morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-09-06
From: Kingston ON

To: Baxter State Park ME
Miles today: 0.0

Wow, Katahdin certainly is the mountain. Just getting to see Katahdin today for the first time makes me glad that I am back on a beutiful day to finish my thru-hike rather than hiking up wet and miserable (the miserable part would be due to her complaining). I can't even imagine what it would have been like to see it slowly growing bigger and bigger as you approached through the 100-mile wilderness.My mom and I left North Bay yesterday morning and drove to Kingston; then left from Kingston to make the trek to Maine today. We have decided to take a route through Montr©al and Stratton ME. Really there is no good way to get to VT, NH or ME from Canada. Maybe it is because no one much lives in any of them or we have no need to visit since a spruce tree looks like a spruce tree looks like a spruce tree. I almost hit my first deer today. Thankfully that first will be postponed for another day. I admit that there was a brief wave a panic between when if first dashed out in front of the car to when my brain figured out it wasn't a moose (and I wasn't going to die). The deers legs were going crazy and somehow it got itself turned around and dogged a bullet. Other than that the trip down was fine. I got to order some "sousmarains" in a Qu©bec Subway and give a couple of thru-hikers a hitch back out to the trail from Stratton. My mom was absolutely shocked that I was stopping to pick up a couple of scruffy, dirty bums from the side of the road. She was relieved that they were just hikers, especially after we dropped them off ("they really smell you know").We booked a lean-to at Katahdin Stream Campground for two nights so that we will be able to leave right from the campsite tommorrow morning. I am so excited I can hardly wait!
Date: 2005-09-07
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: clear sky

Finished. Done. No more hiking. Funny feeling getting to the summit; total elation at reaching the goal motivating you to get out of bed every morning for the past four months but at the same time overwhelming sadness recalling all the experiences and firends that will just be memories. When I got to the top the first thing that I did was sit down smiled and wiped the tears from my eyes. My thru-hike was everything I thought that it would be when I stood on Springer and thought about this day. My thru-hike was also so many things that I never imagined that it could be. Truly an unforgettable experience that will be with me for the rest of my life. Thank-you to everyone who helped me out along the way whether it was a cold pop, a bed to sleep on or simply a few kind words. Without you my hike would have been just a walk in the woods.
Date: 2005-03-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

March 13 - Pre-HikeThe link above is the first audio entry in my Appalachian Trail journal [since removed to save disk space]. I'll be uploading subsequent entries whenever the opportunity arises.I'll be mailing my bounce box (and possibly a food drop) to the post office at Fontana Dam. If you'd like to send something to me, please use the following address:Eric WestGeneral DeliveryFontana Dam NC 28733In the lower left corner of the envelope/package, please put the following:Please Hold For AT HikerEstimated Arrival: March 23It really brightens my day to receive mail. I enjoy receiving baked goods and paperback books (popular science and travel writing are good), but make sure that whatever it is isn't too bulky or heavy. Also keep in mind that post offices won't accept packages from UPS, FedEx, or any other private shipper.
Date: 2005-03-20
From: Springer Mountain (GA)

To: Franklin (NC)
Miles today: 106.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm not able to upload any audio updates at this time, but I wanted to let everyone know that the hike is going great. I'm feeling right at home on the trail, and have surprised even myself at how strong I'm hiking. The weather hasn't always been so great, but some of the things I worried about prior to setting out (steep climbs, overcrowding, no views) haven't been problems at all.
Date: 2005-03-29
From: Franklin (NC)

To: Hot Springs (NC)
Miles today: 164.0
Weather: clear sky

Everything is going well, I'm hiking 20 miles a day and feeling great. I badly bent my trekking poles descending from Clingmans Dome, but I was able to find replacements here in Hot Springs. My bounce box is lost, too, but that's nothing new.Here's my next maildrop:Eric WestGeneral DeliveryDamascus VA 24236Please Hold For AT HikerEstimated Arrival: April 9If you need more suggestions on what to send in a care package, I really like Bumble Bars and Odwalla Bars.
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Hot Springs (NC)

