morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Iron Mt. Gap

To: Carver's Gap
Miles today: 14.0

Seiko brought us to a diner where we filled up on breakfast and then we drove back to the trail. Shortly before arriving at the trail, Seiko stopped the car and pointed out a skull of some animal hanging on a branch.    "Why don't you check that out?" he says to Bramble.      Bramble gets out and checks it out. Looks like the skull of a small dog.    "Oh okay," says Seiko and then he takes off leaving Bramble on the side of the road. "He's so gullible".   It was another good day of slackpacking. Sarah and I pretty much hiked together all day having some really great conversation about God and religion. It's been a while since I've been able to actually talk to someone about these things. It used to be my favorite topic, but it seems most people either think your weird or are so caught up in their own beliefs that they think you're an idiot or at least feel sorry for you when you think something different than they do.    We hiked over Roan Mt. today, our last hike over 6,000 ft. until we hit Mt. Washington in New Hampshire.    When we reached our destination, Seiko and Bramble had brought us some cold sodas. We then headed back to Seiko's.   I'd like to mention here just how entertaining it is to be around Seiko and Bramble. A 60 year old retired Special Forces and a 30 year old former Army Ranger. The way they play off each other is hilarious.   "Pull over," said Bramble after a wise-ass comment from Seiko. "Pull over right now. Let's do this."    I think Bramble was surprised when Seiko actually pulled the car to the side of the road. "No, let's not do this now. There's people over there; they'll be concerned if they see us fighting."    "They'll be concerned alright," replied Seiko. "They're gonna say, "Damn. That old man is kicking that boy's ass!"   Back at the hostel, I didn't even bother taking a shower. I'm just going to be sweaty tomorrow all over again anyway.
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Carver's Gap

To: US 19E
Miles today: 13.7

Seiko saw someone that he had to talk to driving in the opposite direction as us just after we left his place. Wanting to catch up to him and have him pull over, Seiko put the car in reverse and started backing up at about 50 mph in a 30 zone.    "Seiko, can you drive a little faster?" asked Bramble.    It was Bob Peoples, the owner of the hostel we would be heading to tonight. We loaded his car up with most of our stuff and headed out for another day of slackpacking.    Having hiked the trail as much as he has, Seiko is able to tell us exactly what our day consists of. The ups, the downs, and everything in between. The other day he actually handed me a AT Data Book and said, "Pick a shelter anywhere in that book. Keep in mind there are relocations every year, so you have to give me a 2 mile margin." After picking a shelter in Virginia at mile 50.3, he guessed 50.7, only a half mile off. I'm telling you, he really knows this trail.    "You're gonna have a beautiful hike today." He was right. I think today was my favorite hike so far. We crossed a number of balds and could sometimes see where the trail crossed over the next one in the distance. The weather was perfect and the views were unbeatable.    Climbed a tree. Had lunch at an old barn that was converted into a shelter. Oh yeah, and tried beating Bramble to the top of a bald so I could mockingly start yelling the way he does. Even with a half-mile lead, I had no chance.    "You better start running, cause here I come!" he yelled when he saw us in the distance. Screw it. I tightened my straps, lifted my Leki's, and started running up the clear-cut ridge with perfect views on both sides. I swear I heard bagpipes at one point.    This run, of course, lasted only about 60 seconds before I wanted to collapse. It didn't take long for Bramble to pass me. I heard his yells a few minutes later.    At the end of the day, Seiko drove us to Kincora, Bob People's hostel. During the ride, Bramble was trying to figure out his plans for the next couple of days.    "Okay," started Bramble. "So which direction does the trail go from Kincora?"    "Well, says Seiko, "it goes north and it goes south."    "No, I know but...if I go south from Kincora, where will I end up?"    "Well eventually you'll end up at Springer Mountain."    "Will you please just answer my question?!"    "I am answering your question. First you'll end up at Big Bald, then eventually the Smoky Mountains and finally you'll end up at Springer Mountain where maybe you'll realize that you should have asked me a different question!"    I'm really gonna miss the two of them together.    At Kincora, I finally saw Dave and Miranda again, whom I hadn't seen since Day 4. I also saw Rob from the scales at Amicalola (remember, Rob and Robin?). His name is Pez now, and he informed me that he and Robin were no longer together. Nuffy also was at the hostel surprisingly. Turns out she decided she needed a few days off and isn't exactly sure what she's going to be doing. Heather and Arwen should be caught up to us by tomorrow.
Date: 2004-04-11
From: US 19E

