morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-19
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: VT 9
Miles today: 28.0

When I looked at the map today I realized that I'd have quite a bit of walking to do. I haven't done a mileage day like this in quite a bit. On top of the miles today, my feet were sore from yesterdays miles and the fact that my shoes were pretty much broken down and dead. On the positive side, the end of today would put me at VT 9 at Bennington, VT and my Mom and Aunt would be picking me up tomorrow. Zero Days at Saratoga Springs! First I had to get there though and that meant crossing into Vermont! Hooray! the 12th state on my northward journey! The start of the really hard hiking. They say that the northern 550 miles of the AT contains 80% of the effort involved with hiking. I completely agree with that statement. For south bounders (SoBos) getting out of Vermont means they have survived all the difficult things physically. Their only challenge now is to stay physically safe and free of injury, mentally tough and on their financial feet. For north bounders (NoBos), they have the difficulty of hard climbing again, lack of money by this point and injuries compiling. Things sort of build up against NoBos the closer they get to Maine and Kathadin, but they also have 1600 miles worth of hiking behind them to help deal with the challenges.Along with the call of the finish.I ended up night hiking the last 4 miles to the road, and was blessed with a full moon (1 day short actually, but still bright) when I cleared out of the trees on top of Harmon Hill. I had a beautiful view - the moon was bathing a giant field of wild flowers in it's pale light while the stars twinkled above. Just as I turned to leave I had a shooting star streak across the night sky. Lucky all around.I camped near the road with Kitchen Sink and Blueberry. Blueberry had been at the shelter I started at that morning and had hitched up to Bennington to meet some folks. He was amazed that I had walked the 28 miles there. Just goes to show you what you can do when you're motivated by new shoes and the promise of family and food.
Date: 2013-08-20
From: VT 9

To: Saratoga Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I got picked up by my Aunt Anita and my mom. We drove back to my aunt's house in Saratoga Springs NY and I was informed we were heading to the Washington County Fair.I'm all for fairs. I love the 4-H animals and contests. The rodeo and the food. Tractor pulls and oxen teams. County fairs have been a tradition for years, and its a wonderful to go to. I encourage you to go visit one and enjoy the hard work the 4-H kids have put in. Plus where else are you going to be able to see the counties biggest zucchini?!Importantly though, I got my new shoes.My pair of Cascadia 7s have lasted me from Damascus Virginia and now it's time to retire them. They had provided more then I ever thought they would have in terms of comfort and support. I loved them so much I have sent an email to Brooks telling them thank you.They are being replaced with this years 8model. The 8s have a front foot plate and are slightly wider I think. They have a heavier duty sole and more front and side mesh reinforcement. Later this evening we went to a casino not necessarily to bet,but for the all you can eat buffet (we had coupons too). Delicious. So delicious. I love food. I love family. I love zero days.
Date: 2013-09-03
From: NH 25

To: Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: light rain

I'm at Chet's place in Lincoln NH tonight. I have a bunch of updates to do on here, but I haven't had a lot of time to type up all my notes. Hopefully in the next few days I'll be able to do that. Until then, here is a short recap of the last little bit.Finished Vermont,got a beautiful sunset and milky way viewing on top of Bromley. Got to Hanover. Saw people I haven't seen in a awhile. Helped Roadkill get her car back. Hiked. Hiked some more. Stayed in a cult hostel. Played tag with the post office. Hiked some more. Got to New Hampshire. Hiked into the White mountains.You should be excited for all the upcoming stories and pictures.Chet is an awesome guy. He let's hikers crash in his giant converted garage or tent on the backyard. There are always bunches of hikers here and the place is always full it seems. Chet had an accident with an exploding whisperlite stove a few years back and has been in a wheelchair since. But he never let's that get him down. He is one of the most upbeat and positive people I have met out here. What's both sad and amazing is that Chet is moving out of this hostel in Lincoln. And he's going to Vermont to open another one. He is going to try and turn over this hostel here to someone to run. Like I said. Both awesome and sad. I went up and down Mousilake today. The down hurt. A lot. An awful lot. My knees have been giving me some problems again and I've been feeling more pain then I have had in awhile. Hopefully it doesn't continue to be an issue.I'm hoping also that my food boxes are at the post office tomorrow. I'm running on a bit of a tight budget now and drop boxes are important. These boxes however have been bouncing around for 2weeks and then post office still can't get their act together. Blergh.More updates coming as fast as I can type on my little phone keypad. Also as long as the battery lasts.
Date: 2013-09-05
From: Lincoln, NH

