morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-13
To: 2000 miles to Katahdin 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I¢m leaving mid-afternoon today for Springer Mountain in Georgia. I expect to be on the trail in the late afternoon on Monday. I spent the past week preparing myself physically and mentally for the journey of a life time. My goal is to reach Katahdin in the 82 day window I have available; however, the end destination of this journey is not nearly as important as the journey itself. Whether or not I reach Katahdin will not determine the success of this hike. Hiking on the Appalachian Trail (AT), I will be in a constant struggle against the elements, against the odds and against the preconceived notions I have of my limits. Though I choose to hike alone, I know I will never be alone. The well wishes and prayers my family and friends have offered along with their support (no matter how crazy they think I am) have been invaluable to me. I know they will be with me every step of the way, and with out their support I don¢t think I could embark on this journey.So to my family, friends and all those who are supporting me in my attempt at thru-hiking the AT, Thank You! I look forward to sharing my experiences with all of you.*Happy Mother¢s Day Mom!*
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Tricorner shelter

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 30.8

The smokies were amazing. Some of thwe most specaclar views I've eve seen hiking. My trail name is now Clydesdale; a tribute to my speed and .. my last name. I met some really great people so far along the trail. I had pizza with them at standing bear farm.My blisters are finally healing and I'm making great time. My favorite part of the trail to date was getting up early and watching the sunrise over clingmans dome, the second highest peak in the east. I had the whole summit to myself, and it was spectacular.I think I'm going to spend the night here in hot springs and than do a big day tomorrow.Happy Trails everyone!
Date: 2007-06-01
From: campsite

To: The Place, Damascus
Miles today: 37.0
Weather: few clouds

Using a voice recorder to journal hasn't been working out very well so I'm switching to paper and pen so I can do better Journals from now on.The past few days I missed my mark every night and I was worried I wouldn't his Damascus in time to pick up my mail drop at the PO.On memorial day I spent a few hours at a hostle just south of the nolichuicky river near Erwin, TN. I met Tyvek, who is a bit of a celebrity, and a very intense guy. He walks barefoot for his cuase which you can read about at thelongwalkhome.org. On the 29th I saw 4 bears, a mom and 3 new borns. They ran away before I could get a picture. Oh well, the cubbies were adorable.One night I did a moon lit walk on a bald it was AMAZING, one of the mpst awesome hiking experiences I've ever had.About 75 miles from damascus I realized I was running a ridiculous calarie deficit and had to do something about it. I walked to Jay's markety down 19E into elk park NC and did what any hungry hiker would do... I ate 1.75 quarts of blue berry cheese cake Ice Cream in 33 minutes and 26 seconds.. good practice for Pine Grove Furnace State Park and the Half way half gallon challenge. The scary thing is that my body digested all of the ice cream, all of it.On May 31 I went swimming in a lake Wayatuga (sp?), the water was great!ok now for June 1, 2007I started around 6:30 a.m 36 Miles outside damascus with the intent of getting atleast 10 miles from Damascus before calling it a day. The morning started off really slow. At about noon I passed Longstar who had started 4 miles a head of me at the same time, with the intent of making damascus, and I thought I had him beat but he would catch up later in the day. After I passed him I thought about how great a bed and shower would be tonight so I turned it up and pushed foward. I still had about 22 miles to go at noon, but I got town legs and made it to the shelter 10 miles out at 5. When Long star caught up to me I was pretty shocked, my ego was a little hurt too, but it was nice to have someone to hike with for a change. I made it to the VA boarder at 7:01 and I think I screamed VIRGINA, and raced across the line. (18 days 11 hours and 22 minutes) I got into Damascus at 8:01 and spent the night at The Place, a free hikers Hostle. I ate a ton of ice cream some chips and sour straws, My favorite candy and what I'm always craving on the trail.I'm really happy to have made it to damascus a little early. It was a real confidence booster. Even though average and loncation wise I only just. crossed the 5 million step mark (the 1/5 point) and still have just over 1700 miles to Katadhin, I think I'm in pretty good shape and thrilled to be out of the deep south and into Virginia.I hope to be in Harpers Ferry, WV in 18 days. (550 miles)oh I almost forgot I bought new shoes and shipped home my bivy. I'm using a 5$ green tarp now.
Date: 2007-06-02
From: Damascus

