morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-22
From: CABLE GAP SHELTER

To: FONTANA DAM SHELTER
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

RAINED JUST A BIT LAST NIGHT,NOT ENOUGH TO GET ME WET, JUST ENOUGH TO KEEP ME UP THINKING ABOUT IT. THE 7 MILES TODAY WERE SMOOTH HIKIN. THE "HILTON" IS THE BEST YET; SLEEPS 20,PIPED WATER,VIEW OF LAKE W/TABLES,AND HOT SHOWERS DOWN IN THE BACK OF THE VISITORS CENTER ATOP THIS HUGE DAM(WEIRD). I WILL GRAB A SHOWER AND HITCH TO TOWN. IMPORTANT! SHOWER BEFORE HITCH.   MET 3 GUYS AT THE DAM PARKING LOT WAITING FOR THEIR FOURTH MEMBER(DRIVER). THEY HAVE ALREADY CALLED THE FOREST SERVICE! FONTANA VILLAGE WAS SMALL BUT NEAT (CLOSES EARLY). I GOT MY FUEL AND IODINE TABS,AND JUNK FOOD. SAT ON THE PORCH WITH 10 OTHERS DOING LAUNDRY AND STUFFING OUR MAIL DROPS IN OUR PACKS. JUNK;BUGLES,CHICKEN SALAD,CRACKERS,SLUSH PUPPY,GARDETTOS,LIFESAVERS. MORE MAGIC AT THE SHELTER, TABA AND QUASI(03 THRUS) CARRIED DOWN SOME WINE COOLERS AND BUDWEISERS. 3 BUDS IN 12 DAYS HIKING MMM MMM GOOD.   I OVERHEARD CLIFFDANCER,BEARBAIT,AND DUTCH JUMPING OFF CLIFFS INTO THE LAKE SO I HAD TO JOIN THEM. VERY COLD INVIGORATING FUN. NICE FIRE BACK AT THE HOUSE! TOMORROW I HEAD UP INTO THE SMOKEYS.
Date: 2004-04-23
From: FONTANA DAM SHELTER

To: MOLLIES RIDGE SHELTER
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

WOKE AT THE HILTON,LET THE EARLYBIRDS LEAVE,AND GOT SOME GOOD SLEEPIN IN SLEEP! PACKED UP ,REALIZED MY FIRST ERROR,MY HIKING STICK IS IN THE SHUTTLE VAN. OH WELL IT WAS ONLY AN OLD SKI POLE AND THERE ARE MORE STICKS IN THE WOODS ,I THINK? CROSSED THE DAM WITH NITERIDER AND UP INTO THE SMOKEYS WE GO! SHELTER WAS CROWDED SO I TENTED OUT NEAR. HAD A NICE DINNER AND CAMPFIRE WITH EVERYONE. TABA AND QUASI PUT ON A GLOWSTICK LASERLIGHT SHOW,ENTERTAINMENT I DID NOT EXPECT. TODAY I CROSSED MOUNTAIN TOPS FULL OF SMALL FLOWERS,AND HUMMING LOUDLY WITH THE SOUND OF BEES, THEY WERE SO BUSY THEY DIDNT EVEN NOTICE ME. CLIMBED ANOTHER COOL FIRE TOWER TODAY,THIS ONE IS OLDER AND SCARIER(ROTTING).MET ON-IT TODAY A TOUGH MAINE FISHERMAN REPORTED TO HAVE CARRIED 2 HALF-GALLONS OF WHISKY UP THE HILL!
Date: 2004-04-24
From: MOLLIES RIDGE SHELTER

To: DERRICK KNOB SHELTER
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

A TOUGH 12 MILE DAY. I CAN FEEL THE EXTRA WEIGHT OF 7 DAYS FOOD AND TENT. I MAILED THE 1 LB BIVY HOME AS MY 3 LB TENT ARRIVED AT FONTANA. JUST INCASE THE SHELTERS ARE FULL THROUGH THE SMOKEYS. IT WAS A GOOD CALL I GOT MY BEST SLEEP YET(NO SNORERS). STILL FLOWERING ALL DAY WITH BUMBLE BEES BUZZING. THE GRASSY BALDS WERE COOL TODAY. I PASSED ROCKY TOP TENNESSEE(JOHN DENVER) KIP HAS HIS GUITAR AT THE FIRE TONIGHT ,WE ARE ALL AD LIBBING LED ZEPPLIN-STREET CORNER GIRL.I MET MOOSE TODAY,QUITE A CHARACTER WITH AN AUTHENTICALLY CERTIFIED DALE EARNHARDT LUGNUT TO THROW HIS BEAR ROPE INTO THE TREE!
Date: 2004-04-25
From: DERRICK KNOB SHELTER

