morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Waynesboro, VA. Mile 850.Thanks to Doug, we've got more pictures. It's really a treat for me to even get to see them on a large screen and jog my memory of all the cool spots I have been lately. Check 'em out.I've made it to Waynesboro, just south of Shenandoah National Park. I've had great weather lately, as well. It's nearly always a predicted chance of thunderstorms, but we have remained relatively dry, only getting a major rain once during the night which cleared by morning. Can't complain about that.Hiking just south of Waynesboro was slightly less exciting than the previous areas I had gone through. But, it can't always be amazing vistas all the time, and I'll be in the Shenandoahs tonight which should give me a beautiful 120 miles of hiking for the next week. Shenandoah is also notable for having camp stores and restaurants scattered throughout the park. I'd be lying if I were to say that I'm not excited about that, as well. Speaking of food, Waynesboro has a phenomenal all you can eat Chinese buffet. If anyone hiking behind me reads this, you must go.Had an interesting experience up on Dragon's Tooth with Sock Burn about a week ago. We climb the mountain, walk the ridge line, ect, ect, and finally end up at the summit where we are faced with the Dragon's Tooth, a large tooth shaped outcropping of rock pushing upward from the summit of the mountain. Naturally we dropped packs and scaled it. While sitting ontop of the Tooth I start to joke with Sock Burn about the lack of women on the trail, intensity rises and eventually I shout "WHERE ARE ALL THE WOMEN?!"Only to hear the returning call down the mountain at some unidentified location of "right here". It was like magic, just magic. Eventually the "women" climbed up to our location. We knew this, because we could smell them. Our natural hiker odors are no longer smellable to us, but the aroma of perfumes and deodorants are very strong, and we were able to smell them long before we could see them. Turned out, however, that the "women" were much more girls than women. I'm still curious what may have happened had I shouted for other things from atop the Dragon's Tooth....Hiking has been great lately, though. It's incredible to be capable of doing twenty mile days day after day with little difficulty and feel great the entire time. Nothing hurts, nothing is sore. My body is possibly in the best condition it has ever been at.I look like absolute hiker trash, however. I think it's a great look for me, though. My hair has grown out from the buzz it started with into a short but curly mess. Usually it sticks in odd angles and clumps from having gone for days without shower. My beard is coming in. My arms and legs are absolutely tanned. I've removed the sleeves from my t-shirts in order to stay cool and shed some extra weight from my pack. (It was the only logical thing to do, gotta at least attempt to be lightweight.) I'm rockin' the slightly-too-short hiker shorts. This look was absolutely made for me.
Date: 2010-05-10
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Front Royal, VA. Mile 960 something. Or something near there....First things first, for those of you who intended to mail me at Harpers Ferry, please if you have not mailed it yet, do not. I should have updated my ETA's a while ago, but I will be there by the 13th, and so if it has not been sent yet, I will not get it. I'll attempt to change the next mail drop date, however.Anyways, the Shenandoahs were pretty cool. Except for that Skyline Drive bit. Once again, the road would have been more scenic and shorter than the trail route. A couple of the guys did do that, just walk the road. I can't say I blame them. Also, too many rules in that damn park. I think I managed to violate all of them. There was, however, "easy" hiking, good friends, and food. Although, the food was very much over priced. It's awful to see nature so commercialized like that.I did managed to hit some great trail magic, though. I was sitting outside the Skyland dinning room having a coke (I couldn't afford the meals) when a woman, probably low 30's approached me with questions. She was very nice, and rather interested. Before leaving she asked if I needed anything. I told her that I "Had everything I need, but there is certainly a lot around this place that I would want." We laughed, and she left, got into her car, and moments later returned, ran out of her car, pressed a twenty into my palm, saying "this is for your wants", and ran off before I could question it. It stuns me to see such generosity and kindness, expecially towards me, a hiker, but nevertheless, a complete stranger (and not exactly a well dressed or clean one, either). There is some debate along the trail as to whether I am the recipient of trail magic, or whether I use my knowledge in communications and sociology to my personal advantage, manipulating people, in order to get that which I desire. In essence, a master in the art of "yogi-ing". If I have such capabilities, I like to believe I would only ever use them for good.In two and a half days or so, I'll be in Harpers Ferry. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters and psychological halfway point of the trail. I'm pretty stoked about that. Also, I will be out of the state of Virginia. Which is also nice, as I have been in this state for over half the trip (based on mileage, at least).My computer time at the library is about to run up, so I gotta run!
Date: 2010-05-20
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 365.2
Weather: clear sky

