morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-09-14
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I got a good start over rolling terrain. Ran into Ken Doll, Snickets, and Misery at the next shelter where I stopped for a break. I entered Shenandoah National Park at noon. Already the views are exciting as the elevation gets higher and you can see further. There are layers of green to blue to purple mountains. The trail is nice and it makes the climbs easier. As I was setting up camp I saw a bear run across the rocky area above me. 9.5 hrs
Date: 2012-09-15
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Crusher Ridge stealth
Miles today: 21.4

I hadn't been on the trail 15 minutes and it was just at sunrise when I spotted a cub on the trail. I stopped walking. The woods were fairly thick and I couldn't see mama. The cub scampered off into the woods. I waited a while and slowly proceeded. About 30 steps up the trail I spotted mama and she was nursing the cub. I was surprised that would continue so late in the year. I couldn't get my camera out quick enough before they ran off. I got to Elkwallow Wayside on the Skyline Drive just as they were opening (what a coincidence). I had a second breakfast and was able to supplement my food stores with protein bars, raisins, and nabs. The hiking continued to be nice all the way to US 211 where I stopped for lunch. From there it became quite a bit rockier on the 1400 foot climb to the Pinnacle but the views were spectacular. I still can't get over the layers of mountains. It's nice to be back up at higher elevations. I stopped at the bathrooms at the Pinnacles Picnic area to get water for the night. I sat down at a picnic table to make a phone call and a man named Mike came up and invited me to eat with his family. They had grilled burgers/hotdogs and had all the trimmings and desserts. I had a real nice time talking with them. Mike wanted me to take food with me too, but its so hard to do because of weight/space. I told them all about trail magic and trail angels. It was very special. I headed back into the woods and went about 1 1/2 miles until I found a nice stealth site. I watched the sunset thinking about the kindness shown to a stranger. 9 hrs.
Date: 2012-09-16
From: Crusher Ridge stealth

To: Big Meadows (Luray, VA)
Miles today: 11.4

I was able to sleep in a little later and was underway at 7. I was making such good time that I stopped at Skyland Resort for a sit-down breakfast. The waitress was very kind and had me in and out quickly. I went through an area that was loaded with burled cherry trees. I have seen literally thousands of burls on trees throughout the trip so I have resisted taking pictures or talking about it. In this area every tree was affected, though. I took the side trail to Big Meadows Wayside where I rendezvoused with mom. We ate lunch there and toured the visitors center. We ate dinner in Luray after setting up camp at the Days Inn. 4 hrs.
Date: 2012-09-17
From: Big Meadows (Luray, VA)

To: Skyline 66.7 (Luray, VA)
Miles today: 17.4

Mom slack-packed me today so had me back to Big Meadows around 8. The trail today was as nice as its been. With a light pack, new trail-running shoes, and smooth walking it was fun to look at flowers and other flora instead of head down to watch every foot step. The leaves are starting to change, but because it is so dry, many leaves are turning brown and dropping. There is a front moving through so I was in and out of the clouds all day. Quite cool as well. Mom met me just south of Swift Run Gap and we went back to Luray. I will plan on a zero tomorrow since it is supposed to rain hard. 5.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-09-18
From: Skyline 66.7 (Luray, VA)

To: Skyline 66.7 (Luray, VA)
Miles today: 0.0

Slept in late and then Mom and I went to breakfast. Toured the Luray Caverns and antique auto museum. I did some resupply shopping and then we had lunch. The afternoon was lazy and we traveled up to Front Royal for dinner. I'm all packed and ready to get back on the trail in the morning. It has rained all day, heavy at times, so I'm glad to be dry in a motel.
Date: 2012-09-19
From: Skyline 66.7 (Luray, VA)

