morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Sink Creek Mountain

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

I had a great night sleep with no mice to contend with like the night before. I woke up early and decided to watch sunrise from the ridge (see photo). After the sunrise I ate and got moving down the trail by 7:30 or so. I came down the mountain and ran into Celtic at the Niday shelter finishing his breakfast. I also met some thru hikers there (pine comb, purple blaze, GB, and Harley). Celtic and I headed out up 1500 ft to the ridge of Brush Mountain. On top of the mountain is a memorial for Audie Murphy (the greatest Decorated US Soldier). His plane crashed on that mountain in the early 1970s (see photo of the memorial). Coming down from the mountain we were surprised to see some trail magic beside the road (VA 620). Whoever left the cooler full of ice cold Dr Pepper, Mountain Dew and Bananas you are awesome! Celtic, Matterhorn (German thru hiker), Rugby (UK thru hiker) and I sat there and sipped on the cold beverages while we made lunch. After lunch I hit the nearby stream for a quick hiker bath. The next section we hit was the Dragons Tooth. This starts with a upward ascent to Cove Mountain which runs a narrow rocky ridge up to the dragons teeth. The dragons tooth is a large monolithic rock structure that jets out of the ridge (see photos). The hardest part of the days hike started on the decent from Dragon Tooth. The decent is very steep and mostly rock which requires both hands and feet to navigate the rocks. If you do not like heights you will not like this section of the trail. About 1/2 mile of the 2+ mile decent are steep rocks. I really felt it in my knees after completing this section of the trail. At the end of the descent we came to Newport road and just up the road is a convenience store that also has a grill (hamburgers yeah). So we b-lined it to the store. After burgers and ice cream we headed to the four pines hostel which is run by Joe Mitchell. This place is awesome. The large garage was full so Celtic, Two other thru hikers and I set up in the barn next to his alpacas. He runs the place on donations from the hikers and it is a welcome spot to rest, visit and recharge for the next days hike. We are 26 miles out from Daleville, VA which is my next resupply point on the trail. If we get a good start and the feet are doing OK I may try to make it there in one day. I have been doing a number of 20+ days but 26 miles would be the most I have doe in a day. I will see how it goes.
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: 6 miles from Daleville, VA
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We hit the trail early running through the valley near Catawba, VA on our way up to McAfee Knob. We came across a large group of day hikers on a guided tour of the area. However they were not headed up to the knob. When we reached the top of the mountain no one was up there on the Knob so we took lots of photos and had lunch on the rock overhang. This is one of the most photographed sites on the AT and you are truly on top of the world when standing on top of the overhang. After this highlight of the day Celtic and I navigated across the lower ridges away from the knob. The ridge culminated in a steep rise and large rock cliffs which the trail skirted over. From these cliffs you could look back to the south and see McAfee knob. We pushed on down off the ridge stopping at Lamberts Meadow shelter for water. Today's hike was one of the first that I could recall where we had to really watch the water supply. The day was one of the hottest since starting the trail plus the water sources were generally 8-10 miles apart. Often the water sources on the trail are far apart when you are walking a long section of a ridge because there are usually no springs up on the ridge tops. We filled up with water and found a campsite only a few miles from Daleville. I am looking forward to a Nero tomorrow and Friday. Today my right lower calf was bothering and I am hoping the time off will help it.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: 6 miles from Daleville, VA

To: Dalesville, VA
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

It was a short 2 hour walk into Dalesville which was a welcome change from the previous days of 20 miles. The calf felt ok in the morning and I was glad I was going to take it easy today. The approach to the town was mostly down hill and through thick forests and lush meadows. What I found most interesting was how the trail suddenly dumps you right on the busy road that runs through Dalesville. All of a sudden you go from the quite of the shady forest to the bright hustle and bustle of civilization with cars, hotels, restaurants and gas stations. It was a weird experience as you have to get your bearings again. Well the remainder of the day was spent picking up resupply and eating. So tomorrow it is back on the trail for a long push to Rockfish Gap, VA about 135 miles up the trail.
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Dalesville, VA

