morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Trail Fest in Hot Springs, NC

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, I have not entered anything in the journal recently, but I will try to catch up a bit in Hot Springs. I took a zero at Standing Bear Farm Hostel on April 15 when I heard I could get a free shuttle to the trail fest in Hot Springs. 4 of us caught the ride: 2 cents, Kristen (who is now Ducky and later Stands with a Fist), Nathan (sometimes known as Underground, or underground radio)and I got a free shuttle from the outfitter in Hot Springs. I met a lot of hikers I had seen before including John (Missle Man) who I had hiked with my first week. John did a bit of trail magic by taking Cocoon (Andy) to the Asheville bus station so he could get home for a funeral. And I spent the last of my money on food and a phone card so I could give my mom a call. YAY! My new atm card was at her house with a new pin number. I could have access to the little money I actually have in the bank. I wasn't real impressed by the trail fest itself, but had a good time meeting new people and seeing some friends I had met before. There were several birthdays and a south bound hiker will be finishing her hike this week. Unfortunately, I didn't see either of the Birthday Girls on their birthdays. Lonesome Dove had a Birthday on April 15th, (she was at standing bear farm hostel on the 16th with SaltLick and CatDog I think) and Little Chicken turned 30 on April 17th. She hadn't made it to Hot Springs before I left for Georgia on Sunday, April 18th. Yes, my friend John(MissleMan) drove me to my mom's house so I could have money once again. We were able to drive there and all the way back to Standing Bear Farm Hostel by about 8:30 pm. Then I found that I left my boots in Hot Springs!!! More gear challenges.
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Green Corner Rd. - Standing Bear Farms hostel

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I went with John(MissleMan) and Nathan to Walmart to buy a pair of boots to replace the ones I left in Hot Springs. Later, everyone left and I hung out until around 4:00pm. Then I hiked the 7 miles to the first shelter in less than 3 hours. The hike was fairly easy even though my new boots hurt my feet a bit. Shelter was pretty busy. Nathan, Banana(met her at Trailfest), and Pirate were there with some other hikers. My flashlight bulb burned out that night after I set up my tent. I had left my food bag on the picnic table while setting up, and a very brazen mouse ran for it. Someone at the shelter was fast with his shoe. He killed the mouse and through it into the firepit. Luckily I had eaten my dinner before I set up my tent. I camped close to the water source. Was a peaceful night.
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 2.9

Pirate and I got to Brown gap early in the afternoon(12:30pm) after a late camp break(10:00am). Shortly after arriving and setting up our tents, we started collecting firewood. The first day we were kind of messy while stacking. The next 2 days we developed a much neater stacking method. Hikers came and went until Thursday when we finally talked a few hikers into staying for the feast. I wish I had kept my journal during that time because I forget many of the hiker's names who had stopped to pig out. But I do remember a few of them. At least I took some pictures during the feast(mostly on Sat and Sun). Some of the trail "devils" I met were: Ox; Lisa; Okeepa; Birdy; Kay; Rat; Bookworm; Miss Janet and Legs. Some of the hikers that made it to the feast were Swiss Miss, White Patch, Mousebait, Big Stick, A-Dog, Cuz, Little Engine, Half Full, Roadster, Eats, Kickstand, Yertle, Gordy, Munchkin, D-bone,and Keytone. There are more that I just cannot remember names for. Roadster drew some of her famous artwork while there, and let me see the other's she had done along the way. I just happened to have been in several wonderful pieces of art.
Date: 2004-04-23
From: Brown Gap

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Feast begins today! We had Breakfast with Ox and Bookworm. Others arriving later today. RAT broke down on 81. Ox went looking for him. Lunch was vegetarian, but good. And dinner was awesome... HAM!!! and Trail beans!!! and Lisa's famous potato salad!!! and MUCH, MUCH, MORE!!!
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Brown Gap

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Finally took some pictures today. The feast is ongoing and incredible. Wonderful steak dinner (Steaks, BBQ Chicken, Venison, and Salmon). Lunch is awesome... burgers and such. Breakfast is fantastic... Scrambled eggs full of veggies. More food and snacks than I have ever seen for a 3 day feast!!!
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Damascus, VA

