morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-20
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 29.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Matthew's Dad reporting; Matthew is at Fontana Dam, reporting an 18 mile day! Did not make it as far yesterday as they had hoped. Says he has a few "hot spots" on his heel, but thinks that a change of shoes and moleskins will take care of those. Rumor has it that Domino's delivers to the Fontana Dam parking lot, so he's hoping for a large with no hope of left-overs! Staying in the shelter on TVA property. Will enter the Smokey's tomorrow with hopes of reaching Newfound Gap on Sunday. Expecting no more than 10 miles tomorrow - all uphill! [Matthew says he prefers uphill to downhill due to pacing, etc.] Will first go to the post office to pick up his resupply package with part of a group that is also expecting a resupply drop. Didn't get to Fontana in time to pick it up today. Sometime tomorrow will reach the TN/NC line. Edit 3/25/07 - Matthes says the Domino's pizza was a hoax, there is no Domino's and the local pizza places do not deliver.
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Fontana Dam

To: Newfound Gap, TN
Miles today: 40.7
Weather: clear sky

Matthew's Dad reporting: Matthew reached Newfound Gap on on Sunday and is overnighting at a Microtel in Gatlinburg. We spoke to him as he and his companions were enjoying $1 drafts and watching the basketball tourney at a place on Gatlinburg's strip. The hike up from Fontana was strenious, but upon reaching the crest of the Smokey's has been realtively easy. On Clingman's Dome, they encountered several areas where the trail was completely covered with a thick sheet of ice, sometimes 25 yards long. Other areas were very mucky as the warm weather and bright sunshine is finaly starting to bring Spring to the high elevations. Kevin has rejoined the crew and they will being hikeing north from Newfound Gap tomorrow. Matthew reports good health, no problems with equipment - other than having to replace the drinking tube from his water bag in the backpack, and continued excitement about the trip. In fact, he says that now he doesn't even feel his pack. Next contact/resupply at Hot Springs, NC.
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Newfound Gap

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 67.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Matthew's Dad reporting: Matthew arrived in Hot Springs on Friday, 3/30 and took a zero miles day yesterday. Hike from Newfound Gap saw rain, but no problems. Kevin's groin injury has resurfaced, casuing him to have to miss this portion of the hike. Shortly after departing from Newfound, the injury caused him to withdraw. Apparently he caught a ride back to Gatlinburg with some Park Rangers, and will probably miss the next 4/6 weeks. Kevin did manage to make it to Hot Springs to meet up with the gang. Good thing, too, since Matthew had to call on his phone - apparently Hot Springs is a Verizon town.The hike up out of the Smoky's saw the first encounter with vermin; Matthew said he felt a mouse run across his feet while sleeping in a shelter. Hard to go back to sleep after that! Health and equipment remain in good shape, although some of the folks he's met along the way are having real problems with blisters, and other nagging injuries. Last night Christopher drove up from Brevard and they went out to eat together. Matthew has ditched his I-Pod [Chris took it] and his solar cell phone charger. We're mailing to the next drop in Erwin his wall mount charger, along with a copy of Tthe Stand".
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Matthew's Dad reporting: Kevin dropped by the house last night to bring home some of Matthew's gear he's decided he didn't need [solar charger, misc. clothing items] and to deliver a photo card from Matthew's camera. Kevin will transfer the photos to a disc and take the card back later this week when he meets the gang in Erwin, TN. Among the items Kevin brought were some of Matthew's insulated underwear - but, we made him take those back. This unusually warm March has given way to "Dogwood winter" with lows for the Erwin area expected to drop well below freezing for the next week or so, and lows in the teens for this coming Easter weekend. Kevin regaled us with stories of some of the trail team now known as Team Hawk Mountian, consisting of the 5/6 who started out on 3/4/07 with Matthew and Kevin. He also told us of the group's encounter with "bear bag thieves" in the Smoky's. Seems that a man and woman Kevin described as "vagrants" were stealing from shelters, mostly food, but also some backpacks and other gear. Park Rangers caught up with them due to their thieft of MRE's from one shelter. These morons ate the MRE's and threw the green wrapper on the ground leaving a trail of "bread crumbs" for the Rangers to follow. As they were being hauled out of the park on ATV's, Kevin hitched a ride to Cherokee to seek medical attention to his reinjuried groin. By the way, Kevin said that he was refused treatment at the hospital in Cherokee since he wasn't a registered member of the tribe. Meanwhile, Christopher emailed a picture of Matthew and Kevin taken during their night out in Hot Springs - the beards are staring to fill in, and the boys look great! Kevin said that the stay in Hot Springs at Elmer's Sunnyback Inn was a real treat, and that the "trail angels" are amazing - offering rides, refreshments, and encouragement at nearly every crossing. Sounds like a great adventure that he's anxious to rejoin, and that I am envious of. Next stop will be Miss Janet's House in Erwin where Mom has mailed ahead an Easter basket for Matthew.
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 68.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Matthew's Dad reporting: They have arrived in Erwin, TN at Miss Janet's House after a 26 mile day - its gotten very cold and snowy, so they forged ahead. Planning a "slack pack" day tomorrow [slack pack means they hike without their backpacks, are picked up and returned to origin- then later taken to that point with their packs to resume the trek]. Kevin will pick up and do the drop off, tomorrow- Good Friday. Weather forecasts are for more snow tonight, with daytime temps in Erwin in the 30's and nightime in the high teens to low 20's through the Easter weekend.
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Erwin, TN

