morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-07-15
From: North Wilcox Campsite

To: Upper Goose Cabin
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Ok you guys. I need to vent. Take everything I say with a grain of salt! I had the absolute worst night last night. The mosquitos kept me up with their howling. I hate them! When I got up this morning I was tired and grouchy. I took a shower in freaking deet (which is quite revolting) and that helped, a little. Remember when I first stepped into this state and I was so excited by the rocky ledges and the views? Well, I guess Mass doesn't want to show off cuz the last several miles have been in the dreary bayou. The trail was an uninspiring 14 miles of swamp hell and the bugs were giving Alaska a run for her money and not giving back the mind-bending scenery in return. We went over ever boring hill they could find not a view in sight. I was definitely beginning to fume..lol. In the afternoon the rocks came back to pay us a visit. Not the high, rocky ledge walking either. This is more like the Pa rocks..yuck! I know I was saying I liked this state---now I just want the heck out of here..And 1 more thing (sorry you guys, but I don't have anyone else to say all this to! ) I have deet hair..lol. If you are a football fan you would remember Jimmy Johnson. He coached for Dallas and Miami. I can remember him being interviewed on the field on windy, blustery days and his hair NEVER moved. It was plastered to the guy's head! Well, that was me today. I had so much of the gunk on my head not a hair would have moved during a hurricane....I was not a pretty sight..lol Well, I do feel better now.. thanks! I can give you some good news. I am at Upper Goose Cabin and it is terrific. Wild horses couldn't have dragged me out. I have been swimming in the pond and I feel MUCH better. There are some nice folks here and the promise of pancakes in the morning. 3 dollars well spent.....Ps-glad to be out here, really...------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-16
From: Upper Goose Cabin

To: Dalton, Mass
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was the complete opposite of yesterday and I knew it as soon as I woke up. I slept well and had pancakes and good strong coffee. The hospitality never ceases to amaze me.The trail was kind today and the bugs weren't as bad. We cruised 11 miles to the cookie lady and were greeted with chocolate chip cookies and a coke..yippeee.. I had stopped there in 89 and 93. They are the nicest folks who see over 400 hikers every year and out of their own pockets give cookies and an ear to us. Morel was there too...He is 1 of my favorite hikers out here and always a pleasure to see him.We had a 10 miles hike to Dalton with 1 good climb to keep us honest. While we were crossing a road saw the sign saying that a fellow in town takes in hikers and provides, showers, laundry and a place to stay. When we got into to town he came and picked us up. His house is a true hiker paradise. There are pictures everywhere and AT memoribilia. We made ourselves at home along with 10 or so of our buddies. I saw some that I hadn't seen in a while.Tomorrow it is on to Greylock and our first big climb in New England. The weather has been very humid. I hope it breaks soon.Brad comes on Tues! I am nervous...yikes..------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-17
From: Upper Goose Cabin

To: Dalton-Bascom Bunkhouse
Miles today: 17.0

I had a superb day, rain and all. Last night was a rough one though. I didn't get to bed till late. As we get farther into this hike the conversations get more intense. I think the Whites are stressing people out. Everyone has heard about how ferocious they are. Tempers are flaring. A bit odd out here. I love the Whites and that is what I tell anyone who asks. Yeah, they are very difficult but the rewards are spectacular. I can't wait! Today We hiked into the small trail town of Cheshire and had a snack then began the climb up Greylock. I love this state again! It smelled fantastic up there. We are now in a beautiful spruce and balsam forest and the trail itself is a high mnt. tread. Yeah it was raining and the roots and rocks were slippery but I loved it! I didn't get any views but just knowing they were out there was enough.I am now relaxing at the lodge which has been a big goal since the beginning. The building is old and built to withstand the harsh winters. I would like to come back sometime when they have the fire going...There are a lot of hikers out and we are bunching up a bit. Since I am getting off for a few days I might not see most of these folks again. Daggone it! Tomorrow it is on to Vermont. I simply can't believe it. I am going to have a very hard time saying goodbye to this trail. In fact, my heart is gonna break a little. Especially with what is coming. So much up ahead and I am grateful to get this chance to pay another visit to some of the most fantastic country I have been in. The big 3 are right around the corner...------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-18
From: Dalton-Bascom Bunkhouse

