morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-09-03
From: Ashby Gap

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: broken clouds

Big day! Great day! Robert (volunteer from Bear's Den) dropped me off at Ashby Gap at 9:00. I was clean for about 10 minutes when I hit a blowdown that was not new. There were 2 trees across the trail, covered in briars. I had to crawl over part, trying to keep my balance while the thorns are catching and holding my socks and shoelaces! Then, I had to crawl under on my stomach! I am no longer clean! This aside, it was a perfect trail day. There were some climbs and rocky parts, but they were balanced by smooth, level sections that allowed me to move at a comfortable, but brisk pace. I passed through several meadows where wildflowers of every color were still in bloom. If I had not had to send my digital camera home, I would have had to stop and photograph so I could identify them when I get home. A friend,Mabel Witham has loaned me her book, Wildflowers on the Appalachian Trail, and it is sitting on the coffee table at home. The shelter is the nicest I have ever seen--absolutely spic and span! There is good spring water from a faucet, and a shower. I couldn't figure out how to work the shower, but the faucet was high enough that it worked just fine. I can't believe I have it to myself on a holiday weekend Saturday night. Tomorrow I will enter Shenandoah. I feel very refreshed--physically, emotionally, and spiritually--by my stay at Bears Den. Even the weather is cooler today.
Date: 2005-09-04
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Woods near Compton Spring
Miles today: 12.0

Today was all uphill--REALLY! At least 8 of the 12 anyway! I was able to reach Bob and answer a couple of emails at Chester Gap, which is near Front Royal. I entered Shenandoah National Park mid-afternoon. I'm in my tent because to reach the first hut (a hut is what they call shelters in SNP) would have mean't an 18 mile day, which is more than I think my body can take-- especially after a long day yesterday. Rules require that you not tent within 20 yards of the trail. It was not easy to find a level, reasonably clear spot, and one that has a tree conducive to hanging a food bag (another SNP rule). I took the first spot I came to, which is too close to the trail, but had already been used as evidenced by the illegal fire ring. I fixed myself granola so as not to draw bears with cooking odors. Before I finish eating, here comes mama bear and cub! I shooed them off and set about trying to hang my food bag. What a challenge! I'm sure that my son, Matt, who can cast a line in any exact spot he wishes, would have no trouble! It is up, but I cannot imagine that any enterprising bear couldn't figure out how to get it. As I was sitting in my tent writing this, a huge mama deer and 2 fawns came strolling up the trail. They all looked at my tent as if they thought it an odd thing to be there! I never realized before that deer wag those big fluffy tails! I've seen deer every day that I've been on the trail, but never as close or for as long. My dilemma, now, is that I'm too close to the first shelter for tomorrow night, and it's 19 miles to the next one. I want to stop at the Elkwallow Wayside to eat tomorrow, so I'll be tenting again. I guess that's why I carry it. 8:00--lights are out. Hope I can sleep!
Date: 2005-09-05
From: Woods near Compton Spring

To: Woods South of Elkwallow
Miles today: 13.9

I slept well in my tent last night and was up and on the trail by 7:30. Quite a few ascents, but the trail in the park is nice. I saw a bear in a tree this morning and a mama with 2 cubs this afternoon. I had a late lunch at Elkwallow. I ordered the special--2 hotdogs and a bowl of chili, plus fries. This is all stuff that I would never eat at home! Anyway, I couldn't eat it all, so I took the 2nd hotdog with me.   I wanted to hike longer, but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to find a campsite if I waited too long. I feel very dirty, tired, and I don't like not knowing where I will end up each night! I'm going to try REALLY hard to make it to Skyland Lodge tomorrow night. Can't wait to hit a couple of the lodges. Mostly, I. Just want to know I have a place to sleep each night. I'm frustrated by the spacing of the huts and bearbagging!!
Date: 2005-09-06
From: Woods N. of Elkwallow

