morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-09-28
From: Wilson Valley Lean-To

To: Cloud Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: moderate rain

It had rained all night without stopping and is still raining.Cotton Joe was up early and heading in to Monson. I got up to thank him again, we shook hands and off he went.Not feeling overly motivated, I didn't get going myself until 08:30.The trail is mostly underwater, I have tried to to keep my feet from being fully submerged but have finally given up in trying. It is easier this way and when fording across water, you don't have to stop, just wade on through. Also while crossing the fords, Goretex underwear or longer legs would be helpful right now as well. There were 3 water crossings today. The first, with it's proximity to a waterfall drop off combined with the depth and rushing fast flow of the water, really got my attention. There is no question as to how fatal a wrong move could end up.Another crossing, fortunately had a single rope tied between two trees on opposing banks. Even then, it was not easy. Tail-Gate was ahead of meand actually filmed his crossing with the video from his camera.Once across we viewed it, at times the picture would move up and down, back and forth. Seeing sudden pictures of sky back to water conveyed just how difficult the crossing was.All I could think about now, was in hoping Sprite & Freckles had safe crossingswhen they encountered these. The rain is really amping up the danger of these crossings.The hike is extremely slow going, after only 8.7 miles in the relentless rain, flooded trail and muddy sink holes, not to mention the colder air, today is by far the worst conditions I have experienced on the trail. I came to the blue blaze trail that led .4 tenths of a mile down to the Cloud Pond Lean-To.Normally I wouldn't walk a half mile to reach a shelter. However today was not normal and there was absolutely no place to pitch a tent without swimming in it.The path came out and skirted the edge of a lake, which the trail was now part of the lake. The shelter was situated on the high end of a point. This would be a beautiful secluded spot otherwise. Upon reaching the shelter, I dropped my pack returned back to the lake to collect water.Once back at the shelter, I stripped down and got into dry warm clothes then got inside my sleeping bag. Tail-Gate and I were the only ones here so far.We were expecting to see Mas & Blazing Star, they never showed and apparently had pushed on.While sitting up in our bags we passed the time by playing cribbage.There was nothing else to do, and I was thankful to be dry and warm. Just before dark, we heard voices in the thick stand of fir and cedar. Through the trees appearred the New Hampshire Boys, They were half drowned and thoroughly exhausted.I will say that amidst all this, the storm with lightning and occassional thunder made it all worth it, atleast to me. There is something satisfying about laying here, looking out into a wicked storm, surrounded by the sight and smell of this northern wilderness and being comfortable, fed and warm. God, how I love it out here.
Date: 2008-09-29
From: Cloud Pond Lean-To

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean-To
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The morning was cold and the rain had slowed to a fine drizzle and mist.Eating and prolonging until it is finally time to do what I call the "moment of truth". This is when the dreadful dirty deed occurs, of removing your warm clothes and putting on your very cold and very wet ones. Nothing quite says-"This Sucks" better than this moment.But hey, this is what I signed up for, it's all good.Today was going to be a 17 mile day to get back on track. There were 4 mountains to be climbed, Fourth, Third, Chairback and Columbus.What?, just double checking to make sure it didn't say Brokeback?Needless to say, this is going to be a bear down, drive on, kind of day.After about 12 miles I came to the Pleasant River. It was the widest yet, and proabably 100 feet across. Fortunately it was only mid-thigh deep and the water was not moving so fast.I crossed with the New Hampshire Boys and continued on. Today was a mix of cloudy sky with occassional windows of blue. I was afforded one good view on the top of Third Mountain. The colors of the landscape are just magnificent.The day was not as bad as I was expecting, however thats not to say it was a cake walk either, it just was.Here at the shelter is a new face named "Engine". He shared a story about himself while hiking, that almost didn't have a happy ending. In short, he became sick with severe problems unable to keep anything down or in. In having a thorough examination, one that probably would exceed most, it was discovered he had a bowel bacteria or something along those lines? He was told the condition is usually so well disguised that it goes undetected until it's too late. He would be hiking one minute and drop dead the next, only an autopsy would reveal the problem. He came very close, but is safe now.Of all the things that could do you in out here, it just makes you think?I decided to do the shelter thing again, as it was probably going to be another wet night.
Date: 2008-10-02
From: Jo-Mary Rd

