morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-12
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-To

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Warmer weather yet again, and slightly cloudier, but still beautiful. I got a fairly early start, as the terrain looked like it would provide a challenge. It certainly did.The day started with my least favorite type of terrain, a steep descent. So once I made it to the first climb of the day, my knees were already a little sore. Nothing to worry about, but still not too much fun. I made it up to Spaulding Mountain when I realized I had some abrasions from my pack. I made some strap adjustments, and thought everything was good, so I kept on truckin'. The climb down from there was really rough, so by the end of it I felt fairly banged up. Once again, it wasn't anything to worry about, just aches and pains from 2,000 miles of hiking. After a short break, I went up to the Crockers. By the end of the day, I had 3 big mountains under my belt, and felt pretty tired. I made it down to the road and into Stratton to join plenty of other hikers at the Stratton Motel. Most of them are sobos, but this is the most hikers I've seen at once in a long time.I took a shower and realized how bad the abrasions really were. Part of having a high pain tolerance is not knowing when things are getting worse. I'm not sure what caused this issue, but it worried me a bit. I decided to eat and reevaluate it in the morning.
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Stratton, ME

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero dayI awoke to rain, and the abrasions were still fairly bad. Along with pretty much everyone else here, I decided to zero. I enjoyed a laid back day, and am ready to get back on the trail tomorrow. Hopefully I won't have to deal with abrasions any longer. The weather looks good and I don't have too much further to go, so either way, I'll make it and have some fun.
Date: 2012-06-14
From: Stratton, ME

To: Avery Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

I left Stratton after a large breakfast and began to enjoy a beautiful day. This weather excited me, as I've been anticipating the Bigelows and the view they provide. So I made my way up the mountain, ready for a great day.Early on, I saw a moose. It stood in a pond for quite some time, either unaware of my presence, or unafraid of it. After that encounter, I continued on through beautiful weather. On my way up, I even crossed the 2,000 mile mark.Once I got above tree line, I knew I would be spending much of my day on one of the summits. When I reached the second peak, I came across my friends Leo and Ben, and their friend Ian, who are thru hiking southbound. We spent a couple hours enjoying the view, and then hiked down to the campsite .3 south. There, we hung out on a tent platform for the remainder of the day, and then we got into our sleeping bags. None of us felt the need to set up a tent, as we anticipated the view of the stars from the platform would be spectacular. It was. This campsite is probably one of nicest I've seen, due to its spectacular location and views.I really enjoyed spending some time with my friends, even if it meant a short day. Although the many other nobos that stayed in Stratton with me went further, I expect to catch up to them tomorrow. Finishing my thru hike with some company will be a nice reward after hiking so far alone.
Date: 2012-07-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I completed my thru hike this past Friday, as many of you already know. This is my first entry since Parkside's tragic death at Pierce Pond, two weeks prior to my summitting of Katahdin. Since that day, I have had a challenging time on the trail. The last few miles were incredibly emotional, and for the first time since the incident, I feel capable of writing about it. I'm going to keep it brief, as I am still processing everything that happened, but I'd like to fill everyone in on the events since my last post.On the evening of Friday, June 15, Parkside drowned in Pierce Pond. He swam approximately 200 yards from the shelter, alone and without letting any of the other hikers know. By the time we were aware of his distress, it was too late to help him.This was devastating not just for me, but for the other hikers as well. The other hikers staying there that evening were Dropout, Germanator, Swivel and Spiral, Carpenter, and Eagle Food. We all did our best to hike on, but it proved to be incredibly difficult. When we heard news of the funeral date, Dropout, Germanator, Swivel and Spiral, as well as Catwoman joined me on a trip from Monson to Queens, NY. We attended the funeral and wake, spent some time with his family, and got back on the trail a week later to finish the hike, with Parkside's ashes.The 100 Mile Wilderness proved tougher than I expected, although much of this was based on emotional strain. I can honestly say I never would have made it to Katahdin without the support of other hikers. As a group, we made it with Parkside, and celebrated his life in a fashion that I'm sure he would have approved of. He had an amazing impact on not only my life, but on the lives of almost everyone he met along the trail. I am certain I will reflect on my trip more in the future with some more journal entries, but I still need some time to process everything. As of now, I am in NH working at Camp Tohkomeupog, as I had planned to do before I started. I made it here just in time, despite the adversity, and I am enjoying the distraction from my thoughts. I will never forget Parkside, and I wish the best for his family during this difficult time.
Date: 2011-11-11
To: Decisions, decisions, decisions
Miles today: 0.0

