morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-08
To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 106.0
Weather: clear sky

Hi everyone! I'm here in Franklin, North Carolina right now. We've done 106 miles so far, and it's been amazing. Definately some trying and difficult climbs, but with amazing views from the top. Yesterday was our longest day yet, we hiked for nineteen miles! This morning we pumped out 9 miles in four and a half hours. Town days always make you walk faster! We've had a good deal of 'trail magic' as it's called. The first was two gentleman named Alan and James who were sitting on the side of the trail with a cooler full of cold beer and water. Just today we came down the trail on Winding Stair Gap to Highway 64, and two ladies and a gentleman had a circle full of chairs to sit in as well as a cooler full of soda and water. They also had a box full of chips and another box full of snacks. Tomorrow morning I'm off on my own, for the next leg of the journey. I should be at Fontana Dam, North Carolina on sunday, which is 56 miles from here. After that it's the smokies. With any luck, I'll be able to update again from Fontana Dam, and hopefully get a hot shower.   Thanks for the continuous support; it provides a great boost of energy to read the guest book entries. I've met a lot of really great people on the trail, a few of whom intend to hike the whole way. Well, it's off for a shower now, and hopefully an all you can eat buffet!   love,
Date: 2007-05-12
To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 56.0
Weather: light rain

Hi everyone, it's saturday morning (a side note: Happy soon-to-be mother's day to my momma) and I'm in fontana dam. I left Franklin wednesday morning, and hiked 16 miles that day. It was a tough 16- it was the first day I'd hiked solo, so I was feeling the distance between myself and everyone else. But it was also nice to choose your own pace, stop when you want, and just walk. On thursday I hiked twelve miles into the Nantahala Outdoor Center. That was a heck of a climb downhill, going from 5000 feet to under 2000. Imagine climbing down uneven, rocky stairs for about five miles. I had a good night there, spent time with the other hikers at the pub, playing pool, eating some real food. Friday morning it was back up from under 2000 to 5000 plus feet in about five miles. Then I hiked another eleven miles to a shelter, where I was exhausted and ready for bed. Unfortunately the shelter was full and it looked like it was going to rain, but I found a small dusty corner to sleep in. Only one mouse scurried across the top of my sleeping bag, so I was pretty lucky. The shelter's are notorious for stealthy mice that scurry across your sleeping bag, drop from the rafters, and all-around keep you awake through the night. This morning I woke up at around five thirty and kicked it into high gear. I had to get to Fontana before noon to get to the post office and get my next week's supply of food. I managed to do the 12 miles into town and got here around 10:45. And here I am. I've had company throughout the day, mostly people I've met throughout the past two weeks. A lot of great people who make the trip easier. Now it's relaxing for the evening (there's a bluegrass festival going on here today!) maybe a dip in the pool, a couple of showers, some beer, and some more good times. Tomorrow it's starting in the smokies, and by tuesday I should be to Clingman's Dome, which is the highest point on the AT at 6ooo plus feet. My next update will hopefully be around Hot Springs, around 112 miles from here, next week. Thank you all for everything!!
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hey everyone, I'm in Hot Springs, NC right now. I'm out of the Smokies. I think I've done 100 miles or so, since I last wrote. This has been my toughest week so far. The hiking was fairly gradual and easy through the smokies, and beautiful. I would recommend everyone to go hiking there. I walked on the ridgeline of the mountain range for about 15 miles, above 6000 feet most of the time, looking left and seeing endless views, and right, and endless views. I climbed Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the AT, at 6,643 feet I believe. I even saw two bears! And I got a picture of one, which I'll add as soon as I can. But, all of the hiking buddies that I've enjoyed the company of, slowly vanished. Some finished earlier than they intended, some finished their trips at the smokies, and some headed off to town for a day. So, I was left by myself, completely, for the first time, with miles ahead of me. I walked and walked and walked. I did a 13 mile day. Then a 16 mile day. Then topped that off with a 22 mile day (my longest yet). Then a 20 mile day, the last 9 miles in pouring, cold, slippery, down hill rain.And now I'm in Hot Springs, glad to be here, taking it easy, getting my spirits up, before the next leg. I'm feeling better now; glad to be hiking. It's freezing though. last night was in the thirties. Today didn't go above the mid 40s. I'm glad to be in town tonight. I'll try and update again, maybe tomorrow, but next leg is to roan mountan, 112 miles I believe. It's supposed to be beautiful. Until then, thanks again for everyone's support. your happy hiker...
Date: 2007-05-14
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: nowhere 
Miles today: 0.0