To: Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 0.0

Lincoln nhThe doctor visit happened today. A very nice and hiker friendly British doctor checked me out. He poked around on my knee, asked some questions and generally felt out what I'd been doing.Good news is there is no ligament or tendon damage. Not a lot of fluid in the knee either.Bad news is the cartilage is pretty much shot in my right knee. So the doc gave me 2 weeks worth of steroids for the inflammation and told me to be less of a lunatic when I climb up mountains. Take it a little slower and listen to my knee.But he said I should be okay to finish.I was really fearful going into the doctor. The knee had been so swollen and painful on Tuesday night. It felt like it was on fire. So this is a good thing.However I've been giving thought on what I want to do from here on out. I want to hike all the Whites. I want to do the Bigelows and Saddleback. But maybe I don't have to do southern Maine. I've done it before and it was great. But it was a tough and long set if climbs up and down. Maybe it might be a safer idea to not do crazy things like Mt Moody. Things to think about for sure.In other important news, I finally tracked down my two lost USPS packages. Glorious food arrived in Lincoln for me and I was happy.I hope you all are happy as well. Especially since Sunday they are calling for snow in the Whites possibly.I'm excited
Date: 2013-09-06
From: Lincoln, NH

To: Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 0.0

Still at Chets! Can you blame me? This place is always awesome. Plus it gives me another day off my knee. Which is important. I have staying off it and reading nonstop the most awful terrible cheap trashy romance novels.Yep I'm turning into one those people. But that's okay.Short entry today, lots to say but I'm trying to chew through this novel before I leave. Onwards! Whites and ridges tomorrow!If you like reading about this adventure and my insanity out here, consider donating to the cause! A small donation of loose change from your couch could help me to have unbridled luxury; things like snickers bars, showers or even,gasp,a real bed to sleep in! Much love!http://www.gofundme.com/nobospice
Date: 2013-09-15
From: Trident Col campsite

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Crossing the border into Maine. It's a thing.Finally back here though. And that is what I've been waiting for, for quite a bit.I'm not ashamed to say I cried a little when I got here. Like I said. It's been a while.We can take a moment to talk about the terrain here. The Whites were mountains and long climbs up and down. Exposed ridge walks and weather.Southern Maine is the same sort of thing. Rough. Rugged. Tough. Hurts your knees.Right after I made it across the border there was an evacuation going on. The southern Maine SAR team was carrying out a litter out through the rocks and climbs. Girl had blown her knee out and was unable to walk at all. Sucks.
Date: 2013-09-21
From: ME 4 

To: Reddington Campsite
Miles today: 8.0

Up and over. That was the name of the game today. We got a later start then I really wanted to, but that's life. We got back to the trail around 1ish and decided not to pay attention to the sign telling us not to start after noon.The climb itself wasn't bad up to saddleback. Windy and mild but not cold. Not yet at least. The weather was supposed to get cold later as a front moved through, but we were hoping to be in shelter by then.I got to the top of saddleback only to realize I had committed a terrible sin.I'd left my camera at the last shelter.No. Awful.Terrible.I had to make a decision. Go back or push on and hope it would be hiked forward.Then I saw the clouds. Big. Black. Ugly storm clouds.Time to get forward and to shelter.Saddleback is completely exposed for 4 miles above treeline. Not somewhere you want to spend a storm. So we rolled hard onward.And then dark hit. Luckily I was close enough to the campsites that I decided to call it an early day and set up. It was already fast becoming cold and wet so it seemed like the smart idea, rather then keep pushing to the shelter, over one more bald mountain.Seemed like a good idea at least. The being said, I'm doing a good job of freezing in my hammock at the moment.Winter is here it feels like. Hip hip hooray.
Date: 2013-10-02
From: Monson

