morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-08-25
From: 100 Mile Wilderness

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

August 26 BK- Day 4 in 100 Mile Wilderness I got a text from LB yesterday at 10:00 am that they were ok and close to picking up their food bucket at Katahdin Iron Works road. This is where the Lodge left a 5 gallon bucket with half of their food for pickup.The test also said that they expected to make Abol Bridge by August 30 and Summit Katahdin by August 31. She mentioned something about a Native American festival on September 1 forcing them to arrive early to avoid the rush. I made reservations for 5 people at Katahdin Stream Campground on Thursday night. Kurtis and LB know to look for Todd Stienman¢s present at the campground office.Tomorrow they will pass Pemadumcook Lake. This is where if you honk the horn at landing the White House Landing Lodge will send a boat over to pick you up. The lodge looks pretty cool with a grill that caters to AT thru hikers. They also have a small resupply in case you run out of food. The picture I attached is of the sign of the landing with instructions for calling the boat.Deb and I packed 8 days of food for their journey across the Wilderness in bags separated for each day Philmont Scout Ranch style. Each bag contained 6 granola/breakfast bars, one Cliff Bar, lemonade or Gatorade mix, hot chocolate, a supper (Pasta Sides, Ramen, or Mac n Cheese) with a meat (Chicken or Tuna in envelope) , two packs peanuts, four packs cookies, 2 fruit roll ups, and at least one large pack meat/protein like sausage bits or jerky. Corners of the bag were stuffed with candy, especially peanut butter and chocolate stuff like Reeses Cups. Oh yes, I forgot the quart bag of gorp to be shared each day. Getting 8 days of food without repetition was tough but I think they¢ll find it to be pretty much a gourmet meal compared to what they have been eating. They are eating 5,000 calories per day and fat is the key. The biggest challenge to hikers coming off the trail is to stop eating as much. You could get fat quick.
Date: 2012-08-26
To: Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

August 27 BK- Day 5 in the 100 Mile Wilderness- No news from the kids. There was an attempt to reach us while we were at Church but we never got a chance to talk. My phone was off so no texts. Today or tomorrow they should pass by White House Landing. I¢m not sure if they will take the time to visit. I¢ve included a file photo of the resupply store. I¢m sure it would be a welcome sight after 68 miles.Again they expect to make Baxter State Park by Thursday and summit Katahdin by Friday.
Date: 2012-08-28
From: Monson

To: Baxter State Park
Miles today: 0.0

August 29 BK- Day 7 in the 100 Mile Wilderness- Once again, no news. The terrain they should be crossing today is fairly flat with climbs of only a few hundred feet and lots of lakes. Too bad Kurtis didn't pack a rod. The trout fishing is supposed to be good. A Google Earth search last night showed large tracts of heavily logged areas on each side of the trail with a few logging roads. The lakes look deep and green with no development on any shore. I found a picture of Rainbow Lake (west) which I believe they will pass today to put up.The weather is great. High of 67 and no rain in sight. Again they expect to make Baxter State Park tomorrow evening and summit Katahdin on Friday.
Date: 2012-08-29
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 100.0
Weather: overcast clouds

August 29 BK- Deb talked with the kids about 7:00pm. They had made it to Abol Bridge which is the official end of the 100 Mile Wilderness. They arrived a day early after making many 20+ mile days. Abol Bridge is the beginning of Baxter State Park and 15 miles from the summit of Katahdin Mountain and the northern terminus of the AT. They are very, very tired. Kurtis¢s boots are shot. His toes are sticking out. They did have several moose sightings. In order to get their call out they had to borrow a person¢s phone and pay minutes.They are hiking with a group of 5 including Achy. All will walk the 10 miles to the Katahdin Stream Campground today (Thursday) , spend the night at Katahdin Stream Campground and then take the last 5 miles to Katahdin (Baxter Peak).   The plan after that is to hitch a ride to Millinocket, celebrate the end of the hike with the GA hikers, catch a shuttle to Bangor and then on to Boston for a day¢s visit. There are hostels in each town to save money. After Boston they will find the cheapest way to Washington DC and get picked up by Eric Mendoza for the ride to Harpers Ferry WV and finally to Southbound the AT.
Date: 2012-08-31
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Mt Katahdin
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

