morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-10-03
From: Springer Mountain, GA

To: To Complete All 2175 Miles of the AT
Miles today: 0.0

Great Barrington, Massachusetts Total Miles Left to Hike: 474.6 Total Miles Hiked: 1,700.4"SkipFlopper" Trip Route: GA to MD, Skip, VT to ME, Flop, VT to MD Hiking south now has been a completely different experience. It's VERY quiet with lots of time for reflection. I see a few SOBO (South Bounders) and a few day hikers. It's never a problem to find space in a shelter! My days are spent in awe of New England's Autumn with its array of color, migrating birds, fewer bugs, cool nights. The maple trees at higher elevations seem on fire with red, orange and yellow leaves. The birch are flaming yellow while the ferns along the trail are a mix of browns, gold and green. Yesterday I saw over twenty turkeys and immediately broke out in the elementary song of "the turkey sat on the barnyard fence..." As I hiked through a series of fields I stuffed my mouth with wild grapes until my fingers were purple and my tongue burned. One thing I especially enjoy is reading the trail registers in the shelters. It's comforting and humorous at the same time to read entries written by fellow hikers I met earlier on this journey. It's especially enjoyable when I know their personalities. I've seen entries of at least a hundred people I've met. Hiking friend, Usual Suspect, wrote this about the mosquitos while in Mass..., "The only question is why didn't God just release mosquitos on Egypt? That would have gotten my attention." Apparently, I am very lucky to have missed the mosquitos that plagued Mass. earlier in the season. A couple of times the journal was slammed shut while the pests were flying around with the results of 25-30 dead bugs on one page of the book! In the last several days alone I have received the following "TRAIL MAGIC". Section hikers from Canyon Ranch gave me water. Another section hiker hiking near Benedict Pond gave me the rubber tabs on the back of her earrings so that mine wouldn't fall off. Father David and friends of North Adams played a challenging game of scrabble with me while offering that I could stay at the church for the night. I ended up staying at one of the church member's home. And last night I was fotunate to stay with minister Kathy of the Unitarian Church as well as enjoying dinner and ice cream. What kindness has been extended!! This afternoon I'm off to hike to Conneticut. These Northern states pass by quickly. As always, I send my love to you. I appreciate your thoughts and support.
Date: 2007-10-30
From: Springer Mountain, GA

To: To Complete All 2174 Miles of the Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I've got 150 miles to go! I'm between Port Clinton, PA, and Duncannon. I'm so lucky that this has been a mild Fall. I've heard that it's usually frosty and cold, but the temps have been in the 50's and 60's, which is perfect hiking weather! The foliage is just beautiful, and I've discovered that everything I've heard about PA is true. It's slow and tedious, but not hard. You have to watch every step because there are so many rocks.Just like the engine in the picture, I keep chugging along saying "I think I can, I think I can!".I'll send another update when I can, but I'm getting there!xoxoxoxDeborah
Date: 2007-11-06
From: Springer Mountain, GA

To: To Complete All 2174 Miles of the Trail
Miles today: 0.0

PA 94 (Near Mt. Holly Springs, PA Miles To Go: 68!!! Miles Hiked: 2106Yes! I'm about to finish this trail!Pennsylvania has an undeserved bad wrap! This state is gorgeous. It does have a few rocks....well, okay....a lot of rocks. None-the-less, the small towns are picturesque and quaint. It has some of the best shelters on the trail with 501, Rausch Gap and Eckville Shelter being my favorites. In Port Clinton I had the fortune of visiting my mom's college friend of 50+ years. Tina and her son, Rick treated me royally. Duncannon, especially the Doyle Hotel, has proved to be great fun. It's a hiker's paradise with a restaurant/bar, inexpensive rooms and some of the most welcoming owners on the trail. Today I hiked through the beautiful town of Boiling Springs. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Regional Office is perched on the lake in the middle of town. The stop offered friendly faces, trail info and fresh water. Friends, Eric and Lori are helping me end this adventure by letting me spend the last three nights in their home and then dropping me at the trail head each mornings. All offers of home stays are welcome reprieves from the many nights I've spent in shelters or campsites by myself (25 in all since September 24th when I left Bennington, VT). I can hardly believe that I will be finished in four days. I must say, I amd ready! At the same time, I have had waves of already missing the daily routine of hiking and most of all, I miss my trail buddies. It's been such an incredible experience of camaraderie. Nothing will match the closeness I've felt with hiking friends. "Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life last." Rachel Carson
Date: 2007-01-14
To: Oh, the butterflies are growing
Miles today: 0.0

