morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-09-03
From: home

To: home
Miles today: 220.0
Weather: overcast clouds

THIS IS IT!!!Here we are at the summit of MT. KATAHDIN! Does anyone else think its just surreal that we're laying here, on top of the mountain we've been walking towards for five months? I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the notion that we've just completed this crazy dream.While southern Maine was rocky and abound with mountains and boulders, the last hundred miles were flat and smooth, with only a couple of little speed bumps to slow us down. The terrain was more than agreeable, but we took our time and did our best to reflect on and savor the end of the hike. We even found some really great trail magic about fifty miles in, complete with cheeseburgers, fresh fruit, little debbies and international beer (former thru-hikers put on the best magic!).We rolled into Baxter Park on a beautiful day and actually considered running right up the mountain on Friday, but figured it would be fun to get up Saturday morning and summit early, beating the Labor Day crowds. So that's what we did. Going to bed Friday night was pretty tough. It felt like Christmas Eve when you're eight years old (or when you're 25). Anyway, we got up at 4:00 AM, all four of us, jumping out of our sleeping bags and grabbing the day packs we filled the night before. We headed out in the dark by the light of our headlamps and just about ran that first mile up. We didn't make it to the summit by sunrise, but we were above treeline and could already see that it was going to be another Class 1 day. The climb was predominantly rock scramble, and it was awesome. Katahdin was definitely the most fun climb in the whole 2000 miles. We summitted as a foursome in the sun, and got to spend about an hour and a half up there alone before we started weaving our way through the day hikers back down the mountain. I can't tell you exactly what it felt like to summit because I'm not sure how to put it into words. This has been the experience of a lifetime. We've met a million wonderful, interesting people, made some great friends, and learned a few things about ourselves in the process. For a portion of the hike I had myself convinced that I'd never endeavor on another thru-hike, but now that its done and over, I'm sure it won't be long before we're talking about strapping on the boots and getting smelly again. Anyway, this entry is already longer than I anticipated. We would both like to extend an enormous THANK YOU to everyone who has followed our journal and supported us on this adventure. It has really meant a lot to us! We have lots of photos that we are planning to post tomorrow (from the comfort of a recliner, I'll have you know). So thank you again. More tomorrow...ORK and BEAN
Date: 2006-09-04
From: home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hey everybody,   Just wanted to quickly let everyone know that we added a bunch of pictures to the site today. The pics from the whites we dont have yet, but there are now a bunch of shots of the 100 mile wilderness as well as lots of the top of Katahdin. Hopefully you all find these enjoyable.    I know that by definition our trail journal should be ending with our trip, but I am feeling some seperation anxiety so we will be logging on at least once more to let everyone know when we make it to Alaska. Hopefully the trip will go smoothly but with mohawks things could be interesting. Maybe this journal will end the same way it started, with a bad customs experience.   I hope everyone has enjoyed this site as much as we have enjoyed creating it. It is hard to say how the completion of the trail, or more accurately the reimmersion into the real world, will go for us. But whatever trials come our way we will face them the same way we have taken on every challenge for the last 5 months, complaining every step of the way!thanks allORK and BEAN
Date: 2006-09-10
From: leaving basecamp

