morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-21
From: October Mountain Shelter

To: Dalton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

DAY 96It is always an interesting day on the AT. I got up and was not sure where I was going for the night, but I figured I could figure it out in Dalton. I made it to Dalton, 83 depot Street. There is a trail angel that is so kind. He let's people stay at his house. The last time I did this hike, this was one place I missed that I had wanted to stay because he was so nice. He gave me water last time I came through, but I didn't stay. The problem was I had only done 12 miles into his place. So, I got there this time and met him again. He brought out an ice-cream sundae and gave it to me. Needless to say, it was good. Then he looked at me and said you have not had lunch have you? And, I said no. He then said I could come in and have left over chicken. So I did and we talked for a long time. I then got up and was thinking of hiking out of there because I only had done 12 miles when he said he would slack pack me. I just thought it was right. I wanted to stay here last time and now this was my chance. So I asked him how much it would cost to take me up the trail and he said it was free. That kind of surprised me because he is paying for fuel and everything so I was expecting it to cost something, but he said no. I thought it was time to slack with a pack. So he drove us up to Chesire and we walked south back towards Dalton. I know I went south, but I still had my pack so I don't really care. Wingnut can go stuff himself if he has a problem. So we walked together back into Dalton. He then said we could go to Old Country Buffet, if we wanted. We jumped on that. So I got to eat as much as I wanted. That was good. Mass has been very good to me. It is kind of scary in a way though, we have less then 610 miles left to do. I can still remember when I thought there was no way in heck I was gong to make it! What am I going to do after this trail? Tom is a great man. I hope some day I can be as kind as him. I might just see him again. It's funny how you think you will do one thing, but the trail makes you want to do another!More to come from the Chronicles of youngNdum tomorrow. Hey Oddo, I can't wait to read that comment by the way.youngNdumstill walking
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Dalton

To: View Entry
Miles today: 25.9

6/23 - DAY 98Ok this is for yesterday and today. Yesterday was a very nasty day. If I was going to quit this trail yesterday would have been a good day to do it. It rained all day and it was like 40 degrees and then it started hailing. Lets just say when I got to the shelter I was not doing too well. It was cold out - what¢s up with that. I might have made a bad decision mailing my warm sleeping bag to NH. Oh well. Today was very nice. I did from seth warner to kid gore shelter I did 25.9 miles. I need some things at the outfitter tomorrow, My underwear keeps falling down so I need a new pair. I also need a new pair of shoes. It was not a bad day of hikingyoungNdumstill walking
Date: 2007-06-24
To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: scattered clouds

6/24 ¢ DAY 99Well it¢s been a good day. Vermont has some hills but it is not as bad as some people say. I did 25.9 miles today. I am in Manchester Center, Vermont right now. It is kind of funny because in less then 5 days I will be in NH. I really need new shoes. I should be able to get them tomorrow which will be nice. This bed is calling so I am off to use it.
Date: 2007-06-28
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

6/28 ¢ DAY 103Well things have a way of working out. I am in Hanover NH right now. I don¢t know the mileage today but it was a good day. I got to go swimming at the Dartmouth beach which was nice. It is funny how everything works out so perfectly. I only have 450 miles left and I just found out that I got the GIS internship the town was offering. It¢s a lot of money too. I see a new road bike in my future. I hope its all carbon. But it is just so great how everything works out in the end. It¢s funny because a college student would kill for this internship and I got it. I will have new shoes in the morning and that is good. I can¢t believe how fast every thing is happening. I heard Dre got off the trail. It would be funny if of the 3 of us, a young and dumb kid from the city made it but the more I walk the more it looks like that. I am still waiting for that comment Oddo. Hanover is a really cool town It would be fun to go back to and not have to do anything.
Date: 2007-07-08
From: Hanover, NH

