morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-09-15
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-To

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

The mice finally let me get a few hours sleep and after one of my last cold breakfasts it was back to the trail. Once again the rocks and roots dominated my attention all day while the trail passed by beautiful Rainbow Lake for miles. I did stop and watch a seaplane take off from the lake, I think he was dropping off fishermen for a few days. We climbed Rainbow Ledges and were rewarded with a magnificent view of Katahdin, now just 21 miles away. I stopped for lunch at Hurd Brook Lean-to and caught up with 2x4 and his dog Tai-you. I met them for the first time at Gooch Gap shelter in Georgia in February and the last time I saw them was at Deep Gap shelter in Georgia. It's really weird how you run in to people you haven't seen in a long time on this trail, not just from this year's hike but past years as well. We walked together to Abol Bridge and got spaces in the campground. Our campsites have another awesome view of Katahdin, now just 15.1 miles away. One more night and then Katahdin!
Date: 2003-09-16
From: Abol Bridge Campground

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

Woke up this morning to a wet and soggy tent due to condensation and a heavy dew last night. My sleeping bag even felt damp. I packed everything and went up to the campstore to wait for it to open. I bought a few things (more souvenirs for Carleen and Sharon), had a microwave breakfast biscuit (awful) and started walking. I hiked alone most of the morning and thought a lot about the last three years of hiking this trail and being away from home so much. My emotions got away from me several times and I was thankful for being alone. I caught up to Finch and Dreamwalker and thought I was doing pretty good but they only let me catch up so they could watch me cross this ridiculously narrow board across a roaring creek. They were hoping I would provide a little entertainment and fall in. After I crossed safely and spoiled their fun they took off and left me. About one hour before the campground it started raining and when I got there the rain was coming down pretty good. Ma Finch was here and got Dreamwalker and me a shelter to sleep in so I'll be dry tonight. It's still raining pretty hard now, late in the day, but it is supposed to end tonight and be a nice day for climbing a mountain tomorrow. About 4:00 Finch and Judy came over with food for a picnic. We ate in the shelter due to the rain but it was mighty good and beat my Lipton dinner by a country mile. My last night on the trail and tomorrow Katahdin. Back home soon. Note from the transcriber: Chief summitted Katahdin on Wednesday, September 17th. He will make his final journal entry in a few days.
Date: 2003-09-23
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It¢s been a week now since the summit of Katahdin and time to put this journal to rest. I¢ll be spending a good deal of time this next week putting pictures on the journal so keep checking back, you may see an embarrassing picture of yourself or someone you know. Dreamwalker and I left Baxter State Park with Ma Finch and Finch and spent the night with them at their home in Maine. The next day they took Dreamwalker and me to Portland, where I had a plane ticket waiting at the airport, and Dreamwalker¢s wife would come from New York to pick him up. The Finches (Judy & Tom) have been wonderful to me and I¢ll never forget or be able to repay their kindness and help. I¢ll see you two again, of that you can be sure.I was able to change the date of my departure from Portland on Monday, Sep 22 to Friday, Sep 19, for a fee, which was well worth it to me. Dreamwalker and I got a room at a Motel 6 near the airport and just kind of took it easy the rest of the day. The flight home on Friday went like clockwork and by 3:00 I was back on the ground in North Carolina. Carleen and Sharon met me outside baggage pick up and they never looked better. I don¢t think the re-adjustment problem some hikers talk about will be much of a problem for me at all. So, in the end, what did my long journey mean to me? It was a goal I set for myself upon retirement in 2001. I didn¢t expect it to take until 2003 to complete and I sure didn¢t think I would log in over 3200 miles to walk a trail under 2200 miles in length. I didn¢t do the Trail as a thru-hike, as originally intended, but, by trail¢s end, that was not a disappointment in the least. I was so lucky to be on the Trail over three hiking seasons and to meet so many new, interesting, generous, and kind people. I don¢t believe I ever came in to contact with more than four or five hikers that I didn¢t get along with in three years. The young hikers renewed my faith in the younger generation coming along. We had a common bond, and once you got past the weird hair and the body piercings ( hey, Diablo and Matt and Jessie), they were a pleasure to be around.   