morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-22
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pine Furnace State Park
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We hiked over 17 miles today in order to get to Pine Furnace to attempt the "Half Gallon Challenge." After reaching the "official" half-way point of the A.T., the next challenge is to eat a half gallon of ice cream as fast as possible. It was about 4pm when we arrived and I had been looking forward to this all day long. When else would I have a good reason to attempt to eat so much ice cream at one time? The store was running low on flavors as there had already been several thru-hikers in before us to accept the challenge; but, I found the chocolate chip cookie dough. YUM! I then sat down at the picnic table outside the store with my spoon in hand ready to dig in. My stomach was growling and I was ready to chow down on some icecream, while my mind was still in shock that I was really about to eat the entire half gallon. I decided not to go for any record, but to just try and finish the entire half gallon and enjoy as much as the icecream as possible. The first few minutes flew by and before I knew it I was half way finished. This was going to be no problem. As I got down to the last few bites, I was beginning to slow down and actually force down one of my favorite kinds of icecream. But.....I accepted the challenge and did it! I managed to consume a half gallon of chocolate chip cookie dough, 2460 calories, in 38 minutes and 42 seconds! So did I get sick afterwards? Nope. Did I eat dinner that night? Nope. Did I hike anymore afterwards? Nope. I just sat there at the same picnic table for 2 hours feeling miserable, but yet proud that I was now an official member of the half gallon club. Such a small thrill, but when else will I ever be able to do that! After stuffing our faces with ice cream and not being able to hike any further, Baro, Mouse, Donkey Love, Homeward, Outbreak, Morning Fit, and myself all decided to camp at the park for the night. It's a good feeling knowing that we are a little more than half way through. There's still a lot of trail left to hike, but I'm proud to be with a group who has managed to make it this far. I'm so thankful for the friends we have met along the way and I am excited about continuing this journey with them. I have no doubts that all of us together will continue to encourage one another, stick together, and make it all the way to Katahdin. God has truly blessed us all.
Date: 2006-06-30
From: Campsite near Shartsville Cross Road

To: Pavillion in Port Clinton
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: broken clouds

Today is mine and H-Bombs birthday! Shasta, H-Bomb, Silverfoot, and I hiked a over 6 miles into town this morning and met up with the Baro, Mouse, Donkey Love, and Hot Springs at the Hikers Pavillion in Port Clinton. We decided to "nero" into town, stay the night, celebrate our birthdays, and then start hiking again in the morning. The crew bought us dinner at Cracker Barrell and then an icecream cake from Baskin Robbins! One of my favorites! Thank you for all of the birthday cards, calls, and wishes from back home, and thank you guys for helping us celebrate our birthdays on trail! It was an awesome day!(Sorry for such a short entry.....rushed for time again!)
Date: 2006-08-25
From: Hanover, NH

To: Stratton. ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We've made it to Maine! Yeah! It's hard to believe we are here. We are in our final state (14) along the A.T. and have 187 miles to go. Our plan is to try and summitt Mt. Katahdin on Sept. 6, 7, or 8 with our friends Baro, Shasta, H-Bomb, Mouse, and whoever else might be with us around then. A couple of days ago we were able to see Mt. Katahdin off in the distance and the reality that the end of this journey is coming soon sunk in with us. The looks and smiles on our faces were filled with joy, excitement, disbelief, and pride. It will be an amazing feeling knowing we have completed this entire 2,175 mile journey and it will happen in a matter of a few days. The end is in sight, and I will admit that it is a bitter-sweet feeling. I am looking forward to completing this journey and chapter in my life and returning home to family and friends; but at the same time, I will truly miss this simple lifestyle and the ones who have become my dear trail family over the past five months. It is going to be an adjustment when I return home-one that may take a little time and patience. As one journey will soon come to an end, another one will begin. Where that leads me and to who it may lead me to I don't know.....but it's just part of a mystery, a bigger story, that will be exciting to see unfold.
Date: 2006-03-10
To: The Planning Stages
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I see I am not the only one who has Springer Fever this year! Hope to see you out there Nokia! So, I'm planning to do the whole trail this year. I really want to see "Katahdin in View! O! the Joy" . But, that's not the real goal, is it? I am just in love with the life on the trail. Like they say, It's not the destination, but the journey that matters. I have always felt at home wandering around in the woods. I like to keep moving! I guess I had better get started taking care of the details. I admit I have fun packing, but the thinking ahead can get frustrating at times. I don't like having to set an itinerary, let alone sticking to it. I'm not doing scheduled mail drops like last year, I was always behind and that was discouraging. I feel confident that I can find what I need as I go. My gear will be pretty much what I used last year, except I purchased an MSR Hubba for the colder months. See gear list. So, If you took the time to read all this, then, Hey, sign the guest book, email me, or look me up on the trail.
Date: 2006-03-20
To: Travel Plan
Miles today: 0.0

