morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-03-24
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 0.0

Short, peaceful day. I woke up around 730 and laid about until 930. Then Anne, a dayhiker, walked up. We chatted as I packed and she ate lunch.   I left the shelter waround 1030. I stopped for lunch at the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station. Just as I was leaving, a nice ranger asked me if I would like an orange. "Sure, thanks," I said.   I devoured it at my next rest stop.   I got to this shelter at about 415. As I read the shelter register, a small herd of deer began to creep out of the woods in front of the shelter.   At first, I was trying to be quiet so as not to scare them off. I pulle out my video camera and got some good shots.   Then I realized that these deer were quite habituated to people. I made all kinds of noise and they still stuck around.    At abut 530, I walked back up to the campground that is about 3/4 of a miles South of the shelter.   Its my sisters birthday on Thursday and I wanted to call her. When I got to the phone, my phonecard hwad no minutes left on it. So I was unable to call Nicki. All I could is walk back down to thew shelter.   So I ate and now I am in my bag. FS still is not here. Its about 8.   Today the weather was great. According to a couple people that that I talked to today, tomm will be nice and then rain on Wed and Thur. Tomm, If FS shows up, Iwill do 26. If he doesnt then I will just wait here until he does.
Date: 2003-03-25
From: Bearfence Hut

To: BIrds Nest Day Use Shelter
Miles today: 22.4

      Today was probably the nicest yet. Well into the upper 70s and not a cloud in the sky. ALMOST too hot. Infact, FS and I stopped around 100 to take a break out of the sun. We both soaked up some rays today- he turned a beet red and I got the beginnings of a golden suntan.       Today seemed long. We only did   22.4 miles but it seemed to take forever. I think it is due to the fact that I have gone easy over the past week. Im sure after a few longer days, that Ill be back to my old self.      As we hiked, the sun set- another impressive one.   As we came around the backside of the mountain, we spotted the "Byrds Nest Day Use Shelter". This was about 5 miles short of our intended goal. It is supposed to only be used during the day and in emergencies, but there are not any rangers out at this time of year and the batteries in my headlamp are shot. With no moon, it would be a long, dark walk to the shelter. When we got down to the shelter, there was another hiker doing the same as we planned on doing. We all chatted as FS and I cooked dinner.      Now its past 830. The radio is calling for rain tonight and tomm. I hope they are wrong. Now we need to do 28 tomm to remain "on schedule".   But we will see. My feet are definately feeling todays miles.      Well a breeze is picking up. Im sure the rain will be here shortly.
Date: 2003-03-26
From: BIrds Nest Day Use Shelter

To: Pass Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 4.4

   Its funny how fast plans can change out here on the trail...   We woke up and were out of the hut by 830. I took off just before FS and stayed that way until Thorton Gap. I stopped to use the restroom, and he was waiting outside when I was done. LAst night, we were reading ahead in our guidebook and it says that the ATC office in Harpers Ferry is closed on the weekends. Our plans had us arriving in HF on Saturday. So since we are going to have to wait for the office to open (The official ATC register is there ans FS wants to be the first NOBO to sign this year), we are planning a side trip. FS suggested Gettysburg, but there is no public transportation there. But there is to Washington DC. I went there when I was about 10 years old and FS has never been. So it looks like we are going to hit DC for the day.... at least thats the plan for now. And because wwe are in no hurry, we hitched into Luray, VA to check email and get some town grub. After 2 hours at the library, we went to the Pizza Hut for the AYCE (All You Can Eat) lunch buffet. Only $3.99! As we ate, FS points to the window. It was raining. So we sat there for a long while contemplating our side trip and trying to decide what to do for tonight. Hitching up to the trail was going to be hard in the rain.   As tempting as it was, we could not afford another night in town.    So out into the rain we went. We made a pit stop at the Family Dollar- FS needed a little more food and I bought an umbrella. FS had a good laugh at me, but hey, it works. After 20 minutes of standing in the rain, he was quite wet and I was still quite dry. Still, we stood thumbing. SOon a guy comes out of the Pizza Hut ans asks where we wanted to go. He said that he would take us up as soon as he was done with his lunch. So we got back to the trail at about 300 and into Pass Mountain Shelter (where we intended to be last night) by 330.   We decided to wait out the rain here. I really was not feeling like moving on tonight. It is over 13 miles to the next shelter. And we had already unpacked everything and I am sitting quite toasty in my dry sleeping bag. The radio is calling for a good chance of rain tonight and then the sun is supposed to return tomm. So I convinced FS to stay here for the night. This will put us into HF on SUnday and on Monday we will take the trip into DC. It should be a fun way to finish off this journey of mine.      Now it is 730 and I am going to crash for the night. Tomm we WILL do 24 miles.
Date: 2003-03-27
From: Pass Mountain Shelter

