morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-09-27
From: South Crocker Mountain

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: few clouds

1986.3 down. 187.8 to go.Last night I camped on a fairly flat spot on top of South Crocker Mt. Not a great idea in most cases, but with the wind and rain it seemed the best choice. I awoke this morning still mostly dry and reluctantly started the days journey in a situation I haven't been in for some months now: Dressed in all my cold weather gear. I was cold. My fingers were chilled to the point they would barely function in cliping things togther; morning camp breaking chores that require manual dexterity. Somehow I muddled through it all and was shortly on my way. In an hour the weather started to clear. The down slop, or north face of South Crocker was a much easier than yesterday's ascent. Going up North Crocker also went very well, conditions continuing to evolve into a brisk, cold and windym sunny day. Food gone and water low, my empty pack allowed me speed down the mountain and to the road in what seemed like the kind of speed I almost posessed before hitting the Whites in New Hampshire. It took an hour to get a ride into Stratton, but by 1:30 I was busy into the middle of a plate of pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn and stuffing. Yum! I found the $20 hiker hostel and busily went about the business of town chores, the usual: laundry, gorceries and (ahem) personal hygiene. There is still the problem of being unable to sit in a lundromat naked, so I am forced to choose which items will and will not be washed. I ALWAYS do socks and underwear, but this time I am wearing a sleeveless vest and hiking shorts while all elses washes. Occasionally I sit in the village laundromat in my long johns. In Hot Springs, N.C. locals complained that a pair of hikers threw ALL their clothes into the wash and sat around in a scanty underwear created from duct tape. I swear it was not me. Duct tape and my nether areas were never meant to co-exist in that sense. Still, it's funny and very practical.
Date: 2005-10-02
From: Caratunk, Me.

To: Pleasant Pond Mountain
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Caratunk, Me to Pleasant Pond Mountain (7.0)Nothing significant today, though I do remember having an epic battle with a mouse a couple nights ago.Ihad camped just off the trail, tired from an 18 mile day and the cold weather earlier. Rather than button my tent as usual, I left the mosquito netting open because the season for bugs has come and gone. I ate my dinner, read a little and fell asleep early. During the middle of the night I was awakened by the familiar rustling and scurrying sound so often heard in shelters...but never in "MY" tent. I flipped on my headlamp and was instantly face to face with a voraciously hungry little field mouse. Now, my tent is very small, barely containing me and all my gear. Somehow, though, it became sufficiently big enough toserve as a NASCAR race track as I chased that mouse 'round and 'round the perimeter. When he would hide, I would start moving things to root him out and then he'd run again. I chased him to the front of the tent, but though trying, he couldn't seem to find the exit. My language became very similar to that of Jesse Lee, the young lady coming down the mountain while cursing the storm. At one point the mouse was running on the tent ceiling and he wanted out as much as I wanted him out. Eventually he found his freedom and I threw him a piece of cheddar out of respect. I can only imagine the story he had for his family when he finally arrive safe at home.
Date: 2005-10-03
From: Pleasant Pond Mountain

To: Horseshoe Canyon lean-to
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

Pleasant Pond Mountain to Horseshoe Canyon lean-to2050.6 down 123.5 to go.By averaging a little more than 10 miles per day I can finish on October 15th. I was pretty disgusted with only doing 7 miles, so this morning I was laying in my tent at 5:30, just waiting for it to get light enough to walk. As soon as I could see my feet on the ground, I took off. Speaking of feet, it was a day for wet feet with three streams to ford and one mud bog that sucked me in up to mid-calf. For awhile I played musical socks with my 3 pair; take off the wet, rinse them and hang them on my pack to dry. Put one the driest pair, etc and repeat the process. Eventually I just gave up.I don't remember the last time I busted 20 miles, probably before Vermont. It felt really good. In mid-afternoon I got really tired, so I lay down by the trail and slept for half an hour. Sort of an AT power nap. It ave me the pep I needed to get to the shelter.Tomorrow is Monson. The last town before the hike is over and the last anything for 100 miles. I will be entering the "100 mile wilderness". It's like the Roach Motel, many check in, but not all check out. This may be the last entry from the trail that you will read until I summit Katahdin.
Date: 2005-10-04
From: Monson, Me