To: Leeman Brook Lean to
Miles today: 3.5

I'm terrible at updating at the moment. I have bunches of notes and stories I need to tell. I just don't have the energy to get them all online. Not right now at least. Soon though I promise.I'm in the 100 mile wilderness. Thank you. For all your help and support. Your belief. Your words of encouragement. Your love.The next post you see? It will probably be of me on top of a mountain that has been in my dreams for years.
Date: 2013-11-08
To: A year ago
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

A year ago right now, at this time (8:10 pm) I was walking south still. I was approaching Rice Field shelter in the dark, trying to finish up a 20 mile day when I went to drink from my water bottle.It was frozen.I was at the end of my rope that day. The ridge was a tangled mess of blowdowns, the blazes were impossible to see in the dark even with a headlamp and there wasn't any water anymore. I had been navigating blindly, knowing that as long as I didn't go down off the ridge I'd be okay. I hoped. So I walked the ridge trying to stay in the middle. Cold, dark and icy.I finally made it to the shelter. I sat down, put everything I owned on, crawled into my bag and tried to cook dinner. It took my 4 attempts to light my stove and as it boiled I cried. I brushed my beard and came away with a frozen tear.Low points in the AT happen. But they are followed by amazing things sometimes. Walking into Pearisburg the next day I got a hotel and ate Chinese buffet. I then went to my room, cranked the heat and set under 6 blankets and shivered.I was mildly hypothermic.A year ago today was the beginning of the end for my Southbound hike. A year later, I have finished a Northbound hike.What a difference a year makes.
Date: 2013-12-12
To: The Northern Limits
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hey folks. It's Doc Spice again. Several of you have emailed me, guestbooked or gotten in contact with me in other ways, wondering what happened. Where the updates have been that I promised, how I'm doing and what's been going on. It took me... a little longer than I thought it would. To recover from the end, to pull myself together after heartbreak and to actually get to a point where I can function like something approaching a normal human being. This is not me looking for a pity party mind you, just an explanation to a degree.One of the things I've been working on for awhile has been slicing together videos that I took while on the trail. I've done several different version, taken a lot of time and finally got to where I was happy with the end result. This is that resulthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS5A_QFthHoOne of the other things I've been doing in the past two months has been a lot of writing. Reflections on the trail, putting down stories of things that happened this year and last. Trying to work the kinks in my brain out. Those stories moved to a different site, and I'd like to share that with you. http://adventurespice.wordpress.com/Eventually, the plan is to move everything over there, get all of my pictures from the AT loaded up (I love TJ for many things, but pictures is not one of them) and use this as my springboard for my PCT hike and blog.I want to thank you. All of you. I don't know if you realize what you've meant to me. You all helped me in so many ways. You gave me a reason to write everyday, to hold myself accountable. You gave moral support, financial assistance and all kinds of love. You all are trail angels in your own right. I hope someday, to meet every single person who has read this - who has shared their love. And more importantly, to pay you back and pay it forward so that more people can have the experience I had.I've come to think of this hike as my second chance. I was able to come back and hike the AT again, and this time finish. I got a second chance at life on the Trail. I got a second chance to learn to love. To find myself. And to discover the beauty of life, and the goodness of people. So thank you dear readers. For giving me a second chance.
Date: 2012-09-07
To: Changing course
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I chose an Indian name for my Trail name. The Trail name was "Long Walk Home". A few months later I found out that Ronald Zaleski walked 3400 miles across America to raise awareness about military Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The name of his project is "THE LONG WALK HOME.ORG". His website is: http://www.thelongwalkhome.org/"The facts about our Veterans are overwhelming: 18 veterans a day in the U.S. commit suicide. 40 percent of the homeless are Veterans Drug and alcohol abuse, family disintegration, and incarceration are rampant among veterans".Please support Mr. Zaleski's project.I didn't want to steal his thunder. I decided to change my Trail name to "Aughra and Fizzgig" from the 1982 Movie by Jim Henson called the Dark Crystal.
Date: 2013-03-28
To: Marietta GA
Miles today: 0.0

