morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-09-17
From: Stratton, ME

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Made it to Stratton, ME this morning. Food, glorious food, it feels so good to eat something that is not "add two cups of hot water". Beautiful day here and actually a little warm. Getting to where the terrain is actually improving. Soon I will be in Monson, ME and from there it is into the Maine 100 Mile Wilderness. After that, Mt. Katahdin.More later if there is time.Dennis "K1YPP"
Date: 2008-09-23
From: Monson, ME

To: 100 Mile Wilderness Area
Miles today: 0.0

I've hooked up with "New York Minute" again near Caratunk, he slowed down to wait up for the old man! We're staying at Shaw's Hiker Hostel in Monson, Maine. Tomorrow we head out into the "100 Mile Wilderness", so probably won't have phone or Internet access for at least another week.Yesterday, at a river crossing we stopped for lunch. A bull moose approached, using the A.T. (guess they follow the white blazes too?). He eyed us, then went downstream a bit, crossed and continued down the trail. We were lucky, they usually don't change their plans, you have to.The night before I was sleeping in my hammock and during the night three different moose went right by me, about ten feet away, I was hanging right next to the trail. I couldn't see the first one, it was pitch dark, but the later ones were visible because the moon came up. What magnificent animals they are!!!It was 20 degrees F yesterday morning, I didn't want to get out of the sleeping bag, but it was back to work. Certainly is difficult functioning first thing in the morning in those temps!Should be to the summit of Katahdin about 1 October, if all goes well. Can't wait, it will be great to be back with the woman I love and a normal life again (not to mention a full fridge!!!).See you on the other side. Oh, do check out the latest photos.K1YPP
Date: 2008-10-02
From: Millinocket, ME

To: HOME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

It is over!!! We did the Mt. Katahdin summit yesterday, October 1, 2008. It was cold, wet and windy at the top, but it felt soooooooo good. I believe I was on the trail for a total of 183 days (including the first section last year). Later I will upload some up-to-date photos, just wanted to let you know I am now off the trail and done. I made my final amateur radio contact with AA9AA in Wisconsin the evening before from the Katahdin Springs Campground. We had a very nice conversation in Morse Code, but my hands were getting so cold using the telegraph key that I kept it short, it was difficult to send with such cold fingers.Since I originally wrote the above text, I have returned to Sarasota, Florida. Now to put some weight back on and get some rest, I am tired. As time permits in the coming weeks I will try to respond to all the emails that I received while on the trail, sorry I couldn't do it while out there, but there just wasn't available computer time to do so.Thanks for all the support from all those that have written me, and particularly to all those wonderful Americans out there that have helped me along the way. Often these people didn't have much themselves. They were always generous to me, even when they had no real reason to do so, other than just being wonderful, generous, honest folks that have impressed me far beyond what words can begin to describe. It was simple gestures, such as the Mennonite lad that offered me some peanut M&M's to the wonderful woman that gave me the use of her cabin on Lake Mooselookmeguntic in Maine, and expected nothing in return. They all gave from the heart and in my eyes were the best example of what America can be. They renewed my faith in our people, even if our leadership seems to fail us at every turn."New York Minute" has done a very entertaining video of our hike through the 100 Mile Wilderness in Maine. It is about 40 minutes long and seems to play better using Internet Explorer. If you have problems viewing it in the browser, he has provided a download link, you can download the file (a *.WMV file) and view it in your favorite Windows viewier, cut and paste this link: http://at.naturalhues.com/This hike was in honor of my brother, a US Marine, Tom Blanchard, killed in Vietnam on August 7, 1968. We had originally planned to do this hike together when we were discharged from the service. Tom, I think of you every day and not a day has gone by in the past 40 years that I haven't taken a few moments to think of you. Semper Fi.Updated 10/20/08UPDATE: I'm writing this on 23 February, 2010 to let you know that I now have a book about the entire hike: THREE HUNDRED ZEROES. It's a humorous and yet, informative look at my adventure on the trail. See the THREE HUNDRED ZEROES website for more details or Dennis "K1" Blanchard
Date: 2011-11-28
From: HOME

