morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-24
From: Erwin, TN

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

Moved over to Miss Janet's House (hostel). Got an ace wrap and been taking ibuprofen. Shin feels better. I'll probably stay tomorrow as well, just to make sure its OK. Lot of nice folks here. Met up with some hikers that I met in GA and had not seen in a while.
Date: 2003-05-25
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Well, I hate this. I should be hiking. Leg still hurts. Been icing it. I'll head out tomorrow and walk slowly until it stops hurting. Ace wrap helps. Most everyone went slack-packing today. So far, I don't plan on doing that, but if I have to do many more zero days because of injury, I might have to slack. Looks like it'll be tough getting sleep tonight. It's 10pm and they're going on a beer run to a nearby county as this one doesn't sell beer on Sunday.
Date: 2003-05-26
From: Erwin, TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Not much sleep last night. Hiked today. Did about 16 miles to Cherry Gap Shelter. Leg felt good and bad today, but not worse. See what tomorrow brings. Here with Ani, "L", and Starburst. Shamrock camped back a ways.
Date: 2003-05-28
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Only about 6.5 miles today. Leg hurts. Weather is 40 degrees at 2pm. Gusting winds. I'm in Roan High Knob Shelter - 6,285'. Luckily it's a cabin with a door.
Date: 2003-05-29
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: light rain

Please, please let the wind stop! I'm here at Overmountain Shelter. It's an old barn. It's still low 40's with high winds and scattered rain. I did 6.5 miles to here. Leg feels much better. Was gonna do more miles, but weather turned foul.
Date: 2003-05-30
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Banner Elk, NC
Miles today: 8.7

Did 8.7 miles today, then hitched into Banner Elk, NC. Hot shower, did laundry, and ate the largest burger Hardees makes. This town is not good for hikers - kinda spread out. But we've got someone lined up to take us around to the post office, grocery and maybe the library. I'll take tomorrow off as well to rest my leg and take care of my cold. Oh - I said "we". "Slow Poke" came here also. He is in his 60's and has completed the trail in sections. He's a nice guy.
Date: 2003-06-01
From: Newland, NC

To: Laurel Creek Hostel
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: broken clouds

Did 21.5 miles today to Laurel Creek Hostel. Shame on me...a shower two days in a row. I have a cheeseburger on the way. I'm the only one in the hostel. Not bad for $6. It's a real nice place.
Date: 2003-06-02
From: Laurel Creek Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

Did 17.5 miles today to Vandeventer Shelter. A tough hike, but a beautiful view behind the shelter. I'm here with Fuzzy and Snuffles, Winnebago, and Little Bear. I had passed Fuzzy and Snuffles back near Fontana Dam a couple of weeks ago. I didn't think I'd see them again. But that was before my shin slints.
Date: 2003-06-03
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Damascus,VA
Miles today: 32.7
Weather: light rain

Did about 33 miles to get to Damascus today. I saw a turkey sitting in the trail As I approached it, it stood up and about a dozen chicks ran all over the place.OK, it was alittle crazy to do that many miles, but my leg didn't feel too bad and I needed a cheeseburger, which I got around 9:30pm. I washed it down with 2 cokes, had a hot shower and went to bed.
Date: 2003-06-05
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

OK - one more zero day. The shin is much better today. Still have some chest congestion from a cold. I bought new shoes today. I repalced my size 9 1/2 with size 11. Feet have lengthened and stay swelled from the hiking. I bought New Balance 905's - trail runners,light weight. Will dry faster. It's a very nice day. Wish it was raining - save the nice days for hiking. Had dinner and a couple of beers with about 10 hikers and a couple of guys who are doing a bicycle trip across the U.S. A good time was had by all. Out of here tomorrow for sure!
Date: 2003-06-07
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Did 23.2 miles today to Old Orchard Shelter. Rained most of the day. Tomorrow we push for Partnership Shelter, which actually has warm showers and a phone to order pizza. I'm here with Little Bear, Winnebago and Iceberg Slim.
Date: 2003-06-08
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Marion, VA
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: light rain

A leaky roof woke me up last night. Got a little wet. Did 24.7 miles today to Partnership Shelter. It was kind of crowded, so I hitched into Marion, VA. I'm staying ina motel and will probably do a zero day tomorrow. On the trail today, a grouse decided I was too close to her chicks. She started running up and down the trail hissing at me.
Date: 2003-06-10
From: Marion, VA

