morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Super 8 Motel in Daleville (BRP mile marker 76.3)

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: light rain

The weather forecast for today didn't sound all too promising, but after 2 zero days it was time to move on. Homer was at the motel by 8, so we loaded our packs in his van and headed out. Hurricane came along too, since he needed to get dropped near our drop off point.Soon after Homer started driving, the rain started. He drove toward the Blue Ridge Parkway but found that Rte. 43 was flooded and closed, so he had to backtrack and take a more circuitous route on to the parkway. Not a good sign.Once on the parkway the conditions were foggy and rainy. Hurricane decided to return to Daleville and hike out tomorrow, but Homer dropped us off and we hiked out. "Living the dream" is not how I'd describe hiking in the rain. The constant rain gets old quickly, as does a wet trail and slippery rocks. Fortunately the terrain was relatively easy and downhill, so we were able to move right along.By about 3 we reached Matts Creek Shelter, and Oz, Jacob, and Mr. Frodo were there, along with 2 southbound section hikers. We talked about whether to stay there, a little under 13 miles into our hike, or push on to the next shelter.We opted to push on to the next shelter. We had an interesting adventure crossing the James River. The river was flooded, and after walking across the river on the footbridge (which happens to be the longest foot-use-only bridge on the AT), the trail was underwater. We had to scramble over a couple of fences but made it back on the trail.The rain stopped and we're here at Johns Hollow Shelter, with 8 of us in a 6 person shelter. I'm here with Tommyhawk, Goat, Fix, Foxi, Oz, Jacob, and Mr. Frodo. The skies are clear now but there's still talk of an evening thunderstorm. Today's highlight: my feet felt great all day. I guess the trailrunners are a good move.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Oz, Jacob, and Mr. Frodo were up and out early, aiming for a 26 mile day today so they could camp with Fresh Ground. Our group wasn't feeling quite that ambitious, so we left after 7 with the goal of hiking to Brown Mountain Creek Shelter.We hiked uphill for the first couple of hours, hiking from 1036 feet to over close to 3000 feet. It was a sunny day with a nice breeze and good views. After a break at the top of Big Rocky Row, the trail dipped down some before ultimately rising to the summit of Bluff Mountain (3372 feet). By the time we were at the summit it was time for lunch and the sun was shining. As Goat said, when he thought about living the AT dream, sitting on top of a mountain in the sun eating his lunch was his vision. Not hiking in a downpour. We were sitting near the Ottie Cline Powell monument... apparently in 1891 a four year old wandered 7 miles from his school, and his body was found on top of Bluff Mountain.After lunch we still had over 10 miles to go. The afternoon consisted of a gentler terrain, and we reached the shelter by 4 p.m. This shelter sits right above a fast moving stream and it was great to soak my feet. Fix, Foxi, Tommyhawk, Goat, and I have the shelter to ourselves. Splinter and Water Buffalo are also here, but they're tenting next to the stream.Onward to Fresh Ground's spot tomorrow and beyond...Today's highlight: this shelter sits at mile 800.3. - WE'VE HIKED OVER 800 MILES!
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Priest Shelter
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: overcast clouds

As we were packing up to leave the shelter this morning, Fresh Ground and his dog Dottie walked up and surprised us. He'd heard we were at the shelter and drove to the road crossing about 2 miles away and walked in. What a pleasant surprise! We finished packing up and all walked out together to the road, where we headed up the trail and Fresh Ground and Dottie drove back to their spot at Hog Camp Gap (mile 808).The next 6 miles were tough. The shelter sits at 1,381 feet and we climbed up to Bald Knob, at 4,059 feet. The sun was out, and the forecast was for 80 degrees. The reward for the big climb was a gorgeous bald at the top, with views in every direction. Apparently we'll soon be climbing over 4,000 feet for the last time until we reach Vermont.By 10:30 I was at Fresh Ground's Leapfrog Cafe. This was the last stop for the cafe, so it was bittersweet. We hung out for an hour and a half, eating lots of food and visiting.After our final goodbye to Fresh Ground it was time to hike again. By this point it was really warm, and the gnats/black flies were out in force. Ten miles in we came to Spy Rock, which was a fun rocky scramble to the top. Then it was on to the shelter, which included an end of the day 600 foot climb.A lot of hikers here at Priest Shelter tonight, including Who's Asking, Mr. Frodo, 180, Patch and his dog Sophie, Oz, Jacob, Waffles, Fix, Foxi, Tommyhawk, Goat, and a section hiker. The intel from the section hiker was that it wasn't supposed to rain, but of course it's now raining and thundering as I lay in my tent and type this...Today's highlight: being at the Leapfrog Cafe one last time. Thanks, Fresh Ground, for all your love and support. You will be missed.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Priest Shelter

