morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-12
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Harper's Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0

Waynesboro, VA:The last two weeks, a bit less I guess, has been full of firsts:1st rattlesnake (a bit scary!), black rat snake, blooming rhododendrons, little orange newts, pink and yellow ladyslippers, bear (that got my heart pumping too!), toads, iron rungs pounded into rocks, strange foot problems (not blisters), etc. etc.I did twenty miles my first day out of Pearisburg, VA, and have been pounding out some serious mileage between there and here. I sent home some of my winter gear, and have my 40 degree bag now. The weather was cooperating for a little while, but it dropped down to the upper twenties and low thirties for a couple nights. Brr! And yesterday it was like being back in the Smokies again- rainy, foggy, windy, and 30 degrees. Not the most pleasant weather to walk in... Speaking of yesterday, that is when I saw my first bear! I was trying to make it to a shelter before dark so that I wouldn't have to set up my tent in the rain, so I was walking rather quickly- almost jogging, in fact- and I was about 10 feet away when all of a sudden there was a large black bear moving VERY quickly away from me. Oh yeah. It was eight o' clock at night, practically dark, and I could only see about ten feet with poor visibility in the fog. Thank goodness that bear was moving away (and not towards) me!I've gotten some gorgeous views in the last couple weeks, and been trapped in clouds in a few places where there should have been views. Some very kind people have provided some awesome trail magic too. I showed up to a shelter one night, and was greeted by, "Here comes a hungry hiker! Want some pancakes and eggs?" That didn't take to long to answer! I then spent the next half hour of so eating a ton of pancakes, eggs, and a lot of orange juice too. It was great! Thank you John Hasty! You're the best! For those of you who are not familiar... Trail magic is pretty much any sort of free act of kindness directed toward hikers. For example, John Hasty making pancakes, free church breakfasts (I've encountered two so far), rides to/from trail/town, free lunch at the Dutch Haus B&B in Montebello, people sometimes cook hamburgers and hot dogs for hikers (ran into the same guy in two different places in GA!), etc. Sometimes people stock coolers with treats and cold soda and stuff. It's great!Well, I'm pretty much just trying to kill time in the Waynesboro Public Library right now while a thunderstorm runs its course. Hopefully it will go away soon, because I want to hike out today but hate thunder and lightning storms. Wish me luck!
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Harper's Ferry, WV

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 1012.8
Weather: light rain

Harper's Ferry, WV:Well, I wasn't planning on staying here, but apparently MD (which is only about a mile away) has some pretty strict camping laws. Plus, it's raining, and my tent isn't completely waterproof. Even though Harper's Ferry is a pretty significant trail town. For many, including myself, it stands as a mental halfway point. It also houses the ATC (Appalachian Trail Conference) headquarters. Right.. to finish my sentence.. Harper's Ferry has very poor lodging options. Option 1 is to stay in the 100+ dollar hotel. Option 2 is to stay at the KOA, which has tentsites for 20-30$. The people at the ATC were very helpful, and pointed me toward an International Hostel nearby. Although I didn't want to spend the 20$ for the dorm, it seemed better than the 8$ option of pitching my tent on the lawn next to a group of rowdy boy scouts. Speaking of scouts, I think I ran into at least eight separate troops while hiking yesterday. I don't think I've ever seen so many!Well, my stomach is calling me to the FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST that this hostel offers. Clearly it is not a backpacker hostel... It actually reminds me of a place I stayed in when I was travelling in Costa Rica earlier this year.I'll write more later, because I have much to say, and many people to appreciate. Or just give a shout out to.
Date: 2010-05-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

