morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-05
From: New Found Gap (Gatlinburg TN)

To: Ice Water Springs Shelter
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: moderate rain

Gatlinburg Tennessee is an awesome town. First off on Friday I scored an 18 mile day. I was tired when I finished but I was not hurting. We got a hitch into town right as soon as we hit the road crossing. Smoking Joe, Rasinette, and my self loaded into the back of thi black Ford Ranger pickup. We got dropped off in front of some cheap ass hotel/motel. Split four ways it was like $11 per person. We grabbed McDonalds while I did laundry and checked the hotel for safety. The we bolted off to TGI Fridays for some beer and beast. From there we went to Smokey Mountain Brewqery and met up with Knee Pads and the Librarian. We left that place and went to Blaneys Pub and did some final drinking and some dancing. We went back to the hotel and went to sleep very late. On the way back thought we stopped to take pictures, six of us, in one of those little black and white photo booths.Today we got up early and hit the SHoneys AYCE breakfast. From there Smokey Joe and Rasinette rented a motor scooter and did some scooting around town to get groceries. The even rode that little thing all the way to Pigeon Forge. I hitched to Food City for resupply and then went back to town to rest and ponder if I should hike to day at all. I decided at 4:00pm that I would hike so I loaded up my stuff. I stopped at the Happy Hiker for fuel and photo and then grabbed some KFC to go. I got the best hitch out of town tonight. A very cute blonde named Lindsay picked me up in her Jeep. Top down, stereo up, what a fun ride back up into the park. I was so happy to be sitting in that Jeep that I never even did ask anything other than her name. The guys a jeepsunlimited.com do not know who she is so... I hope that some day I might be able to track her down. So here I am tonight with L-Y, Spunky, Noid, Carrot Slayer, Libraian, Knee Pads, and some day hikers. I want to get up early and try to catch the sun rise from Chuck's Bunion. All in all I am so very gald that I went to town. I am also happy to be back on the trail. I hope to make Hot Springs by the weekend.
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Ice Water Springs Shelter

To: Tricorner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

I was up and walking at 7:15 am today. I caught what was left of sunrise from Charlies Bunion with Noid, Knee Pads, and the Libraian. From that point I was crusing. I did 13 miles before I stopped for lunch at 11:00 am. I decided to rest my feet for a while and I wanted to take a little nap. I was rudely awaken by thunder and lightening and some pretty hard rain. It was hard enough to make me call it a day. Thirteen miles was enough. The water was close and there was a real nice porta potty moldering privy here so I figured that it was a good place to wait out the worst of the next few days of rain. All in all it has been a good day. I made quesadillas for dinner.
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Tricorner Knob Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I got a late start due to the rain. I also cut my day much shorter than I had wanted due to the gloomy weather. The shelter here is full tonight. Barry and Fire Ball stopped here and left. Rasinette and Smokey Joe pushed on too because the shelter was full. L-Y, Spunky, C-S, Dread, Digger and two others pitched a tent squatters village just down from the shelter. My camel back had about .5 liters of water in it and some how it leaked out and dripped down onto Hamlet and some day hikers. I feel real bad about that. I have finally met Two Step tonight too after reading about her in Journey03's journal. I moved my sleeping pad over a bit and made a spot for her to squeeze in on the top shelf of the shelter. It was a good idea too because her bright head light helpped me to clean up the water mess quickly. I need a new headlight battery. I can hardly see to read and write here tonight. I am going to write some post cards now on scraps of food boxes that I have carried from G-burg. Thanks Noid for the cool cheap post card idea.
Date: 2003-04-08
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Ground Hog Springs Shelter
Miles today: 18.2

