morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Rockfish Gap

To: rockfish gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hi gang, new photos have been uploaded going all the way back to May 10th entry, check em out!Today I take a well deserved zero day here in Waynesboro, VA. Waynesboro marks the start of the Shenandoah Park and the end of Central/Southern Virginia.As I leave Southern Virginia, I also leave the "bible belt". This is a good time to talk about that trail personality known as the "evangelist". Talk of Jesus is quite prevalent in the small towns of Georgia, Tenn, N.C. and Southern Virginia. Many of the restaurants have signs that read "Jesus is served here." Trail magic dispersed by trail angels is often given with equal doses of prayer. And you will meet those on the trail seeking elightenment. Personally I have always felt enlightenment was alot like love; leave it alone and it will find you.I think evangelists have their place both on and off the trail; it is just that sometimes their sense of logic can be, well illogical. Take for example one evangelist I met on the trail a few weeks ago. He had been hiking on a sore ankle for some time. He was hobbling when I met him but in good spirits. He said that just when he needed it the most, the Lord always provided a sign. In this case, he was feeling sorry for himself when the Lord placed in his path another hiker, perhaps on his last hike as he was dying of cancer.As the evangelist was preaching, I couldn't help but think "does God really work that way?" and "do you think the dying man feels the same way?" Instead I said, "I guess it's true what people say," "one man's trashis another man's treasureOne man's hellis another man's pleasure."That didn't register at all with him; skipped off his brain like a flat stone on a smooth pond. So I tried a more direct approach. I said, "Yeah I like long walks in the woods, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me." Once again, no reaction, he just kept sermonizing.So I gave in, I said "Well may the Lord guide your future footsteps, and have a blessed day." This time his eyes opened wide, he smiled, and shook my hand.I learned that day that when it comes to the fervent believer, there is one and only one trail to the brain. All other doors are locked tight.LESSON 15: Future thru-hikers - if you don't drink, smoke, or chase women, you don't live any longer; it just seems like you do.
Date: 2007-05-24
From: rockfish gap

To: beyond wildcat ridge trail
Miles today: 15.5

Today we entered the famous Shenandoah National Park. This part of the trail is described as a "smooth wide treadway with moderate grades." Mrs Gump would disagree; she is exhausted after 15 miles. It is also said that the animals conditioned by years of protection are plentiful and seem tame. That appears to be true of the deer who continue to spend hours (see photo) in our campsite getting within a few feet of our tent.Tonight "weebles" and I squeeze together in a one man tent. It sounds romantic but I doubt if either of us will get any sleep or tang.
Date: 2007-05-25
From: beyond wildcat ridge trail

To: loft mountain
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

What a day! Even "weebles" had fun today. We hiked up to the summit of Blackrock and weebles had been moaning and complaining with each arduous step. It was about this time when she stated that in her entire week here she had yet to experience any real trail magic. No sooner had she complained than we met Rob and Linda Marshall.Rob was genuinely interested in the thru-hiker life and ended up sharing a cold coke with us. Then later that same day we hiked our way to the Loft Mountain campground; which was our intended end of the day. However the campground was sold out as this is Memorial Day weekend.Good fortune stepped forward and once again we ran into Rob and Linda. They ended up driving us to the restaurant, allowing us to tent next to their campfire, feeding us dinner, cold beer, and Linda has offered to make us breakfast tomorrow. Trail magic does not get any better than this.LESSON 16 - Future thru hikers, life on the trail is so much better if you can find a way to meet Rob and Linda Marshall.
Date: 2007-05-26
From: loft mountain

To: pinefield hut
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was depressing. Weebles may be a high maintenance woman on the trail but I would forgive all for just ten more minutes with her.My nephew TJ (trail name random man) has joined me now for a few days and he has immediately found that hiking just a few miles in the mountains can be a real taxing workout. As we crested one hill after another I heard him mutter "Mother Earth is cruel and merciless".It will be interesting to see how he does tomorrow when I ramp him up to ten miles.
Date: 2007-05-27
From: pinefield hut

