morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Abingdon shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.0

Nothing like a chilly, wet start to the day to slow progress up a bit.We trekked the 10 miles to Damascus, crossing the TN/VA stateline at lunchtime. We were greeted in Damascus by a short, brisk downpour that sent everyone scurrying. Wanderlust completed her 60 mile trek in style by walking barefoot to her white w/ pink striped mustang to alleviate the pain in her perfectly manicured toes. I did receive a lot of flack for not letting her bring camp shoes on the hike. We decided to await the festivities and opted instead for maildrop (Phil always sends me surprises and treats! and a hot shower in a neighboring town. We topped off the evening w/ pizza dining w/ Short Stop (on his 2nd thru-hike) and Raven (just finishing his section hike). As promised, Wanderlust ate 5 pieces of pizza. I won't mention how many I ate!! Til later, Red Robin
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0

I have now experienced trail days, eaten too much "town food" although the ribs were good, got my pack fixed, bounce box mailed, impulse purchases made, spoke w/ Gene Espy(2nd AT thru hiker-1951), purchased his book, picture taken for the 2014 thru-hiker year book and meandered the streets of Damascus. Tonight we toast Wanderlust's success tomorrow, back to the trail. Regarding the bounce box- I hire the USPS to carry what I am not interested in hauling over hill n dale. See pic. Pretty sure this is the busiest post office this weekend All for now
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Damascus, VA

To: South end creeper trail crosses the AT
Miles today: 12.3

5/18/14Damascus to S end VA creeper trail12.3 miles Trail Days complete, My custom Swiss orthotics that made everything nonfunctional in my left foot functional for a thru-hike had been tossed in the trash by cleaning staff ( guess the orthotics looked as bad as my shoes did), Wanderlust headed home, I had a beautiful bike ride on the VA Creeper trail (a 17 mile rail to trail success) from white top mtn back to Damascus. This trail is a walk, bike and horse riding trail and in some areas handicap accessible. Everyone was extremely courteous on the trail. Ie, I highly recommend it to all. I then devoured a "mother of all philly cheese steak sandwiches" (Philadelphian philly cheese steak restaurants have been superseded, then began my meander out of town @3pm. My plan was to camp along the creeper trail where the AT periodically crosses it so I could camp creekside (Laurel creek). Not looking at the map, the trail led 5 miles away from the creek to Saunders shelter (blooming rhododendrons galore!!!) before returning to the creek thus I pressed ahead back to the creek by 8:30. I succeeded in camping creekside where the brook was babbling just the right amount for sleep. A morning fire (see pic) for breakfast (39 degrees out), a relaxed peaceful start to the day and off toward Grayson Highlands I strode. Red Robin
Date: 2014-05-19
From: VA creeper trail

To: Thomas knob shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

5/19/14Creeper Trail to Thomas Knob shelterMile 495A lazy start thanks to the cozy creek camp led to a full rest of the day of walking to make it to the shelter area. The trail awesome, the hills long, pine forests and pastureland w/ a large flock of yellow finches, flowers blooming. The views from Buzzard Knob beckoned for all hikers, to sit, contemplate & nap, on the rocks, basking in the afternoon sun.Later, a side trail up Mt Rogers led to one of Virginias highest peak at 5790' . Surprisingly, it was an easy grade with the forest floor littered w/ so many down, decaying old trees, it soberingly appeared as a battlefield of trees & was hard to enjoy the upright trees. ( see pic). The temperatures turned cold as the sun sank behind the mountain as I found a somewhat protected hammock site and enjoyed my pepper pot steak and roasted garlic mashed potatoes under the stars-no 8pm curfew here as I am beyond the shelterAll for now! REd RobinI
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Thomas Knob shelter

