morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Campsite beyond Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 8.0

After a big breakfast at the MacArthur Inn, Lee, Leigh, Mike and I drove to Clendennin Rd and 460, on the north side of the Shumate Bridge. Power line work has caused some rerouting, but I think my start point was about 633.7 from Springer. We all hiked a fairly steep trail up to the ridge, with some views through the trees back toward Pearisburg and west to West Virginia. After about 1.5 miles, we took photos and I said goodbye to my trail angel team. I hated leaving Lee. We have had wonderful hikes together, and I realized that my solo hiking days had ended after we met in 1990. I hope she will be able to join me on the trail in New England.Once I got to the top of the ridge, the walking was fairly easy, though I expect it will take me some weeks to really get my trail legs. The first person I saw was Michael Abraham from Blacksburg, out for a day hike and training for a summer climb of Mt. Rainier. Then two college students on an overnight. We all stopped at the lovely bald in front of Rice Field Shelter. As I was leaving, I had a good chat with Bob, a section hiker who has hiked the whole trail from Springer. I continued on to a spring about 6 miles from the start, filled up with water, and hiked on maybe another 2 miles. Met Rickety and Iron Mike, who were finishing a section hike. Rickety has done the whole trail in sections and now is doing more. I found a tent site a bit on the eastern side of the ridge with a little protection from the wind. Was sad to discover no cell service, because I had hoped to at least text Lee. Hope I get something tomorrow. Set up tent and bear bag line, cooked dinner and crawled in my bag just about sunset. Last I looked, it was 48 in the tent, but I am fairly cozy. I'll read for a bit, make one more trip outside, and try to sleep.
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Campsite

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

My protected site was great until about 6 am, when the wind shifted and began blowing hard. Stars were great, and I could see light from WVa on one side and VA on the other. It got down to 39, but I was warm. Woke at 6:45 and thought I'd sleep till 7, but didn't wake until 7:45. Got up at 8, and it took nearly two hours to pack up. Didn't even eat breakfast, just a pro bar. The wind didn't help with packing up the tent. Took Iron Mike's advice and got water at Sym's Gap. Then found a spot out of the wind to cook breakfast. Had a weak cell signal and texted Lee, but the signal failed when I tried to send a pic. Tried a couple more times, but no luck. Walking was on a ridge, with mostly moderate ups and downs. The area must have had a rough winter--many blow downs and lots of broken off tree tops. Many were over the trail, so navigating around them slowed things down. I didn't make great time. Stopped at Pine Swamp Branch Shelter about 6, and had good conversation with Bob. Thought we had the place to ourselves, but two young women, Ibex & Moxie arrived about 9. Supposed to rain tomorrow, and I hope to make 12 miles. Hope the feet and shoulders hold up.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: moderate rain

Rain started coming down hard at 1:20 am. I was glad to be in the shelter, so I wouldn't have a wet tent to pack up. Moxie was up early, and got into her rain gear & left. Ibex, who said she was the faster hiker, left about 45 minutes later. They had a 20+ mile day ahead of them to meet Ibex's parents for a couple of zero days. We set off about 10 in the rain. Bob asked if we could hike together, and I said I'd appreciate the company. He kindly walked at my pace, which is slow on the up hills. We walked for a while along a stream under tall Rhododendrons. Also lots of mountain Laurel. Bumped into two couples from PA who are day hiking parts of the trail. They are headed to ME this summer to hike south from Monson. They have also done the northern part of the Long Trail. Also saw Sloth and Ramses, whom I had met yesterday and who stayed at The Captain's. Rain stopped around mid-day, but it remained damp, foggy, and in higher spots very windy. Though we got to Wind Rock at over 4000 feet, there was no view, just clouds. We stopped at Bailey Gap shelter for lunch, and then pushed on along an up-and-down ridge to a long descent to War Spur Shelter, a 12.7 mile day. We had the shelter to ourselves.
Date: 2014-04-08
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: broken clouds

