morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

I got up early, got relieved to see a beautiful day, no cloud at all! I left at about 7:15 in the morning. It was a great hike but until Bald Mountain. It was very tough climb. I made it to the summit and was amazed by the beautiful view! I loved the view and got some rest on the summit with about 10-12 thruhikers. And, then we left the summit to get to the shelter.   I saw a cute stray dog. Some thru hikers feed the dog and told me that they will take it to Miss Janet's house because, in the past, Miss Janet did that before. So, Night fell and I went back to sleep in the shelter full of thruhikers. Two or three other thruhikers had to sleep in the tent outside.
Date: 2004-05-05
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 16.9

I left Bald Mountain, and most of the hike were easy downhill to Erwin. I arrived at the hostel at 5:04pm. I was a bit worried because I was supposed to meet Patty Harmon, one of staff director of Community Center at 5pm at Erwin Library. It was too late to try to hitchhike because I saw several other thruhikers are trying to get hitched to ride to Erwin. So, I met a owner and asked him to help me, to make a phone call for me. Mission accomplished. Patty and Charlie came and we chatted. So, I stayed at Charlie's place. We chatted a lot, then Charlie took me to the church where we will eat a good food. Charlie introduced me to Carol, an interpreter. Carol is very great person to chat with. So, after the dinner, we got back to Charlie's house and then finally I fell asleep.
Date: 2004-05-06
From: Erwin, Tennessee

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0

A very beautiful day today. I have a zero day today. Charlie and I went around and he showed me his shop and chatted about his business. He is a great guy and very nice person. We went to the restaurant for breakfast. Carol came. Two other interpreters came, PK and Lisa. I found Lisa to be attractive and a very nice smile. We chatted, and the food were so delicious! During night, Charlie and I went to two different bars to play pool. We met some nice people there.
Date: 2004-05-07
From: Erwin, Tennessee

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0

I have my 2nd zero days in Johnson City with Charlie. So, during the day, Charlie took me to Wal-mart, and do some stuff around. So, at around 5pm, we went to Victory Center, where many deaf people will gather for cook out. I was encountered by two reporter for Johnson City Press for interview. We had an interview for approximately 30 minutes. Then they told me that I will be on newspaper the next day. I was so excitied. So, after the interview, I went to eat with other deaf people, and during that time, WYCB Channel 5 reporter came and had an interview with me. It was a good interview. She told me that I will be on TV 6pm the next day. I was also so thrilled.   After the interview, I went back to the dining room, and gave one hour presentation about my experience of thru hike. Deaf people asked some questions. They were inspired about the attitude I have. So, after the presentation, I got a t-shirt from them as a thank. It was great t-shirt. So, after that, I went back home with Charlie.
Date: 2004-05-08
From: Erwin, Tennessee

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0

I was supposed to hike today but decided to take my 3rd zero days because I want to see myself on TV news. I went to Carol's parents house to help Charlie doing his handyman work. I was surprised that Carol's father gave me 40 dollars for the job. I didn't ask for it but thanked him.   Carol's parents are very nice.   After that, we rushed to Charlie's house to watch TV news at 6pm. Charlie went to get nap. I never seen myself on TV and became disappionted because nothing on newspaper and TV News! I was supposed to hike today. Only thing that gave me a good day was an extra bucks I earned from small help for Charlie and Carol's father.So, I went back to sleep, and was getting ready to hike tomorrow.
Date: 2004-05-09
From: Erwin, Tennessee

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up, decided to leave in the afternoon, but until when I checked my bank account electronically and was upset to find that Affordable Self Storage deducted twice for the same month. I decided to stay here for my 4th zero day so that I can straight out with them tomorrow morning.   I realized I won't make it to get to Damascus, VA for Trail Days, so I called Scott Rogers and His wife. I had some converstation with Lisa. I was shocked to learn that Scott Rogers saw me and my interview on TV FRIDAY night! I was disappointed to learn that I was interviewed one hour or so, before broadcasted. I was on TV.. but not on newspaper yet. I do know that I will get copies from Channel 5 news later anyway. So, right now, I am doing some more packing, and some little more food shopping. I will probably see Scott Rogers today to discuss about the ride to Trail Days this week. I was little disappointed to have 4 zero days because I want to arrive Damascus by foot but what the heck, I will make it to Mt. Katahdin by October 15 anyway.Later on the day, Carol, the interpreter got in touch with Scott Rogers, and told Charlie Harmon about the arranged meeting. So, Charlie Harmon brought me to Roan Mountain Campground. I really apprecriate the contribution of Charlie Harmon for me, for my stay, ride and food. He is very great person. I am glad to be his friend. So, for the night, I stayed with Scott Rogers and his family at Roan Mountain Campground. It was great to see Scott again! I missed him for a while after we spiltted. We caught up some trail stories.
Date: 2004-05-10
From: Erwin, Tennessee

