morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-24
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Woke up this morning, packed into the shelter. It was warmer than most mornings and getting out of the sleeping bag and warm clothes was less of a struggle than other mornings. Ate some oatmeal, packed up and off we went. Some folks like to spring to get ready and run out of camp. Our little group (Ketchup, Jam, Unplugged, and myself) pack quickly but take a bit of time to eat, stretch, etc. we're never past 9 getting on the trail, and as the sun comes up earlier, we'll be out earlier. We hiked downhill to Burningtown Gap at a good pace, and then had a few steady climbs. Passed Rocky Bald and then went uphill again to Wesser Bald and ate lunch on top of the firetower. The sun felt great and the wind had died down so we lounged around for awhile. The uphills had been tough for me as my feet were suffering a bit--not blisters, just sore and cramping, and a bloody toenail. Plus, I keep rolling my ankles (particularly bad one time when my trekking pole strap snapped). Luckily I was able to fix it at a bike shop in the NOC. The final 6 miles were downhill (which means we have to climb up 6 on the other side tomorrow) and took forever! It was getting hot (70) and dry, and we were all anxious to get to the NOC. Downhill is worse for all of us, but even on the steep downs along the ridge, there were still the occasional 20-50 ft. straigh climbs with no switchbacks! WHY? I think because the AT likes to mess with us. Seriously, why the random uphills in the middle of a 6 mile descent?We saw our first snake lying in the middle of the trail, and two lizards sunning themselves. Lots of fresh forest and undergrowth with signs of fire damage in the last year. Not sure if the are from controlled burns or wildfires, but from the tops of the ridges we can see other fires in the valleys as well. Continuing on my theme, the hike down took forever and did a number on our knees and ankles. Finally, after a few hours we reached the bottom and the NOC. I found the convenience store and downed a giant powerade and inhaled a snickers ice cream bar.Split a room (after some odd interactions with the management) between the four of us and ate a cheesesteak and half a 16 inch pizza before settling in to do laundry, shower, watch basketball, and get organized. The NOC is a huge biking and paddling complex, but it seems sort of clueless when it comes to hikers--which is odd since it's directly on the AT. For instance, they have WiFi, but no public computers...what hiker is carrying a laptop? Still, you can drink beer anywhere on their "campus" which reminds me of an old Six Flags water park. Big day tomorrow. If my ankles can heal and the swelling can go down a bit from rolling it (the right one), we've got a 7 mile ascent, 3300 feet up. But we're taking it easy to Fontana (3 days) so we'll hopefully be relatively fresh for the Smokies. Have to do some light resupply tomorrow morning (toilet paper, peanut butter, some granola bars, tuna packets, etc).
Date: 2009-03-25
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

To: Home for a bit
Miles today: 0.0

Well folks--my ankle isn't doing well, I don't think putting more miles on it is going to help it heal anytime soon. That spill I took on the descent into the NOC messed it up worse than I thought. I want to give it a few days to recover (I know this particular injury well from ultimate frisbee). So, I've hitched a ride to Asheville and am taking a bus back to DC for a few days. This way I get to recover in the comfort of home, and get to spend time with Hailey and Otter. And I can try to regain some of the 5 lbs I've lost. It's also supposed to rain non-stop for the next 5 days in the Smokies which would be miserable and ruin any views. Rain on the AT makes the trail nothing more than a creek to wade through. So, I'm going to meet up with my hiking pards on the other side of the Smokies in Hot Springs, NC next week, and continue on my adventure. The plan for now is to return to the Smokies in the fall after I finish in Maine and complete the 100 mile gap. (Don't worry, it's allowed and I'll still be considered a thru-hiker). Talk to you soon with a healed ankle!
Date: 2009-04-02
To: Back to Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After a few days of eating whatever I could find, sleeping, resting my feet, and spending time with Hailey and Otter, I am on my way back to the trail. It turns out I picked a good time to take a few days off--mud, rain, ice, snow and no views in the Smokies. So while I'll be jumping 100 miles or so down the trail, I'll return in the late summer or fall to finish up that particular section. I'm taking a 2 am bus to Asheville and then getting a ride into Hot Springs, NC where I'll reunite with Jam, Unplugged, and hopefully Ketchup, Early Bear, Prairie Dog and A.B.Next update will probably be from Erwin, TN, about 5 days away.
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Camp Creek Bald Fire Tower

