morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-08
From: Wilson Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: light rain

Writing in the journal, better late than never -correct?This portion of the trail, began crossing and skirting the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP), starting at mile 97 of the BRP. The fortunate aspect- garbage disposal at several of the overlooks The negatives-road noise & the knowledge that civilization encroaches and will worsen as we move north.There were several overlooks naturally coinciding w/ the BRP, well worth the drive and /or walk even on a hazy day. See pic for 1 example. Up Cove, Mtn, no water, so a heavy load to carry up. This was evident in the dryness and appearance of the Mtn flora. The trees and underbrush looked smaller, and less lush than in other areas. Little cove Mtn area suffered a significant fire(see pic) in 2008 leaving a tree cemetery which is gradually being overgrown with small saplings and underbrush. You can imagine then, the welcoming sounds and appearance of Jennings creek once I wound myself down to it. Playing in the small hydraulics upstream of the bridge made me miss my kayak and was a much appreciated massaging respite for my feet!4 more miles to Bryant shelter, which The McKenzi's had cued me into. This as I stated earlier is a beautiful shelter w/ 3 floors, sleeps, 20, is creek side and has a wonderful area for hanging ones hammock (very important. It was built in memory of a son lost much too soon. Surprisingly, the "fun factory" group was there(those that I mentioned earlier that ate 4 buffets in 1 day amongst several others, so a lively evening was had as a storm mildly threatened the area. I worked to decrease my volume of lettuce and chard at dinner, lightening my load for tomorrow's climbAll for nowRed Robin
Date: 2014-06-09
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Another marathon of a day, starting early to up my odds of making it to Johns Hollow Shelter. The elevation profile for the day appeared a bit daunting in the AWOL booklet, but "by an inch it's a cinch" is so true This was for the most part just a beautiful walk, w/ a lot of up, a lushness and healthy appearance to the forests from the overlooks as well as within the forest(see pics). Some areas were devoid of undergrowth and other ares completely covered in green. The surprising beauty was a long tunnel of blooming Rhododendron along Cornelius creek see pics. On Apple Orchard Mtn, the 2nd FAA tower was present. This looked like a behemoth soccer ball if you can see the surface well enough. .3 miles later- my favorite part of the day, The Guillotine. See pic)What a fun rock formation. I ran through and I think I am not the only one that did thisNext up for fun, the James River w/ the longest foot use only bridge on the AT @700' long. This was dedicated to Bill Foote(thru hiker) & of the 1st couple to hike the American Discovery Trail in 1997. Beautiful and I am sure I enjoyed it more than an extra 2 mile walk and crossing w/ cars on rt. 501 see pic2 miles later, arrived to the Johns Hollow ShelterAll for nowRed Robin
Date: 2014-06-10
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: US 60- Blue Dog Art cafe, Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 20.1

2 months into the journey! Out of camp more slowly (guess because it is a shorter day) w/ little rock, big rock and bluff mtns staring me down. Fun when you can see where you are going and where you have been. Today for example, ie, way up there and way over there! The little rock views were beautiful as I could see the Soccer ball in the distance (look hard in the pic or zoom in), and the train bridge next to the foot bridge on the James River. Bluff Mtn views were expansive in spite of the haze. Arriving there in 3:45, I ate an early lunch and called for a 6pm shuttle pickup on rt 60 (12 miles away) since I had cell service, Fortunately the grade was easy and shaded. The forest continued in its lush health and there was another fun suspension bridge (see pic) amongst many stream crossings, one of which illustrated the 800 mile pt see pic. Following a short foot soak in the brown Mtn creek, a beautiful creek area that had been previously settled by freed slaves in the early 1900s where they were sharecroppers. The land was then sold to the forest service. The story told on the plaque was that of ash cake and a cold glass of milk, which sounded somewhat enticing at 4 in the afternoon, even though it is cooked directly in the coals and must be brushed off w/ a corn broom and washed before eating! (According to this plaque)Arrived at Rt. 60 w/ ample time to spare, was given a cursory tour of Buena vista, pronounced more boona vista here rather than the normal pronunciation .This is an adorable cafe, where thru-hikers sign the wall the hostel is an apartment aboveBye for nowRed Robin
Date: 2014-06-11
From: US 60- Blue Dog Art cafe, Buena Vista, VA

