah Valley, which was a strategic area for Confederate supplies. I did not climb to the top, since it was Foggy. Encountered a good size black rat snake lying across the trail (see picture). They are not venomous and I simply stepped over it and hiked on. Climbed to top of Priest Mountain 4063 elevation, but no views as a result of fog. Followed by long descent to Tye River at 970 elevation. Long descentso are tough on my knees. Reunited with Forrest at Tye River Bridge. Forrest, Mom, Orbit, Paul and I spent night at Crabtree Falls Campground. We enjoyed dinner of Hot dogs, zucchini,onions and noodles.
Date: 2016-05-13
From: VA 56 Tye River Bridge

To: Side Trail to Humpback Picnic Area
Miles today: 16.7

Another humid day with sun and threatening pop up afternoon thunderstorms. Started at 7:30 am with climb from 970 to 3959 feet over 6 miles to Three Ridges Mountain. This is the last big climb and highest elevation for some time. It was a very rocky climb and fitting final climb to test our resolve. As normal a tough climb results in outstanding views and this was no exception. After Three Ridges Mountain the trail leveled out and roughly ran parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway and offered views of the Shenandoah Valley. It was great to be reunited with Forrest and hike with him. Paul, a.k.a., Godfather had tent set up at 340 North campground in Waynesboro VA. Outstanding job and Trail support. My daughter, Aubrey drove up from Roanoke VA after work and will hike with us tomorrow. Paul, Mom's, Orbit,Forrest,Aubrey and I had dinner at Mings Garden All You Can Eat Chinese Buffet in Waynesboro VA, a well known AT hiker spot. I had my hiker appetite and did some damage at the buffet, at least 2000 calories consumed.
Date: 2016-05-14
From: Side Trail to Humpback Picnic Area

To: Skyline 99.5 Beagle Gap
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

On trail at 7:30 am and immediately had a pleasant surprise in that New Dave caught up to us and rejoined group. It rained during the night and humidity was much lower with great hiking temperature in the 60'same with filtered sun. Small climb to Humpback Mountain with views of Wintergreen Resort. After that trail leveled out and offered fairly easy hiking. Passed an old Chimney, which is a reminder that at one time the land was someone's home, also a cemetery near by and long stone fence. After 13 miles the AT enters Shenandoah National Park near Afton VA. Kings Popcorn has a stand in Afton VA, just off the AT. I love popcorn and purchased 2 bags of Chicago Mix, it was great. My daughter, Aubrey hiked 13 miles with us today and seemed to throughly enjoy herself. It started to rain as we reached Afton. We waited out the shower to hike and additional 5 miles to Skyline 99.5 Beagle Gap.
Date: 2016-05-15
From: Skyline 99.5 Beagle Gap

To: Brown's Gap
Miles today: 18.2

Coldest day of hiking since March, never got out of the 40'same. It was windy and brisk. We saw a black bear on the side of the road as we were driving to trailhead. It was a fair size cub. My daughter, Aubrey hiked with us the first 7 miles, she keep up and did a great job, proud of her. She developed a toe blister, but pushed through it. Terrain had a few ups and downs, but generally flat.Enjoyed a strong fragrance of wild azaleas as we hiked. Nice view from Blackrock Mountain after climb. Very cold evening, needed to bundle up.
Date: 2016-05-16
From: Brown's Gap

To: Skyline 82.9
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Started day hiking with my puffy jacket with a temperature of 35 degrees and windy. It warmed up nicely, wind died down and the terrain was again fairly easy. So far hiking in SMNP has been a welcome change from climbs and rocky terrain. The AT roughly parallels Skyline Drive,you hear traffic noise from cars and motorcycles during the day.I saw three deer today, who were not afraid and just watched us hike by. Also hiked through area recently impacted by SMNP forest Fire. It retained strong smell of burning wood, but forest floor was already regenerating itself with new growth. Finished day with climb up Hightower Mountain and nice views. Stopped at Wayside restaurant at end of day to get hiker famous Blackberry shake, but their machine was broken. I ordered a pretzel and they were out. I was tired and my sarcastic nature came out. I told the waitress I would order something they would have. I ordered a "pine float" the waitress looked bewildered and asked what it was. I said water and a toothpick, you put it on the menu.
Date: 2016-05-17
From: Skyline 82.9

To: Big Meadow Campground
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: light rain

It rained all day. Not thunderstorms, but a steady drizzle and fog all day. It was the first time I have worn my Marmot Precip jacket all day. Temperature never got out of the forties. It was day my head was down and everyone did not say much and just hiked quickly, in order to stay warm. Again, terrain was conducive to quick hiking. Enjoyed a nice meal in Luray, VA.Finally got a Blackberry milkshake at Big Meadow Wayside, it was outstanding.
Date: 2016-05-18
From: Big Meadow Campground

To: Breahms Gap
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: light rain

