morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-10-28
From: Port Clinton, Hamburg Microtel Inn

To: EaglesNest Shelter - Hammock
Miles today: 8.6

Plan was to get up early and check out Cabela's before hitching back into Port Clinton. But given the fact that we stayed up so late, we slept in a bit and skip the shopping excursion. Plus, I still had phone calls to make - at least I was going to try and get my money's worth out of the free long distance. So its free continental breakfast, phone calls, pack up, stop at Shell station for snacks and then hitch into town. Still drizzling, but not pouring like it was last night. BP and I got a ride from a nice young man, Greg, out doing a bit of camping himself. He dropped us off at the post office where I bounced my two boxes and picked up a letter from Magnet. BP sorted out his goodies, bounce box and then we went up to the Peanut Shop for homemade trail mixes and candies. Yummy!Then we are on the trail. Steep climb out of PC but nice to be climbing and not tripping over rocks. Then the trail got hard. Hard on my feet that is. BP and I are both feeling it. I think partly because we stayed up so late last night. Also, getting frustrated with the trail because parts of it are a river from the rain. This section could use some water check dams to keep the water off the trail. Finally, get to the shelter and the wind has really picked up and temperatures are dropping and I am looking forward to the warmth and protection of the shelter and there is a troop of boy scouts there filling up the shelter. This is really disappointing not because the shelter is full, but because it is filled by a group. Shelters are for individuals. Large groups are supposed to camp. Its trail etiquette and its published in all manuals regarding backpacking, especially on the AT. Boy scouts should know better. Not wanting to stir up conflict, I join BP at a campsite and set up my hammock. At least we have a picnic table to sit at while we cook dinner.Once in my sleeping bag in my hammock, I am comfy and warm, but I have to put in my earplugs because the wind is so loud, especially as it flaps my tarp around. Its really strong too. Sometimes its so strong it rocks me! Kinda a neat and cool experience. Won't get that experience sleeping in a tent, or a shelter. Reflecting at the end of the day, I realize that now that I have made the decision to get off the trail for a while, I'm ready to get off, take a break from this trip. I'm tired of hiking. Don't know if I would feel this tired if I knew I was continuing or if one begets the other. Another emotional hill on the emotional rollercoaster of the AT.Superstar, 7; PA Rocks, 2 in the continuing Battle of the AT.Happy Hiking,Superstarwww.trailjournals.com/happyhiker------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2006-10-29
From: EaglesNest Shelter - Hammock

To: Hertlien Campsite - Hammock
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a hard day. The time changed last night which means that it was weird getting up at 6 instead of 7 even though its still me getting up when the sun rises. Its cold and windy. BP is not a morning person so he is no motivator to get me up and going. We leave the campsite around 11. The rocks today are terrible. Awful ankle turners. At one point, a rock snags the strap of my gaitor ripping it and sending me into a face plant on the ground. I don't hit my face (after falling in the wilderness and busting my chin, I am quick to protect my face when falling), but I do get some serious bruises and a skinned up wrist. But worse than the physical pain is the release of sadness in the form of tears as I am getting off the trail. This release of emotion reminds me of a three year old who lets the crocodile tears flow because she didn't get what she wanted. I am glad no one is there to see me bawling my eyes out, but I am sure that anyone who meets me later in the day will wonder why my eyes are so swollen and my skin so blotchy. (I'll deny that I was crying - it's just this snotty cold I am still getting over.) The rocks stay miserable for the rest of the day as does the cold and wind. Being up on a ridge just intensifies the wind. After crossing PA 183, the trail turns into a river/lake/swamp/bog, basically water. I guess I should be grateful that I get to experience bushwacking next to the trail - a new adventure. But basically, I am frustrated and miserable. BP has stopped for a snack and I catch him. He is equally as disappointed with this section of the trail. Soon after we get up from this break, the trail does dry up and we reach the campsite. We decide to build a fire and this warms up my body and my spirit. The weather has begun to improve with the winds dying down and the temperatures rising. Its a nice relaxing evening. A positive end to a negative day. Even though I am not enjoying PA, I am still trying to find something positive about it. PA is where I got a new hiking buddy and PA is where I will reach the half way mileage point.But PA Rocks wins todays round in the Battle of the AT (boo): Superstar, 7; PA Rocks, 3. Happy Hiking,Superstarwww.trailjournals.com/happyhiker------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2006-10-30
From: Hertlien Campsite - Hammock

