morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-01
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike was tough and had a little bit of everything. We started off with a 1000 foot climb up Rocky Gap. Much of the lower, early part was through beautiful bushes of Mountain Laurel. After conquering Rocky Gap and its rocky top, we came down and passed through several pastures and farm land.We hiked by the famous Keffer Oak, a really big, old oak tree. We then climbed a very steep Sinking Creek Mountain at 3450 feet and walked along its top for miles. Much of this part of the hike was on precarious slanted rocks that rest just on the mountain's edge looking down into the valley below. L-R: Moe, Lucky Joe, Wishbone and unknown in front of the Keffer Oak, approximately 300 years old and 18 feet 3 inches in girthWe then made the long hike down to Niday Shelter. Quite a few hikers camping here tonight. Too many for my liking, and too many smoking weed. My right ankle/leg is doing OK, but hurts like hell when I tweak it the wrong way. Have a 1600 foot climb up to Audie Murphy's Monument in the am.
Date: 2009-06-02
From: Niday Shelter

To: 3 miles past VA 785
Miles today: 21.4

Today was heck of a day. Started by climbing 1600 feet plus to Audie Murphy's Monument. Then down to Trout Creek at 1525 feet, then back up to Dragons Tooth on Cove Mountain. The climbs up to and down from Dragon¢s Tooth are both quite difficult. Once down from Dragon¢s Tooth, had to navigate over some precarious rock formations over Lost Spectacles Gap during a brief rain shower.Got to VA 624 and walked to a convenience store half a mile away for some refreshing soda. Wishbone was ahead of me, so his job was to locate a flat spot to tent. Never saw him, so I nearly hiked the next 6 miles to Catawba looking for him. Into Catawba in the a.m. and off to McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs tomorrow. Beautiful View from Dragon's Tooth
Date: 2009-06-03
From: 3 miles past VA 785

To: Hay Rock/Tinker Ridge
Miles today: 17.3

Not sure really where the heck I am. I think about 3 miles outside Troutville, but won't know until tomorrow for sure. Walked the two miles to the Catawba Valley General Store and had a breakfast sandwich, OJ, chocolate milk, ice cream and a Pepsi. Yep, indigestion!Climbed up McAfee Knob, and it was a great view. Not many people there. A storm moved across Tinker Cliffs in the distance, but few drops fell on McAfee Knob. I hiked the next 5 miles to Tinker Cliffs and was racing another thunderstorm as I approached the top near Tinker Cliffs. I found a small cave in the rocks as the storm came crashing through with torrents of rain, high winds and ear splitting thunder and lightning. This is the cave that sheltered me from a fierce thunderstormThe rain stopped and I moved on. Wanted to get close to Troutville as rain is in the forecast for the next few days. Pushed hard, and I'm now camped right next to the trail, as it got too dark to hike on.Still above the clouds going into Daleville. May have to zero here tomorrow to finish resealing tent fly. Drying time and second coat. We'll see.Leg/ankle swelling way down. Not much pain except when I tweak it. The internal dialogue this week was tough while hiking. Was considering skipping VA, but I think I'm good for now.
Date: 2009-06-04
From: Hay Rock/Tinker Ridge

To: Daleville/Troutville
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: light rain

Camped virtually on the trail last night, but not much option considering it was too dark to continue and I was exhausted. Did not rain which was good since I still need to reseal my tent fly. Was on the trail by 7 am and in Daleville by 9 am.Walked the mile to the Comfort Inn through heavy interchange traffic. After a long shower got a yellow cab driven by good guy Bob who took me to the Outfitter several miles away. He then drove me to the truck stop where I washed my hiking clothes.Got back to the Inn in a rain storm and resealed my tent fly. I had put my tent fly in a no heat dryer in Damascus, I thought. Apparently it had heat, and damaged the seals on the tent fly. Next time it rained, the fly leaked everywhere. Lesson here Boys and Girls is, don't put your tent parts in any dryer. Nice hot shower was the highlight of the day.
Date: 2009-06-05
From: Daleville/Troutville

To: Daleville/Troutville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

Rained all night and raining hard in the am with 80% rain forecast for all day. All the hikers: Moe, Lucky Joe, Otter, Jellyfish, myself and others decided to zero here. A few hikers geared up and hit the wet, soggy and slippery trail. I erred on the side of safety and not slipping and injuring my leg again. At least it sounded like a good excuse. Worked on repairing gear. Many hikers went to the Outfitter in the rain.
Date: 2009-06-06
From: Daleville/Troutville