To: campsite 11.2 miles
Miles today: 0.0

I zeroed in Damacus, and it felt Great! Woke up at around 7:20 and got off the counch and went to Davy King (sp). I ate All You Can Eat pancakes, eggs, hash browns and a Banana Milkshake. Damn it was a good milkshake with real bananas. I went to the outfitter next. I was really full BTW. Walked right to the shoes and sat down. I would not take another step in those shoes. I patiently waited to be fitted for a new pair. I went to post office and picked up my mail drop and sent home my bivy and some excess gear. I went to the library and uptdated trail journals and then hung out at the Place and talked to some hikers. I took a nap and then realized I should probably do some miles. It was hard to leave but I did. the hike here was pretty eary. I'm breaking in my boots and they feel better. There was a nice stream along the way. Fear these frogs are going to be annoying noisy night.
Date: 2007-06-03
From: Campsite 11.7 miles from Damascus

To: shelter 33.1 miles
Miles today: 21.4

Sleeping with frogs was awful I didn't sleep at al. It was rining in the morning and it rained all day. I got pelted by rain coming over the hills. The wind was gusting 40 mph and the rain was going sideways. I was freezing!! I saw Davy Glen at thomas knob shleter near hypothermic. I might be too tonight its going to be cold. i saw wild ponies after the helter. Amazing. of course my camera batteries were dead. When I took out my extras they came over and tried to eat my stuff. Shoo ponies. ha ha   Gorgeous creatures but far frm cold. They've been ed really fell short on mileage tonight but no worries. Three nice older ladies are here and are taking care of me.
Date: 2007-06-04
From: Wise Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 30.6
Weather: light rain

I slept in a little bit. I had wrapped the tarp around me to ptotect me from the wind and was actually comfortable. Low visibility at the Gold's gap, but I did see the ponies again. I moaned a lot about not being able to do the miles but did reach the shelter at 9:20 in the rain.
Date: 2007-06-05
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Gullion's Mt 
Miles today: 16.8

I wanted to get extra sleep this morning but Mr A--hole had to be talking loud as s*** at 6:10 am. I had to cut another $100+ shoe today and as I was on the ground in pain from the ongoing stress fracture to my right out-step heel sore. Some A--hole passes me and says "You got in late and left early, must be good miles during the day." I got into Athens at 12:20 and resupplied. I ate at the barn with Hawkeye and Wyoming. I had a sald box, fires, raisin bread and beans. I ate way too much and was throwing up afterwards. I also bought too much food and my pack is heavy as heck. I'm too tired to hike on. I'm pitching here and going to bed before 7.
Date: 2007-06-06
From: Gullion's Mt

To: Brushy Mountain
Miles today: 30.0

Thunderstorm last night on the ridge, but my tarp held well. Chestnut Ridge was a big climb but it had some great scenery. When I got to Chestnut Knob Shelter a man told me 8/2 was "impossible". It fired me up but to be honest the math is getting harder and the past few days the crystal clear image of Katahdin has become cloudy in my mind. I don't know if I'll be able to pull it off. I feel that my body is getting weaker and my resting heart rate going up. I knew this wasn't going to be easy and maybe this is just the VA blues but I'm worried. I refuse to quit though; I'm resolved to make it in 80 days. I set up my tarp at 10:30 tonight after about 30 miles.
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Brushy Mountain

To: Kimberling Creek
Miles today: 27.8

I started the morning off with trail magic at VA 615. I had some propel water with Thins who left one month before me. It tells me I'm walking pretty hard and making good time. Today I had the easiest terrain yet, but I took a lot of breaks because I felt fatigued. On my way to bed now because I need an early start to resupply at New River.
Date: 2007-06-08
From: Kimberling Creek