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: light rain

Woke up early and was breaking down camp when Sprite arrived. God bless her, she had brought me a breakfast sandwich and a coke and Freckles coffee and something?Good weather was not to be, as it rained heavy all morning. My rain gear soon wetted out and served only to hold in, any heat. Overall the trail was good and allowed the 17.8 miles to go by quickly. I arrived at the Wadleigh Stream Lean-To by 3:30 p.m. "Snaps" was there and we talked. I strung a line to hang, and attempted to dry some gear. Soon Snacks, Savanah, Gouda and their 2 dogs arrived. The small shelter was now full. When Sprite & Freckles arrived later, they tented near by.It had only stopped raining a short while earlier, but progressively got much colder, dropping into the low 30's. Dinner was done rather early and everyone layed in their bags until darkness fell and eventually falling asleep.I was sleeping next to Gouda with his sheepdog inching for room between us. Although I like animals, I don't necessarily enjoy sleeping with them. Especially when they are wet, smell and aren't mine. I felt kind of bad, when I had to keep pushing the dog back onto Gouda's space. It was annoying though, and in all fairness, I wouldn't do that to someone else. But I liked Gouda and I liked his dog, so we went back and forth the rest of the night.
Date: 2008-10-06
From: Millinocket -AT Lodge

To: Millinocket AT Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

When I woke up this morning, I was hoping that this summit thing along with everything else had just been a bad dream. Shortly after I was dressed, Paul came by to let us know the mountain was still closed. He feels our pain and understands how difficult this is, and brings comfort in his own way.Paul also owns the Appalcahian Cafe. Just a short walk down the street, it is not only a local favorite, but is becoming mine as well. Sprite & Freckles were ready too, so we headed off for breakfast. We sat with Gonzo whom had summited last week and was leaving town later today. It was good to see him, we caught up on things, since we last saw each other? After a delicious breakfast, The 3 of us decided to walk to the store again a couple of miles away, just for something to do and get our minds off the possibility of not being able to finish and climb Katahdin.Later at the post office I ran into Gonzo again. He was mailing something out then leaving. I was there to pick up a small package containing clothes and my passport. There in the lobby standing in front of everyone else, we hugged, shook hands and said our goodbyes. As the mountain remains closed, more hikers are arriving into town. There was already many hikers here waiting before I first arrived. Alot of them have moved from the AT Lodge to a motel next to the store we walk too. Here 4-6 cram into a room and split the cost, funds are low or next to nil for everyone.All day everyone is looking at the sky, there are occassional moments when you can see the sun, but it's going to take a lot more than that to melt away the build up on Katahdin. Although everything seems fine here below, on Katahdin it has and can snow every month of the year and experiences fierce weather.Though respectful of our feelings and not wanting to dash anyones hopes and optimism, the locals seem to have other thoughts regarding the weather and if the mountain will be re-opened?Another day of anticipation where you can feel the "tic" of every second as it passes. Having patience can be a difficult thing to practice at times. I am restless and have no real outlet. In the hostel with me is Southpaw and Stubbs.Wildflowers and T-Bone have moved to the motel. Peregrin is staying in a room next to Sprite and Freckles.Paul has direct contact with the Rangers and will find out later tonight, the disposition of the mountain? We hang in the balance, passing time until he brings us the word.
Date: 2008-10-19
To: 10 Days After
Miles today: 0.0

