morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-27
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

Starting at: Peck's Corner ShelterEnding at: Cosby Knob ShelterMiles: 12.9Today when we arrived at the shelter we were greeted by an interesting character. White Eagle is 49 years old, his face is weathered and he speaks with the gravelly voice of an old drunk. Every visible inch of his body is covered with tatoos of Indian faces and naked women. He seems to enjoy hearing the sound of himself talking; he hasn't stopped since we arrived. It's funny to watch the look of trepidation gradually reveal itself on other hikers' faces when they first arrive here and he launches into his tales of the federal penitentiary and heroin addiction. We began to feel nervous ourselves when a coughing fit overtook him (could it be the hand rolled cigarettes he chain smokes?) which he insistently attributed to "bad medicine" entering the shelter. This, just after another weary hiker had arrived.Well what can ya do, gotta roll with what the AT throws your way. We ate our dinner (in fact, we shared some of 2nd dinner with him), brushed our teeth, hung our food bag. He made a fire and we roasted marshmallows in it. I gave him the first one as a thank you for the fire.All night long he coughed and wispered haunting phrases like "theif and a liar", "eeeeevvvil", and "you dirty sl@#" in a Gollum-like wimper. We can not even imagine the demons he is wrestling with. I hope he finds peace on the trail. Tonight we are sleeping with our packs under our feet and one eye open. G'night everybody,Camera 1 & Camera 2Heather & Arwenvaughan@pocketmail.comhttp://www.hobbithole.net
Date: 2004-03-28
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm (hostel)
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Starting at: Cosby Knob ShelterEnding at: Standing Bear Farm (hostel)Miles: 10.4Great day today. Excellent hiking - we did nearly 10 miles before lunch. We also saw one of the most beautiful spots yet, ironically after leavng the Smokies. The trail followed along next to a gorgeous stream with cascade after cascade of little waterfalls, until we reached the dramatic end, a huge rock wall of water. And yep, we finished the Smokies today, another milestone to celebrate.Tonight we're staying at the neatest little hostel, run by a terrific couple, Cutis and Maria. They've made us feel at home here on their quaint farm, with their dog and two litle girls running about in the yard. They have every facility you could need, even an awesome rock-floored outdoor shower, which made us feel like pioneers to use.The highlight of this evening was when my Aunt Maxie and Uncle Jimmy arrived and took us and two of our buddies into town for REAL food. It was an amazing all you can eat bar, and we all stuffed ourselves silly. Thanks Maxie and Jimmy, that was an incredible treat.Then late this evening we sat around the fire with Takoma Tedd, who is staying here as well, and who played us some tunes. He is an incredible song writer. Tomorrow Maxie and Jimmy will be coming back here to pick up our packs so we can do the big climb up Snowbird Mtn with a light load. Then they'll meet us at Max Patch to bring us our gear, and then repeat the following day. It is so great that they agreed to do this. For one thing, we thought they'd be slacking us one day, not two. This will give us a chance to catch up to Xena and Blody Cactus, whom we haven't seen since the Monkey Bread at Fontana Dam. Mmmmm monkey bread. And for another thing, they're helping not only us but Lekiless and Nuffy as well, and they really appreciate it. But the most amazing thing is that they don't even live around here. They drove over 250 miles and are staying in hotels in order to support us! And you won't believe this, but they just got married 2 weeks ago. So this is sort of their honeymoon. Geez, they are so amazing. Thank you guys!Camera 1 & Camera 2Heather & Arwenvaughan@pocketmail.comhttp://www.hobbithole.net
Date: 2004-03-29
From: Standing Bear Farm (hostel)

To: Max Patch Road (tenting)
Miles today: 12.8

Starting at: Standing Bear Farm Ending at: Max Patch Road (tenting)Miles: 12.8All miles are not created equal. The ones up Snowbird Mtn were steep. We were so glad to be slackpacking today!Had no trouble meeting up with Maxie and Jimmy this afternoon by the side of the road. Had a good dinner and got right to bed to rest up for our first 20 miler tomorrow.Looks like rain too... Camera 1 & Camera 2Heather & Arwenvaughan@pocketmail.comhttp://www.hobbithole.net
Date: 2004-03-30
From: Max Patch Road (tenting)

To: Hot Springs, NC (hotel)
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