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 31.7
Weather: clear sky

   Well we did do the 24 miles today and we were still kicking so we pushed here making a total of 31.7 miles! My biggest day yet! Once we stopped my feet began to ache a little, but I still feel good. We passed the 950 mile mark today... thats a lot of walking. I really have enjoyed everything that I have endured. The sun, the snow, the Smokies, Virginia.   We rolled out of Pass Mountain at 730 this morning. Around 10, we got to Elkwallow Gao.   There is a little store/ resturaunt there that does not open until tomm. While I checked Pocketmail, FS busied himself by using his incredible yogi skills to get us some free grub. SOon one of the girls that he had charmed came out with two breakfast bars for each of us and then offered us each a cup-o-soup. Soon, FS and I were sitting with our bellies full. Dont know how he does it sometimes... Its GOTTA be that accent. Yeah, I need to get one of those.   After chatting with a few folks around the store, we were back on the trail. About an hour and twenty minutes later, we stopped for another lunch at Gravel Springs Hut. There, we met two SOBO section hikers. They were quite the characters.      As the day progressed, the miles flew by. Soon we came up on Compton Gap. There, two tourists, Jerry and Betty, stopped and chatted for awhile. They took our picture and FS's autograph, and gave us some food. About 500 we rolled into Tom Floyd Wayside. A nice shelter with a deck.      We took a break there. FS seems to have gotten into some poison ivy or something and has developed a rash on his ankles. Im staying away. It just so happened that someone (who he now calls a trail angel) had left some "Anti itch creme" in the shelter. Hopefully it works. After a good snack and rest, we pushed on at 530. We both were feeling pretty good and it puts us in good position to be in Harpers Ferry on Sunday morning... And why not do a 31 mile day?      So after 8.1 more miles and two hours and forty minutes, we got here. It is a very nice shelter with a cooking pavillion, a deck, lawn furniture, and even a shower. OF COURSE, the shower is not hooked up due to the fact that winter is still looming. bummer...      Now its about 900 and I am pretty "Whackered"- thats a bit of Scottish... Soon Ill get that accent down.
Date: 2003-03-29
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

RAIN! I woke up this morning at 400 to hear the rain pounding the tin roof. I went back to sleep and woke up to the same noise at 800. Slowly, FS and I went about our morning routine. It did not look like the rain would ever let up. We waited until 1015 and finally the rain slowed to a drizzle and then it stopped. BLUE SKY! Now that¢s a little better for my second to last trail day. We headed out ans made good time over the slippery trail.        About 200 we stopped at the Bears Den Rocks Hostel with intentions of picking up our boxes and pushing on to the next shelter.        As we went through our packages, the urge to stay in this very nice hostel overwhelmed us. We asked the new manager, Rob, if he had any work for stay and sure enough, he did.        Soon we were sitting clean, with clean clothes on, talking to the other guests at the hostel. Its a full house tonight- 30+ people. Twenty or so are with the AMC doing a 25 mile section hike. When they got back and showered, they cooked up a feast and invited us to join them. Chicken, garlic bread, salad, and for dessert- apple pie and ice cream. Ymmmm....      FS and I played Taboo with a couple folks from the AMC crowd and two sisters from Ohio. We stayed up late chatting and learning a new (Scottish) card game. We still had to finish our work for stay at 1130. Our work included making a new AT signature sign for 2003, and recovering a series of shelves with contact paper. We finished around 1230 and then hit the bunks.       Its late and because we stopped early today, we have 20 miles to do tomm. Then we will be in Harpers Ferry!!!! Should be an easy day as long as the rain holds off. This was a good way to spend my last trail night. Now Im quite tired.....
Date: 2003-03-30
From: Bears Den Hiker Hostel

