morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-18
From: Erwin, Tenn

To: Deep Gap Campsite, NC
Miles today: 0.0

We had a good hike today; only one climb, tomorrow is a different story. We hiked with Gator and Toms of Maine who are camping together. The songs for today were Isn't She Lovely, Love Potion No. 9, Sitting On the Dock of the Bay, and When a Man Loves A Woman. We've been eating Pop Tarts, oatmeal, candy bars, peanuts, and freeze dried dinners containing more than 700 calories each and are still losing weight. It's impossible to keep weight on with these climbs. Saucy Dog has been doing push ups during the breaks, he says he has to keep his "big guns." Hey Kevin Burns - how are your forearms? Maureen, I am still eating cheese fries with bacon - how's that? Fred, thanks for the note buddy. Mar Babe, love you. Hermanator, they are still talking about you on the trail - you are really missed. Thanks for the radio and sleeping bad, you are a GREAT friend. Cougar, thanks for letting us raid your drop box. John, good to hear you are doing well at the academy, we enjoyed working with you. Betty, do you still miss us? Danny, don't get too warmed up - I'll BE BACK!
Date: 2003-04-19
From: Deep Gap Campsite, NC

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We are tenting at this shelter tonight after hiking 13 miles today. NC/TENN are touching at every mile. We can't wait to get to VA where the mts. aren't so steep. We walked with Toms of Maine again today. He is in his 60's and just retired. Really nice guy. Oh Larry L - I have been checking out everyone's footware on the trail and have yet to see anyone hiking in white Rockport tennis shoes. You are quite the trend-setter! I forgot to previously mention a really nice guy we met back in Erwin - Ozzie. He gave us a ride to get back to the trail and would not accept any money. He's opening a ribs/BarBQue place in town soon. Thanks John Osbourne! Bye the way Kristen, the "good 'ol USA" if beautiful! My best to my girls.
Date: 2003-04-20
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Over Mountain Shelter, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We met more really nice people today - The Tenn Hiking Club. They were in the area and gave us candy and fruit. It was great to set up camp and have a fresh orange. We are tenting at the shelter because it is more private and we can get some sleep. Toms of Maine is still with us, Gator, YoYo, Zero, Dread and some others. They are staying in the shelter. It has been raining at night and cool during the day, more of the same is expected tonight.
Date: 2003-04-20
From: Over Mountain Shelter, TN

To: Shady Lawn Motel, NC
Miles today: 0.0

We left the shelter at 6:30 am and walked 9 miles to hitch a ride into Elk Park, NC. The skies were dark and as we climbed Little Hump and Hump Mt. it started to rain and threats of thunderstorms. We took off !! We made it to low ground and when we reached the road a young guy picked us up and drove us to the post office. It was great to pick up cards, goodies, treats and supply boxes. (Grandma-thanks for the cards and the MCPD news.) The local hotel was closed so a customer, Chris Allen, drove us to New Land to a motel. Reflecting back on yesterday, Easter Sunday, was spent at 11:00 am atop Roan Mt. My Easter song was "Shout to the Lord!" which I sang all the way to the top. Yes, Jean, those are clouds, my favorite view. Kevin, thanks for all of your mail, you are doing a GREAT job at NorthStar. Paula and Russ, don't start the construction yet :-) Keith from Syracuse Univ - thanks for the note, please stay in touch. Ellen, thank you for the cell phone and for all your help. Sauce Dog and I really appreciate it. Autumn and Lauren, you keep me going. Mrs. Friday - I miss you and love you.
Date: 2003-04-22
From: Shady Lawn Motel, NC

To: Moreland Gap Shelter, TN
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

We hiked 15.7 miles today to get here. During the hike I stepped on a snake - black with a yellow ring around the neck, yellow belly - it is still alive and so am I! This is a beautiful section of trail without any killer climbs or down hills. The weather has been crazy, cold, windy and possible snow flurries tonight.
Date: 2003-04-23
From: Moreland Gap Shelter, TN

To: Watauga Lake Shelter, NC
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

We hiked 16.3 miles today which is our BEST yet! We are trying to get closer to Damascus, VA so we have a short hike on Sunday. Today we covered hills, flats and lakes. We miss everyone and will call when we reach Damascus.
Date: 2003-04-24
From: Watauga Lake Shelter, NC