To: Reeds Gap, Blue Ridge Parkway 13.6 (hostel)
Miles today: 15.5

It poured during the night but I slept well. I'd made a tactical error by not anchoring my tent footprint well since I didn't think the rain was coming, but all was okay. Even over 800 miles into my hike I'm still learning.The day started with an almost 5 mile descent. We went all the way down to 970 feet. Of course this meant that next up was a huge ascent. Sigh. We climbed and climbed, all the way to just under 4,000 feet. I reached a beautiful spot with lovely wildflowers and rocks and thought I was near the top, only to realize that it was a false summit and there was still a lot of uphill left. By the time I neared the summit I was a sweaty mess, and of course that was the moment when I passed a huge group of Boy Scouts and their leaders, who had questions for me. At the top there wasn't much of a view, but as we descended slightly we reached a rocky spot called Hanging Rock Overlook, and the view was spectacular. Finally some reward for all our hard climbing.Our friend Flip (who headed to Iowa to surprise his wife for Mother's Day) had texted Goat and suggested we look into a new hostel in Waynesboro, so when we reached Maupin Field Shelter we called Adam to see if he could pick us up. He nicely said he could, and within half an hour of hiking out to the Blue Ridge Parkway he was there. We're staying in his basement, and he's well equipped for hikers. Fix, Foxi, Tommyhawk, Goat, and I showered, did laundry, and then walked to Kroger's to resupply and ate an embarrassingly large quantity of food. Life is good.Today's highlight: climbing that huge climb... I believe that's the last time we see that elevation until we're much further north.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Reeds Gap, Blue Ridge Parkway 13.6 (hostel)

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 19.3

We made a bold move today and decided to slackpack. This means that we all carried our packs, but only carried what we needed for the day. Of course we had a bit of a philosophical debate about the legitimacy of slackpacking, but in the end we all went for it. We were shuttled up to Reeds Gap and dropped off by 7:45 a.m.The weather was great, sunny and pleasantly cool with a crisp breeze. This meant no annoying bugs. And then to add to the good weather, carrying my almost empty pack felt good. All in all a delightful day.The terrain today was thankfully easier than what we walked yesterday. We had one climb up to the top of Humpback Mountain, but other than that it was a long walk through the woods punctuated by some scenic overlooks. I've been seeing some colorful birds recently, and today spotted a scarlet tanager.We were all spurred on by the thought of heading back to the hostel and having another night of town food. We ran into ZZ Topless and told him about the hostel, which he was interested in as well.So by 3:30 p.m. we'd hiked 19.3 miles and were calling Adam for a pick up at Rockfish Gap. Wouldn't you know that there's a great kettlecorn trailer at that spot, so we munched on that while waiting for our ride.Tomorrow we start the 104 mile stretch through Shenandoah National Park. Supposedly SNP is easier terrain and there are places to stop and eat along the way. I'm looking forward to both of these things... if you're planning on hiking the AT, don't listen to anyone who tells you that Virginia is "easy". We have had some major rocky climbs and descents in this state for sure.Tommyhawk, Goat, Fix, Foxi, ZZ Topless, and I all returned to the hostel tonight. Four of us returned to Taco Bell again tonight, and Tommyhawk, Goat, and I also went back to Willey's for more of their excellent ice cream.I was missing my family on Mother's Day today, but all in all a good day with my trail family.Today's highlight: a perfect weather day for hiking.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Sawmill Run Overlook, Skyline Drive 95.3
Miles today: 10.3

