morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Try to get home for a few days

To: short trip home 
Miles today: 0.0

Once again we were blessed. Once breakfast, laundry and packing were done yesterday we stopped at the library to update. From there we went to Bluff Mtnoutfitters to tackle the logistics to get home for a short trip. We were helped by the owner who had to go to Asheville anyhow for some things, so we paid them to shuttle us. The trick was to find a rental car given the fact that the president is due in Asheville this week. Since we had no reservations, we called the reservation line. We were able to get a car that day (in two hours!). Wow! we could hardly believe it. Turns out when we got to the Hertz on Patton Ave. the girl at the desk said that they didn't have any cars available. I had an address, a confirmation number, and a quote. She was extremely nice and so was the manager. They said the reservation number does that to them all the time even though it is always a problem. They scrambled and got us a car somehow, and we were on the road by 1345. We got home about 2300, and hugged and hugged and loved up Parker!!!!I have missed her so much.All three of us went to the guest bedroom for the night because we didn't want to disrupt any of Gingie's things. Gingie and Sue have done a wonderful awesome job of taking care of things and Parker the past month, and we are blessed to have them as friends and neighbors.We returned the rental car to the Pittsburgh airport this morning, took Parker for a walk, and went to the drive-through at Wendy's. I lost 14 pounds the past month and have to be careful not to gain any in these few days before getting back on the trail.We have devised a plan to take Parker on her maiden AT adventure starting in Harpers Ferry. We will take two cars leaving one in Harpers Ferry and one in Pa. We thought this made more sense to keep covering the miles, spend time with Parker, and also be closer to home in case taking Parker is a disaster.Maryland is only about 40 miles so we will get into Pa before we bring her home and head back to Hot Springs to pick up where we ended. When we get to Harper's Ferry, we will be able to jump past where we did with Parker. We ran the numbers yesterday and found that as of May 1st we should have 153 hiking days left before Katahdin closes for the weather. That means we have to average 12-13 miles per day to make it. We need some zeros, and have to allow time to come home to see Parker, so that means we have to factor in many 15-20 mile days. We are determined and happy to make the plans and adjustments to meet our goal.Thanks to all of you.Too late and Too soon
Date: 2010-04-23
From: short trip home 

To: home for a few days
Miles today: 0.0

We were eating breakfast this AM trying to figure out exactly how we were going to get the section of Maryland and part of Pa done with Parker, then return to Hot Springs and start where we ended. It occured to us that we were expecting too much. A lot of time and energy would be absorbed without forward miles towards Katahdin. The way we are analyzing this you would think we were hosting the Olympics. On the other hand, we are trying to complete this goal of a thru-hike without hurting Parker in any way. So plan B, or C or whatever one this is, lead us to get back to Hot Springs by Monday and get going again north. We probably won't catch some of our hiker friends, but we'll get closer to them and meet new ones along the way. The idea is by keeping momentum forward, we can come home to visit, love, and spoil Parker every 3-5 weeks. When we get to Harper's Ferry, we will plan to come to get her for awhile to hike with us.We are going to take our summer sleeping bags back with us to save a little weight, but we will still have down jackets, and winter clothes to help offset the chill if needed.Feel free to offer an opinion on our plan if you want. Sometimes I feel like we need an advisor!Too Late & Too Soon
Date: 2010-04-25
From: home

To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Getting things ready to head back to Hot Springs tomorrow. We are taking our summer sleeping bags which might be a mistake, but we'll have our coats. We have boxes ready to go that Gingie will send for us. I tried to find a new knee brace, but could not locate one that is suitable. My right knee brace had been repaired, and now the spring is completely sticking out. The only ones we can find are just knee sleeves which won't work. The one on my left knee was made by Ace and held up well, but the Mueller disinegrated.I took Parker for a really nice walk, and she was so happy. I am sad to leave her again, but we'll make another trip home when possible and try our best to spoil her. In the meantime, Sue & Gingie will take good care of her. Sue took a video of her chasing a ball & sent it to me so I will have it on my phone.Yesterday, we got to see family at the birthday party for Too Soon's mom, and our son was there from Florida. So it was a great day. Today Gingie took Jim and I to dinner for my birthday tomorrow. She comes back tonight because we are going to the airport to pick up the rental car, and plan to be heading back to Hot Springs via Asheville, NC by 0600 tomorrow.Thanks for all of your messages, and we'll update again as soon as possible.Too Late & Too Soon
Date: 2010-04-26
From: home

