morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-15
From: Hwy US 19E

To: Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 23.6

Day 46Start: 09:00Stop: 20:15Long day. Twenty-three miles even without a pack is still a long day. When I was done my feet were totally sore. My boots are shot. Today I saw some old friends: Georgia, Castro, Mickey-one-sock, Woody and G.G. Also met a couple of new hikers: Doc and The Slackers. I was sure happy to see John the hostel caretaker waiting for me at the road crossing. He took me to the hostel and we picked up the rest of the hikers and went to town for Chinese buffet.Called Nat for a little chat while there. Looking forward to seeing her in Damascus.After dinner we headed back to the Hostel and closed out the day. I'm very tired. I'll be asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow....zzzzzz.
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Dennis Cove Road

To: Wautauga lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Started the day with a trip to Kincora to see if anyone I knew was hanging out there. Everyone that I knew had already left except for Wounded Knee and Semi-Colon and they were getting ready to take off. I called my wife and sent her my pocketmail messages, sorted out my food for the next section, talked to Bob Peoples the owner of Kincora for a few minutes and then took off.    The first couple of miles were the levelest of the trail and a joy to walk but that soon turned very different. After Laurel Falls the trail turned into a rock climbing expedition but it was very fun to have a little change of pace. The trail followed the Laurel River for a little while then headed up to Pond Mountain. It took me about an hour and a half to do the mile or so up the mountain. At the top I had to stop and take my shoes off to stop the aching in my poor feet. After a little lunch I pressed on to Wataugh Lake. At the edge of the lake was a rope swing where three locals were trying to get the rope unstuck from a limb of the tree. It was a blast watching them swing into the water.   Only two of them went in and both of them were fast stroking it to the shore when they hit the water. It was a very nice break from the hiking. When I got to the shelter Rex and Wounded Knee were the only ones there. We ate our dinner and talked into the night until sleep overtook us.
Date: 2004-04-17
From: Wautauga lake Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: clear sky

Long Hike today. My feet are killing me. My boots are totally shot now and I can't wait to get to Damascus to get my new boots in the mail. Plus my wife is meeting me in Damascus and that is making me hike faster and farther to get there. I stopped at Vandeventer Shelter and had lunch. The views up to the shelter were fantastic. Some days the hiking is tough but the views make up for the terrain. Today was one of those days. At the Shelter I met a couple with their two young boys. They had met on the trail back in the early 90's. They told me they started just a day apart on the trail but didn't meet until they got to Pennsylvania. The guy (sorry i can't remember their names) said he thought they just needed to work things out about themselves before they met. Seems to have worked out. Wounded Knee, James the Wandering Nunn, Sasquach, Gaia and myself are tenting near the shelter. It is good to be amongst people I know and like. Great end to a tiring day.
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abington Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

The urge to see my wife is driving me forward. I will be in Damascus a day ahead of time. I can't wait to see her. Rex got behind yesterday but I'm sure she will catch up. I guess she is like all the rest of us. We hike until we think we can't go on anymore and it is just easier to find a flat spot and set up the tent instead of walking the rest of the way to the shelter. I stopped at Double Spring shelter and had lunch. Rex and James the Wandering Nunn caught me there and I ended up staying a little longer than planned. The first steps from the shelter were a portait of pain. My ankles were refusing to move in the fashion I am accustomed. In a few minutes I worked out the kinks and moved down the trail at a nice pace. I got to the shelter and Rex and Hoplite showed up not too long after. James the wondering Nunn and Wounded Knee had headed on into Damascus. It was temping to do the same but I knew it would be well after dark if I was to make it at all so I set up my tent for the night. A little later Honey Pie showed up heading South with his Girlfriend Kurstin. She had came to hike with him for a couple days and they decided to do that section of trail in the easy direction. At least I think north to south would be the easy way to do it. Well, Damascus tomorrow. Looking forward to a burger and seeing my wife. Not neccessarly in that order.
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Abington Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I must of had a fire lit under me today. I made the 10 miles into town in about 4 hours. The first 6.5 was done in about 2 hours.    Last night I got in my tent about 8:00 and thought I would lay there and write in my journal for a little while but when I put the sleeping bag over me I was out like a light. The next thing I know I was looking at my watch and it was 3:45 am. I guess I really needed the sleep. Rex and I got into town together and headed right for the Side Track Cafe. We were a little disappointed that they didn't have cheesburgers but any food we didn't have to cook ourselves was heavenly. We went around town to see who was about and Rex decided to stay at the Hostel. I headed down the Virginia Creeper trail to a guy named Kelly's house. He lets hikers camp out in his back yard next to the river. I had a great time will all my friends that I haven't seen in awhile. Willow and Sweetcheeks were here and Castro rolled in about 9:00. We all sat around and told jokes until late in the evening. Natalie will be here tomorrow. I can't wait to see her. I love her and miss her very much.
Date: 2004-07-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

