morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My 5 day vacation from the trail is over. I am heading back to the Vermont today and will be back on the trail tomorrow. Not looking forward to the 8 hour drive.I got to see my Mom and sister while I was home. It is going to be hard leaving for the trail again. The wedding went very well, and it was nice getting to catch up with friends I have not seen for almost 5 months. Had to shave off my beard for the wedding. The other hikers will not recognize me when I get back on the trail
Date: 2007-08-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Pootz made it back to Rutland VT and stayed at the "Inn on the long trail" again last night. He and Evil Eye are back hiking together along with Buttercup. He started hiking today around noon and the gang made it to Chateauquay Road where they camped out in tents. Pootz is now at mile 1700.7.473.3 to go!!!
Date: 2007-08-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Pootz, Evil Eye and Buttercup had lunch at an inn in Woodstock VT. Mile 1709.7. After lunch they hiked to Cloudland Road. There is an icecream place there where they had something to eat and in exchange for pulling weeds out of the owners garden, they were permitted to use the bathroom to clean up and camp in the back yard. They are at mile 1715.2 with 458.8 miles to Khatadin.
Date: 2007-08-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Pootz, Evil Eye, KY Buttercup, and Big Sky made it to the Vermont/New Hampshire border. Tomorrow they will be crossing over into New Hampshire.Tonight they got a ride and are staying in Hanover NH which is right over the border. Mile: 1731.6To go: 442.4Pootz wanted you to know that their new group trail name for passing the 1700 mile mark is Woodsmen.   This is in honor of the fact that they will be hiking from Woodstock VT to Woodstock NH.
Date: 2007-08-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Pootz, Lady M, Evil Eye, KY Buttercup, and Big Sky made it to mile 1765.7 today. It was a long day of hiking over 19 miles, but it was a beautiful day and a great hike. As of today Pootz has 408.3 miles to go and he expects to be under the 400 mile mark tomorrow. They are staying the night at Lady M's condo in North Conway, NH.
Date: 2007-08-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.0

Pootz, Lady M, Evil eye, sniper,booboo,buttercup,and trail blazer have madeit to Gorham, New Hampshire.The last few days have been the hardest of the trail so far. They finished Wildcat mountains where the temps were at 35 in Maidson it wasraining, cold, foggy and very windy they could not see more than 20 yards ahead of them self.They hiked 15 miles today.Taking a down day on tuesday Aug. 21. they have stayed in huts (cabin like) 3 different days where they get Breakfast and dinner.They have about 297 miles to go.
Date: 2007-08-26
From: Andover, Maine

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Pootz, Lady M, Evil Eye, BooBoo, Teddy Bear, Grasshopper and Male M&M have made it to Maine. They have about 256 miles to go.They are staying in at The Cabin hiker hostel where they are getting theirmeals cooked and the people that own the cabin are treating them wonderfully.Pootz has the pleasure of staying in the room that Earl Shaffer stayed in.Earl Shaffer was the first hiker to thru hike the Appalachian Trail.Weather has been very nice. The white mountains were beautiful but ruff going.They slack packed last few days so they will be spending another night in Andover. Tom B and Kiwi are a few days ahead of them.
Date: 2007-08-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Pootz is taking a zero day in Rangeley Maine with Evil Eye and Lady M.   Only 220 miles to go! Yesterday he went to get water at a pond, looked up and there stood a moose. He got a picture of it. Tomorrow they are hiking towards Sugarloaf Ski Resort and will be spending the night on top of the mountain.
Date: 2007-09-01
From: Stratton Maine