To: Blackrock Mt stealth
Miles today: 23.0

After an early breakfast Mom had me on the trail by 7 AM. It was cool and windy but not too much cloud cover. I climbed over Hightop Mt and descended to Smith Roach Gap. I need to back up and tell you about Mom's adventure on Monday while I was slack-packing. She had finished lunch at a place up in the hills and was heading back to the motel when she spotted a hiker, on the opposite side of the road, hitch-hiking. She did a U-turn and pulled up to him and asked him if he was a thru-hiker. He was and she gave him a ride up the mountain to the trail. His name was Ducky but he didn't know me. My Mom the "trail angel." So, there I am at Smith Roach Gap this morning trying to figure out which way the trail went at the road crossing when along comes Shipwreck and Zen (whom I know) and a third guy. When Shipwreck called out my name, this guy started grinning. It was Ducky. It is a very small trail. I hiked with them for a while but moved on when they took a break. I stopped at the Loft Mt campstore for lunch. Spent time there talking to Ken Doll, Snicket, and Misery and met Sad Fish. The afternoon hiking was flat and nice. I stopped before I had planned because the summit had good views to the west for sunset. That was a nice treat. 9 hrs.
Date: 2012-09-20
From: Blackrock Mt stealth

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: clear sky

I was slow to get started this morning with 47 degrees and windy conditions, but fortunately the hiking was easy until lunch. After Calf Mt the terrain got very rocky and I slowed down a lot for the last 6 miles in the Shenandoahs. I came out of the woods to the Skyline Drive which turned into the Blue Ridge Parkway as I crossed over US 250. Then it was back into the woods with a much smoother trail for the rest of the day. There appears to be a lot more water in this part of VA as I crossed several good flowing streams. 9 hrs.
Date: 2012-09-21
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Reeds Gap (Waynesboro, VA)
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

I spent until 10:30 climbing the 2000 feet to the summit of Humpback Mt. I had good views of Wintergreen Ski Area across the valley on the descent. It got quite a bit rockier as I crossed to the west side of the ridge, but had some nice views into the Shenandoah Valley. Things flattened out but remained rough most of the way to Reeds Gap where I met up with Deb. We headed into Waynesboro for the weekend. 5.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-09-22
From: Reeds Gap (Waynesboro, VA)

To: Reeds Gap (Waynesboro, VA)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

After a nice breakfast(s) at the hotel we headed to Staunton. I needed to get to an outfitter because I'd had a difficult time my last night on the trail. In the middle of the night I got into a major league fight with lions, tigers, and bears and put a huge wrip in my sleeping bag liner with my elbow. The wwwrrriiippp woke me up. In the morning I got my food bag down off the bear pole to find some varmit had chewed a hole in my bag and helped himself to my tortillas. Fortunately my 3Musketeers were saved. Anyway, I needed a new liner and food bag. We walked around the down-town and had a nice lunch at an Italian restaurant. The afternoon and evening were back in the hotel area just relaxing.
Date: 2012-09-23
From: Reeds Gap (Waynesboro, VA)

To: Cripple Creek stealth
Miles today: 12.0

This morning I spent repacking. Things are tight because I have 5 days worth of food and a bit more clothing for the cooler weather. Deb and I picked up sandwiches that we ate at the trail-head while we looked at pictures taken since her last visit. I got on the trail at 1 PM and began an immediate climb of Three Ridges Mountain. This is the beginning of the George Washington National Forest. From the top I could see tomorrows big climb-The Priest. The descent of Three Ridges was rocky on top but smoothed out with frequent switchbacks. At VA 56 I stopped for water and began the lower portion of The Priest, climbing about 1000 feet. At dinner it was already down to 54 deg, but no wind. 4.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-09-24
From: Cripple Creek stealth

To: Bald Knob stealth
Miles today: 21.3

Watched a nice sunrise shortly after starting out this morning. I was at the top of The Priest by 8 AM. A cold wind on top. At an elevation of 4063 feet this is the first time I have been over 4000 feet since the White Mountains. The trail went up and down most of the day but all within a 1000 foot elevation range. Very few views as I was in thick woods most of the time. The highest temperature I saw was 63 degrees. I went over 4000 feet again at Cold Mountain (4022), which was a bald, so finally had some sun. It didn't do much to warm me up though. I finished up at 4059 feet on the top of Bald Knob which oddly enough is not a bald. (No, I'm not lost.) 9.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-09-25
From: Bald Knob stealth

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: few clouds

It was 46 degrees and blustery when I got up this morning. I started with a 3000 foot descent to calmer conditions. By the time I took my first break I was back in shorts and t-shirt. The trail followed streams and the edges of Lynchburg Reservoir before starting to climb gradually, first to Rice Mt and then a longer climb to Bluff Mt. I stopped for lunch there with a nice view of Shenandoah Valley. It was mostly descent for the nest 7 miles, but I was without water, so I was real glad to hear moving water when I got into camp! 8 hrs.
Date: 2012-09-26
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: few clouds

