morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Pearisburg, VA Plaza Hotel

To: where we are now
Miles today: 0.0

At Grayson Highlands, the wild ponies are abundant; groups of them stand and watch as we hike along the trail. Birdsong is plentiful as morningsong, and all day long everywhere. One evening after hiking over Chestnut Knob owls hoo hoo hoo-ed at the camp site. I have hiked across cowfields, behind cows, and watched cow's behinds.... As there was no way to pass them until they allow it. I awoke to cows mawoooing a few mornin's. Last year, there were also lots of cows it places along the PCT. I had a pinky toe blister; I just put a bandaid on it for 2 or 3 days and it flattened and disappeared. Okee dokey - I've gotta get a move on. Daybreak is planning to go get the van from Damascus today or tmrw...... she has some other traveling to do. This coffee shop is great. Good coffee, internet, and sticky buns! You know I've got to EAT and EAT and EAT. sign my guest book if you like.... I keep changing my socks, tying my shoes, giving thanks, and washing my clothes. One foot in front of the other, up and over the mountains...
Date: 2007-05-27
From: Daleville

To: toward Glascow, Blue Ridge Parkway, Montebello...
Miles today: 0.0

Having left Pearisburg one afternoon, we hiked six and a half days to reach Daleville. The route took us via the Dragon's tail, dragon's back, and finally "Dragon's Tooth". I say we've hiked over THE WHOLE DRAGON, although, the title feature landmark of this week's trail is the "Dragon's Tooth". I say it's the whole dragon, because the trail covers more miles of large, smooth, high up rock than I have ever seen. We also waded through Stony Creek - we passed the construction area of a new footbridge there. The wading was fun, AND there were cold sodas left for us on the trail ahead. Another hiker, Driftwood, wrote in a shelter journal: 'good things come to those who wade'! I camped near Rice Field, Bailey Gap, Laurel Creek, and Niday Shelters; as well as tenting on a hilltop, woods campsite, and Lambert's Meadow. The meadow was full of deer evening and morning. I hiked along with 8 to 10 other hikers during the week. After a successful trip to the store in Newport, we walked along Sinkin' Creek Road, and then sat with the huge Keffer Oak near Sinkin' Creek. Along that road, sit old farm trucks, and cars from the past 3 decades - a rural American auto museum. I stopped at a store on Catawba road for sandwiches, sodas, ice cream and beer. Mountain laurel has burst into full bloom - most are white, yet there are surprising pinks scattered throughout. The hike up to McAffee's Knob and Tinker's Cliffs was lovely. A local man gave me and Ishmael beautiful yellow apples. There was a lovely, piped spring near the shelters, and the views of seemingly endless ridges are tremendous. The beauty and quiet that exists inside the Wilderness is awesome. There has been lots of trail magic and support, rides and refreshments offered.... I am excited about hiking the trail near the Blue Ridge Parkway. I cannot measure the wonder of the woods, the water, the trail itself, and those who have built it, and the goodwill shared, as all of that is infinite.
Date: 2007-06-13
From: after Shenandoah Nat'l Park

To: toward Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 955.0
Weather: few clouds

