morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-09-03
From: Not Quite to Maine

To: Mahoosuc Notch (West End)
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: broken clouds

Didn't quite make it to the state line last night. Some weird rocks then & this morning! I only met one person today on the Trail, a SOBO Section hiker. More crazy rocks to go up & over.My ankle wasn't hurting while walking, but I 'm still going pretty slow (2/3 mph) -- the ankle, the rocks, & the wetness everywhere all contribute. When I tried walking a little faster on some of the smoother spots, the ankle didn't like it, but those places were mostly on rock or boardwalk (which has its own problems). Some of the boardwalks were in very bad shape, especially on the alpine bogs above tree-line. When the boards are invisible under water, it encourages people to try to walk around the area. That usually doesn't work because there's deep mud all around. If the goal is to prevent damage to these fragile ecosystems, MATC needs to put more effort into providing a Trail hikers can stay on. Putting new boards right over the old ones would help in many places; in others, just some rocks to walk on would be helpful. I know there aren't a lot of loose rocks around some of these areas, but they do have some invested in cairns, which are really unnecessary because, with white blazes on the rocks, it's not generally difficult to find the Trail ¢ it's just difficult to walk on it. Use those rocks to walk on! I took one Ibuprofen last night, one today, & I doubt I'll feel a need for another. My ankle swelling is down some, I'm getting some of the itch of healing, & there's no pain in walking. This was a good day for great views on Mt. Carlo, & the West, East, & North peaks of Goose Eye Mtn. I found the Canadians had camped just a little beyond where I did, so we took each others' pictures at the border sign. I didn't see them again till I was eating supper at Full Goose shelter. They stayed there for the night; I went on to the beginning of Mahousuc Notch. I decided that shelter got its name because it's located between Goose Eye Mtn & Fulling Mill Mtn. Anybody know differently??The last Mtn. took longer than I'd hoped. There was no real possibility of going thru Mahoosuc Notch at dusk, so I set up my tent in the only spot I could find at the South end of the notch. I had hoped it wouldn't rain again till I was thru the Notch, but here it is again. At least I have my tent set up.
Date: 2003-03-07
From: Hiawassee

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: few clouds

I left the hotel about 8:30 with a ride from Papa Mac, a nice gentleman who takes hikers around for the cost of gas. On the trail again by 9:00. About a mile in, I ran up on Adam and Tim. We walked together for the rest of the day. It was sunny but cool and we made good time, stopping for lunch at Plumorchard Shelter. About 2:30 we reached the North Carolina border. Soon we were climbing Sharptop Mountain which still remains a killer climb. By 5:00 I had reached Muskrat Creek Shelter, worn out again. I'm also beginning to get a cold, which drains my energy. With my Pennsylvania buddies and me tonight is David, from Wyoming, a former thru-hiker. Good night PaPa.
Date: 2013-09-05
From: Grafton Notch

To: Frye Notch Lean-to
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: few clouds

