morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-19
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to

To: Rainbow Spring Campsite
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: moderate rain

What a great day. It poured most of it but I am so happy to be almost off the trail that I didn't care at all.We had to choose between staying in a shelter tonight or going a few more miles to a campsite to tent. The rain finally died down when we reach the shelter so we decided to keep going. So far it was a good choice.Tomorrow we hike 21.1 miles to the Katahdin Stream Campground to meet Dad, Katie and Matt. Then we'll all hike up together on Wednesday, can't wait!
Date: 2004-07-20
From: Rainbow Spring Campsite

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: scattered clouds

5.2 miles to go up Katahdin and then I never have to hike again! Well, except for the hike back down the mountain. And then going on hikes at TBS. Nice day today, decent weather for a change. We crossed Abol bridge and had an excellent view of Katahdin around lunch time. We had lunch at the Abol Store and then we brought almost no food to the campground in hopes of lots of food being brought from my family.We have a minor possibly major problem for tomorrow. The park closed all the trails to the submit for the day tomorrow. The ranger told us that they have had to make 4 rescues in the last 5 days and the rescue crews need a break. There have been two heart attacks, 1 case of hypothemia, and today an amputie who got stuck, oops. The ranger told us to check in at 7 in the morning to check for any changes so we are hoping for the best. Otherwise I have no clue what will happen. All we have been worried about is the weather preventing us from climbing and it turns out to be someone with no legs ruining things. Oh well, one last bump in a very long road.
Date: 2004-07-21
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Anywhere!
Miles today: 5.2

At 6:30 in the morning the ranger came by to tell us the mountain was open again. He said to be, "very careful." Thanks for the tip. We had a great breakfast. I forgot to mention all the food Dad and Katie and Matt brought. We had chilli and cornbreak for dinner and then sausage and omlets for breakfast. It was great!We started up the mountain at 7:15. I had alot of fun hiking with Katie and Dad, just like old times. Dad, Willie and I got to the top around 11:15 and we were so excited. Willie and I ran to the top once we got close. We took tons of pictures but for me the journey doesn't seem over. As I look back for me the journey was always what was left remaining. So on the last day the whole trip was just Katahdin. I guess it is gonna take a while for everything to sink in. Katie and Matt reached the top at noon and then we all hiked back down together for awhile. But my dad likes to fly down mountains so he and I took off after a bit jumping down the rocks as fast as we could, it was a lot of fun. We ran into my mother and Willie's mom about a mile from the bottom. We were a little late so they had decided to hike up a ways and meet us. It was great to see them and it started to click in my head that almost four months of walking was over. We all hiked down together and my mom even carried my pack at the end.I guess that would be the end of my trip. But I know in a way it will never be over. The memories I have of people from the trail and the ways Willie and I endured the long miles and the weather will be with me always. I am sure I will hike again but probably never anything of this magnitude. For now I am just gonna rest up for a week and then begin training again for TBS in September. I know the trail has made me mentally stronger than I will ever need to be for the Marines and am looking forward to it as well as a long and happy life with my new fiance Crystal.
Date: 2004-07-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I can't believe that the hike is over but now that I have been back home for a week it seems like a lifetime since it ended. I wanted to thank a few people who helped us along the way in some way or another.Thanks to my Grandfather, Bud Riley, who hiked the whole AT with me in spirit. I wish I could have been with you but I know you were with me.Thanks to Crystal for being my motivation for finishing quickly. Thanks for the cards, the calls, the visits and for saying yes.Thanks to my parents for their encouragement, for sending food, and for picking us up from time to time and taking care of us. We definately needed it. Also thanks for picking us up at Katahdin and climbing it with us too.Thanks to the Wood family for their support and kindness to both Crystal and me.Thanks to the Lorenc family for driving us to Georgia, and for all the visits and meals. I had a great time in Virginia and Vermont relaxing and recouping.Thanks to Uncle Doug and Aunt Cindy for feeding us some great meals as well as being the first relatives I got to see all trip.Thanks to Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Dwight for putting us up for 2 nights and out of the rain.Thanks to Grandmom for a huge lunch in Massachuesetts and some Ben + Jerrys.Thanks to Katie and Matt for putting us up a night and some excellent meals. Also it was great hiking up Katahdin with you.Thanks to everyone who signed my guestbook. Knowing how many people were out there and watching me was a great insentive to keep going.A special thanks to the hikers and friends we met along the way who made our trip memorable:   Aussie Jon, Rambler, Mac, Flying Brian, Silver Girl, Full Moon and his dog Jesse, Squish, Rockhound, The Green One, Nick the Englishman, Skate, Paul, Tammy, Miss Janet, Sean or Shawn the farmer, Mrs. Gorp, Bear Behind, and Skeemer.Oh yeah, I almost forgot Willie. Without you I never would have even had the idea to hike the trail. Thanks for being my bud for 4 months, through thick and thin, and for putting up with me on bad days.
Date: 2004-02-13
From: Black Gap Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

