morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-07
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 81 - While making a hot breakfast a youth group stopped by for a break and to use the privy. Talked to a few of them before hitting the trail to go check out Spy Rock "for a rewarding view". Hiked to a clearing where a different youth group had stopped and a sign pointing the way to Spy Rock. Came upon a massive rock but didn't really see any signage but there looked like a path to a "do it yourself" rock climbing. So I leave my backpack & poles behind a tree and take my cell phone and a bottle of water and make my way up. Few tough step-ups (especially @ the top) but there I was - on top with a misty view. Went to the different sections trying to envision what it might be like during the Civil War time. Disappointed but took the opportunity to call JoAnn since there was some phone connection.When done I went to the area I thought I had come up over but it didn't seem right. Tried another place and went down a bit and found myself on a clear side of the rock - knew I it wasn't going to be easy finding a way down. So I yelled for "HELP" so I could ask what area was the way down. Guess the group had moved on. Did get a bit nervous but knew I could call for help, had water & it was only mid-morning. Plenty of time to make my way back to the top (placing branches on this area to note not the way down). That's what I did - taking the time to really look at the rock formation.Behold - was that a worn dirt path by that bush? Yep, so down I go keeping in mind any directional changes in case it didn't go down all the way. Ends up it was about 20 yards from where I scrambled to go up & where the backpack was. Said a "Thank You" as I put on the pack to return to the trail - not wanting to take anymore side trips.After 3 miles I began the 800'+ (within less than a 1 1/2 mile) climb of "The Priest". Plodded on slowly as I knew I had lost at least a half hour to an hour + on Spy Rock. Then began the downhill of 5 miles (-3,000' elevation change) to the Tye River where after some ways down the trail I stepped on some loose rock pebbles and my feet went out from under me, ending up on my tailbone. Took time to check things out and then found the way & strength to get upright and continue on. By the time I got to the parking area by Tye River I tossed the poles & unloaded the pack ASAP to try and cool down and wipe the sweat off.That's when I met Joe from Va.- an ultralight runner training for an upcoming race. He drove me a good ways to a campground store to get something to drink. That's when I learned about the heat index warning for the area. After getting revived it was time to go some 3+ miles (thankfully "level") to the shelter. Glad that day had come to an end.
Date: 2010-07-08
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Tenting around Laurel Springs
Miles today: 13.2

Day 82 - Got up early to do the climb of Three Ridges before it gets hot like yesterday. Goes from 1900' to 3900' beyond the northern section in just short of 4 miles. Still find the uphills a bit taxing as I have to go slow & take cool down breaks. Thankful the trail was mostly on the western side of the mountain where the breeze was had & the sun not felt so often.Stopped at a shelter for H2O and lunch break around 1:00pm. Saw a demonstration of how to use the bear pole by a couple of day hikers. Hope I have enough strength to get the pole (loaded w/ food bag) up that high where the hooks are. :o   Shortly after getting back on the trail I met a father/daughter going south. They gave me an apple for being the 1st thru-hiker they met. Thank you Brooke - hope you enjoyed your hike & swim.After crossing the BRP for the third time I discovered that I most likely left my all-purpose towel next to a tree when I went to dump my smelly garbage ziplock bag. Made the next 4 1/2+ miles not so pleasant because I had nothing to wipe away the sweat or shoo the bugs.Finally came to Dripping Rock (a slow water source) and started ascending the hill to where the couple from last night was planning to tent. Seemed forever to find them since they weren't at a designated campsite. They made room for me to set up my tent near them between trees.
Date: 2010-07-09
From: Tenting around Laurel Springs

To: Skyline Drive, I-64 overpass
Miles today: 14.1

Day 83 - We must have tented near a deer path as I kept hearing noise throughout the night up the hill from the tent. Peaked out with the headlight and saw eyes shining back at me from a deer. As it had been rumbling in the distance late in the evening (making me put the rain fly totally over the tent) it finally did come down sometime before 3:00am. Had set the alarm for 4:30am (to be on the trail by 7:00am) to make it over Humpback Mountain and to then to Rockfish Gap (which is the jump off point to Waynesboro) to maybe get a ride at a decent time.It was going to be uphill and over rock boulders for about 3 miles then mostly a long decending stretch to a shelter some 5+ miles away. Next would be up and over Elk Rock and on to the goal of the Visitor's Center where a list of Trail Angels who give rides into Waynesboro could be gotten. When I got to the area a gentleman offered to take me into town since he had time before meeting up with family. Stopped by the Outfitters before town to pick up a can of fuel and a replacement all-purpose towel. Met " Sky High" (who I've camped several times with before) at the YMCA where I would be tenting. After setting up camp I took a shower @ the "Y" then gathered clothes to do laundry. Was walking towards the laundry mat when I got a ride - who took me to the farthest one away but near all the food places. When clothes were done I saw that the sky had darkened and about to let loose. Quickly walked to a hamburger type place to eat and let the "storm" pass. Had a double cheeseburger (decent size) w/ small order of fries (lots of them) and a beverage. Added a piece of chocolate cake and another BL. :P before walking back to the tent. Glad I had covered & closed it up before I left. Sorted things out while having a cup of tea and then called it a night. Around 9:00pm it began to rain light and steady until the early morning. I kept waking up to check on things - got the all dry findings.
Date: 2010-07-11
From: Skyline Drive, I-64 overpass

