morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-07-15
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: The Birches Campsite Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: few clouds

I was surprised and pleased last night when "Early Bird" and "P.J." caught up to us at the shelter. The baseball bat floor design made for another night of minimal sleep. "Icebound" and I left at 5:45 A.M. and arrived at Abol Bridge Campstore at 7:00 A.M. when it opened. I had a hamburger and a coke and resupplied for the last day. While eating at a picnic table we viewed a male moose feeding in the Penobscot River. The moose was huge and had an impressive rack. A kayaker was floating about 30 feet away from the moose and appeared to be taking photos. The views of Mount Katahdin grew more spectacular as I got closer.   Just 5.2 miles remain until my quest is complete. I should mention I have to climb down 5.2 miles off the 5,267 foot peak. I still haven't digested the fact that this is my last night on the trail. "Gig," "Early Bird's" husband and Marilyn, "T-Rex's" wife, brought much food and drink and we celebrated our accomplishment even though we had one climb left. Later in the day "Easy" showed up. That makes at least six thru-hikers finishing tomorrow.
Date: 2005-07-16
From: The Birches Campsite Shelter

To: Mount Katahdin, Terminus of trail
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up early full of anticipation of what the last day would bring. With the exception of "Easy," the rest of us started up the trail at a little past 6:00 A.M. The first mile was uneventful. Just before I got above treeline the climb became challenging. Bars were inserted into rocks to aid in the climb. For a good portion of the climb hiking poles were not needed. The steep rock scramble lasted about one-half of a mile until I reached the Tableland section. The Tableland was flat for about one mile with a slight climb up to the terminus. The famous Katahdin wooden sign was reached at 9:24 A.M. to complete my hike of 2,174.9 miles.
Date: 2005-08-01
To: Back in Kansas -- Thanks to all
Miles today: 0.0

Greetings! I arrived back in Kansas a few days ago and am trying to compress back into society. I want to thank everyone who hiked with me and/or supported me throughout my journey. My fellow hikers: you made the hike worthwhile! I have developed many strong friendships. Once I get settled in, I will contact each of you. A big thanks to my friend Marie for updating my journal and keeping everyone "in the know." Thanks to all the trail angels whose generosity still amazes me. From finding a cold coke in a stream to being welcome in a stranger's house, the random acts of kindness shocked and pleased me. I know my son sacrificed by letting me fulfill a life long dream and being apart from him for over four months. Thank you son. My family and church family: thank you for your continued support and all your prayers. Thanks to hostel owners, folks that picked me up hitchhiking, restaurant employees that put up with the hiker smell and everyone else that made my journey go smoothly I say thanks. Most importantly, I thank God for letting me finish without violating rule #1 (don't get killed). For those of you contemplating hiking the A.T. I say one thing -- DO IT.
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Out of Fontana Dam. Too Fast,Too Far,Too Soon adds up to injury. I am going to try to get my painful feet back in shape. I now have my orthotics and the person that made them for me told me it would take 3 or four days before the pain disappeared. I am headed for Mollies Ridge about 11 miles and will hope for the best. One observation in the Smokies people make reservations for shelters, this is not a problem. A crowded shelter, then you just set up your tent. The problem comes when it is pouring rain and thunder and lighting then setting up a tent is very difficult. Once out of the smokies this problem will disappear. The feet did feel better and it is on to Derrick Knob on Monday.
Date: 2005-03-28
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: snow

Life is funny and even funnier here on the AT. You correct one problem and another problem pops up. Feet feel great thanks to Chris Bails the orthotic man. Here it is Monday morning and I wake up to a cold feel like s*it and have no engery,but will get on the trail at 8 and do the best I can for today,hope to make Derrick Knob Shelter. I have been hiking with Rich from Cleveland areally nice guy and the weather is getting better. Hey Amy I hope you and Jon and JJ are following my adventure. And Karen Ann say hello to Peter, Madison and Smoogie, another day did'nt make another dollar, but I am enjoying the trip.
Date: 2005-03-30
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well I made it to Double Spring Shelter. So I will have two short days back to back and will head into Gatlinburg and get a room at the Grand Prix and see if I can sleep, hydrate, and vitamin cccc this cold out me and get back on the trail for April 1 providing there is no April Fools. On the way into Gatlinburg met up with Trail Angels and they were great. I had two hog dogs a soda and three donuts. Do you think I was hungry?
Date: 2005-03-31
From: Gatlinburg

