morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-04
To: Final good-byes
Miles today: 0.0

Sunday night and we had a big day. At church this morning we said good-bye to our friends and our Pastor prayed for us. We had the kids and grandkids over for lasagna and everything we could feed them out of the frig to get rid of it. Anyone who has grandchildren knows they will eat almost anything and at Grandma's it's always better. We also had a fellow hiker come and eat with us and of course the mother-in-law. Our daughter brought us a cake to celebrate our anniversary .Thank-you Becky. Tailwinds, our fellow hiker brought this amazing cherry chocolate cake so we ate really well. I sent the leftovers home with the kids and trying to empty the frig. We will be turning it off and unplugging it. Getting the last minute things together and our daughter is coming to spend the night tomorrow so she can take us to the airport at 4 a.m.    Tomorrow I get my haircut and then we have a lunch date. Also have to stop and mail our dropboxes to Hiawassee and Franklin. giving it a week and 2 days to get there.My next entry will probably be from The Lodge at Amicalola Falls. We will be there 2 nights. 1 day left and then we say good-bye to Michigan. Til next time Tagnalong
Date: 2012-03-15
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I will bet that you thought we fell off one of these high mts. Well we made it to Hiawasse after 6 days on the trail. Days are mostly cool and foggy when we head out at 7. 2nd day out we wore our rain gear and ponchos all day Windy and cold. We finally saw the sun on the third day with great views.Day 4 we had the down jackets on to start but soon came off as we hiked up 4461 ft. to Blood Mountain. The view was great as the sun came out late morning. Tough climb down but did not fall as I had last time. Was anxious to get to Neel Gap to eat and re-supply. Got there around 1 and left at 3 with 8 lbs of food and full bellys. Baltimore Jack was there . He was helping out. Lots of hikers. Lots of sandwiches, soda,candy,hotdogs and trail food. 3 miles up the mt. and we pitched the tent for the night. Day 5 ,once again up early and hiked with our headlamps for a while. Rained all day and was cold. Mittens and earmuffs and raingear and ponchoes were worn all day.Saw a clump of beautiful daffodils at the top of Wilcat Mt. Spotted them as the fog lifted.. Day 6 was the opposite as we hiked in very warm weather and lots of tough climbs.Black flies are nasty, had to wear headnet.Day7 ,once again hiking with our hesdlamps Tray Mt. very tough climb.No swithbacks . Sunny and very warm in afternoon with hiking in the sun going up and down all day. BUT we did it. Now time to relax. Trying to heal Headnout blisters. Next stop , Franklin. Til next time, Tag-n-along
Date: 2012-03-16
From: Hiawassee

To: Franklin, N.C.
Miles today: 78.0
Weather: light rain

Well we decided to take a zero here today at the Holiday Inn Express. They have a pool and hot-tub we will be heading for shortly. Ate too much at Daniels so we both have a tummy-ache. Got my prescription filled at the Rite-aid so I am set for 3 months. They are forecasting thunderstorms for the next few days but we are leaving tomorrow anyway.    It is 40 miles to Franklin and we hope to make that in 4 days. It all depends on how many Mts. we have between here and there. They SLOW us down just a little. Ok , maybe a lot. Anyway we are doing great and ready to get back into the woods with the blackflies. Til next time Tagnalong
Date: 2012-03-17
From: Franklin, N.C.

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 109.0
Weather: scattered clouds

   Hitched into franklin this morning. Staying at the Budget Inn. Stayed on top of the mt. last night. Woke up to see the lights of franklin. Doing great, weather is sunny and unusually warm. Headnouts blisters are getting better.Moving on to N.O.C. then fontana dam.Lots of hikers ,views are awesome.Til next time, tagnalong
Date: 2012-03-26
From: Fontana Dam