Most of the time if I had disagreements it was with hikers of my own age group. At our age we¢ve just become too set in our ways and argumentative, I guess. But those times were few and far between and most still remain friends. I didn¢t hike the Trail to ¢find myself¢, start a new life or direction, become a mountain man, a recluse, or look for answers to unknown questions. It was just something I wanted to do when I retired and I did it. I¢m sure there¢s a deeper answer than that but I tend to deal with reality and that¢s the reality of it. Physically and mentally I¢m in great shape and look forward to other hikes, but hikes that don¢t take me away from home for long periods of time. I¢ve been away from home a lot in the last three years hiking the Trail, and, in the end, the Trail took me home. You just can¢t ask for much more than that. Happy trails to you, until we meet again
Date: 2003-02-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, just 27 more day until we leave Fl and head north. 25 more days and we will be hitting the trail at Newfound Gap. Can hardly wait!!! We are going to my sisters to show her how to get on this thing to transcribe my journal while we are gone. Gonna bake a big batch of cookies to give out at our first or 2nd shelter, or where ever there is the most hikers. Think they will like that?? Take care--Chilly Willy
Date: 2003-02-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, have added some of my stuff to the gear list-now I am going to add a poem that I wrote while hikeing last year. This is just for the portion that we have done so far. Hope you like it.Georgia-North Carolina-An AT PoemAt the ripe old age of 64, I said to myself theres got to be moreMy friends said Willie Stop your gripingGrab a big stick and go do some hiking.I think I shall never see a trailas lovely as the old A.T.Mountains that reach up to the skyTo climb to the top almost makes you cry.Since you have to go up you must also come down.Oh my how that makes your toes and knees frown.Sometimes you walk in rain that never endsBut you reach a shelter and there are many new friends.Hang your food up high with a good strong ropeThat cute little bear is certainly no big dope.Keep looking for a big fat tree to go behindand squat and do number O N E.Rhododendron tunnels every once in awhileHiding inside from the sun makes you smile.Mineral hot tubs to enjoy for a whileYou get to leave with a Hot Springs smile.Damascus-what is this place you ask usThe friendliest town that there ever wasFood, fun & beer lets you leave with a little buzz.The hostels of Elmers, Tellico and Standing BearMakes you want to never leave there.There's Max Patch, Whitetop, Grayson Nantahala & NolichuckySeeing their views makes you feel so luckyHoot owls, coyotes and white lightning bugs in the nightYou know this is Gods Country and its all right.Ok, thats it-getting things put together. Getting very anxious.                  Chilly Willy
Date: 2003-02-10
To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Well, I'm back-I just noticed on my "about" section I put Standing Indian Hostel well it should be Standing Bear Hostel. This is a wonderful place that we will go back to this year again. Just got back from shopping-found some neat warm jammies to slip into at night-fleece type but very light but warm. OK see ya laterChilly Willy
Date: 2003-02-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just came in from outside riding the West Orange Trail in Winter Garden, Fl and guess what I saw= beautiful beautiful robins- that can only mean spring is here. Love to see them but when they are gone I will know it is spring up north and maybe all the snow will be gone and I won't have to take my spike things to keep me from slipping on ice and snow!!! I hope everyone will enjoy my journal, I am not a great writer or poetic or fancy--just plain ole me, I try to write it as I feel and as I see it, although that doesn't always come thru as beautiful as I do see whatever I am looking at.
Date: 2003-02-28
From: home