To: Hog camp gap
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: moderate rain

I took the 3:30 free shuttle the cafe owner's offer and set out just before the rain. What a blessing to cool the air and calm the bugs! The forest was beautiful afterwards w/ the darkened soil and wet tree trunks starkly contrasting the variable shades of green. More spectacular was round 2 where I could watch the storm move across the mountains, gradually taking over my spot of sunshine. The contrast between storm clouds, mountains and sunny meadow were breath taking just before the clouds let loose Hope the pictures illustrate this. Later, I collected water from a spring, a long .3 miles off of the trail in a meadow and came across a cute little pine cove campsite for the night. See pics. The campsite was surrounded by overgrown meadow on one side and a fern field forest on the other. Til later, Red Robin
Date: 2014-06-12
From: Hog camp gap

To: Harper's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 21.9

Slow start from the nice camp, leaving @9:00. Once again, a beautiful walk through the wet grass and forest in a cloud. See some of the pics. First order of business-fresh wild strawberries, and yes, I claimed them as mine and left a few for the bears/other hikers. Next up- trail magic (pampering continues!) at salt log gap where I caught up w/ "catch up" who camped in the hog camp region as well, but was "delayed" by the trail magic. We were the 3rd &4th hikers there so plenty to choose from!!!!My plan for the day was an easy 15 but that plan went by the wayside after Priest shelter was too buggy and it was too early to stop. While there, chatted w/ groundhog and firefly, and met Politician, a youngster, who started May 5th! Whippersnapper show off! Remember my start date was April 10th. Through the course of the day, the terrain was nice and the priest an easy up but more difficult down. However, it made for some great views of the valley. See pic and a lovely Rhododendron site I rested at in the rain(again, thanks to the umbrella).see picPlan B stealth somewhere-but not a fun site to be found. Then, met up w/ "Groundhog" & "firefly" again, needing to get a shuttle off the trail due to illness. Of course, no cell service, so fortunately, there was a house nearby & the folks were used to being pestered for phone usePlan C, Catch up and I finally arrived at Harpers creek shelter at dark, after a decent rain. I thank my lucky stars for the umbrella All for nowRed Robin
Date: 2014-06-13
From: Harper's Creek Shelter

To: campsite w/ a view, mile 845.5
Miles today: 14.7

W/ everything damphish from the humidity, sweat and rain the day before, we all welcomed the sunny day. This tent area was huge w/ several trails marked w/ off white/ yellow blazes making leaving camp on the AT headed north a bit tricky. As a mouse in a maze, I didn't score too well Today is 3 ridges Mtn day and views galore! See pics. It also had sunny outcroppings to dry everything (1st order of business) the first one had no name, then I spent quite a bit of time at hanging rock, rock point overlook then cedar cliffs which was absolutely an expansive view just south of Waynesboro, VA. Continuing on my short day, I headed to the campsite at mile 845.5, touted to have a view. At the Maupin shelter I met Glorious Laughter and Stud muffin, who still couldn't say his trail name w/out blushing and they had started in March! Late afternoon, Batman zinged by me, having started in February, taken a month off, now back on the trail since June 8th. The trail led up along the cliff (see pics) to a cute campground w/ decent views south and west see pics, PM and AM. Was good to have a time in the evening to relax and enjoy. All for nowRed Robin
Date: 2014-06-14
From: campsite w/ a view, mile 845.5

To: Rockfish gap 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

An exhilarating start to the day. Read that- I wore every piece of insulating clothing I had and walked briskly for 1 hr before shedding layers pretty little humpback Mtn was the hill of the day. At the Paul Wolfe shelter, a few of us ate an early lunch by the beautiful creek. Further along the trail, Batman caught up w/ me so for the rest of the walk, we introduced ourselves as batman and Robin ar ar!See the pic of the snake that made batman leap in a single bound. (Whoops, that was superman)At rockfish Gap, we met chip (carries a 7 lb guitar)! and yeti legs at the kettle corn wagon. I was "salt deficient" so bought fries as we snacked, a trail angel offered us a ride to town for some and me to the hotel nearby. Wow are folks truly angelic! Of course the trail magic continued, when I received a box from my mother-in-law! See picAll for now.Red Robin
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Rockfish gap 

