morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-26
From: Andover

To: Bemis Mountain Lean To
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: broken clouds

Man I did not want to leave town today! I could work for stay in AndoverFOREVER. It's a perfect little small town, kinda like Cheers, where everyoneknows you name. Even so, Crake and I got a ride out fairly early to starthiking. I had done the calculations for finishing September 15 and all I had todo today was 8.7, yay!My pack was extra heavy (for my pack that is.) I bought resupply in townforgetting about the food in my mail drop, so I have like 4 and a half days offood for 2 days. Even so, the hike wasn't hard at all. Crake and I stayedtogether all day, having various entertaining and enlightening conversations.The Trail in Maine is simply beautiful, it's hard to fathom that soon I will bedone with this wonderful adventure. What's a brotha to do? Guess I'll get one ofthose things..what are they called.."jobs"? Maybe they're called "yobs" I don'tknow, it might be a silent J. (If you get that movie refrence I commend you!) Another short day tommorow- everybody Wang Chung tonight!(Later) I found a wool sweater in the shelter thats been here for awhile. It'skeeping me warm right now so I'm keeping it!
Date: 2006-08-27
From: Bemis Mountain Lean To

To: Rangely
Miles today: 17.7

The plan today was to only do the 8 miles to the first shelter. Thats what theschedule called for, but when I got to the first shelter at 11:30 and wasfreezing my butt off I decided to push on to town. The hike was easy after Icrossed ME4 and I moved around three miles an hour. I am really glad I took that sweater from the last shelter, it's really startingto get cold this far north. Rain started falling about an hour before I reached the road and soon I wasdrenched and shivering. My rain jacket is a joke- it acts more like a spongethan a jacket. Right now I'm at Gulf Pond Hostel, a cozy little place on a lake with a canoeand kayaks for us.
Date: 2006-08-30
From: Rangely

To: Poplar Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.7

Man, I think I could live at Gull Pond Hostel. Great food, great company,canoeing, hiking, drinking, movies. I definitely could of zeroed today.As it was we got out farly early, with only 10 odd miles to do we weren't tooworried about mileage. Tortoise and I had had a fight in the morning- 1300 milesof hiking and we can get on each others nerves fairly easily. It probably has abit to do with the fact that we're almost finished and it's getting prettyemotional. We made up though- partly because of the awesome 2 seater privy witha cribbage board.Although the hiking can't be described as easy it didn't faze us. It was prettystandard ups and downs with millions of roots and rocks we're used to. It wasall worth it though- Saddleback had an amazing 360 view. On a clear day you'resupposed to be able to see Katahdin- I don't think it was clear enough but maybewe just couldn't pick it out.There's a HUGE college group here at the shelter tonight. Maybe 15 people. Wewere less crowded in town. They took most the tent spots so we decided to stayin the shelter. (I set up my tent in it to keep warmer, it's COLD!) I'm thinkingI may get my winter bag sent back to me. We're almost done but I don't wannafreeze while I'm still out here. Short day tommorow- yay.
Date: 2006-08-31
From: Poplar Ridge Shelter

To: Sugarloaf Mountain Warming Hut
Miles today: 10.9

Right now I am sitting in a warming hut. A beautiful sunset to my left and..Mt.Katahdin in my sights! Yes, after all this time I have my first view of themountain. It is obscure and far off in the distance, but it's there. As of rightnow I have 298.4 miles to go. The hike was easy today- I don't even feel like mentioning it because of theexcitement I'm feeling right now. Well, excitement may not be the right word.I'm definately excited, but I'm also sad. I don't want this trip to end. Yes, Imiss my family and my friends, but...I'm gonna miss so much being out here.Friends here are different than in the real world. Out here everything is socalm and slowed down. The sounds of nature are so soothing. Especially comparedto the sounds of society. T-minus 15 days and counting.
Date: 2006-09-01
From: Sugarloaf Mountain Warming Hut