To: DOUBLE SPRING GAP SHELTER
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I TOOK AN EASY 7.5 MILE HIKE TO ENJOY THE SMOKEYS,DITCH THE CROWD,AND PACE MYSELF FOR MY MAILDROP.RAIN HAS SET IN PRETTY HEAVILY SO A SHORT DAY WASNT SUCH A BAD IDEA, BUT I AM EXTREMELY BORED SO NO MORE SHORT DAYS. I WILL REST GOOD FOR A STORMY DAY TOMORROW.
Date: 2004-04-26
From: DOUBLE SPRING GAP SHELTER

To: ICEWATER SPRING SHELTER
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: moderate rain

I PLODDED 14.5 MILES TODAY WITH ONLY A 5 MIN. BREAK AT NEWFOUND GAP. THIS MOTORIST PULL-OFF OF THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY HAD RESTROOMS, SOMEPLACE TO GET OUT OF THE RAIN.   I DIDNT EVEN BOTHER TO PUT ON THE RAIN GEAR TODAY ,HARDCORE OR RETARDED ? I DONT KNOW. I DO FEEL CLEAN THOUGH.ICEWATER SPRING SHELTER HAS AN INSIDE FIREPLACE BUT THE WOOD IS PRETTY WET.12 PEOPLE IN FOR A NEAR FREEZING NIGHT. A LOT OF WET GEAR HANGING BUT NOTHING DRIES IN THIS WET SMOKEY AIR. A FEW HAVE BEEN TO GATLINBURG TODAY. FRED CARRIED A POUND OF FUDGE BACK UP THIS MOUNTAIN AND GAVE ME HALF. HE ALSO LOANED WAYNE HIS EMERGENCY BLANKET (WET BAG) FRED IS KEEPING HIS TRAIL KARMA UP! I WALKED IN FOUL COLD WEATHER ALL DAY,THE TRAIL HELD 1-3" OF WATER MOST OF THE DAY. NO COMPLAINTS, THIS WILL ONLY HELP THINGS BLOSSOM AND KEEP WATER PLENTIFUL
Date: 2004-04-27
From: ICEWATER SPRING SHELTER

To: TRI CORNER KNOB SHELTER
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

WOKE THIS MORNING TO A CRISP 34' SMOKEY MOUNTAIN AIR, PUT ON MY WET BOOTS AND HUNG MY OTHER WET GEAR OFF OF THE PACK TO MAYBE DRY. I FEEL A LITTLE NAKED IN MY BASE LAYER AND TRUNKS.TODAY INDY MET PHOENIX AND CALI(ITS LIKE FORREST GUMP AGAIN) THROUGHOUT MY 13 MILE DAY I GOT A CHANCE TO ROOST ON A PERFECT RIDGE ROCK TO JOURNAL AND DRY OUT A LITTLE (ONLY A LITTLE) IT SEEMS THAT WALKING GETS THE MOISTURE OUT OF THESE BOOTS THE BEST. HAD A NOODLE LUNCH AT PECKS CORNER SHELTER TODAY AND SAW SNOW FALLING. GOT TO TRI CORNER SHELTER FOR ANOTHER COLD EVENING. THE ROOF IS ONLY FRAMED AND TARPED AS THE VOLUNTEERS ARE REPLACING IT.THEY ARE NOT DOING IT NOW OR I WOULD HELP. I HEARD COYOTES FOR THE THIRD TIME IN MY TREK. SCARED A GROUSE TODAY(HE SCARED ME ALSO). ALWAYS BLUEBIRD,OWL WOODPECKER,CHIPMUNKS,AND OF COURSE THE MICE! 9 IN THE HOUSE TONIGHT. FUN CROWD. TODAYS GOOD FRIENDS ARE;FRED,WAYNE,GOOSEBUMP,GABBY,ROCKET GRITS,LADYBUG,BEAR,AND RADIOFLYER. I LOOK FOR TO THE LITTLE THINGS THAT PLEASE ME TOMORROW AT STANDING BEAR HOSTEL;RUNNING WATER,FOOD,PHONE. THE FORECAST FROM MY CITY VISITING FRIEND IS A FEW MORE CHILLY DAYS.
Date: 2004-04-28
From: TRI CORNER KNOB SHELTER

