morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Jerry Cabin shelter

To: hogback ridge shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: 0

Hiked 14.7 miles today.The last 5 were up,steep ups.My pack is to damn heavy.For one I'm carring to much food.So for a week I'm going to write down everything I eat,then when I resupply I will just get what I need.   We want to be in Damascas,Va.in about a wk.and half.We will see how that works out.I think we can do it.   Damascus is a hiker town so we will take a few 0 days there to get some rest before we start that 550 miles of Va.......Old SchoolNew Day says.....the day started early and straight up as usual.we took a break on the bald and met gumby & cyotebeck.we had lunch at flint mt.and then proceeded to finish the 8+ miles in which the last 5 are what?straight up!we were the last to get to the shelter but that put another 13.7 behind us.my butt muscle and legs hurt from carring the weight.it's gonna be nice when we can send some things home.
Date: 2006-04-12
From: hogback ridge shelter

To: Bald Mtn.shelter
Miles today: 10.0

Have I mentioned before that this is the hardest thing that I have ever done.This sh*t is hard...But I wouldn't want to be doing anything else right now. We have done 321.8 miles and that just leaves 1852.8 miles to Baxter Peak On Mount Katahdin in Maine!!! We hiked up Big Bald Mountain(5516')We were going up and when we got up over tree line and I turned around and looked the way that we had come,WOW,its hard to believe that we have hiked through all those Mountains,when we got to the top we were rewarded with a 360 view WOW.I have seen some of the most amazing things on the trail.things that you just can't see from the window of a car We have been out here for 40 days with about 140 days to go.So Bill(my boss)if you're reading this I'll be back just when I said,so have a big fat Monster Chees burger ready for me.......Old schoolNew Days views....we had to take a detour today.we were going to a little place 2.9 miles off the trail.when we got to the gap we met the can do man.we saw a sign for a place called the smokey bowl family farm & cafe.so we walked down and ther were chainsaw & able jack in the yard of what i can only call a hillbilly hippie cult.it was kinda weird but they gave us food,coffee,& a ride to a store and we gave them a little donation.after spending 3 hours there we continued on and we crossed big bald today.we are staying at the shelter and the next town is erwin.need to call home cause it is easter weekend.
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Bald Mtn.shelter

To: No business Knob shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: 0

10.6 miles closer to Maine.   Some of the people that i've met out here...Gotta go,little engine,chainsaw,junco,gumby,coyotebec,freight train,ablejack,homer,can do man,heading on out,tag along,baloo,greyfox,happyfeet,chocbandino,apple,hercules,fal,mad dog,   Those are just the one that I can think of for now,more later. Theres a lot of people trying to make it to Maine this year.A lot has dropped off already.Only about 10 percent make it.Will the PARTY OF THREE make it?....Old schoolNew Day says........felt real sluggish today.i think it cause i'm not getting enough calories in the morning.maybe it's vitimans.took a little break to clean up and the went on to camp.we will be at the nolichucky river where we can get some food and a few things we need.hope all that go to erwin have a good time.
Date: 2006-04-14
From: No business Knob shelter

To: uncle johnny's
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: 0

B-rad got sick in the nite,some kind of stomach thing. We walked the 6.3 miles to Uncle Johnny's Hostel.He has a place right on the Nolichucky river.Its a great place a hostel,outfitters and some cabins.We were going to get some cold drinks and a snack and keep walking. but since B-rad was still sick we decided to chill for the nite in a cabin.All the hikers took a shuttle into town for dinner.Party of three went to KFC,I was fine going in but before the order was ready the same thing that got B-rad hit me,hit me hard.I couldn't even enjoy my KFC.Right after dinner it hit New Day.Now we were all sick.Went back to the cabin and went to bed....Old schoolNow for New Day.....my poor b-rad.he had such a bad night.he didn't look good and i knew when he passed on b-fast he was still sick.uncle johnnys was a super place.we got a cabin and a shower.then after we ate we got sick.oh my god what did i eat?sure hope i feel better tomarrow.and i'm glad i'm not up on the mountain.
Date: 2006-04-15
From: uncle johnny's

To: uncle johnny's
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: 0

still sick,taking a 0 day....OLd schoolnew day......slept till noon.about 2:30 we went for a bikeride and to get some pepto & gatorade.starting to feel better.tomarrow is easter and we have been invited to miss.janets for dinner.hope we stick around to go and i hope we feel better enough to go!
Date: 2006-04-16
From: uncle johnny's

