morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-09-22
From: Crescent Pond

To: Katahdin stream
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Man i'm hurting this morning, we fully intended to get another early start but we drug ourselves out of camp around 0630. The trail is more of the usual rocks and roots stuff up here. We came across a moose at one of the numerous ponds we had to walk around today. The moose just kept running up the trail everytime we came into view. It is our opinion that moose are easier to herd than cows. We were dragging all day until we caught up some guys who are the kings of slackpacking. Apparently they have been slacking since virginia. We have made quite a name for ourselves by slacking as much as possible but these guys had it down pat. Well one of these guys decides to tag along with us which we really didn't want him to do. Southern pride took over and we started about a 3.3 mph pace which we have not kept since we got back on the trail. The pace did help us push on into to abol bridge where we parted company with our slackpacking companion who also gave me a delicious bacon wrap he had made for his hike. We hit the store up pretty hard and ate the most delicious microwaveable sandwichs on earth. After stuffing ourselves we slid on up the trail and camped right before the sign into baxter. Another 20 mile day in the books, but at least we were done with this one by 4pm so we should get a good nights sleep. Tomorrow Katahdin. The Sundance Kid
Date: 2007-09-23
From: Katahdin stream

To: Mt Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We're up way before daylight so we can make a run at this thing. I know Butch is thinking if I move slow that we can stay the night in the birch's and summit tomorrow but that is not the plan. I step out with everything I have even though no part of my body does not hurt. We make very good time to the ranger station even though the ATC and MATC thinks roots and walking around every pond they can find is entertaining at the end of 2174 miles. So at 0940 we start up big K. We stopped at Katahdin stream falls to fill up on water because we have not had any rain for the last week and dont anticipate water further up the hill. Right after the falls the trails turns up, not to bad at first but it is a definite slope. We come upon some older section hikers who cant find a way up the 8 ft rock face at one part of the trail. Well we scramble up the wall like the seasoned rock climbers we are not, but the older folks decide that they dont want anymore and turn around. The going is tough but nothing like what I've been told..... and then we came out of tree line. Then there are pull-up bars embedded in the side of the rock face you have to use to climb up and I have to stretch just to reach them (more to this later). Besides the upper body workout we have 35 mph winds that try very hard to dislodge us and deposit us at the bottom of the leeward side of the mountain. So we are scrambling, digging, clawing our way up the side of this hill. In some places I have to lift my entire body weight up with just my arms and I have to wonder once again about some of the smaller female hikers and older individuals I've seen out here(like twofer), and how they made it up this. Finally we get up on top of the cliff face and it is nice and flat. Only 1 mile to go... There are people all over the top, 99% dayhikers but we do see a couple of grizzled thru hikers coming down who had went up first thing in the morning. We look clean so we just get the AT nod from them so we push on. Now the odd part, on top of this mountain are small children. Now I know that there are side trails but I know for a fact that some of the kids came up the AT and I saw a few go down on the AT. Butch and I discussed this later and I am amazed at these kids that get up here. I'm on a mission now though. I can smell the wood on the sign. Butch is behind me and apparently I'm lucky that I did not hurt my knee again because he says I did not watch the trail but my head was up the entire time looking for the sign. Finally after a few false crests I see it and we push right up to it irregardless of the section pond scum who believe they rate to be on this mountain. Many of whom do not appreciate my "california wave" to the sign. No tears, no major emotional response. My best friend and I have a shot of Jack Daniels and look out over the world for about 15 minutes and then we head down the trail. Bolivia here we come.
Date: 2004-02-08
To: Following my Dreams
Miles today: 0.0

