morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-15
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Skunkape and I spent the day doing laundry, going to the outfitter, and the Dollar General Store. Tomorrow it's back on the trail. We wonder about the exploits of Machete Mitch and if we'll ever meet again. Last we heard they were going in for resupply. We've crossed paths with Sweet and |ow of the Diabetic Duo several times. Good folks and always a pleasure to see their smilin' faces! I also wonder where Magpie has gotten to. Last I heard she had connected with Bookworm. Hopefully we'll see them again. Not sure where RORY CALHOUN is off to. He's a hardy soulwhois currently hiking in Crocs until his blisters heal. We've run into others doing the same and still pulling pretty large miles. Hike on! Once again I thank you all for the words of encouragement and think about you as I'm stumbling along. Take care...
Date: 2012-03-17
From: Franklin, NC

To: Natahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 28.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Lee and "Skunkape" (Paul Collins) made it to Natahala Outdoor Center today after a LONG 17 mile day. It rained and was "wretched but not totally awful". Lee had a "keister buster" but was unscathed except for ending up somewhat covered in mud. He said he is the trail blazer or the trail hazard warning system.   They made Wayah Bald Shelter Thursday nite and Cold Spring shelter last nite. They shared shelter space with "Eagle Eye" and his german shepard dog, Jack last nite. Jack proved a valuable asset as he ate a mouse (those vermin love to eat holes into packs if they get the slightest smell of any food and can be very brazen in shelters being accustomed to people). Jack also acted as watchdog as some younger hikers wanted to stay up late & party but he calmed them right down. Gealon Thomas (Lee's b-i-l) hopes to maybe catch up with Lee tomorrow since they live near Knoxville. Heard the weather there is not so good however as there is a "mudslide" in the road known as the "dragon tail" that is the main road into the area around Fontana Dam. I also mailed 4 days food to the post office in Fontana Dam that should arrive Tuesday for Lee since it's harder to find supplies in that area. (posted by Pam, resupply chief and spousal unit)
Date: 2012-03-18
From: Natahala Outdoor Center

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 9.0

Lee & SkunkApe hiked about 9 miles today to Cheoah Bald. They swear it was all "steep uphill" and are looking forward to downhill tomorrow. (sometimes downhill is worse on your joints because you must slow your descent and it can make it harder than you would think). Gealon Thomas, Lee's B-I-L surprised them this morning and bought them breakfast which they appreciated greatly along with his company and long drive to see them. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-03-20
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Fontana Dam visitor center
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Lee and SkunkApe made it to Fontana Dam today. They stayed at Cable Gap shelter Monday night. Lee barely squeaked into town and had to hurry to the post office at Fontana Dam to pick up his 4 days of food resupply. He had called me at 230pm and the post office closes at 3pm! (it's off season still there and it's a very small town). Also am posting a couple of photos of the twosome taken by Lee's B-I-L Gealon when he met them at Bryson City near Natahala outdoor center on Sunday. (Lee does have "white whiskers")
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Fontana Dam visitor center

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Lee & SkunkApe are now at Mollies Ridge shelter which is 176.8 miles from the start of the AT at Springer Mtn. GA. Cell reception didn't last long so only heard Lee is due in the Smoky Mtns. (perhaps Gatlingburg?) by late Friday ot Saturday & hopes to meet his nephews Ben & Sam Thomas there. He did say he needs a new hip belt for his pack because he has it as tight as it will go and it's too loose (maybe losing weight already! or at least building up those muscles with all those uphills) posted by spousal unit Pam
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: light rain

