morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Roaring fork shelter

To: hot springs NC
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: scattered clouds

we ended up with five tents and ten people crowded in a shelter built for six people. I was cold all night and slept very little. In the shelter were "carpenter", he likes to build things, "crazy bear", he is nuts, and the "rhododenruns", they are a couple that likes to curl up when it is cold just like the leaves on that plant. that's just the ones i can remember. Dont you just love trail names, it's like the old indian names, they all mean something; not like mike or jane or julie or john or janice. When i get home i want to be forever known as "gatorgump", or you can call me "gator" or you can call me "mr. gump", but thats it.All my clothes are wet or frozen stiff. there is a foot of snow covering everything (how cold are you guys in florida?) I had to hike as fast as i could to stay warm and get to the safety of hot springs.I did over 18 miles today which is a record for me and my feet are killing me.While in town tonight i met scott's father who is frantic with worry and as i mentioned has formed a search party to find his son. I had no idea he was in any danger or i would have guided him off that mountain.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: hot springs NC

To: hot springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I am here in hot springs. this is what thru-hikers call a true trail town. By that they mean a town where the trail goes right thru and has all the resupply a hiker needs. Good news this am, scott was found and brought here last night. Locals here tell me that officially the winds on max patch were clocked at 120 miles per. I should also tell you that i am not certain but it looks like i may have to go on without "barking spider". He has some bad shins and may need to lay up a while. that is depressing for me as he has been a good companion. this journey is going to be much tougher alone. He is an Irish Catholic so when he would get down i would sing "O Danny Boy" to him and i am a heathen so he would sing "suck it up you little pu_ _y" to me.Hopefully he will catch up to me soon.Tomorrow i set out for Irwin Tn and the famous miss janets hostel. should take me 4 days in the woods to get there. i hope to update my journal there.My wife should be adding photos as soon as she gets my mail packet sent out today. see ya all down the trail, love "Mr. Gump"
Date: 2007-04-18
From: hot springs

To: beyond log cabin road
Miles today: 18.0

Last night was my first AT "hikers night out". Most of the hikers who almost froze to death at roaring fork shelter (including barking spider) were at the pub drinking beer and playing pool. We did some real hiker bonding. I think spider has decided to lay up for a while and heal his sore shins. We have hiked almost 300 miles together but he knows I must push on. I will miss him and I hope he catches up to me somewhere on the trail.Today I did some bonding of a different sort. I came across a big pile of bear scat near the trail. Now for those of you who are uninformed, scat is the woodsy term for poop,s**t,turds, or crap. Don't ask me why those naturalists couldn't have just used one of those fine, previously invented words.Anyway, I felt certain this scat belonged to my bear. So in a ritual of bear bonding, I added my scat to her scat. That's right I just bent over and went splat with my scat.Now the reason I did this is that bears have acute olfactory abilities (for you Florida State graduates, that means they like to smell things...alot); and I wanted any other bear coming along to know this is my bear.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: beyond log cabin road

To: big flat 
Miles today: 20.0

I almost forgot to tell everyone that I just got a chance to read all the wonderful comments in my guest book. Normally when you get a chance to get online there are others waiting and I must get off quickly. (That should also explain some of my spelling errors.) Some of your messages brought me to tears, thank you all. Bob H. to answer your questions, I have the Vasque boots and love em and the Lekki poles are working fine. However, I did step on one and bent it so one is longer than the other. You getting ready to come join me? What about you Tom?Another item I wanted to mention is that i had an opportunity to weigh myself while in Hot Springs. I am down to my college weight of 185 lbs (lost 16 lbs). At this rate I will be at my high school weight by mid-Virginia and my middle school weight by Pa., and then my grade school weight by Mass. Who knows where I will go from there?I know you are all probably tired of me talking about my bear but during today's walk I was wondering what if she had come at me instead of running away? Black bears are known to be the smartest of the bear family. They don't fall for that playing dead routine, and they climb trees better than you do. Forget about out running them in the woods.About all you can do is sing. That's right, as loud as you can. If you are as off key as I am it may just work. My "brown eyed bear song" would be a good one to try but another that came to me out here is that great song by John Mayer. As i remember it goes like this (come on sing it with me now people)"Exactly how ya hear it Is exactly how it all went downIt was later in the evening so..the facts and the figures got turned aroun'True there was a bear and yes she did advance my wayI can't be sure exactly, butI swear she said my nameIt was the right timeShe was the real thingI had to walk away...seeDon"t wanna be stitched upOutta my mindKnocked out, laggin behindTrapped in, cant do a thing...causeIm knocked downStitched up, feelin the burnStrung out i finally learnTrapped in, cant do a thing...cause Im knocked downI wonder where she came fromI wonder if she's gonna goWho's to say she's on her ownBears like that don't sleep alone.By the way future hikers I went over one hell of a rock climb not in the guide books called "the exposed ridge trail". Dont recommend you try this one in the rain or high wind.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: big flat 

