morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-20
From: Gravel Spring Shelter

To: Chester Gap
Miles today: 14.6

It wasn't nearly as cold last night. We were underway at 7:30, our earliest start of the trip. We took a break for lunch at Compton Gap, near the edge of the park. Craig has been having a problem with his toes rubbing against his boots. I showed him a different way to tie his shoes and that seemed to help a bit. Craig and Nancy said they were bummed that I hadn't arranged a lunchtime stop at a wayside as we had been enjoying. I responded that someday I'll take them on a real AT backpacking trip, where you have to carry all the food you need for 5 or 6 days with no fancy breaks at waysides.After you leave the Park, there is a fairly steep and rocky downhill into the Gap. I called Sharon when we were about a half mile away. We arrived at Chester Gap at 1:15 and she picked us up about a half hour later. Thanks so much, Sharon. You are a great friend of the trail. We were back at Lewis Mtn. to start home at about 4.We had a great time doing this section. On the way home in the car I did a little work on a possible backpacking trip for next year. We may go from Damascus, VA north over Mt. Rogers and end around Atkins. We'll see.To view Java Dude's and Sharpie's photos of the trip cut and paste the entire link below into your browser:http://www.photoworks.com/util/slideShow2.jsp;jsessionid=CA42D6840824027B940D016D2D880461?stackID=57141517&cp=ems_shr_alb_pml&cb=PW&guest=true&toh=&svr=pw-web10
Date: 2009-07-21
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 220.0
Weather: light rain

I'm still in Maine. I've gone 220 miles so far which is about 10% of the total Appalachian Trail. Maine has been a real challenge so far, both mentally and physically. When you start in Maine and go to Georgia, on the first day you have the most challenging climb on the whole trail. Mt Katahdin...it was challenging, but it wasn't too bad. After this mountain, you begin a section of the trail known as the 100 Mile Wilderness, which is the longest section of the trail without resupply in a town. Luckily while I was slogging throught the mud (this is one of Maine's rainiest years on record) I met two guys from West Virginia: Rob and Russell. I've been hiking with them since then (for about two weeks). They have been good friends and we all have similar goals for the trail. We want to have fun and make decent time, but not at the expense of sanity and a moderate level of creature comforts.So...I was getting to the challenges. Mud, insects, roots, rocks, mountains, waist deep river crossings, and now: dysentary. I'm not sure what we have but Robbie and I have come down with a scorching case of Montezuma's Revenge. The doctor didn't say much other than, "It should get better take some immodium. Pay me $96." I wish I had insurance still.Still, as homesick (and physically sick) as I am I still have a strong desire to knock this bastard off. The most physically challenging state, New Hamshire and its famous White Mountains is a mere 100 miles away and from there the sailing should be a bit smoother. The biggest challenge is going to be being away from Libby and she's given me more support than I could have asked for. The trail has given me a few surprises. I had no idea how much companionship would mean on the trail. I should have known better from my days of survival training but it is much better to hike in a group than spend days by one's self. I also had no idea how much of a draw "town" has. The food, the soft bed, pillows, beer, generally dry conditions....they are all well worth hitching a ride and spending some hard earned wampum. I'm having a swell enough time and I'm still treking through this challenge. Memories of my family and friends fill my thoughts throughout the day and help me place one foot in front of the other.
Date: 2009-07-22
To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 70.0
Weather: light rain

