morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-07-14
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: few clouds

Had to pay for our laziness with a huge day today! We saw 2 more NJ bears this morning, and then we played leapfrog with a 10-person YMCA group, then with an enormous 30-40-kid Jewish camp! These kids could be heard from 2 miles away, singing in Hebrew and calling to each other with animal noises. It was a bit frustrating because of the noise and sheer size, but I am glad the kids were out to enjoy the woods. (How's that for a political answer?)We wound down our day with a stop at Gyp's Tavern at Culver Gap where we found Lunchbox, Bluegrass, and Rael enjoying some food and cokes (tonics for Rael) and/or beers.When we got back on the trail, here come those Hebrew campers running down the mountain! We took off like greyhounds, let me tell you! We got up the other side of the gap as fast as I can remember recently and didn't stop until we hit the shelter, 4 miles later!The area was full of tents because no one wanted to sleep with the bugs. We shared the shelter with PennyWhistle, and Gezza woke up with mosquitos having breakfast on his face. Lovely.
Date: 2009-07-15
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: County Rd 519 (The Outhouse)
Miles today: 14.3

Once again, tough miles! We dragged all day and had to fight nasty rocks and bugs for a good bit of the hike. Rolled into the High Point Shelter and called ahead to the Outhouse to see if we could come in late. They offered to pick us up at 519, so we walked another 1.3 miles and rode in for some of the best trail magic we've had on the trip. I will write about it on www.mikeandrox.com, so check for it!Saw our 4th NJ bear today!
Date: 2009-07-16
From: County Rd 519 (The Outhouse)

To: Unionville, NY (The Outhouse)
Miles today: 5.8

Well, we could have kept going after our 5.8 miles that didn't get done yesterday, but we decided that a nice slackpack would be more fun, and we were looking forward to spending more time with Dick, Butch and Bill.We did our miles as fast as we could and hit the General Store for deli sandwiches and soda, followed by ice cream - awesome!The Outhouse was packed tonight! Twenty-five hikers! And I guarantee no one went to bed hungry!
Date: 2009-07-17
From: Unionville, NY (The Outhouse)

To: Wawayanda
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Good day today after a refreshing stay at the Outhouse. Man, was it hot though! We were so hot that we stayed cooler by hiking; if we stopped, the breeze stopped and our skin started to burn! Stopped at Heaven Hill for ice cream, soda and real fruit, then on to the shelter. Spotted our 5th NJ bear this afternoon! Excited to close out NJ tomorrow!
Date: 2009-07-19
From: Fitzgerald Falls Campsite

To: Arden Valley Road Stealth Camp
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

Horrible day for miles! We ran out of water and ran down to the beach at Arden Valley to grab some from a spigot. About that time, Paddy-O treated us to trail magic - hot dogs, hamburgers, perogies, beer and whoopie pies. Amazing. We stayed with him for 3 hours, then walked back up the road to an old forest road to camp stealthily.
Date: 2009-07-21
From: Greymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: mist

Woke up to light rain, which graduated to hard rain, tree rain, middle rain, puddle rain, and rain rain. Yuck. Made up more miles and ate pizza, courtesy of Lunchbox for making good on a bet to get to the shelter; yum-my!
Date: 2009-07-22
From: RPH Shelter

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

The rain took a toll on all of us (Lunchbox, Sailor J, and newly added Bookworm). We had the Mountaintop Deli for lunch; then we had to decide what the afternoon would look like. All of us had severe chafing, so a 4-mile walk to the shelter became the plan. We wasted no time in starting a fire and relaxing in dry clothes.
Date: 2009-08-12
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Saw a porcupine this morning! Ate breakfast at Whistle Stop Cafe. Climbed Killington Mountain. Enjoyed Tim's trail magic of oreos and ice water. Stopped at Mad Hatter's Tea Party to celebrate having less than 500 miles to go on the trail.
Date: 2009-08-17
From: Hanover, NH (Sunset Motor Inn)

