morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-10-21
To: Getting ready for the roller coaster
Miles today: 0.0

We hiked a relatively short day today, stopping to put down some barbeque. The day ended at Rod Hollow shelter where a youth group was staying. They later relocated due to problems which left just the two of us with the whole shelter. It was just as well, we thought we would need our rest for the roller coaster the next day.
Date: 2003-10-22
To: Take a Ride on the Roller Coaster 
Miles today: 18.1

We started riding the roller coaster first thing this morning. The roller coaster is a series of over a dozen climbs one right after the other. Some are only 300 feet and some are 500 or 700 feet. The way was rocky but we were able to glide through it with relative ease. A lot of hikers complained about this section being very hard. A lot of Northbound hikers that is. I guess at that point in your journey it is a hard thing and your body is not as well conditioned. However, after having made it through the mountains of New Hampshire and the rugged terrain in Maine, the roller coaster proved to be easy for our bodies. In fact we ended up hiking 18 miles that day while storms doused us lightly with freezing rain. A side trail led to the Blackburn center a .27 hike downhill. We were at the top debating whether we wanted to descend the trail or hike further when a clap of thunder helped us to make a decision. Down we went on the trail. We were greeted with a smile from Bill, the caretaker. He showed us around the place and invited us to have dinner with him. We heartily agreed. Dinner was great! We had spaghetti, vegetables (what are those?) and garlic bread. Bill didn't let us get away without some of his famous brownies that have cream cheese in them. No one goes away hungry from Blackburn Center, Bill said. We were enjoying his company and that of another hiker when one more came in off of the dark of the trail. After dinner we happily retired to a bunk bed and a cabin warmed by a woodstove. As the temperature dropped outside, we knew we had made the right decision.
Date: 2003-11-15
To: Lessons Learned on the Trail
Miles today: 0.0

While we were making our last grocery run into Linden, Virgini, it hit me between the eyes. The reality that the voyage of 6 and 1/2 months was about to abruptly come to an end. My inner guide came back after being silent for so long and asked me to try to summarize my journey into lessons learned. I wrote a few of these down while I was on the trail and so I will continue to write them down even now as I look back on the lessons learned and as I continue to learn even though my feet are no longer to the path. I invite my fellow hikers to tell me and our avid readers (ha, ha) of their lessons learned via the guest book. Here are a few of mine:LESSONS LEARNEDIt doesn't matter how many times you fell, only how many times you got up!Don't get too proud or walk too fast for even the smallest pebble can bring you down.If you want a relationship to last in life's journey, you may have to wait for others or quicken your pace to stay with them. Good friends will do the same for you. The roller coaster was a fitting end to this journey, for I continue to be on an emotional rollercoaster of re-entry.I am tired of hiking and I don't want to stop hiking.Quieting the mind is a skill worth keeping.Until I write again, SONIC
Date: 2003-12-25
To: Hiking to the North Pole
Miles today: 0.0

Today in my Christmas dream I am leaving on a journey to the North Pole. It will be a long and grueling hike but I am ready for it as is my team of huskies. I just have to tell my hiking partner, 'Guana, but she is a flexible person and I know that she won't mind last minute notice to leave today on this trip of over 3,000 miles. We are both ready to go hiking again. The underutilization of our bodies in the past two months has taken its toll. So off we go, with our backpacks filled to the top - hiking over hill and dale through tough and inclement weather. We don't care, at least we are in the company of trees again finding our path amongst the rocks and rubble. The level concrete and pavement of the past few months has left us little challenge, so we must embark on this journey to keep sane and to keep growing our hiking skills.We camp in the snow, cook with one pot (which means a lot less dishes) and eat things that only need water to become an instant meal. No fresh food thank goodness, my body is still having trouble trying to get over that. Give me the dehydrated sodium high packets of Ramen noodles and instant potatoes any day of the week. In fact, what week, time means nothing out here in the woods. The only time that exists is now and some very far distant point known as the conclusion of one journey which is also the start of another. As 'Guana and I start down a steep slope, my mind is distracted and so my gaze wonders. The next thing I know my foot slips on the path and I do one of my famous "turtle" falls, "whump!" on my back. Only then do I awake and realize that I am not on a trail at all. I am in a cozy home with heat, fresh food, television and loved ones only a dial away. And what of this dream I have been living this year? I wouldn't change it for the world and as I roll over in my comfy bed I seek to re-enter the dream of trails gone by and of trails that lie ahead. May your trail beyond the Trail continue to lead you to your dreams and when you accomplish those dreams may you find others beyond them. Forever changed and forever a hiker, Sonic
Date: 2004-02-10
From: Preparing for the Trail in my dreams

