morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-03
From: Monson, Me. Shaw hostel

To: Leeman Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

After a great nights rest we had an awesome breakfast. We had a feast at the Shaw hostel. I hit the library as soon as they opened. I was excited to see my pictures on the computer screen but unfortunately it was so slow that it would have taken two days to upload the pics. We rested today and tried to kill some time so we wouldn't get to Katahdin too early. We were bored all day and felt like hiking but instead we filled our time with TV and eating. We left town by 4:30 and hit the trail by 5:00. It was only 3 miles to the shelter so we had more time to kill once we got there. It was a relaxing day but I felt like it was wasted.
Date: 2006-08-04
From: Leeman Brook Lean-to

To: Wilson Valley Lean -to
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: broken clouds

I was up and ready for breakfast this morning. I ate, then went back to sleep. I gotta stop this. I woke up again at 8:00. We had a big day planned but we didn't know why. It would have only made up for the day we just took off. We stopped at a creek fording and went swimming for an hour or so. I think maybe the sun drained us because we bacame very lacadaisical the rest of the afternoon. We stopped at the next shelter to read the register. We ended up taking a nap, then it started raining. Jaybird showed up and joined us for a bit. We were ready to start hiking again but something held us back. It started raining again so we decided to stay the night. It didn't take long before we became bored so I came up with a way to amuse ourselves. I drew out a checkerboard on the shelter floor while Redbeard gathered small rocks and sticks for game pieces. We played several games by headlamp till we got tired of it too. I slept great with the rain on that tin shelter roof.
Date: 2006-08-05
From: Wilson Valley Lean -to

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Finally some longer miles today. We were ready to hike now that we had several short days in a row. We stopped for a snack on top of Barren Mountain where a firetower used to be. The frame was still there but the wind blew the platform off. I lay in the trees off to the side. We had great views over the next few mountain tops. The terrain was difficult and the rocks and roots made it very slippery. I busted my butt several times today and just couldn't find my step. We entered the Gulf Hagas area which is a place I would like to go back and visit sometime. We stopped at the shelter just short of the White Cap mounatin. We intended to make it for the sunset but underestimated the time it would take to get there.
Date: 2006-08-06
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to

To: Potaywadjo spring Lean-to
Miles today: 30.3
Weather: clear sky

This morning was unusually cold. I actually left camp with my jacket and my zippered pantslegs on. Once we started up the hill it didn't take long before they came off. The summit of White Cap afforded us our first close-up view of Katahdin. We took a break and wondered if we knew anyone at the peak at that particular moment. We took a short swim/bath at Crawford Pond. It was very refreshing. We cought another glimpse of a cow moose and calf at Mud Pond. The calf walked into the woods while the mother just watched us. I took a picture then kept moving to the Potaywadjo Spring lean-to. The spring was a shallow pool in the middle of the woods. The water boiled up through the center. It was cold and clear and good.
Date: 2006-08-07
From: Potaywadjo spring Lean-to

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 29.7
Weather: broken clouds

There was a couple that stayed at the shelter last night. When we woke up we made sure to make enough noise to wake them up. Sort of pay back for snoring all night and keeping us up. We took off while they went back to sleep. We came to the side trail to the White House Hostel. There is an air horn there that you can blow and a guy will come across the lake in his boat and pick you up. We were too early and decided to keep going. We later heard from two hikers that they went by at 9:00 am and wanted to get snacks. When they got to the dock at the other side the man told them that lunch was at 11:00 and that was how they did it around there. They had to wait till 11:00 to eat and go. We passed several sandy beaches but opted to keep moving. We stopped for a break at the top of Nesuntabunt Mt. and checked out the view of Katahdin. It's getting closer and closer. We stopped atop Rainbow Ledges and picked lots of blueberries. Once again a storm moved in and we had to stop picking berries and get off the mountain. We got to the shelter to find out it was full of another large group of hikers. I cooked dinner and ate my blueberries. Oh yeah, I don't suggest eating a ziplock bag full of blueberries. I don't care how hungry you are! Moderation is the key. Trust me on this one. Since it was raining and the shelter was full, on of the hikers let us use his tarp. They all claimed they couldn't find a flat spot to set up their tents. Earlier in the day we met two hikers named Asiago and Parmesan. They are from Florida and were up hiking the hundred mile wilderness. I might also add that they are musicians and they brought their instruments. Asiago plays trombone and Parmesan plays trumpet. They usually played a little at the shelters, but when they arrived at the shelter soaking wet from the rain they weren't really in the mood. We all hunkered down the best we could while the rain came. It was a long, cold, and wet night.
Date: 2006-08-08
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: The Birches
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

