morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-10-29
From: Daleville, Va.-staying with friends in Roanoke

To: Daleville, Va.-staying with friends in Roanoke
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zeroing in Roanoke today!!! I updated my journal a bit today and uploaded the pictures I had of Northern and Central Virginia so far. It was nice to take care of some of that. I wish I had lots of time but Im not going to be able to label and put into order the pictures I have online until I have completed the trail (god willing of course). The rest of the day consisted of chilling here at the house mostly watching the tube and chatting. In the evening I met Josh's parents who were really fun to chat and hang out with. We spent the evening chatting, watching Martial Arts on television, and eating the fantastic dinner Josh cooked which was Chicken Cacciatori. Josh and Nicole worked together to prepare it and it included pasta made from scratch. It was out of this world! I had a more than awesome zero day today.
Date: 2008-10-30
From: Daleville, Va.-staying with friends in Roanoke

To: Catawba, Va.
Miles today: 19.8

Today Nicole drove me to Catawba, Va. - 19.8 miles south and dropped me off at the trail where I slackpacked back to Daleville so I can spend another night in Roanoke! Sweet! At 3250ft (on Catawba Mtn.) I stopped and took a nice, sharp vista view of the rocks on McAfee knob. It has large rocks jutting out of the mountain cliff (on the trail) that people could hang their legs over. I was alone so I set my camera on the ten second delay and ran as fast as I could over to the one rock that ive seen many times on trailjournals.com It took two tries but I got a good pic im happy with. A bit later I came to Tinker Cliffs which has sharp, deep drop-offs. Dont fall of them or your history! This whole section is pretty spectacular from the trail to the views. Their are some long climbs but nothing major. I took my time a bit since it was so nice. Later that day I hung with Nicole and Josh. They are super wonderful people and I am so glad I took the time to spend here in "Roanoke" with them! I feel refreshed..its back to the trail in the morning! Southbound baby!!!
Date: 2008-10-31
From: Catawba, Va.

To: pickle branch shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

Me, Josh, and Nichole took pictures in the morning then it was off to the trail. Nichole dropped me off at the trailhead near Catawba. Im pretty set for the cold weather since she gave me some warm weather hiking stuff. Sweet!! I had such a great time visiting them I really hated to leave so soon. Especially since its a holiday today (Halloween). But Georgias calling so I must be off. The climb out of Catawba, Va. trailhead took me upward for awhile. The trail skirts the mountain upward for a few miles. The terrain isnt difficult but it does get a bit fun with a few rock scrambles...then once up on the ridge there are many views (viewpoint rock, devils seat) but the coolest one and probably the most well known in the area would be Dragons Tooth. Its a large rock mass jutting up out of the ridge top that resembles a dragons tooth. I climbed up it and hung a bit with two dayhikers I met (Sinukas and his friend) then continued south up Cove Mtn. (3050ft). On the way down I passed Hemlock point and ended the day a Pickle Branch shelter.
Date: 2008-11-01
From: pickle branch shelter

To: Sinking Creek Mtn. (stealth site)
Miles today: 12.8

The weather today was warm and sunny. Five miles south of the shelter I stopped at the Audie Murphy memorial on a side trail near the ridge. Audie Murphy is a veteran of many distinguishing medals who died in a plane crash near that point. I passed four hunters on the trail (its hunting season) and also ran into a past thru-hiker named Rockfish who was out sectioning. Alot of the hiking today was in the forest with limited views until I reached Sinking Creek Mountain where I walked a long ridgewalk. The views were spectacular wide vistas the whole ridge pretty much. I watched the sunset from up there then stealth camped atop the mountain.
Date: 2008-11-02
From: Sinking Creek Mtn. (stealth site)