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

So much warmer today. I got up, letting BP sleep and began packing up. I hike slower than him, so even if I leave first, he will pass me at some point. He has identified for me that one of the reasons I am slow is that I take small steps. Partly due to my instep/inseam? and partly due to being cautious on these rocks. So there, my slowness is partly due to genetics which can't be helped! My legs just don't stretch as far as others!Cross the stream and head up the mountain to a nice view with warm sun streaming in. I stop and remove some clothing and soak in the sun and the view. I decide today will be a music day and put on my headphones. Its amazing that every day we get up is another chance at a new beginning. Yesterday may have been miserable, but today I get another chance to experience something wonderful. There were definitely some of the worse stretches of rocks today, but there were also some good, flat, no rocky stretches too. As much as I complain about the rocks, there is still much to enjoy about being out on the trail.Made it to 501 shelter and met up with BP. We hitched into town with a man who sells farming equipment. He drops us off at the grocery which is a mistake. We should have had lunch first. We over bought food and now our packs are way too heavy! We walk across the street to the pizza place hoping to get some lunch and they are closed on Monday. But trail magic happens and a fella pulls up next to us in his limited edition PT Cruiser. His name is Edward Ness and he owns the building that the pizza place is in. He talks to us about our hiking trip and then offers us a ride to the Red Lion Restaurant. He orders us inside and sits with us while we order a delicious and large meal. He has quite the stories to tell about his life, family, racing Jaguars, being a pro at falling off motorcycles, folks he knows (like the founders of the Yuengling brewery) and other pearls of wisdom (like coming in second place means you are the first loser). We must have visited with him for hours. Finally, as it is getting dark, he drives us back to the 501 shelter. We had originally planned to continue hiking another 4 miles, but when magic happens, you take advantage of it and enjoy it to the fullest! Besides this is a nice warm, enclosed shelter. It'll do as home for tonight. BP and I set up our bunks and talk a bit before drifting off to sleep. We never seem to run out of things to talk about.Keeping score? Supperstar, 8; PA Rocks, 3.Happy Hiking,Superstarwww.trailjournals.com/happyhiker------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2006-12-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear friends, family, fellow hikers, and fans,This is just a little blurb to let you know that I have not dropped off the face of the planet. I am in fact at my folks home in Alpharetta and have spent today replying to emails and downloading photos. I plan to get my journal updated this week with my writings of the last month and my photos of the last 3 months. My adventures have not ceased since momentarily leaving the trail, they have just taken on a new life. I hope those of you that have been following my journey will continue to do so. And thanks for emailing me or signing my guest book. It is great to hear from you and hopefully, with time, I will be able to send you a personal response.Love from the hiker on an extended zero!
Date: 2007-03-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have much to update. Someday. When my pocketmail is returned from being fixed. When I have nothing else to do. When work isn't a monkey on my back. But just want to let all know that the scramble is on. It's actually been on since January. Like I said lots to update Someday. As for the AT, there is no Someday. It's tomorrow. I will be hiking the Smokies starting somewhere north - near Max Patch - and hiking south to Wesser. Staying true to my sobo way. AND - meeting and greeting all the 07 nobos. See you on the trail!Superstar
Date: 2007-06-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Kincora to Mountineer Falls ShelterMy plan was to wake up early and hike out early so that maybe I could go further and or finish early and have time to journal. But things don't always go as planned. I dd get up early and got packed and fed and ready to go. But I didn't. I got sucked into the Bob vortex. I love listening to his stories and when he and the cats, Loki and Missy came back from feeding the horses, Bob was full of stories. I sat and listened for an hour. Thus, it wasn't 7 when I left, it was 9. Good times. Happy trail memories.It was a long 6 miles up to the Moreland Gap shelter where I stopped for lunch. I did meet some nice nobos today. Otter and his dog Trail Max. Max was very friendly and loved leaning up against me to be petted. Otter is originally from Scotland but now lives in ME. Allen or OB is from Ireland. He had quite the stellar body. I don't know what kind of trekking poles he is using, but they have done wonders for his arms! Sailfish is from FL and is hiking to Caratunk to finish his hike from '05 I think. He has great conversational skills and a nice voice. Many others along the way.The hike after the shelter was nie and easy and pretty flat. No views though. Lots of streams and rhodos. I finally made it to the shelter and contemplated hiking 2 more miles. I'm a sucker for nice sheltes so I stayed--way up in the loft. Yep, it has two floors and a loft. two brothers hiking north, Trek and Switchback, a section hiker and a woman who did not share much. Spook also made it and tented beside the shelter. This shelter is very nice and I enjoyed the company of the three hikers.Today was a lovely day for hiking and I hear tomorrow will have nice weather too. I hope I am able to make the miles I need to to get to Hot Springs--there all between 16 and 22. Yep, big miles over big mountains. I know I can do it, I just hope I can do it and carry this heavy pack. Too much food = too much weight. Bon appetite!
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Blackburn Hiker Center

