morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Painter Branch
Miles today: 12.7

What a wonderful day. This morning we all woke up to the sunrise glaring in our shelter. I had a quick breakfast and set out on the trail with warm air around me. There wasn't a cloud in the sky all day with temps reaching 70 degrees. The past two days, the Smokies have given us some amazing views. I reached Davenport Gap early and said goodbye to the Great Smokies. They are beautiful, but I'm happy to be North of them. There's two many rules and regulations and it's the section hikers that trash the shelters. A couple of us clean them up and pack out extra garbage so others don't have to sleep with mice running on top of them during the night. I have yet to see those little rodents, but I hear them. Sneaky little buggers. So, during my adventure through the Smokies I have seen zero bears, two deer, lots of birds, no lizards, heard mice and was lead by the second most beautiful butterfly. Today, I was listening to Always by Blink 182 on my IPod and all of sudden this butterfly comes fluttering on the trail in front of me. It lead me for about a half a mile until it flew away. I watched it as it changed it's course, causing me to trip on a tree root. I guess that's what love does to a man. I'm such a romantic, what can I say?Tec and Coolhand caught up to me at Davenport Gap and the trail crossed a stream that lead to an amazing waterfall. I dunked my head into the rushing water which cooled off my sweaty and stinky body. What a rush. A couple of miles later, we went to Standing Bear Farm where a gentleman called Curtis and his wife offers bunks, showers, food and supplies. We bought some food to cover us for the next couple of days and then bought a couple of pizzas to throw in his oven. After stuffing our faces with pepperoni, sausage, onion and green peppers on thick dough, we continued our journey to a campsite at Painter Branch stream. Tonight it's beautiful sounds of rushing water, sitting by a fire and then sleeping in my hammock. It just doesn't get much better than this.
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Walnut Mtn. Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

After a long day of hiking yesterday and sleeping in a shelter that was built in 1938, we headed quickly to the town of Hot Springs. The AT actually goes through the heart of this little town. We hike about 13 miles in about 4.5 hours, so we were moving. I got my food and supplies and met a couple of other hikers that were staying at a campground. Instead of moving on, were sleeping here tonight for dirt cheap. The weather is 80's and sunny with the squirrels running around this place. We'll be heading out tomorrow but the relaxation is needed after the mass miles we've been putting in.
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Because of he beautiful weather and wanting to wait for a few other hikers, I decided to take yet another zero day. Tec, Coolhand and I ran into Dinosaur, Hellbender and Jukebox as they were coming back from Asheville. We all had a few beers and tossed he frisbee. Coolhand and I decided to check out the Hot Springs for an hour. What a great way to ease the pain in the joints and muscles. Tec and Coolhand went with the girls to a campsite 5 miles up the trail. I hung back and talked with some other people as they were getting into town. The campsite I had was next to the train tracks so every couple of hours throughout the night, another train would wake me up.
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Hot Springs

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke to the sound of a damn rooster and then trains. I started hiking around 8:30 and finally caught up to the gang around 12 at a fire tower. We ate lunch at the next shelter and met the Wild Turkey Boys (Bud, Carnivore, Mule). It was a warm day well in the eighties. Tec and I were sitting on a picnic table eating some lunch when he said he really misses eating potato salad. I asked him if the mustard flavor was his favorite like mine and he nodded with head. After that conversation that's all we talked about for the next 3.5 miles. Potato salad. He asked me what would be the odds of actually eating potato salad today. I told him 3%.We arrived at Allen Gap with posted sign stating there was trail magic a few hundred yards down the road. When we arrived Fal and Hercules welcomed us into their home and gave us pork stew, a fruit jello salad and a bean salad. Then Fal asked if anyone wanted potato salad. Tec and I looked at each other with complete disbelief. We or course accepted and ate the rest that she had. And then to top it all off, she made brownie sundaes that were thru-hiker size. (That's beyond supersize) We all ate like kings and queens and headed for the next shelter that was over 5 miles away. The uphill to the shelter was difficult and my stomach was not liking it. Fortunately, however, I arrived to a full shelter without throwing up. The sky just got dark, so I set my hammock and off to bed to get ready for yet another day.
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Devil Fork Rd
Miles today: 15.5