My total mileage is 955 today!!See the monkey bears up the tree. As I took a quick break, I heard some shuffling around the curve of trail, and got my camera ready. I saw Mama Bear as I passed the very tree she sent the kids up in! She didn't need to tell me anything more - just a look that said "I love my baby bears. You just keep moving along the trail, and we'll all be fine." We have had a great time hiking through Virginia. We are now out of the Shenandoah Nat'l Park, and in the next few days will be heading to Harpers Ferry, WV. We just bought lots of groceries and fuel for my hike up to Vernon, NJ - this 'leg of the trip' will be about 333 miles. Dark clouds loomed ahead. We chose a tent site at Coffee Table Rock, right before rain. I did not want to stay at "Thunder Hill Shelter" during a thunder storm. We were hiking fast; Daybreak paused and sniffed the air, exclaiming "it's time to cook and set up the tent now!" Boy was she ever right! We got dinner cooked and got inside the tent right when it began pouring rain. The tent stayed totally dry inside, the storm was short. In the morning, deer fussed because our camp was in their yard. Matt's Creek is a wonderful place to relax, cool your feet, and camp before crossing THE GREAT FOOTBRIDGE over the James River. Coincidentally, my youngest brother is Matt, and coincidentally, while I was cooling off in Matt's Creek I saw Matterhorn hiking by high up on the trail....It poured rain on us one morning as we hiked to the Dutch Haus. When you stay there, you wear cozy bathrobes while your laundry gets done for you...... before dinner is served!     The trail took us along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Skyline Drive for 10 days or so, and through the Shenandoah Nat'l Park. I look forward to writing about that section - maybe this weekend....   but for now, my library internet time is ticking away, and I am ready to go hike this afternoon. Hope all is well with every one of you. I am doing fine. Being nearly through Virginia, and nearly father's day, Daybreak is going on for now in her van to other adventures. I'm back to hiking on my own & with other hikers who are out there now: TDS, No Problem, Mr. Easy, Chocolate Bandito, J-Beard, Dash and Mangrove, TK Express, and Jim E Cricket...... and me, Blue Yonder ......   until next time.
Date: 2007-07-04
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Wawayanda Driftwood's 'finish'
Miles today: 1342.0

I have hiked and hiked and hiked over flowers and stones since last typing any account of it all! I hiked to Harpers Ferry and spent 2 nights at the Hilltop Hotel. Then, I headed towards Boiling Springs and Duncannon. A pair of Pileated Woodpeckers met me at my 'halfway point' at a footbridge over a stream. They flew from tree to tree - laughing and cheering me on...   I've seen bears, lots of snakes, birds, deer, and a Porcupine - almost all of these creatures run at the sound of me hiking. I took a nap in a nice shelter before a hard rain. I got new shoes again and again. I've met and reunited with so many thru hikers. I've hiked with Matterhorn, Couch, Earthquake, and Buttercup, and Boo Boo. Ate ice cream with C-N-N in Slatington. Talked with Ishmael, Thunder, Blue, and Silver and Dog's Life. I found my way to the Yuengling brewery in Pottsville, PA - and back to the trail.                        I have hiked and hiked over flowers and over stone......      I have hiked with others and I have hiked alone.......      I am still hiking to Maine..........   One day I will be home........   Today is the 4th of July. First time I've had internet in a while. We're getting alot to eat. Looks like rain.   Viewing fireworks possible tonight from Wawayanda.   I'll be hiking toward Kent, CT the next 7 days, where I'll take another rest.
Date: 2007-07-18
From: Pittsfield Road tmrw

To: toward Mount Graylock
Miles today: 1544.0

In Kent, I stayed several days with the Connecticut Gals - also hiker chics. I took a zero and hiked a couple of days with a 'light' pack (slack-packin' is what it's called). So for two afternoons, I got picked up and returned to their house for merri-making and relaxing! Three days ago, I got soppin' wet in a thunderstorm on East Mountain. I didn't mind once it was over - I lived through it - and I had a shelter all to myself to dry out and be quiet.Now, I am staying with Sally at her sister's place - we're ramblin' around today in the car - I'm keeping my shoes dry. And we went for a float, pladdling in the pond. So, I've found myself on a 'tour of homes' again. When I go out on the trail again, I'll go over Graylock on the second day. I saw umpteen frogs on the trail yesterday - at least three different kinds. Still seeing deer occassionally, and woodpeckers and turkeys. In Massachusetts, the AT is full of streams, wetland grasses, mosquitoes and beaverdam ponds. I eat and eat and get a cold drink any time I can. It's nice to be able to stay in a home, so I have more time to eat extra, as I have become skinnier. Hope all is well........   I'll be heading toward Vermont in the next few days.
Date: 2007-07-27
From: toward Hanover, NH

