morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-09-13
From: Hwy 60

To: Punchbowl Shelter 
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: moderate rain

Robert returned Moving Target and Mountain Man Jim back to the trail and then came back for me since my destination was further away and in the opposite direction. It was very foggy in the valley but cleared as Robert drove me up to the trailhead. I really enjoyed the hike again today as the trail followed Brown Mountain Creek for several miles. There were several story boards explaining that a small community of freed slaves had once lived and sharecropped here and you could see remnants of stone walls and even a spring house. Evidently the land was sold to the forest service in the 1920¢s. The trail was very picturesque and at one point crossed a bridge over a small waterfall. The trail eventually crossed the creek for the last time and ascended up to a ridge. Next up was a pleasant walk high up above and around a reservoir. Before long I was crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway and had a steep 1/2 mile climb up to my destination for the evening. I put up my tent, quickly and prepared dinner and then went to hang my foodbag and smellables since there were no bear poles or boxes at this Shelter I was in search of the perfect limb and one that I could manage to throw my rope over, one outdoor skill I'm not very proficient. Because I had received a resupply box at the Hostel, my bag was pretty heavy and every limb I got my rope over broke when I hoisted my bag up. This happened 3 or 4 times and I was getting pretty frustrated plus it was getting dark. I hate to appear as a helpless female and ask any of the guys for help. I thought about sleeping with my food as some hikers do but was eventually successful on my last try. To top off a frustrating evening, I accidentally stepped on my second Pstyle and it shattered into many pieces.
Date: 2017-09-14
From: Punchbowl Shelter 

To: Johns Hollow Shelter 
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I have decided to celebrate my slow hiking style this time around. A common topic of conversation among hikers is how many miles they put in each day! I have always been a bit embarrassed by my slow hiking speed but from now on I¢m gonna own it and be proud of it! I kind of like the philosophy of No Rush who I met back in PA and though I heard he left the trail with pneumonia, I¢m going to carry his tradition on (except for the brewing a pot of coffee every hour part). With that in mind I lingered over breakfast, enjoyed my coffee and explored around the campsite a bit. I was last one to leave today!There was a good climb up Bluff Mountain and I saw lots of blooming Witch Hazel along the way. There were remnants of a fire tower at the summit and the big concrete footings provided a good seat to admire the view. Just south of the summit was a bronze plaque to memorialize little Ottie Cline Powell who had wandered away from his school 7 miles away and died at this very spot in the 1890¢s. It was so sad! Hikers had paid their respects by placing rocks or flowers on the marker. In the afternoon I ran into a dayhiker called Renegade and his dog. We chatted about his desire to do a thru hike and I encouraged him to just do it. I had intended to go further but decided to stop early at Johns Hollow since I was tired and it was a pleasant spot. I made a cup of tea and got to know Chipmunk who had been at the last Shelter. He was retired with a small pension and had just started collecting social security so he intended to hike and explore the United States. He had no home, car, or bills so claimed he was living quite luxuriously for a hiker. I asked him what he was going to do when it got cold and he said he was going to hike the Florida Trail. He said he wanted to see all the National Parks and was going to get to them by bus or train. Another hiker called Old O arrived just before dark.
Date: 2017-09-15
From: Johns Hollow Shelter 

To: Harrison Ground Spring 
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

It was a quick down hill to Hwy 501 and I crossed the James River on the Foot Bridge which I thought referred to the fact it was a pedestrian bridge but in fact memorialized someone whose last name was Foot. The trail followed the James River for about a mile and I began to find Pawpaws everywhere. As you all know I crave fresh food when hiking so ate my fill as I hiked along. When I stopped at Matts Creek for a snack I saw reports about a rescue of a hiker and knew it was somewhere near me since the news report was from Afton VA and that was the town showing the local weather on my weather app. There was a pretty good climb next and since I had stopped early yesterday, I was a little off my intended itinerary. I set my sights on the Harrison Ground Campsite. Just before getting to the campsite I saw evidence of a bear that had dug up a ground hornets nest and scattered the combs across the trail. When I got to the campsite there was a scribbled note on the water sign that said ¢hikers be aware, bear be here¢  dated 2016, it was almost dark and I was dead tired, plus no one else was here. I didn't feel like I had any choice but to  set up camp. Needless to say, I didn't insert my earplugs tonight.
Date: 2017-09-16
From: Harrison Ground Spring 