To: south river falls
Miles today: 14.6

This entry was written by "the random man".A couple of miles and days and I've seen more wildlife than ever in my life.I have seen the elusive skunk, the bounding bear, the cocky deer, and the lazy snake. At first the skunk started to run but then smelled gatorgump and decided to stay. As gator and I were walking I mentioned that I remembered when he looked strong and had long brown hair, now he just looks, well...old.When we got to the South River picnic area we met a man named Dman and believe it or not he is hiking at the ripe old age of 76. Good for him. A few people came up to gatorgump and asked him alot of questions. When they left he looked at me and said "see I am a celebrity". I told him "no you are just an old guy with a 40 pound pack walking 2000 miles". Well we are off to Big Meadows tomorrow where I have been promised a bed and good food.
Date: 2007-05-28
From: south river falls

To: big meadows campground
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's weather was perfect, the terrain easy, the wildlife plentiful and yet I walked with a heavy heart which I could not comprehend.I came across this beautiful, soft, placid creature. The hare remained still as I approached within a few feet, then I understood. My daughters spirit was there also, today is her birthday.Tears welled up; I hiked on in solitude.I love you so dearly, so unconditionally.Happy birthday Kellen.
Date: 2007-05-29
From: big meadows campground

To: Pass mountain hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Young random man is a real trooper. In just his fourth day on the trail he has hiked over 18 miles and he has done it with some extreme discomfort. He has blisters on his feet, poison ivy on his legs, his nipples are raw from his sweaty shirt and the worst of it is a severe case of crotch rot that has him hiking like a gay man just in from an all night binge.But I have to hand it to him, he hasn't complained and his sense of humor remains sharp.
Date: 2007-05-30
From: Pass mountain hut

To: Gravel spring hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

Today's journal will be written by the random man but first I must record a very flattering meeting I had with "the traveling teacher" (see photo). She is an energetic female hiker out here on her own. As Ii was resting at the Elkwallow picnic area she approached and asked if I was gatorgump. Seems she has been an avid reader and lives in my hometown. Is this a small world or what? Thank you teacher for your encouragement and I wish you safe travels south.Now for random man's final entry:HEY HEY! Random man is back, first off I've got to tell you I have met some amazing people. The most interesting would be the "men from snowy river", who gump met and has a picture of going back to the Smokey Mountains. They are identical twins and strong as oxen. One of their packs weighs 55 pounds and the other at least 50. They are from Georgia. I have also met trail legends Habitual Hiker and the Umbrella lady (see photo). They have hiked the AT five times and met each other and were married out here.I also met some real fun and nice people; stoneage (see his photo next to the famous kissing tree), triple duece and eulah. They have been fun to listen and talk to. I also met Dorothy and Toto who loves my homemade cookies. Then the gorrilla, who is a big 6'3" hairy hiker and his girlfriend "sandwich". I have had a great time with uncle mike..oops, i mean gatorgump. He is able to keep me in good spirits. I have learned a lot from him . Not only how to hike, camp, and survive but also how to be a better man. I have learned alot about myself through him. I will miss him when I leave tomorrow. Hopefully I will join him again, perhaps on the Florida Trail, which he wants to do next.I may try to make a jounal online so anyone who wants can check on my week. Until then it is back to my normal life. Thanks to everyone! People on the trail are something special. -Random Man.
Date: 2007-05-31
From: Gravel spring hut

To: Chester Gap
Miles today: 13.5

Today's hike is dedicated to my sister Julie. Thank you sis for taking care of my wife and for loaning me your fine son. I tried to teach him well. Lessons such as; Never drag your stick in the mud, no one likes a dirty stick.And...every man has a feminine side. So what if you're afraid of spiders.And...A thru-hiker, even when in a hotel, never showers, shaves, or sh**s on a flush toilet more than once a week otherwise he's a pansy.And...most importantly I taught him that there is no such thing as success without sacrifice and that once the mountain is bested, stand tall, let them see the captain in you.You will never believe what happened to me today. My bear has followed me to Virginia. I wonder if she will venture north with me or is she just a "southern belle" bear?I know the picture is distant but if you zoom in you can see the love in her eyes. I had to break into song when we met across the wood;"Reunited and it feels so goodReunited and its understood.There's one perfect fit andhoney this one is itWe're so excited cuz'We're reunited, hey hey!"Then she ran ahead and dropped her scat, (see photo), right on the trail where I would be sure to find it. I got down on hands and knees just to smell her intentions; it was clear she belongs to me!
Date: 2007-06-01
From: Chester Gap

