morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-08-14
To: Long Way
Miles today: 0.0

Hello faithful readers...I'm baaaaack. I spoke to Dream Catcher a couple of days ago, and she is back on the trail in New Hampshire. She took a plane from Dallas to Boston, and then a bus (yes she was with "the Bus People" once again) to Gorham. Her foot is doing fine. She had walked about 8 miles all around town on Friday. She had clam chowder in Boston, and knows she is in the northeastern part of the US because there are lobster/chowder places everywhere. She also marvled at all of the white steepled churches. Just like right out of a picture. Dream Catcher (DC) said that there were putt-putt courses, ice cream stands, and a Dunkin donuts shop on every block it seemed.I asked DC how she felt about getting back on the AT. She told me that she was excited, and a little apprehensive since this time she knows what she's in for, and yet she's still choosing to complete the journey. She knows that on Friday she could fully bend her legs, her foot felt good, and no blisters. By Tuesday (when she is supposed to call me again) her legs will be tired, and possibly a few new blisters will be starting. But, as she said, it's the journey, the time on the Trail, and living in nature that are the truly important things to her right now (although she did bemoan having to give up Mimi's cobbler for awhile). DC told me that this is one of the more difficult parts of the trail. Some of the house-sized boulders she will be hiking on require two people, so one person can help you up with your pack. DC ran into Spartacus and Rainbow, so she will be hiking with them for awhile. Definitely through New Hampshire. She expects she will see different wildlife on this part of the AT (the bus driver told her there were quite a few moose in the area) as well. She saw her first wolf on Friday while she was walking around.One thing that hasn't changed is that there is a tropical storm that is bearing down on the east coast. So far, DC has hit a tropical storm or remnants from a hurricane on every section of the AT she has hiked. Some things never change.One thing that will be differnt are the tempratures she will be facing. DC said that she went from the 100 degree heat in Dallas, to a high of 80 degrees in Gorham. In fact, on this part of the AT there are some sections that have ice all year round. bbrrrrrrrrrrrrrWell, that's all for now. I'll post again after I talk to DC early this week. Stay tuned...same bat time.....same bat channel.
Date: 2005-08-20
To: Long Way
Miles today: 0.0

Hello there faithful readers. I just spoke to Dream Catcher. She's in the process of reaching Stratton, ME. She said to tell everyone it's "wicked cold" up there in Maine. I really got her when I told her that I was going to be out golfing tomorrow, and that today there is a heat index of 105 here in Nashville. She was not pleased to hear all of that (hee hee hee). I told her that we would "toast" her when I'm out with some golfing buddies...including our good friend, the published poet, Dawn.She was hiking yesterday and could see all the way to Katahdin (about 200 miles to the north), and all the way back to Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. I can't wait to hear all of her adventures, as I know there are many more than what have been printed here. Well that's all for now. I hope you keep checking in to see how well our friend has progressed. I reminded her to stay safe.
Date: 2005-09-06
To: Long Way Dungan
Miles today: 0.0

Well hello from Nashville....I got an email from our Dream Catcher this morning. She wanted me to make sure and update her site. She is in Maine, and is currently undertaking the "Hundred Mile Wilderness." I am actually hoping to speak to her in the next day or so. The Hundred Mile wilderness is just that....over 100 miles of wilderness. It is the last big push before she reaches the base of Mt. Katahdin and the end of the AT.Here are some facts about the AT Maine section (taken from the ATC website)"Most of the Appalachian Trail in Maine is not recommended for novice hikers; Maine's 281 miles are generally considered the most difficult of all fourteen states. Even the strongest hikers may average only one mile an hour in some parts. Other parts require grabbing onto tree roots and limbs to climb or descend, and are especially slippery and hazardous in wet weather.Lakes, streams, and bogs abound. While that makes moose and loons common sights, it also makes for muddy treadway and many fords of mountain streams. Some of these fords¢notably the Kennebec River¢can be difficult and potentially life-threatening when water is high. When streams run high in the spring or after heavy rains, often the only options are waiting for them to subside or back-tracking and finding a road to follow¢if one exists!The 281 miles in Maine can be roughly divided into three segments:The eastern section, sometimes called ¢the Hundred Miles¢ between Katahdin and Monson, comprises disconnected mountains, lakes, ponds, streams, and forest. While the eastern section is not unusually difficult, it is one of the most isolated parts of the Trail and receives some of the heaviest use...."This si where our Dream Catcher is right at this moment. We wish her well, and as I said...I hope to be hearing from her within the next day or so. Stay tuned for more info.
Date: 2005-09-06
To: Long Way Dungan
Miles today: 0.0

