morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-03
From: The Scales

To: Brushy Mountain
Miles today: 22.0

I dedicate today's hike to my beautiful wife and her mother. Happy Birthday Elma!I never attempt anything that I have not researched well in advance. I knew that for me the trail would be as much about the small towns, the diverse people, the eateries, and the hostels as it is about the natural beauty. I know I will enjoy the distinct contrast between the north and the south both in terms of the people and the natural scenery.I tell you this now because Virginia has some of the most unique natural beauty; places like Tinker Cliff, Grayson Highlands, McAfee Knob, and the Shenandoah Park. It also has the BlueRidge Parkway and all of the commercialism that goes with it. There are places on the AT, in Virginia, where you can hike the miles and stop for a cheeseburger each day. Tomorrow, for example, I will be at a shelter called "Partnership Shelter" where you can have a pizza delivered right to the shelter!Some purists have a problem with this. Should I be happy? Will I only be a true thru-hiker if I suffer along the way? How much suffering is sufficient? Such important questions and I want so badly to be accepted.
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Brushy Mountain

To: beyond US11
Miles today: 18.0

I guess I should tell you all that yesterday it was cold and rainy. I thought the cold weather was behind me but once again, at night I was back to urinating into an empty water bottle. (Don't worry I always remember to rinse it out in the morning.)I can't quite describe the early morning joy of hiking, then tenting in cold wet conditions only to have those same conditions the next morning. I must hike until I find sunshine.As I hike in the cold rain it occurs to me that there are five distinct personality types here on the trail. There is the "pot head" who I have already described. He never makes it all the way to Katahdin.Then there is the "party animal".This type is town and beer passionate, easy going, and often young.There is the "evangelist", (more on him later). Then there is the "athlete", always in a hurry, loves to compare his miles per day with yours, stops only long enough to take a quick picture.Lastly, there is the "purist". Least liked person on the trail. Quick to point out the mantra "hike your own hike" then just as quick to criticize for slack packing or spending to much time in town.Most of us , like myself, are a cross section. I am 50% party animal, 25% athlete, and 20% purist.OK... I know that only comes to 95%, you can throw in 5% pot head, but dont tell my daughter!!!(Kellen I swear if you do some of the things your father has done I'll... well hmmm, I'll ummm... I'll take away your boyfriend!)
Date: 2007-05-05
From: beyond US11

To: pond before chestnut knob shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

This is the third straight day of cold wet fog in morning (see photo) followed by frigid rain. There is something sinister about the deep woods ladened with heavy fog. I don't like it!The smaller trees and bushes all have a full compliment of leaves now and they are not shy about slapping their wet towels right across your face. You can bob and weave but eventually a few are going to land a punch, then they shake with laughter.When that happens, I take my hiking poles and beat the snot out of them. I thought there were supposed to be maintenance guys out here with hedge clippers?This wet hiking is starting to take a toll on my skin. I have chafing on my shoulders and waist and a bloody sore on my lower back.I must hike until I find sunshine!!
Date: 2007-05-06
From: pond before chestnut knob shelter

To: near USFS rd. 282
Miles today: 21.2

Well it worked; I hiked until I found the sun. Today's hike took me past more Virginia farms nestled in the rolling hills. (see photos)I even came eye to eye with a cow straddling the trail. If there is a dumber animal on the planet, I don't know of it. She just looked at me with legs splayed, head down, and eyes crossed. One look and you could tell, no brain activity. I had to poke her with my hiking pole to get her out of my way, then she took off like she'd been shot. Scared the crap out of me when she bolted that way.I also totally miscalculated my water needs and resupply today. I ended up drinking out of a mudpuddle just to get to the next stream. (see photo) Would you drink out of that? That was one water source that I admit I did treat.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: near USFS rd. 282

