morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-06-11
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today I really knew I had hiked over twenty miles. The day did not start out the best for me. I was packed and ready to hike back up the highway a half mile to the AT. Looked around...no hiking poles! I remember having them, but they were not in my room. The only thing I could piece together was they were in the room next door. When I arrived yesterday, they gave me room #214, but it smelled so much of smoke.  I was given the room next to it #215. I sure thought I'd moved my poles. I tried knocking on 214's door, but no answer. I don't blame them at 6:00 am. The office wasn't open, but the manager said none had been turned in.  Decided to just go on.  I could call later. When I started up the AT, not ten feet, there by the trail someone had left a hiking stick. It was smooth and just my size. I'd been wondering what it would be like to hike with just one pole? I'd seen hikers using only one wooden staff. Guess I'll find out. After one day, I kind of like hiking with one. It allows you a free hand...mainly to swat insects. I never could call to see if my poles turned up Today was a smoother than normal trail. It was well graded. I'm sure this helped to make the longer miles. The temperature was definitely cooler in the morning, and I was helped with a light breeze. The afternoon turned hot again. I only saw one other section hiker going SOBO. Late afternoon, met Gutsie. She was another section hiker going north.  She had thru-hiked the AT and parts of the Pacific Coast trail. The forest looks different here in the Shenandoah. It was once farmed, logged and mined.  Several blights have killed off species of trees. The chestnuts were first to go, decimated in the early 20th century. Now the majestic hemlock are dying because of an imported woolly adelgid. What I noticed most in several areas was the defoliation of the white oaks caused by the gypsy moth. In some places they say it may be lessening.  I was sorry to hear that the dogwoods, once so prevalent here have been killed by a fungus. The biggest natural forces to effect this area are rain, wind and hurricanes. June is the month that the Mountain Laurel are in bloom. I love walking through patches of them with their sweet fragrance. The blooms remind me of ladies in hooped skirts. When I arrived at the shelter, there were three boys from Cecil county, Maryland. They were into building a fire. It's been a while since I've seen a fire. Thru-hikers rarely take the time.  A whippoorwill is calling and I'm tired. Fly right, Ravon
Date: 2008-06-12
From: Blackrock Hut

To: A stealth camp near Simmon
Miles today: 17.6

Thought I was only going to do 13.2 miles today to the next shelter Pinefield Hut. I left at 7:00 while the others were still asleep. My focus was to head to Loft Mountain Campground  This is the first of a series of public facilities along Skyline Drive. They have some grill type restaurants and are noted for their blackberry milk shakes. I was really looking forward to something other than trail food. Met up with Gutsie who had started a little before me. We were both headed to the camp store for some re-supply. She decided to join me for lunch at the Wayside Grill.  We decided it would be easier to take a camp path that parallel the AT. I had a ham and cheese sub with a blackberry shake.  What a taste treat. Saw several deer. They would stand on the trail and just look at me...definitely tamer than an average deer. Finally, they would lift their long white tails and jump effortlessly into the woods.  Headed off to the Pinefield Shelter in the heat. When I arrived at 2:30, Baltimore Jack was sitting at the picnic table reading The New York Times. He is one of the old timers out here on the trail. He is also one of the organizers and cooks at the annual hiker¢s feed. I'd seen him about a week ago at Hog Mountain Gap. He had gotten a shuttle and may or may not hike. Gutsie and I decided to hike a few more miles. I started out, but wasn't feeling very energetic.  I wasn't sure where we would camp.  The woods in the Shenandoah are not very easy to tent in because of all the under brush. Saw a symbol for view point on the map. I headed towards it hoping for a small flat spot. What a perfect spot. As I was setting up my tent, two deer just walked by. I made some coffee and sat on some over hanging rocks that looked down into the valley below. Gutsie showed up shortly and tented nearby. As I ate dinner, the moon became visible. A light breeze was blowing. It was going to be a good night for sleeping. The extra miles today will make it an easier day tomorrow to where I will meet Louisa (Her trail name is Chicken Little.)  Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-06-13
From: A stealth camp near Simmon

