morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-10-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello All, Just an FYI. As I mentioned in one of my last entries from the trail, National Geographic was filming a movie on my summit day. They took amazing aerials from a plane as we finished the trail. There is now a date to correspond to this film. I have heard amazing things, and am looking forward to watching it! The info is below. ENJOY! and Happy Trails. -Beamer America's Wild Spaces: Appalachian TrailTuesday November 10, 2009 at 11:00 PM ETTV-PGMuch of the Appalachian Trail is close to major populations - so how wild can it be? We will travel from South to North and explore the remotest corners of the A.T. and meet the scientists fighting to keep this wilderness wild. Join National Geographic on a roller coaster ride of agonizing ascents and rewarding vistas -- all courtesy of mountains roughly 480 million years in the making.. Well explore this 5 million step journey through the five distinct regions of the AT landscape and learn what it takes to keep this ribbon of green safe, healthy, and totally wild.        Also airs:                Tuesday November 17, 2009 at 4:00 PM ET                Tuesday November 10, 2009 at 8:00 PM ET                Wednesday December 31, 2009 at 7:00 PM ET
Date: 2008-02-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Timmy took a dip in the frigid Pigeon River. No one else was man enough to brave the cold temperatures. Thanks for coming out guys. Wish all my friends could come along for the trip this spring. Sorry ladies, Timmy's getting hitched May 10th. I'll have to be sure and get off the trail for a day for that.
Date: 2008-03-05
To: Big Bald
Miles today: 8.0

I was able to get out last week for a two day prep trip. I was fortunate enough to have the company of Ms. Olivia (Dixie Chick). We hiked in to Big Bald eight miles in approximately four hours. We hiked out back tracking. This took slightly less time, 3 1/2 hours.
Date: 2008-03-21
From: Amicalola Falls State Park Approach Trail

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.7
Weather: clear sky

Left Amicalola Falls State Park around 8:45. Sue, Chuck's wife was there to see us off. Two of my friends, Gabe and Neal drove down with us to do the approach trail and hike the first three days with Chuck and I. We had shuttled a car ahead to Woody Gap so that they would have a way to get off the trail easily without having to back track. We couldn't have asked for nicer weather our first day on the trail. When we arived at the top of Springer mountain the skies were bright blue and a Ridge Runner by the name of ManySleeps was there to greet us and put us in the official registry of North Bound Through Hikers. We hiked 2.7 mi off Springer and stayed at the Stover Creek Shelter.
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Wood's Hole

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi Guys and Girls, Got a call from Nate today and he sounded great. He says he's feeling great. Feet are OK, legs strong, good attitude, no monkey rot. Their first night was at Stover Creek shelter, then Gooch Gap, and then Woody Gap. Tonight he's staying at the "realy nice" hostel at Neels Gap-the Walasi-Yi center. He's looking forward to a shower and eating some of the big pot of beans that was cooking. He got pretty cold one night and didn't sleep well, but other than that everything is going well. Walking through the snow today was great. Being the social butterfly, he has already met up with some fun people on the trail. Sounded like a party in the background at 4:00 in the afternoon. He really appreciated the send off from his friends.
Date: 2008-03-25
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We were able to get an early start this am and were into low gap shelter by 1500. Took a two hour nap prior to supper. Now thats getting it done. Tree, Moonpie, Hometown, and Lil hopper we all at this shelter for the evening. I believe this is when the hooting began.
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Deep Gap, USFS 71
Miles today: 15.7

Red Truck and Green Truck hiked the AT back in 2002. This was the're sixth annual Hiker Feed and we happened right into it after putting in a long 15.7 miles. They fixed us burgers for supper and then the next morning treated us to breakfast as well. We were sure glad that shelter was full five miles back!
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Deep Gap, USFS 71

To: Big Sping Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it up and over Albert Mt. Was quiet the climb requiring some scrambling over boulders. My first thoughts of health insurances creeped into my mind at this point. Met up with Hometown, Moonpie, Hopper and tree at the shelter. Apparently they scared everyone else off with stories of laboraous breathing while sleeping by several members of the posse.
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Tellico Gap
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