To: Valrico,FL
Miles today: 100.0

Went to chiropractor today. He said my knees are doing good and I should be ready for my hike. I am at my sister's showing her how to take over this journal while we are on trail. She is doing this under stress..due to the fact..she does not want us in the wilderness, sleeping in shelters.
Date: 2003-03-02
From: home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Stopped by my daughters to get our mail. YEA got my new data book and thru hikers companion. Its pouring down rain so gonna go home and get a nice cup of tea and read my new books, I think I have the old ones memorized--LOL. Checking out the journals for the people already on the trail-an awful lot of snow-sure hope most of its gone by the time we start March 23. My sister is really worried about us and the cold weather and snow or ice from melting snow. I am only thinking of it as an adventure. No one seems to understand the lure of the trail and how it draws you back once you have done some part of it or even all of it. Well- guess thats it for now. I am preparing for the worse but will expect the best. Saw this in a readers digest-can't remember who said it but its a good one--All who wander are not lost.
Date: 2003-03-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, if all goes as planned-we will be putting all of our stuff into our van and headed over to pick up our grandson Nick, this time next week. I'm so excited- I can't hide it!! however that song goes!! We went to the cemetary and said our good-byes to our son and asked him to tag along with us when he had the time away from guarding his daughter and granddaughter. Oh how I wish he could have seen her-she is just too adorable. But guess there is a reason for the s----happening-just can't believe it was God's will. Sorry-just have to let it out now and then. We will do food shopping Tues-Get things packed up Thurs. and when Nick gets done work Friday--head out. Its hard to explain the anticipation,even if we have been there done that-its still so exciting. I can't wait to get away from the traffic noise-rude people in the stores etc etc Looking forward to the quiet so I can THINK. Looking forward to meeting many new friends and have found out some from last year will be out there also-sooo some good reunion time. There is nothing like the hiking community. See ya in the woods.Chilly Willy
Date: 2003-03-20
From: home

To: Fontana
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well,its pouring rain but between the showers we have gotten the cars packed,the backpacks are packed and we have taken our showers and just sitting here twiddling our thumbs waiting for Nick to call and say he is done work and has taken his shower and we will head over to pick him up and we will be on our way to Fontana, drop off car and then to Newfound Gap to start our hike. Yipeeeee, wha hoo can't wait, can't wait. This will be the last time you will hear from me (Chilly Willy) My sister Linda will be doing the honors when I send her the journal to be transcribed (yes, Linda I will print it) Everyone says they can't read my scratchin!! See ya on the trail. Love and peace to all.Chilly Willy--Just Ray--and Nick.
Date: 2003-03-22
From: Fontana

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi- this is Chilly Willy's sister,Linda-I will be doing her journal. She is the oldest and I am the youngest in a family of 4. We are very much alike. We live each day as if it were our last. We dance as if no one was watching-heck sometimes we dance even if someone is watching. We sing as if no one is listening-well I do-When Willy sings it hurts the ears of my 5 Yorkshire Terriers. While she is out there chasing snakes,deer,bear and physically fit young men, I will be lounging in my pool sipping marguaritas, waiting for her snail mail journal. Well time to check for the mail.
Date: 2003-03-23
From: Newfound Gap

To: Mt Collins
Miles today: 4.5

Started on trail at 10am.Sun shining-sky clear. Temp about 45..going up to 73. Good trail,quite muddy in places,no animals seen. Shelter nice except for cage door. But hey, if it keeps out the bears which we have not seen, its ok then. Shelter was named for Robert Collins, who was a guide in the 1840's. It is at 5,900 feet. Lots of hikers, can not remember all names some were Rabbit,Swift Sandels,Tree, Beef Stick, 14 in all including us. Sun disappearing- can see my breath. Fl,Ca,Iowa,Ohio, Alaska were states represented. Nick got to shelter at 220pm..Ray at 240pm and I dragged in at 245pm. Newfound Gap use to be Indian Gap, because of the use of Indians to reconstruct the road. Site of Pres. Roosevelt dedication of the Park in 1940.
Date: 2003-03-24
From: Mt Collins

To: Double Spring Gap
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: clear sky

We left Mt Collin's shelter at 8am. Sunrise was beautiful. Going up to low 70's. We hiked over the highest point on the trail, 6643 feet, absoutley wonderful 360 degree view. We could see the town we stayed in the night before our hike and also where we will end. climb up to Clingsmans's Dome ..rough..lots of rocks and log steps. got to shelter (Double Springs) at 4pm. Nick got there about 315pm. He leaves us in a cloud of dust. It was 30 when we got up. Trail from Clingman's Dome mostly down hill, but good. Shelter has cage door also. There are 2 springs at this shelter, one in NC and one in Tn. One flows north to the little River and the other one south to Tuskaseegee. Both drain into the Tennessee. Nick travels faster than us, he took some twigs and left us a HI on the trail..wasnt that sweet (note from Auntie Linda..yes..Nick is a sweetheart). We also saw some snow patches on way up. Any mountain that is over 5000 feet I call a Jesus Mt, cause I expect to see my son and Jesus waiting at the top. Clingman's Dome is said to be the place where bears dance before their hibernation. They must be in hibernation as we have not seen any. nor any deer.
Date: 2003-03-25
From: Double Spring Gap