Leebob & SkunkApe have made it to Gatlinburg, TN. They are living it up in hotel style; ate it up at the all-you-can-eat buffet at the "Corral" and went grocery/provision shopping at Food City....ah the high life! The past several days after Mollies Ridge they made stops at the Derrick Knob shelter, stopped by Clingman's Dome then on to Mt. Collins shelter. Lee said they were grateful to be cozy, safe and dry in the thunderstorm of rain, wind, hail and lightening last night. Lee even downgraded from a "XL" size hip belt for his pack to a size "L" (despite the all you can eat buffet stops after all they are few and far between!) Nephews Ben and Sam Thomas with girlfriend Jodi both drove to Gatlinburg to eat with the hikers and give them a ride to the grocery store. Ben got pictures which I will post later (thanks guys!!) It may be a zero day tomorrow depending on the weather. Leebob, himself, is hoping to maybe post something tomorrow. (posted by spousal reporter, Pam) just added a few photos from nephew Ben Thomas check out the photo link THANKS BEN!!!
Date: 2012-03-25
From: Newfound Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, Skunkape and I spent a glorious day riding the trolley system to Walmart to get Paul a rain suit. His poncho was not working. We're trying to get a shuttle back to Newfound Gap to get going on the other half of the Smokies. My brother in law is coming up. He and the boys and, of course, my sister have been great. The food bag weighs too much and tomorrow will be SLOW. I have actually lost weight and have gone to a smaller hipbelt on the pack. I'm still a lard butt but a lesser one (shut up ERHARDT!)...nyuk, nyuk...this seems to be working out pretty well so far. Thanks again for all the guest book signatures. It takes some time to get these as cell reception has been spotty. Keep them coming...it really keeps me going!
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Newfound Gap

To: Cosby Knob
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Leebob & SkunkApe hiked Monday from Newfound Gap to Pecks Corner shelter about 11 miles. Tuesday they made it into Cosby Knob Shelter another 13 miles. Leebob called Tuesday to give me this update and said they were having "alot of ups and downs" (insert Leebob joke groan here!! yes he REALLY said that...) posted by spousal unit Pam
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Cosby Knob

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 44.0
Weather: light rain

Leebob finally got cell service and updated me midday Thursday Wednesday night they (still hiking with buddy SkunkApe) stayed at Standing Bear Hostel in a cabin and played poker with other hikers just for fun not $$$. He called from "Snowbird Mountain" it had a tower (mile 245.2) The AT here is either in TN or NC depending on which side of the trail you stand on. Friday nite he called late saying they made a 20 mile day (WHEW) on Friday which included hiking some in the dark (he could have left out this scary part!) and in rain half the day. They hiked from Standing Bear to Max Patch and arrived in Hot Springs, NC late Friday night. Their reward was a stay at an Elmers sunnybank Inn: hot showers, real beds but too late for hot food as everything had just closed. The restaurant owner felt bad because the kitchen had just closed but gave them guacamole and sodas. Lee said his feet felt really tired but that "ibuprofen is a wonder drug". Leebob hopes to get online and may post later today. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-04-04
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 51.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Lee & SkunkApe made it to Little Paint Creek Trail on Sunday-about a 13 mile day. There is very spotty cell phone service which is very frustrating for Lee...."this phone can do everything but make calls". It does make calls, but drops them even better. (not sure of Monday details). Tuesday they did 16 miles and 6 or 7 of them were in the rain with a stop at Hogback Ridge Shelter. They had a short day today on Wednesday and now are at Bald Mountain Shelter mile which is at mile 325! They got trail magic today with hot food and sodas and it was much appreciated. (many groups and individuals set up spontaneous stops along the trail and provide FREE food and goodies to the many hikers on the AT....some are other previous thru-hikers and some are local groups like churches). (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-04-06
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Leebob & SkunkApe made it to Erwin, TN very late Thursday after a 16 mile day. The hostel was full so they stayed at a hotel and got to eat Mexican food on Saturday (not all you can eat though and may help propel them along on the trail!!). They did their usual "town chores" of laundry, grocery shopping for provisions and having hot showers. Leebob said his socks are a lethal weapon; laundry corrects them temporarily but they soon revert to their odiferous funkatude. They both were glad to receive more "trail magic" on Friday of fried eggs, homemade hash browns and sodas by some previous thru hikers. They were to head back out on the trail Saturday. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-04-08
From: Erwin, TN

