morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-09-07
From: West Carry Pond

To: Bald Mtn Lean-to
Miles today: 28.7

Yesterday we set our finishing goal. Happy Feet's girlfriend would be meeting us at Baxter on September, 12th and we would summit and begin the long trek home on the 13th. That being set, we had some serious miles left to hike. We woke up before the sun and coerced our stiff legs into walking down the soggy trail. The trail followed the quickly disappearing shorelines of a West Carry Pond, Middle Carry pond and East Carry pond. Ten-thirty rolled around and we found ourselves halfway through a 28 mile day, we also found ourselves standing on the bank of the Kennebec river. Even under normal circumstances, the Kennebec is too treacherous for hikers to ford (much less the insane amount of rain we have seen since entering Maine). Fortunately, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Maine Appalachian Trail Club provide a canoe ferry, which brings hikers from one bank to the other a few hours each day. We spoke with the ferryman, Hillbilly Dave, and were flabbergasted to discover that we would be the last to catch the ferry today. Had we arrived 10 minutes later, Hillbilly dave would have packed up for the day and we would have been up a creek, or river for that matter. As my father would say, "It is better to be lucky than good." Hillbilly Dave, who's looks lives up to his name, canoed each of us across the river. The current was so strong that he lost a paddle in the process. I stepped onto the shore with dry feet and a dry pack and made my way the short distance to the Caratunk Post Office. Frodo and I sorted through our packages, made lunch and managed to stay out of the rain. I enjoyed the long break at the post office and as we set off to conquer the remaining 14.7 miles, we paused and picked a few apples from a roadside tree. Most of the rest of the day was a blur. I was tired and wet yet very content with what I was doing. About three miles before our shelter we had to cross Moxie pond. The designated area for hikers to cross was completely submerged, the frigid water nearly reached my waist and it moved with the kind of force that could easily take your feet out from under you. I slowly waded into the chilly water and carefully navigated over the slippery river bottom. Once we had all made it across, our pace quickened and I was very thankful to see our shelter for the evening. A couple of section hikers in the shelter are talking about having to road-walk around a couple of treacherous stream crossings tomorrow. As much as I would hate to miss a section of trail, our safety may mean getting off-trail for a few miles.
Date: 2011-09-08
From: Bald Mtn Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: light rain

Yesterday's trek is definitely being felt in parts of my legs I was unaware existed. Last night we stayed up and chatted with some section hikers about the condition of the trail on the way to Monson. Apparently the recent, frequent and heavy rains has made the Piscataquis river dangerous to ford thus bringing about both good and bad news. The good news is that we will be able to walk to Monson, from our current location, without adding or subtracting any miles. The bad news is that we will be forced to walk on jeep-, dirt-, and paved roads, missing about 8 miles of the A.T. Up to this point Frodo, Sweet Tea and I have been proud to call ourselves purists (meaning that we hike every white blaze from Springer to Khatadin). I will admit that the prospect of foregoing a portion of the trail was rather off-putting but in light of the alternative (risking my life), I sucked it up and walked on the dirt road. Frodo and I conversed as we strolled down a rather barren and industrial looking road. We picked some wild apples and took lunch in the sun on a fluffy patch of grass. We arrived in Monson in the mid-afternoon and called for a ride from Shaws Hiker Hostel. After much needed showers and beginning our laundry, we resupplied at the local mini-mart and hit up the local BBQ joint for some grub. I dined on a 1/3 lb cheeseburger with all the fixin's, corn on the cob, cole slaw, a pulled pork sandwich, a warm chocolate chip cookie and washed it all down with a few local brews. I headed back to the hostel and opened a couple of packages from my parents and my uncle in Florida. The contents of the boxes and the support of those who took the time to send them were greatly appreciated. An excellent day was topped off by the complete domination of the Saints by my Green Bay Packers, what more could a guy ask for.
Date: 2011-09-09
From: Monson, ME

