morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-17
From: mile 96.6

To: mile 96.6
Miles today: 0.0

Happy St. Patricks Day. All I can really say is a zero day is a nice change of pace. Me, Caroline, 42, and Forever North stayed up late last night with Mike, and Berry. The two guys running the show.This was all last night. Then, we went to bed. Me and Caroline slept on the ground under the tarp. Later on that night Caroline had woken me up because it had turned out that the tarp us right on top of us. It had snowed so much that the line had broke and it had fallen on us. It was really funny. After that we just hung out all day by the fire. We did haul some firewood and we also got a ride to town to resupply. We'll probably stay here tonight. Just relaxing here with fire, music, food and good company. Tomorrow I think that I will head out.
Date: 2005-03-19
From: siler bald shelter

To: n.o.c.
Miles today: 23.5

Last night it was really dark in the shelter and I didn't even bother to get up and get the candles. Really not much happened. I did climb as fire tower that had ice-sickles all over it. It was really windy and cold up there so I decided not to stay too long. It did have a good 360 view. I hiked solo for a while until I ended up running across Dan, Tracktion and another couple. I got my first blister and a few hot spots yeaterday. I fixed them with ducktape. One of the best parts of yeasterday was the sun. It was still cold outside but yet the fog, rain, and snow had all gone away. There was still a little bit of snow on the ground but the snow had quit falling. At some places it was so nice I hiked with just my T-shirt on. When I finally got to camp, Angie and Julie were there cooking dinner in the shelter. They had just graduated college but, yet the acted like they were in highschool. Angie in particular has a wild and spuradic laugh. I thought it was pretty funny to listen to. Eventually North, Woddy and Dan made it in. We had a tough time making a fire with wet wood but, somehow we managed. Eventually I headed off to bed. I was the only one in the shelter which wasn't that bad, but I was kinda lonesome.I knew the others were around in their tents. I am starting to think that i'd like to catch back up with Chino so I can have a partner again. Well I made it from Siler Bald to shelter to the Noc. I left Siler by about 9 and I made it in by 7. I am so tired and the 22.8 miles I hiked today just about killed me. I got blisters all over my feet but, I did catch up with Chino. We are both taking off tomorrow. It's Sunday so maybe church or mass? Hopefully. Thank you Lord for helping me today, Amen
Date: 2005-03-20
From: n.o.c.

To: n.o.c.
Miles today: 0.0

It's a zero day again. My blistered feet and sore knees have had it. It's hard to tell where the day went to. I did laundry, showered and then, got a hitch into town since it was Palm Sunday. After about 5 minutes a woman named Adrian piked me up. She thru-hiked with her boyfriend in 'Ol and ended up marrying him. One I got to town I asked around and eventually limped into Mass. I had made it just in time for communion and the closing Hym. After that, I ate 4 of my 5 Arby's sandwiches and a couple of cream sodas. I also picked up some insoles and candy bars for my next tent. The insoles felt so good on my sore feet. After my trip into town I needed to head back to camp. I ended up having to walk about 3 miles before I had gotten picked up by Richard. He told me that "he has done his share of walking, "and gave me a ride. Once I was back to camp I ate and showered again.(Why not?!) It's hard to call it a zero day. I really didn't rest a whole lot. It still was nicer on my body than hiking would have been. Me and Chino start our tag team again tomorrow.
Date: 2005-03-21
From: n.o.c.

To: brown fork gap shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

I am so tired we hiked about 16.4 miles today and at the end there was this killer hill. Tomorrow we will hit Fontana Dam. My feet are really blistered but I did superglue and ducttape my blisters so hopefully they will be fine tommorrow.
Date: 2005-03-22
From: Brown Fork gap shelter

To: Fontana Dam shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday we made it to Fontana Dam to pick up our mail drops for the Smokies Mountains. The only problem was that my mail wasn't dropped in on time. The Post Office lady said it would be in by eleven the next day. I didn't feel like leaving my hiking partner Chino again and I didn't feel like waiting a whole day either. So they gave me some of their extra food and I had bought what else I needed at the time. It worked out just fine. Later on Chino and I had walked down to the Visiter Center for free showers. He used the Mens and I had to use the Womens. The Womens turned out to be a lot warmer. Later on as we slept it poured, thundered and lightning. It was dark and I didn't feel like messing with my candle so I just put it off the journal thing till another day.
Date: 2005-03-23
From: fontana dam shelter

