morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-08-07
From: Galehead Hut (work for stay)

To: Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

I really am with a talkative group of southbounders tonight making it really hard to write again. I had planned on pushing on to Crawford Notch, but keeping my hammock dry turned out to be a higher priority. It will just make tomorrow tougher. Sorry to say good bye to Lotus and Thinker after Lonesome Lake. I am hoping that I might see them again in Maine. Missed ¢No Car¢ as he went south through Kinsmen Notch when I was in North Woodstock with Jaime. As bummed as I was to miss him on his flip flop, sorry No Car, I would rather see my girlfriend on last time.My brain is fried. I can¢t believe how much I think about everyday now while walking. The big thing I noticed a lot is how different the attitudes are between Northbounders (NOBOs) and Southbounders (SOBOs). The Northbounders all look so beat down; sad, tired and just plain not having fun. On the other hand, the southbounders are totally happy to be alive and having the time of their lives. No small part of that is the difference between less than 400 miles completed and 1800 miles completed.The AMC Hut System has treated me ok so far¢¦ and odd ¢work for stay¢ job at Lonesome Lake. I scraped the coils of their freezer at Galehead Hut. So far it has been good food, just not good sleep. I would rather just have a shelter any day. But alas, it wasn¢t meant to be. I have wondered if I ran into some of the problems I have heard others have¢¦ Would I still maintain my AMC membership? Probably not.
Date: 2008-08-12
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: Trident tent site
Miles today: 0.0

Spent last night in the loft of the ¢Barn¢ in Gorham. Nothing to write home about but close to town at least. Most people ¢zero¢ in towns. But not me, I rarely spend even 24 hours in one and it¢s usually all business. Shower, Laundry, re-supply and constant eating.I can smell a campfire burning¢¦. But I don¢t want to put on my muddy, wet boots (23 out of 26 days of rain) and step in big mud puddles to socialize with a bunch of people I don¢t know and I may never see again.The Whites are a blur in my mind, finishing off with 16 miles of crazy descent after all the Carters, mountaineering down waterfalls/cracks and seeing people bloodied just coming up.I passed a lot of people including Lucky Dog and Red Dog whom I missed. I wonder how many new friends I will make from here on out. The pickings' are slim and my pace is ridiculous. It was nice to see Johnny D. at Lakes of the Clouds and of course, the pizza and beer trail magic was a great sight for eyes.Tomorrow I will be in Maine. Only one more state to go. Less than 300 miles to go as well. All I have to do is make it through the mud and the Mahoosacs and I will be officially in my mind at the home stretch.I am optimistic about good views in the future (can¢t rain forever, right?). I actually got a couple of decent views over the last couple of days in the Presidential Range. At the end of the day though, as I said in the very beginning¢¦this journey is all about the people you meet. I ran into my first ¢Yo-Yo¢ hiker earlier in the week. That means Georgia to Maine to Georgia for those not familiar with thru hiker talk. I also met a guy going for the supported hike record today. He was already delirious from the constant zone hiking. I feel so bad for these folks because I know what they are missing. At least they will get the aspect of the trail which includes pushing your body and mind to limit most people can¢t imagine.
Date: 2008-08-14
From: Trident tent site

To: Bear Brook above Grafton Notch
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

WOW! It¢s all I can say. The Mahoosuc Range is so awesome. My favorite part of the trail by far. The day I crossed from New Hampshire to Maine I saw a bear (while relieving myself), a snake (water related) and a huge white hairy spider. The views have been too great for words. The Mahoosuc Notch was the craziest mile of the trail. Best of all, while not getting one day in all of NH without getting drenched, it has been zero rain since crossing into Maine. I can¢t believe all this was right past the White Mountains all this time and I never knew it.I had the opportunity for an easy 0.3 mile side trip to get a 4000+ peak bag of Old Speck Mountain and I skipped it because I know I will be back here soon. Hopefully next time with friends from back home. Supposed to be awesome fishing at Speck Pond (ate lunch on today), the highest alpine pond in Maine.I have gone too fast. I passed about 6-10 people in the last couple of days that started in February. The only people I see around me that started in March are either skipping sections or talking about quitting. It could be a lonely ending to my journey.On one final bright note, I truly feel like I am ¢coming home¢ to Maine. It is amazing how good and right it felt to get a Maine PBS station on my radio as well as a Portland radio station and of course I also got a Canadian station ?
Date: 2008-08-31
To: White House Landing
Miles today: 0.0

