morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-10-18
From: Laurel Creek Shelter, AT mi 674.3

To: Bailey Gap Shelter, AT mi 659.7
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

Day 19 10/18 ThuFrom: 674.3 Laurel Creek ShelterTo: 659.7 Bailey Gap ShelterStats: AT 674.3 to 659.7, 14.6 mi, up 3704, dn 2972, 8.7%Commentary:Way too cold in hammock last night, despite wearing almost everything I¢m carrying.Clear, cool, not much wind ¢ another perfect hiking day. At Baileys Gap Shelter, stayed in shelter alone (warmer than hammock). Two 18-yr-old SOBO section hikers who were also at Laurel Creek Shelter showed up later and stayed in tents behind shelter.
Date: 2018-10-19
From: Bailey Gap Shelter, AT mi 659.7

To: Rice Field Shelter, AT mi 643.2
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: few clouds

Day 20 10/19 FriFrom: 659.7 Baileys Gap ShelterTo: 643.2 Rice Field ShelterStats: AT 659.7 to 643.2, 16.5 mi, up 3185, dn 3340, 7.5%plus 2 short but steep round trips to springsCommentary:Easy day despite mileage. Mostly good footpath on ridge.Left knee much improved over past couple of days. However, this PM upper inside of right knee started to hurt, very stiff at shelter. Passed site of controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline crossing of AT. Could see giant raw scar across landscape on WV side of mountain.Staying in shelter. Not so cold but rain predicted. Ended up with 3 others in shelter plus one tent out back.
Date: 2018-10-20
From: Rice Field Shelter, AT mi 643.2

To: VA-634, Cross Ave, Pearisburg, AT mi 635.4
Miles today: 7.8

Day 21 10/20 SatFrom: 643.2 Rice Field ShelterTo: 635.4 VA-634 (Cross Ave, Pearisburg VA) to Plaza MotelStats: AT 643.2 to 635.4, 7.8 mi, up 1223, dn 2631, 9.5%plus ~0.2 on VA-634 before rideCommentary:Rained overnight as predicted, loud on tin roof of shelter. Light rain off and on on trail. Got to VA-634, started the 0.7 mi walk to Plaza Motel. Angels Rest Hostel shuttle passed while dropping off SOBO TH and offered me a ride to motel - bingo.Package at motel. Plaza Motel is basic but nice. Did laundry for me for free (will tip!). Rain stopped, view cleared. Had real food (big salad, enchilladas, beer) at nice Mexican restaurant across street from motel. Zero tomorrow to supplement supplies and rest.
Date: 2018-10-21
From: VA-634, Cross Ave, Pearisburg, AT mi 635.4

To: VA-634, Cross Ave, Pearisburg, AT mi 635.4
Miles today: 0.0

A zero at Plaza Motel. Last night in the 30s with high wind warnings, 50 mph+. Would¢ve been tough camping. Finished resupply at Food Lion across the street from the motel. Pack is now super full with 7 days food and additional cold weather clothing. Tuned pack for best ride. Arranged for 8 AM shuttle 1.1 mile back to trail crossing. Thank you Angels Rest Hiker Haven. Ate ¢town food¢.
Date: 2018-10-22
From: VA-634, Cross Ave, Pearisburg, AT mi 635.4

To: Wapiti Shelter AT mi 617.6
Miles today: 17.8

From: 635.4 VA-634, Cross Ave, Pearisburg VA To: 617.6 Wapiti ShelterStats: AT 635.4 to 617.6, 17.8 mi, up 3954, dn 3350, 7.7%Commentary:Got the Angels Rest Hostel shuttle from the motel to the Cross Ave. trail-head, underway at 08:10. A frosty, foggy morning in Pearisburg. Climbed above the fog; near top of climb, Angels Rest view showed entire New River valley fogged in. Original plan was to stop at famous Woods Hole Hostel, 10 AT miles in (+0.5 mi down the road), but got to crossing around 13:00 so hiked on to Wapiti Shelter for the night (17.8 AT miles). Knees felt much better after the zero, despite the distance and pack heavy with 7 days food. Arrived around 16:30. Later one of the two 18-year old section hiker guys I'd been hiking around showed up (we'd been camping at the same shelters since day 18 at Laurel Cr. and they also took a zero in Pearisburg.) His companion had left important stuff behind at a previous shelter and was shuttling back to find it. He did not catch us.
Date: 2018-10-23
From: Wapiti Shelter AT mi 617.6

