morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-09-19
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 10.5

Uneventful night at the shelter last night. Contrary to the name, it is back up in the woods, not on the lake as I envisioned.On the hike around the lake, the trail dips down quite close. Soon I found the trail covered with water that was the lake. I had finally gotten my feet and shoes half dried out hiking yesterday with no rain. I just did not want them wet again, so I bushwacked around the first couple of spots to avoid the water in the low spot. Finally got to one stretch that looked like it was at least 100' of trail and several feet deep. At this point, I cut up to the paralleling road and made my own high water trail. Every time I would try to cut back down to the trail, there would be water at some point.When I finally got to the Shook Branch Picnic area, it was clear what was going on. The recent rain had raised the lake level to where many of the picnic tables were awash or underwater. Now I understand why they make the picnic tables out of concrete rather than wood. That way they don't float away.Picked up a cache just after the picnic area. Next was one of those pointless up and downs (PUDs) with an 1800 foot climb up Pond Mountain and 1800 foot descent down the other side. I think I am finally getting in trail shape. I was able to make the entire climb, even with the new weight of the cache, with only a few, what I call, standing eight count breaks. Stop long enough to wipe your face and take a drink from the Gatorade bottle and then off again.Saw about twenty people today around the Laurel Fork Gorge and Falls. It is a Sunday and a nice sunny, blue sky day. Probably took more pictures today than in the last week. The falls were really flowing with the recent rain.I had to stop at the Kincora hostel. Everyone sings its praises. Was able to get a hot shower and do laundry. So I can start tomorrow with dry socks.Weather looks great for the next several days.Flooded Trails
Date: 2004-09-20
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Mountaineer Waterfall campsite
Miles today: 14.8

I forgot to mention in yesterday's entry, that I met Freddy Bear at the Kincora Hostel last night. He is the third in a trio of guys hiking south, that I have been chasing for weeks, always threee to five days behind. The three were Triumph, Romin' Goat, and Freddy Bear. All have gotton off the trail. Triumph, from Scotland, I knew was getting off to return home. I met him near Bland when I was placing a cache. Romin' Goat I never met. He has gone home to Florida. Think he was limping with some injuries. Freddy Bear had been at Kincora for two days and left last night to get a bus and then a plane home to New Mexico.There is a fellow, Ghost, who passed me at Chestnut Knob above Burke's Garden and is now three days ahead. And another person, Lost Cowboy, has started showing up in the shelter registers and is about five days ahead. Today was sunny and started out cold, but warmed up. From what I could see through the leaf canopy, there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Supposed to continue like this for the rest of the week. That will be great, as I am headed UP, UP to the balds. Open top mountains, that they don't quite know why, since it is not above treeline at this latitude.I am tenting for the first time in quite awhile. There was a relocation last year just north of Rt. 19E that added over six miles. I am camped where a new shelter is to be built. But meanwhile, it would have been almost 24 miles from Kincora to the next shelter ahead. Too far for me.Some big climbs tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing the balds and seeing from the balds in good weather.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-09-21
From: Mountaineer Waterfall campsite

To: Doll Flats campsite
Miles today: 11.3

Another day of sun and not a cloud until late this afternoon. Still buried down in the green tunnel, but tomorrow up to the balds. The relocation was well done, but it had 1100 feet of climb in it. Being new, there are no map profiles, as yet. And it was 8.3 miles to Rt. 19E, where I had my next cache. From 19E, it is a long steep climb. I have stopped at Doll Flats, which is about 2000' up and there is another 1000' to climb immediately tomorrow. This is a nice campsite. Nice rock for cooking on and a choice of woods or meadow for tenting.Climbing up today, there was one place where a rock/mud slide from much further up the mountain wiped out about 30 yards of trail. Looked new, as there were very few footprints showing where hikers had picked their way over it. Probably happened Thursday, when Ivan came through.A family of three came in later and are also tenting nearby.Mud Slide Trails
Date: 2004-09-22
From: Doll Flats campsite

