morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-03
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Wallace Gap
Miles today: 12.8

Was cold when I woke up today but I quickly warmed up. I hit the trail a little after 7:00am. which is an early start for me. The hiking was great today and the weather was beautiful. It was a little rough going up Albert Mountain but it didn't last long. Made great time, hiked 12.8 miles in a little under 6 hours.Went to Rainbow Springs again. Got a ride from a hiker who was shuttling people from Wallace Gap to RS as trail magic. At RS I did my laundry, took a shower, got on the internet, and ate a lot of food. It was a good day.Andy
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Wallace Gap

To: Licklog Gap
Miles today: 15.4

My longest hiking day yet, the weather was beautiful. The hiking was great other than the long climb up Wayah Bald. Tented at Licklog Gap. It started getting cold as the sun went down. We did have an hour of extra daylight due to the time change. Stood around the campfire made by section hikers until I hit the sack at 9:00pm.Andy
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Licklog Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

I didn't want to get up this morning. It was cold, my water bottle was frozen over. Stood around the campfire until about 9:15am.I wanted to get an early start so I could be at NOC fairly early. That didn't happen, so it was about 5:15pm when I arrived at NOC. When I arrived I found out they had no lodging available. Then I found out the restaurant had closed at 5:00pm. Things were not going well.Then I saw Sheila coming out of the restaurant. She told me they were camping close by so I joined them. I was back with my old pack once again. Unfortunately, Hitrailer didn't make it in here today but maybe I'll see him down the trail. On the trail you're constantly joining, leaving, and rejoining different groups.Andy
Date: 2004-04-06
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Short day today, but had a long uphill climb. It took me 4 hours 45 minutes to hike the 6.9 miles. I had both breakfast and lunch at the River's Edge Restaurant. Also took a shower. Didn't leave until 1:00pm. Everyone else decided to take a zero day so I'm travelling with different people again. I should make Fontana Dam by Thursday.I'm not sure how long I'll keep hiking. I don't have the budget to finish and my enthusiasm for the hike is intermittent. I plan to finish the Smokies and then decide what to do.Andy
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

   I decided to do a long day today so I would have a short hike into Fontana tomorrow. Had a steep uphill climb coming out of Stecoah Gap, after that the trail got easier. I hiked pretty much all day from 8:45 am to 7:00 pm with an hour and fifteen minute break in the afternoon.   This was a small shelter but there was enough room for everyone. There were a couple of light rain showers overnight so I was glad to be inside.
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

   Made it to Fontana Dam today. I took the $1 shuttle into town and picked up my maildrop and did laundry.   I was planning to get cash back with my debit card at the post office. They only had $10 to give me. I used half of it to do laundry and pay for the shuttle. I guess I'll be cash poor for a while.   Hiked the mile to the Fontana Hilton from the marina. This is an excellent shelter with water, nearby restrooms, and a scenic view.   When I came back from taking my free shower at the visitor center everyone was eating chicken and biscuits. Thanks to Turtle and his son for the meal; it was great. I had a good day today and I'm looking forward to starting the Smokies tomorrow.
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

   It was a gorgeous day entering the Smokies. I'm feeling much better about my hike now. I now have confidence that I have the physical ability, mental fortitude, and money to make it the entire way.   I spent only $5 in Fontana so I'm doing much better on my budget. My stomach has settled down since the start of the hike and I've had no other physical problems. I haven't taken any of my aspirin yet. I have no complaints right now; I know that will change but I'm enjoying it while it lasts.
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

   Today was my biggest mileage day yet. I started off feeling tired, after taking an hour break at Derrick's Knob I felt refreshed and made good time the rest of the way.   I now have a trail name. I actually received it yesterday but forgot to write about it in yesterday's entry. My name is "Cocoon" because I stay "cocooned" in my sleeping bag in the morning long after everyone else is up and getting ready for the day.
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap (Gatlinburg)
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: moderate rain