To: Harper's Ferry, WV (Hilltop Hotel)
Miles today: 0.0

SNOW! Where in the world did this come from??? Woke up at 615 to the rustling of the AMC folks. NOt much sleep, but I was excited to get to Harpers Ferry.       The AMC folks, cooked up a good sausage and pancake breakfast and fed us well. As we ate, sleet was falling hard. Less than ideal weather to walk 20 miles in, but by 820 when we left, it turned into big fluffy, wet snowflakes. The snow was coming down hard and fast. It stuck too- we had up to 6" in some places! But still, the two hardened winter warriors- FS and me- pushed out. FS was in shorts still for most of the day. About 8 miles from Bears Den, we arrived at the Blackburn AT Center- FS in front of me by about 15 minutes. When I got down there, I was immediatly invited into the PATC cabin and offered an array of hot drinks and food. Just what I needed to take the chill off. The snow was quite wet and I was rather soaked. At the PATC cabin, ALDHA had held a meeting and a few folks were still hanging around. John O, Simply Seeking, and Grizzly were quite nice to let us in and warm us up. We all had a good chat. After thawing out, FS and I had to press on.      Tromping through the snow today reminded me a lot of my previous experiences on the trail. I spent the majority of the day reminising and reflecting on my trip. FS and I bounced memories off of each other as we walked down the trail... We laughed for nearly an hour straight.       Twelve miles later, my trip came to an end. 1003 miles and 3 months. Done. Finished. Hard to believe. Next summer, Ill be back out here to finish part 2. While I may have only done half of the trail, I am proud of this accomplishment.       About 800 FS & I rolled into the Hilltop Hotel. We caught a bite to eat at the bar and then settled in. After showers, we discussed our plans for tomm. Does not look like we will go into DC because we cant afford to stay another night in town. This place really needs a good cheap hostel. So tomm I will catch a greyhound and be on my way home.      Well its past 1130, FS has crashed on his bed and I am about to follow suit on mine. I just cant get over the fact that Im at this point. It seemed so far off in the beginning. Seems like yesturday I was on Springer. I was filled with hopes and aspirations... and everyone of them was fulfilled. I could not have asked for more.      I am leaving the trail wanting more. Craving and enjoying the trail life. Watching Spring blossom. Trees budding, flowers blooming, and many folks wondering why in the world I am getting off just as the weather "gets better".   Truth is, because I want to & because I can. I have the opportunity now to see other places and travel around. Visit friends for the last time before they split in every direction to go to school. And I know that I will have the opportunity to finish the trail in the near future. I will finish...
Date: 2003-03-31
From: Harper's Ferry, WV (Hilltop Hotel)