A second journal entry in one day...I guess I'm making up for lost time. I spoke to Dream Catcher today on the phone. She wanted me to make sure to let people know that she is fine. She started about 10 days ago in Monson, ME, and has now finished the 100-mile Wilderness. According to the book I have, the 100-mile Wilderness, "goes through some of the most remote-feeling mountains and forests traversed by the Trail,...." Because it is so remote, the hikers have to carry all of their water and food supplies for about a 10-day period.But our friend has finished the Wilderness. I'm sure I'll be posting (or maybe she'll be posting) more in the next few days.Bye for now from Nashville...
Date: 2005-09-07
From: 100 mile wilderness

To: 100 mile wilderness
Miles today: 0.0

Well, a big hi there from Dream Catcher. I have had a great, hard last few weeks. I loved the Maine woods. What a wonderful area. I would love to live in Maine, but for the winders.. The really cool thing for me was all the water. You would take a turn on the trail and where would be the most beautiful lake, they call them ponds but in my New Mexico view it was a lake..:> Or you would crest a mountain and see water and lakes everywhere.. It was wonderful to run into some of the same people that I had before I had to take off for my foot. I even had two surprises run ins. First was in Stratton. I ran in the Marcello and Elisa from down south. I had hiked with them for a couple of days and had one of the most wonderful dinners and fun in Hot Springs. They had flipped and were heading south.. We just happened to run into each other out side a diner.. It was great. They seemed to be doing great.. They wanted to know all about the problems I had run into around Erwin. And they told me all about their adventures and explained their new trail names, Boo Boo and Stinkerbell.The second run in was also very wild. I ran into a guy that I had met outside of Franklin, TN. He and his wife and kids gave me a ride into town. What¢s even more wild is they were from South Carolina and he was in Maine for work.. It is such a small world.. I¢m sad to say that I think my hiking for the season is over. My foot and feet gave out about 65 miles in. I also have to admit that I had already decided that I did not want to summit Katahdin until I have done the rest of the trail. I think anyone who has hiked the AT can understand. I want to finish with Katahdin. I might try to do the Shenandoah¢s in a few weeks to get some fall hiking in. But it looks like the rest of the AT will have to wait for another time.   I will need to add up the miles, but I think that I have done about 900 miles this year. I have learned so much about the trail, areas around the AT and myself. What a amazing experience. I feel so blessed and feel like my life has taken on a new direction and focus. I¢m in Nashville heading to North Carolina to see some trail friends and to do some trail work. I also hope to get some good mountain biking and kayaking in. I kind of feel like my vacation has just stared.. The hiking, while wonderful in its own way has to be treated like a job.   You have to get after it and it does not allow for much flexibility in schedule. My family is a bit concerned that I have gotten far too comfortable in this semi homeless mode. I see ¢fine¢ shelter in all kinds of places.. But after you spend the night in a laundry mat your standards change. :> What stories do I have for you when I see you.. I will still try to update this site with what I¢m up to about once a week, so check back to be able to track me down.. I will also try to check email, so drop me a line if you get a chance. Thanks for all the support and encouragement. Thanks to Longway, you¢re the best, best friend!!! Dare to live your dreams¢¦Dream Catcher
Date: 2005-09-10
To: Maine
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