To: Derrick Knob
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

Late start today. Didnt get going til 830am. Sun is out, bright,slight breeze, 35 degrees. Didnt get very warm,about 65. Perfect for hiking. Met many hikers, Mass,Del, MD,several from Spokane, Wa area, 3 from France. Trail very very long on ups and downs. Lots of large trees across trail. Since my legs are shorter than a man's you know what when he is horny, It was very hard for me to climb over them. Nick got to shelter at 215pm. We dragged in at 415pm. The ups just take the breath away from me. Didn't see any snails so I was the slowest thing on the trail. The downs gave all 3 of us blisters. Where's the duct tape.?????? The name of this shelter is said to have been derived from either from a prominent early Tn family or from a man who owned a cabin nearby in 1880.
Date: 2003-03-26
From: Derrick Knob

To: Spence Field
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: light rain

This was a horrible day. We left at 830am. It was about 45 degrees, and didn't get much warmer. Walked in the rain about 1/2 day, then rest of time it was in clouds and fog. Went over Mineral gap- 5,030 feet. Horrible, rocky steep climb, then over Thunderhead east peak 5,527, another steep rocky, rocky climb. Nick got to shelter at 215pm. We got in at 515pm. He would have gotten in earlier but he waited for 2 hours for us to eat lunch with him but got too chilly , decided to go on so he left us a rock message. He is so sweet..seems to like it. Sometimes I think I should have done this when I was Nick's age instead out parking in the cornfields with my hubby of 45 years. But oh, well..that's life. Can't complain got 2 kids, 5 grandkids, 3 great grandkids and soon to be step grand kid. Life is wonderful. Oh yea, gotta add this..when we finally got to the top of Thunderhead, I thought I would see Jesus and my son standing there. I dont like those long steep ups. James Spence burned and cleared 100 acres of pasture in the 1830's. He moved here in 1820 from Va.
Date: 2003-03-27
From: Spence Field

To: Mollies Ridge
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: clear sky

What a day..good clean trail. Only because the paid horse riders use most of it so they have to keep it nice for them. Screw the hiker only sections..trees down-huge rocks,yadda,yadda,yadda. I am feeling sorry for myself..my knee is crapping out on me so it looks like I will have to quit for a day or two. Saw some yellow violets and a tiny white flower with 5 petals and little pink purpleish stripes on the petals. Nick got to the shelter at 1140pm..Ray got there at 220pm, I limped in at about 3pm. Saw a snail today, so there goes my title of the slowest thing on the trail. Hikers from Md,Iowa, quite sociable, some from NY, Ga, Great Britan and Wales,not so. Weather today - clear-spotty sun-stiff breeze-making wind chill chilly.The guy from Wales started last Sept. Finishing up soon in Ga. Hiking south. He had a rough winter thru the north. God Bless him. According to a Cherokee legend Mollie was a young woman who died searching for her lover, White Eagle. After he failed to return from a hunting trip. Her body was found on the ridge.
Date: 2003-03-28
From: Mollies Ridge

To: Mollies Ridge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Taking a zero day to try to rest up knee for steep climb down tomorrow. Not looking forward to that. Nick went on down today. His mom is meeting him. Just wish I could have finished up with him. All night and still this morning the wind is howling. Must be blowing 60 mph. We thought about going 5 miles to a campsite but decided it would be better to stay in shelter than in tent the way the wind is blowing. Someone said they were expecting snow on Sunday. So whether my knee hurts or not gotta get out of here tomorrow for sure. Met Ridgerunner "Many Sleeps". He said I should go to Birch Spring tomorrow only 5.4 miles, then next day go another 5.3 miles to Fontana as the 2nd half is quite steep. States represented at shelter were RI,Ga,IL,Ma,NH,CT,Canada and 3 from FL, who also doesnt like the ups.!!!!! Still no bear or deer, couple of squirrels.
Date: 2003-03-29
From: Mollies Ridge

