morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-14
From: Katahdin, Baxter Peak

To: Moxie Bald Lean-To
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: light rain

I have come to a startling reality about my hike: I only have a maximum of ten days left on trail. That's it, ten days until the grand adventure is over, ten days until I have to return to the real world.Cookie and I were walking north this morning at 6:10AM. We were in no particular hurry seeing as we had three hours to cover three miles. Along the way we took a blue blaze loop to Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps to collect some water. We rolled into the Kennebec River at 8:15AM.We were forced to kill 45 minutes on the river bank, the ferry service does not start until 9:00AM. At 9AM the canoe pulled up and after signing a liability waiver and strapping on a life jacket we were on our way. Canoing across a river is completely different from anything I've done before on this trip.We were walking north once again at 9:10AM. The trail today was muddy beyond comprehension. Cookie and I both come to the conclusion that the Maine Appalachian Trail Club has been apathetic, at best, in its maintenance of the trail it oversees. Bog bridges are few and far between, tree blow-downs seem to be rarely removed from the trail, and erosion prevention techniques need to brought to modern trail standards. I am starting to wonder if giving them money will really do any good for the trail. I'm sure I'll hear about this from many people, but it needs to be said.we took our 10AM snack break at 11:20AM today at Pleasant Pond Lean-To. Here. we met a flip flopper who started March 20th at Springer and on July 1st flipped up to Katahdin from Bear Mountain, NY and is now SOBO to Bear Mountain.He flipped up because he wanted to avoid the "cold weather" in Maine in late August. Mind boggling.Where did the trail go next? Well straight up of course. During the ascent Time Traveler decided to make me feel like a snail and zoomed on by as if I were standing still. I was not going to stand for this, so I kicked it into high gear and followed her the whole way up the mountain. I practically passed out on the summit.Up, down, up, up, dooowwwnnn. The trail never seemed to level out, it never does these days. The ATC seems content with sending the trail over every hill made, and I mean everything. If there's a mountain to be climbed, the Appalachian Trail will find it.I rolled into Bald Mountain Lean-To at 4PM with full intention of walking 4.1 more miles to the next shelter. The climb up Moxie Bald Mountain was long and straight. Cookie was full speed ahead, and quickly left me in his dust. The summit was quite nice. Mountains all around and a slight breeze in my hair. I felt like I was posing for an LL Bean catalog. By the time I rolled into Moxie Bald Lean-To I was feeling cruddy, I am starting to think I might be coming down with Giardia. Uh oh.Monson tomorrow, sleep now. It's 7:15PM.Good night, and good luck.Kirby
Date: 2008-07-16
From: Katahdin, Baxter Peak

To: Monson, Maine/Shaw's Lodging
Miles today: 0.0

I spent a lot of time today thinking about life after the trail, mainly focusing on my transition back to reality. A lot of people have contacted me recently and informed me they would like to meet with me when I return. I've thus far managed to avoid making any firm plans with anyone.My eyes are now firmly set on Katahdin. The journey has been long and hard. No one ever said thru hiking was easy, it never has been and never will be.The most frequent question I receive these days is:"Are you excited about finishing?". My response:"I'm excited knowing there's a realistic chance I'll finish this thing". Once I'm home, I know I'll be wanting to be out here.Life on the trail is so simplistic. My task every day is to walk north.Monson is my final town before completing the Appalachian Trail in one journey. It's looking like I'll be home the day after I summit. Knowing I'll be home within 8-9 days is scary and exciting at the same time.I'm curious to see how I've changed. I've put a lot of effort to fixing my flaws and to becoming a better person in general. I've made a lot of silly decisions in my life, and my hope is that this trip has allowed me to close the chapter on that phase in my life, to allow me to start anew.Tomorrow is the beginning of the end.It'll be hard to say goodbye.Kirby
Date: 2008-07-17
From: Me 15: Monson, Maine/Shaw's Lodging