I thought it would be good to write a final entry for the year. I have not added up all the miles, but I think that I have walked about 850-900 miles on this part of my trip. I¢m sorry that I was not better about doing the stats online. I do plan to complete this task, I might have to do it in parts, but I will finish my hike.. Then I will climb Katahdin!!!I do have to admit that the three days in TN took the wind out my hike. I am glad that I kept going, but it sure was not as fun. I would like to thank all the people that helped me keep going on my hike, both thru hikers and the hiking community. What wonderful people I have gotten to meet and get to know. Lessons Learned¢¦Keep your ¢prime movers¢ (feet) in great shape¢¦ Do whatever it takes to keep you going¢¦I would like new feet.. LOL You carry what you are afraid of dealing with¢¦ If you are afraid of being too cold, you will carry too many clothes, if you fear hunger you will over pack food.. So look at your gear and see what you fear.. Life on the trail, while hard, is wonderful and something you will crave once at home.. Even the rain.. My family and friends are the best.. Thanks guys.. I thought about all of you the whole trip.Treat the trip as a ¢Trip of a Lifetime¢, it is..Many others but all for now..Dare to dream,Dream Catcher 05
Date: 2005-09-11
From: Maine

To: Recap
Miles today: 1200.0

What I wish I had done, known before my trip--- Kept in touch with more of the people I got to know on the trail. Been able to take better care of my feet from the startEnjoyed the daily process more and worried about daily mileage lessFelt successful in "hiking my hike, even when I could tell I was not going to finish that yearWhat I have learned since-Many, many other people lived through me reaching for my dream and sharing my adventuresThose months on the trail have given me a lifetime of wonderful memories and storesSo many people "dream" of hiking the AT and so few even try to do itHiking changed who I am as a person
Date: 2012-04-06
To: Recap and update
Miles today: 0.0

The stats are hard when you don't log every day or week in trail journals, so here are the stats I show from my personal journal I used on the trail.I am also going to start logging my section hikes as I continue to complete my hikeMost of my hiking was soloDream Catcher's Hiking StatisticsTrip Miles                          1735.00Total Number of Days        131Average Miles per Day        17Longest Day        24 milesShortest Day        4 milesLongest stretch on trail without a day off        Days:        13Most consective days off        6--- bad bad blisters Gear Weight        at Start:        36 poundsafter one month:        30 poundsat Finish:        21 poundsTotal Money spent        $2000Memories of a lifetime= Priceless!!!!
Date: 2005-04-20
From: Va 634/793 trailhead

To: Va 630
Miles today: 9.1

Another split hiking day.Va. 634/793 trailhead to          Va. 641 N 2.8miles          Va 601 Rocky Gap to     Va. 630 N 6.3miles          Today is Wednesday April 20th. We had spent the night in Pearisburg . We were on the road at 7:57 a.m. and dropped off one car at Va 641, Stillhouse Branch Road and drove around to the other side of Pearisburg to Va. 634/793 trailhead. We get on the trail at 8:35. At 9:05 we were at the US 460 bridge. At 9:15 we were across it and under it. It's really a beautiful day so far we're hoping the rain holds off. After the bridge we went on and went over several roads. One road to the landfill where they dispose of chemical waste. You can smell it out in the woods. But it's still a nice hike ,we came out of the woods at 10 a.m. at Va 641 and we're ready to get on with it. We reshuttle the cars and get back on the trail at Va 601 Rocky Gap. At 12:25 we reach the Johns Creek Mountain Trail. And right after that was the old fire tower site. They took us back down into a gap. We didn't see any sign of a big pond. And now we came to a side Trail called Kelly knob. You get a fantastic view off to the South here. There are lots of the giant rocks here, reminds you of Giant City in Illinois. We are taking a rest here it's 1:15 p.m. At 1:35 p.m. we left this area of rocks and started downhill. Then we started going down a lot steeper and rockier. We just took our time and things were going really well. As we got lower we saw Mountain Laurel is starting to come out here and the trail was starting to get flatter. At 2:25 p.m. we made it to Laurel Creek shelter. We left the shelter at 3:05. And crossed over a creek. The trail went up and around and we went by an abandoned house. We were on an old road for a little bit. We went through some pastures at 3:30 and finally at 4:00pm We went over a stile and into another pasture. And still trying to get to our car. At 4:35 we got to another road and then we have to go up over another hill. We get to pet a donkey in the last pasture. We come out to our car at 5:05 p.m. on Va 630.
Date: 2005-04-21
From: Va. 630

