morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-08
From: Rainbow Stream

To: Wadleigh
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We are going slower than we had planned. Beckie was right to suggest we start slow to get used to the weight of the packs and then pick up the pace later. It is also beautiful country and we want to enjoy just being here. Glen got sick our first day out. Another reason we are taking it slow. We spent our first night at Hurd Pond lean to. The 2nd night at Rainbow Spring and the 3rd at Rainbow Stream. Tonight we will be at Wadleigh. We now plan to be at WHL monday. At that time, we'll do another update. Glen has been taking lots of pictures. Have met some great people on the way. One mishap was losing one of the walking sticks. Hopefully someone will find it on the trail and let us know. Life is good.
Date: 2006-07-09
From: Wadleigh

To: WHL
Miles today: 10.0

We heard from Jim and Glen today. They hiked about 10 miles yesterday to White House Landing. They decided to stay put for a day to rest up and because of a thunder storm. They are doing good and in great spirits. They are full of stories of the great people they are meeting on the trail. They plan to meet up with Warren and Nancy in a couple days for a food drop as they are almost out. They are going slow but really enjoying the camraderie and culture of the trail. They have some great thru-hiker jokes. But I'll let them tell them. All for now. B
Date: 2006-07-14
From: WHL

To: View Entry
Miles today: 20.0

Heard from Warren and Nancy last night. They met Glen and Jim at Crawford Lake to replenish their food supply. They are well, happy and looking good. Their feet are always wet. Can't get the socks to dry out. But they are in good spirits and continue to enjoy the people on the trail. Glen's trail name is Pacemaker, for obvious reasons. No trail name yet for Jim.
Date: 2006-07-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 8.0

Heard from Pacemaker today from the top of 4th mountain. He was full of stories of knee deep mud after WHL. Heard stories of camping by lakes, ealges and thru hikers. They are doing well and eating well. What started as a hike has become a father/son journey on many levels. And they are enjoying the journey. The destination is no longer the focus.   Jim is now Jammin'.
Date: 2006-07-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 27.0

Pacemaker called from the top of another mtn. today. They stayed at cloud pond lean to 2 nites ago. It was beautiful according to Jammin'and well worth the extra hike. Then over the top of Barren Mtn. which was rough and on to another lean to. Today they have been swimming in streams with waterfalls. Some disturbing news was when a group of young men went through and talked of wondering where their hiking companion was. The last they saw him, he was on Barren Mtn. about 10 min ahead of them. They said he hadn't been drinking water and was not eating. They waited a while and then decided that he must be ahead of them. None of the sobos or nobos had seen him. The hikers kept going south. Hope they found him. A couple days ago, another hiker did get into trouble with serious dehydration and had to be rescued. It's been so hot that it can be dangerous without water.Pacemaker and jammin' met Warren today. Hiked out to the car. Warren really knows these woods. More food, dry socks and batteries so Pacemaker can take more pics. Pacemaker continues to have a sore throat. This makes 2 weeks. In case it's strep, he started with the antibiotics.Pacemaker can't stop talking. He is loving this adventure. He wants his big bro to join them. Will meet in Monson this weekend.
Date: 2006-07-24
From: monson

To: Carratunk
Miles today: 20.0

Pacemaker and jammin' reached Monson Sat. Got a ride to Shaw's and really crashed. They were 2 very tired hikers, but looking great. They have officially hiked 100 miles. Beckie, Chris, Zach, Warren and Nancy met them Sunday to replenish the food supplies. Beckie and Chris stayed there for the nite. Shaws was great. Food delicious. Amazing maple squares were out of this world! Met !Stinger and Swamp Dawg, a couple of gentleman hikers from Georgia. They are heading into the 100 mile wilderness and will finish their 9 year AT adventure in about 10 days. We wish them well! Chris is now joining Pacemaker and jammin'as they head south. No trail name yet, but it won't be long before someone gives him one. If you hear bagpipe music on the trail, you'll know Chris is near. Yes, he took the bagpipes! The journey continues...
Date: 2006-07-27
From: monson

