morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-06
From: The Place

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Zero today...nothing exciting. Mulling around town checking out new gear at the outfitter because fresh gear is just so tantalizing. Seriously considering some trail runners for when it gets warm and then getting my boots back in the northern part of the trail. At the library now. Probably some food later and maybe another stop by the coffee shop. Johnny Appleseed, Mango and Joker all made it into town this morning after pulling a 34 mile day (night?) from Vandeventer shelter. They left at 2PM and got into town this morning at 4:30AM! Crazy in my opinion, but they made it! I think myself, Corsican, Lala, Johnny Appleseed, Joker and Mango are all heading out tomorrow so the stretch from here to at least Marion VA should be enjoyable with some good company! =)
Date: 2011-04-07
From: The Place

To: Lost Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Pretty leisurely day today. Started out with breakfast at the hostel and then grabbed some coffee at Moejoe's and drank it outside in the sunshine. They had a 'Heart of Darkness' blend that was really good, reminded me of a coffee shop at home. Then LaLa and I met up and hiked together for a while. The trail only had one steep climb. A relatively short day even though I got on the trail late. In by 330. LaLa and Rambler came in a bit later. Had a tuna helper type of thing for dinner. Excited for my summer gear in Pearisburg, decided on there instead of Bland so I can get my trail runners shipped to me as well. Over some decent mountains tomorrow and into Marion in 3 days for a resupply.
Date: 2011-04-08
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: light rain

Today had a lot of ups and downs in more ways than one. Lots of climbing up both Whitetop Mtn as Mt. Rogers (highest peak in VA). The trail didn't go to the very top of either unfortunately but the view from Buzzard Rock in between the two was quite nice. Weather was also up and down. Started out beautiful and warm but with the elevation gain got bad quick. After Mt. Rogers the trail goes through Grayson Highlands which is a real unique area. Relatively flat but very rocky and wide open views with very sparse tree cover. Unfortunately the weather was the worst up there. Visibility was severely reduced and it was rainy, windy and cold. Another unique feature are the wild ponies that roam the area. I got a few pics of some but the poor visibility made it tough. Guido Blanco and his friend JT Hill apparently hand fed one of them some oatmeal and apricots! (not sure if you're really supposed to feed them but oh well). Felt physically strong today and pushed further than expected. I left LaLa, Johnny Appleseed and Mango behind but I'm sure I'll see them again. In a shelter alone tonight which is a first! Lets me spread out and dry some gear. Think I'll stretch a long day tomorrow to and get to Partnership Shelter where apparently there is a phone and you can somehow order delivery pizza...
Date: 2011-04-09
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Today wasn't too bad despite the long miles and the weather. The trail wasn't too bad. Some ups and downs but the first 14 miles of the day just flew by. It was real hot and humid in the morning, very 'Virginia-ish'. By the afternoon clouds were building up and a pretty serious storm rolled in. Rain and hail was pretty much coming at a 45 degree angle and of course i was up on a ridge getting pelted. Luckily it didn't last tooo long but the damage was done...soaked boots and socks and everything else. Another shower hit later in the day as I was close to the shelter and it was another absolute downpour. Partnership shelter is real nice though, 2 stories and a phone and water nearby. In the shelter with Corsican, Pepper, Leafguy and South Butt. Trying to dry stuff out and will resupply tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-10
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: clear sky