To: Hot springs, nc
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Last night we went to the Pittsburgh airport to pick up the rental car to get back to the trail today. We took Parker with us, and I started getting sad worrying about leaving her again. But we will get home again in a few weeks to spoil her.When we got back home, gingie told me my friends Diana and Danny were going to stop over for a few minutes! I was happy to see them, and they brought a birthday card and a dq gift card! It was so nice to be home for those days because we got to see family and friends. Robin had stopped on Friday with a birthday present, and we roped her into viewing our pictures because I knew she would be skeptical of the privy situation! Hee.We got up by 0500 to be ready to hit the road by 0600. I called Cindy , and she met us at Tim horton's for coffee.It rained the entire trip back to Asheville, and I guess it is still better driving in the rain versus hiking in the rain. We stopped at a bob Evans for lunch, and we split a strawberry shortcake to celebrate my birthday. The hertz dealer took us about 15 miles toward hot springs as a courtesy so the shuttle back was less. We knew to steer clear of the alpine and the hot water issue, so we are at the iron horse inn which is really nice and had a hiker rate!We hit the trail in the morning, and it will take us 4-5 days to get to Erwin. We will be desperate for a shower and a bed by then. We leave hot springs with heavy food bags, but we don't want to run out again! The weight will decrease each day, and I plan to entice jim with the tasty morsels in my bag first. He'll probably be wise to my plan.I'll update whenever I can get service. Too late and too soon
Date: 2010-04-27
From: Hot springs, nc

To: Spring mtn shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: moderate rain

We ate breakfast then left Hot Springs in the rain. As predicted, the packs felt very heavy, bit we were on our way to get the long stretch done to Erwin. As always in the rain it is hard to take breaks or eat lunch, but we stopped at tanyard gap and ate cheese and tortillas. The shelter is an old one, and was full so we put the tent up in the rain. We saw a lot of new faces because of our time off trail, but that's how it goes out here.Jim fixed dinner, and I went to get the water. We went to bed early because it was so cold, and sure enough bringing back our summer sleeping bags proved to be a mistake. But we are once again logging miles, and you can't fight the elements out here.Too late and too soon
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Spring mtn shelter

To: Stealth camp past blackstack cliffs
Miles today: 13.5

We got up facing everything damp and cold we had a miserable cold night and barely slept. We were cranky with each other all day, and too soon thought we had lost our trail legs in our time off.Then the sun came out, and we hung some things in the trees to dry while we took a break.We stopped at little laurel shelter for lunch and talked to fox, evergreen, zissu, and permitheus.The trail was nice, and we were on a ridge. As I looked over the ridge, these delicat airy flowers looked like miniature hot air balloons. The flowers are abundant and all colors.We are pushing as hard as we can to shorten the amount of days before town and a shower. We ended up taking a bad weather trail around a treacherous section of rocks. At first I felt like a wimp, but we put the tent up soon past where the trails converge, and the young hikers who had taken the exposed cliff route said it was wicked. In the middle of the night I thought someone was shining a lighe on our tent, but it was a full moon'
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Stealth camp past blackstack cliffs

To: Stealth camp at big flat
Miles today: 15.0

We needed water, and hiked to Jerry cabin shelter for breakfast. There were some steep climbs, but the weather was great. We stopped at flint mountain shelter for lunch, and so many hikers are happy because there are signs posted for trail magic tomorrow at sam's gap!The day was better today, and we put the tent up near dark. We thought we were all by ourselves again, but a couple ce in late because they pushed to get there to make it for the trail magic tomorrow. We didn't have enough water to fix supper so we ate some dried fruit while visions of burgers were in our heads!
Date: 2010-04-30
From: Stealth camp at big flat

