morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-01
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter (2*)

To: Walnut Mtn Shelter (2*)
Miles today: 13.1

Slept late after the long day yesterday. Had an oatmeal breakfast mixed with Peanut Butter. You can put PB on anything!We had a much needed easy day today. Went up to Max Patch, which is the top of a set of bald mountains where we ate lunch. We had lemon zesty pepper tuna - it's really good.Then we made it to the shelter where a group of section hikers occupied it. The shelter held about 5 people, but you could cram in 7,8 if you had to. We asked if there was room and they said no. We had shipped our tent ahead to Hot Springs because we were required to sleep in shelters in the Smokies and we desperately needed to sleep in the shelter. We explained our situation and they gave us a tent, but there wasn't very good flat ground.So I asked how many people they had (I only saw 4) and they said they had 6 people. Then they switched it to five. So I examined the shelter once more to see if we could make room and then they switched to only having 4 people. We knew it was going to rain, so we let them know we really wanted to make room in the shelter and they gave in. They really gave off a bad vibe, but after they agreed that we should get a spot in the shelter they were really cool.They were celebrating there friend being back from Iraq and wanted to hang out by the fire. We exchanged stories and had a great time. I think they realized that the shelters are our home and not just an escape from the rain. We had a blast hanging out with them before it was all over!
Date: 2004-03-02
From: Walnut Mtn Shelter (2*)

To: My brother's house (picked up at Hot Springs)
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: moderate rain

Got up and out early. We wanted to make good time into Hot Springs so that we could get some errands done before my brother picked us up to take us to Asheville, NC. It rained all last night and today during our hike.I sometimes hate hikes into towns because all we wanted to do today was get to Hot Springs instead of enjoying the hike. The rain also pushed us onward. Got into Hot Springs by 1:30 which is good timing for 13 miles. Went to the PO to pick up our tent and stopped by the camping store. I bought a new Gregory pack cover. I was using a Equinox and it was more of a pack wind breaker. My bag always got wet! Buy a Gregory pack cover!!!My brother picked us up and took us out to eat at Mellow Mushroom, one of our favorite places to eat. We were treated very nice and wanted to say thanx! We had a great time today. We're just going to relax for today and tomorrow and give ourselves some rest.We finally got to check our e-mail and read all the responses that people have sent us. Thank you all so much for your support! By the way, my knee is at 99% and I haven't felt better since I started. Our feet hurt everyday, but I think that will never go away.Peanut and I are more psyched about the trip than ever and we are having a fun time! We are working on going to Maine, but worrying about the little steps in between before the big picture. Thinking about Katahdin can be overwhelming, so we are trying to enjoy each day for what it has to offer.People always ask if we're going the whole way and I always am thinking about the next town, then the next, and so on. We're excited about takin a 0 day tomorrow to let our feet rest.I wanted to finish by saying thanks to all our readers out there and all your support! By the way, we got some new pictures added (click on photos). I am working on putting them on the journal entries. We're doing great and we're glad you guys are reading our entries. We'll keep writing if people keep reading! Love y'all!
Date: 2004-03-03
From: My brother's house (picked up at Hot Springs)

To: My Brother's House
Miles today: 0.0

We spent the day running a few errands around town in Asheville, but mostly just relaxing our aching feet. Last night was lots of fun telling about our adventures so far. Chase, Eric's fiance, let me borrow some jeans and a shirt so I could wear something besides my hiking clothes. What a treat! I felt a little 'girly' for an evening which was nice since I'm constantly around guys.Pickle and I had a nice talk over a cup of coffee this morning about how we feel stronger and better since the beginning of our trip. Don't get me wrong, I have many moments where I wish I was with my family and friends - especially my sister who's about to have a baby. But there is something in me that knows that I've got to keep going and see just what I'm capable of.
Date: 2004-03-04
From: My Brother's House

