morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-09
From: Home

To: Amicolola Falls, GA
Miles today: 0.0

I am now finished with my preparation for my thru-hike (or at least as complete as I can be, at this point), and am about to hit the road to Georgia, making a stop in Tennessee to visit my sister. The past few days have been really stressful. Being the great procrastinator that I am, I left a huge chunk of planning and preparation for the final days before I departed. We were originally scheduled to leave yesterday morning, but after a tearful breakdown in front of my mother, we pushed departure back one day. I was up through all hours of the night last night, as well, but do believe that I have everything covered. Almost everything. I still need to get a knife, and a rope to hang my food. A shovel, as well. I can get those on the trip there, though. My list of equipment is as follows:Arcteryx Khamsin 52 backpackMarmot "Home Alone" bivy tent0 degree mummy sleeping bag (synthetic)Thermarest 3/4 length sleeping pad1 set of thermal underwear1 pullover windbreaker1 short sleeve polyester hiking shirt2 pair hiking pants 1 pair cotton cut off shorts (for town)2 longsleeve shirts2 pair hiking socks1 pair camp socks1 pair camp sandals1 pair REI Spirit V hiking boots5 piece cookware set1 fork/knife/spoon combo1 MSR Superfly Stove3 4.5 oz fuel canisters1 food bag, equipped with 5 days worth of food (2 servings each on dinners and breakfast portions, and a jar of peanut butter for lunch, with wheat thin crackers)1 headlamp1 flashlight1 Sweetwater Guardian Water filter1 bottle of iodine water drops1 toothbrush1 container toothpaste30 day supply of multivitamins and ibuprophen1 pack towel1 bottle camp soap1 (30 day) packet of Noxema face cloths3 camp-size rolls tp1 deoderant stick1 brush1 emergency blanket1 nalgene bottle (1 liter size)1 platypus bladder (2 liter size)1 journal1 hiking hand book2 pens 1 wallet (emergency cash, etc)1 Canon Elph camera1 first aid kit, including:   duct tape   ibuprophen   bandaids   moleskin   gauze    tape   iodine wipes   alcohol wipes   ace bandage6 rolls of film3 boxes waterproof matches3 lighters1 portable radio/cassette player w/ headphones3 tapes1 cane (my walking stick)I think that's it for now...as mentioned earlier, I still need to grab a couple more items, but believe I am about ready for this hike! Looking forward to April 12th!!!
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: A nice camping spot
Miles today: 8.2

Well, I woke up this morning with some horrible and scary-looking blisters. My best bet would be to NOT put my boots on today. So, I bid a fond farewell to all the hikers that morning, most of whom I had been hiking with for a few days, and sat down at the shelter. At about noon, I got bored, and after a few people had come into the shelter to catch a lunch and a quick break, I decided I was hiking that day. So, I put on my camp sandals, packed up my gear, and left for the day. A few miles up the trail, I ran into a scout group, and one of the men asked me how my feet were doing. I was a bit puzzled as to how these complete strangers knew about my blisters, but I said they were not doing great, but that I was hiking in sandals to prevent any further damage. This person then told me that one of my fellow hiking buddies had heard that I was staying behind because of the blisters, and passed along a message to me to not give up, and to be careful. That put me on a high for the rest of the day. To think that someone out there, after knowing me for just a few days, would be so thoughtful as to send along a message of encouragement to me. I passed Woody Gap, and kept continuing on, realizing that I may soon have to find a spot to pitch tent by myself, as the shelter was still a good 6 or 7 miles away, and I would not be making it in the light, at this point. So, I scrambled over Big Cedar Mountain, and stopped at Dan Gap. I was tired, and had decided to go ahead and cook my meal, and continue on until dark..so I could get a few more miles in. The meal gave me quite a bit of energy, and I hiked on a few miles further until I came across someone soaking their feet from a bridge in a stream. I came up upon this person, and realized it was Lee, a hiker who I had been meeting up with at the previous few shelters. He was quite surprised to see me, as he had heard I was going to take a zero. I then learned he was the one that passed along the message, and thanked him for that. Just beyond this stream was a little camping area that a few other hikers had made it to (including John and Charlotte, and Tortoise), so I pitched tent, and had the most restful night on the trail that I've had so far. Hopefully my feet will be in good condition to hike w/ the boots tomorrow, as I have now worn quite a little blister in between my toes from the sandals! We shall see!
Date: 2003-04-16
From: Stream after Granny Top Mountain

