morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Cherokee, NC

To: Tri-Corner Knob
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

An Update From Mom...Cherokee, NC was a good break for Andrew, but it was time to hit the trail again. Catching a ride back up was not as easy as previous hitches. A Native American dancer finally stops to give him a lift. This fellow is a street dancer in Cherokee. He performs for the tourist dollars, but business must have been slow recently because he is low on gas and has to put Andrew out short of the trail. Eventually, Andrew is able to catch a ride with a fellow who says Andrew reminds him of his own son about that age. Hey, there's that sweet, innocent face working to his advantage again...
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Cherokee, NC

To: Davenport Gap, Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

An Update by Mom...Andrew wanted to try staying at a hostel, so evidently he found The Standing Bear. I don't know any details because he didn't contact me directly. It would seem that he only got to use the internet for a brief time and sent the following e-mail to his brother, Corbin. That's very touching for me because this weekend was the first family occasion Andrew has missed. Everyone was together for Corbin's graduation from JMU. His absence was noticeable, but I was OK with it because I knew he was there in spirit. Hey bro, I'm chillin' at the Standing Bear Hostel right now about 4 miles outside of the Smokies. This computer is on dial up and there are a load of other hikers who want to use this, but I just wanted to say Congratulations on graduating! You'll probably be the most succesful out of the three of us (unless my art starts a new movement, other than movement out the doors at shows). I wish I could be up there, but it's a bit of a drive. Hope you had a good day though. Dad told me it was supposed to be warm and sunny up there. It's raining cats and dogs down here. Anyway, take care, and get to training. I called mom the other day and told her that I'd probably be in the area by early June, so be on the lookout around then. Peace out, holmes.Andrew (now known as Artiste)
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Davenport Gap, Standing Bear Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

An Update From MOM...Enjoyed a zero day. It would seem that these zero days are coming more frequently. Andrew must have learned the value of not pushing so hard, because I don't believe he had originally intended to take as much time off. Either that or the lure of a motel shower is irresistible.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Walnut Mtn. Shelter

To: Rich Mtn. Fire Tower
Miles today: 21.4

An Update From MOM...Andrew had hoped to find a place to stay in Hot Springs, but no luck. After a brief visit to civilization, he proceeded up the trail. Bummed out, he was in a bad mood much of the afternoon. He spent the night at the Rich Mountain Fire Tower with a couple of other guys, and things started to get interesting when a "towny" from Hot Springs named John Moran joined them. It appears that John had had a little too much to drink, gotten into a bar fight, and was hiding out on the trail. Now, Adnrew loves to listen to the tales of guys like this, and he has a gift for asking just the right questions to set them off on a storytelling spree. (You might recall from his 2006 ADT journal his encounter with a fellow named Bodie.) Anyway, John entertained the group into the night and Andrew's education continued. Andrew still appears to be the youngest one on the trail, but he is earning the respect of the veterans. His brisk pace keeps him up with the most able-bodied, and his sense of focus for someone so young is unusual. He has heard comments from many about how they wish they'd taken the time to try this adventure at his age before school, job, and family responsibilities took precedence. I am thrilled that he is doing this now because he is learning to be independent, resourceful, and developing an inner strength that will carry him into adulthood. He won't be your typical college freshman in the fall after this adventure is over, and he'll know that any goal is within his grasp if he wants it badly enough.
Date: 2007-05-09
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 17.0

An Update From MOM...After several days on the trail, five guys were ready for a shower, so they decided to get off the trail at Sam's Gap/U.S. 23 and hitch a ride into Erwin, Tennessee. This is not your usual entry point into town, but they figured they'd save a day's walk and cut off about 24 miles this way. Traffic was slow and the usual pick-up trucks were just not coming along. After what seemed like hours of trying, Bill & Linda from Michigan pulled over and managed to squeeze all five into the back. I can't imagine how rank that must have been, but they did it. Once in Erwin, Andrew checked into the Super 8 Motel
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Sam's Gap

