morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-09-15
From: Mt Katahdin

To: Pecks Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

I caught a ride into Medway where I caught a bus ride into Bangor. I checked into Motel 6 where they did keep the light on but had a heck of a time getting my room key to work. I had a 6:00am flight out to Knoxville the next morning so I had an early night out. I was sitting at a table at the Ground Round when I noticed a familiar back of the head sitting at the bar. It was Hollywood and I invited him to sit with me. We had a nice chat over dinner about our hikes and where we were going in our near future. We walked up the road a bit before heading off in differant directions. A 4:30am taxi ride got me to the airport and 2 flights and 6 hours later I was in Knoxville. I see why people choose to fly as it took me about 6 months to cover the same ground by foot(mental note to self). There weren't any shuttles available so I took my chances on hitching. After 2 rides and 4 trolly's I finally made it to Gatlinburg TN. The next morning I caught a $20 ride up to the ranger station to get my backcountry permit and then up to the trail head. Registration is mandatory and each hiker must preselect where and when they will be staying. My first shelter was Pecks and I had company from Belguim( Elizabeth and Nico) a couple South Carolina section hikers Tonto and his friend, Ed from Michigan and Dusty Boots from Germany. The bear activity in the smokies has been and usually is very active so precautions are seriously taken. Both food and packs get pit up on the bear cables away from the shelter. It was an easy hiking day and the weather was perfect with temps around 80 and sunny skies.
Date: 2010-09-16
From: Pecks Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

Tonto and his buddy were the first ones up and the smell of coffee got me going also. The mornings early light is arriving later and later as we approach the fall equinox. By the time I was ready for the trail it was already after 8:00. As I lay in my sleeping bag last night I wondered if I would run into any SOBO's that I met earlier. I thought the only ones that could be this far would be Hit or Miss who I met on my way into Dalton Mass. They had hiked out of Dalton earlier that day but decided to turn around and participate in a party a group of us were putting together for a hiker(Maketime) who was completing a thru hike that he started last year. The morning was rather warm especially for being over 5000ft as I began my day. A short climb started off the day and then a nice downhill. The elevation is much higher than what I've been used to and I have found it difficult to breathe deaply. As I was moving on the downhill another hiker was coming up. After the usual greeting he asked if I saw other hikers pass by. I said I hadn't seen anyone that looked like a thru hiker and he said that these hikers were traveling light and did not look like thru hikers. I said that wouldn't be Hit or Miss would it. He said yes it was. They must have passed my location sometime yesterday. How ironic is that. This hikers name was Toofpick and he And his brother began the trail at Katahdin near the end of June and is averaging over 30 miles a day. Damn kids. I continued on thinking about how this trail connects and sometimes reconnects people. It was another easy day. My flight back home to Fairbanks is not until the 21st so I needn't push myself. Another day in the 80's and nice sunshine. Staying at the shelter was Ed, Dusty Boots, Bill and Dave.
Date: 2010-09-17
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It was one of those nights where it was good to be in a shelter. At first as I lay in the dark with my eyes closed I began to see periodic flashes of light behind my eyes. I've been warned to be aware of that occuring because I could be a candidate for a detached retna and flashes of light is a symptum. This went on for awhile and just when I began to get concerned I heard thunder off in the distance. Whew. It was a slow moving storm that eventually found it's way above me and the rain fell in buckets. I had my pack that was hanging out in the storm covered but not completely and knew it was collecting water. I'll deal with it in the morning. The noise on the metal roof was loud and lasted all night. I had just dozed off when Dusty Boots said "bear". He was sitting by the edge of the shelter when all of a sudden a bear was within arms reach of him. Dusty Boots backed off, I woke and Bill tossed a rock. The bear wandered off and hung around under our hanging packs contemplating his options. We all had our flashlights on him. Eventually he wandered off and was did not return. As it always seems to happen the rain quit before morning and we were able to hit the trail without the use of rain gear. My pack was only a little wet but because of the plastic bag I use as a liner nothing got wet. With all the rain and the wind from last nights storm the trail at times resembled a small stream and in areas the acorns that fell from the trees covered the trail and made for difficult hiking conditions. The acorns and chestnuts fell throughout the day. I was stopped and taking a break when Ed pulled up in his van and offered me a lift up the gravel road to the Standing Bear Hostel. He also gave me the rest of his food as he was done with his section hike and was heading back to the real world in Michigan. Later on that day Dusty Boots, Rocco Shun, Winston and Sweet Patutie arrived. We sat around in the kitchen area later that night and got to talking about the trail and a little about ourselves. Rocco Shun is a photographer and Winston is a lawyer. They are hiking together and have more than a month to get as far as time will allow. Sweet Patutie is retired and enjoys all sorts of outdoor activities tennis, skiing, rowing and of course backpacking. I already knew that Dusty Boots spent a little time in New York before coming to Tennessee to visit friends and do some hiking. What I just learned is that he is a film producer and was in New York because he was nominated fir a Emmy for a documentory that he produced. Then there was me. In most settings I would be insignificant but on the trail the social and economic status has little value. All of these hikers were very interested in my accomplishment and showered me with much admiration. The Standing Bear Hostel is a collection of rough cut buildings with each having a differant purpose. A kitchen, computer room, resupply, cabin, laundry and shower building. Very rustic and very cool. The 2 dogs and 2 kittens running around made me want to get home even more.
Date: 2010-09-18
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

