morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 44.5
Weather: light rain

Im in Franklin, NC at the Sapphire Inn. Having a blast. Had a major thunderstorm the other nite but stayed pretty dry. The days are running together. Im not sure of the milage but I guessed since my book is in my room. Ill update it later. Got an amazing view on Albert Mountain from the Firetower. Ton of people out here. I have met so many people. Had dinner with Bourbon last night and yes, we had some bourbon. Have been hanging with a deaf guy named Patience, awesome dude. Ironic for me, Im so loud, hiking with a deaf guy. I use lots of gestures, haha. Mom, you would get a kick out of it! Im heading out in the am to hit some serious miles and push through the Smokies. Have seen some people injured along the waya nd are dropping out. Im still in the mindset, Whatever it takes. Cant wait for some visitors in Hot Springs. Hopefully my dad will be there. The hiking is great, I feel awesome, besides the small hangover I have. I am doing awesome, and I never want to leave the trail. Ron Haven is the man around here and super nice. He has great facilities for hikers and goes out of his way to help us. Bless you Ron! Probably wont update til Hot Springs so see yall in a few weeks.
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Im in Fontana, NC. Pulled in yesterday after 21.5 miles. Saw some amazing stuff on Cheoah. Watched a forest fire during sunset. The NOC section was really tough but made it. The climb out of Stecoah was also a bit of a surprise. Feeling good. A bit sunburned but am recovering. Got a maildrop here and am switching out tents. Do not use the Eureka Spitfire UL. It sucks. Me and a guy I met in Georgia, Mudslide are chillin at the Hiyak Festival in Fontana. I am ready to push on. I did break my camera so I dont know what Im going to do about pictures. Im trying to get a camera sent to me so I can take some pics. i figured that I have a ton from the Smokies a couple of weeks ago so I can do without. Ill be leaving in the am to head up. Hope everyone is doing well. Talk to you all soon
Date: 2008-05-03
From: Fontana Dam

To: Uncle Johnny's
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hey all, Im at Uncle Johnny's Hostel right outside of Erwin, TN. Im approaching Traildaze in a couple of weeks. Life is good. Thanks to Little Bear for the trailmagic and also, CONGRATS, there is a little Little Bear on the way. The past few days have been unreal. The views are so cool. The hiking was tough and the trailmagic has been plentiful. Hope all is well with everyone in civilization
Date: 2008-05-04
From: Uncle Johnny's

To: Damascus--Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Roots here!!! I told Chaco I would put a few pics in his journal for him so go check them out. He and Wakapak were possibly heading out on the trail yesterday. Of course they were contemplating a 'recovery' day, too. Don't worry, I kept the pics entries civil. HEEHEE!!Good Luck you guys and enjoy your hike!!!
Date: 2008-06-10
From: Damascus--Trail Days

To: Buchanan, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Sorry every one for taking so long to post. Just really hard to get to a computer sometimes. Well, tha past couple fo weeks since Traildaze have been awesome. Im out here with Wakapak. She is incredible. We are having a blast despite the heat. We are heading North with the thoughts of ice cold AC. I miss you all. Take care. Ill update when I can. I do plan on updating my journal fully when I finish.
Date: 2008-06-11
From: Free State Hiker Hostel

To: PENNSYLVANIA
Miles today: 0.0

Hey all,We are at Free State. Wak is back on the trail after a brief trip south. We will cross onto PA today. If you get the chance, go to Free State Hiker Hostel. Its amazing. Anyway, we are out and will be in Duncannon on the 3rd, late day to help out with Billville. See ya'll soon.
Date: 2008-07-19
From: Vernon, NJ

