morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-04-23
From: Stealth campsite past Symms Gap/Mile 650.2

To: Wind Rock/Mile 663.6
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

This was not a fun day. I barely slept because of howling winds all night. Nothing else to do I started hiking at 7:15. Cloudy and cold and windy. The early hike was a ridge walk through hardwood forests and then a long descent to the Pine Swamp Branch shelter where Legs and I had breakfast. Although forecasted at 70%, at noon we still had no rain. The trail rolled but brought us down further to and along Stoney Creek, where I passed the YouTube famous "The Captains."The climb out of Stoney Creek up to Bailey Gap shelter was unexpectedly difficult! It reminded briefly of Jacobs Ladder. I cooked a late lunch at the shelter and then headed off for Wind Rock. The trail was very rocky and slow going - and not fun. I saw no one but two older gentlemen with just day packs "thru-hiking" by using two vehicles and walking towards each other and swapping car keys. The rain started out lightly but 45 minutes before I reached camp it picked up, so I had to setup the tent quickly. I got my gear inside, settled in, warmed up and spent the late afternoon and early evening listening to the rain and wind and working on my journal.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-04-24
From: Wind Rock/Mile 663.6

To: Rocky Gap/Mile 671.3
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light rain

After a night of tremendous rain and wind, where I tented alone for the first time, I woke to continual rain pelting the tent. Concerned that I might have a trail of rocks like the previous day, I was able to text Super Dave and rearrange the pickup to go off trail. During a lull in the rain, I scurried about to pack and take down the tent.The morning was cold and rainy. I wore rain pants. Climbing down to Bailey Gap, I crossed two senior hikers heading south. I went to the shelter for brunch. I cooked a Mountain House and visited with Jello (section hiker going SOBO) and Packmule & Finash (who had hammocked there but left by shortly after 11:30 when I arrived).After a longer than usual break, I headed out in the cold rain to meet up with Super Dave. I had just one significant 2-mile climb to complete. The first mile was pleasant, but the last mile up to Rocky Gap was quite vertical. I had caught up to Packmule & Finash. The three of us got to Rocky Gap at the same time. Super Dave grilled dogs and had soft drinks. Packmule & Finash were struggling so they decided to come to Microtel with me and joined us for dinner, which was at the home of Chris & Sue Tuck.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-04-25
From: Rocky Gap/Mile 671.3

To: Niday Shelter/Mile 686.7
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

Day of varied experiences. Initially a short but tough climb up on old abandoned, rocky forest road. Then an easy walk down to shelter where I ran into and hiked with Sleeves for a while. Stopped at Laurel Creek shelter and had lunch - joined by Shortcutz (podcast fan), Stretch and then Packmule and Finash.Immediately after the shelter there were two, very difficult creek crossings due to the flooding of the creeks - it took 15 to 20 minutes and some ingenuity (and some scary steps) to navigate a 15-yard crossing. I then enjoyed a beautiful hike (down to Sinking Creek/US 42) along a pine needle floor through a mixed forest of hardwoods and evergreens, including much new, low growth and mountain laurels. It was dramatically more pleasant than the previous day's hike through similar forests devastated by gypsy moths and a fairly recent forest fire. The AT here followed a ridge and, not surprisingly, due to the presence of the evergreens and pine needle path is called Piney Ridge.After crossing US 42, I ran into Riddle and Liddle (now, Sink and Shivers) picking up their bear bag hung four days earlier. We then came across the Keffer Oak before attacking the toughest climb of the day - 2 miles up, which was followed by very flat and pleasant ridge walking. Ran into Fun Facts and Not Dead. This was followed by a very lengthy stretch of difficult and very angular ridge rocks. This area was frustrating and slow. I fell from sliding on flat, wet rock. I was irritated, probably because I was tiring. That said, it would have been essentially impassable on a raining day like two days prior. (Scars reported that Footloose took two very hard falls in this stretch on those days.)Finally, the rocks ended and I still had two miles downhill to the shelter. I arrived a little after 7 pm, my latest hiking day. Double Vision, Armor and a few others there. Tented, filtered water, cooked/ate and retired quickly. Stretch and Shortcutz moved on. Sink and Shivers arrived after dark.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-04-26
From: Niday Shelter/Mile 686.7

To: Newport Road-VA 624/Mile 703.4
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

