morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Moreland Gap Shelter, TN

To: Campsite 1 mile south of Vandeventer Shelter, TN
Miles today: 22.2

The trail continued through lower elevations down to the Laurel River and Falls. It was very lush with rhododendron plants skirting the trail as it approached the river. The trail ran on an old railroad bed that followed the river and cut through narrow sections of rock and edges of the mountain. The rail beds were likely from the early 1900s and used for logging. The trail departed the rail bed descending down very step rock steps to the Falls (see photos). It then skirted the river and at one spot was only a small sliver of rock jetting out from a steep cliff (see photos). I had lunch along the river banks, refueling for the climb out of the valley. I climbed out of the valley on a steep trail ascending 2500 feet over 2.5 miles. Once atop I descended a similar distance down to Lake Watauga. When I reached the lake I was smoked and drenched in sweat. Salt lines were visible all over my shirt, shorts and hat. The area along the lake was a swim area with benches and parking. No no one was around except some geese. So I took off my shoes and socks and jumped in for a much needed lake bath. It was cold but I felt so much better and I washed off my clothes. Celtic thought I was nuts. We pushed on after that around the west end of the lake and over the dam (see photos). The trail then ascended up along the ridge of the mountains adjacent to the north side of the lake. The sun was beginning to set when we finally found a spring for some water. With water in hand, we decided to set up camp at the next camp site along the trail. We were beat and hungry so it was time to call it quits for the day. Later that evening Ohio and Trademark came up the trail, stopped for a bit to visit and then pushed on for another few miles in the dark with their headlamps.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Campsite 1 mile south of Vandeventer Shelter, TN

To: Campsite 1 mile north Abingdon Gap Shelter, TN
Miles today: 24.2

The weather pattern seems to consist of two sunny days and then one rainy day. So today meant we were due for some rain and so it was. We had a few sprinkles in the evening but thankfully the tents were dry when we awoke and packed up. The rain came in short waves drizzling sometimes and outright pouring at other times. We essentially were running along a long ridge with farmland below on either side. There were a lot of us thru hikers on this section of trail today and we would often stop at each shelter to dry up or grab a snack and visit and then drive on. Some of the thru hikers included Ace, Mack, Devinci, Sleeping Frank, Trademark, Al, Jayhawk, Buzz and Tandum. We were all wanting to get close as possible to Damascus, VA, setting up for a short run into town the next day. We did get some trail magic at road TN 91 thanks to Ron and Pam from Nelson Baptist Church. There were lots of sodas and snacks. I have a funny story about the trail magic. Celtic is always wishing for trail magic at every road crossing and he said he had a feeling that we were going to have some trail magic at the next road crossing (I.e., TN91). I said yeah keep dreaming. I guess he is the glass is half full kind of thinker and I see it half empty. So we bet a Diet Coke which is both of our favor non-alcoholic drink. The rest of the thru hikers heard us bet and when we actually did get trail magic where he predicted they all thought his trail name should be "the Oracle" and then they were asking him where the next trail magic will occur. It was funny. After the trail magic the trail winded over some beautiful horse pastures. Old barns and fences lay on the property and a layer of fog hung low on the hills (see photos). After the pastures it was back to the woods but no great views due to the very dense fog. It was so thick one of the thru hikers got lost for a bit trying to find the trail start at a road crossing. By the end of the day the bulk of the thru hikers settled in at Abingdon Gap shelter, TN. Celtic and I push on a little further to a campsite about 1/2 mile down the trail and Trademark continued on during the night to the out skirts of Damascus. At our campsite we were less than 10 miles away from town meaning we would be there in time for lunch (wahoo! Burgers, beer and other foods). Simple things motivate you on the trail and food is definitely one of those things!
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Campsite 1 mile north Abingdon Gap Shelter, TN

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 11.5

It was a short day today since we were only a few miles from Damascus, VA and the hike was mostly down hill. We reached the state line (about 3.5 miles from Damascus) and stopped for a photo and a drink and then headed on. The trail drops right down into the town and you walk down the main street. We set up in the Lazy Fox B&B, cleaned up and hit a burger joint for some beef and brew. It was great to be in town after such a long section without a zero day. We will stay two nights and one full day in Damascus cleaning up gear, resting sore legs, getting equipment fixed, etc, etc.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Damascus, VA