Hey everyone. Well, I'm taking my first zero day (which stands for zero miles, or a rest day) here in Hot Springs, North Carolina. It's a beautiful little town with very friendly people and great food. I'm staying at a place known to hikers as "elmer's inn" run by a guy named elmer and his wife sunny. They are fantastic people and I'm grateful to have their company and support, as well as sharing the tales and stories with other hikers. A warm bed and hot shower are also very nice. It's straining the financial resources a little, but better that than my even more limited physical resources. I feel a hundred and ten percent better today, and am excited about getting on the trail tomorrow to continue the next section of the AT, to Roan Mountain, TN, approximately 112 miles from here. I will probably not stay in Roan Mountain, so it's possible the next update you'll hear from me is in Damascus VA, about 180 miles from here; probably 12 days away.   I hope this update finds everyone well, and as always, thank you very much for your continuous support.   And Aunt Kim, thank you for the mail drop, the food looks great, it'll be enough to last me to the next town.   Take care,
Date: 2007-05-27
From: Damascus

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi everyone! Well, I'm in damascus, VA. This is the 'symbolic' quarter mark of the trail. I've gone over 450 miles since I started, and am on Day 34 of the trip, I believe. I've started keeping a daily journal to make these entries a little more interesting and detailed, but of course, I forgot to bring it to the library with me. For an update of the past week, the trail has been quite possibly the most beautiful yet, with rolling Southern Balds, gorges, waterfalls, great swimming lakes, blooming rhodedendrons, and friendly people. I've seen four deer, two bears, and three rabbits in the past few days, amongst other frogs, bugs, flies, caterpillars, ticks, worms, and other creatures. Virginia is my longest state, and will take me around a month to finish, so I'll be here a while. This is also the home of the "virginia blues". I have yet to feel them, I'm still excited about crossing another state line. I'm hiking with a fun-loving group of people, although I think many will be staying in Damascus for a day or so. The weather has been comfortable, in the upper 70s to low 80s, with only a little rain yesterday. And that's about it... I'm still loving every day; I have to pinch myself occasionally. I'm very lucky to be doing what I'm doing- this is a trip of a lifetime. My body is adjusting to the strain, or just getting used to the aches.   And of course, it wouldn't be possible without everyone's support. It means the world to me, and I am thankful for it every day. I hope this update finds everyone well, happy, and at ease.   Until my next update, take care.
Date: 2007-06-14
From: Pearisburg, Va

