morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-12
From: The Outhouse - Unionville

To: Vernon Hostel
Miles today: 11.8

Had a good hiking day today. Covered lower miles but that is good because I was letting my body wear off the shock I have been putting it through lately. Tomorrow is high mileage again Hiked with Mountain Mike - great guy from Georgia. He will be completing his AT hike at Dalton because he has already covered all the other miles last year before he had to get off. We are staying at the hostel in Vernon tonight - St Thomas' Episcopal Church that opens the basement area to hikers. What a great place. I still have a stinkin' blister that won't go away - I have stuck a needle in it three times and it just keeps coming back! Maybe the drier air tomorrow will help. Other than that my body is holding up well and all my parts are happy to be in clean, fresh southern mountain air. Tomorrow I will officially cross into New York - New Jersey is coming to a close. That is exciting! 5 more states to go! New York, Conn, Mass, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine - I guess 6 to go - But who's counting? Well, my spirits are up, my body is getting into hiking shape again and the people I have been hiking with are understanding why my name is Pony Express. I think it's funny. We are going to go get some dinner soon so I am going to sign off. The hostel has a computer that I am using instead of my one finger blackberry (which I am SO thankful to have). That's why you get a longer update today anyhow. You will hear from me soon . . . Happy Trails, Pony Express LFTT: Be flexible - I have a schedule that I am pretty much sticking to and I have in my mind that I am going to do a certain amount of miles each day. Today I didn't and it's okay. I mentioned earlier that I hiked with Mountain Mike - well, our normal paces are very different - his stride being more smooth and slow and mine go, go, go. Well, I decided to spend the day with him and stay behind. Turns up we had nice conversations and made the day fly by. And I would not be staying at this wonderful hostel either because I would have just gone right by. Tomorrow we will probably won't hike together but I am thankful for today. BTW - Because I moved ahead earlier, I had 7 mile flexiblity to my schedule so as of now, I am right on schedule to making Maine in July 31!
Date: 2009-06-13
From: Vernon Hostel

To: Fitzgerald Falls Campground
Miles today: 19.0

Today was a very hard day . . . woke up @ 6 am & out on the trail by 7. Started the first mountain climb up Wawayanda Mountain- basically straight up. i was making good time (Pony Express) until I couldn't find where the trail was . . . so for 20 minutes I waited for Madaline from Maine showed up and helped me find my way. I made the next five miles pretty easy and fast then it started to go downhill from that point. 1. I dropped my maps that I was carrying for that section and had to wait about 20 min. for the people who had it to get to the trailhead.2. Rocky bolders and rocky climbs - some climbs were down-right scary. One slip and something bad would happen. Most of those were leg and hand ups and downs. 3. My feet are tired and sore. 4. We are camping/tenting and its raining!On a brighter note- 1. I made it through a hard day.2. Trail magic - two water drops and one man's wourds of inspiration during my last mile tonight. 3. Camping with High Octane tonight on top of a waterfall-love thenoise of the waterfall.It's just as easy to look for the positives as it is the negtive- choose wiaely. Well, I am tired and tim for bed. Pony
Date: 2009-06-14
From: Fitzgerald Falls Campground

To: Brian Williams Shelter
Miles today: 18.0

* I think my miles are off on the journal . . . i have in 100 - just an FYI.well today went very slow - more rocks! I couldn't believe it. hand & feet climbs. one section has a rock formation - the lemon squeezer - when you walk through the rock tunnel you basically have to tilt your body sideways and try to inch your way forward. Very challenging!   It is pretty popular on the AT. Hicked all day with High Octane. He did a great job leading but mostly he movd all the snakes away - didn't see one! Only us two staying at the shelter . . . Madeline from Maine, Crank, and the General were suppose to meet us but they must have had a hard day too. Tomorrow hopefully will be a pain free foot day. I honestly look like a cripple 90 year old lady when I walked tonight. Not good but funny. (just 4 blisters on my feets . LFTT: When you fall flat on your face - get back up, shed a tear (if you need to), and keep on walking forward. This really happened yesterday! no injuries gotta go to bed - it is past hikers midnight (9 pm)
Date: 2009-06-15
From: Brian Williams Shelter

