morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-28
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 19.9

Heaven and Hell. Racquet and I had a nice night in Harper's Ferry (actually Ranson) and the Holiday Inn Express was clean and comfortable. They also had an excellent breakfast buffet. But - as we tried to start the car - nothing! Was not sure if it was battery or alternator and the car was sandwiched in such that we could not get jumper cables to reach and since the power would not engage we could not shift it our of park to roll it out of the space to jump it. Bummer. We called the road side assistance via our insurance and they sent out a truck. In the interim Racquet insisted that I get a ride to Harper's Ferry and get started on my hike while she attended to the car. Called a taxi and managed to get to the trail just before 8 and start my slack pack. Not only did Racquet have to figure out the car but then she had to take my pack to Bear's Den Hostel, 20 miles down the road. Fortunately the car did jump once the mechanic showed up and Autozone did a check and said it was just a weak battery. $140 later and about 9:00 she was on her way! The trail was also heaven and hell. The day was gorgeous - heaven and there were parts of the trail that were great but also some parts that were typical of PA/WV area - lots of rocks - hell! Really can't complain, even with my sore feet I did manage to make the Bear's Den Hostel before 4. Nice place and I got the special, bunk, shower, laundry, a pizza and a pint of Ben and Jerry's! Hope to slack pack tomorrow - then it is back to full pack misery.
Date: 2014-07-29
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 18.3

Finished up the Roller Coaster today. Glad to slack pack it. The Bears Den caretaker brought my pack to a point about 13.5 miles into the hike and then I had to take it the final 5+ miles to the shelter. Took a while to get used to the weight. Got to eat lots of raspberries along the way and the trail really got nice in many spots. Still seeing quite a few through hikers going North, most will not make it unless they hop up to Katahdin before it closes in mid Sept. Everyone I meet tells me I will see bears in the Shenandoa - we'll see.
Date: 2014-07-30
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Mountain Cabbin B&B
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I think I surprised the Spanish guy sharing the shelter when I went to bed at 7:45, and maybe even more when I got up at 5:45. He did not speak much English and I speak even less Spanish so not much to report on any conversation. Nice hike today but I was feeling the full weight of the pack. I did get some trail magic from a women getting ready to do a section, she is contemplating doing the whole AT but is scared to death of bears. She was out for a couple of days when she stopped to let a bear pass but was then reminded by a close by rattler not to back up further. She immediately suspended her hike and went home. When I got to VA 55 I decided to hitch/walk to the Apple House restrauant. Not much traffic on this road so I walked the 1.2 miles. When I arrived I discovered the place I thought was the restrauant was just a produce and eclectic mountain store, the restrauant was another mile - my heart sunk. Fortunately there were two college age kids buying some produce who offered to give me a ride. Lunch was great and the hitch back took no time at all. As it got later in the day I decided to pull up at the Mountain House and Cabbin B&B. This place was really cool (check it out on Facebook, Mountain House of Luray). The house was built just before the Civil War but survived the war and after several additions it had fell into disrepair. Scott and Lisa have bought it and have a 5 year plan to renovate it (it is a certified historical property, so all sorts if red tape but also some tax credits). The Cabbin was the first thing they fixed up and now run a B&B, hostel like. The stay included breakfast, so that helped md get off to a good start on Thursday.
Date: 2014-07-31
From: Mountain Cabbin B&B