T minus ~50miles to go. Weather has been holding up great and it has really helped the end of this journey. Not getting rained on heavy in Maine has made the ¢Welcome Home to Maine¢ that much better. I said goodbye to a lot of good people in Monson as everybody that stayed in town was planning on summiting Sept 2nd compared to my Sept 4th. I figure I can¢t do the miles to get better than the 3rd if I am flat out so why not enjoy the ¢wilderness¢ a little and guarantee the 4th. I met one couple (not thru-hikers) that were taking 17 days and couldn¢t help but be jealous. I look forward to the days (after this hike) of camping / hiking trips that don¢t involve pushing sunrise to sunset only to stop and eat.         As far as the journey of the body goes it¢s holding together although sometimes barely (much better than the past though). I saw my first big bull moose with a huge rack only 15-20 feet away. My stay here at WHL is my reward for making it this far.   Since I haven¢t spent any real time in town¢s south of Maine, I didn¢t waste money on slack packing and generally have spent half as much as most people on this trip (~$3k for 5 14 months). I decided a $40 /per night oasis in a zero frills place was justified.        It dawned on me last night as I looked at the stars alone on Cooper Lake that I will only be sleeping in the woods three more nights and one of those is the Birch¢s in Baxter where I might not be allowed to set up my hammock. The whole concept is strange that I won¢t have to pay $25-$35 per night as a special treat to sleep in a bed (that is much worse than my bed at home) and have a shower.         After having about 3 zero days since Hot Springs, NC (except trail days), the whole concept of getting up in the morning and not having to hike is still not fathomable. Not washing clothes in streams without soap just to get the salt out. Flushing toilets and fresh fruits and veggies, but mostly not hiking if I don¢t want to or am not in the mood are all things to look forward to.         A big lesson learned from all this has been to give myself a lot more time than I think so I can do what I want along the way. It isn¢t a question of whether I CAN do it in less but whether I SHOULD. I have no intentions to do another Thru-hike of the AT (although I would encourage anyone willing to try) but I will miss many parts of it.        A journey really is the best way to describe the last 5 14 months. Like the Never-ending Story the end of this journey is the beginning of the next one. Finally, I know it is thru-hiker clich© but I have to say it anyway. I have a new respect and perspective on the saying ¢within walking distance¢.
Date: 2008-09-04
From: White House Landing

To: Mt Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

So I made it. And I wasn¢t alone¢¦ Jaime and Jay P. made it up there with me. It was wonderful to have a couple of the closest people of my life share the end of this adventure with me. It was an awesome mountain and I suspect I will be climbing it again some day. We had great views with the exception of the top of the mountain. Looks like it was clear before and after we were there, but Murphy got me a little. I did get a 5 second view of the Knife Edge and I hear it calling my name to come back again.         My mom and Auntie Patty also hiked up about the first 1.5 miles to hike back down with me. Another nice treat that I was glad they were able to share with me. It was strange to sign the last registers. Everything is going to be strange about the readjustment back to civilization. Not wearing clothes for days on end. Getting to eat what you want, when you want it. Not having to plan for water and food weight and miles¢¦         I will likely write a couple of ¢post hike¢ entries at some point once I have readjusted to civilization and the ground on the farm is frozen. I would like to give summary stats for those that are interested also. I will be giving Greg my last two memory cards for pics on his pbase site (see guest book) at the bachelor party.         One of the concerns a lot of people had was what they were going to do to keep busy when they got off the trail to avoid the depression that comes with getting off the trail. I definitely don¢t have that problem. If you are a thru-hiker friend with this problem and are interested in a short term ¢work-for-stay¢ to help adjust, I may have something for you.         I wonder how many of the people I met on the trail I will ever see again. I hope if I met you and you are reading this that you will stop by Sea To Land Farms in Auburn, ME if you are in the area. Please use the contact email in my contacts to reach me. Or call 401-743-6752 (I will only keep this number up for a short while).
Date: 2008-04-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I guess the excitement hit me this morning (or panic). We drive down to Denver, CO tonight and I catch a flight to Atlanta early tomorrow morning. I will be staying at the Hiker Hostel tomorrow night and start the approach trail early Wednesday morning.   I have a tendancy to over plan things so I decided to take a different approach to this trip. Because of lack of time right now, I will give my planning strategy in later posts.As stated in an earlier post, this journal will be a way that former cd-workers (or whomever) can track my progress on this trip. The support has been fantastic from most everyone that I know.Holly will be transcribing my notes for me. I hope to get them to her about every 7 to 10 days. She has been nothing but supportive in my decision to hike the AT. I appreciate the sacrifices that this trip will cause her. I will make it up to you!!
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Cheyenne, WY