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0

In the morning, Scott Rogers and I went to the small store nearby the campground. That is when I found out that I am on the front of newspaper! I was so thrilled. I showed it to Scott Rogers but he become disappointed that the interview about him was incorrect. I came to understand that he is right because we got spilted because of the stress I have for the deadline at Mt. Katahdin. He is doing a flip flopping hike while I am a one way northbound thru hike. In the newspaper, I said that we got spilted because he encountered the problem and alter the gameplan. He really don't have any problem except with the troubles he have with his C-leg, due to overuses. He is still hiking, even ahead of me. SO far I know, he is doing real strong and continue hiking. I am proud of Scott Rogers. So, Scott Rogers dropped me off at Miss Janet's hostel in Erwin so that I can get to the trail tomorrow. I really want to thank the thru hiker named Freight Train for letting me take the bunk bed even though I resist his offer but instead, I took it. The hostel is full with thru hiker. Later on the day, it started to rain. Thank goodness that I didnt hike that time! While snooping around the hostel, reviewed the many pictures of successful thru hiker who reached Katahdin, (few for Springer's southbounders), noticed that hikers have smile and some have emotional ending. Wondering how I would feel when I reached Katahdin. So, I saw an advertising paper on refridegator, it was some plaque of different hiking materials works by FishinFred. I like his work. (please remember about this on the next few journal entries on trail days about him)I am so glad that Miss Janet's computer and internet is in VERY great condition. Not dial up but high speed. I hate slow computer at some other hostels.
Date: 2004-05-11
From: Erwin, Tennessee

To: Beauty Spot Gap
Miles today: 11.0

In the morning, I met Miss Janet. She showed me her very friendly smile! I am glad that there is someone named Miss Janet because we had a great place to stay and a friend who love hikers. So, she made us the great breakfast! It was so good! I finally got out to the trail at about one in the afternoon. I tried to get fast as I could to get to Cherry Gap Shelter.   When I hiked a few miles after I started, I got caught by surprising thunderstorm. I didn't attempt to hike because I hate to get my boot wet. It started to rain hard. I waited and didn't move until the rain become soften, then I started to hike and got to Curly Maple Shelter. I was ONLY .5 mile from shelter!! I wish I knew there was a shelter close by so that I can hike faster before thunderstorm started. I am not the only thru hiker that got caught, someone behind me, got caught too. Damn mother nature, the rain started when I hike and stopped before I got to the shelter. So, a few minutes later, I decided to hike on and try to get to Cherry Gap Shelter. So, later on, I decided to stop at a perfect campsite on the grassy area part of mountain. I can see the beautiful city in the dark. It was so beautiful. I started the campfire. I was the only hiker up there. I loved the place but too badly, I cant stare too long because I fell asleep at about 10pm.
Date: 2004-05-12
From: Beauty Spot Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

I had a great morning woke up. I see the city down there. I might guess its Johnson City but its too far to notice if it really was Johnson City. I packed my tent. When hiking, I stopped at Cherry Gap Shelter for lunch break, I met Mother Nature and Smokestack, a husband and wife thru hiker. We chatted for a while. Then I hiked on and passed the Unaka Mountain. A beautiful mountain, infested with red spruce trees. I loved this view. I hiked on to Clyde Smith Shelter. It was some tough hike. Smokestack and Mother Nature is in the same shelter as I was in. It was good to see them again. Both are great people!I need to have a good sleep today as I know tomorrow will be a tough climb up to Roan Mountain, (6,285 feet) and try to get to U.S. 19E to get off the trail and join Scott Rogers for the ride up to Trail Days in Damascus.
Date: 2004-05-13
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Carver Gap
Miles today: 7.9

