morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Burningtown Gap

To: NOC (Wesser, NC)
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

Easter.Awoke about 3:30am after going to bed past 11pm. This is way past my hiker bedtime (8pm-9pm). I had secured a cot for the night¢s sleep, but I found it less than comfortable. I toss and turn until ~5am. Then Breathless alerted me to the time and I rallied those who had been interested in seeing an Easter morning sunrise. One person reneged her status and another I chose to let sleep after the number of beer he had the night before.Thanks and best wishes came from Outdoor Source tent as I began up the dark trail. Sal, Lumber and Aaron all in tow.The hiking in the dark was very peaceful for mental stillness. Though it would have been easy o scare myself when I was in the led. The overcast sky, covering the stars made a spectacular sunrise a doubt, but it did foreshadow the sprinkles that came be for first light. Coming up on cold Spring Shelter in the dark was eerie and made me think I missed a turn and was stumbling on a blue blaze.Confirming I was still on the AT I pressed on. Copper Ridge bald was either xxxx or not well labeled. The four of use continued at the side trail up Rocky Bald. Aaron ascended, others pressed past.We found a nice place and sat waiting. The light did grow but the sun was hidden. After my pop tart breakfast I read the final chapter of the gospel according to Luke. Then I started singing a hymn. As I led in clapping Aaron joined and I danced around the rocky Bald. Hallelujah He is Risen!The remaining first half of my day went quickly. Climbing Wesser fire tower, packing, thinking about the rain as it sprinkled onto the trail. I took lunch at Wesser Bald Shelter. The remaining trail miles went down taking my attitude.Huge steps off rocks, many cut trails, and no points of interest to check mileage against all made for a long afternoon. Adding to the pain was my first blister on the inside of my left heal still rubbed under my duct tape first aid. The rain did let up and I moved forward. If I¢d only make it to the Rurfus Moose shelter ten I could stretch/nap or whatever.Wow! The road looks close. Hey, so does that building. Crap. Did I miss the shelter? As I stumbled into the NOC at Wesser Gap apporimately 14 hours sooner than I planned, I saw Dead lung. He told me the shelter sign was down when he passed and that it was up and around a rise in the mounting causing it to be hidden.So I eventually, with four hours of sleep and emotionally spiked frustration stupor, bought a bunk for the night with Quest, Babs, Michael. I¢ve showered laundred and now eaten. The clouds closed the NOC for an hour or two the heaviest I¢ve seen yet. I purchased food for three days ¢ two to take em to Fontana Dam and another for my planned zero day. I¢m out of here in the morning.Some nice surprises were catching up with Mousebait, Zack, Scraggly and Adam. Also, I will call home in a few moments.Thanks to Manzooka for his worst of wisdom to always weight one¢s thought about the trail against 1) Amount of sleep, 2) Amount of food and 3) the weather.HE IS RISEN INDEED TO SET THE CAPTIVES FREE!Live freely thou(??)
Date: 2004-04-12
From: NOC (Wesser, NC)

To: Sassafras Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: moderate rain

This morning was revealed to me by train hitting the roof of the bunk house. I packed, ate, finished packing. After a call to home I started North gain under the looming rain clouds.As I started I met up with Quest. This the first day I have hiked my whole day with someone to my destination. Quest had a nice pace and the discussion was delightful. The Church. Politics, beliefs, evolution. A great piece of wisdom was ¢Religion ought to do more with deeds than beliefs.¢The rain spoke softly, but never opened the spicket until we had made it to the Sassafras Shelter. After the initial rainfall, Quest pressed on to the camp area. I was weighing my cost-benefit analysis. Concidering the questionable nature of my shelter I decided to stay.I moved in and spoke at length with Sampson. She is a solo female hiker from MA. Lengthy conversation dissolved into the setting sun.[YJ: I think it should be Samson, not Sampson, as I know she has long hair. But Casey continues to spell it Sampson. So, that¢s what I¢m going to do.]Now I¢m not tired, but it is dark and quiet so I¢m writing to myself but someone may read this online. HA.[Sampson¢s Hand writing in the next paragraph]Oh the pressure¢¦to write something interesting and poignant¢¦Oh well, can¢t think of anything so instead I¢ll comment on the loud snoring that is already echoing throughout the shelter! Oh the joys of communal living.[Back to Casey¢s hand writing¢¦]Neither of us were bored of dark so we played tic-tac-toe, dot game, hangman and thumb wrestled. The games ended when each of us took a trip from the shelter to get rid of liquid waste.[YJ: Did you heard cheesy love music in your head while reading the last paragraph?]Returning to the funk groove by the ¢nostril and throat¢ ensemble we each respectively went into silence.They¢re here! Tink tink on the tin roof¢¦.scurry, scurry. Yep. Mice. Thankful of the lightening I saw during my bathroom adventure, foretold of the explosion from the cloud. Ping, ping¢¦loud, louder. Ah white noise, sleep.
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Sassafras Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

