morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-16
From: Erwin

To: Damascus (Trail Days)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Breakfast in town and then five of us, Grant from Atlanta, Tim from Michigan, Todd from Seattle, Mountain Mamma at the wheel and I headed north on the Interstate about 120 miles to Trail Days. We luckily got camping in the town on somebody¢s lawn. It was similar to a ¢Fleadh¢ without the music. They did have a few Blue Grass groups and in the Campsite outside town about 1 mile was where the real action was. There you had the Brand Stores, with their equipment for sale and repairs of poles, boots etc. Plenty of grog even though it was supposed to be a dry zone. There were lectures in the town. But we headed to the Mill where there was a band playing and good beer at 1 dollar a pint. Who could resist? There was a birthday for some old lady called Mary and we were all invited to partake of the food. There was no ¢ask me again¢ as we all helped with the delicious food. In bed around 11 but I hear the party went on at the Big Campsite till 4. The great thing about Trail Days is meeting up with so many hikers I had met along the way.
Date: 2003-05-17
From: Damascus (Trail Days)

To: Erwin
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

Early morning rising - force of habit. A couple near by with a camper van had the coffee on and invited me over. I strolled around the town. Met up with Leap Frog, Quack and Ten Kids who invited me to a wedding at 11.30. Two who had met on the Trail the previous year were tying the knot in the park. Leapfrog was singing so were all invited back for lunch. Unfortunately, I had eaten at the ¢Fire Brigade Dept¢ where there was a massive Bar B Q for 6 dollars. However, I did manage the desert at the wedding. They then told me they had food left over and loaded me down with enough to carry me back to Damascus from Erwin.At 2 o¢clock everybody started massing for the Big Parade. A water battle for the full length of the march - those on the side walk trying to drown the hikers -those in the parade giving as good as they got. We headed back to Erwin after the parade. Stayed the night at Johnnies where there was a massive storm brewing. Luckily, it blew over with little rain. Ate a cold supper and early to bed
Date: 2003-05-18
From: Erwin

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was for Kathleen and all the Ryan family in Borris. Left the bunk early (6.20) for a nice hot shower. The storm had passed with little impact and the morning looked good. The good thing about coming into town is that it is usually a long down-hill. Pay back time looms when you leave town. A nice walk along the Nolichucky Gorge and then a steep climb up to Curley Maple Gap Shelter (3,070 ft.) where Mountain Mamma and I had a mid morning break. A long series of Ups and Downs (mostly Ups it always seems) and we stopped for lunch around 12.30. I had such a huge craving for milk. I sometimes mix flavoured oatmeal in my water jar, add some raisins and away you go. Tim joined us while we were eating and quickly moved ahead. The big one Unaka Mountain (5180 ft.) was looming. Mountain Mamma went on ahead and I climbed at my own pace ¢ it was hot. The sweat ran in buckets from my beaded brow. The flies seem to be attracted by the sweat and go straight for the eyes. I walked along slowly enjoying the ¢green tunnel¢ and the lovely evening. I was tired and the long stony decent into Low Gap (3,900 ft) was nearly as tough as the climb. The last mile up to Cherry Gap Shelter was painful. The last mile or two usually are. They go on forever and ever. Tim and Mountain Mamma were already settled in the shelter. The usual routine. Get out of the wet gear and change into something dry. Get water from the spring which sometimes is not so near ¢ treat the water. And then get some food ready. We were soon joined by two local section hikers, Plan A and Plan B. The latter was a McNamara and claimed his people came from Limerick. Nice guys !! They had some goodies. We built a fire and enjoyed a great evening. A good 16 mile day.
Date: 2003-05-19
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today is for all the lads in Nigeria, priests, and otherwise. Another good day for walking. Rain has been forecast all week but we are escaping so far. Another hard climb to begin the day. A long series of Ups and Downs again. Mt. Mamma and Tim passed and left me far behind. I enjoy my on pace and will not fall into stop with someone who is pushing. A hot humid day. Plenty of water. I walked about 10 miles to the next shelter where I stopped for lunch. Tim and Mountain Mamma were getting ready to leave. Another guy, No Hear Um, was also there. In fact he was with us last night. Deaf as a stone and snores like a diesel train.   Only six miles to go so they were saying we¢d be soon at the next shelter. But what a six miles. First of all a relatively easy 3 miles to Hughes Gap and then the fun began.   One of the toughest climbs to reach Roan High Knob Shelter, (6285 ft.). It was sheer grit that kept me going. I stopped for some Trail Mix and water at 16.30 and for the next mile it was sheer uphill on a rocky climb. When I reached the summit I was sure I was there. But no. Another 7 miles to go. Mt. Mamma and No Hear Um were there. Tim had gone on. Old Timer soon joined us and we actually had a lovely sunset and mild evening at over 6000 feet.
Date: 2003-05-20
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 14.6

