morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-12-14
From: Walsi-Yi 

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: few clouds

What a day! We got up really early this morning to find that it had rained a ton during the night, and that absolutely everything was socked in. It was quite a let down to think that we wouldn't have views from the top of Blood Mountain. My original plan was to do 23 miles to Hawk Mtn. Shelter, but I forgot to get fuel yesterday, so I had to wait until the store opened up at 9 to get fuel, and decided to go to Gooch Mountain Shelter with Fast Enough and B for the last night on the trail.I didn't end up leaving until 10:15, which is about my latest departure so far. I had a ball climbing up Blood Mountain, since the fog had burned off and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. B and Fast Enough left a good while before I did, and they were at the summit when I got there. We looked off at Atlanta on the horizon and were able to see Springer, though we didn't know exactly which mountain it was.The trail was super duper easy! I kept wondering how you could quit after just hiking that little bit...it was absolutely nothing like Maine. We came across an awesome rock just before Woody Gap, sat around for about an hour, which put us on track to arrive at the shelter right at 5. I took a bet that there would be water at the shelter and passed up the reliable spring 1.3 miles before it to save a bit of weight since my water bladder had sprung a small leak. I arrived to find two guys at the shelter, who had just finished eating and were gathering wood for a fire. There was water, and I cooked up the Mountain House that I had purchased at Walsi-Yi and ate a big feast with Fast Enough and B. The guys that were in the shelter had gotten dropped off by a shuttle service and told us a little story that was told to them by the lady running the shuttle, and it goes like this:The shuttle lady dropped off the guy at the bottom of the Approach Trail, from where he hiked the 8.8 miles to Springer. He got to the top of Springer, hiked the .9 miles to the road crossing where Mom met me, and called the shuttle lady back. He quit, and when she came to get him, he said that if it weren't for the Approach Trail, he would have made it to Maine.We all laughed quite a bit at his assumption!
Date: 2007-12-15
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Springer
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Finished!!!! It's been an absolutely amazing time; met tons of awesome people, saw lots of great sights, and had a great opportunity to contemplate all kinds of things.Thank you to those who offered words of encouragement, provided trail magic, hosted me in your homes or businesses and made it a wonderful trip.The hike to the summit went very well. I got out at 7:15 after a huge breakfast of Skittles, Chips-ahoy, tortillas, Peanut M&Ms, Craisins and pineapple chunks. I came across lots of day/weekend hikers, but didn't bother to talk to anyone...I was unstoppable! I did the 14 miles to the parking lot where I was going to meet Mom in 4 hours or so, and arrived about 2 minutes before Mom did.I ditched my pack, because my right treking pole tip had broken earlier in the morning, and switched to a daypack with Prosecco, mint Milanos and cameras in it. A group of people showed up as I was throwing my pack in the car, and all offered congratulations for me finishing. They left before we did, but it was a super easy hike up the mountain, and we caught them at the summit after stopping in at the shelter to sign my last shelter register. They were planning on continuing down the Approach Trail, but waited for us to get there, which was really nice, because they were able to take our picture and everything. We stood around and drank most of the Prosecco, signed the register and after a few photos, headed back down the mountain. We came across B, who graciously finished off the rest of the wine, and then came across Fast Enough. I wished them the best and we got to the car just as it was starting to really rain (it had drizzled the whole way up). After a rough ride back down the Forest Service road, we got to the Amicalola Falls State Park, where I changed into some cotton clothes and signed the register. I was the 256th person to leave Katahdin, the 76th person through Harper's Ferry and the 27th to finish this year. The finish was an absolutely unbelievable feeling. There were tears of joy, plenty of laughs, lots of amazement and awe. While I can honestly say that I never seriously thought about quitting, I asked myself many, many times why I was doing the hike. I really just did it to do it, because it was something that was there to be conquered, and not many people manage to pull that off.
Date: 2007-12-16
From: Springer

