morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-07-09
From: US 220, Dalevile, VA

To: Catawba Mt Shelter
Miles today: 17.8

2019 - Day 8Trail miles: 17.8Total miles: 21.0Total time: 12:04Elevation gain: 4730Elevation loss: 3786Weather: Hot, humid, cloudy, no rainStart: US 220, Dalevile, VAEnd: Catawba Mt ShelterI slept well. I was up at 5 am and out of the hotel at 6:10. I hiked down the road for a Big Breakfast at McDonald's. I was back at the trailhead at 7:15 am.The first order of business was a 1000 ft climb to the ridge above town. After that I was on a ridge for the rest of the day. The trail headed almost due north, following a ridge around Carvins Cove Reservoir. There were multiple great views. After Campbell Shelter the trail headed back south. The were more great views from Tinkers Cliff. The views from McAfee Knob were outstanding. The best in years. 180 degree views to the west and north. Maybe I could see Apple Orchard Knob. I had some day hikers take a picture of me on the Knob.I saw 8 does today and one fawn. Two of the does were mature and big.I saw about 10 long distance NOBOs today. There are two big groups at Pig Farm Campsite, just north of McAfee Knob, one is a teen adventure group and the other were boy scouts from Illinois. I'm tenting at Catawba for the night. Paperback Writer and Gromet are in the shelter. They are out for a long section hike. It is going to be a hot night.
Date: 2019-07-10
From: Catawba Mt Shelter

To: Campsite at mile 1497.5
Miles today: 18.0

2019 - Day 9Trail miles: 18.0Total miles: 20.4Total time: 12:47Elevation gain: 5065Elevation loss: 4527Weather: Hot, humid, cloudy in AM changing to mostly sunny in PM, a breeze at times in the afternoon , rain shower as I was setting up camp and eating dinnerStart: Catawba Mt ShelterEnd: Campsite at mile 1497.5It was hot all night so didn't sleep that well. I was up at 5:30 and out of camp at 6:50.Most of today's hiking was on ridges. The plus side is occasional views. The down side is that there are areas with exposed ledge that requires rock scrambling and even if the overall trend of the ridge is down, if there is a bump you are climbing it.At the road crossing with VA 311 I met four members of the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club. They were trying to keep most of the parking lot free of cars as a contractor was going to be maintaining the gravel lot. We chatted for a while.The highlight of the day was Dragon's Tooth. It was a very rocky climb. I haven't seen this many rocks since the White Mountains in New Hampshire. There were to places with iron rungs embedded in the rock to aid in climbing. The tooth was impressive. I could see McAfee Knob which I climbed yesterday afternoon. I left the Tooth at about 2:45 and still had about 8 miles to cover so I had to make tracks. I did the 5.6 miles to Trout River without a sit-down break. I arrived at about 5:30. On the way down I startled a young skunk. Fortunately, I did not get sprayed. The lower elevations used to be fields. The farmers moved an impressive amount of rocks.At the Trout River I met Jason who lives about 200 yards from the crossing. He gave me a beer, which I saved for dinner, and some freshly roasted walnuts.I did the last 2.2 miles and 1100 ft of elevation gain in about 1.5 hrs. Not bad for the end of a long day.I'm at the campsite at mile 1498.0 indicated in Guthook (1497.5 by AWOL mileage). It is an excellent site with flat spots for two or three tents. It started to rain as I was setting up camp. It continued through dinner. Now there is just tree rain. However, I can hear thunder in the distance.
Date: 2019-07-11
From: Campsite at mile 1497.5

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 19.1

2019 - Day 10Trail miles: 19.1Total miles: 21.6Total time: 12:03Elevation gain: 4438Elevation loss: 4248Weather: Hot, humid, cloudy in AM changing to mostly sunny around noon then to mostly cloudy, a breeze at times, rain showers in afternoon only one heavy enough to put on pack cover and rain jacketStart: Campsite at mile 1497.5End: Laurel Creek ShelterIt was hot again last night so didn't sleep great. I was up at 5:30 and out of camp at 7:00.I felt like I was hiking strong all day. The first order of business was to climb the rest of the way up Brush Mt. At the top there is a memorial for Audie Murphy, the most decorated veteran of WW II. He was killed in an airplane crash near this spot in 1971. I thanked him for his service.The hiking was relatively easy today. I had lunch at the north end of Sinking Creek Mt. There was a good breeze so I dried out some of my gear. After lunch there were a few easy ledges to cross and then flat walking on well graded trail. I was making 2.1 mph for a couple of hours. There were a few limited views. I saw a young deer. There were rock piles left by farmers who tried to make a living on this mountain top. They had grit!I passed the Keffer Oak, the second largest oak tree on the AT (the largest is in CT). It had a massive crown. I'm sad to say that it looked like it was not in the best of health.I got confused at the road crossing with VA 42. This added about 1/2 mile to my day. The correct direction was to cross directly across the road toward the big Keep Out sign. From this point if you look carefully you can see the trial. On the other hand, for NOBO's once they get to the road, it is obvious that they should go directly across.About 10 hikers passed me today. They ranged from thru hikers to section hikers out for a couple of days.I'm in the Laurel Creek Shelter. I arrived at about 7 PM. I'm the only one here.
Date: 2019-07-12
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 18.5