Now that we have decided to go complete our hike in 2012, there are so many things to get in order. Since we already have logged in many miles on the trail, we have all the gear we need. Both of us need hiking boots but all of our gear we have is sufficient for a successful hike.We decided to start where we left off the trail back in 2010 which is VA 42. It is in between Pearisburg and Catawba. When we finished a slackpacking 22 mile day up to VA42, we figured we couldn't make it to Harpers Ferry in time for our departure for my class reunion so we skipped forward to McAfee and then the Shenandoahs. We will not count any trail miles after VA42 even though we did quite a few. We want to get back on the trail and stay more true to being a backpacker instead of so much slackpacking. You can read our entries from 2010 journal for a more detailed explanation of what we did after reaching the point where we skipped forward. We are again very excited to have the opportunity to be our there again!
Date: 2011-11-14
To: Gear
Miles today: 0.0

Half Left and I both have all the gear we need, thank God. Gear is so expensive. There is always newer, lighter, faster, better gear but with the cost of just hiking the trail, we opt to use the same gear from last year. We also just bought a new house so we have to get someone to stay in it while we are hiking. Our son Jesse has said he would manage the house and take care of the dogs. Thanks!!! Next is to decide on mail drops, gear changes for weather and find a ride. Our friend Paula wants to start with us and hike for about a month. We also want to attend trail days May 18-20. I think things will work out perfectly. We'll see...
Date: 2011-12-05
From: Home

To: Work
Miles today: 0.0

Wow, this is really hard, going to work everyday dreaming of being back on the trail. I feel lucky in some respects, coming off the trail in 2010 and being able to go back and live the trail life again. If we had completed it, I would just be dreaming of, well I guess another trail. It's weird being an addict of the AT. Memories come back to me as I go through the photos and journal entries of our journey in 2010. Fun, exciting memories of all the "trail people", hostel owners, hikers, trail magic people, trail runners, past thru hikers or just a hiker out for a section. They all still have a fond memory in our heads, well except that idiot at Double Spring Shelter rattling a bag at 4:00am by my head, that memory is not "fond". We are very lucky and blessed to have this opportunity and plan to follow the trail all the way to the end, Lord willing.Christmas is almost here, can't believe it! The new year will come and then I will turn the dreaded 50, which is one of the reasons I want to complete the AT next year. There are many more trails to conquer, but this one is a must!!! We will prevail, just you watch. Happy Holidays to all!!!!
Date: 2012-01-05
From: Work

To: Work :(
Miles today: 0.0

Yay, this year has begun which means we are steps closer to our hike. Daily Half Left and I go over gear, food, mileage, what an obsession! Love the trail life, love the trail people, love the peace and tranquility! Tax season has begun so I will be busy until April. Half Left is a landscaper and will also be busy, busy, busy. Just heard news our hiking friend Gipcgirl from Austrailia will be hiking the PCT this year. Good Luck to her. Happy New Year to everyone!!!!
Date: 2012-01-08
From: Work :(

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Thinking of all the people we met on our last hike reminds me of the beauty the trail brings to life. We met some wonderful friends, some of who we are still in contact with. A few were Aussies who now are on Facebook with us. One in particular is GipCgirl who has a journal on this site. She is an Aussie who completed the trail although she broke her ankle near Franklin. That's how we met her at a pancake breakfast this wonderful church in Franklin puts on every year. The give free pancakes, bacon, Orange Juice and coffee to all the hikers. They pick up at the local hotels and also drop back off. Asking nothing in return except your smile and friendliness. GipCgirl is coming back to the US this year to hike the PCT. What an amazing woman! Be sure to follow her also. I also added a photo of a young family that brought us trail magic on Easter Sunday during our hike. The young girl came trotting up with a huge smile and a basket of bananas and candy. She said "I am doing trail magic!" "Want some bananas or chocolate?" She told me she plans to hike the AT when she gets older. If we are lucky, she will come back to do more magic in the years to come for other hikers. It was near Hiawassee, GA. Thanks to all the people who share their life and goodies with the trail folks!
Date: 2012-02-11
From: Home