To: Fort Montgomery
Miles today: 8.0

Started out the morning early . . . pain all day in the feet. I took that as a sign to make easy miles today and rest a bit. I was going to push hard today as well as the next couple days to get to Kent, Conn but I need a break. I actually am right on schedule and was a planned stop. So, here I am in town doing laundry - resting - went to the post office (the nice lady at bear inn drove me the 1.5 miles - bless her heart). I walked in the post office and ran into Madeline! I was so happy to see her. I offered to share my room with her but she wanted to move on after getting her box drop (food supply she sent to herself before she left . . . my first on will be in Glencliff, N.H.) - anyways, it was sad to say bye to High Octane - he was a great hiking companion but is on a very tight schedule to reach Katadin And that is with skipping the White Mountains . . . this is actually his second thru hike - I enjoyed hearing all his adventure stories. So, tomorrow I will set foot back on the AT with a clean body - fresh clothes - and a renewed spirit. I am looking forward to my second week hiking! First week highlights:*Trail magic - it was great . . . water, kind words, and yesterday - this nice man came from out of nowhere on the AT and said he was a former hiker and was doing TM . . . he hiked down with High Octane and I to his truck and had cooleers full of drinks, sandwiches, cookies, etc. It was great!  *The other hikers - everyone is so nice and is always ready to help.*seeing a bear and other wildlife (deer, bunny hoppers, cute little orange lizards).*It is so pretty! I am taking lots of pictures.Thanks again for all your kind words and support. Love you all - PonyLFTT: Listen to your body . . . give yourself and your body time to repair itself so it can work at optimal performance.
Date: 2009-06-18
From: NY 22 - Native Landscapes

To: Kent, Conn.
Miles today: 19.0

Not a good day - RAIN! I will write more in detail when I figure this battery issue out. I fell a few times, once actually in the river trying to cross it...lost my hiking stick I am alive but in discouraged becuse I also hurt my knee. Nuts! Well, I will see what the damage is tomorrow. Tired . . . bruised . . . sore . . . Life on the AT. Pony
Date: 2009-06-19
From: Kent, Conn.

To: Cornwell
Miles today: 10.0

Well, it the last two day have been an emotional roller coaster - yesterday was by far the worst day I have had. Today is lots better (take the good with the bad). Madeline's daughter Heather came to visit from N.H. and she is helping us slack pack (hike without carrying a full pack). It was nice - 10 miles!!! Tomorrow we are going to do the same only go for 14 miles. Heather is great - the whole family seems like they have it together and are close and loving - makes me miss my family. I am so thankful we have a close and loving family. I miss you guys!!We are going into Kent, Conn tonight to do some resupplying. We did some this morning because I lost my poll in the rapid river when I fell and so I got some new Leki polls and I bought a new pair of shoes because the ones I had were to narrow (my feet are swollen). So, on to the next 10 days - Almost through Conn. Small state - we should be out in a couple of days. Hope all is well . . . I am very happy to hear that Melinda is kicking butt in aerobics class Happy Trails,Pony
Date: 2009-06-20
From: Cornwell

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just a quick update on my phone - the battery is not working and this is the last time I will get on a computer for awhile. Keep checkin' back though and I will try to update when I can. I should be able to get online in a few days. Hope all is going well for everyone. Weather report: 5 straight days of rain. NOT GOOD! Miss you all, PonyDad - I will try to get to a phone for father's day but I am not for sure. If I don't get to talk to you - Happy Father's Day and I love you and miss you. xo
Date: 2009-07-21
From: home

To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

A lot has happened since my last update . . . I sent out an email to everyone but apparently it didn't go through because people think I am still on the trail. Well I got home about 5 days ago. It has been a long 5 days. I hurt my knee on a fall in the river crossing (very dramatic experience), lost my hiking stick in the river and as a result of that - hyperextended my knee twice coming down the slippery mountain into Kent. Long story but decided to temporarily come home and head out oin a week to 10 days . . . The day I arrived, I didn,t feel right ... but jusr thought it was because all the driving and lack of sleep. That night is when the fever started . . . and the very bad headaches . .. .and the constant neck pain.The next day and night were worse . . . the 3rd night I went to the emergency room . . . . 4th night emergency room . . . .5 day I am admitted into the hospital probably through the weekend. They have done xrays, blood tests and today I got to feel what a spinal tap feels like. Not good!!! Some of the things they say they are a goo possibility - Pnemonia and some type of infection in my body - bacterial or virul. Tests are out for Lymes disease and a few others I have no idea what the names are or what the names mean. So I am in a hospital bed typing this - wishing I were Out on the trail somewhere. . . it's funny how life is so unpredictable. I will try to keep you posted. Thanks in advanced for your thoughts & prayers. Pony
Date: 2009-07-23
From: White River Junction, MA

