morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Still no word from Gather, he's still out there humping it somewhere near Montebello VA.Slimer called in from 4 Pines Hostel in Catawba VA, said he was on the trail and came around a bend and there in front of him was the Sign Gather and I posted on a tree for him. Slimer said he was so shocked he just stared at itnot believeing what he was see'ing. He took a picture of the sign we posted then took it down, said he was going to keep it.He then made it up the road 0.3 miles to the hostel and found the two packages we had left for him. He said he just sat there and stared at all the food and almost cried ( he was starving) then chowed down.In one box was his sleeping bag which he had sorely missed, a tarp (14 oz) a picture of Freckles (Dog) and some Plums I had picked off a tree here at the house which he dearly loved and of course a letter from us.I won't list all the food in the big box, he said it was enough to supply three hikers. He will take what he needs and leave the rest for Skittles who is behind him. Slimer said he met the Cat Tigger at Sarver Hollow Shelter and fed him ( hikers had left notes telling hikers to feed the Cat Tigger)Ran across trail Magic from Super Dave, and it was welcome indeed, Super Dave is from Blacksburg VA and leaves trail magic on the trail along with a camera and a journal. Some kind of guy he must be. Slimer ran into Nomad at Rice Field Shelter, Nomad is a retired Marine just doing his thing around the country.Slimer saw another Bear, heard a noise on the hill and saw the Bear pawing a logBear ran off when he saw Slimer ( don't much blame him for that) Slimer said the bear had been looking for grubs and bugs in the rotten log. Slimer said he got a picture of the Bear.Slimer said he came across a huge Cherry tree in a meadow just loaded with red Cherries, he pigged out on Cherries. He said the Dragons Tooth was rough goingall the mountains around there are rough, straight up and down, up and down said it's enough to drive you crazy. Slimer is on his way back to the Hostel to pack and be ready to hit the trail again in the morning, next stop for him will be Daleville Va or Troutville Va, he said he was going to lighten up thereand just carry enough to get him to the next stop, going to try to make more frequent stops and carry less weight. Told him to say hello to Joe the owner of 4 Pines for me.When Gather calls in we will give you folks an update on him,Good Luck and God Speed to the both of them
Date: 2004-06-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Slimer (Jorma) called in from troutville Va from the Comfort Inn, Slimer mentioned it had been rough going from Catawba to Troutville. Slimer has been leaving a lot of Trail magic as he goes ( I left him too much food in Catawba)Slimer met K-Bear and Gary down the trail coming out of Pearisburg VA, very nice people he said. Slimer asked if I had heard anything from Texas kid, if anyone reading this Journal knows where he's at please e-mail me at LHALE@RTMC.NET and I'll get the word to Slimer.Slimer bought him a new pack at the outfitters in Troutville, lighter one, gotta lighten up he says, he asked if I had seen Eric or Kevin his friends, told him I would try to say hello to them when I go over to Mow the grass Sat morning. Slimer has been eating blackberries along the trail, guess thats the reason he's not making good time. Cautioned him to be very careful in the berry patches as the bears like them also.Slimer left the Comfort Inn this morning 7-3-2004 and hit he trail againnext stop will be Montebello or Waynesboro VA, Slimer also mentioned he is sending his journal home, when he does I will create a journal for him and post it. He also said to say hello to his friends in Salisbury NC, Junior, Gary, Jerry and Tom. I told Slimer about his friend Archie being in the hospital.Until next time good luck and God Speed Mr. Slimer,Jorma (Slimer) has made it 712 miles as of today
Date: 2004-07-03
From: James River Footbridge

