morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-07-28
From: appalachain motel

To: Ft Montgomery
Miles today: 180.0

We survived the heat wave and have made it a good way into New York to our resupply in Ft Montgomery by the Hudson River. Yesterday we had fantastic views of the New York City skyline. It was quite surreal looking, like a scene out of a science fiction movie. All these rolling green forested hills and then suddenly in the distance a bizzare jagged wall of sky scrapers. I've found the forests in New York some of the best on the trail with lots of lovely old growth in park like settings. But the trail itself has been very challenging with lots of boulder scambbling, rocky erroded trail, and the fact that the trail clubs hear have yet to invent the switchback. Often there are rocky ravines that the trail dives strait down into and then strait up the other side. Often the climbs out require you to use your hands as well as your feet. Water has also been a problem with much of it swamp water like New Jersey but we did have some trail magic water that came to our rescue when we really needed it. Gypsybear has been struggling with all this but is still game to move on. We hope to reach Conneticut some time next week.
Date: 2011-08-06
From: Ft Montgomery

To: kent ct
Miles today: 0.0

Tomorrow will be a very sad day for us as Gypsybear is leaving the trail do to cronic foot pain. All this time she has been walking in a custom brace for her collapsed ankle and we were never sure from the start how far she could go but now her foot is saying enough is enough! We have decided that I will continue on so I can finally finish the trail. This was not an easy decision, some tears have been shed over it, but we think it will be for the best. The plan now is for her to rejoin me for the last hundred miles in maine so she will get to finish with me.Hiking this trail demands many sacrifices but this seperation is the hardest yet.
Date: 2011-08-09
From: kent ct

To: camp
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I've had a very lonely and sorrowful time without Gypsybear and have missed her immensely. But to walk the trail you have to walk through all kinds of stuff, so on I go. Today was a bit better as the scenery has improved and the trial has been interesting. And I've made it into Massachusetts and some real mountains finally. Tomorrow resupply in Great Bearington.
Date: 2011-08-27
From: williams town

To: hanover nh
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Only two states left to go! I'm in Hanover NH holed up in the Chieftain mmotel to wait out the hurricane. I've had some trouble updating do to lack of internet in the Vermont mountains. Lots of very muddy trail but on the whole Vermont is a good and scenic and relatively easy section. Now all the hikers are scambling to find some shelter from the heavy rain and winds expected tomorrow. The toughest hiking on the trail is now dead ahead and I'm looking forward to the challenge.
Date: 2011-09-14
To: Off the trail
Miles today: 0.0

Gypsybear and I decided enough was enough. Being separated so long just didn't work for us so I left the trail at Gorham NH after a great last day in the White Mts. They say never quit on bad day and my last day was a good one. It finally cleared up after days of rain and I got all the great views from the top. So I still have over 300 miles of trail that I haven't hiked yet but if I add it all up I've done around 3500 miles all told on the AT. I'm going to be uploading many more photos onto trail journals as well as putting them on a web album with a link to here. I will also do one more entry to sum up my thoughts on this whole business of thru hiking. Best of luck to those still out there and any future thru hikers that may be reading this.
Date: 2010-03-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

