morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-10
From: jerry cabin shelter

To: hogback ridge shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

rain again it has rained for the last three nights and does not look to be better today. did the first 6 miles in about 2 and half hours was filling good, ran acroos wingheart who said a boyscouts were doing trail magic at the road crossing and could maybe make it. I was running down the hill. but missed it by ten mins. got to the shelter after a rough last part of day. and spot showed me a pic of the tacos he got and i almost cried. My feet feel like they are falling off after about 8 miles. I need a new pair of boots but want to make it to Virginia before so i can get a lighter shoe for that part. did get some trail magic from some section hikers who were down, cliff bar and some left over beef jerkey.. i think they thought i was an animal when i turned the bag upside down to get the crumbs but i can not carry enough food for my appetite. if the scales are right at fot springs i have 12 pds in three weeks. sign in again as i can...
Date: 2008-05-11
From: hogback ridge shelter

To: I-26
Miles today: 2.5

Interesting day today... woke up and checked myphone for service.. had a text mess from my buddy anthony who said he was in tenn.. called and had nothing to do today so we arranged to meet at the road that was about 2 miles away from where i was. he was about a 2 hour drive away. so sampson, slurpee, and i decided that a ride into erwin out of the cold and rain was a great idea.. we got to the road in about 45 mins of hiking. sat there in the codl and it started to rain.. we climbled up unde the overpass like hobos to get out of the rain and the wind that was blowing right thru us. we sat there for an hour and realized that it was going to be hard for him to get to where we were and find the road as we were onthe road under the interstate with no exit ramp there.. so we started calling hotels to see if we stayed in one if they would give us a ride to town, hotels along the trail often have great rates for hikers. no luck witht the three that we called then we remembered that there was a hostel they almost always will pick up hikers even though we were 23 trail miles away which can mean a ong way on roads. Uncle johnny said he would be right there so we called anthony and told him to meet us in erwin. we loaded up in the van and he said if we hurry we can make the AYCE (all you can eat) at the pizza place which is a hikers dream.. he dropped us off and i ate the most food i have in my life. a salad that was 2 inches high covering the plate and then 4 plates of pizza for the great price of 7.95 which included drink. anothony showed up and we hung out there for a while. then uncle johnny came back and picked us up. He has a great hostel and we got a cabin (10 x 10) with 2 set of bunk beds a tv, microwave and fridge for 17 a night. another great deal. Hostels are great experience on the trail bc you really get a chance to meet the other hikers and just relax they always have a common area where you just hang out and talk about all the people that have and what has been going on on the trail. at 6 we took the shuttle to town to eat again even though we had just eaten 4 hrs ago and i got a burrito the size of my head and ate it all.. so now we had to decide to do about the 23 and half miles we skipped yesterday. we decided to do what they call slack packing and make it all up in one quick day. We loaded are packs with a little food, water, sleeping bag just in case we stuck on the trail. My pack went from 38 pds to about 12 pds. Looking forward to tomorrow...
Date: 2008-05-12
From: I-26

To: Uncle johnny hostel
Miles today: 23.5

started the day at 9:10 at the interstate. the wind was blowing and it was cold but with the light packs it felt good. We made it the first 8 miles to the shelter in about 3 hours and it was almost all uphill. took a short break and went on. made it to the next shelter about 10 miles away in 3 1/2 hrs. doing good with 6 miles to go. sampson and slurpee took off and i decided that i was just going to enjoy the light pack and the last bit of the walk as the sun was starting to come out. walking down the trail there was a rabbit right in the midle of the trail and i just sat down and watched it for about 15 mins. it came within about 5 ft of me. then i came to the ridge line and got some great views of the river so i sat there for about another half hour and just watched it roll by about 1500 ft below me. i finally got back to the hostel about 7 and they were waiting on me to go to dinner. i had told slurpee that iwas just going to walk the mile to long john silvers and pick up something there but they thought i might change my mind so they all waited.. i felt bad but the 9 of us loaded in the beast adn headed for town where i went to little ceasars and ate the whole pizza. we will be heading back out in the morning and not sure when the mext computer stop will be. May not be til Virginia which is about 140 miles away.. if anyone has any questions or would like to know more about something feel free to ask when you sign the guest book and i will try to answer the best i can when i get a chance. It is 9 PM which is the hikers midnight so all my love to my family and friends and i think of you all often....
Date: 2008-05-13
From: Uncle johnny hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

just getting ready to hit the trail short day today only about 7 miles so leaving lae. sampson had t pick up a resupply package from his mom at the post office so i thought i would just let everyone know that while i dont have a digital camera you can see a lot of the views i am eeing if you go to some o fthe people i have been hiking with the last few weeks. esp. slurpee on 5/5 on top of max patch. also spot has a lot of pics on his journal just click on the phot section and you can view them..
Date: 2008-05-14
From: Uncle johnny hostel