Today was one of those days when I realized once again that one never knows the twists and turns an AT adventure may take. Adam cooked us all a breakfast of scrambled eggs with ham and pancakes. We all packed up and at 7:30 we said goodbye to Fix and Foxi, who were picked up to start their aquablaze canoe trip from Waynesboro to Harper's Ferry. Aquablazing was something they'd made plans to do and they were very excited to be traveling north in a canoe. Adam then drove Goat, Tommyhawk, ZZ, and me up to Rockfish Gap to start our hike.It was a chilly and breezy day, which mercifully meant no bugs once again. Within a mile we reached the self-registration kiosk for Shenandoah National Park. We'd hoped the trail would suddenly become an easy walkway, but instead it was more of the same rocky ups and downs we've had.We hiked on until about 11:30, when Goat, Tommyhawk, and I stopped for lunch. Goat checked his phone and had a lengthy text from Foxi... apparently within a few minutes of starting their canoe trip they were sucked into a heavy current, their canoe struck a submerged tree, and Fix dislocated his shoulder in the process. We decided we wanted to get back to Waynesboro as quickly as possible to find out what was going on and how we could best help. During the next stretch of trail the AT crosses the Skyline Drive multiple times, so we hiked on to the next road crossing and made some calls. Adam was already heading our way to pick up 2 hikers so he said he had room for one of us. We sent Tommyhawk off with Adam and shortly after Goat and I were able to catch a ride back to the hostel with a day hiker heading in that direction.We caught up with Fix and Foxi and talked about options. Fix needs to take it easy this week and won't be able to carry a full backpack after that. They're not yet sure what they'll do.Flip arrived back at the hostel tonight from his trip to Iowa, and Dagger and Sage were also there. We decided to go to Ming Garden, which offers a legendary AYCE Chinese buffet. Adam kindly shuttled us there and Fix and Foxi met us as well. Great buffet if you're in the Waynesboro area.After dinner we came back to the hostel and found that Northern had arrived. Full house here and everyone's watching Django. Back at it again tomorrow...Today's highlight: glad Fix and Foxi are okay.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Sawmill Run Overlook, Skyline Drive 95.3

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: broken clouds

After another great breakfast of eggs and pancakes, Adam shuttled Tommyhawk, Goat, Flip, and I back up to the trail. We dropped Flip off at Rockfish Gap, and then Adam drove the rest of us to the Sawmill Run Overlook on the Skyline Drive, where we'd gotten off the trail yesterday.A nice sunny morning, and the terrain was definitely a bit more moderate. There seems to be a certain sameness about walking in Shenandoah National Park... lots of walking through pretty woods. I don't know how many times the trail crosses Skyline Drive, but it seemed constant. Someone said that the AT through the park is really just a ditch in the woods that parallels Skyline Drive, and that seemed to be the case for much of the day. Many reports of bear sightings in the park but I haven't seen one yet.>We were spurred on today by the promise of an early dinner at Loft Mountain Wayside, .5 miles off the trail about 19 miles into our hike. We'd read that the Wayside only stayed open until 5:30, and since we didn't start hiking until 9 we had to walk quickly.I arrived at Loft Mountain Wayside about 4:45 and found Foxi there, along with Tommyhawk, Who's Asking, and Goat. Oz, Waffles, 180, and Jacob walked in soon after. Foxi's back on the trail without Fix. The food was a bit pricey, but a treat. There are several places to get food within the park, which means less food to carry and less cooking.After my cheeseburger and sweet potato fries I headed on toward the shelter and arrived by 7. Lots of hikers here tonight, including Oz, Jacob, 180, Waffles, Who's Asking, Mr. Frodo, Patch and his dog Sophie, Not a Bear, Chrome Dome, Foxi, Goat, and Tommyhawk. I'm tenting in a nice campsite above the shelter and my food bag's hung on one of the bear poles near the shelter. Almost 9 and past hiker's midnight...Today's highlight: the easier walking in SNP.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

