morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-21
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

This day turned out pretty nice. Woke up to blue skies. I decided to go for a long day as long as the weather held out. With any luck I could make Pearisburg Friday night vs Sat morning. Started the day with a 2000 ft down then a 2000 ft up. My hip was not hurting as much as I thought it would. The trail was tough, unlike Northern Va, once I got past Daleville there have been fewer switchbacks, the trail is generally steeper and pitched much more to the side of the ridge. All in all with the wet rocks this combo makes for some slower hiking. Got to War Spur Shelter and read about a hiker that had died at the shelter one week earlier. Just slumped over at the picnic table - ready to eat but not clear if it was for the evening meal or the next morning breakfast. Net ewe reading that and my fall yesterday really makes you think about the inherent risks of hiking - especially alone. Enough of that, I did get to the shelter at about 5 and could hear thunder in the distance. I got water and set up to cook in the shelter ( easy to do since I was alone) and then the bottom fell out. It rained and thunder and lighting were hitting right on top of my shelter. I was glad I made it there when I did. Unfortunately I was not early enough to collect some fire wood since this shelter had a fireplace inside ( very unusual).
Date: 2014-08-22
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Pearisburg, Va
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up early so I could have a shot of making it to Pearisburg. Unfortunately it started to rain at about 7:30. I waited till 8 but decided to push on. It rained pretty hard till 10:30 and even after that the trail was wet. I was pretty soaked all day, especially my feet. Again it was slow going and not much for viewing. My rest the night before was fitful. My food was still in the shelter since it had been raining so hard and my REI sleep pad had a rib failure. Still holds air but now 2 ribs have combined into one big one so my pad is lopsided. Tell PG it is kind of like surfing behind the boat, I spent all night trying to stay on the top side of the wave!The day was also frustrating since they are rerouting the trail down to Pearisburg but it was not marked at all. I ended up on the old steep trail ( which was ok) but once it got to the road they had do not enter signs for the next section so I had to improvise and do some road walk to get back on the trail - thankfully my phone worked and I was able to google the trail. In any case nice to be here and to get a shower. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day!
Date: 2014-08-23
From: Pearisburg, Va

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 8.2

By the time I got to the PO (which opened at 10) and the store, plus DQ for lunch I did not get back on the trail till almost 1:00 (about 0.7 mile hike back to the trail head). It was still misting and trail was wet. I did see 3 more bears - a small mother and two tiny cubs. The cubs were bigger than a basketball but smaller than a beach ball. Even though it was a weekend no one else on the trail. I did walk through lots of Mt Laurel/ Rhododendron. I know I commented on this before when we were in Md and NJ but those tunnels were maybe a hundred yards max, these were up to a half mile long and there were multiple tunnels that I hit over the next 3 days.
Date: 2014-08-24
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It started to rain at about 2 AM and did not stop till after 10:30AM. I sat tight in the shelter. Pretty boring. Once it stopped raining I gave it about an hour to allow the forest to soak in some of the water and headed for the next shelter. Definitely putting me behind my goal. The last 2 to 3 miles of hiking was quite pleasant - wet but smooth path. As mentioned yesterday - lots of Mt Laurel. Lots of entries in the Wapiti shelter log about this being the home of an axe murder - don't know if this is fact or fiction. Nice camp areas at the shelter and it looked to be heavily used. I lit a fire but it was too much work to keep it going - too wet. Also this shelter needs a black snake - lots of mice. I did see one day hiker today.
Date: 2014-08-25
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

Finally the sun returns! Hiked about 6 miles and took a side trail to Dismal Falls, a popular swimming hole and camp area. It was only 0.3 mile off the AT and worth the trip. Too early on the day for a swim for me. Another couple of miles and I took another side trip, a 0.5 mile road walk down to Trent's Grocery to get a double cheese burger some fries, a Gatorade and an ice cream. Crossed paths with a NOBO section hiker at the store. Also picked up dinner (since I lost time did to the rain I had not planned dinner for tonight ), I grabbed a Ramen and a instant mashed potatoes pack. It would have to do. When I got to Jenny Knob I had enough daylight to push on but the trail did not show any water so I stayed put. I did make a nice fire and tonight the wood was dry enough that it did not take much effort. No mice this night - must be a snake close by. Oh, the privy had a metal seat - now that was cold!
Date: 2014-08-26
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: US 52 North Senic Hwy - Bland Va - Bigwalker Motel
Miles today: 11.9