To: Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 87.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Gather called in from Waynesboro VA around 10am this morning, he is staying at the Afton Inn at Rockfish Gap VA. Gather mentioned he had met up with Chase on the trail who said he had hiked with Slimer. I am posting total miles from the starting point at James River footbridge so the daily miles will really look kind of whacko, but the trip miles will be accurate.6-26-2004 dad dropped me off at James River footbridge at 1 pm, made it to the Punchbowl Shelter.... 10 miles, following shelters listed below6-27-2004 Punchbowl to Brown Mountain Shelter..... 8.8 miles6-28-2004 Brown Mountain to Bald Knob ....5 miles6-29-2004 Bald Knob to north Fork 9 miles6-30-2004 Bald Knob to The Priest 9 miles7-1-2004   The Priest to the Maupin 13 miles7-2-2004   Maupin to Mill Creek 16 miles7-3-2004 Mill creek to Rockfish Gap 5 milesSaw two Huge Rattlers on the trail, and lots of deer, not many Hikers as they are in front of me, guess I need to turn it up a notch.And as for you Mr. Slimer, I saw the note you left me about running me down...Only in your dreams Big Brother, I'm going to leave you so far behind the ink will have faded from the journals I write in by the time you read them, So dream on Mr. Slimer.I will be leaving Rockfish Gap in the morning, I have my sight set on Front Royal VA, NOTE: I have a feeling Mr. Slimer will be hitch-hiking after he reads this, so if anyone see's him on the highway please drop me a note.
Date: 2004-07-04
From: Waynesboro VA

To: Loft Mountain Campground VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Gather called in this morning around 8 am, he's getting ready to hit the trailhe stayed at the Afton Inn last night, Said not much around there unless you go all the way into Waynesboro VA 4.5 miles. Found a dinky little store and halfway resupplied enough to make it up the trail to the next stop. Gather has his sights set on Loft Mountain Campground which is about 30 miles away or a day and a half of humping it. He mentioned the mountains he just came across, not real big but 3000 ft straight up and 3000 down very steep, several of these in a row.Gather said it was raining there and so foggy you couldn't see 20 ft, but he will meet it with his wicked grin as always, turn north and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Mr. Slimer has not called in, but we expect him to call more often now that he has switched to a smaller pack, he has to stop and resupply more often.For the first time Judy and I feel 100% sure (barring any injuries) that both of them will make it to the end. Thats how dedicated those two are.Good Luck and God Speed to the both of them,
Date: 2004-07-05
From: Loft Mountain Campground VA

To: Lewis Mountain Campground VA
Miles today: 27.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Made it from Waynesboro VA to Loft Mountain Campground. Raining when I left trail muddy and wet. Bugs not too bad yet, although I've heard theres bad news bugs north of here ( and ticks too).Met up with Rowboat, he helped my brother Jorma out in Hiawassee Ga back when he had to go to the hospital with his knee injury. Rowboat started from Springer MT on April 25th the day after Jorma. Rowboat is a very nice personlives in MI and works for the Police Dept in Holland MI. Also met up with Sardine. Called home all ok there, my dog Freckles is doing ok although we know it's just a matter of time before we have to let her go. No word from brother Jorma (Slimer) he's about 100 miles behind me. Been see'ing lots of deer and other small critters. Good water is starting to get hard to find and it will only get worse as I get further north, oh well will have to use the water tablets I guess.I have been camping beside the trail rather than use the shelters, I have a thing about mice in my sleeping bag with me. Believe me those little critters will crawl all over you and get in the bag with you. Think I have a small dose of poison oak or something. Dad and Mom said my friend Josh from Denton NC called yesterday asking about me, Josh is one of my best friends. Thats one of the hardest things out here being all alone and without your friends and family.My next stop will be Lewis Mountain Campground, thats about 30 miles north of Elkton VA. Here at Loft Mt. Campground they have a Ranger Station and a Short order Grill ( Yummy) junk food here I come. I am in the Shenandoah Natl Park. It's really pretty through here and supply points are very close together. I can almost smell Harpers Ferry WV, thats the halfway point on the trail, about130 miles to Harpers Ferry. There I get to join the halfway club by eating a half gallon of ice cream.My lighter pack is working out good, Mom did a good job sewing on a pocket for my camel back water pack. Drink lots of water out here on the trail at least two to three gallons a day. Ok, getting ready to get back on the trail, will give you an update when I get to Lewis Mt. Campground. Gosh how I love this, Josh, Marty and Will just don't know what they are missing.
Date: 2004-07-06
From: Lewis Mountain Campground VA