To: Monson Maine
Miles today: 0.0

Pootz made it to Stratton 187.3 miles to go. Off to Monson witch will be a 2 day hike. From Monsonthey will enter what the hikers call the 100 mile wilderness.Out of the mountains for those miles. Pootz, Lady M and Evil eye are making theirplans to come home maybe as late as the 22 of sept.
Date: 2007-09-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Pootz called this afternoon from Caratunk ME. He had to use a pay phone since he has no cell phone signal. He has made it over 2000 miles so far at 2022.8. That means only 151.2 to go!!!He plans on being done on time around the 17th or 18th of September and is coming home the 22nd. He is allowing a few extra days just in case the weather is bad and they have to wait for better weather to climb Mt. Khatadin.He is doing great.
Date: 2007-09-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Pootz Lady M and Evil Eye made it to Monson ME. That means only 114.5 miles to go. They are staying at Shaw's Boarding House/Hostel and are taking a day off tomorrow to rejuvenate. They recieved a maildrop of supplies which they picked up at the Monson Post Office, so they will be busy with that and laundry this evening. Sunday they will be starting the 100 mile wilderness and most likely will not be able to keep in touch til they are done.
Date: 2007-09-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Pootz, Lady M and Evil Eye are heading out into the 100 mile wilderness. They were going to try and do 15 miles today. This will probably be my last entry as Pootz will be able to update it himself next time. Thanks to everyone who has been checking in and praying for Pootz. He is looking forward to seeing all of his family and friends again soon.
Date: 2007-09-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Pootz, Lady M and evil eye only have 45 miles to go and expect to be done on the 17th, exactly 6 months after Pootz's start date. That is weather permitting....They are staying in a bunkhouse at Light House Landing wilderness camp. The first 35 miles of the 100 mile wilderness were pretty tough. They plan to hike 15 miles tomorrow, 15 miles the next day, 10 miles on the 16th and the on the 17th the last 5 miles up to the top of Mt. Khatadin.
Date: 2007-09-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Lady M, Evil Eye Metand I met up with Tom-B at Abol Bridge Campground on the 15th. We stayed the night at a place near there. Lady M, Evil Eye, Tom-B and I stayed at Katahdin Stream Campground on the 16th, ourlast night on the trail. Lady M, Evil Eye,Tom Band I summitted Mt. Katahdin on 9-17-07. Exactly 6 months from when Lady M,Tom-B and I left Georgia. Evil Eye started his thru hike on March 19th , so he finished 2 day shy of 6 months. We had a picture perfect day: warm, sunny and light winds (class I).It is hard to belive that I am finished. My 6 months on the trail were to amazing to put into words at this point.As you all know,I will have lots more to say about my journey soon.
Date: 2007-10-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It has been 2 weeks since I finished the trail and I am still not sure what to make of my journey. I know that it was a lot of fun and a lot of hard work. I am both glad to be finished and sad that it is over. Life on the AT is very simple, you get to "live in the moment" as Tom-B puts it. No worries but were to sleep and your next resupply. I am definitely glad I thru hiked, it was a great experience. I meet a lot of great people along the way and saw a lot of nice places.Lady M and I became very close the last couple months and plan to continue our relation ship now the the trail is done. I want to thank everyone that I hiked with and who help me out along the way. Expecially Evil Eye who hike with me for most of the trail. I could not have made it without the kindness of strangers.I would encourage anyone that is considering a thru hike to give it a try. It is an incredible experience. Get your life in order first so you can focus on the trail and get out there.I plan to add more entries and pictures. My mom and sister did a great job with the pictures and this site.Pootz of 07
Date: 2007-03-09
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: The Trail
Miles today: 1211.2
Weather: broken clouds