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

I didn¢t get the best nights sleep but no bears came visiting during the night and I survived to hike another day. I checked my phone for info about the hiker rescue and learned a hiker called James Anninga, 70 from Florida had died when he fell down a ravine along the James River. I immediately thought of Mountain Man Jim because all the details fit. When I got to Thunder Hill Shelter I met a flip flop hiker called Ange and he was quitting his hike and waiting for his wife to pick him up. He said he had been bluff charged by a bear the previous day and had been terrified for his life. He also confirmed that the hiker death was indeed Mountain Man Jim and his death had just sent him over the top and he was done hiking. I congratulated him on the 1400 miles hiked and moved on with a heavy heart. I passed the guillotine today and also stopped at the Black Rock Overlook. I sat there for about 30 minutes and took in the vast view and contemplated all that had happened. I was still feeling pretty shaken and glad to see other people at the Shelter when I arrived. Traveler and Marlin were planning on staying so I felt some comfort in being around others. Ripple, Voices, & Malek who had passed by me 3 days ago stopped briefly before heading to the next Shelter. They told me they were the ones that had found Mountain Man Jim and called for help. It evidently was a complicated extraction because of the terrain and the rescue operation had to be done by boat along the river. I thought of all the little things I¢d learned about Jim in the brief time I¢d known him. It was very sad, but I guess his time was up and at least he was doing something he loved. RIP Mountain Man Jim!
Date: 2017-09-17
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter 

To: Middlecreek Campground 
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: few clouds

My goal today was to get to a Campground about a mile off the trail that offered showers, laundry, and a short order grill. It was easy walking, mostly downhill and visions of a hamburger and fries kept me moving at a pretty good pace. When I popped out on the road I met Tarheel, a former thru hiker from the class of 1979. He was waiting for his thru-hiking daughters to offer them some trail magic. He offered me a ride to the campground which I gladly accepted. Unfortunately the camp store was closing early for a family event, so no burger and fries. I was able to purchase a huge ice cream cone which was almost better! While checking out the laundry room I met Wanda who with her boyfriend, Steve had evacuated their home in Florida ato avoid hurricane Irma in their RV. She invited me to eat hot dogs with them and I had a great evening learning about their travels all over the US in the RV. They were really nice people and enjoyed hanging out with them. Two great big dogs, Doug and Pippa slept on the porch of the camp store so I didn't hang my food in a tree.
Date: 2017-09-18
From: Middlecreek Campground 

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I finally enjoyed a good nights sleep but because I was camped on grass and next to a stream had quite a lot of condensation on the inside of my tent. While things were drying out I went in search of a real breakfast. I met the friendly proprietor, Susan, and she fixed me scrambled eggs, bacon, home fries and toast which I ate while chatting with her. It was great! When she asked me my name and I told her Nemophilist, she said it was too hard to say. She looked at me intently for a few moments and said ¢I¢m going to call you Nanna!¢ And that¢s what she did. Maybe I have a new trail name. Funny thing is that is what my grandkids call me.I hung around the Campground until Susan had a spare moment to drive me back to the trailhead. Another great stay off the trail. There was a bit of a climb to start off and then the trail paralleled the Blue Ridge Parkway for the rest of the day. Susan had prepared me a big deli sandwich and a small bag of salad for lunch. It was delicious! It was quite warm and I didn¢t feel like putting in a big day so stopped early. Section hikers, Beth and Randy are here tonight and a thru hiking southbounder called Happy Feet came in just before dark. We think she sounds like she is foreign, like maybe Russian, but she claims to be born and raised in Maryland. It is something about the inflection of her voice! It was a pleasant evening chatting at the picnic table
Date: 2017-09-19
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter 

