morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Damascus, VA

To: Campsite at 480.7
Miles today: 17.2

Donna and I had breakfast at Cowboy's in Damascus this morning. I had the same hiker special blueberry pancakes I had yesterday. They were delicious and very filling. She saw me off around 8:30am and I started the day hiking up Rt 58 to the Creeper Trail, which is part of the AT for a short distance. Shortly, the trail branched off and I climbed to Feathercamp Ridge. I walked the ridgeline a while before climbing again to the top Straight Mountain. The trail then began descending again and intersected the Creeper Trail again. I enjoyed the short walks on the Creeper and I met a number of bicyclists coming south from Whitetop.Toward the end of the afternoon I walked up Lost Mountain. I stopped at the Lost Mountain Shelter for a short break, then continued a few more miles to a nice campsite by a stream. Shortly after I arrived, Cob showed up as well. Looks as though we'll be the only ones here tonight. It was a rather easy walk today with pleasant temperatures.It was my first day on the trail with my new trail shoes and I'm happy to report they feel great. I think they will work well and they are much lighter than the old hiking boots.tomorrow, we'll head up buzzard Rock, Whitetop Mountain, and Mt. Rogers. The first half of the day will be a workout.
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Campsite at 480.7

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

I was up at 6:30am and enjoyed an early morning breakfast and coffee. Cob and I broke camp early and we were on the trail around 8am for an "up and over" day. The hiking today was strenuous going up and over Buzzard Rock, Whitetop Mountain, and Mt. Rogers, the tallest peak in VA at 5729 ft. The AT doesn't go to the top of Mt Rogers. There is a 1/2 mile side trail to the top (a blue blaze). We hid our packs in the pine forest and walked up leaving the extra weight behind... man, that felt good. I'd like to ditch the pack for good. Sure would make it easier:-).The summit was somewhat anticlimatic as it is completely wooded with no views. Nonetheless, I wanted to do it. I don't know if I'll ever hike this section again so I'm glad I went up there. This afternoon we entered Grayson Highlands State Park with it's vast mountain balds and rocky peaks. After a few hours on the rocks, my feet and legs were shot. In fact, my right leg was really aching after a few twists and stumbles on the rocks.I saw several wild ponies in the highlands, some approaching me in search of food. Some of the hikers feed them so they're not fearful. I happened upon a mother and new born foal. It was incredible to watch it trying to stand for the first time. I think it was only a few hours-old. I watched it a few minutes waiting for it to try to stand again. Mother kept a close watch on me so I didn't linger too long. Later this afternoon we descended to Massey Gap and on to Wise Shelter for a break and water refill. Soon after we arrived it started raining. It had been forecast all today, but had held off until then. We were planning to go a few more miles this evening but decided to stay here in the shelter. I really don't like pitching a tent in the rain so we took the easy route. Now I'm in the sleeping bag listening to the rain on the tin roof... very relaxing. Good night.
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Wise Shelter

To: Campsite at 514.2
Miles today: 17.6

First, the good news. The decision to stay in the shelter last night was absolutely right on. It rained all night. I woke a few times hearing the rain hit the roof. It started to clear early this morning and the rain stopped around 8 am when we started hiking.Now, the bad news. I injured my leg on the rock scrambles of the Highlands yesterday. I thought it was a minor twist or sprain, but it was quite painful to walk on it today. I'm not sure what's the problem. The pain resembles a really bad shin splint. It is reddened and swollen a bit so I wrapped it duct tape (its all I had) and I've been taking Advil every few hours, but it is a bear to hike with right now.This evening it is sore but it seems better. I'm hopeful it is better tomorrow morning and I can get close enough to reach Atkins, VA on Friday to get an Ace wrap bandage and more Advil. If its feeling better, I'll keep moving. If not, I will need to see someone about it.The walk today would have been pleasant without the leg issue. The trail is well maintained and it passed through very nice countryside, fields, and wooded areas. There were no tough climbs or steep descents which was a blessing.That's about it for now. I made it just about 500 miles with no real issues. I pray this is just a minor glitch and all is well. I'll keep you posted.
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Campsite at 514.2

