morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Damascus,VA

To: Lost Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 14.8

yeahhhhhhhhhComing outta damascus will be a good climb but the rest of the day looks nice.The storms have moved out and I'm excited to reach the Grayson highlands state park soon! Feral ponies roam the area and I've been waiting to see these guys!!!The section of Elk garden to Old Orchard is supposed to be the prettiest part of the trail so YEAHHHHHHHHHHH!the next outfitter (unless you get off trail) is 250 miles away and the next hostel is about 6-7 days so I'm trying to get everything together this morning for the big woods....Mt. Rogers state park is full of vegetation, wildlife, and natural beauty that I'm excited to finally see...also, I get privies back and h20 near the shelter again!! one shelter even has a warm shower!?! YEAH!The big climbs are Whitetop mtn and Mt. Rogers (highest point in VA)after that its just rolling hillsides of VA!update when I get to the next hostel, internet, whatever.....much love,
Date: 2007-11-06
To: Well, ok.
Miles today: 0.0

Yep, that's right I'm gonna do it. You can't stop me, not that I expect anyone to honestly try. My name is Kelly, I'm from Austin, Tx. Let's see, I'm seventeen and will be having a birthday on the trail... I'd say somewhere near Virginia. I graduated High school a year early because who honestly needs senior year. Oh yeah and I wanted to hike the Appalachian trail. I was accepted to the University of Alaska in Juneau last fall but deferred my entrance a year, so as to allow for this adventure. Yes I have been camping before. I was in Boy Scouts for hmmm.. eleven years and have adventured in places of the like: Oregon, Alaska, Colorado, New Mexico, Big Bend,.. etc. I like nature. I plan on studying Literature and the environment in college, no big suprise. I'm still deciding whether I will hike with a trail guitar or not... I can play you see, but, well it doesn't matter you'll find out when I do.    I must be back in Texas by august at least, so as to have time to prepare to fly to college in Juneau. Light backpacking practices will be a neccesary to allow my very precise rigid super schedule to work. hah im not really that rigid, but will need to check my slacking with a quick pace. I'm thinking 20-30 MPD. We'll see. I am in pretty good shape as I used to run cross-country and bicycle, etc.. I am a fan of Ray Jardine's book "Beyond Backpacking", and purchased an increasingly rare copy of it. If you haven't heard of it, well now you have. Many of his going light techniques are interesting and inventive to allow minimum weight on your back. Anywho I finished my mail drop planning today and figured why not start the ol' trail journal. I hope to learn a few new things about myself on this thru-hike and perhaps learn something about the world around me and the ways I interpret it, or i'll just hike alot through the woods and have a good time.          Well I still have a few more gear items to buy such as the kits from jardine's website to make my backpack and tarp. It is much cheaper than buying heavier less effective gear from REI. But I will still be purrchasing a few items from REI such as this Mountain Research stick thingy that purifies water with salt and electricity! Check it out it's pretty cool. But yeah I plan on starting the 24th of February. I know it's gonna be cold, but I need the time. And it'll be nicer with a little bit less people at first.Until next time, later.       -Kelly
Date: 2007-11-10
To: mmhmm
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I'm somewhat closer to the date of February 24th. I now have a ride to Georgia, since I'm too lazy and cheap too buy a plane ticket I made myself look pitiful enough until some of my friends suggested that they drive me to the trailhead. Score! Soon my other buds heard talk of this and naturally wanted in. So as of now I might be headed to Springer in the stylish company of my three best friends: Scott, Grant, and Devon. Well...tight. Have yet to purchase my tarp and backpack kit from Rayway (www.rayjardine.com).~Wherever you go, there you are!
Date: 2008-01-21
To: tadaa
Miles today: 0.0