To: Greasy Creek Hostel
Miles today: 25.0

Leebob & SkunkApe hiked about 12 miles Saturday to Beauty Spot Gap clearing. They camped and had their first run in with stupid trouble making rednecks who drove up to the campsites at 1am and again at 2am. Their truck tore up the campsite areas and even though there is a barrier for cars somehow they drove around it. Sunday they trekked 13 miles to Greasy Creek Hostel. The hostel offers a shuttle for thru-hikers back to Erwin so they can get a hot meal and then will shuttle them back to their hostel. (there are so many people who don't just make helping thru-hikers a business but genuinely try to help them make their journey easier with shuttles, trail magic, and anyway they can) posted by spousal unit Pam
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Greasy Creek Hostel

To: Over Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Monday Leebob & SkunkApe hiked from Greasy Creek Hostel to Roan High Knob shelter. They sampled some fire roasted, organic, farm-raised rabbit cooked by a gourmet chef at the shelter. Tuesday they hiked to Over Mountain Shelter which is a barn that can house about 20 people. It was cold and windy the past couple of days and there were flurries today. Leebob said he even got to take a nap in his sleeping bag and it was so warm he almost didn't get up for dinner. He cooked a dinner of red beans and rice with spam and habanero sauce. Leebob said they have made alot of the worst climbs of the trail until they hit NH.   (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-04-12
From: Over Mountain Shelter

To: Roan Mountain, TN
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Leebob & Skunkape passed a very cold nite on Wednesday 18 degrees BRRR. Leebob said he was warm in his nice sleeping bag though. Since it was forecast for another very cold night they took a zero day and stayed in Roan Mountain, Tn Thursday nite and will hike again starting Friday. The wind was blowing about 40 mph and so hard they said they were walking like "drunken sailors". They had what was reported by others to be the best breakfast on the trail made by a "little old lady" who gets up every morning at 430am to make homemade biscuits. They also got a BBQ lunch, did laundry, bought groceries/provisions and did general "town chores". (updated by spousal unit Pam who is still lobbying for photos dang their hides)
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Roan Mountain, TN

To: Hampton, TN
Miles today: 26.3

The guys been busy....several stops to report they stayed at Mountain Harbor Hostel near Roan Mountain (home of the famous breakfast); then Friday they stayed at a campsite at mile 408; then onto Kincora Hostel at mile 416. Sunday they are slack packing south from Hampton, TN back to Kincora hostel. "Slack Packing" is where some one shuttles you a "leap frog" ahead in the trail, stores your large pack and you carry only a small day pack, Leebob says 5 lbs. Then the shuttle will take you back to the endpoint, Hampton in this case. Bob Peoples runs the Kincora hostel and is an amazing and interesting dude. He is retired military and only charges thru hikers a whopping $5 for a stay. The hostel he built is attached to his house. He has a group of 12 feral cats he feeds and also some raccoons have joined in on his front porch. He used to leave his windows open but stopped after he woke up to "Ricky the raccoon" staring at him from the end of his bed! Bob, Leebob & SkunkApe and a group of about 5 other hikers removed a 30-40 foot pine tree that fell on the trail. They sawed it into logs and moved if off the trail. Bob gave them all East TN hiking club patches.Leebob called from Pond Flats Mountain a high spot where he got a cellphone signal. He said "there's no pond and it ain't flat, it's the steepest flat I've ever seen!". It's named after a man named Pond who used to own the land. They keep hearing the climbs get easier and easier to VA, but they're not seeing that yet....maybe it's like naming a mountain Pond Flats????Leebob says he is getting tired of snickers bars. SkunkApe's sister in FL is drying pineapple to send to them. "I don't think I'm eating enough" Leebob says this is despite the all you can eat buffets.   He is craving fresh fruit and veggies because they are not handy trail food. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Hampton, TN

