morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-06
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs , NC (Sunnybank Inn)
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: clear sky

Had a good nights sleep last night and for the first time was up after almost everyone else. Of course with this being a short day into Hot Springs everyone was excited to get going and eat breakfast there. Got up at 7:30, ate a quick breakfast and we got going about the same time as the Hippie Chick Gang. Hiked fast with my ankle feeling fine and we got into Hot Springs by 10am. Went right to the local diner and had a huge breakfast of an omelet, biscuits, hashbrowns and then walked over to the Sunnybank Inn to see if they had room. Went ahead and reserve two rooms, one single for me and a double for Mr J and Silent Prayer. I was really looking forward to the single room and some privacy for a change. Went back and got the guys and the backpack and went over and settled into the great 1840's era Victorian house (run for hikers mainly). Immediately on checking in and getting the room, a sense of relaxation was evident. The house is full of antiques and books and musical instruments, hat collections, etc. etc. and is able to accomodate enough hikers to get a nice group together. In contrast with other hostels I've stayed in, it is a quiet and peaceful place with at most two people to a room. Much better than the bunkhouses!
Date: 2008-07-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

1496 miles completed & 680 to go. Feet are sore, but I'm as determined asever. I enjoyed the CT towns of Kent & Salisbury and am looking forward tothe MA towns and a return to 2,000 ft mountains and then MT Greylock @ over3,000. That'll be the first 3000 fter since VA and I hope it will cool itdown a little. I've had 10in of rain over the last 10 days and it has madeit hot, muggy and buggy. I have hiked mostly alone but have met some goodpeople to hang out with, including an Aussie guy trail named Daisy.Progress continues.....FreeWil
Date: 2008-08-16
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 1178.5
Weather: light rain

I arrived in Hanover, New Hampshire yesterday, crossing the border from Vermont at the Connecticut River. Hanover is home to Dartmouth, so it's a college town not so different from Chapel Hill. Met a nice family that owns a leftist bookstore in town and they were very kind to put me up for the night, take me to a great jazz concert and feed me. Now that's northern hospitality!!! Thanks ZZ and Aviva! ZZ hiked for 2+ months north from Springer Mountain, starting less than a week ahead of me, so we knew many of the same hikers. We were actually at Uncle Johnny's Place in Erwin, TN at the same time although we didn't remember meeting. Anyway, another example of the great people that make up the trail community. I'm now less than 450 miles from Katahdin and getting ready to start the White Mountains in 4-5 days. I've had to get back some cooler weather gear (thermal bottoms, fleece top, gloves and hat) as it's getting cooler at night and will be potentially cold with possibilities (any time of year) of snow at the higher elevations in the Whites. I delayed in getting back the 20 degree sleeping bag so hopefully the weight savings will not result in very cold nights. Also just received a brand new pair of hiking boots as the others were breaking down. They were so comfortable I got another pair exactly the same. Unfortunately, Montrail discontinued the Namche so I bought a pair on the internet (pretty cheaply). Isn't that always the way - you find the perfect shoe and they go and stop producing it or change it in a major way. I'm hoping to time my trip through the Whites to be able to stay in the huts there on a work-for-stay basis. People pay $90 a night to stay in the huts and do a hut to hut hike (not thru-hikers mind you) and while the accomodations are primitive, they give you two good meals a day. They only take 2 to 4 thru-hikers a day for the work-for-stay so I can't be at the same timing as a lot of other hikers or they'll beat me to the positions available. It may not work out but it's worth a shot. Despite having to carry some additional gear for the weather, I'm hoping to keep the pack weight down by eating in the huts and I've again gotten rid of most gear not absolutely essential. I'm also hoping (as are many others) that the weather patterns that have produced two months of solid rain from Maine to Vermont will subside as the season starts to change up here in the NE. I've been told that I may even see the start of the leaf change in Maine in mid-to-late September. I hope to have a good report from the Whites! Onward...   FreeWil
Date: 2008-09-01
From: Hanover, NH