Duncannon, PA, mile 1137.Short entry, not a ton of time. I've passed through Virginia, West Virginia, Harpers Ferry (was the 64th thru-hiker to pass), Maryland, the 1000 mile mark, entered PA, passed the halfway mark, ate a half gallon of cherry jubilee ice cream (retrospectively, a bad flavor choice), and now have also passed the 1100 mile point and am headed into home territory! Whew.It's been a bit wet a rainy lately, but that is expected from time to time. Also, been doing a lot of hiking with Switchback. She moves at exactly my mileage and speed, so it's been working great.Anyways, the big news, I suppose, is that I am in Duncannon, PA, and will be moving north through PA in the coming days. Should be at the Delaware Water Gap by thursday (a week from today), where I will be getting off trail to go camping with my family and relatives. (I know, I'm taking a break from backpacking to go camping, it barely even makes sense, but I'm excited.) Not only do I get a break, but I also get an opportunity to meet all those hikers who have been following me for a while. Which, is always fun. Those of you hanging around home, give a call, leave a message, and we can work something out.Things are good. I gotta run.
Date: 2010-06-03
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 500.0

Vernon, NJ. Mile --- I dunno... 1350? Episcopal Church Hiker Hostel.Well, I've made it up into Vernon, NJ and will be crossing into New York sometime tomorrow. Aint that somethin'?Had a great weekend at Klein Kamp with the family and relatives. It's always a good time, but it was extra special seeing everyone after having been out in the woods for three months. It also gave me the opportunity to answer millions (billions?) of questions about the hike. I don't mind, though.Monday morning we packed up, had breakfast, and my sister and I headed back to the Water Gap where I would resume the hike. I was ready to get back on trail. I stopped into the hostel and met Subby who was zeroing, but since then I haven't seen a single thru-hiker. It's nice to get some space, though. My crew seems to be scattered about in front of me, ranging from Moonpie and Doozy exactly one day up on me, and Mouse 4-5 days ahead. I figure there must also be a bubble just behind me as well. Either I'll catch Doozepie and Moony or whomever is behind me will catch me soon enough.Wildlife update. As expected, there are plenty of bears in the area. I have seen a total of nine since I have resumed hiking. I could have gotten some great pictures, but everytime I see one I start to think safety, and comedy before reaching for the camera. I am too consumed with thinking of witty things to shout towards the bear that hopefully scare it off, and put a smile on my face. I think I'm funny, at least. I use a fake trail name when dealing with bears, even. I just don't think shouting "Hi, my name is Mellow Yellow, and I was just wondering, hoping, if maybe you wouldn't eat me today," is exactly intimidating. Viper, Triple Viper, and Troll Destroyer are a couple of my go to false identities.The trail in New Jersey is much nicer than that of Pennsylvania. I'm not going to complain about rocks, but I will say New Jersey has lots more views. It's appreciated.I didn't mention it in my last post, but I managed to really screw up my hearing Wednesday night after coming home. In fact, I can't exactly hear much at all out of my left ear. Went to the doctors on Friday afternoon, and he suggested it was an ear infection. I don't think that's it at all. Either way, I'm taking some ear drops, and waiting to see what happens. So far, nothing, except that I'm starting to get used to living without stereo sound. There is a doctors office practically behind the church here, but I figure I'll give it a couple more days and see what happens before I visit one again. Hopefully all bears will approach me from my right side from here out, otherwise I could be in a good deal of trouble.
Date: 2010-06-10
From: Kent, CT

