morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-07-04
From: North Woodstock

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Happy 4th of July. Seneca and I started out from North Woodstock Franconia Notch. We crossed part of the Presidential Range including Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Washington. We hiked 13 miles today -- big slow down because of big climbs. Fog and clouds covered Mt. Washington. Large rocks and boulders, but we made it to Galehead Hut where we worked for stay.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-05
From: Galehead Hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: mist

We started from Galehead Hut -- first one we had experienced with work for stay -- and went 14.5 miles today. Lots of downhill hiking, knees are taking a pounding. A hard day both mentally and physically, but will make it through. Our work for stay included working the compost pile, sweeping the floor and straightening out blankets in the bunks. Happy birthday, Chad Donner. Goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-06
From: Crawford Notch

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 18.5

Started out from hostel at Crawford Notch. Saw a bull moose on the way to the trail head. We got a guy to drive us to trail head to start hiking the Presidential Range. We hiked 18.5 miles -- crossed Mt. Washington which has had the worst weather in the world. I saw snow on the ground there. Got to Madison Hut late, around 7:45 p.m. They said we could work for stay (offered only to thru-hikers). More rocks, wind blowing and fog rolled in. Got really tired today, not my usual pep. Good night.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-07
From: Madison Hut

To: Wildcat Mountain
Miles today: 10.0

Started out from Madison Hut at 9:30 a.m. Seneca, Bill, Montreal and I shook blankets and swept the floor for stay, which includes dinner and breakfast. We hiked only about 10 miles today, big climbs and lots of rocks, slow going. We are staying on Wildcat Mountain -- Montreal is staying with Seneca and me -- we are drying things out. Am thinking about John and Karrie and Austin today. Goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-08
From: Wildcat Mountain

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: fog

Started out at ski resort where we stealth camped. Got an early start around 5.45 a.m. Big, long climbs and declines, probably the hardest yet. My knees hurt from the downhill pounding. Hopefully will rest when we get to Gorham, N.H. Arrived in Gorham around 5:00 p.m. before the rain came in. We are staying at the barn (hostel). We had dinner, took showers and called home, not necessarily in that order. Good to talk to home.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-09
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero day--yippy! Still woke up early -- had the hiker's special for breakfast at the restaurant. Got my food drop -- thanks. Staying at the barn (hostel) $16 a night including shower and towel. Went to the usual when you get to town -- outfitters, grocery store and ice cream shop plus another call home. Will try to get an early start back on the trail. Less than 300 miles to go, but still tough miles. Am looking forward to Mahoosuc Notch, what they say is the toughest mile of the whole trail.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-10
From: Gorham, NH

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Started out from Gorham, NH. We took a taxi to the trail head and started hiking at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast at the barn, our own food. Hiked 17 miles today, finally made it to Maine. Only 281 miles left. Big boulders, very wet and muddy because it has been raining the last 18 hours. I missed a rock and stepped in mud up to my knees. I am very tired and going to bed -- we are staying at Carlo Col Shelter. Goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-11
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Speck Pond Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Started out at Carlo Col Shelter. We made it through the famour toughest mile of the whole trail, the Mahoosuc Notch (including ice and snow) to Speck Pond Shelter. We hiked only 9.5 miles today starting at 6:00 a.m. until about 4:15 p.m. We met some more south bounders. Tough day but made it without incidents. Looking forward to Andover Maine maybe by Wednesday. It's almost 8:00 p.m. -- Goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-12
From: Speck Pond Shelter

To: Andover ME
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Started out at Speck Pond Shelter. Paladin is with Seneca and me. We hiked 15 miles today and got a ride into Andover, ME with a couple with 2 kids. All three of us climbed into their car, and they drove us to Pine Ellis in Andover, about 8 miles away from the Trail. Andover is a small town but with a restaurant where we ate supper and maybe breakfast tomorrow. Seneca's brother is coming tomorrow to hike with us. It will be slower going -- I might take a zero day and catch up with them later. All for now.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-13
From: Andover ME

