morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-26
From: Harper's Creek Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: few clouds

Weather - Partly cloudy and hotI cooked a big breakfast of dehydrated eggs and hash brown potatoes. It was so much that I shared it with Frond and Azaria. Frond and Azaria left before me, they plan to be in Waynesboro in two days and it will take me three days. I went down to the stream to get some more water before leaving and as I walked back to the shelter, I saw a fawn and doe just behind the shelter. When they saw me they went up the hill a little bit and just stood there and watched me. Watching the wildlife has been one of the most interesting parts of this journey.The 2000 ft. climb up to The Three Ridges was difficult and the hot weather made it even harder. At the top, I stopped and sat on a rock to eat lunch. I needed the energy. There were a couple of good overlooks and I took advantage of them to stop for a snack break. At one I could look back at The Priest Mountain and at the other I could look down into the valley.The trail got easier as I crossed Bee Mountain toward Maupin Field Shelter. Frond and Azaria were at the shelter finishing up a late lunch. They were going another 6 miles and look for a camp site. I was at the shelter by myself for a couple of hours when John came hiking in from The Priest Mountain. He lives and teaches near Roanoke, VA and was out for a section hike. It was dark when a young thru-hiker named Ziplock came hiking in. He was doing 20-mile days and had left Springer Mountain, GA on June 18th. Ziplock is in his early 20's, tall and skinny. He plans to be in Waynesboro tomorrow.Earlier in the evening John and I heard a hawk in the woods that kept calling like it was in distress and it kept calling all night long. It was one of the strangest sounds I have heard out in the woods. Rusty's Hard Time Hollow was nearby but I had decided not to go there since Rusty was no longer there. I don't think the atmosphere would be the same. It was another warm night that made sleeping difficult.
Date: 2006-07-27
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather - Partly cloudy and hotJohn and Ziplock left the shelter before me but not by much. I got an early start because I knew it was going to be a long, hot day. I caught up to Ziplock at about 1 mile. He was having problems with his ankle and had stopped to wrap it with an Ace bandage.The flowers beside the trail near Reeds Gap were beautiful. After crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Three Ridges Overlook, the trail got really rocky and it stayed rocky for the next 4 miles. I passed John along the way, he had stopped to get water from a stream that crossed the A.T. He told me he had seen a bear earlier. I had seen plenty of signs of bears, there was bear squat on the trail, rocks rolled over and rotten trees torn apart.I stopped at Cedar Cliffs for a pack break and a snack. Also checked to see how much water I had left. I would need to get some at the next spring. At Cedar Cliffs, there is a great view of the Shenandoah Valley. At Dripping Rock parking area where the A.T. crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway, I was getting water from the spring when John hiked up. John and I hiked together and decided we would stop and eat lunch together.When we came to the Stairway to Heaven rock steps, I could see where it got its name. The A.T. just went straight up the rocks. The trail passed along the edge of this rocky cliff and that is where John and I stopped for lunch. Sandy, a trail worker, was getting ready to leave. He looked like a Samari Warrior, although he was dressed to go fight the weeds and brush along the trail. Thanks to thousands of people like Sandy, their trail maintenance makes it possible for the A.T. to exist. This cliff has a great view of Wintergreen Ski Resort. I could see the ski slopes. On the other side I could see the Three Ridges Mountain and even farther I could see The Priest Mountain. The trail had been re-routed a few years ago and no longer went across Humpback Mountain and Humpback Rocks which were two great views and I was disappointed. I had to get water one more time from a spring beside the trail. John went on ahead, it was only a couple more miles to the shelter.I knew I was getting close to the Paul C. Wolfe Shelter when I could hear Mill Creek that runs in front of the shelter. After supper John told me that today was his birthday. He is in his late 40's. So for his birthday I told him some of my funny trail experiences, it was the only thing I could give him.This shelter is big and has a large covered cooking deck on it. It is just John and me at the shelter tonight.
Date: 2006-07-29
From: Waynesboro, NC