Up at 6:00 am. Packed and hiked 1.4 miles to meet Mike Hastings. Beautiful day in all respects. We had an immediate and significant uphill right away. I set a steady and deliberate pace. The trail design and condition were exceptional. Before we knew it we had made the climb and we were at the Audie Murphy Memorial. From there the trail was as wide, grassy/earthen and flat as any part of the trail prior. We eventually made a long descent to Trout Creek where Mike and I had lunch before heading straight back up again.The climb was again very manageable with many great views of the surrounding mountains and farmland as we headed for Dragons Tooth, the day's highlight and one of the iconic points of interest on the AT. Getting to Dragons Tooth required ridge walking around and through various rock formations that were somewhat challenging at times but not as dangerous as the rocks/ridgeline above Niday shelter the prior day. The climb down from Dragons Tooth was very difficult and working through the rocks (and constantly trying to ease ourselves down steep terrain) continued for a considerable period. And, after we thought we were through, they started again along a piney ridge of rocks and pine needles. It tried our patience but eventually arrived where Mary was waiting for us (just 5 minutes late).We headed over the The Homeplace for dinner - a well-known hiker stop. I was greeted by an amazing number of fellow hikers already there: Shortcutz, Stretch, Pit Bull, Play by Play, Sleeves, and others. Back to Hastings home for evening.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-04-27
From: Newport Road-VA 624/Mile 703.4

To: VA 311/Mile 709.4
Miles today: 6.0

Mike Hastings drove me back to VA #624. Shortcutz was there just starting to hike north, so I joined him. We enjoyed the initial hike through farmland and then a climb. We ran into Scars slacking southbound. I finished up the easy, short section by 11:20 and Bill Callahan picked me up at 11:30. We had lunch in Salen and then checked into Hotel Roanoke.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-04-28
From: VA 311/Mile 709.4

To: Andy Layne Trail/Mile 719.2
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: clear sky

Hike with Cheryl, Herns and Crosbys to McAfees Knob and Tinker Cliffs. Ned, Kathy and Pam went back to car. Mike, Cheryl and I went on and did 13 miles (10 on AT and 3 on Andy Layne Trail).Simply a perfect day with friends.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-04-29
From: Andy Layne Trail/Mile 719.2

To: Daleville/Mile 729.2
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Cheryl dropped me off at Andy Layne parking lot around 8:30 am. I was dreading the steep 3-mile climb back to the AT, however, it was over much more quickly than anticipated. It was surprisingly cold even though we had brilliant sun. I had to stop and put on gloves even though I had a strenuous uphill.From the junction with the AT, I had 10 miles, mostly downhill. The hike was within the trees and uneventful but after a modest climb up to Hay Rock, there was an interesting ridge walk among and around and over large rocks and rock formations. These rocks were much more manageable, not dangerous and actually fun. Most of this 2-mile stretch was pine needles, evergreens, and rock formations. This section also had some great views because the weather remained sunny and clear.The hike finished with a significant downhill into Daleville that dropped the hiker off on the busy VA 220. My Super 8 was just across the street. I had dinner with Sleeves at Three Little Pigs - well-known and highly recommended on the Trail. It did not disappoint.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-04-30
From: Daleville/Mile 729.2

To: Stealth camp near Bobblets Gap shelter (below Bobblets Overlook BRP)/Mile 747.7
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

I started this ambitious day (I planned a day of over 18 miles) around 8:00 am after seeing Sleeves and Play by Play at the motel. After a gentle hike through meadow and forest between Daleville and Troutville, a long climb began - a little over 1,000 feet and 4 miles. The rest of the day was a rolling set of miscellaneous ups and downs - nothing terribly hard, just a long day. Fortunately, my back (which I had rested over the weekend) handled the pack well.I had targeted Bobblets Gap shelter, but learned during the day that tenting there was poor. I found a site to tent and a "tramily" of six and Hops joined me.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-05-01
From: Stealth camp near Bobblets Gap shelter (below Bobblets Overlook BRP)/Mile 747.7

