morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Broke, Baby, Broke

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

   EVERYTHING OUT HERE COSTS SO MUCH! Honestly, after a week in the woods I hate being out there and all I crave is a mattress, but being in town is something I despise also. No matter my good intentions and my hiking partner diligently whispering in my ear I find it hard to budget myself in towns. You can have no idea how annoying it is to say, "Alright, in Daleville I will alot myself a thirty dollar spending limit," and the next thing I know, I am well over a hundred. I spent twelve dollars on a bandanna today! TWELVE DOLLARS! Given, it is bug repellent and I needed one after losing my original one, but seriously, twelve dollars?!    Somehow, before I find a new town to buy out I need to come up with a new spending strategy to keep my money in my pocket rather than in salesman's hands. I cannot continue to take my cash and throw it up in the air like a bank robber filled with elation because he knows he just escaped capture. There is a lot of fun to be had in towns but I either need to cut out some zero days where I can be easily seduced by shiny items sitting on shelves or go around towns for the duration blindfolded by my spanking new twelve dollar bandanna.    I like the woods because it is cost efficient, and I love the towns because I get my very own mattress elevated off the floor. I hate the woods because I run out of Fruit Roll Ups (I eat fruit snacks like nodody's business) way too quickly, and I hate towns because I have to spend money on my Fruit Roll Ups addiction. All I can say at this point is that something must change or I will never be able to enjoy towns the way I should. The only question left to ask is an age old question, similar to "If a tree falls in the woods and no one hears it, does it make a sound?" Well, if I walk around towns with a blindfold covering my eyes, do the Dinosaur Fruit Snacks and Wheat Thins sitting on the shelves still exist? Out of sight, out of mind, right? I will have to work on the details of my new plan but I am sure that my new bandanna will come in handy. Did I mention that that ridiculous bandanna cost twelve mother fuc*ing dollars?!!!?
Date: 2008-04-09
To: The Last Half
Miles today: 480.2

      This whole trip has been very exciting; I never imagined that I would ever make it this far. For the first time in my life I have taken on something I wasn't sure I could handle, and not only did I meet my goals, I have reached well beyond my expectations. When I had planned this excursion I subconsciously decided that once I got to the Shenandoahs my hike would be made. Back in Georgia I saw the park as so far away that I couldn't even fathom reaching it but getting here has vindicated my whole experience so far. Every sore footstep, staff infection and ache in my body was worth it to see the sign stating that I had entered the Shenandoah National Park. Never in my life would I have guessed that I could walk so far and blow away my own expectations.   Back in seventh grade I went on a school field trip to the Shenandoahs and since then I have been dreaming about the day when I could go back. I remember green trees, beautiful vistas and nice nature walks under lush canopies, it wasn't until I got here that I realized: the woods are the woods are the woods are the woods and nothing can change that. After 950 miles there was nothing nice about the Shenandoahs, in fact, I will be the first to admit that I hated that section of the trail. There was nothing I hadn't seen before, the whole walk was uphill and I swear to God there was not a single notable downhill to be seen. In fact, everyone told me it would be flat and I was pissed off because it was the most mountainous part of virginia, also, we went uphill so much I swear we were going to reach be able to reach out and touch a cloud because we were so high before we reached Maine. The park made me realize that the woods, no matter where you are, will always be the woods and that mountain vistas, after seeing hundreds, have no appeal whatsoever.   In the end, I made it to the part of the trail that I had set in my mind as an unachieveable destination and I am astounded that I got here, but honestly, I never want to go to the Shenandoahs ever again. For the first time since I got out here the trail left a bitter taste in my mouth and I know that whenever someone tells me the trail will be flat, I will call them out as the liar that they are.
Date: 2008-02-24
From: Springer Mtn. 

