morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-22
From: Chatfield Shelter (VA)

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter (VA)
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 42: All day 60% chance of thunderstorms, not to mention a severe weather warning for flash floods... (plus we cross the AT 25% mark)A crackling, humming power line, a one room school house museum, the first of many fence stiles, a footbridge over the middle fork of the Holston River, an active railroad track, a boardwalk over a bog, and all that before X's first cup of coffee! After five miles, the day's first big landmark was Interstate 81, but more important for us was the Barn Restaurant at that I-81/Atkins exit. We thought it way too early to tackle their Hiker Special 16 oz. hamburger, but we left the shelter before 7 and turned on the afterburners in hopes of a big breakfast. The Barn did not disappoint! Eggs, sausage, grits, biscuits, pancakes... X had so many cups of coffee, she didn't slow down until late afternoon. And since it was a little after 9 when we walked in, N started his meal with a large Mountain Dew. In addition to real live food, we had cell service for the first time in a while and learned we would be under a flash flood watch from noon to midnight. Fortified by the big breakfast, we decided we needed to plan for a roof over our heads tonight (For two folks who avoid shelters at all costs, we realize we can't remember the last time we set up our tent), and push for two of the eight spots at the next shelter. The sun came out mid-morning and around 1:30 we began to question the forecast. However, an hour later we could see thunder clouds off in several directions. Once again we found ourselves racing the weather to the shelter. We take spots 3 & 4, and are joined by several folks from the shelter the day before for a full house (8) by dinner time. While the vast majority of the trail to date has been in the woods, today we passed through many cow pastures on private land, where the AT is only a narrow right of way. We enjoyed the pastoral scenes and the challenge of climbing stile after stile. The only drawback to this shelter is the long walk to water, but N brings back enough for both tonight and tomorrow, and we are in bed early anticipating a big rain that never materializes. Just then a second wave of hikers arrives, all disappointed there's no room left inside. Some stop to eat; some stop to talk; some pitch a tent; most eventually move on. The post Trail Days surge continues to be felt north of Damascus...A heartfelt personal note from X to our faithful readers: We want to tell you how much we appreciate you coming along with us on this adventure by following along with us on our journal. Your notes on our Guest Book seem like letters at camp! We love to hear from you and thank you for your concern and prayers.
Date: 2012-05-24
From: Jenkins Shelter (VA)

To: US 52 (Bland, VA)
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day 44: Bland, VA Why just the name itself is enough to make us homesick for our church family back at St. Paul's...At first light on many days, X often does her impression of a 20-something young macho rolling over for another forty winks. But not on a town day. On Town Day, X is like a kid on Christmas morning. And today was no exception as she zoomed down to beautiful Bland. The only surprising thing was the number of times she stopped to talk to people on the trail we were seeing for the second or third time. At US 52, we got to try our hand at real live hitch hiking for the first time on the trip. We had Yogied a ride into Marion, and had folks come looking for us going into Franklin, but this was the first time we'd stuck out our thumbs. We had hoped at best to get a ride in the back of a beat up pick-up truck. But the third car that came at us pulled over and it turned out to be an elderly couple in a fancy new car. In our "hiker stinky" condition we were embarrassed to touch the leather seats. They took us directly to the Big Walker Motel (named for a local mountain, not some famous AT hiker), where we found packages with new shoes for N and our replacement water filter. So it was like Christmas!We showered (oh, how X loves that first splash of hot water!), ate well, and even had a short nap. The only downer for the day was the news that our new friend Little Wolf was going home with a hip ailment. He's been a great fellow hiker, and will be missed. We got to meet his wife (who had come to pick him up) at the motel, and it was obvious he was in good hands.The day was too short, as this entry may be as well. We can't waste time journaling when these comfortable beds await...
Date: 2012-05-25
From: US 52 (Bland, VA)

