morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-13
From: US # 321, Hampton, TN

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

"I don't think we're in Kansas anymore."Dorothy -" The Wizard of Oz." A short day, but I'm still not feeling 100%. I feel "washed out". It seems like it took me forever to get here. Just 8.6 miles and a lot of ridge line but it was a long day. My head wasn't into it eitherHad dinner last night with Spitfire. She describes herself as a jewish girl from Baltimore. She was holed up at Shadylawn Motel and we went and got sandwiches at a pizza place in town. They didn't make anything like the chicken broccoli pizza I was craving. Went back to my room and I watched awful TV! The 3s Company story. How dreadfull! - fell asleep before it was over thank God!Todays hike had just 1 significant climb of 1300 feet otherwise it rolled up and down. Rumor has it, it's like this all the way to Damascus! Passed a bunch of folks slackpacking. Tome For Now and Swensaw Lou, 2 Dog Night{with dogs}, Brown Bess, Tinkerbell, Psycho Pat and GI Gypsy. The first slackpacker I came across was Spitfire. I had been thinking about her earlier in the day. She talked about taking the shuttle with me and last night decided she'd head back to the 19e trailhead. So when I saw her slacking it was very weird. I also saw Mover! Tonight at the shelter it's 2 guys whose names I forget, Bearable, Dirtnap and Dutch just cruised in at 9 pm. He says Strider says "Hi" and will catch up to me. The most miserable man on the trail, not to be confused with the most annoying man, is here. When I walked up he was snoring loudly. I walked past the shelter after dinner, he was awake, so I said "Hi!". He just stared at me. He later threw a bunch of bread on the ground, not far from where 2 guys are planning to sleep. One of the guys asked him about that and I really thought a fist fight was gonna break out. Miserable man said he was doing it so mice would stay out of the shelter. This could attract bears dummy. Try a little bird seed ya big idiot! I've read about miserable man in other registers and he does not have a big fan club. He went as far to say that all of our parents are thankfull that we are out here so we're out of their hair. He is miserable and nasty and I hope he stays far away from me. I guess he thought hiking the trail would bring him peace - not with an attitude like that. Anyway, tomorrow im going to try to do 14.6 miles, so I can get into Damascus earlier on friday. We'll see how I feel after the first 7 miles or so. Water is a challenge on this stretch of trail. The spring for this shelter is over a half mile away and down hill - straight down hill! The next shelter has "no" water. Needless to say, I'm carrying a lot of water and its heavy! Walked all day with great views of Watauga lake. This shelter has an exceptional view out the back yard! Sunny but very windy today. Should be a chilly night. Peace, Molasses
Date: 2003-05-14
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 32.9
Weather: broken clouds

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved."   Helen KellerWell, whatever is ailing me lingers. No energy again today. Planned to do 14.7 miles to Double Springs shelter and made it to Rt 91. So I hiked close to 11. The trail was fairly easy but I had difficulty. No big hills, mostly ridge line walking with a few minor ups and downs. The energy is just not there. I feel washed out. Plus, my left knee has been bothering me for a few days. I have been trying to ignore it because knees are supposed to hurt when thru hiking, especially when going down hill. Well now it hurts going up, going down and on the flat. It mostly hurts with 35 lbs on my back. Without the back its just a tight feeling. So today as I hit TN Route # 91, who do I see? - Red Rover and Peregrine in a cute Toyota Corolla. They brought me into Damascus and we had lunch/dinner. We talked about how much we enjoy slackpacking and how we were thinking of doing a lot more. Cars are required tyo slackpack. I have been thinking of taking some time off through the end of the month and this could be a great opportunity. Red rover and Peregrine are actually thinking about going back to New Hampshire and getting a car and maybe buying one! We'll talk more over the weekend. Red rover had been feeling sick and went to the doctor. He's now being treated for giardia. I hope I don't have that! I am spending the night at the Hiker Inn. It's a small hostel bunk with sheets and a shower for $20.00 - plus its quiet. I hope to get some good sleep tonight. This place is booked this weekend, but there's a slim chance I can stay, otherwise I'll tent in th tent city outside of town or "The Place" at the Methodist church. Firefeet and Gazelle and Bumpkin are across the street at a B&B, Red Rover and Peregrine are back in Laurel Gap. Trail Days is gearing up. Tomorrow I exchange a pair of socks for a new pair of Smart Wools and Leki will clean my trekking poles and replace the springs for free! I'll also do laundry, get mail and eat mass quantities. Thankfully, my appetite has not been too affected by my lingering Erwin crud!   Peace, Molasses
Date: 2003-05-15
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