GOT A CALL AT 9:30 AM AUGUST 31 THAT THEY MADE IT!!! Changed out picture. Will try to get to Millinocket tonight!August 31 BK- Today is the big day. The kids will summit Mt. Katahdin with 3 friends that started in Georgia. I can¢t fathom what it would be like to finally reach the end of the trail after 2180 miles and six months for those 3, but Kurtis and LB will get to enjoy the moment with their friends. There is another 1,017 miles to go for K&LB from Harpers Ferry WV to Springer Mtn GA. As I said before, they get to finish the trail twice.Once they finish the 10 mile round trip to Katahdin and back, they will try to catch a ride to Millinocket to celebrate. Hopefully we will send a picture of them on top of the mountain
Date: 2012-09-01
From: Millinocket 

To: Millinocket
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

September 1 BK - The kids reached the Summit of Katahdin at 9:30 Friday. They celebrated and then walked the 5 miles back to hitch a ride to Millinocket. To date this is the only time they have slack packed on the AT without their packs on. The plan is to cool their heels at the campsite in Millinocket all day today. They will spend the day making plans to get back to Harpers Ferry, WV and then leave on Sunday with their German friends. They are very tired. The last days of putting 20 miles per day on the trail took their toll. Fortunately their food held out 8 days. They carried the last of the food we packed them up the mountain.
Date: 2012-09-02
From: Millinocket

To: Harpers Ferry WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

September 2 BK- Travel Day. 9:00 Shuttle to Medway ME, then the 10:50 bus to Bangor ME, another bus to Boston to arrive at 3:25, and then, possibly if not too tired, the Megabus leaving at 9:00 pm for an all night ride to DC. There are two trains leaving DC daily to Harpers Creek. At some point they may get a room and catch up on sleep. They are very tired. Their new tent will be waiting for them in Harpers Ferry. I changed the direction of their Trail Journals to Southbound (SOBO) yesterday. They have been traveling north and considered themselves as NOBOs. This is going to be a big change for them as they fall in with a bunch of people they have only passed on the trail or met at a shelter as each went in separate directions. Kurtis said they had this ¢What have I gotten myself into?¢ look in their eyes.SOBOs it can be said take the hard way. They jump in at the deep end by tackling the 100 Mile Wilderness and the White Mountains first. Many are college kids who just graduated college and wanted to accomplish a thru hike after school, but before the career. LB and Kurtis¢s good friend, Eric Mendoza, completed the trail after college. SOBOs make up only a small portion of the total number of those finishing the trail. They sometimes finish their trek alone and many arrive at Springer GA as late as January. Snow is a probability and not a possibility. According to the ATC the SOBOs success rate is only around 17% and they only make up 10% of the total of hikers who complete the trail. Of the 256 SOBO hikers that started the AT in 2010 in Only 45 finished the trail and half had dropped off the trail by Harpers Ferry. The good news for our guys is that they have family and friends waiting for them as they get further south. The Mulls and Kolkebecks have made plans to meet up at different locations, Adam Spencer plans a party in White Top, I hope to hike at least a few miles with them, and Evan Kolkebeck will be centrally located for over 200 miles of trails in Tennessee/Virginia to help out if need be. The good news is that as the farther they hike the closer they are to home.
Date: 2012-09-04
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Harpers Ferry WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

September 4 BK ¢ The kids arrived in Harpers Ferry around 5:00pm dead tired. They¢ve had a tough time getting sleep on the bus and train. Urban culture is loud and they are not used to it.They got a motel room so they could sleep late and have a place where they can leave their packs while they shop for resupply. Hostels usually have bunks and people get up at all times of the morning for shuttles to the trail. They may even spend an extra day there trying to get rested up. LB said that she got emotional when they passed the Appalachain Trail Conferance Center where they had started. All of a sudden they realized that they are half done. They are not the same people Deb and I dropped off May 19th. They are lighter. Kurtis weighs 20 pounds less and LB lost 30 pounds. They have gained a world of knowledge and experiance. They should be able to pick up their new tent today at the ATC centerThey both miss Achy. He is a good friend who looked after them for a long time.
Date: 2012-09-05
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Harpers Ferry WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

September 5 BK ¢ Kurtis and LB took a day to get resupplied and relax. They checked into the ATC center again so they can be logged in as thru hikers. They also picked up the new tent we sent there. Kurtis¢s boots are shot but he will be able to pick up the replacements from the manufacturer when they get to Front Royal. They will hit the trail today. This time they are heading south, towards home.
Date: 2012-09-06
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Blackburn PATC Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