I would be courious to know if others have experienced what follows?To begin with, it took a good 4 days just to fully grasp where I now was.It was like being a ghost, you are walking among others in this strange, noisy environment but it is as if, you're not really here? As I said, like a ghost.Eventually, I accepted that I was back. It is hard to believe after waiting so long, that the trip has come and gone, Where did the past 6 months go?My heart and thoughts have not left the trail. I have been re-walking every step in my mind. Loved ones aside, there is no question as to where I would rather be. I have been randomly browsing through my pictues (2000+). They instantly take me back to moments in time where I can re-live the feeling of seeing that first view of endless mountains and people I met. I laugh out loud as I remember some of the most comical situations that involve everything from inflatable air mattresses to hanging a bear bag.Mostly, I miss hearing the voices and seeing the faces of those who became my trail family. It is amazing how close you can become with others that a day earlier were total strangers? The best medicine for sore legs, blistered feet, wrecked gear or lifeless ramon is the people who share the experience with you.I suspect adjusting is going to take awhile? By adjusting I mean, just not missing the trail as much. I don't think I will ever be the same as before?I didn't head out for the trail so I could miss home, I left home because I missed the trail. Now, I have that thru-hiker memory forever. Priviledged to have lived and made a wonderful dream come true.I guess when it comes to dreams, one should always try to dream well. I know that for 2,176.2 miles I did.As for my body, I think it has figured out that the physical requirements are not needed again right away. By not putting in the miles or climbs, I am sitting more often and my feet swell for awhile. My big toes are still alittle numb. My knees are smoked. When I first get up in the morning or have sat for a while, I walk like Frankenstein for the first few minutes. I am also stiff alot of the time. (yeah, the other way too, but that has nothing to do with hiking.) I did find however, the first few times I went to the grocery store & Wal-mart, that I instinctively headed for my usual re-supply items. Only when I was facing packs of tuna or Knorr side dishes did it dawn on me what I actually came in for?Sadly, at least for a while, I have ended my affair with Little Debbie. We saw each other once since I have been back, but I probably won't be seeing her for awhile.More insight, updated journal and gear review later.
Date: 2010-02-23
From: Nearly 2 years later.

To: The Cabin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

There's a Cabin somewhere, nestled deep in the snowA very special place, I'm wanting to goIn my heart I know it exists, The desire to go I can't resist The wood is stacked, a bed is madeThe dark starry night has drawn it's shadeA fire waits to burn when two hearts meetWhen joined together in their firey heatThere's a Cabin somewhere, nestled deep in the snowWhen I find your tracks, I'll know where to go
Date: 2008-02-15
From: Springer Mountain

To: Bed
Miles today: 0.0

Hello Hiking community, my name is Jesse Krout and I am 25 years old. I have lost   all faith in hummanity and I am hoping the trail will restore it. Ive been hanging around some hikers and gatherings since the summer i.E, Billville in Duncannon PA, and they are some of the kindest and generous human beings Ive ever encountered. Im excited and nervous to begin. Hopefully I will begin my my hike on March 1st with the rest of you March Firsters. I plan on doing the approach trail as well so you should also. The power went out in my house yesterday so I used my Caldera alcohol stove to make some Raman Noodles. Awesome
Date: 2008-02-20
To: Walmart
Miles today: 0.0

Hiking equipment is expensive. I truly hate spending 100 dollars on a rain jacket.   I better be able to eat that thing to stay alive if a tree falls on me. Im not into taking the time to make nice paragraphs and use proper sentence structure. Ill wait till the trail for that. So the rest of my pre hike journals will be written in bullet form.-Im incredibly anxious-Im just waiting on my sleeping bag to get here, thats the only gear item left-I tried to bid on a thermarest prolite 4 on ebay- LOST-Bought a prolite 3 for half the price-Sport Kilts are expensive for some reason - If Obama takes Texas it's all over son- looks like a bunch of people are starting on March 1st, i guess everyone saw my start date and then changed theirs.that is all
Date: 2008-02-29
To: Hot Lanta GA
Miles today: 0.0