To: Bird Gap
Miles today: 4.0

Today was an easy day...just 4 miles. I was able to wear the boots today, but will put off Blood Mountain until tomorrow, as I do not want to take the chance of further damaging my heels. I camped out at Bird Gap with John and Charlotte, after realizing the shelter was almost half a mile off the trail. I did check out the shelter, sans pack, to see how it was. It was not special enough to take all my belongings down there to check it out, so Bird Gap it was. A group of scouts joined us that night, along with Mountain Jack. We had a nice, relaxing day, followed by quite a beautiful evening. Off to conquer Blood Mountain tomorrow!!
Date: 2003-04-19
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Helen, GA
Miles today: 10.0

The day was somewhat sunny today! Yes! I got up this a.m. and took all my belongings to the shelter, after everyone had cleared out. I hung everything out, dusted and dried it all off, and then packed up to leave. It was about 10 before I finally took off. I feel a lot better today. I had a decent night's sleep, ate well, and am getting dried out, after 2 days. I headed off, and ran into a few people that I thought were way ahead of me on the trail, and walked with them for a while. I thoroughly enjoyed the day. I took a lot of breaks, just to be able to sit down and enjoy the scenery, and didn't really care where I made it at the end of the night. I came across Blue Mountain Shelter around 4, and decided to grab a bite to eat, and head on a little further. Another hiker was just pulling off just before I did, and mentioned that he was going into town for the night, and I had a ride if I could get down there around the same time as himself. I had planned on grabbing a camp site a little closer to Unicoi Gap, so I could wake up and go in on Sunday but, before I knew it, I was at the road. It was about 6:30-7, and darkness would come soon, so I was stuck with a slight dilemna. I could hike up a little further north, find the first campsite, and come back down the next morning, or just go into town tonight. I talked to the other hiker who was going into town, and he somewhat convinced me that it would be better to go into town. His ride, though, was waiting on another person, whom he thought would have been there by now - - but wasn't. Another female hiker was also coming down the mountain to go into town later, and also offered me a ride into town, so I took their ride. Driving into Helen, she introduced me to her brother and his wife as Martha, which is what she kept calling me throughout the day, even though I corrected her several times. I just gave up, and became Martha through the 15 minute drive into town. What else can you do? So, we drove to the Econolodge, I thanked them for the ride, got my room, hung out all my clothes (again), took 3 showers, and just relaxed for the rest of the evening. I'll be here until Monday, so I am in no hurry to get things done.
Date: 2003-04-28
From: Rainbow Springs Campground

To: Wine Springs Campground
Miles today: 13.0

I started out today at the Rainbow Springs Campground, after spending almost a zero day there, waiting for Monday to roll around so I could jump on into Franklin, NC, and pick up a mail drop. I went into town with Wildflower, who also had a mail drop, and we picked up our drops, went shopping for more supplies, had a quick meal, and stopped by the library. Just before our library stop, an old, crazy-looking man drove up in a beat up car, and offered us a ride. He had no teeth, and a yappy, rambunctious, one-eyed chihuahua in the car with him, who kept taking turns running over to the window to bark at us and running to the old man to bite him on the arm. We politely declined after seeing the dog behave, and after finding out that he had no idea how to get back to NC 64, much less the trail itself. We then stopped off at the library for a moment, to use the internet. As we were walking out of town to get back to the trail, we ran into Curly Dan, Rain and Shine, 3 hikers I had met a few days before, at Standing Indian Shelter. We also ran into Goof, a former AT and PCT thru-hiker who was back on the trail this year, to hike into Damascus for trail days. Wildflower knew him from the PCT trail, as they had hiked the same year, and they caught up for a while. We soon got back on the trail, and I stopped at Siler Bald shelter for a bit, to grab a bite to eat. As I started walking out, I ran into Nature Boy, who was going to settle there for the night. I ended up stopping at a camping area near Wine Spring, just after dark, in the company of many other hikers, including Wildflower, Magic Rat, Spin, Cheesecake, Goof, T-Bone, Red Dirt, Goodwill, and Andre (among others...it was too dark to really chit-chat w/ everyone). I ended up camping a bit away from the other hikers, with Wildflower...and we had a hell of a time hanging our food bags. One strike against us was the weight from the new mail drop; the other being that we were hanging them after dark. After quite a time, we got them up (somewhat), and Wildflower realized she had forgotten to put a few granola bars in her bag. She ended up tying them to the tree, which was a bit of a funny site. Anyway, on to Wesser Bald Shelter tomorrow, and the NOC after that!
Date: 2003-05-01
From: NOC

