morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Dicks Creek, US76, Hiawassee, GA

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.5

Fahmah called while they were having lunch. My phone wasn't on so all he could do is leave a message. They were sitting on "Old Buzzard Knob"!! A good place for them!He called later and we had a poor connection and kept getting cut off. He finally went off to bed. Still not feeling too good from the cold he has. He was on the second level where hopefully his coughing at night won't bother the other hikers.All is good!
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 4.5

Oh dear!! I wish I had a photo. When he called me tonight, he was sitting in the famous tree at Bly Gap, the GA/NC border. Nearly every hiker gets their photo taken there as they cross the border. But let's back up. Fahmah called me around 11 a.m. He had tried to get hold of Klip but he didn't answer his phone. When Fahmah left camp this morning, he headed the wrong direction. After walking about 2 miles, he discovered his error and had to turn around and head back. He really wasn't feeling too good, with the cold and coughing he is doing and was only able to make it to Bly Gap. Mileage calculated at 4.5 miles, but add 4 more miles to that, and he walked 8.5 miles today! Klip made it to Muskrat Creek Shelter. When Fahmah called this a.m. I texted Klip to tell him. He returned a text "Please send me a dog lead!" When Fahmah called me tonight, I let Klip know where Fahmah was. He said to expect a tough climb out on the other side.All is good!
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7

I heard from Fahmah around 11 that he had reached Muskrat Creek Shelter where Klip had stayed overnight the night before. I let Klip know and he said that he would be waiting at Standing Indian Shelter. Fahmah called while they were having dinner to let me know they had arrived safely and were back together again. He wanted me to write that he met Subman and Data on the trail today. Good hiking!All is good.
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 8.6

We heard from Just Jack that he had some time and planned to come up to Franklin to see Fahmah and Klip and Quick Toez. He couldn't leave a message on Fahmah's phone because the mail box was full. He hates the new phone and hasn't learned to use it correctly yet!! (It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks!! And he hates any kind of change!) He said he will call Jack and make arrangements to meet. Quick Toez tried to reach him too and I left a message with Fahmah to get hold of him!   Fahmah was in a panic because he found he didn't have as much medicine as he thought he did. Luckily, I had disregarded his orders, and sent a week's worth to Nantahala. He has 4 days and they should be there on the 4th or maybe 5th day. It will all work out!!All is good!!
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Road at Rock Gap
Miles today: 3.6

Fahmah called at 9:45. Ron Haven's bus was supposed to be there by 9:15 (they were late!) and he was having a fit. He was also fussing about a couple that had come in to the shelter late. Everyone made room for them and hoped they would settle in. But they continued talking as though the rest were not already sleeping. Fahmah could take it just so long and finally asked them to keep it down! He gets grumpy when he isn't allowed to sleep!They were heading in to Franklin and planned to stay for 2 nights. Jack is coming! The 3 muskateers aka the Geriatric crew plus one will be together again.All is good!
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Road at Rock Gap

To: Budget Inn, Franklin
Miles today: 0.0

Fahmah, Klip and Quick Toez met in Franklin and had lunch together yesterday. He made the promised call to Jack and made their arrangements to meet. They got settled in at the Budget Inn and made their stop at the post office and today were doing laundry. Klip left Fahmah at the laundry and walked back in just in time to see Fahmah loading the $$ in another washer. He moved the clothes from a washer to another washer and put the money in!! Now What?? You have to keep an eye on him all the time!I don't know how it all came to pass, but Fahmah will have more company tonight. Dave and Robin are coming up from Hiawassee and will join them all for dinner. Now they will get to meet all the guys from 2007 hike. It should be a GREAT night. He promised to send me some photos!All is good!
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Budget Inn, Franklin

