morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-20
From: Campsite by river

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Made it into Bland, VA. Had a terrible time with feet and can't seem to eat because of gagging.Blisters on every toe and realized that I can't do the long miles each day to finish by mid Sept. Don't feel healthy.Made the gut wrenching decision to go home. There's more to the story, don't want to write it all out. Just sad.
Date: 2004-05-28
From: Dragon's tooth

To: Lambert's meadow campsite
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Journal between last entry and this one was lost in the mail, hopefully we will be able to add them later.What a great day today. We had fantastic views, challenging terrain and good weather. I'm still hiking with Scrubs and Proffesor. I hiked 2.5 miles to a road this morning (Scrubs and Professor slept in) and before I could get all the way across it to hitch, a guy pulled over and asked where I wanted to go. So I went to a store near by for breakfast and to call Linda. Shortly after Professor and Scrubs showed up. While we were there another hiker showed up in a car with her mother. They asked us if we needed a ride anywhere even if it's far away. Of coarse we jumped at the offer. I need to get a package from the post office here. (Thanks Merridith for sending your tent it's great) Proffessor and Scrubs had a package at the Post Office in Daleville about 125 miles north. So there we went to the P.O. and then they dropped us off right where the trail goes thru Daleville. So we went our seperate ways in town to stores, to the outfitter and mailing some things back home. Coincidentally we all ended up back at the trail head at the same time to go south for the 25 miles back to where we got off the trail this morning. We had both been offered rides back to Daleville by different people once we had completed that 25 mile section. It's amazing how much total strangers are willing to do for us. Another hiker who had rented a car took me to the outfitters and waited while I shopped then to the Daleville P.O. and dropped me off. Then he came back to the P.O. as I was on my way out and asked "where to now?" So... I went to Pizza Hut for lunch.Tomorrow I'll finish this southbound section then ride back to Daleville for a much needed night in a hotel with showers and laundry.Grace and peace be with you.
Date: 2004-05-29
From: Lambert's meadow campsite

To: Catawba
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a fun day. I met many people out day hiking because of the holiday weekend. The weather was great and the views, spectacular. I hiked along a line of cliffs to a place called McKaffes Knob. This is the most photographed spot on the entire AT. I knew that I would be eating supper tonight at The Home Place, claimed to be the best all you can eat restraunt near the trail. Boy was that ever like hanging a carrot in front of the donkey. I'm not sure when it happened, but sometime this afternoon I came at peace with the idea of going home. I have experienced the joy of hiking with my wife and the thrill of flying solo. I embraced the challenge and the beauty of the AT. Though my destination was Maine the real goal was the journey. I will miss the trail dearly, but I am looking forward to starting a new life when I get home. I'm sure that the time will come when I will be playing with my children or fixing the car and my mind will drift off to the trail. I'll think to myself, there's someone out there right now filtering water from a stream or sharing stories with other hikers around a campfire or staring in awe at the wilderness that God created. My prayers will be with those people and my thanks will be to God for knowing their path.Thank you for following our journas. We hope they have inspired and entertained you. Remember to take time to visit the world outside the 9 to 5 box. It will do wonders for your soul. Grace and peace
Date: 2004-02-28
To: Amicalola State Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well this is it, point of no return... Well not really, I can stop whenever I choose, but stopping is not a word in my vocabulary. My family and I were planning on leaving on Friday at around 8am. We ended up leaving at 6:30pm. Let me explain. The day before departure was spent running around town buying last minute things, preparing gear, and talking with friends. At this point this trip just felt like a weekend trek. It was hard for me to get excited about it. I was up till 7am packing. Don¢t ask me why I did not start packing earlier, because I could not give you an honest answer. I don¢t know why I gave myself one day to pack for a 6 month journey that I have known about for a year and a half. Once on the road we made good time... except when we hit a patch of bumper to bumper traffic just south of Cincinnati. That took a good 45 min to maneuver. 3 lanes of I 75 were mushed onto the right shoulder. We decided to call it a night about 30 miles north of the Tennessee border, and about 4 hours away from the lodge. We got an early start in the morning and were on the road by 10am. As we left the interstate, the foothills turned into mountains, and those mountains got even larger the closer we got. The lodge was located a good ways up the side of a mountain providing a breathtaking view to the west for an awesome sunset. While unloading the car I met another hiker named Chris (trail name C-Giddy), he had been planning this trip for a few years, and he also thought now was a great time to hike it. The day was spent double checking gear and making food choices for the first 4 days on the trail. This was also my last time to talk to friends for a while. Now it starts to set in. It seems that most people staying at this lodge will be hiking the AT. Just watching all the hikers with large backpacks made me feel like I was at the Everest base camp. In a weird sort of way this is a base camp. One mile down the road from the lodge is the approach trail leading to the start of the AT. This first day I will climb 2000 feet to Springer Mountain. That is where this legendary trail begins. More to come later, stay tuned... I¢m going to enjoy my 5 hours of sleep in a real bed. It¢s amazing what we take for granted.
Date: 2004-02-29
From: Amicalola State Park