To: Cove Mountain
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: few clouds

Just want to say Happy Birthday to all the men and women who served during D-Day. It happens to be my birthday as well. Left Daleville around 9:30 am. Weather was sunny and we (19 year old Phoenix) and I were headed to the Blue Ridge Parkway today.The hike was up and down; however, not too difficult although some of the descents were steep and long, which worried me a little because of my leg.We finally made the BRP around 2:45 pm, and were headed towards Bobblets Gap Shelter. We contemplated moving on, but for various reasons decided to stay. When we got to the shelter .2 miles away, there was nowhere to tent, so I moved on looking for an adequate tenting location. I ended up hiking another 4.5 miles until I ran out of light. I finally just selected a spot in the leaves along the trail. Had to put my headlamp on to set up camp. I think this was the latest I've ever hiked. Too late to eat dinner.
Date: 2009-06-07
From: Cove Mountain

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got started hiking about 7:30 am. Was hungry after no food or dinner yesterday while hiking. I knew I was close to the next shelter so I headed there for a little breakfast. Arrived there in 30 minutes and had a cup of hot apple cider and some peanut butter and honey.A lot of climbing today . Got to Jennings Creek first, a favorite swimming hole for locals and hikers. Climbed Fork Mountain and saw my second bear scamper down the hill from me. Looked like a small sow Then came time to climb Floyd Mountain. A mountain I so vividly remember from 05. The climb is 4.5 miles up about 2300 feet. A climb that seems to never end. Finally finished the beast after sweating about 5 liters of fluids.Vertical Eddie from 05 will surely remember the climb up Floyd, even though we did it slack packing. Made the next 8 miles to Thunder Hill Shelter at a slow pace.
Date: 2009-06-08
From: Thunder Ridge Shelter

To: Glasgow
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Started hiking north at 7:12 am today. Phoenix and I were the first of about 15 hikers to leave. Nice slow morning stroll through the Blue Ridge. A few steep descents to contend with. Bottomed out and started a steady climb up, which was gentle and enjoyable.Weather is nice and it's beginning to feel like summer is approaching for good. Saw Baltimore Jack at the shelter last night. We caught up since last meeting in 05. Climbed up to Sulfur Spring Trail and started the long, steep descent to Matts Creek Shelter. Got there and moved on to the James River Foot Bridge.Ken Wallace picked us up and drove us to Buena Vista for the night. Tomorrow, we slack pack a tough 22.2 back to the James River Bridge, rain or shine. Lots of severe descents in this area which has me worried somewhat about re-injuring my lower left leg. I think slack packing might help reduce the weight on the leg.
Date: 2009-06-09
From: Glasgow

To: US 60
Miles today: 22.2

Today was a tough, long day even though we slack packed the day. Ken Wallace picked us up at the Budget Inn and drove us to US 60 where we headed south back to the James River Foot Bridge. Tough climb up Rice Mountain, then around Pedlar Dam. Then, up Punchbowl Mountain and on to Bluff Mountain. After that, it was a long climb down and then a big climb back up Big Rocky Row.After 10 hours of hiking, we were back at the James River Foot Bridge where Ken Wallace and Slacklander were waiting to take us back to Buena Vista. Long day finished up with lots of food and beverage. View of James River from atop Big Rocky Row/Fuller Rocks Now watching the NBA finals, but won't make the end of the game before lights out.Tomorrow we climb up to Montebello, VA. Then on to the Priest Mountain.
Date: 2009-06-10
From: US 60

To: Montebello, VA
Miles today: 16.3

Ken Wallace (pictured) dropped us off at the trail about 8:45 am this morning, and Phoenix and I started walking north. Had an immediate 2000 foot climb up Bald Knob, followed by another 1000 foot climb up Cold Mountain.Today's hike was in good weather; however, every now and then, thunder could be heard in the distance. Not too many views today though we did meet a Ridge Runner who was nice enough to fill us in on the details of the immediate trail and upcoming Priest Mountain and Three Peaks.Went over 800 miles today for my AT hike. Should make Waynesboro, VA, by this weekend, leaving only about 158 miles of Virginia to complete. If we make Waynesboro by Friday, that will be about 140 miles hiked for the last 7 days. Tomorrow will be a very tough day.
Date: 2009-06-11
From: Montebello, VA

