morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-18
From: Lincoln

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Finally I have put some pictures up and more to come. After finally converting the 3000+ photos to CDs, I have selected a few to post. Mom and Dad are visiting and spoiling me with lots of beer and food. I am hitting the trail again Monday morning. 1801.9 miles done and only 372.7 to go. Thanks for the support.The River Weasel aka Andy
Date: 2006-08-21
From: White Mountains

To: White Mountains
Miles today: 0.0

It feels good to be back in the woods but it would feel better in a hotel room watching sports center. After re supplying and one last meal mom and dad dropped I off at where the sign said the trail was. It was wrong. The trail there led to the AT but it wasn¢t the right trail. I asked around and finally had to navigate my self to the right trail. Once I found the trail it went straight up. Once at the top I arrived at an AMC campsite. The AMC is the Appalachian Mountain Club. Better know to hikers as the Appalachian Money Club. They pretty much own the White Mountains even though they are really owned by the government. They maintain all the trails as well as provide housing for hikers. Well let me rephrase that. They operate these gorgeous ¢huts¢ that are located in prime positions. People can hike to the huts to spend the nights (some huts hold over 100 people.) The people working there feed you dinner and breakfast. They also have camp sites that you can stay at. Both come at a very expensive charge. Oh and the AMC also makes the rules about where you can camp. And guess what? The only places they ¢allow¢ you to camp are there huts or campsites so they pretty much have you. The Huts do allow 2 hikers a day to do a work for stay and they get to stay free. And after never being charged a dime the entire way it¢s a little hard to swallow. And if it¢s full they just tell you sorry, keep on going to the next one.I decided to give in and just stay there for the night since there was a large group in front of. If I wanted to hit the huts I needed to not be bunched up with a lot of other thru hikers. I talked with Caveman the caretaker for the site. He was a past thru hiker so we talked for a while. Right before I climbed into my hammock I could see the sun for the first time today. It was setting through the trees. It¢s cold tonight but not rainy. Hope fully the weather will be nice the next few days till I get over Mt. Washington.
Date: 2006-08-22
From: White Mountains

To: White Mountains
Miles today: 0.0

Once again timing is everything. Great hike today. The climbs are starting to get steep. I got to climb in the alpine zone for 3 and half miles. The weather was perfect. The only problem was my views were being blocked by all the people. Probably the most people I have seen in one day on the trail. It didn¢t feel as special as it should of felt for someone who walked there from Georgia to be sharing it with everyone and there brother. It was still gorgeous and being above tree line is spectacular. When I arrived at the hut where I was hoping to stay I saw Mule, Slick B, and Bruiser sitting on the front porch. I asked them if there was and room left. They said they were told they were too early and that they needed to keep moving on to the next one. They weren¢t very happy about this because they had put big miles in this morning in hopes to get there. There was no way they could get to the next hut with out hurting there bodies. So I went in to ask if there was any room and they told me I could stay. Now I had to go back out and tell them I was staying but they couldn¢t. They left and went and found a place to stelf. I was joined my Coheba and Otter later that night in the hut.
Date: 2006-08-24
From: White Mountains

To: White Mountains
Miles today: 0.0

Once again I got a great hitch out of town. A father and son who were going hiking them self gave me a ride with nice conversation. When I go out of the car that all changed. I went up and up and up. The whole day I could see Mt. Washington in the distance. Usually it is covered in clouds but not today. It was calling me all day. The people were still everywhere on the mountain. I was heading towards the Lake of the Clouds Hut which is only a mile and a half from the top of Mt. Washington. Towards the end of the day the people disappeared. I had the entire mountains to myself. When I arrived at the hut it was packed. I sat around since I was in the Presidential and there isn¢t a mountain named after either Bush's, being the true patriot that I am I packed out 2 Busch beers.
Date: 2006-08-29
To: Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The River Weasel is in Maine! He crossed over the border today and plans to reach Mt. Katahdin around the 15th of September. He will make the final climb as soon thereafter as weather permits.He has less than 300 miles left of his 2175 mile journey. This last leg is mostly wilderness, so communications are limited. He will be checking his guest book whenever possible, so please sign in to show your support.Thanks for keeping The River Weasel in your thoughts!
Date: 2006-09-03
From: Andover, Maine