To: STANDING BEAR HOSTEL
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

NOT MUCH SLEEP FROM ALL THE SHIVERING. IT GOT BELOW FREEZING.I WALKED 18 MILES TO KEEP WARM. 2 MILES OUT OF THE SMOKEYS I STOPPED AT STANDING BEAR HOSTEL. A VERY COOL PLACE WITH TIN ROOF SHACKS THAT MAKE UP;BUNKHOUSE,SHOWERS,PRIVY,KITCHEN,LIBRARY. THE RADIO PLAYS IN THE KITCHEN, I HAVE NOT HEARD MUSIC IN SO LONG THAT I ENJOY ANYTHING THAT COMES ON NEXT.THERE IS A RESUPPLY CELLAR WITH ANYTHING A HIKER COULD WANT ALL IS ON THE HONESTY SYSTEM HERE. I HAVE YOGIED SOME MORE FOOD FROM THE HIKER BOX. I HAVE DECIDED TO DO LESS MILEAGE SO I DONT GET TO HOT SPRINGS TO SOON(TOWN=$$$).TODAY I MET A FAMILY THAT I HAVE READ OF IN THE SHELTER REGISTERS, THE GARLAND 5;PHOTO,CLOTHESLINE,WOLFSONG(13),STARFIRE(11)AND,ZING(9).THESE CHILDREN ARE HOMESCHOOLED ON THE TRAIL,ARE VERY STRONG HIKERS,AND DONT COMPLAIN ABOUT A THING.
Date: 2004-04-29
From: STANDING BEAR HOSTEL

To: ROARING FORK SHELTER
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

SO MUCH FOR LESS MILEAGE TODAY, I ACCIDENTALLY HIKED 20 MILES,I JUST CANT STOP SOMEDAYS.I WAS ENERGIZED FROM THE GOOD REST AT THE HOSTEL ,AND ALL THE JUNKFOOD. THERE WERE COLLEGE KIDS PLAYING BASEBALL ON TOP OF MAX PATCH(A GRASSY BALD) A STRANGE SIGHT. THE PATCH INSPIRED ME TO KEEP WALKING.STARTED OUT THE DAY WITH A COUPLE FROM IRELAND BUT THEY HAD TO TURN BACK DUE TO HER SORE ANKLE ,I FELT BAD FOR THEM. I ALSO MET LIBBY AT THE HOSTEL,SHE WAS NURSING A BROKEN BONE ATOP HER FOOT.GOOSEBUMP FORGOT HER PATAGONIA PANTS AT THE HOSTEL SO I PACKED THEM ALL THE WAY TO ROARING FORK SHELTER,WHERE THE GARLAND 5 HANDED ME MY UNDERSHIRT THAT HAD FALLEN BESIDE THE MACHINE, A 20 MILE LAUNDRY EXCHANGE!GRITS AND I BOTH ARRIVED AT DARK WITH THE BATS SWOONING US.ZING HAD A FIRE GOING BUT HAD TO RETIRE,SO I TENDED IT A LITTLE AFTER I SET UP THE TENT. I WILL MEDICATE MY MINOR BLISTERS AND HIT THE SACK. HOT SPRINGS IS ONLY 15 MILES SO THIS MAY BE THE LAST NIGHT ON THE TRAIL FOR THIS SECTION. I MUST HEAD HOME TO RAISE MY TEENS,GET EMPLOYED,AND AWAIT NEXT SPRINGS SECTION,HOT SPRINGS TO PEARISBURG 350 MILES.
Date: 2004-04-30
From: ROARING FORK SHELTER