The last few nights I have not been sleeping very well and last night was no exception. I got myself going around 7:00 and hit the trail after a quick bite to eat. I was now out of the Smokies and my camping options were wide open. I had a Larry Bird (33 miles) into Hot Springs and 2 days to do it. Coming out of Standing Bear was a 3000 ft climb up Snowbird Mnt at 4200ft. I was able to breathe at the 1700ft level and turned the climb into a mental game. Some section of trail during the day I call my workout period. The goal is to keep my legs moving until I get all the way to the top. It doesn't matter how fast I move but I must continue to move. Much to my surprise I covered the 3.3 miles in just under 2 hours. I took a short break on the summit and tried to get service with no luck. Phone coverage has been very spotty throughout the Smokies. The early morning fog was still holding strong down in the valley below as the higher elevations stood out sharp and dark against the white fluffyness below. My early thought was to get 20 miles out of the way today leaving me with a short 13 tomorrow. The quick 3.3 miles uphill gave me plenty of confidence that it was attainable. From Snowbird I went down and then back up over 5 more peaks until reaching 4600ft Max Patch and 13+ miles by 3:30. There I had cell service for only a minute and was able to get a call home. I still had 6+ miles from there and another climb to end the day. Daylight is giving up early these days so I was going to keep a good pace before dark arrives. I was slowed by the acorn and walnut covered trail. It had been a lively day for forest life as I saw many toads(red, spotted and brown), crickets, grasshoppers, butterflies, birds and the noisy cicada's. Many flowers are still in bloom and the leaves are dropping to the ground in greens, browns, yellows and reds. I made it up to the Walnut mountain shelter with some daylight to spare. I used the last of my water to fix my dinner before going down to the spring to refill my bottles. When I got to the spring I found the water to be muddy and still. I elected to do without. it would be a 4 mile hike in the morning to get more but that would suffice. The shelter in this location was built in 1939 and looks it. I elected to pitch my tent for my last night on the trail. It was another nice night with a bright but less than full moon.
Date: 2010-09-19
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