To: Williamsburg
Miles today: 0.0

I'm home! After driving in the rain until 2am, we arrived safe and sound. I'm cleaned up, but haven't bothered to get my pack out of the back of Mom's car.I went into town with my brother today, which was an interesting experience. I have mentioned a few times previously that the AT is part of an "ultimate triathlon" that I conceived while paddling a kayak at the Gull Pond Lodge in Rangeley, Maine. Basically, it's three human-powered, long-distance cross-country adventures. The walking part was the AT, which is now done. Then there's the biking part, which is the Southern Tier bike route from San Diego to St. Augustine, FL. The water leg is kayaking down the Mississippi, from the headwaters in Minnessota to the Delta in Louisiana. I'd like to do the cycle this spring, and the kayaking in the fall.We went to the bike shop in town, and I checked out bikes. I have decided to go for a single gear bike, which was a challenge made to me by El Presidente, one of the guys I hiked with in Virginia. I was delighted to find out that the bikes are only 800 bucks or so! The plan is to do it in less than a month, so I'll go gearless, and eat barbeque and fried chicken for every meal after getting into New Mexico (first week) and sleep in motels and hostels. The guy in charge of the bike shop said that they might be able to sponsor me! What a deal. Anyways, I'll keep everyone posted.I'm going out with some friends from high school tonight, then tomorrow I'm going to get rid of the beard. I'm probably going to keep the hair for a bit (I got some frizz-reducing shampoo at Wally World this afternoon). Thanks again to everyone who helped me make my crazy ideas a reality! The last journal entry will come next Sunday and cover my recuperation and adjustment to the "real world."Adios, Kirk
Date: 2007-12-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm still alive! I am still seeking ways to get around my knees killing me. I started back to working the day after I arrived home, which wasn't too bad. I spent around $5,500 on my trip, which exhausted my checking account, and not wanting to dip into my investments which will fund my next adventures, I struck out into the world of work. I worked in the office for the first two days and felt a bit restless, then spent my third day back in the 'real world' working for the fire department. Everything went smoothly there; didn't contribute to anyone's death, which I somewhat attribute to my boredom-busting activity of going over patient treatment scenarios in my head from the Smokies to Springer.I did a bit of outside work on Thursday, and tried carrying some buckets of tar around. Not only did I feel too weak to pick up the tar itself, but my right hip became excruciatingly painful, and I could only carry the bucket of tar for 15 feet before having to put it down to let my hip get its act together again.Getting my hair cut was an interesting adventure. I went to the barbershop I went to throughout college, but haven't been to in about a year and a half. The barber recognized me, and asked "what happened?" I told him, and he then asked what I wanted to do with my rat's nest. I said that I wouldn't mind keeping it long if it would be manageable, but we both came to the conclusion that it would be tough to make it look professional, so I said "cut it all off," and that's what he did. I did not save any of my locks, seemingly to the dismay of some of my family members.My appetite for social boozing is just as strong as before; I have been enjoying the return of many friends to the homeland from their new found careers and graduate school activities and the ensuing trips to local watering holes. My younger brother turned 21 the day after Christmas, so I'm taking him to his first Mug Night at the Green Leafe in Williamsburg tonight...should be an interesting time
Date: 2007-02-11
To: Welcome!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well welcome to our trail journal. Our hike kicks off the 24th of March (we're getting close!!) and we're more and more excited every day. We've been planning this for what seems like forever, but what (in reality) has been about two years. Now that we have the support of our families behind us, we can actually pull this off. According to our plans, we should get to Katahdin sometime in early October and then who knows where we'll be off to next. Thanks for poking around our journal and feel free to check out our mail drop schedule if you think you might want to send us anything!
Date: 2007-03-23
To: The last nite before we start!
Miles today: 0.0

We finally finished cleaning up, doing yard work, packing, moving, telling everyone good bye and headed to Winston Salem late on Friday nite - we leave for Georgia tomorrow - actually it's today since we just finished up at 2:13 am! We've got our packs ready - filled to the brim with hopefully not too much stuff. Jack and Mom are taking us and Parker and Rocky (our dogs) to Amicolola on Saturday (departing early!). Wish us luck - write often (check out the mail drops - mail at least 7-10 days ahead based on our schedule). Tons of thanks to our families for all their support and help these past few weeks. We couldn't have gotten off without them! We love you and remember...the next time you hear from us, we'll be on our way to Katahdin!!
Date: 2007-03-24
From: Welcome!

