morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-30
From: Punch Bowl Shelter

To: Cow Camp Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

When I made it to the Punchbowl Shelter about 8 PM I found it full with a merry band of young local men out for the weekend. They had a good fire going on this damp, drippy evening and were roasting hot dogs. They offered me a hot dog and a stick to roast it on, which I gladly accepted. We even toasted the buns. These fellows provided me with some entertainment as they attempted to spear frogs in the pond in front of the shelter. The forest is soaked from the daily rains, little sun, and high humidity and it's very difficult to dry stuff out. And the mildew is creeping in on clothes and gear. A sunny, dry day would be welcome about now.
Date: 2007-07-01
From: Cow Camp Shelter

To: Priest Mountain
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

July blew in with a cold front creating a spectacular morning that feels a bit like fall. The summit of Cold Mt. is one of the northern most balds and it's a great day to be up here, with visibility I probably won't see again until the fall in New England.Trail magic isn't only about supplies left by trail angels in welcome places, but it's also about all the things that happen to ease you along your way. Yesterday I wanted a dry sunny day and here it is. On Tinker Mt. I badly needed a boost of some kind, and it happened, well, magically. The real magic is the universe conspiring to make the journey possible. And now stopping in the meadow on Tar Jacket Ridge, with its excellent view to the north and the mountains yet to be trod, I can say this is the day I thought would come when my camera died on Tinker Mt. Oh well.It's been a long time since I've had a campsite with a view. From The Priest I have a 180 degree view with Tye River valley below me. I'm really surprised to see so much undisturbed forest in Virginia. I can't see a single road and only a few houses in this big expanse I'm overlooking. I look at the map and know the roads are there, they are just tucked away in the valley bottoms. But visually, anyway, it looks rather wild.
Date: 2007-07-02
From: Priest Mountain

To: Tye River - Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I've got a great view back to the Priest looming over the Tye River valley on my way up one of the biggest ascents of the trail thus far. The Tye River turned out to be a crystal clear trout stream which invited me in for a very refreshing dip. It's a cool, partly cloudy day with little haze, which, of course, is presenting me with numerous photographic opportunities but without a camera I'll just have to rely on my memory, or better yet on the other hundreds of photo journals of my fellow thru hikers.The climb up Three Ridge Mt. was steep, turning, twisty, rocky, rugged and gnarly. Just the way I like them. You know you're climbing a real mountain on something like that. I could be wrong but I don't think there is another 3000 ft. ascent again short of New Hampshire. And another tremendous view from Hanging Rock overlook where I'm writing this. I can see the Priest and mountains to the south and out onto the Virginia plains.(TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: I looked up Tye River on google images, and found what I think is representative - Claudia)
Date: 2007-07-03
From: Tye River - Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

I just made it in time before the Waynesboro Outfitter closed for the 4th of July. I bought a lighter sleeping bag for summer use. But I'll have to wait until Thursday for the post office to open. No matter; since I got here a day sooner than I thought I would, tomorrow will be a well-earned zero. I did the 17 miles in under 9 hours, my speediest yet. Feeling good and light on my feet and looking forward to seeing Shenandoah National Park, where I learned to backpack as a teenager.Photo of view near the Priest is courtesy of google search (--Claudia)
Date: 2007-07-05
From: Waynesboro

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

When I finally got back onto the trail and into the woods my whole body went AHH! I was also surprised and glad to see some old growth forest in the south end of the park. This whole area was heavily logged and farmed up to when the park was created in the '20's. So it's a predominantly young forest, but sometimes old trees have survived. And all the trees are 30 years older than when I was here last. From my campsite about 20 yards off the trail as per park rules, I happened to look over and saw a large bear ambling down the trail. When it noticed me it picked up its pace and was gone. For now anyway. That was bear #10.
Date: 2007-07-06
From: Campsite

