morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kinkora Hostel
Miles today: 6.1

I had an awful nights sleep last night. I don't know if I've ever been that cold in my life for such a long duration. Whoever designed and constructed that shelter is an idiot. All night there was a bitter, bitter wind blowing into the shelter. I was forced to curl up in the fetal postion jsut to stay warm.The cold morning caused me to get off to a late start. I reached the hostel around 1130 and got a shelter into town. I bought some munchies and relaxed in the sun back at the hostel. Later on Moses, Storyteller, Maggie, Early Bear, Z, and Nathan showed up. We all had a nice laid back day. At night a few of us played some Risk. The game ended when Z's flaguence forced us out of the room.Today also marked the day on extreme eating for me. For breakfast I had oatmeal. 1st lunch consisted of tortillas with tuna. 2nd lunch was 2 bags of Doritos, a Twix ice cream bar, an Oreo ice cream bar, a Butterfinger, and Peppermint Patty. For 3rd lunch I had popcorn chicken, fries, and 2 large milkshakes at Arby's. Dinner was spagetti and dessert included the liter of rootbeer and half gallon of ice cream I bought to make rootbeer floats. Delicious.
Date: 2009-04-17
From: Kinkora Hostel

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

I had an awesome stay at Kinkora hostel yesterday. Bob Peoples is a very kind man and his hostel had been my favorite stay so far. I recieved an awesome nights sleep and took a nice, long, hot shower this morning. For breakfast I feasted on mac n' cheese with peas, coffee cake, and banana pancakes.Early Bear and I left the hostel at 1030. The first couple miles were incredible. We had an easy hike to Laurel Falls, which was beautiful. The trail took us along the river for a mile or so after that. Then came a rather tough climb up to Pond Flats.Around 4 we reached Watauga Lake, where we met up with Chef, Racheopod, and Triple C. The day was so nice that we all went swimming and enjoyed the sun. Lator on, we hitched into town and bought hotdogs, ice cream, and soda. We cooked up the hotdogs back at the lake and just relaxed.At 7, Early Bear and I decied to hike the easy 2 miles to the shelter. Just a fabulous day with beautiful weather and gorgous scenary.
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 13.6

The weather gave us another beautiful day. Clear and sunny skies. This morning we went over Watauage Dam. It is the second TVA dam I have crossed. All told, TVA dams displaced nearly 75,000 people from their homes. The trade-off was flood control, electricity, jobs, and recreational opportunities. By lunch, Early Bear and I felt exhausted from a combination of PUDS and heat. At Vandeventer shelter we stopped for food and met up with Chef, Storyteller, and Hawkeye. After eating and enjoying the view, we head out. The first couple miles I felt very sluggish. It took me an hour or so to get my hiker momentum back. I reached Iron Mt. shelter about 530. Mr. Right and Plunger were already there. We were able to play a nice game of Eukre and had a lot of fun trying to get a loose branch unstuck from a tree. My shins hurt me quite a bit today, but I guess I am just going to have to learn to deal with the pain.
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, VA. (Hiker's Inn)
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Sweet, sweet Virginia!Oh what a wonderful day! I hiked the easiest 10 miles thus far. The morning I was on the trail by 730 and in Damascus a little after 10. Mr. Right, Plunger,, and I went and checked in at the Hikers Inn in town, where we met up with Chef. After getting settled in, we went to the all-you-can-eat pizza buffet. Mr. Right and I went head-to-head in a pizza eating competition.The Rules: no bathroom breakThe Turf: Pizza PlusThe Results: I ended up barely beating Mr. Right. I had 18.5 pieces to his 18.It feels good to have won and it's something I am truely proud of. Following lunch, I went to the library and read about how the Celtics are falling apart. Later on, the whole group got a shuttle to Food City where we bought dinner and a birthday cake for Early Bear, who turned 31 today. Back at the inn, Chef grilled up some delicious steak wrapepd in bacon strips, mushroom, and peppers. After hanging out and celebrating Early Bear's birthday, a couple of us watched Shawshank Redemption before heading to bed. What a tough life we are forced to live!
Date: 2009-04-21
From: Damascus, VA. (Hiker's Inn)

