morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-05-07
From: Pickle Branch Shelter Campsites

To: 4 Pines Hostel 
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light rain

Up and on and the trail before 7:00 today with Mcgyver and Pogo. We were motivated by the thought of going to the Home Place this afternoon for some great country cooking. Our little hiking family had been talking about this for 3 days. We only had 6.7 miles of hiking which makes this a NERO (nearly zero or less than 10).The highlight of today's hike was reaching Dragons Tooth. It's the first jewel of the Virginia Triple Crown that also includes Mcafee Knob and Tinkers Cliffs. Hiking up to and down from Dragons Tooth is very technical and dangerous. It's a combination of rock climbing, bouldering and hiking all in one. It gives you a full body workout and more. We made it down to the road crossing and only had .3 miles to the 4 Pines Hostel. I had stayed here last fall on a trip with my Dayton/Cincinnati hiking group. It's an old three car garage that was converted into a hostel with multiple sofas, cots and mattresses spread around...very eclectic. I decided to set my tent up in the field behind. After showers we all went to the Home Place for an all you can eat family style meal. Since we're all hungry hikers, you wouldn't believe how much food we ate. Everyone raved about how great this place was and I agree. I first came here in the early 99's when we lived in Roanoke. It is awesome!We finished the evening off with a cornhole tournament. There was random draw of teams and somehow my partner and I won. It was a great way for all of us to relax and have some fun. We're off to Mcafee Knob and Tinkers Cliffs tomorrow. Have a great week everyone!TTFNTIGGER
Date: 2017-05-08
From: 4 Pines Hostel 

To: Daleville, Va.
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: broken clouds

I was up and out by 7:00 with the goal of hiking nearly 26 miles to Daleville, Va. This would be a very special day on the AT because we would pass Mcafee Knob and Tinkers Cliffs today.Mcafee Knob is the most photographed place on the entire Appalachian Trail. You have endless views from huge rock formations that hang out over the top of the mountain. We were blessed with beautiful sunshine all day. Tinkers Cliffs are 6 miles up the trail and look back toward Mcafee Knob. I love these views too. I had 10 more miles into town and it was 4PM so I needed to get on it. The trail was favorable with alot of downhill which allowed me to make it to Daleville by 8PM. I stopped at Pizza Hut for dinner and got a room at the Ho Jo's across the street. This is a favorite destination for most Thru hikers because it's right next to the trail.Zero day tomorrow here in Daleville.TTFNTIGGER
Date: 2017-05-09
From: Daleville, Va.

To: Daleville, Va.
Miles today: 0.0

It was a busy day for resupply at the local Kroger, a trip to the Outfitter for supplies, a haircut and lots of eating. I met Mcgyver at The three Little Pigs restaurant for an early lunch and returned there this evening with the whole crew for dinner. The best part is that they give Thru hikers a free desert...I ended up getting two free bowls of banana pudding with vanilla wafers. Everything was great! It was nice to have everyone in town together to enjoy this place.I'm back on the trail in the morning with a long climb out of town. We'll be in the the longest stretch (130 miles) of the AT so far with no easy access to trail towns for resupply. I'll have to start practicing my hitchhiking technique. Wish me luck!TTFNTIGGER
Date: 2017-05-10
From: Daleville, Va.

To: Stealth Campsite MM 748.5
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It was another uphill climb out of Daleville today. The climb was gradual and with pretty smooth terrain. I was out 2nd, just behind Mcgyver while the rest of the group were getting a later start. I was feeling pretty fresh and strong after the zero day in Daleville.After the early morning climb I reached the Blue Ridge Parkway. The AT crisscrossed the BRP several times which provided great views from all the lookouts. My favorite was the Peaks of Otter because my family has visited this spot several times over many years. Thankfully the rain held off for the entire day.Our group had wanted to stop today at Bobblets Gap Shelter. McGyver arrived first and we both agreed to move on because there were only two campsites around the Shelter. The rest of the group would be coming in late and would need a place to sleep. It worked out well because Mcgyver and I both found stealth campsites a few miles down the trail. This also put us closer to our Thursday destination which was nice. Tomorrow is a big climbing day so I don't mind a few less miles. I made dinner and hung my Bear bag just before dark. I'm setup about 100 yards above the Blue Ridge Parkway. I think that's pretty cool!TTFNTIGGER
Date: 2017-04-06
From: Bland, VA at VA 612