To: Skyland Lodge
Miles today: 16.5

Today was a very hard day. Thankfully, temps were cool although I sweated like crazy as I climbed 3 big mountains--Pass Mountain, The Pinnacle, and Stony Man. Stony Man is where the AT reaches its highest elevation in VA. There were breathtaking views all day! I pushed hard to get to Skyland and my feet and knees are not happy. When I got here, I took the wrong trail to the lodge, got lost, and walked even more! Then, my room is in an outbuilding a half mile away! But, I had a bath, washed my stinky clothes in the sink, had a delicious broiled trout dinner and a glass of wine. I,m very tired tonight.
Date: 2005-09-07
From: Skyland Lodge

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 8.1

Didn't sleep as well in my grossly overpriced lodge room as the 2 previous nights in a tent. Go figure! Had a terrific breakfast of buckwheat pancakea with blackberry syrup, a banana, and a glass of skim milk. Got a late start after getting lost twice trying to get out of Skyland. Fairly easy day with lots of pretty views. The temp early this morning was in the 50s with skies as blue as can be! I know all of you down in Florida are jealous! I was definitely a little sore from yesterday. I took my time today, being very careful with each foot placement. The treadway has become much more rocky than I had anticipated and both feet are tender. Once again, I failed to find the most direct route into Big Meadows. Signage is poor, and often confusing, and blazing almost nonexistent when you come out of the woods. Big Meadows is very pretty, but still way overpriced. I've noticed bus tours at both resorts which is probably how they stay in business. Too bad--the National Park Service should do much better, Tomorrow night I hope to get a cabin at Lewis Mountain. After that, it's back to camping! I'm planning to reduce mileage in order to get in sync with the huts and to preserve my feet. I've hiked 99 miles since Harpers Ferry and the weather has been nothing short of perfect.
Date: 2005-09-08
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

This was a short, fairly easy day. I made it a short day so that tomorrow I could get synchronized with the shelters, or huts, as I will be camping on the trail for the next five days. My ankle that got injured a bit in Maine was beginning to bother me some, too. Since I am not taking any days off I felt tht I could afford to do a couple of short days and give the ankle some rest. I made it to the Lewis Mountain Campground by about 1:30 this afternoon. I paid way too much for a cabin, but felt like I could treat myself to Shenandoah's accomodations one more time before I had to spend an extended period of time roughing it on the trail. I showered, washed my hair, and did a little laundry, then was bored to death for most of the rest of the afternoon. The little store didn't have much to offer. I did encounter a north bound hiker who is visiting the US from Australia. We talked for a good while before I retired to work on my journal and to call home. Bob is preparing my drop box which he will mail tomorrow so tht it will be there, waiting for me in Waynesboro five days from now. Well, I'd better get my stuff done and get a good night's rest for the hike tomorrow.--Landcruiser (with a little assistance from "Ghostwriter.")
Date: 2005-09-09
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

I left my cabin at Lewis Mtn. Campground at 6:30. It was just beginning to get light. The morning was cool, but it did get a little warmer than it has been for the past few days. Overall, the trail was nice, with only a few rocky sections, and only a couple of really good climbs. The last climb was up Hightop Mtn. (3587 ft.) which is where the shelter that I'm staying in tonight is located. I arrived early, having made good time, but it would have been too far for me to go on to the next one. I thought I was going to have a couple of families with their Boy Scout sons for company, but they decided to move on. But, I'm not alone. Two nice young men have arrived. They recently graduated from college and today is their 2nd day on the trail. After tonight, only 3 more nights until a B and B in Waynesboro. I'm glad I have company tonight.
Date: 2005-09-10
From: Hightop Hut