To: Still home
Miles today: 0.0

Things are moving on along for our continuation hike. Of course, my mind never leaves the trail. This weekend I had planned a small hike near White Springs just to feel that "feeling" I have when I am out in the woods. This time of year the air is crisp, the breeze chills my cheeks as I hike making my cheeks rosy. At the end of day my body feels invigorated, refreshed, energetic and alive. The hike had to be cancelled because of a prior commitment Tom made to go "fishing" offshore. My husband forgot it was this weekend, so he is out on the boat and I am here thinking of being on the trail, wishing I was.The journals I read help keep my mind stimulated. Everyone is finalizing their gear, mail drops, & plans. You can feel their excitement, knowing what they are in store for has us logging on to trail journals religiously to look for updates. I love seeing hikers from the past years comment in the guestbooks. Everyone is so supportive and helpful.Tom and I have been talking more about things we will need. We have decided on not dropping food at mail drops this time because when you add the cost of shipment to the price of the food being shipped, it ends up costing more than just paying a little extra at the convenient stores along the way. We will be mail-dropping a couple of times just because there is not really any substantial food available in certain areas. It will be much simpler this time, carrying bulk food like oatmeal and grits for breakfast and bulk coffee with my filter instead of Folgers packets will save money. Ramen noodles will be a staple for us mixed with tuna and/or chicken. I know everyone says we all get tired of the same ole thing but money is tight, we will eat just to keep up our energy instead of eating to enjoy the meals. We will enjoy a nice buffet when in a town and eat up on some good food at that point. Otherwise, tuna salad, ramen, peanut butter and jelly, will be it, yum yum right? As far as gear, we have inventoried all of our stuff and have decided only to purchase me a new Marmot PreCip rain jacket. My old one is 7 years old, it is time to replace. The new ones are lighter and pack better, this is a must have! I wear it as the outer layer when cold over my patagonia, fleece and hiking shirt. When rainy just over my hiking shirt and in town while washing the rest of the clothes. Other than that, our gear is ready and waiting, just like us.We plan on hiking Cumberland in the next little while along with some Florida Trail near Suwannee. Just getting in the woods eases my my and allows my body to feel the "feeling" it has when I am on the trail. May can't get here soon enough!
Date: 2012-02-16
To: The AT Guide arrives
Miles today: 0.0

I got home from work a little early today and checked my mailbox, opening the door expecting bills I spotted a little puffy envelope with our 2012 updated AT guide. I have been looking forward to getting the book since November. I finally sent the check and the book arrived within 2 days!This part of the planning is tedious yet exciting. We are on a slimmed down budget this go around compared to 2010. Looking in the book for cheap places to shower and wash clothes, resupply in regular grocery stores and every once in a while a place to stay to get a rest in a bed, still makes me glow. Our 2010 book has our journey marked with places we stayed, people we met, phone numbers, email addresses so I don't want to take the same book and chance loosing the contacts, also it is a little worn out. All of the 2010 hikes are marked showing how far we went each day and where we camped or stayed. I plan on doing the same with this one. We also wrote trail names of people who stayed at the shelter or who we crossed during the day each day. One of the things I love doing with the book is scan trail journals and read what each other hiker did when they got to certain points. This way you can have a little foresight on what to expect in some of the towns. Also other journal keepers post unique stops and sights to not miss. I love side trails and finding awesome resting spots to enjoy and gather strength.Well my new book is within reach so I must put the computer down for now and flip through it a bit.
Date: 2012-02-21
From: Home

To: Wish the trail
Miles today: 0.0

Friday I traveled to Orlando for the annual Imprinted Sportswear show. On the trip my mind wandered, dreaming of the simplicity and quietness of the trail. Of course driving in or around Orlando is no picnic. The drivers are all speeding as fast as they can to either get to the infamous Disney or some other ridiculously priced attraction or going to work at a job they despise. This certainly makes for a stressful interaction. I did my work, looking through booths of our T-shirt suppliers, ink suppliers and embroidery booths. Besides finding what I had gone for, my other purpose was to look through the T-shirt suppliers for a wicking shirt that would both be light and comfortable for hiking. I did come across a few companies to order samples from but the major brands don't seem as concerned as I am about a nice t-shirt for hiking. I could just go to the local outfitter and spend $35 for a name brand shirt but knowing the actual wholesale prices steers me away from plopping down the extra dollars. Over the weekend I went on a journey to the bookstore but my car drove straight to the outfitter. Of course I light up, looking at the new gear, lighter tents, lighter sleeping mats, boots. It always seems every year you could throw away all the gear you purchased in the past and go "lighter". I think I will just shave off a few pounds of body fat and count that instead of changing out my Osprey pack for the newer one and keep our 15 degree bag. I am content with what I have.I finally made it to the bookstore, picked up the new "backpacker" magazine. There again, minds on the trail! Oh well, May can't come soon enough. I have been mulling over going a little earlier to Tennessee and visit my friend who owns a yoga studio. During the stay, I would hike in the Smokeys during the day and yoga practice about 3 days a week in the evening. I discussed it with Tom, he is game but money may hold us back. I would love to feel more flexible than I do now. Yoga is a great workout and helps the tight muscles feel terrific. Guess I may just have to do the work at home. I see Second Stage is doing well, she is at Mountain Harbour Hostel. Other hikers have begun their journey. I guess I can just read the journals and pretend I am there, until I get there. Until then...
Date: 2012-03-06
From: Wish the trail