To: View Entry
Miles today: 1689.0

Oh..... yea, we took a side trip! From the Inn at the Long Trail, Ziola, who is on the right in photo, and I hitchhiked to Burlington, and camped at Lake Champlain. We made it back to the AT the following day. We're enjoying the Green Mountains of Vermont, which gets a triple whammy with Southbounders, Northbounders, Long Trail hikers, and Rain. All this equals MUD on the AT - enough to make our shoes heavy with mud!! I hand washed the mud off my shoes, just to go walk in more Mud! Last week's rain finished and the mud is drying up. I saw a moose up close a couple days ago while hiking up to the Stratton Mountain summit. I have a grt picture on a card somewhere. He didn't run - he seemed at ease grazing through the woods, and he looked me in the eyes for a few seconds. There are still a bunch of us hikers on similar daily mileage - road walks to eat meals, and camping in the vicinity getting excited about hiking into New Hampshire's White Mountains - all above treeline - in about a week. Yesterday we took a gondola ride at the Pico ski area, aslo got cold drinks and snacks there. Followed by Live Irish music at the Inn at the Long Trail, and tmrw we head out after b'fast to hike 3 days to Hanover. Scratch that - we hitched to Burlington instead. When Ziola and I came back to the AT and hiked 5 miles to the first shelter, we found EVERYONE (maybe 9 hikers) already tucked in and sleeping at dusk! That's because the Inn had offered fun, food, drink and sleep for the weary hiker - which made us well fed, well rested and still sleepy. We really have taken a liking to sleeping in the woods! And we all have about 6 weeks to go!! All is well on the trail......   peace is slumber.....
Date: 2007-08-18
From: On through wonderful Maine

To: made it into Maine
Miles today: 1907.0

This is one of my favorite photos! Aren't these roots fabulous!!They make it truly a step by careful step hike through lots of Maine.I hiked up Wildcat Mountain, stopped in the last Appalachian Mountain Club Hut (AMC hut), then hiked up to tent atop South Carter Mountain, nearby Rio and Hemlock. The following morning was chilly and breezy, and the trail was bumpy, rocky, rooty, up and down to the clear and wide Rattle River and then to Rt. 2. The next section between roads included Mahoosic Notch and Old Speck Mountain. The trail passes by numerous ponds, covers miles over several climbs, AND brought me INTO THE STATE OF MAINE! The final 2 miles at the end of the day several of us were caught in pouring rain. The rain in Maine falls plainly on the AT, soaking us to the bone. We had all planned on camping out, but there was not a dry spot to pitch tents anywhere; we had a huddle and decided to jump in the van and go back to town. We returned to the side trail the next day and continued our hike. Mahoosic Notch is a mile full of huge boulders; the trail goes over and under piles of them, so we have to crawl through.... we had fun worming our way through.... However, we also passed by the place we had heard about for days, where a moose had died - evidently broke a leg and got stuck down in a boulder crevice. Since it was dying painfully, someone, possibly a ranger, hiked in and shot it to put it out of its misery. Daybreak brought wildflowers and hung prayer flags there. Last night four of us hiked out to Grafton Notch just after dark. The trail goes by a wonderful, lake crowded with hike-in campers. We also climbed UP solid rock on a grade so steep you could wish for a rope. I think that was Mahoosuc Arm? It was near Old Speck which was up into the twilight sky. I got water at a trickling spring in the dark, and continued on. I finally arrived at camp, cooked in the dark, and slept ever so soundly.Now I am taking a couple days off to go to an Indigo Girls show here!! So, after a little road trip, I'll be back to hike 265 miles more. It's an exciting time, after feeling a few weeks ago like I needed a pep rally or something to keep me motivated.
Date: 2007-08-27
From: made it into Maine

To: toward Monson 187 miles to go!
Miles today: 1986.0

I am leaving Stratton, Maine shortly to get back on the trail after a short overnight here in town. The Bigelow Range is a beautiful section. The sky is totally blue, and the moon will be full. The air is dry and cool. That's different from the past four days or so.... it's been hot and humid, then cloudy and warm. Luckily it has only rained at night, and I have not been caught in it since we hiked out of New Hampshire.I look forward to hiking this week and next. I'll hike to Monson, and after that, I'll be in the Hundred Mile Wilderness - where I understand I can still hike a half mile off the AT to get a cooked meal! When I reach Baxter State Park, my brother Randy, and Daybreak will be there. He'll have a room nearby where we can go shower - yay.
Date: 2007-09-07
To: finished hiking 2,175+ miles
Miles today: 0.0