May 18Big Meadows Campground - Breahms Gap20.3Cool foggy morning with temperatures all day in the 40's. Started the day with trail magic from a couple from Maryland who rented a campsite next to the AT. Another example of the generosity of individuals associated with the AT. They had donuts and bacon, a great way to start a hike on a cool foggy morning. I made first wrong turn on the AT and walked about .2 miles before I realized it and backtracked. In SMNP the AT is marked by concrete posts with a silver band at the top with directions in small print. There are many other trails in SMNP besides the AT and you have to be alert when you see a concrete marker. I recommend the Potomac AT club, which maintains the AT in SMNP paint a white Blaze on the first tree after concrete marker to avoid confusion. Noticed Bear skat on trail. but no bears siting. This does solve a long standing question, i.e., "Does a bear shit in the woods", Yes. I felt strong hiking today and jogged the last mile. Update on my shoes, my Brooks Cascadia 11, which I switched to in Erwin TN, now have over 600 miles on them and should hold up another 100 miles. Got a surprise when my daughter, Aubrey stopped by on her way home from Richmond and visited along with leaving me two bags of Kings popcornGot word from DC that he has a broken tibia and will need surgery. I think he had a stress fracture for several weeks and with continued hiking it finally broke. I wish him well with his surgery.I have not seen Moose in several weeks, but in reading Shelter journals believe he is one day ahead of me
Date: 2016-05-19
From: Breahms Gap

To: Compton Gap Parking
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

May 19Beahms Gap - Compton Gap Parking19.0Another cool morning with light fog, but fog quickly burned off and it was mostly sunny with temperatures in the 60's, great hiking weather. Started day with 5.5 mile hike to Elkwallow Wayside for breakfast. I got an egg sandwich with bacon and a blackberry milkshake. I need the calories for hiking "fuel". Met three hikers at the Wayside that I had not seen since Tennessee, "Tom" and a brother/sister from Maine. Spoke to them for a few minutes. No bears observed, but did see three different piles of Bear skat today, all appeared fresh. The bears are present, we see them driving on the roadside. Again felt strong hiking. Paul met us at trailhead at end of day with pizza, a nice surprise and dinner.
Date: 2016-05-20
From: Compton Gap Parking

To: Trico Tower Trail
Miles today: 18.3

No black bear sightings so far and just as we started our hike this morning we spotted a good size black bear. I am glad I finally saw a bear on the AT in SMNP. I just looked us over and went about its business eating vegetation. Overall today felt like an episode from Wild Kingdom in that we saw a bear, multiple deer, turkeys, bobcat, grouse, hawk and multiple squirrels. The wildlife was active today! Today was final day hiking group the AT in Shenandoah National Park (SMNP). We completed the 101 AT miles in 5 1/2 days. It is a beautiful park with many trails beside the AT. In addition, Skyline Drive, which runs the length of SMNP offers spectacular views from its many overlooks. It is well worth a visit.Stopped for a break at Jim and Molly Denton Shelter, which has a porch, Adirondack bench, solar shower and horseshoes, a very nice Shelter. Weather was great for hiking with sunny skies and temps in the 60'/70's. Paul surprised us with Cokes and watermelon at our halfway point, which preceded a climb. Greatly appreciated and a boost for afternoon hiking. Spoke to Volunteer Dave, who is planning to get back on trail in early July. He plans to meet me in New York/Connecticut and hike to Mt. Katahdin with me. It will be great to reunite with Volunteer Dave, who I started with on March 9 from Springer Mountain. Felt strong again today and jogged with Forrest the last 1 mile.
Date: 2016-05-21
From: Trico Tower Trail

To: Morgan Mill Road
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: moderate rain

May 20Trico Tower Trail - Morgan Mill Road14.7Today was a heads down and slog it out day. The kind of day in which you must dig deep for mental toughness and remember why you are out here hiking the AT. Rainy, misty, foggy day with oodles of mud and slippery rocks, in which your foot is always sliding around, (see pictures) Temperature was low 50's. Plenty of stream crossings in which you eventually just walk through the water rather than step across slippery rocks. Today marked beginning of AT "roller coaster", a 13.5 mile section of tightly packed ascents and descents,(see pictures) and the final push out of Virginia. Should reach 1000 AT miles tomorrow and reaching Harper's Ferry WV on Monday. Jill plans to visit Monday and Tuesday, looking forward to her visit!
Date: 2016-05-22
From: Morgan Mill Road

