morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-09
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center, NC

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 134.5
Weather: broken clouds

We have entered North Carolina and have surpassed a 100 miles of hiking in the 11 days or so on the trail. Total miles is 134.9 which has landed us at Nantahala River Outdoor Center. Our next stop after a few days of rest and the comforts of home provided by Joey's friend Dana(thank you) we will be in Fontana Dam, NC.So far the weather has been beautiful...our hike into town yesterday gave us a small taste of hiking in the rain...thanks to the great cover of trees we stayed dry.We hiked a 17 mile day on tuesday and hitchiked with Gravey, Innocence, and Baby Carrots into the town of Franklin, NC which treated us like we were family. We had a great meal at Fat Buddies BBQ and I'll say i would like to eat that meal again. After dinner we were outside the restaurant and out came some wonderful people Vick and Janet who let us jump in the back of their pickup and took us back to the trail Thank you both so much!!! Thank you also to the kind gentleman who offered us a ride but could not fit us all in his car. Thank you also for the lady who gave me a handful of suckers!!!A little more about the town of Franklin. There is a hiker shuttle service that is run out of Haven's Budget Inn that was willing to shuttle up pizza to Wayah Bald Observation Tower built in 1937. We five hungry hikers just relaxing at the tower had a hunger for pizza and thought we would give it a shot to see if we could order some and have it delievered and sure enough there we sat on top of a mtn eating pizza. So if your ever in NC stop in Franklin, and if your a hiker make sure you stop cause they will take good care of you!!So we had to say our goodbyes to Baby Carrots and she heads back to the real world of NY. Thank you Baby Carrots for all your wisdom and laughs it was great hiking with you and maybe we'll see you in NY!! And Gravey and Innocence perhaps we'll catch up with you again on the trail. Well until next time take care and I hope your enjoying these journals!
Date: 2008-05-21
From: Erwin 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.0

Hey all, we are now in Hot Springs N.C.! The A.T. actually goes right through the town on the sidewalk and the diner which is like the first building you pass has great breakfast with big servings!! We had rainy weather in the Smokies and somewhat cold too but were trucked through it. We had one clear day and it was the prettiest part of the smokies so that was nice to see some good views! So far the only wildlife we have seen is a coyote and some little snakes. There have been lots of mention of a bear smart enough to cut down the bear bag lines and steal hikers food but so far our bag has been safe and our stomachs full.We had our first 20 mile day and at the end of that we were never happier to see a shelter. So far we are injury free a few minor blisters from the down hills which can be killer. Quick story we were hiking in the rain up to a shelter at a pretty heavy day hiking spot and the Singing Sisters were hiking down and stopped and sang to us the whole song "Happy Trails To You." It was so great and spirit lifting it made the rest of the long miles we had to go seem a lot easier!!!We have been hanging out with the "train gang" (they have a dog) and are from Chicago and Dust who is originally from Michigan so we have been representing the midwest along the trail.Our spirits are high and we are enjoying every minute of this adventure! Onto Erwin Tennessee
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Erwin

To: Roan Mtn
Miles today: 0.0

To all those who have supported us we send our deepest heart felt thank yous! This trip would not be available to us had it not been for everyone in our lives. Yesterday as we were coming into Erwin TN. we were overwhelmed with gratidue as God has just blessed us through not only His beautiful creation, but in the people we have meet and the challenges we have faced. This trip so far as we are going on a little over 4 weeks continues to amaze us both! It is truly amazing what you can put your body through and have it be ready to go the next day. Its amazing the generocity of people you meet along the way who offer you extra food and fellowship or just a simpe word of encouragement! Its amazing to wake up on top of a mountain and have your tent door facing east so you can see the sun rise over the mountains. We could go on forever, this trip is amazing and we want to thank everyone for supporting us on our adventure of a life time.
Date: 2008-06-06
From: Damascus VA