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I was walking through an REI the other day and it was about this time last year that I was doing the same thing. This time I was attending a snowshoe workshop, last year I was buying every piece of valuable equipment that I thought I needed for my trek on the Appalachian Trail. It's hard to believe that soon March 2, 2004 will roll around and that will be one year since we embarked on the AT. Something in my soul wants to go walking again. I begin to talk about hiking and the Pacific Crest Trail and it is starting to sound pretty good. Not now, not any time soon...but to have a plan to go hiking again is important. To have a vision that I will be out in the woods again...with lots of time to think is very appealing. Carol and I went hiking in the woods behind our apartment the other day and were taunted by the same animal that taunted us through our journey in New England....the MOOSE. We still haven't seen one, but surprisingly stumbled across a set of moose tracks in the woods behind us. New hope to see a Moose has arisen and we plan to tromp through the woods again. All this tromping brings on both joy and melancholy. It seems unnatural to go hiking without my backpack - the poor thing looks abandoned and I have to run my hand over it now and then just to make sure that it wasn't a dream. I am still getting used to having fresh fruit. Only recently have I re-discovered fruit. Yum! I don't want to pine my life away (no pun intended - well, maybe) thinking about my life in the woods. I just need to figure our how to get there regularly and in the long run permanently. It is where I feel at home and at peace. So to all the fellow hikers who are struggling through re-entry, I wish you courage. Rest assured there are woods in your future, though they may not be part of your present.
Date: 2007-11-08
To: Pacific Crest Trail or Motherhood
Miles today: 0.0

We are coming up on on the 4th anniversary of the completion of our thru hike of the AT in 2003. We had in fact had to do a jump up and left the last 80 miles undone. We completed those last miles with our dog, Moca, in October 2006. A grueling 80 miles in the Mahoosic range and Moody mountain was definitely one of the most challenging. We'd like to write more about the last 80 miles of the hike and finally having completed the hike, but will have to make those entries another day with photos.It's amazing how this journey stays so fresh in the mind and the heart. We printed our journal off and each year we play a guessing game about where do you think we were on this day? So it has been an amazing and truly unforgettable journey - we can recall so much. That is awesome for someone like me, Sonic, who can hardly remember which day it is.So for now we ponder - what adventure is there next. Is it time to hit the PCT or it is time to put forth another hiker on to the planet....time for Motherhood. So here is the fork in the trail at which we stand and time will tell which one we follow. More to come - as we write in days to come the conclusion of the last 80 miles of our Appalachian Trail journey!!! Stay tuned!
Date: 2008-03-02
From: Pacific Crest Trail or Motherhood