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 14.1

May 21Morgan Mill Road - Blackburn AT Center14.1Today was miserable and a repeat of yesterday, i.e., heads down and slog it out day. The kind of day in which you must dig deep for mental toughness and remember why you are out here hiking the AT. The rain today was non stop and heavy at times, relentless. Temperature never got above 50. Trail was full of mud and at times you felt like you were walking in a stream, ooodles of slippery rocks, in which your foot is always sliding around and moving. Plenty of stream crossings in which you eventually just walk through the water rather than step across slippery rocks. Completed the AT "roller coaster", a 13.5 mile section of ascents and descents. This is a tough section with the majority of day walking/dodging rocks/boulders. You must keep your head down, but your feet take a beating stepping on sharp rocks and constantly dodging rocks. Glad to be through this section, it is probably preparation for rocks in northern Pennsylvania. Reached another milestone today, i.e., 1000 AT trail miles. Hard for me to believe I have walked 1000 miles. As tends to happen we were treated to trail magic at Snickers Gap, which was at our half way point. A young couple set up a tarp and had donuts, Cokes and fresh fruit. It was raining and a nice surprise. Again, the generosity of people associated with the AT shines! Ended our day at Blackburn AT Center and will resume hike tomorrow with 12 miles hike into Harper's Ferry WV. Looking forward to seeing Jill tomorrow. Plan to take a zero day Tuesday and resume hike north on Wednesday.
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Miles today: 11.9

May 23Blackburn AT Center - Appalachian Trail Conservancy11.9No rain, hurray! I heard a weather report that Virginia has experienced rain 18 days so far in May, I have experienced it first hand. A relatively short hike into Harper's Ferry WV. Completed my fifth state today when I exited the Commonwealth of Virginia and entered West Virginia. I entered Virginia on April 16 and exited on May 24, completing 554 AT miles in Virginia. Virginia has more AT trail miles than any other state. Visited the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters in Harper's Ferry WV, which is the ceremonial half way point. The actual half way point is near Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Pennsylvania mile 1094.6. They take your picture and keep a permanent record of your hike. When I started March 9 from Springer Mountain GA I was Northbound hiker # 488 at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy on May 23 I am Northbound hiker # 275, shows the attrition rate. Pleased and proud of myself to have reached Harper's Ferry WV. Jill met me this afternoon and will be with me through Tuesday. So happy to see her and spend time together!Met "Toxic Foot" and "Robin" yesterday on the trail for the first time since Georgia. We both started on March 9. They are a young couple from Germany who have a 6 month Visa to hike the AT. Jill and I later met them at a Harper's Ferry restaurant and had a nice conversation about the AT and Germany. Looking to exploring Harper's Ferry on Tuesday and enjoying a zero day
Date: 2016-05-24
From: Appalachian Trail Conservancy

To: Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Miles today: 0.0

May 24Zero Day - Harper's Ferry WVEnjoyed a great meal last night with Jill at 1840 Bistro. I had French toast and beer for dinner, strange combination, but it was great. Outstanding chef at 1840 Bistro. Harper's Ferry is an old historic town with significant Civil War history, well worth a visit. Met the Manns a couple from Brooklyn who were biking, they had many questions about AT and Jill's recent bike trip to Germany. They invited me to contact them when close to New York City.I am applying Permetherin to all my clothing as a tick preventative measure, heading into prime tick country and season. Also getting a haircut, going to outfitter and resupply food. Checking my pack and all contents to eliminate unnecessary weight, slack packing is over for the foreseeable future. Carrying full pack going forward. Weather is also changing, i.e., 80's, but prefer warm weather over cold rainy days.New Dave continued hiking after we visited ATC headquarters. Hope to meet up later on trail. Mom, Orbit and Paul are planning to leave Harper's Ferry WV Wednesday morning. Words cannot express my appreciation for their assistance, especially Paul over the last 2 weeks. Hope the group reunites in the future.Forrest is visiting his sister in DC area and we plan to link up Wednesday morning and head north together. A zero day helps you rejuvenate and in my opinion is necessary periodically. I want to complete miles, but need occasional break from hiking.Changing shoes as I leave Harper's Ferry. My Brooks Cascadia 11's have 700 miles on them. They took me from Erwin TN to Harper's Ferry WV a distance of almost 700 miles. Satisfied with their performance, considering the abuse they take traversing rocks. I will leave Harper's Ferry with a new pair of Brooks Cascadia 11"s, courtesy of Brooks. Thank you Brooks!
Date: 2016-05-25
From: Appalachian Trail Conservancy

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

May 25Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters -Crampton Gap Shelter11 milesAlways a melancholy day when spending time with your family and they return and you hike on. You are not sure the next time you will see them. Jill dropped me off this morning at ATC HQ and Forrest and I headed north toward Maryland. I am almost at the halfway point and determination is strong . I have not hiked in this part of the country and look forward to exploring and learning more about it. Warm sunny day with temperatures in the mid 80's. Just a few days ago we were complaining about rain and cool temperatures. The trail out of Harper's Ferry follows an old canal towpath out of town for several miles and was flat and level. I have been slack packing the last couple of weeks and today I have my full pack, i.e., 30 lbs. and believe me it is an adjustment for my body. As a result we hiked 11 miles today as a way to ease into it. My mileage will increase.Met Wrong Way a SOBO leaving in June. He rode his bike from New Mexico.Met ATC Ridge Runner Kyle at Ed Garvey Memorial Shelter. He confirmed that a hiker was killed at this shelter last year when a tree fell on him as he was leaving the shelter, what a random tragic incident. Met Juice, Peanut Butter, Dimples and Wonderland, all young thru hikers in their twenties staying at same campsite with them.