morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-10-13
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Tom Floyd Shelter
Miles today: 13.6

I have decided to continue blogging daily on Trail Journals while CM, M & C hike the SNP, knowing that it (Trail Journals, not SNP) is open to the public. I don't know who might see it and we run the risk of rangers or law enforcement personnel being tipped off, but I don't want to stop sharing with our followers just because of politicians and a messed up government. It might make for some interesting stories."Operation Shenandoah" - walking through the park quietly and discreetly.Rangers and other law enforcement personnel, if you're reading this, please focus your efforts on vandals, troublemakers, and criminals or on other necessary maintenance needs. We appreciate your service, but please don't mess around with our SOBO hikers, who simply want to walk quietly through the park. They will leave it in the same shape they found it and will be absolutely no trouble to anyone. Don't allow the politicians to mess up these hikers' adventure. They (the politicians) are the ones who need to be dealt with, not these innocent hikers. Thanks.Here's Trevor's FB post:"When I woke up this morning the rain was still coming down pretty good. I was on the trail at 8:30 and Milkrun and Cerveza were still in their tent. I hiked through the rain until I got to the Denton Shelter. I stopped in for a break and ate a Snickers bar to give me some energy. I stayed for about 30 minutes and decided it was time to keep moving. It started raining even harder after I left. I pushed hard until I arrived at the road. I got a pretty quick hitch into Front Royal. I bought a small resupply and then went to eat lunch at the local diner. It was about 4:30 once I left the diner and there was no sign of the guys. I went ahead and started to hitch back to the trail. After an hour of standing in the pouring rain someone finally picked me up. I rushed the last 3 miles to the shelter and got there just before dark. I'm the only one here at the shelter right now. I really have no idea if Milkrun and Cerveza kept going or if they're still behind me. I hope they show up soon. Tomorrow, Operation Shenandoah will begin. As long as I'm not seen, I should be fine. The rain is supposed to clear out tomorrow as well. I will be so happy to see the sunshine again!"Photos for today:Note: Milkrun and Cerveza did show up later at the shelter
Date: 2013-10-14
From: Tom Floyd Shelter

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: overcast clouds

No word from Trevor today. I'm projecting his destination based on where he and I thought he would need to be to be picked up around noon or shortly after on Wednesday. There are basically only two places in the 100 mile long SNP where public roads cross over the mountain ridge in the center of the park. The first is too close and making it all the way through is too far based on when he needs to be picked up and when he needs to be home. So he has 2 1/2 days to make it to the 2nd out point, which is 60 miles away. Not sure of cell or internet signals in the park so we may not get any information on what is happening...we'll see. Here's Trevor's FB post:"It was still really foggy when we woke up this morning so we were not motivated to move at all. We got on the trail at 8:30. We entered the Shenandoah National Park around 9:00. About 10 seconds after getting into the park we saw our first bear. It was just a small cub. We kept seeing bears all day! We saw a total of 14 bears by the time we reached the shelter! We didn't see any rangers but we did hear a car while we were in the woods. It feels really weird being in the park and not seeing anyone. We stopped for lunch around 1:00. All three of us were feeling really tired. The sun came out during lunch and stayed out the rest of the day. It's been 6 days since it was sunny. We didn't get to the shelter until about 7:30. Tomorrow, we are going to try and get an earlier start. Time to get some much needed rest."Today's photos:
Date: 2013-10-16
From: Bearfence Mtn Hut

To: Swift Run Gap
Miles today: 9.0

Trevor hiked 9 miles and then rode 500. He's home for his brother's wedding.He'll be taking a break not only from hiking but also from journaling.I will plan to post each day and will focus on different themes as I have done before when there is no trail news. Stay tuned.
Date: 2013-10-17
From: Swift Run Gap