In the morning, I got up early at about 7am. I had a great climb up to Little Rock Knob which had so great view. I came to the trailhead before starting the climb up the Roan Mountain. There were some day or section hikers there, getting ready to hike. So, then I hiked up the Roan Mountain. It was pretty tough climb. I made it to the top at about 1pm. That was pretty late to get to US 19E Roan Mountain, Tennessee to meet Scott Rogers, So, I hiked to Carver Gap, then hitchhiking for a ride to town. A car, Toyta Camry passed me and came back and picked me up, She happened to be one who saw me at the trail head before Roan Mountain. She is the one that bring her friend, who hike down the Roan Mountain which I met them before Carver Gap. She brought me to Roan Mountain Campground where Scott Rogers is. It was 2pm, and their RV is all well clean packed. It make me think that Scott Rogers already left for Damasacus without me but we arranged to meet at Buck Buchanan's country store and beer wash (bar). So that sweet lady brought me to Buck's at about 3pm. I even had bartender there try to call Scott Rogers and his wife several time. There is no way of contact them. Bartender did try her best. So at 6:50pm, I went outside and waited for Scott Rogers and stayed outside until 7:10pm. Still nothing. I got so worried. I talked to another bartender, probably a bar manager, named Larry about the situation. He was so helpful and make some phone calls to Greyhound busline for the bus schedule from Johnson City to Abington, VA. SO, Larry told me he will take me to bus station tomorrow. It was so nice of him. So, I had couple of beers before he got me to the Scott's RV which I stayed there for the night.
Date: 2004-05-14
From: Carver Gap

To: Carver Gap
Miles today: 0.0

In the morning, I got to shower, then get myself ready. Larry, the bartender came ON TIME (1 minute early), I was very impressed of him. So, I gave him a hi and was excited to see him again because that way I know he is my life saver for the trail days. So, when Larry came out of the Ford Bronco, he gave me the note, and I read it. I was so surprised when I read it. He said, "Hey Allen, its a pretty day, I will take you to Damascus, VA" I was so surprised by that. It was 90 miles from Roan Mountain, Tenn to Damascus, VA! When I got in Bronco, he gave me beers! I am sure I had blast time. I was wondering about a thru hiker that I met at Clyde Smith Shelter. He want to get a ride to Damascus and I wonder how he would get there cuz I would have him join us if I've known about the lucky day ride to Damascus. So, I helped with the gas. He got me more beers! So, we arrived at Damascus. Larry and I stopped by a beautiful creek/river to finish up the beers. Then Larry dropped me off at campground where many hikers camped out for the Trail Days. It was so beautiful day. I saw so many thru hikers that I met on the trail here at Damascus! I met Scott Rogers, and he asked what happend and how I got here. I told him I waited for him and I got here by help of Beer Wash Bartender named Larry. So, he told me that he did get there to look for me. I told him I was inside the bar. I did came out and check out on him sometimes.. guess the bad timing came and we missed each other... but I had blast time with Larry anyway!So, when I get out to take a look around Damascus. I saw a guy that sell materials on the private property. He tried to talk to me. I told him I am deaf, and he said, your deaf? my parents are deaf too. He can sign! I think hes cool. And, found out that he is Fishin Fred! The one that left an advertising paper at Miss Janet's. We chatted for a while. He is great person and can sign very well. I like him cuz hes cool! I told him if its okay that I can drink beer at that place, he said of course. It was private property and it won't violate the Virigina's strict law of open container. I shared him some of my beers. Munchkin, the thru hiker I met at Hot Springs saw me and stopped and got out of the car, and we got a chance to hug. Sweet girl. She have a sweet dog named Kaya. I love that dog! So, after chatting with Fishin Fred, I went to Sidetrack cafe to see if I can meet other thru hikers buddies. I met a few. Cowgirl, a thru hiker whom I heard tried to look for me. She tried to introduce herself, but I knew and guessed that she is Cowgirl. She was amazed, so we chatted in sign language because she worked with deaf and blind. I also had a few note exchanges with other thru hiker from England whom I met at Adiddas Gap's trail magic, named Mark. Hes nice person and very friendly. WE chatted for a while. When I felt so tired and I left for campground. I saw many hikers and friends dancing around the campfire. So, I went to my tent.
Date: 2004-05-16
From: Carver Gap