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Sorry for the gap in updates! After having phone trouble, we got really behind in updates - so behind that I'm not going to bother catching up. We're in Rangeley, ME; about two and a half weeks from the end. We'll keep updating www.mikeandrox.com as we can, so please check that until I can sit down and fill in the gaps!Thanks,Gezza
Date: 2009-03-01
From: Springer Mt. Georgia

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well my parents are running around upstairs getting final preparations done and I think I've finally figured out how to use this thing! and yes we will be departing from our house in about 30 minutes and heading for GA! Man am I excited!Tonight will be my first night on the AT! WOOHOO! I will be joining my hiking partners Dori and Adam or "Topo" and Mosey the dog! Hopefully my new sweet warm gear will help us out tonight-it's gonna be a cold one! Stay tuned...oh and a wonderful thanks to my parents for being freaking AWESOME! without your love and support I wouldn't be here today! BIG HUGS AND KISSES! And to all my sisters, friends and boyfriend I LOVE YOU ALL!
Date: 2009-03-01
From: Springer Mt., GA

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: light snow

Kat's Mom writes: We have finally arrived at Springer. Franklin, Bob and I hiked to Springer Mt. with Kat, Dori, Topo and Mosey the dog. The snow is beautiful and adds a new dimension to leaving no trace. Words are insignificant to describe the exhilaration of this moment. We met one hiker who needed water to drink because his had frozen. Katherine Ann was wondering about the "white blaze" when the trees were white with snow. Oh well, weather changes are quick. Kat was ready to go, and wanted me to tell her frineds hello and this is awesome!
Date: 2009-03-02
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 12.3

Kat's Mom writes: Toady we left GA, heading home. We talked with Bob and he related that: the hike to Stover Crk. shelter was beautiful in the snow/blizzard. The double decker shelter holds 16 and they had a huge fire and sat around and talked/introductions. Everyone was a thru hiker, except for Bob. He said the temp got down to 10 degrees, and tonight around 0. Bob stated that they departed at 8:45 this morning and were in super good spirits. We will post entries as we have information. aka Hi Hills
Date: 2009-03-03
From: Gooch Mt. Shelter

To: Slaughter Creek Campsite
Miles today: 12.4

Super cold, almost 0 degrees. Shelter was full, so we had to tent. Tent was warmer than the shelter, kept wind off of us. Heated a bottle of water to use as a foot warmer in the sleeping bag. A 0 degree bag doesn't necessarly keep you toasty in real 0 degree weather. Sunny today but still below freezing and continuing to walk in the snow. Tonight's destination, Slaughter Creek to rest the legs before we tackle Blood Mtn peak tomorrow.
Date: 2009-03-04
From: Slaughter Creek Campsite

To: Bull Gap
Miles today: 4.3

Franklin, Jessica Leigh and I talked with Kat today! She was at Neels Gap, shopping...seriously. Kat had big news, a fellow thru hiker gave her the trail name of "Giggles09". This name suits her so well. Also, Giggles09 said to tell her family and friends hello. Other large news: Giggles09, Dori and Topo and Mosey received their first Trail Magic today at Neels Gap. GA State University's BSU students were at Neels Gap grilling hamburgers and Giggles09 downed three. Also, Alpine at Neels Gap went through Giggles09's pack and eliminated about 4 pounds of stuff that she has mailed home; Alpine reduced Dori's by 8 pounds and Adam's pack weight reduction we are unsure of. Thank you Alpine and Giggles giggled while telling me this story. For the sake of brevity, I will refer to Kat as Giggles without the 09 to distinguish her from former trail "Giggles". Giggles wants a BIG HELLO to "Sarge" and thanks for his advice. Most of all, Kat is doing well, legs are sore; they are not rushing; and apparently are open to advice from well seasoned hikers such as Alpine and Sarge. Her birthday is Friday. She will Celebrate by going to Helen, GA, and taking her first bath in several days (hopefully). Much love to Giggles, Mama Glenda
Date: 2009-03-07
From: Bull Gap 3/5/09