To: VA606
Miles today: 22.5

Today I did my third 20 plus mile day in a row. I had no choice, I am out of food and in need of resupply. I have made it to a small grocery store on Virginia's route 606. I am so tired and my feet so sore that I refuse to go another step. I am tenting right here next to the store.Contrary to what other hikers might have told you, Virginia is not flat! I am doing more miles per day now but I am working hard for every one of them.Lots of locals here and they told me it got down to 28 degrees last night. (See I knew I was freezing my ass off in those mountains and not just my blood thinner medications making me a sissy.)One guy warned me not to put out my tomato plants until after the 20th of May. I always appreciate good advice when I am HIKING IN THE WOODS!!!!He did also say that it is supposed to frost again tonight. I hope so! Nothing tightens the sphincter quite like a good, frosty cold bowel movement in the morning.
Date: 2007-05-08
From: VA606

To: Docs knob shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

Ok, so last night I tented in a small grassy area next to that country store and I hung my smelly wet socks on a wire fence in order to air dry. I'll be damned if one of the horses didn't walk right up, take a sock in his teeth, and run off with it.I now have only three socks!Honey, when you come to visit please bring socks.This morning before leaving I tried to bribe that horse with an apple (see photo). He took my offering but refused to retrieve the sock.LESSON 14 Future thru hikers, horses are smarter than cows and can be mischievous!Today was a perfect day to be in the woods. I saw many deer this morning. I love to watch them race through the forest. They are amazing athletes. I imagine if I tried that, I would first pull a thigh muscle then run head on into a tree and knock myself unconscious.Life is sweet...berries.
Date: 2007-05-09
From: Docs knob shelter

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: broken clouds

I have been tenting in the woods now for 8 sraight days and I have walked over 600 miles.I understand that scientists working in the perfume industry have discovered that females are aroused by the scent of male body odor. If that is true, I expect to be mobbed as I walk into town.Speaking of attraction; after 600 miles you would expect me to have rock hard legs and ass cheeks, right?Well my legs are like strands of steel wire but my ass has vanished; well not entirely, I have two pancakes now where my cheeks used to be.I now weigh 179. I have lost 22 pounds.I was going to take a "zero day" here in Pearisburg but this town leaves a lot to be desired. It has not one decent eatery; when I inquired the rotund cashier pointed across the street to the Dairy Queen. I would rather continue eating beef jerky.The church doctrine (which often dictates public policy in the deep south) has outlawed bars. I should point out that I am not a heavy drinker but when you come off the trail nothing tastes better than an ice cold beer in a nice cozy pub.If Virginia was a woman then Pearisburg would be her asshole. Move away people; America has so much more to offer, just take a chance.OK... before you "white blazers" start a new thread even you have to admit that any town with twenty churches and not one pub deserves my wrath.
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Pearisburg

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today I leave in anticipation of my wife's pending visit. She is due to hike with me for a few days begining the 19th. Now I have heard several "expert" past and current thru-hikers say that the conjugal visit is a mistake. They cite such reasons as "off schedule", "hard to say goodbye", and "have to slow way down" etc.But those reasons all come from lonely, homely men. What they do not consider is that my baby is bringin the "tang". "Don't you leave that tang at home honey. My heart might be ailing but the rest of me works just fine. I can't wait to show you the trail, for some tail."Once again I am posting my expected goal and will edit my journal later if my actual miles change. In reviewing the upcoming miles of trail it appears that it might be ten to twelve days before i can update again. I very much enjoy reading all of the guest book comments. Thank you.(Updated by Mrs. Gump)At the end of the day today I had the option of taking an easy 1.5 mile road walk or remaining on the trail for 2 miles, 3 steep climbs, and the river crossing. For some unexplained reason, (I guess that purist part in me is coming out), I took the latter; so I got to ford a nice sized stream today. (The Stony Creek Bridge washed away 3 years ago.)
Date: 2007-05-11
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Keffer Oak
Miles today: 17.8