To: Spring Mtn Shelter (3*)
Miles today: 11.0

While we were in Asheville, Peanut was looking for some new hiking shoes. We talked to a guy at the Outfitters store and he said the Superfeet insoles have lots of support, but not much cushion. He recommended going to Walmart and getting some cheap gel insoles, and that's what we did.My toes were being crammed so I cut the toe section of the gel insoles off. I noticed today that my feet were more comfortable.It was hard hiking after taking a 0 day and packing 4 1/2 days worth of food. The temperature is hotter than it's been at 75F. We're starting to pick up the pace and hike at least 15 miles a day. I think we might be sleeping alone tonight for the 2nd time.
Date: 2004-03-05
From: Spring Mtn Shelter (3*)

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter (3*)
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I heard mice for the first time last night. It freaked me out! I even had a dream that one bit my ankle & wouldn't let go - it seemed so real - I hope that never happens to me in real life.We climbed up on a ridge today and hiked it for awhile. You could see the TN valley on one side & the NC mountains on the other, it was great. I can't be in a bad mood when I see views like that.We made it to the shelter before the rain - which made us both happy. I'm off to bed now to rest my aching feet and hopefully have some sweet dreams.
Date: 2004-03-06
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter (3*)

To: Near Sam's Gap
Miles today: 17.6

Last night it rained hard, but no worries sleeping in the shelter.This morning was one of those Sat. mornings where it's rainy and you just want to lay around. We waited out the last patch of rain, but the forecast was calling for rain all day. (It never rained on us ) We heard turkeys numerous times, but never saw any. Out here you have vast amounts of time to think. I think about my friends and family often. I always wonder what everyone is doing right at the moment.We ran into 2 women who hike every Saturday and they said we were the first thru-hikers they've seen. We talked awhile and they gave us a homemade gingerbread man. Everything tastes good out here, but this was probably the best gingerbread man we ever had. It touched my heart!Made it to the shelter and now I think we might push on . . . Big Day today. . .We pushed on 3 more miles to discover that I lost our tent. This has been the worst time I've had yet. Camping under the stars tonight! -Pickle
Date: 2004-03-07
From: Near Sam's Gap

To: No Business Knob Shelter (1*)
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: few clouds

The day started off great because I found out that I became an aunt at 5:25 this morning. My sister gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Marly Lane Hefner.We had another big day today because we heard some rain was coming this afternoon and we wanted to be in the shelter when that happened. Luckily we made it just in time to watch the storm change to sleet and snow while eating our hot Ramen Noodles in the shelter.Looking forward to some rest and relaxation in Erwin, TN tomorrow.
Date: 2004-03-08
From: No Business Knob Shelter (1*)

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 6.3

We got up and out by 7am. The hiking went by fast as we made it to Erwin in no time. Stopped by Uncle Johnny's Hostel which is right on the AT and talked to Hillbilly at the desk about a tarp. He had one at a reasonable price. It's a Equinox, which I wasn't happy about but I'm hoping it will do much better than the pack cover I had. I'll let y'all know.We weren't going to stay here and go to Miss Janet's, but the people here were so great that we decided to stay and for $10 a head, you can't beat that! They gave us a free shuttle into town where we could get our maildrop and eat lunch and resupply.They picked us up and Uncle Johnny told us that he thought we were some of the most genuine folks he's ever met and he made us feel really good. Hillbilly helped us build a fire in the wood stove in the hostel and I am very glad that we stayed here.This is the best place we've stayed at so far because the people here are amazing and we've had a great time talking with everyone. They have a speaker outside playing music and I feel at home here. They also have Internet access which makes typing entries easy (we don't have to go to the library). This is the place to be, thank you to the people here and we'll keep in touch!
Date: 2004-03-09
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel

To: Cherry Gap Shelter (1*)
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light snow

We left Uncle Johnny's Hostel around 8am. It sure was tough to leave. We both enjoyed the time we spent with Hillbilly chatting about the trail and we greatly appreciated the kindness and generosity of Uncle Johnny and his wife Charlotte.As we started hiking, the snow started falling. By the time we made it to Cherry Gap Shelter, there was about 6 inches on the ground. I get frustrated hiking in the snow because I slip & fall so much. I'm looking forward to when there won't be anymore snow.Hopefully, it will help me appreciate the warm days ahead.
Date: 2004-03-10
From: Cherry Gap Shelter (1*)

