morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-21
From: Home

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 200.0
Weather: clear sky

Back on the trail. My mind was racing as soon as we took off. David and Kath walked the first 3 miles with us to Calf Mountain Shelter, where we ate sandwiches and said goodbye. They retraced their steps back to the car.All I could think abouut iis how we might thru hike after all.... Then, my feet started killing me. The"yay! we're finally at the shelter" feeling was the same exciting sensation. We decided not to cram in, so we tented behind the shelter. Yard sale was there!   He says that there are several folks we know who are close-by. It was neat to see him because he was there when Chaya ran away.So we're back on the trail. Things are pretty good, but I'm glad we're not thru-hiking. It was just too much of a stretch.The whip poor wills are going crazy!! I know they're goiuing to keep me awake tonight. I think there is one perched on top of our tent, letting us have it. My cicadian rhythm is already upset due to watching too many late night NBA playoff games.I'm just a Tennessee Walker.Joshua Ashton HillQuote:"I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts."            --The Lion King
Date: 2005-05-22
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

I realized today that I had been on the edge of hating hiking. To me, it's just not as fun as sitting, eating, and going catatonic. Today at a Skyline drive overlook, we sat and ate lunch, where I literally wanted to just stay. Why keep going when you've got something you enjoy right here?Oh well.   Today I tried hiking in my Tevas, since my blisters are already starting to comw back. They worked pretty well. They don't offer as much support, but they don't give blisters either.Today was very quiet. We didn't talk much, but we did see a couple of amazing things. First, salamander love. It was pretty much rape a la ,"I'll bite your arm off it you don't sit still."Then, a brave mama grouse ran out in the trail hissing, trying to distract Chaya from her chicks. She made sure to keep herself between Chaya and the babies until we were out of sight. What bravery and love would compel a creature to sacrifice itself for the well being of others?   I think there's a bible verse that says something like that.Water is scarce, road crossings are many, scenary is beautiful, and flora and fauna are abundant. Warm weather is such a nice change of pace. I'm really glad we're out here.It's kind of frustrating to be so conflicted about life: What to be, who to be, where to live, how to live, is the trail for us, are we wimps, and will I actually finish?Only God knows the answers. I wish She would tell me.I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill"We criminalize the symptoms and ignore the disease."                     --Ani DiFranco "My country tis of thee"
Date: 2005-05-23
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Hightop hut
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: scattered clouds

After yet another late morning departure, we made our way up to lunch at a fabulous overlook,and it wasn't on Skyline Drive!! We stopped to chat and eat with Pedro, a section hiker who is also an adjunct music faculty at JMU. Hes currently finishing his doctoral dissertation in musicology.   We enjoyed talking with him. We've been with him for 3 nights now.Today was a shorter day because we've decided to "shelter hop" through the Shenandoahs. Shelter hopping is when you go from one shelter to the next, enjoying yourself because you're not trying for big miles.There are as many shelters in SNP as there are days left in our trip, so we'll be having an enjoyable time.Today was a record-setting day. The record: most huge, fresh bear poops in a one mile stretch. IT was approximately 10 pies, all still mushy. Unlike most who see bears in the SNP,we still haven't seen one. My guess is that we're too loud; all those hiking poles can be noisy, but I guess no bears means no bear maulings. I'm okay with that.I'm amazed by how many people are in SNP, yet there is still so much wildlife. I get the feeling from looking east and west at human development that we've pushed the only sustainable habitat for wildlife into the protected acres known as the SNP. In short, wildlife can't live anywhere else, so that's why its prolific here. I hope we (humanity) don't screw this up; there's nothing left after our national parks, wildlife preserves, and wilderness areas. SNP seems the wildest, even thouggh its the least amount of acreage of any protected land so far. Skyline drive is never more than 2 or 3 miles from the trail.It's only 6:30, but we're tucking in. No whip poor wills last night, but I still couldn't sleep. Maybe tonight will be different.I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill"Lay off me. I'm starving!!!"                            -- Chris Farley's GAP girl on SNL.I was inspired to write a poem. I'm not a poet, and I don't understand nor claim to remotely have any type of mastery of the English language, meter, or rhyme scematics. I do, however, wish to share the poem here:ENCHANTED WOOD, by Josh HillSpoke to me an enchanted wood,"You see now the way you should.The universe in you but remainsThis wild pursue, not profit gains."Then the wood said to me"My voice can be heard in every tree.In the wind, in the sun, in the bubbly brook,the whisper is everywhere, if only you look."How and why do we refuse to hearThis wisdom voice so sweet and clear?Of our wilderness not much is leftFor our loud selfishhness is making us deaf.We've become a people of great wealth,Yet we lack moral and natural health.Wake up, America. See the road you're on.The voice will not scream until it's all gone.We'll awake one day with no rocks or trees.Skyscrapers above and below concrete.Will I be able to say I did all I couldTo translate the voice of the enchanted wood?
Date: 2005-05-24
From: Hightop hut

