morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Hemlocks Lean-to

To: Kristen's Chateau
Miles today: 4.4

SO we got up early again, because we knew that we had to get into town to pick up another maildrop. When we left it was drizzling and all the Yale Bulldogs were still asleep except for one disgruntled pup that wasn't getting any sleep wedged between someone and the wall. We had bundles of fun walking down very slick rocks. Each of us fell atleast once and had many close calls. We reached South Egremont cold, wet, and sore from falls. We dried off in Mom¢s Caf© and had breakfast. We went over to the Post office to get our mail drop and while we were in there Fruit Fly walked in looking very dry and clean. He was staying in town with an old friend from college. They invited back to hangout to warm up and maybe wait out the rain. We ended staying for the night. Kristen is very friendly and works for the Schumacher society making a local currency. She was generous enough to offer us refuge from the weather and fed very well. We spent most of the day eating, watching movies, and sitting around chatting. "Can you spin some fire for us?" - Fruit FLy
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Kristen's Chateau

To: Kristen's Chateau
Miles today: 24.1

It was still raining when we woke up. Kristen offered to slack pack the three of us so that we didn't have to bare the full brunt of the bad weather and could come back to warm place to stay. Naturally we took her up on her offer. After a big banana pancake breakfast we were dropped off 24 miles north of her house. we hiked south on the trail back to South Egremont. On the way we ran into Fed-Ex and met Gut Hook for the first time. GUt hook was sitting in the middle of a mosquito cloud and being eaten alive without the slightest care. It began to rain again at the end of the hike. We met kristen's roommate who was in the house when we got back. he had just gotten back from a conference in Brazil. We enjoyed talking to them and learning about the currency they helped start. We also ate really well and were always full at the end of each meal. "Hey Whateva. Bet you won't eat that moth." -Fruit Fly
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Kristen's Chateau

To: The Hoffs
Miles today: 0.0

Breakfast was a joint effort. Fruit Fly made omelets using up more than a dozen eggs. Whateva made some bacon and Ant and Slick Shoes just did a lot of eating. We got out on the trail a little later than we had hoped, as usual. The three fellas headed north with our packs and all while Fruit Fly did the slack pack we had done the previous day. We had to hustle because Ant had gotten in touch with some family friends, the Hoffs. They used to be his neighbors in Southern Pines before they moved to Massachusetts. They now live in Longmeadows MA, which is just outside of Springfield. They were more than happy enough to put us up for the night. Mr. Hoff had just pulled up as we reached the road. We headed back to their home and had an excellent dinner before we hit the hay. It was slightly nerve-racking trying to sleep in a room whose walls were covered with Dook paraphernalia (both Mr and Mrs Hoff were Dook grads).
Date: 2007-05-22
From: The Hoffs

To: The Hoffs
Miles today: 0.0

We decided because we had the opportunity to take advantage of such great hospitality that we would take a zero day and relax at the Hoffs. We spent much of the day updating journals and enjoyed fulfilling all our technicalogical needs using computers, watching tv, and such. We also had our first encounter with Friendly's restuarant.
Date: 2007-05-23
From: The Hoffs