To: Fullhardt Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

It was really foggy this morning and I had a little condensation on the inside of my tent. Everyone else at the Shelter pushed off and I was last one out at 8:30. After the initial climb up from the Shelter the trail was really nice and flat and kept crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway every so often. At one point I popped out of the woods at a pull off to see loads of cars and people sitting in camp chairs. They were a hawk watch group and were offering trail magic to hikers. I had a salted caramel hot chocolate and took an apple for later. No hawks had been sighted yet because of the fog but they told me 400 had been counted yesterday. The trail continued to be very pleasant and I stopped at the Wilson Creek Shelter for lunch. A hiker called OK stopped too and we exchanged pleasantries. I thought about the new trail name Susan had given me and decided to reject it. I really like Nemophilist and that feels like who I am on the trail. I¢m Nanna to my grandkids! At Curry Creek I had to stop for water since there would be none at the Shelter tonight. After loading up with 3 liters which weighs 6lbs, of course the trail started some steep climbing. I eventually got to the Shelter and thought I would be the only one here for the evening until about 8 to 10 others arrived just as it was getting dark. Looking forward to a short hiking day tomorrow as I head into Daleville VA for a motel stay and some BBQ!
Date: 2017-09-20
From: Fullhardt Knob Shelter 

To: Daleville VA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

I knew it was a short day into town so made no hurry to get out of my sleeping bag. Most of the other hikers were already gone except one guy and his dog and then they soon departed. Since I had more time this morning, I had one of my special breakfasts, grits and sausage. The grits are stoneground from Hagood Mill near home and the sausage from Calley¢s Coop, one of the vendors at a local farmers market that I am involved with back home. I cook them then dehydrate them. In camp I just pour boiling water over the mixture and let sit for 30 minutes until hydrated. It was delicious and since I was heading into town for resupply and hiker hunger has kicked in, I ate 2 pop tarts too! The trail was an easy downhill and except for a yellow jacket sting as I stepped over a log, uneventful. I was checking into my room by 11am. First order of business was a shower followed by a great lunch at 3 Little Pigs BBQ. I spent the afternoon doing laundry, cleaning and organizing my gear and planning the next section. I¢m excited to be now headed for the triple crown of Virginia; Tinkers Cliffs, McAfee Knob, and Dragon¢s Tooth!
Date: 2017-09-21
From: Daleville VA