To: Black Brook Notch
Miles today: 10.0

Started out from Pine Ellis Hostel in Andover, ME. Great little town. We ate at the restaurant last night and again for breakfast this morning. We got a late start around 11:30 a.m. on the trail. We hiked 10 miles today across Wyman Mountain and Moody Mountain. We camped at Black Brook Notch -- pitched our tents and ate supper. Short day -- goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-14
From: Black Brook Notch

To: Gull Pond Hostel
Miles today: 13.5

Started out at 7:00 a.m., later than normal. Seneca's brother Gary is hiking with us. We climbed Old Blue Mountain, across Elephant Mountain, Bemis Mountain. We got off on Hwy 17 after hiking about 13.5 miles today. We are staying at Gull Pond Hostel in Rangely, ME. Buzz and Pinetree are here also. We are going out for supper and hitting the trail tomorrow. Paladin is hiking with Seneca and me. Got to go -- Goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-15
From: Gull Pond Hostel

To: Eddy Pond Campsite
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Happy Birthday to my sister Caroline in Princeton. Started out from Hwy 17 from Rangeley. Seneca's brother gave us a ride to the trail head. He was glad he isn't hiking with us today. We hiked 17 miles today to Eddy Pond Campsite. I have a spring right next to my tent. Saw two moose, one last night and one this morning, but they disappeared into the woods before I got pictures. Tomorrow the Saddleback Mountains. Goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-16
From: Eddy Pond Campsite

To: Crocker Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 21.0

Started out at Eddy Pond where we tented. My tent rods to hold up the tent broke so I just used rope to hold it up. When things go wrong, they seem to happen all at once -- my cork handles on my hiking pole came loose. I'll try to glue them back on. Otherwise we went 21 miles today, long day. We hiked over Saddleback, Horn, Saddleback Jr., Lone and Spaulding Mountains all today. Fell twice twisting both ankles and hit my knee on a stump, but I'm okay, just bruised. Goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-17
From: Crocker Mountain Campsite

To: White Wolf Inn, Stratton, ME
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Started out at Crocker Mountain Campsite where we pitched our tents. Paladin and Seneca are still with me. We hiked 7 1/2 miles to Hwy 27 where we were going to hitchhike into Stratton, but James Hyatt (my cousin) was there waiting for us -- nice trail magic!! He drove us into Stratton, ME, where we are staying the night. Did the usual -- call home, laundry, shower, EATING. Tomorrow the Bigalows Mountains. Good day -- ankle and knee bother a little, but I'll make it.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-18
From: White Wolf Inn, Stratton, ME

To: Little Bigalow Leanto
Miles today: 15.5

Started out from Stratton and hike to Little Bigalow Leanto (shelter) -- 15.5 miles. Am thinking of my Godmother Ruby's funeral today which my wife Diane is attending. A little sprinkle today otherwise pretty nice. Down to 172.5 miles left. Sleeping in shelter tonight. Early start tomorrow. Good night -- will be home soon.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-19
From: Little Bigalow Leanto

To: Northern, Caratuck, ME
Miles today: 21.0

Started out at Little Bigalow Shelter -- lots of mice throughout the night -- didn't sleep well. Hiked 21 miles today -- crossed the Kennebec River by Ferry, which is a requirement because it is too deep and too swift to ford. Good day because we have only 151 more miles to go. Tomorrow we'll hit it again. Heading for Monson -- should be there in 2 to 3 days. Goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-20
From: Northern, Caratuck, ME

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Started out from Northern, the place we stayed in Caratuck, ME. They had a buffet breakfast which we partook in -- we all ate our fill. We were on the trail by 8:00 a.m., arrived at Moxie Bald Lean-to by 5:00 p.m. We hiked 19 miles today. Am staying in my tent tonight by Bald Mountain Pond, a lake like in northern Minnesota. No major wounds today so it was a good day. Well Goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-21
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: broken clouds

Started out early (5:30 a.m.) from Moxie Bald Lean-to (except that we tented because of mice and mosquitoes). No big climbs today, but a lot of trail was small ups and downs. Part of the trail followed a river, which was kind of nice. We had to ford (wade) through three corssings of the river -- just walk through with our shoes on. We made it to Monson, ME, the last town on the trail. We hiked 17.9 miles today. Tomorrow we start the 100-mile wilderness, no roads (except logging roads) and no towns. We have 114.5 miles left to hike. Goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-22
From: Monson, ME

