morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-24
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: overcast clouds

After a wet night, woke up to a dry but cloudy day. Watched Two Speeds try to adjust his pack with his foot to no avail. Then I left to hike for another day. The clouds cleared up so today turned out to be decent. Walked by myself for a while until about 9 miles where I had lunch at Chestnut Knob Shelter. This place was awesome. It is on a knob overlooking Burks Garden (the proposed site for the original Biltmore). Burks Garden is also called God's Thumbprint because it looks like a big imprint with ridges all around it. Ate lunch there with Mark, Heather, and Windtalker. Chaff Master J showed up and waited on some of his friends. Met another couple and ate lunch with them also, but I don't remember their names (I think it was Miss J and ?). Left the Chestnut Knob Shelter as Moo and 42 were arriving with Pipes. Moo and 42 were going to try and stay with some people that one of their friends is related to, so they are not going to the next shelter. Mark, Heather, Windtalker and I hiked for a while. Heather's boots were new, so she was having trouble with sore feet. We reached the trailhead to Davis Farm Campsite around 7:30pm but decided to move on the next shelter. So we scrambled as fast as we could as darkness hit us. Windtalker and I went ahead of Mark and Heather, and we hiked with our headlamps on down the trail. You have to be a bit more cautious, and I am not fond of night hiking. As we were hiking, we heard a large animal stir in the woods. I had goose bumps running down my legs. I asked Windtalker if there were bears in the area, and she said yes. So a little scared, we walked on and it happened again. I finally concluded that we had disturbed deer because bears make more noise running through the woods. We made it to the shelter at 9:30pm, set up our tents, and began to eat dinner when Mark and Heather showed up. C.C and Swenson, Looney, Arthur, Take-R-Gasy, and Madame Snores A Lot were already at the shelter. C.C. and Swenson played guitar and harmonica next to the fire, so it turned out to be a peaceful evening. I am very tired.
Date: 2003-05-25
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Decided to race into Bland for a motel room. Ran into a nice couple that gave us a ride to the motel. Ate at the Dairy Queen, picked up snacks, and then ordered pizza later that night. Windtalker had friends coming in from Michigan, so we all split the pizza.
Date: 2003-05-26
From: Bland, VA

To: Trent's Campground, VA606
Miles today: 18.6

Mark, Heather, Moo, and 42 had not stopped in Bland, so they were ahead of me. I decided to catch up with them. The trail was not too spectacular. Basically you walk up a ridge then run along the ridge for a while and repeat the process. The goal was to make it to Trent's Grocery and Campgrounds for pizza and their snacks. The trail was particularly easy today, so I made good time. Showed up at Trent's right behind Moo, 42, Mark, and Heather, much to their surprise. Their pizzas had just come out, so I ordered mine and ate the whole thing along with milk, Diet Coke, and a Swiss cake roll. We then camped in our tents in a nice area that is used as a hunting camp with old RVs/trailers. Arthur, Fenix, C.C. Walking Homer, Madame Snores A Lot, Moo, 42, Mark, Heather, and myself ate snacks, had a fire and enjoyed the company of a black cat and each other.
Date: 2003-05-27
From: Trent's Campground, VA606

To: Woodshole Hostel
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

So we left Trents after a fun night and headed out. Checked out Dismal Creek Falls. Today, it decided not to rain on us, and the sun actually came out for a little while. We all (Moo, 42, Mark, Heather, and I) hiked together and took a break at Wapiti Shelter where we ran into Viking, Auntie Em, and Flatlander who were slack packing. Auntie Em invited us to her or Capt Ben's house to get some real food, a dry place to sleep, and slack pack. To make a long story short, we never worked out the details and ended up at WoodsHole Hostel, which turned out to be a beautiful place. It was started by Tillie Wood and her husband a long time ago. She serves breakfast to the first 8 who sign up for it. So we stayed there, met Tillie's granddaughter Neville who gave some of us foot massages. I got stuck next to Madame Snores A Lot. I wore earplugs, took some Benadryl, and slept great.
Date: 2003-05-28
From: Woodshole Hostel