To: Curley Maple gap
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: 0

Woke up feeling good.Ready to get back to the trail.But Chainsaw informs us that Miss Janet has cooked a big Easter dinner and that all the hikers are invited,How could we turn that down.A great dinner,man it was good and we got to meet Miss Janet. So it was after 3:00 before we started to hike.From Johnny's the trail followed the river for about a mile then headed up in to the mountains.Its our first day hiking with temps in the 90's,it was hot.But we took our time,the trail was following a stream so we stopped a couple of times andcooled off.Man this cold mountain water sure feels good,and tastes good.Make it to the shelter about 7:30 and finally found a big enough flat spot to pitch the tent......Old schoolNow for New Day......happy easter!we are feeling so much better today.still a little queezy but better.we decided to go to janets for dinner and we headed out right after.ther were no good spots for the tent so not only was i in a hole but it was slanted.made some soup for dinner and went to bed.it was hot today so i'm feeling a little weak again.
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Curley Maple gap

To: campsite
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: 0

nice easy day no big ups or downs,had to pitch the tarp to get out of the rain for lunch.We sit there about 2.5 hrs.till it blew over.old schoolnew day.......sure love that tarp.it comes in so handy.had a good campspot for the night.put a few beers in the stream got them cold and drank them.it has gotten cold again.where is the spring weather?
Date: 2006-04-18
From: campsite

To: campsite
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: 0

11.9 hard miles today.Only 1811.9 miles to go.I'm going to Maine,I'm going to Baxter State Park,I'm going to Mt. Katahdin,I'm going to Baxter Peak.As I start todays hike my feet and legs begin to shout,hey man what the hell are you doing to us.I told them to just shut up and take the next step 'cause baby we're going to Maine....Old schoolNow for New Day.....had coffee by myself and i felt like i was in a cloud.the guys got up after awhile and we got ready to roll.the first up was awlful but then it was a nice walk.we went through a forest of hemlocks.they smell so good and are real pretty.we found a great tent site for the night and had a big fire thanks to the cut up wood.we were starttled by minisota smith asking where the shelter was.we tried to get him to stay but he moved on.
Date: 2006-04-19
From: campsite

To: campsite on roan bluff
Miles today: 6.9

Woke at 5:00 to thunder in the distance.It was getting closer.It rained,hailed,and blowed.We started hiking around 1:00pm. I think that the last 3 miles today were the hardest 3 miles that we have done so far. New Day had a "moment"today.We have been going almost straight up for miles when the trail turned and just kept going up.She said to hell with this sh*t.I can't do this day after day I'm going home.But before we had gone another mile she was OK.New Day is a real Trooper. We camped on Roan High Bluff(6150')it's cold.....Old schoolNew Day says.....i refer to roan mt. as moan mt. cause it almost made me cry.i had my 4th break down and was ready to go home.it took us 6 hours to climb that thing and i don't want to ever do it again!there was a beautiful view though and then more up!i did get to see 4 deer though.we camped on the site of the old cloudhouse hotel.we couldn't get a fire going cause everything was still wet.but it looks like spring is here cause i'm seeing some blooming going on.the dogwoods are so pretty and there is a blanket of green with tiny white flowers in it that is really pretty.change is all around and i hope i'm ready!
Date: 2006-04-20
From: campsite on roan bluff

To: apple house shelter
Miles today: 15.4

Well I'm the first to get hurt.Hopefully the last. I had my 5th fall today.I slipped in the mud coming down little hump mtn.into Bradley gap.My treking poles couldn't help me this time.My right leg went one way,the other leg went the other way then I hit the mud,rolled once then was able to stop myseft.But not before twisting my right knee.I sat there a minute,all muddy I got up and it felt OK.I said lets go.I did another 6 miles and by the time I got to camp my knee was getting stiff and was hurting.Hopefully it will be OK in the morning....old schoolNew day says.......we woke to another cold morning with condinsation on the tent.after b-fast we packed up and started our 15 mile day.we climbed alot of mts.with the biggest being hump mtn.old school twisted his knee i hope he'll be ok.we are going to b-fast in the morning at the gap we're at but the guys are talking about burgers.b-rad went to a steak place and got us burgers & fries and it was less than $10!what a gerat kid.still going for that saucer-size biscut though.what a dream for tonight.
Date: 2006-04-21
From: apple house shelter