To: Frederick, MD Greyhound Station
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up and showered by 645. MAde the final decision to abort our sidetrip to DC and instead, spend the day about Harpers Ferry. By 830 FS and I were at at the PO shipping off his replacement pair of boots. Then we went up to the small coffee shop for breakfast.      The lady there was quite nice ans sat down to talk to us. After breakfast, we hit the library to check email and bus times. There is one bus leaving at 435 and another at 950. I wanted to try for the 435. After the library we went back to the Hilltop to collect our belonings and check out. Then up to the ATC office to sign the official AT register and get our picture taken. When we walked in, John O, Simply Seeking, and Grizzly were just leaving. WE hung out there for awhile and then waked down to the Outfitter. There, I asked where would be the best place to hitch to Frederick. The guy there went and asked his boss, and came down and told me that she would give me a ride around 345. This would be just enough time to get my bus pass and cath the 435.          FS & I mossied around for a little while and then went back to the Outfitter around 315. Turns out, we did not leave until 405 and there was no way I was going to catch my bus. So from the Outfitter, FS and I exchanged best wishes and handshakes. We will definatly be seeing more of each other soon. I am going to try to hook up with him in Maine to climb Katahdin. FS is a good friend. When we were saying goodbye, it felt as though I was talking to someone I had known for years- Hard to believe it has only been about one and a half months.   We will for sure keep in touch.         Soon I was riding with the owners of the Outfitters ro Frederick. I arrived at the bus station at 450. So after purchasing my 45 day bus pass and student advantage card (total of $410), I walked over to the library to check the bus schedules. The greyhound website is many times more helpful than the attendants in the stations. The schedule I will follow should put me 10 minutes from my house on Wednesday by midmorning. So I went back to the bus station and waited. Now it is 930 and my bus departs in 20 minutes. West to Columbus, OH then South to Nashville, Memphis, and Dallas. A long trip (36 hours). Funny thing is that in this next day and a half, I will cover more miles than I did in the last three months- but walking was a much more fun.
Date: 2003-04-07
To: The End... For now... 
Miles today: 0.0

Well folks, this is the end of this journey. And the start of another. Its been fun.   I would like to say thanks to:         Those who sent me words of encouragement.         All my trail angels who brought me Trail Magic.         To all the Trail maintainers and volunteers.         Lief and Zipdrive, for making this website available.         And most of all, to my family and friends (old and new), who supported me the whole way.         This trip would not have been possible without you guys. Thanks.         To those of you who are out on the trail now or who will be this summer- If you will be in Maine, look out for the trail crews. If you see one, ask for Ron. I would love to meet you. Well everyone, Take care and God Bless. PS: Check out my Photos page- I added some more. Enjoy
Date: 2003-08-25
To: From Huntsville, TX Sam Houston State University
Miles today: 0.0

Well, its been 5 long months since I stopped hiking on the trail. But, unlike most, I got to enjoy the AT all summer. Ten days ago, I flew back into Houston Hobby Airport and back into civilization. You see, I spent the summer working(if you must call it that) for the Maine Appalachian Trail Club. I had 560 hours of FUN on their trail crew this summer, while serving as Assistant Crew Leader.   It was another great summer. I wish to be back there right now, but that chapter in my book of adventures has closed and now I start another: COLLEGE!!! It may not be in the woods, but it should be fun non-the-less.   I am getting readjusted to living inside, and dealing with the Texas summer heat.       Anyways, while I was out having a blast with the Maine Trail Crew, I ran into many hikers who had followed my journals and/or my register entries. It was quite entertaining to talk to these folks who knew so much about me, but I had not a clue as to who they were. I did know one fellow who I met on White Cap Mountian in the middle of the Wilderness- Happy. He was the only one out of our "group" (if you can even qualify me, him, FS, and Bono as a group) of Early Birds to make it so far. FS and I got off. Bono, well he is still out there, in one form or another. My best of luck to him.   I met Poptart, who seemed overly excited to meet me. I was walking up the mountain with a 20lb block of metal on my back after 3 days of rain, when I ran into her cheery face. I step off to the left side of the trail to let her by. She stopped dead in her tracks and asked me with a smile on her face, "Whats your name?" I hesitently replied, "Rocket?" (I did not know if she wanted my real name or my trail name, it seemed odd to introduce myself as Rocket again after my month long hiatus from the trail) She burst into an introduction and quickly followed with questions. It was a real pick-me up to meet her on that wet day. We talked for at least 10 minutes.          That encounter, right there, is what makes me so greatful for this website. Poptart and I might not have ever said more that a half-breathed "Hi" to each other if she had not read my journal here. That encounter also made me miss hiking out on the AT. While I was on the Trail, I did not get the community that she described and that I had been observing while on Crew.   But I have the future to look forward to- a year of college life AND a semi normal hike this next summer from Harpers Ferry to Mount Katahdin. And this hike will have the community. So I look at it this way-   I got the best of both worlds for my AT experience. A great winter walk and an awesome summer walk.   Well I guess that is enough rambling for now, I have class at 930 am tomm.            Well, that is a run down of where Im at and how Ive been. Take care and the best of luck to everyone.   Peace-
Date: 2002-12-01
To: Prep #1
Miles today: 0.0