Starting at: Max Patch RoadEnding at: Hot Springs, NC (hotel)Miles: 20.6Our first 20-miler!!! What a great feeling, even if it was a slackpack.We woke up in the rain. Once you get going it's not bad but it's miserable to pack up wet gear in the rain. All our gear is wet and muddy!But Jimmy and Maxie brought smiles to all our faces when they showed up with McDonalds breakfast sandwiches, krispy kreme donuts, bananas, snickers, and oj!!! Really awesome. It was enough goodies to feed the 6 of us (incuding Sundance and Skyline) breakfast as well as snacks all day! The weather cleared up pretty early on and we had some good hiking. The last few miles are always the toughest and today was no exception. When we rounded the last corner and saw the sleepy little town of Hot Springs nestled in the valley below, with its farmhouses, schools and steeples awash in the afternoon sun, it made those last few painful miles a bit easier.Right as we hobbled into town, Jimmy and Maxie were ther to greet us with big hugs. They'd already scoped out the town, found the best places to stay, and met nearly every thruhiker on the trail. It was incredible - a surprise reunion for us. It turns ou that Wolf Cookie, Dances w/ Wolf Cookie, Georgia, Burn, Quincey Girl, Mickey One Sock, Pebbles, Bam Bam, Baltimore Jack, Mala, Tailwind, Fingers, Ichabod, Willow, Castro (yay! haven't seen him since the 10th!), Xena, Bloody Cactus, and about a dozen others are all here!! We all went down to the pub - hala-freakin-leuja! a pub! - and had dinner and beers. Real beer. From a tap. What a night!!We had to say farewell to Maxie and Jimmy tonight. I hope we can find some way to thank them for all they've done.Tomorrow we zero here in Hot Springs, enjoy the hot tubs and massages. Yay!!Camera 1 & Camera 2Heather & Arwenvaughan@pocketmail.comhttp://www.hobbithole.net
Date: 2004-03-31
From: Hot Springs, NC (hotel)

To: Hot Springs (hotel)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Starting at: Hot SpringsEnding at: Hot Springs (hotel)Miles: 0Hot Springs is a great little town. It's easy to see how so many hikers get sucked in here for so long. Pretty town, great food, fantastic pub. Except for one thing: the whole damn town only has 2 payphones in it. I've never paid so much for a hotel room that doesn't have a phone. In fact, I've never heard of a hotel room that doesn't have a phone.We had a great zero here. Got into the hot tub this afternoon, thanks to a gift certificate from Arwen's aunt and uncle. Hung out at the outfitter. Funny how every outfitter in every town starts to feel like home. Had the pleasure of tossing back a few cold ones with Baltimore Jack, an AT legend who's hiked the trail something like 8 times in the last 10 years. Heard some great stories and got to see his photo album. And he even let us interview him on tape. It was funny, at the end of the evening we all said our farewells and then somehow we all ended up hanging out, telling stories and having some laughs at our hotel. Great way to spend a night on the AT.Camera 1 & Camera 2Heather & Arwenvaughan@pocketmail.comhttp://www.hobbithole.net
Date: 2004-04-01
From: Hot Springs (hotel)

To: Allen Gap (tent)
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Starting at: Hot SpringsEnding at: Allen Gap (tent)Miles: 14.7Today was our 1 month anniversary on the trail (yay! we rock!). We once again parted company with some of our buddies (Xena, Bloody & Nuffy). We're planning to meet Arwen's uncle tomorrow for a visit with family. Lekiless decided to come with us to enjoy a warm basement and some slackpacking. Today at the shelter where we said our goodbyes we took a nice long break. There was a good foot of snow on the ground, and Sasha had an absolute *blast* chasing her tennisball in the snow. She'd get confused when we tossed the ball and it thunked in the snow instead of bouncing. She'd dig it out, get snow all over her face and up her nose and prance around proudly with the ball in her mouth.Tonight we're camping by the road. Tomorrow: real food. It's only been 1 day since town... we might be getting spoiled.Camera 1 & Camera 2Heather & Arwenvaughan@pocketmail.comhttp://www.hobbithole.net
Date: 2004-04-02
From: Allen Gap (tent)

