morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Day 5

To: Low Gap Shelter (41.1 miles)
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Heading for Low Gap Shelter tonight. Rain first day, sunny since. Walking with Bill "Blitz" Wood from Sarasota until Fontana Dam in NC. Today there are 40-50 Boy Scouts following us (weekend hikers). Had toasted pop tarts for breakfast...different from the un-toasted ones. :>)
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Low Gap Shelter (41.1 miles)

To: Blue Mountain (mile 50)
Miles today: 0.0

Watched a beautiful sunset here on Blue Mountain. There are 15 other hikers staying at the shelter tonight. I chose to use the tent and stay away from the mice. I got to the site early this afternoon and was able to set up the ham radio and make two contacts. During the morning I saw 4 bears and one snake that I was unable to ID. I am having a wonderful time. My lungs are strong from years of biking but my feet ache. As Meigs said at the roast, "who ever saw Dennis walk anywhere?" My broken toe is healing slowly but the drop foot remains a problem.The photo here shows "First Timer" and "Oorah" (think of a Marine cheer "oorah"). I think this had to be the only time I saw "First Timer" with a clean shirt! He could have a shirt on for five minutes and it would attract dirt like a magnet. I told him his trail name should be "Pig Pen", like the character in the Charlie Brown comic strip Peanuts.In the morning the temperature is in 35-40F...cold for some but wonderful to me. Will be in a town in two days that has an all-you-can-eat steak house...can't wait! I've developed quite an appetite.DennisK1YPP
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Blue Mountain (mile 50)

To: Blue Gap
Miles today: 13.0

Day 7 already! Doing well...definitely do not have heart problems...not after the climb we had today. Foot holding up well though I do have a callous on my heal from not landing correctly; I think I may have a touch of drop foot the rest of my life.Sleeping cowboy style (no tent) tonight...signs of bears -- big bears...large logs tossed about and scratched earth. Needless to say, we hung everything up out of the bear's reach.We will walk about 5 miles tomorrow. At 3:30 a shuttle will take us into Hiawatha where we will stay at an inn. Oh, Comforts of Home! Will take the opportunity to wash my really smelly sleeping bag and resupply...low on everything.Am having a wonderful time. Miss you all,Dennis
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Blue Gap

To: PlumOrchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Hi Everyone:I'm at the Hiawassee, Georgia Library and don't have long to type this. Haven't figured out how to get the picture from the camera to this journal. I did send them to myself in email, guess you'll have to wait to see the until later.I don't have time to answer all of you that have written in the guest book, but I did read them all. If I can get more time somewhere on the Internet I will try to.Having a great hike. We're at about 65 miles now, should be in North Carolina in a day or two. Staying at the Hiawassee Inn tonight. One of the owners, Ron, likes to point out that the motel and old house behind it very closely resemble the screen set for the Hitchcock 1960 thriller, "Psycho", I have to admit, he has a point. He should have told us when we were leaving though...Had three bears roaming around the campsite last night, so it made for an interesting evening. We were not at a shelter, just camped on the side of the trail. Actually, they were well behaved and just tore old tree stumps apart looking for grubs and didn't bother us, or our food bags hanging trees. "Blitz" suggested we bark like dogs with the first bear and the bear took off like its tail was on fire, it really worked. They hunt bears in this neck of the woods with dogs.The others went back to sleep, "Blitz" and two young fellows that showed up. I was too nervous, that first bear was really close. Later, about 1:30 AM I was still on guard duty when the second bear showed up, a full-grown, massive male. The others stayed asleep, I couldn't get them interested in our visitor. I didn't bark at this guy, I figured he just might have dog collars in his scat!So far I have had contact with a total of 7 bears, Georgia has lots of bears. However, for being a bother, the mice are at the top of the food chain. They're everywhere and run over you head at night while you sleep, and get into your pack and squeal and carry on.Eating like a horse and may have already lost some weight. Going to Daniels Steakhouse tonight, all you can eat for $6.00! We'll put them out of business!I have worked a few amateur radio contacts thus far, TN and RI.Gotta go, take care all.Dennis "K1YPP
Date: 2007-05-26
To: Siler Bald
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I will be staying at Siler Bald tonight. The Bald at 5,216 feet was named for William Siler whose great grandson, Reverend A. Rufus Morgan, helped establish the A.T. in North Carolina. The U.S. Forest Service clears and maintains the bald which has a grassy summit with spectacular (and nearly 360 degree) views from Tray Mountain to the Great Smoky Mountains. Wayah Bald, about six trail miles north, can also be seen to the north. Bill "Blitz" went off the trail to go white water rafting and will join me in about 2 days cause I will be having a zero day at that point. I am currently walking with two people from Quebec (french accent a delight!). Her name is Chantale and his is Frederick. Chantale has already had two rattlesnakes coiled up in strike mode waiting for her on the trail!Eating a lot but have lost about 5 lbs. Meigs was right to roast me about riding my bike everyone; not walking. My feet hurt! No blisters, just not used to the walking.Mileage from Katahdin: 2056.6Mileage from Springer: 110.5State: Tennessee/North Carolina BorderMiles off AT: 0.5Hiking Miles to Next Shelter:# 8.0 miles South, Rock Gap Shelter# 12.6 miles North, Cold Spring ShelterElevation: 4600 ft.
Date: 2007-06-02
From: Molly Ridge Shelter

