morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-22
From: Harrisonburg, VA

To: Waynesville, NC
Miles today: 0.0

It is a beautiful day in Virginia! In an hour, I leave for another exciting day scooping ice cream at Brusters!! But most important, in 12 short hours, I will be getting on a bus for a red-eye trip down to Waynesville, NC where Sheltowee will be picking me up and driving me back to Newfound Gap, where I left off the trail four weeks earlier!! Yes, that's right, I return to the trail tomorrow!!! YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Okay, so I'm incredibly exciting, in case you couldn't tell!! of course, I still have so much to do before I leave, like eat lots of ice cream, repack my pack, and say goodbye to my family!! Actually, the plan is just to get really tired so that I can sleep on the bus!! Now, I'm off to get some stuff done! See you on the trail!!Brodie picks up a controller and continues a paused video game] Rene: What are you doing? You promised me breakfast. Brodie: Breakfast, shmreakfast. Look at the score, for Christ's sake. It's only the second period and I'm up 12 to 2. Breakfasts come and go, Rene, but Hartford, "the Whale," they only beat Vancouver once, maybe twice in a lifetime. And speaking of breakfast...I'm off to get something to eat too!! Snoochie-boochies,Chasing Amy
Date: 2005-05-05
From: Harrisonburg, VA

To: Margaritaville
Miles today: 0.0

Just a quick update. I am off the trail and once again at home. I tried to get back to the trail at the beginning of April and I hiked 11 miles from Newfound Gap to a shelter and the next day hiked the same 11 miles back. I got on a bus that night and returned home and have been happy at home and scooping ice cream ever since. I hope to return to the trail someday, but for right now I am content to be living at home and spending some quality time with my family as well as working at Bruster's Ice Cream and scooping lots of cones and making some fabulous sundaes. I'm gonna need to go back on the trail just to lost weight after working here!! haha! Good luck to all the hikers and many thanks to Sheltowee and Waterfall for their incredible hospitality and friendship! And of course without Apple Pie I might never have made it through half of the Smokies!! I can't wait to see you when you get back to the states!! Any hikers...if you stop by Harrisonburg, VA and need a place to crash or just want some ice cream...let me know!!Snoochie-boochies,Chasing Amy
Date: 2005-03-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Time to go!!! leaving tommorow on amtrk from ri to gainesville. then on to the hiker hostel overnight. then at last back on springer on st. pattys day. really looking forward to this year. all the great people to meet.squish has offered to transcribe for me this year, so my journal this year will be a lot better.peace chestnut
Date: 2005-03-16
From: Home

To: The Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

At The Hiker Hostel. Great crew here tonight! Been hanging with Torch & Calico. Great to be starting again![ed. note: This is Squish doing the honors for Chestnut. I summited Katahdin with Chestnut last August and am psyched to be able to share in his experience this year!]
Date: 2005-03-17
From: The Hiker Hostel

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: light snow

At Gooch Mountain Shelter with a full house. Left Springer today with Captain Chaos, Pathfinder & Gray Walrus! Snow & fog all day. Saw 3 hikers get off. Talked for a while with Troll & his wife & his son, Oblivious. Nice people!
Date: 2005-03-19
From: Neels Gap

To: North of Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

North of Low Gap Shelter. Tenting on my own - need to get some sleep! What a day! Trial magic at Testnatee Gap (Church Group) and at Hogpen Gap (Trapper & his wife). About 8 GATC trail crews out today. Had to stop and talk to each one, of course. Then met up with Trucker and sawed blowdowns with a two-man crosscut saw. Saw an Eastern Bluebird near Hogpen (my first.) Very nice! Saw Bramble today. Talked my ear off.
Date: 2005-03-21
From: Swag of the Blue Ridge

To: The Blueberry Patch
Miles today: 13.8

At the Blueberry Patch with Bone, August, Scott & Joe - fun bunch. Got some strange hitches today. Typical Hiawasee stuff involving squealing tires and locked up brakes. Did not think a truck loaded with rock could go from 80 to zero so fast! As usual this place is wonderful. Gary and Lennie are great!
Date: 2005-03-23
From: Standing Indian Mountain

