morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-09
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter

To: Dickey Gap, Marion, Va.
Miles today: 5.2

I was glad that I decided to stayed in the shelter last night, as we were pounded by a rain storm for several hours during the night. Because I was only hiking for a little over five miles I wasn't in any hurry to get back on the trail. After wishing each other well and saying goodbye, I left the Ohio group and headed to Dickey Gap.It was an easy two and a half hour hike as I reached the gap by 11:15. I immediately found a road sign indicating the direction to Marion and started walking. I didn't know how far outside of town I was, but was hoping it to be less than 10 miles. Within fifteen minutes on the road I spotted a mileage road sign that read Marion, 14 miles.Although I had been attempting to hitch a ride, I really made an effort after seeing that sign. Probably thirty to forty cars and trucks passed by without success, but then a red pick-up truck stopped and ask if I needed a ride. Driving the truck was Danny, about 50 and Abe, about 70, both are local dairy farmers. They drove me into Marion, even though it was out of their way. I offered them $20.00 for the ride, but they turned it down. I think they just enjoyed me talking about my experiences on the trail and the fact that I was a citrus grower. Thanks Danny and Abe for the ride and the time spent trying to find my motel.Picked up my bounce box at the post office and settled in for the rest of the day doing laundry and resupplying my bounce box.
Date: 2013-08-11
From: Dickey Gap, Marion, Va.

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I left the Travel Inn at 8:00 and was shuttled to Dickey Gap where I came off the trail Friday. Started on the trail at 8:30 and reached the shelter at 4:45. Not bad 14.5 miles in eight hours and fifteen minutes, that included time for lunch and breaks. It didn't rain today, a first in about five or six days.Just me and a hiker named Late Start from Spring Hill, Fl. in the shelter tonight. It seems that Late Start had been hiking with a guy for eight days, who stole most of his backpacking gear when he had left his gear at the shelter and taken a shuttle into Marion. Late Start is leaving the trail tomorrow so that he can catch a bus back to Florida. This is the first time that I've heard of anyone taking or stealing from a fellow hiker.Late Start also mentioned that a couple of days ago he came across a couple on the trail and the guy had been bitten twice by a timber rattlesnake. A park ranger was already there and had requested a helicopter so that the victim could be air lifted to a local hospital. Looking out for rattlesnakes is my number one priority on the trail. So far I've only seen six garter snakes.
Date: 2013-08-12
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins, Va.
Miles today: 11.6

As usual it rained again last night, thankfull to be in the shelter. I'm hoping the rain holds off today until I reach Atkins.Started on the trail at 7:45. The first seven miles were a lot of ups and downs and the trail was rocky. I was fortunate in one regard, as I came off the trail onto Va. 11, the motel I was planning to stay in tonight was right in front of me, the Relax Inn. This is the second motel in the last four days that was under $45 per night, operated by Indians and was built in the '50's.
Date: 2013-08-13
From: Atkins, Va.

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: heavy intensity rain

I left the motel at 8 o'clock and immediately couldn't find the trail. I walked east on the Va.11 thinking that this was where the blaze were directing, but what I thought were blazes were reflectors on the bridge. After stumbling around for thirty minutes, I went back to the spot where I came off the trail and there it was, an arrow pointing to the west as the direction to continue on the trail. I don't know how I missed it yesterday.Since it rained last night and more rain was expected today, everything was wet. This part of the trail has not been properly maintained, as the grass was high, the bushes near the trail were leaning into my path and the tree limbs were hanging in the way. My shoes were soaked, my arms and legs were wet, but it didn't really matter. Two hours later it poured rain.I spent the rest of the day in and out of rain. Even though the trail was not that difficult, the rain slowed my progress down considerably and delayed my arrival to the shelter until 6:00.When I arrived, Lloyd a south bound section hiker, was there along with four dogs used in chasing bears. Lloyd said that the dogs came into the shelter when it started raining and made them selves at home. The dogs all had radio transmitters or GPS locators strapped to there neck. He said the dogs had been sleeping all day and would probably leave after dark. Pretty sure there are not any bears in the area tonight.
Date: 2013-08-14
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

A cold front came through last night and the temp and humidity are considerably lower this morning. Today was possibly the best day for hiking in the last two weeks.Left the shelter at 8:00 and reached Chestnut Knob Shelter at 3:00. Calling it a short day today after a two thousand foot climb that seemed to never end. I have a 15 mile day tomorrow, as I need to be in Bland, Va. around noon on Friday. This will allow me to take a zero day on Saturday and be on the trail Sunday.Three hikers passed me today going south, the first hikers I've seem on the trail in three days. Two of the hikers were about my age, a married couple, but the third was a little grey haired lady who must of been in her eighties. I guess she was the mother of one of the couple. They were on a section hike for four or five days and the grey hair lady was carrying a day pack. I wish I would have thought to ask her more questions, like how many miles a day they were doing and how long had she been backpacking. She looked very fit and probably had been hiking most of her life.
Date: 2013-08-15
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