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Weather outlook was calling for a 30% chance of rain Friday night. Originally I was going to tent in a wilderness camp but decided to try to make the Pass Mtn Hut. Early in the day I came upon a deer on the path, I was surprised that she did not bolt immediately, I managed to get a pretty good picture. I also ran into a reporter from Wisconsin and he is writing stories about people on the trail and wants to do a book too. He "interviewed me" and we traded trail stories. He has hiked all the way from Springer and plans to make it to Katahdin - he will have to hike hard! I had lunch at Gravel Springs Hut (4 helpings of mashed potatoes and some peanuts) then made my way to Elkwallow Wayside for "dinner". As I have talked to other hikers they tell me to be careful of falling into the "wayside vortex" the Shdnandoa Nat'l Park grill and camp stores. It is pretty nice to get a burger and ice cream and Gatorade in the middle of the day. You can spend a lot of time and money there. It was almost 5 and I still had 7.4 miles to the shelter, would have to hike hard to make it before dark. On the way I spotted 4 bears, first a cub, then a mother another cub and finally on bear right on the path moving rocks looking for grubs. I managed to get a few pictures before I asked the bear to move on! I got to the shelter before dark (barely) and went it bed - no alarm for tomorrow!
Date: 2014-08-01
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: moderate rain

Slept in till 8:00. I was worn out from the previous day. Woke up to some light rain but it stopped soon enough and I got on the trail just after 9. Hiked about 4.5 miles to the next shelter where I got a signal and decided to catch up on the trail journal and call home as it was starting to rain again. It did not last long and I was soon back on the trail. Mostly uphill today as this was the day you peak on the SNP. Sky's were mostly hazy, I took a few pictures but not too many. Spent last night with a young college grad that was out doing a section. Turns out he knew a good friend of my son as they both attended UMBC. We did not hike together but kept seeing each other along the way ( he actually got off the trail tonight due to blisters). I stopped on at Skyland Lodge for a burger and fries. The bartender gave me free ice cream since it took too long for the service - I considered it trail magic. Hiked to the shelter and cleaned up in the spring, it was freezing! Started a fire, at dinner and chated with Rob my hiking buddy until his ride arrived. (He hiked half the day in flip flops because his feet were such a mess.). Went down to the near by cabin to take a picture of the sunset and the 2 dads and sons offered me a beer I just couldn't refuse - more trail magic. All in all a pretty good day.
Date: 2014-08-02
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Pretty light day but I did take advantage of the Big Meadows Wayside. When I got there they were still only serving breakfast so I got an order of really good French toast a large Gatorade and some bacon. By the time I finished that lunch was being served so I got a large side of fries and a chocolate milkshake. I like the SNP! No weight loss on this stretch of the trail. It was then less than 6 miles to the shelter - yes I was a little slow hiking but it was more related to a blister on my left heel than all that food. When I rolled into the Hut a group out for the week was there and had a nice fire going. "Bear" (an experienced hiker) and his two friends were out to do some hiking in the SNP to some of the more popular vistas. We all ate together and traded some stories - it was fun. Later that evening a girl rolled in, she was a NOBO who had put in a 20 mile day. She did not start in GA until after her graduation from Missouri but was still planning to make Katahdin before the close. She will have to really hustle. I think she may just make it. Since mid May she has not taken any zero days and has only stayed in 3 hostels. Tough kid and doing it with a 40+ pound pack. Shelter was full of mice. I threw my shoe st them before bed just to let they know who was boss (don't know that it would help but I did not feel them on me at any point in the night.
Date: 2014-08-03
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Swift Run Gap - US 33
Miles today: 9.0

Kind of a NERO - just a short 9 miles to the road that goes into Elkton VA. I hitched down into town and stopped in McDs for a couple of burgers and a McFlurie. I called Dr H (a friend from my previous work place) and she came and got me. I was staying overnight and this stop turned into a FANTASTIC day. The weather was much better than predicted and we were able to sit by the pool and also swim. The water temperature was refreshing but not too cold. The afternoon turned into a feast - cheese and crackers, smoked salmon, home made smoked trout and that was just the appetizer! We were joined by some other work colleagues and dinner consisted of steak, smoked chicken, smoked spare ribs, fresh squash, baked potatoes, corn in the cob and salad - I was in heaven. Dr H's husband is a fantastic cook and the other guests brought home made key lime pie and fresh picked black berries. Whoa - this was a hikers dream come true. And to top it off we had some quality cigars for after dinner. Maybe I will volunteer to be the full time pool boy and butler just to get leftovers! Forgot to mention two things: saw another bear today. Came up over a ridge and heard him snort then I just saw bear butt for about 3 steps as he ran down the mountain and disappeared into the underbrush. Also it rained pretty good last night - was thankful to be in a dry house and warm bed.
Date: 2014-08-04
From: Swift Run Gap - US 33

