morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-21
From: Catawba Mtn Shelter

To: Howard Johnson Express Daleville VA
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

The four of us at the shelter decided we would get up at 5:00, leave around 5:30 and hike up the 1.5 miles to McAfee Knob for sunrise. We also decided we would try for Daleville tonight, beat the rain, and share a room for the night. We left on time and hiked in the dark by headlamp up the relatively smooth trail. We arrived in time for sunrise but the clouds did not cooperate. It was still a beautiful time to be on top of McAfee with the great view. We took our pics and left on this much cooler morning. You could tell it was found to be a beautiful day. The next 4 miles were smooth as we sailed along until the climb up to Tinker Cliffs. It was a little challenging and the rocks began again. The cliffs were great as it wound between some huge boulders with great views of the valley below. A mile down from the cliffs we took a break at the Lambert's Meadow Shelter for an early lunch. It was before 10:00 and there was no doubt in my mind I was heading to town. After a quick lunch it was nice trail for a mile along some nice camping areas. Then the rocks began again and never quit until we were a mile out of town. It was great to be in town early, be done the rocks for a few days, get real food and clean again. Can't believe we covered over 40 miles in 2 days going from planned arrival of Saturday to Thursday over some beautiful but rough areas mostly to beat the rain. Tonight I am with Goose, Johnny Appleseed and Mango.
Date: 2011-04-22
From: Howard Johnson Express Daleville VA

To: Howard Johnson Express Daleville VA
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: moderate rain

I was down for breakfast before 7:00 even though today was a planned zero. I just had to do something. After taking my time and talking with other hikers I was off down the road to the Kroger store for resupply. Bought the next five days food before hitting the coffee shop. After relaxing with a coffee I hit the outfitter to pick up a few things and then headed back to the hotel to repackage my food and wash clothes. It was a full day of just going over equipment, resupply and cleaning up. Goose's fiancee Brittany can to meet him so she brought a pair of hair shears with her. While they were out to dinner, I borrowed the shears and did a not too terrible job at giving myself a well needed haircut. It certainly will feel great without all that hair especially now that it is getting warmer. A lot accomplished. The other thing that made for a nice day was that it began raining around noon and I was set in a hotel room. It was a week of beating the rain. Maybe my weather luck is changing. Many hikers in town. One Grey Wolf is meeting his wife, Red Riding Hood, Mango, Johnny Appleseed, Jelly Pants, White Wolf and many others I have not met.
Date: 2011-04-23
From: Howard Johnson Express Daleville VA

To: Howard Johnson Express Daleville VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a day of rest. Went down to Kroger to pick up a roasted chicken for lunch and the outfitter to get a Platypus bottle that was leaking replaced. My bottle was probably 10 years old but since it recently spun a leak and is warranted it was replaced for nothing. I like equipment manufacturers who stand behind their products. I spent the rest of the day cleaning some equipment, catching up journals and talking to family. Goose and his fiancee drove me and Prescott to an Italian restaurant for dinner. It was a nice day of rest, relaxation and visiting with friends and family in person and through phone calls. Out of town tomorrow morning.
Date: 2011-04-24
From: Howard Johnson Express Daleville VA

To: 2 miles past Bobblets
Miles today: 20.0

We left the hotel around 7:30 and walked across the street to the trail. It was a nice walk through grassy fields, some of which had cows wandering about dropping presents for hikers. It was a level walk for first 2 miles before a 1200' 2 mile climb up Fullhardt Knob. The climb was steady but not bad at all. The shelter was .1 up the trail but I was getting lazy and didn't go up. I took a short break for a snack down a mile. It was a beautiful day with a great breeze until around noon when the sun started warming things up. There were a few little humps that crossed a number of creeks before coming to Wilson Creek. The creek runs through a stone shoot that ends in a large pool that would be great for swimming. Took lunch at the shelter .7 mile up. I was thoroughly beat and dihydrated. I actually planned on staying but after eating and drinking plenty of water I felt much better. We waited over an hour to make sure we felt like hiking, not wanting to add another day to our schedule. We hiked on with the help of a nice breeze and had no real trouble making it to Bobblets Gap Shelter by around 6:30. We didn't go up to the shelter since we figured it was already full. So we hiked another 2 miles, put up our tents and called it a night.
Date: 2011-04-25
From: 2 miles past Bobblets