I was alone in the shelter again last night. This shelter sits on the top of a bald and you can see about one half the way around to the horizon. It also overlooks an unusual geologic feature, which was the Vanderbilt's first choice for the Biltmore Estate. It is a large, creator-shaped depression surrounded on all sides by a high ridge that the AT follows for nearly eight miles. To me it looks like a meteor crater that hit the area probably thousands of years ago. It has the nickname, "God's Thumbprint".Last night was the coolest night yet, with temps into the upper forties by morning. I wasn't sure how far I was going to hike today as the Jenkins shelter was only ten miles away and the next campsite was an additional 5 miles. I decided to let my knees tell me when to stop. I arrived at the shelter at 2:30, after starting at 7:00 this morning, my knee said stop. The upps and downs had taken their toll.. Tomorrow should be easier, hoping to get into Bland by 2 or 3 o'clock .
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Bland, Va.
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I didn't sleep well last night, primarily as I was alone in the shelter and the possibility of a bear confrontation. The shelter had bear warning signs posted on it and someone had written in the shelter journal about a bear circling the shelter all night when they were there about a week ago. Some previous hikers had a stock pile of rocks in the shelter for the purpose of discouraging any bears from entering the shelter. Fortunately, there were no bear sightings by the time I left the shelter at 7:00.This morning was another unusually cool morning with temps in the low fifties. Today was one of the top five best days on the trail since I started last March. It was a bright sunny day that stayed cool ( under 70 all day), smooth flat trail with only minor elevation changes for the entire eleven mile hike. This was one of those days that make it all worth while.I was in my motel room at 2:00, an easy day of hiking is what was needed for my sore knee. Tomorrow will be be a zero day and perhaps Sunday also depending on the rain threat that is expected to move into the area over the weekend.
Date: 2013-08-18
From: Bland, Va.

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: moderate rain

The rain was over when I caught a shuttle and was back on the trail at 10:30. The trail continues to be rather easy, as I did the 12.1 mile distance in 6.5 hours total. There was one problem, there is not a water source at this shelter as the streams are dry. Fortunately I didn't need to drink much water on the trail today as it was cool and overcast. After checking my water inventory I had 36 oz. of water and 16 oz. of Gatorade. I used 16 oz. of water for preparing the Mountain House Speghetti with meat sauce. I won't be able to cook breakfast for the lack water, but I can get by on breakfast bars.The next water source is seven miles up the trail where there is a grocery store. I should be able to make it by noon with the remaining water on hand. I hate that I have shortage, it's nice to have extra water so that I can clean off the sweat and grime.
Date: 2013-08-19
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

As usual I was alone last night in the shelter, however one good thing occurred, it rained. I then was able to filter some water from a stream that was refreshed in the morning.Left the shelter at 7:30 and made it to Trent's Grocery by 11:30. Even though the store was a half mile off the trail, I thought that I would treat myself to a ham and turkey sub, french fries and a coke. It was well worth the extra mile, since breakfast was pretty light.The last three days the trail has been very easy to hike, however there has been nothing notable to see. I just keep my head down and keep moving forward.Tomorrow will be a challenge. I have a reservation in Pearisburg, Va. for two nights, Wed. and Thur. However, I'm only 17.5 miles away and could pick up a extra day if I arrived on Tuesday. Even if it means arriving into Pearisburg between 6 or 7, it would be worth the effort.
Date: 2013-08-20
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg, Va.
Miles today: 17.5

Again I was alone in the shelter, only passed two south bound hikers today. I had a little visitor last night. A mouse chewed into a pouch on my waist belt and helped himself to a Snickers. I can't believe I didn't hear him as I use my my back pack for a head rest for sleeping. It was only inches away from my head.Well I managed to get into Pearisburg tonight around 7:00. Eleven and a half hours of hiking, my longest day yet. The trail was not very difficult, but I had to walk over two to three miles of rock and desend 2200 feet into Pearisburg. My knees are feeling it tonight, just a little stiff.Crossed another milestone yesterday by going over 600 miles. I'll be taking a zero day tomorrow and leave Thursday morning.
Date: 2013-08-21
From: Pearisburg, Va.

