morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-13
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: VA 785 near Catawba, VA
Miles today: 7.6

Section Hike 08-23C, Pickle Branch Shelter to VA 785 near Catawba, VA.Day three, 7.6 Miles, Pick-Up Today, Northbound.   Sunday, 13 July 2008 - Today I end my section hike, so I am eager to be on my way. I am the first to leave the shelter and as I depart, I comment to the hikers in the shelter, that we should have an easy day because the elevation profile indicates only a couple of climbs and a gradual descent.   When I reach the top of my first climb, I realize that my prediction of having an easy day of hiking may have been in error. I encounter a large number of rock scrambles over jagged rock formations. These rocks are the hardest scrambles that I have had on my hikes so far. At times, the climb requires that I hold on with my hands as I make my way down the rock surfaces. Several times the rock face is so steep that it requires built in steel rungs on the face of the rock to get down. The trail has become more of an obstacle course than a hike. Once over the rock scrambles, I head towards Dragon's Tooth, a tall rock monolith.   Dragon's Tooth is a rock spire of granite that rises about 80 feet and is surrounded by very large boulders. From Dragon's Tooth you get a view of the Catawba Valley, McAffee Knob and Big Tinker Mountain, all future landmarks that will be on the trail. You can climb up the face of Dragon's Tooth and a couple of the hikers who were at the shelter last night are perched about half way up the Tooth. I wave, wish them well and decline their invitation to climb up the face.    On the last part of my hike, I come to another large rock ledge, Rawies Rest. It offers another great view of Catawba Valley, but its too hazy for any kind of picture. Shortly after Rawies Rest, after a gradual descent, I reach my pick up point and Judy is waiting. We head back to Salem, VA and our home on wheels. It has been an interesting hike, but I am glad to be back in civilization.
Date: 2008-07-15
From: Black Horse Gap (BRP 97.7)

To: US 220 in Daleville, VA
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

Section Hike 08-26A, Black Horse Gap (BRP 97.7) to US 220 (Daleville, VA).Day hike, 13.6 Miles, Southbound.   Tuesday, 15 July 2008 - Most of the AT follows the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) around the Waynesboro, VA area. However, this day hike will take me away from the BRP enough so that I will not hear the road noises. I start out early and the air is cool for July. The footpath is narrow, but well graded, making for a nice path. The only negative aspect is having to wipe wet cobwebs from my face as I am the first hiker along this section of trail. There will be very few opportunities for a good view today.    Reaching Blue Knob, I get a clear view of the valley, this will turn out to be my only real clear view for the day. Stopped at Wilson Creek Shelter to sign the Trail Register. It looks like a good location complete with water in a stream. That is good because many of the water sources are almost dry this time of the year. Down from the shelter I cross Little Wilson Creek. The creek is almost dry except for a very small tricle of water that would be just about enough to get water if you were desperate. Around mile six I am in a dense forest where the sunlight filters into the forest floor, but it is still dark and damp. At the crest of Fullhardt Knob, the trail becomes grassy, very narrow and is up to my knees. In fact there are a few times when the grass comes up to my belt line. At the end of my hike today, I will have to check myself for ticks.    I had told Judy to meet me at US 11 (11.5 miles) in case it rained, but the weather looks good. Before I cross US 11, I stop for the traffic and see Judy coming in the car. Our timing was perfect. Tell Judy to meet me at US 220 a mile and a half down the trail. Entering another dense woods and I can now hear the Interstate 81 traffic. My pick up point is just across the Interstate. After the Interstate, I can see US 220, but first there is a nice blackberry patch, so I stop and help myself and pick some extra for Judy. Since I have not been hiking steady for about two months, I am tired, but I can feel myself getting stronger with each hike. Most of my July hikes will be day hikes since the road access is easy, especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Date: 2008-07-16
From: Black Horse Gap (BRP 97.7)