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

It was a nice short stay in Daleville. Celtic and I headed back out on the trail by 10 in the morning. However before hitting the trail I had to stop at a nearby convenience store for one last diet coke and an ice cream (what the heck I will burn it off by noon). As I sat outside the convenience store, I realize that we probably look a bit like vagabonds hanging outside the store eating (like the guy your mom would tell you to stay away from when you were a little kid. :-). Fortunately, the folks in these towns see the packs and they are very friendly knowing we are thru hikers. Actually while I sat enjoying my sweets, a gentleman dressed in a suit stopped by and said he had a meeting to go to and if I might want to trade places! I said with a smile, "thanks but sorry mate I have been there and done that."When departing Daleville the trail runs back into the trees and then under I-81. Once on the east side of the interstate the trail gradually ascends up toward the Blue Ridge Parkway. We hit the parkway by early afternoon and the trail skirted the road. The trail typically crosses the parkway at each overlook (see photo). However the rain set in the moment we hit the first overlook. We held up for a little to let the heavy stuff pass and then started back up. After the thunderhead passed the valley and adjacent ridge lines were visible from the overlook. This section of the trail is pretty tame compared to some of the other sections in Virginia with minimal rocks and roots and generally light grades up or down. As a result you can look around more instead of having to look down all the time at the trail. We reached Bobblets Gap shelter around 6:30. Since rain was forecasted for the rest of the evening the shelter was the best option, if not full. We lucked out as there were only 3 other folks (all thru hikers) in the 6 person shelter. We ate and visited with thru hikers Cheese (from Germany), Chocolate (from Switzerland) and Critter (from Detroit) in the shelter as the rain continued. With Celtic (the Scotsman) we had a real international contingent at the shelter. Well I hope the rain blows through tonight.
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter, VA

To: Thunder Hill Shelter, VA
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The day started much as it ended the day before with rain in the forecast. I was the first one up in the shelter and as quietly as possible I ate breakfast and packed up my gear. By the time I finished packing everyone was up and about in the shelter so I probably was not as quite as I thought I was. The trail today began crisscrossing the Blue Ridge parkway. It then departed the parkway where it ascended 1000 ft then back down again to a shelter and then back up to 3000 ft to the top of Floyd Mountain and then up another 1000 ft to Apple Orchard Mountain. For much of the day it rained so the views of the valleys and adjacent mountains were limited. One interesting location along the route was "The Guillotine" which is narrow rock corridor that has a large bolder precariously positioned above the passage (see photo). You cannot help but speed up your pace as you pass under it. I also saw another snake. This time it was a water snake. It darted past me as I was getting water from a stream (see photo it may be hard to see). Celtic and I spent much of the day leap frogging shelter to shelter taking breaks out of the rain. We ended the day at Thunder Hill shelter where we met some thru hikers including Martial Art, Monkey, Dundee, Spider-Man and Screaming Steven. With these flamboyant trail names you would think we had become part of a marvel comics movie.... But nope these are just great folks enjoying the AT. In each shelter there are journals for the hikers to sign in and say a few words (often light hearted and comical stuff). As you read these journals you end up getting to know who is in front of you on the trail. When you finally catch up with them and actually meet them, as we did this evening, it is like you already know them. The weatherman says sun tomorrow so I will cross my fingers and hope he is right for a change.
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Thunder Hill Shelter, VA

To: Saddle Gap, VA
Miles today: 19.0

We got started early to take advantage of the cool morning. The forecast for the day was clear and hot in the upper 80s. There was a beautiful view from Thunder Hill overlook of the morning clouds hovering over western valley (see photo). From atop Thunder Hill ridge we worked out way down towards the James River. We stopped for lunch at Matts Creak shelter. The shelter has a strong moving stream with some deep spots so I took a hikers bath (shoes and socks off and shorts and shirt on). It was cold but felt great to get the sweat off. After lunch we pushed on to the James river and the highlight of the day which was the James Footbridge which is the largest foot bridge on the AT. There were lots of day hikers here. We headed up to the next shelter arriving by mid-afternoon. Due to the heat we decided to take a 1-1/2 hr siesta before starting the last leg of the days hike up to Big Rock Row We finished up the day atop the mountain looking down at the James river and the ridge we navigated in the morning (see photo). There was also a superb sunset from the campsite (see photo). As summer approaches and the days get hotter, the early morning starts and afternoon breaks will likely become the norm.
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Saddle Gap, VA

To: Cold Mountain, VA
Miles today: 21.8

We were up and out on a trail early to beat the heat. The nice thing about the days start was we were atop the mountIan ridge so the first part of the day there were no major climbs. We traversed Bluff Mt and then down and over Rice Mt and finally down to the lower elevations. Along the lower elevation there were many streams to cross and we skirted the east side of the Lynchburg reservoir. It was hot and I was drenched with sweet by noon so being that water was plentiful I took a break for a hiker bath. By 1:30 I had made it to Brown Mt Creek shelter which put me at the AT 800 mile mark and close to 15 miles for the day. Celtic rolled in about an hour later to the shelter. I ate and snoozed at the shelter until 4:30 allowing the hottest part of day to pass as well as a thunderstorm. Rested, we headed up to Cold Mt which was a 3000ft ascent. At US highway 60 just before long push up the mountain, we came across trail magic by Sheezus. Sheezus had provided a box of brownies (see photos) and they hit the spot, providing us with some great fuel to reach the mountain top before sunset. We set up camp just shy of the Cold Mountain peak as the sun was setting. Doing the bulk of the days hike in the morning when it was cool and then putting in a few miles in the later part of the day worked well.
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Cold Mountain, VA