To: Weaver Mt. Camp
Miles today: 19.0

Now my bear count is 15. One lone bear and then a mama with three little cubs. When I saw the mama bear I didn't know she had cubs, and stopped to take her picture. Up til now, all the bears I've seen have run off as soon as they know I'm there. Black bears with cubs, unlike Grizzlies, will generally run, even leaving their cubs behind. This one was the exception. Instead of backing off, she started to move forward as I was taking her picture, making little huffing noises as she did so. I considered this rather aggressive behavior for a black bear and quickly grabbed my pack and moved off. That's when I saw the 3 cubs climbing trees. I think it's possible when the cubs are that young, the mother may be more likely to defend rather than run.
Date: 2007-07-07
From: Weaver Mt. Camp

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

I'm loving the Shenandoah National Park so far. The woods are literally crawling with bears. I saw two more this morning. They give the forest a nice beary feeling that I enjoy. The forest itself has been quite diverse and sweet scented with many flowering shrubs and vines. The trail is smooth and easy, a thru hiker's dream, with camp stores and showers every 25 miles. And a fair amount of scenic views. I finally caught up with Toodles, one of the journalists I had been reading before I left. I met her son, the Jolly Green Giant, a few days before. She's had her share of troubles but is doing fine now.
Date: 2007-07-08
From: Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I find it sad to see how devastated the forest is in this central section of the park. Storms, Hurricanes, gypsy moths and other calamities have left nary a tree unscathed. But it will all recover in time. Most of the trees are still alive if rather ragged looking The wildlife is doing fine with all the bears, deer, turkey and I'm pretty sure I spotted a bobcat walking down the trail. Wasn't close enough to confirm, but no other animal fit the bill. If it was, it was the first I've ever seen.
Date: 2007-07-09
From: Campsite

To: Hogback Mt.
Miles today: 20.0

The view from the top of Stony Man Mt. is obscured by thick pollution haze on what would be a fine sunny day. I took a picture anyway even though you can't see much. Trail magic takes many forms. This morning I was treated to some musical trail magic. When I reached the Pinnacle picnic grounds that the trail goes directly through, there was an Appalachian Trail sign inviting people to take a short walk on the famous trail. I asked the only other person in the picnic ground to take my picture by the sign. I was somewhat amused by the "short hike" part. The man taking my picture turned out to be New Orleans musician David Naccari. After taking my picture he broke out his ukulele and started to serenade me with a Smoky Mountain ballad. Then he sang me his Down on the Bayou Hurricane Katrina song. I'm pretty sure I've heard the song somewhere before, perhaps on 60 minutes or some other music program. He has a web site, Katrinalya.com, I'll have to check it out. It's interesting to note that the Pinnacle picnic ground was where I did my very first hike on the AT, a day hike with my hiking buddy Gary Cuppett. It was a six mile shake down hike to Thorton Gap, which I'm overlooking right now from Mary's Rock, which was to prepare us for our first backpacking attempt. I was 15 at the time. I had a blast on that hike, so here I am today. You never know what will happen out here on the trail
Date: 2007-07-10
From: Hogback Mt.

To: Campsite
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm waiting for the pool to open to the public this evening. It's just a short walk off the trail with a side trail leading right to it. A swim after this very muggy, buggy day will be very welcome. And for only 2 dollars! Despite the easy trails I can't say I'll miss Shenandoah Park as I found the repeated crossings of Skyline Drive a bit tiresome. Today alone the trail crossed it 8 times. And there was the feeling of what Edward Abby called "industrial tourism." I seemed that half the time I was walking around one huge campground after another. But it sure did have bears. I saw 18 in the park. And only 9 in the previous 800 miles. Tomorrow I have a mail drop just a mile off the trail in Lindin. And then on to Harper's Ferry.
Date: 2007-07-11
From: Bear Hollow Camp

To: Campsite
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: moderate rain