The rain was falling when I opened my eyes this morning. I was one of the first to leave. With the rain came mudslides in the trail. On that note I took my most [YJ:first??] tumble. Really it was that bad, but a great eye opener on several levels. As my feet slipped from under me, I caught myself with a right and stiff arm. No ¢ my shoulder didn¢t pop out. Mostly my hand was muddy. When I was on my feet again I gave thanks to God.Today put me up a monster climb. I had to take a breath. Also I stepped into a cloud again as I had yesterday. Rain threatened most of the day, but didn¢t break until I was moved into Cable Gap shelter.Nine of us are in the area, seven in the shelter. All of us are to get into Fontana tomorrow. Different schedules will lead to a changing of the groups.Shawn and time, the latter is using my hammock under the shelter¢s canopy. Now the talk is of Mark¢s time in British military. As the rain ¢ wait snow ¢ fell we scrunched to bring Shawn in from the ground in front of the shelter. Now eight were in the shelter.
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 6.6

Awaking to the mist of snow dusting my nose. Outside was a winter wonderland. Each of us at our own pace this slow morning, I was one of the last to leave.The trail was amazing. Heavy snow weighed the trees limbs down. As I closed in the final miles, Sampson caught up to me and we talked the final miles away.At Hwy 28 we took a left and began the walk to Fontana village. On the way a shuttle to the Inn picked us up. $4 took us to town. Laurie was our driver. Many of us went to the PO.In the PO I opened my boxes with glee. Then spreading myself through the lobby I began the process of sorting during the office¢s lunch break. Each box contained more than I had originally asked for or packed. Thanks Mom and Dad for your love and concern.After a visit to a general outfitter, a ride back to hwy 28 and the AT. I hiked the final mile to the shelter with a 10# box in my arms.I moved into the shelter and began to organize my food. Then I learned that some guy is cooking me (and the others) dinner.Dan, Nathan, Ben from South Bend Indiana. Burgers were served in God¢s love from these ¢Hikers for Christ.¢Night came and some general talk. The entertainment of peoples attempting to hang up food from hooks in the ceiling just beyond the reach of most of us.Sleep ¢Puddling¢
Date: 2004-04-15
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Early in the morning I awoke and outside was an amazing view of the stars. A few cat naps before dawn led to my being awakened by Dan of IN. Breakfast was at the parking lot. 14 (or so) pancakes later I returned to the ¢Hilton¢ for chores.Beginning with prayer, meditation and reflection, I then journalled. Following this I sat at a park bench and wrote to my brother and sisters at Olivet teen gathering. This melted into a discussion with Sampson on personal near death experiences. Hers were more interesting, IMHO.A break from writing, took me to gear maintenance. First I relaced and added lock knots to my shoes, then gaiters clips, strips. Next I went through Sampson¢s pack helping here cut weight. How sweet is this she cut her toothbrush handle and hair brush handle off. Finally, I added tension pulls for my gaiters.Into town for a brief visit to PO. For ride I caught a hitch with Sampson¢s thumb. We climbed into the back of a pick-up which had ??????. Sitting on the truck¢s edge and leaning towards the center we each recalled our earlier conversation on near death experiences.The ¢Hikers for Christ¢ brought us back to the lots. As they prepared the meal feast. I returned to the shelter and updated my journal. With dinner came two major events. One I was asked to lead the blessing and hence was proposed the trail name of ¢Preacher Man¢ by Ski Bum. Second I, witnessed the introductions of Aaron and Sampson as they discuss a goofy book ¢Barchester Towers.¢Now I¢m waiting. I called home, my eldest brother [YJ: that¢s me] and my friend Marcus. Thanks to my brother for taking care of a few gear questions and orders, and my parents for compiling a huge mail drop for Hot Springs.Reflecting on the proposed trail name I most likely will not accept it. For it is overly one dimensional. I was very glad my faith was involved in its origin, unlike past attempts. But as Lumber kindly mentioned, we [other hikers] already know you are a man of beliefs because of the cross on your neck.Sleep will come later tonight because not walking really can feel lazy. Good night.Note: 1) thanks to those leaving a message on the board here. If one should be interested I can receive letters via my home address and my parents will forward it. Simply label the front lower corner, ¢For thru-hiker¢.2) As I was not accepted to any of the programs that started in late August, I no longer have a mileage schedule. Therefore if any of you family, friends who mentioned a desire to hike with me, I know have time to hike at whatever pace you bring. Those interested should call my house stating what dates you¢d like to come. Then as the day approaches I¢ll contact you with where I am. FYI: I am off trail May 27-30 for a wedding in Columbus, OH.
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: few clouds