To: Grafton Notch, ME
Miles today: 176.7
Weather: clear sky

Just a quick update on progress. After fearing the White Mountains of New Hampshire for most of the trek I finally arrived about 10 days ago. My luck with weather (in all states but Vermont) continued and the weather was very good in these mountains which potentially can have snow and high winds any day of the year. The Whites were challenging and fun with great rewards for the supreme effort required. My knees and feet will never forget them, but the views I had progressing through this magical place far outweighs the cost. I did work-for-stay in three of the huts so was well fed and relatively warm at night in the above treeline alpine environment. Connie visited just prior to my ascent of Mt Washington so I had a nice zero day to rest up. Mt Washington was appropriately cold and in the clouds as I made my way up it and (not suprising to those that know me well)I loved the 70 mph wind gusts and the fact that I had to climb it without my glasses due to the mist making the glasses much worse than being virtually blind. At the summit the clouds parted for a bit allowing for views and good picture taking. I exited the tough part of the Whites several days ago and confronted the challenges of Maine starting the Mahoosic Notch and the dreaded "Arm" just afterwards. Well my hiking partner Micro Manfeet and I thumbed our collective noses at what everyone said was too much to do in one day and hiked 15 miles across the boulder strewn notch and up the arm so I could be in position to meet Connie again on the labor day weekend. And all Micro got out of it was a big breakfast that Connie brought out to the trail. At this stage a big breakfast is plenty worth it! So now I'm in the final state and 267 miles from Mt Katahdin and I'm both going to push on to the end and to savor every minute of the experience. I think I deserve to call this last three weeks of the trek a vacation and just enjoy, enjoy, enjoy... Peace, FreeWil
Date: 2008-09-07
From: Grafton Notch, ME

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 79.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I've ducked into the small town of Stratton for a night to resupply and rest as well as miss the rains of Hanna. I've only about two weeks from completing this incredible journey and I have mixed emotions. On one hand I am physically tired and ready to rest the body, particularly the knees and feet. On the other hand, this has become my new norm, hiking 8-12 hours a day with only two days off since Pennsylvania in early July. Maine has been and will continue to be a wonderful finale to the journey with incredible challenges and beautiful scenery. I haven't seen a moose yet, except on the highway, which is where you don't want to see one. I've been assured that I'll see one soon. After having three shorter hiking days of 6, 9 and 10 miles I reeled off a 16, 20 & 15. Too much says the body, but as I've entered the outer orbit of my destination, the relentless pull from Mt. Katahdin is making me go north, ever north. From here I've got 5 days to the town of Monson and then the 100 mile wilderness where I've got to carry all the food for what would be a week of hiking - under normal circumstances that is. At this stage I plan to go through it in 5 to 6 days because on the other side of it, just 14 miles north is Katahdin. Katahdin, from all I've learned is a worthy finish to the trail, considered to be the toughest climb on the AT. I think I'll fairly float up its rocky and steep slopes...
Date: 2008-01-28
To: Prep #1
Miles today: 0.0

So after all of these years of talking about it, thinking about it, visiting it, dragging friends and my husband out to see it - I am finally planning to hike it. I volunteered for a fabulous buyout offer at work last year and until I decide what to do for my next act, this walk has become my new project. Those project management skills I honed at USG are really coming in handy right now as I find myself developing schedules, researching and buying gear, getting in better shape and fretting about my ability to deal with bugs, my neck, very cold weather and my nervous friends (Gail). I plan to start at Springer on or about April 1 and complete the Trail within six months. I have also been re-reading James Hare's two-volume "Hiking the Appalachian Trail", published in the early 70's. When I was a kid, I checked these out of the local library and became fascinated with the Trail. I found a used set on the internet and purchased them a few weeks ago. They include great stories from the early 1970's that convey a Trail experience vastly different than the one I'm likely to experience in 2008. But the spirit of the thru hike and the physical and emotional challenges of doing a thru hike remain the same today. I also plan to add my gear choices as I finalize them. I found that the journals with gear detail where very beneficial.'Til later
Date: 2008-02-04
To: Prep #2
Miles today: 0.0