For those of you wondering what happened, Ichabod is now off the trail. His backpack was stolen near Pearisburg, VA. Luckily he had his wallet, cell phone and pocketmail with him. He decided to return home to Pataskala, OH. He is doing well and misses everyone.Thanks to everyone who supported and encouraged him along the way. He did hike about 600 miles in total. Not bad at all. Everyone at home is very proud of him but glad to have him back, especially me.Please drop him an email at HATEWORKN@AOL.COM if you get the chance. He'd love to hear from those of you still out there hiking (and those of you reading the journal.)Best of luck to all and happy trails.Mrs. Ichabod
Date: 2003-05-04
To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

With Mike's Brother, I started from Juno Beach, FL, early morning flight to Atlanta where we had made a connection with Wes Wissom who would provide shuttle service to McKay Trail. We hiked to Springer 1.9 miles and were already whippped from early morning departure. It was 5PM when we logged into the book. Many were starting out this same day and the shelter was full. We set up the tent and proceeded to figure out how to work the stove. It was a gorgeous sunny day and we felt great...tired but eager to go.
Date: 2003-05-06
From: Springer Mountain

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We have just hiked 2 full days in miserable wet weather. Our legs told us in no uncertain terms that they were not ready for this trip. We are moving at a snail's pace trrying very hard to stay dry. What a relief to reach Gooch Mt and see the sun pop out. We spread our earthly belongings over all bushes. Our sleeping bags were dry...lucky there. Although it was early in the day, we decided to stay put.
Date: 2003-05-07
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We hiked to Woody Gap (Suches, Ga). Weather was damp the whole way and still tryng to get our flatland legs to function here in the mountains, we traveled at 1 mile per hour. This is unbelievable to me. I really expected more from me. We arrived at Woody Gap at 5:30 PM, tented. Campsite is located right next to U.S. Highway 19.
Date: 2003-05-08
From: Woody Gap

To: Neel's Gap, we hope
Miles today: 0.0

Today, leaving Woody Gap around 11AM, we got to top of Granny. No rain! Sun! Although we'd hope to pick up steam and make it to Neels', we will make it to Jarrard around 4:30. Neels will be our first shower, bed and laundry. This is really motivating. Can't wait to get there tomorrow. Juno
Date: 2003-05-09
From: Neel's Gap, we hope

To: As far as we can go
Miles today: 0.0

It took a while to leave Neel's Gap. Winton, proprietor helped us and many others lighten our packs. I lowered mine about 10 lbs and now am carrying some 32 lbs. I will keep lightening, I hope. Mike's Brother also dropped 10 lbs and is around 35. We bought rain gear since we really don't believe we've seen the last of it. We left each with a huge poncho purchased from CampMor but with the winds howling around us it was impossible to keep the poncho from flying all over. Now we'll use it to cover the packs. Dinner in town last night and that was a treat. Of course laundry was done. I put everything in except the poncho which I wore waiting for things to dry. I feel better. The storm was very discouraging and I had to talk Mike's Brother into staying with it. Surely the sun will shine one day. Don't worrry.
Date: 2003-05-10
From: Neel's Gap

To: Testatea Gap
Miles today: 0.0

5/10/2003 Very late start from Neel's Gap. 2:30 PM. We left with Left Knee and Townie. Hiked much further than we'd anticipated but could find no place to tent. Finally before the rain started and at 8:30 PM we pitched the tent at Testatea Gap. I had to push today. My legs just can't seem to get used to this climbing.
Date: 2003-05-23
From: NOC