To: Lee, MA
Miles today: 0.0

I am getting back on the trail. It was sort of a last minute decision but once I made it I was very happy. Everything is good with me and I am so glad I got to spend some quality time with my family. I also got to take my varsity volleyball team to team camp...something I would have been sad to have missed. It just goes to show you (me) - there is a higher power watching over me and keeping me on my path. I think that is true for everyone ... Even the so called "bad" things serve a purpose. Wow - I haven't even walked a step and I am already thinking some deep thoughts. Very funny! So, I am thrilled to be back on. I will probably do about the same amount of miles. I have already talked to a nice guy about the trail. He said he owns a chunk of property that the AT goes through. He said if he sees me on my way back he will buy me breakfast (maybe because I was him @ breakfast and I was eating alone . . . maybe he felt sorry for me BUT- most important thing we discussed was of course the possibilty of snake sighting and I feel pretty good from our conversation. A lot better from when I talked to a man on my 4th day out and he told me there were so many rattlers and copperheads up where I am just about to hike. But he didn't stop - e told me about a girl "about your age" who got bit by a copperhead and the thing wouldn't let go while she stared running down the hill. To make a long story short - she got down to safety and care and bought a ticket home the next day. (that would have been me) Although I think I would end up in a "crazy" institution. Now that I keep rambling my time is running out that I can be on this site without the program deleting my work. It has happened before! It takes a long time on a blackberry!Plans tonight. Not real sure but either hike in a bit when I get to Lee or get a hotel for the night and have a little longer day tomorrow in to Dalton. Happy Trails,Pony
Date: 2009-07-24
From: Lee, MA

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

I am in Dalton tonight staying at the Birdcage hostel. The guy that runs it is called Ron. I have heard good things about him - I was actually recommended to him in Unionville, NJ by the Mayor. And I had a great time @ the Mayors. There is 3 people already staying at the house. Sure to be more. The trail was pretty nice today but LOTS OF MUD. I thought that doesn't start to appear until Vermont. Vermont's nickname is VerMUD. Funny but not funny since the real mud hasn't even begun? Depressing. At least it didn't rain! Always something positive! Sorta like Pollyanna . . . When she played the "happy game". Anyone that hasn't seen the movie - you can borrow it from me Classic! Well, you will notice my miles for today to be 20 . . . I actually hiked 7 miles last night out of Lee. So I did 13 I guess. It was hard but the terrain was easy. Doesn't make sense I know but I am still getting my strength back and my endurance. It will just take some time! I will update tomorrow if I get a chance. I am either doing 10 easy miles in the Cheshire or 18 hard miles to Mt. Greylock. Right now I am thinking 10 but knowing myself well, it will be 18 Don't worry Roger - It will be good for me. Happy Trails, Elizabeth
Date: 2009-07-25
From: Dalton, MA

To: Mt Greylock
Miles today: 17.0

Today I slackpacked out of Dalton. Got dropped off on he to of mt. Greylock and hiked back to Dalton. It was great especially because I carried a very light pack. Helped a lot but tomorrow it's back to reality! Hiked by myself all day but ran into many people going north. I ran into a few people I met and hiked with in the Smokies. That was pretty cool! McBride and Pack of Divas (Roger will remember them). Tomorrow most likely I will be in Vermont. Depends if I stay in N. Adams. I think that will be only a 6 mile day. . . I guess I will make that call tomorrow.Happy trails,Pony
Date: 2010-02-26
To: preparation summery
Miles today: 0.0

i will fly to atlanta, ga on 3/15/10 to start my through hike of the a.t.i.ve been preparing for about 1 & 1/2 yrs. now so i'm getting excited and nervous about this undertaking. four to six mos. and over 2100 miles is a lot to comtemplate. it is much easier to plan out of a guide book than to put the30 lb pack on and walk the miles. my planning has been quite extensive and i started walking last summer. i added a pack after the first of the yr. and i'm currently hiking with 30 lbs and doing 5 mile hikes with mixed hills and flat. no one knows if they're ready until the hike begins but i'm ready to get going. my food is ordered and should be here 3/1/10. i have all my mail drops planned so i can pack the boxes as soon as the freeze dried food arrives.
Date: 2010-03-10
To: almost ready
Miles today: 0.0