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi everyone! I'm in Pearisburg, Va., the ending point of southern Virginia and the start of Central Virginia. This is also home to the New river, the second oldest river in the world (after the Nile). The hike from Damascus has been interesting. I've dealt with the rainy effects of a tropical storm skirting the area, hot days in the upper eighties, cow pastures, steep climbs, long, easy, strolling ridgewalks, great people, and so far, a pleasant Virginia experience. After leaving Damascus, I came to the Grayson Highlands, which I recommend everyone to visit. Wild ponies grazed in herds, surrounded by panoramic views, giant boulder-strewn fields, easy walks, and blooming rhododendrons. After that was Partnership Shelter at the Mount Rodgers Headquarters, where I took my second full zero day on the trail. This was the nicest shelter I've been at, complete with a shower, the headquarters a tenth of a mile away with restrooms, soda machine, snacks, and phone. And, they delivered pizza! I had a great day of rest with new friends. Since then, I've been keeping a quick pace, trying to get some miles behind me to meet up with my parents who are visiting this weekend. I'm very excited! In my excitement, I was doing twenty plus mile days. 23. 19. 21. 20. and so on. as a result, my feet have taken quite a beating.   I've been rubbing them the wrong way I guess... ha ha. Yesterday and the day before were very rough- every step felt like I was walking on glass. My heels are rubbed raw, and cut, there are blisters on 8 out of 10 toes, and on the bottom of each foot. It's time for new socks and a break. I'm going to rest and let them heal in town for a few days, and spend a relaxing weekend with mom and dad. Hopefully we can hit up the outfitter in Blacksburg and take care of this problem. And then it's back on the trail. With more than 600 miles behind me, I'm feeling pretty good. I'm 1/3 through the longest state on the trail, and my fourth state of the hike. I've been seeing at least two deer every day, as well as other wildlife. Well, it looks like my time is running out on this computer. I added more pictures, so be sure to check them out!!      And I have to say thanks to Tillie and Neville at Woodshole Hostel. They made me feel very welcome and at home for the evening while I rested my feet. And what an amazing breakfast spread! I think I finished off over fifteen pancakes!
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Natural Bridge KOA; Lexington, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi everyone, it's saturday night, and I am at a KOA campground near Lexington Va. My mom and dad picked me up near Pearisburg, VA, with a surprise... Jodi hiding in the back seat. It's been a great weekend off the trail, although I had to show them what it's like. The pictures I uploaded are of a 7 (or 8, depending on who you talk to...   7.4) mile hike we did to Mcafee's Knob, one of the most photographed spots on the trail. The morning started out grey and foggy, but by the time we made it up the mile and a half, 1200 feet of elevation climb, the sun had come out and began to clear everything up. It was a great weekend spend with family, and I am recharged (with healing feet and new socks). I am in central virginia now, making my way north. Thanks again for everything, mom and dad.   This was a great 'vacation' and a much needed boost of spirit. Love,
Date: 2007-07-08
From: Harper's Ferry, WV

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Tomorrow I'll be leaving Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, and will be in Maryland by the afternoon. Hopefully, I'll be in Pine Grove Furnace State Park (the true half-way point) on Wednesday. This past weekend I attended a Civil War Reenactment in Gettysburg, PA. It was pretty cool. I had a lot of fun, and it was a good, relaxing day away from the trail. I have added quite a few pictures from there, so, I hope you enjoy them. It's pretty exciting getting this close to the half-way point of my trip, and I can't believe how quickly it has passed. This is a rather short entry, but I will update again soon. Thanks as always for everyone's support.
Date: 2007-07-30
From: Vernon, New Jersey

To: View Entry
Miles today: 21.0

Hi! Well, it's been a while since my last entry. Computers have been scarce. I'm in Vernon, New Jersey right now, and I'll be in New York tomorrow morning. crazy... Within 7 days I'll be in New England! I'm over 1,350 miles through, with less than 850 left. Time is going pretty quickly. The rest of Pennsylvania was pretty tough and demoralizing. The trail was a bed of pointy small rocks with boulders strewn about for fun. Every step was on rough rock, twisting and bending the knees and ankles in angles not very comfortable while carrying a heavy pack. After I left Palmerton, there was a climb up Lehigh Gap, which was one of the coolest climbs I have done yet. It was a rocky ascent, with boulder scrambling, and the rock wall just dropped off into the gap. If I have time, I'll try to put up a bunch of pictures. I crossed into New Jersey a few days ago, and it is beautiful! Southern New Jersey was gorgeous. I'm surprised more people don't talk about it. Gradual climbs with long ridge walks looking over big lakes and rolling hills. The past few days though, I was back in the rocks, picking my way slowly across the mountains, hoping for better trail. I'm excited to enter New York, and more excited to get to Connecticut.   Well, there are more hikers hoping to get on the internet, but if I get time later tonight, I will upload some pictures. Thanks to the Robinsons for your package. The food was good, and the notes were great.      Next time you hear from me, I should be in New England!! (1,450 miles, almost 3/4s of the way done!)
Date: 2007-08-18
To: Rutland, VT
Miles today: 0.0

