morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: VA 100
Miles today: 11.1

Continuing the pampered hiker trend, the guys lightened our packs before our hike up Pearls Mountain. After the initial climb we ridged walked with great views of the valley below. Beautiful view at Angels Rest then down we go. 2000' descent in the next 3 miles. Rescue and Sherpa met us at VA 100 and a shower is calling my name.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: VA 100

To: AWOL's 639.7
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: few clouds

We're back to a Buckeye Threesome as Turtlestone is taking a few days off. As I climbed out of Pearisburg I decided she had the right idea. A tough, rocky 1700' climb and a rock field made this little 7.7 mile hike memorable. Crazy Legs and I got to Rice Field Shelter and decided a long break on the bald mountain in the sun would help repair our damaged egos from the morning climb. A beautiful view but I won't go so far as to say the climb was worth it. Professor T, a NoBo thru-hiker, hiked to our bald with a message from Jackonamountain saying he was on the way. Crazy Legs and I really enjoyed our break but Jackonamountain arrived a short time later and was ready to push on. We arrived at our tent site at 3:30. A nice place with water close. We have only seen 3 hikers today and all headed north.   Beautiful hiking weather. Sure hope it holds out.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: AWOL's 639.7

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: light rain

The atmosphere was full of energy and the winds of change were howling all through the night. I heard strange screeches and groans walking in the blustery woods this morning. Perhaps not a great time to be reading The Hounds Of Baskerville. With the threat of rain, I got an early start but eventually spitting rain turned into a drencher with distant thunder. Rain off and on all day. Fortunately no close lightening. Most of the trail was easy ridge walking with great views of the valley below which at times looked bright and sunny compared to our heavy cloud cover. Mile 9 became a wet, rocky uphill and then we started a steep descent with many switchbacks to the muddy trail.Finally arriving at the shelter and glad to get out of the rain I was greeted by 11 Canadian hikers on the AT as part of their final exam. Talk about energy! I was happy to meet them and happy when told they planned to hike on to the next shelter. Crazy Legs and I settled in and hung our wet clothes to dry. We were soon joined by 4 firefighters from Daytona, FL. who are doing a section hike, and thru-hikers, Sloth and Survivor Man. Jackonamountain decided to tent on the quiet ridge behind the shelter where he was soon asleep. The Machine, Tree Frog, and Squirrel stopped for a snack but went on another mile to The Captain's Place to zip line across the creek and spend the night in his yard. Blow downs were a real issue throughout the day and were a topic of shelter conversation as to how each was managed. The rain stopped for the night and all was quiet. A wet day on the trail but good.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: VA 613
Miles today: 7.7

I woke early and hit the trail at 7:30 anxious to meet Rescue#1 who was going to lighten my pack for our planned 12.7 mile hike. Our Buckeye Foursome was again complete as Turtlestone returned to the trail when we met the guys.I was exhausted from the start of the days hike and not appreciating the trail or my surroundings. The next 5 miles were rocky and uphill with more blow downs and I was downright cranky! The plan was to meet the guys at VA 613 and reload our packs to hike 5.1 more miles to spend the night at War Spur Shelter, which is what my hardy companions did. I bailed and returned to base camp. Ah, a shower and bed! We'll see if I regenerate tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: VA 613

