morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Amicolola Falls, GA

To: Hampton, TN
Miles today: 422.7

I am somewhat late to start this journal, but all the cool kids are doing it and I am so happy in this journey that I couldn't not share. This entry will probably be the longest of all since I want to bring you up to date. I signed in and started as hiker number 236 from the Amicolola Falls on March 4th. By the end of day one I had not yet made it to the actual AT. YIKES! By day three I met "Fresh Ground" and had my first trail magic experience which was AMAZING!!! With the closing of my first week, I woke up to 20 degrees, freezing rain and ultimately, snow. Increasing my miles from an average 8/day to 12-15/day, I blew out my knee, was sporting a nice case of poison ivy, and had sore muscles pretty much everywhere, I took my first "zero" in Franklin.Rested and determined, I returned to the trail the next day. Back to 100%, I was able to push from the NOC to Fontana in two days where I met and walked with my mom for a couple miles. She loaded me up with fresh fruit and a steak and cheese sub and sent me off into the Smokies. Thanks mom... by the way, it was a long way up with fruit swinging from my pack straps, but probably the best trail lunch EVER!Since I wanted to get through the Smokies before a snow storm, I pretty much lost everyone I had met previously on the trail and although I do like some good conversation at camp, I found that I truly enjoy hiking alone.One month into my hike and I believe I have walked through every season and hope that spring will stick around awhile before summer rolls in. My most recent stop was at Kincora Hostel (stay there if you haven't yet), where my fiance and his daughter picked me up for my next two zero days. Now, completely recharged, with two states behind me and Virginia on the horizon... literally, I am ready to continue on this awesome journey.I would like to add one more note that I am also hiking for a cause. It is to raise money for Heavenly Paws of Michigan by way of public donations. My goal is to raise $2,185 by the end of this trek. (One dollar for each mile I hike). I will send you a thank you card with a Katahdin pic upon my return home.If you would like to support my cause and help save an animal in need, you can donate to this link (no donation is too small): https://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/a-cause-for-paws/142526
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Hampton, TN

To: Damascus, va
Miles today: 48.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Tennessee is in the past and Virginia will be my new home for quite awhile. I have reached a milestone of being on the trail for over a month. This morning, with a belly full of an "in the country" breakfast, i will head back into the mountains and climb to 5700 feet bringing me to the highest spot in Virginia. Please remember to check out my fundraiser. If you have already donated or are unable to do so, please consider "sharing" the link so others may have the opportunity. https://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/a-cause-for-paws/142526
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Damascus, VA

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 120.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hi everyone. I am just outside of Bland, VA and plodding along well. My SPOT device died so I'm sure everyone is completely bored with nothing to watch. I should be in a town within the next few days and be up and running. I am currently at the Chestnut Knob Shelter on the top of a mountain with a phone signal. The hike from Damascus has been ridiculously gorgeous with mostly river and streamside walks and long stretches of open field. There has been a few beautiful days weather wise as well as some cold nights and snowy mornings. The other day i walked through a field of wild ponies!!! It was so cool. Then "One Day" and I made a music video to "I will walk 500 miles", which i will post soon. It's on an SD card so we need a computer to post. I also posted an update to my fundraiser that you can check out at: https://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/a-cause-for-paws/142526
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Bland, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 42.0

I am currently 630.8 miles in (plus 8.8 with the Amicalola Falls: Yes, I want credit). First thing is first. Let's stomp out this myth of Virginia being flat right now. Although there are no more epic mountain top views; I am enjoying the river walks and seemingly endless springs and waterfalls. It is still fairly cold in the early morning hours, but Spring is most definitely here. Along with the newly visible daytime wildlife; however, is a nocturnal symphony of owls, coyotes, and the oh so relentless whip-poor-wills. Add in the mice on the snare drums, and we pretty much have a free nightly concert! The Heavenly Paws fundraiser is holding steady at just over $300 so those of you who would like to help me reach my goal of $2185, please donate using the link provided. If it is not clickable, just cut and paste into your web address bar. These dollars will be used to help us continue to rescue animals in need. https://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/a-cause-for-paws/142526Upon completion of my journey and the close of the fundraiser, I will send each "supporter" and personal thank you card with pictures and stories of the animals helped with your donation dollars.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 92.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Checking in with 1/3 of the trail behind me. What an amazing section this was. Catching two sunrises; paying respects at the Audie Murphy monument; Dragons Tooth; McAfee Knob; and Tinker Cliffs. In addition to these awesome places, I have been hiking regularly with a girl named "One Day", who is also journaling. We have decided every Sunday will be "Sunday Funday" (a combination of our trail names) where our miles will take longer, our snack breaks will be plentiful, and we will make it a point to relax and enjoy with only a slight end of day goal as an agenda. Two weeks ago, we celebrated 500 miles with song and dance in a field of wild pony poo, last week we had foot baths in a freezing cold stream, and tomorrow will most likely involved lots of coffee and a much deserved "nero" day (nearly zero miles).And finally, my fundraiser is just shy of $345. Of course that is way less than the miles I have walked, but every dollar counts and I can't wait to meet the animals these donations have helped. If you would like to help, please donate to:https://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/a-cause-for-paws/142526
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Daleville, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 134.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hey everyone. I have reached Waynesboro, VA (about mile 850) and with such a rainy April, the May flowers and greenery are amazing. The hike from Daleville has been gorgeous, with long walks along creek beds and waterfalls; walking the Blue Ridge Parkway; and some amazing overlooks with rock topped peeks. I should be at the halfway point (Harper's Ferry, WV), within a couple weeks. In the meantime, I am counting down the days until Mike meets me in the Shenendoahs. Until then, I will be plodding along enjoying the last miles of sweet Virginia.Last but not least, don't forget about my fundraiser. It is up to $380 so although a bit behind, still very helpful in rescuing more animals. As a reminder, those who donate will receive a thank you card as well as details on who your donation helped and how.https://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/a-cause-for-paws/142526Link may need to be copied/pasted into web address bar.
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 107.0