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well I arrived in Gatlinburg yesterday and stayed at the Gran Prix. Today was a hang aroung day. Slept late went to the Post Office. Check in with people on the home front. The plans for tomorrow are to head out early and head for Tri-Corner Shelter and then on Saturday on to Davenport Gap that's my plan and I am sticking with it.(I hope) Off to the Texas Roadhouse tonight a big steak a few cold beers, and I will be ready to go.
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Gatlinburg

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: light rain

Hello everyone this will be the 1st of three entries for the next three days. April 1st to April 3rd have been the most interesting days of my hiking life. Well I got on the trail friday the 1st of April at Newfound Gap and headed north about 12:00 noon, had tough time getting out of Gatlinburg. It was misty and a light rain and by the time I got to Icewater Spring Shelter it was pouring. Decide to stay the night at the shelter with a nice couple from Phildephia and then get up early the next day and head out.
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: snow

Saturday morning the 2nd of April I started out at 5900 feet and the rain overnight had turned to snow, and I mean snow a couple of inches and then six inches and then 8 inches. I never had seen snow like this and I have lived in New England all my life. Well the snow got deeper as I passed Peck Corner Shelter. There was a decision to be made should I stop or try for Tri Corner Knob Shelter just another 5 miles. You guessed it, I said what the hell it is only 5 more miles. Let me it say it was the toughest 5 miles I have ever hiked in my life up and over Mt Chapman at6250' and hoping that the next shelter would show up soon. I would say the snow was a foot a half deep and the wind was probably in excess of 50 mph, just a guess. Probably not a blizzard, because the temperature was not cold enough, but you could have fooled me.I made it to Tri Corner Knob Shelter at two o'clock Sat afternoon. I was soaking wet and so was everything I had. I climbed into my sleeping bag. Just let me say the best sleeping bag of all times. Guess what! I stayed there until 9:00 AM Sunday morning. Would you believe it,in the Smokies in a shelter all by myself, yes I did'nt make a mistake I was all by myself.
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well here it is Sunday morning and the sun is out. So I should have no problem. Make some breakfast my clothes are thawing out and in hour or so I will hit the trail. Well I started out and the snow was 2 feet deep I traveled not even a mile, about .4 from the shelter and I realized it was almost impossible to hike in this much snow. So I headed backed to the shelter and that evening I went back to my sleeping bag at 6:00 and slept to Monday morning 6:00 AM, I think I know I was little tired. The funny thing about this on Sunday I was the only one in the shelter (home alone). Would you believe it Sat and Sun early April in the Smokies and I have a shelter all by myself. Do you think that Ripley Believed It or Not would consider this for a record?
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Well it is time to celebrate out of the Smokies. If one is to make a comparasion to the Whites of New Hampshire. The Smokies are relatively easy, but when you throw in a couple feet of snow and 50 to 60 mile winds then the Smokies are tougher, just my opinion. I left Tri Corner Knob Shelter yesterday and did a 17. 2 miles to Standing Bear Farm. Some people see the glass half empty and some see the glass half full. To me the accomadation and the hospitality of Standing Bear Farm were terrific. I was greeted by a large dog and a man by the name of Curtis that was one of the most friendliest people I've ever met. After spending 2 nights in the same shelter by myself I was in the mood for cold beer and pizza. Well don't you know it Curtis drove me to the gas station down the road and I was all set, a 12 pack of beer and a big old pizza made my night. No rush tomorrow, wash some clothes have breakfast and box easy. I know that there are many ways to hike this trail. Some folks do big miles and some do small miles, I am about in the middle. After 236 miles in 26 day I would say I have done it in a way that I have really enjoyed it. I have met some wonderful people and have had some memorable times, and just think about it I have 1938 miles to go!!!!!!
Date: 2005-04-05
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

