morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-13
From: Culvers Gap

To: NJ 23
Miles today: 17.3

I¢ll start out by saying we goofed last night when we called Tracy to wish her a Happy Birthday. Today is her birthday so if I get a chance I¢ll call her tonight. Well the plan for today is that Navi will meet me to hike a little this morning and then again maybe this afternoon and hike to High Point shelter for the night if it doesn¢t rain. It is not raining this morning but it is still very wet outside. I have all dry gear thanks to Navi. She hung everything up in a closet and blew a fan on them all night. The hike started out okay but the feet started playing a tune. The trail was starting to dry out but the rocks were still very slick. Just after the Gren Anderson shelter Navi met me on the trail and we hiked together for a while. She¢s doing great. She says here Esatto boots feel great even on the rough terrain. I hope to have my boots back soon because I know that part of the problem I¢m having now is due to my holey boots breaking down. I should still bronze them for getting me this far. Navi decided to turn back because she had things to do so we embraced and then went our separate ways until later today. It wasn¢t very far to Sunrise Mtn where there is a pavilion and you could look out on a clear morning and probably see a beautiful sunrise. Not the case today. As I looked around a group of young people came up with a park ranger and a police officer. The group was there to put up a bench for people to sit and watch the sunrise. Pretty cool for them to volunteer their time. I moved on and it wasn¢t long before the old problem started kicking in again. I won¢t say the word f¢t. I¢m sure some of you who read our journal must get tired of reading about my f¢t. Sorry. Anyway I was exhausted when I reached NJ 23. I know Navi wanted to hike but my body is saying to take a long break. She could tell I was beat again today. Even my legs were very sore. Navi had already checked on a place to stay and she had found a real nice place in High Point. We were no sooner in our room than she filled a tub with hot water, Epsom salt and some great relaxing oils. Boy did that feel great!
Date: 2004-07-14
From: NJ 23

To: View Entry
Miles today: 1.0

The day started out really sucky. Navi and I started out hiking and by the time I reached the overlook tower at High Point SP my right foot was too bad to go on. Navi finally made me realize that I needed a zero day to give my feet a break from the rocks in PA and NJ. Dave said my boots would be mailed to Don & Norma¢s by Thursday so I¢ll rest until then. Navi hiked back to the truck and I went down a short side trail to the road where she would pick me up. We will drove to Vernon where we stayed at the St Thomas Episcopal Church hostel. Navi had met Raven yesterday and he had invited us to a trail magic party given by his sister who lives nearby. We will meet him at 5pm at the hostel. The hostel is very nice. There are hot showers, a laundry, a kitchen and great hospitality all for a donation of $5. When we got there it was nice to relax while we waited for Raven. When Raven arrived the invitation was given to everyone and then we stopped at the trailhead to pick up other hikers. The others happened to be Austin and the gang. His sister Sue was at the trailhead and we followed her to her house in NY. From the moment we got to her house she started bringing out the food and she also had soda and beer. Austin and the gang got to take showers and we all went into the hot tub and pool. We met her husband Jeff and their son & daughter and the dog, Shadow. Everyone had a great time. The offered to have you spend the night or a ride back to the hostel tonight. That was the ultimate in trail magic. Thank you Jeff and Sue. What great people. We went back to the hostel and got ready to turn in. I¢m glad I got off the trail today.
Date: 2004-07-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I was up and making coffee by 6 am and everyone else was still sleeping. I noticed 3 boxes of Dunkin doughnuts and a HUGE bag of doughnut holes on the counter. I thought maybe someone had brought them in before I got up. Later when everyone got up Austin said that the guys went to the Dunkin Doughnuts last night before they closed and they gave them all the leftover doughnuts instead of throwing them out. Lucky for us. Thank you for doing that guys. We left the hostel and headed to Waverly, PA for the night. Today is a zero day because my boots are coming to Don & Norma¢s. Tomorrow will be a 20 mile if the boots workout. Well, on to plan B. The left boot is too small. Navi & Norma think that maybe it can be stretched so off we go to Scranton, PA where a Chinese cobbler says he can stretch the boot for $10. The boot won¢t be ready until Monday so Navi will come back here but I¢m back on the trail in my old boots tomorrow. Hopefully this down day will do the trick. We¢ll sleep in Norma¢s office so we don¢t wake them to early. Once again thanks Don & Norma for everything.
Date: 2004-07-16
From: NJ 23