To: Rest Day
Miles today: 0.0

Weather - Clear and real warmSteve, Nadine and I picked up Frond and Azaria at the YMCA and went to Weasie's Kitchen for breakfast. From the journal there, we found out that Frank had been there three days ago. I am not sure we will catch up to him. Oh! On the way to breakfast we stopped at the post office so Frond and Azaria could pick up their mail drop.After breakfast we drove over to Rockfish Gap Outfitters to pick up a few items. I need some new shorts, my others are getting too big since I have lost so much weight. Our next stop was the P. Buckley Moss Museum. She is a famous artist who has a home in Waynesboro and her art features the Shenandoah Valley. The Museum was huge and beautiful. We followed this up with a great lunch at the South River Restaurant. Nadine had heard someone in the museum saying that it was a good place to eat, so we decided to try it and it was a good lunch. We were right by Wal-Mart and could not pass up the chance to do some shopping to re-supply. We picked up Frond and Azaria's gear so they could spend the night with us at the motel. Then we spent the rest of the night re-packing our gear.
Date: 2006-07-30
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Rip Rap Parking, Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 16.5

Weather - Partly cloudy and real warmThe last couple of days have been some of the happiest I have had since being on the trail. Spending time with Nadine has meant more to me than she can imagine. The most difficult part of hiking the A.T. has been not being able to see her. I call her every chance I get but that is not the same as seeing her. I love my family very much and they are the ones who give me my strength. It was difficult saying goodbye to Nadine at Rockfish Gap but I know I am going to see her in a couple of weeks. She was leaving to visit our daughter and granddaughter in South Carolina then drive home on Monday.We drove to the gate at the Shenandoah National Park (SNP) to get a backpacking permit in case we needed it while hiking through the park. Steve drove Frond, Azaria and me back to Rockfish Gap to drop us off with just our day packs. Without our heavy packs, we made good time - 3.7 miles in 1 1/2 hours. Steve met us at McCormick Gap with cold water and Gatorade. It feels good to have a break and not have to carry as much water or worry about where we will be able to find water.On top of Bear Den Mountain, someone had put a row of old Tractor seats that faced the Shenandoah Valley but the trees had grown up too high for a good view. The seats were neat to sit in. At Beagle Gap, Steve met us for another break, but the best break came at Sawmill Run Overlook. Steve had seats set up in the shade with sandwiches and lemonade. This is going to spoil us, we hope! Shortly after lunch, Azaria stopped and started waving her arms. Frond and I thought she had to go to the bathroom so we stopped and turned around with our backs to her. But when she said "bear" we knew why she was waving her arms. When we got up to her, we could see a large bear turning over dead trees looking for bugs to eat. We walked up the trail slowly to get a closer look. This was exciting to watch, then a cub stood up on its legs and looked at us. It had been behind its mother. That is when the mother bear saw us and the both of them took off running down hill. Our first day in SNP and we already have a bear spotting.At 5:30 p.m. we met Steve at the Rip Rap parking area. We drove up Skyline Drive to Loft Mountain Campground where we stopped and got some hot dogs and rolls at the camp store. Built a fire back at the campsite and roasted the hot dogs on the grill and Azaria made some mac and cheese with veggies to go with the hot dogs. It was a good supper. And the smoke from the fire helped keep the bugs down. Frond and Azaria set up their tent and Steve brought a two-man tent that we used. Time goes by fast, it was dark before we knew it and time to go to sleep.
Date: 2006-07-31
From: Rip Rap Parking, Shenandoah National Park