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

There is a certain sense of comfort that comes with following the white blazes. As long as there's a white blaze in front of me, I know I'm not lost. As long as there's a white blaze in front of me, I'm found.It was time to walk on this morning, when I woke up and finished packing up, I went downstairs to drink coffee and wait for breakfast. I spent this time talking with Rocketdog and Warpaint about their interpretations of Middle East relations and what a long distance hiking trail through Russia would look like.I went with "4" for breakfast. This means I had 4 blueberry pancakes, 4 pieces of bacon and sausage, 4 over-medium eggs and a scoop of home fries. I left the table at a perfect fullness level.At 7:45AM I got a death defying ride back to the trail from Landfill. I was preparing to walk north at 7:55AM.I first took a look at the sign which declares the start of the 100 Mile Wilderness. Apparently I should have ten days of food with me, while in reality I only have 7.It felt odd to stand in this trail head parking lot once more. Last August I did the 100 Mile Wilderness for a shakedown section. Memories came pouring back to me as if it were yesterday.It was painful to start walking due to the fact that my pack weight was right around 6.9 tons, 7 including water. I spent the morning talking with Cookie about random things.My mind was so absorbed in finally being in the homestretch of what will no doubt go down as the greatest experience of my life when I return home.Cookie and I ate lunch at Big Wilson Stream then proceeded to ford the stream in our crocs. Time Traveler went before us, so we had our cameras ready in case shell were to fall down. The cruel sense of humor of a thru-hiker.I rolled into Long Pond Stream Lean-To around 4:15PM. After claiming a spot in the shelter I walked 1/10th south to go swimming with Cookie and Warpaint in Slugundy Gorge, which was absolutely amazing. I then spread myself out on a rock in the sun to dry out.It's fitting I'm sharing a shelter with Cookie, Time Traveler, and Warpaint tonight. I first met them and shared a shelter with them in Fontana Dam, just before the Smokies. I never really thought then I would be in their vicinity almost 2,000 miles later.I now have only 99.4 miles to Katahdin. Less than 100 miles to go. A 2,175 mile journey has been reduced to less than 100 miles. Think about that for a moment or two.Good night, and good luck.Kirby
Date: 2008-07-19
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean-To

To: Cooper Brok Falls Lean-To
Miles today: 18.9

This is the trail that never ends, it just goes on and on my friend. It's long for contemplation, and narrow for chosen company. This trail is as daunting as it is exciting. The Appalachian Trail is a life changing experience of epic proportions.I was up and moving at 5:20AM this morning. I purposefully made a lot of noise to ensure all the people in the shelter were awake. I hate shelter hoppers, especially ones going SOBO. I could tell they were bitter that I woke then up so early. Gosh darn shame.The first task of the day was to complete the rolling ascent to the summit of White Cap. Please note that all the climbs today were steep and slick due to a combination of rocks, roots, and rain. The three "R's" of evil.Gulf Hagus, West Peak, and Hay Mountain all had no potential for any sort of view. I would not have had any view anyway due to the cloub I was walking in with Cookie.The summit of White Cap, on a clear day, would be absolutely amazing. There's normally a breath taking view of Katahdin, second only to the one seen from Abol Bridge. Not today. I was in a cloud, I did not know I was on the summit until I was five feet from the summit sign. It was a fitting final summit before Katahdin. I've spent a lot of time in a cloud on this hike, and today would not be any different.A little later we rolled into Logan Brook Lean-To, where we proceeded to have a snack break. Time Traveler was already there when we arrived, and a SOBO rolled in part way through as well. It's nice to talk with SOBO's, they are fresh with hope and are excited about the journey ahead.That's how I was in GA. I was giddy with joy, excited about every aspect of my hike, ready for tomorrow. I remember GA, it was all just starting. Katahdin was months, not days, away.A little later in the day we rolled into East Branch Lean-To, where we had lunch. I stayed at this shelter last night, and this is where I met Robo, whom i ended up hiking with all the way to Katahdin.After the long and tedious climb up Boardman, it was smooth sailing to Cooper Brook Falls Lean-To, where I shall stay tonight. Also here are several flip floppers who know me from my Trail Journals. I completely forget their names(sorry), but one in the group is younger than me. Cooper Brook Falls Lean-To is easily the nicest shelter on the AT in Maine, there's a great stream in front for swimming, and the area is just nice in general.I should mention that Warpaint is now ahead of me, and most likely for good. He has to pull a couple 30 mile days to meet his family at Abol Bridge. I first met him in Fontana Dam at the Hilton, and I've been bumping into him ever since. I was with him in Damascus, I was with him in Catawba, I was with him in Harper's Ferry, and I was with him in part of Vermont. In other words, Cookie and I have been seeing him for a long time. It's almost certain I won't see him again, seeing as this adventure ends soon. Everyone has planned based on summit dates, so everyone is moving at a certain pace.59.7 to Katahdin.And that's the way it was.Kirby
Date: 2008-07-20
From: Cooper Brok Falls Lean-To

