morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-01-28
To: College and My Hike
Miles today: 0.0

U of Washington is no longer on the table. After going over my finances, and fearing not being able to live comfortably in Seattle, I have chosen to move to Boise. Most of my family lives in Boise/Meridian, and I have been accepted to Boise State University. The cost of living here is downright cheap compared to Seattle, and it has most of the amenities, and some of the charm. The local ski hill is 45 minutes away, and there is a cool little section in town call Hyde Park that definitely has a kooky atmosphere. I think everything will be alright, I might not be going back to Washington, but atleast I'm moving forward with my life.So in 2 weeks I will leave Hawaii and the military to move in with my sister, her husband, and my 2 year old nephew.Oh, and how this is going to affect my hike...BSU starts in August vice October. So I have decided that instead of scrapping the whole thing altogether, I will just cut it in half. The plan now is to hike to Harper's Ferry and fly back out of BWI. I know it sucks, but a sacrifice had to be made, and I wasn't about to quit altogether. 1000 miles is still a long ass way, and I will still be proud of myself to finish this new goal.The second half Harper's Ferry to Maine is now tentatively scheduled for the summer after my graduation from BSU in 2009. stacie
Date: 2007-03-29
To: Plane Tickets and Insurance
Miles today: 0.0

In the last 3 days I have gotten my plane ticket (thank you Mom!!), reserved my space at the Hiker Hostel, and got temporary medical insurance to supplement me till school starts in August. Everything is coming together nicely. I was debating on getting insurance, since I've never (knock on wood) hurt myself, but I decided not to take that risk, and the price was not too bad. My wonderful and loving Mother hooked me up with a plane ticket to Georgia. $240 from Boise to Atlanta is a pretty darn good price. I could have got a cheaper ticket, but 4 stops and an over night stay was just too much. I remember being on 24 flights to/from Japan and to/from Iraq, they are no fun and your ass gets really sore, yuck. And last but not least the hiker hostel $62.00 get you a shuttle from the MARTA station in Atlanta, a trip the the store, a bunk, some breakfast, 8 oz of fuel, and a shuttle to the trail. Sounds great to me. I love a business that thinks of its costumers true needs, then puts the product is a great price range.Now that the plane tickets are bought, I am really feeling finality of it all. I will be in Georgia on April 10th, and will be hiking the Applachian trail from Springer to Harper's Ferry.stacie
Date: 2007-04-08
To: Tragedy Averted
Miles today: 0.0

I almost gave myself a coronary this morning when I couldn't find my drivers license. After a fun filled evening of beer and dancing I checked every pocket, and every crevice of my car, but couldn't find it anywhere. I called Cowgirls Saloon, but they were closed, of course. I thought I was shit out of luck. Cowgirls is closed on Mondays too, and so is the DMV for Easter holiday. My flight leaves Tuesday morning at O'Dark Thirty. I was really fricken peaved. How was I supposed to get on an airplane with no ID? "Oh sorry Mr. TSA man I lost my license on Saturday cuz I was drunk, and I really need to get on this plane to go hiking for 3 months. What? No I'm not crazy."But thank the lord I found it. Tucked inside my eclipse peppermint gum package. Go figure.gotta love it,stacie
Date: 2007-04-10
From: The Hiker Hostel

To: Springer
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

So here I am in Dahlonega. My flight was good, and I slept most of the way. Hopefully I can sleep tonite. I'm starting up on Springer in the morning. Should be 3 days or so to Neel's Gap. Anyways, I really can't think of anything to say. So I'm outtiestacie
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Springer

To: Hawk's Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.6

Josh and Leigh dropped me off along with 7 other hikers at the USFS road 42 for the .9 mile backtrack to springer. I signed the register and got a couple of pics and chatted with Many Sleeps. But it was chilly and drizzling so I headed to Hawk's Mt. shelter. Passed about 30 or so Army Rangers with full combat loads. They looked miserable. It rained pretty much the whole day. I got to the shelter at 1430, had a snack, and got some water, and used the privy. Just trying to waste some time before dinner. I cooked myself some shrimp thai peanut noodles. It's like 40 degrees so after food I tried to sit around and chit chat, but it's too cold so I crawled into my bag to get warm, and am feeling good now. Heading off to Gooch tomorrow, and going to bed at 1800 WTF...it's crazy, I know.
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Hawk's Mt. Shelter