To: Zero day in Pearisburg, Va.
Miles today: 0.0

Just the zero day routine, resupply, ship bounce boxes, update the journal and rest and relaxation.Ok it's time to vent, it is nearly impossible to get a beer with dinner in North Carolina, Tennessee and now SW Virginia. Last night I went to a Pizza Hut in Pearisburg, thinking I'd dine on pizza and beer. When the waitress ask me what I'd like to drink, I asked what was on draft? And she responded by saying "What draft?" I wish I had a photo of the expression on my face, she said that she just started working there, when another waitress came over and said that they stopped selling beer months ago. So I ended up with an unsweetened tea, what a downer.More venting. What is it with the people in these small towns being over weight and smoking all the time. Everyone is at least a hundred pounds over weight and is always holding a cigarette.Hope I didn't offend any readers following my journal, but this is just what I observed while touring parts of the country I would have never seen if it wasn't for being on the trail.
Date: 2013-08-22
From: Zero day in Pearisburg, Va.

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: few clouds

I started on the trail at 9:30, after dropping off a bounce box at the post office.And then the day turned to mush. The first half mile of trail had not been maintained since Daniel Boone last hiked this section. And then after an hour on the trail I remembered that I hadn't refilled my fuel bottle for the cooking stove. I was a little panicked as this was going to be the longest time spent on the trail between towns. But after reviewing the amount still in the bottle I thought I could make it. I was going to have to be sparing while using the remaining fuel and possibly make a couple of fire's so that I could cook my meals.Today was one of those days where the trail just kicked my butt. Everything was an effort, on top of having to climb 2000 feet to get back on the ridge. I had planned to hike another five miles and tent at a campsite, but when I reached Rice Field Shulter at 3:30, I decided to stay here for the night and make up the lost mileage tomorrow. This shelter is on a bald that has a spectacular view of the surrounding area.Again I'm the only person in the shelter, I'm getting use to this solitary way of life. At least I don't have to listen to the others snoring, coughing or moving around during the night.
Date: 2013-08-23
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: moderate rain

I was on the trail by 7:30. There was a heavy fog and every thing on the trail was wet. Most of this 12.5 mile section needs some major trail maintanence. All the vegetation on the side was chest and head high, which makes the going unusually slow.At 3:30 I arrived at the Pine Swamp Branch Shelter and tried to decide whether to make the next shelter which was only 4 miles away. However it included a 1200 foot climb and I wasn't ready to tackle that yet.My first north bound hiker that I've met on the trail came into the shelter around 5:30. He's from Tennessee and his trail name is "Preacher". He's two years older than me and is a recently retired minister, he's a stronger hiker than me, so we won't be hiking together.
Date: 2013-08-24
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

Today I was on the trail at 7:15, the weather is perfect, clear with mild temps. I was hoping to do a big day of 18 miles to make up some distance, but the trail was rocky for over half the distance and that just slows me down. Preacher left the shelter at 7:00 and was planning to stay in the shelter I was hoping to make, but didn't. Probably won't be seeing him again.For the second night in a row, I made a fire to boil my water for cooking. I'll eat a cold breakfast tomorrow and I think I'll be ok with my fuel problem being able to last until I can get some more.I had lunch today on Wind Rock. This is a rock formation that overlooks a massive valley. A previous sightseer or trail angel left two cases of Bud Light at a campsite next to the rock. The cases looked to be filled with empty cans, but I was curious, sometimes people leave refreshments for the hikers. I looked inside one case and it had five or six unopened cans. I helped myself to one, which I enjoyed with lunch on the rock. I only wish I had brought another can with me for dinner tonight.
Date: 2013-08-25
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: few clouds

Alone again in the shelter tonight and last night. Today I was on the trail at 7:20 knowing that there was going to be two 2,000 foot up and downs. This kind of terrain slows me down significantly, even though I have been averaging twelve plus miles daily.Some more trail magic today. A cooler with a case of cherry coke and Sprite were left on the side of the trail. I picked up two cans of the Sprite and put them in my backpack. I was going to drink one with dinner tonight and tomorrow night. But on my second 2,000 foot ascent I just ran out gas, when I remembered the cans of Sprite. I downed a can and immediately my energy level peaked.Tomorrow is a 16 mile day, with one easy climb and one moderate climb. I hope the trail is more accommodating, no rocks!
Date: 2013-08-26
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was the day I've been dreading. I had sixteen miles of hard hiking, which took 10.5 hours to complete and it was the hottest day I've experienced in four weeks. I knew water was going to be an issue when I had consumed over a quart of water before noon and that was on an easy six mile section.Usually I only drink about three pints on the average day. I have the capability to carry 108 oz., but generally only carry 68 oz. due to the weight issue. Most of the time I can refill along the trail from a stream or spring as needed. But this area I've been hiking the last week has been difficult in knowing where water is available and I've come close to running out of water several times and that can be a problem when you're hiking alone.When I started climbing Brushy Mountain at 1:00, I had 56 oz. of water and a can of Sprite. Two and a half hours later at the top, where the Audie Murphy Monument is located, I was down to only 20 oz. and the closest water was 3.8 miles away. Fortunately it was all down hill and I made it in a hour and a half. This was the second time this week where I was having to ration my water in order to prevent dehydration.
Date: 2013-08-27
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 6.7