Just a short update. I left Standing Bear Farm around 10:00 this morning and it was a great day. I am trying to purge my mind of the endless hours that I spent at Tri-Korner Knob Shelter. Today will be a short day and I plan to stay at Groundhog Shelter and then take 2 more days to get into Hot Springs. I took about 45 minutes on top of Snowbird Mtn. It was the first opportunity that I had to enjoy the spectular views. I could look back at the Smokies and just say good-bye. I am starting to real get my legs and I can feel the strength that is needed for a thru hike. Well folks thats all for now, I thank you for reading my journal, as I enjoy living my dream.
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I left Groundhog Creek Shelter this morning and it was a great day. Some folks sayed it would be a rainy day, but it never happened on this part of the trail. The highlight of the 13 mile hike today was Max Patch. To me it was the the bald that had the best views that I have see on my hike. I could look back at the Smokies and believe me there is still plenty of snow. It is kind of interesting I have not run into very many people hiking this part of the AT. In conversation with a fellow thru hiker named "Fallout" he is from Oregon we talked about the small number of hikers. There must be a big number ahead of us and a big number behind us that lost days because of the snow last weekend.
Date: 2005-04-07
From: Walnut Mtn Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light rain

Another 14 miles today and then Hot Springs and a little R&R rest and relaxation. Today was a hike that beats you up, because of the down hills. I think that if you ask any experienced hiker they will tell you give me the up hill climb as opposed to the down hill. I looked at my feet when I took a break at Deer Park Shelter and the tops of them are all black and blue. That is because the culumative pounding day after day. Well I am on the outskirts of Hot Springs and the sound of a big juicy hamburger and cold beer is calling.I will be staying at "Elmer's" Sunnybank Inn. A soft bed clean sheets with a shower and towel all for $15 dollars, can't beat that. I will resupply for the five days that it takes me to get to Erwin Tenn, another 70 miles and most likely head out tomorrow, ah I'am not quite sure about that yet. Two variables how much rest my feet need and how many cold beers I drink. Take care all and tune in for the contiuation of Chubby Knuckles adventures.
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Hello everyone Chubby Knuckles is not so Chubby anymore started this adventure at 180 lbs and have drop 13lbs in one month. Was it Weight Watchers (no), was it Jenny Craig (no), it was the long walk along the Appalachian Trail from the visitor center at Amicalola Falls to the wonderful little town of Hot Springs NC. Rolled into town yesterday determine to gain a couple of lbs back. Well here it is Saturday PM and I have done a pretty good job a late lunch yesterday, early dinner last night and a number of adult beverages last night at the Paddlers Pub with Fallout and a guy by the name of Baltimore Jack who is a former thru hiker that has come back to spread some trailmagic. Not to mention a great breakfast this morning and lunch and dinner who said us folks out here on the trail think about food. This will be washed down again tonight at the PP with who ever arrives in town.Back to the serious part of this adventure, clean clothes a change on my equipement with a new sleeping pad,a bit heavier, but guaranteed better sleep. Have resupplied with 5 days of food and off to the next objective the town of Erwin TN should be an easy 5 days. There is no rush on my part, I am here living my dream. Forgot to mention purchased a small radio to list to those Red Sox when ever I can get a skip out of Boston.
Date: 2005-04-09
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

HOT SPRINGS was great it came at just the time in the trail that was needed. Here it is day 31 and I have been on the trail for one month. Today will be a short hike and I will be staying at Spring Mtn Shelter. I have 5 days of food and the pack feels heavy, the weather is good and the hiking is fairly easy.
Date: 2005-04-10
From: Spring Mtn Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I will just give you a couple of brief entries here and the next couple just for the sake of contiunity and milage. Today was 16 miles and everything was going great. Stayed at Jerry Cabin Shelter and some shelters are better than others and this was pretty good one.
Date: 2005-04-11
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