To: Over Sassafrass
Miles today: 12.0

What a day yesterday. Started at about 8:30 after like a half hour of sleep, and made it into the NOC around 10:30-ish. GREAT bacon cheeseburgers and nachos! MMMM! We ended up piling into one of the motel rooms after a crazy day of thunderstorms and hail...myself, Magic Rat, T-Bone, Red Dirt, Andre, Spin, Cheesecake and Moss. Cool group. Anyway, hoping to make it over to Fontana Dam by Saturday AM. Peace!
Date: 2003-05-12
From: Hot Springs

To: The Doctor's Office
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up this morning, unable to talk. 'Great,' I thought, 'I have to get directions to the doctor's office, in a town I am unfamiliar with, and I can't even talk.' So, I got my journal out, a pen, my wallet, and headed out. I stopped by the visitor's center, wrote down my questions, and was soon on my way. Unfortunately, the office didn't open until 9, (it was 8), so I decided to go to the store to get some juices and jello - the only thing I could manage to eat, at this point. I got to the doctor's office at 9, wrote my predicament down for the clerk, and she turned around and wrote down questions for me. That almost made me giggle. I guess she thought I was deaf and dumb. I made an appointment for 9:15, and was soon called back. The nurse did all preparatory work, and took a throat culture, just in case I had strep throat. She asked me all the normal questions that you get when you're at the doctor, and then asked if I drank, smoked, or CHEWED. I'll have to say that was the first time I've had a nurse ask me not only if I drank or smoked, but if I chewed as well. I found this a bit humerous as well. After all the preliminary checks and questions, I found myself waiting in one of the rooms for a LONG time. The doctor came in a while later, checked my lymph nodes, temp., blood pressure, and everything else, asked me about the hike, and then told me the news. I did, indeed, have strep throat. He then let me know I wouldn't be hiking for at least 3-4 days, and gave me my treatment options. I could either take penicillin orally, which takes a few days to kick in, or get a shot, which takes 24 hours to kick in. Well, let's see...I couldn't swallow anything, couldn't talk, could barely breathe...what should I do? I took the shot. Little did I know that the shot would be a nice shot in the ass. So, after the doctor's visit, I hobbled back to Elmer's (yes, hobbled. A shot in the ass makes you a bit sore), and went to sleep. I was beat at this point. I was tired, sick, weak, and couldn't eat or drink. I just wanted to sleep for 24 hours, so the shot could kick in and I could start healing, but I couldn't. I kept waking up every couple of hours, full of dehydration, in cold sweats, and flat out miserable. I was starving, too, but all I could manage to get down me were a couple of sips of water, tea, or juice every couple of hours. I hope this penicillin kicks in soon, because I don't think I can last long without eating. Not with the hunger!
Date: 2003-05-16
From: TRAIL DAYS!!!