To: spence field shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

 Today we did about 16.7 miles today. Sometimes when I hike for that long my mind starts to wonder. Actually my mind wonders alot but especially when I am alone. For example, I was trying to think of all the Brad Pitt movies. I think of all sorts of random things some silly and some just plain out weird. I also think about my family and friends back at home, playing 42 with Grandma, Grandpa, and Dad. All of the crazy stuff that I'd do with my friends and Cody, Mom and Dad. Then, I wonder what what the heck am I doing here and I think of ways to get out. Then, when it seems really dreary and lonely I think of something pleasent or encouraging or I just come to a shelter or meet up with new people. That is what usually keeps me going until I make it to camp. Sometimes though, it really gets hard physically and mentally with no "good surprises." I guess it's folks back home and my self praying that gets me through it, All in all, being out here is better than anything else I can possibly think of. It's the pain and suffering and lonelyness that makes you really appericate the good things in your life.
Date: 2005-03-24
From: spence field shelter

To: mt. collins shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We'll we started our 3 day triligy of 20 miles a day. It started out cold and there was snow on the ground and it was partly foggy. I started off slow, as I always do but Chino and I found our rythem soon enough. We just kept going till lunch time. Then, kept going till Clingman's Dome, which is the highest point on the entire AT. Then, we finished our 20 miles with a 1/2 mile walk to the shelter.There was so much snow on the walk down from Clingma's Dome that I nearly fell several times. Just imagine my hands moving back and forth really fast just like a cartoon. I never did fall though. Although this happened about a 1/2 dozen times. I also found a nice pair of gloves on the way. Once we were at camp I went and got water with a girl named Sarah, who's here with another girl. I just barely mentioned that I didn't pack enough food, in conversation. I pumped water for her and we came back and i had made dinner for all of us. Then, out of no where she gives me extra trail mix, bars, and tortillas. Then, another guy gives me an extra dinner. The Lord does provide. Only 35.5 more miles until we are done with the Smokie Mountains.
Date: 2005-03-25
From: mt. collins shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

Well today we hit 219 or 220 miles today 10% of the Appalachian Trail is finished. There were some beautiful views just about all day and the weather was wonderful. We also did our full 20 miles today. Usually I stop only at shelters to eat lunch. It's sort of like a little reward for my milage. However, I came acroos this great view and I nearly walked right by it but, instead I stopped and even cooked some Ramen noodles, somethinf I also never do for lunch. I was just enjoying the view so much. We also walked by some steep drop offs while walking on narrow paths of ice and sometimes climbing over trees. It was great I am so glad I got to expierence this. I wouldn't have wanted to do anything else. All the blisters and all the pain are truely worth every minute of it. Thank you Lord for giving the the stregnth for getting me this far.
Date: 2005-03-26
From: tri-corner knob shelter

To: standing bear farm 
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: broken clouds

The best way to describe today would have to be the lyrics from a country song that goes," I'm in a hurry to get things done, I rush and I rush until life's no fun. And all I really got to do is live and die but, i'm in a hurry and don't know why." Basically, I spent the beautiful, semi hot day, going as fast as i possibly could to get to this hastel. I really kind of started off slow in the snow this morning but, as i got lower and lower down the mountain the snow was gone. So was I. Until I got to Davenport Gap. There I sat to figure out exactly how far down this "new" hastel (standing Bear) was. [2.5 miles]. As I sat there alone a white truck passed by and he slowed way down. So, I went up to him and asked him if "no credit cards" included debit cards. In the book Both Mountain Moma's and Standing Bears don't take credit cards. He said he didn't know but, he wanted to take my picture beacuase I was a thru-hiker. He then wanted my address so he could mail it to me. I gave it to him. Probably not to smart because I didn't even know him but, I guess it's to late now. Then, he gave me a two go-go and $20 dollars just incase they didn't take credit cards. I thanked him and then, we both went our seperate ways. The hostel is nice. It's all on the honor system. He's even got this pantry full of food with the prices and we're suppose to keep track of what we get and out the money in a box. Curtis, the guy that owns this joint, is really odd but, I like him. My feet are a little sore and I ate a little too much today but, other than that, all is well.
Date: 2005-03-27
From: standing bear farm 

