morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-16
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap / Franklin, NC
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

"The best way out is always through."--Robert FrostToday we hiked hard to make it into Franklin for a resupply, shower, and dinner with our friends Lonnie and Nancy. It rained off and on all day today, enough to remind me why I so hate hiking in the rain. We were lucky enough to find shelter at the Wayah Bald tower long enough to eat lunch dry. It can be tough to stop long enough to rest, relax and eat when the rain is pouring down! The prospect of more rain tonight encouraged us to head for town.We hitched in from the trail with David, a wallpaper contractor who was kind enough to stop for us. We checked into the Microtel here and cleaned up enough that Lonnie and Nancy would own up to knowing us. After a huge steak, Lonnie and Nancy took us shopping to resupply for the next few days. The plan is to hike from Winding Stair Gap (near Franklin) starting tomorrow and make our way south to Dicks Creek Gap (near Clayton, GA) where Lonnie and Nancy live. They are then going to give us a day of R&R at their place on Friday. Lonnie has promised to grill for us on Thursday, so we'll hike hard to make that rendezvous!
Date: 2003-06-17
From: Winding Stair Gap, NC

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

"One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his greatest surprises, is to find that he can do what he was afraid he couldn't do."--Henry FordToday was a big day for me. Ever since we were in the Smokies, people have been telling me how hard it would be to hike Albert Mountain southbound. Half a dozen people told me that they would not tackle the rock climb southward, as it was hard enough to climb up...they suggested "blue-blazing" the section (hiking around the tough part on another trail). I was very nervous about attempting this descent, but decided to give it a go. Albert Mountain is a tough climb up. The boulders that make up the trail have been described variously as "as big as a house," "bigger than my VW," and "mighty #@$% big." Most through hikers put their poles away while making the climb, and use hands and feet to wiggle up the rocks. Some can manage only by taking their packs off and passing them up the mountain to a partner above. We would be climbing these rocks, but descending rather than ascending. Some mighty big steps awaited me. With Hoover's coaching and patient direction, I managed. At times it was hard to see the rocks from the sweat of fear that was running down my face, but I got through it. In fact, in retrospect, it was kind of fun!I am pushing my envelope out here folks--and growing every day! I can do LOTS of things I never believed possible...
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: moderate rain

"Some days you're the dog, somedays you're the hydrant."--AnonymousToday was miserable. We woke up to rain, and despite our hopes that it would clear up, the rain continued all day. The trail was a river, slick with mud. Our feet were soaked within minutes, despite our efforts to miss the deepest puddles. Our rain gear kept us reasonably dry from the knees up, but it was tough going.The hardest part of hiking in the rain is that it's nearly impossible to stop for a rest. Even peeing becomes a major project. We had to concentrate on watching our feet to keep from slipping. By 10:30 I'd hit my head--hard, run into a branch with my chest--nearly knocked me off my feet, and I was thoroughly miserable--wondering why the heck I was out there. Then I slipped in the mud, and literally wallowed in it trying to regain my feet. I'll admit it: a few very ungrandmotherly words slipped out of my lips, and my tantrum ended with "I QUIT!" Hoover calmly said, "Okay we'll get off the trail. But first we have to hike to a road." By the time we'd hiked another mile, I had changed my mind about quitting. Hoover was very wise to respond the way he did. It had the effect of calming me, and instead of spending my time marshalling arguments about why we should quit, I focused on thinking about whether I really did want to quit. If he'd responded with "You don't mean that" I probably would have eventually come to the conclusion that I didn't want to quit, it just would have taken me longer to get there!We ended the day at a beautiful shelter with three delightful companions--Preacher Man, Jughead (a former Marine who wanted to be called Jarhead, but Jughead just stuck), and Navigator. Jughead is a special ed teacher from Georgia, and Preacher Man is a Methodist youth minister studying to be a full-fledged minister. P-Man is growing his hair to donate to Locks of Love, as am I--he's the first person I've met who had the same objective to growing long hair on the trail. We enjoyed their company tremendously, and I was reminded that this is why we're on the trail. The hard days will come, but the negatives are greatly outweighed by the positive experiences.
Date: 2003-06-19
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