To: Lickskillet Hollow, VA-608, AT mi 604.3
Miles today: 13.3

Section 1 Day 24 From: 617.6 Wapiti ShelterTo: 604.3 VA-608, Lickskillet HollowStats: AT 617.6 to 604.3, 13.3 mi, up 1642, dn 2020, 5.3%Commentary:Cold last night in shelter, despite addition of "polar-weight" underwear. Left shelter around 08:15. Most of the morning was fast, hiking on fairly level terrain in a deep valley following Dismal Creek. My intended destination was Jenny Knob Shelter, 14.5 mi, or perhaps a campsite beyond there near the VA-611 rd crossing, 17.6 mi. However, when I climbed to the ridge s of VA-606, about 10 mi in, where I had cell service, I had texts from Asta that our cat was seriously deteriorating and had spent the previous entire afternoon and evening at the vet and then pet ER, with another appt. on Thursday 10/25 where a decision to euthanize might likely be made. Examining my options, I could get off the AT at VA-608, Lickskillet Hollow, about 3 miles ahead, and get to the Lickskillet Hostel 0.8 mi. down the road, where I could arrange a hiker shuttle to a one-way rental car pickup to get home tomorrow.The Lickskillet Hostel owner, trail name Mongo, is a terrific guy, with a really neat, clean, well-organized and equipped hostel in a former small church. I called him at the VA-608 crossing for a bunk. He picked me up there and offered to shuttle me to a car pickup location tomorrow morning. By evening, there were maybe eight of us, including some slack-packers Mongo was shuttling.I reserved over the phone an Enterprise rental car for pickup in Wytheville, VA, 23 mi from the hostel, and arranged the shuttle with Mongo. The end of this section of the AT for me. When I get back on the trail, I'll be better equipped for cold weather. (Warmer quilt, higher R-value mattress, tent instead of a hammock.)Postscripts:1) The next morning the Wytheville Enterprise office called and informed me they did NOT have a car available. A thru-hiker at the hostel said he'd seen this happen 2 or 3 other times to fellow hikers; the small rental car offices near the AT generally don't have that much available, but the national reservation desk is oblivious. It took more than an hour and several phone calls to change the reservation to Bluefield, WV, a similar distance from the hostel but in the wrong direction from Baltimore.2) Our cat is still ticking after the 10/25 vet appointment, with some additional meds and therapies.
Date: 2019-01-02
From: Swift Run Gap, VA, AT mi 908.5

To: Bearfence Mtn Hut, AT mi 917.5
Miles today: 9.0

Day 26, Day 1 of Section 3; 01/02/19 Wed From: 908.5 Swift Run Gap, VA, left 08:00To: 917.5 Bearfence Mtn Hut, arr. 12:30Stats:AT 908.5 to 917.5, 9.1 mi, up 2227, dn 1374, 7.5%With trail to hut, 9.4 mi, up 2227, dn 1498, 7.5%Commentary:Asta dropped me off at 08:00 and went N on Skyline to her own hike. 30s all day, overcast, foggy on peaks, no rain. First pitch of tent went well. Saw only 1 dayhiker with barking German Shepherds on split leash. Rain predicted overnight.
Date: 2019-01-03
From: Bearfence Mtn Hut, AT mi 917.5