A chilly night, but rain stopped, and the morning was cool but good hiking weather. The trail went down to John's Creek and then began a long climb with over 1500 feet of elevation gain, a brief time on a ridge, and then a drop of over 1000 feet. We stopped for lunch at Laurel Spring Shelter, where someone had hung colored glass Christmas tree balls in the trees. Not a lot, but wonderfully whimsical. We decided to push on to Sarver Hollow Shelter, which was up another steep climb to a ridge and eventually off the trail .4 miles. We did over a mile on the ridge with headlamps, then down a steep trail to the shelter. I wrote in the shelter log that it was like arriving at the Ritz. A beautifully built shelter with a covered area with a picnic table. It was after 9 when we arrived, and we quickly cooked dinner and got in our sleeping bags. Again, no one else was there.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: light rain

The trail went along a rocky ridge, up and down, with great views. The day was cool and sunny, with no clouds. Long and deep conversation with Bob about religion, church, God, and more. It got me thinking about things anew in order to articulate my own thoughts. He confessed that he asked to walk with me because he and the guys (Rickety and Iron Mike) at Rice Field Saturday night were worried about me. He had come to realize that I would be fine, but he also enjoyed my company and wanted to keep walking together. I know I am slower than he would be, but it is great to have the company and encouragement. I might be even slower without it.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Niday Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

My apologies to those following my journal for the delay in making entries. On this part of the trail, and I suspect many to come, cell service is very spotty.Traildog and I enjoyed a beautiful day for hiking. We stopped at the monument to Audie Murphy, who died in a plane crash near the site of the monument.We both tented just above the Pickle Branch Shelter.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We both woke reasonably early, but it took a while to get organized. We left the campsite at 9:55. The hike was not long in terms of distance, but it was tough, mostly up and rocky. I am still pretty pokey on the ascents. We walked much of the time along a rocky ridge and could see views in both directions. Not too long after setting out, we met Cassidy and Tracy McG., sister southbounders whose journal I had been following. We had lunch on a high point shortly before Dragon's Tooth, an impressive upthrust rock formation. The descent reminded me of some of the difficult ones on the north part of the LT. A bit tricky with some significant exposure. These ridges are steep and often narrow on top. Switchbacks are plentiful and necessary. On the way down, we chatted with a couple who were day-hiking to the top. He wants to do the AT someday. She pulled out a plastic box of chocolate chip cookies and said, "I just baked these today. I know thru-hikers like cookies. Would you like some." Of course, I had two. A real trail angel. We also met SOBO hikers Sockless and Blazer.When we got to Four Pines Hostel, Joe Mitchell kindly drove me to the Catawba PO, where I had a mail drop and my bounce box waiting. I quickly grabbed a couple of things out of the bounce box and mailed it ahead.After a most welcome shower and some pack reorganizing, Joe took five of us -- me, Traildog, John (who may now be called Pre), Gary from Kansas City, MO, and Doyi, a Cherokee whose career has been in education, to the Home Place, a popular AYCE restaurant. We ate well, and returned to the hostel. Traildog slept outside in his tent. I was in the three-car garage hostel with 7 guys and two dogs, one of which decided to share my BarcaLounger bed with me. Snoring and somewhat constricted space meant not a lot of sleep.
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Campsite between McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: few clouds

I said goodbye to Traildog, who was ending his section hike and heading home. What a gift it was to have him as a hiking companion for the start of my hike. I do think he will hike the rest of the trail next year, and I hope Lee and I can be trail angels for him somewhere along the way. I got a good early start, and shortly before reaching highway 311 and the trail up to McAfee Knob, I finally had a good enough cell signal to call Lee. Wonderful to hear her voice and catch up on things at home.Ibex & Moxie, whom we had met at Pine Swamp Branch, passed me. They had taken a couple of zeroes. They are much faster than I, so I expect I won't see them again.Dogwoods are blooming, and when a breeze blows, the falling petals seem like snowflakes. Many of the rhododendrons, which in some places cover the trail like a bower, have buds and will be blooming soon. Some of the Mountain Laurel are already in bloom.The climb up McAfee Knob is a popular day-hike on a Saturday, and I saw lots of students from VA Tech. Several of them set up hammocks to spend the night on top.The overhanging rock offers a dramatic photo op. One kind day-hiker offered to take my picture. I did not linger on top but headed down to find a campsite. Got water near the Campbell Shelter and continued for a couple of miles. I set up my tent on a flat spot on the ridge and enjoyed a lovely sunset.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: HoJo Express, Daleville