To: Stecoah Gap, NC 143
Miles today: 44.6

This entry covers several days and several different shelters and stops along the way, but the hikers are safe and healthy and staying tonight in a cute little Cabin in the Woods, in Stecoah Gap, NC They left Franklin and arrived in Nantahala on the 16th, stayed 2 nights and are in Stecoah tonight.Fahmah told me they had a wonderful visit with Dave and Robin and Jack. Jack, it was great to hear from you and for you to visit Fahmah. And, Dave and Robin, you always go above and beyond!! Fahmah is so lucky to have friends like you all!I have been talking to Budget Inn on a daily basis getting them to forward Klip's phone charger to Hike Inn, where they will stop next before heading in to the Smokies. He left the charger in their room at the Budget Inn. The lady I spoke with knew as soon as I called why I was calling but she needs permission from her boss man to send it, then there were severe thunder storms and hail so no one could go to the post office, and I don't know still if it has been sent!! Let's just hope!All is well, and life is good.The next 45 days I will post a word of wisdom from 90 year old, Regina Brett. 45 ways to celebrate growing older.1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Stecoah Gap, NC 143

To: Birch Spring Gap, Great Smoky Mtn Ntl pk
Miles today: 21.0

Left Stecoah and made it to the Hike Inn for the 20th and left early today to enter the Smokies as planned. Sorted out food and supplies and sent a box forward to Standing Bear Hostel. This will be their next stop after the Ntl Pk. Fahmah had some very sad news that his younger brother passed away after many years of multiple ailments. Our sincere sympathy goes out to his family, his children and grandchildren and his many nieces and nephews. Joe just celebrated his 66th birthday on Friday. May God bless him And may he finally rest in peace. This is another reminder of how short life truly is. Hold on to it and make the most of what ever days you have left. Fahmah says that is why he hikes! Some days life really stinks but it sure beats the alternative. God is good.
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Birch Spring Gap, Great Smoky Mtn Ntl pk

To: US441, Newound Gap, Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 35.1

Well, if I had the photos to post, I could post one taken from Clingman's Dome and from Rocky Top Mountain and many others I have been told have been taken. In 2007 when Fahmah went through the Smokies, Clingman's Dome, the highest mtn top on the trail, was all clouded in. This time it was a lovely day and he was able to take photos. I'm looking forward to seeing the sight. The weather has been mostly good for the last few days. They did have rain one day and stopped at a shelter sooner than they had planned. I have received two calls since the 21st. Both were dropped with bad service after just hearing that he was alive and well and where they were. They had not planned on stopping in any towns (Gatlinburg, aka "tinsel town") but today they gave in and are resting comfortably in a motel in Gatlinburg, both in need of showers and a comfortable bed. They said rain is expected over night and Saturday into Sunday so they are taking a zero to stay dry for one more night. Other than not having much news to post, I have also not had my computer (just an iphone) since last Saturday. I just got it back from the Geek Squad. My pc had been attacked with a virus and would not boot. It is now virus free and virus protected and I'm a couple hundred more broke! But it's great to have it back!Life isn't always fair, but it is always GOOD! And God is Good!
Date: 2013-05-01
From: US441, Newound Gap, Gatlinburg, TN

To: Davenport Gap, TN
Miles today: 31.3

Well, I haven't heard from Fahmah since they left Gatlinburg, but if my calculations are correct and everything is okay, they should be getting to Standing Bear Hostel today. I will update again today if I hear from him. Since I have had no calls, I have no news for you. But, Fahmah, if you read this, you have two friends right behind you. Data (hiked with Subman) is right behind you. He was in Gatlinburg when you were there or leaving. He's gotta be right there somewhere! Also, a neighbor from here in Templeton, 2nd Shift Steamer, is in the Smokies coming up on your tail. He hiked the trail in 2011 and it doing it again this year to earn money for Breast Cancer Awareness. He was in Fontana on the 30th. He hikes a little faster than you two old farts so he is bound to catch you soon! Look out for them both!Well, when we talked in Gatlinburg we made some decisions that are going to change plans a little. Fahmah will not be coming home in May for his 55th class reunion as planned. He is sorry to miss it, but he just can't take the time or the expense to rent a car and come home for a 4-hour party! Our plan is to get in touch with Jim Harris or Egersheim and maybe go to one of the breakfast meeting they have been having over the past few years. This way, I will drive down to Trail Days (18th & 19th) and have a visit and get to see Klip and maybe Jack too while I am there! Fahmah said to Klip, "you know what that means? We get some of Ma's apple pie!!!" Both were happy!Watch for an update when I hear from him.2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.(of 45 written by 90-year-old "Life Lessons"Life is good! God is Great!
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Davenport Gap, TN

