morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-02-19
To: THE GATES OF CENTRAL PARK
Miles today: 0.0

Since doing my section hike last year I've shaved a few pounds off my gear. Not that I couldn't handle my 40+ pound pack its just that I have learned so much since last year. First of all I'll be using a new Equinox Katahdin instead of the frame pack I used last year Which I didn'teven take the weight into consideration. Another major change is a Hennesey Hammock in place of the tent that I hardly used last year. One more weight saving change is my alcohol stove instead of the MSR, before last year I've never seen an alcohol or pepsi can stove. It's been a pretty cold off season for me in New York City. The closest thing i've done to hiking is Blue Blazing through the 23 miles of The Gates Of Central Park by Christo and Jeanne-Claude and a free preview of the film 2000 Miles that someone had posted in Trail Forums.   See you at Trail Days...
Date: 2005-03-09
To: COMPUTER
Miles today: 0.0

I remember someone telling me "You cant hike the Appalachian Trail without a computer". To this day I don't know what that means. Before last years 200 mile section hike I didnt know how to turn a computer on, I still have alot of trouble with it but I figured out that if you find a piece of gear you like and shop around for the best price chances are somebody is selling that item on eBAY for alot less. Ive saved alot of money on my new gear. I also found out that there are so many people willing to bid on things I get for free and send me lots of money. (not pepsi can stoves) Maybe thats what that person meant by needing a computer. Keep sending me that money, gear aint cheap.   ARGO
Date: 2005-04-17
To: IM ON MY WAY
Miles today: 0.0

Well my 1 month vacation starts April 23 that means Ill be on the Trail at Newfound Gap on April 20 headed for Trail Days. Figure that out.Along with all my gear Ill be carrying a flattened penny from Amicalola Falls that I carried on last years section hike and a Snapple cap that says " Mt. Katahdin is the first place in the U.S. to get sunlight each morning. "
Date: 2005-04-20
From: NEWFOUND GAP GSMNP

To: PECKS CORNER SHELTER
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

After a 17 hour Greyhound Bus ride to Knoxville and a cab ride to Gatlinburg im almost ready to hit the Trail. What a beautiful day to start. First stop Shoneys for the Breakfeast Buffet then to wait for the Happy Hiker to open to get some alcohol for my stove and ill be on the way. A quick 2 mile walk to the Park Headquarters for a Backcountry Permit an easy 15 mile hitch to Newfound Gap, a quick scramble through the swarms of camera toting tourist and there I was back on the Appalachian Trail headed north. I did a survey of the day hikers going north and south and everyone was going to or coming from Charlies Bunion so my plan was to get passed Charlies Bunion and make it to Pecks Corner Shelter with plenty of daylight. It felt great to be back on the trail sharing a shelter with a group of Thru Hikers.
Date: 2005-04-21
From: PECKS CORNER SHELTER

To: COSBY KNOB SHELTER
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

My first full day back on the Trail I decided on an easy 12.9 miles over some of the 6000 foot peaks some of the highest in the Smokies and on to Cosby Knob Shelter which was packed with Thru Hikers that night and 1 Ridgerunner who took his job very serious who was really a great guy and we enjoyed having in the shelter. The weather has been perfect so far and its great to be back on the Trail
Date: 2005-04-22
From: COSBY KNOB SHELTER

To: STANDING BEAR FARM
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we say goodbye to the Smokies, the weather has been perfect for hiking, the wildflowers are blooming, the leaves are coming out on the trees, my new pack feels great, no feet problems, i'm even sleeping good at night which is usually difficult for me since i've been working the midnight shift for over 20 years now. I've met many Thru Hikers but for now I'm still hiking my own hike and I think I'll do an easy 10 mile day and stop for a night at Standing Bear Farm.
Date: 2005-04-23
From: STANDING BEAR FARM

To: GROUNDHOG CREEK SHELTER
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