I walked and talked, took photos, and breathed deeply. Watched clouds cover over, then clear away. I've hiked for 5 1/2 months, and this morning I have hiked 5 1/2 miles to get to the top of this particular mountain. No helicopter will come get me, so I need to find my way back down too. I have spent many a day talking to trees, chipmunks, frogs, rocks, & damn rocks.....(there is a difference). I say 'hello, and thank you', and 'I'm just passing by your home'. Now, talking to myself is different too! That sounds more like: "I'm Haungry! What am I gonna eat?!" and "wonder when I'll get there... get where?"; and "I'm hungry again!". So many trees!! So many rocks and roots!! Great people! What a wonderful trail! It goes through 14 states (GA, NC, TN, VA, WV, MD, PA, NJ, NY, CT, MA, VT, NH, and ME). I hiked up Katahdin on Friday - great weather, summit photo shoot, cold blue moon, ate apples, chatted with other hikers. It was busy up there with WIND! and a couple dozen people! I felt a little uneasy in the hard steady wind. On the way down, just a half mile, we stopped and ate sandwiches, then walked a bit more to get water from Thoreau's Spring. Way later, down at Katahdin Stream I soaked my feet in the super cold water. As we continued hiking down, Randy said I seemed to be floating over the roots in the trail! We went to eat at the AT Cafe in Millinocket, ME and we signed 'the door' that came from the Blueberry Patch in Hiawassee, GA. I found Matterhorn and we toasted to our Finish! He had said waiting 'til morning to hike up Katahdin was "like Christmas". I am enjoying looking back on my hike: moments I was stopped in my tracks by some subtle thing - either audible, visible, wild, social, or invisible.... and I recall over and over again opportunities and experiences I've had, and the folks I've met. Now, I am heading to the coast of Maine for a couple days, then South by way of friends and family. This trip will unfold itself along the way to NC, and N GA, and FL too. I suppose I'll be looking for work in October - some teaching spot in the mountains or where ever I find it. I look forward to it....
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today is the day!!! Here we go...Tree and I are anxiously awaiting our ride to Georgia...should only be about a 6 hour trip from here. We have plans to go to the Amicalola Visitors Center to weigh our packs and sign in. We then want to go to the Lodge for dinner and then we are off to the Hiker Hostel and tomorrow......the big day...we start hiking!!! These last few days have been tough, finishing closing up the house, trying to prepare to be gone for 5 months, and saying goodbye to family and friends....all taken care of! Once again I want to thank all of our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers for your support...we look forward to having a big cookout for all when we return.Keep us posted along the way with all the news...also ...if you are aware of an historical site, museum, cave, bluegrass festival...that might be in our area of the trail...please let us know as we are hoping to enjoy some of the trail towns along the way.To Lane and Riley....have a great baseball season!! We love you and maybe mom can send us a picture of you hitting the ball over the fence!!!These boots need to make tracks!See you all later!
Date: 2006-10-27
From: Springer Mtn.

To: Home for the holidays!
Miles today: 0.0

This is my first entry of the 2007 trail journal! Yippee! The planning has started again...actually it has been ongoing since I left the trail this spring in my first attempt at a thruhike. I really felt that I needed much more experience and confidence to be successful and healthy for a long hike so off the trail I came to do what was necessary to prepare for next year. I have backpacked over 400 miles this year, Smokies, Virginia, 100 mile wilderness (or at least 72 miles of it!), tried different gear, a few new recipes...clothing, boots,....you name it...I have worked hard to find what I need to be successful. Much of my preparation has been working on the mental aspect of this trip as well...there were lessons to be learned by myself and my family to ensure all will be well next year. Looking forward to meeting all the hikers I can in 2007! I had a great time while on the trail this year and many of the hikers I was with went on to complete their thruhikes!!! Should have hung on with them...oh well...there will be others! See you on the trail!
Date: 2006-10-28
From: Home for the holidays!