To: Amicolola State Park in Gerogia
Miles today: 0.0

We got away on Saturday a little later than expected with last minute trips to the drug store but we were officially on the road to Amicolola State Park in Gerogia by 11am. The jeep we rented was perfect for all our stuff and the dogs. We planned our menus and food drops so Mom would know what to send - we will need to get dog food more often so we'll need to find stores along the way for that. The dogs still can't figure out what's going on - we packed up the house, "moved to WS", drove in the rental car and ended up somewhere they've never been! It will be an adventure for them too!Our packs are stuffed full - Donnie's weighs 35 lbs and mine weighs 30 lbs. Of course it will get lighter as we eat the food we brought - so just as my pack is getting bearable to carry, we'll probably get another food drop and it will be heavy again!!Take a look at the pictures for today - we even found a kankaroo reserve in Ga. It took us 6 1/2 hours to get to Amicolola State Park (including one last pig-out for lunch!) Unfortunately the welcome center had just closed but we got to talk with the ranger and found out where we could camp for the nite. Yes, we passed up on the lodge at the top of the hill! Tomorrow we'll hike up the "approach trail" which is 8+ miles to the official beginning of the AT. We are so excited - hope we can sleep tonite - and the dogs aren't too restless after being in the car all day.We'll "talk" to you in a few days - when we get to our first post office drop!
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Amicolola State Park in Gerogia

To: The start of the trail
Miles today: 0.0

Sarah called tonite to make some special requests for the next drop box - bug spray, bug netting, enveloped/paper so they can write their friends/family, allergy medicine and more sun glasses for Donnie. She said that they got up early this morning and hiked 8+ miles on the Approach Trail to the start of the AT - it was 85 degrees today - The dogs were really tired, especially Rocky, and they were already asleep! Tomorrow morning Sarah Donnie and the dogs will officially start their hike - only 2300 miles to go! Sarah sounded really excited!!
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Suches, Ga

To: Hiawassee, Ga
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It ends up that Sarah has to get new boots - her others have caused major blisters but they are still "up" and ready to start again - she says her new boots are really comfortable and don't hurt her heels (she took pictures - not sure we want to see those!!). The 4 of them spent the nite at a hostel and ate alot (as I understand it) so tomorrow they'll be off to Hiawassee.
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Hiawassee

To: Helen, Ga
Miles today: 16.1

Today was beautiful - warm and sunny - the dogs have been doing great - we walk them hard and by the time we stop, they are pooped - surprisingly they don't eat very much but sleep alot in the evening and at night. We have met lots of hikers - by the end of the day, we feel like we're "cousins"!!
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Franklin, NC

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was lots of fun - we took a van up to Licklog Gap - got out and hiked "back" to Franklin - so we don't miss any of the trail - but still get to sleep inside for the nite - it's still in the teens at nite! We made great time today since we didn't have to carry full packs - but the dogs were really tired out when we got back. Tomorrow we'll finally leave Franklin (via the van back up to Licklog Gap) and then head for Fontana Dam by the end of the week.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Nantahala River

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We made it to Nantalaha today - and took some time to go into town to get a knee brace for Sarah - her 25 year old right knee is sore - especially when hiking downhill. Hopefully the sporting goods store will have some braces to choose from. We need to keep going to get to Fontana Dam by Saturday before the post office closes - we have two boxes to pick up, including some much needed vegetables for dinner! Thanks mom for sending it!
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 54.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We finally made it to Fontana Dam - tomorrow we'll head to the post office for a pickup - we'll send more pictures for mom to post on the web site - thanks to everyone who has sent us messages and good wishes! We're making it okay with the rain but prefer warmer dryer weather!! maybe next week... We'll be dropping off the dogs at the first of the week before heading into the National Forest - updates later..
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Fontana Dam