When I hike and am completely zoning out, I often count my footsteps. It's gotten to the point where I constantly have numbers flowing in and out of my thoughts. I can be completely focused on something and still have numbers passing in and out of my consciousness. So... I thought I'd give you guys interesting numbers on the trail.Also, I put the pictures from the first half of my hike up. If you look at the ones uploaded 5/30, it's all of them. I was messing around with the 5/29 ones, and don't know how to delete them from my journal. Sorry!1- thunder/lightning storm2- mornings I had to put on frozen solid boots, free church breakfasts3- waterfalls, rattlesnakes4- bears5- zero days in the first 75 days of hiking6- blisters, states completed, black snakes (including two babies)7- um...8- $ haircut from a Mexican dude in Gatlinburg, TN9- approximate number of times people have assumed I've lost my boy scout troop10- (th) female thru hiker to check in to Harper's Ferry15- homemade biscuits eaten at Woods Hole Hostel... after a huge plate of food..18- winter base weight (pack without food and water). It's less now.70- approximate number of Ramen packs eaten in my first 75 days75- days to get 1/2 way99- (th) thru hiker to check into Harper's Ferry1092- miles hiked to date
Date: 2010-06-18
From: Pawling, NY

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 190.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Wow. The last ten days have been full of many ups and downs- both in terms of the terrain and my spirits. Really no major issues, just a few things to get me down. OK. Let's see. I walked into Delaware Water Gap, NJ with Trail Trash and EZ right behind me. From there, my friend Molly Simpson came and brought me back to her house. It was FANTASTIC!!! I double zeroed mostly to hang out with her and the rest of the wonderful Simpson family but it also worked out well because it rained those two days. I made it back to the trail in time to hike the 10 miles to the Mohican Outdoor Center- saw an Enourmous bear about half a mile before Mohican. I tented at Mohican and headed out the next morning. I had successfully freaked myself out about NJ bears, so only made it about 1/2 a mile up the trail before I realized that hiking and paranoia don't mix well. So I turned around, went back to Mohican, and decided to start over. When I got to Mohican though there was a group eating breakfast who were very interested in thru-hiking. So, I answered all of their questions and as a bonus they offered me free breakfast. It was fantastic. Not only was I fed well, but I was also able to start the day with a new attitude. It's a good thing too, because I saw five bears that day, raising the bear count to eleven I think. New Jersey didn't take long to get through, even though it too had lots of rocks. And now I'm in NY. Yeeha! Hoping to make it to CT tonight maybe, if I can get a ride out of town. Caught up with Make Time (who I met for the first time in Franklin, GA and have seen off and on since then) and COB (who I met for the first time at the Fontana Hilton and is probably also the thru-hiker who I have seen the most), but there a few miles behind me now.Oh geez. I have so many more things to say, but these 1 hour internet limits always seem to fly away. It's probably just as well though because I was just going to tell you all about the BAD parts of the trail.Oh yeah. How could I forget. Shiloh (Wes Riley) who I know from home met up with me a couple days ago. It was great!
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Dalton, MA

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 121.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow. Flyin' through the states now. I was unable to update in Salisbury due to the fact that the library is closed on Mondays... what? Who closes the library on a Monday instead of a Sunday?!?! Silly New Englanders! Anywho. It's been nice to be in the real New England. The scenery, foliage, wildlife, and MOUNTAINS are all more familiar. Saw my first set of moose tracks yesterday and my first pile of moose droppings today! Have yet to see a moose on this trip, though. I spent a few days hiking mostly alone- saw just about nobody on the trail, and spent two nights alone (I swear I heard flute music off in the distance one night though). Then yesterday I ran into a big bunch of people. Met Sugarbush, Deathmarch, and Cole (their dog) yesterday. Well, I met Sugarbush in passing one day... Anyway. Spent my first night in a shelter since Northern Virginia! It was a good night to sleep in a shelter, because it poured all night. Spent last night at Upper Goose Pond Cabin- which is home to a great cabin with 15 bunks. Plus, you can swim and canoe! Got to Dalton in time to stop at the Post Office and get to the library just before each closed. Which is why this entry is so short and spacey. Sorry! I hope to be in Manchester Center in about four days, perhaps I'll get a chance to see Brad, Emily, and Maddie Johnson! And then on to Norwich, VT to see the Chamberlin family! Lovin' New England!!!
Date: 2010-06-26
From: North Adams, MA