To: Carver Gap
Miles today: 0.0

In the morning, I went to see Bill Irwin's speech about his experience as a blind hiker, who complete the Appalachian Trail with the help of his seeing eye dog. I was inspired by his speech. I wish I would meet him but he was in hurry to get out of the building as he was late for his arranged ride. He was famous and well know to many for his successful thru hike the A.T. as a blind hiker. He can only be able to tell if there is light or dark, but not the shape and the image. I was told by Scott Rogers that his dog, who hiked with him had died way back. This is his 4th dog that he is currently with right now. I hope I was correct about this.So, after that, I downed my tent and joined Scott Rogers and his family back to Roan Mountain Campground. I slept in my tent outside the RV because its so quiet.
Date: 2004-05-17
From: Carver Gap

To: Carver Gap
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up, decided to take another zero day, it is hard to go back on trail after several zero days. Im addicted to town life. Yuk! Scott Rogers was planning to hike but decided to have zero day also after he hear the thunderstorm boom. Ha Ha. SO, I stayed and relax for another day.
Date: 2004-05-18
From: Carver Gap

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 13.2

Finally, I got back on the trail! I started at Carver Gap. It was very beautiful trail! It is one of my favorite! I hiked to Yellow Mountain Gap, Overmountain Shelter which is well known for movie scene. I wished I could stay there for the night but I have to move on after too many zero days. So, I hiked up and hiked over two hump mountain. Little Hump and Hump Mountains. I loved those mountains!! Very beautiful balds. A grassy area with no tree and perfect view! So, I hiked down as fast as I can get to Apple House Shelter so that I can get there before dark. By the time I went downhill, I realized that my raincover for my pack fell off and gone. I have to put down my pack and hiked all the way up to Hump Mountain and found it. Whew but, it cost me 2 miles and almost 2 hours. WHen I got back to shelter, it was almost dark. The shelter was full but a hiker there, told me there is a space, he made the space for us... but it alread made him tent outside because he can't handle the crowd, lol. So, while preparing the sleeping bag, two of thru hikers right next to me, quickly took flashlight, and shone the light toward the ceiling. As you know, I am deaf, I cannot hear anything, so, they are trying to look at what was there. I looked up and they pointed at the mouse. It was mouse running on the wood beam. I thought that mouse is so cute. He looked down at us as the light shoned toward at him. He then ran forward but got bumped into other mouse who ran in opposite direction, then both of them ran back to the hiding spot. Again, that mouse, looking at us, watching us, squeak a few times, and one of mouse ran to the corner, then ran down to the floor, that made one female thru hiker stand up so fast. I guess that her boyfriend told her to relax, that little mice won't bite you. So, finally she sat down. I guess, those mice are playing around hide and seek game or looking for food. After watching those mice went away, I fell asleep.
Date: 2004-05-19
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: light rain

Got up, then hike the tough up and down mountains. Too many ups, and I started to have no idea where I was. I felt like I was lost. Its because the ups and downs are very hard to pinpoint on what Data book gave. The data book did only gave 5 road crossing information, and when I counted the road crossing, it was 6 and then finally I got no complete idea where I was because I don't know how many miles left to get to Moreland Gap Shelter. I tried to keep up but I couldn't. I gave up and tented out at the summit of a small mountain at 8:30pm.During the hike, I saw a deer ran down the grassy field, and stopped, stare at me. Watched me. That deer is about 100 yards from me. I took my camera out and took a picture of it. That deer didn't move when I took my camera or taking a picture. So, I put my camera back in my pouch. Deer stills standing, watch at me very carefully. So, I decided to say hello with my hand waving, and bink, that deer escaped and a fawn following her. I don't understand why that deer is not afraid of camera but a handing waving "hello'?
Date: 2004-05-20
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Dennis Cove Road, Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 6.3

