morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-16
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap - Franklin, NC
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: broken clouds

Flint said it rained all night. They hauled freight to get into town by noon. At Rocky Gap Shelter they (Flint & Doc) saw Freight Train, Twiglet, Hellbender, Hellbender's Cousin, Johnny Hand and they were catching a ride into Franklin at Rock Gap. Flint & Doc went on to Winding Stair Gap. They caught the first ride they stuck their thumb out to. Flint made it into town, got some chow, got a room, cleaned up and called me. In that order. I think I've moved down on the priority list. Oh, what a thru-hiker's wife must compete with - food, shower, etc. Flint said this particular shelter wasn't to clean, though he has seen at must shelter the Leave No Trace tags posted. He said he has seen his share of trash being left behind. He has packed out others trash. I think it's sad. I think we need to tell a story here, as I tell the story you pretend it's your place - One day a friend of mine came over, she had stopped by Micky D's on her way. She came in my house, we sat down and began to chat. She took a drink of her pop and decided she was finished with it and began to pour it out all over my family room floor, next she began to disassemble the remaining portion of her cheeseburger and started stuffing it into the cushions of my couch after she rubbed the nasty mustard and ketchup all of the arms. Next, she took the remaining fries and began to randomly toss them wherever. This was the straw that broke the camel's back, she took the unused ketchup packets and lined them up on my coffee table, took her shoe off and then smack them really hard and splatter those ketchup packets from one end of my family room to the other. She through her wrappers and trash in the floor and said, "Oh man, I gotta go to work, I'll catcha later." She left. I stood there in absolute total amazement. Astonished at the obvious disrespect my so called friend had shown me in my home. But more than that my so called friend showed her own ignorance to me that day, to earn respect, you have to show respect; to have a friend, you need to be a friend; treat people and places the way you want to be treated. Now your probably thinking what does this have to do with packing out trash. Well, it as a lot to do with it. None us would like are homes treated that way, so what makes nature any different. Nothing! Actually, it is home, to lots of others. We're just visiting. If you can't pack it out then maybe you shouldn't have brought it. Just think twice next time before you leave it behind - pretend it's your place. Peace and Love To all. Paws
Date: 2007-03-17
From: Winding Stair Gap - Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We are altogether in Franklin, it's great healing for the soul. We all needed it desperately. We've had a rough couple of weeks. Too many things going on at all levels to mention, suffice it so say, Flint and I are good medicine for each other. We both got our prescriptions refilled. We sit here together, working on his trail journal, I'll update more and fill in some blanks when I get home, check out his new photos. My visit will last until tomorrow at noon cut short by unfortunate circumstance. We both have been rejuvenated; spirit and mind. I think we have come full circle now and every tear has fallen for a reason. We've hung with Doc and his family, absolutely wonderful folks and we are on for dinner plans tonight. Update- Flint's Grandma Helen is home from the hospital and is doing much better, she actually signed his guestbook. He hasn't had a chance to see it, I'm updating this after I got home from Franklin. Thanks for all the prayers. Peace and love to all. Paws
Date: 2007-03-18
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Flint took another zero today. We went to the outfitters, Three Eagle, great place. He had to get a new platy. We resupplied him with food for his pack and bounce box too. Franklin is a cool town. We drove up to the trailhead to Winding Stair Gap to check it out. He is doing great, strong mentally, emotionally and physically. I'm getting there. He looks great, he has this wild hair thing going on but it fits him well. His beard is getting fuller. He is very focused and we both believe he's right where he's suppose to be. He's loving every moment of this journey - everywhere he looks he sees me though because I'm the one who showed him to appreciate the small wonders of nature; funny looking turkey tail fungus, scurrying squirrles, faces in rocks, alphabet twigs, owl pellets, trees with emotions, so even though I haven't taken the first step for GAME 07, I guess a part of me gets to go along for the ride and I'll take it. He and Doc plan to continue to hike together for now, they are good company for each other. Doc and his family are great. Though we stayed at the Franklin Motel and they were great, the Haven Motel shuttled Flint and Doc in from the gap and kept checking on them to see if they needed anything. Flint and I took them over several boxes of Girl Scout cookies I had brought down with me, just to say thank you. The family and I had to leave around 2 to head home but we decided to take the scenic tour home and come home through the Smoky Mtn., it was a great drive and beautiful. And yes there was snow in the Smoky Mtns., i took a picture and added it to the photos, the road out to Clingman's Dome was closed. We stopped at the Newfound Gap overlook to take some photo and I met a couple of sections hikers from Alabama, they were excited to hit the trail even if it was just for a few days. Flint called on the way home and said he order pizza in, he was going to bed early, they (he and Doc)wanted to be on the trail by 8 am. Doc's wife Gay was going to give them a ride up to the gap. Flint sends his love to family and friends and thanks everyone for their words of encouragment. He also appreciates everyone looking out for his "Paws" too. That was a quote. Peace and Love to All. Paws
Date: 2007-03-19
From: Franklin, NC - Winding Stair Gap