2019 - Day 11Trail miles: 18.5Total miles: 20.6Total time: 12:04Elevation gain: 4199Elevation loss: 4455Weather: Hot, moderate humidity, mostly sunny except when fog in valley was rising in mid-morning, a breeze most of the time, no rain, best weather day of trip!Start: Laurel Creek ShelterEnd: Pine Swamp Branch ShelterI slept reasonably well in the shelter. I was up at 5:30 and had my pack on my back at 6:50The first order of business was a 1,000 climb to Kelly Knob. There was no view as this was when the fog was rising up out of the valley. The morning hiking was on good trail. I had lunch south of Lone Pine Peak after a 2,000 ft climb. Then it was more easy walking to Wind Rock. There was a great view across the valley. The next three miles had no net elevation change but it was mostly boulder hopping. The was very tiring but still made 1.8 mph.I passed through several areas where the rotadendeons were in blume as well as tiger lillies. After Bailey Gap Shelter the trail was downhill with minimal rocks - thank goodness! I crossed VA 635 and Stony Creek. Then there were several hard ups and downs as the trail followed the steep hillside next to the creek. I arrived at Pine Swamp Branch Shelter at 7 PM. I'm staying in the shelter. I'm the only one here.I passed only three hikers today. Two had stayed at Bailey Gap and one at Pine Swamp. Counting me at Laurel Stream there were only 4 hikers in 18.5 miles of trail.Last night out for this year.
Date: 2019-07-13
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Cross Ave., VA 634, Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 20.4

2019 - Day 12Trail miles: 20.4Total miles: 22.2Total time: 11:39Elevation gain: 3907Elevation loss: 4573Weather: Hot, moderate humidity, sunny, a breeze most of the time, no rainStart: Pine Swamp Branch ShelterEnd: Cross Ave., VA 634, Pearisburg, VAI didn't sleep all that well as it took some time for the normal aches and pains from a long day's hiking to settle down. This included the soles of my feet being sore from being pounded on. I was up at 5:30 and on the trail at 6:40. I had a 1,200 ft climb. After that it was over 10 miles of walking on a broad ridge. It was easy walking. This ridge forms the boundary between Virginia and West Virginia. The tiger lilies were in bloom. The trail passed through an old apple orchard with impressive views to the north and west. At the south end of the ridge is Rice Field. There were more great views of WV farmland with mountains beyond.Only one thru hiker (Jose) passed me today. Plus I met two more in town. All are planning on flipping up north. There was a 20 year old out for 45 days and two women out for a couple of days. Two day hikers rounded out the people I saw on the trail.Mostly today I made miles, the highest daily total for this year. I was at Cross Road in Pearisburg at about 6:00 and in town at Dairy Queen having a Peanut Buster Parfait at 6:30. I reunited with my car at 7 PM. Tomorrow I visit some relatives and start the drive home.I've reached the 1,555.5 mile mark. This leaves 635.4 miles to go. I'm already looking forward to next year.
Date: 2020-07-01
From: Home

To: Roanoke, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Today I drove 872 miles from Maine to Roanoke, VA. The traffic was very reasonable all the way so I made great time. Tomorrow morning I'll need to do some travel logistics. I hope to be on the trail by noon.I did encounter another Mainer at a rest area. I noticed the Maine plates and a backpack. Looking a little more closely, I saw that the driver was studying an AT trail map. Thus, I introduced myself. She's doing an overnight in Shenandoah NP.
Date: 2020-07-02
From: Cross Ave., VA 634, Pearisburg, VA