We were up bright and early today because we were going to the campstore to resupply. Also because we were completely out of food and were starving. Three niles later we were at the road and out of the hundred mile wilderness. It was exciting because it was another chapter in our journey and now we were on the last page. At the campstore I had: 8 bowls of sample size boxes of cereal, half a gallon of milk, 2 apple danishes, 1 bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit, and a roast beef sandwich. We resupplied then had lunch an hour later. I took some more pictures of the summit of Katahdin from Katahdin Stream. The trail turned down along the West Branch of the Penobscot river where we spotted another moose. We stopped at Nesowadnehunk stream and went swimming. I recommed the falls to anyone headed that way. We swan for nearly an hour then moved on to the Birches campsite. We were early again so after dinner we made a fire and sat around reminiscing about the trail. We talked about people we hiked with and became friends with and will probably never see again. We discussed the odds and percentages of a successful thru-hike and remembered looking at each other in the shelters past and trying to figure out which one would go next. We were excited to be here. This day before the summit of Katahdin. We hatched a plan to Summit in the dark hours of the morning and be there to watch the sunrise. We plan on waking up at 2:00 am and climbing Katahdin under a full moon and starry skies. I won't sleep much!
Date: 2006-11-21
To: The Homefront
Miles today: 0.0

Ok. Though it may be out there, I havn't seen it, I thought I would write an account of what it's like on the home side, while a spouse hikes the AT. My husband Brian will be leaving March 31, 2007 to hike the At, I will be his support at home, mail drops, transcribing journal entries and things like that. Brian is a firefighter and has been his entire life, he asked for a 6 month leave from work to do this, at first it didn't look as if they would give it to him, he had already decided he would quit if they didn't grant his leave. But as luck would have it they gave him his leave. So it has become very real now. He really will be leaving in March, and though I am happy to be a part of him living his dream, I am also very sad and scared, my best friend, partner, lover and husband is leaving for 6 months, I will see him very few times in that 6 months, and truthfully, I'm not really sure how I will handle it. Thats why I decided to write this, I don't feel I can tell him these things, because this is his dream, and I don't for one second want him to think I am not supportive, because I am. There is a slight feeling of being left behind, it has already started I am finding out most of his plans by reading his journal. He has already gone back to thinking in terms of one instead of two. Ok, so....i'll keep ya posted as we progress from preparing to actual departure. Should be interseting reading if you read his account and mine.
Date: 2006-11-22
From: The Homefront

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, the plans are now set. Brian will leave work on the 15th of March, take the next few weeks after that to relax, plan and get ready for Georgia. We will leave the 29th and he will set out on his journey March 31, 2007, his 31st birthday. The closer we get the more frightened I become. I have ordered the mapdana's and they will be gifts from me and the children for christmas. So we wait now.....for March to get here.
Date: 2007-01-29
From: The Homefront

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, we have done our taxes and we now have the money for his trip. To tell the truth I was a little saddened, Now it is more real than ever, we have all the money he will need, word we have is $1 a mile is a good place to start. So we have that plus we are able to pay a few bills ahead, so I won't have so much to worry about while he is gone. This is becoming more and more difficult every day, the thought of being without my best friend and husband for 6 months scares the hell outta me. But I guess we all make sacrifices for the ones we truly love.
Date: 2007-02-17
From: The Homefront

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well we get ever closer to Brian's departure date, we are at 41 days and counting...sadly...funny how something that makes one so very happy can make another so very sad. I ordered the 2007 AT Companion for him today. I am a bit worried though, we are also civil war re-enactor's,we have 2 events before he leaves, and that seems to be the only thing on his mind. He doesn't seem to be overly concerened about any planning for this hike. I quess he will just wait till the last minute, and then drive himself nuts trying to get everything ready. though I'm not really sure what needs to be planned,the money is there, he has all his gear, his mapdanas, a good idea about the food he is taking..but as far as mail drops and what needs to be sent I haven't a clue. I guess in my mind there should be all kinds of things that need to be done before one steps out of their life for 6 months. Maybe I'm wrong. Ok. enough for now..be back with a further update in a few days.
Date: 2007-02-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok so it's Monday the 26th of February. 31 days and counting. Last night was a long night, Brian and I talked a bit about the trip. I think to a point he understnads how hard this will be for me, but I don't think he understands the difference between sitting at home with nothing but time to think and worry and miss, and hiking with a daily goal and destination. Maybe it's a good thing he doesn't understand it may make his journey harder. Got the dehydrator out yesterday, gonna start getting his food ready. I'll dehydrate leftovers, so he will have a variety to eat. Ok gotta get back to work. As always more later....
Date: 2007-03-06
From: The Homefront