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 0.0

Kent, CT. Mile 1456.Well, I'm in Kent. Mostly since leaving the Water Gap I've been alone. Though, I found Pine two nights ago, and Athos yesterday, which was a pleasant surprise.I've had some interesting camping spots these last few days. Slept in a public park, and by that I mean my tent was nestled between the swing set and the slide on a pile of wood chips, a pavilion at the Greymoor Friary, a roadside shelter with an interesting character who had decided to dig up all sorts of ground around the place in an attempt to make a flower garden for his dead mother (yes, it was at least as strange as that sounds, if he wasn't leaving that evening, I certainly was going to), and I camped at Natural Landscapes, a garden center, in a grove of potted plants with a railroad track 30 feet to the south, and a highway 30 feet to the north (trust me, that was a loud night). The owner of the garden center was a great guy though, and invited me to use his shower, and have coffee with him in the morning. I certainly took him up on the shower. I guess that's the Appalachian Trail for you sometimes, just kind of strange.I also met a bunch of trail angels these past few days. Padio, is the trail angel of trail angels. I mean, he lives for doing trail magic. Drives his truck around, called the "Paddywagon", looking for hikers. Invited me to join him, pulled out chairs, grilled me dogs and calzones, played some music, had some drinks (his hiker specialty, the "Hiker Bomb", is not to be missed). It was a riot. Also, Dusty, a great troop of boy scouts, and Sasquatch. You gotta love the trail community, it really is incredible.Anyways, rain lately. Been in pursuit of the gang for a while now. I can't seem to make any time on them. Every time I get the opportunity, something has gone wrong. Nevertheless, things are moving forward. Passed through Jersey and New York and am now in Connecticut. Which, officially places me in New England. Tomorrow, I believe I'll be passing the 2,000 feet elevation mark for the first time in hundreds of miles, which is exciting. The trail is beginning to feel slightly, almost, maybe, mountainous again.Well, I'm headed to the P.O. now, Hopefully my shoes are in (they weren't yesterday), and hopefully after I get new shoes I can get some miles in and stay dry. It appears the rain has actually stopped for the moment.Oh, and, congratulations Doug for graduating! I'll be giving you a call later today.
Date: 2010-07-19
From: Stratton, ME

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Stratton, Maine. Mile 1991.3. Less than 200 hundred miles to go.Sorry I haven't updated in forever. I have however, done a good deal of hiking.I accidentally zeroed in Hanover. It was just too hot, and then they were setting up a stage and all this equipment for a salsa band, LA 33, from Columbia, and I just had to stay. It was worth.Then I hiked a couple of days and hit Moosilauke. That had to be one of the coolest moments of the trip. Three years ago a trail crew I was on at the time hiked Moosilauke, and it thoroughly beat us up. This year, with a full pack, it was a different game. The best part, though, is not the beautiful views from my first of now many bald mountain tops, but the reflection on where I and the rest of that crew has gone in these last three years. We have two local trail crews of high school students, and they are now led entirely by friends of mine, some of who climbed Moosilauke with me that year. I on the other hand, am not doing trail work, but have certainly been spending plenty of time on the trail. Pretty strange how things progress.The next morning, I got in touch with Dethmarch and Sugarbush. We had been playing phone tag for about half a month seeing if maybe we could all get together 4th of July weekend. Turns out they are about 100 miles behind me, but on their way to Hanover to get Mouse, and then headed up to get me. Two miles later, and I am reunited with Dethmarch, Sugarbush, and Cole and headed towards Sugarbush's parent's home for the weekend. Which was great. Lots of food and relaxation.Anyways, some more hiking then happened and I was in the White Mountains. And a heat wave. In fact, it's still really hot. Only, lately it's been really hot and wet. At that point, it was just hot, humid, and beautiful. Even got views on Mt. Washington. Couldn't be beat. Though, due to the AMC and the terrain, my mileage dropped considerably.Got out of the Whites, and ended up in Maine. Aint that something? Still was hot, but now wet and slippery. Mileage continued to be poor. Terrain continued to be rough. I fell, a lot. Just about everyday at least once from here to the New Hampshire border. The good news, I'm in Stratton with less than 200 miles to go. Trying to summit on August 1st, so I need to keep moving. But, the terrain is relatively flat from here out, and so I'll be able to hit some 20 mile days and pick things up.Anyways, that's been an awful summary of what has happened. Been hiking alone for a while now, but I haven't minded. August 1st is coming on quick. I can't decide if I am excited to finish, or sad to have to stop hiking so soon.
Date: 2010-07-22
From: South of Monson

