morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-05
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The night was a virtual light show with all the lightning and thunder. Every time I woke I could hear it pouring as the rain hit the metal roof of the shelter. I kept thinking (or hoping) that the next time I woke it would be stopped. I did wake around 4:00 am and saw the lights in the valley. However, while laying there just before getting up I felt that all too familiar damp mist sweep across my face as the mighty winds blew. I couldn't believe it was snowing when yesterday was almost 80 degrees. It was now 25 with almost an inch on the ground. I started off with my cold weather gear of wool hat, gloves, fleece, rain pants and jacket. I was comfortable after about a mile when the hands finally warmed up. It was very slippery since the snow was often sitting on water or leaves. There were also many little rivers flowing across the trail due to the large amount of rain last night. After a couple of hours the sleet stopped which was immediate relief from the earlier pelting. The cold and wind were offset by the amount of clothes I was wearing. Other than wet feet I actually felt good. I got to rt 91 and crossed the road which is designated in the trail maps as 'handicap accessible'. This is a nice walk up through a field which I'm sure would provide a great view of the surrounding area. Unfortunately today it was just fog but still a nice walk. There are benches along the way that would provide a place to sit and I imagine take in the beauty. Once past this 'flat' trail you climb a while until you get to Double Spring Shelter. This climb is almost 1000' but not extremely difficult. I did have to keep stopping on the way up to prevent myself from overheating due to the amount of clothes I had on. It was still very windy and I was afraid of sweating which would make me cold or removing some layers which I felt would also make me cold. It was just one of those days that was difficult to gauge. Once at the shelter the trail leveled and then started a somewhat slow decline to Low Gap. Right before the gap you pass a small shelter on the right side of the trail that makes you wonder due to its size. It is known as the Emergency Shelter and might hold 2 or 3 in an emergency. Not really sure if anyone was there last night or not but the platform was wet and very small. I went on down the hill and as I was passing the road in Low Gap a man passing through the parking lot offered a ride to town. After about 11 miles I decided to take him up on the offer. I will get a ride back in the morning and finish up the final 15 miles. I was in town around 1:00 and went to the Hiker Inn for the night. I wasted no time in getting a shower, eating a late lunch and heading to the post office and food city store. I bought most of my food for the next section with a few exceptions that I will pickup tomorrow when I get back and something for dinner tonight since there is a microwave in the hostel. I hit the library for a half an hour before they closed to correct some of my journals. Off to bed around 9:30 with a lot accomplished.
Date: 2011-04-06
From: Low Gap

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

I was up at 6:00 and grabbed a quick breakfast. I met up for a ride back to Low Gap @ 6:45. I was up there by 7:15 and ready to fly with no real weight. I was only carrying a few necessary items in a small fanny pack and some water. It was still cold around freezing but with a lot less wind. The walk was a little wet but nowhere near the amount of water on the trail as yesterday. The sun was up early but didn't have any real warming effect until around 11:00. I made a quick stop for a snack around 9:00 at the Abingdon Shelter, which had been yesterday's destination. I knew that the trail is mostly downhill now for the final 10 miles and that I could probably move well. The trail makes what feel like a turn almost backwards right after the shelter then begins it's journey to town. It is a nice walk the rest of the way and you are finally greeted with the Welcome to Damascus sign. This is a milestone for hikers. The trail goes through the local park and playground to the main street which is marked by an old train caboose. I followed the AT back to the Hiker Inn and got cleaned up. Had some sandwiches for dinner that I bought at the store yesterday and spent the night reminiscing with Grey Wolf, Goose, Prescott and Rambler before finally hitting the sack around 11:00. Think I'll take a zero tomorrow after some prompting from certain others.
Date: 2011-04-07
From: Damascus VA

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke about 7:15 to a beautiful day but decided that I would take it easy and relax. I really wanted to review my needs so far and go through the pack to see what I actually need clothes-wise in the future. I went to breakfast at the Dairy King with Goose, Grey Wolf and Ice Axe. I had my usual of eggs, toast, coffee and hash browns. Breakfast is the meal that I truly miss on the trail. It set up the day. I then walked down to the store to shop for just a few items and then stopped at the outfitter to window shop. I actually have everything I "need" but there are always those things that I "want" or desire sometime in the future. Not now. Anyway, I was back at the hostel around 11:00 and started the process of going through my pack. I had checked the weather for the next week and it is very warm so now is the time to decide on clothing needs. I evaluated all my needs and decided that I will keep 3 pair of socks, 2 pair of underware, 2 short sleeve shirts, 1 long sleeve hooded shirt, 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of convertible pants, 1 long sleeve fleece jacket, rain pants and rain jacket and gloves and winter cap. I am sending home my long underware tops and bottoms, my underarmour cold weather long sleeve shirt, pair of high socks and my down vest. A few pounds of weight but a lot of bulk. I just weighed my pack tonight and with the total loss of about 4 pounds and 4 days of food and 1 liter of water I now weigh 27 pounds. I am carrying around 9 pounds of food at the moment so as the food goes so does the weight for a few days. I have checked my body weight and found that I have lost 14 pounds so far which I am very pleased with. One of my main concerns was losing weight too quickly which basically equates to losing muscle. I feel good and feel like I am getting in better hiking shape. Not quite there yet but soon. With the lowering of weight I am carrying and increased stamina I should feel better while walking and enjoy more of the day. Of course the weather has a little to do with that. Hopefully the snow is behind and the cold weather with it. One thing about hiking is that you are constantly reevaluating everything about your hike. When you make changes to equipment or send clothes home those changes are major events. I now have so much more room in my pack that I might consider carrying more food, or junk food, or wine. Yah!
Date: 2011-04-08
From: Damascus VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