Crossing the dam after leaving breakfast with a full stomach and encouragement from Ben, Dan and Wate ¢ ¢Hikers 4 Christ¢ and Spot and Pali. The sun glimmered streams on the water as I entered the Smokies mtns. The AT took a climb for most of the day.Before noon Sampson and I climbed the fire tower on Shuck Stack. The 208 foot climb took us to the observation room, then pulling ourselves through a hole in the roof we sat with a solar panel taking in God¢s creation.Back to the trail. Short time later lunch. On about a tritone (?) away my pack weight more than it ever has. When I left Hiawassee 12 days ago I was carrying 6 days of food and I weighed in at 30#. [YJ: Not bad. Very respectable. Considering 6x2#/day (12#) is food. Plus 2qts of water is 4#, leaves 14# of gear.] Now I have seven plus days of food and the addition are noticeable. But my pack rode well.The sun guided (?) my path all day. I was overwhelmed by the simple beauty of the forest floor blanketed with small white peddled flowers. These mystical ???? were hidden amongst sections of bristles and thorns. My path finally stopped me at Russell Field shelter. Sampson and I used soap, stream water and a bandana to clean up before making dinner.Ski Bum is here trying again to find me a trail name. Preacher Man, Rabbi ¢eh?Good night.
Date: 2004-04-17
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Major moments of the day are¢¦Warm sun covered my work with sweat all day. My night of tossing and turning. My pace slow and mental perception off, so during a break with Sampson to eat a snickers, what I thought was twenty minutes really was an hour. Next, while walking to the shelter area the first thing I saw as a horse. Then another, finally eight horses and riders were filling the shelter. As I was setting up my HH I broke my mosquito netting line. [YJ: more commonly called the ridge line]. Crap. My attempts failed to secure the line.
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

I awoke to the sounds of hooves next to my ear. Wait. No they are farther away, but were quite loud. Awake and moving Sampson and I wondered about the water supply after the horses were taken there for a drink.Packing up, I fixed my HH by loosening the tie outs. Last night Dukner? Had set in and I lost ??????.Eating this morning the most exciting thought was that at Clingmans Dome there would be garbage cans.The warm morning of hiking lay suspended as Sampson and I climbed to the look out. At the top the rare clear skies reveled from the highest point on the AT great scenery. ????? Mikes were starting a biking trip across TN ¢ ¢Tennessee ride for Hope¢ asked if we¢d pray with them. We did. Thanks for the gracious words.The second highlight of today¢s hike was the decent from Clingmans was rugged and enclosed by pine trees. My step, led me to Newfound Gap.At the Gap I cleaned up in the bathroom using goose bump raising cold water. Then Sampson and I fixed up dinner outside the rock structure. Dinner was seasoned with onions. As we cooked several other thru-hikers returned form their afternoons in Gatlinburg (Vanity Fair). We all pressed on to Icewater Spring Shelter.
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Awaking with the stars overhead I get out of my cowboy setup to go to the bathroom and found my bag damp. Did it rain? Well no, my final decision is that heavy dew came in the night. So when I finally awoke, I got Sampson to watch the sunrise.On the trail one mile, I arrived at Charles bunion. We sat for a bit in silence and listened. Beautiful clear day brought the sun and its heat.Later in the day I stood with thru-hikers staring into a mtn cove. Riding on the air currents danced a group of birds. Diving, spinning, climbing and surfing.I was spent after a short burst of energy following lunch. A big up hill and an additional climb wore out my energy reserve.I made it to camp and found a filling shelter. Also a trail maintaining crew. Thanks guys for updating the shelter.Flames burned in the fire ring as I was ragged by Scarecrow. He is a great guy, funny and insightful.
Date: 2004-04-20
To: Yellow Jacket
Miles today: 0.0

