morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-08-17
From: Hurd Brook lean-to

To: The Birches Lean-Tos and Campsite
Miles today: 13.6

Well, I am number 221 for thruhikers signing in at the ranger station at the base of Katahdin. A much smaller number than where I started out in the beginning and the middle. But I know there are many more of my friends out there. It feels so weird to think that this is the last night of this epic long hike. There will be more miles. But it won¢t be the same as this. Weird, it all just does not compute and I simply can¢t adjust my mind. The miles to Abol bridge were easy. I stopped at the store there and basked in the view of Katahdin while eating ice cream and a breakfast of steak and cheese on a bun. It reminded me so much of living out on Frenchboro and heading down to my friend Tammy¢s store for the same meal. Maine, sometimes I just love you to death. There were more bug issues and I am missing my bug repellent like you have no idea. But all the great views and easy miles of the park as I headed into Baxter State Park were distracting. Most of the walk followed along rivers and waterfalls. The breeze along the river was great and I think I was simply hyper aware of everything. I guess because for so long I have been doing and seeing the same thing that I started to take it for granted, but now looking around, I realized just¢¦gosh I don¢t even know how describe it¢¦ There are the colors, the feel of the ground, the way my poles fit in my hands, the weight of my pack, everything, just everything I was becoming more aware of and concentrating, almost trying to hold on tighter to it. I got to the ranger station and saw that Dickel, Byline, Hawk, Peeper and Gumpy were summiting today. And so I waited there most the rest of the day, hoping I would get to see them. I missed Dickel and Byline, but got to see the others. They looked different somehow. I asked how it had felt and they were in the same state of non-reality as I was. But we were all smiling and congrats went around. I haven¢t been able to get any signal for the last week and had a lot of people coming in, so I asked Hawk to do some calls for me when he reached civilization again, hope it all works out.At the base camp tonight there is only me and another section hiker just finishing up the last of his miles. I guess I had always envisioned more of a crowd here and instead its mostly me with my thoughts. We had some great conversations but I can¢t help but think it would have been nice to share this with someone I had a connection with from somewhere along the way. Until now there had always been this general feeling that you would run into your friends again, that all it would take was a bend in the trail and you¢d stumble along them no matter how many weeks had gone by since you last saw them. No longer. What bittersweet emotions I am finding swirling in my mind tonight. The last. THE LAST?!?How can this be ending? Like so many things in life, it just seems that there should be fireworks and big bands playing. Instead it¢s a quiet victory all my own. No idea how I will feel tomorrow when I summit. I¢m anxious for good weather and hopeful.I couldn¢t stop smiling today.
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

make time has moved on to make time II thanks to alot of people..........mostly my wife(walks softly), cob( a 2010 thru hiker with extraordinary skills), willard(whom i lost track of), quarterpounder,frankie the sleeper.........donner,the general,gumby,teepee, specs,wildman,hit&miss,ridley and panther,murph,stryder,sonic,flying turtle,and many more............walks softly and myself will begin a trek to katahdin......not daltahdin in early march 2012...............old and out of shape i think it will take a miracle to finish but i owe it to walks softly as in 2009 she hiked with me from katahdin to dalton...............she has read about every "at" book available and knows the trail..........she will finish..........me that's another story.................i'm going with far less weight.........will hopefully start out slower.............for the record i started my first thru-hike on july 1,2009 and slowly reached dalton on september 23,2009...................went home to oregon and walks softly went back to work...........being a couch potatoe i asked her if i could return in march 2010 to springer and finish...............thus dalton on june 30 2010 enabling me to be a one year thru-hiker exactly..............thank you cob.....who by the way started the same day at springer i did but still failed to do the approach trail( he still has a excuse)
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