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 84 - Trail Angel shuttle arrived about 8:30am to take us to the trailhead and we were on the trail at 9:30am. At the drop off point met a father & son from Conn. starting out a 5 week hike. A little ways up the trail we all sign the Backcountry permit and continue on. As the climb was an uphill one I leave Al & Jordan behind (haven't gotten their trail legs yet) to follow "Sky High" to the next shelter. The terrain wasn't that bad and I passed 2 sections of huge compounds for communications companies dishes on summits. Such is being one with Mother Nature.Met a Southbound hiker who was wondering when he was going to see me again. Threw me for a loop - couldn't figure out what he meant. Turns out it was the gentleman who gave me a ride into Waynesboro.Got to the shelter about 12:30pm and while eating decided to push on - knowing it was going to be a long day. I have to cross the Skyline Drive several times and after the 3rd crossing I stopped at a marker telling me I was 5.6 miles away from the shelter. Just passed that I heard branches rustling so I clacked my poles and heard movement. As I walked by the area I saw a black clump and realized it wasn't the squirrel I was expecting. No movement from the bear so I just keep going and feel the hair on the back of the neck tingle. I didn't look back as that incident provided me an extra boost of energy to get where I wanted to be - the shelter. When I got there "Sky High" & "Padre" welcomed me.
Date: 2010-07-12
From: Blackrock Hut

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

Day 85 - Starting week #13. After hiking back up to the trail I began to finish hiking up to the summit of Blackrock Mtn.(3,000'+ elevation). It had a nice view as it was a sunny morning. Next was to get to Loft Mtn. Campground store some 7 miles to get food. It was a downhill trail & a bit slick. Found myself trying to slow down quite a bit to avoid a spill but naturally I didn't succeed. I had put a pole on top of a root instead of in front of it and saw it slide off as I lifted my foot. Boom - down I go for #4 on this journey. Pick myself up & slowly move on for awhile.Met "Padre" on the trail trying to locate the right path to the store according to the book. Spent about 1/2 hr + going up the AT and then back to a path to cut through the campground. After having lunch it started to rain but luckily we got a ride back to the camp store where we had left our backpacks and met " Sky High". Waited a bit to see if it would let up - nope, so on we go. I go back to where I left the trail and the guys take the trail by the store.For the next 2 hours I slog my way through the trail which was beginning to look like that time on Whitetop Mtn. Not a fond memory. Found myself following "Padre" on a ridgeline where besides the falling rain, the wind felt like it was 30 mph & trying to push us backwards. Finally made the shelter to start drying out & make something hot for dinner. By the end of the night 4 more guys came in from rain. What a day.
Date: 2010-07-13
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 86 - Got woken up close to 5:00am by 2 guys who came in a round 9:00pm who are doing high mileage. Slept fitfully until about 7:00am knowing that I wasn't going to push for the second shelter (20 mile day). The clothes, socks, & boots were still wet and I didn't want to chance creating blisters plus I didn't get much sleep and was tired.Hiked backed to the trail and began a 430' incline for the first mile of the day to get over Weaver Mountain. Got to do 3 ups & downs getting through Simmons Gap, Powell Gap, & Smith Roach Gap. Upon reaching the Skyline Road at the last gap I took off my pack and was catching my breathe as a van passed by. Heard the engine slow down and looked up to see the van was backing up towards me. Asked if I was okay (yes, catching my breathe) and would I like some water ( yes, would love some cold water). She opens the back van door and gives me an ice cold bottle of water and asks if I would like other items.   "Padre" emerges from the trail & joins me to get trail magic food & drinks. Talked a bit then the couple from NJ left and "Padre" and myself enjoyed our good fortune.With renewed energy we hiked up to the shelter and was ready to call it a day @ 1:00pm. Set out our things to dry & had lunch and then the sprinkles turned to rain. Rained on & off (sometimes really hard) making us glad we didn't hike on. Eventually the shelter ended up having six guys and me.
Date: 2010-07-14
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bearfence Mtn. Hut
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 87 - Throughout the night the rain came down and @ 4:00am I was wondering what system was pushing through the area. Come 8:00am the mist was still surrounding the shelter and "Padre" was the first to make signs of getting ready to hike. "Sky High" and myself were the last to leave and not too long I was hiking by myself going uphill to the summit of Hightop Mtn. Had to be careful of the wet rocks and roots when going downhill from 3500' to 2300' cause I didn't want to have trip #5. :o. Then began to climb back up over Baldface Mtn.@ 3600'. Next was to go down to the campground for a few food items & some ice cream. Cleaned up a bit in the restroom before heading on to the shelter. Later a young youth group joined us at the shelter area but tented a little ways off.
Date: 2010-07-15
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

