morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-08-12
To: Appalachain training vs. loosenuts
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

This is my second journal entrie. I had to add stuff to my pack this morning so I was running late. I try to get in 3-5 miles before I get to the train that gets me to work. This morning I only got in 3 miles. I'll have to make up for it tomorrow.
Date: 2015-08-14
To: I Feel Great
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I did 3.5 miles this morning. My pack weight was 48 lbs. I made some Illinois ascents and descents from 800 ft to 1050 ft and down and felt great. I am going to put in some 10 mile days this weekend. Only 15 days to go. I can't wait.
Date: 2015-08-19
To: Still Training
Miles today: 0.0

I did not hike this morning. I did 10 miles on Saturday, 12 miles on Sunday, 5 miles on Monday and 5 miles on Tuesday. I took my meds Tuesday night so I can drive all night Thursday. The meds wiped me out so I slept in until 4:45 a.m. I will make up for it tomorrow morning. It did rain on Tuesday but not as much as I wanted it to. This weekend we are racing in Michigan at MIS Speedway. I sure hope I get time to hike the hills out there.
Date: 2015-09-01
From: Hiker Hostel

To: springer mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I am at the Hiker Hostel. Tomorrow morning I start at Springer Mountain. The weather is great, I can only hope it stays this way. Josh says my pack is to heavy so it looks like Nortown is getting some extra trail food and my dirty underwear shipped to them. Josh says 35 lbs is where I should start. I am at 50 lbs now. My Mom was worried about me walking alone. To be 50 years old and still have you Mom worry about you is a great feeling. I'll be ok Mom. Could you guys tell my Mom I'll be ok!
Date: 2015-09-02
From: springer mountain

To: Cooper Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

What a great day. The miles move faster than you would think. I've seen 4 other hikers. I met to at the Hostel last night. They were section hiking and only had 20 miles to go. They decided to start at Springer Mountain with me. They were slack packing so their pace was faster than mine. After 4.5 miles they moved on. Their names were Sweet D and Determinator. A husband and wife that were totally opposites. He hated hiking and she loved it. Hey, A Walk in the park came out today you should go see it. I want to thank everyone who has mad an entry on my trail journals acct. it gives me strength to move forward. I feel pretty good after 13.5 miles. I am tenting a Coopers Gap. There is a thunder storm rolling in. I can here it but no rain yet. I was sleeping then Rich Mich text me and woke me up. I am gonna turn my phone off at night. I don't have service very often and didn't earlier. Oh well, Good Night all.
Date: 2015-09-03
From: Cooper Gap

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 12.5

Lotsa elevation changes today. I was not ready for these. Illinois has nothing compared to this. Hiking with 55 lbs helped. Although I am only hiking with 40 lbs now tomorrow at a Neels Gap I hope to shed another 5-7 lbs. it's only 8 miles but I get to summit a 4400 ft Mountain. Sleep and good nutrician is key. If Rich Mich doesn't call me tonight I should get 12 hours. I normally only get 6-8 hours but these Mountains are pretty tough. The Hostel I stayed in Tuesday night was pretty awesome. 60% of their guest don't even hike. It's really a Bed & Breakfast except the only provide breakfast. I recommend it to everyone. Well. Gotta go. The bugs are saying time to sleep. Tats for now!
Date: 2015-09-04
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 9.5

I don't know what picture I downloaded but all of them are awesome. Well, this is the third day on the trail and I am doing well. Today I sumited Blood Mountain. It is the tallest elevation on the trail so far. I have met a lot of people. Mostly day hikers. It is the begining of a long weekend. So the staff at a eels Gap are going to go through my pack tomorrow to see if we can lighten things up. I scaled it here and it says 46 lbs. I scaled it at Hiker Hostel and theirs said it was 40 lbs. I will find out for sure.Everyone have been very nice to talk to. Yesterday a lady gave me a banana and 2 bottles of water. Just out of the blue. I have experienced trail magic also. I was coming ove a 3700 foot mountain and ran out of water. The next water stop was 5 mile away but I had already done 12.5 for the day and it was getting late. At the bottom of the hill there were 5 gallon jugs of water placed there by a trail angel. The feeling I had was amazing. I now could have my freeze dried lasangna and water to continue on. Now I fill my water every chance I get.
Date: 2015-09-05
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountian Shelter
Miles today: 15.5

