morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-22
From: spring mountain shelter

To: Jerrys cabin shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up early and after hiking 2 hours, saw a sign telling us to go to a house for trail magic. Homemade beefstew and ice cream pie, Fal and Hercules invited us into their home, it was great, they are 1999 thru hikerss. After that hiked during a heavy rain storm, took a break at laurel creek shelter and then headed out again, got to Jerrys cabin shelter, tented, had good night sleep, this time I woke up during a thunderstorm.
Date: 2005-04-23
From: Jerrys cabin shelter

To: devils fork gap (Holiday Inn express)
Miles today: 7.7

It rained all night, I almost zeroed in my tent (zero made zero miles that day), but decided I should put in some miles, I spilled a whole bottle of fuel and decided I couldn't stay on the mountain, because temps were dropping and we were expecting snow. Got a ride to Erwin, and I am roughing it at Holiday Inn express. Hot shower, clean clothes, jacuzzi and a free pint of Ben and Jerrys, now that's roughing it. ;=)
Date: 2005-04-24
From: devils fork gap

To: devils fork gap (Uncle Johnnys hostel)
Miles today: 0.0

Awoke this morning to snow, tried to go out the Devils fork gap to keep hiking and the road was frozen so no one would shuttle me. Ended up going to Uncle Johnnys hostel and watched movies, read a book, slept, ate at pizza hut, sooooo boring. At the hostel was Awol, Pied Piper, Fireball, Tex, Thirsty boots, Goat, Curley, Black helmet, Slap Happy, Come in late and Got the couch.
Date: 2005-04-25
From: devils fork gap (Uncle Johnnys hostel)

To: Hogpen shelter
Miles today: 6.0

Got ready to get on the trail at 9am, didn't actually get out until 1pm, only did six miles today, my feet were frozen from stepping in the slush, the shelter was very full, everyone was pretty tired of the cold and snow.Slept in shelter, no mice that I know of, Met Hot and sweaty, tapeworm, Jersey Fresh, Firefly and hazy some.
Date: 2005-04-26
From: Hogpen shelter

To: bald mountain shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Nothing new, just went to the next shelter, too tired to push on. Getting into the slow mode with Papa bear and preacher (section hikers) they are not in a hurry.Met Just bob, Oma and Opa, tinkerbell.Slept in the shelter, no mice.
Date: 2005-04-28
From: No business shelter

To: Curley Maple Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked 6 miles into Erwin to Uncle Johnnys to get resupplied and a shower. Just bob and I went to a barbeque place and the grocery store. Then hitch hiked back to Uncle Johnnys. I went on to Curley Maple Gap. Tonight was just Preacher, Papabear and I. Papabear was trying to make me think there was a mouse in the shelter. NO MICE!
Date: 2005-04-29
From: Curley Maple Gap

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

Seemed like a really long day today, but I am supposed to be doing 15 miles a day. Saw a beautiful Red Spruce forest and got a Wendys Cheeseburger, thanks to Miss Janet for buying and tapeworm for bringing it up.Met Kung Fu, Pyro, Mad Cow and Sheera, still NO MICE in shelter, but it rained all night.
Date: 2005-04-30
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Clyde Smith
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: moderate rain

Nice day today, ended up at shelter with Papa Bear, Preacher, Tank and Willow who hiked a whopping 2 miles today. Like Preacher and Papa bear. They are hiking to Damascus for trail day and are not in a hurry. Gotta get away, I need to make the miles. Snowman, Sparkplug, Free Radical are here also. Very rainy and Just bob and Curley showed up late had to sleep on the floor. NO MICE!
Date: 2005-05-01
From: Clyde Smith

To: Overmountain shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

What a tough day climbing over Roan mountain, but it was beautiful. Overmountain shelter is a historical barn, FULL OF MICE, so I tented. A lot of people here, about 30 or 40, met Sherlock and Short Circuit, who gave me a fresh cup of coffee (yumm)in the afternoon, got me going. Beantown and right now I can't think of anything else. (?)
Date: 2005-05-03
From: campsite

To: Kinkora hostel
Miles today: 11.4

My miles might be a little off, but in the past two days, I hiked 32.5 miles. My knees and feet are killing me. I'm staying at the Kincora hostel, great place run by Pat and Bob Peeples. I got clean and my clothes smell good. Met Bear Bait, Sunshine, Sleeveless and Gypsy Lulu. (?)
Date: 2005-05-04
From: Kinkora hostel

