morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-05-24
From: Low Gap Shelter, AT mi 42.8

To: Tray Mtn Shelter, AT mi 58.2
Miles today: 15.4

Day 82, Day 4 of Section 7, 5/24 Fri.From: Low Gap Shelter, AT mi 42.8To: Tray Mtn Shelter, AT mi 58.2Statistics:AT 15.4 mi, +4164, -3005, 8.8%; plus shelter trailsCommentary:Left LG shelter ~0700. Day clear and warm. Lots of hikers waiting for rides at Unicoi Gap. Good view from Tray Mtn summit ~1415. There I met a group of thru hikers headed for the next shelter N of Tray Mtn Shelter. Given the time, I would have too, but did not want to get too close to tomorrow¢s destination, Dicks Creek Gap and a reservation at the Holiday Inn in Hiawassee, GA for resupply.Arr TM shelter ~1430. A number of tent sites were already occupied. I chose a smallish site about 100 yds up the trail from the shelter and set up my hammock. While prepping dinner in front of the hammock a lizard (skink?) with stripes along its 5¢ back and a surprisingly short tail scampered out of the bushes, sat for a moment, then scampered across the clearing into the bushes on the other side.Around 2045, shortly before hiker midnight, I was already zipped in the hammock, when a family with a couple of young kids arrived. The mother had a really loud voice. Apparently they parked at the forest road crossing just 1.3 mi down the mtn. They almost decided to camp next to my site, encroaching on the tenters who had set up on the far edge of that site. Someone thankfully convinced them there were better sites beyond the shelter, and they moved on, having made sure everyone knew they¢d arrived.
Date: 2019-05-25
From: Tray Mtn Shelter, AT mi 58.2

To: Dicks Creek Gap, AT mi 69.2
Miles today: 11.0

Day 83, Day 5 of Section 7, 5/25 Sat.From: Tray Mtn Shelter, AT mi 58.2To: Dicks Creek Gap, AT mi 69.2Statistics:AT 11.0 mi, +2441, -3969, 10.9%; plus trail from shelterStaying at Holiday Inn Express, Hiawassee, GACommentary:Left ~0730. Per AWOL, called at the top of Powell Mtn ~1100 to arrange a shuttle to Hiawassee from Dicks Creek Gap with a pickup at 1300. The most local guy, Affordable Taxi, said he was booked until at least 1500 and declined. I called a few other shuttles, no answer. I tried Affordable again, no answer. I was resigned to hitchhike the 11 mi into Hiawassee. Part way down the mountain, I checked my phone and still had signal. I tried Affordable again, got thru, and agreed to wait. I sat in the shade for quite a while in the gap, and Affordable Taxi showed up. On the way into town, i arranged for him to pick me up in the morning to get back to the AT. I got to the Holiday Inn at 1500, checkin time. I retrieved my box, showered, did laundry, ate at Daniel¢s Steakhouse across the street, packed provisions, etc.Lesson learned: always arrange transportation when you make a reservation. Estimate when you¢ll be at the trailhead for pickup, and arrange for the return as well.
Date: 2019-05-26
From: Dicks Creek Gap, AT mi 69.2

To: Standing Indian Shelter, AT mi 85.9
Miles today: 16.7

Day 84, Day 6 of Section 7, 5/26 Sun.From: Dicks Creek Gap, AT mi 69.2To: Standing Indian Shelter, AT mi 85.9Statistics:AT 16.7 mi, +5191, -3111, 9.4%; plus trail to spring & returnCommentary:Shuttle dropped me off about 0745. Clear, warm, breezy. Hiked into NC; climb out of Bly Gap long and steep. Noticed that there is no poison ivy along the AT in this section of the AT, whereas on the GA side of the border it was rampant. (Found out later the maintaining club patrols for it and pulls it all up ¢ mechanical means, not chemical.) Unfortunately, in many places, the trail in NC is overgrown with other understory plants.Met older guys Robert & Darrell at SI shelter. Darrell is a retired AF and airline pilot, 69, very outgoing, doing an AT section hike to Fontana. He has done a number of sections, including Katahdin and 100-mile wilderness, and the Presidential range in NH. Robert, early 60s, is sort of paralleling/following the AT with a loosely defined northbound itinerary on a vacation jaunt.Darrell and I slept in shelter; Robert in tent very nearby. Younger folks occupied other tent sites all around the shelter.
Date: 2019-05-27
From: Standing Indian Shelter, AT mi 85.9

