morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-15
To: The A.T. Becomes a Reality
Miles today: 0.0

Ok so I decided to put this "Preparation" entry in my trailjournal because the 15th of April marked the exact date where my dream of doing a NOBO 2007 A.T. thru-hike actually became a reality. I had a lot of logistical things going on at home and was honestly not sure I was going to be able to pull everything off in time. WIth grad school starting in the fall...May 1st was already a very late start. Any later and I pretty much decided I would have to forfeit an attempt. Had that happened, I had already decided that I would do a much shorter thru-hike of Vermont's Long Trail, and simply buy less food at the start. On this date though (4/15), I was able to tie up all the proverbial "loose ends" and actually affirm with 100% certainty...that I was going. Later in the day, I bought my one-way plane ticket to Atlanta.
Date: 2007-04-29
To: Mom's House: Prep Day 1
Miles today: 0.0

I spent basically what amounted to 2 full days getting all my gear, food, and Post Office drop boxes ready. Day one was spent mostly on gear and food. I tookover my sister's old bedroom and made it ground zero for my preparation. Stuff was laid out everywhere. It ended up working great. (Writing these prepartion entries after the fact)
Date: 2007-04-30
To: Mom's House: Prep Day 2
Miles today: 0.0

On the 2nd major prep day, I spent the early part of the day finishing my itinerary and making sure my shuttle was set for the next day in Atlanta. Later that evening I stayed up until 2 am boxing up all my Post Office drop boxes (and my bounce box). I did finally get to sleep around 3...but was up two hours later to get ready for my 7:00 am flight from Rochester NY, to Atlanta GA. My sister was nice enough to get up that early too and drive me to the airport. The flight ended up going perfectly and I met up with my shuttle driver, Gil by 10 AM. (Gil and his wife run a great establishment called North Georgia Mountain Outfitters). It was weird looking down over the Smoky Mountains from the plane thinking I'd be hiking through them in less than two weeks.
Date: 2007-05-01
From: Amicalola State Park

To: Three Forks
Miles today: 4.1

Today was my first day and I made it to three forks by 6:00 PM. I'm already cleaned up and ready for bed. I could have easily kept going, but I don't want to get injured by pushing too hard. I have to ease into it. it is extrememly hot (mid to high 80's) and the bugs are very bad. My driver, Gil, was a really cool guy and everything with him worked out. I got to Amicalola at 11:30 AM and started on the approach trail at noon. The approach trail was a royal pain. Surprisingly tough. I took lots of pics at Springer and am looking forward to my day tomorrow. Hopefully it cools down a bit. Write again then,-john(oh and I am not including the 8.8 approach trail miles in my total mileages for the day)
Date: 2007-05-02
From: Three Forks

To: Slaughter Creek Campsite
Miles today: 23.2

Today was very hard.....up and down all day, but I made it to slaughter creek campsite which is actually a little farther than I was planning. I met several hikers today. Gonna go to bed now but set my alarms for 6:00 am. Tomorrow I go through Neels Gap and will be ditching some stuff from my pack. Write again tomorrow.-john "lakewood"
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Slaughter Creek Campsite

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a good day. I'm still on schedule but it is going to be hard to maintain. Neels Gap was great. I bought and ate an entire Ben and Jerry's Pint (Chunky Monkey). I am staying in my first shelter tonight with 4 other people. They seem very cool. I am going to try and get up early again tomorrow and get a quick start. Unicoi gap looks horrific. Write again later.-john
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 24.9
Weather: light rain

Today was a long and foggy. I started to have my first bout of doubts today....already! doubts about work, school, the trail...a lot of things. I Guess that's why I'm out here...to sort this stuff out. I met some great hikers from Seattle today...Ben and Lauren. They are both ultra-lighters. It was really cool...they showed me how they make their own food by sprouting different types of beans and nuts. I'll have to remember that for when I get back to civilization. Anyway....so far no blisters...but I am getting sore. Can't wait till Fontana and a nice soft bed.-john
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Campsite

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: light rain

Today it rained all day. ALL DAY. I hurt my right quad somehow...pretty bad and it may slow me down a bit. I will probably have to have a slow day soon. I am planning on taking a half day off in Fontana. Also, I decided today that I am going to try and set it up so that I can surprise my family at the annual reunion on June 16th. This should fall right on my mid-hike break.-john
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 30.7
Weather: light rain

I actually did 30.7 miles today...but i paid for it. Something flared up in my right ankle. Hope it gets better tomorrow. My quad felt better today. Tomorrow I hit the NOC early. I'm getting some real food there! Staying in a shelter tonight with Glenn and Carol....really nice folks. They've been on the trail 25 days already!-john
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: clear sky