To: Harpers Creek Shelter, VA
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: light rain

The start was early again on account of the forecasted heat (high 80s). Celtic and I were stirring about 6:00 am. So we packed up and got on the trail by 7:00 am. When you are up early and the first to hit the trail this is often the best time to see wildlife (coyotes, deer, raccoons, and even bear). This morning I did see some white tail deer dash across the trail. Both Celtic and I were low on water so we stopped at Hog Camp Gap to hit the spring that is about 1/3 mile to the east of the trail. You often find yourself limiting any detours off the trail but water was low and there was not a good source on the trail for another 5-6 miles. The gap is a beautiful meadow with grass fields with lots of campsites around the area (see photo). After the gap, much of the trail runs beside the ridges rather than on top. It is not until you reach Priest Mt that you actually run up and over the mountain ridge. One of the highlights of the day is Spy Rock which is just off the trail and requires a hand and foot climb to the top but it will give you a 360 view of the area. It is a big draw for day hikers and there were quite a few folks camping or making their way out to camp that day. I looked it over but did not go up it. It would be a great place to check out if it was cooler (morning or evening to catch the sunrise or sunset) but the rock is gray and hot and I was already cooking so I bypassed it. Along the way I met some fellow thru hikers including Young Gandalf, Quailman and Icicle. During my afternoon siesta, which I took at the Priest Mt shelter, I visited with them all as they strolled in and/or out of the shelter. In discussions with young Gandalf, the Tye river had a good water hole just across the suspension bridge. When he was younger he recalled coming to Spy Rock and the Tye river. He was reliving his younger days. Looking over the maps with Celtic, a final game plan for the day was decided. We would cruise 4 miles down to the Tye river take a well needed hiker bath and then push three more miles up another mountain to Harpers Creek Shelter. The final three miles was a 1000 ft climb but it would set us up to climb the remaining 2000 ft of the Three Mt Ridge the following morning. So that is what we did. BTW the spot on the Tye river was great. It is waist deep and there are large round rocks beside the river that you can sunbath on as you dry off from the swim. Upon reaching the shelter that evening it was full of college kids just out of school for the summer. No worries though as there was plenty of tenting spots beside a picturesque stream that rushed beside the shelter and between the campsites. It was a great day but I was bushed. I ate and was fast asleep by 8:30.
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Harpers Creek Shelter, VA

To: Paul Wolfe Shelter, VA
Miles today: 22.0

After probably my best nights sleep since hitting the trail, I was up and about a little after 6:00 am. The night was cool and the soft sounds from the nearby stream likely helped with the great slumber or maybe it was the fact we have been hitting long miles for the past 5 days in the heat. Regardless of the reason, I was looking forward to the days hike as it will bring us within 5 miles of Waynesboro, VA and the prospect of good hot food, a shower and a bed to sleep in. Also at Waynesboro I have had plans to pull off the trail for a few days to visit the family and to see some important kid events (daughter's piano performance and son's junior/senior prom and baseball playoffs). Hitting the trail around 7:00 am, it was up, up, up with three individual peaks each higher than the next. At each, peak there is a rock outcropping or rock structure with a view. However the real treat came when I started descended down the Three Mountain Ridge. There is a large smooth rock called Hanging Rock overlook that provides a fantastic vantage point of the Tye river valley and the prominent Priest Mt. (See photos). As I worked down from the ridge I crossed the parkway again (see photos) crossing grass meadows and then back along the side of mountain ridges. Midday the clouds rolled in and the great views faded but it made for a much cooler hike. The clouds appeared like smoke as they blew across the ridge covering the trees with wet dew (see photos). When the wind rattled the trees large water droplets would rain down giving me a brief chill. This continued until I reached the Paul Wolfe shelter around 4:30 that afternoon. Celtic rolled in a little later around 5:30. We ate beneath the well designed shelter which had a covered eating area (see photos). It is a newer design shelter. There was no one else there until later that evening when thru hikers Jolly and Chef rolled in. Both had done over 25 miles that day. We visited with them some as they cooked up their dinner and hit the hay in the shelter that evening. Only a few miles more tomorrow and we will hit civilization.
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter, VA