To: groundhog creek shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

Happy Easter today we knew we were only going 7 miles. Partly, because of our long haul through the Smokies and also because it's Easter. Last night we decided to wake up as late as we wanted but, I naturally wake up at 7:30. I packed my stuff then got a ride from Maria, Curtis' wife into town for mass. She dropped me off and described what her dad looked like and pointed out to his van. I was to find him after mass, explain to him who I was and try to get a ride to his house. That is where Maria would be. Then I was to meet up with her and she was going to take me back to the hostel. It all worked out and mass was nice. It was in a house that was turned into a church. The altar was in the dinning room and the parts of the congregation were in the hall ways, on the stairs, in the "kitchen area". In fact after communion I must have gone into three different rooms to get back to the place where I was standing. Then, I was on the trail by 10 or 10:30 (late compared to usual) I took my time and Chino was actually at the campsite 7 miles in. I was sure he was going to press on but he didn't. It was funny getting in so early. Chino ate dinner by 2:30 and was in his sleeping bag no later than 4. He wasn't that tired, he just had nothing better to do. We also talked about spliting ways. He wants to average about 13 miles a day which is fine but, we did the math and if I do work at Northern Tier and do the hike. I won't finish. If I want to do both N.T. and A.T. I've got to average about 18 miles a day from here on out. Including 12 zero days. I think I've decided to give it a try. I'm already feeling lonely even though Chino's still here. In fact, he and I are the only one's here at Groundhog Creek Shelter. I guess that's kinda weird but, it's the only way to describe how I feel right now. Lonely. Maybe it's beacuse it's Easter and I am not with my Family and friends. Who knows? I guess I signed up for the saddness and the joy when I decided to do this. Oh well. Here goes nothing
Date: 2005-03-28
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Hotsprings, NC
Miles today: 26.2

 Yesterday was foggy, cold, windy, and rainy almost all day. It got just a little bit better as the day went on though. Somehow, one thing led to another and we ended up hiking 26 miles and we reached Hot Springs. Once in town I headed straight for the diner and got the Hungry Hiker, which was a Big Double Cheeseburger with fries for $7. It was so good!! Then, I went to the end of town and Medow crashed in the rain at the tent sites for $6 (including towel and a shower).
Date: 2005-03-29
From: Hotsprings, NC

To: Spring mtn shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

This morning I woke up to the soft sounds of birds singing in my ear and a clear blue sky. So far I've eaten breakfast and got my mail drops. One of my packages was from my cousin Mindy. All I can say is that was my biggest mistake!!Was asking my cousin Mindy to mail me anything.wow.... Mindy was suppose to send me the package to Fontana Dam but, it was late so I had it forwarded to here (HotSpring). The lady at the Post Office said the box arrived in a plastic bag and they had to put it in one more; because it smelled so bad!! Turns out that having Mindy mail me some eggs was a bad idea. They busted and got all over my other food. Most of it was individually wrapped like: crackers, snikers, and Ramen Noodles so it wasn't that bad. It sure smelled bad though. Never again!!
Date: 2005-03-30
From: Spring mtn shelter

To: Flint mnt shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: broken clouds

Well yesterday the 11 miles we did turned out to be okay, but it sure did feel like a long day since I didn't hit the trail until after noon. I met a Ranger last night he's 62 and has tried thru-hiking the AT 4 seperate times so far. He even made it to New Hampshire once. This is his 5th and final try at the hike. He seems really determined. He even made a shirt and hung it on his wall at home that said something like "AT thru-hike '05" and on the back in Big Bold Yellow Letters it read "If you can back it up, it ain't braggin" I felt for the guy so I gave him my "Don't Quit" prayer card that was given to me by Mrs. Weeks. I read that almost everyday so far and I really like it. I guess being a Christian is more about giving than recieving though. This morning it was a little chilly but, I was soon in a T-Shirt. I had made it 15 miles by 1:30 or 2? Then, Chino showed up. We talked a little, about nothing really. Then, I went on my way. It was really an undramatic departure. I've been with the guy for about three weeks now and I might not get to see him again for a long time now. Along the way I saw a Boy Scout Troop and two Civil War grave stones. I ended up making 21.2 miles. I am alone at the Flint Mtn. Shelter. So far it's been a little bit different but I can't say that its bad; yet.
Date: 2005-03-31
From: Flint mnt shelter