i know it is early to begin my journey journal but thought i would begin withsome preparations.I have been dreaming of an AT thru hike for a few years now.I have a job that will be held for me when i return,a gf that has me on her health insurance,no college loans or debt and will have saved over 8,000 dollars for my hike as well as paying bills 6 month in advance.in oct.2011,my gf will be returning to a full time,intensive grad school curriculmn.So,now is the time.2011 is MY year.i have been taking some overnight trips this winter in preparation to spring hiking season.I upgraded from the osprey aether 70 to the atmos 65.about 1 pound lighter and 4,000cu.it fits real comfy and i'm confident i have found my Thru hiking pack..I've been reading this years thru hiker trail journals and originally i was hoping to start march 1st but it might be later on into march if next years winter is anything like this years.every year i tell myself.."this is the year i will hike" and than something happens to keep me from going..however,2011 is looking like a go or bust year..and i am going.
Date: 2010-03-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up this morning and realized that 1 year from today I will wake up in a tent (or shelter) somewhere in north Ga, living my dream.This coming year will be filled with anticipation and i know when the time comes to leave,the time spent on the trail will go faster than than all the time i waited and planned.still obsessing with improving my gear choices and haven't even looked into maildrops and food choice.oy.
Date: 2010-03-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It going to be a beautifuly warm weekend here in New England.I plan on hiking Mount Moosilauke in NH.The reality of my thru hike coming true makes me nervous with excitement.Today i got the goosebumps thinking about what sort of thoughts will be going thru my head if i was to leave next month.Hiking the trail seems to be on my mind more than usual these days.I'm constantly looking and comparing gear and upgrading gear i have for lighter and better quality.Good thing rei has a 100% customer satisfaction guarentee
Date: 2010-10-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Can't believe it is 18 weeks before i leave for Atlanta to start my nobo thru hike.So hard to believe all of the planning and preperation i have done is finally coming to a close.Thank you for joining me in my journey to ME along the appalachian trail.It has been a dream of mine to hike the Appalachian Trail. With the desire only increasing and the time in my life never more opportune than now, ¢the mountains are calling, and I must go.¢ The next five months will be an adventure of a lifetime. Yet my hiking the Appalachian Trail won¢t simply just be an outdoor journey, but will represent a significant transition in my life ¢ both in priorities and values. Hiking the trail is the start of living a life dedicated to both pursuing adventure and dedicating myself to my love of the outdoors, mountains, and history. While my thru-hike will be an adventure, another exciting adventure awaits when I return home where my fiance and I will be getting married and I will be attempting to start a new career pursuing my passions by returning to school.
Date: 2010-10-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

There are a few of us in this world that like to escape the ¢reality¢ of day to day life and go out and explore the wilderness. We spend hour¢s online researching/purchasing gear, drooling over maps, talking to fellow backpackers, planning, plotting and dreaming of our next big adventure. We write trip reports and share our pictures for anyone to see. We put everything we need to survive in a bag and then strap it on our back and climb hills. We drive hundreds of miles just to walk in a circle¢¦and we do this as often as possible. We¢ve learned how to eat like kings by simply boiling some water, 50 miles from civilization. We get wet, cold, hot, hurt and hungry. We complain about the terrain, the ¢tourons¢ and having to go back to ¢real life¢. We call beautiful scenery ¢backpacking porn¢ and we shamelessly brag about our conquests. We leave the daily grind for something basic and adventurous. We are the most dysfunctional family there is, and we love it.
Date: 2010-10-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The AT is all I can think of. I will not start hiking for another few months but I am excited as if I were leaving tomorrow. I am surprised at how consumed I am by the trail already. Every free second I have is spent skimming through data books and AT websites.In occasional moments of clarity I realize what I¢m setting off to do and the prospect of this hike overwhelms me. It seems impossible. I do not doubt that this will be the most difficult thing I¢ve ever done but I am also sure that it will be the most rewarding. I know I can make it if I take it slow.
Date: 2010-11-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I find myself rereading many trail journals from years prior.I also find myself obsessing over all of my gear.I'm so worried that i will be a nervous wreck and bring things i do not need but in my mind i will need them.All the "what if's"It's so hard to believe that in 17 weeks i will be walking on the AT in GA on the start to my thru hike.It still feels like it's so far away and the reality of it hasn't hit me yet.every year i tell myself i am going to hike the AT and something always prevents it from happening.This year,i have all my ducks lined up.My friends,family and coworks are all amazed with the amount of ambition i have and the ability to be in the woods for 6 months.I have alot to do before that happens.My fiance and i are planning a wedding that will greet me upon my return.I like to think of it as a great big welcome home party.I'm also in the process of returning to school.So,with all that on my shoulders,i think i will go for a hike.
Date: 2010-11-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It's days like today that make me think of how miserable it will be on the trail.Cold and raining.After talking and getting a ton of gear advice from mrs.joy who hiked the AT last year i am truly thankful for her.I loaded up my pack lastnight with everything i need minus water and food.My weight was hovering around the 15-20 pound.Next step will be to go out hiking with it loaded up.The weather today does not make me want to do that though.Funny how when we are in our lives living day to day we can so easily plan our hikes around the beautiful weather.I am sure i will not take for granted the awesome days i have hiked when i have to hike through the miserable cold rainy ones.I just hope i'm trail prepared and not just living room prepared.
Date: 2010-11-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