To: Lewis Campground Cabins
Miles today: 14.1

The wind blew all night making for some very nice sleeping weather. I would probably do more stealth camping if I had a partner. It's a lot more peaceful. It was an early rise for me. I watched the sunrise about 6:30. The haze has moved in again making the sun a red ball. It was going to be hot and humid. It was only about 3.5 miles to High Top Shelter. The shelters are old built in the 30's and 40's, but well cared after. Most of the walls are field stone or old timbers. Gutsie and I did not stay long because the gnats were biting. Filled my water bottle and was hiking again. Arrived at Swift Gap at 10:30. Wasn't sure where the Visitor Center was, so I walked up the road about a mile. After asking a driver, we pieced together that there was no Center, only a toll entrance. I had cell phone coverage there, but not at the entrance station. I was beginning to wish I had worked out a plan B. Not to worry, Lynn, Chicken Little's husband found me. It sure was good to see them and their pet cockatiel, Bird. We decided because of the heat and the fact that I had walked extra miles, we would go three miles into the park and get organized at South River Camp. Said good bye to Lynn. Chicken Little and I had a nice five mile walk to the Lewis Camp ground cabins. The highlight of the trip was when I passed the painted 900 miles on a tree. For Chicken Little, it was the five foot black snake she almost stepped on. We did see several deer. One was tame enough to hold still for a photo. The cabins are old historically, but rustic and charming. There was an outside cooking table and fire pit. Chicken Little had brought the dinner...avocado and mangos for an appetizer, salmon, asparagus and baked potatoes we grilled for the main course. The marshmallows got wet, so we split a chocolate bar. It was a fabulous meal made even better because I had a sister who shared it. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-06-14
From: Lewis Campground Cabins

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 7.8

Chicken Little and I had a great breakfast...left over potatoes, asparagus, sweet onions sauteed in my cook pot with bacon. She had brought already packaged bacon. The cold salmon we put on bread with cream cheese. This was topped off with coffee made with my gold filter. Sure beats pop tarts and cold cereal! Not sure why every bear in the neighborhood didn't show up with all the good smells?There was a good breeze and it didn't seem as hot when we started our hike at 8:30. The Bear fence Mountain Hut was only a short distance. I wanted to show her what the shelter looked like. It was only .1 tenth of a mile off the trail, but down a very steep hill. At one time, I'm sure it had a fence across the front of the shelter. Now all the shelters in the Shenandoahs have bear poles where you hang your food bags. The shelter was made of field stone and like a typical shelter. The climb back up the trail was a haul. The forest had changed to a more open feel with lots of huge ferns. Saw several deer, squirrels and chipmunks, but no bears. Had the luxury of a real orange for a snack. Thought about stopping for a lunch until we heard thunder. It was not near, but the skies had darkened. Time to pick up the pace. Sure enough, 2.4 miles to go and the thunder was much closer. Time to really pick up the pace. It was a relief when we saw the back of the lodge. We were running for the front door just as the rain became a down pour. We could not get to our room. The Ravon and Chicken Little were giving each other high fives. We celebrated with a cup of coffee and a raspberry coconut bar as we and others looked at the downpour. Big Meadows is an old historical lodge built of large timbers on top of a mountain. It has a great room set up with puzzles, rocking chairs, comfy chairs, games and large picture windows overlooking a meadow. Today the view outside was of rain, fog and sleet. At the gift shop, I was able to find my grand daughter birthday gifts. As I was about to pay, the electricity went out. When I asked Jean, the sale lady, "does this happen often?" She replied yes and it lasted three days just last week. Chicken Little and I decided we'd better go get a cocktail before the ice melted. That afternoon Jeff Alt who wrote, Walking With Sunshine, was giving a lecture. It was the story of his thru hike and dedicated to his brother who had Ceralbapulsy (?). It was a slide show. He talked of many of the same experiences that I had, but it was inspirational what lies ahead. Chicken Little and I had a wonderful meal in a large dining room. Not sure if the electricity returned or whether they were on a generator. It was a day to remember. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-06-15
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Skyland Lodge
Miles today: 9.0