To:  Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 141.0
Weather: light rain

A few nights ago, I joined other hikers for a beer and conversation. When asked if I wanted another beer, I replied "No thanks, I want to remain celibate tonight". I meant to say sober. Where "celibate" came from I don't know; needless to say, I have been teased ever since.Last night I stayed at the Molly Ridge Shelter. County/State: Blount TNElevation: 4570' 173.9 miles from Springer and 2000.1 miles to Katahdin. This morning as I crossed the Fantana Dam, I had to wait half an hour for a large bear to leave the trail....that's my 9th bear sighting. Further down the trail there was a 4-5 lb bear scat...I'm glad I did not run into that large animal.Tonight I will stay at the Derrick Knob Shelter County/State: Sevier TNElevation: 4880' 185.6 miles from Springer and 1988.4 miles to Katahdin. I hope to take a zero day in Gatlinburg TN on Monday or Tuesday...for those who read Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" this is the town where Katz had a run-in with the husband of a women he met in the laundrymat. (editorial note: I stand corrected, in the book it was Waynesboro, VA, my bad)
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Green Corner Rd

To: Roaring Forks Shelter
Miles today: 34.0
Weather: broken clouds

I'm at the Standing Bear Hostel, a rustic Tennessee old farm hostel. 237 miles so far. Doing well and another beautiful day. The night before last I was at the Tri-Corner Shelter up about 5500 feet and we had one heck of a rain storm, I would guess about 12" of rain an hour, along with high winds!I'm out of the Smokies now and heading for Hot Springs, NC, should be there in two or three days.While in the Smokies I ran into a southbound hiker, trail name "The-long-walk-home". He is hiking the trail BAREFOOT!!! He is doing it as a protest to bring light to the fact that so many of us veterans do not get any decompression time from the combat zone to being released back into public life. He is a Vietnam Vet that is trying to bring about change in that policy and get more medical attention for those returning vets that may need it. Check out his site at: http://thelongwalkhome.org/ He has a journal on his website, just click on "Ron's journal". What a brave guy! Most of the hikers call him "Mr. Tyvek" because he has ALL of his gear wrapped up in Tyvek, a material used to help insulate homes before they put the siding on. Oh, and I am certain, even though he never asks, that he could use donations, there is a place to donate on the site.I should be on air on the ham radio tonight on 40 Meters.See ya...
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Roaring Forks Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I'm in Hot Springs, North Carolina! Darn, no Dairy Queen! Stayed at Elmer's Hostel last night, had to sleep in the woodshop, the Inn was full, but they just couldn't turn me away. They did have a mattress there and I slept like a baby, it was sheer bliss.I practically ran the last 3.5 miles as I was being pursued by a rather nasty thunderstorm, it caught me about 20 minutes from town, coming down the mountain. Lightning, heavy rain, wind, hail, it had it all. I was one wet puppy when I got to the hostel.Had a confrontation with a very large black snake the day before yesterday. It was coiled and ready to strike, when I can post photos I'll show you. I finally got it off the trail, but then it climbed into a tree at head height, it was angry!I was on the amateur radio today and talked to a fellow in Indiana and one in Michigan. The radio weighs about 4 pounds and the country around here is so rough I am forced to mail it ahead to Damascus, VA so I can carry more food. My body weight is dropping severely and I need to take more calories in. The last two days from Green Corners, TN to here were by far the most challenging of the hike so far, I would guess there must be on the order of 8000 feet of climb; maybe more, I don't have book with me here at the library.I ate at Deer Park Shelter last night, just before the storm started and consumed over 2000 calories, then, three hours later I went to the local resturant and had a meal that easily had 3000, and I was still hungry! It never ends!It will be at least another five days before I hit another town, some serious wilderness ahead, so you may not see an update from me, but Jane has been wonderful keeping it up to date when I can get a call through.Take care all...Dennis
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Erwin, TN