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: broken clouds

It was a long day today. The trail was really nice, the woods and fields were lovely, and the weather was beautiful. Unfortunately, I wasn't really able to enjoy it as my leg was really bothering me all day. I kept taking Advil and wore the make shift compression wrap. However, it was still a pain, literally. I got an early start this morning and hiked about 5 miles crossing the south fork of the Holsten River before stopping for a break. From there, I headed uphill over gentle terrain for about 8 miles. It was nice hiking without the really steep "killer climbs" so prevelent in GA and NC.This afternoon we arrived at the Partnership shelter and the Mt Rogers visitor center. Cob and I stopped in for an extended lunch break. This was the high point of the day with a soda machine, restrooms with running water, and an electrical outlet to charge my phone. What more could one ask for? We chatted with Joe, the Ridgerunner for this section, for a while, then finished our lunch and headed out.This afternoon we hiked another 7 miles to the Chatfield Shelter where we're staying tonight. We enjoyed a nice fire this evening and we are joined by four young hikers headed norhtbound as well.Today was a very nice hike, but my leg is still a problem and it's painful. Tomorrow, I have only about 4 miles to hike into Atkins. I had planned to re-supply here and move on. At this point, I'm thinking I may stay for the day or perhaps two to rest my leg, get some ice on it, and get a proper compression wrap. I'm hopeful it will be better by Saturday.
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a very short mileage day as planned... A "nero" (near zero miles day). My leg is feeling better today and I hope to be ready to go tomorrow. I was up early this morning and we hit the trail before 8 am. It was cloudy and hazy today with light rain most of the way. The walk was easy so Cob and I covered the miles quickly.Two miles up the trail we stopped at the Settler's Museum. It is a restored farm dated 1890 and a nearby one room schoolhouse. Both have been restored and maintained beautifully. I really enjoyed walking the grounds and soaking in the history of the place. It was a very tranquil setting and I imagined life there on the farm and the boys and girls in the schoolyard... Became lost in my own mind, again:-)Moving on, we arrived in Atkins around 10 o'clock after hiking only 4 1/2 miles. We were really slack today. I checked into the Relax Inn, then went for breakfast at the "Eats & Treats at Exit 54". Serious, that's the name of the place. I had sausage, biscuits, and gravy...lots of calories!This afternoon was laundry, more heavy eating, and a lot of rest. I just got back from dinner at the Barn Restaurant this evening and will be turning in shortly.Tomorrow's forecast is rain... I pray they're wrong about the weather and my leg continues to feel better.I plan to hit the trail by mid morning. I'll keep you posted.
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Atkins, VA

To: Camping at USFS 222
Miles today: 19.3

I slept in this morning and didn't get up until after 7 am. I had planned a leisurely start today so I took my time packing and didn't leave the hotel until shortly after 8 am. I said soo long to COB for a while as he is staying in Atkins today. His wife and son are driving down from Maryland for a visit. His son will be hiking with him for a few weeks. I've enjoyed hiking with COB the past week or so. He is a great guy. We have a lot in common as well as a similar hiking style so he's been a great hiking partner. I'm hopeful our paths will cross again up the trail. I stopped by the Eats and Treats again on the way out of town and had a cup of coffee and a breakfast pastry while chatting with a section hiker and Karen, the owner.Finally, I left town on the trail shortly after 9 am. The forcast called for rain today, but it turned out to be a very nice day. The trail traversed open fields, pasture, and wooded areas. The grade was minimal so it was a really pleasant walk. Midday, the trail began to climb as I went over Little Brushy and Big Walker Mountains. These are not really high so I stayed around 2500 - 3500 ft in elevation.Topping off a really pleasant walk, I came upon "Trail Magic" after crossing Rt 42. Beside the trail, there was a cooler filled with sodas, water, and snacks. it was left by a previous thru-hiker (2006 I think) who is building a hiker hostel in the area. I had two cold sodas and a Slim Jim before heading up Brushy Mountain... not to be confused with Little Brushy Mountain.I finished the day on Lynn Camp Mountain, then descended to a gap where I'm camped just north of the forest service road.Shortly after setting up camp and finishing dinner, the rain began to fall... The timing worked out well.All in all, a great day. My leg felt better today and is doing well.
Date: 2010-04-25
From: Camp at USFS 222