Allright, it's almost that month which I have been contemplating for the past two years. I'm gonna do it. It's finally time to start an adventure with only what I need on my back and face what challenges I may. This sounds way too dramatic. I am still working on getting my tarp and backpack sewed, but they are in the hands of a professional and will be completed shortly. What happened to sewing all of my own gear you ask?? well I tried that, but let me just say that sewing machines are built a bit to delicately for me to use. After breaking two machines I couldn't afford to buy another one so I gave them to Nan, a very nice lovely woman, who is an expert in commercial sewing and assured me I was in good hands. I have most of the rest of the gear I need except a cooking pot, the right one seems to be eluding me. Yes, I got my trail guitar. Will I bring it? YES. sure it's not a full bodied guitar and may get severely damaged even explode, but those cons pale in comparison to not have any frets and neck to play for 4 months! I will quit my job two weeks before I leave and promptly start excercising. It's never too late I always say. Anyways I'm rambling. If your reading this good, I'd like to meet you someday if I haven't, but nothing's certainTo all those who enjoy the hurried rush towards relaxtion.
Date: 2008-02-05
To: Soon is now
Miles today: 0.0

Well I'm pretty sure I have done all that one can do using foresight, time to let the trail really tell me what I need. The pack weighed in at 9.5 lbs minus food and water which is an amazing dichotomy to my previous backpacking trips where my pack never weighed less than 40 lbs.It's funny I had a friend ask me what I expect from this trek. Will I be a different person at the end? I have talked with people who have hiked the AT before and heard about some amazing experiences, namely Tim "Dread" from REI Austin and Andy Skurka who is an amazing guy and convinced me to hike the AT before the PCT. Still I must insist that I expect nothing from this thru-hike, and therefore I expect everything. I would hate to limit any experience of this caliber with preconceived notions and romantic illusions about hiking in tho bold wilderness. This doesn't mean I won't keep my illusions, but it is just as well to be aware of them and the possible fallacies contained in them. That being said back to GEAR!My tarp and backpack are freaking awesome, thank you so much Nan at Bluebonnet Cut & Sew. I wish I could've sewn them myself but I will accept the fact that it got done one way or another. It really is amazing to see a kit of fabric and thread turn into one of the most advanced peices of outdoors gear you've ever owned.I hope to see all of you out there!Kelly
Date: 2008-02-14
To: s'comin
Miles today: 0.0

I've noticed on other journals that journaling activity increases greatly about a month before that hikers setting off date. It's bound to happen as our minds slowly turn down the volume on regular every day hustle and tune onto little trail things which inevitably ends up TJ's for example: exactly how bad will I smell after only one month on the trail?I just got back this evening from a preperation backpacking excursion in Big Bend National Park. It was a very nice four day adventure in the Chisos Mountains with my good friend Scott. No complaints about any gear. Tarp worked perfectly and the light packweight was such an enormous relief going up those mountain switchbacks. I might get one more layer for my body on the AT as it was in the low thirtie's at night in B.B. and I felt on the verge on becoming cold. No matter how many times I go, West Texas always blows my mind. I also felt a bit of relief that the AT won't be nearly as desolate as the middle of a desert. Anyways really good trip.I left my job at Kerbey Lane Cafe on Sunday and left Monday morning for Big Bend. I've got to say leaving Kerbey was actually a sad moment. I really enjoyed working there despite the semi-frequent syrup/butter chaos. And when I left Dennis the manager said I have a job there anytime I come back to Austin. Great people.Can't freakin' wait to start a'hikin.~I don't like to commute to my magical places~
Date: 2008-02-24
From: AFSP

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Couldn't tell what time I woke up this morning, but I think it was before 10AM. Looked at the temp. at the visitors center and it read 40 degrees. It feels colder than 40 when you're not moving though, because of this ever so light breeze that usually comes around when you're sweaty at the top of a mountain and reminds you nature can kick your butt. Man I thinkl you should get some sort of medal for hiking the approach trail to Springer mtn. Serious roller coaster. The final pack weigh in at the park was 16lbs. with food, but not water. Not to shabby. Though with my two liters and guitar I say my humping weight is about 23lbs. I feel pretty good today. Though at the train station at the airport I set my pack down a little less the gracefully and heard a POP. The seams busted halfway on my left shoulder strap. I hope to get it fixed at Neels Gap where there is supposed to be a boss outfitter. I love this trail. Actually my right shoulder is kinda sore from compensating for the left side. Thanks to all my friends and family for beleiving in me and sending me off in good style. I'm thinking about YA'LL (I really try to push the Texanisms out here).Onwards, Kelly
Date: 2008-02-25
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

