morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-04
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a nice day today. I hiked most of the day with Ian, the British math teacher that I met at Neels Gap. We have a similar hiking pace and have a good time laughing a lot. That makes the miles click by more quickly.Staying in Fontana was definitely a good choice. I met some more hikers and had 2 great meals.We did 13.5 miles in about 6 hours today. The first 2 hours we climbed from 1,715 feet to 4,020 feet. There were some spots that were a bit tough but not too bad overall.The temp was perfect for hiking, I'd guess in the mid 50s. It sprinkled a little on us and then started to rain about 30 minuts after we arrived in the shelter. We made dinner and got in bed shortly after 6pm. My body is tired tonight.It's interesting that the shelter and water source are on the left side of the trail, which is in Tennessee. The privy is on the right side of the trail which is North Carolina. This is the first time in my life when I've needed to leave the state just to go to the bathroom.I have a little tenderness in my right leg in the shin area. I'm hoping that it doesn't cause any problems in the future.Hoping to do 16 miles tomorrow which would but me into Gatlinburg, Tn on Sunday evening. We'll see how the day goes.Peace, Scot
Date: 2003-04-05
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

Thankfully, there were only 3 of us in the shelter so I didn't have to pitch the tent. I woke about 1am to some serious rain. It sounded neat on the tin roof, especially because I was high, dry, and warm. About 3am a thunderstorm came through dumping several inches of rain. One lightening strike was super close. The roof started to leak a bit on my head during the hardest rain but it was easy to move with all of the room in the shelter.The rain broke about 8am. I was really glad since I really needed to visit North Carolina. After breakfast, I hit the trail at 9am. I walked alone for most of the day, listening to NPR news and some other radio stations for a bit of music.I arrived at at the shelter around 3pm. There were 3 people just leaving for the next shelter. Bonus, I have a spot in the shelter. This part of the trail is usually busy with weekend hikers. Only 4 spaces are reserved for thru-hikers. I guess the rain scared them off. Ian showed up about 30 minutes later and we ended up having the place to ourselves, much to our surprise. It was great to be able to spread our stuff out and have ample room.Not much else to report from the Smoky Mountains. I still haven't decided if I'm getting off the trail and returning home with mom or not. I'm enjoying the hike but I feel the pull to be home too. I have a couple of things I need to do. HHhhMMmm. I guess I'll need to decide soon. I should be in Gatlinburg tomorrow evening.Peace, Scot
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: New Found Gap, Gatlinburg, Tn
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a chilly night. I wasn't cold but neither was I roasty warm. I should have put on my thermal underwear for a bit more warmth.During my oatmeal breakfast, I notice 3 whitetail deer walking and grazing about 35 yards out from the shelter porch. They certainly knew we were there but mozied along undisturbed. Ian and I took a picture as they passed. I also saw a turkey on the trail a few minutes after leaving the shelter. It's nice to be seeing a bit more wildlife.Ian started ahead of me today. I caught him about 10 am. He was talking to a lady on the trail. I quickly noticed that she was not feeling well. We decided to walk with her and keep an eye on her. When we began the Clingman's Dome climb, Ian and I took turns carrying her pack for her. At the top we came across some medical personnel who were looking for her. Apparently, antother hiker had called them. She was taken to the hospital via ambulance. I'm holding her in my prayers for a quick recovery.We reached the gap road about 2:30pm, just as it started to sprinkle. I was really glad to see that parking lot. All day, I had to keep moving just so I couldn't smell myself. Bluck! Luckily, there was a fellow hiker named John with a car there who gave us a ride into town. We checked into a hotel and I was soaking in the tub literally within seconds of dropping my pack.Ian, John and I met for dinner at 5pm. We had a great steak dinner. Clean, full and content again. Woohoo. Peace,   Scot
Date: 2003-04-07
From: New Found Gap, Gatlinburg, Tn

To: New Found Gap, Gatlinburg, Tn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I mostly bummed around town this morning. About 1pm, I took an awesome nap. My body is slowly recovering from the last 2 weeks of strain. Ian and I had a great pizza dinner. After arriving back at the hotel, I wished him well since he is leaving in the morning. I'm staying behind to meet up with mom. I still haven't decided if I'm returning to the trail or going back home. I want to do both!I watched the NCAA basketball game and news about the war until about midnight. Then off to bed.Check in with you tomorrow.Peace, Scot
Date: 2003-04-08
From: New Found Gap, Gatlinburg, Tn