To: Tom Levardi's 
Miles today: 0.0

It was a bit of a drive from Longmeadows back to the trail. When we got on we knew we had to hurry in order to make it into Cheshire to pick up our mail drop, however it was 20 miles away. A seemingly impossible task until we ran into Tom. Tom lives in Dalton and the trail literally goes along the sidewalk infront of his house. We knew from talking to Groovasaurus on the phone that Tom was a really nice and helpful guy especailly to hikers. We had our lunch on Tom's porch, there is a sign offering a spigot to fill up water bottles. Tom also left a note on the front door saying he'd be back in 45 minutes. So we waited to meet the guy we'd heard so much about. And I'm glad we did. Tom came up to the porch and said: "This looks like a bunch of Good Fellas!" having already heard about us from Groove and Guthook. We told him our predicament that it was already 330 pm and we didn't think we could make it the 10 miles into Cheshire to get our mail drop. He offered to slack us from Chesire back to Dalton but first he brought out ice cream sundays on a silver platter- cherries and all. We drove up to Cheshire got our package and put it in Tom's car. We then hiked south back towards Dalton. At the trail head we say Guthook who was also slacking back to Tom's. Guthook was talking to Jay Bird (aka Weapons of Mouse Destruction) who was headed north up Vermont's Long Trail (which shares realestate with the AT on its southern portion). We knew of Jay BIrd because we crossed paths with him somewhere just before the Smokies. He was finishing his second Yo-yo. We hiked with Guthook back to Tom's and found Fruit Fly waiting on the porch when we got back. We had a huge spaghetti dinner prepared by Tom followed by some pie. We watched the south park movie and had a good time hanging out. Tom is awesome.
Date: 2007-06-04
From: Slackpack

To: Backpack?
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So just a quick update for all you on the other side of the screen. We are in Hanover, New Hampshire and have been here for the past couple of days. We have been staying with one of Fruit Fly's friends and have been slackpacking during the day. Took a zero day today, the 4th, because of inclimate weather. We start "The Whitey's" tomorrow and have 398 miles to go!!! Have had a good stay with the Snyder family where Ant's dad and brother came up to visit back in Vermont. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Putting on a pack will somehow be foreign to us as we have been slackpacking a lot lately. At the same time, I anxiously await being back in the solitude that the mountains provide. The whitey's are claimed to be some of the best parts of the trail and with our first break above tree line, the scenes should be breathtaking. Hopefully the weather will be better than what we've had and what they're calling for...Maybe we'll get up for some sunrises...So there is a quick update for everyone. We probably won't be doing full updates until the journey has come to a close. Oh yeah, we're (still) having a blast!Whateva: Care for some gopher?Slick Shoes: No thank you, Whateva. One third of a gopher would only arouse my appetite without bedding it down.Whateva: Oh, you can have the whole thing. Me and Ant already had one apiece. We ran across a whole... gopher village. (Oh Bro Where Art Thou)
Date: 2007-06-10
From: Corso's

To: The Presidentials
Miles today: 0.0

Hello all. We have just had a great stay with the Corso's and are heading out to start the Presidentials today. I updated the maildrops for those of you inquiring and also put up some pictures. Everything has been going well. We have been slowing down to try and get good weather on Washington. More or less a success. Must get back on the trail. -"You know, we always called each other good fellas. Like you said to, uh, somebody, :You're gonna like this guy. He's all right. He's a good fella. He's one of us.: You understand? We were good fellas. Wiseguys."-The Goodfellas (We finally watched it!)
Date: 2007-06-15
From: New Hampshire

To: Andover/Pine Ellis Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Just a quick update to let everyone know where we are currently. We crossed our final border two days ago and have begun the last 280 miles that exist in Maine. The WHites wore us out as did these last couple days in Maine (the Mahoosuc Range). We loved the whites and all the views and came to appreciate all the huts along the way. The "croo"s were often fun to hang out with and more importantly we enjoyed all the baked goods they provided in the afternoon. We waited for good weather in the whites and were blessed with mostly sunny days and gorgeous views above treeline. What an amazing place! Certainly like no place else on the trail. We navigated our way through the acclaimed Mahoosuc notch yesturday (the so called hardest mile on the trail) and had an excellent time doing so. We enjoyed some trail magic left in the snow from a gracious trail angel in the notch. -Thanks so much. We are all becoming a little anxious to finish but are still having fun. We are also just a day behind (we think) Groove, Fed-Ex, and Guthook. Hopefully we can catch up to them in the next few days and begin the party for the Grand Finale.
Date: 2007-02-11
To: How I started backpacking
Miles today: 0.0