Well, this might be the most unusual flight plan of the year! I'm flying from Phoenix to Denver on March 29th. My sister is picking me up at the airport (I get to see her new house!!!) Her family and I will fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico on the 31st. We are cruising the Southern Caribbean from April 1 thru April 8. Then on the return flight from San Juan on the 10th, I'm going to get off the plane in Atlanta during the stop over and leave my cruise luggage flying along to Denver without me. So, All my gear had better be carry on. and I'll be dressed like a hiker for the flight! The hiking poles worry me, but I'll buy new ones if I have to. It's not like the ones I've been using are not well worn! Other than that, I should be set.
Date: 2006-03-24
To: Gear Test
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I think I got everything packed and ready to go. I went out for an overnight hike to camp creek. The new tent is awesome, I even have room for Bisbee in the vestibule, but of course, He wanted in the tent with me and he won too! He was so cute, He tries to get right inside the sleeping bag with me! Last year, he had to sleep under the hammock on my poncho. Anyways, Everything else seems to do the job its supposed too and the weight is tolerable. I'm at 28 pounds with 3 days food and 2 liters water.
Date: 2006-03-29
To: Bye Bye Phoenix, Hello Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

OK, I've spent the last night in my own bed. Hiked my last daily preparation hike. Everything is packed and ready to go. The anticipation is incredible, with a little trepidation mixed in. One last swim and it's show time. I've watched a couple AT videos over again and I'm psyched! The adventure begins! I can only imagine what Lewis and Clark were thinking as they pushed off the banks of the Missouri some 200 years ago. I'm not going on an unmarked trail or anything close to their epic journey, yet I feel the challenge of the AT calling and I can't turn back. I have to see those unseen miles. I have to face those fears of lyme disease and bears and most of all, of not finishing. Oh, I say it's not the destination, but the journey that counts, but I'm not going home till I see that mountain. That great and revered mountain at the end of the trail.
Date: 2006-04-09
To: The Last Dinner
Miles today: 0.0

Oh, and it was soooo gooooood, too! It was like a Puerto Rican version of the Olive Garden. The food was so incredible. And I know tomorrow it's back to oodles of noodles. :-( But, I am excited. Today was wonderful, Lexi and Austin and I went on a Duck Tour of Old San Juan, we flew a kite at Fort Morro and had pina coladas. What a great finish to a caribbean cruise. And then the most awesome dinner! So, anyways, the sunshine, the beaches, the room stewards, I am for sure going to have a rude awakening tomorrow, yet, I've been waiting and waiting, since last July, just to be back. There is no explaining it, only a hiker would understand. So, I'll keep you up to date. Hasta Luego!
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Black Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Daily miles is 7.3, but they aren't AT miles. Today it was Planes, Trains, and Automobiles!!! I left the comfort of a motel room bed complete with a niece and nephew (who sure wiggle a lot!) at 4:45am, taxied to the airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and made it through customs and security for a 3 1/2 hour flight to Atlanta. My cruise luggage went on to Denver with my sister! After a saying goodbye to my sister, brother in law, niece and nephew at the airport, I rode the MARTA subway 45 minutes to North Springs, GA. It wasn't but 10 minutes and Paul showed up wearing a white blaze t-shirt. We had a great chat while driving to the trailhead and a brief stop for gas and a sandwich. I signed in at the visitor's center and they took my photo. There were 10 other people signed in today. I was so happy. I thought I would be the last one out on the trail. At 2:30 pm, I started up the access trail. Beautiful sunny day, a little on the warm side, but made great time. I stopped at Black Gap Shelter and there were two guys, Aaron and Chris, settled in for the night at 6:15 pm. I figured that the Springer mt shelter would be full, so I threw down my pad, cooked my ramen, and tried to sleep. Mostly, I tossed and turned while the boys snored, but I did drift off to sleep eventually. Tomorrow, the big day!
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Black Gap Shelter