To: Bearwallow Gap (VA 43)
Miles today: 7.4

Section Hike 08-26B, Black Horse Gap (BRP 97.7) to Bearwallow Gap (VA 43).Day Hike, 7.4 Miles, Northbound.   Wednesday, 16 July 2008 - Much of today's hike will follow next to the Blue Ridge Parkway. In fact, I will cross the Blue Ridge Parkway three times in my 7.4 miles trek. When the Appalachian Trail (AT) was laid out it followed the beautiful ridge lines of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Then later, when the Blue Ridge Parkway was planned, the surveyors found that the AT was in the best place for the Parkway to offer views and a scenic drive. As a result, from Waynesboro north, the AT and the BRP follow each other all the way to and through the Shenandoah National Park.   Black Horse Gap was one of the east to west passages crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is said that there was a person at the top of the ridge that would signal a mountain gate toll house below the ridge, telling them how many travelers to expect for dinner and lodging.   My first BRP crossing was at Taylor Mountain Overlook. Judy followed me in the car along the BRP and met me at each crossing. She would go on and take pictures from the overlooks and wait for me to arrive. Second crossing was at Harvey's Knob Overlook. When I reached the side trail to Bobblet's Gap Shelter, but I did not go to the shelter.    The last BRP crossing was at Peaks of Otter Overlook. From the overlook you can see the Peaks of Otter. The Peaks are across the valley about six miles and a very popular hiking area. My last two miles into Bearwallow Gap was a very nice walk with a wide path and a gradual elevation drop to my pick up point. There are wild flowers all along the trail and on the forest floor. I arrive at Bearwallow Gap and Judy is waiting where the trail crosses VA 43. I don't feel the least bit tired, but this was a short hike and hiking with a day pack (my camelback) makes a big difference.
Date: 2008-07-19
From: Punchbowl Mountain Crossing (BRP 51.7).

To: US 60 near Buena Vista, VA.
Miles today: 10.2

Section Hike 08-28A, Punchbowl Mountain Crossing (BRP 51.7) to US 60 near Buena Vista, VA., Day Hike, 10.2 Miles, Northbound.   Saturday, 19 July 2008 - This day hike will move away from the Blue Ridge Parkway and head out east and then north towards US 60 near Buena Vista, VA. It will cover 10.2 miles, but is considered an easy hike. The terrain is becoming more "hiker friendly" now with more rolling ridges and flat section on top of the ridges. Flat section means that the trail goes up and down, but not in any large elevation changes.    For once, I will not have any major climbs or descents at the start of my hike. Instead, I have a reasonable rolling ridge with several PUDS (pointless ups and downs). I reach the summit of Rice Mountain and I have a rewarding view. I start my only major downhill effort and when I finish my descent, I come to Little Irish Creek. I have gone through an old growth virgin forest where the trees are taller than any I have seen on my hikes this summer. I follow several mountain streams and cross back and forth over foot bridges.    Being a little over half way through my hike, I have seen more mushrooms of every color and size than every before. The deer are out and I have sighted six deer in just four hours. One of the deer just stands next to the trail and I get within ten feet of the deer before it slowly walks into the woods.    Another larger foot bridge crosses over Brown Mountain Creek. Brown Mountain Creek is a beautiful mountain stream with large boulders that form small pools of water. The flow tumbles over the bounders and makes small waterfalls that flow into the pools.    I see a shelter ahead. I have now reached Brown Mountain Creek Trail Shelter. I stop and sign the Trail Register. I leave a note for two Thur-Hikers I met a couple of days ago. I was hiking south and they were going north. Now when they read my note, they will wonder how I got up the trail so fast or when I passed them.    Following the stream, there is a flat gap between two mountains where about a hundred freed slaves establish some tenant farms in the early 1900s. I can see the rock foundations and parts of the home walls next to the stream. I am sure that in their time, they had cleared the area of trees for their farms. Now nature has reclaimed the land and trees are growing all over the place.    Finish my day hike at the wayside of US 60. I just arrive at a picnic table beside the road and Judy pulls up. We have a good lunch and then head home. During the summer, I like doing day hikes as that lets me return to our RV, clean up, relax and sleep in my own bed. That the way to hike the AT.
Date: 2008-07-20
From: Salt Log Gap