To: Green Corner, TN
Miles today: 2.9

The guys did not get to Davenport Gap on Tuesday night as I predicted. They got to Cosby Shelter, the 2nd to last shelter in the Smokies. They are out of the Smokies now and staying at Standing Bear Farm Hiker Hostel. They got in there last night and have done what they had to do. Fahmah wanted to slack pack today while the weather was good, but Klip wanted nothing to do with that. So tomorrow they head out on the trail again. There is rain predicted 40% tomorrow and 60% on Sunday. They will have to stay in their tents, no shelters, as there has been a terrible virus afflicting the hikers and they fear it may be coming from the shelters. So they have been warned by the ATC and others to STAY OUT OF THE SHELTERS if you don't want to get sick too. This is between here and heading north to Hot Springs. Hot Springs will be their next stop. They will be staying at Laughing Heart Lodge, run by Chuck Norris and Tigger! Just Jack, the 3rd of the Geriatric Crew, had hiked the Florida Trail with them in 2010. Now if they can just stay dry and healthy on their way there. Hoping for better cell phone coverage too, but no promises.Our youngest grand daughter, Lizzie, will be making her first communion tomorrow. Fahmah sends her big hugs and hopes she will become one of the future thru hikers in our family one day! She's a toughy and can do anything she sets her mind to! Life is good, God is GREAT!6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.(#6 of 45 lessons to live life by)
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Green Corner, TN

To: Walnut Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 19.2

Hadn't heard from Fahmah since Friday, from the Standing Bear Hostel. They were expecting bad weather. Well, this morning I finally heard from him again. They had left Standing Bear and headed out in some really lousy weather. Not only was it raining and cold, but it was very windy, either blowing in their face or up their backs. Walking was hard for the two old, discouraged hikers. Last night they stayed at Waltnut Mtn shelter, but of course, slept in their tents. It rained still, and they got soaked. I guess Klip's sleeping bag even got wet. There was a little sun this morning and they laid their stuff out to dry as much as it could before they packed it up and headed out walking again today. They are 13 miles from Hot Springs and really hope to make it today, but the way they are hiking, even 10 miles in a day really hurts them. I got from Fahmah's conversation they are VERY discouraged. Please pray for them both! Yesterday Fahmah was at a difficult stage in his hike for the day. He was cold, it was windy and raining heavily. He was climbing a particularly difficult summit (he didn't tell me which) and he just felt he needed a lift. He had a little chat with the Big Fellow above, just asking for some help to carry the load and get up and over. All of a sudden, the clouds parted and the sun came up, for about 10 minutes, he said, and it was like an answer to his prayer. God is GOOD and we know He cares and is there to watch over us always. Just ask. Sorry, don't mean to preach, but Fahmah got me in this mood. They are headed in to Hot Springs. I think Fahmah and Klip are planning to soak their weary, old bodies in the hot springs for a while! They plan to stay there and get a little rest. I believe they both need it! I comforted (NOT) Klip with the news that Cimmaron just left for Spain to hike the El Camino! Cimmaron is the 90-year old that hiked the AT several times, and attempted it again in 2011 when he turned 89 years old on the trail. An injury brought him home. Lets all pray for him on his hike in Spain!!!Life is good, God is GREAT!7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.(#7 of Lessons to live life by)
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Walnut Mtn Shelter