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today Tuesday March 6th, Brian has posted his mail drops, and he has food all over the house right now, there has to be at least 100 days worth of pop tarts and oatmeal, for breakfast, and 3 or so cases of those damn Ramen Noodles. So this is really going to happen, and every day it gets closer and closer. I am glad to finally see that he is planning now, I was getting worried about that. But he is making good progress now. It looks like the best time for me to see him on the trail will be in Damascus during Trail days. That will be nice. But that is a month and a half into this adventure. I sure hope that time flies over the next several months. But I fear it will be the slowest moving year in history.You just gotta have the courage to let him go!
Date: 2007-03-14
From: The Homefront

To: Two weeks left
Miles today: 0.0

Ok, so exactly two weeks from today, we will pack the car and leave Myrtle Beach for Georgia. Brian is so excited. And I am excited for him, to a point. Is it wrong to be a little jealous? Yea I guess it is. Anyway, We were in Raleigh this past weekend and went to REI. He got some long underwear and a new fleece. Now this fleece deal is kinda funny. He has a fleece shirt, and he loves he has somehow convinced himself that a 6 year old fleece that has been washed a thousand times will be effective enough for this hike. I have tried for weeks now to talk him into a new one. So we are in REI and the man is weighing a fleece vest and says what if I get a new vest and use my old fleece....my response is ok so you would rather carry a fleece vest and a shirt, instead of one new fleece?? Can you guess what he ended up doing????? Yes thats right he listened to his very bright wife and got a new fleece. So we are still yet closer than ever. I actually have moments where I convince myself that this two weeks will last forever. Silly I know. Ok getting back to work now..As before more later. Brian's trail name is Low Branch, if you want to read his journal.
Date: 2007-03-23
From: One week to go

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

One week from today we will be in Georgia, spending our last night together until god only knows when. Brian is getting excited, I can see it in his face, and hear it in his voice when he talks about mail drop and towns he will walk through. I am trying very hard not to show the mounting saddness I feel. I am not at all looking forward to watching him walk away from me, my head knows this is only six months and that this is his dream. But my heart doesn't seem to care, all it knows is the half that completes it is leaving for 6 months. We have been working on his food the last couple days and making sure he has everything in his pack ready. His pre-hike pack weight is 15 lbs. Not bad. Well back to work.
Date: 2007-03-27
To: First Mail Drop Mailed
Miles today: 0.0

Ok so...today I mailed his first mail drop. It has 4 days worth of food, some paper, and a note from the kids. It just also occurred to me I better mail out his second mail drop tomorrow or it may not get there in time. He is going to count mainly on these mail drops to eat,huh,no pressure. This is the part I hope I don't screw up. I just can't see how he will not be sooooooooooo sick and tired of oatmeal, pop-tarts and raimen noodles, I think at some point I would rather eat dirt. I am gonna have to find a way to mix it up a bit and make his food choices a bit more diverse. I want him to look forward to his mail drops, not dread them. Doubt I'll get back here before we leave again, so my next post will be after he is gone. See ya then
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Springer Mtn.

To: Day one, Springer Mtn
Miles today: 0.0

Well yesterday Brian began living his dream. watching him walk away up the trail, I think was probably the hardest thing I have ever done. It was awful. We dropped the kids off with my mother and that was awful, our daughter took it the worst, she managed to hold back tears long enough for us to get out to the car, but you might guess I had to run back in and there she was hysterical, she cries off and on pretty regular now, I am hoping she will adjust. The boys seem to be ok, I don't think our youngest son Chase fully understands the whole thing though, maybe thats a good thing, or he would be a nervous wreck as well. Brian left scared and nervous, I am sure he will adjust, several other people were leaving as we were walking to the summitt of Springer, so I know he won't be alone for long. The weeather report didn't look good, Northern GA was supposed to get thunderstorms today. Well thats all part of it I guess. Ok I am exhusted mentally. So I really can't think right now. More later after some rest.
Date: 2007-04-02
From: day 3/Neels Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 36.6

Today Brian made it to his mail drop at Neels Gap as scheduled. He didn't quite make the miles he had hoped onthe first day, but made up the ground somehow. It rained on himpretty much from the start. He was able to call today, WOW it was so good to hear his voice. This is so hard, I am starting to doubt my ability to make it through this with out being depressed most of the time. I will make it because I have no choice, I cannot and would not ask him to come home. Though thats all I really want.
Date: 2007-04-04
From: Hiawassee