To: New River
Miles today: 26.0

Got out a little later than I hoped ut it was a great day for hikng. More ridge walking today and an early morning stroll through a cool valley. On one of the ridges heading into New Rive. Impressed Big Red who called me a kid and asked if we allowed kids to hike through. I struck a bit of a nerce too. I kinda blew her off. I'm getting tired of the questions. I resupplied at New River at a grocery store. It was amazing tosee reall food again. I'm changing my diet alot. I was on pure junk food but I'm ogin to try to eat healthier and see if it gives me more energy. Bagels and peanut butter were a hit last section so I'm trying cheese, tomatos and sub rolls this time around. Looks like thunderstorms so called the hike before it starts. Going to be noisy as hell by the road though.
Date: 2007-06-09
From: New River

To: Near Salt Sulfur Turnpike
Miles today: 25.0

I selpt in today and took it real easy. I loved the sub sandwiches and took an hour lunch break today. Being out in the woods is a nice excape from the hustle and bustle of the "real world", I love taking my shoes off and enjoying the quiet solitude of the wilderness. Things like roads and noisy people give me headaches. I passed a scout troop today. Scout Leader asked how many were with me --- about 750 pa!
Date: 2007-06-10
From: Near Salt Sulphur Turnpike

To: Somewhere in Virginia
Miles today: 0.0

I'd like to "flatten" every one who told me VA was flat. For example today I see the sign for the bridge at stony creek being out and advising a road alternative if you did not want to ford. I wish the sign said "avoid 2 miles of straight up and down PUDS for 'safety reasons' and do you really want to get your feet wet?" Anyway, today was fun.
Date: 2007-06-11
From: Craig Creek

To: Virginia
Miles today: 0.0

Once again I want to flatten those who said Virginia was flat. Clearly they have never hiked in Virginia. This morning I was about to go by the Audie Murphy Memorial, but then I remembered who he was and decided to go up to the monument. Apparently he died in a plane crash near the site (WW II hero). I had no idea. On my way down from one of the ridges I saw a rattle snake. I took some pictures and took a step off the trail and walked around it. I wasn't scared at all but the poor snake looked a little rattled and went to the opposite side of the trail.   I resupplied at a gas station and ate another pint of ice cream. I know it takes up a lot of time, but I'm doing it for the "calcium". I finally got a chance to call home. Hadn't been able to do that since Damascus so that was real nice. My Dad is coming to visit on June 23rd.
Date: 2007-06-12
From: campsite south of 311

To: Curry Creek
Miles today: 29.3

Today was amazing onr of the best days yet. I got a 5 minute start (mostly because I pitched on rocky last night) and headed up to MacAfee Knob. I'd been looking forward to it since the start and it didn't disappoint. There was a low cloud cover which gave the landmark spot an above the clouds kind of feeling. I spent over an hour there just gazing out on to the horizon and into the valleys below. Later I took an hour having lunch and still got to 220 at 3 pm. I told myself no more meals till Harper's Ferry but there was a Pizza Hut and I couldn't turn that down. I had a salad and pizza and then resupplied. I got a free copy of the paper and read all aout my Yankee's come back Less that 210 miles to Harper's Ferry.
Date: 2007-06-16
From: Chevy Creek

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 125.3
Weather: broken clouds