To: Cloud Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Monson, ME from Shaw's and started on the trail at 7:30 a.m. Had a 4 x 4 breakfast -- 4 eggs, 4 strips bacon, 4 sausages, 4 slices French toast and 4 scoops of potatoes -- ate it all. We made it to Cloud Pond Lean-to -- we hiked 19.2 miles today. We're in the Barren Chairback Mountain Range, less than 100 miles left to hike. Trail isn't maintained very well here, with blowdowns, mudholes and growth over the trail. Forded Big Wilson Stream -- water was up to my waist. Tenting tonight by a pond -- frogs are loud. Goodnight and God bless.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-23
From: Cloud Pond Lean-to

To: Carl Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Started at Cloud Pond tent site and hike to Carl Newhall Lean-to. We went 18 miles today -- nice day, sunny. Fording another river, making it with wet socks and shoes. Tomorrow we will face pretty good climbs and declines so we are going to bed early. Goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-24
From: Carl Newhall Lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Started from Carl Newhall Lean-to and hiked 19 miles today arriving at Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to. We stayed in the shelter right next to Cooper Brook Falls -- nice falls. Had six good climbs and decends -- last couple of miles were easier. Paladin still with Seneca and me, which is good company. Saw a porcupine today right in the middle of the trail. Got pictures, pretty close to it.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-25
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 14.1

Started at Cooper Brook Lean-to and hiked 14.1 miles today to White House Landing. It rained almost all day. We started very early and finished th 14.1 miles by 11:30 a.m. For lunch we each had a one pound cheeseburger and for supper we each had a 14" pizza. I weighed myself -- 169 pounds. I started in March at Springer Mountain weighing 195 pounds. Have lost 26 pounds during the hike. We are staying inside in a cabin, nice and dry. Goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-26
From: White House Landing

To: Rainbow Spring Campsite
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Started out at White House Landing at 8:30 a.m. and hiked to Rainbow Spring Campsite. Did 20.5 miles today and are tenting tonight. Took a swim in Rainbow Lake to clean off. No rain today, but still mud from yesterday. Getting tired, seems like I'm always tired at night. I hear the loons on the lake. Well goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-27
From: Rainbow Spring Campsite

To: Birches Campground
Miles today: 20.2

Started out from Rainbow Springs Campsite with Seneca, Paladin and Jorey. We woke up early (as usual). Hike 20.2 miles today, camping at Birches Campground. We checked in at Baxter State Park Boundary to sign in at our campsite at Birches Campground, where only the first 12 people can stay -- we were # 7, 8, 9, and 10 -- made it in time! Looking forward to tomorrow when we climb Katahdin. Happy Birthday, Jon LaPine. Goodnight.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-28
From: Birches Campground

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: few clouds

Good morning. Today is the day we've been waiting for. We started out at 6:30 a.m. and began to climb Katahdin Mountain, the end of the Appalachian Trail for northbounders. We started at 1200' and climbed to the summit at 5267' in 5.2 miles. In some areas it is almost straight up, but we figured just another mountain. Seneca, Paladin, Jorey and I all went together and had a toast (mine was a Miller Lite)at the summit, the highest peak in Maine. I was the 45th hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail in 2005 thanks to lots of hard work and determination and the support and encouragement of fellow hikers, my family and friends and trail journal readers. Good day and God bless!Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-07-29
To: HOME!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Seneca and I hiked together for 4 1/2 months to complete the Appalachian Trail. Each of the 14 states had its different challenges, and they were all tough. We tried to stay focused on the trail.I want to thank all the people who signed my guest book, who followed my journey, who provided trail magic (sodas in streams and coolers, rides into towns, help with equipment, hostels and much more), my sister and brother-in-law for delivering me to Springer Mountain in Georgia, Seneca's wife for driving me from Mt. Katahdin to their home in Rochester, NY, my daughters for helping with pictures and mail drops and especially my wife for sticking by me, sending food supplies, maps and more to me and bringing me HOME from Rochester, NY. Thanks to all my fellow thru-hikers (especially Seneca from beginning to end) who I met and made a big impact on my thru-hike.If anyone has a dream to hike the trail, as I did, fulfill your dream and do it! You can do it, I can do it.Eiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!!
Date: 2005-03-17
From: HOT SPTINGS N.C.