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 20.6

We got early and headed for high Point in NJ to start my 20+ day. My feet are feeling pretty good. I had to start at the ranger station again, which meant redoing 1 mile to the look out tower. One thing is different. I can see something. So I went up the tower but I couldn¢t see the NYC skyline because it was still too foggy. As I came down from the tower and back on the trail I noticed I could see the High Point monument through an opening in the bushes. The fog was so bad the first time around you couldn¢t see anything. I got plenty of pictures of the tower. What a great hike so far. There were many road crossings before I reached Lott Rd where Navi hiked in to meet me. I¢m so glad her boots are working for her. We hiked a couple of miles together before I had to hike on and Navi hiked back to the truck and then was going to go back to the hostel in Vernon. You couldn¢t of asked for better weather today. Not much wildlife and not many other hikers. The hike up Pochuch Mt wasn¢t bad but my feet were starting to get tired. After crossing county road 517 I saw this boardwalk that went through the marsh. I walked and walked this boardwalk it seems for a mile. It was so hot because of being in the full sun most of the time. Finally I reached the footbridge and then a little more boardwalk. I was wearing down when finally I saw Navi walking in my direction. She had hiked in about a mile to meet me again. I was sure glad to see her. We drove back to the church hostel. I got a shower then we got something to eat. The hostel is filled with hikers we have never met. It seems like such a small trail community but it really is pretty big. I journaled for a while and Navi read her book. Then it was lights out. Good day for hiking.
Date: 2004-07-17
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I will hike to Wildcat shelter. I started out with April Showers but she quickly got ahead as she was slack packing today. It is a nice day and I was really enjoying the hike until I was exposed on the ridgeline and it was getting so hot. I decided to take a break right near the NJ-NY state line in a shaded area. The views were great. I really wish NaviGator could be with me to see what I¢ve seen so far. After the break there were three rock climbs to deal with before the shelter. When I got to 17-A there was a group of hikers taking a break, two men and 5 or 6 boys. Just up the road was hotdogs stand but the boys said the hotdog stand was closed. So I just move on but I did manage to get some water and a coke left there for hikers. I got in to camp at a decent time and there was no one else at the shelter. When I got my water at the spring I met two women day hikers who were fascinated about my hike and asked a lot of questions. As I made dinner two other hikers came in and made dinner at the shelter but pitched their tents for the night. I ended up in the shelter alone and after journaling a short time I was ready for bed. Tomorrow I¢ll meet Navi and go to the Fat Fest, a hiker feed given by class of 2000 hikers. Can¢t wait to see her.
Date: 2004-07-18
From: Wildcat shelter

To: NY 17
Miles today: 9.9

Well, I was up and out on the trail by 6am. I could feel the humidity already and I did get a little rain but it felt good. The up and downs are what take their toll on you. There are also a lot of road crossing, so many that you get confused at times. I forgot a detail about my hike yesterday. Just a few miles out from Vernon on the trail I saw a 4ft black snake. I almost poked my stick in him before he took like a shot. No picture. By the time I reached NY 17 my feet were ready for a break and Navi was there waiting for me. We drove to the Fat Fest at Harriman State Park and White Patch, Mousebait, Luna and Still Learning were there. Everyone said that yesterday was the big day for hikers and that about 20 of them almost ate themselves sick. AT 02 hikers(I¢m sorry I can¢t remember all their names) put on this hiker feed every year since their hike and the feast is unbelievable, HB, hotdogs, chicken, steak, fish on the grill all day long. Salads, fresh fruits muffins, soda and it all started with breakfast of eggs and bacon. Navi camped with them last night and she said the food kept on until late at night with pizza and ice cream. From the moment I got there and sat down they started with the food. I had salad, a huge hotdog, two pieces of steak and 4 doughnuts. It is so great that people do such wonderful things for hikers, from leaving water at roads to giving rides when needed. It is all appreciated very much. This Fat Fest was above and beyond, thanks guys. Navi and I stayed at a hotel and I got to take another nice bath and relax for the hike tomorrow. Navi will be going back to PA to see Don & Norma and get my boot. The room was a little pricey but, oh well! Navi even walked over to McDonald¢s for burgers and brought them back to the room. I called Krankin & Movin tonight. Krankin Keith called me back first and is going to meet me at Mt Greymore and take me out to eat on Tuesday. Movin Mark called back also and said he and Heather would like to see us when we get closer to them in Boston. Mark & Heather will be getting married in August. I¢m looking forward to seeing Keith. Navi & I called it a night and lights out. It turned out to be a nice day but not weather wise; it¢s been raining for the last 4-5 hours.
Date: 2004-07-19
From: NY 17

