morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-09
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Skyland Resort
Miles today: 10.8

Left Pass Mountain Hut for Skyland Resort this morning. Slow start since it remained cold and wet. In order to save some dry clothes for Skyland, I put on what I had worn yesterday...still wet and pretty cold. Thankfully after 30-45 minutes, the clothes warmed up under the rain gear. Lots of climbing today with many spots for views if we weren't in the clouds all day...not a single view. Arrived at Skyland shortly after 4:00. Got a great room, picked up our maildrops, had cold beers and took long, hot showers. It was 42 degrees when we arrived. Had a great meal in the Tap Room and took it easy. Short day planned for tomorrow so we will eat breakfast and lunch at Skyland and then head to Big Meadows Campground where there are hot showers and hot meals nearby. We need to sort through our maildrop...looks like we have too much food. May be sending some home tomorrow. Tomorrow we break the 100 mile makrk. We've had some minor foot and blister problems but are managing well and sticking to the plan. The forecast for tomorrow is clear and in the 70's! We can't wait to put our rain gear away for awhile.
Date: 2011-04-10
From: Skyland Resort

To: Big Meadow Campground
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: few clouds

Had breakfast and lunch at Skyland before moving on to Big Meadow Campground. The best day yet. Fantastic views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and wonderful sections of trail through stretches of mountain laurel closely flanking the trail on both sides. Only wish it had been in bloom. Arrived at Big Meadows about 4:30. Took a bit to get oriented since there were only a few folks here on a Sunday. Barely made the .9 miles to the Wayside for dinner. Back to camp to get set-up and do a load of laundry. We will both need to do some work on our feet before we push on tomorrow to Lewis Mountain Campground, where we will have a tent cabin. Looks like we have some good weather in front of us.
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Big Meadow Campground

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Our first night in the tent...wonderful. Bob didn't feel well overnight so we got a late start at 11:45 arriving at Lewis Mountain Campground at 4:15, covering 10.7 miles. Sunny and warm. Our "tent cabin" is actually a pretty, rustic wooden cabin on a cement floor with 2 sets of bunk beds and a small wood stove. Took advantage of the showers and laundry. Picked up a few things at the camp store and fixed dinner. Laura has been helping us with the local forecasts when I can reach her. Looks like thunderstorms overnight and showers tomorrow. Not the greatest hiking forecast but cooler temps and light showers are fine. Looking forward to our first "zero" (a day with no hiking) in Waynesboro this weekend. Our reward for finishing Shenandoah National Park!
Date: 2011-04-12
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Change in our plans. The storm arrived early morning with some thunder and lightening. Rain and very thick fog. Today will be our first "zero." We are the only folks in the campground. We've fired up the wood stove and are taking it easy. Forecast for tomorrow looks much improved. May still take a "zero" in Waynesboro...we'll see. Plan to be on the trail early tomorrow. We have a few big days between here and Waynesboro and will need to spend more time on the trail.
Date: 2011-04-13
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Lewis Mountain Cabins in thick fog. About 90 minutes later, it burned off and the day looked very promising...sun in the valleys! It never materialized in the mountains. Chilly and overcast all day, but good for hiking. Spent the night at Hightop Hut. Looked like we would have the shelter to ourselves, but 4 guys arrived around 6:00. We had seen two of the guys in Harpers Ferry and again at Rod Hollow. We were surprised to see them again. They had hitched to make up for some time they spent off trail. It promises to be pretty cold and windy overnight. We hope it is warmer tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Hightop Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