To: VA 630
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Did you ever see the Snickers commercial where the guy's energy was so depleted he became a totally different person? That was me yesterday when I quit hiking. Food, water, a shower and a real bed worked wonders. I woke this morning full of energy and ready to get back to it. I started where I left the trail but decided to do a real SLACKPACK taking only essentials in my day pack. Rescue#1 dropped me off and up the trail I went with renewed energy. When I reached Wind Rock I turned right as directed by the double blaze onto Woods Road which was a lovely walk through the woods. But one problem...not the trail. After a 10 minute walk I noticed no blazes so walked around a few more curves to make sure, also checking for blazes behind me. None! Back I went to Wind Rock and there was the trail. Lesson: watch for those blazes. An extra mile on a 14 mile day isn't smart. Once on the right trail the day was great. Before I started the downhill to War Spur Shelter I ran into Red Hat and Razor. Razor is a ridge runner in Georgia and I met the two of them while hiking last year. They're on their way to Damascus for Trail Days. They spent the night at War Spur with Turtlestone, Crazy Legs and Jackonamountain. I stopped at War Spur Shelter for a short break and continued my hike which was now uphill. A hot day and found I was drinking more water than planned so stopped and filtered to replenish my supply at a Spring just before Rocky Gap.Met Rescue at Rocky Gap as we'd planned. I was feeling good so I continued my hike. Rescue was making hikers very happy with trail magic of water and Snickers. He also collected their trash. Met the Canadian school group on the trail again as well as thru-hikers Val and Grasshopper. I stopped for a short break at Laurel Creek Shelter and found the rest of my hike delightful. Gentle trail for a weary traveler. Glad to find Rescue waiting at the end of my day. A very good day on the trail.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: VA 630

To: VA 621
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Finally back on the trail after 2 days of rain and thunderstorms and yesterday off because of predicted thunderstorms that just didn't happen...oh well. I've looked forward to seeing the Keffer Oak and today was the day. I have a thing for old trees and this one is over 300 years old. A mere acorn in the late 1690's and standing strong today! Loved it!As it turned out, we needed that extra rest as today's hike was extremely strenuous with a steep climb up Sinking Creek Mountain reminding me of Jacobs Ladder in North Carolina. Hiking the ridge of Sinking Creek was pleasant and gave a break for what was to come. I'm not one for heights and I was challenged by the hike on the ridge overlooking Craig Creek Valley. The slanted rock face and the steep drop offs tested my nerve. I just focused on the blazes and didn't look down unless I felt I was in a stable location. I survived the challenge and tomorrow take on Dragons Tooth. YIKES!
Date: 2014-05-02
From: VA 624 Newport Road

To: VA 620
Miles today: 8.0

Rescue and Sherpa Tim dropped us off at VA 624 and our adventure began. We climbed the AT to Dragons Tooth and we made it to the top! Taking the advise of Princess, Rocketman, and Ranger who completed Dragons Tooth yesterday, we flipped south meaning we climbed the steep northern side rather than having to descend the steep narrow path which we would have had to do as NoBo hikers. For those of us who become a little squeamish looking down, that made all the difference. I so enjoyed the day and feel very proud that I did it.After peaking we took the short blue-blaze to the Dragons Tooth. I was grateful we had the mountain to ourselves most of our stay. The descent on the southern side of the mountain was long but had many switchbacks and some beautiful views We saw a group of 4 section hikers named 1, 2, 3, & 4. Also saw Young Beard and Sunshine, Ramen Shamen & his crew and Reset again today. When we reached 620 Joe from Four Pines Hostel was there to give us a ride back to the hostel where Rescue and Sherpa Tim picked us up to return to base camp. What a wonderful day. I spent a lot of time fretting over today's hike and the reality, while very challenging, wasn't nearly as bad as my fears. There's a lesson there. Another good day on the trail.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: VA 620

To: VA 621 Craig Creek Road
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

Again we are SoBos. Rescue#1 and Sherpa Tim dropped us off at Four Pines Hostel and Joe drove us up the road, through the creek and down the very narrow VA 620 where we began our hike up Brush Mountain. What a beautiful day to be out and what better place to be. The first 4.5 miles were a steady up but the smooth trail made the walk a beautiful contrast to yesterday's rocky steep climb. Not having to focus so much on every step gave my mind a chance to wander and wonder about my life and how fortunate I am. There is a monument just off the AT dedicated to Audie Murphy, World War II's most decorated American soldier, who died near this spot in a plane crash. I placed my fathers pocket knife atop the monument for a short time as a tribute to his World War II service as well. My father was a young Marine who ultimately gave his life for our country and did so proudly. I placed a rock on a cairn beside the monument in honor of my dear Rescue#1 and his service in the Navy. (The stories he tells!) Thank you to all you veterans who have kept our country safe. The rest of the trail was downhill and still easy walking. I crossed Craig Creek on 8 footbridges within a mile of my destination. A few of these bridges were very impressive. A good hike today...I can't wait until tomorrow.
Date: 2014-05-04
From: VA 624

