morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-05-13
From: Petites Gap

To: Jennings Creek Road
Miles today: 18.7

Crazy BritThank God Today we Slack Packed. Not because of the miles we had to walk, that is becoming no problem, nor with the Terrain, although that was demanding at times. We are going South.The Heat at the moment is unbearable in the higher altitudes where there¢s no leaf cover. We started out at 6:30 from our Hostel At Middle Creek Campground.Luke the son of the owner shuttled us to Petites Gap up on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was already really hot, we were carrying 2 plus ltrs of water.Things were going really good, we were knocking of the miles. I did a live video from Thunder ridge Overlook, but as we were getting higher the leaf coverage became less and less, and it got hotter and hotter.We were now stopping every hour to have a drink and eat some snacks, just to keep the engine filled. There were some really long climbs, not steep just long we crossed the Blue Ridge twice, once From North to South then South to North. This is a really cool road it runs from Waynesboro VA to Cherokee NC a distance of approx 450 miles.By this time we were passing our fellow hikers going North, we are constantly getting ribbed about the fact we are Slack packing. Of course most of them have done it so we just laugh, no good getting older if not getting wiser.The flowers are really coming out now, every turn there are more and more, especially at the lower altitudes. lt looks really good now where a couple of weeks ago there were no greenery on the forest floor now it is all green with loads and loads of flowers.We camel up on water at the Cornelius Shelter. We drink we a ltr of water, fill our bottles and continue on toward our destination at Jennings Creek Road.Our last climb is up and over Fork Mountain not that high at only 2042 ft but a long climb the last 500 ft were really steep, we had to stop a couple of times.At last we were up and over now we had a 2.4 mile down hill hike, in fact it was down to 951 feet so quite steep, we didn¢t care it was down hill perfect.It¢s kind of strange the last 1/2 mile feels like it goes on forever, then there is the road and the creek, Heaven!!!!!As we were sat waiting for the shuttle Luke drove by going home from school, so we got a ride up to the campground.I got a Vanila milkshake to cool down, then had dinner a beer on the patio going up for a shower now and into bed. Goodnight from a very tired Colin18.7 miles43.343. StepsFloors. Anyone can walk on the flat. Only got1414.8 miles to go to Mt Katahdin
Date: 2018-05-15
From: Petites Gap

To: US 501 James River Bridge
Miles today: 9.9

Crazy BritWell what a great hike, we only had to do a 9.9 hike to get to our destination at US 501 by the James River Bridge.We got picked up by Luke again and drove up to Petites Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and got started on the trail, even at that time of 7:45am it was getting hot.It started off with a big climb, not to bad tho, and soon we topped and started on the downhill, we were lucky it was overcast and we had coverage from the leaves.Our hike was going great, we had to meet our Shuttle driver at US 501 at midday, so we had to get moving.We were still stopping regularly for water and snacks, and were making really good time. We stopped by the Matt¢s Creek Shelter and I topped up with water from the stream.We followed the flow of the stream for a long way, it¢s pretty cool to see a stream start to grow, small feeder streams feed it and suddenly you have a really beautiful looking stream.We had a last climb then it was all down hill to the James river. Going down is sometimes worse than going up, lots of rocks ready to trip you up, one small rock could ruin your whole AT Hike.We come out on to the James River Bridge this was built especially for the AT and looks like it was an old Railway Bridge. There is a railway bridge along side and we saw a Coal train roll by, there were so many trucks all loaded with Coal, really long train.We waited for our shuttle driver, it was very hot waiting by the road soon a couple more hikers turned up they were going to Glasgow, our driver was by now very late, plus no coverage at this spot.A van stopped and picked us all up and took us to a store in town where we can get cell coverage. We call our driver and he is running late, soon he arrives and take us to Lexington and the Econo Motel.Had to walk a long way to get a pack of beer, but I was successful so we are now resting up had a good dinner and watching television, having a well earned beer.Tomorrow we are headed to meet Dan go to Trail days in Damascus .So goodnight will report more tomorrow 9.9 Miles28.534 Steps95 Floors. Anyone can walk on the Flat, living on the edge is differentOnly got 1404.9 miles to go to Mount Katahdin
Date: 2018-05-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 33.7