To: cherry gap shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

well ended up doing a 0 at uncle johnny's hostel, so we did 16 to the seond shelter but the rest was nice. met cast away and kickit and they are at the shleter tonight, cast away looks just like tom hanks from that movie it is unreal, crazy hair and all. not to much exciting today just up and down mts. also at the shelter are freewill and mr. j , they had been traveling with silent prayer who left the trail at uncle johnny's. It is amazing how many people are dropping off.
Date: 2008-05-15
From: cherry gap shelter

To: Roan Mt shelter
Miles today: 15.2

started hiking and got about 6 miles in from shelter where there was a sign for Greasy Creek hostel at what looked to be an old creek bed. Sampson and i got out our books and started seeing what we could find out about it. It was .6 miles down the mt but the thought of a cheeseburger drove us to do it anyway. when we got there, there was no one around but a sign on the back door said come in and drop your packs and wash your hands. turns out she was a freak about people washing there hands. so there we are in this lady's house with no one else there feeling a little strange. it was in the middle of nowhere. I told sampson if i start hearing banjo music i am hitting the door. she finally showed up and she made us a great luch then we had to hit back up the trail. at the end of the day we had to climb roan mt. which is about a 2000 ft climb. i was dragging bad and there was a storm coming in. It started to get dark adn the wind was something awful. the trees were at about a 45 degree angle and i thought for sure one was going to snap and hit me. I got to the shelter about 8:00 just before dark adn sampson, cast away, kickit, poet, hippie chick, freewill and mr. j were all there. Roan mt shelter is the highest shelter on the AT at over 6200 ft up, it was a cold wet windy night.
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Roan Mt shelter

To: mt harbor hostel
Miles today: 15.2

started out the day cold but warmed up as came down off of roan mt, met soe section hikers at the intersection about a mile down the mt. went over what would probably have been some of the prettiest sections of the trail but it was cold windy and foggy so i could not see but about 20 yards in front of me. stayed the night at a hostel and slept in a RV bunk but it was only 8$ and breakfast was 7$ with ham, french toast, eggs, bun cake, potatoes, bannana bread, strawberries, blackberies, pineapple, biscuts and gravy. awsome breakfast
Date: 2008-05-18
From: mt harbor hostel

To: moreland gap shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

after the great breakfast sampson and i started out for the day about 10:30. late start for the number of miles we wanted. walked along a beautiful river for a few miles and saw four guys fly fishing. One was carrying about 4 trout on a stringer and thought about asking him for one to cook up for lunch but decided agaisnt it. Today was nice on the trail as there was few people. Most everyone had gone to trail days a big gathering of thru hikers past and present so when i got to the shelter it was just sampson and one other thru hiker that i had not met yet. He was quiet and when we tried to talk with him he didn't say much but just answered real short. we found out a few days later that he had been in the shleter with some other hikers and they had given him the trail name motormouth..today was nice.. and the weather was actually nice for once..
Date: 2008-05-19
From: moreland gap shelter

To: wataya lake shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

it has been a while since i have had access to a computer.. so i will be adding some days in the same entry..today i woke up and my tailbone was killing me i must have slept on it wrong in the shelter. not hard to do when sleeping on plywood. found out that the section hiker that was in the shelter was born in huntington WV but now lives in FL. waked about 6 miles in a sprinkle then crossed this road to a parking lot where there are campsites for car camping, a guy was at his car and asked sampson and i if we were thru hikers we said yes and he asked us to wait there for a minute. he came bake and had 2 pepsi's cans and 3lbs of smoked ham. He told us that he thought that we could use it but said the ham may need to be heated, as soon as he was out of sight we started to eat it, he came back by a minute later just laughing at us and said couldn't wait huh. we just thanked him again and then decided to hike the next 2 miles to the shelter to finish it off for lunch. on the way came to the laural creek falls. They were beautiful about a 50 ft waterfall. then on up to the shelter to eat lunch. when we got to the shelter there were 5 bud cans there. another great peice of trail magic. so we had ham and beer for lunch on the trail. of course we had to drink the beers only for the calorie purpose!! hike on for about 8 more miles in a light rain then came to wataya lake. the shelter was only 1.7 away and decided it was early so we would try to hitch in to town and go to McDoalds. got a ride from a fellow named lou honeycomb. and he also picked us up to take us back to the trailhead. what a day for trail magic.. as soon as we got back the sky opened up and sampson and i got soaked to the core on the 1.7 mile walk but we were the only 2 at the shelter so lots of room to dry stuff out.. what a day..
Date: 2008-05-20
From: wataya lake shelter