There are these things in Georgia called mountains and there all placed convieniently right in the way of the AT. These are the kinds of cynical thoughts that run through you're head along with many other inexplicable ones when you're huffing and leg straining up these humped inventions of nature.I left Stover Creek this morning with Lunchbox (Matt) sleeping away. We talked late into the night. Beautiful scenery after the shelter. It was an awesome day for hiking at 40 degrees in the morning and warming unp to 70 at lunch. I will say the thing I most underestimated is the ability of these mountains to suck the calories out of you. I will either make for neels gap tomorrow or stay at woods hole shelter. Here tonight at gooch mountain shelter with Launchpad (Andrew), Mozzie. Both Nobos. Got a nice fire going. Good conversation.later, Kelly
Date: 2008-02-26
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: light rain

Fairly warm last night at 50 degrees as the low, and it only peaked at 53 degrees today. Wierd day weatherwise as it was cloudy, sunny, rainy, and windy at differnt times and at the same time. We got a torrential downpour at the shelter last night. It was nice to be safe and dry out in the wilderness while the earth throws all it has at you. HA. MAde pretty good time today but the weather really crapped out on me when I was near woods hole shelter so I called it a day instead of going up Blood Mountain. The winds were amazingly strong and cold. I was still wearing my shorts from the warmer day. I practiacally ran to the shelter (.4 mile side trail argh!) and got in my bag. The temp is now about 33 and in the wind maybe in the 20's. Safe, warm, and cozy though here in the shelter with Launchpad, and Buzz an '07 thru hiker. To Neels Gap tomorrow and MORE FOOD. Kelly
Date: 2008-02-27
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Well I was warm and cozy last night until it snowed! Actually I stayed pretty warm except for those feet things on the end of my legs. It was such a suprise to wake up to a completely snow covered world. My thermometer read 20 degrees, but I bet out in the wind it was at least in the low teens. packed up and got the hell out of there and to Neels Gap. First, though, I had to climb Blood Mtn. (the tallest mtn. on the AT in Georgia). It sucked despite the winter wonderland which I thought was awesome, because all my water was frozen. ARGH. Well you live and learn. Launchpad and I lost and found the trail many times going down Blood and met Adam an '07 thru who worked at the outfitter in Neels. Talked for a little bit and hurried down the mountain to get a powerade! I felt a little shocked to see so much stuff and be in a warm store that it took me a while to get my wits together to buy a bed in the hostel. After resupplying, showering, and doing my laundry, I'm about to beat everyone here at trivial pursuit.Winton, who owns the outfitter, helped me out majorly with my pack by giving me a loaner pack and giving mine to a woman in Hiawassee who can sew like the dickens apparently. AWESOME. I just have to hike and pick up my pack in a few days. Great people here.Kelly
Date: 2008-02-28
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Well it was hard leaving the hostel, especially after those warm biscuits and gravy, but time to keep on truckin'. Thanks again Pirate for all the awesome food and hospitality. Still snow on the ground, especially on the northwest sides of the mountains which still had about one to two inches of snow. Talked with Launchpad on a mountain summit today while eating lunch. Beautiful day.In total there were about ten of us NOBOS last night at the hostel. Not to shabby for February. I somehow aquired a dog today at Tetnasee gqp. I remember seeing it at the outfitters who told me it was one that had wandered over there. It has acollar with no tags, but it's a good lloking dog. I think it's a pitbull/lab mix. I've named him Muddy in honor of the great bluesman himself.Just swept out the shelter and will begin to make my dinner so all who arrive at the shelter can be jealous of my newly aquired food yumminess. The Mountain Crossings Outfitter really is a top notch outfitter. I saw many thingsb there that would make any REI jealous. Not to mention the great people there. Anywho probably going to try a 15 miler tomorrow if my achilles tendons aren't as sore."Wherever you are be all there"-sign at mountain crossings
Date: 2008-02-29
From: Low Gap shelter