Due to our all out sprint up the mountain to escape yesterday¢s storm, Chicken Little decided that fifteen miles in two days was enough. She was able to get a shuttle to Skyland Lodge. In many ways, it was probably a good plan. After the two or three inches of rain, the trail was showing signs of heavy run-off water. It was also way more rocky than the previous days. The rocks were still slippery with green moss and the roots were slick from being wet. I decided to go ahead and walk the miles, but slack pack. It sure makes a difference in the speed. I was able to make the distance in two hours and forty minutes. I could not do that with a pack. Chicken Little couldn't believe that I arrived almost the same time as her. It was a clear cloudless day. We spent the afternoon sitting on our balcony looking out onto the tree tops and a beautiful view. This is a treat for a thru hiker. We talked. I worked on my next weeks schedule and she read the paper. Dinner was also very good. To get to the dining room, you had to walk up a very steep path through the woods. As the sun was setting, Chicken Little wanted a photo from our balcony. We'd ordered dessert, a blackberry cream pie. I was afraid she would miss the sunset. I told her to go on and get the picture. I would bring the dessert. When I found her, she was on the path very excited. A mother bear with two cubs was gathering tourists. She had just treed the cubs. Another older bear, probably a yearling was further down the path. It was between us, mom and our room. We didn't want to force the older bear off, but here I was with dessert (bear bait). As soon as the bear stepped off the path, I decided we should hurry on by. It was a thrill that Chicken Little got to see the bears. It has been a great three days sharing even a small part of this adventure on the Appalachian Trail with Chicken Little. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-06-16
From: Skyland Lodge

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: few clouds

Breakfast was a must. Ate lots of carbs...waffles, strawberries, syrup, sausage and lots of coffee. It was time to say good bye to Chicken Little. I loved sharing life out here. She was able to see some of the hikers I knew, see some wildlife and feel the spirit of the trail. The trail turned more rocky once I left Skyland. It went through a beautifully manicured picnic area, Pinnacle, no one was in sight. Had a peanut butter sandwich at a day use only shelter, Bird's Nest #3. The sandwich was part of a box lunch I had gotten from Skyland. I'm hoping to resupply at the next camp store. I took one blue blaze trail up to Mary's Rock. The granite rock out crop over looked a long flat valley dotted with homes and farms. Heard later a hiker was up there as the full moon was rising on one side and the sun was setting on the other side In between there was a thunder storm. I was down in the rain Thornton Gap is another entrance into the park. There was suppose to be a restaurant here, but none in sight. There went that fantasy of an ice cold coke. I did take a photo of a sign pointing the way to Washington, D.C.The shelter Pass Mountain was not far. When I arrived Pacs a Lot and Buckeye were there. I'd seem them yesterday. It was good to see Pacs A Lot back on the trail. This was another old shelter, but with a special feature...the kissing tree. These are two trees that had grown together and really looked like a couple kissing. As I was ready to get in the bag, the rain was pouring. In came a mother with her four girls. All were very wet. Her trail name was mother hen. They were hiking the state of Virginia. What a wonderful way for a family to get to know each other. It sure is fun to hear why people are out here hiking. Fly Right,Ravon
Date: 2008-06-17
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Springs Shelter
Miles today: 10.7