To: Iron Mt. Shelter, TN
Miles today: 0.0

We hiked 14 miles today which had alot of ups and downs. There were no snake sitings to report but I'm keeping my eyes open. We are tenting at this shelter area along with Tunnel Vision and Tom of Maine. Tunnel Vision's brother was in Hot Springs also. We were able to share our faith over dinner and he has quite a story. We should be in Virginia soon and we cannot wait! It's hard to believe but we have hiked over 430 miles. We met a man today who lived in Silver Spring, MD and went to college with a police friend - John Cady. "Bunny" currently lives in NC but previously lived in the Holy Cross area. He took our pictures and will contact John C. later. It is supposed to rain tonight with temps in the low 50's. Heading for Damascus...
Date: 2003-04-25
From: Iron Mt. Shelter, TN

To: Abington Gap and VA/TN line
Miles today: 0.0

I pray all is well with everyone. We hiked 20 MILES TODAY! We will be in Damascus, VIRGINIA !! tomorrow!!! There have been plenty of hills and gaps. We walked with Tom of Maine and Tunnel Vision most of the day. Tom is tenting and T.Vision stayed in the shelter. Everyone is doing high miles to get to Damascus. I will be sooooo glad to have NC and TN behind us. We think Josh, a/k/a Jr. a/k/a Hazmat (farts!) is approx. 3 days in front and we don't know if he'll still be in Damascus when we arrive. I've had a touch of the flu that's going up and down the trail, aches, upset stomach, etc. but hope to be feeling better tomorrow. We have been staying out of the shelters to avoid this so I should be on the mend soon.
Date: 2003-04-26
From: Abington Gap and VA/TN line

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We camped approx 5miles outside of town last night. It rained and thunderstormed all night then we woke up to a cool and cloudy day. We arrived in Damascus around 7:30 am. All the hikers we usually run into are in town having fun. We're going to eat breakfast right away (depending on my stomach and head) then we'll try to find a place to stay. Sauce Dog is doing fine. We made it to the post office and we thank Ellen for the phone! Phone cards are a big hit too. Mrs. Friday - thank you; Autumn Dawn, did I say that???--great card and message, I love you too; Grandmom, thanks for always sending your prayers, notes and PD updates; Jukebox = great song, I'll use it this week! MarBabe and Mom, thanks for the goodies, they'll be gone soon. Thanks to all for keeping in touch. We'll be staying over tonight at the Homestead B&B in Damascus and back on the trail in the morning heading through VA. Hello to all at NorthStar.
Date: 2003-04-27
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mt. Shelter, VA
Miles today: 0.0

It's great to be in VA. I left Damascus at 8:45 am - Saucy Dog stayed in town to change some gear at the outfitters. He will catch up. I hiked alone then met Tom of Maine, Recycle, Mule, Freemont, then Josha a/k/a "Jr", a/k/a "Hazmat" shows up! We were really glad to see each other. He'll be staying here tonight so we took pictures of the reunion. I thought I would take this opportunity to reply to some of our great emails: *Lauren, I love and miss you too, thanks for the encouraging words, tell everyone at Liberty "hi"*Donna R - tell Ronnie "hi" from the trail and I may see you guys around the Front Royal area - check with Mrs. Friday and thanks for your notes!*Kevin Pugh - thanks for keeping in touch, the Posse is back to 4 - with 2 new members - Tom of Maine and Jr a/k/a Hazmat*Betty B - I thought that Mike would lighten things up some, tell him to start playing the music and dance! Stay off the desk :-)*Brian Kuykendall - where do you live??? We may take you up on your offer, thanks. Thanks everyone.
Date: 2003-04-28
From: Lost Mt. Shelter, VA

To: Wise Shelter, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Horses, ponies, snakes, mountains, rocks and more rocks - that was my hike today. Tom of Maine, Hazmat and I put in 17.7 miles then Sauce Dog caught up later after hiking 21 MILES! The views today were great but the terrain is rocks and more rocks. My feet and knee really feel it today. Tom of Maine now has the flu and was sick all night and stayed at the next shelter. Then Mule came down with the flu. I hope it only goes around once. We walked past wild ponies and two snakes curled up together on the trail! We took some pictures and are now camped with horses all around us. Today's hike included Mt. Rogers - a 5,000 ft climb, the tallest in Va that was 4.5 miles then another 5,000ft for another 4.5 hours. Up, then down to a gap, then up again.
Date: 2003-04-29
From: Wise Shelter, VA