To: Chappaqua, NY
Miles today: 0.0

7/8 ¢ DAY 113Ok, a lot has happened. Where to start? After I left Manchester VT my foot really started to hurt. That is why I did not write. I hate writing if my feet hurt. So I powered through the rest of VT and got to Hanover NH. The smart thing would have been to see a doctor there, but I was just too damn stubborn. So I keep walking. I got to Glencliff NH right before the whites and that was where I said I needed to see a doctor. It was only a 25 minute car ride to the closest doctor. That¢s not far or any thing. He said I should take some time off and gave me some Ibuprofen. I was not surprised that was what he told me to do. So then I need to decide what do do - Do I come home or stay up there? I meet a guy who was heading for Boston and from Boston I could get home, so that is what I did. Greyhound sucks by the way. So I made it home. And then I saw a podiatrist here. He said my foot problem was cased by an extra bone in my left foot. He said it was causing the ligament to not be as tight as it would be with out it!So he said with custom orthodics and physical therapy, it would be all better. He told me I should take some time off, so that kind of sucks. At least I was able to move the town GIS internship to July so then I can go back out in august which means I can get a new road bike with the money I get from the internship which should be cool. It¢s great to know that your bike cost more then your car. But hay that is the way it should be right? So right now I am taking it easy waiting for my internship to start on Tuesday. I plan to start hiking on august 3 and finish before the 1 of September. I think it will take about 25 days. I have walked a little too far to quit now - only 400 miles so I should be able to finish. It kind of sucks that I got hurt, but oh well. It is annoying that everyone asked me - You got hurt again? Yes I have I have walked 1800 miles. Your body was not really designed to do that. So I don¢t really like that question. I guess it is not so bad. I will be able to earn so money and finish this hike. Again I have walked a little too far to quit now. Even if I have to use a pair of crutches. Hey and Oddo I am not whimping out by the way - What the hell are you doing in India?... Works starts on Tuesday. I cant wait. youngNdumstill walking
Date: 2007-08-06
From: Chappaqua, NY

To: Eath Pond Shelter, NH
Miles today: 0.0

8/06/07Well, it has been a long time since I have written. But, now I am back on the trail. I got on in Glen Cliff, NH, right before the Presidentials. It was nice to work while I was home so I could earn some of them money I spent out here. Doing the GIS work was cool, but it does not beat hiking. I should get a license plate that says go take a hike. It's good to be back on the trail. Tonight I am at Eath pond shelter. The orthodics are definitely helping, but I will probably need PT when I get home. It does kind of upset me that the mileage I could do before lunch is now taking me all day to do. At least it looks like I will finish this trail. Only 350 miles left. The Whites have been cool so far. Hey Ed, if you are reading this, people this far south are still giving you crap for crossing the Kennebec. Dre if you are out there, I am carrying the dictionary just for you.youngNdumstill walking
Date: 2007-08-12
To: Hall Mountain Shelter, ME
Miles today: 0.0

8/12 I am at Hall Mountain Shelter. I have only 250 miles left. I am just hoping to limp my way through Maine. It is almost over and I can't say I am sad to say I am almost done. Maine is very pretty tough. It should be fun, but as they say "No pain, no rain, no Maine."Still walking
Date: 2007-08-13
From: Hall Mountain Shelter, ME

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

8/13 Only 230 miles left of this trail! I am looking forward to a real bed tomorrow. It might be the last one on the trail. It looks like I might finish a little early - which would not be a bad thing. I always like a new challenge and getting home on my own from Katahdin would be one. It looks like there are less then 2 weeks left. It is funny to think how close I am now. My foot is holding up OK. I think I might just pull it off this year. I can't wait to see what the podiatrist says, but at least I will be done by then.Still walking
Date: 2007-08-19
To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: broken clouds