To: VA 664, Reeds Gap
Miles today: 20.0

I would like to dedicate today's hike to my good friend, Will Rodriguez, who was laid to rest in Texas today. May Will take to Heaven a magic golf club and his quick wit to carry on his tradition of fun golf in the sky.Today's hike took me over Priest Mountain, a 4000 plus foot mountain that had 36 switchbacks. The top of the mountain was in the clouds.We crossed the Tye River and ascended the Three Ridges; another intricate climb with lots of rocks. It rained on us for a short period today, but nothing serious.Tomorrow we plan on a 20 mile hike into Waynesboro, VA. We then head into the Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah National Park. Tree growing out of a rock
Date: 2009-06-12
From: VA 664, Reeds Gap

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Today's hike took us: Phoenix, Flatlander and me, around the Blue Ridge Parkway mountains by Wintergreen Resort. We then climbed Humpback Mountain and followed the easy switchback trails all the way into Rockfish Gap. Made the 19 miles in about 8 hours, which was indicative of how easy today's hike was minus some rocky sections.Dr. Kennedy, a former minister, gave us a ride into Waynesboro where we had a great all-you-can-eat dinner at Ming Dynasty. Raffle Queen picked us up and took us to her house in Crimora, VA, where we spent the night.One very long week of hiking. We hiked over 140 miles for the last 7 days. We now enter the Shenandoah National Park with about 160 miles of Virginia remaining. Looking to be in Harpers Ferry in the next 8-10 days.
Date: 2009-06-13
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Sawmill Run Overlook
Miles today: 9.7

Instead of taking a zero day, Raffle Queen was interested in putting in some hiking miles so Phoenix, Raffle Queen, and I started from Rockfish Gap for a few miles of AT hiking on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We entered Shenandoah National Park and filled out the necessary backcountry permits and left them in the box on the trail. The trail was a little wet, but we made our way past Beagle Gap and up to Calf Mountain Shelter.Bad Wheel (08) was serving trail magic with his dad at Sawmill Run, so we were trying to get there before the afternoon thunderstorms arrived. As we rushed toward Sawmill Gap, the clouds darkened and it was a race to see who got to the Gap first: us or the rain. It ended in a tie, as it began to pour as we arrived at the Gap. Trail magic at Beagle GapThe ride back to Waynesboro in the back of a pickup in the pouring rain was memorable. The rain felt like darts hitting your face. Something I'm not looking forward to experiencing again anytime soon.We got back to Raffle Queen's house in Crimora and changed into dry clothes and headed back to Waynesboro for the Saturday night Hiker Feed at a local church. Saw many hikers and then headed off to the movies and saw Hangover.OK. I would like to thank Raffle Queen and her husband, Tim, for such wonderful hospitality during the last several days. Hikers should be so lucky to stay with them. Thanks again!
Date: 2009-06-14
From: Sawmill Run Overlook

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

Would be a late start hiking today. While Raffle Queen was busy shuttling hikers, seemed like everywhere, I worked on reorganizing my gear and drying out my shoes and socks from yesterday's thunderstorm. I've decided to go stoveless, which means eating and drinking only cold food and drink. We will see how it works for a while.Raffle Queen drove Phoenix and I to Sawmill Run in a vintage Volkswagen bus (pictured). Everyone on the road was giving us the thumbs up as they passed by the green time machine on four wheels.We started hiking at 3:00 pm and made the 10 miles to the shelter (now called huts) in Shenandoah National Park in 3.5 hours. The hut was crowded and it seemed that everyone, including Flatlander, saw a bear today. We saw one, too, about 2 miles into the hike: a 300 lb male about 25 yards off the trail. Phoenix got a photo, but I didn't. Good weather today, and second day in SNP.
Date: 2009-06-15
From: Blackrock Hut