To: AFAP (as far as possible) :)
Miles today: 0.0

So Here it is, my first trail journal entry. Where do I start?Well I guess my background begins in Knoxville,TN. I grew up right at the heart of the smokies and the GSMNP. I've always loved the outdoors and nature! Fast-forward to Eugene,OR where I currently reside. I've been planning this hike for a couple years now and it's becoming a reality more and more each day. First, I started telling people, hiking,and researching gear. This is a nice point in my life to be doing this too! Graduated from college, moved to the west coast (which was another goal for myself), and always working for that "perfect career" My wonderful girlfriend and I planned to do this since the day we met, but unfortunate events have lead to her being unable to attempt the AT this season But nonetheless she will be there in spirit, I like to imagine... As far as the details of my trip, I have the majority of my gear (which I'll list) and thanks to a few generous kind thru-hikers has helped with my gear choices. I'm trying to keep all my gear besides food and water between 15-20lbs. I'm constantly dropping gear from my pack. Right now, I'm just hoping to meet some of the other hikers that will share the trail with me in April and beyond. So HELLO to you all!! Got my plane ticket so its a done deal. Now a few tweaks of how far I plan to hike each day, to which will probably change when I'm actually out there and judging weather, mood, and soreness. I've also come to the decision to just mostly buy food in local trail towns than pay all the costs of postage and keeping my beautiful girlfriend at work in the kitchen dehydrating fruits, veggies, and jerky I NEED MAPS! any advice? I'm going without compass and thought "gee, maybe I should at least carry some direction other than my thru-hikers companion" (in sections). So thanks for all suggestions, help, encouragement, and the backcountry love!Good Luck to all my fellow Nobos (Sobos too!)!Peace,Chris Abramsno trail name yet (maybe,,,,"Crest") we'll see....
Date: 2008-03-09
From: Springer

To: freedom
Miles today: 0.0

So its one month until my "planned" hike date! Got all my gear and weighed everything in my pack. With my pack included in the weight its gonna be around 15-16 lbs. sans food... whew! Continuing to read "a walk in the woods" and learning backcountry techniques through research and talking with other fellow hikers of the AT. So much more to learn in so little time. But it seems like it should fall into place. Just want to say thank you REI for the gear, awesome deals, and suggestions. Thanks to my family for their support! And future friends that I can't wait to meet, hello to you As long as everything pans out with my bills, cat, stuff being taken care of then April 9th start date seems less stressful and an exciting reality. If not I'm gonna have to store my stuff and find a temporary home for my kitters until my return to the left coast. :fingers crossed: My nutrition is starting to shape up,lol. I know what I'm taking and what I'm looking for in the towns. Dehydrated is the way to go if you're shipping/receiving and carrying the weight. Anything...fruit, meat, veggies, noodles, rice, beans. I'll be carrying protein bars, and nuts/seeds for extra calories and balance for energy. Towns=stuff my face to make up for lost time of course. Also, this whole protein shakes idea seems plausible. Its light, easy to use, and gives you what you need in a hurry! I'll also be rockin' the multi-vitamin to give me an extra amount of micro-nutrients that I might miss out on. So as the time nears I have nothing else but continued learning and getting plenty of exercise each day. So I'm gonna go do that now!!! Any suggestions, comments, are welcome...."walk a simple path, a simple way"-Crest (????)
Date: 2008-03-13
From: Springer

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The countdown is nearing the start date! Not much to really say.Just hoping to find some hiking buddies at some point on the trail. Hiking alone can be fun too but its always nice to have some company out in the woods. So my trail name could and should be "Crest". Has it been used before? Probably.That's ok, but would like to stay genuine. maybe zepperstonfustiliz. noone has used that name right? Met a sobo thru-hiker from 01' last night. We had some trail talk and his advice is to chew food like never before. That was another great piece of advice to have. Confuse your mind into believing that you are actually taking in more food by chewing alot. I guess that's the overall reason for doing it. :shrugs: I've had great advice from each person I've met thus far. Good to know techniques from all the hikers of the past. So thanks guys and gals!!! More to come......Peace,
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Neels Gap 

