morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-19
From: Hot Spings

To: Hot spring
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I had a good last couple of days. I hung out with curly dan. we walked the town a few times. We then hooked up with laughing bird and buttercup. We had a few cold ones to many on the porch of paddlers. I have eaten the crap out of food. Three squares a day. The girls havnt had some of our southern food. We had let them in on all this good cooking. We had the best of times this day. I talked to the folks. I do love my family so. They thought i was wierd at first for doing this. Now they have changed thier minds and support me. Cool. I read this poem at elmers(hostel) by John Howard Payne. It went as this"I gaze at the moon as I tread the drear wild, and feel that my mothernow thinks of her child. How sweat 'tis to sit' neath a fond fathers smile, and a caress of a mother to soothe and begile!Let others delight mid new pleasures to roam, but give me, oh give me the pleasures of home..." That made me miss my folks. I new that I had to buckle down and get back on the trail. The girls kept trying to leave all day. A pint of ice cream fried chicken, more ice cream and afew , i mean a few pitchers later they never left. If you see them ask them where they stayed that night. Trail inguinuity. When I got back to the Inn there was a guy I met that day named Dandylion playing the guitar. He also sung along. It was very enjoyable. I went to sleep that night with thougts of folk lore in my head. Good people out here. I also met a fella named Yogi. He is a pup but has a good Eye on life. I hope to leave in the morn. I will try to keep up with buttercup. I am enjoying our conversation.
Date: 2003-05-20
From: Hot spring

To: Spring mountain shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I finally got out of hot springs today.I mailed my package and hit the road. I hope to catch curly dan and the girls. They left real early this morn. I went over lovers leap this morning. When I looked back, I could see all of hot springs and the french broad river. Breath taking. I made it to a fire tower for lunch. I got some good pictures and hung out with yogi. Cool guy. He is a little young but is more mature for his age. He is a puppy. He also hikes better than me. I made it to the shelter and found yogi chillin and tom caught up not to long after. A guy named bigfoot stopped in. He is a minister. He is a hard core hiker. He had done 20 miles that day.I am glad to be back on the trail but I am tired. It also is starting to rain again. Blah.
Date: 2003-05-21
From: spring mountain shelter.

To: little laurell shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: light rain

it started rainning last night and rainned all day. I didnt leave the shelter till 12 noon. I had a chance to work on my story. I made it to little larell shelter pretty early. I hiked up a stirway today that looked like it was going up into the clouds. Curly dan was at the shelter. He said the girls are just ahead of us. cool!Ther was an experience with a ruffeled grouse today. She exploded out of some thicket as i walked by. It was very intresting watch her pretend that her wing was hurt to try and get me away from her nest.Tom made it to the shelter and was quite furrious with the trail crews? I still hang on in the back of my mind. I can do it.
Date: 2003-05-22
From: little laurell shelter

To: jerrys cabin shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

Waited out the rain again. I didnt leave the shelter until 3pm. We are all listening to the radio.It is my luxuary item. We are listening to a station out of knoxville which we have been hearing for days now. Everyone likes my radio. It kind of perks everyone up. I have been eating my food up faster. I am getting low. I have been starving latly. I just cant eat enough.My time is running out on the trail this year. I only have a few weeks left. I do miss my friends and family. I just really like this shit. I never thought i would like it this much. I like the peolpe to. I am tired...being tired is totally different that being tired of it. I am not ready!
Date: 2003-05-23
From: jerrys cabin shelter

To: hog back ridge shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

I hiked 14 miles today. I got up early and had a cold breakfast. I then was the first on the trail. The first usally sees wildlife. I didnt see any but i sure did get the spider webs. I heard a turky gobbling in the distance. I called him for awhile. He would answer me but wouldnt come my way. Curly dan hiked by that place and the gobbler jumped out and scared the poo out of him.My ankle started swelling up and was killing me. I hope nothing is wrong. I dont want to have to leave due to ankle problems. Cute girl hiked in only known as L. She is pretty nice. I still havnt caught buttercup. Tom is going to town tommorrow. He needs a break and some new equiptment. I met a guy named coke fiend. It is because of coke a cola. He had a mouse get into his pack and have babbies. Blah.I am no quiter. I will stay on the trail till i run out of money. I will be back.
Date: 2003-05-24
From: hog back ridge shelter