To: Gooch Mt Shelter
Miles today: 14.9

Actually I walked 16.4 today, but to keep the journal on the trail miles, I have to adjust to 14.9. I was up early, headed the last 1.5 miles up to Springer on another beautiful day. I had it all to myself, so of course, self portraits only. I stopped at the shelter for water and met Jed from Kansas City, MO and Pete from Austrailia. On the trail, I met Martin York from Kentucky, and Ed from Connecticut. Hiked most of the day with those four leap frog style. All but Ed, stopped to eat lunch at Hawk Mt Shelter. What memories from last year. I told them about cooking dinner for my uncle and him being too tired to eat it. So, he went to sleep. In the middle of the night amongst many grumbled curses, the meal was spilled in the tent and he was busy trying to clean it up in a pouring down rain! Today, though, it is beautiful. Or did I already mention that! Met Julie en route to Gooch, She's just out for 3 days to Neel's Gap, but I like her. I got water, set up my tent, cooked chicken rice and met the others at the shelter. Low Gear is from Kentucky or Tennessee, Jay and Gabe are from Florida, John, who has thru hiked before. He had lots of stories and advice. Scott, who is William Fuller from Missouri I think! Jed and Pete were there too and a guy I really didn't meet. I stayed up and talked quite a while, then went to sleep as it got dark. All in all it was a great first day on the AT.
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Gooch Mt Shelter

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow, am I flying or what! I can't believe my trail legs would come back this quick! I was on the trail at 8:10. Still sunny and dry. Moving fast. Hiked today with Low Gear and Julie. I also came across Old Gray Mare and her niece at Jared Gap. Her neice got her a trail name "Chipper Damn it" First and last name I guess! So anyways, We cruised up and over Blood Mt. Stopped for photos at the old stone shelter and hurried into Neels Gap at 4:30 pm. I was afraid they'd close at 5, but they are open till 6. So, I drank a powerade right off, then got signed into the hostel, paid for laundry, got in on the pizza run, and then bought food for the next leg. Got showered and ate my pizza. Met Greenbow and Ray Way and a couple hiking together. They got the double hide a bed. In a hostel no less. An earthquake took out the well somehow, so the laundry takes forever to fill with water. Anyways, it all worked out. Oh, this morning when I left Gooch, Martin had lightened his pack. I had to check it out. .75 liter of Puerto Rican Rum, fry pan, plate, cups, clothes, butter, probably about 10 lbs. and he still had knee trouble and got off at Woody Gap to see a doctor. (Hope it's all right, Martin!) He'll be back, he seemed pretty determined.
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Neel's Gap

To: Blue Mt Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: few clouds

Slept in a little, the hostel mattress was so soft! I was out of there by 8:15 after signing the log. No photo, I didn't want to wait till the store opened. I was afraid I'd spend more money and buy something I would have to carry! I caught up to and passed Hard Charger who I had met last night too, and met Baggins. I should have taken her photo. She is pretty old, less than 100 lbs and carrying a big pack. I caught up to her as she was trying to find the trail as it crossed the road at Hog Pen Gap. (Remember the pork chops Chuck?) Oh, and I did NOT try to go to Whitley Gap Shelter this time! Passed a guy named Bill going slowly to maine. Saw Greenbow on the trail, then at low gap shelter I stopped for water and lunch. I met Zion and his dog Jack. Jack was pooped. I mean really pooped! there were other guys there, but I didn't get their names. the hiker from gooch was there, still don't know his name. He's very quiet, probably about my age. At Blue Mt. Shelter, I set up my tent and met Jim - Single track, a former thru hiker and Cap'n Nemo. Cap'n Nemo wanted me to sign his journal, so he signed mine too! They had a fire going and we all watched the full moon rise bright orange. Lots of people here, tents everywhere!
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Blue Mt Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