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Big Gulp here, signing in from Erwin, TN. A lot of things have happened since I was last able to report, most notably (and in reverse chronological order), staying with the trail famous Miss Janet and Elmer in Erwin and Hot Springs. Stumbling upon trail magic from a couple who, after feeding us waffles and ice cream, tried to save our lost wondering souls by leading us to the "real truth". Taking two days off in Hot Springs to enjoy the natural hot springs and try my first raw oyster at the Paddler's Pub (where we drank them out of three types of beer). Walking through a cloud on top of Max Patch.   Hiking through my first rain storm after a month of being on the trail. Night hiking through the smokies with Mongo (not as fun as it sounds, maybe hiking under a full moon would have been better). Finding out that Domino's does NOT deliver to the Fontana Dam shelter, despite rampant rumors that they do. Hiking 18 miles into Fontana for a large Domino's pizza. Spending the weekend in a cabin (for free) at the NOC. Staying with Apple (trail angel) in his Space Station (huge tent) eating hot dogs and drinking hot chocolate with the heater on as the outside temp dropped to seven for the night.So far it has been a great adventure. Mongo, out for a pulled groin, should be able to get back on the trail within the next six weeks. Damascus, VA is only one hundred and fifteen miles away (about 8 or 10 days). I feel great and can't wait to get back on the trail to meet more new people and have even more wacky, fun, and unique experiences.
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Erwin, TN

To: Iron Mountian Gap
Miles today: 19.1

Matthew's Dad reporting: Slack packing from Erwin was through knee-deep snow to Iron Mountian Gap, then returned to Erwin - 2 days at Miss Janet's, and now at the Holiday Inn Express. Temps never got out of the 20's. But Matthew tells his Mom that he remains warm, dry and well-fed. Expect to enjoy a hiker's Easter feast at Miss Janet's, then leave for Iron Mountian and hike over Roan Mountian to the Overmountian Shelter. Next contact will be from Damascus, VA.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Iron Mountian Gap

To: Damascus, Va
Miles today: 101.7
Weather: light rain

Matthew's Dad reporting: Matthew is in Abingdon, Va, having arrived in Damascus, Va after a full week of hikeing through every type of weather imaginable - except "pleasant" - snow, rain, hail, and high winds. He's fine, and taking a day at a Holiday Inn, to dry out and rest. He reports that as of this morning there was 4 inches of snow on the ground in Abingdon, but that it was expected to quickly melt. Plan to resume hiking on Tuesday, 3/17. Some in the group are a little under the weather, but Matthew says that he's missed that so far. Next report from Troutdale, Va.
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Troutdale, Va