To: Stealth camp near whistling gap
Miles today: 15.2

We headed for hogback ridge shelter for water and breakfast we left there heading for the trail magic at sam's gap. The trail was nice, but lots of ups and downs, and it seemed like it took a long time to get there. Former hikers provided the magic of hamburgs, hot dogs, onions, tomatoes, baked beans, chips, sodas, and ice cream. They had sunscreen, fruit, and coffee too!It was such a treat, and it made everyone happy, but it was hard to hike with such full bellies.We had a big climb up big bald and were rewarded with beautiful views and a wonderful fragrance.We are camping alone as we pushed on a little past bald mountain shelter hoping we can get to Erwin tomorrow. Our love to all, and please keep Parker happy!
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Stealth camp near whistling gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The wind howled last night and was so strong it blew the sides of the tent in against us, but was not cold and all was well. Once again, we had gone to bed with no dinner, only dry fruit, because we were really low on water. So we hiked out to the nearest water source, made oatmeal, and filled our water containers.The trail was nice, and the weather gorgeous.What a good morning that was soon to get even better. We were almost to Spivey gap when we noticed a really nice camping area and smelled what I thought was someone's camp fire still smoldering.Then we saw the sign and heard someone yell "make the left turn". It was last year's thru-hiker, Hoover, and his family doing trail magic. They had a tent, hand cleaner, bananas, oranges, burgers, onions, tomatoes, chips, homemade cookies, and all kinds of drinks and chairs to sit on! Two days in a row, but we are still sticking with our original trail names.We hiked on and off all day with Dancing Wind who we had first met our second day out of Hot Springs. We stopped at No Business Knob Shelter for a break and all agreed that watermelon and a shower would be heavenly at this time. We hadn't left the shelter long, and it started to rain... the shower. We kept moving and soon could hear the train whistle from Erwin and could see the town miles away. We descended to the Nolichucky river and on to Uncle Johny's hostel and plopped on the porch and drank a gatorade. The hostel was full and we got them to shuttle us to the Holiday Inn Express. I can't describe fully how wonderful it feels at this time to have a nice clean bed with pillows, a shower,cell service, and internet! I typed the past few pages on my phone in the tent with sketchy internet.We pick up a mail drop, but will have to send food ahead to Damascus because we have too much that we brought from home and didn't eat. Two nights we couldn't eat because we didn't have water, and we had two days of trail magic so we have food left to carry. Thank you all for your messages and updates. They are the first thing we look for when we can get cell service. "Too Late and Too Soon" (except lately, hee hee)
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Erwin, TN

To: zero day in Erwin
Miles today: 0.0

We slept with pillows and loved it. Our very cold nights this past week prompted us to find a solution to stay warm for the next couple of weeks. To augment our sleeping bags Jim walked to the Dollar store to buy a couple of fleece blankets. He brought me back Tinkerbell, and he got Cars! There was a limited selection...But before that, we were eating breakfast and had a wonderful surprise. Our hiking buddies, Tim and Kelly, came to our breakfast table. We didn't think we would see them again until trail days, but they have had visits with family, etc so our time off put us all together again at least for awhile.Also, at trail magic at Sam's gap, we met a man who is a relative of our friend, Scott Thornberry. This man lives in Erwin and told us to call him if we needed help. The phone rang today, and I thought it would be Tim and Kelly, but it was Mr.Thornberry who said he was in the lobby. He wanted to know how we were getting back to the trail tomorrow. We thought we would be walking back, but he said "the post office opens at 0830, and I can pick you up". Wow, I was amazed. For one, we need to send food ahead to Damascus, and to have help offered as a kindness is just awesome. So even though thunder storms are predicted, we have to hit the trail in the morning to meet our goals. The saying goes, "no rain, no pain, no Maine".Tonight, Tim, Kelly, Jim, and I got a ride to town on Uncle Johny's shuttle van which is sketchy to say the least. We went to dinner and to buy Gatorade. There were 22 people in a 12 person van on the way back, and the driver was not of the cautious type. We met a couple from Germany who are a lot of fun, but wishing the trail was a bit easier.We will look for your messages each day we can get service and update as soon as possible. This section goes over Roan Mtn, and our next stop off the trail is probably 4 days away. Good night, and as always, I am missing Parker.
Date: 2010-05-03
From: zero day in Erwin