To: HoJo Express, Daleville
Miles today: 0.0

Visited Outdoor Trails and bought socks and stove fuel. Ate good barbecue at Three Little Pigs, and dinner at Rancho Viejo. Caught up with email after finding out from my service provider that they had changed my password. Talked with my father and Lee.
Date: 2014-04-15
From: HoJo Express, Daleville

To: Fullhardt Knob Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

I spent the morning catching up with email, packing, etc., and I also did a few Trail Journal entries. Not quite caught up. Several hikers were here last night, and more came in as I sat in the lobby. U-haul and Dozer, who had to leave the trail for a few days, are figuring out how to hitch back to the Niday Shelter. Maggie and Greg came in about 2. They had gone over Dragon's Tooth in the rain this morning. They got a ride to Daleville and will slack pack the whole chunk from Newport Road tomorrow.I left about 2:30. The rain had stopped, so I thought I might be in luck. Wrong. After about a half mile, it started to rain. I stopped under a cedar tree and put on rain gear. When I got to the 81 underpass, I added the gaiters and the rain mittens. The temperature, which had been about 61 when I went to breakfast, had dropped to the low 40s. Wanted the gaiters to keep my feet both drier and warmer. After 81, the trail went steadily uphill. The wind must have been a steady 25, with higher gusts. The rain changed to sleet, which really stung my face when the trail turned into the wind. Finally arrived at the shelter, which was on top of the knob and very exposed to the wind. I was the only one there, and I quickly set up my tent in the shelter to give a bit of warmth and some protection from the wind. Cooked a speedy dinner and hunkered down for a very cold night. Had on two pair of socks, long johns and pants, my wool shirt, two jackets, and my fleece hat. Put my rain jacket over the foot of my bag. I put the phone, iPad, camera, and water filter in the bag with me. The wind howled all night. Had I been able to set up the tent on the ground, I'd have been warmer, but the wind blowing under the shelter kept my sleeping pad pretty cool.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Fullhardt Knob Shelter

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

My thermometer said 24 inside the tent at 6:30. I made myself get up and pack up. Ate just a Pro-bar and fled, wearing all my layers. It took about an hour for my hands and feet to warm up. I gradually shed layers as the day warmed. The walking was easier than before Daleville, though there was no shortage of ups and downs. The trail crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway a couple of times. Very little traffic and lovely views. I went downhill off the trail to Bobblets Gap Shelter. Since there was no one there, I set up my tent in the shelter. Soon, however, two young women, Frogmonkey and Emerald, arrived. I turned the tent so they would have most of the floor area. We all cooked and got our bags. It was another cold night, but not so cold as the night before, and not windy.
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

The trail again crossed the Parkway a couple of times. I met Long Portage, who was section hiking SOBO. Near Cove Mountain Shelter, Ravencloud passed me. We both stopped there for lunch. When I said I might not make the Bryant Ridge Shelter, he said, "You just have to go over Fork Mountain." As I was leaving, Crunchie and Time Out, an English couple, arrived. I had seen them checking into the HoJo in Daleville as I was leaving. They eventually passed me just before Jennings Creek, where they decided to camp. Since it was just 5:45, I said I would continue on. What an endless climb it seemed! I had just 3.8 miles to go up and over, and it became something of a race against the sunset.When I finally arrived, Ravencloud was setting up his tent. Though it is one of the larger shelters, he said there was a family about to go to bed and another guy in it. So I set up my tent too. Then went up to the picnic table on the shelter porch to cook dinner and chat with Ravencloud. He is from Kansas and said that for the last 15 years, he has arranged his life so he could travel. He lived a year in New Zealand and a year in China. He is working on a children's book as he walks the trail.
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Harrison Ground Spring
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