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

I shared shelter space last night with Eric, Elliot, and Blaze--all 20 somethings just out of college & each with impressive degrees. No lack of brains, for sure! I was on my way by 7:30, which was good because it was a hard hike with weather hotter than it has been these past few days. There were about 5 mountains to be climbed, with the last one being Loft Mountain. That one ascent lasted for a couple of miles that I thought would never end. On the way, I saw a little snake that was rust colored with a black head. It might have been a baby something--will have to ask Bob. I arrived at Loft Mountain Campground about 2:30 & went to the campstore to register for a campsite. I was told that I had to walk up the road to the Ranger Station. I also found out that the Wayside, where I was looking forward to supper and breakfast was a mile away. I was very hot, hungry, and frustrated as I trudged up the road. I passed some people and a huge Winnebago at the first campsite. I asked if I was going the right way to register for a campsite. They said I was, and then asked if I wanted something to drink. Within minutes, I not only had a Coke, but also a plate heaped with chicken, potato salad, and baked beans! My first Trail Angels. Then, they suggested that there was plenty of room on their site if I wanted to pitch my tent right there. I took them up on their offer since it was going to save me a lot of walking. After I got my tent up, they gave me a ride back down to the store where I was able to do laundry and take a shower. Later, back at the campsite, they invited me in for the best spaghetti I have ever had. We sat by the campfire that night for awhile, and then I went to sleep in my little tent next to their big Winnebago. Thanks, Carol, Phil, and Nan!
Date: 2005-09-11
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Woods on ridge above Skyline Dr., MM 93
Miles today: 14.0

My hosts from yesterday fed me Cheerios with real milk and coffee, and then gave me a ride back down to the store where I picked up the trail to the AT. I was on my way a little before 9:00. Last night, I slept the best I have slept since leaving Stuart. My plan today was to only go to the next hut (remember, I wanted to get in sync with the huts?), but it was such an easy walk and so early when I got to the hut, that it didn't make sense to stop. Plus, the spring at Blackrock Hut was barely flowing and my hike for tomorrow looked to be harder and longer. So, I decided to hike on and made 14 miles instead of the original 6.5 That puts me only a day out of Waynesboro and a B&B tomorrow night! The 2nd half of the day had several good climbs that I won't have to deal with tomorrow, but the temperature was, once again, very pleasant. Today, I saw a 4 foot blacksnake on the trail. So far, no poisonous snakes! I'm tented up on a high ridge where it is breezy and chilly! Of all things, a flock of wild turkeys just paraded past my tent! Haven't seen any bears in a few days, so the bear count remains at 7.
Date: 2005-09-12
From: Woods on ridge above Skyline Dr., MM 93

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

I actually slept in a little this morning and did not wake up until a little after 7. I had a leisurely breakfast of a very smooshed Nutrigrain bar, rehydrated eggs (I know what you're thinking, but it's not THAT bad!), and cocoa. I got on the trail about 8:15. I saw another bear run away at the very sound of me shortly after beginning. It was very pleasant hiking for the first couple of hours, and then the fun began. The climb up Calf Mountain was long, and I had to go .2 of a mile off the trail to a spring. Water has been scarce and it had been 13 miles since the last good water source, so I was almost out. Then the trail became much more rocky than it's been for awhile, with lots of ups and downs. It also got very hot! I thought it odd that there was no sign saying, "You are now leaving Shenandoah", but I did leave it behind. Shenandoah was nice, but having it behind me is like finishing another chapter of a book. I arrived at Rockfish Gap, where Skyline Drive ends and the Blue Ridge Parkway begins, just after 3:00. I called Tree Streets B & B where I am staying tonight, and Bill came and picked me up. The B & B is quite elegant and Victorian, and I took a bath in the biggest bathtub I have ever seen!
Date: 2005-09-13
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

When my package had not arrived by Noon, I decided that I would stay a 2nd night at the Tree Streets Inn. This is my first "0" day since leaving Harper's Ferry and I think my feet are appreciating the rest. I did walk to the Post Office in Waynesboro and mailed home some maps and pages from my books that I no longer need. It feels so good every time you move onto a new map! I also went to Kroger's and purchased a sandwich and salad for my supper. When I returned to the inn, my package was there, so it will be back on the trail in the morning. I have not yet acquired a "hiker appetite" and couldn't even eat all that I had bought for my supper, so I'll have a sandwich for lunch tomorrow on the trail.
Date: 2005-09-14
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Dripping Rock Overlook, BRP MP 9.6
Miles today: 14.6