The day was pleasant and I have hooked up with Sparatcus and Rainbow a couple from the Philadelphia area and they are very nice. Also hiking with Debra and Bear Tracks we are headed for Hogback Ridge Shelter then Bald Mtn Shelter and then into Erwin. Passed the 300 mile mark today,so slowly you can start to see the milage click off. This is a learning process out here, I have been hiking with a heavier pack than some of my fellow hikers and it is all about weight. You would'nt think that 3lbs would make a difference, but over 300 miles it does. So a revaluation for a new pack and a summer sleepbag will be considered.
Date: 2005-04-12
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 10.0

A short day and get a good rest for the hike into Erwin on Wednesday. Day 35 and the weather is not real good. It started raining this am and it looks as though it will be and all day event. One of the things is that it is important for me to eat a good breakfast to maintain strength for the afternoon.
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Bald Mtn Shelter

To: Erwin Tn
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: light rain

We were up early today for this will be my longest day so far 17 miles. I know that some people out here are flying. I started with a couple of guys on the 9th of March and they are already at 460 miles. The key to doing this thru hike is that everyone has to do the hike that personally suits them. If I could give advice to you people that will reading this journal. Go as light as you can and take good care of your feet, they are your wheels. Well enough of the soapbox. We had a great hike into Erwin cloudy and cool on day number 35. We were motivated by the thought of food warmth and a soft bed. We are headed to Miss Janet's House and will probably get there for about 5 0'clock. We arrived at Miss Janet's and we are all headed to the Methodist Church for a POT LUCK supper( No charge). It was great plenty of food all you could eat. And to everyone surprise they asked us to stay for a fashion show. It was guys dressed up in womens clothes, I guess you call that DRAG, of all things, we laughed and had a real good time. Thank you the nice folks from the Mehodist Church another great memory out here on the AT.We are going to have a birthday party at Miss Janet's tomorrow night for one of the other Thru Hikers. Everyone take care and I will update befor heading to Damacus and the great hiking in VA. Chubby
Date: 2005-04-14
From: Erwin Tn

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

ZERO DAY. Just hanging, I had not been to Mickey "D" in a long long time so about 10:00 AM I spent a half hour at this fine establishment and had a gourmet meal. The rest of the day will be time spent on a resupply for the trip to Damascus and if I can get a ride over to Johnson City, I'll try to buy a new pack, if that does not work I will wait until I get to Damascus. The weather looks like it will be just fine for the next 4 or 5 days so that could mean great hiking, without being concerned about the "R" word. Well folks it should be another 4 days or so before you hear from Chubby so where ever you are have a great time and think good thoughts. Chubby
Date: 2005-04-15
From: Erwin TN

To: Beauty Spot Gap
Miles today: 11.0

I was able to get a new pack and I mailed my old friend home. Leaving ERWIN this morning and looking forward to the hike to Kincora. I heard that this is one of the nice sections of the trail. I have been hiking with Sparatcus & Rainbow also Jersy Jones. We are just hiking and it looks as though we all agree that the weather is great and the future days look good, so a good time to do some tenting. Tonight it will at Beauty Spot where there are a lotof nice vistas. This is day #36 and the temp is in the low 70's with a slight breeze out the SW.
Date: 2005-04-16
From: Beauty Spot Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Another great day 14.60 and the weather is terrific. That old saying a bad day hiking is way better than a good day at work. Well let me tell you yesterday and today were greatdays hiking. Reflecting back to those cold days and nites of March and the 2 days in (whatever the name of that shelter is)that I spent snowed in are just a bad dream.
Date: 2005-04-17
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up the Mtn called Roan today at 6285, it was'nt all that bad when you have great weather 3 in a row keep it comming. Here we are day #39 and we are headed for Overmoutain Shelter.
Date: 2005-04-18
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Moutaineer Waterfall
Miles today: 18.0