Today is for Kathleen and Larry Flanagan and family. Left at 7.50 with Mt. Mamma. We walked together for the first couple of hours. A nice drop down the other side of Roan Mountain to Carvers Gap. Then we climbed through the most beautiful section of Tennessee. The sun was shining and we were above the clouds in places. It was heaven. A downhill to Stan Murray Shelter( 5,050 ft.). Mt. Mamma slipped on some roots and nearly came a cropper. At the shelter she went on ahead to collect some food at Elk Park. I wandered on at my own pace. Met a lovely lady with her dog, True, originally from Finland. She and her dog had thru-hiked in 2002. Again a very hot day as I climbed Little Hump Mountain, (5,459ft.). Then down to Bradley¢s Gap where I was glad to find water and enjoyed my lunch of tuna fish and raisins for desert. Fortified I was ready for another big one, Hump Mountain, (5,587 ft.) and Doll Flats. Scenery only wonderful. Met some of the students I had met back a few days earlier at Sams Gap. Then a long rocky downhill to the road where I was to wait for Mountain Mamma.   I was only there 10 minutes when she arrived with her food. A guy called Erick Dwyer, had given her a ride into town and back. This area is full of Scotch and Irish. We camped about 1.9 miles up from the highway. We were soon joined by five others. One young couple had won the talent show at Trail days, Blue grass on the fiddle and he with the guitar. We had music till the late hours. They had started the trail in March and were certainly enjoying their time. Another good day. Tired but feeling good.
Date: 2003-05-21
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Moreland Gap helter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

Rain during the night and woke to the sound of rain on my tent. Luckily around 7 it lightened and gave me time to go to the woods, eat a little and get packed.   The tent when wet weighs a ton. Ready to leave in the rain around 8 o¢clock. The first stretch took us through high grassy meadows. I felt the gentle caress of wet Tennessee Grass as it brushed against my legs. The down-side was my boots soaking before the day even began. Around 8.30 I did ¢something¢ to my left knee on a downward movement. I heard a crack and feared the worst. The pain was severe for about 10 minutes, then less as I continued walking. The rain was constant as I limped along the morning. It was really one of the most beautiful sections even in the rain. Mountain Mamma, Chris, and Meredith were anxious to push on to make Kincora before night. The thought of a nice hot shower, good food, beer and a clean bed were too tempting. Today¢ s section is entirely new so the maps were incorrect. We walked much farther than we realised. I got to the shelter just after four ¢ exhausted, wet and weary. There was no way I could go another 6 miles not even if they were serving Guinness free. I stayed at Moreland Gap Shelter and quickly got into some dry clothes, fetched water and had some hot soup and a nice meal. I was soon joined by No Hear Um, Old Timer and Awol, a 41 year old from Florida who is burning up the miles. I was in bed by 7.30 with the insoles of my boots inside the sleeping bag. The best drying system on the Trail. The knee was stiff and sore after the day.
Date: 2003-05-22
From: Moreland Gap helter

