morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Deer Park Mtn shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Wow. It feels great to be in my tent, just threem miles from town, where I am planning to spend the next two days. Today was huge. I'll start by saying this was my biggest day miles-wise. I hiked 23, which is six miles longer than my previous long day, which took place last week in the Smokey Mountains.When I woke up, I had no set plan, but to make it to at least Walnut Mountain, thirteen miles away. Just a few miles into the day, I encountered trail magic at the first gap. A man named Apple hooked me up with a donut and an orange soda. Shortly after, Rasta and I summited Max Patch, a magnicent Blad with views in every direction. It was such wonderful weather that I decided to snack and lounge there for an hour or two. During that time I was joined by Suncrow, Sunshine Daydream as well as Ponch and Mo. This was hands down the most scenic area of the trail so far.AFter my snack, Ponch, Mo and myself journeyed on through tunnels of Rhodadendrum, over many streams and wup many hilss, until we reach Walnut Mountain shelter. It was such a nice day, that everyone had planned to go past Walnut, which turned out to be a very good choice, because the shelter was complete dogsh#$! So, we decided to cook dinner there and move on. I had spaghetti with melted mozerella and mushroom sauce. The meal was wonderful. From Walnut we could see a haze which i took to be humidity, but later saw from a distance in the night to be a forest fire.After dinner, the three of us climbed Big Bluff Mountian, which earned its name by having a flase summit prior to its true summit; a dirty, most treacherous trick. At the summit, I parted ways with Mo and Ponch as I had ten minutes of "bussiness" to take care of. I caught up with them shortly after dusk as they were setting up camp in the valley, over twenty miles from where we started. After a short chat, I decided to press on in hopes of finding better terrain to pitch my tent as well as hopes of bumping into Rasta, who I hadn't seen since Max Patch before noon.By the time I left Mo and Ponch, it was dark, so I had my headlamp on full blast for the last three miles of the day. It was frightening travelling alone in thte night. I passed Rasta's tent and decided not to bother her, as she was probably zonked from the 21.9 miles she had done. Shortly after seeing here tent, I saw lights off to the south. That's when I realized that the haze I saw on Walnut may have really been smoke from a burning forest. It was quite the magnificent sight to behold alone in the woods at night. I hope no one is in danger.AFter what seemd like ages alone in the dark, but was really probably only 1 1/2 hours, I reached Deer Mtn Shelter and bagan to pitch my tent. I was greated by a hiker who's name is Brawn, who was eager to help me after my long day. I took him up on his offer of help after I snagged my Bear line on a tree. He hung my bag with his own. And now, exhausted I lay in my tent, looking forward to a hot meal in town tommorow after what will no doubt be a deep sleep. Goodnight.
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Deer Park Mtn shelter

To: Elemer's Hostel, Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Ah, to eat real food again. I wandered into Hot Springs today with Rasta. She convince me to stay in the Hostel twon nights by offering to pay five bucks from my stay. Elmer's Hostel kicks ass. It's an old house, previously occupied by the Gentry family. Jane Gentry is a woman that Cecil Sharp got many of her Southern Appalachian ballads from in the book and movie "The Song Catcher," which was based on real story. I'm actually sleeping in a piece of music history, which is cool.Speaking of music, this house has a music room with piano, banjo, two guitars, as well as a couple wind instruments, a moutharp and two digrydoos.I saw Poles today, who did a 26 mile day into Hot Springs. I also met up with long lost chum "Squarl," who I hadn't seen in a couplse days. He's going on tonight, so I wont catch him again until Erwin or beyond. It's good to eat town food, shower, and just be a clean member of the human race for a few days. It has almost been a month since I came out here. it's drastic how life and my perspective on living has changed since. A bed, beer, hot town meals; those are all rare treats now; things I don't need, but look forward to as periodic rewards or treats. I've become comfortable with woods life. It's easy to get up and walk with the sun, and sleep when it is dark. People are warmer out here - not just the hikers, but the twonspeople too. This trail seems to bring out the best in everyone surrounding it. It's hard to imagine that six months from now this will all be history, little more than a dream, fading into the subconcious of my memeory with aeach new day. So I resolve to enjoy these times and friendships while they are here in my immediate grasp. Although Katahdin is my final destination, my goal is to live life to the fullest on this trail.
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Elemer's Hostel, Hot Springs