To: Bastain
Miles today: 15.0

We are in Virginia after a long 21 mile day and then a 18 mile day!!!! Taking a zero day to rest up and re-supply. We arrived yesterday and already were treated great by some wonderful trail angels...we had handpacked burgers at Conductors house and then the three guys from N.C. Scott, Douglas, and Paul treated us to some beers at Dot's bar and then breakfeast in the morning!! What great people we have met and continue to meet, that they go above and beyond anything you can expect or imagine! Thank you!!!More later...
Date: 2008-06-07
From: Bastain

To: View Entry
Miles today: 30.0

The day and the life of Kovis and Naps on the trail...Morning: wake up whenever your done sleeping or wake up because you have to pee.Re-locate the Bear bag and get food down.Slowly start packing your pack.Eat a hardy breakfast take lots of vitamins.Re-fill all water.Put on stinky socks and shoes and start walking.Day: Walking up and down mtns. stoping here and there to snack or check out great views.Some times greet people but thats doesn't happen very often.At some point stop and have lunch tuna or salmon and whatever else you have left to eat. take off shoes and socks to air out feet, there is nothing better then getting back on the trail with dry socks and shoes.Night: Rest when you get to shelter or campsite. Fetch water hopefully from a spot thats not halfway down the mtn. unload all your sleeping stuff and food.eat dinner, find a nice branch to hang the food(this can be rather entertaining...thank you georgia for providing bear cables)brush your teeth and go to bed to rest up to do it all over again!we love this life. take care
Date: 2008-06-18
From: Pearisburg

To: Troutville
Miles today: 16.0

Hey, we are here in Pearisburg V.A. we got in on the 17th for a good double cheese burger and blizard for an early lunch and a resupply. We stayed at a Church hostel last night...it probably had one of the best views we have had from a town...we slept under the gazebo which provided a nice view of the moon coming up over the mountains! We have had some of the best weather these past couple of days which make hiking wonderful as well as sleeping. We will be averaging between 15 and 20 miles a day which seems to be pretty comfortable. 20 miles or more really starts to wear on you...we have meet a lot of people who were pushing 20+ miles and not enjoying themselves, so we are happy with our pace!Sorry that we have not been able to put up some new pictures not all places allow you to download pictures but hopefully soon we will be able to provide you with some of the great views we have seen!!Take care
Date: 2008-07-03
From: Waynesboro V.A.

To: Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 18.0

Hello all, we are taking a break in waynesboro for a day got in on the 2nd and will be heading into shenandoah national park on the 4th. hopefully we will be able to see some fireworks from the mountain.Some quick little stories for you:We have been having some great weather but also some good storms... we have had about 8 storms in these last 100+ miles and so far we are 6 for 8 in making it to shelters or a place of protection without getting wet!! You should see a hiker move down the trail when they hear thunder! Also if you want to see a hiker move fast watch them and they get closer to a town and nearer to food!Trail magic: So we are hiking into Glasgow and as we were getting nearer to town we were praying for an easy way in and out since it was a good 6+ miles into town...so when we got to the parking lot a gentleman by the name of Ken was standing outside his car reading a book and saw us walk up...Ken looked up and before we could say anything asked if we were going into town...we said yes and he popped open his trunk, so we threw in our packs and down to town we went with a nice cold gatorade that he had given to us as well!! After a re-supply of food and some laundry we gave Ken a call back and he drove us back to the trail and off we went...what an answer to prayer!!!Trail magic continued...as we hiked into waynesboro we came upon cooler filled with homemade brownies, cookies, snickers, and soda...what a treat to a hungry thru-hiker!Five top things we talk about:#5 FOOD#4 Family #3 Superhero's and their powers#2 The views#1 How blessed we are to be doing this...everyday besides talking about the food we would like to be eating we talk about being so amazed to get up each morning to pack our bags up and continue on the trail!We both feel as though we are little kids again running through the woods with no cares in the world and loving every minute of it!!!Take care!!We again are having trouble downloading pictures so as soon as we can there will be more!!!
Date: 2008-07-10
From: Front Royal