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Was up with the birds, although the Wipperwills never went to sleep last night. We started hiking around 6:30 with a slight 1 mile drop into Bearwallow Gap, followed by the anticipated climb of 500'. The next few miles were level before dropping the 900' into the Cove Mtn Shelter. We stopped for a quick break before continuing on. It was fairly level before dropping over 1200' over next 2 miles to Jennings Creek. The next 3 miles included a 1000' climb and 1000' drop which brings you to the Bryant Ridge Shelter. After a good lunch it was time for the 2300' climb up Mt Floyd over 4 miles. It was not terrible but in the hot afternoon the sun made it's presence felt. It was a great feeling to be up this mountain with less than a mile to the shelter, and it was only 2:30. This is my kind of day. I was tired when I got to the shelter but after resting a while I felt great. I went down to the water, filled my containers, went further downstream and rinsed myself with my salt covered shirt. After a few rinses we were both much cleaner. With the nice breeze the shirt was dry in a little over an hour. Hopefully the breeze will make sleeping a little cooler than last night. Time will tell.
Date: 2011-04-26
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: light rain

We were up at 5:15 this morning and on the trail a little before 6:00 in anticipation of a long day. It was cool but extremely humid and foggy. The fog reduced visibility to almost zero at times. When climbing or exerting any energy you would sweat to the point of feeling soaked even before 7:00. There was a cool breeze but that only brought down the drops of moisture from the trees but did not help dry anything. My shoes were wet from the grass along the trail and my glasses were covered with the mist. I moved right up Apple Orchard Mtn but was not even able to make out the FAA tower against the foggy surroundings. However we did take a few pics at the Guillotine where you walk under a large suspended rock. After that it was a bunch of 400 and 500' ups and downs. We made great time over some rocky sections as the sky started to clear around noon time. I was starting to really run down since we were trying to push to Matt's Creek Shelter before taking lunch. We finally got to the shelter at 1:45, got water and had a well deserved lunch after 17 miles. We left in half an hour with hopes of doing our final 4 miles before the now clouding sky let loose. We got about 2 miles to the James River Bridge when my recent luck ran out. It was a full blown thunderstorm. I hid under the train tracks which pass over the trail near the river. Unfortunately there were slates in the cover and it rained through. I stood there for about 15 minute until the sun came out. I took of the rain cost and headed quickly uphill for 1.9 miles to the John's Hollow Shelter. It stormed again within 10 minutes of my arrival and has been off and on thunderstorms all night so far. Normally I try to be in camp before 3:30 and beat most thunderstorms. Today's came early and got me. Tomorrow we will play the game again. I will leave early and try to beat the predicted storms. I have only about 18 miles tomorrow instead of 21+. We will see.
Date: 2011-04-27
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: US 60 Buena Vista VA
Miles today: 20.7