To: US 19E
Miles today: 0.0

I think Easter is a good enough excuse to take a zero day.    Bob and Pat Peoples drove me, Sarah, Skyline, Sundance, and Flora and Fauna to church in the morning. I know I'm gonna get some crap for this, but I think I'm pretty much done with going to Catholic services. I respect everyone's individual beliefs, but this morning's service really didn't do ANYthing for me. The only part I really liked was shaking people's hands and saying, "Peace be with you." I've always liked that part. Oh, and being a thru-hiker, I also really appreciated the host and sip of wine. Amen.    But for the majority of the service I felt like most of the people there were just going through the motions with no real idea why they were there or what they were saying when reciting prayers or what they were hearing during the readings or what they were going through when receiving communion. I humbly believe that the Bible has a LOT of wisdom and some really beautful readings, but I felt that the words were not done justice when read by those who read them. I'd also be more interested in hearing thoughts on the words, instead of just the words themselves.    I'd go again if it's for a wedding or a funeral or if I hear the priest or choir is really good, but that's about it. Unless you pay me. I'd go for money too.    Easter dinner at Kincora was amazing. Candied yams and a fruit salad with mini-marshmellows in a vanilla pudding and meat and vegetables and this really tasty pineapple sauce that was supposed to be used for the meat, but I just ate it by itself.    We played Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit and I was THRILLED to find a Calvin & Hobbes book. I love that comic. My favorite ever.    Heather and Arwen also showed up by the end of the night. We're all at the same spot again.    I just want to thank everyone who made Easter really feel like a holiday even away from my family. Bob and Pat Peoples, Seiko, Sarah, Bramble, Skyline & Sundance, Uncle Ben, Heather & Arwen and Nuffy and everyone else that was at Kincora that night. You are all a pleasure to be with.
Date: 2004-04-12
From: US 19E

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: moderate rain

We decided to bring most of our stuff with us as we left Kincora. Let's actually spend a night in the woods. No slacking today.    I hiked all day with Arwen, Heather and Sarah. The pace was great and we even made good time with all the breaks we'd taken.    At one point it started raining, so I put on my rain pants. Soon after, it stopped raining. I hiked with them on anyway until it was just too hot. At that point I took them off. As soon as I put my boots back on and strapped my pack to my back, it started raining again.    Screw rain pants. They're over-rated anyways.   We got to the shelter in time to get spots, but still had to squeeze. More people arrived and were forced to set up their tents or tarps. I wonder if the shelters will ever be not crowded again.
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 6.1

