morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Damascus

To: White Top Mt. Road
Miles today: 21.1

Leaving Damascus the At follows the Virginia Creeper Trail for 0.4 mile and then runs parallel to it for about 5 miles then turns west. Eventually the AT and the Creeper are one and the same for about 0.7 mile. This area is very scenic and it was a perfect weather day making for a super-duper hike. Saw my first snake. He wa sunning himself on the trail and today seemed to be a good day for that. Stopped and chatted with New Hampshire from New Hampshire, a section hiker. He invited me for pizza when I get to Hanover. Saw several other hikers, including Caribou and Dovetail whom I had not seen since Hot Springs.John 21.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-10
From: White Top Mt. Road

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

Another gorgeous day. Hike up Mt. Rogers, Virginia's highest peak at 5729 ft. A little disappointing in that there is no view, particularily since the trail was covered in ice here and there near the summit. The ice brought back memories of the Smokies. Hiked through Grayson Highlands State Park, very scenic but a tough hike because of the rocks. I did get to see the ponies of Grayson Highlands. A lot of day hikers in this area and stopped to chat with several about my thru hike of the AT. At Wise Shelter met Mot a thru hiker from South Carolina. Saw a couple of section hikers and another thru hiker or two. A lot of hiker traffic in this area, nice to see other people. Another milestone today passed the 500 mile mark.Acts 1-2.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Dickey Gap
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

Got up early today to hike the 10 miles to Dickey Gap to met my main squeeze and A-#1 support person around lunch time. Drove into Marion and spent the afternoon eating and wondering around town. Made a Dr. appointment for tomorrow morning as I have been having problems with my right leg the last several days. Climbing over the rocks in Grayson Highlands caused a fair bit of pain. Hope it is nothin and I will be back on the trail tomorrow afternoon.Acts 3-4.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Dickey Gap

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Had some nasty weather pass through Marion overnight with lightning and some heavy downpours. Fortunate to be in a motel room. Went to the Dr. this morning. Dr. Brown in Marion who is a hiker and speaks the lingo. The good news:no fractures. The not so good news:shin splints. The treatment:a couple days rest,ice,load up on vitamin I(ibuprofen) and for the first 2 weeks back hiking reduce mileage. So, I'm back in the lovely Shenandoah valley following Dr's orders. My plan is to get back on the trail mid-morning this coming Tuesday.Acts 5-6.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Dickey Gap

To: Partnership Shelter 
Miles today: 14.5

Left home at 5:30 to get back to the trail near Marion. Made it to Dickey Gap around 9:15 after a brief detour. Picked up Atlas in Sugar Grove and took him to Troutdale Baptist Church where he had left his hiking poles. After dropping me off at the trailhead,Ellen took Atlas to Marion for resupply on her way home. There is quite a crowd here at Partnership Shelter tonite. The shelter has a shower and you can call for pizza delivery from the adjacent Mt Rogers Visitor Center. Sammy and Eric where staying at the shelter,I had not seen them for weeks. Sammy is now Dr. Salt and Eric, Mcquiver (I think). Trail magic at the shelter. Local fellow who travels the trail in the area giving out trail magic asked who was the oldest hiker there. I won that honor and he gave me a soda and candy bar.Acts 13-14.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Partnership Shelter 

To: Tenting spot
Miles today: 16.6

Not long after I left the shelter this morning there was thunder and the sky to the west got very dark. Looked like we were going to have quite a storm, but only rain from about 9 to around lunch time. Stopped at the Shell Convenience Store in Atkins for a cup of coffee and a gal pulled up in her car and asked if I would like trail magic. It was Sprinkle who had thru hiked last year and was on her way to Maine where she will be working in a hostel. On her way she is stopping are various places and offering trail magic. Yesterday she was at Davenport Gap. A fair bit of the trail today was through fields,pasture and along fence rows. A nice change and also easier on my shin splints. Trying to take more breaks and hiking fewer miles for the next week or so to help with the healing. Another milestone,I have completed 25% of the trail.Acts 15-16.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Tenting spot