Wow...   I'm sorry it has been so long since I've been able to update this site. I have sooo many pictures I want to share, and stories to tell. I am in Vermont! Rutland, VT, to be precise, enjoying a few zero days at the first annual Rutland Long Trail Festival, an awesome event with presentations, music, and fun. I've come almost 1700 miles; over 3/4s of the way, with less than 500 miles left. It's crazy how fast it is going. Every day seems like a new milestone. Jodi has joined me and has taken on the trail name 'serendipidy' (spelt with a 'd' not a 't'). She is doing great. I am very proud of her. She has been tough, and adding inspiration to the days. We have been averaging around 13 miles a day, with her biggest day so far being 15 miles. We've begun climbing larger mountains, now that we're in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Mount Greylock in northern Mass at 3500 feet, Glastenbury Mountain at 3700, and Stratton Mountain at the tallest, 3900 plus, almost 4000 feet. We have been recieving more rain, recently too, and wind. Overall, though, the days have been nice and cool, with comfortable nights for sleeping weather. I have still yet to see a moose! I have been keeping my eyes peeled, and pausing for every sound. I've seen some huge moose tracks. The other night I hid near the edge of a pond at dusk, hoping a giant bull moose would come for a swim, but no luck...   maybe soon.   I want to say thank you to everyone who's sent me packages, the food has been great and much appreciated as always!   They only give us a very limited time on the internet at this library and my time is running out, so I can't update any pictures. But, this weekend I'll be in Hanover, New Hampshire, staying at Dartmouth College, hopefully. They allow hikers to stay there. And they have internet, so I should be able to put pictures on then! Again, I'm sorry it's been so long, and hopefully by this weekend you'll have some pictures to browse!   stay tuned...
Date: 2007-08-20
From: Rutland, VT

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi. Well, we are still in Rutland, Vermont. We'll be leaving tomorrow morning (tuesday) on our way to New Hampshire. Jodi (Serendipidy) and I decided to stay one more day, and help out with the "Rutland Hard-Core", a trail maintenance project. We were working on a new section of trail which will be wheel-chair accessible, and will take the existing AT off a roadwalk, allowing a view of the 'ninth tallest waterfall in vermont'... when it's running. The waterfall has a hydro-electric plant at the bottom, so all we saw was the 'ninth tallest wetrock in vermont'. We are staying at the home of previous thru-hiker Mad Hatter, who is nice enough to let us shower, do laundry, and use the internet, as well as a roof over our head on supposedly the first freeze of the year. yikes.   Well, I added a ton of pictures, not many have text to them, but I'll change that with time! Apple pie and ice cream are calling!
Date: 2007-09-06
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

A former president of the Dartmouth Outing Club once said that 'you haven't received a formal education at Dartmouth until you see Moosilauke by moonlight'. Do you think they'll give me an honorary degree?   On my birthday, the 27th, we hiked up Mt. Moosilauke, the highest climb so far at 4800 feet, and the first big climb in the White Mountain National Forest. We got to the summit just before sunset, and got to see, simultaneously, the sun setting in the west and the moon rising in the east. You could watch the sun set, and then turn and watch the moon rise. It was pretty.   The Whites themselves have been amazing. We have had incredible weather, and endless visibility. I have put some new pictures up, with Franconia Ridge, Mt. Washington (the 6,200 foot summit. This mountain has the worst recorded weather in the world; a record windspeed of 238 mph, and snow recorded on every single day of the year). Somehow we lucked out with a perfect day on Mt. Washington, minimal wind, sunshine, and incredible views. The rest of the Presidential Range was equally stunning, Mt. Adams, Jefferson, Madison... The day we came over Madison, the wind was running pretty strong, wanting to push us over with every single step. We are in Gorham, New Hampshire, right now. Mile marker 1,896. Less than 300 miles left... 298. I can't believe it. Every day is flying by, and the weeks are disappearing. I am excited to be this close to finishing, but at the same time sad to know that I am this close to finishing. There were many things I knew I would deal with on this trip. Many values I believed would be strengthened. Commitment. Devotion. Persistence. Passion. And now the biggest one to deal with of all, letting go.   Tomorrow we'll be in Maine. Go ahead and read that one more time, I'll wait. ...My 14th and final state. Around 280 miles long. Two more maildrops. 3 more weeks and we'll be summitting Katahdin.   Jodi's 5th state. with over 400 miles done. I'm very proud of her. She's been tough, and a great hiking partner.      Maine is considered the most rugged and most remote of all the states. We have the 100 mile wilderness, a section (mostly) devoid of roads and services, although civilization has its way of encroaching. Towns are further away from the trail, and we'll be returning to bear country. Hopefully, I'll see a moose. It's the sixth of September and the weather is getting cooler. I find myself in fleece most every evening and morning now.   The leaves are starting to hint at a changing of the guard. We've stopped in our tracks at the sight of a brilliant deep red tree in the middle of a canopy of green. Fall is coming quick. My next update will be from Maine!
Date: 2007-09-07
From: Gorham, NH