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

Well it has been fun here at Damascus, VA. It is a town that caters to the hikers as well as cyclists. Everyone is friendly and helpful. Some things to note for hikers is there is no town laundromat so you will need to pay one of the hostels to do your laundry. Typically it costs $5-7 for a load. Also internet is set up town wide. It can be spotty in places but generally if you are on the main drag you will get town wifi. I set up in the Lazy Fox B&B but there are plenty of other B&Bs and of course hostels. The Lazy Fox has an awesome breakfast which is included. Actually today I had so much I did not eat lunch. Mrs Jen runs the place which is quite, comfortable and full of antiques. A great place to rest. Looking back this week Celtic and I are starting to get our hiking legs under us with a number of 20+ mile days. We are not really speeding up our pace or cutting down on breaks but rather spending a bit more time on the trail because the feet and legs are doing fine. Also the terrain is starting to smooth out with less multiple big elevation changes. This is huge as the steep uphill and downhill slogs are tough and they put lots of stress on your feet and legs both up and down the mountains. I have now also been on the trail for over a month which is a big milestone. Based on the experience thus far, I have come to the conclusion there are three "constants" of the trail. 1) when you need to go (I.e., take care of some personnel business either number 1 or 2), it does not matter if you have not seen a soul all day there is a high probability you will during this time. I have some funny stories about this subject but some are not suited for mixed company. So enough with the bathroom talk. 2) the weatherman sucks! If the day calls for anything more than 20% rain that means you got at least a day worth of rain, sleet or snow. Oh and if they say the rain will be gone by a certain time in the day it is best to go ahead and assume it will last another few hours. 3) when on the AT and you come to a branch where you have two trails to choose from and no white blaze is visible take the trail that goes up. You will be correct 99% of the time. One time we did come to a trail branch and the AT actually went down we had to get out the maps to check because we just could not believe it. The above points or "constants" as I call them are not complaints just my funny observations or quirks of the trail. It is all good and fun.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Damascus, VA

To: Campsite at Beech Mountain Rd. 
Miles today: 17.9

After a great breakfast at the Lazy Fox, we packed up our gear and slowly started making our way to the Main Street which is where the trail runs. Celtic and I stopped by Cowboys (a convenience store / restaurant) for one final diet coke before leaving civilization. It started to rain just as we got to the store so we hung out waiting for the band of showers to pass. We ended up visiting for an hour or so with Cowboy who is a Damascus local fixture. He filled us in on the upcoming Damascus trail days that attracts well over 25000 hikers to the little town of just over 1000. When the rain subsided we set out. It was already close to 11:00 at that time. There were a number of other thru hikers also getting a slow start out of town. When leaving Damascus you follow the Main Street until you hit the Virginia Creeper bike trail. This trail runs over an old railroad bed. After about a 1/2 mile the AT veers off and up into the hills. However the AT generally follows the Virginia Creeper trail except it swings back and forth over the hills while the bike trail in the valley below runs strait beside the river with few elevation changes. After about 15 miles the AT again merges into the bike trail and traverses over a large bridge built atop old railroad bridge piers. The rain came in progressive bands finally ending around sunset. We set up camp on a grassy pasture just off of the gravel road Beech Mountain Road.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Campsite at Beech Mountain Rd. 

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: clear sky

Over the evening the clouds broke and the morning started cool, crisp and clear. The hike started with an uphill ascent to Mt Rogers which is Virginia's tallest peak. The trail approach was from the west so the sun did not appear until it was above Mt Rogers shining through the trees (see photo). We reached the upper sections of the mountain which have large grass pastures which are called the Highlands. When we reached the Mt Rogers Shelter we were surprised to be treated to Some trail magic by Boomer (see photo). He was down from Ohio taking care of us thru hikers and in the future he hopes to get the chance to thru hike the AT. After the trail magic Celtic and I found a large pasture to sit in the sun, eat and spread out our equipment that had gotten wet the evening before. While we sat and ate wild pony's grazed in the field near us Small herds of pony's were along many sections of the trail. In some cases it would take some coaxing to get them off the trail (see photos). Although the ascents and descents of the day were not steep the going was tough because of the very rocky trail. In some sections you must essentially hop from rock to rock, and when you were not hopping rocks, there were plenty of roots to contend with (see photos). Toward the end of the hike (last three miles or so) I began getting pains in my left lower shin likely because I was over working my calf and feet muscles navigating the rocks. I stretched my feet and calfs every hour or so but I did not get much relief as the day wore on. When I finally made it to the shelter, I stretched again and took some Alieve. I will get a good night sleep and I will see what tomorrow will bring. I hope it is nothing that will hinder my hiking. You realize how vulnerable you are on the trail. You can be fine one day and the next day something comes up that can prevent you from hiking. As I have mentioned in prior journal entries many folks on the trail battle ailments of one type or another.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Campsite about 3/4 mile north of VA 601
Miles today: 21.6