To: Big bald shelter
Miles today: 11.0

I got up and my ankle still hurt. I will hike on. When i made it to sams gap i had this little voice in my head tell me to keep hiking. I did. I made it to big bald. I run into a lady who i met a week earlier. She gave me yogi and L some nuts and fuit. we also scored on cookies. The view from big bald is incredible. You can see mt whitly which is the tallest mountain east of the mississippi. I met some weekend hikers who all worked for ibm. It is funny the different people you meet on the trail. I also met auntie em and uncle bud. They are an older couple who are finishing the trail by doing a section they had missed prevously. I hope my ankle gets better. It felt better after hiking. I took some ibprofin and the ibm guys shared a special bottle of sprite with me. I was really relaxed. We had an awesome fire. I hate to go to bed. Curly dan is the only one here that i have been hioking with for more than a day. He is a good fella and cheers me up all the time. The trail tries every last ounce of my energy and paitence. It also repays you ten fold for your troubles. I meet more people every day. I just wish i could catch buttercup. I guess she is just to fast of hiker. I have her e-mail so maybe we can talk after the trail.Life is full of unexpected turns. I believe i see one comming.
Date: 2003-05-25
From: Big bald shelter

To: No business knob
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

I woke early this morn. The ibm guys were up early and the rumble from down below was crazy. It sounded like a herd of buffalo. I was on the trail by 9 am. I made it to spivey gap in pretty good time. The ibm guys were leaving the trail. They donated much food to the feed boomhouser cause. I couldnt pick up the race dammit. I ate dinner early. It is only curly dan and a new guy known only as BOB. Dark came quickly with storms in the forcast. We listened to the radio and talked of old times. I had a feeling that i was to leave the trail when i get to irwin. I was just about out of money and i still have to get home.
Date: 2003-05-26
From: No business knob

To: Irwin T.N.
Miles today: 5.0

I hiked into irwin pretty early. You could here the trains before you made it down. I made it to a place called uncle Johnnies first. I waited around until curly dan made it. We had been warned of uncle johnies. We hitched to town and found a hostel called Miss Janets. It is awesome. When we first hiked in, there were a few faces that looked familiar. Curly dan went in and all of a sudden i heard "BOOMHOUSER!" and running out the door was buttercup. What a sight for sore eyes. She leapt from the front porch and landed in my arms. What a girl. I am so glad to find her. The sad part was I was going to have to leave the trail. I will explain later. We all went out to a lake called lake watuga. We had a memorial day party and camped there. There was 35 people camped around our site. It was an awesome party. I reunited with so many friends. I hooked up with Sherpa and chainsaw. I also met trip and Fubar. They were married on the trail. Papa john was even there. I had so much fun. We had group pictures and eat a huge meal. Everyone chipped in and we had a party.Times are good.
Date: 2003-05-28
From: Irwin T.N.

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I have had to come to the decision to leave the trail for awhile. I have to go back to the everyday grind of the real world. I have had the time of my life. I was just begining to find what I was looking for. I had met so many people and I sat and watched one by one as they sadly departed back to the trail. I will miss each and every one of them. I even have a few that I will miss more than a little. The times shared out there with these incredible people from all over the world have filled my life with joy and excitement. I will not forget those times which are forever imbedded in my memory. I have always wanted to write a book. This trip has inspired the workings of a novel. I have been many places in this vast country of ours and the appalachian mountains touched my heart and my soul. I am a changed man. I hope to return to the trail in a few months. I promissed to come back and hike with buttercup. I know, but that it why I have to come back. The story is not over and I have alot to write about. It is time I leave the trail, I must bid you my friends, fare the well...
Date: 2003-06-28
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well, I have been home a month now. What an experince. I am in the process of going back out on the trail. I just miss it so. I wake up in the morning thinking about what I would be doing or who would be there. I long for the majestic views in which god graced me in seeing. I miss the companionship with those on the trail who still hike on today. Curly Dan, a man who can sing any song you ever heard and sing it well. Laughing bird, a woman who can find humor in any situation and brighten her day and yours. Her laugh draws you to her and her charm steals your heart. Singe is a fella from my neck of the woods. He is a determined man with a incredible sense for adventure. Plans to much or as some only know as Tom, helped me through some of my toughest times. I made a good friend and confident. When I was tired and down and just wanted to stop, a beautiful little buttercup would pop up and make my heart pitter patter. I also miss gypsy dave. He was the one person who knew me and my family from the trail. I hope he is fine and I just want him to know that the world can take something beautiful from us, but it also gives back to. I am working very hard trying to get enough money to get back on the trail and be able to stay for the duration. I hope to start back at Harpers ferry. I will atempt to go to Katadin. I have this pull in which I can't break. I must read the last half of the book I guess. There must be something in the water out there. City water just dont taste good. I filter me a little water every now and then. My family and friends all see a change in me. I view life differntly now. The things I have seen. My memories of the trail and those who are on it gave me someting that every man needs. It gave me a higher form of inlightenment. When im out there my senses come alive! I feel alive, not trapped and cornered in a life that does not care for you at all. When I see wild life up close I find respect for them that I could of never had as just a hunter. I find them beautiful and traquil. They follow the same trail that we do, existing on less than we do. They are in tune with nature. They are a part of nature. I hope to be there in about three weeks. I am preparing every day. It cant get here any sooner. I will finish my book and the world will see in some part exactly what's out there. This has truly been a good summer, a summer of dreams.
Date: 2003-07-09
From: home