To: Asheville, NC (house)
Miles today: 0.0

Starting at: Allen GapEnding at: Asheville, NC (house)Miles: 0Arwen's uncle and dad picked us up at Allen Gap this morning. They were running a little late, so Arwen went to look for a phone. The only building he found was a broken down shack with No Trespassing signs and a confederate flag hanging out front. He started to walk up to the front door and then thought, "Ah, better not..."It was a good thing John and Jim were running late. Just as their van pulled up, Nuffy came walking down the hill. She had done 3.7 miles (plus a pee break) in an hour fifteen. She was hoping the bus hadn't left yet and that there was room for one more; she was in luck!So we took a zero day and hung out with the family. John and Pat's took us to their shop and showed us a few items they are going to frame for the Hard Rock Cafe. We saw Eddy Van Halen's shirt, Freddy Mercury's pants, The Artist Formerly Known as Prince's jumpsuit, Deaf Leopard's torn jeans, James Brown' suit, the Yardbirds' jackets, Korn's Kilt, Barry Whites shoes, and the highlight was Slash's top hat and boots!!! Very cool stuff.Enough for now... Camera 1 & Camera 2Heather & Arwenvaughan@pocketmail.comhttp://www.hobbithole.net
Date: 2004-04-03
From: Asheville, NC (house)

To: Devil's Fork Gap
Miles today: 20.7

Starting at: Allen GapEnding at: Devil's Fork GapMiles: 20.7Today was supposed to be a nice, easy, 20-mile slackpack. Instead it was the most miserable, difficult day of hiking yet.It started innocently enough. The whole family came out with us this morning to hike a little of the trail. We said goodbye just before the 5-mile mark, just before we came to the first shelter, Little Laurel. There we had a snack and met Bramble, who is hiking to raise money for breast cancer in honor of his Aunt, who passed away shortly after he started the trail.Just after Little Laurel Shelter the snow that had been so quaintly decorating the hillsides began invading the trail. And then it started getting deeper. And deeper. Before we knew it it was a solid foot to two feet deep. We kept thinking, surely it can't be like this the whole way... Long story short, it was. It took us 13 hours to complete the 20.7 miles, a walk that without snow should only have taken 8 or 9 hours max. About halfway through our trek we came to Jerry Cabin, where a bunch of our friends were holed up, drying out their gear, hanging out by the fire, waiting for the snow to melt. Castro, Sweetcheeks, Willow, Georgia, and Country were there. They hadn't been able to make many miles because of the deep snow, and because of the slower pace some of them were getting low on food. Wish we'd had more on us to give them.We were so exhausted by the time we got to the van, we could hardly move. To tell the truth, we were a little shaken up by it. I'm writing this journal entry several days later, and from the comfortable distance of a few days. It was a very difficult day but we learned a number of lessons. Unfortunately it put us in bad shape phisically, so we are going to need to nurse our wounds.Camera 1 & Camera 2Heather & Arwenvaughan@pocketmail.comhttp://www.hobbithole.net
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Asheville, NC (house)

To: Asheville, NC (house)
Miles today: 0.0

Starting at: Asheville, NCEnding at: Asheville, NC (house)Miles: 0Yeah, I know. 3 zeros in a week. But this morning when we woke up and took inventory of all the gear we needed to replace, repair and buy... and when we took inventory of our various aches and pains... and when we took a look at Sasha's pitiful limp of a walk, we decided to zero. We need to fix Nuffy's foot proplem, so she has decided to get new boots. Hopefully that does not simply cause more problems. Nuffy has 4 black toenails and probably a half dozen blisters at any given moment. We have to fix her up so she can walk in comfort. Every step must hurt her, although she doesn't let on much...she is very very tough.We need to be very careful with Sasha. I have never seen her this sore before. This really is a very difficult endeavor for dogs. I have heard from a number of people that most dogs are eventually sent home. We have some ideas that might help Sasha enjoy the trip a little more (I'll write about that later). She is fine but will take her to the vet tomorrow just as a precaution.We spent the day running around to the outfitter, the grocery store, you know, the usual. We got a couple great meals and some proper coffee (in a double decker bus, no less!). We're all still exhausted though. We're used to 12 hours of sleep on a normal day. Instead we hiked for 13 hours and only slept 7. Not quite sure what the plan is for tomorrow. Don't know how much snow is still up on that mountain. It's gonna be tough to face it again tomorrow.Yesterday was tough. Honestly, I don't think any of us had the heart to face that deep snow again and leave this nice, warm house for good. Anyone but Arwen, that is. He is still thriving on the challenge of it all. Really I think yesterday was the first time he felt the AT threw out anything difficult. He was very happy. Camera 1 & Camera 2Heather & Arwenvaughan@pocketmail.comhttp://www.hobbithole.net
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Asheville, NC (house)