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 33.0
Weather: clear sky

Stayed here a few hours while it rained, hailed, and was generally too bad to hike. I will travel a few more hours before sunset and pitch tent.Yesterday I walked 24 miles; today so far only 9 miles because of the very steep terrain.Hogback RidgeCounty/State: Madison NCElevation: 4255'311.8 miles from Springer and 1862.2 miles to Katahdin
Date: 2007-06-14
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Erwin Tenn
Miles today: 33.0

Staying in Erwin Tn. It is stormy and I am happy to be in a bed tonight. Went into town and ate at a Mexican Restaurant and on my way back stopped at a Hardy's for a milkshake and a meal...I am ALWAYS hungry.Today I was playing trail tag with a man and his two scout sons. I stopped for lunch and they continued on. Having finished lunched, I proceeded down the trail and spotted them frozen in the path. Apparently they had stopped to eat in a place filled with bear scat. The father had opened a can of salmon and instead of drinking the liquid, spilt it on the ground. Yup, within 5 minutes they had a large bear approaching. I told them that the 4 of us looked like a big animal to the bear and we walked forward slowly. The bear retreated and I become the bear expert...at least to the three of them.
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Erwin Tenn

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: moderate rain

Was glad I stayed in a hostel last night...we had horrendous lightening storms. I have been dodging the storms all day. The family that met a bear and I have been been crossing paths: I on foot, they in a car/ I saw them in town and at road passes...I guess one encounter with a bear was enough for them.I plan to stay at the Cherry Gap shelter tonight. Its suppose to rain all night with the temp in the low 50's. Tomorrow will be in the 70'sCherryGapCounty/State: Unicoi TNElevation: 3900'355.1 miles from Springer and 1818.9 miles to Katahdin
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Stayed in the hammock tonight and it is raining. Starting to get into my stride...Should be in Damascus on Thursday.Ran into a group of hikers today, two moms and three daughters. I loved the Mom's trail names: "Thelma and Louise". I declined a ride in their convertible!
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 78.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hope to stay at the Iron Mountain Shelter tonight. 433.6 miles from Springer and 1740.4 miles to Katahdin. From here, I hope to get to Damascus tomorrow, Friday the latest. I really need a couple of zero days...my body is feeling the strain.Today at 5:15 I ran into a mother bear with her three cubs. I started talking as if I was a crowd and moved in an arc about 200 ft from her. Was glad to leave her behind!
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 18.0

Here in Damascus, VA. Taking two zero days. I think I have seen the record number of bears for anyone this year thus far. (15) I think this is because I mostly hike alone and don't make much noise. The triplet cubs were extremely cute, but mom wouldn't let me hug them :>)Feeling great but way too thin. Spending a few days just eating and resting. Having the time of my life and meeting some very interesting folks. Sorry I haven't been able to get to a computer with some serious time to answer everyone, at some point that will happen. Great to hear from you all.At this point I am about 20% of the way by distance and a bit more by time. The trail is supposed to be easier in Virginia, so I should make better time, we'll see. Today is 39 days on the trail.Still no Dairy Queen, had to settle for a local Dairy King yesterday, but nowhere near as good!Take care all...Dennis, "K1YPP"
Date: 2007-06-30
To: VA617
Miles today: 84.3