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 1, Feb. 29, 2004Well I figured it would be a good idea to write this journal before my hands go numb. Today I traveled 0.2 miles and I¢m pooped. Walked for about 6 hours. OK, well I¢ve hiked a total of 9 miles, but only 0.2 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Have met alot of interesting people. Some know more than others, but at this point it is not my call. So far I have gotten to meet Chris who seems to be very determined. Then there is Burn, John, and Happy. Right now I¢m in my sleeping bag ready for sleep. It is going to take some time to get used to this food. It¢s 8pm and I¢m soo zonked out. Will write tomorrow and let you know about the mice so often talked about. Most people are still awake. The weather forecast says rain will be coming soon - time will only tell. Farewell for now...
Date: 2004-03-02
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

Day 3, March 2, 2004Today¢s weather = rain all day. Now don¢t get me wrong, this is not all a bad thing. I know how to deal with the stuff pretty well. Hiked about 8 miles today and will be looking at about 12 miles tomorrow. After dinner felt a little sick, but doing ok. The shelter was full tonight, so I decided try the tarp out to see how it worked. Set it up in the rain with little problems, and was soon underneath its protective shell. It is weather proof for the most part, except when heavy drops of rain hit. Some of the rain hits the tarp and tiny little droplets can be felt. It¢s a 2 man tarp, but its just the perfect size for one. When I set it up at home it seemed to be large enough for 2 and gear, but not the case at all. I am about a day and a half from town. I¢m really looking forward to that. Now, its off to bed.
Date: 2004-03-03
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Day 4, March 4, 2004Today was a long day today. Sugar Daddy, Burn and I hiked 17 miles today. Also take into consideration that we are in Georgia, not Ohio where it is relatively flat. In very few places is it flat - up and down. Today I walked up and down 4 mountains. We were going to stay in a shelter 2 miles from the re-supply station, but found that the shelter was visited by a skunk every 30 min. That shelter did not have anyone else in it, so we decided to hike the 2 and a half miles down to a road. Sooo glad we did. The sun had set by the time I had reached the bottom of the mountain at the road crossing. We got a ride within 30 min. and were in town shortly. Sugar Daddy, Burn and myself are sharing a hotel room. The first thing we did was order pizza. We ordered 2 large pizzas and within minutes only half a pizza remained. Tomorrow we are going to re-supply our food and head out for a few more days. The journey has begun. It¢s amazing to see how much each of us trusts each other so quickly. It¢s a close knit family of hikers, and our bond will only grow. That is all for now, its 12:30 and I¢m really sleepy.
Date: 2004-03-04
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 5, March 4, 20004I¢m sitting under the tarp right now, in the dark, all alone. Na it¢s not that bad. Enjoyed the hotel room last night. Even though it has only been a few days since starting the trail, the hotel room was much appreciated. So anyways, woke up (that was hard to do let me tell ya!) and went to the store just down the street, in fact I think it was right next to the hotel. Made the decision to not eat anymore cooked ramen noodles. I can eat them raw just fine. A bit messy, but different. Burn said they would be good for yogy-ing. This is where I try to look as pitiful as I can at a picnic area in hopes of getting food donations through sympathy.   Dumped my unbrella today, not really an issue of weight, but more of an isue if I would use it. It¢s difficult to use the umbrella and trekking poles at the same time. Besides when hiking after a rain, its only 30 min till I¢m dry, thanks to quick drying materials. When in camp I will usually stay dry with a rain coat and pants. They don¢t breathe well enough to use while hiking. The hike was long, not exactly hard, just very long. Started out with Burn, and Mel at Neels Gap. Mel soon passed both of us and I hiked with Burn most of the day. We had some good talks, about women, business, movie making, and even religion. He has an open mind, and an open heart. I have not read his journal yet, but you can, its www.trailjournals.com\burn With a late start of 12pm sunlight became an issue. Had a few great views. These were the first in a while since it¢s been very foggy during the days. Got to camp around 5:30. Since I had been out of water for 4 miles I had to treat the water for an hour. In that time, I set up the tarp because the shelter was full, organized food, and took a short cat nap. Cooked dinner and then went straight to the tarp. The long day had taken its toll. But the plan is to get up early and hike 7 or so miles to the next shelter, get there with enough time to write some emails, and do whatever needs to be done. I am beginning to enjoy tenting compared to the shelter. The shelter is nice when it¢s raining, but can be horribly noisy. A lot of people snore and toss and turn all night. I¢m still near the shelter, I would say within 100 yards or so. Each shelter has tent sites nearby. This is a trip of a lifetime. Past hikers really mean it when they say that. I am starting to see why i t can be so difficult. It seems each night it¢s something different. One night it could be achy muscles, the other an upset stomach, dehydration, or just being really sleepy. Speaking of being really sleepy, I¢m gonna head off to bed now. Think it might rain Friday, and will be ready for it. I caught myself thinking about what would be going on back in Dayton if I were not on the trip. I have not thought about Dayton until now. I don¢t think it¢s a matter of home sickness, just curiosity. It seems like I left weeks ago, yet its only been days.