To: Old orchard shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

5/20/14Well I have surpassed the 500 mile point sitting at 506 this evening!The day started w/ watching the sunrise from my hammock as a light day was scheduled. The breeze along the way was at times brisk and more wind than breeze. The landscape was scrubby hills w/ out croppings of rocks, such that I 1/2 expected the Cartwright family to come galloping over the crest of the hills. see pic. Today was pony day along the AT through Grayson Highlands and Stone Mtn. (See pics). Not sure they're wild but more aptly free roaming as several of the ponies liked to be petted/ scratched (not by me- I am off duty. The foals were cute but not particularly active. Most of them were napping. In camp that evening, KV introduced me to ramps ( wild garlic like plant that we picked a few of for upcoming dinners see pic. Enjoy the nightRR
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Glade Mtn

To: knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 20.0

5/23/14-Glade Mtn stealth camp to knot maul shelter536.6-556.620 milesFunny, it is late May in Southern, VA and I started out the day w/ mittens on. (I know any ultralighters are groaning as I should be using a spare pair of dirty socks. However, I have my limit.I took a step into the past, touring an 1890s farm and the Lindamood school. See pics. Of course at the old schoolhouse, Methodist churches had left trail magic At the I 81 overpass, Atkins, VA I spent way too much time charging my battery and phone in a convenience store such that I had a late entry into camp. We had heard of the pending meteor shower but didn't realize it was at 2am. I have to admit Brushy Mtn, the last 2 miles of the walk, wore me out and doesnt even look like much on the map!The beauty of this section of the trail was areas of blooming rhododendron, swaths of ferns as far as you could see in the shadier sections of he forest and overall the deciduous trees were mostly leafed out leaving only sapling of the trail w/ the sun. As Medic and Lt Dan stated, the blooming Rhododendron replaced the vistas seen elsewhere
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 12.0

Mile 587 (US 52 N)Last night I supposed the cows were still standing and was able to sleep w/out the tarp again. The morning was another quickish one out of camp (7:15) and required mittens. I have been perfecting my PCT method of bear bag hanging ever since we saw a hiker end his section hike due to the loss of his food bag. the dilemma for me remains the high moment of inertia when time to take the bag down. Insight would be appreciated. It's either the straight line of friction over the branch and/or added friction thru the carabiner. Regardless, not perfected yet guess I still have time!Other than some moderate rises, the trail was showing evidence of becoming the promised super high way everyone has been waiting for, allowing me to cover 12 miles before noon. A shuttle into the hotel and the realization it would be a full zero day tomorrow (probably good for my left foot)allotted plenty of time to hand wash all of my clothes - less than fun 1890s style this of course after collecting the necessary supplies at the dollar general store-that, walmart and convenience stores appear to be a thru-hikers preferred storeSpeaking of feet, hope you enjoy this little rhymeThis came to me as I wondered if I would be able to get a shuttle to town today and when a nice guy named Will gave us a ride into Marion the other dayWhen you see a thru-hiker trudging down the roadDon't think of them as an unbearably stinky load,Instead, think of the AT and it's extraordinary featThen think of that hiker's poor aching feetThen do your best to be sweet as sweet,Open your car door and offer them a seat!!Disclaimer: not condoning when illegal or unsafeCorny I know, Can you tell I had time on my hands?Red robin
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Bland, VA

To: mile 606.2
Miles today: 19.0

Good to be back in the woods! Fortunately a ministry group that is also thru hiking (flint and gunpowder were the hikers)happened to be headed back to the trail and offered me a seat. Once on the trail, I made the mistake of modifying my left shoe insert only to make matters worse thus now there is no insert and my walk probably looks a bit odd w/ the care taken w/ each step and my foot sliding around in a tuna boat I did break down and succumb to carrying $1.00 dollar general lime green flip flops to alleviate my foot pain when in camp. This section of the trail has the most beautiful stand of oaks, maples etc. obviously it is a less rigorous climate but the trees appear so stalwart and hardy, managing to show off any damaged limbs etc w/ grace. The trees were so large pics were difficult. We are also now into a new section of flowers. Will likely take me awhile to learn some of their names. The trail proceeded along the ridge but as a shaded walk w/ glimpses of the farming valley's below and the opposing ridgeline-beautifulThe crowning glory of the days hike was the kipperling creek suspension bridge-Awesome!!!!! My initial plan for the day was a 13 mile hike to Jenny knob shelter but given that I arrived in 4 hours, Yak suggested proceeding to Trent's grocery where they offer camping 6 miles ahead. Good idea except any hammock sites would have involved poison ivy and/or barbed wire. However, it is a great tenting site. Thus, after sugaring up at the store, back to the trail. Found a great spot just as the thunder rumbled in the thicket So, I am now over 600 miles into the trip in 47 days and loving it. Guess I may need to pick up the pace a bit, but I hear that happens and certainly don't want to miss anything Have a great night!Red Robin
Date: 2014-05-28
From: mile 606.2