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

Day 88 - The plan for today was for the 3 of us (Padre, Sky High & myself) to have lunch @ Big Meadows Lodge around 12:30pm. Left camp to finish hiking to the summit of Bearfence Mountain and caught a good view of where I'm heading today. Hiked to the gap to start the climb of 600' of Hazeltop followed by the downhill hike of -600' on the other side to begin a pretty level stretch of 3+ miles to Big Meadows.Stopped off at the camp store for supplies and then hiked to the cut off trail to the lodge. Left the pack out front but changed into a clean shirt to eat. Enjoyed 2 beverages, a pull pork sandwhich w/ fries & cole slaw followed by a blueberry sundae. :P. Since I had phone service I checked in back home while the guys continued to the shelter. Retrieved the pack and began the final 3 1/2 miles hike to finish the day. Last night's youth group also ended up at the shelter - tenting up the hill.
Date: 2010-07-16
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Thinking as I hike...do I come home before making the flip...how should I flip...when should I flip...decisions - decisions            any words of advise... (JD)Day 89 - Slow start getting out of the sleeping bag to have breakfast. Had to do some first aid on the toe next to the left Big Toe. Seems the past couple of days hiking in wet gear has given me a toe nail problem and a tender spot that needs support to keep from moving around especially going downhill. Of course in less than a mile I get to descend 400' of rocky Hawksbill Mountain.Going on noon I stop by Skyland Resort to get a pop (machine out of order) & pick up a few food items (not much there & overpriced). Was able to charge the phone battery by the office while I checked things out. Met a couple of guys from the Cincy. area who were trying to find a way home for one of them. I still have 6 days before I meet up with Dad.I move on to make my way towards the Pinnacles Picnic area when I'm stopped short by a deer on the trail. It cocks its' head at me when I urge it to either lead the way or go into the woods for the better berries. Slowly it moves on down the path before it gives me one last look before bounding off. After 5 hot miles I head for the covered picnic table building to take off the pack and start cooling down. Getting ready to leave is a group of young boys and adults who are from Dayton, Ohio. I notice their First Aid box and ask if I could have a bandaid. I get a custom made bandage put on the toe so it won't slip around. Also received a bag of GORP from a young gentleman from that group. Yea for M&M's. As I was going to get water 2 gentlemen with their grandkids offer me some cold water and 1/2 a Subway sandwhich. "Many Thanks" everyone.Now I'm ready to tackle the 500'+ ascent of "The Pinnacle" and then downwards (-1,400') to US 211 before the final 2 miles of uphill approach to the shelter.
Date: 2010-07-17
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 90 - Had to make do with banana pudding for breakfast since yesterday's gift shop didn't have anything worth buying. Left the shelter around 8:30am to finish climbing 440' to summit Pass Mountain. Then begin the downhill trek of 6 miles to find out if the moleskin bandage I put on the toe works. Took awhile to get used to stepping a certain way but when I didn't and "stumble foot" happened I grimaced big time and had words with myself.Finally made it to Elkwallow Wayside picnic area to use the restroom and rinse out the shirt. Saw that "Sky High" was talking with a young couple so I went on to the store to resupply and order lunch which included a Blackberry milkshake. As the 3 of us were about ready to start the 5+ miles to the shelter the sky turned gray and the temperature dropped. We decided to hang out a little while and see what was going to happen. 1/2 hour later our direction looked clear so off we go. Soon the guys were ahead of me as I slowly climbed my way up to top Little Hogback Mountain. The trail becomes basically a slight descent so I can go at a good pace to be at the shelter around 5:00pm. As I near the path to the shelter the bushes along the trail comes alive as a group of feathered animals fly off making a huge racket. Seems I surprised them as they did me - not sure if they were turkeys.
Date: 2010-07-18
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: U.S. 522, Front Royal
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 91 Another hot, humid day. Thank goodness we got a ride into town from a very nice lady. Padre, SkyHi and me will be sharing a room at Quality Inn. It took a while to get checked in but it was nice to get in and settled. My plan is to catch up on laundry, update a journal or two and then think more on flipping or leap-frog. (JD)
Date: 2010-07-19
From: U.S. 522, Front Royal