Today was the day of the trail angels. I descended to the James River and just before crossing on the foot bridge there was a package addressed to "Solo"! Thanks sooo much Hayden and David. The James River is the last tributary into the Chesapeake estuary that I will cross. I entered into the Jefferson National Forest as I walked up-stream. I then started what seemed like endless climbing all morning. I stopped at Thunder Ridge for lunch with great panoramic views of the valley. Its been a couple of days since I crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway and had about forgotten about it, but today I crossed it several times. At lunch I ran out of water, but at Thunder Hill Shelter a trail angel had brought in several gallons. I was able to get enough to get me to camp. While at the shelter I had a nice conversation with a father and son who were day-hiking. They gave me some dried banana slices and beef jerky! This trail continues to astouond me with its grace. It was a fairly short hike to the next shelter, where I have set up camp. Today was a day that I did not hike well. I felt tired and the up-hills seemed more difficult than they should have been. Because of good people doing good things, it was still a great day. 9 hrs.
Date: 2012-09-27
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Right from the beginning I could tell it was going to be a better hiking day. It was warm though with high 70's. After a short climb there was a long descent. I stopped at Bryant Ridge Shelter for a break. It is a post & beam 3 story lay out that was one of the nicest shelters I have seen. The morning continued to have a few climbs but after lunch it was fairly easy going and I made good time. Water availability continues to be an issue and I drank 6 liters during the hike today. I crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway for the last time as the trail will start to turn more westerly. 9 hrs.
Date: 2012-09-28
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: US 220 (Daleville, VA)
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

When I got up stars were out, but whithin 20 minutes it was raining lightly. I was able to get the tent packed before it was more than a sprinkle. It was a nice hike, mostly down hill, all morning. I took my time. I had a nice conversation with a past thru-hiker and a friend. He had done the trail with his wife and two children, ages 8 and 11. I was in Daleville before noon and I've done my resupply, laundry, blogging, and eating and will be ready to get back at it in the morning. 4.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-09-29
From: US 220 (Daleville, VA)

To: stealth campsite south of VA 311
Miles today: 20.2

I can't believe I forgot to mention yesterday that I went under 728 miles to go, which means I'm 2/3 of the way to Springer Mt! Well I didn't get started until 7:20 this morning but the trail was very smooth with a lot of areas of open understory. More sandy soil and quite a bit of rhododendron and mountain laurel guiding the way. I encountered several rocky patches too. It started out a dark day with a solid cloud layer. I stopped for lunch at Lamberts Meadow Shelter before tackling the climb to Tinker Cliffs. The cliff walk was about 1/2 mile long and would have been nice except that I was in a cloud and couldn't see anything beyond the edge. I moved on to McAfee Knob and by then the clouds had lifted so I had reasonable views. It was a spectacular cliff area as well. I spent a long time there enjoying the view and exploring the cliffs. I descended to VA 311 and found a really nice stealth site near a cliff with a view of a narrow valley. 8 hrs.
Date: 2012-09-30
From: stealth campsite south of VA 311

To: Stealth site north of VA 621
Miles today: 20.4

I happened to be on a ridge for sunrise this morning and it was nice to watch the valley light up. Saw 5 deer and 4 turkeys as the trail wound through farmland. I must have gone over 8 fence stiles. I stopped at a general store close to the trail for a 2nd breakfast and then began the climb up to Dragons Tooth on Cove Mt. It was quite steep in spots with some rock climbing thrown in. At Dragons Tooth the views were great and it was a fairly clear day. Descending Cove Mt was much more gentle. The climb up Brush Mt was about 1600 ft and took nearly 2 hours on good trail. That descent was much steeper. I was tired so found a stealth site in a ravine. 8.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-01
From: Stealth site north of VA 621

