morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-03
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 13.1

Paws Here - Update from the trail Flint and crew went through a wicked storm, the reason they didn't stay at Max Patch. Just to keep our family, friends and journal buddies updated I haven't heard from Flint since Sunday. I called the Hot Springs PO today and he had not picked up his mail drop but it was there, you know the infamous missing box with the wrong name and all. But I need to send a great big thank you to Meredith at Fontana Resort and the fellow there who took it to the PO for me last Friday, thank you guys so much. So I really don't know where he is on the trail, I know we are leaving early tomorrow evening (after I take my dad to the doc) with my crew heading South - I'm sure will hook up one way or another. He knows where we are suppose to be and when. I'm going to try and update from there at some point. I still can't hear out of my right ear and my ear still hurts like the dickens but I'm getting better everyday. I hope the changes in altitude don't cause me issues. I feel bad that I haven't been doing so good with the journal entries and where on the AT with fun facts and such but I'll do better, I promise. Sorry to Hannah's class if I've let you little guys down but Mrs. Brooks has invited me back and we can do owl pellets or animal tracks next time around, can't wait, that will be so much fun! You little guys keep on tracking Flint and I'll start adding the cool stuff. As for everybody else we love you and I'll update as soon as I can. Peace and Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-04-04
From: Walnut Mtn. Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

A quick call last night from Flint, they are in Hot Springs, Flint, Calamity Jane, and Hobo; Mr. Easy and No Problem were already there waiting on them. They went through terrible storms on Tuesday night. Flint said it was pretty wicked. He said Hot Springs was full of thru-hikers, Dorothy & Toto, MA & Marshall, Tatoo, Signage - I swear I'm bad with names, I just can't remember the long list of names he rattled off but anyways he didn't get to the PO in time yesterday, they are going to hit it this morning. He had his first fall and hurt his hand and wrisit, no serious harm (he thinks?), just some bruising. I think he just needs some TLC. We have a chosen are rendezveous spot and time on Friday - I'm excited, instead of picking up one stinky dirty thru-hiker, it looks like I'll be picking up five, oh, the sweet aroma that will fill the air just makes me crazy and realize what I'm missing (wonder if a person could bottle and sell it to the folks, who get stuck at home - wishing they were hiking the AT, holding down the fort so they could squirt a little bit around to get swept away in a AT hiker day dream, okay, okay I know that sounds kinda gross and nutty) - that's okay, I'm all about delivering some trail magic of my own. Peace and Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero day for the crew, the weather took a sudden cool spell and they just decided to zero in Hot Springs. Flint said there is about 30 thrus zeroing to avoid the cold. On a different note - We left at 5:30 pm and arrived at Uncle Johnny's about 10:00 pm in the dark, got lost once. We unpacked the truck in the dark using our head lamps to guide our way to our cabin. It is a pretty cool place. Shelly left the porch light on and the heaters so it was nice and toasty for us. As we unpacked the two tons of gear we brought we could hear the rush of the Nolichucky River but we couldn't see it. It was about 2:00 am by the time we got into bed, we were all pretty tired and excited to see Flint. Peace and Love to All Paws.
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Hot Springs