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Nice hiking day and a couple of good vistas but still hazy. Saw another small buck on the trail. Only did 11.6 today after last night's fiesta. Got into the shelter fairly early and was joined by 4 Boy Scouts and their two leaders. They were hiking the SNP. Also joined by two section hikers. Built a nice fire and enjoyed the evening. A 5 and 1/2 foot black snake was headed for the shelter but the attention of the scouts diverted it. Come to think of it I did not hear or see a mouse at this shelter!
Date: 2014-08-05
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Calf Mtn Hut
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Big day but rain was threatening and it did finally find me for the last 3 to 4 miles. Fortunately it did not come down too hard and the thunder I heard in the distance moved on. Because of the threat of rain I wanted to land in a shelter but my choices were 13 miles or 26.2. I made the 2nd shelter but paid a price as I one have a blister on my right foot too. I did stop at Loft Mtn Wayside and got breakfast - this is the last wayside I would see in the SNP. I must say I did enjoy getting pulled into the wayside vortex each day. I do not think I lost any weight on this leg. Also saw bear #6 today. Again right on the trail turning up rocks. Stayed at the last shelter in the SNP and met "sit down" he plans a thru hike next year. As we talked he really liked the idea of a flip flop and decided that's what had would do.
Date: 2014-08-06
From: Calf Mtn Hut

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 7.6

Saw bear #7 walking out of camp. He was in a tree when I heard him. Did not take long for him to descend and disappear into the woods. Only had to go 7.6 miles today but after limited sleep (snoring from the other shelter guest) and just being tired from the previous day's 26 miles made for a tough hike. However, I was getting off trail for another stay at a friend's house. The day was great. Had a chance to see the farm and just enjoy family life. Dr V's wife cooked a fabulous dinner and we had a blast playing games with their young son and just catching up. Some rain rolled thru and I was glad to be inside!
Date: 2014-08-07
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Dripping Rock
Miles today: 14.4

Actually slack packed with help from Dr V and Racquet. Racquet went to Charlotte to get out car back from my daughter and came back up through the Shenandoah and she picked me up and we went back for another great night at our friends. We really had a great time and it was great for me to see Racquet! The trail was nice except for the yellow jackets that I disturbed just after the Humpback Mtn peak. Got stung 4 times - ouch. I ran away but lost one of my ear buds for my music player. All this was forgotten when back at the farm. We went out for a nice dinner and ice cream them returned and picked fresh black berries. Maybe next year I will volunteer for the farm help job. Oh yea, also met a biker who started in Seatle, we figured hr was doing 100 miles per day to my 100 per week.
Date: 2014-08-08
From: Dripping Rock

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Lots of rocks today and lots of ups and downs. ( 500 up then 1000 up then a 2000 down). There was a woman at the shelter who was doing a prep hike with an eye toward a thru hike in 2015. Also a Grandpa and two of his sons (all were grown men) just out for a loop hike. "Grateful Grandpa" had hiked the AT twice before. We had a great timing just talking and sitting by the fire. It was threatening rain all day but it held off so the night was quite pleasant.
Date: 2014-08-09
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Seeley Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Cloudy most of the day and that was probably a good thing as it kept me focused on the trail. On the way up to The Priest summit I almost speared a rattler with my hiking pole. Just before coming on the snake I had met a guy doing a training hike as he is going out to Mt Ranier later this month so I waited for him to catch up. He had a dog and I wanted him to leash her before we dealt with the snake. We threw a few pebbles at the snake but she did not seem interested in moving. I finally had to nudge her with my hiking pole. Once she moved on it was obvious that she had recently eaten. Must have been in her food comma. I named her Suzi as it was Suzi who requested I get more pictures of rattle snakes. I hope this ends that quest! Had a big climb, 3200 ft over 4 miles. Got to Spy Rock and saw at least 18 people making that day hike. They were amazed when I elected not to go to the peak on the side trail. I asked them what they saw when up there and they said "just clouds". Still lots of people made that hike. I ended up at a shelter with two guys doing a 2 week section hike. Very interesting conversation. Both were from Ohio - very conservative but fairly young. It started raining right about the time we all got in and it rained all night.
Date: 2014-08-10
From: Seeley Woodworth Shelter

