morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-05
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

The weather finally warmed up a bit. The terrain was rolling with a lot of downhill. We crossed a number of streams and a very nice waterfall. We paused when we reached Dickey's Gap as there was a guy from Jerry's Kitchen offering a free shuttle to Troutdale for lunch and milkshakes. We were eager to reach the shelter so we kept hiking. We found space in Trimpi Shelter, a uniquely designed shelter. Each side of the shelter had an upper bunk for 1 and a lower bunk for 2 with a fireplace in the middle. Lucky for us, Fiber decided to build a fire and kept it going all night long which kept the shelter toasty warm.
Date: 2011-05-06
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today's hike was easy - hurray for an easy day finally!! We reached the shelter at 2:45 pm which gave us a relaxing, restful afternoon. Partnership Shelter is a large log cabin shelter designated for 16 (We had 20 in the shelter and 5 tents outside). We grabbed a spot in the loft knowing it would be warmer. Then we walked around the corner to the Mt. Rogers Visitor Center where we ordered pizza delivery. Some people took a shuttle ($0.50) into Marion to resupply. Later I enjoyed a warm shower at the shelter, another unique feature of this "Taj Mahal" shelter.
Date: 2011-05-07
From: Partnership Shelter

To: VA 683, Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

We had leftover pizza for breakfast and lunch. Today's hike was over rolling terrain with a mixture of forest and open fields. We took a break at the Lindamood School Museum and found trail magic there, cold vitamin water. A few miles before Atkins Winkle met us on the trail with homemade cookies, mmmm (made by Anna, Bob's wife, Thanks Anna!). Winkle who has already hiked the entire AT is returning to the trail to hike with Bob and me. We checked into the Relax Inn, a motel which has seen better days. A better option though pricier is the Comfort Inn up the road which provides a shuttle pick up. My daughter, Laura, met us at the Relax Inn to join us on the trail for a week. Its so great to see her and a terrific early Mother's Day present. She came bearing gifts, homemade chocolate chip cookies and gourmet cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcakes!!
Date: 2011-05-08
From: VA 683, Atkins, VA

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

We started the day with breakfast at the Barn restaurant. Laura gave me a puppy themed Mother's Day card from her, James, Matt, Jessica and Mike and we split the last Mother's Day cupcake. I had a terrific Mother's Day hiking with Laura on a beautiful day. Today's hike was quite diverse (forest, streams, fields, grassy balds). There were many stiles to climb (wooden step ladder over barb wire fences) through private land. My new straw hat (Ace Hardware special given to me by Anna, Bob's wife) provided great shade. Thanks Anna!! We set up our 2 person Big Agnes tent at the shelter. There was a huge crowd there.Laura's trail name is Nutmeg (double meaning name; describes her soccer skills & knack for baking). Occasionally I'll call her Mama's Llama but I try not to overload her with my gear.
Date: 2011-05-09
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 15.8

Today's hike was tough. We started the day with a long steep climb to Chestnut Knob Shelter. The rest of the day included rock outcroppings and an extremely rocky trail. It was very difficult to find a campsite in this terraIn. We finally found a previously used site just off the AT near a sign for the Davis Farm campsite (where we got water .5 miles off the AT). We camped with Fulltime, Mark and his son, Marcus. I gave Marcus his trailname, NightTrain. After setting up the car shuttle, Marcus walked 15 miles mostly uphill walking south to meet his Dad and Fulltime. NightTrain started in the early afternoon and arrived at 10 pm guided only by his headlamp.Fulltime is a Boy Scout Leader from Ohio. NightTrain is one of his Eagle Scouts. Mark and NightTrain gave Fulltime a surprise visit and will backpack 3 days with him. Fulltime has 40 years of experiene as a BSA Leader and has a number of loyal friends through Scouting. I am told that he will have many more hikes with Scouts, some planned and also more surprise visits. In mid June Fulltime's Scout Troop will travel to Harper's Ferry to work on their 50 mile hiking badge and will hike with Fulltrime on the Maryland AT and a little of the Pennsylvania AT.
Date: 2011-05-10
From: Stealth Campsite