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The River Weasel left Andover, Maine this morning. He is less than 250 miles from Mt. Katahdin. His journey has been slowed somewhat the past few days because of the very rough terrain. There is a lot of up and down hiking, as well as being rocky. But no complaints from him, the plan is still to reach the summit no later than September 22.The journal entry for 6-6 has been posted.The River Weasel wants to thank those of you that have signed the guest book in the past few days. It is a great source of motivation during this last stretch run.
Date: 2006-09-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The River Weasel left Caratunk, Maine this morning and should reach Monson, Maine and the entrance to the ¢100-Mile Wilderness¢ on Thursday. From that point to Baxter State Park and Mt. Katahdin, which should take him 6-7 days, there will be no communications. This is some of the most remote mountains and forest found along the entire Appalachian Trail.He has passed the 2000-Mile mark and is less than 150 miles from Mt. Katahdin. The plan is still to reach the summit at Mt. Katahdin no later than September 22.The River Weasel wants to continue to thank those of you that have signed the guest book in the past few days. It is a great source of motivation during this last stretch run.
Date: 2006-09-15
To: The Last Week!
Miles today: 0.0

The River Weasel leaves behind the last remaining semblance of civilization early tomorrow morning when he enters the ¢100-Mile Wilderness¢, which runs from Monson, Maine to Baxter State Park and Mt. Katahdin. This is the last stretch before he reaches his ultimate goal which started back on April 1. His plan right now is to spend the night of September 21 at Katahdin Stream Campgrounds and summit on September 22.The ¢100-Mile Wilderness¢ is a fitting end to the 2175-mile Appalachian Trail with its remote wilderness and non existent communications. For 6-days The River Weasel will not only be fighting the weather and ever changing surroundings, but natural wildlife as well such as bears, snakes, and moose. There is only one way in and one way out . . . hike! And there is no room for error or miscalculations.The River Weasel wants to continue to thank those of you that have signed the guest book in the past few weeks. It is a great source of motivation during this last stretch run.
Date: 2006-09-17
To: The River Weasel has less than 100-miles to go!
Miles today: 0.0

The River Weasel has less than 100-miles to go! He is in the 100-Mile Wilderness and is still on target to finish at the end of the week.New Journal entries have been posted for 7-7 thru 7-18 (7-16 is missing).
Date: 2006-09-22
From: The River Weasel has less than 50-miles to go!

To: DONE
Miles today: 0.0

I am done and dont plan to walk anywhere for a while. I finished on Friday September 22, 2006. At 10:00 AM i switched from The River Weasel back to Andy. it was a cold day with patches of snow and ice in places. When I arrived at the summit I had the mountain to myself for 20 minutes which couldn't be traded for anything. In case you were wondering how I feel after walking 2174.6 miles, im tired. I arrived in Boston Saturday and will be flying home Monday afternoon. Thanks for everyones support along the way.
Date: 2007-09-22
From: one year