To: Stratton
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The AT is a funny girl. It used to run over Sugarloaf and then head down to theroad- around 2 miles. After the ski slope was built, the Trail was moved up andover both peaks of Crocker Mountain. I understand the ATC wanting to preservethe wilderness experience, but adding an extra 9 miles seems a bit radonkulus. Owell, it's part of the Trail, so we did it. Tortoise's Mom was waiting for us at the road, and she gave us all a ride intotown AND bought us lunch. It was great. Muchos gracias La Tortuga Mia! Whilechecking into the hostel we learned it was karaoke night at the bar! Of coursewe went and drank and made fools of ourselves singing. I got a lot of applausewhen I yodeled the part of "In the jailhouse now."
Date: 2006-09-03
From: Stratton

To: Little Bigelow Lean To
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Aren't tropical storms suppose to be warm? I hiked through Ernesto today and wasfreezing my behind off. The wind on top of Bigelow was blowing so hard at onepoint I was knocked down and had a good bit of trouble getting up. So I basically hauled as fast as I could so I could get to the shelter and getdry and warm. Much to my chagrin I found the shelter practically full. There wasenough space for one more person if they were willing to cram and Texas doesn'tcarry a tent so I set up mine. It's a really diferent experience setting up yourtent at a shelter, much more personal- more time to think by yourself. As this trip comes to a close I wonder what my next challenge will be. The AThas been my dream since I was little- guess I'll have to find something new!(Maybe interpretive dance? haha)Also, if you go to www.njherald.com and search the term "Walking into thesunrise" you'll find an artcle about Thru Hikers featuring Yours Truly!Link to article: http://www.njherald.com/323310197180421.php
Date: 2006-09-04
From: Little Bigelow Lean To

To: Pierce Pond Lean To
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

This may be my last entry in my Trailjournal before I finish. Tommorow I reachCaratunk and after that there is only one more town before the Big K. So I maysend my pocketmail home to save wieght. (Or I may wait till Monson, who knows.)So me thinks the thank yous in this entry are long overdue. Here they are inChronological order:First I need to say thanks to Captain Hook (04) again. He is the one who gave methe pocketmail which is just freaking amazing since he offered it the first daywe met. It has come so in handy I can't imagine my hike without it. Secondly I need to thank my friend Josh. Most of you don't know him, but he hasbeen my transcriber for this trip. (Not only that, but he's also been my editor-so spelling mistakes were caught-believe me, thats a full time job.) This isn'tjust a thank you for transcribing. It is also a thank you for being such a goodfriend during the good and bad times. Mainly the bad times. So thanks to you andSara both. See yah soon! Don't forget the earpants.
Date: 2006-09-05
From: Pierce Pond Lean To

To: Pleasant Pond Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I guess it's obvious that I didn't get rid of my pocketmail. We stopped by thepost office but I was too lazy to get everything together.Today was one of those awesome Trail days hikers will tell you about. When wewoke up in the morning we were a short walk from a lumberjack breakfast. Twelvepancakes, eggs, sausage, milk, orange juice, and water from the same vein thatPoland Springs gets there bottled water. It was all served by Tim, who runs thecamp we ate at. I ate till I thought I would throw up.After that it was a short walk across beautiful easy trail down to the KennebecRiver- the most formidible unbridged river crossing on the Trail. The crossingis so dangerous that the forest service has hired a ferryman to get you across.Steve Longley has been ferrying people for 17 (or so) years. Two hikers at atime get in and he paddles you across. (With one of you helping.) The whole timehe regales you with stories of past thru hikers, weather reports more accuratethan meteorologists, and news updates from friends ahead of you.Since he was done with his morning shift after ferrying us, he offered to driveus to the hostel he runs as well. We ate lunch at a place down the road withit's own brewery- the sampler was awesome. Then, even though we were tired AND had drank some beer (which habitually makesus lazy) we hiked out to the next shelter. Good thing too, none of us wanna stayin town too long, we only have so much time left out here.
Date: 2006-09-06
From: Pleasant Pond Shelter