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

I ended up one of the lucky 8 and got to eat breakfast at Miss Tillie's house. It was a good breakfast, and the company was good, also. Mark and Heather left earlier than Moo, 42, and myself because they were meeting family in Pearisburg. So Moo, 42, and I hiked into town in anticipation of a day off. The day was good, no rain, but the trail was muddy from previous wet weather. Along the way I ran into a snake that wouldn't get off the trail - so I waited for Moo and 42 so they could see it. It struck at the stick I was using, but I moved it off the trail. I started to slither away when we realized there was a switchback. So Moo, 42 and I started running down the trail so the snake wouldn't cross us again. Arrived in Pearisburg - got a motel and relaxed for some much needed rest. Ate all-you-can-eat spaghetti at a local bar and grill. Had some drinks and listened to Moo try to figure out if our waitress had fake breasts.
Date: 2003-06-01
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Symms Gap Meadow
Miles today: 11.7

After eating a big breakfast at Cracker Barrel (with parents), Mom and Dad drove me to the trailhead in Pearisburg where I had left off. I think Mom was worried that no one was with me, but I knew in a short time I would see people on the trail. Sure enough, in about 2 miles I ran into Dimple Rock, Wrongway, Mello Yello, and Moxy taking a break. I chatted for a little bit and then kept moving. The day was sunny (some clouds) so it was nice to start out in that weather. I reached Rice Field Shelter and ran into Pipes, Viking, and Flatlander. Pushing Up Daisies and Moonshadow were there also. Viking and Flatlander looked tired and a little worn out, but they said they were both kind of feeling under the weather. I noticed a lot of people are getting sick/colds from this weather or something. The view from or near the shelter was great. You could see a large portion of the valley with ridgelines running parallel to the ridge we were on presently. Virginia has been a lot of ridge running. You walk up a hill, run the ridge for a spell, then back down the hill and repeat the process. It doesn't always make for great views. Made it to Symms Gap Meadow. Set up my tent next to Pipes and ate dinner with Pipes, Windtalker, Moonshadow, Viking, Flatlander, Yaker, (unknown name hiker), Two Dogs, and P.U.D. Caught a great sunset on the ridge. All this rain has made it a lot cooler, so everyone is wearing long sleeves, toboggans, long pants, and some people had "long johns". The night was very cool and my tent felt great.
Date: 2003-06-02
From: Symms Gap Meadow

To: campsite past Wind Rock
Miles today: 16.4

Woke up after a great night's sleep to a chilly morning. It is the first of June and still feels like early spring weather. I'm sure in July/August I will want this weather back. But for right now, it is cool. Ate breakfast and caught a glimpse of the clouds hanging in the valley below. It was nice. You could see the tops of the ridges and some of the valley, but the fog was just sitting there. Nothing really special about today's hike. Ran into Indigo and Cruizer again. Caught a nice view from Wind Rock and decided to camp in an area close to Wind Rock. Comtemplated going to the next shelter but decided not to because I was hungry and tired. Set up tents with Windtalker, Pipes, Viking, Flatlander, Moonshadow, Moxy, Indigo and Cruizer. Ate a quick dinner and then went to bed early.
Date: 2003-06-03
From: campsite past Wind Rock

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter (outside)
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: moderate rain

