morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-11
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Campsite right at clearing under oak tree
Miles today: 12.0

This morning it was raining when I woke up. I was in a motel so I drank coffee, had breakfast and waited for the Post Office to open. I departed the motel and resumed my hike at 11AM. I have a new camera so I took pictures of flowers and several vista shots. I hiked till 5:45 and set camp beside the trail in the woods. I traveled about twelve miles. The new Walmart backpack is not so user friendly. It's actually a weekend pack and I have it severely overloaded. But it will work until I can get my back pack sent from home. Tomorrow the weather should be sunny.
Date: 2009-05-12
From: Campsite right at clearing under oak tree

To: Campsite/spring(4000')
Miles today: 16.0

Todays hike was uneventful. Boring would be a better word to describe the day. My Wal-Mart backpack I purchased to replace my damaged Granite pack is painful. I can't adjust the load properly so I'm carrying all the weight on my shoulders. Progress is slow and painful. This afternoon I was walking the trail and I noticed we were just below a ridgeline. After several miles and late in the afternoon I left the trail and climbed to the ridge to see if there was a view of the other side of the mountain. The ridge was a dirt forest service road, but on the other side of the road was the best campsite I've seen yet. Flat, clear and thick grass. I set camp at around 6:30 and enjoyed a sunset as I ate supper. I'm not exactly sure of my location but I think my hike today was only 16 miles. I'll spend the evening trying to figure if there is a better way to pack my backpack.
Date: 2009-05-13
From: Campsite/spring(4000')

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a beautiful day. I had a rough time with the backpack. I spent several hours this afternoon repairing the straps trying to get the pack to fit better. The trail was not very attractive and there were no vistas. I don't think I took the camera out of my pack all day. The weather was great except the pain from my backpack was all I could bear. I think I can make it work long enough to get me to the outfitter in Daleville. There I'll get another backpack. That will be my fifth pack on this trip.
Date: 2009-05-14
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Trail Campsite
Miles today: 22.0

Started the hike at Laurel Creek Shelter and finished at on trail campsite. Distance of 22 miles. It was wonderful weather and trail conditions. The time I spent modifying the Wal-Mart back pack reduced the pain on my shoulders. I still had pain but was able to endure the pain for longer intervals before I had to take the pack off for a rest period. I walked a ridge line of boulders that were slanted and it was a little scary. It did make the hike more interesting today. I would not attempt to traverse that ridge in adverse conditions because one false step or slip and serious injury would be the result. I saw several birds I have never seen before and I saw a lot of butterflies. I took pictures of some field flowers I have not seen before. All things considered this was a good day.
Date: 2009-05-15
From: Trail Campsite

To: Johns Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a rain and a thunderstorm last night. This morning I departed camp at 6:30 and hiked 14.4 miles to John Spring Shelter. I met a young man on the trail around 1:00 and we talked. I told him my back pack was giving me problems and that I was hopeful I could purchase a new one in Daleville. He insisted that he would carry me into Roanke, VA to purchase a backpack. He then carried me to another outfitter and finally carried me to Daleville. There I found the same backpack I had purchased in Damascus. He then carried me back to the trailhead and would not accept any payment. Meeting this young man Russell West made my day. This morning I visited the Dragon tooth and it was a difficult and dangerous climb. The rocks were still wet from last nights rain. I was glad to get off the mountain ridge and back to the wooded trails. i took pictures of flowers and some scene shots, but this morning when I was walking the ridge line the fog prevented any vista shots. I expect to be in Daleville tomorrow night.
Date: 2009-05-16
From: Johns Spring Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

I have about an 18 mile hike to reach Daleville, VA. The weather is good and I hope to make good time. There are several scenic sights I hope to see but, most important to reach Daleville. I started my hike at 6AM. With the new backpack it was great and I made exceptional time with relative ease. I took pictures of some beautiful scenic views and still reached Daleville at 2:30PM. I was able to get a room at Super 8 motel. The bad news is that my resupply package was not there. I had supper in the motel. I purchased food from Krogers. After repacking the backpack I watched the weather channel and went to bed. I couldn't sleep at 2:30. I was still awake at 4:30. I woke up and made final preparations to get underway. It's raining but not hard.
Date: 2009-05-17
From: Daleville, VA

