morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Damascus, VA

To: It's Over........
Miles today: 0.0

There are personal reasons that I may or may not go into later, but family comes first and I have no regrets. I went and picked Lion up this morning in Bristol to get him back on the trail after his week furlough to Colorado. I took him back to the 421/Shady Valley crossing, and with him disappearing in the woods so did my last real connection with the trail this year. Hopefully if the desire, time, money, and everything else that an undertaking like this takes all come together somewhere down the road of life, I will rise and go again....... but if not, I appreciate deeply the opportunity to live the dream for the time I did. I met a lot of interesting people, some really neat, others not, and I will look back on these past 6 weeks with a deeper understanding of why I was driven to go. I am satisfied more than disappointed. Things don't always go the way you may want, but hopefully you live and learn something along the way. As I prepare to put away the gear still spread out around Mom and Dad's house here, and "officially" end the journey, I want to thank everyone who called, wrote, signed, ask about, and gave any thought to my travels........ To the Class of '07 ----- To Lion, Thumper, Keith and Max, Bunker, Dylan, Mayo, Cobweb, Crockett, Sticks and Stones, AppTech, Doc, Dave, Ringmaster, John, Gimpy, Artiste, JB, Sanford, Parkbench, Flying Turtle, Tenacious Turtle, The Banjo Boys, and the rest, I wish the best and hope you are among the ones that reach their dream and kiss the plaque in Maine. Forever in memory...Thanks for the ride.......... MIXIN
Date: 2006-11-02
To: When to start?
Miles today: 0.0

I am having a hard time deciding when to start. As of now, my start date is set for February 28, 2007. Also considering Feb. 18th, as well as the end of march.It really boils down to two things.A. money issues and how soon I can have that all figured outB. how long I can wait without going crazyI want to start early because I would really rather hike when its between 35 - 50 out than while its 80. Im just concerned about weather, but I guess its going to hit if its going to hit so why worry. Thats about all Im worried about. Im confident enough in my experience, and my gear. I dont work out or train but I am in good enough shape that I'll survive. Plus having 20 less lbs in my pack than my last trip will definitly help.
Date: 2006-11-04
To: About me.
Miles today: 0.0

I need two more entries before people can actually see what Im posting.So, this one will give you a bit about myself.My name is Rob and Im 23. I will be turning 24 in May while on the trail. But I should be near home (Pittsburgh, PA)at that time for my friends wedding which I will be getting off the trail for three days for. Ive always wanted to do this hike. Really ever since I've heard about the AT. I love to travel, I spent two of the past three summers traveling around the US. The only reason why I stayed home this past summer was to work everyday so that I would have money to pay for my thru-hike.I am sure everybody in our class is feeling as anxious as I am right now. All I can think about is the trail. Nothing else matters.
Date: 2006-11-10
To: Prep Post 3
Miles today: 0.0

All I think about is the trail and working out my gear list. I am currently working at a home improvement store and its been good both for saving money on fixing some issues around the house that I had been putting of while in school as well as finding some fun things for the hike at cheap prices.I wish I worked on the floor but I work customer service and deal with cranky people all day. They won't move me either because "i have a knack at dealing with people" which is mostly because I just dont care. I know that in around 100 days I will no longer be working there. That and I've been working in retail way too long.Im sure this is natural but I am getting very anxious. not only about this. But I mean why rush life right? After this coming adventure, why stop. I have offers at temporary employment and apartments that I can take up and work for awhile saving up for a PCT attempt the following summer. School can wait a bit longer. Plus it will be nice to have my student loans for my last degree to be paid off before I get my next degree. Because I really dont want to be paying on the interest while I am taking classes, I will barly be able to afford the tuition and other fees. So heres to dreaming of fun times.
Date: 2006-11-14
To: November
Miles today: 0.0

