morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-04
From: Terrapin Station Hostel

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

Got a real late start today, 10am. I'll just blame it on talking to the girlfriend late last night, which I love doing on my new cell phone.I don't know what it was today but I was just so dead. I felt like there was nothing in the tank. The hiking wasn't bad at all. Maybe I just didn't have enough water in me. So I come across a lady today who was about 40 years old and graduated from Largo High School, so that was cool.I also met up with Captain Kangaroo, Pinky, Lockjaw, Team Steve, and Sunshine. I even ran into Chronic too. So we all are staying at the same shelter tonight, Dick's Dome, which is suppose to be rated to hold only 4 people but we are cramming 5 in there. The thing is shaped so odd. Oh well.Tomorrow hopefully will be a better day. I doubt it though, we do the section of the trail called the "Roller Coaster". Sounds real fun, not.granola---tuna and pepperoni on tortilla with sunflower oil---teriyaki noodles x2, oriental ramen noodle x2
Date: 2006-05-05
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Blackburn Hostel
Miles today: 26.2

Last night I tried to sleep only in my silk liner instead of in my sleeping bag, kind of as a test to see if I could get away with just the liner and send the bag home. The results: It was nice to start out but late in the night I froze. So I'll be keeping my sleeping bag a bit longer.Got kind of a late start today, left around 9am. Harper's Ferry has been on my mind so much. I almost want to get there right now because that is my stopping point to where I leave to go back to college and graduate...and surprise Keri. She thinks I'm coming in Thursday night but I'm really arriving Monday night.So I left today in hopes of going all the way, but that didn't happen. My body is so exhausted. Things that used to be a cake walk are now giving me the hardest time. The "Roller Coaster" section shouldn't have been as hard for me as it was. But let me tell you something: that thing kicked the crap out of me. I had to stop several times and take my pack off just to recoup. The Roller Coaster is a section on the A.T. that has a lot of peaks within a 13 mile span. On top of having to stop a lot, my leg was hurting pretty bad. I even got on the phone and called Keri and Braveheart and told them to pray for it because it was very hard to hike with it hurting like it was. the prayers worked and I was off again.I made it to Bear's Den Hostel where I found Chronic. He planned on spending the night there. I took the opportunity to just recoup a bit at the Den and eat my dinner before pushing on for a night hike. I don't like night hiking, neither does Chronic. We don't like what we called "The Boogie Man Affect", where you are always on edge thinking something is going to pop out of the darkness.So I ate and took off from the Den to start my night hike. I didn't go far until I heard some voices coming from an overlook. I thought it was a boy scout troop so I went over to investigate. BAM! I was hit straight in the face with the most beautiful of sunsets. And the people were not scouts but rather some high school girls enjoying the view.They thought I was so cool because I was hiking the A.T. They said I was their hero - I laughed. They even wanted my cell number - I laughed - and said no.So I moved on and came across some campers, one by the name of Tugboat, a southbound thru-hiker last year. I hung out with them for over an hour. They fed me and just inquired about the hike, and they even offered me weed which I declined. What is it about this trail? Does everyone "burn" besides me? Geez.So after a little over an hour I left and by the grace of God and only by His strength did I make it to Blackburn Trail Center, a free hiker hostel. I rolled in around 12:30am, found a place to sleep in anticipation of my final leg into Harper's Ferry tomorrow.chicken and rice - mountain house---tuna and pepperoni on tortilla---mexican style rice with chicken - mountain house---PB&J, ceral bar - Tugboat and company
Date: 2006-05-06
From: Blackburn Hostel

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke up at 5am, was hiking by 5:30am. Talk about Harper's Ferry fever. I also wanted to get to the post office for my mail, so that got me going too. I was looking forward to my letters from Keri and her mom.The hiking was pretty easy. I did my first sunrise hike. Last night was a sunset hike, today the sunrise. But you know something always has to go wrong, I will spare you the details. Just know that I'm hiking like I've been riding a horse for 10 hours.So I made it to Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. It feels good to be done with Virginia. I didn't care for that state too much. So I made it to the post office and read the girl's letters which I loved. Momma's words were very encouraging and even gave me a gift!Next I headed over to the ATC, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, to make some calls and try to find a hotel. Well, everything in my price range was booked till Sunday due to the Derby. So I called Laurie and Dick, who I ran into earlier at the ATC, the couple that I met while hiking with my Dad, and asked them if I could crash tonight at their place. Well, I'm not going into details but just know that I was taken care of by those fine people. God answers prayers though! I hope to bless Dick and Laurie as much as they have blessed me.They even took me out to dinner. I ate so much, 3 entrees worth. It was so much fun and I enjoyed talking with them. They are a great couple, people I hope to keep in contact with over the years.So they took me back to where I was staying and I thanked them again. They have been such a blessing to me, they don't even understand how much all they've done has meant to me.So I've now hiked just over 1,000 miles - WOW. It hasn't sunk in yet. And I'm only the 36th person to do it on the A.T. this year. It really put it in perspective how big of an accomplishment this truly is. And I could only have done it by the grace of God, something I'm learning to love very much.tuna------salmon dinner, salmon salad, hamburger and fries, bread, key lime pie, coffee
Date: 2006-05-08
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Montreat College
Miles today: 0.0

