morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-26
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 10.1

I spent an hour on top of Bald Mountain. The weather and the views were beautiful! John & Dot from Mobile shared the shelter. They hike a week every year and we realized we had met in 2007 at Carter Gap Shelter. What are the chances of this happening!Two Pack came in and shared the shelter. He built his nightly fire to cook his dinner and we enjoyed sitting around talking.
Date: 2009-04-28
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 6.3

I arrived at Uncle Johnny's at 10am and went straight to the shower. Afterwards I did my laundry and hung it out on the line. At 12:30 9 of us went to eat at the Pizza Plus, Dollar General and White's Grocery. Later I ate dinner at the mexican restaurant with Uncle Johnny & Charlotte.
Date: 2009-04-29
From: Uncle Johnny's

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

I arrived at the shelter 5 minutes before the rain came. Sharing the shelter are Wompus Cat, Match Stick, Blink, Two Pack, Allen (section hiker). Tenting is Net Man & Hot Pants is in his hammock. I love shelters when it is storming.
Date: 2009-04-30
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Greasy Creek Gap Hostel
Miles today: 7.3

Trail magic at Iron Mountain Gap. Mango (AT '06) surprised us with drinks and all kinds of goodies. Thanks Mango!Boy, did I have a surprise when I arrived here. Cee Cee has a man helping her out with the hikers this season. He called my name and ran up and gave me a big hug. I didn't recognize him until he told me who he was. Last year I was hiking for 4 weeks and met thru hiker Shepherd at Neels Gap. We shared a lot of places together like Cloud Nine and etc. The last time I saw him was in Damascus at trail days. He has lost 90 pounds and now has a beard and long hair. Looking good Shepherd!Staying at the hostel are Dr. Evil, Jim Dandy, Jellowstone, Two Pack, LoriI enjoyed my stay at Greasy Creek and got to see the crazy neighbor I had read so much about.
Date: 2009-05-01
From: Greasy Creek Gap Hostel

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

We woke up to rain, cold and fog so I decided to skip Roan Mountain. I think Roan High Knob Shelter was one of the coldest shelters on the trail in 2006.Cee Cee, Superman, Lucky Star and I ate lunch at Subway after dropping off Lori & Two Pack. They were slack packing back to the Hostel. Cee Cee dropped me off at Mountain Harbour Hostel. I shared the camper with Doctor Evil.We had a great breakfast cooked by Mary & Terry. Afterwards, Terry dropped me off at the trail head. No rain!
Date: 2009-05-02
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel

To: Abby's Place Hostel
Miles today: 12.1

I was hiking north of 19E and met Blessed. We chatted for a while and then he picked up his pace and I didn't see him again.I met Laughing Owl and One Step (Lee) at the Mountaineer Shelter. It was early and they were thinking about finding Abby's Place. Abby's Place opened up in 2007 and was closed in 2008. Ron the owner died last year and left the place to his step son Scotty. We were not sure it was open this year and I didn't have directions since I have the 2006 trail book. I told them I would meet them at the park bench on the trail. I tried to call Scotty but didn't have good cell service. He did answer but my phone kept losing the signal. When they met me at the park bench we turned off the trail at the bent tree, ATC sign on tree and some pink flagging tape. We followed the trail until we reached the house. Scotty was on top of the house working and told us to go on in.The name Abby was Ron's dog that is no longer alive.
Date: 2009-05-03
From: Abby's Place Hostel

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 12.3

There are a lot of people here at Kincora. Baltmore Jack is spending a couple of weeks helping Bob with the hikers. He is cooking a big meal every night and you give him around $5.00 and share the meal with everyone. Amtrak (trail Angel) from Florida stopped by to see if anyone needed something. Minnasota Smith had hurt his foot so they took him to the hospital. Later Amtrak, Jazzman and I ate dinner at Lone Star and then stopped by the hospital to pick up Minnasota. He didn't break his foot, but the doctor told him to stay off of it for a few daysMatch Stick, Wampus Cat, Laughing Owl, One Step, August Rush, Jazzman, Minnasota Smith and I shared the upstairs.
Date: 2009-05-04
From: Kincora