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a day to remember on the Appalachian Trail in Maine. Why? Well because it was relatively flat, a first for the finest state in the Union. Life is good.I was walking north at 6:20AM. The trail was smooth and flat for an extensive period. For the first time since before entering the Whites I was able to hold a stride for an extended period of time.It's very easy to feel isolated in the Maine woods. You can look to your left and right and see nothing but a never ending forest. The only comfort you have is the white blaze guiding the way in front of you.At Antler's Campsite I made an attempt to call my day, but that failed. For those of you wondering, this is one of the few spots in the 100 Mile Wilderness where you can find cell phone reception.The only note worthy climb of the day was some PUD leading to Potawadjo Spring Lean-To, where Cookie and I took our mid-morning snack break. About ten minutes south of the shelter I bumped into a SOBO named Hillwalker. This is the man who spearheaded a trail maintenance trip during Trashgiving 2007 that I participated in. It really is a small world. He is heading to Springer Mountain, GA.I should note that Potawadjo lean-to has one of the nicest water sources I've seen, take a look if you ever in the area.North of the lean-to I came to a sign that stated "view of Katahdin", with an arrow pointing towards the nearby lake. There she stood, tall and unobstructed. This represented my first good look at Katahdin on the entire trail. After everything I've been through, I can now see the mountain, and I mean really see it. It really is almost over.Tonight I'm at Wadleigh Stream Lean-To with Cookie and Time Traveler after completing a 21.5 mile day. When i got here I found Rocket Dog taking a break, he intends to do 12 more miles. It was 3:30PM at the time.This may also be my last night in a shelter with Time Traveler. Tomorrow I'm aiming for Abol Bridge, while she intends to stop at Hurd Brook Lean-To. She has to wait until the 25th to summit, while I'm on target for the 23rd. It's been great hiking with her.It ends in 38.2 miles.And that's the way it was.Kirby
Date: 2008-07-21
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-To

To: Abol Pines Campsite at Abol Bridge
Miles today: 23.1

It's hard to describe how I'm feeling at this point in time. The Appalachian Trail has an odd effect on people. This has been the journey of a life time, something I'll remember for the rest of my life.It's been a long, hard journey since March 1st, when I stood on the summit of Springer Mountain. For four months and three weeks I've marched through the unforgiving mountains of Appalachia to reach this point. I've marched through snow, sleet, rain, thunderstorms, lightening, and sunshine in the name of one mountain: Katahdin.But it's not about the mountain, it truly is about everything in between. It's about how you've changed, how you've become a better person. Most people I met this year were not out here because they wanted to climb Katahdin. Most are out to rediscover themselves, and to help shape the rest of their lives. If I wanted to climb Katahdin, I'd simply climb Katahdin and go home. There is a greater purpose than that, there is truly more to it than meets the eye. The journey has had its high points, and its low ones as well. The trail has tested my physical and mental endurance, and this far I've won the GaMe. Hiking the Appalachian Trail is a feat like no other, it's a stand along accomplishment. Think about it. There are six billion people in this world, and I'm one of only 10,000 people who has thru hiked, that's a small club.What you must remember is that the trail is 2,176.2 miles long, and you have to earn every mile of it. No mile is given to you. While some are definitely easier than others, you still need to put one foot in front of the other.What I'm also grappling with is how to re-enter the real world, because I know most won't get it. This reminds me of a conversation I had with my Dad when I was in Front Royal, Virgina, mile 950 of the trail. I had just told him where I was on the wall map:Me:"So that's where I am"Him:"Wow, you have a long way to go".First of all, I love my Dad and hold him in the highest regard, but this outlines my point. You tell people you are have walked 500 miles, and they say "you still have 1,600 to go". It's as if they can't step back and think for a second "wow, 500 miles, that's a long way".The plan for tomorrow is to stay at "The Birches" in Baxter State Park. This is the long distance hikers site in the park. The GaMe is almost over.And that's the way it was.Kirby
Date: 2008-07-22
From: Abol Pines Campsite at Abol Bridge