To: Moxie Bald Shelter
Miles today: 13.1

There was some magical spell placed on Pleasant Pond Shelter that made everyonewho slept in it feel like crap the next day. The climb up Pleasant Pond left mylegs shaking like I had never hiked before. Hannah said she felt the same way.When I caught up with Tortoise she wasn't feeling well either. We know thatSanford had been sick but we hadn't been around him long enough to catchwhatever it was. During a break at the top of Pleasant Pond Mountain we decided that if we could,we would hitch into Monson today. I spent a long time looking at the map andfinally found a road that would work. So we walked as fast as we could down toit so we could spend most the day in town. Too bad it was a gravel road hardlyever traveled. Haha. So basically we ended up spending an hour and fourty five minutes beside a roadfor no reason.We hiked on and soon were glad we did. The top of Moxie Bald is beautiful ANDyou can see Katahdin from the top. Not only that, but the shelter is beside abeautiful pond where we had a nice fire and watched the moonrise. So tommorow will be our last Trail town. If only we could find a way to see"Snakes on a Plane".
Date: 2006-09-16
From: The Appalachian Trail

To: The Pacific CrestTrail
Miles today: 0.0

It's been almost four years since I started my Appalachian Trail hike and I still think about it almost everyday. My trail family, people in towns, the mountains, the challenges- I went out to the AT for the adventure of a lifetime and discovered the way I wanted to live.But the AT was just the start. A thru hike is really three journeys in one: a physical, a mental, and a spiritual one, and you have to complete the first two before you can really start the third. This happens at different times for people, but my spiritual journey did not start until Maine. That means it lasted only a few short weeks, when I finished the AT I felt like I had only scratched the surface of what I would learn about myself in the wild.So I decided to do two things. One: I would hike the Pacific Crest Trail. With what I learned from the AT I feel like I would get so much out of a second hike. Two: I would write a book about my journey. Truth be told I always felt like things on the AT were unfinished until I wrote the book. The act of sitting down and putting into words everything that happened was a journey in and of itself. And now I need your help. The only way I can make it on the PCT is if I can sell enough copies of my book. I know there are hundreds of AT books out there, so I wrote mine as a comedy to set it apart from the crowd. It has while sections of the Trail described in comic book form! Hilarious footnotes! And a poem about beards! (The exclamation points were supposed to make it more exciting, did it work?)I need to sell 500 copies in order to make it on the PCT, so every little bit helps. You can email me if you want a signed copy: greyfoxat@hotmail.comor you can go to www.lulu.com/greyfoxat and order one online.With your help I'll be able to make it on the PCT. Thank you.
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My attempt for a thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail has been confirmed. This is something I've dreamed since highschool after hearing about it from a returned hiker. It was on a mission trip in Oklahoma through my church that I was inspired to take a risk. It's easy to dream of a 6-month adventure, but to take a chance is another story. Am I excited? Sure I am. Am I a bit scared? You bet. But the reasons behind all of this will come out through my journal I'm sure. It's not like I woke up one morning, with voices in my head telling me to go for a long stroll in the woods. This is something I've been needing; mentally, physically, and emotionally. I've been researching this trip for a long time now, speaking with others who hiked and camped for an extended period of time. What do I hope to come out of all this? To be honest, I don't really know. I guess I just want to keep an open mind on the whole thing and see what happens. It's not everyday where you have to carry your basic needs with you on a daily basis. So...you ask, what exactly is the Appalachian Trail? Although, you could just Gizoogle it and receive an exciting result, but in simple terms; it's just 2,174 miles of absolute beautiful trail stretching from Georgia to Maine with life moving at a little slower pace than the rest of this country. I hope all of you enjoy my journal, no matter where I may end. I'll try and include as much documentation as I can, so everyone will understand the entirety of this adventure.Cheers,
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My life right now has never been so stable. That doesn't mean that I don't think of my future, because I do. If anything, I'm more curious and excited about it, at least most of the time. You see, I've learned a lot from my past faults and experiences, and everything I have today seems to keep me pretty stable. But now I think I'm bored. Bored with getting up and going to work everyday and doing the daily routine. Is it too early to think like this? I mean, I've only been in the workforce for a couple of years. I'm a "young pup," they say. Enless I have complete control, which is very rarely, I'm scared of change. So, now that I'm comfortable with life, have a decent job, and have special people around me, why would I want that to change? To be honest with you, I have no clue. I'm taking a trip that I now don't know I need. There are things, sure, that I will learn or pick up, but as far as an emotional need, that I fought so hard a year ago, I really don't have it. Sometimes I feel like I'm putting myself back into a vulnerable position to where I could struggle again. But maybe it's because I've spent my whole life like that and I'm missing that discomfort. I don't know. What I do know is that life is too short to let it go away. I know I'll be working and taking care of people for the rest of my life, so why can't I take one shot at something that takes so much from one person; strength, will, confidence, determination, ect...If I wanted this to carry on for the next decade of my life, I'd consider the army, but that's not what I want. I've chosen to take a chance, a risk out of curiousity with life. I don't know what the outcome will be, but it's simply exciting to just think about and know I have an opportunity. The best part, is that, it is impossible to fail. I feel better, now that's off my chest.
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So, I'm sitting here in my cubicle at work. Thinking of the decisions that I have made for myself. Is this the right thing to do in my life? 25 year olds are suppose to be settling in a job and focusing on the future. Not me, I'm quitting my job and going for a walk in the woods. But, somehow, I'm really excited about doing this. I've asked people, if they follow their mind or if they follow their heart. For me, it's simple, I follow my heart because I know how much my mind can play it's tricky games. The heart tells the truth, and that's where this adventure lies and rests.Besides a couple of things, I really don't have much gear yet. I've done more research than one can consume throughout this year, but I haven't made any major purchases for this trip. I'm waiting after the New Year (or after Christmas, I suppose). When this year is over, it's Go time. I'm glad I took the week trip in Virginia, because I learned that less is more. I don't need the top of line equipment or the most expensive jackets, the basics are essential and cheaper can get you just as far (at least for most gear). This trip is going to be great.
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

