morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-10-01
From: Stratton

To: View Entry
Miles today: 4.3

Well we night hiked again. We must really love to punish ourselves, but well worth it. Took a wrong turn & ended up at a view so pretty we decided to camp under the stars. We woke up to a beautiful view of the valley w/the clouds low enough that you could see just their peaks. A fox with black socks came to visit us. He sure was very brave. He hung around us for a while then tried to steal Sir Privywinks bag of clothes. Unsuccessful he scampered off. Sure glad we hung our food. Well were almost at the 2000 mile mark. We're all looking forward to that mile marker tomorrow.
Date: 2007-10-02
To: Little Bigelow Lean-To
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well today was a great day. We all got through the Bigelow Mtn Range, which was tough but the views were spectacular. Onward over the range to our 2,000 mile mark. Hurray! We watched the sun set & took our pictures at the mile marker. Cannot believe we all walked from GA. It sure has been a long time. Everyone is excited & sad at the same time. I know I'll miss the good friends I've made along the way . Well for now we're all just enjoying the time we have left. We are all still happpy to be hiking.
Date: 2007-10-03
From: Little Bigelow Lean-To

To: Pierce Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Another great day of hiking. No climbs today, just flat trail, it was great. Tomorrow we cross the Kennebec River by boat, then on to the town of Caratunk. We're almost in the 100 Mile Wilderness. Sure hope the weather holds. We all have been lucky so far. Onward to Katadin.
Date: 2007-10-04
From: Pierce Pond Lean-To

To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.7

Well today we crossed the Kennebec River by canoe. Pretty easy hiking, but as usual we hiked into the night. Maybe we shouldn't have stopped at the pond for a swim but who could resist a beautiful pond on an Indian Summer day. Again the stars were amazing. Saw lots of shooting starts. Hoping to catch up to Coldylocks & Sadoku tomorrow.
Date: 2007-10-05
To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-To
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Awesome views toay on Moxie Bald Mtn. Had lunch & a nap on top. Went swimming again today. Another night of hiking in the dark, boy do we suck at time management. Well we're almost at 2,100 miles. WOW. Another amazing night of star gazing. I'm sure going to miss seeing so many stars at night. Looking forward to family and friends. See you all soon.
Date: 2007-10-06
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-To

To: Monson Town Day
Miles today: 5.7

Hiked into town today, shower, bed, food, oh yeah Bar-B-Q. Awesome. Good to relax. Dawn & Dick are just great people. Almost down to the end. We started hiking the 100 Mile Wilderness & a good breakfast to start the day. Can never get enough food.
Date: 2007-10-07
From: Monson Town Day

To: Wilson Valley Lean-To
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: clear sky

Oh my good we are all going to die. 7 days worth of food, our packs weigh a ton. But I had myself a great breakfast to start the day. 3 cups of coffee, 3 scrambled eggs, 6 bacon strips, 6 sausage links, 6 french toast, 2 heaping piles of home fries. Boy it was Great!! Good day to hike until... shit more night hiking but first we had to ford a river. Up to my thighs, made it through but not before I slipped and got wet. Well onward to Katadin, almost there.
Date: 2007-10-09
From: Chairback Gap Lean-To

To: Carl A Newhall Lean-To
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

Sun is shining, birds are chirping, oh joy on trail one minute the trail turned to shit. The down was aweful, giant tooth sharp rocks with no blazes. One can only hope the tail will get better. We met Dave, a ridgerunner, today so our 12 mile day turned into a 10 mile. Alls good. Tomorrow we climb one of the last large mountains. Almost to the end.
Date: 2007-10-10
From: Carl A Newhall Lean-To

To: East Branch Lean-To
Miles today: 10.8

Well today we climbed. This mountain was definately over-rated. The climb was good, weather not so good, so today we only hiked a mere 11.2 miles today.   We're all moving slow but the end is coming up. The one thing on everyones mind at this point is a great meal, drinks & we don't have to get up and hike the next day! WOW, looking forward to the Big K ("Katadin"). Still can't believe its coming to the end. Hoping to see some old friends before I'm on my way home. Party in Millnocket oh yeah!
Date: 2007-10-11
From: East Branch Lean-To