Started out at a diner in Rumford: I ate the "Big Rig breakfast" plus some of Susan's. We had slept-in a little because it was so late last night. So now we were right up to check-out time. When we asked for more time, they said No, they had to get their cleaning done on time because of a funeral ¢ & they'd charge $20 a hour for going over. When Susan said, "Here's $20; we'll be out in an hour", they decided getting us out was more important than the money. So we left the motel as quickly as we could. There were lots of NOBO hitchhikers at Grafton Notch. We talked with some while I re-packed my pack. Susan ended up giving Honeysuckle & Gravy a ride, then coming back for Big Spoon & Brain Dead. After taking a couple to Bethel, some distance off the Trail, Susan asked them how they would get back. The answer sounded like "The Lord will provide -- if not, we can cope with that too!" She said if that's what the trail teaches, maybe she could use some of that, calling herself a "Nervous Nellie" for being so concerned to have everything lined up in advance.Going up Bald Pate, I met several day hikers plus a SOBO named Harley. I stopped at the first shelter for lunch. All my muscles & joints were very stiff. Today, there was variety of trail -- last night, I had had a gentle slope on bedrock (hard on legs); today going up Bald Pate, lots of stone steps on a steeper slope; then all kinds of rock face on top; on the other side, a steep series of small rock faces; then what seems more normal for Maine, dirt trail with roots (not so good for sore ankle?). I might have enjoyed basking in the sun up on top of Bald Pate if it hadn't been for the chilling wind. It was a nice, clear day, with great views in all directions, including Mt. Washington without clouds; but it was very hard to get pictures because shivering & being bounced around by the wind aren't conducive to holding the camera still. At Frye Notch Lean-to, I met a flip-flopper named Papa Jim & spent the night there.
Date: 2003-02-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I was deeply saddened to check my email this evening and find out that Ted Anderson AKA Soleman had passed away last night. Ted was one of the main memebers of HikersRus, the yahoo mailing list comprised of 2003 thru-hiker hopefulls. I've been part of the site since December, others for much longer. At some point down the road the number of March 1st starters began to amass and thus was born, PACK 31.    There are about 10 of us starting on the 1st, and through daily posts I've gotten to know the others so well. Some of the talk is about gear, food, the trip etc. But alot of it is just friendly banter and jokes. Ted was indeed the ring leader. He brought humor to everyone and kept us all smiling. Teddi, you will be missed by us all. My prayers go out to his wife and family. I know he'll be on Springer ready to kick off the hike with us on saturday and that he'll be with us the whole way.      With Ted's passing has come a reassurance for me. One last sign that this hike is the right decision for me. Its so important to live life the way that you want to, not to waste it. I've had this urge to hike the AT since I've learned about it. Its been this urgent tugging at my side, like a little kid that just won't go away. I simply got tired of thinking 'The trail will always be there' and 'That's something I'd like to do one day'.    I didn't feel any need to wait for some natural break in my life between college and work or job A and job B. This hike is something that will enrich my life for the better, no matter what I take on after this.    I think constantly about the AT, my intentions, dreams, goals etc. Its often hard to articulate or reflect when I get onto the computer, almost like my brain shuts off. I hope that I'll be able to elaborate on how I feel, what the Trail is doing for me and all that good stuff, when I start hiking. Hopefully the Appalachians in Spring will be exactly the setting I desire to reflect upon.       Well, I have 3 days until departure time. Still so much to finish up, but I'm ready. No nerves yet, just currents of excitement and vivid pictures of the Georgia woods in my imagination.
Date: 2003-03-01
From: Springer Mt

To: Hawk Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.6

Wow-Im still getting over the fact that im here. All day I was in a daze-a mixture of excitement, adrenaline, sadness and uncertainty. I met my hiking partner, Debbie, in the parking lot. Shes using the Trailname Red. We walked up the .9 mile to Springer Mt, with our folks following behind. When we got to the top we found no view, but about 5 other folks up there. As we headed down it seemed so surreal. I couldn't believe all the waiting had come to this. When we got back down to the parking lot I met Subman, Pringles, Hotdog, Wench and Liteshoe. I was so anxious to get going that I could barely stand in one place. Our parents insisted on so many pictures, but I was just itching to get going. We were finally off on the Trail headed north to Maine. We started passing a lot of people and took our first break at Stover Creek Shelter. We met Frank, one of Red's friends from home. Hes also thru-hiking with some friends. After we left we got into a nice rhythym and reluctantly passed Long Creek Falls. We had a couple gradual climbs, but all and all an easy day.    Tons of great people here. We stopped about 230 and people kept rolling in. Some of the folks here are..Mickey One sock, Wench, shoe, dog, pringles, subman, Raliegh, Jenny, Erin from Wisconsin and her partner from Denmark, Bumpkin, her son, Red and so many others. I cooked dinner at the late hour of 330. Decent noodles and sauce. Coulda pushed on, but woulda been stupid with all the great people here.
Date: 2003-03-16
From: Brown Gap Fork Shelter

