morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Gatlinburg, the Branson MO of the East!

To: Gatlinburg, the Branson MO of the East!
Miles today: 62.0
Weather: clear sky

OK, everything is squared away with my move, so hopefully I can get caught up to date in the next few days...Audio of Randy's MessageWell, after our experience with Mr. Patterson, we ended up staying in a shelter with Gypsy Spirit, Whistler, and ?Little? for a night. The next way we went into Fontana Dam and were met with a nice 500 Mini Cooper Convention. Fontana Dam was pretty uneventful except for the actual shelter there was called the HIlton, and it showed. The place was really nice, and we had showers and all kinds of good stuff. The visitors center was great and we got some free sodas for helping carry some boxes into the store. We headed into the Smokeys. Our first hike was pretty good, pretty much up hill all the way. We left Ten Bears in the dust and that night we stayed at Mollys Ridge Shelter with a total of nine people. Had a pretty good time with Big Cat, Big Blue, Spoon, Chicken Soup, P-Squared, this other 80 year old guy named Green King. The next was rainy, pouring pretty much the whole day, but we managed to still do ?? day, ended up where we wanted to be with a bunch of people in a caged up shelter. It was a good time, dried out quite a bit, made some fires. The following day we came up with the great idea to head into Gatlinburg, which is where we are now. Basically a mini version of Branson Missouri - tons of tourist stuff all over. Sunburn, Slick, and I ended up splitting a hotel with a lukewarm hot tub area and heated pool and so on. Pretty much have eaten more than I have eaten in my life in this town, all at once. Needless to say I am pretty stuffed. We're re-stocked up on food, got some new gear, got the new pot. Got rid of my cold gear, send my Ipod back because I'm just not using it. And I got a new sleeping pad, so hopefully my neural problems, arms and legs falling asleep, will go away. Other than that, still trekking, about to head back into the Smokey's today. So hopefully our hitchhike ride will be a little easier, I imagine it will be. We got a nice ride into Gatlinburg with an English guy who is just cruising around the United States. Started in Washington DC, doesnt know where hes going next, probably Kentucky today. Thats pretty cool. We will keep you updated, Snakecharmer and Slick out!
Date: 2007-05-07
From: All Possums Go To Heaven

To: All Possums Go To Heaven
Miles today: 8.0

Well, I know this is the second message for today, but there are some developments that I have skimmed over. First thing is we did Clingmans Dome yesterday after 2 days of the worst weather ever. Basically we were in a cloud for the first 2 days of our Smokey Mountain experience. It poured one day, got pretty cold, probably almost got hypothermia one day, but was able to make a fire and warm up. Pretty much ?? but stayed in a shelter with ten people one night, which was pretty crowded, but everyone was wanting to stay put. Clingmans Dome was the highest point of our trip so far, it was pretty cool on the top. We got a hitch into town with an English guy like I said, and just now we got back to Clingmans Dome today to start our trip back down where we had left off. We got a ride back with a lady who was really nice. Talked about Hawaii and a bunch of stuff, she seemed pretty cool and free spirited. We just hiked about eight miles and we have three more to go and its almost getting dark, so its going to be a pretty late night. On a sadder note, Turbo is now not with us anymore. He got stuck in a sleeve of a sweater that was in there with for bedding. Knowing how weak and feeble he was, he couldnt get out. So my parents informed me today that he passed on. Shitty way to die, but oh well. Sort of sad about that. The more I think about it, the trail is so much stuff. If I wasnt doing these messages I would have no idea what to write on my internet blog because so much stuff happens every day. Im going to head out now and probably make dinner pretty late tonight. Oh, by the way, I am now calling from Tennessee. We have a little ways to go and we will be hitting Virginia in 2weeks or so. Alright, Snakecharmer out!
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Longing for Jerry's

To: Longing for Jerry's
Miles today: 37.0

Well, the last few days have been good, we went past Davenport Gap where Anita left made it through Standing Bear Farm for a resupply, which was a nice rustic little place, but we did not stay there. Then we made a couple 17 mile days, pretty good hauls. Then we made it to a place called Max Patch where we camped out on top of this big bald, which was really nice. Weve been hiking along with Calm Water and Harriet these days. But we did... yesterday after a 3 mile morning, so it wasnt quite a ?? day. Ate a gargantuan breakfast... still havent found anything quite as good as Jerry's yet, the sausage gravy at Flour City just blew my mind. The little places... message breaks up for good
Date: 2007-05-15
From: Hemlock Hollow