Made it through the Shenendoahs and although the views weren't so great in comparison to previous stretches, the wildlife was very active. I was able to see a handful of does, a button buck, a wild turkey, two bears, and of course tons of shelter mice. I will definitely be returning with Mike for a Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway biking trip with an aqua blaze to top it off. I have to say that I will miss the home made signature blackberry milkshakes. On to Harpers Ferry, WV which is basically the halfway point!!!
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 69.0
Weather: overcast clouds

1019 miles behind me here at Harpers Ferry, WV. So excited to be through Virginia and into a new state. Virginia was extremely rocky with TONS of poison ivy, but it was truly spectacular to watch springtime happen before my eyes. The trillium are taking over as far as my eyes could see and all the trees are filled in. I can't wait to see what the next half of this trail brings. What an adventure!!!
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 124.0

Mile 1150ish here in Duncannon, PA!!! Harper's Ferry, WV was a really cool historical town, Maryland was completely flooded from rain and a 360,000 gallon partially treated wastewater plant oops. The trails turned to streams and the streams turned to class 3 rapids. PA so far is still a flooded mess in the low areas, but is otherwise mostly rocks. Although challenging, the endless rocks are fun to maneuver. Spring is in full affect and the amount of greenery is remarkable. It is so beautiful. Wildlife is becoming abundant and it is cool to see that all the creatures are shadowed by their own little mini-me's. I will be on PA for a couple hundred miles.My fundraiser has earned $400 which although is short of my goal it is still very helpful. I hope to continue to raise more funds throughout my trek.
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 146.0
Weather: few clouds

1289 miles done here at the border of PA and NJ!!!! The walk out of Duncannon was interesting with a peregrine falcon attack. So there I was in Duncannon's "bird sanctuary" with my trekking poles at the ready, flailing around with every dive bomb. Otherwise PA has been somewhat uneventful. The boulder climbing has been fun, challenging, and mentally exhausting. Definitely sleeping well at night. So... Into NJ I go; ready for more adventure and another change of scenery. Please don't forget about my fundraiser for animal rescue. If you are unable to donate please help by sharing. Thanks for your support in advance. https://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/a-cause-for-paws/142526
Date: 2014-06-10
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 205.0