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Hello Vermont! Wait! What is that I hear? I cock my head north and listen....and out of the verdant, green forest comes... Hello Yappy, about time ya got here girl! I have been waiting for you.Mass spit us out, literally. That is what it felt like. We climbed a steep rocky trail and were thrown into Vermont. My mind wanders back thru the days, weeks and months of this trek often now and I still can't believe I walked here. I see Vermont plates and say to myself, "Look! Vermont plates. Oh yeah, I am in Vermont"..surreal.I stopped at a big grocery in North Adams this afternoon and ate WAY too much. The climb up and out of Mass made me feel queasy and I arrived at the border on shaky legs and thirsty. I am always thirsty. I sat on a muddy rock and took in the moment. I am so muddy myself that I don't even think twice about sprawling out in the dirt. I had a first today. I think all in all I have hiked about 9000 miles and I have never had to wring out my shirt. Today I yanked it over my head and wrung it out like a wash cloth! I am also beginning to smell like a used mop bucket..lol. What is with that? The guys smell SO bad. Compared to them I am a daisy... In all seriousness, our body is going thru a lot of changes and we are producing a powerful odor. People actually cross the street to avoid having to walk by us!We decided to just do the 13 miles and leave 11 for tomorrow. When we came into the shelter Peeps and Spicy were there. Yahoo.. It was a reunion and terrific to see them again. Old friends yet have known Spice for about 3.5 months and Peeps about a month. A gift the trail gives you and I am grateful. Our conversation immediately focused on the hike and the miles left. When we will finish and how that is going to feel. Spice is tired and not enjoying it as he once did. Doing this trail takes everything you have and when you think you have given all you got she gets greedy and demands more. I am constantly looking for fresh ways to see it. Let the hike enlighten me as well as challenge. For me, I want to be pushed, pulled and yanked by all the variables. I am not afraid to see my weakness. Maybe that is what it takes. I don't know. I do know that I am still having a tremendous time, better then ever in fact. I hope I can soak up the remaining miles and keep all the wonderful memories in my pocket to pull out when I am missing this. To remind myself of the person I can be.Tomorrow Brad comes! He is bringing "normal" clothes... I will see him on Wed morning and my stomach is doing a little gymnastics of it's own...That first hug. I think of that and I can't help but smile.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-19
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Bennington, Vermont
Miles today: 11.5

I woke up this morning knowing that today is THE day..or tomorrow morning actually but we will meet here. I scrambled out of my stinky tent at dawn and packed up. I couldn't stop grinning as I hiked the 11 miles into town. I am thrilled to be out here and I am going to see Brad. Yippee!The weather is still rainy, thick and humid. It is like walking in soup. I met up with a northbounder who started May 15th!! The guy is doing 30 mile days. We walked together for about 3 miles and then I was a dot in his rear view mirror. I caught up with Just Bob and walked the rest of the way in. He is a PCT vet and I like him very much. A quiet, unassuming guy who is getting the most out of his walk. I like being around that positve energy. DA came down the mnt not far behind and we grabbed a quick ride into town. He is gonna take a break of his own and we will hook up again.It will be strange to be off the trail for a bit. I have grown so used to being outside and on the trail. My body though will get a lot out of the break and I should feel good coming back out.I am SO excited about tomorrow. I feel like it is Christmas eve and I am getting the best gift ever. I have missed him more then I can say and that has made the trail way more difficult than I thought it would. He will bring the wildness of Alaska with him. I swear it shines in his eyes.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-25
From: Bennington, Vermont