To: VA 606 (Trent's Grocery)
Miles today: 18.6

Day 45: A good day for snakes on the trail (Plus how on the days with a high Sunshine Quotient [and Lord knows today had a high Sunshine Quotient!], you can use the steep climb out of town as an excuse to slow down and enjoy the magnificent mountain laurel blossoms, which remain at their peak as we continue to follow Spring north on the Appalachian Trail.)We'd seen several signs at road crossings saying to "call Bubba" if you needed a shuttle, so when we needed a ride back to the trail from Bland, X called Bubba. We were waiting at the door when Dairy Queen opened at 7, and were ready to go when Bubba got there at 7:15 as arranged. One and Sixty-five decided to join us and Bubba had us all at the US 52 / AT crossing in 12 minutes, only charging ten bucks for the four of us. A much sweeter deal than hitching from town...A word about one of the most imposing single obstacles we've encountered: In the first mile past I-77, on a very steep slope, a large tree just upslope from the trail has come down, pulling up a huge root ball with it. The result is so daunting it reminded us of the famous Hillary Step near the top of Mount Everest, known for the log jams it creates as climbers try to solve its technical challenge. Somehow we were able to use the few dirt footholds available and keep our balance long enough to surmount this spot, which we will be talking about for days to come...We'd already seen one large black snake on the trail. N saw a small black snake with yellow stripes as he went down to the spring to collect water. Meanwhile, a southbound day hiker arrived at Jenny Knob with a tale of a feisty little copperhead just past the 600-mile mark who was not interested in letting any hikers get by. X was very careful as we later passed that spot without incident. We later saw another black snake almost as big as the first.  Obviously, after all the rainy, cold weather the local reptile population is glad for a chance to lie out in the sun. Tonight the four of us who started the day together and walked at three different paces, all wound up at the same place: Trent's Grocery. A short half mile walk from the AT, for six bucks apiece, we get a place to tent, use of the washing machine (something we couldn't find in Bland!), and the best shower we've seen in 45 days. Not to mention for us two Philly cheese steaks and onion rings for dinner. We sleep tonight with a stream babbling on one side of us and deer in the horse pasture on the other. A great start to the Memorial Day weekend...
Date: 2012-05-26
From: VA 606 (Trent's Grocery)

To: Sugar Run Gap (Woods Hole Hostel) VA
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 46: What's not to love about Virginia? For the third night in a row we have a hot shower and someone else cook our dinner, all the while averaging over 16 miles a day!AWOL's guide describes the Woods Hole Hostel as "a slice of heaven, not to be missed." So of course we didn't want to miss it. The distance looked shorter than yesterday and the local/organic communal meal meant our packs today would be a little lighter as we wouldn't have to carry any food for today except lunch.Once again the trail was easy in the morning: cool, mostly flat, and fairly smooth all the way to the next shelter (Wapiti, an eight mile walk) where we stopped for lunch. Along the way we crossed over a dozen footbridges (at one point over six such crossings in less than a mile!), with several of these streams having deep shaded water that would have made great swimming holes later in the day.Immediately after lunch, we began a steep 1,500' climb. On top we were again in the Land of Rocks, with those aiding vista viewing being appreciated and those under foot, not so much. The last two miles down to the road and the hostel were unexpectedly tough and took much longer to navigate than we had planned. Our collective blood sugar and energy levels also dropped as we didn't snack enough after lunch. You'd think after six weeks of this we'd know better...We considered the option of tenting tonight, but N's high standards for level-ness in a tent site could not be accommodated "up the hill" at the rather remote tenting area, so we are upstairs in the bunk house, and in the center of activity. The place does have a certain charm and calm all its own and we are happy to be among the guests tonight.Hikers kept filtering in. Until the last blow of the horn  (actually the ringing of a huge metal triangle right out of a Hollywood western) and there were close to three dozen folks when Neville formed her circle for introductions and thanks. The meal was great: salad made from ingredients we'd seen growing just minutes before, homemade bread, and southwest lasagna.Fans that will also mask any of X's snoring tonight, thus relieving her of that worry are another added benefit as we drift off to sleep...
Date: 2012-05-27
From: Sugar Run Gap (Woods Hole Hostel) VA