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

At Rock Gap with Rocky, Hairball, Brock and Senator. My first night in a shelter this trip! All have been packed by 3:00! Rocky & Hairball are 2 ladies hiking together - great people. Met Terry & Barry doing trail magic before Mt. Albert. The people who ran Rainbow Springs last year. Great people.
Date: 2005-03-26
From: Swim Bald

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

At Cable Gap Shelter. Decided to hang here. Feet are a little sore. Here with Rodeo - Interesting Character! On to the "Hike Inn" tomorrow. No Internet access since Neels Gap! Hope to get some in Hot Springs. Been very warm and I'm getting a sunburn! Having a great time!
Date: 2004-11-27
To: Cleared for takeoff
Miles today: 0.0

The decision is final. I am preparing for a March start at Springer. It seems like there is so little time and yet so much to do. Although I have researched for many months, I still have to buy much of my clothing and some of my equipment. My training was on track until I broke a rib about a month ago. I should start walking and climbing stairs this coming week (of course without a pack). January and February will have to be good training months. I just wished Kansas had some hills!
Date: 2004-12-02
To: Who is Chino?
Miles today: 0.0

Greetings All, About 90 days to go! I am feeling the nervousness building inside asking if am prepared for this monumental undertaking. I confidently reply that I will be. If I am not, I surely will learn along the way. The unknown is the ingredient that makes adventures exciting. Who is Chino? I am a 46 year old retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel who resides in Shawnee, Kansas but was raised just outside of Cleveland, Ohio in the city of Parma. Yes, I am a huge fan of the Browns, Indians and Cavaliers. No, I did not attend THE Ohio State University. Instead, I attended THE very prestigious and well-known party school Ohio University located in beautiful Athens, Ohio. After graduating in 1980, I moved to Phoenix, Arizona to pursue my career in Radio/Television. Instead, fate stepped in and I could not pass up the opportunity to fly jets with the Air Force. After attending Officer Training School (Texas), Navigator and Electronic Warfare training (California), I flew both B-52s and the brand new B-1B strategic bomber. After stints in Guam, South Dakota and Texas (second time), I was stationed in a staff job for three years at the Pentagon. After my time at the five-sided puzzle palace, I received my dream job of being the commander of a basic training squadron (back in Texas for the third time!). My final job before retiring after 20 years in 2002 was at Strategic Command in Omaha, Nebraska working on nuclear strategy and policy. I was excited to go to work every day of my career and I have that same enthusiasm for my upcoming AT hike. I want to thank my son (second year in high school)in advance for letting me slip away for six months while I scratch the itch that I have felt for so many years. Also, I want to thank all my supporters who cheer me on and keep me motivated. Keep smiling and stay positive!!
Date: 2004-12-08
To: Why ask why?
Miles today: 0.0

After almost six weeks of recovering from a fractured rib, I resumed training two days ago. I went to the tallest building around me, the hospital, and walked up and down seven flights of stairs seven times. I am very sore! The layoff really set my training back, but I am confident I'll be in good shape by my start date in March. My plan is to do stairs every other day and walk every other day. Everyone who has hiked the AT or has dreamed of hiking the AT, knows the answer to the "Why are you doing it" question. For the rest of you, there is no easy answer. When I was a junior in college, I attended my brother's wedding in Phoenix. My family and I took a trip to the Grand Canyon. I was astounded by the majesty of the place. Although the trip was short, I knew I would come back to hike the various trails. Shortly after graduating from college the next year, I took a summer job at the Grand Canyon. What a great transition between college and the "real life." Working a menial food service job six days a week was worth it because on the seventh day I hiked. And I loved it. If you think the canyon is beautiful from above, you should view it from below. I am hiking the AT because nature calls. Being in nature gives me a sense of peace and a connection with what I call the universal consciousness. The trip will be physically demanding but also spiritually gratifying. Twenty five years after hiking the Grand Canyon, working hard and retiring, the AT is a great transition between "real life" and ????.
Date: 2005-01-05
To: Ice Storm Training
Miles today: 0.0

