morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-20
From: Hog Back Shelter

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

4-20- Wed, up early cause the Gap was only 2 miles away and a bunch of us were getting shuttled by JFA down to a diner. We hit the car's spot and waited for the others to get down while chatting up some section hikers from SC. These guys get out here somewhere on a trail EVERY Wed. They were some pretty healthy ole guys and an inspiration. The Magic however, was the Little Creek Diner where I had the biggest ATW Hashbrowns ever and somehow got the last of the breakfast gravy (which other hikers informed me of later). Guess you have to sit at the counter to get quick and the best service. I ended up doing 16.5 miles into Spivey Gap after a generous afternoon sunning on top of Big Bald with Poet, Wondering Bull and the Ohio Men. I camped again with the Ohio Men next to an aweome stream and nearby road. It would be 11 from here tomorrow to make Erwin. I cooked a Chipotle Rice dish Deb had sent while sitting on the AT on a giant rock OVER the stream with fish darting below me, and while soaking my feet - of course. Oh, met this cool family at a lookout that did not know about the thru hikers. Thanks for siging my guest book. Zack did an cool Shaka and was wearing a Survivor Palau Hat. WOW. He thought it was cool when I told him about being a Semi-Finalist for Survivor 2 (remember the Outback? Well you would have had I been on it....ha ha).
Date: 2005-04-21
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Ah, Thursday...Town day in Erwin. Hiked the 11 in and it was beautiful with butterflies everywhere. I was thinking of friends and family all the way in while dreaming of crazy food to eat, and I was looking forward to meeting the legendary Miss Janet. After a Mis-directed encounter at the OTHER hostel and walking a mile I didn't need to, Alabama picked me up and we headed in to drop my pack at Miss Janet's Hostel, and I went in search of the Erwin Burrito. I liked the Spicey Chicken Taco better but any mexican food is good food when you hike and DREAM about it... no, Salivate is more like it. Image...well...anyway...we do. I was greeted by Capt'n Chaos in drag and a large group of old and new faces. It was the day before we headed to Trail Fest and two hikers were having their birthday; Butterfly Moon and Restless. I went to the store and bought my chili stuff as well as things to make a quick Chili Verde for dinner. A cake was whipped up and after much disorganization, Miss Janet took Alabama, Bramble (both wearing kilts), myself, Restless, Sunshine and Greenman to Johnson City for some birthday dancing. Can anyone out there say "RED NECK?" I mean, I know you're sitting at your desk right now. Push back in your chair and with the most hick voice you can muster (even more than mine) say "RED NECK"...and we were at a place FULL of them. The kind of place jokes are made about. The kind of place where you watch people AND your back. After much chatting with the locals and watching the Kilt twins keep us entertained it was time for me to escort Restles to the car with the others in tow. You see, he was kind of laying in his...well ... "that which was once eaten or drank" and it just seemed fitting to play the "stand up and say to the door and on to the Bus" game. It worked. I succeeded and on to the hostel we went where we were to be waking up just hours later in order to ride to Hot Springs and be there by 9 AM...it's an hour and a half away on a great day. LOTS of twists and turns though.
Date: 2005-04-22
From: Erwin, TN

