morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Max Patch

To: Max Patch 
Miles today: 0.0

April 17, 0.0 miRain all day. I'd woken up in the dark around three because I'd slept so much the day before and couldn't get back to peace. I was sheltered from the wind because I'd pitched well into the trees so I had no reason to move or actually see what was going on around me. I lay catatonic in the dark for hours, thinking about nothing most of the time. The rain drowned out my thoughts. When I did think it was about strains of melody and lyrics from the Sondheim musical ¢Into the Woods.¢ I delved into the meaning of them so much that I fancied I understood Cinderella's song (which I'd sung onstage years ago) in a way that only the mature could. Alone in the dark without even a hint of what time it really was ¢ or what day ¢ my lips moved to the music in my mind, every once and awhile grimacing in recognition. When there was gray light enough to see about the world inside of my tent, I noticed that it wasn't completely waterproof. There were puddles about three inches in diameter wherever the old road I'd pitched upon was uneven and dipped down slightly. And worst of all the fuzziest, fluffiest, most important part of my down sleeping bag, the encased bit at the end where I keep my naked toes, had gotten wet. Considering that this was the first time in my hike when these ominous, terrible things occurred, I showed a surprising lack of concern. I had nothing I could spare to wipe the puddles up (which would only come back again), so I let them be. I made sure all of my sleeping bag lay on the ThermaRest, which acted as a foam barrier between the wet, coarse plastic that was my tent floor and Dino. Then I shut my eyes and listened to the rain until I fell back asleep.
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Log Cabin Drive

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: light rain

April 22, 4.2 miWith no water for miles I was desperate to get to the source at Little Laurel Shelter. The heavy rain finally fell all around me and though I could see and feel the wetness I had no way of collecting it into my mouth. It was maddening. I met another northbounder called Byline who passed me but rallied my spirits to go that much further to the next shelter. No wonder I was exhausted. I never really make up for lost sleep after a night hike. When the sun shone in my face the next day I just got up and went. Readjusting to the society of others after a stolen respite was difficult in such close quarters as Little Laurel afforded. To make matters worse there were ¢day hikers¢ afoot, still bragging about the novelty of their gear. Smelling fresh and looking sophisticated in very expensive-looking outfits. I got out my sleeping bag and pretended to go to sleep.
Date: 2012-04-27
From: Nolichucky River

To: Curley Maple Gap
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: overcast clouds

April 27, 2.5 miLater the next morning Orion, one of the hikers who'd slept in the other bed, came back into the room to find me and the hiker I'd shared a bed with completely naked and in the middle of fooling around. ¢Oh!¢ he said in surprise, then turned around and went back out. I was slightly embarrassed, but so enthralled by the warm, strong body next to me that I fell back in with him almost instantly. Laughing, rocking. Turned on, my cunt dripping wet, I felt him up with my mouth and with my hands. He was so healthy and strong! Such smooth, brown skin and crisped, scratchy beard. The loveliest textures, smells, possible. I found a tattoo on his hip stretching out ghostly grey with fine lines onto his stomach. It looked like a bearded man whose lower body was a column from antiquity. ¢What is it?¢ I asked. ¢It's a demon,¢ he replied. ¢Come here,¢ he breathed into my ear. ¢Sit on my face.¢0From one feast to another, my mate and I then went to eat the ample continental breakfast in the hotel lobby, replete with biscuits and gravy, bacon, eggs, bagels, toast, and jams. To begin I just selected some cereal and a yogurt. He only took a little coffee, saying he wasn't hungry. ¢Hello, roommates.¢ The fourth hiker, the one who'd faced the wall while speaking with me the night before, descended upon our party and took the seat opposite me. He was my age, all dressed in cotton grey, but was already balding. He looked a little like Dr. Strangelove. He'd brought a newspaper with him and set it down at his place. There was this unstated air of maturity about him, and the way he'd rumbled the word ¢roommates,¢ rather low and implying, made me smile like a naughty child. But a favored child, one who wasn't in too much trouble. My companion, however, felt uneasy and soon left the table. I decided it was time for a more thorough breakfast. ¢I'm going to get some eggs and things,¢ I said. ¢Would you like to have breakfast with me?¢¢Yes.¢ The way he looked at me was classic. Bemused. We both got up and got our first course of warm food. I sat down to the most free, easy-going, and intelligent conversation I've had in years. It was a delight from start to finish. Varied banter over warm biscuits, hot chocolate, more coffee. I kept getting up for more and more food, prolonging the time we spent there.You can do a lot of things for a woman, but ah, can you talk with her?It was the best breakfast.
Date: 2012-04-28
From: Curley Maple Gap