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: clear sky

I woke up after a fantastic night of rest to a warm, cheery sunrise. It was one of the few mornings where I wasn't regretting getting out of my sleeping bag. As we packed up a guy in full camo, and a camo face mask, walked through our small camp (which was 50 yds off the trail) with a large shotgun strapped to his back. A few minutes later, we heard a turkey call. Great, some local hunting 100 yds from us near the AT. We hurried our packing and decided to cook breakfast down the trail 2 miles near a spring.As we cooked our oatmeal, I saw something out of the corner of my eye and saw a doe, 10 feet away from us, just staring. After a few seconds it took off, but only went 30 feet away and continued to graze. Jam whistled at it and it looked up to stare for a bit.We moved on, up Blackstaff Cliffs and walked along the spine of a rocky ridge--getting some great views but some wind and rain. We passed Jerry Cabin Shelter and had lunch, but the 6 miles we did felt like 12. The day just dragged along. To pass the time, I listened again to the Count of Monte Cristo--again enjoying some chapters, suffering through others. Climbed up a second Big Butt Mt. (come on people, get a little creative with the names!). By the way--we decided we don't like anything named "sassafras"--it always means a big climb! We passed the graves of two civil war soldiers as well. Descending into Flint Gap, I saw a USFS trail maintainer on an ATV--which aren't allowed on the trail. He even told me to forget that I saw him. Got to Flint Mt. Shelter and refilled on water. At every shelter we've been leaving notes in the log for the folks behind so they know where we are. Got to Devil Fork Gap and started on the longest, steepest ascent I'd done in a while--up Frozen Knob/Lick Rock. The steep ascent up the waterfall wasn't too bad, but the longer, boring endless ridge ascent was mindless, strenuous, and windy (weather, not curvy). Decent views, but mostly frusterating and long. Just when I'd top one knob and descend, there'd be another ascent! Finally got to Big Flat and dropped into Rice Gap before the last 1.5 miles up to the shelter--FINALLY!After cooking some mac and cheese and tuna, and making a burrito, with a snickers for desert, I walked .2 miles to refill water and prepared for a cold night in the shelter. We hung our food and tried to make a plan for tomorrow, knowing about an expected 4-8 inches of snow that was supposed to hit. At the very least, we decided to go 22 miles to No Business Knob Shelter, and if possible 5 more into Erwin and watch the NCAA finals. Woke up a few times to the sound of rain, and had some weird Monte Cristo dreams. I got really hot in my sleeping bag and slept shirtles.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: light rain