To: campsite 
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The hike from Kincora to Watuga Lake was about 10 miles and took me 4 hrs, from Watuga lake to the campsite was 9 miles and took me 5 1/2 hours. I was going to the shelter but it was full, there weren't any campsites so I had to push on, found a viewpoint and camped there, it was perfect, flat and had a beautiful view of Hampton with all the night lights. Would have had a beautiful sunrise if it weren't hazy.
Date: 2005-05-05
From: campsite 

To: campsite
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After having such a good campsite and a really good night sleep although full of dreams. My last dream was that I couldn't open my eyes, when I could finally open them, it was 9am and I felt groggy like I had taken a sleeping pill. I felt very tired all day and it drizzled most of the day. Birdhouse Bob and I decided to just make camp early hopefully tomorrow I will feel better.
Date: 2005-05-06
From: campsite

To: campsite
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

Todays hike was mostly small ups and downs, but my feet and knees sure hurt by the end of the day. Birdhouse Bob and I decided to camp just outside of Damascus, 2 miles before and get in early in the morning. Nice campsite and a good nights sleep. Everyone else is rushing in to Damascus. Finished our third state today! Hurrah!
Date: 2005-05-07
From: campsite

To: saunder shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

day 48 Today I had 2 miles to get into damacus, when I got there the first thing I did was get breakfast and then I did my town chores. Took a shower, washed clothes, resupplied, tried to call home but no one there. Stayed in Damacus for 5 hours and got back on the trail. I went to the first shelter in Va. Met treetrunks and a section hiker. Nameless and Tapeworm came in to get water and pushed on.
Date: 2005-05-08
From: saunder shelter

To: campsite 480.6
Miles today: 12.0

Day 49 Hiked to iron Mtn. shelter and was headed to mt. rodgers but just wen't kaput, out of gas. I just felt so tired I could hardley make it to white top mtn. Found a make shift camp site and went for it. Met two couples from k.c. planning to kike to trail days and then to laurel creek
Date: 2005-05-11
From: campsite 510.2

To: Partnership shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 52 Today was a pretty easy day and I could have hiked longer but, I wanted pizza at the shelter. Also the shelter has a solar shower. I met soulman and brownie, bluelight and I forgot her boyfriends name, troll, oblivious and anchor, snowbunny,hairball,treetrunks,snowman,sparkplug,and I can't remember who else was there but there was a lot of us.
Date: 2005-05-12
From: Partnership shelter

To: campsite 541
Miles today: 17.8

Day 53 Left partnership shelter thinking I could make it to Bland va. in 3 days to pick up some mail before the post office closed. It was 56 miles and I figured 25,25,6 miles per day. WRONG! My left knee started hurting along with my right ankle. Ended up camping with swift and oc1
Date: 2005-05-13
From: campsite 541

To: pond 555.9
Miles today: 14.9

Day 54 Friday the 13th. Nothing can go wrong. Well today eight cows chased me up a tree and kept me up there for a half an hour. After they left I raced through the pastures and ended up on s.r.42 I hitched into Bland with a section hiker named wheels, thanks wheels went to the p.o. had a hotdog and coffee and hitched back to the trail with the best taxidermis in VA named steven cox. thanks steve. Hiked to the pond and then it started raining. I actually had a very good night sleep. I was just to scared to stay awake thinking Jason was going to arise from the pond. What a day
Date: 2005-05-14
From: pond 555.9

To: campsite 572.4
Miles today: 16.5

Day 55 Very tough and long day today. Lots of rocks and not much water. Met some new hikers, acorn and freedom, tailsman, cyclehiker, after he completes his kike to maine he is going to bike back to chicago, and he's carring his bike in his backpack. Also met lowgear and jakebrake.
Date: 2005-05-15
From: campsite 572.4

