morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-22
From: Whitetop Mountain

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

It's amazing what nature has to say; even more amazing is that we have somehow lost what it takes to listen. The woods do speak, and though I cannot articulate what they say, I can write what I heard.The wind says, "storms's coming." The rain says, "hurry-up" and "lets see how good that tent is." The fog lifts to say, "good-morning.' The spruces boast, "breathe this oxygen. It's the best." The clouds taunt, "You're doomed." The lightning seconds, "Really. You're doomed." The sun hides. "There's nothing I can do."Nature does speak in other ways, with reasons no reason can define. The floweres sing a song of jubilation, masking their inevitable seasonal dissapation. Yellow, White, Purple, Violet, Green- a harmony of hues--rejoicing in the arrival of their time, praying for sun to extend their stay.Today after an overcast hike up Mt. Rogers and Thomas Knob shelter, a big storm came in. Wind, Rain, Thunder and Lightning, and hail! There are about 10 of us huddled. At first we wanted to keep going after the storm passed, but it never passed. It only intensified. Raz and Biscuit are the only two to continue. We all said they were crazy. Tonight it's Marion, Porter, The Muppets, Waypoint, 4 Weekenders, and 2 other hikers we don't know yet. The next stretch is supposed to be beautiful, so we don't want to ruin it by rushing through it in bad weather. We'd like to enjoy the Grayson Highlands.Well, it looks as if Porter and Marion have decided to take advantage of this brief clearing. They just bolted. We learned our lesson last time we tried to get to the shelter late in the rain--Moreland Gap Shelter. We know we have a warm, dry spot here where we control the hospitatlity policy: there's always room. It was a short day, but why gamble and have a miserable time? The forecast looks bad, but it sure is pretty up here. It's nice to have time to sit, talk, write/read. Unless something interesting happens, let's call it a day.I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton HillIn honor of John Stewart, This is today's moment of zen:As we were huddled in the shelter, waiting, eating, shivering, deliberating, and watching the storm surge through, the Hemlock Muppet said: "I forgot I had this. I was saving it for a rainy day. This qualifies:" a 750 mL bottle of Virginia gentleman whiskey. We passed it until it was gone. Truly a zen moment.
Date: 2005-04-23
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today was gorgeous!!!! I mean that only if you associate the word 'gorgeous' with sleet, snow, rain, hail, 50+ mile an hour winds, and complete exposure above 5000 feet. We knew the forecast was gnarly, but we couldn't have predicted how hardcore we'd have to be to cross the Highlands in said weather. Thankfully, the shelters were frequent , providing perfect stops for a Pay-Day or Snickers. We didn;t eat lunch because we knew the time requirement would exceed the wet-to-cold-to hypothermia threshold. We averaged 3 miles an hour, minus our 3 stops at Wise Shelter, a MRNRA bathroom, and Old Orchard Shelter. It's 6pm now, and we're hunkered down, awaiting the processional of winter's final stand. Forecasters say lows in the 20's, and snow accumulation is likely. It's April 23!!!!!!! But at 4300 feet , anything is possible.Today's walk was interesting because I noticed a few things about the world within (me) and the world without (nature). I have come to the understanding that my attitude is my decision. If I would have complained about the weather, I would have only fostered a bitter calousness, a permanently destructive mindset--one that ends AT hikes. Instead, I took it upon myself to appreciate my surroundings, repeating the montra, "I cannot love the sun withour also loving the rain." Had I not adopted responsibility for my attitude, I would have missed the wonderful dialogue in nature today. It is a principle in Buddhism that one cannot know the world without knowing oneself; likewise, one cannot impact the world unless he or she is capable of impacting deeply the self.Today's dialogue was between the sun and the clouds. At times the sun would make a ggod point, but the polemic of the precipitation was far more convincing. When the clouds struggle for an argument, the sun would poke-through momentarily, only to be strong armed by a shouting cloud. From time to time, wind would mediate, leaving neither sun nor rain the stronger.Tonight we're in the shelter with Hemlock Muppet, Birdy, and Beem, the muppets. We have all our clothes on inside our bags, with our tent fly spread on top for prevention of snow getting our bags wet...and hypothermia, of course. I'm confident that we've seen winter's worst, but this does remind us of Georgia. I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill"I've seen fire and I've seen rain. I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end."   --James Taylor
Date: 2005-04-24
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter

To: Dickey Gap
Miles today: 7.0

We ended-up setting our tent in the shelter last night because the snow was blowing on us in the shelter. Everything was frozen, including our shoes and socks.When it snows this late in the Spring, they call it a "dogwood winter." I call it a "stupid pointless winter." I know I can't do this entry justice because the story is so cliche and has been told better. The jist of it is this: "We shed our winter gear in Damascus, and then there was a nasty snow storm on Mount Rogers. Boy was I sorry I shed my winter gear."I can't believe it happened to us...seriously. There were 8 consecutive days of 70 degree weather prior to this storm. It was just too cliche. I still can't believe its in the 20's. All that aside, today turned out great! Just as was had decided to hitch hike into town, I hear "hootie hoo!" I looked up, and it was Aaron Richardson! He found us on the trail and took us and the muppets home to thaw. It was wonderful. Thanks, Aaron for being so awesome.I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill"Did you ever know that you're my hero? You're everything I hoped I could be. I can fly higher than an eagle. You are the wind beneath my wings."   --Bette Midler (Oh no!! How did I quote her again?)
Date: 2005-04-24
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light snow

After shuttling us back to the trail, we got our picture with Aaron and said goodbye. I still think we'll see him somewhere else along the way. I don't want to guess where. A surprise will be nice.We stopped for a 3 hour lunch break/delightful afternoon nap at Trimpi Shelter. We watched the snow melting off the picnic table and forest floor, restoring in me the mental image of Southwest VA as a "a land flowing with milk and honey" It's a little warmer now, so we're happy.In the shelter tonight are the Muppets, Buzz, Miles McDuff, Ranger, and the Colorado Brothers (alex and Max) there's also a section hikernamed Andrew. We've been having a good time listening to the Colorado brothers' ipod and catching up on some trail gossip. Today we saw a huge dead cow right on the trail. I took its picture. I don't know why I wrote about that. I'm just a Tennessee Walker.Joshua Ashton Hill"Milk! What a terrible choice!"   --Ron Burgundy from Will Ferrell's "Anchorman""If you want to touch the sky, you better learn how to kneel." -- U2. from "She moves in Mysterious ways."
Date: 2005-04-26
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Davis Path Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Call the newspaper! Hannah and I stuck to the plan and didn't stay in town! We left Partnership shelter at 9, ate lunch at Chatfield shelter, and arrived at I-81 by 1:45. After getting our maildrop, repacking, resupplying, and dealing with our bounce box(which included my first hitchhike), and getting a bite to eat at Rhonda's restaurant (a bona fide 1/2 lb. burger for $3), we put our packs back on and walked 3 more miles.The weather was merciful, rain withstanding until 10 minutes after our arrival at Davis Path shelter. We've heard all sorts of things about the next few days' weather. As long as we stay above 40 degrees, rains fine with me.eWe're here tonight with Buzz, Yard Sale, and Rick a SOBO section hiker. We're all contemplating doing a 20 tomorrow. We'll see what happens.An interesting thing: I'm currently reading a book called "Going Home: Jesus and Buddha as Brothers," by Thich Nhat Hanh. I learned that before Buddha died, he told his disciples to touch his Dharma body--the part of him that will continue forever. In doing so, he would live in them. I find this very interestingly connected to what Jesus told his disciples before his death: "This is my body...take and eat in remembrance of me." Both figures live in us when we practice what they practiced and repeat those rituals they taught. It's an intriguing book so far. Tonight, I'm not going to be reading because we're cranking a 20 in the am.I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill"I thank you, God for most this amazing day. For the leaping greenly spirits of trees and for blue, true dream of sky. And for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is YES."   -- EE Cummings (loosely quoted)
Date: 2005-04-27
From: Davis Path Shelter