To: Long Branch Shelter, AT mi 102.2
Miles today: 16.3

Day 85, Day 7 of Section 7, 5/27 Mon.From: Standing Indian Shelter, AT mi 85.9To: Long Branch Shelter, AT mi 102.2Statistics:AT 16.3 mi, +2938, -3158, 7.1%; plus trail to summit of Standing Indian Mtn, and trail to spring & returnCommentary:Another clear, warm day. Stopped at Standing Indian Mtn summit; the views were just as good on the way up. Darrell planned to hike to LB shelter as well; he passed me while I was making a phone call on the ridge; I caught up later while he and another hiker who passed me (Erica, 30, Dr. doing residency) were having lunch. The three of us stayed fairly close, including a stop for water, to the summit of Mt Albert, where a historic fire tower stands. The final ascent was very steep, hand-over-hand in places. Great views, with a picture naming the peaks. Darrell & I continued to LB shelter, Erica to her car parked near the summit. (There¢s a road up to there, and a number of people sightseeing.)At the shelter, another old folks home. Tim, around 60, was there. He and Darrell, both being retired military, talked for quite a while. Younger folks tented around the shelter. The three of us slept in the shelter.
Date: 2019-05-28
From: Long Branch Shelter, AT mi 102.2

To: Wayah Gap/Rd, AT mi 115.3
Miles today: 13.1

Day 86, Day 8 of Section 7, 5/28 Tue.From: Long Branch Shelter, AT mi 102.2To: Wayah Gap/Rd, AT mi 115.3Statistics:AT 13.1 mi, +2512, -2813, 7.7%; plus trail to summit of Siler BaldStaying at Nantahala Mountain Lodge, Aquone, NCCommentary:(to come)
Date: 2019-05-29
From: Wayah Gap/Rd, AT mi 115.3

To: Tellico Gap, AT mi 128.8
Miles today: 13.5

Day 87, Day 9 of Section 7, 5/29 Wed.From: Wayah Gap/Rd, AT mi 115.3To: Tellico Gap, AT mi 128.8Statistics:AT 13.5 mi, +3156, -4189, 9.2%Staying at Nantahala Mountain Lodge, Aquone, NCCommentary:Slack pack, shuttled by Nantahala Mountain Lodge. Started ~0800. Done at ~1330. Felt really good! Great views at Wayah Bald in the AM and Rocky Bald in the PM.Resupply package arrived at lodge today, despite scare from UPS exception notification.
Date: 2019-05-30
From: Tellico Gap, AT mi 128.8

To: Locust Grove Gap campsite, AT mi 147.5
Miles today: 18.7

Day 88, Day 10 of Section 7, 5/30, Thu.From: Tellico Gap, AT mi 128.8To: Locust Grove Gap campsite, AT mi 147.5Statistics:AT 18.7 mi, +5041, -5234, 10.5%, plus side trails to waterCommentary:Started at 0750. Arr. 1750. Hot day, breeze in places. Trail down to NOC had a couple of hairy drop-offs trailside. Bought a belt at the NOC outfitters. Two stops for water on side trails climbing out of the NOC, 2nd at Sassafras Gap Shelter where I talked to a discouraged thru-hiker unhappy with his progress. I tried to encourage him. At LGG, tent sites occupied by group from KY. Hammocked down trail to E, got water on trail to W.
Date: 2019-05-31
From: Locust Grove Gap campsite, AT mi 147.5