I now have most of my gear. I've gone about this a little backwards. I was told to buy my gear and then buy a pack to fit the gear. But I had a hard time finding a pack that fit me comfortably so I bought the most comfortable one - a Gregory Jade 50 - which has a small capacity relative to some of the recommended packs. However, the small capacity will force me to pick and choose my gear wisely in order to limit pack weight. Once the rest of my hiking clothes arrive, I can begin to play with the weight and deal with the capacity constraints. Buying gear has been fun. We are in FL for the winter and I have not been able to find a good outfitter near us. Whatever I didn't have when we left MA, I have been buying over the Internet. It's like Christmas everyday! I also bought a SPOT device. These are getting a lot of press lately and will give my friends and family some peace of mind. It will also allow my nine year old nephew Andrew to track my progress via Google Maps - which I think is very cool. http://online.wsj.com/article/the_mossberg_solution.htmlI also bought an iPhone. I'm a little unsure of its practicality but will use it initially to see if it can handle email, Internet access and pictures. 'Til later
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Springer Mountain GA

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: light rain

My husband Ky (who has been given the trail name 'Cougar Bait' since he will be alone in FL with many attentive widows for another month or two) drove me up from Naples, FL and we arrived in Dahlongea, GA on Sunday March 31. College Gayl and her son Teddy arrived from Aiken, SC on Sunday night. On Monday morning we drove to Amicalola State Park to check in at the Visitor's Center and weigh my pack. A staggering 35 lbs - which I'm finding is pretty much average. I'll work on getting that weight down over the next few weeks. Once the warmer weather sets in, I can send home some of the heavier winter clothes and tweak a few other items.We then drove up to the Forest Service Road parking lot and we all hiked south up the .9 mile trail to the summit of Springer Mountain - the official starting point of the trail. I signed the register, had pictures taken (which I will try to post once we figure out the technical glitches), and headed north, back down to the parking lot. The other option is to hike the approach trail to Springer - but I didn't want to hike 9 or so miles that 'didn't count'. We were met by Mountain Squid and Many Sleeps in the parking lot. I signed in with Many Sleeps - as thru hiker #505 (roughly - since some folks take the approach trail and others do what I did it is not a precise figure but should be pretty close). I also signed in with Mountain Squid so he could post the information on Whiteblaze.com - another website referenced by AT hikers. After many good byes, I headed north.The day was a little wet to start but cleared up. Pretty warm actually. The hiking was not too bad and I reached the Hawk Mountain Shelter at about 4 pm. I was met there by many other hikers - including Zanadu, Johnny Thunder, RePack, any many more. It's actually pretty crowded out here. Zanadu helped me set up my tent (much appreciated), I cooked my dinner and headed off to sleep around 7:30. I actually slept a bit - which surprised me.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: few clouds