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well so I figured its finally time to update my journal. One year ago today my mind was God only know where. If you think walking from Georgia to Maine is hard, try doing it then having go back to reality. That is the greatest challenge in life. To truly live life and have to go back to the ¢real world¢. Everything you promise yourself you will never do you find yourself doing day in and day out trying to fit in to the norm. One year ago I was sitting on top Mt Katahdin by myself reflecting the last 6 month's and my life with not care in the world. Currently I am working as Recreation Manager at a Beach and Tennis Resort on Longboat Key in Florida. The crazy thing is I am serving as Manager on Duty one year to the day from the greatest day of life. What that means is I cant leave the property from Friday till Monday. A crazy change from the care free, no obligation life I lived just one short year ago. Life is good but will never be the same as on the trail. The friends I gained are not replaceable. Pure as it comes. Its just one of those cases that ¢What doesn¢t kill us makes us stronger.¢ I am a better person for hiking the trail and I will be the first person in line to defend that. Thanks to everyone who was a part of my success. Even If I never told you, you are responsible for me finishing. If it wasn¢t for those who believed I wouldn¢t have finished. So to those I say ¢¦.. Thank You. And bottoms Up.The River WeaselNOBO 06.
Date: 2006-02-28
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Today was really, really difficult. I went really slowly and took five-minute breaks about every half hour, but still was out of breath way too often. Started muttering in German at one point. Supposed to rain Thursday, so I'd like to get to the next shelter Wednesday and hang out there an extra day before hitting Neels Gap Friday. I'm not sure I can hike 12 miles in one day, though. I also need to ditch my stove: it's the pits.Stayed at Gooch Mountain Shelter with Snake, NSOM, Bluebird, and Abandon.
Date: 2006-03-01
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

My dream last night, about a privy with a door, turned out to be a premonition at Woods Hole Shelter, but it's almost 1/2 a mile from the trail AND .3 miles from the water! I may book it to Neels Gap and stay there for my free day.But: the hike! A whopping 11.9 miles, which I wasn't sure I could handle, went by relatively painlessly. I started at 8am and got to the shelter around 4:40pm, so... 8 1/2 hours? Snake and Bluebird both commented on my speed, but I forced myself to take a few ample (for the Tortoise) breaks.Bluebird gave me a sudoku to do by candlelight. Sweet!
Date: 2006-03-02
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The hostel at Neels Gap is great! Delicious hot dog, great variety of dehydrated food and gear, tons of successful thru-hikers all over the place, decent book and movie selection. Ate five pieces of a medium Domino's pizza and watched *Rain Man* with the whole crew. My legs ache.Work and civilian life have completely disappeared from my mind. What really brought this home was listening to Snake and Bear broker a trade of some dehydrated eggs for a few packs of oatmeal. This struck me as quite meaningful--in addition to being hilarious--because it so beautifully summed up the concerns of the thru-hiker.So, why do people do this? Why do so many people hike the trail, and more than once?
Date: 2006-03-03
From: Neels Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero day at Neels Gap. I did a pack shakedown--started at 42 pounds!--and shaved about 10 pounds off. The people here are so nice and knowledgeable!Well, it was seconds after re-weighing my pack that I had my first trail injury. I'm still pretty embarrassed, but wear it with a certain pride, too. What happened: I was walking down the steps, full pack with my camp shoes on. I tripped a little, but kept walking ,trying to regain my balance until the pavement at the bottom, where I fell on my face. Out came Neen and Heald, who had just shaken down my pack. Alpine gave me a once-over, checking to see that I didn't have a concussion or a broken nose. Then it was off to the hospital with Winton and Mickey One Sock, where the doctor said I may get another bloody nose, but I would be fine to hike the next day. Mickey bought me a HUGE lunch at Wendy's, too much and yet I managed to eat it all.
Date: 2006-03-06
From: Cheese Factory Site

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a relatively easy day, but I feel like I blew it. Other than the 1000' climb up Kelly Knob, I was slow and miserable. Bear said something last night about how hiking burns about 4500 calories a day, and so you need to eat 4000 even if you want to lose weight, which is a lesson I really learned today. Right before Kelly, I took a long break, ate about 300 calories, and took it by storm.Kept running into Bear and asking him about the all you can eat steak place in Hiawassee, which we hit tomorrow. Do they have an ice cream bar? Biscuits? Mashed potatoes? I want it all. Also hope to stay at the Blueberry Patch for the best blueberry pancakes on the AT.
Date: 2006-03-07
From: Deep Gap Sheltetr