To: Racoon Branch Shelter, VA
Miles today: 17.2

Feeling great today. We hiked 17.2 miles and are tenting at this shelter. VA has beautiful mts., not too big and not alot of long down hills which saves on knees. Saucy Dog, Hazmat and I decided to hitch hike into Troutdale for dinner since I couldn't really eat in Damascus. 15 min. later a man in a Honda stopped and drove us 3 miles into town to the local diner. (He runs the B&B in here.) -- Double bacon cheeseburger and fries with 4 cokes! About an hour later we hitched back to the trail and a lady picked us up who's son hiked the trail last year. After hiking 1.5 miles we were at the shelter with our bellies full. Tomorrow we want to hike 13 miles to a shelter that has showers!! We'll spend the night there then walk to Atkins, VA. Jukebox - the song lately has been the Limbo by Chubby Checker -- go figure.
Date: 2003-04-30
From: Racoon Branch Shelter, VA

To: Partnership Shelter, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After 13 miles we arrived at the shelter. This place has hot showers and a REAL bathroom!!Halfway through our hike we got caught in a thunderstorm but made it to the shelter ok. Because of the storms we're sleeping in the shelter on the 2nd floor. Hazmat, Mule, Freemont, Beverly and Tom of Maine are here. There's about 5 others downstairs. Tomorrow we will be up early and hike 11 miles to Atkins, VA. In response to some messages: Lauren - I am glad you made it home from NY. Too bad you didn't see "the Cowboy!" Since I lost this weight maybe "I" could... oh, wait.. never mind!Sandy - Thanks for the note. Ellen - I'm feeling alot better - thank you.   Tom and Vickie McDonald - thank you for the 5-star trail magic in Erwin, Tenn. Please keep in touch - Tom--- Go for it!!Brent and Nancy - thank you for your kind thoughts. Shirley - I will keep a lookout for your daughter, thank you. Tom Dog - thanks for keeping in touch, we will get together in Sept. Mrs. Friday - I love you and miss you --- getting closer!
Date: 2003-05-01
From: Partnership Shelter, VA

To: Marion, VA
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We were up really early today - 5:00 am (shelter's are too noisy!) Saucy Dog, Tom of Maine and I walked 11.5 miles into Atkins, VA and stopped right away at the Dairy Queen for milk shakes and sundaes. It tasted great. We then hitched a ride to Marion. An ex-thru hiker picked us up and gave us a tour of Marion then took us to the Best Western to check in. He'll also pick us up in the morning to return us to the trail - more and more trail magic. We have been so blessed. We met a really nice lady while doing our laundry and her husband came and picked us all up and drove us to the store for supplies then back to the hotel. More and More and More trail magic. We'll be moving onto Pearisburg tomorrow - 86 miles up the trail, closer and closer...Everyone, thanks for the support!
Date: 2003-05-02
From: Marion, VA

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

We are officially 1/4 of the way through. After today's 14.3 miles we have put in 540 total miles. We would have gone farther today but it started to rain and thunder so we stopped. This means to get back on track tomorrow we will hike 18.8 - pray for us! We hope to put in 16 miles per day until Wednesday which will bring us to Pearisburg. Randy Steed picked us up in Atkins and was waiting for us in the morning and drove us back to the trail. Randy had given us rides the day before too - Thanks Randy! The hike today had hills, open pastures, houses and a lot of scenery. Cathy Sterling - we are hanging in there, thanks for the encouragement.Jayne - are you still feeding the ROS boys with cases? Thanks for checking in. Mar Babe - 7-11 would love to see me! I haven't seen one but I did have a giant milk shake at Dairy Queen in Atkins then a Sonic hamburger, fries, tons of real Cokes and Pepsi. Kathy - good luck on your 100 mile hike. I hope to speak to you later. Dan-boy - we love your mail, tell Scott congrats on his retirement and we'll call him soon. Suzie Montgomery - you run a great B&B, thanks for helping us out, thanks for the ride into town and thanks for a wonderful, gigantic breakfast, it lasted us 17 miles.Cady - I don't think I will see Bunny any time soon; I gave him the retired officers web site and told him to contact you that way. Oh, I don't like snakes either!Can't wait to see what surprises Mrs. Friday has in store at Troutville!
Date: 2003-05-03
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

