morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-01
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Today was a great day of hiking until the T-storms rolled in. I passed about a dozen hikers I know through the day so I had a lot of breaks. After walking over Unaka Mountain which was a very cool pine forest. I decended into Deep Gap as the storms started building. I set up my tent in ahurry to wait out the storm. My plan was to hike some more after the storm passed but I feel aspleep so I'm staying here for the night. There are 4 other people tented here tonight but I've never met any of them. It will be 12.0 into Erwin tomorrow so I'll probably be there by 1:00. Tomorrow is going to be the best day on the trail yet because Bridget is coming to town!I'm going to try and get up early to get the miles done. I would have liked to hike more today but I didn't want to climb any more mountains in the storms. My dry and safe tent will do just fine!A few small climbs tomorrow and then downhill into town. Should be fun.
Date: 2003-05-02
From: Deep Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up pretty early - around 7:00. After eating a quick pop tart I hit the trail. The section hikers at the campsite looked at me kind of weird because I packed up all my stuff and took off so quickly. The 1st climb of the day put me on Beauty Spot at 8:00 AM. I had the mountain top bald to myself -- very cool morning.The 12 miles were mostly downhill and made for some easy hiking. After finishing the 12 miles I sat at the bridge and tried to find a ride to town. A guy pulled up within 5 minutes and I was on my way into town. He worked for a nuclear fuel company and was driving back from lunch. I got dropped off at the house and caught up with the crew. I was starving so we hit Erwin Burrito (again) with Sidewinder, Fur, and Farmer.After getting back to the house I took a long shower to try and get clean before Bridget's arrival. Bridget got to town around 4:00. She met all the hikers and we hung out at the house for a while. After some nasty thunderstorms rolled out of town we got in the car and headed down to Asheville.Side note -- Are you getting the recurring theme that it rains a lot? Well it seems to rain every day down here!We got to the hotel in Asheville and waited for Russ to arrive from Charlotte. After Russ got in we all headed downtown to get some dinner. Ity felt good to be in town with some familar faces from my pre-AT life.We got some grub at the Charlotte Street Grille while watching a marathon of America's Funniest Home Videos -- random. After dinner we headed over to Jack in the Wood. Its a super cool country pub with fantastic bluegrass-country music. It was a bit crunchy but Asheville is that kind of place. We drank some beers and listened to music. Mr. Jaeger even made an appearance. Always nice for that guy to show up. We had an interesting cab ride back to the hotel with an important pit stop and called it a night.A fantastic day beginning to end. Its great to have Bridget and Russ here. Life is good."Oh yeah, 5 rubber bands should do just fine."-Russ Walter
Date: 2003-05-03
From: Asheville, TN

To: Asheville, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day in Asheville, NCA great day spent hanging out with Bridget and the fellas. We went to the outfitter and got some supplies for the next section. Sidewinder got a new rain jacket. I'm enjoying the day off.Its great to have Bridget here but its going to be a tough goodbye. Lookjing forward to another great night in Asheville.
Date: 2003-05-04
From: Tennesee

To: Tennesee
Miles today: 0.0

We said goodbye to Russ this morning and packed up the car. After some convincing Bridget decide to stay until tomorrow morning. So we ran some errands today that we never got a chance to take care off -- namely laundry. In case you were wondering my clothes always smeel rank but I'm getting used it -- Its part of the experience.We caught up with some other hikers at Ms. Janet's house. Looks like Thor, Fur, and Farmer took off this morning. We are going to hit the trail 1st thing tomorrow morning. Its time to go hiking again. I'm already looking forward to Bridget's next visit. I forgot my clothes at the house so we had to drive 30 minutes in each direction to get my clothes -- bummer. We ate dinner in Johnson City at some Internet Cafe so I was able to look at all the new photos. Thanks Mom :)
Date: 2003-05-05
From: Carvers Gap