Checking in from mile 1495; Salisbury, CT after quite the leg from PA to CT. Amazing to think that I have walked through two full states and almost a third since the last stop. NJ was interesting. The mountain peeks were extremely scenic which after WV, Maryland, and PA, was a breath of fresh air. Between these amazing lookouts; however, was a world of dark, gloomy, swamps that had my mind wandering into scenes from "The Princess Bride". I encountered four more bears in NJ as well, and finally got my picture. NJ was also full of trail magic. Jack (Snorz) hooked me up with fresh fruit, jolly ranchers, and clean water; while a couple weekend warriors supplied fresh cherries on a hot day. WIN!!Entering NY, the water situation remained grim. Went through the lemon squeezer and a couple major mountains. I guess the "flat" mountains are done. Received more trail magic from the Bear Mountain Inn with a comped breakfast while waiting for the zoo to open. Camped under a monastery ballpark (that's right, even Monks play ball in NY)to escape some rain and enjoy a heart-attack-cold shower. I am pretty sure the water was so cold, it not only did not get me clean, but instead seal-coated the dirt, bug spray, and sunblock to my skin. Not to be outdone by NJ, NY also provided a bit of trail magic, with leftover pizza from "Reef"; home-cooked breakfast from a family who lives trail-side; and a fellow thru-hiker, Two Forks' family let us raid their trunk, awarding us with emergency chocolate, fresh fruit, cookies, and my first peanut butter and banana sandwich. Another WIN!! Entering CT, the water is flowing again, I have had my first hot shower and laundry in about 210 miles and dinner and ice cream is on the horizon. As I walk and take the time to share my experiences with you, I also ask you to consider making a small contribution to my fundraiser for Heavenly Paws of Michigan. Every little bit helps us provide assistance and rescue to animals in need. You may cut and paste this link to read the stories of animals I have met along this journey.https://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/a-cause-for-paws/142526
Date: 2014-06-11
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Rutland, VT
Miles today: 202.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The trek from Salisbury, CT to Rutland, VT was wonderful. Starting with Bear Mtn, passing into my home state of Mass and hitting Race Mtn, and Mt. Everett all in one day! It was a rainy few days to start; however, I was able to dry out a bit at Upper Goose Pond Cabin which had a fireplace and a caretaker. Total win when I was only expecting a 4-sided shelter. After a quick stop in Dalton, MA and a great view from Mt. Greylock, I bid adieu to Massachusetts. The views are becoming endless and being in the heart of the New England mountains has been completely refreshing and recharging.The Green Mountains of Vermont have been amazing. I was able to go swimming twice already which makes waiting 200+ miles without a shower much more bearable. I have dubbed Baker Peak in Vermont my all time favorite view thus far and if it wasn't for the upcoming White Mountains, I would be very sad to be crossing the border. So, with 1698 miles behind me and 488 miles to go, I say stay tuned for more amazing pictures.
Date: 2014-06-29
From: Rutland, VT

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 100.0

Just a quick update before I head into the White Mountains of NH. It's been about 100 miles since Rutland, VT and just view after view after view. Except for which; of course, the small section my brother and niece decided to join me, was all muck. They brought with them, fresh strawberries and grapes (amoung other "necessities" of true day hikers) and it was a great visit. It has been truly amazing the more north I go and I know even though I am working a lot harder for the views, they do not let me down. The Whites should be interesting as the weather forecast is calling for rain all week which could mean anything "up there". So stay tuned for the next update which should include some ridiculously gorgeous photos.My fundraiser has been at a stand still so please, if you have a chance to check out this cause, please do consider donating or sharing the link on facebook for others to read the happy tails of the trail pets I have met along the way.https://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/a-cause-for-paws/142526
Date: 2014-07-09
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 100.0
Weather: clear sky

White Mountains - CHECK. What an adventure in itself trekking through this section of trail. Breath taking views, challenging climbs, and treacherous rocky descents. I started this stretch with a visit from my brother and niece through the muckiest part of trail yet. We stopped and ate lunch and off they went, back through the mud. The following morning it was into the Whites for me. Within five minutes, I was fording a river, but by the end of the day, I had submitted and descended Mt. Moosilauke. The following day with brand new sore muscles, I traveled Franconia Ridge, Mt. Wolf, and Kinsman Mtn. I was able to time things just right to hit the Presidential Mountain Range for the Fourth of July weekend and catch fireworks from Lake of the Clouds hut on Mt. Washington. Doesn't get anymore patriotic than that. With 96 mph wind gusts, we had quite the experience, and with the wind, brought the clearest of days.A surprise visit from my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew was yet another treat. I hadn't had a phone signal so they tracked me on my SPOT device and as I was walking along, I came upon my nephew. Such a great surprise!!It took a few extra days to get through the Whites because One Day, my hiking partner, and I wanted to summit all the presidents as well as hike Bondcliffs. Although adding some difficult miles to our trek, none of the extra miles disappointed in views. All said and done, Wildcat Mountain was the most difficult. Perhaps because I was already spent from the rest of the Whites, but phew... alas, I have made it out the other side and am excited to be crossing into Maine tomorrow.298 miles to go. As a final note, please remember that my fundraiser is still active through my journey and if you haven't already donated or shared the link, please consider doing so now. Check out the stories of all the trail dogs I have met along the way and know that without rescue organizations like Heavenly Paws, these dogs would not be enjoying their new lives on the trail.https://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/a-cause-for-paws/142526
Date: 2014-07-22
From: Gorham, NH