To: Waterville School Road/Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We've restocked our packs in preparation for hiking through the Smokie Mountains - it will take 6-7 days to complete that section of the trail (75.8 miles) - the dogs got picked up today for a "vacation" - we'll get them back at Standing Bear Farm at Waterville School Road - at least they'll be warm and will get a much needed rest. This will be the longest stretch of days that we will be without communication. While we're in the Smokies, we have to sleep in the shelters that are about 5 miles apart (no camping in tents). There will be several of us staying together each nite - to stay safe from the bears!! We'll take lots of pictures - talk to you around the 24th.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Fontana Dam

To: Clingmans Dome
Miles today: 35.0

We have been hiking at a fairly quick pace - covering almost 35 miles in a little over 2 days - We should get to Clingman's Dome by the end of today - it's the highest point in the Smokies - We'll get lots of pictures. Sarah now has a trail name - "Fish Stick" (waiting on that story!) and Donnie is now known as "Bullwinkle" (Rocky's partner of course). Forgot to tell you that we celebrated Donnie's birthday on Saturday the 14th - he is now 21!!!! Talk to you when we get out of the Smokies.
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Gatlinburg

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 0.0

We made it out of the Smokies yesterday - after having lots of fun in Gatlinburg - the dogs came back to the Trail last nite - they had a great vacation!! Tomorrow we're going to try to make it to Lemon Gap so Mom and Jessica can pick us up and head to Hot Springs for the weekend - Aunt Terri will bring us back to Lemon Gap on Sunday and we'll continue on! Beware Mom - we really look different! Donnie's lost a bunch of weight and Sarah is really toned up!! And yes, we're dirty too!! See you on Thursday around 4p at the Lemon Gap "parking lot"!!
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Max Patch

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 0.0

Mom actually found us down a gravel road - just up from Max Patch - she was so glad to see us! We managed to squeeze all our stuff, Parker and Rocky and two buddies (C-Shot and Zack) into the car and head over to the Concklin Cabin for the weekend - all we could talk about was food!!!! So after showers, we all headed down to the Hot Springs diner for a rowdy time with lots of AT hikers - we looked at the map showing how far we have walked and we're 1/10 of the way to Katahdin - tomorrow we'll catch up with Aunt Terri in Asheville
Date: 2007-04-28
From: Max Patch

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we stayed in Hot Springs for the annual Trailfest 2007 - great food and music. Donnie competed in the hiker competition but unfortunately didn't win - then we all bought "ducks" for the duck race in the French Broad River - again no winners but it was fun to yell for the pink ducks!! We did lots of shopping for clothes since we've both lost weight and Donnie even got an official kilt (he has great legs!). Tomorrow mom and Aunt Terri head home and we'll slack hike from Max Patch to Hot Springs.
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Max Patch

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

With only food to carry, we hiked the 20 miles from Max Patch to Hot Springs - arriving by 7pm - then we were off to relaxation in the mineral springs for an hour! ahhhh! We've got lots of packing to do to send out our food boxes for the next two weeks so the work never ends!
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Miss Janet's House

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sarah here (figured we'd give my mom a break from entering these things for once). We're in Erwin, TN at the most famous hostel on the trail, Miss Janet's. Miss Janet is awesome and is letting us work for stay tonight (yay for cleaning bathrooms!) and then she'll slack pack us tomorrow. Donnie's loving the kilt (says it's airy in there and he looks so pretty!) We're trying to hurry up and make it to Damascas for Trail Days and to see my baby brother (Jack if you're reading this, we'll be hungry when we get there!) Got to take showers today so we don't stink...well not as much. Can't say the same for the dogs - they'll get their bath at Jack's house. Hope we catch up with Chuck Norris, Tigger, and Kokopelli before too long and we're still missing Whiskey Joe and Sneakertramp, but in the meantime the Skallywags are having fun hiking behind Rooster's pirate flag. Trail Days, here we come! Til next time....
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Erwin, TN