To: Kincora Lodge
Miles today: 7.5

Today is for Nellie and Teld Lee and family and all their friends around Cricklewood. Woke early stiff and sore. The knee pained nicely during the night. Catherine had given me two knee braces.   One I sent back to Atlanta.   The other I put on this morning. I was undecided what to do today. Rush on or take a rest at Kincora. I wanted to continue but as I staggered up to the top of White Rocks Mt. Fire Tower (4105 ft.) the thoughts of a relaxing day at Kincora seemed ever more appealing. I prayed for rain to somewhat justify my taking time out. Sure enough, the heavens obliged. I reached the Lodge around 11 where the Scottish and Irish flags are flying. Awol, Ian, Tai and a lot of others had similar thoughts. Met up again with True who had called it a day because of the rain. A hot shower, clothes in the washing machine and we were ready to hit the town of Elizabethdon where we visted the ¢Chinese 5 dollars eat all u can¢ restaurant.   Strangely, my appetite was not great. But I downed about 3 litres of iced sprite. Back again to Kincora with the owner Bob. Lazed around. Write up my journal. I had let it lapse a few days. Sometimes, its isn¢t easy to write when you get to the shelter. It was wonderful to get you on the phone Geraldine. Thank you for the words of encouragement and positive vibes. It was ¢magnifique¢ speaking with Patricia. Somehow, it seemed right to have taken the day off. And I did hike six miles. In the evening Awol, Ian and I went back into town with Bob. His wife Patricia collected us by 8.30. Back at Kincora we chatted till all hours ¢ everybody was in the bunk by 10.30. Tomorrow, we have to face the dreaded climb up to the top of Ponds Flats. Everybody keeps telling us what a huar of a climb it is. We¢ll see.
Date: 2003-05-23
From: Kincora Lodge

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Today is for Harry and Bridget and all the McCarrick clan. I left Kincora at 7.30. Awol had made pancakes for breakfast and some hot coffee. Ian cooked some scrambled eggs and toast for the late risers. It was a beautiful morning after all the rain. The first hour and 12 I followed the river after walking down a dangerous rocky stairway to the Laurel Falls. It was a spectacular walk crossing back and forth over the river. The birds, the flowers, the scent ¢ was breathtaking but that was all soon to change. A sharp fun uphill and the fun began!! In fact, many people missed the turn and got hopelessly lost following a Blue blaze along by the river. For the next 3 miles it was tough but not as bad as I had expected. I took Tommy Healy¢s advice and ate a lovely banana, keeping another as prize when I reached the top. It really does work and I¢m constantly on the lookout for dried banana chips. I liked the climb as I switch backed slowly to the summit with the sound of the river over as a background music growing fainter as I climbed. Over the top I stopped for a well earned snack. No Hear Um, who had passed , in the morning came by. He had gone astray down by the river and was pounding along. I met a group of day hikers who interviewed and wanted a photo. They were Southern folk and explained how all these North of the Mason ¢ Dixon Line can¢t even pronounce the Appaleath-chian Trail. I guess the Civil Was drags on here too !! I walked on till I came to the scenic Watauga Lake ¢ there were four Chicago lawyers on the second of a four day hike. They were eating lunch. I greeted the, and continued on around the lake. I was hoping to make it to the Watauga Lake Shelter (2,100 ft.) for a late lunch. I arrived at 1.30. Then a distress call. One of the young Chicago boys was ill. His name Ger Barrett. Another of his team stayed with him round the Watauga Dam, - about 2 12 miles where we helped him, get a ride into town.   He was exhausted after a 26 miles first day. He shared all his excess food with us ¢ or at least as much as we could carry. ¢Tis an ill wind !! A long evening walk with the lake constantly in view way down below. Magnificent views as I slowly walked to my destination at Vandeventer Shelter (3620 ft.). Nine Toe and Klepto were already there. Also, No Hear Um. Old Timer came along some time later. A massive storm threatened but it blew over. The sky was awesome as the lightening lit up the mountain top. I met Mountain Mamma this evening - slack-packing in the opposite direction.
Date: 2003-05-24
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: broken clouds