To: Allen's Gap
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Great Day. We woke early. Looked at a map. We were to meet Flint and crew at Allen's Gap around 5:00 pm. We looked at a map, getting inside their brains, we thought we could meet up with them at Tanyard Gap, so we headed that direction. We arrived at 10:45 am or so. We locked up the truck and decided to head south on the trail to catch them coming north. We hiked a mile and half or so, when Ashbo now trailnamed Bracket took to a coughing fit, so her and I headed back to the truck. Gadget Girl and Scout kept heading south. Bracket and I made it back to the truck where she drank six gallons of water. We were there only a short time when two thru-hikers arrived Fidel and Owl. We offered drink and food and they most graciously accepted and we made great conversation and they told us Flint and crew were about 30 minutes behind them. Meanwhile, Gadget Girl and Scout were still heading south on the trail. Flint and crew were taking a break near a pond, when Flint saw a woman and child walking towards them and said, "Hey that little girl up there looks like my granddaughter." As they got closer he said it again. "Man, that little girl looks so much like my little granddaughter." Then he said, "Wow, that is my granddaughter!" A sweet reunion right on the trail. He said it was awesome. Of course he said his next question was, "Where's Kim?" They all made it back to the truck. Meanwhile back at truck - Paws and Bracket gave trail magic to Dorothy and Toto. Along came Flint, Hobo, Calamity Jane, MA, Marshall, Signage and a few others. Then it was a sweet reunion at the truck. Calamity Jane comes back to Uncle Johnny's with us, Gadget Girls hikes on with them. Scout gets car sick on the way back. I pick them up later we go to the Erwin Burrito for dinner, it was awesome. It was sweet to see my husband, though he is much thinner; he looks great, there is a peace and a calm about him I like. He is very comfortable with himself and what he is doing. I feel a sense of inner strength from him that is very rejuvenating and rewarding to me. I'm so proud of him. Peace and Love to All Paws.
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Allen's Gap

To: Devil Fork Gap
Miles today: 20.4

Cold and snowy. Flint, Hobo, Marshall, MA and Gadget Girl slacked packed. Beautiful views high a top ridges. Paws, Bracket and Scout head to Miss Janet's right before breakfast. Paws is greeted by Snackbreak. Mango was there to help out too. Other thrus were Hermes, Strider, Elsa, Hemlock, Shaggy, Broadway, Mississippi Mike, Pink Panther, Tundra, Hemlock, Mr. Happy. Paws shuttles - Broadway and Shaggy to Iron Mtn. while Mango shuttles Snackbreak, Elsa and Strider. Paws gives Broadway and Shaggy a 4 mil trashbag before they head out just in case - later she learns that Broadway used it to make a pair of pants. Paws and the girls head back to Miss Janet's to find out about Easter dinner plans and Bracket and Scout make about 45 Easter goodie thru-hiker bags to leave at Miss Janet's and to take back over to Uncle J's. Pick-up the slackers who were two hours late, head back to Uncle Johnnys and order pizza in. Everyone is exhausted.
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Devil Fork Gap

To: Uncle Johnny's
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Easter Sunday. Beautiful day. The Easter Bunny came. We are up and at it early. We are all going to Miss Janet's for dinner and I'm going to make my infamous brocolli casserole. We head over to Miss Janet's where the kitchen is alive and cranking out the food. I believe Hermes is in charge. Miss Janet had boiled eggs for Scout and Bracket to color. She is awesome, one fine lady! There are several thru-hikers helping in the kitchen. We are eating dinner at the church. Two big turkeys and a ham, dressing, green beans, corn, mashed potatos, gravy, salad, rolls, etc., great sweeties too. The girls hid eggs in the backyard. We had a great time. Like I said great food and company. Flint introduced me to many thru-hikers, it was just great being there with him and my hiker family.
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Curely Map Shelter

To: Nolichucky River
Miles today: 4.2

We headed back to Uncle J's, a beautiful day. The hike was awesome. We were moving along a nice little pace when we came upon a dead mouse on the trail. Not sure what happened there but Scout had a hundred questions about it. It was kind of strange, it was a real furry mouse too. We actual did a very narrow side winding trail (the last mile or so) above the Nolichucky River, great views below but made me a little nervous for Scout and Bracket. I told them to make each step count. Then we had to do our first upward rock scramble, that was interesting too. We made it back to Uncle J's around noon and decided to head into Johnson City to the outfitters. Throughout our stay at UJ's we have met so many thru-hikers and everyone has been incredible and friendly. Shelly at UJ's has pretty muched adopted the girls. This evening we had a campfire and hung around outside for awhile it was nice and relaxing. Except Hobo gets a little carried away sometimes with the size of the fire. Hobo, Calamity Jane, Marshall and MA are awesome. Over the past several days we have spent quite a bit of time with them and they have all become like family. Flint is happy we are here and wishes he could somehow make time stand still for awhile longer. He says time is moving way to fast. Peace and Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Devil Fork Gap