To: Hapers Ferry
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

hello all, we have made it through the Shenandoah National Park and are on our way to Hapers Ferry!! We have been hit by some rainy weather we have lost count of how many days it has rained on us, but there is nothing like getting all you stuff dry and then having it get wet again later in the day! We enjoyed the "Shenandoah Slowdown" in which waysides filled with milkshakes and other wonderful food make you lose all sense of time. The food was good as well as the company and even the people who took pictures of us cause they couldn't believe we had hiked that far. we are in for just a quick stop and re-supply...thank you mom and dad for the goodies!!!take care!
Date: 2008-07-22
From: Front Royal

To: Pine Grove
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Ok so we have been moving along really well...we have been and done Hapers Ferry and are now more then half way done with the trail!!! We breezed through West Virginia which is only a couple miles and then did a day and half through Maryland which was 40+ miles and now we are working our way through P.A. We are taking a little break as our parents have joined us for a two day one night trip which was wonderful and we'll tell you more about that later!! We are now at our friends Keith and Laurens for some much needed R&R!!! So we'll catch you up with more in a bit!!!take care
Date: 2008-07-24
From: Pine Grove

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We just said goodbye to our parents, what a awesome time to meet up with them half way through this journey. They were great to have along with us on the trail and it was good to share a part of what we were doing with them! Because they joined us on the trail it was important to give them trail names. Mom became Chatter and Dad became Slugger, both very fitting names for them! It was really good to see them and spend time with them and sad to see them go as we must carry on with our journey. Thank you mom and dad for giving us the blessings you have and loving us so unconditionally, we are truly blessed to be called your children!!One more day for us to relax here at our friends Keith and Lauren and their daughter Lily. It has been so great here it feels like home. Thank you for taking us in and feeding us so well!Tomorrow we will be back on the trail. We are 1151.2 miles into this amazing journey with many adventures yet to come! We feel well rested and ready to get back to the trail! I hope you enjoy the photos!p.s. sorry if some of the photos are doubled.
Date: 2008-07-30
From: Port Clinton

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

As of 3 days ago we have begun the count down from 1,000 miles. Entries from Naps personal journalJuly 27Back on the trail after a good solid four days of rest...feeling pretty good.July 28We both want to quit...Joey has foot and knee pain...We both have thought to ourselves if the other says they want to quit we'll quit...Moving the first rattlesnake off the trail added some comic relief...the second rattlesnake was not as funny cause it could of ate Joey.July 29Woke up in good spirits...a perspective 24 mile day was hampered by my own foot pain and the dwindling hours of sun light...settled for 15 miles...spirits low due to the small amount of water in the spring.July 30Woke up feeling good 9 miles into town... 2 miles into hike foot pain intense...9 miles of rocks and one down hill that was straight down, glad we are not going south... Joey is feeling good and I have become tempted to down a bottle of whiskey, bite a leather strap and have Joey cut off my foot with a pocket knife...MAINE HERE WE COME!!
Date: 2008-08-07
From: Unionville N.Y.

To: Ft. Montgomery N.Y.
Miles today: 0.0

we are still going thank you for your prayers!!! Naps foot is doing much better, chiropractor Kovis was able to adjust her ankle...it seemed to have been jammed in maybe due to the excessive rocks in PA.We are moving on strong, New Jersey has been a nice with some good views, good people and not as many rocks.take care!
Date: 2008-08-13
From: Kent, CT

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

We have covered 1470 miles so far and we still have 705.5 to go.. We are still moving along strong. Very soon we will be back in the mountains climbing up and down and our mileage will slow a bit. We are both doing well and looking forward to what the trail has in store for us.
Date: 2008-08-20
From: Dalton, MA