To: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-To
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day, but great hiking. Old logging road most of the way. Cloudy today, rain she's coming in and its not going to be pretty. Almost to the end. Still missing views of Katadin. Not sure it's out there. Well still hiking on.P.S. 48.3 oh where oh where can Katadin be? Its cold out here, where the hell is my fuzzy hat?
Date: 2007-10-12
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-To

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: moderate rain

Short day thanks to the pouring rain all day. So happy to see the shelter. A bunch of us ended the day all to early but were all freezing at this point. Had some great trail magic today by Jake who is no longer hiking so he's helping out. Thanks to Jake again for the great snacks & donuts oh yeah! Well I can't believe only 2 days to Katadin. It's creeping closer & closer & closer but until then we keep on pushing on.P.S. 38.2 my feet hurt! I need a foot massage :-)
Date: 2007-10-13
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-To

To: Hurd Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

A long day! My feet hurt today still lots of roots & rocks & the trail looks like a stream. We had some crazyass river crossings again. Last one in the dark. Hoping for some dryer trail tomorrow. We still haven't had a good look of Katadin. Is it out there? Sometimes I wonder if were just following white blazes like mice wondering if there will be a prize at the end. Body is tired but still happy to be hiking after all this time. P.S. 18.6 to the Big K, Are you out there?
Date: 2007-10-14
From: Hurd Brook Lean-To

To: Katadin Stream Campgrounds
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

Holy shit 5.2 miles. Thats right folks I said 5.2 miles to the top of that big beautiful mountain. I saw it today. It really does exist. I'm so excited it's right there in our grasp but hold on, what the hell is that white stuff on top? What snow you say. Thats right we strolled into camp & were told no climbing for at least 2-3 days. Hoping for warm sunny days to melt that bad bad snow on top. So while we wait there's a party here at camp. I'm still meeting people after all this time of hiking too can you believe it. So, tomorrow we go into town & wait. And here I thought we were done with zero days. Silly me. Well just another day on the trail.
Date: 2007-10-15
From: Katadin Stream Campgrounds

To: Millinocke, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Rode into town today. Thank you to Bag Lady, Dana & Dennis. The sun is shining here. Hope its shining on top of Katadin. There are about 20 people waiting to summit. Its going to be a party on top thats for sure.P.S. 5.2 miles and still waiting, its killing me!!
Date: 2007-10-16
From: Millinocke, ME

To: Millinocket, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well we're all here still waiting. Some took a ride to the mountain for a view. Word is very little snow & the weather has been good to us. We spoke to Blueberry the park ridgerunner. She claims the park will be closed because of a park meeting. 20 or more are waiting to summit, whats up with that shit. So we all decided that in big numbers we would hike anyway. Well tonight at the diner the rangers must have heard of our plan. They decided to open up the park for thru-hikers only. Hurray! All is looking real good. So excited can't wait to get on top of that big beautiful mountain. Early to bed because its early to rise. Up at 6:00 to get to the mountain at 7:30am. Alls good in the world of hiking.
Date: 2007-10-17
From: Millinocket, ME

To: Mt. Katadin
Miles today: 5.2

Wow, up at 6:00am. We are all excited to get up there. Well holy shit I'm finally done. In the words and trail name of a good trail friend "Are We There Yet?". Yes, yes we are. The climb is one of the most difficult on the whole A.T. It kicked my ass for sure. Thank you Sir Privywinks for helping me up some of those big ass boulders. What in the hell was the ATC thinking? Well we all made it up this great mountain. It was a beautiful day. We couldn't have asked for a better day. What a great day seeing that sign at the top. Tears were shed & hugs went all around. Best of all I got to summit with my great friend Sir Privywinks. Well, we're off the mountain and on to the restaurant for some great food. Time to celebrate! Beers & shots & music oh my! One last time I say.....
Date: 2007-10-18
From: Mt. Katadin