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Friday the 22nd was the beginning of Trail Fest and a chance for me to volunteer for a river clean-up in honor of Earth Day (which I have always been connected to because it was the day I moved to Florida in 1990) in exchange for riding the river on a raft. Alabama gave us a lift and we made it in time. The weather was turning rainy and cold, but we were not to be stopped. It was even better because my friends CaliCOCOA (Trillium) and Torch had made it in and were also going on the clean-up. It is strange to go backwards and see these other pockets, cliques, groups and individual thru hikers that you may not have ever met due to when you started or your pace. I swear there are so many hiker communities out here you can't even fathom. Anyway, T & T and I teamed up with another guy and gal and we named our team Team No Puncture on the SS Simba (because a Lion King stuffed animal was the first trash we found and Torch and I quickly stuffed it into the front hold of the boat as our mascot). We cleaned so much in a few hours but had only done about a mile and a half. It was after we found the pieces to yet our second toilet of the cleanup that we worried about overflowing the boat (ha ha) and began noticing the other teams had their hands and ships full as well. We were in deep SHIP when we noticed the sky about to open up and the lightning began. A group effort began as the 8 teams and other Vols began to offload the boats in a rain, lightning, then Marble Size HAIL storm. I Pulled my life jacket up over my head during the heaviest of the HAIL and created a trampoline for the ice to fly and hit other things and people and stuff. After the storm and offloading of a TON of crap we decided that we couldn't pick up trash with the cold shakes and teeth chatter and collectively agreed that all of us would like to eat and get warm. Only thing was, the pull-out was 3 miles away. So we weathered the storm, had some fun and hit the river beach for food under a pavillion. The Bus came and we made one stop at the Trash Site for photo opps and such. The Huck Finn Adventures in Hot Springs may have some of these pics on their site. You should check it out. Might even get to see a pic of me demostrating the use of one of those toilets. Later it was planning the Chili Cookoff with Jack Dalton, Chair of Trail Fest, and getting my package from Deb which included some REAL goodies...like my Salamon Shoes and ...YES FOLKS... THE IPOD that many of you helped get...BIG Thanks to Debra and Jared for getting that together and thank you to each of you that donated. Thank Thanks Thank You. And WOW, the songs that were loaded, really cool. I will truly enjoy it. Well, I (and Jack Dalton) found out that the local restaurant cannot make enough Spagetti for the "Sgetti Dinner" which was suppose to be from 5 to 7 but was loaded up and over by the time we got around to there by 5:42(yes :42 mins)...Hmmm... they need an event planner there. So, it was liquid dinner....ha ha.
Date: 2005-04-23
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Sat the 23rd.A very crummy morning and COLD. But, I was not deterred for this was Chili Cookoff Morning. We have assembled a tent by the stage and other stuff and NEAN and I began cooking our chili and having some beers (secretly - of course). There were two teams at the Cody House Cooking - T&T and Umble Dog - as well as Miss Janet's Team in transit. They arrived about 1 PM, an hour before the turn-in, and then the flocks of hungry hikers and others came out of wherever they were keeping warm and headed for our tent. It was quite exciting with pics, chili, socializing and such. The wind and weather even broke for us for a little bit. Many thanks to Trillium (sr) (Jack's Wife) for being the chief judge and doing a job worthy of a sanctioned cookoff. The judges were: an ATC rep, a previous hiker, a dignitary, a current hiker and a sponsor. Thanks to all of you. I didn't catch most of your names or simply cannot remember; it was a long day. We waited for the music to break (and waited and waited) so we could do announcements. When the smoke cleared, yours truly was the victor. There has been lots of sore lossing talk of it being rig'd but I am above that. In fact, many of them should have cooked the day before when we could have used some "spagetti sauce" HA HA HA. No, really, Thank you all for competing and everyone for the very great support. A new tradition has been born for Trail Fest. The city event planning folks loved it and I'll be back someday to defend the title. Meanwhile NEAN (and Jack) has metioned he would keep it going. I hope you will, my friend. Later we drank until it was Duck Race time and all assembled on the Bridge in town to watch for the chance to win $100 (Bucks for Ducks). In the end the Green one that came in second was not mine...it was # 92 and I was 93. Sniff Sniff. Afterwards it was drinking, singing, dancing and a cold wet bonfire at the campgrounds. Cold....hitched back to Cody House where I was staying and retired.
Date: 2005-04-24
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sun 24th- we headed back with Miss Janet and crew after teardwon of their camp. REALLY COLD and SNOWING (there would be no hiking for Domino today.....remember "No Sun, No Fun, I'm Done!")So, we headed to Johnson City and ate Chinese, then sat on the couch watching movies and veg'n.
Date: 2005-04-25
From: Erwin, TN