To: Holiday Inn Express, Erwin TN
Miles today: 61.2

Well, I guess it's time to let you all know where Fahmah and Klip are! They are in a much better place than they were the last time I wrote. They made it in to Hot Springs and stayed at the Laughing Hearts Hostel run by Chuck Norris. It was a great place to stay, nice and clean and comfortable. Separate, small cabins connected with very thin walls. They were surprised to find some old friends from the Trail, Honey and Bear there! Honey and Bear run The Cabin up in East Andover, ME. They have stayed with them many times. Honey and Bear are on their vacation and were looking for some old hikers that might stay with them in the fall, and had come down for Trail Days. They found Fahmah and Klip!! It was a fun reunion and they all met for breakfast at a great AYCE breakfast spot in Hot Springs. There were many other hikers there. While Fahmah was there he got to soak in a "hot spring" and melt away his worries. They left there in a much better place than they were before they arrived. They hiked on and are currently in Erwin, TN at the Holiday Inn Express. There was no room at Uncle Johnny's. It was packed so they had to go to the hotel. It cost a little bit more (about $5 per person sharing a room) but it has a full breakfast and coffee in the morning. They called for a shuttle to go in to town to Walmart. When the van arrived, it was none other than Miss Janet!! Another sweet reunion. She recognized the two of them and reminded Fahmah of his photo in his redneck knickers she took in 2011 at a Hiker Hostel in Glencliff, NH that she was staying at. Fahmah didn't remember but Klip and Miss Janet reminded him! (proof attached!) Thunder storms are in the forecast for this afternoon and night, so they have postponed leaving until tomorrow when the weather won't be as bad. They will be hiking to Roan Mtn, TN where I plan to meet them and take them to Damascus, VA for Trail Days. One sad note while they were there was that another hiker that was staying at Uncle Johnny's was taken to the hospital with the notorious "virus" that has been attacking the hikers. Be careful all you hikers out there!! Stay away from the shelters and privys...sleep in your tents! Looking forward to Trail Days and the reunions we will have there! Jack is coming up from NC and we will spend some time with him there too! Can't wait! Pray for good weather for the old guys and for continued health!Life is good, God is GREAT!Lesson #4 Don't take yourself so seriously, no one else does!(from Regina Brett's 45 life lessons)
Date: 2013-06-07
From: Jenkins Shelter, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 55.6

On 5/31 the guys stayed at Jenkins Shelter. The shelter had hikers in it and Fahmah and Klip were in their tent along with other tenting hikers. In the night they were awakened when one tenting hiker whispered to his girlfriend in the same tent, "there is a bear about 6" from my head"!! All of a sudden the girlfriend screamed "A BEAR!!!" and it was repeated around the campsite "A BEAR!!!!" Needless to say after the first scream the bear sauntered off into the woods from fright but the whole campsite awakened and had an exciting night following. They arrived at the road into Bland right as Bubba, the shuttle driver, was there to pick up hikers that didn't show. So Fahmah and Klip got a ride, along with a couple other hikers, into Bland where they stayed and resupplied. They hiked on and stayed at Woodshole Hostel just outside of Pearisburg. It was right down Fahmah's alley, being a self-sustaining farm where they have bees, goats and sheep and chickens. They were fed meals of home grown lettuces and various organic dishes. The only problem was that the doors to the bunkhouse were open and the chickens welcomed into the premises along with the hikers! Both hikers are doing well. Fahmah, however, managed to break his new phone. The screen went first then it refused to turn on. They are currently in Pearisburg. There was a Verizon store in the Walmart there but they couldn't help him with the phone. I have had his old one activated again and it is on it's way to Pearisburg. It should arrive on Monday. The weather was awful today there so they took a zero, but will hike tomorrow (slack-packing) and make up some miles while they wait.Happy Birthday yesterday to our grandson, Colby who is 11 years old! We love you, Colby!!Our prayers and thoughts are with our good friend Alice who just underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor around her optic nerve. She spent 11 hours in surgery and it has been a tough recovery, but she is getting better. We are also praying for our good friend Jim in Maine who is also in the hospital with blood clots and other complications. Praying for a speedy recovery for both.Regina Brett's lessons to live life by - #17 "You can get through anything if you stay put in today."Life is good, God is GREAT!
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Cove Mtn Shelter, Mile 748.5
Miles today: 117.7

