morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-10-11
From: Pine Knob shelter, MD

To: Garvey shelter, MD
Miles today: 16.6

Rain when I woke up this morning. I made coffee and slowly packed. About 6:30 the rain slowed so I finished packing up quickly. I walked over to see Billy the Kid. He's staying due to the rain. We shook hands and I headed out getting on the trail at 7:25. A few minutes later I crossed over busy six lane I-70 via a pedestrian walkway. Fog was everywhere. At 9 a.m. I came to the Washington Monument. This was the original monument built in 1827. I made coffee as I took a break on the breezy foggy hilltop. I left around 9:30. An hour later I crossed Turners Gap and quickly came to Dahlgren Backpacker Campground. It was 10:30. The small camp is for AT backpackers only. The great thing is it has heated showers. I planned to stay an hour because I wanted to charge my phone. After taking a shower I made coffee outside and ate a bagel. At 11:30 I packed up and headed out. The trail had been good but became rocky around Lambs Knoll. But it changed after several miles, becoming mostly old roads the rest of the day. A few short showers passed through but nothing significant. It was still humid and I walked most of the day without a shirt. At 2:45 I dropped into Crampton Gap and walked by the towering Civil War Correspondents Memorial. Around 4:15 rain began. There were a few rumbles of thunder. At 4:30 it poured and the air became cooler. I came to the Garvey Shelter at 4:45. Four section hikers were there treating their water. They said the spring was way down the hill. The rain slowed so I headed down and it indeed was way down. It took 12 minutes to get to it. I came back up and treated my water while talking to the four guys. Two of them headed down for more water and while down there it poured. When they got back they were not happy campers. I checked AccuWeather and it said rain for 120 minutes. I had wanted to get two more miles in but not in this pouring rain. The four guys were tenting out. I decided to stay at the shelter on the second floor in case other hikers came in. Since the shelter register says there is a snake living in the rafters I decided to set up my tent. A good day. Not as much rain as predicted. The four guys went to their tents. Quiet now except the rain on the steel roof.
Date: 2018-10-13
From: Lesser Shelter campsite, WV

To: Morgan Mill Stream, VA
Miles today: 17.8

Rain started at 3:30 a.m. I jumped up and got out of my tent to retrieve all I had on the clothesline. Then I quickly got back into my toasty sleeping bag. I was up after 5. It was still raining. I started packing up after making coffee twice. The little alcohol stove also heats my tent. Around 6:30, just as was about to go out the rain stopped. I packed up the gear and headed out. Various tents in the campsite were lit up. Almost everyone was awake except the three from Delaware. I was on the trail at 7:09. It was windy up on the ridge. The rain had stopped but the trail started out with wet grass. After an hour I stopped to make hot chocolate one of the four guys who tented near the last two days gave me last night. I kept hiking for another hour then took a break. The four guys passed me by. Later I caught up to them at a spring. They gave me more food. We all headed out about the same time and I ended up ahead. Somewhere at about the same time we crossed into Virginia. There was no sign. At Raven Rocks I started seeing plenty of people. Day hikers were going to Raven Rocks despite the windy cool day. The rest of the day I hiked on what is called the Roller Coaster. It is a section about 17 miles long with constant climbs and drops. I had no problem with that but it was the horrible rocky terrain. It was slow going for the rest of the day. I reached Snickers Gap and busy VA 7 an hour later than I projected. It was 1 p.m. From Raven Rocks to the road I passed perhaps 70 day hikers. The four guys I tented near were visible through the trees at a distance behind me. Snickers Gap was their final destination. The four go out hiking together twice a year. On the other side of the highway people were hiking up to Bear Rocks, another vista. I saw 30 people in that vicinity. After that I saw few people. The trail was still rough and the winds continued. At a stream I saw two men and two women. As I went across the stream one of the guys said I must be a thru hiker because I was eating an energy bar and hopping across the the rocks at ease. The other guy had a baby on his back in a seat. They gave me Amsterdam cheese, a Natures Harvest bar and a bag of nuts with chocolate chips. I thanked them, talked a bit then continued. After the Moore shelter the trail got much better. The wind even was calm. I only saw one couple with their dog. As the sun was near the horizon I dropped down to Morgan Mill Stream and crossed the old wood bridge. I reached my destination for the day. It was 6:15 p.m. and the temperature was dropping. Might be a chilly night in the valley.
Date: 2018-10-14
From: Morgan Mill Stream, VA