Today is for Jim and Kathleen and all the Roscrea Clan. Left the shelter after the usual preparations at 7.05. There was a problem with water the evening before. The spring was over 12 mile from the shelter so nobody was in the mood for a 1mile water journey. I made do with what water I carried and decided to hike the 4 miles in the morning for my breakfast. A beautiful morning after some rain during the night. The leaves and the trees were spraying me with water as I passed. A nice breakfast by the spring and then on to an early lunch at Iron Mountain Shelter (4,125 ft.) with Nine Toe, Klepto and No Hear Um,. Two miles down the road I came to the Nick Grindstaff Monument. He lived alone, suffered alone, and died alone it read. The poor huar died in ¢23. Another beautiful evening for walking. I reached the Double Springs Shelter (4080 ft.) at 15.00. I cooked my evening meal and at 16.30 headed down the track to camp at Low Gap Shelter (3,384 ft.). Old Timer, No Hear Um and Ian (Birmingham) also camped there. The idea was to shorten the final hike next day in to Damascus. I had hiked an 18 mile day and while tired the old body and more especially ¢de knee¢ was doing fine. I¢m getting good at tenting and soon had everything ready for an early bed. Though we were camped one mile from the highway I slept from 7.30 till 6 in the morning.
Date: 2003-05-25
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Damascus (The Place)
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today is for Sr Conleth, Dr Paddy Browne and all the St Anne¢s Staff. Walk into Damascus. Early rising after a good night in the tent. On the trail by 6.45. Today is memorable day as I hope to work out of Tennessee and into Virginia just 3.8 miles short of Damascus. A nice climb to begin with just to get the blood flowing. A nice five mile hike to the Abingdon Gap Shelter where I stopped to eat some cheese and pepperoni and raisins. Met a guy who practically lives on the trail, Kentucky. He gave me some useful advice about maybe sending my tent on ahead. Certainly in the dreaded White Mountain section. He has already thru-hiked and now leisurely strolls the trail admiring Mother Nature. Ten miles to go and Kentucky said it was ¢gravy¢ all the way. I stopped at 12.00 for some lunch and at 12.20 I crossed the state line. 3 12 miles to go and nearly all downhill. I started into Damascus around 1.45 having completed 15 miles. Today was an easy section. Stayed at the ¢Place¢ run by the United Methodist Church. Hot showers, bunk beds, for 4 dollar donation. Mountain Mamma her husband Don and kids Cameron (5) and Reese (2 12) showed up at 16.30 and the mystery was solved. She had hiked to the Kincora on the day of the heavy rain, Wednesday. Then she went and stayed at the Laurel Inn and next day got lost on the blue Blaze down by the Laurel Fork River. She got a ride to skip part of the Trail and when I met her on Friday she was slack packing to cover that section. I¢m afraid I could never walk that way. She was meeting her folk on Saturday evening but arranged to call to the ¢Place¢ on Sunday. We all had a lovely meal together and then they headed back to Erwin, but not before they loaded me down with home made ¢cookies¢ and six bottles of Guinness. ¢Alcoholic Beverages¢ are ¢strictly forbidden¢ in the ¢Place¢ so I put them safely in my backpack and smuggled them in. Laterthat evening Ian Martin (Manchester), Chris, Meredith, 9 Toe and Kepto and I went out for a few drinks and when we returned I brought out my ¢pack¢ and in the cool night air we polished off the Guinness before they could go stale. A great day and a very pleasant evening to celebrate our arrival in Damascus and 457.3 miles along the Trail without counting the 8.8 from Amicalola Falls to Springer. Now that we have crossed into Virginia we¢ll be here for an eternity.
Date: 2003-05-26
From: Damascus (The Place)

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today is for Mick Leyden and family. In spite of the hammering Clare gave us, we still must pray for them. His mother is a lovely lady who lives down in West Clare. I left Damascus at 11, spending most of the morning trying to get motivated. I had breakfast in the Hikers Caf©, with ¢Slow Poke¢ and ¢No Hear Um. A slight ¢fuzziness¢ from the previous night but nothing that a full ¢American¢ breakfast couldn¢t cure. Back at the ¢Place¢ everybody was debating the weather. It was overcast and looked like rain. It had rained heavily during the night. The experts said 80% rain 20% fine. I took the short odds and headed out of town. A nice walk through the town over familiar ground and along by the river. Then it was time to bite the bullet and head up the now even more familiar climb. Back up to 2,850 and down again to 2250. Nothing like the Ups and Downs to get the town out of the system. In fact it was a lovely day for hiking. The rain held off and the sky cleared for what was to be a very pretty section. A river seemed to be beside me most of the time. At. 1.30, I came to a nice Campsite by the river where two locals, Beard & George. Suspicious at first, but after a few words they were offering me food, drink etc. It seems the stranger is more welcome in this neck of the woods than the Yankee. I stayed with them for at least an hour and really enjoyed their company. Only one hiker passed during that time, Neil from Aberdeen whom I whom I met the previous evening in the Caf©. He worked ¢offshore¢ in Scotland. packed in his job and was on a round the world hike , hiking in America , Canada, Argentina and New Zealand. After my rest, I continued up Straight Mountain(3,500 ft.) and by 15.15 I arrived at Saunders Shelter, 9.4 miles from Damascus. The evening was fine, I was feeling good, so I decided to wander on to Lost Mountain Shelter (15.8 miles) A glorious hike, even if the legs were tiring. I stopped for a snack at 16.00 and a young couple passed, Janet from York and Jeremy, New Hampshire. Janet and her sister started out from Springer Mountain on March 17th. Her sister went home (knee problem) and Janet is hoping to make the journey. I passed them again and hiked slowly uphill to the shelter where Neil was already unpacked and had eaten. He really burned up the miles, 36 years old and super fit. But he paid the price. Day 1 with bad shoes, his feet are already blistered. As soon as he saw me, he said, ¢I see you¢re a Brasher man¢. He was the first man to recognise the boots. ¢No Pepsi¢ and the young couple joined us and we had a very enjoyable evening. ¢No Pepsi¢ decided to put his tent inside the shelter where Neil and I were sleeping, to keep away the mice, he claimed. But the mice had their revenge, They shit on his rucksack and chewed through his food bag while they left Scotty and I alone.
Date: 2003-05-27
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Grayson Highlands State Park, Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: light rain