To: Bennington, Vermont
Miles today: 0.0

I have had some time to absorb what has happened these past few days and I am ready to share it with you guys. I have learned that my Mom has a brain tumor and I am heading home. It has been a confusing time of late but I have had Brad here and he has made all the difference in the world. I am not sure exactly what is going to happen now but my Dad needs me. I have been off the AT for a week and going thru some psychological changes as I come to terms with traffic, noise and harnessing in my trail strengthened body. I miss with words. I don't have the freedom and physicality of the trail. The abrupt change in my life has left me stressed and on rather shaky ground. It has meant so much to me and I am grateful that I have had another chance to roam it on foot.I am afraid about going home. Seeing my Mom and Dad in pain. More than that, way more. For me, seeing the kind of love and loss that shines in thier eyes makes me only hope I am worthy of all that. I know when you are a kid you never think of this moment.. how did it get here so fast ?I want to thank you guys for following my journey. You kept me hiking more than once. These past few days I found myself glancing again and again at the mnts. I tip my hat to this trail and congratulate everyone that steps on it..whether for a mile or 2000. I have not totally given up on finishing. I will see how things go for a week or so. I know my Mom would want me to climb that magnificent piece of real estate called Kathadin and I itch to slip into the woods again and disappear towards the best part of me. But, for now I am heading to WVA and my family.Thanks Frank and Denise for transcribing and if not the AT, the CDT sits and waits like a sleeping bear for Spring and I am hopeful... no matter what always hopeful.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-03-12
To: Dahlonega, GA
Miles today: 0.0

The Countdown is on.... Tomorrow is the big day! We are currently at the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega, GA and will begin our thru-hike from Springer Mt. tomorrow. The weather's great and we're both very excited! There are other hikers here who have done various parts of the Trail, and some who will be doing a thru hike also, and just being with them and hearing all their stories is adding to our anticipation.Can't wait to tell you all our 'trail stories'!
Date: 2005-03-13
From: Georgia

To: Long Creek Falls
Miles today: 5.0

Sunday March 13. Today's the day! This morning a couple of other hikers at the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega (a wonderful place with great friendly & helpful people) went through our packs and helped us to lighten them - took 10 pounds out of mine and 12 out of Yang's!! Some stuff went home and some got bounced ahead to Neels Gap.We were in the second van load and after a late start, the adventure began! Josh brought us to the Springer Mt. approach and then spent half an hour working with us to get our packs adjusted correctly.Finally, at 11:00, we headed off & up!It rained most of the afternoon and by 3:00 we were ready to call it a day. We camped down an embankment right after Long Creek Falls - about 5 miles - and thought we had done pretty well. And....NO Blisters! Yay!!Not too excited about the camping part, however...Especially since my first night ever being out in a sleeping bag & tent it was raining
Date: 2005-03-14
From: Georgia

To: Horse Gap
Miles today: 5.0

but had a hard time getting back up to the Trail from where we had camped last night - it was a lot steeper going up and very slippery from the rain.We were breathless and sweaty before we even got started!Cold & cloudy today. After about an hour, Playin Jane caught up to us and we hiked together for the rest of the day.Signed the Hawk Mt. Shelter register and, later along with Jane, set up our tent at Horse Gap, 10 miles out.Cold night - even in our sleeping bags - and Yang says his stomach is not feeling quite right...Lonnngggggg night.
Date: 2005-03-15
From: Horse Gap

To: Sassafras Mt. 
Miles today: 3.6

It's raining again and after telling us she just couldn't get warm last night, sadly, Jane decides to get off the Trail Yang is still not feeling well and within a mile of starting out this morning we'll be going up Sassafras Mt. We've been told that Sassafras will kick your ass. We made it, but it was a hard day...Yang was feeling worse and we only did 3.6 miles.Camped by Justus Creek. Made dinner and after only one bite, Yang was vomiting....but then after, he felt better and was able to eat later.Liking the hiking, but hate the camping Tired and hoping we get a good night's sleep...
Date: 2005-03-16
From: Justus Creek

