morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-21
From: US 21/52 ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Bland, VA

To: VA 606
Miles today: 18.6

I really didn¢t get much sleep again as my neighbors were up until 1:00 am partying, and then I woke up at the usual 5:00 am. I tried to go back to sleep but gave up around 6:00 when I saw that was not going to happen. So I packed up and walked into town to get breakfast and then I hitched a ride back up the mountain to where I had left off yesterday. On the road walk that followed I met up with Critter¢s Daddy who I had not seen in a while, and once the trail turned back into the woods we played leapfrog most of the morning. It was a rather uneventful day as the trail followed a ridgeline most of the time, but, nonetheless, it was a gorgeous day to be hiking. I met Circuit Rider and Sherlock at Jerry Knob Shelter, and he suggested going on to VA 606 road crossing to get pizza and stay in the campground for the night. The extra calories sounded like a real good idea for me, so I set off to do just that. After a little confusion, and the lack of signs, at the VA 606 road crossing I missed the turnoff, and it took me about 0.75 miles before I realized my mistake and turned back. I made it to the campground about 7:00 to find Circuit Rider and Sherlock there with their tents already set up. Critter¢s Daddy came in a little later, and we walked back to the convenience store, where I ordered a really good pizza to eat.   I didn¢t have any trouble eating the entire thing, and shortly after that I was in my tent for the night.Total Ascent:        3,880'Total Descent:        4,660'
Date: 2007-05-22
From: VA 606

To: DocÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

The skies were grey in the morning and everything was wet from the heavy dew we had overnight. After taking the time to eat a warm breakfast, I packed up and followed VA 606 back to the trail crossing. The first eight miles of the day were about as flat a stretch of trail we have had on the entire trip so far. Yet, I was surprised to find there was 1,100 feet of elevation gain embedded in the countless very short ups and downs. When I arrived at Wapiti Shelter I took the time to cook a good lunch since I had extra food and fuel. Somehow I knew the easy trail I had been following was not going to last very long, and, sure enough, shortly after getting back on the trail the flatness came to an abrupt halt. From the shelter there was a 1,300¢ climb to gain the ridge and once on top the rocks reappeared. During the rest of the afternoon there was only one more major descent and ascent before making it to Doc¢s Knob Shelter, where I decided to stay for the night. Also at the shelter when I arrived was Cohoto, who had taken a nasty spill on the trail. She was obviously dazed by the fall, and it looked as though she could have broken her nose. Also among those spending the night were Critter¢s Daddy, Uno Mainiac, his son, and some section hikers.Total Ascent:        3,530'Total Descent:        2,140'
Date: 2007-05-23
From: DocÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Knob Shelter

To: US 460 - Shumate Bridge
Miles today: 8.7

There was a lot of fog when we got up in the morning, and the dampness made it feel a little cooler than normal. I was in no rush to leave the shelter because it was going to be a very short day going into town. So I took my time to eat a warm breakfast and chatted with the others as they ate breakfast too. The day on the trail was rather uneventful, just some short ascents mixed in with the very long descent into Pearisburg. When I got to the Shumate Bridge I followed the road toward town to find someplace to eat. I hadn¢t gone far when I spotted Willie Goat and Trail Dancer being shuttled back to the trail by, what turned out to be a real trail angel. After dropping the two of them off he came back to pick me up, drove me to the Holy Family Church Hostel to drop off my pack, and then back to the Pizza Hut so I could pig out on the ayce buffet. He told me that he finished his thru-hike last year and this year drove from New York to Pearisburg for the weekend to shuttle thru-hikers around town. What an angel!I spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and taking care of the usual chores you have when in town. Also among those coming in later were Uno Maniac, his son, and Lewis.Total Ascent:        1,700'Total Descent:        3,600'
Date: 2007-05-25
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I spent the day cleaning up all my gear and getting groceries for the next leg of my trip. I¢ll meet up with Sarah, who is driving in for the holiday weekend, later in the evening. It¢s been a really warm day so I¢m not too disappointed about this time off from the trail.
Date: 2007-05-26
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Sarah was kind enough to drive me to Blacksburg, VA today to buy a new sleeping pad. I fooled around with trying to repair my old one yesterday but found out there were more holes in it. I think I have learned the hard way that if you are going to use an inflatable sleeping pad on the wooden shelter floors you also need to put some type of protection, like your ground cloth, under it to help reduce the risk of punctures.
Date: 2007-05-27
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sarah and I drove to Catawba today and day hiked up to Dragon¢s Tooth. It was another very warm day, and, even though it felt really strange to be hiking without my pack, I was glad to be free from its burden. It¢s been nice to have this short vacation from the trail because it has allowed me to fully recover from being sick in Atkins. I just hope it is a little cooler up in the mountains than it has been here in Pearisburg over these past few days.
Date: 2007-05-28
From: US 460 - Shumate Bridge

