morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: light rain

4/2/05Allen GapWhen we woke to clouds and wind, I wasn¢t very worried. After all, the sky rained itself dry last night, and the section-hikers from Florida said they saw clear skies on the weather forecast.By the time we walked 3.7 miles there was 3 inches of snow, with more to come, and my raingear had again failed to keep me dry. It was freezing cold, snowing, I was wet, and I was not about to hike from 2500 ft to 4600 feet, 16 miles north, where the snow could be up to a foot deep. If history repeated this early spring snowstorm would be the worst of the season. So, I played the ¢wimp¢ card. Luckily officer Steve Fann of Greene County Sheriff¢s Office was on patrol at Allen Gap. He gave us a ride to South Greene where we sat in front of the Creekside Market and waited for Ryan to come pick us up. We went to town, got warm, at Mexican, watched the Final Four, and got great rest. Thanks, Ryan. You saved us. All through the day, the cold rain reminded me why we got off the trail. I was miserable and would rather have ice picks shoved under my fingernails than keep walking. We¢ll just call today and DO-OVER.I¢m just a Tennessee Walker,Josh Hill
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Allen Gap

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

4/3/0511.6 MilesJerry Cabin ShelterToday we were affirmed a hundred times in our decision to hop off at Allen Gap. The weather was beautiful today and we had some spectacular views. The snow was up to a foot from Viking Mountain fire tower to the shelter. Hiking with Hay and Buckwheat was fun. In the shelter tonight is Jay, Carissa, Bell, Stephen, 1/4 of the way, and Nick. Buckwheat is outside trying out his brand new Hennessey Hammock. I have much to write, but I can save it for a later entry. I¢m going to bed. Today was the perfect DO OVER for yesterday.I¢m just a Tennessee Walker,Josh Hill¢All I wanna do is do my zoom zoom zoom and a boom boom.¢- Wrecks -n- Effect
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

4/4/0514.3 MilesHogback Ridge ShelterWe¢re in the shelter with the same crew tonight and despite our tiredness it¢s a little more lively. Nick is busting out some great sing-along songs by the campfire. Tonight everyone hung food since we saw huge bear tracks in the snow. The was a big bear.Today was difficult hiking. The snow drifts were between 1 and 2 feet deep in some places and our poor feet were shriveled and raisin-y 10 times worse than any bathtub experience. I¢ve had my shoes off for about 2 hours and my feet still feel wet. I think I have blisters on my arches.   The shelter is very crowded tonight: 9 in a ¢sleeps 6!¢There are so many people out here that today I was really craving some privacy, but with all the snow, it¢d be crazy to try to ten.The shelter log chronicled at least two people for whom this snowstorm was the stray that broke the camel¢s back. They quite.   This is such a mental thing; it¢s very important to guard one¢s attitude and ¢play it safe¢ with the weather.I¢m just a Tennessee Walker,Josh Hill¢You can¢t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you just might find you get what you need.¢- Rolling Stones
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Spivey Gap Campsite

To: Chestoa Bridge, ERWIN , TN
Miles today: 11.0

After seeing Miss Janet last night at Spivey Gap, we mentioned to her that we'd like to slackpack in to Erwin. She'd be at the road right after breakfast and would get our bags then. After running into a little trail magic (Mountain Dews in the creek) we sat at Spivey Gap for about 2.5 hours waiting on Miss Janet. At 11:45 am we decided to start walking. It turned out that she showed up 15 minutes after we left! Oh well. We were out of food, so it was sort of like slackpacking anyway. We arrived at Chestoa Bridge by 4:30, caught a ride to Miss Janet's, picked up our maildrop, and rode home with Meredith Harper, who had been waiting for us when we arrived.We're tired and have much to do in town.I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill
Date: 2005-04-07
From: Chestoa Bridge, ERWIN , TN

