morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-12
From: Maupin Field shelter

To: Spy Rock
Miles today: 17.7

A cooler start to the day. I was the last one out of camp (8:30 am). Didn't think that was so bad but most of the other folks were doing 20+ miles today. Great weather made climb over Three Ridges Mtn (1200 ft) actually enjoyable. Then it was down, down, down to the suspension bridge over the Tye River ( 970 ft above sea level). Great views along the way of The Priest the next mountain of the day. Spring became more advanced as I got closer to the Tye with redbuds blooming and trees just beginning to leaf out. Had lunch by the river and met an interesting former thru hiker "War cry". He's now the winter caretaker of the lodge on Mt Leconte in the Smokies and works on the trail crew in the White Mountains in the summer. He was currently walking the AT to work!!!! The Priest was a 3000+ ft climb. Great switchbacks though made it bearable. Wonderful hillside full of white trillium and Dutchman's britches when you crossed Cripple Creek. Got up to the shelter about 4:30 pm. Nice group of folks there including Smile who is a southbound flipflopper whom a met in Shenandoah. Filtered some water at the creek and pushed on another 4+ miles to the base of Spy Rock. It's a huge rock with a great view. ( Used by troops during the Civil war to view enemy troop movements hence the name.) We were up here with the scouts in 2009 and I always thought it would be a nice place to camp. I'm the only one here on a Sunday night. Had a great sunset and I'm settled in for the night. Another perfect weather and hiking day. Forecast is calling for one more nice day tomorrow. Sounds good to me!
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Spy Rock

To: US 60 (near Buena Visa)
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Breakfast on Spy Rock!! Great 360 degree view. The rest of the morning was a pretty flat grade - lots of side hill trail running along one ridge and then another.   Easy trail so naturally I picked today to execute my first face plant. On a slight downhill section a sly ole rock lurking in the leaf litter rose up and grabbed my foot. Next thing I know I'm implanting my face and much the rest of my body on the ground rolling 5-6 ft off the trail. Funny - before I started hiking with poles I could get my hands down in time to lessen the damage. With poles I found the natural instinct when falling is to first throw the poles to free the hands. In this particular instance my reflexes weren't quick enough to both throw and get in front of me hence the face plant. Luckily no rocks around so just a few scratches and I was up and hiking albeit a little more carefully. In the afternoon I went over Cole Mountain, with its extensive meadow on top, and Bald Knob and then down, down, down to US 60. Arrived about 4:30 pm. Staying at the Three Springs hostel tonight. Imo picked myself and NOBO Jason up and drove us to the hostel. Very nice, very comfortable. Had a delicious meal - chicken tortillas, showered, clothes are washed and I've sorted out my mail drop for the next section into Daleville.   Now all I need to do is a little trip planning, hit the hay and eat some eggs and bacon tomorrow morning.
Date: 2015-04-14
From: US 60 (near Buena Visa)

To: Punchbowl shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

Had a great eggs and bacon breakfast curtesy of Oma and was back on the trail by 8 am. Jason, the other hiker at the hostel, has an interesting summer planned. Started the AT at Springer March 6. Hoping to finish in early June so he can go hike the Contenental Divide trail this summer. Earlier in Shenandoah I talked with Orange Crush who had a similar plan - hike the AT and then the PCT. I meanwhile was shooting for Punchbowl shelter! Weather was foggy when we were dropped off and rather quickly turned to mist then light rain and finally steady rain. For much of the first 7 miles I was walking along or crossing creeks which was nice. After crossing the Pedlar River it was uphill to the shelter. Part of me wanted to go further but the next shelter is almost 9 miles further and the Roanoke tv station this morning called for heavy rain this afternoon and possible thunderstorms so that was only a small part of me. Interesting shelter companion. He is walking to work from Marion VA into PA somewhere. Has spent a lot of time on the AT in the mid-Atlantic. Good stories. Hopefully weather will improve tomorrow as the plan is to camp between shelters. For tonight though it's nice to have a dry roof over my head.
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Punchbowl shelter