Some unidentified animals were fighting last night near my camp making some really horrifying sounds. Like something out of a horror movie. Nights aren't always peaceful in the woods. A mile walk down a lovely country road took me to the post office at Lindin for a quick resupply. I'm now in the lower elevations with the highest mountain, if you can call it that, at only 2000 feet. The trail often goes through thick, viney, jungly stuff that you can't even see through, much less camp in. Then it will suddenly break into serene Tulip forests or the more common Oak and Laurel. Of course the lower elevations also mean more excessive heat and humidity. Not so hot today with the clouds and rain showers, but very, very humid. So far this summer the trail, even in the National Park, has been much less crowded than I had imagined. It's 1:30 in the afternoon and so far today I've seen just one birdwatcher on the trail. An hour or so later I'm walking along observing the endless melodrama of self manifestation, when the ground drops away and I'm floating in vast timeless emptiness. A big smile comes to my face as the absolute miracle of existence sings and dances, really nothing but our own minds. All you have to do is follow these ancient methods of practice and they really do work; the rewards come. Or maybe it was just time for lunch and I needed a break. You decide.(TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: the latest photo card would not load, so I will add some photos from the next journal sent, dated the 15th through 17th)
Date: 2007-07-12
From: Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I'm camped early (5:00 PM) in the notorious "roller coaster" section of trail. The trail profile on the map looks like a bunch of irregular saw teeth. There are no real mountains to climb, just a series of ridges and valleys. It does add up to a lot of vertical, but it's really not all that difficult. I've stopped early, not so much because I'm tired, I still have plenty of energy for a few more miles, but because even if I did go on today I still wouldn't be able to reach the Appalachian Trail Conference Center where my mail drop is before it closes. So the luxury of a lazy afternoon, and my campsite even has a bit of a view of the Shenandoah Valley. A cold front came through last night with rain and wind, dropping the temperature at least 10 degrees and blowing away the pollution haze and clouds. A perfect summer day today. No views other than the one I have right now, but I saw a red fox and walked through beautiful mature tulip tree forests. Many of these trees rise 50 feet before they branch, creating a serene, still presence.
Date: 2007-07-13
From: Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I just stopped for a break and noticed that I'm only three tenths of a mile short of the 1000 mile mark. That puts the half way mark 87 miles north. A few miles back I stopped at the Blackburn Trail center and hiker hostel and was treated to free freshly make brownies and a soda. They also have a solar shower which on this mostly cloudy day was refreshingly cold. A great place to hang out but a little too early in the day for me. Finally through with the "roller coaster" and am on the easy trail into Harper's Ferry where I'll resupply tomorrow and maybe stay overnight if I need the rest.
Date: 2007-07-14
From: Campsite

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

I signed in as the 583rd northbound thru hiker at the Appalachian Trail Conference center. Tail end of the pack as the estimate is only 20-30 behind me. They take your photo and put it in the book with all the other thru hikers so you can see what all the hikers who have been signing the shelter registers look like. I'm taking my thousand mile break and overnighting here. Just wandering around and enjoying this historic tourist town. Best cheeseburger on the trail so far at Cannonballs.
Date: 2007-07-26
To: The mind was willing
Miles today: 0.0

"And you know that you're over the hill when your mind makes a promise that you're body can't fill" Old Folks Boogie, Little Feat.    That pretty much sums it up. I came down with a fever somewhere after Boiling Springs and made it to Duncannon, but my body was telling me that enough was enough. A very hard decision to make, but I felt that to press on would endanger my health in the long term so I'm leaving the last half of the trail for some other time. It was an absolutly incredible journey, and I'd like to thank all those wonderful people who live near the trail and help the pilgrims on their way. They have the hearts of angels.    For those who have been enjoying my photos, many more will be up loaded when I get back home, probably in a month or so.    I'm currently recuperating in my favorite paradise at Cinnamon Bay campground, St John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Thanks for visiting my journal, and I'll have more thoughts later on the whole experience.
Date: 2007-08-27
To: Will I make a second attempt?
Miles today: 0.0