To: US 52 Bland, VA
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today's hike was mostly downhill though it had some rocky areas which slowed our pace. We had lunch at Laurel Creek, a scenic location with a rocky ledge good for soaking our feet in the ice cold stream. Later in the day there were some steep sections with well designed switchbacks.After our hike, NightTrain shuttled us in to Bland, VA to the Big Walker Motel, a nice hiker motel. Then he gave us some most appreciated trail magic.   He drove us to Wytheville to Ruby Tuesdays. NightTrain made 2 twenty minute roundtrips going and 2 twenty minute rountrips returning to get all 7 of us to the restaurant. After eating dehydrated food day after day, we all thoroughly enjoyed the well stocked salad bar.
Date: 2011-05-11
From: US 52 Bland, VA

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Today's hike started with a steep climb; then the rest of the hike was relatively flat along a ridge. The trees are now fully leafed out now so there were only a few views. We were hiking through the AT green tunnel today. We reached the shelter early and settled in for the night. There was another huge crowd here (12 tents). I finally crossed paths with Lumiere (Eric West), one of my brother McK's Eagle Scouts. I helped out Lumiere's brother G-Fog (Jimmy West) during his 2009 thru hike. So I was excited to meet Lumiere on the trail and his hiking partner, Ruffles who I had met earlier at Kincora. Lumiere and Ruffles are strong hikers and are having a great time on the trail.
Date: 2011-05-12
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I was fueled all morning by the anticipation of stopping at Trent's grocery for lunch and resupply. Right before Trent's, the trail took us over a huge suspension bridge. Lunch was delicious - a deli sub, ice cream coke float and a fudge sandwich cookie. My hiker hunger has finally kicked in. I've already lost 25 pounds so I think my body is saying "enough already feed me." Winkle caught a shuttle from Trents to Pearisburg to head to Maryland to spend time with her family. It was great having Winkle hike with us this week.In the afternoon I used my newly acquired shuffle (delivered by Laura) to listen to music. The music really helps me click off those last few miles of the day. The last few miles took us by Dismal Falls, many stream crossings and big stands of rhododendron. We set up tents at the shelter and soon crashed for an early night.
Date: 2011-05-13
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Sugar Run Gap
Miles today: 6.4

The hike started with a 2 mile climb straight up a very steep trail which resembled a gully more than a trail - not fun. Soon the trail followed a mostly flat ridge which offered some nice views. We took pictures at a rocky outcropping with views.   Later in the day at this same spot Fulltime got quite a scare. A rattlesnake struck at Fulltime just barely missing him.   A couple of hikers witnessed the strike and thought he had been struck for sure.....what a close call!!Mike (my husband) met us at WoodsHole Hostel and drove us 30 minutes into Pearisburg where we checked in to the Plaza motel, a very nice hiker hotel. Mike and Laura drove to Atkins to get Laura's car while Bob and I went to the DQ for milkshakes and burgers. I watched in amazement as Bob put away 2 XL strawberry milkshakes. We drove back to Woods Hole Hostel for dinner. They invite quests to help with the dinner prep. Neville soon put Laura to work chopping, sauteing and cooking quesadillas. Dinner was scrumptious - all organic: salad from their garden, freshly baked bread, enchillada casserole, quesadillas, flourless chocolate cake and ice cream. There were 19 of us dining; Cubby, Lady Pants, Coon, No Problem, Millhouse and more.
Date: 2011-05-14
From: Sugar Run Gap

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: broken clouds

We parked our van in Pearisburg at the AT crossing. Then Laura drove Mike, Bob and I to WoodsHole Hostel where we picked up Kebban. Laura dropped us off where we ended our hike yesterday; then she began her drive back to Pittsburgh to her college apartment. After spending a week in the woods with hikers (young and old) who view 9 pm as hiker midnight, Laura was looking forward to nocturnal roommates, pillows, sheets, electricity, hot water and sofas.We slackpacked into Pearisburg just in time for another lunch at DQ and a resupply at Food Lion.   We drove back to WoodsHole Hostel where we checked in to the 2 private rooms. WoodsHole Hostel was run for 25 years by Tillie Woods. Now her granddaughter, Neville, and her husband Michael run the hostel. They rent out 2 private rooms in their log cabin home and 15 beds in the barn hostel.Michael and Neville went to Damascus for Traildays (a huge weekend AT trail festival) so another dinner at the hostel wasn't an option. We drove to Eggelston to Palisades Restaurant which was packed with people celebrating graduation from VA Tech. The dinner was superb: goat cheese & pear green salad, rainbow trout, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans & carrots, double chocolate cheesecake & ice cream. Bob and Kebban enjoyed red tractor beer. Mike discovered this restaurant a couple of years ago while canoeing the New River.
Date: 2011-05-15
From: VA 635