walks softly has just finished another "at" book................awol............she says it was one of the better books she has read on the "at"...............this past summer we hiked the rogue river trail.........about 80 miles.......galice, oregon to gold beach, oregon..........we did it to quickly...........in 5 days............it's a very scenic hike with several waterfalls and of course goes along the rogue river......we also hiked mt. mcloughlin(9500 ft)twice..............you might think this means something...it doesn't...............i'm out of shape and i need to do something about it............perhaps less red wine or budwieser might help...............were going with no mail drops............don't want to be slowed up by the postal service.............i would like to go stoveless like i did before but walks softly won't have any part of that...................
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

walks softly and i finished a 29 mile(14.5 each way) to valley of the rogue state park.............we left yesterday morning and hiked to rogue river...........picked up some wine,cheese,crackers,fruit,etc. and hiked on to the park...............had a big fire watched for santa in the clear skies overhead.................woke up to frost on the tent.........started a fire...........found out our fuel cannister was empty.................hiked back into rogue river.............had coffee and a pastry............headed home............our packs weighed in at 20 pounds...............our feet are sore....until next time.................make time II..................i won't say that again...............
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

it pains me to say this and do this..............my trail name should be "off duty" as walks softly says....................i'm doing zero prep for this adventure and i'm gonna pay the price..................i've long believed the better prepared you are the more you'll enjoy yourself on the trail............so what's up with make time II.................?.............i guess i believe what i also read that you can come from the couch(the biggest loser category) and finish the hike..................perhaps i'll make suches..........however i have alot of incentive to make it to maryland if not katahdin....................i might be the first thruhiker(from oregon) to hike it twice....................on another note i would like to go stoveless but walks softly won't have anything to do with that.....................see you all on the trail in march.....................happy trails.............make time II
Date: 2012-02-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

as i get up from the couch and go outside to scrape the ice off walks softlys car............ i wonder?................are we really up for this(the "at") on a day to day basis?.....................packing up a wet tent(added weight)?................setting up a wet tent?..........climbing into a wet tent?..............filtering water in a cold stream with cold hands?..........mosquito/black flies buzzing around you (while your hiking/at the shelters.filtering water)?................waiting for your partner to do his or her thing when your in full hike mode?..........popping advil?.............for six months?............would we rather wake up in a 68 degree cottage and leave to go outside when it warms up?.................furthermore wouldn't it be more pleasant to turn on the coffee pot(or drive a short distance for a latte), read the morning paper(on the couch of course), have walk softly make french toast and perhaps watch the today show followed by some sports and before we climb into bed for the night........ we have a nice hot shower and perhaps a glass of wine................................time will sure tell...................
Date: 2012-03-03
To: Los Angeles
Miles today: 0.0

We caught the Coastal Starlight late last night to LA. Lee's Cousin Lee Sims & Bonnie Lemons caught the Coastal Starlight in San Jose to join us to LA. We had a beautiful trip seeing a river otter in the Sacramento River and alot of Whale spout's off the Coast of California near Vandenberg Air Force Base. Once in LA took a cab to the Cecil Hotel for the evening.Make time II & Walks Softly
Date: 2012-03-04
To: New Orleans
Miles today: 0.0

Today we got up and had early coffee at the Hotel before making our way walking to Union Station. We had time to kill until the Cousins caught their train back home. Went to Olvera Street and checked out the little market and had breakfast at La Noche Beuna a little Mexican Cafe. Then we made our way to Union Station to see the cousins off. They caught their train at 10:00 we had a lay over til 3:00. We eventually made our way back to the Market, by now the street was booming with activity and music. Walked the Markets some more, and listened to the Music before heading back to catch our train.Make time II & Walks Softly
Date: 2012-03-06
To: New Orleans, LA
Miles today: 0.0

we made it to new orleans.............ugh...................it was a long train ride.....................with some really rude people...................we did join up with long walker........................however he isn't doing the approach trail......................we catch the train tomarrow morning for gainsville....................the work is just beginning.................did i say work.........................ugh......................i'm really tired.................the train ride.................see you all soon...................make time ii and walk softly..........................
Date: 2012-03-07
To: New Orleans, LA
Miles today: 0.0