To: Bryant Ridge shelter/Mile 761.2
Miles today: 13.5

Up and out by 7:00 am. Immediately ran into Professor (X) and Moose. The early part of the day was easy hiking as the Trail rolled next to and crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway a few times. The views were excellent. I stopped at Bearwallow Gap/VA 43 for breakfast.  I then had a modest climb up Cove Mountain followed mostly be downhill including a long, gradual descent to Jennings Creek where I met Gerald Ransone who took me (and Professor and Moose) to lunch in Buchanan.After lunch there was immediately a steep climb - causing me to sweat a lot as the temperature neared 80 - followed by mostly a downhill to the shelter. Surprisingly, just Professor, Moose and I tented. No one came to use the shelter or camp with us. First night it was too warm to use my sleeping bag, but by morning I was tucked into it.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-05-02
From: Bryant Ridge shelter/Mile 761.2

To: Harrison Ground Spring/Mile 774.6
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Not my best day. Woke early with Professor and Moose. Out by 6:30 am. First thing was 4-mile climb (2,300 feet) up Floyd Mountain. Morning was fairly cool but temperatures over 80 were forecast. I was a bit sluggish but paced my way up the climb. I gathered water before the summit, skipped Cornelius Creek shelter and moved on to the second climb (1,000 feet and 1.5 miles) of the day - Apple Orchard Mountain.I planned to lunch at the top of Apple Orchard Mountain, but my back started hurting, the day got warmer and I needed a meal sooner, so I found a spot to have peanut butter tortilla, mangos and a Snickers. I noticed I had good cell coverage, so I did an interview for the podcast with Mighty Blue. I pressed out almost another hour and finally saw the white globe of the FAA tower atop Apple Orchard Mountain. I was hot, tired and my back hurt. Fortunately, I only had about four more miles to complete the day. It had been tough and lonely day - finally ran into a section hiker at Thunder Hill shelter when I stopped for water.I had a brief stop at Thunder Ridge Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but views to valley west showed a fairly thick haze. Tired, I made my way to the tenting area by 5:00 pm. I was alone and expected to tent alone, but Slider came in to tent. The bugs - which really showed themselves for the first time in 68 days - chased me into my tent. Then a large crowd showed up - most of the gang I tented with near Bobblets Gap two nights ago.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-05-03
From: Harrison Ground Spring/Mile 774.6

To: US 501-Glasgow/Mile 786
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

I was up and out by 7:00 am. It was already very warm for that hour. The initial hike was easy but I was having trouble getting my pack to ride comfortably - just as yesterday. It was like a reluctant pack mule - my back kicked and resisted but eventually seemed to settle in and accept the load later in the day.There was one reasonably big climb (up Highcock Knob), which proved to be even tougher than suggested because it was more vertical rather than gradual (the climbed lacked switchbacks). Even at 9:00 am I was sweating a lot.Determined not to let my back ruin my thru-hike I wanted to rest it sooner rather than later so I decided to have a short day into the Glasgow hostel and to do a slackpack the following day. I ran into Blueberry & Pickle and Eskimo during a water/lunch break. Otherwise, it was a quiet day.The balance of my day was descending to the James River and enjoying a flat hike along that River to the foot bridge (actually named after "Mr. Foot," a long time trail volunteer) - well-recognized on the Trail as it is the longest foot-traffic-only bridge on the AT (and a favorite spot for thru-hikers to jump off the bridge and into the river).After crossing the "iconic" bridge - which in person was much larger than I had thought from photos and YouTube videos - I was greeted by trail magic (cold drink and a comfortable chair). Thirty minutes later, Stanimal's hostel picked me up. Only three senior Gus staying there - Granite Man and BigFoot (section hiker).BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-05-04
From: US 501-Glasgow/Mile 786

To: US 60/Mile 807.8
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: overcast clouds

[This section was hiked southbound and is described that way.]The trail immediately headed downhill on pleasant packed earth and pine needles first to the shelter and then to a small "valley" that was settled by freed slaves. The trail followed a beautiful stream and eventually lead to a reservoir that reminded me of New England, especially CT, MA, and ME. Hiking southbound I ran into most in my "bubble" including Stretch, Shortcutz, Colonial, Sleeves and Fun Facts' tramily.The pleasant, easy morning hike ended after around 6 miles as I approached the big climbs of the day up Punchbowl Mountain and ultimately, Bluff Mountain. For me "Bluff Mountain" will always have a vivid memory of me fighting blizzard conditions including snow drifting to my knees. Even a beautifully designed and pleasant path on a relatively nice day could alter the image and experience that is conjured up when I read or hear "Bluff Mountain" even though the winter scene was weeks ago outside of Hot Springs, NC.The hike up was remarkably easy and pleasant considering the mountain's profile. I ran into Pit Boss and Play by Play and at the summit, Professor (Moose had gotten off the Trail, having completed the 300 mile section planned). After the summit, where we enjoyed nice views, the day was a dash across the top of the mountain and a lengthy descent back to the James River, which was uneventful except for additional beautiful views. I finished the 21 mile day just before 7:00 pm shuttle to hostel and dinner at Scotto's in Glasgow.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-05-05
From: US 60/Mile 807.8