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

If you own a Kindle, there is a great book available for free on Amazon.com. Go to Amazon.com and search Kindle books for "Southbound Barefoot" and you'll see that the Barefoot Sisters book, SOUTHBOUND is available for free (or click the link below).I have the hardbound version and it is a good read, and lots of book.Southbound, by the Barefoot Sisters is free. Check it out!Author of THREE HUNDRED ZEROES
Date: 2008-02-28
From: Springer Mountain, GA

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

   Well, all the planning, preparation and anticipation is about over. Time has come for departure. D day as it is referred to by some is tomorrow. My wife Janice and I are leaving for Springer early. We will make a stop in Chattanooga, TN to have lunch with our oldest son and wife. Later we will will locate the Georgia roads she will have to return on so she can do a "dry run" and get familiar with the turns offs. Unlike me and most other men who don't ask directions, preferring to figure it out ourselves, she plans very carefully and won't hesitate to ask.   I first got this idea, (hiking the entire trail), several years ago and didn't seriously consider it until I got closer to retirement age. Then one day it hit me. Why not? What's stopping me? When I first told Janice last summer she kind of shrugged it off as another one of my "pipe dreams". But when I started emptying our bank account on equipment and books she realized that I was serious. It still took months for her buy in to it. Or better yet, give in to it. She has agreed to keep my journal up as I send her my manual entrys from who knows where.       Now there is no turning back. Even if I wanted to, it wouldn't be honorable to quit. Right guys? But I have no such intentions. The fire is lit and the wind is fanning the flames. The adventure of a life time is at hand.   Thanks for everyone's support.KANATIP.S. My loaded pack including food is 39 pounds. Try as I might, I just can't trim off any more weight until I've walked the trail a few days and until the weather warms up.
Date: 2008-02-29
From: Mt. Katahdin

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

   Made another trip to Wal-Mart for items to go into a resupply box. It would be nice if I could remember everything and do it all in a single trip. Oh well, our dog Max likes to ride in the truck. Max is our 8 year old black Lab and he goes almost every where that I go. I'm really concerned about him after I leave for the hike tomorrow. He is literally my shadow and has made every practice hike with me. My workout takes place in the hills near our home and includes climbing the fire tower. Max usually follows me to the first or second landing and lays there until I come back down, then greets me just like he hasn't seen me for hours. He will not understand that I am going to be gone so long. I hope Janice and others can fill in for me.   Have to pack everything up now and see if there's another once I can leave out.Later.KANATI
Date: 2008-03-01
From: Springer 

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Beautiful weather. Mild Temperatures. Janice hiked with me from USFS 42 South .9 miles to top of Springer. Then back to USFS 42 where she had parked. We said our goodbyes and she left for home. Met many interesting people. Several tough climbs before reaching Gooch Mtn by flashlight at 7:14 p.m. Too tired to cook, ate 3 boiled eggs and trail mix from salad bar in Chatanooga and an English Muffin. Stayed in Shelter.Note: Ran out of water and stopped at Justice Creek before I could finish the days walk.
Date: 2008-03-02
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Blood Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Sleepless night, several loud snorers. Left shelter at 9 am. Arrived Blood Mtn Shelter at 5 pm. Very tired. No foot problems stayed in Shelter with Stovie and Fester two young guys. Very cold night. Wind howled merciless. Put tyvec over window. Helped but very noisy in wind. Awakened to a mouse scratching in my hair.
Date: 2008-03-03
From: Blood Mtn Shelter

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Tented nearby. Began to rain after mindnight. Wind howled all night. Very little sleep again. Left shelter without coffee or food. Tough decent. Ate sweet roll as I walked. ARrived Neel's Gap around 9 am. Resupplied with food. Arrived Low Gap about 5 pm. Took bath in Spring Branch. BURRrrr. Very cold but refreshing. Called home from Neel's Gap everything good there. Janice made it home by herself OK so proud of her.
Date: 2008-03-04
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Camp Site
Miles today: 13.0