Well we are delaying our start date by one day. Make time and I took his high school friend out for her birthday dinner and he left his wallet at the restaurant and did not notice until this morning just before catching our taxi to the train. Waiting frantically til the restaurant opens to see if his wallet is still their. Letting Frankie the Sleeper down, as we were meeting him at the approach tomorrow. Changed our train reservations for tomorrow.Will try to post again to let you know if he has his wallet.Make time II & Walks Softly
Date: 2012-03-09
From: Amicalola Falls State Park, Approach Trail

To: Intersection of Benton MacKaye,AT
Miles today: 5.2

Josh Dropped us off at the Approach Trail at 9:00, their were five of us. 'Scout,Gedi,Chante, and us. We were the last to get on the trail, filled up our water bottles and got the ranger to take our picture. Warned about need of a bear canister between Jarrods Gap and Neels Gap, but decided we would not camp and hike through. Do not want the extra weight. We left the Approach Trail at 9:28 and got to Springer about 3:00. I brought about a smidgion of my mom's ashes with me and threw a pinch over my shoulder at Springer. Just as I did a gust of wind blew. Then we decided we could do more to try to catch up with Frankie the Sleeper.
Date: 2012-03-10
From: Intersection of Benton MacKaye,AT

To: Woody Gap !/2 mile north
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

Our first day of not spending any money. A clear sunny day, are we lucky,lucky,lucky. Got a text from Frankie the Sleeper, he had to get off the trail, as a young man with him, hurt himself. Not sure if or when we will meet.
Date: 2012-03-11
From: Woody Gap !/2 mile north,GA

To: Neel Gap, GA
Miles today: 10.0

 woke up to a cold spring breeze from the east...........as usual walk softly carried the load as i'm in the middle of a terrible cold.............it was a easier hike than i remember.......probably because when i did it their was a little snow on the ground making the hike up blood mountain a little tougher.........today walk softly pulled me to the top of blood mountain and into neel gap...........the weather has been perfect but may change tomorrow...............frankie the sleeper...............your not off the trail yet.........i would think you would provide some trail magic..........make time II and walks softly.....................
Date: 2012-03-12
From: Neel Gap, GA

To: Blue Mountain Shelter,GA
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Leaving Neel Gap today heading toward Low Gap Shelter, not sure when we will be able to log on to update, as unable to on our phone. We can read the journal, but not update..... Make time II & Walks SoftlyWe made it futher than we thougnt we would. It rained from morning to night,but we both felt very strong. We can only attribute it to Pirate's Chili.
Date: 2012-03-13
From: Blue Mountain Shelter,GA

To: Addis Gap, GA
Miles today: 14.2

Today we got up early and on trail by 7:15, by the time we got to the top of Blue Mountain the sun had just risen before we arrived and the view was gorgeous. At the end of the day we camped with Cat Napper. I walked an extra 1/2 mile to filter water, at the end of a logging road. No one was there and I took the time to clean up. Make time came shortly as he was worried I would get lost coming back. Make time & Walks Softly
Date: 2012-03-14
From: Addis Gap, GA

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter,NC
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

 Took a break at Dick's Creek Gap. Could of easily gotten a ride to Hiawasee,two hikers were dropped off and zipped up the hill.Stopped for lunch at Plumorchard Shelter where we met Jaws & Bopper, who zipped by us at Dick's Gap. Took another break at the NC/GA Line at Bly Gap with Badger, Glow worm and Ron Paul. Meet Huff & Puff on the trail. Arrived at Muskrat Shelter @ 6:00 set up tent.
Date: 2012-03-15
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Rock Gap, NC
Miles today: 25.0