To: Home in Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0

Crunchmaster has stayed in a shelter 43 nights, in his tent 25 nights, under the stars 1 night, in a house 9 nights, in a hotel 14 nights and in a hostel 14 nights.I'd like to focus on shelters on the trail. Each one is unique and I'm sure would have a very interesting story to tell.AT SheltersPhotos by CrunchmasterWilson Valley Lean-to 07-12Logan Brook Lean-to 07-09West Carry Pond Shelter 07-18Kinsman Pond Shelter 08-07Hexacuba Shelter 08-11Happy Hill Shelter 08-14Governor Clement Shelter 08-18Governor Clement Shelter 08-18Bromley Shelter 08-21Mark Noepel Shelter 08-28Goose Pond Cabin 09-03William Brien Shelter 09-13Windsor Furnace Shelter 09-27Birch Run Shelter 10-5Tumbling Run Shelter 10-6Jim & Molly Denton Shelter 10-13
Date: 2013-10-18
From: Home in Tennessee

To: Home in Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0

This post will feature a very important part of the trail, the 2 x 6 inch white blaze. Hikers take great comfort when seeing a blaze. It assures they have not strayed off course, which generally results in extra, unwanted miles. There's lots of intersecting trails throughout the entire length of the AT and without white blazes hikers would constantly be questioning whether they were truly where they thought they were. All side trails are marked in blue, yellow, red, or orange blazes or marks, never in white, so seeing a white blaze is always reassuring.The photos that follow contain one or more blazes. One photo contains 4 blazes. Can you find them? Can you find the photo with four?
Date: 2013-10-19
From: Home in Tennessee

To: Home in Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0

A nice 'rest' day today.For those wondering which photo from yesterday's post contains 4 blazes, here's the scoop. The 7th photo, the one with the white fence has 2 double blazes in it. One is across the road, the other is just to the right of the short 'stump'on the left side of the short gray post. You have to blow up the photo to full screen before you'll see the edges of two blazes. Two blazes mean there is a sharp turn, a trail intersection, a switch in directions, a stream crossing, or other trail feature to be on the 'lookout' for. A sharp left turn will sometimes be marked by a double blaze with the top blaze a little to the left and above the bottom blaze, and vice versa for a right turn.My apologies for missing a couple of days of posting. We were very busy and I just didn't have time to do it. Daily posts will continue from here on out.Cold weather will bring a new set of challenges and some very unique and pretty photo ops. Trevor will be hiking with my brother Gary, for a week, his cousin Matt for a weekend, another cousin and his son(s), Chad Sr, Chad Jr, and Joby? for a weekend day.There are other possible hiking partners, which will all be fun for Trevor. Having company is a very good thing, makes the experience more rewarding.
Date: 2013-10-20
From: Home in Tennessee

To: Home in Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0

I'm an extremely proud father, and Iris, an extremely proud mother of 3 fine sons. Parents who couldn't be more blessed.Welcome Brittany into our family, "officially". I see my son's 'girls' as daughters I didn't have; that includes you, Lauren. Trevor, I haven't met your 'girl' yet, have I?
Date: 2013-10-21
From: Home in Tennessee

To: Hotel in Virginia
Miles today: 0.0

Crunchmaster and his mother took Thomas and Lauren to the Atlanta Airport for their flight back to Denver. He and his mother and grandmother then headed up to VA (a 7-hour drive), got a motel room, and watched a ball game. He will be back on the trail tomorrow.The attached picture was actually taken on Tuesday, 10/22, just before he hit the trail. I will post tomorrow, 10/23, to share news on his first day back on the trail.I'm looking forward to getting back on the trail and seeing some new sights...it's fun to be an 'armchair quarterback'.
Date: 2013-10-22
From: Swift Run Gap

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Trevor's FB post:"It was really tough getting back on the trail today. After being home for several days I almost didn't want to leave. However, there is no backing out now! I was extremely tired so I decided to sleep in and do a shorter day. I got on the trail at 12:00. My legs were kind of sore going up the first hill. I probably lost my hiker legs during the time off. It is very weird with the park being open now. Every time I hear a car I feel like I have to jump behind a tree or something. I got to camp around 5:30. Didn't see any wildlife today probably because of the people returning. I was reading the shelter log and it looks like several other SOBO's passed me while I was gone. I want to catch up to everyone so bad so I'm going to start putting in some big miles. If that's the case, I better head to bed!"What he saw today:
Date: 2013-10-23
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: light rain