Today is for John & Christine Lockhead ( Dunlop & Nigeria . Left camp around 7.45, cool crisp morning, good for hiking. A small downhill and then a long climb up to Buzzard Rock and then on to Whitetop Mountain (5080 ft.). I was the first to leave camp, met some Section Hikers coming the other way. Stopped around 10 for some ¢Body Diesel¢. Continued on through nice open countryside, farms with cows gazing at the foolish humans carrying loads. Today there was two big climbs, Whitetop and Mount Rodgers ( 5440 ft. ). I decided to have lunch before attempting the second climb. Three young hikers from New York passed while I was eating. They were just starting out and were ready to burn up the miles. The climb to Mount Rodgers was ¢no great shakes¢. I had seen far nicer in N. Carolina but as I got nearer the ¢Thomas Knob Shelter¢, the vista was spectacular. I reached there around 15.00 and it was cold and looking like rain. My New York friends had quit for the day. I cooked an early supper and shared the pot with Neil who was just arriving. We decided to motor on to the next Shelter, Wise Shelter (4,460 ft.) which is situated at Grayson Highlands State Park. The evening turned out good. Neil skipped ahead, and I took my time through the rock and vast green spaces. The sun shone and a strong wind made it feel very much like home. It was cold at the shelter, Neil had the pot boiling with some nice tea and then we ate some more Pasta. We shared the shelter with two ladies, Lisa and Karen who were training and hoping to walk the Trail in 2004. It was one of the coldest nights since the Smokies.
Date: 2003-05-28
From: Grayson Highlands State Parkm Wise Shelter

To: Dicey Gap (Troutdale)
Miles today: 16.1

Today is for Rodney and Rosemary. Rodney shares the house with Mick Leyden in Lagos and was a great support. He is a Belfast man and a keen Arsenal supporter.Neil and I had a ¢cooked ¢ breakfast, tea and porridge and were ready to move before 8. Neil was hurting today and asked if he could hike with me. His feet were badly blistered but he sure can move. The day was crisp and windy, fine while you are walking, cold when standing still. I halted at the ¢Old Orchard Shelter¢ for a snack, then the downhill again to the road. We are constantly crossing the Highway here in Virginia, every 6 to 10 miles. Then we were ready for the long climb to the top of Hurricane Mountain ( 4,320 ft.) But it was so easy, a long nicely graded series of ¢switch backs¢ with soft ¢underfoot¢. I never once had to stop for a rest during the entire climb. How I wish they were all like this. At 12.30 Neil and I ate lunch while he tried to do some repairs to his feet and changed shoes. A long downhill through Hurricane Gap. The wind was howling through the trees. Bits and pieces of small branches were falling all around us. But suddenly, we heard a mighty crack and less than 50 yards ahead of us a huge maple crashed across the Trail. We now know why they call it Hurricane Gap. Two more miles to go along a beautiful section, crossing over a pretty waterfall before hitting the Virginia 650 at Dickey Gap. Trail Magic was waiting for us, cans of soda left by some generous soul. We hitch hiked to Troutdale where we stayed at a Baptist Hostel, hot shower and a bunk bed. Supper in the only diner in town. I tried calling but had no luck, that call waver is a nuisance!!! In the morning, I got through to Clohessys and spoke with Mich¡el and John Cantwell. I also checked in with the Kiltegan House in Cliffside Park, N.J, John McLoughlin, classmate is my contact person