Today started off good. I descended 2500 feet down the "jump-off" to the NOC. I bought a pack cover and some coffee...and some ice cream. then I began the climb up the "Jump-up" and my left achilles began to flare up. So....I had a sore right ankle, and now a sore left achilles. not good. 13 miles tomorrow and I'm getting some rest and a shower.-john
Date: 2007-05-08
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, I made it to Fontana Dam. Everything went well. I got a hotel room, got laundry done, got my P.O. boxes, and rested. I even took a bath! Made some phone calls and had a great dinner with chocolate cake and beer with fellow hiker "Duffy". It was nice to take a half-day nero. Gonna try to take it easy tomorrow in the smoky mtns.-johnFrom my myspace blog:Appalachian Trail - Update 1Well, I'm sitting at a computer terminal at the general store in Fontana Village NC. It sits right outside the Smoky Mountains (southern side) at A.T. mile marker 160. So far I'm on schedule but my body is definitely paying for it. I have many sore joints, ligaments and muscles. Tomorrow I will head into the smokys and will try to update again in about 6 days from Hot Springs, NC. So far I've met some of the most amazing people in the past 8 days. Young and old, people of all ages have so many reasons for doing this trail. There's definitely been a lot of trail magic too. Every single hiker I've met, has been extremely nice. Take care everyone, and I will write again soon!
Date: 2007-05-09
From: Fontana Dam

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: few clouds

Left Fontana This morning hoping to make it at least 15 miles and I actually made it to my planned shelter 23 miles in. It is completely packed so I'm tenting out front. I'm hoping to blow through the smokies in 3 days, but this means a 28+ mile tomorrow. This is including clingman's dome as well....the highest peak on the A.T. I'm going to take a video from the top I think. Hot springs in 5....-lakewood
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 28.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a good...but long day. I met a really cool hiker, "nature boy". We climbed clingman's dome together early this morning. When we got to the summit, a nice couple took us to their car down in the lot and gave us a cooler full of free food. It was great....we pigged out. I finished off by doing my planned 28.4 and reaching it to Peck's Corner shelter. Tomorrow I'm staying in a hostel and will be out of the smokies. write again tomorrow...-lakewood
Date: 2007-05-11
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Today seamed longer than it was. I did 23.3, but it seemed like 30. I am staying in a really cool hostel tonight (my first of the trail) called "Standing Bear Farm". Nature Boy caught back up and rolled in at about 8:45. I ate $10.00 worth of junk food too. Tomorrow I'm hoping to get 20 in and then hit Hot Springs the next day. Write tomorrow....-lakewoodFrom my Myspace Blog:Appalachian Trail - Update 2Hi everyone!I am staying in a Hostel tonight called "Standing Bear Farm". It is a quaint little place right on the trail. I was supposed to camp tonight, but this place was within a mile of my campsite. I am writing this from the owner's personal computer (on a 24.4 modem no less - yikes). I am 3 miles north of the Great Smoky Mountains and 2 days from Hot Springs. I was able to blow through the Smoky Mountains in 3 days. I took a video with my camera from the observation tower on the top of Clingman's Dome. (The highest peak on the entire 2174 Mile A.T.). I'll write a more detailed message from Hot Springs. Hope all is well with everyone. I miss all of you!-john a.ka. "lakewood"
Date: 2007-05-12
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a late starting day....I rolled out about 8:00 and climbed out of the valley. I hit Max Patch....amazing view. I'm looking forward to Hot Springs tomorrow. Going to get a room and eat lots of good town food. maybe even catch a movie somewhere.-lakewoodOn a side note: This shelter ended up being the absolute crappiest shelter that I stayed in on the entire trail. So FYI to people planning on staying at this one. Have your tent ready.
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Hot Springs is here! Rolled in around 11:30 and met nature boy for lunch. His ankle is all f'd up swollen. Spent the day relaxing, doing laundry, hitting the outfitter, and EATING. got a room at the alpine inn (the hostel was full). Think I'm gonna take my first zero-day tomorrow.-lakewoodFrom My myspace blog:Appalachian Trail - Update 3Well, I made it to Hot Springs (Mile 270). Not much to this town. When I asked a local hiker how big the town was they said, "If you threw a dead cat from downtown, it would land outside of town". That pretty much sums it up.I got a small motel room...not nearly as nice as in Fontana, but anything is better than sleeping on the ground. Its amazing how much we take for granted. I am simply amazed that there's a thing that you can turn, and water comes out of it..I'm just so used to filtering from streams.As far as an injury update: I am pretty sore all over. The good news is that my right ankle has gotten better...that bad news is that both my knees are really sore from all the recent down hills, and that I have an infection brewing in my big toe (due to bad cutting of toenail). As much as I want to stay on schedule, I am seriously considering taking a "zero day". This is what the AT hikers call taking an entire day off from hiking. In all honesty, I think the body needs it once in a while just to heal up a bit. Otherwise, you risk running yourself into the ground.I'll have my cell phone tomorrow, so I can finally call some of you. I decided it was just easier to carry it. This way I can call towns ahead of time to book rooms too.take care everyone!-john "lakewood"
Date: 2007-05-14
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

ZERO-DAY!!!! did nothing today but relax and eat. Been nursing a toe infection that's kind of creeped up on me. Having mom send me some amoxicillan. got my cell phone too so i can finally make some calls without getting charged an armful from the payphones.-lakewood
Date: 2007-05-15
From: Hot Springs