To: SPRING MT. SHELTER
Miles today: 11.0

I STARTED OUT THIS SECTION LIKE THE LAST ,WITH A 50$ ,10 HOUR BUS RIDE. I WAS PICKED UP AT ASHEVILLE BY THE BLUFF MT. OUTFITTER AND BEGAN MY HIKE IN THE RAIN AT MIDDAY. I COULD NOT WAIT TO GET HERE SO I AM A MONTH EARLY AND I EXPECT HARSHER WEATHER. SNOWED JUST I LITTLE BEFORE I GOT TO SPRING MT. SHELTER. I AM IN FRONT OF THE SPRING CROWD. EARLYBIRD (N.H.) IS THE ONLY OTHER HIKER I HAVE SEEN ALL DAY. TO COLD TO JOURNAL ANYMORE. THE ADVENTURE HAS BEGUN.
Date: 2005-03-18
From: SPRING MT. SHELTER

To: JERRY CABIN SHELTER
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: few clouds

FIRST DAY WAS TOUGH ON THE BODY, SO WAS THE SECOND. HIKED 15.5 MILES TO JERRY CABIN SHELTER. WET TRAIL TODAY FROM MELTOFF. 3 MI. INTO THE DAY I SAW A SMALL SIGN REPORTING OF "MAGIC" JUST UP YHE ROAD AT A RECENT THRU-HIKER COUPLES HOME.I HAVE ONLY BEEN OUT 2 DAYS.I DONT NEED THE MAGIC BUT CANNOT RESIST MEETING THESE KIND FOLKS. WE TALKED AS THEY FED ME STEW,FOUND OUT HER FATHER USED TO LIVE IN MY HOME TOWN OF KOKOMO IN.!WALKING ABOVE THEN BELOW THE SNOWLINE WAS A NEAT WALK. ALSO AN OPEN ROCKY RIDGE W/CLIFFS. THE ONLY OTHER HIKER OF THE DAY WAS EARLYBIRD.I HAVE GOT MY LIPTON COOKED AND AM IN FOR THE NIGHT. THE MICE CAME OUT BEFORE I WAS EVEN DONE COOKING. ANOTHER COLD NIGHT IN BAG+BIVY AND ALL THE GEAR I CAN WEAR.
Date: 2005-03-19
From: JERRY CABIN SHELTER

To: NEAR HOGBACK SHELTER
Miles today: 15.5

HIKED A TOUGH 15.5 MILES TODAY, EATING SNOW TO KEEP THE CORE TEMP. LOW. SWEATING IS NOT GOOD AT THESE TEMPERATURES, IT ONLY FREEZES WHEN I STOP. MET BIG DADDY D , HE PACKS MOUSE TRAPS. HE KEEPS A TALLY. I AM OUT IN THE TARPTENT TONIGHT WITH A COOL 41' EVENING. I SAW A SNOWMAN TODAY ON A 5,000' SUMMIT. I LAUGHED SO HARD THAT I CRIED. IT WAS 5' TALL(REAL WORK). STAYING NEAR HOGBACK SHELTER TONIGHT. THE FIRE WAS NICE. I HAD A GOURMET SNACK OF BAGEL DIPPED IN HOT COCOA!
Date: 2005-03-20
From: NEAR HOGBACK SHELTER