   Well, now I am within one month of the start of my trip- to thru hike the Appalachian Trail. For the past three years I have been planning and saving money for this trip. It feels great to "see the light at the end of the tunnel". On Jan 1st I will fly to Atlanta and on the 2nd I will get a ride to the beginning of the trail: Springer Mountain. From there, I will hike the 2167 miles north to Mount Katahdin, Maine. I will be on a very tight schedule and I may have to skip a couple of sections (like the White Mountains in New Hampshire). My goal is to finish by May 18th.   I want to finish by then in order to work with the Maine Trail Crew again this summer.       This last month will be quite hectic. I am graduating from high school on December 19th. Then I will visit my friends and relatives in Illinois and Wisconsin. I will return home on the 31st and then as I said before, I will fly to Atlanta on the 1st of January.   I still have college visits and final exams to complete before I leave. This web journal is one more thing to check off my list. Well I have got to go-Ron...32 days until I hit Springer!
Date: 2002-12-02
To: Prep#2
Miles today: 0.0

         Well, I thought it might be a good idea to post some information about myself. I am 18 and live about an hour outside of Houston, TX. I have been enjoying the outdoors since I was very young and I was in scouts for a while. I completed a Philmont trek with the Scouts and that is what really got me hooked into backpacking. The major thing I learned while on that trip, was that carrrying a heavy backpack is not fun... So, since that trip, I have been working to lower my pack weight. In the summer, I have a sub-10 pound base weight and in the winter I hope to keep it below 20 lbs. One of my "luxery items" is my Pocketmail email device. With this unit I will be able to correspond with everyone through email. If you would like to send me an email, address it to < rrodiii@pocketmail.com >. I would love to hear from any of you!   Well I got to go nowPeaceRon...31 days until I hit Springer!
Date: 2002-12-10
To: Prep #3
Miles today: 0.0

Well,   I now have only 22 days until I am will be standing on top of Springer and I am getting quite anxious. I hope the weather gets better...lately the southeast has been getting hammered with snow and ice. Im sure I'll be fine. I read in the newspaper today about a guy in WV who survived a week in subzero temps on only snow and hot sauce. I have no doubts that I will make it.      I better get goin.   Wish Me luck.PeaceRon
Date: 2002-12-31
To: Prep #4 - Night Before takeoff
Miles today: 0.0

Well tomorrow I fly out at 1030. It is crazy how fast this day came. On Thursday I will be standing on top of Springer Mountain in Georgia. I am anxious, excited, and even a little nervous. On Saturday night, I caught the flu, but I think I am all better now. Maybe just a couple nervous butterflies. Well now the only thing that can stop me is severe weather. While visiting relatives, I stayed outside a couple nights to test my sleeping gear. I am plenty confident that I will be warm. Well I have to finish up a couple of last minute things. So Happy New Years everyone and take care,PeaceRon
Date: 2002-12-31
To: Prep #4a
Miles today: 0.0

Well tomorrow I fly out at 1030. It is crazy how fast this day came. On Thursday I will be standing on top of Springer Mountain in Georgia. I am anxious, excited, and even a little nervous. On Saturday night, I caught the flu, but I think I am all better now. Maybe just a couple nervous butterflies. Well now the only thing that can stop me is severe weather. While visiting relatives, I stayed outside a couple nights to test my sleeping gear. I am plenty confident that I will be warm. Well I have to finish up a couple of last minute things. So Happy New Years everyone and take care,