Today's the day. I finally get to see Keri. Overjoyed might come close to how I feel, but nothing ever really gets close to describing the feeling of a passion inside of you being roused. And let me tell you something, it'll be nice to see something prettier than a tree for a change.In the morning I just relaxed for a while, enjoying the face that I wasn't hiking an inch today. I did however feel the need to pray about my rental car. It was going to cost about $200.00 dollars for a week, money I couldn't really afford. So I got on my knees and prayed. I prayed until my Mom called telling me that the car was ready for pickup. I ended up getting a pretty good deal on the car. They knocked 20% off due to a coupon that my mom would bring up on Friday. It wasn't the free car that I was praying for but God knows best and will bless when He sees fit. Thank you God for the 20% off.So I called Dick and he drove me over to enterprise where I got my car. A chevy Aera I think it's called. A small, economy sized car. I said bye to Dick and thanked him again for everything. Then, I took off. I couldn't wait to get to Montreat.On the way I thought to myself that it is taking me 7 hours to go from Virginia to North Carolina, something that took me 2 months to walk. I also noticed that everything behind me that I already had hiked was luch and green. Spring had truly set in. But I must be hiking too fast because there are no leaves on the trees where I am.Anyways, I finished my 7 hour drive and pulled into Montreat around 11pm. I took a quick potty break and then made my way over to her friends house where Keri was last seen at the party that they held. So I hid around back and called Keri and acted like I was tired from hiking and that I just missed her so much. It worked perfectly. She told me that she wanted me with her all day and just missed me a lot and couldn't wait to see me in 3 days. I'm such a sneak. She then told me that she was spending the night at her friend's house that night just to get away from school a bit. Perfect. I hung up the phone and went inside, then upstairs just outside her room. I called her again and when she answered I hung up, making her belive we had a bad connection. I could hear her saing, "hello, hello?" over and over again. Man I'm good. So I wanted to just walk right in but her door was locked. So I got Jaime to knock at her door and get Keri to open up - and that's when I pooped out. She was shocked. Mouth drawn open shocked. I love it when I do that to her. Talking really didn't occur until about 30 minutes later, when she decided to stop hugging me and ask me why the heck I toyed with her on the phone for an hour before surprising her.---bean and rice burrito, fiesta burrito, grilled stuffed beef burrito - Taco Bell---PB&J with banana x2
Date: 2006-05-09
From: Montreat College

To: Keri's House
Miles today: 0.0

Yes, Keri woke me up as usual when I go to see her. She was on her way out to go finish up a project she was working on for her senior project. I got busy doing some trailjournals while she was gone. I'm so far behind. Later, she came back to the house and then we left and went to lunch as Los Coswalas. We talked, ate, then left and went to the "Drip", a coffee shop, and got a mocha shake. I got crushed coffee beans added in this time but I didn't like them. Next we headed over to her room where I earned the honors of cleaning up while she took a shower and got ready for her RA dinner. Well, I gotta say that she sure is pretty. And ever more so when she's all dressed up.So she left eventually and I continued to pack things up and take them downstairs to her car. Boy my body was aching. Going up and down those stairs hurt pretty bad. I did that for a while and then did some more trailjournals until she got back and then we both finished up packing. Good thing I had my car because I have no clue how we would have fit it all in her car.Next, we went to her friend's house and I got the rest of my things and packed up my car. On our way out I ran into Christy who was coming in. I hadn't seen her in a year. I was so shocked and happy. So we ended up hanging around a little more and finally left for Keri's house around 11:30pm.While we were driving I called Braveheart to hear about what the doctor had said about his feet. Bad news - he's done. He can't go on. His feet are just too messed up. He can't continue on with me. That really sucks. My partner in crime, gone. The good news is that he's going to give it one last try in August. He'll to go Maine and head South and stop where he got off in Virginia. I feel bad for him. I hate it when anyone has to get off the trail, much less a close friend. But God knew this was coming and there has to be some lesson and/or purpose to it all, for both of us.We arrived late to Keri's house and went straight to bed. We were both pooped.
Date: 2006-05-10
From: Keri's House