To: Damascus, VA. (Hiker's Inn)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I decided to take another zero today. The whole crew that stayed at the Hiker's Inn last night, all stayed another night.During the day I did some resupplying, checked out the outfitter, and went to the library. One librarian there was very protective of her computers. After my time ran out, I asked if I could have a few more minutes since there was about 6 computers empty. Ms. Hitler informed me that went against library policy. After some debating, I informed her then I would just come back later. This was folllowed by her telling me to come back MUCH later.An exciting day of relaxation.
Date: 2009-04-23
From: Damascus, VA. (Dave's Place)

To: Damascus, VA. (Dave's Place)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, I took another zero today. Not too much went on.I had originally planned to hike out today, but Damascus suckered me in for one more day. I am definitely leaving tomorrow as I have run out of things to do in this town. I am really ready to resume my hiking.
Date: 2009-04-24
From: Damascus, VA. (Dave's Place)

To: Campsite
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Free at last, free at last!After a very extended stay in Damascus, I have finally broken free. Around 1230 today, Leif E and I said goodbye to civilization and reintroduced ourselves to the mountains. We decided to take the Creeper Trail out of Damascus. It runs parallel to the Appalachian trail, but is much more beautiful. So for 10 miles, we said goodbye to the AT.From beginning to end, the weather was amazing. The trail took us along the river. Around 3, we stopped and decided to go swimming. Although the water was freezing, it felt very refreshing.After swimming, we came upon a cafe that sold ice cream. Needless to say, we were unable to resist the temptation. As we were about to leave, Zen and Rocket showed up so Leif E and I bought some more ice cream while they got there first round.The 4 of us hiked together for the rest of the day. We settled on a campsite that is right along the river. I'm spending only my second night in my tenttarp tonight now that I have finally learned how to set it up well.
Date: 2009-05-23
From: Campsite

To: Buena Vista, VA.
Miles today: 0.0

Miles from Spinger (795.2)It has been quite some time since I updated my journal beacause I haven't had extended access to a computer for awhile. The last 2 libraries I've been at have been not so friendly. So this entry is for the last month. Once I have time, I will try to fill in the days.Since leaving Damascus, Va. I've been having an awesome time. The weather was straight rain for a couple weeks, but the last 4-5 days has been amazing. From May 14-17th I was at Trail Days, which was quite an experience. A lot of hikers and a lot of stuff going on.After Trail Days, I have started to pick up the pace a little. I am really looking forward to getting to Harpers Ferry.At the moment I am in Buena Vista, VA at about the 800 mile mark. It is about 2-3 days away from Shenondoah National Park. The group I've been hiking with for the past week is a very large group. There are about a dozen thru-hikers. The past couple days have been great. The weather and views have been spectacular. We've also seen some interesting wildlife; a rattle snake and a 4 ft. long black king snake. Yesterday my new camera and my hammock arrived. I tried out my hammock yesterday and got my best sleep of the trip so far. Usually I wake up 8-10 times per night. Last night I only woke up once.Before my hammock arrived, I had been doing a lot of cowboy camping, which is basically when you lay your sleeping bag down and sleep under the stars. Now that the bugs are out though, I am very thankful that my hammock came. I was getting ready to wage war against the no-see-ums.Also of note, I have a new trail name. After discovering that there were already 100 others Ketchups out here, I now answer to Stud The Dud.I am still loving life out here and am tresuring every step. I know this journey won't last forever, so I'm enjoying it as much as possible.
Date: 2009-06-04
From: Buena Vista, VA.