To: War spur shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

I awoke to an amazing sunrise! The mountain ridges across from my hammock spanned across the horizon giving a perfect foreground for that red glowing ball to rise up behind. These are some of the many, many moments I will long remember. I hiked along the ridge top (3450ft) as the morning sun warmed the day. Perfect. A few miles in I had breakfast (instant flavored oatmeal) at the Sarver Hollow shelter. While going to get water from a nearby spring I noticed two very old structures. One was fully intact but very much falling apart. It was a real log shed building just like I always pictured old time log cabins to be built. The other structure had two fireplaces of stone blocks and the rest of the home appeared to be logs and woodplanks. It was mostly fallen apart due to time..except for the two fireplaces. My mind pictured these structures in their prime with a family living here way out in nowhere on the edge of this mountain. I walked back over to the shed and studied it. While studying the log placement and cuts I noticed the wood shingles on the roof. So cool. I adored the place and was so glad to have come across it. I continued walking the ridge until I saw a vista side trail leading to "Kelly Knob". It was a short hike where I came to a few large rock/cliff structures (gee..im using that word alot today)...to walk on and take pics of virginia mountains rolling back into the distance. Quite breath-taking. I met a nice family there also. As I hiked down the trail it became narrow between brush on both sides. I turned a curve in the trail and there 15 feet from me on the A.T. was a nice sized Doe deer. I stopped and pulled out my camera, switched it to video, and rolled the cameras (as they say in Hollywood). The deer looked back at me, continued what it was doing, looked back, etc for a long while. Eventually wandering off the trail and into the brush. That was the first time outside of a national park that a deer didnt freak out and bolt. Cant wait to upload that vid. It was great. There was also a buck to my right in the brush. Todays hike consisted of the long ridge hike, crossing a few small roads, crossing several pastures, and a full day of beautiful weather. I decided to sleep at War Spur shelter (2340ft) where i am writing this right now. A moment ago I heard a noise and looked up to see a mouse two feet from me scurrying along the shelter floor. It freaked and bolted into the wall crack. I think it was after my cell phone but I could be wrong!
Date: 2008-11-03
From: War spur shelter

To: peters mtn shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Leaving the War Spur shelter I climbed up to 4000ft then did a few ups and downs along the ridge. Mostly above 2500ft. I stealthed on a ridge atop peters mountain. I pretty much kept up a constant hiking pace today with a minimum of breaks or rests. I did pass a trail called the Allegheny trail which is a trail blazed all the way to Pennsylvania. Heck....if I got on it I could just follow it home! No can do though....I have a date with a rock on Springer Mountain!
Date: 2008-11-04
From: peters mtn shelter

To: Pearisburg, Va.
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I packed up on the mountain and headed out to the trail pretty quick to get warmed up. It was quite a nice and pretty straight ridge walk for a long while but after Rice Field shelter it began to get very rocky at parts..almost reminded me of Pennsylvania rocks. Nothing to major though. I pretty much just mossied down the trail to Pearisburg, Va. and arrived appx. two p.m. Coming into town I stopped at a Hardees and bought a burger on sale for one dollar and ninety nine cents. I was really hungry after that hike. I then headed through Pearisburg to the Post office where I recieved two mail drop packages. I have plenty of food now and hope to make it to Damascus, Va. without resupplying anywhere. Thanks for the food drops Sis and Dan! I decided to then go to the courthouse coffeeshop because I read in the guidebook that they have wifi. The town of Pearisburg is extremely hiker friendly. The courthouse coffee shop has internet wifi and a nice menu along with some good coffee. Its rather inexpensive to eat there also. While I was updating my journal Sobo hikers Foxtrot and the Vermont Mafia showed up. I had previously ran into Foxtrot and gave him my cell number and told him I was going to be at the coffee shop later that day...he had said that there was going to be a little get together to watch the election unfold on the tube but wasnt sure where. We eventually left and went to the Rondezvous Hotel where me, foxtrot and Dwreck rented a room next door to the Vermont Mafia. We then all got together and watched Obama win. It was a pretty cool night.
Date: 2008-11-05
From: Pearisburg, Va.

To: Big Horse Gap (stealth)
Miles today: 12.0

I hiked out of Pearisburg after Foxtrot but before the rest of the Sobos. I did not particularly care to hike alone but I wanted to get a early start on the trail to see how my pack handled with my newly added weight from the food drops I picked up. I must have added 30 lbs or close to it. Probably more. I know its the heaviest since I left baxter state park in Maine. I plan on going straight to Damascus so I have to carry the weight of the food. I climbed out of Pearisburg on a very intense uphill climb. I climbed up to a point called Angels Rest. I really had a tough hike up that mountain. After I reached the top I rested at a large rock overlooking the entire town of Pearisburg (Angels Rest). I sat on the trail and ate the 1.3lb can of clam chowder and 1.2lb can of sausage gumbo! I had received them in the care package. I am now 2 and a half lbs lighter. I hiked a few miles to the first shelter I came across and made coffee. I knew the Vermont Mafia and Dwreck were not far behind me and decided to slow it down a little. Ten minutes later they all showed up for lunch then we all headed south together. It was great to be hiking with southbounders again. We hiked all day until dark then stealth camped somewhere near USFS Road 103 near big horse gap.
Date: 2008-11-06
From: Big Horse Gap (stealth)