   Hiking the A.T. on this Easter Sunday was no picnic. There was a light rain all day which turned the trail into one big mud puddle. I had only an emergency rain poncho for rain gear since my previou rain gear had disintegrated. The poncho offered little protection from the rain. My feet got soaking wet from stepping in puddles. When I slipped and fell in the mud I decided I was going to Gatlinburg for the night.   The day didn't start out bad. There was a family from Wisconsin that gave Easter candy to all of us staying at the shelter. The hike to Clingman's Dome also went pretty smooth since it hadn't started raining yet. Unfortunately there were no views due to the fog.   I hitched to Gatlinburg from Newfound Gap. I was very lucky that one of the first cars to pass was a former thru-hiker. Thanks to Foxfire of '02 for the ride to the outfitter in Gatlinburg.   I needed to get rain gear but I couldn't afford what they had at the outfitter. Luckily I ran into Zip Code and Two Cents at the outfitter. The guy who gave them a ride into town agreed to take us to Wal-Mart in Pigeon Forge. I bought some rain gear and snacks there and we went back to Gatlinburg. I gave the driver a little gas money since he went so far out of his way. Two Cents gave him even more.   We all decided to split a room for the night. We stayed at the Grand Prix which isn't great but was reasonable split three ways. It was nice to take a shower, do laundry, and be out of the rain.   I received some bad news when I called home. My uncle who had cancer had passed away. I expected that would happen sometime during my hike but I was surprised it had happened so soon. He is being cremated and the service isn't until the 24th. This means I have time to arrange to go home to attend the funeral. I hate to get off the trail this early and I really don't have the money to spend on transportation. I think I will go though because he was always very generous to me and paying my respects is the right thing to do. I can still finish my hike it will just take some re-arranging of plans.
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Newfound Gap (Gatlinburg)

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: moderate rain

   When we started out of Gatlinburg to hitch back to Newfound Gap we came upon the same guy who gave us a ride yesterday. He was sleeping in his car. He agreed to give us a ride to Newfound Gap and we were on our way. I gave him some money again since it seemed he needed it. I also suggested he give Nathan, who was trying to hitch from Newfound Gap, a ride into town.   The trail was not much better today. I often questioned why I didn't take a zero today. If there were somewhere to hitch into Gatlinburg between Newfound Gap and here I probably would have done it. The rain gear did help though. I wasn't as wet as yesterday.   When I got to the shelter and changed into dry clothes I started feeling better. I stood in front of the fire in the fireplace and warmed up. After eating dinner I felt OK again. There is supposed to be rain the next two days. I don't look forward to hiking in it but I know I can handle it. As long as I have dry clothes and a dry sleeping bag to get into at the end of the day.
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

   It was another rainy day today. The trail was a mud puddle again. I didn't mind the rain quite as much today. I got a late start though so I didn't get to the shelter until 7:00 pm.   A short while after I went to bed it started snowing. I couldn't get completely warm and had a hard time getting to sleep. It was a tough day but I felt better knowing the next day I would be out of the Smokies.
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: light rain

   I woke up this morning to snow covering my boots, backpack, and food bag. It could have been worse. Two Cents had left his socks, shorts, and T-shirt on a line in front of the fireplace. The wind had blown the snow into the shelter and as a result all of his clothing was frozen and covered in snow. Several hikers thought this made a great photo opportunity.   I did not want to get out of my sleeping bag this morning. It really sucks to put on cold, wet socks and jam your feet into frozen hiking boots. Eventually I had to though, I was as usual the last one out of the shelter.   My feet and the rest of me quickly warmed up once I started hiking. My desire to get out of the Smokies kept me motivated. By the time I had hiked down to Davenport Gap there was no more snow.   I debated on whether to stay at Standing Bear Farm since the weather was now nice. I decided to stay since all my clothes were wet. I bought some junk food, did laundry, and took a shower. Also I dried my boots out by the wood stove. It is amazing how these simple things can improve my mood so much.
Date: 2004-04-15
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: clear sky

   It was a great day for hiking. The view from Max Patch was awesome. It features beautiful scenery and a 360 degree view. I wish I still had film left in my camera. This was the kind of day I imagined when I first decided to hike the trail.   I got another late start and didn't get on the trail until 10:15 am. Hiked all day and arrived here about 7:45 pm. I decided to do the long day today because I want to be in Hot Springs tomorrow for Trailfest.   I spent the night in my tent for a change. The Offensive Six kindly offered me a space in the shelter. It was pretty crowded though and I knew the Six would probably be pretty loud so I opted to stay in the tent. This was the first night testing my jury-rigged, duct-taped tent pole. It worked well enough so I'll probably just keep using it as is.
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

   It was another great hiking day on the A.T. I was a little fatigued from yesterday's long hike but motivated by the lure of town at the end of today's hike. I'll probably take my first zero day tomorrow and let my body rest some.   I saw a bear on the trail today. As I was hiking, the bear just moseyed aroud the corner on the trail in front of me. It took me a second to register this was a bear and not a hiker. I exclaimed "Whoa" when I realized what I was seeing. Upon hearing this, the bear looked up, turned around and ran away. He was probably 50-60 feet away when I saw him but that was close enough. I had just finished having a snack with Zip Code and was so excited I had to go back and tell him what I'd seen. Also it seemed like a good idea to give the bear some room. I probably told everyone I met today about seeing the bear. Some people I may have told twice, sorry but it was an exciting event for me.   When I arrived in Hot Springs the spaghetti dinner had just begun. The food was okay but I ate too much of it. I have avoided caffeine on my hike so far thus causing me to get a little caffeine buzz from the iced tea. That is the first time in a long time I've noticed any affect from caffeine. Afterwards I camped out with Vagrant and others at the campground in town. The free camping was too far away and the camping in town only cost $5 including shower.   Later that night we got a fire going and hikers showed up from all over town. The party lasted until the early morning hours. I only had 3 beers but I didn't get to sleep until 2:00 am. Oh well, I'll sleep more tomorrow night.
Date: 2004-04-17
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