"Like an ox-cart driver in monsoon season or the skipper of a grounded ship,one must sometimes go forward by going back"      John BarthTrail Days,Damascus,VAThis town has a way of sucking you in and enveloping you! Another day of food, fun and frolic. Slept til almost 9. Needed a real cup of coffee so headed to the Side Track Cafe and bumped into ATWannabe. It was so good to see her. She is recovering very well, but will not be able to finish the trail this year. Actually she's heading back to work in 2 weeks. Spunky and several others were there we chatted and caught up. Good to see old friends! So I walk out and across the street, I see this big guy with red hair who looks awfully familiar. Its Big Red! I followed his journal religiously last year and we emailed a few times. He is my hero! Much like me, he isnt a "real hiker". Just a guy who had a dream and went for it! We chatted a bit and promised to meet up again this weekend. The really cool thing is he knew I was Molasses! Very cool!Spent a good chunk of the day with Firefeet. We strolled around the trail days vendors and I bought a pair of Bite hiking sandals. They have a replaceable insole and I can get custom superfeet insoles for them should I choose. I will wear them hiking and more than likely around town. Had a good Italian dinner that upset my stomach, but it tasted good while it lasted.Also chatted with my folks at length. Its decided. They'll pick me up sunday afternoon and I'll go home til the second of June. I need a break physically and mentallly. Left knee is still cranky and a break from hiking will give me time to see all the friends and family back home for a bit - at least untill I hike through PA. in a month or so. I will also be able to attend one of our annual family reunions, Baseball Weekend, in Harrisburg, PA. I plan to do some day hikes in both MD, WV and PA while there. Maybe an overnight. I need to keep my hiking legs! I worked hard for them and dont want to go through rubber leg days again. Later this evening I bumped into Goldberry and LT. They are hiking together now and have made it to Waynesborough,VA. It seems Goldberry and Skeemers race is off. He's still racing, she isn't. She seems to have mellowed and isn't as concerned about big mile days! Excellent. A lot of people are all about high miles. I hope to take my time, because I know I will likely never do anything like this again. It is an amazing experience I want to enjoy every second I can.   Peace, Molasses
Date: 2003-05-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

" I get up, I walk, I fall down, meanwhile I keep dancing."                  Hillel.Howdy from the parents house in Gaithersburg, MD. Got here Monday after the 7 hour ride north from Damascus, VA. Trail Days was amazing! I got to catchup with so many people! It was wonderful! I saw many folks I started at Springer with including ATwannabe, Goldberry and LT (now Miss Kitty). Also met Big Red who hiked last year! Bumped into Ryan and Andrew - they guys I met in Whitely Gap Shelter in GA that awful rainy night, Ben and Tyler - from Muskrat Creek - they were there when Hazel wandered in.Highlights from Trail Days include watching the eclipse from the parking lot of the First Baptist Church with Loser and Gazelle. We just sat, watched and chatted. The Parade was also a blast! Walked with a lot of folks! I opted for a peaceful weapon which was a bubble gun. Unfortunately, every one I aimed it at thought it was a water pistol so I got nailed regularly! FUN!!! The talent show was also great. The first act was a hiker from 02 who proceeded to inflate a latex glove over his head. It is amazing how big it got before it exploded! Q and Jonachi played very well and Loser, twigs, nuts and Skidmark were hysterical with their rendition or "Busted Pack" sung to the tune of Back in Black by AC/DC. Q and Jonachi won the show and won a Hennessy Hammock.Back here in MD has been peaceful. Today I head to PA to see my sister and brother in law and a whole slew of friends I must admit I am restless to get moving again. But the rest and relaxation is nice. Dad and I played golf yesterday at Little Bennet where he works. I havent played in 8 months and amazing,I didnt play too badly. Probably would have played better if I really tried. I have gone through all my gear and resupply stuff. Good Lord I have a lot of food here! Also converted "Petunia" Pathfinder into the Molasses Motel. She will be my home away from home for the next month or so. Pushed the seats forward and if I lay from corner to corner, I can sleep inside! Spoke to Peregrine and Red Rover Wednesday and our plans are falling together. They are gearing up as well. I think they plan to bring Scrabble! This is going to be fun! We'll hook up somewhere around Atkins or Troutdale VA and continue our journey north with cars. Should be a nice way to offer trail magic too! Mom and Dad are spoiling me rotten! Food, Food and more food! Last night we had my favorite! Chinese! Off to PA!
Date: 2003-05-28
From: Downingtown, PA