To: Docs Knob Shelter
Miles today: 8.3

2020 - Day 1Trail miles: 8.3Total miles: 8.7Total time: 5:19Speed: 1.6 mphCalories: 2068Elevation gain: 2526Elevation loss: 833Weather: mostly sunny, warm, no rainThis morning I took care of the last bit of logistics. I was at the trailhead at Cross Ave at 11:30 and hiking at 11:45. The trail climbed steadily up to Angles Rest. I was there a little after 1 pm. The trail passed through a mature hardwood forest. Good views from Angles Rest of Pearisburg and the ridge I hiked across last year. I had lunch at Angles Rest - a Subway spicey Italian sandwich - yum! This was much better than the PB&J I'll be having for lunch for the rest of the trip.There was one more view point a little further south. This one was to the east. The rest of the hike was on an easy trail mostly though a mature hardwood forest with a few hemlocks and white pines as well as a areas of rhododendrons. I took a picture of a beautiful bloom.I arrived at Docs Knob Shelter at 5 pm which was about 2 mph pace from Angles Rest. I'm tenting on the AT about 50 yds north of the turnoff for the shelter. Old School from southern Indiana was there when I arrived. He is doing from Damascus to Pine Swamp Shelter. Hideaway from Bangor PA arrived while I was eating dinner. She is doing from Springer to Pearisburg. Good conversation after dinner about AT, Grand Canyon, and Alaska. Two NOBO thrus passed me. The only wildlife was a snail and a fleeting glimpse of a squirrel.
Date: 2020-07-03
From: Docs Knob Shelter

To: Campsite at mile 1586.1
Miles today: 22.3

2020 - Day 2Trail miles: 22.3Total miles: 24.0Total time: 13:00Speed: 1.8 mphCalories: 3992Elevation gain: 3044 (3816 Guthook)Elevation loss: 4156 (4997 Guthook) Weather: mostly sunny, hot, humid, no rainI slept well last night. I was up a 4:30 am and on the trial at 6 am. Long day today so only a short entry. Mostly I was walking through the woods. There were both hardwood and evergreen stands. The trail passed through several rhododendron groves. Some were so thick that the trail went through a dark tunnel.There were two viewpoints in the morning. There were no views after that. I saw about a dozen backpackers all out for a few days. This afternoon I did a 0.5 mile road walk to Trent's convenience store for water and cold drinks.At one point I was sure I saw cow hoofprints on the trail. Sure enough I saw a pile of cow plop. There must be a farmer looking for a cow.I'm camped at the site at mile 1586.1. There is room for just two tents. There aren't even any rocks to sit on. Tomorrow is another big mile day so it is time for sleep.
Date: 2020-07-04
From: Campsite at mile 1586.1

To: Laurel Creek 
Miles today: 20.5

2020 - Day 3Trail miles: 20.5Total miles: 20.9Total time: 11:37Speed: 1.8 mphCalories: 3515Elevation gain: 3402 (5525 Guthook)Elevation loss: 3287 (5443 Guthook)Weather: Mostly sunny, pleasantly hot, no rainI slept reasonably well last night. My alarm went off at 4:30. I was out of camp at 6:05.The morning was mostly walking on a ridge with an elevation of about 3000 ft. There were many small ups and downs. The ridge is called Brushy Mt but no brush, rather it was mostly mature hardwoods. There were no views. I did have a few fleating glimpses of a bear running away. I also saw a snail trying to run away, but it was very slow so I was able to get a picture. I was at the Brushy Mt Outpost at about 1:30 in the hope that I could have a real sandwich for lunch, but no luck. It was not open today. Thus, I had PB&J. It was another 6.9 miles to my campsite. The trail continued south on Brushy Mt. It was easy walking. There was an excellent view of Hunting Camp Creek Valley which lies to the west of the trail.I reached the campsite at 5:35. I'm camped along Laurel Creek where it crosses VA 615. There is even a picnic table here! I have the site to myself. I washed up in Laural Creek. It feels good to be somewhat clean again. I had Good to Go chicken curry for dinner. It was excellent. Six NOBO long distance hikers passed me. Some are trying to make it to Maine without flipping. It will be very hard for them to make it to Baxter before they close for the winter. Two day hikers also passed me.Its 9 pm and time for sleep after another long day. I'll be lulled to sleep by the rushing waters of Laurel Creek.
Date: 2020-07-05
From: Laurel Creek 

