morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-30
From: Home

To: Pearisburg Va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Wow! What's phenomenal trip home! Good for the body, soul & spirit. Weekend and picnic with my daughter & family. Visited with friends & roommate. Plus spent lots of time with my girlfriend. I'm back in Pearisburg now and am headed back out to the trail in the morning. Hopefully my body is thankful for the 9 day hiatus and doesn't complain too much with re adapting. Lots of hikers I am meeting for the first time at the hotel/hostel, plus a few I had met already farther back on the trail. I am recharged and ready to get back to it... Hike On!
Date: 2014-05-31
From: Pearisburg Va

To: 'The Captain's'
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: light rain

5:45am the alarm went off. I was up and out by 6:15am to a breakfast at the DQ. Gave it a minute or two to try to hitch down to the trailhead but quickly decided to walk it as traffic was light. 7:15am and I was on a poorly maintained and overgrown trail out of town. Gorgeous day! Good to be back, but after 8-10 miles my feet were yelling (even with vitiamin I) at me trying to get used to the new shoes. The new pack took some adjusting to learn how to properly snuggle into it.I took my first fall today. There was a large tree limb on the trail with some good sized branches protruding forward towards Northbound traffic. I just didn't lift my left foot high enough and when my foot was stopped, my momentum took me down. This time my hiking poles couldn't stop me from going down. I hit my full weight on my left arm and shoulder. Luckily there were no sharp rocks where I went down and the only damage was to my pride. All good, such is life. Still a great day.I pushed the 20+ miles to 'The Captain's' where there was a hiker feed. Saw many hikers that I knew including Red Robin, Breaktime and Atlas (pic). Hostel owners from Woods Hole and Four Pines were there as well as Ms Janet. To my surprise a hiker shouted 'No Way' numerous times and came up and gave me a handshake and hug. It took me a minute to place him but it was Knoxville who I had hiked with in this section in 2012. He was revisiting the trail and bouncing around with no intentions of thru hiking this year (he had finished the whole trail last time). Great seeing him.The feed is a big event with port a pottys, lots of food and even a band. I tented as far from the shindig as possible and am trying to turn in early. No signal for texts or phone calls, but there was wifi at the house so I sent Sue an email. Good to be back on the trail.
Date: 2014-06-01
From: 'The Captain's'

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

Again, Beautiful weather today Last night was one of the worst nights of sleep on the trail though and I am dragging a bit. Even going to bed early, the festivities kept me up. Even after the band had stopped at Midnight, a couple were way past the wasted level and loudly fighting with each other as they tried finding thier tent and getting settled. This went on for quite a while as the wife kept saying 'Bobby' do this,'I don't think we can keep going on', 'Why do I have to do everything' & 'I'm tired of this'. Bobby was in no shape to respond properly or even realize how loud they both were. Then they started bitching about other hikers. Wow, hope I put a few miles inbetween us over the next few days. 17+ Miles put me at Laurel Creek Shelter. Near the end of the day there was some trail magic by Super Dave. He was a triple crowner, previously hiking the AT, PCT and CDT. Getting to the shelter at dusk, I recognized numerous hikers. Steady, Jade and Nukon were there among them. After a little conversation with Nukon, I found that he was from PA and was previously a Bakery Tech for a bread company like I was. He worked in the Weis account and we discussed the people we both new and the business. Small world. Had my tent set up before dark and crawled in to write in my journal and undwind. Night
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Audie Murphy Monument
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

Low energy day. Headache and loose bowels to boot. I'm figuring a food related sickness, possibly from one of the salads or foods from the Captain's hiker feed. Slow hiking with lots of breaks. After an hour plus dinner break at Niday Shelter with my friend Aleve (Hiker's Vitamin A), I caught a second wind and felt somewhat better. Hiked to dark and wound up at the Audie Murphy Monument. There where four other hikes camping there and I set up my tent in the dark and tried a poor signal for a text and phone call. After barely getting through to Sue, I said I would call tommorow as it kept cutting out. After 10pm and in my tent & ready for some sleep.
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Audie Murphy Monument