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Well, today was just fantastical. First was a climb up Hump Mtn., the first of the balds. There was a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains and countryside. I stopped to try to mentally record it at each opportunity. I did take pictures, but a photo just doesn't capture the sweep and panorama of the view. I hope to just use the photos to trigger my own mental images.Last night had been dry, so the grass on the balds was dry, so no wet feet either. Again today was sunny and no clouds. Actually a few clouds would have added to the character of the sky in photos. Got a little warm and running a little low on water, when I came to a nice spring up on the ridge after the Stan Murray shelter. Stopped and got rehydrated.Speaking of hydration, I caught some trail magic. Just before Carver Gap, a hiker coming up the trail asked if I was a thruhiker. There is a certain look. When I said yes, he asked if I wanted a Coke. I responded that I would kill for a Coke or any soft drink. He opened his day pack and gave me a 20 oz. bottle and apologized for it not being cold. Drank part of it there and took the rest down to the gap to finish. The trail angel was a fellow named Happy Feet who has already finished his thruhike this year and was back here dayhiking.Rejuveniated by a shot of sugar and caffine, I was able to cruise the 800 foot climb up to the Roan High Knob shelter. This is the highest shelter on the AT at 6285 feet. The highest point is Clingman's Dome in the Smokies, where I will be in a few weeks, but this is the highest shelter. A bit disappointing actually. Since it is an old firewardens cabin, I was expecting a view like at Chestnut Knob. However, it is buried in a stand of evergreens. Spruce, I think. Also it is somewhat dark and dank inside.Saw a fair number of people on the trail today, besides my trail angel. The leaves are just beginning to turn on a few of the trees. That may bring out some more people, expecially in the Smokies.Bald Trails
Date: 2004-09-23
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Cherry Gap shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

Sunny and a bit warm today. Ran out of water before getting here. No trail angel waiting with a Coke, so that last climb was really slow. Need to make sure I've got enough water tomorrow. Lots of blowdowns to negotiate today. The descent off of Roan Mountain was steep and rocky and slow. Took me almost nine hours today.Sharing the shelter and area with a three person group called The Treehuggers and another 72 year old guy named Sarge. Sarge is well informed and likes to talk. Very entertaining.Short entry. Need to get to sleep.Debris Ridden Trails
Date: 2004-09-24
From: Cherry Gap shelter

To: Miss Janet's Hostel, Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Wanted to get to town, so up and out early. Slow going at first, as I ran into a set of about six blowdowns within about 100 yards at the start of the 1300 foot climb up Unaka Mountain. Took about 15 minutes to negotiate that mess. It looked like there was a microburst or even a tornado hit right there. When you looked up and back, there was a new clearing where there used to be standing trees. After the climb, things moved along faster and the last four miles downhill to the river and road really flew. Ended up making the distance in just over eight hours, which is flying for me. Very nice vista from Beauty Spot. You can get up there by car, so a sample of the balds can be had by all.At Miss Janet's for the zero(s). She picked me up at the river as arranged by a cell phone call from the last shelter that was four miles away. Did that last bit in like and hour and forty minutes. Erwin Trails
Date: 2004-09-25
From: Miss Janet's Hostel, Erwin, TN

To: Miss Janet's
Miles today: 0.0

Got my zero day to-do list completed. Thinking of heading out tomorrow. Have a full house at Miss Janet's tonight with a total of six hikers in residence. The threesome of Gandalf, Gimli and Sam came in this morning. I had stayed with them night before last.Two young southbound thruhikers came in early evening, Dances with Moose and Oatmeal Stout. Makes for a lively crowd. Might need earplugs tonight. The bunkroom is not real big.Happy Hostel
Date: 2004-09-26
From: Miss Janet's Hostel, Erwin, TN

To: No Business Knob shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

Decided to go on today, since I had all my chores done and was ready to go. Took a box of supplies down to Elmer's at Hot Springs, rather than cache in the woods. That way I don't have to carry the cache bag. Hot Springs is almost exactly half way to Newfound Gap which is the next break point. The trail actually goes through the town, which is a treat. The powers that be, have been relocating the trail away from towns, which I don't agree with at all. For instance, the trail used to go through Monson, but is now a four mile hitch away. I think that something is lost thereby.Easy day. Got started hiking about 11:50. About a 1500 foot climb with some nice views looking down on the Nolichucky River. Just didn't want to take another zero. Another section hiker came in late to the shelter. An Englishman who has lived many places.Easy Trail
Date: 2004-09-27
From: No Business Knob shelter

To: Spivey Gap campsite
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The Englishman, Sleeping Bear, was by way of Kenya. He got his name bacause someone thought there was a bear, but it was his snoring.Last night was windy and overcast this morning. Looked like it might rain, which it has.Today went very badly. Camped in the tent with the rain falling, until I see how I am in the morning.I stopped about mid-morning to put on the pack cover. I stopped right beside a yellow jacket nest. I got stung probably thirty or more times while running away and killing at the same time. I got a very bad reaction, whether from the stings or the adrenaline spike and crash. Had to stop and rest, as I felt I might pass out and may have at one point. I later continued, very shakily, down to the road, Rt. 19W. I couldn't get a cell phone call out and no traffic came along and I was getting cold and shivery. The campsite and water is just off the road, so I pitched camp and got into dry things and into the sleeping bag to warm up. Have to see how things are in the morning.Yellow Jacket Trails
Date: 2004-09-28
To: Johnson City (TN) Medical Center
Miles today: 0.0