To: campsite
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: 0

When I woke tis morning my Knee felt OK.I got out of the tent and stood up and it felt OK,I walked around on it and it seens fine.Thank GOD,it could have been much worst...Saw a beaver today on the Elk river,up the trail aways we see a big black snake lying on a tree stump....Old schoolNew day says.......had a good meal got some supplies and now it's time for rain.rain rain rain.we ate lunch on the steps to a church and it let up for awhile.and b-rad and i saw our first real waterfall!it was georgous.no fire tonight all the wood is wet.nice campspot though.nite-nite
Date: 2006-04-22
From: campsite

To: Moreland gap shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: 0

woke up to rain.It stopped long enough for us to pack up.Hiked in the rain till about 3:00 when the sun finally came out. I'm starting to think about town food all the time..I'm craving hotdogs,with chili,mus,onions,coldslaw,ummm good.Or a big fat Monster Cheese burger from IHOP with a side of seasoned red pots.Or a thick choc milkshake that West used to make for me.Or that big glass of orange juice that I would get first thing in the morning..the things that we take for granted...Old schoolNew day......Rain Rain Rain why won't you go away?It's awlful cause I picked the wrong jacket.Columbia rainjackets that are lined do not keep you dry.I've been getting real wet underneath.We were heading to Kinkora today but stopped short so we could dry stuff out from all the rain.We met Irish & Mr.Breeze today.It's pretty cold tonight but we managed to start a fire.More and more trees have bloomed and the flowers are comming out like crazy.It won't be long til the long green tunnel is covering us!I can't belive some of the beautiful things I've seen.There are alot of times when I still would like to go home but I just keep thinking all I have to do is take the next step!
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Moreland gap shelter

To: dennis forkcampgound
Miles today: 6.1

we hiked to Dennis Cove Rd. today and stopped at the Laurel Fork campgound and got a cabin for the nite so that we could get hot showers and wash clothes,and get resupplied.the place was nice,right on the Laurel Fork river. I can not say how good that hot shower felt.I soaped up and soaped up again and must have stayed in there for at least an hr. just letting the hot waterrun over me.Man oh Man.Its the little things...Be willing to take the next step....Old SchoolHeres New Day....The shower and bed are great but we also needed food.Town was ofcoarse over the mountain and because it was sunday we couldn't get a shuttle.We came accross a man named Jesse Whitehead and he offered us a ride.He took us to town and insisted on waiting on us!I couldn't belive it.After we got our groceries he took us to McDonalds and then back to our cabin.He was truly a blessing.Later I fixed hotdogs in the hiker kitchen and B-rad talked on the phone.It's $20 for heat so I hope it's not too cold tonight.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: dennis forkcampgound

To: Griffith Branch campsite
Miles today: 10.2

After another hot shower we left our cool little cabin and continued our 2174.6 mile Trek. We have passed the 400 mile mark,we only have 1700+ miles left.This is our 52th day of our journey.We're planning for our wilderness adventure to take 180-190 days.   The trip so far has been amazing.The terrain is beginning to change as we head north to Va.The trees at the lower elevations all have their leaves but when we clime up to the higher elevations the trees are only now beginning to get leaves.   We're walking across more fields and other open areas,not in the woods all the time.   We have been through all kinds of weather,hot sun beating down on us,rain more rain,snow,sleet,hail,freezing temps.The trail has been smooth,rocky,full of roots,muddy,sometimesthe trail goes up for miles,when you think that you're almost to the top,the trail will turn and go up for even more miles.Going up Roam Mtn. it took us 6 hrs. to go 3 miles.Each day on the trail we will see something that we can only look at and say WOW.   So we will continue our hike northward until one day when we pass that last white blaze and we look ahead to............. Old SchoolHeres New Day........It sure was hard to leave today.It looked like rain and I just wasn't up to it.I did talk myself into it after a cup of real coffee.I remembered that we were only about 50 miles from Virginia and I was ready to be where everyone says it's flat!Todays climb was Pond flats and yes there was a pond up there.We saw Elk falls today and I had my first scare with a rattle snake.I guess I got too close cause he struck at me!We got to Watauga Lake and hiked another 1/2 mile to the other side and found a great campsite.B-rad found a lawnchair so Old School made good use of it.We want to hike a little in the dark to see what it's like so we are getting up real early so it's time for zzz's.
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Griffith Branch campsite