To: Bear Mtn Inn
Miles today: 17.8

Navi & I are up early and she gets me to the trail at 7:40am. My plan is to go to West Mt shelter but I might head on to Bear Mt depending on how I feel. My first obstacle was the lemon squeezer, which wasn¢t bad if you get the right foot up without a pack on. I threw my pack in front of me and then climbed up with no problem. The terrain after the squeezer was all ups and downs and I thought I was making good time till I reached William Brien Memorial shelter. Two other hikers that were there had passed me earlier said they felt the same as I did about not getting very far. The day was getting hot and trail didn¢t improve. There were nice views though and I got some pictures. This has been a different kind of hike here in NY. I¢m using what¢s left of my upper body strength and also the thigh muscles are getting a workout. It was a very tough pull to get up to West Mtn shelter side trail. It was .6miles to the shelter and there was no water there so I decided to move on to Bear Mtn. I could see Bear Mt to the right and it looked like it would also be a tough pull so I didn¢t waste any time moving on. It wasn¢t too bad but once I got to the Inn I couldn¢t go any further. I was glad they had rooms available. As I approached the lobby doors there were people outside who gave me the strangest look. It was like I didn¢t belong there or I looked like I was going to collapse, not to mention I¢m sure I stink. I called Navi to let her know where I was. After my shower I got something to eat and finished my journaling. A little TV and off to bed. I¢m looking forward to a short day tomorrow.
Date: 2004-08-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It is with great sadness that I have to say my thru-hike has ended. I will not go into the details on my reasons why because it wouldn't make any difference. All of you who know me or met me at one time or another know why. I will miss you all for being part of this wonderful journey. I will also miss the majestic views, the sweet smells of spring flowers, the freshness of the pine forest, the countless deer that roam the mountainsides. This doesn't mean that the Ole Man won't return, this is the Ole Man listening to his body telling him that it is tired and weary and that it's time for a long rest. Navi and I have met so many wonderful people and have made some great friends through this 1300 mile adventure. Who knows where the future will take us, but to our trail family and friends keep watching your e-mails. We may be near you at some point and time and get to see each other again. Thank you all for being part of our journey and making it so enjoyable. To Dave Smith of Esatto Boots and Doug Stone, Phil Oren, and Jeff Gray of Superfeet this hike would not have been possible without you. Dave and his partner painstakingly spent many hours making custom boots for my terribly disfigured feet. Doug, Phil and Jeff spent many hours at Trail Days fine tuning my footwear to ensure the hike would go on. I cannot thank you all enough. I have never met more dedicated and knowledgeable people in their fields. If you want a pair of custom boots these are the people to contact.This is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make in my life. NaviGator knows how stubborn I am and she also knows how hard this is for me. If I had decided to keep going I know I would have done permanent damage to my body. The trail will always be there and I WILL BE BACK to finish in sections. But first I need to let my body heal.Dreams don't always come true, but the memories of the ones that didn't will always be there. To all of you hikers Be safe, Be careful, Be smart and have a great hike. Navi and I would love to hear from you.Someone recently said to me how can you write Life Is Good at the end of each days entry when you know you have been through so many painful hours. I say to that:I am able to open my eyes and see daylight and all it's beauty and I can walk. So therefore;             Life Is Good               Ole ManI will finish my journaling soon.LIFE IS GOOD Paul & Jaime
Date: 2004-02-16
Miles today: 0.0