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Oh...I think my husband of 34 years may be coming with me!!! Yipppeeee!!! That will be great...we will start mid-March! Come on Bush Whacker, Caver Girl, Tree, Cappie, and all the others I can round up...we are going to have another great year on the trail.
Date: 2006-11-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Tis' the Sunday before Thanksgiving and my mind is in a whirl....so very many things to do and I am soooooo very excited to have such a full life! Today my husband and I are planning our maildrops/resupply points in preparation for the first half of the trail. As you know there are many things to consider but I think we will have a great time. One of my husbands buddies from work has decided to go with us! Great! We look forward to having some companionship along the trail and sharing this fabulous journey. We are all going on a two night backpacking trip in Mammoth Cave National Park as our first "shakedown" hike. I am sure will all go well.We are tentatively trying to get on the trail March 15th...we just have to verify our transportation to know this date is firm and off we will go. Hope to have our gear list...photos...things like that listed and ready to go before Dec. 1. I am feeling a little pressured to "finish" some of this prep work as I will be out of the country for three weeks in Jan/Feb so not much time between holidays and that trip to be prepared. Getting the house and online bill pays set-up, all the necessities covered...you know the drill.Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving...will check in after our hike.Take care!GA-ME '07!
Date: 2007-01-07
To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy New Year Everyone...a little belated I guess. 2007 is shaping up to be a great year. My husband and I are going on a short overnight backpack with friends this coming weekend at Big South Fork Recreation area in Tennessee. We always have a great time with this group...should be fun. This will also give us another "shake down" on some new gear and recipes. Looking forward to getting out in the woods again.In 2 weeks I will be in South Africa for 19 days! Really excited about this trip! Watch for that journal when I return in February.This morning my husband and I started to get a few maildrop boxes organized. Between his plans and mine, need to make good use of our time together. I feel pretty organized...looking forward to finishing touches and actually getting on the trail! I have heard from some wonderful people and look forward to meeting them all.Not many days left....March 15th will be here soon!Here we go!Bluebelle and Tree
Date: 2007-01-15
From: home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Whhhooooppppeee!!! He did it ...he really did it!! Yep, my husband resigned from his position last Friday so he is definately going to thruhike with me this year! Wow! I am so excited and so very proud of him! We are both really looking forward to starting our retirement on the trail. Come on March 15th!He has not been able to get much training done to this point due to his work load but we will prepare on weekends and the few weeks off he has prior to the hike. My experience on the trail last year taught me that it will not be long before the trail will have us in shape anyway!So....it is Tree and Bluebell..on the AT 2007!By..the by.....I am off to Africa for 2 1/2 weeks...will post that journal when I get back! Have a good couple of weeks everyone!
Date: 2007-02-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I guess it is about time to write another entry. I have been out of town for the last three weeks...I had a wonderful trip to South Africa which is listed in my other journals. It is now time to get serious about our upcoming hike...actually I have already gotten many things prepared...but it is now time to start thinking about those maildrops and making some definate plans about the house,yard, mail...all those things we need to consider.My husband's last day at work is Feb. 28th!! Whoopppeee! We are totally psyched about getting out on the trail and have had a great time with some of the prep work. Our downfall has been exercise...we have not spent near the time we should have and will have to really buckle down this last month to enjoy the first few weeks on the trail. I know the trail will whip us into shape but....be gentle...please...need to work our butts off quickly! March 15th will be here before you know it!We have heard from quite a few of you that will be hiking this year...wow...it sounds like there will be another great community out there as usual. We look forward to meeting each and everyone of you we can! See everyone soon!
Date: 2007-02-11
From: Living room floor

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok - I am beginning to hear from people who will be on the trail with us in about 4 weeks and a couple of early birds who have started the trail this weekend!! Hope the weather is great for everyone!This week is the big push to get many, many things wrapped up here around the house. This morning I brought out boxes, food, books, medical supplies, clothes, and the big push to fill those maildrop boxes has begun. We will resupply in town more often than maildrops but I like to mail myself a new pair of socks or a new book...different things to have from time to time and not depend on a bounce box. I do not want to adhere to a post office schedule or anyone else's for that matter so...hopefully we can make arrangements with maildrops and town stops to avoid that bounce box!To those of you who will be following our progress...we would love to hear from you both on this website or an occassional card or letter to the maildrop addresses listed in the menu!! Oh...and if you feel especially energetic a homemade cookie or two would be wonderful!! Thanks in advance!!Off to workout! Have to get these muscles much stronger so I can enjoy those initial couple of weeks!March 15th is quickly approaching! Oh...check out my South Africa journal as well...I added some more pics and entries this a.m.....still more to come...time...just need more time...click on 2007 and hopefully you will enjoy!!