morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-01
From: VA Rt 621/ Stealth campsite

To: VA Rt 785/ Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

Started the day cooking some hot oatmeal by the creek and then onward....an early climb. After 6 miles, a slight detour off trail to see a monument dedicated to Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WW2, who died in a plane crash nearby in 1971. Impressive remembrance with many stones and military memorabilia stacked around. Onward over some rough rocky footing in early afternoon to Dragons Tooth area. As the name implies, many large vertical rocks in this area reminiscent of large teeth, with the largest (see photos) accessible by a steep side trail, with great views to boot. A treat in this section - as planned, Sherri drove ahead and hiked southbound to this section to meet me here. A shorter, but much tougher and steeper than my climb up, as we both experienced on the way down. Hand over hand, sliding on our behinds, and even a steel ladder driven into the cliffside. Needless to say, an enjoyable day/hike but due to spending time around the Dragons Tooth and the slow descent, had to cut the planned 21 mile day back to 17 miles. Drove a short way to the Four Pines Hostel set at a farm, which was not really a hostel but a 4-bay garage with a shower, toilet, and sort of functioning sink. We chose the tenting outside option (there was also a barn option), and enjoyed the early evening farm scenery. Chickens, alpacas, guinea hens, ducks, cats, a dog, and some animal statues also. Joined later by fellow thruhikers Hobo Nobo, Caddy, and Bud. Great sunset views and once darkness fell, many stars and fireflies. What the hostel lacked in amenities, it offered much back in personality.
Date: 2014-06-02
From: VA Rt 785/ Four Pines Hostel

To: Daleville VA Rt 220/ Comfort Inn
Miles today: 24.1

With a long day ahead, on the trail early before 730am. Most of the first 4 miles spent beside streams and through pastures, with the highlight passing the 700 mile mark (see photo) early on. Reached VA311 at 930am, and with fortunate timing, Sherri was just pulling into the parking lot, so we shared a quick break and snack. Now on to a long stretch (20 miles) with no road crossings, and one of the most popular and most photographed points on the trail - McAfee Knob. From VA311, the trail was markedly smoother and wider than most trail sections, presumably for the volume of day hikers ascending to the Knob. That being said, still a steep and challenging 3.7 mile / 2000 foot climb. Made it by 1130 and it lived up to the hype - a rock ledge that sticks horizontally into space and fabulous views. The adventurous set stands on the edge and dangles their feet over the edge. The closest I got, of course, was to shimmy my behind such that I could get my shoetops in the picture. Still some hills (mental as well as physical) for me to conquer on this hike, haha. A quick lunch and onward to Daleville. The highlight of the afternoon was Tinker Cliffs - very Mcafee-like, but the trail meandered right along the cliffs edge for several hundred yards. The next ten miles, though featuring plenty of interesting rock formations and views, was punishing on my feet and much slower than anticipated with almost constant rocky footing. With about 2 miles to go, I was able to call Sherri and ask that we skip our original plan of tenting in the Troutville town park, and hit a hotel instead. Got the good news from her that she had climbed to the Knob also about 2 hours after me, and was now sitting in Wendy's with hiker Bud who she hiked back down with. Made it to town finally at 745pm, 12+ hours on my feet, satisfied but spent. Made our way straight to the outdoor porch at Three Little Pigs BBQ restaurant for a filling dinner, then crashed at Comfort Inn. A luxury well deserved after a 24-mile day!
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Daleville VA Rt 220/ Comfort Inn

To: Blue Ridge Parkway, Mile 91.8, Mills Gap Overlook
Miles today: 19.9

Pretty nondescript day on the trail, if that is possible over 20 miles of hiking. One highlight was starting multiple crossings of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Had 5 crossings today and almost all were at scenic overlooks. Legs felt surprisingly good after yesterday's 24-miler. Met Sherri at Mills Gap Overlook, and tent-camped a short drive away at Otter Creek Campground.
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Blue Ridge Parkway, Mile 91.8, Mills Gap Overlook