To: Rock Spring Hut, AT mi 929.0
Miles today: 11.5

Day 27, Day 2 of Section 3; 01/03/19 ThuFrom: 917.5 Bearfence Mtn Hut, left 07:30To: 929.0 Rock Spring Hut, arr. 13:30Stats:AT 917.5 to 929.0, 11.5 mi, up 2153, dn 1870, 6.7%With sidetrails to huts and trip to spring, 11.8 mi, up 2274, dn 2007, 6.8%Commentary:Plenty warm overnight with tent and new winter sleep system. Used the new heavy bag liner: hard to get in and out of, and then to get in and out of the secured quilt. No rain overnight (that I noticed). Overcast all day, 30s, no fog, no rain. Saw a couple of dayhikers. Staying in shelter. Sharp corner of forth toenail drew blood on third toe, I trimmed the nail. Spring was a bit of a hike downhill Another hiker arrived well after dark, around 18:30, using a headlamp and accompanied by a string of f-bombs. I suspect he may have gotten off the steep access trail and tangled in the extensive revegetation netting near the shelter hiking by headlamp. I never did see him or talk to him other than a howdy when he shined his light into the shelter. From there on he was pretty quiet and used his red light. He slept in shelter as well.
Date: 2019-01-04
From: Rock Spring Hut, AT mi 929.0

To: Pass Mtn Hut, AT mi 944.3
Miles today: 15.3

Day 28, Day 3 of Section 3; 01/04/19 FriFrom: 929.0 Rock Spring Hut, left 07:20To: 944.3 Pass Mtn Hut, arr 15:20Stats:AT 929.0 to 944.3, 15.3 mi, up 2908, dn 3625, 8.1%With side trails to huts, 15.7 mi, up 3028, dn 3727, 8.2%Commentary:Shelter mate stayed in bed while I got up, ate and packed. Did not talk.Plan was to stop either at Byrds Nest #3 hut at 939.9, or depending on how I felt and the time, continue to Pass Mtn.30s & 40s, overcast all day. Stopped at Byrds Nest #3 ~12:45 to Leukotape left big toe, then continued ~13:00. Started to rain lightly ~14:00 on descent from Marys Rock. Passed a couple of dayhikers on their way up. Stayed in shelter. After dark, very thick fog & drizzly. Headlamp nearly useless, a white curtain.
Date: 2019-01-05
From: Pass Mtn Hut, AT mi 944.3

To: Gravel Springs Hut, AT mi 957.4
Miles today: 13.1

Day 29, Day 4 of Section 3; 01/05/19 Sat From: 944.3 Pass Mtn Hut, left ~07:45To: 957.4 Gravel Springs Hut, arr. ~14:30Stats:AT 944.3 to 957.4, 13.1 mi, up 2616, dn 2774, 7.8%With side trails to huts, 13.6 mi, up 2715, dn 2868, 7.8%Commentary:Foggy and rain all night. Started day with rain jacket over puffy and rain pants. Puffy stowed soon after start. Rain tapered off and sun briefly visible thru fog. Cold/frozen rain started ~11:30. Very windy. Fog off and on, in layers at various altitudes. Sun came out and rain stopped but high winds continued. Rain gear worked great: stopped rain and wind, breathed well, not too hot or steamy.
Date: 2019-01-06
From: Gravel Springs Hut, AT mi 957.4

To: US-522 at Mtn Home Cabbin hostel, AT mi 971.1
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 30, Day 5 of Section 3; 01/06/19 SunFrom: 957.4 Gravel Springs HutTo: 971.1 US-522 at Mtn Home Cabbin hostelStats:AT 957.4 to 971.1, 13.7 mi, up 2085, dn 3738, 8.0%plus shelter access trailCommentary:Weather clear all day, 30s and 40s. Zillions of day hikers from Compton Peak on. Large party at Tom Floyd shelter as I passed around noon.Mountain Home Cabbin hostel is super nice, almost B&B level, with superb hosts Scott & Lisa. See everyone's Guthook comments. Discovered hole in pants pocket when changing for laundry -- I'm lucky I didn't lose my knife. As planned, Asta drove from home with supplies (and spare pants). We drove into Front Royal and had a great dinner at the Blue Wing Frog. One other person, a dayhiker, stayed at hostel.
Date: 2019-01-07
From: US-522 at Mtn Home Cabbin hostel, AT mi 971.1