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 20.6

Busy trail today, A .6 rd walk to the start point, then into the woods. A group of us gathered at the self registration box, so a good time to learn new names or see those I have crossed paths w/ ie, One, Biscuits, off my meds. Later I met Ireland(from there) and Caddy. The trail varied from the promised super highway to more technical rock sections then gravelly sections hard on ones feet. It was fun to repeat the hike we had done a couple years ago. Highlight of the day was hearing then sort of seeing a bear chase some sort of chukkar. Pics aren't adequate. Later in camp, a large bear meandered the perimeter, w/ Cozy guiding the rest of us into pic position. . History has it that he will frequent the camp tonight. Hopefully some of the pics are adequate. In addition, there are as many deer here as in our backyard, and very nonchalant w/ 1 young buck w/in 10 feet of the hammock and me standing adjacent. As for the forests, most of them were not as lush and developed appearing as that seen in Southern VA. Pampering continued .2 miles from the hut when section hiker Amy & Jerry (I think) handed out ziplock bags of trail magic.Til laterRed Robin
Date: 2014-06-16
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Hightop hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Tonight I ended at mile 900! I guess this gets debated quite a bit so not absolutely sure this is the 900 mile mark but I am calling it anywayThe beautiful start to this day was the summit of Black Rock which the AT skirts around. This summit is described as a "cliff crumble". Glad I wasn't here to witness it. At this stage now, it is a jumble of boulders fun to climb up, & relish the view. See pics. Of course not to slight the woods, but I am in the Shenandoah's and the iconic thing to do is to stop off at the waysides each day and gorge...so I did 1st one today- loft Mtn. When a hiker asked me how the blackberry Sunday was, I showed him the empty cup and said "it was just horrible"-it took him a secondThe walk through this section is as they describe the Shenandoah forests, a patchwork of varied forests based on the maturity and stresses on particular areas. Some of the areas were pleasant forests (see pics) and others were scrubby, overgrown underbrush with brambles and poison ivy predominating such that without the trail, there would be no walk through those woods. At times the trail was quite exposed warranting the umbrella for which I received plenty of "umbrella envy " looks Some of the prettier trail was on Weaver Mtn, w/ groves of trees cooling the path (pic) north of Simmons gap, where the lush matureness returned. See pic. (Who knows when I will get these imported!) Through the course of the day, the temperatures rose and the hills did the same, over and over and over. Of course dern it, Batman caught up w/ me again a couple miles from the shelter. I rationalized that he is 19 yrs my junior and perhaps he didn't relish the views from Black Rock. As we strolled toward the shelter, we saw a bear in the trail, well ahead of us before he saw us. One of the pics should illustrate Batman sneaking up on him Elmer Fudd style I named the bear Joker...At the shelter, we met up with 2 boys out groups out for a 6 day southbound hike. Fun to see them enjoy the woods. That night, we had quite a thunder n lightning show but minimal rain. All for now, Red Robin
Date: 2014-06-17
From: Hightop hut