Left this morning about 7:00am. Ran into Santa & Gnome off and on between them stopping to filter water and us. We got water at Beech Gap where Tickle Monster & Cheeze it passed by. Had lunch @ Carter Gap Shelter. Met up with Fire Fly after Carter Gap It had started Thunder & Lightening and she was terrified. Had her pack off and a distance away. Crouch to the ground, with her cell phone in hand. Somewhere before Long Branch Shelter I got lost, did not see the Blaze to turn, instead of following the creek bed, I followed a trail uphill until it ended. Blew my whistle to try to get Make time attention, but he is too deaf to hear. Turned back around till I found the blaze again. A gentleman had heard by whistle and was standing at the turn off. Finally caught up to Make time. I saw blue blazes and sain something to Make time and he said " Did you see a shelter sign?" Which I had not, so we kept plugging along. By the time we got to Glassmine Gap, we knew we missed it, so we keep treading onto Rock Gap. This made for a very long day, from 7:00 - 7:00. When we arrived Hoops a 2011 through hiker brought us a beer and cinnamon bun. They are planning a big day of trail magic tomorrow. Met Mad Hat & Mamaw B. Checked our phone to see if we had service, got two voicemails, Maketimes Father died this morning. Talked with Make times Mom, we were debating whether to get off trail and rent a car, but Make times Brother was arriving soon. His Mom said she rather have us come later. Jaws & Bopper came in after dark, we had already gone to bed.
Date: 2012-03-16
From: Rock Gap, NC

To: Franklin,NC
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: light rain

 It Thundered, Lightening, and poured Rain through the night at Rock Gap. Got up at 5:30 and had coffee, on the trail by 6:45. Hiked to Winding Stair Gap about 3.9 miles. Got a ride from Becky a nurse, into Franklin. She dropped us off at Ron Haven's Budget Inn. Pam checked us in. We dropped our bags and went to have breakfast in town. Once back at the Hotel they had shut off the water, so our showers and laundry would have to wait. Could not get internet connection. Make time called his Doctor to get cold medicine. Finally got our showers, and laundry done. Then took a city bus out to Walmart to pick up Make times prescription. Our Bus Driver was Marsha, she was very good about showing us around town. As we got to Walmart, we found out it was the last run to Walmart for the day, so we had to huff it back 4 miles to town. Stopped at a Mexican restaurant on our way back for dinner. Got back to hotel about 6:30. Packed up our gear and groceries for the next morning. Got to bed about 10:00 but my side of the bed was broken down, so Make time kept rolling to my side, as I hung on to keep in bed.Make time & Walks Softly
Date: 2012-03-17
From: Franklin,NC

To: Between Tellico Gap & Wesser Bald
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

St. Patrick's Day. Ron Haven gave us a ride and Mad Hat & Mamaw B a ride back to Winding Stair Case. Dropped off about 10:00. Met very few hikers, only day hikers. I figure most through hikers must be in town celebrating. Had a late lunch at Wayah Bald at Tower at 3:00. Met a Father Daughter hiking another trail. 3 other people drove up and talked with us. Left about 3:20. Took another break about 5:20 at Burningtown Gap. Had planned to stay at Cold Spring Shelter in tent. There was one tent, and not alot of area to pitch a tent. Make time said Hello, but the person inside said nothing, and their dog was barking. Also the misquitos were bad, so we decided to move on. Went onto Tellico Gap. Did not wish to stay by logging road, so we hiked until we saw a spring where we got water, and got our head lamps out, and then went a little further until we could find a flat area along the trail.
Date: 2012-03-18
From: Between Telico Gap & Wesser Bald