To: caratunk
Miles today: 0.0

Warren did a food drop somewhere on the trail between monson and caratunk. Pacemaker,jammin' and big bro are all doing well. Apparently having a great time and no blisters? How can that be!!! I'm sure, knowing those guys, that there is music on the trail tonight. Will meet them in Caratunk. They may continue on, but it is getting close to the time that a couple somebodies need to get ready for school..
Date: 2006-07-28
From: momson

To: caratunk
Miles today: 0.0

Got a call last night. They made it to Caratunk around 7:30pm. Tired and wet but happy. They hiked most of the day in the rain. They loved the hike. Said it was great. And yes, there was lots of music on the trail. Chris is now known as Mr. Pipes. Apparently Glen has an infected toe that may need some attention. We'll see. Jim wants to continue, Chris wants to come home and hike the mountains of Acadia. They get a personal food drop today. We'll see if anyone bails.
Date: 2006-07-30
From: caratunk

To: unknow
Miles today: 15.0

Pacemaker and Jammin' crossed the Kennebec today after a zero day at The Forks. They hiked 15 miles to get to Caratunk the day before yesterday. They met up with Steve, the ferry man Friday nite. Steve put them up in one of his cabins and gave them some food. He was great to three very hungry and tired hikers. The hospitality of people on the trail or connected with the trail has been amazing. The Piper decided he wanted to get back to MDI and friends before he goes back to college so he bailed today, but not until he had played the bagpipes for Pacemaker and Jammin' as they crossed the Kennebec. The water was quite high and swift. Pacemaker and Jammin' are tired. Jammin' wants to do the mtns. but Pacemaker is exhausted and not feeling well. I feel the adventure will soon be over. But what an adventure!
Date: 2006-03-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, here we go. It's been a few months of intensive research and burning through the bit o cash I have to find myself this point. Equipped and ready to dump myself on the AT approach trail on April 5, 2006. A bit of background. Me, 43, in the middle of divorce and unemployed due to selling my small business in 2005. Damn boy, how do you handle all that? I dunno, run away and camp in the woods for six months? A couple of days after I was asked me for divorce, the unrequited dream of my childhood popped into my head. Hey Stever, You can now walk the Appalachian Trail! I began looking into the trek. I found out that I posess some of the more common traits of Thru-hikers, in a transtiory life phase, an introvertive personality, and the desire to finish the journey.How fitting, let's get going.Trailways, here we come.........
Date: 2006-03-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It is now 25 days before I start walking the AT. That means twenty days here at 'home' to get things done before I start the journey of a lifetime. I'm amazed at the personal response I get from people when I tell them what I am about to do. I get a lot of envy. Makes me uncomfortable, ha ha. The personal response is in complete contrast to the vibe I get driving amongst them in the suburbs. I am so tired of the bland, homogenous landscape dotted by strip mall, box stores, minivans and suvs. Is there anyplace untouched by corporate blight?
Date: 2006-03-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I spent the last couple of weeks saying good bye. Thanks to those of you who were there, you are all are very important to me. It's a weird place to be, 43, by most accounts halfway through this journey called life, yet, here I am, unsatisfied by the banquet laid before me. I don't have a job, and I am sooooo far away from it all, I'm living in Chicago, yet I feel so disconnected from this Modern Life we live. Do people really buy into the message they find on tv? Are humans that easily swayed by marketing and "public" opinion?Do they really find fulfillment in "things"? I can hardly wait to get away from phones, televison, computers, highways, suburbs, local "news", etc, etc. Good bye Steve, see you, whatever you are, when you get back!!!
Date: 2006-03-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Here we are, only a few days before I step off on the approach trail and begin my journey. I have everything except what I need for the hike boxed, piled up, and locked in storage. Over the last few weeks I've spent some incredible time with some incredible people. Thanks to all of you for your help, encouragement, and support.As I was packing the car, Winston, my Bichon Frise jumped up into the drivers seat. Animals have such a sense about things. When I was finished loading, I told him it was time to go in. Most times, he walks into the house and jumps up on his favorite chair. Getting him in his crate can sometimes be quite a production. But this time, he walked straight into his crate and settled in. Wow! I then twisted as much of body into his crate that I could, and hugged him tightly as I said my final goodbye. My wonderful sister will be handling all my "basecamp" chores. I drove the 700-something miles from Chicago to Baltimore in 13 hours. As I drove, I spent a few minutes thinking about:A. how many hours/days will it will take to walk those 700 miles, and B. how many miles a day can I walk in those same 13 hours?One thing is for sure, life is going to slooooow done one week hence.
Date: 2006-04-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This will be one of my last entries before setting out on the AT. I've spent the last few days here with my awesome sister, finalizing my rough itinerary, making food drops and practice packing and unpacking my stuff. I'm making one last pass through my gear, making sure nothing is left out, and that nothing is extra. I think I might have too much food loaded up for my first section, but I'd rather have too much, than not enough. I'm sincerely grateful to all who have made the AT journey before me, and their generosity in sharing their experience and knowledge. I can't put into words what and how much I've learned and gleaned from their journals and how-to articles. Many thanks.See you from the trail..........Peace and godspeed
Date: 2006-04-04
To: headed to GA
Miles today: 0.0