To: TRAIL DAYS!!!
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I think today was the official start for Trail Days. We spent a lot of the time carousing the vendor area, and catching up with hikers we knew.The set-up was somewhat like a carnival, with a few less rides. There was a rock climb, to which Magic Rat and Moss took the challenge, and a few other little hokey things. After a good while, we all decided to get back to the campground, where it sounded like a party was rearing it's head. At the campsite, we were joined by a group of other hikers, who decided to camp out with us: Backdraft, Thoreau, Ted (who soon became superfly later that night, after tearing off one of his toe nails), and Backtrak. We all had brought back a bit of beer, and started in on the drinking. Moss and I got a bit bored, so we decided to go cruise the other areas of the campground - - notably the fire ring that had the drum circle. That was a great scene. Tons of hikers, passing around the various bongoes, djembes, congas, and a variety of other drums, while others just danced around the ring, and even more just hung out to enjoy it and take it all in. Moss had a bit of a background in percussion, and decided to get up there and join in, while I hung out on the sidelines with Peach Monkey. What a good time. Sometime, late in the night, we all dispersed and called it a night. Can't wait or tomorrow!
Date: 2003-05-17
From: TRAIL DAYS!!!

To: TRAIL DAYS!!!
Miles today: 0.0

Today, a few of us woke up, hurting a little bit. We found out that, soon after we left the drum circle (or at least after I left), a bit of a shuffle ensued, to which the police showed up and politely escorted one gentleman, who had apparently gotten on everyone's nerves, away. Glad I missed that.Anyway, after slowly rising up from the dead and having some breakfast, we started shuffling around town again. CloudWalker showed up around noon, and found us all. I'm glad to see him; we were all worried that he'd miss out on all the festivities. A little while later, we all headed out to the Hiker Parade. This is where all hikers (from this year, last year, and all previous years) join up and walk down the main street of Damascus....all the while being bombarded with water balloons, water guns, and other water paraphanalia. A few of us were drenched and a few of us drenched others, but it was all in good fun. Quite refreshing, too, because it was a little warm that day. The parade ended at the "carnival," and we all mulled around for a while. Then, me, Moss, Magic Rat, Nova, and Tito decided to grab some food at the Sidetrack. Of course, on our way out, we picked up a little more "provisions" for tonight's party.We all made it back to the campground, and the entire group that was camping with us sat around the campfire, sharing stories, drinking, and just having a good time. A few of the guys decided to head down to The Old Mill, but the rest of us opted to hang out by the fire. Then, of course, it started to rain. It wasn't too bad at first, so I stayed w/ another hiker, by the fire ring, so I could keep my chair. Then it really started pouring, so we all took refuge under this tent awning (the people in the tent had gone into another town). Well, this tent awning was not very sturday. In fact, it started collecting lots of water, and threatened to collapse. So, we took turns holding the top of the awning up, so the water would drain, and it wouldn't collapse on us. This only helped partially, though, and the entire tent started to lean. We then tried setting the tent back up for these people, which kinda helped, but we knew it wouldn't be long before it collapsed. Luckily, it stopped raining, and a few of us decided to head on over to the previous night's "rowdy" fire ring. And, well...danced, drank, had a good time, yet again. Tomorrow, we must pack up and get back to hiking. Trail Days was a good time this year! Can't wait til next year!
Date: 2003-05-23
From: Miss Janet's!!

To: Nowhere
Miles today: 0.0

I am in much better spirits today than I was yesterday. I came into Miss Janet's with a hurt knee, feeling tired and depressed...and soon realized that I am among the walking wounded. I know it is completely silly to think that I am the only person having problems on the trail, but it is very easy to psych yourself out in such a way. Especially when travelling with a group.I've met quite a few people that I have not previously run into, including a few fellow Houstonians (one who lives maybe 10 minutes from me, and went to High School with some of my good friends back home!), which just goes to show you how small the world really is. I also have been introduced to the mighty Erwin Burrito, and I can safely say that I have never, in my life, had a more delicious burrito..and I'm from Texas! They also have an autographed picture of Bela Fleck in their little restaurant, which is very cool. He apparently likes the Erwin Burrito as well.Anyway, I was no short of thrilled later this afternoon when my hiking group started showing up at Miss Janet's. I think they were happy to see me as well, since the cryptic note I left them gave hints to me getting off the trail. After a happy reunion, and some gluttonous eating at Cici's, we all decided to throw on togas while our laundry was washing. According to Miss Janet, this was the first time togas had made an appearance at her house. We were all shocked by this news, and somewhat flattered. Maybe this will become an annual event. Current prognosis on the knee - - still cannot put weight on it, but am diligently resting and icing. At least it hasn't gotten worse!
Date: 2003-05-24
From: Miss Janet's!!!