To: Catawba Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: clear sky

Nobo's again but still pampered today as we slackpacked 5.9 miles to VA 311 where we picked up our packs and continued 2 miles to Catawba Shelter. The 2 miles with a full pack to our shelter was the longest 2 miles ever...so spoiled. The day's highlight was Saw Tooth Ridge which is a section of trail about 5 miles long and is a series of quick ups and down. Some great views and lovely wild flowers. Catawba Mountain Shelter is home tonight. There is a privy and a spring with good water near by. AWOL's Trail Guide for 2014 omitted the water symbol for this site so water may be an issue at times. We have company in the shelter tonight. Feather is headed south and is hiking for as long as he's enjoying the walk. Lots of day hikers on the AT after we picked up our packs at 311 parking lot, all headed to McAfees Knob. We'll get there tomorrow. A good day. PS. We had a visit from 2008 thru-hikers Mango and Grettle with their new puppy Hammy. They found him in a dumpster this morning. Unbelievable!
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Catawba Mountain Shelter

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: scattered clouds

What a wonderful day! I woke at 5:30 and lay in the shelter listening to the distant call of a Whip-poor-will who eventually decided to come in to camp and wake everyone. He did a good job. We wanted to hit the trail early because today was McAfee Knob and Tinkers Cliffs and the possibility of afternoon rain loomed. We left Catawba Mountain Shelter by 7:20 hiking 1.5 miles up to McAfee. The sky was cloudy and a light sprinkle of rain now and then but we spent at least 30 minutes taking pictures and soaking in the fantastic views. Finally we packed up and headed up the trail. Soon the rain was more steady and the distant thunder became not so distant. We quickly headed to Campbell Shelter to wait out the rain and eat Second Breakfast. Perfect timing. A few easy miles of hiking became a very steep long climb up to Tinker Cliffs. Rain off and on the whole morning so my rain coat was off and on 20 times. The cliffs were so worth the climb and we were rewarded with sun. The trail is uncomfortably close to the edge at times BUT I DID IT! Again, we took lots of pictures. Leaving the cliffs we steeply descended 2 miles to our shelter. We have Imflamable and Bloomer here with us. Both are thru-hikers. Inflammable started a fire which felt good on a cool damp evening. A nice shelter with a good spring and privy near. A great day on the trail.
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: US 11
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: clear sky

I slept like a rock until 6:00 this morning and was on the trail by 7:00 with 10.9 miles planned for today. A foggy start but that disappeared pretty fast. Easy walking with no major ups or downs. Love that! Hay Rock was probably the challenge of the day with a rock climb but also good views of Carvins Cove Reservoir once there. We hiked to US 220 where we met Rescue and Sherpa Tim for a 2 mile slackpack then hit Pizza Hut for lunch. Bloomer, who we met at the shelter last night, joined us for lunch. A really good day.
Date: 2014-05-07
From: US 11

To: Black Horse Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Today we hiked north from US 11 to Black Horse Gap. The ATC Guide states that the Gap is named for a tavern at the location in the 1700's. Our hike started in gentle rolling pastures with curious cattle and then gentle up hill trail. Actually a lot of up and down today but nothing dramatic. I guess in comparison with the hiking of the last few days the trail seemed very gentle which I appreciated. I came across a BIG Black Rat snake who graciously left the trail so I could continue hiking. Southern chivalry is not dead. I passed a historical marker at Colliers Pit explaining that this was the location for making charcoal in the 1700s. In1836 coal became the fuel for the nearby iron furnaces and charcoal was no longer used. A short distance up the trail was Wilson Creek Shelter where I stopped for a water break. A nice looking shelter but I hiked on 2.5 miles to meet Rescue#1 and Sherpa Tim. A good hike and seeing more wild flowers every day. The trees are filling with leaves and summer temperatures are on the way. The trail will become that shaded green tunnel and our springtime views will be gone before we know it.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Black Horse Gap