Woke up and it ws COLD! We knew bad weather was coming so we packed quickly and moved out. The first 3 miles seemed to fly by--we did it in 45 minutes. It was like we were in a time warp (even with a few challenging climbs to High Rock). Got to Sams Gap and then climbed up to Big Bald. As we climbed the weather turned for the worse and we were getting lots of wind and sleet. At one point, I saw a power line after a particularly steep, rocky and difficult climb and checked my guide book. I had seen a notation for a power line earlier and to my horror, it said I was still 4 miles from the top!! I yelled at the mountain a bit ("Are you kidding me!?!?!"), but after another mile of steep scrambling and sleet I reached the bald. Unplugged, Jam, and I made our way .5 miles over the bald, which would have had amazing views, except we were in the clouds and everything was completely frozen and frosted over. We could only see 25 yds ahead of us. We followed the wooden posts that marked the trail, but the wind kept blowing us sideways and whipping our eyes. Without my hiking poles, I would have been knocked over. It kept pushing me off the trail into the fields. Finally got to Bald Mt. Shelter and ate a quick lunch. Once I stopped moving, my body temperature dropped and my hands froze! We were making excellent time, but still had a long way to go. I left in a hurry to get my body temperature up, and we climbed up to High Rocks in sleet and then pure snow. Descended into Spivey Gap, only 10 miles from Erwin! I had thought the climb out was going to be horrendus, but the map lied and although tough, a little Monte Cristo made it pass. Plus, the trail bordered a nice waterfall, and with all the trees and leaves covered in snow, it was kind of idyllic. Walked along the side of the mountains for a few cold miles (it gets a bit boring along those parts of the trail) and pulled into the crowded No Business Knob Shelter. We quickly decided to push the last 6 miles. We did our last big climb and then a long, steep descent. I was getting anxious and impatient, cold and wet. I caught my first view of the day of Erwin and got to Uncle Johnny's hostel--which was packed. They weren't too helpful so we paid for a shuttle into town after calling a few hotels. We were driven to Little Caesar's and then to the hotel where I devoured a large pizza, watched basketball, and dried my clothes. Oh, and showered. 70 miles in 3 days. 27 miles in 10 hour. If the weather is awful as predicted, we'll probably stay put or only do a few miles to the next shelter.
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well, after looking at the forecast for today, and watching the snow and wind, we decided to stay another day in town. Smart move. The mountains were quickly covered in clouds and the wind and snow fell all day (and blew sideways from time to time). We slept in, watched the worst movie ever made in the history of the world, "The Wicker Man," with Nicholas Cage. That's what we get for a 10 am movie on TBS. After lounging around, we walked a 1.5 miles to a Chinese restaurant and then wandered back to plan the next few days and watch baseball. Heard from Early Bear--he's 15 miles past Hot Springs and stuck in 6 inches of snow. Glad we got out. Had McDonald's for dinner and watched Family Guy and the Office. Planning on doing 17 miles tomorrow to Cherry Gap. Big climb out of town and over Unaka Mt.
Date: 2009-05-10
From: Catawba

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

After a long drive from DC, and a few stops with Otter and Hailey, we drove through the mountains and up a windy road to Catawba. We were hoping to eat at the Homeplace, an all you can eat place in the middle of nowhere, which is only open Th-Sun. It was packed!! But I did run into Early Bear, met the Pack-a-divas, and a few others. Instead of waiting 2 hours for food, I decided to get dropped off at the trail head and hike the 4.5 miles to McAfee Knob and the shelter past that (I'm glad I did, because the views were gorgeous and the next day was rainy and cloudy). Anyway, I immediately realized that I need to get my trail legs back! I eventually got into a rythym, but it was a little strenuous for the first part of the ascent. I did enjoy having a lighter pack as I swapped out my cold weather sleeping bag and clothes for summer ones, but as usual, I may have packed in a bit too much food until my next resupply. I passed a lot of hikers out for Mother's Day, and arrived at the top to an incredible view! It was amazing. 200 degree view of the mountains, valleys, an airport, and Roanoke. I was the only person there for a bit, so I took a few photos with the camera's timer, sprinting along the rocks to get to the right spot. Some of them turned out alright, but Com' eventually showed up and took a few pictures of me. We hiked to the next shelter where I ran into Dutch (formerly Fineus) and a bunch of other folks who I hadn't seen since Gooch Mt. Shelter on day two. Ate a light dionner and slept on the platform outside the shelter. Gorgeous night, but it did get a little chilly. I also saw a scarlet tanager and a few deer, and had a whipoorwill keep us company for the evening. The deer showed no fear and hung around the shelter at dusk.
Date: 2009-03-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a good day for cutting down weight and getting some more supplies together for the thru hike. I exchanged my recently purchased Gregory Baltoro 70 for the Gregory Z65 today becuase of weight and space issues. I had a hard time returning the pack becuase it was designed very well, fit great and was comfortable. However, its weight at 5 lbs 14oz has always been knawing at the back of my mind. Plus when I packed it with all my gear, I didn't use anywhere near it full capacity. So i decided to go with the Z65 which is lighter and a little smaller, which is a good thing. It's under 2 week now until I fly into Atlanta and can't wait.Until next time.
Date: 2009-03-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Here's an update on my schedule for departure.I am flying in to Atlanta on March 13th at 11:25am. From there, I am having a friend pick me up. I will be hanging out with him for a day or so to catch up and enjoy my last few hours of non-trail life. After which, he will be dropping me off at Amicola Falls SP probably on Sunday at some point. From there I am hitting the approach trail up to Springer and thus embarking on the journey that's been 6 years in the making. I can't believe its actually here. 9 more days.
Date: 2009-03-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Only days away now. After so many years of looking forward to and anticipating this hike, I now feel a sense of fear waiting over me. The sort of calm before the storm feeling. I know once I get out there I will have the time of my life, but the anxiety of the whole trip is somewhat overwhelming. But as a good friend told me last night, you have to take it one day at a time, and that is what I plan to do. I also tested out my filter (finally) yesterday on a very short hike. It seemed to work fine. Other than that, I have to prepair my mail drops and get a few more loose ends tied up at home before I leave for GA on friday.
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Springer Mt.