Trevor's FB post:"Well I walked a marathon today, and it took me 10 hours. I was on the trail at 8:00. It was really foggy and cold. I hiked without stopping until I got to Loft Mountain Campground. I had a second breakfast there before I moved on. It was getting pretty lonely so I decided to listen to some music. I was walking down the trail oblivious to everything around me. I came around the bend and there was a huge bear in the tree right next to the trail. I quickly pulled my phone out and took some pictures. This was the first bear that wasn't scared of me. The trail went 10 feet from the tree he was in and he still didn't move. So I just continued down the trail with a 300 pound beast perched above me. I made it to Blackrock Mountain for lunch. There were quite a few day hikers up there. I ate and left within 30 minutes because it was cold. The temperature never got out of the 40s all day. Right after lunch I had another bear surprise me. This was even bigger. I'm guessing this bear had to of been close to 400 pounds. He was not happy that I was there at all. He wasn't going to let me go. I stood there for 10 minutes trying to scare him off and he just sat on a log. He finally stood up and walked away. I could finally continue! I caught up to Shelob towards the end of the day. Finally, another SOBO! When I reached camp at 6:00 someone had a fire going which I was so happy for. I got all my stuff unpacked and then it started to sleet. It didn't last long but about 15 minutes later it started spitting snow. It's the first flakes I have seen! You can definitely feel winter in the air. It's suppose to be in the 20s the next few nights. Hoping to push another big day tomorrow."Quite a few photos to share, and some good ones...
Date: 2013-10-24
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Stealth Camp near Dripping Rock
Miles today: 22.0

Trevor's FB post:"Today didn't quite go as planned. My original plan was to do 28.5 miles to Maupin Field Shelter but my legs were really sore and tired so I decided to cut the day short. It was 28 degrees when I woke up this morning and there were a few icicles hanging off the shelter. I started out in my jacket, gloves, long pants, and winter hat for the first time on this trip. It never felt like it ever warmed up much either. It was extremely windy all day which made it feel even colder. I stopped for lunch at Paul C. Wolfe Shelter. It was a really nice shelter with a marble bench overlooking the stream. I checked the log book before I left and noticed that Mr. Blue Sky and Sumo were just there yesterday. Looks like I'm finally catching people. After lunch was the big climb up Humpback Mountain. It was a gradual but very long climb. It took me 2 hours to reach the top. It was really cold on top and it actually started to snow a little. I hiked a quick pace down to Dripping Rock and set up camp as fast as I could. While I was eating supper it started snowing again. I quickly finished eating, hung my bear bag, and jumped in the tent. It's still snowing a little outside and the temperature right now is 33 degrees. It's supposed to drop down to the low 20s overnight. I can already tell that waking up and hiking tomorrow isn't going to be that fun. Going to bed early."Here's some pics...
Date: 2013-10-25
From: Stealth Camp near Dripping Rock

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

I feel no need to add anything, the journal and photos tell it well...."It was 25 degrees when I got up this morning. I didn't even get out of the tent until 8:15. I wasn't on the trail until 9:00. Shortly after leaving I passed Doc and Chaco. I got to Maupin Field Shelter and stopped for a second breakfast and to get water. After leaving the shelter I had to climb Three Ridges Mountain. It was a tough climb but I knocked it out pretty quick. Going downhill was actually worse than going uphill. Once I was at the bottom I stopped at Harpers Creek Shelter for a late lunch. It was there that I made the decision to attempt The Priest! The Priest is the first 4,000 foot mountain since Killington Peak in Vermont. It's a 4 mile climb and it's a 3,000 foot climb from the bottom. I hiked very steady and made it to the top only having to stop once. I walked another .5 mile to shelter and man did I have a surprise waiting for me! There were tons of SOBO's already there. This is who is at the shelter tonight: Wooly, Skunk, Gospel, McLovin, Mr. Blue Sky, and Sumo. So I'm finally back in a bubble again. It's suppose to dip down into the teens tonight so hopefully we all stay warm. It's 9:00 and there is already ice in my water. Tomorrow I will be hiking into Buena Vista for resupply and to stay at the hostel."
Date: 2013-10-26
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 20.6