Crazy BritNo milesTo all my friends concerned about my safety on the trail, we are out of the bad stuff and are back in NC for a few days.We rented a car up in Lexington VA and drove to Blowing Rock in NC to pick up Dan. ¢ Uncle D¢ and bring him back to the Trail. We are also going to Trail Days on Saturday 19 th in Damascus in the South West of Virginia its a 3 day event of past and present hikers of the AT.It should be a great day with all the vendors there selling and repairing all the hiking gear, plus a big party.We will be back on the trail on Monday hopefully depending on this really bad weather system we are going thru at the moment.A big bonus happened yesterday afternoon. The other two guys wanted to go to the movies, so I used Dans truck to drive to Hickory to see Juliet my Stepdaughter and her fianc© Matt had a great visit. Went to an art show where Matt had some Art being shown, he is a very talented Artist.It¢s bad weather here at the moment, and the news is that there is lots of flooding on the trail above where we will restart so we are in a good place.Will report more when I have some news.Anyone can walk on the flat,living on the edge is better .Still got Only 1404.9 miles to go to Mt Katahdin
Date: 2018-05-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Crazy BritNo miles walkedWe are back in a Motel in Lexington VA after spending a few days down in Blowing Rock NC, At Dans ¢Uncle D¢ Mother¢s House.We rested up for a day, then went to Damascus for the Annual Trail Days, this is a Huge celebration Party for all past and present AT Hikers.We arrived and parked pretty easy then walked around at all the Vendors, I got a new pair of socks from Darn Tough. These are warranted for life against any holes, the guy just looked at my socks. Yes I had a hole, what size do you need, bang new socks.We had lunch then walked up to where the Hiker March was about to start, the March started and all the walkers were in the year they had hiked the trail, with a banner denoting the year.We were obviously behind 2018 a real lively and noisy crowd. We had a great time got sprayed with water to cleanse us dirty smelly Thru Hikers.Dave ¢D2¢ has ordered a new tent from Z Pack, I checked out the new tent from Big Agnes, they were offering a buy back on my tent against a new Tiger UL tent.We drove back to Blowing Rock and got our packs all set up for restarting the trail. The guys are giving me a hard time on my weight I will be carrying.I have sent some stuff back home, now I am sending more as it is getting warmer so I don¢t need a heavy sleeping bag. I have a new lighter one on the way and will change it out after Harpers Ferry. Then get it back when we get up to or around Hanover in New Hampshire.We are getting really anxious to get back out there. Getting Cabin Fever as there is a lot of hiking to do. There are some bad reports from the trail with Trees down and partly flooded Trails. Should be interesting will report tomorrow when I finish the day.No miles hiked today.Anyone can walk on the flat ,living on the Edge is BetterStill only got 1404.9 miles to go to Mt Katahdin
Date: 2018-05-21
From: US 501 at the AT bridge

To: Punch Bowl Shelter
Miles today: 10.5

Crazy BritWE ARE BACK !!!!!! We got a shuttle from the car rental to the trail head at the US 501 at the James River Footbridge, this the longest foot use only bridge on the whole AT.So here we go again, the three guys who started this adventure with the sole purpose of a Thru Hike to Mt Katahdin, as regular readers know Dan hurt his knee and had to head to Florida to get it sorted out, but now he is back and a testing to get back on the trail.We let him lead we have a target to get to the Punch Bowl Shelter and camp out. It¢s a 10.5 mile hike with a big climb at the beginning, we are following a small river at first winding up thru the valley.It¢s not long into the hike before we come across our first storm damaged tree, it had blown down right across the trail. We have to duck real low to get under as there was no way around it, wonder how many more ????We start our climb, good job there are switch backs, it¢s just over 3 miles of climbing pretty tough for a first day back. We let Dan go on, he needs to test his knee on his own.I find a great spot to Facetime everybody, we are climbing now for a couple of hours and finally get to the top. There is Dan sat waiting for us starting to eat his lunch, great place to stop.We get going again after lunch and then stop for a break at the Ottie Cline Powell Monument. This young 7 year old boy left his local school and wandered off alone for just over 7 miles his body was found in this exact spot.I had a little yellow duck that was in our bathroom at the hotel, I signed it and left it for little Ottie to play with, couldn¢t think of a better place.We have now arrived at our target campsite and are all set up. We were supposed to get some rain later so will have to wait and see, the bugs are out in force going to have to get some stronger bug spray. Soon be ready to get some dinner. I can hear the other two making plans for a really early start to beat the heat and get into Buena Vista tomorrow. It¢s only a 12.5 mile or so hike so should be done early depending on Dans knee.Very quiet here at the moment just another hiker setting up his Hammock, oh well time to close and make my dinner.10.5 Miles25.525. StepsFloors. Anyone can walk on the flat living on the edge is better. Only got 1394.4 miles to go to Mt Katahdin
Date: 2018-05-22
From: Punch Bowl Shelter