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Its been a while since I have the chance to update this, but heres a short and sweet version of my trip thus far. The hike started off cold and rainy which made things difficult at first, but it was a special way to start the trip. Once the sun finally decided to show up, I picked up my mileage and began to kick out some big days. I ended up picking up some trekking poles at Neels Gap which have helped my hiking ten folds, especially on the rocky steep down hills. I ended up staying in Hiawasee GA because the Blueberry Patch Hostel was full. I shared a motel room with Saint and Wind-Up. Two fellow thruers from Boston. Crossing into N.C. anf leaving G.A. was awesome and humbling. Only 13 more states left.We; Gansta, Alias, Wind-Up and Saint crossed the hundred mile mark a few days ago which was another milestone. After a 20 mile day in the pouring rain, Gangsta,Alias and myself made it to the NOC and got some good food and a dry hotel room. We are taking a zero day in Bryson City NC staying at a cheap motel and avoiding the rain. Currently 135 miles into the trip and staying srtong. I will be updating more hopefully at Fontana Dam on Monday.Thanks for all the support especially from the Stuster.If you want it, you shall get it!!!!
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Hot Springs

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am currently in Hot Srpings right now and loving it. I have left the smokies after days of rain, no views, a bear sighting, wonderful trail magic at newfound gap and gaitlinburg. I pushed a 24 mile day to reach the summit of Max Patch. IT was well worth it, the sunset and hot meal upon the soft grass has been the highlight of the trip thus far, best views hands down. However, in the middle of the night I was awoken to the sound of raging winds knocking down my tent and flashes of light coming from outside. There were severe storms to the north and west of the summit. After listening to the emergency broadcast message telling anyone outside in our location to seek shelter asap, Rusticus and I decided to tack on a few more miles and made it to the next shelter at 3 am. Thats just about the time when the snow and hail started. After a cold day and another cold night fyull of snow we made it to Hot Srpings and have already enjoyed the glorious hot srpings near the river. I will be taking a zero here tomorrow and hope to stay at Elmers for another night, depending on the great host of cold hikers that are sure to show up tomorrow.Maybe another entry tomorrow in my down time. For now take care.Well I do have something else on the list but....If you want it...you will get it!!!!
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Erwin TN

To: View Entry
Miles today: 339.1

It has been 1 months since departing from Springer Mt. I have been having the time of my life. The weather has been rough and the views have been alluding us, but the friends I have made make up for the hardships of the trail.I am currently in Erwin TN and plan to make it to Damascus VA in 8-10 days so somewhere around the 25th of April. It looks like we might be getting a few days of sun coming up so there is something to look forward to. Time to hit the trail, short day today, but my shins are in a lot of pain, so hopefully everything works out.I was in the pool, I was in the pool!!!
Date: 2009-05-05
To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 162.0
Weather: moderate rain

Taking a zero day in Blacksburg VA with my brother Justin. Having a great time relaxing and looking at some new gear I might be getting.The terrain has become relatively nice, with long ridge line walks as apposed to lots of ups and downs. I plan on making it up to Waynesboro VA in about 11-15 days depending on how things work out. My legs seem to be holding up so things are looking up...for now. I have a feeling the goonies will be having a reunion very soon. And as Dicky V says..."Are you serious!!!!?"
Date: 2009-05-06
From: James River

To: View Entry
Miles today: 150.0

I am spending some time with a friend from Montana who now lives in Lynchburg VA. It has been great taking some time off from the trail. I plan to be in Waynesboro around monday or tuesday. The trail has been nice lately, with some big climbs. Other than my toes feeling like they are broken, I couldn't be better. Goonies, i'm coming for ya. "I'm feeling skinny Tony!"
Date: 2009-05-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 77.0