What a wonderful day. Warmer, blue skies and no clouds. A great day to hike. Left late since we only planned on 8.5 miles. Arrived at Pinefield Hut around 3:20 and settled in. Hope tomorrow is as nice since we are looking to do 13.2 miles tomorrow. Cell service has been poor but I'm hoping to get a call in tomorrow to my wonderful wife, Laura, on our 34th anniversary. Laura, please know that I love you and will be thinking of you all day. XOX
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful morning. Up and out early to do 13.5 miles and get into Blackrock Hut. Another nice day but we're concerned about tomorrow. We understand there is a storm headed our way. I was able to reach Laura and wish her a happy anniversary. I had ordered flowers before leaving for the AT and they arrived as planned. Laura confirmed bad weather...thunderstorms and 1.9" of rain. We will make the decision tomorrow about heading for Calf Mountain Hut. It is 13.2 miles and we don't want to be out in that type of weather if we can avoid it. With Bob and me, there were 7 at the hut...largest crowd yet. Time to turn in and see what develops with the weather.
Date: 2011-04-16
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Rain started about 3:30 am and was constant. We decided to continue to watch the weather and perhaps leave at 3:00 pm and tent between Blackrock Hut and Calf Hut. Weather never improved and we sat it out. Everyone else left and it looked like we would have the hut to ourselves but two sectiion hikers arrived around 3:00 pm...and it started to clear around 4:00pm. It's officially a "zero." We will head to Calf Mountain Hut tomorrow and into Waynesboro the following day.
Date: 2011-04-17
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Calf Mountain Hut
Miles today: 13.5

Beautiful day...cool and bright with some wind. First 10 miles were fast but the last 3+ dragged. Glad to get into Calf Mountain Hut. It definitely needs a little TLC. Looking forward to Waynesboro. Laura made reservations for us at a Quality Inn...real hot meals, showers...can't wait.
Date: 2011-04-18
From: Calf Mountain Hut

To: Quality Inn/Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Completed Shenandoah National Park today around 1:00 pm. Bob has decided to leave the trail and return to Rhode Island. I'm staying on the trail and will go to the local outfitter tomorrow for some new gear. I need to get a smaller and lighter tent and stove as well as some odds and ends. Going on alone will necessitate getting into a new routine and rhythm. When we exited the Park we headed to the Information Center. As soon as we arrived, we were offered a ride into town...sweet! We quickly settled into the Quality Inn and did some chores before a great Mexican meal at Mi Rancho.
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Quality Inn/Waynesboro, VA

To: Quality Inn/Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero day in Waynesboro. After a restful night, we headed to Weasie's for breakfast, a local favorite and obviously on the hiker radar. We headed for Rockfish Gap Outfitters and they had it all...$484 later I am the proud owner of a new ultralight Big Agnes tent, as well as an ultralight Iso-butane stove. When we returned to the Quality Inn, I repacked my pack to ensure everything fit. My pack is definitely smaller and probably 5 pounds lighter than when I left Harpers Ferry. I'm a little uncertain about my plans for tomorrow. Need to call Laura and get a local forecast. I've put together some alternative stops for the next few days dependiing on the weather. Don't mind hiking in the rain but prefer a dry shelter over a tent. Next resupply is Dutch Haus B and B in Montebello, VA. Should be there Saturday or Sunday, April 23 or 24. Something to look forward to for Easter.
Date: 2011-04-20
From: Quality Inn/Waynesboro, VA

To: Dripping Rock on the BRP
Miles today: 14.5

Bob and I left Waynesboro on the same shuttle...he's headed home via Amtrak and I'm moving south. The shuttle driver dropped me off at Rockfish Gap and I headed out at 8:00 AM. The trail roughly parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) for a couple of hundred miles. I didn't have a specific goal in mind for the day...part of developing a new rhythym. Covered the first 5 miles in 2 hours and took a quick break at the Wolfe Shelter. Wonderful location...wish it had been further down the trail. The next objective was Humpback Mountain and I thought about camping after crossing the summit. Hit the summit at 2:30 and it was too early to stop for the day. Next I headed for the Dripping Rock area. I started thinking about hitching back to Waynesboro for the night when I crossed the BRP. Got to the BRP around 4:00 and immediately got a ride. Comfy bed and hot shower. I arranged for a shuttle back to the BRP for tomorrow morning. Got a great weather forecast from Laura so it looks like a great day. Now I need to call out for some Chinese...after 14.5 miles, I've walked enough for one day.
Date: 2011-04-21
From: Dripping Rock on the BRP