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

I jumped up to Damascus to see if I could work for a bit to buffer my finances and extend my hike some. I just checked my email and got some good and bad news. I may have to take some time off to spend with family as I recieved these emails from my sister:Date:        Fri, 23 Apr 2004 Subject:        My Brother, Cliff and his wife, Marsha ~ it's a Boy!!!! HELP!!!!!Hey Everyone..... Cliff and Marsha had a baby boy at 4 a.m. this morning. Unfortunately, he's not breathing on his own and they had to medivac him to another hospital. Please keep them in your prayers....... Love to all ~ LindaDate:        Sat, 24 Apr 2004 Subject:        Update on Baby JamesHis name is Dillon Jesse JamesWeighed 6 lbs 4 oz18 1/2 inches He looks like Cliff. Dillon needs to have heart surgery next week to correct two valves. He was also born with a hole in his heart ~ this was a good thing ~ allowed him to breathe some.   He had to have surgery yesterday to open up the hole so that he could breathe on his own. One of his lungs is collapsed, but they're correcting that also.   The staff at all three hospitals (yes three) were fabulous. Even the transport personnel came in today to see how he was doing. Everyone at the hospital is very hopeful.   He looks so much better then he did on Friday.   Dillon was transported to the Children's Hospital in New York City.   Cliff and I spent the day with him today. Marsha is still in the hospital. She'll be released Sunday. Thanks so much for your prayers..... Love, Linda   I have not had time to get to the updates I promised, but I may be here a few days and hope to make the time then. If I get the opportunity to complete all the miles between here and Katahdin, I will be back to finish the miles I skipped between Brown Gap (just 13 miles north of Standing Bear Farms Hostel), and Damascus, VA. Good news is that my boots left in Hot Springs were still there (guess all were afraid to get close to them) and we have been reunited.    I hope everyone is well and all hikers are doing good miles and great adventures. I hope to see the hikers I have met at Trail Days right here in Damascus May 14th-16th.                           -Vagrant-
Date: 2004-04-29
From: Damascus, VA

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

Yes, I am still in Damascus. But a lot of my friends have been coming into town lately . I have gotten some more news about my new nephew, and we are all hopeful at this point. New emails from my sister Linda:Date:        Tue, 27 Apr 2004 From:        "Linda James"Hey Fran - Dillon is having surgery as we speak (Tuesday, April 27th 4:30 p.m.) Cliff and Marsha won't know until late tonight so I'll email you tomorrow. You won't be able to reach them as they're staying at the hospital tonight and in a hotel for the next couple of days. If all goes well, Dillon may be home Sunday or Monday. Not sure what you know, so here goes: The pulmonary valve and aortic (sorry about spelling) valve in his heart were reversed, then they just found 2 more valves that they need to reverse back. He had a hole in his heart that they're repair and a collapsed lung, which has been doing well.   May need to have some orthopedic work done on his feet, not sure yet. Need to get this done first. Doctors told them 98% for surgery. These doctors do one a month at this hospital, which is one of THE top in the Country. I'll keep you posted. Love, LinDate:        Thu, 29 Apr 2004 From:        "Linda James" Subject:        DillonHi Fran ~Sorry I wasn't home last night when you tried to call.   Worked late, then Ash had a function at Church and I had to get her. Dillon is holding his own. He made it through the critical 24 hour period. Cliff was able to go home last night so he could go to work today and tomorrow. Marsha is staying at a hotel until Saturday. Cliff said that Dillon is a fighter. Whenever he heard Cliff and/or Marsha's voice he moved. He is, of course, heavily sedated, but the doctors are weaning him off some of the medicine. The doctors had to leave his chest open (bandaged, though), so he'll still need to be stitched up.   I asked Cliff about brain damage. They're concerned about the 5 or so hours after birth and before the initial surgery on Friday to put in the balloon. They're not sure how much oxygen got to his brain.   Only time will tell.Hope all is well with you. I'll keep you posted by emails.Love,LinThank you all for the concerned emails and the prayers. I hope to be hiking again tomorrow. And only 2 weeks to trail days!!! I did some work today and made a little bit of cash (a good thing). I still need to send my old boots back to PA so that I can eventually go back to EMS and get a new pair. Unfortunately, they no longer fit me. They would need to be stretched, but I will just try to get them replaced and hope my Walmart specials get me to and through PA. No other new entries today as the library will be closing soon. If I am still in town late enough tomorrow I will try to fill in some more gaps.
Date: 2004-05-01
From: US 58 @ Feathercamp Branch mile 465.4