To: New Found Gap, Gatlinburg, Tn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Back at the Gatlinburg Library. I am meeting up with mom this evening. She wants to explore the area for a few days so I still have some time to decide on what to do. I've just read some other hiker journals and that pumps me up to continue, but I just am not sure yet. Luckily, I have 2 good options. Peace to all, Scot
Date: 2003-04-09
From: New Found Gap, Gatlinburg, Tn

To: New Found Gap, Gatlinburg, Tn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well, after 3 consecutive zero days, I'm hitting the trail again. There is still more hiking to do, so off I go tomorrow morning. I've changed my mind a dozen times about staying or going home. Too crazy.I've read all of my guest book entries. Thanks so much to all who have signed it. I appreciate the kind words of support. It realy means a lot. My return could get immediately interesting with snow predicted in the mountains. I feel confident the I have what I need. The snow really adds so much beauty to the already amazing views. I downloaded my pictures to my mom's computer but I couldn't get online to post any...sorry about that.My enthusiasm for the climbing part of hiking has waned a bit. I no longer say "give me more" at the top. It's more like "thank goodness I survived that climb". But, I do still enjoy the walking. It really has been great fun to meet other crazy hikers too.Ian is now 2 days ahead of me so I'll probably not catch him anytime soon. I do think that I'll still run into people who I've met earlier.I've put together a mail drop package to mail to Erwin, Tn. I should be there in about a week.Other than that, not much to report. I'll check in with you all in a couple of days.Peace,Scot
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Newfound Gap, Gatlinburg, Tn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Decisions, decisions! What should I do today? Move on, stay put, or head back to town. Those are my options. I slept quite well for the conditions. I stayed warm, even my feet. When I got up at 9, the snow and wind had stopped, leaving a calm, pristine white wonderland. There didn't seem to be much more snow than when I went to bed. I stayed in bed as long as I could, avoiding the cold shoes that awaited my warm feet.I finally got up, a full twelve hours after I went to sleep. I went to the spring and filtered some water for breakfast. In a few minutes, I polished off my oatmeal and had some mint tea.I crawled back in my bag and contemplated my options. It looked like continuing north would be a slow go, because of the snow. I really didn't want to go on to the next shelter in all of this snow. I ruled out staying put for the day. That would be way too boring. So, I decided to head back to town. I packed my things as the others were discussing their plans for the day.The three mile trek out was one of the most beautiful walks of my life. I took several pictures of the overnight snow that had turned the forest white. The air was fresh and the silence was renewing. The only trace of wildlife that I noticed was the footprint trail of a coyote or fox that I assume had been out prowling for breakfast.When I reached the road, all was quiet. There were 2 cars that had been parked overnight. I noticed that there were 2 people in one of the cars. I walked over to the road to hitch to town. After 5 minutes of no traffic passing in either direction, I decide that the road was probably closed. I checked with the people in the car and they had just returned from hiking as well. It turns out that I had passed them yesterday on the trail. They offered me a ride down the mountain. I gladly accepted.They dropped me at the visitor's center. I continued walking on the road towards town and a guy ofered me a ride in the back of his truck. Bonus for me.I had a McDonald's lunch and ran into Sherlock and Circuit Rider, 2 guys that I met a couple of weeks ago. It was nice seeing them again.I called mom and she picked me up. We went back to the campground where she's staying. It will be nice to sleep in a heated camper.Not sure what the next few days will hold for me. I feel like I've wimped out by returning to town. Am I just a "fair weather hiker?" Perhaps I am.I've got a few days to sort things out.Check in later.Peace,Scot
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Newfound Gap, Gatlinburg, Tn

To: Gatlinburg, Tn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Alas, the sun does exist. It's a beautiful day today. I'm hanging out at the trailer. Mom and Jack are out driving in the mountains. Not much to report. I continue to work through my decision about if I want to continue or not. Sorry to be so indecisive. I'm really struggling with what to do.Peace to all,Scot
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Gatlinburg, Tn