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: overcast clouds

There are days on the trail that are difficult. There are days that are beautiful. There are days that you love the trail and there are days that you can not wait to stop walking. Today was all of those days rolled into one. It started early with a breakfast sandwich from the gas station, which wasn't nearly as bad as it sounds, and continued with some frantic packing and stuffing of myself into the 6:30am shuttle back to the trail. For north-bound thru-hikers, Monson is the last stop before Khatadin and it is also the last place to resupply before entering the, not so wild nor accurately measured, 100 mile wilderness, which happens to contain a number of paved roads and is actually 99.4 miles. The upside to the "wilderness" is the extended time away from towns before the completion of the trail, which allows some time for reflection on the last 2,181 miles. The downside is that hikers generally have to carry more food (food=weight, weight=bad) for this last section of trail. We planned to do some big miles over the next few days, thus reducing the amount of food we needed to cary, but my pack still ended up weighing more than my shoulders were happy with. Damn whoopie pies. In addition to hiking with the normal crew of Frodo, Sweet Tea, and Happy Feet, we picked up a dude by the name of Stretch. Stretch has been on the trail for almost 6 months and this is his second attempt at hiking the AT. He latched onto us because of our pace and in his own words, "I just want to be done." Understandable. Today was also one of adventure. Our small band of bearded and pack laden travelers forded a total of three rivers and managed to outrun a swarm of angry yellow-jackets. Actually, all of us except Sweet Tea avoided the angry swarm of stinger-toting bugs, he managed to get stuck on the lip. It swelled up to the size of a golf-ball. As the end of the day neared and it began getting dark, we found ourselves walking along a high ridge. The sun was setting and the clouds in the sky took on hues of pink, red and orange. It was easily the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen. I took in the colors, took some deep breaths, and thought for a moment about where I was and what I have spent the last 117 days doing. The shelter wasn't getting any closer, I was ready to for some dinner, and water was getting tight. Time to get walking. We hiked in the dark. We hiked with sore feet and grumbling stomachs. When we finally reached the shelter, about an hour after we expected, the response from my body was beyond jubilant. Sweet Tea and I fetched water for the group, as Frodo began preparing dinner. Day one of the 100 mile wilderness kicked my butt and it was only 26 miles. We have an average of 27.8 miles/day to walk over the next three days. I may be in trouble.
Date: 2011-09-10
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 28.8
Weather: scattered clouds

My watch began beeping at 5:30. Had I carried a hammer into the woods with me, I would certainly have smashed my cheap timepiece without hesitation. Good thing I didn't have a hammer. "I can't walk," proclaimed Stretch as he got out of bed. "F@#$!!!" I understood how he felt. I mustered what energy I had and started walking. It was cold and I had to wear my hat and jacket for a fair portion of the morning. The flat terrain of the morning didn't last long and before I knew it we had summited four mountains in roughly six miles. Despite the substantial gain and loss of elevation in such a short stretch of trail, I found my mood upbeat and my legs tolerating the relentless abuse. Happy Feet was having a tough day, having strained his ankle the day before, so to brighten his spirits I coaxed him up the mountains with the promise of one slice of dried mango per summit reached. Life truly is about the little things. Happy Feet has become a great friend in the last few weeks, helping me through some tough times, so it was the very least I could do. Some day-hikers were kind enough to share some of their extra provisions with us and we caught our very first glimpse of Mt. Khatadin! It was an unbelievable feeling. I could do little other than stand and stare in awe.
Date: 2011-09-11
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 29.6
Weather: clear sky