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So sorry its been awhile. Ill break down the past few weeks as best i can. i want to make clear that when I finish, I plan to put in a more solid "journal". These are just temporary updates. So much to tell and share. So we made it to Duncannon for the 4th. We pulled into town and instantly eyed The Doyle. Love it. Next we hung out at Trail Angel Mary's and made Amish friendship bread. We helped her set up for the feed. The hiker feed was awesome and Mary gave me an awesome Billville necklace. Love ya Mary. She shot a video of us doing our "08 chant" as we walked into the woods outta Dcannon. the next few days werer ough and rocky and some wet rock walking. PA is tough. We got to Lehigh Gap and had an awesome time climbing up outta Palmerton. Ran the rocks into Jersey. The heat kicked in. We stayed at the Secret Shelter which is a beautiful 82 acre hillside. We hung out with Matthewki, who we were trying to catch. We saw an amazing moonrise and donkeys kicking each other. Seriously, 2 donkeys would get rawled up and starting "eeee awwwww"in at each other. it was too funny.Anyway, we are at the Episcopal Church Hostel in vernon, NJ and leaving out early in the mornin. Supposed to be a scorcher so its all about hydration and coolness. More to come later. Im uploading pictures. Go to Wakapak's TJ and check out some new pictures. Peace and love
Date: 2008-10-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello all, well we did it. We have completed a thruhike of the trail. Right now Im organizing the pictures and trying to get them up. I will be writing a journal in sections here over the next little bit. Just wanted to let everyone know we did it. Its been one heck of a year and we are settling down and trying to get set up in Asheville.
Date: 2009-01-26
To: Back to Reality
Miles today: 0.0

Well hello everyone. I have been having a nice long reintroduction into my life. I have been puting off the whole journal because I have just simply not had time. I uprooted from where I was before the trail and have settled into an entirely new life. Life really is good also and I feel fortunate to have found a job in these dark times. Its a much different time now. Anyway, the plan is to get this trailjournal up. I am trying to piece everything together in my notes and in my head and pictures.
Date: 2008-03-05
To: Welcome Note
Miles today: 0.0

Hello everyone!Welcome to Sam's (Cowboy Killer or "CK" on the AT) Trail Journal. I have been (and will be!) transcribing Sam's hand-written entries onto this site for all of us to enjoy.Right now, I am still in the process of uploading entries and plan on adding descriptions to the uploaded pictures as soon as possible. Because I receive the physical journal pages in loaded sets, these entries are not on time with where Sam is- but hopefully the time gap between these entries and Sam's actual hike will close up as time goes on. So keep in mind, Sam is ahead of where/what you are reading!Also, please do sign the Guestbook for this online Trail Journal. Sam would really enjoy reading any comments you have about what you might read of his adventures.You do not need to be a member to sign, all you need to do is click "Sign" under Guestbook on the left side of the webpage.Thanks, and keep checking back for more entries!Esra
Date: 2008-03-07
From: Springer Mtn. Shelter (3730')

To: Gooch Mtn. Shelter (2730')
Miles today: 14.9

Last night I was woken up by the wind and rain, both of which found their way into my tent. Nothing really got wet except my sleeping pad and of course my tent. I was too tired to go down to the shelter which was less than a minutes walk. If I'm asleep I don't like to be woken and am normally pretty useless until I am fully rested. I had a dream that a couple friends and family randomly showed up at the start of the trail to hike with me and they all moved faster than me. I saw Many Sleeps again and forgot to ask his grandson¢s name because I was too concerned with trying to get my stuff to the shelter to dry a little and pack it up there because it was still raining. I got up at 9, ate two oatmeal packets, got some water, tried to pack stuff up so it was dry and then headed out. I started at 10am and had a pretty quick pace at first. I did 2.6 in an hour and then about 7.5 mi in 2 and a half hour. It was raining, wet, foggy, rain falling off trees for the entire hike. I was completely soaked either from sweat or rain and my feet were too. I kept the handbook in my rain pants pocket so I could check it every once in a while but instead it just got really damp and the zipper on my pocket ground the binding off.I was feeling great in the beginning and the mountain laurels (editor¢s note: they were actually rhododendrons) around the stream crossings were really cool and there were some huge hemlocks. Eventually the miles got to me and I started feeling slow. I passed a lot of people still and got a spot at the shelter and I'm not sure I would have if I hadn't gotten a good start. I ate instant potatoes and some beef jerky for dinner and settled into my spot in the shelter. On the trail I saw three millipedes/centipedes that were several inches long and one bird that looked like a mockingbird and one I couldn't identify but was fast and kind of big. Tomorrow I plan on staying at woods hole shelter which is about 12.3 mi away and then heading into Neels Gap the next day to watch the Wire series finale. Its pouring rain outside and every time I think theres a break so I can go hang my food bag, it pours even harder. The mice of the shelter must be conspiring against me. I'm so glad I'm not in a tent tonight
Date: 2008-03-09
From: Blood Mountain Shelter (4461')