That old fart named Recycled woke me up at 5:15 am. That old fella and (forest gump accent) "Just Dan" left camp before it was even light enough to see. I was walking by 8:00 am. I passed Hamlet about half way to Mountain Mommas. I passed Tenderfeet and her hubby about one mile back from the road crossing at Davenport Gap. As soon as I hit the road a Subaru driven by some nice old copule from Pennsylvania pulled up. I stuck out my thumb and just like that I had a ride. As I was getting into the car Tenderfeet and her hubby walked out of the woods. The three of us rode down to Mountain Mommas with the nice people and they even waited with us, had lunch with us, and then gave us a ride back up to the gap. Those burgers at Mountain Mommas are every bit as good as they were rumored to be. We got some trail magic at the I40 raod crossing where there was a bag of very fresh tasty oranges hanging in a tree. I then stopped a a creek by standing bear hostel to get a shower. The summit up and over Snowbirds mountain was difficult. It was foggy and raining and that noise from that satellite things was cool. So here I am tonight with four other folks thinking about how luck I am to be out here. It is raining hard tonight so I am glad that I am in a shelter. Time for bed now.
Date: 2003-04-09
From: Ground Hog Springs Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

It is very cold again tonight. I gout up here to the shelter and found Noid, Knee Pads, and the Libraian. B-rock and Fire Ball showd uyp a bit later. I guess that Rasinette and Smokey Joe must be back at the last shelter at Roaring Creek. I had lunch today at Max Patch road. I also slipped and fell today busting one of my hiking poles. I will have to get a new one in Hot Springs, or for that matter a new pair because I wprobably will not be able to buy just one. Today was neat. There were many small streams crossing the trail and there were a few large water falls. This is Noid's last night on the trail so I am glad that I caught up with her. There shelter here is full and safe. Tomorrow is Hot Springs and it could not come at a better time with bad weather in the forecast. Trail fest is this weekend in Hot Springs so I will be hanging around for that.
Date: 2003-04-10
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs NC (Rental House)
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: moderate rain

I awoke today to snow again. I cant believe that it is April 10th. Rumor here in town is that Clingmans Dome might get 30 inches from this storm. Todays walk was the coldest and wettest yet. I was so happy to reach town. I hit the Bluff Mountain Outfitters store and the info was grim. Nearly every bed in town was full. I met up with the NY'ers and Lucky at the store and they touted that they had rented a log cabin about a mile away and that I could crash on the floor there. Dry, warm floor was sounding mighty good. The best part was that there was a hot tub on the back porch. Happiness is a warm dry floor after a cold wet day of hiking.
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Allen Gap

To: Hot Springs NC (Camp Site with Chef Paul)
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Flip Flop Slack Pack Today.Today was my first slack pack day and it was also my first southbound flip flop hike. I hitched 2 rides, one on a raft truck and another in the back of a Ford Ranger to get to the trail head. I took a long nap at the shelter half way. I got back to town around 5:00pm and met up with Chef Paul. We drank beer and had Pizza and I camped with him at this little camp site about 2 blocks from town. He is going to swap out my tarp and some more of my gear at Trail Days in Damascuss in a few weeks. It was good to see him and get a chance to talk more.
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Allen Gap

To: Jerry's Cabin
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

I got sick today. I threw up at the White Cliffs and I hd some awful cramps. I am sleeping under my tarp tonight pretty much right in the middle of the trail outside of the shelter. There was a spot in the shelter but with the rumors of this trail virus going around I did not want to infect the others. I cant write any more tonight.
Date: 2003-04-14
From: Jerry's Cabin

To: Camp Site near Big Flats)
Miles today: 14.0

Today I battled my illness. I walked 6.7 miles to the first shelter and then rested for a long while. I ate and drank three liters of water to try and re-hydrate and beat this Illiness. It is windy on this ridge tonight. I built a nice fire and set my tarp up in the flying diamond shape to block the wind. I hung my food after I ate and now I am here laying alone in the wilderness writing. This is my first night alone in a while and it is quite peaceful. There was nearly a full moon tonight so it was very light out. The sunset was very red. I placed all of my socks that I washed out today on sticks around the fire to dry them. I want to stay on Big Bald tomorrow with the rest of the gang.
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Camp Site near Big Flats)

