morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-12-26
From: Home

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

mi. 17.2sleep shelterdest. Mollies Ridge Shelter day 166 Today was a strange day. All 3 of us were having a very low energy day. I think some of it was lack of sleep. I never seem to sleep a lot in town. Plus I slept horribly last night. I kept waking up all night. When it was time to get moving this morning I almost slept in. But I'm glad I didn't. The mileage for the day was only 17. But there was some crazy ups and downs. Some were definitly straight up the side. No need for switchbacks I guess. All 3 of us were dragging all day. I even drank more than usual today. Probibly closer to what I should be. I even ate close to 2 or 3 thousand calories during the course of the day. Nothing could get things rolling. I had problems keeping a 2 mph pace. We were talking about it and I think a lot of it is the altitude. The smokies are some of the highest on the AT. They are also continuously high. The gaps are over 4000 feet. The peaks are over 5000 with some over 6000. On the other parts of the AT you go up high than turn around and go back down to 2 or 3 thousand for the night. I know it isn't as high as other parts of the country. But it is all about what you are used to. I read a couple entries in the registers about other people having the same problems. So I might not be that far off. Today I also crossed the 2000 mile mark. It seems really surreal. I only have 173.9 miles left. That's it. It is really sinking in now that it is coming to an end. I will probibly be done in 10 or 11 days. Man it seems like forever ago that I started. Time to live it up and enjoy that last little bit. Now off to bed to read and get some rest. We have a couple big days planned coming up.
Date: 2007-12-30
From: Fontana Dam Resort

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well I hate to say it, but I am now sitting at home typing this on a computer. I took a nasty fall on the roadwalk out of Fontana Dam Resort. I was walking back to the trail along the side of the road. The edge of the road there are still covered in leaves. I took a step where my foot was half off and half on the road. Then all I knew was I was laying on the ground. of all the ways to get hurt. I tripped earlier in the day coming down from the Smokies and ran into a tree that kept me from falling over the edge of a hill. But it is always the little things that seem to get me.I stayed the night at the resort after that. The next morning my ankle was huge and I could barely get around. Figuring in how much it costs to stay there and how much it would be to get anywhere else, I figured it best to head home to let it heal correctly. After a couple days of rest it is getting better. I think it is only a bad sprain. I am going to keep on the ice and advil diet and see. It is a lot worse than the last time I sprained it in Maine. But it is better than when I tore ligiments in it, so that is a good thing.I am planning now on going back and finishing. I am just not sure when. The section I was about to go into had some decent climbs and decents. There are also stretches in there where it is a ways between roads. Another reason why I decided to let it heal completely. I am thinking best case I will be out in a week or so, but that is depending on the weather. If I have to wait longer I might go northbound with the start of the northbounders to New Found Gap (I really don't want to end where I got off), or I might head south with someone who I know that had to get off. It is all pretty up in the air right now.I was thinking about it a few weeks ago and decided that no matter what happened I am happy with what I had done. There is no reason to call my hike anything other than a success. I hiked over 2000 in 6 months. It just sucks that I had to get off 10 days or less before the finish. But one way or another I will finish up the last 160 miles soon.I'll post something here and get my journal back up and going when I get back out. Thank you to everyone who is following it and for all the support in my guestbook.
Date: 2008-01-13
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

mi 12.1sleep shelterdest Carter Gap Shelter day 184 Ok I am way behind and hate to say it, but I am going to blow off 2 entries. I am way behind and can't remember all the things to write about today and tomorrow. The one thing to add is Torque is now offically Meat. Long story but Meat came from yesterday's feast. All I can say is it is very fitting.
Date: 2008-01-16
From: Cloud 9 Hostel