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: light rain

I got up and hiked a few miles along the Virginia Creeper Trail until I reached a place where the AT nearly intersects it. Then I jumped onto the AT at US 58. MonkeyMan and I camped at this shelter. Gaia, Mad Scientist, Beast, and Yoda camped at a pond about 4 miles before the shelter(most of them hiked in from Damascus this morning). Was a tough day after not hiking for awhile. There was some rain, but it was warm.
Date: 2004-05-02
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: VA 600, Elk Garden
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Lil Bit, Moonstone, and Bluebell met me at the shelter as I was about to leave. So I waited for them to eat lunch and hiked with them. Lil Bit was having problems with her new pack. So we got her a ride back to Damascus at the next road and told her we would meet her at Elk Garden. She didn't make it back out because of the downpour we had. It was very wet and very cold. Gaia and Beast stayed with Moonstone, Bluebell and I at the roadside campsite. Bluebell and Moonstone (mostly Bluebell) made a HUGE campfire to warm up to. I was in my tent for awhile because I had reached the early stages of hypothermia, and needed to dry off. I should have stayed active like Bluebell and I would have been fine. But I came out after my core temperature went back up. Then I too enjoyed the fire and helped to gather some wood.
Date: 2004-05-03
From: VA 600, Elk Garden

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Lil Bit arrived at the campsite early and got Moonstone and Bluebell to pack and leave immediately. It was very cold all day today. And still damp in the am. Gaia and Beast got the fire going again this morning and cooked breakfast and dried everything. I dried all my stuff too. Good thing. It went well below freezing this afternoon at Thomas Knob Shelter. I had a hot lunch and was going to leave. As soon as the cold wind hit me I decided to stay. It was cloudy for a little while before it cleared up. About 6:00pm I decided to heat some hot water(my last) which ended up warming me enough so I could fill my water bottles. Then I cooked some more and cooked dinner too. I shared my hot water bottle with Blaze. Mad Scientist stayed as did Arms, Boo Boo, Rael and a few others. It was a very cold night that I would not have been as comfortable with had I not made a hot water bottle(nalgene) which I took to bed.
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a beautiful day with fantastic views. There were lots of fun climbs and Lots of Ponies today. I hiked with Blaze and Boo Boo all day today. We were nearly lost a few times when we lost sight of the blazes. The company and the views made this an extremely good day. Especially after the last 2 days of bad weather. I met Sam I Am (a section hiker) at the shelter. Rael and Arms were there from Thomas Knob Shelter. Water source was so good I didn't need to filter. We had a good fire going. Firewood was plentiful, and I didn't hurt myself while breaking it up. Life is good! Highlights of the day included the Ponies and their colts! Fat Man Squeeze! The rock scrambles and views. The beautiful weather. Finding a nice place to spread some of my Dad's ashes. The great water source at Old Orchard Shelter. The grassy camp area at Old Orchard Shelter. The great company at Old Orchard Shelter. And a great fire to end the day.
Date: 2004-05-05
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Raccoon Branch Shelter
Miles today: 11.7

Left Camp an hour after Blaze and Boo Boo today. I hiked solo about 3 1/2 hours to reach Dickey Gap (VA 650/VA 16). Then I started hitching into Troutdale as I walked along the road. A car pulled around and stopped. The driver asked my trail name. When I told him "Vagrant", he asked if I was "Mr. Procrastinator". Full Moon (AT 1995) recognized me after 9 years. We had hiked together for a short while in '95 (with his wife, Celestial Spirit) and he still knew who I was. He took me to the Church hostel and I got a picture taken with him. We talked about the old days and some of the people we had hiked with. He lives in Troutdale, running a bed and breakfast there with his wife. Blaze and Boo Boo were hiking out tonight, so I didn't stay as I'd hoped to. Rael was in town and Pegasus, and Fire Marshal made it into Troutdale before we left. We hiked into the first shelter from the road. Indy and Taiwan John were at the Raccoon Branch Shelter when we got there. They were covering road and blue blaze miles to reach Katahdin within their deadline. They were still doing big mile days even with the "short cuts". I am sure I will not see them again on this trip.
Date: 2004-05-06
From: Raccoon Branch Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Beautiful shelter. In my opinion, the nicest I have stayed at yet! Upstairs loft, plenty of room on the ground floor, and a nice shower built in. Also only 1/10 of a mile from the ranger station with a pay phone. We did as many do and ordered pizza delivered. Full house tonight! Boo Boo, Blaze, Rael, Arms, Cotton, Fire Marshal, Pegasus, Beatbox, Rooster, Krispy Kritter, Sauerkraut, and ME! Pretty green lawn, too bad we are not allowed to tent! 2 showers in 2 days!
Date: 2004-05-07
From: Partnership Shelter