To: US 60 near Buena Vista, VA.
Miles today: 8.5

Section Hike 08-30, Salt Log Gap to US 60 near Buena Vista, VA.Day Hike, 8.5 Miles, Southbound.   Sunday, 20 July 2008 - Great weather for a day hike. Trying to close out some missed section near Buena Vista where we are camped with the RV. This may be my last hike for a couple of months. Judy's Dad is not well, so we will return to Florida.    I start my hike, the path is very nice and I will probably make good time today. Heading southbound in order to have a long descend at the end rather than a long climb in the beginning. An hour into my hike and I have made a climb of six hundred feet along a gentle rise, reaching the crest of Tar Jacket Ridge. The ridge gets its name from the many thorny thickets that are found all along the ridge. The local population would warn visitors that they should be careful or they would "tar their jackets." After Tar Jacket Ridge, I will be going across a couple of balds and should have some good views.   At Hog Camp Gap there is a big parking area with several cars. This is a junction where about four trails join and cross, so its a popular spot for day hikers. I have not had to wipe my face from morning cobwebs, so there must have been a hiker over the trail already.   As I exit the woods, the bald that is Cold Mountain is ahead. It looks like a nice grass climb with views on both sides. There are a lot of wildflowers, so it will be a nice walk. At the summit I do in fact get a great view of the valley on both sides of the summit. Then headed down to Cow Camp Gap. Cow Camp Gap is a very restful place with a small mountain stream running near the trail and a cool breeze blowing gently across the ridge. It has been a busy trail with day hikers, section hikers and Thur-Hikers out.    The trail continues to change from open bald or pasture to wooded forest path. I have not seen any deer or other wildlife, but the wildflowers are everywhere and all kinds. Start my final climb up to the wooded summit of Bald Knob. It was in this area back in 1978 that a Navy Fighter crashed. The Guide Books tell you about where the crash site is located, but it is all over grown and can not be seen.    Into my final descend of just less than two thousand feet. The trail down is easy with many switchbacks and along a gradual ridge to the road. Berries have become ripe and ready for eating, but they won't last very long with all the deer, bears, birds and hikers. Reach the wayside picnic area, sit at a picnic table and wait for Judy, who arrives a few minutes later.
Date: 2008-09-15
From: VA 311 near Catawba, VA