To: Whiskey Hollow Shelter , AT mi 986.0
Miles today: 14.9

Day 31, Day 6 of Section 3; 01/07/19 MonFrom: 971.1 US-522 at Mtn Home Cabbin hostel, left ~07:40To: 986.0* Whiskey Hollow Shelter, arr. ~ 15:15.Stats*:AT 971.1 to 986.0, 14.9 mi, up 3187, dn 2784, 7.6%plus access trail to shelter* = Whiskey Hollow Shelter access trail recently moved N on AT, but 2018 AWOL & Guthook still show old trail; I am using their out-of-date trailhead milepost for these statsCommentary:Late start. Lingered over great hot breakfast, talking with hosts Scott and Lisa, then a bit with fellow lodger looking for suggestions for hikes in SNP N district. 30s-low 40s, overcast. Tiring day. Plan was to either stop at Manassas Gap Shelter (~10 miles) or continue to Whiskey Hollow shelter depending on tiredness and time. Arrived at Manassas Gap Shelter tired but in time to continue. By Manassas Gap shelter, the hard climbs are done, so decided to continue. In particular, the climb from I-66 at Manassas Gap to the shelter of that name has a staircase profile: flattish sections alternating with usually short but steep climbs, sort of interval training.Whiskey Hollow Shelter is new, large and impressive. A brand-new ADA-compliant (!?) moldering privy is nearby. The new access trail is not shown in Guthook or AWOL. Old trail is still there but unmarked, the old 4x4 signpost is lying on the ground. It looks like maintainers blocked the start with limbs, but someone has moved them. The new trail uses a fire road north and uphill from the old trail and the creek. The fire road parallels the creek, but well uphill. It is deeply gullied (2 ft) in parts.Whiskey Hollow Shelter has no bear box. A bear pole is ~200 yds downhill at the older Dicks Dome shelter, which is falling apart. Decided to hang food over high beam in new shelter rather than face the round trip in the cold and dark in the morning. I was alone at shelter, as usual.
Date: 2019-01-08
From: Whiskey Hollow Shelter , AT mi 986.0

To: Sam Moore Shelter, AT mi 1001.3
Miles today: 15.3

Day 32, Day 7 of Section 3; 01/08/19 Tue From: 986.0 Whiskey Hollow Shelter To: 1001.3 Sam Moore Shelter Stats:AT 986.0 to 1001.3, 15.3 mi, up 3397, dn 3860, 9.0%plus side trails to sheltersCommentary:Rained a bit overnight. Rain froze on ramp of privy, slippery. By 13:00, temps in 50s, maybe 60. Hiked in tee shirt, including the first miles of the "Roller Coaster". Later, rained and cooled off, so those miles slippery, particularly on downhills.I had my first fall of the trip, at about mi 990.5. I slipped on a two-board boardwalk over mud pits at the very bottom of Ashby Gap, before the US-50 crossing. My butt (and pack) landed square on the boards which gave a bit and I bounced. My left hand landed in mud up to my wrist, requiring some cleanup time.
Date: 2019-01-09
From: Sam Moore Shelter, AT mi 1001.3

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter, AT mi 1015.5
Miles today: 14.2