To: Fontana S trailhead, AT mi 164.3
Miles today: 16.8

Day 89, Day 11 of Section 7, 5/31 Fri.From: Locust Grove Gap campsite, AT mi 147.5To: Fontana S trailhead, AT mi 164.3Statistics:AT 16.8 mi, +3622, -5528, 10.3%Staying at Fontana Resort LodgeCommentary:A couple of showers overnight. Left 7:10, arr. 1550. Cooler but still warm, with a good breeze. A number of hikers SOBO from Fontana. A few raindrops on descent into Fontana. Got shuttle to lodge. Changed rooms due to wet bathroom. Showered, changed, ate dinner, then fell asleep.
Date: 2019-06-01
From: Fontana S trailhead, AT mi 164.3

To: Fontana Dam Visitors Ctr, AT mi 166.3
Miles today: 2.0

Day 90, Day 12 of Section 7, 6/1, Sat.From: Fontana S trailhead, AT mi 164.3To: Fontana Dam Visitors Ctr, AT mi 166.3Statistics:AT 2.0 mi, +346, -299, 6.4%Staying at Fontana Resort LodgeCommentary:A nero from the lodge with a shuttle at each end. Sunny, warm. Walked SOBO from the Fontana Dam Visitors Center back to the S trailhead to save an hour tomorrow, since the shuttle doesn¢t start until 0900. (Start & dest. are NOBO; ascent & descent are SOBO). Would have walked from the N trailhead on the far (N) side of the dam, but the dam roadway is closed to vehicles because of construction, so the VC is as far as the shuttle could go.
Date: 2019-06-02
From: Fontana Dam Visitors Ctr, AT mi 166.3

To: Spence Field Shelter, AT mi 183.7
Miles today: 17.4

Day 91, Day 13 of Section 7, 6/2, Sun.From: Fontana Dam Visitors Ctr, AT mi 166.3To: Spence Field Shelter, AT mi 183.7Statistics:AT 17.4 mi, +5651, -2280, 8.6%Commentary:Dropped off by Fontana Resort shuttle ~0915. Warm, clear day. Climb into GSMNP surprisingly easy, with mostly moderate grades on a good treadway. Limited views, mostly green tunnel. Able to make it to the farthest of three possible shelters, arr. ~1745. Per park rules, shelter must be full before tenting allowed. But lots of tenters, and shelter not full. Many ignore the rules, since no rangers around to enforce them. I slept in shelter.
Date: 2019-06-03
From: Spence Field Shelter, AT mi 183.7

To: Mt Collins Shelter, AT mi 202.8
Miles today: 19.1

Day 92, Day 14 of Section 7, 6/3, Mon.From: Spence Field Shelter, AT mi 183.7To: Mt Collins Shelter, AT mi 202.8Statistics:AT 19.1 mi, +6040, -4984, 10.9%Commentary:A long, tiring day. Stopped at 1st of 2 possible shelters, after 13.5 miles ~1400. Water sources there almost dried up; no pipe to aid fill. Got some water and decided to continue to next shelter, 5.6 mi on the other side of Clingmans Dome (requiring a long climb and descent). The climb was hot, without shade for much of the way ¢ but some nice views. Plus a continual stream (100?) of day-hiking tourists doing a loop hike back down to the Clingmans Dome parking lot. At the summit, I decided to bypass the crowds (1000s? based on the noise) at the observation tower and stuck to the AT past the zoo. The last obstacle after Clingmans Dome is a 500 ft, 0.9 mi climb to the Mt Collins summit. I was spent; it was a long climb. After the descent from Mt Collins, around the shelter, maybe 30 tents/hammocks and a not-full shelter. I slept In the shelter.
Date: 2019-06-04
From: Mt Collins Shelter, AT mi 202.8