We were trying to put in a 18mi day today but it was cut short due to massive lightning strikes all around us. "Thow I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, was quoted as I tried to walk my self down of the ridge line. Takes longer than one would like to get shelter from the storm.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Tellico Gap

To: N.O.C.
Miles today: 7.8

Spent the morning up on Wesser Bald drying out our gear on the firetower. The cloud cover that morning was incredible. Hope you enjoy the pics. Headed to the NOC for a burger. Should be good. Short 7 mi day into Wesser. I never seem to mind these.
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

The gravey train continues as we got out of the weather and bedded down at the Fontana Lodge. Hopper had steak for dinner and I only wished that I had as well. Hopper also saved my stove which I had left behind at a shelter during lunch the previous day. To show my gratitude, I bought his room at the Lodge. All is well with the Hoot Nannies.
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: scattered clouds

This was my first 20 mile day. I was psyched, but I didn't get to camp till 8:30. As I was nearing camp I could hear the Ibuprofen rattling from deep within my backpack. Looks like I will do 18 tommorrow. Should be fun. The Smokies have been great. Great views and great weather.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I think the boys were suprised to see me this evening. 52.6 miles in 3 days. Curtis at Standing Bear was great. He helped me out with my missing parcel. Thankyou. Hiked in with Jack from Fl. We had nice conversation all the way down the mt. Made for a nice day.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

The sunset up on Max patch was perfect. The company was nice as well. A group had formed up on top waiting for the sun to set. This was by far the most difficult day for me. Not sure why, except for the high miles prior to this day. Hot Springs here we come.
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Made it into Erwin today. Uncle Johnny's Hostel is the home of the 40cent Snickers. It is the first place you come to when you get off the trail. Nice shower, bunk house and outfitter. I look forward to spending time here. Johnny is very hospitable. Sue (Black Betty) is in town to meet up with Hometown. I bet the earth will shake at the Holiday Inn Express tonite!
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Nolichucky River

To: Beauty Spot
Miles today: 10.6

We had an easy day today out of Uncle Johnny's Hostel.   We hiked 10.6 miles up to beauty spot which had great views. Chuck's wife, Sue was waiting on us at the top to shuttles us back down to Erwin for one more night at Johnny's. I know Heidi and Travis back home are tired of hearing about the gravey train, but it is about to end. A hiker and her mom were also there feeding hikers Hot Dogs and sodas. Great Magic! Thanks Mango.
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Beauty Spot

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 12.7

We hiked out of Beauty Spot today after Black Betty dropped us off. We made it about 11 miles when the rains came. We had the option of hiking off the trail a quarter mile and staying with CC at Greasy Creek Friendly. It was an interesting place. Strong orientation around hand washing and cleanliness. She stated that if you pick your nose you have to rewash your hands. Chuck posed the question, if you pick your nose with your toes, do you still have to wash your hands?
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Hiked up over Roan Mountain today. One of the steaper climbs on the trail. I had hiked this section back in the fall with my friend Neal and it took us 9 hrs to get up over Roan. This day we left greasy creek at 10 and were over the mountain and to the parking area by 3 in the afternoon. Progress! Hiking a little faster these days.
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: Campsite along the Elk River
Miles today: 16.6

We hiked in the fog all morning up over little Hump and Big Hump mountains. Met a lady well into here eighties hicking south bound with family. It was great to see someone her age out in the woods. She looked like she was having a ball. Jones Falls was a highlight of the afternoon. Love Boat and myself spent sometime there enjoying the cool breeze of the falls.
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Campsite along the Elk River