After a long day of hiking, I decided to sleep in a little bit. Got a 9:15 start this morning and right away we had a long climb. It was yet another beautiful day with sun blazing down on us. The flowers are starting to peak up above the ground, the trees are beginning to bud, and the mosquitoes are out to eat. I took today slow enjoying a rigorous rock climb, but enjoyed the views it offered. Today was a big day and Dinosaur and Hellbender kept reminding us. It was our 300 mile mark and they wanted to celebrate.After reaching Flint Gap Shelter we searched for a campground for all of us to hang out at, but the one we could find, was a small patch of dirt that Coolhand and Tec wanted to call home. I stopped and asked Tec to see what's ahead for our tired legs and sore feet. Little did we know that 500 yards further trail magic was being offered on Devil Fork Rd. Tec ran back to Coolhand and me with an excited look and told us we needed to go a little further. A former thru-hiker and his family cooked us all two burgers with everything on it, potato chips and cold beer. The timing couldn't have been more perfect as they also mentioned a campground less than a mile up the hill. True Grit joined Coolhand, Tec and myself as we built a fire and set up our portable homes. Then about an hour later, Dinosaur and Hellbender showed up with two cases of beer to enjoy by the fire and celebrate 300 miles. Even though they thought ore people would be at the campground, the stars were twinkling, the moon bright, and the fire was hot. Tonight was our night. 300 miles, though a long way from Katahdin, is still a good mark.
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Devil Fork Rd

To: Bald Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

Happy Easter to all! Dinosaur, Hellbender, Tec, Coolhand and myself randomly drew names last night and made Easter baskets. I gave Hellbender toe heaters, a book of matches and band aids and placed them in my cooking pot that had some grass in it. Thank you to Coolhand for giving me a Budweiser box filled with last nights empty cans with a sign reading "GRINDS, HAPPY RESURECTION OF CHRIST."We got a late start to the day and my feet and legs were already sore. The terrain was uphill for most of the day. We climbed about 4000 feet and finally reached Bald Mtn. It gave us some amazing views of the mountains around us. We also saw two forest fires in the distance that I guess have been burning for awhile. 42 and I were the first ones up there so we took some pictures and relaxed. When the others arrived we decided to just go to the next shelter. And upon our arrival, it was T-Snake who just got back from spending some time in town with his girlfriend. It was good to see that kid because he hiked in a couple of dark beers that were very tasty after a hot, sweaty day of hiking. I made Teriyaki rice and found tortillas in my food bag that I bought in Neels Gap. I ate five wraps with mustard and then cooked up a Romen. After dinner, 42 and I met up with T-Snake and Samson for the evening sunset on the bald. We shared some funny stories as they came out. The evening was chilly, but perfect as we could see shooting stars and moving satellites above us. It was awesome. Well, maybe to Erwin, TN tomorrow.
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Bald Mtn Shelter

To: Nolichucky River
Miles today: 16.9

I have to apologize for this lame journal entry. Besides seeing my first snake, frog and snail, we just rushed into town today. I've seen a lot of slack packers lately and since I'm still carrying my full pack, I would like to invite you the reader into a little contest. Now I'm not going to share my opinions about slack packing because, frankly, I simply don't care, but my pack is my life and best friend these days. So, the contest is to create the most creative name for my pack. Kinda like Tom Hanks pal "Wilson" in the movie Castaway. I have a Granite Gear Vopur Trail pack. There's a picture on this website. You can read about it on the internet, but I'm looking for a name for it. I'm planning on carrying it with me to Maine. If you come up with a creative name, sign my trail journals page with your name and E-mail address and let me know what it is. Winner will win a prize that will be decided later. I will announce the winner in Harper's Ferry, WV via my journal. Please keep it clean or you will be disqualified. If you have any questions, send me an E-mail. Thanks!
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Nolichucky River