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: scattered clouds

The motel served a pretty good breakfast compared to the continental breakfast offered by most cheap motels. I enjoyed scrambled eggs, bagels and cream cheese and a bunch of tasty little lemon poppyseed muffins. I took my time getting ready but was still back on the trail, which ran almost right next to the motel, by 9:30. Most towns and road crossings are in a Gap so of course there is always a climb up the other side. It was a gentle climb with lots of switchbacks so not too bad at all. There were some pretty vistas looking down toward Carvins Cove Reservoir. After lunch it really got hot and my pace slowed and I took lots of breaks. I got to the Shelter about 4:30 and All Red was here. He thru hiked in 2010 and just likes to come back now and do section hikes. He was a nice young guy and built a good fire. The water here is a bit sketchy. The Creek has lots of frogs and even though I filtered it, it has a fishy smell. I think I will add some aquamira drops to disinfect it tomorrow. My dinner was a dehydrated pasta primavera dish and was definitely one of the better recipes i¢ve concocted. A German couple then several other section hikers arrived and it¢s now quite noisy. I guess it's only 8pm but don't they know that it's hiker midnight.
Date: 2017-09-22
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Johns Spring Meadow
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was so much fun! I would see 2 of the Virginia Triple Crown. I had allowed a lower mileage day so I could enjoy the sights plus camping is only allowed at Shelters on this section. First up was Tinker Cliffs which the guidebook described as .5 mile cliff walk. I was a little nervous about this because it brought back memories of the hairy cliff walks in PA and NY. It was nothing like that at all, in fact was an easy stroll with some splendid views of the valley! All Red had told me this was a great section because few day hikers make it this far. He was right and I didn't see a soul and got to enjoy it all to myself. I stopped at Carter Shelter for lunch and to get water for tonight since all the springs are dry ahead. There was a puppy tied up to the picnic table with no human in sight. Eventually a guy emerged from a nearby tent. He was a little off and made me feel a bit uncomfortable, so when he asked if I was hiking alone, I used the line that my friends were coming up behind me. I soon made it to McAffees Knob the most photographed vista on the trail. As I approached the Knob about 50 rowdy young girls were thankfully leaving. This is a super popular day hike and I was fortunate enough to spend about an hour and half here with very few people. I asked a group of people if they would mind taking a photo of me sitting on the ledge. They obliged, but it was so funny. One of the women in the group kept cautioning me and yelling ¢that's far enough honey, that¢s far enough!¢ I¢m so thrilled to get my iconic AT picture at McAfee¢s Knob! The only thing better will be my summit photo of Mt Katahdin, sometime in the future I hope! I moved on and hiked to the Shelter past hoards of people heading up to the Knob for the sunset which must be spectacular. I thought I was going to be the only one at the Shelter but about 5 women showed up just before dark. They kept to themselves and weren't the usual friendly hikers you encounter. Maybe they thought I was a little off! Haha
Date: 2017-09-23
From: Johns Spring Meadow

To: Pickle Branch Shelter 
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Evidently it's also popular to hike up to the Knob for sunrise too! There was a steady parade of noisy day hikers that started at 4am. It was only a mile hike down to the parking area which was filled to the max and had a park employee directing operations. As much as I enjoyed this section I was glad to leave all the crowds behind. Next up was Dragons Tooth! Before the climb began there was some pleasant hiking with gentle ups and downs and even through pastures. I met a flip flopping thru hiker called Halfway who was planning to stay at the 4 Pines Hostel and eat at a local country cooking restaurant called the Homeplace that is a hiker favorite. I briefly thought about going too but decided to push on. The climb up to the Dragons Tooth was brutal including lots of rock scrambling and a few rebar ladders. It was like PA and NY! I just took it really slow and avoided looking down. The views were great but again lots of people and I was glad to head off into the quiet woods on the AT as all the day hikers went back down the way they came. The Shelter is 3/10 mile off the trail but I found a good camping spot before I reached the Shelter. I will need water in the morning but will probably just hike to the next steam on the trail rather than continue to the Shelter.
Date: 2017-09-24
From: Pickle Branch Shelter 

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I had just enough water to make my EmergenC orange drink and had that and 2 pop tarts for breakfast. It was just over a mile down the trail to a stream and road crossing. I filled up with water and stopped to enjoy a second breakfast of oatmeal and hot tea. The trail did some climbing up to a ridge and was pleasant hiking. I did feel myself dragging a bit today and think I didn't eat and drink enough yesterday. One of the funniest moments on the trail today was when I ran into a corps of ROTC students from VA Tech marching toward me on the trail. I pulled to the side and let them pass and everyone of them said ¢Good Morning Ma¢m¢. Later as they marched back I got a ¢Good Afternoon Ma¢m¢ from each of them. When I got to the Audie Murphy Memorial it was such a peaceful place that I ate lunch and lingered for over an hour. Audie Murphy was the most decorated soldier of WWII and evidently became an actor and poet. This was the spot where he tragically died in a plane crash at a young age. There were several benches and people had left all kinds of memorials such as dog tags and flags. I felt myself going slower and slower and had drunk all my water. Southern Virginia is currently very dry and many of the springs and creeks are not flowing. I finally came to a stream that wasn¢t totally dry but was puddled up and not moving much. I did see some trout swimming around so figured the water couldn't be that bad. I loaded up and mixed up a liter of electrolyte mix and downed it. I suddenly realized that I had not been sweating or peeing as much today. I need to be more careful tomorrow and think I¢ll carry more water. I got to the Shelter at 4:30 and there was a good spring flowing. Halfway from yesterday arrived with tales of wonderful food at the Homeplace. Just before dark OK showed up too.
Date: 2017-09-25
From: Niday Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