We are back on track. Saucy Dog, Tom of Maine, B Rock and I started our day at 7:15 am and got to camp at 5:30 - a long day. This one section was beautiful. The Chestnut Shelter is located 4,410 ft up and overlooks a valley that is called God's Thumbpring. It was something to see. It was surrounded by mountains and it looked like there were no roads leading to it - all green, green grass, dogwoods, etc. We then walked the ridgeline around to the tip of His Thumbprint and walked down the other side to this shelter. The trail was mostly rocks and bolders and rough on our feet. There are 12 thru-hikers here tonight - some new faces we've never seen. Well that's it for tonight - putting in 16 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2003-05-04
From: Jenkins Shelter, VA

To: Helvey's Shelter and VA 611
Miles today: 0.0

We were up and moving today at 7:15. The path was smoother and not as hilly. We had 12 water crossings and I fell in one of them. My butt got wet, my feet were soaked, but it felt good. No one had their camera ready though. We walked under I-77 onto a country road outside of Bland, VA. We missed the trail because a horse trailer was blocking the white blaze! We only missed it by 300 yds so we were able to get back on track. We climbed to 3,000 ft and could see the ridgeline where we were to walk - it was beautiful. There's no real place to set up camp so we are in the woods. We could all use a rest so we stopped at 4:00 and set up camp. Still heading towards Pearisburg.
Date: 2003-05-05
From: Helvey's Shelter and VA 611

To: Wapiti Shelter, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We walked 20.3 miles today - I added wrong. Now we'll only have a 13 mile day tomorrow and 3 on Wed. The trail was pretty flat. We went into town to get some supplies and eat and when we left the store a man in a truck picked us up right away and drove us back to the trail. He was on his way to school to pick up his daughter and he still stopped to help us - a GOD thing! The next 7 miles followed a creek right to the shelter. We were able to get water and set up our tents and then the sky opened up again. God protected us again. Getting closer...
Date: 2003-05-07
From: 3 mi outside Pearisburg

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We were out early, around 7am and hiked 2.5 miles down the mountain to Pearisburg. The trail was wet and muddy and the footing was really slippery. Once in town we saw a man sitting in a car and we asked him which way into town. He said, "get in" and he drove us into town to the Holiday Motel. Melvin Whitaker said he often waits for hikers to help them get into town. We called Ann and Bob Fletcher, Aunt and Uncle of our friend, Sean Eaton, (they live in Pearisburg) and they took us to their home and fixed us a wonderful, gigantic dinner. YES! They are even going to pick us up again in the morning and feed us breakfast and take us back to the trail. Ann said to be ready for eggs, biscuits, bacon and gravy! God has sent such wonderful people to us to help on this journey. It is still raining hard here and reported to continue. We could use some prayers for good weather please. Hey Hermantor - thanks for the drop box with all the treats -- see you on Skyline DriveRandy Steed - Saucy Dog says "thank you" for mailing his box home and keep in touchPaula - good luck on the investigation - go get 'emIcky Doodles (Autumn) - I love you - thanksTim - it's always good to hear from MCP officers, please write againDave - good luck on your new job, see you in NY, I promise "not" to clean up for youLauren, Jr - thanks for the phone call, I love youMrs. Friday - you are the best, thanks for being my partner in this adventure, I love you
Date: 2003-05-08
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Troutville is 19.1 miles closer and I'm happy about it. Bob Flecther drove us to the trail at 8:45 after a massive breakfast. Bob and Ann were so good to us. Two snakes crossed my path today. One black and the other I don't know, just as well. They did not want to fight. The views were O.K. but we got pictures of one that looked a little like Hump Mt. in N.C. As we were leaving Pearisburg we saw Melvin Whitaker in his car at the same spot waiting for more hikers to arrive so he could give them rides. Closer to Troutville...
Date: 2003-05-09
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

What a day! The trail was tough and right at the hardest part Dr. DAVE HORTON comes running up and asks if I am Detective Friday!! We walked for a while and met Recycle and Tom of Maine and Dave invited us to his car for food and cold drinks. We talked about things and when we got to his car he had a cooler of soda,food, and great advice. He really pumped us up! Saucy Dog got there and when he was introduced to Dave he almost dropped his teeth! We all had photos with him and Dave gave me an autographed book about his hikes and runs across America and the A.T. When he left he promised to see us again on the trail. On 5/9/01 he started his record-breaking run of the A.T. - 52 days later he finished!! His record stood for 7 years! An amazing kind man. Thank you Dr. Dave Horton - for everything. Thank you Lauren too ! Later today we hiked up the side of a mountain and "super Dave" had left 2 coolers filled with cokes and snacks. So we hiked 18.5 miles and I am beat and ready for bed. Your man loves you Mrs. Friday!
Date: 2003-05-10
From: Laurel Creek Shelter, VA