"The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem."--T. RubinAfter yesterday's rain, we were rewarded today with perfect hiking weather. The problems we had yesterday--and the "quit" word--quickly faded into the background. The sky remained cloudy all morning, but cleared to blue skies by noon. We had an easy hike into Dicks Creek Gap--no real tough climbs, and we'd reached our goal by 2:30. We slipped off the trail into the denser shrubbery and took a quick spit bath and changed into our sleep shorts and shirts so we wouldn't gross out anyone kind enough to offer us a lift into town.Getting a hitch into Clayton proved to be hard. Shortly after we arrived at the road, another hiker came off the trail and headed to a parked car. Hoover approached him to see if we could pay for gas and get a lift to town. Before he could even ask, the other hiker waved him off, saying he didn't have room for us and our stuff. Minutes later he drove right past us in an apparently empty vehicle. We were bummed out that another hiker could be so unhelpful. But, within an hour we got a hitch to Clayton were we met up with our friend, Nancy. Once again, as soon as we were safely inside shelter, the skies opened and rained poured.Nancy and Lonnie have treated us royally. Lonnie grilled ribs and chicken, and we thought we'd gone to hiker heaven! We are so lucky to have found friends who have adopted us and our dream so fully. We feel like we've known Lonnie and Nancy for years. This trip is helping us to get to know so many terrific people, a bonus in itself! Tomorrow we'll clean up our gear and rest up, planning to hike out on Saturday. A comfy bed awaits...
Date: 2003-06-21
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Tray Mtn Rd
Miles today: 12.7

"Still round the corner there may wait, A new road or a secret gate."--J.R.R. TolkienWe had a terrific day of hiking today! Our friend Nancy joined us for the hike from Dicks Creek Gap. Lonnie drove us to Dicks Creek Gap and slackpacked us, so we had an easy day. The weather was perfect, and we had great views from Tray Mountain. The wildflowers were in bloom, and the skies a clear blue. Nancy earned the trail name "Flower Child" because she was able to name all of the wildflowers, and had such an obvious appreciation for them. This was hiking at it's best!Not only did Lonnie meet us at Tray Mountain Road with cold drinks, but he'd also prepared a delicious stew for our supper. Talk about being spoiled! Nancy did so great hiking, we were very proud of her. She so enjoyed the view from Tray Mountain that she's persuaded Lonnie to hike up there tomorrow after they put us back on the trail. Then are hoping to hike with us in Virginia some this fall. We look forward to seeing more of them.We are hiking on towards Neels Gap tomorrow, and should finish this section (Springer to Damascus) by Monday. Then on to Virginia! Our heartfelt thanks to Lonnie and Nancy, who gave us such a great R&R!
Date: 2003-06-22
From: Tray Mtn Rd

To: Wide Gap, GA
Miles today: 14.4

"Progress always involves risk; you can't steal second base and keep your foot on first base."--Frederick WilcoxWe left Lonnie and Nancy's well-fed and well-rested, with just 23.4 miles left of our intermediate goal of Neel's Gap. The weather was warm, no nice breezes like yesterday, so we quickly felt the heat. Shortly after we left Tray Mountain Road we came across our old shelter-mates, Jughead and PreacherMan. PreacherMan had just taken a tumble (a rock jumped out and tripped him), so he was less than happy. We agreed to meet up later (possibly) at Low Gap Shelter--although it seemed unlikely that they would hike that far today.The climb out of Unicoi Gap was tough, especially in the heat. The views weren't as plentiful or beautiful today. Perhaps because we were just interested in getting to Neels Gap...We heard rumors all day about bear activity at Low Gap Shelter, but decided to head there anyway. We got there, found it deserted, and no mention of bears in the shelter register. I was a little spooked because the shelter was about half a mile off the trail, with just one way in and out--it would be easy to be trapped there if bears came down the trail. There was a lot of trash around the shelter, and someone had abandoned a food bag and water sack at the shelter. All in all, I was uncomfortable with the situation, so we decided just to cook and eat dinner and hike on a while. Our feet protested (we'd promised them an easy 12 mile day), but we moved on another 2 miles or so to a campsite at Wide Gap. It should make tomorrow an easier 9 mile day into Neels Gap, and I'll sleep better away from the site of known bear activity.
Date: 2003-06-23
From: Wide Gap, GA