To: Wood's Hole Hostel
Miles today: 15.0

Mile 606 ish to 620.9 (Woods Hole Hostel)5/28/14The night's rumbling storm never materialized so not enough water for breakfast until 1.5 miles along the trail. There, a .3 side trail led to Dismal Falls. What a way to start the day w/ a delightful dip (see pic)then sitting on the rocks under the falls! The rest of the walk was a beautiful meandering stroll w/ swaths of fern "fields" hip high, groups of Rhododendron and azalea blooming, periodic ridge views of the valley, and a few rocks to slow the pace. (See pics-when I get to it I ended the day at Woods Hole Hostel", advertised as a " little slice of heaven"- the guidebook wasn't kidding. A must do for all hikers as the hosts offer a wonderful respite, have beautiful raised bed cold frame gardens, the log cabins were built in 1880 of the beloved chestnut trees(prior to the blight) and an aim for simplicity and calm is attained. I was advised by Banjo, JC & Dancer that the place is a trap and you cannot leave (too well enjoyed)as they stayed 3 days. Yoga, massages available, an afternoon smoothie, and organic meals prepared for family style dining w/ an ice cream cone to boot There were even cleared areas for us hammockers-go figure! I hope this doesn't sound like solicitation....All for nowRed Robin
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Wood's Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg,Va
Miles today: 10.0

It was almost 11 when I finally reluctantly forced myself to walk away from Wood's Hole after receiving an exquisite 1 hr hiker massage. My muscles functioning like jello, it's a good thing it was an easy stroll. See pics eventually. The highlights of this ridge were the ever towering mighty oaks and bountiful rhododendrons that I have been waiting for in addition to clusters of azaleas in pink, yellow and orange, all relatively close together. Also, if I thought the other day was fern day on the AT, It really was today. Ferns so thick it looked "fuzzy". The valley views along the way from Brushy Mtn and angel's rest were hazy but pretty. Once in the town of Pearisburg, a pic of where I had come from put things in perspective. PicsLongtime friends, The McKenzi's picked me up from the Pearisburg post office for a delightful evening of "catching up". Of course, an extravagant meal was in order and I got to sleep in the princess room it rivaled the hammock -no problems w/ peas. Hope everyone is current on their fairy tales!A morning delightful dip in their pool and back to the trailhead @3p after sending my bounce box on its way.
Date: 2014-05-30
From: Pearisburg,Va

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

Decadence continues w/ leftovers and fruit salad packed for dinner. my foot cushioned w/ a cleat sheet (looks like a thin gym mat), no problems occurred. The afternoon started with less than optimal volumes of poison ivy, nettles and briars beginning their trail encroachment. However the heady aroma of honey suckle brought a balm to the close afternoon. The walk along rt 460 was less than pleasant out of Pearisburg but eventually the road noises abated as I re-entered the woods. The hill was a moderate rise leveling eventually to the wonderfully shaded VA ridgeline. The meadow at Rice field shelter mimicked a NC bald (see view) thus I set up camp to sleep under the stars & watched the sun go down.
Date: 2014-05-31
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Still The Captains
Miles today: 13.0