To: Iron Mtn. Gap & Kincora
Miles today: 8.9

Bob dropped us off to slack pack back to Kincora. Laurel Falls is beautiful with all the rain we have had these past few weeks. Jazzman and I enjoyed taking it slow and checking out everything. He said that this was the most beautiful place he has seen since leaving Springer.I met Steamer and he told me he was finishing up his section hike the next day.Also, Daddy Long Legs & Sassy Fras a married couple went with us to the grocery store.I gave my money toward dinner and enjoyed sitting with everyone. Bob made two pies to share and we all ate too much!I can't say enough good things about Bob Peoples and what he has done for the AT.Bill and I plan to come back next year and help out with Hardcore.
Date: 2009-05-05
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Iron Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 15.4

Jazzman and I got dropped off by Bob and headed north. We both felt bad about not having the time to help with the trail today. We hiked by the section they will be working on at Hardcore. Bob and the other trail maintainers work on the trail every Tuesday.Z (SOBO-flip flop), his dad (Mr. Happy) is hiking with him for a few days and they shared the shelter. I can't think of the girls name that is hiking with Z.
Date: 2009-05-06
From: Iron Mtn Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: moderate rain

I reached Double Springs Shelter about 5 minutes before it started raining.Jazzman wasn't quite as luckyWe spent 3 hours snacking and talking until the rain stopped. I had 3 cups of hot green tea and fixed Jazzman two cups. (section hikers have extra fuel) White Bread was packing up to leave and Sled Dog stopped by for a few minutes on her 33 mile day!
Date: 2009-05-07
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus - The Place
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: scattered clouds

It stormed all night, but we (Jazzman, Magic and I)were dry in our sleeping bags. My plan was to start hiking about 6am, but the rain didn't stop until 7:30. Jazzman and I reached Damascus about 11am and checked into The Place. Today is the first time I have seen the sun in about 10 days.
Date: 2009-07-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Created my Trail Journal today. The time comes closer to where I will be heading on this adventure. I have not made any contacts on this site yet, but I am here putting up my information. I am, in 3 days, heading to Maine to start my trip at an attempt of a Southbound Thru-Hike. As things finally meld together I realize how blessed I am to have my mother and father helping me organizing these final details. Using the Vapor Trail Granite Gear pack, weighing at an awesome 2 lbs, I am currently searching the internet for a better tent option. Well enough of the entry, this is a test.Test, 1,2, 1,2, Test."He who makes a beat of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man."- Dr. Johnson.
Date: 2009-08-19
From: Katahdin

To: Georgia
Miles today: 256.6
Weather: light rain

Hey folks!Sorry about the lack in updates, have been too busy worrying about other things before I updated my trail journal online! A new name (Band-aid)! It changed from BanditBear to Bandit to Band-aid, after helping my friends Hunter S. and Bard Favre out with some foot aid questions and for some medical advice I gave to em! That and the whole going to school to become a doctor of medicine and all. Hopefully all goes well with that, but now to the present. It's been 20 some days since i started my adventure. I have been wet, tired, sore, hurting, burning, aching, and smiling/laughing and rejoicing ontop of some of Maine's most beautiful summits. With a little bit more of the tough state of Maine to go, I eagerly await it, along with the Whites and the rest of the trail! I have met many hikers along the way, along with Hunter S., Bard Favre, JavaPete, Lucky, Hawaii 5-0, my new friends in Andover Joe and Trailblazer! It's been a great hike so far, although I got Giardia and had some issues with salt burns on my feet, after this 0 in Andover I will be up to 3 0's in the state of Maine. I'll try to make it another 100 miles before I 0 again, but will definitely be zeroing again in Hanover! Well Its hiker midnight, a late 10 o'clock evening. Out tomorrow morning back on the trail heading to Gorham. Kill Bill 2 is on the TV as well, and who can pass that up? Band-aid out!(They heal things!)
Date: 2009-08-24
To: Glencliff
Miles today: 0.0