To: Lane Street, Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 47: Over the hill and into Pearisburg A quick re-supply stop. We completed our stay at Woods Hole Hostel with an excellent breakfast and what X described as "the best massage she ever had!" Both Neville and Michael seemed to have the nack for addressing exactly the right muscles that needed attention after 600+ miles on the AT. We both felt rejuvenated as we got back on the trail. The first mile and a half was more of the same rocky trail we saw at the end of yesterday, but hiking it uphill was easier (or maybe we were just in a better frame of mind!). We followed a steep narrow ridge which gradually rose towards the scenic viewpoint Angel's Rest before making a steep descent into Pearisburg. We could really feel the near record heat as we  got closer to town, and were glad most of the afternoon had been spent at a cooler 3,500'.Skeeter at the Rendezvous Motel was very accommodating helping us get to Food Lion to buy groceries and to the local Mexican restaurant for dinner. It's been great to have the luxury of hot showers and prepared meals for four straight days, but tomorrow the trail moves away from civilization for the next hundred miles...
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Lane Street, Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter (VA)
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 48: Memorial DayA big climb out of Pearisburg, a shortage of water sources, some very high sunny afternoon temperatures, a very rocky path after we got past Rice Field, and just a lot of miles made for a very tough holiday hike. And that's all we want to say about it right now...Addendum after a good night's sleep: Well, whatta you know! The sun did come up again this morning...,"Oh sleep it is a gentle thing/ beloved from pole to pole./ To Mary Queen the praise be given/ she sent the blessed sleep from heaven/ that slide into my soul."Morale Killer of the Day: After lunch our reliable mistake-free AWOL 2012 AT Guide listed few landmarks, so it was difficult for us to track our progress (or lack thereof). We were greatly relieved to come on a new USFS wooden sign telling us we had 5.2 miles to the shelter. An hour later we were devastated to learn the figure on the sign was short by TWO miles. We never recovered from that discovery. People on the trail, new and re-newed acquaints: EMT, a 20-year old EMT, was back on the trail after a three week vacation to visit his girlfriend in Blacksburg. By his own admission, he maybe back on the trail too soon. X is worried about him. Retread, who we had stayed with at Mountain Harbour and "the night the lightning hit the tree," showed up late in the evening with Greenhorn (also keeping a Trail Journal). We jumped past them when they zeroed in P-burg. We enjoyed talking to Retread over breakfast. N canvassed his shelter mates and resolved not to be the only one to hang a bear bag, so hung a mouse bag instead. Leaving the shelter, less than 200 yards down the trail, N was surprised by a bear snorting in the brush so close he could feel the breath! (OK, not really, but X did get a good look at the south end of a north bound bear tearing though the woods...)
Date: 2012-05-29
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter (VA)

To: War Spur Shelter (VA)
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: few clouds

Day 49: The three o'clock decision (The thru hiker's daily quandary)We arrived at War Spur Shelter at 3pm. On the two and a half mile, 1,600' walk down from Lone Pine Peak, we'd heard rumblings off in the distance and saw ominous dark clouds off to the west. However, at the shelter, the sun was back out and there was not a cloud to be seen above us. What to do? It was too early to stop for the day, but the next shelter was 5.8 miles further along. And while we couldn't get a current weather update, yesterday's forecast had been for rain this afternoon, then more rain tonight. Plus there wasn't a good camping spot with water between the two shelters. Stay or go? Stay or go?After ten minutes of indecision, we decided to not chance it and pulled off our hiking shoes. We'd take our time, air out our gear, wash today's clothes, take really good "sponge" baths, get tomorrow's water ready, and fix an early dinner. Several other hikers stopped in, facing the same decision to stop or push on. A few followed Sixty-five's earlier example and headed on to Laurel Creek Shelter, but when the bottom fell out just as we were finishing our meal, we were very glad we had stayed! Two and a half hours later, the thunder stopped, but the shower seems to have settled in. EMT had everything ready when the rain started and ducked in his tent to spend the evening reading. Late arrivals Retread and Greenhorn get tired of waiting for the rain to stop, and set up their tents in the rain. We all hope the predictions that rain will be over by morning are correct. As for the end of our seventh week on the trail, we are at least glad we got in our minimum daily requirement of 12.66 miles. We saw the zip line to the Captain's, and talked to several young folks who stayed there last night. The footbridge over Stoney Creek at VA 635 was as impressive a construction for getting us over water as we've seen along the AT. Phone reception was terrible all day long, making it tough to get yesterday's pictures back to the Base Camp Manager. First time we've gone a whole day with that as an issue. The trail never really had a good view to the east, and when we could see off to the west, we were surprised at how few structures were visible in the distance.We need to pick up a package in Newport, VA, tomorrow, so we hope the trail starts out kind to us, and not like the rocky sections we had to deal with this morning...
Date: 2012-06-02
From: VA 311 (Roanoke, VA) 