To: Big Meadows wayside VA
Miles today: 25.7

Left Loft Mountain Campground, didn't stay overnight kept moving. Someone told me down the trail it was easy walking through here, guess I haven't made it to that spot yet. Still up and down 3000 to 3800 feet up and down like a roller coaster. Have gotten used to the rain, rains almost every day through here.Camped just before I got to Lewis Mountain Campground, don't care much for the noise and hustle and bustle around the campgrounds. Most deer I have ever seen, they will jump right out of the bushes and scare the heck out of you. Saw a big Rattler on the trail he was mad and mean. Maybe because I squirted water on him and poked at him with my hiking pole, great big fellow. My feet are starting to hurt me, not sure if it's because I switched to low tops or not. Hoping they will be ok, I don't need any problems out here. Went right on by Lewis Mountain Campground never stopped kept going. 25.7 miles put away. I know that doesn't sound like much, but with a 38 lb pack on your back, 3000 ft up, 3000 ft down then back up, then you get to repeat the process all over again. I am feeling good except my feet ache. Oh well it's raining again, still putting one foot in front of the other with a wicked grin on my face. Gotta remember who told me it was easy walking through here, need to have a talk with that fellow. Next stop will be Big Meadows Wayside about 8 miles up the trail.Met some hikers who had hiked with Slimer, wonder where big brother is at. I've been leaving him notes telling him how flat and easy it is through here, Ha Ha, Better turn it up a notch Slimer I'm averaging 21 miles a day and not breaking a sweat.
Date: 2004-07-08
From: Elk Wallow Gap VA

To: Front Royal VA
Miles today: 27.1

Adam (Gather) made it to Elk Wallow Gap Va, all is going well feet still ache after I set down awhile. Have to get up and walk in circles about three times after I set for awhile then my feet feel better. Resupplied here at the camp store. Called home Mom said Mary Lin Brewer the Director of the Piedmont School in High point e-mailed me today, I attended that School for many yearsand I will have to say I enjoyed every minute of it. Ms. Brewer and the class wants to keep up with me via Trail Journals , I think thats great.I remember Dorie Sturgill and Pam Garner at the school, what great teacher's.One thing I can relate about Ms. Sturgill is she gave us an assignment once, there was this flat paper doll named Flat Stanley. The deal was to see how far Flat Stanley could travel. I gave Flat Stanley to my Dad to take with him on his travels, only thing was you had to document with photo's every where Flat Stanley went, I can imagine how this must have drove my Dad crazy, this had to have been 8 years or more ago. Dad was on a plane coming out of Atlanta Ga, setting beside him was this young man by the name of Nicholas Sparks, he was headed to Greensboro to promote his new book "The Note Book" dad had him sign the back of Flat Stanley and took Nicholas Sparks picture on the plane, Dad got to thinking wouldn't it be neat if I had Nicholas Sparks to autograph one of his books and give the book, picture and signed Flat stanley back to Ms. Sturgill as a gift, well Nicholas happened to have a book with him which he signed for Ms. Sturgill. I took it to school and gave it to her. as you all know there are several books and movies out now written by Nicholas Sparks, The Note Book, Message in a Bottle and more. I wonder if Ms. Sturgill remembers all that ??Got hit by a sudden storm today, this was a mean one I saw it coming. I was high on a ridge and saw it cover all the houses down in the valley below with nothing but white, with lightning everywhere. I started running trying to get off the ridge with lightning bolts cracking all around me, then it caught up with me. Try running with a 38 lb pack on your back sometime. Found a rock ledge to crouch under, it was a terrible storm. Also saw some huge ant hills today, not sure what kind they were. I was walking along the trail and a Bear Cub fell or jumped out of a tree in front of me. First thing I thought was where is his Mother ? The Cub ran off so fast. I never did see the Mother and didn't want to either, you can bet I was looking over my shoulder for awhile.I have resupplied here at the campground and will be moving on, only about 20 miles to Front Royal VA, slowly but surely I'm getting there one step at a timeWell here comes my wicked grin putting one foot in front of the other,,
Date: 2004-07-10
From: Front Royal VA