Date: 2004-03-05
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 6, March 5, 2004Well its that time of night again, let me tell you about my day. It did not rain so it made for a quick tear down of camp, and was easier to get out of the warm sleeping bag. The plan was to sleep in a bit and get to camp around 2 and relax. That did not happen. Woke at about 7. Out of camp at 8 or so. Hiked with Sugar Daddy for about 4 miles. Stopped to talk to some local day hikers and hiked alone for about an hour till Burn caught me while fetching water. The miles were very easy. This is partially due to stronger muscles. From this point on we were hiking in fog. The views are gone, but it¢s a pretty spooky view to see fog in the trees and moss growing on nearby rocks. Got to where I wanted to stay for the night. It was only 7.2 miles from the last shelter. The view was as expected... fog, and it was very very breezy (that¢s for you Bri). Simply put it was uncomfortable. Not the place you would relax for the day. Ate lunch and decided to hike to the next shelter since it was only noon. Got into camp about 4:30 cooked up a pot of instant mashed potatoes, and had a few spoons of peanut butter while that was cooking. That sat great in the stomach, just the perfect amount. No room in the shelter, so I am tenting for the 3rd time in a row. It¢s really not that bad, and am becoming more and more comfortable setting it up efficiently. I am planning on hitching to town tomorrow (Saturday). Even though I was just in town 2 nights ago, I¢m hiking a lot faster than I thought I would. Also I¢m more hungry which is always a welcomed feeling on the trail. The wind is howling, I¢m just off the top of Tray Mountain, also fogged in today. Word has it there is supposed to be major, major thunderstorms tonight. It just started drizzling, so I¢m not sure of what is to come. Can¢t exactly go anywhere, so I¢m gona try to get comfortable here and head to sleep. The road that I¢m going to hitch into town on is 10 miles away. Plan to go to town, do some laundry, make a few phone calls, get a bit to eat, and maybe something to take back to camp. Then hitch back to the trail and camp at a shelter 3 miles down the trail. Wish you could be here to see this fog, its super thick, and this wind is not going to stop. The rain is picking up now, and temp is dropping. Going to wake at 6:30 so I can get an early start. ta ta for now.
Date: 2004-03-06
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap,Hiawassee,GA
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 7, March 6, 2004Last night it felt like a hurricane came through. The wind came in gusts, and I do mean GUSTS!!! At midnight I went to stomp the stakes of the tent back in. There were a lot of places I would have rather been than on top of that mountain. Never heard a clap of thunder, so it must have been a front moving in. I feel like I¢m in great shape, muscles don¢t ache, and am not dreading the never ending climbs, even in the rain (today).   It rained all night. In the morning it was very difficult to get out of my sleeping bag which was overly wet from the fog, and high winds. It rained for about 2 hours. Once I got moving I started to feel my hands again, and did not mind hiking in the rain. The rain kept me cool while climbing the high hills. Met a 60 some year old named Arleen and Dominick. We had planned to split a room between the three of us to save a few bucks, but the hotel we decided to use was under construction so we had to cancel plans. I was already in town and they were still hiking so there was no way to discuss plan B, so I made my own. Got a room to myself. At 45 bucks it¢s a bit pricy, but it is nice to lay all my wet gear all over the room and not have to worry about it being in the way of someone else. Now that I think about it. This is the first time I have been in a hotel room alone, its kinda cool. The weather channel has been on most of the night. It looks like its going to be a clear and comfortable week. Some cool nights, but atleast it wont be raining ¢knocks on wood¢. Dinner was good. Nothing special, just very filling. Would love to write more, but I have another 10 glorious miles to hike in the morning. So for now ta ta.
Date: 2004-03-08
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 9, March 8, 2004Well I got moving at 6, and got out of camp at 10 till 7. It was cold C.O.L.D!!! No accumulation of sleet, but its still winter. Did not quite make the sunrise, but the views I did see was worth the early wake up. From now on I plan to wake up early. It¢s the best time to take pictures. Can¢t wait to see them. Today nothing much happened. Got a space in the shelter. Plan to stay at a hostel tomorrow night and will re-supply food till Fontana Dam. Next week will be hiking through the Smokies. Sorry this entry is so short, will write more later. Just sitting here by the fire and enjoying an awesome sunset. This shelter is on a hillside providing a great view. Looking forward to that hot shower and actual beds. Ahh civilization. It¢s bed time...
Date: 2004-03-10
From: Rainbow Springs Campground / Yurt