To: Near Rock Ledge to Curley Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept well last night. No inspirations came to me in my dreams about my stupidity so I still chuck it up to female hormones. I decided to rest an extra hour this morning and to take some time to journal so I was late leaving out. Because of this, I don't think I will be making 20+ miles into Erwin today. 3 hikers passed my campsite and never looked my way. Got water at a nice stream in a field, so despite my limited water supply last night, I did alright. Gob and Blaze at Iron Mountain Gap. Right before the road a deer rossed the trail in front of me. She was so pretty gliding through the air. Saw lots of efts today. Little red lizards in the muddy sections of the trail. Lunched at Cherry Gap with Gob and Blaze and a nobo from ME, Mr. Pink. Hard climb up Unaka Mountain, but pretty once I got to the top. It was flat and covered in pine trees.Got frustrated coming down Unaka Mountain into Deep Gap. Sat on a rock and had a pity party for myself. I teared up and contemplated calling for a ride. It felt just like the 100 mile wilderness, me trying to make big miles to meet Courtney and Jeremy with blisters on my feet. I mean I again have blisters forming as my feet are getting calousd from the excessive walking. And I do have a deadline of being in Hot Springs by Thursday to meet C & J for Boneroo. Well, that moment passed and I got up and kept walking. I started the climb to Beuaty Spot and a fawn crossed the trail and turned to look at me. I slowly pulled out my camera and took a picture. She kept looking at me and so I figured their must be a mom nearby. I slowly turned my head to face the other direction and there was the mom, not 15 feet from me. I quickly snapped her picture and then she crossed the trail and they both ran away. Okay, so hard to feel sorry for myself with such beauty all around. I arrived at Beauty Spot and a spotted a camera on a tripod and a picnic blanket, but no people. Then a man came out of the woods and said to me, "I guess you busted us." Then a woman came out of the woods. While I did not see anything, it was obvious what they had been up to. This was comedically confirmed when he said to her, "I've worked up an appetite now."Needless to say, I did not stay long as I did not want to intrude on their romance. Besides, it was too hazy to stay - I could hardly see Erwin. I stopped and cooked dinner at Indian Grave Gap and took my shoes off. That always feels so good. I pulled out my guidebook and figure that I need to average 14.5 miles a day to make it to Hot Springs by Thursday. I can do this! I pushed on another 4+ miles to the next shelter and arrive just before dark. Gob and Blaze are there with one other nobo, 3-Day. I quickly clean up and settle in for the night. Tomorrow I will make it into Erwin for a shower and laundry. I can't wait!
Date: 2007-06-10
To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter to No Business Knob 
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: few clouds

Nothing like the promise of a shower and laundry to get you out of camp and on the trail early. I was at Uncle Johnnie's by 10 and in the shower by 10:30. It was awesome! Put my clothes in the laundry and joined Gob and Blaze and another nobo section hiker, MapQuest and were off to Pizza Plus for all you can eat pizza. The salad bar was awesome and so was the pizza. I ate 3 plates! I really enjoyed the vanilla pudding and peaches. Then I resupplied at the grocery store and Blaze bought us all ice cream from the Dollar General. I got to talk to my sister and my parents on the cell phone as there was cell service in town. Then back to the hostel to rest up and repack. I left Johnnie's at 3:45 and made it to the shelter in under 3 hours. And it was all uphill! Blaze and Gob shared their dinner with me. It is really nice to end the day early. Currently, I am sitting by the campfire writing this entry and chatting with Blaze, Gob, and a boy scout leader. So nice. Such a change from yesterday's pity party where I wanted to call for a ride away from the trail. Tomorrow I have big miles to cover, but today in this moment I am content.
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Big Springs Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Winding Stair Gap to Big Springs Shelter, 9.1 milesThe morning sun woke me up around 8:30 am. I could have slept until noon; I am feeling that sleep deprived. But, I knew I needed to get up and visit and figure out how to get to the trail. Mandy and Dennis offered to drop me off today and then to pick me up on Thursday. I am very pleased with this as I was a little apprehensive about leaving my car at the road crossing as I remember last time I was at Dick's Creek Gap there was some broken glass indicative of a car being vandalized.We had a great time hanging out and chatting this morning and Dennis made me chocolate chip pancakes. Then we were off and I was at the trail head by 12:15.The trail was damp from last night's rain and it was cool but starting to warm up and get humid. This section of trail is really well maintained and easy graded, which is nice since it's lacking any type of view. I think it would really suck to have some hard climbs with no views. The foliage is nice, though. Blooming mountain laurels and flame azaleas, lots of rhodo thickets and lots of other green plants. There are also lots of snails and caterpillars, centipedes, millipedes, and other slinky creepy crawlers.I stopped and had lunch at Rock Gap shelter and spent too much time reading the shelter log. I must say that there are a lot of hikers out this year, but none of them have written much of anything interesting to read. So, I don't know why I keep rading the logs!I briefly listened to the radio today to get a weather forcast - rain for tonight.I arrive at the Big Spring Shelter around five. The plan is to eat dinner and then hike on to get over Albert today and put in more miles so that I can do less on Thursday. But while I am making dinner, it begins to thunder. That's the decider for me. I'm staying the night and will do big miles tomorrow when there is less of a chance for rain. There is good company at the shelter. Goose and Berry are two ladies out hiking at a slowish pace - 7 to 10 miles a day. I think they have dealt with a lot of rain on their time out so they are not thrilled with the idea of more rain tonight. Crabapple (pronounced Cra-bapple, like the teacher on the Simpson's cartoon) and another nobo, Royce - no trail name, going as far as they can get before the summer ends. She is a teacher hiking the trail on her summer breaks. She hiked last year from Harper's Ferry to CT and it turns out that we know a lot of the same hikers from last year.Well, the rain sure is loud on this tin roof - which leaks. I hope the mice stay away tonight! I'm off to catch as many zzz's before daybreak!
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Big Springs Shelter