To: South of Monson
Miles today: 367.0

Northern Outdoors, South of Monson. Mile.... Past 2000! Maybe 2025? Less than 150 to go. I dunno. I just walk.Well, all worries about this August 1st summit have been swept aside. After leaving town a couple of days ago I ran into all sorts of Northbounders. Twigs, Specs, Slapshop, Ken, Pine, Gentle Ben, and Moose. As expected with everyone trying to hit August first, we are now all on top of each other. I imagine Moonpie, Doozy, and Mouse will be joining our steam rollin' hikin' crew pretty soon. Anyways, we talked logistics, and realized we had time to both stop here for a day, after a grueling 4 miles, and zero in Monson for a day, and then yet get to The Birches, the final shelter destination before Katahdin, by July 31st. And so, that's just what we are doing.The Bigelow Mountains were really great, though. The last large mountains we hit on the hike before the final one (meaning we are in cruise mode from here to the end), and the views were spectular. Plus, we ran into an old friend, Otis. Otis is the ridgerunner/caretaker along the Bigelows, but he was out this year doing the first eight hundred miles of the trail with us, until he suffered and ankle injury. But, sure enough, I roll into the first shelter/ tent site in the Bigelows, and there he is callin' my name.Crossed the 2000 mile threshold. It felt pretty good, but not the way 1000 miles felt. I guess I'm just torn between feeling accomplished, and not wanting to finish the accomplishment, exactly. Plus, it's hard to get excited about 2000 miles when you are so close to the real finale of the trip. Nevertheless, that's a lot of walking.Southbound thru-hiker encounters are still awkward, in fact, more so than they were further south. I guess we are just at completely different points in our hike. They are all still super pumped to be out on this grand adventure, but also sort of unsure of their ability to complete it (they're also all affraid to sleep in shelters, it seems. Which is fine by our pack of northbounders, as we are rolling pretty deep at this point). We on the otherhand, are still glad to be out, but no longer really glowing about it, and absolutely certain we'll be completin' it. It's a good feeling.
Date: 2010-07-25
From: Monson

To: Monson
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Monson, ME. Mile... 114 left to go. Last trail town... ever.Holed up at the Lakeshore House, lodging, pub, and laundromat. I dunno what more you could ever want in an establishment. Cool place. As expected, things did grow, and there are now eleven of us all ready to roll out for an August first summit date. That's a lot of a northbound thru-hikers. A force to be reckoned with.So, what's next? The Hundred Mile Wilderness. One hundred miles of nothin'. Or, it used to be nothing. Now there are a handful of logging roads, and there is a possible re-supply point/hostel you can hit if you are so inclined. But, the name remains, regardless, and I aint stoppin' no more this close to the finish. Forget about that. It's ridiculous. So, I've got a heavy food bag, and I'll be takin' off tonight. Well, really I'll be doing 3 miles, mostly as to avoid spending money for lodging a second night.... But then, one hundred grueling miles of hiking. I hear at best only 2 of 5 hikers make it to the other side. After that, a one night resupply at Abol Bridge camp site and onto and into Baxter state park. Spending my last night on trail at the birches campsite/shelter, and then climbing Katahdin the next morning and I will have successfully completed an Appalachian Trail thru-hike. Pretty rad, I'd say.At this point, all I am concerned about is that I have good weather August first. Because I'm gonna get myself one of them super cool Katahdin summit photos, and I'd appreciate some views and a nice backdrop for the finish of my hike as well. Though, the trail does what it does, and you get what it gives, so, we will see how that goes.Think of me August first as I, Twigs, Specs, Ken, Slapshot, Mouse, Moonpie, Doozy, Subby, and Gentle Ben all wrap things up on our hikes.
Date: 2010-08-04
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Success. Katahdin has been climbed, the Appalachian Trail has been walked from end to end, and I am now home. In all honesty, I haven't been able to really wrap my head around the whole thing yet, and so I'm going to delay a blog post. I could put one up, but it would be a mere itinerary as to what I have done, and nothing very thoughtful or interesting. Hold tight though, it'll be coming.In the meantime, new photos have been posted. Well, older photos that never were added are now up. I haven't gotten through sorting out the last batch. But, those will also be added soon. Tried to only put a few really good ones up as to not overwhelm anyone. Anyways, check 'em out. They're full of other interesting hikers.
Date: 2010-08-28
To: More Photos!
Miles today: 0.0