OK everyone I just received my package from Scott that I've been waiting very impatiently for. Scott sent journal entries..so this is going to be a bit backwards, but I'll just date and label as he has them. Vicki, thanks for pick up the package at the post office for me..love ya girl!2/13/04 ( note Scott wrote 2/13/03..umm he's wrong so I corrected it) haha!!!BLACK GAP SHELTERMADE IT!!!   Met Russell(Enoch) while I was setting up camp a few miles before the shelter. We clicked right away, and formed a trail alliance for at least a week or so I hope!   Can't stop thinking about Rachel, I really truly honestly love her, and if I don't make it, then we'll have to do our section hiking starting this summer. Russell is cool, we're both a little "green" (actually a lot green) at this but we're laughing our way through. Found water a distance from here but found a closer spring later on. Ramen noodles for dinner. The Apprach Trail, well, it was very VERY tough, rainy,snowy,cold, foggy (clouds actually), but cleared up at night. The stars are beautiful!!! Rae, I wish you were here.Later!
Date: 2004-02-14
To: GEORGIA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Time: 5:15 AMWell the journey has now begun.   Scott just walked out the door, what an emotional parting. He had this scared out of my mind look, but also this glow he is attempting a dream of his. We mailed out his first mail drop box out yesterday afternoon, only 15 more to go. HAHA!!! If things go the way Scott has planned he should arrive and make it to the first shelter on the approach trail by 9 or 10 tonight. That's if traffic cooperates from NY to GA. I finally know how the significant others of military personnel feel watching their loved ones leave, although this is a little different it is similar. It's going to take alot of getting use to that is for sure.Neels Gap will be the first contact. So hopefully by the end of the week Thursday or Friday I'll have an entry for y'all.Take Care and keep Scott in your thoughts and prayers.Love,
Date: 2004-02-15
To: APPROACH TRAIL
Miles today: 0.0

Scott called at 9:30PM last night. He was in a hotel in Tennesee. He didn't sound too upset over it, he said in all reality it would be better that way today he could have moe daylight hours to hike the approach trail. Although it sets him behind now a half day or so. He is now 1 1/2 - 2 days behind his original itinerary. Oh well not much we can do about that. Hopefully the weather stay decent so he can make up a little bit of time.He is scared I can hear that in his voice, but he still has the excitement in his voice too.   This is by far going to be very difficult on the two of us. A very tearful phone call for the both of us, but the reassurance that this needs to be accomplished for his sake makes things a bit easier.   I'd like to know when this lump in your throat goes away, and when the littlest things set you into a crying spree lighten up too??? So Scott is well, and should FINALLY start the AT today. He still thinks that he should be able to call by the end of the week. I'll keep ya posted. Be safe my love!Love,
Date: 2004-02-15
From: APPROACH TRAIL

To: Black Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: moderate rain

1:30 PM I just got the phone call from Scott's Dad. Scott had just gotten dropped off at the starting point of the approach trail.   He said it was raining really hard. Not the weather he was hoping to start with....kind of looks like snow will be seen before too long.So he made it to the approach trail, now the waiting for that phone call that he has made it to Neels Gap.   Good Luck Baby Doll! I LOVE YOU, and be safe.Love,
Date: 2004-02-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi everyone! I just wanted to say thanks to Heather, Spur, and Stones for the encouraging words. I will be sure to pass them on to Scott. I've been following Officer Taco, Stanimal, and Pickle & Peanut gives me a little piece of mind I guess. I hope Scott stayed a dry and warm last night. I think he'd rather see rain than the -5 degrees it is here in NY right now. I wonder if he's craving STARBUCKS yet???   Love,Rachel
Date: 2004-02-16
From: Hawk Mt. Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

