morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-17
From: fox creek

To: dickie gap
Miles today: 10.5

great day ruff but great.my engergy was drained this day i know shocking.it was hard to take even the slitest step.still have a bruise.we saw a ruffled growse.and it's babies how cool.it had startled me as i past i had not known she was there.jean got tons of pics.were headed to gatlen burg now.to take a break.
Date: 2005-06-18
From: dickie gap

To: gatlin burg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

wow what a day we rode the trolley into town were we started are day off at ripley's aquirium that was fun.we pet stingrays.i've done it before but it was still fun. then headed to ripley's hounted house that was so much fun.these to people stood behind us and pushed into eachother cause a guy was trying to eat their flesh oh my god what babies.joking.then things poped out at us we expected that.then we walked into the lighted hall and laughted about it we all hopped into the elovator and the doors opened to a guy with a chainsaw and it was all over.then we head to the ripley's beleive it or not.and the first thing we saw was a mirror saying if you have surtain geans you can pull your lip over your nose so of course everyone trys as they pass the mirror.then by the end of the mussium we see a window were on the other side we see people attempting to pull their lips over their noses.and realise it was a one way mirror and we stood there for hours making a total idiot of yourself.infront of a bunch of people.then we got tatoos just for my dad for fathers day.love you dad!jeans fault.
Date: 2005-06-20
From: bentonville

To: canoeing
Miles today: 0.0

we paddled or canoeing butts off,but we made it to a campground before dark.the campground was pretty cool it had a tire swing and yes a toilet.i borrowed someones mp3 player for an hour yep i am talking this hard work pretty easily.lol.we sat around the camp fire eating smores for rest of the night.we left bisbee with the lost yankey because he doesn't like water and theres no deers here.
Date: 2005-06-21
From: canoeing

To: canoeing
Miles today: 0.0

wow these people are strange and when i say these people i am includeing myself.we linked our canoes together so we formed a snake.jean and i were in the back.we went over a rapid linked and the last two canoes got stuck guess who that was?we caught a turtle and played with him for a while and started calling him stumpy because he was missing two of his legs.then we released him into the water where we found him.then at our campground we meet with a stray dog that moss did not get along with.
Date: 2005-06-23
From: canoeing

To: canoeing
Miles today: 0.0

THE BIG LET DOWN!we were so looking forward to the class 2 rapids.we were warned were dangerous and we should be very careful.but these were just so easy it wasn't even funny how easy they were.the night before our campsite left us sleeping with the cows yuck hopefully the camps get better.p.s cows are eveil.p.s.s not as bad as ponies.
Date: 2005-06-24
From: canoeing

To: canoeing
Miles today: 0.0

wow i am a gigantic loser i can't beleive i didn't jump.right as we were leaving camp we remembered we never tried out the tire swing.so we turned around and almost all of us tried it out all except me.i climbed up and down the stupid tree trying to get myself to jump ,but i just couldn't.jean yelled up to me you don't want us to change your trail name to chicken or tuna do you.i said i don't mind.then sweep yells "me neither dog tag".she was scared too.then we left for our yet another big let down the 2 foot drop.we went over that like a peice of cake.make good choices!
Date: 2005-06-26
From: mnt.rodger's headquarters

To: atkins
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

we hiked and we saw two fawns bis only chased one ,but did not touch it he got away from my grip on his leash.i have rope burn to prove that he is a leash dog mister write about my dog not being aloud on the trail non putter name down what are you scaed of.ok i'll be nice now that i got that off my chest just joking you were only speaking your mind.not!you just don't like me or my dog.how could you not were adorable.make good choices.
Date: 2005-06-27
From: atkins

To: paviloin
Miles today: 9.6

wow three turtles and four salamanders,a beautiful butterfly,a bunch of cats completely covering the house we past.a giant pig.pretty kool.you wish you were here don't you?make good choices i'm the nicest person alive disreguard the last entry i was boared and mad at that person because i am pretective of my dog thats all.
Date: 2005-02-13
To: The Appalachian Trail Georgia to Maine 05 
Miles today: 0.0