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 34.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Did 34.4 miles to Chestnut Knob Shelter. Walked from 7:00 am to 8:30 pm. Had breakfast in town and was able to stop at a Dairy Queen along the way. This shelter is an abandoned fire warden's cabin. It's nice with 4 walls and a door. I'm here with Moss, Winnegabo and Iceburg Slim.
Date: 2003-06-11
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: broken clouds

21.5 miles today. Staying at a hotel in Bland, VA. Getting out of the rain today. I fell face first into LaurelCreek during one of the 12 stream crossings. No injury though. Moss is getting off the trail here. He ran out of money.
Date: 2003-06-12
From: Bland, VA

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: light rain

Did 26.3 miles to Wapiti Shelter. I was hiking today when something came running down the trail toward me. I thought it might be a wild dog or coyote. I prepared to fight it off with my hiking poles, but as it got closer I saw the white spots on its sides. It was a fawn. I stepped off the trail and it blew by me. I wonder what was causing it to run like that.
Date: 2003-06-14
From: Pearisburg,VA

To: Pearisburg,VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Enjoying a zero day today. Picked up my bounce box and mailed back home things I don't need. Probably 1 1/2 pounds worth. I even cut off excess lengths of straps on my pack. Probably removed about 6 ounces worth which doesn't sound like much, but it adds up. Especially when it's wet. I sent home my water filter and am using Aqua Mira tablets to purify the water. Got to the library and did grocery shopping also. I'm watching US Open golf while it rains outside. Glad I'm not hiking in it.
Date: 2003-06-16
From: Pearisburg,VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

Did about 19 miles to Pine Swamp Branch Shelter. A pretty nice hike today. I had to make several stream crossings in strong currents due to the recent rains. Got to the shelter an hour before it started raining again. Took a bath in a very cold stream. Kung Fu ,Iceberg Slim, and Little Bear are here.
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Did 22.3 miles today to Pickle Branch Shelter. During my hike today, a fawn was bedded down next to the trail . Unfortunately, I didn't see it until it jumped up and took off. Scared the heck out of me. Just 6 miles to 4 Pines Hostel and a AYCE restaurant. I'm ready for a hot shower and lots of food. The rain held off until I got to the shelter, cooked dinner, took a sponge bath, and treated water. I like when that happens! Iceberg Slim, Kung Fu, and Little Bear came in later in the rain.
Date: 2003-06-20
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Daleville,VA
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Did about 25 miles to the Best Western in Daleville,Va. Sharing a room with Iceberg Slim, Kung Fu, and Little Bear. It was a good day for hiking and had some great views from McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs.
Date: 2003-06-22
From: Troutville,VA

To: Bryant ridge Shelter
Miles today: 30.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Did 30 miles today to Bryant Ridge Shelter. A nice 3-level shelter with enough room for 20 hikers, but it's only me and Kung Fu here tonight.It was a good day with nice weather. Little Bear is taking a couple of days off in Daleville because of a infected toe. Met Cloudwalker, Weaver, and Family Man today. Much of the trail today passed along and crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Date: 2003-06-26
From: Priest Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 29.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Did 29.5 miles today to Paul C. Wolfe Shelter. A very hot, very tough day today. The trail was very rocky. I didn't enjoy hiking at all today. KungFu and I are here with Mover, Chavez, and a section hiker named Diane. Looking forward to Waynesboro tomorrow.
Date: 2003-06-27
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro,VA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Did the 5 miles to Rockfish Gap in record time. KungFu and I are at the Quality Inn in Waynesville. Had breakfast at Weasies. Did laundry, went to the library, post office and resupplied. I'm taking a zero day tomorrow.
Date: 2003-06-29
From: Waynesboro

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Nice 20 miles to Blackrock Hut. The shelters are called huts here in the Shenandoahs. I picked up a beer that KungFu had hid for me along the trail. I chilled it in the spring and am drinking it now. A guy who hiked the trail in '99 brought by a bucket full of goodies. Excellent "Trail Magic". I'm here with Mover and a guy and his son who are section hiking. I saw a bear up a tree today. It was 40' up but was on the ground in 2 seconds after it saw me. I think I got a picture of it.
Date: 2003-06-30
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 33.8

Did 33.8 miles to Bearfence Hut. Nice hike today. Finished up with food, cold drinks and hot shower at a camp store less than a mile from this shelter. Another bucket of goodies was left here as well. Here with Martin (real name)he's from Britain,Snot Rocket, Double A, Bucky, and others.
Date: 2003-07-04
From: Front Royal,VA

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 34.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I did 34 miles today to get to Bear's Den Hostel. It was a very tough hike. I did laundry, got a hot shower, and ate some Ben and Jerry's ice cream. I'm here with Flatlander, Martin, and Free Radical. Leaving VA. tomorrow.
Date: 2003-07-06
From: Harpers Ferry,W.VA.