To: Pecks Corner Shelter, AT mi 218.2
Miles today: 15.4

Day 93, Day 15 of Section 7, 6/4, Tue.From: Mt Collins Shelter, AT mi 202.8To: Pecks Corner Shelter, AT mi 218.2Statistics:AT 15.4 mi, +3222, -3626, 8.4%Commentary:An easier day, crossing Newfound Gap and US-441, which divides the park in 2. 50+ cars in parking lot, lots of tourists and day-hikers headed to viewpoints N of the gap. Met and hiked a bit with a 50s-something thru hiker couple, who flip-flopped from NOBO in PA to GA due to the same bad weather system I encountered in MA. They¢re also Z-packs users. At the PC shelter, many fewer people, just a couple of tents, and a full shelter. Most were also at/around the MC shelter, including the couple I met. I slept in the shelter.
Date: 2019-06-05
From: Pecks Corner Shelter, AT mi 218.2

To: Cosby Knob Shelter, AT mi 231.1
Miles today: 12.9

Day 94, Day 16 of Section 7, 6/5, Wed.From: Pecks Corner Shelter, AT mi 218.2To: Cosby Knob Shelter, AT mi 231.1Statistics:AT 12.9 mi, +2557, -3301, 8.6%Commentary:Another easier day. A heavy rainstorm in the early afternoon. I ran and made it to the CK shelter a minute or so after it started, so I barely got wet. When I went into my pack for my rain gear, I discovered its bag was missing, a really expensive, dumb error on my part. Over the next hour or so, many of the PC shelter crowd showed up. One guy had seen my rain gear bag, guessed it was mine based on where I had packed up, and carried it to this shelter. (It had rolled behind a post and I didn¢t see it). Trail magic for sure! I thanked him profusely, needless to say.
Date: 2019-06-06
From: Cosby Knob Shelter, AT mi 231.1

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter, AT mi 248.7
Miles today: 17.6

Day 95, Day 17 of Section 7, 6/6, Thu.From: Cosby Knob Shelter, AT mi 231.1To: Groundhog Creek Shelter, AT mi 248.7Statistics:AT 17.6 mi, +4032, -5875, 10.7%Commentary:(Coming later)
Date: 2019-06-07
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter, AT mi 248.7

To: Catpen Gap, AT mi 263.2
Miles today: 14.5

Day 96, Day 18 of Section 7, 6/7, Fri.From: Groundhog Creek Shelter, AT mi 248.7To: Catpen Gap, AT mi 263.2Statistics:AT 14.5 mi, +4079, -2879, 9.0%Commentary:(Coming later)
Date: 2019-06-08
From: Catpen Gap, AT mi 263.2

To: Hot Springs NC, AT mi 275.1
Miles today: 11.9

Day 97, Day 19 of Section 7, 6/8, Sat.From: Catpen Gap, AT mi 263.2To: Hot Springs NC, AT mi 275.1Statistics:AT 11.9 mi, +1601, -4395, 9.7%Staying at AirBnB, Hot Springs, NCCommentary:(Coming later)
Date: 2019-06-09
From: Hot Springs NC, AT mi 275.1

To: Spring Mtn Shelter, AT mi 285.9
Miles today: 10.8

Day 98, Day 20 of Section 7, 6/9, Sun.From: Hot Springs NC, AT mi 275.1To: Spring Mtn Shelter, AT mi 285.9Statistics:AT 10.8 mi, +3794, -1561, 9.3%Commentary:(Coming later)
Date: 2019-06-10
From: Spring Mtn Shelter, AT mi 285.9

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter, AT mi 301.8
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 99, Day 21 of Section 7, 6/10, Mon.From: Spring Mtn Shelter, AT mi 285.9To: Jerry Cabin Shelter, AT mi 301.8Statistics:AT 15.9 mi, +4046, -3424, 8.9%Commentary:(Coming later)
Date: 2019-06-11
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter, AT mi 301.8

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter, AT mi 317.3
Miles today: 15.5

Day 100, Day 22 of Section 7, 6/11, Tue.From: Jerry Cabin Shelter, AT mi 301.8To: Hogback Ridge Shelter, AT mi 317.3Statistics:AT 15.5 mi, +3759, -3592, 9.0%Commentary:(Coming later)
Date: 2019-06-12
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter, AT mi 317.3