To: VA 614 Jennings Creek Road
Miles today: 14.6

An early 6:00 start in the hope of missing the predicted heat of the day. DIDN'T...I finished at 12:30 but it was hot and sunny on the trail. Today's hike was great. We started with a beautiful sunrise and cool temperatures. Looking into the clouded valleys from the peaks made the mountains below appear to be islands. The trail crossed or paralleled the Blue Ridge Parkway the first 8 miles of the day and I saw several day and section hikers. Stopped for a break at Cove Mountain Shelter. A nice shelter with a privy but no water and lots of Carpenter Bees. Turtlestone, Inflammable, and Tatted came in for a break a few minutes before I pulled out. Tatted soon passed me running downhill and Inflammable passed me shortly after.   Must be nice to be 21. When I reached VA 614 to meet Rescue#1 they and Grouch were there trying to call Middle Creek Campground where we are staying to get a shuttle for food. We gave them a ride to the campground and I soon hit the shower. Now, what's to eat!P.S.   Saw a baby Timber Rattlesnake in an overlook parking lot today so was really on the lookout for snakes on the trail. This unfortunate snake had been run over by a car.
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Thunder Ridge Overlook BRP 74.7

To: VA 614 
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

A late start on a hot day with challenging trail is definitely not the way to plan a hike but sometimes wandering feet (even sore feet) don't listen to common sense. I originally planned a 4 mile hike for today to give my body some rest but changed my mind at the last minute and packed my backpack to spend the night on the trail. Because I didn't like the looks of the dramatic uphill trail I flip flopped and started my hike southbound from Thunder Ridge Overlook back to VA 614. I was prepared to stop at one of three shelters along the trail if needed. I passed Thunder Hill Shelter with the stone walled well right beside the shelter. A salamander clung to the wall in the cold water. Looked tempting but I didn't think I'd fit. Slow going the first half of my day but I soon approached an AT highlight, the Guillotine. A rock formation that gives one pause before walking beneath. My first climb was to the peak of Apple Orchard Mountain at 4225'. I guess because of the heat, the view typically offered was hazy. It was very hot and the leafless trees offered little shade. I stopped often for water breaks, and fortunately, water along the trail was adequate so was able to filter water as I hiked. I soon encountered Crazy Legs and Turtlestone on the trail. They had opted to take the northbound trail. Jackonamountain took a zero day. I expected to see many NoBo hikers since I was going sobo but I saw only a few. I'm hearing some have started night hiking to avoid the days heat. I saw Grouch, Inflammable, Mary Poppins, and Bloomer as I hiked. I passed Cornelius Shelter but stopped soon after for another of my many breaks. This particular break was in the largest patch of flowering Trilliums I've ever seen. A nice spot to rest but I was really stretching out my day and needed to pick up my pace to get in by dark. I finished my climb up Floyd Mountain and I thought the rest of my hike would be downhill. Well, the next 5 miles, all the way to Bryant Shelter, were downhill. This section is why I was heading south. I stopped at Bryant Shelter for a short time to talk to Tat It On and a few other hikers spending the night but rain and distant rumblings had been pushing me to move on for the last hour so I continued. There's a relaxing walk along the stream before crossing and climbing out of the valley bottom and climb I did. Fork Mountain is a mean trick. There are many false summits and I was very happy to finally reach the top and descend to VA 614 and Rescue#1.
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Thunder Ridge Overlook BRP 74.7