Had a great stay at Standing Bear Farm yesterday, actually I was having too good a time hanging out with all the Thru hikers. The weather started out beautiful then the rains came and the forecast was calling for snow in the higher elevations. We had a campfire last night and the wood stove was kicking out some good heat in the bunk house. Curtis runs a First Class place and is one of the Greatest guys you'll meet on the Trail.What to do? My vacation officially starts today. Should I take an off day and stay another night in my dry warm bunk or hike out. At 1 p.m. I decided that I didn't deserve a day off yet. Did a little resupply, put on my rain gear and hiked out. The weather man was right about the snow but he failed to mention how much Mud was on the Trail! Made easy milage today. Another full shelter tonight. Temperature below freezing. Wonder whats going on at Standing Bear Farm?
Date: 2005-04-24
From: GROUNDHOG CREEK SHELTER

To: OLD ROARING FORK SHELTER
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a day to remember. Just yesterday it was summer like weather, all the flowers were blooming, the leaves on the trees were coming out, color everywhere. You couldn't have wished for better weather. I was looking forward to camping out on Max Patch but not on this hike. The snow came down today, it wasn't alot maybe 6 inches total but Max Patch is what many hikers will be talking about for years to come. The wind had to be 60 mph (agreed upon in the shelter that night), visibility whats that. It was so hard not to get lost on this Bald. I stuck my trekking pole in a snow drift and it was over 6 feet deep. Everyone in the shelter tonight had their own version of the same storm on Max Patch. the temperture was in the 20s tonight but nice and cozy in my sleeping bag. I heard on my radio that the President cancelled his trip to the Smokies today for Earth Day, I don't blame him.
Date: 2005-04-25
From: OLD ROARING FORK SHELTER

To: HOT SPRINGS N.C.
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Today we hike out of the higher elevations and snow 14.9 miles down to the town of Hot Springs and a stay at the historical Sunnybank Inn. The trail today was covered in snow and as you lost elevation it was covered in mud, the thick slippery rip your boots off kind of mud. Once in Hot Springs it was Spring again beautiful weather, Time to shower off this "Hiker Tan" and go check out the Smoky Mountain Diner across the street.
Date: 2005-04-26
From: HOT SPRINGS N.C.

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Decided to take a zero day today, its hard not to when your in Hot Springs staying at "Elmers" Sunnybank Inn. This place is Awesome, Elmer the owner runs a Great hostel. The vegetarian meals are great, and its like living in a museam. Hung out in town today with the other hikers, did some laundry and resupplied for the next 60 something miles. Got to take a soak in the Hot Springs for an hour, very relaxing. All the hikers were in Elmers music room tonight. What a cute little town.
Date: 2005-04-27
From: HOT SPRINGS N.C.

To: SPRING MOUNTAIN SHELTER
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

I'm resupplied and back on the trail again. My pack weight is about 25 pounds full. Next town Erwin. An easy 11 miles today. Full shelter tonight, campfire, rain and mud. The radio is kicking out some good tunes tonight. I wonder who is sleeping in the bed I slept in last night at "Elmers"
Date: 2005-04-29
From: JERRY CABIN SHELTER

To: HOGBACK RIDGE SHELTER
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

The rain stopped for today, Got Magic in two different places today, Hercules and his wife served up some homemade stew, cake, ice cream and handfuls of candy bars Awesome. later on got some soda and little debbys at another road crossing. Another full shelter tonight, same funky hikers.
Date: 2005-04-30
From: HOGBACK RIDGE SHELTER

To: BALD MOUNTAIN SHELTER
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: moderate rain

Decided today to hitch a ride at Sams Gap and go get some Breakfeast only problem no cars, we decided to start walking the 3 miles. The first house we passed invited to cook us breakfeast for a small fee, no problem as long as they have plenty of coffee. Saxy Lady adopted a cute puppy, GRUMP is still waiting for tea. The clouds cleared for me at Big Bald and I had beautiful views. Plenty of room tonight in the shelter. The rain falling on the tin roof kept me up half the night.
Date: 2005-05-01
From: BALD MOUNTAIN SHELTER

To: MISS JANETS
Miles today: 16.9

This morning was the first time that I was the first one to hike out, usually i'm the last to leave. It must have been the rain keeping me up last night. Nice hiking today, weather is beautiful, making good time today, I smell coffee. Arrived at Erwin, got a ride to Miss Janets without lifting a thumb. As soon as you walk into Miss Janets you feel like family. This place is packed with hikers coming and going. Met Alabama whom I hiked with last year and he made some special arrangements for me to stay over. Great to see Alabama again, whats it been a month since we were hanging out in N.Y.C. together? I can't think of a better place to take a zero day. HorseShoes anybody?
Date: 2005-05-02
From: MISS JANETS

