morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-16
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.6

"Via con dios" was what my mom said to me as her last words. I never knew what the saying meant, "Go with God!" I like that and will need all the help (and luck) I can get. The start to this journey was wet and lonely....No one for a couple of hours.I can't believe I allowed myself to do this after I promised I wouldn't. I started to get frustrated with Bono (trail name Scuff) early on when he was constantly pulling me making me walk faster than I wanted to. I tried to use my hiking poles to keep him from going ahead of me, but that wasn't working (I'll try again tomorrow). I then got so mad that I actually hit him with my hiking pole. I instantly felt so bad (all this was done of course for my dogs safety on the trail so he doesn't get into something he shouldn't or meet up with a local wildlife). It was at this point I think I encountered my first trail magic. I met up with this heavy-set lady wearing all yellow - she called herself "Waterfall." She told me there was a nice view of a (you guessed it) waterfall about 5 minutes down a blue blaze trail. I decided to check it out and I'm glad I did. Beautiful cascading waterfall that gave me such a great feeling inside. It was a turning point and I let go of all my tension.I passed "Waterfall" (I would have given her the trail name "Daffy" because of the yellow she wore) and made it into the shelter at 3 p.m. and let two gents know that Waterfall had asked me to ask if they (the hikers in the shelter) could save her a spot because she was feeling a bit chilled.....I did. Just then all the horror stories about how people don't like wet, muddy dogs on the trail came true when Scuff jumped up on the shelter floor and rubbed against this guys pack! The guy was obviously not happy and I apologized. Just then I met "Blue Sky" and his dog "Blue." He's hiking NB also. We chatted for a bit and quickly set up our tents to avoid the rain. He likes my tent and said he might get off the trail and pick one up and get back on at a later date. Chow time - Tuna mmmmmm!
Date: 2007-03-17
From: Hawk Mt Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Happy St. Patrick's Day!Before I write about todays events, let me say a few short words about my first night out on the AT.Freezing cold - windy - way below freezing - no sleep, but I'm not complaining (NC). It was a long, long night with my sleep system keeping me pretty warm, but Scuff was in bad shape. He was shivering uncontrollably and I felt real bad for him, so I pulled him into my sleeping bag to try and warm him up. It worked a little bit, but now I was cold (NC). I started second guessing my decision to take him and then the sun finally came up and we were both back to normal.3-17-07Morning came and the inside of my tent had ice crystals and frost. I was so happy to "see the light." When I lowered my food and Scuff's pack from the bear cable, Scuff's water bladders were frozen solid. Breakfast was oatmeal and tea.At first I couldn't get the stove to light because of the wind and the fact that my lighter did not work. Just then I remembered Dolores gave me waterproof/windproof matches and that did the trick. I was able to put something warm inside me. I packed up and left the shelter with my faithful hiking partner and encountered many Scout groups and day hikers along the way, all complimenting me on how handsome Scuff was. I climbed 3 mountains today, all over 2,500 ft. Arrived into Gooch Gap Shelter around 2:30 - set up my tent and settled in. I decided in going to cook a big supper since I haven't eaten anything substantial yet. I'm also considering getting water for my water bag so I can brush my teeth tomorrow. AHH the trail life!Just now a boyscout group came into the camp site. They are trying to figure out how to get 8 tents set up with only 4 tent sights left. I think Blue Sky and Blue set up tent. I'm going to check. Hopefully some sleep tonight (NC).
Date: 2007-03-18
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Bono had a much better night. It was again below freezing so I put my North Face jacket on him. I, on the other hand, chose the worst slanted tent site and spent the night sliding from 1 side of the tent to the other, not complaining (NC).My night was also filled with dreams (when I slept) of bears ripping apart my tent and eating me and my food and saving my dawg for dessert, since I decided to not hang my food and keep it in my tent.Got off to a 9 a.m. start with one mishap - forgot bono's night shirt at Gooch Gap Shelter. I left it hanging on a tree after being washed. When he went to squat and pee it was covering his pink-a-linky and he peed on it! That started out the morning with a good laugh! I'll miss the shirt though. It was a gift from mom that had a picture of a dog on a horse with the raines and his master on the back, drunk, and the caption was "Designated Driver."Hiking was by myself again today. It got quite warm, so I hiked in shorts and put sunscreen on. I got some trail magic from a guy who gave me a coke, I couldn't believe how good it tasted.There is lots of poison ivy along the trail. It's inevitable I will catch it. Hope I don't get it in the bad places, like between my fingers! A couple of Army troops crossed our path. I was sure to step to the side with Scuff at attention as they passed. If it wasn't for them, there would be no freedom to walk the Appalachian Trail.At days end my feet were a little tired with some hot spots (NC), but no blisters. Cooked some rice and helped Shalome finish her pasta and tuna. Tomorrow a hike into Neels Gap for some phone calls, gear check and resupply.
Date: 2007-03-19
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: broken clouds