11 weeks ta go and i cannot believe how quickly time is moving.I stay busy at work,that way the days go by faster.I hope when i'm on the trail the days don't do by this fast.I want to be able to enjoy every footstep.Heading to Maine this weekend to check out a few wedding spots.Trying to get all my ducks lined up for when i return.Have a few loose ends and gear items i want to tweek but other than that i think i'm ready.I'm surprised about how many people don't know about the Appalachian trail.It's funny because when I talk to someone who doesn't know,they look at me like you are crazy for wanting to walk from GA-Me. Maybe I am crazy for needing to do this.*shrug* I guess i will feel in my element with all the other crazies out there on the trail then.
Date: 2010-11-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday was thanksgiving which means today is BLACKFRIDAY!!!I stood in line at REI this morning and recieved my $20 giftcard at the door.Totally worth the wait.Lastnight i was presented with the idea of beginning my thru hike at the end of Feb. I am now reconsidering my start date to late Feb. mainly due to the fact of being back intime for my wedding in Sept.
Date: 2010-12-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It's official.I have a ticket to GA for feb.26th. Guess this is finally happening.Hard to believe after all these years,countless hikes and many steps upon the AT,my time has finally come to hike it in it's entirty.I hope for strength both physically as well as mentally to make it past and through this journey i have set before myself.SO many great and amazing things happening in my life it is hard to take it all in.I have an amazing fiance who has supported me this entire time and will continue to.I would not have been able to do this without her.I must have done something right in life to end up with her.She is definitly someone worth stopping for in life.I have a beautiful wedding waiting for me when i return in Jackson,NH in which i will be able to reunite with all my friends and loved ones.The thought of being away for so long from my fiance is heart wrenching.I will pray for the strength to surpass the tempations of leaving to come home to her.The nights will be my hardest and my weakest moments.I hope to have and find great support from fellow hikers as i will be the same support for them.I look forward to returning to school upon my return.This is a great transitional period in my life.Such life changing crossroads i am coming upon.All so exciting.i am also nervous.Not sure what of...i'm guessing that it is of the unexpected.That is all for now.Planning a cold morning hike tomorrow.
Date: 2010-12-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

getting pretty close. 31 days left of work. Than, 1 week in NY to see my family and 1 week home to take care of loose ends.Laid out all my gear for the 1st time tonight.It really got me worked up with excitment.I'm probably taking more than i need but i am sure those items will drop off either before or during my hike.definitly loosing motivation to go to work day after day.Hurry up!!!!
Date: 2011-01-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