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: light rain

Snow and sleet....Signed in at Gooch Mt. Shelter.Hiked to Woody Gap - 6.3 miles - and decided to hitch a ride into Suches, GA to dry out and warm up.The very first car stopped and picked us up. Linda Butcher was on her way home from her job as a substitute teacher, and after finding out that we were thru hikers, told us that her husband, Gene, had hiked the AT in 1990 and invited us to come home with her. He's also hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and is in training to hike the Continental Divide next year!We accepted their hospitality and enjoyed a fabulous fire in the woodstove, a wonderful shower, delicious dinner, and interesting conversation before retiring to a very comfortable and warm bed.All the rain had dampened our spirits somewhat and we had been talking about quitting, and this experience made all the difference. It was just what we needed to be able to get back out on the Trail and we are very thankful and appreciative.What a first wonderful first experience of 'Trail Angels' and 'Trail Magic'! The next morning we feasted on blueberry pancakes and then Linda drove us back to Woody Gap. Before she left she mentioned that at the rate that we were hiking, we should end up around Jarrard Gap which is right by their house, at the end of the day, and that if we did we should come back to spend another night.   So we did !!
Date: 2005-03-17
From: Woody Gap

To: Jarred Gap
Miles today: 5.4

 3/17It was cold and rainy as we hiked from Woody Gap to Jarred Gap (5.4 miles) and we were amazed to find out that we had made it there by 1:00. We agreed it was too early to impose on Linda & Gene, and decided (after misreading the guide and thinking we were going to find Lenny's Grill open)) to walk down by the lake and have lunch in town.We walked the 3 miles to Lenny's, which was closed, but met Lenny who drove us the 1/4 mile to the Butcher's. No one was home when we got there, but Linda pulled in about 5 minutes later - and Yes, she was happy to see us After another much appreciated shower and delicious dinner, we had a very enjoyable evening watching the slides of Gene's AT and PC hikes. They were great and he shared a lot of information with us. We learned a lot, but also couldn't help but wonder if we could really do this....Then another good night's sleep - inside on a bed. Ahhhh....
Date: 2005-03-18
From: Jarred Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The sun is shining! Finally.The Butcher's have a trail right behind their house that connects to the AT, and after breakfast Gene hiked with us back to Jarrard's Gap.On our own from there, we had a good hike up to Blood Mt. and great views for the first time since we started. We signed the Shelter register and continued on to Neels Gap - 30.5 from Springer.Since we got there in the late afternoon and didn't want to go any furthertoday and didn't want to stay at the shelter, we decided to hitch the 14 miles into Blairsville.A few cars passed us by, but then one stopped - Randy Boland, whose wife, Mary Katherine, is an avid hiker. After finding out that we were thru hikers he invited us to spend the night at their home. Feeling a bit guilty that we had just had 2 nights of 'southern hospitality', we politely declined and he drove us to a motel. I stayed in the car, talking to Randy, while Yang went to see if there was a room availble.While we were waiting Randy told me that when Mary K found out that he had picked up hikers, she would be upset with him for not bringing us home. He said he's often come home to find hikers that Mary K has picked up and left there while she has run out to the store. He said we would not be imposing and that we would have privacy, with a floor of the house all to ourselves with our own bedroom and bath. Then he said they have a hot tub and sauna that we would be welcome to use....Needless to say, by the time Yang came back to the car, I had accepted Randy's offer We had a lovely evening - showers, a delicious dinner, a long soak in the tub, great conversation and even a little TV before bed. Mary K even did all of our laundry!I think we just might be able to do this after all...
Date: 2005-03-19
From: Neels Gap