To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Flew into Atlanta. Picked up by Josh of the Hiker Hostel. He and his wife Lee own it. About 20 people staying there. 17 of us will start tomorrow. At least 3 people @ hostel are injured. Today was very chaotic. It was tough traveling bia plane to do a hiking trip.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Amicalola Park Approach Trail

To: Stover Camp Shelter
Miles today: 11.6

Set up this morning and had breakfast. Decided to hike the approach trail. Wht is an extra 8.8 miles in the grand scheme of things. Pack weight is 33 pounds. A little heavier then I had hoped, especially because I only have 3 days of food. Had planned on hiking to stover shelter. It is 2.8 miles into the AT. My first miles!! At the shelter set up my tent. Was going to tent it, but a black bear came into the area and wandered around for a couple of hours. He investigated my tent and started chewing on my water filter. Not sure why. We made a little noise and he dropped it. But I am sure that he will be back. Therfore, I decided to take the tent down and sleep in the loft of the shelter. There is another couple and another guy. All three started on the approach trail. It is great to be out here finally. Weather was great. No rain, maybe a little warm but overall a great day. Today was my only "planned" day. Will simply do what feels good from now on. I do need to keep in mind to take it slow. Don't want any injuries because of doing to much too early. I easily could have hiked further today. Maybe it was the adrenalin. We have been hearing that the shelthers are full, but only for tonight. I am guessing that tomorrow will be different, but we should beat the crowds. Will tent if weather looks good. Are hearing that we could have rain Friday. P.S. Have photos of the Bear!!
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Stover Camp Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: broken clouds

Tougher day today. Maybe some of the adrenalin has worn off. Historically, day 2 and 3 are my worst days. It seemed longer. Sassafras mtn was tough but the climb up Justus mtn was harder perhaps. Arms are a little sunburned. A couple of days of sunscreen on them should just about tan me up. Tenting it tonight so will have more privacy. Not supposed to rain until tomorrow afternoon. So, in the mroning I will dig out the trash bag to line my pack. Caught up with several of the other hikers that were at the Hiker Hostel. Tiger Balm, Katahdin Kid, and 4 or 5 others. I will start to see the dynamics of the hikers as the days go on. Everyone is talking about different options. We are hearing that Blood mtn shlter is in bad shape, but Pegasus, Unicorn, Phil and myself are shooting for it anyway. We are hoping that there will be campsites near it and if it rains we are going to use it regardless. A dry site but will get water gefore. It is interesting ho info passes up and down the traiul. I told one person today, that passed me, about the bear and most everyone knows about it by the time I got to the shelter. Hearing a lot of rumors about the weather. Will just have to see. I need to remember to take a picture of the shelter before I leave in the morning. Well, I think that I will read and call it quits for the day. No idea what time it is...I need a watch. Will get one at Nools Gap. If they don't cost too much. There are probably 16 people total between the tents and the shelter.
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Slaughter Creek Campsite
Miles today: 12.4