To: Wayah Bald (trail side)
Miles today: 14.4

Day 11, March 10, 2004The stay at the campgrounds was enjoyable to say the least. Had no problem falling asleep. Found out that the credit card people can¢t send my replacement card to a post office next to the trail. They have to send it home, and then it will have to be mailed to a post office. GRRRR, tis a bit frustrating, but no biggie.The snow was amazing. No more had fallen since yesterday. It was neat how at higher elevations there was up to 3 inches of snow. In some of the lower elevations just a dusting. ¢¦..Can¢t type a lot, fingers are cold¢¦. Climbed the observation tower on Wayah Bald. It was amazing how far we had traveled in only one day. We could just barely make out the fire tower on Albert Mountain we had hiked just yesterday. It was breath taking. We could also see Clingman¢s Dome, which is just a short week away. It was 4 o¢clock and the sun was nearing that horizon, so we pitched camp just off the trail, only about half a mile from the tower. We don¢t plan on hiking more than 10 miles tomorrow, it should be an easy day. But easy is relative out here. While standing at the base of the observation tower we had some interesting talks about time, future, past, and present. Oh I forgot to tell you who "we" are. Hiked with Haiku, Wildcat, Catherine (who is now Moonpie), and Darma. But back to what I was saying. I can¢t sum up the entire talk in just a few lines. But we were basically talking about how important it is to live the moment, and stop worrying about the past or future. A lot of people worry so much about the little stuff. Does that really help the big picture? Live the moment. I hope that makes since to you, it¢s easier to explain in person. It was difficult to find places for our tents without snow, my little spot is pretty level, but has about 5 little trees growing, so I¢ve got my sleeping bag weaved between them. Ate an entire box of macaroni for dinner tonight and was still hungry. The trail hunger is starting. But now its sleepy time
Date: 2004-03-11
From: Wayah Bald (trail side)

To: N.O.C
Miles today: 16.9

Day 12, 3/11/04Woke up today with cold toes, so I got moving as soon as I could. Haiku and Moonpie were still in their tents. So Wildcat, Darhma and myself headed out on the trail before our toes and fingers fell off. That¢s the key to starting the day off right. As soon as you wake pack up and leave. Then as soon as the sun has time to heat up a bit, and you can feel all your fingers and toes, stop and grab something to eat. We stopped at Cold Springs shelter just an hour from camp for a snack/breakfast. I had already had my 2 breakfast bars so I decided it was time for a Snickers. Now I had 3 Snickers in my food supply. Figured one a day. But I figured I could get more at the N.O.C station we were going to stay at tonight. So all were gone within hours :-) We hiked a great deal and had some great views. Haiku and Moonpie eventually passed us. They ended up staying at a shelter about 5 miles from the N.O.C. We also met Fireball briefly, Hammock Hanger, Paul Cooker, Jason & Betty, and I think thats it. If I forgot anyone please forgive me. So anyways... we got to the shelter that we had planed to stay at for the night, but we still had enough time to hike to the N.O.C. Now I bet you have no clue what the N.O.C. is. I¢m not sure what it stands for but it is a rafting resort. I guess it¢s not real busy now cause its kinda cold, I can agree with that! But $15 will get a nice small room with 4 bunks, and a nice warm shower. Might try to do some laundry in the morning depends if I¢ve got time. Dinner was kick butt, oh yeah!!! 8oz cheese burger with a huge platter of fries and a slice of blueberry pie. Believe it or not but could have eaten more. It¢s amazing what kind of an apatite one can get while hiking. Have a 8 mile uphill climb tomorrow so its bed time for now. Plan to leave here around 9:30 with LWOP (leave without pay I think is what it stands for) and hike to a bald to watch the sun set and rise. Should be quite a sight. Just hope the wind is not too strong, it has a chance to be real cold up there.