morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-06
From: Erwin Tenn (motel)

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A note about Weight:While Bill Bryson in his book "A Walk in the Woods" devotes considerable energy to discussions of gear weight, it is merely lip service when compared to our reality.On the trail you are forced to carry your house and all its contents on your back. If you have a nice house with myriad contents you will be miserable while walking, while quite content in camp. On the other hand, if you go ultra light you will be sprightly on the trail, but possibly uncomfortable and definitely envious of others in camp. Therefore a happy medium needs to be reached.I started the Trail with 46 pounds and now I have 34.Here is what I dropped: 1. The first thing I dropped was definitely the 5L Tyvek waterproof bag for all my valuables. Originally I believed that my passport and credit cards needed bomb proof protection. Then one of the employees at Neels Gap asked if I was too good for Ziplock bags. He had a point and the bag went home.2. My teva thong sandals were way too heavy and hard to walk in at camp. I bought a pair of waldies and never looked back (see pictures)3. I was carrying a pair of cotton cargo shorts and a cotton tee shirt for town. Style is not an issue and cotton weighs a ton. I sent them home and bought light weight town clothes.4. We originally were carrying 2 pots. Trust me, one is enough.5. Our stove, though excellent with its simmering cababilities, was a rock compared to the Coke can denatured alcohol stove. The stove is gone.6. My book is 200 pages. I read 20 pages a week at best. I rip out small chuncks and send the rest forward.7. My med kit allowed me to perform field surgery. Surgery is for hospitals. Band aids and other such small items are meant for the kit.8. Last, but not least, was my boots. The conventional wisdom is that every pound on your feet is equal to 5 on your back. Blisters aside, I bought light weight boots and shed 4 lbs. off my feet.Shedding weight is an ever evolving challenge. In Damascus we will switch out our winter gear which means lighter sleeping bag and low cut shoes. After that I will have to look harder but will always be on the lookout for ways to cut weight.
Date: 2004-05-07
From: Erwin

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We did a 0 in Erwin today as we were a little late getting our errands done, but we have a way to make some miles.In a sad turn of events the two days of rain caused Waya's feet to explode in a pussy rash unparalled in my lifetime. He has had chronic psoriosis for his entire life and thinks that the rain aggrevated the situation.He is now holed up in Erwin with Digger and is planning on renting a car so that he can make it to a dermatologist appt. in the morning. Either way, with their car they have offered to slack pack us the 19 miles to Iron Mtn. We will walk the miles tomorrow without our packs and they will meet us at the gap at 6 PM to give us our stuff. They are complete saints for offering to do this and now we are on track to easily walk into Trail Days in Damascus.In other news we took advantage of our 0 day and headed to the famed Erwin Burrito for burritos "the size of my head" It was great to eat fresh vegetables once again.We'll hit the Trail early tomorrow and make our way to Damascus.More LaterLove to all"T"
Date: 2004-05-10
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Campsite (tent)
Miles today: 17.0

Today was a very difficult day.We woke up with everyone at the shelter at 7 despite our late evening. We were pretty lazy however and did not get off until 11 am.The early going was gorgeous with climbs over Little Hump and Hump mountains. The views from the balds were incredible.After that I was feeling the strain of the previous days with aching joints and pounding feet. Over our last 6 days we did 19,17,0,19,14,17 respectively and needless to say I was feeling it.Java, Blue and I finished the day at 8 and I was thrilled to finally get off my feet.Firecracker left us today to to meet her husband and I am really hoping we will see her again. It is really starting to dawn on me that we will be losing Java, Gefilter, Ninja and Firecracker in Damascus and it's really a shame. I am sure I will see them in the future, but I will really miss them.I am exhausted and so going to sleep, as 15 miles awaits me tomorrow. We'll be heading off at Dennis Cove tomorrow for a re-supply and possibly a shower.More laterMuch love to all"T"
Date: 2004-05-11
From: Campsite (tent)