To: Denton Shelter, VA
Miles today: 21.7

Chilly this morning. Perhaps that is why I was so slow getting on the trail. I noticed it was almost 7:30 so I hustled to get going. I was on the trail at 7:55. I wasted an hour of daylight. Today I wanted to push to get as close to US 522 as possible. I was hoping within 10 miles but not sure now with my delay in getting started. I still had three miles of the so called "roller coaster" but it was actual pretty easy. Not long afterwards I stopped at the entrance to Rod Hollow Shelter and made coffee on a fallen tree. At 10:45 rain began. I was surprised because rain wasn't in the forecast. At 11:15 the rain stopped. The trail was in good condition. I reached US 50 at noon. Then it climbed to Sky Meadows State Park going through mowed fields. After the park the trail continued in great shape. I saw many day hikers in the park. As the trail continued I realized I was making good time. I pushed from Whiskey Hollow Shelter to Manassas Gap Shelter and came in 20 minutes earlier than projected. Every goal I made I exceeded. I thought maybe I'll get within the 10 miles of US 522 after all. At VA 55 in Manassas Gap I pushed over the next hill the two miles to the next road. I thought if I could do it in an hour I might possibly reach the Denton Shelter after dark. The trail was rocky but the rocks were leveled out and trail graded. I reached the fields on top in good time. The drop down to VA 638 was easy and fast through old farm fields. I made it in good time, too. Now one more mile to the shelter. I climbed the next hill wondering if I should get my headlamp out. The day was cloudy so I figured darkness would come a bit earlier. It was a long graded hill but I pushed hard. At 6:45 I reached the Denton Shelter. I was now five miles from US 522. I was very surprised I made it this far today especially since I started an hour late. I hoped to get within 10 miles of the road but pleased and blessed I made it to the shelter. The shelter was beautiful. The yard was mowed and the shelter was clean. A nice front porch with Adirondack chairs. A pavilion and horseshoe pits. Even a spring fed shower which I didn't try since it was cold out. I got water then found a campsite. Then put the tent up and gear inside without using a headlamp. A beautiful night. No one is at the shelter. All I hear are crickets. Tomorrow is a town day. At US 522 it is three miles into Front Royal, Virginia, hence my push to get as close to the highway as possible.
Date: 2018-10-15
From: Denton Shelter, VA

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 5.2

Rain started early this morning. When I began packing up the rain slowed. It was warmer than yesterday. I was on the trail at 6:25. The start to hiking was in the dark, the fog and the rain. My headlamp was weak as I forgot to get new batteries at the Dollar General last week. Daylight arrived and the rain continued. The trail began rocky and muddy but it became better and eventually a good old road. About 8 a.m. the rain stopped. Just before US 522 I put away my rain gear. I reached the highway about 9 a.m. The berm of the busy road was only two feet wide. I walked against traffic for awhile until there was a pull off on the opposite of the road. Then I'd cross over and hitch hike. I tried that several times but no ride. To think I shaved, washed my hair, and sprayed Deep Woods Off on my arm pits...all for nothing. It was just three miles into town and I got there just after 10 but not without causing trouble. A dog ran out and crossed the road towards me. It was a big fat mutt. I used my trekking poles to defend from a potential attack. The dog was running back and forth. A woman called with little concern for the dog. Traffic slowed and after the last close barking from the dog it retreated in front of a truck. I didn't look but it apparently made it back after nearly bringing traffic to a halt. I went to McDonald's for breakfast then went and did laundry. After that I went in the rain to Dollar General for food then to Super 8. I got a room but couldn't check in until 2 p.m. So I went a mile to the post office and then to Mountain Trails outfitter for fuel. After checking into the motel I went for more items at the Martin's grocery store and to Fox's Pizza for a meat supreme pizza. A lot of walking around town on my own to day. My day was done. Time to relax.
Date: 2018-10-18
From: Hughes River Gap