To: As far as we get
Miles today: 0.0

We arrived at the Nantahala Outdoor Center yesterday and ae spending 2 nights here. We see by the log that we just missed Left Knee and Townie. They are 1 day ahead.Today's newspaper headlines are: Farmers take a beating from constant rainfall". No kidding. Rainfall for May is now 3.78" above normal with no end in sight. Last year's rainfall was 5" BELOW normal.We have been hiking through it all and doing ur best to keep our spirits up. the company of real nice hikers along the way help a great deal.The 3 stooges from Garlan, TX: Moe, Keith and P; Juan from Argentina hiking with his adopted mom Jan Scholl; of course Sleepwalker and Left Knee and Townie and on and on. The 3 stooges are police officers who are section-hiking. We ran into them in a horrendous rain storm. It was driving me to tears, literally. In 5 minutes, they had me laughing so much. I know they have no idea how close I was to tossing it in but their energy revived me. We stayed in the same shelter that night and their chatter continued to lift my spirits.The Ashville Citizen Times reported on the "dishonest journalist" Joshua Blair; NH Old Man of the Mountain collapsed; 1,100 people killed in algeria 8.8 quake; total rainfall for the year is 8.17".Total money found of the trail to date: 12 cents. Wildlife seen on trail: 4 snakes, 1 deer, 1 rabbit, many birds, horses, cows, 1 snapping turtle, 1 huge bear, 5 hawks. Many droppings.
Date: 2003-05-26
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 0.0

5/26/03 Today is memorial Day. We have one of our earliest start. Leaving Cody Gap where we tented at 8AM. The sun is threatening to shine. We walk 2.4 miles to Yellow Creek Gap where we spot a sign reading: 2 miles and 300 yards to the Hike Inn. An ambitious start but we decide to go off trail for R & R at the Hike Inn. We start trekking in that direction and lo and behold, along come Sleepwalker accompanied by his wife Holly. they have a truck and in the rear are hikers Phil (Lost Dog)and Ross, from Montana. Holly Blair has driven to provide support for Josh and we luck out. They're staying at Fontana Dam which is just as good a place for us and hop in. Launder, rest, trip to town to resupply. Tucker is staying there too and together we have dinner at the Magnolia Restaurant. Holly and the truck go home tomorrow and Sleepwalker will join us to start through the Smokies.
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Laurel Creek-going off trail

To: Bland, then Maine
Miles today: 0.0

We made our decision to go off trail 2 nights ago while sheltering in the Jenkins shelter. We walked through horrendous rain and 2 thunderstorms. I feared for my life in that there was no shelter. At one point, we huddled together in the middle of a field and I felt like Pee in Lonesome Dove. Remember the rain storm scene where the cowboys are hunched over on their horse, blinded by rain. That was me. Standing like a ligtening rod. This is reported to be a gorgeous area with fields and fields of flowers, etc. Saw not one petal. We hiked out and spend last night in Chestnut Knob Shelter...yes it was rainy but not as horrible. Today we forded Laurel Creek 15 times before reaching Luarel Creek Bridge. It crisscorssed back and forth. Needless to say our feet were sloshing. We make it to Bland...find a so-so motel, and dry up for trip to Greyhound Station in AM and DC to get train to Maine. Can't really fly because we are carrying knives and fuel. Actually a train ride sounds wonderful!
Date: 2004-04-03
To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Dan and I are preparing for our second leg of the A.T. We started May 2003 with hopes of hiking to Harper's Ferry in a 3-month period. We had no backpacking experience and high expectations. So, last year we hiked from Springer to Hot Springs. Jitterbug and Hoover were gracious to offer a lift to Damascus which we took thinking it rains less in Virginia. NOT! We hiked from Damascus to Bland, then decided we needed to re-think our 2-year hiking plan. Off we went to visit Juno's family in Maine and we decided to hike the trail in a 5 year or so time frame.We will leave on May 28, 2004 to go to Hot Springs and complete that section to Damascus, then we will jump to Bland and continue for as far as we get in Virginia until June 30. Back again in 2005.This journal has entries from last year because I can't figure out how to put them in 2003 while being in 2004.
Date: 2004-04-17
To: Planning our hike
Miles today: 0.0