To: Big Meadows campground
Miles today: 20.7

Tried for an early-ish start to capitalize on the cool morning. However, at the spring, 1/2 mile UP the hill, I see a boys out looking tent in its case sitting there and having noticed one of the scout leaders using an emergency shelter last night, I was sure I should make the effort to take it to the shelter, which I did. However, everyone there had said it was there when they hiked in yesterday and one of the boy scout groups had left. Oh well, good intention run awry. Onward and upward. The trail was a much easier grade and softness. See pics-maybe....I thought in some ares, this may be the green tunnel everyone seem to complain about. I saw a bear off the trail, that really appeared to have a difficult time perceiving my presence, until I made a concerted effort to be seen (after the pic of course & yes I make a pretty good Elmer Fudd tooI will eventually put a few pics of the varied terrain of the path. It ranges from a dry soft duff of composted leaves to cobblestone rocks requiring, a cautious game of trail hopscotch-always a blast. Lunch-Lewis Mtn camp store, a one stop shop for shower and junk food, and denatured alcohol for the stove. others go for the "other alcohol"...this particular stop is unique in that it is managed by a 1968 thru-hiker, "marathon man" who walked/ran the trail in 72 days and in addition, ran an additional 700 miles just to stay in shape. He advised that you have to be here by July 4th to finish the trail within the allotted time. Whew for me so farOn the way to Big Meadow Campground One & I were given trail magic by C4 & Hotdog (see pic) as they were shuttling back to there car at the start point. They have hiked 1600 miles in 9 years. Later , I chatted w/ "bear"-see the pic of the artwork on his leg, then moved along to the big meadows wayside for their signature blackberry shake. Bummer, not real ice-cream and not big blackberries in it On the way to the campground @ 1 mile away, I saw another bear (see pics)and was able get decent views of him. I still say, they don't see too wheel, and it took a lot to move him along away from me. Who knows if I will ever get that video loaded! Next up, sunset from a rock. See pics. What a pleasant way to spend the rest of the evening!!Til later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-06-18
From: Big Meadows campground

To: Thornton Gap US 211
Miles today: 17.2

Today's plan- 17 miles to Thornton gap, where One and I will be picked up by long time friend Lisa at 4pm. I headed out at 7:45, not sure when One left(or who was on 2nd for that matter). Batman, zeroing for blister therapy. All sounds reasonable-right? What a wonderful bit of trail I should have devoted more time to. Oh well. First order of business- bear sighting. 2nd order of business- plenty sites of trail hopscotch. 3rd- broke my nice carbon fiber hiking pole 4th-somehow missed the side trail to Stony man summit (will be back), but thoroughly enjoyed little stony man cliffs. Just think lion king, gazing out over the valley w/ Stanley and Luray, quite expansive! See pics) 5th-Mary's rock-lion king all over again, especially if you rock scramble the south side, then walk the easy trail on the north side. Gorgeous! See pics. I had 45 minutes for the 1.8 mile walk down. Easier said than done for me. Regardless, One arrived at 3:55( I never saw him all day) and I at 4p- not bad timing over a 17 mile dayLong time great friend Lisa, picked us up, provided us with treats and whisked to her house, with One being her first hostel guest. She is no stranger to hikers stenches and needs as she has helped others in the past. She prepared a wonderful meal, including, Moroccan squash (favorite) and we went for ice cream (another favorite) of course nothing doing but another princess bed for me! Running way behind and Stepping off the trail for a few. Have a great weekend!Til later.Red Robin
Date: 2014-06-23
From: NJ/MA

To: mile 948.2
Miles today: 10.0

Does 0+0+0+0=slacker?Sharon (ATC Shuttler) dropped me off at 3p w/ fellow thru hiker Mtn drew. My feet have not known such bliss since Damascus! Wearing my new tennis shoes(3rd pair) and new custom orthotics, tweaked to optimum, the trail felt like an old friend! Speaking of friends as I traipse through the woods from one friend to another, next in line are EE &JEThe hike today was an easy grade and soft footing for much of it. I had 2 skittish bear sightings so no pic. Not wanting to over walk on the new orthotics, I made dinner at elk wallow wayside and hiked on until a reasonable site to nest was located. All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-06-24
From: mile 948.2

To: US 522 mile 965.6
Miles today: 17.0

US 522 mile 965.6@17 milesMy earliest start yet-6:30 the trail was a bit rockier, requiring a more cautious pace and there were several areas to hopscotch over the course of the day. Fun started with a cluster of flowers named fly poison. I know this thanks to my new Audibon app. This is a toxic plant and it has been used to poison flies, thus the name. Later, near a satellite tower, there was an area closed off to protect the peregrine falcon. Fortunately, He sat at his perch as directed I am sure for photo ops. 1 more skittish bear sighting brings my number to 12. See pics.Views from Hogback overlook, and south and north Marshall mtns warranted more lion king action. I strode through the woods of hogwallow flat, wondering what it looked like when it was named such. I exited Shenandoah national park at mile 962, visited the Tom Floyd shelter with its fancy porch and bench seating. The last 2 miles of the day were through mature, beautiful forest with plenty of stalwart trees. Later in a sunny, small meadow proceeded to dine on blackberries. A stream @1 mile from my finish cooled my feet for a bit since I was ahead of schedule.I met up w/ JE & EE for the evening, checked out their new farm, caught up on life's happenings & dined on wonderful homemade pizza.Til later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-06-25
From: US 522 mile 965.6