To: Davis Path Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

12:30 pm. The unimaginable has happened. This morning at about 7:15 was the last time we saw our beloved dog, Chaya. We ran up and down the trail yelling for her until our bodies and voices were exhausted. We've been sobbing all morning. I feel emotionally empty and unsure if there is any hope that she'll come back. If we hike on, it means deciding to just leave her. Her collar has our phone number on it, but she's been known to come out of her collar. All the hikers a day North of us are yelling for her. Our plan is to zero at this shelter today, praying she'll come running up, wagging. If she doesn't, we'll head into town tomorrow to contact all the animal shelters and such.2pmIt's an awful feeling. Something tells me to prepare for the worst. The dog is more important to us than this hike. I'd give all our hiking money if it would bring her back. It's strange that attachment we have with her; we know she loves us, and we love her.I'm afraid that she's hurt and unable to return to us, left alone, scared in the woods, possibly badly injured. And there's nothing we can do for her.I feel so helpless. I know now why parents worry so much about their children.Whatever her condition, we know the best thing is to trust that her name (Chaya, "To be alive" hebrew) has been an apt Christening. We're tired from yelling and weeping. Now we can only pray and wait.4pmHannah decided to walk to town to call the shelter. Still no sign of Chaya, our sweetheart. I miss her wagging tail and squinty smile.6pmWhen I heard the sound of Hannah's voice coming up the mountain, I knew we still didn't have Chaya. Hannah called Smyth and Wythe county animal shelters and put word out a little more. We're still at a loss for what to do. This stinks.7:15 pmWe don't have anything. No possessions. No place to call home. All he had was each other and our dog. She's like our child. I did another search of the area surrounding the shelter, but no dice. I think we're going to stay in the area and blitz the houses and establishments with fliers. A found dog is more valuable to us than a completed thru-hike. If we don't find her, I'm not sure if we'll keep hiking. At least I'm not sureif I want to. I know it sounds silly, but that dog is important to us.I guess we'll just wait and cuddle and cry and pray and yell for our girl. It's cold and wet. I be she's scared, cold, and hungry. I just have to have faith that God will take care of her.I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill
Date: 2005-04-29
From: Abingdon

To: Abingdon
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We just can't escape Southwest Virginia. Here we are again at Aaron's house taking a few days off for Chaya to recover. It turns out, after taking her to Dr. Mask at Abingdon VCA hospital, that Chaya had been shot!!! The vet uncovered 20 spots where she was hit: 4 penetrated pieces of birdshot, 3 were removed.Apparently she was chasing a farmer's cows or something. We're so glad that is was not worse than it was. Two spots were within inches of her eye. The vet recommends 2 or 3 days off, which represents a great opportunity to chill in Abingdon again! I knew we'd see Aaron again; I just hat that it took our dog getting lost and shot, but everything's good now. I even found the hotel key, and thanks to a dream, I remembered where I had dropped the cell phone yesterday morning in town. We drove right to the very spot, where I hopped out of the car and spotted the phone immediately. Crazy stuff, man. It had been in the rain all night, but it still works.It looks as if we're going to a shindig tonight to see some Emory friends asgain who will doubtlessly ask, "aren't you guys like up north on the trail?""Yes," I will say, sparing the opportunity to tell the entire sob story about the dog.It's great to be here, our SWVA trail headquarters.I'm just a Tennessee Walker.Joshua Ashton Hill
Date: 2005-04-30
From: Davis Path Shelter

To: Abingdon
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Aaron had to do some grocery shopping, so we went to Boone, NC.Then we took a nap.Then I went to John's where we watched basketball and got Chevron hotdogs. It was the revival of a great tradition.that was my day.I'm just a Tennessee Walker.Joshua Ashton Hill.Quote of the day: "Fight violence with non-violence. What good is justice if the scales are bad?"--Mason Jennings
Date: 2005-05-01
From: Abingdon