To: Keri's House
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up before Keri did so I went to Momma's office to say hey. It was really good to see her. So we talked for a while and caught up on all that's been going on. Pop came in and said good morning with a hug. He'd been out in the shop working on some cabinets. After a bit of talking, we headed inside and Momma cooked us boys some breakfast. And that's when Keri showed up. She looks so cute in the morning, half asleep, sporting that little grin she claims. She won't say much right when she wakes up, she'll just smile and hug you. Soshe sat down between Pop and I and ate too.After breakfast we loaded my pictures from my camera into her computer and I walked Momma and her through them all. I told them both to close their eyes at one point so I could get past the butt shots at McAfee's Knob but both of them peeked at the wrong time, so that was funny. After the slide show Keri took a shower and I did more trailjournals.When she finished up we watched a movie. It's so nice to be able to do boyfriend and girlfriend things again. She even fell asleep on my shoulder, how precious is that? After she woke up we all ate dinner and watched TV. We were all just kind of waiting for American Idol to come on. Apparently Momma enjoys it as much as my Mom does.Finally it came on. Tonight was the night someone was getting voted off. Everyone thought it was going to be the girl but it ended up being Chris, the guy everyone thought would win it all. We all couldn't believe it. Even I, who didn't really know much about any of the singers, was shocked.Keri and I ended up watching another movie that night before we went to bed. Man does not hiking feel ever so goodeggs x3, sausage, toast---stuffed peppers---B-B-Q chicken, brocoli
Date: 2006-05-11
From: Keri's House

To: Keri's House
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up before Keri again this morning so I took the time and really started to pound away at the trailjournals. When she woke up we ate breakfast and then showered up and headed out for some errands. We decided that we were going to try to cook dinner tonight and use a recipe we found for blackberry B-B-Q pork. We also were going to make blackberry pie and bananas foster and salad.So we decided to go to the lake before getting our ingredients. We walked around and just enjoyed each others company. We then saw some baby ducks that fascinated Keri so we stopped and took some pictures. Then I grabbed the camera from her and made her do a photo shoot for me. I don't know what it is but I love looking at pictures of her. There is something to be said about looking at something beautiful frozen in time.So we then went to the grocery store and got our things and then headed back home. We cooked up dinner and then ate. Wow was it good. More like amazing. Flawless. Well, minus the blackberry pie which turned into blackberry crumble dur to us getting the wrong pie crust. Momma help us and save that desert. The pork was sooooo good and the sauce, delicious. Our bananas foster was fun to make, the whole "food on fire" thing is always cool. And boy was it good.After dinner, Keri and I hopped in the hot tub to just relax. Both of us are still on edge. Well, we didn't stay in the hot tub too long because we both started itching for some reason and also because we turned the heat level up too high and started swetting. So we showered and then watched some TV. But soon enough we headed to bed. Tomorrow my sisters, Mom, and Denis are coming over for dinner.eggs x3, toast---B-B-Q chicken---Blackberry B-B-Q pork tenderloin with blackberry sauce, salad, bananas foster
Date: 2006-05-12
From: Keri's House

To: Keri's House
Miles today: 0.0

After breakfast we headed out to get my hair cut. I hate hair cuts. I never have liked them and I don't think I ever will. I go in there dreading what kind of hack job I'll come out with. So we arrived at the place and put my name in. Since we had about 2 hours to kill we headed over to Lowe's and got Keri's plastic bin she needed for her ecosystems trip, she leaves saturday after graduation.So we got the bin and then returned and I got my hair hacked off. the lady who was cutting my hair commented on how nice my hair was - and then she made it ugly. I'm no hair dresser but is it really that hard to cut har to make it at least kind of even on both sides of the head? Well, I guess it is kind of cool. If I wanted to do profil pictures I could start on one side and then go to the other and have a completely different hair look due to the uneven cut I received.So we made it home and I did my share of complaining to Momma about it. Keri thought she could fix it and cut a little more off. But the damage is beyond fixable. Mark another crappy hair cut on the board.So we all got ready for dinner. Finally we got the call that Mom was getting close. So I met them down the mountain and had them follow me up. Introductions were made and tours were given. Carissa called and I left with Kaeli to go have her follow me up as well.Everyone had a good time at dinner which was really cool to see. Keri and I really weren't nervous about the whole thing at all. It was the first time both families would be introduced. I guess we just knew everyone would get along fine and have a ton of fun.After bananas foster and a slide show of my trip, everyone left and we all headed to bed. Tomorrow - Graduation.pork tenderloin, eggs x3, toast------steak, salmon, salad, corn sufle, bananas foster
Date: 2006-05-14
From: Keri's House