To: Gooch Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.3

I'm now at Gooch Mt. Shelter which is not Gooch Gap shelter. My old 2001 guide book of course has the wrong info, but it was a pleasant surprise because it's 2 miles closer and new, yeah. I got in around 1500, so another short day to work in the legs and to make myself crazy waiting to make dinner. Today was harder than yesterday, not because of the trail, but mostly because I didn't have fresh legs. Uphills make my heart pound like it wants to burst right out of my chest, downhills gives the burden to my feet and knees. I don't remember it hurting this bad in Glacier National Park, but I was 20 then, and not 29. I met Coldylocks yesterday and we are staying at the shelter tonite most of the others from Hawk's pushed thru to Woody Gap so they can stay at the Hiker Hostel tonite.My hiking mantra is "Winding Road" by Sheryl Crow. It popped into my head in Dahlonega, and I've been singing it to myself for the last couple of days.Tonite for dinner is Salmon and rice, yummy. And BTW the Honey Roasted Peanut Medley Trail Mix is fricken awesome!!
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Gooch Mt. Shelter

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

Stayed at Woods Hole shelter last night. The hike was pretty hard for me. I lost my legs about the 9th mile, but I put in 12 miles altogether. I'm heading into Neel's Gap today, 4 miles, and that's it. I need a rest for sure. No blisters, but my legs and feet just feel pounded to death. I'm thinking of calling myself "The Waddler", because that's what I look like hiking. It's more of a back and forth motion than anything that will propel me forward. Just picture a penguin with a backpack on and you'll get it.
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap Walasi-Yi Center
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I hiked up over Blood Mt. today, and I'm staying at the hostel tonight. I bought some Polar Pure, and a food resupply. Took a shower, yeah, and washed my clothes. It was a good night. I met Sodoku and Chaco. I also stayed with Coldylocks, Patches, Elliot, and Lotus. Had some good grub for $7.00, chili mac, coleslaw, pickled beets, and some damn fine strawberry shortcake. I sent home my filter, olive oil, 2 organizer bags, my salt and pepper shaker, and some extra clothes. All in all dropped 4 pounds off my pack weight.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Neels Gap

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

This is my first night tenting because it is windy and snowing! My tent should be much warmer than the shelter...hopefully. The hike today was sooo cold and windy and drizzling. It started snowing up past Tenatse Gap, and I was glad to see the shelter sign. It should get warmer manana.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

A nice 7 miles today, but pretty rocky in places. I had to break my way thru a fallen tree from last nights storm, that was interesting. Going for 10 miles or so tomorrow, I kinda want a short day into Dick's Creek Gap. Met some new people tonight. Brian and his buddy are carrying a mandolin and a banjo with them, so we got to hear some cool music tonight. I also need to get the children's book "Cloudy with a Side of Meatballs"
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Camped here after long 12 mile day. I got my trail name today after falling off the trail and down the hill. Crash is what I will affectionately be called now. Doo Dah Man is the one who named me, so all thanks is to him. Heading into Hiawassi tomorrow. This was my first night tenting without any shelter nearby. There are obvious differences from sleeping in a shelter. First there is no privy. Second you have to try to hang your food somewhere. Thirdly there's no picnic table. And last but not least the time to pack up in the morning. Of course all of these things are just modern trail conveniences and if you're a real rough neck this would be your home the majority of the time...instead of in those sissy shelters
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap - Hiawassi, GA
Miles today: 6.1

Right now I'm at the Cloud Nine hostel, but I'm not staying here. Coldylocks, Sodoku, Chaco, Elliot, and Patches are here too. I'm heading into town to get a nice hotel room where I can soak my bones and stay in the tub so long that I get prune hands.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Hiawassi, GA