To: Cloud 9 Hostel
Miles today: 16.1

mi. 16.1sleep hosteldest. Cloud9 Hostel day 187 Today's plan was simple, and fun. A 16 mile slack and then a lot of food and drink. Followed by a ton of jounaling. As of today I haven't done the last 3 days. Last night it was too much fun sitting around talking. The 2 before were way too cold to do much typing. It was crazy great to sleep in a warm place last night. I slept ontop of the cover with my quilt anyways. It feels good to sleep with it. This morning I can't say Meat or I was in any hurry to get started. We got up and sat around watching TV for awhile. Missinglink and john cooked breakfest for all of us. It tasted good, but was a lot less than what we would have made for ourselves. But every bit of food helps. After puttering around at 10am we headed for the trail. Crutch told us that it wasn't a hard section, the average southbound time was around 5hrs. I think we can best that by over 2 hrs longer. It was a little cold today, I'm not going to lie. I started off fine, but everytime I stopped I had to put on more clothes. It was probibly highs in the low 30's. I hate to say it but I think I am fine with temps around 40 hiking. The problem is stopping. I am amazed at how fast I become chilled. After long a couple minutes stopped, I got really cold. Not enough time to even snack. I give people credit who decide to hike north now. They are either really experienced or really crazy, or both. The thing is that most winters I would have hiked through this kind of weather for over a month now. I am extremely luckly with the weather that I have been having out here. I was expecting the weather that is going now to be happening the how time. Thinking back I think I could have done it, I am just happy I didn't have to. The hike today was pretty uneventful. Not particularly hard. It had some bumps, but nothing too bad. It was just an all day event. I couln't stop ant enjoy anything. I had to keep moving to stay warm. We did pass another northbounder today. We told him about the weather coming, but he said he already heard about it. He was planning on staying at the hostel I am staying at on Friday. I can't say I would want to spend the tonight out on tray mountain like he did. We got to the gap right around 5pm, just 2 minutes before Crutch got there to pick us up. From there it was to the grocery store for diner food. The rest of the night was devoted to eating, talking, and drinking. I did come up with a couple rules to a hot tub, I know it is a hard life out here. First bring more than enough beverages for the whole time. Second use the cup holders. If not you will drink way more really fast.
Date: 2007-04-03
From: Amicalola state park approach trail

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light snow

Today 4/3/07 I'm at home in Atlanta GA with a hurting left leg. My plan is to restart in Bland at the same spot I stopped at and finish my thru hike this YEAR. I have only been home for 18 hours and my leg pain is not any better. I have taken two soaks in epson salt and plan on at least 1 a day until I leave for Bland VA saturday or Monday at the latest. I hope every body is enjoying there Hike and hope to see ya'll soon. I also ordered a new camera off Ebay to replace the one I lost on 19E roan mountain Tenn. Be Carefull Have FunNo Joke
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Amacalola Falls

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: broken clouds

headed back to bland on 4\14\07 at 2:30am made it all the way to bland and realised i had lost my wallet. had to go back 150 miles to get it. it was to late to start hikeing that day. left out the next day where i left off. started back hikeing 4\15\07 at approximately 10:00am.
Date: 2007-04-28
From: georgia

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi HIKER FANS I'm here in the Dutch Haus in montebello and Lifes Great and Earl & Lous are the perfect host. Bacon , Deablo ,Sticker & Doc are here having the times of our lives. I hope too make it too Rusty Hollow tomorrow. I got a pic of a dear ten feet away and possing for my camera. C Ya on K                                       no joke
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Georgia

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Good morning hiker fans I'm still at the Dutch Haus waiting on breakfast and then it's of to Rusty hollow, or as close as I can get today with the big climbs between.The weather is perfect for hiking with a cool wind blowing and partly cloudy skies.C Ya on K                                    no joke
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Amacaloa falls

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: snow

Hi Here I am in the Bears den 5/8/07 and it's been a great day. This is a great place to 0 but I may leave at 2pm tomorrow and go hiking. Meet Bacon and we hiked for a few days and we hiked to Monobello. Meet Diablo therew and we hiked to Rusty Hard time Hollow, and took a 0 there. Hiked to Waynesboro from there wit h Diablo and Carefree. Stayed at the YMCA camp site. Hiked on from there and meet Turbo, we hiked on thru the Shanadoas in 4 days. He moved on to meet his MOM in Harpers ferry early and I been solo hiking for a few days. Meet Route 66 here and he's headed north so maybe we hike together tomorrow not sure we have not spoke much yet. OK thats all for now it's shower time!C Ya on MT. K               no Joke
Date: 2007-05-26
From: Amacalola state Park