To: Deep gap campsite
Miles today: 12.1

Mr. Thornberry came to pick us up as planned. Tim, Kelly, lift and step, jim and I went to the post office, then back to the trail. It had rained earlier and the humidity was still very high, but I love it hot so I was happy. The first part of the day's hike skirted the river, and the continued to be good. We stopped at Curley maple gap shelter for a break, and met one life, laid back, and then Tim and Kelly came in along with the two German couples. Jim and I headed back out, and stopped later for lunch. We got to the campsite and were surprised at how many tents were already up.The bugs were bad so we ate then headed for the tent.
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Deep gap campsite

To: Clyde Smith shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

We packed up a slightly wet tent, ate oatmeal, and started climbing Unaka Mtn. The trail contined through a really amazing pine forest that reminded me of one of the scenes from the show " Band of Brothers. We took a break at Iron Mtn gap and hiked on and off with a young guy named Nickel and Tim and Kelly. We got water at Greasy Creek gap, and continued on to the shelter which we knew we had to stay at since it was Jim's dad's name! I couldn't get any cell service again as usual so I could't journal or check for your messages.
Date: 2010-05-05
From: Clyde Smith shelter

To: Overmountain shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

We ate breakfast and had to make the long trip back to the water source to get water for the start of the hike. The conversations this morning were focused on the climb up Roan Mtn which has the highest shelter on the AT. It has a reputation for being difficult, and lived up to it's fame. We climbed for hours, and stopped at the shelter for lunch and water.The descent was slightly rock, but not too bad, and when we reached Carver's gap, the trail became gorgeous. I yogied someone getting ready to finish a day hike into taking our garbage since there were no garbage cans that we could locate.We ceased over Jane bald with outstanding views, and the ability to see hikers in front of and behind you for a long way. The day began to take it's toll on our energy, and we stopped at the Stan Murray shelter to cook dinner. We pushed on to Overmountain shelter which is a converted barn with tons of space. Tim and Kelly were there, and we went up in the loft with them, Nickel, and restless legs.The view from the shelter was looking out over many mtns, and was gorgeous.
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Overmountain shelter

To: US 19
Miles today: 9.2

We left the barn shelter and started climbing Little Hump mtn then Hump mtn which were both beautiful balds with amazing views. The wind was strong and took care not to sway when the wind caught the pack. We stopped in a little alcove for lunch then later at Doll flats for a break with Tim and Kelly. We got to US 19 and walked down the road to the Mtn harbour hostel. There were many, many hikers there. The hostel shuttled us to the dollar store, and we got a half gallon of milk and we sat on the curb in the shade and drank the whole thing. There were so many of us at the store and I liked watching the different things hikers buy.It was hectic at the hostel but nice to see dancing wind again and others. Zeesu played the guitar and sang, and everyone was blown away by his talent.
Date: 2010-05-07
From: US 19

To: Stealth campsite past Laurel Fork
Miles today: 16.5

We had a great breakfast at the hostel, then back to the trail to try to get the miles in before the rain came. It was easy beautiful trail, and the miles came quickly.We stopped by Elk river for lunch, and discovered that the banana tootsie pops we bought were delicious. We kept drinking Gatorade all day, and stopped at Mountaineer shelter for a break. Graham cracker, Fox, Skywalker, and sugar Ray were there.We pushed on to try to get closer to another hostel in case we have to carry wet gear tomorrow. We found a spot to put the tent up, fixed dinner, and crawled in the sleeping bags.
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Stealth campsite past Laurel Fork