To: Jenny knob shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

I hiked today with the Vermont Mafia and Dwreck. We all stopped at Wapiti shelter for lunch and water. Earlier we ran into some hunters who were packing up and offered us a whole lot of canned food they had. I really didnt want to add the weight to my pack but I just couldnt resist free lunch! I only took two small cans as I also didnt want to carry such weight as canned goods. After lunch we hiked another fifteen miles to the Jenny Knob shelter. It was a very productive hiking day. This section we are hiking in has many large mountains with long ups and downs.
Date: 2008-11-07
From: Jenny knob shelter

To: stealth campsite (1601.9)
Miles today: 18.9

We all hiked out of the Jenny Knob shelter early. Yesterday when we arrived at the shelter we searched for water because someone wrote in the shelter register that there was not any water there. We found water but it was quite a trek to the waterhole. Just glad to find it though! It became quite dark while gathering the water which was down a mountainside in a rhododendron thicket. At took a bit to find the trail back to the shelter...haha...yeah..guess you could say semi-lost if thats a word...but of course we eventually found the trail back up the hill. In the morning we hiked out and summited Brushy mountain (3100ft) which woke me up rather quick. Nothing like hauling a pack up a steep mountain at six thirty in the morning to get the blood flowing! It works better than coffee. Brushy mountain is named properly accourding to its terrain. 9.8 miles later we broke for lunch at Helveys Mill shelter (3090ft) then descended about three miles to US21 road. D-wreck said he would buy burgers in town (Bland, Va.-2.5 miles to the left) so we stood and hitched with out any luck. We did get a ride after a bit from a bus taking elderly people into Bland for errands. The passengers were great. The towns main street seemed to be a block or two long but it had limited places that hikers need. The general store was quite inexpensive also. Pretty good selection of hiker re-supply also. Thats food wise. We then walked about a mile up the road to Dairy queen for lunch. After lunch we got a ride from one of the locals who took up back to the trail. That saved up a loooong road walk. Once back on the A.T. we ascended to 3050ft then descended to 2460ft where we decided to camp at a campsite in the a.t. guide. There was a picnic table there which was a plus.
Date: 2008-11-08
From: stealth campsite (1601.9)

To: stealth campsite (1620.1)
Miles today: 18.2

This morning getting out of the hammock was brutal. The weather has been getting increasingly colder especially at night. We ate breakfast at the campsite then headed up Brush mtn. (3080ft), down to 2470ft, up to 3800ft, down to 3600ft, up to 4000ft, then up the mountain again to 4410ft where we stopped for a break at Chestnut knob shelter. When the weather turns so cold like it is today the wind atop these mountains are extremely brisk. Because we are going up long stretches of mountains I usually pack my jacket until I stop for a break or something then put it back on as I usually get cold within minutes as I cool off from hiking. This process repeats itself all day. Its pretty much routine by now. We are taking these mountains non-stop most of the time so we get warm pretty quick. We continued on after break to 2800ft where we camped in the woods. The Rhododendron plants here in this part of the country are amazing. They seem to grow appx. 8-10 feet high with large leaves up to ten inches long by three or so inches wide. Coming out of the ground there stems are the size of a small tree and upon this stem are branches shooting out strong and sturdy. The stems twist and arch every which way, entwined into the looming plants next to them. They grow in thickets which go for 25 or more yards at times. If one was to get lost in them at night it would be a sad affair. These plants seem to have a strong desire for their species to survive. They are quite impressive to witness during my journey. I have never seen the flowers they produce but I could imagine their beauty.
Date: 2008-11-09
From: stealth campsite (1620.1)