Last night started off great as I fell deep asleep, only to be awakened by a hoot owl I swear was perched on top of my tent, while "Mike the Mouse" made his rounds about my tent. Scuff my protector lay fast asleep, snoring away (I think it's because my North Face jacket I have been dressing him with covers up his ears.). Oh well, I think I got 5 hours in (NC).Made it to Neels Gap which is a resupply store in which most of the employees have hiked the trail. The trail passes right through the store! They do a shakedown where they have you spill all your gear out on the floor so in order to help you shed weight. I think I sent home 10 lbs! which is a lot. Took a shower which cost $2.50 (boy did that feel great!) I did my own laundry, first time in 20 years!I decided not to sleep in a bed, but rather set my tent up out back. I'm about to check my laundry in about 5 minutes.I also called Home Base today (Chi-Chi) for items to be placed in my first mail drop - such as: - Bono's collar- Pair of rubber nunchucks- Velcro 1 wraps- TP- Loose flannel camp pants- North Face hiking tights- Yellow lighterTomorrow an 11 mile day so this short day was kind of needed - still have 5 months to complete this journey.Miss you all! See you soon!
Date: 2007-03-20
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

At about 3 a.m. I awoke to what I thought sounded much like a gun shot! Then I heard a scream! Then a car sped off! All this I heard (or was it my imagination?) down below where everyone, except me, slept. Then I remembered earlier that day one of the employees waving to a white van passing by and then turning to me and saying, "That's the Georgia House of Corrections van. They drive by here everyday and clean along the highway." Well right then it all fit. A group must have escaped and overpowered the guards and took their guns and escaped. They then went into the hiker hostel and shot, robbed and took everyone hostage. The one thing they didn't know was that I was up on the hill in my tent and they could not see me. Of course, when I woke up none of this ever happened. I know, I watch too much TV! I then woke at 5 a.m. and could not find Scuff! The wind had pulled a stake out and implowed the tent on him! So I had to get out my photon light and set it back up, not much sleep this night (NC).Today was a very warm day and Scuff showed signs of wear later on close to our destination at Low Gap Shelter. I carried his pack a ways for him. I just resupplied his dog food, so he was at 15 lbs. (me 43 lbs). I don't want to push him to early. I kept a close eye on him and he was first all senses working - sniffing - tail up when he came upon a stranger - so he's fine now after some food and more water. I know now that if I want to make my goal date with him, I will have to call Home Base for my headlamp and do some early morning hiking before the sun comes up to get my miles in. I'll do this midsummer.We got into camp around 3:30 and cooked (and burnt) noodles. A guy that had the same stove as me and who thru hiked South bound gave me some cooking tips (his name is Bugle). I did my chores. Bugs are getting bad - fed Scuff - brushed teeth - rubbed against poison ivy - shooting for the Cheese Factory site 12 miles away. After that 25 more miles and done GA.
Date: 2007-03-21
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory
Miles today: 13.0

