morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-22
From: Bears Den

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

After a crazy weekend, I am back at Bears Den. Trail Days was everything I wanted it to be, except I got sick - but you can't control that. We left Thursday morning, Pebbles, Snake and I and got a ride with Zipdrive and Leif (who as a side note are the ones who run this website). Five hours and 3 stops later, we arrived in Damascus, which was a weird feeling being that it took 5 weeks of hiking to cover the 5 hour drive. Thursday night was a blast as I was able to reunite with hikers I have meet since the first day out. There was a campground back in the woods that some hikers had set up and named Camp Riff Raff. This was the main meeting/socializing/partying/yelling/music filled area for the younger hikers. On Friday, I was walking by the Mountain Hardwear tent and saw a sign for testers. With the idea of a free backpack in my head, I jumped on it and ended up getting the last one of my size. What was really cool was the designer (who used to be the head designer for Osprey) ended up fitting the pack exactly to my body. Let me tell you something, that is like having the top designer for new balance create a shoe for you, or the top designer of Toyota mold a seat to your body. After about and hour of waiting and fitting, I walked away with a free Mountain Hardwear Exodus pack - the only catch was I have to email him when I can and tell him how the pack is doing. I don't even think you can call that a catch. As if that wasn't good enough, on Sunday, Backpacker Magazine had a raffle (that anyone could sign up for, for free) - out of probably 5 or 6 thousand people, I won that as well. They ended up giving away 12 packs, mostly GoLights. On top of that though, each pack was stuffed full of free gear. So in a three day period, I got a free mountain hardwear pack, a free GoLight pack, a free Mountain Hardwear tent, a free tarp, buck knife, three pairs of Thorlo socks, hand warmers, Crazy Creek, back packer hat, and about 9 other things I can't even remember. All tolled, this weekend was unbelievable. BUT... I think I used up all of my Karma in one week and because of that, I came down with something. I've had a stomach bug for about 3 days now, as well as a fierce headache. I'm not complaining though because this is the first time I've been sick on this trip and on top of that I'm at the Bears Den, which is basically like a castle. So today is another zero and if I feel any better tomorrow I'll go ahead and try to at least get a few miles in. I'm still 19 miles out of Harpers Ferry and I'm ready to be there. Not to mention, I still need to bust it out so I can get some terrain covered before I head into NYC and fly home for 5 days. Time is starting to put a little pressure on me, but I'm capable of doing big miles although I'd rather not. I guess we will see : ) Till next time, hope all is well. Shout out to Nick Scott, hope Europe is a blast and ask for freedom fries at a McDonalds for me.
Date: 2006-05-31
From: Doyle Hotel Duncannon PA

To: 12 miles out from Duncannon
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

So, as some of you have heard it has been a challenging week. When I returned from trail days, I was pretty sick and had to pull some big days to catch up with the group I had been hiking with. After being well for 3 days I pulled a thirty mile day to a hostel called the Iron Mansion. I was so tired that I went to sleep without eating anything and the next day I became sick again. Currently, I am in Duncannon and about to start an easy 12 mile day and yesterday I did an easy 4 mile day to the Doyle Hotel. So I'm well rested and ready to push out the next 12 day push to NYC. Yesterday the temperature was up around 95 - thankfully it has dropped off a bit which is good because the terrain I'm in is horrible when it's that hot. There is very little water, its rocky, and for the most part we are just walking through farm fields with no shade. Its pretty rough, but that¢s trail life. On the good side I passed the half way mark a few days ago!! Right now I'm at 1133 miles. Well, the trail is calling. Hope I can get a few miles under the belt before it rains, even though its only 12 miles which shouldn't take more than 4 and a half hours.PS If anyone has any connections with employers in Hawaii or PR reps for cycling companies shoot me an email.
Date: 2006-06-19
From: Charlotte NC

To: Vernon NJ
Miles today: 0.0

Well, after a great trip I'm recharged and ready to push out these last 57 days. Two days in NYC, three days at the beach, and a day in Charlotte. Heading to the bus station in an hour to meet Pebbles as we venture back to Vernon NJ. Until then I have to run and pick up a battery pack for my Ipod. Great seeing everyone and I can't wait to hang out again.
Date: 2006-06-29
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: The Day I Almost Quit
Miles today: 0.0