To: MISS JANETS
Miles today: 0.0

Took a Zero day today. Alabama and I shuttled Gator to Damascus to drop off his truck then brought him back to Iron mountain gap so that he can hike back to Trail Days. While in Damascus we pigged out at the Baja Cafe. This is almost a ghost town, cant wait until Trail Days when this town will be filled with thousands of people. Once back at Miss Janets I did some laundry, checked my   e- mail and did alot of hanging out with a full house of Hikers.
Date: 2005-05-03
From: IRON MOUNTAIN GAP

To: MISS JANETS
Miles today: 19.0

Today a group of us hikers decided to dress up in costume and slack pack south 19 miles back to Erwin. I believe the word SLACK PACK means a hiker that wants to spend another night at MISS JANETS. I started out fast but then decided to drop to the rear of the pack and told myself I would not pass anybody today. I did pass a steady stream of hikers going north which means that you have to stop and chit chat every time you meet another hiker. The last few miles were in the dark and it was a welcome sight to see the headlights on Miss Janets van waiting for us. Once back at Miss Janets everybody pigged out. What a Saint. Tonight is my last night here, gotta go to Trail Days.
Date: 2005-05-04
From: IRON MOUNTAIN GAP

To: ROAN HIGH KNOB SHELTER
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Caught the first shuttle out of Miss Janets today, the van was filled with slack packers going south and just 2 of us going north. the next shuttle will be full of north bounders but I wanted to be ahead of them and get back to Hiking my Hike. The weather today was cold, cloudy and wet. Passed over several Balds today, talk about wind and rain, Nothing to compare with when I crossed Max Patch but it still ranks up there. Made it to Roan High Knob Shelter elevation 6285' the last time the Trail climbs this high until Mount Washington in New Hampshire. GRUMPS and I shared the shelter, me downstairs and he upstairs in the Penthouse.
Date: 2005-05-05
From: ROAN HIGH KNOB SHELTER

To: APPLE HOUSE SHELTER
Miles today: 14.7

Woke up to freezing temps. this morning. Very cloudy and wet in the higher elevations, very little visibilty going over the Balds which may be a plus being you cant see how high the climb actually is. Arrived at Apple House Shelter early the sun was shining temp. had to be in the 70s. This shelter is only a half mile from a road but I decided not to go into town, I took a bath, washed my gear, cleaned up the shelter and relaxed. I had so much time today it felt like a zero day. GRUMPS finally arrived towards evening, We had a nice fire going tonight. It dont get better than this.
Date: 2005-03-16
To: planning
Miles today: 0.0

Hey guys and gals! This is Craig here about 2 months before I leave for my 2 month hike on the Appalachian Trail! I am getting very excited about this trip. A little scared, a little nervous, a little sad, but still excited. It seems I have been planning this trip and dreaming about it forever and now here I am planning maildrops, dehydrating food, buying last-minute gear, and getting in better shape. I know there are several people at home who will be afraid for me and who will worry nonstop (you know who you are. To you I just want to say that I love you all for caring so much for me and that with your support, prayers, and positive energies I can and will complete this section hike and come out a better man having done it.) No doubts. "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." -Helen Keller"A man does not climb a mountain without bringing some of it away with him and leaving something of himself upon it." -MartinConway
Date: 2005-03-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hey! Just workin on putting some of my gear on the gear list and thought I'd say something in here. I am going shopping tomorrow for all my food!!!!! Very exciting! OK Well, I guess that will do for today..."There are two types of adventurers: Those who go truly hoping to find adventure and those who go secretly hoping they won't." -William Moon
Date: 2005-03-20
To: planning
Miles today: 0.0