What does it take to make this the right choice for you totake and to succeed with your goal? The blessing from God to follow this path in your life.The will to achieve the dream. The financial means to accomplish the dream. The support from friends and family.The mental and physical health of the person.The skill to know the right way to take care of yourself and your equipment.I have a year to find the answers to this question and to do everything in mypower to achieve my dream. My biggest obstacle will be my family, physicaland financial. When you learn to live on a two family income its hard notto have that money flowing into the home. I lack the over whelming supportof my family even though this dream has engulfed my every waking moment for thelast few years. I am also in the worst shape of my life and will need towork on that over the next year so physically I can make this dream areality. I pray that God will give me the strength to over come all thatlies before me and will bless me on my journey. I love my family with all my heart. I have two daughters and a husbandof 18 years. I have invested allot of time and energy in my family and don'tregret one moment of my time with them. My husband's name is Randy andthis June we will have been married for 18 years. My daughters are Brandy17 and Breianna 13. I also have a grandson that is 1 month old namedGarrett. As many of you know the hardest thing about hiking the AT is thetime it takes you away from the people you love. I know my family willcome visit me often on the trail. Sadly I also know that I will haveminimal support for this adventure from my family as I know they don't want meto leave. I wish from the bottom of my heart that my husband and parentswould say they support me and will help me in every way possible to follow mydream. But that is not what I am expecting.Well how many girls like to talk about the physical side to anyone, littlealone strangers. But I am not the size I was in high school to say theleast. I need to lose allot of weight and get in better physical conditionfor this journey. I also know I lack will power in this area more so thanthe will power to over come all my other obstacles. I work at Super 8 as Assistant Manager. I have a degree in ComputerNetworking, but the job market in a town of 3500 is not overwhelming in thatfield. I do enjoy my job and I think my boss who is my aunt would supportme in this dream. That still means no check coming in from me for 6 monthsor more if I don't get the leave when I ask for it from my boss.If I don't do this I will always regret it so how can I not follow my heartwhen it is calling so loudly. Well I do hope the rest of my journal willbe more light hearted and not so negative. Also I suck at spelling and grammar I hope you can still understand what I amsaying even with all my mistakes.~Mignon
Date: 2004-02-09
To: About the Appalachian Trail
Miles today: 0.0

This Journal Entry is for the history and stats of the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail evolved from the 1921 magazine article of Massachusetts regional planner Benton MacKaye to preserve the Appalachian crests as an accessible, multipurpose wilderness belt, a retreat from Eastern urban life. Since Two-thirds of the Nation's population lives within 550 miles of the trail it serves as a national trail to a large number of people. Benton MacKaye is often referred to as "the father of the Appalachian Trail¢. The trail took more than the vision of one man it was the combined effort of individuals, hiking clubs, two federal agencies, and the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps to open the trail in August of 1937. Hurricanes, highway construction, and demands of World War II undid those efforts until 1951 saw all sections finally relocated, opened, and marked for hikers and nature lovers. The trail passes through fourteen states, 8 national forest, 6 national parks, 60 state and local parks and over more than 250 mountain tops. The trail consists of more than 2,174 trail miles and some say an additional 300 to 500 off trail miles to shelters, towns, and water to complete a thru hike. The highest elevation along the Trail is 6,643 feet at Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains. In 2003 approx 2,100 hikers tried to "thru hike" the Appalachian Trail. Approximately 1,750 tried north bound from Georgia to Maine, and 300 south bound from Maine to Georgia. After 1,000 trail miles more than 60% had left the trail, leaving only 830 people still on the way to achieving their goal. Over the next 1,174 miles another 50% leave the trail leaving around 400 or 20% finishing their goal. More than 7,000 people have informed ATC that they have hiked the entire Trail. This includes hikers who have completed the Trail over many years as well as those finishing in one trip. Over 1,700+ in 2003 failed what they started out to complete. I have read of people that have quit jobs of 15+ years, sold their homes or other great sacrifices to achieve this dream. That makes me wonder what type of person does it take to finish this dream that obviously is so difficult from the percentage of people that don¢t complete the trail. Interesting stats of people finishing the trail: Oldest thru hiker finished his 3rd thru hike at age 79. Youngest thru-hiker 2 six year old boys one in 1980 and one in 2002. The youngest female to thru-hike the A.T. was 8 years old. Oldest female thru-hiker finished a thru hike at age 67. Men versus Women. Women make up about 25% of the total hike completions reported. Almost one-third of all women (29%) who have hiked the Trail have done so since 1995. One-quarter of all men who have hiked the Trail have done so since 1995. Multiple hikes. Approximately 100 people have reported hiking the A.T. two or more times; about 25 have reported hiking the A.T. three or more times.I hope I have what it takes to finish the trail from start to finish.~Mignon
Date: 2004-02-10
To: Glossary of Terms:
Miles today: 0.0