So yes, its almost thanksgiving and christmas decorations are going up. Since I work in retail I have to put up with all the things that sing christmas music when you push on them. They play over and over and over and drive me crazy. I've requested to be moved outside, and since I am one of the only people who would rather be out in the cold than dealing with people I think they will let me. That starts after turkey day through christmas.I've been thinking. After doing the AT in 2007, I may do the PCT in 2008. It really all depends on where I am physically at the end of my AT hike. Im doing the AT solo, but I really dont want to do the PCT solo. Looking for a group of people to convince to come with me. I got my brother thinking about joining me out there next year. If he doesnt come with me, he'll be doing the AT in 2008. At least thats his plan so far, and he is typically good at sticking to his plans once he makes them public.My only other complaint is that I havent really done any hiking lately. All I do is work. occasionally I will take my mtn bike out for a ride, but that is not frequent enough. I have a friend that I am trying to start jogging with, but when Im off she works and when shes off I work. Other than that I am just trying to find a pool. Best way to get in shape is to swim at least a mile every morning before work. (havent tried yet, but a mile each morning before class was great). Hopefully I will get out soon, I need to test out all my new gear, to see how its gonna work.
Date: 2006-11-27
To: Set in Stone
Miles today: 0.0

Today I set my plans in stone. I purchased a ticket for a flight to Atlanta, GA on 20 February 2007. I also made reservations with Joshua and Leigh at the Hiker Hostel. I start the Approach trail on Wednesday 21 February 2007.As for other goings on, I work everyday and occationally go out. When going out I usually just head down to the south side or station square in Pittsburgh. I love this city, but its time for me to leave. I am still trying to get everything else figured out, the budget isn't all figured out yet. I have my bills all set up for direct payment. Now I just need to make sure I have enough money in my account to cover it all while I am gone. I have all my gear. However, I have yet to take most of it out for testing. I still need to seam seal my tent. Which I am doing either tomorrow or wednesday (since its in the low-mid 60s, in late November, in PA). It has been nice. Today was also a state holiday (first day of Rifle hunting season) Everybody gets today off school, its great.To many thoughts to really get out so this will stay short.
Date: 2007-01-09
To: prehike
Miles today: 0.0

Today I gave my notice at work. My last day, JANUARY 30, 2007.I start my hike February 20th, so why am I quiting so early?To go on a two week prehike trip to visit friends in UT and ID.I can't wait. Another thing that excites me is I just got my new pack in the mail. An Osprey Atmos 50. It is not the pack I am using on my thru (Im using the Aether 60). But I am going to be using it during the 2008 season on the PCT. At least thats the plan so far. I got both the Aether 60 and the Atmos 50 for $210 (thats for both) Not bad considering that they are priced normally at $199 each.Okay, leavin it short, just had to post to show how excited I am about all this.The only things I need now is to find and insurance plan for while I am hiking. And load my pack.
Date: 2007-02-20
To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I have arrived in GA. I am staying the night at the Hiker Hostel.Josh and Leigh are amazing and the hostel is top notch. I would recomend it to anybody considering hiking the trail. It is finally sinking in that this is for real. I am actually hiking the Appalachian Trail. Along with me we have Pilgrim (from New York), Mark (from PA), and one other hiker who is arriving later tonight. Pilgrim is starting from springer, me and mark are doing the approach trail.I am gonna keep this short. See y'all on the trail.Peace
Date: 2007-02-21
From: Hiker Hostel

To: Springer!
Miles today: 0.2
Weather: light rain

Did the Approach Trail today (since those 8.8 miles are blue blaze, I guess they dont really count for the total). It wasnt really that hard, but it wasnt easy either. The approach trail really was just a wake up call to how out of shape I really am. Thats ok, I'll be in shape after these 5 months are up. I stayed the night at Springer Mountain Shelter. It rained so I am glad I stuck to the shelter. I thought I was gonna have it to myself for my first night, but two section hikers joined me in the evening ... it really is nice to have the company at night.These are all going to be short posts. I am just really updating to keep my friends and family informed of where I am and whats going on.
Date: 2007-02-22
From: Springer!