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: overcast clouds

So yesterday my plans changed a bit... multiple times. I ended up staying at Tom Levardi's house in Dalton for the last two nights. He is a saint! The visit included an ice cream sunday, laundry, shower, great people, great conversation, great food, and lots of other great things. Oh yeah. Got to sleep on the couch too! He had offered to slackpack Deathmarch, Sugarbush (and Cole), Bert Griswald, Ding-a-Ling Griswald (and Otis) over Mt. Greylock but we had all declined. Well yesterday about noon time (when we still hadn't left town) we all decided it sounded like a fantastic idea. Only thing was that Tom had just driven out of town to take Cloud to Cheshire so he could slackpack back to Dalton. Well, it all worked out in the long run. I think Tom may have had his doubts when we decided to slackpack 23 miles over the biggest climb since Mt. Sometherather in the Shenandoahs beginning around 1:00 pm, but we were game. We all hiked/jogged most of the afternoon together. Played lots of games (reminding me a bit of my adventures with the Squat Family and various other camp trips), but we made it back to Tom's house before 10:00 and didn't even have to pull out our headlamps! From there, he gave us a ride to Taco Bell where we ordered 50 items (between the 6 of us). I, personally, got 10 bean burritos, a Fresco bean burrito, and a cheese roll-up. And no, I didn't eat them all last night. I had 5 bean burritos and the Fresco bean burrito left over (4 of which I had for breakfast along with a mocha milkshake), leaving two for lunch today. Well, that's the news for now. Off to VT!!! The real REAL New England!
Date: 2010-07-01
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Norwich, VT
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I'm actually at All Together Farm in Randolph Center, VT witnessing the chicken slaughter. Yep. You read right. Dan & Summer (aka The Griswalds) are here with me at the farm. Emily Levan (who my mom used to work with at Chewonki) and her husband, Brad, and daughter, Maddie live here too. Brad had offered to come get me for a night or something when I started my hike, but at that point Vermont seemed like a far away place. Well, it worked out great. I met the Griswalds about a week ago at Upper Goose Pond in northern MA and have been hiking with them since then. They are from Asheville, NC (definitely have a southern accent) and are tons of fun to hang out with. Summer is a nurse and Dan has worked with sustainable energy as well as playing/singing in a band. Great folks! Oh. And I can't leave out their dog, Otis. Anyway. Brad and Maddie came to pick me up from Manchester Center a couple days ago and offered to give Dan & Summer a ride into town. Well, we all ended up at the farm. And Dan has been getting his taste of gutting chickens, while Summer helped out packaging them, and I... well... took some pictures. Couldn't really deal with getting involved. It's been great fun to spend time with Brad & Emily, see how much Maddie has grown, catch up on sleep/eating/laundry/showers/etc, and spend time on the farm. After two zero days, we're headed back to the trail tomorrow morning. But not after a trip to Montpelier to meet up with one of Dan's old roommates and his roommate's girlfriend. Had a fantastic meal at a thai restaurant, then went to a little coffee shop with some live music. It was nice to feel like a (semi) normal person for a few days, but I'm definitely happy to be getting back to the trail tomorrow!
Date: 2010-07-09
From: Norwich, VT

To: Glencliffe, NH
Miles today: 154.4

Whoowhee! The weather has been HOT! Luckily, there have been plenty of opportunities to swim and dip in brooks, streams, rivers, waterfalls, etc. Other than that though, the last week has been lots of fun. Let's see... Highlights include watching the fireworks go off all over the valley from Killington Peak (the 2nd highest point in VT with 360° view). Although, I have to say, the lights show the sunset presented to us was more impressive and spiritual for me. The following day my friend Claire drove out/up from Lexington, MA. Also fantastic! The Griswalds and I have been taking advantage of Vermont's many farm stands. We have added fresh veggies to couscous, and taken a snack break to run up and get homemade ice cream and soda. At times the heat was suffocating and pulled our spirits down, but things seem like they might be cooling off a bit. I spent last night at the Chamberlins (I went to high school with Libby Chamberlin, their daughter) and was lucky enough to help Kate make a delicious and fresh supper for the five of us. I enjoyed watching the Griswalds lighten their packs, sending home even more gear! The three of us slept on the porch last night where it was cooler, and were able to sleep in a bit, rejuvenating us after a few early mornings trying to escape the heat. I was also able to see Jeff (my high school advisor) and Libby (who came home from camp to visit her brother), so that was lots of fun! It's great to be up north where I know more people! Still loving the trail! Even more than ever know. The mountains are more familiar here, and I have the time to slow down and enjoy the great company of the Griswalds, the icy brooks, and sun breaking though thick pine forests in the early morning.
Date: 2010-07-14
From: Lincoln, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 69.1
Weather: fog