To: Downingtown, PA
Miles today: 100.0

"Every exit is an entry somewhere."   Tom StoppardHello from PA. I have been off the trail for nearly three weeks. And I am quite the fish out of water. Being off the trail is a little overwhelming. I arrrived in PA last friday and have been visitng with friends both old and new. Spent the Memorial Day holiday eating and drinking an exciting array of hors douevres and cocktails. The potato gun was hysterical. It is wonderful to see friends and family and catch up with their lives but I have this deep down pull in my gut that tells me I have to get back on the trail. Fast! My knee has improved, it clicks and pops occasionaly. My stomach is a back to rock solid! My soul craves the trail and the simple life of getting up, packing up and simply walking! I must say, I am happy not to be hiking in the non stop rain. My timing for this break could not have been better.Red Rover and Peregrine plan to stop here for the night on their way south from New Hampshire so we can discuss our plans for heading south again.   They'll head south and I'll meet them early next week somewhere near Damascus. Ive been getting email from Strider and plan to send him some goodies for his planned mail drop in Pearisburg. Its great to see he's doing so well! He also has a journal here. You may want to check it out! I got my hair cut yesterday. It was short before, but now its REALLY short! Almost gone! It should be completely carefree with no fear of waking up to small animals nesting inside. It'll also be nice with the anticipated wicked heat! Todays agenda includes celebrating dads birthday and quality time with family.
Date: 2003-06-03
From: Downingtown, PA

To: Downingtown, PA
Miles today: 200.0

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep."   Robert Frost From Molasses dad to those interested in Molasses' journey: She expects to be back on the trail about June 7/8 starting in southern Virginia with Red Rover and Peregrine. She has a new hiker friend named "Chloe" - a Karelian Bear Dog.
Date: 2003-06-09
From: Beagle Gap

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

" The fearless are merely fearless; People who act in spite of their fears are truly brave."         Eleanor RooseveltNote from Molasses dad: On June 9th, after about 3 weeks off the trail to recuperate,visiting with friends and family and after acquiring Chloe, a Karelian Bear dog, she started back on the AT at the south end of Shenandoah National Park at Beagle Gap. The dog is (1) year old and well behaved but wants to take off after birds and small animals,etc. She will be leashed all the time but Molasses is quite apprehensive about her getting lost if she gets loose. While at home in Maryland, Chloe did get loose and we were lucky to have found her after an hours search. She plans on making up the miles she missed between Damascus and the Shenandoahs after finishing the AT at Katadahin.
Date: 2003-06-09
From: Beagle Gap