To: Roan High Knob Shelter (2*)
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was filled with lots of snow and icicles. The temp ranged from 20 to 35F, but it felt good as you're hiking. Dan is hiking with us again, and I thought he might stay ahead of us so we're glad he's back.The first half of the day was pretty easy, but the second half was killer. We went from 4040' to 6285', so basically we hiked almost a 1/2 mile upwards. It was cold out, but the climb would make you sweat. I was wearing a T-shirt in 24 degree weather.Icicles were forming on my hair due to the sweat. This was the hardest hill I've ever climbed because the snow would make you dance like MC Hammer. We felt proud after making that climb.Tonight's probably going to be the coldest night yet. We're staying at the highest shelter on the AT. The shelter is 4 sided which helps block the wind. We're excited about tomorrow because the views should be spectacular. It's been a very productive day!
Date: 2004-03-11
From: Roan High Knob Shelter (2*)

To: Mandy & Tim's (friends)
Miles today: 15.1

It was cold getting up, but not as bad as I anticipated. The ground was covered with snow and there were ski tracks where people were skiing down the same trail we're hiking down.Crossing the balds was amazing. The sky was blue, the snow on the ground created a mist, and the trail was easy going. Had a long lunch at Overmountain Shelter then up to Hump Mtn, where I recognized most of the mountains surrounding us. You sit on top of the world up there.I used to go to Appalachian State in Boone which is close by so that's why I know all the mountains.We got picked up by my friends Mandy & Tim and they drove us to the grocery store to resupply. Guess who I ran into? My old roommate for 2 years in college. He followed us to the house and I had a fabulous time catching up.Mandy & Tim took very good care of us!
Date: 2004-03-12
From: Mandy & Tim's (friends)

To: Beside Elk River
Miles today: 6.0

Today was a tough day for me. I woke up sick as a dog - not sure if it was from the massive amount of food that I ate or from some bug I caught. We left later in the day and I was very weak from not eating, but I did make it 6 miles. Having a relationship where you see each other all day, everyday is very intense and can be draining at times. We see each other at our best and worst. WE have heard very good things about Kincora hiking hostel. As tomorrow, we are going to head there with the hopes of boosting our spirits a little. I'm off to bed now for some much needed rest.-Peanut
Date: 2004-03-13
From: Beside Elk River

To: Kincora Hiking Hostel
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

Got up and moving early. Peanut was feeling much better, but she still had some stomach problems. The water sources in this section were very sketchy so I added about twice the amount of bleach as I usually do. They relocated this section and we actually passed by Mountaineer Falls where some former App State students helped created this section and they named it after our mascot.We spent most of the day moving and very little time stopping. Ran into Willy at the shelter who sort of lives on the AT during the winter and works during the summer. He had some great stories to tell, but he doesn't always make sense. He told me there was no such thing as a thru-hiker and that everyone is a section hiker and he knows all the short-cuts around the mountains. Thanks Willy, but I think I'm going to stay on the white blazes.Made it to Kincora Hiking Hostel and was happily greeted by Bob Peoples, the owner. He has more fun hosting a place for hikers than anyone I've ever met. His hostel is a donation type and I want to do what he does when I retire. I hope they make a plaque for him on the AT because he has done a tremendous amoutn of work maintaining and making the trail work for people.He definitely boosted our spirits as well as three other section hikers from Indiana here for Spring Break. They cooked us burgers and treated us to nachos. Food is wonderful and yay to eating!There were tons of photos of thru-hikers at Katahdin all over the walls and the place had a lot of character. Bob and Pat Peoples are wonderful and I could talk with them all day. I'm excited about the double bed with an electric blanket. On to Boone tomorrow!
Date: 2004-03-14
From: Kincora Hiking Hostel