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: broken clouds

Section Hike 08-24A, VA 311 to Lamberts Meadow Shelter.Day one, 10.2 Miles, Northbound   Monday, 15 September 2008 - This is Day one of a two day section hike. I am returning to this section that I skipped over because of personal family affairs back in Florida. Judy dropped me off on VA 311 near Catawba, VA and I was on my way. The hike took me towards the famous viewpoint of McAfee Knob. The ascent is steep, but switchbacks makes for a nice climb. Back in July, I had hiked this short section with my friend, DC Turtle, who lives in Salem, VA. Today, I am hiking alone, but yet I am not alone as there are many hikers on the trail.    Stopped at John Springs Shelter (aka Boy Scout Shelter) and sign the Trail Register. Normally the shelters are placed about ten miles apart, but on this popular section of trail, there are four shelters within the ten mile section. I will pass by three of the shelter and stay at the fourth, Lamberts Meadow Shelter.   Approaching McAfee Knob and it comes upon me all of a sudden. This is one of the most famous and most photographed spots on the entire AT. McAfee Knob is a giant rock outcropping rock finger jutting out twenty feet in mid air. The view from the knob is of the Catawba Valley and Roanoke Valley. You can also see Tinkers Cliffs, a place I will pass later today.    My hiking takes me by Pig Farm campsites, Campbell Shelter, and Brickey's Gap. When I come to Tinkers Cliffs it turns out to be my second highlight of today's hike. Tinkers Cliffs was named after the deserters from the Revolutionary War. The deserters made and repaired pots and pans for the Revolutionary Army. The cliffs are high above the valley floor with some sheer drops. The trail follows the edge of the cliffs for a mile and a half and offers a constant view. You have to be careful as you walk along the edge of the trail and make sure you don't get too involved in the view below. At times the trail is only three feet from the edge of the sheer drops.    I pass the Andy Layne Trail and continue to Lamberts Meadow Shelter. The shelter is located in a nice wooded gap with a nearby spring. While the shelter can sleep six hikers, I end up being the only one in the shelter. I am serenaded by the birds and when it gets dark, I listen to my music and soon sleep finds me.
Date: 2008-09-16
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: US 220 near Daleville, VA.
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Section Hike 08-24B, Lamberts Meadow Shelter to US 220 near Daleville, VA.Day two and Pick-Up day, 9.4 Miles, Northbound.   Tuesday, 16 September 2008 - Awoke at the coming of morning light and when the birds started to sing. For breakfast I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Gathered and packed my gear and out again. The temps is 62 degrees, it is cool, but it is comfortable. I am hiking in hiking shorts and a short sleeve shirt. Just past the shelter there are several very nice level campsites. There are still four tents on the campsites, so I was not alone last night.    The trail follows a ridge with a valley view. Down in the valley I can see a lot of farmlands, roads and patches of forest. There is a cool breeze blowing up over the ridge, so hiking is delightful. Yesterday, I had met a day hiker with his dog going south. We talked a bit and then we were both on our way in opposite directions. Today, as I hike north, I hear a familiar voice ahead and it turns out to be the same hiker I met yesterday with his dog. We stop again, talk a bit and then go our separate ways. Only this time we will probably never see each other again.    At Angels Gap, as I crest the ridge, I hear the first of road noise coming over the ridge from Daleville. The road noise stays with me until I drop down and to the opposite side of the ridge. An hour later I come to a large rock wall where the area is full of rock slabs and large boulders. This turns out to be another good exercise in rock scrambling. Then just when I think the rock slabs will never end, I am out on a nice wide pine needled path along the side of a sheer rock wall rising twenty feet.    The air turns cool and I can hear a stream flowing ahead. Tinkers Creek appears and on the bank I come to the foundation of an old grinding mill. Tinkers Creek has a good flow, but the water is dirty and not fit for drinking. Seconds later, I see Judy coming back up the trail towards me. We take a break at the stream. Then we turn and continue towards the car along the side of US 220. Now I have completed the missing section and we will move the RV on up to Waynesboro, VA. There I will start hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway and into Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park.    On this day we treated ourself to a nice home cooked meal for lunch. We drove over to Daleville and had lunch at "Home Place." This a popular stop for the AT hikers. The food was so good that we return two days later with our friends, Mark and Diana (aka DC Turtle) from Salem, VA.
Date: 2008-09-19
From: Salt Log Gap.