To: Joann and Shannon's House
Miles today: 18.1

My good friend Joann from Johnson City came and picked me up at Dennis Cove Rd in Shannon's Big Black Hemi Pickup. It was exciting to see her. I had been looking forward to this stop for quite a while. They treated me to a bounty of Papa John's and beverage. It was nice to be with friends. We caught up and exchanged stories that they had read mostly from Hometown's journal entries. The next day I drove Joann to work and she let me keep Suzy Saturn to run erands with. This allowed me to spend ninety dollars at wal-mart, which was a accident. I knew I was planning the 50 mile push to demascus in two days and my food bag felt heavier than ever. Graciously, Joann saved my bacon by mailing nearly half of the supply ahead to Pearisburg. Thank you Joann and Shannon so much for the trail magic. PS: the Mexican buffet was something I had been craving for a while and it lived up to exspectations.
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Iron Mt Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: light rain

Hooper, Danger Dango, and myself made the push. It was a long rewarding day. We took our time, enjoyed some trail magic from Skillet who provided us with breakfast. This could not have come on a better day. Biscuits and Cokes as the start of a 26mi day. We stayed at the place that evening which was in the middle of Demascus. Cyclist were finishing up a day on the Virginia Creeper as we were rolling into town at about 7pm. I truely beautiful day. I hope my legs don't revolt.
Date: 2008-04-27
From: Damascus

To: Froggy Pond
Miles today: 11.7

Had a big breakfast in Damascus and then hit the trail. Hiked with Hopper most of the day. It was beautiful until around four o'clock, when the storms rolled in. Heavy rain and lightening filled the air. We took shelter at Saunders Shelter before moving on to meet up with Hometown and Love Boat for a Nathan's Famous Hotdogs dinner. It was a treat. Took close to a hour to get the fire started, but it was all well worth it.
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Froggy Pond

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: moderate rain

Couldn't pass up this warm, dry shelter out of the rain. Hometown and the other's moved own. I still have mixed emotions about this day. A cold front was moving in and I no longer had my Down jacket, so I think I made the right decision to stay at 3100' instead of 5400'.
Date: 2008-04-29
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked up into the snow on this day. Beatiful climb up on to Whitetop Mtn at 5120', then onto Mt Rogers at 5729'. Both mountains were covered in Snow as I crossed them. Probably a good decision to stay at 3100' the previous evening. PS: Numerous people sent winter gear home in Damascus. Big Mistake!
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

The Hotwheels, Shutterbug and Corley saga begins today. I was slow, slow, slow getting out of camp due to frigid temperatures. I think I started walking around 10am. Grayson Highlands St. Pk. is the section I traveled during this day. This area is rated as one of the most scenic sections of trail by Backpacker Magazine in all of the US. Thus the advice to take it slow and enjoy. Being a day behind Hometown and crew, It was the first time I had walked were I felt I wansn't trying to keep up with anyone. I spent most of the morning taking lots of pictures and petting the feral Ponies. About mid-day Hotwheels, Shutterbug and sweet little Corley came walking up over the ridge behind me! It was an exciting moment for one reason or another. We've been hiking together now for almost a months as I am very slow in updating my journal. Their goal, which became my goal was 36mi in two days for pizza at the famed Parnership Shelter just out of Marion, Va. The hiking this day could not have been more scenic. We walked through miles and miles of rocky mountainous pasture land with Ponies in the back drop.
Date: 2008-05-05
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Campsites beyond Laurel Creek
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Kicked in with Corley, Shutterbug and HotWheels today! We had a beatiful spot up on Chetnut Knob. The views were unbelievable looking back south down the Blue Ridge. Was able to catch up with long time friend Mark Hicks last night. It was good to talk to him. I always enjoy talking to friends back home. That Trek 2300 Mark traided me for rent money probably has a connection with me now hiking the AT. Life is good on the Appalachian Trail!
Date: 2008-05-09
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: light rain

Hi Everyone, I'm doing well. Im at the 624mi marker. Just past the quarter way mark. For those of you who didn't know, there was a shooting just off the AT real close to Pearisburg, VA. We had to bypass a 24mi section of trail due to it being closed for investigation. The guy who did the shooting had killed to hikers back in 1981 and had been released from parole back in 06. We had been getting info along the trail that this person had been unaccounted for over the past several weeks just a day or two prior to the shooting. From our shelter up on Jenny's Knob we could here sirens blarring in the distance and I saw a helicopter with its flood lights on. The next morning we came to the closed section of trail and a park ranger informed us of all that had taken place and that the trail would be closed for the day. We were shuttled around this section into Pearisburg. Since then, I went to a local gun dealer and purchased a Black Hawk 44. A little heavy, but very effective! Just kidding.
Date: 2008-06-09
To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