WOW!! the days are flying by now.i cannot believe I am really leaving to hike the appalachian trail.I have been looking forward to this day for about 5 years and it is finally happening...I am real anxious and nervous about everything that i have never experianced before.All my hiking has been in NH/MA/CT. I am real excited to see the new landscapes,meeting new people and learning a new way of life for half a year.I feel like the luckiest guy on earth to have such an amazingly supportive fiance and such a great group of friends whom will be following me the entire way.I look forward to smelling aweful,feeling the cold rain after a long hard day,curling up in my sleeping bag and waking up to breath taking sunrises and falling asleep to mindblowing sunsets.I look forward to wearing the same 2 pairs of shorts for 6 months straight and dropping random "what if" pieces of equipment to realize what i really need and what i want to have.I look forward to all the pains and glories..HORRAY!!!
Date: 2011-01-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Such a strange feeling to have only 18 official days of work left. I feel like the biggest undertaking in my life is about to happen.I'm ready,eager and afraid all at the same time.Floods of emotions. Hiking the trail has been a dream of mine and it's slowly starting to hit me as the time gets closer.I laid all of my gear out on my bed lastnight.I have it all.Now,i just have to get it all into my pack.I haven't thought much about drops other than i don't think i'm going to use any.This trip is overwhelming already,i couldn't imagine attempting to plan where i will be on a given day and what i will want to eat.I will just resupply in towns and if i want something specific,i will call home and request it. I think after a week or so i will have a good idea on what my pace will be and where i will be 1 week at a time.I have been monitoring the weather like it was my job.Hoping that it's not too unbareable.I will overpack and be on the safe side.
Date: 2011-01-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Looking to be a cold winter. 3rd snowstorm of the year,another one moving in for wed/thursday. However,North Georgia is in the mid 40's which is reassuring.Mid 40's is do-able for me.If the temps. here where following me south i might be reconsidering my start date.I have to average 11.5 miles a day in order to make it to ME by sept.1st. This is my goal ofcourse.A wedding and fiance will be waiting for me and it's kind of important for me to be there. 14 days left of work.I am beyond excited,speechless and have butterflies in my stomach.I am still in fantasy mood right now that this is really happening.I picked up my last items at REI tonight.My 2nd base layer.All i have left is food.The hardest and most difficult part for me.
Date: 2011-02-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

1 week of work left.It is all starting to seem real now. Just returned from the wak eof my fiances grandfather in Alabama.The weather down south is enjoyable.Surprisingly a bit cooler than i expected but nothing compared to the weather up here in New england.I am ALL SET with everything i have planned on taking with me.For safety measures i will be mailing a box of gear to GA that will be waiting for me.I do not trust putting my bag and all my gear under the aircraft.I have an overnight hike planned next weekend in NH.That will mark my last shake down hike until i leave.So crazy to think this is all happening.Finally.I'm pretty excited nd nervous with the unexpected new surroundings.I have never hiked on the AT south of NY state.I hope i get the oppertunity to meet lots of neat people and learn alot about myself out there.I'm also hoping march 1st is comprised of lots of sun and clear skies.few items to pick up at rei and the final countdown continues!!!
Date: 2011-02-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

These last few remaining days here at work are really testing me.I feel as though since thanksgiving until now,the days have flown by.Now that i am in the last few remaining days they are creeping ever so slowly.I'm not as nervous as i thought i would be so close to launch time.I'm sure once friday comes and i am officially unemployed i might feel differently.I have packed and unpacked my pack hundreds of times as well as weigh everything individually as well as packed.It's becoming more of an obsession than it was prior.I have a few 1st aid items i have to pick up at rei in the next coming days.Figured i would settle the food situation once i get to GA and can do some hearty shopping at the grocery.The night in Dahlonaga will be spent wide awake i'm sure.This entire journey is unbelievable3.It is so hard to swallow that it is finally happening.It is real and i will be walking from GA to Maine.Only a small class of people can claim that.It's hard to see or focus on anything else right now.The AT is consuming every moment of time,minus my beautiful fiance and our gorgeous wedding we are in the midst of planning too.I will have an amazing return and a great life waiting for me on the other end.some people take years to discover there place in this world.In my case,it only took 34 years.
Date: 2011-02-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