Goose and I were up at 5:00 and on the trail by 5:40 am after a night of many storms and a forecast of the same for today. It was another day of heavy fog and dripping trees. We had a 2000' climb over 3 miles that was difficult at times and rocky in places. The final 700' up Big Rocky Row was the hardest since it went up over a lot of rock in about half a mile. The trees continued to drop water which required a raincoat causing some sweating. The next couple miles were level and great walking. It brought us to Saltlog Gap, which is the start of the final big climb of the day up Bluff Mountain. We were on top off Bluff by 9:15 and pretty tired but feeling glad that the major work for the day is behind us. Another 1.5 miles downhill and we were @ Punchbowl Shelter for a quick early lunch and water. I had checked the weather and it was showing nothing but showers and thunderstorms for the rest of the day. However it did start to clear up after we crossed the Blue Ridge Pky and walked across to Rice Mtn. It started to rain again off and on so I decided that I was going to push on 2.4 miles to US 60 and get into town to dry out and beat tomorrow's rain. While I had a signal I made arrangements for a ride into town this afternoon. That meant I still have 8 miles left but the hardest 11+ done and it is only 11:30. The raincoat finally came off and the trail was fairly smooth down Rice Mtn, across Peddler Dam and up to Swapping Camp Creek. There was a little bump for about a mile and them you began the walk along Brown Mtn Creek on way to shelter. It was a real nice area that would be enjoyed most good weather days. But I was really getting hungry and just wanted to get to the road, to town and hotel. I was at the road by 3:00 meeting up with our ride to town we had prearranged. It was great after getting to the hotel in Buena Vista just beating the storms. After arriving the tv channels kept breaking in with tornado warning for all the local communities. Fortunately we only saw heavy rain and thunderstorms. Happy to have decided to do a couple of miles more and come into town.
Date: 2011-04-29
From: US 60 Buena Vista VA

To: Dutch Haus Montabello VA 
Miles today: 16.1

Made arrangements for an early ride back to the trail. It started out with a 2000' climb up to Bald Knob. We were moving fast since we had an extra days rest. There were a couple of 500' ups and downs over the next 6 miles that seemed to fly by. At 10:30 we were at Salt Log Gap with 9 miles in. The trail was much smoother and before we knew it we were at the Seeley Woodworth Shelter at 12:30. I called the Dutch Haus and Lois picked us up at the Fish Hatchery parking lot about 2:00. On getting to the Dutch Haus I got a shower and relax a while with other hikers before a great lasagna diner. Before you know it was time to go to bed. Tomorrow is a 20 mile slack pack from Reeds Gap back for another night.
Date: 2011-04-30
From: Dutch Haus Montabello VA 

To: Reed's Gap
Miles today: 20.0

We were up around 6:30 and the coffee was ready for everyone there. Lois and Earl had a hardy breakfast ready by 7:00 and as everyone finished we were shuttled out to Reed's Gap for the start of our 20 mile slackpack back to the Dutch Haus. It was only around 40 degrees, one of the coolest mornings in recent memory. I wore a long sleeve shirt over my short sleeve shirt with a fleece liner on top. The 3 of us hiking began around 8:00 with a little climb that dropped into Maupin Field Shelter after about 1.5 miles. I met Hermes there whose sister Crash hiked last year with a friend of mine, Silver. Always great to meet someone who knows people you know. After the shelter, the trail climbs over the Three Ridges for 2.5 miles before descending 3000' over the next 6 miles to the Tye River. I had removed the fleece on the climb but the long sleeve shirt remained on until I reached the river. The sun was out and by noon it was getting to be a perfect temperature. There is also nothing like hiking with a pack that weighs less than 10 pounds. Just as every trail that comes.down it must go back up. So over the next 4.5 miles the trail climbs the same 3000' you just came down. The first 3 miles are not too bad. The grade was nice and the footpath is good. Once at the nice rock overlook the trail became rocky and more steep. I was getting tired and needed to get up to the Priest shelter for lunch. I finally got there around 2:00, had lunch, picked up water and was on my way. The final 4.5 miles had a few minor climbs that seemed a little more trying since they were near the end of the day. Once up Spy Rock we called to arrange a ride from the parking lot down Fish Hatchery Rd. In another hour we were back at the Dutch Haus, had showers, turned in our dirty clothes for washing, and waited a short while for dinner.
Date: 2011-05-01
From: Reed's Gap