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Did 23.6 miles to Pine Knob Shelter. I have shin splints again. The left leg this time. Luckily, I'm taking some time off. I'll be going to Atlanta to visit my girlfriend for a few days. I'm looking forwrd to seeing her and hopefully my shin will heal.
Date: 2003-07-14
From: Fayetteville,PA

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm staying at a hostel. It's called the Ironmasters Mansion and was used in the Underground Railroad. I actually got to crawl down through the trap door and under the house where slaves where hid and helped to escape. My shin splints still hurt and I have a blister from my new shoes. I was kind of depressed today. Maybe tomorrow will be better.
Date: 2003-07-15
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Carlisle,PA
Miles today: 27.4

27 miles to Carlisle,PA. The weather was good, the terrain was easy. But I'm not enjoying it as much as I have in the past. I thought my recent time off from the trail would help, but it did not. So after 1,112 miles, I have decided to stop hiking. I wish I could have made it to Maine, but still I'm pleased with what I have done. I had a great time and met a lot of nice people on and off the trail. Best of luck to the Class of 2003. Especially, KungFu,Shamrock,Starburst,Pony Boy,Pit,Buttercup,Laughing Bird,Flying Bear,Magic Rat,Jitterbug,Hoover,Iceberg Slim,Fuzzy,Snuffles,Little Bear,Winnebago,Geo,Orlando Jack,Flatlander,Free Radical, Anishnabe,Cough Drop,Martin, and many others I can't think of right now.Have a great hike guys!
Date: 2003-07-25
From: Carlisle,PA

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 29.0
Weather: few clouds

29 miles to Peters Mountain Shelter. It is good to be back on the trail. I'm here with Mover, Little Bear and Taba. I saw Laughing Bird and Buttercup today. I'm not far behind Kung Fu. I had lunch at the Doyle Hotel in Duncannon.
Date: 2003-07-27
From: Swatara Gap

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 35.1
Weather: few clouds

Despite my bad knee, I did 35.1 miles to Port Clinton. I was going to do less miles, but missed a turn. I'm sleeping on the town's pavillion. Barely got here before dark and the rain. Picking up a bounce box here tomorrow. I saw another rattlesnake today.
Date: 2003-07-29
From: Hawk Mountain Rd / Eckville Shelter

To: Lehigh Gap, PA
Miles today: 24.8

24.8 miles to Lehigh Gap, PA. Staying at the Fine Lodging Hotel in Slatington. A pretty trashy hotel, but they have "hiker rooms" for $15. The trail was mostly flat today, which is much better for my knee. The down hills are killer. The infamous Pennsylvania rocks have been taking a toll on my feet as well. Only 36 more miles of Pennsylvania left. I'm ready to get out of here. I'm sure my knee has tears. I hope the pain doesn't get any worse. I came very close to getting off the trail yesterday.
Date: 2003-08-04
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter

To: Vernon,NJ
Miles today: 6.5

Did 6.5 trail miles and 2 road miles. I couldn't get a hitch into town. Anyway, I'm here at a church hostel. Man was it good to get showered and do laundry. The mosquitos have been terrible. The trail has gone thru some swampy areas. Ate at Burger King 3 times today and resupplied.
Date: 2003-08-05
From: Vernon,NJ

To: Greenwood Lake,NY
Miles today: 0.0

Yes, another hotel. It has been raining like crazy. I find myself needing to dangle a carrot in front of me to stay motivated. That carrot being a hot shower,laundry, etc. Also, there is a pretty large bunch of hikers in about the same area. All usually heading for the next shelter. When the shelter is full I tent nearby, but that is not much fun when it storms like it has been.
Date: 2003-08-09
From: Peekskill,NY

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: haze

19.4 miles to RPH shelter. Here with Starburst,Pushing up daisies,Magic Rat, Turtle, and Jimbotrek. Very hot and humid today. We are close to town and have ordered a pizza! Love those folks who carry cell phones!
Date: 2003-08-15
From: Lee.MA