To: Eno River
Miles today: 2.0

Today we celebrate the 5th year anniversary since we started our 2003 thru hike. Yes, it was March 2, 2003. And we remember it well. It's amazing five year laters how much we recall of our journey - I guess that is because it was an amazing journey and no two days were alike. So in honor of this day I, Sonic, being of sound mind...but not so sound body, took a short hike of contemplation at a local North Carolina park called Eno River. Alas, the park was thick with people so I took the trail less traveled and it was peaceful and quiet and made all the difference. It gave me time for reflection and time to breathe far from the maddening crowd. And so it was with the Appalachian Trail hike that although we found ourselves in crowds from time to time and enjoyed their boisterousness, mostly what I enjoyed about the trail was its serenity and simplicity. Simplicity is a choice that one must make daily here amidst the complexities of life in the USA. It's the simple pleasures that are the best - the pleasure of squeezing raw brownie mix into a friend's mouth on the first day of Spring like the picture shows.This was the year that we had planned to go hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail, ah, but life has complicated itself and biological clocks are ticking. So we stand at another crossroads. Time will tell which adventure shall be next.I doubt that this will be our last journal entry. I can't bear to choose the default "conclusion." I feel like there is so much more to the Appalachian Trail - life begins on it and really starts after you have had that kind of qualilty time to learn about yourself and others. I am sure my friends are bored with our stories. The truth is that when you have a true life-changing experience you want to share it with others, over and over again, until they believe you. However, at some point they get bored with your same stories , so there's only one thing to do....embark on another adventure so we can bore your friends with those stories for another five years!
Date: 2003-03-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

   This is my first journal entry. First things first. My name is Andrew and I hail from a quaint burg in Massachusetts known as Medway. I am twenty-two years old and I am currently attending Saint Anselm College in New Hamphsire. Only 45 days now separate me from a journey that i have desired for some time now. But first, I must complete my second semster of my senior year culiminating on Wednesday the 7th of May, with my final final exam. Cabin fever is abound.From there, i intend to head home for a few days wishing my family and friends well and to make a few last minute prepearations. From there i plan to take a bus out of boston on Saterday May 10th and arrive in Gainesville, GA on Mothers day @ 9:00 am. I have made arrangements for a friend to pick me up at the bus station (thanks so much VAL) and plant me at Amicalola Falls ST. Prk sometime that morning. I have decided to forgoe graduation ceremonies to the dismay of some and enthusiasm of others. At this point in my life Id much rather meander in the majesty of the mountains then march in line to the tune of the institution. I look forward to reading all of your jouranls. i have already started reading many of yours. Feel free to sign the guest book or drop me a line."Sage"
Date: 2003-03-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The weather here in NH is hovering around 50 degress and is expected to soar to the lower 60's. The giant snow banks that once stood fifteen feet have now dwindled to five feet and in some places at ones knee caps. All thanks to mother natures warm touch. With more to come Im sure. I plan on walking today minus snow shoes, after I attend afew classes. The step machine in the gym does no justice to climbing. I intend to prep my drop boxes this weekend.Thats all for now."Sage"
Date: 2003-03-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

   My weekend goal to begin organizing my drop boxes was unsuccessful. I have a feeling that i may lay seige to the food before it makes it (unharmed) into those cardboard boxes. As a college student, instant food is an attractive alternative to the time consuming rigors of fine cuisine. I wouldnt consider myself nearly as malnourished in quailty of food as some people whom i lived with in the past. I once had a roomate who believed he had scurvy due to some undesirable sores on his arms. His steady diet of pasta and ice cream provided him with calories and fat, and only a fraction of necessary vitamins, such as the allmighty "C". I eat a pretty steady amount of fruits and vegatables (more of the former) along with a organic multivitamin which i will continue to eat while on the trail. Thankfully, the roomate of old did not have the scurvy, forever synomomous with the sea fairing men of old. Like the sailer, most hikers will not have access to fresh fruits and veggies or icecream while in the woods, but Ill surely gorge myself at road side farms and produce sections of local superettes whenever possible. And if i feel industrious enough, I'll pack a bag of fruit or a bottle of vino to share with some creature comforts with my companions. At hindsight, the days fly bye and yet at present they do just the opposite. Can man ever reconcile his lust for time? To seek medium between time gone and time not yet existing, perhaps a thought for a dream in my near future.
Date: 2003-04-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello Yall,Last night i began to put together my drop boxes. I have 7 boxes near completion and three to go. I will have to make another trip to the Costco wholesale club and one to the local supermarket for the fine cuisine we call Lipton one-pot meals. While packing the boxes, i thought it kinda funny that i wouldnt be opening some of them for 2-3-4-and five months. The countdown for Springer Mountain is currently at 33 days. I really should get to work on the pprs that i have already overdue. But instead i roam around in the journal section reading first-hand accounts of thru-hiking journeys and thinking about the ramon Ill be eating some months from now. My "perdicament" reminds me of a 19th century poet named Frederick Tuckerman who said, "my heart is in my garden but my mind wanders at will amongst the fiery stars". I'm gonna go eat some fatty ice-cream and wander with the stars this afternoon."Sage"
Date: 2003-04-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