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

Slept like a log at Dutch Haus. Breakfast was ready at 7:00 with it's combination of French toast, egg burrito, fruit and muffins. Great way to start the day. After goodbye Earl drove John, Goose and me back to Reed's Gap to continue north. The first 4 miles were a mild climb of only a few hundred feet. It was not a hard climb but extremely rocky. The morning was cool which helped make the hiking nice. Unfortunately the clouds started to roll in quickly as we climbed Humpback Mountain. Over the next 6 miles we thought at many times that we were in the clouds, reducing visibility to near zero. No views from Humpback. As we got to the top it started raining just enough to bring out the pack cover and raincoat. The remaining 2.5 miles were downhill with nice switchbacks. You could hear the Mill Creek from a mile above as you wound your way down to the Paul Wolfe Shelter. It was another early day arriving around 1:30. It drizzled on and off for a couple of hours then cleared somewhat. We took the opportunity to hunt down some wood and have a nice campfire. Everyone sat around eating dinner while enjoying the campfire from the table on the shelter deck. The day came to a close as it became dark quickly with the sound of the creek as a background for sleep.
Date: 2011-05-02
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Everyone was hyped for our journey into Waynesboro. We were all up by 6:00 even though we knew we had a shuttle into town at 9:15. It was only 5.0 miles to the road but we were all hiking by 6:30. This morning turned out to be beautiful. It was a very calm, dry and clear morning. There were a few minor climbs but nothing that required much work. We rolled along and just enjoyed our walk. I tool a few pics and just took my time. Even walking as slowly as I thought, we were at the road by 8:30. We had prearranged a ride into town with one of the local trail angels at 9:15. We were at the Quality Inn by 9:45. After check-in we dropped our packs and walked the 4 blocks to Weasie's for breakfast. We finally waddled our way out of the restaurant and headed to the Kroger for resupply. We dropped off our goods and I headed back out with my hiking shoes to the shoe repair shop. I noticed yesterday that I had blown out both inside corners on my shoes over the last few days. I have 2 pair broken in at home but didn't figure I would need them until around Pennsylvania. After leaving here I really won't be near anywhere to get one of those pair until I get to Bear's Den in another 10 days. I figured I would try to get them repaired until I can have a newer pair sent. Graham's Shoe Repair glued them and they look good. I will know if it works in a few days. Hoping for the best. The highlight was dinner at the Ming Tree Chinese Restaurant. There $10.95 ayce buffet is certainly a hiker favorite. I got my moneys worth on the first trip. It is all quality food, seafood, sushi, salads, and deserts. It is truly a do not miss experience. Again we had trouble walking out but it was good that we had 4 blocks to walk since it gave time for all the food to settle. Overall an excellent day.
Date: 2011-05-03
From: Waynesboro VA

To: Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is a zero day. We planned to just take it easy and relax. The plan was to sleep in but, just like every other morning, when the birds start to sing I am awake. We both were down for breakfast at 7:30. We came back and caught up on the news then went to the Post Office to mail off my 30 degree bag on the way to the library. We spent a couple of hours at the library catching up on everything then returned in time for lunch. We actually just rested and napped the afternoon away. We decided to visit the Ming Tree Restaurant again since the meal is unbeatable. Before you know it the day was over. Everything was packed and ready to go by the time we hit the sack. Ready to get back to work.
Date: 2011-05-04
From: Waynesboro VA

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

We could hear the rain throughout the night. It continued this morning and was the reason we had made arrangements to return to the trail after 10:00. The weatherman was right and the rain stopped by 8:30. Our ride back arrived around 10:30 and we stopped at the outfitter to pick up a fuel canister. We were back at the trail around 11:30, filled out our park permits and were on our way. The trail in the park rolls along well graded trails even though there are some rocky areas. We only did 7 miles since we started late but have a daily plan for the park. We had a nice fire as others arrived. Tonight will test the limits of my sleeping bag. I just got the 45 degree bag after roasting every night for a week and a cold front comes through. I will probably have all my clothes on tonight just to keep warm since they have frost warnings out.
Date: 2011-05-05
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night was so cold I just froze all night. I had on almost everything I have with me and it wasn't enough to keep me warm. The 45 degree bag wasn't even close in providing warmth in this unexpected cold spell. Everyone was up at 5:15 and getting breakfast. Many retreated to their warm bags to eat. I just got everything together, had a few quick things to eat and began hiking around 6:00 to keep warm. Luckily I still had my winter wool cap and gloves because they both were my saviours today. I wore my long pants with shortsleeve and long sleeve shirts with my fleece jacket, gloves and wool cap until almost 11:00. The trail was well graded all day. The weather, although very cold, was great for hiking. It was sunny and clear with a mild breeze. My feet were a little sore by the time we got to Blackrock Hut.
Date: 2011-05-06
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: broken clouds