Well, I made it to the town of Gorham, NH. It is a small hiker town at the beginning of the White Mountain (Presidentials). It feels really good to have finished up with Maine. That state tried its damnedest to break me physically and mentally, but I made it through. Only 13 more states to go. Maine is often said to be the hardest state on the trail because of its combination of bugs, mud, roots, mountains, and because it is about 15% of the entire trail. The only state that is said to rival it is New Hampshire....so looks like the next few weeks will be more of the same challenges.I'm feeling a lot better that the last time I wrote. My stomach seems to be functioning somewhat normally now, which makes hiking much more comfortable. I'm still hiking with my the two guys I met from WV, Rob and Russ. Their dads are hiking the next section of the trail with us. I made plans to see my sister, India, on Labor Day weekend. I should either be in New York or Pennsylvania by that time. I'm starting to think of thru-hiking as a series of week long backpacking trips broken up by a day or so in a town, eating greasy food and sleeping on a real bed. It is a little easier to handle when I think about it like that. I still have over 1800 miles to go. That is a long way, but once I get through New Hampshire and Vermont I should be able to start pulling some larger miles. I have been averaging between 12-15 miles a day I would say. Once I get to more flat, dry ground I should be able to pull of 20+ miles a day easily. I'm doing well and still having a good time. I meet interesting people all the time on the trail. I just met a guy from Prarie du Chien, Wisconsin who canoed the entire length of the Mississippi, from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Interestingly, he knows my buddy John McCarthy because their both from the same county in Wisconsin. Small world. Well, I'm sending good thoughts to everyone and thanks for all the support.Gabe
Date: 2009-08-08
From: Rutland, VT

To: View Entry
Miles today: 200.0

Well, I made it out of the White Mountains in relatively good shape and now I'm in the beautiful state of Vermont. The Whites were amazing. I had great weather and the views were uncomparable to anything I've seen on the AT so far. I did, unfortunately, get separated from my buddies Rob and Russ. Their dad's were moving pretty slowly and we were traveling in just too large of a group so I got ahead of them. In the Whites they have these things called huts. They are run by a non-profit called Appalaachian Mountain Club. People from all over the Eastern seaboard pay high dollar, like $90 a night to sleep on a bunkbed and get dinner and breakfast cooked for them. the huts themselves are in remote locations and the crews are generally college kids. Well the nice thing about these huts is they allow thru hikers to work for stay. This basically means that we got to eat leftovers and sleep on the floor for a small amount of work. I stayed in four huts and they all had their own character.
Date: 2009-08-09
To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I am trying to do these entries on my phone and it is getting maxed out. I was talking about the huts. Anyway they were pretty cool.Vermont is already completely different than anything I've seen yet. I have been walking over hills rather than mountains and I've even walked through fields of cows. I never saw a field in ME or NH. Each of the states have had their own feel and look so far. I hope that continues.I cut my hair and shaved my beard and I'm ready to enter a new phase of this journey. I'm ready to put my nose to the grindstone and make some good mileage so that I can be home by Thanksgiving. I'm in relatively good health and fell good after a good nights rest. I love you all.Gabe
Date: 2009-08-19
From: Cheshire, MA

To: Connecticut
Miles today: 120.0

   I am now in the state of Massachusets. I have been increasing my mileage steadily, since going solo. It seems a bit easier to plan my day out and make more mileage now that I'm by myself, but it is a bit more lonely. I spend a lot of time throughout the day thinking things over and mulling about thoughts in my head. For example, I came up with an idea for a book which will most likely never be written. I bought a mini-radio a few weeks ago and I've been listening to NPR in the mornings and sometimes listen to music when I walk, but it difficult to deal with the commercials and sometimes the reception is a bit shotty.   I had to buy a pair of boots today because the pair of Merrils that I bought in Rangely, ME have been disintegrating. I bought a pair of Solomons which have a bit better ankle support and are pretty lightweight. I have been having some troubles with my ankles lately. They get sore and weak feeling at the end of the day and when I wake up to relieve myself at night I can barely hobble around. But when I begin to move in the morning they tend to loosen up. Anyway these boots that I have now should give me some good ankle support. Another issue: the orthotics (custom arch supporting insoles) that I just received less than two weeks ago have both broken right down the middle of the arch! Blasted shotty workmanship. Nothing holds up to this trail. I have had to sew my pack together twice already, my running shoes lasted only two weeks, my boots four weeks, orthotics one week.   Massachusets is only 80 miles long from here so I should be able to blast throught the state pretty quickly. I am forced to take a zero day today, however, because my package which I missed in Vermont and had forwarded to Mass hasn't arrived yet, hopefully it will get here tomorrow or I may have to press on again. I miss all of my friends and family and especially Libby my one and true love. Thanks for all the support. Signing off from Cheshire, MA,Gabe Bailey
Date: 2009-08-25
From: Connecticut

