morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-31
From: North Adams, MA

To: Rob's House, Dalton MA
Miles today: 628.7

Staying at Rob's right now, along with 3 other SOBO's (Cadence, 8-ball, and Roamin). Slack packed today, just to stay in shape. Heading out tonight to listen to Rob's band, eat food, and drink (not soda). More info tomorrow before I head out.
Date: 2003-09-01
From: Rob's House, Dalton MA

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 628.7
Weather: light rain

Yes, we're finally leaving. On our way south, once again.Lessons learned from Rob's house:1. Don't let Roamin go dancin.2. Treebeard the Ent sez, "I always liked going south. Somehow it feels like going downhill."3. Rob is the most excellent trail angel.Candence, 8-ball, and Roamin are with me. DP
Date: 2003-09-11
From: Kent, CT

To: Ft. Montgomery, NY
Miles today: 744.5

Hey, I'm back. Just rolled into town this morning with Cadence, Roamin, and Zig Zag. Met Fatcat, Grommie, and Poncho at the Bear Mountain Inn; they're doing a zero tonight. We're all at the Bear Mountain Bridge Motel, not the best experience in the world, but it's a bed and shower.What's happened since I last wrote?1. I've finished another state. Crossed over into NY on 9/8. Finally out of New England and into the mid-Atlantic states.2. Been hiking with Cadence and Roamin for the past week or so. We've been averaging ~16 miles a day. Had two 20+ mile days in the last two weeks. Ahead of schedule by 1 day (after being two days behind coming out of Dalton).3. Met the last NOBO's: Sarah and Becca (now christened Sparkly and Zesty) right inside of NY.4. Discovered the benefits of cornstarch. Great for absorbing sweat and removing heat rash.5. Met Cimarron, an 81 year old hiker. He was heading to Katahdin but has turned around and is going to Delaware Water Gap. He passed us today, but we'll catch him tomorrow or the day after.6. Crossed over the Hudson River today.7. Saw two deer (briefly) but nothing else. It probably doesn't help when we start singing and yelling on the trail.8. Weather has been great, mid 70's during the day and mid 50's at night. I'll have to change out my space blanket sleeping arrangement though. Everyone in the shelter has been complaining about the crinkling noise when I move around. It works though.9. Stayed last night at Greymoor Friary in NY. Visited St. Francis' chapel and toured the grounds. Zig Zag showed up as we were eating supper. He had done a 30 mile day!10. The last time I checked, I was down 14 pounds or so. Got to be careful when I come off the trail. Don't want to regain it all (right Roger?).11. For Ed and Roger, Slacker is at least 2 weeks ahead of me. I'll never catch up to him. Of course, I'm not 18 years old either. He's probably heading for another big group of SOBO's that are 3 weeks ahead.12. Been consumed with catching Fatcat, Grommie, and Poncho for the last week. Next big goal: getting to Harrisburg, PA for a couple of days off. We're trying to assemble a SOBO party at Hershey Park. I'll tell you how it's going next time.Having a great time, hope the weather doesn't turn too nasty. Summer's over, here comes fall. Saw my first tree change color the day I crossed into NY.PS. I'll be backfilling this journal with entries from my earlier emails. That's when I have time, of course.
Date: 2003-09-15
From: Ft. Montgomery, NY