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

HI,Just a quick note to let everyone know that I'm in Monson, Me, the last stop on the trail before the 100 mile wilderness. Next stop, Katahdin... All of my packages arrived on time, new shoes, a replacement hiking pole, food and (drum roll) a shirt and hat from the Hole in the Wall in Danbury...and a card from Joe and Cheryl Schaaf. Everything is going well. The weather for the past 4 days has been great, almost hot. This is a lower area without significant mountains and it reminds me so much of NW Wisconsin. I've joke with myself a couple of times that I may as well go home and walk in the woods there. Then again, there's still Katahdin to climb.Today's hike consisted of 2 river fordings and many mud bogs. My feet have been wet for the past three days and my shoes are tattered and worn. Fortunately I called the manufacturer about 10 days ago, complained, and a free pair was waiting for me when I arrived. Same with the hiking poles. All I have to do now is make sure I have enough food for 100 miles, do my laundry for one last time and hit the trail in the morning. I'm mailing some journal entries to Bitpusher to fill in some of the gaps between Stratton and here. Thanks again for all your support. See some of you soon if the bears don't get me.
Date: 2010-01-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

                                 RODNEY LEERodney and I were classmates at Webster High School back in 1963, a friendly, gregarious young man, bright, sensitive and a much more loyal friend than I. One of those people that everyone immediately liked and enjoyed being around. Following graduation, I soon enlisted in the Navy and Rodney, if memory serves, enrolled in college at what was then known as Superior State University. As I recall, Rodney was killed in 1964 when the car he was driving ran into a parked car somewhere around the Twin Cities. I was probably stationed in Japan by then and may have not known about it until I returned to the states two years later. I have thought of Rodney in every year of my life since I became aware of his passing. I thought about him in Vietnam, wondering what his life might have been like had he lived. No doubt I thought about him while stationed on that hospital ship in '67 and '68. I thought of him while on a Coast Guard Buoy Tender in Alaska from '76 to '77 and maybe while in Miami during those crazy drug busting years of the early '80's. During times of feeling sorry for myself I would, if fortunate, recall his memory and wonder what his life would have been like had he lived. Many times it helped me through the self inflicted doldrums of self pity and sometimes I ignored the opportunity to elevate myself. During my thru hike attempt in 2005, I mentioned several veterans that were meaningful to me in my life time. Chuck and Clair Trott from WW11 come to mind, John Holmes and Bob Trott who were both child hood friends and fellow Vietnam veterans. All now deceased. They were all veterans and Rodney lived but a too brief moment. So, why Rodney? Rodney's brief life teaches me to be grateful for the life I have been given. To ponder that and realize what a tremendous gift has been afforded me who really doesn't deserve that much (though as much as some, I reckon) fills me with a powerful sense of gratitude which has often helped me get through the tough times of life...when I cared to listen. Rodney is part of this journal and this hike because there will be tough times ahead and I just want his memory to walk with me.
Date: 2005-03-02
To: Time is up
Miles today: 0.0

Tomorrow I fly to Atlanta, so the time is finally here. I will hike the eight and a half miles of the Approach Trail on the 4th and then start from Springer on the 5th as I originally planned. I cleared out my prior jounral entries since all that planning and worrying is finally over and those entries seem null and void now. Thanks to my sister, Trish, who is going to keep the journal up for me and to my Dad and brother(and all of my family) for their help. Thanks to all the people at work for the positive words and backing me on this (Aaron, Carl, Cathy specifically for not laughing me out of the office when I asked for 6 months off). For those who are concerned for my safety I promise not to taunt bears and snakes and to not intentionally take a nose dive off any cliffs. Beyond that, anything goes. See you in a few. E
Date: 2005-03-04
From: Trailhead