To: Elmer's Hostel, Hot Srings
Miles today: 0.0

It's been a great day of rest and ressuply today. Have spent the last couple hours trying to update this journal, as I haven't had computer access in two weeks. I might not be able to get my pictures up until Erwin.Happy birthday to my brother Josh today. Drink a couple beers for me bro. Tonight I'll eat some nice southern food, sleep in a bed, then mozey on out of town tommorow morning.
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Elmer's Hostel, Hot Srings

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I enjoyed a wonderful vegetarian breakfast at Elmer's. Then, it was off to a very toasty day on the trail. The most notable happening of the day was arriving at the house of Hercules and FAL (free at last) at the end of the day. Mo, Ponch and myself were just looking for water when Ponch happened to remember a sign about former thru hikers offering a easter church shuttle. We happened to be down the street, so we walked a few houses down and there we were.About 430 hikers came to their house last year. They give hikers meals. When they've run out of food, they drive hikers to a restauraunt (in our case China Buffet). They also offer hikers books ranging from social commentaries to relationship studies to bibles. Their ministry has been blessed, and I'm glad God has blessed me with meeting them. I'll be back here for Church on Easter.I also met a hiker named Marco Solo today. Marco, Hercules, Fal, and myself had bible study together. I never thought I would find that on the trail. 20 mile slackpack tommorow.
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Devil's Fork Gap

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was my first slackpack. Moe, Ponch, Marco solo, Dufrasne and I hiked south twenty miles back to the home of Hercules and FAL. WE passed many friends along the way. Talks ranged from religion to bodily mutilation.Back near Allen Gap I ran into Rasta. Moe and I convinced her to come camp at the house with us. Rasta, Fengshui, and Jodi Foster all joined up with us at the house. We will have a giant party easter style tommmorow. After church we are going to the China Buffet again. Hercules and FAL have been a blessing to many. It will be hard to leave here, but Alas! Erwin awaits.
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Allen Gap

To: Hogback Ridge
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It's official. I suck balls at hanging a foodbag. I just spent at least a half an hour trying to hang mine. After many defeats, I finally hung it on a mediocre branch. Anyways, it was Easter today. I went to church with Hercules, FAL, and many others. The service was pretty good. After, we all went to China Buffet for Lunch. I stuffed myself stupid and then hit the trail around three. Due to the late start, I thought I'd do an easy six miles. They turned out to be a pretty tough six. My pack was very heavy, as I still have four days food as well as a new book from Hercules and FAL's hous. I'd like to give it a read, but if my pack weight is still bothering me in Erwin, I'm ditching the book, as well as my winter clothes and a couple other unneccesary items. Carrying more food has been a success as I am heavier than when I left for the trail last month. I'm sure my two night stay at the house of Hercules and FAL helped, as they stuffed me silly. Their hospitality was the best I've had so far, and I'm sure countless other hikers will appreciate their company as well as the great food.My new pen was a poor choice, as it releases to much ink and can be seen thru the page, so my next vew weeks of journal entries may be shorter.
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Hogback Ridge

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: light rain

Erwin is just a two hour downhill stroll away. My first fast food since Hiwasseee almost a month back! It's funny how all thru hikers think about is food. I took a video of a group of thru-hikers eating gorp off the ground yesterday. It was very entertaining. Today's walk was very long as I did over twenty miles. I walked atop Big Bald. At over 5500' it offered gorgeous views. At the top wind was probably around 50-60 MPH.Shortly after the bald, I was hit with a pretty big downpour, so I covered my pack. I had no need for my raincoat though, as it was very warm out during the rain. My clothes dried during the five miles between the end of the rain and the shelter.Before dinner tonight I hung my foodbag with one throw! Hooray! Much better than my pathetic attempts of last night. I love being out here. My dail routine is far from boring and stagnant. I'm always making new friends and meeting up with old ones. I look forward to a day in town tommorow. Might even spend the night.
Date: 2006-04-18
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Nolichucky River/Erwin TN
Miles today: 6.3