Windy and rained last night. Again very little sleep. Bad Hummus, Chris and Lacey tented nearby. Packed everything up wet. No breakfast or coffee. Rained all day. Everything soaked pack very heavy. Trail rocky and slick. Had to watch every step. Stopped at Blue Mtn Shelter for lunch. Accidentally left camera at shelter. Riley, now named RocketMan found it and caught up with me at Unicoi Gap. He and Bad Hummus left trail for Helen GA. Invited me but I declined. Must stop at Hiawassee because I am out of food. Lost pack cover. RocketMan found it, but left it at Trey Mtn Shelter.
Date: 2008-03-05
From: Cheese Factory Camp Site

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Wind howled again last night. Turned very cold. All my wet things are frozen. To thaw my boots I cupped my hands around boots and blew my breath into them. For water I ate ice falling from the trees all day. Very pure and tasteful. Ate my last food dry, did not cook. No coffee again today. Downhills into Gap very hard on feet and knees. Still feel really good. Went to the Boat House with Crutch and Bad Hummus and left an impressive pile of dead chicken bones. Staying at Cloud9 Hostel with some of the nicest people I have ever met (she is typing this right now, I have to say that). I am staying in the Bridal Suite here. It has a King size bed.
Date: 2008-03-06
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

   Beautiful day for hiking, but a bad start. Nauseated until afternoon. Too many chicken wings last night. Up twice going to the bathroom. Didn't sleep very well. Only nourishment was powdered gatorade licked from my palm as I walked. Got to feeling better around noon. Ate a power bar. Crossed into NC at 2:00 PM. First mountain kinda tough but thereafter was much easier with grades not too steep. Saw my first wildlife today. Two deer and a turkey hen. Lots of hog sign. They have rooted all along the trail. Staying tonight at Muskrat shelter with Bad Hummus, Fester, Stovie and Todd. Appears a group is forming. These are really nice, funny and energetic guys. Also young ranging from 22 to 29. I'm the old guy at 61. They usually arrive at the shelter first as you can imagine.    My body is holding up well except that the downhills really hurt my little toes. By the end of the day my feet have swelled and boots are too tight. Hope this gets better soon.Later.
Date: 2008-03-07
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: heavy intensity rain

   Muskrat Creek shelter to Carter Gap shelter. Arrived during the rain. Interesting night. Top of shelter full. Stayed in the overflow which is under the floor in the crawl space. A platform has been placed there for that purposed. The head room is about 24 inches. We were anticipating a cold front coming in so we put up Tyvek and a tent fly to stop the wind and snow. It worked. The five of us were sandwiched in like sardines. I was in the middle under the main floor beam which meant several head bumps. We stopped all of the mouse holes with plastice bags and ponchos so the mice would have to go upstairs where the others were. It must have worked.   An interesting note that I've been meaning to tell you. When walking in the rain, don't worry about carrying a lots of heavy water. Just stop every miles or so, hold out your poncho like it is an apron. In two or three minutes you will catch about 3 ounces of rain. Cup you hand under it and sip it. Very clean and refreshing. Another source of water one day was ice falling from trees. These are crunchy and I named them, "fresh water popscicle nuggetts".Got to go.   Later.
Date: 2008-03-08
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding stair gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light snow

      Snowed most of the day but pleasant walking. Very windy on the tops. Temperatures about 20 degrees. Trail not too steep except for a couple of places. Ron Haven who owns Budget Inn picked us up about 4:00 P.M. Ron is very friendly and accomodating. I highly recommend his motels as stop overs. We, the group which now named "Deustch Mark", consisting of myself, Fester, Bad Hummus, Stovie and Todd, (we've yet to think of a trail name for him), went to an AYCE Chinese Resturant near Wal-Mart. IT WAS GREAT. Another recommendation.    No hot water. Bad Hummus took a cold one. I opted to morning hoping the water would warm. It worked but took about 5 minutes for it to arrive.   Fester and Stovie are taking Zero's due to sore muscles. Got to go now. Already late for the shuttle back to the trail. Bad Hummus picked up my coffee and breakfast at McDonalds.   Later.
Date: 2008-03-09
From: Winding stair gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