To: Jenny Knob Sh
Miles today: 11.5

Decided to start here instead of Atkins,VA due to the weather forecast of temps in the 20's with winds of 35-40 and gusts over 50 mph. My brother Wendell dropped me of at 12:30 andI had 'boots on the ground'! Waves of wind,rain and sleet to the shelter. Some green tunnels but no rocks on the path. Arrived at the sh ~ 1830. Didn't stop much due to the wx conditions. Didn't want to do that many miles to start out but wanted to get there before dark. Doc & Tunes were there, had seen them when I started, also two other thru hikers but was room for me. Was good to be back on the trail again.
Date: 2017-04-07
From: Jenny Knob Sh

To: Lickskillet Hostel
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: light snow

Wind was howling all night. Tucked in my 20* down bag ~ 20:00 last night and didn't come out till 08:00 this morning. Temp was 30* and a dusting of snow covered the area. Slow getting moving as I planned on a short day. Mostly ridge walking and around some hollows. Wind and freezing drizzle came in waves until late afternoon. Walked .5mi to Trents grocery for a late lunch and chatted with the locals for a couple hrs. Called a hostel to get a ride there - 6 min by car but 1.5 hr walk. Mongo is just getting established and since the trail guides have his number wrong and address to get there way off, he's having a slow start. This place is an old church that he is fixing up. We talked for hours about lots of things. He's had a rough history but has turned his life around and wants to help others. Space heaters are the heat source which were good for the space within a 4' area. But I was inside from the wind for the night. Supposed to warm up to reasonable temps tomorrow!
Date: 2017-04-08
From: Lickskillet Hostel

To: Wapiti Sh
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Took my time this morning, determined to stick with short days for a while. Mongo drove me to Dismal Falls so I could see it without having to hike the .6 mi from the A.T. this morning. Then he dropped me off where I got off yesterday. Perfect day for hiking. Sun for the first time since I started, and warming up fast. Plus most of the path was green tunnels - this is when the Rhododendrons on both sides of the trail form an arch over the top and meet. Started ~ 09:00 and got to the sh ~ 13:30. The path was like a walk in the park. Minor elevation changes and plenty of water sources as it followed Dismal creek for most of the time with branches from the mountains flowing into it. Good water! Ate lunch and could have kept going the 7.2 mi to the Woods Hole Hostel but hung out here for the night. Will bypass the hostel tomorrow and go to the next sh 9.5 mi. Only me in the sh tonight, two others hung their hammocks out of sight. Think a lot of hikers bypass this up due to the hostel further on and perhaps with the history here of the 1981 double murders. The killer has since died.
Date: 2017-04-09
From: Wapiti Sh

To: Docs Knob sh
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

28* ~ 04:30 this morning and my 20* bag was at about it's limit. Ended up throwing another layer on. Hit the trail by 09:00. Long climb first thing - went from 2600' to 4000' in ~ 3mi. Not bad after that. Didn't take long to warm up, and strip down to a tee shirt and shorts. With not leaves on the trees yet, need to use sun screen. already my neck and calves have burned some. Cell service has not been good since I started. At a 4000' overlook there were at least 5 comms towers but I had no or little signal ... thanks AT&T!
Date: 2017-04-10
From: Docs Knob sh

To: Angels Rest Hiker's Haven
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: clear sky

Docs Knob was a nice sh with rhododendrens facing the open side. It was built and maintained by the Roanoke A.T. Club. A couple good views today. Hiked with Jeff & John the past couple days - (they were the hammockers). They're from FL on a 70 mi section. The first 6 mi was nice but coming down off the myn from ~ 3800' to 1300' in ~ 3 mi was tough. Got a ride to the hostel from John, who had a car parked near town (Pearisburg)This hostel is new this year. The owner Peppa - 'Dr. Peppa' and 2016 thru hiker Natural are very nice people. Peppa knew very little about the trail and at Natural's suggestion, they decided to open a hostel since it is within a mile from the A.T. There is a bunkroom that has 16 bunks. And a mobile home that has the 'home' services. Got here ~ 14:30 and wasn't long before I had a much needed shower and clean clothes. Went to DQ for late lunch and Hardees later for supper. Bunch of 'slack packers' here. Plan to take a zero here tomorrow to give my body a chance to re-energize.
Date: 2017-04-12
From: Angels Rest Hiker's Haven