Hello again! I just wanted to tell a little of what has been going on over the past few days since I've written. I've been working a lot as usual, but it has been very good at work. Explain? OK OK...Friday morning I was working at the restaurant, being bored, making no money, when I got a table and when I went to take their order I noticed a Marmot jacket on one guy. Hmmmm...I said "You a backpacker?" He was on his way to thruhike the AT! His parents were taking him from Houston to Georgia to start on Saturday. I'm jealous! They were really nice people and I got to provide a little trail magic for him. Awesome...Saturday night they came back in (minus the thruhiker) and requsted me. When they left, they gave me a AT sticker and wrote me a note on the back. It's amazing how many great people you meet in the hiking community!I woke up today and started my first load of peas in the dehydrator....Wish me luck!"Paralyze resistance with persistence." -Woody Hayes
Date: 2005-03-28
To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Hey everyone!!! (You few brave souls who dare to read my journal) It's about a month and a half now until I start the trail and I feel as if I'm not doing enough....I plan for and think about the trail daily, but I still feel that I am missing something important...Maybe I have O.C.D...I have some good news though! Today I went to my favorite store (Hudson's) and bought me an Olympus digital camera. Great...Yeah it is! The camera itself is several ounces lighter than my old 35mm, the pictures are clearer, and I won't have to carry film (weight, weight, weight). Sorry mom, I may still not give you the 35mm back...Ha ha! I also bought a nifty High Gear watch online the other day...It has Altimeter/Temp/Time/Chrono/Alarm capabilities and weighs only 2 ounces....I believe my gear is gonna be around 20 lbs before food/water...Not bad!!!! I think that is going to be all of my purchases for the trip so that's good. Time to save money and pay off all the bills before I go...Hopefully graduation will help with that...hint hint...Well, I guess that is about all for now."We are all doing exactly what we want to do even if we say we are not. If we don't take action to live a dream, then we really didn't want the dream after all." -Anon
Date: 2005-03-31
To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It's getting exciting!!!!! I just weighed my pack (without food, fuel, and water) and it weighed 17 lbs!!!!! I still have some straps to cut off, tags to clip, and things to decide against, so maybe it'll go even lower!!!!!"If you want a place in the sun, you must leave the shade of the family tree." -Osage saying
Date: 2005-04-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi all!!!! Just writing to say that I have officially dehydrated green beans now as of Sunday! They get really small ya know. One big can turned into one small freezer box. 90% H2O....Cut the pack down to 16.5 lbs now...Asked Jen for a lighter sleeping bag for graduation...(fingers crossed) That will take about a pound off right there...2lb 12oz synthetic bag--->1lb 12oz down bag...We'll see what happens though!P.A.C.E.- Persistence Always Conquers Envy
Date: 2005-04-08
To: planning
Miles today: 0.0

Hey everyone! Just thought I'd write a few quotes:"The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast and you'll miss all you are traveling for." -Louis L'Amour"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood...and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all of the difference." -Robert Frost"There are only two ways to live your life; as though nothing is a miracle, or as though everything is a miracle." -Albert Einstein"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." -Henry David Thoreau"Men are born to succeed, not to fail." -Henry David ThoreauIn case you all were wondering, I love quotes!
Date: 2005-04-09
To: preparing
Miles today: 0.0

Hey everyone! Today I went to workout then went to the local sports store and got a new lighter (12oz lighter to be exact!!!!) columbia longsleeve and a gallon of denatured alcohol for my Tinman stove. Very exciting!!! Well, gotta go for now! "Far away in the sunshine are my highest inspirations. I may not read them, but I can look up and see the beauty, believe in them and try to follow where they lead." -Louisa May Alcott
Date: 2005-04-14
To: Springer fever
Miles today: 0.0