To: Blueberry Patch
Miles today: 3.5

Got to the Hiawassee road crossing to see Bear, Compass, and Snake trying to hitch a ride--without me! Serves them right, because we all got a ride the second I showed up.Daniel's Steak House was the most disappointing ever. I don't think I would've made it through the last few days if I'd known.
Date: 2006-03-08
From: Blueberry Patch

To: Hiawassee Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Only the tenth day out and I'm taking another zero day. Oh well, it's for a good cause: the last episode of *Project Runway*! I found out that the Hiawassee Inn has Bravo, so I'm splitting the cabin with Compass, Pebbles, and Nokia, a good group at any rate.The pancakes at the Blueberry Patch did not disappoint, plus there were eggs, sausage, biscuits, and blueberry and maple syrups. Delicious!
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Hiawassee Inn

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I really need to lighten my pack. When I got out today it was so heavy I was afraid I was going to do serious damage to my feet, and ended up dumping out a water bottle. I need to get below 30 pounds. Period.Other than that, I felt pretty good today. I think I made decent time, considering the monster pack, and I kept the breaks to a minimum.I thought a lot about potential zero days in DC and New York. I don't think I really miss home or my friends, but I would like to check in and think that'd be compatible with my hike. I am the Tortoise, after all.I hung my bear bag all by myself and did a really bad job. Fingers crossed...
Date: 2006-03-10
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Hiked I think my longest day but feel terrible. Terrain was easy, took some stops, made good time, but my feet are screaming like little lambs. Made up haikus in my head and wrote imaginary letters to friends. Should really write when I get into town.Fantasized about Ollie's. I have to take a zero day or two and go into New York. I've even decided what I'm going to get: steamed little juicy buns, steamed mixed dumplings, vegetable bun, pork bun, and combination fried rice.Stayed at Carter Gap with Compass, Pebbles, Iron Wolf, and Tofurky. Too tired to even sit by Tofurky's campfire.
Date: 2006-03-11
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Did 12.1 and thought I would surely break my feet. Albert Mountain was horrible, too, and it had just stopped raining when I started my all-fours ascent. Was followed up by a random North Carolina weekender who passed me to ask, "Think the hot dog stand at the top is open?"A thru-hiker named Crutch set up some trail magic 0.1 mile down the trail that was varied, plentiful, and delicious! I ate an apple and a banana and took another apple and an orange soda with me. Also, we passed a hiker coming up who asked if we wanted a ride to Franklin. This is the third random act of kindness--the first being the couple in the red sports car who offered me a ride into Suches even though I wasn't looking and the second the woman who saw me at the Hiawassee library (when I couldn't use their computers because I didn't have a photo ID) and then later at the grocery store asked if there was someone she could e-mail for me. People on the trail are sooo nice! It makes me want to be nicer, too.One thing I've noticed is some things stick out in my mind days later (that burger Mickey bought me at Wendy's, the woman in Hiawassee) that I didn't put in my journal when they happened. So on that note, a disclaimer:This journal takes its cues on length from how much time I have and how interested I am in writing, NOT by how many interesting things happen to me. On that note, goodnight. Tomorrow: Franklin!
Date: 2006-03-12
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I was so HUNGRY when we got into town. We ate at the Motor Company Grill--I got a black and white milkshake, mozzarella sticks, a burger, and an order of green beans. Then the owner came out with hot-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies. Mmmm! I should mention that the Grill served "freedom" fries, the first time I've ever seen that on an actual menu.While we were waiting for Ron's free hiker shuttle to take us to lunch, I did 20 questions with Compass and Pebbles. It took them over an hour to guess Marilyn Manson! I was pretty pleased with myself. I also met Helium, who was kind enough to write me up a list of this year's Oscar winners. I hate the Oscars, so why do I put myself through the torture of learning who won?
Date: 2006-03-13
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wayah Bald/Franklin, NC
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked 10 miles out of Winding Stair Gap. Our original plan was 4 miles to the first shelter, but we knew that wouldn't be enough, and Crutch said we could sleep in the observation tower in inclement weather (the forecast called for severe thunderstorms and hail). So we get there and it's open to the elements and wet on the floor--standing water, here. Pebbles and Snake waited there for me and Bear so we could "take a vote" on returning to Franklin...like our votes weren't obvious. Back to town! Yes, this experience puts me firmly in the pro-Ron camp.On the hike, I had my first genuinely fun experience hiking today. I accidentally adjusted my backpack shoulder strap after a pee break and it made my pack feel 10 pounds lighter. I felt like I couldn't move as fast as I wanted to, for the first time ever. I just want to feel that again.I need to buy insoles!
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Wayah Bald/Franklin, NC