Alright, here it is. The concluding set of photos from my hike. And let me tell you, there are some good ones in there, including Katahdin summit pictures. Can't get much better than that, can you? Check 'em out.In other news, this blog is coming to an end. I know, I would love to just talk and talk forever with all you fine folks, but the truth is, my hike has ended, and so my trail journaling as well must come to an end. I think perhaps I'll give one more, "after the hike" entry sometime soon, and that'll be it.I truly would like to thank those of you who have followed and supported my hike. It's incredible to type a few things about your life and find that somewhere someone is interested and thinking about what you're going through. I know, I wasn't great to following up guestbook entries and emails I have received, but they truly were motivational and I thank you all for that. Anyways, I feel like I'm giving an acceptance speech for some sort of award I just received, and that's weird. All I did was hike. And who knows, there is always the Pacific Crest Trail.... PCT 2012?It's beautiful today, so ya'll get outside.
Date: 2010-04-02
To: The hood
Miles today: 6.0

Hiked 6 miles today. This was a good field test of our equipment that we have so far. Started at a friends house in the neighborhood that I lived in a while back. It'sloaded with atv trails. We saw 2 bear cubs on my friends street as we were arriving. A lot of good memories came to me of the old atv days. I only walked these trails when i was stuck or drowned out. I never thought then that I would be hiking them for the fun of it. We took it easy today arriving at our campsite about 1pm. Set up my tent for the first time and it will do for this long hike next month. I don't know if I mentioned it' but we moved our date up to May 2 and if the forestry roads are passable we will be dropped off near the summit of Springer Mountain. We will have to be back to Naples on June 6th or 7th.
Date: 2010-04-03
To: The hood
Miles today: 3.0

Woke up at daybreak. Had breakfast of oatmeal and a fruit cup. Broke camp and headed to the local store for more gatorade. We then headed back to the van for our water supply and decide if we were going to continue here or go to Picayune State forest. Just before we got to the van Robert twisted his ankle so we decided it was best to take him home and let it heal for the big trip. We won't have another chance to hike together until we get to the AT due to our schedules. Thats okay because I think we learned alot for the trip. We will just have to work out individually. The excitement is building.
Date: 2010-04-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It has been a while but everything is going well. The rest of my gear is here and I will be mailing the first mail drop tomorrow. Leaving May 2nd and will start the hike on the 3rd. will probably have 1 or 2 more day hikes next week with full packs. Money will be a little tight but will be able to make it. Hopefully the forestry roads will be passable to get us close to the summit of Springer Mtn. If not we will just have to use the 8 mile approach trail which I plan on doing in 2012. Well I have 3 reports to write so goodbye for now.                      AT here I come.                     Mike
Date: 2010-04-26
To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It is hard to believe that 1 week from tonight I will be spending my first night on the trail. Every thing is going well in the preparation aspect of it. Mailed another drop today and got a few other things in order. Still haven a lot to do do but it looks like I will have plenty of time to do it. The anticipation is high as well as the fear of the unknown, but I know that God will be with me and I will be alright. well got some other things to take care of so until next time. Mike