To: Neels Gap, GA
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

"If you'll not settle for anything less than your best, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish in your lives."--Vince LombardiWoohoo! We've finally connected the dots and finished the AT from Springer Mountain, GA to Damascus, VA. It is such a feeling of accomplishment--probably more so than if we'd hiked the same distance straight through north. I guess it was psychological, always knowing there's a "hole" in our journey that we needed to backfill...We celebrated with a shower and clean laundry at the hostel, then ate tuna sandwiches and cokes for lunch. We have become very easy to please...Our Jeep is here at Neels Gap, so we have spare clothes and shoes. It feels very strange to climb into a car and drive in an hour what took us two days of sweat to cover.The hike today was not as easy as we'd hoped. The nine miles felt like nineteen. We didn't have the best night's sleep--coyotes howling, owls hooting, and an animal (big enough to crack twigs) wandering our campsite kept us awake most of the night. I guess I was still jumpy about the bear sightings at the last shelter, and I woke Hoover to keep me company listening to the night sounds. This was the first time I've been kept awake by wildlife. Just before dawn we heard--very close by--a strange "lowing" sound from an unknown animal. All in all, we were still bushed when we got up to finish the hike into the Gap.Water was also scarce, and what we found tasted bad, even after it was filtered. We are definitely spoiled by our great-tasting mountain spring water. Suffice it to say that I was a very happy camper to set eyes on the hostel at Neels Gap! Hoover had hiked on ahead of me, but as I approached the gap, he was there waiting for me so we could complete the section together. He's such a thoughtful hiking (and life!) partner.Tomorrow we are taking the day off to whitewater raft at Nantahala Outdoor Center (a belated Father's Day present to Hoover). Then we'll head to Front Royal, Virginia, where another trail angel couple, Adele and Mel, will help us by giving us a bed and keeping our car while we hike north. The plan is to resume hiking north from somewhere near Winchester, VA on Thursday. Stay tuned for more news whenever I get computer access...
Date: 2003-06-24
From: Neels Gap, GA

To: Virginia
Miles today: 0.0

"Rivers know this: There is no hurry. We shall get there somedau."--Pooh's Little Instruction BookToday was a day of total relaxation. We rafted on the Nantahala River this morning, ate lunch at the NOC, and then casually drove north through Asheville, NC and Johnson City, TN on our way north to Virginia. It was amazing to see all of the places we've been walking for the past two months whizzing by us...As most of you who have been following this journal know, I lost my father on May 3rd. Few of you know much about him. Suffice it to say that he was an extraordinary man--a genuine overachiever. He was a Silver Eagle Boy Scout, a graduate of Notre Dame, had an MBA from Stanford, was a Naval submarine officer, a private pilot--the list goes on. He enjoyed travel, and visited over 100 countries as well as every city in the U.S. with a population of over 100,000. He flew a light aircraft--take off and landing--in each of the fifty states. He collected antique clocks and coins. He was the best, a true success, at everything he ever tried to do.By the time I left for my AT hike, Dad was so bad off that he did not understand what I was about to try to do. But I know he would have approved, would have been excited for me, if he had known. He understood the fun of a challenge, and the sense of accomplishment from doing one's best. I don't know whether or not I'll be able to finish the entire AT, but I'm giving it my best shot. I'm dedicating the effort to his memory. I miss you, Dad.
Date: 2003-06-26
From: Linden, Virginia