To: Hiawassi, GA
Miles today: 0.0

I ended up staying at the Holiday Inn Express last night. I did some laundry and ran into Gerard from New York. I got to watch 2 episodes of Lost, and 2 episodes of Workout, so now I'm all caught up. I did my grocery shopping and wandered around town a bit. I tried to get a haircut, but the place was closing. Tonight I'm staying at the Ramada because the Tour de Georgia is in town so everyone is pretty much full up.I'm just taking my first zero day and RELAXING! TV and sleep and food, no distractions, and it feels great. I stayed up till 2 am both nights, but was awake by 9, go figure. I really like Hiawassi, but the highway goes through the middle of town so that is annoying. Robin was my waitress at Shoney's tonight. She was really nice, and the strawberry pie was awesome.Back to the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Hiawassi, GA

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I didn't get out of town until noon today. I'm not a morning person and I am in slow motion most of the early part of the day. I ended up walking all the way through town and on the other side a truck pulled over and the guy ask if I needed a ride to trail head. "That would be great", I said and he cleared out a place for me to sit. I threw my pack in the back and off we went. He ended up being a thru hiker form 2002 and was meeting up with some friends to do a little section hiking up to Fontana Dam. He dropped me off at the trail head and headed back into town. The hiking today was painful. My feet are screaming at me right now. I guess all the day off did was get them soft. Hopefully my left heal will not start pounding in the middle of the night. I hate it when it wakes me up. I didn't do my internet stuff at the hotel, I was just too lazy. I must get better ant doing my chores first and then relaxing. I had plenty of time, but I just didn't do it.I passed into North Carolina today just before I got to my camping spot at Bly Gap. It feels great to have one state under my belt. My camp spot tonight had 2 other older gentlemen, but I didn't really speak to them except to say hi. One guy was packed and gone by the time I woke up in the morning, and the other one didn't even set up a tent. He just came into camp at almost 9 at night and he was barely carrying anything at all. He pulled out a either a small blanket or a half sleeping bag put down a small tarp leaned up leaned up against the tree and went to sleep. Woah, that guy is really roughing it, or he's just plain crazy. I should take some pointers and reduce my weight. I don't need all this crap, right?
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

I kept it short today, because my feet are still sore. I'm staying with the Finn's, Wolfman '91, and Gimpy. It was a beautiful day today. I might be stretching out this section another day to keep it slow.People are making this hike easier for me. I would love to hike with a partner next time, to help with camaraderie and companionship. I really need to stop with all this negativity. My bad attitude is what is going to kill this trip form me. Also a note for next time -Bring my GD Ipod-
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Mooney Gap
Miles today: 12.2

I had a much better day today. We'll see how the night goes, if my foot starts throbbing or not. I tool 800mg of Ibuprofen this time instead of 400, so we'll see. I'm camping tonight at Mooney Gap. It's right next to the FS road, but I don't mind. It's Sunday night so there should be much traffic. It is 11 miles into town, and it was 11 miles getting here and I got here at 1730. So, hopefully if I can wake up early then I can get into town by 1600, that would be awesome. Just "keep on keepin' on" I know I can do this shiznit.
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Mooney Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap - Franklin, NC
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

I hiked into Winding Stair Gap today. I skipped Mt. Albert. I just didn't feel like I could make it. Maybe I wimped out, or maybe I saved myself from more foot trouble. I got down to the gap today at 1430 so it was a really good hiking day for me today. The trail did have a lot to do with it. Today was nice and level with only slight inclines/declines, and barely any rocks and roots. More days like this, and I know I'll be ok.I received my first trail magic today. A group of retired folks from a local church were down at the gap. It was really nice and they had all sorts of goodies. I even got a ride into Franklin with one of them. I'm staying at the famous Don Haven's Budget Inn. $35 a night, and I've decided to take another zero. I even got to shower before the 1600 shuttle around town. We went to the Post Office and then to the outfitters. I got new insoles and gave itno the hpe and bought a pair of hiking poles. I also picked up a new pair of socks to rplace the worn out ones. Then we went to Ingles (a grocery store), the whole way Don was talking, holy cow that man can talk. I swear he's done just about everything, or atleast that's the way he made it seem We also got a free dinner at the local church. FREE is always GOOD! I got to watch Heroes tonight, man that show kicks ass! And now I'm about to start in on my six pack of Yuengling, so good night ya'll.
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Winding Stair Gap - Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