To: abbington shelter
Miles today: 29.5

what a day. started out from the shelter with about a 20 mile day planned. lots of uphill at the start of the day. hike till about 7:30 and got to the place that i was going to stay at but started thinking about getting to town tomorrow which always excites me as i was wanting a shower and lots of food. decided to push on to the next shelter which was about 8 miles away. sampson and i took off and started hiking as the sun was going dwn. got about 5 miles away from the shelter and spooked a bear that luckily took off down the hill. walked about another mile and three more took off thru the woods. My headlamp batteries died as we were walking thru the woods and the ony light i had was a little pin light that you had to push down and hold to keep on. made for a very hard night hike. heard 2 more bears as we were hiking. then we came up over a knob and saw red eyes about 20 yrds from us that was not running away. we froze in our tracks and then quickly realized it was just a deer but man what a scare for second. we made it to the shelter at about 10:30 and i was sore from head to toe. and the shelter was full so i had to set p my tent and then ate a snickers for dinner and fell asleep but at least it was just 10 miles to damascus.
Date: 2008-05-21
From: abbington shelter

To: damascus
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

woke up early but legs would hardly work, hiked the 10 miles to town with sampson, jogle, vegas, becca and i. went straight to subway were i ate the whole footlong sub andchips. then to dairy king for a large shake and i was still hungry, stayed at the hiker hostel and since they were full she let me sleep on the floor for 5 but i least i get a shower and will have a bunk tomorrow as i plan to 0 here tomorow, spent the rest of the day eatng and resting. did much the following day of the same and try to take care of all the blisters on my feet, went to the outfitters but trail days had just ended so there selection of shoes were very picked over have to keep what i got for now.
Date: 2008-05-23
From: damascus

To: VA 16
Miles today: 49.5

going to combine three days here. hiked out of damascus with sampson, jogle, blazing star, mas, and becca. the six of us will be hiking together the next several days, we all start out at different times but meet up again in the evening to set up camp and talk about the day. it is almost like a family of sorts as we watch out for each other and if one of us is late into camp we start looking for each other although nothing bad has happened yet, spent a most of the nights in the shelter although we did all tent one night to get closer to the partnership shelter which is famous bc it has a phone at a rangr station where a pizza place will deliver..
Date: 2007-04-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

"I think I would like to do the Appalachian Trail." I said to my wife sometime a few years ago. She said, "that would be fun". That was easy! I was a little taken back but, she has always been game for new things. We already had plans to do Ironman Germany Triathlon the next year, so I picked 08. She was agreeable to the date, but still signed up for Ironman Louisville in Aug. of 07. She is training hard and at her present level there is a very good chance she will qualify for the World Champinship in Kona, Hawaii. Darn, we would have to go back to the Big Island! Bummer. It would be her 2nd time at the World Champinships and her 7th Ironman. I have mixed emotions about Hawaii. If she qualifies she continues to train through Oct. Prime time for us to get in some practice trail time. We live south of Atlanta and can get to the trail very easely. Anyway, the "GaMe" plan is to start the first of March 08 and hopefully finish the 8th of Sept. on my 70th birthday. Everyone is invited to party on Katahdin on the 8th of Sept. That's it in a nut shell. Now to aquire the gear plus take care of the thousand and one things that we don't have a clue about. Lou & Martha
Date: 2007-10-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have been reading some of the journals of the people who dropped off the Trail. It appears to be feet more than anything else. I guess you have to start at the bottom with the best you can afford and work up. My age tells me that I need good support, so it looks like a Med. weight leather for me. We selected the Huba Huba tent from MSR. Used it up high in the 14teeners of Colorado seemed to work fine for us. Our Jet Boil stove that didn't like to work to well at cold temps and altitude with a half full canister. Thinking of using one of MSR's Whisper models at the start than switch out when it warms up. Trying to work a rough schedule and mail drops. It will probably be like a Military Battle Plan, as soon as the first shot is fired you through it out the window. In this case the first snow storm. Who knows. It is what it is!Lou & Martha
Date: 2007-12-06
To: The Count Down
Miles today: 0.0

We have started counting down; 25 days until Martha retires for the first time and I for the forth and final time. Next count down, 59 days to the First Step.There have been some very nice emails sent to us. The Walrus was the first RSVP for the party 8th of Sept. I hope we (I) don't let him down. Antie Maime was the first to welcome us on board. Looks like she is starting on the 1st also. Dan offered to transcribe for us. Thanks Dan, my Ironman training partner,Kim has agreed post for us. Bogey and Slim offered good advice. Bogey, at our advanced ages we don't have to prove anything to anyone. Hope to see you guys in March.Of course everyone knows when the drought in the south will end. Thats right! Spring of 08. It is what it is.Lou and Martha
Date: 2008-01-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