This entry is for 6/13 through 6/16/07.I'm not really sure where my day began and another day ended because it was so rainy. I didn't journal much during the past few days but here are the highlights:1) Three cute girls giving me trail magic and asking to take their picture with me. Quite impressed with the fact that I'd hiked over 700 miles.2)Going through the night for a 66 mile straight stretch in 33 hours or so.3) Spending the night at a Quality Inn in Waynesboro.A nice volunteer at the information center gave me a ride after he closed up and drove me to the Inn. I checked in and went to Pizza Hut then got some snacks and ice cream. Had a shower and watched some TV while eating 6 strawberry shortcake bars, the other half of my pizza and sour straws. The next morning I looked in the Tub it was a mess. This was my first real bed in over a month. My first pillows in over a month and first TV in over a month. I could have had a ride at 8 but I stayed too check out time then called a trail angel to shuttle me back to the trail. Mr Anderson was a nice elderly gentleman. I offered $5 but he turned it down. My legs and feet are still a mess, and I'm stumbling a bit so right now its noon and the 17th and I'm sitting in Rockfish Gap stretching and eating. Called home this morning to wish Dad Happy Father's Day and my brother Happy Birthday.
Date: 2007-06-17
From: WayneboroRockfish Gap

To: Calf Mountain
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Today is my first single digit day. I'm letting my body hearl. I was having a lot of trouble walking, limping around; I barely made it to Pizza Hut last night, but somehow I managed. I started at 2 pm after getting a ride from Mr Anderson. Tomorrow I officially enter SNP. Today's nike was pretty easy. I'm going to try to push straight through it tomorrow. I hear there are nice stretches 20 miles from here. Looking forward to those for branch.
Date: 2007-06-18
From: Calf Mountain

To: High Top Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 34.4

Today started out amazing! I got out at 5:30 and was fluing. I saw a rattle snake on the trail again. It was a fat one! I then saw a bear cub run off int the woods and thought I'd never get a bear picture but then not too long after I heard moise on my left and thre was another cug and amedium sized black bear. I finally got a picture. Not a great one but a picture none the less.   I ate at the campstove and another pint of ice cream (mint chocolate chip) sugar waffers, strawberry milk, candy etc. Almost 3k calories. Then 30 miles later I went into the Wayside and got grilled cheese, fries and a blackberry milkshake. Yummy. There was an afternoon heat thunderstorm which put on quite a show and dumped a lot of rain on me. So the afternoon was less productive, but a great day none the less.
Date: 2007-06-23
From: The Comfort inn ... sorta (ATC HQ right now)

To: Somewhere in Maryland
Miles today: 0.0

Hey all! Sorry about dropping off the map for awhile there. I made it to HF last night at around 9:30 because I got held up 3 hours resupplying in ashby gap. I'll have more journals coming but I wanted to let everyone know where I am, and how things are going.I'm at mile 1008, It's mind boggling to think about. It's been a remarkable journey so far. It hasn't always been easy, but there's no Maine w/o pain and rain. I'm out here chasing down my dreams, I can't tell you how many times I've been told "That's Impossible" or "you can't make that." It really fires me up. That along with the sunrise over clingmans dome; the moon lit walks over grassy balds; the fight up Mt. Rogers in Hurricane conditions; the shoes off lunches; eating breakfast, lunch and dinner in a different place has really kept me going. But none of that would be possible w/o the great people out here. If you're looking for solitude the AT will disappoint you. This is an amazing community. Even though I haven't hiked with many people because of my pace I still get to meet a lot of people attempting to accomplish the same dream, and it's a great group of people full of interesting stories and different backgrounds. Another great aspect of the trail is the trail angels. I can't tell you how many times I've been saved by soda left in collors on the side of the trail on a hot afternoon. Or a ride to waynesboro/back to the trail from rockfish gap. To all the people out there who out of the goodness of the hearts help us out and lift our spirits, thank you!Last night I tried to stay in a comfort inn but couldn't because I wasn't 21. Somewhat ridiculous but w/e. The women at the desk let me come in for breakfast and a shower the next morning free of charge next morning.Before I sign off I want to say a special thank you to all of you at home who are supporting me. I really feel it out here when things get tough.I've learned a lot about myself in the past 40 days. I've become a stonger, and I'm going to need to be strong to pull this off.BTW VA is NOT FLAT!!!! Alex my back weighed 20.2 LBS when I weighed it in Neels gap in GA.Anyway more are coming, I'm meeting my Dad in HF in under 2 hours so take care
Date: 2007-06-28
From: None