Well the year started off well with Andy and I purchasing a one way ticket to Atlanta, GA. It was an exciting new year. I have finished buying most of my gear, just need to pick up some little things. So hard to believe that the trail is just around the corner.The more Andy and I talk, the more we realize that we are probably will be spending more time together than we originally thought. In all reality, I wasn't totally convinced that he was still on board with me until we bought the airline tickets to Georgia. That excites me all the more. It is going to be one hell of an adventure, as it already has been, and I'm glad to share it with someone like him. Farewell for now.
Date: 2007-01-20
To: 83 items for $81.00
Miles today: 0.0

Over the past year or so I've been looking in the sales adds in newspapers for deals on food for mail drops. Last week I found enough on sale that it was actually worth going to the store for. I ended up with 83 items for $81 and I got all the more excited. But now looking at the food that I have purchased for the 13 maildrops I'm planning for I have way too much of certain things. For example Lipton dinners. I also expect to get very bored of them so I'm planning on giving some away to Andy and come up with some more creative dinners. Many ideas in my head just need to make room for them in the maildrop scheme of things. The trail is just over 2 months away. I enjoy how myself and everyone that is close to me refers to the AT as "The trail". I'm so grateful for the people supporting me through this adventure. There are so many of you. Whether it be taking me in so I can save up money for the trail(thanks Grainger), wanting to know how to keep tabs on my hike(thanks Spencer and a number of other people), buying me beers at the Brewhouse(thanks James), or just listening to me ramble about various things (thanks Melody Rose). Then there is Steve who truely inspired me to do it. Until I met him about 4 years ago, it was just a thought in the back of my mind. Not only did he inspire me to follow through with it but he was exerted a lot of energy into getting information to me and has spent countless hours on the phone talking about the trail. For all the other people that I love, thanks a million for supporting me and I hope to hear from you while I continue on with yet another adventure.
Date: 2007-03-07
To: One way ticket to Altanta, only 15 days away!!
Miles today: 0.0

How does one express the excitment with a journey such as this one only days away? I've come to the conslusion that you can't express it, you just enjoy it. Just going through the steps these last final weeks at home to not drive myself crazy or anyone around me. And once again I find myself so grateful for everyone in my life that is supporting me through this. I heard a rumor that my Grandpa is reading a book about the AT which makes me so proud. The next time I write will probably be away from Duluth, down south somewhere. As I go off onto my adventure I will try my best to expect nothing but be ready for everything.
Date: 2007-03-13
To: What's your white picket fence dream??
Miles today: 0.0

Out of all the conscious decisions I've made over how many ounces things weigh I've decided to carry a small white picket fence with me. It serves a very important purpose. Andy and I are both carrying one. I believe it will be made out of lightwieght siding material which I will probably clip onto the outside of my pack and maybe set it up at camp. The story starts about 4 years ago when Andy and I were at a Yonder Mountain String Band show at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado. During the show (Yes, during a YMSB show) we were chatting about the AT and how thrilled we were about the idea. There was some other talk about how each person has there own dreams. Then we got on the subject of the traditional white picket fence dream. Ya know, house in the suburb, 2 car garage, 2.5 kids, and of course, a white picket fence in the front yard. We laughed and laughed as we realized that this was our own white picket fence dream. Coming to the conclusion that having a white picket fence dream doesn't have to follow the traditional wishes. Just then, at the perfect time, Yonder took a break. The crowd went their seperate ways and Andy and I were in awe. There right in front of us, actually painted on the stage, was a white picket fence. Absolutely amazing. Ever since this moment we knew that the AT was exactly where we needed to be headed. And I must say that everything, I mean everything, has fallen into place perfectly since the start. So to celebrate how life works in wonderful ways, we will be carrying a few extra ounces just for fun. Oh, and I must add, if you haven't heard already, Andy built Jeff Austin's deck in Nederland, Colorado. Follow your dreams.
Date: 2007-03-22
From: The appalachians are beautiful!!!