Not really sure how to do all the formatting on this weird thing. But am glad to be in Gorham, N.H.! The Mahoosac Notch was probably some of my favorite hiking I have ever done. Out of Andover it was about 4 days to reach Gorham. I hiked the first day by myself, and then my SOBO flip-flop friend Torch caught up with me. We hiked the next 3 days into Gorham, hitting the Notch in good dry weather. It was really cool due to the ice underneath the Notch, which kept it very cold and I liked that as I hiked through it. Coming down the Arm was a little sketchy, but slow and steady foot steps led me down. Looking at the Whites, I am filled with excitement about getting on those big ridges and seeing for miles and miles! How great! Hope to catch up with Hunter S. , JavaPete, and Bard Favre, at least by my birthday on the 30th to be climbing Mt. Washington. That would be a neat birthday I thought. Well over and out to the next town.Band-aid.
Date: 2009-09-07
From: Glencliff

To: IM AT CHETS!
Miles today: 0.0

In Lincoln!Made it this Far. Hiking With Jermiah Johnson, Lucky, Torch, and Barfight. Had an Amazing Birthday on the Trail with fire, 30 Rack, food at Mizpah, and hiking from Lake of the Clouds Hut to Crawford Notch on a beautiful day, after a crazy day from Madison to Lakes during the Tropical Storm Danny. 50 MPH winds on top of Washington Madness!
Date: 2009-09-12
From: In Hanover! 

To: Hanover?
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Enjoying some time in Hanover. Going with the flow to enjoy the weekend in the college town. Pretty tired to journal more, but loving to hear from my friends the Beer O'clock boys and from Moose back home in Chicago. Been hiking with Chewbacca, Lucky, Torch for the last few days and occasionally I would run into Jeremiah Johnson and Barfight! All is well.Band-aid.
Date: 2009-04-01
From: 1 Day 

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 1! We started out by hiking 1 mile to Springer, we arrived at about 9:30 am. Clay and Branch Miles gave us ride to the trail head and walked the mile to Springer with us. They are the founders of a non-profit trail ministry called A.T. Servants. Clay and Branch are good friends and have really helped us prepare for this journey. Branch's dad, Ben, came along too to send us off. We took some photos, prayed and then headed out.... The weather today was all sorts. Starting out it was foggy and drizzly most of the morning. The ground is a muddy mess and it may be like this for a while. Rain is in the forcast for sometime. After 1pm the sun came out and stayed out most of the day. Berry and I want to be at Neels Gap by Friday to meet some friends so today we thought we'd push it through. Let me tell you, it was tuff! All in all we went about 16 miles. Berry had a few hot spots on her feet that we caught early, but after we arrived at the shelter she discovered a blister on both feel that she didn't feel during the hike. Hopefully the next couple of days she will heal up. Depending on how things go we might slow down before Neels, we may need to until we get adjusted.We've met with many hikers and it is so exciting. Everyone is enthusiastic. Berry and I are trying to remember a lot of trail-names at the moment. We left most of the group we were spending the morning with this afternoon. Most of that group stayed at Hawk Mtn shelter while we pressed on to Gooch shelter. When we arrived here we were introduced to a whole new crew that had already settled in. Its great to be here!
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Wood Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: light rain

What a day we have had! It is day two of a so far very wet and chilly spring. Bark and I are currently snuggled up in our tent staying warm and dry. Thunderstorms are expected tonight so we are praying for safety and a sturdy tent. We have had some great conversations with some fellow hikers- just trying to get to know them better.A few humorous events of our day... I accidentally shot Bark in the face with a pretty pressurized rocket of cold mountain water while trying to refill our water bottles with a filter. And to top it off, during our first experience with trail angels a friendly dog decided to use Bark's leg as a fire hydrant- oops! It has been a good hike today and we are very excited to reach Neel's Gap.
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was absolutely crazy. We had our first good feild test with our gear too... The weather pounded us all night, non stop pouring rain and very heavy winds...people are guessing that the gusts were in the 50mph. The great news is that our tent was AWESOME and we never got wet, despite the fact that it was being violently tossed about all night. We didnt get much sleep. Several of our hiker friends got washed out completely. 4 hikers we know bought new tents today. This morning was cold in the low 40's and everyone was scurring around the shelter for warmth. Berry and I started out for Neels early and we were leading a large group. Thank goodness we're here at the Hostel. Today has been a great day of recovery and touching base with everyone we have hiked with for the past 3 days. Hearing and sharing stories is the best part. Most everyone is staying here or in Blairville, cleaning and recovering from the bad weather. We're all imbracing for some cold and windy weather over the next several days. Hopefully the rain will hold off but we'll take whats comes!
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Neel's Gap