To: Standing Bear hostel
Miles today: 165.0
Weather: clear sky

Well we finally made it to the great Fontana dam where we will go into the Smokys tomorrow after staying here at the lodge. It is very warm here and we have had rain at night for the last few nights. Jacobs ladder coming out of shecoah gap kicked our butts. It was a mile straight up. It has been taking us a long time to get up these mts. BUT we make it every time. It will take us probably 8 days to get through the Smokys. Last time we did it ,it was 8 but we had snow. Not so this time. Lots of hikers on the trail. Meet new ones almost everyday. That's it for now Tagnalong
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Hot Springs

To: Erwin Tn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

FINALLY, able to get to a computer to update. I feel we have forgotten where we are. Hot Springs, only it is raining,and raining. But we are at the new Hostel. it is managed by the one and only one, Chuck Norris and his wife Tigger. It is a stones throw from the trail right after you come out of the woods. To the left. Cannot miss it. Decided not to stay at Standing Bear, got there to early in the day.Got our re-supply and headed to the nearest campsite 2 miles UP the trail.    Spending 3 days here in Hot Springs ,planning to go to church on Easter Sunday.Next stop, Erwin Tn. 68 miles from here.
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Erwin Tn

To: Damascus,Va.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

This morning we came off the mt. down to Erwin,Tn. We are at the Holiday Inn,had showers and now the dryer is going with the laundry. We had some very cold weather this week after leaving Hot Springs, N.C. We also had some terrific trail magic. At Allen gap there was a sign to go down the road 350 yds and you will be served Belguim waffles, Pork stew and your choice of 4 desserts. Of course we went. Hercules and Fal were our hosts and they have fed over 2400 guests since they started doing this years ago. Very nice people. We also had trail magic at Dicks Gap { I think that is the name} anyway Quiet Paul who thru-hiked in 07 was ther to scramble eggs, serve hashbrowns, homemade muffins and O.J. and sodas. It was very chilly sitting there in the open BUT it was yummy. We had 2 nights between here and Hot Springs where the temps got down in the 30's during the night. My Nalgene water bottle which holds 4 cups was froze solid in the morning. The night before was not quite as cold but there was ice in the waterbottles. Head-n-out had a hard time keeping his feet warm but other than that we stayed warm. Do you know how hard it is to get out of that warm sleeping bag in the morning when it is that cold? VERY. I suppose I had better let everyone know that I did a nosedive early Thurs. I landed on my ribs and had a hard time hiking the rest of the day. I do not know how we went 15 miles that day but the trail was pretty easy. Not too many hills and lots of flat. It hurts to pick up anything and boy does it hurt to cough or sneeze. It is pretty sore but today there will be no pack on or any mt. climbing. My heavy breathing going up the hills is difficult. The ribs are not black and blue yet. It is tough to sleep. I like my side. Anyway, i will go on.    We will be re-supplying our food along the way so I do not have to carry much food. My pack is pretty light. Leaving here tomorrow, heading to Greasy Creek Gap Hostel then to Vango - Abby Hostel, then Hampton, Tn. So, til I get to a computer that is it for now. Til next time, Tagnalong
Date: 2012-04-25
From: Damascus,Va.

To: Pearisburg va
Miles today: 116.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We finally made it to Damascus. The last week has been very different from the rest.The weather has made a drastic change. Cold nights and cooler than usual days. Starting out in the early morning with our winter gear. So glad to have it. We are now seeing more flowers, lady slippers yesterday.We are staying here at the Hikers Inn. Very nice,private room. We came 5 miles off the Mt. this morning so we could get caught up. Laundry, bills, re-supply,rest and of course showers. Sunday night it got really cold and windy. We set up tent just north of Iron Mt. shelter and the next morning we had 2 inches of snow on the ground. It was still very windy and foggy. We played it smart and spent the day zeroing in the tent. It continued to blow all day. The next morning we took off and ended up doing 19 miles to get within 5 of Damascus. The trail was good and not too hilly. We made good time. Another cold night and it rained all night. The 5 miles down into Damascus was ok and we are glad to be here. Next hostel stop will probably be in Pearisburg.Til next time, tagnalong
Date: 2012-04-26
From: Pearisburg va