I woke up at about 6:00 am but decided to get a little more sleep. This was a big mistake. At around 6:30-7:00am, the rain started again. So now I am thinking I have to pack everything up in the rain, which pretty much means everything gets wet. So I finally get packed. My tent, stuff sacks, and pack are drenched at this point, and I move on to the next shelter. I hiked most of the day alone in the rain. The hike wasn't bad. I went over a ridge and then through some neat fields. Prior to reaching the shelter, I hit a huge hill. I passed Yaker and Indigo, and we were all huffing and puffing. Met up with Cruizer on top of the ridge. It is now about 5:00pm, and it is foggy on the ridge. My goal is to make it to the Sarver Hollow Shelter. So I walk along the ridge at a good pace and finally reach the shelter sign. Bad part is the shelter is 0.3 miles downhill from the trail. I reach the shelter hoping for a space. I get there and it is packed. Suck-A-Jahoogie! I sit down to eat a meal to warm up and look for a space in the shelter. I end up talking to this guy named Lone Wolf who turns out to be a jackass. The first thing he asks "are there others coming behind you because we will be cramped in the shelter!" Then he proceeds to tell me he took a zero day there (which means he hasn't left all day), which immediately pisses me off! I wanted to call him a jackass right there, but I was too tired. So I set up my wet tent in the rain and had a good night's sleep. Cruizer also had a smart aleck comment for Lone Wolf which made me laugh.
Date: 2003-06-04
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter (outside)

To: Pickle Branch Shelter (inside)
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up early, packed my wet belongings, and ate breakfast. My clothes are soaked and guess what - it is still raining! Today I hit a low point. It was the first day I considered leaving the trail. I reached the road (VA 621) and stood in the rain, comtemplating hitching into the nearest town and quitting, but I decided to keep going. Made it to the shelter, and the sun actually came out. Hung out with Hoops, Kilroy, Chilly Willy, Just Bill, Two Peeps, (unknown hiker), and Lone Wolf (dang it). Ran a clothesline to dry out my tent and some clothes. Had a poor night's sleep in the shelter.
Date: 2003-06-05
From: Pickle Branch Shelter (inside)

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up early with intentions to make it into Catawba, VA. The sun was shining, and it turns out to be a beautiful day. I reached a cool area called the Dragons Tooth, located on Cove Mountain. Coming down the mountain was a bit of a challenge because there were places you had to climb down rocks, and some of the rocks had metal stairs bored into the rock so you could get down. Walked with Kilroy for a while, and we were lucky to hit some trail magic (i.e., snacks, Cokes) that someone left in a cooler. Decided to swing by the Four Pines Hostel. It was a nice place, and I decided to stay to dry out. Plus, it was a nice day, and I needed some down time.Another reason to stay at Four Pines was they run shuttles to a place called The Home Place which is a Southern all-you-can-eat restaurant. At the restaurant, it ended up being a reunion of sorts because we saw a lot of people we hadn't seen since Damascus and Hard Core. We ended up getting a table of 20, and we all chowed down on BBQ, roast beef, chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and peach cobbler with lemonade to drink. I ate so much, but it was so good. Later that night we all hung out at the hostel. I played a little guitar. Tried to get a good night's sleep but some hobo decided to sand his boots at 12:30 at night. Idiot. Several of us yelled at him to quit, so he finally did.
Date: 2003-06-06
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

Headed out from the hostel after a great stay. The sun was shining which was a blessing. Started hiking with Mark and Heather, which was good because I haven't seen them in several days. We walked through some cow pastures, and I tried to get a picture of a cow wearing my hat, but they wouldn't cooperate. Pipes, Windtalker, Two Dogs, Mark, Heather, and I took a long time and enjoyed some beautiful places called McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. We all ate lunch at McAFee Knob, which was just amazing. Then we headed to Tinker Cliffs to soak up the sun, just eat snacks, and lay on the rocks. Made it to Lamberts Meadow Shelter where Two Dogs, Moose Munch, Two Peeps, myself, Mark, Pipes, and that Lone Wolf guy stayed. Crazy K and Barley (a golden retriever) stayed with us in the shelter. We were all talking and laughing. I started a game where I told everyone that you can sing any song and place the word sphineter in the song. It was hilarious. I had everyone in the shelter singing songs and putting the word sphineter in it.
Date: 2003-06-07
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: moderate rain