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: broken clouds

Weather - Clear and hotAte breakfast at Loft Mountain Campground. Steve took us back to Rip Rap parking area and we started hiking at 8:30 a.m. After hiking for a couple of miles, Frond spotted a cub bear walking down the trail. We followed and watched him for a while before he darted into the woods. The entire time we were looking for the Mama Bear but never saw her. This made us a little nervous, not seeing her.Steve was waiting for us with water at Black Rock Gap and we met him again on Black Rock. At Black Rock Hut, we stopped to check the shelter journal and read that Frank and Ziplock are ahead of us by several days. Saw several deer right on the trail.We met Steve at Dundo Group Campground where we found a picnic table in the shade to each lunch. We got to the camp store at Loft Mountain Campground around 2:30 p.m. and took a shower and put on some clean clothes. We drove about a mile down to Loft Mountain Wayside for an early supper and a much anticipated blackberry milkshake. It had been a relaxing afternoon. On the way back to the campground, traffic was stopped on both sides of the road to watch a huge rattlesnake cross the road. This snake was so large we could see the brush moving as he slithered through it. I saw it from the passenger's side of the SUV. Frond and Azaria got out to get a better look but I will admit that I was a little chicken to get out. I didn't know if any of his buddies might also be around in the tall grass. Later in the evening we got to watch the deer wandering all around the campground.
Date: 2006-08-01
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Swift Run Gap, US 33, Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 17.4

Weather - Partly cloudy and real warmWe were up at about 5:00 a.m., ate breakfast and broke camp. Several deer were grazing on the grass by the camp store when Steve dropped us off at 6:30 a.m. Steve lets us know where he is going to meet us next. Knowing that only a few miles away he will be waiting with water, drinks and snacks gives us a certain peace of mind. He met us at Ivy Creek Overlook and Simmons Gap for lunch.The most exciting thing that happened today was when Frond stopped on the trail with a rattlesnake only about 2 feet away. I am good at finding long sticks to get rattlesnakes off the trail. I found a "short" stick about 10 feet long. This was Frond's first encounter with a rattlesnake and he wasn't having much luck getting it to move. Then Azaria gave it a try, she was a little more aggressive and really made it mad but got it to move off the trail. Frond had first thought it was a black snake since it was so dark, but its head and rattle changed that thought. It was only about 3 1/2 feet long but still dangerous. I was not as nervous as I was the first time I saw one on the trail. I try to be observant all the time for rattlesnakes and copperhead snakes.We got to Swift Run Gap at about 5:15 p.m. about 10 minutes before Steve. He said sometimes it seems like we can hike faster than he can drive. He had gone to Lewis Mountain Campground to get our campsite. After getting an ice cream and cold drink from the camp store, we set up camp. The good news was that the comfort station (bathrooms) had hot and cold running water.
Date: 2006-08-02
From: Swift Run Gap, US 33, Shenandoah National Park

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: few clouds

Weather - Clear and hotWe were up at 5:00 a.m., ate breakfast and broke camp. As we were driving out of Lewis Mountain Campground onto Skyline Drive, we saw a mama bear with two cubs on the side of the road. The cubs climbed up a tree while the mama bear just watched us. Steve dropped us off at 6:55 a.m. and it was still a little cool outside but it didn't take long before it started to heat up. Steve was going into town to get ice, drinks, lunch meat, etc. and gas. So we would see him at lunch.We stopped for a snack and to look at Pocosin Cabin. There are a lot of neat cabins like this throughout SNP. We made good time and were at Lewis Mountain Campground by 10:20 a.m. Because it was so hot I proposed the idea to Frond and Azaria that we make a short day of it and go to Big Meadows early. They liked the idea and when Steve got there about 10:30 a.m. we climbed in his SUV and headed toward Big Meadows. We have been luckier than most hikers because not only were we seeing the A.T. but were also seeing SNP from the Skyline Drive which is even more beautiful. At Big Meadows we went to the Wayside Restaurant for a great lunch followed by another blackberry milkshake. Deer were wandering all around the area outside the Wayside.   They were doing some work at the Visitor's Center so the exhibits were closed but we did see a good video about the SNP. Driving back to Big Meadows Lodge we saw another bear with two cubs.After checking in, we relaxed in the lounge area in rocking chairs looking out on the Shenandoah Valley and Steve and Azaria played a game of checkers. Steve and I went down to the campground to do laundry, Azaria took a nap and Frond hung their tent out to dry. For supper we ordered a take-out pizza and ate it in our room. It was really good. At about 9:00 p.m. Steve, Frond and I went to the Taproom to get a drink and listen to some live entertainment. Azaria said she was going to sleep, I guess it was a guy's night out. All three of us ordered a drink called Prohibition. It had legal "moonshine" rum, orange juice, etc. in it and it was rather tasty. The entertainment was a guy on a guitar singing country, blues and even some Neil Diamond songs. He was good. We weren't there long before Azaria showed up. She said she couldn't sleep and ordered a drink that had blackberry syrup in it. About 10:30 p.m. we went back to the room and it wasn't long before we all fell asleep.
Date: 2006-08-03
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Hawksbill Gap, Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 13.5