I thought for my first entry I would remember all my other AT adventures. I have enjoyed so much time on the trail already I am hoping to top them all in 07. I began section hiking in 02 with my good friend Mountain Break. Our first day on the trail together began in Elk Park TN. It quickly turned into a disaster. Mountain Break was over-heated. I thought he was going to die on me so we stopped early. As he was resting and coming back to life I almost burned the forest down. I didn't know how to use the old stove I adventured out with. Too much fuel was coming out when I threw on the match. Flames were 2 ft tall. How was I now going to turn it off? Things got better from there. We met up with another friend Flatbread and the next few weeks went pretty smooth. Dispite this bumpy beginning I sectioned about 1000 mi over the next few years and in 04 decided to start over as a thru hiker. Ga-Me 04
Date: 2007-02-12
To: Ga-Me 04
Miles today: 0.0

I did hike from Ga-Me in 04 but a very bad ankle injury took me off the trail in NH. After PT for 2 weeks I went back and made it through the Whites and into ME. Because my ankle was not healed and it was late Sept I realized my dream as a thru hiker would have to come to an end. At Grafton Notch ME about 260 mi short of the big K I left the trail. In 05 I did finish the last 260 mi so this brings me to why in 07 I will try again.
Date: 2007-02-13
To: Thinking About 07
Miles today: 0.0

Preparation for 07 is harder then 04 because in 04 I was only going out for 6 weeks. This turned into 6 months. I was able to achieve this with the help and support of my great husband. It helps that I have hiked this before but I think it makes me second guess everthing. I'm trying to lighten up with different gear. Why I don't know, the old stuff kept me going fine all the way to ME.New pack - Osprey 65New sleep bag - Marmot Helium 15New tent - Rainbow Tarptent
Date: 2007-02-18
To: Planning
Miles today: 0.0

Feb. in CT is snowy & cold. Good time to get all the planning done. I have packed all the boxes up to Harpers Ferry. I decided to have 8. I will list them in the mail drop section for all my friends to send me cookies. Homemade of course. Of course letters would be fine too.The most frightful parts of a thru hike to me:1. hitching to town alone2. sleeping completely alone in the woods3. running out of food. Which I did once in 04 due to miscalculations. I was saved by some wonderful section hikers that were leaving the trail. Cheese! Pepperoni! Snacks! Thanks trail angels.
Date: 2007-02-20
To: Walk Carefully
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday in CT the wind chill was -7. Today it is 50 degrees. That is crazy CT weather. So I just had to put the pack on and walk for a few hours in the woods. I know it isn't much but at least my body gets the feel of 30lbs. With a few inches of solid packed snow and 50 degrees making the top soft it was hard walking. I adventured across a very step slope. Not life treatening but of course I slipped and slid about 25ft down the cliff. Just a reminder of how easy it is to fall with a pack on.I thought of the trail as it enters Pen Mar park in Pa. Flat and smooth with even wood chips on it. Not an obsticle to be seen. So as I walked along in 04 I was checking Wingfoot's guide for mileage when the smallest of the smallest stump jumped out at me. I went flying on my stomach for several feet. Noone saw thank goodness. What a laugh I had sitting there in the middle of the trail all alone.
Date: 2007-03-02
To: Tent
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Today it is raining so I thought I would set up the new tent to see if it gets wet inside. Not sure my test is going to work because I think it stopped raining. But I was able to put it up without looking at the directions this time. It is quit simple. I used the sierra light year in 04 and loved it but I will cut about 2lbs if I use this one. Hope I am not sorry. If anyone has used this tent in the rain or wind send me an email. How did it stand up. I am second guessing myself with everything. I still think knowing what to expect is worse. A freind from my 04 hike emailed me to say he wasn't having good luck with his new gear. His pack was uncomfortable and blisters from new footwear. I too have a new pack and footwear. I know it can be a problem. I will keep the sports tape and compeds close at hand. Sports tape works wonders on preventing blisters. As soon as you know it is a possibility you will get a blister put tape on the spot. You may prevent it all together.I am getting very scared and very excited at the same time.
Date: 2007-03-10
To: Get serious
Miles today: 0.0