Hello, A special thank you to ALL of you for the good wishes coming my way. I DO realize how special of an opportunity my AT hike is. Not many get to a place where they can take off mid-stream (and mid-life) to follow their dream. Keep in mind we are all on a journey, make the most of your own!!I pray for peace, well being, tolerance and understanding. For you, and for me.One last thing, todays desk calendar quote....."We gain freedom when we have paid the full price." - Rabindranath TagoreHow fitting
Date: 2006-04-04
To: On the way to the trail!
Miles today: 0.0

Spent the day traveling to Atlanta. Flew south from Baltimore and had a view of the mountain ridges all the way here. Trip was smooth, my pack arrived safely at baggage claim - whew! Josh from Hiker Hostel picked me up at the North Springs MARTA station. I met Gene, Nathan (Old Spice), Lois and Misha, a couple from Canada. Everyone is really nice and friendly. It was around 7:00 when we pulled in the hostel. This place is beautiful. I'm glad I chose this as a launching pad. Carbo loaded on of all things, Domino's Pizza, but hey, they delivered! I'm worried that my pack might be too heavy, but what can I do but strap it on and hike. I've decided to skip the approach trail and start tomorrow directly from Springer Mountain. Springer to Nathadin (sp?) - those are the miles that count.
Date: 2006-04-05
To: First hiking day
Miles today: 7.6

Signed in at the top of Springer Mountain, then hiked roughly eight miles to the Hawk Mountain shelter. Hiked from 10:00 to 3ish. Hung out here a while, enjoying the fellowship and comraderie. Most here have experience, so I'm keeping my eyes and ears open to continue my learning. I have a trailname - "PACER." It was bestowed on me by Rocky. Thanks Rocky. She and Swamp Fox are hiking this year to make up what they missed last year due to injury. Coincidentally, they plan to finish at the end of September, same as me. That's one of the cool parts of this journey. People come and go and reappear. Tenting tonight - hopefully, I sleep better than last night, was too keyed up at the hostel.   Mileage today - 7.6
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Second hiking day

To: Second hiking day
Miles today: 7.3

Beautiful day today - didn't sleep again, not well anyway. I know it will catch up soon. Hopefully, tonight. Was a tough hike today, halfway in, my right knee started killing me on the downhills. Thank goodness for hiking poles. Trying to think of how to lighten my load, but not sure what to do. My base weight is 26 pounds, but with water, 2.2 lb per liter and the need to carry 2 most of time time, plus food. Got to Gooch Mountain shelter just before 4:00 - set up my tent, rinsed myself off, down some ibuprofen (Vitamin I). Right knee is swollen and tender to the touch. Supposed to rain tomorrow afternoon, so we'll see how things go. Oh wait - It's raining now at 20:00 as I write this. Hopefully, it will be dry tomorrow to at least start out. My spirits are good, all of this is just part of hiker life. Soreness, stink, and rain. Lots of the folks in shelter tonight have thru=hiked or done big sections, so it's fun to listen to their stories of what lies ahead. Time for me to bunder up and elevate my leg. Hope the swelling goes down a bit.   daily miles 7.3P.S. Hey Old Spice, thanks for the register mention!
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Day of rest