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

An Update From MOM...Andrew took a zero day and took care of chores. He managed to enjoy some Chinese food and got another fortune cookie: "From now on your kindness will reward you." I'll be anxious to see what he does with that because he has surely been the focus of the kindness of so many others on this journey. I can't help but think that his eyes will be opened to the many simple ways that we can show kindness to one another. He's learning that the simple things are sometimes the most meaningful. A gesture doesn't have to be grand to make someone's day brighter or their load lighter.
Date: 2007-05-12
From: Clyde Smith shelter

To: Harbour Mountain B & B, Roan Mtn. TN
Miles today: 21.6

An Update From Mom...Andrew enjoys a pretty fast paced day, but takes time to accept some trail magic at the Overmountain Shelter where an angel is serving up hot dogs and hamburgers fresh off the grill. He's also handing out cold brews, but despite Andrew's most mature expression and the recent sprout of facial hair, Andrew is denied. Now as mom, I am not sure how I feel about this. If Andrew were at home, I would strictly enforce the drinking age, but up there on the trail, in a world of its own, I have to admit that I think he's earned the right to indulge in an adult beverage now and again. After all, he is doing manly things and has accepted much responsibility. He has endured the elements and pushed himself to the limits. He has proven that he is one of the guys. Cheers, Andrew! After refueling, Andrew pushes on to Roan Mountain and the Harbour Mountain B & B where he puts up for the night in the hostel (barn?). Andrew seems to relish these nights in civilization. His handy debit card saves the day again. He enjoys the best breakfast so far--French toast and sweet breads that melt in his mouth. He is ready for another day on the trail.
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Harbour Mountain B & B, Roan Mtn. TN

To: Laurel Fork Lodge, Hampton, TN
Miles today: 26.5

An Update From Mom...Happy Mother's Day! In keeping with the Davis Family tradition, Dad and I go camping for the weekend. In our big 12x12 cabin tent, we try to imagine Andrew stretched out under his little tarp somewhere. The children's book, Goodnight Moon, plays in my head as I look up at the sliver of moon and think that Andrew is off somewhere looking at the same moon...WRONG! He's holed up in another hostel for the night, probably more comfortable than I! However, when I get home I discover a Mother's Day card from him (mailed from Erwin) and several attempts to call on caller ID. Ahhhh! That's the best gift yet.
Date: 2007-05-14
From: Laurel Fork Lodge, Hampton, TN

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

An Update from Mom...Tonight, Andrew, aka Artist, was recognized at the Staunton City School Board meeting. Dad and I went in his place to accept his award. For the second time, a piece of his artwork has been selected to be matted, framed, and entered into the Student Art Gallery at the downtown office. Much to my chagrin, I don't have a picture of the actual piece, but here's one of his more impressive works...whatcha wanna bet Andrew comes back from this adventure and paints landscapes for awhile?
Date: 2007-05-15
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: scattered clouds

As Andrew's taking a break at the Iron Mountain Shelter today, he meets up with the legendary Tyvek, the southbound hiker who is hiking barefoot to raise awareness for veterans. Everything the guy carries is made of Tyvek, so he's traveling pretty light. Tyvek and Andrew compare feet. Andrew's are a close second. After all, hiking in Waldies is pretty nearly barefoot!
Date: 2007-05-16
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

An Update From Mom...Andrew arrives as the preparation for Trail Days is gearing up. The Place is full, so he finds a room at a B & B for the night. After buying a decent "town shirt" at the Dollar Store, Andrew explores the lay of the land. He is ahead of the other guys he usually likes with, so he plans to hang around for a few days.
Date: 2007-05-17
From: Damascus, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

An Update From Mom...Andrew tries again to get a spot at The Place, and this time he is successful! He spends the day checking out the vendors who are setting up, buying a new pair of Waldies, and getting his backpack stitched up for free by some generous vendor who makes repairs for hikers. He calls home and talks for about an hour. Brother Corbin is home for the summer, so there are three of us on the line soaking in every word. Andrew sounds happy and confident. It is great to hear his voice.
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Damascus, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