It was not a very good nights sleep once again. I'm thinking I have had about enough of this hanging out and sleeping in strange places routine. The old shelter stayed empty. Alone again naturally. A fitting end for this solo hiker. The cicadas were out in full force last night and made quite the racket. Even if there were creatures mulling around last night I wouldn't have heard them. The moon rose soon after dark and cast some light on my tent whenever the light breeze seperated the leafy cover overhead. The next time I looked the moon was drifting behind the mountains to the west. The glittering of the stars remained. I tossed and turned then turned and tossed over and over again. The slightest bit of light from the new days sun was enough to get me up and packing. No hot breakfast or coffee because I had no water but a couple cliff bars would have to be enough to get me the 4 miles to the next spring. My last substantial mountain to climb was Mt Bluff at 4686 and came right away. My steps were light as I raced the rising sun that was working it's way up the other side of Mt Bluff. I was being careful to not twist an ankle or be bitten by a snake or get attacked by a bear. Then all of a sudden I felt something wacking away on the side of my left knee. I slapped then looked down and a bee was banging it's stinger into my leg. I killed the SOBee and squeezed the stinger out. My next thought was "I'm gonna die after all these miles from a damn bee sting. I heard of others being killed and the affects occur rather quickly. I got to the spring and made mud which I rubbed on the stung area. After the first hour went by I relaxed a little. After the 2nd hour and My breath still feeling strong and not feeling like death was fast approaching I relaxed even more. Headlines read Bee stings - Man dies 17 steps from completing the Appalachian Trail. Before I knew it I was decending into Hot Springs as the road noise got louder and louder. My chest was heavy and tears welled in my eyes as I came out of the woods and onto the road into my last trail town and the end of an unforgettable journey. I looked myself square in the face and we both gave each other a congradulatory nod. Your done Strider. Yes I know. Let's go home.
Date: 2010-07-18
From: Unionville, NY

To: NYC
Miles today: 0.0

Day 96: NYCExcellent night's sleep and a lazy morning. Abigail, One Life and I headed to a local diner for breakfast, which was fabulous, and then we ran errands at the grocery store and Walgreens. Then we stopped by the T-mobile store to get a new phone for One Life. As soon as we left the store, he was glued to that thing for about an hour.We got back and I started running through my errands. Uploaded a few photos to the blog (finally got one up of the rattlesnake), took care of bills, made pbj sandwiches, packed up food, washed my stove, sewed a few things, and organized my head a bit. We futzed around until about 6 something when Abigail drove us into Brooklyn Heights. I got dropped off at my friend Dana's apartment and One Life got dropped off at Scatters' driend's place. I'll see them tomorrow.Dana and I got Thai food and caught up a bunch. Lots of laughs. I miss her! Her boyfriend, Mike, got home, and we all chatted a bit before bedtime. They have to work tomorrow, and I've got to get back to the trail!Pardon all the boring non-AT blogging!!! Oh and remember to check out One Life's blog at www.awalkforthefuture.com. He puts videos up there (there's a link on the left) which can give you even more of an inside look into what we see day to day. I make a few ditzy cameos in one or two of the newer clips... Enjoy.
Date: 2010-07-19
From: NYC

To: NYC
Miles today: 0.0

Day 97: A Big Fat ZeroSoooooo we didn't head back to the trail today. Our ride, Scatters' friend Alison, said she'd be able to take us back Tuesday morning, so the majority ruled, and we stayed in NYC another day to chill out. Probably my laziest zero day so far! I got all my errands done, so all I had to do (on a Monday - ha!) was sit around. It's nice to have down time, but I think I'm ready to get back on the trail. (Plus, I feel really ultra dorky walking around the city in my hiker clothes!!)This blog entry should be another short one, full of only non-AT happenings. After Dana and Mike left for work in the morning, I had breakfast, a thunderstorm rolled through, then I walked the 8 blocks over to where Scatters and One Life were staying. We watched a few movies and ate ALL day. A very nice recovery day all round. I got updates for my phone, took care of more warranty stuff (this time for my leatherman), internetted, and took a nap. I wanted to see all my friends in New York, but I also wanted to decompress and re-energize. Sorry to all those I missed while here! I'll try to make it back before long... Maybe on my way from Maine back to DC? (And congrats to Timon and Michelle!!! A healthy baby boy!!!)One Life and I walked back to Dana's apartment for dinner, and I caught the sunset on their rooftop porch. She made an awesome pesto pasta, and we talked about high school times while we ate and looked at old photos. After we finished, One Life headed back to Scatters' friend (Stephanie)'s place for bed, and Dana and I cleaned up before putting on pajamas. Too short of a stay! But just long enough for a break. I'm excited to get back out there. Hope my legs still work!!
Date: 2010-07-20
From: NYC