To: Lewis Mountain, VA
Miles today: 19.6

The wind was still active this morning. It was chilly out but nothing terrible. The alcohol stove warmed the tent as I made coffee. On the trail at 7:21. I had my rain gear over my jacket and vest. I warmed up quickly and put away the rain jacket. Yesterday I bought a wool cap at Elkwallow and I was utilizing it today. The trail was great all day. Sometimes it climbed steeper than usual but it was still a good grade. Lots of vistas from the ridges. The wind made it cold. I passed at least 10 backpackers today. One guy, Lucas, kept passing me by. The last time he said since we keep running into each other we should tell each other our names which we did. I didn't see Finn all day. He was going to the breakfast buffet at Skyland at 7:30. Thought he'd pass me somewhere. In the afternoon I stopped at Big Meadows Wayside. Big meadows indeed! Beautiful fields along Skyline Drive. Beautiful and windy. At the busy wayside I got a burger, fries, and a Dr. Pepper. Then, as I sat outside at the windy picnic table, I remembered my purpose for coming here was to get a hot coffee. So, I went in and got a $3 coffee. I headed down Skyline Drive and down the stone service road to the trail. As I walked it was getting warmer. The winds died down to a gentle breeze. I was back to shorts and long sleeve top with my fleece vest. I passed lots of day hikers. Seems there are a lot of vistas people hike into. I even ran into the chatty lady I've seen the last two days. I couldn't get a word in or, if I tried, I got cut off. I started walking and said "Maybe I'll see you tomorrow" to escape. I came to the trail leading downhill to Bearfence Mountain Hut. As soon as I began descending I felt the cold. Once down to the hut I got water from the spring. A guy and a girl were eating at the hut. Their tents were up the hill. I looked at the tent sites and decided to move on and up to higher ground. It was cold down in that valley. Up on the trail I wanted to stop at the first site I saw. But then I entered a no camping area due to being close to Lewis Mountain Campground. Lots of campers and campfires as the trail looped near them. I saw the sun set directly up the trail at a straight section. I hoped for a quick campsite because I didn't want to set up in the dark like last night. I came to the sign indicating the end of the no camping area. I saw a flat spot just up from the sign maybe 50 feet into the woods. I was happy and got set up quickly. Once again an orange horizon to the west and a bright half moon to the southeast. No wind now. Very quiet except occasional human noises from the campground.
Date: 2018-10-19
From: Lewis Mountain, VA

To: Charlottesville
Miles today: 8.0

Very cool overnight. A slight breeze started in the morning. I was on the trail at 7:27. The sun was out and strong. It wasn't long before I decided to take off my rain gear, jacket and gloves. The trail continued traversing the mountains gently weaving through the forest. A bit chilly but a beautiful October day in the Shenandoahs. I didn't see anyone hiking I knew. I did see two Nobo section hikers and later three more. At 11:24 I reached Swift Run Gap at US 33. This is the end of today's hike. My trail journals transcriber Clark and his wife Heidi will host me for the night. Their son Sterling hiked the Eastern Continental Trail as I did in 2012. Clark picked us up in 2012 and took us home. Today Clark picked me up and we went to his home once again near Charlottesville. After getting a shower Clark and Heidi treated me to lunch at Vinny's Italian restaurant. Later Clark took me for groceries. On the way he rescued a Snapping turtle on the road. After stopping for groceries at Food Lion we went to Advanced Auto for Heet. Heet is a fuel I can use if denatured alcohol is unavailable. Then we headed home. While it is a treat being hosted by Clark and Heidi there was a special treat when I got to see and talk to Sterling via Skype. Sterling is married, lives in Paris, France, and has a son and daughter. It was an enjoyable time reminiscing about our experiences in 2012. Later Clark and I went to Which Wich Superior Sandwiches. Back at the house Heidi, Clark and I ate our sandwiches while having pleasant conversation. Before 7 p.m. I headed to my room to do my journal, call Heartrock, and go to sleep. A good day. From hiking in the quiet fall woodlands to shopping at the busy plazas. From hiking hungry to generous hospitality. A very good day. A grateful hiker. Thank you Clark and Heidi.
Date: 2018-10-23
From: Glass Hollow Overlook