All night long, I could hear the man in the shelter snoring. Don't know how his family could sleep. All five of them emerged in the morning. The father was proud of his youngest, for whom this was his first overnight hike -- they were doing just two nights. Ravencloud left early, then the family. The other shelter resident was Bass, an Afghanistan vet, and regular on the trail. We chatted about various trail-related things. His mom lives near Harper's Ferry.The day included some good climbs. I went from the shelter at 1302 feet to the top of Apple Orchard Mountain, with a big radar facility on top, at 4225 feet. Since it wasn't all up, the gain was actually more than that. I met Tenacity from the Boston area, who was going SOBO just for a couple of days to meet someone back in Daleville and would then resume his NOBO hike. I also met Pa Burt from SC (originally Ohio), who is 68. He retired from Dupont and thru-hiked in 2006 and 2012. Chatted with him over lunch at the Cornelius Shelter. He is hiking with four young people, whom I met on my way out, Forget-me-not from Rutland, Beast, Tilicum and another guy. Crunchie and Time Out also arrived as I was leaving. Met them later, and we agreed we would camp at Harrison Ground Spring.After summiting Apple Orchard Mountain, I headed for one of the trail's named features: the guillotine. It is a large boulder suspended above the trail between two rock walls. A man, Old Blue, a SOBO flipflopper who started in Harper's Ferry, was standing at the bottom holding a large chunk of ice he said had fallen off one of the rock walls. He said he had been hiking with his brother, who was not feeling well and stayed behind at Matts Creek Shelter. Old Blue thought he had Noro Virus. He would hike out and get a ride to catch up when he was feeling better.Crunchie and Time Out were already set up when I arrived at the campsite. I quickly set up the tent and the bear bag line so I wouldn't have to do it in the dark, cooked dinner, and went to bed.
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Harrison Ground Spring

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

The hike was mostly down hill (lowest elevation at the James River Foot Bridge at 678 feet) though it had a couple of steep ups. I did my 13 miles in about an hour less time than yesterday, though I didn't have Apple Orchard Mtn to deal with. Another good climb will come on Easter morning. I am thinking of Lee and the congregation at Church of Our Saviour in Killington tonight. They are in the midst of the Easter Vigil service. Then she will be up for the sunrise service at Killington in the AM.I stopped briefly at Matts Creek to sign the hiker log. Old Blue's brother was still there, hunkered down in his bag and reading a book. I asked if he could hike out, and he said he would try tomorrow. He is having dizzy spells. I said I hoped he would feel better soon and went on my way. I was able to call the Blue Dog Art Cafe and call Lee from a spot above the James before descending to cross the long Foot Bridge, named for Bill Foot, whose efforts made it possible. The hike up to the Johns Hollow Shelter was quite pretty, much of it following a large stream before turning uphill. Sky from Atlanta stayed in the shelter. I tented, as did a man and his son here for an overnight. He is a retired Special Forces officer from McLean, VA, who is teaching his son about reading terrain. I enjoyed talking with him about the trail, his life, etc.Spring is definitely emerging. Wildflowers at lower elevations include iris, foxglove, violets and many others. Redbud trees are joining the dogwoods in brightening up the forest with their pink blossoms.
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Pedlar River Bridge
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Easter Sunday began with a steep uphill and gain of some 2,400 feet. A German trio slack packing to Buena Vista passed, and we chatted at a break. Milk Monsta, his wife Wall-E (from a cartoon character), and Pillow talked about the trail and why they chose it -- they wanted to do a very long trail, and the AT has more accessible infrastructure than the PCT. I passed Feather napping on the trail. He is SOBO from Waynesboro, going as far as he feels like going.I had lunch at the top of the first big climb, facing a great view, with SOBO Gnarley Harley, who began at Katahdin last August and has taken time off along the way. He intends to finish the thru-hike before this August.The trail then went down and back up Bluff Mountain, where I met Sharon and Randy Jennings from Lynchburg, out for a day hike with their dogs. Randy took my picture, first on my camera, then his, and Sharon gave me cheese. I told them they are trail angels. The trail continued down through a lovely bower of rhododendrons, then up and down a couple of small rises before Punchbowl Mountain. I met flip-flopper, Last Minute. I am at an iffy campsite by the Pedlar River, just after the suspension foot bridge.No cell signal all day, which was a real bummer. The tune in my head this morning was "Welcome happy morning," which I know they were singing at church. I hope Lee's sunrise service on top of Killington went well and that Church of Our Saviour had a good turnout. I miss them!
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Pedlar River Bridge