To: Niday Shelter, VA
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Well we are 13.6 miles closer to Troutville, lets go shopping! I have a list and we can spend the day doing what Mrs. Friday loves. O.K. I tried to call last night at 8:30 but could not get through but I was able to leave Lauren a message thanking her for setting up the Dr. Dave Horton meeting. We were walking through these fields and climbing over the styles today and we found cokes and snacks on the other side of the fence, trail magic is everywhere in Central Va. We have short hikes the rest of the week till Troutville so I will be perky!    Ed Day you are thought of alot out here and thanks for all your help in the early days. You taught me not to walk too close to the guy in front which was always you.   Bob, thanks for the Email, stay in touch and stay safe buddy.    Autumn, go for it! See ya soon, I love you.   Gaye and Phil, the weather has been good. Showers at night, sun during the day. The bugs are out in full force.   Mike, yes, I remember you and your partner. Nice house we did the search warrant on. Keeep in touch and give the web site to the shift.   Marie, tell Bob we should be passing through the 2nd week of June.   Karin, we will keep a look out for your friend, thanks for writing.Donna, I love you and can't wait to see what you dreamed up this time!
Date: 2003-05-11
From: Niday Shelter, VA

To: North Mt. Trail, 1 mi N. Va 624
Miles today: 0.0

Mrs. Friday - Happy Mother's Day! I hope it was a good one for you, I was praying it was. I tried to call and left a message on your cell phone. We hiked over 16 miles today because their was no shelter around so we are in the woods by the trail in tents. Dragon Tooth Mt. was unbelivable, hard, beautiful and long. They had steel hand grabbers drilled into the rocks so you could climb down, it was tough. Everyone is tired. We hitch-hiked to a small store and were picked up as soon as we walked out of the woods by a man in a truck. Once we finished at the store another guy in a truck, who was also at the store, took us back to the trail. After the first long climb a family that had hiked the trail last year was waiting for us with fruit, cokes, girl scout cookies - the works! The wind is really whipping up here and it sounds alot worse than it is.Troutville is 16 miles closer!
Date: 2003-05-12
From: North Mt. Trail, 1 mi N. Va 624

To: Brickley's Gap, VA
Miles today: 12.6

We hiked 12.6 miles today and we're tenting between two Mountains. Today was a fairly easy one with some great views. On top of one we met a guy named David Williams who lives in Blacksburg. He and his wife are part of a Christian ministry on campus at Va. Tech. We spoke for awhile and he is out for just a few days. I forgot to give him our web site. Tomorrow is a short day and then Troutville, I will be waiting in the tub!
Date: 2003-05-13
From: Brickley's Gap, VA

To: Troutville, VA
Miles today: 13.8

Guess what? That's right, we are in Troutville a day early! Six days and we are here. Hiked OVER 711 MILES and will be 1/3 of the way finished on the 16th. We hiked 13.8 miles today over some of the most beautiful scenery yet. One of the places I would like to take The Mrs.to. We were hitch hiking and a young man in a pick up stopped and drove us to the motel. He also gave us his phone number and said he would like to drive us anywhere we wanted to go, but the time would not let us take advantage of his kindness. I will be seeing my family soon!
Date: 2003-05-15
From: Troutville, VA

To: Troutville
Miles today: 0.0

Well today is the big 52! Yep, this old guy and young Saucey Dog are "tearing it up!" We feel great that we've covered more than 700 miles. Ellen is here to visit Saucey Dog and Mrs. Friday and the girls are here and its great. Tom of Maine is staying with some Trail Angels that even offered a car for his use. We've decided to make some equipment changes, and have switched to lighter packs, lighter bedding and lighter food. We went to Kroger and I bought tortilla wraps, cheese, sausages, pop tarts and sealed chicken which will be dinner. Ellen gave me a great birthday gift consisting of snickers and snacks and Autumn and Lauren did the same. They even included Big Pouch gum which is a real treat! Mrs. Friday is planning ahead and brought me "cruise wear!" Thank you girls!! Saucey Dog is busy too eating surf and turf at every restaurant in town.