To: Harpers Ferry WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Gather (Adam) and Slimer (Jorma) both hit the trail again this morning, Gather has his sights set on Harpers Ferry WV and Slimer is shooting for Loft Mountain Campground. Gather has just left the Shenandoah Natl Park and ol Slimer is just now entering it. Slimer is 107.1 miles behind Gather and does not seem to be gaining any ground on Gather.Gather: total miles hiked to date: 954.7 milesSlimer: total miles hiked to date: 847.6 milesWhen they call in again we will update this journal for them. By the way Slimer mailed his journal home, Judy is trying to de-code it (the writing looks like it's been encrypted) when we finally get it all figured out we are going to create a separate journal for the Slimer. We will inform you folks when we begin the new journal for the Slimer (Jorma Hale) in the interim we will continue to combine Gather and Slimer in this one journal.Good luck and Godspeed on their journey north,
Date: 2004-07-15
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Pine Grove State Park PA
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Adam (Gather) 7-15-2004 I left Harpers Ferry around 11 am this morning, didn't get an early start like I had planned. Called home spoke to Mom told her I was heading out again, not sure when I will call the next time.Easy walking today, mountains seemed to be behind me for now, elevation running from 950 feet to 1600 feet, just small bumps. Made it to Crampton Gap Shelteronly did 11 miles today. Just hung out enjoying the evening, cooked my dinner.Tired, think I'll turn in and get an early start in the morning, wonder where the ol Slimer is at ? I know he's back there somewhere huffing and puffing trying to catch me, Thought I heard him the other day, sounded kinda like the Handy Dandy coming up the hill. :0) (grin). Bugs are really getting nasty around here, mean little fellows they seem to like me. Made it across the Maryland State Line today, another state put behind me. Going to bed now..........
Date: 2004-07-16
From: Crampton Gap Shelter MD

To: Pine Grove State Park PA
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Adam (Gather) 7-16-2004 Got up early this morning ate breakfast and listened to all the early morning sounds, birds singing. Packed up and hit the trail. Looks like a pretty day today, hot already. Guess I'm going to start complaining about the heat instead of the rain.Easy hiking through here, just small hills nothing big or rough. Ran into Wipe-Out again and some other hikers. Many section and day hikers out. Made it to the George Washington State Park MD, at Monument road. A lot of history around here. Spent some time goofing off looking at the markers and monuments. There's a campground here with hot water, can you believe that ?Only made about 10 miles today I have my sights set on Ensign Cowall Shelter which is about 10 miles up the trail, trying to get in a 20 miler today. The black flies and no see'ums are biting some kind of bad, need to get me some kind of hood net to go over my head, glad I have a can of Deet with me.Starting to look like rain now, spoke too soon but maybe it will drive off the bugs. Even found a pay phone here in the park. Called home around 1 pm spoke to Mom. Mom said the Slimer signed my guest book last night around 5:30 pm, but he didn't call home thats odd. Tried to call my Friends Will and Chris, couldn't get them. Ol Slimer is back there somewhere closing in on me fast. Dad said he was doing 25 mile days almost every day, thats pushing it too much I think. Slow down and enjoy the trail Slimer. Although it's easy going through here the rough part is still way north of methe White mountains and the 100 mile wilderness. I have heard and read so much about them, just can't wait to get there and see what they are like. Well I'm getting ready to hit the trail again.Putting one foot in front of the other with my wicked grin .......
Date: 2004-07-18
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Sunday, July 18th 2:30 pm Jorma (Slimer) Hale called in from the George Washington State Park at monument road, same pay phone Gather called in from two days ago.After getting all my things done, re-supplying and such I left Harpers Ferry yesterday 7-17-2004 around noon. Made it to the Ed Garvey Shelter, what a nice shelter this is. This has to be the best one yet, only downside water is a half mile away. Slider is behind me somewhere, he left his credit card at the Bears Den Hostel. Man at the Bears Den drove to Harpers Ferry and left it at the ATC Center, what a great guy, downside to it was he called the credit card company and had the card canceled, not really sure why he did that. Now ol Slider is up the creek without a credit card.I loaned the Slider some money, hope he gets the card mess straightened out fast. While we were in Harpers Ferry at the outfitters we asked a gentleman where we could get something to eat, he pulled out a ten dollar bill, handed it to me and pointed the way to a cafe, said to have one on him, what a person.The Slider and I went into a real nice restaurant, people were very well dressed in there, and we must have looked like savages, and ate like one too.While there I ran into Rowboat, almost didn't know him with his beard, haven't seen the Rowboat since Hiawassee GA where he helped me out when I had the injured knee, he remembered me. Rowboat said he had taken some time off.Met up with Kiwi, we went to the 7 Eleven and bought some junk. Met a 70 year old man who helps maintain the trails in PA, said his job was to go out at night and sharpen the rocks ? The Old man said all the trails in PA were a piece of cake, ol Spiz said they were rough as a cob, so which one do I believe.Met a lady picking blueberries on the trail, said she had just saw a big rattler up the trail, so watch it. Passed through an apple orchard, all were still green, I know better than to eat green apples.Hope to make it to Ensign Cowall Shelter tonight, about 12 more miles, wonder where ol Gather is at ?Called home all ok there, Freckles is doing fine glad to hear she is ok for now.dad said he is starting to build my journal, has a few entries already on it.dad said he will keep combining my journal here with Gather's and keep building the other one under me the Slimer. So now you folks will have to look at two journals.Left Harpers Ferry 7-17-2004 at 12:00 noonArrived here at Monument Road 7-18-2004 at 2:30 pmOnly did 18.1 miles from Harpers Ferry, gotta pick it up more, trying to push as hard as I can, that northern weather is closing in on me, and the hardest part is still in front of me, the White mountains / 100 mile wilderness and Mt.Katahdin Maine. They close the Baxter State park down Oct 15th, that's why I have to pick it up.Well gotta hit the trail and see if I can catch up with the Gather, until next time. "Slimer".
Date: 2004-07-22
From: Carlisle PA