Captain's hiker feed5/31/14Mile 651.8So my mother believes me to be entirely too pampered out here?? and I guess I would have to wholeheartedly agree!My decadence continued after a moderate stroll from the Rice shelter to "The Captain's". (Anything cool I saw has been overwhelmed by the Captain's Party)!!! This is a place that you can camp free of charge whether the captain is home or not. What is rather neat to boot is you ride a zip line across the creek to get there See pic. His "hiker feed" put on by him, his buddies and a group of section hikers is beyond belief. See pics. It begins w/ hotdogs/ hamburgers, then trout and catfish, pork tenderloin and chicken w/ an abundance of sides too numerous to mention. Of course there was beer and sodas etc. I even imbibed in moonshine soaked pineapple and grilled rum pineapple. Much better than beer. A local band rounded out the evening for entertainment & dancing, rocking the neighborhood to bed. Not sure how many people were there but a pic of where was left for me to hang my hammock should give an indication of the popularity of this "feed" cars were parked roadside for a few hundred yards or so. What a wonderful party melding the hikers and locals together. Can't thank their hospitality enough!!!!!All for now. Red Robin
Date: 2014-06-01
From: mile 650.9

To: mile 657
Miles today: 6.0

6/1/14Mile 650.9--6576 milesHurray, Goose and Jack the terrier have joined me for a section hike!Hurray, hubby (Goose) remembers me. Booooooo, Jack the terrier does not!!!!!Goose has brought trail magic from Leann which we leave near the Captains Zipline. He has also brought my "maildrop" which I am obliged to carry everything as there is no bouncing anything forward from the trailhead. In addition, being Jack's Sherpa, I had forgotten how much space his food and "necessities" take up in the pack. No nice light smallish pack for this part of the trip!It is Goose's birthday today, so what does he get to do? Walk 6 miles over very rocky terrain adorned w/ fern fields. Unfortunately, we stop shy of water as a flat site is present trailside for the tent. This means minimal water for dinner thus he gets to enjoy tuna salad for his Birthday dinner. see pic. I obviously know how to celebrate his birthday in styleAll for nowRed Robin
Date: 2014-06-02
From: mile 657

To: Laurel creek shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

What do you know, water was just ahead, but glad we had stopped at the flat spot in the trail. We eventually arrived at the campsites at wind rock, did the Chevy chase yep yep viewing and moved along North. At rocky gap, mile 666, Jack & I posed for a devilish shot.The climb continued to Kelly knob see pics, then gradually dropped down to Laurel creek shelter, our stop for the night. All for nowRed Robin
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Laurel creek shelter

To: 683.2 Craig's Creek
Miles today: 14.0

6/3/14669.5-683.2Mile 683.214 milesGreetings from the land of catching up. Hopefully I can recall the day as it really wasThis was a smooth sailing day out of camp, w/ water plentiful, the trail smooth and flowing. It opened into pasture land and while we were taking a break, got to meet the previous owner before the Government forced the sale. He still mows the trail and manages the area but there is no love loss between him and the government. Awkward situation as you can imagine. From this viewpoint, see the pic which illustrates our morning hike plan. Yes, up, up we will go! However, first we must get our feet wet where a homegrown dam has caused flooding of the field. Take note of the efforts hikers will go to to minimize wet feetNext, coming through a fence stile, at mile 672.8, there stands the beloved Keffer oak, largest oak on the AT in the South. See pics-which of course do no justice.>18' around and > 300 yrs oldThen, we complete the climb to Bruisers knob, stroll across the ridge, dine at Nidday shelter and continue on to Craig's creek for the night where we meet trail angel Bob that insists we take a coke and Dr. Pepper w/ usIt is at this campsite that Eyore's shelter is located see pic.All for now.Red robin
Date: 2014-06-05
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 26.0