To: US 33 Elkton, VA
Miles today: 24.8

A record daily mileage for me today. Completed the daily total in just under 12 hours, thanks to the well graded trails of Shenandoah National Park, but, there were some difficult ups today.Went over Blackrock (pictured). Then crossed Skyline Drive numerous times. Stopped at the Loft Mountain Campground store for some soda and chips. Passed Pinefield Hut, Hightop Hut and Mountain and onto Swift Run Gap, where we decided to hitch into Elkton for a shower and meal.We have hiked 185 miles, nearly 1/10th of the trail, in the last nine days. Right now we are 3 miles short of 900 miles. Hiked again today with Phoenix from Connecticut and Flatlander from North Dakota. Tomorrow we pass Lewis and Big Meadows Campgrounds and perhaps Skyland Lodge in efforts for another long day in the Park. Oh, it rained last night and my resealed tent fly did just fine.
Date: 2009-06-16
From: US 33 Elkton, VA

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Started hiking about 8:13 am in the mist and fog, all the way to Lewis Mountain Campground, which was about 8 miles. Campground was pretty much vacant, given the day of the week. It was so foggy it was difficult finding the camp store. As we departed, the fog began to lift, but it was windy and cold at times.Stopped by Bearfence Mountain Hut (pictured with Flatlander) to sign the register, letting hikers behind us know our position and date passing through. Just as we were approaching Big Meadows we saw a bear about 30 yards off the trail. It saw us and ran in the opposite direction.Flatlander and I had a nice dinner at Big Meadows Lodge. Weather forecast for tomorrow is 70% chance of rain all day.
Date: 2009-06-18
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

When Flatlander and I left Big Meadows, it was still a little misty and foggy, but the weather quickly cleared and the hike around the Shenandoah ridge line was beautiful. We passed over Hawksbill Mountain, Crescent Rock, and past Skyland Stables and Lodge.We stopped for a snack at Pinnacles Picnic Ground, and moved on to Byrds Nest Hut No. #3, where we signed the Hut register. We passed Mary's Rock, and Flatlander saw another bear on the trail that apparently appeared there after I had passed by first, being several hundred yards in front of him.We then crossed Thornton Gap, U.S. 211, that goes into Luray, VA, and moved on to Pass Mountain Hut, where we are tented for the night. Flatlander is in his hammock, and I am in my tent.Phoenix moved on ahead of us during the day. We hope to hike close to Front Royal tomorrow and go into town early Saturday morning. Flatlander on the ridge overlooking Shenandoah valley
Date: 2009-06-19
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Departed Pass Mountain Hut at 6:23 am. Several deer were grazing at my tent's edge last night. Made a lot of noise. Had a nice breakfast at Elkwallow Wayside. Several egg muffins with cheese and bacon, followed by a second cup of Starbucks and a fudge brownie.As we got near Gravel Springs Hut, we checked the weather radar on the phone, and it was yellow and red, and headed our way. We ducked into Gravel Springs Hut for potential cover from the coming storm. On the .2 mile descent to the Hut, Flatlander spotted a timber rattler (Head pictured on log). It was a beautiful colored snake, but would not budge for a better photo.Rain never materialized, so we moved on. We hiked up Compton Mountain and down, exiting Shenandoah National Park. Decided what the heck, might as well go all the way to town. Walk bridge to the road to Front RoyalGot to US 522, the road to Front Royal, and wouldn't ya know it, Lonewolf and his buddy, Jake, pick me up. Had dinner with Lonewolf and Jake. Long story and small world, but what a treat and surprise. More to this saga told in future journals up north. It's a mystery in the making.
Date: 2009-06-21
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Flatlander and I got a ride from the hotel back to the trail. The trail was very muddy from the get go. Always nice to have just cleaned hiking clothes and socks totally soiled within minutes of hiking out of town. The weather was overcast and breezy.Ran across Moe and Lucky Joe early. They had camped right on the trail after getting caught in a late evening cloud burst. We pushed on and signed the register at the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter. Yes, shelter! Since leaving the Shenandoah National Park, shelters are no longer called Huts.We stopped in for a snack at the Manassas Gap Shelter, which is said to be home to a family of copperhead snakes. Got to Rod Hollow Shelter after 10 hours of hiking. Will talk about my gear tomorrow or later this week as my pack is now too big for all my gear. Still have only spent 2 nights in a shelter. Flatlander setting up his hammock
Date: 2009-06-22
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: few clouds