To: The Birches in Baxter State Park
Miles today: 9.9

This is it, my last night on trail. It all ends tomorrow. It's hard to describe what's going through my head right now. After everything I've been through, this is what it all comes down to. One more mountain: One more day on trail.It truly is hard to say good bye to this trail. This has been my life since March 1st. Nothing but the trail. I will be home the day after tomorrow, that's way to soon. I think I might need to go into hiding.I'm having a very difficult time writing this entry right now, it's hard to put into words how I'm feeling at this moment in time.Please forgive me, I need to collect my thoughts and keep my composure. I don't want this to end.Good night, and good luck.Kirby
Date: 2009-03-06
To: Springer Fever
Miles today: 0.0

Yes, this is a real disease, and yes, I have it. It's what happens the spring following a NOBO thru hike. I'm sitting here right now knowing that everyday hikers take off from Springer in hopes of making it all the way to Maine. It's painful. It's unrealistically painful. It's so painful that I can't stand it. It's so painful that I'm thinking of ways to hike on the AT down south this Spring: I need to hike.I have not hiked since I finished last summer. It's been extremely painful.You know the feeling I'm talking about. It's listening to your gut rumbling, urging you to hop on the next plane to Georgia and to leave all your worries behind simply to walk.It's the feeling you get when your depressed, but it's not a bad depressed. It's the depression of knowing that this time last year you were laying on your sleeping pad in a shelter thinking about the journey ahead, still trying to adjust to this new found lifestyle.It's the feeling that comes with knowing you'd rather be there and not here, knowing that instead of thinking about the homework you need to do this weekend you could be thinking about what you want for dinner.Springer Fever has no known cure, except to hike as soon as humanly possible. It's gut wrenching beyond rational comprehension.It's knowing there is a simple world out there, and for five months you immersed yourself in it. It's knowing that the trail does not care if your young or old, male or female, it will treat you all the same. All I had to do was walk, I worried about nothing else. You know life is good when the toughest decision of the day is whether to eat oatmeal or a cereal bar for breakfast. You know your living a great life when you don't think about anything in the real world, that the trail is all your focused on.All I had to do was walk.
Date: 2009-07-23
To: One Year Later
Miles today: 0.0