Day 33, Day 8 of Section 3; 01/09/19 WedFrom: 1001.3 Sam Moore ShelterTo: 1015.5 David Lesser Memorial Shelter, arr 15:30Stats:AT 1001.3 to 1015.5, 14.2 mi, up 3424, dn 2899, 8.4%,with access trails to shelters and round trip to spring, 14.8 mi, up 3592, dn 3191, 8.7%Commentary:30s, overcast. Snow showers, increasing winds, and cooling in afternoon, dusting trail, myself, and pack. Got to shelter about 3:30; after unpacking some, and cleaning off snow, etc., I headed down the 1/4 mile to the spring, filtered two liters, and returned. By then it was 16:30 with the light fading. My headlamp was failing: I wasn't sure if it was the battery or the cold. I could warm it up and it seemed okay for a minute or so until it cooled off, then it dimmed. It was too dark to attempt a battery change. I skipped my normal dinner in favor of Clif and OSM bars and beef jerky. Fortunately, I had some light from the valley floor visible through the trees, enabling me to set up my sleep system in the shelter and to change into warmer clothes. Without good light and with cold numbing fingers, finding stuff in the dark was tough.
Date: 2019-01-10
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter, AT mi 1015.5

To: Trail to ATC HQ, Harpers Ferry, WV, AT mi 1024.2
Miles today: 8.7

Day 34, Day 9 (the end) of Section 3; 01/10/19 ThuFrom: 1015.5 David Lesser Memorial ShelterTo: 1024.2 Trail to ATC HQ, Harpers Ferry, WVStats:AT 1015.5 to 1024.2, 8.7 mi, up 887, dn 1868, 6.1%with access trails, 8.9 mi, up 1034, dn 1891, 6.2%Commentary:Cold and windy overnight, maybe 20 deg. Water bottle not in quilt partially froze. Sleep system without liner worked, but was reaching limit.Packed up and ate bars by light from valley floor and increasing light near dawn. Started hike with lightweight Capilene bottoms under pants and rain pants; polar weight sweater over normal stuff and under puffy; with balaclava, knit beanie, and puffy hood on head; and thicker gloves plus pole mitts on hands. Later, removed sweater. Unzipped and shed layers on head and hands when hot, back on when cold.Arrived at ATC HQ before noon. Got picture taken for yearbook, and hang tag issued. Asta arrived around 13:00 to pick me up.Lessons learned in this section:1) Bag liner too much trouble to use. (Will try wearing polar weight bottoms instead.) Even without liner, cold weather sleep system works, keeps me warm enough to at least 20 deg.2) Problem with headlamp was mostly weak battery, exacerbated by cold (determined using freezer at home). Change battery when symptoms first appear.3) Need to find way to keep fingers and hands warm when I need bare fingers to do camp tasks (like unpacking/packing pack).4) Balaclava is warm and versatile.5) In January, short day lengths limit how far I can hike each day.
Date: 2019-01-28
From: Trail to ATC HQ, Harpers Ferry, WV, AT mi 1024.2

To: Weverton Parking, AT mi 1029.0
Miles today: 4.1

Day 35, Day 1 of Section 4; 01/28/19 Mon Using 2019 AWOL AT mileposts:From: 1024.9 Trail to ATC HQ & Visitors Center, Harpers Ferry, WVTo: 1029.0 Weverton Rd Pkg, MD StatisticsAT 1024.9 to 1029.0, 4.1 mi, up 234, dn 334, 2.7%Total out and back, 8.2 mi, up 568, dn 568, 2.7%Section 4 is a series of out & back dayhikes.Parked at Weverton Rd lot, SOBO to ATC HQ trail, then NOBO return, with full pack including 5 days food. Added BV500 bear canister to pack, removed bear bag kit & sleeping bag liner. Worked OK, but reaching weight limit of my pack.
Date: 2019-02-03
From: Weverton Parking, AT mi 1029.0

To: Gapland Rd, AT mi 1035.5
Miles today: 6.5

Day 36, Day 2 of Section 4; 02/03/19 Sun From: 1029.0 Weverton Parking, MDTo: 1035.5 Gapland Rd, MDStatistics:AT 1029.0 to 1035.5, 6.5 mi, up 1385, dn 810, 6.2% Total out & back: 13.4 mi, up 2195, dn 2195, 6.2%Commentary:Out & back dayhike from Weverton parking lot NOBO to Gapland Rd (Gathland State Park, Crampton Gap) and return. Same full pack as day 35. At start ~25 deg, icy and snowy sections. By end, ~50 deg, lots of melting & slush. Wore Microspikes for most of the hike. Refilled water at Gathland SP frost-free spigot. Lots of dayhikers end-to-end.
Date: 2019-02-05
From: Gapland Rd, AT mi 1035.5