To: Peaks of Otter Lodge, Bedford VA
Miles today: 19.6

Today's hike started much like Virginia's terrain has turned to - rolling and less steep. After 5 miles, a nice 1700' drop to Jennings Creek for a planned foot soak in the creek at lunch. That plan (pleasantly) did not happen, as I met thruhiker Sherpa Mom, and her husband Waldo who is providing car support for her for the entire hike. They offered an RC cola and a lawn chair and we enjoyed a relaxing lunch. Well, the soda definitely came in handy as the afternoon's hike featured (?) 11 miles of mostly steep uphills. Thanks, Sherpa Mom! Thunder, lightning, and rain filled the last hour of the day's hike; nothing too serious though, and the sun returned by the time Sherri met me for pickup at Parkers Gap Rd. The plan was for a quick dinner at Peaks of Otter Lodge, then a return to camp at Otter Creek Campground. For the second time today, plans changed as a return of the thunderstorms prompted us to stay at the Lodge instead. The rain stopped after 3 hours and we were serenaded to sleep by bullfrogs and spring peepers from the nearby pond.
Date: 2014-06-07
From: US Rte 60 Buena Vista VA/ stealth campsite

To: VA 826 Crabtree Falls/ Motel 6 Lexington VA
Miles today: 19.7

The long dark climb that ended yesterday's hike continued this morning with another dark 2000' ascent over the first 3 miles. Finally in late morning - sunshine! A pleasant walk with multicolored grasses and rolling mountain views over Cold Mountain Bald. Just before lunch stop, a trail magic cooler in the woods left by thruhiker Goman (class of 2012)! Cold drinks on ice and a variety of snacks - I don't even know what a Moon Pie was, but I had to have one. A mostly uneventful afternoon until day's end. The planned pickup at Rt 826 turned into a little panic as the "road" at that point was little more than a rocky narrow steep dirt path impassable by anything but a tank. I took a left down this path to civilization or to where I hoped Sherri would be. After a half mile or so, found her in a small dirt parking lot with a half dozen 4-wheel drive vehicles. She had gone as far as the trusty 2003 Dodge Caravan could go, and was pondering her next move. She had driven about 45 minutes at 10mph up a gravel road over potholes, small boulders, and 2 creek crossings to get there. The signage advised 4-wheel drive vehicles only, but she plowed through to get there. Thank you, Sherri! Part of her/our motivation was that the day before she had met 2 bicycling women who recommended a small outdoor venue concert featuring bluegrass/folk group "Seldom Scene" at the Lime Kiln Theatre in Lexington VA. We had about 2.5 hours to get back down the gravel road, quick shower at Motel 6, and off to the show. Great music (Seldom Scene was formed in 1971 with one original member left) in a real homey setting of a few hundred people. Becky and Jo (bike women) even saved us seats! They even covered a John Prine song and 2 Bob Dylan tunes so you know they were good in my book! A late night back to the motel but totally worth it.
Date: 2014-06-08
From: VA 56 / The River Suspension bridge 

To: Reeds Gap/ Blue Ridge Pkwy & VA 664
Miles today: 10.7

After "sleeping in" until 7am (woohoo!), did laundry at the hotel, and zipped to quaint and bustling downtown Lexington, home of Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University, for breakfast. Niko's Grille made a push to join my Mount Rushmore of AT breakfast spots, joining Blueberry Patch Hostel, Mountain Harbor Hostel, and Lazy Fox Inn. Hash browns, French toast, and English muffins were right on, and the coffee hit the spot. Back to the motel, quick pack up, and a drive to the day's highlight - meeting my friend Bill who will hike 10 miles with me today. He and I have been friends since meeting on the 8th grade cross-country team; he now lives in nearby Charlottesville with his family. Due to some confusion on the hike starting point, we got off to a late start, but quickly settled into a comfortable hiking rhythm. Unusual to be talking and listening for an entire hike; I'm so used to just silence and my own thoughts on the trail. Good to catch up on what's new, rehash old times, and answer AT questions. My voice was actually hoarse by the end. Nothing spectacular about the hike itself - a few views, spitting/threatening rain, and a turtle - but the company made all the difference. Sherri picked us up, and we shuttled Bill back to his car. Looking forward to a zero at his home on Tuesday night/ Wednesday. After a long drive to Sherando Lake campground, enjoyed a late 9pm dinner, and tented for the night.
Date: 2014-06-11
From: Charlottesville VA