GEORGIA TO MAINE!!!!! After surviving 2175 Miles..and then some, over 5,000,000 hard earned steps, 14 States, so many towns, so Many Trees, so many roots, rocks, ups, downs, 6.5 monthsout in the wilderness(how many SURVIVOR episodes would that be?)....I have finished..I am a Thru-Hiker. ....and "all" I got was a tiny patch...well, and 5000 pictures, 100's of friends, and many many adventurous memories. God feet that still have not healed. (Did I mention all those friends?)Welcome all ...and expecially the pilgrims of life. Please read,I will try to keep you entertained and mildly amused. Sign my guest book, steal pics, send money or simply read in silence and "Live Vicariously through Me.""My hike was dedicated to promote awareness of brain aneurysms due to the unfortunate reality of brain aneurysms effecting my mother and grandmother. Please take some time out of your busy schedule to visit http://www.bafound.org to learn more about Domino's cause. Find out! Make Sure!"Hey, tell a friend and visit the other journal sites. There are lots of journeys here at Trail Journals.To make a contribution to future adventures for Brain Aneurysm Awareness please click here.BA Found Button
Date: 2005-03-24
From: Helen, GA

To: Blueberry Patch Hiker Hostel, Hiawassi, GA
Miles today: 16.1

3/24/05- Happy Trails 2Hello All! I am 12 miles from the N. Carolina Border in the town of Hiawassi, GA typing on this machine at the Public Library. So far I have come 75 miles since last Tuesday. I have hiked in Rain, Sleet, Snow, Sunshine, Wind and Fog. Already I have had to buy a new sleeping bag and as well as some Montrail Hiking shoes...sent the Boots HOME, they were severely iritating my tendors in my ankles. The Georgia Mtns, oh...they are a bunch of switch-back ups and downs that seem endless and play with your mind. I have stayed in shelters, hostels, hotels and of course, my tent(it is VERY tiny). Characters? Oh yes, I have met ALOT of characters so far, most of them terrific people(unlike the dreds down in Miami where most are BAD). There are people out here doing this from all ove rthe world, old and young. It is interesting how much you get to know people and how stories go up and down the trail in a sort of newslike fashion. If somone is hurt or drops out, you find out about it, even if you are a day or two ahead or behind.Yesterday, myself and another hiker, Capt'n Chaos, were stopped and contimplating the toughest decision we had to make- should we stop at the Tray Shelter or push to the Deep Gap Shelter? Hmmmm.... life can be pretty tough out here, be glad you dont have to make these kind of decisions.I already have a pretty full beard. My bleach blonde hair is still in effect. The waxed hair on my chest (I know, this sounds strange to some of you) has started to come back in. The AT is the best diet/excercise program going.I expect to be in Franklin NC on Mon or Tues. Shortly after that, the Great Smokies begin. I will be about a day or two late to the first mail drop but will get it. The others should be still the same. Thanks to everyone that has supported me.Oh, I am organizing a CHILI COOKOFF (Big Smile) for Trail Fest in Hot Springs North Carolina. Go Figure. Tonight, I am making chili at the Blueberry Patch Hostel that I am staying at about 10 miles out of Hiawassi and 3 miles from where I have to get back on the trail tomorrow.Happy Easter to you all. (I bought a set of BUNNY EARS and some plastic eggs at Dollar General to a some cheer to the trail on Sunday.) Much love and happiness!Keep a smile on your face, Domino
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Blueberry Patch Hiker Hostel, Hiawassi, GA

To: Easter Trail Magic Camp Site, NC mountains
Miles today: 0.0

Easter Trail Magic!Domino and several other hikers happened upon some Easter Trail Magic today on their way to Franklin, NC. Despite the volatile weather, some Trail Angels set up camp with a big, warm fire, a dry place to sleep and lots of FOOD to feast on for a Happy Easter!The new hiking shoes are working well - take that, ankle pain! Not to say that the feet still aren't sore, but he's still in the run-in period, so it's no great surprise.The Blueberry Patch chili was a resounding success, and Domino has successfully started the rumblings of a chili cookoff in Hot Springs, NC during Trail Days, an annual festival held there for hikers.Tomorrow he'll be heading into Franklin, GA.100 mile mark today!
Date: 2005-03-28
From: Easter Trail Magic Campsite