To: HOT SPTINGS N.C.
Miles today: 15.0

TOUGH HIKE TO HOT SPRINGS N.C. SAW FRED ,HE MISSED THE TRAIL AND IT COST HIM 5 MILES. NOW I KNOW HOW I CAUGHT UP WITH HIM SO QUICKLY. SEEMS LIKE EVERYONE IS IN HOT SPRINGS LODGING IS FULL SO I WILL HEAD DOWN TO THE CAMPGROUND AND TENT OUT NEXT TO THE FRENCH BROAD RIVER.(WHO IS THIS FRENCH BROAD?)DUTCH STOPPED ME TO JOIN HIM FOR A BEER BEHIND THE STORE. WHEN WE GET TO TOWN WE ACT LIKE HOBOS. GOT A SHOWER AND THEN HEADED TO THE PADDLERS PUB FOR A CHEESEBURGER AND A BEVERAGE OR TWO. OR MAYBE MORE. CAUGHT WIND OF A HIKERS BONFIRE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER.16 OF US HOBOS HAD A GREAT TIME LIVIN DOWN BY THE RIVER(NO VAN)HA! GOOD TIMES LASTED UNTIL 2:AM THEN IT WAS BACK TO MY CAMP.   THE PADDLERS PUB WAS ROCKIN,IT WAS ACOUSTICAL NIGHT AND AT LEAST A DOZEN (LOCAL) FOLKS WERE GETTIN DOWN WITH THEIR INSTRUMENTS CARRIED DOWN FROM THE HILLS.
Date: 2004-05-01
From: HOT SPTINGS N.C.

To: KOKOMO IN.
Miles today: 0.0

SLEPT IN GOOD FROM 2:AM FUN,SHOWERED YET AGAIN. MEANDERING AROUND TOWN WITH NOTHING TO DO SO I WILL EAT!I WALKED UP TO THE SMOKEY MT. DINER WHERE THE WAITRESS LOOKED LIKE FLO. VERY FITTING FOR THIS 4 BLOCK TOWNOPOLIS. COUNTRY FRIED STEAK W/TRIMMINGS,I HAD TO GO LAY ON MY PICNIC TABLE, THE OUTFITTER IS FULL OF FOLKS UPGRADING GEAR,THE SIDEWALK IS LINED WITH PACKS. HOBOS EVERYWHERE. I GAVE MY HACKYSACK(MY ONLY ENTERTAINMENT)TO ZING OF THE GARLAND 5. I HAVE BEEN TO TIRED AND SORE TO EVEN USE IT. HE LOVES IT AND IS PRETTY GOOD WITH IT.THERE IS A CONVERSION VAN DOWN FROM MY TENT AND THEY HAVE ONLY CAME OUT A COUPLE OF TIMES JUST TO THROW TRASH AWAY(WEIRDOS). THE A.W.O.L. RV IS IN THE CAMPGROUNDS ALSO (AMPUTEES WITHOUT LIMITS)"ONE LEG"(SCOTT ROGERS) HAS 6 HOMESCHOOLED CHILDREN FOLLOWING ON HIS JOURNEY. THE GARLAND KIDS ARE ENJOYING THEIR COMPANY. THERE IS ALSO A ROOSTER STRUTTING AROUND HERE? MET DADDY-O AND LOON. THERE ARE RUMORS OF A HIKER WEDDING HERE IN HOT SPRINGS TODAY? THIS LITTLE TOWN AND MY TENTSITE HERE NEXT TO A CLASS II RAPID IS LIKE A PERFECT ENDING TO AN ALMOST PERFECT JOURNEY! UNTIL THE 05 SECTION TO PEARISBURG      PEACE OUT!
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi folks, Welcome to my AT journal for 2004. Just a little about me. I'm 66 years old, retired, and have a burning desire to thru-hike the AT. I hiked 885 miles in 2002, but due to family concerns, had to pull off. I plan to start over at Springer Mountain on April 5th. My dear wife, Carol will be my transcriber, and will make some entries just to tell folks where I am. I plan to write journal entries every day and mail them when I can, along with photos, so the entries will be several days behind.
Miles today: 0.0

I am so happy that all the roadblocks are out of the way for my trek, I'm going to make three entries today so I can join the rest of you here. I packed everything up today, with fuel, 2 qts. of water and food for 3 days. According to my old-fashioned cotton scales this all weighed 35 pounds. I hiked 45 miles last week, and did 11 today, without a pack trying to get in some kind of shape for the trail. 4 weeks 'til D-day. Jakebrake
To: none
Miles today: 0.0