To: Dicks Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 92 - After eating breakfast I finished packing up and took the pickup shuttle the 4 miles to the trailhead @ 10:15am. Crossed over US 522 and began the uphill trek along the Bear Hollow Creek. Twenty minutes into the climb I'm already sweating and heard a noise off to the left so I survey the woods but don't see anything. As I'm about to put my pole down on the trail - whoa! I was about to spear a dead raccoon with numerous flies covering it. Fresh trail kill. Luckily I avoided it by taking a longer stride and leaned on the other pole and managed to stay upright. Finally topped the 950'+ (after 3 miles) with several stops to cool down and tried to let the shirt evaporate some "moisture". Seems the temps are staying steady in the 90's and the heat index is inching up each new day. After 5 miles into the hike stopped at the Denton shelter for lunch and another cool down. Continued the downhill path to Manassas Gap where a picnic table held a container of trail magic. All sorts of different candy type/cookies and jugs (most empty)of OJ. After refueling I tackled the 800'+ climb(for 2 miles)to shelter #2. Filled up with water and headed back to the trail for the last uphill climb of the day.Began the final descent of 600' over boulder rocks to get to the shelter which is in the shape of a dome. Since the trail leveled out some I opened a small bags of M&M's for a chocolate fix. I have told myself many times it's best not to be walking (ie: stop) when messing with items when the poles are under my arms. Something not good might happen and I was right. I found myself looking at the colored cirlces on the trail next to the bag. Moisture from my hand from the pole let the bag slip & I couldn't catch it as I was walking. Do I just leave them for some critter to get a bellyache or do I retrieve them? Of course I'm going to get them - remember the "Leave No Trace" policy. What a chore to spread the legs to be able to bend down and balance the weight of the pack around the crook of the neck without toppling over. After several ups and downs the mission is complete and the evidence taken care of.Made it to the shelter around 6:00pm and started to change into dry clothes when I noticed a black spot in the belly button. It wouldn't clear out so I got the small knife and pried it out. Believe it was a baby tick cause when I squished it against the shelter it looked like possible pinchers could be seen. Yuck!
Date: 2010-07-20
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 93 - Slept in the back of the dome shelter while three guys were @ the opening. After yesterday's meltdown I wanted an earlier start to hiking up w/o humidity. Within 3 miles and 600'+ found myself entering the Sky Meadows State Park to begin a gradual descent of the trail. Passed through a number of wide open areas which left me fully zoned in with the environment. Stopped by the wild berry bush to sample the few that were ripe to eat and gaze at the cloud darking sky. Decided to keep the pack cover off knowing I'll be back in the woods shortly. Soon 6 more miles went by due to the nice ground cover to walk on and I found myself at a shelter for lunch and a chance to rinse out the shirt.Less than a 1/2 mile from the shelter I'm at the south end of "The Roller Coaster" - 13.5 miles of tightly packed ascents and descents. Called "PUDS" by hikers that has a meaning of: pointless ups & downs. Found myself pushing up the trail looking for a spot to be able to sit & loosen the pack to take the weight off for a bit. The humidity had picked up after lunch which put the shirt in true hiker mode - phew. After several ups & downs it was tough knowing the shelter was close but still had to cover some distance to get to it. Finally walked into camp around 5:40pm being glad to be there but didn't really enjoy the last 5 miles of hiking.
Date: 2010-07-21
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 94 - Began the day finishing yesterday's climb before starting todays PUDS. Nothing much different until ascending Bear Den Rocks where I leave the trail to go retrieve a mail drop of food sent to a hostel. Thankfully I was able to get inside the building via a youth leader who camped there last night and knew how to get in since the owners weren't getting back until 5:00pm and it was just before noon. Got the box and added the food to the pack, used the restroom, bought 2 Cokes (downed 1 asap/carried the other to the shelter) & filled up on H2O. Back to the trail and within 2 3/4 mile I saw the VA-WV border sign. Welcome to West Virginia - the Roller Coaster ride still continues. Whoppee!Met up @ Crescent Rock with "Padre" & "Restless Legs" for the view/picture taking and a candy energy break. 5 miles later a blue blaze trail down to the Blackburn AT Center is seen. I take it and am rewarded with a cold rootbeer, chance to use the privy, given the name & # of a contact near the trail in VT and info about the teachers' AT seminar going to take place there. Went back up the hill to the AT and continued the 3+ miles to reach a really nice shelter. Downer is that the water source is 0.2 down a steep path but off I go 'cause I want to "chill" my Coke and rinse out the shirt for the night.