Bill from Tree Streets delivered me to the trail a little after 9:00 this morning. As soon as we pulled up, I spotted Eric, one of three "twenty-somethings" that I had shared a shelter with a few nights ago. I was so delighted to see someone that I knew! He and his hiking partner, Elliot, were having trouble locating the trail out of Rockfish Gap, which is not marked well at all. Fortunately, I knew where it was, having located it before going into Waynesboro 2 days ago. We hiked together for 5 miles to the first shelter. It was so nice having someone to hike with for a change. They both managed to get stung by wasps and we used the tweezers on my Swiss Army knife to get the stingers out. The time just flew by. They were staying at the first shelter, so I hiked on alone once again. I met a Southbounder, Stumpknocker, whose trail journal I had been following before I got back on the trail. He has hiked the entire trail several times and hikes big mileage days. Humpback Mountain wasn't particularly steep due to many, many switchbacks, but it just went on, and on, and on. I finally made it up, over, and down to the Blue Ridge Parkway at 4:55. Lois from the Dutch Haus, where I plan to stay the next few nights, picked me up at 5:25. The Dutch Haus is a B & B that caters to hikers. For an extremely reasonable price, the hiker is provided a generous hot supper and breakfast, can take a shower and put on a bathrobe so that all of your clothes can be washed (many don't carry any extra clothing). Stumpknocker hiked 4 miles further than I did today, but he's here, also. During dinner, I happened to notice that his bathroom had a Sailfish Point logo on it. For those of you who aren't familiar with Stuart, Florida, Sailfish Point is an upscale waterfront community located in my hometown. I asked Lois where she got a Sailfish Point bathrobe. It seems that a northbound hiker by the name of Sam I Am had been so impressed by the availability of bathrobes when he passed through, that when he returned home, he had sent quite a few to Dutch Haus, so that there would always be enough for all of the hikers. The hiking community, and indeed, the world, is very small!
Date: 2005-09-15
From: Dripping Rock Overlook, BRP MP 9.6

To: Highway 56 and the Tye River
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

I was very anxious about the hike today. I had met a northbounder a few days ago who had told me how tough the Three Ridges Wilderness Area was, and the profile map indicated a very steep climb and descent. I had to decide if I was going to try and do a 15 mile day or break it into 2 days that would have to be 5 miles and 10 miles. 5 Miles just seemed to short of a day, so I finally decided to go for the 15. Following a fantastic breakfast of blueberry-stuffed french toast, Lois dropped me off at the trailhead at 7:30. The first 4 miles were fairly level, but very rocky. With this terrain, it was going to be a very long day. But, the trail smoothed out some and the climb really wasn't that bad. I was past the summit by 12:30. I took a break while I was up high to answer a few e-mails, and then began the long descent. I reached the footbridge over the Tye River at 3:50 and Lois arrived to pick me up about an hour later. The hike today was actually quite nice with some beautiful views of some very large mountains. I didn't see any other hikers all day long. Somehow the days seem longer when you are all by yourself. My feet are sore tonight from the long, rocky descent, but will hopefully be fine by tomorrow when I climb the Priest, which is over 4,000 feet and a very steep climb. We had delicious meatloaf for supper. This is a great place. I'm enjoying being able to hike with only a daypack. By the way, I passed the 300 mile mark for the total trip today, and have done almost 200 miles since Harper's Ferry. I've had no rain, but there is some predicted for tomorrow. We'll see.
Date: 2005-09-16
From: Highway 56 and the Tye River