When I was on the trail and asked myself the question, if I don't make it all the way would I ever want to start over and attempt a thru hike again? The answer always came back very strongly; absolutely not! Start where ever I left the trail yes. But start over and repeat all the incredible effort it took to get to where ever I happened to ask this question, which I did more than once, no way. It just didn't make any sense. So I'm completely amazed to discover now that I've been off the trail for over a month and have recovered some, but my health is still not up to backpacking form, that my desire to hike the whole trail from Georgia to Maine is still there and stronger, if possible, than ever. How could this be? It has to do with the power of the experience. And, lets be honest, its addictive and obsessive quality as well. In a way I'm glad that I was forced off the trail do to illness because it gives me an opportunity to do it all again and still have the last half of the trail as fresh ground! Sound nuts, I agree. But the catch for me is that I will not attempt it unless my health is better than when I started this time which despite everything I do to improve it, is not completely under my control. But if spring rolls around and I find I'm in great shape both financially and physically I'll for sure drop everything and hit the trail. I've grown very fond of the trail and its experience, as ugly as that can be at times, so include me in your prayers and like as not, I'll be standing on top of Springer Mt. some spring day, touching that first white blaze, once again.
Date: 2007-10-03
To: Lyme disease!
Miles today: 0.0

It turned out that it wasn't a flare up of my chronic Crohns disease condition that knocked me off the trail but rather Lyme disease! So any future thru hikers who are reading this please brush up on this common and dangerous illness before you go. Don't rely of doctors to give you the correct diagnosis if you get sick on the trail! The one I saw in Duncannon missed it completely! It is curable and need not end your hike if treated early.   All my photos are now up and in rough order. Please feel free to use any you like. Look for me, I hope, on Springer in April 09! I'll probably go by "Monk" as Bhikkhu took too much explanation!
Date: 2007-11-25
To: ga-me on 08!
Miles today: 0.0

If anybody is still reading these 07 journals here's to let you know that I'm now planning on my second attempt at a thru hike in 08. I've changed my trail name to Monk, which kind of means the same thing as Bhikkhu but is easier to pronounce, so see you on the 08 page! Just click on other journal.
Date: 2007-02-25
To: Waiting is the hardest part
Miles today: 0.0

With five days left before the start of my trip, I almost have everything figured out. Aside from a few last minute gear items, I am packed and ready. I have a frighteningly vague itinerary and an almost overwhelming urge to drop everything right now and head for the trail. I was supposed to have started walking north yesterday, yet because of a ride situation had to push my start date back a week. This turned out to be a good move, as we were treated to one of the better thunderstorms of the season last night. However, with an extra week i'm growing quite restless. Each day I unpack my gear, add or remove a questionable peice of equipment, repack and weigh my gear, and ultimately decide to change my mind. I'm anxious, but i'm ready.
Date: 2007-03-04
From: They're off!

To: left Springer Mt.
Miles today: 0.0

Matthew's Dad reporting: Matthew [Big Gulp] and Kevin [Mongo] left Springer Mountian on Sunday, March 4, at approx. 10:00 [leaving the parking lot after summiting Springer for photos at the southern terminius and signing in with Trail Ranger]. Weather was clear, windy and approx. 27 degrees. We drove down from Nashville yesterday [Saturday]. Went to Amnicola Park HQ to weigh packs and sign in; drove to top of the falls where gust of wind took Charlie's [Kevin's dad] hat back upstream and depositied in into the creek. Kevin jumped into the water, upstream of the bridge and rescued the hat. Went into Dahlonega and ate supper at Italian restaurant just off the square. Spent the night at the Forrest Hills "resort". This place is a day spa, dude ranch and honeymooner's hideaway. We stayed in "Wren's Nest". Morning included a "couple's breakfast." Think of a combination romance novel and Jeff Foxworthy/Larry the Cable Guy monologue. Kitsch to the extreme.We drove the aprox. 20 miles to the Forest Service Road to Springer Mtn. Charlie and I hiked with Kevin and Matt to the southern terminus on Springer where the boys signed in with the Trail Ranger, got a matchbook signifying the leave no trace pledge, took lots of photos, and called both Moms [cingular apprently has a tower nearby as the reception was excellent - Verizon didn't havve a signal].
Date: 2007-03-04
From: Springer Mt.