As usual, woke up to rain, but the idea of making to Daleville for a hotel room was appealing. So Heather, Pipes, Windtalker, Two Dogs, and I walked quickly through the rain to Daleville. It was wet, slippery, muddy, and sloppy. The hike was nothing special, so we crashed at the Best Western in Daleville. Funny note - on my way back from Kroger, got a hitch from a lady who gave me a macaroni salad, tupperware and all. She was nice.
Date: 2003-01-23
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The Appalachian Trail. Just the name itself has a ring to it, and it¢s been like a Siren¢s call ever since I read the book The Appalachian Trail by Ron Fisher (National Geographic Publications). The call became even stronger when I read Mountain Adventure by Ron Fisher and Walking With Spring by Earl Schaffer.Soon, I found myself hiking on the AT with my best friend Sam Varney (Footsteps, 2001). Our first hike was a disaster, but we had the backpacking bug. We came home from that first attempt with a determination to learn about backpacking and to set a goal to hike the entire AT from Springer to Katahdin. From that time on, we took a week in the Spring and another in the Fall to hike on the AT, with the understanding that we would thru-hike when we retired. Well, Sam got the drop on me and retired in 2001 and attempted his thru-hike in April of that year. I hiked with him for a week, but had to return to work while he continued on his journey. He made it all the way to Maryland before a serious back injury forced him off the Trail. Now, after taking an early retirement at the end of 2002, I will make my attempt at conquering the AT. Sam will join me for a week in North Georgia as I start this great journey. His back has never healed to the point where he can endure the pack load for long distance hiking. I encourage you to read about his AT adventure on Trail Journals under his trail name of Footsteps. He has also written a great book about his childhood years growing up in the Appalachian Mountains. The title is A Walk Through the Past (A Mountain Man Remembers). It is a very poignant and yet often humorous reflection of a slower, more gentle way of life that has disappeared for our world, except in the memories of men like Sam. It is great reading. Come follow me as I start this great and wonderful journey along the mystical Appalachian Trail. I begin my hike on April 10th, so check in at Trail Journals and follow along. I¢ll share my experiences on the Trail, some of my reflections on life and nature as I hike, and some of the special memories I have accumulated over the past 57 years. This is Slow Poke, "Hiking the AT in 2003," signing off for now. See you later.
Date: 2003-01-24
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Welcome, welcome, welcome! I'm glad to see you are still with me. I am really getting more excited as the days are ticking off. April 10th is just around the corner. But, guess what, I will be taking a slight detour between now and then. My lovely wife Rilla and I are flying to Okinawa in March to visit our daughter Peggy and her family. We'll get back on March 19th, and I'll hit the Trail on April 10th. My good friend Sam "Footsteps" Varney will be joing with me for the trek through North Georgia. Now, you talk about a real "Mountain Man," that's Sam. I'm still working on my logistics and gear with the help of some e-mails from past AT thru-hikers Blubearee, Scooby, Bamboo Bob, and SkyScraper (My heart felt thanks goes to each one of them). For some enjoyable reading, take a look at their journal entries. Last night, I went outside and looked at the moon and thought of what it's going to be like on the Trail with nothing but a moon in full bloom and the Lord's natural creation all around you lulling you to sleep. It's going to be an adventure of a life time. Stay with me and enjoy the journey, okay.Slow Poke "Hiking the AT in 2003"   See you later.
Date: 2003-01-29
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello! Welcome back! I am very glad you're still following along with my preparations for this Appalachian Trail thru-hike. I have received some very thoughtful and extremely encouraging messages from many of you, and I appreciate it very, very much. The opportunity to do this journal is just another of the "extras" of thru-hiking the AT. Thanks to all the staff at TrailJournals.Com! As the word gets around about my thru-hike, the questions, smiles, looks of wonder, and words of encouragement start coming my way. It is amazing the almost instant bond that develops once someone learns you are going to attempt an AT thru-hike. This has been one of my greatest sources of enjoyment as I prepare for the hike. People want to know about the hike, the distance, the safety, what I'll eat, what will I carry, water sources, and, of course, the bears! I have thoroughly enjoyed all the conversations with young and old alike. Well, let's move on to the hike preparation.With the help of my grandson Gabriel, I have dehydrated about two pounds of bananas. I plan to do several more pounds to add to my raisins and then do several pounds of apples. I love sun dried tomatoes, so those will be next. Most of food menu will consist of dehydrated or freeze dried foods to cut down on the weight. I'm using the techniques and recipes given to me by our very courteous Agriculture Extension Office. The folks there have been very helpful.My gear list is just about complete, thanks to the very informative advice of thru-hiker Bluebearee. I have obtained several pieces of gear from a great hiker and explorer by the name of Lou Cook. In fact, I purchased the very first backpack I ever owned from Lou, aka "Pemset," and the Kelty Super Tioga that I will be carrying on this long distance trek. Well, I guess I'll close for now. Thanks for joining me. See you later. TR "Hiking the AT in 2003"
Date: 2003-01-30
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