To: Hog Back Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: clear sky

Starting at: Devil's Fork GapEnding at: Hog Back Ridge ShelterMiles: 6.1We started out today by taking care of our dog. Sasha saw the vet, who recommended getting her on glucosamine, soaking her sore doggy paws in epsom salts, and giving her baby asprin when she's achey.So we got back on the trail again this afternoon. It was tough to say goodbye to Jim and Beryl and John and Pat and Betty and Bud. They've been so good to us these past few days, and it's been so nice to see them. I just wish we could've spent some time with them when things weren't so hectic and we weren't needing them to run us hither and thither. So we made a short day of it and stopped at the first shelter. Only a little trace of snow on the trail. Hopefully it won't get too deep over the next couple of days. We are all nervous about another painfully dificult hike like the other day.   It was great seeing Jim and Beryl also. Hopefully we will be able to see them again before this trip is over. Seeing family along the way has been very nice and this is the last visit for a while. This will be very hard for Heather especially. She is feeling a bit down today and I am pretty sure it is because of this fact. Anyone else want to visit us on the trail? Please!! Just kidding.Arwen   Camera 1 & Camera 2Heather & Arwenvaughan@pocketmail.comhttp://www.hobbithole.net
Date: 2004-04-06
From: Hog Back Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 9.5

Starting at: Hogback Rigde ShelterEnding at: Bald Mtn ShelterMiles: 9.5Slept in this morning. Didn't roll out of bed till nearly 10. Couldn't move. Made for some good snoozing, but some crappy hiking. It's just discouraging when noon comes and you haven't even done 5 miles. We had originally planned to push past the shelter and camp. But we got here late, there was snow on the ground, and we talked ourselves out of it. Instead we're gonna get up early (5ish) to give us a good start on the 17 miles into town. A bunch of people here are going to get up at 1 am and go for a night hike because there's a full moon. Now that's crazy!G'night!Camera 1 & Camera 2Heather & Arwenvaughan@pocketmail.comhttp://www.hobbithole.net
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Bald Mtn Shelter