   I didn't get much sleep last night. I went to bed late and was woken up by a loud sound. It sounded like a giant gust of wind. I couldn't figure out what it was at first, I thought a tornado or hurricane was coming. And I didn't put on my rain fly. Luckily, it was just a train.       After the train passed I noticed a continued rumbling. It was Vagrant snoring in the tent next to mine. Vagrant is a great guy but you don't want to (try to)sleep near him. On top of that, I had managed to set my tent up with a large rock right in the middle of my back. I tried to push my sleeping pad over to one side but with the rock being right in the middle of my tent it couldn't be avoided. I'll probably check the ground more carefully next time I set up my tent.   In the morning Vagrant told me he was planning on getting a ride to Asheville, NC from Missle Man. I needed to catch a bus back home to attend my uncle's funeral so I asked if I could come along. It took us a while to find Missle Man but we did and he agreed to take me to the Asheville bus station. Thanks to Missle Man for the ride. Thanks also to Vagrant for helping arrange the ride for me.   I will be coming back to the trail. The bus ticket home and back to the trail is going to put a serious dent in my already meager budget. Therefore, I am going to try and make some money while I'm at home. My hike may be delayed for about a month but I am definitely coming back to the trail. I'll keep you updated as my plans become clearer.
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Hot Springs

To: Missouri
Miles today: 0.0

   The real world sucks. My journey back to civilization was not a smooth one. Riding the bus is not a pleasant experience in the best of situations. My experience was worse than usual.   I had a 3 hour layover in St. Louis. I hadn't slept all night and was hungry. The leftover trail food in my backpack didn't appeal to me. The overpriced food at the bus station snack bar was equally unappealing. I decided to head out of the bus station and see what restaraunts were open in the area. This proved to be a mistake.   It was barely after dawn and I was in a bad section of town but it didn't occur to me to be worried. I headed across the street to see what time the restaraunt there opened. I noticed a young, black guy following me as I crossed the street. The restaraunt was closed but I spotted a McDonalds 3 or 4 blocks down the street and decided to head there. That was another mistake.   As I headed towards the McDonalds the guy approached me and started talking to me. I wasn't worried, I figured he was probably just going to ask for money. After giving me a bullshit story about being stranded and trying to get to Atlanta he did ask for money. I didn't really think he needed the money but I pulled out a couple of dollars just so he would go away. When I pulled out the ziploc bag I was using as a wallet he snatched it out of my hand and ran away. He then signaled a car from a side street. After the car pulled out onto the main street he jumped in and they drove away. I ran after them and was able to get a partial license number.   I called the police and gave them a description of the car and the license number. They said they would send someone over. I then called my credit card company and bank to cancel my debit and credit card which were also in the ziploc bag. About 10 minutes later a cop showed up to take my statement. I didn't care for his attitude. He called me stupid for giving the guy money. I got the impression they weren't going to do anything with the information I had given them. I'll be avoiding St. Louis in the future.  I know I wasn't smart but I didn't appreciate the way I was treated. I wonder if my treatment was due to my being scruffy looking from the trail. I have lived in bad areas before and am usually more street smart. In my defense I was really tired and maybe life on the trail had made me too trusting.   Yesterday I had some more bad luck. Not as bad as St. Louis but still crappy. I picked up my trail photos from Wal-Mart and they were the wrong ones. They were all pictures of people I don't know and not from the trail. The lady at the photo booth was apologetic and said they would put a tracer on my photos. I hope they find them. I'm going to be very upset if all my pictures of my hike so far are lost.   I'm attending my uncle's funeral tomorrow. Next week I may enter a medical study to make some money for the trail. I'll keep you updated. I hope to have good news in my next update.
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Missouri

