morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-10-03
From: Little Wilson stream

To: Cloud Pond lean-to
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

First thing this morning we had to contend with the ford of Little Wilson "stream." We stood on the bank and watched the water roar down the rocks and wondered what in the world we were doing. There was a log that went across the water that we decided to try to shimmy across rather than try to wade across the freezing, deep stream. Sideways went first, got part way across and turned back around. I decided to give it a try and made it by using my arms to pull my body up and scoot across the log. Sideways stood on the other side and called to me that he didn't want to do it. He threatened to just walk back to Monson and for a minute I thought he really might do just that, but he ended up giving it another try and making it across. Right as he got to the other side Herro hiked up. He didn't like the looks of the log and just charged out into the water. We thought he was going to lose it a couple of times and end up downstream as the water was waist high and the current was really strong, but he made it. We had three more fords over the course of the day and for the others I took my shoes off and waded in my crocs to try to keep my shoes and socks as dry as possible, though the wet trail ensured they were still always damp and cold. The three of us stopped for lunch with Big R then we all climbed up Barren Mountain. I felt good going up the mountain for the first time since I entered the wilderness and I got to the top right at sunset. I got off the top of the mountain back into the trees and waited for Sideways to night hike the last mile to the shelter. It was absolutely freezing so we threw on some layers and our headlamps and made our way down the trail. When we got to the shelter there was a note at the turn off indicating the shelterl was 0.4 off the AT and the trail was difficult and rocky. We decided to try to find a stealth spot instead of hiking down there because it was so far and with so many people on the trail right now, it was likely the shelter would be full anyway. Herro also made it there and we all found crappy tent spots. I'm squeezed in a spot with a tree in my vestibule, my feet dangling off a cliff and my head next to a spot we're fairly sure someone used as a toilet...this is definitely the sketchiest camp spot of the entire trip. I was so cold and tired I didn't feel like cooking so I just made a sandwich and crawled in my tent. It is so cold right now; it's pretty miserable. Only a hand full of days left...
Date: 2010-10-04
From: Cloud Pond lean-to

To: Pleasant Pond
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

It was so hard to get out of my tent this morning. It was so cold and I could not motivate myself to pull myself out of my sleeping bag and hike mountains. I finally did though and slowly started up Fourth Mountain. The day was beautiful and sunny but as I hiked my heart was just not in it. I kept trying to reassure myself with the thought that this will be over in just a matter of days, but it wasn't really helping. I met up with Herro and we hiked to Third Mountain together then sat to wait for Sideways at a blue blaze trail that we'd all decided to take this morning. When Sideways made it there we all sat and talked about how unhappy we were today. None of us are enjoying the trail anymore and even five more days of the wilderness seemed daunting and unpleasant. Once we started walking the blue blaze trail we all perked up. The trail was awesome- it was what I envisioned fall hiking on the AT to be like. We walked over a well graded, leaf covered path with intact bog boards that weren't rotted and there was no mud or water on the trail. We made it to the end of the trail and sat at the road for lunch. Sideways took a look at his maps and found a way to basically road walk the rest of the way into Millinocket. Herro and I, without hesitation, agreed to do it. We all just want to be finished and this would allow us to summit in just three days instead of five and we'd no longer have to deal with the over-crowded, overused trail. For the first time in a long time, we were all excited again. We packed up and started road walking and we had a great day. We talked and laughed and enjoyed walking without having to watch every step- our shoes even stayed dry for the entire day! We found a great camp spot by a stream and set up our tents. This was the first great day I've had in awhile. We made a great fire and sat around talking and listening to music the entire night.I've been battling feelings of guilt for doing something different than walking the AT for the last bit of the trip but I've realized the guilt comes from what other people may think of my decision, not what I think about it. I'm really excited about it and I'm happy that my final days will be spent on a new adventure with two of the people I've hiked with the most on the trip. I really believe that if I'd stayed on the AT I'd be miserable and absolutely hating the trail by the end and I don't want this amazing trip to end that way. Ultimately this journey, for whoever decides to take it, is about doing what feels right to them and hiking it the way you want to hike it. If you just follow the white blazes day in and day out blindly it ends up feeling like a job with rules and red tape and that's what most of us came out here to escape. So I'm going to end this trip in a different way and I'll still be an AT thru hiker. I did walk all the way here from Georgia after all... I just did it my way.
Date: 2010-10-10
From: Pleasant Pond