To: Nolichucky River
Miles today: 0.0

Spent the day at Miss Janits. For those of you who don't know, her house is a must stop on the trail. She goes far out of the way for thru-hikers and she's been doing it for many years. I helped clean up the house a little and assisted in installing a new washing machine. It was really nice to just be in a home. We watched Batman Begins and Tombstone. It made me think of movie nights in Schaumburg. Thank you Miss Janit.I also found out that Melanee, aka Bumps is coming out to visit for two weeks. I have 8 days to walk 120.8 miles. Wish me luck. I will not fail!
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Nolichucky River

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: moderate rain

So, last night Miss Janit dropped myself, Coolhand, Tec, T-Snake, Dinosaur and Hellbender off at a campsite by this river. The night was beautiful. Lots of laughs, a great fire and the stars were out. I decided to sleep next to the fire in my sleeping bag. Of course, the night I do this, the clouds come in with some intense thundering and lighting. I moved into T-Snakes tent and stayed dry, but Tec and Coolhand were soaked. I decided to move on without these guys. Put in a tough 16 miles today but arrived early enough to get a shelter spot. I ate Lipton noodles and a stolen cream cheese I took from a Holiday Inn I stayed in at Erwin. It was good. The weather today turned sunny after all the rain so the trail was a rushing stream. I feel good though. My feet and knees are feeling great these days.
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I got a early start this morning and was on the move at 8. If there was ever a day that I felt I could hike forever, it was today. The terrain was tough especially when I walked up Roan Mtn. It sits at over 6150 feet. The climb starts at 4000 feet and goes upward for 3 miles. It's like a stair master with 30 lbs on my back. I felt good and finished it in about an hour and a half. I wanted to push further to the next shelter, but m body told me to stop. They're calling for rain tonight and tomorrow, but my mission to Damascus is ahead of schedule.
Date: 2006-04-21
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 9.9

Although we have been blessed with weather out here, Mother Nature decided we had enough. At 7:00 this morning, the rains came down and the floods came up. I pushed forward anyway and was absolutely soaked through by the time I reached Apple House Shelter. Along the way, however, there was a group of rehabilitating convicts that thought us hikers are absolutely crazy for living a life out here in this weather. They asked me a lot of questions on why someone would do this to themselves. I simply replied with: "I'm having fun, aren't you?" as lighting flashed with tough rumbles soon after. I finally caught up with some thru-hikers I haven't seen since I started. I'm Still Adam, Mr. Breeze, Double shot and others have been holding a tough pace. I'm eating a lot of food tonight for energy tomorrow. I'm hoping to get to Dennis Cove tomorrow if not first thing Sunday. They're calling for rain for tonight and tomorrow. Hoping for the best, which means sunshine.
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 24.3

Last night the weather turned beautiful. We saw the sunset and then the stars appeared twinkling in the sky. I went to bed early so I could get a head start to the day today. Waking up around 6:00, the rain came back and it stayed for most of the day. Luckily, the terrain was easy so I pushed on for bigger miles. Unfortunately, the trail was a mud path that saturated my socks and feet. I took my rain jacket off because it was of no use. It's either soak in the rain or soak in you're own sweat. I took natures shower. I walked with I'm Still Adam whom I haven't seen since the early days of the trip. Each step became a delicacy due to the trail being like a slip and slide or I should call it the AT stream. But, in the long run, I arrived in Bob and Pat People Hostel around 5:00 at night as the sun peaked out of the stormy clouds. With all of us here, the hostel was full of thru-hikers. Some moving on and some staying to perform trail maintenance. I'll be moving on due to m mission to Damascus. 50 miles in 3 days. It will be done. I powered down a large supreme Little Ceasers pizza in 20 minutes and even I was stunned that that is humanly possible. I'm going to sleep gifted with a 3 inch mattress to lay on and, that's right, a pillow. I'm living large tonight thankful that I pushed some crazy miles on a wet, soggy day.
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Dennis Cove