I was packed and on the trail shortly after 7 this morning. I was the first one out of camp and hoped I'd see a bear, but no such luck.A few hours into my hike I stopped and took a break at an overlook. There was decent cell service there, so I took a few minutes to check my email and make a call home. Foxi arrived not long after and she called her brother, only to learn their canoe was missing and there was lots of confusion. Goat and Tommyhawk arrived and we spent quite awhile making phone calls and problem solving. Foxi decided she should return to Waynesboro, so she called for a shuttle pick up. We hiked down to the first road crossing, where I said goodbye and Goat and Tommyhawk waited with her.Today's hike consisted of three sizeable climbs. Of course the day was sunny and very hot (80+ degrees). As the day wore on I had sweat dripping from every pore of my body. You know it's hot when your grip is slipping on the cork handles of your trekking poles.A long lunch break with Oz, Jacob, 180, Flip, and Who's Asking helped cool me down a bit, but then it was on to the second climb. Our goal for the day was to make it to the second shelter, and we also knew that there was a camp store only a mile before the shelter. Our guidebook said the store was open until 7, but I met Tracy McGee on the trail, who said it actually closed at 6.As you know by now, food's a fine motivator, so I poured it on to reach the store by 5:40. Flip, Oz, 180, Who's Asking, and Jacob were already there and enjoying cold beverages (I'll let you figure that one out) on the porch. I grabbed a soda, ice cream bar, and chips and headed out to the porch as well. I think the highlight of the store visit might have been washing my hands and face in the bathroom sink.We all hiked the less than one mile to Bearfence Mountain Hut and are tenting. By the time we arrived the shelter already had several section hikers there. Oz bought hot dogs and rolls at the store which we cooked over a campfire. A beautiful night tonight after a hot day.Today's highlight: learning this afternoon that the canoe had been located and Fix and Foxi will have their money refunded.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 26.8
Weather: broken clouds

On the trail by 7, aiming for my first marathon day. We'd originally thought we'd head for the Big Meadows Wayside, about 8 miles into the day, but Flip suggested that instead we eat at Skyland Lodge, 16 miles in. He'd been there before and said we could get a good meal there. I'm getting spoiled by hiking through the Shenandoahs... there are food opportunities every day. Remember, it's all about the food. We blasted through those 16 miles and were at a table in the dining room by 1. What a treat - good food, unlimited soda, and great company. Now that's the way to break up a marathon day.After our leisurely lunch we had another 10.9 miles to go. Fortunately, it was a hot day but cloudy and windy, so not nearly as blistering hot as the day before. Surprisingly my body held up and I made it to the shelter by 7. I'm in the shelter with Sunshine, Starman, Who's Asking, ZZ Topless, Flip, Tommyhawk, and Goat, and Oz, Jacob, 180, and Waffles are in tents. Long day but a good one!Today's highlight: 26.8 miles.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Terrapin Station Hostel (mile marker 961.3)
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: scattered clouds

We were on the trail a bit before 7, once again fueled on by the thought of a second breakfast (more food) at Elkwallow Wayside, only 7.5 miles up the trail. Flip, Tommyhawk, Goat, Starman, and I blasted through the woods and made it to the wayside by 9:10. We all had wonderful breakfast sandwiches (among other things) and I also had a blackberry milkshake, which is a signature shake in the park. Again, I'm getting spoiled hiking in the park, with real food, bathrooms, water, and a place to dump your garbage everyday.Today was hot, and the rest of the day didn't move along quite as quickly. Some nice views, some climbs, some wildflowers, lots of hot sunshine... you get the picture. Although we don't usually hike together, we try and pick meeting spots for breaks and lunch, which help break up the high mileage days.We'd made plans to spend the night at Terrapin Station Hostel, only .5 miles off the trail. I arrived here about 5 p.m. and a shower, soda, and laundry were greatly appreciated after 4 super hot and long mileage days.Mike, the hostel owner, took Goat, Flip, Easy Does It, and I into Front Royal to resupply at Martin's grocery store. After picking up groceries we stopped at Kentucky Fried Chicken to bring food back with us. Once back at the hostel Starman, Tommyhawk, Flip, Goat, and I feasted on our KFC food outside on the back deck. We're all exhausted and have decided to cut back on our mileage for the next couple of days to give our bodies a chance to recover. It's almost 10:30 and way past my bedtime... there's about 12 of us in the bunk room and the snoring has started...Today's highlight: Elkwallow Wayside breakfast and taking a shower.
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Terrapin Station Hostel (south from Trico Tower)