To: Harper Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: broken clouds

Lyle Kirby dropped me off at Dripping Rock at 8:30. I headed for Harper Creek Shelter 12.7 miles down the trail. I was ready for a challenging day. I had heard The Three Ridges Wilderness Area was steep and rocky...it did not disappoint...felt a lot like the Whites. It was a gorgeous day with great views. Trees and flowers are just starting to bloom. Got into the shelter around 4:00. Immediately got water, took care of the sleeping bag and pad and organized for dinner. Starting to develop a rhythm and it feels pretty good. Chatted for awhile with my lone shelter mate and turned in around 8:00. All in all, a very good day. I'm a little concerned about tomorrow since I'm looking at a 3100 foot climb...the biggest since leaving Harpers Ferry. I'd like to get to Dutch Haus tomorrow but not sure since The Priest (4063') will pose a significant challenge.
Date: 2011-04-22
From: Harper Creek Shelter

To: Dutch Haus B&B (Montbello, VA)
Miles today: 13.2

Looks like rain and it's certainly much cooler than yesterday. Not the earliest start (9:30 AM). I spent too much time thinking about The Priest. I needed to get to the Tye River about 3 miles down the trail, then 4.8 miles up to The Priest. Depending on how that went would determine where I would spend the night. I guessed it could take 3.5 - 4.0 hours to do the 4.8 miles. Well, I kicked its ass...I started up at 11:20 AM and was on top at 1:40 PM!! With the weather deteriorating, I committed to getting into Dutch Haus. Up and over some additional hills in the rain and pea soup fog and I met my host, Lois, at the end of a 13.2 mile day. Google Dutch Haus in Montebello, VA to see the deal. I've settled in with a hot shower and a home-cooked meal...salad, meatloaf, green bean casserole, potatoes and peanut butter pie for desssert. I'm sitting in the living room in front of a roaring fire in this wonderful log home. Plan to be dropped off south of here tomorrow for a leisurely 10 mile hike back to Dutch Haus. I will stash my pack here and use a day back they have available.Today marks 3 weeks on the trail and over 200 miles hiked. I've lost some additional weight and my legs are much stronger. The pack is hanging in at around 35 lbs. and feels pretty good. I picked up some new gear in Waynesboro to replace the tent and stove Bob and I were packing. The stove is spectacular and I haven't needed to break out the tent just yet.Thanks for your words of encouragement and support. Please keep them coming.I lucked out here at Dutch Haus and was able to do the journal entries myself for 4/20 - 4/22. Hope to post again tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-23
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Dutch Haus
Miles today: 10.1

Up at 6:30 for breakfast at 7:00. Fresh coffee, french toast, eggs, sausage, juice and a bit of fresh fruit!! It was pretty foggy and overcast. Looked like it could rain at any minute. My hosts shuttled me to Hog Camp Gap for a 10.1 mile hike back to Fish Hatchery Road. Hog Camp Gap is at 3521 and as I climbed north to Tar Jacket Ridge it was sunny with a slight breeze. The mountain tops to the east poked above the undercast in the valley...outstanding! I then crossed Salt Lick Gap and Greasy Spring Road before crossing the Piney River and passing through Porters Field, ending at Spy Rock Road. The trail was in great shape. I started at 9:30 and was off the trail at 1:45. My hosts picked me up at around 2:15 and returned me to Dutch Haus where their daughter treated me to an impromptu piano concert. The weather has improved in the valley and it is beautiful here...sunny and comfortably warm. I need to get my gear organized for tomorrow. I arrived here with a fair amount of food and I have a package containing 3 days supply for both Bob and me with the next resupply just 3 days down the trail in Glasgow. Looks like I will be making a serious donation to the hiker box here at Dutch Haus. Tomorrow I'm heading for Brown Mountain Shelter only 8.1 miles down the trail. There are several campsites further on and I may go further south depending on the weather. I anticipate a very quiet evening since I'm the only guest.
Date: 2011-04-24
From: Hog Cap Gap