   Beautiful day, but a cold start with temps in the teens. The snow has ended and the skies are deep blue. Reminds me of Montana. Hiked in the snow all day. Mountains are beautiful. So many people miss this by coming to the mountains duing full summer/fall foliage when much is hidden. Winter exposes the rocks, ledges and cliffs which give the moutains their shape and reveals a special beauty.   Arrived at Cold Spring sheletr late in the afternoon. Bad Hummus, Todd, (later to become trail named Toddybear because of his joking about wearing the first bear skin and eating bear ribs), and I gathered wet soggy wood and managed to get a fire going. Toddybear has a nack for fire making. Must have been a boyscout. While gathering wood, we notice bear tracks in the snow all around the shelter. I thought bears hibernated!? We also noticed that the food hoist cables were broken so we rigged up a rope to hang the food bags from.    This shelter is a beautiful old structure made of logs built in 1933. Water is from a large spring bubbling from under the rock a few yars in front of the shelter. Very cozy to hear it running over the rocks, but with all the bear signs around we went to sleep with one ear open and the slightest sound brought us wide awake. Finally fatigue over ruled and we slept.      Another note about bears. I was hiking alone when I entered the Nantahala National Forest. The local ranger had posted an alert that a problem bear which showed no fear of humans was harassing hikers, even taking some packs and one should seperate food from our person. He also urged EXTREME CAUTION! The notice was not dated. I thought this over and decided to half my food and remove some "goodie" items such as honey buns, sweet rolls, etc. which I could quickly pitch to a bear should the occasion arise. So I stuffed my pockets full of these but after two days of hiking and seeing no bears, I ate his portion and proceeded as normal.
Date: 2008-03-10
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Grassy Gap
Miles today: 14.6

   Awoke to discover that I had broken my glasses during the night and the screw which holds the lens in was missing. Also in the darkness of trying to pack up, I left my flashlight in the shelter. I had given my spare flashlight to Lacy back at Low Gap Shelter in Georgia. But anyway, my spirits were high and I mainly needed the glasses for up close stuff.   Did some rock scrambling this day as the trail was especially rocky in some places. Arrived at the NOC, (Nantahala Outdoor Center), about 2:00 P.M. First priority, fix glasses. One of the store clerks installed a small pin, the kind that holds new shirts folded, and wrapped it with pliers. Then we put on a wad of bright yellow duct tape. I borrow a black marker and colored it so as not to look too gawdy. I thought of Billy Bob Thorton in one of his movies where he played a simple minded guy whose glasses were taped together in the middle.   Bought some power bars and had a great cheese burger and fries at the restaurant nearby. Also, I was so preoccupied with fixing my glasses that I forgot to fill up water reserves. Left NOC after two hours completely refershed, but an hour later when the sodium I consumed kicked in I disovered I had no water. Luckily some local campers gave me a bottle and later Bad Hummus and Toddybear found a spring marked by a blue blaze, but which is not shown in the thru-hikers companion. Need to get this shown as I think many hikes do as we three did and forget to fill up at the NOC.   Pitched our tents on a beautiful knoll above Grassy Gap and was soon joined by Night Terror and two hikers from Auburn Univ. One of them told me he found my flashlight but left it at the shelter. Also I didn't think to get a new one at the NOC so this is the first of two nights without a light. A small problem actually.
Date: 2008-03-11
From: Grassy Gap

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

   More nice weather but somewhat difficult trail with more rock scrambling and many tough climbs, especially out of Stecoah Gap. Met a local couple at this gap who gave me a banana, hard candy and some of their dogs water. They qualify as trail angels. Bad Hummus and I were very grateful. Also forgot to mention it a couple of entries back, but there was a bonified trail angel at Burningtown Gap. His real name and trail name are Apple, not spelled like that). He is from TX and each year in Feb. and Mar. he sets up a large base type tent complete with wood stove, chairs and other comforts. He cooks hot dogs and serves soda, coffee, etc to everyone who passes. He even alows hikers to stay the night which several did. Bad Hummus and I declined as we were trying to make a planned stop for the night.   Met local trail maintainer today name El Grunt who was trimming blowdowns from across the trail. Nice guy and a dedicated person to keeping the trail clear. Chatted awhile then pushed on to scheduled campsite at Cody Gap late afternoon. Body still holding up well most soreness from feet and knees almost gone except for the normal pains at the end of each day. Still can't sleep though. Not sure why unless its just the norm of switching from a soft bed to a hard trail bed.
Date: 2008-03-12
From: Cody Gap