To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.0

Well Brian made it to Hiawassee, he had a really bad night last night, thunderstorm and apparently he tent was taken from him in the rain, he has it but everything he has is wet. He has taken a shower and is drying his things and plans to take the rest of today and tomorrow off. His legs are hurting pretty bad I gather. I have decided I really don't like this and the kids and I suffer almost every minute he isn't here. They have all changed. and not for the better. I guess Im being selfish but I really honestly can't help it. How can I make the kids feel better when I am fighting back tears every minute of the day? Our daughter doesn't know how to say I want you to come home, but I want you to do good at the same time. I can't make that easier for her because I feel the same way. I thought writing this journal would ease some of the pain, but it doesn't, not really. It doesn't help that the kids are out of school for the week for Spring Break, they have nothing but time to think, maybe it will get easier when they go back to school, I hope so.
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Hiawassee

To: Deep gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well so far this has all been pretty tough. I find myself working really hard to get these mail drops out, I had to mail two this week, and that means getting all the food ready and dehydrated, and I find the kids and I don't really have that many left overs, so I have to make an extra meal for dehydration. Well today after I get off of work, the kids and I are leaving to meet Brian at Deep Gap and spend saturday together, he really didn't want to take another zero day after having a day and a half at Hiawassee. But with the coldest night supposed to be Saturday, he will take the day and spend with his family. If for no other reason than my sanity. I am realizing quite alot about my marriage with this trip. I never doubted my love for my husband or his love for us. I guess i didn't realize how much it meant to me, I'm not saying I was taking anything for granted he would tell you I didn't, maybe I just didn't realize how intense my love for him and us as a family truly is. So I can't wait to see him tomorrow maybe it'll ease some of the stress I'm feeling.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Deep gap

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well Friday Brian left Hiawasee and hiked his way to Deep gap. He made it there and decided against hiking up 1 mile to the shelter, and thank god. It snowed Friday night and word was it was so much colder up the mountain in the shelter because the wind awful. The kids and I made it to Franklin Friday night at around 10:30 pm. We woke up at 7:30 and stopped at the store well 3 stores as it turned out. We intended to do a little trail magic, and we did, we had 2 big Thermos's of coffee,donuts and cinnamon buns, WOW were they a big hit. There were about 12 hikers all who had either stayed the night at Deep Gap or who had come from the shelter above, all waiting for the shuttle from Franklin to take them out of the snow. Everyone's water was frozen, and the hikers were barely thawed themselves. It was nice to be able to bring some warmth to them. Brian has been on the receiving end of several trail magic instances so it was really nice to give some back. The kids had a blast though I was not prepared for how cold it really was. and Alex was the only one who brought her gloves and hat. Smart girl....So we spent saturday with Brian in Franklin, we ate at took the kids to the Fun Factory, and when I say kids I mean Brian to, they all had a good time playing video games. Saturday night was nice, but then Sunday came and we had to say goodbye again. This time it was harder for kids then the first, the first time they didn't watch him walk off down the trail, so that 6 mile service road trip back down was somber to say the least, This time Tyler cried, and that was more surprising than anything, this kid is 13 and until then had hidden all of his emotions about the whole thing. After a little while they all fell asleep and woke up in better spirits but all still quiet. Brian looked good, he has beard started and his hair is getting long. Brian never lets his hair grow, it is always shaved close. I was able to talk him into letting it grow at least till it warms up a bit. he will need that extra coverage on his head and will be glad he listened to his wife. All in all it was a nice trip and I am so glad I had the opportunity to see him and do some trail magic.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: light rain

Well Brian has made it to NOC, around 11am this morning. He is eating lunch then heading out. He says his hunger has finally picked up, he wasn't very hungry through the day until the last couple days. It is always so good to hear his voice. He picked up his mail drop and was sending back the memory card from the camera, and keeping the empty one I sent in the mail drop, he is also mailing his journal entries back so I can update his journal with pictures....how nice will that be? Ok ready for this all to be over now.....I am actually doing ok, I can make it through phone calls with him without crying, so thats a good thing right? I haven't cried all week, thats a good thing to right? What happens if I get used to him being gone, that scares me ALOT. I don't want to get used to it. Any way when I get his journals I will update, I know his are more fun to read than mine anyway.
Date: 2007-04-12
From: NOC

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 27.6
Weather: clear sky

The man has lost his mind.....he hiked from NOC yesterday and is now at Fontana Dam, thats a total of 27.6 in just over a day. He is hurt, he has rolled both his ankles, and now he hurts BAD. He is sharing a room with another couple, he is hoping to get to soak in a bath tonight and feel a bit better. From here he will leave tomorrow and hike at a slower pace for our meeting at SBF next Friday. But good god at this pace he may be there this Sunday. I am more worried now than I have been all along. You CANNOT hike with two hurt ankles, you just can't, and I know this man he will not quit. I don't want him to quit but I don't want him to permantly injure himself either. SO I will just keep my mouth shut, and see for myself how he is when I see him next friday. He will call again tonight so more info in the morning.