From Norwich, I headed out of town after a long walk through Hanover... perhaps the longest road walk yet! Got a call from my mom, saying that she would be on her way down the following day. Since I didn't actually get back on the trail until four, I stayed at Mink Brook (a trickle of brown water) and got a bit damp in the earl-morning rain. Should have packed up and started walking when I woke up at 5:00, but decided to go back to sleep. Poor choice. I could have stayed dry, but got wet. Oh well. I guess one of these days I'll learn... Packed up a soaked tent that morning and started walking in the rain. I swear my tent weighs an extra 5 pounds with all that water in it! Waited around at a shelter a few miles up the trail until Dan & Summer woke up, then we were on our way north again. We took a break at the Ice Cream Man (Bill)'s house, where we were treated with ice cream bars and a game of croquet. That was fun! And about the time we were finishing, my mom showed up. She slackpacked us a couple miles, then joined us for the hike up Smarts Mountain. She and I slept in the fire tower with our dog. Although foggy, the view was still pretty cool! From there, she headed back to the car and we continued hiking north up and over mt. cube. Had an epic game of point/counterpoint- bird or snake. And met my mom about 11 miles into the day. She slackpacked us another couple of miles, then we headed into town to resupply and treat her to supper. The following day (her birthday!) she joined us for the hike up Mt. Moosilauke, then headed back to the car and we slackpacked another 14 miles, where she picked us up. She brought us back to where we would head north the next day (since we slackpacked south over Mt. Moosilauke), and took off. Happy Birthday mom! Hope you had fun hiking with us! We crawled into our tents after a late night (made a bit later by a policeman showing up at the parking lot we had camped in, telling us we shouldn't be there). From there, we entered THE WHITES. The place people have talked about with either fear or sparkles in their eyes. So we were excited, but didn't really know what to think. So far, it's been pretty sweet though. We've discussed the definition of the word 'condiment' climbing up South Kinsman Mtn, the use of frozen peas on the way to Kinsman Pond Shelter, Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, and have genuinely been enjoying ourselves. We decided to head into town tonight after doing a short 5 mile day to rest up, eat up, and hopefully get good weather for Franconia Ridge tomorrow. The weathermen have been saying tomorrow is supposed to be the only good day this week, and we're hoping they might be right for once! So yeah. Life is good.
Date: 2010-08-02
From: Gorham, NH

To: KATAHDIN
Miles today: 204.8
Weather: scattered clouds

MY apologies for the short, and often nonexistent entries lately. I have little desire to stay in town any longer than it takes to resupply. If all goes well, I will be finished in less than two weeks. I can't even begin to comprehend what that means. I may not be able to update again until after I complete my hike, but just know that I'll be walking North for a few more days.
Date: 2010-09-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I hope you all have enjoyed reading my journal. The pictures and a few videos are up now. Feel free to take a peek. The site is http://thruhikeforlwala.shutterfly.com/. I will put up some captions and add a bit more information to the site as time permits, but I'm really busy (here at Carleton). Feel free to give me a call, shoot me an e-mail or send me a letter if you wish. I would be happy to share my story in either a formal or informal setting. Happy Trails!
Date: 2000-03-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Here we go again. In 2006 I finished a Section hike which took me five years to complete. Now I'm set to do the whole thing and I am so ready to get back on the Trail again. Everything is ready and now I'm just counting the days. On Sat the 27th I'm taking the train to Atlanta with my wife where we'll be met by our son who will get me to Amicalola for the start.
Date: 2010-03-27
From: Home