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 43.0
Weather: moderate rain

Leebob & SkunkApe spent Tuesday nite at at Double Spring Gap and made it today into Damascus, VA (goodbye TN, hello VA!) Leebob reports that he had an opportunity to weigh himself and he has lost 29 pounds!!!! He also took the stay in civilization to heart and shaved off his "greybeard". He said he still could not grow an entire mustache (no hair in the middle and the ends were curling up. I asked him if it was a "Snidely Whiplash" -you'll have to be old to get that- and he said no). It rained all day Wednesday and they are glad to be in town. They chowed down with many other thru-hikers and wiped out the local all you can eat pizza buffet. Leebob said he felt old today because he was very outhiked by an 18 year old girl with an aircast boot on her foot who was slack packing. (editorial comment: I have personally threatened Leebob to produce some pictures for posting unless he want to only eat ramen noodles all the way to Maine!!! posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-04-23
From: Damascus, VA

To: Partnership Shelter, va
Miles today: 62.6
Weather: light snow

Leebob & SkunkApe are at Partnership Shelter on Monday nite. It is very close to Marion, VA. Due to lack of cell phone signal that is the only info for this update I have except for one thing: they got snow Sunday nite!! (posted by spousal unit Pam-hope for more news when Leebob finds a cell signal)
Date: 2012-04-25
From: Partnership Shelter, va

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Leebob & SkunkApe are now in Atkins, VA at mile 542.2. Leebob got cell service and caught me up on the details of the last few days. They stayed at a campsite just past Lost Mountain Shelter; then onto Thomas Knob shelter. They have hiked in both rain, wind and SNOW but luckily it wasn't very deep. Then it was onto Hurricane Mountain and Partnership shelter. Leebob estimates his speed at 2 mph. He has worn through the lining in the heel of his shoe so will be looking for a new pair when he gets to an outfitter-but still NO BLISTERS. He attributes this to his fine 2 layer REI Wright(brand name) socks.Both hikers said they were happy to have the chance to see the wild feral ponies in Grayson Highlands. There were many ponies and SkunkApe has pictures on his camera (but we have not been able to get them posted here YET).Tuesday nite all the hikers went out for pizza and lee bob ate a large, thin crust, supreme pizza by himself. Leebob is becoming somewhat infamous for the wearing of his red chaps. He explained they are worn instead of rainpants and usually when wearing his rain jacket his hindquarters are covered by his jacket. BUT, when it's not raining but cool, he wears his red chaps and exposes his hindquarters wearing hiking shorts thru the red chaps. The result is a "bold fashion statement" and one he is becoming known for.Wednesday nite they are stayined in Atkins, VA at the Relax Inn after a 12 mile day. They decided to stay here after storms and more rain was predicted. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-04-28
From: Atkins, VA

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 44.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Friday Leebob & SkunkApe did a 19 mile day....it was walking 7am to 7pm and stopping at Jenkins shelter. Leebob says he sometimes is too tired to cook hot food and is mostly eating snack food. He is still losing weight, but that is not good because it means he is "not eating enough". It's hard to find light weight, easy to cook or ready to eat, good tasting food you don't get tired of eating all the time. Leebob has sworn off Mac & cheese after he didn't drain it well and got "goop" for dinner. Saturday was an 11 mile day including a stop in Bland, VA at the local Dollar Store for a small resupply. They did have some rain but then it cleared off to a blue sky. Gnats are starting to be a problem when there's no rain and they aren't hiking.   Leebob said it is the very first day he has been first at a shelter since he started the trail.Leebob said they saw a privy at the shelter that was really just a throne (no sides, and NO privacy AT ALL!!) at least there were a "few woods" but not really any tree cover. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-05-02
From: Bland, VA