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 11.7

Feeling better today and out of camp by 7:30am. Atlas, Pilot and Eskimo are some I passed today. The Dragons Tooth (a big stone monolith) was a well known stop but I opted not to climb it this time with the slippery rock face the rain had left. The trail was very challenging with may rocky ups and downs. There were even some metal rebar installed to help at places when decending the trail after the Dragon's tooth.I arrived at Four Pines hostel and showered, prepped laundry and Joe (owner) took a resupply run to the local mart. Almost 10 and hostel is still loud and bustling with alot of party people (who hike sometimes). Not very hopeful for a good nights sleep.
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow. Party Crowd it was My 9:45pm bed time did not fair well as I lay there tossing and turning. At 11:30pm I finally decided to remind the drinkers...um I mean hikers... of the time and they said one more game of beer pong. They weren't rude to me (at least in front of me) and lights were out by Midnight. Next time I pitch my tent even with the threat of rain.Up by 6 and out by 7:30. Opted for coffee at the store before getting on the trail just after 8am. Rain and Thunderstorms on and off, but clear for me at the well known McAfee's Knob (pic) and Tinker Cliffs. McAfee's Knob is touted as the most photographed place on the Appalachian Trail. Up at the Knob, Daddy Long Legs was waiting for some weather to clear up so he could lauch a drone with his GoPro camera on it. He is hiking with Rudy and shooting a documentary about his hike. Should be some awesome footage.Nasty thunderstorm rolled in as I reached Lamberts Meadow Shelter. The hikers that followed me in even got pelted with hail. Glad I have a spot under the three sided shelter as storms are forcasted for the night as well. At the shelter are Train, Aussie, Happy Hiker, Pilot, Switch, Daddy Long Legs, Rudy, The Maine Sister & more. Shipwreck didn't make it in as I heard he got a ride to Daleville for a clinic visit to get some bad bites (chigger?) checked out.
Date: 2014-06-05
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Troutville VA
Miles today: 10.9

REALLY poured last night with some good lightning thrown in to spice it up. Out by 8 and a fast pace put me in Daleville for an 11:30am resupply at Kroger. A noontime lunch at 3 lil Pigs BBQ was awesome. Jerk Pork tenderloin sandwich and stew was complimented by a local VA beer on tap. Excellent stop and reasonable when ordering the lunch special.I stopped up to the Howard Johnson to see if I recognized any of the hikers staying there before heading back to the trail at 1pm. A fast Mile and a half put me in Troutville where I walked down to the Holiday Inn. I still had some points left for a free room and really looking forward to a nice relaxing stay. After showering I walked down to the Taco Bell for some takeout as laundry was in the machine. I ran into Catnip and Wheels (from Chicago) and caught up as I haven't seen them since Erwin TN. Catnip is having some issues with a recently diagnosed stress fracture in her ankle. They will be taking a few days off and waiting for a special shoe insert before trying to push on. I caught up with phone calls & texts to Family and Friends. Great talking with all of you. I still need to update my trail journals but plan on a late checkout tommorow so I can do it then. When it is updated it will be for several days so click on the button up top for previous updates. HIKE ON!
Date: 2014-07-02
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton PA
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: broken clouds

YES! Home for a week over the Fourth of July Holiday Its been a push here and there to get here (only an hour from home) before the Fourth. I have taken some Nero/Short days but haven't had a Zero for over a month now. I'm feeling a little tired and beat down so this break will be great for the body and spirit. Feet hurt like hell & my right knee has been consistently complaining to me. Updates have obviously been few and far between (again, all that damn hiking getting in the way ) but still trying to keep a pic and mileage update daily on trailjournals. My written journal is much more complete and eventually I will try to transpose it online. In Duncannon I finally caught back up with Running Nose (almost, he was 17 miles ahead and had slack packed back to Duncannon for the night). It was awesome seeing him and catching up. Also the first day out of Duncannon I came across Lt Dan, Flatlander, Chevy Chafe & Legs. Most of them I haven't seen since back around Hot Springs. I will be playing catch up again after this week off the trail and not sure about seeing them all again before Katahdin. I plan on getting back on the trail around 7/10 and mentally this begins my hike. This is due to the fact that two years ago, this 1200 mark is where I left the trail. Looking forward to the new territory ahead and the unknown.HIKE ON!
Date: 2014-07-15
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: US 206 Branchville NJ
Miles today: 17.6

