morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-05
From: Gulfport

To: Prep
Miles today: 0.0

Hey guys,I'm back. The gangs all here. I've got the alcohol stove, the tent, the sleeping bag, and the trekking poles (affectionately named Mary Kate and Ashley last year). It's like seeing all my old friends. I've got just over 600 miles left to Katahdin, so I figured it was about time to get back to walking. Sunday morning at 6:00 AM I am flying up to Boston to stay with my friend from MSU, Laura Nichols. We'll probably eat some fish and chips, drink beer at the Sam Adams Brewery, and listen to lots of Paul Simon. I'm also going to hopefully try to get by the car garage in Cambridge that's owned by Tom and Ray Magliozzi (probably incorrectly spelled). For those of you not familiar with Tom and Ray, they host NPR's Car Talk every Saturday morning at 9. I have quite a few of their episodes that I download as podcasts to my iPod, and they are usually my go to guys for passing the time on roadtrips or walking to maine. (on my last roadtrip i listened to 35 hours of cartalk driving to and from virginia). Of everything on my iPod, they're pretty much the one thing I never can get tired of. I learn quite a bit about cars, and laugh the entire time. (If you're looking for a birthday present for me, a "Dewey, Cheatam, and Howe Law Firm" tshirt from the car talk shameless commerce division is always a winner) Hopefully I will be able to get by the garage and get a picture with at least one of the guys to add to my AT pictures. I've also got a new phone that will let me take pictures on the trail and upload them directly to my Facebook or Twitter(www.twitter.com/sfalmanjr), if you happen to use one of these. Other than that, all my gear has stayed pretty much the same. I'm looking forward to getting started again, and especially to getting back into the mountains in the Northeast. Hope to talk to you guys again soon.-Hippo
Date: 2009-06-09
From: Boston

To: The Bar
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Spent the past two days in Boston. Really like it here, visited BU Law yesterday. I'm staying with my friend Laura Nichols, and she's been a great tour guide of the city. We came in third place in bar trivia last night, but tonight we're going for first place. I went over to Cambridge today in hopes to meet Ray and Tom from Car Talk. I went by the offices of Dewey, Cheatam, and Howe (Car Talk production offices), but Tom and Ray did not happen to be there today. I met one of their interns named Hannah, and put a pin on their visitors map. I was the only person to visit from Gulfport, MS, and there was one or two other pins from around the Jackson area. The Car Talk office has a large Ben and Jerry's freezer, in which they store all of the free ice cream that Ben and Jerry give them. She gave me a delicious ice cream bar. Unfortunately I did not have my trail appetite yet, so I don't think I enjoyed it as much as I will enjoy the ice cream in Vermont. After leaving there, I got a few last minute supplies and now we're about to head to trivia to dominate tonight. Hitting the trail tomorrow. Wish me luck.
Date: 2008-03-24
To: AT in < 2 weeks
Miles today: 0.0

We have less than 2 weeks to go. We are driving to the Hiker Hostel on Sat., April 5, camping on Springer Mtn. Sunday night, and starting our hike April 7 to celebrate Jarrod's 29th birthday. We are so excited and ready.                                                               kah
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Hiker Hostel

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0

We spent last night in an awesome hiker hostel here in Dahlonega, Georgia with family and friends. We will be camping on top of Springer Mountain tonight, and tomorrow we will begin our great odyssey. The weather is beautiful, the people are helpful and kind, and the excitement level is high. It is hard to imagine what it is going to be like to take that first step; we have been anticipating it for such a long time. The packs are packed and the trail calls, so we go now.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Springer>Hawk Mountain>Justus Creek