To: Daleville,Va
Miles today: 161.0
Weather: light rain

What an adventure the last 10 days. We have had rain almost everyday at night ,so we have a wet tent in the morning. We left Damascus on Fri.the 27th of April.We had a great stay in Damascus, even though we had to go to the emergency room in Abingdon.Head-n-out has a hernia. He has been wearing a truss and it helps a lot.I know he still has pain once in a while. I am sure the 50 lb. pack he is carrying does not help. Anyway, we did see ponies in Mt Rogers and we camped just below the rock climb on a huge opening. It was windy when we pitched the tent and all night we took turns holding up the poles.The winds were 40 to 50 miles an hour. No sleep. The views are great and the weather during the day when we hike has been awesome. Cool temps and nice breeze. We start hiking before 7 and start looking for a spot to tent at 5. We are averaging about 15 miles a day.   We have both lost a lot of weight. Trying to fatten up when we get to town. Hope to hit "The Home Place" this weekend. The place we are staying at is a town called Narrows. It is 5 miles west of Pearisburg.The motels were all filled up in Pearisburg but we found this GREAT Inn . McArthurs. They will pick you up at the D.Q. in Pearisburg and take you to their place. It is an Inn that was built in 1938. It was to be demolished but Alan the owner bought it and put a whole lot of money into it. It is great.He is taking us into town today so we can hit the AUCE Pizza Hut and Walmart to get re-supplied. Next stop Holiday Inn Express ,Daleville. Til next time,Tagnalong
Date: 2012-05-14
From: Daleville,Va

To: Glasglow
Miles today: 93.0
Weather: moderate rain

Rain rain go away. We have had rain almost everyday for the past week. Usually at night. The last 2 days have been have been very strenuous. We did Dragons Tooth one day and Macafee Knob the next. The views were awesome. Wish we could have spent more time at both places. We also walked .05 miles on Tinker Cliffs. All of these places were awesome and you could see forever. The trail has been rocky and very muddy because of the rain. It really slows us down. We are trying to put in 12 hour days. On the trail by 6:30 and ending at 6 or so. We have been getting in 15 to 19 miles. No 20 yet. There are still a lot of hikers on the trail.We have heard of a few who had to get off due to injury. Hiked into Dalesville this morning ,in the rain. We are at the Howard Johnsons getting laundry done and resupplying.spending the night. More hikers coming in today. Looks like it may clear up. Planning to go to Glasglow to resupply in 5 days. Then on to Waynesboro. Holiday Inn. Headnouts hernia is getting larger. What to do? He is too stuborn to get off the trail. Oh well. Til next time, Tagnalong
Date: 2012-05-19
From: Lexington,Va

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 79.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Change of plans.decide not to re-supply in Glasgow. Pushing on . Great choice. The climb after crossing the James River Bridge was a REALLY BIG one. I would not have liked to have to carry an extra 10 lbs of food. It has been getting warmer and the sun has been shining again. We are planning to get to Waynesboro in a few days, BUT we are now at a B & B in Lexington,Va. We needed to re-supply and this B&B sounded great. They picked us up at the trailhead and dropped us off at Hardees and then Dollar General, Food Lion and Kroger. Ken and Joyce are great. This place is a mansion on a hilltop. Great hiker rates.   Anyway,we are enjoying the views and are running into some hikers we have not seen on the trail. Spending the nights in the woods in a tent is an adventure in itself. Listening to all the sounds of the night. The whipperwills have been really singing a lot lately. The katy-dids are out. The woods are very noisy.It is great to be sitting here catching up after a shower in my jammies with a glass of wine. I will sleep tonight. Til next time, Tagnalong
Date: 2012-05-26
From: reeds gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 32.0