To: US 220 (Roanoke, VA) 
Miles today: 19.8

Day 53: McAfee Knob! (Plus the Tinker Cliffs)In Virginia, McAfee Knob is the Appalachian Trail's poster and postcard icon, certainly one of the most photographed spots as the AT winds its way through the Old Dominion state. The Knob has an almost 270 degree panorama of the Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the West, Tinker Cliffs to the North and the Roanoke Valley to the East.With the passing front last night clearing out all of the clouds, we were blessed this morning with the most amazing clear views from the Knob you could possibly ask for!. We doubt 1% of this year¢s visitors will have as good conditions as we enjoyed early this morning. The visibility was so good we thought except for the curvature of the earth we could have seen all the way back to Clingmans Dome, maybe even back to Springer Mountain! Our thanks again to our PTA (personal trail angel) Billy for making it happen, especially getting us back to the trail first thing so we could climb to McAfee before the typical haze had a chance to reform¢¦After McAfee Knob, we continued on to the Tinker Cliffs and finally into Daleville, a long day, but considering the weather (sunny, cool), the trail conditions (a lot of gentle flat grades), and the scenery (again, just amazing views!), this was the best day of the trip so far. Other folks have mentioned the 17 year cicadas. When we were down in the gaps, their steady hum was with us all day, with piles of dead bugs visible as we got close to US 220. And finally a backpack report: Shock Too, being a section hiker since he arrived only in Damascus decided to take an extra zero day and stay home with the tent. He really was not missed. Awe carried an extremely light load, but kept his record intact for passing every white blaze on the trail¢¦
Date: 2012-06-03
From: US 220 (Roanoke, VA) 

To: US 220 (Roanoke, VA)
Miles today: 0.0

Today is a day to rest and plan for the next leg to Rockfish Gap and Waynesboro. We hope there's nothing more strenuous on the schedule than a trip to Kroger's to buy some food for the next hundred miles...
Date: 2012-06-04
From: US 220 (Roanoke, VA)

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter (VA) 
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 55: On to the BRP (We see hardly anyone all day until we arrive at the Bobblets Gap shelter)Billy had us to the trailhead at Daleville by 7am, then went the extra mile - literally - by carrying N's pack for the first 20 minutes! Billy, you and Connie are the best! Thanks for your three great days of hospitality. It's been unmatched the rest of our trip...The five mile, 1200' climb up to Fullhardt Knob was not bad at all. We took a lunch break at the second shelter (Wilson Creek), then refilled our water bottles at the next spring (a really easy water source). We then had a 2.5 mile climb to the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP), where the trail paralleling the paved road was sometimes quite rough, but the views were spectacular as we were having another glorious weather day. We arrived at an empty Bobblets Gap Shelter about 5:30pm. However, before we could filter water or finish fixing dinner, folks started wandering in. Except for Retread, Greenhorn, and Crazytop, it's all people we're meeting for the first time. A congenial group and a great day back on the trail.
Date: 2012-06-07
From: Matts Creek Shelter (VA)

