morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Camping Area Betwn Hog Pen Gap & Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Journal Entry:We watched a beautiful sunset over the mountains last night. As we watched we both were shivering. As soon as it set we both said "good night!" and practically ran to our tents. :-) Before we got in our tents Barb said "What do you want to do tomorrow?" I said "How about a nice walk?" :-)During the night I heard the wind in the mountains down below us. I was amazed that it didn't reach our level even once. Then I realized it was sporadic cars on the roads in a distance below - duh!I did not want to get out of my tent to go "number one" at 5 am. It was chilly! But, I was rewarded with a night time sky full of stars. Very similar to the night time sky out to sea - many years ago. Beautiful. Tonight we are in Blue Mountain Shelter. Overnight rain is in the forecast. Treasure Hunter
Date: 2003-08-02
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

start Jim and Molly Denton Shelterdestination Dick's Dome ShelterWhen we went to bed last night e had decided to do 15 miles today to Rod Hollow Shelter. Our intentions were good. The terrain on the trail was not. My lemon poppyseed muffin was the best. Coupled with a hot cup of tea. Yummmmm. For just a few minutes today the trail was flat and smooth. It all went downhill, errr uphill from there.T here was a 1000 ft. climb to start the morning off. That and the already slick rocks, made even more slick by the drizzel of rain that fell off and on all day hindered any kind of good hiking time we had planned on. I just settled into a rhythm and slogged along. The bright spot of the day was when I came across bush after bush of ripe succulent blackberries. At one point I just threw off my pack and grabbed my thermo cup and began picking and eating. The cup was almost full by lunch time. I got to Manassas Gap Shelter just after 1:00. I took my pack off and set it in the shelter. As I looked around the shelter I noticed two long black socks strung out on the ledge where the wall meets the roof. Strange I thought. I unpacked my pack and got my food bag out and laid it on the picnic table. I climbed into the shelter searching for the register. I glanced up at the socks again and noticed one of them moving ever so slowly. A black head appeared and gazed at me with hungry eyes! Well, they looked hungry to me!!! I grabbed my camera out of the pack and took pictures of two huge black snakes! We have been hearing about the copperheads at this shelter, and the register is full of snake reports. Needless to say, Mudbutt and I ate lunch with one eye on the lookout for snakes. We never saw the first copperhead, and the snakes in the shelter didn't move again. We reread our milage and found that our 15 mile day would have to be 20 to get to the shelter we had planned for. We knew we would not be able to make it before dark, so we agreed to stop at the next shelter. This shelter is actually a dome shape and very very small. There is a small stream running in front of the shelter so our water source is close. But there are no really level tent sites. We pick out the best of the two and set up. Super tonight is a bagel with peanut butter and jelly. It is so hot and humid that anything hot does not appeal to me. I had sprinkled sugar over the berries earlier and added a handful of plump red raspberries to finish filling the cup. I would have picked more raspberries but they were at Manassas Gap and all the talk of copperheads made me skitish. I cooked the berries down and let them cool. How I wished for a scone or even a cold biscuit. I poured the cooled fruit over half a bagel and declared it food fit for the gods. Mudbutt had her share and agreed. There is still intemittent rain showers and some thunder. I am cozy and somewhat dry in my tent. I long for the sun to come out and chase away the dampness.total miles 9.9
Date: 2013-04-15
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light rain

It was an interesting first night in a shelter last night. Barb and I were the second to arrive on a rainy and windy night. We got here right when the first drops began. We had four additional shelter mates shortly after. There are also a few tenting outdoors. You know how they make those wonderful new age songs with the sound of nature in the background? I wonder if they could make one with the sound of 5 hikers snoring?! Barb (and Jen) say I snore also, so I probably would be part of that song too :-)It was a misty morning hike. Beautiful as well. The woods are neat when you walk through that. Like being in a movie. It cleared up later and was a bright sunny day. Most of the day it stayed at about 60 degrees. We are at Tray Mountain Shelter and tenting. Two other people were here when we arrived at about 3:30pm. It is 4:50 now and the shelter has 3-4 and there are several tents going up. Time to relax before dinner :-)Treasure Hunter
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Vista Campsite
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