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 184.0

Crossing over into Maine was quite the experience. There I was just walking peacefully through the woods, (ok, I was excitedly and frantically rushing towards the border sign) when I came upon the NH/ME border. Immediately after crossing, I was greeted with the steepest, rockiest, gravity defying cliff descent most likely in the world... yup, I'm quite sure of it. Welcome to Maine. Since then it has been very simple to find the trail; whatever path has the most ridiculous terrain, that's the AT. For example: the Mahoosuc mile. Both mentally and physically exhausting, but lots of fun and tons of laughing. One Day and I successfully completed the "pack challenge" and made it through every nook without taking our packs off. Next up... I saw mama moose and her mooslet. Mrs. Moose was taking an afternoon dip (ok, more like a giant plunge) in a place called Eddy Pond. It was pretty cool watching her wade through the water to get back to her lil' one waiting on the shore and meander into the forest to safety, gracefully crushing everything in her path.Saddleback Mtn; Sugarloaf Mtn; the Bigelows; and Moxie Bald Mtn were just a few of the amazing ridge lines and peaks in this leg. When I was not enjoying an epic view, I was most likely swimming in one of Maine's beautiful ponds that are actually lake size and much cleaner than the average pond... Well, except for the one I told you about with the moose. That one was probably gross. You can imagine with all the ponds and peaks mentioned that Maine is a pretty wet state. I have had to ford quite a few rivers including the Kennebec. I was expecting to get to a big ferry station with a ticket booth, etc. since there were specific times to arrive for service listed in my guidebook. However, upon getting to the river bank and seeing a white blaze on either side, I was a bit confused; that is until the "ferry" showed up... Hillbilly Dan in his white-blazed canoe pulls over, hands me a life jacket and oar and says, you ready? He had one tooth. Just one. 50 feet later, I was on the other side hiking off to the rest of my day while laughing pretty hysterically inside my head.Crossing into Maine, hitting the 2000 mile marker, and now about to head into the 100 mile wilderness to bring it all home, the journey is quickly coming to an end, but I am still super excited of what is in store for the final push.
Date: 2014-07-29
From: Monson, ME

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 100.0

I have made it out the other side of the 100 mile wilderness. Right out of the gate, there were three rivers to ford, which I got lucky to have only ankle/shin deep water to cross before the rains came. This stretch of wilderness offered an abundant amount of waterfalls, sandy beaches, fresh wild blueberries, a few great lookouts, a great lakeside sunrise, and alas... a young bull moose! Why am I excited to announce he was young? Because he was too young to care that I was watching him for about 20 minutes. Lots of rain accompanied me through the last couple days, but with Katahdin Mountain literally in sight, nothing can slow me down. For my final days, my fiance, Mike has joined me to hike by my side from Abol Bridge to the final summit of Katahdin Mtn (Baxter Peak). I feel so lucky to have him share in the best part of this epic journey!!!Thanks for keeping up with my trail journal. What a wild ride!!!
Date: 2014-07-31
From: Abol Bridge

To: Katahdin Mtn
Miles today: 15.0

After making it to Abol Bridge, saying a heart felt good-bye to my wonderful new friend, One Day, and resting up a bit. My fiance and I finished the trek like champs. Climbing up Katahdin was an amazing trek and the perfect ending to an epic journey. Descending back down was bittersweet. I was excited to have completed what I set out to do, but a bit confused on what I would do the next day and thereafter. Perhaps, I will go for a walk.Final numbers: signed in at Amicolola Falls State Park on March 5 as the 236th hiker. Checked into Harper's Ferry "halfway point" as the 127th hiker to come through. Summitted Katahdin Mtn as the 105th hiker on July 31.This will be my last entry as I set off into the final sunset on my trusted steed. OK, as I set my Toyota west on the I-90 Turnpike... in the rain. I am leaving the Heavenly Paws fundraiser open until October 17 for those who wanted to donate upon my success. I truly appreciate all the support and kindness that I have received from you all along the way.You may copy and paste this link to read all the wonderful trail dogs' stories and/or donate to the cause.https://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/a-cause-for-paws/142526
Date: 2014-03-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

I'm posting a preliminary entry before I hit the trail, to get used to the site and what not.Today and tomorrow are my last days to finish shopping for the trail as well as saying bye to friends and family. I've gone longer than 6 months without seeing certain friends, and sometimes that makes you appreciate them more. Thanks to modern technology, we won't be completely out of contact anyways!My next update will be from Amicalola state park in Georgia!
Date: 2014-03-04
To: Amicalola Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Day one of our journey starts with a bang! Other than leaving my poles and sunglasses home, everything was a great success. Very glad we hiked by the waterfall on our way to the lodge. I'm surprised people are turned away by the number of steps, as we found it incredibly easy and very rewarding.The lodge is lovely, as are it's staff members. We enjoyed burgers and beers for dinner and chatted with staff as well as fellow hikers. We'll wait out the storm tomorrow and hit the trail strong on Friday!
Date: 2014-03-07
From: Springer Mtn

To: Horse Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

First day on the trail, first night in the tent! Got to Hawk Mtn shelter with plenty of daylight and energy remaining so we continued to Horse Gap. About a dozen hikers slept there in total, and only a few complained about the cold. Maybe a low of 30 degrees, which I enjoyed thoroughly compared to Maine's sub zero climate.Slept well for my first night on the trail... maybe 4-5 hours total including a 3am intermission/piss break. Glad I have room in my tent for morning yoga stretches!