Packed up and headed off at 9am. The hiking was more difficult today, with higher temps. in the 80's and Sassafras Mountain kicking my butt. I was in pretty good shape when I started the hike and was surprised at how much I was huffing and puffing heading up the mountain. Then I realized that it was the altitude. I haven't been above sea level in years! I've been told that I will get accustomed to it. Water is plentiful and there are no signs of a drought in the north GA mountains. I arrived at the Shelter at 4 or so and tented again. Some rain during the night but I still managed a few hours of sleep. I ended up with pretty much the same group from the night before, as we tend to be at the same pace in the early days.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap - Holiday Inn Express - Dahlongea GA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was what is known as a "nero" - near zero miles in hiker talk. It was something I had planned for. It was rainy and wet all morning and I got out of camp at 9:15. I am surprised by the amount of time it takes to pack everything up - I need to work on my efficiency!The hike was fairly easy (as it always is when you know you are heading into town). I hiked out with a section hiker from FL - can't remember her trail name but she is the cop lady with the horses and I think her husband's name was Jim - and another fellow who was also heading to Woody Gap. She kindly offered to take us to our destinations. (Much thanks). When we arrived at Woody Gap, we experienced our first 'trail magic'. There was a table set up with fruit, veges, crackers, drinks and a whole bunch of other stuff. I picked at a few things - I have not been that hungry yet. We hopped in the truck and dropped the other hiker off at the Hiker Hostel and I arranged a shuttle with them for the next morning. I was dropped off at the Holiday Inn Express in Dahlongea GA and spent the rest of the day doing laundry, showering, and tweaking my gear - which has become a favorite pastime of mine. After eating at Moe's, I dropped off to sleep early.
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap - Goose Creek Cabins - Blairsville, GA
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Leigh from the Hiker Hostel picked me up at 8:15. We stopped at another hotel in town and picked up Rawhide and Maverick. They are two gentleman from Oklahoma who told me that they are doing this as part of their Bucket List. They are the second people I met who said this. The movie must have inspired several people. I hiked with them out of Woody Gap and I really appreciated the company - thanks guys. Hiked in soaking rain all day but it cooled off the temps into the 60's and it was actually a very pleasant hike. There were thunderstorms in the forecast and I was not comfortable hiking alone in the rain up Blood Mountain, so I took the by-pass, bad weather route. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Reminded me of hiking in NY by Bear Mountain. Very rocky, with lots of water and challenging in places. There were several times where I had to stop and think about how to get around, up or across something. I arrived soaking wet but smiling at Mountain Crossings at the Walasi-Yi Center at Neels Gap at 4:30. The fog was so think it was like emerging from the forest in the Wizard of Oz, into the poppy field with the castle in the distance. The store there is amazing and I stood staring at everything for a good ten minutes before I figured out what I needed to buy. They called the folks at the Goose Creek Cabins and I was picked up and wisked off for the night. There were several hikers staying there, including Zanadu, Sparky and Stubborn Polock, Bama, Red Red Rose, Alaska, Micro and House the Cat to name a few. We all headed off to a local restaurant for dinner before turning in for the night. My cabin was a little 'rough' and I didn't sleep too well but it was dry and warm in the pouring rain.
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: moderate rain

Another day of soaking rain, with lots of fog. Came to several places where the view would have been great - but just kept plodding along. All you can do in weather like that is put one foot in front of the other. I have been terrified of falling during my hike. I read many other journals where people had to pull off the trail due to injuries incurred during a fall. With the rain, mud and rocks, it takes a lot of concentration to stay upright. I arrived at Low Gap Shelter somewhat down but we were all in the same boat. This was my first experience pitching my tent in the rain and it's not much fun. But - at least it stayed mostly dry in my tent during the night. The inside still gets wet from the condensation and dampness but my sleeping bag was warm and toasty and I wouldn't trade my Thermarest pillow and Big Agnes Insulated Sleeping Pad for the world right now. A hiker named Franklin had a leak in his tarp tent and the shelter was full but he managed to borrow a tarp from another hiker. Camped with Repack, Sparky and Stubborn Polock, Zanadu, Micro, House the Cat, Frankin and a few others. I decided during the night to try to get into town the next day so I could dry everything out.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap - Holiday Inn Express - Hiawassee GA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I broke camp at 8:15 - my earliest start yet. Nothing like packing up a wet tent and damp sleeping bag. It must have added several pounds to my pack. Lesson learned - get out of the rain at all cost. I enjoyed the hiking but camping in the rain was not much fun. I will pay more attention to the forecast in the future and try to time things a little better. I am in no hurry and I need to remember that. I suffer from a bit of impatience so I need to work on it. But - it was the most beautiful day and many people were out hiking this section of the trail because it was Sunday. My feet were hurting a bit and I knew I had several new blisters. I had to stop several times to tighten up my boots. I met up with several very nice day hikers. One couple was handing out homemade peppermint patties - and they were wonderful. They are all very interested in what you are doing and are very proud of Georgia. I told people that I was planning on going into town when I reached the Gap and I had three ride offers before I even got there. The hike down into Unicoi Gap was slow going due to the rocks and slope but I popped out in mid afternoon. I sat to rest on the steps and chatted with a family of six, out for a camping trip. Then I started chatting with a husband and wife from Atlanta who I passed when I was hiking down into the Gap. Turns out that they drove up just to hike a bit on the trail and they offered to take me into Hiawassee since they were going that way. Into their nice new VW bug when my muddy, smelly self and pack and off we went. They were the nicest people and we had a great chat on the way to the hotel. I checked in, unpacked my mess, got myself some food and was fast asleep by 7:30.
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Holiday Inn Express - Hiawassee GA