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 70.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Matthew's dad reporting: Matthew called his mother to report that he is in Bland, Va, having covered 30 miles in one day "just to see if he could do it." Turns out that it was pretty difficult due to relentless ups and downs on that portion of the trail. He's had some communication with Kevin who is hoping to rejoin the crew in the near future.
Date: 2007-04-28
From: Bland, Va

To: Pearisburg, VA, 
Miles today: 42.9
Weather: broken clouds

Matthew's dad reporting that we received a garbled voice mail from Matthew we think saying he was in Pearisburg, VA. We also think that he said he'd be in Roanoke in 3/4 days.Mom received the following email on Sunday night:Hey mom,How are ya'? Things are well here in Pearisburg, VA. I slack packed 20miles north of town today with the rest of my group, and we'll beheading out for good in the morning. I'm currently staying at thelovely and elegant Holiday Motor Lodge (conviently located across fromthe food lion and Dairy Queen), but the previous couple of nights werespent at the Holy Family Church Hostel (the no drinking policy kept usfrom staying a third night). On my hike today I made the mistake of leaving my cell phone at one ofthe shelters. It was picked up by one of my fellow hikers who was ableto get in touch with me, but it seems that i'll be without the phoneuntil another hiker who is planning on doing big miles out of Pearisburgcan get it to me. I should have it before I reach Catawba, VA onThursday, and if I don't i'll find another way to keep in touch. I hope everything is well at home! I love you very much, and can't waitto have my phone back to call you!
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Pearisburg, VA, 

To: Roanoke, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Matthew's Dad reporting: Matthew called from Roanoke, arrived yesterday. Hike is going great. Staying at home of some relatives of the group he's traveling with - soft beds, warm showers, and good food. Will stay in Roanoke until Saturday, and spend time today doing some shopping at local outfitter - new shoes, etc.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Roanoke, VA

To: Daleville, Va
Miles today: 92.2
Weather: clear sky

Matthew's Dad reporting that Matthew called from Daleville, VA where he had cell service on the trail. Hiking over the past several days has been in rain and thunder storms, but otherwise without incident. Current weather predictions are for glorious weather until the weekend, when showers and Tstorms are again a possiblity.
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Daleville, Va

To:  Buena Vista/Lexington, Va.
Miles today: 78.5

Matthew's Dad reporting: Matthew called on Mother's Day from Lexington, Va. Hot, humid weather has replaced the cold, so many items of clothing are being sent back home. Heard from college mates, Sean and Rhett who will be joining for some hiking and canoeing in the Shenandoah National Park area. Papa Hawk will drive the group back to Damascus, Va so they can participate in Trail Days and, among the games, give something back by doing some maintenance on the trail. Then it will be back to the hike. Matthew now realizes that time is against him completing the full 2100 miles this summer - he'll be entereing law school in mid-August. So, the emphasis now is on having as complete an experiencce that he can in the 3 months left.
Date: 2007-05-17
From:  Buena Vista/Lexington, Va.

To: Waynesboro, Va.
Miles today: 55.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Matthew's Dad reporting: Matthew called from Waynesboro, Va. The group will leave today to return to Damascus for "Trail Days." He expects to return to Waynesboro by Tuesday and begin hiking through the Shenandoah National Park. Current plans are to be in the D.C. area by June 1 to meet a member of their party who will be flying in and resuming the hike. We are discussing whether we will be able to meet him then.
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Waynesboro, Va.

To: Back on the trail
Miles today: 0.0

Big Gulp here; Walnut and I are back in Waynesboro, VA after surviving both trail days and Hard Core. Trail days was an enjoyable experience. It was good to meet up with some of my friends further back on the trail as well as meet a few of the hikers i've been reading about in the registers for so long. Hard Core, run by Bob Peoples of Kincora Hostel, was one of the best parts of my trip so far. Fifty current hikers and thirty alumni hikers joined forces to dig almost a mile of trail near Unaka mountain in TN. We were able to re-route and open a new section of the AT with only two days of work, and I was able to paint a white blaze! However, what really made Hard Core great was the enthusiasm and excitement that both the current and alumni hikers shared for the trail and the community that the AT brings together. Hard Core is a wonderful program, and a necessary one, and I encourage those reading this journal in preparation for their own hike to consider taking the time to participate. Now that we've been off the trail for a full week (yikes!), it's time to start hiking again. Two of my good friends are coming out to join us through sections of Shenandoah National Park. We are planning on taking quite a few side trails in hopes of avoiding some of the memorial day traffic and to see some of the more scenic sections of the park. We should be through the park and into Harpers Ferry by the end of the month, that is unless we fall victim to the many resturants and tap rooms throughout the park.
Date: 2007-05-30
From: Waynesboro, Va.