Well I guess this is it. I'll see everyone tomorrow who is doing the approach trail. Thanks to all you helped me get my act together, (Katie) <- hot ass girlfriend, I guess you would call her that. She's pretty awesome. Wyatt, aka "Mouth" (of the south), The picture of you on top of Mt.Katahdin is what first made me want to do the trail. I probably wouldn't be doing this if it weren't for you. Thanks for your help, I truly appreciate it. get down here or you're gonna regret it. Travis, you¢re a beautiful man, thanks for the gear.Jessebe sensible, be safe, be courteous
Date: 2008-03-01
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Well I arrived at the Atlanta Airport and got onto the Marta train to North Springs. Subman picked up me and Bill Flowers there and drove us to the approach trail. He hiked with us and his dog to the top of Springer. It was beautiful all day. The trail was harder than I expected but I didn't mind. I left my cell phone on the train and didn't realize it until I was standing on top of the falls in Amicalola. So that really pissed me off. What a way to start off. Not many others that started on March 1st did the approach trail. We watched the sunset from the top of springer. It was incredible.
Date: 2008-03-02
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

Last night was fairly cold and I didn't get hardly any sleep. At one point when I woke up shivering I was thinking how I wanted to go home. It was a ruff night but soon as I awoke at 5:00 and put my pack on I couldn't of been more excited. I felt like I was on the verge of crying for the first hour on the AT and I didn't know why. Soon as we walked off the mountain there was a man at the bottom in a parking area that hiked down that same morning. He had a knee brace on and was leaning, trying to keep the weight off with one leg. He had had knee surgery prior to coming out and was having a hard time and was trying to get into town to take care of it. I felt bad for him. I couldn't imagine going home after 1 1/2miles of the trail. I hope he gets back on. Water falls were on the bill for the day. We saw two of them and they were pretty amazing. When we came to Hawk Mountain Shelter it was already inhabited by some others. We stayed out in the tents. It was a busy place. I ran into a couple, Mr Clean and Lil Mac whom I met prior at the PA Ruck in January. So that was neat. All Mr Clean talks about is sport kilts. He's pretty eager to get one. We also met another nice couple from Wisconsin, Windjammer and Bearpaw. They gave Bill and I bandannas that signified we were in their gang. Ive never been in a gang before but it is going as well as could be expected. BODY GLIDE and IB Profin's
Date: 2008-03-14
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: wayah shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Awesome night in the Meth Capitol of North Carolina. Kirby got some Pizza for his birthday. Myself, Bill, Hillbilly and Pockets went to Cody's Roadhouse for beers and Food. We creeped on some local girls as well. HillBilly is really good at creeping girls out, almost better than me. My food bag weighs about 30 pounds. Im not excited about that but the thought of eating cheese and peanut butter everyday makes me happy. Easy 11 today hopefully. Jesse
Date: 2008-03-15
From: wayah shelter

To: burningtown gap
Miles today: 3.6

Rained and Hailed Out at the new wayah shelter. Tom was supposed to meet me there but over shot the shelter by about 4 miles. He ended up at a tent around burningtown gap for some trail magic by the infamous Angle "Apple". Bill and I decided to meet him there for some sweet wood burning stove action and hotdogs with Irish coffee. It was the best magic ive seen or heard about thus far. Thanks Apple. We ended up sleeping there. PS. I slipped on a log and fell in a stream. I was already wet because of the epic rain but my pride got soaked as well. Rats
Date: 2008-03-18
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam (Hilton)
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

My knees never hurt worse. The downhills are taking there toll. Just as I think they are getting better I have to walk downhill for 4 miles. The shelter was awesome with great views and a righteous fire. Me, Bill, Tom, CJ, Sheppard, Cheif Daddy and Strides all had a great night until Chief Daddy woke up the shelter because wasps had come out to play on his head. SO that was entertaining. Looks like we are in for some shitty weather.
Date: 2008-03-19
From: Fontana Dam (Hilton)

To: Fontana Village Resort
Miles today: 0.0

ZERO DAY! Raining everywhere on the east coast. This is our second zero Bill and I have taken and what a great day to do it on. Good Luck to CJ and Shepperd who are braving the rain as we speak. The resort was calling our names and for 12 bucks a person you would be a fool to turn it down. Im showered and laundered up now. I need a nap for some reason. Im going to get in the Sauna after dinner and stretch   for like 30 minutes before bed. My knees are in a lot of pain. A Good night sleep is coming my way tonight.PS: I stopped treating my water because my steripen stopped working and I'm lazy. I hope I don't get sick. Spring water is just so damn good. Best water Ive ever had. I get my new steripen in G-Burg so look out.
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Hot Springs N.C. 