To: Day of rest
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I made the right decision. Came back to the hostel, showered, and put up my foot for a while. We ate at Caruso's, a nice Italian restaurant on Dahlonega. The Rosemary Chicken Ravioli with provolone kicked ass! I almost ordered another! I iced my knee some more when we got back from dinner. Slept good and cozy in my bunk. Around 2:00, the winds howled, rain plummeted to the earth, and lightning filled the sky. I'm very happy that I am A) not in my tent, B) not in a shelter, and C) hurrying to hike up Blood Mt. on a rain-soaked trail with a bum knee.Today will be a rest day, and I'll have one of these fine Hostel folk review my pack for stuff I can leave behind. P.S. Almost forgot---Maggie, the hostel dog, rocks! She's so friendly, makes me miss my Winston (my Bichon Frise) even more.
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Second day of rest

To: Second day of rest
Miles today: 0.0

Sunday - second day of rest at Hiker Hostel. Yesterday, Old Man (Paul) reviewed my pack and helped me eliminate about 1000 cu in and 8.5 lbs. from my load. That should help immensely when I head out again tomorrow - Monday. My knee is still sore. I can't say it's back to even 80% yet, cause the pain does come and go. If I'm having trouble navigating the staircase, how in hell can I walk up and down mountains??? My spirits sank a bit, actually quite a bit, actually almost to the bottom this morning. Ten hikers at breakfast, nine hikers heading ou today, one gimp left behind. Everyone wishes me well, Luralee stopped by, laid hands on my knee and prayed. Thank you for that!! Everyone has been super. I'll see some of these folks again, since I technically have a 2 1/2 day start on them.The hostel is a quiet place without anyone here! After everyone left, Maggie the dog, came up and laid her paws on me. Such a sweetie! We curled up on the floor together as I cried and prayed. What am I to be learning here? What message am I to receive? If the last couple of years have taught me anything, it's that life does NOT have to meet your expectations. I've had this AT dream for damn near 30 years, and have spend the last five months and a few thousand dollars researching, outfitting, and getting myself here to the starting point. I'm in good physical condition, and have never had knee problems - why this, why now?I came here to simplify and live small. I came here for solitude and companionship - both are found in abundance. I came here to connect with whatever spirit I find. I came here to belong, be accepted for who I am into this community of hikers. Twenty miles does not a hiker make! I came for answers as to who I am and where I belong. What lesson am I being taught? I came here to purify. I surely can't home "home" yet, I don't know where "home" is supposed to be. Dahlonega? Can't be for certain, ha ha. Seriously, there's baggage I need to lose and leave behind. I don't feel I should head back to Chicago yet (or ever?). On the plus side--Steve Earle's on the XM singing, "I Ain't Ever Satisfied!!"Suburbs seem so cold and foreign to me. I don't feel a part of it. I've come to loathe the megahomes, shopping malls, multiple lane roads, absurdly long stop lights, alternating McDonalds and Starbucks on every corner. I desperately need to distance myself from it all! I'm fed up with capitalism and commercialization. So many are just out for themselves, screw their neighbor. I know there is more to life. I've climbed the corporate ladder, run my own business (and run myself into the ground in the process). I'm ready to open myself to the greater good and try to live more altruistically. I'm way past the point of caring about things and riches, as I see how fleeting they truly are. I need to center and find peace within myself. I want to my find my inner "Buddha."------Let me be open to receive.-------Show me what I am to see.--------Teach me what I need to learn.
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Woody Gap