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 0.0

Good morning everyone. I'm here in Vernon, NJ with the rest of the SOBO Snowball at the Episcopalian church basement hostel. First the vital statistics:Distance traveled: 820.3Days on the trail: 78Ben & Jerry¢s eaten: 9 pints and 4 sundaesWhat happened at Ft. Montgomery? I was happy to leave that town, don¢t recommend it as a stopover on the AT. Everything is too spread out and far away. We also didn¢t have a good experience at the Bear Mountain Bridge Motel, overpriced for what we got. Lesson learned: don¢t be hasty when coming into town.Leaving town the next day started an immediate climb up Bear Mountain. The last of the nice days, as it turned out. We missed the zoo, it was closed. The whole SOBO Snowball was in formation: Poncho, Zig-Zag, Roamin, Cadence, Fatcat, Grommie, and I (not in that order). Crossed the Palisades Parkway without getting run over. Went to Tiorati Park for water then on to Fingerboard shelter. With Sneck and Cimarron already there, it was a full rainy house.The next day Ponch, Zig, and I left first and got lost; an extra .25 miles. Hike your own hike. A dreary hike to W Mombasa Road, where we road walked to Bentley North¢s deli. Great food, large portions, and good attitude. I carried a B&J pint to Wildcat shelter for later (speed hiked to prevent meltage). Another full night at the inn.Yesterday started wet but ended up great. Crossed over into NJ on top of a ridge. Reaching Warwick Turnpike separated the yellow and the white blazers. Poncho and Cadence went into town, the rest of us continued hiking. At the next road Roamin and Zig-Zag dropped off, leaving just us diehards to make it to Rt 94. A tough hitch to Vernon, especially in the rain.Everything good at the hostel though, and we all made it in. Internet, phone, laundry, shower, and supper. Cimarron hoofed in late as well [he¢s 81 years old]. Interesting note: I used shampoo for the first time since I shaved my head and face.Cadence is dropping off today and going to Harrisburg, PA to meet his girlfriend. He¢ll be off the trail for 6 days or so. The rest of us will continue on through NJ and reach PA.Final thought for everyone.From Planet of the Apes; Cornelius the ape, speaking to Charleton Heston:¢You shaved your beard, somehow it makes you look less intelligent.¢
Date: 2003-09-19
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Wind Gap, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Just a quick note, since I'm typing this in the local 'Radio Shack' and hoping they won't kick me out.Made it to Wind Gap, PA yesterday afternoon and decided to do a zero here today; everyone needs to relax and the hurricane gives us a handy excuse. Tomorrow we move on.Good luck to 8-ball, Galen (Roadkill), Col. Sandwich Pants, and Just Joe. Get a move on and catch up. You too, Cadence.Yes, PA rocks are just as bad as advertised, my toes have blisters. The poison ivy has cleared up though.Currently hiking with Fatcat, Grommie, Poncho, and Roamin. Flash is also here, doing a zero. I think we are corrupting him.I've decided that my motto for this hike is: "Pushing the Limits." I'm doing more miles per day, hiking later, and generally outside my comfort zone for more time than I have been in years. Having a good time though. Even hiked naked the day before yesterday (yes, pictures were taken, no I won't post them). Tonight is Karaoke night at the Wind Gap bowling alley too.Don't have time for a detailed look at the events of last week, maybe I'll update this entry at a later time. I am in PA though, another state down. Expect to be in Harper's Ferry the first week of October.Poncho is planning an Octoberfest in early October (natch) at his folk's home in northern VA. All SOBO's owe it to themselves to be there. Look for more information later in my journal.
Date: 2003-09-20
From: Wind Gap, PA

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Slackpacked to here today, all of us in the snowball. Bob Dudley was good enough to take our packs to Palmerton. It only took us 8 hours to hike the 20 miles. Impressive toxic waste mountain, also impressive timber rattlesnake that I almost stepped on. Currently on the Internet at Tommie's ice cream place. Heading to Mugshots, a local bar next. Talk to you at Port Clinton. DP
Date: 2003-09-27
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Yes, we're still here. No one left this morning, so it should be a big crowd at the shelter tomorrow night. Just like Gorham, NH, no town drinking night would be complete without a visit from the local constablary. Colonel Sandwich Pants, you'd be proud.A lazy day today, sitting, eating, napping, and more eating (and Internetting).When we leave, we expect a 7 day hike to Harper's Ferry, where we'll zero in honor of Roamin's AT completion.Don't feel like writing anything else right now. Have a good day.
Date: 2003-10-16
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Montebello, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Got in this afternoon after slackpacking over Priest Mountain. Not a bad deal. Staying at the Dutch Haus Bed & Breakfast here tonight, and probably tomorrow night as well.Met up with Zig-Zag the afternoon of my zero in Waynesboro. Hiked with him to Maupin Field shelter last night. Met up with Earl of the B&B today who took our packs, we continued on to Fish Hatchery Road. SOBO's behind us, you might be interested in giving the B&B a call (800) 341-9777. I know it's just out of Waynesboro, but we never miss a chance to slackpack.Since I'm hiking with Zig, we're planning a 28 mile slackpacking day tomorrow. No surprise there. He's in a hurry to complete, which he will in Daleville, VA.After that, I'll probably slow down and let some of the laggards behind catch up. BTW, I hope everyone behind is enjoying the pictures of our Waynesboro adventures I'm leaving in the registers. Good luck...
Date: 2003-10-17
From: Montebello, VA