September 6 BK ¢ Kurtis and LB slept in till 11:00 am and then hiked out of Harpers Ferry and then made it 11 miles to the Blackburn Potomac Appalachian Trail Club Shelter. The trail was easy but it got humid and hot. They took plenty of breaks. The shelter has a full time caretaker, plenty of tent sites, and a solar shower. For the first time in months they hiked all by themselves. They never met one hiker the entire way. At the AT Center only 12 Southbound hikers (SOBOs) had checked in. This was much different from what they heard at Katahdin Stream Campground in Maine when they heard a record number of SOBOs had started. The folks at the Appalachain Trail Conference Center said that Kurtis and LB were early and that more hikers would follow headed south. Either way it was weird and lonely. They miss their friends. Achy sent a text that he misses his ¢birds¢.Kurtis¢s boots are shot as we said before. I¢ve included a picture of just how bad. Only 50 more miles to new boots in Front Royal. Their new tent is drier but smaller. It will keep out the rain and hold up to coming snow storms. Its also one pound lighter which is a most important thing.Tomorrow they will take on the ¢Roller Coaster¢. This is 13 miles of ten ascents and descents over view-less mountains. The trail is so narrow that they had to run it straight up and over each mountain. I¢ve heard it said that this part of the trail was made by somebody with a bad sense of humor.
Date: 2012-09-07
From: Blackburn PATC Shelter

To: Morgans Mill Stream Campsite
Miles today: 13.0

September 7 BK- Heard from the kids about 6:45 via text. Still nobody else on the trail with them. The Roller Coaster was rocky and not fun but ok. They made about 13 miles today and are camped by Morgan¢s Mill Stream Campsite. They passed the official 1000 mile to go marker today. Only 992 miles to go!
Date: 2012-09-08
From: Morgans Mill Stream Campsite

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

September 8 BK ¢ The kids made great progress with 20 miles in one day. They ended the ¢Roller Coaster¢ and the trail has turned into a gentle section much like our Uhwarrie Mountains. The next town is Front Royal which is the gateway to the Shenandoah Mountains. Today they will stop in at Front Royal for resupply and pick up packages at the post office. Kurtis¢s boots will not make it to Front Royal on time for pickup on Saturday they will ¢bounce¢ the boots onto another location. Looks like Kurtis will have to buy a cheap pair of Walmart sneakers to make it further. I¢ve included a picture of their new tent. They had to replace the 6 year old Marmot tent with a new one that will hold off snow and rain better. The Marmot had lost its waterproofing. The shelters have been empty so they have set up their tent inside the shelters for privacy at times.
Date: 2012-09-09
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Front Royal VA
Miles today: 11.0

September 9 BK- Kurtis and Laura Beth made 11 miles to Front Royal, VA but missed their pickup at the post office. With thunderstorms on the horizon they chose to get a motel room and do some shopping for resupply. Kurtis bought a pair of Walmart boots for $15.00 to last until he gets his new ones that the post office will bounce to them in Luray. This is a part of the AT where you really have to ask yourself if you want to do this. 900 miles to go, fall and winter approaching, family still far away, plus now being alone without their NOBO friends it can be very daunting. But the love and determination they have for each other is strong. It will carry them all the way to Springer Mountain. I¢m very proud of these two.
Date: 2012-09-11
From: Range Veiw Cabin

To: stealth camp near Pinnacle Picnic Area
Miles today: 15.0

September 11 BK ¢ Heard from Kurtis and LB around 6 pm on Monday. The kids put in about 15 miles. They saw two bears while on the trail. One was up a tree. They also had a deer try to get inside their tent. Obviously the deer had been fed by tourists and now the crowds were gone. To the deer people meant food. They are stealth camped at the Pinnacle Picnic Area off of Skyline Drive not far from Luray. Kurtis¢s new cheap boots are giving him a fit. The new ones are not far away in Elkton
Date: 2012-09-12
From: stealth camp near Pinnacle Picnic Area