To: Beauty Spot Gap
Miles today: 6.9

April 28, 6.9 miMomento Mori hiking up to the Beauty Spot. A dead butterfly in the road. Wings torn, hollow husk of body eaten away by ants and rolling in the dirt. One hole looked fairly like burn detail. In an instant, I imagined all sorts of horrible things that had happened to its dead body. But I am alive! I have a beauty spot on my youthful cheek. ¢Who wants to be alive when you're twenty-five?¢I felt the darkness inside me but knew I was in the warm sun. The sky had changed to perfect blue with benign, white clouds and I walked upwards on the trail in between a sloping hillside of rambling roots.
Date: 2012-04-29
From: Beauty Spot Gap

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: few clouds

April 29, 9.0 miI made my own camp atop a hill many yards from the trail. The turf was a bed of fallen leaves. I knew I'd be comfortable inside my tent, which I aired out while waiting for my ramen to soften. Watched a camoflage butterfly open its wings to a secret spectacle of vibrant orange and yellow. ¢She is wide open!¢ Something Josh had said about his spastic daughter, twirling in a pink tutu on the wooden deck while we'd smoked our cigarettes in the sun. A note of worry in his voice. ¢Now what am I supposed to do about that?¢ he could have said. I learned nothing. I enjoyed everything.
Date: 2012-04-30
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Hughes Gap
Miles today: 9.2

April 30, 9.2 miI watched an entire sunrise, laying in my tent with the flap open. It was a symphony of color and movement that I know I'll never forget. It began with the bleak, grey dawn hue of the skies just across from me above the mountain ranges. Then the wind brought the tinglings of the twigs and the twirling of the leaves on the outer boughs of the black trees to a crescendo. In anticipation I lay quite still. More light, swathes of different color. Purple. Pink. Then the piercing, altogether different quality of light from the first rays of the sun. The original source of it all. Before I left that spot, I found a small plastic sign with the type NORTH CAROLINA GAME LANDS and the word ¢Wildlife¢ written in cursive in the middle. ¢Back in North Carolina again? Are you serious?¢ I thought. I kept the thing as my own momento.
Date: 2012-08-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So I've finally found time to start this journal and it's the day before my trip begins. I leave tomorrow from my home town to start a southbound journey on the AT. I'll leave tomorrow by train and make my way to Maine. Then I'll start the long hike back home to Georgia. I'm starting this extremely late I know but I like hiking in the cold better than the heat. Also it means I'll get to hike all the northern states in the fall. It's been a crazy weekend of goodbyes and packing. Thanks to all those who have wished me luck and keep me in their prayers.
Date: 2012-08-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The site says I need at least three entries before it'll post them online. So to those who do not know me. My name is Alex Kiser. My trail name is Caboose because of my late departure I'll be bringing up the rear. Which is fine with me. More winter hiking and less heat. I'm originally from a small town named Toccoa in north east Georgia. I currently live in Athens, GA where I go to school at Gainesville State College. I am 21 and work for the DNR as a fisheries tech on lake Burton during the summers. I've wanted to do this trip for as long as I can remember. I had originally planned to be a north bounder in the spring, but due to an inconveniently timed broken ankle I decided to rest and start south. And now after working 60+ hours a week at three jobs I am ready to begin my trip across the AT.
Date: 2012-08-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My gear has been an accumulation of scratch and dent sales, birthday, and Christmas gifts. I am using my gregory baltoro pack. Hennesy Hammock. Katydin hiker pro water filter. Lufuma 30 degree bag. Vasque hiking boots. Komperdell Hiking poles. REI trekker sleeping pad. Buck knife. Patagonia rain coat and high sierra rain pants. Snow peak giga stove. REI pot and bowl. And various other odd bits of here and there gear. My pack weight before food is around 20 pounds.
Date: 2012-08-14
To: new york
Miles today: 0.0

