morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

I'm in. Today I entered the White Mountains. We climbed up and over Mt. Moosilauke, the first mountain above tree line. The climb started at 1100ft and went up to 4802ft and then in an almost vertical fashion the trail headed to 1800ft. The views were awsome and the weather couldn't have been clearer. The rest of the day was hard though. Nine miles over some of the rockiest, muddy and blowdown infested trail we have encountered yet. Orange Blaze and I quickly realized the Whites were not going to be a cake walk. I didn't think so but this was definitely a reality check. Tommorrow we are going to stay in an AMC Hut. They are like B&B's only in the mountains along the trail. Usually tourists book a night in a hut to do some day hiking and get fed for $90. They let thru hikers work for stay, so we'll see how that goes. See ya Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-06-13
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Green Leaf Hut
Miles today: 15.2

Great day today, it started out foggy but just just as we broke tree line onFranconia Ridge it cleared up. We ridge walked above tree line for a few milesthen came to the hut turn off. It's a mile off the trail but it was worth it. Great crowd and great food. More details to give but it's late and I'm going to bed.See yaCorey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-06-14
From: Green Leaf Hut

To: Ethan Pond Campsite Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: few clouds

What a great night. We had some left over cookies and headed back up to thetrail. We finished our above tree line ridge walk and headed to Galehead Hut forsome pancakes. Once we got there we had turkey mashed potatoes and salad thatwas leftover from dinner. We then climbed Twin Peak and down to Zealand Hut.There we had pancakes and more turkey leftovers. Leaving there it was a flat 5mile hike to our current location. We have a short day planned for tomorow,which is when we start the Presidential Range. Most of the hike will be above treeline.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Ethan Pond Campsite Shelter

To: Lakes of the Cloud Hut
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Got a nice early start today in anticipation of the Presidential Range. As wegot down into Crawford Notch to start our climb we saw a bear. It scampered offand that was bear #2 of the trip. Once we got above tree line, after a 3000 ftclimb, it was awsome. No other words could describe it. We got to the hut earlyand just relaxed. Tomorrow we go over Mount Washington (the big boy) and then finish off the Presidentials.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-06-16
From: Lakes of the Cloud Hut

To: Wildcat Peak E
Miles today: 17.5

Ouch! Today just hurt. The second half of the Presidentials are so rocky. Theweather was still clear so I didn't need to worry about that but the rocks toremy feet up. Once off Madison Range, I stopped and put duct tape on the soles of myfeet to make the next push up the Wildcat Range. We made it to a ski slope onWildcat Peak E and called it a day. I'm sleeping on the porch of an old lodge.Tomorrow into Gorham, NH.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Wildcat Peak E

To: Rt. 2 Gorham, NH
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: fog

Whatever was to come today we were getting to town. We finished off the Whites, they were tough but awsome. I'm beat-up but hopefully can rest enough tonight to make a good push into Maine. My last state and under 300 miles to go. I'll give itheck so here goes.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-06-18
From: Rt. 2 Gorham, NH

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

This morning I was able to sleep in, because I had a package at the PO and itdoesn't open until 8:30. Well after that we got started on our day at 10:30amand made it to the shelter around 6:00pm. Right before the shelter I crossed intoMaine. This is the last state and 280 miles to go. Tommorrow I'll go throughthe Mahoosuc Notch, the so called hardest mile of the trail. I'll let you knowhow it goes.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Frye Notch Lean-to
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

I seem to still be getting beat up by this terrain. We were on the trail for 11.5hrs and 20 miles is all we have to show for it. We climbed and descended 7 mountains and in the middle of it all was the Mahoosic notch. That mile of boulder scrambling and belly crawling took 1hr. In good terrian a mile is more like 20 minutes. I haven't seen a 20 minute mile in weeks. Oh well I'm still having fun and I'm almost there.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Frye Notch Lean-to

To: Bemis Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: light rain

Rain this morning lead to slippery downs and sloppy ups. Not so bad though. Theterrian was good enough to make 23 miles. My first hike over 20 since the Whites.A full house tonight with section hikers, tomorrow's destination unknown.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-06-22
From: Piazza Rock Shelter

To: Spalding Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 16.9

First off I forgot to mention I got bit by a dog yesterday. It didn't puncturebut it sure did hurt and ruined my day. My arm is sore and swollen but i'll befine. I gave the owner a few choice words and hiked on. Not even a dog bite canstop me now. Todays hike was wet and windy up and over Saddle Back the Horn andSaddle Back Jr. There were no views but I've seen enough to last me. At theshelter, Arkansas, Traveler, O blaze and I had a good conversation aboutdifferent topics. This was done from the warmth of our sleeping bags. Acold front must have moved in with the wind and its' easily in the 30's. Tommorow a run through Stratton for a resupply. Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Spalding Mountain Lean-to