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

Hippie Chick and I have completed the first one percent of the Appalachian Trail. We have no blisters, no breaks or sprains, and a little muscle soreness. We have both received our trail names: Kimberly is Hippie Chick, and I have been deemed The Poet (I'm sure my students will love that one). I am writing a Haiku in every shelter register that I come to. The first day started out in a fog, but our spirits could not be dampened. After saying our farewells at the top of Springer Mountain, we started our seven mile hike for the day into Hawk Mountain Shelter. The sun came out about midday, and we took a side trail to some awesome waterfalls. Camping that night was comfortable. The next day was colder and foggier than the one before, so after getting up, moving was not a problem. The trillium, blood root, columbine, and other various plants peeking up from beneath the dead leaves were a sight to behold. Yesterday evening we set up camp beside a stream in some beautiful Appalachian woods; Hemlocks and Rhododendron surrounded us and the sun was shining brightly. That night about eighty Army Rangers in training moved very quietly through our camp. I heard them, but I could not recognize the light metallic noise. I learned later that they were carrying guns with blanks. Today we hiked into Woody Gap with a steady pace and a beautiful day. Thanks to the students and friends who have written to us; it is nice to know that you care.
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Woody Gap

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

We finally got some pictures uploaded. Enjoy! The day before yesterday, we hiked from Woody Gap to Neels Gap, a total of 10.6 miles. Considering the fact that we were slack-packing, the 1,300 foot ascent up Blood Mountain and the heat of the sun were not that bad. Blood Mountain is the historic sight of a famous battle between the Creek and the Cherokee Indians. It is said to be haunted, and if you stop and listen carefully, the distant sound of moaning fills the air. The descent down the mountain was a knee killer, but when we came out at Neels Gap, the owner of the Mountain Crossings outfitter brought us a cold beer a piece; beer has never been so good. We stayed another night at the Hiker Hostel and set out the next morning from Neels Gap; Kimberly's parents are close friends with the owners of the Hiker Hostel, and they have been providing us with rides and many other benefits this first week of our hike. We hiked a total of 6.4 miles by 1:00 yesterday, ending at Hogpen Gap. The day was cool and refreshing and was finished with shopping in Dahlonega and dinner at a Mexican restaurant. Today we have taken a zero day in which we have reorganized our packs and prepared for a three day hike into Dick's Creek Gap. We are both ready to hit the trail after a day of rest.
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 66.0
Weather: light rain

Hi! I know it has been awhile since we last wrote. We stopped in Hiawasse,Ga at The Blueberry Patch Hostel last Tuesday and met some really cool people. To Liza; one couple had the trail names Pegasus and Unicorn and together they call themselves Pegacorn (I told them you would love that). Anyway we are having a fantastic time. We made our 100 mile mark yesterday =)! We entered NC on Thursday, that was awesome! 1 state down. We have reached several high elevations here (over 5000 ft). Yesterday we climbed Albert Mountain, that was killer. We had to practically rock climb to get up there and on top was a 600 ft fire tower. Jarrod climbed up for photos, but not I. Thank for all your messages. We were so happy to read them, they made me smile and (in the words of Kristy Himmler) chuckle a bit. We will write more soon(and add more pics). Lots of love to you all. LOVE, Kim (Hippie Chick) P.S. We will be @the NOC in 3 or 4 days where we are going to white water raft (i'm so excited)
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Franklin, NC

To: Newfound Gap, GSMNP
Miles today: 100.8
Weather: clear sky

*Hello. everyone. Sorry it has been so long, not every resupply stop has had internet access as expected. We are still having an amazing time and getting stronger everyday. After a quick stop in Franklin, NC we returned to the trail on Earth Day. We took a side trail to the the 2nd largest Poplar tree in the US. Really cool, and huge by FL standards. We have been hiking with a guy called "Sunny" since we crossed into NC. He is a lot of fun and it's nice to have company. We hiked our biggest day yet, 20 miles. We were headed to the NOC to go rafting and we wanted to catch up with some other people. We were all feeling good that day and decided to go for it. The only problem was with all the great views that day it ook a little longer than we thought, we had to hike 3 hours in the dark. It was really awesome, there was still a full moon. We hiked with the Michigan Wolverine that night and later read in a shelter register that he had deemed us (jarrod, sunny & i)"The Hippie Chick Gang". Of course I loved that. We had great breakfast, beer, and dinner at the NOC. In between the eating we showered, did laundry and went white water rafting. It was a nice day. Next we hiked to Fontana Dam aka "the hardest 30(miles) in the South" and they were tough. We stayed at the Hike Inn which was great, again shower, laundry, and Mexican food this time. My mom had left a box fo us there with resupply for the Smokies (and gratefully a bottle of wine). That was a nice surprise.
Date: 2008-05-07
From: Newfound Gap, GSMNP