The last 12 hours brought the Kansas City area rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow. It is a real mess. The first thing I thought this morning was it is a good day to stay inside, especially since most of the city is shut down and school is closed. I soon realized the conditions were perfect for trying out my hiking gear in these conditions. I might not get this chance again until I have to face similar conditions on the AT in March. I put on my hiking clothes (lightweight long johns, convertible pants, lightweight shirt, lightweight long sleeve top and midweight long sleeve top, balaclava and synthetic cap) and full pack and went for a short four mile hike around the block. What beautiful scenery--trees coated with ice and the streets almost deserted. Although it was extremely icy, I had no problems and did not slip at all. Even though temperatures were in the 20's, I was dressed appropriately and was not cold. That is until the freezing rain started strafing me during my last mile of hiking. I learned a great lesson. First, freezing rain really hurts exposed areas, especially the face (sunglasses really helped). Secondly, I should have stopped and put on my rain gear as soon as the freezing rain started. By the time I got home, my pants were 50% wet and I may have become hypothermic if I had to hike much farther. All in all, it was a great learning experience and I'm sure this lesson will serve me well when, and if I face similar circumstances on the AT. About 60 days to go--I have sold or given away 80% of my belongings and my rib seems to be healed (slightly sore). Training is on track and I am up to climbing seven floors (two steps at a time) 10 times every other day with a full pack and my miles have increased on my training hikes (every other day). Thanks again for everyone's support. Keep smiling and stay positive.
Date: 2005-01-19
To: Train Tickets Bought--March 9th Start
Miles today: 0.0

I had a good training day. Hiked the hospital steps (7 floors 12 times); tested my one ounce stove using fluid (liquid HEET); talked to the UPS folks about my first mail drop at Amicalola Falls (the start) and found out ground shipping only takes 2 days; and I bought my Amtrak ticket. Delaying my trip by a whopping 24 hours saves me almost one hundred bucks. I now am planning on leaving about 1:00A.M. on Tuesday morning from Cleveland, Ohio and arriving in Gainesville, Georgia early morning on March 9th to begin my adventure. Big thanks to those who continue to support me.
Date: 2005-02-14
To: Last entry before starting hike
Miles today: 0.0

Time has passed quickly. In two weeks I am moving out of my apartment and starting the adventure of a lifetime. After visiting friends and family, I'll jump on Amtrak and begin my hike on March 9th. I am ready! Although I still have many questions, I'm sure I'll figure it out enroute. A big thanks to all who encourage and support me. Please continue to pray for my safety (and mild weather on the AT). After the hike I can be reached at my new email at chinomike11@yahoo.com. I'll talk to all of you after the hike.
Date: 2005-03-09
From: AT Approach Trail

To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 1-After 2 train rides, a $55 taxi ride, and an 8.8 mile walk up the uproach trail, I am finally on the AT. I want to thank "Budd" Ruffin and his wife for the nice words of encouragement(on the train). Same goes to Nelson the cab driver from El Salvador. My pack officially weighed in at 31 pounds (probably because my winter gear was inside). I crossed paths with 4 guys starting today.   I hiked most of the day with Chris, a 19 yr old from Tyler Texas. Although the trail was mostly uphill, it only took about 4 hours. Chris and I have eaten and are in our sleeping bags(because the temp is dropping quickly). Still waiting for the other guys to show up (it's been over 2 hours since we've been here). Today was a big success. I am looking forward to tomorrow's adventure.
Date: 2005-03-10
From: Springer Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: few clouds

Day 2-Woke up to about an inch of snow and temp at 24 degrees. I did NOT sleep. Between Josh and Jersey snoring in tandem and the occassional rodent running by my head, it was hard to sleep. I forgot to mention the trail magic on day one. A couple named the "Roman Noodles" (from Rome, GA) gave me a Snickers bar. I was the first one blazing the snowy path and walked the first third by myself. Chris caught up and we hiked the rest of the day together. We planned on going 7.6 but walked on and did a whoppoing 14.7! Many hills. We ran out of water with 5 miles to go. We ate icicles to get us through the last part of the trail. I am staying at Gooch Mountain Shelter with about 10 thru-hikers.
Date: 2005-03-11
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 3-Long, hard day. Finally got some sleep last night. Woke up to warm temp at 38 degrees. Chris, now named "Diesel," and I got up early and headed out by 7:30am. Very difficult hiking, especially over Blood Mountain, the second tallest mountain on the AT in Georgia. While ascending, it started snowing and the wind really picked up. Believe it or not, the hike down was more difficult than the climb. My knees are sore. We're spending the night at a hostel at Neels Gap with about 10 hikers.
Date: 2005-03-12
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: few clouds