After rehydrating I felt much better and I hiked much stronger today. The day started out with a pretty good climb and then followed a rocky ridge line for some time. There were some interesting cairns built long ago by settlers who once must have farmed here. They were so meticulously built rather than just piled up like you would expect from someone clearing a field.I saw my second bear today or rather it saw me first and I saw it¢s back side as it lumbered away. I had just thought about stopping for lunch before seeing the bear but then decided to delay for a mile or two. When I did stop for lunch I could hear cows mooing down in the valley below and it wasn¢t long before I was down in a field with them. I have to admit they are intimidating beasts and I was a bit more afraid of them than the bear. Near the edge of the field of cows was the Keffer Oak, the second largest oak on the trail. This imposing tree is believed to be over 300 years old. I guess all that cow manure under its branches is keeping it pretty healthy. Next up was a road crossing with some trail magic. Someone had left a pile of diet mountain dews, so I helped myself to one and enjoyed it immensely. There was more pastures and another road to cross and just a few miles to the Shelter. A young hiker called Hatchet from Columbia SC is here. He told me he¢d been feeling lonely today and had built.a fire to cheer himself up. We chatted until Hiker Midnight which seems to be getting earlier and earlier with the shorter days. I can hear coyotes yipping and howling in the distance.
Date: 2017-09-26
From: Laurel Creek Shelter 

To: Wind Rock Campsite 
Miles today: 10.7

Seemed like today included lots of climbing and I didn't go as far as I had hoped. I didn¢t see many people on the trail today but I did cross paths with 2 ladies about my age that I also saw yesterday. Their trail names were Old Woman and Wrong Way Charlie and they are section hiking the trail together using 2 cars. I honestly haven¢t seen hardly any women in my age bracket hiking though other hikers have assured me they are out here. We chatted briefly and they told me they¢d probably see me tomorrow. I¢m camped at this great little overlook with a fantastic view. The sunset was amazing. The wind is starting to pick up and I think I¢m beginning to realize why it¢s called Wind Rock
Date: 2017-09-27
From: Wind Rock Campsite 

To: Campsite @ 1540.1
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: few clouds

I didn¢t realize my Campsite last night was so close to a road until I got going this morning. I don¢t usually like to do that but last nights sunset was so worth it. As I got hiking I was startled by a guy in camouflage carrying a shotgun. I spoke briefly with him and he said he was hunting squirrel. About 20 minutes later I heard gunfire and thought some poor squirrel is going in a stew! After crossing the road the trail got very rocky and I wondered for a minute if I¢d made a wrong turn and ended up back in Pennsylvania. At Bailey Gap Shelter I ran into Old Woman and Wrong Way Charlie for the 3rd day. I might see them again in Pearisburg when I get there tomorrow. The trail crossed Stony Creek and traveled along it for a while. While getting water I met Bog Angel and Milkshake who were going to stealth Camp at a picnic area to rest their shin splints. I was disappointed to see that the Captain¢s Place is still closed. He used to have a zipline across the creek so hikers could stop in for a soda or camp on his lawn. I would seriously have done that for a cold soda today! I stopped at Pine Swamp Branch, a Shelter that is currently closed because of many dangerous dead trees due to a gypsy moth infestation. At the picnic table I met Overload another fellow South Carolinian and solo female who is section hiking NOBO. We exchanged intel on what the trail is like ahead. She told me I¢d run into a hippy couple ahead and she was spot on. They were a pleasant couple and smelled wonderfully of patchouli. I¢m pretty sure my current scent is stinky hiker and I¢m overdue for a town visit!s