I know I said my average daily mileage should be about 10 miles a day. But I met this recently retired Air Force guy and he talked me into doing 15.5 miles over the toughest part of the trail in Georgia so we would have 11 miles left to do tomorrow and then we will stay in a hostel so we can clean some of the trail grime and stink off. After 5 days on the trail I don't have to use bug spray the smell keeps them away. So at the Hiker Hostel, Josh got me to send 5 lbs home, at Neels Gap they got me to send 6 lbs home and now I've got 7 more to go. My pack started at 55 lbs now it's at 30 lbs. Man, what a difference. I wish I would have known that my pack weight would make such a difference.So tomorrow at the end of the day I should have 75 mile in 6 days. I am ahead of schedule. This will allow me lower mileage days through the Smokies.Have a great day everyone. I am.
Date: 2015-09-06
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 6. Everyday is an experience. So I have committed to hike with Dr. Pepper and Cold Water Stream. We have agreed on the mileage and stops. Dr. Pepper is stopping a little earlier than I and Cold Water Stream will have to get off as soon as his visa for Russia comes through. I've lightened my pack to 28 lbs. I'm so excited. I can't wait to get back on the trail and try it out. Weight makes a big difference. Dr. Pepper has helped me to see the light.So I have not seen a bear but have seen many snakes. I could not post any pictures to trail journals but will try Facebook after this log.So we are at 70 miles and tomorrow we will cross into North Carolina. I hope to be trail hardened soon. In 8 days I to the Smokies and there are a lot of elevation gains.I got a bunch to tell everyone but I only type with with my right thumb and I'm tired. Check my journal tomorrow.Good Night
Date: 2015-09-11
From: Rock Gap

To: Siler Bald
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

We have had rain for 3 days and no service. I am sorry if you have worried about me. I feel like a mushroom but the beauty make it all worth while. I can't post pictures cause of battery life. In 2 days I'll be at the NOC and I'll charge everything for the next round. Dr. Pepper and Cold Water Stream are great. There stories make the miles move along. Yesterday we did 13 miles in 6 hours. I will update everyone when I get back. I'm 1/3 the way done. We are at 125 miles and feeling good. I'll update you when I can. Track me on findemespot.comLife is a blessing. The trail is badass!
Date: 2015-09-12
From: Brown Fork Gap 

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

I am 125.6 miles into the trail. I have met some interesting travelers and am traveling with some great guys. We did 12.5 miles today and have a lot of time at the shelter. We even stopped to pick apples about 2 miles back. It has gotten cold and it has been raining. But it's still a wounderfull experience. As I write this I am sitting on a ledge at 5000 feet looking out at many mountains and towns in the distance. I can't wait to show you all.I'll write more tomorrow when I get to NOC.
Date: 2015-09-13
From: Cold Spring Stelter

To: Nantahaln Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.0

Cold Spring Shelter is right in the middle of the AT. I mean dead in the middle of the trail. The cold stream is right in front of the shelter and it is cold. It was cold when we got into camp it was 60 degrees and it had been raining. So we walked up onto to ridge to get some sun. It was a nice end to a day. When we finally got into our sack and settled down the mice came out. Dr. Pepper was battling with them for an hour. It was funny as heck. When he was finished with them they gave up on getting his stuff they were probably to tired to mess with my stuff.When we woke up it was 38 degrees. I guess it's going to be chilly in the morning for a week or so. It makes for great hiking when it's cooler.So we hiked for 12.5 miles and got some great pics. We stopped to pee and Cool Water Stream found a Jet Boil Mini stove on the side of the cliff. Dr. Pepper took a spill 10 ft down a incline after stepping on a soft shoulder. He was fine but shaken up. If he would not have been stopped by the tree he would have first into NOC.We are at NOC now and have restocked and cleaned the trail stink off. We are going eat a Mile Post 134 (an open faced 1/2 lb hamburger covered in chile). Then we will get a good nights sleep and hit the trail at 7:00 am for another 16 mile day. Good Night to you all. I'll log my journey as soon as I can.
Date: 2015-09-14
From: Nantahaln Outdoor Center