Day 4-Last night at the hostel was great! Had to say goodbye to a couple of college students from Florida State--spring break was coming to an end. "Diesel" and I took it slow today to recuperate from our last 2 big days. We passed 2 southbound hikers from Maine who are only days from finishing the entire trail. Meeting them really motivated us. There is a group of boy scouts from Marietta, GA and some students from the Pittsburg, PA area camping out near the shelter.
Date: 2005-03-13
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 5- Good night last night. Met Jerry from Florida. She spent 2 years in the Peace Corps and is starting law school at Yale in the fall. Rocky River Rich joined us in the shelter, even though he is a Pittsburgh Steeler Fan! Today was a long, hard hike. The weather was great. We woke up to a warm 48 degrees and the temp during the day was in the 60s. A local couple with their 3 year old hiked up to the shelter carrying beers and cokes---what a treat.
Date: 2005-03-14
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Hiawassee Inn, GA
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 6- Last night shelter was full plus 6 or 7 put up tents. It rained during the night. NO SLEEP! Zeke from Missouri snored nearly continuously. Started hiking at 7:00am in a very thick fog. Visibility was as low as 100 feet. The fog stayed with us all day and it rained lightly the last third of the hike. At noon we attempted to hitchhike into Hiawassee, GA. No luck, so we started walking to town and a stray pit bull puppy followed us. Needless to say, no one would pick us up with the dog trailing us. The dog kept going into the street and nearly got runover at least 5 times. After about a mile or two, the owner of the place we wanted to stay picked us up in his Cadillac. Ron and Sam are great hosts. Showered, did laundry and went shopping for supplies for the next 5 days. Big Day tomorrow--only 9 miles left in Georgia!
Date: 2005-03-15
To: Notes from Marie
Miles today: 0.0

Just an update for all those following Chino's Big Adventure. I have yet to recieve any journal pages from him but he has made two phone calls to Family to check in and let us know he is alive and well. He's having a great time and is right on schedule. His last known location was in Hiawassee Georgia on Monday 3/14. His journal pages are traveling via snail mail and will be posted as soon as they arrive and I can decipher them.Thanks for keeping Chino in your thoughts and prayers,Marie
Date: 2005-03-15
To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

Day 7-Built much character today. By far, the longest day. Georgia wouldn't let us go quietly. It started snowing almost immediately after we were dropped off at the trailhead. The temperature dropped and the snowflakes were wet and large. The snow accumulated about an inch. Had to stop and put on my rain top and gloves. Eventually it started raining. North Carolina's start was tough. A huge climb that seemed straight up. It is very cold and my hands are shaking as I write this. 16.5 miles-what a day!
Date: 2005-03-16
To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

Day 8- Rained 80% of the day. Last night it poured. I was glad to be in a shelter. I badly twisted my right knee yesterday and it hurt most of the day. In 3 days I'll be in town; maybe I should take an entire day off? About a mile from the end, I received some trail magic--a nice cold coke! The hike up Albert Mountain was tough. I had my first fall on the way down. I slipped on some mud and slid down about 3 feet. So far, I'm, with 2 young couples at the shelter. One couple is from Wales, UK and the other from Boston. If you include the approach trail (not officially on the AT), I went over 100 miles today. Everything seems to hurt but everything is great.
Date: 2005-03-17
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: light snow