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

"This above all; to thine own self be true."                     William ShakespeareAh, the first day back on the trail. I feel like I have missed so much,and I'm sure I have. Like unending rain. It feels good to be back in the woods! Familiar hiking smells like hiker funk, burning stove fuel and the aroma of liptons cooking. The sounds of birds, chipmunks and other critters. The hissing of sleeping bag and tent zippers, the roar of an msr stove and of course, the ever prevalent hiker flatulance! It's good to be home! Some new things to report...I am now hiking with Chloe the Karelian Bear Dog. She is about a year old, loves to walk and chase anything that moves. Karelians are bred and trained to chase nuisance bears in parks, so my chances of seeing a black bear have dwindled considerably. She also likes to runaway so I am permanently attached to her. Kind of tough but I'd hate to lose her!Also, what started as a continuous thruhike has now evolved into the ultimate flip flop. I have gotten back on the trail at Waynsboro VA. Skipped nearly 300 miles or so and will hike to central PA, then jump north to NJ and continue to Katahdin. I will then finish VA then finish PA. Im in the Shenandoahs for several reasons, should Chloe take off, its not like I'm extremely far from someone who will retrive her. All dogs must be leashed in the Shenandoahs. It will give the 2 of us plenty of quality, together time. Did I mention Miss Chloe and I have been together just 1 week! She did great today with her pack over the 1.8 miles despite attempting to chase everything that moved, barking too often in camp and being petrified of being in the tent she was very good! I couldn't find my head lamp and it was difficult manuvering in the dark in the tent, especially at 3 am when I thought she puked. Thankfully just dry heaves! Tomorrow will be a better test. I did have a tough time geting back out here. Its so much easier being home. This hiking thing isn't easy! But I never thought it would be. I left mom and dad at 3 pm at Beagle Gap and headed through a field to climb Calf Mtn. I was out maybe half an hour and then I met Sparky. She was with Spitfire this morning. Spitfire went home today, boyfriend...Sparky is nice, 20s I think and from Fla via Missouri. Tonight at the shelter besides Sparky, Chloe and I are Tom in the Woods and another guy whose name I forget. We are all tenting. Sparky found 5 ticks on her since we got here at 4 pm. yuk "TICK CHECK"! Besides the fear and grossivity of ticks I found humor in "Sparky, youre a real tick magnet" and "tick happens", welp gotta go search parts for you guessed it, TICKS, yickpeace,Molasses
Date: 2003-06-10
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

"You have to stay in shape. My grandmother started started walking 5 miles a day when she was 60. She's 97 today and we don't know where the hell she is."            Ellen DeGeneres It was a bumpy night. Chloe couldn't seem to get settled and I had to pee twice so of course that was an adventure. Woke around 5, laid there til 6 then let Chloe out to do her business - she was happy to be outside. I was boiling water for coffee and she discovered digging brings her great pleasure, much to my dismay. She digs a hole, then lies down on it, great, more dirt in the tent. I found a tick stuck on the top of my foot. It must have just found the spot because it hadn't started to fill up. Yick! - major tick check before we head out!Excellent hiking today. The weather was sunny and 70, rain anticipated tomorrow. Chloe did ok today despite a few sit down strikes and too many attempts to chase chipmunks, but all in all she did well. I think 13 miles and carrying her pack was a bit too much for her though, so tomorrow we'll head 7 miles to Loft Mtn. campground - tent and eat some real food. I am craving an ice cold diet Pepsi! After 15 meager miles my same familiar aches and pains are back. After 6 to 8 miles the shoulders start to twinge, the feet ache from the downhills and the knees well, they're just throbbing. It is very difficult taking care of a dog let alone myself out here. Hopeflly soon she'll settle in and get in the groove.Encountered awesome trail magic today. I had very little water with 5 miles to go. I got to Rip Rap Gap and saw a guy by his car. I asked him if he had a little water for Chloe which he obliged, then he gave me an orange, banana and enough gatorade powder for a liter! He is Ragin Joe and he hiked up to Loft Mtn. today. Cool guy! He recognized me from Trail Journals and is finishing his thru hike. He's doing a little flip flopping too. I also ran into Sarah and Jason who I hadn't seen since Damascus. They are sobo til Bland, Va. Great to see familiar faces! Tonight at the shelter several women are tenting up the hill, Sparky, Tom in the Woods and 3 other guys, nice quiet night. I heard that there are rats the size of cats in the shelter! Yick! I'mff to check for ticks, yick again! Rat update...someone set a mouse trap last night and this morning it was gone,, poof vanishedpeace,
Date: 2003-06-11
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Loft Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