We were tented close to the shelter last night. It was all guys - sitting around a fire - so the banter was entertaining. :-)We could hear the wind whipping around the mountains below most of the night - and it wasn't cars on a highway this time!I had two separate dreams - both involving eating food - lol!We must have "slept in a cloud" last night. That's what Barb said. How cool is that! There was moisture dripping off the trees within our cloudy home. :-)On our way down the trail Barb said it felt like we were in a rain forest - she was looking out for monkeys and pythons!This evening we have a campsite with a beautiful view. Thanks to all who sign the guest book! I do get email notification, and I enjoy reading your messages. I would love to respond but my Blackberry will not send the email. :-(Treasure Hunter
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Vista Campsite

To: Dicks Creek Gap (Hiawassee)
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a beautiful calm night last night. A slight breeze at the beginning and then no wind at all. I slept well. A couple of owls spoke to each other at 6:20am. Then shortly after, the first "volunteer" bird started to chirp - right on time - about 1/2 hour before sunrise. :-)Our walk down to Dick's Creek gap was a beautiful sunshine morning. The birds were chirping and singing - saying hello as we went by. We emerged from the woods to find....trail magic! They were so nice. I had two YooHoos and Barb had one. I sure slam dunked those YooHoos! Much thanks to the trail angels. :-)While we were there another nice retired air force man with a van offered us a ride into town - awesome!!We got a nice room at the Budget Inn. Very clean. We SHOWERD!We went to Zaxby's for lunch. I spent more than I usually do for lunch but wow was there a LOT of food on my plate! I ate every bite - and got a milkshake (banana) for the first time in many many years. It was good!We walked to resupply at Rite Aid and also Ingles grocery. As you know, I love when people sign my guest book. I share each of the email notifications with Barb. However, I have been unable to respond via my Blackberry, if a response is needed, even if you provide your email address. Please feel free to email me directly if you would like a response. I will email when I can. My email is hawleyjen@hotmail.com. It also shows in the "about" section to the left. Hopefully the Blackberry will let me respond that way. :-)Treasure Hunter
Date: 2003-08-05
From: Bears Den

To: Bears Den
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

zero dayIt was a rough night sleeping at the hostel last night. They had gotten a new cat and it cried and cried all night at the various windows. I finally took my sleep sack and found a bed in the computor room. The fan from the computor and the little green lights were much less aggravation than a meowing cat. Morning brought severe stomach pains for Mudbutt. Probably that cardboard discuised as pizza we had for supper last night. We decided to take a zero day here. The next three miles are still roller coaster, but then it is suppose to be an easy hike into Harper's Ferry. I fixed my pancakes this morning for breakfast. Smothered in butter and peanut butter, and covered with syrup, it was a breakfast fit for a king. I had a glass of orange juice, and hot tea. Poor Mudbutt didn't even get out of bed. I got on line to check on our hiking friends. A-Train has summitted, many of the other hikers are not too far behind him. I will be at the psycholical halfway point this week when I get to Harper's Ferry. The mileage halfway point is another 130 miles north. I contemplate most of the day about my feelings upon reaching this milage. I can't seem to get excited, but maybe that will change once I get back on the trail. The best thing for me today was downloading Spider Solitaire on the computor and playing it off and on all afternoon. I admit it, I am addicted to it. That and Scrabble. It has been months since I played either game. I fixed some lunch and tried to sit outside to eat but the bugs were terrible, so back inside I went. By late afternoon there were several other hikers here. Two young men out for a couple weeks. After looking through all their gear, we promptly named them Ropes and Biners. They love rock climbing and I guess they thought they could find some to climb out here on the trail! Then a couple of women from Germany showed up. Lank and lean. Fast hiking machines. Mudbutt and I just drooled all over ourselves as they walked by. They didn't even stink!! Then just before dark Nighttalker showed up. He had been trying to catch up with Mudbutt and I for several days. It was definately not going to be quiet around here tonight. I fixed the rest of my pancakes for supper tonight. One of the guests here took pity on me and gave me a bottle of milk. That means I can eat the rest of the granola for breakfast tomorrow. I finished most of my ice cream and gave the rest to Nighttalker. The rest of the evening was spent sitting around talking and swapping trail stories. It's back to the trail tomorrow!!
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Dicks Creek Gap (Hiawassee)