What to eat? What to take? That is the question. We decided to go freeze dried and made the big leap. 360 single servings in 13 different menues. Sounds like a lot, but it,s not. 360 devided by 2 = 180. We both can eat a double serving. That cuts it 90 evening meals or three months of trail meals. By that time we should be tired of freeze dried whatever you call the entree. We have been busy vacuum sealing bags for two days and still have 3 cases left. Next we package our own GORP. It looks like Mother Nature will solve our trail drought. I feel sorry for the people who are already out. Cold and snow are ok but a 38* rain and wind is nasty. We will all get our chances soon. 1 March can't come soon enough.lou & martha
Date: 2008-02-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Two days and a wake up. Where have the days gone? Just finished re-supplying the IRS with our fair share. That has taken more time than we would have liked. Our mail drops have yet to be completed. I have been poked, prodded, pricked, probed and violated and then medically cleared for takeoff. So, off we go on the 29th of Feb. There 44 folks departing this week. It might just get crowded out there. We are going to Dahlonega, Ga on the 28th and stay at the Smith House, a 100 year old house built over a gold mine shaft, that serves great food family style. Most people don't know that there was a big gold rush in Dahlonega before the California gold rush of 1849. The last three weeks have been very busy. I spent a very enjoyable 2 hours with Ms Meyer's and Ms Hertzog's third grade classes at Crabapple Elm. School. I fed them some freeze dried corn which they liked, much to their supprise. Those kids were great! The really asked very intelligent questions. So kids if you are reading this, I have an assignment for you. When did the gold rush start in Dahlonega, Ga and how long did it last? Send me your answer on our Journal. Ms Hertzog, Martha and I hope to see you later this summer. We will take you up on your offer if we can work it out. Thanks in advance.We look forward to a day or two off.Looks like there are some very interesting NOBOs' starting this week. We Sure hope Antie Mame, who was under the weather a few days ago can start with her sister V-8. I do believe those two are trouble. We can't wait. See you guys on the trail.Lou and Martha
Date: 2008-02-29
From: Springer Mountain Terminus

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning at aproximately 8:15AM Martha & Lou Boone signed in as #56 & 57 respectively as thru hikers for 2008. They departed Springer Mountain Terminus at 10:08AM taking the first of 5,000,000 steps to reach the Northern Terminus of Mt Katahdin, Maine. It was cold with a breeze aprox 35 degrees. They were in good spirits with full packs! The reached Stover Creek Shelter about 4:35PM. I don't expect to hear from them for a while but they are on their way!! Crash
Date: 2008-03-01
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Hey! I just got a call from Lou! They are on schedule and their feet are in good shape. They stayed in the tent last night, it was cold but did not freeze. Sleet until about 3:00AM, a lot of humidity. Everything is damp will air gear out tonight. It was about 50 degrees in the tent last night but with their nighttime warmies on they were as comfortable as you can be sleeping on the ground. Added Photos today! Lou is keeping track of the steps they take. Today 8,743. The temperature is in the 30's at night but they are staying warm in their tent. Still not getting to never never land when sleeping but hoping that will come. The pack is getting lighter as the food is eaten but still a heavy load. All of the equipment is working well. Having a great time!Crash
Date: 2008-03-03
From: Jarrard Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Big day today 26,545 steps!! Martha has a small blister but is taking care of it. They wanted to reach Woods Hole Shelter but it was getting dark and they were tired, Jarrard Gap has water and is comfortable so they decided to stop. They had seafood pasta for dinner and high guarded the gorp. (took all the dark chocolate out for dessert) A little cognac and ready for sleep. Only five miles tomorrow food stores are beginning to run low but they will be taking a zero day on Tuesday to replenishing supplies.
Date: 2008-03-07
From: Not sure? guessing Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: moderate rain

Cold, wet, but morale is high. Tonight (7 March) a night at Tray Mtn. shelter after two 15 mile days. Tomorrow into Hiawassee for some R&R (shower etc.) and then it's back on the trail. Feet are holding up (minor blisters for Martha, none for Lou), and no unexpected aches or pains. The adventure continues... Crash's other half.
Date: 2008-03-08
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap - Hiawassee
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Terribly cold today. Did not stop to cook as hands too numb to work the stove, no food anyway, GORP is "wonderful". They came off the trail and met Chairman as his wife was picking him up, so rode into town with him. They will eat dinner with he and his wife tonight. Staying indoors tonight and tomorrow night and having wash done by the proprietor. Post office closed when they arrived, so can't pick up mail until Monday morning. The lady they are staying with will drive them back to the trail. Will make it to Bligh's Gap in North Carolina Monday evening, 67.5 miles into the journey. One state down 12 more to go. Crash's other half