To: Marble Spring
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

This morning was overcast but, fortunately, no rain. Got out of camp around 8:30 am after my favorite backpacking breakfast of grits and beef jerky. Up over Punchbowl and Bluff Mountains (admittedly only a 800 ft climb) and then it was mostly downhill to the James River. This was the day for flowering trees. Serviceberries scattered throughout almost the whole day. Redbuds and dogwoods down by the James. The trail runs beside some beautiful waterways at this lower elevation; Rocky Row Run, the James, and Matts Creek. Lots of bleeding heart and Virginia bluebells blooming near the James. Crossed the James River Foot bridge and into the James River Face wilderness. A 2000ft climb - good trail, grade was bearable - and I'm camped at Marble Spring. Camped here in 2007 with the Scouts. It's a nice site and I have it to myself. Definitely beginning to see more NOBO'ers the last couple of days. All young, all putting in big miles. Besides a few drops of rain coming down to the James the weather remained just cloudy all day. Never saw the sun but temperatures were nice for hiking. I'm fed, stretched, the water is filtered, the bear bag is up and hiker midnight is here ( in this case 8:30 pm). Time to hit the hay, so to speak.
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Marble Spring

To: Bryant ridge shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice night last night. I'm definitely starting to sleep better - it has been 2 1/2 weeks. Packed up a dry tent thanks to a windy but cloudy morning. Cool enough that by the time I was packed up it was great to move out and warm up. Today was basically up this morning to Apple Orchard mountain (4225 ft) and then down the afternoon to this super nice shelter (1302 ft). It rained periodically throughout the day but all very light. The sun even made a brief appearance this afternoon - first real view of that orb since Monday. I love this stretch of trail. Unfortunately it's just a little early for the big (flowering) show. Tons of Dutchman's britches south of Petites Gap but just starting to bloom. A little trillium but not like what it will be a little later in the season. Ah, the snapshot quality of a thru hike. Did see some beautiful redbuds coming down to the shelter. This is one of the neatest designed shelters I've seen. Two floors, sleeps 20 with covered dining area but more than that just very aesthetically pleasing. I suspect an architect was involved in this project.
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Bryant ridge shelter

To: South of Montvale overlook BRP
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We seemed to have a good steady rain last night. I had the Taj Mahal (Bryant Ridge shelter) to myself last night. Don't think that will happen often as I hike through the "current" of NOBO hikers. Today there was a pretty big crop of folks heading north and I heard 12 were squeezed into one of the smaller shelters just south of me last night. Funny how the hiking bubble works. After last night's rain the morning was beautiful. Blue skies! Temperatures near or above 80 which made hiking a little hot especially with a bright sun and no leaves on the trees   I had my sun screen on early. Trail went up over Fork Mountain and down to Jennings Creek then up Cove Mountain. From there it follows the ridgetop and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Got to Bobblets Gap shelter around 4:15 pm. The Taj it is not so after filtering some water I pushed south another 3+ miles. I'm on a nice ridge just south of the Montvale overlook on the Parkway. Couple drops of rain when I first arrived but just saw a fantastic sunset. It's quite pleasant out now and for the first time the sleeping bag is unzipped - at least for now
Date: 2015-04-18
From: South of Montvale overlook BRP

To: US220 Daleville
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

I awoke to a beautiful sunrise. Variety is the spice of life - it's nice to stay in or near shelters sometimes but it's also nice to camp away from it all too. Packed, stretched and was on the trail by 8 am. Cool for the first little bit but I knew that wouldn't last (the weather forecast was for another day in the 80's). It warmed up quickly and by the time I got to Wilsons Creek and filtered some water I also soaked my shirt in the creek. That kept me semi comfortable climbing Fullhardt's Knob. The first couple miles coming down from the Knob were the best. The sun went under the clouds - always a big difference - and spring really sprung. The redbuds and dogwoods, as well as the light greens of the young canopy were outstanding. For the last few miles the sun was back on but after crossing under I81 and then running parallel to it for a little while I popped out by the Pizza Hut in Daleville. Walked on down to Outdoor Trails for a new buff and was just going to clean up a bit when great friends Vaughan and Liz show up and we're off back to Vaughan's house for a fun evening of food and conversation with entertainment provided by Liz's log fetching dog, Jasper. What a comfortable bed! I plan to sleep well.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: US220 Daleville