Lets go over some wording commonly used by hikers. So you can better understand when they are used in the journal. This list will be updated from time to time.AYCE All you can eat (food bar)Blue Blaze A side trail that runs off the AT usually to get to shelters. The blazes are painted blue in color and are 2" x 6" painted on rocks and trees.Flip-Flooper a term used to describes a hiker who hikes the trail not from beginning to end but from one area to another and then back to hike the other section. Gear-Head a hiker who talks about gear all the time and owns almost one of every piece of gear available. Or at least wishes they had one of each. Very common amongst hikers.MUDS Mindless ups and downs refers to repeated climbs up and downs in a short span of the trail. Usually said during a tough day of climbing a lot of ups and downs along the trail.PUDS Pointless ups and downs refers to a tough up and down on the trail. Used more often when tired after a long day of hiking.Trail Register Notebooks located along the trail usually in shelters for hikers to pass on messages to those behind them. Also just to pass on their thoughts at that time.Stile A ladder either made from wood or stone or both shaped like an "A" that allows you easier access over a fence or other types of obstacle.Thru-Hiker A hiker who is walking the entire AT.Trail Angel A truly wonderful person who performs a good deed for a hiker. Examples would be shuttling hiker from trail to town or back to trail, providing a cold soda or food along the trail and many more wonderful deeds.Trail Magic An unexpected enjoyable event that occurs along the trail. Trail Name A nickname acquired by a hiker during their journey.USFS United States Forest ServiceWhite Blaze A 2" x 6" painted marker on trees and rocks showing the AT trail route.Yogi-ing The art of having food given to you by others on the trail. A great asset to fill the void in a hungry hikers stomach. Its panhandling by hikers.~Mignon
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Springer Mountain

To: Long Creek Falls
Miles today: 4.9

Elevation: mostly going down except the last mile.Starting temperature: approximately temp 55Starting time:3:00Ending temperature: approximately 45Ending time: 7:00Bedtime temperature: approximately 30Weather: sunny and windy - chillyBreakfast: dq egg, bacon, hash brown, orange juiceLunch: peanut butter and jelly sandwichDinner: beef stew and coffeeMoney spent:        Town food:3.75        Travel: 60.00People around me: boy scout troop from AtlantaOnline Journal Entry:We got up early and went to sign the register at the visitors center were I was number 463.   Weighed my pack there 28lb. We then drove to Dahlonega, GA and had breakfast. Then on to Neels Gap (Walasi-yi center) to get my pack examined by a professional for items not needed and missing items. This is a wonderful thing to do, I learned a lot. Basically I did good all but the extra item I knew was weight I didn't need like my make up - noscocker there but I kept it for now. I did get a hydration pack, gloves, hat, 1 pair of socks, 2 sock liners, pair of light weight long under wear, a neat spoon fork combo, 2 oz soap, tent ground cover and some new stuff sacks. I didn't count that as gear bought on the trail because it was in preparation. Got some good advise on a few things like the way to use the straps on my poles. The correct way to adjust the things on my pack for a good fit.Parked the car here and got a ride with Fred Woodward A.T. Shuttles 706-745-5188. He charged $60 but it was a long way and worth every penny and more. Fred was also filled with a lot of advise that I needed.We went the .9 mile up to the top of Springer to start my dream. I signed the book at the top and said, "I am not setting this one out this is my dance." we got a late start leaving Springer around 3:00. We arrived in camp about 7 and setup our tent and cooked supper. Had trouble getting the water purifier working and it was getting dark so we gave up to try in the morning. We camped with a boy scout troop #548 from Snellville GA. Troop leaders Mike Kinard and Clark Cooper. Boys was Tom Cooper, Robert McNeal, and Nicholas Dunhan. They were very nice guys working on there boy scout badge. We are heading to the same shelter so we might see them again tonight. Tent site was a little unleveled and I had the feeling I was sliding down all night and kept having to pull my 2/3 therm-rest back up to the head of the tent.The air was cold that I was breathing but my sleeping bag and clothing kept me warm all but my feet which my toe warmers did a wonderful job.I am still very excited.Pictures:1. pictures at amicalola visitors center were I signed the at thur hiker register. 2. Picture of the register page.3 -8 on top of springerHappy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true. Leon J. Suenes
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Long Creek Falls