To: spivey gap
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This has been an interesting day for rare sightings. Today I came across another rarely seen creature. The elusive "pot head". In the 1970's his kind was prevalent, but then in the 80's his natural habitat was eroded by the coke-head. Then in the 90's came the meth-head. I am happy to report, however, he can still be found in the mountains of NC and Tenn.He is a shy creature but I will try to get a photo of this animal who once roamed our land in great numbers, and just like my bear his odor is unmistakable. In fact I would call it truly reminiscent!I was cresting a high ridge today and I met a thru hiker dressed in a blue buttondown collared dress shirt and a necktie; full pack and all.His name is "lumpy". No, he is not a pot head....(wink, wink) I told him I had never seen a thru hiker in a cotton shirt and tie and he said they were the finest clothes he has and if he had a tuxedo he would have worn that. (I swear I am not making this stuff up)Then later, on that same part of the trail I met Dirt Nap, aka "Jesus". (See photo when i get a chance to upload) He is walking the trail barefoot while holding a wooded staff.These are the people that I am camping in the woods alone with. Can you say Blair Witch?LESSON 11 Future thru-hikers if you are going to partake of the celestial herb, I suggest that you refrain on the trail between Hot Springs and Erwin. It is lousy with fallen trees, faded blazes, and confusing intersecting trails. You may need your wits about you.
Date: 2007-04-21
From: spivey gap

To: Nolichucky River (Erwin, TN.)
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It seems that I am always the first up and on the trail. That being the case, it is not long before my face and shoulders are covered with spider webs. They are diligent little creatures, always rebuilding during the night. It is as if their intent was to snare thru hikers each morning.I am in Erwin now, home of the legendary Miss Janet's house hostel. The hostels found along the AT are part of the lore of the trail. This one reminds me of my days in the college fraternity. There is furniture out on the front lawn, beer drinkers everywhere, card games, and a pervasive odor of dirty socks; it all brings me back to a carefree time in my life.Erwin is also famous for another reason that most hikers are unaware of; this is the one town in the history of the world that actually hung an elephant by the neck until dead. I swear it is the truth! I didnt believe it either when Tom first told me...look it up!She was dubbed "murderous Mary". It seems she had all she could take from her abusive handler, picked him up, threw him down and crushed his head like a walnut.Erwinians are not proud of this event but at the time they even had a mock trial, brought in a chain and a crane and hung the poor beast by the neck.Where was Johnny Cochran when Mary needed a good lawyer? I can hear him now, "If the trunk don't fit, you must acquit!"
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Nolichucky River (Erwin, TN.)

To: Iron mtn gap
Miles today: 19.0

Today I got to try what hikers call a "slack pack day". This is a sly form of cheating that allows a back-packer to go ahead on the trail without his full pack, then be picked up at days end and brought back to the comfort of the hostel. I got in nineteen miles this way which will give me a good head start towards the long journey from here to Virginia. (120 miles)I crested an area called Unika Mountain which is some of the most beautiful evergreen forest I have seen yet. You would swear that you have entered Sherwood Forest. The woods were perfectly saturated with mottled sunlight shrouded in green moss forming a tapestry of rich colors. The path spongy, thickly layered with pine, it's scent throughout.
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Iron mtn gap