To: Bald mtn shelter
Miles today: 18.8

Today I woke up to the sounds of birds on my own. It seemed to be about 7:15 by the time I started to get going. Of course I didn't have a watch so I really don't know the exact time. I ran into Mr. Magoo at the 1st shelter that I came across it was about 8.8 miles down. In fact he was the first person that I had seem all day. Shortly after that we came across these 2 dogs. One of them had a collar with some blinking thing and I wasn't sure what to think. I didn't want them to get to close. To be honest, I was a little scared so i kept them at bay with my sticks. Then here comes Mr. Magoo and he starts loving them and petting them liek they were his own. That put me at ease, I headed on and the blinky collared dag starts to follow me. He followed me about 10 miles to the shelter where i am staying. Along the way though, I had stopped at a stream for some water and sure enough Mr. Magoo catches up to me again. I had finished getting my water and then Mr. Magoo decided to fill up too. He starts down this steep muddy hill for water and slips. His back hits the ground and his water bottle goes one direction and his cup goes the other. He soon stamers out a "son of a bitch". He had good spirits about it all. Boy was it funny. I nearly died laughing but, I tried not to let him see me laugh.(It was hard though)! We both finally made it to the shelter and between the two of us we fed Rufus.
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Bald mtn shelter

To: Uncle johny's hostel
Miles today: 16.9

Yesterday me and Rufus (the dog) headed to town. I caught up to Trackion who had been here for 3 days already. As soon as I got a $14 large fully loaded pizza. What a rip off but, it was good and they also dilivered. The place I stayed is caled Uncle Johny's Hostile. It was packed and I ended up paying $6 for a campsite I didn't use. Since it was raining I figured it wasn't cheating, for us to sleep on the cabin floor and pretend it was outside. So I did. I had planned to take off during the morning. They even hauled us to town so I was fully re-suplied too. So why not take off?
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Uncle johny's hostel

To: Uncle johny's hostel
Miles today: 0.0

This morning was a different story altogether. It rained last night and hasn't quit all day. Needless to say; I stayed put. We played Monopoly which I dominated at, heeheehaa. Chess too. We basically hung out until 5 when we went to town for pizza. She dropped us off and told us that she would pick us up in a couple of hours. So we ordered our pizza then finally got our food and headed to the Dollar Store. As soon as we stepped in the power went out. Turns out the power was out all over town. We ended up just hanging out at the washatiria till the power came back on. It was fun because we all joked around and such. It seemed like we were all old friends getting together for a reunion.
Date: 2005-04-03
From: uncle johny's hostel

To: chery gap shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

We actually did head off today. The morning wasn't so bad but as we hit the elevation, we hit more snow than I have ever seen before in my life. That's not saying much since I am from Texas but 6" is a lot for me. We also met team Vanity today. They have gotten themselves a bad reputation from what they write in the registers. We met them today and they were appologetic and turned out to be decent guys. Now we are just enjoying being out of the snow for now.
Date: 2005-04-04
From: chery gap shelter

To: overmountain shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: broken clouds

Yesterday and today we did long days. I can't even really see right now cause it is getting dark. Yesterday we only did 22 miles but it was the hardest day so far. On the AT we had lots of snow and Roan Mt. We made it to a barn/shelter which was the best shelter that we have stayed at while on the AT.
Date: 2005-04-05
From: overmountain shelter

To: campsite, mile 398.4
Miles today: 21.6

Today we did about 21.6 miles and resuplied in town. We also had to take a detour, because of a controlled burn, that was 45 degrees straight up the Mt. So Hard and 2 long days in a row. We only have 60 something more miles until we reach Damascus. Now, I really can't see a thing.
Date: 2005-04-06
From: campsite, mile 398.4