To: Laurel Fork Hostel 
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

We passed 400 miles today!!!!After a semi-restful sleep in the merciless humidity we broke camp at 7 for a leisurly 15mi. hike to Dennis Cove.Blue, Java and I decided that telling stories and playing games was far more desireable than marching through the forest so the time passed with relative ease.Despite the leisurely pace, my body is still tired from our recent big miles and my right knee has been giving me some trouble. I will keep an eye out for it and hope for the best.In the afternoon we met up with Scrubs and her partner Pete. We had a great couple of hours chatting about Middlebury, where they went and their plans for after all this is done.We got to Dennis Cove in the early afternoon and after discovering Kincora Hostel was full we made our way down to Laurel Fork Hostel where we were shuttled to town and rushed home for an excellent steak dinner. We dined with, among others, Loon, who we haven't seen in weeks, but is always a blast. He told us that if we make it to Damascus (3 days) he will guarantee we're going all the way.I look forward to his blessing.We'll do 2 leisurly 12's over the next 2 days and then the marathon (26.2) into Damascus.Come on knees!More laterMuch love to all"T"
Date: 2004-05-12
From: Laurel Fork Hostel 

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We took a leisurly day to walk our 10 miles and spent a wonderful 2 hours at Watauga Lake enjoying the sun.After a semi-restful sleep at Laurel Creek listening to snores from my fellow bunk mates we woke up early and ate the eggs and bacon prepared by John the hostel owner.Swan, April Showers and Ursa Minor were abuzz as they were getting ready for their 14 mile slack pack.The terrain was fairly decent with the exception of Pond Flats Mountain which turned out to be a bear of a climb. The combination of the heat and the humidity had us all dripping ten minutes in.Needless to say, I was more than happy to reach the pond at the top.The rest of the day was fairly uneventful but warm and sunny which is all I need.The knees are still achey, but I am hoping that 2 0's in Damascus will put me in the pink.More tomorrowMuch love to all"T"
Date: 2004-05-13
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mtn. Shelter (tent)
Miles today: 14.0

Today was a scorching day, but ended wonderfully with Trail Magic from Firecracker and her husband, Andy.We left Watuga Lake early in the morning and began walking slowly but deliberately northbound. The terrain was pretty easy and the early going was interesting as we circumnavigated Wataga Lake and crossed over the dam that made it.We stopped for lunch at Vandeventer Shelter and while the shelter was quite run down, the views down to the lake were perfect. We ended up chatting with Sheriff and Swiss Miss and then headed on.The afternoon was pretty uneventful except for the brief rain. Everything turned bright when we turned a corner a mile from the shelter and found a dozen Cokes in the stream accompanied by a note from Firecracker and her husband instructing us to sit down and enjoy.This is exactly what we did.When we reached the shelter shortly thereafter we were greeted by Firecracker and an array of goodies including hot dogs, oreos, fresh cherries and strawberries and some amazing chocolate sauce to dip them in. Heaven!We spent the evening chatting and now it's bed time with the 26.2 mile marathon challenge awaiting us tomorrow. We'll get up at 5 and start walking and hopefully be in Damascus by dark.All of this celebrating was a little bittersweet as it means the end of hiking with Firecracker. It's been so great spending time with her and we'll all be sad to see her leave. We will, however make sure to stop and see her and Andy when we hit Pa. Thanks Firecracker.More tomorrowMuch love to all,"T"
Date: 2004-05-14
From: Iron Mtn. Shelter (tent)

To: Damascus, Va.
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: scattered clouds

We made it to Damascus today after an epic 26 miles into town. After an early start at 5AM we headed onto the Trail with visions of border crossings and town in our minds.The going was pretty smooth all day with just a couple of bumps sprinkled here and there. I was definitely weary after our recent push, but I was excited for the Trail Days Festival and especially excited to leave TN and NC behind.We reached the border in a mid afternoon shower, but the thrill of stepping over the line erased the wetness and propelled us on into Damascus.All told, it took just under 11 hours of hiking to traverse the marathon and now it was time for 3 days of resting and seeing friends.Much love to all"T"
Date: 2004-05-17
From: Damascus, Va.