To: mt. katahdin
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Here I am at Vernon New Jersey with a hiker named Bacon (very strong guy)I just like to say I agree with a boycott of Joe&Go (culvers gap) the dude is a complete AZZ! Bacon has got me all pumped to do the Connecticut challenge in 1 day. It's will be a 52.5 day and allready my poor feet cry. I am still wearing the same shoes I left Georgia with but they are slowly coming apart, I just bought my third set of insoles today. To all my friends that are keeping taps on my hike I am having a great time (not my feet) and plan on reaching Mt. Katahdin in late July. I'm slowly giving up on catching Boone again he just to fast. I can say from first hand experence the church hostel here is a good deal for a break. The church hostel at Delaware water gap was a great place to relax. I meet a hall of famer named The Traveler and had lunch with him a nice nuff guy to hike with,althou he blisted his heels BIG time hiking a 49.8 miler to get to Delaware water gap. I'm being told he still north bound and that means he's a bad as dude with the blisters I saw. I have seen all kinds of wild life but no bear yet but I still have hopes on a bear pic. Well I had plenty to say until I started typing and now I draw blanks so I'll try thinking of better stuff next time I find time.C ya'll on Mt. K                                    no Joke
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Georgia

To: View Entry
Miles today: 20.0

Hi Folks I'm here in Dalton Mass. at the bird cage (Rob Birds) place. Great guy this Rob Bird. Bacon, Boone brothers are staying here as well. Hackett Jack, and Salamander are staying at Toms house. Was surprised to learn Salamander was in town, have not got a chance to speak with him but guess he slowed down to save ware and tear on his feet. I stayed at the South Eggermont inn and few days back and it was great.Meet Steve the owner and he is a stand up guy that will help in any way he can. The meals there are great too. I stayed at the upper goose pond cabin and meet Jim a nice guy and exlont pancake chef. I bought some DMX shoes in Cannon Mass but they were the wrong size so I had to re-buy shoes here in Dalton. Well I walked thru Tyringham Mass and meet Jim the fire chief and fellow hiker Jisaws DAD. Both great guys to know. I plan on taking a 0 day here today and try to find some better bug repellent. These bugs are winning the battles and looks as they may win the WAR & may take over the World from were I stand, or at least my flesh is slowing getting eaten by the Bugs. Nuff saidC ya'll on mt. K                                 no Joke
Date: 2007-06-18
From: Amacolala Falls Park

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Hi Folks I'm here in West Hartford VT. and I'm doing well. Still got a 1500 ft. Climb today to get the last 4 miles in but hay it.s just 4 miles. Stayed a day &1/2 in Killington and got to swim in the pool. That was great and the rest was good to. Plan on taking a 1/2c day around Handover and then a 0 day in about 43 miles pass Handover I ferget the towns name,and my data book is outside. The weather is good and I hope it stsays thar way thru the White Mountains Yee Ha. OK nuff said and my feet need to get pumped to do the 1500 ft. climb.
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Amacolola Park 

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi Folks Here I am in NH at darkmouth college at 8am 7/6/07. All's well and I'm glad to have made it this far and looking forward to getting into the White mountains.Have meet a lot of section hikers who are still working om completing the trail this year ( Good Luck Guys & Gals). I will be mailing as much weight forward to pass the whites as possable. I hope everbody enjoys there hiking and all goes well. Headed to MT. K C'Ya'll
Date: 2007-06-21
From: Amacalola Park

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hi Folks Here I am in Glencliff N.H. at the hostel and lifes good.Not sure if I'll go hiking tomorrow yet depends on rain. Looking forward to attacting the Whites. I'm changing a few things to lighten up so the White are not to tough. I think it's just Bacon,tuchcomsa,moxie and myself here tonight as far as hikers go. I suggest any hiker who likes good company and need a break to stay here. If it rains me out I'm planning on checking out The F-four & Silver surfer movie tomorrow. OK not much on my mind for now so let me getr to drinking some beer and fixen dinner.Be Careful Have fun                                    no Joke
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Amacolola Falls