Today is the day I start the trip to Maine. Between nervousness and excited feeling I hardly slept. After some last minute packing and goodbyes in Athens I headed back to Toccoa. I got on a train and before I was even seated I was already on my way. The train ride was rather eventful between a fire on the tracks and a lady having the paramedics called it was an adventure in itself. I met two fellas who were interested enough to ask some questions and I talked to them for awhile. I dozed and woke up in DC. From there I just watched the scenery go by until New York Penn station. That was an animal to tackle. Because of our delays I arrived at the train station 10 mins before my next train left. It was a mad scramble to print off my new ticket and someone directed me to the ever changing board of departures and arrivals. There was some odd thousand people staring at the board and every time it would change a hundred people would peel off and run some where. The board told me not even five mins before the train left what track to go on. And I like the hundred other people on my train rushed off. From there it was off to Boston for the next lay over. Thanks so much to Becky and Wayne who saved me from sleeping on a park bench. They opened their home to me and fed me
Date: 2012-08-15
To: bangore 
Miles today: 0.0

This morning was an experience in its own. Wayne dropped me off at the subway (thanks again so much for letting me stay)and from there I got lost in down town Boston trying to find my friend Sarah who I haven't seen in years. I was on the phone wandering around this huge city as lost as could be. I can now say I've wandered all over Boston before. But I eventually found her for breakfast. Best thing about it. She brought me map quest directions and a map that she had labled for me to find the next train station. I had a great breakfast catching up. Hopefully when I'm back closer she and our other friend Adam will be able to come hike a weekend with me. After following my detailed map I got to the train station 20 mins early. Finally some time to sit and recollect my thoughts after rushing so much. And for the next hour and a half that is exactly what I did. Someone had gone around the crossing gate and gotten hit by the train on the way in. An 80 minute delay. I wound up chatting with a guy who was from around Boston and another fella from New York. I spotted a back pack across the station and met floater. He northbounded a few years ago when he was 68. He's back out for a section hike and Ill actually run into him sometime in the next two weeks. For now I'm wondering if I'll make my next bus that is scheduled to leave a half hour before I am to arrive. I guess I'll find out.
Date: 2012-08-16
To: bangore
Miles today: 0.0

The train got in way later than the bus. But I met up with two other thru hikers who are flip flopping. Amtrak told us the next bus to bangore left in three hours. So we got a cab to Portland warf and found some fresh lobsters. I dont think I can ever go back to southern lobster. It's just not the same. after dinner we hitched back to the bus station in the rain. Nice local guy who was planning to be out hiking at the end of the month picked us up. From there we made plans to get picked up at Medway and the guy offered to let us camp in his yard and take us into Baxter tomorrow morning. Haven't even starter the trail yet and I've been picked up and taken in by so many people. I think this is gonna be a great trip.
Date: 2012-08-17
From: katahdin stream camp ground 

To: pine knob
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Holy crap what a mountain. We left the little place we were staying at 6 in the morning. I started up katahdin with bebop and rock steady. It was five miles straight up, but I have never been on a trail or mountain like that. At times it might as well of been rock climbing and bouldering. At the top was something else. You could see for miles in every direction. It reminded me of pictures I've seen from the Scottish highlands. It was all giant boulders covered in moss. Absolutly amazing. I took a ton of pictures and every time I thought it couldn't be better another breath taking view comes up. After a stay at the top we headed back down. It was brutal. Going up was so much fun, coming down was terrifying. And since the 3 of us are so cheap we decided to do another 10 miles to abol bridge where we could camp for free. We didn't quite make it. So we are stealth camping about 4 miles away. For dinner I had some broccoli cheddar noodles and im still debating something else. We went way to far for my unconditioned feet. I may have to leave bebop and rock steady. I like them but because they are flipflops they still have trail legs. I've got to get mine and catch up to them. Tomorrow is looking pretty big and I start the hundred mile wilderness.
Date: 2012-08-18
From: pine knob