I know I said I wouldn't do this again, but....I just received another batch of journals and a CD containing photos. At this point I have no idea which photos go with which entry. So, I'll just upload all of them. And, maybe, assign random photos to each entry.As Casey is currently moving through the Smokies, he is in sort of a "radio silence" zone. I don't expect to hear from him again until 24-April.I'm also few days behind on entires. But I hope to add 2-4 tonight along with the photos.I also heard Casey may have been given a trailname (finally). He didn't tell me, so I'll wait for confirmation before I add his trailname to his profile.
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I awoke and prayed under my bag, cramped under the lower level o the shelter. The maintainers were waiting for the helicopter. As we left two rangers arrived.Down the trail some 100 yards, I saw ahead someone in a bright yellow shirt, turning a corner. Mother Nature? Mental reasoning suspended, I began sprinting up hill. When I was within 10 yards I recognized it wasn¢t her. Ah!The morning brought another excellent moment. As I was listening to Sampson sing, I was praying Rev 2:20. Then I was briefly gifted to be touched by the presence of God. I was convinced that humility is not a part of living, but must be of my being. Thanks be to God.Lunch at Cobbs cove Shelter, I learned more about Sampson as I spent my day in silence. I was humored as a quick thought ¢Put her foot in her mouth¢ and then adverted attention to another comment.Out of the shelter, we ascended the blue blaze to MT Cammerer fire tower. We sat and looked out.From the descent was a long continuous descent. My left knee was becoming tender. We stopped and took a rest. And kindly Sampson offered to pray for my knee. Thanks.Dinner, Scarecrow trying to start a fire and some reading and I¢ll go to sleep in Davenport Gap shelterLook forward to ¢A day of details¢.
Date: 2004-04-21
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

3 miles down hill took Sampson and I Standing Bear Hostel. There at the hostel I set down in the sun and began to settle in. I mailed a letter and read some. We decided to eat lunch at the hostel. The place was great. A wonderful oasis and not very developed. Which meant it wasn¢t mentally jarring to be there.The establishment had some food for sale. It was all in a stone cellar. Shelves of candy bars and oat meal and cookies. I picked-up 8 snickers, 10 breakfast bars and some other power bars. Then for lunch I had 2 chimichongas and half can of Pringles and 3 cans of Nestea.Filled from lunch, I made a few phone calls. I am honored to be asked to be my youngest nephews God-Father [YJ: That would be my youngest]. Sadly ¢ to me ¢ I¢ll be somewhere in VA hiking. Speaking of titles some thought and consideration has concluded at a possible trailname which I am please with and as are others. Plus it seems to carry some depth. The first part is from Ski Bum calling me ¢preacher man¢ and then last night Scarecrow called me ¢ounce¢. So through discussion we conclude with ¢Father Ounce¢. The name was passed by Mousebait and ????? with other derivations and she jumped with excitement at the above stated one.In the heat of the one o¢clock sun, we start up the trail a half-dozen switch backs, made me drench my recently rinsed shirt. The growing blisters on my feet, including a unique one between my 1st and 2nd toe on my right foot [YJ: Photo to be posted later], have been slowing me down. Thankfully, they only hurt when I walk. HAWe made it to Groundhog shelter around 5:30pm. I soaked my dogs in a creek, only briefly though because it was really cod. Sarge a ¢97 thru-hiker is shooting the breeze with CUZ. Sarge is a life member and hiking a lot. He is helping another seasoned citizen thru-hike, who¢s name is dreamer. I just learned garlic may bring me relief when mosquitoes start up.I¢m going to make some Cajun rice and beans I received from the back of some guy¢s van while I was a the Standing bear hostel.
Date: 2004-04-23
From: Big Rock Spring