To: Millinocket, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well it still feels like I'm in a dream. It really hasn't sunk in yet that I really am finished. I guess because we're all still here in town getting up for breakfast and chatting away. I still have a hikers appetite which I know will end soon enough. No more pancake or french toast binges. Goodbye to pints of Ben & Jerry Ice Cream. A whole chicken with all the potatoes with gravy you want. Whole pies or cakes. Back to salad & grilled chicken with a couple of cookies. Goodbye to one box of Oreos in a sitting :-( Most of all though I'll miss the trail friends I've made. Knowing that they won't be up at the next shelter or in the next town. I'll miss building fires, hiker midnight (8:00), up at 6:00, not leaving until 9:00. The rain, snow, ice, the roots, the boulders & little rocks, fallen down trees over the trail, no blazes. Rock ledges that I have to climb with my short legs (what the hell was the ATC thinking of), and so much more I'll miss too. It was tough but I signed up for it and never regretted any of the time I spent out here. Goodbye to town friends. Trail friends you have made my trail experience one I won't ever forget. One last time....
Date: 2007-10-19
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Well I'm home. Missing all my trail friends. Feels strange not to wake up in a tent or shelter or to see my best buddy Sir Privywinks who I woke up with every day. The guy who right up to the last day of his hike was still know as the one who slept in the privy. His story is he DID NOT sleep in there... but only he knows the truth. Thanks for the fun & laughs. You made my hiking a whole lot more fun & exciting. If only I could say that about our night hikes but those sunsets made it worth it for sure.
Date: 2007-10-21
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well I'm home. So good to be with family. It feels strange I've been gone for so long. Routines have changed so guess I'll ease myself back into their lives. It's funny to be gone for so long that you need to slowly enter back into the family. I sort of feel like a stranger in my own home. Kids are older, bigger. They even like different foods & changed hair styles all in seven months. I've always read about the changes and now I know first hand. It's like getting to know your kids all over again. I missed them so much but before I know it we'll be back to a routine of life. Would I change my decision knowing all this before my trip? Not a chance. I will never regret this experience. I sure hope that Kelly, Sean and James go out into the world and have just as awesome experience as I did! You don't stop loving because you leave. I feel its increased greatly. Live LifeLove LiveLuna* (AKA Mom)PS. All my kitty cats are accounted for. They too have missed me.
Date: 2007-01-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have 60 days until I set foot on the trail. I am getting pretty excited but still feel like there is so much to do. Most of that is related to getting ready to move out of my apartment, get bills ready for my sister to take over, do my taxes, ... all non-hiking types of stuff. My gear is pretty much ready to go and my mind is ready for that "Time Out of Mind" experience on the trail.
Date: 2007-02-20
To: Getting close
Miles today: 0.0

I can't believe I will be on the trail in 25 days! All the years of this gnawing at me and then all the years of knowing it would be 2007 and then all the months of actual planning and now I'm down to just days. There are so many emotions going through me right now. Thank you to all of those who have signed my guest book. I appreciate the well wishes and support as I get ready for my extended "time out of mind" experience. Harry, I hope your theory on the bugs works and I look forward to having you join me on the trail. I hope we can sneak in a Dylan concert along the way.My goal over the next week is to update the mail drops section and my gear list. I will also get a picture on here. I look forward to meeting everyone out there on the trail!
Date: 2007-03-14
To: Almost time!
Miles today: 0.0

I can't believe it is almost time to go! I turned in my badge and key at work today. I have moved out of my apartment. It certainly makes it all seem real. I will fly out on Friday morning (7AM flight...ouch). My friend TMax will go with me and we will meet another friend, Jack, there. My mother and her friend Dot will be flying in to see me off. TMax will hike the first 4 days with me since it is close to some state high points she plans to check off her list. Jack will do a few of the first 4 days. Then I will be on my own. I don't plan to do the approach trail.
Date: 2007-03-15
To: night before the flight
Miles today: 0.0

It's late but hard to sleep. The alarm will go off at 4:30 AM to be able to get a 7 AM flight. Whatever I didn't get done I just can't worry about now. Nancy took a few pictures of me loading up my pack for the flight. Now I just have to hope I can get out of NY with all of the snow and rain expected. I am trying this update from my phone so I hope it works okay. Hopefully my next entry will be from Georgia!
Date: 2007-03-17
From: Springer

