morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Damascus

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Flint glad to be back on the trail again. His state of mind is good. The weather is windy. He has seen lot's of wildflowers - I gave him a quick lesson when I was Erwin, unfortunately, I don't believe it stuck - he can't remember their names. He still hiking with Hobo, Yardsale has joined them now too. Peace & Love to All. Paws
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: light rain

Flint & crew climbed to Buzzard Rock at 5080 which is well below Virginia's 2nd highest peak Whitetop at 5560. Buzzard Rock a great place for catching a view of soaring feathered friends. Hiked along another beautiful bald before resting for the night. Peace & Love to All. Paws
Date: 2007-04-28
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Near The Scales
Miles today: 7.9

A very short day for the crew. They were tempted by awesome trail magic. In our very short phone call - great food - chocolate cake was mentioned specifically, great company, etc. not sure about all the details. Anyways, it did seem to lift their spirits and they were very apprciative. Flint said this section just might be his favorite so far. He said it is beautiful. Another one of those spots we have to come back to and visit. Yes, he saw the feral ponies. He was very enchanted with this place. He send his love to family & friends. They are still chasing after Calamity and crew. Peace & Love to All. Paws
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Near The Scales

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: broken clouds

I finally did receive a call today from my husband ever so short. He had to track me down at camp. We start to get the "Misery Syndrome" after about three days of not talking to each other and we were into our fourth day. My event was over when the call came through - I missed the first one. They (Flint, Hobo & Mr. Easy) had hitched a ride into town to eat. He hasn't had cell service since Damascus. He got me up to date. He was eating cheeseburgers, frenchfries, and chicken tenders at Jerry's in Troutdale, VA and they were kind enough to let him use their phone. Thank you very much. He sounded great and is doing great. He weighed himself in Damscus and he weighed 202 so he has lost 33 lbs now. He has lost his wedding ring twice now and found it both times. It just falls off his finger. He said he was going to put some duct tape on it to tighten it up. They are going to head back to the trail once they get their bellies full and head on to Trimpi Shelter where Yardsale had hiked on. Peace & Love To All. Paws.
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Marion Roadway Hotel
Miles today: 10.7

Flint & Hobo are at the Roadway Hotel. Hobo's ankle is in a bad way. They got in pretty early. Flint said it is pretty swollen and have alternated ice and heat. Hobo is debating taking a few zeros - he doesn't want to but his ankle is giving him a lot of trouble. Luckily the terrain is pretty forgiving except for a few rocks and roots not tremendous ups or downs. If he doesn't zero they will be moving slowly. Flint's knee is holding up and his ankle is doing better providing he doesn't roll it again. He said he is about due for another pair of shoes, hopefully, they can make it another 2 1/2 weeks until I come for another visit and then we can get him another pair. Apparently there is a plan to hook up with Calamity tomorrow as well. We'll have to wait and see if that pans out. Peace & Love to All. Paws
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Marion Roadway Hotel

To: Pearisburg,VA
Miles today: 98.8
Weather: clear sky

Yes, it has been awhile since I have updated but I was at camp with no internet service or cell service. I have accumulated Flint's mileage over the past week and will give you a run down of events. He hiked for days in rain. A cold, windy rain. His knee and ankle are still giving him some trouble from time to time, he is now wearing a knee brace to see if that will help. He finally hooked up with Signage and Calamity and they did some slack packing, thanks to Signage's friend Marianne. She is awesome. He has a hole in his shoe that is covered with duct tape for now. He has seen many thru-hikers quit this past week G-Smurf, Drip Dry and some others that I can't remember there names. And to use the word quit, it is so harsh - because they've accomplished so much and more miles than must of us reading these journals every night or every other night but we have chosen to live vicariously through them. Flint said it was so sad, they were so hard on themselves - their dream in their eyes now shattered. I've learned personally through this experience with Flint it is truly not the destination but the journey. It is the little pieces you learn about yourself along the way, the smallest of things have greater meaning, your sense of appreciation is fined tuned especially for people and most importantly the ones you love the most, you are open and exposed to emotions you never knew you had, not quite sure you want to feel again, but in away it makes you feel your alive, you are constantly testing your limits - failure or success, matters not- just doing it matters - all of these things and so much more make your hike your own. And it's your dream anyway so your allowed to change the ending - so your destination is the place you choose it to be. No one should judge you for it, especially you. Hobo is off the trail with his ankle injury for now to give it some TLC and hopes to be back on by the end of the week. Saturday Flint and Signage hiked on and Calamity met up with Chase. Flint and Signage stayed at Doc's Knob Shelter and then hiked into Pearisburg on Sunday.   They got in early, Signage met a friend and Flint hiked in with Yardsale and Waffle. He stayed at the hostel there in Pearisburg. He picked up his bounce box, resupplied and did all the things hikers do when they hit a town. He said they aren't much for giving hikers rides - he must of put in an extra 15 miles just in town. Going from the hostel to the PO, to Wal-Mart, Dairy Queen, etc. He tried to hitch but it just didn't work out for him. He misses us, we miss him, he wants to stay, he wants to leave, if he was here he would wish he was there, he's there and wishes he was here, what are we going to do about it?. I say this is what you call a "conundrum", a riddle of sorts. I remind him of what Doc said - "Don't make decisions on a bad." I think he just needs a good dose of TLC which will be coming his way soon when I go for another visit. Peace & Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Pearisburg,VA