To: View Entry
Miles today: 20.0

Mon 25th- Today was a new experience. I did 20 miles but, I tried the "Slackpack" approach AND did it in reverse. That is, took only needed things (ie New IPOD, snacks, water) in a smaller pack and was taken to a point on the AT 20 miles out and headed BACK the 20 miles that I had not done and ended where I had left off when coming from the South. It was interesting and great to see many of the others going the other way. A great way to do long miles, break in new shoes AND get over three days off. took a little over 8 hours to do it. Snow was pretty thick in the beginning, but the day was beautiful and turned out very warm. I could not believe my ears at some of the GREAT songs Debra loaded on my Ipod. I got to sing both of the songs my Memma would sing with me growing up...LET ME BE THERE and COUNTRY ROADS. Thanks so much for remembering these Debra...they are very special to me. And, there is so much more on there. I can't wait to hear what all is on there. Thanks again. I hiked with Sunshine, Stilts, Gypsy LuLu and Touk. Thanks for Slacking with me today. Stilts had gotten us a Ride from the great Phoenix (providing transportation because he broke his foot...fantastic gentleman and a fine job of still giving to the Trail at any effort he can...Wow) Stilts and I had dinner at Long John Silvers and waited for Phoenix to get the others. I will spend one last night at Miss Janet's doing a work-for-stay (with Kitchen duties ...Oh YES!) and be out after I mail stuff forward and to Deb's tommorrow. Gotta get moving...Trail DAYS in Damascus, Jeff's coming to hike for 10 days and gotta get towards Harpers Ferry for my big weekend in DC when Debra comes up Memorial Day. I can't help but think..."we've only just begun..." 360 down. Oh, anyone sending or not sending me a mail drop to Damascus, VA...I NEED THE ULTIMATE WATER GUN. It needs to be easy to use, hold a moderate amount of water, have excellent range and accuracy, be able to reload fairly easily and ...well just be the ultimate. PLEASE HELP me help someone get WET. Thanks. More to come soon. Please keep giving me messages and updates on my Guest book. Thanks to everyone. I'll give you an update about my Mother soon. They are transferring her to a new care Facility closer to Tulsa (YEAH!!!!). If someone knows an update please post it to my guest book. ON ON!
Date: 2005-04-27
To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: light rain

Hmm.. Sunshine and I hiked in the rain, sleet and snow to Clyde Smith Shelter meeting up with Gypsy and Touk; Tiny Dancer later joined us. We got there about 3PM and the weather and cold kept us from going further. I was fortunate to get a great "posed" photo of a deer on the way.(Later) While everyone else slept early (about 4:30 shortly after we ate) I made a fire with the wet wood and began dancing around the fire with my new Ipod (Thank you to all that donated to that fund, you ARE great...AND SPECIAL THANKS to Debra for loading it with many of my favorite songs) and a Broom for fanning the fire. I must have danced for about 2 hours, just listening to the music (drowning out the snoring and snorting from the shelter...ha ha) until the sun showed it's face just in time to be seen between the storm and the mountain in the distance... behind us. It was COLD! Tomorrow, Roan Mountain...the last high peak at 6000+ until we reach the Whites. I did wake to take a leak to see what would be the only star studded night in a week.
Date: 2005-04-28
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

12.9 over the cold and dreary Roan Mountain. A power March with Sunshine to get to the Overmountain Shelter before the REAL storm came in...we fell a little short. The Balds that they say could have been created by Aliens, were probably much better to see in clear weather. But, I only fell 4 times...although quite dramatically and acrobatically. The Shelter was an old barn that was set as the backdrop for the movie "Winter People"; which SHOULD have been an indication.... Well, 25 to 30 of us crammed in on the second floor while all the wind, rain and cold whipped all our butts. It was not gonna be fun tomorrow should this keep up. I could not keep my eyes open as Bottom's Up began to read us all a bedtime story about Giants and Thor..."ah the stories we could tell, if it all blows up and goes to heel. I wish that we could sit upon a bed in some motel...and listen to the stories we could tell." Jimmy Buffet THE STORIES WE COULD TELLPeace and Love to all. Nice to have the Union Redskins in Tulsa, The Parrotheads and the Seminole fans on board!!
Date: 2005-04-29
From: Roan Moutain

To: Roan Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

After logging my journal for the past week I headed to the Beer Wash (Roan Mountain) to sing karaoke with Tiny Dancer, Sunshine and the locals. It soon turned into the Domino & Tiny Dancer Show. The toughest song of the dozen or so I sang was by 4 Non Blondes "What's Up". High octaves. But I did well. Spent about $8 of my $20 that Krista sent to drink a beer with and headed back up to the hostel where I laid listening to the locals pile out of the bar, fight, rev their engines and talk in a drunken tone. Can't forget a local named DJ who told me, "My son's got a band. They'd be famous if youd be singing as their lead". All in all we got along with everyone in the bar and were even cheered by this slightly "redneck" contingent.
Date: 2005-04-30
From: Roan Mountain