To: Cartersville, GA 
Miles today: 0.0

I guess this journey has officially begun. We caught the 8:50 train from Charlottesville to Atlanta and left all the anxieties of planning and getting ready behind us. Our trip was pleasant and as comfortable as a twelve hour train ride could be. We took the Sleeper Car, so although our quarters were quite cramped, we did have our privacy and could actually sleep laying down! We were notified at 6:30AM that the dining car was now serving breakfast so we headed that way.I had a nice omelet while Cathy had quiche and hash browns and we enjoyed the company of a delightful couple from Delaware. In no time we were in Atlanta and were soon picked up by our son who took us to his home where we'll visit for a few days before Cathy heads back home and I head up to Springer.
Date: 2010-04-01
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Springer Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

April Fools Day. It's 7PM as I write this journal and I'm finally comfortable. today has been a pretty difficult day in fact. We left Cartersville a little after 7- had a nice Waffle House breakfast on the road and Tom dropped me off at the top of the falls at Amicalola at about 0930. The day was erfect but the perfect day actualy turned into a very hot day and the mosquitoes were pretty bad too. I had originally thought I might try to spend the night at Stover Creek Shelter (another 2.8 mi) but I was bushed by the time I got to Springer at 3:45 so I decided to pack it in here. Tent set up was pretty quick then I went down to get water, crashed for 30 min or so before fixing something to eat Lipton Red Beans and Rice formed the basis of my meal but I added more mixed veg, Black bean, and TVP to increase its nutritional value. It was good. Really good! There are a lot of folks here-a boy scout troop and maybe 20 or so hikers. I think I was the 29th Thru hiker to summit Springer today and there were a bunch after me. I hope to get an early start tomorrow and maybe beat some of the heat, as tomorrow is supposed tob a repeat of today.Teach your children Love.Trashman
Date: 2010-04-02
From: Springer Mtn Shelter

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike was a little easier. the temps were in the mid 80's. Last night I slept in spurts but did manage a few "hours". Finally started packing about 0645, fixed some oatmeal and left camp at about 8:30. It would be nice to leave a bit earlier to beat the heat. Much of today's hike was in the shade plus the mosquitoes weren't as bad. I feel like I making pretty good time on the flats and gentle ups and downs but the serious climbs wear me out. I'm counting on that to improve over time. Meeting "tons" of folks on the trail and it's all good. Some fast and some slow. Got our first "Trail Magic" today at the bottom of Springer. "Mtn Squid" was handing out fruit drinks and Little Debbies to thru hikers. I apparantly missed the Dr. Pepper and Brownies at Three Forks later in the day. Water is still abundant and not an issue. Tomorrow I'll try to add a couple more miles and get to Gootch Shelter. (The miles aren't as easy as they used to be though.) Teach your children Respect.Peace,Trashman
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Gootch Gap
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: broken clouds

Got up before sunrise this morning and was underway at about 0810. Hiked with One Life again today then linked up with Chris, an Australian 57 year old who we trail named "Boomer" after a large male kangaroo. Today was a good day. I feel like I'm getting stronger every day! The big climbs, especially early in the day are easier all the time.                                    Peace;                                       Trashman
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Gootch Gap

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: few clouds

Today started out great. We (One Life, Boomer, and I) got an early start and were moving at a good rate but as the day progressed it got hotter and hotter and the climbs became progressively more difficult. We took a lot of breaks and didn't get to camp until just about 4PM. I have developed a slight pain in my right knee so I'll watch that. Even though I'm not making the miles I thought I would, I'm happy with my progress. Tomorrow AM we'll cross 4400' Blood Mtn, then hit Neels Gap where we'll resupply. I only need bread, bug spray, and a couple packs of Ramen. I was happy to hear that Duke won yesterday and will play in the finals Mon night. Go Devils!I packed way to much food so my pack weight has been over 30# the whole way so far. It's now right at 30 so it should get lighter and lighter all the time.I must be sure that I don't over pack from here on out.There are lots of hikers on the trail today. Many are out fot just the day, some for a weeks and then, of course, there a bunch of thru hikers. We're tenting again tonight. there are 5 of us set up here. It's the same place Tom and I camped in when we came through back in 2002? I think we're hanging our bear bags from the same tree, in fact. Ah, what great memories I have.                                       Peace;                                          TrashmanLove your neighbor