To: Stealth Camp near Hazeltop Mountain
Miles today: 17.0

September 12 BK- Got a text around 7:00pm. Kurtis and LB were camped on Hazeltop Mountain not far from Skyline Drive. They saw two more bears today on their 17 mile hike. They resupplied at Big Meadows Wayside on Skyline Drive and will try to make it to Elkton tomorrow to once again chase down their packages at the PO.
Date: 2012-09-13
From: Stealth Camp near Hazeltop Mountain

To: Stealth Camp near High Top Hut
Miles today: 13.0

September 13 BK ¢ Had a great conversation with the kids Wednesday evening. They had not made camp by 6:30 and were going to stealth camp somewhere near High Top Hut. They met two south bounders (SOBOs) for the first time. One¢s name was Crockett and he was hiking through their camp at 9:00 at night. They had met him before on the AT while in Vermont. As of today there are 70 folks checked into the ATC Headquarters at Harpers Ferry as SOBOs. There is a large group of ten SOBOs behind them about two hiking days. Many of their northbound friends have contacted them via phone or text to let them know they have finished their hike to Katahdin.The bear activity has been high with 5 bears spotted in the last two days. A bear was nearby their camp last night and kept them awake while pulling down acorns from the oak trees. So far none of the Yogi bears have been interested in K&LBs food.Nights have been cold and it is approaching time to switch out gear again. Re-supply has been tough. They made the 6 mile round trip to Elkton yet still managed to make 13 miles on the trail. Kurtis picked up his new boots finally at the Post Office. Only 900 miles to go!
Date: 2012-09-14
From: Stealth Camp near High Top Hut

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

September 14 BK- Got a late call tonight from the kids at Loft Mtn Campground on Skyline Drive. They had access to showers and a coin laundry so life was good. It felt good after making 15 miles. They had more encounters with wildlife including a bear and a rattlesnake. The deer are tame and expect handouts. There is a shortage of water with the streams and brooks dried up. As a result they¢ve had to pack in more water. Water is the heaviest thing you can carry on the trail. When the streams are flowing you don¢t have to carry as much because you know there¢s more ahead. The trail has been easier though. By staying on the ridgelines they have less up and down. The good news is that LB¢s folks are coming to visit with them this weekend.
Date: 2012-09-15
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

September 15 BK ¢ The kids made 20 miles Friday to Calf Mtn Shelter. It was a long way but now they can go the 8 miles tomorrow and meet up with LB¢s folks in Waynesboro on Saturday. Its going to be great to visit with family.
Date: 2012-09-16
From: Waynesboro VA

To: Paul Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 12.0

September 17 BK ¢ Quoted from LB¢s Mom and Dad¢s entry, ¢Drove up to see Kurtis & LB in Waynesboro VA. Ate Chinese. They were starving. Then ran to buffet bar and took a trip to wally world to restock. They looked great! Going to get Ice cream then eat mom's pasta salad and ham biscuits. Country cooking rest for Brunch then back to AT. Wonderful to see them. Its been 4 months to the day Lv ya Mom & Dad ¢
Date: 2012-09-17
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter?
Miles today: 0.0

September 18 BK- We didn¢t hear from Kurtis and LB on Monday. I¢m guessing that they made it to Maupin Field Shelter. It rained a good part of the day up there so they might have used the shelter. Rain also slows you down. I¢m guessing 15 miles Monday. It will be a miserable day on Tuesday. There will be rain all day with high winds. Deb and I will join them on Saturday maybe around the James River Bridge. I wanted to hike in but I¢m sure that what they really want is a motel bed and a steak. Maybe an exchange of summer gear for warmer stuff? They also get to see their dog Dixie. They¢ve missed her terrible.835 miles to go.
Date: 2012-09-19
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Stealth camp at Piney River N Fork
Miles today: 16.0

September 20 BK- Heard from the kids Wednesday afternoon via cell phone. They had been pretty much trapped in the Harpers Creek Shelter all day Tuesday. It rained so hard that they had to abandon their tent as the water came in under the fly. Not much to do all day with one book between the two of them and no radio or cell phone.Wednesday they were going to make 16 miles to Piney River North Fork near Forest Service Road 39 to stealth camp. They had to cross The Priest Mountain at 4500¢. Thru hiker friends they met in Vermont, Pit stop and Driver, will camp with them. They will skip Buena Vista even though they are low on food and continue on to near Glasgow VA on Thursday. We will pick them up in Glasgow on Saturday morning.
Date: 2012-09-20
From: Stealth camp at Piney River N Fork