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Woke up today around 7am. Hostel was warm and inviting so I wasn't completely ready to bare the coldness that day. Did some repacking and waited around for th e outfitters to open so I could get my mail drop. Knees have tensed a bit from the huge descent off of Blood mtn. last night. Good news, Steri-pen is back in action thanks to new batteries. I think I have part of this post on day 4 of my previous post but from now on I'll try to keep it more organized with dates, etc. Unfortunately, I can only update every few days at a hostel, library, or other convenient city dwelling. Back to the story.... I ended up staying at Neels gap until after noon trying to get the situation on my mail drop. It was mailed on Friday but no show here on Monday..???The friendly staffed convinced me to give them $5 to drive the drop up to Hiawassee for me when it arrived that way I would get it when I got to Cloud 9. Weighed my pack again, its about 25 lbs! Waiting for the postal delivery I bought some lunch...a tasty chicken sandwich with honey dumped all over it. Finally with the promise of Mountain Outfitters speedy delivery I set off for Low Gap.The hike was moderate with some nice views but the day was hazy and snow fell for the majority of the hike. It was like small pellets of dry, cold styrofoam. It felt nice to see snow again.Blisters are beginning to develop on the bottom of the baby skinned feet. Near the end of the day I met up with Blake and traded some food and discussed the possibility of hiking further to a campground. It was cold and I was hungry so I decided on staying at the shelter. the scenery of Georgia at this time of year is more comparable to fall hikes not so much spring. Everything still brown and barren with little or no vegetation the majority of the time. A small stretch of hemlocks and developing rhododendrons is the only eye candy so far. the weather is supposed to warm up tomorrow so I'm hoping for that. 15 miles tomorrow for Tray mtn. The shelter tonight is vintage but has a great H2O source and a newly added privy. Met a couple from TX (Chaco and Toe-Socks) thru-hiking to Maine. They sold all their possessions and have turned themselves over to the trail. They have those trail names for obvious reasons. I was considering wearing sandals the whole way and I may change over at some point. Others here : Shamrock, Animal (Charleston), Michigan Wolverine, Lindsay, Slurpee. SOOOOO COLD!
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Tray Mtn. 

To: Cloud 9 trout farm and hostel
Miles today: 10.6

Woke up late in extreme pain. Last to leave the whole campsite including shelter.No breakfast this morning.... didn't feel like doing anything but falling over.Walked really slow all day and it was surprisingly straight and not even hilly for awhile.Kelly knob was an uphill climb that never ended so I knew what was coming soon, the dreaded downhill which meant more knee pain. Made it to the Dicks Creek Cap in Hiawassee around 3:30 that day.Just in time for the shuttle to Cloud 9. WHAT A GORGEOUS HOSTEL!I suggest visiting their website out at:http://www.upperhightowertrout.com/index.htmThe ammenitites are listed so I don't have to go into the badassness of this place.I made it into the town of Hiawassee just in time to send my maildrop. I sent some extra baggage home with my tent and poles to alleviate the pain on my knees. Did some shopping for knee remedies at the Ingles: Ace bandage, new insoles, and glucosomine supplement. So I didn't receive my drop from Neels gap yet. Confused I called and they said it had not arrived yet. ahhhhhhhhh The box contains directions, food, medicines, and various other supplies. Mail drops can be limiting sometimes. Dinner at the trout farm was an obvious choice: Rainbow Trout.It was smoked using 100yr old applewood chips and tasted better than it sounds. Some other hikers contributed some salad, corn, and potatoes to the mix.Everyone bought some beer and it was a LATE night. Most hikers ended up doing a zero day after the party and I probably will to take care of my blisters and knees.AND to figure out the situation on my maildrop.
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Cloud 9 trout farm and hostel