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: moderate rain

It was just starting to drizzle when I got up and the temperature was 49 degrees. I got the tent down without too much trouble and got underway. I stopped at Niday Shelter for water and to rearrange clothes options. It had stopped raining. The climb up Sinking Creek Mt was OK, but the ridge line was difficult with large rock slabs that were wet and soon the rain resumed. The temperature never got above 53 degrees all day. Most of the time the rain was steady but sometimes it just drizzled. It took me 3 hours to do a 6 mile stretch and the descent was not any faster because it was so slick. I got to Laurel Creek around 2:30 and had lunch. I decided to stay since the next mountain looked like it had a difficult descent on the back side. Hopefully conditions will be more favorable tomorrow. 7 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-02
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Symms Gap Stealth
Miles today: 25.9

It rained all night and was still raining steady when I got up. Fortunately it was 56 degrees. I made good time to the War Spur Shelter but the rock was slick. I began a 2000 ft climb to 4043 feet at Lone Pine Peak. I stayed at that elevation for a few miles but it was very rocky and slow going. The rain had stopped but the wind was picking up. It was a slow descent for the first 1000 feet but I entered a thick rhododendron forest with better footing. This area would have been really fun in nice weather. I traveled along several streams. After leveling out for a while I started my last climb of the day. I came to the start of the Allegheny Trail that runs from the AT, through West Virginia, 330 miles north to the Mason-Dixon Line. After passing through a few shallow gaps, I decided to camp at Symms Gap. The rain has moved out but it is very windy with several layers of clouds. Nice sunset, though. 9.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-03
From: Symms Gap Stealth

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It was 56 degrees and the wind had stopped when I got up. Rock still very slick and slow going. It was quite flat for quite a while so I moved along fairly well. I descended 2000 feet to Pearisburg, VA. I was at a restaurant for lunch by 11 and checked into a motel, did the laundry..... 5 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-04
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Dismal Falls
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I stopped into Hardees for breakfast before leaving town. I had a fairly steep climb up to Angels Rest but then the trail got easier. The rocks are finally drying out. I stayed within a 500 foot range for a few miles and then descended into a thick rhododendron and pine forest. It remained flat and easy for the rest of the afternoon. I counted 17 foot bridges in the last 6 miles as I crossed many creeks. I've gone 0.3 miles off trail to the falls, where there are nice campsites. 8.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-05
From: Dismal Falls

To: US 52 Bland, VA
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

It was 42 degrees this morning but no wind. I had some gradual climbs throughout the morning as it slowly warmed up. The trail was nice but no views beyond the understory. At the peak of Brushy Mt I saw three turkeys and watched two of them do their long runs to get airborne. The third just ran away. I had a long road walk to cross over I 77 to US 52 where I met up with a prearranged ride to Bland for some R&R. 8.0 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-07
From: US 52 Bland, VA

To: US 52 Bland, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It may come as a surprise to you that I don't carry any maps. I did initially, but I didn't use them and they were weight and space that I didn't need. I get all my information from The A.T. Guide. It is published in both nobo and sobo versions and is updated every year. In the picture at left you can see that this is the last page of the guide. The numbers furthest left are total miles remaining and the second column is total miles hiked. Up top, at Hightower Gap I'll find Forest Service roads 42 and 69. To the right of that are GPS coordinates that drivers can use for rendezvous and the "P" means parking. The gap is at an elevation of 2854 feet. Below that, the raindrop means there is water there. The Hawk Mt Shelter is found 0.2 miles west of the trail. The three numbers to the left of the two-way arrows indicate that there are shelters 7.7, 20.0, and 21.2 miles north. Usually there will be three numbers to the right indicating the next three shelters southbound. In this case there are only two more shelters left, 5.3 and 7.9 miles away. The half-moon means there is a privy and the shelter will hold 12 hikers. Down further, the tent means there are tent sites. The camera at the bottom means there is a view or something picture worthy. The squiggly line running down the page is the topography and the numbers at the bottom are elevations. It is no surprise that the AT finishes going up hill! There are also many extra pages that show maps of major towns and list services of interest to hikers.
Date: 2012-10-10
From: US 52 Bland, VA

To: Laurel Creek
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: few clouds

After a quick trip home, Deb and I traveled back to Bland, VA and I began slackpacking around 12:45. After a 1/2 mile of dirt road, a smooth trail along the side of mountains continued for several miles. I had peeks down into the valley to the west. Colors are continuing to change, but nowhere near full autumn foliage yet. I met Deb at Laurel Creek and we drove down to Abingdon (base camp). 2 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-11
From: Laurel Creek