To: Campsite - just passed Wayah Bald
Miles today: 10.5

Flint called this evening to say he was on Wayah Bald 5340 and they were going to make camp at the campsites just passed the bald. It was a beautiful day and great hiking. Wayah means - wolf in cherokee. Flint's grandmother on his father side was full blooded cherokee and he is very proud of his Native American heritage. Flint's cherokee name is Udanvti Wayah - Gentle Wolf. He wasn't sure how far they would make it tomorrow. Peave and Love to All. Paws
Date: 2007-03-20
From: Campsite - just passed Wayah Bald

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Flint called to say - another great & hard day of hiking and he and Doc received incredible trail magic from a dude named Apple at Burningtown Gap - set up in a big orange dome type tent with hotdogs and the works. He will download some pictures whenever possible. I was actually surprised to hear from him - I was out of town and wasn't getting the greatest cell reception myself yesterday evening but I just happen to be at the right place at the right time when the call came through. He said a lot of elevation change - big down hills - hard on the knees, he was feeling it today. He sounded tired today. I believe today is the first time his voice has sounded tired to me, usually he is so excited and up beat about the day's adventure. It must have been tough. He said Georgia just preps you for North Carolina. Peace and Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-03-21
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: broken clouds

Spoke with Flint, it was a short day coming into the NOC. He was very talkitive and full of energy today. Sounded great. Doc and Flint had planned it this way to get their bounce box, wash up the clothes, take care of business and head out early but their box did not arrive as planned. Hopefully, it will be in early tomorrow so they get get a decent start and not change their plans too much. Their plan wast to be in Fontana by Friday, and start into the Smokys on Saturday depending on what happens tomorrow that could possbily change. Will have to wait and see about the "Box." On the positive side - they did have a great dinner - Flint had steak - his favorite, well actually steak & shrimp are his favorites. The NOC is a pretty cool place, he said it reminded him of the Appalachian Wildwater Outpost in Fayette County. They kayak & raft here. He was a little confused about the river - not much to it (according to him). No offense to anyone. He said it was for sure not the Gauley. Then again maybe he only saw a small piece of it or something or I think they raft on several rivers in the area - he's just being protective of his home state. There are several other thrus staying at the NOC tonight - the only name I came remember is Pebbles, the others have fallen from my over flowing bucket to be scattered to the winds. I really should start writing stuff down. He is anxious to get somewhere to updoad some pictures to trail journals, he's not sure where or when that may be, hopefully soon. He loves his new tenting option. He did get rain last night. He's been out two weeks and three days and he has had two nights of rain and one day, pretty impressive. Peace and Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-03-22
From: NOC