To: Birch Spring Campsite
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: moderate rain

Left at 830am in rain--hard rain, most of the day. Some very thick fog, could hardly see 20 feet in front of you. (note from sister LInda...why the heck is she doing this....go get in a Marriott and order room service) Trail good. Some downs really hurt my knee. Saw 2 squirrels. Got here at 230pm. Temp been about 50. Still have not seen deer or bear. Ptiched tent and crawled in for rest of day.
Date: 2003-03-30
From: Birch Spring Campsite

To: Fontana
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

What an amazing and magical day!! We woke up to our tent being covered in SNOW! Yep, snow..there was about a foot on the ground. (note from Linda again..and she thinks this is fun..where is my margauritas)...It stuck to the trees..so soo pretty. but wait the best is yet to come. Just when we were ready to start a very long steep down through the snow to the dam, who should appear but Santa...nope..Many Sleeps, the ridge runner, he came up to carry my pack down. A truly wonderful 72 year old trail Angel. He is from SC and comes up here about 2 times a month. Does the trail between Fontana and Mollies Ridge. Works for the forestry service. reporting problems and trees down,etc. He did a thru hike in 1998., at age of 67! So we are at the Village Inn for at least 2 days depending on what the snow does. It is really coming down again. We hiked 5.0 miles in the snow. We left at 830am arrived at Fontana at 330pm. Thanks to "Many Sleeps" Lord knows,it probably would have taken me all day had he not helped. Thanks a trillion "Many Sleeps"
Date: 2003-03-31
From: Fontana

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 0.0

Taking a zero day to do laundry and rest knee. Sun is out but temp is only going up to 40's. had a great A.X.C.E breakfast- biscuits & gravy, sausage, bacon, eggs,ham,tators,fruit..sure beats oatmeal! Got laundry done..took stuff out of pack that I did not need..making it a little lighter,..yea! Set up tent in room to dry it out. It got pretty wet from the snow. Found a small silver locket with 2 cute little babies inside. Send description of design on it along with the clothing the babies have on and your mailing address and I will return it whenever we get off trail. send to Wilma Gilbert10161 Moultree CtOrlando FL 32817
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Fontana Village

To: Not sure
Miles today: 0.0

Sun shining..temp aobut 46..going up to upper 60's. We are going to Newfound Gap to pick up other car. See if we can visit cousin Evelyn in Bluff city, TN. Knees still not real good. Using special rub my chiropractor gave me..so hopefully it will help. Lots of snow at Newfound where we picked up van. Lots of visitors enjoying the snow. Could not visit Evelyn..her grand daughter having surgery..so we are going to Sugar Grove, Va to visit with another cousin.
Date: 2003-04-02
To: visiting friends
Miles today: 0.0

Have been off trail to let knees rest up. Spent one night in Sugar Grove,Va at my cousins - put ice and heat on knees, sun out bright-would have been a great day hiking. Darn old age!!! Darn knees. On to Pa and Del. Visited with friends, Laura and RuthAnn. Had lunch with my stressed out sister, Lucy. She has been working at her bank for over 40 years and now they are "phasing her out" So sad..long long story..that she gave the bank so much of her life..and now they dont give a crap about her (that last part is from younger sis, Linda)..I worry about her as she is a cancer survivor and I think all of this stress could get it started again. Also had lunch with Lady Di from Exton,Pa. We met her on trail last year. Thanks for lunch, DI and for advice on trail..more on this in next input. Right now we are planning on doing only 1/2 of the trail. Not too happy about this decision but will go day by day, knee pain or not.as I see fit. If we get to Va 606, where we left off last year without any major problems, may decide to do more (another note from Linda....Willie come home..I miss you) At least I can say I tried, you dont know if you can or cant do something unless you give it a try..right?????