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 12.0

Today's steady sprinkle and misty fog made for a surprisingly enjoyable walk. The lush forest floor was a green canvas, colorfully embellished by white mountain laurel, pink trillium, yellow sulfur shelf, drizzled by draping pockets of fog. Though we were wet, we never were miserable.After eating lunch inside the mens restroom at the South River picnic area (it was raining, and there was no other covered shelter) we did just a few more miles to the bearfence hut. We made it before 2. This afternoon I hiked in front for a good spell. I definitely feel more freedom that way; it's more fun in front.When we got to the shelter, we hung a clothesline and read until August showed up. We talked to him until Dubois showed up. It was great to see him; he's such a ball of energy. He was followed by Vapor, Bedhead, ans Steadystep, all old friends from TN and NC. We told our story and had a great time chatting. Hopefully, we'll get to stay with them for a little while.I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill"I am the Tao, the Truth, and the Life."                              --Thich Nhat Hahn rephrasing Jesus.
Date: 2005-05-25
From: Bearfence Hut

To: RockspringHut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

A quick sprint with Vapor and Dubois for 4 miles or so quickly turned into the next 3 miles of hurting. Luckily, we went so fast that we caught Steadystep, so I hiked with him until Hannah caught us. It was fun.We caught lunch at BigMeadows Wayside with Steady Step, Bedhead, Vapor, Dubois, English Bob, Biscuit, and Mountain Dew. The hamburger, fries, blackberry milkshake, and bottomless coffee hit the spot. I had a fantastic time catching up and being social. I think it would have definitley helped if we could have stayed with our group. It is still very liberating to have had a philosphy change.We rolled into the hut just in time. It's totally packed because it's cold and rainy...bad tenting weather. Here tonight are Bob, Vapor, 5 section hikers (not counting us), Chill Out, NewHampshire and dog, Bedhead, Porter, and Dubois. Lots of familiar faces. We are sardines tonight, so I'm about to be done writing.I'm just a Tennessee Walker.Joshua Ashton HillQuote:"I've gotta go put some water in Buck Nasty's mom's dish."                                       --the Chappelle Show.
Date: 2005-05-26
From: RockspringHut

To: Pass Mountain hut
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

The sun came back out today, allowing us to dry our gear. there were some gorgeous clifftop views to the west into the Shenandoah valley, near Luray, VA. It was absolutely breathtaking. After 9 miles, we met Hannah's mom and grandparents for a rockin picnic. We stuffed our faces with biscuits, ham, chips, guacamole, blackbeans and rice, deviled eggs, and cookies, etc. Then we sat arouund and talked until 4 pm.. Porter and Dubois got in on the picnic magic as well.After deciding the time was right to move north, Kim said she wanted to hike 5 miles with us. the grandparents would meet us at the next gap in two hours. So, Hannah, Kim, Rudy, Zoe, Chaya, and I enjoyed a five mile slackpack. Porter walked with us, just like good ole days.During the slackpack, a funny thing happened, on the way to the hut. It has become customary for me when we reach the zenith of a mountain's elevation--namely when there is a rock ouutcropping, which provides a breathtaking panoramic vista-- to pee off it. So I did. Hannah held the dog while she and Porter waited appx 30 feet behind me. All of a sudden, midpee, a gust of wind blew the stream of urine directly back in the opposite direction of my aim. It didn't stop flying until it landed on Hannah and Porter. I laughed so hard I nearly fell off the mountain.Hannah and Biscuit dozens of ticks off the dogs. Mountain Dew is burning them. English Bob is desperate for a cigarette and is smoking butts. Poor guy.Onto my new book. A pleasure read by John Grisham , "The Chamber."Oh, one last thought. Finishing the entire trail may not be as important to me as I once thought. Only time will tell if I'm called back to do so or If I'm not.Has it been an adventure? Have I grown as a person? Do know more about myself and this world? Did I have fun? Yes to all. And it only took 700+ miles. I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill"ewwww. there's pee on me!"                           --Hannah
Date: 2005-05-27
From: Pass Mountain hut