To: US 11 / VA 683 - Rural Retreat
Miles today: 11.6

Got here before Blaze's daughter, Anna arrived. Boo Boo got his mail drop, then we all went to eat (Boo Boo paid) at a family style restaurant. We stopped at a farm museum earlier in the day. We saw the family we met at the museum leaving the restaurant as we arrived. After lunch, we waited for Anna. When she got there, we went to the motel quickly to see who was in town. Then we dove to Marion to a motel. Blaze's friend, Suzanne arrived late that night. We did Mexican for dinner and did laundry/shopping while in town.
Date: 2004-05-08
From: US 11 / VA 683 - Rural Retreat

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Got a late start since Suzanne moved her car to Bland so she could hike it in 3 days. Was a long day and we got to the shelter after dark. First time I hiked with the headlamp. I don't think I ever inhaled so many bugs in such a short amount of time. Full shelter and tent sites. Not sure who all was there because it was so late when I arrived. Ate dinner at the pavilion 2.1 miles before the shelter. Saw County and Marzipan there. They hitched into town for some beer.
Date: 2004-05-09
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Davis Farm Campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

My longest hiking day. I started out about 8:30am but didn't finish for the day until about 9:30pm. Too long for just hiking 16 miles. But I didn't want Suzanne and Blaze to be hiking in the dark alone. I was able to see better with no headlamp than they were able to see with their headlamps. It was also long because I went about 6 miles in about 6 hours with NO water. And I didn't drink much water the whole day. Suzanne was hurting a lot during her second day of hiking. And she and Blaze actually started an hour before I did. We had a couple of good breaks during the day. Had a swim in the pond 1.8 miles before Chestnut Knob Shelter. Tent site was totally packed, so I made an almost level area for part of my tent to sit on. Had a cold dry dinner as it was too late to cook dinner. Met Zach and Willie Wallace at the pond as I was leaving. Pegasus at the campsite.
Date: 2004-05-10
From: Davis Farm Campsite

To: VA 615, Laurel Creek - hitch to Bland
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: light rain

Hiked out to Bland with Suzanne and Blaze so Blaze would not have to hitch by herself tomorrow. I should have hiked on, but the ride was there so I took it. Laurel Creek was really nice and lots of water crossings at Little Wolf Creek today. Good group in town at Bland. Saw Bluebell, Moonstone and Little Bit again. I got a room by myself. Didn't really see Blaze, Boo Boo and Anna all night. And Suzanne left early. FireMarshal, Pegasus, Rael, Arms and his girlfriend, Cotton and his parents, met Sundance. There were a few others in town. And some of us played some card games (drinking games) until about 11:00pm. It was a good time.
Date: 2004-05-11
From: US 21/52 outside of Bland

To: Campsite @ 592.7
Miles today: 13.2

Had to walk all the way from the motel in Bland. I stopped at the grocery store and saw Rael leaving town. I met Pablo and Laura (first met them at Standing Bear Farms Hostel) at the trail head and walked with them for a bit along the road until before it went into the woods. I missed the AT on the road and had to back track when some friendly locals told me I'd missed the trail. Saw Pokey at the Helveys Mill Shelter and got water for both of us before eating some lunch. Took a long break watching storm clouds and lightening move into the area. No rain on me, but it was a nice electrical show going on around the mountain. Stopped at the Jenny Knob Shelter to cook dinner where I saw Zippy, Blaze, Boo Boo, Anna and a few others before heading out to the campsite. Arms and his girlfriend stayed there as well. Saw Cotton and his parents early in the day.
Date: 2004-05-12
From: Campsite @ 592.7