To: Tray Mountain Shelter 3/7/09
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Hello All! We are getting ready to head out of Helen,GA and back on the trail! Yesterday we got into this amazing Bavarian village in the middle of the forest and decided to rest here for my birthday! WE showered, washed our clothes (after washing they still smelled!), ate philly cheesesteaks, pizza, and lots of cheesecake. The townspeople are really nice and the Helendorf Inn (our accomodations) is so cute! Adam, Dori, and Left-toe helped to make my Birthday definately one of the best ever! They had bought mini bottles of champagne and a Mountain House Blueberry Cheesecake dessert b/c originally we thought we would celebrate on the trail. Left-toe has joined the Moseying Mountaineers the past three nights and seems to enjoy our company! I think we might stay together again tonight as well! Yesterday Hardcore's parents met him at the trailhead with donuts and orange juice and were generous enough to share some with us! I believe he continued on. Before getting picked up we ran into Southside who was continuing on as well to Hiawassee. Harold, a wild boar hunter, drove the four of us and Mosey into town yesterday and even drove back a couple hours later to return Mosey's backpack that we had forgotten! THANKS HAROLD! For lunch yesterday we ate at Bigg Daddy's and it was delicious! Then we took a nice dip in the indoor heated pool! For dinner we ate Jordano's pizza and free cheesecake for my birthday! Then we came back to the helendorf, drank champagne, ate more cheesecake, and crashed hard - even though Mosey attempted to take over mine and Dori's bed! Now I believe after a quick lunch we will be off again and will catch ya'll soon! Sunday we will be in NORTH CAROLINA!!! Sorry Georgia, but NC is pretty awesome! Much love to all and thanks for all the support! We will keep on moseying along!
Date: 2009-03-08
From: Tray Mountain Shelter 3/7/09

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter 3/9/09
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Franklin talked with Giggles this afternoon. They were finishing lunch at Bly Gap and heading to the Muskrat Creek Shelter. Big news: they crossed into NC today and were pleased with this mile marker. The Moseying Mountaineers are trying to get to Asheville for a concert next week. You will make it! Giggles was in pain, yes, pain. Both "soccer" knees were screaming. More Ibuprofen on the way. Love, hugs and kisses, Mama and Daddy
Date: 2009-03-10
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Hello to all! Giggles called and the Moseying Mountaineers are doing fine and are amazed with the weather. Her screaming knees are better today. She took the wrong trail off Standing Indian Mt. after lunch, but quickly realized it and back tracked to the white blaze. They were ready to call it a night at 7:30 and Mosey was trying to sleep in the girls tent. Giggles was giggling and chiding Mosey to go to his dog tent. Giggles said the evening meals were delicious but lunches needed more variety. We will work on this. Happy trails, Hi Hills aka Mama Glenda
Date: 2009-03-12
From: Winding Stair Gap: Franklin, NC

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Walking again: Giggles called (3/11-12/09) and the Moseying Mountaineers got a shuttle into Franklin and picked up their resupplies, ate lots of fresh food, did laundry,took showers and spent the night with a roof over their heads. They were shuttled back to the AT at 12:00 today and were headed to Siler Bald. The internet was down and Kat was disappointed that she could not make an entry or read your entries to her. She said to tell you a large hello! I am amazed that she has cell service and pleased that she does. Their spirits are great and Giggles sounds so positive with the experiences. She has truly enjoyed meeting so many people from various backgrounds. Happy trails to you, Mama Glenda PS:Daily miles reflect AT miles from Carter Gap to Siler Bald.
Date: 2009-03-15
From: Siler Bald Shelter 3/12/09

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter 3/15/09
Miles today: 39.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Giggles Called 3/14: She was so exuberant! The Moseying Mountaineers have had three more Trail Angel encounters. Just before Cold Spring Shelter, they spotted the "Hiker Dome" of "Apple" at Burningtown Gap. Apple provides a rather large orange tent/dome heated by a wood stove; well stocked with hot food; cold and hot drinks; and sleeping room for eight or more thru hikers, during the month of March when the hikers are just beginning their long trek North. Then, Saturday morning, the youth from Burnington Baptist arrived with sausage, gravy, biscuits, hot chocolate and plenty of encouragement for the hikers. The third Trail Angel encounter was the Palmers at Nantahala, Topo's parents, with cheeseburgers, pizzas and drinks, resupplies and transportation to town. Giggles was awestruck with the generosity of these acts of kindness-yes, Trail Angels. Giggles was so excited and appreciative of these experiences, that she barely spoke about anything else. However, she did say they were hoping to knock out 16 miles on 3/15, in the rain; and they had to say good-bye to Mosey as his four feet are not allowed to hike the Smokies. God's blessings to the Trail Angels' who "practice random acts of kindness and senseless beauty". Love, Hi Hills aka Mama Glenda
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter 3/15/09