To: zero day
Miles today: 0.0

Today just sitting here again with many friends and enjoying our stay at Cloud 9 Hostel. Got bubbly pinky toe blisters. Popped em' cut em' back and threw some alcohol on em' to seal it. Been icing and soaking in the hot tub for my knees. The knees are doing better. Bought some Bridgedale thick wool blend socks from Laura (wonderful host) and they are rockin'! Better to rest now then to bust up and have to leave trail. staying here again with me is Will (NYC), Geoff, Animal, Will, Sanford, Matt, and some new arrivals...Peter and Angie, and maybe another I think. Its a full house. I hope to bounce out early in the morn around 9am to get on the trail full force.Until then I will be soaking in the hot tub and drinking some Rex-goliath Pinot Noir (the one with the huge rooster) I sell it at the Jiffy Will is making some Broccoli and Chicken Fetticine Alfredo for dinner for all the hikers.... If you are staying here, thinking about staying here, or even never heard of this place...well....ITS THE BOMB! But still can't wait to get back to the real world......the Appalachian TrailThe Love is reflexive
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Cloud 9 trout farm and hostel

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept great last night. Can't stay anymore.... knees feel alright but not peachy quite yet.Got teased by the P.O. this morning saying they had found my package and that it was in Suches,GA. But it actually belongs to fellow Eugenian "Dirty Feet". My package is still MIA and I'm just gonna get a forward if it ever pops up here at Cloud 9.Neels Gap... I want my $5 back. No honey, no money I had a feeling not to pay the delivery "charge" Anyways, gonna take it easy on the knees and hike short mileage and see how I feel.Animal has been here and she might stay behind and keep up her knees. The knees MUST heal on the trail not off. I could just sit here forever and wait but it appears like they will hurt either way and my drop is pretty much lost or stolen so I have to move on and get back to it.Happy Trails"walk a simple path, a simple way"
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter(s)
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

So I continued on to Muskrat Creek Shelter instead of staying at the Plumorchard shelter. It was only 6 miles in from Hiawassee and I just pushed the knees onward with my super duper will power from the majestic mountain seas. ok, that didn't make sense.I crossed the state line and that was one of my reasons also to meet up with my crew and team zero. Had a great dinner and campfire. Checked out this plane crash that was near the campsite on a blue blazed trail. single engine sessna with bits scattered all around the forest. It appears to have happenend years ago. It was pretty crazy. Great day for hiking all in all and amazed at the willpower and determination I had. Impressed myself Hope to meet up with my old friends, Michigan wolverine, Spiller, and Slurpee.Truckin' on,that was the finale to the day before....on the 19th I hiked out of Muskrat creek to CarterIt rained heavily in the morn and nobody moved for awhileIt was a late start at @ 11. I called the next few days the recovery trail since it was flat and stable terrain the majority of the time. I hiked real slow.. like 75 yr. old grandpa with a broken hip. It was sad, but I finally made it.The shelter at carter gap was equipped with two but basically they just left the old one standing and it was crooked and ready to tumble over. I slept on the surface with boards coming out of the ground and at moments thought I would fall through. Another great dinner(Lipton Sides..mmmmmm) and campfire.Chilly night, couldn't sleep like usual but still keeping my knees and feet elevated. It helps. My feet sometimes fit back into my shoes doing this method. Met Kevin today... He's an older hiker that is hiking the ECT, which in case you didn't know is Key west, FL to Quebec, canada.that's about it for that day.
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Carter Gap Shelter(s)

To: Franklin,NC
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

Long day.Can't write much cause I'm on a motel's computer.I left early knowing I have lots of miles to put on so I needed a quick start. No breakfast but just dry ramen noodles, straight outta the pack. mmm mmmmmmm.haha. Did great time today. Had a few stops to enjoy the new immaculate scenery and drink some delicious mountain water. Changed my bandages and checked to make sure there was no infection or anything. Chowed on some jerky and the last of my trail mix. Trying to empty out to make it to Franklin. Another nice moderate hike except for the huge climb up Albert mtn.firetower at the top showed the land for miles. simply amazing.Made the whole pain and limping and malnutrition worth it.that's trail life..... 85% crap but the last 15 kills it. I love it out here!I love you too! Got into Franklin and staying at the Ron Haven's Budget Inn. Ohh la laaa.It works. Nice bed for the night and tomorrow I will hit up the outfitter for some new shoes : either Chacos or Garmont trail runners.Then I head to the doctor for some advice on these knees and possible problematic blisters,They are closing the office so I gots to go for now,,Keep on truckin y'all"walk a simple path, a simple way"
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Franklin,NC