To: SPIVY GAP
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

HIKED 15 MILES TODAY. I AM TIRED OF WALKING IN SLUSH. I AM TENTING OUT. THE SHELTERS ARE SPACED TO FAR TODAY.THERE IS NOT ENOUGH DAYLIGHT AND THE CONDITIONS ARE NOT TO BAD. I HAVE WALKED 4 DAYS AND SEEN ONLY 2 OTHER NORTHBOUNDERS. TONIGHT I AM SOLO UNDER THE PINES NEXT TO A STREAM. CLOSER TO A ROAD THAN I WOULD LIKE (TROUBLE?) BUT I CANNOT BE SEEN.TOMORROW I HIKE TO A HOSTEL AND A TOWN. TONIGHTS GOURMET IS OATMEAL MIXED WITH HOT COCOA. THE OWLS AND COYOTES ARE ACTIVE TONIGHT.
Date: 2005-03-21
From: SPIVY GAP

To: UNCLE JOHNNY'S NOLICHUCKY HOSTEL
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I WENT DOWN TO THE STREAM LAST NIGHT FOR A HILLBILLY PEDICURE,2 BLISTERS FROM SLUSH WALKING. I CAN HEAR TRAIN HORNS TONIGHT THAT MEANS I AM CLOSER TO TOWN.I MADE IT TO ERWIN ON A NICE 11 MILE DAY. GOT A BUNK AT UNCLE JOHNNY'S. A COOL LITTLE HOSTEL WITH ALMOST ALL YOU NEED.THERE IS A CAT NAMED HILARY SO MICE SHOULD BE SCARCE. I HIKED WITH A DOG NAMED SOLO TODAY, HE WOULD NOT STOP FOLLOWING SO HIS OWNER YELLED "DONT WORRY ,HE WILL TURN OFF AT THE FARM". I ENJOYED THE COMPANY BUT WAS NERVOUS OF HIM NOT TURNING AT THE FARM! THE OWNERS HERE GAVE ME A RIDE TO TOWM(3 MI.), WHERE I ATE MEXICAN AND WANDERED AROUND TOWN AS HOBOS DO.I WENT TO DOLAR GENERAL TO REPLACE MY OLD SLIPPERS (DUCT TAPE) BUT JUST COULDNT. GOT A SUBWAY TO TAKE BACK FOR A MIDNIGHT SNACK. THE CAT HAS ALREADY NESTLED IN, THE PAYPHONE IS BROKE HERE (GRRR!) I WILL HAVE TO MAKE CALLS IN THE MORNING . I WOULD HOOF IT BUT I HAVE SENT ALL MY LAUNDRY HOME WITH THE OWNERS (THEY ARE NOT QUITE OPEN YET).THERE IS ALSO NO FIREWOOD IN THE BUNKHOUSE, AND IT IS NEAR FREEZING TONIGHT.PAYING YET STILL COLD? NO COMPLAINTS HERE!
Date: 2005-03-22
From: UNCLE JOHNNY'S NOLICHUCKY HOSTEL

To: CHERRY GAP SHELTER
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I HAD THE PLACE TO MYSELF LASTNIGHT UNTIL I HEARD NOISE ON THE PORCH. I HOPPED UP AND MET J-BIRD. HE HAS HIKED THIS TRAIL NORTH AND SOUTH.THE CONVERSATION WAS WELCOME AFTER MANY SOLO MILES. MADE MY CALLS IN THE MORNING AND HIKED 16.2 MILES, THE LAST 6 BEING IN THE RAIN. A COUPLE OF FRIENDLY FACES I KNOW IN THE SHELTER TONIGHT. ITS NICE TO COME IN FROM THE RAIN. MY LEFT INSEAM OF MY RAINGEAR RIPPED TODAY ON A 5100' MT. TOP. IT FLAPPED WILDLY AND LET THE LEFT LEG FREEZE. THE FORECAST IS FOR RAIN TOMORROW. IN FOR A COLD NIGHT AT 3900'
Date: 2005-03-23
From: CHERRY GAP SHELTER