To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

As I type, I can see out a window from the hiker hostel the sunset over the Appalachian Mountains. Absolutely beautiful. We made it to Georgia after delays in Minneapolis. The shuttle from the hostel was waiting patiently for us as promised. The owners hiked in 2000 (Almanac and Profile). We rode up with Joe from Boston. Andy had some fun with him along the way. Lots of laughs.Spent the last hour going through my pack trying to be very picky. Come to find out that the airport went through my pack and took out both of my lighters. Sure would have been nice to note that on the inspection ticket they placed on top. But, slowly, I'm letting it go. Took a lot of food out. So for those of you concerned, thanks for the interest and I am trying. Experiential Education, right?? We have finally came to the conclusion that tomorrow we will start at Springer Mountain instead of the approach trail. We get dropped of 9/10 of a mile from the start of the official AT and have to back track to the southern point. With all that being said, we hit the AT in the morning. Can't wait to breathe the fresh mountain air. http://www.hikerhostel.com/
Date: 2007-03-23
From: Pounds weigh your mind down more than anything!!

To: Some where out there
Miles today: 0.0

Well, after much mind trying efforts I weigh in at 42 lbs. Thats where it is at for the moment. I'll let y'all know how it goes and what I end up with. I do have a feeling that my mail drops will be changing drastically though. Our shuttle arrives to bring us to the trail within the hour. this hostel has been amazing. More like a bed and breakfast. an awesome way to start the trail. Excellent breakfast, great people, and the softest sheets this side of the Mississippi. Farewell for now. Off into the woods I wander.
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Some where out there

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 106.6
Weather: clear sky

Don't be fooled by the daily miles. That is total trip miles. Really excited to be updating this journal. It has been hard to try and get internet access. I'm going to ask a friend (Justine) if she will transcribe for me. That would be really helpful. Where to start. Well, we have been on the trail for like 13 days now. Crossed into North Carolina a couple of days ago. The weather has been manageable. The second day out, we did 10 miles, climbed 6 mountains in 90 degree heat. Hiker was taken off the mountain with possible heat stroke. Wasn't too much of a surprise. There are so many people out here hiking. It really is amazing. We've spent many nights with the crew of Lala?, Birdlegs, Steps Small, Mr. Cheeks, Bad Influence, Moongoat & Otto, and Smokestack. Just to name a few. The community on the trail is what makes it truely awesome. Georgia was absolutely beautiful. Never would have imagined. Tough but worth the effort. Steep and deep. I keep waiting for these "trail legs" everyone keeps talking about. It was really exciting to cross state line. Took a zero day at the Blueberry Patch Hostel. Perfect day for a zero, rained all day. Gary and Lennie are amazing people. Gary says "hello" to Retread. This hostel is truely a place not to be missed. They are the most selfless people I have ever met. Couldn't believe how helpful they were and how they just wanted to keep on giving. Their property is beautiful as well. Lastly, before I go feast on pizza and beer, I chose the trail name of Torpedo. My Grandaddy (as they would say down here in the south) gave it to me when I was young. Nobody knows why. I thought I would honor him by doing so. Although I must admit, it is still hard to answer to the name unless my grandpa is using it. I love you grandpa!! This ones for you. Thanks for the comments. All is doing well so far. My knee is bumming a little. Hopefully I get some sort of band thing to help it out.
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wine Spring
Miles today: 7.0