To: Bobbets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

At 5:45 AM I went to the lobby for a free breakfast of toast, doughnuts, cereal and coffee. It was 6:30 before I left the motel. I didn't feel all that strong and wasn't sure what to expect on the trail. I wanted a good showing because my next resupply will be Waynesboro, VA some 30 miles. I'll need to make good time or I'll run out of provisions. I reached Bobbets Gap Shelter at 4:30 and I was tired. Nobody was at the shelter. I fixed supper, got water and as I did people started to arrive. I loaded my pack and moved up the trail about half mile and set my tent. It didn't take long and I was a sleep. I woke up at 3:30 and I'm now writing my journal entries and making today's hike plans.
Date: 2009-05-18
From: Bobbets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I started my hike at 6:15 this morning. The first few miles I had a pain in my right knee. Saturday going into Daleville, I took a fall and hit that knee on a boulder. I'm not sure if they are related but the good new is that the pain went sway and I had a good hike. I'm running short on water purification tablets and a fellow hiker said he would pump me water. I had one more mountain to climb after lunch so we agreed to travel dry and water up at the summit. He's a young man and very fast, so I started ahead of him. Both of us figured he would catch up with me before I got to the shelter at the top of the mountain, some seven miles away. Mr. Holloway was determined to make a strong showing and force this fine young man to work to catch me. He didn't catch me, I've never pressed myself that hard in my life. He was in a state of disbelief and I was just plain exhausted. I still can't belief what happened. I went on to a camp site 1.1 miles past the shelter- Cornelius Creek Shelter. I traveled 7 miles in a little over 2 1/2 hours, no breaks, all uphill and after I had hiked 13.2 miles that morning. Today's hike was 20.2 miles. Great weather but no scenery. I took just a couple of pictures.
Date: 2009-05-19
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Matt's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike was an easy downhill hike for the most part. I did see some scenic views and I took pictures. I decided to end my hike at a campsite adjacent to a creek that empties into the James River. This site is located 1.1 miles past - Matt's Creek Shelter. Its a beautiful stream and a good campsite. I have it to myself. On the other side of the James river is a very busy railroad track. Today was a pleasant day and I enjoyed the hike. I've done calculated and it appears I will arrive at Waynesboro Saturday late afternoon. Not good because the Post Office will be closed until Monday morning. I may make a detour.
Date: 2009-05-20
From: Matt's Creek Shelter

To: Near Brown Mtn Creek Shelter
Miles today: 19.1

I was a little slow getting started this morning. I didn't leave camp until 6:45. This morning was a tough hike. All uphill, I did fine but this afternoon my energy level was low. I saw some beautiful sights and took pictures. The afternoon hike was all downhill. That's good because there was no uphill lift in me. I planned on a 20 mile hike, but at the 19.1 mark I came across a beautiful creek. I couldn't resist so I set up camp here. I took pictures so you dould see how inviting the place appears. I have it all to myself and I am listening to the water run over the boulders in the stream. I'll be asleep soon. Good Night.
Date: 2009-05-21
From: Near Brown Mtn Creek Shelter