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It was a difficult decision to give up my attempt at a thru-hike, but with my body in the condition it is in; combined with the time frame I have I decided to take some time off to let my body heal. My health has deteriorated to a point where I have to think about taking care of my body before I can think about hiking. I'd like to be able to walk when I'm 30 years old, and going up over 30 with bad feet and tired legs just didn't seem like much fun, no matter how easy PA is. After HF it stopped being fun for me unfortunately, and after a trip to the ER to make sure my toe wasn't infected and a few days to think it over on the trail I decided to get off.My hope is to be able to get back on the trail in a few days where I left off in Nothern CT/Mass and become a 2000 miler completeing the trail this summer.A thru-hike has been my dream since I 1st heard about it when I was doing my 1st hikes in the DWG in NJ/PA. I worked very hard to make that I reality. I didn't make it all the way to Maine but I made it pretty damn far in a short period of time, and I'm very proud of what I accomplished, and very happy that I did it. It's been a hell of a ride through the greatest scenery in America. I can't wait to get back on the trail healthy.
Date: 2007-07-24
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 505.0

At 5:45 am on July 1, 2008 I completed the AT GA-ME (2006-2008). I walked through flash floods, heatwaves and weeks of rain; I walked through a hurricane on Mt. Rogers; and sat through a four-day closer of the Kennebec Ferry. It was a jounery of extremes: extreme highes and extreme lows. A sunrise on Clingman's Dome; a tick bite in NJ before my journey began. But in the end the tabels turned. Two weeks of rain came to an end with a sunrise on Katahdin. You can't always travel through life on smooth ground; but the 2176.2 miles traveled on the AT will travel with me for a lifetime. I've come a long way since 2006.
Date: 2007-02-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING --- The Appalacian Trail has a mystique about it that has been calling us back to the mountains since we last thru-hiked in 2001. Our family and friends ask us the much asked OLD QUESTIONS, "Why do you want to walk over 2000 miles again?" ---and --- "Why start in the winter?"   We will begin our 2007 thru-hike at Springer in Georgia on February 21 -- BECAUSE we enjoyed our 2001 A.T. winter hike so much. It's near impossible to find adequate words to describe the enchantment of: mountains buried in snow; the sparkle of icicles; trees left bare of leaves allowing many spectacular views; and the crunching of snow under our boots all of which remind us of the beauty God has created and an appreciation for what nature has in store for us during the monthhs to come as we hike along the ridgeline of the Appalachian Mountains to Katahdin in Maine.
Date: 2007-02-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We are spending this week in Charleston, SC with our two oldest Granddaughters. We have been busy shuttling them to and from school and dance. After homework, they love to fish; ride their bikes; and play games with their PaPa and MeMe. While they are at school, some of our time has been spent in packing our food drops so that they are ready for Teresa (our daughter and transcriber) to mail.We plan to leave Perry, Georgia on February 20 and hike up from the forest service road to Springer and sign the hiker's register. We will then spend the night at the lodge at Amicalola Falls State Park. On February 21, after a hiker's breakfast, we will drive back up to the forest service road and continue NORTH.Our good friends and next door neighbors will drive us to the trail and see us off. We are blessed to have such caring friends. Thank you, Johnny and Linda, for being such generous friends.
Date: 2007-02-20
From: Springer Mountain

To: Northbound
Miles today: 0.0

We arrived at Springer Mountain with our close friends (and next door neighbors of 15+ years)..we decided to hike snd sign the book and then spend the night at the Amicalola Falls Lodge. Johnny and Linda (friends & neighbors) gave us our ride to start the Trail for our 2nd time!! We are eager and anxious to get started! They hiked Springer Mtn. with us from Forest Service Road Parking Lot in light rain and sleet. We plan to start our hike very bright and early in the morning after a BIG hiker's breakfast! Our neighbors will see us off first thing in the morning....