Pretty easy hike, wish I had known I would have planned differently. I had a resupply box at this Motel and it was about 3 to 4 miles off the trail. Luckily I got picked up by the first truck that rolled by. Decided to stay and clean up after 3 nights in shelters but if I had known that it would bd behind and the hiking so easy I would have pushed for a hostel that was 7 more miles. I had to do laundry in the sink and hang things on a clothes line to dry. It is a beautiful day and it is killing me not to be on the trail. Sounds like rain is coming this weekend. I shared a picture of a giant mushroom - next to my foot so you could see the size. Yes, that is duct tape on my shoes. Tips starting to delaminate but I did clean them up and put some "barge glue" on them yesterday at the shelter. This is the glue Oboz sent me.
Date: 2014-08-27
From: US 52 North Senic Hwy - Bland Va - Bigwalker Motel

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: clear sky

Great hiking day. I got a ride back to the trail from "Bubbas" shuttle service. Temp was cool and the sky bright. The first shelter was only 12 miles and I got there by 1 so I had lunch but decided to push on. Chestnut Knob was 10 more miles. On the way up a steep climb up Garden Mtn I was discovered by a rattler and this one made plenty of noise. He was about 3 feet off the trail. I took a few pictures but the let him lie and I moved on. I did run into 2 female section hikers and dutifully warned them of my friend. Actually it is kind of nice Shen a snake comes with an alarm (much better than copper heads). The last mile to the shelter was a steep 900 ft climb, pretty tough when it is also mile 22 for the day. Actually the trail from the last shelter was pretty tough the whole way lots of ups and downs and quite rocky. This shelter is pretty cool, right on top on the Mtn and it is fully enclosed with a door! Also known for nice sunset and sunrise views. I took some pictures for all to enjoy - sunrise was a bit cloudy. Enclosed shelter but still lots of mice.
Date: 2014-08-28
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: US11, I81, Atkins VA
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Long day as I was going for Atkins 23 miles out. I got up early to take in the sunrise then set off. Got a nice downhill and meadow walk to start but the meadow grass soaked my feet. Lots of ups and downs. When I was about 17 miles into the hike I had to take a small side trail and get some water. While there as guy on a small motor bike pulled up. He was setting traps for gypsy moths. Behind him were two small puppies. They had been abandoned and had been following him for 7 miles! We talked then when he pulled off the dogs stayed with me. They followed me for the last 6 miles into Atkins. Very cute but when I got to the Exxon convenience store on US 11 I begged everyone I met to take the dogs. We called the animal shelter but they were closed for the day. On lady gave them some dog food ( they were starving) and the store clerk came up with some water. Another woman put out a call on Facebook as she had friends of friends at the shelter. When I left they were resting under a table. I circled back after dinner and the clerk said the shelter personnel did come and get them. Mission accomplished. Met 4 other hikers and we all went to dinner but they are all going north.
Date: 2014-08-29
From: US11, I81, Atkins VA

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Left the Relax Inn just before 11. Actually turned out to be a tougher hike than it looked in the guide book. A combination of the full pack post resupply box and a rocky trail made for tedious afternoon. I did kind of miss my puppy friends too. There was a Settlers Museum along the trail that I stopped at briefly - hence the picture of the one room schoolhouse. This shelter is right at the Mt Rogers visitor center so I was able to go into the AC and walk the exhibit. I was the only one at the shelter to start and this is a big 2 story shelter with a shower (cold only) and a sink. I made a fire and dinner, then a hiker did show up. Kodiac was the first SOBO that actually started in Maine and was going to GA that had caught me. On this day he was just finishing up 30 miles. It was nice to have the company and I peppered him with questions.
Date: 2014-08-30
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Dickey Gap VA16
Miles today: 14.5