Got up early trying to get on the trail and beat the confusion of lots of people cooking, etc. There was also another incentive. Seven point four miles up the trail there was the Elk Wallow Wayside. This was the last chance to get a blackberry milk shake and grill food. Depending on what type of supplies they had would determine whether I needed to go into Front Royal. I would prefer not to have the hassle of getting a taxi or shuttle. When I arrived at the grill, I thought the guy outside with a backpack was someone I knew. One look at the groceries made me realize I couldn't get enough good food unless you like pop tarts for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Turns out Mr. Underhill, the hiker outside was a trail angel. He was getting off the trail and had just received a mail drop. He said come take whatever I wanted.   There were four dinners made by Enertia Trail Foods...light weight, cook in a pouch and one serving each. He also had a small jar of peanut butter and real fruit jam as well as powdered drinks. These were all the foods the store didn't have. I was able to round out my food with snack bars, crackers and oatmeal. I was all set for four days and could keep on hiking. Thank you Mr. Underhill! After yesterdays rain, a cold front came through. The humidity was lower and the temperature too. Wow what a difference. That afternoon the trail went up Hogback Mountain. It was beautiful with ferns carpeting the forest floor. The trees were spread apart and the sun made a dappled pattern. It was one of the prettiest sections of hiking so far. At the top of hogback, there was a launch site for hang gliders. Would have been impressive to see, but no gliders today. When I arrived at the Gravel Springs Shelter, there was a boy scout troop #797. They had six adults and eight scouts. All were very curious about a thru hiker and had lots of questions to ask. They were fun spirited and even asked me to have dinner with them. I declined as I needed to reduce my pack weight. Tried the Enertia garlic noodles. Not sure, but I think I like the Mary Jane Farms better...the noodles anyway. It was a good day of hiking Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-06-18
From: Gravel Springs Shelter

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I was thinking of an early start. When you have scheduled only ten miles, there really was no need. It got cold enough I was glad to have my sleeping bag. Hard to believe it was 90 degrees just several days ago. It was cool enough that I started hiking in my long sleeve shirt. The trail passed several nice rock out crops with nice views of the Alleghany Mountains. I wanted to sit and enjoy a breakfast, but the wind made it too uncomfortable to just sit. I was due to leave the Shenandoah today. As a parting gift, I came almost nose to nose with a bear. As I reached to get my camera, he dashed into the woods. They can really move when they want. I didn't see lots of bears in the park, but enough to make it exciting. Had lunch of peanut butter and black cherry jam on crackers. This was on top of Compton Peak. I got to the Tom Floyd Wayside at 1:30. This is very early to stop, but I don't have to be in Harpers Ferry until the 23rd. Might as well consider this as a nero day. This is the first shelter I've seen built on a steep hill. There were tenting sites, but spread out and way down a steep hill. I knew troop 797 was coming here. I decided to stay in the shelter and let the young kids run up and down the hill. They showed up about 3:15 and spread into the tenting spots. After that, about every hour, more and more thru hikers showed up. I hadn't seen but a few all week. Only one was able to get a tent spot. The rest ended up in the shelter with me. We had six in a row and one across the bottom. Did I mention it began to rain...more like it poured. About half the hikers made it before the rain, the rest came in soaking wet. Three people set up tents on the balcony. It was a crazy scene with lots of laughs. I only knew one couple Sunny and Cher. The rest were new...two guys sectional hiking SOBO, Double D who I met at Bryant Shelter, two sisters Oatmeal and Bone Girl, Ula Rue and his girl friend Slayer. There was an older couple Chaco and Toe Socks. They decided not to stay, but went on to Front Royal. I am not sure where they would have slept. They had super light weight gear and were hiking in toe socks and Tevas. It would have been interesting to talk to them about their gear. Talk was all about food and Front Royal where all except me were headed tomorrow. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-06-19
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