To: Brown Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a hard 16.5 miles. We started at 1700 ft and climbed to 5000 ft in 4 miles. Man it was tough. But worth it. The weather was perfect, the views were perfect, my trail buddies were awesome. Life don't get any better than this.Except if my little wife were with me. Della is suppose to fly out to Asheville NC on the 26th and hike for a day with me. I can't wait. Well I'll give you more info tomorrow when I get to Fontana Dam where I will be entering the Smokey Mountains.Good Night all
Date: 2015-09-15
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

It was another beautiful day on the trail. It was 60 degrees in the trees. There were no clouds when we saw the sky. We made it to Fantana Dam Marina where we were told to have an Ice Cream Sandwich by Ron. We met Ron at the NOC. He is this 70 year old section hiker. He has been around. The Ice Cream Sandwichs are exactly what he said they where, Awesome! We still have a mile and a half to get to the shelter.The Fontana Dam shelter is refered to as the Fontana Hilton. It is supposed to be nice and have showers also. So yesterday we hiked 16.5 miles and after 7 mile Dr. Pepper stuck his walking stick into a hornets nest and got them all made. He took off running and dropped his walking stick. I was 15 ft behind and saw the coming out of the hole. I saw him run and drop his stick so I made a run for it, right through the hornets and grabbed his stick and kept on running. The hornets still got me 3 times on my legs. When I got to Dr. Pepper he was covered in them and swinging his arms to get them off. When we got clear he only got 2 bites. What a day.Today was pretty eventful except I dropped my phone on the trail and we had to go back a mile to pick it up. We we are going to the Hiton so I will up date you when I can.
Date: 2015-09-17
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

So from Fontana Dam to Mollies ridge we ended up doing 16 miles. We made good time. We entered the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. And what a beautiful day it was. 60 degrees with a little breeze.We stayed at the shelter with another couple, The Doctor and the Mad Scientist. They are hiking around the Smokies for a few days. They are Medical students from Ashville.We did 13 today and tomorrow we will do 14. Tomorrow we will summit the highest elevation on the AT, Clingmans Dome. 6250 ft. It's going to be a long day. Then on Saturday we have a light day, 5 miles to Gatlinburg TN. We will be staying at another Hostel and restocking our supplies.I probably will not be able to journal until Gatlinburg so keep tuned and I'll let you know how it goes.
Date: 2015-09-18
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

We made it to the top of Clingmans Dome. The highest elevation on the AT. We have 2.5 miles to the shelter the. Tomorrow we will be staying in Gatlinburg TN. We made about 2 mph today. The trails in the Smokies are nice.I'll update you tomorrow! Life is Great!
Date: 2015-09-19
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 5.5

Today we are in Gatlinburg Tennessee. There is a car show going on in Pigeon Forge for the weekend. We are just here to restock and get a shower, no time to see the show.The weather is perfect and I'm feeling great. No pains. No aches. Just another great day on the trail! We have met a bunch of weekend hikers from all over. So many interesting stories. I can't wait to share them with everyone. I'll have to post some on my Nortown website when I get home.So when we were at Clingmans dome we were relaxing on the side of the trail leading to the top and many visitors stopped to talk with us. We had people gathered around us asking questions about the trail and what it was like hiking it. People were very nice. A park ranger gave us some Oreo cookies and another older couple gave us some Cokes. The gift shop only sells water and we had enough of that. Well I've gotta go get some trail food and other supplies. Hey, my friends and family that are following me through find me spot, thanks for keeping an eye on me. I feel like I can look up and see you. For those of you that don't you can go to Nortown.net and track me there. Della has a link so you can. I try to text Della everyday but service just isn't the same on the AT as it is in other parts of the world.I will journal when I can. Remember my birthday is the 23rd of September. I will be 50!
Date: 2015-09-19
From: Newfound Gap