To: US 60
Miles today: 14.0

Rained much of the morning. I needed to get off he trail to resupply and the next town did not have any place to stay except the town park and it is supposed to rain more. The Hostel in Buena Vista closed so I was forced to stay in the hotel. When I reached the trail head there were two retired ladies out on a cross country vacation who had stopped at the trail head to take a picture and hoped to meet a hiker. I guess it was a lucky day for all, they met me and I got a ride to town 9 miles away!
Date: 2014-08-11
From: US 60

To: US 501 James River
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: light rain

Decided to slack pack. Rained much of the day. At times it was so cloudy on the mountain you could hardly see the blazes on the trees. Saw a few interesting things like a Blue Heron and a box turtle, I thought about a name for the turtle for half a mile - that is just life on the trail. Got a text at the top of Bluff Mtn - an offer from friends staying at Smith Mtn Lake to come rescue me from the trail and all this rain. I arranged a shuttle to exit 150 and they arranged for a pickup and delivery to the lake. What a lucky guy I am! They even had dinner waiting - of course shower first ( for their sake). Really nice just relaxing and sleeping in a warm bed in a room with no noise and no light. Tomorrow a zero.
Date: 2014-08-12
From: US 501 James River

To: Smith Mtn Lake
Miles today: 0.0

Great day at the lake. It was cloudy for much of the day and we used the time to build a Pergola that will be used for a wedding this Saturday. As the day came to a close the sun came out and the sky turned a bright blue. We took a spin in the boat and PG and Bubba showed me their latest water sport - skiing behind the boat. It was really cool - no rope except to get up. Also the boat was top notch and had a superb sound system that blared music for the surfer to hear. Getting ready for some home made Rubins and French onion soup. Life does not get much better than this adventure i am on. Tomorrow back on the trail.
Date: 2014-08-13
From: Smith Mtn Lake

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: broken clouds

Got up early so we could hit the trail early, left the lake at 6 as it was an hour drive back to the trail. Stopped at Bojangles for breakfast, 2 sausage and egg biscuits plus hash browns and a giant iced tea. Power breakfast for a hiker. Started hiking at the James River, home of the longest foot traffic only bridge on the AT. Exposed to some really nice views today. The day was all up hill, 680 at the river to 4225 at Apple Orchard Mtn with a couple of 500 mini peaks on the way. Passed under the "Guillotine" - looks pretty ominous both ways but more like a blade going North. Apple Orchard Mtn is home to am FAA tower. In the shelter alone so I tented in the shelter. PG - tell Bubba I did get the promised lift from the soup and sandwich but it came late in the day after most of the climbing was done. But did provide some nice percussion on the shelter floor.
Date: 2014-08-14
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Boblets Gap
Miles today: 18.4

Wow, alarm went off at 6:30 and I snoozed once then shut it off, pulled my toboggan over my eyes and went to sleep for another 80 minutes. Must have been the 20 miles the previous day. Even with my late start it was a nice day to hike. Lots of ups and downs early on the day but also got to see some cool things ( nice views, butterfly's , colorful mushrooms etc. ) Still seeing occasional hikers but all NOBOs - still don't know how these guys think they can make Maine before being crushed by the winter weather that is inevitable. Another night on a shelter alone - tented in the shelter - at least that is one nice aspect of this time on the trail. Some answers to a few questions: The rattle snake raised its rattle but did not shake it - she was more interested in moving to a new sleeping spot. Have not seen anyone fishing in the South but did see some in Maine. I have been shaving on this leg but may stop once weather turns colder. I got new shoes while in Elkton over 150 miles ago and they seem to be holding up. Also have " barge glue" that the Mfg sent me for repair in case these begin to delaminate.
Date: 2014-08-15
From: Boblets Gap