To: Punchbowl Shelter (VA) 
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 58: We cross the James (Plus Billy joins us for a night, and X spends some time with Rachel in Glasgow)We're out of camp at 6:15 for a beautiful easy two mile walk to the James River, where we cross the AT's longest dedicated footbridge. As pre arranged, Ken Wallace arrives to give us a ride to Glasgow for breakfast and then stays with us for trips to the grocery store and Dollar General. Ken comes up from Florida during Hiker Season to avoid the hurricanes, and helps shuttle folks anywhere between Daleville and Waynesboro. Even with an unsatisfied N ordering "Breakfast: Round Two" after quickly finishing off a first waffle and sausage, Ken has us back to the trail by 9:30. There our friend Billy joins us (after he does a 12 mile bike ride up Thunder Ridge) for the climb to Big Rocky Row, where we have a better view of the now distant Thunder Ridge FAA tower than we did while we were there! We had worried about the climb back up from the river with our fully restocked packs, but it seems like our easiest 2,000' climb of the trip. After lunch we walk on to the shelter. Billy is great company and the miles pass quickly. A thunderstorm threatens at dinner time (we'd heard all kinds of rumbling on the way in), but we only have a short, light shower. A small group tonight: besides us a local couple (Groovasaurus GA>ME 2007 & Baker and their four-legged thru-hike veteran Hugo) tents, and a southbound section hiker from the eastern shore (Swampman) who is out for a few mental health days joins us in the shelter. A late arrival is another thru-hiker (Daffy the Slacker) who hangs a hammock. And the interesting wildlife sighting of the day: as we are making the last .2 miles into the shelter X identifies the squawking of a nearby Pileated Woodpecker. The bird is obviously agitated as his cries are louder and more urgent-sounding as we make our way along. We stop and watch as he flies through the understory continuing his cries. He lands in a nearby tree and we worry we're the ones upsetting him. Suddenly, from out behind the tree an owl swoops down with the woodpecker in hot pursuit. We can only imagine the owl was in the wrong place at the wrong time and perhaps the woodpecker was protecting his territory. And the heart-warming story of the day: Groovasaurus was thru-hiking the AT in 2007. When he got just south of Pearisburg, VA, he bumped into an abandoned dog on the trail. Try as he might to hike on ignoring the critter, the dog would not be left behind. The young man took the dog to the nearest vet for a check up and after a clean bill of health & shots, the four-legged orphan became the faithful Hugo and finished the thru-hike to Maine with his new best friend & hiking master.We could not have asked for a better day, and feel we are well prepared and well positioned for the next leg of the journey north to Rockfish Gap...
Date: 2012-06-09
From:  Hog Camp Gap, USFS 48 (VA)

To: Harpers Creek Shelter (VA) 
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 60: "...promises to keep/ and miles to go before we sleep/ miles to go before we sleep." (after a change of plans, some - for us - big miles)Before the June 14th replacement operation, X's step-mother's hip has now become so painful they are unable to meet us tomorrow on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We inventory our food and discover with the unused items last night's trail magic saved us, we have just enough to push on to Waynesboro.At 4pm we are on top of The Priest, and facing the daunting descent and re-climb out of the Tye River Valley. X takes the lead and covers the seven plus miles to the next shelter with an hour and a half before dark. N struggles to stay with her and is duly impressed! She is a hiking machine...Harpers Creek is a lovely spot with numerous campsites (and equally numerous boy scouts tonight). We stay at the shelter to make use of the picnic table and convenient water source. We talk with three other fast moving ultra-light hikers as we rush to eat before dark. Hiker Midnight has come and gone before camp chores are completed. You have to stay flexible on the AT.
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Rockfish Gap (Waynesboro, VA) 

To: Calf Mountain Shelter (SNP, VA)
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 64: After a breakfast of fresh fruit, homemade granola, and blueberry pancakes with sausage (plus a trip to the post office on the way out of town), the Troverts pry themselves out of Waynesboro.It was more like a half day of hiking, but we weren't in any rush to get out of town. To line up the restaurants and stores in Shenandoah National Park for the rest of the week, and not run afoul of the park's many backcountry regulations, we decided on a short day today and will try for a long day tomorrow. The weather was perfect for walking and we enjoyed our leisurely pace. We got our tent set up so early we had time for a nap in the afternoon sunshine, plus X had time to try out her new toy, a Steri-pen to speed up our mid-day water purifying. After three liters done, so far so good.The shelter is a ways off the AT, but has a great water source and level tentsites framed with wooden timbers. It looks like a pretty sunset, but we don't think either of us will be awake to see it... Life on The Trail is sweet.