An Update From Mom...More Trail Days...Andrew spends the night under the stars at Tent City, in a quieter neighborhood. Even at 6 A.M. he could still hear the beat of distant drums...Meanwhile back home, a package arrives from Andrew. In it we find his old Waldies (he still thinks they have some miles left in them), his glasses, half a novel, two pairs of boxer shorts, and his camera's memory card. We delight at being able to look at 278 photos of his trip, but gee, all those mountains are starting to look alike!
Date: 2007-05-20
From: U.S. 58

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: few clouds

An Update From Mom...After getting up and enjoying a good breakfast, Andrew decides to sit outside the Dollar General and do some sketching of the town. Along comes Karen, a girl he met Wednesday at the B & B, and she invites Andrew to go enjoy a Baptist sermon in the park. He agrees and off they go. At about 1:00, Andrew and Ranger Jan are able to catch a ride back up the trail to where they left off with their slackpack Friday. They almost do ten miles before it's quitting time for the day.
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Mountain. Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

An update From Mom...If there was ever a day that was ripe for the retelling, this one's it! Andrew's hike through Grayson Highlands left him without enough superlatives to describe their beauty. He was stunned by how different they are from previous mountains along the trail. They came upon the wild ponies, just minutes after one mare had given birth, just in time to watch the afterbirth expel. One pony even came up to him and licked his arm. Now Andrew has been to Chincoteague, Virginia, many times, so I am anxious to hear how these wild mountain ponies differ from their wild saltwater cousins.
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Hurricane Mountain. Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

An Update From Mom...Andrew and Ranger Jan have a pretty steady hiking pace, and they are keeping each other company these days. I think it is interesting that Ranger Jan is Andrew's Dad's age. When I asked Andrew whether Jan was paternal towards him, his answer was no. They have been joined by Sanford and Park Bench, Mayo and Cobweb. The guys had heard that you can call Pizza Hut to deliver to the Partnership Shelter, and that thought fueled them all day. Alas, pizza was not in the cards. When they got to the shelter, there were folks grilling burgers and dogs and serving up some cold beverages. The pizza will have to wait.
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: broken clouds

An Update From Mom...I couldn't resist sharing this cartoon. Andrew's been disappointed that the only bear he's seen so far is a carved wooden one in Cherokee, but Mom's OK with that!Artist and Ranger Jan had a big day today--25+ miles! Ranger Jan is really pushing, and that is probably good for Andrew. It will take him out of his comfort zone and show him what he can really do.
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter??
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

An Update From Mom...After a 25 mile day yesterday, the guys take it "easy" and only do 19. That's how it goes on the trail. It would seem that mileage controls everything--where you stop for the day, where you resupply, where you eat. There's a lot of strategizing going on as to when, where, and how to go about this trek. Somehow, if you need to do a 25 mile day to get in position for the next leg, you find the strength to do it.
Date: 2007-05-25
From: Jenkins Shelter??

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

An Update From Mom...Imagine my surprise when I find an e-mail from Andrew sent from the Bland County Library. It's the first one I've received this entire trip. It's Day 37 for him, and he is ahead of schedule. The plan is for him to make it to Catawba, VA around June 8th, and we will meet him to deliver brother Corbin as company for the last 154 miles towards home (near Rockfish Gap). Those high mileage days have thrown the whole schedule off, so unless he takes a lot of zero days, we will have to rethink our original plan. The soonest Corbin is free to join him is June 4th, so we'll need to fall back on a Plan B, whatever that is.If Andrew hadn't been trying to keep up with Ranger Jan, no doubt he'd have taken a zero day in Bland and checked into a motel, but they press on and spend the night at the next shelter.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Hot Springs