To: ZERO
Miles today: 0.0

Aren't Zero days supposed to be restful? I swear the stress of town is just crazy! We had a great time in Emory today and accomplished almost everything we set-out to do. It was truly great to see everyone in Emory--all the folkds I wanted to see. I learned that Jim Harrison, Aaron Richardson, and Dr. Reiff were keeping-up with the journal and that I should probably write less about genetalia. Also, I was very excited today to purchase a Martin Backpacker guitar! I know its an extra 3 pounds, but I'll be shedding my winter weight soon. We're also considering buying an ultraviolet water treatment wand. Enough talk about gear. I should wrap-up.To revisit the day: We had a great time in Emory. It was great to see people who have invested such valuable interest in our hike. We love you all! Also, thanks to Ryan Seay, a good friend and reliable shuttle service as well as Chalmer and Meredith Harper (Chalmeredith)for giving us their bed while they slept on the floor. You are good people.I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill"No Quote"
Date: 2005-04-08
From: ZERO

To: ZERO
Miles today: 0.0

The plan was to go to Mahoney's, trade my boots, and go to the trail. It didn't quite work-out that way. When we arrived, we found that they had no size 14's for me to trade to, and that the only pair of 14's in the Tri-Cities area was at Mountain Sports LTD in Bristol, VA. Ryan selflessly scrapped his own hiking plans to drive us to Bristol. When we got there, the staff retreived the boots from "the back," but they didn't fit. Just in case, they went again to "the back" to double check. I knew we were doomed. Stupid clown feet!To my pleasant surprisem they produced 4 options, one of which was my shoe of choice--the Montrail Torre. The boot had been heralded by many as the best boot for narrow heel, wide toe box... my foot exactly. It's Gore-Tex and it fit! This was a great experience because I got a brand-new pair of boots for $10 after I spent the cash from the refund on the Dunhams. David, from Mahoney's, an outfitter in Johnson City, TN was terrific! He played a crutial role in getting my feet into a better-fitting shoe. The impressive thing was that he did not hesitate to give us cash and send us to another store. David, you are a true hikers' friend.It was 2pm by the time it all got fixed, so we decided to rest at Miss Janet's. Wat a cool lady! I think I'm going to spend my time having fun at the hostel, rather than writing about it.I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill"But my lips hurt real bad"--Napolean Dynamite
Date: 2005-04-10
From: Beauty Spot Campsite

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: few clouds

After the party on Beauty Spot, we decided to stay put while everyone else departed. We had the mountain to ourselves, and with the previous shelter 6 miles south, we had a little time alone. We just sat, stared at the horizon, ate breakfast, and took a nap. We finally started at 11 am, then took an hour for lunch at 12. After about 6 miles, we got to the shelter and decided to scrap the plan to do 8 more, continuing to enjoy this beautiful day by parking-it in the shelter for the day. I read 50 pages of Ishmael. I can't wait to dive back in to the book tomorrow; what an interesting read!Tonight at the shelter is a cool crowd of new folks. I didn't get most of their names, but the conversation is top notch. Here's to a great day of laziness!I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill
Date: 2005-04-11
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

I'm not going to be reading tonight because I'm too tired.We woke early and were second out of the shelter, behind Skeeter Feeder. It's nice on a clear day ro be out early because the air is cooler and the birds are singing. We sit tonight inside a 4-walled shelter, the highest shelter on the AT at 6150 ft. Everyone here (Skeeter Feeder, El Jefe, Geronimo, Flip, Bodhi, Sunset, DuBois, and Carolyn) is absolutlely whipped from today's climb. The ascent up here was 3.4 miles straight up. It was a hellish way to end an already difficult day, but it's very rewarding to know that we just did the last 6,000 footer until New Hampshire's Mt. Washington. The forecast for tonight is thunderstorms, so I'm worried about the exposed trekking on Roan's Balds. That section is beautiful, but it's not the place to be during an electrical storm (or any storm). We'll play it safe.Today I started thinking that I should write about how we spend our day. So here it goes:Wake up, get bear bag, pee, cook, eat, pack, get water, wait for treatment, walk, walk, walk. Then, once in a while, Hannah will yell "tree!" to let me know to duck, since I hike with my head down mostly. Walk. Snack break. Water. Walk. "Chaya, no! Chaya, come! Good girl" Walk. "Tree!" Walk. "How far to the shelter?" Reference Wingfoot (guidebook). Lunch break. More of the same until arrival at camp. At camp, we get warm and dry, cook, claim our spots, feed Chaya, get water, eat hang bear bags, socialize, journal, read each other's entries for the day, and kiss goodnight.We;re meeting Ryan at 19E tomorrow, so we're hyped about getting to a buffet. I'm definitely not eating enough. Gladly, that last stretch is behind us forever. We are its pimp. Hopefully that rain will hold-off so we can enjoy the Roan Highlands tomorrow.I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill"Pssst. Roan Mountain, your balds are showing. Bumble Bee Tuna."--Ace Venture 2 (adapted)
Date: 2005-04-12
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: US 19E
Miles today: 15.5