To: Whistling Gap, AT mi 330.9
Miles today: 13.6

Day 101, Day 23 of Section 7, 6/12, Wed.From: Hogback Ridge Shelter, AT mi 317.3To: Whistling Gap, AT mi 330.9Statistics:AT 13.6 mi, +3259, -3718, 9.8%Commentary:(Coming later)
Date: 2019-06-13
From: Whistling Gap, AT mi 330.9

To: Erwin TN, AT mi 344.2
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 102, Day 24 of Section 7, 6/13, Thu.From: Whistling Gap, AT mi 330.9To: Erwin TN, AT mi 344.2Staying at Mountain Inn & Suites, Erwin, TNStatistics:AT 13.3 mi, +2373, -4439, 9.7%Commentary:(Coming later)
Date: 2019-06-14
From: Erwin TN, AT mi 344.2

To: Erwin TN, AT mi 344.2
Miles today: 0.0

Day 103, Day 25 of Section 7, 6/14, Fri.From: Erwin TN, AT mi 344.2To: Erwin TN, AT mi 344.2Staying at Mountain Inn & Suites, Erwin, TNStatistics:AT 0 miCommentary:(Coming later)
Date: 2019-06-15
From: Erwin TN, AT mi 344.2

To: Cherry Gap Shelter, AT mi 361.3
Miles today: 17.1

Day 104, Day 26 of Section 7, 6/15, Sat.From: Erwin TN, AT mi 344.2To: Cherry Gap Shelter, AT mi 361.3Statistics:AT 17.1 mi, +5128, -2803, 8.8%Commentary:(Coming later)
Date: 2019-06-16
From: Cherry Gap Shelter, AT mi 361.3

To: Overmountain Shelter, AT mi 386.0
Miles today: 24.7

Day 105, Day 27 of Section 7, 6/16, Sun.From: Cherry Gap Shelter, AT mi 361.3To: Overmountain Shelter, AT mi 386.0Statistics:AT 24.7 mi, +6266, -5597, 9.1%Commentary:(Coming later)
Date: 2019-06-17
From: Overmountain Shelter, AT mi 386.0

To: Mountaineer Shelter, AT mi 404.0
Miles today: 18.0

Day 106, Day 28 of Section 7, 6/17, Mon.From: Overmountain Shelter, AT mi 386.0To: Mountaineer Shelter, AT mi 404.0Statistics:AT 18.0 mi, +3714, -5204, 9.4%Commentary:(Coming later)
Date: 2019-06-18
From: Mountaineer Shelter, AT mi 404.0

To: Laurel Fork Shelter, AT mi 421.8
Miles today: 17.8

Day 107, Day 29 of Section 7, 6/18, Tue.From: Mountaineer Shelter, AT mi 404.0To: Laurel Fork Shelter, AT mi 421.8Statistics:AT 17.8 mi, +3170, -4087, 7.8%Commentary:(Coming later)
Date: 2019-06-19
From: Laurel Fork Shelter, AT mi 421.8

To: Shook Branch Rd, Hampton TN, AT mi 428.4
Miles today: 6.6

Day 108, Day 30 of Section 7, 6/19, Wed.From: Laurel Fork Shelter, AT mi 421.8To: Shook Branch Rd, Hampton TN, AT mi 428.4Staying at Boots Off Hostel, Hampton, TNStatistics:AT 6.6 mi, +1861, -2087, 11.4%; Actual, incl. AT past Laurel Falls, retrace via Laurel Falls high-water bypass, & walk to Boots Off: 8.4 mi, +2386, -2536, 11.1%Commentary:(Coming later)
Date: 2019-06-20
From: Shook Branch Rd, Hampton TN, AT mi 428.4