To: Campsite
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

We left our van in Pearisburg, took a shuttle to VA 635 and hiked south for the day. Since most hikers hike North we always see a huge number of hikers when we hike South. It's a great way to catch up with other hikers. The day started and ended with rain. The trail was rocky and slick. There were some nice meadows with good views of the valley. We set up our tent in the rain, cooked in our tent vestibule, and crashed for the night.
Date: 2011-05-16
From: Campsite

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We hiked back to Pearisburg and along the way saw a number of hikers returning from Traildays in Damascus. We went to Walmart, the post office and once again DQ. Then Mike drove us to VA 635 where Bob and I continued our hike North and Mike drove home to Maryland. The trail crossed a stream numerous times. At the end of the day we had a steep climb straight up (no switchbacks) to the shelter. With the forecast for more rain, we grabbed spots in the shelter.
Date: 2011-05-17
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

It rained last night, the fourth night in a row of rain. The day started and ended in rain. There was a brief break from rain during the middle of the day. The beginning of the hike was steep, rocky, and gully-like. Eventually the trail levelled out, but it was still rocky and slick. The dowhill section before the next shelter was the best section of the day; only moderately rocky, great switchbacks, no rain and mountain laurel with pink flower buds ready to bust open lined the trail. We stopped at War Spur shelter for lunch. Soon after we arrived, another thunderstorm struck. Originally Intending on hiking further today but now wanting to stay dry, Bob, Pita, Tramp, Cappy and I decided to stay put for the night. Soon Bear Bag and Capt. Planet joined us in the shelter. Hoop, Goldilocks and Forest set up tents. A number of other hikers stopped by to temporarily get out of the rain.
Date: 2011-05-18
From: War Spur Shelter

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

Yet another night of rain, but at least it wasn't raining to start the day. In the morning we crossed numerous raging streams. It was impossible to cross the streams without getting boots soaking wet. The usual stepping stones were all submerged. Later in the day we crossed through beautiful farmland where the field resembled a swamp due to an overflowing stream. Once again our boots were soaked through and caked with mud. A highlight of the day was seeing the Keefer Oak, the largest oak tree on the AT in the south - over 18 feet around and over 300 years old with huge tree like branches. At the end of the day the temperature dropped and it began to rain. We climbed down a steep trail .4 miles off the AT to our shelter (usually the shelters in VA are right on the trail.) But the climb was worth it as Sarver is one of the nicest shelters we've seen: huge shelter with a roof over table.
Date: 2011-05-19
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: light rain

I forgot to mention in yesterday's journal about trail magic. Super Dave (accomplished thru hiker) left sodas, Little Debbies and doughnuts at Rocky Gap located 2/3 the way up a very steep climb. The snacks were all gone but we thoroughly enjoyed the cokes and orange soda. This was a huge treat especially after shivering in the rain for the last few days.This morning we crossed a ridge and encountered big slabs of rock which were usually on an angle, often wobbly and sometimes slick; making the ridge tough to maneuver. Soon after the rock maze, something caught my eye, a brown fluffy barn owl perched on a branch (Tramp ID'd the owl from my photo). In the afternoon, we had a steep hike up Brush Mountain. I felt strong so I charged the hill (pretended I was back home in spin class) and was rewarded by a bench at the summit (2nd bench I've seen on AT so far).   We visited the Audie Murphy (most decorated American solier in WW II) Monument. We ended the day at the shelter. I was very tired.
Date: 2011-05-20
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Newport Road, Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: light rain