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

A wonderful dry night in the HH brought me to morning. I go to eat a cereal bar and then went back to bed. When I got up again Sampson was already packed up.We made our way to Hot Springs, NC. I was mentally off because I kept putting off eating thinking I was just about there, when in reality camp to town was close to ten miles. Coming down one of the final switch backs I saw a school yard and school busses. What? I thought. Oh yeah. Now I get it. See the little town maps some hikers carry have only the essential spots that hikers would visit (ex. Food, groceries, lodging). Another phenomenon was people cutting grass, this actually arose some emotions of home sickness. Mowing my lawn at home can be so meditative.In town with three hours until the PO closed, Sampson and I go to a campground. File dollars a person includes as many showers as we want. Hee. We setup then shower. I really didn¢t come clean until I wiped the dirt off with a towel.Wow in my rain pants and windshirt we head to do laundry. While we waited, the PO entertained us as we each opened our packages. I was most excited about Sampson¢s nee stove and pot from www.antigravitygear.com. Thanks Yellow Jacket for ordering that. [YJ: You¢re welcome.]A visit to the outfitter, then finished laundry led us back to the campgrounds. Where I set about fixing my HH which I had broken (again) earlier in the day. I cut a template from paper, then the foam from my sleeping pad to make an alteration to my pack. So far so good.
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I awoke to cramp shoulders, though in hindsight it really stretched my back and neck well. Morning chores included another shower and a final check of my bounce box and gear I¢m sending home. Sampson and I made our way to the PO. While there we met up with Wife and Beater and Gator Women. I explained to Wife and Beater the quality of the $40 cabin and they decided to go to the hostel. Sampson and I were going to stay at the campground again.Next we spent time in the outfitter. Sampson was trying new shoe inserts and I picked up some Marathon Bars and pop tarts. Trivia: Snicker Marathon weigh more and have fewer calories than straight Snickers bar, plus Marathons cost more. Gator Women gave me a simple command which I found to be a great complement. She said I should open my own outfitter with lightweight gear and help hikers. Also I was pleased to learn that upon entering Hot Springs, Scarecrow requested a meeting.Back at the campgrounds I journalled than took a nap, then another shower and Sampson showed us a stitch pattern to mend my shorts. We returned to town, missed the closing hours of Mr. James Gentry¢s hardware store, where I wanted to get an o-ring. As we entered town the thunder we heard at camp brought its rain. We took refuge in the outfitters.There was Scarecrow and I Need a Hug [FYI: A blossoming relationship, which Sampson clearly foresaw and I had some expectations of]. Scarecrow was checking a tent and asked my critic. Joyfully I shared. About an hour passed and other gear was looked at and considered.The four of us finally made it to the Padder¢s Pub. Burgers consumed. Wonderful theological reflections ensued. Time passed. And a worker form the outfitter sat at the table over. Mousebait who had joined the tale end of our conversation greeted him as Baltimore Jack.Wow. Another trail legend [YJ: I think Jack has hiked the AT 7-9 times within the past 10 years]. Some words I spoke led him to share his Trail Days ¢03 story. I made a fool of myself not realizing that Baltimore Jack is the same person as Jack Tarlin, because I knew Tarlin was from NH. Others left as Sampson and Baltimore Jack spoke about Hanover then politics. I just wanted to record that I sat quietly grinning using Baltimore Jack¢s pocket knife to re-lace my shoes. Another chore done.
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Rich Mtn Fire Tower
Miles today: 8.2

This morning Sampson and I went up town to a Jesuit Chapel Service. We learned later that Sampson¢s watch was ten minutes slow, so we had missed the beginning of the peaceful service. Scarecrow and I need a Hug were there too.Back at the campground I found my food bag on the picnic table had been ransacked during the service. As I inspected each item the culprit squirrel paced off at a short distance.Packed I went to the outfitter and bought a new stuff sack (one size too small) and weighed my pack in at 30#. This included food, water and fuel. After lunch at the campground store we returned to the whiteblazes, under the threat of rain, about 2pm.We hiked the quick rocky ascent from Hot Springs [YJ: Inset picture] after crossing the French Broad River. I saw a strange bug on a tree [YJ: See photo titled ¢Strange Bug¢] and my first snake [YJ: ¢First Snake¢] this year.At the fire tower Wife and Beater had setup their tent and Sampson and I setup ours, ate and settled around the hot coals in the fire pit.PS. It rained about 9pm.