To: the grand finale
Miles today: 0.0

Well, there it is. The end. We summitted Katahdin yesterday, September 25, 2007. I'm still in a bit of a daze. The weather was amazing. Blue sky, sun shining. We started at 7 am, and made it up after 11. The wind was pretty rough on the way up, but the resolve, and the excitement, were too strong. My stomach was in knots, my heart was racing, but my mind was quiet. I was there. I was climbing. I have memories to last a lifetime from this trip. I have met some amazing people, made some awesome friends, and seen a beautiful part of the country. It's hard to believe that this whole trip is over. All it took was one blink, and the summer had disappeared. We were heading south to portland, a setting sun behind us, the mountains fading into the distance, but the memories as strong as ever, begging to be played over and over. Congratulations to all the hikers before me that have summitted. I hope you are adjusting to the 'real world'. I know it'll take some time. Congratulations to all the hikers behind me. You all have been my friends and company this summer. Please stay in touch and send me a picture from the top!         Thank you, thank you, thank you, to everyone who has helped me on this Trail. All the food sponsors, all the trail angels, the friends and family back home. Mom. Dad. you know I needed it.There are a lot of pictures I have updated. They tell the journey from Gorham, New Hampshire to Baxter State Park, northern Maine.   Enjoy them. I wish I could tell all the stories on here, but I'm pretty tired. Ask me about them. I'll be more than happy to tell everything. And the big question. What am I going to do next?   Well, it's still up in the air, but I have a few ideas.   And you all thought this was crazy...
Date: 2007-02-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Three practice hikes of 9, 7, and 6 miles on Feb 8, 10, and 11 in Elk River valley, central TN. Moderate elev changes of 300 to 400 feet. Temps ranged from 30 to 45, north winds of 10 knots on 10th and 11th. Pack weight increased with each hike.
Date: 2007-03-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Pack looks like it needs an operation to get rid of the little kid that is hiding inside - 40lbs tonight. Need a re-weigh on different scales tomorrow for a better read. Got to get lighter than this or the old bones are going to suffer. 10-mile hike planned for Saturay with Scouts to make the final checkout.Travel to Atlanta Sunday and Springer early Monday morning.
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Springer Mountain

To: Horse Gap
Miles today: 10.0

Left Alpharetta area at 0730. Thanks to my sister Elaine for her hospitality for the evening. My brother Jay is driving me to Spirnger Mountain. Don't think he is really hot about this idea. Guess he thinks I'm a "little off" or something. Heading up the USFS road to Springer was a bit bumpy, but not as bad as I have seen it in the past. Arrived at Springer parking lot at 9:15 a.m. Met "Mountain Squid" from Johnson City TN in the parking lot doing some trail magic and "just hanging out" as he says. Left Jay to do his thing going back to Hotlanta for the day. I climbed to Springer Mountain take off and met Roger, an ATC volunteer, at the top. Talked a few minutes and had him take a picture of me on the "rock" and signed in. Temperature was 55 degrees with fog and clouds on the mountain. I left Springer at 10:10 a.m. I stopped to have lunch at Long Creek Falls around 12:30 p.m. "Superman" (2000) and his wife were taking a nap there. They are doing a "retro" short hike to Neels Gap for the memories. Moved on to the Hawk Mtn Shelter for water and another short rest. Hawk Mtn was filling with hikers by 3:30. Got water and headed to Horse Gap to break up tomorrow's long dry section and have a freah start at base of Sassafras Mtn. I reached Horse Gap at 5:00 p.m. for my first camp. Gotta-R-Done for the first day. 10 miles today, plus the reverse trip up Springer.