To: Summit of Big Bald
Miles today: 11.1

I was out of camp at 7:45 am mind you that is pretty good considering that I set up my shelter and had a late night last night by the fire. At Sams gap I hitched a ride with some cute hippe chick from Florda. She took me to the meal place that was 2.8 miles east of the trail. There I found Yo-yo, Zero, Nimble, Pigpen, and Ostrich, having breakfast. The breakfast at his place wa huge. There was a closed sign on the door when I walked in but they were nice enough to wait on be before closing down the grille. Zero and Ostrich managed to hitch to a store some place and get buns, lunch meat, moon pies, and other goodies. So we made it hear to big bald and had a large feast. I napped for a while and was awakened by some guy in a green Geo Tracker. He drove up here. Now my self I am an avid Jeep and 4x4 enthusiasts but driving up here in probably not on my list because as far as I know it is Illegal. I asked the guy about OHV permits to drive up here and hot it works and he asked if I "was offended by" him driving up here. I am not offended by that but I would like to see where and how some people from some special gated cummunity have the rights to drive off road on a forest service bald. It would be neat to drive up here some night with a lady friend and have wine and watch the sunset. I may try to go all the way to Erwin tomorrow or camp just before I get there. I need to try and see a foot Dr. I am starting to like being out here daily. I am getting better with sleeping and I am excited to hit the VA state line soon. Back to enjoying the Bald.
Date: 2003-04-17
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Erwin TN (Miss Janets Hostel)
Miles today: 19.2

I spent about 1 hour today sitting next ro a mountain stream watching trout swim in the water. No doubt these were native trout the way that they darted back and fourth in the waters. native trout are probably one of the coolest miracles of our time because it takes cold clean water for theese animals to reproduce. Today my walk was long. It was actually my longest walk to date. The summit of Unaka is solid pines like the forest in Robin Hood. It was very cool. I took many black and white photos today too. I am back at Miss Janet's House tonight and I am going to goto bed early. I must re-supply in the morning. That is the main reason that I came here to town. It was nice to slack pack but I am not excited about paying for two nights of lodging and two days worth of town food. Tomorrow Miss Janet will take me back to Iron Mountain Gap to get on my way.
Date: 2003-04-18
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Roan High Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light snow

Today the last two miles went nearly straight up. It was about a 2200 feet summit. It was the longest steepest climb yet I think. I had decided at the start of my day to come here. I felt real good at ash gap which was past the 3/4 mark climbing up the hill. When I finally hit the summit I was very happy. It is a very good feeling to get to the summit on any climb. I stopped to check out the bald area and to read the information about the old Roan Mountain Hotel that used to be at the top of the mountain. It is really cool up here. The shelter is located in another thick grove of pine trees. The shelter here is very neat. It probably sleeps 25 people. The loft in the shelter is huge. This is the last of the 6000 foot summits on the trail. I made quesadillas for dinner and made a pudding pie for desert. I am getting very crafty at the cooking. I am very tired tonight and I hope to get a good night sleep and awake refreshed in the morning. It feels good to be in my sleeping bag.
Date: 2003-04-19
From: Roan High Shelter

To: Over Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: broken clouds

there is something interesting about the way that I have been feeling today. When I started this hike I did not know how far I would go. I believe that I was out here to take a gamble to see if I could survive. Maby that is the one thing that I would have never learned unless I came out here. I think that climbs over mountains and nights in a sleeping bag in cold weather have definatly taught me that many things that I let bother me in Virginia were not necessary for survival. Other people are not directly necessary for survival. In fact the only thing that I have found that is necessary for survival is to only worry about what I have control over. The hike today went through some really cool balds. Tomorrow I will climb Big Hump and Little Hump and get very close to the TN-NC border crossing where the trail leaves NC for good. I have to start to decide what it is that I want to do with my life. I realize that 5 months and this trip are going to be over soon. I am thinking about more school, military, or other things. Who Knows?? Twostep Rasinette and T are here tonight. I am glad to see them.
Date: 2003-04-21
From: Rt 19E (Spent the night in Bristol)