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: light rain

After a tough goodbye with Bridget I hiked through a nasty T-storm to the shelter. Its the worst weather I've walked though yet. When I arrived at the shelter, Sidewinder decided we would stay put for the day due to the nasty weather. Good choice. The terrain ahead of us was exposed and the winds were over 50 mph so no more hiking for the day for us.The day was a long one in the shelter. I tried to read my book but it was too cold to do anything but lay in my sleeping bag. The shelter has over 25 people in it which made for crowded evening. Sitting in the shelter all day made me stir crazy. I couldn't go hiking because it was so nasty outised and it was too cold to do anything else. Not a good day. The shelter is a coverted barn overlooking a valley. Very cool place - just wish it was nice outside.In the middle of the night I was reaching for my water bottle and accidentally grabbed another hiker's hair (Sassy). It was pitch black so I couldn't see a thing. She thought it was a mouse and we all laughed the next day.
Date: 2003-05-06
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: moderate rain

What a loooooong day. 26 miles was our longest yet. Sidewinder wanted to push it to keep to the schedule. The day was tough as it was raining on and off all day. Russ told me during his visit to keep the depressing journal entries to a minimum so I'll use the words of my mother to sum up today:"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."Although the day was tough, I did walk over some cool balds and through a range with longhorns. Yes big longhorns with rings in their nose and everything. Random. They were within 5 feet of the trail. Scary but cool.
Date: 2003-05-07
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 5.8

After the never ending rain and the long day yesterday, I decided to take an easy day and relax a bit. I'm staying at the Laurel Fork Hostel which is sup[er clean and nice. The hike today was pretty easy but my body is feeling the effects of yesterday's long walk. I climbed up a strange forest service road to a cell tower at the top of a mountain - not the most scenic portion of the trip.I choose this hostel over Kincorra because its less crowded. I needed a nice relaxing setting after the last few days which have been the worst on the trail. I read for a while, watched Matrix, showered, and did my laundry. I laid all my gear out to dry which was great. Its the first time my stuff has been dry for a while. Finally!I'm going to slack pack from here tomorrow and stay here again. I spoke to my Mom and Bridget -- they both give good advice. Side note - Sidewinder pushed ahead today to try and reach Damascus by Friday night. My body needed some rest so I told Sidewinder to push ahead without me. I'll catch him at Trail Days next week."Maybe you've had too much too fast."-Grateful Dead
Date: 2003-05-08
From: Watuga Dam Road

To: Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 12.7

I slackpacked today back to the hostel. It was nice to be walking without a pack. I started the day with a nice breakfast of bacon and eggs and then headed out for my hike. The cool thing about slackpacking southbound is that you see everyone on the trail as you pass them. At the beginning of my hike I passed Sidewinder. We exchanged our latest plans and caught up with what was going on. He is still on schedule to be in Damascus by Friday if he pulls back to back 20 mile days. Thats a lot of hiking.After leaving Sidewinder, I walked across the dam which was really cool. Unfortunately is was cloudy (as usual). During the middle of my hike the sun came out as I was climbing Pond Mountain. It was a gradual climb up the mountain which was nice for a change. I crossed Moo and 42 and they asked about my wekend with Bridget in Asheville. They are a super nice couple typical of all the nice people on the trail. That reminds me that I talk a lot about hiking and food but the peple are the best part of the trail. Everyone looks out for one another and makes the hiking even more enjoyable.I passed Nemo, T-bird, Play, Dimplerock, Wrong Way Brown, Tow Speeds, Foxie, and Chaffe Master Jay during the rest of my hike. I've been hiking near most of them for the past few weeks. After Pond Mountain I descended into a valley that included Laurel Falls. By this time the sun and blue skies were out -- Finally!! The trail was really cool through the valley crossing over the creek several times.Its been quite a while since I've seen this much blue sky. I sat at the falls and enjoyed the scenery for a while.I hiked the last 2 miles down to the road and headed back to the hostel. As soon as I got back, the van was going into town so I hopped in for a ride. I got some food for the next few days and some beer. Me and Criminal hit the sketchy Chinese Buffett too.I'm not sure what the plan is for tomorrow. Thor, Fur, and Farmer are suppossed to get here tomorrow so I may take the day and off and rest and hang out with those guys. They always make me laugh which is good right now.Funny story for the day -- when I got out of the van in town I shut the door and shattered the rear view mirror when I closed the door. I must be getting strong!"Come Monday it will be alright... I've spent 4 lonely days in a brown (Tennesee) haze and I just want you back by my side."-Jimmy Buffett
Date: 2003-05-09
From: Laurel Fork Hostel