Kodiac and I got up early and hit the trail before 7. I was energized since my sister was going to pick me up off the trail and take me to their mountain house for the night. The path was good and I covered the 14.5 miles in just over 5 hours! Luckily I was able to call my sister from a ridge and she came to get me about 45 min earlier than we had planned. We hit the McD's on the way to Fancy Gap so I could chow (this keeps me from eating everything in the house). It was great to get to the mountain house. They have done a lot of work and the place looks great. We had a great time, shot a new 30:30 that my nephew had bought, drank a few beers and my brother in law made a fabulous dinner (pasta with a white cheese sauce and stuffed squid) - it was excellent and loaded with calories! I few bottles of wine and before I knew it, it was after 11. Well past my bed time but also well worth staying up for.
Date: 2014-08-31
From: Dickey Gap VA16

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: broken clouds

Got up and did my chores ( cleaned my water containers, repacked the bag, made a new rain skirt and resupplied baggies etc). Then off to the trail but not before a stop for Bojangles sausage biscuits and some hash browns! Great time at the cabin last night and I was really appreciative of the ride back to the trail ( an hour + drive). The hike was not too long at 10 miles and there were a lot of people out hiking on this holiday weekend. Once at the shelter we had at least 14 people in camp but only 2 of us stayed in the shelter. A kid who is doing a 200 mile north bound section and me. He is due back at Univ Chicago but they are on trimesters so he had some time to kill. Also met a guy and his 7 year old son. A group of 20 something's that were just out for a fun weekend (they had us down for some s'mores) and another couple with a dog. It was nice to have so much activity. Somewhere in all the fun I lost my sunglasses (not unusual for me).
Date: 2014-09-01
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Lost Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 23.2

What a great day. Got an early start since k knew if I could do 23 today then I could get to Damascus on Tuesday. It was bright and windy most of the day. I did get some occasional rain drops but nothing steady. Views were pretty great and the Highlands were really neat. Saw lots if ponies, many more pictures than I could post. Also as it was Labor Day there were lots if people out, both hiking and in general to see the Highlands. One time I was talking to a guy and he pointed out a blueberry bush (finally, now I know what they look like) I did taste some even though they were small. The day included lots of meadow hikes (really missed my sunglasses). I did make it go the targeted shelter at about 6 but the long weekend was over - back to solo occupant. Both these last two shelters had mice, maybe I can scoop up a black snake tomorrow. Fun day wish you were here to share it with me!
Date: 2014-09-02
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Damascus, Va
Miles today: 15.6

As usual going to town can be a motivator. Hike was nice and for some portions overlapped with the Creeper Trail ( a rails to trail conversion) for many other sections they paralleled. I must ash I was quite jealous when I was going up and down and over rocks etc. and there was the other trail just down the hill. Racquet comes to Damascus tomorrow and I am really excited. We may bike the Creeper or go to Grayson, I am sure we will have fun. What a coincidence, I did run across a perfect black snake to take to the shelters but alas I was too chicken to grab it! When I got to town at 2 I went to the first restaurant "Pork Bellies" and had a BBQ sandwich and some hush puppies and zap big draft beer. That hit the spot! Weather has been really pretty good. The coldest night was July 29 in upper Va when it got into the upper 40's and I do not think I have seen 90 this whole time on the SOBO flip. Last night was probably the hottest I have experienced, I am guessing upper 60's. Some of these meadow walks could have been brutal with 90+ temps. Oh, no snake bite kit but not a bad idea.
Date: 2014-09-03
From: Damascus, Va