Weather - Partly cloudy and warmSteve drove us back to Lewis Mountain Campground and we started hiking at 7:00 a.m. About 2 miles down the trail we took a blue blaze trail to Bearfence Mountain that had some large rocks to climb with a 360o view of the mountains. It was worth taking this side hike. When we got close to the Big Meadows Lodge we saw four turkeys run across the trail. Hiked up to Big Meadows Lodge at Blackrock Viewpoint and had lunch in the room. After lunch we hiked back to the trail and started walking north. Hadn't gone down the trail very far before we saw two deer, a doe and a buck, right on the edge of the trail. I was amazed at how close they allowed us to get to them. It was about 5 miles to Hawksbill Gap where we met Steve. We are staying at Big Meadows Lodge again tonight and once again the overlooks and the drive along the Skyline Drive was very scenic. Hiking in the heat is still difficult even without the heavy packs. It felt refreshing to get a shower when we got back to our room.
Date: 2006-08-04
From: Hawksbill Gap, Shenandoah National Park

To: Thornton Gap, US 211, Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 12.8

Weather - Partly cloudy and not as warmUp early. Steve drove us back to Thornton Gap at 7:15 a.m. About 2 miles up the trail he met us at Skyland Horse Stables. The stables are right beside the trail. We watched as they put saddles on some of the horses. Just a little further up the trail we came to Skyland Resort and stopped to get a pastry. Hiked from here to Little Stony Man Cliffs that had some great views of the park. There is a neat pool of water in the rocks right on the edge of the cliffs. Talked to a youth group that had been climbing and repelling these cliffs yesterday. A little later down the trail we saw two park workers recording the GPS coordinates for the concrete sign marks in the park. Their system was very hi-tech. Steve was waiting for us with lunch at the Pinnacles picnic area. This was a great spot for lunch with a covered pavilion, picnic tables and restrooms. We won't see Steve again for 5 miles. We hiked the side trail to Marys Rock. The weather was clear and it was a short hike to the vista and well worth it. From Marys Rock we could see the mountains we're getting ready to climb in the next few days, look across the valley and look down on the Thornton Gap where we were ending our hike for today. There was a young couple who took a picture of Frond, Azaria and me on top of the rocks.From Marys Rock to Thornton Gap, it was a 1700 ft. elevation climb down and very rocky. We could hear Steve giving the "caw-caw" call as we were coming down the mountain and returned the call to let him know we were close by. He was waiting in the Panorama Restaurant parking lot. It was sad to see the restaurant closed. When Steve and I hiked through here in October 1998 we stopped and had a great breakfast here. Don't know why it closed, it is in a great location with US 211 crossing the park here. Steve had already reserved a room for us at the Days Inn in Luray, VA. It was 2:00 p.m. and our plan was to go to Linden and pick up Frond and Azaria's mail drop at the post office and stop at Weasel Creek Outfitters in Front Royal, VA. The owner of the outfitters was very knowledgeable and carried the make of pack that Frond and I were using. He re-adjusted our packs for free. The outfitters is located in the quaint downtown section of town. Azaria was shopping for a new pair of hiking boots because her old ones are coming apart.We went looking for a restaurant in Luray and saw signs for Dan's Steak House. A steak, potato and salad sounded good. At Dan's we ordered apple pie with ice cream as our appetizer. The waitress said she had never had anyone order their dessert first. For hikers, when it comes to food, we are not normal. Back at the Days Inn there was no phone or TV. There had been a fire in the lobby earlier this summer that knocked both of them out.
Date: 2006-08-05
From: Thornton Gap, US 211, Shenandoah National Park