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I was a little late getting out of Pearisburg in the morning and didn¢t get back on the trail until 9:15. That¢s really not too bad of a time to leave, especially when you want to get that one last good meal before going back into the woods. Of course there is always that long uphill climb to dread when leaving town, and coming out of Pearisburg was no exception. After making the long climb to regain the ridge, the views from the meadow next to Rice Gap Shelter were outstanding on this very warm, grey and overcast day. I stopped to take a nice lunch break there but opted to spend my time in the shade by the shelter. Later in the day I passed a note someone had left warning of a big rattlesnake in the area. Well, it was nice of someone to leave such a warning, but there was no date on it to let you know whether it was today or a week ago. Not long after passing the note I did pass a rather large black rat snake on the trail, but it just slithered on by without incident. Late in the afternoon, I made it to the Pine Swamp Branch Shelter, where I decided to stay for the night. There was already a crowd at the shelter and it had been damaged by a large fallen limb. Rather than risk having the thing collapse on me during the night I opted to tent for the night, which worked out well because, after being off the last four days, I was tired from this long hot day on the trail. After getting water and eating dinner during the last little bit of daylight, I was in my sleeping bag for the night.Total Ascent:        4,310'Total Descent:        3,350'
Date: 2007-05-29
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

I got on the trail early this morning because I wanted to cover at least 18 miles during the day. The trail followed Stony Creek for about the first 2 miles, and then I had to make the first ford of the entire trip. Usually there is a footbridge there, but it was washed out by a hurricane in 2004 and is in the process of being rebuilt. As I waded through the water it was still a little cold, but it felt oh so good on my feet. After making the ford and taking a short break, there was a long climb up to Wind Rock. Once there I took a nice long break enjoying the outstanding views on this warm and sunny day. From Wind Rock the descent to War Spur Shelter was spectacular with the flowering bushes lining the trail, and once there I took a short break to prepare myself for the climb back up to Rocky Gap. On the long uphill climb I ran into Skip, who I had not seen since leaving Erwin, TN. Just before reaching the road crossing by Rock Gap we found some much needed, and very much appreciated, trail magic. I quickly downed two cans of soda, and it gave me a much needed energy boost to help finish the last climb of the day. On the descent to Laurel Creek Shelter I began to hear thunder rumbling in the distance so I picked up my pace to beat the rain to the shelter. Skip came in just a little while after I did, and we had an enjoyable evening catching up on our adventures.Total Ascent:        5,100'Total Descent:        4,730'
Date: 2007-05-30
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: few clouds

I was up early again because I had another big day planned. It was a beautiful morning and the trail traveled through some gorgeous farm fields early in the day. I stopped at Niday Shelter for lunch and to get more water as the day was turning out to be a very warm one. As I made the descent from the shelter I found some trail magic near a road crossing. It was beginning to rain and thunder so I quickly downed two cans of soda. Being a little nervous about the closeness of the lightning strikes, I decided to take it slow and stay just short of the ridge unless the thunder and lightning quit. Fortunately, it did quit just as I was nearing the crest of the ridge. I even passed one hiker who had decided to throw up her tent just short of the ridge and wait out the storm. Once on the ridge I stopped to see Audie Murphy¢s monument. It was near the site where he died in 1971 when his plane crashed in the mountains. Just shortly before crossing VA 620 I ran into Iceman, his brother, Buttercup, and Shiver who were setting up camp. I almost stayed with them, but I wanted to get one more climb out of the way and make it to Pickle Branch Shelter for the night. It didn¢t take much longer to get there, and when I arrived Courtney and Way, two section hikers, were also there for the night.Total Ascent:        5,340'Total Descent:        6,170'
Date: 2007-05-31
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: haze

The first thing I did in the morning was to wash up. I walked the quarter mile downhill to the stream, and even though the water was cold I managed clean up on this very warm and humid morning. I felt really alive after doing that. After eating breakfast I began the long climb up to Dragon¢s Tooth. Early in the morning I ran into Iceman, Buttercup, Matt and Shiver, and as I was about to the top of Cove Mountain I almost stepped on a copperhead. I jumped back about 3¢ just as I was about to step on top of it as it was resting between two rocks. I waited there to warn the rest of the gang and let everyone get a good look at it. We were only a short distance from Dragon¢s Tooth, and, when we got there, Iceman climbed on up to the top. I decided to move on since I was there only a few days earlier. I followed the long rocky descent from Dragon¢s Tooth down to the VA 624 road crossing, where I walked to a convenience store for lunch and to pick up enough supplies to last until Daleville. It was getting very hot and humid, and as I made my way up and across another ridge it began to rain, hail and lightning. I was a little nervous about the lightning, but I had also begun my descent from the ridge. I picked up my pace, and, by the time I reached VA 311, the rain turned into a real downpour. Just as I was crossing the highway lightning struck the electrical lines on the other side of the street right in front of me. I was real hesitant about going any further but decided to continue on to John¢s Spring Shelter since it was only another mile away. When I got there a dayhiker was waiting out the storm, and we talked until the rain had almost ended. I continued my climb up and over McAfee Knob and down to Campbell Shelter for the night. It looks like this will be my first night alone in a shelter. I think everyone else went to the Homeplace in Catawba for dinner tonight.Total Ascent:        5,720'Total Descent:        4,940'
Date: 2007-06-01
From: Campbell Shelter