After the long-haul up Roan Mountain yesterday, I was ready for the beautiful balds! To my delight, the rain held-off until the last 2 miles before our destination, making it possible to enjoy the views from Roans many grassy balds. For anyone interested in hiking in beautiful places, I cannot recommend today's hike strongly enough. Today was my favorite section of the trail so far.Ryan met us about 1.5 miles from the car and hiked us to the road by 4:30 pm. We went straight to CiCi's pizza (Welcome to CiCi's), where I devoured 17 pieces of pizza, a cinnamon roll, some baked ziti, and 6 Dr. Peppers (Forrest Gump's record stands) Afterwards we did town chores then enjoyed spending time with Ryan, Christy, Chalmer, and Meredith. Christy let us sleep in her guest bedroom; it was better than Ryan's floor by a longshot.What a day.I'm just a Tennesee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill
Date: 2005-04-13
From: US 19E

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Rain. 18 miles. Full Shelter upon our 9pm arrival. Rain. Dark. Set tent and crashed without dinner. Please, God, intervene and stop the rain. I'm going crazy. We gambled by not camping when we could (in the daylight, out of the rain), but the shelter seemed worth-it to keep our tent dry. I guess if I had to make the decision again I would choose to press-on again. You never know if you don't try."Sometimes the cards ain't worth a damn if you don't lay em down."--The Grateful DeadI'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill
Date: 2005-04-14
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora Hikers Hostel
Miles today: 6.0

7:30 AMFellow Hikers: "All right! 6 mile day to Kincora! Are you going? We're all going to Kincora."Us: "No, we're busting a 16 to Watauga Lake Shelter."9:30 AMFellow Hikers:   "Are you going to Kincora?"Us: "No. We're doing the 16 to Watauga."11:30 AMFellow Hikers: (STILL AT THE SHELTER) "Are you going to kicora? It's only $4."Us: "FOUR DOLLARS!?!? We'll see ya'll there!"We just couldn't resist the temptation to head to Kincora for a short hiking day filled with rest and chill time with our friends of Late: El Jefe, Geranimo, Flip, 42, Carolyn, Nurse Nick, Quarter of the Way, Ranger, Miles McDuff, Porter, Senator, Dad's Grin, and Skeeter Feeder.Just as the boots came off, Bob Peoples (a trail legend and owner of Kincora Hostel. Kincora, by the way, means 'kinship of the heart' in a Celtic language.) said "I need 8 people. There's been a rattlesnake bite in Laurel Fork Gorge!! So we all hopped in, even Leviathan in his flipflops, and drove to the trailhead. We emerged from the vehicle in a hasty jog and went searching. It was a frantic scene, and I kept telling everyong that the least thing we wanted to do was make the victim more freaked-out than he already was. We heard various reports of his location but never found the victim. Two hours and 6 miles later, we met EMS, Carter County Rescue, National Forest Service, and a Sherrif's Deputy at the trailhead. The hikers' car tags had come back stolen, and no hospital reproted a rattlesnake patient. Either there was a law-fleeing victim, or the whole thing was a hoax. At least we gave it our best shot. Bob was proud of our response.When we got back we ate a great meal with the other hikers at the hostel: barbeque chicken, hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill,baked beans, mashed potatoes, salad, and a vegetable medley of zucchini, squash, and onions. We also had great luck with snacks from the hiker box.We're tenting tonight at Bob's serene tent platform on the hill. It's a beautiful spot. Even though it wasn't as relaxing as we'd planned (due to the rattelsnake call), it worked-out pretty well. I'm getting the feeling that it's going to be difficult to leave in the morning.I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill
Date: 2005-04-15
From: Kincora Hikers Hostel