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0

Well, with all the good intentions, Saffron, Ninja, Blue and I set off from The place in the direction of the Trail. We stopped into The Dairy King for burgers before the rains came. In characteristic fashion the thunderheads rolled in in late afternoon and completely dumped. Loath to start out of town in the rain we made a team decision to take yet another 0 day in town and set out in the morning.Everyone was amused to see us back at the place with our tail between our legs, but we were dry and that¢s what counts.With another free evening we decided to take a field trip 14 miles into Abington and catch a movie.We ended up seeing Troy which was horrible, but it sure was a novelty seeing a movie in a theatre.We got back to The Place at 10:30 and immediately came across an extremely toxic baby copperhead snake in the grass outside of the hostel. It was my first confirmed poisonous snake and, as such, a little unsettling.Heading to bed now and back to the Trail for sure tomorrow.Till laterMuch love to all,¢T¢
Date: 2004-05-18
From: Damascus, Va.

To: Lost Mountain shelter
Miles today: 15.8

After 4 days off The Trail I was itching to get back into the woods.We started out at 10 after a breakfast of eggs, sausage and tons of gravy at the Dairy King.We¢ve been hearing for weeks about the easier terrain in VA and while it was easier going than in GAThe scenery wasn¢t spectacular but as we wound through the valleys adjacent to the Virginia Creeper Trail, we had some sweet views of the river.We¢re headed to bed early tonight before 17 miles through the Famed Grayson Highlands with the wild horses.More tomorrow,Much love to all,¢T¢
Date: 2004-05-19
From: Lost Mountain shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.2

We did a short day today as we climbed our last notable mountain for a while.We ended up getting a late start out of the shelter and headed north toward Whitetop Mountain. The early going was pretty tough though the grade was smooth but steady.A couple hours into the day we passed through 2 farmer¢s fields which provided a nice contrast to the wooded areas we¢ve recently passed.We next made our way up to Buzzard Rock, where the summit was eerily shrouded in clouds. We ran into the philosophy class from Newport News, Va once again and chatted about their trip up to now. Carleton had some pretty interesting classes, but none that I recall involving 2 weeks on the AT.After summating White Top we headed down the other side and then the rains began. It¢s been a bit of a shame about the weather lately, but the rains have been daily and there doesn¢t appear to be a reprieve in sight. Anyway, just as the rains began to get heavy we pulled off the Trail and set up Ninja¢s tarp. Once set up we were able to eat lunch and be lazy which is the foremost priority when hiking.After lunch the rains let up and it was an easy 6 miles into the shelter. The last part of the walk put us into the beginning of the Grayson Highlands which are completely breathtaking.We can see the wild ponies in the distance and tomorrow we¢ll be walking among them.Much love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-05-20
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Troutdale Church Hostel (tent)
Miles today: 21.0

Today was a bittersweet day with the best hiking of the trip, our passing of the 500 mile mark, but the unfortunate loss of Ninja who is off to embark on a 2 year stint with the Peace Corps in Belize.After next to no sleep on account of the 70 year old gentleman with sleep apnea, we set out at 9 am with a big day ahead.Right as we left the shelter, we were greeted by a herd of feral ponies with brand new foals. This was a magical experience and a great way to start the day.We moved on past the ponies and after sliding through the slim rock formation known as Fat Man¢s Squeeze, we met up with 8 monkeys, Doc, Red, Powderfinger and Tenderfoot. The next 8 miles took us through the length of Grayson Highlands State Park and the most breathtaking scenery of the entire trip. The highlands are often compared to parts of Montana and one wide open grassy hills littered with rocks and palatial views. The weather was gorgeous which accented the terrain and was a welcome change from the relentless thundershowers of the previous week.At Fox Creek it was finally time to say goodbye to Ninja and it was really sad to say the least. I have had such a great time hiking with him over the past 6 weeks and he will be missed dearly.To ninja- good luck in Belize man. It will be sad to summit Katahdin without you, but your service to the corps is exemplary. Good luck and we¢ll be in touch.Incidentally, the spot we left Ninja was the 500 mile mark so it was a celebration as much as a farewell.The last 9 miles were long, but when we arrived at the road we quickly got a hitch into Troudate and thankfully the Outpost was still open. It was cheeseburgers for everyone and with full bellies we set up our tents ion the church lawn and are now ready to rest our weary bodies.14 miles tomorrowMuch love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-05-23
From: Atkins, VA