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: clear sky

Long hard day for Flint, Hobo & Gadget Girl slacking. It was cold with wind gust upto 40 mph. They had some great views at Big Bald at 5516 but they about got blown away. They kept moving to keep warm. Flint lost one of his favorite gloves. The girls and I drove over to Roane Mtn. State Park and went up to Carver Gap and hiked up to Round Bald 5826 and had some breath-taking views ourselves. We saw bear scat and tracks but didn't actually see the bear. We also saw owl pellets. We were trail angels for a couple of thru-hikers, giving one a ride back down to Roane Mountain and taking the others trash because the trash cans there at Carvers Gap were all full. Words just can't describe out beautiful, I think Bracket and Scout were amazed at the beaty they saw that day. We also check out Unaka Mtn. Summit and the Beauty Spot. I headed over to pick up the slackers - our meeting time was 6 pm - I was still setting at Spivey Gap at 7:30 with no slackers in sight. Finally, just before 8 pm a CSX truck pulled in beside me just as it was beginning to get dusk and said your hikers buddies are down the road a quarter mile or so. I had parked in the wrong spot. It just isn't marked well, where the AT comes out. So, Mr. CSX Man you were a trail angel to me! I was just getting ready to go into "Oh My Goodness Mode" - they were pretty tired. We made a short night of it and headed to bed pretty early. Peace and Love To All. Paws.
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Flint, Paws & Hobo slacked today. Great hike. Flint's knee was bothering him just a bit so we took our time. The wildflowers were everywhere. Flint got a lesson. It was a really beautiful hike with several creek crossings with bridges. Hobo hiked is own hike and left Flint and I, so it was just the two of us - sounds like a song doesn't it. It was awesome. Flint doesn't even breathe hard anymore on the uphills, it's annoying. I tried to hide the fact that I was really sucking for air but it was just next to impossible becasue I was turning blue and he noticed. The first climb we did was 3790, it was pretty gradual but it was climb nonetheless. The second was Temple Hill 3310 and the the Viewpoint overlooking the Nolichucky River at 3510. It was all worth it because it was beautiful and I had great company. We make it back to UJ's and decide to go to the River's Edge for dinner - great atmosphere and food. Peace and Love To All. Paws.
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Erwin, TN

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

Zero today. Our last day with Flint. We decide to drive to Damascus to visit the Mt. Rogers Outfitter. Get Flint some new gloves and check out the town. We hear the weather is suppose to get nasty today and get worse tomorrow. We get him some gloves, he gets a loner pair of trekking poles, I'm sending the killer pair of Leki poles back before they lame him and get him something else. We run into everybody Snackbreak, Hermes, Broadway, Shaggy, Strider, Rennaisance Man, Freight Train, Johnny Hand, HellBender, MacGyver and more I've forgotten. We hang out for a bit, drive back to Erwin, do some resupply, check out of UJ's and check-in to the Holiday Inn Express so Hobo and Flint will be with Calamity Jane when we leave on Sunday. I start updating TJ. Flint changes from his Atmos 65 to his Atmos 50. Hobo got a new pack at MRO. We start the long process of repackaging food and sorting gear, deciding what to keep and what I should bring home. It's late before we actually get to bed. I haven't left yet but I think we already miss each other. Peace and Love To All. Paws.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Erwin,TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We are leaving today. The weather is awful. We have enjoyed are visit. We hate to say good-bye. It is a tearful one. We loved spending time with Miss Janet and regret not making back over there to say good-bye to her. She really is one fine special lady. We really enjoyed spending so much time with Hobo he is a member of the family now. Calamity Jane and Chase are also members of the family now. Marshall and MA are my newly adopted children. Everyone was great. I've always told & taught my kids surround yourself with good people, I can see my husband is doing the same. We had a terrible drive home, what would normally take 4 - 5 hours took about 8 hours. We drove through freezing rain, sleet and snow. We saw countless numbers of wrecks. I was just happy to get home. I arrive home after 9 pm to learn that everything is flooding and a dam on the Mud River is going to break. It was crazy. I decided to go a head and do all of our clothes just in case we would end up without water. I didn't get to bed until 2:30 am. I miss Flint already, it will be over a month before we see each other again. he plans on starting out bright and early in the morning. I probably won't talk with him again until Saturday. Peace and Love To All. Paws.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Erwin, TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Flint called 4/17 around 6 pm and said it was cold and windy on 4/16. Slow hiking. Unaka Mountain was a beast they (he & Hobo) hiked at times through 18 - 24 inches of snow going over the mountain. Slipping and sliding everywhere. He reinjured his knee and his ankle. So he is moving like a turtle. He was using a thru-hikers phone - Verizon no less. Cingular needs to get some towers up or something. Peace and Love to All Paws.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