To: Front Royal, VA.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Miles From Springer (957.6)So I have temporarily given up on doing the everyday entries as internet access, when available, is usually limited in time. Once I have time, I'll go through and update from my journal. So for the time being, I'll just be doing entries to some up a period in time, whether it is a day or two, or a week.Anyways, I finally got out of the Shenandoahs today. The park was very beautiful and I was able to see my first bears of the trip. The Shennies terrain was very easy, as were the miles. I am definitely ready to get out of this state. Another 3 days and I should be in Harpers Ferry, WV. West Virginia is only 6 miles and then Maryland is between 40-45. So I should be in Pennslyvania in about a week. Mentally, I've definitley started to feel the strain that the 550 miles of being in the same state will put on you. Hopefully a change of scenery will lift my spirits.The weather lately has been rainy and foggy. Right now I am at a hostel trying to rest up, dry off, heal my chafing, and hope the rash on my back goes away.
Date: 2009-06-05
From: Front Royal, VA.

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Miles From Springer (991.0)I wasn't planning on staying at a hostel again for quite awhile, but had to make an exception. I had a very bad day.Today I entered what is known as the "roller coaster", a 13.5-mile section with 10 ascents and descents. It goes up and over each of the viewless and rocky ridges.The tough terrain, 8,000 no-see-um bites, and the fact that i hate Virginia weren't enough for me to qualify staying at a hostel. But right after entering the "roller coaster", I discovered the beginnings of poison ivy all over my arms. Then on one of the many descents, I slipped on a log and my hip landed on a pointy rock sticking out of the ground. So I figured it would be in my best interest to pay a visit to the hostel.I'm really hoping my poison ivy doesn't spread and that I caught it early enough. It would defin. become annoying very fast.Tomorrow, Leif E, McBride, and I are going to cross the 1,000 mile mark and stealth camp about a mile outside of Harpers Ferry. Tuesday we will hike into town, spend about half the day checking out Harpers, then hike out 10 miles.I am so ready to get out of this state.Onwards I go.
Date: 2009-06-11
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry, WV.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Miles From Springer (1013.4)Quite a lot has happened in these last few days.First off, the good news. I have crossed the 1000 mile mark and made it to Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, also known as the psycological halfway point.But the last 4-5 days have been the toughest so far. Going from Bear Den Hostel, it took me 5 hours to do 7 miles. As a result of how I was feeling, I had to stop at the Blackburn Trail Center for the night and ended up aeroing there the next day while I got my blood tested.At the moment, my blood is being sent away and tested for lymes. I am currently on doxycycline and that has pretty much wiped me out. The doctor put me on antibiotics because all my symtoms line up with that of lymes disease. Also the county I was in has the highest population of ticks with lyme disease than any other place in Virginia.Hopefully I will begin to feel better sooner rather than later.Onwards I go.
Date: 2009-06-12
From: Harpers Ferry, WV.

To: Harpers Ferry, WV.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

So it appears as if my hike has hit a small speed bump.Right now I am in Harpers Ferry, taking 3 days off. I am hoping that this rest will allow me to regain my strength and continue on my way. I am getting really anxious to hike out but understand that i need to get better first. Hopefully the doxycycline will do it's thing and i will be as good as new shortly.Stagnent I stand.
Date: 2009-06-15
From: Harpers Ferry, WV.

To: Harper Ferry, WV.
Miles today: 0.0

I am going to finlly leave Harpers Ferry today. After what seems like weeks in this town, my plan to to hike out and reintroduce myself to the woods.The past couple days have been very slow. I have grown very anxious to get back on the trail, but my body just hasn't let me. But i finally feel like I'm ready physically. Here I come Maryland."Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain at an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion. Then, when you're no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isnt just a means to an end, but a unique event in itself. This leaf has jagged edges. This rock looks loose. From this place the snow is less visible, even though closer. These are the things you should notice anyway. To live only for some future goal is shallow. It's the sides of the mountain that sustain life, not the top. Here's where things grow."
Date: 2009-06-25
From: Harper Ferry, WV.