To: New York
Miles today: 0.0

   Made it through one more state. The biggest thing I can say about MA was that it has a mosquito problem. I'm glad to be in Connecticut and moving on. I had a momentary lapse of insanity the other day and considered buying a bicycle and heading West, but alas, I'm still on the trail and making 2.5 MPH heading south. I feel much better now and am glad to be moving on and working on completing this trail. The trail is so long and so many things can happen to get you off of it. But the main thing to do is to wake up every morning and start "picking 'em up and puttin' 'em down". I'm reading Huck Finn so excuse the vernacular (a great trail read, I might add).    I feel good and my feet are doing better than they have been in the last few days. I am glad to be on the trail and a free man and glad that I'm making progress to complete this journey. Thank you all for the monumental support. Part of this journey is for all of you.Gabe
Date: 2009-09-01
From: Greenwood Lake, New York

To: Camp Mohican, NJ
Miles today: 210.0

I've hit two months on the trail! I'm nearly through the state of New York, but I couldn't resist coming into one more town for "a slice of pie" and a prosciutto and provalone sandwich. I've been hitting the trail pretty hard so that I can meet up with India and maybe Elise in southern New Jersey. I am in good shape to get there but I can't mess around too much. I probably shouldn't even be here in the library on the computer. New York was interesting. The constant sound of highway traffic was a bit hard to get used to but all the trailside delicatessens were well worth it. The trail was a bit more hilly than I expected, mostly just a bunch of ups and downs. There were also a lot of rocks in this state; hard on the ankles and knees. I am now on my fourth pair of footwear: North Face trail runners. I could never break in the Solomons that I bought. They just kept shredding my pinky toe. So I got these shoes. They seem to be doing fine. I did call Merill, who made the last pair of boots I was wearing before the Solomons, and they are sending me a brand new pair of boots no questions asked. I didn't have to return the old ones or give them a receipt. They didn't even ask where I bought them. I just told them I liked their boots but they fell apart on me. They said, "Where will you be in 10 days? We'll send you a new pair." Awesome. Well I should go hit the trail. I still have 10 or 15 miles to hike today if I'm going to make it to Camp Mohican. Thanks for the support, especially Libby and the Swensons.
Date: 2009-10-22
From: Damascus, VA

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 346.0
Weather: broken clouds

I'm in Damascus, finally. This is pretty much the end of the line for Virginia, the longest state on the trail. Virginia has been a lovely experience. It is a great state to hike in, especially after the monotonous Mid-Atlantic states. Virginia had a lot of good views, nicely graded trails, changing leaves, and friendly people. I'm definitly in the south now, that's for sure. I have about a month left on the trail and I'm anxious and nervous. I want more than anything to finish this thing and I just want to stay strong and healthy. I am looking forward to meeting up with Levi down in Hot Springs, NC and hiking the Smokies with him. I have been hiking the last few days with Nole, who kind of reminds me of my cousin, Josh. He's a nice guy and it is nice to have someone to push me on. We had some big days, a 26 and 28 miler in the last week among the 18-25 mile days. Anytime I walk more than a marathon, I am pretty happy with my progress. We have had some really cold weather for this time of year. A few days ago it was in the 30's and rainy, talk about hypothermia weather. One night we even got a dusting of snow, about 1/4 inch. The last two days, however have been great, in the 70s during the days. It's an indian summer, I guess. My beard is getting long and my hair is growing out. I'm really starting to look like a hobo, a hobo with big calfs. Ahhhhh..........trying to get home for thanksgiving. Pray for nice weather, a smooth trail, and good health.Gabe
Date: 2009-02-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Currently sitting in cloud-covered Columbus impatiently waiting for my hike to begin. Six more days of work, just a few more last-minute items to buy, and months of freedom on the trail ahead. I feel ready to test my fitness: physically on the challenging terrain, and mentally on the many days of solitude and anticipation and endless thought I will muddle through. I am excited to make the trail my home for the next few months. It can't come faster.
Date: 2009-02-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Only a week until I start. I have just purchased my first few rations of food. Hopefully I will still want to eat this stuff when the time comes. I think I am over the nervous-to-start-and-leave-my-family-and-friends-and-dogs hump. Now I am crossing my fingers that I get everything done in time so I can leave stress-free. Today is my two year anniversary with my boyfriend Richard. He is going to hike with me to Neels Gap, and meet me periodically along the way to Maine. I think I will miss him the most. My parents are meeting me at Newfound Gap, Rockfish Gap and Katahdin. I am already looking forward to their visits. One of my goals for this hike is to take things one day at a time. I tend to focus on the future and it can get in the way of what I am experiencing in the present. I want to take every opportunity I can to notice something special about each day and make a note of it. That way I can appreciate those special moments for themselves, rather than as a stepping stone to get me to the next big leap.
Date: 2009-02-24
From: Neels Gap