To: Getting Ready
Miles today: 0.0

I have been working hard trying to get enough cash to get back on the trail. I believe I have done it. I can get back on and hike comfortably for the next couple of months. I have been keeping up with everyone. I talked to curly dan while he is on his sebaticle back home. I hopes to return to the trail a little before me. Tom,also known as plans to much, called and is going to catch a bus to where ever I start. It sounds like a party fixin to happen. I have kept up with buttercup, she also is taking a small rest off the trail. I cant seem to get a definate where she will be, so I guess I will have to just hike on. I have not heard from Laughing bird since they all were in Parishburg Va. I hope the bird is fine and doing good. I also have recieved a few e-mails from the infamous Papa John. I tell you, the stories keep pouring in about him. He cant seem to keep that mouth shut at times. It has gotten him into a wee bit of trouble. It seems that he had a bad experince with some Virginia Highway Patrol. Something another and oops, ouch that had to hurt. Have you always been missing that tooth? He is back on the trail,watch out wild flower! Slide show bob and Nova, with bosco(cool dawg) of coarse, went to D.C. for the fourth, man I bet they had a blast. I hav not heard from singe, I hope he is well and I would like to see him whenI get back on the trail. That is all the gossip I have heard since I left. The trail is a wonderful place. It almost is like a never ending story,with good and bad results. In all, everyone gains from the experince one way or another. I have had some wonderful experinces, I can not wait till I get back, my mind is racing thinking about the things I will see, the people I will meet and most of all the relationships you gain. From friends to Nature and even with God. I am at my best when I am on the trail. I am strong and I am Smart. I dream and I plan, I plan the futre with sparks of imagination. I also love.It is hard to love until you love yourself. Since my first part of the trail I have come to love myself and life as precious and short as it is. Thanks to all who have signed the guest book. It inspires me as a writer, I am still working on my book of the adventures of boomhouser. This is one of my best reasons for going back out on the trail. I have to have something to write about. I will try write as I go along. Keep watching and listening, cause boomhousers fixing to be back on the trail.
Date: 2003-07-17
From: Home

To: Harper ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well here I am. I made it to Knoxville today. I expect to be in Harpers ferry by tomorrow night. I will then truly be back on the trail. I am so excited i am about to burst. I have worked very hard so I could make it back. I have missed the trail and all those who I have met and hiked with. I look forwards to meeting up with old friends like curly dan and plans to much. I also look forwards to seeing buttercup again. I sure have missed her. I also cant wait to see laughing bird. I need my laughing bird fix. I also have a present for buttercup. She will just have to wait till we meet again. We talked about all the different senerios and I think we left it to fate. I hope fate is on my side. I am a little rusty so my first few days will be very hard and my pack is no lighter than before. You would think that I would have learned. Everyone keep watching and look for boomhouser because the adventure continues.
Date: 2003-07-24
From: Dahlgren Back Pack Campground

To: esign cowall shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Right off the bat, I hiked into the Washington Memorial this morn. In the last few days I have really had the chance to see where our country was founded by war and peace. I stood in fields where men died so I could have the freedoms to do things like hike this trail. It was quite an emotional feeling. The loss of life was great here, I could feel the spirits wandering the grounds. This place dates back to the french and indian war covering up to date the revolutionary war and the civil war. This afternoon I found myself in a meadow. I had haphazardly hiked off the trail. I saw a stream in the back of the meadow so i sat under a tree hanging over the stream and had lunch. I heard a noise, when I looked up there stood a nine point Buck(deer)who had walked up to the stream and got a drink. He looked up and our eyes met. We shared a moment until I reached for my camera. He exploded away in a bolt of energy. He was gone. Wow! I have met a bunch of new people on the trail. I also have run across alot of old friends. Curly dan is only a few days ahead of me. I hope to hike with him soon. He is a good and kind soul. I hiked 15 miles today. My legs are like jelly. My love for the trail is comming back. I am remembering why I am here. The trail is a passage way for lost souls who have no direction or anchor. It has given me something live for. I love the hikers and embrace each new face. These people are good at heart and have something that the rest of the world dosnt. They are welcome at my table any time, except the anal retentive through hikers who care nothing more than bitching. They worry about everyone elses trail instead of thier own. The trail has touched me again and I have endured much. I welcome the rise of the sun and the dawn of a new day.
Date: 2003-08-01
From: Harper ferry

To: Port clinton Pa
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: light rain