"These are the times that try mens souls."                     Thomas PaineDidn't sleep well last night. Chloe wanted nothing to do with being in the tent. She fussed all night long. Plus there were a pair of whipporwills making whipporwill noise all night long. It was cool for ten minutes, then I was over it.Broke camp and was hiking by 8:45. Tough getting going this morning. Met Groundhog at the top of the trailhead to the shelter and we, or should I say he, talked for ten minutes. He is 60ish and in great shape and he talks a lot! Chloe was not into hiking today, neither was I. We did the 7 or so miles here in 5 hours. I stopped several times to sit, look and ponder, Chloe had many more sit down strikes. She seemed to be struggling. I was at a loss, kept giving her water, didn't want it, tried food, didnt want it, tried treats, she buried them. She seemed happiest just sleeping. Seems I have overestimated her hiking abilities. I havent been as happy out here either. It hasn't been very much fun. I have really enjoyed some aspects, but overall, its been just ok. This coupled with Chloes' problems has made me rethink my plan once again. I called my folks and they are picking us up tomorrow. I have lots to think about, lots to decide.So today at Loft Mtn. Campground, I run into Tom in the Woods, he's drinking 2 Coors beers at the camp store. I got a diet Pepsi, pound it then get a Corona. We chat drinking beer and eating Fritos. I see Sparky on her way to the campstore and we decide to do dinner at the wayside 1.3 miles away. I set camp overlooking a deep valley where the AT winds just below the rocky outcropping. Its just beautiful! We meet at the camp store and walk down the mountain. Enjoyed cheeseburgers and french fries. Chloe loved her hot dog! Sparkys gear is still at the campstore as we head back up the mountain hearing thunder in the distance. WE get her gear and 2 bags of chips and a 24 ounce beer as it starts to rain. We yogi a ride from a park employee for the last 3 tenths of a mile, set up her tent just before it pours. A quick shower, then we meet outside and split the beer and chips, Chloe gnaws on a pig ear. Not log after we hear thunder and lightning. It is now pouring and the lightning is striking very close, the thunder is deafening! Chloe for the first time wanted to get in the tent! It's very windy, but dry inside!Peace,Molasses
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Montgomery Village, MD

To: McAfee Knob
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

"Rivers know this: there is no hurry - we shall get there some day."                     Pooh's Little Instruction Book   Molasses has been lax in adding to Trail Journals so this is a note from her dad to update those who may be following her adventure.   She came off the trail after (3) days hiking in Shenandoah with Chloe, her Karelian Bear Dog because the dog had problems hiking. It would lay down frequently to rest and had difficulty getting up again possibly due to her saddlebag pack that carried her food and water. She was home with us for a few days and also visited friends in PA. She was home for her birthday and fathers day. Yesterday she drove down to southern Shenandoah National Park because she wants to hike up to McAfee Knob which is quite scenic. She has her camera and jokingly, I think, says she will take her picture nude while on the knob. (The camera has a tripod and a delay mode so she doesn't need someone else to take the photo.)She will slack pack for a few days then drive up to the Front Royal, VA area and meet her cousins, Susan and Keith, to hike and camp over the weekend. She then plans to drive south again and start slackpacking again. She still plans to climb Mt. Katahdin in Maine.  When we met her at Loft Mountain to pick her up, we met a thru hiker named "Groundhog." He is a little wiry guy about 60 years old. We joked that his trail name should be "Never Shuts Up" because he talks constantly. In the 15 - 20 minutes we were with him, he told us more than we needed to know about his family, his hike, his equipment, his hiking poles, when he "almost" won the lottery and his plan to be on the David Letterman show after he finishes the hike. A nice funny old guy but he never stops talking.