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 11.7

Today was another foggy/drizzly/wet day. More slick, wet rocks that made footing very interesting with my new sneakers. Subman already turned his ankle in his shoes - so I'm really mkaing an effort to take precautions. We all cruised today as we really do when town is on the agenda. We got to Cable Gap Shelter and took a break. Very glad we didn['t push on to this place. It was a really small shelter and apparently it leaked. At Yellow Creek Road we found a bag with two cokes and two oranges. I gave Alex a coke and orange and split the other coke and orange with Dimples. Alex is a cool guy but he's got some strange priorities. Has got a 40 pound pack which does not include a tent or flashlight but does include the likes of a deoderant and other toiletries. He usually ends up sleeping at the edge of the shelter near our feet or on the picnic table. I guess Dean lets him borrow his tent. Seems kinda foolish to come out without a tent but that's just my opinion. I try not to judge anyone out here because everyone seems to have their own way of doing things.There are about 12 hikers at the Fontana Inn. We have the run of the place. It's a little village resort which no one is visiting in March. It's cool that we have such a strong, fun group but I know it's inevitable that we'll split up and spread out. Everyone was excited about the AYCE dinner here that they advertise. Well they didn't expect 12 hungry hikers and didn't have enough time to kep serving the food. When I arrived everyone was impatiently awaiting more meatloaf. I decided to order a turkey melt and french fries. It was cheaper, came out right away and was much better than the meatloaf. REally funny thing happened. Hot Poles and I were doing laundry and Tin Man gets out of a car. He tells us some spring breakers from NY just dropped him off. Later the car returns. the two guys get out and one looks familiar. I look at him - he looks back - and we realize we know each other. It's Yonni Avital - my friend Iddo's brother - who both went to my high school. Small world. They are out to hike in the Smokies for a week. They end up hanging out with us all night and jamming out on the guitar/bongo/flute. It was awesome to have live music and everyone sang along. I think Yonni's friend Etan caught the thru-hiking bug. He was asking us so many questions.Great news! I found out that VErmont made it to the NCAA tournament. Ironic that I leave the school and the;y make it to the big dance. Everyone at school must be excited. Wish I was there. No actually, I don't. I am having a blast!
Date: 2003-03-17
From: Fontana Inn

To: Hike Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Im in Robbinsville, NC right now, taking my first zero day before I hit the Smokies. Were in for rain and t-storms all week. Also massive amounts of spring breakers. A bunch of us are staying at the hike inn tonight. We stayed at the fontana inn at the village last night and it was pretty horrible. My journals from 3/8 and on should be coming on the net in the next couple days so stay tuned! Havin a blast-hiking with dimples, space monkey, hot poles, Grunt, Java, Red, Pile Up, Red Streak, Squirts, Flick and others.
Date: 2003-03-24
From: Campsite

To: Max Patch 
Miles today: 14.8

We all awoke early with breakfast on our minds. Our sleeping bags were pretty wet when we woke up. We all sept under the stars and I guess the dew built up. The first mile was downhill to where we crossed Interstate 40. The TRail went right under the highway. We started climbing in elevation and soon reached the turn off for Standing Bear. This hostel is awesome! I would have stayed but I wanted to do more than 2 miles today. Curtis who owns the farm is such a nice generous guy.   We hung out there for three hours. We ate junk food, used the internet, made phne calls, listened to radio and washed up. The farm is such a relaxed environment. The owners also own a Mexican/bluegrass restaurant. At noon we all hiked out realizing we had to make another 13 miles. The plan was to get to the top of Max Patch to watch the sun set and camp. It was a hot day, with some tough climbs up Snowbird and Max Patch Mountains. We were all completely whipped when we arrived at 6:15. We set up our tents and wre treated to 360 degree views and the most beautiful sunset. It made the tough day so rewarding . We cooked in almost darkness - such a great way to end a long day.
Date: 2003-03-27
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mt Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Woke up at 8:30. Slept very comfortably. Shared a bed with Space Monkey. Elmers Inn is so comfortable. The house is a beautiful old Victorian house and the rooms are gorgeous. I took about an hour to pack up and go through my maildrop and gear. Space Monkey and I ate breakfast at the wonderful and greasy SMoky Mountain Diner. Their hash browns are delicious. I settled my bill and headed down to the outfitter. Just hung out there for a couple of hours while Dimples checked her email. Said goodye to Brendan. He's headed on a bus back to Detroit. I think he is making a wise decision. The Trail will always be here.We finally left town at close to 1 p.m. Crossed the French Broad River and started the climb up to Lover's Leap. My pack weighed 38 puonds coming out of town wiht five days of food and two liters of water. Dimples has 36 pounds, her heaviest weight. Despite it, we were still moving pretty well. We stopped at this pretty lake wwhich was in the middle of the woods. Very weird. Sat with Heald and Space MOnkey for an hour. No one wanted to move!   We trudged up Rich Maountain and checked out the summit which was a fire tower. The tower was locked but we went up anyway. What rebels!We hiked through the later afternoon sun - my favorite time to hike - and arrived at 6 p.m. This shelter is small but there were two spots left for me and Dimps. Also here are Grunt, Java, Journeyman, Red, Subman Hot Poles and Chaos. It's chilly and I am ready to hit the hay. It's such a good feeling to be back on the trail.
Date: 2003-03-30
From: Sams Gap/Miss Janets