To: on the road
Miles today: 0.0

Well its been a solid week off the trail now. We're slowly starting to feel comfortable in busy places, but everything still seems so loud. Mostly, its really difficult to talk to people who don't know about the trail. One can't possibly sum up the experience in a brief conversation, so you just sort of smile and say you had a great time and met a lot of interesting people. Tomorrow we plan to hop in the VW and head west across the country. We've got a few fun stops planned where we're hoping to do some day hiking and exploring. The Sawtooths in Idaho look to be a good time, and we're definitely planning to pause for a while in Glacier National Park. We're missing the trail, that's for sure. For a long time while we were out there, we were joking about how once we finished, we wouldn't go on another hike or walk for a long time. That's funny. Not only have we been back out hiking around here, but we've been researching future hikes and have picked up every backpacking/outdoors magazine we can get our hands on. We are thinking that maybe a shorter hike is in order for next summer... John Muir Trail, perhaps? Anyway, I just thought I'd throw a litte update out there for anyone who's still interested in what we're doing. I miss updating the journal, and find myself logging on multiple times daily to see who else has updated. I expect we'll update at least once from Alaska. A 5,000 mile road trip always has a few good stories! I hope everyone out there is doing well and enjoying the remains of summer. Once again, thanks for tuning in!ORK AND BEAN
Date: 2006-09-24
From: home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello everyone! We are coming to you from all the way back up in Alaska. Thats right, exactly 7 months from the day we left we are back. The odometer recorded our cross country trip home at 5,653 miles, and believe me we felt every single one. Cramming into a car for a cross country drive is always a challenge, but doing it after you have been walking for 5 months is awful! We had expected the trip to be a nice reprieve from the constant walking but by the end of day one we really missed hiking.    Our plans to hit a couple of national parks on our way were squashed by weather, and we had to take the long way home just to avoid snow. All was well though as we got to drive through some very pretty parts of the country. The dogs were pretty good along the way albeit a little annoying. In the end we had no major troubles to speak of except camping our first night in Canada. We stopped late and pitched our tent. We knew it was cold so we let the dogs sleep in the tent with us instead of in the car. We woke around 6 and realized that it was below freezing outside. The bowl of water we had set out for the dogs the night before was a solid block of ice. We had marveled at our luck the night before when we saw the campground was empty, then realized in the morning that we were the only people stupid enough to be out camping when the forcast calls for freezing temps.   Anyway we are home safely and already getting ready to go back to work. Our adjustment back into society is continuing slowly. Any unnatural noise is still quite ear piercing. And groups of more than five people at once are completely frightening. We're also trying to get accustomed to being apart for more than an hour. After spending most every minute of the past seven months together, its going to be really strange to go back to work and be separated for weeks at a time.    At the suggestion of some family members we started to write a few of our trail stories down on paper and are considering a book. Being in the car for a solid week gave us lots of time to reminisce and remind ourselves of all the silly, stupid and positively hilarious events that made the trail such a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We were wondering if any of our trailjournals fans would be interested in an ORK and BEAN novel?    We're still keeping an eye on the journals to see where friends behind us might be, but it sure is weird to be home away from the trail and out of the loop. We might just find ourselves embarking on another long distance journey sooner than later. We hope everyone out there is doing well and not suffering too much from trailjournals withdrawals as the hiking season wraps up. As usual, thanks for tuning in!ORK and BEANP.S. Please let us know what you think about a book!
Date: 2006-03-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, after an eventful day I am finally at, but not yet on the trail. Tonight the Sleep Inn in Bryson City, getting on the trail at Wesser tomorrow. Its 12:00 midnight and having a glass of wine with Tim & Elaine. Should be through the Smokies in ten days, and maybe in better BP shape by then. Thanks to eveyone who has made this possible, especially the Lord. Wine glass empty, gone to bed Brad.
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Wesser, NC

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

First day on the trail. We were going to do a short day to Sassafras gap shelter, but got there and felt great, so decided to go on to locust cove gap. 10.5 miles total 3,500 ft total climb. Camped with Handlebar and Doubleshot. Great views of the smokies where we will be in two days from Cheota bald.
Date: 2006-03-31
From: locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Good night sleep after day one. Climb down to and out of Stecoah Gap. We will miss trail magic, heard that Stumpknocker will be cooking hamburgers here on Saturday. Climb out of Stecoah was killer. Got to shelter about 4:00. Met bloomer and handlebar.
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Fairly easy downhill to Fontana Dam today. Stayed at hostel Hike Inn. Dinner and reprovision in Robinsville. Missed Steve from Tulluhoma by 3 hours, he had been here with cold beer for two days waiting on us. Bummer!
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Catpen Gap