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.1

2020 - Day 4Trail miles: 15.1Total miles: 16.2Total time: 10:18Calories: 2748Elevation gain: 4091 (5289 Guthook) Elevation loss: 2211 (3327 Guthook) Weather: Mostly sunny in morning, mostly cloudy in afternoon, warm, one hour downpour in midafternoon Slept like a log last night. I was up at 5:00 and on the trail at 6:35. The first order of business was a 600 ft climb to the continuation of Brushy Mt. Once at the top the trail followed an old forest road, so it was very easy walking. One maple growing in the middle of the road was 18 to 24 in diameter, so it's been a long time since the road was used. I wonder if it was a logging road or maybe a fire road constructed in the 1930's.The trail dropped down to Hunting Camp Creek, then it was the big climb of the day, 1500 ft to the ridge called Garden Mountain. The rest of the day was walking along this ridge with many small ups and downs. Some of the rocky walking reminded me of Pennsylvania. I saw a deer. It wasn't overly afraid of me but I couldn't get a picture. A major storm hit with lots of rain and wind. At one point the wind and rain was whipping up over the edge of the ridge. I was wearing my rain gear but still got wet.I needed to get water at a spring at Walker Gap. It was still raining and surface runoff was washing silt into the spring. As a result, my water filter kept getting clogged. After that it was a 1.4 mile climb to Chestnut Knob Shelter. It is in a field with views to the northeast looking out over Burkes Garden. This is bowl formed by a massive limestone sink hole that's now used for farming. I arrived at shelter at about 5 pm.I'm staying in the shelter to try to dry things out. So far one other person is here. A section hiker with trailname "Singer". She's going to be a geography major at Virginia Tech.About 6 NOBO thru hikers passed me. Most are trying to make it to Maine without flipping. As I write this entry, there is a rabbit at the door of the shelter munching on the floor sweeping that Singer swept out of the shelter. There is also a small black snake in the vicinity.
Date: 2020-07-06
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Crawfish Trail and Campsite
Miles today: 17.4

2020 - Day 5Trail miles: 17.4Total miles: 18.6Total time: 11:19Speed: 1.6 mphCalories: 3120Elevation gain: 3126 (4296 Guthook) Elevation loss: 4793 (5974 Guthook)Weather: mostly sunny, pleasant in morning, hot and humid in afternoon, a breeze at times, no rainI didn't sleep all that well last night due to the mice gnawing on the trash in the shelter. I got up at 5:30 which is a little later than normal in deference to the other person in the shelter. Sunrise over Burkes Garden was very impressive. I was on the trail at 6:50.The trail went through several fields with great views to the south. I think I could make out Mt Rogers, the highest peak in VA. The only downside of the fields was that the grass was tall and very wet, so my shoes and socks became soaked. I saw the strangest creature I've seen on the trail. It was a land based crawfish or mini lobster about 2 in long. It was complete with two tiny claws and tail fins just like a real lobster. The the elevation of this sighting was over 4,000 ft.The bridge over Lick Creek was washed out in a flood, so I had to take off my shoes and socks. I waded across in my crocks. The water only came midway up my calf. Once on the other side I took advantage of the opportunity to wring out my socks.I saw my first rattle snake on the trail. It sensed me coming and slithered off to the side. It was about 2 ft long.There were several climbs today including Brushy Mt (a different one than a few days ago) and Walker Mt. On the way down off Brushy Mt I met an older gentleman who had done a thru hike in 2004. He was wearing a Trump 2020 hat.The trail went through several cow fields. One even had cows. The cows had beaten paths everywhere so it was hard to follow the trail. I had to navigate using the Guthook app.About a mile from my campsite I met Daniel and John, two college age friends who are out for 6 days. They are both Eagle Scouts like I am. They are camped about 0.1 mile away. I chatted with them while I ate my dinner.I saw about 6 thru hikers, 5 section hikers and one day hiker.I'm in my tent and it's very hot. Tomorrow it is less than 7 miles into town where I will spend the night. I need an easy day and a shower.
Date: 2020-07-07
From: Crawfish Trail and Campsite