To: US321
Miles today: 8.9

I woke up this morning feeling kinda woozy. I thought it would just pass through me, so I headed out onto the trail. The first two miles were spectacular with a waterfall and rushing stream beside me. It was soon after I hit a mountain when my body became extremely tired. There's been a stomach virus traveling around and I know now it finally got me. It began to be noticed in Erwin, TN when a couple of thru-hikers were sick. Since then, I know of at least 15 people who have gotten it. We call it, the Hiker Plague. I trekked up the mountain very slow, due to dizziness, stomach ache and cold sweats. When I finally reached over and down the other side of the hill, I decided to call Bob Peoples from the Hostel I stayed in last night to see if he could pick me up. Not more than a hour later he drove up with his truck filled with 13 other hikers. I squeezed in and went with them to the grocery store. Slick B, a thru-hiker that's been hiking with the group, looked worse than I did and not soon after we got back to the hostel he threw up. I couldn't even listen because I was fearing the worst for myself. All the non-sick hikers stared at us nervously. My body ached and I was exhausted so I hit the racks after a roll of crackers and drank some ginger ale. I just hope tonight that will stay in my stomach.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: US321

To: Campsite
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: broken clouds

I went to sleep last night freezing cold. I layered my body with clothes and snuggled in my sleeping bag. And then at 3:42 am, I woke up in a pool of sweat. My fever must have broken and I was drenched. The stomach and head felt fine and I soon fell back asleep. I woke up and headed up through easy terrain to a campsite where I'll call home for the night. I'll reach Damascus in two days and then I'll be done with these two states.
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Campsite

To: Abington Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

After listening to strange animal and nature sounds for most of the night I fell asleep, but was soon awaken by the morning sun. I felt weak and tired, but I haven't been eating as much as I should due to my stomach mot being 100%. It's amazing how you're body's energy will tend to it's an injury or sickness. I trekked on anyway walking with D-Rock, Caboose, Walk About, and Mr. Freeze. We all have the same goal: Damascus. Damascus is the #1 hiking town on the AT. It's also a time where we can drop some winter weight off our shoulders. Most hikers are taking at least one zero there, others get a job for a week to prolong their journey.Today was a long day for me. My legs are extremely exhausted and mentally, I'm collapsing. I'm looking for a pick-me-up and Damascus is a town to get it. Tomorrow I'll be blessed by the presence of my beloved Bumps who should be arriving around 2 in the afternoon. Laundry, good healthy food and maybe a beer or two will be in the mix as well. otherwise, I'm looking forward to a lot of rest and to get my body back to 100%
Date: 2006-04-28
From: Damascus

To: Campground
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

After spending some well needed rest in Damascus, Bumps and I set off for the trail today. I splurged a little bit in this town, but it was well worth it. My day off included a purchase of a tent (MSR Fling), eating quality town food, playing frisbee, and watching the Bulls playoff game. We stayed at Apple Tree B&B. Bob and Judy were wonderful hosts and fed us well. All great times come to an end, but before we left this morning, we ate breakfast at Dairy king and I had a shake and hot fudge sundae. Today's goal was quite simple, 11 miles. Bumps led the way as we found a wonderful stream that provided some extremely cold water to dip our feet into. We took the miles slow and enjoyed the warm sun. We hit our campsite in the early evening, set up the tent and made some grub. Tec, Coolhand, Andy Dufrane, Holly, Centipede, Squarl and Slick joined us at our campfire to finish the night. Rain is expected to come tomorrow. I'm still hoping for sunshine.
Date: 2006-04-29
From: Campground