To: Symms Gap Meadow
Miles today: 11.6

Tonight Flint is with Dorothy & Toto and he is going to cowboy camp as he calls it. Calamity is at the shelter behind and Signage is at the shelter a head, so they should all catch up tomorrow with each other. He said it was a beautiful spot, he likes it, he staying for the night. Peace & Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-05-08
From: Symms Gap Meadow

To: War Spur Shelter (just passed)
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: clear sky

Flint & Signage stayed just passed the shelter it was full of some "Boarding House" girls. Calamity Jane is still working to catch up with them. Our phone call today was very short just enough to update me and let me know all is well with him. Peace & Love To All. Paws.
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

Flint loved this area, being a caver at heart. This area was full of sink holes and Signage & Calamity had their work cut out for them keeping him out of the holes. Another day of dehydration for Flint. They took in the Audie Murphey Memorial too. This was a tough day all around for Flint, I became ill and was hospitalized. My family and I debated telling him but when things took a more serious turn (Flint and I had made a promise before he left not to keep things from each other), I decided we had better tell him I was in the hospital undergoing test that could possibly result in surgery being needed. Thank goodness the test results were better than originally expected, no surgery was needed. However, exhaustion and stress can cause the body to do some crazy things. Peace and Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-05-11
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: VA 311 Catawba 
Miles today: 12.8

Flint's phone is trashed. He climbed Dragon's Tooth and Knife's Edge today. He also did what he refers to has the "stupid" humps. He worried about me. I was released from the hospital and assured him all was well. Time off and R&R were needed. Actually, I told the Dr.'s I needed to go hiking - they agreed that was probably the best medicine for me. Calamity Jane, Flint, & Signage were all picked up by one of Signage's friends and headed over to Signage's house where Hobo was busy preparing dinner, yummy chili. Signage's friend Gail brought over yummier salad and yummiest ice cream with fresh berries. Flint said it was awesome. Everyone planned on a zero for the next day. Flint is three hours away - I wanted to go see him when I got home from the hospital, but I was so tired, but what's three hours, right? I began my plans to leave on Friday evening, to make my escape out of town but was busted by my family & friend - Jen who convinced me to wait until the morning when I was more rested. I spoke with Flint on Friday evening again and told him I was coming to Signage's on Saturday am, he was so excited to know I was okay and I was coming to see him. Peace and Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-05-12
From: VA 311 Catawba 

To: Salem, VA - Signage's House
Miles today: 0.0

I arrived at Signage's around 9 am. I cried half-way there. I don't know why for sure. I was driving on I-64 just into Virginia around mile marker 8 and the road was going up hill and it was misty, it looked as if I was driving straight towards heaven, which I felt as if I was. A blue heron soared across the highway in front of me just as I was topping the hill and then the mountains appeared shrouded in a purple haze of fog and mist and their silhouette against the early morning sky was incredibly beautiful to me, so I cried some more and felt very blessed to be able to drive this very morning to see my beautiful husband. Flint, Hobo, Calamity and Signage were all waiting on the porch when I arrived. Flint felt so good. He looks very thin, he has now lost a total of 42 pounds. He began his hike at 235 pounds out of Springer and now weighs 192 pounds. His beard is getting very full, his shoulders seem boney but he was splendor to my eyes. We had a full and great day. We all went and picked up Flint's bounce box at Catawba, and headed to the outfitters to get him so new boots, yeah! I am keeping his old boots for prosperity, though they have a six inch gash in one and several holes in the other. They did get him the first 700 miles. Then we went and had lunch with Signage's friends, June, Annie, Sharon & Missy - they were very gracious and bought our lunch. Great ladies all of them. We headed over to Laurie & Pat's house, were J.D. the awesome lovin' pooch resides too, for a pleasant visit. Next was Wal-mart for resupply, dinner and pack to Signage's to sort out pack supplies. Thank you Signage for your great and wonderful hospitality! I had asked Flint earlier in the day if he wanted to come home for a few days, he said no because it might just be to wonderful of a distration. Peace and Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Salem, VA - Signage's House