To: Skyline drive/Jarman Gap stealth campsite
Miles today: 14.3

A "split" day as we started the day driving up the gravel road where Saturday's hike ended. The timing and logistics didn't work to start there on Sunday so backtracking to here today. A pretty nondescript straight up 2 miles over "The Priest" Mountain, followed by a long (4 mi) and steep (3000') descent to VA Rt 56. Trail Angel Sherri ( who could now work for AAA with her experience navigating VA's back roads) was there to pick me up and we zoomed north to where Monday's hike ended at Rockfish Gap (also the entrance to Shenandoah National Park. This is where our 5 day backpacking trip started last September so looking forward to covering some familiar ground. Been sleeping well on the trip but needed a midday nap before starting this leg. Not much in the way of scenery/wildlife with the highlight being a thunderstorm for an hour which helped cool things off. Reached our planned end stop at Jarman Gap, hung out in the car while another t-storm passed, quick tent setup and dinner before the next predicted storm, and in for the night.
Date: 2014-06-12
From: Skyline drive/Jarman Gap stealth campsite

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 19.3

Woke at 530 to (fortunately) a dry tent after last night's heavy thunderstorms. An hour of journal writing, then a hot oatmeal breakfast, tent breakdown, and on the trail by 815. Must have been good oatmeal or pecan swirls or something, but I flew along the trail from the start. Contrary to yesterday, I remembered nothing of this trail section from last year. And for the first 2 hours anyway, nothing of note - and then a flurry. Crossed paths again with Sherpa Mom; Slowpoke ( who told me he has just renamed himself Pennsylvania Coyote); and Madcap and Pink Panther. Also came upon (slowly) a mother deer and very young baby fawn, who was walking clumsily along on new legs. Protective mom walked forward, keeping 1 eye on me and 1 on baby as I moved forward also. After a minute or 2, she led baby into the woods. Caught a little bit on film; a pretty special money to be that close. A sunny lunch at Blackrock Gap, and there must have been something in the salami because I again flew on the trail but now I remembered everything from last year's hike. Met Sherri as planned at Loft Mountain Campground Store, and drove down to the Wayside Restaurant for a burger and hot dog. Had been considering for weeks skipping this trail section that we hiked last year, but the thought of Wayside burgers and (for tomorrow's breakfast) blueberry pancakes kept drawing me back. A choice well made. Back up to the several hundred person campsite; set up our tent between torrential downpours and in for the night.
Date: 2014-06-13
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Swift Run Gap Elkton VA/ Alexandria VA
Miles today: 17.5

Awoke early again to work on the journal and to build in time for the Wayside Restaurant blueberry pancakes breakfast. A 3-mile hike down to the Wayside, and not disappointed. Same cook (John) as last year, and same fat fresh blueberries. Turns out John worked in Boston for a while tearing down the overhead Central Artery and the elevated Orange Line. After we enjoyed a sunny outdoor breakfast, back to the trail with the motivation ahead of 2 days off in Washington DC. Little did I know much more was in store before then. Heading down the trail late morning and lucky I happened to look up and see fat Mr Bear in the way about 30 yards away. Backpedaled a bit to consider the options. As instructed, gave my hiking poles a few bangs together and yelled a bit but he neither moved nor seemed interested in me, more so in eating trailside plants. Filmed him for a bit, blew my bear whistle, took a few photos, threw some rocks in the woods to perhaps lure him in there - nothing. While I'm waiting, a hawk flies 10 feet overhead. OK, all very cool, animal kingdom, but I got places to be. After 15-20 minutes Mr Bear gives me a window to sneak through - back turned, 10 yards up the hillside, and mouth full of lunch (his, not mine). A little scary but pretty cool. Must have been animal day as I shortly after saw a snake and orange newt. After a quick lunch with Sherri (thanks for the pastrami!), an 800' and 1300' climb up Hightop Mountain, much of it in a heavy downpour. Passed the 900-mile mark just before the summit! Love hitting a hundred mile marker every week now! The sun returned after a few hours and enjoyed a 3-mile downhill plunge to Elkton VA. Found a fresh tulip tree flower for trail angel Sherri just before the finish. A 2.5 hour drive to DC ( with a milkshake stop at Tasti-Freez), into Days Inn, and a much-awaited shower.
Date: 2014-06-17
From: Fishers Gap/ Big Meadows Campground