To: US 60 long Mountain Wayside
Miles today: 11.3

Crazy BritAs I mentioned yesterday, we were camping at the Punchbowl shelter, I was at the picnic table cooking my dinner and we were the only hikers there.In just a few minutes there were five people wanting a space in the shelter, we told them we were camping, they were delighted, so after dinner we went back to our tents.It wasn¢t long before the thunder started, then the rain so we were in our tents and in bed by 6:30pm which is like Hikers midnight.It started to rain then the storm started it went on for over 3 hours. The rain was so heavy it was deafening inside the tents, it was quite a light show like I said it went on and on. In the end I pulled the sleeping bag over my head and went to sleep.I was awakened by Dave at 5:00 am and had to pack up a wet tent, time for a coffee and some snacks and we are on the trail at 5:45 am.Surprisingly the trail is in pretty good condition, the torrential rain has washed away all the soft mud, leaving a hard packed clay like soil.It was getting really hot and very humid, water was dripping everywhere.We had a climb then a nice long trail down to a river. This had a bridge over it the river was in full flood. We are hoping the smaller streams are going to be ok for us to cross.Well it¢s not long before we come to a stream. Yes you got it, it¢s flowing like crazy we all get across safe and carry on heading to Buena Vista. We have to detour for a bit as one of the bridges has been damaged and closed.Dan is leading and going great. It won¢t be long for him to be back in trail shape. We are only doing a 11.3 mile hike to get him back into it. The biggest thing that happened today is that we have gone thru the 800 mile barrier. We should be thru the 1000 miles and in Harpers Ferry the Half waypoint in a couple of weeks. It¢s hard to believe we are almost there, well half way at least.We passed an interesting place today it was a small strip of land alongside the river that was farmed by a black community after the Civil War and was actually farmed up into the 1900s it was share cropping, so they still had to give up a proportion of the crops grown .The place closed when the land was sold to the Forest Service, I am going to have to check into this.???We came out onto the US 60 and tried to thumb a lift. It only took about 15 mins when a lady called Maggie drove by, went down the road came back and picked us up and brought us to the Buena Vista hotel.We have eaten had a beer and are now ready for bed. Slackpacking tomorrow going to get picked up at Hardees 16.5 miles should be good for Dan.Going to bed goodnight11.3. Miles30.218 Steps81 Floors. Anyone can walk on the flat living on the edge is more FunOnly got 138:.1 miles to go to Mt Katahdin
Date: 2018-05-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 20.0