To: Tentsite
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Nice day for a hike today. Mostly cloudy in the morning cleared off some in the afternoon with the sun breaking through now and then and temps in the 70's. Saw several hikers both NOBO and SOBO. Trail magic for the third day in a row. Soda and snacks at VA 42 compliments of Lumbermack and Lab Rat. Yesterday the trail went under I-81 at Atkins and I will be on the west side of 81 for the next 182 miles when it passes back under 81 at Troutville,VA. Dirty bird stopped for a chat while I was fixing dinner.Acts 17-18.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Tentsite

To: Laurel Creek,VA 615
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: moderate rain

Overcast all day with rain late morning then stopped around lunchtime. Thinking the rain was over then it poured for about 45 minutes around 2:30. Climbed to an elevation of 4410ft today at Chestnut Knob,will not reach this high off an elevation until New Hampshire. Found Fresh Ground set up with trail magic at Laurel Creek. For dinner I had 3 pcs of chicken,5 hot dogs,2 banana pancakes,banana,orange,peanuts,chips,chocolate,quart of fruit drink and 2 cups of coffee. I guess saying I was hungry is an understatement. Can't wait for breakfast. Twelve hikers here this evening,tents everywhere.Acts 19-20.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Laurel Creek,VA 615

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 20.0

Breakfast compliments of Fresh Ground,5 days of trail magic in a row..must be living right. Cold this morning. Even though there was sunshine all day,it was cool,particularly when the wind was blowing. I expect a cold nite down in the mid to low 30's. Pretty easy hike today,started at an elevation of 2450,finished the day at 2270. Only one climb of any consequence at 683ft. Walked along the road today for maybe 2 miles,unusual. Walked over another interstate I-77. Found a nice campsite along a stream underneath pines.Acts 21-22.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Campsite 

To: Intersection w/Ribble Trail
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up this morning a bit out of sorts. If there had been others around they would have said I was cranky. Not sure why. Maybe because it was cold. In my mind I didn't deserve cold,had enough for a while in NC and TN. Maybe it was because I missed my main squeeze. I could be home having a cup of coffee,reading the paper and getting ready for church. I'm not sure why but I was in a foul mood. I packed up and started out without even having breakfast. At about 10:30 I went off the trail about 0.5 mile to a grocery and deli. Had breakfast,got snacks to get me to Pearisburg and chatted with the customers. When I got back to the trail I was a new man or hiker and it was smooth sailing or hiking the rest of the day. For the better part of the day the trail went through pines and rhododendron and passed along and over many streams. Later did have a climb of 1500ft in about 3 miles. Turned out to be a nice hike today. I think I will go at again tomorrow.Acts 23-24.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-22
From: Intersection w/Ribble Trail

To: Cross Ave, Pearisburg
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

About 2:00 rolled into Pearisburg and decided to stay the night and do the usual town things:restaurant food(in my case Mexican), laundry,resupply with food, shower and rest. Had a good afternoon. Lot hikers in town. I'm always a bit surprised how many I see in town vs how many fewer on the trail. Folks taking zeros and recovery from injuries I suppose.Acts 25-26.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Cross Ave, Pearisburg

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

As I was leaving there were a couple of things that struck me about Pearisburg. The center of town around the gov¢t buildings was well-maintained with a nice green lawn. Looked like a perfect place to pitch my tent but the police would probably disagree. A copy of the 10 Commandments seemed to be posted everywhere even the laundromat. I guess we need to be reminded now and then. They have a brand new fire station, nice to see a commitment to infrastructure during these difficult economic times.Leaving Pearisburg the trail takes you over the New River on the Senator Shumate Bridge, walking along a 4 lane highway (US 460) seemed a bit odd. You then pass by the Celanese plant, appears to be a fairly large operation making cigarette filters I was told.Later in the day passed the southern terminus of the Allegheny Trail. This trail through West Virginia is 330 miles long with a northern terminus at the Mason-Dixon line near Bruceton Mills, WV. I believe the AT in this area is along the VA/WV border and at times passes into West Virginia. Spent the nite in the shelter where I met Animal a 2012 thru-hiker on his way south to Damascus for Trail Days.Acts 27-28.It¢s another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail magic early today compliments of Dirty Bird, soda and apples. Got caught in a thunderstorm about 3 miles from the shelter. By the time I reached the shelter the rain had stopped and it looked like it was clearing off. AJ had his tent setup in the shelter trying to dry out. I was wrong about the clearing off, about 9pm I could hear the rain hitting my tent and eventually started to pour again. It will be fun packing up my wet gear in the morning.Romans 1-2.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Tent site
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