Hey everyone. sorry so long without an entry. It is so good to be back on the trail. I have found all my buddies. They are the best. I am at the Doyle in Duncannon Pa. I have been doing 20 to 25 mile days. It took me a bit to get going. I really do love this. I found Curly dan. He was with Slideshow bob, bearbait and Nova with Bosco. They are really good folks. I have seen laughing bird, she is a doll. Every time I see her she cheers me up. I am hiking on today. It is hard though, RAIN. I finally run into Buttercup. It was good to see her too. I have been working on my book some, I have written a couple of short stories, I will try to get them on when I find a Library. I have to go my time on the computer is up. I am living my dreams everyday and I thank all my friends and family who support me. I am nothing with out them. peace,love, in a teapee
Date: 2003-08-11
From: Port clinton Pa

To: Palmerton Pa
Miles today: 24.0

Well, Well, Well. I am definatley back on the trail. Pa has been a challenge. The rocks have been murder on my feet. They are bloody. Bearbait bought some epson salt and we are going to have a hot feet soaking party tonight. The trail magic is incredible here. I just want to thank those who have given me rides and steaks and even burritos. The comraderie is still good and the whole crew that I was with before is here or just a few days apart. The only one that isnt around is Buttercup. Where oh, where is buttercup? My boots have blown the heals out and Hi tech,the co. I bought them from, are replacing them for free. They are sending them ahead to Delaware Water Gap Pa. I only have 36 miles left in this state and I will be in Jersey. This is the farthest North I have ever been. I am loving it. Heres to yous guys. I am some what a novelty here wearing my stetson cowboy hat. I guess I am the only one. The vacationers are near and party with us every town. They are just having to much fun. I also want to give a shout out to my boys back in Tennessee. Get to work! I am never comming home. The trail makes me work very hard. I have to fight myself every day. I try to stay positive but it is hard sometimes. The people I hike with make the difference. I am with Singe, curly dan and Bearbait. I also have met alot of new hikers like Half step and Bluegrass. The trail just keeps on getting more intresting everyday. Plans to much has pulled off the trail but is going to slack us throgh Mass,conn and Vermont. I still am behind Sherpa and peach monkey by a few weeks. I will see them again soon. The sobos or south bounders are just now meeting us. They tell us of Kathadin and all the neat things ahead. It pumps us up and gives us that drive to keep on going. My friends help me everyday. We all have to hike our own hike but it is nice to see them when we get to town. My motto for the trail is,peace, Love in a teepee.Boomhouser
Date: 2003-08-15
From: Palmerton Pa

To: New Jersey
Miles today: 18.0

Hey everyone. I am in Delaware water gap. I am going into New Jersey Today. I have my new boots and some new foot products. I hope that solves the problem. I am with a wonderful group of people now. We all complement each other. We are at a free hostel run by the church of the mountains. They gave us the best free meal ever. These are the kindest people. This is another oasis on the trail. I want the world to know how good the trail is. The people out here are the best and full of positive reinforcement. I probally could do it with out them but, why! I enjoy every moment. The state of Pa has been tough but is full of kind and intresting people. I will always remember them. I also want to say thank you to the town of Palmerton Pa for thier kindness and hope they keep on doing what they do. Heres to the guys at Mug shots. I tip my hat to you. I also want ron(you know who you are) to know that he really helped curly dan and I out and I tip my hat to him too. We had a few on you. The trail keeps on geting better. I run into Gizmo at the church of the mountains and had some good discusions on the trail and the ecosystems out there. He was the first person I met on Springer mountain. I am still here and I am going alll the way. Keep watching for more and remember, peace, love in a teepee!Go team cowboy!Boomhouser
Date: 2003-08-26
From: New Jersey

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hello everyone. I have some bad news. I had to leave the trail in Ardin Newyork. I found out my father is very sick and needed me. He has always been there for me, I had to come home. I was on a greyhound bus for 26 hours. I could only think of my father. I appoligize to those who were with me for my quick and abrupt departure. I had to get home. I also am sorry to those who have helped me along the way and have been keeping up with me. I will return to the trail when I can leave my dads side. He has to be helped in everything he does. Team cowboy, keep on hiking and make me proud. I know each of you has the will power and the stregth to make it to maine. I love each of you as part of my own family. If it were you I would be there by your side. Happy Birthday to Nova, you are a special and wonderful person. This is not the end but only a delay. I will be back, you can count on it.Peace, Love in a teepee
Date: 2003-08-30
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well everyone, i have some good news. My father gets to come home tomorrow. I have to build some things around the house to acomadate him. It will take a little while before he is back to his old self. Thanks to all those who called or e-mailed me. It meant alot. The trail is a great place and has pushed me farther than anything else I have done. I hope to return but until my dad can walk on his own accord, I will be here for support. If any of team cowboy needs anything, please call me or e-mail me. I will be glad to help. I may not be there in person but I will be there in spirit.Ka Kaww!Peace, love in a teepee.Boom