To: Camping
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

One of the 'slackpackers - a guy who turned76 today gave me a ride to the trail head at 06:30. Long 6 mi climb to the top of Peters mtn but had a lot of switchbacks so wasn't too bad. It also circled arouns a landfill which made me want to walk a bit faster. This section will soon be relocated. At the top just before the Ricefield sh the fog lifted and there were some awesome views to the north. This is a long stretch where it is ridge walking and so at least 10 mi with no water source. Plus the next sh is closed off due to the hazzard of dead trees falling ... from the gypsy moth damage. Was thinking about making it to the 'Captains" place today but that would have made it a 20 mi day and I'm not ready for that yet. After ~ 12 mi I was getting tired and looking for a place to camp was not east due to all the dead trees in the area. Finally found a spot where I felt safe from falling limbs a pitch my tent. Water was low so conserved enough to have a good drink in the AM. Should be a good water source in ~ 5 miles.
Date: 2017-04-13
From: Camping

To: Wind Rock
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Packed up and walking by 07:30. The first 6 mi there was a lot of trees down - devistating! Got to the 'Captains" place in time to take lunch. To get there you have to use a zip line to cross a ~ 20' wide and ~ 5' deep stream. I had to experience this. He greeted me, as I was unhooking myself and my pack, and welcomed me to his place. Offered me a cold soda and we chatted for quite a while. He allows hikers to camp in his yard. The climb up the next mtn was tough - almost straight up with no switchbacks. I stopped at Baily Gap sh to rest, then continued on to Wind Rock overlook. But a couple miles before I saw smoke down below me that looked like a forest fire was raging. Then the wind shifted up the mtn to me. I continued a bit faster so hopefully I'd get past it. There was a road ~ 1.5 mi ahead I could get off trail if I had to. Finally got to Wind Rock and saw a forest ranger sitting on the rock ledge talking on two handhelds. Sat down beside him and realized he was directing a controlled burn on the mtn below. He was the 'Fire Boss' and had the perfect view of the burn. John was very nice and we chatted for a couple hours until nightfall. He was also directing helecopters as they were the main tools for starting and containing the burns. Was a good day afterall!
Date: 2017-04-14
From: Wind Rock

To: Laurel Creek sh
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Tough day - I will probably say this alot until I get my 'trail legs'. ;[ After a couple flat miles the path dropped 2000' then up 2000' with very few switchbaks - stopped quite a few times as I was running out of energy. ~ 3/4 the way up I stopped and ate some PB & Nutella on tortilia, downed some electrolite drink. Soon made it to the top! Nice to see the Monarchs flying around. A mixture of hikes at the sh tonight. A small bubble (10) nobo thrus here. Nice stream nearby so washed some of the trail dust off.
Date: 2017-04-15
From: Laurel Creek sh

To: Niday sh
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

Up and out by 07:30. Tough climb up to the top of Sinking Creek mtn - yep, no swithbacks! Once up it was fairly level but a coupl miles were rock ledge - just glad it was dry. But the sun was hot! Could hear thunder on the next mtn for a couple hrs but never came this way. The A.T. goes NE and not just north so seems every day we go up one mtn, down and up another and so on. Crazy Tree caught up to me today. Met him a couple days ago. We hiked together for a while and learned more about each other. He's 53 from GA. So far four of us in the sh. Could hear turkey's roosting as night came, also Great Horned owl. Good to be out here!
Date: 2017-04-16
From: Niday sh

To: Pickel Branch sh
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: few clouds

Met Purge here for a while we chatted about most anything. he is a marine and also a mortar man. So he could relate to my g-son Zach, who is in Camp Lejeune and a mortar man. A german guy here, a french and the rest from the states. Nemo, Cupcake, Inox, Shoelace etc.
Date: 2017-04-17
From: Pickel Branch sh