Woke up just before 530 but decided to catch a few more winks. I always seem to sleep just a little better when I go back to bed in the morning. Could be due to the knowledge of extra 'bonus sleep' or maybe just the relieved bladder . Packed up and had coffee at the store/lodge. Miracle & Hydro were also partaking of the nectar of the gods as well as a few others. 930am start on the trail. The sun actually peeked out here and there and alternated with rain. Fortunately the forcasted severe Tstorms found their way elsewhere. About 7 miles in my right knee started talking to me again. Before long it decided to voice louder and going down hill it flat out was yelling! Bilb o was at Brink Rd Shelter and said it was my IT Band and rest was usually perscibed. I decided to head into Branchville for the night and look for a brace or wrap at a store. Booked a room at the Cobmine motel and partook of good (but a little pricy) Mexican food at the Rivera Maya. Other hikers were staying at the motel as well and trying to dry out and be under roof for the next wave of forcasted storms. It was good seeing Medic again and he also said the knee was likely the IT band. He suggested rest as well as stretching. The weather is forcasted to clear up in the late morning tommorow and I plan to head out. I will be backing down my mileage somewhat to help assist my knee in recovery and not aggravate it more. HIKE ON!
Date: 2014-07-18
From: NJ 284 Unionville NY

To: NJ 94 Vernon NJ
Miles today: 10.7

Decent nights sleep except for the hourly church bell 'dongs' & nearby roosters in the early am. Breakfast Sandwich at Horlers (Yum) and two cups of coffee. Last out of camp except for a section hiker by the name of 'Water Lady'. She has been nursing an ankle and is expecting to get off the trail today. Enjoyed coffee with Miracle and Hydro at the store.Low 80s, blue skies accompanied by clouds and a breeze made this another enjoyable hiking day. There was varied terrain that included some fields, roads, a rocky section and a 'boardwalk' over marsh lands. Tens of thousands of little grasshoppers scattered with every step through the wildlife preserve. Good day.My body thanked me for backing off the mileage over the past few days and my knee, although talking to me, seems to be heading in the right direction towards recovery (I am trying to cross myy fingners whiled typing dis) .I passed Tigger and her group along the way and her mother was hiking with them for the day. As I reached the trailhead at US94 I had my thumb out trying to hitch a ride and a man approached me from a vehicle there. It was Tigger's Father. He introduced himself and offered me a ride into town as it was another half and hour till their scheduled meet time. Awesome, the trail provides. Tigger's father also provided me with a cold soda . The St Thomas Church Hostel is nice with shower & laundry. Minor cleaning chores are expected and a $10 donation is recommended. After the 'work', I had Chinese and went to A&P for a small resupply. Didn't get to the pharmacy for a knee brace and probably will in the AM before heading out.Other hikers at the hostel included - Miracle, Hydro, David Bowie, Easy Day, Too Long, Mystic & a couple that tented outside.Life is Good! Acceptance of what is helps. HIKE ON!
Date: 2013-12-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After signing the lease to rent my house for the summer, I am now committed (or maybe should be committed?) to hiking the Appalachian Trail starting in March 2014. Back in July 2012, I hiked the southern section of the AT/LT in Vermont. I remember on one occasion (as thru-hikers were flying by me) that the thought of hiking the AT would never be in my future - as it is quite physical and I was quite SLOW. In April 2013, the company that employs me announced that it was about to be acquired. That night while driving north with a friend (Heger) who was hiking with me that weekend, he suggested I should consider hiking the AT. No way, I thought - it would take quite a few things to fall into place to allow that to happen. Well, they did fall into place - and off I go.The decision was based on a few hikes that were done this past year. In July 2013, three of us hiked the Hundred Mile Wilderness (from Monson to Mt Katahdin). I just wanted to know what it would be like to hike for nine days. It was just a great hike with fairly decent weather culminating with an incredible day atop Katahdin. Then in August 2013, my brother and I decided to complete The Long Trail from Canada south to Killington. That was tough - as the weather was far from perfect and tested us both physically and mentally. After falling coming off of Camel's Hump and taking a couple weeks off, I returned to complete the last 70+ miles and that convinced me to hike the AT.I am spending quite a bit of time (and money) researching as much as I can about the trail and the equipment that will be necessary to complete a thru-hike. I hope that I have the physical and mental aptitude to complete such a hike of 2100+ miles in less than six months. I ask for your thoughts (and prayers) that I stay healthy and am able to succeed in this endeavor.I am thankful for the thru-hikers that are advising me (Runner '12, Roadhouse '12, Chino '05 & '13, Chris '79). Three plus months before I head south to head north - can't wait. So much to do to get into shape - no time for anything but training.
Date: 2014-01-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Less than 12 weeks to go - getting ready, getting excited, getting butterflies. Preparation has included reading a few books on the AT (Hiking Through, SkyWalker and AWOL on the Appalachian Trail). I have also been provided a good amount of information on where to stay - and more importantly where not to stay on the AT (thanks Runner).I continue to get out on the trails as often as possible. In the past week I have done three traverses of Blue Hills with a 30 lb pack. Each traverse is 12.5 miles and consists of approximately 2500 feet of elevation gain/loss. Each time I try to improve on my time - the fastest time being my last at 2.4 mph. In addition to this a few of us hiked Mt Moosilauke on 12/28. To do's still include getting some of the equipment that I am missing. So far, most of the expensive equipment has been purchased and has arrived.
Date: 2014-02-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Update on my upcoming hike. We were able to wrap up and finish work earlier than expected and have moved my departure date up by a couple weeks. I have decided to dedicate my hike in memory of a good friend (Paula Guerin) who lost her battle with Multiple Myeloma in May 2011. This will be an opportunity to raise monies to research the cause and hopefully a cure for this disease. I hope that on the days where I feel like quitting - that the daily battle that these patients endure will inspire me to keep truckin' - as nothing I do can compare to what these patients suffer through. With that in mind, I would appreciate anything that you can donate to help with this cause. CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO MULTIPLE MYELOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATIONAlso, I am pleased to have Ms. Repose's students from Grades 1-4 at the Nash school in Weymouth, Ma following me and encouraging me. I look forward to sharing my trip with them.Until then, I continue my workout either at the gym or out on the trails. Concentrating on cleaning and packing up the house so that it will be ready for the renters.
Date: 2014-03-13
From: Springer Mtn