To: Laurel Creek
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

The rain continued into the night. I slept well so I'm not sure when it stopped, but it was clear this morning with the sun rising over the ridge. There was a mix of clouds and sun all day. Despite the rain forcast, it remained dry- a good thing.Today was a tough hiking day. I started with a 4 mile climb up Chestnut Knob shelter. The elevation gain was less than 3000 ft, but it was a long haul with no breaks. After Chestnut Knob, the trail dropped steeply to Walker Gap, then climbed back up to the ridgeline for about 5 miles of rocky, rough, ridge walking with a lot of "ups and downs" (that's a technical term :-) ). The rocks coupled with the earlier climb really wore me out and aggravated my leg again.The highpoint of the walk was the view to the north overlooking the area called Burkes Garden. It is a very small and quaint farm community surrounded by the mountains. Donna and I visited here a few years ago while touring the area. It is a very charming community.This afternoon the trail took me down off Garden Mountain to Jenkins shelter where I took an extended break resting my leg and devouring much of the content of my food bag. Just coudn't get my fill. I needed the calories for one more climb back up the ridgeline of Brushy Mountain. This is about the third trip up Brushy in as many days... I swear I'm not going in circles :-) . Actually, the trail follows the Mountain range for several miles. Finally, after topping Brushy, I came down the mountain to Laurel Creek where I'm camped this evening. It is a very nice spot along the creek. The rushing water is wonderful... very relaxing. Well, it's approaching 9 pm... "hiker's midnight."All is well. Except the sore leg
Date: 2010-04-26
From: Laurel Creek

To: Virginia Rt. 606- Trent's Grocery
Miles today: 25.5

I got an early start this morning under threat of rain. It rained overnight and it was overcast this morning so I packed quickly. I was hiking by 7:15 am which is early for me. Today's hike had no major climbs as it continued to follow the ridgeline of Brushy Mountain. Right before lunch I crossed Rts 21/52 leading to Bland and Bastian, Va only a few miles away. Then, I crossed I-77. It is amazing how far sound travels. I heard the trucks on I-77 for hours approaching from the south. I continued north and had planned to stay at Jenny Knob shelter which would have made 20 miles for the day. I arrived shortly after 4 o'clock and, despite scattered showers, I decided to hike on a few more miles. An hour or so later, I started looking for a place to pitch, but I was again on the ridgeline of Brushy with no suitable spots to pitch. I set my sights on Kimberling Creek planning to camp by the creek. I soon met a southbound hiker who informed me that Trent's Grocery (located just off the trail at Kimberling Creek) was open until 8 pm with pizza, burgers, and campsites for $6 including shower and laundry... Say no more, the sticks were swinging and I began stepping out! Trents is only 1/2 mile from the trail so it's really convenient. I had a huge double cheeseburger with all the fixins, chips, and soda. Unfortunately, I had to pitch in the rain, but went to bed totally full after a long day. The rain sounds soothing hitting the roof of the tent. I think sleep will come quickly.
Date: 2010-04-27
From: Virginia Rt. 606- Trent's Grocery