hello yallI won't be long now before i am walking north from Springer. By my count it is thirteen days until i begin. My mail drops are now complete and ready to be shipped. First, they must be brought to "base camp" (i.e my lady friend Christina's house)where they will be shipped periodically based on an estimated time of arrival which will change as determined by my progress. (Note to my family and others)-Check mail drop section for changes prior to sending some trail magic. Christina has assumed the responsibility of supplying me with my physical needs and the mental "pick-me-up" when the time comes. Thanks babe!Earlier this afternoon i decided to toat my new hennessy hammock out of doors to figure it all out: set up, set up in rainy conditions, and basically just gain a sense of it. Hopefully this exercise was beneficial, especially if i avoid looking silly come two weeks from now. Getting intto it for the first time was an awkward experience but once I gained balance, it was very comfortable. I think i will test run the hammock in the next rain storm that pushes it's way though New England. To those who have signed my guest book-Thank you very much. Come walking time i will surely enjoy reading them. Thats all to report for now."Sage"
Date: 2003-05-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It is now the 9th of May and tommorow i begin my bus journey from boston to Gainesville, GA. On Wednesday, i finished four years of college. They are gonna send me my diploma in the mail. I am ready for another adventure. The music from my md player will keep me in good traveling spirits along with a few books: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and and essay entitield "Walking" by Thoreau. On Mother's Day i begin to walk north. I look forward to joining the long proverbial train that meanders, day by day, to points north. I look forward to sleeping under and among new swaths of forest, and awaking to new lights. I will make my home and bring it with me every day. My mind and feet will earn each and every mile-nothing comes easy for the wanderer. I must borrow the words of "Nimblewill Nomad", for I lack such eloquence. When asked "why" he journied 4400 miles in 1998 from the Florida Everglades to Quebec, Canada he said he sought peace, "I was carrying an incredible burden-not the pack that weighed heavy on my back but a burden so much more heavy on my heart and on my mind. It wasnt until i could truly look at myself as a person; not till then could i see these burdens for what they were...and finally deal with them". We are all works in progress. I am no finished product by any means. And so i wander.To my friends, family, and to those whom i will meet soon enough-Thank you all very much for the support: past, present, or future. Many miles to walk.
Date: 2003-05-11
From: Amicalola approach trail

To: Hawk Mountain shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: moderate rain

I made it to the approach trail compliments of Val on sunday. It began pouring, so i waited it out for about an hour. I wasn't planning on doing the 9 mile approach trail, but was forced too when the torrential downpours made the fire road 42 impassable by car. Oh well i thought. I reorganized my pack, got some water, made some final stretches and began the trail in the rain @ 12 noon. Not much too see on the approach; just ups and downs. I made it to Springer Mountain at about 3:30 with a whole lot of adrenline rushing through my blood. I was received by a stunning view of the clouds rising above the mountainous horizon. I took a few pictures and signed the trail legend. From there i stopped at the Springer mnt shelter for an hour or so where i cooked some food, dryed out my gear and took it all in. The weather cleared and i couldnt bring myself to waste it sitting in a shelter, so i moved on another 8 miles to another shelter. I met a handful of thru-hikers on the day, all with the same intention. I spent a cold night in the shelter. Georgia in may is quite cold unbeknownced to me.
Date: 2003-05-12
From: Hawk Mountain shelter