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Flint got a late start out of the NOC but he did finally receive his bounce box and he bounced it on to Fontana - it was a tough climb up out of the NOC. The elevation at the NOC is 1750 and they would be climbing today to Swim Bald at 4750. He confirmed again today that Georgia just warmed you up for NC. He said the views and the balds are spectacular. He has decided we are coming back there for a visit. Flint is going to push hard tomorrow but he would still like to keep with the original plan of starting into the Smokys on Saturday but that would require a 22 mile day tomorrow. I'm sure he and Doc will discuss their options and decide accordingly. They like each others company and I know Flint has grown to respect Doc and considers him a true friend. I forgot to mention Flint's not the only one getting to have cool adventure I got to meet the lady from Minnesota who made the infamous "Cork Truck" when I attended a training last week at Wheeling Jesuit University, as soon as I scan in the picture she gave me I'll upload the photo. You are gonna love this truck! Peace and Love to All. Paws
Date: 2007-03-23
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cabel Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Flint called to say they (Flint, Doc, Mr. Easy, U-Turn and No Problem) had a very interesting night & morning - they shared their evening & morning with about 30 students and 4 adult chaperones from a high school - names not important here. I'm not sure LNT (Leave No Trace) was a top priority, to ensure the safety of their food everyone took it to bed in their tents with them and much more. He got some photos of the high school group. They were excited they said they would check out his trail journal page for the photos. He didn't get much sleep last night, he sounded a bit on the tired side. He said he would rather do two Georgias than NC. He also met another thru named Snackbreak - he said she only weighed in at 130 lbs was carrying 42 lbs and could move like the wind and put him to shame. He said his hip was giving him a bit of trouble and he has never in his life complained of hip trouble, actually he just never really complains about much, especially aches and pains. Peace and Love to All. Paws
Date: 2007-03-24
From: Cabel Gap Shelter

To: Fontana
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: broken clouds

Flint and Doc are at Fontana. A short hike today. A whole group went out to dinner, Flint, Doc, Mr. Easy, No Problem. U-Turn, Snackbreak and they saw Hobo and Calamity Jane too. Dinner was great and excellent company too. Flint, Doc and several of the others are all taking a zero tomorrow. Flint and Doc's bounce box may be lost forever, it was suggested to send it to the visitor center at Fontana but the visitor center doesn't open for another three weeks, he tried tracking it down and got the run around. It has food, extra gear, maps and some other stuff so who knows where it will wind up. Of course "Wingfoot's" book says open mid April thru October 31, hopefully, it will all work out. He says Fontana is beautiful and peaceful another vacation spot for us in the future, he said I would like it there. I think I'm going to hear this quite frequently. He said he is going to up load some pictures tomorrow. He sends his love to family and friends. Peace and Love to All. Paws
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Fontana

To: Fontana
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero today with several hikers. Flint was able to upload some photos, check them out. The box is still MIA. Tomorrow they head into the Smokys, and the first big climb Shuckstack Mtn. His cell phone is taking a beating, not sure how much longer it can withstand abuse. I'm looking to get him a new one and send it. He said he'll touch base when he can.
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Fontana

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Flint called. The views froms Shuckstack are great. There is a whole group at Mollies Ridge Shelter for tonight, Flint, Doc, No Problem, Mr. Easy, Calamity Jane, Hobo, U-Turn, Dr. John, Trail Cowboy, and Wirenut. An interesting story about Mollies Ridge, legend says, according to the Thru-Hikers Companion, the area was named for a Cherokee maiden who froze to death looking for a lost hunter and that her ghost still haunts the ridge. They are now officially in the Smokys, established in 1934 and visited annualy by more people than any other national park. They climbed Doe Knob 4520 before the evening would be over. I did track Flint's "Bounce Box" down this evening, it was at Fontana Village where he was staying, it just had someone elses name on it. He probably walked by the front desk a dozen times and there it set behind it, he just didn't know it was his. They are going to ship it back to the NOC, who will inturn contact me and I will forward it to Hot Springs. I'm not sure how it got this very strange name on it, heck I'm not sure it is a name, it looks more like a group of jumbled letters from the keyboard but anyways, for now, I hope & pray, the mystery has been solved and will soon be resolved and his box will be on it's way to Hot Springs shortly. He left out of Fontana with very little in the way of food, not much there for resupply. It's kind of frustrating to know that his box was there the entire time too, actually it arrived the day before he did. A lesson learned here, put some type of identifying marks on more than one spot of your box, just in case it gets covered up by packaging slips or whatever. I know the original bounce box he had in Franklin had his name and trail name on two sides, he must have had to get a new box or something. I received a package from him today too. It had some gear, a t-shirt, and a note. He said the gnats are eating them alive, blooding sucking little varmits that they are, I just told him a gnat has to eat too, he's just become part of natuer's food chain. They were going to try and puch for Siler Bald Shelter tomorrow that is about 17 miles - will see what happens. Peace and Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