Crazy BritWow what a day we walked into town to Hardee¢s and had a breakfast then our shuttle driver picked us up to take us to the trail head. Cool old guy called ¢Pines¢ why I know not will ask him tomorrow.Any way he took us out over the mountain outside of Buena VistA the views on the Blue Ridge Parkway are absolutely stunning. Tried Facetime everybody but it¢s hard to describe the view.I love it up here in the Mountains. The fragrances of all the different plants, flowers, it¢s so different from in towns. This is so clean and fresh, birds singing, hard for me to put into words what I am experiencing on this Adventure.I digress back to the travail, our hike today should be easy, we have just our packs with water, lunch, snacks and our waterproofs just in case. I am also carrying a first aid kit, just in case.The trail in this section is really wet, well flooded would be a better word. It is hard to stay out of the mud so it¢s best just to walk up the center of the trail with the water coming up over your trail runner shoes.I wear Altra Timps and they have vents to let the excess water out well it¢s supposed to, I think it lets it in as well????The trail apart from all the water is good and as we are s Slackpacking South we are meeting all the Northbound hikers. Kind of cool to meet so many people, tho yes it did slow my progress a bit. Well you have to talk to them a bit????There are some fantastic views on this trail, it¢s so hard to pick a winner, but one place we passed today had a great view really short grass a tree to lean on and bonus gives you shade. If I had been on my own I would have grabbed a-quick snooze there it would have been perfect.We continue on up hill and down hill. We come across some hikers sat under a tree, there is a water source 3 tenths of a mile away, a bit far really, We are assured it is worth the hike down to the spring.This was by far the most beautiful spring I have ever seen it was perfect, plus the water was ice cold and tasted so good it was worth the walk.The rest of the trail was really good just a big up hill then a 2 mile down hill to the road and our pick up point, only our shuttle driver was gone. We waited a half an hour then thumbed. Ride into town it¢s a 8 mile trip NO Walking.A young guy stopped and we load all our gear, just as this is is going down up pulls our driver, so we unload our gear and get into our shuttle car. He takes us into town and deposits us at the Mexican Restaurant, great food great cold beer.We have to walk up to our Hotel, it¢s a long walk!!!!!!! Now sat outside having a beer and it¢s time for bed see you tomorrow20 milesAnyone can walk on the flat,but it¢s more fun on the Edge Only got 1366.8 miles to go to Mt Katahdin
Date: 2018-05-24
From: Spy Rock Road

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: few clouds

Crazy BritAnother great day in the woods, our day started at 5:45am, got all our gear packed then headed down to Hardee¢s for Breakfast.We had left our packs at the hotel to save us carrying down over the hill into town, our shuttle driver had to pass the hotel so save us a bit.We have breakfast and ¢Piney¢ our driver was there ready for us. Really cool guy been doing this service for over 30 years, he is 84 and has got some really good stories to tell, and he loves to tell them.We drop our bags at Tye River Road and hide them in the woods, no packs today Whoop Whoop!!!!!We get dropped at Fish Hatchery Road, and have a 1 mile hike up a really steep hill strewn with small boulders, it¢s tough going.Finally we are at the junction of the AT we are going Northbound today DN is leading and off we go. Dan is feeling good so we are making good time, the birds are all out singing the different aromas from the forest it is really cool.Dave decides to take the lead and soon disappears down the trail. It¢s hard for him to slow his pace down, there are some great views from the overlooks. It¢s a nice day for hiking not to hot with a bit of a cooling wind when we are on the weather side of the mountain.It¢s not a bad climb to the top of the Priest Mountain, now we have a huge down hill section 3000 ft in just over a mile. Of course it is strewn with boulders of all sizes. I am looking around and go over on my ankle, it hurts like hell. If I was home I would baby it a bit but here you just have to walk it off, think it¢s the best way actually.We get to the Tye River and retrieve our bags. OH this is a bit different with full packs and we have a big climb out of the valley 2000 ft in a half a mile, again lots of stones and boulders.But at last we get to our campsite at Harpers Creek Shelter. Dave has saved a site for our tents as he was ahead of us on the trail, tents are soon set up, it¢s hard to find flat spots on the mountains, but it will have to do, just a little slope.We are all set up ready to make dinner. I am having a Mexican Rice and red bean dinner. This is another one of the batch that Juliet got for me, thanks Juliet they taste great and are very filling.Time now for coffee hang up the food away from the big ants and the Bears, get all my breakfast stuff ready for the morning and it¢s time for bed after all it is 7:15 pm.So it¢s Goodnight From me will see you in the morning.12.1 Miles28.185 Steps169 FloorsAnyone can walk on the flat ,but living on the edge is much Cooler.Only got 1354.9 miles to go to Mt Katahdin
Date: 2018-05-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.7