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We were ready to go an hour before the scheduled 9am shuttle to the trail. So, Barb suggested we try to stand out by the road for a ride. Two people stopped and offered us a ride - but only part way there. So, we ended up taking the shuttle. We were on trail at about 9:25. Today we crossed into North Carolina! Yipee! That was an emotional moment for sure. And, there was another hiker there waiting for someone and he took our picture by the sign on the tree! Cool!We had a long hiking day. We didn't plan it that way. It was due to the shelter spacing. The first was too short and the next was too far but we took our time and made it to the second one - and I stayed well hydrated over the hills o the way. :-)Guess what my sweet sister did? Last evening she bought Subway sandwiches for our lunch today - and packed them in too. She is a special person for sure. That sub was delicious!! Oh, we met "Oak" today. Very nice guy. He took our picture! He hiked the last couple miles to the shelter with us. He is tenting here too. Treasure Hunter
Date: 2003-08-08
From: Blackburn Hostel

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

start Bears Den Hosteldestination Harpers Ferry, West VirginiaThe morning came with Mudbutt not feeling any better. Rather, she felt a lot worse. We packed up and headed into town with Sleeptalker riding in with us. We found a doctor's office and Mudbutt signed in. We didn't wait too long before they called her in. Awhile later out she comes. She knows nothing more than before, just that she is sick and feels really bad. Self doctors that we are, we think that she has Lyme's disease. She has most of the symptons. Feeling achy all over, stiff joints, tired, lethargic, no energy. Heck, every thru hiker feels like that most of the time. We find a motel and check in. Mudbutt immediatly finds the bed and dives in. The next morning she is worse and makes a trip to the emergency room while I get a massage. I wish she could have gotten a massage instead. She gets an IV and lots of tests done, then gets sent back to the motel to wait for the results on Monday. Papermaker and I go see a movie and have dinner. It is really fun just to be able to spend some time together not hiking. It is like we are on an extended date. But I don't have a curfew, and I can spend the night with him!!! Tomorrow is a big day for me. I will hike into Harper's Ferry and cross the 1000 mile mark. I postponed it hoping that Mudbutt would be able to hike with us. It seems so strange to have a vehicle to get around in. My options are so much more varied with a car. I am more worried about my hiking partner than I am about hitting the halfway point here. The thought that I may hike out of here alone is prevalent in my mind. I do not even want to consider that. Some of the same feelings that I had in Franklin when she broke her foot are running through my mind. People ask me what the worst day of my hike has been and I don't even hesitate. It was the day Mudbutt went home with a broken foot. I hiked on without her, but it was the hardest 8 weeks of this hike. I do not want to repeat that. I know that the pain she felt was far more devastating than mine, still it was hard for me to go on without her. total miles 0
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap Camping Area
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

It was cold last night. The rain ushered in a cold front. There was frost on the ground when I got up. Brrrrrr. During the day it was nice for hiking. Not a cloud in the sky and about 50-60 degrees. Tonight we are at Betty Creek Gap at a camping area. On the way here I thought of my wife's late Aunt Betty Purcell. I found it fitting that we are camping in a spot that made me think of her. She was a grand lady. Barb made a fire! She said it will help deter the bears - cool! It was nice to have dinner while a fire was going. It is supposed to drop in temperature again tonight, but not as cold. This camping spot is lower in elevation than last night. No service here. Good night!Treasure Hunter
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Betty Creek Gap Camping Area

To: Stealth Camping about .5 miles past Wallace Gap
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