ReminiscingMarch 9 is the day two years ago that I began my hike on the Appalachian Trail. It is a bitter-sweet feeling both because I did not finish (yet) and because of all the good times it makes me think of... Neat views, hiking my day's goal even when the weather and my blisters or knees were against me, attempting a 1/2 gallon ice cream challenge! All the neat people I met along the way and seeing the terrain change through the states were also unexpected gifts, not to mention the random acts of kindness by people whose faces I never even saw, such as trail angels and hostel/hotel owners who gave us discounts along the way. It was almost as if they understood, or deeply wished to understand, what hiking the trail meant on all the many different levels.The trail has a very neat atmosphere about it. I certainly did not expect to respect it for all its small facets as much as I do now. There is a real life about it; a vibrancy that seems to effect those who take the time to step inside the boundaries, no matter how long that may be. I was there for a little over four months, and the trail¢s life still finds a way to beat quietly, but strongly, inside my thoughts.Often times, I find myself trying to zone in to the walking rhythm that became so familiar to me during those months. When a sidewalk fades into a dirt or beat-down grassy trail, and the traffic sounds fade away into sounds of a nice breeze coming at me from across the bald, and my school bag, heavy with computer and books, becomes my trusty pack and food, I know I¢ve succeeded in hiking a little more in that moment. It does not last for long, but those are nice breaks in my life as I let the trail in me breathe again.How can a place have such a life about it? How can it have such a strong grasp on me, even now? Perhaps it was the people who made it special, such as the trail angels, or the comradeship shared with other hikers, the beautiful terrain, or perhaps the mental and physical struggle interlaced with the pure joy of hiking¢¦ I am sure it is some of all of these, yet the trail is still something more. I think it remains alive inside all of us. I know it remains alive inside me.Two years ago, I began this journey. Perhaps I am still on the same journey. I began without knowing the effect the trail would have on me two years later, but I remember beginning with a smile of excitement and purpose. I felt, even then, that I was supposed to be there. I felt a connection already with the trail, even before those first steps. Maybe the trail is inside us before we recognize it. Maybe it was always there."Two paths diverged in the woods... I chose the one with the white blaze."
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Pulpit Rock
Miles today: 8.0

I am back! And, I am sleepy. Today is day one of my return to the trail, and after only 8 miles, I am pooped! Where to begin?Tuesday 5/2 was the last possible day I could finish up all my projects for my Arch. classes. So, like any good arch. student, I work, work, worked until the last possible minute even at the risk of missing my flight. I did not miss the flight, but I did get a dirty look from the woman checking me in.I checked in with three packs: One tiny trail pack, one big pack with summer clothes, and one backpack with school items (computer, books, scale, etc.) Strange companions to my summer travels.I arrived in Austin that evening, where I finished up yet another school project and went through each pack to see what I'd actually brought in my mad dash for the airport. All looked good, so I settled down for one hour of sleep.Janelle took me to the airport after a brief stop at the Starbuck's parking lot to steal internet so I could submit my final project, then she dropped me at the airport and we both wondered which airline was mine... Hm...That worked out, and I somehow ended up in Port Clintin, PA with a ride from a random alumni trail hiker (courtesy of James). He ran me around for last minute errands (fuel, lighter, water) and we said our goodbyes. I was alone. I was back.I hiked the 8 miles in glee. Even the Pennsylvania rocks didn't put a damper on my attitude because I was finally back, after two years of wondering what was around that hill I never saw the other side of. What was around that hil? More hills! And around that? MORE! It was wonderful. As I arrived to the trail late in the afternoon, I did not have much time to hike. And, with only an hour or two of sleep in me, I was quite worn out. So I settled down at a lovely spot. I chose a beautiful overlook area, and cooked my dinner on the rocks. I smiled as I did so, because I actually looked at each meal, and chose the one that weighed the most so I wouldn't have to carry it the next day. Trail decisions.I set up with the tent door facing east so I could see the sunrise in the morning. I slept beautifully...
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Pulpit Rock