I walked a lot today, almost thirty miles, in fact. While many people would assume that such a distance would take its greatest toll on a hiker's back, knees, or feet, it was in fact my stomach that suffered the most. I woke up and rifled through my food bag, only to be disappointed that a giant stack of pancakes was not to be found. I guess a Poptart and a protein bar will have to suffice. It is another cold morning, which means I am wearing every piece of clothing that I have. Most of the terrain today was flat and as the sun emerged it warmed me to the core. We spent a large portion of the day skirting the banks beautiful lakes and streams and were again blessed with views of Big K. As the end of the day neared I found myself getting increasingly hungry. To my dismay, there was not an extra Snickers to be found. We had about 4 miles left and I began getting ornery. My stomach was groaning, it was as if I could feel my muscles starving for energy. I found myself thinking, "I'm not going to make it," but just as I began to lose hope something magical happened. We stepped out of the woods onto a dirt road and began crossing a small bridge. Located on the bridge railing was a large ziplock bag full of homemade blueberry muffins. It was as if someone knew exactly what I needed and when I would need it. My spirits were instantly boosted and I spent the last miles of the day basking in the beauty of fate.
Date: 2011-09-12
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Khatadin Stream Campground
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow. Today is my second to last day on the Appalachian Trail. Tomorrow I will wake up and climb the mountain that has been the object of all of my efforts over the last four months. Unfathomable. I as I walk the last portion of the 100 mile wilderness, I cannot help but think about the many hikers who will never make it to this point. I consider myself very blessed to have made it this far. The trail is easy going and my legs are churning out miles with the whip of anticipation cracking at my heels. In the early afternoon we reach a sign that signaled the end of the 100 mile wilderness. The stretch of trail took us about 3.5 days to complete, which is a fact that I am rather proud of. Just after the wilderness, a thru-hiker finds themselves at the Abol Bridge campground/camp-store and in true thru-hiker fashion we consumed an ungodly quantity of calories. I ordered a breakfast burger (bacon cheeseburger with a fried egg on top) and loaded up with a can of pringles, a liter of root beer, a large arnold palmer, an oatmeal whoopie pie (700 calories alone) and a fudge round. We resupplied and purchased some beers for the summit tomorrow. I left the camp-store uncomfortably full and quickly found myself wading through thigh-deep water. Apparently hurricane Irene is still exhibiting her influence over the rivers and streams of Maine. We forded two quickly moving rivers and Happy Feet unluckily slipped and fell into the second one. Fortunately, he escaped without injury and had only to walk the remainder of the day in squishy shoes. We arrived at the campground at the base of mount Khatadin and I was unsure of how I should feel. Should I be happy that I completed a feat of epic proportions, should I be sad that the adventure will come to an end tomorrow, or should I be scared of what the return home will mean to me? While we waited for Happy Feet's girlfriend to arrive, we were treated to cheeseburgers by a couple camping next to us. I soaked my feet in the cold waters of Khatadin stream and sipped on an ice cold beer while conversing with Frodo. Katrieva, Happy Feet's lady friend, arrived and brought with her a feast (even by hiker standards). While dining with Frodo, Sweet Tea, Happy Feet and Katrieva, we reminisced about the last 2175.8 miles. The people we have met, the things we have seen, the internal and external struggles and the changes we have seen in ourselves will remain with us forever. Fortunately the conversation was not all serious and I enjoyed joking with the some beardly guys I have come to call friends. Going to bed was not easy. The feeling in my stomach reminded me of the night before my first day of high school. So many emotions. So many thoughts. So many memories.
Date: 2011-09-13
From: Khatadin Stream Campground

To: The big K
Miles today: 5.2

I barely slept last night. The anticipation was too much for me to handle. As I lay awake in my stinky sleeping bag with four months of scraggly beard hanging on my face, I could not believe that such an epic adventure would be coming to an end. I wasn't the only one who couldn't sleep, so Stretch, Frodo, Sweet Tea and I thought aloud about how we wanted to attack Khatadin. Stretch opted for the, "I've been on the trail six months and can't wait to get the hell up this mountain, so I'll leave at 4am" approach, while the rest of us held out until we couldn't stand it anymore. I packed up my backpack for the last time and with one great deep breath I stepped out onto the trail. My watch read 5:00am. The last five miles of the appalachian trail were exactly what I expected. The winding trail is really more of a long vertical rock scramble than a footpath and I enjoyed every step. As we climbed I could not help but be thankful for all of the things that have happened to me over the last four months. I've have challenged my physical and emotional strength, I have learned to be a friend and to be befriended, I have seen the face of true kindness and I have learned to appreciate nature's small beauties. As we reached the 1 mile marker I had not yet realized what was about to happen. I looked up toward the cloud covered summit and was immediately overcome with emotions. As I continued toward the summit and accepted that my thru-hike would soon be concluding, thoughts of what my next great adventure would be began churning in my head. 100ft. 50ft. The sign is still lost in the mist. 40ft. 30ft. I can see the outline and as I begin to run my eyes are filled with tears. 20ft. 10ft. The word Khatadin is jumping out at me. When I finally reach the sign, I collapse upon it and hugged it like a long lost friend. I did it. Frodo and Sweet Tea join me. We did it. Lots of yelling, hugging, dancing and photographing ensued. We drank celebratory beers, ran around shirtless (it was freezing), attempted to destroy our replica of The One Ring in our alcohol stove (Katahdin = Mt Doom), and for the last time I ate a honey bun. Happy Feet and his girlfriend Katrieva arrived not long after us and, after a few photos, our lively band of thru-hikers began the long descent down the mountain.
Date: 2011-09-14
To: Postlude
Miles today: 0.0