Up at 6 a.m. to try and get some miles in before it got too hot. Cooked some oatmeal under the stars. Finished up my breakfast and saved a bit for Scuff's food to give him more calories. All pakced up and on the trail by 8:30 Hiked most of the day by myself. This ended up being a 13 mile day. Just to give everyone an idea on what kind of 13 miles it was - if you have ever done the Wapac Trail at Mt. Manadnock, my day was doing that trail 6 times with 45 lbs. on my back. At mile 50.5 you make a road crossing at Unicoi Gap. I was hanging with "Ninja" - taking a breather when a gentleman pulled up in his Chevy. We started talking for a bit - He's a section hikder (Trail name "Rags") who has logged in 850 miles so far! I asked if I could hitch a ride to town for some food, but I was worried about hitchin back. He said he would give me a ride back as well! We drove about 7 miles into town to McDonald's at which time I proceeded to order the whole Rt side of the board! 2 Big Macs - 2 Cheeseburgers - 2 fish - Large Fri and Large Coke. Oh yeah, also their new honey mustard grilled chicken wrap. Scuff and I were like two pigs in BLEEP as we feasted in the back of the guys truck on the way back to the trail head.It looked like it was going to rain as we walked on the ridge right by a tree that was struck by lightening. So, needless to say, we picked up the pace. It was about this time I hiked with "Kiwi." Kiwi wears all green and has a fuzzy head - much like a kiwi. We had some laughs along the way and pulled into the Cheese Factory camp to an awesome sight - Music - Food and Beverages! These two "Trail Angels" who have done the trail "Molly Trout" and "Slick B" (BF & GF) treated us to hamburgers, chicken, ice cream, chips, any type of beverage, stove fuel and scooby snacks, all by an open fire! It was awesome! Everyone had a grand time joining in the sing-a-longs. Scuff even did some entertaining with a dog show. They all loved it. There was also a guy named "No Reason" who has logged 16,000 miles - completing every major trail including the Pacific Crest - Continents/Divide - the AT and other trails I haven't even heard of. Tomorrow we are going to try and make it to Dick's Creek Gap for resupply.
Date: 2007-03-22
From: Cheese Factory

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got off to a late start and left at a slow pace out of the Cheese Factory site. All were still getting served breakfast by the Trail Angels. Hiked through fog and mist over Tray Mountain, stopped at noon for lunch. The clan caught up to me for a short break and then moved on. We finished our 12.5 mile day at Dick's Creek Gap and "Waffle", "M&M", "Kiwi", Scuff and I decided to split a room (the first room I have slept in since I have been on the trail.) I'll take the floor and let the others decide who will get the bed. Met up with "Rags" who was at the same hiker hostel we checked into. Gave us a ride to an all you can eat buffet and eat we did! Tomorrow I'm going to resupply and make it a "nero day." That when you hike just enough to log in miles and not make it a "0" day. My shin is getting a bit sore (NC) so I'm going to have to lighten my pack some how.Anyway, tomorrow is shopping in town with M&M and doing only 4 miles.
Date: 2007-03-23
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Plum Orchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: scattered clouds

What a treat to sleep in a bed! It's been a week and my body needed it. As my body toughens, I will be able to go a lot longer in the tent. The thing with having Scuff along is that I can't sleep in a shelter and have been in the tent since 3/16 (NC). Today was a low mileage day and like taking a day in a hiker hostel. I could tell I needed it. My pack is way too heavy and after the Smokies I will reevaluate the contents. I'd like it at 35 lbs. or less. My right shin is feeling the weight and I'm starting to get shin splints, not good. Also, my left foot toe nails are very sore from going down hill and cramming into the front of my boot (NC).Tomorrow I will be leaving GA! 13 More states to go and I'm home! In about 1 week I will reach the Great Smoky Mountains and I will have to say goodbye to Scuff for about a week. That will be hard. He has brought a lot of enjoyment to me and to all who has met him. I put my white bandana around his neck and soaked it. It seemed to help, but it's only going to get hotter. I hope he can make it all the way.The group in the shelter tonight is "Troll," "Double Bird," "No Reason," "M&M," "Retriever," Burt and two others, whom I did not get their names (father and son).Anyway, I think I'm repeating myself - not much is done during the day except walking (NC).
Date: 2007-03-24
From: Plum Orchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