One acorn nestled in the soilA man, separate and distinctRaised from mother's soft beddingBoth our lives resplendent over timeFate has allowed our paths to entwine.gatorgumpI camp tonight beneath the famous Keffer Oak Tree. A large white oak 18 feet around, over 300 years old. It was here to see men die for our nation's independence; then it watched as we fought each other for freedoms of another. It wept when farmer's cut and burned all of its kind, sparing only one. It has towered above countless Sunday picnics and afternoon lovers. It now stands guard over gatorgump as he sleeps beneath its mighty limbs.
Date: 2007-05-12
From: Keffer Oak

To: Hemlock Point
Miles today: 21.0

The trail is not all fun and games. There are many times when it can be extremely monotonous. Long stretches of knee bending, ankle turning, rocks and roots, and fallen trees.It is very easy to underestimate your water and food requirements; times when you stagger feeling more like Ghandi then some fit thru-hiker.Your mind, at times partially malnourished and dehydrated, begins to panic. You would swear that you passed that same tree half an hour ago. Someone has repainted the white blazes causing you to walk around in circles. The guide book must be incorrect; I know I've come at least two miles. Every thru-hiker has come to know these emotions...And you just walk through them.
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Hemlock Point

To: rock haven
Miles today: 16.8

Today's hike is dedicated to my wonderful mother; happy mothers day. I love you.My hike today was incredible. My journey took me to McAfee Knob; the most photographed of all AT sites. There are views and then there is McAfee knob. I was so inspired I once again had to pull down my pants; as a matter of fact I took them right off. Now before you moderators at trailjournals.com think about censoring this photograph, please consider that it is not pornographic, nor disrespectful. It is art...I call it "thinking man". Someone someday will likely be inspired to sculpt from this revolutionary photograph. Matter of fact "Wingfoot" has already contacted me and would like to feature this picture on the cover of his 2008 Thru-hikers Handbook. National Geographic Magazine will most likely follow suit and trailjournals can say that it was here first!The most important thing is that it reveals nothing. I know that it is disappointing to you ladies; you'll just have to use your imagination. Close your eyes and think big, I always do. In addition moderators you must consider all the trouble I went through to get this shot. McAfee Knob on a sunny Sunday is a very popular place. I had to direct some traffic. Everyone turned their heads or closed their eyes (except for this one guy but he was from San Francisco.)This was my AT 8th first! Oh I've been naked in a group before but this is the first time I've been the only one naked in a group.Lastly, as for you unimaginative, humorless, white blazers who have been especially abusive to my poor wife in your emails, I have written a poem just for you. I hope you like it.Twas up high, on McAfee KnobThe gator stopped, to rub his cob.For those who like, to bend and kissUpon this ancient, rocky edificeThere is nothing that you can dotake a whiff of gumprump residue.This old place will have it's fameOne things for certainIt will never smell the same!gatorgump
Date: 2007-05-14
From: rock haven

To: us 220
Miles today: 13.4

Today was another spectacular day in the life of the walking man. I found another tic on me; heard an actual pop when I yanked his burrowed head out of my flesh. Tics are of course the presumed cause of lyme disease; a serious ailment which will end any hikers journey. I only hope that if I do get sick, I get the milder form, lemon disease.I also startled a grouse hen with her chicks. It was a display that took me completely by surprise. First she ran screaming and feigning injury in order to distract me. When that didn't work she turned with wings and tail feathers spread wide and attacked me, hissing like a snake. I just stood there fumbling around for my camera.Then my hike took me along the Tinker Cliffs and they, as did McAfee Knob, lived up to their billing. The trail follows their precipice for quite a long way.
Date: 2007-05-15
From: us 220

To: beyond mills gap overlook
Miles today: 20.7

This morning before leaving my hotel room I heard that today is gas boycott day. I want you all to know that I am doing my part.I came across another mother and her babies today (see photo). A female turkey with at least ten chicks. I could have easily picked one up as this mom behaved very differently. She kept her distance and the chicks followed her but she didn't threaten or fly away. I was able to get within inches of the babies.The trail crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway in this area but I have yet to see a hamburger stand. I may have gotten some bad information on the amount of development along the BRP.
Date: 2007-05-16
From: beyond mills gap overlook