Flint and Doc aren't together anymore. Doc has injured his ankle. Flint was torn on do I stay or do I go but Doc told him to go. Flint has grown to care deeply for Doc and it was a tough decision for him to go on. It's amazing when you share your life with a complete stranger for 23 days, day in and out, how you form such a bond that this complete stranger has now become a dear respected friend. That's what makes the AT so special. You trust, you respect, you love, you care and you share and you except nothing in return, yet you get just that in return. He is hiking with Mr. Easy, No Problem, Calamity Jane, Hobo, U-Turn, Hermies (spelling),Not Yet and probably a few others I have forgot. Peace and Love to All. Paws
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Flint is still hiking with the crew. The climb up to Clingsman's Dome was hot and sweaty, once, they climbed the lookout tower at Clingman's at were freezing. There was lot's of ice still on the trail to contend with too. Then they climbed Mt. Collings before Mt. Collins Shelter were they met Moonwatcher and Silver. They also did the infamous Charlie's Bunion which was incredible. Peace and Love to All. Paws
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap - Gaitlinburg,TN
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

Flint said it was pouring the rain earlier today. He is about out of food. I had a bad dream about him last night, I woke about 3 am, I swore I heard him begging me for food, saying he was starving and ironically today when I talked with him, he said he woke up about the same time with his belling growling, starving. They hitched a ride into Gaitlinburg. They have an apartment, him, Mr. Easy, No Problem, Hermies, Not Yet, Calamity Jane, Hobo, and I hope I haven't missed anybody. He misses Doc. He said the Smokys are beautiful. They ate at a great place tonight - The Brewery. I talked with Doc's wife this evening, she said Doc got a ride into town - it's his ankle. He is going to take a couple of zeros hoping it's just tendonitis, give his ankle some TLC, if it doesn't feel better, he is going to get it xrayed because it could possibly be a stress fracture. Then take it from there. I know Flint heard he had made it into Gatlinburg from another hiker and searched just about every hotel/motel around and couldn't find him. I'm waiting on Flint to call me back now so I can tell him I talked with Doc's wife. Flint & crew plan on leaving out tomorrow around 10 or so, they still need to resupply, then it will take about 5 days to Hot Springs. I'm still tracking the box, I'm starting to get fussy, it has his extra meds (he is a diabetic) in it too, I think I could have driven to Fontana and picked up and shipped it to Hot Springs myself quicker. I'll keep you posted. I'm at camp this weekend - I won't be able to update untill Sunday night. My favorite place to be other than the trail. This week's event is a cool one called E-Tunes cranking out some awesome environmental awareness activites for our girl youngsters out there on a hip cool level that makes the outdoors the gotta be place to be. Peace and Love to All. Paws
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Newfound Gap - Gaitlinburg,TN