To: near stan murray shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I want to start this entry by wishing Sean a happy birthday. You are a great employee and friend. I thought today's elevation increase was the most extreme since I began this adventure almost 30 days ago. I started out at about 3500 feet and went pretty much straight up Roan Mountain; over 6000 feet.Keep in mind I trained at a parking garage in Bradenton five stories tall, each about ten one foot risers. If my math serves me correctly that would mean I hiked up 50 "Employee Solutions parking garages" stacked one on top of the other. This has been typical throughout Ga. and NC. I am looking forward to a break in the terrain when I hit Virginia.Each day the trail finds a way to bring something new and unexpected. Today as I was hiking on a perfectly clear and sunny afternoon, I thought I heard rain hitting the dry leaves around me.On closer inspection I realized that millions of tiny grasshoppers were scattering before each footstep, spreading in small unified waves of winged insect. I am sure their voracious appetites will do some damage to that area of the forest soon.
Date: 2007-04-24
From: near stan murray shelter

To: US 19E
Miles today: 12.7

When you begin your journey in March, at high elevations, the landscape is still brown and barren. But as you walk along you can hear the flowers talking just beneath the soil's surface. "Is it time to get up yet?""No we could still get another frost.""The humans say it is spring.""Yes, but their calendars are arbitrary, ours are natural."Then one evening you sleep and it is as Christmas Eve. When you awaken, there are presents everywhere. It is as if the town alarm sounded and everyone gathered at city hall to hear what the mayor has to say.Today was that day. I am that mayor.The mayor had a relaxing day. I hiked over Hump mountain. As I started it was cloudy and gray but upon cresting I commanded the sun to shine. It did, so I laid in the tall grass and composed this entry.Earlier I sat on a hillside where pink, purple and white flowers blossomed out as far as the eye could see.It has been a wonderful day.I ended the day by staying at "The Mountain Harbour Hostel". Owners Terry and Mary have done a fantastic job of renovating an old hay loft above a functioning barn into the most cozy and comfortable hostel on the trail.I fell into the night's slumber while listening to goats butt heads, horses stomp and snicker, and barn cats argue about territory.Did I mention it has been a wonderful day?
Date: 2007-04-25
From: US 19E

To: Moreland gap shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today began with Mary fixing scrambled eggs seasoned to pefection with herbs and spices, fresh cut potatoes smothered in tabasco sauce,thick crisp bacon, homebaked muffins, cut fruit, and pancakes plump full of ripe blueberries and maple syrup. It was the best breakfast I have ever eaten in my entire life.I have not had a bath or shower for two consecutive days since Georgia but that changed today. The gator got his tater clean in two refreshing waterfall showers. At Jones Falls the rock face grades away gradually up the mountainside allowing the cool, clean water to cascade away some of the day's sweat and grime as I spread out against it's smooth surface. I have great photos so check back in a few days when I get to Virginia. I should be able to upload then.
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Moreland gap shelter

To: Shook branch picnic area (us321)
Miles today: 15.0

The section of trail near Roan Mountain has a rather dubious reputation, so for my own safety I am going to attempt to speak to you all in subliminal messages. Hopefully the right people (you) will get my meaning.This area has been described in various guides and books as "not hiker friendly" (whiskey brew).It has been documented that several hiker shelters have mysteriously burned down (moonshiners) in the past.Also large amounts of garbage dumped in the hills have been blamed on hikers. When it was determined (meth-labs) that hikers do not carry old whirlpool appliances, the explanation that it could have been a "gang of hikers" was readily accepted by locals.LESSON 12 Future thru-hikers. Bring a weapon! The AK-47 assault rifle is my weapon of choice. It folds neatly into a backpack and will hold alot of duct tape. I do not have a permit to carry across state lines so I have my trusty "pig sticker". While you may never really need or use your weapon keep in mind there are many girl scout troops here-abouts and they got cookies!!!They got em',You want em'and you're not a payin' for em.
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Shook branch picnic area (us321)