I see from browsing entries for the last umpteen days that many are starting the day before me, on April 4th. Maybe I'll catch some of you, I also saw a few who were starting on my birthday, which is April Fool's day. I wish I could go then, but there are a few obligations I have to fulfill. Maybe later I'll post a gear list. Right now, I just want time to fly so I can get started.   Jakebrake
From: Nowhere

To: Nowhere
Miles today: 0.0

Well, we came back from Myrtle Beach today. Tough, "camping" in a 26 foot travel trailer with color TV, air conditioning, and a shower! I mostly stayed off my ankle except to fish a little. Mostly ate good food and read books. I'm gonna pack up and try out the old ankle on part of the Foothills trail. If it doesn't hurt, I'm just going up to road 33 in VA and start northbound where I left off in '02. I saw that Andante, Raven, and Speakup are together on up the trail. Maybe I'll get to see them later. I'm dying to get back on the trail!
Date: 2004-04-02
To: none
Miles today: 0.0

   Only 3 days left! I took my pack in to the Westminster Elementary School this morning.   I unpacked it and showed most of the stuff to the kids. They are challenged to read an accelerated reader book for every mile I hike. We also took a couple of photos which I had planned to put on my journal, but they disappeared before I could do anything with them. I am all packed and dying to go. This will be my last entry from here. My dear wife, Carol will be transcribing my entries, plus some updates on my location when I call her.
Date: 2004-04-03
From: none

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am Jakebrake's (Bill) wife Carol... He got a good start this morning from Springer Mtn, GA about 9:15 a.m. in good spirits, ready for the long trip north. He was carried to the trailhead by Mike McLeod, Wayne Lee, & Heyward Henderson.I will not be writing very often, just when he sends me his journal pages to be transcribed. Then it will be in his words, not mine.
Date: 2004-04-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.5

Monday, April 5th, 2004Wayne Lee, Heyward Henderson and Mr. Mike McLeod, my principal, took me to Springer Mtn. We got there about 8:45 a.m. I got started at 9:20. Very cool hiking for most of the day. I stopped at Hawk Mtn. Shelter at noon. Met a young girl named Amy from Charleston, and a big group from Michigan. Made good time and am now tented about a mile past Gooch Gap Shelter. There were too many there for me. I guess I made 15.5 miles.
Date: 2004-04-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.3

Tuesday, April 6thSlept good last nite, the Sawtooth bag is great! I had 2 owls just below me this a.m. Met Andante from Trailjournals. A beautiful day, the flowers are starting to come out. I got to Neel's Gap at 5:30 p.m., ate 2 sandwiches and loaded up my food drop. I am tented down at Ball Gap. Todays miles 16.3. Trip miles 31.8. I'm tired!
Date: 2004-04-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.8

Wednesday, April 7thA good day today. The Trillium and May Apples are getting ready to bloom. I met a young man called Mute, but he can speak. We hiked together about an hour, he is camped about a mile back. I am at Rocky Knob, I think, tented alone. I got a telephone signal and called Carol and Bruce, also Jim Bearden. Todays miles - 15.8 Trip miles 47.6
Date: 2004-04-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.0

Thursday, April 8thWhite blaze day 4. A hard day today, had to cross 4 big mountains. I met Chill Out, and Hiker Head. Hiker Head has posted some on White Blaze, he took my picture to put on the site (scary). I talked to Carol from Rocky Mountain and she is meeting me at Dick's Creek Gap tomorrow. Clean sheets and town food! Yum! Tough day. I'm tented down right on top of Kelly Knob, (Elevation 4275') all alone. I found out that fabric softener sheets do keep gnats off your face. 15 miles today total 62.6 My feet are not happy.
Date: 2004-04-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 4.2

Friday, April 9thBoy the wind must have blown 40 mph all night! I came down off Kelly Knob in long sleeves, mittens, and balaclava, it was cold up there. When I got to Dick's Creek Gap, there was a treat in store. I met Loon, who was featured in Robert Rubin's book "On The Beaten Path". I also met Gary Poteat from the Blueberry Patch, who picked Loon up and took him to the hostel. I got here before 10:00 but don't expect Carol before 11. I met her at about 11:45. Now at Holiday Inn Express, clean, fed, clothes in washer by 3:15. We ate supper at Daniel's Steak House, great steaks. Sleeping on a real, soft bed. Great! Todays miles 4.2 Total 66.8
Date: 2004-04-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.6