To: chester gap
Miles today: 0.0

I am taking a zero today and feel this would be a good time to address some of the negative comments in my guest book. I am neither anti-homosexual nor anti-religious. I am someone who questions and pokes fun at societies norms. I am more accepting than most. I would love it if our next president was a transexual, African American, muslim with a hair lip.This is my journal. It is not a chat room. If you find my words, jokes, or innuendos offensive then read someone else's. I warned the folks at channel ten news and the Bradenton Herald that when they put the link to my journal on their web site I was going to be myself even if it meant severing continued coverage. They have to be politically correct; I do not.My father has asked, in view of the fact we own two restaurants, that I refrain from potentially offensive entries. I love you dad but the answer is no. If Bradentonians want to eat elsewhere then I will find something else to do when I return home. Honestly...I am not sure I want to come back to work.I have friends and family who are fervently religious, republican, and one dimensional. It's ok, I still love you; do you love me?Lastly, and by far most importantly, today is my son's birthday. Brandon there is no one I would love to hike with more than you. Take time off work; lots of time, and come be with your father. Happy Birthday. I love you.
Date: 2007-06-02
From: chester gap

To: beyond asby gap
Miles today: 21.4

I am getting very close to leaving the confederate states. Thusly I am reminded of a question posed to me by young Random man, full of hormonal energy, prior to his leaving. "Gator", he said, "excepting the conjugal visit, is there much sex on the trail?"Now for those of you of my generation and older you probably saw the movie "Deliverance", so you already know that your best chance for sex in the woods is below the mason-dixon line.Keep in mind future thru-hikers that by now you have walked a thousand miles. You have boils on your back, puss pockets on your ass, your feet smell like a ten day old yeast infection, and if you are like me you have some sort of brown crusty fungus growing in your groin. (no it is not pie crust) BUT you may be in luck cause there are people in these here parts that find that attractive.LESSON 17 future thru-hikers unless you are extremely lonely then for God's sakes sleep on your back and keep your legs crossed.
Date: 2007-06-03
From: beyond asby gap

To: bears den hostel
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

I am resting now at the Bears Den Hostel. In my mind's eye I can see the AT planners sitting around a conference table, hunched over the topographic map of this section of trail.The fat one says to the others "these hikers have walked 1000 miles, over the extreme hills of Ga. and N.C., then the endless hills of Virginia, perhaps we should give them a break and route the trail around this section?"There is a brief silence. Then they all burst into laughter and in unison they shout "NOT"!!!In any ten mile stretch the AT will usually take you over three to five climbs, this ten miles goes over thirteen. It is aptly named the "roller coaster". SICK BASTARDS.Then just to prove he also has a sense of humor God threw in a whole bunch of rocks....and then rain.The only good thing about this ride...it's overand The Bears Den Hostel is perfectly located. It is an impressive respite (see photo) out here in the woods, right at the end of the roller coaster.I had some great hiker bonding here with Stoneage and Triple Duece. They talked of you with good thoughts random man.I should also point out that I was warned by proprietor Queen Diva that she has been reading my journal and yet I was still treated warmly and she has promised to give me kudos on her blog. She is good people.
Date: 2007-06-04
From: bears den hostel