2/16/04Hawk Mt. ShelterTough day!!! Got to our shelter late, barely enough time to cook, clean, pee, and get to bed. Got dark early too. Did about 9 miles, felt it too!!! Got to get better at this soon. Also, need to clean up!!! Starting to reek BAD!!! Still in the 20's.Ok everyone I have to share this with you...Scott'll give me hell but hey I'm the writer here damn it! This was at the end of this entry....Saw the stars rise last nightMissed my lover since we partedWhen I see her, I'll hug her with all my mightThen her side I'll never leaveGod let me meet herAnd he never wants me to leave herLater!Give me a moment to compose myself and I'll get to another entry. A word from Racel.....I have to tell you all a little about Scott and I..we are both very, no extremely stubborn!!! He is going to run himself until there is absolutely nothing left and then still attempt to keep going. He doesn't want to be labeled a "quiter" at this. Little does he realize that it takes a strongminded person to even attempt to do what he has already. Rachel is too stubborn to say, "Scott this is more than I can handle being away from you. You're my life, my breath, my soulmate. Please come home so I can stop feeling like I'm a total mental case. Note to readers: I have never in my life felt like I do since Scott's been gone....alone, don't want to both others with my sob story of how much I miss him. Funny how you learn so much about yourself in such a small amount of time.
Date: 2004-02-17
From: Gooch Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

2/17/04Gooch Gap ShelterA day ahead of schedule. Feeling better, not great but not bad. Russell (Enoch) and I make a good team. We're doing well together. No blisters, right knee hurts. All of us heard something at our bear bags late last night. Still 20's at 2 AM.
Date: 2004-02-18
From: Blood Mt. Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

2/18/04Blood Mt.ShelterSpent the night at Blood Mountain Shelter. Freezing cold!!! Wind howled all night. Two cool guys were already camped inside, everyone got along fine. Met a day hiker (and his dog) a beautiful retriever or lab,reddish gold. He gave us a handful of snickers bars...our first sign of "trail magic". I had a smile for an hour. Had an unbelievable,knee-bursting,back-breaking climb up Blood Mountain!!!   13 miles today about, with a huge climb at the end. Felt BLAH, good but in pain, lots of pain. Trailname.....unknown.....Later!
Date: 2004-02-19
From: Walasiyi Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

2/19/04 Hi everyone...Rachel here! Well wouldn't you know it...I go volunteer in my daughter's classroom, and SCOTT CALLS!!!!   I was like S%*T...knew I shouldn't have gone.   He sounded good, said he is with a guy named, Russell and they have been hiking together since the first day. PHEW!!! He also said that he was a few days ahead of "schedule". He'd call once he got to Hiawassee GA.   He said his knees were killing him.   He says I wouldn't believe it, I'm taking that it is breath taking.   So he's alive and well!! Keep him in those thoughts and prayers! Stay safe baby doll!   Until the next call..........Love,
Date: 2004-02-19
From: Whitley Gap Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

2/19/04Whitley Gap ShelterThe hike down from Blood MOuntain was horrible!!! I felt like my knees were going to explode. Got to Wayalasi Center about 10:30 am, showered,ate bought some food,fuel and made a few calls. No one was home. I cried when I heard Rae's voice and when she said on her voicemail, "Baby if this is you, I love you, be careful,be safe and I'll talk to you soon"....my heart leapt!!! Next chance Hiawassee on Sunday. Can tell already that the mice are bad. Still no trailname.....Later.
Date: 2004-02-20
From: Blue Mtn. Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.0

2/20/04Blue Mtn. ShelterCold& windy, hiked approx. 14 miles today. Met Stumpknocker (Ga.-Me 2002) and is finishing another thru-hike (Me-Ga) began July 2003. Right now his girlfriend, Hippie Long-stockings (At class of 2001) was doing a flip-flop (Fontam Dam to Springer Mountain...Fontam Dam to Katahdin) this year 2004. Found out that Enoch and I are the 26th and 27th north-bounders this year. WAY COOL!!! Getting into low/depressed spot right now, need to hear from friends,family, & RACHEL! But all is well so far. Later!Trailname..."Grady" (Scott Kuyon) Note to readers: I will let Scott fill in the trailname part of this journal when he gets back home.
Date: 2004-02-21
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