I slept pretty well considering we were doing the sardine thing. Surprisingly no one was a loud snorer. Decided this was a hot breakfast morning. Since the weather turned hot usually it is just a bar or granola. Everyone else was headed to town...no early departures. It was mostly down hill all the way to highway 522. As I crossed the road, Bone Girl, Oatmeal, and Slayer were on the side of the road hitching. The guys were watching on the other side. If I had people to hitch with, I might try it sometime. Later heard they all got a ride in a pick up truck. It was mostly an up hill day...first over High Knob at 2388 feet then a no name mountain. This is where Manassas Gap Shelter was located. I stopped at the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter for lunch. Wow¢¦ sure wish I could have stayed here. It was a new one built in 1986 with great features...privy, separate roofed cooking area, a nice fireplace, wooden sofa bench on the deck, double sleeping platforms, nearby spring and a shower. I tried the water, but it would have been a cold shower. It looked like rain so I moved on. Wildlife I saw were three deer, and another black snake. That was until I got to the Manassas Gap Shelter. This is a circa 1940 log timbered shelter with white chinking. I arrived at 3:00. Right on cue it rained at 3:15, but maybe only a shower. I was all prepared to sleep in the shelter until I looked up above my head and sleeping bag. There were two black snakes all curled up taking a nap! You can bet that there were no mice in this shelter. Still I really did not want a black snake trying to get in my bag to stay warm. I decided to move to my tent, which I set up next to the shelter. As soon as I ate dinner, it began to rain and time for sleep. There was one other thru hiker...DD which stand for deranged and dangerous. He is a reader and not as his name suggests, but very nice. He also chose not to stay in the shelter, but tented a short ways up the trail. It was another great day. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-06-20
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I didn't rush to get an early start. Fixed coffee and oatmeal. Replaced the water in my camel. It really needs a cleaning, but will wait and do a better job in Harpers Ferry. It wasn't as cool as yesterday. I was hiking in the Richard Thompson Wildlife Management area. Not sure what this meant until I stopped suddenly seeing two guys wearing hunters orange and carrying a gun. Decided it was a dad and son and it looked like a shotgun. Asked what they were hunting. They said,"It¢s the last day of squirrel season." He had one in a plastic bag. So that¢s what all the shooting was. They were from Falls Church, VA. They seemed friendly so I wasn't too concerned. Then down the trail I met another single hunter except this one had a serious rifle with a sight. So now I know what wildlife management was all about. My legs couldn't walk fast enough to get out of the area. I'm sure I broke my five mile record! The trail did not feel friendly. I took a breath at the Sky Meadow State Park...no hunting sign. Took time to have a snack. Met some other hikers sitting on a bench. They offered me cheese and crackers. Shortly afterwards the trail went across open mowed fields. It felt much better. Crossed US 50, a busy highway, and entered a mature poplar tree forest. These trees have blossoms that look some what like a tulip. They must have been over 150 feet tall. There were also laid up rock fences along several stretches. The twenty-seven miles between Manassas and Snickers Gap follows what was from 1863 to 65 the western boundary of Mosby's Confederacy. This area was his base of operations. I could imagine confederate soldiers behind the stone walls. Rod Hollow Shelter unfortunately has lost its cooking pavilion. The roof is there, but it¢s on the ground. Looks like rain again so I am in the shelter after dinner. Well no rain. Decided to put up the tent again and sleep in it. I want a very early start for the hills called the "Roller Coaster" tomorrow. Fly right, Ravon
Date: 2008-06-21
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

Today will be remembered for the hiking of the Roller Coaster. This is a series of eight large hills that a trail boss decided to create a challange for hikers. Actually after you've been through Georgia, its hard to come up with a tougher trail. It did help to start the ride at 6:00 when it was cooler. By 10:30, it was getting hot and harder. The last hill today was up to the Bear's Den Hostel. This is truly a unique place run by Hopeful and Red Wing and their little girl, hikelet. It is a stone lodge complete with turrets built in 1933 as a private home. In 1985, it was converted into a hiker hostel. Upstairs has a kitchen open to all, dining room and a large great room with a fire place. There are over forty bunks with separate women¢s and men's rooms. Downstairs is coed bunks, laundry and the hiker hang out. Today the summer solstice was a traditional hike naked day. Thank goodness no one chose to do so. It was Slayer's birthday and Bone Lady, Ulla Rue and Oatmeal made her a cake. We all sang to her. The hiker special was for $25.00. You get a bunk, shower, laundry, pizza, coke and a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream (your choice of flavor)! It was fun meeting lots of new folks as well as seeing friendly faces. Tomorrow it is out of Virginia! Fly right, Ravon