To: Potomac river
Miles today: 22.0

Today's hike brought me to state number five. I am now in the hamlet of Harpers Fairy, West Virginia.This is the psychological halfway point for most hikers. Many however get to this 1000 mile marker and decide they have had enough, after all isn't 1000 miles walked impressive in it's own right?Harpers Fairy is actually an historic national park. There is also an interesting bit of trail history, not known to most hikers, as to how this town came by it's name.Seems that back in the day there was a very popular mayor by the name of "Harper". He was so well liked that the town council suggested they name the town after him. It happened that Harper was also a homosexual. Now you must keep in mind that alternative lifestyles were not as well accepted in the baptist dominated south by the moral majority as they are today.Therefore, fearing public ridicule, Harper declined the council's offer but said as an alternative it would please him if they named the town after his lover. Well it was Harper they loved, not his lover, so they came to a compromise, of sorts. That is how the town came to be known as "Harper's Fairy"What?....oh my.....How embarrassing....Listen folks, someone looking over my shoulder has just informed me that this is "Harpers Ferry".Damn, and I was hoping that this tribute would prove once and for all that the gator is not homophobic.OH well.....never mind.
Date: 2007-06-05
From: Potomac river

To: Crampton gap shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

This afternoon I plan to walk just ten miles taking me into Maryland where I will spend the night among the trees.I dedicate today's hike to my sister Janice. Thank you sooo much for the great care package. The gator is eatin' good in the wood!Harpers Ferry is an interesting stop along the trail. The ATC is based here which is ironic as this town has very little to offer hikers. I stopped by to have my photo taken so it may be properly recorded for all posterity that gatorgump has walked 1000 miles and intends to walk 1000 more.Good fortune smiled upon me again last night. I stopped at a supposedly just opened hostel/B&B called "The Town's Inn". Turns out my information was incorrect, they are not open yet but proprietor Karen Townsend took me in regardless and even shuttled me to food and beer. I am officially her very first customer and dollar earned.As usual, I have great photos to show but will have to wait till I get to a real town to upload, so check back.
Date: 2007-06-06
From: Crampton gap shelter

To: wolfsville road
Miles today: 20.5

I fell asleep last night listening to the soft rain upon my tent. The morning air was cool, crisp, with dollops of sunlight. My spirits were high as I danced along the trail to the soulful tunes of Lou Rawls and Barry White.If I wasn't so pale you would swear I was one of the "brothers". Damn this white boy can move when he is alone, deep in the woods. Yeah, sing it to me sweet Lou;"You'll never findas long as you livesomeone who loves youtender like I do"When I approached a mud slick I would dip, slide, clap, shoulder shake, then a spin move (only fell in the mud once)."You're gonna miss my lovinlate in the midnight hour baby"Gesticulating hips, pelvic thrust, undulate that ass white boy; I clocked off the miles in style.Maryland, for the thru-hiker, is a walk in the park. Matter of fact you pass through several, including the very first monument ever built to honor George Washington (see photo).My mood was dampened a bit as I came upon acres of forest totally defoliated by the gypsy moth caterpiller (see photo). They are so numerous in some areas that their droppings sound like rain falling on the dry leaves and down the back of your neck.Tomorrow I will be in Pennsylvania.
Date: 2007-06-07
From: wolfsville road

To: old forge park
Miles today: 17.2

Today is my sister Julie's birthday. I wish you all the best, I will be thinking of you.I am ambivalent as I prepare to leave for Pennsylvania. I used to live here and when I left I never imagined that I would return, certainly not on foot. This state was good to me and I hope to see old friends.However this is also the most hated state on the AT. It is the place where boots come to die. In his book "A Walk in the Woods", chronicling his failed attempt at a thru-hike, Bill Bryson skipped the entire state of Pennsylvania. The path through this state is known to be full of rocks; miles and miles of ankle turning, boot ripping, massive boulders strewn every which way. The gator will not pansy-out and yellow blaze (hitch hike along a road) as Bill Bryson and others have done but I doubt I will be doing many 20 mile days here.No sooner had I entered the state of PA then I made a new friend. He is a beautiful german sheperd and has been with me for miles. We have chased squirrels and played in a stream together (see photo). He has a deformed eye but i think he can see out of it because he runs ahead of me, stops, cocks his head, and looks at me out of the weird eye. When he does that I say "don't you eyeball me boy" then he runs back and licks my entire face!I LOVE THAT! I have trail named him "my eyeball"."My eyeball" and I have just finished dinner. He has eaten all of my beef and buffalo jerky and drank half of my water. I am going to "cowboy" camp out in the open tonight in order to be next to him."Don't you eyeball me boy"ha, ha LOL, I love that!!!!
Date: 2007-06-08
From: old forge park