To: Low Gap US 421 - Slackpack back to Damascus
Miles today: 15.2

Got a ride up to Low Gap and slack packed back to Damascus. I did the hike pretty fast in anticipation of Racquet's arrival. I did see one bear, he was in a tree but quickly slid down. His claws just gripped both sides of the tree as he slid down. Made a lot of noise and the decent rate was quite fast. He did not seem to be aware of the approaching ground as he literally just bounced off the ground as he landed. Two seconds later he was gone. I did see some section hikers and a day hiker too. When Racquet arrived we grabbed a quick lunch and then headed out to Grayson Highlands to see the Ponies. Rain was moving in but we did manage to get out there and find a few. Later that evening we had a great dinner at the Old Mill Inn. Overall a fun and productive day.
Date: 2014-09-04
From: Low Gap US 421 - Slackpack back to Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Took a zero today and Racquet rode bikes on the Creeper Trail. This is a "rails to trails" that runs thru Damascus from Abington to the NC border. We did 12 miles up the trail them turned around and "coasted" home. We relaxed in the afternoon and I did my chores to ready everything for tomorrow's hike. We also went out to a local micro brewery for a taste. We ended the day watching some of the US Open tennis. It was great to have Racquet here with me for this zero, but it makes getting on the trail hard!
Date: 2014-09-05
From: Low Gap , US 421

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: light rain

Racquet took me back to the trail head before she started her 9 hour drive home. Pretty easy trail and I saw several couples going north at the first shelter I passed. A while later I passed a father son duo that I met on Wed when I was slack packing. They are headed south for a section and had a dog with them. It was obvious that the son was in much better shape. I came to find out later when they eventually showed up at the Vandeventer shelter that the dad's decision to do this hike was a spur of the moment thing. He was driving his son to the trail head (They live in Kentucky) and in Damascus decided to join him. $1600 worth of gear later they were on the trail - dad was huffing and puffing! I also met another south bounder that was doing a section and he landed at the same shelter for the night. (practically a party atmosphere compared to what I have been used to!) This shelter was on top of a ridge and looked down on Watauga Lake. Nice sunset (but view was looking east not west) and we got up for sunrise but quite cloudy. Still got some nice pictures with the valley completely covered in clouds and sun coming over the horizon. Will have to post later this week as the Hostel I am in tonight does not have WIFI. Water was a half mile down a steep hill and it was barley flowing but still was nice to have it. Also, forgot to mention that as of Wednesday I am in Tenn and apparently in Tenn they do not believe in privys at the shelters (so as someone said the other day even a metal seat is better than no privy!) It was nice having the dog in camp, lots of postings about bear activity in the area. As a matter of fact there is a portion of the AT closed and one shelter I pass tomorrow that is closed (Thru hikers can still pass thru but cannot stay at the shelter).
Date: 2014-09-06
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Black Bear Hostel and Resort
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I am officially on a "hostel crawl" (yes a pub crawl would be better). I hope to stay in a hostel 4 of the next 6 nights then meet up with my daughter and her boyfriend at a hostel and do some day hiking next weekend. Today was a really tough hike. Distance was not too bad but the afternoon included a 1700 foot elevation climb on a steep and rocky trail up and over Pond Flats. This was an official "wilderness area" and someone asked if I would see much more wilderness. YES - actually this section along the NC/TENN border is quite tough and in about a week or so I will enter the Great Smokey Mtn Nat'l Park and it is a lot like the 100 mile wilderness in Maine. Not much opportunity for resupply once you get past Hot Springs NC. You do have a major road in the middle but it is a 16 mile hitch into Gatlinburg - not sure if I will go in or not. Sounded like the dad of the father/son duo will be dropping off today (sore knee). The son may continue to hike and I encouraged him to catch up and hike with me if he wanted. I was rewarded with a nice stop today at Laurel Falls - very pretty and lots of locals out for a visit too. No matter how you come in it is about a 1 mile hike. The hike out of the falls for me was quite steep and reminded me of Maine. I kind of expected to see the other hiker I met last night here tonight but it is getting late and he has not arrived yet so he must have decided to stay on the trail. Too bad, I was going to suggest we slack pack a section tomorrow.
Date: 2014-09-07
From: Black Bear Hostel and Resort