To: Erwin (TN)
Miles today: 68.0
Weather: moderate rain

I'm still hiking like a madman, but gear troubles continue to plague me. The rear pole on my Tarptent snapped a few nights ago, and I haven't been able to reach the manufacturer to order another...I've managed to duct-tape it together, but the tent won't stand up in anything but light winds. My shoes are also rapidly disintegrating, so I'll be switching to a new pair in Damascus.I'm currently taking an unplanned zero day in Erwin. I managed to arrive at the hostel by 5 o'clock yesterday and was able catch the afternoon shuttle into town, so I had my errands run and was ready to get back on the trail this morning. But the weather has been horrible (mid-40s and raining), and I feel like I'm coming down with a cold, so I decided to take the day off.I hope everyone enjoyed the audio updates from the last post. All of the recordings so far have been done on the first take, so I apologize for the pauses and occasional lack of continuity.
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Erwin (TN)

To: Damascus (VA)
Miles today: 121.0
Weather: light rain

I'm feeling great, and almost everything is back on track. My father mailed out a new pair of shoes that I'd ordered prior to the hike, and my bounce box finally got forwarded up the trail. The only snag now is that my new tent pole won't arrive in Damascus until April 13th, five days from now.The scenery along the trail continues to amaze me. I'm so glad that I didn't wait until mid-April to start, because many of those views would have been obscured by leaves (the trees are bare now). I'll be mailing a memory card to a friend tomorrow, so there should be 100+ photos on the site in about a week.I've completed just over 20% of the trail. I entered Virginia earlier today, and will be in the state for close to a month (nearly 25% of the AT is in Virginia). The trail should be more conducive to higher mileage days now, but I still don't expect to achieve PCT-like mileage.I haven't decided on my next maildrop...it'll probably be Waynesboro. I'll post an update from Pearisburg to confirm this.
Date: 2005-04-18
From: Damascus (VA)

To: Pearisburg (VA)
Miles today: 162.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I've just taken a well-deserved rest day after hiking 31 of the past 33 days. My father and brother drove out from Indiana to meet me in Pearisburg, and we've been staying at a hotel in Princeton, West Virginia. The hotel has high-speed wireless access, so I've uploaded all of my photos and have started working on my journal.I was very impressed with the high country of Southwest Virginia (Mount Rogers NRA and Grayson Highlands SP), but the past 120 miles have been unexciting compared to the first 500. The weather has generally been pretty good, but the nights have been colder than expected; I'll still be switching to my summer sleeping bag and sending my fleece gloves home, though. I haven't received my replacement tent pole yet, but it should be at the post office in Catawba, 3 or 4 days up the trail.My next maildrop will be Waynesboro:Eric WestGeneral DeliveryWaynesboro VA 22980Please Hold For AT HikerEstimated Arrival: April 29Until then, enjoy the photos and the new audio updates.
Date: 2005-04-28
From: Pearisburg (VA)

To: Waynesboro (VA)
Miles today: 227.0
Weather: overcast clouds

All systems are go! My first five days out of Pearisburg were on the slow side (19.5, 19, 22, 17, 15.5), but after I picked up my tent pole and had an awesome all-you-can-eat meal in Catawba, the next five days were on the fast side (25, 30.5, 21, 27, 26). The weather was a bit cold over the weekend, with some light snow on Sunday, but I managed to camp at lower elevations and stayed warm in my summer sleeping bag.I'm taking at least a day off in Waynesboro, a very friendly town with lots of services. I expect to average about 25 miles a day through Shenandoah Nat'l Park and beyond, since most of the larger climbs are behind me.I've decided not to continue recording my daily audio updates (mainly because I'm lazy), but I'm still taking plenty of photos and I'm enjoying the hike as much as ever.I've got two maildrop addresses for you, the first of which will accept UPS or FedEx shipments in addition to the good ol' postal service:Eric West -- AT Hikerc/o The Outfitter at Harpers Ferry111 High StHarpers Ferry WV 25425[Estimated Arrival: May 6]Eric WestGeneral DeliveryDuncannon PA 17020[Please Hold For AT Hiker][Estimated Arrival: May 12]Thanks to those who have sent care packages, I appreciate anything and everything.
Date: 2005-05-07
From: Waynesboro (VA)