Alas! Here I am at the famous hostel of Miss Janet, an AT trail saint. This is famed to be one of the best AT hostels, and it lives up to the hype.This mornin' I was hiking down from the Knob, and there were many great views of the NOlichuky River, as well as Erwin from above. When I finally got to the gap, I commenced walking to find a better hitch spot. Non one ever stopped.I walked almost a mile and a half to town when I saw a van full of hippies pull over. It was Miss Janet with a van full of hikers! She dropped hikers off, including Squarl, who won his arm wrestling match against Squirrel. AFter the drop-offs, I was taken to the house, where non other than Baltimore Jack himself served me an amazing sothern style breakfast. Sleepy the Arab was also up in the hizzy as well as 42, who zeroed here today.After ressuply, I got beer and McD's, and relaxed at the house all day. Miss Janet knows Lila, a friend of mine from LHS who hiked a few years back and is good friends with Miss Janet and her daughter Caitlin. My first Trail Journals "Shot out" goes to Lila, who I hope to see at trail days. I'm leaving tommorow. I'll hit the Raon Highlands and party hard in the woods with my pals I caught back upto. Unfortunately, it'll be a dry party due to the extreme lack of liquor in the bible belt.
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Nolichucky River/Erwin TN

To: Curly Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: moderate rain

Guest entry done by 42 from the perspective of Slick B:Today I awoke to the pitter patter of steady rain and the sudden shatter crash bang rumble of angry lightning and thunder. So I got deptressed and shot myself in the ehad. But then I woke up for real, greatful to see 42 there, the answer to the universe just beyond my reach.Finally I climbed out of bed and frollicked with the puppy. Then a collosal breakfast was served where I ate 16 eggs benedict and 7 pounds of fried cheesy potatos.Today I had the heart stopping joy of reuniting with my sweetheart, Rasta Legs. I love her even more once she becomes a showered woman. We made sweet passionate kissy noieses at each other, but before there was time for proper copulation, Miss Janet swept me away to the trail. After a quick word with TEc and Coolhand and an even quicker beer, I headed up the trail behind Sanford and 42. I just can't believe my luck today... first I see my long legged lover, and then I have the joy of fording my first river of this northbound journey! With some guidance from 42 around a rough part of the trail, we made the strenuous 4.2 mile hike to the shelter. A cold beer and warm meal later, the end of the day has come. Goodnight.
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Curly Maple Gap Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night after I setup at Curly Maple, 42, Sanford, and myself decided to night-hike to Beauty Spot. There was fun and nightitme frollicking on the way.This morning I was up shortly after sunrise. I walked 200 yards and took a nap for a while. Later hiking up Unaka Mt, I met Holly, who was quite the conversationalist. Holly and I hiked together for 9 miles after lunch and enjoyed conversing over a wide variety of topics. She ended up going on further after the shelter.At the shelter, I caught up with Natty Bo, who may have gotten the 24 hour bug going around. I hope I will not be infected.
Date: 2006-04-21
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 21.1

Today was long and full of sany weater. I encountered rain about 15 minutes inot the day, which lasted half the day. Early on I strated my ascent of Roan High knob. At the top of the Knob there were two points of interest:1. The highest shelter on the trail at 6285'. I met up with Swiss Miss, Chainsawa, and 10 speed here. This shelter could easily sleep 20, but not many people sleep in it because it is ahigher up, so it's colder. Also, you have to walk .1 off the trail uphill to get to it.2. Fields atop the Knob. A hotel was built here in the late 1800's. All that's left now is some foundation as well as fields where the hotel once was.Today was the longest day of exposed ridge. Probably 5 or more miles streached from Raon High and then to balds north of the Knob. Unfortunately, I couldn't enjoy the views. I was tuck in clouds on most of the balds. Winds were porbably close to 80 MPH atop Hump Mtn with visibility of 20-30 feet. I feared my pack cover would act as a sail, sending me flying in the sky. Now I lay in my tent, nursing my blisters, feeling very haggard from a strenuous day of foul-weather hiking. My shoes are drenched. Luckily, some of my dirty socks have dried. I'll put 'em on bright and early in hopes of pulling 18 miles and then neroing into Bob People's Kincorda hostel.
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Dennis Cove/Kincorda
Miles today: 24.3