To: Mountain Harbor B&B/Hostel, US 19E
Miles today: 25.2

Dave (Neusaloc) rolled into Black Bear petty late. He was intent on getting to Mountain Harbor on Sunday to end his section hike. I convinced him that to make that 25 miles we better slack pack! Black Bear agreed to drop off the packs for a fee and we readied for an early start. On the trail by 7 and I got there about 4:30. Our big uphill was first thing in the morning. Lots of cool waterfalls today. Also saw a few weekend hikers and some other waterfall enthusiasts. As I neared the hostel I ran into 2 hunters out reading their tree stand for the upcoming bow season. One of them said there was a brothel just down on 19E, pretty sure he meant Mountain Harbor and just mixed his words. I will only stay here tonight but I am ahead of schedule so will be able to really take in some views tomorrow. Dave got in at about 6:30 and immediately jumped into his truck to head home. Tomorrow I go up Hump Mountain, a 2700 ft elevation rise over 5 miles, UGH!
Date: 2014-09-08
From: Mountain Harbor B&B/Hostel, US 19E

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: broken clouds

Rained hard much of the night so I knew the trail would be wet. I took my time leaving the hostel in hopes that the trail would dry out. No such luck. As I got further up in elevation it just got more cloudy and more wet. The Hump Mtn summit is supposed to be quite the view ( one of the best on the AT) but I saw nothing. I did cross into NC today but in reality you go along the NC/Tenn border for quite a while. Just before I got to the first shelter I ran into a father / daughter team doing a 3 week section hike. I decided to pull up short and stay in the Overmountain shelter. I'd hoped that Tuesday would be a better day and I would get some views off Roan High Knob (the highest point of the AT in Tenn). The Overmountain shelter is an old barn converted into a shelter. It is really big - you could fit an army in there. Another hiker came along ( he was at the last hostel) named "Flipper" he hikes the AT every year (since '92, I think ) normally GA to Harper's Ferry then back south. He essentially lives on the trail, doing work for stays and then in the fall he stops in Northern GA and makes wreaths for Thanksgiving and Christmas to earn money for the next year. Despite the wet conditions we managed to get a fire going. Pretty nice evening with Flipper and the father/daughter team.
Date: 2014-09-09
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Greasy Creek Hostel
Miles today: 16.9

Guess what - more rain most of the night. At 6:50 I turned off my 7AM alarm and decided to sleep in some. At about 7:15 I heard the father tell his daughter that the sun was out and there was blue sky. Sure enough it was as he said, but it only lasted for about 20 min then the clouds began to roll back in. The sun fought hard all day but generally the clouds won. Once again I missed out on what are supposed to be some of the best views - definitely have to come back here in the future. At the top of Roan Mtn I did run into a group of "wounded warriors" out for a hike. I also received a bag of "trail magic" from an older couple hiking up the mountain, lots of good stuff - I ate it all. Late in the day I did get a pretty good view off Little Rock Knob - just waves of mountain peaks as far as you could see! The walk down to Greasy Creek Hostel is pretty long (about 0.6 miles ) and not marked. The neighbor of the hostel does not like hikers and constantly removes the signs. Very nice place and I needed some supplies so I am glad to be here.
Date: 2014-09-10
From: Greasy Creek Hostel

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Connie the owner of the Greasy Creek Hostel was a character. Lots of rules and she had a rhyme for everything. I had a great time, the place was clean and Connie was really nice. I even helped her with her taxes. She had some homemade chile she shared with me along with some cantaloupe and fresh tomatoes from the garden and this was all complimentary before I ordered dinner. Breakfast was made to order. I did not get back on the trail until about 10 (of course it did not help that I had a 0.7 mile uphill walk back to the trail!). Still quite hazy and overcast but the top of Unaka Mtn is a dense spruce forest. Forest floor is mostly moss covered with some ferns but not much light comes in. Just down the mountain is a place called Beauty Spot Gap, a large meadow with nice views in most directions. Supposed to be a great sunset but with the haze and still 7 miles to go I had to move on. I did snap a panoramic - not sure it will turn out. I did not realize until today that the feature was on the phone.