To: ROAN SHELTER
Miles today: 16.0

WOKE WITH THE SUN AND HIKED OUT HAPPY. THEN THE RAIN CAME ON MY 1Oth MILE AND I STILL HAD 2 MONSTER CLIMBS.TOOK A BREAK AT CLYDE SMITH SHELTER AND HOOKED UP WITH BIG-DADDY D. WE DECIDED TO HIKE THROUGH THE STORM TOGETHER. HE IS INSPIRING AND INFORMATIVE (WEATHER RADIO,ALT.,EXP.) HE IS 50 CARRYING 55 LBS. TODAY WAS THE MOST MISERABLE WALK YET. STORMY AT 5,300' THEN WORSE AT6,200' WHERE WE ARE HUNKERED DOWN IN THIS 4 SIDED WITH LOFT. STILL STORMING HARD. IN WITH THE ONLY NOTHBOUNDERS YET;BIG-DADDY D, JUICEKEY(FRESH FROM ARMY),EARLYBIRD(TEACHER).WELL THEY SAY IT HAS DROPPED BELOW FREEZING IN THE SHELTER SO AM ZIPPING UP FOR SOME MORE SHIVERING.
Date: 2005-03-24
From: ROAN SHELTER

To: APPLE HOUSE SHELTER
Miles today: 14.5

FIRST MILES WERE TOUGH OFF THE KNOB OFTEN STEPPING THROUGH 2' OF SNOW INTO SHALLOW RUNOFF WATER. WET FEET ARE NOT HAPPY.BOOTS WERE NOT DRY THIS MORNING ANYWAY. THEN THE SUN CAME OUT AND 60`. STOPPED AT OVERMOUNTAIN SHELTER FOR A SNACK AND MET WEEKENDERS WITH A CATTLEDOG. THEY GAVE ME A TALL MT. DEW! I HIKED OUT AS 12 OUTWARD BOUND KIDS CAME HIKING IN.ON TO APPLE HOUSE SHELTER WHERE I AM TENTING OUT WITH THE SOUND OF THE STREAM (NOT SNORING). MET ROB AND HIS DOG OTTO AT THE SHELTER. WE WATCHED THE DOG WHILE HE HITCHED TO TOWN FOR BEER. WHAT A PAL. GLAD TO BE OUT OF THE ELEVATIONS,I HAVE USED EVERY PIECE OF GEAR IN MY PACK. BOOTS SHOULD BE DRY TOMORROW.
Date: 2005-03-25
From: APLLE HOUSE SHELTER

To: MORELAND GAP SHELTER
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

A VERY LONG 18 MILE DAY. WEATHER TURNED NICE AND 60. COOL WATERFALLS TODAY. I GOT IN THE MORELAND GAP SHELTER AT DARK. IN WITH BIG-D ,AND JUICEKEY. WE ARE ALL GOING LIGHT TOMORROW TO KINCORA AND TOWN.
Date: 2005-03-26
From: MORELAND GAP SHELTER

To: KINCORA HOSTEL
Miles today: 6.0

DID A QUICK 6 MILES WITH NO BREAK. WE ALL GOT IN ABOUT THE SAME TIME. WE CLEANED THE FRIDGE OF THE LEFTOVERS FROM OUR FRIENDS A DAY AHEAD OF US.KINCORA IS A GREAT HOSTEL RAN BY THE BEST IN TRAIL MAINTINANCE. BOB PEOPLES RAN US TO TOWN AFTER NO CARS CAME DOWN HIS ROAD FOR 30MIN. WE WENT TO THE RESTURAUNT IN TOWN THEN HIT THE DOLLAR GENERAL.WE OFTEN JUST STAND IN FRONT OF THE STORE AND EAT. WE THEN GRABBED SOME BEERS AND HEADED DOWN TO THE CREEK.(HOBOS).THEN TO THE MA+PA GROCERY WHERE I SCORED SOME BEEF TIPS W/VEGGIES FOR A LATE SNACK.
Date: 2005-03-27
From: KINCORA HOSTEL

To: VANDEVENTER SHELTER
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

WOKE EARLY TO THE SMELL OF COOKING. BIG-D WAS ON EGGS,CHICKEN,BEEF TIPS. JUICEKEY WAS ON PANCAKES ,LOTS OF PANCAKES. BIG-D STAYED FOR A 9 MILE EASTER SLACK WHICH WAS TEMPTING BUT I MUST MOVE ON. HIKED 18 MILES TO VANDEVENTER SHELTER. IT WAS A LONG DAY AROUND LAKE WATUGA.BAD WEATHER MOVING IN ON ME AND JUICE. THIS SHELTER IS THE SITE OF A MURDER, VERY CREEPY SLEEPING HERE IN A STORM.
Date: 2005-03-28
From: VANDEVENTER SHELTER