the snow is starting to melt here and i've been trying to get some outside chores done before i leave in 5 days. all my food is here and i got 6 lbs of freeze dried organic veggies. they are really good! the post office refused to let me use 2 priority boxes tapped together even with the flat rate blacked out so i've been scrambling for boxes. no way to put 4 or more days of food in a large flat rate box. i have all my food for my 20 drops plus 2 pickup messured out and ready to pack the boxes. the first 2 and my food to take are packed. also sprayed my rain gear, pack, tent and boots with water proofing yesterday. also put pyrethrins on my boots, gators, pant legs and tent screen.hope the rain and bugs are repelled. i got my airport, actually n. marta pickup set up also. wes wesson will pick me up about 9 am on monday and stop for stove alcohol and i'll be off to the top of springer. hope to start walking about 10 or eleven. all for now have to go to my last day of work.
Date: 2010-03-14
To: LEAVING ON A JET PLANE
Miles today: 0.0

SUNDAY 12:30 PM. ALL IS READY AND LINDA AND I ARE LEAVING FOR THE AIRPORT THIS AFTERNOON. WE WILL STAY THERE TONIGHT AND I WILL FLY OUT TO ATLANTA AT 5:45 AM. WES WISSON WILL PICK ME UP AT THE N. SPRS. MARTA STATION AT ABOUT 9 AM. HOPEFULLY I'LL BE HIKING BY AROUND 10 AM OR SO. I WILL START ON TOP OF SPRINGER MOUNTAIN SO I'LL HAVE TO BACK TRACK FOR ABOUT 1 MILE TO GET TO THE START OF THE TRAIL AND THEN I'LL BE OFFICIALLY STARTED. LINDA WILL BE KEEPING EVERYONE POSTED WITH UPDATES ON MY TRAIL EXPERIENCES.   I SHOULD BE AROUND HARPERS FERRY IN LATE MAY AND PLAN TO COME TO ROMNEY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. THEN I'LL RETURN TO THE TRAIL FOR THE REST OF THE HIKE.
Date: 2010-03-15
To: SASSAFRAS SHELTER
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

ARRIVED AT SASSAFRAS SHELTER. LOCATED IN A RAVINE 100 YARDS IN ON A BLUE BLAZED SIDE TRAIL. THE WOOD FRAMED SHELTER HAS A COVERED PORCH AND BENCHES. WATER SOURCE IS A RELIABLE SPRING IN FRONT OF THE SHELTER. I HIKED ABOUT 11 MILES TODAY. IT WAS CHILLY AND VERY WINDY. VERY LITTLE PHONE RECEPTION AT THIS POINT, ALTHOUGH I WAS ABLE TO TOUCH BASE WITH LINDA. TRIP TO GA WENT AS PLANNED. HAVE MET SEVERAL OTHER HIKERS.
Date: 2010-03-17
From: WOODY GAP

To: HOG PEN GAP
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

40 DEGREES TODAY. SAW SOME FOG AND SNOW EARLIER. HIKED 14 MILES TODAY. PRETTY TIRED. HAD HAMBURGERS FOR DINNER. HAVE NOT BEEN VERY HUNGRY, BUT I'M TOLD THAT WILL CHANGE. HIKING IN A GROUP OF 4. ONE GUY MY AGE AND TWO GUYS IN THEIR 20'S.HIKED UP A MOUNTAIN ABOUT 300'. STAYED AT LANCE CREEK LAST NIGHT. MISSED FINDING THE WATER AND HAD TO BACKTRACK A LITTLE. DOING WELL.
Date: 2010-03-19
To: HIAWASSE
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

13MILES TODAY. DAY TEMP 65. LAST NIGHT 30'S GOT A LITTLE COLD. STOPPING FOR HOT MEAL AND SHOWER AND GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP IN A REAL BED. BLUEBERRY PATCH HOSTEL WAS FULL SO THE OWNER GRACIOUSLY GAVE US A RIDE TO THE HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS IN HIAWASSE. WE SPIT A ROOM SO ONLY $30 EACH. BRIAN, CRAIG AND I CLEANED UP & WENT TO A BARBEQUE PLACE AND PIGGED OUT. THE REST WAS NEEDED AFTER THE RAIN AND SNOW THE LAST 2 DAYS.
Date: 2010-03-21
From: BLY GAP