This morning we awoke to a cool temperature but warmer than yesterday. It was very cool temp and sunny most of the morning. The afternoon was warmer and stellar hiking weather. I received some very heartwarming news today - my niece Sarah Reynolds is engaged to be married - yippee!!! She is a sweetie and I am so happy for her and her fianc©, Tristan. The view from Albert mountain was gorgeous. We had a nice young man that was camping up there take a photo of us. Tonight we are stealth camped along the trail on the way down to Franklin, NC. Our tents are facing west toward a promising sunset - on a bed of soft leaves. We will head to Franklin tomorrow for resupply, town food, laundry and a shower :-) (Jenny, here: And they will be picking up the FedEx package I sent to them last week. New socks, another shirt, some toiletries, etc.) Oh yes - I almost forgot - as of today we have hiked over 100 miles!!Treasure Hunter
Date: 2003-08-10
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

start Harper's FerryMudbutt was feeling somewhat better today so we spent the afternoonplaying tourist. We visited the historical park and toured the houses that were open. Harper's Ferry is rich with history from the Civil War era. I wish I had of paid attention to history in school. The tour guides were all dressed in period costumes. They were very knowledable about the history here and it was fascinating to listen to them and to read the placards posted throughout town. Visiting St.Paul's Catholic Church was a real treat. The ornate decor and stunning stained glass windows lent a royalty atmosphere to the church. The guide told us about how the priest saved the church from destruction during the Civil War by getting op on the steeple and running up the British flag. Subsequently the church was not fired upon and sustained no damage at all. It is currently being restored, and is still being used as a mission church. The historical part of town is crammed with small shops and restaurants. A steep hill with pavements of bricks on the road is the focal point. We poked our noses in a couple of different shops, but were relunctant to buy anything we had to carry in our packs. Hikers make really bad customers in most stores. We had lunch in a quaint little shop with the dining area tucked into the back of a solid rock wall. The cool dampness of the rock made it a wonderful break from the heat. It was a delightful day spent with no thoughts of hiking or camping, miles to go or climbs to make. Bumpkin
Date: 2013-04-22
From: Stealth Camping about .5 miles past Wallace Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap, US 64 (Franklin)
Miles today: 2.6
Weather: clear sky

We were treated to a nice sunset last night and beautiful sunrise this morning. We were up early and got to Winding Stair Gap an hour before the scheduled shuttle time. After about a 1/2 hour we were picked up by Ron Haven himself - the owner of the motel! He was returning from an early morning shuttle run and on his way back to the motel to drive the shuttle that was "supposed" to pick us up. Awesome! I had two hold boxes at the motel. One was a new hook belt for my pack. The old one was working okay but a plastic piece on it was deteriorating. The other box was some supplies from home and....a special surprise...brownies!!! Thanks Jen!We had a great lunch at Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant. Great food and reasonable prices. Next we went to the Outdoor '76 outfitters. Barb needed a pack adjustment and a couple other items. She was very impressed with this outfitter and wanted everyone to know that. We resupplied at Ingles Grocery and headed back to the motel. Barb ate her leftover Mexican food for dinner and I ordered a small pizza from Domino's. Treasure Hunter
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Newfound Gap, US 441 (Gatlinburg)

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

We had an early shuttle from the motel to Newfound Gap. Gatlinburg was having mild temps and a clear morning. Up in the mountains - a bit different. It was chilly, cloudy and misty with a pretty good breeze. We hiked on in and were soon warm from hiking. There were no views in the early morning but a nice hike nonetheless. We hiked on and off with Chief through the day. Chief thru-hiked the trail some years ago. This year he is out doing a large southern section for fun. He has lots of interesting stories. On the approach to Charlie's Bunion the skies cleared and the views were magnificent! We had fun posing for pictures. Chief even took a couple videos of us too and promised to email them to me.We found a nice spot out of the wind for lunch. We had one slice each of some leftover pizza from last night. :-) We also had a yummy homemade chewy cranberry granola bar. Where did we get those?Yesterday when we checked in to the motel there was a box of baked goodies from my very special daughter-in-law, Liz. She sent so much! So we shared with our hiker friends. Today on the trail everyone was talking about them!I also got a box from Jen mailed from home. I got my new shoes! They sure felt good today on the trail. There were other small items we needed and some snacks from Jen too! Oh, and a note too :-) Love you Jen! [Love you, too, Ray. ~ Jenny]In the early afternoon our hike became even warmer when the sun came out and the wind died down a bit. The Bama Boys and Chief are at the shelter tonight. Chief is tenting. There are others too - all very friendly. (More pictures posted for 05/03.) Treasure Hunter
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap, TN 32, (Susie's Place)
Miles today: 15.7