To: Abingdon
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Church. Lunch. Friends. Yada yada. It's May 1st and we're still in SWVA. Well, I guess we're still on pace to finish in 2005.I'm just a Tennessee Walker.Joshua Ashton HillQuote of the day:"Dr. King, I think often of you and the love that you learned from Jesus. Alabama. Bethlehem."               ----Mason Jennings.
Date: 2005-05-02
From: Davis Path Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Okay, so we really didn't do a 20. We did a 14 mile day from VA 610, not a 20 from Davis Path Shelter. After spending 2 hard days there and hiking 30 miles back and forth to town and north of the shelter, we didn't want to see that place again, so we bumped to the next road crossing. It's not cheating. We did 30 miles of pointless walking; we deserve a little slack. The miles were pretty today even though I was plagued with the feeling of a viral onset (week, dizzy, tired) and self pity of course.In the last few days, I've been hit hard with a new temptation: leaving the trail. I'm not sure why I've been thinking about it so much, but it's easy for me to imagine myself stopping. I think the main reason for this thought is the draw to have a place of our own-- something we've not had since we've been married. It would be nice to have a place to unpack all our boxers, to fill bookshelves, listen to our music, and cook our own meals. Today I couldn't get Forrest Gump out of my mind. I kep thinking of that running scene where he just stops and says," I think I'll go home now." He had accomplished what he set out to accomplish and decided he was done running.I feel that some of my goals have been accomplished but not all of them. I still feel a strong urge to continue, just to say I didn't "quit." There are several reasons for staying on the trail, and I need to focus on them more. It would help if the weather would be nice. That's frustrating. Also frustrating is the fact that we were passed today by 3 people who started at Springer Mountain on April 1st. I can't help but think that we're just not cut out for this, but I know we can do it if we really want to.I'm just a Tennessee Walker.Joshua Ashton Hill
Date: 2005-05-03
From: Chestnut Knob shelter

To: VA 615 Campsite
Miles today: 14.6

Today's walking felt super slow. It felt like 14.6 miles was 24.6. We couldn't do 24, but guess who did? Nurse Nick!!!! He goes by "tunes" now. Yesterday he was resting another ankle sprain. Today he did 24 to catch us. Amazing!We were also reunited with Pacer and Deep Sea, folks we met at the NOC. Apparently, Pacer's 4th and 5th pairs of shoes were hurting her feet, so they had to take a week off in Damascus.Hannah, Tunes, and I are enjoying the warmth of a campfire as the sun slides behind the ridge. While today took physical endurance for me, the mental struggle wasn't as bad. The weather was very nice today, and it was nice to be reunited with a few folks. That helped.It's definitely a rollercoaster of emotions, pardon the expression. It's days like the last few that make me think I'm Bi-Polar. In a lot of ways this is a metaphor for life. The sunlight is dwindling, reminding me of bedtime.ON TO MAINE!!! I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill
Date: 2005-05-04
From: VA 615 Campsite

To: Jenny Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 400.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Tunes decided to walk with us today so it was nice to have his conversation. We did a big day, and made it in decent time too. We met two new folks--yappy and chairman, who hitched into Bland for DQ. They brought us oreos at the shelter. That was trail magic #3 today. #1 was a water cashe at a dry spot on the trail, and #2 was potatoes in the AT shape on a USFS road. We peeled them, diced them, and pan fried them in Olive Oil and Margarine with onion powder. Tunes put ramps in his. Hannah made me give some to Chaya since she packed my potato from the road to the shelter.Proteus showed up late. After a week off for the New Orleans Jazz Festival and a bout with a virus in Bland, he has caught up with us again.It's amazing how many people we know who are still near us, even after all our time off with the dog incedent.Today's weather was "my oh my." My favorite moment of today was a view of the valley, framed by spring on the lower halves of mountains. Vibrant red maples, striped maples, red and white oaks, beeches, and yellow birches bursting with new leaves, yearning for their arrival the top of the ridge. It won't be long.I'm just a Tennessee Walker.Joshua Ashton HillQuote:"I'll swing the hammer until the empire builder sends me home."   --Mason Jennings
Date: 2005-05-05
From: Jenny Knob Shelter 