To: NJ-94
Miles today: 11.8

Day 98: NY-NJ-NY-NJWoke up early to shower and pack up. Said goodbye to Dana and Mike as they went to work, and I left as well. My friend, Stacy, came by for a quick catch up before she had to go to work, and then I walked over to Scatters' friend's apartment to meet up. Soon after, we were on our way back to Unionville with Scatters' friend, Allison!We hit traffic for a while, but then found higher speeds. We stopped at Dairy Queen for Blizzards, and Jen (a very nice worker there) gave us bananas. What a nice, extra (healthy) treat! We continued into Unionville and got dropped off as it began to sprinkle a bit. Said goodbye to Allison (thank you SO MUCH for the ride!!!!), and sat on the porch of the general store for a half hour getting ourselves prepared. We were hiking by 1:30, and thankfully it had stopped sprinkling. The terrain was quite flat for a while as we walked on a few roads. Then around a squared-off pond. Took a break after the hot sun, then headed into the swampy woods. There are a lot of boards to walk on through the swamps, but because it's been so dry, the ground wasn't too wet. Later we hit a few hills and rocks before walking out on a long, exposed track of boardwalk over a swamp. We didn't go swimming... There were long cat tail plants, but, luckily, very few mosquitos. All my joints were aching. My feet were sore. I felt old. Two days off = achy breaky body...?We made it to NJ-94 around 7pm and tried to hitch a ride into Vernon - about 2.5 miles away from the trail. This road was kinda hard to hitch from, and no one was interested in stopping. We smiled. We got smiles back. We waved. We got waves back. But no one stopped. Scatters tied a bandana around her knee for sympathy. We made a sign that said Vernon. We smiled more...Then Bob saved the day! We were headed to the St. Thomas Episcopal Church hostel, which happened to be his church - perfect! Thanks so much, Bob!!! It only took 30 minutes. Not too bad. We got cosy in the nice hostel, and despite a water problem (laundry and showers were out of order), we loved it. TV, AC, a few snacks, and no bugs. We made dinner in the kitchen and watched a little TV. Relaxed and talked about the next few weeks. Should be a comfortable night and a big miles day tomorrow....?
Date: 2010-07-24
From: Fort Montgomery, NY

To: Fort Montgomery, NY
Miles today: 0.0

Day 102: An Unexpected ZeroFort Montgomery, NYAMAZING breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express. Fresh cinnamon rolls, fruit, omelets, yogurt, good times. We feasted and went back to the room. Scatters and I had PLANNED to hike out that day..... Buuuuuut... There were DANGEROUS heat advisories out for the area AND One Life had the room for two days AND we had plenty of food AND the motivation suddenly dwindled after so much eating so early in the day. We changed our plans for an unexpected zero day in Fort Montgomery. We chilled out all day. Snacked. Watched bad tv. Napped. One Life uploaded photos. Scatters somehow got herself another free pack from Gregory. I took care of emails and other admin. A few trips to the mini mart. It was nice. And it was HOT outside!!! So glad to be in the AC. Powder, who has been back on the trail after pulling his hamstring a week or so ago, stopped by to hang out a bit and shower. Then One Life's sister, Abigail, drove up from NYC! We all hung out in the increasingly stinky room. Later on, we dropped Powder off at the trail head (he was stronger than all of us to get back on the trail so late!) and the ladies and One Life grabbed dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. Delicious! (thanks, Abigail!!)We were stuffed. Abigail drove us back to the hotel. We watched the end of a movie and then she left to get back home. (see you next weekend??) The rest of the evening was short. Hitch was on tv, then blogging and bed. Now we DEFINITELY should be rested and recharged to start off strong for New England. Looking forward to hiking in the morning! (and the breakfast beforehand : )(0)
Date: 2010-07-25
From: Fort Montgomery, NY