To: Miss Janets
Miles today: 0.0

took the day off. I was planning on a 24 mile slack pack. I woke up early in the bunkroom and looked out the window to see a foot of snow on the ground. I wasn't going anywhere! How cozy, to be able to go back to bed in a warm hostel surrounded by good people and the great hospitality of Miss Janet. There are worse places to be stuck in a snow storm! Janet made a huge breakfast and about a dozen hikers chowed down, almost everyone taking the day off. Did some dishes and pitched in around the house. Janet took us grocery shopping and a couple hikers went to see a movie. We went to Jonhson City, a nearby big city to Erwin where I went to the outfitter, attempting to get the zipper on my pants fixed. The outfitter had the exact pair of pants and was willing to give me a new pair, as long as North Face agreed to re-emberse them. Of course they didn't and asked me to send them the pants to be fixed. I can't afford to not have them for a couple weeks, especially with the snow in the mountains, so I've resorted to using a safety pin to hold them together until I can get better re-enforcment. It was a bit frustrating not being able to hike today and not being able to actually hike "to" Erwin, since we are still back at Sam's Gap technically.
Date: 2003-03-31
From: Spivey Gap

To: Nolichucky River
Miles today: 11.2

Today was my first slackpacking experience. I had quite a crew to join me. We didn't get started till almost 1 o'clock, but there was no rush as we had neither packs or a long day ahead of us. Knowing you are headed back to a nice warm hostel is a great feeling and we all had the famous Erwin Burrito on our minds for dinner. With me today was Crumb, Monkey, Shifty and Eggman, Chaos, Poles and Donkey. I felt pretty guilt about hiking this section out of order. Tomorrow i'll have to hike from Sams gap to here and then get a ride back to the river and head north from there. I was advised by Miss Janet as well as Baltimore Jack and Heald, two very experienced AT hikers that hiking Big Bald today with all the snow wouldn't be a wise thing to do. They suggested this lower elevated section as an alternative to sitting around for a second idle day waiting for snow to melt. Sounded ok to me. Today was fun! It was frustrating to post hole so much, which takes a lot out of you, but we all had a blast. Snowballs were a flying in every direction. I can't tell you how many times I was clocked in the back of my head. Basically whomever led would get ambushed with flying snowballs. The other trick was to hit a big branch filled with snow, dumping it all on someones face and pack. We found a snowman that Cannoli had presumably made and Donkey made notes and sigs in case he was still behind. The last few miles offered great snow covered views of the Erwin valley and Nolichucky River. We slid down off the Trail onto the road and right past the watchful eye of Uncle Johnny. We hung out around the bridge area and made our way to the other road. We had little luck hitching and played ball in the meantime. Chaos had taken a bouncy ball along for the hike since we werent carrying full packs. Finally we lucked out and got a ride from a nice gentleman who even stopped for beer on the way to Erwin and proceeded to drop us as Erwin Burrito where Miss Janet and probably 15 or 20 hikers were included 5 Alive and Snuggles and Apollo and Ounce who had been ahead of us the entire way.
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Campsite