To: Gatlinburg TN
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We just finished restocking and walking through Gatlinburg. Restocking went great. We got everything we needed and I sent some mail home.Gatlinburg was a tourist hotspot. If I didn't have to re-supply I could have done with out stopping here. We did, however, have an awesome dinner at Cherokee Inn. I had a Blue Cheese Ribeye that was great. The last steak dinner before I come home. Tomorrow we will be on the trail until the 26th and then Della and I will do a day out and back on the trail so she can have a feel of trail life. I think she will love it.So I just uploaded 450 pictures to my google drive. I will have Andrew make them available to everyone. I hope you enjoy them.
Date: 2015-09-22
From: Gatlinburg TN

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

So, I made it to Standing Bear Hostel. Since my last journal I have stayed at Pecks Corner and Cosby Knob Shelter. I met a bunch of SOBO thru hikers. There were three brothers the had started on June 4 and we're going to finish on October 2. These brothers were having a great time together. They were trying to catch a guy we had met earlier in the day whose name was Brown. They had hiked together for 500 miles but had gotten off the trail to restock and Brown kept going. At Pecks Corner we met 2 girls hiking together and 3 guys hiking together. Turns out they are going to Hot Springs also. They were moving fast and bet us into Cosby Knob Shelter but we got an early start this morning and it was all downhill so we bet them into Standing Bear Hostel. Today the weather was great. Yesterday it was cloudy but the rain was below us. It was cool, we walked across a ridge and herd it raining below us on both sides. It was beyond awesome. The clouds would blow across and we would feel the dampness it was wild. Well I am going to restock so I will journal in a day or so. I am having so much fun, it's sad that in 4 days it will all be over. But, tomorrow is my birthday and my little wit will be here on the 26th. I hope she enjoys the hike I have planned for her so we can do this together someday.Good night to you all and thanks for supporting me.
Date: 2015-09-26
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Deer Park Shelter
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: light rain

Della made to Hot Springs! Thanks to Rob Izzo for being our central communication. There is no cell service here, only wifi. So I can text Rob but not my wife. Time to get her a new phone. Something newer than an a I-phone 1.We decided to check out Hot Springs today and hike tomorrow. This town has about one day of things to see. We got the library, the visitor center, they got a beer fest this weekend, and a couple eating places. No alcohol only beer.Well I will journal tomorrow before we leave and give you Dellas perspective on Hot Springs
Date: 2015-09-28
From: Max Patch

To: Lemon Gap
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: light rain

Yesterday was my official last hike on the Appalachain Trail. At least I was able to complete it with my wife. Yes, Della hiked 10 miles of the trail and had a good time doing it too. Of coarse 3 miles of the trail where in the town of Hot Springs.Dr. Pepper dropped us off at Max Patch at 12:00 on Sunday and we started our hike. It was overcast so we could not see much but it was great hiking weather. The first 5 miles were all downhill so Della belived it was easy. Until the last 1.3 miles it was all up hill. She did the last mile with only 2 stops for breath. And to let her heart rate slow. We stayed at Walnut Mountain Shelter. I'll let her give you a play by play!I survived and did not get eaten by any bears nor did I get attacked by any strange men. It was quite the opposite, all the people were very nice! I got to hang out with Dr. Pepper, whom really likes Dr. Pepper and is drinking one right now. I am so GLAD that George ran into him and had him as a trail buddy. The hiking I did was great! It was very entertaining. You have to keep your eyes on the trail because of the rocks, roots, and drop offs. I wish everyone in the world could share the experience. Like I keep saying, "You better do it while you can."So some interesting points that she did not include were 1. Della finally pee'd in the woods ?? and 2. Everything is damp and never drys off. She is a seasond hiker now so she is planing on hiking Europe now!So I will follow up with some conclusion journals but thank you for following me on this journey! Remember that I followed my dream of hiking the AT and you can follow your dreams too, just "get out there and do it!"
Date: 2013-11-13
To: Anxious
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today I walked to work again did 6.5 miles in about 1hr and 30 mins with 20 lbs in my pack. Feeling good about my pack, still fits great and its starting to really become a part of me. I bought pants from REI and they came in yesterday so of course I wore them today just to see how they feel. Lots of reviews on them told me to buy a size smaller which I am so glad I did because they are snug but if I would've gotten my size they would have been way too big! They are really nice to wear I almost don't want to ever take them off HAHA! I am feeling very anxious...I want May 31st to be here. I can't wait! Work is hard to be at because all I can think of is the Trail. How many people of the class of 2014 feel the same way I do? Anyways I really want to get my journal up so expect a couple more random entries!! Happy Trails!Chelsea¢because he had no place he could stay in without getting tired of it and because there was nowhere to go but everywhere, keep rolling under the stars...¢ ? Jack Kerouac, On the Road
Date: 2013-11-14
To: Mt. Katahdin quote
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I have decided that this is going to be the quote that I am going to repeat over and over in my head climbing Katahdin....¢Because in the end, you won¢t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.¢ ? Jack KerouacI think I might be in love with Jack Kerouac
Date: 2015-06-18
From: Mt. Katahdin quote