8/19 Well today was probably the worst fall I have taken on this trail. I was walking on a bridge that was just three logs over a river. They were wet and it was a good ten foot fall. Of course there were rocks at the bottom, too. Needless to say, I fell off the bridge into the water. That could have easily ended my hike. I was very lucky. I guess I have a hard head. It was a good day, I only have 132 miles left. I am thinking of finishing the 25th or 26th. I did 23 miles, I think. I can't wait until the podiatrist tells me that I need to do more PT. Katahdin here I come!Still walking
Date: 2007-08-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This is one of the last nights I will spend on the AT this year. You know there is a part of me that wishes I did not get back on the trail. Hiking hurt is really no fun but I am almost done now. I kind of have to finish now. I will see Dr. Mann on Monday. He is probably going to have bad new for me about my foot. I make this promise - I will come back and hike from Hanover to the end again. It was not the way I had wanted to end the trip. I am looking forward to getting it done and coming home. Rainbow lake is nice. This is the last time I will use this tarp. Onto the big K tomorrow. I should be at the base of it tomorrow.
Date: 2007-08-25
From: Monson, ME

To: HOME
Miles today: 2174.0
Weather: clear sky

8/25 Well, today is the day it ends. I did it! I walked from Georgia to Maine. Don't worry, I will never do that again. I summitted Katahdin today. Now all I want to do is get home and get my foot better. More to come later. No one said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it. Hey Ed, I thought you said I would never make it. A little late, but I AM DONE!Done walking
Date: 2007-08-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well its been about a week since Ifinished. Not much has changed. Myfoot still hurts. The orthopedic surgeon says Ihave plantars fasciitus and a bonefragment. I still can¢t walk right. I guessthat is the price you pay. He says itwill go back to normal in a fewmonths. Right now it did not seemworth it. But in a few years it willall be worth it. The pain willdissipate soon. SummitingKadahdin was not as climatic as Ithought it would be. I figured I mightcry or something. It is done now and I am on to bigger andbetter things. People keep asking meam I excited about collage. The answeris the same right now. Not really. Imean its not like it is going to beharder then the AT. I am lookingforward to a new challenge but excitedis not the right word. What I reallythink I need to do is pick a hobbywith a little less pain involved.Maybe golf - I don¢t know. My brotheris talking me into riding with himto finish the second half of the transam. I am thinking a lot about that.Shit it cant be harder. I also wantto travel though South America. Its fun my mom has two maps in heroffice about where each of her sonsis in the world. Soon she might needthe globe because the US is not bigenough. The PCT might be nice someday. Hey Mr. Ed I want a rematch onthe PCT. I can only say I am happythe trail is over. Part of methought getting back on was amistake but now that its done it wasworth it. There aren¢t too many peoplewho can say they walked from Georgiato Maine. Now I can say I have done it. I learned a lot on the trail about how to live on my own. Thebiggest thing I learned was that nomatter how far you walk your feetwill always hurt. If they don¢t thatmeans you have not walked farenough. It¢s been fun. I don¢t think Iwould do it again next year but youmight see me on other long trailssome day.
Date: 2007-09-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

        I have been home for about a week. It has been a fun time to be home and relax. Watching TV and taking a nap is a rough life but someone has to do it.At least know I know what¢s wrong with my foot. I saw an orthopedic surgeon. He said that I have plantars fascitus and I also have a bone fracture. The doctor says it will take some time to get better but it will. I just need to stop walking.The last few days were not as spectacular as I thought it would have been. I thought when I got to the top of Katahdin it would be awesome, but it just seemed like one more mountain. It was not as climactic as I thought it might be. The last month hurt, but I am happy that it is done. Now I can say I have hiked the AT. Very few people can say that. I would not change that.Your life has to continue after the trail. I closed one chapter when I touched that sign and now I am about to open a new chapter in my life - college. People keep asking me if I am excited. The answer has been the same - not really. I mean it can't be harder than the AT. I am looking forward to something new but excited is not the right word.I am also looking forward because my brother wants me to bike the second leg of the Trans Am with him. He knows me, just beat me up. I am too dumb to quit - so let¢s ride. I also am thinking about the PCT. Hey Mr. Ed, I want a rematch. PCT sound ok?        Hiking hurt for that long really is not fun. You know what though, my body might hurt now, but in a few short years I might look back and ask what the hell did I ever hike that far for? No just kidding. I know I will look back in amazement and wonder how I did it. One more thing. Only the dumb, stubborn ones finish. The smart ones find a faster way to the big k.I would like to take a minute and thank all the people that made this possible. Thanks to Leaf and Zipdrive. You guy make a great website. Without you, the journal would not have happened. Thanks mom. If I needed any thing I knew you would get it done no matter what. Well almost. You did leave me stranded in PA. Thanks to Logan and the rest of you. You know it¢s funny there were really only two people I hiked with consistently. Dre and Ed thanks. Dre if you read this. What is your email? Thanks to the volunteers and the ATC. A special thanks to all the trail angels.         I can say this with certainty that the trail has taught me a lot. I learned to live on my own. I learned how to make good decisions. But I think the thing I will always remember is that no matter what, your feet will always hurt. If they don¢t you have not walked far enough.        No matter what happens no one can ever take away that I hiked the trail. I can now look back at the pain and say that the AT did not beat me or break me. I am going to end it here. No one said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it. I have touched the sign. It¢s in the books. I still need to pinch myself to make sure I really did it.youngNdumNOT still walking
Date: 2007-01-09
From: Hotel in Dalton, GA