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 67.1
Weather: few clouds

Greetings from Hot Springs. I am having a wonderful birthday. We are enjoying a zero day and staying in a beautiful B&B. We throughly enjoyed the GSMNP, it was like stepping into a different world. On our last day we saw another bear. The Poet actually had to go a little closer than comfortable to it in order to get water for dinner. A special thank you to Kay and Gary for the wonderful break. We are making tracks and definitely having the best time. We camped on Max Patch a few nights ago. That was awesome! Yesterday we soaked in the hot springs and stayed at a cool hostel (Elmer's Sunnybank Inn). We will be in Erwin, TN in about 5 days. We just met a fellow thru hiker that lives in Micanopy!!! Unbelieveable.
Date: 2008-05-13
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 68.1
Weather: clear sky

We made it to Erwin, TN on the sixth day. What a beautiful stretch of trail, especially from Devil's Fork Gap to Spivey Gap. We hiked over rolling hills, through meadows and over a huge bald (Big Bald)that was almost as awesome as Max Patch. We had some cold and blustery weather sprinkled with a little rain and even hail one evening. At Sam's Gap we got off the trail a few miles and went to a nearby cafe for breakfast. That was good and needed, and we still did 15.6 miles that day even with the short hiatus. Today we hiked into Uncle Johnny's Hostel, and caught up with The Frewillin'Silent J gang, soon to be minus the silent , and many others who yellow blazed to get here early. Everyone is excited about trail days which is this weekend in Damascus, VA. Many people ahead of us will be hiking in and more people behind us and from this point are shuttling in as early as today. As for the poet and I, we will be hiking the next few days and catching a ride in with Freewil's cousin. Sunny is not feeling well, he has been sort of ill ever since breakfst at Sam's Gap. He is going to stay put and meet us at Trail Days. We will post more pictures in Damascus. Miss you and love you all. Can't wait to see some of you next month. <3, Hippie Chick
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Erwin, TN

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 121.0
Weather: few clouds

We're in Damascus! We were here last weekend for Trail Days, which was a blast, and then we went back to Carver Gap and hiked to Damascus. Along the way we stopped at quite a few neat places: the overmountain shelter (a really cool old barn), Mountain Harbour B&B (we camped with goats), Kincora hostel(we slept in a tree house), and Watauga Lake. The trail is treating us well, and we realize that we are here for it rather than it being here for us. Our attitudes mold the trail beneath our feet, and so far the experience is superb. We are still meeting many new people, and each one brings a kaliedoscopic essence to the journey. Two most recent aquaintences are Nora "the absent minded explorer" who was carrying her dad's vintage external frame pack which was 3 sizes too big with at least 50lbs. She just got on the trail at Dennis Cove and is going until July. Poet traded packs with her and helped her get to Damascus a little more comfortably; she is getting a new pack. The other is "Pull up" who has just finished his sophmore year of HS and is trying to complete the trail in 4 months so he can return home to finish his Eagle Scout project and play sports. Cool kid. We miss you all and continue to appreciate your thoughts and support.
Date: 2008-05-31
From: Damascus, VA

To: Troutdale, VA
Miles today: 49.2

We just finished hiking the best two days of the trip so far. The Grayson Highlands are amazing! We saw at least 20 (not so) wild ponies, one unruly pony tried to eat our hiking poles and nibble on Mr. J's pack, and another was licking Poet's leg. We decided to make an unplanned stop here in Troutdale and we are happy we did. Jerry the owner of the only restaurant/store in town is very hiker friendly. Great burgers, internet, resupply, and even a ride back to the trail. We are really enjoying Virginia, it's just beautiful, so much greenery and flowers. I can't believe the school year is almost over. We want to tell our students that we miss you and loved getting to know you this year. We hope you all have a fantastic summer. Keep sending us mesages over the summer, so we can keep up with you. Of course Mr. Hester says to keep up your reading response folder (j/K) Can't wait to see you next year. A special congratulations and good-bye to my 8th graders!!!! I love you all and wish you success in high school. We are headed back to the trail this morning, hoping that the evident rain won't be so bad. We should be in Atkins, VA in two days and we will try to upload some more pictures. Until then. much love and we miss you. Hopefully some of you will meet us to hike for a few days this summer. Hippie Chick
Date: 2008-06-11
From: Troutdale, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 114.0
Weather: broken clouds