To: Horns Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was very cold this morning and it still is. I hiked with a long-sleeved shirt for the first time in months. I was at the road with O Blaze and we got a ridein to Stratton pretty quick from some other hikers in the parking lot. Once intown we went straight to the diner for lunch then to the store for a resupply.From here to Monson it should be 4 days, then it's the 100-Mile-Wilderness. I'lltell you more about that later. Anyway we're at the shelter in our bags with agreat view of the Bigelow Mountains, our next big climbs. Also I must say I mentaly started to finish my hike too early in the trip. Once I was in MaineI figured I coast to the end. Not so. Maine has some tough stuff to throw atyou. I've been beat up every day since the Whites. I readjusted my mental stateand am taking it a day at a time and the finish will come. Of course I'm going totry big days when I can. We'll see. Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-06-24
From: Horns Pond Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 27.5
Weather: broken clouds

I did a big day today to get close to the Kennebec River. There is a ferry but itonly runs from 9-11am so we're 4 miles from it and it should be no problem. The temperature warmed up so now the skeeters are back but I'll deal with them until the end, it being a fact of being in the woods. Well until tommorrow. See ya.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-06-25
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: light rain

It was a great day today. I had pancakes at Harrison Camp. The owner Tim makes a plate of twelve pancakes for $6.50 with sausage for a buck more. I downed the whole plate in short fashion. Then it was to the Kennebec River to catch the ferryacross. Steve runs the ferry and it is the offical way across the river. In1985 a women died trying to ford it so since then there has been a ferry. Itsjust a canoe but it has a white blaze on the bottom. I was on top of Moxie Baldwith a view of Katahdin. Mostly O Blaze and I just picked a big mountain in thedistance and said that was it. O Blaze stayed up there for the night and I'm hereat the shelter fighting off the hoards of skeeters. Into Monson tommorrow, thelast town before the finish and the 100-Mile-Wilderness. Good nite.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-06-26
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: ME 15 Monson, ME
Miles today: 17.9

Here I sit at Shaw¢s Hostel in Monson, ME, my last town stop on the AT. I did the normal stuff¢¦re-supplied, town food, and relaxed. I got 5 days of food to get me through the 100 Mile Wilderness. Hope it¢s enough! There are quite a few SOBOs (South-bounders) here also. It¢s good to talk with them and see what¢s ahead. My phone totally bonked so I¢m sending it home. I don¢t think I will have service anyway. See ya.Corey Strauch¢Trocar¢
Date: 2007-06-27
From: ME 15 Monson, ME

To: Cloud Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 19.1

Well I¢m in the wilderness. So far, so good except the fact that I forgot to buy a fuel canister and mine is pretty low. Some cooking over a fire might be necessary. Oh well. It looks like a few climbs tomorrow but after white the SOBOs say it¢s pretty flat but very buggy. SO I got me a head net. Today was very hot and humid, but hopefully it cools off tomorrow. 95.4 miles left. It still hasn¢t set in. See ya.Corey Strauch¢Trocar¢
Date: 2007-06-28
From: Cloud Pond Lean-to

To: East Branch Lean-to
Miles today: 27.6

I was alone last night and so far at 7:00pm I¢m alone tonight also. It¢s ok though, I can spread my stuff all over the place. I saw another moose so that makes 3 total and my first deer sighting in Maine. The plan for tomorrow is a big 30 and then a 33 to the Birches Campsite, 5 miles before the Big K. We¢ll se how it goes. That would put me on Kathadin on July 1st, but I told Kelly and the kids and parents the 2nd. No big deal. Today it rained on and off all day and my shoes and socks are soaked, but what else is new. The register at this shelter goes back to 2006 and I found a coveted Bonepac entry. I will sleep with it under my pillow. A note on the bugs:   apparently the rain keeps them at bay but tomorrow they should be out in force. I met a SOBO, T-Nadine, who stayed with 7 other NOBOs planning to summit Big K on the 1st, so maybe I¢ll see them. With that, see ya.Corey Strauch¢Trocar¢
Date: 2007-06-29
From: East Branch Lean-to

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 29.6

Great start today, mostly logging roads the first 20 miles. I had lunch at11:30am and had 20 miles done. The next 10 miles were pretty rocky and rooty but I was still going at a 3mph pace. I got here at 3:20pm and decided to stay. I had thoughts of the next shelter 8 miles away, but it seemed better to save it until tomorrow. Hopefully I¢ll get to Birches (5.2 miles from Big K), or if not Abol Pines Campsite (9.9 miles from K). All said, Sunday, July 1st summit if all goes well. There¢s good weather today, a bit of wind to keep the bugs at bay. Also I got my first view of Katahdin. Awesome. I¢ll try for an early start tomorrow, so see ya.Corey Strauch¢Trocar¢
Date: 2007-06-30
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂThe BirchesÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Campsite Shelter
Miles today: 33.0