New BeginningsEach chapter that is endingLeads us to a new beginning.The past that we are leavingMeans a future we are winning.Each change that fills the presentSets the stage for our tomorrow.And how we meet each challengeHelps determine joy and sorrow.In every new beginningSpirit plays a vital part.We must approach tomorrowWith a strong and steady heart.So as we turn the cornerLet's all apprehension shed.And fill our hearts with confidenceAs we proceed ahead.-Bruce B. WilmerThank you Bird
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The days are counting down now. I'm officially packed and ready. Before I leave though I wanted to put my "shout outs" to the peeps that are making this thru hike possible. My AT experience is being brought to you by (no particular order):Melanee(aka Bumps): You have gone far out of your way in helping me out. I learned so much about the AT after spending a week in VA with you. Thank you for picking me up when I fell on my face. Thank you for giving me some water when I almost passed out. And thank you for letting me borrow some of your equipment on this trip. Everyone should check her journal out. It's www.trailjournals/melanee and encourage her to finish what she wrote. Thank you again Mel. Chad: I'm putting my trust in you. How ironic that I'm trusting that you'll send me food and supplies to me when you made fun of me most of my childhood. haha. Thanks man for helping me out with this. I really appreciate it.Uncle Dave and Grandpa P: Thank you for driving me down to Georgia. Not only will I be saving a ton of money (not on car insurance), but I get to see some cool museums that I probably wouldn't be seeing otherwise. Looking forward to the car ride. Thank you.Papa and Little Grinds: Thanks for the big talks and support. When one is making a life changing committment, it's always good to know the right questions are being asked. I can honestly say that I couldn't have been more prepared for it if wasn't for you. Thank you.Alright, now I'm done getting all philosophical, it's off to the mountains!
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, it's been a week since I've been home so I thought I would write a journal. Wow, what can I say? I did it. But before all the applauses, I wanted say something. This trip would have never been possible without all the love and support that was behind me. Thank you to my brother, Chad. Without him spending countless hours typing all my journals and posting my pictures, none of you all, would have ever known where I was or what I was doing. So, Chad, thanks man. I owe you big time. Thank you to everyone who sent me a package that contained food, beverages, or just a simple thought or encouragement. My sister, Britt, thank you for the many Teddy Roosevelt and George Washington Carver quotes. I could continue for pages, but in all seriousness, I would never have made it through Maine with out everyone's support. Thank you to Bumps for coming out and visiting me in Virginia for two weeks. And Sweet Pete Silly Pants, I had a good time Memorial Day weekend. Sarah and Andrea and Brian Gauder: Thanks for allowing my smelliness into your homes for a meal and a shower. Mr. and Mrs. Rematch: wow, what can I say. You were there every perfect time. From simple trail magic on Mt. Washington to saving us from freezing in Maine. Thank you for the wonderful hospitality, reintroducing water skiing to me, and helping me introduce the state of Maine to my friends and family. I know there are many that I have not written down, but I will never forget each and every phone message, card, letter, or picture that was sent to me. It been a blessing in understanding and trusting the goodness in people throughout this trip. It something I will never forget. I hope you've all enjoyed reading this journal. It was a way for me to convey my thoughts and emotions. It was a rollercoaster trip with the ups being amazing and downs being a learning experience. It's my first dream that I saw become a reality. Many people don't have the opportunity that I did and for that I truely hope my journals expressed how lucky I was in this journey. Thank you all again. If another trip comes down the road, I'll be sure to let you all know. Take care.
Date: 2006-03-15
To: Chickamauga, TN
Miles today: 0.0