Long day today...really hot and humid too. It's really starting to feel like spring/summer now. The day started out by putting on soaking wet clothing, socks and boots from yesterday. Didn't dry out much last night. The 11 or so miles to the I-81 interchange weren't too bad. Went past an old 1890 homestead which was cool, even better were the free drinks in the one room school house! At the interchange I resupplied at an Exxon and Shell station which had a surprisingly good selection of food, reasonably priced too. I had a buffet at The Barn Restaurant for lunch with Rambler and Pa Bert while Corsican (who I caught back up with moved on). The remaining 14 miles were a lot of up and down and it was sooo hot. No leaves on the trees means zero shade also. I think I drank about 6 liters of water today. Later on in the day we went through some beautiful farmland and as the sun was starting to go down and it cooled down a bit it made for a gorgeous hike despite how exhausted/hungry I was. Dinner was satisfying for sure: Chicken pasta in cream sauce, bagel with Nutella and honey, some cookies, a honey bun and 2 liters of Crystal Light raspberry lemonade ...I'll wake up in the night with my stomach growling =P Shorter day tomorrow but still 19 miles, then resupplying in Bland the next day. Pearisburg soon, so excited for my summer gear!
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Not too much to say about today. Mainly just ridge line stuff that wasn't too exciting. One long climb in the morning that was around 4.5 miles which was rough. Ate lunch at a nice shelter at the top of Chestnut Knob and took a short nap as well. Into the shelter earlier today with Pa Bert, Corsican and Man Cub. Shorter day tomorrow and a resupply in Bland.
Date: 2011-04-12
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Nothing too exciting today but the trail was friendly and it didn't rain so I can't complain. Mainly flat ridge line with no good views. Was able to keep a real good pace and get to US 52 quickly to get into Bland for a resupply. Tried hitching a bit but the number of cars going by was real low so I called a number in The Companion for a ride in. Bubba came and picked me up and was exactly like you might imagine a 'Bubba' is, but he was nice enough and dripped me at Bland Grocery which was absurdly limited. Mainly got candy and junk food and a few Ramen to hold me over until Pearisburg. Apparently the grocery had only been open 3 weeks and will try to cater to hikers once they have been open longer, so for later NOBO's and SOBO's it will most likely be a decent resupply spot. Managed to get back to the trail early enough to push the next 12 miles to the second shelter and met back up with Pa Bert and Corsican. Wood's Hole Hostel tomorrow for a cheap stay and then into Pearisburg for a more significant resupply.
Date: 2011-04-13
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wood's Hole Hostel
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: moderate rain

Real good day today. Was much cooler last night and throughout most of the day today as well. The trail was real straightforward. Mostly smooth ridg line stuff except for two decent climbs. Corsican and I knocked out 14 miles before lunch and ate at Wapiti shelter before finishing the 6 miles into Wood's Hole. Wood's Hole is a super laid back place, Michael and his wife Neville are the owners and are real nice. Had my laundry done and got an outdoor shower which was excellent. Finished 'Of Mice and Men' in a hammock and made some dinner. Then we all watched 'The Expendables' in Michael and Neville's cabin and drank some ginger tea. Their cabin is amazing! Sooo nice, makes me want to live somewhere like that when I get older. Tenting tonight  to save a bit of money. Homemade breakfast tomorrow and then into Pearisburg to resupply etc. and get summer gear! =)
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Wood's Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Amazing breakfast this morning thanks to Neville and Michael. Pancakes and a great quiche, as well as some great organic coffee that Neville roasts and grinds herself. The trail today was easy. Ridge line hiking again, gradual climbs and descents, real bad descent into Pearisburg though. Caught Pa Bert just as going into Pearisburg. We split a hotel room at the Plaza Hotel and then grabbed some DQ, which was delicious! Then went to the post office and picked up my summer gear and shipped out my winter stuff. Later did some grocery shopping and got some Mexican food across the street which was delicious, I was actually full for once. Later that night made some phone calls and updated my journal etc. Nice relaxing day, back on the trail tomorrow! Weather looks iffy for tomorrow night/ Sat...Strong T'storms...
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Pearisburg VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Nothing too exciting today. Climb up out of Pearisburg wasn't too bad. Once again just straight forward ridge line hiking today. General up and downs but pretty gradual. Weather was nice though. Had a late start this morning so I made it to the shelter around 530 and the three bears (unfortunately down to two now though as one got off trail in Pearisburg due to injury) and Dart where already there. Pa Bert likely went to the next shelter. Trail runners felt real good today though which I'm psyched about! Pack is definitely lighter and much less full as well after dropping my winter gear.
Date: 2011-04-16
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: thunderstorm with light rain