To: Dalton,Ma
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

19 miles to Dalton,Ma. Staying at Rob's house. He puts up hikers in his house for free. A very nice guy. Got a shower, did laundry, and went out to dinner. I'm here with Mr Pumpy, Aftershock and Sings alot.
Date: 2003-07-03
To: Katahdin Stream Campground, Me
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

5.2 miles todayTentingKatahdin Stream Campground, MeFrogcaller and Lew picked me up at the bus station in Waterville, Me last night and I spent the night at their cabin in Greenville, Me.Frogcaller cooked a great breakfast this morning, then I got ready and they drove me to Katahdin Stream Campground.I got site #12, signed in as a sobo and thanked Frogcaller and Lew for helping me out so much.We took a few pictures of the three of us, then I started climbing Katahdin.On the way over here this morning from Greenville, we saw a cow moose and her calf and 3 snowshoe hares.I hiked up to Katahdin's summit, then back down to Katahdin Stream Campground where I'm tenting at tonight.I got rained on litely a few times today.When I climbed this mountain last year at the end of a nobo thru hike, I was in great shape and it seemed like a bump, but this year I had to work at it to make the climb.It ended up being a nice day and the black flies weren't too bad. I did drink about 1 1/2 gallons of water though.I met three nobo's just finishing their hikes...Red Headed Stranger, Eric and Christie.I wore my new Limmer boots. I've heard so much about boots that I thought I'd give them a try this year and see what the difference really is.I can tell you already that they are heavy!!
Date: 2003-07-04
From: Katahdin Stream Campground, Me

To: Abol Bridge Campground, Me
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

9.9 miles todayTentingAbol Bridge Campground, MeHappy 4th of July!!I thought it would be busier on the trail today, but I only saw 2 nobo section hikers.The lady at the campstore said that there's no where near as many sobo's that have started yet this year.The bugs were bad today.Today's hike was mostly flat...thank goodness because these boots are heavy.I'll start the 100 mile wilderness in the morning and I'm planning on taking 10 days.It gets light here at 4:30am this time of year.I stopped by a waterfall today and got in. It was so cold that it tookl my breath away at first, but then it felt great as I got used to it.Hiking in these boots is alot harder than hiking in the running shoes that I hiked in last year.I'm in site #22, the same one as last year.
Date: 2003-07-05
From: Abol Bridge Campground, Me

To: Rainbow Spring Tentsite, Me
Miles today: 11.2

11.2 miles todayTentingRainbow Springs Tentsite, MeWell, I think I need to go back until I get this footwear thing straightened out.My boots are soaked from sweat, so they are very heavy. The leather is water logged.I've never really worn anything but running shoes before and I'm going back to running shoes as soon as I get feeling back in my big toe on each foot. Yep, they are going numb after these few miles.There is no way I'm going to risk injury, when I can turn around now and get the proper shoes to hike in.I've been getting blisters, but I've been taking care of those. It's the numb toes that are my main concern right now.I know some hikers from last year who I saw at Trail Days and they said they still don't have feeling in some toes.That's not acceptable to me, so I'm heading home until the feeling returns and I'll be back with a good pair of trail runners by Asics.It's 7pm and I'm the only one here.
Date: 2003-07-20
From: Rainbow Spring Tentsite, Me

To: Shore of Lake Nahmakanta, Me
Miles today: 14.5

14.5 miles todayTentingShore of Lake Nahmakanta, MeI'm back!!!I ended up going back to Florida and within a week, my toes were starting to get feeling back in them.I'm sure I made the right decision to delay this hike for the couple weeks until I got full feeling back in my toes.That also gave me time to get new trail runners and I can now say that I'll never...never wear boots to hike in again.I actually got back on the trail yesterday at Abol Bridge and walked in to Rainbow Spring tentsite where I had turned around and headed back to Abol to get off trail about 2 weeks ago. So, Rainbow Spring Tentsite is where I'm picking up at.I was going to tent back in a nice little spot I know about along another sand beach, but Echo and another sobo were already there.They said they would make room for me. I asked if anyone snored and when I heard that one of them did, I was on my way to stealth tent somewhere.I met Dr Dolittle and her two dogs. She's also doing a sobo hike.I made lots of stops today and just enjoyed the solitude. I even soaked my feet in a small stream by a waterfall.I also met 4 nobo's that I had met earlier back at Pinkham Notch, NH.Joureyman was the only name I could remember though.There were lots of loons calling last night at Rainbow Spring Tentsite and a little rain.
Date: 2003-07-21
From: Shore of Lake Nahmakanta, Me