Trail magic again today early on, Gatorade and snacks before reaching VA 42. It sure hit the spot. Passed the Keiffer Oak, the 2nd largest oak on the AT. It measures 18ft around. Stopped at the Audie Murphy Monument which is about 100yds or so off the trail. The monument is near the site of Audie Murphy's plane crash on Brush Mountain. Murphy was the most decorated soldier of WW II. Tented tonite along the trail about a mile past the monument.Romans 3-4.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Tent site

To: VA 311, Catawba VA
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: few clouds

Took several pictures of flowers along the trail going up Cove Mt. They are in the photo section on April 26th. Thanks Irma and Patti for identification of flowers. Interesting hiking today descending Cove Mountain from the area of Dragon's Tooth. Going down large bolders and rock faces. Maybe the most difficult descent not counting ice and snow in NC/TN. Caught up with AJ at the footbridge over Catawba Creek. He had fallen going over a fence stile and did some damage to his leg. Since my wife was going to meet me at 311, we decided to walk the 4.2 miles to 311 and then go to the nearest medical facility to get his leg looked at. Ended up at an urgent care facility in Salem. He was stitched up and we took him to a motel in Daleville where he is meeting a friend on Sunday evening. Before dropping AJ off at the motel he treated my wife and I to dinner. Quite a day on the trail today.Romans 5-6.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-29
From: VA 311, Catawba VA

To: US 11, Troutville, VA
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: light rain

Foggy morning leaving Catawba. Not much to see on McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. Around lunch time fog burned off and sunshine off and on during afternoon. Trail crosses US 220 near Daleville, Va, taking your life in you hands trying to get across the highway. Passed under I-81, back on the east side of 81 and to the Blue Ridge Mountains.Romans 11-12.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: US 11, Troutville, VA

To: VA 43, Bearwallow Gap
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Another foggy morning up on the Blue Ridge ridges. Crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway at four overlooks today. Saw a lot of thru-hikers today, several that I had not seen since Mountain Harbor Hostel. Ran into AJ towards the end of the day,leg is doing well. Interesting to go thru pasture with many cows along and in the trail.Romans 13-14.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: VA 43, Bearwallow Gap

To: Thunder Hill Shelter 
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Another foggy,misty morning. Sun came out around lunch time. Stopped for lunch at Bryant Ridge Shelter,probably the nicest shelter I have seen so far on the trail. Multi level that sleeps 20. Saw several hikers today including Groundpounder who I had not seen since Hot Springs. We are the only ones at the shelter tonite,which is less than a quarter of a mile from the Blue Ridge Pkwy.Romans 15-16.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Thunder Hill Shelter 

To: Punchbowl Shelter 
Miles today: 25.1

Tried out the new privy at Thunder Hill,very comfortable almost luxurious. Clear skies this morning with a brisk wind blowing. Several nice views from the Blue Ridge ridges. Crossed the James River on the longest foot bridge on the AT. Interestingly the bridge is dedicated to William T. Foot "whose vision,persistence and efforts made this bridge a reality". On Bluff Mt there is a memorial to Ottie Cline Powell. Ottie froze to death on the mountain after straying away from Tower Hill School House on November 9,1890. He had walked a distance of 7 miles up the mountain, he was only 4 years old. I had heard that the Punchbowl Shelter was haunted by Ottie. Only a rumor, I suppose?1 Cor. 1-2.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Punchbowl Shelter 