One year ago today I stood on the summit of Mount Katahdin. One year ago today I completed a 2,176.2 mile walk through the Appalachian Mountains. One year ago today I completed my through hike of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.I can't believe it's already been a year.Finding closure for the journey that was has been a rather difficult experience. One year later, I still think about the trail as if I just finished yesterday. One year later, I still long to be placing one foot in front of the other with the simplistic objective of walking through the Appalachian Mountains. One year later, I have an overwhelming desire to be back on the trail. One year later, I may have finally found closure.Two days ago, I once again climbed Mount Katahdin. While most of the time I climb mountains to be able to say, 'Yeah, I've climbed that mountain', this trip was different. I climbed for remembrance. I climbed for reflection. I climbed for closure.And then I reached the summit. I paused for a moment to gaze at the faded wooden sign. I paused for a moment to understand where I was standing. I paused to understand exactly what I completed one year ago today.Grasping the affects that the Appalachian Trail has had on my life has been rather difficult. Conveying what my through hike means to me has been a rather daunting task. I often find myself speechless when people ask me how it was. Summing up an AT through hike into a short statement to answer such a question is not something I can do. One year later, I am preparing to move forward.One year later, it's time for one last good bye. I will never forget my through hike. I will never forget the people I met, the places I saw, and the memories that were created. I will always remember the Appalachian Trail. Always.
Date: 2008-03-15
To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I met 2 people that I will start the hike with. They are Nick (Trailname "Dirty Harry") and Chris (Trailname "Guy"). We stayed at the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega. I spent the day getting to know Guy and Dirty Harry. Dirty Harry went through my pack and suggested that I get rid of my mittens, scarf, and some stuff sacks as these were redundant items.The Hiker Hostel is filled with people of all ages. I try to socialize with the various folks but I keep to myself mostly. My head is filled with all sorts of thoughts. I am filled with such anticipation and contemplation about this trip. Tomorrow is the day. I hope it goes well.
Date: 2008-03-16
To: Springer Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Today we hiked the Approach Trail to the Springer Mountain Shelter. It was awesome. The weather was beautiful and cool. At the top of Springer Mountain, a ridge runner took my name. He had been camped out there all day. He said that nearly 40 people had come through that day. I signed the register. We walked on to the Shelter to stay for the night. I met Stephanie and Jon and had dinner. We hung our food bags on the cables provided and prepped for bed.Later that evening, a few trail legends showed up at the shelter. Baltimore Jack and Lone Wolf were among them. We had a camp fire and then went to sleep. Four of us stayed in the shelter. At around midnight, I awoke to the mice. I must say that I was a little scared of them. I wish that I was not so far removed from nature. It is part of the experience. Dirty Harry said that I will get over it and to keep my backpack unzipped so that they will not chew through the pockets to get in.
Date: 2008-03-17
From: Springer Mtn Shelter

To: Justus Creek campsite
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we started out at 10 am. I realized that I have sunburn from the day before. Dirty Harry wanted me to set the pace so I did for the day. There were some rough climbs and downhills or puds as Dirty Harry called them (pointless ups and downs). I was so tired when we got to camp that I didn't eat dinner which is not a good idea to skip a meal. We camped with Stephanie and Jon at Justus Creek which is a very nice and peaceful campsite.We had heard about someone who was hiking without a sleeping bag. It has been cold out and he had to put a log on the fire every hour and do pushups just to stay warm. He camped across the creek from us but we have not met him yet.
Date: 2008-03-19
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Jon and Stephanie woke us up at 7 am and we broke camp by 8. We hiked over Blood Mountain which I thought would be much harder - it looked worse on the elevation maps. It was very foggy, windy, and rainy. It was very exciting. We hit a lot of slick rocks which made the descent tricky. Dirty Harry led the whole way up and down. We stopped at Neels Gap for the night. We showered and ate a proper meal. I never thought a shower could feel so luxurious. We met another hiker, Milton, who bought me chips-n-salsa because I was craving them on the trail the day before. I can't wait for the 6:30 spaghetti dinner. It seems that my thoughts are so simple now: "What will I eat?", "How far will I hike today?" I'll be glad when I get into the rhythm of this hike.The outfitter here went through my pack and gave me some suggestions on how to make my pack a little lighter. I swapped out my pot and nalgene for a smaller pot. Dirty Harry wants me to ditch my water filter. I can't do that yet.
Date: 2008-03-20
From: Neels Gap

To: Poplar Stamp Gap
Miles today: 12.2

We hiked from 8:15 am until about 3:00. We had beans and rice with tortilla, which lifted my spirits. We were camped with Jon, Stephanie, Trout Bum, and Moss. Moss is the person who did not have a sleeping bag his first few nights on the trail but bought one at Neels Gap from someone. It is cold out, but I feel fine. I don't feel completely safe about this gap. It is right off the AT. It feels like a bear could come right into our camp. I have a blister on my shoulder from my backpack. I am hopefully toughening up.