Left early again to beat the heat at 7:45, but it wasn't early enough. Today was tough. #2 is the hiker's name I never knew. Zion had hiked through the night and passed us as we slept. He called his wife to come get the dog. Zion and the marine with a 100 lb pack were camped on Rocky Mt when I came by. Tray mt was tough in the heat. There was trail magic, a cooler with sodas, but they were all gone but the one holding down the lid. Zion and 100 lb split that one. Addis gap had a cooler too! This one had ice and sodas. I drank a coke and went on into Deep Gap Shelter for some "Various Stews" made by Preacher Dude. It was good, the first bowl anyway, a banana, and an orange. Man, I was loving it. I left a 5$ bill and hiked out to Dick's Creek with Roni. It took 45 minutes for a hitch, but that was probably because it was 9:30 pm. A real nice mexican picked us up and even went around all the motels in Hiawassee to see the prices. I ended up going back to Hiawassee inn where I wanted to go in the first place. I knew Dairy Queen was right next door and I went for a banana cream pie blizzard before I even set up my tent on the lawn. (There was no room at the Inn) This year Ron and Sam were as great as last. They have a neat fire pit with picnic tables set up for the overflow hikers. Another long day, but everythings ok!
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Plum Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Up early, everyone is if they stay at Hiawassee Inn. Breakfast is at 7:30 with toast and jam, bananas, what all. Another sunny day, forcast for the next 5 days is sunny, high 80's. got cash and groceries at the exxon across the street, a quick shower, and then walked to the postoffice and back. At the post office, #2 and Jed were getting their mail drops. Jed gave me some trail mix. His mom sent way too much food. Got some bananas for the picnic area and one last lunch at Dairy Queen with chicken strip basket and another blizzard. #2 had the same idea. Hong Kong took two girls from England, one from DC and I back to the trailhead about 1:30 pm. #2 was hitching so we picked him up too! So back on the trail, it's the heat of the day, but at least we had a ride. The three girls are: Sun worshiper, Long Toe, and Sees bears everywhere! We hiked to Plum Orchard together more or less and found Jed already there. Low Gear showed up as well as #2. It was a great group and we had fun teasing the girls about sleeping between the bear bags and the copperhead snake that was supposed to live in the stump in front of the shelter! After dark, Low Gear and #2, who had chosen the second level of the shelter kept beating off the mice and I thought they were going to toss them onto my head! Fortunately, I had set up the netting of my tent inside the shelter. So, instead, I worried all night about them chewing a hole in the tent! I can't win. Low gear had a mouse run over his hand. #2 said one ran right into his shoulder. It was mousecapades! Maybe I'll keep the tent!
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Plum Orchard Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: broken clouds