To: Pedlar Bridge
Miles today: 12.7

It's Ester and I'm heading to Pedlar Bridge. The day started with a climb of Cold Mountain. Right out of the Sound of Music--huge meadow with a ton of small ground flowers. Originally, I had planned to stay at Brown Mountain Creek Shelter but only stopped for a quick snack. Wonderful spot next to a creek with lots of swimming holes. Too early you say? It's in the mid-80s. Got to Pedlar Bridge around 4:30 and set-up camp. The next item on the agenda was my 2011 inaugural swim. It was brisk but did the trick...clean and cool! Fixed dinner sitting on the suspension bridge...kinda cool. Shooting for Glasgow, VA tomorrow and picking up my resupply.
Date: 2011-04-25
From: Pedlar River Bridge

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: few clouds

The toughest day yet. A difficult climb over Rice and Bluff Mountains. Temps were 85+ and at lower elevations the trees provided some shade, but above 2500 feet, no relief. I drank more water than any day on the trail. After Bluff, I had 3-4 more moderate climbs before heading down to Glasgow. I decided to stop at Johns Hollow Shelter. It was a 13.9 mile day with only 1.8 to the road, but didn't get to shelter until 6 and was a bit worried about successfully hitching into Glasgow before dark. I'll pick up my resupply in the morning. It's gotten buggy over the last couple of nights so the new tent has been a real blessing.
Date: 2011-04-26
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: light rain

Left the shelter around 9:00 headed for Glasgow. Covered the 1.8 miles in 40 minutes and hitched a ride after 10-15 minutes with Ken. What a great guy. Gave me the nickel tour and dropped me off at a shelter in town for hikers. Retrieved my package, sorted through all my stuff and figured out what food and gear needed to head home. Took a great shower in the outdoor facility...your choice...cold or cold...it was wondereful. Put on my town clothes (clean shirt, shorts and crocs) and headed to the post office for the return package. I next settled in for a fried chicken lunch with potato wedges, slaw, mac and cheese and the obligatory diet Dr. Pepper. Back to the shelter to get my dirty clothes and head to Lew's Wash and Dry. Ken stopped by to see if I needed a ride back to the trail. He'll pick me up around 5:00 which will provide me with plenty of time to get to Matts Creek Shelter, only 2.1 miles south. I needed a "nero" after the last two days. I'll call Laura before leaving town and hope to be at my next resupply in Daleville, VA, just shy of 300 miles. PS Arrived a Matts Creed Shelter later than I had planned. I had arranged a ride to the trail head for around 5:00 but it did not materialize until 6:30. The shelter was only 2.2 miles up the trail but it was getting late and raining. Made good time but went off on a blue-blazed trail and lost 20 minutes by the time I realized my error. Got in just before dark and set up quickly. It was nice to have the shelter to myself. A quick candy bar fro dinnner...still feeling full from the fried chicken lunch in town. Great falling to sleep with light rain on the shelter roof.
Date: 2011-04-27
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