Made it to Harpers Ferry today. Bondi, Hotwheels, Shutterbug, Corley and Danger are all in town with me. We are sharing a room for the evening. We plan to take the train into D.C. tomorrow, for the day. I passed the 1,000 mile mark toady. Still feeling good. New shoes have caused two minor blisters, the first of the trip. The rough part has been the heat. Temperatures have been in the high 90's the past three days. I been trying to hike early in the morning or late in the evening. We are finally of of VA. Over one month in the state!
Date: 2008-06-10
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Day in Washington D.C.
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day in Harpers Ferry. We took the train into D.C. for the day. We toured the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Vietnam Memorial and the Smithsonian Museum. It was a very warm summer day with lots of walking. It was quite the change from the normal routine. The trail causes your life to take a long pause, while the rest of the world keeps trying to get ahead.
Date: 2008-06-11
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We checked out historical Harpers Ferry and then headed out of town late. The AT and C&O Canal Towpath converge at this point. This is the path Hometown and I rode our bikes on a few years back. We rode from D.C. to NC via the C&O and the Shenandoah Valley. We did a short 6.7 miles th the Ed Garvey shelter, which we had heard nice things about. It was very nice. A 0.4 mile walk to the spring and the bugs were not nice. One of our friends, Beat Box toot the time to walk a Beagle dog back down to the valley. He seemed lost, hanging around the shelter. A farmer knew the dog and said he would see get it back to its owner. Good guy that Beat Box.
Date: 2008-06-12
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Annapolis Rocks
Miles today: 18.2

Hiked with Rocksteady and Beat Box today. The trail has really flattened out over the past few days. There is a large group of hikers that are staying in close proximity. We have Bondi, Hotwheels, Shutterbug, Beat Box, Rocksteady, Slim, Bogey, Samson, Butters and Corley. We are all together to enjoy the sunset at Annapolis Rocks. Good times!
Date: 2008-06-13
From: Annapolis Rocks

To: Pen-Mar Park
Miles today: 16.4

Had a nice day hiking with Beatbox and Rocksteady (The Maine Boys). We did an A to Z listing of all the Hot Babes in the world, matching the first letter of their name to each letter in the alphabet. This was good for putting in some steady miles. X and Z were tough. Xena Warrior Princess was one, but Z stumped us. Ended up stealth camping at the gazebo in Pen-Mar Park, where we were eaten alive by bugs! Not much sleeping done on this night.
Date: 2008-06-14
From: Pen-Mar Park

To: Fayetteville, PA
Miles today: 17.9

After a buggy night stealthing at the park, we (Rocksteady, Beatbox and I) were on the trail by 5:30 am. We figured we got two hours of sleep after battling the bugs most of the evening. We thought we were several miles behind the main group (Hotwheels, Shutterbug, Butters, Sampson, Lady Cluck and Bondi), but after hiking for just a few tenths we discovered them just off the trail in the woods on the other side of Pen-Mar Park. They were in PA, and us MD. It was a scenic hike into Fayetteville for resupply. We had a few afternoon thunderstorms, but nothing major. I topped off the day with with Italian food from a little restaurant just off the trail on US 30. The rain helped Bondi, Sampson, Bones and I to split a fifty dollar motel room.
Date: 2008-06-15
From: Fayetteville, PA