To: Linden, Va.
Miles today: 113.4

Matthew's Dad reporting: Matthew left Mom a voice mail indicating that he was in Linden, Va. at the post office, and leaving to try to get to Harper's Ferry by Friday. He plans to travel with ?? to Washington, D.C. by train for the weekend. We will travel to Baltimore [BWI] on Sunday for a short visit. Matthew and ?? will be at the airport to meet ????, who is returning to the trail after a break. I guess Mom and I will be their "Trail Angels" for the day - eating seafood on Baltimore's Inner Harbor and ferrying the 3 back to Harper's Ferry on Monday before we return home.
Date: 2007-06-04
To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 47.0
Weather: broken clouds

Matthew's Dad reporting: Back from Baltimore where Mom and I met Matthew, Walnut and Low Gear. Low Gear was returning to the trail from a break with family and Walnut and Matthew had spent the previous day in D.C. "seeing the monuments." Our arrival at BWI coincided with Low Gear's so we all packed up in a rented SUV and went sight-seeing in Balti-mer. Too bad our arrivals also coincided with the arrival of Tropical Storm Berry who provided a cool, windy and wet backdrop for our visit. On the Inner Harbor, after lunch we escaped the weather in the National Aquarium, then had supper in Fells Point at Shuckers - not quite the quintensential crab "whack it on the table" resturant the kids where looking for [probably the one from "A Few Good Men"], but respectable and local. Then we headed out of the city to get closer to the Trail so we could deliver our charges and make our rerturn flight to Nashville. We ended up in a Hampton in Frederick. On Monday, we drove to Harpers Ferry and stopped in at the AT Conference HQ, where the kids left their packs for a "slack pack" day. Very friendly and informative. We then drove through some really beautiful country to the Blackburn Trail Center where Matthew and Walnut had left off before heading to D.C on Friday. Hugs and goodbyes were exchanged as the hikers headed north and we headed back to BWI for our flight south. Matthew plans to get as far as he can by the end of July when reality will force him to leave the trail, return home, and pack for law school in Florida.
Date: 2007-06-11
From: Smithsburg, Maryland

To: Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania
Miles today: 67.2

Matthew's Dad reporting: In Boiling Springs, PA after crossing the Mason-Doxon Line and hiking to Pine Grove Furnace State Park where Matthew completed the ceremonial "Half-gallon Ice Cream Eating Challenge" in 35 minutes [the record, according to the On-line Companion is 4 mins, 14 sec.]. Then the crew headed north, passing the official mid-point of the Trail before ending up in Boiling Springs. They will pack some "real food" [bacon, eggs, bagel sandwiches, etc.] here to carry on the short hike to Duncannon, PA. Next contact to be from there.
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: few clouds

Matthew's Dad reporting: Matthew spoke with his Mom from Duncannon; Pennsylvania landscape very rocky compared to the southern portion of the Trail - Matthew's turned his ankle several times already [no injury], something that was rare during the first three months. They're crossing the Susquehanna River; next report should be from Port Clinton, PA
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Duncannon, PA

To: 501 Shelter, Bethel, PA
Miles today: 46.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Matthew's Dad reporting: Matthew called on Father's Day from the 501 shelter near Bethel, PA. Took an extra "zero-miles" day in Duncannon due to stomach problems arising from the beef stroganoff purchased at the deli counter at a local grocery. All is now well. Countryside in this portion of Pennsylvania is boring and not very attractive, but the rocks have been less troublesome. Hope that the scenery will pick up after Port Clinton tomorrow. Matthew has lost weight and asked for "Muscle Milk" to be mailed for pick up in Deleware Water GAp, PA in about a week. Continuing to expect to make Mt. Washington, NH or maybe even the Maine border before having to leave the Trail for school at the end of August. Walnut and Low Gear are doing well and intend to finish after Matthew is forced to leave - Good for them!
Date: 2007-06-20
From: 501 Shelter, Bethel, PA