To: Hot Spring, NC
Miles today: 11.5

Carol, cold beer and real food for two nights. Carol and Elaine came up from Raleigh to meet us for two nights. First zero day. Aunt Mary do you remember Steve Graham from Tullahoma, Tuffy's best friend that we met at Alex's wedding. After missing us at Fontana Dam by four hours after being there for two days, he came to Hot Springs and spent the day and night with us. We had a ball with him there.
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Hot Spring, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

As I have been told, it so hard to get out of town after a zero day. After being in Hot Springs for almost 48 hours, we have waited until the last minute to prepare to leave. It was 1:00 pm before we got on the trail. Carol & Elaine left 2 hours ago and Steve just left. We have waited until the heat of the day to climb 1,800 feet out of town. Got to Spring Mountain about 8:00 exausted, cooked dinner and to bed.
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Longest day so far. New section of trail went staight up to exposed ridge that was awesome. Glad it was cold, I can imagine rocks covered with rattlesnakes on a hot sunny day. 8:30 and dark when we got to camp. Dog tired, cooked dinner and straight to bed.
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

Crossed Sams Gap today. Sereita's brother Joe that build our Cabin lives close by. Took a chance and hiked down the hill from Street Gap about 1/2 mile and found Joe's house. Joe was not home but his wife Elouise was and we visited with her for about half hour. She gave us an apple, banana and cold soda, all of which were great. We had not been gone from Joe's house an hour before a severe thunder storm moved in just as we were crossing big bald. The wind almost blew us off the mountain. Great views but we could not see a thing for the fog and clouds. Got to the shelter cold and soaking wet.
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We were going to camp just short of town, but heard that bad weather was coming so we pushed on to town and Uncle Johnny's Hostel. Burgers and cold beer, shower and to bed. At 5:30 am when the bottom fell out we were so glad we had pushed on to town. It must have rained 3 or 4 inches along with severe lighting. The Nolichucky was screaming.
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Erwin, TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We are now no different then the rest, we just slackpacked 11 of our 16.4 miles today and it was great. What a huge difference in 11 miles downhill vs 2,500 ft uphill with six day's of food. Cold and started raining by the time we got to camp but not too wet.
Date: 2006-04-21
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: moderate rain

Was still raining when we got up so had to break camp and pack in the rain. Everything is wet. Stopped raining by the time we got to camp and wind picked up and almost dried everything out prior to rain starting again. Tomorrow's climb is one of toughest, 2,200 ft over only two miles up Roan Mountain.
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: moderate rain

Climbed Roan Mountain in freezing cold rain, everthing is wet, but still having the time of my life. Cleared up briefly over Jane Bald for great views. Got to Overmountain shelter after rain had stopped and able to hang everything out to dry.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Elk River

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Carol & Brooke do you remember the hound dog we found here and named him Moreland? Met two members of Tennessee Eastman Hiking Club today. Tehc maintains 130+ miles of the trail from Spivey Gap to Damascus. Shelter and tent sites were packed with Dennis Cove hostels and Hampton just down the mountain.
Date: 2006-04-27
From: Watauga Dam

To: Campsite after Vandeventer shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

A first this morning, we are cooking sausage in a cast iron skillet, both that were brought by and carried by RC. We have drawn quite a crowd with the aroma of our breakfast. We have a 2,000 ft climb this morning but it is somewhat gradual, so should not be a problem. RC had a tough time on the climb today, must have been the cast iron skillet and the hamburger for tonight.
Date: 2006-04-30
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero day in a great trail town. Everybody is very friendly and the Dairy King gave us free ice cream when we first got to town. Spent most of the day updating journal and reprovision. Shipped two food boxes ahead to Adkins and Bastian. Cooking steaks on the grill at the B&B tonight. Looked for Johnny Haddock all day but never saw him. Hope he didn't come and we missed him. David leaves in the morning and hopefully will be able to join us again later in Va.
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Damascus, VA