That was one hell of a journey! 121 days spent on the trail.4 Zero days.18.6 miles walked/day.6 pairs of shoes destroyed.Lots of money spent on Little Debbie's and Beer.Many friends made.Many things learned.Many challenges overcome.Many more adventures to come...PCT 2012 Check out my 2012 Pacific Crest Trail Blog: www.samwisethevagabond.blogspot.com
From: Fontana Dam

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0

This is a sad entry. I had a call from Danielle this morning - her dog, Sierra, was killed over the weekend. Sierra and Venus were with friends in Black Mountain since dogs are not allowed in the Smokies. We are very sad - Sierra was having a great adventure on the AT and I know Danie will miss her! Danie and Ray are going to Black Mountain for a few days.
Date: 2002-03-06
To: Hawk Moutain Shelter 
Miles today: 0.0

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step....Not original, but certainly true.I am writing this journal as the Mother of a thru-hiker. I hiked the AT years ago and I guess it's in the blood.My daughter, Danielle and her friend Ray started their journey at 2:15 on 6 March '02. They met two other thru-hikers from Boston, Nathan and Doug, at the registration area located at Amicalola. Also at the registration area was Brook, a photographer who wants to do a photo documentary of the hikers and the Trail. She wants to document how the trail changes people - very interesting idea and we wish her lots of luck.I must say this has been an interesting process for me to watch - the preparation. Just seems so different than 20+ years ago. All the great new light weight equipment and the food is so different. We lived on freeze dried food, gorp, and hot chocolate until the towns were we could gorge on fresh fruit and veggies. Now it seems pasta, couscous, and mac and cheese are the norm.Danielle and Ray have their canine companions: Sierra and Venus along for the hike - will be interesting to see how well the dogs do.We started - I say we cause Brook, Danielle's Dad and myself walked the section from the parking area at Springer to the plague and back to the lot before the 4 hikers took off into the woods. They were very blessed with absolutely gorgeous weather. A hiker could not ask for a more auspicious start - blue skies, temps in the 50's and good company. Boy, did I want to go.........
Date: 2002-03-07
From: Hawk Moutain Shelter 