To: Neels gap (Blood Mountain Cabins) (3140')
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: clear sky

Last night was either lower than 10o or 15oF. I slept in everything that was dry and I felt fine its just the part of the sleeping bag where your face pokes through is real cold. It was too cold to stick around the shelter and my water was frozen so I couldn't boil water for breakfast. I ate a granola bar and headed out. My boots were frozen but quickly warmed up on the walk. There were some good views from Blood Mountain and lots of ice on the rocks on the trail. It was good weather and I was at Neels Gap by 9:30 (I think there was a daylight savings change where we jumped forward an hour). I went in the outfitter to ask which way the cabins were. Theres a hostel thats much cheaper, but no HBO so no wire finale. The outfitter is real nice though and I'll be back. I checked into the cabins which were a short walk from the trail and I got a cabin by myself. I put a lot of stuff out to dry then went and made some phone calls. The three button didn't really work on the payphone which made my calls take forever. It would take about five tries to make one call with a phonecard. I did talk to my Mom and Dad and then Esra. It was good to talk to them all. I went in the outfitter to get some food and try to fix my boots. They told me my boots were done but I bought some glue to try and fix them. The inside leather on one shoe came undone and I'd rather spend $7 on glue then buy new boots. I also bought a hotdog and a pint of Chunky Monkey ice cream. When I got back to the cabin I bought two cans of soup soda and some M and M's. I ate some stuff watched Caddyshack, and sorted my stuff out as well as put glue on my boots. I just chilled at the cabin, dried stuff, whittled some tent stakes and showered. The Wire finale was alright. I wasn't blown away but I'm glad I watched it so I wouldn't be wondering what happened the whole time. Some sad stuff happened (Dukie, Scott getting award) and some good (Bubs, Freamon). I plan on getting food tomorrow morning after checkout and then trying for a big day seeing as how I have an extra hour of daylight and the weather is supposed to be nice. Either way I'll be in Hiawasse by Wed I think and Esra should have my camera there by then and after that only a couple miles until NC.
Date: 2008-03-14
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter (4600')

To: Carter Gap Shelter (4640')
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning I woke up a little earlier and was out at 9AM, behind Ken and Scout, after 2 oatmeal packs. The weather was good and the iPod shuffle was in full use. I was on top of Standing Indian Mountain around 11:30 when the rain started. It had been cloudy a little bit before so it was expected. The rain wasn't bad but I stopped and put my rain shell and pack cover on and ate a cookie that Driftwood had given me at the Hostel. I was worried about being on top of a mountain in a storm so I tried to hurry off, but the ridge was really long. It ended up being fine, the rain never got any worse and I kept rolling. I reached the shelter around 1:30PM and considered going to the next one, but it was still raining and there was a big mountain I would have to go over first. Plus I told myself I would take it easy on my feet, but it was hard to stop with 6 hrs of daylight left. I set up my stuff and changed out of my wet shirts and shorts and realized my sleeping bag liner was missing. Everyone that stayed at Muskrat last night showed up at the shelter and none of them had it. The couple with the white chocolate bark stuff had said they considered bringing it and that they saw it but they thought it was there when we got there. I'm pretty sure what happened was when I got out of my sleeping bag, my liner stuck to me and fell off the sleeping platform of the shelter. I had my head facing out because there was a rock covering a hole in the floor where my head would be if it were facing in. I'm pretty sure if it weren't for that rock I would have my liner. Now I might/probably will stop in Franklin, NC to get a new one. I'm not sure if I'll go in tomorrow and stay the night or if I'll hike in Sunday buy the liner then leave. Either way, it was a downer and I took a nap. When I woke up I ate some pepperoni which was ok then made some easy mac. I got water and when I got back the couple from last night had made oreo pudding and they offered some to everyone. It was again a delicious treat. Today was a good day hiking except for the rain and I'm not sure how I'll handle tomorrow as far as going into Franklin is concerned but we'll see.
Date: 2008-03-15
From: Carter Gap Shelter (4640')