To: Damascus, VA - Trail Days
Miles today: 0.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked out to the road one tenth of a mile from the campsite and hitched to Damascus for Trail days. I was able to get a bunk in The Place for Trail days. I saw many of my friends I had met in the 2 months I'd been hiking.
Date: 2004-05-13
From: Damascus, VA - Trail Days

To: Damascus, VA - Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Arrived back in Damascus yesterday for the Trail Days celebration. I had some awesome rides from about 13 miles north of Bland, VA. in order to make it back early and get to spend time with some of the many friends I have made along this adventure. Good thing too, as many tell me they are leaving before all the festival has been completed. I will need to get lots of pictures taken between the next couple of days so that I can fill in some faces with the names I have met. Guess I will just have to carry my camera around. I have met some new people here as well. Some I have heard about, some I have read about in the shelter journals, and some who have just reached Damascus and have been behind me from the start. It is really good to see some of the great people I have met and hiked with along the way. And I have had a chance to catch up some with where they are and what has been happening in their hikes. Palm Tree, Cat Dog (and Waggs), Lonesome Dove and Hawk made it back today and are setting up in the "tent city". Sunshine is here for today with Meander, then leaving for a wedding. Cotton made it here with his parents. They are leaving tonight or tomorrow. Half Full is in town. Nathan is here. Pirate and Wee Willie are moving out of Hobo Central. Eats and Kickstand are in town with some of their crew. I met and talked with some past year thru-hikers and some section hikers who are out again this year. Many of the people I have been hiking with the past couple of weeks will be in town tonight or tomorrow. Lots of new faces and people to meet and things to do. Mixed feelings of longing to be in the groups you left behind or the ones that left you behind. And for me, the knowing that I will probably not hike the entire length of the AT this year, if ever. And yet, I am still satisfied with the fact that I am out here now, and I am meeting people, and doing things, and losing the weight, and seeing some incredibly beautiful sights! This is an amazing time in my life!! It has as many conflicts of emotion and interaction as does any other situation I have gone through, only the time frame makes it much more intense. All the stimulus and adventure takes place in a few short months, and the freindships and situations are rushed to a point that would take years in the "normal everyday" scheme of things. It is no wonder many people who hike the AT come back to hike again and again. It is like living many lifetimes in the span of a few quality years.
Date: 2004-05-16
From: Damascus, VA - Trail Days

To: Farm in Rockfish Gap, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I went with O'Keepah from Damascus to his farm in Rockfish Gap, VA to work for 3 weeks so I have some money for the aqua blaze on June 7 and to hike afterward. It was raining when we left late Sunday night and we followed Stephanie (Hopalong's sister and O'Keepah's ex girlfriend) who lives near the farm. We arrived late at the farm. O'Keepah has to go to work tomorrow so I will find out what he wants me to do when he gets home.
Date: 2004-06-04
From: Farm in Rockfish Gap, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

O'Keepah drove me into Waynesboro this morning. I will camp at the YMCA tenting site. I need to find Moonstone, Bluebell and Lil Bit. I got to do quite a few different things at O'Keepah's. I painted, mowed, weed whacked, did some gardening. Went to a concert in a park with O'Keepah, Stephanie, her oldest daughter, and Stephanie's ex-husband. Went on a canoe trip the next day with O'Keepah's adventure group (they get together to do different adventures) on the river just behind O'Keepah's farm. My first time in a kayak. I met O'Keepah's parents: Mary and Elstein who plan to retire on this farm so come out almost every weekend to do work. While in Waynesboro, I got to see a few people I have known and hiked with including Rael, FireMarshal, Gaia, Chef, and Pirate. Of course, Moonstone and Bluebell were there waiting on Lil Bit and myself. They were staying at the motel in town. I got to see them on Saturday. They didn't arrive until late on Friday. On Sunday Lil Bit arrived with Castro (who I'd met in Damascus at the Hobo Central camp area). They had both been aqua blazing the week before, then spent the weekend at Castro's parent's house in Maryland.