To: Montebello, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Just a short note: slackpacked 26.5 miles with Zig-Zag today. Went from Fish Hatchery Road to the Blue Ridge Parkway (near Punchbowl Shelter). Made the first 16 miles in 4 hours. Yes, that's an average of 4 mph. I'm not at Flash's level, but with a daypack, it's possible to run the trail.Saw my first balds today as well, not quite like above treeline, but still a good view.Once again, an excellent evening at the Dutch Haus B&B. Thanks Lois for the meal and the ice cream. Good people here tonight: John and Betty (staying for the weekend) and section hikers Jeffery and Noah. Lots of trail talk. Good luck guys, on finishing the AT. Can I stand another night in a warm bed, showered, with clean laundry? Don't forget Internet access.Tomorrow we depart, planning to reach Daleville in 3 days (if Zig feels better). Could be 4 days though. As usual, I'm carrying enough food to take me to Illinois.Good luck to all behind us, I'll be looking for you after Daleville.
Date: 2003-10-23
From: Montebello, VA

To: Catawba, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Am here at 4 Pines Hostel near Catwaba. Just time for another short note. Could not find Internet access in Daleville, but Joe here in the hostel is letting me use his computer. Here's the most important news:1. Zig-Zag has left the building. He completed his AT through-hike in Daleville on 10/21. We celebrated by going to Pizza Hut. Unfortunately, the Chinese restaurant has closed; this almost broke my heart. He's back to 'real life.' Good luck, dude.2. Going solo for now. Heading to Pearisburg Sunday night. Will zero there on Monday, and will do a full journal entry then.3. Who turned down the thermostat? It's cold out here.4. Lost my turkey feather right before Montebello. I'm bumming.5. Good time and a good stay at the 4 Pines Hostel. To any SOBO's behind, you owe it to yourselves to stop by. It's ~26 AT miles south of Daleville. Joe, thanks for running this hostel and for the ride to the Homeplace Restaurant (not to mention the Internet I'm on).That's all for now, talk to you again in Pearisburg on Monday.
Date: 2003-10-27
From: Catawba, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it to Pearisburg, VA - the Holy Family Church Hostel yesterday afternoon. Am zeroing here today, with the intention of resuming tomorrow. A cold, rainy day here - much better to be in a warm hostel than out on the trail. What's been happening to me? Read on:1. I hiked with Zig-Zag since Waynesboro. We've been pushing some serious miles, no surprise to those of you who know Zig. I'm about 10 days ahead of schedule right now; I'll have to slow way down to reach Springer on December 25th. Not sure what I'm going to do: keep up the pace, or wait for SOBOs behind to catch up.2. Had a great time at the last few places I've stayed at: the Dutch Haus B&B, the 4 Pines Hostel, and now the Holy Family Hostel. Earl, Lois, Joe, and Bill, you all certainly made a difference in my AT hike. Thank you all.3. Learned two camp games from some Richmond area Boy Scouts while staying at Matts Creek shelter: 'Man in the moon' and 'Critter.' (No, not you Don.)4. It's getting colder now. Highs in the 50s during the day make for excellent hiking, but 40 degree mornings are darn cold. Such is the SOBO cross we must bear.5. Leaves are mostly down. It wasn't very impressive down here; the locals tell me it was too wet this year for good color. With bare trees though, views are better.6. Hunting season is here. I've met several hunters and heard gunshots. Yes, I have an orange pack cover. No, I don't wear antlers.7. I've seen two AT hikers finish the trail: Roamin and Zig-Zag. This was good; it's important to make a celebration at the finish line. I know I'll be humming the 'Rocky' theme song when I reach Springer Mountain.8. Crossed over some spectacular scenery since I left Daleville. Tinker Cliffs, McAfee's Knob, Dragon's Tooth. Different than Maine and NH, but still impressive.9. Almost lost my bandanna to an animal at Lamberts Meadow shelter. I left the bandanna next to me that night; in the morning it was under the shelter floor (along with 3-4 socks). Apparently something was using it as bedding for the winter.10. Poison ivy gone. Had to visit a doctor in Waynesboro for a Predizone prescription to cure the rash. Never again do I want to go through that.11. Walked though several active cow pastures. Funny, after doing that, all I can think about is steak, ribs, and beef stew.12. Ripped my lei on a branch yesterday. Now I'm lei-less (haven't been leied, if you will).13. Talked to several section hikers over the last couple of days: Frogcaller and Mingo especially. Good luck to the both of you on completing the AT.What's coming up? My next big town (and journal update) will be Damascus, VA, 162 miles away. I expect it will take me 10-11 days. I may stop somewhere in between, not sure yet.The end is coming sooner than I thought. I'm starting to think about 'life after the trail.' At first Springer seemed to be in Timbucktu, now it's right around the corner (or mountain). What's next? Do I go to college, get a job, sail my boat to the Bahamas, switch to being a NOBO, or become a FL beach bum? So many possibilities...
Date: 2003-11-05