To: Buzzard Hill Tentsite
Miles today: 21.4

"Our way is not soft grass. It's a mountain path with lots of rocks, but it goes upward, forward, toward the sun."--Ruth WestheimerWell, we're back on the trail again! Adele and Mel treated us royally in Front Royal, then delivered us to the trail in Linden this morning. Joanne from the Winchester SSA office is keeping our car for us while we hike. Thanks Adele, Mel, and Joanne! My SSA "family" has come through again!Today was tough hiking. For some reason I fell more today in one day than I had in the past three weeks put together. I gashed my left knee and bruised it, and fell sideways (to my left every time?!) several times. I don't like getting hurt, so I was un unhappy hiker and I felt like such a Klutz!The terrain was pretty easy this morning and we flew, making great time. We met several other hikers, Jimmy and Andrea (no trail names, but we called them the elves because they carry huge red and green backpacks)and 1/3, at a shleter stop for lunch. This afternoon we started on the infamous Virginia "roller coaster"--ten steep ups and downs in a row, really tough hiking with few opportunites for camping. We hiked a little farther than we'd intended today (our first 20+ mile day), trying to knock out some of the roller coaster and make tomorrow a little easier...We'll sleep well tonight!
Date: 2003-06-27
From: Buzzard Hill Tentsite

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: moderate rain

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."--Franklin D. RooseveltWe finished the roller coaster today. It whipped us--talk about pointless ups and downs. It was another bad day for me. Three more falls--but at least I figured out why. I swapped to my low-top shoes in Linden, and they aren't giving me the ankle support I need. My right ankle just seems to collapse on uneven terrain. I mailed my original boots to Harpers Ferry, so I can get them back tomorrow. Meanwhile I need to hike carefully to stay on my feet.I boo-hoo-ed a bunch today until I figured out why I was falling so much. The "Quit" work crossed my lips more than once, especially when I took a spill into a bed of poison ivy. But I'm sure things will improve when I get my boots back. Part of it is mental, I know. We've heard for so long that Virginia is the "easy" part of the trail, but we jumped back on at a really difficult stretch. I have to quit listening to other people's opinions about the trail and learn to take it as it comes, without expectations. That will help me mentally.We have been pleasantly surprised to see that we are keeping up with the "kids" that are hiking this section of the trail. All of them are in their twenties and have nearly 1000 miles under their belts. It is really gratifying to know that we can cover as many miles as they do. Of course they start later, take longer breaks, and finish earlier than we do, but who cares? We are able to hike the miles and keep up!The elves and 1/3 are here at this shelter tonight. I am hoping to meet 1/3's mother and father (2/3 and 3/3)in Harpers Ferry tomorrow. They are off the trail, but are meeting Christine (1/3) there tomorrow. 2/3 retired from SSA in August and we e-mailed each other pre-hike, so I am looking forward to meeting her.This shelter is awesome--porch swing, adriondak chairs, and a terrific view--hiker luxuries. On to Harpers Ferry tomorrow. Hoover is leaving early and hiking ahead of me to get to the Post Office before noon. I have to hike slowly to avoid falling, so I'll set out after him and meet him in town. This will be our longest separation (4 hours) in eight weeks!
Date: 2003-06-28
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

"The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast and you miss all you are traveling for>"--Louis L'Amour,"Ride the Dark Trail"We had an easy hike into Harpers Ferry today. Hoover hiked on in ahead of me and covered the distance in three and a half hours. I hiked at my own pace, watching every foot placement, and it took me just over four hours. I only fell twice more, no injuries. I sure am happy to have my high-top boots back again, though. The others I shipped home--I considered trashing them, but decided to save them for walking around town where rocks are not plentiful.Yesterday when I fell into poison ivy I was nowhere near water to wash it off. In fact, the only water I had was in my hoser (my drinking water), so to wash off the poison ivy oils I practiced the "sip, spit, and wash" method, then applied Purell. It must have worked, because there's no sign of rash yet. I've got my fingers crossed.We went to the headquarters of the Applachian Trail Conference here in Harpers Ferry and signed in as thru-hikers--we're numbers 509 and 510 for this year. Our photo is in the album, so we are committed now!After a yummy BBQ lunch, we hiked on to the AYH Hostel here for a shower and laundry. It's so nice to be clean. Back on the trail tomorrow...
Date: 2003-06-29
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Dahlgran Backpackers Campsite
Miles today: 14.3