To: Tesnatee Gap
Miles today: 5.5

It's cold, but clear and after a great night's sleep, we had delicious sweet potato pancakes for breakfast and then I got to use the computer to check our email before we left. We had talked about the features and plus & minuses of different types of stoves last night. We have the MSR Whisperlite, which has been working well for us, but Mary K really likes the Esbit and suggested that we take hers to try and leave ours wih them. We took it and agreed that she would catch up with us on the Trail in a few days to either return ours or mail it home for us.They brought us back to Neels Gap and after buying a few things, we hiked to Testnatee Gap - 5.5 miles.On the way we came to a crosspoint in the trail and saw a paper bag with our names on it tied to a tree. Mary K had hiked there before us and left us an afternoon snack of cheese and crackers!!   What a treat! What a surprise! and so thoughtful.Talk about 'Trail Angels' and 'Trail Magic' ! We are absolutely overwhelmed by our experiences. It's hard to believe that we've spent 3 out of the last 6 nights nice and warm and dry and comfortable in the homes of strangers (now friends). It's Saturday and there are a lot of day and weekend hikers out. We had a hard time finding a place to camp and ended up going down a very steep embankment and camping near some Boy Scouts. Didn't get any sleep - the tent was on a slope and we spent all night sliding and pulling ourselves back up.   But all in all, a very good day AND we've made it through our first week.
Date: 2005-03-20
From: Testnatee Gap

To: Low gap Shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: few clouds

Cold and cloudy...made it to Low Gap Shelter - 5.1 miles - and camped right above the shelter. There were over 20 hikers and 5 other tents.It's cold and I decided to try my hand at starting my first campfire. It's a lot more work than I thought it would be. I spent a couple of hours just keeping it going and never got it very big. Thankfully, two hikers from Clemson who were out for the weekend took over so I could go to bed
Date: 2005-03-21
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mtn.
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

hiked 7.2 miles today to Blue Mt.camped close to the Trail and the sheltercloudy again...a day hiker came to the shelter with some 'Trail Magic' - a bag of apples. Yum.He gave us a weather update, too -severe storms are on the way and there's a tornado watch outOnly a couple of miles from Unicoi Gap and Helen, GA. Will most likely head into town tomorrow
Date: 2005-03-22
From: Blue Mtn.

To: Helen, GA
Miles today: 2.5

hiked 2.5 miles in the rain to Unicoi Gap and then hitched into Helen, GA, an alpine themed tourist townstayed at the Helendorf Inn and got our miles in walking around town - it's miles to the post office.Pouring rain and windy all day... got soaked, but we still managed to get to a couple of restaurants had our first funnel cake...
Date: 2005-03-23
From: Helen, GA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Our first Zero day. Helen is kitschy, but still a nice break and fun. We're enjoying playing 'tourist'.I finally got to making my journal entries - from memory. I really thought I would be able to do it every night, but it's either been too wet or too cold, or I've been too tired until now.Was nice to go to the library and get caught up on our emails, and to make some phone calls to family and friends.the weather cleared in the afternoon, so we'll be heading out tommorrow.
Date: 2005-03-24
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Steeltrap Gap
Miles today: 7.2

Hitching out of Helen to get backto Unicoi Gap proved to be quite an adventure..... 2 men who were just passing through the area stopped for us.Climbing up over the tailgate into the bed of a pickup - with a full pack on - is not something I EVER envisioned us doing. Two other hikers jumped in and joined us on the brisk ride down the curvy mountain road and, since our driver didn't know where he was going, we had to keep banging on the side of the truck and yelling directions.And, getting back up and out after you've been sitting in the bed of a pick up in the cold for a while is no easy feat either!The sun was shining and it was a good hiking day - beautiful & sunny, in the 70's ! Saw some buttercups and had some good views - but the bugs are out, too Another hiker had told us about cooking in and then eating out of freezer bags - all you have to do is boil water. We tried it for the first time and it worked pretty well for us. We added the water to our noodles & sauce, let it sit while we set up the tent, and by the time we finished it was done - and no dishes to wash!Made it to Steeltrap Gap (7.2 miles) and still no blisters. Good day.
Date: 2005-03-25
From: Steeltrap Gap

To: McClure Gap
Miles today: 8.5

Another sunny and warm day. We were planning to hike to the McClure Gap campsite, but somewhow we missed it and ended up camping just short of Dicks Creek Gap - 8.5 miles.This was a HARD day - very steep and no switchbacks, just straight up & down all day.Didn't see many other hikers today. Feeling a little homesick...missing family & friends (and the dogsWhich made it especially nice to camp with Zen & Red Beard. We really enjoyed their company and the good conversation.It's Easter weekend and we're looking forward to getting to Hiawassee tomorrow to shower and resupply.