Got up, a nice day. SO, I took my tent down, then hike down, and was pissed of that the shelter was only .02 mile down the hill. I guess I am luckily enought that there wasnt any wet weather anyway. I don't understand why when I got caught in the thunderstorm when shelter was only .05 miles away and now this, trying to get to shelter but gave up and set up tent, and discovered the next day that the shelter was only .02 miles. After checking the shelter's registration book, and noticed that many hikers are going to take a stop at well known Kincora Hostel. So, I decided to take a rest there for a good hot shower and a good soft sleep. So, while hiking down the hill, at normal speed, I quickly stopped, and saw a copperhead playing dead on the trail. I am not going to cross that copperhead (poisonous snake) who sitting across the trail. It was about two feet from where I was standing. I poke it with my hiking pole, and that was fast than the blink of my eye, it already start to arm itself with fangs and bite the hiking pole. I poke it again, it start to bite it more often. I named this snake, Charlie. "Hey Charlie, why are you sitting here? You are not supposed to be here" and then I, carefully picked Charlie up with my hiking pole and flip it up in the air away from the trail. Hey Charlie, "sorry you don't have wings, but if you don't like the hard landing, then don't come to the trail again"So, for about 1 mile later, I got encountered with other copperhead again! I named her Thelma. I poked it with my hiking pole again. Thelma was very aggressive than Charlie. She was very protective of herself. She bite the hiking pole more often. I tried to poke her again, but she escaped faster, travelling on the trail on the northbound direction and I followed Thelma until she went out to the woods and found herself a shelter. I told Thelma, your lucky, but next time I see you, I will flip you out farther than Charlie. So, I arrived The Kincora Hostel. It was very nice place, very warm and the owners, Bob and Pat Peoples were extreme nice! Later in the evening, Thru hikers from Rhode Island I met a few weeks ago, Wayah Bald and Digger came in, and apparently it was Digger's birthday party. They had plenty of seafood to give out. I ate sushi (raw fish) and it was so good. Later on, we had birthday cake and ice cream. It sure a good evening with a good treats.
Date: 2004-05-21
From: Dennis Cove Road, Kincora Hostel

To: Watauga Lake
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: few clouds

I got up, and try to work out to get some weight off of my pack. I asked Bob to see if he can take me to Wal-mart again so that I can buy rain poncho so I can mail the heavy rain coat and sweater to Ned Doland to have him hold it until I get in New England. So, Bob gave me a very light rain coat, and it was so nice of him. So, then his wife, Pat took us to Post Office where I sent stuff back home and to my friends. After that, I took back to the trail in the early afternoon. Yes, it was late, because as I said, its hard to go back to the trail after a good sleep at hostel or a few zero days. So, I went to Watagua Lake, a recreation area where swimming area is. I got there at 8pm. The data book said the shelter is .04 miles from that place, so I decided to take a good swim and at 8:30, when its getting dark, I hiked out and passed three people, with beer case, and beg for one beer, and got one. Thanked them, then hiked and tried to look for shelter, but too late, it was dark. It wasn't .04 miles as I thought. SO, I tented out in a perfect place, a wood by the lake.
Date: 2004-05-22
From: Watauga Lake

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: few clouds

I got up, then saw another hiker getting up. I came to him and asked where is the Watagua Lake Shelter. He said one mile ahead of us. I said what? Data book said .04 miles. Damn the data book! I thought this campsite was a good place to sleep because in the morning, there were a sunshine and toward the lake by the woods are beautiful to see in the morning. So, I hiked off, went across the Watagua Lake Shelter, to sign in my name on the register book. Then, hike to and across the Watagua Dam. Hiked toward Vandeventer Shelter. Took some time to read the register book, and was wondering why other hikers said about cat. Slow Barbara wrote, give water to the cat, because it think the water is 1/2 mile away. Another thru hiker, Mr. T. said, that meowing scared her shit, and another thru hiker, wrote, this cat sucks, kick the cat, kick it hard. I was like, what are they talking about the cat, UNTIL I saw cat go around the shelter, very courtesy, very curious, peeked at me. He or she was very scary resident cat. I start to understand why hikers are talking about this cat. I watering and feed this cat. I guess he got satisfed but he was very scared of many hikers. I think this guy who kicked this cat, make him or her scared of us. If I see any hikers who treat this cat badly, I will make sure they get kicked hard in the ass. Leave innocent pet alone. So, then I start to hike toward Iron Mountain Shelter. Then I slept.