What's another 20 anyways? After yesterday's 21 thru the Roan Highlands, I decided to take it easy and do 24 to Kincorda hostel! The weather outside was generally poopie. Rainy and yucky weather all day.I did make some new pals though. Hiking fast breaks you into a new group of hikers. There are pockets of hikers about 15 miles apart. Today I hiked with Boulder for a while. 42 has been chasing him for a while. She's only a day or two back. I also hiked with D-Rock the last few miels when it cleared up. At the hostel tonight, Fiddlehead and I cooked Burritos. They were fatty. Tommorow we're cooking omletts for breakfast.I'm gonna zero here until my feet are better.
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Dennis Cove/Kincora

To: Dennis Cove/Kincora
Miles today: 0.0

Today I overate at breakfast, shich Fiddlehead and myself used our culinary expertise to create. I vomited my brains out twice. On the bright side, everyone got to hear it, including long lost friends 42, squarl, Sanford, and Grinds who was also sick.I did have som fun moments today. Fiddlehead and I plyed the most glorious game of frisbee.Grinds in his sickness, was catering to my every need. What a sweetheardt. I puked up the crackers and Ginger Ale he gave me, but appreciated them none the less. People look out for each other here. You dig? Considering another zero tommorow depending on my physical condition. I also have a nasty toe blister I want to heal.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Dennis Cove/Kincora

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up with a fever today after vomiting twice yesterday. By about noontime I felt ok, so I hit the trail. I took many breaks along the scenic Laurel River in order to take in the views. Shortly after Laurel Falls, Minnesota Smith warned me of snakes ahead. Lo and behold I saw one. Some people saw as many as four! Apparently, copperheads and rattlesnakes were sighted. I guess the Gorge is a hot spot for springtime snake recreation.At the Lake, just near the end of the day's hike, about 15 of us stopped to lounge around, play frisbee , drink beer, and eat McD's. After the laketime fun, Fiddlehead and I hiked as night was setting in. With me in the lead, we both got lost for about .2 miels before turning back around and finding the trail.At camp we all set up tentets on slanty terrain. My spot has a couple roots in it. Goodnight.
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I hied most the day with Fiddlehead. It was pretty easy hiking. She told me of her 2 &1/2 yrs. in the peace core in El Salvador. We got to talking aobut music and hippies, and I decided I might like to bring my mandolin out here. She can ply violin pretty well. Maybe we'll start a mountain band.At camp, I had to set my tent up in rain. I did this by setting it up in the shelter, putting the fly on. Next, I found a suitable location for my groundcloth. The I retrieved my tent from shelter and staked it in the new spot. I'm dry and in a mostly dry tnet. Tommorow I'll be in Damascus, a hiker's paradise. Life is grand.
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

I shat 6 times today. 5 of which were in the woods. 4 of which were with wet leaves, as I ran out of toilet paper early on. I thought I had Giardia.When I arrived at Damascus I was very happy for a number of reasons:1. The trail went right past a public restroom w/TP.2. I was out of northern TN, where they don't believe in Privies. 3. Damascus VA is the balls. Bung!Squarl and myself at epizza today. then I went out for beer with Cupcake, Fiddlehead and crew. Found out Grandma Rosie had a big operation. I hope she's ok. Remember her in your prayers.
Date: 2006-04-27
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm zeroing in Damascus today. Spent the morning doing laundry and typing the last 2 weeks journals into this site. I will most likely be doing karaoke tonight at Dot's Restauraunt. It's good to be in town.NOTE: I may not have pictures up from hot springs to Damascus for a while, as the library dosnt have unsecured USB for my picture uploads, so when you read my journals, imagine the most glorious rainbown and picturesque green fields atop high mountains. Follow that mental picture with one of a grubby hiker who hasnt shaved in three months and shits 6 times a day.
Date: 2006-04-28
From: Damascus

To: Pond/Campsite
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Today I left "The Place" around noon. The trail went along the main road for a half mile. During that time I bought a footlong subway club and a tall can of Steely.Squarl and I Hollered at the bikers on the creeper trail. Foot travel is the superior method of travel.We are camping next to a pond tonight. Squarl and Dufresne tried some fishin' and even caught a few fish.I had fun playin' hacky sack w/ Holly. Tec, Coolhand, Holly, Centipede, Grinds, Bumps, Squarl, Dufresne and I shared the campsite. A light usuage night by southern A.T. standards. Hope Dinosaur, Fiddlehead and Hellbender made it out of town ok. I look forward to getting my mandolin and getting rowdy.
Date: 2006-04-29
From: Unnamed Pond