To: Iron Mtn shelter
Miles today: 14.1

Got up before the sun today.Nite hiked for the mile or so,it was cool.But being the first one on the trail that day means that I was the wed buster,not much fun. We did 14.1 miles of up-down-up-down,it was like a damn roller coaster.It rained for a little while,I just threw on the pack cover but didn't mess with putting on my rain gear,it was too hot.I just took off my shirt and kept walking.It felt good. We got to Iron Mtn. shelter around 5:00 we pitched tent while New Day cooked,stuffing with chic,umm ummm good. We could not have timed it better.As soon as we got in our tent,it started to thunder,lighting,high winds and the it rained and rained.But we're warm,dry and chilling.......Old schoolHeres new day....We got that early start because we didn't want to climb Iron mountain in the rain.We did manage to get up the highest part before the rain actually started.It rained on and off all day so we stopped early.We got all the camp chores just in time to be in our tents when the storm hit.It was a little scary but we made it so far.It will make for good sleeping though.
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Iron Mtn shelter

To: campsite close to Low gap
Miles today: 11.0

The rain didn't stop till about 11:00.We just slept in.It felt great,lying there listening to the rain beat on the tent..Good sleep. We didn't start hiking till 1:00.The terrain going into Va. is pretty nice.We climbed up on a ridge line yesterday and have been walking on it for 2 days.Just a little up and down and a lot of flat.We hiked 11 miles in just 6 hrs. today,thats really good for us.   We'll be in Va.some time in the morning.We are going to take 2 or 3 days off and res,update our journal and pig out on some town food...Old schoolNEW DAY>>>>>>>>well it rained all night and it is still raining this morning.I got up first and went to the shelter to fix my B-fast.Everyone was gone by 9:30 so I sat for awhile by myself.The guys finally decided to get up and they were lucky enough to get the tents packed up before it started raining again.I thought today would be a total bust but we ended up getting pretty far.We are now 15 miles from Damascus and I am looking forward to our stay there.It has started to rain again but the weather is supposed to be nice tomarrow.I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Date: 2006-04-27
From: campsite close to Low gap

To: Damascus,Va
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: 0

55 days and 459.5 miles after starting on springer mtn Ga.we hiked into Va.WOW. Another 3.8 miles and we were climbing down the Mtn into Damascus.   As I limped I was looking for a place to get some dinner,3 chili dogs and a cold coke later we were headed to a motel,,,,now it rest time...Old schoolNew day..........
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Damascus

To: campsite next to pond
Miles today: 11.7

We didn't get out of Damascus and back on the trail till 1:00. We took 3 zero days while in town.I think we needed a little R and R.Hiked 11.7 miles today. I felt pretty good.If we would have started early I think that we would have had our first 20 mile day.   I thought that taking 3 zero days in a row would make my first day back on the trail hard but I was wrong I felt great.....Old schoolNow New Day.........
Date: 2006-05-02
From: campsite next to pond

To: campsite next to Va 600
Miles today: 12.1

Got a good nites sleep and I'm feeling good. On todays hike we climbed up Buzzard Rock,Whitetop Mtn.(5120')Good climb up,and a good view.The wind was strong and cold.Don't know fast it was blowing,but it was pushing me sideways.I was happy to get back in the trees.   We stopped for the day just short of Mt.Rogers,wanting to save that baby for the 'morning,and enjoy a few hrs of daylight at camp.   Dinner tonite?PIZZA!!Thanks B-rad!!!   I'm loving Va. and looking forward to all 550 miles of it.Maybe the kids will come out to visit or do a little section with us.How cool would that be.....BE WILLING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP!! OLD SCHOOLNOW FOR A WORD FROM NEW DAY>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-03
From: campsite next to Va 600