To: Vermont
Miles today: 0.0

So we are taking a day off today to rest our weary bones...we have been pushing some high miles and are starting to slow down a bit since the terrain are getting harder...i don't have our guide book in front of me so i have no idea were our next stop is but i know it will be somewhere in Vermont!! In 30 more miles we will have three states left to hike through and some of the hardest...we are excited this New England area so far it has been beautiful...unfournatly we are not allowed to download pictures at this library...So for Kovis's birthday which was the 17th...while hiking i asked him what he wanted for his birthday and he said to hike 24 miles...that would of got us to The Upper Goose Pond Cabin where they serve pancakes in the morning...so like a good sister i said okay...but seceratly i prayed for some type of trail magic to keep us from going that far cause i was tired...and low and behold a sign on a tree said in one mile trail magic by Mr. and Mrs. Tunes with the date of 15-18th of august...so for his birthday we had grilled hamburgers, eggs and ham sandwhichs, soda, chips and cookies all we could eat and more...so for about 4 hours we hung out with David the cook and only ended up hiking 12 miles that day which we were both happy for and what a great way to celebrate his birthday on the trail by getting a full belly of food...thank you Mr. Tunes!!! We hiked the next day 14 miles and got the pancakes for breakfast too!!The weather has been really good for us...it is starting to cool off, great for sleeping...but we will be sending out winter gear to ourselves soon...we are both healthy and if all continues to go well we should be finishing by the end of sept or very first week in oct.thank you all for your continued prayers and support...we wish all of you could come experience frist hand all our little adventures inside this big adventure!!!love you all
Date: 2008-08-25
From: Manchester VT

To: Woodstock VT
Miles today: 0.0

We are doing well we are now in Vermont staying at a wonderful hostel run by a past thru hiker who knows are needs and is very gracious in allowing us to stay here!!! Both of us our healthy and enjoying this amazing adventure... we have now hiked 1637 miles its hard to wrap our minds around it...3 more states to go!!
Date: 2008-09-16
From: Bethel Maine

To: Katahdin Manie
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Hello all we are in Maine the home state!!! We are about 260 give or take miles away from the end...this is probably our final stop where we will be able to use a computer...we are going to try and push through Maine (but enjoy it) to beat the cold and there are few towns along the way to stop in...so with that said we are very excited to be in Maine...we just finished "the hardest mile on the A.T." which was actually a whole lot of fun...it took us about 2 hours to do the mile of boulders...basically is was a big play ground for us who like to climb on rocks...Kovis i think blew thru it faster cause he was having so much fun jump up and over these boulders and i naps took a little longer trying to fit in some tight gaps with my pack on...it was so much fun and we had a beautiful day all day!!! We are now hiking in a group of 4 Kovis, Naps, Bandit, and Mosey we have been hiking together for awhile now and you could call us as a group Team Umbles...if you know anything about hypothermia you'll know about the umbles!! Anyways we are having a great time and enjoying every bit of this journey!!! Its amazing that we are in the home stretch...the white mtns were amazing with constant views and Maine is beautiful as well so far...Please pray for our continued safety and good weather as we finish up!!! Thank you
Date: 2008-09-28
From: Monson ME

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

So we didn't think that we would have the opportunity to write one more time before heading into the 100mile wilderness...but here we are in the town of Monson ME and there are very nice people here at Lakeshore House who have free internet for us poor hikers Maine has been beautiful and the colors are changing! We have 114 miles left of our journey and are excited about it...we forded our first two rivers which was a lot of fun both were about up to our knees and in talking to fellow hikers that came through the rivers the day after us it was waist deep on them from the rain the past few days. we are hoping to wait out some of this rain but there are still miles to hike...well until the end we will hike on and talk to you all soon!!!!
Date: 2008-10-10
From: home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi everyone this is Naps...I am taking the time to inform you that in my haste of writing the last journal entry I left out that Kovis was not able to finish the 100 miles wilderness or summit with me...yes its true he still has 80+ miles to complete which he is planning on doing next year(i will be going along with him too)...His story goes like this...he fell...he hiked two days into the 100 mile wildreness...he struggled a bit to get to camp on Sept 30...on Oct 1 he decided he shouldn't go on(he was totally at peace with his decision)...He messed up his back pretty bad...he couldn't even lift up his own pack to put it on...I hiked on and he waited an hour to get a ride into town and waited there until we meet up again on Monday Oct 6...We went back into Baxter State Park and stayed in a shelter at the base of the mountain until it was opened to climb...I made the summit on Oct 8...He is doing much better, the hostel in the town he stayed was located right next to a chiropractor...we are making our way back home...we are currently in PA with our friends Keith and Lauren!Sorry for the misleading information...Thank you all for your prayers and support throughout this journey...we had an amazing trip and we are so grateful for the friends and family we have back home and those we have met along the way...this journey could not have been done without you...pictures will be coming soon.much love
Date: 2008-02-12
To: Because it is Tuesday
Miles today: 0.0