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

I finally summited Katahdin and finished my thru hike on 10/10/10 after three tries getting up the mountain. Detour got into town the night of the 7th and on the 8th all four of us attempted to climb the mountain, though we knew the weather wasn't supposed to be good and when we showed up Katahdin looked like a black doom tower. We made it nearly halfway before the weather started getting bad and people were coming off of the mountain telling us to turn around due to a snow storm at the top. We'd heard the next day was supposed to be nice so we decided to wait for a better day and turned around. The next day we all went up again (another class 3 day) but only Herro made it up. When Detour and I got above treeline to the first bouldering section, the wind was so strong (70 mph) that I couldn't physically stand up. The last half of the trail is all above treeline and Detour and I felt it wasn't safe to continue climbing, despite my desire to just get up there and get it over with. Detour won the spirit award for sure and climbed it yet again the next day. Sideways decided he'd had enough and wasn't going to attempt the mountain a third time but Detour and I were determined that no matter what, we were going to make it up Katahdin that day. We prepared a bit better for the elements and headed up yet again. I was extremely happy to see Burl, who ended up summiting the same day as well. The climb wasn't necessarily tough, but was slow and tiring due to all of the bouldering. The day was chilly and a little windy but was otherwise beautiful. The skies were clear and blue and the views all the way up were incredible. We made it to the tableland and plodded our way through snow and ice toward the top of the mountain. Once I could see the group gathered at the top I wanted to run to the sign but I didn't want to drag a broken leg down the mountain and an air rescue is insanely expensive, so I restrained myself. We finally made it up and joined the group of thru hikers at the sign. We spent some time taking pictures and celebrating with everyone but the cold finally drove us to start the long hike down. I'll say, hiking up Katahdin isn't bad. In fact, in good weather the climb could be fun. The climb down is not fun at all. You've just finished this amazing journey and you're so excited to see that sign, but you're ready for that to be it. It was a long five miles back down; one we were pretty familiar with after three attempts, but it was finally over and we were finally successful. Though it was frustrating and exhausting to try Katahdin so many times, the day I actually summited was so wonderful, I wouldn't take any of it back. Sure, I wish I'd shown up the 10th and that would have been that, but after seeing how nasty Katahdin can be, I was lucky to summit on a day I could enjoy it. So now it's all over and I don't really know what to do with myself. I thought I'd want to celebrate and drink and go out but I'm really just too tired. I'm happy I'm not hiking anymore but I'm not sure I'm ready to let all of this go.
Date: 2010-11-12
To: Thank Yous and Follow Up
Miles today: 0.0

I've been off the trail for a month now. I'm going through some significant life changes right now and while the actual transition back hasn't been as difficult as I thought it would be, I still think about the trail every day and I miss it all the time. My body was ready for a break but my heart and mind were still very eager to continue the type of lifestyle I had on the AT. So I've decided that I'm going to keep going. I don't want the momentum, confidence and lessons I learned on the trail to dissipate and I'm willing to put the work in to change my life and try to instill these life lessons and confidence into the lives of others. I'm working on a project now...more to come when I have more information.In the meantime I would like to extend sincere thank yous to so many people:My friends and family that supported me- I could never have completed the trail without you. It meant so much to me to have you all behind me.My trail friends- It wouldn't have been worth it to do it without you. All of you have changed my life for the better and I will never forget you. Everyone who followed my journal- it meant so much to me to share this experience with you and your guest book entries always made my day. Thank you so very much- all of you. This was the experience of a lifetime and genuinely changed my life for the better. More to come when I get some additional information on what my next moves are.
Date: 2010-06-09
From: Springer Mountain, GA