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Left this morning about 7:30. Today we were on a mission to get to Nantahala Outdoor Center, to have a Burger for lunch. Arrive about 11:30 and went straight to the Restaurant. Had a great Lunch. Then we checked out the Sporting Good store and got a new cannister of fuel and donated what was left of our cannister to the Hiker Box. Then made our way to the Stone House which was a way off. Just to find out they were having a class, so we could not get on the computer. Ran into Badger, Glow worm & Ron Paul. Left NOC at 1:30. The climb up the hill would of been OK, but the heat was exhausting, and my stomach was upset. Too much good food! Stayed at Sassafras Gap, where we met Tabogan.
Date: 2012-03-19
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Awoke eary to a beautiful Crescent Moon coming over the Mountain. Made it up Cheoah Bald at Sunrise. Took a break at Stecoah Gap. Another at the Creek at Yellow Creek Gap, with Dahnu. Dahnu and two other hikers stopped at Campsite 2 miles out of Fontana. Make time wanted to get to the Soda Machine at Fontana Dam. I cleaned up at the restroom, and filled our water bladders. We rested our feet and drank our soda's. After rested we went onto Fontana Dam Shelter, or the Fontana Hilton as the hiker's call it. Went to the tenting area and pitched our tent. Two Isles a through hiker came by and gave me (Walks Softly) a foot massage and clipped my toe nails. Now I call that Trail Magic. Then took our cooking stuff down by the shelter, where someone had a nice fire going. Had our dinner then went to bed.
Date: 2012-03-20
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Fontana Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Left Fontana Hilton up road to Lodge. About a mile down Shuttle Van from Hotel came and gave us a ride. Immediately checked into Hotel and went straight to restaurant where we had an Omelette Breakfast. Prices reasonable for a resort. Finally got to update log and down load pictures as the computers to this point have been poor connection, and continually lost work as connection would go out just as I was ready to hit the OK button.Went down to Store and did our laundry, then walked down to the Pit Stop for Lunch, had pizza & beer. Walked back up store to get a bottle of wine and back to room. Will dine at the Lodge for dinner tonight, and take off in the morning.
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Fontana Lodge

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Had a great breakfast at the lodge, before catching a shuttle back to Fontana Dam Shelter. Walked the road for awhile to Visitor Center where we turned in our Permit for the Smoky's. Got to the trail at 9:30. Hiked to Mollies Ridge where we had a late Lunch. Critter, Honest Abe, Guac, and hurt friend (don't know trail name)Badger, Glow worm and Ron Paul were all there. Arrived at Spence Field Shelter about 6:00. Ran into Badger,Glow worm and Ron Paul at turn for shelter which is about 1/2 mile in. They were debating whether to go further when we left them. Slept in shelter, which is required unless it is full. About 4 other people, met Moe, but the other guy was sleeping and the other two were out and about. I went to the Privy and was going to start dinner when I got back, but Make time decided it was to cold, and hung our bear bags. I decided not to argue and went straight to bed.
Date: 2012-03-22
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We got an early start this morning and was on the trail by 6:00 am. About 11:00 I told Make time I needed a break. He said "You need to learn to take stand up breaks with pack on!" At this point I kind of lost it. We had already done 8 miles with no break. My knee brace was cutting the circulation off in my leg, and I was starving. I was going to have none of this stand up break. Once I got some food in me my energy level was much better, and I was in a better mood. Got to Mt Collins Shelter about 6:00, another 1/2 mile off the trail shelter. I set the tent up, while Make time filtered water, then made Fetticini for Dinner. Went to bed right after dinner.
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

Well we have enough food to make it to Hot Springs, but Make time decided he wanted to go to town. This is why I say his trail name should be Townie. It's funny how much faster he hikes, when a town is envolved. We got on the Trail at 6:00 am and arrive at Newfound Gap at 8:30, probably took us a half hour to hitch a ride, from a company named A Walk in the Woods. The driver was very knowledgeable about the Smoky Mts. They had the name before Bill Bryson came out with his book. Working on our laundry now, while catching up the journal. Make time is in room napping. When we first got to town, we showered and went out for breakfast. On the way back stopped at NOC where Dahnu was picking up her new pack. She gave me some padding she was getting rid of. I have already added one layer of padding to my pack waist and I still have to cinch it all the way in. Will add another today. Planning to ship off some more weight today. Not sure how much the packs weigh, but when we left Springer, I was at 38lbs, and Make time at 35lbs, with food and water.Went to the grocery store and bought a few snacks and hot chocolate for the trail. Also bought some chips and a club sandwich to share, then stopped and got a bottle of wine at the liquor store. Now have all our gear packed up again.