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 2.6
Weather: clear sky

After a long walk back to the trail from the motel, we met a girl named April in the park who had seen us trying to hitch and struck up a conversation with us about hiking, and feeling bad she didn't give us a ride. We had planned to go for a swim at the State Park but decided against it when we were told it was not free to thru hikers. We had been told differntly. This April girl had been running in the park and saw us being shut down at the pool entrance. For whatever reason she offered to take us to Gettysburg to tour the battlefield. We got to see a Confederate regimen re-enact a firing of the cannons. Afterwards we went out for a late lunch at the Appalachain Brewing Co. What a sweet day. This made for a short day into Quarry Gap Shelter, but we all decided it was worth it.
Date: 2008-06-16
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Fuller Lake
Miles today: 18.3

Had a nice flat hike most of the day into Pine Grove Furnace State Park. The home of the 'Half Gallon Challenge'. I was the fastest of the day, finishing my 1/2 gallon of Neopolitan in 10'47". The only one listed in the log that did it faster was Bear Trap, with a time of 2'37" I don't believe it. I think he let it melt! BOOOOO! We are camped down by the stream in the park. Planning for 33 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2008-06-17
From: Fuller Lake

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 18.4

We had big aspirations leaving camp and putting 33 miles. As the milage indicates we did not make our goal. We are in beautiful Boiling Springs for the evening. Nice town! Ate another Half Gallon of Cookies n' Creme. I split it with a few other hikers. The whole crew is here tonight. Hotwheels, Shutterbug, Corley, Butters, Beatbox and Bondi.
Date: 2008-06-18
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Put in a big day to push to the Doyle Hotel. This famous stop on the AT. The Doyle was built by the Anheuser Busch family at the turn of the 20th century. The group all made it in and we had a nice dinner and listened to the juke box. A friend of Hotwheels picked us up and took his us to his home for the evening, so we did not actually stay at the Doyle. The plan is to go white water rafting tomorrow on the Youghiogheny River.
Date: 2008-06-19
From: Duncannon, PA

To: On the Youghiogheny River - Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Hotwheels friend Eric took us to the river. We spent the day rafting class III and IV rapids. Hotwheels and Shutterbug have been raft guides in N. Georgia for several years. Shutterbug was our guide and our first rapid, the 'cucumber', resulted in the whole raft flipping and everyone going for a swim. It was unexpected, but made the whole trip that much more fun. We are always asking ourselves how zero days can never be quite restful. We should be back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2008-06-20
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Clark's Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Got out of town today at 5:30 pm. Spent most of the day catching up with the crew. Watched several hikers wreck themselves on a Stromboli challenge at the Sorrento's Pizzaria. I wisely chose not to enter this contest. I needed to resupply and the grocery store was nearly a mile out of town so that took close to an hour after not being able to get a hitch. Sent my first set of journal entries out since my friend Phil Potter volunteered to help me out. Thanks Phil! Tomorrow is Summer Solstice so I'm hoping to put in a big day in recognition of the longest day of the year. Hope all is well in everyone's lives. Tailwinds, SUPERCHUNK
Date: 2008-06-21
From: Clark's Ferry Shelter

To: Peter's Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: few clouds

After a late start the group had all gathered around the next shelter and decided 6.8 miles was enough for the day. We decided that stopping here would put us in good position to make the famed 501 shelter where pizza delivery is available. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Everyone cooked lunch and dinner so as not to carry any extra weight. I'm feeling a little bummed about the low miles the past few days.
Date: 2008-06-22
From: Peter's Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

The Pennsylvania rocks are starting to take a toll on my feet. They are small, but do not allow your foot to make good contact with the ground. The terrain has been relatively flat, but the rocks make it less than enjoyable. Saw a huge rattlesnake late in the evening. Oddly I enjoyed this.
Date: 2008-06-23
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Got out of camp by 8am. That's a good start for me. The walk was scenic through an old mining village. Lots of old ruins along the trail. I met up with Sampson and Lady Cluck late in the afternoon and we cruised into the 501 together. Sadly, we learned that the pizza place is closed on Monday. Several people hitched into town, but I decided it would be best if I kept chipping away at my food bag. A late evening thunderstorm rolled in around 9:30. It was nice to be in the friendly confines of the 501 shelter. We watched the lightning show from the huge skylight in the middle of the shelter. After a few hours the storm had passed and I was A.T dreaming.