To: Catawba, VA
Miles today: 695.0

Pushing 700 miles on the Appalachian Trail WOW !!!!! 695 miles behind me with many, many more to go. I am making my way through the state of Virginia where the trail is 500 miles long. That's nearly a month of walking. I am hoping to get to the tri state area of Harper's Ferry, VA bordering with Maryland and West Virginia by July 4th. Doesn't look likely but a set goal just the same. I miss all of my family and friends and wish that I could be in Florida for my BFF's going away party and to see Nikki before she takes off to California. The past few days the heat has been high and so has the humidity, really drains the body. Onward I go, enjoying this life journey and being so thankful that I have been able to make it this far. See ya soon !!!Don't forget my fundraising for Florida Voices for Animals ~ PLEASE PLEDGE !! visit veganfreehiker's site. http://www.veganfreehiker.com
Date: 2010-06-10
From: Springer Mountain, GA

To: St Petersburg, FL
Miles today: 0.0

Ahh yes, Surprise, Surprise,Surprise !!!!I had to get off the trail for a few days so that I could make a scheduled appointment with my retina doctor. For those of you that don't know I had a stroke in my right eye in November, just a few months before departing on this journey. This stroke has left me mostly blind in that eye, only being able to see shapes and color with no clarity and I cannot even see the eye chart. This sight will not come back but, I am so grateful to have sight in the other eye. I can enjoy all of the beauty the trail has to offer. So, off to Florida I go with one of my hiking brothers in tow, "Metric". We are enjoying 93 degree weather everyday, the beach, tiki bars, sunsets and I am enjoying being back home with my girlfriend. My best friend is leaving Florida and moving west to California and it just happens that her going away party will be happening while I am at home. I will be the big surprise at the party. Glad to be attending but very sad to see her leave Florida. My Mom, sister and brother in law are also coming for vacation so I will also be surprising my Mom and spending two days beachside with the famdamily. Metric and I will be back on the trail on Monday the 14th raedy to haul ass towards Harpers Ferry.Don't forget my fundraising for Florida Voices for Animals ~ PLEASE PLEDGE !! visit veganfreehiker's site. http://www.veganfreehiker.com
Date: 2010-06-15
From: Catawba, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Hello All,Back on the trail after spending a wonderful week at home, other than the shot in my eyeball which I received from my Retina Dr.Came back on Monday and slack packed (no gear, just water) 7 miles in the late evening. Then 20 miles yesterday into Daleville. I heard from our other hiking partner, Giggles and hopefully she will catch back up with us this weekend after spending sometime with her Gram, here near Daleville.Walked in the thunder, rain and lightening yesterday whil along a ridgeline ~ Glad that is done but I am still "Living the Dream". Hope to get some miles in over the next few weeks.
Date: 2010-06-21
From: Undisclosed Location, Virginia

To: Unknown
Miles today: 0.0

Just what does veganfreehiker mean. The Vegan part is easy, but what about freehiker? Some of you may have thought I was trying to hike for free, others may have thought it was about the freedom of being alone in the wilderness far removed from everyday society.The real story, if anyone googled "free hiking" would find that in one form, it is another word for naked hiking ~ being totally free. One day each year on the first day of summer, hikers around the world bear all and celebrate Hike Naked Day.I will be particpating in Hike Naked Day and have purchased a loin cloth in case I encounter any people not particpiating. Sorry folks, no pictures on facebook will be posted.So if you are so inclined, on June 21st, celebrate the summer solstice and go hike naked!!
Date: 2010-06-22
From: Unknown