To: Brown Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

September 21 BK- Had a broken up phone call around 5 pm on Thursday. The kids had to hitch hike to Buena Vista after running out of food. They were forced to eat apples from orchards on the way down for food. Somehow they still managed to make 13 miles and will have to make 20 miles on Friday for us to meet them at Glascow, VA. They will spend the night in a hikers pavilion in the middle of town. Deb and I will meet them there on Saturday.
Date: 2012-09-21
From: Brown Mountain Shelter

To: Glascow VA
Miles today: 20.0

September 22- The kids made 20 miles today to Glascow VA. They are camped at the Pavilion in the middle of town there. It is a small camping spot with a hot shower built by the town Ruritans. They got a ride into town from a couple with a brand new car. LB said they rolled down the windows not to stink up the car. The nice couple had trouble figuring out how to open the trunk to put in their packs. The car was that new to them.We are on our way to see them. Can¢t wait for them to have a reunion with Dixie their dog.
Date: 2012-09-22
From: Glascow VA

To: Troutville, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Sunday September 23 -Picked up the kids in Glasgow VA Saturday about noon. Actually we picked up 1/2 of LB because she's lost so much weight. The Town of Glasgow built a cool little shelter in the middle of town. Kurtis and LB were just finishing their laundry when we pulled up. They were happy to have their dog back. Oh yea, they were glad to see us too. We took them to Troutville VA and a Quality Inn. We pounded down lunch at a mexican resteraunt. It amazes us just how much these two skinny people can eat. We then went shopping for gear and food. They bought 16 pasta sides for 4 days. We brought up all of the leftover food that we had bought for the 100 mile wilderness in ME. by the time they were done they had another 10 pounds apiece.Then it was time for pizza and beer at the room and a 10:00 bedtime. Full bellies, a shower, a soft bed and their dog,....very much heaven on earth for them!
Date: 2012-09-23
From: Big Gap Glascow VA

To: Marble Spring Campsite
Miles today: 8.0

September 24 BK ¢ Allot to talk about but not enough time. We had a great time hanging out together. After a huge Quality Inn breakfast we took them to Walmart again for long johns and other warm clothing. It was a thirty minute ride back to James River Bridge at Big Gap VA. We dropped them off at the Bridge.One of the first things Deb and I picked up on was that these guys are tired. The constant packing, unpacking, hiking and general discomfort has taken the fun out of the trip right now. They are ready to settle back into their lives. They miss their family, friends and dog. LB really misses her co workers and residents at the VA home. They have 730 Miles to go to finish the Trail. There are 200 miles to go to Evan and Laura¢s, There are 150 miles to get to Grayson Highlands where friends are waiting. Kurtis and LB hope for 100 miles per week. But with the weather you never know. Kurtis guesses they¢ll be done by early December. I think Thanksgiving. Kurtis had told me in Vermont about the folks that boosted past them on the trail headed north. He said you could see the ¢Let¢s get this over with!¢ look in their faces. This is where they are now. Most of all they miss their German friends, Achy, Julia, and Johann. If these three are reading this please sign the guest book. They¢d love to hear from you. We watched Kurtis and LB pack their packs silently. They know who carries what. Responsibilities have been assigned 1000 miles ago. The shopping is done within a few minutes and usually they are back on the trail within two to four hours even with hitch hiking into town. This is a ritual they¢ve done for 1400 miles. They have miles to make. Summer is winding down and it¢s getting cooler. Warm temperatures and funds are running out. They have to switch out light warm weather gear for heavier cooler weather gear. There¢s no chance of getting more expensive, but lighter, gear at REI. We opt instead for more long underwear at Wal Mart instead of a heavier winter sleeping bag they own already. The trade-offs of comfort versus weight are always being made.The good news is that a large group of South Bounders is on there tail a few days back. One SOBO , Easy Wind, Deb and I met after dropping the kids off had met up with them at camp when LB texted us. It seemed he was looking forward to some company too. New friends can be made.
Date: 2012-09-24
From: Marble Spring Campsite

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 21.0

September 25 BK- Deb got a call from the kids. They were still hiking and planned to make 2 more miles to Jennings Creek. That will make a 21 mile day. They met up with some folks last night. Easy Wind was still with them even though he can walk faster than them. The long johns must have worked because they stayed warm in their summer sleeping bags last night despite it being 41 degrees.