I¢m here. I made it. All that¢s left to do is 5.2 miles up Mount Katahdin. I will go from 1090ft to 5267ft. Sure, it will be a tough climb, but the hard part was to get here. Tomorrow finishes one journey and begins the rest of my life¢s journey at the same time. I¢m very tired so more after Big K. See ya.Corey Strauch¢Trocar¢
Date: 2007-07-01
From: ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂThe BirchesÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Campsite Shelter

To: Baxter Peak 
Miles today: 5.2

I awoke alittle before 4am and signed the summit register at 4:20am. the climb up Katahdin was the toughest climb on the AT, but it should be. the wind was howling, the clouds covered the peak and the mist was fogging my glasses making it hard to see. Once I crested ontgo the Table lands i knew i was close. then out of the clouds I could make the outline of the sign. Once i could lay a hand on it I let myselfenjoy the moment and the grandness of the accomplishment hit me and i cried like a baby. I couldn't spend much time up there because it was just too cold. Once i got down the clouds lifted and i'm sure the views were great. I wouldn't have it anyother way. a tough day to end a challenging hike.copied from my earlier guest entry.... (hey guys its just me. i'm finished. i summited today july 1. 109 days and 2174 miles from starting march 15 in GA. i aplogize for the lack of up dates but my plam treo got wet and hasn't worked for a while. i have all the entries on paper so i'll update very soon. i also have pictures to put up. the journey was awesome. i have no regrets and wouldn't do anything differently. i have come out of this knowing that anything is possible if your heart is in it and you trust in the Lord. Trocar)
Date: 2007-03-11
To: almost time...
Miles today: 0.0

The decision to attempt a thru hike of the AT came to me a little over a year ago. I guess I could say it first began when my stepbrother and sister inlaw gave me a copy of Bill Bryson's, "A Walk in the Woods." If you readers have read this book then you know it is only an account that romanticizes the hike without its realistic hardships, so it was very much a FIRST step. After I raced through Bryson's pages, my interests then moved towards learning about what a real thru hiker would need to understand about the trail. I did this by following my good friend and brother...whose name I'll disclose later on with his consent. So take my circumstances and try to say no to such an opportunity... I just graduated from college (Appalachian State University none the less, so I needn't say more about my love for the Appalachian culture, geography, lure, etc.), I have no real life commitments yet, I have a stash of money and some good hiking equipment. The world is my playground!I could ramble on but I'll cut out here for the night. April 7 is closing in fast!-Studebaker(Thanks for the trail name Tina, Russell, Nolan, Sid, Drew, Dad, and CeCe, let's see if it sticks)
Date: 2007-03-28
To: anxiety is in full swing
Miles today: 0.0

It's getting so close to my departure date that I can hardly believe it. There are so many factors that are contributing to my "trail anxiety" right now. My last day at work was this past Friday, that's only one. Everything outside resembles spring, the flowers, the unseasonable heat, the sight of dark afternoon thunder head clouds, and my racing heart and loss of sleep. I should be much more calm in say... about two to three weeks, hopefully sooner. I think the only cure for this will be after I've been hiking for quite a few days. If anyone reading this really knows me, then they have seen how I change with the anticipation of such big things in my life. For example, last August and the upcoming semester of student/practice teaching. The first people that come to mind would be my brother Thom, and Kristin, Meredith, and Melissa up in Boone who knew me during this time very well. Thanks for all the support everybody, Studebaker
Date: 2007-03-29
From: anxiety is in full swing

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Stewart, Stewart's sister Mary Kathryn and I spent Friday night in Dahlonega, Ga. After a good meal Friday night and a big breakfast Sat. morning and a somewhat good night sleep we drove to the Springer Mountain parking lot and hiked to the summit of Springer and back to the parking lot and sent Stewart on his adventure. Temperature was around 23 with howling wind blue skies and dusting of snow on the ground. Entered by Stewart's Dad
Date: 2007-04-07
To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6

Day one on the trail, made it to Hawk Mtn Shelter. COLD!! Camped in my tent and put the 15 degree bag to the test. Met some nice folks today, all thru hikers... 3 guys from Michigan, 1 from Pennsylvania. The guys from Michigan are Wolverine, Hong Kong Fooey, and Irish Spring. Tyler, from PA hasn't a trail name yet.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Blood Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday, went from Hawk shelter to Gooch shelter, they're really nice ones! Today, April 9, really put myself to the test... tried my first long mileage day. When I sat down to write in my journal I was just below Blood Mountain, about .6 miles to go straight up! I was thinking, WOW, hope I didn't over do it today. Then I said, "well, I won't do another 14'er for a whie." Then the next day I did another. At least I know my limit right now, I need to be careful, not to push myself.
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Blood Mountain Shelter