My foot didn't start pounding till 6 o'clock in the morning. Maybe that's when the 6 beers and 2 Tylenol PMs wore off, oh well. I got my haircut today, and weighed myself. I have lost 10 pounds, woohoo! I also had a damn good roast beef sandwich at Nonny's and then had the best diner I've had in a long time at The Chef and His Wife. I had the blue cheese shrimp over angel hair pasta with some damn fine corn bread and a glass of Pinot Grigio. This meal cost more than my stay at the Budget Inn, but it was well worth it. Mmm Mmm good. I was in food heaven. I sat at the computer today for like 2 hours. Who knew this journal/pictures thing was going to be such a pain in the ass!? I'm really liking Franklin better than Haiwassee. The town just has this really cool vibe to it. Plus the largest ruby ever discovered, it like the size of a steering wheel or something.Heading out to the NOC in the morning.
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wine Spring
Miles today: 8.2

I really don't know what to say, I about lost my mind today. I just paid major bank for new poles and inserts, and my feet hurt just as bad...fuck me! I cuised the first 5 miles though and hung out on Silar Bald. What a great view. I met Moss and Politician and Dog Man up there. Politician gave me some chocolate chip cookies that he got in a mail drop. He was handing these out to whomever he could, this bag of cookies must have weighed a good 3 pounds. We stayed up on top and I watched them fly kite and play fetch with the dogs for a good 45 minutes. But, after that it was all downhill, well not literally, all downhill for my feet. They just started to pound. I even started crying a little from the frustration. I'm camping up right before Wayah Bald, with Sunburn. He helped me out and gave me some bengay and a cigarette to calm my nerves. Sometimes a situations seems worse when it's happening than when it's over, cuz I feel ok now. I should know this from Boot Camp. But anyways Sunburn was awesome and he was going slow too because he got a really bad sunburn (hence the trail name). It was funny today because it was soo nice outside and he was in long pants and a longsleeve shirt. He did roll up his pants a little at the ankles to cool off, and that looked even gayer, he was a sight. It kinda made my bad day a little brighter.I bought some Tylenol PM so hopefully I can sleep. I think the zero day hurt me too much coming back to the trail. I thought I was supposed to feel rested and rejuvenated...hmmm. Maybe I should just hike a short day instead of a zero, because today I really felt like quitting, or atleast packing it in to Amanda's house for a week and just getting in a better frame of mind. Who knows what I'll do when I get to the NOC. Only time will tell.
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Wine Spring

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

13 miles today, in the rain. My feet hurt, but they are doing ok, whatever Sunburn gave me last night work like magic. I slept for what seemed like an eternity getting up and 0900. I didn't feel any throbbing pain. Man I need some more of that. But, I left him and Mos and Wild Bill at the last shelter, deciding to push on so that I could have a short day tomorrow. Sunburn had been there since 1330 and I got there at 1500. He was so cold after stopping that he just crawled into his sleeping bag. But I'm sure I'll see him and the others at the NOC. I'm sleeping tonight at the Wesser Bald shelter with 2 other ladies. First time it was all females well for a little bit, then when it was dark 2 friends came strolling in having walked in 1 day what had taken me 2 days to cover. Man I wish I had their stamina, strength, and long legs. One of the chicks here tonight is only going from shelter to shelter maybe covering 6-8 miles a day. She's a bigger gal, so I give her mad props for doing something like this. It's harder than it looks folks. I think the other lady is a little bit crazy. She looks like a bag lady, actually I think that's what people are calling her, she has everything wrapped up in like 2-3 walwart shopping bags. Her pack is and ancient external frame with plastic bags and do-dads lashed to the outside. I tried to talk to her, and offered her some of my leftover macaroni, but I just couldn't get a response. So I just left her be, secretly hoping she didn't kill us all as we slept.
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center - NOC
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I don't have a journal entry for this day probably because I left the trail the following day. But I can remember some of that days hike and the NOC. I was hiking for a while when Sunburn came flying by me at a good clip. He had gotten up early and covered major ground to catch up with me. I asked him why he was in such a hurry. His reply, "Cheese Burgers and Beer". Good reason. I also remember this section of the trail being the most green I had seen in a good while. I had been hiking through the brown on winter, and now spring had started coming out. It was just beautiful. Also the ridge walk before heading down to the NOC went on forever and ever. We were so high up and the trail seemed to go up and down the ridge line and was scary at some point with cliffs and rock going down from you on both side. The view from the "Jump Up Lookout" was awesome! I did have to crawl down some boulders in places. Wait let me rephrase that, I mean take off my pack throw it down the trail and maneuver carefully down the rock cliffs. I'm sure some of the guys just boulder hopped, but I wasn't that crazy. I also met Gypsy's husband, who had walked up the trail a ways to meet her. I hadn't seen her since standing Indian shelter, and I had no idea how far behind me she was.I ate some good grub here at the restaurant over looking the river, and had one to many beers at the bar.
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Amicalola Fall