12.2 mile day today and passed my first state line - and took pictures of Scuff and myself in front of the Gnarley Oak at the state line using my self timer. Other than that for my excitement it was like any other day - walking (NC).The life of a thru-hiker:Thru-hiker: An individual who attempts to hike a 2,000 mile distance in one uninterrupted push.PRE HIKE:Up with the sun (sometimes earlier)- Get food from bear hoist- Feed Scuff and put his pack on- Eat breakfast (sometimes not)- Wash cookwear- Brush teeth (sometimes not)- Pack clothes away- Pack journal and guide book away- Deflate and pack sleep pad- Pack sleeping bag - liner and pillow away- Pack toiletries and first aide away- Take down tent - pack away- Pack up footprint- Get water - purify water- Dig 6" cat hole for #2- Adjust trekking poles- Put shoes on and begin hikingPOST HIKE:- Arrive at shelter- Get water - purify water- Unpack pack- Put down footprint (goes under your tent)- Set up tent- Blow up air mattress and set up sleeping bag- Check food bag to see what to cook for supper- Set stove up and add fuel- Food ready in approx. 10 min- Clean pots - wash cloths (or not)- Brush teeth (or not) - Dig 6" cat hole- Hang food on bear cables- Look at guide book and figure goals for next day hike- Write in journal- Listen to IPOD (or not)- Talk to Scuff for a while- In my bag before 9 p.m.WAKE UP NEXT DAY AND REPEAT PROCESS FOR 5-6 MONTHS!
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Off to a pretty good start at 7:30 a.m. ¢ Scuff all fed and raring to go. Highest miles yet at 14.4 and my shin was feeling it (NC). My occasional bout with shin splints has happened in the past, so I¢m kind of concerned about that. This could possibly take me off the trail. I¢m still trying to stay positive¢¦..Said a few prayers today. #1 to keep Scuff safe (there have been sightings of snakes) and #2 that I haven¢t¢ already done irreversible damage to my shin and that all will be OK when I lighten my pack. When training for South Africa marathon I kept running on a shin splint (overuse) and turned into a stress fracture. I had to train in a pool since I couldn¢t make impact with my right leg. Oh well! Tomorrow another day and me and Aunty ¢M¢ (M&M) as Scuff calls her will go into Franklin, NC to resupply¢¦..Dog food and such. Just found out you can get tuna fish in a pouch instead of a can. Awesome! I love putting tuna in my noodles, but the cans were starting to weigh.Pretty flat most of the day until right at the end. Close to vertical the last 2 miles up Albert Mountain to Big Spring Shelter. Passed ¢Mr. Ed¢ writing in his journal. He was writing about how he made it to the top of ¢Albert¢ when he realized he forgot his camera and phone down at the bottom!! Well, I guess he had something to write about ¢ he was good spirited about it anyway. When we got into ¢Big Spring¢ there were 3 other teenagers already here. One kid got a picture of 2 bear cubs!! I think I will hang my food tonight!!!! Tomorrow I¢m going to call Home Base. Haven¢t checked in a while, no pay phones on these mountain ridges ¢ Go figure? I¢m excited to let Home Base know I will be in Hot Springs, NC on April 13 (270 miles in). It¢s going to be nice to see my Chi-Chi and have company from back home. It does get mighty lonely out here, I¢ll admit it! You are meeting a lot of cool folks, but it¢s not the same
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Budget Inn
Miles today: 9.1

First good night sleep since I got on the trail on 3/16/07, except for the first two nights when it was freezing. I have been sweating in my sleeping bag. I actually developed a heat rash between my legs which is obviously not good for hiking. What I did differently is put my silk bag liner over my air mattress and unzipped the bag and used it as a blanket. This allowed air to get in and made it not so hot. I'll get rid of the O bag after the Smokies which will lighten my load. Hiked 9 today with M&M sometimes in back - sometimes in front. Came down Winding Stair Gap to US 64 to another "Trail Magic" site. A local church group (there is 36 churches in Franklin, Population 10,000) had every kind of drink - snacks (sweet and salty). They also had TP and batteries. WOW! True Angels!! I can't wait to return the favor next year to the Class of 08 thru-hikers.Saw some huge blow downs (fallen trees) that dropped across the trail and needed to be cut and cleared. Also saw some nice trail work that is all voluntary. Also climbed Rock Cove Knob and was filming as I walked the log steps. I came upon what looked like trash in a beautiful cascading waterfall. Just as I was going to say, "This sight ruins everything," I realized someone (Trail Angel) had left about 40 Capri Suns in the ice cold stream for the taking! WOW!!! Did that make the climb worth it.At US 64 I had to wash Scuff off - he laid in a mud puddle in the middle of the trail. He looked so happy like a pig in poop - I just smiled as he laid in the cool plop! The shuttle guy came and picked us up and brought us to the hotel. We then went to an (AYCE) All you can eat free church buffet. It was great to see young and old alike working together to feed everyone. I donated $7.00 for the meal. After I did some resupply for dog food and such. Maybe now Scuff might slow down carrying his full load of food again (or not).
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Budget Inn