To: Reno Monument Rd, AT mi 1041.9
Miles today: 6.4

Day 37, Day 3 of Section 4; 02/05/19 Tue From: 1035.5 Gapland Rd, MDTo: 1041.9 Reno Monument Rd, MDStats:AT 1035.5 to 1041.9, 6.4 mi, up 1146, dn 1018, 6.4%Total out & back: 12.8 mi, up 2164, dn 2164, 6.4%Commentary:Out & back dayhike from Gapland Rd (Gathland State Park, Crampton Gap) to Reno Monument Rd (Fox Gap). and return. Same full pack as day 35. At start ~40 deg, icy and snowy sections. By end, ~65 deg. Lots of mud, a few icy spots, frozen ground. Down to tee-shirt for SOBO return. Did not refill water; did round trip on 700ml, but could have used more.
Date: 2019-02-27
From: Reno Monument Rd, AT mi 1041.9

To: N end of I-70 footbridge, AT mi 1047.7
Miles today: 5.8

Day 38, Day 4 of Section 4; 02/27/19 WedFrom: 1041.9 Reno Monument Rd, MDTo: 1047.7 N end of I-70 footbridgeStatistics:AT 1041.9 to 1047.7, 5.8 mi, up 1159, dn 1013, 6.9%Total out & back: 12.0 mi, up 2172, dn 2172, 6.9%Commentary:I originally attempted this hike on Thursday 2/14, starting at Reno Monument Rd. However, an ice storm had knocked down enough branches and trees to render the trail impassible just N of the start, so I took a picture of the trail conditions and aborted. I forwarded the picture to PATC and volunteered to help with the cleanup. On President's day (Mon. 2/18), I joined a PATC crew and worked the day with the overseer of the AT from Turner's Gap, US-40A (AT mi 1043.0) n to the Washington Monument (AT mi 1044.9), clearing downed trees and vegetation end-to-end along his section. Weather and off-trail life delayed my hike further.Today, I parked at Turner's Gap, went SOBO to Reno Monument Rd, then NOBO (including the section I helped clear) to the N end, then SOBO back to Turner's Gap. I took a day pack instead of my full pack. Weather started clear, mid 20's, trail frozen with some snow & ice on the northern slopes. Passed no one. By end, trail was thawing a bit in sunny areas, temps in mid 30s. A wind storm on Mon 2/25 had taken down more trees and branches, but nothing too bad.
Date: 2019-03-12
From: N end of I-70 footbridge, AT mi 1047.7

To: Pogo Campsite, AT mi 1051.6
Miles today: 3.9

Day 39, Day 5 of Section 4; 03/12/19 TueFrom: 1047.7 N end of I-70 footbridgeTo: 1051.6 Pogo CampsiteStatistics:AT 1047.7 to 1051.6, 3.9 mi, up 685, dn 384, 5.2%Total out & back: 7.8 mi, up 1069, dn 1069, 5.2%Commentary:Hiked out and back with Asta. Parked in newish US-40 AT lot. Cold, low 20s at start to mid 30s in early afternoon. On outward segment, muddy spots were frozen; on return, some mud. N exposures mostly ice covered all day. Used light pack again today. Met 2 section hikers at different points, one slack packing; the other spent a cccold night in Pine Knob shelter, having started a couple of days ago in Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2019-03-23
From: Pogo Campsite, AT mi 1051.6