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

The last 3 days have been wonderful with amazing Virginia field walks and tons of fun with everyone.I can¢t tell you how nice it is to see new scenery after so long in the dense woods. We are into the summer feel now and everyone is excited. We officially passed the quarter way marker so just 1500 or so short miles to go.I talked with my buddy Matt Portner last night and it looks like he¢s going to be the first visitor. He¢ll do the Shenandoah with us and I¢ really looking forward to it.Much love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-05-24
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter (tent)
Miles today: 19.0

After a nice early start we got in a full 19 today and just made the shelter before the rains came.As I have said numerous times, previous the terrain in VA has been amazing. That being said today was a seemingly endless uphill climb with few of the beautiful field walks and none of the views.The terrain was uphill, but after nearly 600 miles you begin to take everything in stride.The only bummer of the day was that Cowgirl was feeling miserable and may have caught the sore throat, low energy that¢s going around.I¢ve been feeling good these days although my knee was a little sore today after the recent high mile days. However, my pack is lighter now than it¢s ever been and it¢s only getting lighter.Weight is always an issue and in keeping with the tradition of dropping pounds I recently sent home my winter gear, picked up a 16oz 45 degree sleeping bag and sent home my 8 lb. Gregory backpack and bought a timer 316 Granite Gear Ozone Pack. This is all very exciting news as I am now just under 30 lbs. with 3 days food and a liter of water. My pack will get even lighter in the coming days.Never one to shy away from health competition, my friend Pipin has challenged me by guaranteeing that his pack will weigh less when we leave Pearisburg in 100 miles. The loser carried the winner¢s food bag for a day. Though my pack is pretty trim right now I can always send more home and that is what I intend to do. I will however, always keep stuff so that my camp experience is almost as enjoyable as my hiking experience.I will let you know how it turns out and in the mean time I will go through my pack looking for candidates.Much love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-05-25
From: Jenkins Shelter (tent)

To: Blond VA (motel)
Miles today: 14.0

Boy did we have a thunderstorm last night!I got to bed at a hiker sensible 9:30 PM and immediately fell asleep exhausted from the day¢s hike. I was slumbering a mere 2 hours before being woken by the crashes of thunder and the accompanying rains. Thankfully I was safely tucked away in my tent and I managed to stay dry, but it definitely kept most of us awake.We got up at 7 a little weary from the exciting night and managed to get on the trail by 9.The hiking wasn¢t too difficult today though the views were equally uninspiring. We pulled onto the road to Bland late in the afternoon to a chest full of magic which included cold beers, juices and other goodies. It was a great way to end the day!We got to the motel shortly thereafter and headed straight to the Dairy Queen for double cheeseburgers and Blizzards. Constantly on a quest to get more calories it definitely hit the spot.We¢re going to bed now and planning on a tidy 14 tomorrow. That will put us 2 days to Pearisburg and a needed 0 day.More tomorrow,Much love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-05-29
To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0

At the behest of my dear friend John Riske I thought I would sign my own guest book and thank you all for your kind words and unending support.This is quite an adventure. We are currently at mile 630 sitting in southern VA in the town of Pearisburg. I can't believe we have come so far and, by the same token, have so much more ahead. Our goals are small, however, so landmarks up the way are not even on the radar. Enough semi-philosophical rambling, I am writing to thank a number of people.I want to explicitly thank my mother Linda and my brother Matt for their tireless work on this website. With only limited ability to communicate this website is my sole connection to many of you. You have all supported me in so many ways and this is my gift to you. It may seem paltry at times but to share this experience with others is part of what makes it all worthwhile. This being said, the effort that my mother and brother have spent adding entries and photos to the site is the critical element and is so very appreciated. Please thank them if you see or talk to them and know that reading your guest book entries and getting your emails continues to fuel me onward toward our ultimate goal. Thank you again.Much love to all,"T"
Date: 2004-05-30
From: Blond, Va