To: walnut shelter
Miles today: 15.0

Sunday 15th AprilWe rose early and left the shelter at Walnut MNT, just before John and Jay, 2 section hikers, it was raining and foggy, a sure sign of waht lay ahead, as the morning progressed so did the rain, sleat, wind and snow, by late afternoon the weather deteriorated so badly, I had thoughts that we were walking head on into a blizzard, the rain had wet us, the sleat chilled us, the snow froze our rain gear and anything that was exposed, the the wind combined with all of the above made for a most misserable day, by the time we made it to the shelter, via the bad weather blue blaze, I was beginning to feel the effects of hypothermia, unable to do much because of the loss of feeling in my hands, John inflated my thermarest and layed out my sleeping bag, a very kind and thoughtful young man with a huge caring heart, my treasured hiking partner Barbara, made me some hot tea and layed her sleeping bag over me while she made her dinner and got ready for bed, the shelter was crowded, but everyone had room for a sleeping bag, it was a terrible day but here we are and still in one piece on the AT and smiling.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: walnut shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

We woke to a cold day, with snow covering everything, it was hard to walk in places as the snow came up to my knee's in places, it's hard to walk in the steps of someone who has gone before you especially when they are 6ft tall and I am just around 5ft2, makes for a comical scene, but after slipping, sliding and falling every which way but loose, exhusted, I finaly made it to the shelter, it was full, so Barbara, Jay and myself put up our tents, I must admitt, it was after so long, nice to be in my tent, the ground is softer than the platform in the shelter, with privacy and most of all, the sound of silence, ( no snoring ).Life realy is about the little things, and it's good.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: campground, Irwin
Miles today: 15.0

We set off on our 15 mile day at around 6:30am, it was such a contrast to the past two days, clear skies and a lot warmer, there was a lot of mud on the trail, almost to the point of being like a Florida swamp in places, I stumbled, slid and fell my way to our camp ground, it was nice not to be staying near or in a shelter, after erecting our tents, lighting a big warm campfire, we cooked our dinner, took off our wet shoe's to dry near the fire, how nice it felt to be there by ourselves, which had not happened since before Fontana Dam, a number of weeks ago, just after thinking this, 2 people showed up, slinky and dog, we made them welcome and invited them to to the campfire, we turned in for the night anticipating our re supply next day in Irwin.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: campground, Irwin

To: Irwin
Miles today: 11.5

5:30 am and we are packing up ready for our hike into Irwin, it was a relatively easy 11.5 miles and interesting after seeing a female bear with two cubs, it was a priveledge, not very many prople get to see them, I took a photo with my disposable camera, I hope it turns out, we got into Irwin at 12 noon, washed, showered, ate and I called Florida and got an update on whats happening in the world, I was happy to find an email from my daughter and some old hiking friends, so it's goodnight while I get to watch TV in bed.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Irwin

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

We got up at 7:30, dressed, and went to brekky, cornflakes and orange juice, we thought we were leaving at 11am, but our ride told us to be ready to leave at 9am, so back to the trail, there was a nice group of hikers leaving at the same time, dogs life, crank bait, thunder, buckles, tobasco, matterhorn and kiwi, we had our pic's taken and headed up the trail. it was sunny and clear when we left, but that soon changed, light rain fell, which wasn't too bad, but then the hail started, we stopped and put on rain suits, it wasn't long before we got to our over night shelter, a number of hikers stopped to have lunch. donny quixote, and finnegan, it's 3:30 pm raining and chilly but still a great day on the AT.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter

To: Greasy Creek Gap 
Miles today: 20.0

Well here it is nearly 8:30pm, we are sitting around a camp fire, enjoying the rest, after our longest day hiking so far, I must say though, it was not easy, but having a big climb in front of us tomorrow, Roan High Bluff, where we will spend the night, before making the short trip down to the gap to meet friends on Sunday, the weather was perfect for hiking today and I think what made it seem shorter than it was , is the fact I actually ate some decent food 3 times today, my energy levels were higher then usual, thanks to Barbara ( you are a gem ), well time to enjoy the the fire and the beautiful night on the AT, before going to bed. Just another great day on the AT.
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Greasy Creek Gap 