To: US 11, I-81, Atkins, VA
Miles today: 6.7

2020 - Day 6Trail miles: 6.7Total miles: 7.1Total time: 3:24Speed: 2.0 mphCalories: 941Elevation gain: 1187 (1634 Guthook)Elevation loss: 1417 (1864 Guthook)Weather: mostly sunny, pleasant temperature, a breeze on the ridges, no rain (at least while I was on the trail)I slept OK last night. It did cool off a little but it was very humid so it was hard to find the right combination of coverings to be comfortable. I was up at 5:00 and on the trail at 6:25. I passed by Daniel and John's campsite. They were still in their tent.The hiking was very pleasant. The temperature was perfect and there was a breeze on the ridges. I took a short break at Davis Path Campsite. There used to be a shelter here but they tore it down. All that is left is the concrete footings and the front steps.Just after the campsite I met a NOBO section hiker and his dog. His dog was very friendly and she liked to be scratched behind the ears. They are trying to make it as far as Maryland. He had just gotten hiking poles and said he hated them. I gave him some pointers on how to use them. At little further down I met a family from western New York who is out for 14 days. They put in at Burkes Garden and are trying to make it to Damascus. There was father, mother, son and daughter.After a road crossing in the valley, I met a trail maintainer and his helper. They were mowing the trail with a D&R Field and Brush mower. I thanked them for their service.I got to the Relax Inn at 10 am. This place is a throwback to 1960 and is a little tired. However, the owners are very friendly and the inn is just a stone's throw from the trail. I went up the street to a Mexican restaurant for lunch. I had a chicken taco salad and a chimichanga. It was excellent especially after 6 days on the trail. The NY family was just packing up after their lunch. I'll see them further down the trail.So far I've done 90.3 miles in four full days and two half days. Thus, this is five "days" on the trail. This works out to about 18 miles per day. Today I passed a sign that said I was 3/4 of the way to Springer Mt in GA.All of my town chores are done. I'm going to take it easy for the rest of the day.
Date: 2020-07-08
From: US 11, I-81, Atkins, VA

To: Trimpi Shelter 
Miles today: 21.4

2020 - Day 7Trail miles: 21.4Total miles: 22.3Total time: 12:27Speed: 1.8 mphCalories: 3921Elevation gain: 4491 (5387 Guthook)Elevation loss: 3986 (4783 Guthook)Weather: mostly sunny in morning becoming mostly cloudy in afternoon, pleasant in morning but hot in afternoon, light breeze at times, no rainI slept OK at the Relax Inn. I was up at 5 am and on the trail at 6:05.I took my first break at Chatfield Shelter. The family from NY was there. Daniel and John were there too, still in their tent. Three NOBO thru hikers rounded out the group.Today was easy walking. Once I made the climb to Glade Mt I was on ridges for the rest of the day with many short to moderate ups and downs. Just two viewpoints, one to the west and the other to the east. I saw one black snake about 3 ft long.I had lunch at Partnership Shelter. There was one hiker taking a zero there or maybe he was in essence living there. He said being on the trail was better than paying rent.I decided to push on to the Trimpi Shelter. My rationale was I was feeling good, the weather was good, and there was plenty of daylight left, so I should just keep hiking.I passed the campsites where I had intended to stay. The campsite that was furthest south was serviceable near the convergence of two streams that were flowing strong. Just south of there the trail followed an old railroad grade. Hiking doesn't get any easier than that. I pondered what the rail line had been used for, maybe to haul out timber?The only person at the Trimpi Shelter was Jesse, a long section hiker. She started at Springer and is trying to make it to Duncannon PA. We had a good conversation over dinner.Tomorrow I hope to make it 20.4 miles to the Wise Shelter.In total today I saw no day hikers, 10 section hikers, and 3 thru hikers.
Date: 2020-07-09
From: Trimpi Shelter 

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 20.1

2020 - Day 8Trail miles: 20.1Total miles: 21.3Total time: 12:31Speed: 1.7 mphCalories: 3963Elevation gain: 4511Elevation loss: 3064Weather: partly cloudy, warm, occasional breeze, no rainI slept well last night. I was up at 4:50 and on the trail at 6:15.There were three big climbs today: Dicky Ridge (el. 4040), Hurricane Mt (el. 4320), and Pine Mt (just under el. 5000). This was the most climbing on this trip. Combined with 20 miles, I'm beat.There was a detour on the trail due to a damaged bridge. This required a long road walk on VA 650. The detour was correctly shown on Guthook but it did not track the elevation change thus no Guthook elevation gain and loss today. Soon after I met thru hiker Bear Bait from Farmington, ME. We exchanged info on the trail ahead.I was very surprised on Pine Mt to find rocks and trees similar to middle elevations in New England. There were gray birches, beech, and hemlock. The woods were densely filled in rather than the open forest of mature hardwoods that are typical of my hike so far this year. There were even lots of rocks and tree roots in the trail, just like home!Other areas of the highlands are actively grazed. Thus they are mostly scrub brush. I'm camped near the Wise Shelter in the Grayson Highlands. I've already seen the wild ponies and took some pictures including of a young one. One other family is camped nearby. I met two NOBO thru hikers and about six section hikers.