2/21/04Deep Gap ShelterMICE!!!!!!!! HATE 'EM!!!!   Gonna leave early AM to Hiawassee and call Rae FIRST,then get cleaned up,laundry,eat,call Rae AGAIN (just to say I love her and that she has no choice, she's marrying me!!!) Note to readers: Rae has absolutely no objections to this request of Scott's. Gotta get some sleep.(hopefully)Grady
Date: 2004-02-22
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 59.5

Hey everyone! Scott just called, he has arrived at Hiawassee, and is staying today and tonight at The Blue Berry Patch. This will be his first "rest" day. We didn;t talk long, he wanted to get cleaned up. Don't blame him there. It's amazing how much we've both grown in the last week. What I wouldn't do to hold him again!   We've both come to the same conclusion though this will never happen again unless we are together. Before I get carried away babbling, I want to thank my friend Vicki, you've been a wonderful person Vicki thanks, and Heidi..girl you're a lifesaver for me somedays. So he's doing well, he is still with Russell who he met up with the first day. He told me that he did run into a "trail angel". A man was walking with his dog, passed them and then turned around and gave them Snickers bars. He was cute he must have opened the refridgerator while on the phone with me and he says, " Holy s%*t the fridge is full of food!!! Anyways, he still sounds good, and I'll add more later when he calls again. He did say that he is sending me home stuff he doesn't need, and will have journal entries for me to add on here. Love,
Date: 2004-02-23
From: Plum Orchard Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

2/23/04Plum Orchard Shelter: Had an incredible stay at The Blueberry Patch Hiker's Hostel. Gary & Lennie are wonderful people and I plan on staying in touch with then throughout my hike.Talking with family,friends,and especially Rachel( who has officially become my fiancee on the trail) lifted my spirits incredibly.   Still not sure I can go the whole distance, but with the love and support I have, I should have no problem.Staying here with about 10 boyscouts, and 2 other hikers....14 total in th eshelter. Guess no sleep tonight...3 levels,nice shelter too. Well, gotta try and get some sleep. Later. Grady
Date: 2004-02-24
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

2/24/04Standing Indian Shelter:Enoch,Shush, Dan and I are tucked in here for the night. Cozy, maybe enough room for 1 more (maybe 2 if Rachel climbed into my sleeping bag with me). Good day 12+ miles,short day tomorrow though. Spirits still high, family,friends, and especially Rae still echoing in my thoughts while I'm hiking. Saw a warning sign for a bear in this area that's not afraid of humans, and likes to steal packs. A little worried, but not bad. NC has a terrific into, HUGE climbs first thing w/no switchbacks!!! Oh yeah, we're in North Carolina...1 down....13 to go!!!   Grady
Date: 2004-02-25
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

2/25/04Carter Gap Shelter:Good day, short one!!! We didn't want to spend the night on a mountain unless we had too. Glad we stopped here, it's COLD and probably going to be much colder up on top of that mountain. Dad and Shush pushed on to Big Spring Shelter, hope they stay warm. Ate welltonight, once again. Last night was tuna casserole: ramen noodles, margarine, tuna, and seasonings. Tonihgt fried spam, ramen noodles..........sounds bad BUT was actually a gourmet meal!!!   Ran into trail crew, they pointed us to the new shelter..which was 100 times better that the old one we found. Good long day ahead, gotta sleep. Later. Grady
Date: 2004-02-26
From: Rock Creek Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

2/26/04Rock Creek Shelter:Well, we had an incredible day. Woke up to snow, had to rock-climb Albert Mountain in 6 inches of snow. I broke trail all day, Enoch wasn't feeling good. At the shelter, met Dagan(?) White, a newbie to end all. Good guy, just totally unprepared. Anyways, I'm cold, gotta sleep. Later. Grady
Date: 2004-02-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just a little from the homefront. I've always been a strong person. Never afraid to be alone, take care of myself and the kids. Then Scott enters my life, WANTS to take care of me and the kids, WANTS to be a family. Blew me away that there was actually someone with a heart as big as his. We learn right away in our relationship that we had ALOT in common when it came to the needs and wants of one another. I've learned over the last few weeks that I can not ever live without him, I need him, and love him more than he'll ever know. I've found that one person that I was truly meant to be with for the rest of my life. These days are agonizing, depressing as hell!!! The days are painful, I'm glad when it's night time and I can sleep a few hours away. This package was the best thing in the world to me today, although his letters to me and the journal entries were tearful to read, I'm glad he's doing this, I know at times he must think I am being selfish and unsupportive as he reads my depressing letters, but I am proud of him, it takes a strong person to do what he is doing. I just pray to God that he stays safe, and I am as strong as he is now when we begin our section hiking of the AT. Goodnight and thanks for letting us share our experience of this part of our lives with you. God Bless!Love,
Date: 2004-02-27
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 43.7