To: 1 m past Hightower Gap
Miles today: 9.0

What a great feeling to finally be on my way! Mom and Dot saw me off at the parking area, Jack hiked to the top of Springer and back to the parking area, and TMax joined me until Neels Gap. It was a sunny day but very cold and windy. Hawk Mtn Shelter was pretty full so we pumped water and hiked on about 1.5 m to a nice spot on a ridge. The wind howled all night and the temp in the tent at daybreak was 22. We stayed in our tents late and the wind died down and the sun came out.
Date: 2007-03-18
From: 1 m past Hightower Gap

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: clear sky

After a late start as we waited for a little warmth, the day was perfect for hiking. Justice Lake was a nice lunch stop. We were feeling pretty good so we decided to head to Woody Gap. We leapfrogged with a great group from a local hiking club who also stayed at Woody. There were quite a few there, and we had a lot of fun around the fire which is where my trail name was earned. I am now M&M as dubbed by "Montana" or "Griz" (who later became Seuss). We also learned about the magical trail we have waiting for us near Franklin...can't wait.
Date: 2007-03-19
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Another beautiful day...even warmer. I keep having so many songs go through my head as I hike. I felt great all day although I started feeling some hot spots and did end up with a blister. When we got to the top of Blood Mtn, Jack was there waiting for us. Lots of nice views. The old stone shelter looked inviting but we headed down and stayed at one of the Walasi Yi cabins and had their AYCE spaghetti dinner.
Date: 2007-03-20
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

TMax saw me off this morning and went on to do the SC high point. It was nice to have her along, but it feels good to start the journey on my own. I met some folks from the Mountain High Hiking Club who hike every Tuesday. They were all very friendly and wished me well. It was even warmer today...hey I thought this was still winter! The bugs were even out! I was definitely ready to call it a day today and the shelter was a welcome sight. Lots of great people on the trail. I set up my tent and hope I get a better night's sleep than I did last night (snoring). Although, I can already hear someone snoring near me. I am not sure how far I'll go tomorrow. I may take it easy.
Date: 2007-03-21
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory
Miles today: 13.0

I felt great today. The first 5 miles went by like nothing and I was at Blue Mtn shelter (7.2 m) in less than 3 hrs. I took off my boots and put my feet up and had a nice long (1 hr) lunch break. It was a nice spot. I was feeling strong so I was thinking about going on to Tray Mtn Shelter. However, that changed when I got to the cheese factory (no real factory..just tent sites). Wow, what trail magic! Holly Trout and Slick B (who were on the trail last year) had food, snacks, water, beer, whiskey and they played great music for us! We all sat up late around a nice fire singing songs and talking trail. I probably stayed up too late, but it was awesome.
Date: 2007-03-22
From: Cheese Factory

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We got up this morning and were treated to eggs, sausage and pancakes. What a nice start to the day. There were a couple of owls hooting in the night. I could tell I was starting to get a little tired today so I decided to go to Hiawassee for the night. Kiwi, Bowleg, Bono, Waffle and I hitched into town to stay at the Hiawassee Inn where they really cater to hikers. They gave us a ride to an AYCE buffet that was really good. I am going to hang out until mid-afternoon tomorrow and take a Nero (only doing about 4 miles) tomorrow. So I will have my phone on and check email while I'm in town.
Date: 2007-03-23
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: scattered clouds