To: Wayah Bald shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

woke up and waiting to do some much needed laundry....I have a long day planned here in Franklin so little time to hike, BOOOOOOO.Even if I did start right now it would either be a 4 mile or 17 mile day.I don't even think I could do 17 right now, with blisters, bunk knees, inadequate shoes. So, I'm going to the Outfitters to get some fuel, meals, and new shoes either some Chacos (sandals) or Garmont trail runners. I'll try different pairs to see what feels best. Its always good to start with a half to a full size too big since your feet swell and make it impossible to fit into your shoes.Buy some new socks also! The REI ones don't dry well and just aren't good for long distance hiking. Praise to Teko socks!!! Some more of those please I'm also going to the P.O. to get some of this stuff mailed home...like the unworthy shoes... ..... . . . AND then go to a clinic to see about my host of problems includinginfected eye, sore knees, blisters, sunburn, and allergic rash.Dinner last night at some roadhouse in town, like a block away..... DELISHOnion rings and Chicken wings app., big ole cheeseburger and fries, ice cream brownie sundae, then about 44oz. of beer to wash it all down.I was super stuffed.so that's my day today, not much but really want to get re-equipped and refreshed to hike more efficient and actually not be in pain the whole time. Can't wait to make the NOC in 3 days. Beautiful area right there on the Nantahala River. Then Fontana dam. THEN.......THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS! MY HOME MUCH LOVE,
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Franklin,NC

To: Wayah Bald 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Update to the rest of my day in Franklin.....Sorry its been quite a while since I have been able to post since alot of the towns haven't had internet access or didn't work at all.The host of the Budget Inn, Ron Haven, proved to be a wonderful host. Former wrestler turned businessman he continues to help hikers to/from the trail and give them a wonderful place to stay with all the great ammenities. Super friendly guy!Any other hikers going thru Franklin should definitely stay at the Budget Inn.So my knees were still hurting and blisters bumpin' real I wanted some new shoes to get into. Matchstick and I waited for our ride around town to come pick us up at the motel. Doug (Spiritwalker), a friend of Will's (Tailgunner), lives in the area and was super kynd enough to drive about ten or so hikers around for the day all over town. We went to the outfitters and I began looking for a new shoe:it came down to the Merrell Moab Ventilators and Keen Newport Hybrid sandal....Both were comfortable and airy and had the toebox room for my bubbly blistered toes.After about an hour I chose the Sandal since they offered the wider toebox and were h2o proofed (???) I don't understand it either, a waterproof sandal. but they dry really quick in the rain. Keen is also known for their super comfort and the price was more reasonable. Mailed the old Salomons home in glee!Before heading back to the trail I grabbed some snacks from Kerr drugstore: jerky, chocolate candies, trail mix, etc. Wendy's gave me some fuel for the road (4 cheeseburgers).. that's 5 burgers in less than 24 hrs. WUT!The hike was great for my knees since it was up and up and up. Ascents=good for me.Same old terrain and boring brown forest with no vegetation really.UNTIL,Wayah Bald. It was nearing the end of the day and sunset provided some nice panoramic views. I gots the pics of the valley and the mtns. I had been hiking thru. Up to this point it was the best view. got to the new Wayah bald shelter (2007) and it was really nice. Packed house!Finally caught up with Slurpee and Spiller. Bad Dinner, Geoff, and the rest of Team Zero around. Met Cheif that night.... He lives in Brevard area near Asheville. He's a really nice southern guy that writes a new song every night on the trail. He apparently plays with the old guitarist of Widespread Panic but I dont really know much about them. Dinner was another simple night of taters, candy, and jerky.Slept on the dirt floor since the shelter was full but at least the roof kept the condensation off my bag. Nighty night!