To: Gatlinburg, Tn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful morning. The birds were certainly vocal as daylight began. We went to the early service at a local church. It was a friendly UM church. People were very welcoming and it was nice to renew my spirit.I have had success using mom's laptop and cell phone to access the internet from the camper. So, I'm spending some time today posting pictures as proof that this trip really is happening. I hope that you enjoy them.Peace,Scot
Date: 2003-04-14
From: Gatlinburg, Tn

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, I've decided to head home with mom. This is my final decision.....for at least a few hours. ;) For some reason, I feel a need to be home. Maybe the reason will come clear to me later. Or, maybe I'm just homesick. At any rate, I can always return to the trail if I decide to later this spring/summer. I know that I'll continue to backpack as a hobby. This trip has been a wonderful introduction to the hiking scene.I'll try to spend some time thinking about all that I've learned these past 3 weeks and perhaps do a couple of "afterthought" journals. Thanks to everyone for their fantastic support. It's truly been an exciting experience. Peace and love to all,   Scot
Date: 2003-05-15
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi all,    Well, it's been a month, almost exactly, since I left Gatlinburg, TN to return home. I can honestly say that I feel good about my decision to leave the trail. I do, however, miss the fun people, sunny days, wildlife, and great exercise. I'm darn glad to not be eating oatmeal and pasta every day though. It didn't take me long to get back into my cookie dough and chocolate cake routine.   Since returning home, I've firmed up my job in the fall, purchased a car, and started a month long job to earn some summer spending money. It feels great to be back in touch with my fellow Christians at church and too spend some time with my parents.    I've been in touch with a few people from the hike. I did hear from the woman who Ian and I helped climb Clingman's Dome. Thankfully, she's making a good recovery after spending 8 days in the hospital. And, the world famous, winter hiking, crazy dude Bono send me a nice note of encouragement. I continue to keep all of the wonderful people who I met on the trail in my thoughts and prayers. It's definitely a very cool commuinty of its own.   My positive hiking experience has encouraged me to find other ways to experience nature. I've recently purchased a new mountain bike and have been exploring some trails here in Michigan. Biking through the woods is just a blast. I've only had one 'altercation' with a tree. It would be fair to say that the tree won that battle. I scrunched one of my fingers and scraped up my shoulder but I guess that's a part of trail riding. It slowed me down a little. I think I'll wait until I'm back to work in August with full insurance before I get too wild and crazy on the bike. Last Christmas, I gave a friend a shirt that said "crash and learn" on it. Perhaps I need one myself.    I'm also checking into the kayaking sport. I've always enjoyed canoeing and hopefully I can quickly learn to kayak. It looks like a lot of fun. Michigan certainly is a water wonderland and I look forward to taking full advantage of this beautiful state.   I can say that my hike was one of my best trips that I've ever taken. It has helped me to learn more about God, myself, and nature as well. And, I met some great people along the way. I'm looking forward to more section hiking on the AT and checking out other trails as well.    Thanks for reading my journals. If you're planning a hike of your own and I can help to answer any questions about the first 200 miles of the AT, please feel free to email me. My emiail is eitocs@aol.com.    I've enjoyed sharing my experiences with all of you. God bless you.   Peace,   Scot
Date: 2003-02-08
To: Preparations
Miles today: 0.0

I am still in Florida enjoying the warm weather. I have not been hiking here. The thought of swamps, marshes, snakes and gators doesnt appeal to me as well as the mountains. Most of my time has been spent bass fishing with a few days of surfing.My brother Art, who will keep my journal as I travel, bought me a dehydrator for Christmas. I will spend the next few weeks putting together a majority of my meals. I will return to Virginia in a week or two. Finish up the last of my bills and hike and excercise until its time to go.Its getting close.... I cant wait!Rob
Date: 2003-03-04
To: Mail Drops
Miles today: 0.0