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Celebrating the Summer Solstice by hiking 9 miles au natural in nature, Thanking Mother Nature for the first day of summer by kissing the ground face first (no poles & no hands Ma), Priceless! Just part of Living the Dream!Yes folks, I participated in Hike Naked Day and stumbled over a rock falling flat on my nose. Just a little blood and I am thankful I wasn't knocked out only to be found by someone with my arse pointing towards to sky.All is well, taking a day off before heading in to the Shenandoah National Park.The temps are above normal, tomorrow's forecast high 90's. Heat rash is the only thing slowing me down but good old diaper rash ointment or I like the brand name "Butt Paste" works wonders to stop the itching.
Date: 2010-06-23
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Finally a much needed day off to relax and let the heat rash heal. I am still living the dream and hiking at an average miles each day of 18 - 24. Going into the Shenandoah national Park and hope to get Virginia behind me soon. This state is 500 miles long along the Trail.Check out my facebook page (Jim Veganfreehiker)for new pics to be posted later today."Living the Dream" !!!!!!
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Harper's Ferry, WV
Miles today: 18.0

Hi Folks, Still Living the Dream. We decided to take a side canoe trip through the Shenandoah Mountains along the Shenandoah River. Seven days coving about a 70 miles stretch. Had a great time and got to work out the upper body instead of just my legs. Not looking forward toward the heat of the next thre days, forecasted at 96, 98 and 98. Wow, lots of sweat. Just a few more days in the state of Virginia. Then, a day in West Virginia, a few days in Maryland and finally, the home state of Pennsylvania.
Date: 2010-06-25
From: Maryland

To: Pennsylvania
Miles today: 18.0

Hello Everyone,Still Living the Dream, Finally out of Virginia which was 535 miles long. A quick stop in Harpers ferry, West Virginia and now two and a half days to get through the state of Maryland. Next stop, tomorrow morning is my home state of Pennsylvania where most of my family lives. I will be glad to see them as I pass through the areas where they live. My girlfriend Mary is going to visit and hike a few days with me. I can't wait to share some of what I have been experiencing with her. I am now half way through and am anxious to complete the remaining miles. Thank you all for your support as I would not be able to live out my dream without you. "Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go" ~ T.S. ElliotTake Care ~ Vegan
Date: 2010-06-26
From: Pennsylvania

To: The Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

As you walk through the forest with the trees ovehead, You can feel his presence, or so it's been said.His eyes are upon you as you stroll through the trees, He is the WoodSpiirit who hides in the leaves.The forest is home to WoodSpirits' a plenty, His sightings are few, but his numbers are many.A walk through the forest... A glance at a branch... A glimpse of a WoodSpirit happens by chance.From the roots that are anchors, to the tips of his leaves, He is Caretaker of all that he sees.If you enter the forest with intentions of evil, A WoodSpirit's wrath can cause an upheaval.Though his face is hiden in the bark, A nimble knife can release his true heart.Can hair be feathers? Can beards be leaves? A WoodSpirit lives for those who believe.Is it man or beast? Is it woman or bird? Any combination of these is what I have heard.His life is eternal, or so I've been told. The Spirit of the Woods wears the face of the old.Though his numbers are many, his sightings are few. A WoodSpirit's presence can bring luck to you!
Date: 2010-06-27
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: Lickdale, PA
Miles today: 6.0

In my home state. Picking up my baby in PA today, then hiking with her for a few days. Great to be back in the woods or as they say here (Up the Bush). Visiting Mom, Grandma and Sis and then picking up the pace to get out of the rocks of PA and into the New England States, Still, "LIVING THE DREAM" !!!!!!!!!
Date: 2010-06-29
To: New York City
Miles today: 0.0

Wow, New Jersey and New York ~ dry as a bone, water spots few and far between. Thank goodness for trail magic. It's also hot as hell and now that I am in NY, bolder hopping and ridge walking in the hot sun is brutal. But still fun and challenging. I am taking two zeros and going to NYC for some much needed VEGAN food. Fuel up then back on the trail busting out miles hoping for cooler weather.
Date: 2010-08-18
From: Cornwall Bridge, CT