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

   This is day 12 of my hike and a short day, but another cold start at 20 degrees. Easy walking and made it in 4.5 hours. Arrived about 1:00 P.M. Ate vegetables, ham and cornbread at the Fontana Village Restaurant. Very large portion and had enough to carry out for supper. Went to P.O. and got resupply box from home. My first and possibly last as there are plenty of places to resupply along the trail without too much inconvenience. Also purchased a cheap flashlight, the best they had, from the somewhat limited outdoor store. Am acquiring too much food! Seems my pack is getting heavier and that was not the plan.   Got a good shower at the dam and feel much better. Caught up with Dr. Small pot who is taking a zero because of sore legs. He's an interesting guy with no particular agenda but who hikes very fast and also has some interesting stories from previous hikes.   Toddybear gone ahead to meet parents at Gatlinburg, TN for two days off. Stovie and Fester have not caught up from their Zero, (nonhiking days), so our team which is called "Deutsch Mark" is stay at two regular members, Bad Hummus and myself. We seem to end each day together even though he is almost always ahead of me beacause his youth and speed.   Talked with Janice today and have tentatively scheduled a rendevous at Newfound Gap in the Smokies on Saturday, to be confirmed in a couple of days.Tomorrow, the SMOKIES. They are a calling, but do not look forward to the climb from Fontana to Shuckstack they higher.
Date: 2008-03-13
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

   Did not sleep much again last night at the Fontana Hilton Shelter as it is known. The loudest snoring yet and by someone who must have Sleep Aptnia, (mispelled I'm sure). Left the shelter before light. Pack seems very heavy and I feel tired from lack of sleep. No coffee again. I am down to about 1 cup every 2 or 3 days. But I really don't miss it too much. Ate a Cherry pie, (400 Calories) as I walked toward the dam. Deposited my SMNP back country camping permit and crossed the dam. Bad Hummus overtook me just before we started the climb out of the river bottom. Told him how tired I felt and to not wait up. A couple known as Green Blaze and Roses passed me half way up, then Night Terror passed me. Caught up to him at Shuckstack as he was taking a break.   Developed a new pain after lunch. Both shins began hurting as I descended from the mountain. First time I've felt this pain and it makes the downhills tough to endure. No other pains as I feel I now have my trail legs and feet.   Arrived at the shelter at 4:00 P.M. My friend "WILDCAT" has hiked in from Cades Cove to meet me and has brought plenty of food including fresh fruit. Ate so much didn't need any supper. He is a world class hiker who only lacks 200 miles completing the triple crown of hiking, that being the AT, the CDT, and the PCT. He was forced off the CDT last December with frost bite and plans to finish in May this year. You can view pictures of his feet in his journal. WILDCAT stayed about an hour and then literally melted back into the forest. Bad Hummus was very impress with this man and had about an hour to get acquainted before I arrived.
Date: 2008-03-14
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: light rain

   Friday morning, day 14 and finally, a good nights sleep! Had talked with Janice from Russell Field Shelter the afternoon before and planned to meet at 1:00 P.M. Saturday at Newfound Gap. Awakened with high hopes of making Double Springs Shelter today, a 16.4 mile hike, and necessary to position me for my meeting with Janice on time the next day. But my shins are very sore and painful when walking and I knew right away that I could not bear the pain. I had never experienced this kind of pain before. Torture is the only way to describe it. After the ups and downs of Rocky Knob and Thunderhead, I was shot. I hobbled into Derrick Knob Shelter at 2:00 P.M., seven miles short of my objective. It had been raining all day and I was chilled. Immediately got into my sleeping bag thinking a 2 hour rest would help me finish the day. Snacked on cheese, peanut butter and crackers without getting up. The shelter quickly filled with water logged spring break hikers. I decided I could walk no more and opted to stay the night. I finally fell asleep about 10:00 P.M.