To: Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 17.1

We awoke at 7 a.m. although it felt like 6 a.m. because of the overnight time change. Our tents were covered in ice and frost and it was freezing! I guess sleepoing by the river wasn't such a great idea.I cooked oatmeal and hot chocolate for the first time since Georgia. We got moving quick and finished the relocation section. The relo added an additional 3 miles to the total count. Today was a pretty tough day. The profile looked totally benign - almost flat. It was anything but that. Up 300 feet, down 300 feet, up 500 feet, down 500 feet. Repeat over and over and you got yourself a very tiring day. At least with big uphills or downhills your feet and legs can shift into one gear -not have to keep switching. About three miles before the hostel it looked like it was going to storm. The wind started kicking and I was dashing down the hill. I arrived at Kincorra Hostel just as Bob, the owner, was driving hikers to town. I was albe to dealy a few minutes until Dimples hiked in. I knew she wanted to go shopping.The Hostel ws packed. It was a big reunion. Subman, Grunt, Java, Red, Shifty, Eggman, Mike, Leita, Brownie, Chaos, Crumb Snatcher, Verginia Creeper, Mama Lipton, Flatlander, Doc, Pop Tart, Apollo, Snuggles, Bonfire and Oz. Also Dog, who I always seem to run into even though she just does sections.Subman and I ate a large Little Caesar's pizza on the way back to the Hostel. Hot Dogs and Salad were waiting for us back at the hostel. Java's folks have come down to visit him and had rented a cabin at Laurel Creek Campground just down the road. They invited us to spend the night. We had a great time, more food of course and great music and company. His parents and brothre are so nice and really made our day.
Date: 2003-04-18
From: Bland

To: Rt. 608
Miles today: 18.6

Slack packed with Grunt. Poured all day and was very cold. Low 40's. We stopped at Jenny Knob shelter for lunch and I started shaking. Felt the hypothermia coming on. After climbing a mile or two uphill I began to warm up and knew I could make it the whole way. We hiked .8 down to Trent's Grocery and snacked until my folks arrived.
Date: 2003-05-08
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Terrapin Station Hostel
Miles today: 22.7

Got up EARLY and was hiking my earliest ever - 7 a.m. I trucked it 7 miles to the Elkwallow Wayside and had a 9 a.m. breakfast of a turkey sub, hashbrowns and blackberry milkshake. Subman, Leiterant, Caddis, Shakelton, Chiquita, AKA, FLick, Shovel, Moxie and Johnny Walker were all chowing down. After a 2 hour break we chugged along and stayed steady all day. About 2 miles before Gravel Springs Hut a storm hit us and the rain dumped in buckets. Thunder and lightening were crashing around us. We went down to Gravel Springs Hut to sit out the storm and it stopped as soon as we got down there. Sat around for an hour and chatted with Moxie, Johnny Walker and Shovel. Those guys hav been ahead fo us forever and we just jumped over them. We have passed a lot of people the past couple of weeks. We are moving OK but have just been steady and consistent. Some people take more days off. Had a peaceful afternoon. Strode up and over Compton Peak and then all downhill. We hit the side trail and it was half mile down to Mike's Hostel. He hiked the Trail in '95 and he is a huge Deadhead. He's been to 120 shows. Drove us into Front Royal for Burger King and groceries. Hung out later watching NBA playoffs and eating oreos. Only 3 days left until Harper's Ferry.
Date: 2003-05-20
From: Peters Mtn Shelter

To: PA 443/Kevins house
Miles today: 22.1

Chilly morning. For some reason didn't sleep well. Eveyrone was up early so I got up. On the Trail with Grunt at 7:45. Squirts left early to meet his friend Kevin 6.5 miles up at the Trail at 9:30 a.m. Nice ridge walking all morning. Got down to the road and saw Kevin and Squirts. Kevin was nice enough to invite us back to his place for the night. He figured it was a good slack opportunity. Dumped all of our tents, bags, pads, cooking stuff etc. into his jeep and hiked lightly for the next 16 miles. Nice pretty ridge walking. Walked through an area between Yellow and Cold Springs Trail that Kevein said is haunted. Right after Rausch Gap Shelter was in an area that used to have a small 1000 person community 100 years ago. It's always nice to walk through places in the woods where whole towns were settled. spent a great nice at Kevin's house. His parents were very nice folks and gave us a great dinner. We slept down in the basment and enjoyed hot showers and cable TV and internet. Such luxuries!