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi Folks I here in Glencliff getting ready to go hiking and the weather looks good around here. The weather at Mt. Washington is 16 deg. today but I want be there today so all good. I have felt like I was at home here at Pack Rats Hostel and had a great time. OK that's all for now Be Careful Have Fun                                 no Joke
Date: 2007-07-05
To: Mt. K
Miles today: 15.0

Hi Folks I seeing fog for as far as I can see. I'm here in ANDOVER AND GUNNER & THE GREEK ARE GREAT. I plan on grillling a juicy ribeye tonight then decide on going hiking tomorrow morning. It may be raining&I need to enjoy these last days and rain hiking don't fit. Looks like SaddleBack is the next good climb and I'm looking forward to that. The Moose at the notch was sad but I'm still hoping on seeing a walking Moose too photo. Ah deer is the biggest thing so far. Lifes good and just Hope your hike is as good as mine has been.be careful & have funC ya on K                                       no Joke
Date: 2007-07-21
From: Springer

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi Folks I have completed my adventure on 7/20/07 around 12:am on Mt. K.It was a tough day for me after hiking 36m the day before. The weather was good on summit day and I got a great view of the area surounding Mt. K..I am staying at the AT Lodge here in Millanockett ME and the people here are great. I am trying to find a way to the northern end of the Long Trail so I can hike it home and end my hiking for this year. To all my younger fellow hikers if I passed you it was all in fun and did not intend to offend anyone. Congrads on the completion of your hikes and best wishs in your furture. This is a great moment in my life and to complete the AT was worth ALL the sore feet in the world. Hope to see you on the some trail later in life peace out.be carefulhave fun                                       no Joke
Date: 2007-07-22
From: Amacalola Park

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi Folks I finished my Thru Hike on the 7/20/07 after a 36m day the day before. I was a tired camper but made it up and down in under 5 hrs. I went to The northern terminal of the Long Trail and tried to hike it south but my left knee gave out pass White Mountain and I had to bail and come home. I plan on restarting the Long trail as soon as I can but can't give a date at this time. Bacon was a great hiking friend during my hike and I want to thank him for the good times we had. THANKS BACON Hope you all enjoy your hikes I DID and never say never.Be Careful Have Fun                              no Joke
Date: 2007-03-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So here goes nothing. Ready for another go at the AT. My first attempt (which ended just north of Damascus) did not have any type of online journal. So, this time, I will keep some type of abbreviated entries. I would like to devote most of my time into keeping a written journal instead of trying to embrace technology during my time on the trail. I simply still want people to have a way of seeing where I am and some of the big things that I have done instead of my day to day life (you will get to hear about that when I get home). Pictures will be scarce, but I will try to get them to you. I hope you enjoy what I post and I hope it makes you want to hear more when I get home.
Date: 2007-03-08
To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

so, it's the night before i go and i decided to give you guy's some of my past pictures so i can tide you over for a little while. i can't believe that tomorrow is the day that i will beging my new journey! this day has crept up too quick. my buddy big poppa is taking me up to springer and then feeding me to the wolves! i hope that you guys enjoy following me on this site, and i hope all goes well while i am gone. i will be in touch as soon as i can.
Date: 2007-03-09
To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

big pappa brought me up here to springer. it ended up taking all day because we missed the turn up the gravel road to springer and then ended up getting sniped by the army rangers until the sun went down (actually, they were running excercises and asked if we could hold on for a few minutes, which turned into 30 minutes). so , we hiked up to the top and went straight to the shelter for some final beers and sleep. there was a guy named "no reason" sleeping up there. he had hike the triple crown, with the AT being his last long distance trail. he started last march and walked from georgia to maine and then back to georgia, and now he was going back to maine!!! we couldn't believe it. tomorrow will now be my starting date.
Date: 2007-03-16
From: Hiawassee Inn, Hiawassee, GA