To: VA 42
Miles today: 26.0

Deb got me back to Laurel Creek before 8 am with a temp of 38 degrees. Things started out well but became rocky on the climb up to the rim of Burkes Garden. The trail circled the gardens but offered few views. I climbed on to the Chestnut Knob Shelter where I ate lunch. The descent came down the ridge which was open agricultural fields. Deb picked me up as prearranged and it was back to Abingdon. 10 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-12
From: VA 42

To: Mt Rogers Visitor Center
Miles today: 23.3

After another long drive over windy dirt roads I was hiking by 8 am again with cold temps. The morning hike was a mix of decidous forests or pastures. I made good time and was running some of the down hills for a change. Well, at least until I was running down a pasture and hit a fresh cow paddy full stride and slid about 10 feet. Thanks to my hiking poles I managed to stay upright. Maybe running in the pastures isn't such a good idea. I called Deb and we were able to meet for lunch in Atkins. The trail goes right by the restaurant. I started a long climb up Glade Mt. I saw an otter near one of the creeks. After the Chatfield Shelter it got more rocky which slowed me down some. I met Deb at Mt Rogers Visitor Center and we headed back to Abingdon. 8.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-13
From: Mt Rogers Visitor Center

To: Dickey Gap
Miles today: 14.6

Because I have a lot of resupply/repacking/planning to do, I decided on a short day. Although it was in the mid 40's the wind was blowing fairly hard. The trail was gradual ups and downs through forests with thin under story. Occasionally I'd hit small areas of rhondodendron. I stopped at the Trimpi Shelter for lunch. I had one final climb and then met Deb at Dickey Gap. 5 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-14
From: Dickey Gap

To: South end Grayson Highlands
Miles today: 19.3

Before I forget (again), if you don't get the Washington Daily News, be sure to click on "news" on the left of this page for the most recent article by Vail Rumley. Well Deb, once again, got me on the trail and she headed home. At Comers Creek there was a cascade of falls. I couldn't get my camera to turn on, but when I stopped for lunch I got it working. Disappointing to not get pics of the falls, though. I had a long, gradual climb to Pine Mt at 5000 feet. The trail stayed between 4-5000 feet the rest of the day. On Stone Mt I was able to get up close to the "wild" ponies that live in this area. They clearly are use to being hand fed. What a shame. I stopped and got water at Big Wilson Creek and moved on to Grayson Highlands. This area is very rugged with rock outcroppings everywhere. I ran into a woman who did the AT in 2005. She was full of information and gave me chocolates from her day pack, too. I found a stealth site just south of the Highlands. The fog is rolling in fast and I expect rain tonight and tomorrow. I have less than 500 miles to go!
Date: 2012-10-15
From: South end Grayson Highlands

To: Campsite south of Taylor's Valley Trail 
Miles today: 22.7

It was raining and very windy when I got up this morning. It had stopped by the time I had to take the tent down but had showers all morning. I hiked over rocky, rugged terrain including one place called Fatman Squeeze. Stopped at Thomas Knob Shelter for a clothing change and talked to Shambo. The trail skirted the top of Mt Rogers (the highest point in VA). I didn't bother with the side trail to the top since I was in clouds. Got up to 5490 feet. The descentt to Elk Gardens was nice and the sun even poked through a few times. The strong winds continued over Whitetop Mt. In the afternoon the trail joined the Virginia Creeper Trail for 0.7 miles. It is flat and smooth because it is an old RR bed. It even went over a trestle. What a treat. After that there was some short, steep sections to the Saunders Shelter and a long, steep descent to the campsite. 9.5 hrs.
Date: 2012-10-16
From: Campsite south of Taylor's Valley Trail 

To: Double Spring Gap campsite
Miles today: 20.3

It was 39 degrees when I got up. It was good hiking all the way to Damascus. The town is well known by hikers for its hospitality and it was obvious. I stopped at a coffee shop for a late breakfast and ran into several sobos. Did resupply and a PO run before heading on. I spent most of the afternoon climbing 2000 ft. Along the way I passed from VA into TN. It took me 34 days to go the 540 miles of Virginia. It has provided a lot of beautiful scenery, wildlife, and good hiking. I stopped briefly at Abingdon Gap Shelter but moved on another 3 miles. 8 hrs.