To: campsite close to Scales
Miles today: 12.8

It rained all nite.I stayed in my bag till 9:30 so the tent would have a chance to dry.It sucks packing up a wet tent,it must weigh an ex 5 lbs.   The hike today was great.Walking through the Grayson Highlands St Park has been one of my favorite sections so far.The trail went over hugh rock formations,thru open fields where ponies have free roam.They will come right up to you looking for a handout.I gave one two candy bars.I didn't know ponies liked candy.   I'm still loving Va.,we've hiked 496.1 miles and only 1678.5 miles to go...WOW......Old School...Now New DAY>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-04
From: campsite close to Scales

To: Troutdale Baptist Hostel
Miles today: 12.6

We were climbing Iron Mtn. when we saw 3 deer running thru the woods.Before the hike the only place that I had seen a deer is on the side of the road threating to jump into the path of my car.   We're staying in a hostel run by Troutdale Baptist Church.Man,that hot shower sure was nice. I'll get one more before getting back on the trail in the 'morning....It's the little things.......Old SchoolNEW DAY SAYS>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-05
From: Troutdale Baptist Hostel

To: around
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: 0

We didn't hike today.WE wanted to do some other things today.We had a great day.Got to see my good friend Snoopdog.Snoop you are the Man.Thanks for the great food and cold drinks...and all the other stuff!!....Old SchoolNow New Day>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-06
From: around

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: 0

By the time we did everything it was late.Din't get back to the trail till 3:00.Lost Boy,a hiker from '96 gave us the ride back to the trail.   Only did 3.9 today.But remeber its not a race,it's a 2174.6 mile quest.Only 1662.0 miles to go....Old SchoolNEW DAY SAYS>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-07
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Marion
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: 0

Woke up to rain today,a cold rain.Packed up a wet tent and we hiked 10.7 miles in this shit.When we stopped for lunch we got so cold that we had to walk a fast couple of miles to get warmed back up.As long as we kept walking we were OK.   When the trail crossed the road that leads to Marion I looked back at New Day,her feet wet,her top half wet,she was shaking she was so cold.I told her come on baby I'm taking you to town.   A hot bath,a hot cup of coffee and a warm bed later she's feeling much better...A BAD DAY ON THE TRAIL IS STILL A DAY ON THE TRAIL...Old SchoolNEW DAY SAYS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-08
From: Marion

To: campsite next to dry stream
Miles today: 13.2

It was a good nite in the motel,had pizza for dinner,got our gear dryed out,and a good nites sleep.   After getting a ride we were back on the trail at about noon.We hiked 13.2 miles and we are dry campedabout a mile from Davis Path shelter.when the trail went right in front of a shell station we had hot dogs for dinner and an ice cold coke.Its cold and we're chilling.....BE WILLING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP....Old School...NEW DAY SAYS>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-09
From: campsite next to dry stream

To: campsite next to nice stream
Miles today: 10.1

Today we went over Gullion Mtn.,Big Walker Mtn.,and a shit load of other nameless Mtns.We hiked thru Crawfish valley and over Reed Creek,we crossed Va 610,walked over the North Fork of Holston at Va 742.We crossed Va 42.We hiked thru cow pastured,we hiked over little rocks,big rocks,round rocks,sharp rocks,rocks that would roll or shift or tilt,we stepped on,over,and around the tree roots the mud,the cow shit,the fallen trees, the tall wet grass.We went up till my calfs burned,we went down till my toes hurt.I fell when I slipped on a wet rock and busted mmy ass.All in all about your run of the mill day on the AT.........Old SchoolNEW DAY>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-11
From: campsite on Garden Mtn.

To: Bland Va
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: 0

Walked 15.5 miles today in the cold rain.Got caught in the rain without my rain gear on.Big mistake,I got cold,real cold!It stopped raining for a few minutes so I dropped pack right in the trail and took off my wet clothes,dryed off and put drynclothes and raingear on.WOW,that felt good...Old SchoolNOW FOR NEW DAY>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-05-13
From: Bland Va

To: campsite 1.1 miles north of Jerry Knob shelter
Miles today: 13.2

Got back to the trail at about noon.We crossed interstate 77 again today.The trail today was great.Only a couple of ups,trail was well graded.   There was 10 miles between water souces.I try not to carry more than 2 liters of water,but that wasn't enough.Thank god that New Day had enough to share.   Well we hav a great campsite about a mile past Jerry Knob shelter right next to a stream.New Day cooked us up some dinner,we've hung up the food bags.We're in the tent just chilling and its starting to rain.But we're warm and dry....Old SchoolNEW DAY SAYS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>