To: stealth campsite (1641.0)
Miles today: 20.9

We moved out quickly upon waking as the cold covered the mountain. After descending two miles we stopped at Lick Creek to filter water. We then headed south toward Atkins, Va. It was quite the haul hiking today as we moved pretty fast. We hiked 19.7 miles well before nightfall. The trail was very tiring at times with the long uphills. Once we came out of the forest we went under interstate 81 to a truckstop. I purchased a cup of coffee and caught up on some phone calls while D-wreck and the Vermont mafia decided on their plans. They decided to check in at a local hotel and I then headed to the trail. It was dark now so I dawned my headlamp and hiked about two miles until I found a nice stealth spot. I believe both were apple trees on the side of this hill but it was a great spot. I stealthed right after the Middle fork of the Holston river (2490ft) at mile 1641.0
Date: 2008-11-10
From: stealth campsite (1641.0)

To: stealth campsite from springer 518.1 miles
Miles today: 11.7

Waking up between the apple trees was pleasant. I packed up and headed up the first ascent for the morning. I went over three mountains (Glade, Brushy, and Locust) during the first ten miles. Skirting along the sides of the mountains with an upward slant to the trail is normal at this point. Some of these uphill slants go on for hours with very little downhill relief in between. This of course is because going downhill takes less energy and effort as well as less time. Once at the bottom, its up the next hill. At times, by the end of the day my legs are ready to scream stop. The trees at this time of year have lost all their leaves. As I hike I see a sea of golden brown as the Fall season comes to an end. The golden brown, of course, are the many leaves that blanket the forest as if they are a landing pad for upcoming snow. The leaves cover most rocks and roots so its pretty much a walk of luck as we travel down the trail now..haha. A few slips here and there are normal. I see the leaves falling off the trees constantly. The scene I watched today was surreal. As I hiked down the trail I saw leaves loftly falling from up above. Although I know this could just be my imagination but the leaves seemed to be evenly spaced apart 2-3 feet. As they fell I could not even hear a sound. They gracefully glided down to the ground in total silence. The trees are now standing tall leaf-less like sentinels in the night. Ive heard that in spring life and energy return to the forest. It now waits for that moment to arrive. I feel very fortunate to be able to witness this silence. This is one of the things I shall miss upon completing this thru-hike. Two places I did briefly stop at that I would like to note would be the Mt. Rogers NRA headquarters off VA16 (on the trail) which has hiker munchies (candy,soda) and bathrooms (with wall outlets) and a very friendly staff working there. There are all kinds of interesting pictures and articles to read about pertaining to the local area. Oh..and water can be obtained at a spicket in front of the building. A bit further up the trail (not even a mile) is the Partnership shelter. This shelter has a built in shower (the water is turned off...sobos take note) and a large loft. Its a newer shelter, very awsome, and a must place to sleep. Uh..did I crash there...no. I came through in the early afternoon. I did meet and interesting hiker named "Peppers Dad". Pepper being his dog. I ended the day at a campsite at mile 518.1 (from springer).
Date: 2008-11-11
From: stealth campsite from springer 518.1 miles

To: Hurricane Mtn. shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Last nights campsite was in a gap between two mountains. There was a makeshift campfire ring in which I started a campfire to prepared my dinner on. A neat small site out in the woods. I awoke and made another fire to heat water for oatmeal. Nice n hot! Fire always makes the water reaaaally hot. The trail this morning was relatively calm with a few minor ups and downs. I followed ridges along the mountains and passed over a few farm fields. In about eight miles I came to Dickey Gap VA16 near troutville then continued to Old Orchard shelter about ten miles up the trail. Thats at mile 500.1 from Springer Mtn. Six miles past Dickey Gap I stopped at Hurricane Mtn. shelter for a quick snack break and to fill in the A.T. Journal. The sky at this point was getting pretty gray (I was at 4300ft) and I decided to push on to the Old Orchard shelter. I hiked half a mile as it started raining then made the decision to return to Hurricane shelter for I still had five miles to go and it was getting dark. The rain began to come down steady as I made it to the shelter where I found the Vermont Mafia and D-wreck settling in. We all stayed there as the rain came tumbling down throughout the forest.
Date: 2008-11-12
From: Hurricane Mtn. shelter