Saturday, April 10th.Very tough today, lots of steep uphill climbs, so I quit at Muskrat Creek Shelter at 5:00. Staying here with Garcia, Andante, Sylvia, and Raven. There are about 20 tents around the outside. Very crowded trail around here. Carol dropped me off about 9:30 a.m. 11.6 miles today. Total 78.4. I am now in N.C. Only 13 more states to go.
Date: 2004-04-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 19.3

Sunday, April 11thLong hard day, over Standing Indian and Albert Mtn. at the end of the day. The end of the day I stopped at Big Spring Gap Shelter. There is a very large group of teenagers from Westminster Christian Academy from Louisiana having an outdoor experience. Southern Boy and Speak Up were here. Caught 2 mice. Rained all night. Todays miles 19.3. Trip miles 97.7.
Date: 2004-04-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.3

Monday, April 12thIt rained off and on all day. I left a great group of kids from that Christian Academy having a devotion, and walked out about 9:00.I got my feet soaked but they dried out quick. Met Trucker (a girl hiker) and C.J., Harry and Speak Up at Siler Bald Shelter about 4:00. They stayed and I went on almost to Wayah Bald and tented.Todays miles 15.3. Trip miles 113
Date: 2004-04-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.4

Tuesday, April 13thIt rained 9 hours last nite just as hard as it could! It thundered and lightened for about 3 hours of that. I had to pack up a wet, heavy tent in a drizzle and hike in the rain. Rain stopped during the day, and I hung the tent on some bushes and dried it out. Got cold about 3:00 and wind blew. I stopped at Tellico Gap and cooked a Mac N Cheese with a can of chicken. Had to put on my rain suit to get warm. I got to the Wesser Bald Shelter, expecting it to be full and amazingly no one is here but me! I've unpacked and laid out everything I need, I only have to hang the food bag and sack out. I hope to get to Wesser, N.C. to the Nantahala Outdoor Center to get a food resupply and some gear replaced. At 6:15 met up with Speakup and Mad-Libber. Todays miles 15.4. Total 128.4.
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: light rain

It snowed about one and a half inches, all our gear got wet or frozen. My shoes were solid blocks of ice! Hiked 5.6 miles to the NOC at Wesser, N. C. It sure is good to shower and dry everything out, eat civilian food, and resupply. Bought a T-shirt for the holy one I had and replaced my junk Black Diamond headlamp with a new Petzl, also a new pair of gaiters to go over the low cut shoes. Speakup and I are sharing a room at NOC tonite. He is shipping his hammock back, he bought a new tent today. Madlibber washed clothes and hiked on thru today. I start over the hill toward Fontana tomorrow morning. I met Party Girl in the cafe', she's having ankle trouble. Harry and C. J. showed about 2:00 PM.   Jakebrake
Date: 2004-04-15
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

I left Wesser at 7:05, and started uphill. 5 hours later I got to Sassafras Gap Shelter, 6.9 miles. Ate lunch and kept on hiking. Almost all day was uphill! I met A-Dawg early, and am bedded down in the Brown Fork Gap shelter with Swiss Miss, Bent Frame, and Can't Zip.
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 11.6

Not too hard a day today, but I developed pain in my right ankle. I was going to stay in the Fontana shelter, but in order to ice down my ankle, I checked in the Fontana Inn Motel. I saw my first trillium in bloom today,(see photo). Had supper with Roger Dunton, a Forestry Service volunteer and former thru-hiker from West Union, S. C. 7 miles from my home.
Date: 2004-04-17
From: Fontana Village

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 1.1
Weather: clear sky

   I spent a couple of hours last night with ice on my ankle. My friend, Bruce Weeks, "Night Crawler" came this AM and took me to Robbinsville to breakfast, ATM, and resupply. After packing away too much food and changing into Asolo hiking boots, I started out from the Marina parking lot while Night Crawler took CJ and Harry to the P.O. Every step brought more agony, and I quit at the Fontana Hilton. I am now home, hoping to nurse this ankle back to health soon and go back on the trail. A sad day for Jakebrake.
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Fontana Dam