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

Hawk Mtn Shelter - Day 1The Hiker Hostel dropped us off at Springer parking lot around 10:30. Veronica and Rob showed up soon after and we headed to the summit of Springer to start our trip north. Trail was real easy with a couple of ups up to Hawk Mtn. Arrived at Hawk Mtn around 2:30 and decided to stay. Setup tents and hung around with Bandit, Meagan, Kyle, Justin and more. About 20 people here for the night. Beautiful day - not a cloud in the sky. A bit chilly but nice for hiking. Eight miles down - 2177 to go.
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.7

Gooch Mtn Shelter - Day 2It was a chilly night and chilly when we left camp this morning. There were a few more ups today (Sassafras and Justus mountains. We passed and were passed by quite a few of the hikers we stayed we last night. Met up with another thru hiker called Walk-N-tree. We met him in 2011 on our section hike of Mass. So far all is going well. Weather has been perfect. We are taking it slow letting our bodies get used to the routine. Thanks for all of your messages (and donations ). Daily.Hours 4:58Elevation gain: 2087Elevation loss: 2448
Date: 2014-03-15
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Lance Creek Campsite
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

Lance Creek CampsiteA nice day - cool and sunny. A few ups including Preaching Rock and Big Cedar Mtn. We were all happy to get Trail Magic at Woody Gap. Two Hot Dogs, 3 Cokes, apple and chips and good company. Discussion around the fire pit now is about hanging a bear bags. Hanging here with Rob. Kyle, Brandon, Justin, Harrison, Kerry, Alan and Flozzie - plus a few more. The excitement of the day was hanging the bear bag. It took about an hour and six of us to do it - and it was pretty funny. Wish we had a video. Traveling with a great bunch of hikers. Stats:Hours: 4:21Elev gain: 1693Elev loss: 1601
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Lance Creek Campsite

To: Blood Mtn Cabins
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: moderate rain