To: Hemlock Hollow
Miles today: 30.0

We're just trucking along, we're trying to get to Erwin pretty soon, probably Thursday morning. Our plan is to hit Damascus Virginia by car, and then come back to Erwin after the weekend. The weekend just hapopens to be a huge trail festival, sort of the biggest one of the year for nay trail in the US. About 25,000 people usually show, and gear vendors and lots of little festival stuff, food, drinks, lots of live music, bluegrass and stuff. Its supposed to be a pretty happening event, sort of like a hiker woodstock/party. So we will probably pick up some ?? and head down there. I called Mike and hes down in Asheville and off for three weeks, so I told him if hes looking ot hang out this might be a good time. He might be interested in seeing this thing. It sounds like a pretty wild place. Im hoping to see him and hopefully that works out. It would be pretty sweet to hang out. My only regret is that we didnt have time to get to Asheville. He was busy with training and we were hiking out of town. Hopefully we will get in touch with Mike, heading out to this thing Friday morning, then partying the weekend away. Having a great time at this event. Passed by this hostel called Hemlock Hollow. Pretty nice little place, in fact, I cant speak highly enough of it actually. The people running it were great, the facilities were nice, real modern, They chatted with me for a long time, gave me a tour of the place. Unfortunately we werent staying because we were staying in Hot Springs and trying to make some miles that day. I would recommend anyone thats reading this plan to stay at Hemlock Hollow on your AT hike, whether its sectional or through. Its only a half mile off the trail and you will be treated very well there, probably the best place Ive seen yet on the trail. Other than that we're just trucking along, and we'll get in touch with you later.
Date: 2007-06-10
From: Open Hamburger Wounds

To: Open Hamburger Wounds
Miles today: 394.0

Sorry Ive totally dropped the ball with this... Randy hasnt been calling much, only 5 messages in the past month or so, but I will try to get them posted soonAudio of Randys Message Well Im sitting here at this gas station in Catawba, Virginia right now. I am about 5 miles from eating the hell out of the Home Place, which is supposed to be in the top 3 all you can eats on the trail. The only problem is that Im having some foot problems here. My shoes arent fitting because my feet have gotten bigger, and Ive got some nasty blisters on my heels, and theyre open hamburger looking wounds, so Im a little worried about infection. Ill probably get some bandages on them and stuff. Harrisberg was a nice time, we ended up staying at the donation hostel there, Holy Family Catholic Church. Were hiking a lot with a guy names Rider, we rolled into Harrisberg at 2 am, we did a big 30 mile day. Nice long night hike and all that. Night hike has become one of my favorite things, just get out in the woods in the dark, get headlamps on and go, its really peaceful. ?? eyes in the dark look pretty scary though. Going to keep moving and Im going to have to see what I can do about my feet, it may delay me a bit. Hopefully I can find a good place to take a break. So I have to get going to get to this home place, its a little later than I thought it was. Ill be leaving more messages later, bye!
Date: 2007-06-21
From: Waynesboro

To: Rachel and Lizelle!
Miles today: 0.0

I'm finally typing in an update as I have some prolonged computer access right now (sort of unusual). I'm in Charlottesville, VA right now at the doorstep to the Shennendoah's. Slick is somewhere in the park by now I imagine as I ended up taking an extra day off here and made it 2 zero days instead of one. I'm staying at Lizelle's and Rachel's house and having a nice time catching up on old times and really wondering how we didn't hang out more when we all lived like an hour apart. I guess you end up in behavioral patterns and ruts that just don't break down very easily when you live a day-in-day-out grind...It's really nice to be off the trail for a while. I've dabbled in television and food quite a bit during this hiatus. Well, dabbled could be better described as "completely immersed myself in". Gotta love the comforts of civilization. I'm going to not write too much more right now and instead use this time to upload some photos while I have the 100Mbps connection! All is well, and all will continue to be well! Hopefully I can write more later tonight!
Date: 2007-08-14
From: Dalton