Where to begin. Since leaving Vernon NJ, the trail has not been my friend. It all started when someone threw pencils at me as I was taking a break on the side of a road in New York. Followed by the unbelievable amount of mosquitos and black flies, not to mention the humidity that allows you sweat out all the DEET you put on. New York was a waste of time (PS everyone I met was mean). I figured it was just New York, therefore Connecticut must be better. I was wrong. The moment I stepped foot in Connecticut, it started to rain and it hasn't stopped since. I tried to stay positive by saying "well at least it will chase off the bugs" but don't be mistaken - mosquitos can still bite even in a downpour. Connecticut was a waste of time (PS everyone I met was stuck up). Then there was yesterday. Yesterday was my first day in Massachusetts and it was the worst day on the trail. I woke up to a flooded tent, a sub-merged digital camera, and a wet...everything. The trail went straight up and down these extremely rocky mountains and then basically turned into a creek scramble. To say I fell a few times would be an understatement. Lets just say I busted my a** a LOT. On the positive side the sun did come out... right when I dropped off into a 6 mile long bog. If there is a hell, that is going to be mine. Running as fast as you can through thick mud, a wall of 60 mosquitoes chasing you trying to suck your blood, as well as a swarm of 10 black flies dive bombing your head and face trying to chew a hole in you skin. At the end of all this, I broke down. That is the first time this whole trip where 123 days of mental, physical, and emotional exertion finally caught up to me. Here I am, taking a day off, trying to fix my head. I'm not quitting. I just need a day away.
Date: 2006-06-30
From: Bennington

To: Getting Excited About The 4th of July
Miles today: 0.0

Well, after leaving Great Barrington, I pushed pretty hard to make up for my zero day. After doing 18, 31, 21, and a 20 yesterday, I am again off the trail in Bennington for the 4th of July bash that Granite has been planning for a few weeks. We (about 20-30 thru hikers) have reunited and are about to hitch an hour to Marborol College and throw down for the night. The weather has been great, the people have been awesome, and I'm in Vermont. Its crazy how a bad day, like the one I wrote about last time, really makes you enjoy the trail that much more, if you make it through. Sadly, people are still dropping out left and right so I'm trying to stay very focused on the short term tasks and goals that I am setting. My goal right now is to eat a huge plate of biscuits and gravy, catch a ride with a long haired hippy down VT 9 and enjoy a night celebrating the fact that I "can do what I want"- (Pebbles I already miss you, you need to get back on) Well off I go. HAVE A GREAT 4TH!!!!
Date: 2006-07-11
From: Some shelter somewhere

To: Woodstock VT
Miles today: 0.0

Thanks to everyone who signed my guest book, emailed me, or called me when I was feeling down. Thankfully, that has passed and the end is truely in sight. I have done the long days, climbed the mountains, fought and fought and fought and now I am enjoying the benefits of my pain. From here on, I have to average an easy 13 miles a day. That may sound like a lot to some people but to me that just means I can sleep in, hang out in towns, read books, enjoy vistas and mountain summits and truely take in the last 460 miles of my trip. Today has been one of the best days on the trail by far. We slept in until the rain passed then walked 4 miles to a road and caught a ride instantly to Woodstock VT. Once in town we were showered with kindness. From a free lunch and free stay at the most beautiful Bed and Breakfast in town, to free fruit smoothies at the local outfitter. I was even able to do laundry for free. Tomorrow I will leave this little utopia and hike out of Vermont and into New Hampshire. Although I will be sad because Vermont has been so incredible I am looking forward to the infamous White Mountains and climbing up Mt Washington. As of right now my finishing date is the 15th of August followed by a week of mayhem as I tour Maine with my parents, fly to Charlotte the 21st, drive to Boone that night and start school the next morning. Unbelievable. To even think about the real world is so erie. For now I'm going to continue on, enjoying every mile I have left and begin to reflect on the journey that I have been so lucky to attempt.
Date: 2006-07-16
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Just Before The Whites
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I'm going to make this a simi quick entry. Right now I am in Glencliff, NH and today will be my first day in the Whites. The first climb up Mt Moosilauke is a gain of around 3,500 feet over 4 miles, then 3,500 feet down over another 4 miles which will take me to the base of the next 4,000 foot peak. I won't worry about that one until I get there. I'm going to get started soon, it's about 7am, because it's supposed to be record highs today and hiking in 90 degree weather hurts, a lot. Last night the bugs ate me alive and guys snoring kept me up later than I wanted, but that's just another challenge to overcome. Either way, the countdown, quite a slow countdown at that, continues as I'm under a month now to finish. See ya on the flip side.
Date: 2006-07-23
To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: fog