To: Va. 601 Beech Mountain Road
Miles today: 17.1

Well I guess you could say we are suffering from SIT (stuck in town). Decided to let David drop us off at Va. 601 and slackpack back to Damascus 17.1 miles. Spend the third night at B&B in Damascus and shuttle back to Va. 601 with our packs tomorrow to continue on to Rhododendren Gap.
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Va. 601 Beech Mountain Road

To: Rhododendron Gap
Miles today: 10.7

This is retracing my first backpacking trip with Tony Clark many years ago. Carol, this was the dayhike we did to Buzzard Rock. Weather was great today. Views from buzzard rock were awsome as always. Set up camp at Rhododendron Gap where we have camped or dayhiked to many times. This is only a 45 minute drive from our cabin in Todd. There ar herds of wild ponies in this area and about 10 of them are trying to camp with us. Paul, you remember these are the ponies that you tried to ride.
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Rhododendron Gap

To: Hurricane Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

It rained last night so tents are wet and everything weighs more. Woke up this morning to a pony trying to eat my tent. Wind is blowing 30mph and clouds are so thick that we can't see any of the beautiful views from Wilburn Ridge, but I have be here many times before on clear days so thats ok. Stoped to call this office today and a pony tried to bite me on the rear while I wasn't looking. Hunt got a picture of it so it will soon be on my or his site. New shelter was great after a long day. Caught up with Ork & Bean and Red today.
Date: 2006-05-04
From: Hurricane Mtn Shelter

To: Ridge after South Fork of Holston River
Miles today: 14.5

Good weather today. Camped on ridge and was awakened by a buck that didn't like us in his terf. Snorting and stomping the ground, but moved on. Rained again over night so everything is wet again. Miles are easier but feet still don't like it.
Date: 2006-05-05
From: Ridge after South Fork of Holston River

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: light rain

Thought we were going to get pizza for lunch when we crossed Va. 16 at Mt Rogers NRA Headquarters, but to our dismay they only deliver after 4pm. Had to settle for candy bar and pepsi from gift shop. It's really cold for May.
Date: 2006-05-06
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Crawfish Valley along reed creek
Miles today: 10.7

Did 6 miles to truck stop on I 81 picked up food box that we mailed here from Damascus. Spent 5 hours at truck stop. Took shower, washed clothes, ate breakfast and lunch, reprovisioned. Tony and Britney Clark met us here to hike with us today and camp tonight. Continued on 4+ miles to camp. Tony and Britney will hike back to their car tomorrow.
Date: 2006-05-09
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Big Walker Motel, Bland, Va.
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Great trail today and views of Big Walker mountain. Hitched into Bland for cold beverages and burgers. Motel was almost full with no cars in the lot because everybody was a hiker. Sat on deck overlooking Big Walker and I 77 enjoying cold beverages and conversation. Sun came out for first time in three days and parking lot is full of wet clothes and gear drying out.
Date: 2006-05-11
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: moderate rain

Day started out great. Making good miles and trail is good. Took side trail to Dismal Falls but as soon as we got there the bottom fell out. Rained rest fo the day, but we managed to make it to shelter before end of day so gear stayed relatively dry but we got soaked. Turned really cold overnight. Can't beleive this weather in May. Bad weather or not, still having the time of my life!
Date: 2006-05-12
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Holliday Motor Court, Pearisburg, Va.
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Great hiking day. Cool but not cold, great views and good trail. View from Angels Rest 2,000 ft above and only 2 miles from Pearisburg was awsome. Pictures don't do it justice. In fact pictures don't do any of what we see justice, you have to see it from here to really appreciate it. In town for a zero day, rest our feet and reprovision. Jim, slackpacking is without a pack as you thought and preferably downhill back to town. Just talked with David Beam and he is going to meet us in a few days for a week. Hope to hook up with Chuck Timney soon also.
Date: 2006-05-14
From: Holliday Motor Court, Pearisburg, Va.