May 22, Just cleared chimney view. Trying to find a spot for the tent. 6:30. It is thundering. no spot, only on trail. good enough. fixed supper and in the tent by 7:30. 8:30,Headnout is in awful pain. doubling over and stomach and back pain. Lasts 10 minutes. takes 2 vicadin. 3 hours later same thing. 2 more vicadin. Put the "SPOT " out and hit the 911 button. its 10:30. he is settled down. 2 a.m. and again pain. another vicadin. r u counting? Did i mention it is raining?    finally both of us sleeping when I hear some russling by the tent. back and forth,back and forth. Voices are next. Tim, Nancy r u ok? r u in there? YES,YES. we are here. Tim again in pain. Mattie and Aliena and the dog are there to help. It is 5 a.m. Mattie contacts dispatch . we get things ready to go down the Mt. We have yet to go over 3 ridges. we are about 4 miles from Maupin Shelter. The atv is waiting,somewhere in-between. Mattie is carrying the big black pack and I carry my own. Tim is carrying Matties daypack.Up and down we go. On to the atv then down to the ambulance.Passed 3 sobo's.On to the hospital and then to Waynesboro for the night. Our friend drove from Mi. to pick us up and we are now home. Tim had kidney stone and hernia.The stone passed and we have a Drs. app. next Wed. If all goes well we will be back. Hope all is well with all of you. Miss you all. Hope to see you soon. Tagnalong
Date: 2012-06-08
From: Front Royal

To: Harpers Fery
Miles today: 130.0
Weather: clear sky

Hey you guys, we are back on the trail sfter 9 days off in Mi. Turns out Headnout had a kidney stone attack on the mt. on the 22nd of may. We thought it was his hernia but not. Anyway we are now in Front Royal after 7 days on the trail. It has been cool at night but the days for hiking are great. Saw 3 bears in the Park and a friendly skunk.Lots of friendly deer too. We miss hiking with the friends we were with before we had to leave. They are a good 10 days ahead. We may not see them for a while. Maybe if they slow down and we speed up. Ha Ha. We do not yellow blaze or slack. Every mile is a true one.Anyway, we are happy to be back on. Meeting some new hikers, Peach and Overdrive. We are seeing them almost every day. Hiking through the SNP was busy with section hikers and weekenders.    Hope to get going with more mileage. Doing between 18 & 20. For us that is a lot. We hike usually from 6 to 6. Til next time, Tagnalong
Date: 2012-06-10
From: Bears Den hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 33.0

   Left Fort Royal at 9 on Fri. Decided to try to get to Bears Den and spend the night. We hit the "roller coaster" Sunday morning and it was very warm. Go figure.We drank more water today than we ever had. The 15 ups ( we counted) and the 8 downs really wore us out. We got to Bears Den at 5:45 only to find out that they were having a FREE pot-roast dinner from 5-7. Pot-roast, salad,fresh fruit and desserts. All supplied by a local church. It was awesome. Of course we pigged out. Peach ,Overdrive,Cheezit,and Juggles were here.Plan to get into Harper's Ferry on Tues. early so we can spend the day. I wonder what # we are. How many hikers are ahead? It will be interesting to find out. We were off the trail for 10 days so many of the hikers we were with are way ahead. Oh well. We have been running into Peach and Overdrive for about 3 days now. Otherwise we have not seen many hikers.I am sure there will be some in H.F. We are soooo happy to be back on the trail.
Date: 2012-07-11
From: Ft Montgomery,N.Y.

To: Maine of course
Miles today: 401.0

hey everyone, we are taking a zero after a brutal week of heat and rocks. Leaving 8 ststes behind us now we are excited about getting out of N.Y. N.J. kicked our butts and the rocks from Pa. fell into N.J. The scenery has been great with the sunny days. We got a chance to see the N.Y. skyline from Black Mt. along with the Hudson River. We tented up by the Memorial Tower,then hiked into Bear Mt. The zoo was closed when we got there. They do not open til 10:00 and they close at 4:30. We were there at 8. Took the bypass and then hiked 1.6 miles to the Holiday Inn Express. Took a nero and a zero. Today S.O.S. and Trail Mama took us into the BIG city. We must have walked around there for 6 hours. It was the first time Headnout and I were in N.Y.other than hiking the trail. The trail was a lot quieter and not as many people. We hit Union Sq.,Chelseas Market,and who knows what else.It was Wed. so the market was open. All that fresh fruit and veggies. Yum.Tomorrow we head north again and hope to pick up some mileage. Our mileage has been down due to the heat and the boulder climbing. We did make it through the lemon squeeze ok. So, until I can get to a computer again, til next time,Tagnalong
Date: 2012-07-26
From: Dalton