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: broken clouds

Regarding the idea of Punchbowl Shelter being haunted,I saw no apparitions or any unusual/unexplained happenings overnight. It is not unusual to have unusual things happen at a shelter, but they can always be explained. At least so far. Pretty good climb today up to Bald Knob from 1096' to 4059'. At Hog Camp Gap, Fresh Ground had set up his Leap Frog Cafe. Another big feast. Also there were Groundpounder, Biscuits and Dirty Bird. Also Grandpa whom I last saw at Greasy Creek Friendly. Grandpa and I looked after things while Fresh Ground went into town for the evening. This is most likely Fresh Ground's last stop this hiking season. He sure provided an excellent service to hikers.1 Cor. 3-4.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Harpers Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 21.9

Cold morning but left Leap Frog Cafe with a full belly. Breakfast included eggs,bacon,potatoes,banana pancakes and plenty of coffee. I'm going to miss this. Today went up over The Priest. Many hikers today including several groups of Boy Scouts. The Scouts pretty much had taken over the shelter, but there were a lot of nice campsites nearby. Pitched my tent next to Mike and Crystal from Virginia Beach. They invited me to join them at their campfire which was started by Crystal without matches. Grandpa showed up towards dusk and joined us. It was a nice evening. 1 Cor. 5-6.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Harpers Creek Shelter 

To: Reeds Gap 
Miles today: 7.9

Cold windy hike from Harpers Creek up to Three Ridges Mt. Towards the summit there was even ice falling from the tree branches. Reminded me of the Smokies. Planning to meet Ellen at Reeds Gap at around 1pm as I was going to spend the nite at home. Got to the Gap early so decided to walk down VA 664 and meet her on her way to pick me up. Hadn't walked more than 1/2 mile or so when a fellow driving by offered me a ride. It was Jay from the Virginia Beach area, who it turned out camped within 50 yards of me last night. He took me to I64 which saved Ellen about 30 minutes. 1 Cor. 7-8.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Reeds Gap 

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter 
Miles today: 14.1

My friend Jim Printy picked me up at home and dropped me off at Reeds Gap this morning around 11:45. Today:fog,rain,wind,cold. What a combo. Seven hikers and a dog in the shelter so far. It is pouring glad I'm in a dry place for the evening.1 Cor. 9-10.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter 

To: Calf Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 12.7

Woke up several times overnight and the rain was pounding on the metal roof of the shelter. Today:fog,rain,wind. Entered Shenandoah National Park today. The sun did peek out a couple of times this afternoon. Met Hoosier at the shelter and the three gals that are section hiking with him this week. Calling it a day earlier than usual.1 Cor. 11-12.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Calf Mountain Shelter 

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: light rain

Today fog and rain,not much to do but walk. Biggest miles day to date of 26.2. Crowd here at the shelter,8 so far. Shelters are called huts in Shenandoah NP and shelters are limited to day use. Not sure why. Some of the guys have even got a fire going,quite a feat given how wet it is.1 Cor. 13-14.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: few clouds

The day started with fog and showers but right after I took this picture the sun came out. Turned out to be a nice day thank goodness, my feet were starting to rebel after 3 days of being wet. Seeing more people on the trail particularly section hikers,must be the nice weather. Ten here at the shelter, oops hut,so far. Stopped at Lewis Mountain camp store a couple of miles before the hut for snacks and ice cream. The ice cream tasted particularly good.
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Byrds Nest #3 Hut
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: light rain

Lunch with Yogi at Big Meadows Wayside. It is nice to be able to stop for food along the trail,it's certainly a plus for Shenandoah NP. Yogi is taking a break from his cross country bicycle tour to hike the Shenandoahs. He started in California in January and after he reaches Front Royal will go to Harrisonburg to pickup his bicycle to ride on to New York. Riding a bike coast-to-coast,maybe I try that one of these days. Enjoyed the hike today. Nice weather and great views of the Shenandoah Valley. Many folks out hiking and passed several trail maintainers. Made it to the hut just in time as a thunderstorm was passing through. Two section hikers (father & son) plus Yogi here tonite.2 Cor. 1-2.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Byrds Nest #3 Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Strong storms overnight with thunder,lightning,wind and hard rain. Wind blew rain into shelter,expected my bag to be soaked but not as bad as it could have been. Hiked off and on with Yogi. We stopped for lunch at Elkwallow Wayside for lunch. For desert had a blackberry milkshake courtesy of Yogi. Threatened rain all day but never more than a sprinkle. Got kinda tired taking my raingear off and on.2 Cor. 3-4.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: VA 55 Manassas Gap 
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Cool morning,got an early start on this Mothers Day. Said goodbye to Yogi, I'll miss seeing him on the trail. Sister Sue(actually my sister-in-law) and Brother Dick(actually not my brother but Sister Sues husband) picked me up at Manassas Gap to spend the night at their house. Great dinner, huge piece of carrot cake,several glasses of chocolate milk, hot shower and a real bed...how good can it get.2 Cor. 5-6.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: VA 55 Manassas Gap 