4/8/2011Met Goose and One Gray Wolf for breakfast at 7:00 at the Dairy King. Another great breakfast and we were on the trail by 7:30 walking out of town on the Creeper Trail. The trail went up about 1200' over the first 2 miles and then came down again over next 2 miles to us 58. The next few miles were almost level before climbing 1000' up Straight Mtn and then hopped into Saunders Shelter. The trail then mossies along for about 4 miles until it comes into the Virginia Creepers Trail. You follow that until it goes over the long wooden bridge and then turns up. It is only another 2 miles and you get to the Lost Mountain Shelter. It was a very nice day with only a few rain drops that teased us all day. After getting to the shelter it rained a few times but stopped quickly each time. Around 7:30 the thunder began and I'm sure the rain will follow soon. Off to my review of maps for tomorrow then to bed.
Date: 2011-04-09
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night around 7:30 when we were settling into the shelter the storm finally hit. The thunder had been around the area for hours but this time it meant business. There was lightning and thunder followed by hail that hit the metal shelter roof like someone was throwing tons of marbles at us. The noise continued for a few minutes until it turned to all rain. There was another storm during the night but by morning it was just damp and warm out. Left at first light to a misty damp humid morning. It was the first time I started out in shorts and a t-shirt. The first couple of miles were a mild walk down just priming you for the 4 mile 2200' climb up Buzzard Rock and White Top. The cloudy morning made the hike up easier but still not easy. There are many rocks and much water on the trail. But I still got up to the top quicker than I thought and the sky looked like it was trying to clear. The trail leveled for a couple of miles before dropping into Elk Garden. You climb out of there for about 2.5 miles and you are up around 5500' at Mt Rogers. Another couple of miles and you are at the Thomas Knob Shelter. There were at least 30 people in the area of the shelter, mostly just looking around and getting ready to hike somewhere. I ate lunch and moved on. As you go down the trail I saw another 30 or 40 people and scouts preparing to camp. This is a very popular location for weekend trips. I moved on around the mountain past the Wise Shelter and decided to just keep going. The weather at this point was nice and clear. There were a number of ponies along the trail that would come up to you to lick the salt off your arms. As I got past the ponies I started hearing thunder and began to move quicker. Unfortunately, I couldn't outrun the rain. I had to wear rainwwear for almost 5 miles but never really felt the full brunt of the storm. After getting to Old Orchard Shelter I got water quickly and settled in before the big thunderstorm hit around dinner time. The storms the last few days have been very violent with much lightning, thunder and rain. Tomorrow is supposed to be hot and clear.
Date: 2011-04-10
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Rt 16 Marion VA
Miles today: 24.7

Woke early around 6:00 to a warm morning. Left the shelter around 7:00 since it is starting to get light earlier. I knew that it was going to be hot today and had planned on going to Trimpi Shelter which is 14.1 miles. The sun was up early and it was getting hot quickly. However, because of the early start, I was past the climb up Iron Mtn and past the Hurricane Mtn Shelter by 9:00. The next few miles to Comers Creek and Dickey Gap are relatively level with a number of rocks. I took a break and it wasn't too long before moving on up the last planned climb of the day. It was only around 1:30 so I decided not to go down to the shelter but continue on. I figured I could find a good camping spot a few miles up the trail since it was mostly flat. I was still making good time but feeling more tired under the beating sun. I just kept going until I was almost at.Partnership Shelter. I was feeling so hot and sunburned that I decided not to stay at the shelter but to try my luck at thumping into Marion for a room for the night. I just wanted to get cooled off, a nice shower and food. Goose and I got a ride from a nice couple into town in the back of a pickup. The shower was great and pizza hit the spot. We made arrangements with a taxi service to drop us back at the Visitors Center in the morning. I was set for the night.
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Rt 16 Marion VA