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 40.0
Weather: light rain

I am here in Frankilin, NC. Got a few minutes left on the puter.My roommate Turbo Joe and I, as well as several other hikers are staying at the Microtel Inn tonight. The weather is expected to be bad, and the temp tonight is supposed to dip down pretty low: hence the exodus into trail towns by many hikers.Hiked today 10 miles in the freaking NICE Snow. It was Awesome and Emotional. 4 Hours Hiking without seeing anyone. First truck to pass on the road picked me up; old timer named Rogers from these parts.Deb here: Domino told me of his walking sticks that he picked up a few days into the trail, twins named "Naked" and "Turkey". Picture if you will one stick that is naked of bark, the other with enough bark to be reminiscent of the hair on a turkey's neck (at least this is how it was described to me). Oh yeah, and that snake bite kit? Great for covering the sharp ends of those sticks!
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Domino has arrived at his first maildrop in Fontana Dam, NC, about 170 miles into the trail now. He arrived just after the Post Office closed, so he is staying until Monday to pick up his packages. Today was the hardest day yet, with blizzard-like conditions the entire day, about 16 miles worth. The snow drifts were up to 1.5 feet by the time they were done, horizontal winds up to 40 mph. The first day he said that was worth worrying over. Fontana Dam being just south of the Great Smokies, the parks service had to close the park due to the horrible weather conditions. Many hikers, including Domino, "Bruce Moose", "Bruce Spruce", and "Bear Bait" were taking a zero day on Sunday because of the weather, not to mention that they couldn't get into the Smokies yet anyway. It was the equalizer, so to speak, where hikers that hadn't seen each other in days met back up in one place. Domino is still gradually lightening his load, sending things home that he doesn't think he'll need for now, and bouncing other things forward that may still come in handy later on.
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Domino will be staying the night at the the Grand Prix Motel in Gatlinburg with Bruce Spruce, Captain Chaos and others (whose names I'm unfortunate not to remember, but Domino will sort it). When he called this evening he said it was quite possibly the toughest few days yet. Two more days in Gatlinburg, and then heading out for the rest of the Smokies. He is about half-way through the Smokies at this point, and 200 miles into the trail! Way to go!! More pictures coming soon.-Deb
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Gatlinberg, TN

To: Gatlinberg, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Still in Gatlinberg, Domino and the gang ventured out into town from the cabin that Bruce Spruce's mom rented. After everyone else took off on a different path, Domino managed to sniff out an All You Can Eat Crab deal in town, something we even had a hard time finding in Miami! Of course he partook of the delicious candy of the sea, yum!Deb
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Standing Bear Farm/Hostel

To: Roaring something Shelter
Miles today: 14.0

Feeeewwww, it has been a strange week. The Best and Worst days of my trip have occured. Wed, April 13 will go down as the worst day. I hiked 19 miles- most UP- in the cold, pouring rain, across a Huge Bald called MAX PATCH in a hail and LIGHTNING STORM (and I may be short but I was the TALLEST thing up there- I RAN and Cried out to GOD, heard voices in the distance laughing at me, went temporarily NUTS), and hiked without seeing a person for 7 hours. It SUCKED! I was very emotional too, thinking about Mom and Memma(my grandmother, fo r those of you that dont know). I just kept going. Caught up at the Shelter(Roaring something) to some hikers I hadnt seen in awhile, KTR, Snow Bunny and Hairball. A hiker named Serenity took pity on me and gave me some hot food while another hiker -Train- heated some water and I shared some tea with him.
Date: 2005-04-14
From: Roaring something Shelter

To: ?
Miles today: 14.0

14 miles of sheer BLISS. Beautiful. I did, however, hike OVER (I mean DIRECTLY over) my first (and hopefully last) SNAKE!!!! Didnt event notice until the hiker behind me said "My GOD! You just stepped over a Snake!!" And, they ALL look poisinous at that time. But, it was a great day, the kind all hikers dream of. If only everyday could be like that. There is a saying out here "No Rain, No Pain- NO Maine!" I say "No Sun, No Fun- I'm Done!" Ha Ha.
Date: 2005-04-15
From: ?