To: US 220/VA 816 - Daleville, VA
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: few clouds

How great it was to have the shelter all to myself because I slept the best I have on the entire trip. It was warm and partly cloudy in the morning, and I back on the trail about 7:30 am. About 0.5 miles before reaching Brickey¢s Gap I saw a mother bear and cub about 30 yards down the trail. At first the mother just stood there and stared at me. I made some noise, and still it just stood there looking at me. I raised my trekking poles above my head, seeing that, the mother bear and cub scampered on down the ridge. When I got to Tinker Cliffs I took my time walking along the rocky cliffs and really enjoyed the view. This is one area I would like to return to spend more time one day. I stopped at Lamberts Meadow Shelter for lunch where I talked with Benjoli, Church Mouse, and Byte Code. The remainder of the day followed a series of ridges with steep descents and steep ascents between them. It also got very warm in the afternoon and my pace slowed down considerably. I eventually rolled into Daleville and got a room at the Howard Johnson Express for the night. It had gotten so warm and humid in the afternoon that I was really happy to be in the air conditioned room. I spent the evening doing the usual town chores and risk my life walking along the very busy US 220 to get to an ayce buffet for dinner. The buffet was really good. In fact, it was too good because I ate plate after plate of food until I almost vomited. Oh well, all is well that ends well.Total Ascent:        3,050'Total Descent:        4,170'
Date: 2007-06-02
From: US 220/VA 816 - Daleville, VA

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up early in the morning and had the continental breakfast before leaving the motel. I could tell it was going to be another hot day because it was already very warm, humid and overcast. After making the usual long climb out of town I stopped at the Full Hart Knob Shelter for a mid morning break. There I met Justin and Sarah who I had been following for some time. From the shelter the trail was fairly well graded and it didn¢t take long to make it to Wilson Creek Shelter, where I stopped to eat lunch and rest. Aside from the trail crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway twice at overlooks, the rest of the day was uneventful. I finally stopped at Bobblet¢s Gap Shelter for the night, and many others came in shortly afterwards. Among those there for the night were April Showers, Montreal, Chuck Norris, and Tigger.Total Ascent:        4,500'Total Descent:        3,740'
Date: 2007-06-03
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: moderate rain

I woke up to the sound of rain in the morning, and, evidently, Tropical Storm Berry was moving into the area a little earlier than expected. I delayed leaving the shelter until 9:00 am hoping that the rain would end, but that did not happen. The trail to Cove Mountain was very well graded, so I made good time to the Cove Mountain Shelter where I took a break. The rain picked up in intensity as I left the shelter and made the 1,000¢ climb up and over Fork Mountain to Bryant Ridge Shelter. I ate a late lunch there and talked with Cohota, who was chilled and had decided to stay there for the night. Just sitting there it didn¢t take long for me to catch a chill too so I cut my stay short and got back on the trail. I made the 2,300¢ climb up to the top of Floyd Mountain and then back downhill to Cornelius Creek Shelter where I decided to call it a day and spend the night. The rain continued through the evening and, thankfully, I was the only one competing for space in this leaky shelter for the night.Total Ascent:        5,730'Total Descent:        4,370'
Date: 2007-06-04
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

When I woke up in the morning the rain had finally come to an end, but it was very windy and partly cloudy. I took my time leaving the shelter as I was still working on drying my gear, and I was still tired from hiking all day in the rain yesterday. After leaving the shelter it didn¢t take long to make the climb up to the top of Apple Orchard Mountain, where there is still an old air force radar unit. A short distance after beginning the descent I passed under the ¢Guillotine¢ and then continued down to Thunder Mountain Shelter, where I took a break. The rest of the day turned out to be rather uneventful, though a very pleasing one, except for the steep climb up to the top of High Cock Knob. From there I made the long descent to Matts Creek Shelter where I decided to tent for the night. I managed to find a nice swimming pool to get in and clean up a bit and also cleaned some clothes since it was still fairly early in the day. Scribbles, a section hiker, treated Corker, Almost Lucky, Stealth, and I to some hot dogs roasted over the fire. It was a nice touch to finish off the evening on this beautiful day.Total Ascent:        3,550'Total Descent:        5,720'
Date: 2007-06-05
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Punch Bowl Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: broken clouds