To: birch run shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

NOTE: I made a major addition to yesterday's journal entry. Go back and reread. Photos will be up ASAP.You see this is why I could never be a woman. This is how men are; they eat with you, drink with you, SLEEP WITH YOU, then without so much as a kiss goodbye or a telephone number they slip out in the middle of the night."My eyeball" has left me, and as I hike I turn with eager anticipation at each rustling noise.LESSON 18 Future Thru-hikers- trail love is not a true relationship, just a series of cheap, sordid, affairs. I feel so used. He just wanted me for my beef...jerky.Today was a series of bad events. First, I can not seem to shake this one hiker who talks incessantly; he stops everywhere I do. Mrs. Gump knows him, she had to zero with him at the Dutch Haus B&B. On that day, when I finished my hike I found her semi-conscious and I had to revive her with mouth-to mouth. I am going to petition the ATC to have his trail name changed to "talks alot".Second, the trail took me past a state park which was purported to have a great concession stand and a swimming pool. Both were closed.Third, toward the end of the day I found a dead fawn. (see photo) It must have recently expired as it was still warm and no insects or odor.
Date: 2007-06-09
From: birch run shelter

To: beyond tagg run shelter
Miles today: 17.8

Beautiful day today; must be my father sending good karma. It is his birthday today and I am missing his annual beach party. Sad not to be with you today Dad. I miss you.Today I passed by another of the trail's legendary hostels called the "Ironmasters Mansion" reputed to have had George and Martha Washington as previous guests. (see photo).Right next to the mansion is the famous Pine Grove furnace store; home of the "half gallon challenge". This is a clever marketing scheme designed to sell a lot of mediocre ice cream. The challenge is to eat an entire half gallon in one sitting.The gator attempted this after eating a large basket of fries and a cheeseburger sub. Sorry to report that I failed.Later I passed the mathematical halfway marker (see photo). It is rather depressing, after all I have been through, to reconcile the fact I must still go as far as I have come.BUT someone told me that there is a plaque on Katahdin with my asses name on it. Time to Get-R-Done.
Date: 2007-06-10
From: beyond tagg run shelter

To: boiling springs
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today's hike brought me to the the small, quaint town of Boiling Springs. The weather has been near perfect. I have traversed Pennsylvania farmland,which is some of the richest in the world. (see photo) The trail, thus far, has been smooth and relatively free of rocks.I am staying at the Garmanhaus B&B, run by a crusty old gentleman who dispenses with all initial pleasantries. I don't mind as long as he continues to dole out the Yuengling tall boys for a one dollar "donation". He has warmed up to me and has now imparted his life's story upon my weary mind.When hikers arrive he insists that you leave your pack outside, strip naked and immediately jump in the shower. Then and only then are you permitted to enter the rest of the house. All of this while he parades around without a shirt or belt, displaying a twelve inch butt crack.
Date: 2007-06-11
From: boiling springs

To: Darlington shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Two additional items worth noting about Boiling Springs; there is another ATC office here and yesterday a very sick hiker was taken from here to the hospital. He had been suffering in the woods for days. He has Lyme disease. Pennsylvania leads the nation in reported cases.Also there was a bulletin up regarding "my eyeball". He has been missing since Virginia. I called the owner and told him where i last saw him. His real name is Mac.I have hiked most of the day with a fine young Brit named "Yorkie". He is a riot, full of dry British humor. This evening our shelter table was enhanced by the likes of "the dude", "yard sale", "beetbox", "waffle", and "batfink". We were all entertained by a skilled pyrotechnics display compliments of "yard sale". (see photo).