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Flint woke this morning with a change of heart. He says, it will be hard to go home and then return to the trail but, no harder than each time I have come to see him and have left to return home. He also felt I was in need of medicine that only he could provide. Let the healing begin. He also said, so how do you like this 192 pound, 6'2", Mother's Day present and I said, it's the best ever!!! So we headed home together. I was so shocked that he changed his mind. I cried again. Flint is wondering what happened to his wife of granite and steel, the independent, self suffcient super woman that usually tells him to suck it up. Flint believes she's lost right now in the confines of her own mind struggling to make her way through a labyrinth of tight turns, narrow corridors and dead ends with little air or light. I believe he is right, he is the air and the light that I need to find my way through this maze. A maze of turbulence and disarray that began long before his hike and rooted in the daily toil of my livelihood. Where it may lead no one knows - not even us. Today was a good day because he is with me. He is so centered, calm and confident. I'm so proud of him. Peace and Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-05-14
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Flint says it feels could to be home, though strange. Today was a hard day for us both. I should say a hard day for me but he watches me go through this, so he feels my confusion, my frustration and my vulnerability. In time I'm sure this too shall pass but for now it is tough. In time too, things will become clear and decisions will be made and the future will be laid in front of us. The only thing we both know for certain - he will attempt to finish this trail and I'm going to be there every step of the way - God willing, love does have incredible healing powers, and our love is strong medicine. Peace and Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-05-15
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a good day. Flint and I visited with his parents & sister, grandma, Uncle Clyde, Aunt Debbie, Uncle Charlie, Aunt Karen and his cousin Chad. They were so happy to see him, and he was happy to see them. They are very supportive of his adventure. We began to make our plans to head back to the trail since I will be joining Flint for some time. We have decided to go to Trail Days too. I think we are heading out on Thursday providing we can get everything in order here, there is lots to be done. The search is on now for clarity and purpose - the maze will give us a run for our money I'm sure, but Flint is confident I will find my way through, afterall, caving through dark narrow passages, turning around in small cramped deadends, making his way through key holes, or holding his breath for a bit to get through a tight squeeze is what he does best, so I have a great guide to get me started on working my way through the maze. It's very comforting to know, I'm not going it alone. Peace and Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-05-17
From: Home

To: Salem,VA
Miles today: 0.0

Headed south to Salem, VA to meet up with Hobo and begin our hiking plans. Today is the first day I haven't cried in quite some time. Flint makes me laugh. The trail has been so good for him, he has this very calming presence about him that relaxes me. He so centered and confident about his direction, it makes me feel at ease. I'm trying to work my way through the maze but the battle still rages. We would like to thank everyone for signing Flint's journal and showing support. Peace and Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-05-18
From: Salem,VA

To: Salem, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Lot's of running today before heading out on Sunday and making plans for shuttles, etc. Went to a cook out at Signage's friends - Annie & June's house - incredible views of Tinker Cliffs, great hospitality and wonderful people. We celebrated Calamity's birthday. Hobo made plans to return to New Orleans, he reinjured his ankle on Wednesday and had to come off the trail. He will be missed. There is something I have figured out as I have grown to know and love many thru-hikers, I believe sometimes the destination is not always a place named Katahdin, sometimes the destination is ultimately a state of mind. It's a mental place they are journeying to, which they may reach in 50, 100, 500, 1000 or 2,174 miles but the choice is their's, afterall, out here, you hike your own hike. Tomorrow we are heading to Trail Days in Damascus and starting on the trail Sunday at Catawba where Flint came off last week. The maze awaits. Peace and Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Salem, VA

To: Damscus, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Flint & I traveled to Damascus to catch Trail Days - our first. We are both tired from riding what seems to be an endless emotional roller coaster, when planning for this adventure almost a year ago who would have thought we would be at this place right now. We did have a wonderful time and met up with friends made along the trail. Many reading the journal and giving their support. The folks of the trail community are amazing, an extension of family. They're real. It's real. If something is draining you, sucking the very life from your veins, you need a change. If your spirit is starving it needs nourishment, how else can you be whole. Perhaps these are reasons some hike the AT or some get caught in a maze, not wanting to disappoint others. We had great conversation with Model T - thanks for the advice. Bravefriend, we appreciate your kind and supportive words. Snack Break, we loved seeing you, we appreciate your support and you are our hero. Compost, your words of wisdom - nailed it! Otter's wife (sorry we can't remember your name) but we loved our conversation with you, thanks for your insight. Owl and girlfriend - thanks for listening. Mr. Easy & No Problem - dad says stay out of trouble. Skipper & Blissful - thanks for the prayers. Waffle - there's a future here, you know what we mean. And countless others who shared the day with us. Fishin' Fred hooked us up with some awesome AT wooden signs - we love them. Now for some fun stuff - tent city was amazing to us - tent after tent. The parade was pretty cool. The thru-hikers from this year and past years signed in on their perspective banners and lined up to be a part of the parade. Some were dressed in their hiker clothes, while others chose to be more elaborate in their appearance. The water battle was pretty heated with water cannons and and water balloons zooming through the air both parade marchers and watchers getting a good unexpected dousing from time to time. I was strategically hidden behind a telephone pole snapping photos and kept my eye on the sky for incoming friendly fire but the water cannons did wound me a time or two with liquid shrapnel. When I finally caught up with Flint he was pretty soaked himself but it was so much fun. Very ironic that on the trail a number one priority for a hiker is water, always in search of the substenance of life, on this day there was more than enough to go around. We went to Dot's for a bite to eat. While eating at Dot's we read this on a t-shirt "I was alive in the wood, I am killed by the cruel axe - while living - I was silent. Dead - I sweetly sing. Brescian Legend" As we set in Dot's we pondered the meaning, feeling strangely as if there was a hidden meaning meant for me. I digested what I needed from it - no longer silent while living, funny how a riddle can bring such clarity in a time of confusion and looking at it now, I know the meaning - it is a violin - music. We all have to sing our own song. We headed back early - hitting the trail tomorrrow. Working our way through the maze. Peace and Love To All. Paws & Flint
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Catawba, VA