Despite the intense heat, we are making really good time. We hope to make it the Harper's Ferry by the Fourth of July, but no rush. Hippie Chick and I are still having a great time, yet we regretfully say farewell to our fellow hiker and friend, Mr. J(we won't be the Peace Train without you, and can't wait to see you in Connecticut for all of the trail magic). It sounds like quite a few of our students did very well this year; congratulations to all. Check out the new pictures; they go from Damascus to Pearisburg, and they tell the story better than we can. We miss you all. Adam and Nick, get your butts out here(and anybody else who is up for it).
Date: 2008-06-19
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Daleville/Troutville, VA
Miles today: 92.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hello everyone! We are still going strong. We just finished up a 7 day stretch and had 2 of the tops days of the hike. One was the climb to Dragon's tooth, which is a huge rock pillar providing panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The following day we ascended McAfee Knob and took our obligatory sitting on the edge pictures. The view was breathtaking. We stayed for about 2 hours, eating lunch, napping on warm rocks, and sketching. The same day we saw a baby fawn on the side of the trail. Poet says it was 2 weeks old at most, it was the most precious thing I've ever seen. It was all I could do to stop myself from petting it, but I resisted. The trail never stops providing awesome and exciting experiences. We are definitely lucky to live in such an amazing place. We are looking forward to the rest of Virginia (the upcoming Blueridge Parkway and the Shenendoah National Park), and also seeing Connor and our parents on the 4th of July. Lots of love, Hippie Chick
Date: 2008-06-27
From: Daleville/Troutville, VA

To: Dutch Haus, Montebello, VA
Miles today: 115.0

Hello, everyone. We are almost to the Shenandoah's!! We are currently at the Dutch Haus in Montebello, VA. The people here are so nice, we feel so comfortable and so at home. We did 20 miles today and are planning to do 20 tomorrow. The trail is treating us well. We have had some fantastic trail magic on this last stretch. On the Blue Ridge Parkway we had a man pull over and cook for us out of the back of his truck (pancakes, sausage, & eggs). We were in heaven. He really kept it coming. The very next evening a man came up to the shelter with icecream and brownies. And it didn't stop there, the next night Freewil's friends came to hike with us ans they brought ribeye steaks to cook over the fire. And now with the fantastic food at the Dutch Haus we are spoiled. We are so excited to see our family. Poet's parents and our nephew are coming to visit for the 4th of July! Harpers Ferry is coming right up. Muchos besos. <3-Hippie Chick
Date: 2008-07-07
From: Dutch Haus, Montebello, VA

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 127.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We love the Shenandoah's! We had the best week. The trail was fairly easy and of course we had great company. Connor got to see a few bears, at least a hundred deer (literally Lindsay), and a wiley racooon that tried to get into our room. He also hiked on the trail with us. All the hikers loved him. Poet's parents did great trail magic and really enjoyed meeting all of "unique"(crazy characters)people They are leaving today It's for the best, because I am beginning to get a little spoiled with the good food, wine, and nice bed every night.
Date: 2008-07-09
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 54.0
Weather: moderate rain

Harper's Ferry!!! The unofficial halfway point. We are soooo excited to be here. It actually feels sad to be through VA, but really good to have accomplished this much. We are moving on to another phase of the trail. Mr. J is back on the trail and hiking with us. We are also getting Gypsy and Ringo for the rest of the trail. They will be great trail dogs. Poet has updated our journal with about 200 more pictures. Enjoy! We are now headed to the ATC to get our pictures taken for the archives. We miss you all and love hearing from you. Thank you for all your encouragement and support.
Date: 2008-07-21
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Middlesex, PA
Miles today: 106.0