To: Erwin, TN (hostel)
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Starting at: Bald Mtn ShelterEnding at: Erwin, TN (hostel)Miles: 16.9Our biggest mileage day with packs on so far. We had a fair amount of substantial snow early on, but it was pretty well packed down and was gone altogether after the first few hours. Glad to be out of the snow!We got an early start, took our time and eventually got here. We were disappointed to find out that Miss Janet's was full, but we got a great cabin at Uncle Johnny's. Admittedly the facilities are great, and Hillbilly, another thruhiker helping out here, is a nice guy.We got a ride into town to Miss Janet's, got showers, did laundry, met up with all our buddies, and enjoyed a couple of beers. Everyone seemed to be in such good spirits, totally at home, happy, relaxed. A little later Miss Janet showed up with 2 full-sized vans, loaded all 19 of us up and hauled us off to an all-you-can-eat Italian buffet. We all stuffed our faces, and after that Takoma Tedd treated us to a mini-concert right there in the restaurant. People were in such good spirits, they were up dancing and having a good ol time. Miss Janet is just as awesome as you hear all up and down the trail. Seems like she does everything she possibly can for hikers. When the snow was so bad a few days ago, she was busy driving through all the gaps looking for hikers that needed help. Hope we see her again further down the trail.Camera 1 & Camera 2Heather & Arwenvaughan@pocketmail.comhttp://www.hobbithole.net
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Erwin, TN (hostel)
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Starting at: Indian Grave GapEnding at: Erwin, TN (hostel)Miles: 8.3Good day. We got up early but not too too early. Ran a load of errands, as always. Never ending errands. Just as we were about to get back on the trail around 2, Arwen had an idea. Instead of heading into a stiff uphill and a long 5 days until the next town, why not slackpack 8 miles today *down* the hill, walk right back into town and stay one more night at the hostel. That way Sasha gets a little more rest (she looked very sore), we get to carry less food (= less weight), and we get hot showers in the morning. Nuffy is also in bad shape. My husband is a genius! Doing a southbound section was dificult for him to swallow, but was the best plan for everyone.The walk was gorgeous, one of the prettiest so far. The last 4 miles were an easy stroll alongside a gurgling creek, thickly lined with rhododendron. How awesome to get 8 (downhill!!) miles in, and yet feel so rested. Going to bed happy tonight, looking forward to being back on the trail tomorrow.Camera 1 & Camera 2Heather & Arwenvaughan@pocketmail.comhttp://www.hobbithole.net
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter 
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Starting at: Indian Grave GapEnding at: Clyde Smith Shelter Miles: 16.8 Long day, hard hard terrain! No switchbacks at all just PUDs (pointless ups &downs). Here is the state of the union...Sasha is sore.Heather is crying from exhaustion while off getting water. She is so tough...andwill not let me get the water from the stream at day's end, even when tired andcold. Nuffy is exhausted, has a cold, can't eat, has four black toenails andblisters...I think she threw up earlier.I would be feeling wonderful right now if everybody else wasn't hurting sobadly. We arrived late, after dark, to an empty shelter. I tried my best to pickup the slack by running ahead, marking the turnoff to the shelter, and doing thenightly chores before they arrived...and fixing Heather dinner.I hate to see morale so low...things will get better.   Camera 1 & Camera 2Heather & Arwenvaughan@pocketmail.comhttp://www.hobbithole.net
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Starting at: Clyde Smith ShelterEnding at: Overmountain ShelterMiles: 12.8 Well we had a long day yesterday, so today we could do a bit less.Unfortunately, the PUDs continued all day.Nuffy has had enough. She decided to get off the trail today at Hughes Gap tothink about ending her hike. She used Boo's Goose's cell phone to call BobPeoples at the hostel called Kincora in Hampton, TN. He drove at least thirtyminutes, one way, to pick her up.Nuffy is a very strong person. She is here by herself from Australia, neverhaving hiked before, and needing to get into hiker shape. She has hiked witheveryone for six weeks despite all of this as well as getting a cold, havingterrible feet problems, etc. We said goodbye to her at Hughs Gap and told her wewould climb Roan Mt. but get off at 19 E and find our way to Kincora in a coupledays. We can say goodbye to her there and come back to do the twenty-four milessouth of the hostel the next day. Nuffy definitely got off the trail in just the right place. Roan mouintain wasvery hard and the PUDs got even worse after that. We ended the day at one of the nicest shelters on the AT, Overmountain Shelter.A barn converted into a shelter that can probably sleep fifty or so. It is setat the top of a hill overlooking a deep valley and Hump Mt. Spectacular!!! Saying goodbye to Nuffy today was one of the toughest things we've had to do sofar on this trail. Both Arwen and I shed tears over it. Then climbing Roan Mtnwas one of the physically toughest things we've done so far. But the we walkedacross two expansive, grassy balds that offered stunning views in 360*. And weended the day by walking into a serene valley unfolding before us as far as wecould see, with the pretty red barn nestled in it. All of these high highs andlow lows in one day. It can really make your head spin at the end of a day.   ArwenCamera 1 & Camera 2Heather & Arwenvaughan@pocketmail.comhttp://www.hobbithole.net
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: US 19 East (Hostel)
Miles today: 8.6

Starting at: Overmountain ShelterEnding at: US 19 East (Hostel)Miles: 8.6O what a beautiful morning. We slept on the lower decks of the barn. The sunrise was splended. Just a few feet from us a deep and wide valley opened up with Hump Mountain to the left. The sun rose just between the valley and the mountain...awesome...I'll attach a picture soon. A short day of hiking in order to get into Kincora hostel. We lucked out and hitched a ride to the McDonalds in Hampton, TN (where the hostel is) with just a few minutes by the road. A nice man picked us up and refused my money for the ride. He said he likes to give hikers rides and chat with them...and he never takes money. He said, "I should give you money instead. You are the ones hiking the trail." People can be very nice.We devoured hamburgers, chicken nuggets, french fries, and.... a hot fudge sundae for Heather and an ice cream cone for Arwen. Easter dinner indeed!Bob Peoples picked us up from the McDonalds even though it is Easter Sunday and they were doing a special meal. He and his wife Pat made us and Sasha feel right at home. A ton of our buddies are here, including Nuffy who seems to be in great spirits. Kincora is the best hostel!Cheers,ArwenCamera 1 & Camera 2Heather & Arwenvaughan@pocketmail.comhttp://www.hobbithole.net