Thursday I played leap frog with a fellow hiker. I had stopped for a break when I heard her screaming about 400 feet ahead of me. My first reaction was "Oh, no! A bear." I picked up my walking stick and sprinted to help her. Fortunately she was screaming out of joy: some had left some trail magic, to her delight. Unfortunately, I hurt my leg. I limped into a shelter on Friday night very late and completely soaked...because I could not out walk the thunder storm. The fellow campers were very helpful and I set in quickly.Saturday I made it to the highway and some very nice people took me by car to a medical center 30 miles away. I did not break anything but pulled a muscle. The doctor says if I stay off of it for a few days I should be able to continue the hike. These kind people let me stay with them in a hotel and refused to let me pay for it. I am amazed by their kindness and generosity. Tonight I took them out to eat and we had wonderful conversation.TomorrowI will stay in a shelter to rest my leg and if my leg feels well enough, I will walk leisurely to the next shelter which is only a few miles further. I hope to be in Bland (about 30 miles away) in a few days. I will then take a zero day there. Hopefully this injury will only delay me a few days...I am looking foward to continuing the hike.
Date: 2007-07-01
From: VA617

To: Chestut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I am on top of the world, king of the mountain! This shelter is wonderful--stone walled, door, privy, lightening rods, panoramic view, and cell connection. I couldn't ask for more, except perhaps to have Jane here.Leg is doing better...I babied it today and walked very slowly...seems as if I am on the mend. If all goes well and I can keep up this pace, I will be in Bland in two days...I am looking forward to my first DQ on the hike. Also will have forwarded food and mail...Still thinking about taking a zero there...will see if I need to.
Date: 2007-07-05
From: Chestut Knob Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 40.0
Weather: broken clouds

I was able to operate in a ham radio contest two weeks ago at Damascus, VA. It was lots of fun for me and I was very please with how my homebrewed radio worked so well.I've hiked up to Bland, VA now, 580 miles. About 50 miles back I injured my lower right leg trying to rescue a fair damsel in distress. Turns out she was screaming about something that was making her happy, she found some food left for thru-hikers, and she was low on food, but in the process of sprinting with a full pack this 60 year old man tore a muscle. I've spent the last two days trying to do some recovery, staying in a motel directly across the street from a Dairy Queen, life is good!When I leave this library I will attempt about 11 miles today, so far the leg feels okay. I'm in an area of VA that should allow for 20-25 mile days once the leg works correctly.A few days back I hiked through the Grayson Highlands. It is a large preserve that has wild ponies roaming there. It was spectacular! The terrain more closely resembled Colorado than anything in the east. It was very dry, almost desert-like and was loaded with large rock outcroppings.I managed to mangle my water filter pump trying to pump water that was so dirty it totally clogged the pump and I forced it. I was able to hitch some rides back to Damascus, VA (about 80 miles away) and get the pump fixed, so my water situation is much improved. I carry purification tablets as a backup. The area with the dirty water was near the Chestnut Knob Shelter, and the area there was fabulous! The shelter actually had a door on it and bunks! It was at about 4000' and the view was stupendous. Too bad the water situation there is so bad.Anyway, time to hit the trail again, thanks to all that write and sign the guestbook, it is great to hear from you all.Dennis "K1YPP"
Date: 2007-07-20
From: Sarasota, Florida

To: Sarasota Florida
Miles today: 0.0

On Friday, July 20, 2007, Dennis underwent open heart surgery and had 6 bypasses. He is recuperating at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and should be home in about 5 to 6 days. His desire is to finish the trail next year...he only has 1600 miles to go!
Date: 2007-07-28
From: Sarasota Florida

To: Back to the trail
Miles today: 0.0

Hi Everyone:Jane entered the previous update for me, since I was in surgery at the time have a 6 -artery bypass done on my heart. All has gone extremely well! I came home on Thursday and am already walking several miles a day. I would walk more, but the surgery involves removing an artery from the leg to repair the heart and my right foot is swelling because I have been walking too much, go figure.I have to keep the leg elevated so won't spend much time on the computer for a few more days, just wanted all to know that I feel great!See ya.Dennis
Date: 2007-10-03
From: Back to the trail