To: Harpers Ferry (WV)
Miles today: 161.0
Weather: clear sky

I've just passed the 1000 mile mark, and everything is going great. I stopped by the Appalachian Trail Conference headquarters yesterday and had my picture taken for the archives; I'm the twentieth thru-hiker to have reached Harpers Ferry this year.I was beat when I got to Waynesboro, so I took two days off there. But I had a fun time hiking through Shenandoah NP, mainly because there were many opportunities to eat a meal or buy snacks. I've finally finished off Virginia, and will soon be finished with West Virginia and Maryland as well.I'm taking the day off today, and will be hiking for a few more days before getting a ride back to Trail Days in Damascus, a huge hiker festival that many thru-hikers leave the trail to attend. So there's still time to drop a care package in the mail to Duncannon, since I probably won't be there until the 17th.
Date: 2005-05-13
From: Harpers Ferry (WV)

To: Boiling Springs (PA)
Miles today: 98.0

I passed the trail's midway point on Wednesday, less than two months after I started at Springer. I'm happy that I've stayed on schedule without having to push, and still anticipate finishing in mid-July.Yesterday's hike was a short jaunt into Boiling Springs, then a long car ride to revisit the all-you-can-eat goodness of The Homeplace in Catawba, where the owners were gracious enough to let the six of us (Mountain Dewd, Webb, PJ, Scrubs, Diesel, and myself) camp beside the restaurant since we'd gotten in so late.I'm currently in Damascus, Virginia for Trail Days. I was expecting a lot more people here (I managed to get on a computer at the library without waiting), but I'm sure things will heat up as the weekend goes on.I'll be back on the trail sometime Monday, and should arrive in Duncannon on Tuesday. I'll send out another update there with the next maildrop location.
Date: 2005-05-15
From: Boiling Springs (PA)

To: Duncannon (PA)
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: few clouds

I'm back in Pennsylvania after a rainy Trail Days weekend. I was in bed all day Sunday with food poisoning, but I'm just about back at 100% and ready to crank up the miles again.Here's my next maildrop (UPS/FedEx only):Eric Westc/o Backcountry Outfitters8 Old Barn RdKent CT 06757Please Hold For AT HikerEstimated Arrival: June 4Thanks to those who have recently emailed and/or sent a care package.
Date: 2005-05-24
From: Duncannon (PA)

To: Delaware Water Gap (PA)
Miles today: 146.0
Weather: light rain

Pennsylvania is all but finished...seven states down, seven states to go. I've not been pleased with how close the trail is to civilization, but the upside is that I can resupply more frequently and hang out more in town with my hiking companions.I've been thinking about hiking the International Appalachian Trail, an extension of the AT that continues on from Mount Katahdin in Maine to Cape Gaspe in Quebec. Maybe I'm just bummed because the hiking hasn't been very exciting the past few weeks, but a hiker I met recently who has completed the IAT highly recommended it to me...the 600+ additional miles will take up what's left of my summer, so I will need to give it some thought.
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Delaware Water Gap (PA)

To: Kent (CT)
Miles today: 173.0

Everything is going well, I'm averaging 20 miles a day since Trail Days. The trail should get more interesting in New England...Pennsylvania was basically flat and New Jersey and New York only had some minor climbs, but it looks like the trail will go back above 2000' shortly and get more challenging.My next maildrop is Hanover:Eric WestGeneral DeliveryHanover NH 03755Please Hold For AT HikerEstimated Arrival: June 16Since I have so many things to take care of before school begins in the fall, I'll probably be putting an International AT hike on hold. I believe that the most rewarding miles on the AT are still ahead of me, so I'm sure I'll enjoy the month and a half of hiking that remains.
Date: 2005-06-20
From: Kent (CT)