After a day on the great eastern shore of MD and treating ourselves to various seafood items (oysters, crab balls, crab dip and crab pizza)at Jimmie N Sooks while visiting with several family members and friends, we began our long drive down to GA at 2am to miss morning traffic on the western shore. We took the long way around to enjoy a drive through Shenandoah only to find out we couldn't drive through until 9am. Since it was 5am when we arrived we decided not to wait and opted to enjoy the sunrise from behind the ridgeline instead of from Shenandoah as we drove south. Soon we would find ourselves staring at the massiveness of the Great Smoky Mountains from a distance. The higher peaks had snow on top but the snow looked like mother nature had dumped lambs wool on the highest peaks. I had never seen snow clumped together like that. No doubt there had been a huge snow storm recently. We stopped at the visitor center and browsed through the various books, t-shirts and pins. I settled on a baseball cap and 2 pins to remember my visit and upcoming journey. We tried to drive on route 441 but it was closed due to ice and snow. So we headed down toward Pigeon Forge and took an extremely scenic route. Speedracer was driving the many twists and turns and ups and downs of the road that lead us to the Pit Stop on the other side. Many times I could feel my heart racing in my feet as we rounded some of those hairpin turns that seemed to drop off to nowhere. It was invigorating and fun! We stopped at the Pit Stop to stretch and met 3 thru hikers who had left Springer Mountain 12 days earlier and had attempted the Smokys only to walk back down because they felt like " they were going to die". At one point in the Smokys they had shared a night with 25 hikers in a shelter that holds 12 people. They asked me various questions about my equipment to ensure I would not face some of the problems they had encountered (hiking poles and rain gear were of great concern for them). I have those items so I guess I have made good choices so far. We headed towards Marietta GA and stopped in Woodstock for a steak dinner along the way. The day was long (18 hours)and I slept like a rock. Thanks again Rich for your help and kindness.
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Springer Mountain

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Arrived at Springer Mountain parking lot around 7 am. Met Mountain Squid and Nitita. Took the .9 mile stroll up to Springer Summit and saw a beautiful sun rise. Snapped a few photos and signed the book. When I returned to the parking lot it became real - that this is really happening. Headed out on the trail, Fizzgig pulling and walking in the opposite direction. We didn't walk long when we found a nice space to stealth camp just before Stover Creek Shelter. We sat on the footbridge that was nearby and watched the water flow by. So peaceful and relaxing. Set up camp, ate and snoozed to the tranquil environment. UPDATE: It just occurred to me why Fizzgig wanted to head out of the woods.   Every time she has gone hiking she has hiked with her buddy Pepper. One leash 2 connections. The dogs spent their day trying to get ahead of each other. They were cheek to cheek eyeballing each other to make sure the other didn't get an inch ahead. They sometimes would come up to a curve and one dog would place her chin across the back of the neck of the other and guide the other dog around the corner so she wouldn't get run off the trail. It was quite comical to watch.   So she is hiking alone for the first time. She is not distracted by trying to stay ahead of Pepper.
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: North
Miles today: 4.0

Rained all night. The tent didn't leak but we had some condensation. It stopped raining around 6am. We packed up and headed out. Fizzgig had it tough with the clay mud and roots. We took our time so she wouldn't lose a toe nail or get sliced on something. At times she was elbow deep in mud. Stopped and ate at Long Creek and resupplied water. My first experience with Trail Magic would come. A kind gentleman from SC gave me an ice cold Pepsi. glunk glunk glunk Aaaahhhhhhh!!!! We walked a little further - Stopped at the falls and then stealth camped a short way down the path. Even with her rain gear on Fizzgig seemed cold so we had another light day.
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Near Long Creek Falls