I worked on the list of online mail drops today. Just click the link to the left. These are post offices I plan to stop at. I will stop at a lot more towns with P.O.s but I dont want to "have" to stop anywhere but these. The estimated dates are just a guess. I didnt get scienctific and try to figure out how many miles per day I will hike etc. I will have my brother adjust the dates as I get closer. For family sending me stuff get it out 2+weeks before my arrival date and let my brother know you sent something. That way I will know to ask for packages.I am still planning on leaving 3/15/2003. I plan to dehydrate some meals tonight and pick up a few last things I need. Its just waiting and finishing last minute business.I can't wait to meet all the people from these journals. See ya soon!Dont forget to sign my guest book so I know who is reading!Rob
Date: 2003-03-12
To: Trail Name
Miles today: 0.0

Well, its getting really close now. Yesterday my mother picked up my pocketmail. Thats a nifty little device that will allow me to send and receive emails via an 800 number. scubaman@pocketmail.comThats the next thing, I had waited to choose a trail name but decided to go with Scubaman. Its a name I have used on the computer for years. It comes from the fact I used to teach scuba diving and still dive when I get the chance. My brother didnt like it, but my cousin Dave gave me the O.K. hehI have not posted in a while, I was bored reading everyones trail journals detailing there last minute preparations. This week has been crazy. I sold my pick-up, sold a 120 ton job I'm finishing today. Bought the last few things I needed. I'm pretty ready. I have a few phone calls to finish up for my business but thats about it.Depending on how much work I get done, I will leave for Georgia on Friday or Saturday. Its a eight hour drive. My parents will drive me and my brother Art and his wife Karen will come too.It's real, its happening,and its already fun.
Date: 2003-03-14
To: On the way!
Miles today: 0.0

This is it....6:00 pm Friday March 14, 2003. We rented a Ford Excursion to fit all 5 of us + a dog (no hes not coming with me!) Just waiting on my father to get home and we shall head for Georgia.Sounds like the lodge/cabins are full at the visitor center. I figure we will get within an hour or two and find a hotel. I am not sure if I will hike on saturday or just sign in and check things out. At the very latest my hike starts sunday morning about 6:00 am )My brother will probally post some photos from the start. And then you will have to wait until I hit Neels Gap for the next update. 30 miles down the trail.Wish me luck!Rob
Date: 2003-03-15
From: Springer Mountain

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: light rain

After a long drive to Georgia, I arrived at Amicalola visitor center. A few photos and a 30 minute drive to the closest point to the start. We took Forest Rd. 42 to the top and walked .9 mile to Spinger Summit. "Gizmo", a caretaker, greeted me. After photos and viewing the nearby shelter I said bye to my family. I officialy started at 2:30 pm saturday. I had my pebble and took my first steps toward Maine. The first hour was odd, I walked down the trail in a trance filled with excitement and wonder. I am staying at stover shelter with John from Ireland, Bridget, Injured knee, and a couple of college guys.I ate early and have nothing to do until bed. Tomorrow will be a longer day.1 step closer to MaineScubaman
Date: 2003-03-16
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I was a little cold last night. 3 people in the shelter snored. I woke at 6 am and left by 7:10. I was not sure where to stop today. I was at the next shelter by 10 am. It seemed no problem to do 8 more miles to reach Gooch Shelter. Wrong! Sassafras Mountain was tough. I hiked awhile with Johnathan from DE. Weather was great, 50 degrees at 7 am. The trail was lined with Virgin evergreens, Rhodedendrum, and Oaks. 180 degree views and a steam most of the day. I ran out of energy at Justus Creek, 1 mile from shelter. The shelter may have 20-30 people. I will check out the town of Suches tomorrow. I am camped with 2 college guys and Mike.Scuba
Date: 2003-03-17
From: Justus Creek

To: Big Cedar Mountian
Miles today: 7.4

I woke at 6:30 but took until 8:00 to get going. I slept much better last night. Mike hiked with me all day. His pack weighed 75 pounds + the boots he didn't weigh. We hiked to Woody gap by noon. Then we hitched a ride to Suches. The last 2 hours was steady rain. The country store had a washer and dryer but no shower. We hitched back to Woody gap, it takes awhile, about 20 cars went by before we got a lift. Bridget from day 1 was at the gap. She was tired and had a ride to a hotel. The rain is steady and makes it tough when you stop. Im camped on Big Cedar with Mike and another guy. The day worked out well, but I have a blood blister on my small toe. I doubt I can make Neels gap tomorrow but I will get close. There has been lots of overlooks but zero visibility.Scuba
Date: 2003-03-18
From: Big Cedar Mountian