Guest entry by Grizzly's Dad:Nick is in Gorham, NH and plans to stay in a Hostel tonight. He is with Doogie and Granite. Overflow and Snake are a few miles behind, but will probably catch up in a day or two. He said today's miles were tough, with multiple climbs. He ran into a forest service official ( not sure if State or Federal ) who told Grizzly that they were planning to remove all white blazes in a New Hampshire section of the trail that goes through a wilderness area south of Gorham. Grizzly expressed amazement (the trail had been hard to follow) and asked for the reasoning behind this idea. The official¢s response was that "... the trees were here before the trail was." I am unable to quote Grizzly¢s entire response other than to relate that it involved an observation of stupidity, which observation this journalist shares whole heartedly. Sometimes even the best of intentions are misguided and illogical. Enough said. Grizzly has less than 300 miles to go and plans to finish by mid August. Momma bear and Poppa bear will meet him in Maine to celebrate the journey¢s completion. More updates to follow. Grizzly appreciates all your entries in his guest book. Please be sure to visit the guest book and to sign.
Date: 2006-07-24
From: Gorham, NH

To: The Croc
Miles today: 0.0

Well, as some of you have heard this morning was not the greatest of mornings. But it's noon time and I'm already laughing about it (as I chew on Advil like they are M&Ms). I lost my left croc a week ago and in the hostel last night I found a right croc. So the crafy side of me took contol and I figured I could carve out the arch in the croc and insert my left insole in the right croc and I could use that without buying a new pair. So away I go trying to cut out the arch, 2 minutes into it I turned to Granite and said "you know I'm probably going to cut the shit out of myself" then a minute after that I turned to her and she looked at my face and said "how bad?" and I replied "really really bad". After nearly fainting Doogie and Granite went to work trying to clean and bandage up the deep slice in my thumb. I decided stitches were necessary, but not until I had visited the $7.95 all you can eat breakfast buffet down the road. The waitress brought me a marker and some cardboard which I wrote HOSPITAL on and soon after used to get a hitch 8 miles to the next town. The man who took me was so kind and actually waited while I got 3 stitches to take me back to the hostel. Just another story to tell my grandchildren I guess. Well, I think I'm going to return to The Barn so round two of Monopoly can get started. Oh yeah, to all those at Smith Barney, of course I won the first round : )
Date: 2006-07-29
From: The Cabin Andover

To: 17 Out of Andover
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well as I sit here stoked to get back on the trail there is a hiker stranded on a mountain that I climbed two days ago. Evidently the person broke their ankle and is waiting for a black-hawk helicopter to carry them off the mountain at 7 this morning. Makes me realize that I'm not there yet. Even with all the congratulations from section hikers, locals, southbounders, and friends I am still 256 miles from the end. Took a zero yesterday, possibly the last of the trip, so Granite could get a little better from all the confusion that occurred Thursday. From going to the clinic for severe dehydration and potassium/protein deficiency, to having a full search and rescue to find her because her Dad got worried when she forgot to call. The day was quite interesting. All is well now though and in 12 hours I gained 6 pounds from eating so much food. Now its time to crank it out. Doogie and I are thinking about pushing the average from the current 15 to 20. If it is possible, that will put us to the base of Katahdin(the end) in 12 days. Less than two weeks!!! We all sat around last night and watched videos on the trail and it really hit us. Even to make it this far we have beaten the odds; I wish I could express what it feels like, but its impossible. Although, I will say that I am petrified about leaving this trail. It has become my life. Every minute and every second for the past 140+ days have been solely dedicated to this journey. The people I have met have become the closest people in my life; they know everything about me. The trail has required so much diligence, so much sacrifice, so much pain and suffering. Soon enough all that work will be done, all the laughter will be memories, all the people will be gone, and the trail will send me on my way. In a matter of a few days when my trip is over, I will go from living in the woods with everything I know and understand, to being thrown back into college. That thought is the most disturbing thing since I started in Georgia.
Date: 2006-08-01
From: 17 out of Andover