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: broken clouds

8:30 am drop off to allow me to play & JE & EE to work after a wonderful visit. Today's trail was plush on the feet, w/ a few rocky sites, and an easy grade other than a few rises, allowing for the higher mileage day. The forest was classic VA style w/ a few transitioning from meadows. 10 minutes into the walk, I had skittish bear sighting # 13. Other critters seen included a box turtle, small black snake and a rabbit. I stopped in at the Denton shelter-nice! It has a porch with railing and benches and an adirondack style bench, a solar shower and cooking pavilion. Too bad the shower was in use;(. I hit va 55 in 3 hrs and met Marathon midwife and Viking who had left trail magic, as had crop dust and mama crop dust . There I met sweet tea, messy and lost boy. So I am poised and ready for the roller coasters tomorrow. This is a 13.5 mile section of ups and downs. I have heard it mentioned but never in comparison to say the cannonball run or space Mtn, so suspect it will have a different flavor of fun. Based on the appearance of the elevation profile, it looks like my knees will be screaming, not my vocal cords!! Til LaterRed Robin
Date: 2014-06-26
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: blackburn AT center
Miles today: 17.9

Hello all, fun day in the woods today. Out of camp by 7:45, the roller coaster-a cake walk...w/ 13 tiers it was definitely easier than the last time many years ago w/ no conditioning & a 40 lb pack, vs having walked 989 miles and carry a 26 lb packBears den rocks were pretty but the rd noise from rt 7 (snickers gap) deafening. I had initially planned on catching up w/ long time friends Lani & Kathy, but unlike me, they had to work today instead, I dined at horseshoe curve restaurant in pine grove, va and extended my hike to the Blackburn hostel. The woods were similar north of snickers gap, but one area, yay many years ago must have had a tornado, as trees were down everywhere. (See pics) Another upright tree cemetery from a burn was present and the trees on the drier ridge line were small and stunted appearing. Of course, hitting the 1000 mile point was quite fun then, I missed the VA/WV line at mile 1002 as I was probably walking and texting. Raven Rock was another great view point and thankfully, rt 7 noise had been left behind. At the hostel, I caught up w/ Blaze, Jukebox, Weezy(he had built the 800 mile marker) and met baby steps and daddy long legs. Later, a rusty smelling solar shower was quite refreshing, then I promptly applied DEETNext up-Harper's Ferry & catching up w/ long time friend HarryAll for nowRed Robin
Date: 2014-06-27
From: blackburn AT center

To: Brunswick, MD
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A slower start out of camp as I watched the sun rise through the trees from my hammock. Today for me was more about friends than forest. A most pleasant surprise -to meet up w/ longtime friends Kathy & Lani (w/ excellent trail magic to boot) at Keys Gap, rt 9! What trail side fun, as w/ all my other friends to just seem to pick up where we left off after more than 10 years!!! See picsNext up, 5.5 miles to Harpers ferry, meeting another great friend (on very short notice for her) for lunch. This is the real Robin. see pic. She met me at the ATC headquarters & quickly learned more than she ever wanted to know about thru-hiking the AT, and got to meet many of my trail buddies as we caught up and relished the psychological half-way point!!!! Post lunch and leisure, off to Jefferson Rock, the trail thru town and down the C &O canal.( Might put pics in eventually.) Yet another great friend, Harry picked me up from Keep Tryst Rd, and we got to visit through the evening He survived the bring a stinky hiker into your home, provide -shower, laundry, food, mail drop hold and take to the post office the next morning routine before dropping back off on the trail the next day extremely well!All for now,Red Robin