To: Atkins VA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

We were up around 6:00 and were picked up by the taxi at 6:45 for our ride back to the trail. We started hiking around 7:15 very happy for our side trip. It was a beautiful morning. The birds were all singing as the flowers are beginning to bloom. There was a good breeze that kept things cool all morning and kept the newly hatched bugs at bay. The trail is very rocky almost the whole length to town, just as the previous days. The climbs were all within the first 7 miles before the Chatfield Shelter where the trail then continues mostly downhill until Atkins. We hit the Relax Inn around noon, dropped our packs after checking our food and headed to the Barn for lunch. We checked out the resupply options and came back to the hotel for showers and rest. The sun is out bright this afternoon and I do not miss being out in it. I got more than my share of sun over the last 2 days and just can't wait until the trees get leaves so I can walk under a canopy.
Date: 2011-04-12
From: Atkins VA

To: Atkins VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Took a zero today based on the 90% predicted rain forecast. It threatened many times but did not rain in Atkins until around 2:00. We probably could have made the shelter 14.0 miles out if we had hiked. It's always hard to say but today was just one of those days when the weather was mostly wrong.
Date: 2011-04-13
From: Atkins VA

To: Lick Creek
Miles today: 18.1

I was over at the Eats & Treats restaurant for breakfast at 6:40. After a sausage, egg & cheese biscuit I was on the road around 7:00. The sky was overcast with a pretty strong cool breeze. I had my fleece on over a short sleeve shirt and was fairly cool most of the morning. The weather had today as a beautiful day so I was hoping they weren't wrong. Naturally coming out of town you expect to climb. But the first 3 climbs weren't that bad. The only problem was that it was still cool and as you climb you sweat. The breeze would then cause some cold damp feeling until the next climb. At around 9:30 the breeze finally pushed the clouds away and the sun came out giving instant relief. Within a half hour the fleece came off and wasn't needed the rest of the day. It was a beautiful day with highs around 60 and sunny. The cool breeze stayed around but helped to temper the sun. It's amazing how the sun can change your whole attitude in a matter of minutes. A lot of the hiking today was through easements on farmland in the area. It was a walk through green pastures with views of the great Virginia countryside. I wish I could paint because this is the kind of painting everyone wants on their wall. The walk overall was great but still a good workout. I got to the Lick Creek footbridge around 3:15 and decided that 17.5 miles was enough for today. My dogs were barking and I was feeling tired. Goose and I camped right across the bridge next to the river. We had dinner early and sat around a campfire almost until dark. We plan to leave early tomorrow and do what miles we can in our quest to get as far as we can these next few days before the predicted rain hits Saturday. In the sack and lights out @ 8:19.
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Lick Creek

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It is now getting light earlier so I can start earlier. Maybe I just never noticed because we haven't had many mornings that started out with clear skies. We left at 6:45. The trail was a smooth climb for a mile then it was a tougher grinding climb for another mile or two until we reached the 3 mile climb up to Chestnut Knob. You walk through many open fields on the way up listening to the birds while enjoying the cool morning breeze in the bright sun. We were on top by 9:30 and after a short break ,continued on. The trail dropped quickly over the next 1.5 miles which was the start of a rocky day. The next 8 miles look almost flat on the map. The trail, however, is far from it. There are many small up and downs that in themselves would not have been a problem. However, this section is covered in rock and the trail climbs over almost everyone of them. The larger rock section are completely uncovered so the sun constantly beats on you making hydration a problem in a section of little water. It was slow going and by the time I got to Jenkins Shelter around 3:00 I was beat, thirsty and sunburned. Needless to say, my plans of going another 5 miles were quickly bypassed. Many others made the same choice. There were 8 in the shelter, 2 in tents and 5 cowboy camped.
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Got going around 6:45 with a cool breeze and clear sky. The trail out of the shelter was surprisingly smooth and rockfree. This made for some great walking. There were only a few climbs that were relatively mild. The sun seemed to be on the other side of the mountain and a nice cool breeze made for a great morning walk. Was at the shelter 14 miles away by 12:15. It was a no brainer that I was continuing. The winds began to blow and the sun disappeared behind some heavy clouds. It looked like rain but never did. By around 4:00 I had the other 10 done and was at shelter. I wish all trail was this smooth.
Date: 2011-04-16
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: moderate rain

Well it rained very heavy the other night and the whole morning. Not much to say about the rainy day. When it rains you just walk, rarely take a break and just hike until you get home for the night. Got into Pearisburg, supplied, cleaned up, ate and sleep. Weather is looking up for next few days. Maybe I can get to Daleville without any more of this crap.
Date: 2011-04-17
From: Pearisburg