We had a very chilly windy hike today. The wind was blowing the mountain mist through the trees and swirling it around. I tried to take a video but the phone wouldn't cooperate. It was too cold to reboot the phone or mess with it further. :-( Several times during the day Barb and I were blown sideways by the wind. We ate breakfast and lunch very quickly and moved on. [I guess that's why you had such big miles, despite the weather. ~ Jen]There was rain in the forecast as well. Off and on during the day we did feel some sprinkles but nothing substantial. Tonight we are safe and dry and enjoying the wonderful company of a family friend. Susie picked us up at Davenport Gap. She and her friend Cyndie live in a really nice cabin located on a hill with a bubbly creek flowing through the back yard. It is such a peaceful place. They live in Cosby and just minutes from the trail.Barb and I are freshly showered and VERY well fed. Cyndie made a very tasty meal. We both had seconds! And, right before bed Cyndie shared her birthday cake and some ice cream with us! We could get easily spoiled. :-)There are three dogs and two cats here. Barb and I are in heaven! I especially like Forest the Poodle. He likes back scratches and I love giving them. :-) He is a sweetie. Good night from the cabin in the woods!Treasure Hunter
Date: 2003-08-26
From: Salisbury, Conn.

To: Race Brook Falls
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

start Salisbury,Conn.destination Race Brook Falls The sounds of traffic woke me up way before I wanted to get up.Ahhh ,the sounds of civlization.Trucks roaring by,horns honking impatiently,doord slamming. We all walked down to get breakfast at one of those nat little coffee houses. The kind that serves six different kinds of coffee and bottles of juice with funny names like Mango Orange Blast and Monster C Brew. The kind that also serves fresh from the oven cinnamon rolls and sticky buns. Croissants and coffee cakes,fresh fruit cups with creamy yogurt on the bottom. I will not tell you how many buns I ate,but I will tell you I enjoyed everyone of them. We sat outside under the trees on little wrought iron tables. Carnethy Bob and Chafe decided to go on and hike out after breakfast. Cimarron is taking a zero day here and I plan on meeting up later today down the trail withthe guys. I talked Cimarron into ging to the Rotary Meeting with me. As usual,we look grubby and out of place but are welcomed warmly. Cimarron is an instant hit with the group. He shares some of his war adventures with others who were in the war at the same time.   Something happened at the meting that was a first for me. AsI started aying I was hiking to raise money for Rotary Polio Plus Fund,the audience burst into applause. I am stunned and humbled,but it serves as a much needed pick me up. I leave the meeting with a renewed sense of encouragement. One of the members offers to take me back to the trail. He is also in his eighties with the most wonderful sense of humor I have ever witnessed. He tootles down the highway,unmindful of the speed limit or the line of cars piling up behind him. He is in no hurry whatsoever,and takes pride in pointing out all the local and interesting places as we pass them. As I get out I turn to thank him once again when he takes my hand,kisses it then plants a sweet kiss on my cheek and tells me to be very careful. I am moved to tears and wave as he pulls back out onto the road,cutting someone off in the process. I smile to myself and hike into the woods. I have to hike long and hard to catc my friends,and I get into Race Brook Falls Campsite just before dark. They are either impressed or surprized to see me.If they thought they could get rid of me that easy,they needed to think again. This place is dark and dank,and some what swampy. I pitch my tent and crawl insie after fixing some dinner. It is good to be home. total miles 11.6