Well it is time to get serious about everything. My husband and I leave for FL two weeks from today. I am the one that takes care of the small stuff checking act, paying the bill, and making things happen for the kids. oh that's right they are not kids anymore but they still call when something important or "not" has to get done. In 04 when I checked my email at Bears Den hostel my son wrote "Mom I need a lap top ASAP or I can't do my project for college. Now how was I going to make that appear from the middle of nowhere. My email back said CHARGE IT!!! So when the card company call my home my husband said oh no my wife could not be spending $2000 on the trail don't let that charge happen. OOOPSHope they all can handle it this time.OK I will get serious tomorrow and pack everything up and close up some boxes. I am getting very excited and scared.......Always scared before I hit the trail.
Date: 2007-03-19
To: Counting Down
Miles today: 0.0

I can't believe it is 5 more days and I leave my CT home for six months. I thought I was ready then good old New England weather dropped a foot of snow on us this weekend. It is still winter here hope it is spring in GA.I listed a few mail drops in case any of my friends or family want to send choc chip cookies!!!!!! I am trying to get away from so many mail drops and use the stores more this time. Postage has gone up so much.Went to REI one more time. "Checking the list twice" I am out of time to make any other changes. Every little item is adding oz that turn into lbs. All this gear has to fit in one pack. oh no
Date: 2007-03-21
To: The Last Supper
Miles today: 0.0

Hi everyone. I just read that Fishin Fred is out doing his great trail magic. I enjoyed his magic in 05. If anyone sees him tell him aprilshowers said hi and hopes to enjoy his magic again this year. Thanks Fishin FredGlad to read everyone out on the trail is doing well. I just can't wait to get out there.Everything is pack and ready to go. I decided to take the chance on check baggage. I plan to carry as much on the plane that I can but will have to check most. I have a non stop to Fl so I think it should be ok. I will have 5 days until the hike starts to replace anything I need to. But I will wear my boots. Can't replace them 5 day before a hike. I'm sure they will make me take them off but at least they will not loose them. My freinds are taking me out for a few drinks and dinner tonight. They think I will be starved on the trail so they want to fill me up. I will enjoy that because I am not looking forward to the dehydrated stuff. I also cut my hair today but I did not shave my head like some have suggested. That is a bit extreme for me.Saturday is almost here and the adventure begins.
Date: 2007-03-24
To: Leaving for FL
Miles today: 0.0

Hi all It is 5 AM and I am up and waiting on my ride to the airport. The adventure begins. I hope for 3 sunny days in FL and many more in GA. I will try to keep this up to date as much as possible along the way. I am ready for fun and maybe some not so much fun. But no pain no rain no Maine as the saying goes. OFFFFFFF   I go.
Date: 2007-03-27
To: Off to Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

Sunny Sunny FL 3 beautiful days here. And a great family visit. I even swam in the ocean yesterday. It was a bit rough but very warm. Today we will drive to Gainesville Ga. Wednesday we plan to drive up to forest road 42 and hike the 0.9 to the summit of Springer Mountain. Also I hope to have enough time to sign in at Amacilola so I can be official. I plan to relax the rest of Wednesday with my husband back in Gainesville. Thursday we will shuttle back to forest road 42 and head north. The weather said it is unseasonably warm right now. Sure am glad for the winter gear I will be struggling to carry. But I am sure it will get cold again soon.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Off to Georgia

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.9
Weather: broken clouds

My husband "Trainman" and I drove up to forest road 42. That was an adventure in itself.   Boy was the rental car dusty, hope the rental place isn't too upset. So .9 miles down, only 2173.1 left to go.We met Tigger, Chuck Norris, Guide Dog, Life traveler and a few others without trail names yet. That's dangerous because someone will give you a name you may not like. We also met Roger the ridgerunner on the top of Springer. Quite an interesting character who told us funny stories of past hikers. One who in the first 30 days of hiking took 20 "0" days. That is a no mile day. He claimed not to be in a hurry.
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Springer Mountain