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: overcast clouds

ZERO DAY! Yeah for the Moseying Mountaineers: Kat called several times on the 18th and apparently she has developed a new aversion to computers and asked Mama Glenda to update her journal: Giggles, Topo and Dori were picked up by Topo's friend and shutteld to Asheville on the evening of the 17th. They ZEROED the 18th in Asheville with the friend, who was kind enough to ferry them to and from the AT. Giggles had a blast; she ate, took several long showers, went to a concert, ate some more, weighed and has lost 8 lbs. and slept in a "real bed". Ice cubes in her drinks were a welcome change. From her conversations, she seems to be getting into the mindset of a routine on the trail. Her planning and preparation of maildrops has worked out very well with the variety of foods-thanks to MoFo and Daddy. Giggles has not seen a bear, yet. They headed out on the 19th to Fontana Dam for the strenuous climb to Mollies Ridge Shelter. They hope to complete the Smokies and get "Mosey" back by the first on the next week. Hike it up and talk with you later. Hi Hills aka Mama Glenda
Date: 2009-03-20
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 40.1
Weather: clear sky

Kat called and said hello to everyone! Kat, aka Giggles, called from Clingmans Dome, 3/21; Carolina blue sky with a spectacular view; the ground was thawing from its long winter freeze and was slippery in places. The Moseying Mountaineers were taking advantage of the five consecutive days of incredibly DRY weather and the views had lived up to their reputation. She said the shelters were noticeably less crowded. Called again on 3/22/09: Saturday night they stayed at Mt. Collins Shelter and had a campfire. Dori has now earned the trail name of "Out Loud". Giggles said the frozen waterfalls and the "icicle structures" were stunning. Hopefully we will have photos to download by the end of next week. They had hiked 4.5 miles in 1.5 hours this morning to meet Whitney, who has their resupplies and fresh baked goodies. Thanks Whitney, you are a Trail Angel-you get it. Hiking stronger! Love to all, Mama Glenda
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Peck's Corner Shelter 3/23

To: Hot Springs, NC 3/26-27
Miles today: 56.7
Weather: light rain

Hello All! Today we are zeroing in Hot Springs, NC! Yesterday we hiked 18.8 miles in less than 7 hours! We are becoming expert hikers! Not to say that I wasn't in pain...but at least I know my body can do that! We also enjoyed a relaxing free hour in the Hot Springs famous mineral water bath hot tub thing! The past couple of days have been dreary and very windy but we knew we were coming in for the real thing so it helped those days pass better! Thanks for everyone's support! We are having a great time so far and can't beleive we've almost been out here for a month! Mom and Dad seem to be doing an excellent job keeping up with my journals! Oh and in case ya'll were wondering...we saw three flying pigs and two zebras in the Smokies...they are re-introducing these species! The Smokies were fairly easy and we were even asked if the whole AT was this easy and if we ever actually summit mountains by a slightly too giddy Rhode Island student. Imagine what feelings came over me after I have been backpacking for three weeks! I remained silent while in my mind I wanted to toss her out onto "real"(whatever her idea of real is) mountains with a huge backpack and ask her how easy it was then! Anyways, we reunited with Evergreen and Indiana Jones after days apart only to have parted ways again today! Hopefully our paths will cross again but if not good luck to both of you! That's all for now! We'll be in Boone next weekend! Thanks for all your love and support!Giggles
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hwy 321 - Watauga Lake
Miles today: 149.7