To: Keri's House
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up and met up with Mom, Denis, and the girls for breakfast for Mother's Day. It was cool to hang out with them all one last time. So we then took some pictures outside and then said goodbye.I then headed over to Diamond Brand and bought a tarp and some underwear. Afterwards, I met up with Dad, Tracey, and Carissa at Barley's for lunch. We ate and chatted. Dad had Galic Ale and really like it. Awesome.So I said goodbye to them and after a short stop at the Mass General, I went home. Momma and Pop could just look at me and tell I was stretched thin. I've been "go, go, go" for the past few days having to entertain so many people and be so many places. I asked them if I could stay another night and they had no problems at all with that. After I gave Momma her "Momma's Day" card I hit the hay. It was 6pm.biscuts and gravey - fireside cafe---meat pizza - barley's---
Date: 2006-05-15
From: Keri's House

To: Keri's House
Miles today: 0.0

Wow I was tired! I thought I would take a little nap and wake up before the real bedtime but I went from 6pm yesterday to 8am today. That's 14 hours! And the only reason why I woke up was because of my alarm. I could have gone longer. Regardless, I feel a ton better. I tell ya, all that worrying about seeing everyone in town really stretched me thin. From making sure everyone felt comfortable at my graduation dinner to being able to squeeze quality time in with Mom, Denis, and the sisters, to seeing Keri off, then haning out with Dad, then running my errands...I was just exhausted. I had to do way too much. I really was almost too tired to enjoy my own college graduation. But, so many people did so much that it was worth being tired in hopes of trying to bless them as much as I was blessed.Momma and Pop both said that I was just exhausted looking when I came in yesterday. They were glad I was able to get some good sleep. Funny, it's probably the first time they didn't make fun of me for sleeping that many hours.So I spent most of the day at the library doing my trailjournals. I got pretty much caught up which was a relief. After getting some eggs at the grocery store, I went home and helped Momma with dinner. We talked the whole night. I got to hear all about Momma and Keri's past and that was awesome. I really enjoyed that. We also talked about future job plans. Momma doesn't want me to run my own business because it is too many headaches. I think she has a point. Soon after Pop came home, we all went to bed.eggs x4, toast---chips, ginger ale---meatloaf with blackberry sauce, fried eggplant, friend cornballs
Date: 2006-05-16
From: Keri's House

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: light rain

Woke up at 6:30am so I could get all packed up so I could be on the road by 9am. Today I head back to the trail. It is such an awful feeling. Home feels sooo good right now and my body is just beginning to recover. But I have to keep going, I have to finish. That is my goal. There are also a lot of people pulling for me so that spurs me on.So I packed up the car and said bye to Momma and Pop. It's sad to have to leave them. They are my home away from home. They are so kind to me and take me in as one of their own. I'm gonna miss them.I drove almost 8 hours and dropped off my car at 4:40pm. The people at the rent-a-car place, enterprise, then drove me to the grocery store then to the trail. AFter a quick email check at the outfitter and a quick call to the girlfriend, I was back on the trail.And boy was it was a weird feeling. It felt as if I was learning to walk again. I was so nervous about getting back on trail and now I see why: I had lost my momentum. It took a while to get in the flow of things. I did however get hit hard with the realization of all that had occured in the past 4 days. I had been bless tremendously. Fellowship, funds, gear needs - all of them were met. I was so tired to realize fully all that had been done fore me or given to me. I hope I thanked everyone that did something for me. I am overwhelmed of the generousity of everyone. From Denis hosting my graduation dinner, to Dad's finacial gift and boots and MP3 player, to Momma and Pop taking me in for a weak, and to Keri being at my side through it all, and then all the gifts I got from friends and family. I should have no problem filling out those thank you cards.I did about 7 miles to the shelter. Met a guy there from NY that just got into hockey and loves the Lightning, so that was cool. I was thinking today that I am now on the second and final leg of this trip. I need tocome up with some goals I wish to accomplish.eggs x3, bacon, toast---spicy italian footlong - subway---oreos, chips
Date: 2006-05-17
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Pogo Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: few clouds

I got an early start today. I was up and hiking by 8am. I really didn't mind the hiking today. Maryland has been pretty easy so far. I mean this thing is flat. Although the hiking was easy, today had to be one of the loneliest days yet. It's almost like no one is around. I go from the love and comforts of home to not seeing anyone all day. Sure, I ran into a few section hikers going south but that's it. I mean I haven't seen one thru-hiker. It's a pretty lonely feeling. I'm getting a bit choked up thinking about it.So I pulled in to the campsite I thought I was going to camp at only to find that it was a dump. So I decided to go another 5 miles to the next shelter - and that's when the flood gates opened up on me. It's amazing how quickly you can go from no rain to a waterfall from the sky. The lightning is what did me in though. I turned around and started setting up my new tarp as fast as possible. I wasn't the best looking thing but it worked.Tomorrow I plan on meeting up with Matt Sargent for some food. It'll be good to see him again. Plus, I could use seeing a familiar face. Rand and loneliness only are good together in music videos. In real life, they suck.gorp---tuna on tortilla x4---teriyaki noodles x2