To: campsite 591.3
Miles today: 18.9

Day 56 The terrain was fairley easy today, just no water. Passed one shelter and went on to the next one. At the shelter was eagle eye and poet, maniac, slow and steady and 4 section hikers. It now seems that the ups are getting easier and the downs are tougher.
Date: 2005-02-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Lets do it An army buddy was in Maine visiting me after his retirement . One of the topics of discussion during the visit was retirement goals.One of his goals was to hike the Appalachian trial, or at least part of it.We both considered to hike the "100 Mile Wilderness" would be an experience. My loveing wife laughed and cautioned my friend that part of it would not be enough for me.( She had just used her female intuition and prdicted the future)My friend and I agreed to do the "100 mile wilderness " beginning in June 2005.We both have a lot of military camping gear and considered doing the trail with an ALICE Pack. He returned to Iowa in September and I began prpareing for the Hike. Have been walking about 8 miles a day and sometimes more since September . Despite all the walking I have not lost much of my excess weight. I continue to eat like a horse. It is a safe bet that some of the pounds will melt off when I have to carry whatever I am eating. I began to research the Appalachian Trail and equipment available for backpacking. I learned that our ALICE Packs that served us so well in the military where no longer the best equipment available.I also learned that there are many light weight alternatives to much of my old camping gear.I joined an ultra-light mailing list just to learn some new techniques.( I will not be an ultrlight backpacker, I lack the experience, however , it was enlightening to to learn the options available.) The Appalachian Trail Conference had some great literature and films available. As a newcomer they were entertaining as well as informative.I now have shelf full of literature about hikeing and hikeing prerparation. I spent a great deal of time researching and trying equipment. The salesmen at the outfitters tolerated my trying out sleeping bags on the floor of the store.MY was very good about the money I was spending to "upgrade" equipment.Santa even got into the act of delivering hikeing gear to my home as well as the nice guys from UPS and the USPS. The more I read and learned the more I wanted to share my knowledge with friends and family. The less amused they were. They eventualy understood I was going for a hike. My wife commented "why wait until June , why not start in Georgia?". Wow what an Idea. Of course that means a change in my gear list and some additional logistical problems. I spoke with several people who had attempted or completed the trail. Got lots of good advice. Made My plane reservation. I will be staying at the Hiker Hostel 28 Fe, 2005.   Hank    Humpty Dumpty   "My good friend Sgt Opie taught me It is important not just to be alive but to live. "
Date: 2005-02-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It is a cold and windy day here in Maine this morning. Am looking forward to starting my hike in sunny Georgia in 5 days.( I say that knowing I will encounter some bad weather when first starting my hike) Am putting the finishing touches on my gear and mailing packages off to my first mail drop. Got a call last night from a Betty and family in Arizona. They just wanted to make sure I knew they would be thinking of me on the trail.It is astonishing the reaction people have when they realize what an undertaking hiking the AT involves. Many friends and family have helped me prepare. One of my brothers has walked in the game reserve with me on occasion just to make sure I have moral support. Several of my hunting and fishing buddies and my brothers have made and tested numerous types of stoves. An army buddy gave me a bunch of equipment he thought might be of use to me on the trail. Some friends in my Veterans group dehydrated food for me. A lot of people have said," wow! I wish I could go with you." A few of them ment it. Each of the people on the trail are making sacrtifices for their journey. Each of us will be leaving loved ones at home who reluctantly agree to our extended absence. Want to make sure I thank my Pat, my wife, and Jennifer , my daughter for all their support and love. Am looking forward to meeting some of you on the trail. Humpty Dumpty
Date: 2005-02-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We have been watching the national news and checking the weather in Georgia.I am as excited as a kid on Christmass eve. Sunday night we will be driveing to Bangor . MY flight to Atlanta is early Monday morning.Trying to decide where to eat a good meal before the start of the adventure is like planning for the condemed mans final meal. I got a haircut this week. My wife did not want me showing up on the trail looking like a wild man . Have decided to take my pack in a duffle bag and reassemble it in Georgia. Do not want to give the airlines the chance to mess it up.The only thing I will need to get in Georgia is fuel. My wife will be updateing my journal while I am on the trial. That means less typos and spelling errors. Mom used to say I was born all thumbs. Anytime I try to type I prove her correct.Makes it tough to buy gloves. You would think at least one of them could be a green one.
Date: 2005-02-28
To: Northbound from Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

Humpty Dumpty left Bangor, Me on the 28th of Feb. just ahead of a "nor-easter". I, (wife,will be adding updates, when they become available) have to say it was a little ify the night before in the motel. But the storm arrived on Tuesday and left us with 13 inches of snow for downeast Me. Did I mention we see the sunrise first? We rarely miss a sunrise thanks to our cat that feels there is no need sleeping beyond a sunrise. At Logan Airport Humpty Dumpty (HD) met two other hikers heading to Georgia. In Atlanta the three awaited a 4th hiker, whose flight was delayed. While waiting they were getting hungry and were discussing what to do. The preplanning arrranged for trans-portation from Atlanta and a meal at the lodging.
Date: 2005-03-01
From: Springer