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

First off---one more big round of applause for the Hiker Hostel. It's a wonderful place, wonderful people. Yesterday was tough, I was full of fear and doubt about my summer plans. Old Man provided much needed motivation and inspiration over coffee this morning. My knee feels pretty good. I still have good range of motion, even though I pounded out the last 2.2 miles from Blood Mountain over nothing but rocks and 1500' descent in 2 miles, whew!!I'm at the Walasi-Yi (sp)Center staying in their hostel tonight. This is an historic building, and the trail actually runs right through the facility. Short journal tonight-I'm beat, it's 10:00PM, and time to crash. Oh, more more thing...I left a message for Winston yesterday (my dog) and Colleen said when she played it, he ran into the room and barked when he heard my voice - how cool is that!!
Date: 2006-04-12
To: Low Gap Shelter - tent
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Short hike today - got into camp around 13:00. Slowly but surely, the gang I expected came rolling in. Day started foggy but cleared up and got real sunny around 15:00. I contemplated moving on, since it was so early, but this stop fits my plans best. Took a load off my knee. Watered up and out of my feet and foots, will plan two 10-11 mile days and then hitch into Hiawallee on Saturday.My new pack fit and felt great today. I think I made the right decision. I was really impressed at mountain crossins yesterday. Winton Porter is everything they say, great guy, knowledgeable and generous with his time. As he fitted my pack, we got to talking. Turns out he lived in Schaumburg, IL for a time! Small world! It's so encouraging to see people like him, and Josh and Leigh living their dream. Gives me hope for my future. The shelter filled up as the day went on. I wasn't the only one who spent mony at Walasi-Yi, LOL. Lots of new gear for many hikers. I'm at the Low Gap Shelter. I'm still packing my tent though. I like hanging out with everyone, but not too keep on sleeping shoulder to shoulder on the hard wood floor. My tent at least, offers protection from bugs, mice, and snorers. Jim and his boys showed up. They pit in a long day, all the way from Klees (sp ?) I'm definitely glad I stayed put this afternoon. Everyone is trying to plan their next few days, trying to figure out what others are doing. I know what I'm planning, and not going to waver. :-) "Hike your own hike." I don't want to worry about anyone's agenda buy my own. If it happens to mesh with others, so be it. I found a 1/2 bottle of Jim Beam here, with a note that said, "For emergency use only." After dinner, Burner and I each did a capful. So much for no booze, first night out was J&B scotch. Only one capful each, just enough to warm the esophagus. I've pitched my tent up on the hill behind the shelter. I'm all alone up here, only one tent pad. There's a spring/stream nearby. I'm hoping for a real good night's sleep. I need it! Keep me away from the snorers!! Only downside are all the flies trapped under the tent fly, thank goodness for netting. There's no bathroom here and pretty much past my spot is a field of half buried t.p. At least it's not the full heat of summer! Oh, does bear shit in the woods? Yes they do. So do hikers when there's no privy. I took my first outdoor dump today, and didn't get any on me..got some baby wipes, haha!! Pretty muych what I do is wake, eat, hike, drink, eat hike, drink, eat sleep. I'm glad to be back on the trail and getting back into the rhythm. I've not had any rain or bad weather yet, but it will come. Pracice tenting, so I can put it up in my sleep (and the rain).
Date: 2006-04-15
To: Hiawassee Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The waiting is the hardest part - Tom PettyIt's been a long long year, how did I get here? - Todd SniderThis paint-by-numbers life is fucking with my head one again - EelsBeamis and Southpaw just showed up. They are South Bounders - a rare breed. I didn't expect to see some so soon, since you have to start in July up north. Well, they did start last year! Both guys are waaaay laid back - too fucking cool! They headed straight for the hiker box scrounging for food. We shared some beers with them and listened to their stories. They've hiked through four seasons, slept in peoples' yards, parking garages, baseball dugouts, and football stadium press boxes. Hike your own hike, dudes.Earlier today was a bit tough, people keep going out to hike. I try very successfully, I might add, to not let it bother me. I did find some tunes, which definitely help. Patrick and Rachael, who've been hanging out here nursing his Achilles, mentioned that they had some live Todd Snider shows on her IPod. I borrowed it and listened to his storytelling. If you don't know Todd, add him to your music collection. He's an unrecognized genius, please buy his records.Monique from New Orleans came to the Hiawasse Inn. She is doing a thru-hike and raising money to plant trees in New Orleans. Her website is www.hikeforkatreena.com if you are inclined to take a look. We went to this Chinese buffet for dinner. My fortune cookies says, "You will walk on the soil of many countries." I interpret that as 14 states. My word "successful" is I'm thinking those are good signs. Going to bed early - get some good rest.
Date: 2006-04-16
To: Hiawassee Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hmm....still no daily mileage for my log. My box showed up today at 9:05. Yeah! Shoes and food. I broke the food down by trail segments. I'm going to take it easy for the next two days. Hong Kong will meet me at Dick's Creek with my boots (if I need them) and the food I need for the trip to Franklin. I think the shoes will be a big help. Keep your fingers crossed!