"There are always flowers for those who want to see tehm."--Henri MatisseIt was not a mirage!!! As we hiked up the trail we saw a sign with icons for camping, restrooms and--could it be? A shower?! We had found Dahlgren Backpackers Campground with hot showers, compliments of the State of Maryland. And we heard that a fancy restaurant 1/4 mile up the trail has management who's willing to overlook hiker attire in the dining room!Our day started with a hike along the C&O Canal towpath, and then the trail headed back into the wilderness. By lunchtime, though, we'd come to Gathland State Park, where we were able to enjoy a little history along with a Coke machine, picnic tables, and restrooms. Now this is the life--ice cold refreshments at mealtimes, and no need to pee in the woods.We continued on up the trail until we discovered this campsite. After a hot shower, pitching our tent, and walking up to the road and dinner at the Old South Mountain Inn, we returned to the campsite to socialize. We had a reunion with a hiker friend, Trace, and met new friends Lonny & Svensaw (from Minnesota) and Homer. This is the life!
Date: 2003-06-30
From: Dahlgren Backpackers Campsite

To: Devils Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 18.4

"One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning."--James Russell LowellWe experienced lots of trail magic today! First we came across a campsite dedication at Annapolis Rocks. We went there for the view, but were fed a fantastic lunch by the Maryland Park Rangers there. We hiked on to Ensign Cowall Shleter for a break, and I discovered that I'd left my sit pad at Annapolis Rocks. Bummer! This is the second time I've left it behind..I left a note in the shelter register whining about it and hoping that someone would find it and get it to me (dream on...). We hiked on to this shelter and set up camp..and along comes Loony with my sit pad!!! 1/3 had found it at Annapolis Rocks and carried it to the Ensign Cowall Shelter where she read my whine. When Sven and Loony decided to hike on, she took it on for delivery. Thanks guys!! Trail magic is amazing. Hoover is threatening to tie my sit pad to me so I won't lose it again, but I think I've learned a lesson from this "thorn of experience!"We are camping tonight with Loony, Svensaw, Trace, and a few otheres we don't know. We are camped above the shleter on a ridge. When Hoover went down to the shelter to get water, he said that the shelter, which is close to a road, has been vandalized, and that liquor bottles were all over. Generally hikers try to keep things clean and trash free, but when a shelter is near a road, it is, more often than not, trashed by teenagers who use it as a weekend party hut. Sad, isn't it?
Date: 2003-07-01
From: Devils Racecourse Shelter

To: Rocky Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: broken clouds

"It's a dangerous business going out your front door."--Bilbo BagginsToday we ran operation "Rescue Bubba"   We'd been hiking in a VERY dry area, and came across a HUGE dog on the trail. At first I thought it was a bear cub, but it turned out to be a very sick Bubba-dog. He was in real trouble (hyperthermic and dehydrated). We gave him water (from Hoover's hat) and doused him down with most of the water we had left to cool him off. Then we tried to coax him down off the mountain. The poor guy just couldn't walk...and there was no way we could carry 120 pounds of pooch! So we pulled out our "emergency use" cell phone and called the local post office (the only local number we had!) They hooked us up with the humane society who sent out a rescue team. We learned later that Bubba was fine and reunited with his family. We were glad that we'd run across him and were able to get help to him in time to save him.So there we were, on a dry mountain with little water. What to do? We decided to hike on to the nearest road and hope for a place to get water. When we hit the road (dirt), nothing was in sight. While we were debating what to do, up drives an SUV, and the driver offered us a ride into South Mountain where, reportedly, there is a hotel!!! I should have read the book more closely, because the hotel part was shut down, just a bar and grill were open. But no worry--a cheeseburger, a beer, and an opportunity to fill our water bags--with just a 1.2 mile hike to get back to the trail. All ended well, and we met a nice couple (Hi, David and Collette) at the bar.After walking back to the trail we hiked on to this shelter where we stayed with a terrific section-hiking family from Ohio and a Quaker youth group (19) for the night. We were so exhausted that we slept like logs...