Miles today: 0.0

Yo! I'm in Dalton MA. It rocks here; staying at Tom's house is a blast. I have been meeting a whole bunch of SOBOs lately all of whom are very cool. The NOBO group I am with is also very cool. Things have been on the up ever since all my "scheduled goals" were eliminated. Chilling with Brian and Amelia was great at Amelia's house. I have been taking it nice and easy and just doing what makes sense during the day. No planning really. Total vacation! I'll be on this zero day and then probably not take another for a while. Maybe sometime in the Whites I could get one, I dunno. Not even going to worry about it, what happens, happens. I finished "Adrift", a great book about a guy lost at sea. I rode in a Corvette for the first time ever the other day with a judge who was drinking a beer when he picked me up. That was also very cool. My bowling arm is totally dead and I can barely roll 10 miles an hour I bet. So today will be a day of laziness and chilling, then I'll be in VT within a few days from right now. Home stretch as they say! Anyway, I haven't been updating as much as normal because the online journal just isn't much of a priority lately; I've been doing most of the record keeping on my camera with voice recording. I'll keep this updated in terms of progress and so on, but the amount of detail I can accomplish leaves something to be desired. The most I can say right now is that this is by far the best experience EVER! And for anyone who reads this that understands, know this: Blood Storm will reunite! That was the name of the hiking group I was with for a while. However, Peaches Posse might have succeeded Blood Storm. I'm not quite sure yet as there has been such a high level of "people flux" around lately. The main thing is that all of us just keep walking (I don't hike anymore, I walk and camp here and there).
Date: 2007-08-30
From: Hanover

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm in Hanover!Hanover has been a lot of fun. Chaco, Candyman, Swamp, Big Blue, Bill the Pony, and Wrong Way are all here with me. We also have seen Chuck Norris and Tigger around. Last night the 7 of us went to the bar to watch the Yankees beat the Red Sox with Bigfoot and Baltimore Jack. Needless to say, this was a great time. We crashed on some soccer fields just on the edge of town, then came back to do some shopping today. I got a sleeping bag liner, some thermal underwear, a new raincoat/windbreaker, and some other misc stuff. I think I can make it the rest of the way without getting a new sleeping bag as long as I bundle up in the one I have. At least I think I will be alive every morning, and that's the most important thing. Might get chilly at times, but I think all will be fine actually. I'm going to have to wash the sleeping bag. It is now wet in my pack because of dew from last night on the field and this surely doesn't help it's intrinsic stench. Oddly enough, I am getting to like the smell. Beds just aren't the same, being all clean and all. Oh I got new shoes today too. I made it 1,015 miles in my last pair which are now in a trash bag somewhere in West Lebanon, NH. So anyway, Chaco and I are just sitting here wasting a bunch of time, and I need to get some food for the trip to Glencliff. Tata!
Date: 2007-08-31
To: Lyme, NH
Miles today: 0.0

This is pretty nice!The general store in Lyme is great; they have this awesome internet terminal just sitting here. This is something I would love to see more of in all places in America.Anyway, Chaco and I hitched down here with an up-coming clinical psychologist and his wife. He hiked in 1995 and was very cool. He has a great idea about doing some psychological testing on AT hikers at the start of the trail, and then somewhere around here to see how they change. Anyway, we are being really lazy. We hiked like a mile and then came to town. Now we have to go another 11 miles, but it will be nice. I suppose our plan of getting to the shelter really early won't quite work now, but hey, this is just as good. We have been meeting a ton of cool people just hanging out at the store here. That's the best thing about sitting around near gas stations or convenience marts. There is a near 100% chance that you meet interesting people, or someone comes around talking about something weird. Anyway, time to go get a hitch back to the trail.
Date: 2007-09-03
From: Glencliff