Sharon, Dan and I met at friends, Liz and Sonny's home to make some plans for up-coming section hike. We will leave from Hot Springs, NC Memorial Day week-end and travel as far north as a month will take us. Since Dan and I have already hiked Damascus to Bland, we will shuttle to Bland and continue north from there.This is Sharon's first "long" hike. She has a few overnighters, and day-hikes in her history. Sharon is very active: walker, skier, kayaker, etc so we know the hiking will fit right in. I believe we will make a good team.
Date: 2004-05-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday, Sunday, we consulted on departure. We have revised the departure to sometime on Friday the 29. We will drive to Fernandina Beach and spend the night at Ft. Clinch State Park, if we arrive on time, otherwise, we will find a B&B or motel. This will shave some 6 hours off the trip to NC. Besides Fernandina is a great place to visit, to stay and to eat beignets. We all love guilt-free beignets.Sharon tells us it will take and additional 6-7 hours to get to Hot Springs. Staying there tht night will allow us to start the hike earlier than planned on Sunday the 30th. We should be able to make it 11.5 miles to a shelter. We hope to hike the stretch without tents so getting to a shelter becomes important.Also, yesterday, Sunday, I started packing my Gregory pack: 3/4 length Thermarest, North Face Cat's Meow sleeping bag, a space bag with sock liners, extra Thorlos, fleece cap, bandana, cargo-style zippered pants, cotton gloves, long sleeve top, sleeveless top, fleece vest. (Space bag allows you to get all the air out). Also packed MSR Simmerlite stove into 32 oz titanium cooking pot with fry pan lid. Packed the poncho, the rain jacket. Need to put in supply of food and maybe 1/2 the tent. On outside I tied my bandana. In the side mesh pockets, I put in the 22 oz fuel container, 1 2 liter Nalgene, and small roll TP (wrapped in plastic bag, natch. In zippered pocket, I have my "medicine chest bag" of rubbing alcohol, antiseptic cream, bandaids, ibuprofen, baby aspirins, moleskin, gauze, Glide with sewing needle, in case I need to sew someone. Also packed my "daily's bag" made up of toothbrush, more Glide, ear plugs. MB will carry the toothpaste. Then, I have my "other needs bag": Sharpie, Eventors light, utility lighter, Sawyer Deet, 2 lexan spoons, 1 small pliers, 1 box waterproof matches. And finally, I slipped a dryer sheet on back of pack between the padding and the pack. Just to keep me fresh.
Date: 2004-05-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today is MB's birthday. (I've decided to shorten Mike's Brother's trail name to MB). I am so involved with thinking of things to wrap up that I forgot the birthday until this AM when my computer popped up the message. We are now even. 61 years young. I have secured a spot at Ft Clinch State Park for Friday night. It was the last site available. At first I thought we would just wing it but decided better of it yesterday when I logged into their web site.Haircut...my goodness it's short but it is wash and wear. We don't carry a comb. My fingers become the comb. Just a few more ends to tie and off we go.
Date: 2004-05-28
From: Juno Beach, FL

To: Fernandina Beach, FL
Miles today: 0.0

Friday. 90 + degrees, leaving Sharon's house around 12:30PM heading to Fernandina Beach and Fort Clinch State Park nestled between St Mary's River and the Atlantic. Arrived 5:30, set up tents and went to town for dinner at the Crab Trap Restaurant. Very busy place but I am disappointed that the Golden Grouper is closed! Anyway...Kalik all around and we feel great with tomorrow's plan to get to Hot Springs.
Date: 2004-05-29
From: Fernandina Beach, FL

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Saturday, Memorial Day Weekend. Fitful rest last night due to heat. Not so for Dan who managed to snore through the night despite 80+ heat. It is hot up here in Fernandina!. 6:30 AM, showers, pack tents and head to town again for breakfast and a fill-up at the local Exxon. Price lower here at $1.95/gal. Sharon forgot her dark glasses so we turn around after 4 miles and now have an extra pair of dark glasses after finding I was sitting on Sharon's glasses all along.Arrived Hot Springs around 5:30 to find everything booked due to holiday week-end. Hot Springs is a rafting destination area. It is the French Broad River. Fortunately we have a car now and go 3 miles out of town to the Rocky Cliff Campgroung, a Pisgah Nat'l Forest site. Has facilities and we find campsite #2 open. Perfect, and so is the weather. It'll be a nice sleep tonight. Din din at the Smokey Mountain Diner. In the sleeping bag by 8:30.
Date: 2004-05-30
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: moderate rain