Four pines hostel was quite a welcome site after a full day of hiking and we were a qt low on water. We had fun catching up w/ Kimpossibly and Sparkle and others. However that night the storm pulled our tent stakes out of the ground (twice)no matter how well we had pounded them in thus we were a tad wet inside the tent. The Goose felt queasy the next morning and others were outright sick The goose and terrier ended up not hiking to spare the Goose's knee. Kimpossibly convinced me that by slack packing, I could cover the 26 miles to Daleville in 1 day. Obviously stronger hikers than me, I was not convinced but gave it the college try, taking my pack instead of slacking "just in case". Unfortunately, out of my normal routine, I somehow forgot my waist pack which had my phone/camera/sunscreen/map items thus the day wasn't captured in pic format and I had to hike the ole timee way. Fortunately, the weather was beautiful as was the scenery. Top on the list, McAfee's knob, the most photographed area of the AT (except by me). This rock outcropping and view have moved up to my favorite on my list. With much angst, I was able to stand near the edge then dangle my legs over edge as seen in the pictures, but couldn't dangle comfortably for long so eased back to a safer tier for lunch. I highly recommend this as a day hike (8mile round trip) for all. Fall would be beautiful as the scene below is a combination of farmland and forest with rolling hills and ridge lines as far as one can see and farther-spectacular!!!5 miles away, I could see tinker cliffs, the next highlight of the day. This was initially a walk adjacent to the gaudy power line clearing, but then morphed into a beautiful oak tree thruway with big barreled trunks, branches that extend forever and leaf canopies so thick you couldn't see the blue sky beyond. Once on the cliffs, McAfee's knob (the Mtn )was clearly evident but I couldn't make out the rock outcropping. The rock formations here were beautiful but not nearly as daunting seeming a height. Of course Mtn laurel were in full bloom. Next on the list, a 10 mile "cake walk" for the most part along the ridge line, through the powerline clearing a few times, and gradually down to the town of Daleville. Of course w/out my phone, I couldn't let Goose know of my arrival so I sent the spot a okay message hoping he would see it on his phone, but instead, fellow hiker "strings"(carries a 2lb guitar), saw him at the local BBQ place and notified him of my arrival. Needless to say, The Goose was just as surprised as I was that I finished that distance in 1 dayAll for nowRed Robin
Date: 2014-06-06
From: Daleville, VA

To: Troutville, VA
Miles today: 1.5

Definitely a zero-nearo day as I scrambled to get laundry done, bag re packed and goose and terrier on their way back home. Walking out of town with Too Long et al, we strolled into Troutville for dinner at the local park put on by the town as a part of national trail days!!! Pampering just doesn't stop You aren't going to believe it but the pics don't lie!Of course, we were invited to participate in the 5k race tomorrow morning prior to the rest of the trail days festivities. Little did I know that tomorrow is National Trail Days. I will be participating no faster than a walk just not sure what the cutoff time will be. Dinner was at the park pavilion, followed by the dessert contest at The Church of the Brethren just down the street. We hikers, the judges, of course had to sample everything before choosing 1st, 2nd & 3rd place. In my mind it was all good and can't remember which was the winner. I took left overs to fuel the morning raceWe camped in the beautiful park. See pics of this group of hikers, who fessed up to having eaten at 4 (yes 4) buffets today! I set my hammock up at its longest span yet 20+ feet. See pic. Til laterRed Robin
Date: 2014-06-07
From: Troutville, VA

To: Wilson Shelter
Miles today: 9.7

Haven't participated in a 5k run since my 20's but w/ free registration, how can one resist? A beautiful cross country course, wonderful volunteers and participants made for an enjoyable race. A handful of thru hikers participated and "easy day" came in 2nd overall. I walked w/ my pack and trekking poles so there was no doubt I was a hiker. See pics. Finished in 42 minutes or so and at least wasn't last, ie not the bear's bait. . I used my "going to the post office before it closes pace"The Trail days in Daleville was enjoyable and I ended up getting fresh lettuce, chard and goat cheese from the farmers market there to take to the trail which then necessitated buying oil n vinegar from the neighboring grocery store. Kudos to Food lion for selling individually packaged containers! Loaded to the gills w/ H20 due reports of potential for scant water on the trail, the shuttle dropped me off at the Troutville portion of the trail @1:30 to resume a northerly courseI am sure it was the lettuce and chard weighing me down as I chugged up Fullhardt knob and beyond. Resting at curry creek, what wanders into view? Yes a bear! Nonchalant and of medium size, he was not overly skittish when he finally saw me when I called out hey bear to him(after I got a picture of course ) See pic. So finally my life is complete In camp, look what I had w/dinnersee pic. Til laterRed Robin