To: US 50 Ashby Gap
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Brother Dick dropping Sister Sue and I off at the trailhead this morning and slackpacked. Dick parked his truck at Ashby Gap and walked back to meet us. Great day on the trail. Enjoyed their companionship very much. Stopped several times to take pictures of wildflowers that I will post soon. Back to Dick and Sue's to cleanup and off to Mexican for dinner and a stop for resupply. It just gets better.2 Cor. 7-8.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: US 50 Ashby Gap

To: Blackburn ATCenter 
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

Slackpacked with Brother Dick(aka camera man) to Snickers Gap where he left his truck. Once there picked up my backpack. Dick hiked with me to the 1000 mile mark. Not only did I reach 1000 miles but crossed into West Virginia, 4 states down only 10 to go. Dick & Sue thanks for you hospitality, shuttle service and hiking with me. It was great being with you guys. Should roll into Harpers Ferry tomorrow around noon.2 Cor. 9-10.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Blackburn ATCenter 

To: Harpers Ferry, WV - High Street 
Miles today: 12.5

Stopped in at the ATC Hq and had my picture taken for the 2013 hiker album. I was the 85th thru hiker this year. Was to meet Brother Reggie(actually the husband of another sister-in-law) but I gave him bad info on where to meet me. I try to do better the next time so we can meet. Met my daughter Sandra and grandsons Tanner and Camden at the train station and will spend a couple of days with them. Will be nice to spend time with them and see my other daughter Shannon and family. Will also give my feet some recovery time they need it.2 Cor. 11-13.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: High St., Harpers Ferry

To: I-70 Footbridge, US 40
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: light rain

Left home this morning a little before 6am. Ellen dropped me off at High St. in Harpers Ferry around 8. Slackpacked to US40. Interesting hike today as I passed through 2 Maryland state parks,Gathland and Washington Monument. Also passed a couple of civil war sites. Another milestone,5 states down,9 to go. At the Potomac River crossed into Maryland from West Virginia. Dinner with sister Theda(actually my sister-in-law)from Martinsburg, WV. Spending the nite in Hagerstown, MD.Eph. 3-4.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-21
From: I-70 Footbridge, US 40

To: Pen Mar County Park 
Miles today: 18.3

Ellen dropped me off at 830 at US40 and I slackpacked to Wolfsville Rd,MD17. Ellen met me and I picked up my backpack and continued on to Pen Mar Park outside of Waynesboro,PA. This could be the last time I see Ellen until Maine. Sister Theda(my sister-in-law) and Brother Reggie(Theda's husband) picked me up at Pen Mar took me to their home for the evening. Not much remarkable for the hike today other than this may have been the warmest day I've hiked todate.Eph. 5-6.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Pen Mar County Park 

To: Rocky Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: few clouds

After a very restful nite and breakfast by Reggie, Theda and Reggie drove me back to Pen Mar Park. After pictures I hit the trail which goes through the park. Another milestone this morning when I crossed into Pennsylvania at the Mason-Dixon Line,6 states down 8 to go. Interesting I crossed 10 roads today. It seemed I could always hear traffic. I can even hear traffic from the shelter this evening. Doesn't feel like backcountry. Stopped for an early lunch at Deer Lick Shelter. Smooth also stopped and we talked a while. It was a nice break given the heat today. Stopped about an hour later at the Old Forge Picnic Area. Nice place to take a break, they also had trash cans and a water spigot. Two items popular with hikers. Two relatively new shelters tonight each can sleep 5, so far I'm the only one here.Phi. 1-2.It's another glorious day.