To: Miss Janet's
Miles today: 0.0

Today is a bittersweet day for our hiking group. It was only yesterday that we were reunited, but it is today that we split up again. First off, Moss is hiking on. He has a strict deadline to get to Damascus...where his girlfriend is meeting him. We all understood. Also, Magic Rat, Nova, and Tito are slack-packing today, which will put them further up on the trail. I got off at Sam's Gap, which is 24 miles south of Erwin, and now they're slacking 19 miles. So, we will have a good gap between us. I am a little sad, but not too worried, as you tend to make better time when you are hiking alone. Anyway, today was a very different day, so to speak, as I met an interesting hiker...one who shall remain nameless, except for the funky nickname I am giving him.Now, I am at Miss Janet's, cleaning her stove (work for stay option), while she is out running errands. This guy, who we will call Freestyle Hardcore Gangstar Rap, comes trudging in. He starts asking me what to do, where he can sleep, etc...I guess thinking that I am an employee of the wonderful hostel that is Miss Janet's. I explain to him that I'm just doing work for stay, and that there is a bunk sign up sheet down the hall. I also let him know that the bunks that are taken have sheets on them, and the empty ones are without sheet. He goes on to explain how far he hiked, and that he was going to go ahead and take one of the bunks. I further try to, politely, explain to him that some of the bunks have been taken, and that it may be a good idea just to wait until Miss Janet returned to get the bunk situation sorted out. He further goes on to explain that he has found one with a sheet on it, and that he is going to go ahead and take that one. I again explain the sheet/non-sheet rule about bunks. He again tells me that he has found a bunk with a sheet, and will take that one. I give up, and decide to try to take a walk around town. I make it as far as the porch, and talk to a few other hikers about this guy. I then learn some very interesting facts about this somewhat...I guess you can say eccentric hiker. Those which I will not share, but to the fellow hikers that read this and know...you will understand my predicament. So, I decide that it would be best just to steer clear of Freestyle for a bit. He's a "grownup," so I'm sure he can handle what he gets himself into.Anyway, the knee is feeling better, so hopefully we can get back to some hiking in the coming days!
Date: 2003-05-25
From: Miss Janet's

To: Miss Janet's
Miles today: 0.0

Today, we all decided to take a zero. I am still testing my knee, which feels better every day, and the rest of the group has decided to stick around until Monday, where it is rumored that we are going to Watauga Lake for a Memorial Day Celebration. A few other hikers have since joined us, among them: ButterCup, Singe, and BoomHouser. A few more folks are just behind, so hopefully we will have a good crowd for the Holiday Festivities. As for today, we rest!
Date: 2003-05-27
From: Watauga Lake 

To: Back to Erwin
Miles today: 0.0

Today we all woke up a bit hungover, but still happy to have had such a nice get-together from the day before. Miss J started taking people back to the various locations where they had been picked up the day before, and the rest of us, who were going back to Erwin, started making tentative plans for hiking out that day. Of course, as the day progressed, we realized that we probably were not going anywhere, as it would be well into the late afternoon by the time we got back to Erwin. We finally got back on the road, and stopped to have a buffet feast in nearby Johnson City. I really almost feel bad for AYCE's near the trail, but somehow I think they know what they're getting themselves into. After the food stop, we headed over to the Outfitter's (of course...you can't have a town stop without a visit), where Miss J decided she was going to lend a helping hand to one particular hiker with horrible boots. This hiker had come in with the boots he had on practically falling off his feet. Well, Miss J was not going to let him walk out of her hostel with those boots, and offered to lend him the cash to purchase as new pair. This woman is great, by far one of the kindest persons I've met in town so far. Anyway, after the day in town, we all settled down, back at the hostel, and prepared to hike out in the morning. My knee is feeling okay, but mainly I'm missing the trail. I will be leaving on my own, but I'm sure that won't be such a bad thing.