To: Gravel Spring Gap, Shenandoah Natinal Park
Miles today: 14.5

Weather - Partly cloudy and coolerUp early again and Steve had us on the trail by 7:15 a.m. Frond, Azaria and I got separated out of sight of each other and I was ahead of them for a change. I saw a dead milk snake on the trail. Why someone would kill a harmless snake makes no sense.Got to Elkwallow Wayside, Shenandoah National Park, before noon. This was our last chance to eat at one of the waysides in the park. We enjoyed our 2 1/2-hour lunch break. The trail through this area is not difficult and we can make good time.Stopped for a short break at Range View Cabin. Ran into a youth group backpacking. This was a chance for me to show them the Gee Haw Whimsey Diddle Stick. Saw a beautiful view of the valley from Hogback Overlook.We met Steve at about 6:30 p.m. at Gravel Springs Gap. It was a short drive back to Matthews Arm Campground, Shenandoah National Park. Steve had already got a campsite for us. After supper we built a campfire for our last night in Shenandoah National Park.
Date: 2006-08-06
From: Gravel Spring Gap, Shenandoah Natinal Park

To: Chester Gap, US 522
Miles today: 13.2

Weather - Clear and real warmBroke camp and Steve took us back to Gravel Springs Gap and we were back on the trail at 7:45 a.m. Again the trail was easy hiking. Met Steve at Jenkins Gap for a break. He had an interesting morning seeing a rattlesnake on the road, a guy on a bicycle that looked like Santa Claus and a hiker that looked like Willie Nelson. Earlier when we came into Shenandoah National Park, Frond and Azaria gave Steve the trail name Coach. Met Steve at Compton Gap for lunch then it was an easy couple of miles hiking out of Shenandoah National Park. As soon as we hiked out of the park, the trail became more difficult. Stopped for a break at Tom Floyd Wayside which is just a shelter. As we were crossing the bridge over Sloan Creek near US 522, we looked down in the creek and saw a water moccasin snake swimming. Didn't expect to see that up in the mountains. It was a short drive into Front Royal, VA, where we got a room at the Super 8 Motel. We went back to Weasel Creek Outfitters where Azaria exchanged her hiking books for some new ones, the others she had bought hurt her feet. Frond and Azaria found a coffee house beside the outfitters and decided to hang out there for awhile and Steve and I went exploring around town, then back to the motel.
Date: 2006-08-07
From: Chester Gap, US 522

To: Manassas Gap, VA 55, VA 725
Miles today: 8.2

Weather - Clear and real hotFrond wasn't feeling good this morning. He has a slight fever. Looks like he is coming down with a cold. Even though we got an early start around 7:00 a.m., it was already very warm and it wasn't long before it was hot and humid. Starting off we passed the National Zoological Park that had a high fence with barbwire at the top. Didn't see the sign I saw back in 1998 that warned you if you crossed the fence you might be "eaten" by a wild animal. But we didn't see any animals.Frond, Azaria and I stopped for a break at Jim and Molly Denton Shelter. It is a really nice shelter with a large deck out front with wooden lounge chairs on it. And it has a separate shelter for cooking and eating. Frond was feeling worse and his fever was higher.It was over 6 miles before we saw Steve for the first time. He was waiting at VA 638. Frond was feeling so bad now that he decided to go with Steve. Azaria and I continued on the next couple of miles to VA 725 where we would meet them. Boy it was hot and it was not even noon yet. When we crossed VA 55 we could see Steve under Interstate 66 waving at us. VA 725 and the A.T. go under Interstate 66 and there was a parking area there. There was a neat old house called The Tanyard House across the street that was built in 1824.Decided to make it a short day because the heat was so bad. On the way back to Front Royal, we stopped at the Applehouse Restaurant in Linden for lunch. Got a room at the Pioneer Motel in Front Royal and Steve went and got Frond some medicine while we got our showers. For supper we went to KFC and got a family meal of chicken and brought it back to the room for a feast. Hope Frond feels better tomorrow. Went to bed early tonight.