Woke up to pouring rain this morning. Decided to sleep in a bit longer till 1030ish and see if the rain tapered off...it didn't. So ended up walking in the rain most of the morning, luckily the rain finally tapered off by the afternoon. Trail was pretty much a stream most of the way so my feet were soaked, but the trail runners were nice in the wet because the water would flow out of them once soaked. The afternoon was beautiful though, really warmed up and the sun came out and dried out most of my stuff. Got to Laurel Creek shelter and there is a scout troop here so it's pretty packed. Luckily they are tenting so the three (two) bears and Dart and I have the shelter to ourselves. Weather looks nice for tomorrow!
Date: 2011-04-17
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful day today! Weather was fantastic...a bit chilly in the morning but it warmed up in the afternoon and was great. Lots of variety in the trail today as well. Morning started off with some nice farm pastures which were great. Then up to a ridge with a real technical section for a while scrambling on some off-camber rocks that became annoying after a while but offered some good views. Later on after lunch there was a real cool ridge that reminded me of hiking out west actually. It had been burned not that long ago and all the underbrush was gone and the trees were blackened. The contrast was nice and offered a bit of a view of the valley. Also the trail was real well graded and had lots of nice switchbacks. I definitely enjoyed the second part of the day. Tomorrow should be nice: McAfee Knob as well as Dragon's Tooth (not even sure what the second one is but the first should offer a spectacular view).
Date: 2011-04-18
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Lamberts Meadown Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Tiring day today but it had lots of good views. I was feeling pretty sluggish in the morning and it took me a while to get going. Morning was pretty wild around the Dragon's Tooth. Lots of scrambling and some sections that would have been real dangerous in the wet. It was a fun section of trail but the pace was real slow cause of the tough terrain. Ate first lunch and got some energy back after the tough morning. Second lunch was  McAfee Knob which was an amazing view! Then followed the ridge to some cliffs that you could see way in the distance from McAfee Knob which offered some great views as well. There was some sort of hawks or eagles flying around the cliffs dive-bombing each other which was fun to watch. The rest of the day was more ridge line, some rocky and some smooth. Finally descended to the shelter and ate pretty much all my remaining food except for a bit for breakfast. Short day tomorrow...possibly splitting a hotel, we'll see.
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Lamberts Meadown Shelter

To: Daleville VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Easy day today, basically a nero. Walked the fairly flat 9.4 miles into Daleville with The Bears and Dart. We all split a room at the Howard Johnson and did some errands around the town. Lunch at Mexican restaurant, outfitter, post office, resupply etc. Later that night did dinner at a BBQ place with the Bears, Dart and Pa Bert. Relaxing day for sure, back on the trail tomorrow. Probably going a bit further than The Bears tomorrow but I'm sure I'll see them again soon.
Date: 2011-04-20
From: Daleville VA

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The miles just flew by today! Woke up early in the hotel and planned to head out early but it didn't happen... Towns are like black holes, easy to get sucked into and impossible to get out of (obviously not actually). Also they are literally generally IN holes (valleys) on the trail. Easy to descend into and tough to climb out of! But anyway, the Bears and Dart and I did the mediocre breakfast buffet at the hotel and I got some coffee from a place a 1/4 mile down the road. Afterwards ended up lounging in the room till checkout at 11 then grabbed a cheap lunch if hotdogs from a gas station. By this time it was just after 11 and we were finally going to get on the trail bit then Corsican popped out of the woods in town and I talked to him for a while as the Bears and Dart wet on. Finally on the trail by noon, blah! Somehow basically walked 18.5 miles nonstop to the shelter, passed the Bears and Dart who were taking a shorter day (I'm sure we'll cross paths again soon). Have the shelter to myself currently and service, so this entry will be real up to date! Also trail was nothing special today...crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway several times and was real close to it a lot which was kind of lame but oh well. Only two more crossings tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-21
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: broken clouds