My Uncle Dave picked me up at 5:00 a.m. and we picked my grandfather up to start our trip to Georgia. We stopped at Fort Knox, Kentucky and saw some vintage tanks at the Patton Tank Museum. After about an hour we continued our trek and ended at Chickamauga, TN after an eleven hour drive. We stayed at a cottage that my uncle rents every year for his Civil War tour.
Date: 2006-03-16
From: Chickamauga, TN

To: Springer Mtn
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

First day hiking and it was considered practice. My Uncle Dave and Grandfather dropped me off at 10:00 a.m. after signing the register and getting my picture taken. I walked about 100 feet stopped and enjoyed a delicious but warm Heineken for a fellow brother. 65 and sunny, what a beautiful day it was. Light breeze to cool the beads of sweat that dropped from my forehead. The Approach Trail put a strain on my body, but it felt good physically. Arrived at Springer after about 5 hours. I passed Patty, Thomas and some guy from New Hampshire that was carrying 70 pounds. When I got to the shelter I met T. Snake, Fog, Wolf Paw and Jeff. And then the flamboyant Thomas arrived with his 20 pound pack of food. The Ridgerunner, Mary Sleeps signed us in. I was pretty hungry then, so I made Mac, Cheese & Tuna. Yummy! It got dark around 6:30 p.m. so we had a campfire. We talked about our goals and shared a few stories. The temps were dropping so I headed to bed around 8:45 p.m.
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Springer Mtn.

To: Hawk Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow, did the degrees drop. I'm not sure how much sleep I got, but I finally got up while it was still dark until the sunrise. I tend to forget the beauty of a sunrise in the mountains. I was pretty cold so I made some hot chocolate and oatmeal. That warmed me up good. Shouldn't be too bad of a day. I arrived at Hawk Mtn. in about 4 hours. I was thinking of pushing to Gooch Mtn. Shelter (another 7 miles), but I'm starting to get hot spots on my feet. The same group is here tonight, but we're expecting a bunch more. Greyhound, a former thru-hiker, brought a 6 pack for all of us on behalf of St. Patricks Day. By the way, thank you Sarah and Andrea for the Spanish crossword puzzle and the Japanese memo. I hope to have it translated and completed before I leave. Overall, today was another gorgeous day. Besides my pre-blistered stages on my feet, my body and knees feel great. Tonight is St. Patty's Day. Wishing you all a happy festivity.