To: Blood Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained lightly this morning. My tent and clothes are wet from the heavy rain last night. My foot is bothering me but its not getting worse. I hiked to Woods Hole shelter for lunch. I was very tired and happy to see the shelter sign, but it was .3 miles down a side trail. Who put it there?!! The shelter was empty. I ate and took a nap, then I had energy to make it up the famed Blood Mountain. Cake! I could have done the 2.5 miles to town but I heard it was crowded. Heavy rain for the next 2 days is forcasted. I plan to stay in a cabin with a shower if I can get one. I will reply to all emails asap, its tough typing on this pocketmailScuba
Date: 2003-03-19
From: Blood Mountain Shelter

To: Walahasi Yi
Miles today: 2.4

Blood Mountain shelter sucked. It was leaky, windy, damp, wet, cold and had mice. Other then that it was nice. I met an older gentleman called "Recycled" This is his 3rd attempt to thru-hike the trail. He broke the same foot each year.I was up early but skipped breakfast, I didn't have water anyway. It was only a short ways to the outdoor center. Well, me and three others lost the trail... I was not leading!!! After I slid down the second rock face I started asking "seen and trail markers?" It was steep and slippery with 30+ mph winds, heavy rain and fog. I made it to Walahasi Yi and picked up my first mail drop. (thanks for the card mom) I took two showers and ate pizza. There are tons of people here. Lots left as I arrived. The four girls from Kansas City are here with Johnathan, who is now called "Yo Yo". Lucas and his sister are here also. His pack weighs 10 lbs before food and water. Journey, Mike and some others are in town also.Rain again tomorrow but clear skies are forcasted after that. It's great to be clean.Scuba
Date: 2003-03-20
From: Walahasi Yi

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

I left Walahasi Yi around 7 am with a slight drizzle. The plan was 11 miles to Low gap. The almost full day of rest really helped. The sun tried to come out today but never did make it. I hiked with Mike again. He is from Jersey, 31 years old, and shaved his head for the trip. He misses his girlfriend.I stopped to take a picture and Jake, who wears a kilt, came up. He told me I passed Mike. He got lost for the 2nd time in 2 days. 3 of us were following him yesterday when we got lost. What Jake did not say is he saw Mike because he went the wrong way also. You don't really get lost, you just go the wrong way and have to hike extra.It rained all day and the trail is a muddy slop. At Tesnatee gap, a trail angel left a large selection of can goods. Thanks for the madarine oranges Butch Cassidy. I hiked hard and wanted a break for lunch. The rain makes stopping not worth the effort. I was thrilled to see the shelter at 2:30. It's full and lots camping nearby. Recycled, Bob, Mike and a weekend hiker, who is injured, is here. The injured guy fell down a hill. He is a shady character and we wonder if he isn't hiding from the law. He is wearing all cotton, tennis shoes, and has no sleeping bag.Recycled is a retired judge from Minnesota. Bob is a postal inspector from Seattle. They both have lots of stories.It's 6:30 and I'm off to bed.Scuba
Date: 2003-03-21
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unico Gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Lots showed up late at the shelter. They were pretty rude with their noise at 10 pm. I have not seen much wildlife since the start. Last night two owls hooted near us for awhile.I left the shelter at 7:30. Recycled, Bob, and Mike hiked near me all day. Did I forget to mention sunshine? All day!! The trail was on a flat rigde for 5 or 6 miles with a cool breeze. The leaves are off the trees so there is lots of views. I hit Unico gap at 1:30. Mike was waiting there. As soon as we crossed the road we got a ride from a man who stopped to fix his truck. Something about the breaks not working. Anyway, off to Helen we went. We got 2 more rides to the outfitters and the hotel. Cheap rooms here so Mike and I are staying at the Super 8. I did laundry then we went to an all you can eat prime rib dinner. I am glad the rain stopped. I am chaffed pretty bad so the half day of rest and shower is nice.Great day of hiking.Scuba