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

Another short day. Headed down to Hawk Mountain Shelter. Hot spots were on my feet so I stopped for awhile. Mark from day one came in and we talked for awhile, I decided to stick around the night. No rush really. Later in the night two SOBO's came in (Iceman and Tundra Wookie) They finished their hike today.
Date: 2007-02-23
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Started out good. So I kept on moving. I stayed around at Justus Spring for awhile for lunch. What a beautiful place to camp, maybe some other day. Moved on and hit Gooch Mountain Shelter early in the day. Best shelter I have seen so far. Hiked up Ramrock mountain, amazing views. Toyed with the idea of camping up there for awhile but decided to keep moving. When I hit Woody Gap around 4:30 I decided to give Josh and Leigh a call and thats where I am at now, back at the hiker hostel. The shower and large pizza really hit the spot. I also dropped some weight and bulk from my pack so now things are feeling a little bit better. Still heavy but I will fix that when I get to Damascus and send home my winter gear.Time to relax before I get back out there tomorrow.Happy Hiking!
Date: 2007-02-24
From: Woody Gap

To: Whitley Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a very long day. I got dropped off by Josh in the morning and started hiking. It was nice and cool, so perfect weather, though you can tell by the sky that it was going to rain today. I went up and over Big Cedar Mtn which wasn't nearly as bad as I had expected. Then continued up and over Blood Mtn which again the climb really wasn't that bad. It was a Saturday so there were lots of day hikers on top, had one take my picture and then moved along. Hit Neels Gap during the day and decided not to take the day in the hostel since I had just come from one. Moved along to where I had planned on camping when a boy scout troop came in just before me. I figured I'd go a bit more and set up my tent later. I ended up hitting the Tesnatee Gap just before dark and didnt want to camp by the road so I hiked up Wildcat Mtn which really draing my energy after a long day. And it was getting really windy and ready to pour so I hiked the 1.2 miles down to Whitley Gap Shelter for the night. I am glad I did because the weather only got worse as the night went on.The Dude was in the shelter when I stumbled in around 8:00. He had put his tarp up blocking the entrance from the wind and rain. He had to adjust it during the night when it got really loud but I'm so glad he was there or I would have probably had a miserable night.
Date: 2007-02-25
From: Whitley Gap Shelter 

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

It was a really foggy today and light rain here and there. I felt like I was hiking in circles everything looked the same in the fog. But eventually it cleared up by the time I was coming to the rocks before Blue Mtn. I wasn't fond of these rocks and I was glad it had stopped drizzling and the fog had cleared away. Spent the night up on Blue Mtn with 'The Dude'. Man was it windy.Keeping today short, no views due to fog.
Date: 2007-02-26
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

Probably the best weather I had seen on the trail so far. Cool, but not cold, and sunny. Made it to tray mountain shelter early and had lunch there. Joining me there was The Dude, Catipillar and Ike. I was tempted to stay and enjoy the great views but decided to push on to addis Gap to camp. I made pretty good time so I decided to push up Kelly Knob and get to the Deep Gap Shelter for the night. Right as I reached the top of Kelly Knob The sun set over the distant mountains. It was a Beautiful sight. Then I got to the shelter just before it got too dark to see and set up my tent next to Jennifer and Pilgrim who I had met at the Hiker Hostel when I had first come into GA. I need to call REI ... having issues with my sleeping pad not wanting to be inflated and having to wake up during the night to reinflate. I'm gonna see about exchanging for a new one considering this one started malfunctioned on day 2 of use. I know it is kind of my fault for not spending more time field testing my gear. But we'll see how things go. Everything else is working great.
Date: 2007-02-27
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Blueberry Patch
Miles today: 3.5

Very short day. Pilgrim, Jennifer and myself hiking on down to Dick's Creek Gap, and hitched down to the Blueberry patch. This place is great. I can't say enough good things about Gary and Lennie are two of the nicest people I have ever met. Definity somewhere I would recomend to anybody doing the trail.After getting a shower and having my laundry done for me (yeah not just coin operated washer and drier) Gary drove us to town so we could get something to eat and resuply. We ate at an AYCE stakehouse which had really good food for a very reasonable price. Then resuplied and came here to the library.Since I am at the library and dont really know what else is gonna go on tonight Im gonna stop here.
Date: 2007-02-28
From: Blueberry Patch