To: Symms Gap Meadow
Miles today: 11.6

Left Pearisburg in the hot sun today. Great climb up to Rice Field which is a beautiful bald with great views of West Va. When we got on top the sun was shinning, but we could see a huge storm was coming from the west. As we watched it moving north east we decided it would miss us so we decided to go another five miles instead of stoping at the shelter for the night. Huge mistake! The storm we did not see at first was comming from the south. Once we saw it we thought we could outrun it. Another huge mistake! It caught us with hail, wind, rain and a drop in temp of 20+ degrees. A very cold and wet night.
Date: 2006-05-15
From: Symms Gap Meadow

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

Very cold this morning, especially with everything wet after last night. Got to stoney creek and a sign said that the bridge had been washed out by a flood, and the safe route was to cross on the paved road. We took a look at the size of the creek and decided, unlike yesterday, to take the safe route. Wise decision, when we got to the former site of the bridge (see picture) we would have gotten very wet. Trail magic was across the road from the creek before we had a 1,000 ft climb to the shelter.
Date: 2006-05-16
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Crossed Johns Creek today well upstream of the section that I have paddled many times. Climb up to rocky gap was very rocky and streneous but felt really good that it did not tire me at all. Shared the shelter with Shebear and Firefly. Firefly was headed back to trail days with a new outfit from goodwill in Pearsburg.
Date: 2006-05-17
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Passed the Keffer Oak today (see picture) largest oak on the trail. Got to the shelter to find a group of kids from an alternative school, whom by chance had more food than they could eat and were happy to share with hungry thru hikers that were allmost out of food. Dillon School you rock!
Date: 2006-05-20
From: Johns Springs Shelter

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

Short day with beautiful views. Climbed McAfee Knob (see picture), most photographed point on AT in Va. I understand why. Also Tinker Cliffs where the trail is on very edge of cliffs for a long time for someone with a slight fear of heights.
Date: 2006-05-24
From: Jennings Creek

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

David had to leave us today, but not before his brother George who picked him up delivered Arby's sandwiches and cold beer. We were also able to resupply from David's Sub before he left. Each time he has met us he has been able to resupply us twice, thus his trail name "resupply". Crossed Apple Orchard Mtn 4,225 ft today which was once an Air Force radar base with 250 people. Radar tower is still operating but no people or buildings. Highest point on AT from here until New Hampshire.
Date: 2006-05-26
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Pedlar River
Miles today: 13.3

Cohiba's son Eric and Bob Harvey met us today to hike with us for a few days. We got to the road crossing 3 hrs before they arrived so we had a nice break. As soon as they arrived the bottom fell out with quiet a downpour. We hiked another 4.5 miles in the rain before camping.
Date: 2006-05-29
From: Tye River

To: Reeds Gap, Shuttle to Waynsboro, Va
Miles today: 10.3

Eric and Bob left the trail and we rode into Waynsboro, Va with them. Shower and clothes washing and real food. We will shuttle back to reeds gap tomorrow and slackpack back to Rockfish Gap (Waynesboro). Climbed the three ridges today, a killer 3,000 ft in the blazzing sun.
Date: 2006-05-30
From: Reeds Gap, Shuttle to Waynsboro, Va

To: Rockfish Gap, Va
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: broken clouds

Shuttle back to reeds gap and slackpack today. Normally an easy day even though 19+ miles, but after 17 days 229 miles without a break even a slackpack was tough. Zero day tomorrow to rest up. Cohiba's wife Elaine picked up up at Rockfish Gap and to Motel. She brought the scales with her and I have lost 25+ lbs. We are burnning 4,000 to 5,000 calories a day and it is hard to carry enough food to replace that. Cohiba has lost 35+ lbs. We have burned through all of our reserve fat that we started with, so we will have to either cary more food or eat more in town and stay more in town. Guess what we decided?
Date: 2006-05-31
From: Rockfish Gap, Va

To: Rockfish Gap, Va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Zero today. Sister Mary from Richmond spent the day with me. It has been great. Rested and ate and planned the next 150 miles to Harpers Ferry. Carol, Brooke, Brad and Chuck Timney will be here Friday night to hike with us until Sunday afternoon. I can't wait!