To: View Entry
Miles today: 7.6

March 1, 05Got up early at the Hiker Hostel. About 15 people there. Bill and Cyndy , and another couple from Maine, Kamakaze from Ontario, STicks from I have forgotten where. Gravity and Danger Pea also were thereAlso a couple of people who had been on the trail and returned to the shelter ill.WE enjoyed a great all we could eat breakfast.All checked out and commented on each others . There were so many people some of us had to wait for the 2nd shuttle to top of Springer.When Josh returned with the Van he told us it was snowing and cold on the Mountain.We got on top of the mountain about 11:15 to start we found out he was not exagerating.We hiked to Hawk Mountain, about 7.6 miles.There were 25 tents set up at the shelter. Most from a weekend group of students from Gaineville Florida.Some people found that there sleeping bags were not rated for ascold as needed. Temp went down to between 15 and 20(depending on who's thermometer you believed).Got a good night sleep in the shelter. The penny stove works fine( Thanks Tom). No mice. We all hung our food bags to avoidbear problems. One young guy in the shelter told us this was first time he had seen snow and first time he had acmped out.My first Day on the trail I dedicate to my loveing wife and daughter who encourage me to live my dreams.Miss you both.
Date: 2005-03-02
From: Gooch Gap

To: Hawk Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.3

Got up early. I think is going to be my pattern while on the trail as it is at home. That way i can cover some distance and rest early and not be greedy with milesIt was cold when we got up and interesting to see how many had arrived after darkness.Of all the tents there no 2 were alike.Fixed oatmeal and hot chocolate for breakfast and hit the trail. It was slippery from the snow. Hiked most of the day with "Waypoint", a guy about my age from Phonix.It was interesting to hear the young people complaining as much about aches and pains as us old folks.The countryside is beautiful. Not much in the way of wildlife.we hiked 7.3 miles to Gooch shelter. I find that since I start early I make it to shelter in time to get a spot.Although Later I will be doing more tenting, it allows more flexability in distances covered.Someone left a bag of Hershy Choclate bars on the Bear hang with a sign that said "Trail Magic". Of course I had one. After all it was I food I did not have to carry around the mountain.Noodels for supper.Todays Hike dedicated my friend BOB,Sgt Opie. Although no longer with us Sgt Opie is in my soul. I wear an arm patch letting people know that Sgt Opie is remembered.Am always proud to tell anyone who ask about him what a fine man and soldier he was.I doubt most people would understand the true meaning of friendship if they had not known Bob.
Date: 2005-03-03
From: Hawk Mt. Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter/Blood Mountain
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up early. Warmer today. Hiked in shorts . Lots of ups and downs. Oatmeal breakfast.Had some great Jerky on the trail, complements of my friends from Vet Center in Bangor.On the side of trail we found a cooler full of beer. Only a couple of people had one.Most people did not want to hike with a beer.Most of us wished there would have been a coke.A few people learned a valuable lesson today. "read your guide book for water locations before going to shelter." Not always water near shelters.Also the Woods Hole shelter was about 1/2 a mile off the trail, DOWNHILL. Which means we start day tommorrow 1/2 mile uphill, that does not count.I got to the shelter early enough to get a spot. Many stopped here to be fresh for Blood Mountan in the morning.Mike Lewis thanks for tonights supper.I read somewhere it takes a village to raise a child. It must have taken everyone I know to get me on the Trail. Thanks again everyone.Todays hike is dedicated to the Brave and Honorable men , living and dead, of Charlie Company 1/503, 173d Airborne.Comrads then friends now and family forever.Each of you hold a special place in my heart.
Date: 2005-03-04
From: Woods Hole Shelter/Blood Mountain