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: moderate rain

We all got underway after I spent a ton of time deciding what to keep, give away or leave of all my food. My pack was HEAVY AGAIN. OOCH! Nasty, rainy, cold 17.5 miles of pure crap. Well, after the first 4 miles there was a tree I took a picture of that looked like my childhood tree where Donnie used to have our fort (it's still there next to the turnpike in Jenks, Oklahoma). Plus there were two waterfalls. After that though, it was "Georgia Relived" complete with mindless switchbacks, same terrain, wet cold and blisters. One shelter for 18 miles sucks. Small and nasty. It got super cold this night.
Date: 2005-05-01
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

May Day, May Day! What in the hell is up with this Cold Weather? Is it the winter Twilight Zone or what? I was last out of the shelter because I was cold and have too much crap again. After a short 6.7 mile jaunt the terrain changed again into green meadows, a pond and then ahhh, there in the trail were two beers. Took one and left the other for the next person. It was now on into Kincora Hostel to meet Mr. Bob Peoples and wife Pat. Beautiful place, sleeps 18 hikers. We did a store run to Elizabethton and the best grocery store since, well, yet. Anyway, guess what I made? Chili (and 4 pizzas). Hit the showers and nursed my feet. Blisters suck!!!! Did some cosmetic and pad repairs to my new shoes (well 50 miles old now). If I could just get my feet right I could put in some big miles. Big surprise today: all of a sudden Captain Chaos came in from who knows where? He had a diferent look on his face; said he was through, done, finished. I talked to him and felt very sad. He is a great young man, full of energy and mildly entertaining always. And a great hiker. Total shock. He said he just wasn't feeling like it was for him; not fun anymore. I'll see him for Trail Days in Damascus, maybe he'll come back out.
Date: 2005-05-02
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 10.0

Up and not ready for big miles. Talked with a group of us and we decided to slack 10 miles and enjoy the faster hike. It was much the same "mindless switchbacks" and looks of "Georgia" until about the last 3.5 miles where there was this incredible river and the best waterfall yet, Laurel Falls. I have realized how much I love (and have always loved) streams, rivers, ponds, creeks and such. Maybe its because I grew up next to the Arkansas River (and the levy) as well as one of my favorite young adventure spots, Polecat Creek - Oh, Jenks, America. I have been remembering those times my friends and I would go exploring to the Creek. We even once built this "boat" to hopefully race in the then "Great Raft Race" that used to be held in Tulsa. The boat sailed one day, but never in that race. Hell, it's probably made it to the Gulf of Mexico, we just let it float into the sunset. Back to now and the river. Well I caught a crawdad (got a pic of it hanging on my pole). It was a SAD day though! I broke 7 inches off of "Naked," one of the twins - my left hand hiking stick. I duct taped it until I got back to the hostel where I later used some old wood glue on it. We'll see how it turns out. Made Reubens for a few people for dinner. Ate a 1/2 pint of Chocolate Fudge ice cream and drank 1/2 gallon of chocolate milk. Time for bed. Had to use my battery pack on iPod. Oh well.
Date: 2005-05-03
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Tent site by 421
Miles today: 26.5

Wow. Watuga Lake at 9:45 am. Ate a pint of ice cream (chocolate chip cookie dough) by the lake and then set off to do some serious mileage today. I was pretty much by myself on what the hikers call the "Turnpike," my blistered feet were killing me. Saw a Southbounder and chatted up a group of cool guys from Purdue (cause they were all wearing tons of "Purdue" attire on their hike). The terrain changed briefly just before dark as it went across some mysterious green fields before going back into the mountains. I did the last 7 miles in the dark, my headlamp barely lighting all the many trip hazards and showing just enough light to keep up with the blazes. Something VERY BIG, and DARK, walked about 25 yards away from me at one point. I just sang Elvis' "Blue Christmas" louder and pressed on. At one point, I stopped by a shelter where 3 people were at and nobody even looked up to see who was sitting there by them. A bit creepy. I pitched my tent near a road (421) near shady valley, TN at about midnight. I could hear a large (sounded that way) owl above me. Its tone changed suddenly and I could "feel it" swoop down and snatch a wild something that sounded like a Bobcat in a meat grinder. It carried it (still screeching) right over my tent and off in the distance. Tried for cell connection, no luck. Night, night.
Date: 2005-05-04
From: Tent site by 421