To: Springer Again
Miles today: 9.0

This entry is being written on 4-06-07 by Trainman.As of this morning Aprilshowers is out on the trail without me, but she is not alone, having hooked up with Tigger and Chuck Norris (from FL), Leonard (from MD), and Montreal (from where else?). The five seem to make an amicable party and I suspect they will spend quite a few miles together as they travel northward. For the remainder of April's journey she will be relaying the daily log to me and I will be posting it. She may also have a few opportunities to directly put in an update herself.Now back to the chronicles, resuming at 3-29-07.Lee from the Hiker Hostel picked us up early in Gainesville. Upon arrival at the hostel we would transfer to a truck to take us the 15 or so miles up to Springer. April was amazed to find that the truck's driver was Old Man, a hiker that she shared the trail with in 2004. They both had a great time reminiscing on long, bumpy Forest Road 42 to the top of the mountain. FR 42 comes in from the north and is not nearly as well graded as southerly FR 77 that we had used the previous day.We hit the trail at 10:00 am. Weather was good so we pushed on past Hawk Mt shelter. Rain started about 2 miles further on. Not wanting to push too hard on the first day, we stopped at 3:00 pm on an anonymous mountain top and set up our new tarptent. Let's hope this works as advertised.:
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Springer Mt.

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Journal entry by TRAINMAN.Seems that no matter how much you train or how careful you are, the hiking pains come quickly. Fortunately April's pains are just from getting acclimated to the trail, nothing serious. The morning weather started out cold and misty but it cleared by time we reached Gooch Gap shelter. The trail was smooth and easy, what we came to call a "Cruiser Trail." With no appreciable hills we made close to 3 mph. But we know the "Cruisers" won't last - they never do.We met High Octane, a builder of gas station pumping facilities. He was out for about 4 days duration. Considering that he carried about 2 liters of wine with him, his trail name may not have been derived from his occupation!The days have been quite warm here in north Georgia. Along with the natural emergence of insects, we started to dread the bumblebee-like noise emitted from motorcycles on the roads through the gaps. It's quite unbelievable how far the noise carries through the valleys. It is also overwhelmingly annoying. A large number of motorcycle riders consider these roads their private race course, zooming through the hairpins just like the pros on tv, knee pads just inches off the pavement. That more of them don't crash than they do is a miracle.We planned on stopping at the campground at Woody Gap (where one of the race courses passes right through), but had second thoughts because of the potential for noise. April found us a really nice backcountry campsite about 3/4 mile south of Woody Gap. The place was all ours; the mountains shielded us from the bumblebees. We slept well. High Octane spent the night at Woody Gap. He did not.
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Woody Gap

To: Blood Mountain
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Journal entry by TRAINMAN.This starts off as a good hiking day, warm and sunny, we even need to apply sunblock. Toward the end of the long day I wanted to stop at Slaughter Creek but April persuaded me to trudge on another 0.8 mile straight up to the top of Blood Mt. (elevation 4461 ft., highest in Georgia). Sez April, "I want to see the views!" So up we go, April leading and I following, as usual. Being the weekend there are a lot of locals out for the overnight. Depending on who you asked, the rain expectation was 25% to 75%. With so many locals present I figured the REAL number had to be 25%, otherwise, why would so many hikers choose to sleep in the rain? We found a semi-sheltered tent site at the top of the mountain. As expected, views were great for 360 degrees. To the south we could see the very start of the Appalachian Mts north of Atlanta. To the north we could see Tray Mt in the near distance and the imposing Smokies of North Carolina farther out. After a wonderful dinner of freeze dried chicken and noodles, we dozed off. No signs of rain, yet.