To: US220 Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Well . . . . Things happen. Heading back to Daleville I got a call from the world's greatest trail angel. Her dad is not doing at all well. I'm off the trail and heading that way. In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger "I'll be back". Just not sure when. It might be 2016. Everything is on hold. It has been fantastic so far.
Date: 2015-04-26
From: US220 Daleville

To: Pig Farm campsite
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Well . . . . I'm back on the trail!! Rebecca's dad has impressed the doctors and seems to be on a slow upswing. Keep him in your thoughts - Frank Harriett, 92 years young!! Rebecca and I drove up yesterday to Rocky Mount and spent a great night with Liz and Vaughan. A definite five star hostel. Rebecca dropped me off in Daleville this morning around 10 am and off I went. For awhile it was a little strange to be back - my thoughts were still in New Bern. Weather was grey, a little misty, and cool. Not too many folks on the trail particularly since it was a weekend but weather may have been a factor. Still great day for hiking but not sitting around. Had taken my rain jacket off on the way up Tinker Mountain but when I stopped for a relatively late lunch in Lambert's Meadow campsite I put it on again and didn't take it off the rest of the afternoon. Don't think it got out of low 50's - guess I was spoiled by the weather in eastern NC. Clouds stayed pretty thick most of day so not much of a view from Tinker Cliffs - usually a fantastic one. I've hiked this trail many times with the Scouts so it was fun to reminisce as I went. Body felt pretty good but not good enough to run up to McAfee's Knob after supper. It's clearing and would probably be a pretty nice sunset but I'm fed, the chores are all done and I'm content to get up there tomorrow morning. Then Dragon's Tooth in the afternoon. Weather is supposed to be nice so I'm excited about that. For now I'm excited to get in my bag and get some rest. Freeze warning tonight so my water filter, which if it freezes is ruined, is with me in the bag. It's good to be back on the trail and I'm hoping good things are happening for Frank Harriett too!!!
Date: 2015-04-27
From: Pig Farm campsite

To: 0.1 miles north of Pickle Branch shelter
Miles today: 17.0

In this "snapshot" tour of the AT sometimes you get lucky, sometimes not. Today I got lucky. I passed two of the most iconic features of the AT in perfect weather! Up, stretched, packed and was up on McAfee's Knob by a little after 8 am. Not as early as I would have liked but .... The weather and view was outstanding. Had the whole place to myself and spent at least 45 minutes there taking pictures - many different poses- and admiring the view. Then it was down Catawba Mountain, across Route 311, and along the ridge parallel to 311 toward Catawba. After a week off the trail I certainly noticed that spring has advanced although part of that is the fact that I spent much of the day around and sometimes under 2000 ft. Saw a lot of different wild flowers including fire pink, trillium, flaming azalea, geranium, columbine, pink lady slippers but none in large quantities. Stopped for a second lunch at the Catawba grocery. Okay but high priced. Had a couple hot dogs, some chips and a large root beer. Fortified I climbed the next several miles up to Dragon's Tooth. That's probably the steepest climb in Virginia on the AT but honestly I think it's tougher for northbound hikers going down. Once again had the whole monolith to myself   Could have spent more time on top but it was getting close to 5 pm and I had miles to go before camping. Found this great little place nestled in the young stand of tulip poplars around 7 pm. I've eaten and performed all necessary chores. Another chilly night so my sleeping bag is calling! Lucky me!!!
Date: 2015-04-28
From: 0.1 miles north of Pickle Branch shelter

To: Pasture, 0.6 north of Sinking Creek
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