Flint said he took photos of all the snow they have been hiking from the snow dump of Sunday. He said it is beautiful but tough hiking. They had planned to cross over Roan Mtn today and make it to Overmountian Shelter but the hiking is difficult with all of the snow - they are still hiking in heavy snow with drifts thigh high in some spots. Knee and ankle are still causing issues but he is determined to make it to Damascus by the weekend. That's about 95 miles in four days in less than perfect hiking conditions and they still have Roan Mtn to deal with which is 6285. Say a little pray for Flint & Hobo. I think the next two days are to bring in the rain too. Peace and Love To All. Paws.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Flint & Hobo made it over Roan. Flint said Roan Mtn. wasn't as bad as Unaka Mtn. as far as the depth of the snow. There was snow on the trail but minor in comparison to what they did on Monday and Tuesday. He said his ankle and knee are still giving him some issues but they are determined to make it to Damascus, hopefully by Saturday or Sunday. Calamity Jane's husband has their bounce box stuff so if they can't make it they will have to make other arrangements. Calamity if you read this call my cell so we can figure something out in the event Flint and Hobo can't make Damascus before Chase has to leave. Peace and Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-04-20
From: US 19E Moutain Harbor B & B

To: Dennis Cove Rd. Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 23.8

Long day for Flint and Hobo. They slacked packed trying to make up some miles to catch up with Calamity & crew. They are exhausted. Hobo has some blisters on his feet and Flint's knee is throbbing. Hobo also twisted his ankle. They did the last 4 miles out of water, they were quite dehydrated when they finally reached a small store where Flint drank 2 bottles of water, a diet pepsi, one Yahoo and a grapefruit juice, he was still thirsty. There is a full house at the hostel tonight, Flint said he wouldn't be long out of bed. Peace and Love To all. Paws
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Dennis Cove Rd. Kincora Hostel

To: US 321 Braemar Castle Hostel
Miles today: 8.9

This evening Flint and Hobo are at Braemar Hostel they were going to go the extra couple of miles to Watauga Lake Shelter but decided to walk the 1.8 miles to the hostel but they didn't go far when they got a ride. They had a tough day today not on the mileage side, I think they were still feeling the side effects from their long day the day before and running out of water and becoming dehydrated; leg cramps, Hobo's ankle swollen and given him some trouble, they are trying to play catch up with the rest of the pack, a little homesick. They were both in need of some TLC today. I did the best I could via my cell but what is so ironic usually Flint and I have a terrible time trying to get cell service, and I was out of town this weekend too and my cell showed no bars and I was in places I travel through often and I know I don't get service and guess what? His phones calls were coming through, I say "Devine Intervention." I was able to give him so great news to lift his spirits - Flint is a Girl Scout volunteer. He was awarded the highest level of recognition on Saturday for his contribution to our council. I've included a couple of pics of his award, the write-up about him and flowers so he can look at them when he gets a chance. Congratulations Baby! It made him smile. He needed to smile. I also attended BOW - Becoming An Outdoorwoman - this weekend which is sponsored by the WV Department of Natural Resources. Flint loves to do this too. We are instructors. I missed him being there. We are such a great team together. Peace & Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-04-22
From: US 321 Braemar Castle Hostel