On the trail at 8:15. Again today it's hot, at 10:00 it was already 80 and it's only going to get hotter. Even though the mileage was low and I was off the trail by 1:00, today was highlighted by climbing down a near vertical rock face in the area known as the Dragon's Tooth. This was an exercise in rock climbing and descending with a forty pound backpack.After I reached Va. 624, I headed straight to the Catawba Grocery for a double cheese burger with everything on it, my first non hiking food in over seven days. When I had finished lunch I continued on to the hostel, about .7 of a mile away, where I showered and unpacked.Joe, the hostel owner, showed up around 5:00 along with two older women hikers that he had shuttled several days earlier and were coming back to the hostel for the night. Both of these women were missionaries for the Methodist Church. The youngest was in her early sixties and had been section hiking the AT for several years, while the oldest, probably late sixties or early seventies, had completed the trail over a twenty-five year period. Have to give her credit for still having the desire to hike the trail.
Date: 2013-08-28
From: 4 Pines Hostel

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: mist

Tomorrow will finish my marathon nine straight days on the trail. Even though I spent last night in a hostel, I still spent over half a day on the trail. Also noted that I have completed over 700 miles of the AT today, roughly a third of the trail is in the books.I left the hostel this morning in a light rain and was on the trail at 8:50. After about thirty minutes the rain stopped and the sun eventually came out to make it another hot and humid day.The day's highlight came when I reached McAfee Knob. This is an overlook that is, in the opinion of some, the best view in Virginia. The view would have been exceptional, except for the haze. Some day I would like return to the knob for a view in ideal conditions.I thought I was going to have the shelter to myself tonight, but a hiker just came in at 7:00 named Lee. The only time this guy stopped talking was when he paused to eat. I didn't mind it, as it was nice to have someone around to talk to.
Date: 2013-08-29
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville, Va.
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

I left the shelter at 8:15, a little later than usual. I thought today was going to be a good hiking day, but as soon as I was about to leave the shelter, it started to rain. It didn't last long, just enough to get everything wet and make the rest of the morning humid.Lee left the shelter 45 minutes after me, but managed to catch up to me in about two hours. Even though Lee is fifty-eight, he hikes fast and does a lot of miles per day. I managed to keep up with him until we stopped for for lunch at Lambert Meadow Shelter and then departed, as I can't match his pace.I thought I'd never arrive in Daleville, but walked into the Howard Johnson's Express Inn at 6:00. Took a shower, started doing laundry and went across the street to the local Mexican restaurant for dinner. My feet and knees are sore from all the rocks on the trial, hopefully a zero day tomorrow will help them recover.
Date: 2013-08-31
From: Zero Day in Daleville, Va.

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

After breakfast this morning I caught a shuttle to the post office to forward my bounce box. I was on the trail at 8:40 and soon caught up to Slow and Steady and his wife JanGogh from West Virginia. They are the first northbound section hikers that hike my speed and are hiking up to the James River on this section, so there are a possible four or five days where I can hike with someone fairly steady.Today's hike was easy, only one big up and down and the rest of the trail was fairly smooth and flat. The day was topped off with conversation from a local trail maintainer, who was staying at the shelter, Slow and Steady and JanGogh.
Date: 2013-09-01
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

I was up at 6:30 and on the trail at 8:00. Today was another warm day, with late afternoon showers. I hiked all day with Slow and Steady and JanGogh. They hike my speed and distance, so it looks like I'll be spending more days with them, until they leave the trail at Glasgow. Hiking with them has lifted my spirit, I just wish they were going to hike to Waynesboro.Today was the first day hiking next to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail was fairly easy, but I'm always complaining when it's hot and my sweat soaks all my clothes.
Date: 2013-09-02
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: light rain

Up again at 6:30 and on the trail at 8:00. Today was tough, climbed two ups that totaled over 3300 feet. The temps were again in the mid-eighties, which produced a lot of sweat on the ups. Hiked again with Slow and Steady and JanGogh.About 7:00, two southbounders came into the shelter, their trail names are Bright side and DD. Both are in their early twenties and routinely hike 25 - 30 miles a day. They started at Mt. Katahdin, the northern terminus, in early June and are expecting to finish at Springer Mountain before the end of October.
Date: 2013-09-03
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Marble Spring Campsite
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: scattered clouds

A cool front must of come through last night as the temps are cooler and there is a constant wind out of the northwest. Today was the coolest day in over a week, which helped make the hiking more bearable.Today's highlight was the Guillotine. This is a rock that is wedged between two large boulders and the AT goes underneath the hanging rock.Hiked again with Slow and Steady and JanGogh. They leave the trail tomorrow at Glasgow.I'm sleeping in my tent tonight for the first time in over a month. The wind is blowing and the air is cool, so it should be a good night for sleeping.