Crazy BritAs usual I was in a really nice dream when I was woke up by David, get up we are on the move.I have all my stuff in its place in my tent. First thing is to pack up my sleeping bag, this fits into a compression bag and is strapped down to the size of a Canelope melon. Next is my liner this fits into a bag the size of a half can of beer. My sleep pad is next this is deflated and rolls up to the size of a full can of beer.All the above go in my pack followed by my Puffy jacket clean clothes, I can now take my pack out of the tent. Lighting my stove for coffee, put it on low and take down my tent packing it into to its own bag. Poles go down the inside of the pack with my pegs, tent on top all squashed down.By this time the water has boiled. I make my coffee put on the lid, pack up my cook set and my food sac, have my coffee and breakfast, tidy up my pack, ready to hit the trail 6:00am.That is how a Hikers day starts. Oh he may take some anti pain pills for the upcoming day, have a drink of water, here we go again, How Far Today???!!!!!!Well all that happened today, then we had to do a really nasty climb, 4 Miles up, up, up for just over two hours, hard work and came out to a great view, it was all worth it.The going got tough going over the rock fields, these are really dangerous and slippery these rocks move under your feet quite unnerving, Dan is doing really great doing good miles, we cross over the Blue Ridge Parkway, of course we were hoping for some trail magic, but alas No.We have to get water a couple of times thru the day. This is proper fresh water right out of a mountain spring, we always filter but it tastes so different, even I like it.We come out onto the parkway where we will get a ride to the hostel. We had to get dropped at a hotdog stand to change cars so we had hotdogs and fries with a coke.Then on to the Hostel a really cool place with every thing a hiker needs shower, laundry for smelly clothes, kitchen, food, nice bed, oh did I forget Cold Beer, perfect!Any way after having dinner a couple of beers it¢s time for bed got 15 miles to walk then on Sunday we will be going into the Shenandoahs a great big step one that will put us just under halfway when get to Harpers ferry.Will report more tomorrow,Time for BedAnyone can walk on the flat , but it¢s a lot more fun living on the edge
Date: 2018-05-26
From: Dripping Rock

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 14.3

Crazy BritWe had stayed at the Stanimal¢s Hostel last night this is a great Hiker Hostel, has every thing a hiker needs and it¢s clean. The owner is a really cool guy, we are lucky.After I closed the journal last night we learned that Dans Mum had fallen and broken her hip, so today we are anxious to find out what¢s happening in the big world.We start our hike at Dripping Rock and are heading to Rockfish Gap a distance of 14.3 miles. It¢s a nice day with a forecast of rain in the afternoon, we are making good time David has gone on ahead, I am trailing Dan to make sure his Knee is doing good.We see David waiting for us. Sign on a tree tells us not to hike on your own due to bear activity. David is not taking any chances, not to many nasty climbs today, it makes a change I must say.Lunch is at the Paul C Wolfe Shelter, one of the better shelters has two floors and a covererd area over the picnic table, there is. Lady sat there she is out for the night and is all set up ready, great place to relax at.Great news Dan¢s Mum is going to have a complete new hip. Having the procedure today, Saturday and will be coming home on Tuesday and up walking, absolutely amazing, great for her.Great news for Dan, this makes him feel a whole lot better. It is by now a pretty nice hike get a little rain shower but nothing to worry about or put on rain gear.We come out at the Rockfish Gap where we meet Dave sat drinking a Coke. We order a Coke and a Gatorade and sit and wait for our shuttle driver. He arrives and it's off back to Stanimal¢s for a shower and wash our clothes which are rather smelly.Dinner tonight is Chinese at the all you can eat buffet, never seen so much food, of course we fill up on food a couple of beers and I am set we have to walk back to the Hostel.All is good Barbara is coming in tomorrow she will Slackpack us thru the Shenandoahs, this is a big step on our Adventure.Time for bed tomorrow we have a zero dayAnyone can walk on the flat but it¢s more fun to live on the edgeOnly got 1327.9 miles to go to reach MT Katahdin