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

walk the stairs at the Amicalola fall early in the morning - i think is 600steps - not sure , anyway i have ti hike additional 8.8miles to the Springer Mountain , that where the trail head start !! this morning was hot and humid not much to see in Georgia , to me is just like Oklahoma !!!! met a hiker name Eli from Atlanta we hike together to Hawk Mountain Shelter , i was gonna hike some more but the folks was there seem very nice and offer me some Brandy , so i decided to stay and camp there !!! i have to admited that morning i was so excited to get this journey begin !!!!
Date: 2007-03-06
From: Springer Mountain

To: Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

this is my first entry !!! so far i have been read the class 2007 journals, and i'm very excited to get back on the trail, after complete the PCT in 2005, i been working very hardand try save money for the A.T , this trip is on the budget , so not much goin' in town and party like the PCT, my starting date is April 24 , hopefully i can catch up with everyone, my goal for this trip is 4 months or less!!! that all the time my boss and my girlfriend give me !!! there will be a lot of maildrop!!! so anyone want to send me anything , that will be very cool ( foods, wine, beer ) , that it for today , got get ready for work !!!
Date: 2007-03-07
From: Springer Mountain

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

what a day , got up this morning and make love to my girlfriend ,make me more lazy , but id did motivate myself to box some more food drops , so far i got 14 food drops , all the way to Harpers Ferry in West Virginia that is 1010 miles !!!!the more i look at the pictures on the Whiteblaze website , the more i want to quit my job , but i need another $1000 more to make this trip more comfortable !!!! i guess back to work !!!!!!
Date: 2007-03-08
From: Springer Mountain

To: Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

all right , this the third entry , so they can post my journals , nothing else to say , but can't wait to get on the trail , this weekend i will hike Mt. Baldy(10064ft) in Southern California , a good 14miles hike with 3850ft gain and loss still trying to getting in shape for this trip my goal is 4 months or less and injury free ,2005 PCT trip did cost me dearly , spend about $9000 and took 4.5 months to finish , i did admit have alot of fun of party and meet new friends , all the town we went in and party and the hospital bills did add up !!!!i remember 40 bottles of red wines , mail from Mexico to Canada , rangin from 2buck Chuck to $300 bottles !!!! plus the beers and liquors !!!! a lot of fun !!! i will miss Bob-BO and Moose for the A.T , i hope my knee will hold up , after 4 knee surgery , i don't know i have any ligaments left at all, at least this trip i more prepare !!!!oh yeah ,i do have a bottle of red wines for every food drop !!! no $300 this time !!! just $3.99 to $23.99 , but i do have a $400 Bottle of Dom champange wait for me at Katahdin !!!!! YEa HA !!!!! the only downfall for my start date is that i will miss the PCT kickoff party at Lake Moreno,especially the 2005 class , i hope to see some your guys on the A.T , well that it for the day , got go to work to make some money for the trip !!!! peace out
Date: 2007-03-09
From: springer

To: maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

it been a week now since wrote anything , still working on the maildrop , didn't get to workout or run last week, was very busy at work also sprain my left ankle so spend the whole week just icing it , these day i just want spend more time with Lorrie and her daughter, i know when i'm on the trail i will be thinking of them all the time !!! i wish they can coming with me !!!