To: Tray Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

32 degrees this morning. Started out early when the sun came up. Launchpad and I shot outta there and didn't look back. Muddy came along with us, at least for a while we lost him a little before lunch. Hope he went to get some real food. There were about seven of us at the shelter last night and when any hikers showed up after dark Muddy barked loudly and faithfully at each and every one of them. Launchpad and I ate lunch in a valley and talked. We figured we had already gone about halfway for the day. Got to the shelter to find NightTerror hiding behind this plywood board covering up the shelter opening and I don't blame him it's friggin windy up here and 40 degrees. NT said it was supposed to precipitate tonight, oh well. Headed to cloud nine hostel tomorrow and to town....Kelly
Date: 2008-03-01
From: Tray Mtn. Shelter

To: Cloud nine hostel
Miles today: 11.0

Here at cloud nine. pretty cold windy day, getting much warmer in the afternoon as we hiked down to the gap. Launchpad and I climbed Kelly Knob on the way and I was very proud each step up it. A man I met halfway up it said it was the toughest mountain in Georgia. Even if it's an opinion, it is now a fact to me. Both our legs were a hurtin' pretty bad by the end of the day that it was such a major relief when Fran and his son andrew picked us up. Got a few blisters, but am currently soaking my feet in epsom salts and hot water. excellent.Zero tomorrow!
Date: 2008-03-02
From: Cloud nine hostel

To: Cloud nine hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Very nice zero day, god for the body and mind. Got a pizza in town to cook for dinner tonight, and major thing got my pack BACK! Pirate drove it all the way from Neels gap. I don't know why it was there a little bit of confusion on someone's or everyone's part. oh well. Thank you Mountain Crossings Outfitters, Winton and Pirate especially. You saved my thru-hike.Can't wait to get back on the trail. Supposed to be some nasty storms on tuesday. yesss. I will now be mailing my journals home from this point on so my dad can transcribe them for me. peace,kelly
Date: 2008-03-03
From: Cloud nine hostel

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: broken clouds

Left Cloud 9 this morning with a big breakfast of four sausage patties, three eggs + hash browns in my belly. I also ate a whole pizza and my last king size Snickers last night. Grocery stores rock!Lauchpad and I took off after Crutch dropped us off and hit the hills. My achilles tendons began hurting after a little bit. At this point I was kinda mad because I had just taken a zero day to fix this problem. Ate lunch at Bly Gap right on the North Carolina-Georgia border. It does feel quite nice to walk into another state. After lunch there were some steep climbs but my muscles felt great and believe it or not my tendons felt much better too.Called the parents for the first time in over a week with my new Tracfone (only $10) Here at Muskrat Creek shelter about 3:30pm. Ha I laugh at these mountains. Got plenty of daylight left and am just straight relaxing.I would also like to thank everyone who signed my guestbook or Facebook. It really does mean alot to hear from my friends everywhere.Kelly
Date: 2008-03-04
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: moderate rain

Well it was raining before I got up as expected. At least it wasn¢t severe¢¦yet. I tried the umbrella + one pole combo for a while, and it worked alright, but after an hour I was completely soaked. My only consolation was that anyone I talked to was also completely soaked. Pretty cheerless day. I hated leaving the Muskrat Creek Shelter, well, because it was so sheltered. And there were four guys from Western Michigan there on Spring Break and they were all real classy fellas.Here at Carter Gap there are 2 other guys besides Launchpad and I. One is one of the hundred or so that started on March 1st. Said he hadn¢t done less than a 20 mile day yet. Good luck buddy.At least tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and 61 degrees. Gots to dry out eventually.Oh, and sorry no pictures yet. I¢m taking plenty but will not add them ¢till I¢m done.Peace,Kelly
Date: 2008-03-05
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Cold morning. My boots were frozen solid so I had to hump it for about a mile without even having tied shoes. It was a pain but Launchpad and I had a breakfast vista which was beautiful. The reminder of the day was spent drying things out one way or another. Beautiful day though in the low 60¢s and lots of sunshine. Took a nice long break on Albert Mountain where there was a huge observation tower. Cool beans!Here at the shelter now we got a good fire going and Briar Rabbit, a NOBO who started March 1st is here. He¢s also doing some crazy miles, but I think his hobbit like feet have something to do with it.Kelly
Date: 2008-03-06
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Phew! Long day. Briar Rabbit was up and running at 5:30am. Not for me. Went over two bald mountains today (where the tops are grassy and treeless) and they are not easy deals. Each ascent is about 2-3 miles up. Supposedly we will see many balds in NC and Tennessee. Cool observation tower on Wayah Bald where there was also a road too! There¢s no feeling like hiking straight up for more than an hour to see a road. O well, I took the scenic route I guess.Here at the shelter besides Launchpad are Mike and Ginella who started February 16th and are also headed to Katahdin.Headed to the Nantahala Outdoor Center for some new shoes for sure. Mine are wayyyy too small now. Supposedly your feet grow considerably as you hike. Good to know. About a 16 mile hike tomorrow. We¢ll see.Kelly
Date: 2008-03-07
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: moderate rain