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, the time has come. After years of planning and several disappointing setbacks I am finally doing it. I leave for the Trail on Sunday at 6 am. Taking a plane to Portland, ME, a bus to Bangor, another bus to Medway and then the lovely people from the AT Lodge will be picking me up to take me to Millinocket. I am so excited¢¦scared shitless, but more excited. I will be updating on here with my journal and then posting pictures on Facebook. So¢¦STAY TUNED -Chelsea
Date: 2015-06-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Had to zero today at the AT Lodge in Millinocket. I wasn't able to get my food last night because everything closes here at 9 and I did not make it here in time. So I didn't climb Katahdin today which I've been kicking myself in the butt all day because it turned out to be a beautiful day. Looking on the radar tomorrow tells me showers low of 60 and high winds. Awesome. Anyways we will see how it goes! I still went out to my campsite today in Baxter State Park and it was really nice. I camped by Yukon who thru hiked NOBO last year and this really cute couple whose names I think are Nina and Cory(hiking SOBO) but don't quote me on that lol. Hiked a mile down to the Abol Falls which was very pretty!! Then met Becky who is another solo female hiking SOBO. So glad there are people that I will be hiking with!!
Date: 2015-06-23
From: Katahdin Stream Campsite

To: Katahdin 
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: light rain

Katahdin:what a bitch. I SHOULD HAVE HIKED HER YESTERDAY. Pissed at myself. Let me tell you about this bitch named Katahdin. She's 5000 feet tall with boulder climbs and rocks the size of a small home. A part of the climb is like literally a cliff face that a mountain climber with gear should climb. Now add winds high around 60 mph and rain spitting at you sideways, rocks slick as snot and that rip your hands apart when you climb on them. Word to the wise DONT NOT ATTEMPT TO CLIMB THIS MOUNTAIN UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS. I learned this today. But I defeated that hitch enough I am happy with myself I got almost to the summit about a mile out and had to turn back. The gusts of wind were literally almost blowing me off the trail. I succeeded in my eyes though! I'm proud of myself and everybody that attempted that treacherous climb. In tents. (Intense..get it?!) Any who due to low food and trying to save on cash due to the fact that I would have to stay another night which is another 30 bucks I'm taking it as good and moving on with my trip. 100 mile wilderness here I come!! Met a couple more SOBOs on the mountain today they helped me so much. A special shout out to Rich and Steve!! Who were crazy enough to summit!!!
Date: 2015-06-24
From: Katahdin Stream Campsite

To: Hurd Brook Lean to 
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Well today was rough but fun! 13.4 miles after Katahdin was rough for everybody. Hiked with Iron Horse and Becky all. Don't know if I could've done it without them. Nice crew of people at the lean to tonight. Rich, Steve, Iron Horse, Sleeping Bear, John, Matt and Becky. Bad news of the day. I lost my Kindle while walking we had just stopped to take pictures of the Big Niagra Falls and I stuck it in what I thought was the pocket behind my head but it wasn't must have slipped out while I was walking. So I am pretty bummed about that but it's just a thing and things can be replaced. Anyone hiking the AT know that people are NOT joking about the rocks and roots in Maine. They are some serious shut. Thank goodness I have trekking poles or else I would have broken an ankle. So tired that's all for now. Oh forgot to tell about fording the rivers today. There was two of them first one was not bad but the second was a bit of a struggle but I made it got myself wet but my pack is all dry!!!