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was an all around great day. First of all, it's really nice when your 13 mile day has a picnic area with restaurant and camp store at 2/3 of the way. We stayed at the elkwallow wayside for 2 and a half hours munching and chatting with Dubois and English Bob. (whose name is Tom). We got blackberry milkshakes too. English Bob finally got some cigarettes, so he was much more pleasant to be around. his shoes were busted, so he had to walk on Skyline Drive instead of the trail in order to avoid the painful rocks. He called it "vista blazing." Another great thing about today was all the wildlife. We saw lots of deer, including a newborn fawn, 2 ringneck snakes, lots of birds, and 2 bears. The bears were both young and very cute, with no signs of mama bear either time. We took pictures. All this time, I've been running the bear scenario through my head. Whatwould I do? How would I react? Now I know. It's just like seeing a deer: "Hey look, a bear." Only you definitely keep a closer eye on the bear as you turn your back.When we got to the shelter we remembered that it was Dubois' last night on the trail for a few weeks, so we built a campfire and smoked a cheap cigar, and cut up abouut 80's music until it was late. I think we were probably too loud for GG and Happy. Sorry, guys!Good times. I'm just a Tennessee Walker.Joshua Ashton HillQuote:"IT's the final countdown"                     --Europe
Date: 2005-05-29
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Last night was fun. Dubois came home with us and enjoyed a homecooked meal, shower, and laundry. I took him back to the trail this morning. He's going to get to Harper's Ferry and take the train to DC on thursday. We'll pick him up there then leave for Maine on Friday.I'm just a Tennessee Walker.Joshua Ashton Hill"Express yourself. Don't repress yourself."                              --Madonna
Date: 2005-03-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After just a few hundred miles on the Florida Trail, I knew then that hiking to Alabama wouldn't be enough. The FT's been a thrill but I wanted to climb some mountains, breath in the frigid air, meet some trail chicks, and learn some thru-hiker jargon.Now, almost 1100 miles under my belt, I'm more confident in my abilities as a hiker and positive of my obsession to keep on going! The time is now to hike the AT, terminus to terminus. My commitment to self: I will not quit before finishing unless an injury or sickness occurs that makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult to continue. This commitment to myself kept me going even in the roughest and loneliest of times on the Florida Trail and I have every expectation that it will serve for the coming 2200 miles.Fresh off the FT, my gear's still in good shape, I've gotten my packweight down to around 12 lbs dry, my body weight down about 25 lbs and I'm now in good mental and fairly decent physical shape for the mountains.I also hope to keep having a good time on the trail. There isn't even any roadwalk on the AT and there's a whole community of support. On the FT, there were several hundred miles of roadwalk and no one to hike with. I'm excited for the sights I'll see, the people I'll meet, and the times I'll have!Oh yes, it's time to head up to Georgia. See ya on Springer!
Date: 2005-03-31
To: Less than 48 hours
Miles today: 0.0

Since I'm only getting a 3 day break after getting off the Florida Trail until bouncing up to Springer Mountain, it feels almost like one continuous hike. A lot of people spend months getting their AT hikes together and I'm spending a day or so. I do have a lot to do though; you should see all the holes in my socks, it's time for them to go the way of the trash and pick up new ones at REI. The soles of my hiking shoes (Merrells with Vibram soles) are worn down and a couple holes have shown up near the laces. I'd say they've done pretty well for me: 1100 miles of the FT and 200 or so hiking in South America and they're still wearable. Unless I get tempted otherwise by the shoe selection at REI, I think I'll hold onto these until they collapse, probably being within the first couple hundred miles of the AT. I haven't gotten blisters in 800 miles and I am wondering if this will change when I hit the mountains. If I do get blisters, I want to be able to isolate it to the mountains rather than be worrying if my new shoes are giving them to me. I've been told that there are outfitters at almost every stop in the southern states and so if my shoes fall apart, I won't be walking barefoot more than 30 miles or so :-). I also need to send some junk in my pack home such as my extra pair of shorts which give me chaffing and pay my taxes. Fun.It was great spending time at Tim "LightSeeker" Cooper's house in Crestview for a couple nights before taking a Greyhound up to Atlanta to visit a college friend for a couple days. I don't know what his penchant for moldy bread is, though, he seems to have a lot of it. A special highlight of the visit was visiting his Royal Rangers group. I told the boys all about my FT thru-hike and they were really excited, which made me feel good. They thought my Nomad tent was the coolest.I'll be jumping on the AT on Saturday, April 2nd at Springer. Still debating whether or not to do the approach trail. Less than 3 days away, yeay!
Date: 2005-04-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It is certainly strange to be in a big city, riding the subway all over, crowds swarming around me. I guess it's good prep for the AT, I hear it's a zoo up there.It's really nice to see my friend Manfred again. He and I went to Oberlin together and it's been more than a year and a half since the last time I saw him. He's a really good guy, a loyal friend. Manfred's been working at the Carter Center for Democracy & Human Rights as an intern and he's going to meet President Carter this weekend and receive a tour of Carter's hometown. He invited me to stay as long as I like, including the weekend and into next week. I thought about it and it is really tempting. More rest sounds nice and it would also be cool to hang out with Manfred more. When I really reflected in myself about it, though, I saw that it wouldn't be right for me. Even though I've only had a 3 day break between the two trails, it feels best at a gut level that I get back onto the trail as soon as possible in order to keep the momentum going. Long-distance hiking has taken me over and how can I be a long-distance hiker if I'm not working on a trail at the moment?The kid at REI was trying to talk me into buying new shoes. I guess he made sense, especially since you can see my sock in each shoe since there are big holes. But nah. I just bought some new socks since I can't deal with holes in my socks as easily as holes in my shoes. So I'm holding onto these shoes until they stop holding onto me!I calculated my costs on the FT today, and to my dismay discovered that I spent more than I thought I had, about $1.63/mile. I would like to come out with some money left over to get to Spain when I finish the AT so I hope to keep my costs down as much as possible. Resist temptation. Resist!I'm feeling pretty good about getting on the trail. When I look back at the my Florida Trail experience, even though it's still too early to integrate it completely into my psyche, it was some of the best time in my life. Dalemerica, who thru-hiked in 2002 and offered me a ride to the trailhead tomorrow, says each time I talk to him, "You're gonna have so much fun". I'm looking forward to it.
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