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Things are moving along as planned to finish our hike of the trail. In 2010 we hiked all the way to VA 42 which is right before McAfee Knob, then we skipped forward a little and slack packed the Shenandoah's as well as Aqua blazed on the Shenandoah River. We then hiked some of the trail past Front Royal near Bears Den Hostel. One of the reason we were lolling around was the planned week off for my 30 year class reunion back home. We planned on a train ride to Jacksonville to go to the reunion, then train back to the trail. However, money ran out, too much money was spent on bills back home (truck payments, insurance, storage, etc)and on hotels and fun on the trail. It forced us to stay home and regroup. We sold our house before the trail and had money in the bank but it wasn't enough to sustain our trail playing and the bills at home. Therefore, to make a long story short, we decided we want to get back out there and begin the trail where we started lollygagging. Also new to our journey this time is the addition of our daughter, Hannah who will join us for a month. She will turn 12 on the 19th of May right before we set out. She has hiked with us before and is very excited to be us. She will be out of school for the summer and loves to out in the woods. Also joining us for the same amount of time will be our good friend Paula who also hiked with us in 2010. Her and her husband, Brent came to Trail Days that year and brought their grill, tent and hospitality (beer). This year our trucks are paid off, we are renting our new house to our son, so the only expense will be the trail costs, food, showers, etc. We also plan to stay more on the trail, not many hotels, hostels or slacking. If we could afford it, I would have started over at Springer but it cost a lot to get to where we ended up and we don't have the extra money to redo that portion.I have been keeping up with about 10 journals from this year and hope to meet some of the hikers when we start up. It is an interesting group as always!!!Can't wait to get out there!!!!!!!!!!!
Date: 2012-03-25
From: Wish the trail

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Things are moving on along for our completion hike. I met with my trail friend Mark Trail who hiked the trail last year. He helped me go over our plan and gave me a few pointers on the rest of the trail. I followed his journal last year and enjoyed his entries. This year he is hiking the PCT, so exciting!!! Another trail friend I follow is Cope who is also hiking the PCT. Following them when I can will definitely be on my list. One of the changes we are making is leaving our daughter at home with her mom. We did a small 5 mile hike with her carrying a minimal pack a couple of weeks ago and she did not fare well. She complained a little too much. We can't take her and have her not want to be on the trail, it is too far from home and she's too young to send home on the train. We will still hike with her on the Florida Trail and out on Cumberland Island. She loves camping but I think the mountains would not be her best friend after having to conquer them on a daily basis. We have been able to get our funds together and are moving forward on plans. It is less than 8 weeks now and our minds continue to be on the trail. I keep my mind from going crazy by following journals of other hikers. Some have already dropped off. Second Stage is carrying on along. She was last report right about where we will be starting so we will miss her this year. Hopefully some that I follow will be on the trail and we will meet. Paula, our friend is still planning on joining us and hiking at least a month. Her 25 year old son Ryon was killed in a motorcycle accident back in October. Since then she has been depressed. I hope this trip will be a good way for her to work through some of the pain. She is also going to bring some of his ashes with her for us to spread on the trail. He was very outdoorsy and enjoyed hunting and fishing, it was such a tragedy.We look forward to meeting up with some friends we met in 2010 along the trail. 8 weeks...
Date: 2012-04-23
To: Wanting to be "out there" on the trail
Miles today: 0.0

Today we woke up to COLD weather in Northeast Florida. Predictions say 42 for the low tonight, so I was wondering how the trail people are fairing. Reading some of the journals didn't take long to find out it snowed on the trail last night. Whoa! Hopefully everyone has kept winter gear handy so they don't FREEZE. I see also that a few decided on taking a couple of zero days and go to hotels, smart thinking! We went through all of our food, gear and clothing Sunday in preparation for the start which is in 4 weeks. It is hard for us to keep focused on the daily life here at home while wishing we were on the trail, moving forward. Things back home have progressed giving us everything we need to come to Virginia to continue our trek for about 1500 more miles to Katahdin. We sold one of our trucks, allowing us to pay down some bills and put a little away to pay bills while we are on the trail. My bonus from doing taxes will help us with expenses also. My daughter and son are going to hike on Cumberland Island next weekend and borrow some of our gear. I am glad they are interested in backpacking. Once they get out there they will get the fever and want to go lots more. We all know about that!!!I really hope the weather gets better before Memorial weekend when we start! We are taking some of our winter type gear just in case. Also we will use a bump box, which is a box we will pack and mail forward with extra stuff we might need and don't want to carry, such as: razors, detergent, extra batteries, battery charger for camera, extra food, snacks, etc. We can also send forward more stuff from our packs to lighten the load depending on weather forecasts.I am also packing 3 boxes to mail to a few choice locations that are hard to get good food. We have friends that may also send us goodies and stuff. If anyone does, please let us know so we can be sure to go by the post office and pick it up. Sometimes we might not stop or make a special trip unless we know something is waiting for us.Thanks for keeping up with us! See you on the trail...