The weather has been cool and clear, as today's photos will show.Here's Crunchmaster's FB post:"It was a very cold morning this morning. 19 degrees when I woke up. My water, boots, and socks were frozen solid. My only option was to put on my cold clothes and start walking. It took a couple miles for me to warm up all the way. I hiked with Gospel on and off all day. There were tons of section and day hikers on the trail today since it's the weekend. Not much to say about today. 'Gospel' and I are splitting a motel room tonight and we will head out tomorrow."
Date: 2013-10-27
From: Buena Vista, VA

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

"Well Gospel and I got the most out of our motel room this morning. After a great breakfast at Hardees and a resupply at the Family Dollar, we finally left the motel at 11:00. We were on the trail by 11:30. The first 3 miles were really great. It was a nice and flat walk along a stream. We were actually walking through an old farm village from a long time ago. There was still some remnants of old buildings lying around. The last part of the day was a little tougher. We had a 1,200 foot climb up Rice Mountain and then another really steep climb up to the shelter. The weather was also a lot warmer today so I worked up a sweat coming up these hills. It was actually warm enough that the snakes were out. I saw two throughout the day. Neither of them were venomous. Weather looks like it's going to be great until Friday so I'm going to try and knock some miles out before then. Hitting the sack early tonight. LESS THAN 800 MILES TO GO!"
Date: 2013-10-28
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Trevor called his mother while still about 15 minutes away from the shelter. It was dark when he called and he was walking alone. I'm guessing he had taken time to get water at Harrison Ground spring 3.2 miles before the shelter because the guide book indicates a poor water source at the shelter. Gospel was a little ahead of him because of his stop for water.I also suspect he was too tired to post or possibly didn't have a strong signal. He'll post tomorrow and I'll update as soon as I'm able.Here it is..."Today was a really long day. Wasn't on the trail until 8:30 because I felt like sleeping in a little. The climb up Bluff Mountain wasn't bad at all and before I knew it I was going down the other side. I stopped for a water break at Saddle Gap. Gospel was ahead of me and I didn't see him again until lunch time. Around 12:00 I crossed the James River on the longest "foot travel only" bridge on the entire trail. Around 1:00 I stopped for lunch at Matts Creek Shelter. I didn't leave until 2:00, which was about 45 minutes after Gospel left. The last 12 miles of the day were the toughest. Over that 12 miles I went from 800 feet to almost 4,000 feet, climbing three different mountains. I night hiked the last 2 miles to the shelter. Gospel was already in his sleeping bag. Hoping to do a pretty big day tomorrow too which means I should get some rest so I can wake up a little earlier."And a few nice photos for the day...
Date: 2013-10-29
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiking at night has it's surprises because that is prime time for the wildlife. Trevor will need to decide whether he'd rather get up earlier or hike a little after it gets dark in the evening, on these marathon long days.Here's his post and photos..."Well so much for getting an earlier start. I was up at 8:00 and on the trail at 9:00. Within the first mile I passed underneath the guillotine. Glad it didn't behead me! After that was the summit of Apple Orchard Mountain. It's 4,200 feet tall and has great views on top. I stopped for a break at Cornelius Creek Shelter and Gospel showed up about 5 minutes after I did. After another 5 miles we stopped for another break at Bryant Ridge Shelter. This was one of the nicest shelters I've seen so far. It holds 20 people. I wanted to stay but it was only lunch time. I started moving slower as the day moved on and Gospel got ahead of me. I had to pull out my headlamp for the last mile or so and when I did I had a scary moment. I was walking down the trail when all of a sudden I heard a really loud grunt! I came to a complete stop and looked around and a big black bear was right there about 10 feet away. I yelled at him and he ran off as fast as he possibly could! I got to the shelter around 7:00 and Gospel was already eating supper. I quickly did the same and climbed into my sleeping bag. We are heading into town tomorrow for showers, laundry, and Taco Bell!"
Date: 2013-10-30
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Troutville, VA
Miles today: 17.0

Trevor's FB post:"I woke up today at 7:00 and the rain was falling. I really didn't want to walk in the rain but I knew I had to. I was on the trail at 8:00 and I only had one thing on my mind, and that was Taco Bell! I hiked ahead of Gospel the first 7 miles and stopped at Wilson Creek for a short break. After leaving the shelter, Gospel hiked ahead the rest of the day. We were both excited about eating Taco Bell so neither of us stopped at all the last 10 miles. We had knocked out 17 miles before 3:00. That is probably a record for me! After eating and resupplying we went to the fire station, where they offer free laundry and showers. We will be staying in a pavilion in the town park later tonight. But for now, we are still at the fire station watching the world series. Go Red Sox! Headed out in the morning toward the famous McAfee Knob."
Date: 2013-10-31
From: Troutville, VA