Just taking off from Franklin this morning. It is currently snowing with record lows tonight. This northern girl don't really like the cold too much. Some of the highlights I missed on my last journal entry is getting a new pack and trail magic. Purchased a Granite Gear Nimbus Latitude Ki at Neels Gap. I was surprised that it wasn't over priced. For my mind more than anything, I needed a lighter pack. Total pack weight, fully loaded with 5 days of food is 29 pounds. Very happy with that. Feels very good. I was sorry to send my Dana Designs home but it just wasn't the right pack for the adventure at hand. The first trail magic we came across was a cooler with sweet rolls, lemonade, chocolate, and the best of all, ice. That was just before Woody Gap. Then when we got to Neels Gap, one of the employees gave us a Budweiser. A Bud has never tasted so good. Then the greatest thing that has happened in the past 2 weeks is the feast the local boy scouts put on. I waited for 6 hours for a huge feast and it was well worth it. Lastly, even yesterday, some local in Franklin here bought us breakfast. Awesome people everywhere you go.Well, the shuttle just pulled up. I'll post again as soon as I can.Melvin...... Andy says "hi".
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Franklin, NC

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 60.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Currently in Fontana Dam, NC. Taking a zero day today and ready to head into the smokies tomorrow. What a birthday it will be!! Supposed to rain all weekend. Hopefully it will clear up for some good vistas in the park. Really excited to see the smokies. The hike from Franklin to here started out fairly easy and then we hit the NOC. These people here in NC don't believe in switch backs. But what I've come to except, it doesn't matter what the terrain really looks like or if you have to climb up to the top of that huge mountain in front of you, and then the next, you are going to do it.Got into Fontana Dam yesterday afternoon. We are staying in the shelter, the Fontana Hilton. Nicest shelter so far. It is located overlooking the lake, has huge, clean sleeping area, restrooms with running water, and showers. Good place to take a zero. Hikers for Christ were here doing trail magic. They feed us last night and even brought us breakfast in bed this morning. What an amazing place. Also was blessed with trail magic from Raven at lunch time. I had met him on the trail and had the pleasure of talking to him about the Quetico. Great guy.Found out today that I really don't like spiders. I've had a bite on my ankle since Georgia that has grown in the past week and is blistering around it. After calling the village to find out where the nearest urgent care center was I was informed about the local medical advisor in the area. She looked at it this afternoon, confirmed that it was a spider bite but assured me that it is ok and that my foot isn't going to rot off. So off I go. My knees are like new. I purchased some dual action knee straps from Cho-pat and its like I have new knees. Feeling stronger than ever. I think maybe, just maybe, I might be getting my trail legs.As soon as I can Justine is going to transcribe for me which will be awesome. Y'all might get more detailed info about the adventure. Till next time.....Happy trails!!!
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Started hiking today at 11am. Arrived at shelter at 4:30. Expected it to thunderstorm all day but it held off until 3 pm. Then it poured!! The lightening was close. Within a quarter mile. At one point I found myself under a small tree waiting for it to pass before climbing up on a ridge. The shelter is nice. Tarp over the front to block the wind. 501, Shiver, Rigerunner, and 3 weekenders are here with Nice Enuff and I. We had oreo cookies for birthday cake and everyone sung to me. It really was an awesome birthday celebration. Won't be partying like a rock star on this birthday. It is 7:30 and going to bed because it is the only place that it is warm. It is supposed to rain all day tommorrow. Hopefully it clears up for some beautiful views of the Smokies.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derricks Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: snow

Its 7 am and I am fighting to get out of my sleeping bag. Probably 45 degrees and rainy. Looking at 12 miles for the day. Better get on with it.......7 PMFreezing out butts off at the shelter. Started walking in the rain. Turned into freezing rain then snow by noon. Then the winds started. Blizzard conditions all afternoon and not into the evening. I was very grateful for the uphills otherwise I would have frozen on the mountain side. Arrived at the shelter at 3:30. Very cold, tired, and hungry. Skipped lunch because of the weather. Stupid idea. I know better than that. Esecially when I know the last 6 miles of the day are going to be hard even in nice weather. Staying at the shelter with Blue Deacon, 501, Castaway, Kimmie, Trevor, Shiver, and CS. Haven't seen Nice enuff since this morning. I hope he stopped at the last shelter 6 miles back. I trust that he is ok. Need to head into the next town. Was planning on skipping it but running low on fuel. Putting my energy for warn weather tomorrow. At least sunshine.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Derricks Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Bap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Held back today expecting Nice enuff to show up here this afternoon. Beautiful weather today. Extremely windy but beautiful. Woke up this morning with the trail covered with 5 inches of snow. Hard time making the way. Who's idea was it to put white blazes in the smokies whre is snows often?? Some of the drifts wre up to the knees. Post holed most of the way. Was very grateful for the couple of thru hikers that went ahead of me.Sitting in the sun eating a snickers. It is probably about 50 degrees. It is just CS and I here right now. We expect Shiver to be around the corner sooner than later. He's jammin' on a guitar he's carried all this way. Yummmmm......a snickers has never tasted sooooo good.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Double Spring Bap Shelter