I booked my flight 2 days ago, bound from Rochester to Atlanta. I think I nearly burst with excitement. In one month I will be en-route to Atlanta to start my great adventure. It is snowy and cold here in upstate New York and I will head outside soon to test my cold weather gear, again. We have had a lot of days to test cold weather gear, as is the nature of winter. I will try and be diligent in my posts, keep them interesting, littered with photographs, and only minimally peppered with spelling errors.I hope to hunker down and put up my gear list as well as my..."what brings you here" posts. All in due time.
Date: 2008-02-16
To: Like working in Vegas
Miles today: 0.0

I work in a building with no windows. Sometimes this is like working in Las Vegas. You can come in at 8am to a chilly clear ski and leave 12 hours later to 4inches of snow! Sometimes in the summer time you can only tell the weather based on what the visitors are wearing. One summer day it was estimated to be the most beautiful day of the year, and I was due for work. My roomate emailed me, telling me that it was raining and the day was a bust. She was fibbing, I got wize when there were more then 3 people headed to a pool party. It was a kind gesture on her part. I mention this because the outside is always where I want to be (not always always but in a general sense) The idea of being outside for 6 months makes my heart skip a beat then run for twenty. I look forward to the leaves showing, growing, and changing and all the evoling forest surrounds. I am one lucky duck!
Date: 2008-02-17
To: hark a lark
Miles today: 0.0

This morning I woke to a crisp 30 degrees and the sound of a bird tweeting. I have could not remember the last time those sweet sounds tickled my TMs. More and more excited I grow with each day. I am fighting an awfully aggressive case of allergies (I may be in denial about being infectious) which has blunted my training (i.e. ploding around the YMCA with big boots and a HUGE pack) but I may yet be on the mend and back at it. My list is getting tightened, I am going to cut back a bit more on the clothing. I also have some modifications to make to my sleeping bag liner. My current obstacle will be getting practice with my new tent. It is not free standing and I have not yet set it up (let alone seam sealed it) maybe when I get to Georgia I will have softer, snow free ground. I think that would be the finest in last minute prep for sure!Pictures soon, I promise.
Date: 2008-02-19
To: Gear it together
Miles today: 0.0

As my illness continues to render me useless to society and basically immobile I will spend much of my vertical time posting items on my gear list. The rest of this day I will dedicate to thinking about what I should be doing and studying the back of my eyelids with great concentration, with hopes of finding the cure for my malaise. Campmor has been my consistent go to for much of my gear although many of my friends have made key contributions. I am so thankful for everyones help. I will have to apply every muscle in my being to resist the "JUST IN CASE". I could have a whole shelter of "just in case" to tote around if I don't watch it. I do love to be prepared though.....
Date: 2008-02-19
To: always outside?
Miles today: 0.0

The sun is shining in the windows but don't let that fool you.It is freeeeeezzzziiiinnnnnggg outside! Oh my goodness the wind is whipping and finding it's sneaky little way into any faults in your clothing barrier. Gasp, I run the half a block to the library and think...I am going to be out side for 6 months! I am excited about that?! Am I crazy in the head?! Yes!I first learned about the AT on our annual summer drive up to coastal Maine. Where the Mass Pike passes under the trail it is labeled. I asked my Mother about it and I was intrigued. I had always enjoyed the camping and canoeing trips we took as a family, and then as I grew older hiking in the ADK's. I went on a few overnight trips in high school while at 4-H camp but all that pales in comparison to what lay ahead. I am ready to be dirty for some time on end. When we vacation in Maine there are no showers and only outhouses for toileting. You reach a level of dirty, and even after a sponge bath you reach only "Gotts Island good". I wonder how that compares to "AT clean"Enough chit chat. I need to study for my re-certification boards, and day dream of a ten pound pack (yeah right!).....Soon enough...