To: White House Landing, Me
Miles today: 6.4

6.4 miles todayHostelWhite House Landing, MeI was another beautiful evening last night with a very nice sunset over the lake.Today I got up and had coffee and breakfast and walked to White House Landing.I stopped along the way and got water from Woodrats Spring which was about 2 miles before White House Landing.Just after 2pm, the wind kicked up out of nowhere, then died down just as quickly.Echo and Hooter are here along with 7 other hikers.I've got the Shore House all to myself. It's well worth the extra 10 bucks to not have to listen to snoring all night.Bill and Linda are great hosts and they still make the best hamburger I've ever had...3/4 to 1 pound apiece.I signed up for the AYCE breakfast for tomorrow morning.Been sitting here reading Bryson's "A Walk In The Woods".
Date: 2003-07-22
From: White House Landing, Me

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to, Me
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: moderate rain

13.9 miles todayTentingCooper Brook Falls Lean-to, MeI woke up in the Shore House this morning and packed up, made coffee and went uip to breakfast at White House Landing before I got a ride with Bill back to the trail.I got sprinkled on today some and the mosquitos were out all day long again, but I'm starting to get a little more used to them. I still don't like them though.I saw my first snake of this hike today.I spent some time talking to Dr Dolittle this afternoon. She's the only other hiker here at the shelter.I still haven't seen a moose yet.There is a great waterfall and swimming area here, but the water is still too cold for me to get in all the way.
Date: 2003-07-23
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to, Me

To: Logan Brook Lean-to, Me
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

11.7 miles todayShelterLogan Brook Lean-to, MeI woke up to rain this morning.I got out of my tent and went over to the shelter, made coffee and ate breakfast and was talking to Dr Dolittle, Echo and Hooter.Echo and Hooter made it into the shelter last night after I had gotten in my tent for the night.I got packed up and started walking. In a couple miles, I stopped to talk to a couple nobo's.Dr Dolittle caught up to me then and we walked together the rest of the day in the rain.I helped get Dr Dolittle's dogs across a rapidly running river. It took both of us to keep them from flowing downstream.I ran into Moon Monster. He remembered me fro the trail in Georgia.It's still raining and it's supposed to rain tomorrow. At least that keeps the bugs to a minimum.There's a real nice waterfall here. I'm half way up White Cap Mountain at 2,500 feet high.
Date: 2003-07-24
From: Logan Brook Lean-to, Me

To: West Branch of the Pleasant River, Me
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

12.7 miles todayTentingW Branch of the Pleasant River, MeI woke up in the shelter this morning and made coffee and ate breakfast.It rained alot last night and rained most of the day today.I hiked alone today. This is the second time that I've gone over White Cap Mountain and had no views. I've heard the views up there are beautiful on a clear day.I hiked by Sidney Tappan Campsite and then stopped at Car Newhall Lean-to for lunch.My entry from last year's hike was still in the register there. It was from 9-11-02.Dr Dolittle came in and her leg was shaking from the hard climbs and descents, so she decided to stay there.I hiked on down through The Hermatage and on across the river to this tentsite right next to the river and a small stream.I saw two snakes today.
Date: 2003-07-25
From: West Branch of the Pleasant River, Me

To: Cloud Pond Lean-to, Me
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

11.7 miles todayTentingCloud Pond Lean-to, MeI saw my first and second moose of the hike today. One went into the pond about 75 feet away from where I was setting up my tent and then the other, about an hour later, 200 feet on the other side of me.That one went into the pond too.Today was a great day!!I woke up early and didn't feel like eating yet, so I hiked on up to a ridge just below Chairback Mountain and ate breakfast and made coffee while I layed all my stuff out to get dry....in the sun!!Yep, the sun came back out today.I hiked on to Chairback Gap Lean-to and took a break, then when I got to Third Mountain, I stopped and ate lunch, then I read for about 45 minutes.I took it slow over the Chairbacks. It was tough, but I really enjoyed it.There weren't too many bugs out today either.I'm tented right on a point of land with the pond on two sides of me. There's a nice breeze and I get to sit and enjoy the scenery.