Hello All!!!WE have come off the trail to enjoy my sister's engagement party to Kenny!! WE are all soooooooo excited for them. Anyways, this past week was full of terrible weather and some good weather! Only a couple days after leaving Hot Springs we were greeted with snow!! Then after yet more days of rain, my parents came to Erwin, TN to help us slack pack and bring us delicious food! The rain finally broke about lunch time, just in time for us to picnic outside the white suburban! The day we left Hot Springs was yet another day of rain by the way.... then after a couple more days of rain we were blessed with ice and snow on top of Roan Mountain! And no the climb up the mountain was not more enjoyable in ice than it was in rain! Oh well, Roan High Knob shelter was AWESOME because it was enclosed with a door which kept us out of the wind! The next morning it was BEAUTIFUL, but really windy which made crossing the balds a bit challenging! And if anyone ever goes up Hump Mountain remember that you are not at the top until you can really see down! Hump Mountain never ENDS! But at least we could see the whole mountain because Roan Mountain truly seemed to never end with the fog! Today daddy came and met us at 19E road crossing and helped us, Indy, Blondie, and Long Legs slack pack for about 11 miles! Now we are all in Wilkesboro enjoying a party! Tomorrow we will head back out on the trail to slack pack 23 miles into Watauga Lake and then will enjoy 2 zero days on BOONE!!! WOOHOOOO! Until next time...
Date: 2009-04-21
From: Hwy 321 - Watauga Lake

To: Damascus, Va
Miles today: 41.5
Weather: light rain

About a week ago I decided to depart with my fellow hikers in Damascus, Virginia. To everyone's surprise my desire to continue on had waned. Hiking the AT had become more about where I was going to camp and how fast I could bust out some miles than the actual hiking. I believe my limit was about 460 miles. Who knows? Next time I might do more, less, the same, or there may never be a next time. I have spent the last week reviewing my decision as I am scrambling to find a job as well as dealing with many other personal issues, but I still feel the decision was right for me. I read Topo's blog today to check out where my former teammates were and they have hiked almost 600 miles! WOOHOO! However, not a part of me said I wish I were out there instead of here. So thanks for everyone's support and interest! All my love and best wishes to Topo, Outloud, Mosey, and Indy (new hiking partner!)! Ya'll are awesome and keep on truckin'!Giggles!
Date: 2008-06-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well as most of you have probably guessed I am planning to do a hike soon. "Which trail?" or "When are you hiking?" might be some of the questions you might be asking right now. To answer those questions I will be hiking around March 4 of 2009 and I will be hiking the Appalachian Trail.Ok, first thing is first. Seeing as you are here to read my journal I might as well tell you a little about myself first. Right now I am 27 years old, about 5 foot 10 inches tall, 250 pounds. I am currently in the navy.As for hiking experiance, most of my hiking has been prior navy, and even then never more than a days hike. I have a few hikes planned including a 10 day hike in Colorado. Still I doubt that this will be enough to tackle a hike of this magnitude. For this I will most likely be depending on my stubborness. I know its not much but I know that I can do this.I have been preparing my gear. Today I found a pair of boots that fit me and now I am in the process of breaking them in. I also have a lightweight tent, a sleeping bag rated to 20F with a liner I can add that will add another 15F to it, I nice hiking bag, some titanium cookingware, 2 waterbottles, a water filter with a spare filter cartrage.I am not planning on buying my clothing until shortly before I go. I am hoping to lose some weight prior to going on this hike. I am also debating on what types of food to bring with me. Going to be checking various foods and comparing prices and weight.Well this is all I can think of right now, will write again with some more news.
Date: 2008-06-14
To: No Ride
Miles today: 0.0

OK, so yesterday I had hoped that I could hike in Franconia Notch to get use to hiking agian. Unfortunetly no one was interested in going and I could not find a ride there or back. So this weekend I am now at the barracks bored out of my mind.I still have my trip down to Colorado for two weeks in late July. While I did not want to start officially hiking with a 7-10 day hike I am doing it anyway. I am bringing MRE's with me for this trip and will be packing around 10 days worth. This will give me an idea of how heavy all that food will be. It will also give me the closest experiance I can get for hiking AT. Well I will come back soon, hopefully after my Colorado adventure