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: light rain

It rained all night again. I must've been somewhat delirious when I woke up sometime in the middle of the night. There was a light (perhaps headlights) shining on the lower part of my tent. For a split second my brain runs through its checklist of ... banjos.... etc.   It was the moon coming up over the ridge.   We actually made it to Hawk Mountain Shelter today. Cooked lunch and set up my tent to let it dry. It dried in minutes with the breeze up there. Met several nice folks. Rambo, Jacob, Codeman, - I can't remember everyone's name. Fizzgig has met several dogs along the way and has only growled at one. Probably because the other dog is a big happy friendly puppy about 4 times Her size. I started coughing early in the morning and now it seems to be worsening. Most everyone passing through at lunch time decided to stay and dry out.   A couple of the guys built a fire. Folks just hung out and chit chatted. I felt more and more like crap. When I cough my back has extreme pain. I went to bed early.
Date: 2013-04-03
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Suches GA
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Heading to Suches to go to the walk-in clinic from 9-10 on Thurs at Don Pruitts. Will do laundry and shower at Wolfpen Gap Country Store. I will also miss the 100%torrential downpour predicted. UPDATE: Began walking and soon found myself lightheaded and short of breath. I took the dirt road that runs parallel to the AT for quite some time. Many Army vehicles passed me by (Ranger Training is nearby). Doug stopped and gave me a ride into Suches from Coopers Gap ( I think) I met Doug and his granddaughter at Hawk Mountain this morning as I was leaving.   When I arrived at the Wolfpen country store I ordered a pizza, drank a Sunkist orange soda, paid for my room for 2 nites ($15/nite). Put in a load of laundry. Sat at a table with Wanderer and Sidetrack (father &son) and began to eat that hot pizza dripping with extra cheese.   I was full after 2 slices and headed upstairs to the bunkhouse where there are 3 rooms, a bathroom, and common area. One room has 2 twin beds where Wanderer and Sidetrack are staying to wait out the storm. The second room has one full size bed ( my room) and the third room has 13 bunks (I think) and a queen bed back in the corner. No mattresses on the bunks just wood - need to use your bed roll. Everyone uses their own bag. No linens. My hot shower made me feel great. Been chillaxin the rest of the afternoon. A young man named Roy showed up and has a pretty good limp going on. He began to ice his knee. He tells us of his ACL surgery 6 months ago - how he was using his knee brace with metal sides until it started digging into him. I offered him one of my ChoPats. Not sure if it will help but at least it will be some support. I am just resting and coughing - having cold chills now.
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Suches GA

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

I could hear it rain all night. Looks like I could have a touch of bronchitis along with congestion due to allergies to molds and mildews. Take my meds. Drink Gatorade. Rest rest rest. Perhaps I may be well enough to journey out tomorrow on the 5 pm shuttle to Woodys Gap. Wolfpen picks up and drops off hikers at Woodys Gap everyday at 5 pm free of charge. I met Michelle, USAF retired. She is walking to VA to attend her sons graduation from USAF Academy in May. She is using her daughters equipment - she just returned from Afghanistan. Her husband is stationed at Gunter. (?) Boy it's really coming down now!!! It's loud and windy - not to mention COLD!! So glad I am not out there today. Several more hikers showed up this morning soaking wet - their packs (and contents), tents, sleeping bags ... You name it - it was soaked. Tents and bags are hanging out back in the shed. The Hikers all looked blue, cold, and miserable.
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Wolf Pen Country Store Suches, GA

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 5.5

It's suppose to clear up today. I was just outside - there is enough moisture in the air to make you feel like its raining. I will hold out for the sun before departing. A group of us plan to meet up at Jarrard Gap today. We will head into Neel Gap tomorrow where I pick up my first mail drop. I am not sure what's wrong with SPOT. It appears to work fine on my end. I will call tech support to see if they can help