To: Next state; Mass
Miles today: 0.0

Good bye New York, hello Connecticut. Glad the New England states are quick to pass. Connecticut is only 56 miles. Looking forward to moving on; I have been, as they say in the Marine Corps, "Bringng up the rear". I am finished with family visits, my last eye doctor visit until the end of this journey. So now lets go; "something #*##* to the wall ~ Hike onward. I want to get to Maine. I have a new set of boots and hopefully all will be well. I want to thank everyone for their continued support during this journey and thank all of you that have contributed or will contribute to Florida Voices for Animals.Don't forget my fundraising for Florida Voices for Animals~ PLEASE PLEDGE !! visit veganfreehiker's site. http://www.veganfreehiker.com"Living the Dream", "I am VEGAN, and I am out" !!
Date: 2010-08-26
From: Green Mountain House hostel, Manchester VT

To: Rutland, VT
Miles today: 18.0

I love those short mileage state, so long to Connecticut and Mass. Now into Vermont with close to 540 miles to go. I can't wait to get to Maine and to the Mt. Katahdin. The time away from my Mary and my friends has been long but the journey is so worth the time. I finally caught back up with Giggles and Special Needs. It's good to be with hiker family again.IT IS NOT TOO LATE !!!Don't forget my fundraising for Florida Voices for Animals~ PLEASE PLEDGE !! visit veganfreehiker's site. http://www.veganfreehiker.com"Living the Dream", "I am VEGAN, and I am out" !!
Date: 2010-09-01
To: Hanover, NH ~ home of Dartmouth College
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

WOW !!!! Only two states left on this journey. Entered New Hampshire today, the home of Dartmouth College. Staying through tomorrow and then the big challenge on the Mountains in the next two states. I am excited and at the same time am trying to reach the end. But..... Do I really want this to end. Such dilemmas in life. It is ninety degrees here and has but very warm for the past few days. Cooler, wetter weather ahead.ONE OF MY FINAL PLEAS FOR DONATIONS AND PLEDGES TO FLORIDA VOICES FOR ANIMALS...... (IT'S NOT TO LATE TO HELP !!)Make a one time donation or a pledge per mile. ONE PENNY per mile ( and there is a lot of sweat and heavy breathing there) is only $21.79. The entire trail is 2179 miles to Mount Katahdin in Maine. ONE PENNY.... How about two or more pennies per mile?~ PLEASE PLEDGE or DONATE !! visit veganfreehiker's site. http://www.veganfreehiker.com"Living the Dream", "I am VEGAN, and I am out" !!
Date: 2010-09-23
From: Mt Washington, NH

To: Rangeley, Maine
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Life is Great!! My journey, my trek, my passage is coming close to an end. I am in Maine and only have fifteen days until my planned summit of Mt Katahdin. Am am looking forward to getting off the trail at the same time reflecting back on an amazing journey. We have the privlidge of staying at a beautiful house on a lake. Our friend Scatters that began the journey at the same time finished about a week ago and invited me, Giggles and Special Needs to stop in for a short respite. I found a lost package that was sent to me by my friends and never arrived. My Mary has her reservations to meet me atop of Katahdin and help celebrate my accomplishment.I am very thankful for all of my friends, my family and my Mary for their support and time in helping me with my long hike. Without support, there would be no hike. So to all of you, Thank You !!!!THIS IS MY FINAL PLEA FOR DONATIONS AND PLEDGES TO FLORIDA VOICES FOR ANIMALS...... (IT'S NOT TO LATE TO HELP !!)Make a one time donation or a pledge per mile. ONE PENNY per mile ( and there is a lot of sweat and heavy breathing there) is only $21.79. The entire trail is 2179 miles to Mount Katahdin in Maine. ONE PENNY.... How about two or more pennies per mile?~ PLEASE PLEDGE or DONATE !! visit veganfreehiker's site. http://www.veganfreehiker.com"Living the Dream", "I am VEGAN, and I am out" !!