To: sugarland
Miles today: 19.0

Today i was treated to trail magic extraordinaire!!Right before noon i ran into "patty o". He never completed his thru hike but he has been a friend to other hikers for years. He treated me to hot dogs, nachos, doughnuts, gatorade, and best of all ice cold sam adams beer!!I also met a young man named Matt with his girlfriend "buckets". I was flattered by his attention and desire to shake my hand; seems he has been reading my journal. Thank you Matt.Then the cold rain came.
Date: 2007-05-17
From: sugarland

To: james river campsite
Miles today: 16.8

In the AM:Well future hikers I have bad news and good news. The bad news is that the famous guillotine boulder slipped it's crevasse after hundreds of years (those are just the ones we know about) and fell to the earth.The good news is that the mighty gump was there to catch that rock and roll it back into place where it hopefully will sit for another hundred years.Today's hike also brought me to the peak (or head if you will) of "Highcock Knob". Hey I didn't make up the name. There is an interesting story behind the naming of this mountain but decorum prevents me from unveiling to you. It did seem a proper place for the gator to stop for lunch.In the PM:Then things quickly went downhill. You wouldn't think that being up at 3000 feet would make that much difference but it makes all the difference.The rain came in cold and windswept. My mood, despondent. I was already hiking in wet clothes. The rain and thunder came in torrents. I struggled in the wind with my tent, cursing loudly. Another hiker whose name was "the dude" stopped to inquire if I was alright.Who really gives a damn if I finish this journey.I am insignificant.
Date: 2007-05-18
From: james river campsite

To: US 60
Miles today: 21.0

The sun, expected to make an appearance, never showed it's cowardly face. Last night with no television, cell connection, or music in my tent I bastardized an old Don McClean song. I dedicate it to Canada; from which all good weather comes.It's just the rainThat's fallen in my eyesIt's just the cloudsthat are the sun's disguiseIt's just the skywith storms a blowin byThe clouds and the rain and who am IIt's just the rain a rollin down my cheekIt's just the wind that's makin me weakIt's just the sleetthat's killin my feetIt's the sleet and the rain and who am iIt's just this worldI think so little ofIt's just the rainfallin from aboveIt's just the wetthe part i cant loveThe wet and the rain and who am iWhere's the suna shinin in my eyesWhere's the moonwith clouds driftin byIt's just the rainthat'll break your heartIt's just the windthat'll tear you apartMy salvation came at the end of a long cold day in the form of a man named Ken, who I paid to take me to the budget inn to dry out and warm up. Tomorrow he has agreed to bring me back to US 60 where I will be much happier knowing that I am hiking toward my wife and the Dutch Haus B&B.
Date: 2007-05-19
From: US 60

To: Fish Hatchery road
Miles today: 16.3

Sorry for the pity party over the last few days. The old gump is back and so is the sunshine.My feet were like guided missles today; missing every rock and root in my path. I have a spring in my step. I am so excited about seeing Mrs. Gump that I did 16 miles by 2 O'clock.I know I have told you in a previous entry that when I do stop at a shelter I always sign the register "gatorgump-over a mountain he did hump". Now I can sign "gatorgump-over Mrs gump he did hump".Late afternoon:It was great seeing sister Julie and TJ. My reunion with Mrs. Gump went much the way you would expect from two people who love each other so...she said "Honey you stink.""OK well let me ask you a philisophical question", I replied. "Is it me or is it you who mask your true odors, you who hide in small cubicles because you are ashamed of the natural acts of urination and defication, you who perfume your bodies just to satisfy a narcisistic and ego-centric culture. I look forward to the day when I can be talking with neighbor Bob in his front yard, pause to unzip, urinate then replace and continue on with conversing as if nothing untoward had taken place. Maybe it is me that smells normal and society that stinks???""No honey, you stink, put your boots back on", she said."OK, it's great to see ya babe."I think I will take a break from my journal for the next few days and let Mrs. gump post some entries. Tomorrow I take her on an easy ten mile trip over "the Priest" mountain, up over 4000 feet.
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Fish Hatchery road