To: Laurel Fork Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

There was a nasty storm that rolled through last night. It woke me up around 3:30. Lots of rain, thunder, and lightning. I was really happy to be inside. When I got up this morning my body was sore and my mind was tired so I decided not to hike. I also heard Thor, Fur, and Farmer were coming in this morning.It was a fun day filled with phone calls, frisbee, and pizza. We built a big fire and relaxed all night. Although I didn't hike today, I am happy I took the day off. The past week has been physically and mentally draining. I'm looking forward to Virginia and Damascus. I've decided I'm going to keep hiking as long as I'm having fun. No more stress, just good times...
Date: 2003-05-10
From: Watuga Dam Road

To: Random Campsite
Miles today: 9.8

It felt good to get out of the hostel and back on the trail. I left around noon after talking to Bridget and wishing Mom a Happy Mother's Day.My body felt pretty good after the zero day. My knees are what hurts the most everyday. I'm camped in a sweet grassy spot with Oron Chef, Play, Nemo, T-Bird, and Cuz.It is amazing to have the sun shining while hiking. I haven't felt that way in a while. I heard last week was one of the worst weeks of weather ever. It can only get better from here right?I talked to Sidewinder this morning. He is in Damascus but he pulled a shin muscle so he needs to rest it for a few days. He said Damascus was already gearing up for Trail Days. Should be a great week..."It took me a long time to get back on the train."-Phish
Date: 2003-05-11
From: Random Campsite

To: Abington Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: overcast clouds

After a relaxing evening under the stars, I woke up to clouds and overcast skies. Within a few hours it was pouring rain. I stopped at the first shelter 2.7 miles into the hike and I considered spending the day there. It looked like it was clearing up so after drying out, I went hiking again.By the middle of the day it was all blue skies and sunshine. The 75 degree temperature was perfect for hiking. At the 11 mile mark I stopped at Double Spring Shelter for a snack. I was feeling good so pushed on another 8 miles to this shelter. There are only 3 of us in the shelter tonight and we have a short 10 mile day tomorrow into town. Pizza here I come!
Date: 2003-05-12
From: Abington Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: broken clouds

A nice flat easy walk into town and another state line! Life is good (once again). I know I'll be in Virginia for a while but it still feels good to be here. I took some time to pause at the state line and relect on the trip so far. I really feel good about my hike so far -- 450 miles and 3 states under my belt.When I walked into town, my old hiking buddy buddy Sidewinder was waiting at the trailhead with sodas and Krispy Kremes. I was hoping he would still be in town. Bonus.We are staying at the hostel across from the Outfitter. $5 a head can't be beat. The bad news for the day -- my pack and boots are both shot. I'm going to have to repair or replace them before I go anywhere! Trail Days ( a big hiker festivals) is this weekend so I can hopefully get my gear replaced or repaired. So that means slackpacking for the rest of the week. I think I can handle that!
Date: 2003-05-14
From: Damascus, VA

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

Me and Sidewinder rented bikes today and hit the 17.0 mile downhill on the Creeper Trail. We had fun speeding down the trail. I got some errands done today -- laundry mostly. I also called the companies that need to fix or replace my boots and pack. Salomon is going to send me new boots and Gregory will be here this weekend to fix my pack. I can't really do any hiking until I get my gear straight. It kind of worked out that this all happended while in Damascus for Trail Days. Any other time could have been a disaster.Thanks to everyone who has been signing my guestbook and sending email. In case you don't know my address while on the trail, its kmullinsmail@yahoo.com.I know I was down and out for a while but I'm going to keep hiking north. I've accomplished a lot but I'm still having a good time.
Date: 2003-05-15
From: Trail Days