To: Boone, NC
Miles today: 8.9

By: PeanutWhat a great day! We made it to 321 at Watauga Lake under blue skies around 1 o'clock. Then our pal Charles came and picked us up all the way from Boone. It was so nice to see him and all our friends from App State.I've been having so much trouble with my boots mainly because they are so small. I decided that I was just going to buy a new pair of boots. I wasn't very excited because I knew it was going to cost some serious cash. I went to Mast General Store in downtown Boone and talked with Hugh, who was a true trail angel for me. He sized my feet, gave me good genuine advice and hooked me up with a good deal on some new boots. I couldn't thank him enough, so all I could think to do was give him a hug!Tonight, I'm going to hang out with my friend Joanna and have some "girl time." It's good to be home.
Date: 2004-03-15
From: Boone, NC

To: Watauga Lake Shelter (1*)
Miles today: 1.6
Weather: overcast clouds

By: pickleI stayed up talking with my old roommate Andy last night and Peanut woke me up early this morning, so I've been tired and sort of out of it all day. We went to the coffee shop, then to the cafeteria, etc. ASU is transforming everyday. We saw the structure for the new library. The campus is growing. We met up with Andy and Emily (Andy's friend) to eat lunch at Boone Drug. She is planning a section hike this summer and we taught her how to save money and gave other advice. It was fun!I went to resupply at Lowes Foods which is a good ways from Andy's and when I finished, it was raining. So, I'm walking in the rain with groceries when I get the idea to hitchhike back to Andy's. Four girls in a Jeep stop and tell me they've always wanted to pick up a hitchhiker. I was glad I could help! We said our goodbyes to Andy. He really helped us out. We went over to my old apartment to meet up with Kim where she was going to give us a ride to the trail. Thank you again, Kim. It's been a very long day!!!
Date: 2004-03-16
From: Watauga Lake Shelter (1*)

To: Iron Mountain Shelter (1*)
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

By: PeanutWe woke up to rain hitting the roof of the shelter. I hate getting soaked when it rains, but I do love sleeping in rain-especially in a shelter. We got a later start than usual, but made good time.Luckily the rain stopped and we were dry for most of the day. It hailed a little this afternoon-nothing major-but still a little wierd. Your never know what you're gonna get out here, just like a box of chocolates.My feet are feeling achy from breaking in my new boots-hopefully they'll feel better tomorrow.
Date: 2004-03-17
From: Iron Mountain Shelter (1*)

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter (1*)
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light snow

I slept 12 hours last night and wanted to sleep more. It was particularly cold out and lightly sleeted most of the morning, but I'll take that over rain. The terrain out here is easy. We haven't been off the ridge in 2 days.                                                                                                                                                    Passed by the gravesite of Nick Grindstaff which read, "He lived alone, he suffered alone, he died alone." It makes me think about how life used to be in these hills. We cooked some cheesey grits for lunch-they're really good! Crossed over 421-the old road I used to live on. Ran into Crash Test Dummy who is hiking southbound from Quebec and heading for Key West, Fla. He's on the Eastern Continental Divide Trail I think Katahdin will about do it for me. He tried to convince us to do 10 more miles into Damascus (aka-"The Marathon into Damascus), but we decided we were going to be hurting afterwards and opted to stay at the shelter. We're crossing into our 4th state, Virginia, tomorrow. Hope to get to town early tomorrow.
Date: 2004-03-18
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter (1*)

To: Dave's Place Hostel-Damascus
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Today we made it into town early-the terrain was pretty easy. Both of us got a quick shower and then headed to the library to meet up with my Papaw and Pearl. It was so wonderful to see them and to visit with them all afternoon.Of course eating was involved and we answered lots of questions about the trail. It was so nice to see some family today. I've been missing everyone a lot out here. I got mail from my Aunt Marta and Terry from the YMCA. It made me very happy. I feel like a very lucky girl.By Peanut
Date: 2004-03-19
From: Dave's Place Hostel-Damascus