Despite sore paws and exhaustion, the dogs are doing great. Ringo "the tank" and Gypsy "the mountain goat" are just as happy to be with us as we are to have them. We are 'crushing' PA and will be in NJ by the end of the month. So far we miss the south, there have been a lot of roads and rocks, but we are still looking forward to what is to come. As a fellow thru-hiker, Thoughtfoot, says "How far can a man(or woman) walk into the woods?. . .Halfway, and then he is walking out of the woods." I like that. We are using the computer of a kind trail angel. We will put more pictures on soon. It's great to read new messages. Thank you for the encouragement. We miss you all.
Date: 2008-08-05
From: Middlesex, PA

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 164.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We made it through "Rocksylvania" and so did the dogs, I mean mountain goats. We are heading into NJ and the states will start flying by and before we know it "THE WHITE'S" will loom in the distance. PA was a great state with a few fun stops along the way. We saw two rattle snakes, one of which Gypsy and I practically stepped on. Poet had to chase off a bear that snuck up behind him while getting water. Gypsy and Ringo have got their trail legs and big reserves of energy, they are really doing awesome. They are really fun to have around and loved by all. It is exciting to think of the new school year starting; we wish the best to all fellow teachers and students. We will put pictures on as soon as possible. Internet has been scarce, as well as a computer that will allow the uploading of multiple-huge-file photos. We are still having a fantastic time and still meeting new people. We miss our friends and family muchisimo. Keep in touch and let us know how the year starts. We can't wait to see you all. Much love.
Date: 2008-08-27
From: New York

To: Massachusetts
Miles today: 141.5

Hello from New England! We have been through CT and are now in MA. Only 3 and 1/2 states to go. We are still enjoying the trail, it seems to get better everyday. Each time we get through a state it feels great and Maine seems very attainable. The dogs are doing well, however we are 99% sure that Ringo has Lyme disease. As soon as he started acting strange (very lethargic) we took him to a vet. He had a high fever and tested positive to Lyme. So after 4 doses of antibiotic and a zero day, he is doing much better.    As we hike north the weather is beginning to cool down. We've actually slept cold the last couple nights as it dipped down to low 50's. So we just received our cold weather sleeping bags and rain gear in the mail, so we will be comfortable from here on out. We hope that the school year is starting smoothly (except for the hurricane days). We miss everyone as always and can't wait to get home and see you all. We'll put some more pictures on soon. Jarrod likes to put on a bunch at a time.
Date: 2008-08-30
From: Massachusetts

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 48.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hi, I'm not sure what's wrong with our trail journal, hopefully this entry shows up. We will be hiking into Vermont tomorrow and will be hiking on the Long Trail (as it co-exists with the AT) for 105 miles. We are loving the trail and missing home at the same time. We're feeling strong and excited for the White mountains of NH. We have been meeting a lot of southbound hikers and it's good to talk with them about the upcoming terrain. Jarrod was trying to put pictures on, but is having trouble with this computer. So we'll try again later.
Date: 2008-09-08
From: Dalton, MA

To: VT (Kent Pond)
Miles today: 136.0

The Long Trail was awesome. We have had fantastic weather and the terrain has been kind. We have about 40 miles left of VT and then it is on the New Hampshire and the Whites. In the mean time we will be taking a short side trip to Millinocket, ME this weekend. My parents are having "The Trail's End" festival in their community and we would like to go and support them this first year. Also, we will be leaving Gypsy & Ringo with my sister; the mountains in NH are said to be a bit challenging and we don't want to danger the dogs. After NH we will be in Maine (the final state of our great journey). We're still going strong and are very determined to accomplish our goal, despite the oncoming cold. Can't wait to see everyone next month.
Date: 2008-09-23
From: VT (Kent Pond)

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 186.0
Weather: few clouds

We conquered "The White's". They were phenomenal and all that we had hoped for. It is hard to express in words the intense beauty we experienced on this leg of the trail. We really didn't know what to expect of these great mountains, we had only heard they were tough and like nothing we had seen or done previously. Despite all the hype, we found our bodies to be in good shape and ready for any obstacles. We had perfect weather all week and saw one awesome view after another. We even had nice weather and great views on Mt. Washington. As the fall colors begin to show, there are no regrets as to being where we are, when we are. As we head into Maine we will be reflecting upon this life-changing journey and anticipating it's end. As always, we miss you all and can't wait to return to all of our friends and family. Katahdin or bust!!PS- We have had many problems with the website and have been unable to put on any pictures.