Not too much to say about today. Weather was beautiful but I was feeling real tired in the morning for some reason. Lots of up and down today. Walked to the second or third shelter making good time and decided to take a nap. Felt a lot better after that and trudged uphill almost the whole way to the shelter. Longggg climb up to Apple Orchard Mountain, or at least it seemed long. No real good views or anything today unfortunately. There was a cool rock formation called 'The Guillotine' coming down Apple Orchard where a big rock was wedged in between two others and hanging above the trail. Resupply tomorrow and a shorter day as well.
Date: 2011-04-22
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Easy day today. Temperature was much cooler than usual which made getting out of the bag pretty tough. Stayed with Katmandu, Stillwater and Niners last night. Nobody was out of the shelter early. I finally made it on the trail around 945. Was mainly downhill today and relatively well graded. Highlight was crossing the James River foot bridge which was definitely unique. From there hitched into town with a kayaker named Matt who was real cool. Stopped at a small grocery and resupplied and then hitched out pretty easily. Only a short 2ish miles to the shelter. In here with Sensei, Face and Face Jacket tonight. I'm catching up with some February starters now but will be slowing down in upper VA/WV I assume for family and friends so some of the guys I've been hiking with will catch up I'm sure.
Date: 2011-04-23
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Cow Camp Gap Shelter
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Pretty rough day today. Big time elevation loss and gain. Started with a big climb and then a big descent, so the morning was pretty slow going. After the descent followed Brown Mtn Creek for a little while which was a real pleasant stretch of trail. Lots of big pine trees and a well graded trail. Also there were the remnants of a community of freed slaves who lived along the creek and farmed from the Civil War to 1918. There were some stone walls, chimneys, etc. still there, pretty cool. Sensei and I ate lunch at the shelter along the creek and then there was another huge climb after that. Mainly up on the ridge tomorrow I believe except for a big descent and climb at the end of the day.
Date: 2011-04-24
From: Cow Camp Gap Shelter

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Lots of up and down today and the weather is unseasonably warm, blah. After the ups and downs was mostly on a ridge today with not too much in the way of views. The last 7.5 miles were rough. A huge 3000+ foot descent and then right back up a thousand feet or so to the shelter. I got in to the shelter first and took a dip in Harpers Creek which felt amazing. Soaked my feet a bit as well. There were two SOBO section hikers (Dirty Hippie and AT Alien) who were from Parkersburg, WV and were cool guys. Sensei, Face and Face Jacket came in later. Apparently Face Jacket actually stepped on a Copperhead as it was getting dark and he thinks it bit his gaiter! Close call. No such run ins for me luckily.
Date: 2011-04-25
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolf Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today started out just like yesterday ended...climbing. Continued 2000ish feet over 3 miles up 3 Ridges Mtn. Once again it was also crazy hot and humid. Drank 6 liters throughout the day I think. Today there were some descent views though. One looking out on a ski resort which still had small patches of snow, I think it may have been Wintergreen Resort? After the stretch of long days I've been getting pretty worn out, looking forward to some easy days into/out of Waynesboro. Not to mention meeting up with my brother and friend Clayton to hike with for a few days in Shenandoah! Nice shelter tonight, took another dip in the stream. Muggy and hot night though, out of the sleeping bag most of the night.
Date: 2011-04-26
From: Paul C. Wolf Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

Into to town today. Got a ride in with a Waynesboro trail angel. Got a room with Face Jacket, Sensei and Face. Resupply, Chinese buffet, library, laundry. Waynesboro is nice! Good weather too. Bears and Dart came in later and are right next door.
Date: 2011-04-28
From: Waynesboro