Oh my God, am I sore this morning. Everything hurts. I am hope that today was the toughest day. 3 days of 12 miles to start has been a little tough, but I might just look at donig 9.5 miles tomorrow. Two reasons: (1) I am tired, (2) I will be passing thru Neal's Gap in the morning. It is my first scheduled re-supply, plus they have showers and food. So, I want to start earlier (8am) so that I can still get to the next shelter. Thunder in the distance so weather could play a role as well. Will try to call my sweety in a couple of hours. Will be nice to talk with her. Will try to get rid of a couple of times @ Noels's as well. Would like to cut 3-4 lbs off my pack weight. All for now. Time to read.
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Slaughter Creek Campsite

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Wow what a day! Although I have done numerous 5-6 day trips and 15 day for the Tahoe Rim Trail, I had been having doubts about my capability to finish, but talking with Holly last night and today helped. Also, at Mountain Crossing I had Adam go through my pack with me. We only got rid of about 3 lbs, but we sent back what I consider as clutter. So far this trip I have been feeling a little discombobulated. Getting rid of a couple of items seems to have mde my pack more organized. Adam also gave me some pointers on a better way to pack my backpack. I think that we reduced the volume by 15% or so. Leaving Neels Gap was with much greater confidence. I finally passed a couple of thru-hikers that started earlier. "Highway" from FL and another guy. I learned later that the other guy dropped off the trail. One of the women that were hiking together also dropped at Neels. I found this out from someone that hd talked with Sherpa. Biggest miles so far. It felt great but I was a lottle foot sore when I got to the shelter. The next shelter is too close and the second on eis a little too far. Not sure what I will do yet. Tomorrow will tell. I think that I am going to stay in a hostel in Haiwassee and prob. do a zero in Franklin. A little expensive to do it there but 9-10 days straight is pushing it a little. Am looking forward to a day off. Another note: it took me 2 hrs to get out of Neels Gap. I need to get my stuff done quicker next time in a town. I am afraid that towns are going to take much longer than I anticipated!
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Site
Miles today: 14.0

Very cold last night. Cold and windy. My sleeping mat is not insulated so the cold came up through the ground. Might look at buying a cheap closed cell mattress in Hiawassee if a store carries them. I also made a big mistake in Neels Gap. I mailed by field jacket liner and liner gloves home. Will I ever learn? Anyway will see what Hiawassee has to offer. Supposedly the wather should improve. Regardless I will buy in Franklin if I can't get in Hiawasee. Body is feeling good. Sore but nothing outrageous. No blisters yet so I am optimistic that it won't be a major problem. Today was one of those days that was hard to hike in, hot then cold, then hot then cold. you got the drift. Supposed to be colder tonight. Stopped short of Tray Mtn Shelter hoping that it will be warmer at the Cheese Factory Site. Will make Hiawassee tomorrow. Plan on staying at Cloud 9. Will adjust if they are full. I am planning on a zero day when I hit franklin. So, will have to get out of Hiawassee early. Will see how that goes. I don't think that I planned those days as well as I could have (town re-supply that is). I want to get into Franklin early so as to get all errands done on the first day so that I have an entire day to lay around. Well will worry about that after tomorrow. Plan on reading now. Need to finish this book so that I can lose some weight.
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Cheese Factory Site

To: Dicks Gap Cloud 9 Hostel
Miles today: 12.5

Another very cold night. Not quite brutal, but close. Woke up early and broke camp. Began hikin gat about 7:45am. Just wanted to make it to the Hostel. Forgot to mention who was in camp last night Pegacorn (Pegasis/Unicorn=Pegacorn), Roadrash, red-eye, Rabbit and SOnic. One other guy and another couple. All but Pegacorn made it to Hiawassee tonight. They will come in tomorrow. I hope to see them again after Franklin. This hostel life is a little different. Looking forward to a motel in Franklin. It is kinda fun to listen to everyone talk. Every converstation is about the trail, but the privacy will be nice. Will hit the trail tomorrow, not really early as it will be a short day. Katchdin Kid and Tiger Blam came in late .
Date: 2008-04-15
From: Dicks Gap Cloud 9 Hostel