Day 9-Woke up to snow and very cold temp. It snowed the entire day. Right knee very sore on downhills but no pain otherwise. It is 4:00pm and I've finished eating 2 portions of Ramen with some pea soup mixed in. The hot liquid really hit the spot. It is SOOOOO cold. I'm in my sleeping bag writing this. So far, only "Cracker" (a retired pharmacist from CT) and I are sharing the shelter. I'm hoping for warmer temps. Andrew, a college student, showed up.
Date: 2005-03-18
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 10- Very cold night!! Temp reading in the morning was 19 degrees. My shoes, which I left out were totally frozen! Just like taking the ice cube tray out of the freezer. I had to put them in my sleeping bag and sit on them for about 10 minutes until I could barely get them on. I walked about 30 minutes before I could feel my feet. My hose to my water froze over night and it didn't thaw out until 10:30. The first three quarters of the day was cold, wet and muddy. The trail had a detour because of some fallen trees. The detour was very muddy and slippery-- I took a pretty good fall about halfway through. About two hours later, it warmed up to about 37 degrees and the snow on the trees melted and began to shower me with ice cold water. By the end of the day I was hiking in a t-shirt. Staying at Cold Spring Shelter with "Cracker" and "Uncle Bob," a 49 year old from Raleigh, NC. Only 11 miles to civilization.
Date: 2005-03-19
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center-Wesser, NC
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 11- Huge decent for most of the day. Nice weather all day. Woke up to 29 degrees and hiked in a t-shirt most of the day. Great view from the Wesser Bald Firetower. To look back at the mountains I climbed was very satisfying. Staying in an 8 bed bunk house. So far (at 4:00pm) there are four of us staying the night. "Backcountry Dave" just showed up. What a surprise. He and I spent many hours sitting in Washington DC Union Station waiting for our train to Georgia. After 5 days without bathing, it feels so good to get a hot shower and clean my stinky clothes. Pretty soon- restaurant food!!
Date: 2005-03-20
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center-Wesser, NC

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Day 12- No hiking today. We had 6 in the bunkhouse. "No legs" is fighting some leg problems. What a wonderful cheeseburger, fries, and great side salad last night.What a surprise to have "Diesel" catch up to me. He hiked a whopping 24 mile day. This place is great. It is a huge kayak center on the river. Some college students are staying next to us. They are out bike riding for 9 days. I can't wait to start hiking again. Planning a 16 mile day tomorrow.
Date: 2005-03-21
To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

Day 13-Got a very early start at 6:35. Huge climbs all day, especially the last half mile which rose 750 feet. The weather was perfect. About 50 degrees all day. "Backcountry Dave," "Diesel," and I have the shelter to ourselves. Tomorrow is last day before Smokies.
Date: 2005-03-22
To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 14-Easy day. Great view of the Dam on the descent. Filled out my Smoky Mountain permit and went into the Fontana Village to pick up my postal package containing my food for the Smokies. Last night I had to perform a major pant modification. After days and days of fighting a friction rash, I took my knife and ripped open the crotch seams. What relief! Today I bought some running shorts which should permanently solve the problem. If you ever have rash problems, I highly recommend Zim's Crack Creme. It is about 6:30pm, the rain has stopped and the clouds are breaking up. Tomorrow the big mountains.
Date: 2005-03-23
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Spencer Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

Day 15-Big thunderstorm last night. I was glad to be in a shelter. The climb out of Fontana was hard. We climbed 3,500 feet before the trail leveled off. After the initial climb, the hiking was very easy. My first day in the Smokies was a good experience. The weather was in the mid 50's all day.
Date: 2005-03-24
From: Spencer Field Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 16- Cold night with rain. Started hiking with rain gear and long johns. Very foggy, hence the smoky name. Strenuous 600 foot climb right away. By 10:00 the sun came out and I was hiking in shorts and a t-shirt. Another big climg up to the highest point on the Appalachian Trail - Clingman's Dome at 6,643 elevation. The climb had much snow and ice. Once my pole went into the snow over 2 feet. Although I like my New Balance 807 AT's, they are very slick on snow and ice. What a spectacular view from the observation deck area. The hike down was dangerous! I almost violated rule #1 of hiking--don't get killed. My poles were used as snow skis as I slipped my way down the mountain. Once I completely lost control and could only stop by grabbing a tree(SCARY). Snow and mud are all around our shelter-Yuck!