To: Harper's Creek, VA
Miles today: 20.2

The moon was beautiful last night. It was mild overnight. This morning I packed up and waited for the sunrise. It was a beautiful morning watching the changing colors in the clouds then finally the sunrise. I'm glad I camped here. I could hear wind up on the ridge as I headed up to the AT. I started on the trail at 7:47 a.m. The trail was good all the way to the first crossing of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I got water there in a spring next to the road. It was a little windy. After the road crossing, the trail hugged the mountainside for four rocky miles. I had been thinking of going to Harper's Creek Shelter today but after the late start and rough trail I thought at least I'd get within a few miles. The trail crossed the parkway at Three Ridges Overlook then began climbing Three Ridges Mountain. The afternoon was sunny, breezy and warm. The trail was good. After a drop near Maupin Field Shelter the trail climbed steeply up through rocks and mountain laurel. I estimated I'd get to the top at 5 p.m. I arrived at 5:01 very pleased. After walking the flat top of the mountain there was a sign. It read 3.2 miles to Harpers Creek Shelter. I might make it after all I thought. Oh, the trail dropped and dropped. I estimate 30 to 40 switchbacks down the rocky side of the mountain. After an hour and a half the trail became a regular trail, a dirt treadway, not rocks. The sun disappeared behind 4,063 foot The Priest, which I'll climb tomorrow. The trail continued its descent weaving in and out of hollows. At 6:43 I came to a sign hard to read in the fading light. It pointed to the right and read "Shelter." I made it. No way could I have camped within a mile or two if I was later as there was no place to camp on that steep descent. So glad to reach the shelter. No one at the shelter. No surprise since I saw only 10 people hiking today. I camped on a high bank across the creek from the shelter. I pulled two liters of water from the creek then put up my tent in the dark. I didn't need my headlamp until I got in the tent. A day not real exciting but a good day. Grateful I made it 20 miles after not expecting to do that. Tomorrow a 3,066 foot climb up The Priest. I think the last time I had a climb like that was up Mount Moosilauke in New Hampshire.
Date: 2018-10-24
From: Harper's Creek, VA