this entry is being written by Pete's sister-in-law and transcriber, Linda...Pete called me earlier today from the Johnson City, TN, Medical Center to relay the following information: Yesterday while hiking, Pete was attacked by a swarm of yellow jackets. He immediately was overcome and apparently collapsed on the trail. He roused approximately an hour later, gathered himself up (as there was no one else to assist him), made his way to the nearest road. Finding no traffic on that road and feeling poorly, he set up his tent alongside the road and crawled into his sleeping bag around 2:30 in the afternoon. I gather that he spent the entire night there, perhaps not even eating. He woke this morning and walked to the nearest house he found, asking for assistance. Somehow he hooked up with the Miss Janet who runs a hostel in Erwin, TN where he had parked his truck and spent a zero day on Sunday. She hauled him to the Johnson City Medical Center for attention.The doctors there are talking myocardial infarction; that is, heart attack. He has had an EKG or two already and there seems to be some abnormality still. They have planned a cathiterization procedure for tomorrow (Wed, Sept 29)to assess the situation and take any corrective action that may be warranted.At the time of this writing, we are still early in the diagnosis game. No specific plans are yet being made for Pete's release and his return to Texas, but Pete has said to me that his 2004 AT trip is now over. He does not plan to take any risks at this point.I will post updates to this site as information becomes available. I will also try to create a general e-mail posting from what data I can put together from previous e-mails from Pete or others. but I have been diligent in emptying e-mail directories of late. If you have not received such e-mails and wish to be included on a posting, please let me know at lindahayes@bellsouth.net. I may travel to TN to visit Pete this week and be out of touch with my own e-mail, but I'll will make a posting (on this site and via e-mail) on Friday or Saturday before I leave for my own outdoor venture in Utah on Saturday.Please keep Pete in your thoughts and prayers. He will likely make a good recovery, but is surely disappointed for this hiking diversion. Thanks for your well wishes, Linda
Date: 2004-09-30
To: Texas bound
Miles today: 0.0

from Pete's transcriber..I have just heard from Jennifer from Pete¢s hospital room a few minutes ago. They had seen one of the docs this morning and once the other doc reviews his chart and agrees, there is a high likelihood that he will be released today; at the latest, tomorrow. Jenny says he looks great and apparently his trail appetite is in fine form. Since she is there and would be heading back to Texas very soon any way, they are planning to pick up Pete¢s truck, turn in her rental car, and drive back to Austin together this weekend ¢ a perfect solution for getting Pete back most of the way home ¢ accompanied! I¢ve been passing along your regards to Pete and will forward each received e-mail to him for his reading later. (New readers might want to simply sign his trail journals guest book with their regards.) Sounds like he may have been stung big-time, but he also dodged a bullet. We are all thrilled that he is doing so well. Pete plans to do a post hike update to the trail journal once he is settled in back home, so watch for it for his perspective on all this.
Date: 2005-01-20
To: Wrap up
Miles today: 0.0

Finally got around to uploading 60 pictures from the '04 hike and attaching some of them to journal pages. Hope everyone enjoys them and sorry it took so long.Feeling very fit and well. Working out twice a day (mostly walking) in preparation for the next adventure. Planning to try the PCT this year. Going to keep a journal again, but haven't started the '05 one yet.Happy trails
Date: 2005-03-30
To: Another adventure
Miles today: 0.0

Getting ready to go try another adventure. Going to try to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Long way, but I feel ready. Still have 330 miles of the AT to complete, but I have the opportunity to do the PCT this year with my hiking buddy Aloha Ann, so the AT will have to wait. I met Aloha in the Whites (Crawford Notch I think), along with Gutsy and we summitted Katahdin together.Been having fun spending money on new gear. More about that later. Feel like I am in much better shape to start than previous years. Of course, that is mandatory, since there no easing into it on the PCT, due mainly to the dearth of water sources along the trail in southern California.
Date: 2004-03-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I guess this is the formal beginning of the trail journal, the realization of a dream coming true. Paul & I have dreamed about hiking the AT together for many years. We did alot of planning to get where we are today, sometimes it seemed it was just that ...a dream, but here we are! We have been very busy the last couple of weeks finalizing our hike, making up mail drops, weighing everything, DISCUSSING whether I really need that or not. We are as ready as we can be. We will be leaving March 19th for north GA. We decided to spent a week in the moutains acclimating to the terrain, I think these Florida legs need it !! On March 28th we take that first step towards Mt Katadin, but I truly believe it is the journey not the destination that will be the reward.Life is Good!
Date: 2004-03-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today we have arrived at the new Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega, GA. The owners Josh & Leigh Saint are great! We had a wonderful welcome. We've met fellow hikers who have shared with us their experiences of the first days of hiking the trail. We are looking forward to seeing them again either on the trail or at trail days. We are still planning for the March 28 take off, but the pull to the trail is hard to resist. The weather is beautiful, great hiking days!We both would like to thank our good friends Greg & Teena for the ride to Georgia and for their friendship. Our friendship is a mutual answer to prayer, right Teena? We love you both.
Date: 2004-03-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We will be leaving the hiking Hostel today. What a wonderful time we have had. Josh & Leigh are gracious host giving 110% to their new adventure.We highly recommend the hostel to anyone planning a hike in this area. We have met new   hikers that are just getting started, some are back to the hostel after spending 2-3 days on the trail. We are all like sponges trying to take in all the heplful info we can get.We will be volunteering at Len Foote Hike Inn for 3 days. We have decided to start our hike on 3/26, instead of sunday. Actually Paul let me decide this. We had planned a takeoff date of Sunday, March 28 for a long time. when we realized time would allow us to be in GA earlier I thought it would be great to take a week to "get used to walking in the mtns", now I think it was a fear of not being ready. I also remembered that I wanted to be flexible and enjoy what the trail has to offer. It just makes sense to us to leave from the Len foote on Friday and not be so rigid. After all the plan is just a guide.
Date: 2004-03-24
To: Ready To Go!!
Miles today: 0.0