To: Horns Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Guest Entry: Got a call from Grizzly as he was beginning the climb up the Bigelow Range north of Stratton ME. He will be staying at Horns Pond Lean-to tonight. Doogie,Granite,Overflow and Snake are also expected to stay there. He mentioned the names of two other north bounders (I believe members of the "Maine Train"), but I can't remember their names. Tomorrow¢s plans are a completion of the Bigelow Range, ending at a dirt road where Granite's uncle has stashed a vehicle. He has offered the use of his vehicle and his cabin at Pierce Pond, (making Granite's uncle the Gabriel of trail angles...Thanks Uncle Granite!!) After a little R&R at Pierce Pond it will be on to Monson and the beginning of the One Hundred Mile Wilderness. I am trying to correct the total trip mileage and am not sure what will show up with this entry, but the total trip mileage at Horns Pond is 1,992.2 with 182.7 to go to Katahadin. I am so proud of these strong young adults. What a journey! Thanks to all who have helped and encouraged them. They periodically read your kind words in their guest books, so keep them coming. Peace, Grizzly's Dad.
Date: 2006-08-08
From: Monson, ME

To: Beginning of the 100 Mile Wilderness
Miles today: 0.0

Grizzly's Dad: Grizzly,Granite,Snake,Overflow and Doogie stayed at at that old AT standby, Shaw's Boarding House, Sunday night, Aug 6,2006. They began the 100 mile wilderness the next morning. 114.5 miles to go to the top of Katahdin. (2,060.1 completed as of Sunday night) Looks like they all will finish by the weekend or first part of next week. Their schedules vary, so they might not finish together, but their memories will be forever shared. My pride in them grows by the day. I doubt they have 10 ounces of body fat between them. Keep those journal encouragements coming.      Grizzly Sr.
Date: 2006-08-11
To: White House Landing Wilderness Camp
Miles today: 0.0

Guest entry, Grizzly's Dad:Grizzly,Granite,Blistah and another Maine Trainer are staying at the White House Wilderness Camp just off the AT 45.9 miles from Katahdin. Meals, beds and facilities. The camp is on the shore of Pemadumcook Lake and features a one pound burger, pizza and fixings. By phone Grizzly advised he did justice to the meal. Tomorrow they plan to camp at Rainbow Lake. Grizzly is looking forward to a swim with views of Katahdin from the lake. He plans to push on to the Birches (a shelter 5.2 miles from the base of Katahdin on Sunday) Weather permitting, he'll drag Grizzly Sr. up Katahdin on Monday for a summit celebration and the completion of his 2,175 mile journey. I'm still amazed and proud beyond words. Next week he plans to hit Bar Harbor on the coast of Maine, and thereafter, down the coast to Boston, with the stated goal of making a sizable dent in the lobster population along the way. More good news to follow after the summit. Grizzly Sr
Date: 2006-08-29
To: ASU
Miles today: 0.0

I still don't understand. I still am having to struggle everyday with racing thoughts of how I am not hiking anymore. Life is so fast. For five and a half months I was able to slow it down but not anymore. It feels like I was floating calmly and comfortably down a river enjoying the surroundings and the relaxed company, all of a sudden a damn broke up stream and I'm drowning in classes, deadlines, work, social demands, meetings, promises, lunches, parties, and study groups. But... at least I learned how to swim when I was young. Off to class.
Date: 2006-09-11
To: The Observer Article
Miles today: 0.0