To: Dennis Cove Gap (Laurel Fork Hostel)
Miles today: 23.2

Today has been my biggest day yet mileage wise. We started at the road crossing where "T" and his son had picked us up yesterday. The morning walk took us out through a farm field and up to the top of a big hill. We walked for a long time over little up and down knobs. There was a huge waterfall that I took a side trail off to see and to get water. What a water fall. It was probably a few hundred feet from top to bottom. Rasinette and TwoStep passed me while I was at the waterfall side trail. I played catch up with them until lunch time. I have started to get into the grove of having both first lunch and second lunch instead of lunch and a small snack. When we got to the road crossing at Walnut mountain road there was a fella there named John from Laurel Fork Hostel who has some trail magic and a van that was there to take our packs so that we could slack in the 10 miles to the hostel. That was a great idea because I was not planning on walking this far. I probably walked six extra miles.When we got here I was really surpirsed. This place is very very nice and it only cost six measly dollars to stay here in the bunk house. Rasinette yogied us some trout from these guys that were fishing in the creek behind the place. She also yogied 2 eggs, some corn meal and some oil. We fried up some fish and and some hushpuppies and had a very good feast. Then we sat around with a few flasks of vodka and told trail stories before getting in bed.Tomorrow I am going to try to get over to the Watuga Dam or beyond. I might stop at the rope swing and play area there but I am bettting that the water will still be very cold.Can anyone say skinniny dipping??
Date: 2003-04-24
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Did the marathon today.I cant believe that I actually walked 26 miles.The last two miles were my hardest two yet on the trail. I was so happy to see T in the parking lot near the town shelter in Damascuss when I got down there to give me and Rasinette a ride over to "The Place" hostel.I am actually starting to realize that 13 to 15 miles before I stop for lunch is actually going to become the normal situation in the next few weeks. I bet that I will start ripping out the miles between here and Waynesboro.We hit the little joint called Dot's here in Damascuss for some beers and dinner. I was good. I cut out early thought because I am so tired from walking. I am definatly taking a zero day tomorrow to resupply and to get a few other little things done like REST.
Date: 2003-04-29
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Alot has happened in the past 7 days that I have not written about. Leaving Laurel Fork Lodge was hard. It was late in the day and I wanted to make use of what daylight was left so at 2:00 pm I left. I walked till it was near dark before I reached a full shelter at Watuga Dam. I could not have been more dissappointed to see the shelter full. I camped about 2 miles past the shelter and across the Watuga Dam. The next day I wanted to reach Iron Mountain to give my self the chance to make the big 26 miles to town with the girls. All went well and I arrived in Damascus on Thursday Night. I took 1 0 day and planned to leave Saturday morning. However two pitchers of beer at breakfast at 10:00am did not go over so well and I decided to stay another day. Everyone has been sick latley except for my self. Mule, Rasinette, Tom of Maine going to Maine, and many others have all had the system purging flu. My walk today took me through the Greyson Highlands and that was very cool with all of the wild ponies. So many cool things in one week. I am going to try to make sure that I write every day from now on so that I dont have large gaps in my journal.Today was a wierd day for the weather. I cowboy camped last night right in front of the shelter. It was a clear night but a gusty wind blew me awake a number of times. Some times that wind was accompanied by thick fog. Other times it was crystal clear out. I laid awake once for well over an hour watching stars, shooters, and satellites light up the sky. The first 8 miles today was very cool terrain that twisted throught two or three cool rock outcroppings. One in particular was actually like a rock tunnel where the trail ducked under some very large boulders. The trail also crossed some grassy flats that were so green that it reminded me of a golf course. I ended my day early due to lack of mental motivation to walk farther. That was ok thought because a number of turkeys, and even a resident hooting owl stopped by the old orchard in front of the shelter. Crystal and Josh "peaches and GABOY" are here tonight with a former sailor named Typhoon. Tomorrow maby I will make Partnership shelter for pizza and a hot shower.
Date: 2003-04-30
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Wow. I cant believe that I walked 24.7 miles today. I also had a hot lunch in Troutville, a long rest at a shelter, and a hot shower when I got here tonight. And wait, it gets better. I had pizza delivered to the shelter tonight with a full 2l of Dr. Pepper to wash it down. Tomorrow I am off to the I81 road crossing to try and rent a car to goto PA for the weekend.
Date: 2003-05-01
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: scattered clouds