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

I finally reached a computer so I am gonna do a mass update.Right now I am at Standing Bear Hiker Hostel, but I'll get to that later.Breakfast at the Blueberry patch was amazing!Pancakes with blueberry syrup, cheese biscuits, sausage, and scrambled eggs!Eventually we made it back out to the trail. I wasn't in a rush, all day was climbing. North Carolina really knows how to welcome you. But the good news about that is we are done with Georgia! One state down, only 13 to go.I slept good tonight, we were all too tired not to.
Date: 2007-03-01
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: moderate rain

First day of March. And it begins with lots of rain.Saw a sign for a side trail that I really want to find a picture of ... it was called the "Chunky Gal Trail" ... I wasnt gonna get my camera out in the downpour. Didnt really have an exciting day, crammed 7 hikers into the Carter Gap Shelter to get out of the rain and dry off for the night. Fruit fly for some reason decided to push on. Why, I dont really know.
Date: 2007-03-02
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Woke up this morning and everything that was wet, was now frozen. It was 25 degrees. It took awhile but slowly everybody started getting out of there sleeping bags and packing up and getting into frozen boots. They thawed out relatively early, so it wasnt too bad, and it proved to be a warm, beautiful day. The Dude, Catepillar, hIKE and myself crashed at Rock Gap Shelter so we could run into Franklin in the morning. Crutch stopped by and brought us cold orange sodas. Which was awesome with dinner. He also is gonna give us a ride into town tomorrow.
Date: 2007-03-03
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Silar Bald Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

Crutch picked me and the dude up at winding stair and ran us into town to resuply. We were a bit rushed so I didnt get to repackage my food so I had a lot of bulk and garbage. I'm not a fan of the first day from a resupply. So much more added weight. After making it up to Silar Bald Shelter I decided to stop although it was really early. The wind was really picking up to the point where it was pushing me and the temp was dropping. The Dude came in and blocked off the entrance to the shelter with his tarp which really helped things out. Later Woodstock came running in, he is doing crazy miles, but is in shape enough to do it. After dinner, Woodstock and myself climbed up Silar Bald for some sunset pictures. Its was amazing to see all the mountains that we had finished crossing. And the ones we have in front of us. Beautiful Sunset.
Date: 2007-03-04
From: Silar Bald Shelter

To: Cold Springs Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

It ended up dropping to 9 degrees last night. Far colder than we were expecting. It was the first real test of my gear. It preformed beautifully, I wasnt even uncomfortable. And luckily I slept with my filter and waited to get my water till morning. The dude's filter and water were frozen. After some warming up I hiked up to Cold Springs Shelter where I joined the dude, hIKE, Catepillar, No Joke, and a southbounder whos name I dont recall. It is suppose to be another cold night, so we will see.
Date: 2007-03-05
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