I am currently spending 2 zero days with my aunt and uncle in the Waynesboro area. My time so far has been incredible and only continues to get better. Tomorrow we are going for a canoe trip down the Rockfish river. I plan on entering the Shenandoah's on friday morning. Almost half way! 1 gallon challenge here I come!
Date: 2009-06-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 285.0

Hello,I have done a lot since my last entry.Crossed the 1000 mile mark.Made it to Harpers Ferry and out of the state of Virginia, finally.Made it through Maryland, and entered into the North as I crossed into Pennsylvania. Made it to the official half way mark of the hike.Completed the half gallon challenge in 48 minutes, with cookies n creme.I am now in Duncannon enjoying some time off. Thanks to everyone for the support!Stick around, it's going to be an interesting year!Hermes
Date: 2009-07-12
From: Boston

To: View Entry
Miles today: 400.0

Hello,Time to do a little bit of updating. Right now I am at Saint and Wind-up's house near Boston taking a bunch of zeros and loving every minute of it. It is so nice to just relax and do nothing all day. I have made it to the I-90 the mass pike and only have 650 miles or so left to travel. I can feel everything get closer everyday. My bear count is up to around 13 or so thus far, with lots of sightings in NJ, even a problem bear that forced me to walk southbound for half a mile. I did 5 miles of naked hiking on hike naked day and managed to have a conversation with a day hiker while I was naked. I have been meeting so many nice people on and off the trail. I never knew how many kind and generous people there were out there. I am really looking forward to the last section of trail though VT, NH and ME. I haven't done really any hiking in these sections other than a little in VT, so it will be a new and hopefully eye opening experience. Moving north in a few days. Farewell
Date: 2009-07-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 46.5

In Hanover NH right now. Entering the second to last state on the trail, in the rain was an awesome experience. Kramer: Grossbard's plane leaves in ten minutes. I *still* got time to catch him!George: How you gonna catch him? He's probably boarded the plane already.Kramer: Gimme your credit card.George: My credit card?Kramer: Just gimme the card, don't ask me any questions.
Date: 2009-08-18
To: Rangeley ME
Miles today: 170.0
Weather: few clouds

In Rangeley right now trying to leave town, but cant. I havent heard from KD in awhile, he must be busy in Budhapest now. Oh well. Almost to Katahdin, only 13 days left, summit day should be September 1st. MONEY RAIN ON ME~~~~!
Date: 2009-10-05
To: Nowhere
Miles today: 268.0

Well Well Well,It has been about a month since I summited Mt. Katahdin. That said, I think it is time for me to finally update this journal and let people know whats been going on.After summiting on Sept. 2nd on a gorgeous class 1 day, I went to Saint and Wind-Up's house in Boston for a few days to relax and un-wind after the trip of my life. Upon saying goodbye to my friends for the last time, I was picked up by my dad and we made the drive back to CT where my journey would finally come to its conclusion. Pulling out of Saint and Wind-up's driveway was where I was finally hit with the overwhelming wave of sadness that I had feared from the begining. I had waited for so long for this hike to arrive. I knew that it would come and go in the blink of an eye as it certainly did and I would be left with only memories and a few photos of this life changing event. Leaving their house was the moment when I realized that my A.T. Thru hike had coem to an end.I have been back in CT working with my family and trying to return to a normal life. I still can't help but feel like the end really hasn't sunk in yet. I somehow feel as if I am on an extended zero and will be hitting the trail again with my friends shortly. How I wish it were so. My thru hike was everything I expected and more. I will never forget the friends I have made, the places I have seen and the way that the trail has changed my life forever. I consider myself one of the luckiest people on earth to have experienced this truly epic journey. I hope everyone has the chance to go out and realize one of their dreams and see it come true. There is no other feeling like it in the world. Every emmotion possible seems to fill you. I can find no words to describe how amazing it felt to have lived my dream.To all my friends, family, people met along the way, trail angels and supporters; I want to thank you from the bottom most depths of my heart for all you have given me and what you helped make possible. Thank you all!GOONIES NEVER SAY DIE!!!!!!