To: Wood's Hole Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

The weather was wonderful on this day; clear and beautiful. I started walking t about 8:00 in the morning and didnt stop till around 5:30. I met some great people, fellow thru hikers. In the shelter someone left: a tent, stove, first aid kit, food, camp suds data books. I found a note that said "whoever finds this can HAVE IT". Apparantly someone had become so frustrated with their hiking experience that they threw it all out. I was excited. This was my first trail magic experience of the trip. I decided to keep the tent and send it home to my brother. A brand new walrus one man tent, "wow" i thought.I spent another cold night sleeping, only this time half of it was in my hammock. The wind was whistling and the temps dropped. I was forced back into the shelter where i wrapped the rain fly of the tent i found around my sleeping apparatus. I woke up early to see three deer dancing around the campsite. It was a spectacular site. Life is good.
Date: 2003-05-15
From: Tray mountain shelter

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

I slept well at the shelter last night. I configrued two trash bags in the form of a sleeping bag with large amounts of duct tape. It didnt breath at all, but it did break the wind and cold temps we experienced up over 4000 feet. We woke up at 800 am because we wanted to get into our first town stop at Hiawassee. A half hour into our walk the rains came and came hard. I was intent on reaching the town. I had pizza and all you can eat eateries on my mind. This made the climbs all the more challenging. The forests looked like rain forests or what i think rain forests would be like never having been to one. 10.6 miles later i made it to the road at 12:00 noon. Lunch box, two fleece, and camel were waiting at the road trying to get a hitch the 11 miles into town. WE eventuually got a ride from a native of Hiawessee. We loaded our stuff in the car andwere off to town. Boy i wanted pizza. He was very talkative, like most southernes. We didnt even know his name and he brought us to his house, talked about his girlfriend (who was the major of town), and gave us the dime tour of the town. All the while my stomach was screaming for some sody pop and pizza. I was patient. A nice guy. Thanks for the ride mister. We made it to the HOliday Inn, showered, and feasted in prodigous fashion until i was content.Im not at the local library. The great thing about these small southern towns is that everything is in close proximity. Where's the library? Just a block or two down the road. So herei am in the library updating my journal, a bit haphazardly however because i have left my journal and data book back at the hotel. Its been only five days and i am already having difficulty identifying one day from another. But, i am also teaming with thoughts. Only so much time to transcribe them into computor journal.Not sure if i will stay the night. I still have to go food shopping and pick up a bandage pad for my ankle. Over the last 2 days my left foot has swollen so that it is uncomfortable to walk downhill. I have consequently loosened up my sneaker to lessen the pain, but his has only increases my risk of turning my ankle which i have down on several painful occasions. Im not used to hiking with sneakers, not only this but my sneakers are too damn (in length and width) big-this angers me.My foot troubles are a combination of sneaker size, ankle turning, and the big miles that i have done in five days, 75 to be exact. I think i should look into a new footwear, maybe boots. I have been icing, resting, and elevating my foot today. My trail companions have told me that it could be a stress fracture. This worries me. Decisions to make. For now i wait it out.Tommorow we will cross our first boarder if all goes well. Not
Date: 2003-05-16
From: Hiawassee

To: Sassafras gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

It has been a long while since i have had access to a computor. To those of you who have been following my progress, i apologize. Its been hard sitting in front of a computor trying to truly reccount my journey in its fullest. Since i wrote last, i had foot problems due to my large sneakers. Since then i have been moving north with foot pain abated. I had my boots sent to fontana dam, nc where i replaced my shoes.So what have i been doing for the last two weeks?I left Hiawasee GA and the holiday in and hitched back to the trail, leaving town comforts and continental breakfasts behind. Though my feet still pained me i was willing to look beyond that because i was crossing my first state boarder into NC. Once i crossed the boarder NC welcomed me with a killer climb straight up for half mile and downward towards Bly Gap. I decided to camp off trail a ways. I cooked and ate dinner while the sun set below the tree line. Truly a marvelous site. I slept 9 wonderful hours in my hammock. The morning rains may have had influenced my reluctanc to wake up and break camp. I eventually became motivated to move and this i did.