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

Got up early and headed up Blood Mountain. Rough climb. Many of the trail markers are on the rocks. Not sure how people would do this in the snow. Short hike today. Neels Gap is the only place on the trail that goes through a building.It is a great outfitter and Hostel. I changed to a different pack here, As my dear wife mentioned I might have to do. Sent some equipment home. I have learned why people cut labels of clothes to save weight.Stayed at the hostel,had a shower and did laundry. Got a ride downtown for an AYCE( All You Can Eat) supper.Called home. I was so excited poor Pat had to tell me to slow down.Peole who know me I do not talk fast. (Haha).Many people at the hostel staying a few days to recuperate from blisters.Also many people I started with stillhere togather.We see Bill and Cindy often and he has posted pictures on internet.We found out today Cindy got a trailname, Chernobel", she said she had a meltdown on the trail. Todays hike is dedicated to every Medic who wears the CMB. Thanks to all for comeing when you were called.Good medics are the reason I am able to do the trail today. Many of us live our dreams because of them. I hope each of you Know you did make a difference.
Date: 2005-03-05
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up early and called Pat. There was a line at the phone at 5:30.The compter was not working at Neels so everyone calling rather than emailing. I decided not to leave until after I had coffee when the store opened at 8:30. The coffee was not worth the wait.( had poptarts for breakfast) Hiked 10.6 miles today with " Flying Turtle"Was nice to have someone to talk to who hikes my pace. As we were crossing a road a couple in a pickup came by and gave us cold sodas.It was great, I am learning what trail magic is. Some big hills in this area. We we passed by "trail runners" , those folks have stamina. Also encountered a trail maintenance guy today. My hats off to them, volunteers who hike the trails carrying tools and clear away blowdowns and perform other work on the trail.Thanks to all of you. Today a lady got off the trail because she thinks she has a stress fracture.It was interesting to see a young guy walk back downa hill to make sure she got a ride out ok.Thats teice he climbed same hill. Hikers realy do look out for each other. Noodels for supper. Todays hike dedicated to all my family for their moral support.To my brother Carl and the snowshoe trip to the Game reserve. All is well.
Date: 2005-03-06
From: Low Gap

To: cheese Factory
Miles today: 13.0

Got up early, hot chocolate and a poptart.Lots of elevation change today and needed a good head start.Hot day.Hiked as far as the "Cheese Factory". Set up tents.Cold night winds Howled but was warm in tent.One of the young guys camping with us is an "army Brat". And Proud of it. His dad was in Nike Hercules Missles at Ft Bliss. In the middle of night we heard coyotes . One guy hung tossed a rock over branch to hang his bear bag and got wacked in head by his own rock and branch when he tested the strength.Hurt his pride more than anything else. Flying Turtle had a cell phone with him, only one with a signal.As soon as we set up in evening he tried to call his mom to wish her a happy Birthday. Took him awhile to get through. Todays hike is dedicated to my friend Mike Sells (Charlie1/503 173d Airborne), he got me started on this trail. Looking forward to doing a portion of it with him.
Date: 2005-03-07
From: cheese Factory

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Early start, ate snack on the trail.I need to get a better system of getting going in morning.I sure miss morning coffee with Pat. Nice warm day. News travels fast storm comeing Tuesday. Everyone picking up pace to get to town.Saw a bear today. It was less interested in me than I was him.Could not get my camera out of pack in time for a pack. Will elocate my camera. Deep Gap. We had to clean out a mouse nest, with mice in it. Before we could set up in the shelter.Shelter filled up before dark. Everyone going to Zoom into Hiawassee in the morning.Noddles for supper. Todays hike dedicated to , Patrick Emery, who taught me to survive my first tour in Vietnam. Thank you buddy. SSG Emery rule # 1 " Take care of your people."
Date: 2005-03-08
From: Deep Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke up to a couple of inches of snow and howling winds at 6 this morning. Flying Turtle and I got on trail at first light and hiked to Dicks Creek Gap. @nd vehicle to pass gave us a ride. We checked into Holiday Inn Express. Hiker special. Pool and Hot tub. A bunch of us in town by noon. We went to a Mexican resteraunt for lunch. Got a film developed and sent pics home.Did laundry and picked up my package at post office, oh yes, and took a nap. Called home. Got to a computer to update this journal. Next entried will not be for about 7 days. We will be leaving the state of Georgia tomorrow.Next stop NOC. Todays hike is dedicated to my fishing buddies Tom, Tom, Tommy ,Mike, Mike John and all the Gang. Thanks for helping me adapt to retirement. Be safe everyoner and don't worry about me. I am enjoying this. Nice to know I can still stumble along.