My FamilyWell, hello, and welcome back. I¢m glad to see you¢re still with me. I thought I would introduce you to my family. They are the essence of my happiness and joy, and they have been a tremendous blessing to me over the years. My wonderful wife is Rilla. Don¢t you think her first name, Rilla, is unique? I do. :} She is a very special person, and I have to praise the Lord every time I think about her and what she means to me. She is native of Long Island, NY, and a graduate of the University of Washington (Huskies) with a degree in nursing. She loves gardening and baking, and she is a very crafty bridge player. She will be acting as my transcriber and logistical support manager during this AT thru-hike.We have seven children and eleven grandchildren. Our daughter Peggy, husband Todd, and children Robert, Josiah, Hannah, and Katherine all live in Okinawa. Our daughter Melissa and husband Scott live in Sicily. Our daughter Debbie, husband Lee, and children Elizabeth and Henry live in Pensacola, Florida. Our son Mark, wife Donna, and children Lauren and Lindsay live in Maine. Our son Thomas, wife Laura, and children Gabriel, Elena, and Katie live in Pensacola. Our son Shannon lives in Lexington, North Carolina. Our daughter Tracie lives in Mobile, Alabama. That¢s the entire crew, and we are very proud of each and every one of them. They have made our life a wonderful adventure, with all kinds of exciting "twists and turns."Thanks for joining with me as I introduced my family. You¢ll learn more about them in the pages of my journal, so stay tuned. This is Slow Poke signing off for now. See you later! "Hiking the AT in 2003"
Date: 2003-02-09
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Random thoughts.......The "call" is getting stronger with each passing day...people are constantly asking me about the hike and I enjoy talking about it and that adds to the excitement. The feelings I have are much like those I had in my childhood when it seemed like Christmas Day would never arrive...wonderful feelings filled with exuberant expectations. My loving family and the great people at my church have been so encouraging and so supportive of my goal to thru-hike the AT. They have really made me feel special. It is a blessing to have friends and family like that.I have now dehydrated about 10 lbs. of bananas, 10 lbs. of apples, 2 quarts of strawberries, a couple of pounds of peaches, and a couple of pounds of pears; and the dehydrated is still going. I love the fruit! I plan to use these in mixed bags for my trail mix.My new stove (MSR Dragonfly) and my new tent (Eureka Zeus Exo)have arrived, so my gear is shaping up just fine...thanks to all the advice I have received from former thru-hikers. My pack weight with all gear, clothing, and 6 full days of food is down to 35.5 pounds.We just received some fantastic news...we are going to be grandparents one more time (11). Our daughter Melissa and her husband Scott told us they are expecting their first child in August...looks like my wife will be going to Sicily :} We leave on March 4 to visit our daughter Peggy and her family in Okinawa. We will be with them for two grand weeks...fun and good times. Then, shortly after we return, I launch my adventure on the awesome AT.Hope all of you come along for the journey. This is Slow Poke signing off for now. See you later. "Hiking the AT in 2003"