To: Maine
Miles today: 167.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well,well well, here we are again in another State. 3 left. Mass has been great and Ct. even better. The hiking seems to get better each day. We stayed at a NEW hostel in Salisbury, Bearded Woods. Hudson and Big Lu are great hosts. They welcome you with open arms and wait on you hand and foot. They feed you,do your smelly laundry, shuttle you and you also get a bunk with sheets and pillow and a nice warm blankey. We took a zero there ,it was cold and rainy that day.   I cannot believe that I wore my down jacket in the month of July. It was a very cool night on Tues. I think it is time to get my sleeping bag back. I have no fat on my bones to keep me warm, just Head-n-out and he has lost weight too. We are taking a couple of days off. "Sandman" our hiking buddy in 2006 lives near Boston and offered to come get us so we could spend time with him and his wife. The timing could not be better. Thunderstorms are moving into the area for the next 2 days. Thanks Sandman. Our feet are also crying for a break. We are now back up to our comfortable mileage . 12 to 14 a day. We start at 6 and go til we are tired. Not always by a shelter but like to be near water which is now scarce. A lot of the streams are dried up but maybe the rain will help. We have also been running into SOBO's. Most of them started last of May or first of June. We are ready for some rest so til next time, Tag-n-along
Date: 2012-08-04
From: Maine

To: Killington,Vt
Miles today: 249.0

Hey everyone, We have only 3 states left and we will be done. I cannot believe we are in Vt. and heading to the Whites in a bit. We are in Manchester Vt. staying at the most wonderful hostel ever. For $20.00 each we get a bed with sheets and a real pillow, hot shower,internet,a kitchen to fix Headnout taco's for supper and pancakes for breakfast,run of the house and laundry. Jeff who runs the place is great. After 6 days on the trail we were ready for a break. The trail in Vt. is muddy and lots of roots as we remember. Stratton mt. was a great climb. We have been running into south bounders for the last 5 days. Most of them left Katahdin late May or early June. As i look at them I think of how far they have to go or how far I have come. We are still having hikers pass us that left way after us. We must be getting slower. We are still enjoying the trail and we are looking forward to Katahdin. 535 miles left and then it will be all over. I am sure the time will be flying by. Going to killington to get our winter gear as we hit the White Mts. I sure hope we do not need it but rather safe than sorry. That's it for now, Til next time, Tagnalong
Date: 2012-08-19
From: In the Whites

To: Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hello you hikers, I guess by now that the word has spread that Tagnalong is offthe trail. That would be the truth. I had pulled a muscle about 6 week ago and it was getting worse.It was hard to hike without pain. I was slowing us down and I knew with the Whites ahead I was going to be in trouble. I got off the trail in Hanover. So, on Tues. August 14 I kissed Headnout goodbye as he headed out the door of our hotel. It was hard to let him go, I knew that he wanted to finish the trail so that was that. I do not know where he is, he does not carry a cellphone. I am sure he will call when he gets into town. I am assuming he is just into the Whites. Trail mama is on the lookout for him and I am sure he will run into S.O.S. My guess is that he will try to work for stay.I have an appointment with the chiropractor tommorow. My muscle is not getting any better. I still hobble around and it is very stiff in the morning. Heat does help but not for very long.Soaking in a hot tub helps a little. I sure hope it is nothing serious. I am sure i made the right choice by getting off the trail but really hated to leave. Less than 500 miles. 2 states to go.
Date: 2012-08-25
From: Gorham,N.H.