To: New Tripoli Campsite
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

20 miles today. Felt good, but my knees are definitely sore and will likely be even more so in the morning. I met 3 thru-hikers today. They began 2/11/07 and treated me badly... Because they began this year and were in the same place as me, I was, of course, below them. Not a true "thru-hiker."I realize this is something I'll have to deal with. But, the way I have decided to see it is this: Anyone who has ever taken any zero day is in the same boat with me. Why is one zero different from several? I had several zeros and probably never spent a day not thinking of the trail. Much the same with those who take one, two, ten, or thirteen. Maybe the only true "thru-hiker" is the one who does not stop at all. Whatever. I am continuing my thru-hike happily. I have hiked just as much as those guys, they have covered no more trail than me (Ok, other than that Aqua Blaze, James and Mike). Soap box.So, Pennsylvania rocks SUCK!! Lots and lots of freakin' rocks!! I lost the trail several times either because of rocks disguising the trail, or because of very poor markings. It was frustrating, especially as my feet began to fall in between rocks more and more often. And, back-tracking really sucks. NO extra walking, please!Stopped for a break at Eckville Shelter. Neat place. Got water, used bathroom at a B&B on HWY 309, and thanked them for being one of the friendly places in PA. Especially after being scorned in Port Clinton, being smiled at was a treat. Legs were pooped by 20 miles, so I set up the tent and immediately took a nap. I considered not eating, but as I eventually got hungry and as I remembered that 1/2 of my dinner is also my lunch, I decided to get up. Slept well after that... Sleepy.
Date: 2007-05-05
From: New Tripoli Campsite

To: Weathering Knob
Miles today: 18.0

925.8 miles to go.   I slept in late today. It was nice to do so. My feet and knees appreciated it, I know! When I did get going, I felt pretty good. I ran into a Dad/Son duo who I met yesterday, passed a boyscout troop, met a section hiker, and a future trail maintainer. This maintainer was super nice. He overheard my voiced concerns about where to get water, and when I got down to the road, he brought me a 48 oz bottle of Gatorade! What a guy! CRAZY rocks today! All sorts of rocks: Little rocks covering the trail, trying to twist my ankle, HUGE boulders to climb over and make me call myself a Billy Goat, and GINORMOUS wall-climbing, taller-than-me rocks. At the top of that particular combination (GINORMOUS), there was a spectacular view of the river and town below, but then the ridge was just... dead. Apparently a zinc smelting plant's byproducts floated up there, and killed every living plant and tree. Very sad. The bones of trees and vegetation remain as a reminder.I have two silly walking thoughts on these PA rocks:Theory 1: Once, a long, long time ago, God made the earth. God made the trees, and looked at the canvas below and decided where the trees would look best. Then, God made the rivers and oceans, stood back, and decided where these would look best. But, as God was making rocks and piling them up into a basket, God tripped and accidentally spilled the ENTIRE basket of rocks onto Pennsylvania!Theory 2: When Lock let the hatch button go unpushed, and Desmond had to blow up the hatch, there was a magnetic polarization or all rocks on the planet, and each and every rock was pulled to Pennsylvania.Ahh... Bed time.
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Weathering Knob

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

I am having a hard time getting up on my own because it is still cold outside! When I finally did get all packed up, I peed then morning snot-rocketed (oh yeah!). Not 5 seconds later, a hiker passed by and said, "Thought I heard a bear!" I was really amused that she thought my snot-rocket sound was a bear. Ha.I met another thru-hiker, Fruit Fly, and we leap frogged most of the day until my knees gave up. He was nice, but made reference (not maliciously, I don't think) to "real" thru-hikers. That sucked. The first half of the day was so nice. Feet and knees did well. The second half hurt. So, I forced myself to drink a lot, and will hopefully sleep well and hike 15 or so mi into Delaware Water Gap! DWG is a mental milestone for me, and I am happy to be this far.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it to DWG! So exciting to finally be here after 2 years. The hike down into the Gap was really beautiful and lush. Made me think of Georgia and N. Carolina. Even a good-sized waterfall to complete the picturesque hike. Only problem was the big downhill. My knees did ok I guess, but still hurt. I have little to no appetite. Not worried because I remember not having one last time I began. It will come.I am at a church hostel. Pretty nice set up! Bluebird (girl who thought I was a bear), Lord of the Sasquatch, and Fruit Fly are here as well. All good people. We had a nice, big hiker dinner together.I slept on a nice, soft couch after a shower...with shampoo!
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Mashipacong Shelter