Oh, this is getting real bad. Sorry it has been so long since updating. While in Pearisburg they guys did some slack packing but also sat out some heavy rains. Heading in to Catawba, 4 Pines Hostel, they got separated a night. It was threatening lightning and Fahmah hates that, so he stayed at an earlier shelter. Klip kept walking but they met up the following day after each of them walking 16 miles in to the hostel. It was comfortable there and again they sat out some rain and rested their tired feet and knees. The morning they left the hostel, Fahmah forgot his poles. The owner of 4 Pines went back and got his poles and brought them back for him. That was really nice of him. Also, while they were there, they made the reservation for the Howard Johnson Express in Daleville, where I had mailed his next drop. They would only accept mail drops for registered guests. They arrived in Daleville in 2 days and stayed there a couple of days. They did a 16 mile slack pack to keep on their schedule up to Black Horse Gap. This morning they got a ride back to Black Horse Gap. Klip wanted to hike another 16 mile day to Jennings Creek, but Fahmah didn't want to. His plan was to stop at Cove Mtn Shelter, which was a little over 11 miles today. Klip was there when he arrived. While in Daleville, Fahmah called me, excited because Titus had come in and was staying in the same hotel. He was in Damascus when they were in Bland and has been doing some pretty good miles and has now caught up with them and passed them. He will make it to Katahdin for sure! Fahmah is healthy enough but is having difficulty with his attitude. His heart isn't in it like it used to be. I think he misses Maine and definitely his garden (so do I!) He would also like to be there for his friends who are having challenges with their health right now. Prayers for them for healing and strength. He also misses the kids and grandkids. He hasn't had phone service or is nearly out of juice every time he thinks to call them back to answer all their calls to him. Please know that he loves you all and is anxious to be home again and is looking forward to our family camping trip August. Our son, Frank, has a 50th birthday on Monday!! Happy Birthday to you on 1/2 century you can be proud of!! We love you. He's doing this for you, Jimmy! We love and miss you too!Life is good, but God is GREAT!!Regina Brett's life lessons, #19: "It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else!"
Date: 2013-06-28
From: Cove Mtn Shelter, Mile 748.5

To: Waynesboro, VA mile 857.3
Miles today: 108.8

Here we go again. Catch up time! The hikers have had company since they were at 4 Pines Hostel. A fellow named Gary (an ex-marine), trail name, Milkshake, has been walking with them since. He walks their pace. Is as tall if not taller than Klip. When they get to WVA he will head back to GA and I will bring them back to Mass or Maine! I just got the first call from Fahmah since Monday. He has had no cell service to call me. They got a ride in to Waynesboro from Rt 64 crossing to the outfitter there. Fahmah will pick up his package at the Post Office. It should be waiting there. They had intended to stay at the Dutch Haus in Montebello but when they called for reservations, they were told the owners thought all the hikers had come through and were going on vacation. So, they missed it again. They had really enjoyed their stay there in '07 when they went through the Blue Ridge Parkway. We wanted to stay there when I brought him down in 2010 but it was closed for construction. One day we will visit there!Fahmah was only able to talk for a few minutes so that is all I have to update at this point. Hopefully if they get a motel he will be able to call. I know they went through Glasgow, Fahmah calls it Flintstone Town. They were going to camp on the lawn. I didn't get the details.Will update again when I can. Happy birthday to another one of our grandsons, Matthew. He was 13 on the 26th!!! We love you, Matt!!This is for you Jimmy.Regina Brett's 45 lessons to live by, #20 "When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer."Life is good, God is GREAT!
Date: 2013-03-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Going into work at 10am today, woke up to crow's cawing outside at 530. The last snows of the season are falling. Going to be in the 40's this weekend. I currently live in my hometown of Jamestown, NY. It is located about an hr south of buffalo and yes you can get great chicken wings just about anywhere. Work for me is running a bottle line at the thriving Southern Tier Brewery. Ive been there for 3.5 years and it has been a great experience. Being a part of a successfull buisness that makes great beer isn't the easyest thing to walk away from. I will miss it and will enjoy drinking our beer from Georgia to Maine.