To: Brahms Gap Overlook/ Mathews Arm Campground
Miles today: 19.1

The nature show continued this morning as I saw a mom deer milking her fawn. Lots of stretching and massage, and 2 ibuprofen to hopefully prevent a repeat of yesterday's aches and pains. "Sacrificed" an early start on the trail for a hearty breakfast at Big Meadows Wayside. It paid off as I got some extra stretching time and started the day with good energy. The bear parade continued at late morning as this time I spotted a mama bear with 2 young cubs about 30 yards off the trail. She scooted them up a tree, and kept swiveling her head to keep an eye on me. She wasn't aggressive, but definitely protective and meant business. She hustled the cubs bottoms first down the first tree and up another a little deeper in the woods. That was the opening I needed to make a break and I took it, with Mama Bear and myself continuing to watch each other just in case. The rest of morning/early afternoon passed quickly with a bonus of Sherri hiking about a mile in from our planned lunch spot to meet me. After lunch, a long series of great cliff views overlooking the Luray VA valley. Also bagged my first good butterfly photo of the trip, which had eluded me for the whole trip. Up Pinnacle Mt and down, and a brief rest stop and stretch at Rt 211 before the final push up Pass Mt. Another bear cub spotted out wandering alone; I looked warily for Mama but no sign of her, so I quickly moved on. A good 1-mile downhill after the summit and ready to call it a good 19 mile day. Not yet, though! Another bear, this time 10 yards in front of me as I rounded a corner. I quickly backed up and assessed. Unlike in the previous bear encounters however, this bear started ambling up the trail towards me. I kept backing up as he slowly advanced 5-10 yards at a time. After 50 yards or so, he became (thankfully) more interested in trailside plants to eat, with an occasional glance at me. A longer wait this time, but eventually he wandered far enough in that I could sneak (sprint?) by. A quick walk down to Brahms Gap Overlook where Sherri and I planned to meet. She wasn't there so I passed time with thruhiker "Dad" who showed up a few minutes later, looking for the next day's trailhead. As it was late (715p) and there weren't any good camping spots at the overlook, Dad accepted our offer to drive to nearby Mathews Arm Campground for the night. As simple as the campgrounds have been, they are a welcome change, offering at the least clean lit bathroom buildings and clean running water for $8 -$12 for a camp spot. We shared a camp spot with Dad, and did a quick tent setup, dinner, and conversation until and after dark fell. Eight bears in the last 3 days, with 5 today - let's see what tomorrow brings!
Date: 2014-06-19
From: Compton Gap VA/ Mountain Home Cabbin

To: Linden VA Rt 638/ Super 8 Front Royal VA
Miles today: 18.3

Rose creakily out of bed at the Cabbin, washed up, and treated by Scott to a fresh-made pancake breakfast. Chatted with Sunsplash and Dos, stretched the legs and other useful body parts, and got dropped off back on the trail. An 18 or 20 miler planned, depending on how the legs responded. The terrain and footing cooperated from the start so my pace was pretty good until about noontime when the downhills started taking a toll, slowing me such that I didn't get to our planned lunch spot until 230p. Then just as I started to hike after lunch, Sherri shouts from the road that the van battery is dead. A half hour on the phone with AAA to arrange a charge/tow, and off I went (again). I fear the van is going to collapse at hike's end in Maine, just like the Bluesmobile at the end of the "Blues Brothers" movie. We have started making plans to buy a replacement before then. Struggled (much like the van) to the finish line, and we decided to crash at Super 8 instead of camping. Pulled into a BBQ restaurant parking lot to check it out, and the battery dies again. ANOTHER helpful Southerner gave us a charge, so we drove straight to Front Royal, kept the car running while we ordered dinner at Front Royal Diner, and headed straight to Super 8. Decided to deal with the car in the morning...showered, ate, and crashed well after 10p.
Date: 2014-06-27
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground/Myersville MD