Sunday. Birds wake us with their non-stop tweeting. Pack up and take Sharon's car to the AT parking area by the Jesuit House, then on to the diner for a big breakfast. We stop at Bluffs Outfitters for instructions to Sam's Gap, fill up on cooking fuel and off we go. We drive through Mars Hill, very picturesque and home to the Mars Hill Prep School and College. We arrive at Sam's Gap at 11 AM in full blown rain storm....this, after sunny beautiful days and evenings. Pas possible! Hikers are congregating under the overpass waiting for the rain to stop and head on up to Erwin, TN. We unload our packs, take out the rain gear, don it all and head up the trail. 1/4 mile later, I find I forgot the fuel and take off the pack to hoof it back to the car. Rain! Rain! and I feel discouraged. Thank goodness I have friends and a nice mom praying for good weather because by the time I catch up to MB and Sharon, the rain stopped. We make it to Hogback Shelter at 12:30 but deem it too early to stop hiking. We want to get to Flint MT but that is 11.3 hike and maybe too much for us the first day.We meet day-hikers who tell us to watch for a beautiful waterfall and an old barn. "Barn? Can we shelter in the barn?" Yes, he says...it's a few steps off the trail. Good, because we are getting tired. It's sunny now and the weather is pleasant but our bodies slow us. Spotted 1 grouse, 4 orange salamanders, a lady turkey, a rabbit and 1 squirrel. Sharon is now Greenie (that was her nickname growing up and Green is her maiden name. She seems happy to take her nickname back). So today we hiked about 7 miles and stop at the old barn. It's gorgeous now, with the sun shining and water available just nearby. First trail meal: Juno's concocted Baco-Cheese-spuds Troops were clamoring for more. We hit the hay, literally, around 7PM because our bodies can no longer bend. Ibuprofen for dessert.
Date: 2004-05-31
From: Old Barn

To: Jerry's Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: heavy intensity rain

We awaken around 7AM. That's 12 hours of sleep, although we were jolted with a furious T-storm around 4AM. Greenie opted to set up her tent just outside the barn in a soft green area. She was almost blown into the barn by the fury of the storm's winds. We set up the tent fly across the barn's opening to control the mist flying in but we were so happy to have the shelter. That was a mean storm.We are now meeting many section and thru-hikers. Night Owl and Fox Dog...a real dog with her own pack and looks like a real fox. We share terrain tidbits on way to Flint Mt and lunch. MB has blisters on both feet which we doctor up with moleskin and duct tape. Arrive at Jerry's Cabin around 5:10. One of those miles was Big Butt, an ascent to 4,750, no switchbacks, just straight up. MB's heels are holding up OK. Another of Juno's concoctions tonight: Cashew Curry Rice. They love this stuff. Jerry's Cabin is an old shelter, but it's a shelter and I still fear rain, although the weather is just perfect. We registered in the shelter journal. Early into tents again. We all feel good.
Date: 2004-06-01
From: Jerry's Cabin Shelter

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

Tuesday. Up at 7:45. It's 55 degrees. I have my fleece vest on. It rained last night but weather OK now...many clouds so we were unsure what the day would be like. B'fast of peanut butter enery bars and Greenie's coffee. The sun is threatening. I love it. Today's hile starts at 9:30 AM to begin a gorgeous ridge walk. I really like ridgewalking especially when you can see forever and today is a day we can see maybe 20 miles out. This is just spectacular and I'm sure my pics will hardly do justice. We all are swept away with vista after vista and the fact that we feel so energetic. We are burning 7,000-8,000 calories every day with the intensity of the hike and I know we are hardly consuming 2000 calories. MB announces his knife belt is in 1 notch and estimates he's dropped 5 lbs. We make it to Little Laurel around 3PM. Young hikers still there seemingly smoking pot but Greenie tells me it has no odor at all and they are just rolling their own. As usual they, as are all hikers, are very congenial...in for lunch and will continue north. They are planning a 20 mile hike. John and son David Barr arrive to share the shelter. We discover in conversation about "people of character" that Tom Pope's name pops up. This is just weird. Turns out Tom Pope is a Swiftie and is in MB's and Juno's circle of friends; he is also a fraternity brother of John Barr. We are hikingin the same directions to Hot Springs so we know there will be more conversations as we move south. I am carrying lentils and sun-dried tomatoes in my Nalgene and these have softened enough during the day to have another great meal: Tomato-lentil-rice. This was a good experiment and we will have this meal again.