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Real pleasant day today! Got out of the hotel at a decent time today. Called one of the Trail Angels and got a ride back to Rockfish Gap with Sensei, Face and Face Jacket. Trail was nice and the weather was beautiful. Trail was all up and down but well graded. Hiked with Sensei for a while and then caught up to The Bears, Corsican and Dart who had just gotten some trail magic from a trail angel near Skyline Drive. She had run out when I got there but i was still full from the hotel breakfast anyway. Then continued hiking with Dart and the Bears and Corsican. Tons of people at the shelter tonight and almost all thru hikers! Looking forward to meeting up with my brother tomorrow around noon!
Date: 2011-04-29
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Another nice day today. Was a bit chilly last night and cooler during the day. The plan was to meet my bro at Loft Mtn Campground but as I got there it was deserted and the gate was closed. Luckily I had service and told him to meet me at the Loft Mtn Wayside instead. So i met him there, timing was real good. He got some Quiznos which was delicious. I grabbed a chocolate shake as well. Then we hit the trail and did about 5-6 miles to Pinefield Hut. Got a fire going, cooked some dinner. Lots of people rolled in. Face Jacket, Spam, Cyprus and some others. Good to see my brother, looking forward to hiking with him for a few days!
Date: 2011-04-30
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mtn Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

Was pretty chilly this morning when we woke up. Think it got down into the mid 30s last night. My brother and I had some breakfast and coffee and were the first ones out of the shelter.  The trail wasn't bad today. Mostly ups and downs. A bit rocky in some spots but not too bad. We stopped every couple hours and took some breaks as obviously my brother hasn't been hiking for 2 months straight like I have! Weather couldn't have been better though. I was able to wear my long sleeved Cap 1 top all day and hike comfortably. Towards the end of the day my brothers feet were starting to hurt, we think it's because he needs some new insoles (he still has the stock ones), not to mention we did a 20 mile day! He stuck it out to the shelter and we're hoping they'll feel a bit better in the morning. Tomorrow we're meeting my friend Clayton at Big Meadows and he's going to hike a bit with us too. Shorter day tomorrow and lunch at Big Meadows Wayside
Date: 2011-05-01
From: Bearfence Mtn Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

My brother and I met up with my friend Clayton today at Big Meadows Wayside. We got out of the campsite pretty early and did the 7ish miles into Big Meadows. A few decent views on the way, started sprinkling as we got close to the wayside but nothing bad. My brother treated me to lunch there which was delicious. It rained hard while we were inside but luckily stopped once Clayton arrived. We did the remaining 5 or so miles to Rock Spring Hut. Got a fire going and are in with Face Jacket and some section hikers tonight. Winging it mile-wise tomorrow and meeting up with the parents tomorrow. Shenandoah is seeming like a vacation: friends, family, good food and easy miles! Amazing.
Date: 2011-05-02
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Luray, VA
Miles today: 14.1

Woke up to much warmer weather today. My brother, Clayton and I got out around 9AM today. Trail wasn't bad. General up and down like usual. Later in the day we had one real good view from Stony Man Mountain Cliffs (I think). We met my parents at Pinnacle Campground and they took Clayton and my brother back to their cars on Skyline drive while I did another 5 or so miles to US 211. My parents picked me up there and we headed to Luray. Clayton went down to Charolettesville where he's meeting up with his sister for a few days, I may meet up with him tomorrow night and hang out for the night. The family and I got some delicious Mexican food at at place in Luray. Got my laundry done and resupplied as well. Back on the trail tomorrow, good to see my parents and also was nice to hike with my brother and Clayton for a few days. Harpers Ferry in a few days!
Date: 2011-05-03
From: Luray, VA

To: Gravel Springs Gap
Miles today: 14.5

Parents took me and my brother out to breakfast at a little diner before getting back on the trail. Said bye to my brother after and the parents took me to Thorton Gap where I left off the day before. The past few days were great seeing my friend and family! But have to get back on the trail...for a few hours =P Clayton offered to pick me up that afternoon and take me to Charlottesville to spend the evening with him and his sister. So I did 14 miles and met him. Had an excellent dinner of portobello ravioli and a few beers at South St Brewery in C-Ville. His sister was real nice and put me up for the night at her place. VA has been pretty excellent, no 'Virginia blues' for me. Back on the trail tomorrow. Looking forward to getting back in the hiking rhythm.