To: watuga lake shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was another long day(over 20 miles). We also had to climb a huge hill (1,800 feet and 3 miles). It is our 3rd day in a row. I did have a nice treat last night. I forgot to mention last night I had pinapple rings with dinner and today I added a cake frosting to almost everything I ate! The small tub I have has about 2,000 calories and I can easily finish it in about 3 days. So far so good. I can't wait till Damascus. I am thinking about going a little more light weight. I have tried the cheap side of backpacking and it is fine but I think I am better off with the better equipment. I'll certainly get use out of it. Until tomorrow.
Date: 2005-04-07
From: Watuga lake shelter

To: double springs shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: light rain

We did our 4th 20+ mile day in a row. We got in by 5ish today. Alot earlier than usual because the terrian was way easier than the past three days. We were all in our sleeping bags hanging out, journaling and such by about 6:30. It doesn't get dark until 8:30ish. I am really excited about getting to Damascus for several reasons.1.) Pizza and other foods of course.2.)I get to shower(i can smell myself) and clean clothes.(they are begining to stand on their own)3.) Get to call home, e-mail, send postcards. 4.) New gear! The stuff I have is fine I suppose. I have made it this far with it but, some stuff I have to have and others would be nice. I have to have new pants.I have duct tape the one I have to death. I'll probably get new shorts at the dollar store. I really need to get new shoes too. My boots have made it 20% of the way. Yeah!!! but, they are starting to give me blisters and they are rubbing me the wrong way. Oh yeah, the pants. It's because I have busted holes all over them; including two huge holes on the butt and right now I am using gray tape to hold the cheeks in!!too much comming in if you know what I mean, hahahahahahaha.Some nice gear would be a new pack cause the one I have is good but it is just not for this type of trip. It is too big which means way too heavy(I guess mom was right). I bet it weights about 5 lbs. I'd like a new one that maybe weighs about a pound and a half. Treking poles are another expensive luxury I would liKE to have. My "custom made treking poles (sticks)are fine but, they are heavy and uneven (I look like Fester in gunsmoke)!!! Who knows? Maybe while I am at it I will blow all my money on crazy expensive useless gear too. We will just have to wait and see.
Date: 2005-04-08
From: double springs shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Wow!! Today was a day of landmarks. We hit our 31st full month of hiking. We left two more states behind us, Tennessee and North Carolina. Today we started Virgina and we past the 20% mark yesterday. The town is great so far. Chino and I are going to take a zero day tomorrow. However, Pacer is moving on.
Date: 2005-04-09
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Mom we ate at the Home Place. It was a southern family style buffet. I ate like a pig, you would have been so proud mama. 14 of us hikers sat in the back on a long table and they just kept bringing the food to us. I love you allP.S. The shirt is for you Cody I love you brother. Hope to see you soon Cody
Date: 2005-04-10
From: Damascus

To: Lost mtn shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: few clouds

Today was my first day with my new poles and pack. They worked well, we only did 15 miles or so, but I didn't get started untill 11:30. It's because I ended up going to a Baptis Church Service. No Catholic Church in the Mountains, sad... The folks were really nice the gave me donuts and hot chocolate and invited me to a Bible Study or Sunday School or what ever they call it. But it was better than nothing on a Sunday morning. ButI really rather have been able to go to mass. Beggers can't be choosie I guess. oh well?
Date: 2005-04-12
From: Old Orchard shelter

To: Partnership shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: light rain

We ended up catching up with team Dummer and Traction. We met them at Partnership shelter about 10.6 miles out. I hooked up with them for the final haul. We did the 10.6 miles in two hours and 40 minutes. Talk about hauling ass. We got in so early we hitched a ride into Marion to re-supple we stood in the rain for a hitch one little old lady slowed to a crawl. We thought that she was going to stop but she ended up just taking off. Then these two guys actually stopped and naturally we walked towards them when we got about 10 feet from them the peeled awayed. We finally made it into town and we got groceries, pizza and I finally got my new shoes at the local Wal-Mart. Then, we knew of a pizza place that delievered to the actual shelter where we were staying at. We knew the other guys would order pizza. So we just hitched a ride with the delievery girl. How,s that for dilivery.