The morning hike took us over a rocky ridge bordered by mountain laurel in full bloom. We constantly watched our footing. It was slow going and tiring. We took the short side trail to Dragon's Tooth, a huge rock monolith in the shape of a dragon's tooth (pointy side up). We got there just in time to photograph Tom A. Hawk perched on the top (or close to it) of Dragon's Tooth, a feat only a few hikers attempt. Then we began our descent down the AT. This section was more like a rock scramble than a trail. The rock ledges were steep and required careful footing and good balance. My backpack (28 pounds) made it hard to keep good balance so several times I took off my backpacked and dropped it to the bottom of the rock scramble. I constantly threw my poles ahead of me so I could use my hands to guide and balance my way down the rocks. Finally we completed the rock scramble and found ourselves on a regular, though rocky trail.   The last mile of the day was filled with clusters of rhododendron in full bloom.We planned on going 12.5 miles today but after a quick consultation, Cappy, Ranger Bob and I agreed to call it a day. We hiked to the Four Pines Hostel where we found a full house (actually a full 3 bay detached garage). We set up our sleeping bags and lounged around for a while. Happy Pappy's wife was visiting so they took me to the post office to pick up a maildrop. Then Happy Pappy's wife made meatball subs for everyone (about 20 hikers). Later in the day Cappy, Ranger Bob, Bag Drop and I had dinner in Catawba, VA at the Homeplace: AYCE (fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, biscuits, apple butter, sweet tea and cherry cobbler with ice cream). Dinner at the Homeplace was a nice way to end a very physically challenging day.
Date: 2011-05-21
From: Newport Road, Four Pines Hostel

To: Lambert's Meadow Campsite
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: few clouds

Today was a stellar day - spectacular weather and standout views. Cappy, Bob and I started the day by carefully choosing our way across a stream where the large footbridge had become dislodged from the bank, possibly from the recent hard rains. Next we crossed a field where we were welcomed by a herd of black cows. Soon we reached a full parking lot for McAfee Knob (3.5 mile hike from the parking lot). In addition to thru hikers there were a large number of day hikers headed up to McAfee Knob (reportedly the most photographed spot on the AT).   At McAfee Knob there is a large 2 tiered flat rock which juts out overlooking the valley below. Fulltime had been trying to catch us and found us at McAfee Knob just in time to take photos.Now joined by Fulltime, we four continued on. We reached a steep climb and then arrived at Tinker Cliffs, a half mile long cliff walk, with views in many ways as stunning as McAfee Knob. We hiked on to Lambert's Meadow where we talked to hikers who had received trail magic from a trail maintainer: Hotdogs and s'mores for dinner.   We set up our tents at a nearby campsite along a stream. I had good energy most of the day but lost steam during the last 2 miles. 16 miles plus is a big physical day for me. We were all quite tired and excited about an easy hike tomorrow into town.
Date: 2011-05-22
From: Lambert's Meadow Campsite

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: light rain

We all woke up early excited for a town day. We hiked past a number of huge rocks, many bigger than a house. The trail soil composite changed to a white sand similar to what you'd find on a beach. Mountain Laurel and Rhododenron out in full bloom lined the trail. There were a number of views of the valley and the Roanoke Resevoir.When we reached Daleville, we checked in to Howard Johnsons and then immediately went to lunch at Pizza Hut. Fulltime has an Eagle Scout, John Trussel, visiting and backpacking for several days. John drove us to Gander Mt. where I got smaller hiking shorts and then to Ruby Tuesdays for dinner.
Date: 2011-05-23
From: Daleville, VA

To: Harvey's Knob on Blue Ridge Parkway
Miles today: 18.2

Andrew from Outdoor Trails shuttled us to Harvey's Knob on the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP). We hiked south back to HOJO's. The rhododendron in colorful full bloom were prevalent throughout today's hike. Early in our hike we met two 8 day section hikers at an overlook who were full of delight in discovering a trash can halfway through their 8 day hike. They laughed at themselves for being more excited about the trash can and opportunity to lighten their load than the BRP scenic overlook. Mid morning we met Fulltime and John Trussel who were hiking North. I gave John his trail name, "Keeper". He is definitely a keeper; positive, upbeat, generous, and thoroughly enjoying his time on the trail and an energizing boost for Fulltime.   As the day went on the heat took a toll on us. We were wiped out by a full day of hiking on a very hot day.
Date: 2011-05-24
From: Harvey's Knob on Blue Ridge Parkway