To: CARTER SHELTER
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

HIKED 17 MILES TODAY THROUGH SOME SNOW, COLD, RAIN. KNEE IS BETTER. I WAS SOAKED WHEN I GOT TO THE SHELTER AND IT WAS FULL. I LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND A GUY WAS THERE COOKING. HE SAID HE WAS SLEEPING UPSTAIRS SO I GOT IN UNDER THE SHELTER AND GOT INTO SOME DRY CLOTHES. THE CEILING WAS SO LOW I COULDN'T SIT UP BUT IT WAS DRY AND HAD A PIECE OF ALUMINUM ROOFING BLOCKING SOME OF THE WIND. I WAS SOON JOINED BY ANOTHER SOAKED 19 Y.O. GIRL HIKER FROM MAINE. WE BOTH COOKED LAYING DOWN IN OUR SLEEPING BAGS AND ATE AND WENT TO SLEEP. THE NEXT MORNING EVERY THING WE HAD ON THE DAY BEFORE WAS FROZEN SOLID. WE PUT ON RAIN GEAR AND HIKED HARD FOR FRANKLIN, N.C.
Date: 2010-03-23
From: FRANKLIN

To: ZERO DAY
Miles today: 0.0

PICKED UP AT ROCK GAP YESTERDAY ABOUT 4PM BY THE AGENT OF THE HOTEL OWNER. WE HAD WALKED 13+ MILES IN THE SNOW AFTER WAKING UP WITH ALL OF OUR GEAR FROZEN SOLID. IT RAINED ALL DAY SUNDAY AND I GOT INTO CARTER GAP SHELTER ABOUT 6 PM. THE OLD AND THE NEW SHELTERS WERE FULL BUT I FOUND A PLACE TO SLEEP UNDER THE NEW SHELTER. I GOT INTO DRY CLOTHES AND WAS JOINED BY A NINETEEN Y/O GIRL FROM MAINE HIKING BY HERSELF. WE BOTH COOKED SOME DINNER LYING DOWN IN OUR SLEEPING BAGS AND TRIED TO GO TO SLEEP.   WE WERE SHORTLY JOINED BY ANOTHER HIKER WHO LEFT HIS TENT OR SHELTER LOCATION. ONCE HE SLID IN BETWEEN US THE AIR WAS FULL. OTHER THAN HAVING 2 OPEN ENDS AND ABOUT 30 INCHES OF HEAD ROOM I DID MANAGE TO GET SOME SLEEP. THE YOUND GIRL (TEEPEE) AND I GOT UP ABOUT 9 AM AND STUFFED OUR FROZEN GEAR INTO OUR PACKS, ATE A CANDY BAR AND SOME WATER AND STARTED WALKING. WE CLIMBED OVER ALBERT MOUNTAIN 5000 PLUS FEET. IT INVOLVED SOME ROCK SCRAMBLES THRU LAURAL TUNNELS AND ROCK CREVASES. GOOD VIEW AT THE TOP EVEN WITH THE SNOW. WE WERE IN WET LEATHER BOOTS AND GOT COLD EACH TIME WE STOPPED SO WE PRETTY MUCH KEPT MOVING, LIVING OFF CANDY BARS AND WATER UNTIL WE ARRIVED AT ROCK GAP.   AFTER A WELL DESERVED HOT SHOWER AND A BIG DINNER OF CHOPPED STEAK, SALAD AND ROLLS WITH BROWN SUGAR BUTTER, AND A 32 OZ FAT TIRE I WAS READY TO RETIRE. SLEEP WELL UNTIL 3:30 AM BUT WAS AWAKENED BY MY THROBING RT. KNEE. LITTLE SLEEP THE REST OF THE NIGHT.   AFTER RESTING MOST OF THE DAY WITH A PILLOW UNDER MY KNEE AND 2 TYLENOL I FEEL A LOT BETTER. HEADING OUT TOWARD NOC TOMORROW AM WITH BRYAN AND CRAIG (TICK BITE AND RIVER DOG). RIVER DOG ALSO HAS A JOURNAL IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED. HOPEFULLY WE'LL GET TO NATAHALIA OUTDOOR CENTER IN 2 DAYS THEN TO FONTANA DAM 2 DAYS AFTER THAT. SORRY FOR ALL THE MIS SPELLINGS. POPPOP
Date: 2010-03-24
From: ZERO DAY