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 0.0

This is the first real day on the trail for Danielle and Ray. Oh, don't forget Sierra and Venus. I thought of them all evening - Garry, Danielle's Dad, and I were trying to figure out when they were stopping for the night. They all had heavy packs and getting used to that weight I don't expect they averaged more than 2 miles and hour which would have been close to 6:30 before they could stop at the shelter. I had dreams of them all night - good things, thankfully! And woke up this morning wishing I could talk to them and find out how the first night went. The weather continues to be beautiful and is suppose to stay this way through the weekend.Garry came into my office this morning - we both work from home - and said every time he looks out the window he thinks "they're out there" and wanted to know if it would be like this for 6 months. I think so.We took lots of pictures yesterday and will get some posted.
Date: 2002-03-10
To: Winding Stair Gap/Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Talked to Danielle when she and Ray and 6 other hikers reached Walasi-Yi Center. They were excited to have made the first 30 miles - tired and sore. Danielle is having problems with her boots and decided to get a new pair as her toes were too bunched up. Somehow in all the excitement of leaving she and Ray forgot their ground cloth for the tent. Not a major problem as they were lucky enough to get in the shelter on Friday night when it rained. The ground cloth is in the next mail drop! I was so excited to talk to her I forgot to ask half the questionns I intended to. She called back later and talked to her Dad - she ended up getting boots 2 sizes larger than what she had and the great folks at Walashi-Yi helped her lighten her back by 5 pounds - yeah! She also said Sierra was doing fine but Venus was looking a little worn. Venus is a big dog and carrying some extra weight - I think she'll be fine in a few weeks. She said it was still raining in Blairsville. She and Ray and 2 of the new guys they met were staying for the night, going to see a movie and sleep in a real bed - even if it is a bunk with 20 other people in the room. They have a GPS with them and Danielle said they have enjoyed looking at it in the evenings to see the ground they have covered and where they are. We should hear from them on the 15th - just 4 more days....
Date: 2002-03-18
From: Winding Stair Gap/Franklin, NC

To: Nantahala
Miles today: 0.0

Okay! I admit I was getting more than a bit concerned. Danielle, Ray and the puppies were due to Franklin on 15 March and we just heard from them today. Danielle got poison ivy - started on her legs, spread to her arms and then to her face. She ended up going to the emergency room in Hiawasee for treatment and she is fine. Her feet are fine - sore from the hiking but no problems now that she has the new boots. They have discovered how hungry they are for each meal and that Snickers alone just doesn't cut it for snacks. They made trail mix in Hiawasee and I sent them GORP in this mail drop so they should be in better shape. She said her pack was down to 35 pounds which was great - too bad she has to eat which means loading up with food today. Sierra is doing great - she ran off thru the rhododedron at Albert Mountain and came back with out her pack so Danie had to hike down to find it and then hike back up - no one wants to do Albert twice in one day!!! Venus is ok - her pack is rubbing a spot on her tummy and Danie is going to get some fleece and try to fix it for her today. Ray is good. Danie said he actually arrived about 5 hours before her - he was anxious to get to town. They met back up with Doug and Nathan. They also met 2 women who are hiking together and sound awesome - said they have hiked all over the world. Also, Brook, was at the Walasi-Yi and took lots of pictures...........let's see em Brook!!!! Danie did say she and several hikers who spent the night in a shelter just over the NC border got the runs - the privy is located up stream and they were all suffering yesterday - be ware. So, all is well. They are about 3 days behind - not bad considering it has been raining on them and the poison ivy incident.
Date: 2002-03-22
From: Bryson City

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0

First real cold snap hit Danielle and Ray! It was 19 degrees when they got up this morning - said it was really hard to get out of that sleeping bag. They had a great care package from friends - beer and banana bread. Danie said they scoffed about 3/4 of the bread down as soon as they opened the package - unfortunately Sierra got the rest while they were setting up camp - needless to say Sierra wasn't too popular last night. Also had they first run in with the mice last night - stayed in an old shelter caue the NOC does not allow dogs - and as soon as the lamps were out the mice we out! Squeaking and running around. Good ole trail angels on the move - Julie and Sara are coming to pick up the dogs so they don't have to go in a kennel while Dan and Ray are in the Smokies and they will deliver them to the other end - great pals. Danie, Ray and Sierra all have trail names now. Danille is Mama D; Ray is Loco as in locomotive; and Sierra is The Mouser...............go figure!
Date: 2002-04-09
From: Gatlinburg

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0

Okay, we are back on the Trail. Dan and Ray hiked 26 miles yesterday making up for a bit of lost time. All if going fine and they appreciate all the mail they have received. They've seen lots of deer - woke up yesterday to a 6 point buck in the camp - said he was really beautiful. They also saw a bear...not on the trail but rather on the road on the way to Gatlinburg. They are planning to spend the day in Hot Springs and enjoy the ...hot springs! Also will get Venus back so she can join in the fun now that they are out of the Smokies. It will be rough to have her back without Sierra. Dan said they are feeling pretty good - just got weary feet which is understandable.