To: Va. 621
Miles today: 10.4

Today is Thursday April 21st. We stayed at Eccono Lodge out of Christiansburg. Exit 118c off I-81 if you ever want to know. We ate at the Western Sizzler last night which was probably a mistake. I say that because we ate too much. We finally got going about 8:23 a.m. from the motel. We said, "why didn¢t we get an earlier start"? Drove 30 miles and drop a car down off on Va 621 Craig Creek Road. We drove up and over the mountain on a very primitive road. Came down to Va 630 and parked our car. We get on the trail at 10:10. Somewhere along the way we took a five-minute break. At 10:50 am we walked by the giant Kieffer Oak on the trail. It was 300 years old. But now I'm forgetting my times on everything. I think actually we were on top at 11:20 a.m. We came across Bronco Billy and he wanted to talk and talk, he's a retired man. Everything he ever wanted to do in life, he's trying to do now. He was down in Central America scuba diving last month. He is section hiking the Appalachian Trail. He had spent last night in the shelter with 4 Cheese who he said graduated from Brown University. And Scarecrow. And Orphan who is going to become a lawyer. Who he said graduated from Yale University. We had met all these guys a couple of days ago. Bronco is visiting St Louis in another month to visit some elderly aunts. And then he wants to take his horses out west for a ride. He's a retired police officer with a nice pension. Now it's a very nice Trail up on the top and we're going to walk to the car. Around 12:30 we took a 10-minute break for lunch. We sat on a great slab of Rock with a great View. The weather's been pretty nice today with the sun coming in and out, it's a little bit warm. We have heard a few rumbles of thunder today. We're about ready to head down now and we have about three and a half miles to go. It's currently 2:30. We're happy with the trail conditions today, there's been some rocky areas but we're happy. It's 4:10 p.m. and we made it to the Niday shelter. A few minutes ago we had some light drizzle on the trail, and we said let's get to the shelter. Now that we're at the shelter the sun is out and Terry is up in the privy. It should only be one point three miles to the car from here. We spent 20 minutes in the Niday Shelter which is a local family name. We heard some Thunder while at the shelter and said, let's get going. The trail went down and along the ridge very nice. You get down to a creek and then they make you go back up on another Ridge and walk along that for a long way. Two or three times it drizzled on us and then the trail went down steeply and turned. Before you knew it, you're at your car at 5:10 pm. So we picked up the other car and now it's raining pretty well, but we don't care. Back to the Eccono Lodge.
Date: 2005-04-22
From: Va. 620

To: Va. 621
Miles today: 7.6

Today is Friday. April 22nd 2005. We woke up at 6 and were on the road at 7:10.  Dropped off our car on Va621 Craig's Creek Road, drove over to Va620. We got a little surprise, the road makes a right hand turn and goes right into a creek. And right there is a wooden bridge but it's a private bridge with a gate across it. The gate wasnt locked so we drove the Focus across and down Va620 . No problem finding the A T trailhead, we got on the trail at 8:40 a.m. They took us up real nicely, up the side of the arm on to the ridge. Then you go up and level, and up and level. For the most part the trail has been really great with no rocks on it. We decided to just keep walking. Finally at 10:20 we took a 10-minute break. While resting we heard a couple of gunshots, we had seen several hunter's parked on some little side roads in the area. We had heard it was hunting season. Terry put on the safety vest and I'm wearing my red daypack. So we're on the trail again looking for the Audie Murphy Memorial. We made it to the memorial; it's about 5 feet tall and has a bunch of artificial flowers on it. There's a flag and a bench. We got here at about 10:50. The last mile of the trail has been on an old road they may have built, just to put this Memorial in. So all morning we've been totally fogged in on our hike. We are enjoying the trail, any time it's not raining. We left Audie Murphy Memorial at 11:20 a.m. So we continued walking on the very nice trail. Stop and rest for a while and then Terry said, "the trail goes off this old road here." It was still a nice trail that went down and wound around in the Pines. And finally we get down low and we can't wait to see the car. We started crossing little creeks and bigger creeks. I was coming down a hill when we saw a box turtle near the trail. So now we cross the last big Creek on a bridge over Craig's Creek. I would say we'll be out of here by 1:10 p.m. Four and a half hours for 7.6 miles.
Date: 2005-04-23
From: Va. 311, Catawba, Va.