To: Hanover (NH)
Miles today: 281.0
Weather: clear sky

It's been a long time since the last update, my apologies. In the meantime, I've completed Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont, and now have only 442 miles (about 20% of the trail) remaining.The hiking has become more difficult the past few weeks, now that I'm back in the "real" mountains. Vermont was particularly challenging because it rained most of the time and the trail was nothing but mud. I've also had problems with heat exhaustion and dehydration the past week, which isn't much fun.I'm planning to slow down a bit now; I'm about to enter the White Mountains, the best and most challenging part of the trail by most accounts. There are also plenty of hostels in Maine (southbound hikers are fairly common, unlike on the PCT), so I figure I'll stretch the hike out as long as I can. If I average 15 miles a day from here on out, I'll finish on July 20th.My next (and last) maildrop will be Stratton:Eric WestGeneral DeliveryStratton ME 04982Please Hold For AT HikerEstimated Arrival: July 6I can't remember if I've mentioned this, but photos have been posted to the site through Delaware Water Gap. The next batch of photos (through Hanover) should be available in about a week.
Date: 2005-06-25
From: Hanover (NH)

To: North Woodstock (NH)
Miles today: 69.0

I'm in the Whites, and feeling great! The trail has been very rugged and difficult here...I had one of my best days of the hike yesterday, and only covered 14 miles. It's supposed to be very hot the next 3-4 days, so I'm going to take it easy and focus on staying hydrated...I only hiked 4 miles this morning, and am taking the rest of the day off.I'm much more relaxed than I was at this stage in my PCT hike. I know I've got plenty of time to finish, so it's really nice to put in some easy days and not feel completely wiped out in the evening. It's been a few weeks since I've seen another thru-hiker, but it's refreshing to interact with people who aren't part of the long-distance hiking culture.
Date: 2005-07-01
From: North Woodstock (NH)

To: Gorham (NH)
Miles today: 75.0
Weather: fog

I've made it through the bulk of the Whites...I was very impressed with the Franconia and Presidential Ranges, even though the trails were among the most difficult I've ever encountered. I really enjoyed the climb up to Mount Washington (6288'), but it was quite a circus at the summit.I just received news that I was infected with ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne disease that was causing my exhaustion and dehydration issues. I had some blood tests done in Hanover and started taking antibiotics, and I feel like I'm back to 100% now.I was reunited with my friends Scrubs and Jay yesterday; it was great to see them, since it'd been so long since I'd seen anyone familiar. We've got about 10 miles left before the Maine border, and just under 300 miles remaining before Katahdin...I'm definitely starting to get excited.
Date: 2005-07-07
From: Gorham (NH)

To: Rangeley (ME)
Miles today: 77.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I've made it to Maine, the fourteenth and final state on the trail. The hiking continues to be tough, but enjoyable...I hiked through Mahoosuc Notch a few days ago, a natural obstacle course that's considered the toughest mile on the trail. I saw my first moose yesterday, which was a neat experience.New photos have been posted in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern New England albums.I don't know if I'll have Internet access from here on out, so don't be surprised if it's a few weeks before I send out another update.
Date: 2005-07-15
From: Rangeley (ME)

To: Monson (ME)
Miles today: 106.0
Weather: haze

I'm almost there! I'll have another resupply in the 100-Mile Wilderness, but Monson is my last town stop.The shoes I'd worn since Delaware Water Gap were rapidly disintegrating, so I had to have REI send a new pair to Stratton. I haven't had any other gear problems, thankfully, and I'm still feeling healthy and strong, so my last week on the trail should be an enjoyable one.It's unfortunate that I won't be summitting Katahdin with any of my hiking companions (my illness has dropped me too far behind), but I'm content to finish alone, just as I started alone. As much as I enjoy being on the trail, I'm ready to bring this hike to a close and begin preparing for my next adventure.I'll send out a final update and upload my final batch of photos as soon as I return to civilization.
Date: 2005-07-24
From: Monson (ME)

To: Katahdin (ME)
Miles today: 115.0
Weather: clear sky

I did it! I summitted Katahdin at about 10am on the 23rd...it was a beautiful, clear day. I ended the hike feeling very satisfied with what I'd accomplished.I'll be taking a bus today from Medway to Bangor, then picking up a rental car at the airport. I'm planning to spend a few days exploring Acadia National Park, then will lazily drive the rest of the way back to Indiana.I'll send out an epilogue when I return home.
Date: 2005-08-01
To: Post-Hike
Miles today: 0.0