Didn't sleep a wink last night. Too hot in the tent. Time for my summer sleeping bag. Started hiking at 6:43 am, knowing we were beginning the famous Roller Coaster, a series of 10 mountains, one after another. After hiking the well graded trails of the Shenandoah National Park, the Roller Coaster shocked us back to hiking reality.After hill number 8, we stopped at the Bears Den Hostel and had a pint of Ben & Jerry¢s ice cream. Pretty darn good.Flatlander and I continued on to hills 9 and 10, and passed the 1001 mile mark on the AT (pictured). We continued on through trails of rocks, finding our way to the David Lesser Shelter, where we met Fishman, a section hiker.We have about 7 miles to Harpers Ferry in the morning. Harpers Ferry is the psychological half-way point for the AT northbound hike. Flatlander and me at the 1001 mark
Date: 2009-06-23
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Flatlander and I got up early and hit the trail at 6:17 a.m. Saw Moe briefly at the shelter. A mouse had scavenged her backpack, and enjoyed some nice hot chocolate powder. The trail to Harpers Ferry was a river of rocks. I guess West Virginia wanted to make a lasting impression on AT hikers since so few hiking miles pass through it.We made Harpers Ferry by 10:30 a.m., and checked into the Appalachian Trail Conservatory (ATC). They took our mug shot, and we posted the pictures in the 2009 hiker photo album. We were 450 and 451 to pass through the ATC since starting in Springer, GA. Don't know what my start number was on April 8th, but Flatlander said his starting number was lower that 451. Go figure.Flatlander meets his daughter tomorrow, who is arriving by train from North Dakota. They will start hiking together, and I will hike on alone. Will enter a new state tomorrow: Maryland.
Date: 2009-06-24
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: few clouds

I hung around Harpers Ferry with Flatlander until his daughter, Flicka, arrived about noon on the Amtrak train from Chicago. They went off to do town stuff, and I started walking north along the C&O canal.Received a phone call from young Phoenix. He asked me to pass on to other hikers that he had been bitten in the head by a raccoon while sleeping in the Pine Knob Shelter in Maryland. He said he was headed home to undergo 28 days of preventative rabies treatment. After which, he would hike south from Maine. Pine Knob Shelter, where a raccoon bit Phoenix while he was sleepingIt was an easy walk today except for a few climbs where the sweat poured out. However, there were lots of rocks at times.Finally made Rocky Run Shelter about 7 pm. Not bad mileage for starting around 12:30 pm. First night experiencing mosquitoes. Time to start carrying bug spray.
Date: 2009-06-25
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Free State Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 15.5

Stayed last night at the brand spanking new Rocky Run Shelter. What a gem! Not a mark on it yet until the pig hikers start carving their initials in the walls or writing crap everywhere. A pristine shelter for the moment. Hiker Mostly and I were the only ones there for the night.Today hiked by the very first Washington Monument, built in 1827 (pictured). Once I chased the tourists away, it made for a nice photo. Continued on and crossed the Interstate 70 footbridge or birdcage.Stopped by the Dogpatch Tavern for a burger and fries, and then on to Annapolis Rocks. Had not planned to stop at the Hostel, but the bugs came out on the trail for the first time last night and today, and I just wanted a hot shower and bug free place to stay for the night, until I get some insect spray. I also inspected the Pine Knob Shelter where the raccoon attacked Phoenix. Footbridge over Interstate 70, near Hagerstown, MD
Date: 2009-06-26
From: Free State Hiker Hostel

To: Penn Mar Couny Park
Miles today: 9.8

I was the only one at the Hiker Hostel last night. Met the owner, Ken, briefly before bed.Started walking north around 7:40 am. Maryland finally had a one decent mountain to climb. This rest of the trail to Pen Mar Park was mostly rocks. Got to Pen Mar County Park around 11:45 a.m.My nephew is picking me up so we can address some family matters during the weekend. Hopefully I will have an opportunity to return guest emails and talk about the gear I'm carrying right now. Hope to return to hiking on Monday, June 30th.
Date: 2009-06-27
From: Penn Mar Couny Park

To: Penn Mar County Park
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day - no hiking. Attending to family matters. I retired my first pair of hiking shoes at Harpers Ferry. New Balance MT 811 AT's. Half size larger and one size (2E) wider. Great trail shoes, but should have replaced them several hundred miles earlier. Hiked from Harpers Ferry to Pen Mar County Park in a new pair, and what a difference it made. Shoes have Orange Superfeet insoles. No blisters for first 1014 miles using these trail runners. Hikers should look at these shoes when considering what to wear on their next trekking adventure.