It was our intention to establish this site as a means of communicating the progress of Michael and Carlos as they take their 6-month "WALK IN THE WOODS¢. Great idea¢¦however, there are not many high speed, linked computers in the woods¢¦but that¢s a good thing! As of this posting, I do not think the hikers have been able to sign on to this site. However they do know about it and will read it!As we receive mailings from Mike & Carlos we will publish them to the ¢Journal¢ section of this site.In the mean time, new pictures and updates received from their tight knit group of supporters will continue to be posted and will help to keep us all informed! Mail sent to MikeATHike@aol.com will be communicated to Mike & Carlos by the base camp or posted to this site. Except for the mail drop information that the Base Camp inputs, all locations, sightings or local knowledge of Michael and Carlos' exact location are believed to be true and to date and have been provided by family and well wishers.Messages have now been sent to all known e-mail addresses and we encourage you to send the link to all that are interested.GO Carlos & Michael¢¦Love to all...            Alissa & Mike (Dad)- now known as -¢The Base Camp¢
Date: 2004-02-27
From: Neels Gap,Ga

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 76.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello, Hello, This is our first entry and we're not even sure if were doing it right (hope so).Starting off, my name is now Pacha, and Carlos is Bacchus. Pacha came from my favorite movie The Emperor's New Groove, it was John Goodman's character and he basically led an arrogant, cocky, and royally pampered king turned llama back to his homeland. And basically I feel I am in the same position.Carlos' name is derived from Roman Mythology and is the God of wine, fertility, and the arts. He picked this name because of his passion for the theater, (and wine) and of course the Ladies!! So, there you have it Pacha and Bacchus on our journey northward. Wenesday / Thursday was fun, we went to sleep in the tent to the sound of rain and woke to a very saggy tent. We got 4-5¢ of snow over night. It could have been worse (or better), we had no idea, but the forecast was for 6-10¢¢ at one point! It was great and absolutely beautiful. Having a wonderful time and enjoying every moment. We are about 27 miles away from Nantahala NC, (2.5 days) and 100 miles from Newfound Gap (Gatlanburg Tn) where I hope to meet up with a lot of friends.That is it for now, we love you guys and will be talking to you soon., Thank you for all your support and good karma. We will continue our journey and keep you in touch. Love you all, Pacha and Bacchus PS From Pacha... I miss you Courtney!!!P.S.S From Bacchus... send me gummi bears!!!
Date: 2004-03-06
To: The Base Camp
Miles today: 0.0

Update- 3/6 - 9AM:Pacha & Bacchus spend night on the 6643'- Clingmans Dome!12:12 AM Saturday - After a few desperate, failed, attempts to extract Pacha and Bacchus, friends and park rangers where forced to call off the search until dawn! In a major push to cover ground, the pair has been traversing the Southern section of The Great Smokey Mountains from Wayah Bald, near Franklin NC to Clingmans Dome, NC. some 70 treacherous miles in the torrential rains, ice and near hurricane force winds in order to rendezvous with the Birthday Girl. As of 9:37 am, we are still waiting to hear if they have made it into Gatlinburg¢¦a wee bit late but still in time to celebrate a very important Birthday!Stay tuned to this Site for up to the minute news as it trickles in!3/6/04 - 3:00 pmLate breaking news.... they're in Knoxville and all is well! They will Zero on Sunday and be back on the yellow brick road in search of Mountain Lobster on Monday!"The Base Camp"
Date: 2004-03-08
From: newfound gap

To: hot springs
Miles today: 69.3
Weather: broken clouds

Pacha here~Okay so our danger is over, come to think of it we weren't in any danger, just cold and wet on top of Clingmans Dome. The weather was miserable, and so were we, but we knew it was just a little further till Gatlinburg. The following day we hiked to newfound gap, and hitched into Gatlinburg where I left my hiking poles in the back of the guy¢s truck. Bacchus through away his hiking boots after burning them on a furnace, melting the front sole. So he walked around bare foot all day in Gatlinburg. Courtney, Afton, Billy, and David picked us up. We went to Knoxville where we enjoyed laundry, beds, Chinese food, Fuddruckers burgers, and movies. Taking a 0 day on Sunday, and returning on Monday with new bought pair of shoes for Bacchus and new bought demo poles for me. All is well and we are now well rested, ready to return to our home. Looking to be at hot springs by this weekend. Thank you everyone for your support and God bless.~Pacha~ ~Bacchus~
Date: 2004-03-13
From: hot springs, NC