To: Campsite just before Cold Springs
Miles today: 14.0

We started the morning off by picking up some very necessary gear from Neal's Gap. We packed up and started out expecting to only hike about 11 or 12 miles. Compared to the past few days this was a pretty gentle hike with incredible views, we took a lot of pictures which hopefully we can upload soon. We also encountered several trail angels. They truly blessed our day with cold drinks, hot dogs, burgers and a wonderful bag full of chocolate, cookies and crackers. The hospitality on the trail is great- seems to be made up of mostly former thru hikers and of course outdoor enthusiasts. A major highlight of the day was giving someone their trail-name. We met her as Hannah but now we call her "Good Spot". We finally made it to an unmarked camp ground and were a little worried we would be alone, but to our excitement our friends "Italian" and "Lady Bee" rolled in and set up camp. Then not long after, "Otter" showed up too. It was our first hiking day of full sun and it was beautiful and refreshing. We were thanking the Lord for the break. Tomorrow it will be back to storms and then looks like snow early in the week. Bark and I will just keep on keeping on...four days in and spirits are high!
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Campsite just before Cold Springs

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: few clouds

Turns out we went a little further last night than we thought... about 16 miles. Today was a tuff day physically, but a great day...a wonderful day because it's our 1 year anniversary! Berry is an amazing woman. I think the word that best describes her is "pleasant." She brings life to all who encounter her, she is a breath of fresh air. There are many things I admire and appreciate about her, far to many things to write in one journal, but I'll list a few: She is selfless, always giving of her time and resources for other people. She makes others feel important about themselves. She is loving, joyful, compassionate and sincere. She is modest, simple and easily pleased. She esteems me and brings value and respect to our name. I am better for knowing her. I love you, Darling, happy anniversary.Today was hard.. we're pushing with a lot of others to make it in to Hiawasee tomorrow eve. There is bad weather (cold/ rain and sleet) coming on Tuesday and everbody is finding a way to avoid it if possible. We hiked most the day with Italian and Lady B. However they did not make it to Tray Mtn tonight so we're staying with about 20 other hikers on top of the mountian. The winds are high tonight with a cold front moving in. We all got pretty beat up on todays hike... the accents and descents were non-stop..certainly the hardest day yet. We're excited to be at Hiawasee tomorrow eve. We are staying at the Blue Berry Patch hostile to catch up with everybody. On Tuesday we are planning to take a Zero in order to skip the weather, wait for anyone else who comes in before the afternoon, and celebrate our anniversary with some privacy. Oh yeah I almost forgot to mention that we were again fed by some trail angels... so nice...at Unicoi Gap. All of us were so thankful!
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

After braving another very gusty storm and a mouse looking for a dry tent to escape in, Bark and I woke up and got dressed just in time to catch the sunrise and the only 5 min. of sunlight to follow. We camped out with many other thru hikers at the top of Trey Mt. and awoke to very cold temps and strong wind gusts- upward of 50+ mph at some points. Our hike was pretty crucial today because we had to make it to the road crossing (dicks creek) to Hiawassee, GA in order to duck out of the incoming snow and sleet. On the way we met up with some new hikers and prayed for the safety of our friends we had not seen since the day before. We would both agree that today's hike was difficult; Kelly Knob had something to do with that for sure. Although some of the climbs are difficult, it really is incredible to make it to the end of the day and realize what you have accomplished. Around 1 o clock we emerged from the trees and saw a van taking two other hikers into town. We took off in a run and made it just in time to catch a ride from Ron, the owner of the Hiawassee Inn. Ron provides great service for hikers: Laundry service, shuttles, clothes to borrow, foot care, etc. Since we arrived, we had a chance to get cleaned up, catch up with a few thru hikers and clean our gear. Turns out that the friends we were concerned about were already here...several hikers are slack packing while staying in Hiawassee, we¢re glad everyone made it! Our friends Jonathan (¢Vapor¢ 06¢) and Kristy Carter stopped by for a visit and joined us for dinner at Daniels Steak House for an all u can eat buffet. Lady B, Italian, Paco and Herm ate with us too. Bark and I are glad to be through with the stretch. We'll be taking a very strategic Zero tomorrow
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Hiawassee