I finally found my limit. Tonight my feet hurt, there is the beginning of a blister on one heel. I started out at 7:30 only planning to go as far as Standing Indian Shelter, Low Gear and Jed (Who is now "Beer Nuts") took my photo at the Georgia/North Carolina Line. I was really feeling good when we stopped for lunch at Muskrat Creek. I found out Jed is 27, Low Gear thinks he is 32. We had a good lunch, aired our feet and kept going. At Standing Indian, I met Garden Gnome, Sassafrass, and David who I had met at Deep Gap. There was no real place to settle in, so I kept moving. I thought I would go as far as Beech Gap, and maybe catch up to Zion and 100 lb., but they had moved on. I still felt good, so I went on up to Carter Gap. A long day, it was 7:30 pm. Got water, cooked ramen, and crawled in my tent to take a bath and nurse my tender feet. At the shelter was a father daughter pair, Portland and ____, St. Bernard, and Muddy Shoes. Had to dig into the motrin supply.
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Once again, I end up doing more miles than planned! I was up at 7:30, on the trail by 8:30. It looked like a chance of rain, so I tried out my packa rain cover. It never did rain. Works like a champ I guess! The motrin worked well, my feet are better this morning and off I went. Up and over Albert Mt. This time I had a working camera. Of course, I was alone, so again, sorry, just a self portrait. It seemed harder this time, but it was a short climb. Got water at Big Springs, saw a couple still getting things packed up. Rock Gap Shelter was empty and it was only 2:00 ish, so I kept going. Made it to Winding Stair Gap. I had two options, Camp 1 more mile down the trail, or call the Budget Inn. I made the call. Best idea ever! Crutch, a thru hiker from last year, came and picked me up by 4:30, stopped by the outfitter in town for crocs and found a roommate to share a room with. Granny Fanny who just happens to be off the trail temporarily with fanny issues. I got a long soak in the tub, cleaned up and ate dinner with her and Sweat Beast. We ate at the Steak Buffet and it was absolutely wonderful! I had key lime pie to top it off, then did my laundry. Here I sit at the computer for the first time since getting on the trail. I still have to get food so I can make it to Fontana by Friday for my first mail drop. Otherwise, I'll be waiting till Monday afternoon to hit the Smokies. All's well.
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Ate breakfast in Franklin with Crutch, ____, Granny Franny, Sweat Beast, Night Stalker, and ____. Bisquits and gravy, eggs and bacon. A shuttle back to the gap and on the trail at 9:30am. It was a long uphill to Siler Bald. I met Indy, and Jack from Charlotte with his dog, Wilder. Zion and 100# were camped 1 mile in. Wayah Bald was another hard climb. I found ramps again this year. Jack took my photo at Wayah. He's a professional photographer. Met Miska and Loki? from Canada along the way. They retrieved my water bottle I had left behind in my hurry to use the privy! There's a guy with a big knife and a firefighter's son "Roll Tide", Yard Sale, and maybe more at the shelter tonight. The evening's entertainment was the broken bear cables. I finally, with help from Big Knife, managed to hang my food about half way up. The Canadian woman laughed and asked who's bear pinata it was! I slept in the shelter. Raindrops woke me up about 4:30, but it didn't really rain.
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Short hike today, but well worth it. Up early, hiking by 7:30ish. Cool, foggy, then eventually rain. Lightning but I guess I missed the hail! I like the packa, but my shorts were still wet from somewhere. Caught up to and hiked most of the day with Zion and Yankee (100#) and some with Indy. Got into NOC and met up with Burner and Moonbeam. The hikers I had seen just after Albert Mt. and again at Winding Stair Gap. Met Tigger and Rice Burner, got a shower, laundry, ice-cream and tried out the hammock at the outfitters. Sat on a bench by the river with Moonbeam watching Zion and Yankee across the way. We were discussing a foot rubbing business but decided against it. We were afraid of the types of fungi we might run into! There was a guy getting his hair cut down by the river. Met Foreigner from Montreal and had dinner with him, Moonbeam, and Burner.
Date: 2006-04-20
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

6:30am, showered. I've got the runs. I hope it's just town food and not Giardiasis. Anyways, I ate breakfast with Roll Tide and ____. Foriegner joined us. Moon Beam and Burner caught up to me on the hill to Sassafrass. They are really fast. Finally, I think I've found some hikers that are moving my speed! I ate lunch at cheoh Bald with Roll Tide. Caught up to Mulligan at Stecoah Gap. The shelter is full, but Lone Star gave up a bed for me in favor of sleeping in his tent. Met Snail. Indy, Roll Tide, Mulligan, Foriegner, moonbeam and Burner all here. This is definately the hardest day yet! The trail is so steep, I felt like my toenails were scratching at my shins! It was a slippery, rainy day with lightning on all the worst ridges. Tried to sleep, but the shelter was noisy.