2/27/04Siler Bald ShelterAn easy day gone badMY thoughts and feelings sadWondering whyWanting to cryYet a great day I had........A stupid limerick by Grady****Scott's going to kill me that I put some of this stuff he wrote in the entries in here, but once again.I'm the editor damn it!!!!****
Date: 2004-02-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hey everyone! I just received a phone call from Scott.....from a CELL PHONE!!! He said there were 2 guys there on the trail and let him use it. THANK YOU!!!!!   He said they were like 8 miles from Nantahala Outdoor Center. He just wanted to let me know that he was OK, and he was going to call back once he got there!   He asked me if everything was OK....I said "yes" of course...and he said "Baby what is wrong", that's all it took crying like a baby I was.   Told him I missed him, and he responded with "Baby, I'll be home soon, it's not the same without you." Now I have to sit here and WAIT!!!!! ARGH!!!!!!!   Until I talk to him later..............Love,
Date: 2004-02-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm ecstatic that Scott will be home in the next 7-14 days. I know he's probably thought this though a million times if it was the right or wrond decision. I think that he's figured out what he needed to figure out of himself, and knows that he belongs here at home where he is deeply missed and loved.   I know that I've learned alot about myself these last few weeks. I can't wait to hear about his time on the trail. We've planned on taking 2 weeks this summer and joining Scott's hiking companion Russell (Enoch) to hike part of the trail. I'm extrememly excited about this...alot of preparing to do but will be well worth it to see what most people only get to dream about. Thanks for everything Vicki, and Heidi! You are two very special friends that I hold dear to my heart!Love,Rachel
Date: 2004-03-03
From: Brown Fork Shelter

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

3/3/04Hiked into Fontana Dam Shelter from Brown Fork Shelter. Had no energy left and was in a very poor mood. Looking to a hot meal and found a ghost town instead!!! We wandered around an empty unlocked hotel with noone there, that's how bad it was, we saw maybe 6 people in town. Spending the night with Carlos and Mike tonight...OK guys. But I gotta make it out of the park by next Tuesday, 6 days!!!Oh yeah, hiked to Sassafras from NOC and then Sassafras to Brown Fork in the rain, NOT cool!!!Later, Grady
Date: 2004-03-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

3/4/04Mollies Ridge ShelterHere with 4 others, day hikers. Nice shelter, bad weather moving in tonight. Had an OK hike, very unmotivated today. Got to get my head back on straight tomorrow, 19.4 miles!!! Saw a deer (being run out by 1 dog) with 3 other dogs about a few minutes behind but not much else. Gotta get some sleep.Later!Grady
Date: 2004-03-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.0

3/6/04Stealth Camping (somewhere between Icewater Shelter and Peck's Corner Shelter)Well, we did 19.5 miles yesterday and about 17 today. Spent last night with 5 other ROTC guys and a 38 yr. old section hiker, all from Louisiana. We got to the shelter tonight only to find it full. Oh well, we found a clearing and made camp. Gonna try for 16 miles tomorrow qhich will get us out of the Smokies the next day. Home soon to my baby's arms.Later!Grady
Date: 2004-03-08
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

3/8/04Well we made it to Cosby Knob Shelter after our stealth camping, in a thunder and ice storm!!! Dire straits, we couldn't stop on the ridge line, to exposed. Winds wre gusting to 60 mph. Shared the shelter with 14 others. 3 girls, and a drunk, a couple (Rachel and another guy) and a girlfriend, squirrel Master SOBO (southbound) who took 2.5 months off to avoid snow (he left the shelter with sandals, no boots), a couple of guys just hiking and drinking, and 4 former boyscouts out for Spring Break hiking trip. We left the shelter and made it too Standing Bear Farm(hostel). What a great place!!! Prices are a little high, but a great hostel, a great jump off point for our next section hike for Rae & I. Gotta go!Later....Grady