It only ended up dropping to 19 degrees last night, much better than 9.No Joke, was the first one up and the rest of us ended up waking up to Elvis coming from his voice recorder. After this I discover a shrew frozen in my one food sack. hIKE decides shrew trap wasnt a good name so he named me 'Mouse Trap' instead. Now I'm gonna need to carry one cause I know everybody will ask if I do. So the day I get my trail name I also get my first blister. Its not a bad one, just a small one on my toe. I'll clean it up and it will be healed shortly. The plan was to stop in at the NOC for a shower and a burger. However that didnt happen. After a good long shower (feels great being clean) and a really good burger, and some Blackberry Cobbler with vanilla Ice cream and 2 Oatmeal Porters I was feeling good for a warm bed. I shared a bunk room with No Joke and Fruit Fly, also at the NOC tonight is The Dude, Catepillar, hIKE, Natural High and Lady Bug.Tomorrow on towards Fontana.
Date: 2007-03-06
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was some big climbing. But I was warned so I was expecting it.Ended up reaching the Brown Fork Gap Shelter around sundown. Ate a real big dinner tended to my feet (blister #2). And got to watch the sunset from the Privy. Got to enjoy that. One more day till Fontana.
Date: 2007-03-07
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Hilton
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was pretty much straight down. After getting to Fontana and registering as a thruhiker for the smokies ridgerunner Jim gave me and No Joke a shuttle into the village to go to the outfitter and post office to pick up my mail drop. Mail drop had more than I needed so I shipped a bunch of stuff ahead to the other side of the smokies. There were a few pleasant suprises. Like homemade jerky! That really made my day. Thanks! The Fontana Hilton is a really nice shelter. Sleeps like 24 or something like that and has a beautiful view of the lake. Unfortunatly for us early hikers the services werent open. No store, no showers, no bathroom near the shelter. It did have water available though, and garbage cans. Which was nice. Looks like just me and No Joke at the Hilton tonight. Mark, Pilgrim, Jenny, Fruit Fly, Commer and Jean are all staying at the Hike Inn. Too expensive for me.
Date: 2007-03-08
From: Fontana Hilton

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Watching the sunrise over Fontana Lake was amazing. The one thing that could have made last night better were bathrooms. Oh-well, not like im not use to using the woods. Some guys who had finished hiking in the Smokies stayed with us last night, coming in well after dark. In the morning they gave me and No Joke some TP. I hadnt noticed until that morning that I was almost out. A lot of people had been warning me of the climb out of Fontana. But really it wasn't all that bad. The smokies in general have had a pretty mellow grade. Pushed on past the first couple of shelters and stayed at Spence Field Shetler. This is a good shelter, stayed here with Fruit Fly, Mark and 4 park hikers. They gave the three of us some food since they were heading out the next morning. Later in the night more hikers started rolling in. Had a total group overnight of around 10 people. You can really tell when its a weekend.
Date: 2007-03-09
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

woke up early to get a good start but my allergies kicked in a bit. Its humid but not expecting rain, and the ground is so dry that the air is really stale. Moved slowly most of the day but overall it was a pretty good day. Got to Double Springs shelter where I stayed with No Joke, Mark and Toesocks. So far the Smokies are providing some good views and easy hiking, but I was warned of rain so we will see.
Date: 2007-03-10
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Icewater Springs Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today the plan was to get up to Clingmans Dome for sunrise, but when I got up it was so foggy I could only see 10 feet in front of my face. So I waited awhile to let some of it burn off. By the time I reached clingman's Dome I could see a little bit further (about 25 feet). But it was slow going due to some ice and lots of blowdowns and hail. Now going down was a different story. The trail was pretty much all ice. I skied down some of it, which was fun until I fell, since I was already wet I just slid down on my rear a good ways down and then just bushwacked around the rest where it was leveling out. After I got through the ice, there were lots more blow downs to navigate through or around. Later today though I did run into some volunteers who were surveying the trail for damage. They are coming in soon to clear the blow downs. Hopefully before the big rush we hear is behind us. (Im so glad to be ahead of it). Had lunch at Indian Gap Road and moved onto Icewater Springs shelter. Another large group of weekend hikers and spring breakers. But still plenty of room in the shelter.
Date: 2007-03-11
From: Icewater Springs Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night it sounded like we had a chainsaw in the shelter. This guy snored so loudly. He did warn us before he went to sleep. Nice guy it just didnt lead to all that much sleep. It was a good thing I was listening to my radio tonight to drown out the noice or I would never have known to set my watch ahead. So really I didnt end up breaking camp until around 9:00 instead of 8. But before I left a hiker gave me a free mountain house meal which was greatly appreciated. I ended up pushing on to Tricorner shelter for lunch and then to Cosby Knob Shelter for the night. Longest day so far on the trail, but the trail was so mellow today that it made for some good hiking. Met Griz and some section hikers in the shelter last night. Griz was a past thru (93?) who was going back and redoing sections for the summer. Long day, time for sleep.