To: Hiawasee, GA
Miles today: 0.0

I think I'm entering my journals wrong, the last ones I entered said week 2 and week 3, entirely wrong, sorry for the confusion, I'll learn to navigate this thing as the journey carries on... I'm skipping a few journals and going straight to today's; 4/14. I'm taking my first zero today at Hiawassee Inn. Great Place! Nice owners, I've met some new folks, earned a new trail name, and really feel like the trail is turning into my new 'true' lifestyle. Anyway, total trip miles so far = 66.something. I'm only about 9 miles from the NC border, so I'll be back hiking tomorrow. It's supposed to rain again, so I think it'll be a short day to the next shelter from Hiawassee "Dicks Creek Gap"... weather permitting. I've already experienced weather that is dangerously hypothermic (excuse my improper grammer, syntax, whatever) I'm writing from the Holiday Inn express's computer now, and people are waiting behind me, so I better hurry up. Also, I can't figure out how to put my pictures up from this computer! So... in Franklin I can hopefully update again without pressure. Love to all at home... I miss you all, but I'm going to have warn you... I will be socially irresponsible out here, so you won't hear from me as much as you wish. The Woods and views are BEAUTIFUL, I'll share them when the computer and my camera cooperate.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Hiawasee, GA

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

First off, I'll have to reveal my new trail name, if you all have read my guestbook entries then you already know it... Tuna Bag! yep, that's it. The story goes like this... It was a cold, wet, rainy day and I made a stop in at Blue Mountain Shelter for the night after a short 7 mile day. The shelter was full, everyone shoulder to shoulder, all eating dinner in their sleeping bags and watching the fog and rain roll by. My dinner consisted of some canned tuna. Carefully trying to open it without spillage, I popped the top off and it did just what I feared... spilled on my sleeping bag. We all had a laugh and an older man from NY named J.B. said, "from now on your name is Tuna." I agreed that it was appropriate and added the "bag" to part it because of where it spilled. I, and the other hikers in the shelter, felt like Tuna was just a little too common, needed to add something more to it. So it stuck! Anyway... Franklin's the next stop. Today's been another cold, wet day like my trail name's initiation date, so I'm sitting here in Plumorchard Shelter, the last in GA, watching the snow accumulate just enough to cover the leaves up outside. According to other hikers who've signed the trail register in the shelter, this is indeed a streak of record low temperatures for this time of year. I played some harmonica today too, I'm terrible at it! Oh well, plenty of time to practice. People wise, I'm hiking with Yellow Snowman, a guy from FLA who has a sense of humor like my friend Joe from Boone. I've found it's funny out here how complete strangers can remind you of people you really know.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

This is not week 4, only week 2. Sorry for the confusion, I'm not good at navigating trailjournals' website yet. Today was windy, not quite as cold, but VERY Windy. I crossed into NC today, whoo hooo! It feels good to be home... though I'm far from it. I hiked a little over 12 miles today after a nasty one yesterday. Not too much to say, but I'll be in Franklin on 4/18 to resupply. Peace and Love to all...Studebaker A.K.A Tuna Bag
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap/Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Yesterday was by far the nicest so far... shorts almost all day and feeling strong, strong enough for 19.8 miles or so! So why did I want to hike this far? I don't know and don't think I'll do it again for another few weeks when I'm in trail shape. What I really wanted to do was check my limit, and successful I was. I climbed up Albert Mtn. firetower, the view was spectacular!! It was tough though, had to use all 4's, more like rock climbing or bouldering than backpacking. Nantahala Outdoor Center by Sat. or Sun. I'll write more when I get the chance, but my ride is here (I'm actually in Franklin right now) -Tuna Bag
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Winding Stair Gap/Franklin, NC

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today I thought about my grandmother, Nanny. Today is her birthday! I think about Carter very often, probably daily because any day could be her birthday (for those of you who don't know Carter, this is my brother and sister in-law's new baby girl that's on the way). So... I went into Franklin, NC today to resupply and eat a good meal. I experienced some trail magic when I arrived at Winding Stair Gap (the road crossing the trail that leads to Franklin). A church group from GA had set up a tent with snacks, soft drinks, and rides... for free of course... into town! It was great not having to stick my thumb out. Getting back to the trail, I got a shuttle service from Ron Haven's Budget Inn Motel. Met a nice guy who drove me back, KTR, he was a hiker who was headed to Damascus the next day to do some section hiking. Word is, Ron Haven's a great guy and a banjo picker! Too bad he wasn't there when I was passing through, I miss the banjo. Back on the trail in the afternoon, camping at Siler Bald Shelter tonight, about 4.5 miles north of Winding Stair Gap. All in all, around 8 miles today and stopping in town, pretty good use of my time.