To: Iron Mountain Shelter, AT mi 444.4
Miles today: 16.0

Day 109, Day 31 of Section 7, 6/20, Thu.From: Shook Branch Rd, Hampton TN, AT mi 428.4To: Iron Mountain Shelter, AT mi 444.4Statistics:AT 16.0 mi, +4354, -2281, 7.8%Commentary:(Coming later)
Date: 2019-06-21
From: Iron Mountain Shelter, AT mi 444.4

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter, AT mi 460.4
Miles today: 16.0

Day 110, Day 32 of Section 7, 6/21, Fri.From: Iron Mountain Shelter, AT mi 444.4To: Abingdon Gap Shelter, AT mi 460.4Statistics:AT 16.0 mi, +2744, -3068, 6.9%Commentary:(Coming later)
Date: 2019-06-22
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter, AT mi 460.4

To: Damascus VA, AT mi 471.0
Miles today: 10.6

Day 111, Day 33 of Section 7, 6/22, Sat.From: Abington Gap Shelter, AT mi 460.4To: Damascus VA, AT mi 471.0Statistics:AT 10.6 mi, +904, -2730, 6.9%Staying at Crazy Larry¢s Hostel, Damascus VACommentary:(Coming later)
Date: 2019-06-23
From: Damascus VA, AT mi 471.0

To: Lost Mountain Shelter, AT mi 486.6
Miles today: 15.6

Day 112, Day 34 of Section 7, 6/23, Sun.From: Damascus VA, AT mi 471.0To: Lost Mountain Shelter, AT mi 486.6Statistics:AT 15.6 mi, +4057, -2638, 8.1%Commentary:Larry fed me a huge breakfast which kept me going all day. Left the hostel about 0730 after getting some of his life story. Good hiking today despite the climbs.At LM shelter, about 1730, ¢thru-hiker¢ Mechanic rolled in with his big, but too thin, dog. He spent an hour building a fire to pan fry burgers with all the trimmings he packed out of Damascus. His gear included a hatchet for firewood and a frying pan; 60 pounds, plus what the dog was carrying. Talking with him, he seems to be sort of thru-hiking, skipping sections along the way (including the Smokies, because of the dog). He ended up tenting near the shelter.
Date: 2019-06-24
From: Lost Mountain Shelter, AT mi 486.6

To: Wise Shelter, AT mi 504.1
Miles today: 17.5

Day 113, Day 35 of Section 7, 6/24, Mon.From: Lost Mountain Shelter, AT mi 486.6To: Wise Shelter, AT mi 504.1Statistics:AT 17.5 mi, +3935, -2909, 7.4%Commentary:Overall, a tough day hiking. Second half of the day around Mt. Rogers and down thru the Grayson Highlands was rough trail, slow going:,around Mt. Rogers, rocky, rooty, very wet trail with short, steep climbs & descents which the stats don¢t capture. The Grayson Highlands, which I had been looking forward to, were a bit disappointing. The views from the southern balds were much better. Half the time in the GH, the trail was a rubble-filled ditch surrounded by scrub, which means no shade and no view at all. Pony trails leading off in all directions and erratic AT blazes made the AT hard to follow. Ponies also mean lots of pony poop and flies, lots of flies, and polluted streams. Sections of the trail through the GH were also very rocky, requiring use of hands on the descents and more slow going.I arrived at Wise Shelter around 4:15 to find lots of people. Fortunately, only three of us stayed in the shelter. In the evening, a series of thunderstorms hit, with torrential rains and some wind. For the most part, we stayed dry in the shelter. I took advantage of a rain-free lull to stow my canister in the bear box, a bit of a hike. About 1900 in the middle of the downpours 3 soaked hikers came in and debated whether to stay or continue 2 mi mostly uphill back to their car. Eventually, they continued.
Date: 2019-06-25
From: Wise Shelter, AT mi 504.1