To: Campsite (tent)
Miles today: 21.0

After an unscheduled 0 day because of torrential rains, we headed out today with 2 and a half days to do the 43 miles to Pearisburg to meet Blue's parents.The rains thankfully let up this morning and we set out beneath the sun with easy terrain in front of us. The hiking was good all day and at 5:30 we reached the 18 mile mark and a decision.There was a $3 campsite a quarter mile down the road and seemingly no campsites north on the Trail according to our guide. Undeterred, Blue, Powderfinger, Tara and I left Pippin, Saffron and Cowgirl and headed up the Trail to find a decent campsite. To our amazement we found a posh unmarked spot 3 miles later and set up camp.Dinner was squeeze cheese, mac and cheese which left us fed and ready for another 18 tomorrow.The views were not spectacular today but the gentle terrain more than made up for it. I'm off to sleep now and ready for more tomorrow. Hopefully the rains will abate but the forecast we got doesn't look promising.More tomorrow.Much love to all"T"
Date: 2004-05-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A question I commonly get from those interested in our journey is what consumes our minds for long stretches of Trail solitude. I don¢t have enough paper and am too bashful to list all the thoughts I¢ve had but one sequence in particular stands out above the rest.         Late into our 60th day when night was upon us and the mist was almost impenetrable Blue, Rally and I needed a boost of confidence. We had already done 16 miles through the rain which left 3 more in total darkness. Oh yes, one other thing, we had only had 1 litre of water each the entire day which served to cloud the mind in measurable fashion.        We decided to play the thru-hikers favorite game ¢ what would you eat if you could have any meal right now.        And so it began... (Please excuse the indulgence ¢ these were dire times)Blue¢s MealStart with a salad of mixed greens and light vinaigrette sprinkled with diced fresh tomatoes.Duck cassoulet with a glass of merlotPlatter of assorted sashimi including yellow fin tuna and snapper with a warm glass of sakeA 12oz filet mignon wrapped in bacon and a bottle of Bells Two-Headed AleAssortment of both pasteurized and un-pasteurized cheeses garnished with fresh pears, apples and grapes.And to top it all off a sizzling flan with a glass of the finest cabernet ¢T¢¢s MealTwo Stoli martinis extra dry with olives served straight up in a low ball glassFresh tomato salad with basil, olive oil, bufala mozzarella and a smattering of sea saltA 23oz porterhouse steak served medium rare on the rare side with garlic mashed potatoes and a side of asparagus. It would be accompanied by a glass of merlotI would then, on Blue¢ suggestion have a plate of cheeses and finish it all of with a giant slice of tiramisu and a glass of port.Rally¢s MealPiping hot pumpernickel bread served with honey butterGrilled salmon served with a ginger peanut sauce accompanied by sides of new potatoes, asparagus, roasted corn on the cob and a glass of redFruit salad with strawberries, mandarins, grapes, kiwi, cantaloupe, star fruit, and honey dewTo finish it all off a giant helping of bananas foster.Thank you for letting us indulge. The truth of the matter is that we all ended up eating macaroni and cheese that night followed by a helping of Snickers.
Date: 2004-05-31
From: Campsite (tent)

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I don't have a whole lot to say about today except that it was long.The last 4 miles were not in our original plan but the pull of Perisburg was just too great to withstand.We are here now at the church hostel and that is what counts.Looking forward to a 0 day tomorrow with Blue's parents.More laterMLTA (much love to all)"T"
Date: 2004-06-01
From: Pearisburg

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We took a very relaxing 0 day today accompanied by Blue's parents and his very cute niece Jurusha.After the usual hectic scene at the post office we began the search for Blue's parents who were driving in from Kentucky to visit.After finding them, we all went back to the motel to relax. Oh yeah, this is also when the eating began. Blue's Mum brought the most wonderful array of backed treats from home for all of us to gorge upon. They were amazing. After stuffing ourselves, it was on to the pool deck for serious R&R. We all had great fun playing with Blue's 5 year old niece and continuously enjoyed the day off.I would like to give a special thank you to Blue's parents for driving all that way to come and see us.More hiking tomorrow and no more fresh baked goodies.More laterMLTA (much love to all)"T"