To: VA600 parking area
Miles today: 20.2

We hiked out and summited )ine mtn (5000ft) after six miles then continued to hike up and down ridges all over 4000ft. The highlight of the day was hiking the "Grayson Highlands" which are mountainous fields with wonderful vista views all about. The landscape reminds me of something right out of a western movie. We also came across a herd of wild ponies running about. Eventually one came wandering over (probably looking for a handout) and we spent some time petting it. I heard the ponies were set free in the Greyson Highlands to curb the grass growth. They are quite a site wandering about the mountains. We stopped at the Thomas knob shelter for a snack (and to get out of the cold winds of the highlands) then we cam to the trail to Mount Rogers (5729ft)- the tallest peak in Virginia. We descended down to a grassy area of a parking lot (VA600) where we waited for Defaults parents. Default is one of the Vermont Mafia. They arrived and we al took a ride up to an awsome cabin they had rented out.
Date: 2008-11-13
From: VA600 parking area

To: VA600 parking area
Miles today: 0.0

We all decided to zero at the cabin today! We went into Damascus, Va. and did laundry, re-supplied, stopped in the Mt. Rogers outfitters (awsome place-great prices), the post office, etc. Then it was back to the cabin! In the evening we cilled in a hot tub (heaven) and also ate like kings and queens for Defaults mom and dad cooked up a fantastic dinner. Tomorrow we will slack pack from va600 to Damascus.
Date: 2008-11-14
From: VA600 parking area

To: Damascus, Va. 
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Upon hiking out of va600 this morning we summited the second tallest peak in Virginia which is Whitetop mountain (5400ft where the trail crosses). There were many ups and downs all the way to Damascus. There is also a parallel trail which is pretty famous down here called the Virginia Creeper Trail which has many bridges and tunnels on its path. It used to be a train route. The A.T. traverses a small portion of it. Once we completed our hiking day we then returned to the cabin for one more night. 23.8 miles hiked today!
Date: 2008-11-15
From: Damascus, Va. 

To: abington gap shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

We hiked out of Damascus after lunch and up the trail 3.5 miles south we crossed the Virginia-Tennessee border! Only two more states to go! Virginia was one long state to hike through but very scenic. As we made our way up the A.T. it started to hail. Then it began to pour rain. The rain and the hail seemed to enjoy taking turns! As we ascended the mountain the temperature dropped dramatically. We arrived at Abington Gap shelter (3785ft) as the snow started. The temps are now in the low 20's. Brrrr.
Date: 2008-11-16
From: abington gap shelter

To: Vaneventer shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was in the teens. Upon waking up I noticed my boots were frozen solid! I had to sit on them to thaw them enough to get my feet into them! It was almost funny! I really loath slipping wet socks into frozen boots before my first cup of coffee! ha ha. Seriously! Once we had our gear on we hiked out as fast as we could to get warmed up. Im never going to let my boots freeze again (I hope).Most of our camelback water hoses froze also. I even had mine in my backpack! Most of the hiking today was over 3000ft and after hours of hiking through snow we arrived at the Vaneventer shelter (3620ft). We hiked 22.7 miles on the coldest freaking day so far! Awesome!
Date: 2008-11-17
From: Vaneventer shelter

To: Dennis Cove road (Kincora's)
Miles today: 17.5

Hey- its my birthday! Yahooo! We moved out of the shelter pretty quickly due to the "Im freezing my ass off on the A.T." effect. We hiked much of the day rather quickly due to the temperature. We also wanted to get to the Kincora hostel. Kincoras is a famous staple of the trail! We came off the mountains to.Kincoras just as it got dark. Its on Dennis Cove rd. near Hampton, Va.- The hostel is owned by a great guy named Bob Peoples. There is a hiker bunkhouse with a wood stove for heat and a hiker treehouse out back for summer use. The bunkhouse has kitchen facilities and laundry area and shower. 4.00 donation requested per night of stay. Bob also gives free shuttles into town for re-supply. Something else that's pretty cool is if you do trail maintenance on the A.T. with bob and the Tennessee Eastman hiking and canoeing club you get a patch for you pack (a TEHaC club Volunteer patch). Plus your putting something back into the trail. W'ell do that Wednesday I hope. After we cleaned up a bit we went into Hampton, Tn. for dinner. We went to Arbys where the Vermont Mafia and D-wreck bought me dinner! four roast beef sandwiches, fries, and a shake! They all sang Happy Birthday also. It was a lot of fun. We then headed back to Kincoras where we did a few chores then crashed.