I got up early this morning in anticipation of going into town for a resupply. Corker was going in for supplies too so he left the shelter just shortly before I did. The level 2 miles to US 501 didn¢t take long to complete, and it took even less time for Corker and I to hitch a ride into Glassgow. I picked up enough food to get me to Waynesboro and then went over to the ¢Tired Feet Caf©¢ to pick up an excellent late breakfast. I got a ride back to the trail from a true trail angel, Ken. He spends a good portion of his day shuttling hikers back and forth between Glassgow and the trailhead. Once I was back on the trail the first thing up was a 2,300¢ climb up to some nice rock outcroppings. Then there was another 800¢ climb up to the top of Bluff Mountain where the views were simply outstanding from the clearing where a fire tower had once been located. I made the long descent to Punch Bowl Shelter from there, and I decided to tent there for the night and rest up for a bigger push tomorrow. There were a few other section hikers there for the night and Critter¢s Daddy came in later in the evening.Total Ascent:        3,530'Total Descent:        1,780'
Date: 2007-06-06
From: Punch Bowl Shelter

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: broken clouds

It rained very lightly three times during the night, but when I got up in the morning I was surprised to find the tent and everything outside dry. So I packed up quickly, ate breakfast and was on the trail by 7:00. The day was uneventful until I got to Brown Mountain Creek Shelter, where I stopped for an early lunch. From the shelter there was a 2,600¢ climb to the top of Bald Knob, which was not a bald at all. After a short descent the trail ascended to the top of Cold Mountain, which is a bald, and the views were awesome on this sunny and warm day. After making a long, but worthwhile detour at Hog Camp Gap to get water and rest for a while, I picked up my pace so I could make it to the Seeley Woodworth Shelter before dark. When I arrived there was a large number of people both in the shelter and camped around it, but I managed to find a space to set up my tent for the night. I had just enough time to get water before it got dark, and then I quickly fixed dinner and jumped into my tent for the night.Total Ascent:        6,650'Total Descent:        5,550'
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Again, I was happy to wake up and find everything dry again in the morning. So I packed up quickly and after eating was on the trail by 7:15. It didn¢t take long to make the climb up to Spy Rock, and after a short scramble up the rocks there were some fantastic views. After that I began the long climb up to the Priest, which really was not that difficult, but the descent to VA 56 form the top was long and hot. Just before crossing the Tye River, Payton with the Sierra Club was there with drinks and cheeseburgers hot off the grill. What great timing to run into some trail magic because the really warm weather was draining my energy. Of course, when you come to a major road crossing there is going to be a long climb ahead of you, and it was just that climbing up to the top of the Three Ridges. Payton told me this stretch of trail is considered to be the most difficult in Virginia, and I believe him because it took quite some time picking my way through the rocks on the way to the top. From there I made my way down to Seeley Wadsworth Shelter for the night. Ohm and 14 moon came in shortly after I did, and we had to kill a very large spider before going to bed. When I hit it with a rock it exploded into what looked like hundreds of baby spiders that were on its back. Oh well, sweet dreams . . . Total Ascent:        5,910'Total Descent:        6,950'
Date: 2007-06-08
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: US 250 ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up early again and got on the trail by 7:30. It was already warm, and the day was sure to be a hot one. The climb up to Humpback Mountain was a very long gradual one, but it was not without its rewards. There were many outstanding views on the way up, and I stopped to eat lunch at Cedar Cliffs. I finally made it to Paul Wolfe Shelter late in the afternoon where I took a dip in the creek to cool off. I considered staying there for the night, but the cold water regenerated me enough that I decided to hike the last 5 miles to Rockfish Gap and hitch into Waynesboro for the night. It took a little longer than usual to get a ride, but the wait was worth it because I not only got a ride but also a tour of the town. I went to the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church Hostel for the night and also there was Corker, Ohm, and 14 moon.Total Ascent:        3,760'Total Descent:        4,570'
Date: 2007-06-09
From: US 250 ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Waynesboro, VA

To: US 250 ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I got in too late in the day yesterday to take care of my usual town chores and go to the post office, so I decided to take a zero today. It turned out to be another very warm day so I was not disappointed to take the day off. There was a hiker festival, including an ayce spaghetti dinner, at the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church Hostel tonight. I scored a pepsi can stove and pair of hiking socks in the raffle. Even though there are a lot of hikers in town the event was not very well attended, which is too bad. The organizers said the AT would not let them post signs along the trail to let hikers know about the event. I¢m a little puzzled about that because it does not seem to others from posting notices along the trail about other events. The Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church Hostel is a great place to stay with very kind volunteers doing what they can to help out hikers who stay there.