An abbreviated day today since my dreaded crotch rot has returned. I found this out on the first climb of the day, summitting Blood Mountain. It started to burn down there and I knew what it was. I met a man with a group of high school students at the top. Really nice folks, they gave me three cups of hot chocolate, several little Reeses peanut butter cups, six granola bars, and a fresh apple. The view at the top of Blood Mountain was only one of several spectacular sights today; the weather was more than ideal with a cloudless sky, no wind, and temperatures in the upper 50s.Getting down to the Walasi-Yi Center, I checked Pocketmail, did my business, and spent an hour or so waiting for the folks at Mountain Crossings outfitter to take me to town so I could buy some Lamisil. It dawned on me after a long while that if I were to want to keep hiking today, I would need to find my own ride down since the kind folks at the outfitters were busy. Turned out this was not too difficult and T&T, a couple who hiked in 2000-1, graciously drove me down and back. Man, there is a lot of support on this trail, it's great.I put on the Lamisil when we got back to Neels Gap. The place down under burned for the rest of the day but I am hopeful that if I keep applying it at night and keeping the area as dry as possible, the problem will be solved.Before setting out from Neels Gap, I had to see what kind of stuff was in the hiker box. I could not believe it. I found about 4000 calories of food I wanted, including blueberry frosted flakes, salami, GORP, dried fruit, and more. It would be cool to do a lot of this trail off the waste of others. In the gear box was an almost new pair of hiking shoes - too bad they were too small. There was also a new pair of the same socks I just bought at REI in Atlanta. Doh! Hundreds of dollars of gear was in this box.I'm beginning to think that the AT will school me, just like it has to thousands of others. These mountains are far from easy, and they're not going to get any easier. I found myself having to stop and catch my breath several times going up from Hogpen Gap. Man, was this mountain steep. My legs are sore and I think it will take a while for my body to fully adjust to the mountains.In the afternoon, I hiked for a while with OC-1. He's a strong hiker and his son did the trail a few years ago. If I can bet on a hiker getting to Katahdin, I'll bet on him. He gave me a whole roast beef sandwich when I passed by his campsite in the late afternoon. It was good! He also invited me to his house when I'm in PA.I got to the shelter well before dark this afternoon. There was plenty of space and a lot of chatting. I am beginning to see that the AT is gonna kick my butt; I'm going to come out of this a different person, no doubt.
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Addis Gap campsite

To: Plumorchard Gap shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Three deer this morning, my first real wildlife on the trail. Their coats were darker than the ones I saw on the FT, maybe they just haven't shed their winter layer yet up here?I was glad to make it down to Dicks Creek Gap and get to Hiawassee for some town food. It took all of 30 seconds to get a ride; a section hiker named Tony Elliott picked us up right away in his red pickup. He said that he thought that getting to Maine was 85% mental. It was sure tempting to stay the night at the Hiawassee Inn. I had sesame chicken at a chinese restaurant, not too tasty. The pint of Ben & Jerry's for dessert made up for it though. When I walked into the library and asked to use the computer, the librarian said, "If you need to look at your trail journal, let me know because I'll need to turn off the filter." Talk about a town set up for hikers, she knew the deal already. I then proceeded to spend a lot of time goofing off on the Internet.The hike up to the shelter was mellow, didn't really tax me since it was such a short day. When I got to the shelter, I was surprised to see OC-1 there. He's been hiking some bigger miles, an 18-miler and a 15. This shelter's the coolest shelter I've been in so far and by far the least-crowded, being that most folks either stayed in Hiawassee tonight or left there this morning and pressed on. It was constructed somewhere else and lifted in by an Army helicopter in 1992. It has three floors and sleeps many. I brought in fried chicken for dinner and some donuts. It was good and today was a relaxed half day of hiking. Tomorrow, there are supposed to be thunderstorms all day - I hate walking in the rain! I am pulling some strings and it will pour tonight and we will wake up to sunny skies.