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I was correct about the black-hole-ness of Kincora. A cool place, cool people, and good food spells destruction for our discipline. After scrounging the hiker box goodies for breakfast, we finally departed at 2 pm. Today we were joined by Porter which was a pleasant shift. We normally hike in mostly silence, but today's 10.7 was full of conversation and fast. I think Jefe, Geronimo, and Flip went with Vapor and Nurse Nick. I hope we run into them in Damascus. Tonight in the shelter is Dad's Grip, Waypoint, Porter, Skeeter Feeder, and a gentleman from Apex, North Carolina. I didn't get his name. The older guys are early-to-risers, so I'm going to sleep now to stop pestering them. I hope they help us get up for tomorrow's 21.3 miles. I'm just a Tennesee Walker.Joshua Ashton Hill
Date: 2005-04-16
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, (I know not to start with Well, but I feel like it, so back off) I'm glad we stayed with the older guys last night because they motivated us to be out by 9 or so this morning; this is a post daylight savings time record for us. We hiked ling into the the day, on some beautiful ridges with great lake views. Porter stayed right with us until the Iron Mountain Shelter, where he decided that we were crazy and camped with last nights gang. As we pressed on into the hot, late afternoon, we could feel the effects of our over exertion and dehydration. My face was hot to the touch, sunburned and dry. When would we get there? It was important that we get to double springs shelter for 2 reasons: First, to meet Aaron and Emily and Second, to set ourselves up for a slackpack tomorrow into Damascus.At 7:30 we rolled in at Double Springs Shelter. Little did I know I would have a breakthrough of all breakthroughs.   Upon arrival Aaron asked , "Do you want a PBR?" (Pabst Blue Ribbon) This is normally a terrible beer, but not tonight! As I said yes, surpising even myself, the eyes of my heart were opened and the heavens poured grace eternal when I heard the refreshing sound of the PR poptop open. It was right on the money!!!After dinner, we were treated to Eclairs. Vapor built a "rock star" campfire, and we all stayed up talking about humanity and society. It was a great night and the perfect ending to a long day.Well, I better get some sleep because we're doing another 20 tomorrow. Today's was our first. Two in a row might not be a great idea, but at least it's a slackpack.I'm just a Tennesee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill"When everything goes wrong, and the world is dark, when the woes of your existence outweigh the pros of your existence, be strong of heart and blame it all on the Republicans."--Josh Hill
Date: 2005-04-17
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: DAMASCUS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We did it!!!! We're here in Damascus being treated like royalty by Aaron, Emily, and the Harrisons (who really do live in the first house in town, as one walks northbound on the AT) Tonight we grabbed a shower, hungout, played with the beautiful Harrison children, and ate some "rock star" (tribute to Aaron) enchiladas. It was a blessing to be among people who truly understand our needs, not only physically, but emotionally as well. Tonight we're at Aaron's house (Squirrel Meat SOBO '03) He's giving us his house and car for a couple of days. He said he understands our need for personal space and that is his gift to us, along with tons of food and great times.Today's slackpack was a little rough because I developed some new blisters and had a new level of chafing. I'm glad we had some Burt's Beeswax. It saved my butt, no punn intended. Okay, the pun was intended. Tonight, we're living like royalty. Food is abundant, as is peaceful rest, flexibility, and good mojo. It's bedtime finally!!!I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill"Enchiladas are good"--Hannah
Date: 2005-04-18
From: DAMASCUS!!!!!!!!!!!!