To: Nowhere
Miles today: 0.0

Well, after a trip to my family Dr. and an x-ray, I went to an orthopaedist, who diagnosed my ankle trouble as tendonitis. It will take about 2 weeks for that to heal, if it will. I guess I'll take plan B and go to Virginia and start where I left off in '02. I now plan to wait 'til the last of May or first of June, so I'll be pretty much in line with where I was then. Only time will tell what I can do, so I'm going to take the camper and Carol to Myrtle Beach for a few days. This is camping? Color TV, running water, and AC. Maybe I can tough it out. The great seafood restaurants will probably make it bearable.
Date: 2004-05-31
From: Nowhere

To: Harrisonburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0

   Well, here goes try number 3. I'm going up to road 33 near Harrisonburg, VA and start where I left off in '02. I got off on June 6th, 2002. I'm starting a little sooner than that so I can take it easy on my ankle for a few days and stay pretty much on the schedule I had back then. I can't put the miles in according to the site, so I'll just write what the daily miles are in my journal and put the northbound trail mileage according to Wingfoot's book so everyone who is following me will know where I am. Everybody keep those prayers up, because I'm afraid this is my last chance to do all of the trail.
Date: 2004-06-02
From: Harrisonburg, VA

To: Shenandoah
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After a recon. mission yesterday,Charles put me out at Swift Run Gap. I started North at about 7:15. I soon saw KP, Circuit Rider, and Sherlock. They had been with Sunset and Big Red (02 thruhikers). I saw a bear in the woods about 50 feet, we looked each other over and went our ways. I stopped at Lewis Mtn. Campground and there was Big Red and Queen Diva doing Magic and ground support for KP and that crew. It was good to see Red and Sunset again. I tried to keep my mileage down, but the terrain was so flat I made 16 miles and stopped at 6;30. I am tented with King Alobar at mile marker 907.
Date: 2004-06-03
From: Shenandoah

To: Thornton Gap
Miles today: 18.0

I got started at 7:00 with cool weather all day. Saw lots of deer, including one four point with velvet on his antlers. I met a nice couple at Byrd's Nest Shelter. She was from Asheville, N. C. Her husband was from Germany. Talked to Carol and Joye on the phone. I am tented down at about mile marker 925, about.8 miles from Thornton Gap. About 18 miles today.
Date: 2004-06-04
From: Thornton Gap

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

A pretty rough day today, It rained over half the day. I met Snowman and Q-tip at Elkwallow Gap and ate a $5 hamburger, got one to go and hiked to Gravel Springs hut. Here now with Snowman, his dog, Sadie, and Sojourner. Alobar and Heatmizer went to a hostel. Sadie has better manners than lots of hikers. 15.1 miles today.
Date: 2004-06-05
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

It rained all night last night and all day today. Made it to Jim and Molly Denton Shelter about 5:30. Am here with Sojourner, Bodie, The pokie Puppies, Bearbehind, and Sherpa. My water filter died this afternoon but Bodie loaned me his. Snowman and Sadie walked in to Front Royal.   Saturday night and no bath!   Scuba came in later with his sister and their dog.
Date: 2004-06-06
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Mile 973
Miles today: 14.0

This is the day I came home in '02. The trail was sloppy. Plus my filter quit. My iodine tabs are too old and won't dissolve. I was saved twice by Body, who loaned me his filter. The Cicadas are everywhere, buzzing until you can hardly hear anything else. Called home today at 7:00 and had a nice chat with Carol. I'm dead tired and tented about 1 mile from US 50 at Ashby Gap. About 14 miles today. I am about mile 973
Date: 2004-06-08
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Mile 1002
Miles today: 14.5

I left the Bear's Den about 8 a.m. More of the roller coaster ! Lots of Rocky, bad trail. Crossed into West Virginia today.Snowman and Sadie caught me at the David Lesser Shelter but I moved on. Walked down WV 9 to cafe and had a great steak sub !I met Sierra Marmot and Ranger Jim, also Daybreak. The latter two ate with me and I am now tented with Jim about mile 1002. Daybreak moved on.Todays miles 14.5. 6 miles to Harper's Ferry