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 65.6

Welcome to Hot Springs and congratulations on completing 13% of your trip! Mike and Carlos arrived in the town of Hot Springs, NC, which is 278 miles from their start and 1897 miles from their journeys end!In the past 6 days they covered 63.7 miles at an average of 10.6 MPD. This puts their average miles per day for the total trip, including 1 "zero" day, at 10.33 MPD. The pace is starting to increase inspite of the elements. In the past week they enjoyed 12 inches of fresh powder snow in one day. Partook in some wonderful trail magic and ran into the start of the spring breaker party crowd. When they get their words back to us....we'll post them for you...but in the mean time...They will be back on the trail tomorrow (Sunday).Base Camp Out¢¦¢¦
Date: 2004-03-14
To: Molly 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Note from Molly, "Carlos's Mom" Hi Guys   Back home now after a really fun weekend. Mike(my husband) and I broke camp at around 10:30am Sat morning and decided to drive around Hot Springs to see if we had "missed anything". Well ..we had not...it is a very small place..but on our third trip down main street...Mike says "Hey that looks like them" and sure enough...there they were in all their sweat and face fuzz!! We pulled over and I jumped out and got my hugs. Put them in the back of the camper and drove back to the campground. It was around Noon and Michael jogged back up to the spot where he was supposed to meet Courtney and Billy. We cooked up some burgers and dogs and ate outside and talked and let the boys get showers ....they both look really really good, nice and slim....I myself need to be hiking this trail....that low carb diet just isn't working for me!! We went to the local Paddlers Pub that night for Dinner and had a wonderful time. On Sunday morning..we made coffee and sat around the campfire again. Then we broke camp and I took everyone to breakfast at the local Diner. I walked around taking pictures while the boys repacked their gear and then came back and we said our goodbyes. (it was around 11:30am) We drove about an hour and stopped in Weaverville to let dogs out and grab a drink out of the back. Well....when I opened the back door of the camper....there sits Carlos' hiking boots.  Oh my ...what to do....we tried getting someone on the cell...but no luck...we drove back half way and tried again..still not luck.. We were thinking, by now they must be somewhere on the trail, but didn't know where...It had been almost 2 hours since we left them.  There is a place where the trail crosses the road going to Hot Springs...so we decided to just sit there and wait. By 3:30pm...I was really ready to get home and Mike said...they may be along any minute. So I said "OK I will wait until 4:00pm"   I am sitting inside the camper reading and I hear, from the woods, a loud "MOM????" OH YEAH, MOM...you are awesome!!""  Just those 6 words made the 4 hour wait worth it all.   They were soooo happy....we fed them a lunch of ham, turkey , lettuce and cheese on wheat and snacks and root beer and said our goodbyes Again!!    Like you said Chele....many stories and may they all have happy endings....   Take care and I will be sending lots of pictures soon.Molly
Date: 2004-03-18
From: Erwin tn

To: Roan Mountain, Tn
Miles today: 68.5
Weather: moderate rain

~Pacha here~ Here we are in Erwin TN!!! It is about time, all this rain and snow gets annoying (but we love it all). We are staying at Uncle Johnny's Hostel on the Nolichucky River. Very cool people here. We are going to get a shuttle into town and eat good food, can't decide on Mexican or pizza (should be fun). We are doing just at 15 miles a day now and have been for a while. (time warp) ok now we have eaten, we ate mexican, didn't get full so we walked to subway. We are getting laundry done by Uncle Johnny and restocking all our food, but only for 50 miles till Elk Park which hopefully we will meet people in Banner Elk (haven't gotten that far yet in our planning). Other than that all is the same and all is well. Hopefully spring is coming, i will be looking forward to that. Keep on Keepin' on, northward we go! In closing, I love you Courtney and miss you very much, and of course everyone else, just her a lot more. love you guys ~Pacha~ BacchusP.S.- thank you everyone we have met on the trail so far for writing. We are glad to hear from you and keep in touch.P.S.S - thank you all friends and family for your support your messages are entertaining us and we love you all. good bye all