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: moderate rain

Much better sleeping last night. Mike shuttled us back to the trail in two groups, with stops for each group in town on the way to pick up breakfast sandwiches.It had rained overnight and was still raining today, so the hiking was wet, foggy, and misty. Once again, the terrain was easier than it has been. Yesterday Flip commented that he felt like we were hiking in someone's backyard for the first time on this trek, and today had a similar feel. At one point we left the woods and crossed a busy four lane highway. Signs of things to come...Since we'd only planned a short hike today, I arrived at the shelter by 2. This was the earliest we'd ever stopped hiking for the day, and it was pleasant to spend the rest of the afternoon eating, napping, and hanging out. As the day wore on the shelter filled up with lots of hikers. We're here tonight with Oz, Jacob, 180, Waffles, Who's Asking, Easy Does It, and 6 section hikers.Another short day planned for tomorrow. We'll spend the day walking the famed Virginia roller coaster, which includes 13 up and down hills over 13.5 miles. About 10 miles into the day we'll stop at the Bear's Den Hostel for the night.Today's highlight: fun day at the shelter.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9

It rained off and on overnight but the skies were clear this morning. We packed up and were on the trail by 7. Shortly after starting, I came to a sign announcing that the roller coaster started at that point. I've posted a picture of the sign in my photos section. Apparently there's only a narrow corridor of land for the AT through this stretch, so that's why the trail covers the terrain it did.In some sort of twisted way I enjoyed the miles on the roller coaster. The trail went up, there were rocks and roots, and once at the top there was no view. Then the trail went down, there were rocks and roots, and it briefly hit the bottom. And repeat. To top it off, the weather was hot and humid so I was dripping with sweat. Overall it reminded me of hiking in northern Vermont.By 11:30 I'd arrived at Bear's Den Hostel. I snuck by the guys, who'd stopped in a shelter for lunch, and I was happy to see I'd beat them to the hostel. Now that's a rare moment! A doctor had the building constructed for his wife as a summer home in 1933. It's now owned and operated by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. I've also posted a picture of Bear's Den in the photo section. Great hostel - thru hiker special for $30 buys a bunk, shower, laundry, pizza, and a pint of Ben and Jerry's. All a hiker needs...It turned into a beautiful day, and I enjoyed sitting outside in the backyard behind the hostel. I'm here with the usual suspects (Flip, Tommyhawk, Goat, and Starman) and Oz, Jacob, 180, and Who's Asking stopped by for a long time to eat ice cream and dry out. Long Gone, from Vermont, also stopped in and it was great to meet him. Very relaxing afternoon.At 5 the office opened and we all headed upstairs to collect on our deal. First time ever that I've eaten a whole pizza and an entire pint of ice cream. Yet another couple of firsts.Beyond the four of us, Easy Does It, Dundee, Crop Duster, Magician, Trogdoor, Wild Wes, and 2 section hikers are here. We're about to watch a movie and some of us are contemplating more ice cream...Today's highlight: spending time at this hostel.
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a big day... we packed up and were on the trail by 6:15. Let me tell you why it was a big day:1. Within only 2 miles we came to the 1,000 mile mark on the AT. We knew the momentous spot was at a stream crossing, and we found the signage marking this event pretty underwhelming but amusing. Someone had written "1,000" on a piece of paper, and slapped it to a tree next to the stream with a couple of strips of duct tape and some para cord. Have to love it.2. We finally left the state of Virginia. The state has been fine, but I mean really, 538 miles of trail through there is enough.3. We walked into Harper's Ferry. At mile marker 1,019 it's not truly the halfway point of the trail, but it's known as the psychological halfway point. We walked into the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and had our official pictures taken. We were thru hiker numbers 155 - 158. 4. Today brought some of the best trail magic ever. Wild Blue's mom, Tina Badley, wanted to meet us. She very kindly offered to put us up when we made it to Harper's Ferry. She and her husband, Tom, picked us up at Harper's Ferry and brought us to a cabin at Cedar Ridge Christian Ministries in Hagerstown, Maryland. Tina prepared a huge and wonderful meal for Tommyhawk, Goat, Flip, and myself that included chili, homemade bread and cornbread, salad, and cookies. What a treat! So the four of us are here in a cabin, full and clean. Tina and Tom are returning in the morning to make us breakfast and drop us off back on the trail. THANK YOU Tina and Tom for your awesome hospitality.The weather today was brutally hot, the trail was very rocky, I'm sore and tired, but it was a good day.Today's highlight: 1,000 miles and out of Virginia.