To: End of Approach Trail
Miles today: 0.2

March 4, 2005- Springer Mountain ShelterIt has been a very interesting last few days. First the party thrown for me by work was fun, even if I did get a bit messy. ? Then a wonderful 4 hour wait for my flight followed by an hour train ride and finally a ride from Paul AKA ¢Old Man¢ to the Hiker Hostel. Josh and Leigh have a great hostel so I got a good night¢s sleep and eggs and pancakes the next morning. Terrapin was also being shuttled to the trailhead so he has decided to hike the Approach trail with me.        The Approach Trial is known to destroy thru hikes prematurely so it is a test I felt required to take. All through my preparation I knew I would blast through this ¢prehike¢ without a sweat. I would stand on frosty Mt. known as the Approach Trail killer and scream my domination over the mountain. Think again. I was sucking air, devouring water, sweating profusely, and extremely unamused. As the day progressed we ran into more and more even stretches of trail and got into a groove. Terrapin seems to move at the same pace so maybe we will hike a bit more. When we finally hit the summit of Springer Mountain (the beginning of the true Appalachian Trail) and the last 2/10¢s of a mile we took it at a fast pace. The shelter is nice and there are four of us here. It is expected to drop to at least 20° so I got into my thermals pretty quick?. My dinner of tuna in Raman was nice (damn I was hungry!). A ridge runner just came through to check the place and there is an abandoned pack and the runner said that he recognized it belonging to a man that was here 2-3 days ago when it was around -10° wind-chill. I did get some coffee and a stick of pepperoni out of the deal, Woohoo! I hope everyone is well. I¢m off to sleep.                                                        Eric
Date: 2005-03-05
From: Springer Mt.

To: Hawk Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.6

March 5, 2004- First actual day on the ATI thought when contemplating this, my lungs would be the source of pain as I have smoked for 10 years. This is not the case though. My legs freak out when the trail turns upward. After following Terrapin through the Approach and following him today I have a running joke in my mind. What goes slower than a turtle? Me! I have no doubt I will be doing 8 mile days for a while. I though this trail would be about willpower and planning. The amount of willpower in the equation is huge. I don¢t car about the pace at this point, I just have to keep going. Sad to say the second day of hiking and only 7.6 miles of AT behind me. (The Approach doesn¢t count.) It was a good day though. We had lunch at the Long Creek Falls which was very nice. We pulled into Hawk Mt. Shelter at around 2 pm. In the register, a few hikers from prior days wrote that they did the approach trail in 4 hours. We left at 9 am this morning so it took us 5 hours for our ¢easy¢ 7.6 miles. I decide my trail name would be ¢No-Legs¢ since I am crawling down the trail. On the flip side I will not rush anyway and I need to go slower so as not to be frustrated. I imagine Terra pin will move ahead shortly but that is ok. It¢s better not to be holding him up. I¢m off to make some Stove-Top now.                                                        Eric AKA No-Legs
Date: 2005-03-08
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Walasi-Yi
Miles today: 2.8