To: ZERO
Miles today: 0.0

After dinner we made it to Aaron's for the night. He gave us a quick tour, and we collapsed in fatigue.This morning we woke, ate, and went back to bed! What a great thing--to wake up well-rested...twice! We eventually went to Emory for lunch at the Deli where we met a large gathering of friends. We had a great time under the gazebo of teh Addison's back yard, the same place where we had our wedding reception. Once I managed to peel myself from the chair, I went to the library to type and post my journals. It took 3 hours, and I'm not a slow typer. For that reason, I am making it a goal to embrace brevity. Long story made short: We ate dinner at Bella's.   Mmmmm. Then, we crashed early.I'm just a Tennessee Walker.Joshua Ashton Hill
Date: 2005-04-19
From: DAMASCUS!!!!!!!!!!!!

To: ZERO
Miles today: 0.0

This morning was a little more frantic and less relaxed than yesterday. We had done no resupply errands and hadn't packed maildrop food, and we needed to do it in a hurry if we were to accomplish 100% completion of our task list.After a delicious breaskfast of eggs and cornbread we got busy with the process: unpack, sort, repackage. There was a lot of work to do, considering mom had packed a good bit more food than we needed. Just as we were getting finished Aaron rolled up with Jim. Aaron had the day off and was dedicating his entire day to throwing a Suchi Bash at his house this evening. Watching the sushi construction process was far too much distraction for me, so we weren't as productive as I had hoped.Nevertheless (can one say 'alwaysthemore?')we finally got to Damascus--MRO, Mount Rogers Outfitterswas our meeting place with Jim, and we scoped our new gear. Jeff at the outfitter needed a little more time with us, so he suggested that we come back in the morning. I said to myself, "Self, this looks like a bona fide excuse to stay in Damascus another day. You should do it!"We drove back to Aaron's for the Sushi Bash. Lots of cools folks were there, and a good time was had by all. And...Scene.I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill"I think I'm turning Japanese. I think I'm turning Japanese. I really think so."
Date: 2005-04-20
From: DAMASCUS!!!!!!!!!!!!

To: Damascus Slack back
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Goodbye, Emory. Goodbye, Aaron. Goodbye, money.We spent some serious cash today, but I think the change was necessary. I got a new pack, bag, and tent. Hannah got a new bag , and we both got new shoes. I learned that I had been carrying up to 50 lbs., but I was in denial. I cut 10 solid pounds. But what is the cost vs return ratio of hiking the AT? Pure return.All our stuff, old and new, is sitting on the front porch at Jim's. We did a short southbound slackpack back into Damascus, where we'll be camping in Jim and Alise's yard to test the new gear.dinner at the Baja cafe was most excellent. If it makes me have intestinal problems, then at least I have a quick access vestibule now. Man! This Western Mountaineering bag is sexy. Goodnight.One last thought. If there are any people in the world who are better than trail people, it's Emory & Henry people. And when you get someone who is both an Emory person and a trail person...watch out!Aaron, Jim, Alise, thank you. Really.I'm just a Tennessee Walker.Joshua Ashton Hill"Cubs win! Cubs win!"                     --Harry Carey
Date: 2005-04-21
From: DAMASCUS!!!!!!!!!!!!

To: Whitetop Mountain
Miles today: 13.0

The good folks at Sundog Outfitters provided a shuttleback to the trail where we hit the ground...sitting. Lunch was first on the docket, since we had to wait for the shuttle to leave and return, delivering the poles I'd left in the store. Since we have 28 million pounds of food, I ate all I could, much like the fat man in that Monty Python sketch. Thankfully, I didn't explode. It's great to be back on the trail. We're camping tonight at a spot where I've always wanted to stay. There's a groovy view to the east and a rocking spring only 20 feet away.   The clouds are getting dark, and we can hear thunder in the distance. At 5400 feet, totally exposed, that could mean trouble. I guess this is a good first test for our gear. I'm wearing every stitch of clothing I own in my new 35 degree bag. It's raining and dark now; time to exercise brevity.I'm just a Tennessee Walker.Joshua Ashton Hill