To: rainbow lake
Miles today: 10.5

Today was great. My feet hurt only a little bit and im camped at the most perfect lake side spot ever. We stealth camped last night and woke up at 545. We were on the trail by 6. I packed up still sleepy and headed after bebop and rock steady. The morning was fairly easy, flat and by the lakes and rivers. This whole state smells like Christmas. At about 1030 we got to abol bridge where we heard there was some good Philly cheese steak. I got one for breakfast and some pizza and some last minute food for the hundred mile wilderness. We stayed for nearly two hours talking and eating. It was fun and we meet some cool people who were about to finish. We finally started moving at a leisurely pace. The the trail turned to nothing but rocks and roots. Slow going. Rock steady was hurting so we slowed down. He was hurting so much they decided to stop and dry camp. Since I had almost no water I left them, but they said they'd catch up for breakfast. That's fine im no morning person. I went two more miles and saw a hammock. I asked bullmoose if he minded company. He didn't. So im at an awesome little lake side. Couldn't ask for a better spot.
Date: 2012-08-19
From: rainbow lake

To: Sandy spring beach
Miles today: 15.5

Another good day but I'm beat. The last bit wasn't to bad but i had no water and I was hungry as a bear. Some NOBOS recommended sandy creek beach and that's where I am now. It does not disappoint. I'm set up just off the beach and havea great view of the lake. I met some cool people today and talked for a bit. With out bebop and rock steady i didn't take as many breaks, I'm kinda feeling it. But it's just not in me to stop for long when I'm by myself. I talked to dad a little today while i was on top of nesa-something-bunt mountain. It had an amazing view of katahdin over the lake. I also went to pollywag gorge overlook. There was some kinda weird feeling so I didn't stay long. So far I'm by myself tonight, but bullmoose is likely to come in. Not really sure. There wasn't many places to camp. All the water was skunky at best. I'm feeling an early night tonight. Also I need to find more food. I don't have enough for the hundred mile right now. But at least I have a great spot on the lake.
Date: 2012-08-20
From: Sandy spring beach

To: Antlers Campsite 
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today had the best start anyone could ask for. I slept in till 8, but I did wake up for sunrise on the lake. After i got up i hear voices and bebop and rock steady were on the beach. The set up for breakfast and we all went for a swim. Bullmoose also came in last night. While we were swimming bebop found a muscle and after 10 minutes of looking we had about 50 of them gathered up. Rock steady had some dried tomatoes, I had some Montreal, monsoon had some spices. We had a huge muscle boil. It was amazing. Also while we were swimming I saw my first bald eagle. He was off in the distance but still cool. I finally left camp about 11. The trail was nice and I had to go to white landing for some more food. I got to the dock and sounded the horn. Sat down and put m feet in te water for the fish to nibble on. There was a loon across the way and we got into a whistling match. he finally came over and i got a good look at one for the first time. Kinda like a big duck with white spots. While i was sitting on the dock another bald eagle flew right over my head and i got a good look at him. awesome. well boat guy came and i got my food. also some zucchini bread as a treat. The people today were cool and talkative. I made it past my original goal cause a lady recommended this one. I think bebop and rock steady are at the first one, I can hear voices across the lake. A lady was injured today, but the guy in all denim's car was there at the road. I told her he would probably be there around evening. I had mom send me some luko tape to monson. I got to talk to them for a bit. I've lost tack of time and forgot dads birthday all ready. But I'm about to eat and figure out where i'm going tomorrow. I'm making good time and miles so far. Hopefully I can keep it up.
Date: 2012-08-21
From: Antlers Campsite 