March 8, 2005 Walasi-YiYesterday we rolled from Gooch Gap to Woody Hole 10.5 miles. Biggest day yet and it almost kicked my ass. We had a great day for weather. Most of the day it was a clear blue sky with a ton of outlooks so I got a few pics. Rumor was spreading of an incoming front though. When we arrived at Woody Gap a gentleman advised us of at least rain but probable snow. From Woody Gap we had 5 miles remaining to Woody Hole Shelter since we did not want to be caught in the storm. By Jarrand Gap, almost 2 miles from the shelter, I was physically beat and could see I had a few more mountains to top. I told Terrapin to go on and I would begin again in 15 minutes or so. The front was moving in, the sky was darkening and I knew I had to make it. About halfway thru the rain really kicked in and the temps dropped. I stumbled to the shelter to see Terrapin, Bonzai, and Red Rover already set up. Snail and Phoenix came in a bit later and we packed in shoulder to shoulder. We could feel the temp continuing to drop and all were in their bags by 6:30. By the time it was dark all we could see was a grey blue snow. As always everyone spent the better part of the night spinning and shifting, trying to find a comfortable sleeping position. Phoenix was right next to me snoring; the upside to him snoring is he sounds like a growling bear and it helps me to not worry about them. If one did came up how would I know it wasn¢t Phoenix snoring? So on I sleep. We woke to serious winds and the temp was 31°. Snow was falling as we left 2 by 2. It was only 3 miles of blue blaze trail around Blood Mountain but it began snowing harder and harder. Soon the wind was shifting me and I would have to close my eyes against the driving snow. It was very nice though and I enjoyed the views as I hiked on. And then I saw it as Terrapin, Bonzai and Red rover boogied on past me¢¦..Walasi-Yi!! The outfitter/hostel stradels the AT and is the first bit of real world people see after starting the trail. All of us (Terrapin, Snail, Phoenix, Bonzai, Red Rover, and the Maryland father/son crew) signed into the hostel for $16 each. Let me list my favorite events of today.¢¢        I took a shower (WOOT!!).¢¢        I washed my nasty clothes (especially the three pair of socks).¢¢        I bought 2 Twinkies (Breakfast?)¢¢        We ordered BBQ for lunch which made me sick (I will spare you the details) although it tasted good.¢¢        Then we went to an AYCE (All You Can Eat) for dinner. (Sick again same details being skipped?)So now I¢m here trying to down a liter of water so I won¢t be dehydrated tomorrow. I saw Paul from Hiker Hostel at the outfitter today and wanted to say I appreciate all his advice and help. I am off to read a spy novel Nimblefoot gave me this morning he hopped off the trail. Hope he is OK and the ankle is well.                                                No-Legs
Date: 2005-03-09
From: Walasi-Yi

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

March 9, 2005 Low GapTerrapin and I left the hostel at Walasi-Yi and headed north after a free donut (LOL). The thermometer outside showed 22°¢¦ the same as it was at 10:30 last night. So at 9:30 we pushed up and out and made good time. Sometimes it is hard to know exactly where you are even with a data book and the maps. I know it sounds silly to say that but we walk so much that sometimes you stop and think, ¢What mountain is this?¢ we ran into a few photo opportunities and stopped to discuss whether a tree that was missing its bark 5 feet up was a bear mark. How would I know? A few minutes later I saw something across the gap we were about to enter. We peered and wondered if it was a bear. Turns out it was a burned out stump?. So we did 10.6 miles today...best yet. Bonzai and Red Rover were already at Low Gap and tenting so we followed suit. Pretty soon everyone was there and that was one of the best times. The Maryland crew, Phoenix, and Snail were all sitting around the fire talking crap and comparing the day. We talked till 7:30ish and everyone headed to tents. We are expecting a cold one tonight. It has been overcast and trying to snow all afternoon. My feet are not in great shape at al. I had to put duct tape on my heels to stop them from rubbing. One of the toes on my left foot appeared to be growing another toe¢¦..a huge blister. I¢ve never been one to blister much so I just stared at it stupidly, since I wasn¢t prepared for it. The Maryland Crew (this isn¢t their names I just can¢t remember?) saved me with a sterilized pen, gauze and antibacterial cr me. I have Neosporin but contrary to popular belief it doesn¢t fix everything.                                                        No-Legs
Date: 2005-03-11
From: Hiawassee