To: Trimpi Shelter, AT mi 524.2
Miles today: 20.1

Day 114, Day 36 of Section 7, 6/25, Tue.From: Wise Shelter, AT mi 504.1To: Trimpi Shelter, AT mi 524.2Statistics:AT 20.1 mi, +3336, -4738, 7.6%Commentary:I had slept with my hand sanitizer bottle because of the rain and the distance between the bear box, the shelter, and the privy. It leaked and an edge my quilt got soaked. One older guy who tented near W shelter said he was up violently ill all night with Noro-like symptoms. Yikes. (No spread to me 48 hrs later.) Was probably bad water, given all the pony poop.Rain had gone but it was overcast and windy. Despite a wrong turn which took me up Wilson Creek trail for 15 minutes, which I then retraced, overall it was a much easier day with better footing.Lucky, a 40s-something section hiker, also stayed at Trimpi shelter.
Date: 2019-06-26
From: Trimpi Shelter, AT mi 524.2

To: Chatfield Shelter, AT mi 541.0
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 115, Day 37 of Section 7, 6/26, Wed.From: Trimpi Shelter, AT mi 524.2To: Chatfield Shelter, AT mi 541.0Statistics:AT 16.8 mi, +3618, -3410, 7.9%Commentary:Disappointing day. Original goal was the Relax Inn at Atkins, VA, 21.4 mi., where my package would be waiting. Got a phone signal N of (after) the Partnership shelter / Mt. Rogers NRA visitors center. Talked to Asta; package would not arrive until Thursday. So stopped at Chatfield Shelter instead.At Partnership Shelter, saw ¢Mechanic¢ and his dog again who tented at Lost Mtn Shelter with me. Apparently, he skipped a bunch of trail and shuttled north.
Date: 2019-06-27
From: Chatfield Shelter, AT mi 541.0

To: US-11, Atkins, VA, AT mi 545.6
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 116, Day 38 of Section 7, 6/27, Thu; a neroFrom: Chatfield Shelter, AT mi 541.0To: US-11, Atkins, VA, AT mi 545.6Statistics:AT 4.6 mi, +313, -1121, 5.9%Staying at Relax Inn, Atkins, VACommentary:Waited until ~1000 to leave shelter. Saw Hopscotch & Deja Vu while waiting. Walked to motel. Checked in ~1200, showered, did laundry, waited for package. Package arrived ~1600. Ate dinner at The Barn. Bought new small water bottle (old one had slow leak) and hand sanitizer at gas station convenience store. Son of motel owners gave me two beers earlier hiker had left.
Date: 2019-06-28
From: US-11, Atkins, VA, AT mi 545.6

To: Campsite N of Poor Valley Rd, AT mi 565.8
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: light rain

Day 117, Day 39 of Section 7, 6/28, Fri.From: US-11, Atkins, VA, AT mi 545.6To: Campsite N of Poor Valley Rd, AT mi 565.8Statistics:AT 20.2 mi, +4745, -4562, 8.7%Commentary:Left motel ~0615. Good treadway all day, fast hiking. Saw HS & DJ again today. Brief light rain ~1600 while filtering water before hike up to campsite. Distant thunder but no more rain. On schedule for 3-day hike to Lickskillet Hollow.
Date: 2019-06-29
From: Campsite N of Poor Valley Rd, AT mi 565.8

To: Campsite just N of Suitor Rd, VA-615 AT mi 584.8
Miles today: 19.0

Day 118, Day 40 of Section 7, 6/29, Sat.From: Campsite N of Poor Valley Rd, AT mi 565.8To: Campsite just N of Suitor Rd, VA-615 AT mi 584.8Statistics:AT 19.0 mi, +4115, -4276, 8.4%Commentary:Morning hike up to Chestnut Knob Shelter tough because of high grass in meadow. A wide path had been mowed, but too high and with cut hay matted on top. View near shelter of Burke¢s Garden valley interesting. Trail N of there tough due to rocks and short, steep ups and downs. Campsite area crowded due to Sat. night, proximity to road, and lack of campsite options N on AT. Noisy late. Getting water tough; streams dry or nearly so and large creek along road not a quality source. More thunder in the evening but no rain.