To: Rock Gap Shelter (3760')
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

I didn't sleep too well last night because we were real crowded in the shelter. Also, after oatmeal this morning I broke my spoon trying to lick it clean. So now I need a new spoon, liner, and probably a pen because I lost my extra one at Cloud 9. It was nice this morning and I was out around 9:30 again. The ground was wet because it rained all day yesterday. There was a cool view soon after the shelter and I stopped for some pictures. Albert Mt. was up ahead and it was real steep up to the top. There was a fire tower up top and it was around 11:30 so I ate a bunch of granola for lunch. Before that I had been listening to Jim Gaffigan's stand up which Esra had put on the iPod shuffle and half his act is about food including that donut ham hamburger ("that way we can have it for breakfast!") so I was real hungry. It started raining as soon as I left and then thundering and lightening so I stopped at the shelter that was 0.6 from the top of Albert. [Ken?] was there and then Scout, then 3 other guys, then Viewfinder and [cav?] (the 3 guys left before they showed up), then a hiker named Strides, then BassMaster and Claire (the couple). I was there for over an hour eating and waiting out the storm. The next shelter was only 5.3 away and it was still early so I wasn't worried, but it could get full. I left around 1:30 with Scout and [Ken?] behind me. Strides had left earlier but the rest were going to stay and then go into Franklin the next day. I was at the next shelter shortly and there wasn't much space and there was a leak in the roof. [Ken?] and Strides went into Franklin which cleared some room and I might sleep on the picnic bench (away from snorers and leaks) but I'm worried about wind blowing rain in. It sleeted twice while I was hiking and then again when I was getting water. I've only been in sleet a couple of times in my life and never while hiking, so today I hiked in sun, rain, thunder and lightening, and sleet. Somewhat in that order with the last three switching it up a little bit. Dinner will be mashed potatoes and beef jerky (I finished the pepperoni and the last shelter). Tomorrow could be a big day (19.6 mi) if I feel up to it. Then I could do around 10 mi into the NOC the next day which would be cool. I would have to get out early but even if I don't I think I could do it. It depends on my feet, the weather, and how I feel at the shelter that is 14.8 mi from here. If I did do the big day then it would be my biggest yet. Again, we'll see what happens. I'm going to sleep on the bench with my tent set up to block the rain from blowing in. It's still pretty windy.
Date: 2008-03-16
From: Rock Gap Shelter (3760')

To: Cold Spring Shelter (4920')
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

Last night I slept pretty good considering how exposed I was. I woke up a little after 7AM and was out by 8:20. I skipped a hot breakfast in favor of an early start. It was cold but I warmed up the more I moved. The iPod shuffle died but that was expected. I was moving great, the weather was fine and my feet were not acting up. I took my first stop after about 10 mi a little before noon for lunch. A little past that I came across Wayah bald which is 5340' and has a stone tower on top. It was a clear day and the best view I've had yet, pretty much 360o. I spent some time up there as it was only 5+ miles to my desired shelter. I could see Albert and Standing Indian Mountain which was cool to see from a distance. I headed out and about 4 mi later there was this orange bubble thing with a trail angel handing out hot dogs, cookies, and soda. His name was Apple and it was great. I heard that about 100 hikers had started this weekend which is crazy. I also heard about the Terps woes in the ACC tournament. I made it to the shelter and am sharing it with Strides, Ken, Greg, and Dynamite. I ate potatoes with beef jerky, and some hot sauce. Today was the best hiking weather yet with the best views yet.
Date: 2008-03-17
From: Cold Spring Shelter (4920')