I'm really glad I had a spot in the shelter last night. It POURED. I'm not sure I've ever heard rain come down that hard before. And there was thunder. LOUD thunder. And lightning.    It was cool.    Not so cool for a few people outside. Some stayed dry while others were miserably wet. With as hard as it was coming down, I wouldn't have been surprised if those of us in the shelter woke up soaked.    Our original plan was to wake up at 5:00 and get to Kincora early. That didn't quite work. I didn't actually leave the shelter til after 7:30.   And it rained. It rained the entire hike. Having sworn off rain pants yesterday, I got SOAKED. I've been less wet in a swimming pool.   Don't get me wrong; hiking in the rain isn't bad. In fact, it can be quite pleasant. I hiked alone most of the day. It was great. I couldn't believe what a good mood I was in while hiking for miles up and down pointless mountains with no views in the pouring rain. I just couldn't stop thinking of how good life is and of all the beauty surrounding us in any moment.    I also had an appropriate Takoma Tedd song playing in my head. I'll try and get the lyrics right, but I can't be positive:    "If not for rain there'd be no rainbows.      No indigo hues for us to see.   If not for rain there'd be no flowers.      No bouquets to you, from me.   So if grey clouds get you wet,      don't you forget, it's not raining on you...   ... it's only raining."If you're interested in more music by Takoma Tedd, visit www.TakomaTedd.com.
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Staying at Kincora last night was a pleasure as usual. I originally had a bed, but gave it up to Skyline & Sundance. I figured it made more sense for two people to be able to share a bed than for just me to use it. So, I slept on one of the recliners downstairs and was AMAZED at how comfortable it was. I slept really well.   Today Heather & Arwen, Sarah, and Uncle Ben decided to get a ride 9 miles up the trail and hike that section southbound back to Kincora. Have a good hike guys.    "You're not coming?"   I can't. One of my goals includes hiking north the whole way. Though it was tempting to be able to hike with that group AND get another night at Kincora, I would be hitting the trail and heading north to a shelter that night.    Oh yeah. And it was snowing.   It was REALLY tempting.   I headed out with Skyline & Sundance. The first section of trail was BEAUTIFUL. And the snow covered landscape made it even more immaculate. We hiked down a long stairway of rock and soon came to a gorgeous waterfall. The trail then followed a river with one section that required hands and then a few bridge crossings. Very nice section of trail.    Just as we were starting our ascent of Pond Mountain, Heather, Arwen, Sarah, and Ben crossed our path. According to them there is a lot of up and a lot of snow. I stayed behind to chat longer while Skyline & Sundance moved on. This would be the last I would see of them. By the time I climbed over the snow- covered Pond Mountain, everyone else had decided to move on to the next shelter. I probably had enough daylight to make it too, but with the first shelter being empty when I arrived and me being exhausted from from the climb over Pond, I decided to stay.    A good decision too. MC, Tinder & Scuba showed up and we had a great time talking and laughing. As it got colder, we realized just how much smarter than us our southbound section hiking friends were.
Date: 2004-04-15
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Nick Grindstaff Monument
Miles today: 15.0

Scuba, thanks for the water. MC, Thanks for the Aqua Mira to purify the water. Tinder, thanks for nothing.   Before leaving the shelter, Heather & Arwen showed up.    "Sarah said to hike slow, Leki."   Umm...okay.   "She's bringing dinner."   You know, I'm meeting the most amazing people out here, and Sarah Myers is even topping THAT list. What a sweetheart.   I didn't even have to try and hike slow. It was happening naturally due to a slight pain in my left knee. The pain gradually got worse and I was glad to see the shelter where we'd planned to have lunch. After lunch, I would be sure to start using my knee strap.    While we were sitting behind the shelter enjoying the view, Sarah caught up to us. She handed me a bag; she had brought me 2 Arby's roast beef sandwiches. Wow. I was impressed beyond words. I'm not even quite sure how you repay something like that.      Leaving Vandeventer Shelter meant starting what is known as the "Tennessee Turnpike." This section of trail is supposedly flat right on to Damascus, Va.    Though it was not flat, it was much easier than the stuff we'd been doing. So I thank God that it is on this section, as opposed to any other, that my knee started to hurt. And toward the end of the day, it was SCREAMING.   By the time Sarah & I had caught up to Scuba, Tinder, and Heather & Arwen, they had already set up camp. Tinder gave me some toothpaste and sang back-up when I performed a song from "Joseph". (Okay... NOW you get a thank you, Tinder.) It wasn't until everyone was in their tents that I decided to cook dinner.    While cooking, I heard something moving in the woods. My headlamp never revealed anything each time I looked. After hearing it a few more times, I was getting freaked out. I turned my headlamp to it's brightest setting and saw the source.    A racoon. Staring at me only 10 feet away. After a few seconds, it disappeared into the woods again.    The weather today was beautiful. And we were officially done with 20% of the trail. That's beautiful too.
Date: 2004-04-17
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