To: Licklog Gap
Miles today: 12.3

Today¢s theme should be called Humid and Buggy.Boy was it muggy ¢ sweated all day on the climbs. A group of black flies followed me the whole 13 miles from Winding Stair Gap and they wouldn¢t so much as bit you, but instead ¢ping and pang¢ you off the head. I did end up eating a couple ¢ couple went up my nose as well (not complaining LOL!!). It was the same bunch of flies the whole way. I know they were because they kept flying right between my eyes making me go cross eyed. So I gave each of them names ¢ Buzzy ¢ Wuzzy ¢ Wizzy ¢ Wazzy ¢ Dozzie ¢ Dizzy & Jack. Anyway, enough about bugs ¢ I¢m in my tent now and they can¢t get me ¢ HA HA!!!!Before we got a shuttle back to the trail, I went across the street to pick up Scuff a bandana since I lot his. It¢s an American Flag and I think it looks pretty cool on him and keeps him cool at the same time! Today was the same walking along with my favorite hiking partner (Scuff) and whistling my favorite song from The Wizard of OZ ¢If I only had a brain (I¢m really going to have to learn the words to that one!). I also had Dionne Warwick tune ¢Walk on By¢ in my head and sang that one for about an hour.I hiked passed my intended campsite and missed my water stop. I was supposed to camp with M&M and when she saw I wasn¢t there hustled to catch up to me. Needless to say, I¢m going to bed thirsty. Lesson learned!!! It ended up being a 13 instead of a 9 today. Just a couple more days and I get my first mail drop! Can¢t wait to drop some weight off my back (and shin). It¢s also going to be nice to get some letters from home. Literally with every step I take I think of everyone back home ¢ my family ¢ my girlfriend ¢ my students and their parents ¢ my friends ¢ my Bodi and every one else I come in contact with on a weekly basis. There¢s plenty of time to think!!! Tomorrow a 14 mile day to the Rufus Morgan Shelter. So I better sign off now.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Licklog Gap

To: Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Got up around 6ish and packed my things up and headed out on the AT. Hiked about the first hour or so to burnt forest on both sides of the trail? Wondered if it was controlled burning or not? Was actually able to get water before the next shelter and true to my promise to myself I drank a liter of Lemonade. The water was fresh and cold and I decided to take a chance and not purify it, so far so good. Just a couple of farts now and then, but no giardia. I decided to switch my water bladder to the left side of my pack so I wouldn¢t take the brunt of the impact on my right leg ¢ seemed to have helped, don¢t know why I didn¢t think of that earlier ¢UK BAR!¢ Right after descending into a gap it started to get steep ¢ REAL STEEP! And hot ¢ REAL HOT! Half way up Scuff decided to take a break ¢ where else? In a mud puddle on the trail. I took a photo of him and gave him a 5 min. break.I¢ve been hiking with diaper rash (least I think it was) for most of the day and to say it was bothering me is a small under statement. Where I came up with this next brilliant idea I don¢t know, but let me tell you I don¢t advise it! I decided to use Purell hand sanitizer on my problem area and I just about jumped 10 ft. up in this tree! The burning was incredibly intense for about 30 seconds and it took all my Martial Arts training not to let out this screeching scream! It did, however, feel good after the burning subsided, but again, I recommend a different remedy. After the burning episode, I stumbled upon a Roman Foot Bath! That¢s right, someone (maybe 50 yrs. Ago) built a cement foot bath and let me tell you, there is nothing! That makes your feet feel better after 6 hours of hiking mountain ridges than ice cold spring water! I took a 45 min. break and truly enjoyed it! Hiked all day with Scuff and was supposed to meet M&M at Rufus Morgan Shelter. I know she was ahead of me, but must have not seen it tucked back up in the gap? She didn¢t leave any note in the log book, so I decided to camp here by myself. ¢Swampfoot¢ showed around 6:30 and we had dinner together and marveled at tuna in pouches instead of cans! Tomorrows NOC and my mail drop ¢ YES!