To: Missouri
Miles today: 0.0

   Things are starting to go my way again. I should be back on the trail the weekend of May 15th. I'm getting back on the trail at Damascus so I'll be there for Trail Days. I decided on starting at Damascus because I wanted to attend Trail Days and because this would put me roughly where I would have been if I had continued hiking. I plan to make up the section from Hot Springs to Damascus at the end of my hike.    At the moment I am in a medical study which I won't complete until May 13th. It pays $2500 so I shouldn't have to worry about money the rest of my hike. Being a guinea pig is boring and I hate to have this big of a gap in my hike but it is necessary to have more money if I'm to complete my hike.   I also received more good news. My college notified me that they had accepted my last test as credit to complete my degree. Now that I have finished my degree they are send me $310 which is the balance remaining on my scholarship. I will be getting off the trail to attend my graduation in Albany, NY on July 16th. Albany is pretty close to the trail so that shouldn't keep me away from the trail long. Right now I'm getting my trail fix by reading the journals of those I was hiking with. I miss the trail way more than I thought I would. I can't wait to get back on the trail!!!
Date: 2004-06-17
From: Missouri

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

   I have changed my mind again. After deciding to not get back on the trail, I soon regretted my decision. I decided to stay in Missouri and get a job and attend graduate school in the fall. I thought I needed to stabilize my life. It didn't take me long to remember that I don't like working and I quickly get bored with a stable living situation.    So I'm getting back on the trail. Since I will have been off the trail for two months I'll be jumping ahead to roughly where I would have been. I'll be arriving on the trail on the 25th somewhere in Pennsylvania. Most likely I will start at either Pine Grove or Delaware Water Gap. I could get off in Harrisburg also but I've read it is difficult to hitch to the trail from there.   I will probably only be able to hike a little over a month. If I'm accepted into graduate school, I will return home to attend school for the fall semester. If I'm not accepted I'll hike north to Katahdin, then take a bus to PA and hike south to Hot Springs to complete my thru-hike. It will be a convoluted hike but that's how I have to do it since I took so much time off.
Date: 2004-06-25
From: PA 501

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 0.1
Weather: overcast clouds

   I'm finally back on the trail again. Walked about halfway from town to where the trail crosses 501 before getting a ride from section hikers. Only hiked .1 miles officially today, but I'm very tired from getting almost no sleep on my bus trip.   This shelter has pizza delivery available. Several hikers here are taking advantage of it, but I decided it was too soon to indulge myself.   The shelter here is very nice. It's totally enclosed with a large skylight. Also has a solar shower (cold) and a water faucet. It all makes for a rather easy first day back.
Date: 2004-06-26
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagle's Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

   Hiked all day today. Didn't leave unitl around 9:00am and got to Eagle's Nest about an hour or so before dark. I don't know the exact time since I forgot to bring my watch.   The trail was fairly easy today but I was still hiking slow. I think my body is not yet ready to do 15 mile days so I'll be taking shorter miles the next few days.  I tented out and slept very well. Probably the best I've slept in my tent yet. Short day into Port Clinton tomorrow.
Date: 2004-06-27
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: scattered clouds

   Had a short day into Port Clinton. I hiked through some of the famous Pennsylvania rocks. They were tough on my feet, but I should be ok since I'm doing short days.   When I arrived in Port Clinton I went to the Port Clinton hotel and took a shower. After that I ordered a burger and fries in the hotel restaurant. I was surprised when the meal came out because the portions were humongous. It's a one pound burger and a plate of fries. Ate all of the fries and most of the burger. Filled me up for the rest of the day.   I stayed in the pavillion for the night. It was a little noisy but I slept pretty well. I appreciate the town for providing the shelter for us.
Date: 2004-06-28
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

   I had breakfast with Timver, Tumbleweed, and Koi this morning. While we were eating a ridgerunner asked us if we wanted to slackpack today. I had planned on doing a short mileage day but I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to slackpack.   I made it into the Eckvill shelter at about 6:30pm. Hiking with an almost empy pack was definitely easier, but I don't think I hiked any faster. It was a good hike today with views from Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle.   The Eckville shelter is nice with a fridge stocked with sodas and ice cream. I treated myself to a gatorade and an ice cream sandwich. The shelter was full but I slept on the floor because it was going to rain. I didn't sleep too bad despite the floor being concrete. It did rain very hard so I'm glad I slept in the shelter rather than tenting out.   I've been spoiled so far on my hike. There has been treats or restaurant food available almost every day. My feet are getting a little beat up but otherwise everything is going fine.
Date: 2004-06-29
From: Eckville Shelter

To: New Tripoli Campsite
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: broken clouds

   I plan on doing a short day today. So that will likely be the last I see of Timber, Tumbleweed, Koi, and Diesel who I've been seeing at the shelters the last few days. Also Lush, Gump, and Gangbuster are finishing their hike today. Their home is about 12 miles north of here and that's why they are stopping. So that will be the last I see of them. I'm sure I'll be meeting a new group soon.   I was the only on at this campsite last night. I setup my tent on a slight incline and I couldn't fall asleep. Finally I got up and repositioned my tent. I slept well after that. On to Palmerton today.