Check out the article Jack Horan at the Charlotte Observer did on me!CLIMB TO TOP WAS PAINFUL, FULFILLING ENDURANCE FEAT TOOK CHARLOTTEAN 51/2 MONTHS TO COVER 14 STATES JACK HORAN, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT He endured a 331/2-mile day in the N.C. mountains pelted by freezing rain and sleet, his backpack laden with 15 pounds of ice."That's the worst I've ever hurt in my whole life," said Nick Matus, a 20-year-old Charlottean whose hike on the Appalachian Trail ended Aug. 14. Matus said "trail magic" helped keep him going for the 2,175 miles. "From people giving away food, drinks, free stays at bed and breakfasts, hitches into distant towns, gear and medical aid. It really restored my faith in the kindness of complete strangers."Matus graduated from Myers Park High in 2004 and attends Appalachian State. Here's how "Grizzly" (his trail name) described his experiences via e-mail.Why did you decide to hike the AT? When I was younger, my dad took me on the Appalachian Trail and it blew my mind that a path could stretch from Georgia to Maine. By the time I was 11, I knew that I would attempt a thru-hike.What was your previous longest hike? When I was 16, I did a 30-day backpacking trip through the Talkeetna Range in Alaska with the National Outdoor Leadership School, which gave me the confidence and skills to attempt this hike.What surprised you the most about the AT? The brutality of the cold weather in the South (he started Feb. 21 in Georgia) as well as the relentlessness of the bugs in the North.Did you ever seriously consider quitting? Only twice. Once in Damascus, Va., when I pulled my quad (a thigh muscle) really bad and couldn't walk without a heavy dose of Tylenol, and in Massachusetts where it had been raining for five days straight. As soon as the rain stopped, I was literally swarmed with mosquitoes and had to run for six miles before collapsing in exhaustion.What was it like to climb (the northern terminus) Mount Katahdin? Words can't describe it. Fourteen states, five-and-a-half months, fighting through not only physical pain but mental and emotional fatigue, each day bringing about a new challenge. All so you climb that final mountain, touch that sign and know that anything is possible.
Date: 2006-02-14
To: Genesis of A Dream
Miles today: 0.0

When I was a young teenager, I was really into backpacking. It was the 70's (I'm 44 now) and we spent a lot of weekends hiking in places like Kisatchie, Chicot and Turkey Creek. We also took some bigger trips to New Mexico and Wyoming. During that time, I read some books that excited my imagination and birthed in me a desire not just to do some "backpacking trips", but rather to do some epic trips. These three books were "The Man Who Walked Through Time" and "Thousand Mile Summer" by Colin Fletcher and "The High Adventure of Eric Ryback" by Eric Ryback. It's hard to describe the feelings that these books produced. I think the word "freedom" describes it. The kind of freedom that you can taste and smell. The kind that you live in. The kind that has the capability of changing who and what you are to the very core. Even at the age of 12 or 13, these feelings were so vivid and strong and I dreamed of the day that I would be able to taste, smell and feel these things for myself.What are the things that keep drawing me out there? Thankfully - it's a variety of things. Goofy moments like the one in the picture on this page. The camaraderie of working through challenging times together with other people. Being really hungry when it's time to eat. Hearing more keenly our God than in any nearly any other setting. The black-and-white of everything (no grey zones). There's so many things - and I am looking forward to all of them. I also want to say that Becky and I are looking forward to meeting and hiking with all of you. Only 3 weeks to go!John (Gumby)
Date: 2006-02-14
To: The Call of the Wild
Miles today: 0.0

The birth of hiking the Appalachian Trail began at a very early age for me. When I was 6 years old my father was going to hike for a week with my 11 year old brother on the AT. My imagination was sparked when we arrived at the drop off point. I begged my dad to take me with them - never mind we hadn't packed a sleeping bag, clothes, or food for me to join their adventure. None of that mattered. I pleaded telling him that I could do it, I was strong. Then I'd run up the trail to show how strong I was. My mom tried to comfort me by telling me of all the fun my 2 sisters and I would have at the campground, but it was no use. My dad and brother embarked on their wild adventure and I was left to dream of the day I too could hike the Appalachian Trail.Becky - coyotebec