To: Blue Dog Art Cafe, buena Vista
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: clear sky

The day was Beautiful, especially hiking along Brown Mountain Creek, where there had been a settlement of freed slaves in the early 1900s. There were stone walls along the creek, and one could picture farmers with teams of oxen plowing the small fields. I got to the road and discovered that, contrary to what the young woman had said when I called, there was no AT&T signal. What to do. Thought about hitching, and actually stood below the wayside turnoff for a bit. Then a couple drove in in a pick-up. I hurried back up the hill to where they were looking at the trailhead map. I asked if they had a phone that might get service. They did and let me call for my ride, and they gave me a bottle of water. Then we talked about the trail, which they want to do. They are familiar with Trail Journals, so I told them how to find me. Many thanks to trail angels, Kenneth and Peggy Williams!Butch from the cafe came and took me down to Buena Vista. My first act was to buy some ice cream. Then I went upstairs, claimed a bed, showered, and began organizing the stuff from my two boxes that had been sent there. I had a good talk with Leigh. Then two young guys, section hikers from Delaware, came in who had done a very long day. I went to the local Mexican restaurant with Maoui and Duncan, then had a long talk with Lee and went to bed. I don't seem to be getting a long hard sleep, even when I am in a real bed, but at least the body is resting.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Blue Dog Art Cafe, buena Vista

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I spent the morning and most of the afternoon in Buena Vista, going to the Post Office to mail some things home, the bank, and the Amish Store, where I got great natural peanut butter and blueberry preserves. I had lunch with Tuesday, who was Earl Grey last year, and we talked about our hikes and the fact that he had met Lady Grey. He told me that a man had died at Matts Creek Shelter, discovered by three young men who had stayed the night. I realized that it was Old Blue's brother, and I felt awful that I had not offered to help. I can't imagine what Old Blue must be feeling.While I waited for Butch to finish a conference call, I worked on email and updated the journal a bit, though it still needs more catching up. I am trying to jot down notes each day, but I need to be better about writing them up so I can post them.Butch got me to the trail just after 4, and I really pushed to make Hog Camp Gap before dark. As I walked into the field, I heard, "Here comes a hiker! Are you hungry?" It was Fresh Ground, who I had heard might be set up there with his amazing trail magic. The guys from the night before had been treated to hotdogs and kool-aid. Rooster, a 2013 thru-hiker and his parents were there as well. I quickly put up my tent, and went back to Fresh Ground's kitchen under a tarp. He handed me two delicious hotdogs, which he cooks in an iron skillet. Then he said we could have a movie and popcorn. Rooster's dad picked "Blazing Saddles," and we all sat down as FG put the DVD into his computer. We got through about 45 minutes of it, when it started to rain. I had left my rain fly tied back, so I left and said goodnight. The wind came up a bit later and blew pretty hard all night. I wondered about FG and Rooster in their hammocks.I did have a cell signal, so I was able to email Lee and text Leigh.