We are going to do a long one today. Long for the group that I am with. This is a fun thing we do out here. It is great to take the time needed to see nature in all of its glory and it is called Springtime. We have passed a couple of Shelters and it looks as though we are going use our tents again and camp at the campsite here at Moutaineer Waterfalls. It is really a wonderful thing that you have the insurance policy of the shelters, but hiking the AT is all about stopping where you want.
Date: 2005-04-19
From: Moutaineer Waterfall

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

A great day I met a man named Bob Peoples and he and his wife Pat run the Hostel at Kincora. I had arrived early at Moreland Gap Shelter and I volunteer to do some trail work with Bob and the group of people that he had with him. I will say what a very rewarding thing. I learned a great deal about the care of the AT. Tonight staying here at Moreland Gap Shelter and then into Kincora and have a Nero Day and a small resupply before I started out for Damascus. Day #41
Date: 2005-04-20
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: KINCORA
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

I arrived at Kincora this morning and planning to spend the rest of day and head out in the morning. Kincora a great place,wonderful hospitality and better yet it is named after a little Hotel in Ireland. The Kincora Hotel is in County Clare just south of the Cliffs of Moor. I was in Ireland with my Dad and a small group of his friends(85) in November. We did have the opportunity to visit the Cliffs of Moor. And on that same day spent a wee bit of time in a pub named Foley's singing Irish songs and guess what drinking the milk of Ireland, Guiness. Silence for awhile, until I can update in Damascus. Go Sox
Date: 2005-04-21
From: KINCORA

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I would like to thank everyone for following the quest of "Chubby Knuckles". Yesterday Thursday 4/21 was a 10. I left Kincora at 9:30 and again the weather was terrific, and before I knew it I had hiked 10 miles. I forgot to tell you all that the eating has really increased. Yesterday when I got to Kincora I had 4 Turkey sandwiches,2 slices of pizza and 1 gallon of orange drink, and 6 donuts. When I arrived today at Watauga Lake the temperature was about 80 and the local people were showing up to go swimming and boating. So old Chubby just sat down took off my boots and enjoyed the cool lake waters. I had about a mile to go before the shelter and it was only 1:00 so the decision was made to spend the rest of the afternoon right here ( Life out here is tough, but someone has to do it,so why not me. Along came Spartacus and Rainbow and they decided to spend the time here also. Well folks I have about 34 miles to go here on the AT before arriving in Damascus. I have been out here on the trail for 43 days and I would highly recommend it, just hike your hike it is a great way to see America. I can't thank my family enough they are great in all they do for me. Take care Chubby
Date: 2005-04-22
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.6

If you had the opportunity to read my last journal from Thursday afternoon when I was at Lake Watauga it was 82 degrees and beautiful. How quickly can Mother Nature change her mind. I stayed at Watauga Shelter and I was up early on Friday and the weather was still pretty good and the plan is Iron Mtn Shelter. It was a good day and the hiking was pretty easy.
Date: 2005-04-23
From: Iron Mtn Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 26.1
Weather: light rain

You just knew it!! You knew when you got up at Iron Mtn it was going to be a long long day. The weather had turned, kind of remind me of the Smokies, but I did not want to think negative thoughts. It was raining the temperature was dropping and the wind was getting stronger, and really starting to blow. Planned to hike to Abingdon Gap Shelter spend the night and arrive in Damascus around noon on Sunday. Sound good, but thing s have a way of changing on the AT. I arrived at Abingdon Shelter and it was full. There was a group of section hikers. I asked the question room for one more? The answer came back sure. And another fellow said and how would like a shot of Vodka? I was wet,cold and tired. Well I had four shots of Vodka and as the thinking got a little fuzzy I decided Chubby you are wet, cold, and tired. Why not put your pack back on and walk the next 10 miles and wind up in Damascus. That way you won't have to sleep in a crowded cold shelter I thanked the guys at the shelter and headed for Damascus. I arrived around 8 0'clock and stop at the Place it was dry, but it was not warm.