To: Lost Mtn. Shelter (4****)
Miles today: 15.8

By PickleI really valued the time I got to spend with Peanut's grandfather. He lives in a way that is simple and caring, and I should strive to be more like him. Peanut's grandfather said that if we stop having fun out here, then we should stop hiking. We had a great conversation about balancing miles and enjoying ourselves. I think we're doing really good with our progress so far. Today, I felt like i was walking away from home. Up to now, I've felt that we've been walking home. We've also entered back into the land of privys, and they're nice privys, I must say. It's the simple things that mean so much out here.We had our best dinner thus far. Spanish rice with cheddar cheese wrapped in a tortilla shell. I told Peanut this would even be good back home, so you know it's good out here. Wild ponies and Spring tomorrow!
Date: 2004-03-20
From: Lost Mtn. Shelter (4****)

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

By PeanutSpring is here! I can't believe that it is nearing the end of March already. I am really proud that we have made it this far. I think it's important to celebrate the small accomplishments along the way.We passed through Grayson Highlands today. And yes, we got to see wild ponies. They are so adorable-one of my favorites.Not only did we see ponies, but we saw more people today than we've seen the whole time we've been out. It was a little overwhelming because the AT feels like our home now and we're not used to so many people. I enjoy meeting new people, but the solitude is good, too. It's funny becuase that frightened me the most at first.                                                                        Luckily we made it to the shelter where there was room for us and a very friendly Canadian couple greeted us. A beautiful ending to a crazy day.
Date: 2004-03-21
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter (5*****)
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

By: PickleWinter still has a tight hold on Spring. We crossed a bald with 50 mph winds at 26 degrees F. I thought my face was going to fall off. It stayed cold for most of the day, so we didn't stop much. Today was our longest day yet. We planned to stay at the shelter before, but I knew that Trimpi Shelter had a fireplace inside, so we could stay warm. I told Peanut that if she'd cook dinner, I'd make a fire. When we got to the shelter two twins named Ronnie and Donnie had a fire already going, so I helped gather wood. It should be a warm night inside the shelter.
Date: 2004-03-22
From: Trimpi Shelter (5*****)

To: Virginia House Inn Marion, VA
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

By: PeanutThere was a lot of snoring going on in the shelter last night. It didn't bother me-I was so tired, I drifted off to sleep next to the toasty fire.We left by 8 o'clock and made good time, despite the small of snow that had fallen the night before. Along the way we ran into two section hikers from Pennsylvania--PA Pine Knot and his friend(I'm sorry your're name has slipped my memory). They have been hiking it for about a week and a half--to add to the 1400 miles they've already hiked!The tough thing about section hiking is that just as you're finishing, you body is just getting into hiking shape. I guess that's one of the positive things about thru-hiking.They're expecting record lows tonight. We are heading into Marion, VA to rest up and resupply.
Date: 2004-03-23
From: Virginia House Inn Marion, VA

To: Davis Path Shelter (2**)
Miles today: 14.2

By: PickleWe chickened out with the weather last night and stayed in the hotel room. Woke up early to eat at New Pioneer Restaurant where we had a large breakfast with several cups of coffee. It was good home cookin'. Peanut's grandfather would approve.We hitched a ride with a guy who workd 3rd shift and just got off work. He likes having the day to do what he desires. Today he chose to pick us up.Came across a school house that was built in 1894 and preserved. We went inside the classroom where I thought about how it would have been back over a 100 years ago. I felt like I was on "Little House on the Prairie."Virginia has lots of farms and fields to cross. Back in the woods we saw 7 deer and the guy on a roofed 4-wheeler chasing the deer. Then we crossed through an electric powerline tower that had horrible electric buzzes. These things scare us, not the bears, snakes, boars, etc. Well, boars scare me a little.We should have planned today better because we went around Dairy Queen at the I-81 crossing and we're carrying a bunch of food. We made room for milkshakes. It's been a fun day!
Date: 2004-03-24
From: Davis Path Shelter (2**)

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter (4****)
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

By: PeanutToday was our longest day yet! We had a lot of ups and downs, but southwest VA is very beautiful with its valleys full of pastures and farmland. This has been one of my favorite areas so far.We reached an important milestone today. We have officially hiked one quarter of the AT. How exciting!I got to see some beautiful white-tailed deer today. Four to be exact. They are probably the most strong and graceful creatures I've ever seen. I always have to stand and watch as they run away up the hills.I am worn out from this long day--time for rest!