To: NOC Hostel
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

I skipped a hot breakfast again to try and get into the NOC early. The terrain started out with a bunch of ups and downs and then went downhill for many miles. There was another tower which had a great view and the weather was good again. The downhill was rough on my knees and went on forever. Before I reached the NOC (I was hiking with Strides) we passed Beartrap and Time Traveller. Beartrap told us we were almost there as we passed and since I hadn't met them yet I assumed they were headed the other way. Beartraps encouragement was very heartfelt I just found it funny he really didn't know how far we were as he had yet to do it. We reached the NOC and Strides and I headed for the restaurant. I got the spinach and artichoke dip and a cheesburger with white bean and ham soup. I was very full and slowly other hikers came in. The crew from Tennessee that was at Rock Gap Shelter with me and [Ken?], Beartrap and Time Traveller all showed up in the restaurant. Afterwards I went to the outfitter and got a spoon, batteries, sleeping bad liner and some York Peppermint patties. I then relaxed by the river that was right there and watched the Kayakers roll in the whitewater. I checked into the hostel with Scout and another hiker who was hiking a different trail that joined the AT. I got some more York Peppermint patties as well. I went up to the hostel and relaxed a little and hung with everyone there. Jukebox, Scout, Greg, Time Traveller, Beartrap, and the other hiker were just hangin out. I had to leave though to go buy food before the outfitter closed. They didn't have much of a selection but it forced me to try some different stuff. I stopped at a payphone and talked to Esra on my way back. She got the class she wanted where she does a freshman orientation thing for honors students. It sounded like everything is the same back home which is good to know. I went back up to the hostel, showered and then went down to dinner with everyone. I got hummus and a 10" pizza. I was still full from lunch and kept half the pizza for breakfast. I also got a 6 pack of sweetwater 420 and headed back to the hostel for laundry. I hung out a little more and then called home. My mom is still in Cuba and I found out about Ben's trip to Pittsburgh. I also figured out my maildrop in Fontana which is just maps, I should've asked for food. I also talked to Doug. Him and Matt are starting in two days. They are going to be on a crowded trail. All the talked took a toll on my phone card but I'm planning on switching to a prepaid cell phone which apparently is the best way to get service on the trail. I went back and hung with Beartrap for a little. Everyone else was asleep and he was taking a zero day tomorrow. I hope he catches up again later after his zero. So far NC has been much better than GA as far as scenery and is tougher. Tomorrow is around a 16 mile day and then into Fontana.
Date: 2008-03-18
From: NOC Hostel

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter (3720')
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I started the day by packing all my stuff up and charging the iPod shuffle which I forgot to charge overnight. I ate the pizza and was out around 9. Greg and Time Traveller had gone night hiking the night before and I figured I might run into them. The hike was tough to start out. It was about 7 mi to Sassafrass Gap Shelter and almost all uphill. I stopped at the shelter because it was starting to rain/I was hiking in a cloud. Time Traveller and Greg were there and I ate some of Time Traveller's banana chips because she didn't want them and ate one of the granola bars I bought the day before. Only to find they are "nutrition for women" bars. They still tasted good though. It was 9 mi to the next shelter and I hiked it with Greg and Time Traveller. I felt a little slow which could've been my full pack, the cloud we were hiking in or the tough uphill at the beginning of the day. There was another uphill right before the shelter which was I think the hardest of the entire trail. The shelter was pretty empty when I got there and I'm sharing it with Dave, Cookie, Tyler/WhoaBear, Greg, Scout, and Time Traveller. We've got a campfire which is nice. I ate a mountain house meal I got from the outfitter and it was ok but not that filling even though it says it makes two entrees. I also ate a snickers. Tomorrow I'm going into Fontana Dam and I might mail the extra memory card from my camera which was full when I got it. I also need to figure out my food through the Smokies and I might wait out some bad weather even though I don't want to. The Fontana Dam shelter apparently sleeps 24 and has a phone and showers which is cool. We'll see what happens tomorrow.