To: VA600
Miles today: 12.1

This morning Bumps headed out early to get a head start since it takes her a bit longer than the rest of us to get up a mountain. The two of us met up at Lost Mountain Shelter 4 miles up the trail for a quick snack and a break. We then stopped for lunch a couple miles later on a large green knoll where we rested for about an hour. Looking at the map I predicted a much more difficult climb. But when we reached Buzzard rock the view was magnificent and the ascent to reach it was well worth it. We sat on a rock and looked out among the farmland surrounded on all sides by mountains. We were aiming for the shelter where everyone else is meant to stay but we found a quiet campsite where we could rest with a bit of solitude, since he predicted storm has not come. What a beautiful day.
Date: 2006-04-30
From: VA600

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

After a great nights sleep, Bumps headed out on a frigid morning. I broke down camp and started shortly after. The first three miles were relatively easy, but when I arrived at the next shelter that was filled with arising hikers, there was no sign of Bumps. I sat for about 10 minutes and waited. After everyone left, I headed back down the trail in search for her. It was only a half mile later when she came running up explaining that she misread the white blazes for a horse trail. An honest mistake for a rookie, but come on, she's been on the AT before. We continued Northbound and arrived at the Greyson Highlands where wild ponies flocked the land. It was here where we shot some video and took some picture of these long-haired creatures. They're quite friendly and attract a lot of day and section hikers.After lunch, we continued. I followed Bumps as she got us lost once again. We backtracked to the white blazes and continued walking. This time I led the way. There was some frustration in the air due to blisters, sore knees and tiredness, but hey, how mad can you truly get out here?After a long break we pushed to Old Orchard Shelter where Andy Dufrane, Tec, Coolhand and Double Shot graced us with their presence. Warm food with a fire cheered us up as our bodies began to heal. Tomorrow is Troutdale where we're grilling and eating like Kings & Queens. 15 mile day for me. Bumps did 16 with going off the AT. I'm proud of her.
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Troutdale
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: broken clouds

This journal was brought to you by Bumps:Last night we got all hyped up about celebrating in Troutdale. For the thru-hikers today hit the 500-mile mark and we were going to have steaks and shish kabobs. Fox Hill Inn was meant to have a full kitchen and grill so we talked a few hikers into parting with us. The problem was that when we got into town we realized our plan had failed. All that existed was a small trading post, a church and a post office. The Inn, oddly enough was for sale and they were closing the deal today. The woman told me to check back in a couple of hours to see if the place sold or not. Bizzar! There was also no way to buy groceries since the trading post only sold soda, candy bars and pickled eggs. I got on the phone and found us a couple of cheap rooms in Marion and what turned out to be a no show taxi ride. Luckily Double-Shot found a local with a truck to take all 7 of us to the hotel. Andy Dufrane and I sat up front with Grinds, Double Shot, Squarl, Tec and Coolhand all squeezed painfully into the bed of the truck with all our packs. Instead of steaks we had KFC all you can eat buffet and Taco Bell after re-supply at Wal-Mart and the local grocery. That night was beer and chocolate cake for my birthday and the 500-mile mark. Went to bed buzzed, full and warm in a soft bed.
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Troutdale

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: clear sky

Due to our over bingeing on food last night, we had a surplus of beer that we didn't want to go to waste. We checked out of the Royal Inn at 11:00 and wandered the streets of Marion looking for something to do. Andy Dufrane's grandparents were coming into town to visit, so we went to the Apple Tree Restaurant for a quick bite. Of course, as thru-hikers, we were all disappointed by the amount of food given, but thankful that it was cooked outside of our stoves.Andy's grandparents arrived and after a quick chit-chat, they allowed Andy to drive us back to the trail head. For some mathematical reason, we were able to pack 7 hikers and their packs in a small sedan. It was comfy sitting with leather seats. We arrived back to the trail head and gave some other thru-hikers some beers we had left over. After a couple of hours of relaxing, Bumps and I walked 4 miles to the next shelter. It was a short day, but I came down with a pretty nasty cold. They're predicting showers tonight, I'm just looking forward to a good sleep.