To: Recovery!
Miles today: 0.0

Just an update on my progress since the heart surgery. I'm doing very well. I have started riding my bicycle again, although not too aggressively, things still hurt. I had a flat tire riding today, so only did 5 miles. I'm feeling strong but the physical therapists still recommend no heavy lifting yet...guess that means no 35 Lb pack? The medical care I have received thus far in Sarasota is second to none, they are exceptional. I highly recommend coming here for your heart surgery, but then I would really recommend you avoid having it if at all possible :>)On Wednesday, October 17th I will be doing a lecture/slide show of my hike at the Phillippi Creek Mansion for the Appalachian Trail Club of Florida. The lecture will concentrate on the people that one meets on the trail. It starts with a pot-luck dinner at 6:30 PM and then the lecture at 7:30. Please do join us if you can. It is free, just bring some food to share and a plate, knife and fork and a cup for free soft drinks. They're a great crowd and I promise I will keep the lecture as full of humor as possible. So, if all goes well, this adventure continues in May. I'm sure the bears miss me!I can't wait! Thanks for all the supportive emails, you're a great bunch!
Date: 2007-11-07
From: Recovery!

To: Virginia in May
Miles today: 0.0

I'm feeling great! The surgeons did a fine job. I'm just about back to normal now. I'm riding 20-30 miles a day on the bicycle, and really enjoying it. Thank goodness for modern medicine.I was looking through some photos of the hike and realized I hadn't posted the one of the Gnarled Oak. It is an impressive old tree that one encounters after just crossing the GA and NC border. It is at the top of a rather substantial climb. I was a bit nervous during the climb, there was lots of tall grass and crickets and grasshoppers everywhere, ideal conditions for snakes that feed on them. Last month's meeting of the A.T. Club of Florida was fun. I did the presentation on my hike so far, and the people I've met and we had lots of laughs. It is a fun bunch, join us if you get the chance, the next meeting is on Tuesday, 20 November, 2007 (we usually met on Wednesday, but it is Thanksgiving week). I no longer have the ham radio that I built for the trip. I had it sent back to me from NH, but instead it went to one of the outfitters along the way. They opened the box and somehow managed to lose the radio. They didn't know who it belonged to, it didn't have my address on it. Oh well, such is life. Maybe I'll just buy some small commercially manufactured radio for the rest of the hike, I don't have time to build another; too bad, it was working so well. I should have been more careful about the shipping.Jane keeps telling me that I have to win the lottery so she can finish the rest of the hike with me, any advice on how one wins the lottery? :>)Take care and have a wonderful Thanksgiving season, my favorite holiday. Why wouldn't it be, it involves a big meal and being with friends and family, what could be better?Dennis "K1ypp"
Date: 2007-11-19
From: Virginia in May

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Good news, the outfitter found my radio! I don't know how it became lost to begin with, but it showed in the mail a few days ago. It seems to be in good working order. One of the batteries popped out of its holder, but that worked in my favor because somewhere along the way the power switch was turned on, and the batteries would have gone dead if that one had not fallen out.Now to see if I can reduce its weight somehow; probably not by much. The alternative is a redesign, and build something smaller. The other choice is something commercial radio, I could probably find something on ebay for about $350-$400 that would work out, but I hate to part with the money. A commercial radio could eliminate having to carry a shortwave radio and a two-meter walkie-talkie; everything would be in one radio.I don't use the radio that often, and tend to use it when not around other hikers, hikers frown on technology disturbing the peace in the forest, and I agree. Even cell phone calls are usually done in private away from the campers. It is nice to have the two meter radio for emergencies, usually someone can be reached from just about anywhere on the trail, whereas cell phones don't have very good coverage out there. I can envision a scenario where there would be a rattlesnake bite and no way to call for help, so the radio ads a certain comfort, hopefully, I will never need it.Have a great Thanksgiving everyone; it is my favorite holiday. Why not? Food, family, and friends, what could be better?For the final word on the hike, check out my book Three Hundred Zeroes. It can be found on Amazon.com.
Date: 2007-08-10
To: Going back out!
Miles today: 0.0

Good news, going back out!Went to the doc today.. he gave me a cortisone shot and said that there was no reason I couldn't start hiking again this weekend. So I'm leaving tomorrow I'm switching my journal over to the AT 07 one, since I won't be able to do the Long Trail this year. Maaaybe after I finish the AT I'll do a SOBO LT hike? That might be getting ahead of myself a bit.Need to pack! Rutland tomorrow night, on the trail by Sunday AM.