To: Narrows, VA
Miles today: 38.9

Leebob & SkunkApe arrived in Narrows, VA today (Wednesday) after about a 10 mile day. They are about five miles south of Pearisburg where all the hotels are full because they are filming a movie in the area. They are getting a ride into town for a resupply. Sunday they hiked to Dismal Falls mile 607; then they hiked on Monday to Woods Hole Hostel. The AT guidebook describes the hostel as "a slice of heaven not to be missed". It is in an 1880's log cabin, the owners serve local organic food and you can get a massage (which they did!) So they enjoyed a zero day here on Tuesday. Leebob says the IT band on his left leg it bothering him some especially on downhills. He also says he has lost about 35 lbs and we wouldn't recognize him. (I am begging for a picture to prove this theory true. posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-05-07
From: Narrows, VA

To: Catawba, VA
Miles today: 71.0

Well Leebob describes being stuck in Narrows as "hell". The hostel they were s.taying in had 2 different leaks during the night and they got NO sleep and decided to stay there Thursday.Friday they got a ride into Pearisburg and hiked 20 miles that day to a stop called "The Captains" at mile 650. The rain poured all night...Skunkape was smart and slept on the porch there and stayed dry....Leebob was in his tent and got wet.Saturday they did a 17.6 mile day and made it to the Laurel Creek Shelter.Sunday they did about a 15 mile day and camped at the footbridges creek crossing. Leebob says VA is NOT as easy as earlier implied. There are extremely steep climbs, and then very rocky terrain. Leebob did fall once, but said he only hurt his pride. He does say the bad ligament in his leg is better but that he has "kneesels and toelio". Monday they did another 16 miles and made it to 4 Pines Hostel at mile 696.9 near Catawaba, VA.SkunkApe broke one of his treking poles. They have been hiking along for a few days with a very nice lady section hiker, Katie Brown from Janesville, WI (it's a small world!). The very kind lady gave up her set of treaking poles to SkunkApe on her birthday. The diversity and kindness of everyone the guys have met while on their trek so far never ceases to amaze them. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-05-12
From: Catawba, VA

To: Apple Orchard Mountain
Miles today: 66.0

Leebob & SkunkApe were in Daleville, VA Wednesday mile 722.5. They got to eat at 3 Little Pigs BBQ. Leebob said they give thru-hikers FREE banana pudding and he ate his and finished another lady thru-hiker's pudding because she was too full to finish hers. Leebob also got a new, more summer weight type sleeping bag and shipped his heavier weight bag home.Thursday brought the trekkers to miles 741 at Bobblets Gap Shelter.Friday they stayed at Bryant Ridge Shelter at mile 754.5.Saturday Leebob finally got a cell signal and called these stops into me from atop Apple Orchard Mountain at mile 762. (not sure where they landed at the end of the day but only had a brief talk and got no other details except Leebob was trying to reach his mom, Nancy to wish her a Happy Mothers's day while he had a signal on the mountaintop).Lots of family making the trip to Damascus, VA for trail days May 18-20. Trails days link is: http://www.traildays.us Leebob anticipates they will be in Buena Vista (which is mile 801) and they will either get a ride back to Damascus or will be fetched by family back to Damascus. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-05-14
From: Apple Orchard Mountain

To: Buena Vista, Va
Miles today: 40.0

Leebob and SkunkApe did a 28 mile day on Sunday!!!! Leebob let me know they were pushing hard to try & make it to town before all the hard rain....they got wet some but made it into Buena Vista ahead of schedule. That makes a whopping 800 miles on the AT DONE.....That hike made Leebob really hungry he reports he ate: 2 poptarts for breakfast; 2 foot long subs AND 2 Burger King burgers for lunch; then went out for chinese food for dinner.....They will be able to rent a car to circle back down to Damascus, Va for trail days. Family & friends will be coming to meet them and see for themselves how much less of Leebob there is to be seen! Hope to be able to download many of Paul's (Skunkape's alias) pictures and post some. Also hope to get trail days pics to post too. (posted by spousal unit Pam, who is traveling to Trail days May 17-20)