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I've made it to the fabled Damascus, VA and am staying at the Mount Roger's Outfitters hostel. I'm taking the next few days off (can you believe it?) and will fill out a more comprehensive journal entry before I depart. I need a vacation from my vacation, so to speak.I met up with the SOBO group that was ahead of me: Master Harold, Cliffdweller, QT, Synapse, and BS. I've also been hiking with Squirrel Meat for the last 5 days.Springer is getting close: only 458 miles to go. I've completed ~1703 miles in the last 129 days of hiking.Thanks to all who read my typing, I appreciate it. I hope that each of you finds his or her own personal adventure...
Date: 2003-11-08
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Still here in Damascus, VA. I've been in town for three days, but will be leaving tomorrow morning. This is the longest I haven't hiked since late August, when I took 4 days off. What the heck have I been doing?1. Food shopping at numerous locations.2. Internet and email. The town library has been very accomodating.3. Rented a car.4. Saw a movie: Matrix Revolutions. Much better than Matrix Reloaded.5. Drove to Kincora Hostel.6. Cooked a steak dinner. Who says I must eat instant potatoes all the time?7. Made post office trips. I've concluded the USPS must love AT thru-hikers.8. Bought new shoes.Basically, I re-entered 'normal' life over the last few days, and it's been strange. Bizarre feeling, driving down the road, listening to some DJ blab about the latest radio contest, like it matters. Driving to Kincora Hostel was a lesson in how far off the beaten track the AT really is. The hostel looks really nice though. I'll be there Tuesday afternoon and am hoping to slack pack on Wednesday. [Chris H. - slackpacking means to hike with just a day pack, not my full pack. In this case, at the end of the day I'll go back to the hostel. Some people consider slackpacking to be cheating, but I'm all over it.]Had to get new shoes, my old boots made every step painful. I was hoping to make them last until Springer, but there was no chance. Jeff at Mt. Rogers Outfitters was very helpful getting me into some good boots. And the MRO hostel is the place to stay here in Damascus.As I mentioned in my last journal entry, I met the SOBO's that have been ahead of me. Most of them had been in town for at least 4 days, some of them for a whole week. That group left on Thursday, so they should be 3-4 days ahead of me by now. Squirrel Meat is taking off a few days to go back to his college, so I'll be hiking alone again. Nobody behind has caught up yet; I'm wondering who's still back there.Note to NOBO Switchback: the earliest entry in the Partnership register was October 10th. I don't think that was the register you wanted, so I left it there.Upcoming plans: 3 days to get to Kincora Hostel, then another 5 days to make it to Erwin, TN and my next journal entry. Expected arrival: 11/16. Weather has turned cold. I think we've seen the last of the Indian summer days. Hopefully no snow for awhile, though I'm not holding my breath in the Smokies.Current statistics:Miles completed: 1713.4Miles to go: 458.9Days on the trail: 133B&J pints consumed: lost track in September (will eat another one tonight)Expected completion date: not finalized, could be anywhere from early December to 2004. I've decided that I don't like pounding 20+ mile days though. I can do it, but why?Next big issue coming up for me: what about after the AT? Yes Roamin I know, concentrate on the present, not the future. Easy to say, hard to do. Reading other trail journals about life after the AT, common themes emerge. I'm keeping them in mind as I approach the finish line.Enough for now, have a good fall and remember, Veteran's Day is November 11th.
Date: 2003-11-19
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Still here at Miss Janet's. I spent the last two days visiting my brother and his family in Murfreesboro, TN. I figured that the AT wouldn't miss me, and I've got time to spare. Hi there Katie-Lou (thanks for the card). Once again, I immersed myself in popular culture, and what an odd place it is. The trail is a simplier place.In my absence, Miss Janet's has filled up with SOBOs. GQ and Lumberjack finally ambled in, along with BS and Jessica. I also met Surestep, Cheeseman, and Butter. Buddist Monk will be here tomorrow afternoon; Tuff and Ruff shortly thereafter. I hear that Colonel Sandwich Pants, Just Joe, and 6 other SOBOs are a few days away. The trail is more crowded than I thought.Tomorrow morning I return the rental car (yes, another one) then hike out to Hot Springs, NC. I'll be arriving there Saturday afternoon, barring unforseen circumstances (snowstorm, broken leg, Swedish Bikini Team invitation to the opening of their new hot tub subsidiary). I'll zero in Hot Springs for at least one day, maybe two days.Still pondering my Thanksgiving plans. I expect to be into Smoky Mountain National Park by late next week. Will probably duck out into Gatlinburg (Myrtle Beach of the mountains) for a zero or two.The end of my hike is looming, and I haven't set a completion date yet. It looks like Mount Springer will be pretty busy this December. I know that it will turn out for the best, whatever happens.Miscellaneous notes: Thank you Jeff from Mt. Rogers Outfitters in Damascus. The new shoes are great, no foot issues at all. And of course, when my feet are happy, I'm happy. Blip, I ate lunch with you and Pipes (and a bunch of other NOBOS) at Story Spring shelter in southern VT, not MA.Enough for now, got to pack for tomorrow's departure. Once again, pack weight is around 50 lbs (and that's for 3 days!) I'll never learn.
Date: 2003-11-22
From: Erwin, TN