To: Iron Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.4

Flint & Hobo talked with Calamity which has made them feel better. They are trying their best to catch up. They took a rest at Vandeventer Shelter and Flint said it was beautiful, he said I would love it there. Hobo's ankle was pretty swollen. They received trail magic today too. Sncikers bars and gatorade. Yeah! Remember, I was at BOW this weekend - which was at Pipestem State Park - Flint said it was so ironic, last night when he went to lay down in his bed at the hostel, he was laying there thinking about me, he was just kind of looking around and there were these shelves with stuff on them and he looked over and there is a mug and on the mug it says "Pipestem State Park, West Virginia, 25th Anniversary", he said, "He smiled real big because he knew right then at that very moment I was thinking about him too." He was right. Thank you to Chase & Calamity for taking care of Flint's and Hobo's stuff, I gave them the message and told them to pick up the pace and quit goofy off and worrying about their sun tan. Peace & Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Where On The AT

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

As promised, it has been awhile. This is for Scout's First Grade Class - let's see if you guys can figure this one out. Remember way back when I said they were going to get tougher. Well here goes - I'm not going to give you the state but I will tell you it is Flint's next state. So that's a pretty big hint. Here's your clues - 2nd highest peak in Shenandoah National Park at 4031', cliffs here are weathered lava beds or greenstone outcrops which form the profile that give this place its name. Good Luck. Peace & Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Camping 2.5 Miles before Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Flint & Hobo decided to camp just shy of the shelter this evening. He said he watch an unbelievable sunset. He has been catching the meteor showers too. They didn't catch Calamity and Signage yet but they are planing on leaving out early in the morning and hopefully they'll catch them before they reach Damascus. Flint said he felt good and strong today. He has promised me to drink more water from here on out. Letting yourself become dehydrated can do so much to your body and your state of mind, after all your brain is 70% water. If your not hydrating yourself, your brain is turning into a raisin and that's not good. He has a couple of packages at Mt. Rogers Outfitters when he gets to Damascus. By the way, the guys there are great. I've talked to them several times last week on the phone and this week too. Plus when I was visiting with Flint we stopped in there one day, they are a great group of knowledgable folks who went the extra to help us out. Thanks to MRO. Flint is missing some of his other trail buddies too he hasn't seen for a week or more, hope all is well with you guys, he hopes to catch up with you soon. He sends his love to family. Doc he misses you and thinks of you often. Peace & Love To All. Paws
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Camping 2.5 Miles before Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Flint & Hobo arrived in Damascus around noon. They are staying at a hostel for the night. They were planning to head out tomorrow but they may zero to get reorganized, wash up their clothes, etc. or they may leave out later tomorrow, will just have to wait and see. Calamity and crew had already moved on, they were disappointed they had missed them. Today I met Kathy Mattea, the country singer,she was a Girl Scout in her younger days and she was attending a benefit luncheon for our council. I explained to her my husband was hiking the AT, a dream of hers also. She is very into the environment and educating our youth on the outdoors/environment. I got her autograph for Flint, it was a shame Flint wasn't here to meet her. Peace & LOve To All. Paws
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Flint just took care of business today. Resupplied and mailed a bunch of stuff home. We had great conversation today about family, friends, trail life, what he misses the most, what he's tired of, what he enjoys the most, and his biggest challenges. He said he misses family the most but other than us he misses normalcy. He's afraid his going to miss his newest granddaughter Grace's first steps. She still smiles real big when we show her PawPaw Bri's picture, he was worried she would forget him. She hasn't. When he leaves me a voice mail we let her listen to it but she is more interested in putting the phone in her mouth. He misses his dog. He misses watching movies. He actually misses helping me load and unload my truck, I do that a lot. I told him it will all be here waiting. He enjoys meeting people and everyone taking care of each other. Although, there is the occassional bad apple. He loves the views, and being close to nature. He likes trail life, it really doesn't take much to make him happy. He's tired of aches & pains but he's sucking it up. His biggest challenge to fight off the urge to call me and say "Come and get me", he says the thought has ran through his mind a time or two. Let's just hope on his weak days I'm strong and on my weak days he's strong or this thing could have a different ending. Flint & Hobo will be leaving out bright and early in the morning, I did tell them to look for bad weather it would be heading their way. Peace & Love To All. Paws