2 weeks from tomorrow i will place my boots onto the georgia soil of the appalachian trail, heading north i will make my way to Maine. I have left my job as of friday and will use these 2 weeks as a time to take care of my responsabilities in order to make the transition easy.I realized this past weekend while on an overnight hike in the white mountains that my lax mobility has caused me some difficulties while hiking.I felt out of shape.I will put my body to work the next few days to attempt a conditioning warm up routine.Pretty uncertain with food selection.This is definitly my weak spot.I hate to have to learn as i go but i think that might be the only way.I'm not the most creative eater or preparer of meals.I hope my selections will be good enough to sustain me.The weather looks amazing this week for all the nobo's starting.I hope my start date is just as nice.now,off to celebrate valentines day with my beautiful fiance.
Date: 2011-02-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I think i packed,unpacked and packed my pack half a dozen times today.I put aside all the items that i will NOT be permitted to take on the plane with me and will store them away in a suitcase under the plane.Flying down on the 26th and spending a few days with my future mother and father in law.Will be staying at the hiker hostle on the 28th and will be dropped off at springer the morning of the 1st.I have plans to meet a friend that i have been emailing with for several weeks.Will be nice to start off with someone.The 1st few weeks are going ot be tough for me i fear.Being away from my loved ones.I just hope i don't miss them ALL the time.The time has come.
Date: 2011-02-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Have come up with a tentative plan @ 15/mile a day with resupplys.We'll see if i stick to it or not.got my pack with food and water down to 33 pounds.Leaving at 9:56am this sat. will spend monday night at the hiker hostel and begin my thru hike on tuesday 3/1.Trying not to think about all the people i will be leaving behind or i will just be a pile of moosh.I plan to stay head strong and i hope that once i get on the trail i will fall into my element and plow forward,reaching ME in 148 days.Will be sure to look around,enjoy this time while i'm in it.I only will get this moment once and i don't want to rush it too fast that i will regret not stopping to enjoy the views and people i meet.Been watching tv shows on Mt. Everest to get my pumped...BUT,have no intention to hike it. Off to complete another day.
Date: 2011-03-01
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mtn. shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

hiked to springer with bethany and turtle after a nice night at the hiker hostel.What a beautiful day to be on the AT.Said out goodbys at the springer parking lot.Trail was pretty smooth,few uphills,nothing too hard.Passed a bunch of hikers.Made it to Hawk mtn. shelter by dark.Resting my feet
Date: 2011-03-02
From: Hawk Mtn. shelter

To: Gooch shelter
Miles today: 7.8

woke up at midnight.Must force myself to stay up later so i can sleep thru the night.Tough climb up sassafrass and justus mountains.Wingnut got injured and left the trail @ horse gap.Hiked with Duke today.nice guy,quiet at shelters..he likes his afternoon naps.Feel like people really "get me" out here.Felt more social tonight.Feet hurt a little bit.
Date: 2011-03-03
From: Gooch shelter

To: slaughter creek campsite
Miles today: 12.6

Got a trail name today.PG (point goose)YAY!Hiked with turnpike and duke.Part 1 of the day was smooth sailing to woody gap.Great conversations about nature and politics.Stopped to enjoy some amazing views and often thought of everyone back at home on their way to work as i was in this beautiful wilderness.This is the life.I hope i stay in good spirits and my feet keep moving.rain coming in.Blood mtn and neels gap in the am.Feet feel much better today.
Date: 2011-03-04
From: slaughter creek campsite

To: blairsville
Miles today: 3.1

Cold night on Blood mountain.Fog and light rain.Neels gap,shake down.Shed 5lbs.George was amazing.She really knows her stuff! mailed home home extra weight,hefty gear purchase,resupply.Shuttled into Blairsville,roomed with turnpike at the best western.Ate like a horse.Love this life!!!
Date: 2011-03-05
From: blairsville

To: Low gap shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: light rain

It rained ALL day and ALL night.Legs feel much stronger today.Despite the foul weather,it has been our strongest day on the trail to date in terms of mph.Arrived at camp early sure to get a spot in the shelter.NO LUCK!!!PACKED in like sardines.Backtracked up to the tenting area and managed to set up my tent in the pouring rain pretty fast but was unable to keep the water and mud out of my tent as i was trying to keep dry by placing myself inside the tent...blahh.....It was then that i begin feeling a bit resentful of the guys in the shelter.Mopped out my tent and squeezed everything inside.ALL my clothes were soaked!Good thing i wore my gortex rain gear.Kept me dry the first 4 miles.Happy my tent isn't leaking.Strung up a clothes line inside my tent and hung my wets.ready for bed..GRUMPY!!!!!!..and i stink