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 6.7

Not much sleep last night as hikers kept showing up, and the one beside me was a loud snoorer. Ear plugs not effective so I switched my bag to his foot. Helped some. Nice bunch of guys though. Hiked up to the Dragons Tooth - A hugh stone monoluth on top of a ridge at 3000'. Got my first shower in 5 days and washed my few clothes. Pat hangs out here a provides shuttles to the local grocer and other places. The grill has a grill so first trip there Spanky bought the pizza and I got a 6 pack of lager. Second trip I got a 1/2 lb burger and fries, and re-supplied for a couple days. Mitchell and his wife own this hostel and cleared out his big 3 bay garage to allow hikers to hang out. Has two fridge's, stove, MW, shower and a bunch of sofas, chairs and cots. Plus guinies, chickens, and ducks. I made some hard boiled duck eggs for b-fast and for the trail. 8 of us here tonight.
Date: 2017-04-18
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Lambert's Meadow sh
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Was hoping for nice weather today as I would be hiking to the famous McAfee Knob overlook 10 mi north. Sure enough, the sunny with few clouds, and I took in the views on the knob for over an hour. Crazyhorse, Nemo and two other hikers showed up also. This is a tourist attraction so a few others here also. Took pics of each other then I moved on. Cliff walking for a couple hours as the path marked the way. Tinker Cliffs was crazy awesome and I spent some time taking that in. This was my longest hiking day and the most beautiful, so worth it! Got to the shelter ~ 18:30. Four of us here tonight. Nemo, Crazyhorse and Potato. Heard a Great Horned Owl, the Wood thrush's and a couple deer came to the stream below the sh.
Date: 2017-04-19
From: Lambert's Meadow sh

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up and out ~ 08:00. rained most of the night and drizzling as I left. Hiked up the mtn into the fog and drizzle for the 9 mi to Daleville. Was mostly ridge walking with views but could not see anything. Could hear the traffic below for hours from I-81. even heard what may have been a crash as I heard sirens and trucks blowing their air horns. Arrived at HoJo's ~ 12:30. My mail drop was waiting here with my lighter and cooler sleeping bag, amoung other things.
Date: 2017-04-21
To: Wilson Creek sh
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

Checked out ~  0800 - Nemo wasn't ready so told the desk he was still there. Trail was not bad and made good time getting here. ~ 1400 deciding whether to move on or stay. Calling for storms later, plus a lot of nobo's thru's going to the next shelter @ 7.3 mi further ... so hanging out here. Nice to here the whip-por-whills calling each other in the evening.
Date: 2017-04-22
From: Wilson Creek sh

To: Cove mtn sh
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Started raining after midnight but the sun came out ~ 0700. Briefly ... 0900 the rain and fog came back the rest of the day. Was soaked and the temps dropped to ~ 48*. Fingers got numb the last couple hours until I finally reached the sh. ~ 1530. Stripped all my clothes off and put my dry merino wool base layer  and my Patagonia puffy on. Warmed up then! Everything is soaked and will not dry by morning so have to put them on regardless ... so I'll always have dry clothes for the next time. Rule #1 .... May try to hitch in to Buchannon from the next road in the morning 3 mi ahead and grab a room at the motel.
Date: 2017-04-23
From: Cove mtn sh

To: Buchannon, VA
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: light rain

After the miserable day yesterday, was able to hitch a ride in ~ 20 min to the Wattstull Inn. A guy going fishing stopped and gave me a ride. 40* this morning and my 35* sleeping bag did fine. Forecast is the same tomorrow so may hole out here until the system passes.
Date: 2017-04-24
From: Buchannon, VA

To: Buchannon, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Rain all night and today. Calling for warmer temps on tues and can deal with that when wet. The owner Walter Watts was hanging around so we chatted for a while. Then ~ noon he said 'see that red Toyota pickup down there beside the gas station? (pointing down the drive across the road) 'the keys are in it - take it and go to town and get something to eat or whatever you want to do." About 2 miles down this road. Wow! I said I'll put some gas in it - he said "don't have to ... I own the gas station". Went to the Buchannon Grill - this place is a throwback to the 50's and 60's. A long counter that angles, with pedestal seats. And old 45 rpm juke box and two old 'ice chest soda coolers. Got a burger and fries and fresh brewed sweet tea. Yummm! Trail Angels come in all forms and this one made a dreary day into a sweet 'pick-me-up'! There is a saying in the trail community: 'The trail will provide' Getting antsy hanging out so will head back out in the morning.
Date: 2017-04-25
From: Buchannon, VA

To: Thunder Hill sh
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Arranged a shuttle with the owners son for 0800. We chatted the 5 miles back to the trail. He then declined any money for the ride. Rain and fog the whole day and the temps weren't bad until I got to the ridge where the wind made it cold. Most of the day was climbing as it started out at 950' and went up to 4225'.But I felt refreshed from the zero and am slowly getting my trail legs. With no views to see there was not much reason to stop so hiked on.
Date: 2017-04-26
From: Thunder Hill sh