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 25.2
Weather: light rain

Day 103: An Unexpected Big DayRPH ShelterI know I had been hurting. And I know many people were telling me to take it easy. But I woke up ready to hike and so I did. Many miles...Since Scatters and I had not planned on taking a zero yesterday, we wanted to get out early and start back up again. One Life was feeling better, but didn't want to rush out the door. We all had the fabulous breakfast at the hotel and then packed up. Scatters and I ended up leaving just before 9, and One Life said he was going to hang around the hotel a bit longer. We were all hoping to see each other later... no matter if it would be today, tomorrow or later on in the week. So, Scatters and I were lucky to score a hitch very quickly from the gas station from a chef named Steve, who was on his way to work. Thanks Steve!! We walked over beautiful Bear Mountain bridge and the began to climb in the heat. The terrain wasn't too bad, but the humidity was horrible. Better than yesterday, but still bad. We hiked a while and then ran into TC, who we hadn't seen for a while. We caught up with what he'd been up to and stopped briefly for a snack, then we stopped at the Appalachian Market (brand new!?), then again for lunch - when it started sprinkling. (oh and we passed 1400 miles!) We weren't sure how far we'd make it, but we were feeling good. And there was water! In the streams!!?! It was so nice not to freak out too much about not knowing where the next reliable source would be. Thank the rains....We hiked on in the drizzle. We all play the "is it a stick or a snake" game most everyday, and I usually lose with stick. Today I ended up winning with a big ole lazy black snake flopped right across the trail. It didn't care about me at all or the nooses I made, and eventually it just slowly slithered off on its way. Oh snakes...We all stopped for an afternoon snack after 15 or so miles, and Scatters and I decided to push past 20 to see if we could make it to the next shelter. No pressure, but why not if we're feeling good, right...? TC was pretty sure he'd camp around 20 miles. As we hiked on, the rain stopped, and the sun came back out. It turned into a lovely afternoon, and then a dramatic evening sky - complete with BRIGHT full moon! We had dinner atop Shenandoah Mountain and watched the clouds a bit. Then we night hiked the last 2.8 miles to the shelter. Powder was there and so was Dr Rock, who I hadn't seen in a while. We chatted with Powder while getting ready for bed, and now it's time for dark. Hope TC and One Life ended up camping together somewhere!I can't believe how bright that moon is!!?!
Date: 2010-07-27
From: The NY-CT Border

To: Just north of the road the Kent
Miles today: 11.8

Day 105: In and Out of KentCold, damp night. Not sure how much sleep I actually got. I had the trashbag around my feet again, rain jacket on, hood... Cold. Damp. Woke up when Tattoo scared Scatters around 7:30. Good morning! (slugs)We packed up quickly and were off to hike 11 miles or so to Kent, CT. It wasn't really the easiest 11 miles at all. It got pretty warm without a breeze, and we almost ran out of water at one point. Buuuut we made it to the road. Powder is from Connecticut, and his mom was picking him up. He and his mom, Carol, offered us a ride into town, and after getting dropped off, we said goodbye to Powder for a day or two. He's gotta move his stuff out of his house because the house finally sold. He should be back soon and with Russell!In town, we stopped at the outfitter to pick up resupply packages (thanks mom!). Scatters and I cleaned up in the bathroom. We saw Deetz and Power Pack, but they were on their way back out to the trail. Xan and Neutron rolled into town right as we were heading to the laundromat. We got the laundry going and hung out with the group. Itinerary showed up, too. There was a grocery store across the street, so we all had a trip over there to fluff up our food bags. It was Xan, Neutron, Itinerary, Scatters, Tattoo and I. We snacked and charged our phones until the clothes were clean and dry. Tripper came by to say hello at one point. Kent was too expensive to spend the night, so we eventually made our way back to the trail. A lovely woman named Vivienne gave us a ride. Thanks!Back at the trail, we knew there would be a climb. We were really really really hoping there would be a fabulous, flat, perfect camping area (for SIX hikers) right at the top of the hill. And there was!! Flat, fluffy, leafy, beautiful camping area. Lovely. Everyone set up (while there was still sun light - what?!), and we're all good. I'm exhausted and so very ready for bed. Not a big day today, but 63ish miles in three days deserves a nice night of sleep. Night. Full blog with photos: http://maine2010.blogspot.com