To: "The Place" Hostel in Damascus, VA
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

Hard hurting miles into Damn-Ass-Cuss (Damascus), VA. Bunk at "The Place" Hostel. A few beers, some food and catching up with people, then off to the bunk. Tomorrow, Cinco de Mayo!! Friday, hit the Trail again.
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Damascus, VA

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

I am editing this entry because I WAS in TroutDALE early and not Troutsville. I'll be in Troutville on Sunday, May 29th. I know this post use to say something different but I had a need for mentalfloss when I told Deb that. Sorry everyone! Anyway, if you were sending me something to the Troutville drop, please do. Now, a recap of Cinco de Mayo.The Purdue Gang showed up to the Old Mill and my new best bartender pal Kevin(it is always good to have a best bartender pal) served us all quite well. The tab was quite in my favor. Thanks to the Purdue Gang, we all (about 20 of us) had many rounds purchased in our behalf. Ahhhhhhhreeba.
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Damascus, VA

To: REST
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This is the day after Cinco de Mayo. I am trying to figure out my timing for when Jeff arrives on Sunday eveing. I 0'd this day, there is alot of turmoil around the town: Tiny Dancer and Fireball, who had their tents set-up outside of the Hostel, were robbed; they lost about everything. Sad really, but the hikers have come together to replace their gear and their reassurance of the good in people. It was a sad thing because it has tainted the entire trip and peoples feelings while in damascus. Some of the locals have really been upset with it because it reflects badly on the whole town. It forged new bonds and put us all in check about our things and the "real world." Thanks to Pacman for arranging gear and donations to support these guys. Staying tonight at Dave's Hostel with a pal Bottoms Up. I told some guys I'd help them set up a tent tomorrow. The town is a buzz with the first weekend of Traildays..the town's weekend...gonna be a huge yard sale and pageant tomorrow. My head hurts.Ah, I found out the NASCAR Race and the Kentucky Derby are tommorrow evening...my plans may change."...I must confess, I could use some rest, I can't run at this pace very long. Yes it's quite insane, I think it hurts my brain; then it cleans me out and then I can go on."   Jimmy Buffett - TRYING TO REASON WITH HURRICANE SEASON
Date: 2005-05-09
From: 6somthing

To: Mt Rogers
Miles today: 11.0

So, Virginia, and you'll hear me say this often, IS NOT FLAT. And this, is the first thing the JP learned. Yes folks, we had camped at the very bottom of White Top and that was the first real experience with the AT that JP got. I felt really good, it was a beautiful morn but JP, no JP he did not. A think we were on the trail for 3 minutes before he was on his back, pack still on, grasping wildly at his chest strap and thoroughly convinced he was going to die right there on the spot. Since I had seen this look many times over the last few months (it's been awhile though) I did not worry. He made it though, and we had a very nice lunch on the grass area between white and mt. rogers...it was going to be a great day...TWO Mtns for him on his first day out; a tough one then the tallest in Virginy...NICE!We made it up Rogers in better shape than before and met up with Stilts, Origami, Sam-I-Am, Hapsit and some other day hikers. We found a really kick butt flat area on top the mountain, clean some horse poop away from some campng areas and set for a fire and food. we had a great night cowboy camping and watching the shooting stars of the meteor shower. Luckily, we set up tents...just in case, cause at 5AM I woke up to NO STARS and moisture. I woke everyone and we hit the tents...JP in mine and I shared Stilts' two-man.Ah, the trail, the trail.
Date: 2005-05-10
From: Pearisbrug

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Grayson Highlands....today we woke to be greeted by the horses of the highlands...they loved my shorts.."hey THAT'S NOT grass!"Anyway, JP and I got a good taste of the highland storms as we (I, Once again) went across high, open mountains as the tallest thing with wind, rain and LIGHTNING...Very close! This, on JP's second official day, was going to be interesting. Many photos were taken and miles were done. When it was all over, on his second day, we covered 21.5 miles and made it, In the dark, to the road that leads to Troutdale and the church hostel. A local named Darren saw my headlamp and turned around to pick us up. We got to the church in time to meet the pastor and his wife and settle in for some sleep, we had caught up to many people.So, long miles, a night hike, lightning, horses and a hostel...JP and I had a full day of it. His version of this should be interesting.