To: Va. 624
Miles today: 5.9

We stayed last night at a Knights Inn. We say we were in Roanoke but it's a suburb. We left there at 7:35 a.m. We put a car on Va 624, came back to where the trail crosses at Highway 311. There is a nice big parking lot there. Catalpa Mountain elevation 2000 feet. We started on the trail at 8:25 a.m. At 9:25 a.m. Terry had to stop and go to the bathroom. Shortly after we took a five-minute standing break and ate a snack bar. At the 1.5 hour mark we took another short break and Cindy had a snack bar. Beautiful morning, the sun is out but we can see some dark clouds out there. But it's still just a partly cloudy day and nice hiking weather. At 10:20 a.m. we made it over the top of the mountain and a guy is coming the other way. He says it's all downhill from there. He's out for several nights, he stayed at the Dragon's Tooth and said that section is harder than this section. I'm glad we did this hike today. So we went down and down and switch back through the woods. We went through some pastures and we went over some stiles. And through more pastures. Walk by a creek and walk by some cows. More stiles, and we got to Blacksberg Road at 10:50 am. Now we have 1.6 miles to go and we're walking through a pasture. At 11:25 a.m. we came over the Sandstone Ridge. And it was all downhill from there and it was getting darker in the sky. The wind is starting to whip up and then it starts to drizzle. We get to the car at 11:40 am, 3 hours 15 minutes to do 5.9 miles. So now we are filling up the gas tank and heading back to Enterprise car rental. This trip is over and I hope we make it back to the Trail this year.
Date: 2005-05-13
From: Blue Ridge Parkway, Mile 51.7

To: US 501, Va. 130
Miles today: 10.9

First let me say that this past week has been very warm and humid. and yesterday, Thursday's hike down from Petites gap to James River was especially hot and humid, and we noticed the hikers we've been talking to have made mention of that. But anyhow today is Friday May thirteenth, Friday the thirteenth, I hope all goes well. We spent last night down at Buena Vista at the Buena Vista motel. we stayed in, we got in just before a shower, rain started, so that worked out great for us, and we called and had Dominos deliver, so we had our pizza for this trip. And. Thought we'd get on the trail earlier today but when we got up here to the BR Parkway at 51.7 miles. Here comes Shadow walking across, so we probably talked to him for maybe fifteen minutes or so. And as it turned out we got on the trail that same time as yesterday 8:15. First half mile that's pretty steep up, to the turn off to the shelter, we started back but didn't see it, said heck with it, so we went on, kept climbing all the way to actually Bluff mountain and I can't remember now what time we got there. Maybe 9:30. I think its two miles. Stayed up there for a little bit but it was pretty foggy, we've been in the clouds, up high, cool, there's a cool breeze.  to get over Bluff mountain we put our coats on. Went down to the salt log gap and got Down there at 10:15, I think. And then ten forty five we just passed the saddle gap, we're at four point six miles, and everything's going great. Trail was fantastic and went around the last mountain, stayed level and looking forward to the next stop and left over pizza for lunch. One more thing. we ran into Old Yeller, had a nice conversation with him, about ten minutes. Steady Step just got off the trail last night, went in the Glasgow, meeting his wife this morning, going down to Damascus for Trail Days tomorrow. But he figures Old Yeller will go slow and Steady Step will catch up with him later, because they like hiking together.  We had lunch where there is a great view overlooking the valley and James River from 11:30 to 12:10. But it was really windy and kind of cool up there and we continued on. At 1:00pm we were at a sign going down a little rocky trail, with two miles down to the shelter and two more miles to the car. So we're almost at the Shelter Now.  Let's see, at 2:15 we made it to Hercules road also known as USFS 36. Crossed it went down to a creek. Got on an old road going along Creek. It¢s the new section now. New since 2000. And the creek was beautiful Rhododendron, Azaleas, fantastic, couple of nice bridges. And we came out and went across the 501 at 2:30. And got to our car on US 501, Va. 130 at 2:50. There was a gal there, Caroline and she was waiting for her dad, but she got resupplied faster then she thought, so she's waiting there for hours and the bugs were terrible. And I started a coughing fit so finally we just left. Oh, and one other thing I want to say was that Old Yeller is from Indiana.