To: Salt Log Gap
Miles today: 11.9

Last night it occurred to me that I did not have enough food to reach Waynesboro. I had several options. One, I could ration; not good. I need energy to hike strong. Two, I could resupply. If I opt for this solution there is a time cost and I must act Thursday. Three, try to power hike the remaining 68 miles. Resupply is the best solution. I started the day as usual at 6AM. I wanted to reach the camp store before dark. This would be a 22 mile hike on the AT, then 2.5 miles along a highway. I started strong, after 5 miles I came to a highway. I was looking at my guidebook when a man drove into the parking area. His kids got out and he set there waiting for the school bus. I asked him if this was US 60. He said yes and told me it was the last chance to resupply before Waynesboro. I ask if there were any stores close. He indicated several within five miles. The bus came and he said he would take me to a store. He went home and returned shortly. He carried me 11 miles to Food Lion in Buena Vista, VA. and brought me back and would not take a dime. This man took a lot of pressure off me. After he left and I resumed my hike I wondered if I would have done the same. The people I have met on the journey have caused me to think. The remainder of the day I could not focus on time, objective, or any aspect of the hike. All I could think about were the people I have met. it was a sunny day and I enjoyed the hike. There were some scenes that I took pictures of. Mostly, it was a day to reflect on what I had encountered and how it had changed by views. I cut the hike short and hopefully get refocused on the hike. But I assure you I'll not forget this day.
Date: 2009-05-22
From: Salt Log Gap

To: Tye River
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

I'm camping at the Tye River. There are several campsites and the sound of the river is relaxing. Today was yet another great day of hiking with excellent weather. I think the hike was close to 18 miles. I want to enter Waynesboro Sunday mid afternoon. There is only 30 miles left till I hit town. I took a 2 1/2 hour lunch break and shut down early. I enjoyed this afternoon. Tomorrow I have a big climb in the morning followed by a fairly easy afternoon hike. I hope the weather holds. took some good photos today and had time to linger. I'm shifting to the summer hike schedule tomorrow. Wake up at 3AM depart by 5AM. Time to call it a day.
Date: 2009-05-23
From: Tye River

To: Bear Spring
Miles today: 22.0

I woke up at 2:50 and was ready to leave at 5AM. Only there was a problem. it was still too dark to travel. At 5:20 i put my head light on and off I went. After 30 minutes I jumped two deer very near the trail. After a short period of time as I came around a curve I heard a sound to my right. i turned my head and saw a black bear standing on a boulder. He was turning his head away from me and getting ready to jump. i tried to get my camera out of my vest pack. The bear leaps from the rock and took off down the mountain in a great hurry. Saplings were shaking and the sound was loud. I had finally seen a bear. I ascended the mountain and as I approached the summit I could hear talking from behind me. I figured it was a group of some of the younger hikers. I decided to stop and let them pass. I enjoy the sounds of the birds and the wind moving the leaves. To my surprise it was a group of three men without backpacks. They stopped and talked with me and passed on still gabbing. The woods are filled with all types of people and these three are in a special class. Later, that morning at a spring three more young men approached from the other direction and stopped to get water. I told them of the three men I had encountered earlier. They said those were mountain runners. One young man told me that the man I talked with earlier was Dr. Horton. I asked who he was and was told he is the worlds record holder for the fastest time to complete the A.T. I was told by another of the young men that Dr. Horton is the Michael Jordan of hiking. Imagine that! Shortly after lunch as I hiked up a grass covered section of the trail, i came across a large black snake. Best guess is that it was 6' long. I think the largest snake I've ever seen in the wild. I tossed a stick, then a rock and tapped my sticks against a rock and finally the snake moved so I could pass. Around 2PM I was starting to get hungry and weak. I looked up the trail and there was an ice chest. I approached the chest and read the note. Trail magic and I was the first person to happen upon it. I opened the lid and had my pick of candy bars, soft drinks, beer or peanuts. I had two candy bars and a mountain dew. That lifted my spirits and gave me energy. Around 4PM I came across a doe and a yearling. They were not afraid of me in the least. I took picture after picture with the flash action and these deer were not concerned. They were at sometimes around 20 feet from me. I hiked another 45 minutes and made camp. I hiked 22 miles today. As I sat in my ten, I ate supper and thought about the events of the day. This day I'll not forget for some time.
Date: 2009-05-24
From: Bear Spring