To: North of Doc Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.1

I got a later start than normal this morning as I took advantage of the dryer in the laundry room at Trent's to dry out my wet clothes from yesterday. Little did I know they would be soaked again in two hours. However, it sure felt good to pull on warm, dry clothes to start. I had breakfast, several cups of coffee, read the Roanoke Times, and listened to the local farmers' stories about... farming, politics, tractors, weeds, best weed killer, and the Civil War... all in 30 minutes! It was fascinating and I loved it. I told them a little about my hike, they had a few questions, but mostly just shook their heads and looked at me like I was a nut. Can you blame them? :-) Seriously, I had a great time chatting with them. I finally got on the trail around 9:45 am. Today was supposed to see clearing skies with the rain ending this morning. It stopped for a while, but started again before noon and stayed with me most of the day. I was totally soaked by this afternoon. I stopped at the Wapiti shelter for a late lunch and to get out of the rain a bit. It started to clear so I continued, only to get pummeled again within 30 minutes... I'm too optimistic at times and it comes back to bite me. Fortunately, it let up as I was cresting Sugar Run Mountain so I got a really nice view and a few photos looking down the valley toward Pearisburg. This evening I am camped about a mile north of the Doc Knob shelter. I didn't like the shelter location in a dark hollow so I found a site near the ridgeline. It's a little windy, but a much nicer setting... and the rain has stopped.Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny!
Date: 2010-04-28
From: North of Doc Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

Brrr... It was a little chilly this morning on the mountain. My thermometer read 30 degrees and the wind was brisk. When I climbed out from the tent, it was a shocker. I quickly broke camp, packed, and got moving to warm up. The sky was clear, the sun was shining, and the rain has stopped. A great day for hiking. I covered the 7 miles into Pearisburg quickly and arrived at the Rendezvous Hotel at 10:30am. Good news, my maildrop was there... Not so good news, the motel was booked with no vacancy. I continued up the hill toward downtown and found a room at the next hotel, the Plaza Motel on Main St. It is a very nice little motel for $40/night and hiker friendly. The owner did my laundry for me. I love it when that happens and I always leave a tip when it does!I got a shower and went shopping for re-supply after lunch. This afternoon I took a walk around the downtown section. It didn't take long as it's a small town. The weather was beautiful so it felt great to stroll around without a big pack on my back :-) This evening my daughter, Kim, and her boyfriend, Scott, drove over from Christiansburg and joined me for dinner. We had dinner at La Barranca Mexican restaurant here in Pearisburg. The fajitas were great; the company even better. I really enjoyed the evening and seeing them for the first time since beginning the hike. Family is the thing I miss the most on the trail. I'm really looking forward to getting together with everyone (Donna, Kim, Andrew, and Scott) next weekend as we're planning a Mother's Day/ Donna's birthday at the lake. I'll be taking a zero or two and taking a break. Tomorrow is calling for great weather. I'm re-supplied, re-charged, and ready to go again. I enjoyed the stay and the short break.
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: broken clouds

I enjoyed a leisurely morning leaving the hotel at 9am and going to Hardees for breakfast. I finally got on the AT at 9:45am and crossed the New River on the 460 bridge. The weather was perfect today with cool temperatures this morning and clear, blue skies. Soon after crossing the river, I began the 1800ft climb up to the Rice Field shelter. The climb is over a distance of more than 4 miles so it isn't very strenuous. The shelter is located on top of the ridge. There is a large bald in front of the shelter with fantastic views to the west into West Virginia. It was shortly after noon when I reached the summit, so I stopped for lunch. I shared the area with 12 students from Toronto who arrived yesterday for an 8 day hike starting in Pearisburg. They seemed like a very nice group of young people and they were enjoying the experience.After lunch I began an 11 mile walk along the ridgeline of Peters Mountain. There were only a few view points and they were spectacular. The profile of the trail was very tame so it was an easy walk.Finally, the trail descended the mountain and I arrived at the shelter around 6:45pm. It was a long day despite the later than normal start. The shelter is small with a few people already there so I opted to pitch my tent up the hill behind the shelter.Oh, it's after nine o'clock... Hiker midnight.Goodnight, all is well.
Date: 2010-04-30
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was like a midsummer day with the temps in the 80's. The heat and the difficult terrain made today's hike a tough one. I got on the trail before 8am so I was able to cover 3 or 4 miles before things heated up. By mid morning I was on the climb to Bailey Gap with the temperature on it's own climb. I took a nice break at the shelter and then continued to climb for the rest of the morning. The trail was rough and rocky all the way to Wind Rock, the highpoint of the ridge. It is a nice spot with a great view, so it made a great lunch spot. I had lunch with EZ Hiker and Hiker Trash. They are a father and son team thru-hiking together. They started about the same time I did however, we had never met until today. I enjoyed chatting with them about some of the hikers we'd met and some we all knew. It's always interesting to get some information about people you've hiked with and find out their current location, etc.After lunch I continued to climb a few more miles to the top of Salt Pond Mountain. From there the trail descended about 2000ft to a valley where I stopped at the War Spur shelter for another break. From there I hiked back up 2000ft (I told you it was a tough day) on a rough, exposed trail. It could have used a switchback or two, but I'm not complaining. Finally, I made it to Kelly Knob and hiked out to the view point. I had a nice break there before descending the mountain.I arrived at the Laurel Creek Shelter around 6pm... I was whipped! This is a nice shelter with some nice spots for tenting and a great water source. I am camping here with EZ hiker, Hiker Trash, Hollywood, and a couple who are section hiking. I was surprised that he is originally from Buchannon, VA and his parents worked at the same carpet mill as my Dad for decades. It's a small world... it was great to chat with them. They are a very nice couple.Weather forcast for tomorrow is the same... Hot. I pray they're wrong :-)
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Camping on Craig Creek
Miles today: 14.1