To: Tree Streets B&B, Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 5.0

Celtic and I hit the trail around 7:30 that morning. With only a short walk ahead of us we were taking our time getting on the trail but Jolly showed us the weather radar and the storm pushing our way and we had a bit more pep in our step and were on the trail quick. The storm looked to be about 3-4 hours away but there was no need to get caught in it if we do not have to. The trail into Rockfish Gap is gentle with no big climbs or rocks. We reached the gap a little after 9:00 am and headed up to the information center that sits about 1/4 mile from the trail. The center has lots of info on the area and a large topographic map (map takes up most of the information center room) of the blue ridge mountains showing the AT, the blue ridge parkway as well as all other roads and towns. After tinkering around the center a bit, we called the B&B I had a reservation for and we were promptly picked up from the gap and transported to the B&B. The Tree Streets B&B is an awesome set up in a 100 yr old house located in the heart of Waynesboro, VA. The proprietors (Bill & Nickie) take great care of you and the place has lots of amenities. Also they have a great breakfast. The photo shows me chilling on the front porch with their cat "Casper". Celtic and I cleaned up and then we headed over to the Heritage for some good grub and beer. We hit the Heritage for both lunch and dinner. They have good local beers on tap and the food menu has a good mix of big high carb/protein stuff. It was a good place to chill out and watch the rain pass through. Tomorrow will be my first zero in the last 20 days. I will spend tomorrow cleaning to get ready to depart the trail for a week.
Date: 2014-05-26
From: Waynesboro,VA

To: Blackrock Hut, VA
Miles today: 20.8

I woke up early restless and ready to hit the trail. I showered (a luxury I will be without for a few days) and packed up my backpack. I hiked up from the motel to the trail which was only 0.5 mile. I was on the trail by 9:00 heading northbound. Once on the trail I came to a kiosk where I filled out my Shenandoah park backcountry permit and attached it on my pack. This national park permit is so much easier than the smokies plus there is no fee. Much of the trail ran along the sides of the mountain ridges with numerous Blue Ridge Parkway crossing (see photo). The only minor complication was water on this section of trail. There is one segment of 12+ miles with no water sources. So I hydrated up and tanked up both liters of water I carry and no issues making it to the next water source. Since I have been off the trail for a week I am meeting many thru-hikers that started the trail after I did. Today I met Tigger, Chuckles, Giggles, Hopper, Bismarck and Breakfast. Much of the day we shadowed or leapfrogged each other on the trail. With all of us settling at the Blackrock Hut. While eating my dinner I thumbed through the shelter journal to see how far ahead many of those I had hiked with were. There were many of them that are now about 3-5 days ahead of me. I did not see Celtic in the journal. I hope he made it back from his trip to Damascus, VA for the trail days festival. I will check other hut registers tomorrow to see if he is back on the trail. We put in a lot of miles over the last two months and it would be great to see him again. Also in the journals it was interesting to see the many bears spottings on the trail. Bismarck mentioned he saw one at the last shelter today. So maybe I will see a bear in the coming days. I plan to be up early and on the trail. When you are the first one on the trail you often see lots of wild life. Today I only saw two deer as I took a nap on the trail (see photo).
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Blackrock Hut, VA

To: Hightop Mountain, VA
Miles today: 22.5

I was up by 5:30. Some damn birds or tree frogs (not sure what they were) screeched all night moving above from tree to tree. I woke up numerous times as a result. There were only a few folks around the shelter stirring at this hour. I ate and hit the trail by 6:30 as the sun was just rising above the hills casting long shadows over the trail ( see photos). It was perfect and I was the first one in the trail. A few miles up I get rewarded as I round a bend In the trail. It is a bear just hanging out right in the middle of the trail. He was about 30 feet away just looking at me so I took a couple photos. He just hung there after photographing him so I had to tell him to move off the trail so I could pass and he complied. He minded better then my dog! He went off the trail about 50 feet so I could pass and I watched him as he circled around me. And off I went. It was pretty cool. The remainder of the day was great. The trail was generally smooth and there were no huge elevation changes. As a result I made great time much of the day and allowing myself two long breaks (once at the Loft Mt general store where i grabbed some cold drinks and then later I had a long lunch). I rolled into Hightop Hut around 5:00 pm looking to get some water and sit a bit to determine if I want to stay there for the night or push on and find a nice campsite. I visited some with the three hikers and after some snacks I decided I would push on a little more to see if there was a good campsite atop of the mountain. I had to hurry though as I could hear the distant rumble of thunder. When I reached the mountain top I looked over the valley to the west from the overlook (see photos) and I could see the storm rapidly approaching. Wasting no time, I found a small nook of flat grass between the rocky overlook and set up camp there. It was a great spot. The rain came just as I finished placing all my gear in the tent. Perfect timing... Once the rain stopped I would find a good tree to hang my bear bag. There are lots of bears in the Shenandoah Park and one bear encounter is enough for me!