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today we met Jessica and Julie and headed over to Abingdon to see Jack's premier at the Barter Theatre. We also got to see Mom and the Lawton girls from the WOW weekend. Trail Days in Damascus was lots of fun - we were in the Hiker parade! Tomorrow we will hike back to Roan Mountain to cover the miles we missed last week. Hope to get back to Damascus by the end of this week.
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Pearisburg, Virginia

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We're making good time - today we got to Bland Virginia - so far we're hiked 579.2 miles - only 43 miles to Pearisburg - should be there by the first of the week. We are looking forward to seeing my Uncle Steve on the 14th when he comes to hike with us in Catawba Virginia. Thanks for all the notes on our web site - we get to read them every 4 or 5 days. The cell service is not too great in Va so we can't always check in that way but we'll try to stay in touch! Today it was 95 degrees on the mountain - we have to drink a lot of water and keep water for Parker and Rocky. They are doing great - by the way, last week we met up with another dog who hiked with us to Damascus so P & R got to have a friend to hike with! Hello to Chuck Norris and Tigger - hopefully we will catch up with you soon!
Date: 2007-06-08
From: Pearisburg

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We've been making good time the past couple of days - hiking around 17 miles per day - the dogs are handling the hike really well. With the high temperatures, we've decided to get new sleeping bags and packs - to lighten the load and sleep a little cooler. After checking the mail in the morning, we'll be heading to Catawba - have to be there by the 14th to meet up with Uncle Steve - can't wait to cook out with him - hey Steve...we will be hungry!! By the way, we're excited to report we have hiked 698 miles!! By the time we get to Catawba, we'll be up to 770 miles - we'll be 1/3 of the way to Katahdin!!
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Pearisburg, Virginia

To: Catawba, Va
Miles today: 0.0

We just hiked 72 miles from Pearisburg - in just under 4 days! It's been damp and foggy all week - we're cold!! But the best part is that we just finished eating at The Home Place, a family style all-you-can-eat restaurant(hurray!!) and boy, did we eat! There were 20 of us pigging out!! We'll probably leave around 6p and begin hiking to Daleville Va. It's only 20 miles away so we thought we'd get started so we can get to Bojangles for dinner - can you tell where our priorities are? Yes, it's FOOD!! Unfortunately the dogs couldn't come in to dinner with us - but we brought them some leftovers. Trying to add some weight on Parker since she is so skinny - even skinnier than when we left Raleigh. We'll keep you posted.After Daleville, our goal is to get to Montebello Va by this time next week so we'll talk with you then!
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Catawba, Va

To: Troutville, Va
Miles today: 0.0

We made it to Troutville just in time to have dinner at Bojangles - makes for a successful day!! We'll be leaving tomorrow to head to Buchanan Va (20 miles away) and will actually hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway for about 7 miles to end up at Buchanan. I figure that by the time we get to Montebello Va (another 100 miles) I'm going to need a new pair of boots - about to wear my first pair out! Looks like we're done with the rain for a while - enjoying the sunshine and the warm nites - later...Sarah
Date: 2007-06-21
From: Troutville, Va

To: Buchanan Va
Miles today: 0.0

Today when we got to the shelter at Buchanan, we decided to go in to town - so we hitched a ride and - what a surprise! - the driver was from Pfafftown NC!! It truly is a small world - even on the AT. If you're planning to send us anything, our next mail drop will be Montebello, Va. Be sure to address the "Priority Mail" label like this:Sarah Benton/Donnie BirthAttn: Hold for AT Hiker ETA 6/28/07General Delivery Montebello, Va 24464Planning to put in 17 miles tomorrow - so good nite!
Date: 2007-06-30
From: Montebello Va

To: Waynesboro Va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We got a ride into Waynesboro in anticipation of getting new sleeping bags and a visit to the urgent care or a dermatologist for Sarah - maybe we'll even try on new shoes too! We're going to have to go back and hike from Montebello to Waynesboro but will fit that in later. So far we have hiked over 800 miles! Lately we have been hiking late in the day and early evening due to the heat - better for us and the dogs! We're looking forward to visits from mom and Uncle Steve when we get to Harper's Ferry - only 150+ miles from here.