To: Montebello Fish Hatchery Road
Miles today: 8.8

Section Hike 08-31A, Salt Log Gap to Montebello Fish Hatchery Road.Day Hike, 8.8 Miles, Northbound.   Friday, 19 September 2008 - Drove up to a forest service road early this morning. The weather down in the valley was mostly cloudy, but up here at the start of the trail, it is grey with heavy cloud cover and a light fog. I had to borrow Judy's hooded sweatshirt to stay warm. The hike today will be a real "walk in the woods." If the fog lifts, I will have a couple of nice viewing points.   The trail takes me over and along several old railroad and logging road beds. That always makes for easy hiking. I cross another road, Greasy Spring Road. Love all these names. Fog is still in the area and the visibility is only about a hundred feet. Judy's hooded sweatshirt sure feels good and warm. The trail is covered with thousands of acorns, hickory nuts and some chestnuts.    After a good climb, I come to Wolf Rocks, the highest point in my hike today. There is a view from the rocks if you want to climb up the side of the rocks. I pass on the opportunity mostly because of the fog and the surface of the rock is wet and slippery.   A downhill walk gets me to Piney River, a water source in the Guide Book. There is hardly any flow in the river. There are many nice level campsites for the hikers. I took a short break and then moved on northbound. I have not passed any hikers, but the season for section hikers is about over. I have been making good time, the trail is not rocky. Fog is lifting now, but still grey. I see two white tailed deer and they run off into the darkness of the forest. Now I finally pass to southbound section hikers. I reached the top of Elk Pond Mountain only to find no elk, no pond, but a nice forest and a mountain.    There is a shelter on my hike today. Seeley-Woodworth Shelter is located in a nice wooded, yet open area with a lot of nice campsites all around the shelter. There is a good stream just off the trail from the shelter. I stop and have my lunch and then move out again. This is the time of the year when the nuts fall from the trees. I can hear nuts landing all around the forest floor and sometimes they just miss hitting me on the head.    A low gap on the trail is Porters Field (aka Porters Gap). I am taken by the number of apple trees in the area. Some of the trees have nice red apples near the top, but there are enough apples on the trail and beside the trail. I begin a descent towards the Montebello Fish Hatchery. The trail has become very rocky. The Fish Hatchery is a mile off the AT, so I will have to hike down to the pick up point. Judy is hiking back up towards me. We hike down a graded rocky road leading to the Fish Hatchery and to our parked car. I will have to repeat this same hike back up to the trail when I return to head north to the Tye River.
Date: 2008-09-22
From: Montebello Fish Hatchery Road

To: Tye River
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

Section Hike 08-31B, Montebello Fish Hatchery to Tye River.Day Hike, 9.4 Miles, Northbound.   Monday, 22 September 2008 - There will be a challenge in today's hike. I have a 3100 foot elevation change over a four mile distance at the end of my hike. At least it will be a descent and not a climb. Start out at the Fish Hatchery parking area and climb the one mile to the junction of the AT. The climb from the Fish Hatchery to the AT is 900 feet. That warms me up enough. At the start back at the Fish Hatchery lot, I was dressed in a long sleeve shirt and long pants. By time I reach the AT, I change down to hiking shorts and a T-Shirt.    One of the landmarks today is Spy Rock. It offers a view, but you must go on a side trail for half a mile to get to the rock. My hike is long enough already and I have other views coming, so I stay on the trail. The trail is almost level, just rolling and soon I am at the crest of Main Top Mountain. Its rocky all along the trail and I have to watch my step. There are a lot of hikers out today and they are passing going south as well as north. The sun is filtering down through the forest and the air is fresh.    So far the trail keeps alternating between rocky and nice level packed dirt with matted leaves and of course lot of nuts, and I don't mean hikers. The fallen nuts can be a hazard because if you step on a nut and it rolls, you may find yourself on the ground or with a twisted ankle. I have descended to Cash Hollow Rocks, a long broken up sandstone formation along the edge of the ridge. Many of the rocks are the size of houses and the trail works its way around and between the rocks.   Have crossed several roads, one that leads folks to the cascading Crabtree Falls. Judy and I had stopped a few days ago at the lower falls. There are five falls dropping in a cascading fashion over 1200 feet.    I reach the junction of a side trail that goes to The Priest Shelter. I started to walk to the shelter, but half way down the side trail, I saw that several hikers were still at the shelter and had some of their clothes hanging out to dry. They had probably washed their clothes in the nearby stream. So I turn around and return to the AT. My hike today has me in the Religious Range. The Priest (Mountain) is the highest peak in the range. Then there is the Little Priest, The Cardinal, and The Friar. Like I said, I love these names.    A mile and a half after leaving The Priest, I begin my long and steady trek down the mountain to my pick up point. On the way I come to an overlook with a great view. While the view is beautiful, it is hazy. I am looking down into the Tye River Valley. Going down is slow with fist size rocks in the trail, as well as tire size rocks. Finally reach Cripple Creek and there is Judy, who is talking to a couple out for a day hike. She has hiked two miles up the mountain and now we will hike back on down to the car. We hear the road noise and know that we are near the end of our hike.