To: Port Clinton, PA.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Miles From Springer (1207.2)Since leaving Harpers, I have been feeling a lot better, Although the antibiotics are still taking their toll, I finally have some off my energy back. After hiking 10 miles out on Monday the 16th, I have really been pushing to make up for lost time.The beginning of Pennslyvania was really nice, as was the weather. I have offically passed the halfway point, in addition to having less than 1000 miles until Katahdin. Unfortunatly the rocks in PA have begun. My feet are aching badly. I was able to do my longest day into William Penn shelter (31 miles), but since then my shoes feel like they are made of paper. Trail runners are typically supposed to last for 400-600 miles. Mine have made it over 1200! Luckily, I will be in Delaware Water Gap, PA. on Monday where I have a new pair being shipped to me. I am greatly anticipating their arrival.I should be in New Jersey Monday and New York by Friday. One nice thing about the New England states is that NJ, NY, CONN, and MASS are all less than 100 miles.Onwards to New England!
Date: 2009-07-08
From: Port Clinton, PA.

To: Unionville, NJ.
Miles today: 0.0

Miles From Springer (1333.1)I'm back on the trail after an extended break in New York City. Kiwi, CousCous, August Rush, and I decided to go in for the weekend of the 4th and stayed an extra day. The city was amazing, shocking, chaotic, and overwhelming. It was quite an experience. We all had a really good time and enjoyed the break from the woods. While in the city, we met up with Penny Mouse, Hardcore, and Ninja and did some site seeing. The spots hit included Lady Liberty, The Empire State Building, Chinatown, MOMA, The Met, and Central Park.Coming back on the trail, we had a really tough time. Right now, our motivation is low. But we had an awesome stay at the Mayor's House in Unionville and hope to make up for lost time. Tomorrow we should be in New York and Conn. in less than 7 days.
Date: 2009-07-09
From: Unionville, NJ.

To: Kent, CT.
Miles today: 982.6

A rough patch would not even begin to describe what I have run into recently. I have been feeling run down both mentally and physically. The trail has just worn me down. I'm tired of packing up every morning, tired of hiking, tired of blisters, tired of eating the same food, and most of all, tired of being tired. On a positive note, things have been getting a little better since coming into Connecticut. New York's terrain really kicked my ass. I wasn't expecting such tough climbs. One thing that is comforting to know is that all thru-hikers seem to be in the same type of funk. With how slow I've been going, I haven't really lost ground on too many hikers. The breaks for all of us have gotten longer as our enthusiasm and energy levels dwindle. But Maine is knocking at my door...so I will continue to hike on.
Date: 2009-08-03
From: Kent, CT.

To: Manchester Center, VT.
Miles today: 186.9
Weather: few clouds

Miles from Springer (1640.6)Miles from Katahdin (537.7)Well it has been quite some time since I've updated my journal, so I thought I shall give it a go.At the moment I am in VerMUD, or Vermont as most normal people call it. The trail and weather here has been amazing. It rains almost every day and I am at the moment, unable to escape the mud. Hiking down the trail reminds me of an obstacle course. The hikers out here have been using different methods to battle the mud. Some decide to give up right away, getting their feet wet as soon as the get on the trail in the morning and trudging through puddles all day without any remorse. Being stubborn, I choose to fight the mud all day in an epic battle that always ends badly for me. On a positive note though, I've been told the the trail north of Manchester is quite so muddy.Vermont has also brought back the mountains. For the first time in awhile, we are getting some views. It's nice to be out of Massachusetts (mosquito paradise) where we were never rewarded for the climbing we did.Also of note, my face is the hairiest it has ever been. My beard and hair are both long enough to chew on. In addition, it is not uncommon for me to carry whole meals in my beard during the day to lighten the load on my back.Being back in the mountains has really helped mentally. I am beginning to enjoy being out here again, and look forward to heading north. The past couple weeks have been tough, but seeing my family for the first time in 4 1/2 months while in Lee, MA. was amazing. Also, I've had a couple of awesome stays at hostels in Dalton, MA. (The Birdcage) and Bennington, VT. where I stayed with a couple who are artists and allow hikers to sleep in their barn.Onwards I go.
Date: 2009-08-14
From: Manchester Center, VT.