To: Secret Shelter
Miles today: 13.0

Nope. No Vernon today. That's ok though because this Secret Shelter is wonderful. Out of courtesy to the name, I won't describe it, but will say it was such a lovely stay. It is privately owned, and I would hate to be the one to spread the word about it... Lovely, though.I stayed at the shelter with Bluebird, Sasquatch, and a section SOBO, Wilson. Nice conversation with all four. Bluebird and Sasquatch are funny... I like having them around!Today was a very long day for me. Only 13 miles, but it was a chore. It just tore me up mentally and physically! My knees, ankle, and feet ached profusely. I guess if I'd paid more attention, I could say the hike was actually a very pretty hike. Lots of ponds, streams, boardwalks, and a nice overlook which was supposedly going to show NYC to me though I never saw it. I did have a nice nap on this tower in the sun... Mostly because I did not have motivation to hike miles! So, I napped.Then when I made it to the first shelter, I cooked lunch and... napped. Then, when I made it to the secret shelter, I napped... Hiking must be catching up with me! (Side note: My arms and legs are very dark now. I have a great tanline on my hands from my trekking pole straps!)
Date: 2007-05-11
From: Secret Shelter

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 13.0

Lousy night last night. Shelter-sleeping is always a challenge. Imagine how difficult it is to sleep with your sister or friend because of limited space, then multiply that by at least four more people and a much smaller space. Oh, and in this particular instance, factor in two loud donkeys in a nearby pasture. So, contrary to my nature, I was up very early and on the trail 15 minutes later. I believe I sleep-hiked for a good hour, but did ok. The hike was pretty neat. Lots of board walks (literally boards. Not anything elaborate) along the way, and one fancy boardwalk that goes for a little over a mile, with a nice suspension bridge. Dad would have had fun imagining these things being built, much like I did. I came across a ground squirrel today. I realized these animals watch me just as I watch them: with curiosity. I see intelligence behind their eyes. They are wondering what my thoughts and intentions are; I am wondering the same. It is a neat moment when our worlds come together and we share our paths, even for that brief second where our eyes meet. I was chased by an angry dog. He came running up the trail, hair raised, growling, barking, and body taut. He was very aggressive, so I tried the passive path. I backed down, slowly backing up the trail, letting him know I was no threat. But he kept coming, bullying me up the trail backwards. He wouldn't back off, and time was being wasted with me being a pansy toward this dog, so finally I threw up my arms, growled and yelled, then charged him!! Stupid dog turned, tail tucked, and tore off in the opposite direction without turning back! I know I looked rediculous, but I definitely felt like I'd just faced down a gang of thievs with my overwhelming sense of power! Raaaaahhhh!!!In Vernon, NJ now. This Episcopal Church has a nice set up for hikers: Showers with shampoo and soap, free laundru, internet, tv, refridgerator, and plenty of floor space to sleep on.
Date: 2007-05-15
From: RPH Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful Day! It is noon-ish and I am feelin' fine! I really dragged getting out of bed, but Fruit Fly finally got up, so I figured I should, too. Also, there was rumor of a Deli only 5 miles away, so I knew I could at least make it there for a cold drink. Turns out going to the Deli was a great call. Lunch (an amazing Eggplant sandwich), coffee, juice, and phone calls to the family helped me really enjoy the hot day. Fruit Fly was there as well, stocking up on food, so we had some conversation until he went on and I hung out a little longer. Very nice store operators. The other 1/2 of the sandwich is for dinner... mmm...I pulled into Telephone at about 5pm after a nice long day. My feet got a nice, though short, soak in the icy cold stream. I ate the second 1/2 of sandwich, them rice for dinner. Full, happy tummy.I am in the shelter with a nice lady who lives in NYC, but occasionally takes a day or two off just to go be in the woods. Cool.Nice day. Quite hot, but nice. I'll be in Connecticut tomorrow. Whee!!