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Date: 4/6/07Mileage:10milesElevation: 4 mountains including sassafras at 3340 feet above sea level.Starting location: long creek fallsStarting temperature: approximately temp 19Starting time: 9:20Ending location: Gooch Mountain shelterEnding temperature: approximately 35Ending time: 6:00Bedtime temperature: approximately 30Weather: cold in the day snowed that nightBreakfast: oatmealLunch: peanut butter and jellyDinner: vegetable beef soupSleeping details: tentMoney spent:        Trail food:        Town food:        Lodging:        Gear:        Travel:Trailmagic:People around me: rebel with a cause and many othersOnline Journal Entry:Got up and packed my stuff to leave. We was to cold to eat breakfast we wanted to get moving to get warm. We was tired coming to camp the night before and was having trouble with the water sterilizer so we waited to do it this morning. Fiddling with water that cold was miserable.We stopped at Hawk Mountain shelter and had breakfast as well as remove some clothing as walking was building a lot of temperature.By the time we got to camp and cooked suppe rand set up. Randy went to bed and I went up to meet the people for about 15 minutes before I went to bed also. We are both staying warm at night. I have been sleeping with 2 pair of socks and using toe warmers. 2 pair of long underwear a mid-weight and a light weight. One long underwear top and a t-shirt.But the mornings are hard to climb out of the sleeping bag."They can because they think they can."Virgil
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Gooch Mountain Shetler

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

Date: 4/7/07Mileage:5milesElevation: 1 mountian just a lot of gradually going up and down.Starting location: gooch mountian shelter Starting temperature: apx teensStarting time: 9:00Ending location: woody gapEnding temperature: apx 45Ending time: 3:00Bedtime temperature: apx 40Weather: cold and very windyBreakfast: oatmealLunch: nothingDinner: fajita from a restaurant :-)Sleeping details: motelMoney spent:        Trail food:        Town food: 10        Lodging: 99.00        Gear:        Travel: 20        washing clothes: 6.00Trailmagic:People around me: rebel with a cause, his wife and son and margrett (others but the names ecape me).Online Journal Entry:Snowed last night but stayed warm in my sleeping bag. It was so cold when I got up I put on 2 tops a jacket and my rain jacket. On my bottom I put on 1 med weight long underwear and 1 fleece pants, my convertible pants and my rain suit bottoms. I was still cold packing up and cold until my body warmed up from walking. My hose to my hydration pack froze lesson 1 don't leave water in hydration stuff when below freezing. I had my first case of my sugar dropping this morning but I took some glucose tablets I got at rite aid for this trip and felt better fast.Had my first fall (first because I know it will not be the last on all the rocks you have to step on or around).We stopped at Coopers Gap for breakfast which btw my favorite meal is actually oatmeal. Margaret and rebel's wife took a wrong turn out of the shelter when they caught up with us at Coopers Gap they called for a shuttle and rebel went on alone. We met up with Margaret at Woody Gap. Btw Margaret is a older lady from Colorado that wears long shirts. She is going to try to go all the way.At Woody¢s Gap we was trying to decide if we wanted to go on to Woods Hole Shelter 6.5 more miles or tent somewhere in the middle. Tonight was suppose to be colder then last night. Randy wanted to go to a motel and hike again tomorrow. He didn't have any fight from me I was ready to get warm and take a shower.We called Fred's wife (the guy that took us to Springer). 45 minutes later we was on our way to our car. I fell asleep while we rode from exhaustion. We went to Helen, GA to stay. Btw Helen is one of the cutest towns I have ever seen. I have even came to Helen once not backpacking. We checked in the motel and first thing I did as I walked in the room was start taking my clothes off on the way to the shower. I washed my hair, shaved and washed my body. Then I thought I don't want to get out yet so I washed my hair again and my body. After all that I made myself get out where randy was waiting to do the same. Off to the laundry mat to wash our stinky clothes. Then off to eat. I have had gastric bypass so I can't eat a lot at one time. But I brought it back with me to the motel and snacked on it all evening."Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall."Confucius
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Woody Gap