To: Camp past Pine Branch Shelter
Miles today: 20.8

Was up by 6:00 and over to the Hardie's Restaurant for breakfast by 6:30. Back at the trail it wound around under the bridge and continued level for a few miles before climbing up 1800' to Rice Field. It was a windy but great day to be on top. We didn't stop but kept on going over the grassy fields to Symms Gap where we took a break. This area was very nice walking on a nice day. It was very winding but felt good as we moved along. The only problem again will be the amount of sun I took. It just seemed like today rolled along. Maybe it was the town food from yesterday and this morning that provided the energy. Either way, I like the start to this week. There was a little climbing to get up Pine Swamp Ridge but nothing major. After a mile of easy walking you drop down about 1200' to the Pine Swamp Shelter. We continued on for another 1.5 miles to a nice area near Dismal Branch. It was a calm night with a fairly clear sky. Don't think we will see any rain tonight.
Date: 2011-04-18
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

4/18/2011Started around 6:45 with a mild couple of miles before a 1400' climb up to Bailey Gap Shelter. Once up the trail is fairly smooth for next 7 miles before dropping almost 2000' over next 2 miles past the War Spur Shelter to Johns Creek Valley. It was cloudy and cool even to this point with times that were full sun. The next climb was up almost 1800' over 3 miles but seemed much steeper and harder than any I can remember in a long time. Another mile, another drop of 1000' and we were at the Laurel Creek Shelter. There is a nice pile of dry wood at the shelter which will provided a good cooking fire followed closely by a good campfire. Nice night even though it has showered a few times.
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Left the shelter by 6:45 starting off with a gradual downhill for about 2.5 miles. The trail comes down to VA 42 through a farm field that resembles a swamp. There is water everywhere and no way to get around it without getting your shoes wet. There is a little numb that takes you through some more fields with great views of farms and farm houses in the area. After climbing one of many stills you cross VA 630 before entering another field. It isn't too far until you come to the Keffer Oak tree which is 18' around and over 300 years old. It isn't long before you start a 1300' climb that finally levels off near the trail to the Sarver Hollow Shelter. This climb was another nasty climb on par with the one yesterday. I keep thinking I'm back in Georgia. The good thing is that it is cloudy and cool with a nice breeze that help keep you moving. After leveling off the trail became rocky then more rocky until you were actually walking across nothing but rock. The remaining 6 miles were all on some form of rocks. However, even though the sun came out and warmed things up a lot, I made great time and was at Niday Shelter by 12:30. I was tired but this was the destination for today. I am planning on a few low mileage days to arrive in Daleville on Saturday. Not sure of tomorrow's weather but Thursday is supposed to be great. Plan to go to Pickle Branch tomorrow them Dragon's Tooth and maybe McAfee. Not sure but weather will dictate. I'll check that when I get to the top of a mountain tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-20
From: Niday Shelter

To: Catawba Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 24.9
Weather: few clouds

Spent last night at Niday Shelter with Goose, One Grey Wolf, La La, Moose and Frank the Tank. Again it threatened rain but was not raining. We left around 6:45 with the intention of getting only to the Pickle Branch Shelter 10 miles away. It's an early start for a short day but we didn't want to get wet. The trail was down slightly for the first 1.5 miles as a warm for the 1500' climb over next 2 miles. The climb was fairly well graded and not as bad as it looked on the map. There is a bench at the top where I took a minute to get the weather report. It was 50% chance of showers and thunder showers. The sky was very cloudy with some real muggy air. It was so humid for a few tenths then you would feel a cold breeze that felt 20 degrees cooler. Another tenth and the warm air returned. The difference in temps was drastic and quick. The breeze started to pick up and the sky was covered with heavy gray storm clouds. I was getting mentally prepare for a thorough dousing as the clouds moved in. I thought about where the rain coat, pants and pack cover were so when I stop I can throw them on in a matter off a minute. There was no way this storm would miss. I kept walking waiting for the first drops to fall. They never did. With the adrenaline from trying to beat this storm I was at Trout Creek, a mile from Pickle Branch, around 10:00. At this point Goose and I decided to test fate and go for it. At this point we planned to go another 7+ miles to the store @ rt 624 and then probably camp a mile or so up above the road. That way we could walk tomorrow in nice weather and walk the final 9 from Lambert's Meadow shelter into town in the rain on Friday. It was a tough climb up to Dragon's Touth with all the rocks. I was getting tired and hungry but didn't want to stop until the store. This was not a good decision but the weather was still threatening and I didn't want to chance a lunch break. No real views after getting there and then the rock climb down was even worse. I was so happy when we finally got to the store around 2:30 to have lunch and resupply. I didn't need too much. In the short time the skies cleared and the sun was out. We decided we would go for the gusto and hike another 8 to Catawba Mtn Shelter. I wasn't sure what time I would get there but figured I would try. I was very tired after a few miles but the final few up to the shelter were not that bad. It was after 6:00 but worth it. We could now get over McAfee and Tinker Cliffs in nice weather. I ate and was in bed early. Johnny Appleseed and Mango also at shelter.