Started raining about 4 am. Rob and I packed up and were on the trail by 8 am. Rainy, windy, foggy and raw all day. Today we hiked Blood Mtn (4461) which is the hight point on the AT in Ga. Got to Neels Gap/Mountain Crossings and we were able to get a cabin. Kyle and Two Tricks (formerly Brandon) are staying with us.   Felt great to have a shower and laundry is included in the rental of the cabin. Undecided on what we are doing tomorrow. Weather doesn't look good and Two Tricks is thinking of resting his knees for a day.   Tonight we have a roof over our heads, running water, toilets and a cold beer. Life really is good.
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Blood Mtn Cabins

To: Blood Mtn Cabins
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Random Thoughts 03/17/14Although going slower than I originally thought - it is a good thing. We had three perfect days of hiking and when going up Blood Mt in the rain yesterday - I still had a smile on my face. We are about 32 miles in on this trip with a long way still to go. Nothing felt better than that shower yesterday at Mountain Crossing. Even though the place is a bit of a dump - the shower and frozen pizza was great. We really lucked out getting a cabin at Blood Mountain Cabins. At $60/night split 4 ways is cheap and includes laundry. Plus Kyle and 2 Tricks keep us pretty entertained. The plan to bring back pizza and beer for dinner was partially successful - we got the pizza but apparently they don't sell beer on Sunday in this part of Ga. Still raining today so because of that and that we just decided to give our bodies a break (and that it's St Patricks Day) we are going to take our first day off - what is known on the trail as a zero day because we will hike zero miles. The trail so far has been everything I had hoped it would be. The people we have met have been friendly and generous. We are all on the same playing field. No one is better than anyone else and we are all striving for the same goal - Maine. The Trail Magic at Woody Gap was amazing. I never knew how good hot dogs could taste until an unexpected hot dog stand pops up in the middle of the trail. I am moved by the support that people have shown through contributions to the MMRF (www.tinyurl.com/MMRFsaint) and by the notes of encouragement that I receive via email and through trailjournals. I need to do a 'shout-out' to Ms Repose's classes (grades 1-4) at the Nash School in Weymouth. Regarding your question on the cold and rain - I wore rain pants and a rain jacket with a hood. That kept me dry, but my waterproof boots got wet. I was cold but it was manageable. We were lucky that we stayed at a cabin last night with showers and heat so we were able to dry out all of our equipment. With taking today off we will be able to hit the trail tomorrow with dry gear and we will be well rested. Went into Blairsville to resupply and burgers at Carrie and Alan's cabin. Great night. Time to hit the trail early in the am.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Blood Mtn Cabins

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Left Neels Gap at 7:40 - still dark and foggy. Hiked up Leveland Mountain and the fog lifted and the sun came out. Beautiful views from the ridgeline. As soon as we started the descent the fog came back. We got trail magic at Tenatesee (sp) Gap. At that point we were informed by King Tut that about 10% of the hikers have left the trail. We hiked up Wildcat Mtn and Rob got the trailname Frosty Bear. Kyle got Wet Bandit last night. I still don't have one - apparently I haven't done anything real stupid yet. At Low Gap Shelter with 2 Tricks, Wet Bandit, justin, Harrison, Carie Alex Frosty Bear and Tuna. Quite a few others are set up at other. campsites. Trail has been very forgiving. Lots of switchbacks and elevation gains are quite doable. A little chilly and breezy but no rain right now. We had our first double digit mile day (11.5) and feel great. Having a great day.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Ttey Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Rainy and windy overnight - temp 41 in the am and still showering. Hit the trail at 9:30. Trail was mucky and rocky in some spots - but fairly good cruising terrain. Made it to Unicoi Gap at 2 and waited for rest of group to catch up. At Unicoi Gap, Snow Cone (Carie) left the trail to go back to work. Rob, Harrison, Chris and Alex went to Hiwawassee for the night. 2 Tricks, Wet Bandit, Sparky, Alan and I headed up to Trey Mtn Shelter. Some significant up for late in the day but got here before 7. Dinner and to bed in the shelter. Also here - Black Beard, Tuma, Red and his dog Rowdy, and Hibas Blues Oh, and I got my trail name - Gandolf.