To: Wateroak Gap
Miles today: 17.4

Today was an awesome day for hiking. I got up early and quietly packed so as not to wake Crabapple. It was cool as a result of last night's rain and it looked like the fog/mist was lifting and so I would still get a nice view from Albert Fire Tower. It took all of 10 minutes to hike to the tower and yes, the sunrise is beautiful. But oh, how it is windy. I dropped my pack and climbed up to check out the 360 degree view. It is like I said beautiful. I spent some time snapping photos and trying to identify far away mountains. It was a short and steep descent and wasn't that bad as all the nobos had written about (and I'm going downhill and over wet rocks), but maybe when they climbed it, it was covered in ice, or maybe this is just the first taste of many rock scrambles they have ahead of them, or maybe I just like rock scrambles. Maybe after 1700+ miles I have become one with the mountains and no longer view the nasty stuff as nasty, but as a friend. Who knows!?!The trail after this descent is easy, but pretty much in the trees. There is one vista point and I meet some day hikers I had seen yesterday doing a section north of here. I get to Carter Gap Shelter for lunch and decide to take a nap. I'm not feeling too well and I still feel really sleep deprived. I think the noisey rain on that tin roof kept me up more than I thought. It's a short nap and I'm back on the trail. Afterall, I planned bigger miles for today. Carter Gap is a nice shelter though. They just rebuilt it and the old one is still standing, and by the looks of it, it dearly needed to be rebuilt. Lots of nice camping spots. From here south, up Standing Indian Mtn., I liken the trail to a moving sidewalk. It's wide, it's flat (even though I am going up hill, the slope is so gentle it seems flat), the duff is so soft. It is still cool and breezy. It's just perfect hiking. I cook dinner up at the top of Standing Indian Mtn. A bit warm and buggy in the setting sun, but a nice place to sit and take my shoes off. Another mile to Standing Indian Shelter where I stopped for water and chatted with a retired teacher from FL, Teacher Lady and her husband Teacher's Pet. Got info on camping spots, or lack there of, for the next few miles. I find a spot at Wateroak Gap to hang my hammock just as night sets in. I lost more bear bagging rope due to my poor ability to pick out heavy enough rocks to bring the rope down over the otherside of the branch. I really need to work on this. Will make a note to put more rope in pack before hiking the Shenandoahs.
Date: 2007-06-26
To: West VA
Miles today: 0.0

Dad and I made it to the car dealership by 7 and I was on the road for WV by 7:30. Suprisingly, there was very little traffic. I called dad at every state crossing and gave him an update. Overall, it was a pretty painless drive. I enjoyed watching the mountains as I entered VA wondering which ones i would be hiking. It was nice and cool in my chevy rental, but I knew it must be hot outside because all the cows were resting in the shade of any nearby trees.I made it to the car dealership with time to spare and only had to wait about 15 minutes for the Millers to arrive. It was so nice to see them again and so nice of them to give up there time to shuttle me from Winchester, VA to Harper's Ferry, WV. They even treated me to dinner at Cracker Barrel.Mrs. Miller had a million questions and I was happy to share my stories with her and to listen to their hiking stories. They dropped me off at the Hilltop House and I spent the rest of the evening relaxing and getting ready to begin the last section of my hike.Oh, I saw the funniest logo on a truck driving up I-81 today and just having visited Bonnaroo, I thought it was very appropriate. I can't remember the name of the company, but their slogan was "Yesterday's Meals on Wheels." I'll let you guess what kind of business they were in!