To: DOUBLE SPRING SHELTER
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

WELL THE RAIN AND WIND DID NOT LET UP AT ALL OVERNIGHT.TWO LARGE BRANCHES FELL ON THE SHELTER AND SCARED US TO DEATH.I EXPECTED A PUNCTURED ROOF BUT FOUND NO HOLES.JUICEKEY HEADED OUT IN THE RAIN THIS MORNING. I WAITED AN HOUR BUT IT DID NOT MATTER, IT RAINED ALL OF MY 14.5 MILE DAY. WIND HAS ADDED TO THE COLD TODAY.I HAVE WET GEAR HANGING EVERYWHERE IN THE DOUBLE SPRINGS SHELTER. THOUGHT I HAD IT TO MYSELF BUT EARLYBIRD SLIPPED IN AT DUSK. THERE ARE A LOT OF MICE REPORTS IN THIS REGISTER, WE WILL SEE.. BIG DADDY-D HAS HIS MOUSE TRAP KILL NUMBER UP TO 31!
Date: 2005-03-29
From: DOUBLE SPRING SHELTER

To: DAMASCUS VA.
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

HIKED A LONG 18 MILE DAY INTO TOWN. HAD TO PUT ON WET GEAR AND DRY ON THE FLY.DAMASCUS WAS A PRETTY TOWN TO DESCEND ON. PURE WHITE BUILDINGS WITH BRIGHT RED ROOFS.GOT A ROOM AT MT. ROGERS OUTFITTER HOSTEL.THEN OUT FOR LIBRARY,FOOD AND LAUNDRY WITH EARLYBIRD AND JUICEKEY. BEFORE WE WERE DONE WITH FOOD AND BEVERAGE BIG-D HAD CAUGHT UP WITH US.A FUN NIGHT IN TOWN.
Date: 2005-03-30
From: DAMASCUS VA.

To: POND 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

WOKE FROM GOOD SLEEP. HAD A FULL BREAKFAST UP THE HILL AT THE DAIRY KING. GOT MY MAIL DROP FROM THE P.O. AND PACKED UP MY DRY GEAR THEN HEADED OUT INTO A SUNNY 70 DEGREE DAY . I GOT OUT OF TOWN EARLY BUT ONLY WENT 11 MILES TO A NICE LITTLE POND. I PIDDLED ALL DAY SOAKING MY FEET IN THE STREAMS AND ENJOYING THE WEATHER. ALMOST STEPPED ON A SNAKE TODAY (AGAIN). MY NEIGHBORS AROUND THE POND TONIGHT ARE EARLYBIRD AND BOOMERANG.I HAVE NOT MET AS MANY HIKERS AS LAST YEAR.I HAVE STARTED EARLIER IN THE SEASON. THE WEATHER HAS THREATENED SO MUCH THAT I HAVE TENTED OUT ONLY 4 OF 13 NIGHTS
Date: 2005-03-31
From: POND 

To: WISE SHELTER
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: light rain

GOOD SLEEP LAST NIGHT WITH JUST A LITTLE RAIN. IT STOPPED JUST AS I CRAWLED OUT TO PREPARE MY OATMEAL. HIKED WITH EARLYBIRD AND BOOMERANG MOST OF THE DAY SO I COULD GET MORE THAN SELF-PICS. WE STASHED OUR PACKS AND SUMMITED MT. ROGERS THEN CROSSED THROUGH THE GRAYSON HIGHLANDS. WE SAW SEVERAL FERAL PONIES. I ACTUALLY PETTED ONE THEN HE GOT EXCITED AND MOSIED OFF. THEN WE HIKED THROUGH THE FAT-MAN SQUEEZE. THESE FEATURES ENERGIZED ME THROUGH A 24 MILE DAY. WHEN THE WEATHER THREATENS I TEND TO SCURRY ALONG AND GET MORE MILES.