To: Wolfsville Rd, AT mi 1056.4
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 40, Day 6 of Section 4; 03/23/19 SatFrom: 1051.6 Pogo CampsiteTo: 1056.4 Wolfsville RdStatistics:AT 1051.6 to 1056.4, 4.5 mi, up 740, dn 556, 5.5% Total out & back: 9.0 mi, up 1296, dn 1296, 5.5%Commentary:Parked at Wolfsville Rd AT parking area. Hiked with Asta. Out-and-back to Pogo Campsite, then return NOBO. Light pack again today. Weather clear, windy; 20s at start, maybe 40 by end. No snow or ice, but treadway frozen in morning, thawing in afternoon. No blowdowns despite wind. Many backpackers and day-hikers along trail.
Date: 2019-03-26
From: Wolfsville Rd, AT mi 1056.4

To: Raven Rock Shelter, AT mi 1061.5
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: broken clouds

Day 41, Day 7 of Section 4; 03/26/19 TueFrom: 1056.4 Wolfsville RdTo: 1061.5 Raven Rock Shelter trail junctionStatistics:AT 1056.4 to 1061.5, 5.1 mi, up 1302, dn 992, 8.5%Total out & back: 10.2 mi, up 2294, dn 2294, 8.5%Commentary:Parked at Wolfsville Rd AT parking area. Hiked alone. Out-and-back, NOBO to AT junction with trail to Raven Rock Shelter, then return SOBO. Full winter pack, 30 lbs with 5 days food & 700 ml water (not counting puffy, gloves, or beanie). Weather clear; uppers 20s at start, maybe 40 by end. No snow or ice. Treadway very muddy in spots (ankle deep just S of MD-77). First hike with Altra Timp 1.5s, worked well. Two blow-downs N of MD-77. Little Antetam creek was a calf-deep ford. On SOBO return, passed 3 people day-hiking.
Date: 2019-03-28
From: Raven Rock Shelter, AT mi 1061.5

To: Pen Mar County Park, MD, AT mi 1066.1
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 42, Day 8 of Section 4; 03/28/19 Thu From: 1061.5 Raven Rock ShelterTo: 1066.1 Pen Mar County Park, MDStatistics:AT 1061.5 to 1066.1, 4.6 mi, up 556, dn 920, 6.1% Total out & back: 9.2 mi, up 1476, dn 1476, 6.1%Commentary:Parked at Pen Mar parking area. Hiked alone. Out-and-back, SOBO to AT junction with trail to Raven Rock Shelter, then return NOBO. Full winter pack. Weather clear; ~30 at start, ~45 by end. No snow or ice. Rocky sections have improved blazes, easier to navigate than prior hikes of this route. On NOBO return, passed several groups of backpackers traversing MD SOBO, and MD Mountain Club trail maintainers, one with a power washer for graffiti.End of Section 4. Plan to resume full-time hike on Sunday, 3/31/19
Date: 2019-03-31
From: Pen Mar County Park, MD, AT mi 1066.1

To: Quarry Gap Shelters, AT mi 1086.9
Miles today: 20.8

Day 43, Day 1 of Section 5; 3/31 SunFrom: 1066.1 Pen Mar ParkTo: 1086.9 Quarry Gap SheltersStatistics:AT 20.8 mi, up 3554, dn 3368 6.3% plus side trip to park officeCommentary:Left Pen Mar ~0830 as rain ended. Temps fell during day . Cold & windy at end of day, maybe 40. Plan was to stay at Tumbling Run Shelters, 8.6 mi, or Rocky Mountain Shelters, 15.2 mi. Reached Tumbling Run at ~1200, too early, and Rocky Mtn Shelters ~1510, but did not relish the 0.5 mi. steeply downhill for water. Decided on Caledonia State Park, 3.4 miles farther. Park office is about 0.5 from AT, but a flat walk. Office closed at 1600, I got there 1630. Anyway, way expensive, not really for backpackers. So backtracked to the AT and pressed on 2.2 mi further to Quarry Gap Shelters. Arr 1745. Felt remarkably good, tired but not exhausted, no aches or pains. Shared shelters with two thru hikers, one a German who started in GA 2/2 and will reach the halfway point within 2 months. The other a flip flopper who started in Harpers Ferry and is moving slowly, getting his trail legs. Well below freezing overnight, in morning some ice in water left out.