To: Glasgow, VA
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Still foggy starting out this morning but cleared up later. Mostly downs today eventually going from 3900' to 680' at US 501. Nice views of the James River then made my way down and crossing it on the longest footbridge on the A.T. The river is an attraction so there are parking lots and people with cars. :) In ~ 20 min I got a ride into Glasgow. A re-supply point but also has a town shelter which I decided to stay the night. Grabbed a late lunch at the local pizza shop , washed my clothes at the laundry then got food for the next few days. The guy at the local hostel gave me his number if I needed a ride back in the morning. 4 of us here tonight. Another hiker needed a ride in the am so we split the $10 fee for the shuttle.
Date: 2017-04-27
From: Glasgow, VA

To: Punchbowl sh
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Sun shining when I woke up for the first time in 5 days. Hard climb back up to 3372' but great views. At the peak was Bluff mtn where ~ 260* views. I ate lunch and hung out for an hour as the sh was only 1.5 mile further. Later the sh filled up as rain was forecast for tonight. More came and tented. There is a pond close by and the frogs and peepers were singing into the evening.
Date: 2017-04-28
From: Punchbowl sh

To: Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Was planning to hike to the next sh 15 mi but was drained from eating something bad yesterday so stopped at the first sh at 9.5 mi and took a nap and ate lunch. ~ 1500 felt better and decided to hike another 2 mi to US60 and hitch into Buena Vista and grab a motel room. There is also a library there and I wanted to transfer all my pics from my phone and camera to a jump drive to free up memory. Also needed to charge the phone and bettery backup. The past few days the trail either crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway, paralleled, drifted away for miles and then came back. And will do this until Waynesboro and then the same in the SNP until Front Royal, VA. Got to US60 ~ 1600 and after a few minutes a gentleman stopped on his way home from work - a Special Ed teacher working in Nelson Co. VA. We chatted all the way to the motel as he lives here and gave some advice navigating the town.
Date: 2017-04-29
From: Buena Vista, VA

To: Cow Camp sh
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: clear sky

The library didn't open until 1000 so hung around till then. The phone memory was almost full so glad I stopped here. Walked to the mini mart and downed a gatorade and some snacks. Was hot by 1130 and stuck my thumb out but after nearly an hr with no luck I walked a mile closer towards the trail to another motel looking for a drink and to start calling for a shuttle. Both ppl I called were already out on runs and one said he could come by ~ 1600 if I still needed a ride. The motel clerk said he knew someone and called for me. He came ~ 20 min later and had a nice chat on the way to the trail. Got to the trail ~ 1330 and started a climb up from 2000' to 4060' with very few switchbacks. The temps were in the 90's and I had to stop many times to slow my HR down and catch my breath. Want to do more miles but stopped at the first sh and called it a day. Short days like this are called Nero's. Not a zero but close.
Date: 2017-04-30
From: Cow Camp sh

To: The Priest sh
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and moving by 0730. A bunch of ups and downs but with a nice breeze most of the day and cooler temps ... felt good. Stopped at a sh for lunch after 10 mi at ~ 1230. Was making good time and the path wasn't overly rough. Resting up for a crazy day tomorrow. I'm at 4000' and the first thing to do is descend down to 970' to the Tye River abd the suspension bridge, then back up to 3960' again. Am slowly getting my trail legs so the climbs are getting easier.
Date: 2017-05-01
From: The Priest sh

To: Maupin Field sh
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Fog rolled in last night and stayed all day. A crazy front with high winds, rain and fog was going on. Descended from 4000' to 970' then back up to 4000'. I'm traversing Three Ridges mtn. A lot of rock scramble to the top. Many views but not today. Was good for climbing as I was wet from the rain and cool from the winds. Got to the sh ~ 1600 and immediately stripped all my clothes off and don'd my dry layer. 1900 still thundering and raining with big gusts. Was nice to have a sh to get dry in.
Date: 2017-05-02
From: Maupin Field sh

To: Paul C. Wolf sh
Miles today: 15.8

Chilly this morning - in the 40's. Was difficult having to put my cold/ wet clothes back on but after walking for ~ a 1/2 hr I warm up and don't mind. And, if it's sunny and dry out, my poly clothes soon dry out. My boots and socks however will not. I took a lunch break on Humpback mtn with nice views and breezy. Removed my boots and socks so they could start drying out. My wrinkled feet dried out also. So far no blisters and this is the main reason!! This is a nice shelter, with an overhang over a porch so the picnic table was under roof. Has a loft with more bunk space. A roaring stream ~ 50 yards away was good to put me to sleep ... even with snorers.