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We camped at Bear Creek last night. This is about 9 miles from Rockfish Gap and then another 4.5 miles down I64 to Waynesboro, VA. The hike was mostly flat and not very scenic. I'll just be glad to get a bath and shave. I woke up at 3AM and was ready to leave at 5AM. I didn't, I just watched the sky lighten until shapes were visible. With headlight on, I took off at 5:20AM and soon color started to appear. If you have color you have depth perception and can identify trip hazards as well as snakes. The hike to Rockfish was uneventful and I arrived before the information center opened at 9AM. They help hikers find a ride into town. No problem, I'm rested, so I started my walk into town. As I started walking it occurred to me that yesterdays luck had abandoned me. Not so, I didn't walk 100 yds when a car pulled over and the lady got out and asked if I wanted a ride into town. I said certainly. She was a hiker and was very friendly. Before she dropped me off at the hotel I got a tour of town. I got to the motel and checked in. They have a free continental breakfast and I was able to enjoy coffee and muffins. Next order of business- bath/shave. After that I felt like a new man. Monday is a holiday and the Post office will be closed. It looks like a two day stay in Waynesboro. Later in the day I waked to the grocery store and as I was leaving a man pulled along side me and offered a ride back to the hotel. he was in line behind me at the check out counter. We talked and he told me where I could expect to see bear and deer in the Shenandoah National Park. The people up here are special and the thoughtfulness has had a real impact on me.
Date: 2009-05-26
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: moderate rain

Finally got to the trailhead around 11:45. It had rained off and on this morning. I got a backcounty permit and talked with a ranger at the information board. It was close to 12:30 when I started my hike. In less than a mile I saw 2 deer. Then I saw another and finally I camae across a fourth deer. This was a newborn. Smaller than most dogs. I didn't see mom but clearly the deer was less than several weeks old. I didn't take any pictures today because it was pouring rain. I make it seven miles to Calf Mtn Shelter and took precautions to prevent hypothermia. I have the shelter to myself. I have not felt well most of the day. Mostly, weak with headache. Dry clothes, hot coffee and warm food with rest has made a difference. While at the shelter this afternoon it stormed. I hope I feel better tomorrow. I'm glad to be back on the trail and hope the weather will be better.
Date: 2009-05-27
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It was raining all night and this morning early. I awoke at 4:30 and stayed in the sleeping bag. At 6:00 it was still raining but not as hard. I ate oatmeal and had coffee and packed my backpack. I finally left the shelter at 8:15. It never rained again. I still didn't feel well but the show must go on. The sun wasn't shining and there was a fog more mist than fog but it made for a dreary atmosphere. Around 10:00 as I walked I was passed by a hiker. Shortly after that I looked to my left and 40-50' from me was a bear. I froze, I could not believe my eyes. He was sitting much like a dog sits with his front legs straight and his head upright. He was just sitting there looking at me. He didn't move and I didn't move. I need a picture. Dear Lord, I figured it was going to rain so I packed the camera very well. I finally got the camera out and I guess all the motion bothered him. Ie didn't run he just slowly moved away. I took several pictures but I don't know what I got. When he walked he was the same height as the small trees that surrounded him. I hope at least one picture shows his side. I was on cloud 9 for some time after that. I jumped 3 deer after that and got several good shots of one of then. I took a full hour for lunch and thought about that bear. He made my day. I arrived at Blackrock Hut at 3:15PM. I felt tired and had a headache. I'll stay here and rest. It didn't rain today and the trail was in good condition considering all the rain from yesterday, lasst night and this morning. My hike was 14 miles. The bear was without a doubt the most exciting event of the trip. Eye to eye with a black bear in his backyard. I'll remember this for some time to come.
Date: 2009-05-28
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Camp near the trail near Little Roundtop Mtn
Miles today: 17.0