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

First thing this morning Flint and Calamity Jane went to visit Doc at his hotel before heading out on the trail. Words of encouragment and to tell him hurry up and get his tail back on the trail. Flint still hiking with Calamity Jane, No Problem, Hermes, Mr. Easy, and Not Yet. He doesn't like staying in the shelters, which is required in the Smokys because of bears. The shelters have chain link fence around them. He would prefer to stay in his tent, not because isn't sociable he just doesn't want to keep anyone awake with his snoring. LOL He said he has wondered a few times during the nights in the shelters if the bears haven't some how figured out a way to get into them to catch a few z's themselves at the obvious ruff-growl-snort type sounds echoing off the three-sides thru out the entire night. Where are the ear plugs when you need them? Peace and Love to All. Paws
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Flint's first 20 mile day. I forgot to mention his weight loss from the other day, he weighed 235 the day he left - March 5, he weighed himself in Gatlinbug, he now weights 210. That worries me, I think that may be excessive. He is 6'2" , I guess when I visit him for a week soon, I'll have to fatten him up! We are leaving Thursday night - myself, our daughter, granddaughter and a family friend to visit him for a week over Spring Break and do some hiking with him, shuttle him around, do some trail magic, feed him good, meet some of his hiking buddies and whatever else comes our way. We are all very excited. Flint says he can hardly wait to see us, just knowing we are coming puts a bounce in his step. We are taking him some extra surprises and I've heard a rumor the Easter Bunny is making a special stop in Erwin, TN to dish out some trail magic to some tired hikers "Easter Bunny" style. I think he is ready to see family, I heard it today in his voice. The newness as worn off and the day to day is going on and on. You wake up, you hike till dark, you go to bed, you wake up, you hike till dark, you go to bed, you wake up - you get the point. Of course, you see beauty all around you, but the trail goes on and on, you need those words of encouragment, those inspirational moments that keep you putting one foot in front of the other. He wants me to send hugs and kisses to Grandma Helen and his Mom & Dad (Dad, I'm still wearing the necklace) - he loves and misses you guys very much and he sends love to all of his family. He thinks about you often. Peace and Love to All. Paws
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Davenport Gap - Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 0.9
Weather: overcast clouds

A whole gang are staying a Standing Bear Farm tonight. Flint said it was a very interesting day. They arrived very early, Calamity met up with her husband and heading into Gatlinburg, Hermes, Hobo, Magellan, Flowerlady, Cedar and whole bunch of others I don't remember are there. Flint shaved four heads today, changed braked pads on a van and drove a vehicle (he said that was really weird). He said it rained off and on and the sky this evening was and incredible beautiful pink as they all hung out by the fire. He is sleeping in a loft area on a matress pad after being bumped from his bunk - he wasn't to happy about it but he sucked it up and didn't say anything. He looked at the glass half full. That's my Flint. I told him it would come around to him again in the future. He hadn't had a chance to get a shower yet either, it must be really crazy there this evening but I also know he was busy working on the van. He asked if I had talked to Doc or had heard news of Doc. He said Calamity had stopped in and saw him while she was in Gatlinbug and he was still healing up. Flint misses his ole' hiking buddy. I hear something different in his voice - it might be sadness, I'm not sure but maybe it's him missing Doc. Him and the crew are heading out in the morning hoping to make it to Max Patch. Peace and Love to All. Paws
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Davenport Gap - Standing Bear Farm

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Paws here, I just got back from the Dr., bad news for me, it never fails, every time I get ready to go hiking. I've been fighting a bad cold for a couple of weeks and the past week fighting a minor ear ache, and I was out in the weather over the weekend, I didn't feel good last night, woke up with my right ear screaming in pain. My hearing has gotten worse (shoot I knew that, I'm gettin' good at reading lips), perforated ear drum, lots of antibiotics, lots of pain, I want to cry, oh wait a minute, I've just about cried all day, well what the heck I'll cry some more. In time I know all things heal, I just need to heal before Thursday! Oh yeah, interesting, I want to give a heads up to avoid any confusion in the future, I noticed today we have another Flint who started the trail (March 15) and a trail journal (Today). Actually, Flint and Jubilee, this could get interesting down the road. My poor Flint is going to be so disappointed he's not the only one now. Hey to Calamity Kim, nice to meet you, I guess that's kind of what you call it. Hopefully, Flint will be picking up his bounce box tomorrow in Hot Springs, if not the Earth may quake but not from seismic activity. Peace and Love To All. Paws