I woke well rested after the long previous day on the Highlands. Usually I sleep better when I tent but last night when I arrived at the shelter it was empty so I thought I would use the shelter instead of tenting. I stretched and tested out the left leg in the morning and no signs of pain which was a relief. The start of the day was mostly downhill coming off of the Highlands area. There were many streams and springs the lower we went in elevation. It was a hot day so at times I would take advantage of the plentiful water sources by at king a dip. The second half of the day was spent working our way out of the lower regions and back up to the ridge lines. Once on the ridge line the trail runs up and down over small hills and on either side of the ridge you look down on farmlands or small hamlets in the valleys below. On the way up to the ridges the trail would sometimes follow abandon railroad beds or logging roads. These sections of the trail are nice as they are often wider and have less jumps in elevations. We finished the day at a campsite on the ridge overlooking a small set of farms. It was a good day as we covered quite a few miles and most importantly I had no more issues with my legs. Tomorrow we should be in Atkins, VA for a mail drop and the opportunity to clean up.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Campsite about 3/4 mile north of VA 601

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

A big motivator on the trail is the prospect of hot food, cold drinks and/or a place to clean up and sleep, and today we are only 14 miles or so from Atkins, VA. There is not much where we will hit the town but it has the basics (one restaurant, one convenience store and a low budget motel). So we were up early and on the trail with some pep in the step. We got hit with some showers over the evening but had a break in the weather when we packed up. Most of trek was down hill but along the ridge lines. We passed the Partnership shelter which was one of the largest and plushest shelters on the AT with room for 16, a shower, nice privy and close proximity to civilization (close enough to order pizza). Word from those that stayed there last night was that it was a drunken crazy scene, not a place to slumber. After yesterdays 20+ mile day I'll pass on the party atmosphere. I only have enough energy to set up my tent, cook some food and crash. About an hour after pushing past this shelter, the rain hit. I was midway along the tallest section of a ridge and picked up the pace to get off it as the lightning started and the winds picked up. I am sure I looked like a walking flag as the strong winds flapped and whipped my poncho. Once off the ridge there was more shelter from the hills and the rain was no longer hitting me horizontally. The rain finally let up about 5 miles from town. As we approached the town the trail snaked through green pastures, gentle hills and old tree groves. It also pass over a railroad track and a long wooden walkway that crossed a bog. Photos along the trail as I neared the town are included. Once in town, it was down to some serious eating! For lunch I had the 1 pound hiker burger at the Barn restaurant It was a great way to end the days hike. I will stay here for the night, cleaning up and resupplying for another 5-6 days on the trail. Next stop will be Pearsburg, VA where I have another mail drop and plans for a full zero day.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Atkins, VA

To: Campsite 1.2 miles north of VA 625
Miles today: 19.8

The morning started with rain and clouds over the nearby mountains indicated rain awaited on the trail. A number of the hikers had breakfast at the Barn putting off the wet start as long as possible. Celtic and I rolled out of Atkins mid morning. As we worked our way out of town we crossed many farms and pastures. In this section the trail has many fence crossings through stiles or ladders that run up over the fences. We shadowed other thru hikers Ace and Mack to Knot Maul shelter. A number of hikers settled at the shelter that evening happy none of the rain promised by the weatherman came. Celtic and I pushed on a few more miles to a campsite near VA 625 and called it a day.
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Campsite 1.2 miles north of VA 625

To: Campsite 1 mile north of the trail boss trail head
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: moderate rain

Similar to the day before the day started with the threat of rain. However it held off with only overcast sky's and a cool breeze. Actually it was a perfect day for hiking. The day started with a 2000ft ascent up to Chestnut Ridge and then we ran the ridge for much of the day. The ridge was rocky and I had one close call, slipping down a large slanted rock but I righted myself before hitting the ground. Slips like this get the heart racing. Rain and rocks can make the trail treacherous. By the days end the sun appeared hinting the threat of rain may subside. However after we set up camp the rain finally came hard and fast. Fortunately I was in my tent staying warm and dry.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Campsite 1 mile north of the trail boss trail head

To: Trent's Grocery Campground
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: broken clouds

For much of the day I was walking the ridges with green valleys below me to the west and east. The sun was out and the distant hills had shadows of the clouds above. The ridges were still brown but when I came off the ridge everything was green and the fragrance was thick of honey suckle and wild flowers. On the way down off the ridge I saw a large black racer (4-5 ft in length) on the side of the trail watching me as I passed it (see photo). We put in 23 miles driven by the thoughts of hot food and cold drinks. Celtic and I crossed the suspension bridge over the river (see photo) and had to decide if we had another 1/2 mile in us to make it to Trent's grocery store where we could get a burger, fries and a cold beverage. Since we came so far of course we could make it another 1/2 mile. When we arrived we were disappointed they were out of burgers so I settled with a cheese steak sandwich, fries and diet coke. Tough life for a hiker, huh.... We decided to stay the night at their campsite which sits a few hundred yards behind the store beside a horse pasture. There were a number of other thru hikers (e.g., Chair, Blackbear, etc) and section hikers (razor and redhat) to name a few. I was also one of the few campers that took advantage of the shower since it was a bit, how would say, "rough" (kindest word for it) plus you have to provide your own stuff (soap, towel, etc). At least it was warm water, which was better than the day prior during my dip in the river. I was telling Celtic that if my kids had not given me the trail name of Shortcut, I would likely have been given the trail name "Mr Clean" because any chance I get I often want to clean up (spring, creek, river, lake, "rough" shower it makes no difference). Well no rain expected tonight so I should wake up dry and be able to raid the store once more in the morning before hitting the trail tomorrow. The game plan is to get within 10-12 miles from Pearisburg and spend a night resupplying and resting for the next push.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Trent's Grocery Campground