To: iron mountain shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

Last night I stayed at the "Braemor Castle Hostel"; another unique sleeping experience. It is owned by Sutton Brown, a more affable, laid back, indecisive gentleman I have never met.Be forewarned... if you stay here there is not a level floorboard in the entire place. Even with your pillow at the head of the bed you may still regurgitate a heavy dinner.Today's hike took me past the Watauga Lake beach and public swim area. I have a buddy, Tom , who hiked the trail back in the 1970's; when men were men and the only ibuprofen you had was a "toke" or two. This was before all that fancy light weight gear and polypro fabrics. You know, when the cotton shirt would rot right off your back in 30 days. It was in areas like this where he would wait until some local swimmer was neck deep in lake water then exchange clothes, leaving behind his "priceless artifacts". A fair exchange if I may say so myself.In honor of you Tom, I took someones t-shirt. (It was a shapely female's and I really took it for the mental image of her going home without it but the sentiment was there.)
Date: 2007-04-28
From: iron mountain shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: light rain

I passed this bench today. It is on the trail sitting in the middle of rolling green pastures. I dared not forsake it; I sat there for over an hour contemplating.I imagined I lived nearby and on sunny days I would lay in the tall green grass, reading a book, awaiting the arrival of thru-hikers.I would feed them mom's cookies and fresh squeezed lemonade; to the chosen few... ice cold beer.I would ask them why they hike this magical path and the answers would be as diverse as the people who choose to do this.I must love my own mind because I sure do spend alot of time there. On another note, Steve is that really you??? Yes it is me, gatorgump, your old friend from Parkersburg. Who knew attempting this journey would bring out so many old friends and introduce me to so many new ones.
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today I am in the most famous trail town of them all, Damascus, Virginia. That's right three states down and only a few more to go. At least 50% of all thru hikers who begin either quit in or before Virginia. They become afflicted by the "Virginia Blues". Virginia comprises almost 25 per cent of the trail, it goes on and on and on and on. You truly walk this entire state; but unfortunately for you "white blazed bench warmers" the gator is still strong and movin on.On the way in I met a hiker named "Missionary Mike". He is a young man bent on preaching the gospel. I guessed that this "road to Damascus" has special meaning for him. He told me that there is another famous religious site, in Syria I think, named after this very same small town in Virginia...huh how bout that?Damascus is known for being the friendliest town on the trail, but not to Gatorgump. (More on that in tomorrow's journal entry, you wont believe it.)This town is also the site of "trail days"; an annual gathering of past, current, and future thru-hikers always held in late May. Here hikers meet to commiserate, celebrate, and procreate. The town turns into a mini-woodstock full of tents, drink and smoke. I will miss the event as the gator will be far ahead on the trail by that time.I did meet two town and trail legends here though. I was sitting at the local bar when a couple of grizzled looking characters asked me what my trail name was. After much consideration and my "pig sticker" hidden by my side, I told them "gatorgump!" (Yes I said it with pride).These two legendary trouble makers both laughed and said "You're kidding us, man we read your journal every day, we are two of the biggest trouble makers on white blaze.net." Their names are "Lone Wolfe" and "Pirate" and before I leave town they are trying to get me to disgrace a few other "sacred cows". They told me I am already a legend in this town, kind of like Jesse James or Billy the Gump. I didnt really believe it until you hear what happened to me next.
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Damascus, VA

To: damascus, va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Wow, have I got news for you guys. Well it may not be that alarming to you, but it sure was a surprise to me. It seems that my notorious reputation has preceded me to Damascus. I have been rejected by one of the finer bed and breakfast inns. That is correct, they refused accomodations, not because they were full but because i am "gator gump".Can you believe it? I feel like an outlaw and all because I put my gump rump on the holy shrine. Maybe I should kiss a few hundred white blazes and prostrate myself before the altar of Katahdin in order to atone for my sins....Nahhh. This is definitely my AT 7th first! Oh I have been kicked out of a few places in my day but never rejected based soley on my bad boy reputation.There is one place here in Damascus, however, that I can highly recommend; The Dancing Bear Inn. It is run by true southern Christians, the kind of folk who would never prejudge a man (wink, wink). I respect that. They practice what they preach, much the way Jesus Christ himself treated his fellow man when he was alive. Yes sir, The Dancing Bear Inn would never refuse shelter and comfort to a tired hungry hiker (wink, wink). I respect that.I will be pre-posting one more entry before I leave. You will understand why when I explain later. Until then this is gator gump wishing you all a great "May Day".
Date: 2007-05-01
From: damascus, va