Now that I've had a few days to relax and reflect, I thought I'd share my opinions on how the Appalachian Trail stacks up to the Pacific Crest Trail. It's no secret that I thoroughly enjoyed the PCT, so it's inevitable that I'd want to compare the two hikes.The major advantage to the AT is that the logistics are much simpler. There are more towns within walking/hitching distance of the trail, and water sources along the trail are more frequent. The shelters give you the option to wait out inclement weather, and the numerous hostels, outfitters, and shuttles available all make life much easier.The major disadvantage to the AT is that it's much less scenic, remote, and user-friendly. There are indeed some very scenic stretches of trail, but otherwise there often aren't many views. The trail corridor can be quite narrow, busy road crossings are more frequent, and the noise and bustle of civilization can often be heard, even from high along the ridgetops. The treadway is littered with roots and rocks, and the climbs and descents can be quite steep, often without any reward for such severe elevation change.So while it's true that the AT was the less stressful hike, I find that the PCT was more rewarding precisely because of the adventure and risk involved. Which is not to say that the AT was easy; it's just that the high points weren't quite as high, and the low points weren't quite as low. The PCT was such an amazing experience for me that it'd be nearly impossible for the AT to measure up, but I still had a great time on the AT and don't regret hiking it at all.My next adventure will be returning to Indiana University for two semesters to finish my undergraduate degree in philosophy. I hope to spend the spring semester studying in Australia; I really enjoyed my previous trip there, and I'd have a couple months to explore New Zealand and Australia before the semester starts in late February. It's possible that I'll start graduate school next fall; the information science program at Indiana is very strong, and it's a field that I think I'd excel in.There's also a strong possibility that I'll hike the Continental Divide Trail in the next year or two; it's the third jewel in the so-called Triple Crown, and fewer than a hundred people have hiked all three trails. I'll be heading to Wyoming in a few weeks to volunteer on a CDT trail crew, which will keep me busy right up until the start of classes.Thanks again to everyone who supported me on the hike this year, particularly my father for coordinating my maildrops and my friend Aaron for uploading photos to the site (the last batch has now been posted). This will be the last group email I'll be sending out, so be sure to visit my website for updates on my newest adventures.
Date: 2004-11-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello and welcome to anyone taking the time to visit my journal. I plan to keep a journal for three reasons, an information source for family and friends, a method of contact, and a personal record for my scrap book..   I have read many journals over the years and find some to be very interesting. The great writers like Jan Liteshoe and Lonesome Dove made it fun to read and follow their adventure. Don't expect that here.... This will be more along the lines of a police report of the facts. After years of planning, preparation, anticipation, and being delayed by an unexpected job change in mid 2003, I will depart Springer Mt. Ga. at first light Feb. 27th. Join me on my journey north... The Paladin
Date: 2004-11-11
To: 108 days
Miles today: 0.0

Gear, food, planning miles,reading journals. I have devoted so much time to this project that other things have gone lacking. I have tested,retested, changed products ordered new gear to test. I have read so many different reviews that I am possible more confused than three years ago. I have decided to use a combination of food drops and local resupply. Canisterstove, because had it for years and it just works. Down bag, tarp, total weight of pack with 4 days food 2 bottles of water under 25 lbs. I know, I know, don't start.. I would love to have it under 20 but just can't give up my winter clothes, after all I'm leaving in Feb. remember..
Date: 2004-11-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

HI Again.. There will not be a lot of Prep. entries. It's not the purpose of this journal to educate anyone about the AT. I plan my hike to be a full hike of the trail and yes, with me it's about doing it all, anything less would just be sections to add to what I have already done. Northbound, with pack (as light as possible) following the white blaze. I plan to have a family send off starting with a visit to Amicalola St. Park to sign in on Feb 26th and leaving by way of the forest service rd. to Springer on the 27th. Can't wait to meet the Class of 2005. I think that by starting early I will get to meet a lot of the group because the younger hikers will blow by this 51 year old. Say Hi as you go By,,, The Paladin