To: Uncharted campsite
Miles today: 16.3

High in pony landI walk through hills picturesquedodgin pony turdsI sit atop a giant rock formation watching the sun set below Mt. Rogers. I'm on the edge of the Grayson Highlands. Wild ponies populate these bald hills. This place looks like a sceen out of an old Western movie: Rolling hills, mountain sunsets, grazing ponies, enormous rocks. I half expect a tumbleweed to roll on by.A fight almost broke out today between two hikers as a result of some drunken words in Damascus. The ugly side of nature, violence and anger, rears its head even out here in the most beautiful parts of God's creation. There is no escaping pain and suffering. All we can do is reduce our dosage and strive to improve the world through loving each other.The next few days are supposed to bring some of the most beautiful parts of the trail. The sun just set behind Mt Rogers, VA's highest peak. My hear is at peace...for now...
Date: 2006-04-30
From: Campsite

To: Hurricane Shelter
Miles today: 14.9

Today I experienced the most beauty in a single day I've ever seen. I remarked to Holly and Centepede that this is what Heaven would look like if only there were waterfalls here too. Shortly thereafter we crossed a waterfall by bridge.The morning was cold: 32F and windy. Holly , Centepede and myself set out early. The beauty of the grayson Highlands is hard to caputre in words. Something about the bald hills, wild ponies, and scattered rocks seemed very ancient. Shortly into the day, after passing thru the rock tunnel dubbed "Fatman's Squeeze" we ran into a group of about 8 wild ponies. We hand fed them, pet them, and just enjoyed being among them for a while.Tonight I saw Fiddlehead again. I hadn't seen her in two days, but it seemed like agest.Fiddlehead and I are camping on a big stream tonight. Before and after us are what seem to be two divided groups. I'm not sure what happened to cause this. All I know is that it's sad that fallen man is plagued with violence and discord. I'm continuing to make great friend out here. I hope my friends will be friends with one another."Can't we all just get along?" - Rodny King
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Hurricane Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: overcast clouds

A mouse ate thru Fiddlehead's tent. I broke Irish's pole. Fiddlehead's skirt broke. A beer exploded in mi packeto. Que Barbaridad!I made it to pizza shelter. This is the famed shelter that boasts beers, pizza, and showers. I had all tres.I made it over the Damascus threshold. I won't be stopped. Fiddlehead y Yo hitched into town, bought over 70 beers, and hitched back to the shelter with beers and pizza. Nosotros son trail heros. We even drove a broken autobus!
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Relax Inn
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Great night at Pizza shelter last night. Much beer and pizza. Talked to Josh today. Grandma is doing much better. There was much talk of rain today, but it didn't come until Fiddlehead and I were at the Relax Inn. She has mail stuff to take care of and I didn't want her hitchin' alone, so we got a room for the night. South Park and Goodfellas tonight.
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Relax Inn

To: Stream
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

After watching three episodes of Saved by the Bell and CNN from bed, Fiddlehead and I regretfully said goodbye to the Relax Inn. Instead of paying five dollars for a three mile shuttle, we hitched successfully into town and back with little trouble. Back by the trail, we went to the shell station where the trail left off the previous day. After an ice cream sandwhich we went .1 down the road to the Red Barn Restaurant for lunch, where I reunited brifely with old friends Moe and Ponch. Hugs for my old pals, then back to the trail where a lazy 11 mile day was enjoyed. Through out the day we hiked on/off with "I'm Still Adam," Hellbender, Dinosaur, and Plunger. The six of us enjoyed dinner looking across the valley to an endless Vriginian Ridge. Tonight I didn't make it to a shelter, so I'm camping by a stream. Whiskey, then off to bed.Wild Turkey in my Stomach,Lipton in my pot,Backcountry to farmland,Trespassers get shot.Deliverance haunts my sleep,The Lord my soul to keep,If my body's cold tommrow,Refrain from wallowin' in sorrow.You still have many hills to walkAnd hazy mountains steep.