To: Helen, GA
Miles today: 10.4

Arrived the morning of day four at Neels. Spending a few hours here and then heading out again. I am loving the woods and the beautiful sunny weather. We have been trudging through snow since Monday, but with temperatures rising into the 60s the next few days, all that will be gone. I have met some interesting people so far, from all over the country. They make me excited to meet more. I have a trail name now: Evergreen. I think that it's pretty fitting. It shouldn't be long before I am writing to you again, so I apologize for the short message this time. Just wanted to let you all know that I have having a great time! Peace, Steph aka Evergreen
Date: 2009-03-07
From: Helen, GA

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 50.0
Weather: clear sky

Made it into Helen, GA pretty easily. Spent the night in a cushiony bed in clean clothes. Despite all that I can't wait to get back on the trail. I am anxious to get more miles under my belt. The weather has been amazing all week so I haven't had to test my minimalist rain gear yet. Maybe Monday? It only took the morning, but I have already made friends who are hiking at my speed. Two guys from Indiana and Tennessee. Dustin, doesn't have a trail name yet; and Memphis. The terrain yesterday was fairly chill. But the climb out of Unicoi Gap is looming over my head, literally. Today will be a short day, and then it will be back to the grind. Sidenote: I always think of profound and interesting things to type on here while I am hiking and the moment I get a computer screen in front of my face, it's gone. Maybe I just can't handle the pressure. Oh, well. To the woods with me then.Peace
Date: 2009-03-13
From: Franklin, NC

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Hey All,I am at Burningtown Gap, NC on Apple's internet. Yea for Trail Angels!The weather has been amazing, but now the rain is coming. Just a few sprinkles so far, but I can only expect more. I have had two trail magic experiences so far and they just keep getting better and better. The trail is the best place to be, hands down. I have gotten into three grad schools so far. I should know next weekend where I am going for sure! Exciting! Loving the trail!Evergreen
Date: 2009-03-22
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 211.4
Weather: clear sky

Hey All,I have been spending the last two days lounging and hanging out with the family in a HUGE cabin outside of Gatlinburg. It has been so much fun to eat and talk and visit with everyone. My sister Renee and her husband Dave came down from Charlottesville, VA and brought their dog Lily. I haven't been able to see them since Christmas, so that meant a lot to me. Thanks guys! And Happy Birthday Renee!(3/25). My parents picked me up at Newfound Gap on Friday afternoon. The temperature was so cold on Friday morning at Double Spring Gap Shelter. We were at 5,505 feet, it had rained the evening before and with the temperature drop, our whole world was frosted over. The hike up to Clingmans Dome was windy and the frozen trail crunched under my steps. It was breathtaking to see the sun rising over the mountains and making the terrain sparkle. Or maybe it was the icy winds that invaded my layers and forced me to hike with my hands in my armpits that did all the breath-taking. But who can really remember while sitting in a warm cabin with an even warmer hot tub calling my name? The Smokeys have been fun so far, and I am excited to get back on the trail. I had my first wildlife encounter on Wednesday. A wild boar who was digging around the trail seemed just as startled by my entrance into his environment as I was to see this large, brown hog squeak and run out of my periphery. He followed me for a bit down the trail but was quickly distracted by his dirt-bound prospects to pay me much attention as I crept back for some pictures. Teehee.I want to say Happy Birthday to my Mom as well. She begins a new year on Tuesday March 24. I love you Mom! I plan on ramping up the number of miles per day starting tomorrow. It is going to be fun to see how I handle 20 mile days. Here's hoping for the sunny days to continue. In one week my boyfriend Richard will be joining me for about 50 miles of trail, and I CAN'T WAIT to see him! That should keep me thoroughly motivated for the next stretch. If only my doggies could come and join me too.Peace and Love,Evergreen
Date: 2009-03-26
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Roan Mountain, TN
Miles today: 116.4
Weather: moderate rain