To: Holiday Inn Express - Hiawassee GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I decided to zero here today due to some blister issues. I had pre-hike heel blisters and I made some adjustments before the hike, but the suction of the mud caused some new ones on the sides of my heels. I am being extra cautious these first few weeks out. I don't want to do something stupid that jeopardizes the rest of the hike. I had planned to zero here later in the week and Cougar Bait sent two boxes to me, due to arrive tomorrow. So I will sit tight until then and hit the trail again on Weds. This is a nice Holiday Inn Express and I would highly recommend it. They are doing some light construction but nothing disruptive.
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Holiday Inn Express - Hiawassee GA

To: Hoilday Inn Express - Hiawassee GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Blisters are getting much better. Another day and I should be good to go. I ordered a few more things from REI that are due here today. I will make further adjustments to the feet. I realized that in my haste to get out of the wet campsie at Low Gap, I forgot to put Vasoline on my feet. Maybe that contributed to the blisters. Jenny was right - I was fine every other day. A few ramblings as I sit out another day:Surprises:- The number of people who are doing this for at least a second time. They are very helpful and have a lot of knowledge about the trail.- The number of dogs hiking. I met 5 dogs in a week - most very nice - I especially like Gypsy, who is hiking with MudSlide. He adopted her three days before the hike. He bought her a doggy backpack at Neels Gap and she has this look in her eyes that says "how the ..... did I end up here". But she is kind and I hope she made the climb down into Unicoi Gap. The other thing that surprises me is that the dogs hike faster than I do - which is a little depressing. - How nice the people of Georgia have been. Coming from the Northeast where we tend to be in a hurry all the time and don't always have time for pleasantries, it's refreshing.- The number of people doing this by themselves. I have not met that many women my age that are doing this alone but I know from the journals that they are out there. It's difficult to carry your own pack when you are over 40. The thru hiker women I have met that are my age are with their husbands so they split the load. Pack weight is SOOOO important.- The short battery life of my iPhone. It died on day two. I will recharge today since my boxes just arrived and try it again but if it continues to be an issue, home it goes in exchange for the Razor phone. Mudslide is hiking with a solar charger but they are sold out according to the website. College Gayl's husband David and Teddy are meeting up with me tomorrow. I think we will hike from Unicoi to Addis Gap and camp. We will then head down into Dick's Creek Gap and College Gayl will pick us up and take me back here. They are heading to the Davis cup in North Carolina. I am trying to decide what to do on Friday since it is supposed to thunderstorm. I might try to stay at the Hiawassee Inn and head out again on Saturday. A lot of zero's early on but better to keep the feet healthy.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Hoilday Inn Express - Hiawassee GA

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

A beautiful day for hiking. Met up with College Gayl's husband David and their son Teddy and off we went. We ended up camping at Sassafras Gap - which I would highly recommend to other hikers. The water source was close by but required a steep walk down. Much better than Addis Gap would have been.