To: Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0

We took a zero today and watched the town fill up with hikers and other people getting ready for the weekend. We have a great spot in the campground and its what we will call home for the next few days. We are camped with Thor, Fur, Farmer, Bluebird, Sweet Kern, Cornbread, J-Rock, Roamin' and others. Almost all the people I've been hiking with up to this point are going to be here this weekend so its going to be a blast.The weather looks like its going to rain off and on all weekend. Shouldn't be any different than the trail.
Date: 2003-05-16
From: Elk Garden

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: light rain

Me and Sidewinder did a short slack pack today. It was fun to get out of town and hike a little bit. The terrain was really nice and the rain held off during our hike. Now we have done 25 miles north of Damascus so when we head out of town after the weekend we already have 25 miles completed so that is nice. The saga of my hiking gear continues. My boots are shot but Salomon is going to mail me a new pair and my pack is busted but Gregory is re-sewing the pack right now so hopefully everything will be taken care of. The campground is jammed -- there are twice as many people here this afternoon than there were when we left for our hike. I feel like I'm at a Phish show where the only music is bluegrass. What can I say, I'm a Yankee in the south.We met up with Booble who we'd been hiking with up to Hot Springs. Its was super cool to see him again. I've run into pretty much everyone I've wanted to see so the weekend is already a success and its only Friday. I though a lot about my family today since there are all up in Rhode Island at my cousin Mike's graduation. Wish I was up there to see everybody...
Date: 2003-05-17
From: Trail Days

To: Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0

Trail Days. Prettyt funny day today. The highlight of the day was the hiker parade. All of the hikers got together and marched down Main Street and basically had a waterballoon fight with the towb folk. It was pretty funny. I lost my camera this morning so I didn't get any good photos but lots of other people did so I'll have to post some of them at some point.Today was kind of sad too. I'm starting to realize that a lot of my friends are going home after this weekend. Thor and Fur have already left. Hiking with those guys was always fun. We probably hiked over 150 miles together. They live in PA so when I make it up that way we can do some hiking together. Also Farmer is going home after this weekend too. The band is breaking up but we made some good memories and have had some good times.Our campsite always seems to be alive. We have a big blue tarp that protects everyone from the rain so that makes is a popular spot and Peanur is always making grilled cheese for $1 so there is another draw. Good times with good people but its almost time to get hiking again...
Date: 2003-05-18
From: Trail Days

To: Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0

The Trail Days hangover was in full effect today. The town emptied out and everyone went hiking but I was stuck in town waiting for my boots to come in tomorrow. For some reason Salomon couldn't send them to me on Saturday so I'm waiting here until they come in the mail. I'm staying at the MRO hostel tonight. I needed a shower and a roof over my head for the night. Everyone is gone -- there is nothing left top do but go hiking.ps -- I got my pack and its been repaired so I should be good to go on the gear after tomorrow. We'll see.
Date: 2003-05-19
From: Elk Garden

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

The boots finally came in around noon. I got an interesting ride back to the trail and now after a quick 4+ I'm at the shelter. A short day but a pretty hike over some meadows and past Mt. Rogers which is the highest point in VA. Tomorrow I'll walk into the Grayson Highlands which is suppossed to be one of the nicest sections of the trail.The shelter scene is kind of strange. There are 12-15 people here but I only know 3 --> Steamboat, Sings-a-lot, and Flatlander. Where are my friends? Oh yeah, they are off the trail and Sidewinder is headed for his brother's graduation.
Date: 2003-05-20
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Random Campsite
Miles today: 15.3

Woke up early after a cold night. I thought it was almost June! I ate a quick breakfast and prepared to hit the trail. I was planning on 11 miles since I only had 36 to Partnership Shelter where I was planning to hop off the trail and head home for Memorial Day Weekend. As I'm getting ready to leave a few people came walking into camp. I recognized Pushing Up Daisies from meeting her briefly at Trail Days. I overheard her saying she was going to Philadelphia for the weekend. Thats where I'm going!So I asked her how she was getting there and if there was any way I could bum a ride. She told me to ask her friend Werewolf and sure enough I had a ride home for the weekend. They even said they would pick me up at Partnership Shelter on their way north. The best Trail Magic of the trip!It was already a great day and I wasn't even on the trail yet. The weather was beautiful, the sky was blue, I had a ride to see my girl, and I was aboput to hike into the highlands. Life is once again good!The hike was tremendous. My favorite section so far with wild ponies, cows, deer, and other assorted wildlife. I got some great photos so be on the lookout.After 11 miles I stopped at a shelrter and contemplated the rest of the day. The next shelter was about 12 miles away and the skies were turning grey. I felt good so I hiked on hoping to find a good campsite in 5 to 6 miles. I found a sweet spot next to a stream about 5 miles from the last shelter. Its the 1st time in 2 months that I've camped by myself or even stayed by myself. Its quite nice for doing a little thinking.I'll have about a 20 mile hike tomorrow into Partnership Shelter and then I'm homeward bound.
Date: 2003-05-21
From: Random Campsite