My last two days in the Smokies were pleasantly warm and sunny. The down hill toward Davenport Gap was a nice way to exit (and I'm glad I didn't have to hike UP that slope). I caught up to Topo, Out Loud, and Giggles on Tuesday night. We camped at Painters Branch just up the hill from Standing Bear. The gnats were out in full force after the nice sunny day. The rain took care of them that night, but made for a chilly morning. Coming up to Snowbird Mountain was all wind and clouds. I had to walk in a diagonal line just to keep moving straight along the trail. My pack acted like a sail for the wind to whip me around and push me off balance. Good times. We stayed at Roaring Fork Shelter last night. It was a full house plus three tents. The mice made multiple appearances throughout the night, but they didn't seem to linger over my things, thankfully. I had a rousing game of Hearts and then a pitiful game of Euchre with Conchord, Cascade and Sunny (a group I met in the Smokies from UNC). The outfitter in Hot Springs has an awesome supply of food, and everyone should go there. Well, I am off for a soak in the hot springs. Ah, the life of a thru-hiker.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Damascus, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hey,I got into Damascus yesterday evening. Since it was Sunday, the only place open was Quincy's Pizza. Not complaining though. Had a super filling meal followed by a huge piece of chocolate cake. I am staying at The Place. The weather the last couple of days has been beautiful. My dirt tan didn't really wash off this time! But it has been raining off and on all day today and tomorrow the forecast says snow. Yippie! Hopefully it will be short-lived. I really want to see the ponies on the Highlands!I stayed at Kincora on Friday night and am now a huge fan of Bob Peoples, just like every other hiker. I think I slept better at Kincora than I have at other than spot on the trail, whether it was tent, shelter, hotel, anything.Today is movie day. We got a ride from a past thru-hiker to Abingdon and are spending the next few hours staring at a very large screen in a very dark room.I bought a new pair of shoes at Mt. Rogers Outfitters. Trying the Hardrocks this time. My Velocity's were great, but I can't keep the soles from falling off no matter how much sho goo I slather on them. I got a deal on the shoes, though, so it's all good. I'm hoping these last through Virginia.The trail at the end of Tennessee was super challenging. Glad that's over. Now I just have to climb out of Damascus.
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rockfish Gap, VA
Miles today: 464.3
Weather: broken clouds

I got into Pearisburg last night around 5:45pm. It was a long day at 30.4 miles. It rained most of the day, but I just kept thinking about a hot shower and clean laundry and that kept me going. Today I will only do seven miles to get out of town. My ankle is still a bit sore, but I have found that wrapping it helps immensely. I also plan on taking it easier this weekend as my friend Ryan from Outdoor Source is coming down to help us slack pack (hike without our packs). I should get to McAfee Knob on Sunday morning. That is the most photographed spot on the AT in Virginia. I hope the weather improves for that. Apparently, there is no more cause for drought down here and with all the rain, I'm not surprised. But you get used to it. At least the temperatures have warmed up. High 40s are much better than mid 30s when it's raining. I am very excited to see Mom, Dad, Renee and Dave again! It really doesn't feel like that long ago, but that's probably because it will only be a month. And yet, a mile can feel like forever out here if it's the one before the next shelter. I have been hiking with my new friend Blue since the second of April. He and I hike at similar paces and it sure makes the woods more friendly when there is someone else to talk to. The terrain in Virginia is definately more mellow than that in North Carolina and Tennessee, so that's a welcome change. The views are still nice, though, when you can see them through the gaps in the clouds. I am definately still enjoying myself and look forward to each day.