To: Carvers Gap
Miles today: 9.8

We were up a little later today, we intended to get to Roan High Shelter, but missed the sign for the shelter and before we knew it we were half way down the mountain to Carvers Gap, so we continued untill we got to the gap, wondering what to do next, we decided to hitch down to Bakersville and call my friends Peter and Susanne, it wasn't long before Barbara had organised a ride for us with a Mini Van full of young woman, who were doing trail maintenance as volunteers for Americore, we finaly got to a hostel called Bicycle Inn, with our hosts being bicycle riders, which was right up Barbara's ally, we had an early night after contacting Peter and Susann and organising a 9:00 am pick up in town, another great day on the AT.
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Carvers Gap

To: Peter and Susann's, Zero day
Miles today: 0.0

We rose about 6:30am, dressed packed and went downstairs and made brekky and chatted with our hosts before being driven into town by our host, Peter was waiting when we arrived, he took us back to his place where we were greeted by Susann and a long time friend of Susann's visiting from Canada.After eating breakfast, ( number 2 ), we headed out for a tour of the area and a trip to Wal Mart for the usual supplies, Susan made a geat supper followed by some delicious pie, we had a wonderful day and evening with Peter and Susann, thank you both, you truely are Angels, time for bed and an early start back to Carvers Gap in the morning.
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Peter and Susann's, Zero day

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 13.2

Waking at 5:30am we rose packed and were ready for our ride back to Carvers Gap, we said bye to Peter and headed on our way, the first day back on the trail seems always to be difficult and the pack twice as heavy, it was a good day, lots of sunshine and blue sky with a gentle cooling breeze on top of the Balds, which is where we spent most of the day, we reached our shelter before 4pm put up our tents, ate dinner and soon will be ready for bed, we are camped in an old apple grove, shame the apples aren't ready for picking, although I would proberly make myself sick by eating too many. Well time to call it a night, another long day is expected tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up and on the trail at 6:00am, looking at the map it seemed like a nice easy day ( not so ), it was cloudy and not at all cold when we set off, the humidity was pretty high and lots of fluids were needed all day, although the climbs were not at all like Roan, it sure felt like it, there was a huge sigh of relief when we reached our overnight shelter, sore feet, hungry, thirsty and tired, all of the above taken care of ( apart for the feet )we are settling in for another early night, ready fo an early start to Kincora hostel to re-suppy in the morning, we are not staying, but pushing on past for another 10 miles or so, we reached another mile stone today, 400 miles completed of the AT,, yahoooo , feels good, well another day on the AT has come to an end.
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We rose at 5:30am and was on the trail at 6:10am, for a steep climb, then down hill into Kincora Hostel to pick up our re-supply box's, we did not stay for the night as it was still early with plenty of day light hours left, we showered and re-supplied out packs, then headed off, it was a beautiful walk past waterfalls, creeks, streams and the river, we started to climb and thats when I started feeling unwell, after a short time I was not able to hold anything down, this went on for most of the afternoon, as I was decending and my stomach had settled a bit, I noticed something up ahead on the trail, it was a large black bear, it spotted me and turned tail and ran, much to my relief, but I was not so lucky about a mile and a half later as I rounded the Watauga lake , a large Rotty dog came after me , it was foaming at the mouth, snarling and barking, I realy felt that this may be my last day on earth, I remembered not to look it in the eye, as they see this as a challenge, so I crossed my poles behing me as a barrier, it followed for a distance and backed off when I would not respond to it's threat after biting the end of my hiking pole, so all in all not the best day I have had, but I still consider myself lucky to be hiking the AT.
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Up bright and early, we set off , it wasn't long before it was raining, so after 13.6 miles we came to Iron Mountain Shelter, where we stayed for the night, with 26 miles to go we have tomorrow and a few hours on Saturday to get into Damascus, before the post office closes at 11:00am, so it's goodnight from me.