To: Campsite 5 miles south of Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

Celtic and I spent the first half of the day running the ridges. Then the trail fell down to a long valley. The ridges tended to be rocky, winding back and forth between boulders. In contrast the valleys are lush with no rocks (maybe a few roots) with many streams and footbridges. The rhododendrons were everywhere, shading the trail. We finished the day back up on a ridge that will ultimately lead to Pearisburg, VA which is the next resupply town.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Campsite 5 miles south of Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

Celtic and I arrived in Pearisburg by mid morning. The scenery as we approached the town was spectacular (see photos). I had a motel room reserved for the evening and Celtic planned to resupply and then get back on the trail later that afternoon. We hit the typical spots for resupply (dollar general and/or the local grocery store). We had lunch in a small cafe in the old downtown area. I was chatting with a family and they said the restaurants will be empty this evening even though it is Saturday night. I was told everyone in town will be at the high school football stadium watching two rival high school alumni teams play a full contact football game. It sounds like this is becoming an annual event. They indicated the oldest players are pushing 50. I asked about the old guys getting injured and it sounds like that is expected. It is probably one of the draws of the game. Last years game had a couple broken bones they said. They were correct about the restaurants being empty. I had dinner at what they said was the best Mexican place in town and there were only a few thru hikers in the place. Usually the place would be packed on a Saturday night. The food was the closest thing to texmex food I have had since leaving Texas. It was not Gringo's or Pappasitos but it hit the spot. Celtic headed back out on the trail mid afternoon and I hope to catch up with him in 2-3 days.
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Bailey Gap shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I pushed out of Pearisburg after a big breakfast at DQ. The trail leads out over the large river bridge. However once over the bridge and into the woods the trail route gets confusing as it intersects a gravel work road used by the nearby chemical plant. More than once through this section I wandered around a bit before finding the trail. Once through that maze it was a 1600 ft ascent out of the valley and up to the ridge line. The ascent was very steep and on the way up I came across a single hiking pole at the side of the trail. A note was on the pole indicating it belonged to a hiker that had died the day before at that location. When I reached Celtic two days later he filled me in. However it appears a hiker died there of a heart attack on his hike up the mountain. My condolences go out to the family as they deal with their loss. Once atop the ridge there were loads of downed trees making the hike more of an obstacle course. Climbing under, over or around the trees as well as through the rocks made the going slow. I finished up the day at the shelter late that evening.
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Bailey Gap shelter

To: Sink Creek Mountain
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: few clouds

I woke up early the next day. I woke up a couple of times I think because of the noise the mice were making at the shelter. The shelters make it easy to set up and pack up for a night but they all have resident mice that when it is dark they scamper under, around and sometimes even over you looking for food. You will often hear crunching/chewing sounds throughout the night and you awake looking around at you gear hoping they are not putting a hole in it. I always make sure I hang all my food up in a tree at shelters. It is more to keep the mice out rather than for bears. I shared the shelter withFiber-1. He is a two time 2000 miler and he is at it again for number three. There were also a few other thru hikers that camped near the shelter that night. The terrain for the day was a mixture of ridge hops and valley runs. The weather was also a mix of thunderstorms and intense heat. A thunderstorm would roll through with a deluge of rain so I dawned my poncho and then it would pass and the sun would cook me. So I was lathering up with the sunscreen. I only came across a few hikers that day. When picking up some water at a steam I ran into Half pint and Motley. They were Thur hikers back in 2007 and they are now doing a couple hundred mile section through Virginia. They are hooked on the trail. It was great visiting with them before I pushed up and onto Sinking Creek Mountain. When up on the ridge, I pushed on to the two rock overlooks shown on my map and then I would start looking for a campsite. When I reached the overlooks the views were spectacular of the valley below. However finding a campsite was problematic due to the large rocks through this area so I kept pushing on until finally I found a small site right on the trail. It was a great spot with views both east and west allowing me to see the sunset in the evening and hopefully an awesome sunrise tomorrow.