MC, Willow, and Sweet Cheeks rolled into town around 1:00 this morning after hiking 33 miles to get here. And I thought 25 was bad.   Damascus, VA is a GREAT town. Perfect place for a zero. The AT goes right down the main street and collects hikers by the dozens, much like Hot Springs. I ate a great breakfast at the Sidetrack and had lunch at the Old Mill with MC, Bramble, and Uncle Ben.   Laundry.   Ice Cream.   AYCE dinner at the Sidetrack.   We were also invited to a bonfire, but didn't want to stay up that late if we were getting back on the trail tomorrow.   Of course, taking another zero would mean we could go to the bonfire.   And we could stay up later.   And my knee would have more time to rest.   And I could update my journal.   And we could drink a few more beers...OKAY! Zero it is! Two in a row. I LOVE DAMASCUS, VIRGINA!   The bonfire was really cool. It was at a guy named Kelly's house. A few guys that came over are in a bluegrass band and played and played.   And they were REALLY good.   Bonfire, bluegrass, and moonshine. We may have crossed into Virginia, but we definitely still in the South.
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero day in Damascus. Take two.   Another good breakfast at the Sidetrack. Then Tinder mentioned that he was going to a Baptist Church this morning. I think I'll join him.   What a COOL service. I was impresseed in so many ways. I loved the way the pastor realy talked to his congregation. He wasn't just reading what he was supposed to read; he was telling it to us. And the music was decent too. I just really enjoyed the sermon and how the Bible passages read were used to support today's message.   "God doesn't say you won't have to walk through the fire," the pastor explained. "He says, 'Though you walk through the fire, you shall not burn."   But enough about religion.   After service, I got ice cream with Tinder and Sarah. We sat at a picnic table and discussed religious topics. I mean, isn't that what most people do over ice cream?   Pretty much the entire day was spent relaxing and catching up on journal entries. Wish I could tell you more.   So, in summary, Damascus is great. So are Baptist Church services. And ice cream. And the Sidetrack Cafe. And Yuengling Black & Tan Beers.   These are a few of my favorite things.
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Damascus, VA

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Damascus is a hard town to leave.    Though I told myself that I would head out tonight, at 2 in the afternoon, I still found myself in town.    Heather and Arwen said they were leaving, and I told them I'd be right behind them. But then I figured I might as well have some lunch. And go online. And talk to a few people.    I had to leave though. I had to make myself go. And so, at some point in the late afternoon, I left Damascus.   As I headed up the first mountain, my pack seemed unusually heavy. I was 100% positive that there HAD to be a rock in it somewhere. Putting a rock in someone's pack is a thru-hiker practical joke that has existed for many years. And it's not a funny joke. And with such a late start, it already looked like I was going to be hiking into the night by myself, which I was not thrilled about. So instead of stopping to search my pack and hiking in the dark even longer, I just kept truckin'. Besides, I guess it COULD just be the extra food I packed.   I rolled into the shelter shortly after dusk. I hiked the last 2 miles in less than 45 minutes. And it was mostly uphill. Like I said, I REALLY don't like hiking alone in the dark.    Arwen and Heather seemed surprised to see me. I think they expected me to spend another night in town and MAYBE head out the next day. Such little faith.   With Arwen, Heather, Flora, Fauna, Satori, and Semicolon all in the shelter, I made an announcement: right now, it's still the "forgiveness stage." If any of you know anything about a rock being in my pack, tell me now. Tell me where it is and who did it, and I'll forgive you and the guilty party. But if I look for it myself and find it, and then find out you KNEW about it...no forgiveness.   Nobody said anything.   Okay, good. Maybe there is no rock in my pack. I'll have to take a look tomorrow.
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Whitetop Mt. Road
Miles today: 11.9

THERE WAS A ROCK IN MY PACK! GOD DAMN YOU! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!   When I said it was the forgiveness stage last night, I wasn't joking. But when I found a rock in my pack with a note around it that said, "Enjoy your hike...Love, The Sidetrack Cafe," and Heather and Arwen KNEW about it...well, I just wanted to go on a killing spree. They informed me of the guilty party and I wanted to save that rock, get a ride back to Damascus, and bludgeon her with it. I know it sounds violent. That's because it is.    You don't understand: rocks in packs are not funny.   Since being out here, I've been plauged with certain dreams. It's not the same dream all the time, but it is a reoccuring theme. In the dream, I'm home. Not that I've quit the trail, but I've gone home for however long (sometimes a night, sometimes longer) and I know I have to get back on the trail. But I'm so upset with myself for going home at all. I don't want to go home until I get to Katahdin. And in these dreams I'm always so disappointed that I actually came home somewhere in between making it from Springer to Katahdin. And I have these dreams at least twice a week.   On the up-side, it was REALLY nice to wake up at a shelter and not be freezing your ass off. Finally we are able to wake up at a shelter and take our time getting ready instead of hurrying up just to get moving cause it's too damn cold to just stand there. Ahhh...Spring is finally here.   In fact, it started to get hot. It was the first time this trip that rain was welcome. It actually felt pretty good.   The view as we climbed Whitetop was amazing. Distant mountain peaks were piercing the lower clouds, looking like islands in an ocean of blue and white. Best view we had seen in over a week. Then again, spending 212 days in Damascus probably has something to do with that.    And our campsite tonight is the best yet. Right on the mountain overlooking a valley with an unobstructed view of the painted sky during the sunset and the clear night sky above us after dusk. I didn't even mind the slight chill in the wind as I lay awake staring at the stars while everyone else had alread retired to their tents.
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Grayson Highlands State Park (Wise Shelter)