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: broken clouds

Matthew's Dad reporting: They are in Port Clinton, PA doing some "slack packing." Walnut was bitten by a spyder on the shoulder so a pack strap was too uncomfortable, so slack packing it was. Unfortunately, the bite became infected and Walnut had to go to a doctor who prescribed antibotics on Wednesday and said to stay off the Trail for at least a day for the medicine to take affect. During this lull, they did manage a side trip to America's Oldest Brewery, Yuengling, in Pottsville.
Date: 2007-07-01
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 63.1

Matthew's Dad reporting: In Vernon, NJ where spirits have improved due to warm reception by locals and vastly more exciting and scenic hiking. "Pennsylvania sucks!" Treated like visitng family in several towns, including Millbrook where they were greeted by the mayor who invited them to his house so they could do laundry. Also allowed to camp free in town's pavilion. Walnut's bug bite much better, improving with the hiking! Sadly, we've had to make plans for Matthew to leave the trail - flying out of Manchester, NH on July 27 - less than 4 weeks left!
Date: 2007-07-12
From: Kent, Conn.

To: Falls Village, Conn.
Miles today: 25.1

Matthew's Dad reporting: Slack packing from Kent, CT has gotten them to the Housatonic River. Matthew, Low Gear and Walnut have been picked up by Walnut's parents and taken to her home in Bethel Maine. They have a new plan to start hiking southbound from Grafton Notch in Maine [Trail mile 1907.2] through the Presidential Range to Franconia Notch in New Hampshire [Trail mile 1801.3] for the last week of Matthew's time on the trail. They will cross Mt. Washington in the process. After arriving at Franconia Notch, NH, they will return to Bethel, Me. with hopes of doing a little sailing in Walnut's family's sailboat along the Maine coast before Matthew return to Nashville on July 27.The hiking in Connecticut has been hampered by Low Gear's lack of enthusiam. Guess she has just burned out on the whole expereince. They have taken some time off at Kent, CT and in Bethel to see if she wants to continue or to leave the trail for now. Too bad that this has slowed them down, but it did lead to the change of plans noted above, so it has worked out for Matthew.
Date: 2007-07-20
From: Grafton Notch, ME

To: Franconia Notch, NH
Miles today: 105.9
Weather: light rain

Matthew's Dad reporting: Matthew arrived in Franconia Notch, NH after hiking through the Presidential range down from Grafton Notch, ME. Weather was difficult with cold - even freezing - rain and fog. Nevertheless, the scenery was great, although they missed the sunrise/sunset from Mt. Washington. climbing was alos difficult, especially downhill into Graton Notch with several spills - although nothing more serious than skinned knees. This concludes Matthew's hiking this year. He'll take a few days in Burlington, VT visiting and then go with Walnut to Bethel, ME then to her grandmother's along the Maine coast for some sailing before returning to Nashville on Friday, 7/27.
Date: 2007-01-16
To: Okay Here It Goes
Miles today: 0.0

Okay...The time has come to finally get my journal started. I'm keeping a trail journal because I want to share with others, the greatest experience of my life to date. I might as well hike the trail while I'm young and able. I mean, I could walk outside and get smashed by a meteor or be killed in a freak car accident. I could get cancer or be killed by a stray bullet. Anyways... I'm just really ready to head north. I'm ready to let go of my daily life and get back to the basics. Life as I know it is way too cluttered and complicated. It will be nice to better appreciate a shower, a cold coke, a soft bed, air conditioning. All the things we take for granted each day I want to appreciate more. I'm sure hiking from GA to ME will take care of all of that. Gotta' go yall...Happy Trails !BigShantyTO VIEW ALL OF BIGSHANTY'S PICS...GO TO: http://picasaweb.google.com/sselvia2/TATDay14107