To: STREAM 121.9
Miles today: 17.9

LEFT ROCKGAP 9:45 SLACK PACKED TO WINDING STAIR GAP. BRIAN WENT ON TO COLD SPRING SHELTER AND CRAIG IS AT LICK LOG GAP. I'M AT STREAM 121.9. CAME OVER SILER BALD AND WAYAH BALD, THROUGH SNOW, AT 5.342 FT. HIKED 17.9 MILES TODAY. FELT GREAT UNTIL 1:00 THEN BOTH KNEES HURT FOR ABOUT 3 HRS THEN SLOWING STARTED FEELING BETTER. SUNNY TODAY IN 60'S BUT THIS AM WAS 30 WHEN I GOT UP. GOING TO NOC TOMORROW. STILL WONDERING WHAT SMOKIES ARE LIKE. NOT TOO MANY HIKERS TODAY.
Date: 2010-03-25
From: STREAM 121.9

To: NOC
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

got up 7:30 am had breakfast and left by 9:45. Trail magic along the way but didn't stop. Big climb out of burning town gap. 13 miles today, knees hurt all day on the flats and downhills, but fortunately not severe pain. Some views and snow and a pretty rooting trail. Extremely tired at the end of the day. Last 5 miles was 3,000' drop, rock climbing, steps.....killed the knees. Got to NOC about 4:00 with Craig. Staying at Nantahala, not sure about tomorrow and I'm tired. Did I mention that I was tired? Going to Flanigans Pub to watch WV basketball.
Date: 2010-03-26
From: NOC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.0

LEFT NOC AT 10:30 CLIMBED 6 MILE MT IN 6 HRS. HAD SNACK AT MILE 7. KNEES A LITTLE BETTER. NO OTHER HIKERS AROUND TONIGHT. TOES ARE A LITTLE COLD. GOT TO CAMP LATE, AROUND 7:00.
Date: 2010-03-28
From: FONTANA DAM

To: FONTANA DAM
Miles today: 1.5
Weather: moderate rain

GREAT WIN FOR WV BASKETBALL. WORTH THE HURRIED WALK TO GET HERE. WALKED 1.5 MILES TO OTHER SIDE OF THE DAME. I PLAN TO START THE SMOKIES TOMORROW MORNING. FEELING PRETTY GOOD. THIS IS A DRY AREA COULDN'T EVEN GET A BEER WHILE WATCHING THE GAME. VERY PRETTY AROUND HERE THOUGH.
Date: 2010-03-31
To: MT COLLINS SHELTER
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

TODAY AT CLINGMANS DOME 6,600' HIGHEST POINT OF THE AT. BREATH TAKING VIEWS. BEAUTIFUL DAY TODAY. TOUGH WALK YESTERDAY ONLY MADE 9 MILES, BUT 9 HARD MILES.PHONE CONNECTION NOT GOOD SO MAY NOT HEAR FROM ME.
Date: 2010-04-01
To: PECK CORNER SHELTER
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

out early at 8 am battled snow all am and stopped at tricorner shelter for lunch.left at noon with 7.8 mi to go. snow the first half the clear but was tired. made it in by 3:30 so had some time to rest. knees still hurt and have 2 blisters and one toe nail about to come off. fellow hikers here are big dipper, cefus, little brown, mission and 4 other thru hikers. lighting, teepee and 2 others went on to the next shelter. all well. short miles tomorrow
Date: 2010-04-02
To: COSBY KNOB SHELTER
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

left out before 8 am, no snow all day. walked hard with no breaks and got in here at 12:30PM unique place with bunk house for 20, and a couple cabins that sleep 4. food on honor system. take and put on an envelope and pay when you leave. washed clothes in a tub with a wash board and dried in an electric dryer which doesn't work. they are now hanging in the trees around the bunk house.did get a shower for the first time in 6 days so life is good. have to hike 5 minutes up on the mountain so linda should sure appreciate a call if i'm able to get my phone charged in time to get up there. looks like rain. place is full and they have 4 outlets. plan is to 2 day it tomorrow to hot springs then take a full day off. 31 mi in 2 days over a couple big ones should be a handful.