To: Max Epperson Shelter, Amicalola Falls St. Park, GA
Miles today: 0.1
Weather: broken clouds

I drove my truck from a hotel in Dalton, GA to the state park at Amicalola. I went into the visitor center and signed the register. I also received my permit to park my truck here. The permit is good until July 15, 2007! They did not take my picture here. I thought they would. When I was signing up: the lady working the desk coughed really bad & said be careful because she just got over pnuemonia. She said this, as she handed me the pen to sign the register. I was thinking "Great, starting the AT in January & Im going to get pnuemonia". Anyway, I went out to my truck and smoked my last Camel cigarette. I decided to quit while I was on the AT. Put on my way too heavy pack and walked past the vistor center .1 miles to the Max Epperson shelter. I got there about noon and I got into my bag around dark when I guy came in that I met about a year earlier at the Brown Gap shelter on a long section hike. I recognized him right away because he cusses about every other word. He offered to drive me up the forest road that goes near Frosty Mountain on the Approach trail. I declined as I am not carrying a tent. I should be, but I just am carrying so much winter gear that I had to cut weight somewhere. Ill just stay in shelters for awhile. He said OK and drove back to Atlanta. I cant believe I turned down my first offer of "trail magic"(trail magic is a hiker term for when someone helps you out on your hike. It is usually food or ride to/from town; but, it can be anything that helps the hiker) and I did not even get his name. I then went to sleep.
Date: 2007-01-10
From: Max Epperson Shelter, Amicalola Falls St. Park, GA

To: Max Epperson Shelter, Amicalola Falls St. Park, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hung out in shelter all day listening to classical music. One Genre of music that I have not really ever listened to. Go figure? It makes as much sense as me hanging out in the shelter all day. Saw 3 people all day.
Date: 2007-01-11
From: Max Epperson Shelter, Amicalola Falls St. Park, GA

To: Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge, GA
Miles today: 1.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I got my S... together and walked the 1.2 miles to the lodge. It is a very steep climb. Especially for a guy like me that is carrying a heavy pack and an ex smoker. That's right: no smokes. Went into lodge and tried to get a hiker discount rate.....no deal. Im gong to have to get better at negotiating. I ate the dinner buffet. It was pretty good.
Date: 2007-01-13
From: Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge, GA