To: US 220 Daleville
Miles today: 18.5

I have seen the last of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Going more west now. Still a nice day and since I have pushed the miles ( for me anyway) I decided to get a room and catch up on the journal etc.More open space walking than usual and even had to brave some pastures with cows - good thing I got that training at Dr V's.
Date: 2014-08-16
From: US 220 Daleville

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: few clouds

Slight up out of Dalville and a good look back at the Hojo's and their pool about one mile up the trail. Also some nice views of the river - the ultimate goal for the day was Tinker Cliffs. This was one of the best viewing days yet and the sights were spectacular. The labyrinth of big rocks on the way up and down from Tinker was impressive but not nearly as impressive as the views at the top. I was alone at the shelter but there were several couples at the site but camping in tents. I forgot to mention that the crickets were making some kind of noise and this was not even as loud as last night. They were as loud as an alarm clock. At about midnight a hiker or two came along and shined their headlamp in my shelter and woke me up. I thought they were coming in for the night but they were just night hiking and moved on. I know - weird, but some people like to night hike.
Date: 2014-08-17
From: Campbell Shelter

To: 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 10.5

Today's hike took me up to McAfee's Knob - again quite spectacular. All sorts of caves and mazes through the rocks that protruded from the mountain top. The views off McAfee were great and pictures just cannot do it justice. The landscape of mountains was incredible - not just a ridge and then a valley but ridge after ridge - like ripples on a lake that you just dropped in a handful of pebbles. On the way down from McAfee I counted about 50 hikers making their way up to the summit (and that was only in a 90 minute period). I landed at the 4 Pines hostel and found 3 other hikers having a hard time getting motivated to move on. They had been there for about a day and a half (had only hiked about 680 miles from Ga in 4 months - so this was not the first place they had stopped for a long break!). The hostel owner allows hikers the use of the "dragon wagon" for transportation to and from the store or and all you can eat place called the Homeplace restaurant. I went there and had an hour wait but it was well worth it.
Date: 2014-08-18
From: 4 Pines Hostel

To: Va 621 - Blacksburg
Miles today: 15.4

Slack packed for the day since Racquet was going to come to Va on her way to see her sister in NC and then go to the beach. I was excited to be closing in on another zero day. Unfortunately, it did rain most of the day. By the time I got picked up at about 3:00 I was soaked to the bone. Highlights for the day included "Dragon's Tooth" a giant monolith stone protruding from the mountain top that resembles a dragon's tooth and Audie Murphy Monument. Audie was the most decorated veteran from WWII but died on a plane crash near the site of the monument.
Date: 2014-08-19
From: Va 621

To: VA 621 - Blacksburg VA
Miles today: 0.0

Spent the day getting organized for future trail travel including mailing several boxes forward for resupply and generally relaxing. Racquet and I also took in a movie, a tour of a local plantation and a visit to a local wine bar. All in all a great time in Blacksburg. Tomorrow it is back on the trail.
Date: 2014-08-20
From: VA 621 - Blacksburg VA

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: mist

2000 ft climb right out of the car and in the rain! I did have one pretty bad fall and hit my elbow and right hip. Ouch! My arm bled for a while and I thought the hip would really stiffen up that night. I jumped right on the pain meds and hoped for the best. Met a couple (Papa 9 and Sweeps) out doing a south bound section and they ended up at the same shelter that night. Really nice to have company. Also a guy named Dan showed up too, I had last seen him in Monson Maine, just before going into the 100 mile wilderness. He summited Katahdyn about 5 days after me and is doing a flip flop too but he is going NOBO Ga to Harper's Ferry. Says he did the 670 miles in the past 25 days - pretty unbelievable. Hike your own hike and tell your own stories.