Springer fever has officially hit me I do believe! In my last entries I have written about buying lighter gear, dehydrating foods, tricking family into buying me lighter gear, etc. Now I am just ready to hit the TRAIL! I weigh my pack every few days, and by some miracle (or possibly my own obsession) it continues to grow lighter. Last year, base pack weight was around 19 lbs. Not bad....A month ago, base pack weight was around 17 lbs. Better....Since then I have reduced sleeping bag weight by almost 1 lb, reduced headlamp weight by several ounces, cut tags, threw a few things out completely (rather forcefully I might add), got new lighter camcorder batteries (still an issue about taking that, but what is life without conveniences?), cut heavy cords out of food bag and replaced with lighter parachute cord, threw out hard nalgene and replaced with lighter (yet somewhat flimsier) plastic bottle, bought a new longleeve that was ~12 oz lighter than my old one, and completely swore off of undergarments for the duration...Sorry all who didn't want to know that...Anyway, I think the fever is upon me. Anybody got any lightening suggestions? Throw 'em at me! Come on, please. I need 'em! Ha ha! Still trying to figure a way to trim edges off my cellphone...Might send it home if it doesn't pick up for the first few days (fingers crossed). I know it makes people back home feel better, but it weighs a FEW OUNCES! Well, gonna go now so I can scout around, see how I can take the load off."The unexamined pack may not be worth carrying." -Backpackinglight.comp.s.-One month and counting!
Date: 2005-04-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi all! Just wanted to provide some more up to date info about my pack weight:As of today (4/21/05) my pack weighs...........13 LBS!!!!!!!!!!Of course that does not include food, water, fuel, toilet paper, headlamp, but my headlamp and t.p. weighs very little. Well, I guess that is all. Thanks everyone for reading this and any notes of support would be very appreciated."If you are going through Hell, keep going." Sir Winston Churchill
Date: 2005-04-29
To: plans
Miles today: 0.0

Hi all! Just thought I'd update on what's been happening. I woke up at my parents house this morning and drove back to Hattiesburg to move some of my stuff and my girls stuff to her new apt and to help my roommate move out. On the way, the realization struck me that this was it. There is no turning back on my trip, my graduate school choice, or my choice of the perfect person to spend my life with. BAM! It hit me. Finally everything is coming together for me in the perfect way during a time that many would see as disarray. Packing, planning, moving have occupied so much of my time lately that I haven't been seeing that this is all I have ever wanted. This time where I know that everything is happening for a reason and that everything is leading to something better. Sometimes the process is more exciting than the end ya know? I know that I will have an amazing time on my trip this summer. I know that I will be in grad school in the fall and that I will do well. I know that I have found that person for me. I have been so nervous and worried about things working out right that I haven't noticed that they already are. I'm still scared about my hike, worried about how well I will do out there, worried about family back home, worried about Jen. But I know that no matter what the outcome, this is going to be a good time for me, it already has been. Well, maybe my thoughts will be a little less random later...."P.A.C.E.- Persistence Always Conquers Envy" -Craig Alsup
Date: 2005-05-09
To: Oh so close! 
Miles today: 0.0

Today is Monday. This time next week I will have been on the trail a day and a half. So excited! So nervous! So scared about how life will be for me out there, about how I will cope, about how people left behind will feel. I have a lot of last minute things to do this week, pack and repack my bag, get bills ready to pay, update my journal, meet with my hiking partner to do some extra planning, move the rest of my stuff up to my parents house, etc. The list seems to go on and on....Well, I will go now, but I'll probably update this journal at least once or twice before I leave Hattiesburg on Saturday morning headed for Jackson and then on to Springer. Thanks for the ride mom and dad! Oh yeah! Did I mention I am graduating college Friday? I never thought that would take backseat to anything...Oh well."Whether you think you can or that you can't, you are usually right." Henry Ford
Date: 2005-05-11
To: 3 days!!!
Miles today: 0.0

As of today, it's only 3 days til my hike begins!!!! Boy am I stoked! I have been running crazy this week trying to get maildrops finalized, packs packed, bills paid, etc etc...Now it's getting down to crunch time. I have very little left to do now. Meeting the parents tonight for dinner at my favorite restaurant FAHRENHEIT in Byram tonight to eat, give them some more of my belongings to keep while I am on my trip, and hopefully get some of my graduation presents that people have been mailing. I graduate Friday, so exciting! I also get a 1 hr massage Friday....YES! Well, I guess I am done rambling for now. Will probably ramble some more Friday night or Saturday morning. Oh, by the way, my Dad will be some of the transcribing here after I leave for my hike, just in case I can't find a computer. Jennifer might add a few things as well."Advance, and never halt, for advancing is perfection. Advance and do not fear the thorns in the path, for they draw only corrupt blood." Kahlil Gibran