To: Duncannon PA
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

Adam Called 7-22-2004 09:34 am from Duncannon PA.I've made it 80 miles into PA, 17.7 mile day yesterday from my last stop in Carlisle PA. Wipeout, Paparazzi and I split the cost of a room last night. Stayed at the Doyle House. a one hundred year old Anheiser Busch Hotel. Not much to it now. No TV or A/C but slept good.Paparazzi is a professional photographer, took lots of pictures of me. Said he would e-mail them to my dad.The re-supply points are three to four miles off the trail through here. So I might skip the next one and the shelters are either a few miles apart or 20 miles apart. I'll probably be tenting a lot.Will soon be reaching the bad rock section of the trail. Heard it's the worst rock hiking section on the whole trail. Don't won't to break or sprain my ankle.Saw a big rattle snake yesterday. Wipeout walked right by it. She didn't even notice it until I pointed it out to her.Called home, Freckles is still doing good, all ok at home. Looks like rain today. No word from Slimer, but he's back there somewhere. Have re-supplied and am hitting the trail now.Putting one foot in front of the other flashing my wicked grin."Slimer called 7-22-2004 1:07 pm From Boiling Springs PA"Got into Boiling Springs, called home all ok, Freckles doing good. Tired all the time now. Very hot here, the hottest day so far.The ATC center in Harpers Ferry was very nice, met a lot of nice people there. Ran into "Byrd The Trail Runner", haven't seen him since Damascus VA. Ran into "Free Bird" here in Boiling Springs, said he had hiked with Gather. Free Bird is from Hawaii and is a professional wind surfer.Ate a pretzel sandwich, croisant, shaped like pretzel. I was sick the other night, threw up and then felt better. Feel ok now, just tired.Some beautiful shelters through here, flower beds in fron of them.Did a couple of 29 mile days, moving faster with lighter pack. Mom said Gather was 27.7 miles in front of me as of 9:30 am this morning. Looks like ol Gather has picked up the pace on me a little. Not sure if I will spend the night here or move on. B&B here around $50.00 per night. Will probably just re-supply and move on.I have my own Journal here now. (Slimer) It's the one I mailed home, mom and dad are trying to catch up on it. Mom and dad will keep making journal entries here until further notiice. Gotta get moving.