To: US501
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: few clouds

After a day of rest I thought I would be healed and ready to zip down the trail, yet, I'm footsore and looking forward to the end of my 13 miles. Solo hiking today as Turtlestone is doing a10 mile segment, Crazy Legs hiked on yesterday rather than zero as she has a timeline and needs to get home, and Jackonamountain headed home yesterday. His body was talking to him and he listened. The start of my hike was northbound from Thunder Ridge Overlook where the clouds below me covered the valley in a white sea. I continued down the trail and into and through the most enchanted woodland setting I've seen. Light pink Trilliums in full bloom covered the forrest floor and then I hiked into a patch of dew coated May Apples blanketing the area as far as I could see on both sides of the trail. The sunlight drifted through the trees in bright rays and the water droplets sparkled on the May Apples. The AT was putting on a glorious Mothers Day show just for me and I felt less footsore and picked up my pace. Today's trail was generally downhill with mostly stumble-free switchbacks. The rocky sections are hard on my sore feet so I try to block those out. At Gunter Ridge Trail I turned on my phone and got a great Mothers Day video which was just what I needed to keep me going. I came across a southbound couple headed to Springer resting at Big Cove Branch stream and four day hikers as I descended. No other northbounders. When I arrived at Matts Creek Shelter I stopped for a water break and wanted to check the shelter journal to see if Crazy Legs or Turtlestone had made entries. I found none. Only 2 miles to go and I was ready to get my feet out of these shoes. A pleasant walk along the stream and then along the James River. A nice surprise awaited my last half mile. There was Rescue#1 to guide me across the Foot Bridge and to the car. Somehow he knows when I need him and there he is.
Date: 2014-05-12
From: US501

To: BRP 51.7
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: few clouds

Hiking with Turtlestone today. She's an uphill hiker and I'm a downhill girl so we leap-frogged all day and she took the lead on the 2000' foot climb to Big Rocky Row. I saw some great displays of wild flowers on the way to the top which gave me an excuse to stop for a rest. Heat and humidity was high today and even though we started our hike at 6:00 by late morning the trail felt oppressive. Saddle Gap and Saltlog Gap leveled for a nice break but then we climbed up Bluff Mountain. What a great view of the valley below. A quick descent past Punchbowl Shelter down to BRP and Rescue#1 ended our hike.
Date: 2014-05-13
From: BRP 51.7

To: US 60
Miles today: 10.9

Another hot day on the trail but I felt much better than the last few days and the trail was beautiful. To be continued...just found a deer tick I want to get rid of!Tiny, tiny tick imbedded on the inside of my left knee. He was no bigger than a pen head. I pulled him straight out with my tweezers and accidentally dropped him on my leg. He was still alive and fast. Now he's squished. Sorry little guy but yuck!Another hiking day with Turtlestone. Today was a day that suited both of us with only one major descent from Rice Mountain and one major ascent to US 60. The middle section, after we crossed the Pedlar River Bridge, was fairly level and picturesque. As we hiked on the trail above the Lynchburg Reservoir a phone rang through an outside speaker system. Not what we expected to hear and a jolt back to reality. We soon left the reservoir and walked along side Brown Mountain Creek. A very relaxing walk into an area once inhabited by a community of freed slaves. Some stone fences and foundations remain but the community sold their land to the forrest service in the 1920s and no longer exists. I discovered a new orchid beside a stream today. I'll call it the June Bug Orchid until I or someone identifies it for me. At the end of our hike we came into trail magic. Sodas, tacos, chips and nice folks. A great end to a wonderful hiking day.
Date: 2014-05-14
From: US 60

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today the Buckeye Foursome is down to the Buckeye Lonesome as Turtlestone left today. During the morning climb I began to think she was pretty smart. It took me two and a half hours to hike the first five uphill miles. The weather is in the process of a major change. The start of the day was hot and sunny and now that I'm here in the shelter the fog has rolled in and rain is predicted to begin this evening and continue tomorrow. I saw several southbound hikers but no NoBos until I got to the shelter. Chocolate and cheese from Switzerland stopped for water and continued on and a couple guys here from Germany, Fritz Long & Pyro. Spiderman is here and Sunshine and Young Beard.   Emily is here on a short solo hike which is her first. She was struck by lightening a few years ago and is really nervous about the predicted storms. I wanted to give her the trail name Lightening Rod but feared she'd see no humor in it. Five section hikers doing a five day hike outing here but one is sick so they may need to change their plans by morning. This shelter is nice and the water source is piped from the hillside and is only a .10 downhill from the shelter. Also a privy. Glad to be in the shelter but tomorrow's forecast sounds wet. No thunderstorms predicted tomorrow and I've been wet before so all's well. It is 8:30 and everyone, including me, is in their bags and most are asleep. Think I'll join them.