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

HOT SPRINGS! Well, I am here. I'll be heading out tomorrow only to hitch back next week for TRAIL FEST. I am staying in an AWESOME place that is normaly a B&B- called Duckett House. I highly recommend this place if you ever visit. The owners have serious Florida roots too.Now, I am dry and in town. YEAH! Oh, I have made the paper, They did a story on the upcoming Trail Fest and said that a hiker is organizing the first Chili Cookoff. Many people here had already heard of this and me. A Irish llady named Ruth took me around the town in her vehicle chasing down some of the coordinators and showing me the sites. Met a Massage therapist here that is going to donate to the cookoff- he was inspired about massage while visiting Florida. Go figure. We're gonna cook "behind the Post Office" if you can imagine. Pics will come, I promise. Speaking of which, I got the MOST amazing MAil Drop here. Went in and there where 6 small boxes from people. Thank you to Debra and Ken for may fantastic new meals and Deb for a wonderfull Butterfly Book in which I WILL use and also try to capture as many images as I can(she recently got me a bigger memory card for my digital- SMOOCH!), Sarah sent me a Phone card and Janet some goodies-THANK YOU. A Big surprise came from good ole Big John from the Miami Parrothead Club, He sent me shirts, a hat, a phone card, a button(Buffet of course) and this little package that said "Trail Mix" which, when I opened it, had Tequila!!!! Wow. AND, there was the news letter that went out with a fantastic write-up about me and my adventures as well as passing the Aneurysm word on to the Club Huge thanks. I cried when I got all the stuff from you guys. You cant imagine how much it all means.Please Please Please tell folks to visit www.BAFOUND.org to find out more information about Brain Aneurysms. If you can, send them an email and tell them you visited because of me and the Trail. THANK YOU!! Remember- WHAT IF? If anyone would liek to send a letter or card to my Mom in the Nursing home the address is: 203 N. Lincoln; Wagoner, Okla 74467 - [***NOTE: Domino's mother has just moved to a different facility. I'll post her new address as soon as I can!*** -Deb] If you know of any new rehab or programs or anything that can help, please let us know. He rname is Delania Webb (Mrs. Webb, as they call her there).Oh, and last, please sign my Trail Journal and check back often(and sign often). Deb is doing a fab job updating it. Feel free to pass on this email or any information you like to anyone you like. If anyone can get an email to Jimmy Buffet, we'd LOVE to hear him sing "IN THE SHELTER" We sing alot of his music out here.On to Erwin before I come back. It is amazing all the things you have time to think about out herr...10 times!!!! Take care all. Much Love!Keep a smile on your face, Domino
Date: 2005-04-16
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Sat. April 16th - I tried to leave Hot Springs but found that the Bruces and others were staying over one last night, and I could not resist the idea of fishing and camping for free next to the river at the "Cat Hole." This is where I proceeded to catch 6 fish on my Dental Floss, a rusty hook I found and some crumbs as well as other earth worms of sorts. Yes, ole Bruce Moose, with his trusty borrowed fishing line and bought hooks, was no match for the floss after he claimed he'd be first to catch a fish. In fact, I caught fish on my first 3 throws. After I caught the others, I lent my "floss pole" to Bruce SPRUCE and he caught 2 as well. Still, Moose ZERO. Sorry. I went for music playing and beers then on to the Paddlers Pub for Bluegrass. All the town "folk" were there and I had met most of them. I like hOT sPRINGS alot. Quaint and Quirky with a little kick. We retired to our tents to the sound of the river rolling by and I slept quite peacefully that night.
Date: 2005-04-17
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Meadow at The Pond campsite
Miles today: 5.5

Sun. April 17th-a "WOW!" walk out with fantastic views of Hot Springs and the mountains. Only made it 5.5 mile to "The Pond" up on the mountain where I did some more fishing with floss and decided to stay on this open meadow hillside with about 25 other hikers: Pac Man, Cuppa Joe, Feeling Free, Touk, Gypsy LuLu, Scholar, Break-a-leg, Lenix, Tiny Dancer, Poet, Bluelight, Boots, Nemo, Some guy that was overly worried about my Bear Bag being on a tree that had poison Ivy around it, Andy, Thatch, Freedom, Serenity, Hardcore, and many others that I just cannot put together at this time (sorry I missed mentioning you). We ate well, since we were still very close to town. Scholar even kindly hiked out S'MORES!!!! Wewwww, 1 month out around campfires and we just now had smores. Hmmmm? Anyway, they were great and were consumed around the fire while Break-a-leg lead us in a game of "Mafia."(note: you had to DIE in the game before you could eat s'mores-it was a long game.) Bed early so I could get a fresh and long haul out the next day.
Date: 2005-04-18
From: The Pond