To: Washington Monument State Park 
Miles today: 1.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Smokey the Bear says "O-Positive is off the trail and at home for (hopefully) just 2 weeks for rest and some aggressive physical therapy before returning to the trail." The left leg issue that I've been dealing with the past 2 weeks became too painful to keep hiking on Friday. I have tried a combination of stretching, massage, anti-inflammatories, and reduced pace and mileage but after a few days of turning a corner, it became worse. As one massage therapist i saw put it, by continuing to hike, you are re-injuring it every day. My self-diagnosis is a chronic muscular issue centered in and creating pain around my hip, back, and buttocks, which in turn caused additional issues in my quad and shin as I compensated for the original pain. So a difficult but necessary short term decision to continue the hike (and address this chronic issue for the long term). Fortunately, was able to contact my friend Dave (Tough Mudder) Kittredge in Baltimore who picked me up on Saturday afternoon, hosted me at his and Elaine's home Saturday night, and I am writing this from a Baltimore to Boston Amtrak train on Sunday morning. I will be continuing on from South Station to me and Sherri's new home (which she has owned for 15 years) in Somerville. Sad and frustrated to be off the trail, but excited to get a flavor of our new home. If all goes according to plan, I will be back on the AT in 2 weeks, likely hiking south from Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park in Maine to the point I stopped at in Maryland. This change in plans would be to avoid colder weather conditions and possible Baxter State Park closing (it closes for the season by October 15 and sometimes earlier) by continuing to hike northward. I will be using the down time also to fill in some of the "holes" in my blog from the past 2 weeks as I have had to put more focus on my leg. Thank you everyone for your interest, encouragement, and help in the past 3 months and I look forward to writing again soon. O-Positive.
Date: 2014-07-25
From: Washington Monument State Park 

To: Annapolis Cliffs campsite
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: clear sky

Today, I hiked 5.4 miles without pain. Pretty slowly, for sure, but no pain. Yes, I am back on the AT. Four weeks to the day that I couldn't take another step at Washington Monument State Park, I got back there today thanks to Sherri, Dave and Elaine, Bash and Teresa at Harvard Health PT, Natasha at Massage Therapy of Boston, home workouts, ibuprofen, muscle relaxants, Ben-gay, and Bio-freeze. Took Amtrak on Thursday to DC, then to Harpers Ferry, and stayed at the Teahorse Hostel. After a waffle breakfast, hostel owner Laurel drove me 20 miles north to Washington Monument State Park. My original plan upon leaving the trail 4 weeks ago was to resume hiking southbound from Mount Katahdin in Maine. That plan was scrapped though, after considering the first 115 miles of that trail section has no roads or cell service and with the uncertainty of how my leg would respond to hiking long distances with a pack. So I will continue hiking north for 2-6 weeks, hiking as far as my body, mind, and heart will allow, and call it a year, finishing the trail in the future as time allows. Disappointing to be sure not to thruhike in 2014, but the experience has been fulfilling, exciting, and amazing enough to be satisfied to leave when the time comes. So I tightened the laces, put on the bug spray, and headed out. My plan is to go easy the first 3 days, then increase miles as my body allows. The trail conditions cooperated with fairly smooth footing and no significant uphills or downhills. Reached my planned stop in 5.5 miles at Annapolis Cliffs campsite at 1230p and set up camp. Odd to be done that early in the day, and filled the afternoon with lunch, a nap, and my daily physical therapy exercises and stretching. Took a walk to the cliffs to catch some inspiring views and a cellphone signal, then headed back to make dinner, do and do some journal writing and other writing. A low-key but good first day back.
Date: 2014-07-26
From: Annapolis Cliffs campsite

To: Free State Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 6.4

Awoke at 6am to a brief rain shower and began the morning prep. Similar to yesterday, I was a little rusty with all the details and routine of breakfast prep, tent breakdown, backpack packing, etc but managed to get on the trail by 8am. Another relatively short (6.4 miles) day planned for today. Scenery was almost nonexistent except for some interesting flowers and mushrooms. The first and last thirds of the trail were smooth but the middle third was quite rocky and bouldery, a preview of what will become the norm across the Pennsylvania border in a few days. Finished by 1130; the hostel i'm staying at tonight doesn't open until 2pm, so I spent some time at the trail road crossing eating lunch, stretching, and napping. At 2pm, walked down to the Free State Hiker Hostel and checked in. The hostel is fairly new and like many hostels, is owned and operated by a former thruhiker. Owner Ken is a physician's assistant who thruhiked in 2006 to raise money for the community health center where he volunteered. The hostel is built ad an attachment to the back of his house. After some reading, I took a mile or so walk (without a pack, what a treat!) down to the store to pick up a grocery items and batteries. Upon returning, a lot more reading, dinner, even more reading, chatted with thruhiker Garnet Turtle, and off to bed.