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: clear sky

Got up early - Signage and Calamity Jane picked us up to head north, we put Calamity on the trail, dropped our truck off and then Signage brought us back down to Catawba to head north. Thanks Signage. Our plan was to go nice and slow. Absorb it, take it in. The hike was a piece of cake for Flint - easy miles as he calls it. Not so much for me - I don't have Georgia legs. I'm active but I haven't hiked almost 700 miles either. Anyways, it was a pretty enjoyable hike. Beautiful weather, beautiful views, the mountain laurel was in full bloom. We met some great folks, Jane and Rhonda a couple of day hikers, sweet ladies. We talked with them for quite some time. We met Hangman and Sneakertramp too. It felt great to be in the woods and hiking. Flint said - jokingly of course, we are averaging less than a quarter of a mile an hour and I said jokingly of course, what happen to slow and easy, you know absorb it, let's take it all in. And then we both just started laughing. Really, I'm dealing with two at the moment Flint the hiker and Brian the husband, on occassion I have to ask - "Who's talking or who's asking?", before I'll give my own reply. It's made for quite an adventure on the trail. Flint is a hard core hiker while Brian is tender and sweet. We made it to McAfee Knob on a wonderfully clear beautifully day, where we set at one of the most photographed spot in the outdoors. There I hoped and prayed for a sign or answer to my dilemma None came. We took pictures and headed north. We stopped at Campbells Shelter for a break & water and then decided to stay the night where we shared it with Katie and Sara two very sweet sisters out on a several week section hike. Watching Flint - the thru-hiker go through shelter ritual and prep for dinner made me smile. I could envision him doing this for the past 700 miles. Along came Brian the husband to make sure I was feeling okay. We made dinner together, cleaned up and listened to the deer move around the shelter all night long, at one point Flint counted thirteen. Sleep finally found me about 3 am. Working our way through the maze. Peace and Love To All. Paws & Flint
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Daleville, VA

To: Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Flint and I woke to a beautiful day. Unfortunately, no hiking today. We suspected this to be the case last night when my right foot began to swell. Today however, I can't even get my boot on. I am quite the sore and batterd Paws today. We have all agreed we pushed a little hard yesterday, of course husband Brian is blaming it all on hiker Flint. At times I worry about all of our sanities, husband Brian, hiker Flint, wife Kim and hiker Paws; this could get interesting. My knee and hip are what are sore not my foot. Flint's new boots did a number on his feet as well, he has a few nasty blisters of his own to contend with. We had stopped about two miles shy yesterday of Daleville and had both put on our crocs to hike the rest of the way in. We made plans with Gail, one of Signage's friends to pick up our truck today and move it forward at a slower pace, or have it available for me to slack Flint if need be. We walked to the outfitter store and set outside Mill Mountain and talked with Dog's Life, Kiwi and Pootz. Went to Krogers, did lunch at Pizza Hut. We were sitting at Pizza Hut when we saw Katie & Sara walking by and I hobbled out and yelled over to them. They joined us. Actually, after they ventured to Krogers and the outfitters, they ended up staying with us. Gail picked us up and we headed out to pick up our truck. Thank you Gail so much - you are a wonderful Trail Angel. Flint and I truly appreciate you taking the time out of your day to help us out. Random acts of kindness on the AT are as natural as the environmental you find yourself in daily. Kindness - the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic. Kindness is good for the spirit, nourishes it. We met back up with Katie and Sara had a great evening and began plans for the rest of our hike. Getting closer. Peace & Love To All. Paws & Flint