3/24/04Yesterday we arived at the Len Foote Hike Inn to volunteer until Friday morning. We are helping in the kitchen, breakfast & dinner. We have the rest of the time to do what we want to do. Those of you who have never been to the hike inn should check it out. It's a wonderful place to enjoy nature.Today we hiked to Springer Mtn as a day hike. Had we not commited to the hike inn I'm sure we would have already gotten on the trail. Tomorrow will do a shorter hike in the morning, hand wash our clothes and rest in the afternoon.We spent the evening talking with Glen Richards aka Gizmo about the AT and the trail community. He is the caretaker for this section of the trail. LIFE IS GOOD Paul & Jaime
Date: 2004-03-26
From: Len Foote Hike Inn

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

We were both awake early this morning anxious to begin the hike. I have to admit I was starting to feel nervous about the magnitude of this adventure, 2000+ miles is a long way to walk after all. But I am also very excited about the people we'll meet, the places we'll see and the beautiful surroundings-being one with nature. After breakfast and breakfast clean up duty at Len Foote we were approached by a family who were interested in our hike. The oldest daughter of 5 cute little girls, named Charlotte was doing a report on the Appalachians and wanted to take our picture as part of her report. We took the pictures than we were on our way at 9:30 am. I wish I could say it was a perfect day but I think Ole Man is destined to be troubled with feet problems. He had gotten some pretty big blisters during the week but his right foot kicked into a major pain party. We stopped several times to take off our boots. At Springer shelter we sat with our feet in he stream as we ate our lu! nch. That was great! We were at Springer Mtn at 12:30. Gizmao was there he said he was the welcoming comittee. We took some pictures and got on our way. At Springer shelter we met Me and MY Shadow, a couple from Missouri. We past them again on the trail and said we we would meet them at the next shelter. we arrived at Stover Creek shelter around 3:30pm, we both agreed we had enough for one day. We sat up the tent down by the creek and had plenty of daylight to filter water and cook dinner. The weather today has been beautiful. LIFE IS GOOD Paul & Jaime
Date: 2004-03-27
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

3/27Stover Creek Shelter to Justus Creek campsiteMileage 11We both slept well and awake about 5:30am but we slept in until 6:30 and we were on the trail by 7:30. The morning was crisp but not cold, it was a nice downhill hike for a little while. The birds were singing and the sun rays were shining through the trees as the sun rose over the mtns. As the day wore on I had to remember the beauty of the morning as the sun seemed relentless in it's afternoon heat. I'm thinking it may be along hot summer! Ole Man had less foot pain today,I sent a telapathic message to my Momma to pray for his feet, I'm sure she heard me she seems to always know what I'm thinking! I had a difficult time today with the uphills. I wasn't the only one though as we played hopscotch with Footnotes up the mtn. Matthew & Lindsey, a couple from England, also felt it was a tough day. We are all happily bunked down or should I say tented down for the night. LIFE IS GOOD Paul & Jaime
Date: 2004-03-28
From: Justus Creek

To: Jarrod Gap
Miles today: 12.5

3/28Justus Creekto Jarrod Gap campsitemileage 12.5What a long hot day! How I'm praying for those hiking legs to take over! I hear it takes about 2 weeks. We hiked along with Footnotes & Mike sometimes leading, sometimes following. The sun was really zapping our energy. We had a nice lunch break at Woody Gap. I heard we had missed Josh(from the Hostel) by about 10 min, I would've been tempted to bunk down there for the night, I guess it wasn't meant to be! We went on as far as Jarrod Gap, we might have stopped earlier but we had to camp where there was water. At Jarrod Gap we met Sharon with her dog Jack from Wyoming. We had a nice evening visiting with Sharon, Footnotes & Mike. It was a long day. Tomorrow we get to take a shower! Yeah! We both need it! LIFE IS GOOD Paul & Jaime