To: campsite beyond va601
Miles today: 18.0

I am posting this message today for the obvious reason that I will be in the woods during my wedding anniversary on the third of May. I am putting up the miles in anticipation of where I am going to try to get to tomorrow. I almost always tent, even when near a shelter, as I find a soft bed of leaves more comforting.I am proud to share my feelings with all of you but this message is for my wife. You have held me, a willing captive, for twenty seven years. There is no other with whom I would grow old. We held each other so long ago and dedicated this as our song. I still remember it, word for word, and i sing it softly as i will sing it tomorrow and the day after.i love you, happy anniversary."Outside the rain beginsAnd it may never endSo cry no moreOn the shore...a dreamwill take us out to seaforevermore, forevermoreClose your eyes and leaveAnd you can be with meNeath the wavesthrough the cavesof our long forgotten nowI'm all alone, I'm all aloneClose the window, come aliveand it will be alrightno need to bother nowlet it out, let it all beginLearn how to pretendOnce a story's toldIt can't help but grow oldroses dolovers tooSo cast your seasons to the windand hold me dear, o hold me dearClose the window, come aliveAnd it will be alrightlet it outlet it all beginAll's forgotten nowI'm all alone, I'm all aloneI miss you so.What an ending to a long, hot hike. I came upon a hill crested by a tall, stately tree. (See photo) It was an evening sun. I set up camp at the very summit, made a hot meal, wrote in my journal, read my book, made a fire, watched deer run in the wood below making an alarming racket, then fell asleep under the stars in the tall, cool grass next to a warm fire. (see photos) It would have been perfect but for the absence of you.
Date: 2007-05-02
From: beyond Lost Mountain Shelter

To: The Scales
Miles today: 17.5

(Journal Entries transcribed by Mrs. Gump. Photos to follow ASAP)*Note 1 - Entry 5/1 has been ammended.*Note 2 - I need to point out that before I left Damascus, my "boys" showed up. I was once again treated to great hiker bonding with Crazy Bear, Carpenter, Ghetto Blaster, and Paloma. Moocho beero was drunko!I also need to put in a word for the Apple Tree Inn Bed & BreakFast. Great hosts, excellent breakfast, and rocking chairs galore!Lastly let me thank my wife, my mom, my dad, and my sister for your care packages and all those who sent cards and laughter. Thank you and I love you all!My Day:Today's weather began the way it ended yesterday, cool and clear with a gentle breeze. I ascended what must be the "stairway to Heaven", a path that went up for miles lined so thickly with white, lacy flowers you would swear it had snowed the night before. (see photo) It took me up to a place called Buzzard Rock on White Top Mountain; on the way I startled wild hare, squirrel, and chipmunks. I stood tall on that rock and let the strong wind lift my spririts high. I was so filled with joy, I wish you all could have been here this morning. I sang and I danced; "I have lived well...Lord, I have lived well. Please don't punish me or make me apolgize for it."Then I was off again toward the "Grayson Highlands", an upland park with a "Montana big sky" and dramatic rock features amid hilly pastures. This place is famous for the wild ponies and yes, the Gator saw many and even fed a few. (See photos) Now feeding these animals is against regulations, you know dependency on man, etc. But the Gator has been working closely with the park service and I have their approval to issue special "gump stamps". If you have one of these stamps, (see photo of rough draft), you can feed the ponies.LESSON 13: Future Thru-hikers - Send $19.95 to gatorgump for your gump stamp. (Plus $7.95 for shipping & handling.) This is the only way you'll be permitted (as I was) to feed the ponies. The stamp is renewable (for a small fee) if you are crazy enough to thru-hike more than once and it is good for feeding wild goats as well!