To: Camp Creek Bald Firetower
Miles today: 16.5

Mon. 18th - Walked with Spruce awhile after catching up to them. I just want to say that he and I togther are NOT a great decision making team when it comes to decifering other people's directions. Case in point: We came to a gap that said - "Trail Magic - head east on trail, {blah blah blah}....." we even re-read it twice and asked each other what to think of it - mainly because in front of us was two gravel roads AND a main road as well as the trail and the sign was not that specific - so we followed the trail - the Appalachian Trail - which is what we interpreted the sign to mean. We were wrong. We found out we were wrong after 1.5 miles of more hills when we caught Cycle Hiker (whom is carrying an 18 pound bike {extra weight besides...oh, the needed stuff} the entire trail so he has a ride home) and he told us of our folly. Not funny at lunch time. Well, it's an hour AFTER lunch now. We were dreaming of Stew and Icecream and Soda - as the sign said. But now... wait, "lets drop our packs and run back" I suggest. After a little grumbling, Spruce was game. We stashed the packs in the woods (hoping the creatures of the forrest would not use OUR stuff as lunch) and we turned around to dart like frightened deer back and back and back and back to the main road. We finally made it and were hugely rewarded for our effort; the BEST stew I have ever tasted was provided by two former thru hikers (we'll call them "F" And "H" for short and to protect the innocent or guilty). They had a very nice and newly bought cabin on the NC side of the mountain. They were really generous. AND, "H" and I were born in the same Hospital in Tulsa. We had turned Trail Tragic into Magic. It continued when NEAN (my Friend I have always known but just met) gave us a ride back to his home which, by chance, was only 200 yards from where we stashed our packs. Go figure! Oh, did I mention that Spruce and I had seen two snakes that Morn on our way? We got pics of one of them. He let us get about a foot from his head. In the evening we pushed up this mounatin with fire tower, radio, satelite, and every other kind of tower. Myself, The Bruces, Bluelight and Boots camped up there. My $2.99 Pen Radio I bought in Pigeon Forge got GREAT radio reception, needless to say. Saw lots of butterflys today and began trying to identify them on the chart Deb got for me. At rest time the towers were making so much noise I had to have the radio. I guess they stopped at some time. A great day total of 16.5 miles. Hey F and H...Thanks for the "We Really Do Need Each Other" Poem. So true.
Date: 2005-04-19
From: Camp Creek Bald Firetower

To: Hog Back Shelter
Miles today: 20.0

4/19 - Today I kept up with my "Big Mileage" Tuesday routine. I had done 18 and 16 the past two Tuesdays and today was going to even bigger. You see, Tusedays were Niketown runs in Miami and I figure I get up in the morning, strap on a 40 pound pack, and am still going by the time they are running at 6:30 in the evening. Sort of motivating like that. This last few days have been outstanding weather and today promises to be the same. There were some fantastic views and climbs we didn't expect over the fabulous white rocks. At lunch break I took to a steam to soak my feet, love the COLD water on them when they are achey but man, it throbs and stings like crazy when they are in the cold spring water. Later I was treated to a water fall that I managed to soak my hair in and refresh as a Storm came blowing in with thunder and lightning. I just got a few drops though. Met up with a great guy Wandering Bull who has JUST done the Florida Trail. He started on Jan. 8 and FINISHED on March 29th and now has caught and PASSED me. The Florida Trail is...oh.... 1100 miles long. Well, with his inspriation and chat I made it my 20 miles that day with just enough time to set up my tent before dark. Camped at Hog Back Shelter next to some section hikers I call "The Ohio Men" "M...Yep..." Great guys. Just F'n Around had hiked out some Strawberry Shortcake. I enjoyed the HELL out of that. Nice...oooooooo, so nice.