To: Troutdale, VA
Miles today: 16.1

As a thru-hiker, you want to shave every ounce off of your pack weight as possible. So it was easy to give into the temptation of not buying an extra camera before leaving Damascus.   Damn, I really wish I hadn't been such an ounce Nazi.   The section yesterday and a few places today were some of the nicest yet. And I'm out of film.   Damn.   While having lunch, Sarah, Beavis, & Uncle Ben caught up. The four of us then caught up to Flora & Fauna and we all hiked to Troutdale.   Welcome to Smalltown, USA.   We ate at a diner, where we also bought supplies. Had we arrived by car, we could've gassed up there too.   Short walk to the post office where I sent home my winter hat, gloves, and thermal underwear.   And that's Troutdale. Thank you for stopping by.   So, where did I sleep tonight? Funny story.   We found Butthead at the diner/store/gas station. HE informed us that he had hurt his knee and was going back to Damascus tonight so he would be closer to a hospital where he could get an MRI.   Damascus.   Trey from the Sidetrack Cafe was coming to pick him up and give him a ride there.   To Damascus.   Sarah was just talking about how she needed new shoes. And I was just complaining about not having another disposable camera. They sell neither here in Troutdale.   But they sell both at the outfitter in Damascus.   Remember how hard it was for us to leave Damascus 3 days ago? When I finally got out, I felt like a convict making his escape to freedom. Now, here we were piling into Trey's car with a desire to break back INTO the prison walls.   Why would we do this to ourselves?   Because it's Damascus. That's why.   Me, Sarah, Beavis & Butthead, and Uncle Ben all headed to Damascus for the night. I saw Nuffy at the Sidetrack and told her how one more rock would end our friendship. Then I washed dishes in exchange for free food.   We stayed in Kelly's backyard. The weather was nice, so Sarah and I didn't even bother with tents. Just layed our sleeping pads and bags out on the lawn. Just before closing my eyes, I watched a shooting star streak across the sky.   Damascus. Ain't nothing wrong with that.
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Just past Davis Path Shelter
Miles today: 15.3

Ok, so I didn't put this in yesterday's entry because I figured the entry was long enough already. For some reason, "We built this city on Rock N' Roll" by Starship has become an anthem for this trip. It started with Tinder getting the song stuck in some people's heads. So, of course, I joined in the fun. In fact, Tinder and I might be the only two NOT annoyed by the constant references to the song.    Then there was the Blender magazine at Partnership shelter last night. With an article listing the top 50 worst songs ever. Songs like Right Said Fred's "I'm too sexy," and Eddie Murphy's "Party all the time." And Aqua's "Barbie Girl."    "Flip to #1!"   Ok. I will. And I did. And my jaw dropped. And my eyes widened. And as Tinder and I agonized over the Anthem being listed as the #1 Worst song of all time, the others cheered in victory.   Those fools. They just don't realize how much fuel this adds to the fire.    Enough about yesterday. This is today's journal entry. So let's quickly talk about today.   Hiked with Sarah, Beavis, Uncle Ben, & Patrick.   Had lunch in Atkins, including Dairy Queen.   Shower and laundry at hotel that Patrick, Tinder, and Beavis were staying at.   Night hiked out of town with Sarah and Uncle Ben until we got tired, and then we squeezed the 3 of us into one tent.   That pretty much sums up the day.   It was a shame we had to leave Partnership shelter this morning. Great shelter. Easily could have spent a zero day there. Almost as good as town.    Yeah, they definitely built that shelter on Rock N' Roll.