To: Fish Hatchery Road, Montebello, VA
Miles today: 9.4

It was late this morning (9:45) when I got on the trail. The Dutch Haus was quite busy last night and Lois had everyone to feed before she could put Stumpknocker and I on the trail. We dropped Stumpknocker off at Fish Hatchery Road, which is about a mile downhill from the trail. He will be heading on South and will not be back at Dutch Haus tonight. I've enjoyed getting to know him and benefiting from his trail wisdom and experience. Lois then drove me back down to VA 56 at the Tye River, where she picked me up yesterday afternoon. I began the long ascent of The Priest. This mountain is 4,063 feet and is part of what is known as the Religious Range. Other mountains in this range include Little Priest, the Friar, and the Cardinal. Fortunately, I don't have to climb all of them or I just might lose my religion! Anyway, I slowly made my way up this mountain by way of THIRTY-SEVEN switchbacks. Because of the switchbacks, it's not that steep, but it still took me 3 hours to climb. I did kind of take my time, which I would be sorry for by the end of the day! At one point, I stopped at a rock outcropping to enjoy the view, thinking that I was probably close to the summit. I took out my cellphone to see if I had any reception and was surprised that I didn't on top of such a big mountain. Then, I looked at my guidebook and realized that I was actually only 2/3s of the way up and still had another 1200 feet in elevation gain to go! When I did get to the top, I enjoyed a gorgeously breathtaking view of mountain ranges as far as the eye could see. While enjoying this view, I did send a couple of e-mails and made a couple of phone calls. This may seem an odd thing to do, but my phone only works at elevation in this area. Once again, I saw no other people all day long. While at the Dutch Haus, it's been nice to enjoy dinner and breakfast conversation. On the trail, I often spend time thinking about the people I've met and recent conversations. But, as the day wears on, it sometimes becomes a very long day. Although my hike was less than 10 miles (plus a 1 mile walk down Fish Hatchery Road to my ride), towards the end of the day it seemed to take forever. For me, time on trail is almost as wearing as the number of miles. After descending the Priest, I still had a few more hills to get over--Little Priest, Cone Mountain, and Main Top. I was ready to be done by the time I reached Fish Hatchery Road. One of the things that I noticed today was the sound of acorns dropping out of the trees. You wouldn't believe how loud the sound of a single acorn falling to the ground can be in an otherwise quiet forest! I'm really enjoying the natural beauty of this part of Virginia!
Date: 2005-09-17
From: Fish Hatchery Road, Montebello, VA

To: Salt Log Gap, North
Miles today: 7.8

I took a short, easy hike today on a beautiful, cool day! I met a pair of weekenders and some day hikers. As I walked along, I began admiring the big acorns that are everywhere on the trail. I decided to put one in my pocket...but, which one. So, I chose one, then found a better specimen. At one point, I sat on a log and compared three in order to pick the most perfect specimen for keeping. Then, I found a pair that were attached to each other. That caused me to look for three that were attached. I saw three attached acorn caps, but never found three whole attached acorns. Maybe tomorrow! A little further on, I came to an old apple orchard and there were apples! Most of them were too high to reach, but I picked a few. I knew that Lois would make a pie with them if I got enough. I left my pack on the trail and had walked back to another tree, when all of a sudden I heard, "Hey, Landcruiser!" It was my friends, Eric and Elliot, who now have trail names--Skippy Magoo and Wobbles! Their packs are still too heavy, but they are doing well. When you are twenty-something, you can deal with anything! I let them take the rest of the reachable apples because they needed them for food. Later, I also met a Sobo couple whose journal I had followed before getting back on the trail. They've come all the way from Maine and looked great! It really makes my day when I meet people on the trail. Maybe the southbound traffic will pick up and it won't be so lonely.Even though I did a short day today, my feet are aching. I think that maybe that is just the way it is for a long distance hiker. I have only a couple more nights at the Dutch Haus and then I will be out of range. But, Bob is coming up next weekend--can't wait!
Date: 2005-09-18
From: Salt Log Gap, North

To: Highway 60, Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 8.5

This morning I enjoyed another scrumptious breakfast and great trail stories at the Dutch Haus. When I got on the trail at Salt Log Gap, I immediately began the ascent up Tar Jacket Ridge (3847 feet) and soon was in a more open area with great views. Then I descended to Hog Camp Gap, where lots of locals were car camping. I had heard about an old apple orchard and a swing, but was not able to take advantage of either because of all the campers. I'm sure if I had come through on a weekday, I would have had the place to myself. Next I climbed up Cold Mountain (4,022 feet). This mountain is similar to the balds in the southern Appalachians. I was in the open (as opposed to woods) for about a mile, with magnificent, panoramic views of mountain ranges in all directions. The temperature was almost cool enough for a jacket, but I stayed warm enough as long as I kept moving. The next climb, following a descent, was Bald Knob (4,059 feet), which was not bald at all, but wooded. One interesting thing along the way today was a number of old rock walls that were constructed in the 1800s to contain cattle and hogs. I've done short, easy hikes two days in a row, which has made my feet feel much better. Tonight will be my last night at Dutch Haus. Tomorrow night, it will be back to the tent!