To: Hanover, NH.
Miles today: 95.9
Weather: few clouds

Miles From Springer (1736.5)Miles From Katahdin (441.8)12 states down, 2 to go.The past 10 days have been excellent. Being back in the mountains is amazing. Few bugs and great views make for happy hiking.Leaving Manchester was difficult, as it was such an awesome town, full of outlet stores. Kiwi, Fat Kid, and I didn't end up getting on trail until 730...PM. We hiked about 3 miles to the first shelter where there was a group of young kids doing a section.The hike into Rutland was difficult yet rewarding. On top of Killington was beautiful. We ended up taking the gondola down, which is free to thru-hikers. Once in Rutland, we met up with Leif E, Lady, McBride, and Wheeler. Over the weekend we enjoyed the Long Trail Festival and some hiker bowling.Between Rutland and Hanover we ended up taking a zero at a farm that used to be a hostel. Farmer dan gave us 2 nights stay and a 23 mile slackpack in exchange for 6 hrs of manuel labor. It was quite a fun time. McBride and Leif E put new siding on the barn, Kiwi and CousCous weeded every possilbe weed out of the garden, Wheeler did the weed whacking, and Fat Kid and I dug a 30 ft. long 4 ft. deep trench. It was a lot of fun using non-hiking muscles. I was able to realize just how week my t-rex arms have become.So yesterday we did a tough 23 miles of slackpacking and crossed over into NH. At the moment we are in Hanover, NH, home to Dartmouth college. We are all looking forward to the whites but also realizing that the end is not the far away.
Date: 2009-09-05
From: Hanover, NH.

To: Andover, ME.
Miles today: 195.3
Weather: few clouds

So I have quite a bit to update on.Since leaving Hanover, I entered and exited the Whites. They were amazing...and amazingly hard. Overall, the weather was decent and the views were amazing. I ended up staying at only one hut, Lakes In The Clouds, which was an experience, good and bad. Having to be around so many people in such a small space was frustrating. We did receive awesome trail magic from a past thru-hiker, M&M, who opened her house to us all. It was exactly what we needed at a time when the weather was turning bad.After leaving the Whites, we had a quick stay in Gorham, where we resupplied and rested. Two days later, I returned to my home state. There was a group of about 6 of us that took a 2 hour celebration right at the NH-ME state line.Since crossing into Maine, the terrain has kicked out butts. I will personally vouch that the terrain in southern Maine is more difficult than the Whites. From going through Mahoosuc Notch to climbing Old Speck, my body has definitely been tested.With about 250 miles left, the end draws near.
Date: 2009-09-20
From: Andover, ME.

To: Monson, ME.
Miles today: 129.9
Weather: clear sky

Well, my journey is coming to an end.After an unexpected zero day in Monson, I am about to enter the 100 mile wilderness, the last and final obstacle between me and Katahdin. Since leaving Andover, we continued to hit tough terrain. Saddlebaack, Sugarloaf, Crocker, and the Bigelows were all significant climbs we had to do. As usual with Maine so far, the views were breathtaking. For trail towns between Monson and Andover, we stayed in Rangeley and Stratton, which both proved to provide unique experiences in their own way.Monson, which is the last trail town, was surprisingly awesome. I wasn't expecting too much, but it tuned out to be one of my favorites. We arrived here Friday, and that night at the Gen'l Store they hadd live bluegrass music. This town really reminded me of a quality small town in Maine, which I guess, is exactly what it is.As my adventure is winding down, I am definitely becoming excited to go home and see my family and friends. It has been over 6 months, which is more than enough time to be away.