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Smokies blowdown of 2007. The trail is unreal. After hiking today I feel very lucky that no one was injured in the storm a couple days ago. There are trees down everywhere. Up to Clingmans Dome we had to deal with 15 trees. Then coming down to Newfound Gap, there were probably 40 trees down over the trail within 3 miles. And we are talking huge spruce trees with massive root beds. The trail is dam near impassible. I've never seen anything like it.The view from the top of Clingman's Dome was breathtaking. Blue bird skies. Nice enuff pulled into the shelter at dinner time last night. I has very happy to see him. I was just starting to worry. We are sharing a hotel room in town with Ben. Looking forward to going out for the best pizza in the south. We'll see. Thank you to all of you for the birthday messages.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

What a weird city that was!! Glad I went, hope to never go back. Had excellent pizza and overpriced Budweiser. Today went smoothly. Hitched a ride from some locals after about 20 minutes trying. Met a nice little man, Daniel. He gave us water and a math lesson on our way up to the trailhead.The hike today was best yet. Excellent weather with amazing views. Hiked along a ridge most of the day. Straight down on both sides. Smokies really are amazing with the weather cooperates.Thinking about Grainger a lot today. Wishing I could share some of the beauty with him. Excited for hims to meet up with us later in the adventure.Only a day and half left of this current dreamland. Supposed to get PM showers until then. It is dumping rain right now. This shelter is a nice one. .4 miles off the AT but nice. The privy is basically on the trail. You can take a crap and wave at the hikers passing by. Funny.Looking forward to tomorrow. Supposedly more ridge walking.Oh, I got to see a bear yesterday. It was on our way to town with dozens of tourists closing in on it. Just a little guy. I felt bad for him.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: cosby Knob shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Good full day of hiking. Legs feeling tired after lunch. Muscles sore today. Headed out of the smokes tomorrow. They have given us a lot to deal with but have treated us well. Tweaked my knee today. Different tweak than last time. Took some vitamin I and am going to bed.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: cosby Knob shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

What a day!! Walked out of Smoky Mountain National Park. All day long we talked about trail magic at Davenport Gap. We knew that there wasn't going to be any. We walked into Standing Bear Hostel to spend the night. Soon after we arrived Ben, Jessica, and Ben's parents showed up to do a massive cookout for hikers. Burgers, hot dogs, chips, huge cooler of beer, a dozen or so bottles of wine and ice cream! A dream come true!! It was one hell of a party. Romie played guitar and sang like a rock star. He's awesome. Partied on until the night. Great time.
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Painter Branch
Miles today: 2.3

Must mention that the daily miles do not include the 5 river miles on the Pigeon River. Went whitewater rafting with Sprokett, Grant, 501, Tree Whisperer, Tick and Romie. Fun times with lots more beer. Ben and Jessica were also on the river and they cooked us breakfast this morning.As soon as we returned to the hostel we make dinner and hit the trail before we were partying into the night again. Glad I stayed at the hostel but won't go again. Very weird energy. Its good to be back on the trail again. Going to fall asleep listening to owls call to each other. Reminds me of the loons last summer guiding.
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Painter Branch

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Max Patch today. Great looking back to where we have been. Looking forward to a soak in the Hot Springs.Had a good time today hanging out with 501 and enjoying some more trail magic. We are sure getting spoiled. Gatorade, soda and candy bars at one place. Then 5 minutes later some chilled white wine and ice cold water.