To: zero day
Miles today: 0.0

rainy, mid 40'swell, here it is, my first (and well deserved zero day). my first week has been wonderful (though a little warm). i have met several people from all over (MA, ME, NY, PA, IL, GA) and the list continues to go on. i have ended up doing most of the GA section with a fellow named Renaissance Man and his dog Gojo (we are trying the name Rainbow X-box as a trail name for him). he is from alabama as well, and an auburn grad (so you know that he's smart, like me) at that. we both have had great luck with our bodies and seem to be moving quite well. i only have one blister that is on the bottom of my second toe on my right foot, i can't even feel it! weather has been sunny and mild, my tan is kicking butt. rain started to move in yesterday, so we decided to dip into Hiawassee for some rest and basketball on tv. i met Warren Doyle at gooch mountain shelter, he was a humble, soft spoken man, i didn't even know it was him until i asked his name. i have also heard that one of my buddies from my trip in 2005 is getting back on the trail sunday (Totally Different Subject from oklahoma), maybe we will get to meet up somewhere. So now, its me, renaissance man, led man (loves led zepplin), and a guy named Patrick from NY staying at the inn. my next stop will be in franklin, nc. i won't pull a zero day there, but i might spend the night, i will press on to the Nantahala Outdoor Center before i take a break again. these dang saltines are so good on the trail, they keep me full, thanks Pruitt! i hope everyone doesn't mind the random entries, you will get one whenever i stop and have a chance to find a computer. tomorrow night we will stay in Muskrat Creek Shelter in NC!! 1 state down, 13 to go!
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

rainy, low 50'ssorry it's been a minute since i could re-update my journal. internet sources have been unsubstantial. but now, i'm in Gatlinburg, just got down my 200th mile this morning in the rain (first day walking in the rain, how lucky am i?). i am staying at the Grand Prix Motel with some other thru hikers in our big room (Flint, No Problem, Mr Easy, Calamity Jane, Hobo, and Hermes). it's a good group of people from all over the place. walking has been ok, i have been having knee problems from my right knee and now i feel like i am getting shin splints in my left leg. my body has had its aches and pains, but i just slow down for a day or two and then take back off again. like i said, no snow, no rain, no bears; i'm wondering what i was thinking not taking a short sleeve t-shirt! i am anxiously awaiting my kilt (you will all be jealous). the views have all been great, and everything (except for my glove liners and legs) have been doing well. my next big stop will be Hot Springs, NC for a few days, so hopefully i will get to update once again there. don't fret about the pictures, when i stop at Boone, NC i will be sure to post a good bit of them there. i hope that all my friends and family are doing well back home. i will hit the trail for a relaxed 3 mile stroll tomorrow, trying to nurse my legs back.
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Mount Cammerer Observation Tower

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: scattered clouds

so i'm out of the smokies, and pretty sad about it. they are my most favorite place to visit and it sure was nice to walk from end to end. i knew that my first taste of weather would happen in the park. it's been nice, though. the rain has not been too bad, the views and vegetation make up for it. we (Joseph Stalin, Tin Tin, Pathagarus, Zubie, and myself) were pretty sneaky last night. i have always wanted to stay up at Mount Cammerer, and last night, it came true. the sunset was awesome and the sunrise, even better. all the clouds have lifted now and its beautiful weather (sunny, mid 60's). curtis at standing bear farm is a wonderful host. he's so easy going and loves to spend time with the hikers (hopefully we can make him play the guitar later tonight). renaissance man took off in the smokies like a man on a mission - not sure where he is now. no problem and mr easy are about a day ahead, so i'm sure to catch up with them. i met a girl named drip dry who is also from homewood, what a small world. my spirits and feet could not be in better condition, and my legs are almost done hurting me, so i'm about ready to put some miles down. hot springs is my next, highly anticipated stop, most people get hung up there for a few days because it's such a nice atmosphere. i promise to have tons of pics up when i get off in boone, there is so much that everyone has to see! tonight, i conquer a whole pizza, all by myself! thanks everyone for keeping in touch with the guest book entries, it's my best mode of communication (til i get my phone). til then!