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it in to town late this morning. Will be here in Hot Springs until Monday morning since I missed my mail drop today. Turns out that on Saturday the Post Office closes at 10:30 instead of 12:00. If I hadn't stopped for lunch this morning, I'd probably have gotten there before it closed. Probably a good thing, since my knee has been hurting for the last two days. I think I need some time off of it.What's been happening?I left Miss Janet's Thursday morning after dropping off the rental car. Enterprise Rent-A-Car (Elizabethtown branch) gets a big thumbs up for taking me to the trail head at Sam's Gap where I met Fisher King and Squirrel Meat.Got to Jerry's Cabin that night. My legs were telling me that my pack was too heavy and I'd been off the trail too long; not much to do but keep going though. We saw the Northern Lights that night (the last time was north of Damascus).Friday we were only going to hike 15 miles, so we got a late start and took our time. Bravo Zulu to the Carolina AT Club for their recent trail reroute over the cliffs north of Blackrock Cliff. It was spectacular. Of course, again we got to the shelter just before dark. It seems that it doesn't matter how many miles we do, we always get in 1/2 hour before dusk. Surprise that night, Fatcat and Grommie came in after dark. They'd been following us since Sam's Gap.Today we made it in to Hot Springs and are staying at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn. I've already taken my shower, laundry is done, and as soon as I've finished this journal, I'm heading down to buy an ice cream sundae. Life is good.Other notes: thank you Miss Janet for an excellent time at your hostel in Erwin. I had a great visit. You are certainly the bright spot of my AT hike in hundreds of miles. I wanted to stay longer, but the trail was calling. I'm thinking of stopping by after I finish the AT.
Date: 2003-11-24
From: Hot Springs, NC

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

Leaving today in a cold drizzle. The last two days were gorgeous, but today isn't; so I'll hike out. Had a good time here: thanks to Bluff Mountain Outfitters for the use of their computer. Also a good time at the hot tubs, two nights in a row.Knee still not up to snuff, but we'll see how it handles the trail again. Only got 4 miles planned today, so it won't be so bad.Thanks to Roamin for a new feather, lei, and traveling companion (who'll be strapped on the back of my pack). And thanks to Zig Zag for reading materials out there.I've got less than 300 miles left to Mount Springer. Have a good Thanksgiving you all.