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 10.8

March 11, 2005 Addis GapYesterday since I missed it in the journal was 9.6 miles to Unicoi Gap. At the Gap the 9 of us decided to take the night off. We shuttled into Hiawassee and stayed at the Hiawassee Inn in one big room. The Colorado guys and Maryland Crew (Josh/Robin) got beer and we ordered 3 large pizzas while Phoenix went to the Shownee¢s AYCE buffet. After the pizza Robin and I walked to Dairy Queen where I got a DBL Cheeseburger w/bacon and he got sundaes for him and his son. During this we watched Rocky IV and Rocky V haha. That brings us today, a strange day. Bonzai and Red Rover were dropped off without packs and would be picked up after they did their 16.3 miles (called slack packing). Robin and Josh stayed in Hiawassee with Colorado crew for a zero day. That leaves me Terrapin, and Phoenix. The plan was to do 5.6 miles to Tray Shelter and stop. Terrapin and I went up Tray Mountain (4950 ft. a royal pain in the arse.) and arrived to a very cold summit with a full shelter room (for 1). We always plan short days though they rarely stay that way and that is the reason Phoenix is always cursing and grumbling about needing to find new friends LOL. So, as usual, we decide to push on. Fortunately Phoenix showed up so we could say goodbyes. We may not see him for a while since we are pushing on. It is odd but out here I think the people who are hiking just have some overlapping areas of interest and ways of life (there are exceptions of course). So when we run into these strangers and they become like instant family. I hope to see Phoenix again before this is all over. There aren¢t many like him. So Terrapin and I hike along and we come down from the 5000 ft zone and do some everyday hikup¢¦. with a twist. For 4 hours we walk. The first3 hours are windy with snow flurries. Then a wall of snow hits and we walk through that until a window opens in the clouds and the sun comes beaming through the white blur. For an hour the sun comes and goes but the snow continues¢¦ weird? We drop into Addis Gap at 3300 feet and it is warmer with no wind or snow. A section hiking group is here on there last night and we talked to them for a bit since we have seen them off and on for the last three days. Out of nowhere the wind and snow attack and it is a race to get the tents up. With that done I stand in a small scale gale eating a dinner of tuna fish (and now I have relish and mayo YUM!) followed by 2 pop tarts. I am in my bag where it isn¢t freezing now, listening to the wind rush through the gaps. I imagine the sound is similar to being under an overpass in rush hour while the cars are at full speed. Anyway our 10.8 miles leave me sleepy. Goodnight.                                                        No-Legs
Date: 2005-03-13
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

March 13, 2005Oh Georgia, how I miss you. Terrapin and I made good time this morning and checked out Plum Orchard Gap. It was the greatest shelter we have seen. It has two lofts and is well kept. Unfortunately it was only 3.3 miles from Dicks Creek Gap where we started this morning. We finally hit the North Carolina border and crossed over. Shortly after that we ran into Blackbird at Bly Gap and he joined us for the ascent into North Carolina. When I say ascent what I really mean is HOLY HELL!! We headed up courthouse Bald and ended up crawling up. Bonzai had warned us the NC does not believe in switchbacks¢¦they just go straight up. We topped Courthouse and started a nice little ridge walk through a Rhododendron Tunnel but we found ourselves winding down into a gap and staring up a large hill called Sharp Top. Some time later, we cussed, grumbled, and sweated our way to the top and went through another Rhododendron Tunnel. From there we hiked on a nice grade up and on to Muskrat Creek Shelter. I ate 3 of the 5 hotdogs I carried in, and gave one to Terrapin and Blackbird. Blackbird gave me some cheese and spinach Tortellini which was great. How often do you get Tortellini on the trail? Also in the shelter tonight is Whitey from Alaska, and Cracker from Connecticut. Both are 50ish. We have seen them several times in the last few days. Cracker¢s last name is Graham(hence the Cracker name.) and Whitey like his name because it stands out. Regardless, we had a good laugh at having Whitey and Cracker in the same shelter. It was raining off and on as was forecasted and we can hear the thunder in the distance. It is possible we will have a major thunderstorm tonight which will be interesting since we are at 4600 feet. I am going to go visit the woods then back to read and sleep. Night!                                                                No-Legs
Date: 2005-03-14
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Center Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

March 14, 2005Our first day in North Carolina was amazing. Yesterday¢s entry and steep climb faded from memory as we did 12.5 miles to Center Gap Shelter from 8:30- 3:00pm. The trail was a nice gentle grade all day. Standing Indian Mt. was our only listed climb for the day and it was great. About 2 miles of consistent ups then the rest of the day was downhill for the most part. The only catch today is that we spent 95% of the day in a cloud. I took a picture of one of the Rhododendron Tunnels in an eerie mist it looked like something out of Lord of the Rings. Another change in the day was that there was so much green. Georgia was mainly deciduous with some Evergreen in the valleys. Here there are an exponential amount of evergreens and Rhododendrons. The cloud finally left the mountain while we were all in camp but the sun provided little warmth. On the upside tomorrow should be clear and sunny. Loving North Carolina so far!                                                        No-legs