To: Glencliff
Miles today: 0.0

Well, this will be my second night in Glencliff. We did a 10-11 mile slack-pack today over Moosilauke which was awesome. It was our (Chaco, Candyman, Swamp, Bigfoot, Dutch, and myself) first time above treeline. Fantastic, panoramic views all around. I got a great look at Mt. Washington about 50 miles away or so I think.Anyway, last night we all just chilled here and watched 'Hero' and then 'Old School'. Hero has to be one of my favorite movies ever. We obviously drank our fill of beer and ate lots of hotdogs/steak. It was a great night.Anyway, Tennis and Wrong Way went north today as did Big Blue. Pony is hanging out a mile out of town so he will be doing Moosilauke tomorrow. This Hikers Welcome hostel is the bomb...not sure why he didn't want to stick around. Whenever the guys I slacked with get here today we might be checking out this restaurant that's going out of business as of tonight. Since it is their last night, they apparently are attempting to empty their kegs, liquor, and food supplies in party fashion. We'll see...Supposedly we may have worked out a way to camp on the restaurants' property which would be sweet. Anyway, tomorrow there might be more slacking from Kinsman to Franconia notch, followed by a stay at Chet's house in Lincoln. The White's have started off great!
Date: 2007-09-10
To: Gorham
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I'm in Gorham now. About 30 miles left until Maine!!!!I am going to slack-pack myself tomorrow after taking a zero day to let my foot heal a bit here. I have been having some pain in the bridge of my left foot. I hope it isn't a stress fracture. A day off will help a lot I think. The Whites have been amazingly beautiful. I have been up on Washington, Eisenhower, Jefferson, and Madison now. There were several others that the trail didn't go right across. After the Hiker's Welcome hostel slack-packing, we stayed the night at Chet's house which was nice, but very brief. We only made 3 miles coming out of Chet's and then the next day I missed my turn off to go to Guyot tentsiteand ended up doing my first work-for-stay at Zealand Falls hut. It was great! They feed you dinner and breakfast AYCE, you get a bed, and you only have to sweep the floor and check blankets and stuff. Very easy, quick work. We (Critter's Dad and myself) did have to give a talk to guests at Madison hut to earn out keep, but it was a lot of fun, not really work. I then moved to Mizpah and then to Madison huts the following days. The Presidential range was awesome. Anyway, Candyman, Chaco, and Swamp got into town today so we are going to watch the double-header football tonight. I got to catch the Green Bay game yesterday and see them win against Philly. The weather has been pretty crappy but tomorrow I'll probably move on. Anyway, not much else to report. Moving ever onward!!!
Date: 2007-09-20
From: Stratton

To: Stratton
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

OoooooKay....I did 21 miles today. I went over Spaulding, Sugarloaf, North and South Crocker, and all the other stuff. Started at 9am (late), and ended at 5:45 pm (earlier than I thought I would have). I was attempting to catch Candyman and Chaco but they apparently Blue Blazed ahead via the Sugarloaf trail and didn't even come into town!!!!! WTF!?!?!?!?!?Anyway, I am at the hostel here which is awesome. Good cable connection, good stores nearby, good restaurants, etc. I am here with Loose Bruce, Bump, Genesis, Mate, Grizzle, Bigby, Jake, C-Shot, Breeze, Nobody, Boognish, Coach, and Kimchi, and Tenacious T. Yes, I did catch the big group (obviously). I was with Rex, and we were basically in the middle of a huge gap where there are no other hikers. I went like 5 nights without seeing another Northbounder. Rex finally broke that streak but still, behind me there is about a 1 week gap before another huge bubble of people (who will likely all finish the 15th or later). Anyway, we are all drinking tonight and doing some good chilling. I am doing about 6 miles tomorrow. No more 20's!!!!!!Anyway, Rex has coined the new team (in addition to Team Terrific, Blood Storm, etc, etc) which is Team Stone Alone. He is a big Stones fan and likes the idea of how I (and now he) have been alone for multiple days. Anyway, right now I don't feel like a memeber of Team Stone Alone since I am with a ton of people...'Anyway, Maine is AWESOME!!!It is the best hiking I have done on the trail except for maybe the Presidentials. No, it is better than the Presidentials. All is well. I am looking forward to Team Ninja catching up with me. Doc and Crockett, Joker, Dogman, Wreakless, Spartan, and Root Down. It was a bit of a pain to leave Doc at Speck Pond (even though the caretaker was gone so we didn't have to pay) by himself, but I couldn't justify 1 or maybe 2 zero's. Mahoosuc notch and Arm were awesome and so on. Those details will flow in later. Maine ROCKS!!! I am sad to see so much of the trail behind me and I really don't want it to end, but things like this always must. I think Rex is hoping to avoid the end, he is really taking some sweet time right now. I am hoping to avoid the end too but still...Dang...Anyway, I have to keep going and get done, so I will be out of touch for a while. There is no phone reception and barely any towns. I have Caratunk and Monson to go before the 100 mile wilderness, which immediately preceeds Katahdin. Alright!!!! Peace out!!Snakecharmer
Date: 2007-10-06
From: Millbridge