To: Black Gap Shelter, GA
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Ate a big buffet breakfeast at the lodge and resisted the temptation to stay to watch the NFL playoff games. I guess I am going to miss alot of things that I am used to like football, basketball, baseball, etc on TV. Well, I walked down the approach trail until I reached the first gravel road. I took a right and walked along this road until Nimblewill Gap road went to the right and High Shoals road went forward. I took the Nimblewill Gap road hoping it would take me to Nimblewill Gap that is only 2.8 miles fom Springer Mt. I took this road because I like exploring and I have done the approach trail(there is an approach trail of 8.8 miles to Springer Mtn {the start of The Appalachian Trail} it has blue blazes) many times. I have also hiked the yellow blaze to The Len Foote Hike Inn before. (OK, a quick sidebar on how the trail is marked. The AT is marked with white small rectangles called blazes. Side trails are marked with blue blazes. These are usually to water sources or to shelters. Sometimes, they are alternate trails in case the AT proper has bad weather. Yellow blazes are longer trails that stand alone from the AT, but connect. "Yellow blazing" can also mean to hitch-hike up the trail to skip a particular section. There are other types of blazes, but are too rare or derogatory to mention here.) So, I followed this road until it ran into The Len Foote Hike Inn. I had to go around a metal barrier and past several do not enter signs. I walked through the area without seeing anyone. The road ended here. I then followed the yellow blaze left out of the inn area. Along this trail, I met a group of about 20 people. There are alot of people out as MLK weekend is coming up and the weather is supposed to be warm and dry for 5 days. It is around 60 degrees today. I followed this trail to where it intersects with the AT. There are about 3.4 miles to Springer Mt. I went north here until I got to the Black Gap Shelter which is 1.5 miles from Springer Mt. I decided to stay here for the night. Four section hikers showed up and waved, They camped up by the trail and we had no more interaction. Right around dark, two SOBO's showed up: Mark Twain. They had just finished hiking from Maine. I really enjoyed talking with them. They told me all about the trail.
Date: 2007-01-14
From: Black Gap Shelter, GA

To: Stover Creek Shelter, GA
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Terrible mice at the Black Gap Shelter. I had to leave a candle lit & listen to Jazz(another new Genre of music for me) all night to get some sleep. It was a fitful nights sleep at best. Mark Twain gave me a couple of homemade dried meals of spaghetti & beef stew. My first trail magic. Left the shelter around 8 am with a foggy 48 degree morning. As I climbed the 1.5 miles to Springer Mt: my lungs were really short of breathe & my shoulders & rib cage were hurting. As I do this journal, I will not constantly remind you of this; but, just be aware that as long as I am walking: this is how I feel. When I do not feel this way: I will let you know. I reach the top and signed the register(registers are notebooks that are usually at shelters or hostels where hikers write down different things to communicate with those who follow) that is stored inside a rock. I looked over and saw a dad & his two sons camped with a nice fire going. I waved. They did not wave back. There are several postings asking people to not camp here; but, these people did anyway. As far as I could tell, there were about 10 thru-hikers(a thru-hker is someone hiking the entire AT in one long hike) that had already started. I thought that seemed like alot for this early in the year(Cowboy, Trek, Numbtoes & Shadow, Bluevist, Hikernutt, GHOST, Santa's Helper, etc) I walked down to the Springer Mt. Shelter. Inside the shelter was a tent set up & the disheveled look of a party aftermath. I could not find the register to sign. There was a fourth filled whiskey bottle that reminded me that I had not had a drink since 1/8/07. Thought about taking a swig; but, fought the temptaion. Walked the .7 miles down to USFS 42 and pulled out my 16oz REI thermos and drank my green tea that I made at breakfeast. As I was sitting there on my sitting pad: An ex-thru hiker Caterpillar '98 showed up. He encouraged me and moved on. I then walked the 1.6 miles to the Stover Creek Shelter. I was feeling a little nauseous. I take alot of vitamins that I pre-packed for the trip and I think the combination of vitamins and being out of shape, made me feel this way.(Vitamins A, B, C, E, K, Co-Q-10 enzyme, billberry, ginko, ginseng, milk thistle, coral calcium, bee pollen, etc.) Got down to the shelter and set up for the night. I had several visitors before dark. Jody & Julia from 3 Springs, Duck River Outdoor Therapeutic Program. I used to be The Program Director @ this program. They got me caught up on all the "dirt" at the company. Sounded like it was just the same. A trail maintainer came by and we talked for awhile. He said that they were going to destroy this shelter. he said that there is another one already built nearby. Then three people showed up and slept behind the shelter at a campsite. Finally two military guys showed up & left after they found out that there was no privy at this site. It's always funny to me that people will never use a portable toilet at outdoor venues at home; but, in the woods, it is the first thing people look for. They are at least as dirty as those at home.