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

My feet hurt so bad. Other than that, tday was great. A quick trip to a convenience store for lunch, ie 2 Philly Cheese steaks, a corndog, potato wedges, an ice cream bar, and a half gallon of chocolate milk. Then we realized it was Cinco de Mayo. So we packed a 12 pack of Miller Highlife. We stopped a while at Dismal Falls to check out the sight and talk with some of the local Amish folks. Tonight we're in front of a roaring bonfire with a whole crew of new folks: Rhino, Batman, Fatboy, Houdini, Red, Tunes, and Proteus. We're having smores and talking about all kinds of crazy liberal stuff.I'm just a Tennessee WalkerJoshua Ashton Hill"Lisa, you won't eat my meat, but you'll glue with my feet."      --The Simpsons. (an imaginary cow speaking from a glue bottle with vegetarian Lisa was up late deleriously finishing a school project.)
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike started with a bang. I borrowed Tune's MP3 player and rocked out for the first 9 miles. He had some good songs on there by artists such as: Government Mule, Dolly Parton, Elvis, Steely Dan, Tool, Cream, Ledbelly, Robert Johnson, Simon & Garfunkle, Nick Drake, Tom Waits, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Kansas, Queen, etc. I listened to 41 songs before giving it back to him at Doc's Knob Shelter.As we reached the shelter, we realized that the post office closed at 4:30, so I hiked ahead to pick-up our box before it closed (the PO). I had 3.5 hours to do 8.8 miles. Tunes, Proteus, and I departed like lightning, hitting Pearisburg in 2.5 hours. It was far and away the fastest I've hiked so far on this trip. Proteus and I shared a great conversation about religion--he educated me on Eastern religions,and I was able to relate a lot of it to the life of Jesus. We ended up speaking of Jesus in terms of the Yin and Yang. Yin was gentle Jesus, meek and mild, and Yang is Jesus overturning tables in the temple. It was the most in depth conversation on comparative religions I've had in a while.Tonight we're enjoying the company and warm hospitality of Aaron Rodocker and January Haile. Dinner was spectacular. Bedtime!I'm just a Tennessee Walker.Joshua Ashton HillQuote:"Fat guy in a little coat"-Chris Farley in Tommy Boy
Date: 2005-05-07
From: Pearisburg

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Ok so medical students do have to study, but not nearly as much as they want us to think. Aaron, my friend in med school is in the middle of exams right now. Hannah and I were worried that we wouldn't be abl to see much of hime diue to his obligation to study. Fortunately, we saw him a lot. He studied a little this morning, then was done for the day. Due to his "slackerness," which was undoubtedly prodded to life by my presence (what does that say about me?)we had a great time today. We ate lunch at an Indian restaurant, grocery shopped, bought Hannah a dress to wear at their wedding, I got dress shoes for John's wedding, went to Home Depot for denatured alcohol, visited McDonalds for honey packets, made copies of my journals, repacked, updated journals online, sent emails, made phone calls, and lined-up a rental car for next weekend's visit to Warrenton. Whew! All in a couple of hours. We were on task!! I guess that says more about Aaron and January than it does us, but we were proud of ourselves nonetheless. There just isn't enough time to waste it all shopping.Later that evening, Jason and Julee Dunn visited from their home in Roanoke, VA. We enjoyed each other's company as well as my 11th viewing of Napolean Dynamite. It was fun to watch it with Jason and Aaron, old housemates from E&H. It felt like college again.After the movie, we all stayed up way past bedtime talking, laughing, and binge-eating lasagna. I had 12 respectably sized squares. (an entire pan)Aaron and January's hospitality was excellent; they really know how to entertain guests. I really hope Aaron doesn't fail his exams because we were here and he wasn't able to study. I guess he still has a few more days to study.All in all, this was a great break. We've had a lot of fun and the rest was needed. Tomorrow, its Blacksburg UMC then the trail.I'm just a Tennessee Walker.Joshua Ashton HillQuote:" I want that."      --Woman's response to uncle Rico's sailboat offer in Napolean Dynamite
Date: 2005-05-15
From: home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

A week has passed since we bacame freelance section hikers and free agents. We've spent it helping our moms with odd jobs: cleaning, organizing, straightening, trashing, painting, assembling, disassembling, finding, adjusting, scraping, glazing, caulking, etc.It's been awesome! I've discovered that I need work to really enjoy relaxation. Again its all about balance. Although, it must be said that I don't enjoy work that much, its still considered a "relaxation enhancing activity." I've noticed that my appetite is still infinite, and my body still craves physical activity.It's been fun this week to eat good food, enjoy a bed, read, work, relax, bathe, visit, watch sports, listen to music, and do things we haven't done in 2 months.I do miss the trail, but I do not regret the decision we made. I truly believe that we did as much as our marraige could handle and still be healthy. We've certainly learned a lot about ourselves on the trail and are anxious to let the trail affect our civilian lives.I'm just a Tennessee Walker.Joshua Ashton Hill"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."            -Hank Dave Thoreau