A little bit slower breaking camp today. Cooked some grits and enjoyed a beautiful morning. A little warmer last night than expected. By 8:30 am I was headed down the trail stopping at Trout Creek to filter some water. Then a 1500 ft climb up Brush Mtn and pass the Audie Murphy monument. Murphy was a decorated WW2 veteran who died in a nearby plane crash. Very comfortable benches, nice sunshine - I took advantage to eat an early lunch. Noticed the aftermath of what appeared to be a recent forest fire on the mountain. Beautiful trail this morning - well graded with enough pine needles underfoot to be quite cushiony. Then it was down the mountain - again great tread, great switchbacks - and across Craig Creek. At the Craig Creek road I got a great treat - trail magic in the form of hot dogs, chips, fruit, drinks and more all supplied by the super nice couple, Grasshopper and Run Away, who thru hiked last year. What a fantastic surprise. Thanks so much!!! Fortified by my 2nd lunch and the great conversation I tackled the 1800 ft climb up Sinking Creek Mountain to the Eastern Continental Divide. Lots of long slanted rock stretches to cross on top. Got to the shelter turnoff around 6 pm but heard there was nice camping past Sinking Creek down the mountain and decided to go for it. Pulled in to this meadow with nice view about 7:40 pm. A little bit later than I usually try for but all chores are done and the body survives!! Actually the last two days I've been dealing with an old nemesis, an irritated IT band. Luckily today some deep message and nice trail seems to have really helped. Another perfect weather day on the trail. That's suppose to change tomorrow (rain predicted). Well, the dogs are barking down below and my thermarest is calling!!!
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Pasture, 0.6 north of Sinking Creek

To: The Captains
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: light rain

Woke up to sunshine and blue skies!! Guess the weather forecast changed! I took a little longer to enjoy the view and warmer weather. This morning had a 1500 ft climb up to Kelly Knob then down to Johns Creek for lunch and some water and then this afternoon a 2000 ft climb up toward Mountain Lake. Both ascents were good with lots of switchbacks. I was amazed to see a number of healthy hemlock trees up near Mountain Lake. I'm assuming someone is treating them to prevent aldelgid infestation. A steady stream of NOBO'ers these days. We also have a SOBO bubble ( I hiked a couple hours today with Bear Claw whose hiking from Harpers Ferry to Springer). Somewhere up on the mountain, we ran into a couple NOBO'ers who talked about "the Captain", an AT neighbor who lets folks camp on his property with free sodas and a zip line. Sounded fun so around Wind Rock (nice view) I decided to shoot for the Captains. Aided be a 100 Grand candy bar and despite a rocky trail from Mountain Lakes Rd to Bailey Gap shelter I made good time. Got to the shelter around 6:20 pm with 3 downhill miles to the Captains. Got "almost" there when I missed the left turn across the creek. Instead I went straight on another trail. This trail turned out to be unmaintained which I finally realized after about 1/4 mile, forging two creeks and going over/around three blowdowns. ( in fairness to me there had been a lot of blowdowns on the trail today). Anyhoot, about 7:45 pm I realized my mistake and after retracing my path ended up back on the AT. Got to the Captain's zip line after 8:00 pm. and zipped across (actually zipped 1/2 across creek and had to pull myself the rest of the way.) Pretty good crowd of folks here and two great dogs (the Captains). Set up the tent, fixed and ate dinner in a slight drizzle. It's 10 pm - definitely pass my bedtime. Tomorrow going to try for Pearisburg
Date: 2015-04-30
From: The Csptains

To: Pearisburg,Va
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: few clouds

The Captain's alarm dogs went off at 6 am. It rained a little last night so the tent was wet. Drizzled a little more while packing up but by the time I had stretched, etc a little blue sky was pushing in. Started off in full rain gear just to make sure but by the time I got to the first shelter and sun was definitely out and soon off came the rain gear. Today was a long day mileage wise but just up one hill. Most of the rest of the day was running the ridge up and down a series of small peaks. Trail was good and weather excellent. At Rice Field shelter the trail started down 6+ miles into Pearisburg. Bear Claw was taking a break on the bridge across the New River so we walked in our SOBO bubble into town to the Holiday Motor Lodge where for $20 we're in the bunk room. Had a great hot shower and along with NOBO'ers TJ and DG went to a AYCE Chinese restaurant across the street. Hiker appetite definitely kicking in. Stuffed but satisfied.
Date: 2015-05-01
From: Pearisburg,Va