To: Mt. View Pond
Miles today: 14.1

Today started off meh. It was raining so i went back to sleep. Woke up late. My phone is dead and i can't get my solar charger or crank to work. I head out and stopped at Jo-Mary road for a snack. After that i found out my snack was actually lunch from two other hikers. The also said bebop and rock steady were 6 miles ahead of me an hour before. I was kinda down and stopped at a shelter and ate a late lunch. A squirrel cheered me up. They are so ballsy up here. He came within a foot of me trying to get my peanut butter. I also read the little inspiration things i wrote in my guide that got me pumped and I pulled another 6 miles out. I came to he Mt. View Pond a guy had recommended. There was a lady setting up and she didn't mind company. She talks alot and i asked her what her name is, Talks alot and danged if they didn't nail that one on the head. I'm set up and its looking like a great night. talks alot is cheering me up with here chatter. I think tonight will be fun. Also I saw a ruffed grouse running down the trail tonigt.
Date: 2012-08-22
From: Mt. View Pond

To: Carl A newman shelter
Miles today: 12.7

This morning started out great. Bright and early on a crisp cool lake. Said by to talks-alot, she gave me a hug, such a nice lady. After i headed out I caught up with andrew, another SOBO and then i ran into two day hikers who were full of questions. It was a long climb to white peak, but I met bigfoot another SOBO and the view was freaking awesome. It was above treeline and had an almost 360 view. I could see all the way I've come so far. After that the day was bleh. ALot of down and that hurts way more than up could ever hope. There was no views and I hurting. I kept wanting to stop but i'd just have to do it later. So I kept going 5 miles of bleh. I finally got to the shelter ready to collapse. Matt and Brittany were here and they are cool hippie types. Then Manbearpig "he does exist" and dudemanbro came. They were from Athens and we got to talking about all the food in Athens and the bars. That was awesome having some familiarity. They kept on and now im' just chilling in a shelter. It's the first I've stayed at. There are squirrel everywhere, hopefully my food won't get jacked.
Date: 2012-08-23
From: Carl A newman shelter

To: Cloud Pond shelter
Miles today: 17.2

Today has been a roller coaster of up and down both physical and mental. Last night I slept awful. Snoring and i could hear the squirrels going for y food. One thing was funny though. I woke up and there was a chipmunk on my chest. I think i scared him as much as he scared me. the morning hike was good. Gradual and no horrible roots. I got to pleasant river the first real ford. took my boots off and went across to some old fellars. They ere funny and Hard Charge offered me a place to stay in fort worth Virginia. I will take him p on that for sure. After that i left and hit a all. The climb was brutal ad there was no end in site. I was feeling down so i ate. Ramen and peanut butter suck. Anyway I hit a huge wall and wanted to quit. I started thinking about the people at work and my family and friends. How i wanted to make them proud and about telling my future kids about this. And i busted that wall down and did anther 8 miles. I was almost running. it felt so much better. It started to rain and i just smiled. I needed a shower anyway. I knocked out 17.2 miles and broke the 100 mile mark. I'm at cloud pond shelter that is awesome by a lake. Bobcat is here and he's good company. Two more days and I can get some real food.
Date: 2012-08-24
From: Cloud Pond shelter

To: Little Wilson Stream
Miles today: 12.3

After my long day yesterday I purposefully got a late start. It was nice to sleep in. The trip up barren mountain was nice and the way down wasn't to steep. There's been 3 or 4 fords today all of them had people to chat with. there was a really long rock ledge, about half a mile that was hot but pretty. It ended by a nice pond. N0t really much happened today. I'm camped with a crazy old guy named mac. He's got at least 20 pounds of food, a 0 degree bag, a wool blanket and he asks everyone passing if they have a smoke. It's a nice place right on the river. There are a couple of Germans wandering around who are lost. Also my fuel ran out but Mac let me use his. It was one day short for this trip. I guess I'm tired. I'm ready for real food and Monson tomorrow. Can't wait for a shower and to just sit around. But Mac is good company assuming he doesn't rob me.(later I found out Mac was stealing stuff from the last hostel.)