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Today was a day of extremes. The day started out great because of sleeping @ the hostel. I was warm last night for the first time in a couple of days. And, it was actually a fantastic day. Maybe the best weather so far, but there were a couple of very steep climbs after Plumb Orchard Gap Shelter. Straight up!!! It was a killer. I had some discomfort for the first time. My heals, near the bottom are very sore and tender. I have already hung my food otherwise it would be an advil night. MIght have to take some in the morning.Made a major milestone today. Passed into North Carolina. One down and 13 more to go. Also was able to make my reservation for the Budget Inn in Franklin. I changed by strategy today about getting into Franklin. "Crutch" advised me to do 3 12's then a short day to get into Winding Stair Gap. "Crutch" was semi-running Cloud 9 but left today to continue hiking. Anyway, he says that htis will maximize my town time. He didn't know that I intend on zeroing as well. By having shuch a short day on the 4th day, I might be able to catch Ron Haven's shuttle @ 9am. Will mean leaving at 6am. We will see if I can get moving that early.I had mentioned yesterday that I wasn't sure about the hostel situation. I think it is simply that they are too hectic. At least Cloud 9 was. Still am hiking solor. Haven't found anyone hiking my pace. Works for me. At shelter tonight is Redeye. (Of those I have been hiking with) We are ahead of the rest. Will see what this new group is like.
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Mtn Shelters
Miles today: 12.5

Very cold again, but we had wonderful weather today. Staying in tent near Carter Mtn Shelters. Said goodbye to 3 section hikers. Had been meeting them the past couple of days. It was a very good day. Spirits are high even as the body begins to have a few aches and pains. Eight straight days is telling on me. One more then a nero and a zero!!!Thought of Slogger (Footslogger) today. Hoping he is recovering from his heart attack. Will probably text him while I am in Franklin. Looking foward to actually sitting down and talking with him. At the shelter so far is Redeye, Grizz, and Beatle.
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Carter Mtn Shelters

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

I like NC. At least so far. The trails are graded well and generally really good wlaking. Hit 100 miles of AT today. Kind of a milestone. Had been leap-frogging a group of 5 for the last couple of days. One of which (Zero Zero) is blind. One guy walks in front of him and tells him what is upcoming as far as the trail. It is really quite impressive. The walk up Albert Mtn to the fire tower was the only diff. section today. I would rate it similar to some of the 14ers, just shorter. A very impressive view from the top. Today had without a doubt the best views from the top. Unfortunately it was hazy so no good vistas. I am feeling really good. Mentally, today was very uplifting. Barring injry, I think that this trail is a mental game. Looking at Jack Tarlins resupply article. I had almost changed my mind about my nero and zero starting tomorrow in Franklin. But I am going to go ahead with it anyway. I had told myself that I wanted to zero about every 7-10 days so that fits into my plans. And my body does need a break. I do want to avoid injury. I am feeling strong but no reason to push it this early. I had to drop down quite a ways from Rock Gap Shelter to tent. No campsites close. No problem as I got water and can use the privy on my way back to the trail. Redeyes is @ the shleter again tonight. Have been hiking with him the longest of anyone so far. Wonder if I will see him again? All at the shleter last night are shooting to make it here as well. Gizz is already here. Not sure if Beetle will make it or not as her knee was bothering her. Beeker and Hanna are trying to make it as well. I'm sure that they will but they normally come in later. I guess I might wander up to the shelter to eat. Keeps the mice there! LIfe is pretty simple on the trail. Another couple and 3 solos made it into camp later. Nine here tonight. Some going into Franklin and staying others going in but moving on. An observation: I have heard several of the younger thru-hikers talk about maybe getting off the trail because of finances, but they buy Guinness at the store. If it were me, I would buy something cheaper.
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap/Ron Haven's Budget Inn
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Easy 2 hr hike into Winding Stair Gap. Waited about 1/2 hour for shuttle (Ron Haven). He took us to htoel then, as rooms weren't ready yet, drove us to a diner for breakfast. The services Ron offers are fantastic.Great stop. Ron drove us everywhere we could possibly need to go. Would recommend to thru-hikers.Got to talk w/ Holly. Picks my spirits up each time I hear her voice. Will head out tomorrow. Decided not to re-supply @ NOC. Straight to Fontana Dam. Well, I might stop to get a burger @ NOC.