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It was our very first "zero day" on the trail. We watched as the snow fell off and on all day long in the freezing temps. From what we could see, the mountains surrounding Hiawassee were topped with snow. It was very pretty and we were glad for a productive, but restful day. We were able to resupply at a local grocery store and sort out our gear and food for the coming hike to Franklin, NC. The best part about the day was getting to see and catch up with Italian, Lady B, "B", Flatlander, Rolo, Long Legs, Sassy Sunshine, Drew, Sam, Stewball, Otter, Ithai, Herm, Paco, Brett, Bonesy, Solo, Sparky and a few others to name a few. We had a great dinner at a local Mexican restaraunt with a few of the aformentioned hikers. We watched "B" make her "spider" out of the straw wrapper and we discussed the slackpacking and some of the northern terrain. Earlier in the day we were able to head to local "hiker friendly" public library. They allow hikers to come in and use the internet for free as long as you need. We were able to update our journals and add the pictures we have taken thus far. After dinner we made it back to our room, planned our departure time for 8:15am and began to pack up our gear for tomorrow's hike. Our sore muscles are feeling much better and the blisters are healing. The Hiawassee Inn (Ron and Sam) has been fabulous! They have been beyond helpful with anything any of the hikers have needed. If you ever find yourself hiking thru this area, stop by and stay awhile- they will take great care of you. Well, it is time for us to turn in and get some rest. We hope to cross the state line of NC tomorrow and make it to the trail town of Franklin to celebrate Easter with our good friends Clay and Branch. We are especially looking forward to the hiker breakfast at the church in Franklin- we've heard it's fabulous!
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Big milestone today! We crossed the NC border...our first state! We left Hiawassee at 8:15am and were at the trailhead by 8:30am. Shortly into the hike we remembered leaving our much anticipated cheese, hummus and cream-cheese back in Hiawassee We took today pretty easy. We were going to camp just beyond the NC border with a few other folks but we all arrived pretty early so we took a lunch break instead and proceeded on to Muskrat shelter. The ground was frozen this morning with snow along various parts. Once we were in NC the trail was covered with snow and we had some steep climbs and slippery descents. Berry's feet stayed dry but mine got soaked in slush and mud. It was a neat hike! We sat around the fire at the shelter and told stories. Our little group of 15+ people keep meeting up and seeing one another along the trail and in camps. It was a little sad for us today to not see Italian and Lady B since we're so used to it. They are slack packing to Dicks Creek today. We hope to catch up with them in Franklin.
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We started our morning around 8:20 on the trail outside of Muskrat Creek. The trail was fabulous today- pretty flat with only a few rolling ups and downs. We did go over our highest point thus far, about 5,400 ft. The climb was fairly easy, just very gradual until the top. We had a chance to hike with Rolo today who later had Bark chew on a piece of Ramp- we were not sure what it was at first, but Rolo explained that it was an oniony garlic plant. Needless to say it is very strong and Bark smelled like it for a couple of hours. While on top of Standing Indian Mtn. we stopped for a lunch break and briefly caught up with Sassy Sunshine and Long Legs. We eventually made our way down the very long descent and on towards Carter Shelter, our original stop about 12 miles in. When we arrived we saw Flatlander who was debating on moving ahead or staying put at the shalter. We soon all decided to press on together another 3.7 miles since the day had been fairly smooth up to that point.By the time we reached camp we had seen an incredible overlook and had a great time hearing about Flatlander and how he got to the trail. We made dinner, rested our very tired feet, and laughed a lot as everyone tried desperately to hang up their bear bags. Luckily we got to camp with some new faces tonight-Scarecrow and his wife Tufted Titmouse and two of their best friends. We talked about family, the trail, mountaineering and this little bunny that was sniffing out our toothpaste. (We just hope the bears weren't close behind.) Sounds like most of the people we are camping with tonight will be pushing in to Franklin tomorrow afternoon sometime. Unless the rain turns into severe storms, Bark and I plan on a slower day with some big climbs and will make Saturday a nero day to reach Franklin.