To: Salt Log Gap
Miles today: 19.7

It was a warm morning. I didn't need my jacket when I left camp in the dark. I was on the trail at 6:36 a.m. After crossing Harper's Creek and climbing some I saw an orange eye on the trail reflecting from my headlamp. It was just a rabbit. It ran side to side on the trail before finally deciding to head down the hillside. At 7 a.m. I could turn my light out. I left the Three Ridges Wilderness at the Tye River. A long suspension bridge crossed the river and bounced as I walked. It was 8 a.m. The trail crossed a highway and entered The Priest Wilderness. It would be a 4.2 mile climb going up 3,066 feet to the top of the Priest which stands at 4,063 feet. Just after I started a day hiker who I saw yesterday went by me climbing. He said he was going to Spy Rock and back. The trail was excellent all the way to the top. Sometimes I was in the sun and hot and at other times in the wind and cold. I estimated I'd be at the top at 10 but didn't get there until 10:43. It was windy and cold at the wooded summit. Just after the Priest shelter I dropped down some. A guy backpacking was coming up. He was sweating and I was cold. He said he has to take a layer off and I said I have to put a layer on. Later near Spy Rock I saw the day hiker coming back. He said he day hikes the AT on his vacations. I continued and bypassed Spy Rock because of the wind. The trail dropped down an old road and there I saw a backpacker struggling, it seemed, to get up the hill. His head was down and he was stopped. When he saw me he started hiking again and we exchanged hellos. Throughout the afternoon I did not see another soul. The trail was great though I did get cold at times. Towards the end of the day the sun was low and sometimes made it hard to see. But several times I was amazed at the beauty of the sunlight highlighting the orange and brown colors of the leaves and the ferns. A beautiful sight. I heard a Barred Owl in the afternoon. Wildlife otherwise was scarce. Besides hearing the owl and seeing the confused bunny the only other critters moving about were squirrels. My goal was Hog Camp Gap but by early afternoon I knew I wouldn't make it. Perhaps it was the long climb up the Priest. I decided to stop at Salt Log Gap. When I reached the gap at 5:45 I was surprised to see someone camped there. He was a Nobo hiking from Catawba, VA to Harper's Ferry, WV. He said I could camp there but the space was small so I declined. I saw a flat area 100 feet further and went there instead. As the sun was setting I established my camp for the evening. A gorgeous sunset tonight. Another good day.
Date: 2018-10-25
From: Salt Log Gap

To: Saltlog Gap (south)
Miles today: 22.9

The moon lit up the tent overnight. I packed up and was on the trail at 6:36 a.m. The trail switchbacked up Tar Jacket Ridge. Sometimes the moon was in front of me and sometimes behind me. To the east the horizon was getting brighter. I saw the white tails of four deer running through the woods. On top of the ridge it was mowed all the way to Hog Camp Gap. When I first came to the top the sun was just popping up over the mountains. To the west the moon was still bright and the clouds were turning pink and purple. I walked the fields in the morning light seeing four more deer. The ridge was cool and there was a slight breeze. The grass along the trail was covered with white frost. Sometimes I heard a crunching sound from my feet on frozen soil. Going up Bald Knob was slow as well as the descent to US 60. The trail was ancient and rocky. But after US 60 the trail was excellent the rest of the day. A beautiful walk down Brown Mountain Creek. I saw Finn signed the register at the shelter there. The trail continued down the stream and around a reservoir. After crossing Pedlar River on a suspension bridge the trail climbed for a few miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I earlier estimated I'd make it to Punchbowl Shelter at 5 p.m., my original destination for the day. I decided to go beyond the shelter maybe three miles since I'd get there early. That's when I noticed the place I wanted to go to was the same name as the place I camped yesterday just spelled as one word; Saltlog Gap. Yesterday was Salt Log Gap. The data book also indicated yesterday as north and today as south. Anyway, made it to the shelter at 5:08. I picked up two liters of water. Just like yesterday, I got water and transported it three miles to my campsite. I left the shelter at 5:30. I put my headlamp around my neck in case I got to Saltlog Gap after dark. From the shelter it was 1.6 miles to the top of Bluff Mountain with an elevation climb of 891 feet then another 1.5 miles down to the gap. The climb over Punchbowl Mountain was easy. The trail was beautiful going through the fall foliage displayed along the trail. Going up Bluff Mountain was steeper but still good trail. At the top was the foundation of an old fire tower. Nearby was the memorial to Ottie Powell. He was not yet five years old when he strayed away from school in November 1891. He was found on Bluff Mountain in April 1892, some seven miles from the school. The trail dropped on long well built switchbacks. The sun disappeared in the clouds. When the trail turned west on one of the switchbacks I saw a bright orange sky. I arrived at the gap at 6:53. It was getting dark but I got the tent up without using my headlamp. I did have to use it to put the stakes in the ground. A good day of nearly 23 miles.