To: pump gap
Miles today: 4.0

We waited in Hot Springs for C-Murder's friend Andy, AKA Latenight. Turns out it was late at night when he came and we got on the trail around 9pm. Im not sure where we camped but was happy to stop. I found out that I hate night hiking. I dont even like hiking in the day that much. The only thing you see at night is your feet. It was cold but I slept like a baby.
Date: 2008-03-31
From: pump gap

To: Little Laurel Sheler
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I don't remember anything note worthy happening this day. We got in the shelter at night. Night hiking for a little bit again. Oh yeah, We had some awesome trail magic from Fal and Hercules at their beautiful cabin. Belgian waffles, vegetable stew and banana splits all around. I had already eaten right before I got there so I wasn¢t exactly hungry but who could turn that menu down.
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Little Laurel Sheler

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: few clouds

So my right foot has flattened out or grown in size to the point where it cause my big and pinky toe to blister on the sides touching the shoe. I¢ve been wrapping them in mole skin and various tapes to try to keep the blisters from growing. The pain in my knees has been temporarily replaced by pain in my right foot. Something hurts everyday on the trail. If something that has been hurting you goes away something else will start. I have come to realize this in the past few weeks. If it weren¢t for the pain I would want to do bigger miles but for now I just want to keep my toe nails from falling off. As I¢m writing this journal, Fox News is on next to me and I couldn¢t be happier that I¢m no longer part of the society. I feel a detachment from the rest of the world.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: bald mountain
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: few clouds

Today was the highest mileage we've done do date. I started hiking in my Holeys which are the same thing as crocs if you don¢t know. I threw my insoles in there so my feet wouldn¢t get eat off too bad. The big Bald was insane. We made it up there for sunset and it was one of the coolest sunsets ive ever seen. (See Picture) We spent the night with some day walkers in the shelter. They didn¢t try to kill us in the night so it turned out okay.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: bald mountain

To: Erwin Tenn
Miles today: 16.9

I cant walk anymore with my foot the way it is. I'm coming home tomorrow. The trail isn¢t what I thought it was going to be. There is way too much walking and there are more up hills than down hills. Screw this.Just kidding. On a serious note, I need some new footwear or I will be coming home. I was told by a thru hiker the other day that had hiked the trail in 2001. They told me to slack pack as much as I could. This bothered me. That¢s cheating in my opinion. You¢re not really thru-hiking the trail and living out of a back pack if someone else is driving it around for you. I guess it¢s different for everyone. I¢m carrying my pack every inch of that trail, or however much I do. Anyway I like Chinese food and beer in Erwin. Let¢s go.
Date: 2008-06-04
From: harpers ferry

To: somewhere outside harpers ferry WV
Miles today: 667.4
Weather: light rain

Sorry for not updating this journal for 2 months. Not much has happened though since my last entry, well that's not entirely true. I dont have time to write in this thing and there is a serious lack of internet terminals in the wild. So i'm in west virgina today and i'll be strolling into PA in two days which is pretty awesome. Time is moving very fast round here. Humidity is a bitch, Snakes are assholes, and I took too many zero days to the point where I'm not in shape anymore. If you are my friend you will come walk with me for a day or two in pennsylvania. I promise I'll be writing in this more. Till then I bid you farewell and safe travels.
Date: 2009-01-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This is my first entry since I finished my thru-hike in August. Ive found that since the new year started I have been on trailjournals everyday trolling the forums. Maybe it's that "Springer Fever" that I said I would never have. Though I was having the time of my life on the trail last year the thought in the back of my mind was, "I'm never doing this again" and that could not be further from how I feel today. Good Luck and safe travels Class of 09.