To: Spy Rock Road/Mile 824.1
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

The day began immediately with a long, three-mile, hard ascent of Bald Knob. I was concerned about my back but made the climb surprisingly quickly and relatively easily. This was followed by a descent and then a nice hike through rolling grassy meadows. Rain was forecast and threatened, but it never came. Although often cloudy there were many overlooks and excellent views.Midday I descended further and had a lunch break where I had a long walk to replenish water. This meadow was followed by another grassy "bald". The walk was pleasant. The rain held off but my back pain returned. I saw only one thru hiker the entire day. I got some good work done on the plot for my novel while I walked.The last third of the day was overcast and the trail was generally uninteresting. I may have figured out some pack adjustments, however, that seem to have helped my back.I rolled into Spy Rock Road to meet Sleeves, who hiked down the road with me to meet Wally and Ned. We had a good dinner at Devils Backbone and then went to Quality Inn in Waynesboro.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-05-06
From: Spy Rock Road/Mile 824.1

To: Loft Mountain campground/Mile 890.4
Miles today: 66.3
Weather: light rain

[The basic rule to complete properly a "thru-hike" of the Appalachian Trail is to walk its entire length (this year: 2,190 miles) within any 12-month period. In the fall of 2017 I did most of my "shakedown" hikes on the AT north and south of Rockfish Gap - the point on the Trail that is closest to my home. When I realized I might have to come off the Trail for Brooke's PhD graduation, I made an effort to cover a 50-mile stretch from south of the Shenandoah National Park into the Park and some miles north. More specifically I hiked from Spy Rock to a trailhead on the Skyline Drive at Mile 877. Thus, this Trail Journal report connects the miles between Spy Rock and Mile 877, as well as the thirteen miles hike specifically on May 6.]*****After breakfast at the Quality Inn with Sleeves, Ned and Wally, I had a Mighty Blue interview. We then drove to Loft Mountain campground and set up our tents.  Ned drops us at Mile 877 and we hiked north back to Loft Mountain.Despite the forecast, the weather remained fine and we avoided any rain. We immediately experienced the great quality of the trails in the Shenandoah as well as exceptional trail design.We reached Loft Mountain in time to enjoy burgers and blackberry milkshakes for dinner.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-05-07
From: Hightop Mountain parking/Mile 907.2

To: Loft Mountain campground/Mile 890.4
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

[This section was hiked southbound.]The day was beautiful to partly sunny. Cool but at times warm.We ran into Atlas, CraftE, Jacolope, and a few other NOBO thru hikers.RTK ran into low lying tree and gauged the top of head.A long day of rolling over relatively short climbs followed by equi-distant descents.Some good views but mostly within the ever greening tunnel.Lunch break with Wally at Ranger Station - picnic table and water source.Wally began tiring at end of the ascents.Finished with dash to wayside.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-05-08
From: Hightop Mountain parking/Mile 907.2

To: Big Meadows campground/Mile 925.9
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: light rain

Wally and I broke the day - which we knew was a tall order: over 18 miles - into thirds. The first was a six mile stretch that included two, 2-mile climbs. By focused attention to a steady pace, we conquered the first third. The morning was brilliant weather but clouded up most of midday.The next six miles rolled through woodland without any views or points of interest except we were able to have lunch at Lewis Mountain campground. After climbing Bearfence Mountain, Wally waited for a ride at a Skyline Drive parking lot and I finished the last 6 miles by myself. The afternoon changed back to the brilliant sky with a cool breeze - wonderful conditions for the hike. The late afternoon light seemed to help illuminate the wildflowers. I made very good time on an excellent trail.We tented at Big Meadows campground. Wally had been able to buy some wine, which we enjoyed with our Trailtopia.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...