What to do tomorrow is the big question right now. I want to goto PA for my mothers 50th birthday party but at the same time I am thinking about taking three days off for three hours of party. I must make a decision in the morning on what to do. The girls out here sound like they are having fun. Neely is now known as the Dirty Bird according to the register here. So all in all today was cool hiking 7 miles tonight after 5:30 pm was fun. No raind and cool temps after a long day of hot sweltering thunder boomers and heavy down pours. It is now time for bed.
Date: 2003-05-02
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Davis Path Shelter
Miles today: 7.2

I got up early todat to make it to town to try and rent a car. Unfortunatly I am sitting in a shelter tonight instead of driving to PA. I am going to go ahead and push on and try to do 60 in the next three days. Sorry Mom, I guess that it was just not meant to be.
Date: 2003-05-03
From: Davis Path Shelter

To: Chestnut Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.0

Rain on a tin roof sounds so cool. Sitting on a bunk in a building with four walls in even cooler since it is like a monsoon outside. Underwear and hair that is crusty from dirt, sweat, and salt, is not cool at all. I am filthy. Even after the shower at Partnership I am probably the worst that I have been yet. I have not washed my face for three days becase I am lazy and my hair is moulded into place with salt. I think that a shower and laundry wil be needed tomorrow or else. 20m to Bland tomorrow in the plan.
Date: 2003-05-04
From: Chestnut Ridge Shelter

To: Bland VA (house of George and Murry Zigenfuss)
Miles today: 21.3

Some times you hsve things happen to you that are not really typical. I would probably never bring a group of smelly hikers home to my place, shower them, feed them, and allow them to be in my house with there dirty stinky clothes on. These two folks, George and Murry, are the greatest.
Date: 2003-05-05
From: Bland VA (house of George and Murry Zigenfuss)

To: Helvy's Mills Shelter
Miles today: 2.3
Weather: light rain

I just had to get out of town this afternoon. Met a nice guy Jack who picks up hikers and gives them rides to and from the trail. He took me to a body shop where I cut the seat belt buckles out of a Toyota to use for a waist belt. Thanks Jack. Very hard thunderstorms ans possible Tornados are expected tonight.
Date: 2003-05-06
From: Helvy's Mills Shelter

To: Trent's Store Camp Ground
Miles today: 16.3

Today the traill crossed a cool cable suspension bridge. I had a huge burger for dinner at the store here, and I yogied a new tooth brush from a local and her husband. In the past 24 hours I have lost my data book pages, my tooth brush, and something else I cant remember. I am camping in a TIC infested field tonight. I have picked 3 off already.... it will feel good to get to Woods Hole tomorrow.
Date: 2003-05-07
From: Trent's Store Camp Ground

To: Woods Hole Bunk House
Miles today: 13.9

I have got to eliminate some more pack weight. Tomorrow in Pearisburg I will be getting my summer gear that includes my sleeping bag and some fresh clothing. I am going to send home my down vest, winter sleeping bag, long undies, fleece gloves, sock liners, and my large knee high gaiters. I am here at Wood's Hole tonight. This place is great. Tillie Woods you are the one and only AT TRAIL ANGEL. I cut the lawn here tonight to pay for my breakfast, and there is some really cool art work here on the walls and the roof in the bunk house. There is also quite an art display in the privy. As for me I am mentally and physicall drained again. I need some down time in Pearisburg probably in the form of another zero day. I really need the trail days break next week to get off of the daily routine of hiking for just a day or two. I hope to have some new gear including a new pack and some other light wt stuff next week. I want to try and get my base pack weight down to less than 15 lbs. Enough for now I will write more from the Library in Pearisburg