Today was a tough day. It felt more like August 1 than May 1 with temperatures in the upper 80's and high humidity. I drank water all day trying to stave off dehydration. I had 5 or 6 quarts, but was still struggled in the heat. I had planned to hike to the Audie Murphy monument on the next mountain but, I was whipped this afternoon and just didn't feel I could go for another 4 mile climb. I was done so I stopped before 5pm today.This evening it remains very warm and humid so sleeping may be difficult. There is some thunder in the distance so it may storm here as well. That could be a good thing as it would cool things a bit.I haven't heard the forcast for tomorrow. I pray it's cooler weather.
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Camping on Craig Creek

To: Stream at Mile 694.3
Miles today: 16.0

The thunderstorms last night cooled things down a little so I took advantage of the cool morning. I was on the trail by 7:30am in order to get some miles in before the heat of the day. I had a few long climbs today. The first was Brush Mountain. It was a long pull for 4 miles. I was definitely warmed up when I reached the top. I'm glad I postponed it until this morning. It was a nicer walk in the cool of the morning. Yesterday afternoon would have been brutal. At the summit for Brush Mountain I took the short side trail to the Audie Murphy Monument. Murphy was the most decorated soldier of WWII. He was killed in an airplane crash near the site of the monument in 1971. Thinking of all the brave men and women in WWII and the sacrifices made to save the world from a realm of terror and tyranny; I am grateful to Mr. Murphy, my Dad, my Uncles, and the millions of Americans who did so much to preserve our freedom.OK, I'm off the subject again, sorry.From Brush Mountain the trail descended to Trout Creek where I took a nice break. I tried to drink water at every opportunity so I drank and refilled my hydration bladder for the next 8 mile stretch. Although the breeze continued, it was hot again today so the climb to Cove Mountain and Dragons Tooth was tiring. Dragons Tooth is a huge stone monolith on top of the mountain. It is quite a sight and worth the effort to get there. Coming down the north side was a challenge at times carrying a backpack, but everyone made it safely. After leaving Cove Mountain, we came down to RT 624 and headed to the Catawba Grocery. Phantom and I had several sodas, water, pizza, and ice cream. It was a treat. I wasn't as much hungry as I was thirsty, so I kept going back for another drink. The past few days have really brought hydration into focus. With temperatures in the 80's, I will need to drink at least a gallon of water. I did today and felt much better than yesterday.Tonight we're camped by a nice stream listening to the water trickle over the rocks... very relaxing. Tonight, I'm camped with Phantom, Hollywood, and Dan & Pamela