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Did 11.6 into Wesser Bald Shelter and the last four, especially the downhill, just killed. My feet were just begging for mercy. I was making up ditties about how happy I was to be going to the NOC tomorrow.On the upside, I'm a beast on the uphill. I don't get winded or sore, except for the left shoulder, which starts hurting from pack weight about 45 minutes after any break.Had my fourth trail magic (not counting the amazing Ron with his infinite forms of transportation) and maybe the best yet: a guy trailnamed Apple (retired IBM, go figure) drove up from Austin to camp out at Burningtown Gap for two wteeks and offer all manner of hot and cold drinks, candy bars, and hot dogs. Mmmm. It's funny, because I didn't eat any of my food on the trail from snack yesterday afternoon to dinner tonight.
Date: 2006-03-15
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: clear sky

Hiked an embarrassingly hard 5.8 miles into the NOC. Our arrival order was exactly the reverse: Me, Bear, Pebbles, and Snake. I don't know why it was so hard today, but I think it was a combination of the lack of landmarks (which affected my pacing and motivation) and the annoyingly rocky/rooty downhill. Then there were random stretches of uphill that made me pretty mad, too. All in all, pretty angry hiking.Then the NOC hostel was full and, although the restaurant was close and tasty (I got an excellent chicken sherpa--rice, lentils, broccoli, chicken, cheese, and green peppers--and bread pudding), it was hard to hitch to the inn 1.5 miles away and Bryson City just seems to be full of mean people. It ruined my mojo.We learned over lunch that Bluebelle is quitting, which was a shock to the system, partly because she's a woman. I think she's quitting because she misses her husband and not, as she says, because of her knee. I fear a preventable injury (to my feet?) would be what would knock me off the trail.
Date: 2006-03-16
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

First day with my Superfeet! My hiking was much improved for the few hours I had them in. Unfortunately, most of the 10.5 I did today was nasty uphill, which really demoralized me.I think the thought of the day is "bad mood." A few people out here have rubbed me the wrong way and I need to work on not letting that get to me. I had to take a five-minute break just to get my head around how Compass is and my anger at always being last into the shelter.
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Happy St. Patrick's Day!Hiked 11.6 including "Asskicker Mountain" (so quoted because it doesn't actually have a name), which didn't kick my ass. On the contrary, I think I've had my best day yet, partly because I started so much earlier than everyone else.Ran into the most hikers ever today: Hodge, No Worries, Casino; Bushwhacker; Boulder; Ajax, Roadrunner, Jazzy Pants, Train, Monk, Milk Dud; Treegirl, Thumper; Treeforge and Show Me. Kim, too.Excited about an easy 6.6 into Fontana tomorrow.
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Started early to get to the post office before noon (I woke up at 5:30 and started hiking at 6:30). It was funny when we were all in our bags, talking, and Pebbles said we should be quiet so we wouldn't wake up Treefrog and Show Me in their tent. So we're all whispering and suddenly Bear cuts this LOUD fart. Gotta love the Fellowship of the Animal Hikers, Plus Pebbles.We got a really nice room in the Fontana Dam Village and I've now sold showers to Bushwhacker and Ajax, who are camping somewhere.What do I want out of this? I just got a shudder that taking a zero here might make me less excited about continuing.I'm also a little miffed that I haven't gotten letters from anybody. Especially Mom, who has now sent two packages without a word.Need something to bring me up.