After a relaxing morning of breakfast and resupply, Bowleg and I got a ride back to the trail to start hiking around 1:00. I promised myself I would take a Nero today only going 4.3 m (I'm listening Carma). I got a sub at the grocery store and took it in to the shelter for dinner...the other hikers were jealous. Had a nice evening with Bowleg, Eagle, Troll, Double Bird, Retriever, Left Behind, and Worm. Eagle has lots of stories since he has hiked the PCT, CDT, and is now on his third time doing the AT. Left Behind turned out to be a very loud snorer. I had a mouse run across my head in the night, but it didn't even phase me. I was surprised.
Date: 2007-03-24
From: Plumorchard Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Wahoo..first state done!!! It was yet another nice day. It's hot and the black flies are biting, but it is still nice. The sky was so beautiful last night. At least it cools down enough at night to get rid of the bugs. I got a picture of the state line and there was a group of us at the gnarly tree for a group shot. I stopped at Muskrat Creek Shelter for a nice long break. When I got to Deep Gap I was treated to more trail magic. Little Wing, Flat Rocks and Slow Up had snacks, cold drinks and sandwich makings. It was nice to sit in a chair and have some chips, banana and a soda. There were some big ups today. Met some old and new faces at the shelter: Retriever, Bowleg, Combat (SOBO), Mr Ed, Flint & Jubilee, Sandwitch, and 1/3 (later became Nads). It was a nice sunset. Someone had quite the sense of humor...the privy had no door and faced the shelter.
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

I headed up Standing Indian and decided to take the spur to the top (extra 0.2 each way). It was worth it. It had a nice view looking back at Blood Mtn. I hung out for awhile even though I had only been 1.5 m. As I was going down the mtn I could see Albert Mtn off to the left about 10 miles away but we have to loop way south almost back into GA before going back north to Albert. The trail was pretty easy going until Betty Creek Gap and then the climb started after already doing over 11 miles. The last 0.3 was the hardest. Albert is 5250 with awesome views. There is a tower on top. The door wouldn't open but climbing up was still nice. There was a great view and a nice breeze to get rid of the bugs. I took a nice long break since I knew it was only 0.6 downhill to the next stop. NOBO Hobo was at the shelter whom I hadn't seen since Neel's Gap. Also Mr Hanky, Bowleg and Bono, Retriever, 1 too many, and Coyote. I set up my tent and had a good sleep.
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Today was an easy day on the trail. I stopped shortly at Rock Gap Shelter to say hello to Hangman. Then soon after starting the climb out of Rock Gap, we came across a stream with a bunch of juice pouches in the stream all nice and cold. That really hit the spot! Thank you to whoever the trail angel was! Made it to Winding Stair Gap in less than 4 hrs and found more trail magic. A group from the local Baptist Churches in the area come out about 3 times per week and provide cold drinks, snacks, band-aids, and even toilet paper. They called for a free shuttle for us (there were 4 of us by then). Once into town Ron Haven of the Budget Inn sure knows how to take care of thru-hikers! We were shuttled around to take care of errands and then went to an AYCE church dinner (free - although we all donated). Bluebelle, Tree, Bowleg and I went. It was great! I still walked a bunch around town and took care of several calls, email, and now my journal. Town days can be exhausting :-) ! I end up getting to bed much too late so good-night everyone.
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Licklog Gap
Miles today: 12.3

Hangman worked on my foot last night (the one with arthritis) and it feels better today. I'm sure it won't last, but it's nice for now. We took the late shuttle in and started hiking around 11:45. We started at 3770, going up to 4900 for Siler Bald, then down to 4200, and then up to 5342 for Wayah Bald which had great views. We ended up at Licklog Gap (what a name - there's lots of those on the trail). Bluebelle and Tree were already here and set up with a fire going. We had a nice evening and went to bed early. Since I had a signal I decided to make an update. All updates have been from my phone so I hope they are posting okay.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Licklog Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

This felt like a really long day. First stop was at Cold Spring Shelter where Bluebelle and Tree were taking a break. 3 section hikers left a water bottle so I took it and caught up to them. They had just realized they didn't have it so they were very happy to see me. The plan was to stop at Rufus Morgan Shelter just before NOC and then head in the next day. I ended up passing right by and before I knew it I was at the NOC. I was beat though. I stayed in the hostel since there was no way I was up to going on. I ran into Cheeze and Brue but they were heading out. After a shower (and washing clothes in the shower) I went to the store and then had a great burger and beer at the River's End Restaurant. Sauce was there so I joined him. It was the first good beer (Highland Oatmeal Porter .. mmm). I felt wiped out. After dinner I didn't stay up long. The NOC is beautiful.