To: Hawk Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

Matthew's Dad reporting: Matthew [Big Gulp] and Kevin [Mongo] will spend their first night at the Hawk Mtn. shelter. As they left Springer, they were behind a couple by about 20 min. and were followed by 3 guys from PA about 10 minutes later. All 7 anticipated staying at Hawk. Expected local temps tonight in high teens, with gradual warming throughout next week. No rain/snow expected.
Date: 2007-03-05
From: Hiker Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After a very cold night in the Hawk Mtn shelter, Kevin (mongo) and I, along with Craig and Lindsay (yet to be named, although craig reminds me of "the stranger" from the Big Lebowski) and a few other thru-hikers, decided that we would hike the petty four miles past Gooch Mtn Shelter to Woody Gap and catch a ride to the Hiker Hostel, where Craig and Lindsay had recently stayed. These extra four miles were neither petty or accurate. As we climbed hill after hill, each one seeming larger and steeper than the last, our landmark signs kept putting us further and further from Woody Gap. At first we were four miles out, a mile later we were three and a half miles out, and so on and so forth. We finally made it after much groaning, second guessing, and two hours more than we alloted. We made it to the gap late, but luckily for us the owners of the hostel took pity on us and drove us down to their hostel where we promptly ordered Domino's and took hot showers. The others have found their way into bed, and I will soon do the same. Tomorrow, after being dropped back at Woody Gap, we plan to hike the 10.5 miles into Neel's Gap. After today, a bold plan to be sure.
Date: 2007-03-07
From: Neels Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Matthew'd dad reporting: Via Kevin's dad: Still at Neel's Gap, Kevin's groin pull more debilitating than originally thought. Matthew will continue on with companions met during the first couple of days while Kevin stays at the hostel - he has arraigned to do some painting to pay for his extended stay. Hopes to meet up in a few days, perhaps near Franklin, NC.
Date: 2007-03-11
From: Neels Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 36.1
Weather: few clouds

Matthew's Dad reporting: Matthew arrived at Dick's Creek Gap and spent the night at a Holiday Inn Express in Hiawassee, Ga. He reports that the hike is more fun than he expected and that he feels strong, with no aches or pains. Kevin has rejoined him in Hiawassee, but is uncertian if he is up to starting back on the hike. Interestingly, Kevin was offered a job at an outfitters while resting up from his groin pull, and may leave the trail if he takes the offer. Matthew says that'd be a bummer, but he's ok to go on with the crew that he's traveled with for the last week.
Date: 2007-03-15
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Matthew's Dad reporting: no word from the boys on this leg yet, but checked the weather and they are getting heavy rains - up to 2 inches today/night. Weather forecasr is for potential flooding in mountian streams. 1st bad weather of the hike [not counting the freezing temps at the start]. Colder weather is forecast for tomorrow through the weekend. Expect to hear from them when they reach the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
Date: 2007-03-15
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 40.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Matthew's Dad reporting:   Matthew is in Franklin, NC at the Budget Inn - hiker frendly with shuttle service; arrived today before the rain set in. Called after his second all-you-can-eat buffet of the day. He reports good hiking, with no problems as to health,stamina, food, or equipment. In fact, several have tried out his pack and plan to purchase at first opportunity. Sounds like Tom Sawyer! Kevin did not make the trip, staying at Neels Gap and working for an outfitter, but may rejoin for a while when they reach the Smoky's and Newfound Gap. Next reporting will be either from the Nantahala Outdoor Center or at Fontana Dam. Says that he bought a lot of food for the next leg. Companions remain as before, with some others whom they meet now and then at shelters, or on the shuttle.
Date: 2007-03-19
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center, NC
Miles today: 27.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Matthew's Dad reporting: Matthew's at the Nantahala Outdoor Center and taking a "zero miles" day. Apparently one of his companions has access to a cabin at no charge. Kevin's dad says that Kevin may rejoin the hike at Newfound Gap. Matthew reports that during last segment of cold weather the temps. at campsite reached 7 degrees and 12 degrees on successive nights - still he stayed warm while wearing all his cold weather gear in the sleeping bag. Only a few hints of vermin on the trail - so far, and no bears - much to his mother's relief.