To: BRP mile 76.3
Miles today: 8.8

Andrew shuttled us back to Harvey's Knob where we hiked North this time. Today's hike was over rolling terrain, some rocks but fairly easy to negotiate. Once again the rhododendron were abundant and stunning in full bloom. We met Fulltime and Keeper at the Peaks of Otter BRP overlook. We made a plan to spend the night at Middlecreek Campground near Jennings Creek. It rained in the late afternoon but quickly cleared. Fulltime had a cabin set up for us by the time Bob and I arrived. Keeper got Dellwood to shuttle him to his car and Keeper brought back Barbecue sandwiches and sides for dinner. We had ice cream cones from the camp store for dessert. This was a very fun day.
Date: 2011-05-25
From: BRP mile 76.3

To: Jennys Creek, Middle Creek Campground
Miles today: 14.8

Susie (Middle Creek Campground) dropped off egg breakfast sandwiches at 6:30 am. We all loaded in Keeper's car at 7:00 am eager to start our hike and get Keeper headed home to Ohio. Early in the hike we passed under the Guillotine, a narrow rock formation with a big round ball perched above your head as you walk through. Near the Guillotine, we saw the FAA tower, a large white sphere easily seen down below from the BRP.   At noon, we met members of the Natural Bridge ATC maintenance crew who had just sawed down a massive tree which had fallen across the AT. Later we checked out Bryant Ridge Shelter, a unique 2 tiered shelter which sleeps 20. We had a very steep hike at the end of the day. After reaching the summit we quickened our pace to get to the camp store where we feasted on hamburgers and hotdogs. A few hours later we returned to the store for milkshakes.
Date: 2011-05-26
From: Jennys Creek, Middle Creek Campground

To: James River Footbridge
Miles today: 14.6

Susie (Middle Creek Campground) shuttled us back to the Blue Ridge Parkway where we departed, hiking North. Breakfast was another round of Susie's egg sandwiches and chocolate milk. The rhododendrons in bloom were spectacular and abundant. After Marble Spring Campsite, the trail wrapped around the side of the mountain giving us constant ridge like views. We saw the James River about a mile and a half before reaching it. When we reached the James River Footbridge we found a large group of local kids jumping from the bridge into the river, much too daring for me. When we walked across the footbridge (the longest foot use only bridge on the AT) we met Mike (my husband)!! Mike is here to camp and hike with us for 4 days. He was drying off from his swim in the James River.We all loaded up in the van and also crammed Maps, Shortcut and Jersey with backpacks in the back of the van. We served fresh fruit to all and took our 3 extra hikers to Glasgow. Then we drove to Lexington for a nice meal at the Palms. We returned to Glen Maury Park Campground in Buena Vista where Mike had our pop up camper set up. I'll get to sleep in a bed with sheets for 3 nights! Mike brought a 2 man Big Agnes tent for Bob which Bob named his condo cause it's roomier than his backpacking tent. Fulltime put up his 1 1/2 man Big Agnes and we all crashed for the night.
Date: 2011-05-27
From: James River Footbridge

To: Blue Ridge Parkway Mile 51.7
Miles today: 11.2

We (Mike, Fulltime, Bob and I) started our morning with chocolate milk and cinnamon rolls covered in sugary cream cheese frosting - fuel for hiking. We met Ken Wallace, our shuttle driver at the James River where we'll end our hike. Ken drove us up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. We started our hike with a steep climb up Punchbowl Mt. and then Bluff Mt. That climb woke us up. The rhododendrons in bloom were striking all along Punchbowl Mt. and Bluff Mt. Since we were on a day hike today and headed south, we loaded our packs with Little Debbie fudge cakes and handed out trail magic to hikers. This was a lot of fun and much appreciated. When you hike south you pass by lots of thru hikers but when you hike North you only see a few hikers so the south bound hikes are a great way to touch base with a number of hikers. The next section of the hike was along a rocky ridge but fairly easy to hike. The ridge provided nice views of the valley and the James River. The walk down to the James River was very steep and tough on our knees. A few miles from the river we followed a nice stream with a good swimming hole. We waited on the James River where Mike and I dove in for refreshing swim. After giving a couple of hikers a ride to Glasgow, we headed to Buena Vista where we dropped Fulltime off at the Post Office to pick up a mail drop. Fulltime's friends from Lexington, VA will pick up Fulltime from the P.O. Mike, Bob and I headed to Nick's Italian Restaurant for very good lasagna, eggplant Parmesan and pizza.