I slept much better last night but was still cold at times. Again I wore all my clothes to bed and they worked well for most of the night. I think I will put my tent next to me so if I get cold I can pull it over me like a blanket. Another few days and it should warm up to normal. We had many dear wondering the area when we woke up. They just walked away but never ran away. We left at 5:45 just as it got light. We were up on Blackrock Mtn just as the sun came up. It was a beautiful start to the day. The next 4 miles sailed along on relatively level trail before you slowly climb around Loft Mtn campground. By this time I was able to get down to my shorts and t-shirt. We had 10 miles in by 10:00. We were hoping to make good time but the perfect weather helped us move along nicely. We didn't even stop at the Pinefield Hut but walked another .5 mile and found a nice place for lunch. One big up and down into Powell Gap was followed by a slow up over the next mile to Smith Roach Gap. We only had .8 mile to the shelter turnoff but it was hell at the end of the day. My energy level was almost on zero after running low on snacks. I got to the shelter around 2:00 and was happy to have 21.4 miles in on a great day. The spring at Hilltop Hut is like a gushing hydrant. The clouds started rolling in around 4:00 and it was storming within a half an hour. Luckily the storm did not last long so we ate dinner and had a nice fire.
Date: 2011-05-07
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 11.5

Another cold night. I know in another week I'll probably be complaining about the heat but a few degrees warmer at night would make a big difference. Again we were on the trail by 5:50. Again we started the day with a 500' climb up Hilltop Mtn which produced no view so we missed what looked like an interesting sunrise. We rolled over the top and began coming down about 1200' over the next 3 miles until we crossed US 33 in Swift Run Gap. We warmed up enough to get down to my longsleeve shirt and shorts after the next 1.5 miles went up about 900'. This was a nice walk which came down a few hundred feet over the next mile before a well graded 800' climb up Bald Mtn. There was no views along the trail today. After a little down we hopped over a bump or two and we were at the Lewis Mtn Campground before 11:00 for resupply. I treated myself to a soda and some chips while deciding on what I needed for the next couple of days. We sat around for awhile at the store when Lotus, a thruhiker from 2009, stopped by to talk and give us a bag of pretzels. Nice! Jellypants waited for his father who was driving down from New Hampshire. We then walked the remaining .7 mile to Bearfence Hut for the night. We started a fire early since we had bought hotdogs and buns to cook for dinner. Jellypants and his dad arrived in time for hotdogs and buns. Another hiker from 2009 stopped by at the shelter and brought in everything he needed to cook spaghetti for 5 thruhikers. Thank you Winging It. Around 8:00 Eric, a friend of Goose, stopped by with 2 pizzas and some drinks. It may have rained on and off all evening but it sure was a great night of food, friends and family.
Date: 2011-05-08
From: Bearfence Hut

To: Cardinal Inn Luray VA
Miles today: 21.3

Again we were up and on the trail by 5:45. It began raining at 5:47. We were moving ok but felt full from the night before. What a night of trail majic. It continued to rain and we continued to walk. It was a pretty smooth walk with no views other than wet trail. When it gets wet you start to realize that it is you that stinks. The rainwear just concentrates the aromas. We then hatched the idea of going the added 3 miles to Thornton Gap and get into Luray for the night. It wound up that Winging It gave us a ride into town. It felt like such a long time since we were in Waynesboro and had a shower. We hit the Mexican restaurant, resupplied and made some phone calls. The weather had cleared by evening and looks great for the next 4 days. Jellypants and his dad, Phil, also came into Luray after doing their section hike together. Phil offered to slack pack us tomorrow. Nice! Off to bed.