So far the longest hike I have ever backpacked in a day. Actually wasn¢t so bad. Jake from Cloud 9 Hostel in Georgia showed up last night. It¢s good to see old friends, even if you¢ve only known them a week. Stayed up late (9 pm) talking by the campfire.Raining in the morning. Mike and Ginella left when it was still raining. The rest of us were hesitant so I boiled up a big breakfast of oatmeal, granola and some chocolate covered raisins from my trail mix. MMMMM The rain wa barely coming down so we talked for awhile until it was barely sprinkling. So I managed to stay dry today. Still cloudy and mysterious so not many good views from the mountain tops. Actually made pretty good time today. Hiked the 16.3 miles from 9am to 4:15pm.The NOC is big and it was my main driving force today to get here and shower and do laundry. Feel clean and full now after eating a 12 lbs burger at the restaurant. Gonna take a zero day tomorrow, let my feet heal, and get a hip belt sewn onto my pack. Also heard it is supposed to snow and get to -1 degrees tomorrow night. No thanks.Kelly
Date: 2008-03-08
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Man, what a zero day. So nice to relax and to feel like an old man when I walk. Woke up at my leisure around 7:30am and cooked 2 eggs on a borrowed George Foreman Grill making a nice egg sandwich in the end. Really the simple things you take for granted such as eating in a warm kitchen in the morning are what make each moment on the AT precious. Met up with Launchpad¢s friend from the Big Apple who coincidentally arrived last night as well to be the new ropes course manager here at the NOC. Sean, as he is known by, is awesome and drove us to resupply and buy lunch and dinner at the grocery store in Bryson City.Couple of NOBO¢s left this morning to go hike in the hills while it was still raining/snowing. I¢m not sure what drives them, but it¢s sure not what¢s driving me. Another NOBO who I met my first night but haven¢t seen since, is here and leaving in the morning as well as Jake who arrived today. I too will leave to embract the wilderness with my new, that¢s right, brand spankin¢ new pack and hiking shoes. Both worthy investments to keep me on my path to Maine.Well to the Smokies of bust.Kelly
Date: 2008-03-09
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Felt great hikin¢ today in my new boots and pack. The miles just flew by. Lauchpad stayed at the NOC for another day to hang with Sean. Hiked with Alex for awhile over the top of Swim Bald in knee high snow drifts at some points. Beautiful and sunny though.Jerry and Mike who both started from Springer a couple of days after me, showed up before sunset here at the shelter and we all shared stories late into the night.Headed to Fontana Dam tomorrow.Kelly
Date: 2008-03-10
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 12.7

Pretty solid day. Jerry and Mike were up a little before me and kept a little ahead of me most of the day. Had lunch with them at Cable Gap Shelter and trekked to the Fontana Marina where we got a free shuttle to Fontana Village for groceries. Bout and ate 8 hotdogs and buns plus a pack of cookies that were 56 cents and 600 calories. I never thought that I would get so excited about 600 calories for 56 cents, but out here things are a bit different. Ha a big fire here at the shelter known as the Fontana Hilton because it sleeps 24 and looks very sleek and clean. There are also heated restrooms here and a lakeside view. Stayed up ¢til midnight talking and enjoying the stars. Latest I¢ve stayed up so far. Gonna be in the Smokies National Park at the start of tomorrow. Can¢t wait, but I hope it¢s not too crowded. Maybe I¢ll finally see a bear.Kelly¢Truth lies in every step you take.¢