To: Dennis cove road
Miles today: 7.9

Sure enough, it pored rain, and we packed up wet gear. We stopped atoreland Gap shelter to eat breakfast and get water. The trail was gentle, and we got to Dennis cove fairly Earle. We walked down the road to the Kincora hostel, but it was pretty packed so we went to the Braemar hostel in Hampton.Hikers are everywhere because we are only about 50 miles from Damascus and upcoming trail days.We may slack pack tomorrow taking only lunch, water, rain gear, and lights with us just to give our knees a little break from the full pack weight. We are back now to trail we have already done as section hikers so it will be a little helpful.I could not get any cell service for days, and missed doing the journal and hearing from all of you .As always, thanks for your messages.
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Dennis cove road

To: Shook Branch Rec Area, Hampton, Tn
Miles today: 8.9

Last night was interesting at the hostel. This is a really nice clean hostel with a great kitchen, and the German couple had gone to the market to buy supper supplies. They tantalized all of us with their cooking. They started peeling potatoes and other vegetables. They had a huge steak and made homemade bread.But as good as they are at cooking, they didn't quite understand the lock system on the bathroom door. The lady somehow left the lock in a position that the door locked after her late last night. So in the middle of the night when I had to get up to the bathroom as I was so grateful not to be crawling out of our tent, I was unaware that the bathroom was locked. I thought I could sneak to the bathroom and back without getting dressed since everyone was sleeping so I am turning the handle, one way then the other with no luck. I knocked on the door, but thought it strange that I couldn't see a light under the door. So I tried ramming the door only a little because pretty much my whole body is aching these days. Ok, what can I do? I got back to our ro without getting caught in my undies to tell Jim my dilemma. His answer to the problem was"go outside". I said "we're not at a shelter, we are in town, and I'm not going outside." Besides, the door would probably lock behind me, and I would be stuck outside. His solution was to prop the door with my boot, but no. So to all of my friends who may recall the time I was on a very small plane with no bathroom and drank two quarts of Gatorade , you will know how I handled the problem. My real gun for the night came later when I knew Jim would be needing the bathroom, and I offered him all his earlier wisdom. That was only half the fun though, because probably 12 people twisted, rammed, and cursed the door through the night. I literally had to buryy head in the pillow I was hysterically laughing.OK, we got up, ate our oatmeal and stared enviously at the egg and vegetable omelets and homemade pancakes the German couple made.We got back to the trail and slack packed past Laurel fork falls and over Pond Flats. It had rocky steep spots, and it was such a treat not to have do much weight on our backs. We got a hitch back to town quickly, and went to Subway and got subs and pizza. Then we went next door to get ice cream. We went to the dollar store to look for socks, and got a razor,We are back at the hostel, showered, and plan to cook supper in a little while.I am going to cut my Tinkerbell blanket in half, and leave half in the trash. It is just too much to carry it and the sleeping bag any further.
Date: 2010-05-10
From: Shook Branch Rec Area, Hampton, Tn

To: Vandeventer shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: clear sky

We fixed our breakfast at the hostel and packed up our gear. We opted to take the later shuttle back to the trail so we could go to the post office, dollar store for lunch supplies, and McDonalds for coffee.The weather was great and the trail fairly gentle. It wound around the lake then up a mild climb. We could still see the lake after several hours of hiking. The flowers are different than they were a week ago, and we haven't seen many animals. We stopped for a break at Wilbur dam road and Fox And Zissou stopped with us. Fox had a picture of a huge snake he had just passed.We got to the shelter early, but decided to stay because Jim had twisted his ankle earlier and needed to get it rested.
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Vandeventer shelter

To: Double Springs shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

We left the shelter in a light rain and pretty cool temp, but soon had to shed some clothes as we heat up quickly. The water source at the shelter was a long steep climb down so we opted to wait until we got to a spring farther up the trail. We stopped and got water and ate a snack then went to Iron Mtn shelter for lunch. We met Gypsy LuLu who had hiked the trail a few years ago too.It was an odd weather day, and we spent a lot of time changing clothes.We got to Double springs shelter and called it a day. The shelter has a great water source, and there was a high probability of rain so even though the original plan for ghe day called for more miles to be closer to Damascus tomorrow, we stayed. Grizzer, Scatter, and Dr Rock showed up. I was glad I still kept half of Tink becausey legs would have been cold. I slept in my down jacket.