Started raining when I left the shelter. My plan called for tenting at Harrison Ground Spring but I quickly thought about pushing beyond to Thunder Hill Shelter since it looked like a full day of rain. No need to put on rain gear since it was reasonably mild and I had a few long climbs that would turn the rain gear into a traveling sauna. My newly laundered clothes from Glasgow were already wet from the dash to Matts Creek. Spring is definitely here...the trees are leafing out and the wild flowers are everywhere. After several climbs I rounded a corner and started another climb...the entire area was covered with a dense carpet of trillium...spectacular! I immediately thought of our camp, Bear Knoll, in Albany, NH. We always have a few trillium in the spring, but nothing like this. The rain pretty much stopped mid-afternoon but the wind picked up. I arrived at Thunder Hill at 4:30 where a couple and their dog had already set up. They had enclosed half of the shelter opening with the rain fly from their tent in anticipatiion of an overnight storm. I planned on doing the same after a quick dinner. While eating, two NOBOs arrived for the night and grabbed some shelter space and covered the remaining opening with a trap they were carrying...none too soon since we could all hear thunder approaching. Two more NOBOs arrived before dark...we had a full house with 7 hikers and a dog in a shelter for 6. It wasn't long before all hell broke loose. I've never seen a storm this big while backpacking...thunder and lightning repeatedly throughout the night with torrential rains...it rained so hard it was impossible to communicate in the metal-roofed shelter. When it wasn't raining hard enough to knock you to the ground, it was coming sideways in waves. If we hadn't had the front enclosed with tarps, we would have been drenched. Not much sleep tonight.
Date: 2011-04-28
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Still raining cats and dogs at daybreak. Even with the tarps, the foot of my sleeping bag got wet. Everyone was eager and anxious to figure out the plans for the day. If it kept raining I would stay put and ride it out but with some discomfort with a wet sleeping bag. The shelter was .3 mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) and I was thinking seriously about hitching 40 miles into Daleville, VA and returning to the trail where I left if was I was able to dry out my gear. I wasn't convinced anyone would pick up a hiker in this weather. Feeling a bit discouraged. The first two NOBOs(North Bounders) left at 8:30...still raining but the sky was brightening. I fixed some coffee and ate pop tarts which helped. Around 9:30 the rain stopped and we all went into packing hyperdrive. I was the last one out shortly before 11:00 with the sun coming out. As I crossed the BRP I gave a fleeting thought of hitching into town, but I put my head down and kept putting one foot in front of the other. Shortly after the road corssing. I went through The Guillotine...a large boulder wedged 10 feet above the trail...pretty cool. What a difference a day makes. It was a beautiful day...cooler and bright with mild breezes. Trees continue to leaf out providing a bit more shade and wild flowers are everywhere and my goal was Bryant Ridge Shelter, one of the most unique on the trail. A post and beam multi-level structure sleeping up to 20. When I arrived around 3:30 there was only one hiker settled in. I quickly hung out my sleeping bag and some other "damp" gear, got water and staked out my spot. Five ohters arrived over the next 3 hours. Had a nice dinner of instant mashed potatoes and canned chicken...one of my favorites, washed down with instant lemonade made with cool spring water...AAH. My bag and gear dried and I settled in for a restful night night's sleep to make up for what I didn't get last night. A beautiful day and a truly wonderful shelter...what a difference a day makes.
Date: 2011-04-29
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

Two climbs today but nothing too severe. Stopped briefly at Jennings Creek about 4 miles from Bryant Ridge and head a passing thought about a quick swim but it was cool and I wanted to get into Bobblets early. Another beautiful day with bright skies and mild breezes. Stopped at Cove Mountain Shelter for lunch. Nice shelter right on the trail but with no water source...what were they thinking? Shortly after passing through Bearwallow Gap I ran into a NOBO who told me "a trail angel has set out a cooler with cold drinks and snacks by the road." I quickly consulted my trail guide and realized I would cross the BRP twice in the next 2.3 miles...if I picked up the pace maybe I could receive some trail magic. Quickly got to Mills Gap Overlook...no cooler. Picked up the pace to get to Peaks of Otter overlook...no cooler. I was bummed. It was getting close to 4:00 and I figured the trail angel had collected the cooler. I re-focused on getting to the shelter and enjoying some cool spring water. As I approached the trail down to the shelter off an old gravel road, I saw a small cooler and backpack...TRAIL MAGIC!! I enjoyed a COLD drink on the spot. Grabbed some snacks...chips, crackers with cheese, some hard candies and two small peanut butter filled easter egg candies! I took an ice tea to have with dinner. I must have had a smile on my face when I arrived since the hiker already in residence, Turkey Feather, said "I see you found the trail magic." Nice evening with a total of 5 NOBOs and me. Interesting group...3 retirees in addition to me, a recent college grad. and a recent high school grad. Not atypical from what I've seen so far. This may change in a week or two as I run into the bulk of the folks heading north that left Springer arond April 1.