To: tye river
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

This is Mrs. Gump. Today I get the honor and privilege of making the journal entry. I'll start by saying how wonderful it was to see Mr. Gump. I think he is still cute as ever but alot smaller and frailer than when he left home. I think for the first time in our 27 years of marriage, I could take him. Julie and TJ brought me to Montebello yesterday to this wonderful B&B called the Dutch Haus. We sat on the front porch drinking the trail magic (Coronas with lime) that Julie brought along, watching dozens of hummingbirds drinking from their feeders. So this is what trail life is like.... This morning we awoke to the aromas of a delicious breakfast being prepared by Lois. Then we set off for my first AT hike.It took us over Priest Mountain and then I got a new perspective of what trail life is like....are you hikers nuts? What seemed to be a relatively easy hike for the gumpster about did me in. Painful is the word that comes to mind when describing today's journey. We passed tons of happy hikers and at one point one of them said to me, "It's a beautiful day to hike!" I replied "Yeah, yeah....hey is my nose bleeding?" I also must note that I lost both soles on my boots half way through the hike. I had no idea those things could rot while just sitting in a closet. Gator fixed them up with crazy glue and a roll of duct tape. I can't wait to try them out...By the way when I arrived, Gator gave me the trail name "Allie-gatorgump". After today's hike, I changed it to "Pukes in Mouth". Tomorrow I take my first zero.
Date: 2007-05-21
From: tye river

To: dripping rock
Miles today: 15.4

Hi guys, this is the gator. I will admit that Mrs. Gump is a high maintenance woman, her first day was a chore. I had to send back two boxes of extras; like makeup and deodorant, useless on the trail, then she had to stop about every 50 yards on the way up the mountain, then both of her boots fell apart. BUT she did remember to bring the "tang" so i am a happy man.The trail continues to wind around the Blue Ridge Parkway and when it does it usually passes an overlook area. Often you will meet tourists who are always intrigued by anyone who would walk 2000 miles through the woods. Even though i have only been away from home for two months i was asked what i missed the most. I told the group that after family, sex, good food, beer, showers, a toilet, ice cubes, television, my dog, coffee, my car, clean underwear, florida sunshine, and a bed the thing i miss the most would be music.Today's hike was especially enjoyable due to the fact that my wife brought my I-POD. I danced over the rocks motivated by upbeat rock. Tomorrow we both hike with full packs to Waynesboro where i will take my first zero day since Damascus.
Date: 2007-05-22
From: dripping rock

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hey! Mrs. Gump here. Well I survived my 2nd AT hike. We went 14 miles today over what Mr. Gump described as "nice trail". This time I had to carry a pack. It's kind of funny but when I emptied it out after arriving in Waynesboro, some of the Gator's items were mysteriously found in my pack. Today's trail was full of ups and downs, rock climbs, and numerous sightings of wildlife. We saw many deer, chipmunks, a couple of snakes, and a snake eating a chipmunk. (See photo) I tripped so many times that Gator has given me a new trail name, "Weebles". You know because they wobble but they don't fall down. (Well I only fell once.) Tomorrow I take my 2nd zero in Waynesboro. At this rate, I'll never make it to Katahdin.I have discovered in my short time out here, that it is not the hike that makes the experience what it is, it is the hikers. I have met Dorothy and Toto, Bucket and Water, Diesel, Mike, Focus, Roadrunner and Wiley Coyote and the Dude to name a few. It's comforting to know that they are all out here watching out for each other. They all have my utmost respect for what they are doing. Especially you Gator.