To: Rangley,Me
Miles today: 70.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After leaving Tagnalong in Hanover I headed to the Whites. It took me 8.5 days to get to Gorham. The weather in the Whites was beautiful and no rain. Had some high winds going up Madison. Talked to Tagnalong today. She has been icing a lot and she seems to be getting better. I want her to come to Me. and hike up Katahdin with me. She will drive out. Have no idea when I will be that will be. Only hiking 10 miles a day to get through the Whites. Got to stay at the huts a few times with work for stay. I am hoping I can get back to 15 a day for a while. I am here at the White Mt. Lodge and Hostel. S.O.S. and TrailMama are here. Have not seen them since Hanover. Taking a much needed zero tomorrow. Til next time. Headnout
Date: 2012-09-12
From: Rangley,Me

To: Whitehouse Landing
Miles today: 183.6

WOW,I CANNOT BELIEVE I HAVE NOT BEEN UPDATING. I AM IN MONSON WHICH MEANS I WILL BE ENTERING THE 100 MILE WILDERNESS. I AM TAKING TODAY OFF AND WILL LEAVE TOMORROW. THE WEATHER IS SUPPOSE TO BE GREAT FOR THE NEXT 5 DAYS. THE COMMUNITY IS SERVING A MEXICAN DINNER HERE TONIGHT . I WILL BE THERE. TRAILMAMA WILL BE COMING IN TODAY AND SOS TOMORROW.    SO, IT IS OFFICAL, TAGNALONG WILL BE LEAVING MICH. ON SUNDAY AND DRIVING OUT TO FRAMINGTON WHERE SHE WILL WAIT FOR MY CALL FROM ABOL BRIDGE CAMPGROUND.THE PLAN IS FOR HER TO COME IN THE NIGHT BEFORE WE SUMMIT TOGETHER. I CAN HARDLY WAIT. HOPING IT WILL BE A GREAT DAY. IT IS AMAZING TO FINALLY REALIZE THE END IS NEAR. I WONDER WHAT ADVENTURE WE WILL DO NEXT. TAGNALONG KNOWS I CANNOT SIT AROUND TOO LONG. IT AS BEEN A GREAT TRIP. JUST WISHING TAGNALONG COULD HAVE HIKED THE WHITES WITH ME.IT WAS BEAUTIFUL.TIL NEXT TIME,HEAD-N-OUT
Date: 2012-09-23
From: Whitehouse Landing

To: The Birches
Miles today: 109.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I CANNOT BELIVE I AM SO CLOSE TO THE END OF THIS GREAT JOURNEY. STAYING AT THE LANDING FOR 2 NIGHTS AND WAITING FOR SOS TO GET THERE. HE WAS STILL NOT THERE ON WED. SO I LEFT WITH 'STEPS' ON THURS. WE HIKED TO RAINBOW STREAM -LEAN-TO AND STAYED THERE . GOT UP THE NEXT DAY AND WE HIKED INTO ABOL CAMPGROUND. WE GOT THERE EARLY AND 'STEPS' WIFE WAS THERE TO TAKE US INTO MILLINOCKET.TAG-N-ALONG DID NOT EXPECT US TIL THE NEXT DAY. I REALLY SURPRISED HER.WE STAYED AT THE A.T. LODGE AND THEN SHE WENT BACK TOABOL AND HIKED INTO 'THE BIRCHES' WITH US. WE GOT THERE AND WERE PICKED UP BY JANE, 'STEPS' WIFE AND THEN BACK TO TOWN. WE STAYED 2 MORE DAYS AND THEN MADE PLANS TO STAY AT THE PARK ON MON. SO WE COULD SUMMIT ON TUES. THE WEATHER WAS SUPPOSE TO BE SUNNY BUT COLD. NO WIND.SO, RIGHT NOW WE ARE WAITING FOR TUES. WHEN WE WILL SUMMIT. SOS AND MANY OTHERS WHO WE HAVE HIKED ALONG THE WAY WITH ARE ALSO PLANNING ON TUES.IT SHOULD BE AN AWESOME REUNION. 5.2 MILES AND WE WILL BE OFFICALLY DONE. WHAT A JOURNEY.