To: Catawba Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Trevor's FB post..."Gospel and I were up and on the trail by 8:00. We hiked 1.5 miles and then stopped at Bojangles for breakfast. We were full and back on the trail by 9:30. The trail was pretty easy the majority of the day. There were some rocky places but nothing major. We stopped for a break at Lamberts Meadow Shelter before we climbed up to the Tinker Cliffs. There was great views all along the cliffs. We walked by the cliffs for about a half mile then ducked back in the woods. Our next break was at the Campbell Shelter, just below the summit of McAfee Knob. Then it was a quick .7 mile sprint to the top. The views were absolutely amazing! The only that would have made it better was the weather. It was sprinkling and very windy. We took each others pictures and then got down to the shelter just before dark. Once we arrived we discovered that the spring here is dry so neither of us are cooking tonight. We are just eating snacks for supper. Tomorrow will be a short 8 miles to the Four Pines Hostel. My dad and uncle will be meeting me there tomorrow night. My uncle is going to be joining me for a week to hike. Pretty tired so it's time for bed!"
Date: 2013-11-01
From: Catawba Mountain Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 7.9

We arrived at the Hostel at 10:40 and quickly retired to get sleep for an early start on the trail. Will be slack-packing Gospel and Crunchmaster and will be breaking in 'old mens' legs (may need to remove the 'in' in this sentence).Here's Trevor's FB post..."Today, Gospel and I got to sleep in since we were only doing 8 miles. It was also raining early in the morning. So we didn't even leave our sleeping bags until 10:00 am. We finally got on the trail around 10:30 and hiked a quick 2 miles to highway 311. Heather, who I stayed with back in Maryland, and her NOBO thru-hiker friend, Apple Butter, were there waiting with trail magic! They had burgers, hot dogs, chips, candy, drinks, and much more! We enjoyed all the food and then they offered to take our packs to the hostel. So we got to slack-pack the last 6 miles. Thank you so much, Heather and Apple Butter! We got to the hostel around 2:30 and relaxed all afternoon. At 6:00 we got a ride down to the Home Place restaurant. Let me tell you, they have the best food I have ever eaten there! It's an AYCE place which is exactly what hikers need. We had roast beef, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, mac n cheese, cole slaw, pinto beans, and cherry cobbler! When we finished our plate, there was another plate sitting there waiting. Once we finished we ambled out of the restaurant and headed back to the hostel. My dad and uncle are on their way up here to meet me. For the next two days we will be slack-packing and then my uncle will be hiking with me for a week. Next weekend, my dad will return and slack-pack us again. I'm looking forward to not carrying a pack for awhile! Better get some sleep because tomorrow is going to be a long day."
Date: 2013-11-02
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: VA Highway 630
Miles today: 25.9

The trail crosses over roads offering multiple stop and start points for section hikers and for thru-hikers who are slack packing. I slack-packed Gospel, Crunchmaster and Gary (my brother) today. The choice was to hike a 15 mile day or a 25 mile day. 15 was too little with no packs, and 26 was a little much, particularly for Gary, while in excellent shape, did not have his 'hiker legs'. We started hiking around 8:30. I hiked with them up to Dragon's Tooth and then hiked back to the start to get the car. The day ended for the 3 hikers at 7:00 that evening. What a way to break in to the trail, Gary. We will slack again today with many more road crossings to give additional options. The weather was beautiful and it looks good until Thursday of the coming week.The section of trail up to Dragon's Tooth was very rocky and on my way down I took a number of photos of white blazes. I plan to do a special posting in the next day or two that will feature a series of photos, all containing one or more blazes. I'm going to call it the Crunchmaster challenge. The challenge will be to correctly spot every blaze in all the photos. Getting them all will qualify you as a "Blaze master".No journal from the Crunchmaster today, but here are a few photos...