To: Woods hole hostel
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

From the sound of it we had a pretty good rain last night. A good night to be inside! Bear Claw and I went to Nagles for breakfast - nice to have eggs and sausage for a change. Then I ran some errands (BB&T, Food Lion). Weather cloudy and quite cool. So cool in fact that I passed up the planned banana split at DQ before leaving town. Today's hike was one 2000 ft climb (steep) and then pretty level along the top the rest of the day. Saw some Dutchman's britches and a couple trillium going up ( lots of violets!). Along the top ran (okay, walked) through quite a few "green tunnels" formed mainly by rosebay rhododendrons (R. maximum). The NOBO'ers were unimpressed but it's only been between Waynesboro and Daleville that we started picking up this rhododendron. I have always loved the rosebay except when Charlie J and I spent 3 days among it exploring the Raven Fork watershed in the Smokies many years ago. Nice views about a mile north of Sugar Run Gap. At the gap I took the gravel road east 1/2 mile to the famous Woods Hole hostel. It's been around since the 80's. Currently on the trail you find some hikers who love it and others not but because of its history and the good things I've heard ( plus a prepared dinner and breakfast) I definitely wanted to stop. Not a very long day but that's okay too as I've been putting in some big miles - for me - lately so it's good to give the body a little extra rest. Pretty good crowd of NOBO'ers here. Met Jesus (now there's a trail name!). Getting ready for dinner now. Two real dinners in a row - this is like hiking in merry ole England!
Date: 2015-05-02
From: Woods hole hostel

To: Campsite 0.2 miles south of Lickskillet Hollow
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

Really enjoyed Woods Hole. Neville and Micheal are nice folks   The log cabin is gorgeous. The second floor was removed and replaced with a loft and a cathedral ceiling over the living room. The food was outstanding. I got the honor of "decorating" the pizzas ( bacon, broccoli, peppers, mushrooms, etc etc). Fresh salad including lettuce right from the garden, great tomato soup, and lots of Neville's homemade bread plus a chocolate birthday cake for one of the NOBO'ers 21st birthday. Place was overflowing last night but fun group. Even had comedy show put on by HaHa. Breakfast was also excellent and powered by more homemade bread with Apple butter I wasn't hungry for most of the day. Left Woods Hole about 9 am. I think this was the flattest day since starting trail. After the first little climb spent most of the day below 3000'. In and out of Rhododendron tunnels but even at a relatively low elevation it didn't seem like much spring was going on yet. I actually kind of missed the ups and downs. Lots of creek crossings. Took the 0.3 mile side trail to Dismal Falls, very pretty waterfall and 2 miles later I diverted 0.5 mile down VA606 to Trents Grocery store for their famous double cheeseburger. I must say it was excellent. The burger, some potato wedges, an ice cream and a Sprite were my early dinner. Hiked another 5+ miles to this campsite. Got in about 8 pm. Long day. Set up camp among half healthy hemlocks trying to avoid setting tent beneath any sickly looking ones. Not much wind predicted but better safe ..... The sleeping bag is calling.
Date: 2015-05-03
From: Campsite 0.2 miles south of Lickskillet Hollow

To: Laurel Creek campsite
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: clear sky

Well, none of the semi-healthy hemlocks fell last night so that was good. Seemed like a cooler night - the battery life of my iPhone took a dive even sleeping with it. Got up, packed up, stretched, had breakfast and was on the trail by 9 am. Cool morning was good for hiking although it wasn't long before I was down to a t-shirt and shorts. Thought it might be one of those days where the afternoon becomes downright hot but temperatures hovered just below that point. Unlike yesterday the trail was much more up and down but nothing long or steep. I actually enjoyed it more than yesterday's flat section. Made good time today. Nice woods but little flowering (A shoutout though to the brilliant magenta little gaywings who has been a frequent companion in the drier woods since above Daleville). Got to camp by 6 pm which was a nice change of pace. All chores are done and it's still light. Seeing lots of NOBO'ers these days. Should count them one day. My guess is between 20-25 today. The group is definitely getting more diversified. Today two guys in matching American flag shorts, American flag, and a general red, white and blue theme went by. Also a thru hiker carrying a full sized guitar! One of the benefits of the increased trail traffic is the presence of trail magic! Today had soda near Bland VA which was a treat. Thanks!!!! Tomorrow morning a church group has a thru hiker breakfast nearby. No one is sure if the breakfast is onsite or hikers are driven to the church. Suppose to start at 9:30 am so I'm not sure what I'll do. Will check some mileages and sleep on it. It's still light but getting cool so I'm hitting the hay