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: light rain

Definitely the best 20 mile day in the rain ever. I woke up to the piiter patter of rain drops on my tent and then a steady downpour. Most of my stuff got wet but the rain stopped long enough to pack up and cook breakfast. I hiked most of the day with Take-R-EZ from Minnesota. We hiked quickly through the rain since there was no reason to stop and take in the non-existent views. I had two things motivating me today -- one was I get to go home tomorrow and the second was showers and pizza at the shelter.About a mile short of the shelter, I caught up with Moo and 42. Good to see familar faces on the trail. They were staying at Partnership too. When I got to the shelter Hot Rod was taking pizza orders. Me and Take-R-EZ got a large pie, for each of us! I ate 7 slices. Even for me that is a lot of pizza!Loser broke out his guitar and we were treated to a little concert. I only knew one song he played but it was cool nonetheless. I called Bridget to give her the great news -- I was going to be home tomorrow night!
Date: 2003-05-27
From: Partnership Shelter

To: US 11 / VA 63
Miles today: 11.6

After a great weekend at home it was time to hit the trail again. The weekend was great. I got to see Mom, Dad, Chris, Ryan and of course Bridget. Another big thank you to Werewolf for the ride home. He literally dropped me off at my front door -- amazing trail magic.I had to take a bus down to get back to the trail. My first time traveling by bus was certainly an interesting experience. I'm going to try and not make it a habit. Trains and planes are more my style. I arrived in Marion, VA after about 13 hours of traveling. The town was only about 7 miles from where I got off the trail. After unsuccessfully trying to hitch for an hour I got a cab for a ride back to Partnership Shelter. I was pretty tired since I didn't sleep much on the bus so I took a nap at the shelter until 11 AM before I started hiking. Roamin and some other familar faces were at the shelter battling their hang overs from the night before.After my nap I hit the trail. The terrain was easy but my body was hurting - probably from all the time off. After 11 pretty painful miles the trail crossed I-81 and there was a otel right there. It sucked me in for the night but I probably need to get a really good nights sleep. I've got a lot miles planned for this week but I may rethink the plan.
Date: 2003-05-28
From: US 11 / VA 63

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up a happy man after the Devils Game 1 victory and a great night of sleep. I didn't wake up until after 10:00. I guess it is safe to say I needed the rest. I toke a quick shower and hit the gas station mini-mart for some stove fuel and supplies. The hike today was very scenic. We went through a lot of farmland which was nice for a change. I spooked a couple of cows laying right on the trail at one point. They didn't look too happy.The sun came out quite a bit today. I could get used to hiking in dry weather if it ever comes for more than a day. The terrain over the next few days looks pretty easy but my body is still hurting. I'm going to try and pull 19 miles tomorrow but its suppossed to rain so the plans may change. !9 miles would put me on schedule to meet Sidewinder in Peari8sburg on Sunday.A lot of new people at the shelter tonight but all cool guys -- No Pain, Tapeworm, Chemo, Circus, and some others. Hope my feet and knees feelbetter tomorrow. Rain, rain go away and come back after October.
Date: 2003-05-29
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Davis Farm Campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

I walked 16 miles through the rain today over terrain that was much harder than it looked on the profile. I cooked dinner in the rain and now I'm sleeping in a wet sleeping bag in a wet tent. I don't think it is ever going to stop raining. Spirits are as low as they have ever been...