To: Milinockett
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

OMG!!!Yes, I summitted yesterday. Yes, it was the best day I could have possibly ever hoped for.Yes, I went up with a great group of people that I had hiked with for a while.It was a dream come true in every way imaginable.The previous 150 miles I basically went with no internet or cell phone coverage available so there has obviously been a lot going on that I am not going to have the time to summarize here. But suffice it to say that Monson, the 100 mile wilderness, Caratunk, and of course, Katahdin, were all amazing.We got up to the top and spent about 3 hours up there on an 80 degree, perfectly clear, sunny October day. Potentially the best day that will occur this entire month. The 11 of us who summitted, plus a couple of other friends who are headed up today, ended up in Millinockett at an Econolodge last night and had a great celebration. Today, Candyman, Chaco, and I are in Bangor now and about to head to Millbridge to go to Talkerman's house. He is not going to be there, but is opening up his place for a few weeks for fellow hiker's to relax at. I think there are already several other people there who summitted recently. I will spend some time relaxing for the next week or so, but I will be putting up some pictures and getting this more organized over the next 2 weeks or so.
Date: 2007-03-05
To: And the journal begins...
Miles today: 0.0

So I'm almost exactly 2 months away from this summer's hike. Yep, that's right, many a thru-hiker has already begun thier journey or will quite shortly and I wish I was on that list but, alas, I'm a college student so my hike doesn't start until May 8. I'm going to attempt the whole trail in a little over 3 months time which I know sounds ridiculous but I have pretty high hopes for myself. If I don't quite make it all the way, well, it's all good and I'll have the adventurous summer of a lifetime, well, I hope to have many more adventurous summers, but you get the drift. I'll be hiking the trail with a guy that goes by the trail name of Wrong Turn, he hiked most of the trail last summer so it will be great to be with someone of experience (although the name doesn't quite....!) He seems nice, I can't wait to meet him. We linked up through Trailplace.com, he's trying to hike the trail in the same timeframe as I am so we both have that motivation. I'll hopefully be meeting up with him over my Spring Break in Atlanta, well, I'll be with my dad... he kind of wants to meet this stranger I'll be spending 3 months of my life with!! But seriously, Wrong Turn's been amazing so far, he's compiled a complete list of mail drops and is a wonderful source when it comes to the billions of questions that I have about the trail and gear that I'll need. My next big purchase which I'll be buying in 3 weeks is a light weight down sleeping bag. I currently have a pretty nice synthetic one but with the shortness of my hike I'm trying to bring down my pack weight as much as possible. I'm a little worried about a down bag only b/c I don't want to get it wet and I can't help but feel sorry for the little duckie's that were plucked... it'll be okay, I'm just being an animal nerd. Anyways, I'm psyched for my bag. Other then that, I have most of my gear already, just a few small things here and there. Well, I suppose I've procrastinated from my chemistry studies long enough. I can't wait for the summer when all this science work is behind me and what lies ahead of me is beauty, nature, rain, bears, and little horses...-mons
Date: 2007-03-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So I just finsihed finalizing allllll of my mail drops along the way. Whsh, that was exhausting entering them all into this website! It feels good to be done with that... I highlighted all of the drop locations in my 2007 "Wingfoot" Thru Hiker's Guide. I got my guidebook in the mail just last week and it's been super exciting to flip though it... makes this trip feel more official. Now I've just got to figure out everything that I'm gonna stuff in the boxes. There's so much planning involved, I can't wait to be on the trail and have all this prep stuff behind me!      -mons