Woke up at 4:20, left camp at 6:30. Hiked 7 1/2 miles to the camp store. Purchased some fuel for my stove and some crackers and cookies. Returned to the trail and hiked till 4PM. I set up camp near the trail and called it a day. Took some pictures of a deer and some scenic shots as well as a few flowers. I thik I hiked 17 miles. Today was an ordinary day. Not much to say except the weather was good.
Date: 2009-05-29
From: Camp near the trail near Little Roundtop Mtn

To: Bearfence Mtn Hut
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a relaxed carefree day. I had no hike plan or objective. I started my hike at 7AM and terminated at 3PM. I visited with some hikers I had hiked with in Carolina. Stopped at Lewis Mtn. camp grounds and had coffee and muffins while I charged my phone. Talked with the camp manager as well as several non-hiker guest. Went 1 mile to ht and set camp. The hut is called Bearfence Mtn. Hut. Today's hike was 15 miles and it was mostly sunny. I took several vista photos but saw no animals. I'll try to take a more serious approach to my hiking tomorrow.
Date: 2009-05-30
From: Bearfence Mtn Hut

To: Pinnacles Picnic Area
Miles today: 20.0

Started my hike today at 6:30AM. My hike plan was vague, but I wanted to get 20 miles. it was a beautiful day and I took many pictures. Vista, flowers, geologic and best of all two deer. These deer were at one time within 10 feet of me. They were totally unafraid. I took eight pictures of them. If I have another good day tomorrow I should clear the park Monday morning. I reunited with more hikers that I have met previously and met some new ones. I'm in my tent and I have yet to have a decent camp site in the Shenandoah Park. However, I have seen more wildlife in this week than on the whole trip. I need to see one more bear. I'm tired, goodnight all.
Date: 2009-05-31
From: Pinnacles Picnic Area

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night the Boy Scounts were well represented at the shelter. They were well behaved but, the best campsites were already taken by the time I reached the site. Needless to day I didn't sleep well. At 3AM it started to rain. I woke up at 3:45 and made a cup of coffee. I tried to figure if it was going to rain all day or just a few hours. I started packing at 4:45 and not long afterward the rain sstopped. It was too early to read the sky so I kept my rainsuit on. Around 5:15 it appeared the rain was done and the day would be rain free. At 6:30 I started my hike. At 11:30 I reached the Elkwallow Picnic area and stopped to have lunch. I charged my solar battery charger and it took nearly 1 1/2 hours. It was 1PM when I resumed my hike. I had no firm plan. The next shelter was 6.3 miles and the next shelter was to far. At 3:30 I reached Gravel Spring Hut. This was a 17.5 mile hike. I took advantage of the time and shaved in a creek and washed parts of my body. I also washed my socks. I visited with the other campers and then set up my tent. I forgot to mention this morning I came across a copperhead snake on the trail. He was only 2 feet long. I took a little doing but I got him off the trail.
Date: 2009-06-01
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike started at 6AM. My objective was ambitious and I am not sure I can achieve it but I'll try. The distance from Gravel Spring Hut to Manassas Gap Shelter is 24.1 miles. I cleared Shenandoah park at 10AM and pressed on. I reached Manassas Gap Shelter at 5:30PM. I took one break in the morning and lunch. I was pleased wwith the hike. I saw a deer, black snake, owl and a turkey with covey. The weather was great and I'm tired as I write this. In two days I reach Harpers Ferry the halfway point on the trail. The owl I saw let me get very close and I took several pictures. The turkey was not so cooperative. I didn't bother trying to get a picture. There are six to eight people at this shelter but no one is staying in the shelter. The word is that two black snakes reside in that shelter. I got here early enough to get a decent campsite. I hope your day was as delightful as mine. Good night all.
Date: 2009-06-02
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a nice day. Sunny and warm. I planned a 20 mile hike to the shelter at the 990.0 mark. It was an easy hike. After lunch I came across a creek and stopped to soak my feet. I rinsed my shirt and checked for ticks. They have been very present the last week. I reached the shelter around 4:30 and set my tent. The tent site was one of the better ones I had seen. I went to sleep and around 3AM it started to rain.