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

Date: 4/8/07Mileage:10.6Elevation: 5 mountains including Blood Mountain which is the highest mountain in GeorgiaStarting location: Woody GapStarting temperature: approximately temp 35Starting time: 9:30Ending location: Neels GapEnding temperature: approximately 54Ending time: 5:00Bedtime temperature: approximately 35Weather: chilly and sunnyBreakfast: egg, bacon, and toastLunch: hamburgerDinner: pizzaSleeping details: motelMoney spent:        Trail food: 10        Town food: 20        Lodging: 65        Gear:         Travel: 20Trailmagic: hotdog at Neels Gap HostelPeople around me: Rebel With A Cause, Matt, Gretchen and her husband Grady, Margrett, Iceman, Oreo Angel, Bumpkin and many othersOnline Journal Entry:We sleep in the town of Helen. When we got up we ate breakfast at the huddle house. When I ordered breakfast I asked if they cooked lunch all day also. When the lady said yes I ordered 2 hamburgers to go, lunch yummm. We got to woody gap about 9:30. Not sure if we would make it all the way to Neels Gap we packed for 2 days. About 3 miles in we seen Matt taking his tent down. He said he hiked until 7 and didn't climb out of his tent until late because of the cold and exhaustion. After getting to Woods Hole shelter we decided to go on another mile to Slaughter Gap tent sites and get water there also.We met Gretchen and Grady on the way. They had very heavy packs on something like 45-50 lb. I gave them some advise to lighten them up and told them to go by Neels Gap and they would help them by going over each item.The water at Slaughter Gap is shallow. We filled up because we was going to climb Blood Mountain and may stay on top. Blood Mountain don't have a water source. After what was on heck of a climb 4461' above sea level. The view was panoramic and wonderful in every direction. The shelter house was made out of stone. Then we opted to go on down the mountain and get a shuttle back to the car.We got to Neels Gap and called Fred for a ride. He couldn't come for 2 hours so we hung out some in the store and got the kids some tee shirts. We was standing out front when Oreo Angel asked if we was true hikers and took us down for some trailmagic. Now for everyone who never heard of trailmagic this is when someone does something for you like give you water or a ride ext. Today¢s trailmagic was grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, corn on the cob, and chips. FREE :-)At 7 Fred and his wife came got us and drove us to Woody to get our car. We went to Blairsville, GA to stay in a motel. Shower again and it was great. We ordered pizza and its 11 and I am still typing my journal and getting everything ready for tomorrow. Tomorrow I am on my own, that's kind of scary but I can do this. I will miss my family so much.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Date: 4/9/07Mileage:11.4milesElevation: up and down all dayStarting location:neels gapStarting temperature: 32Starting time: 8:10Ending location: low gap shelterEnding temperature: 42Ending time: 5:00Bedtime temperature: Weather: chilly and sunny in the day snowed Breakfast: mcmuffinLunch: mcmuffinDinner: roman noodlesSleeping details: tentMoney spent:        Trail food:         Town food: 10        Lodging:        Gear:        Travel:Trailmagic:People around me: Rebel with a cause, Iceman, Usual Suspect, Doggiebag, Boognish Rising, Chris, April, Margett, Texas Jack, Sweet Water and Johnathan.Online Journal Entry:Randy left and that was hard. About 2 hours in iceman and usual suspect passed me. I kept up with them all the way.   We thought we would have one more big climb and then before we knew it we came upon a sign and it was the shelter. I was like wow Merry Christmas to me.We all got in camp by 5 o¢clock so it was a fun night. Everyone was funny.Tomorrow is a big hike 13.5 miles. Breaking me in fast I am doing good so far."The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."Eleanor Roosevelt