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Fresh off a zero day, It was a good 26.4 mile day. I want to try and make Erwin in 3, and greasy creek in 4. It is supposed to rain tomorrow. I met some more really nice hikers today, but I also said goodbye to all my Hot Springs friends: Nature Boy, Hulk, Big Cat, Spoon, Ali Babba, Sunburn, and Chicken Soup. I'll miss them all. I'm gonna miss hot springs all together (especially the diner!). Well....time to move on.
Date: 2007-05-16
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: light rain

Today sucked! It rained all afternoon. I summitted Bald Moutnain and was greeted by a freezing rain storm. My cell phone still doesn't work, although I was able to check my messages briefly early this morning. Can't decide wheter or not to stop in Erwin or blow through it. oh well...think I'm going to go study my maps for a while and figure something out.
Date: 2007-05-17
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's (Erwin, TN)
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Only had to do 16.9 today to make it to Uncle Johnny's. I got a really nice private cabin here. It's a cool little place. Going to push out tomorrow and do 24 and try to hostel hop to Greasy Creek. Mom sent my antibiotics for my toe there. Th enext 5 days look like they are going to be real tough. I hope to make Damascus in 5 days (so I will be just missing trail days....oh well). Going to get some dinner now, so I'll write again tomorrow.From my Myspace Blog:Appalachian Trail - Update 4Erwin, TN...Mile 338Well, overall I think the zero day was a good thing. I got to spend a whole day in Hot Springs with some really good people. It was tough to say goodbye to them all....but I must move on. I made it to Erwin this afternoon and decided to stay at a Hostel (Uncle Johnny's) for $15.00. Great little place. Every hostel on the trail has the same type of feel. Very welcoming. Extremely friendly people. My toe is not really getting any better, but I have antibiotics coming tomorrow. Hopefully, it will finally clear up with the help of a little amoxicillan.I am really looking forward to Damascus, VA. Both Georgia and North Carolina have been roller coasters. They are loaded with what hikers call "PUDS"...pointless ups and downs. (and MUDS...mindless ups and downs)From what everyone tells me, VA gets a little bit easier...especially Shenendoah. Seriously, for the past few weeks, I've climbed 3000 feet...then descended 3000 feet....then climbed 3000 feet...all day, everyday. I've lost about 10 pounds already and I eat everything in sight when I'm in town. Its great to be able to eat anything and not worry about gaining weight. Average thru-hikers burn 5000-6000 calories a day. I'm doing 25+ miles a day, so for me its more like 6000 calories. Every try to eat 6000 calories? It's like 2 pizzas...a day! Anyway....I found out that the A.T. has more elevation gain than both the Contintental Divide and Pacific Crest trail combined. Amazing. If you hike the entire A.T....its like hiking from sea level to the top of Mt. Everest and down, 16 times. That's right 16!In two days I will summit Roan Mountain...the last 6000 + ft mountain until Mt. Washington up in New Hampshire.That's it for now. I'm gonna go make some phone calls. My cell phone actually has a signal here in Erwin.-john
Date: 2007-05-18
From: Uncle Johnny's (Erwin, TN)

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 25.2
Weather: broken clouds

Well I'm not stayin gat Greasy Creek Hostel tonight as I was planning. It is closed for Trail Days. This also means that I'm not going to be able to get my antibiotics either...doh! I'm going to see if they'll forward them to Damascus. Today was very cold and tonight it's supposed to be even colder. I hope to make it over Roan Mountain and through North Carolina tomorrow. going to try and stay at the Mountain Harbor Bed and Breakfast.
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Mountain Harbor House B & B
Miles today: 21.6

Today was very tough, but so worth it. It was probably my favorite day so far. Roan Mtn was a pretty hard climb, but all the balds afterword were so amazing and made it worth it. I laid down on the top of Hump Mountain under a cloudless sky and took an hour long nap. It was absolutely perfect. I truly remembered one of the reasons why I am out here doing this. The Hostel tonight is great too. The owner took us up the street to a steakhouse and three of us got monster New York Strips. The next few days will be long...but I am really hoping to make Damascus in 3 more days. signing off...
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Mountain Harbor House B & B

To: Watauga Dam Shelter
Miles today: 34.5
Weather: clear sky

Broke a new mileage record today...but I don't think it was worth it. I want to get to Damascus fast...but I think I might be going a little crazy. Anyway...today was pretty easy hiking. It rolled by quickly and before I knew it I was at 30 miles. I wanted to get up Pond Mountain before tomorrow. I got into the shelter at about 8:30 pm and it was already dark. I hate having to eat my dinner this late. Mental note....get to shelters befoe 8:00 PM. signing off.....
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Watauga Dam Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 29.5
Weather: clear sky

Well...Damascus is only 10 miles away. I am going to race in early and enjoy my stay. I earned it. 1 cold beer and a pint of ben and jerry's is waiting for me! I still can't believe I did 34.5 yesterday and 29.5 today. I think I am crazy. I desperately need a rest.
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, everything worked out today. I rolled into Damascus at about 10:00 am. I've spent the day taking care of post office stuff, buying supplies, and most importantly....relaxing. I had pancakes at the Dairy King, and dinner at Sicily's Pizza. I'm staying at Augusta's B & B...its brand new. The owners are awesome. They gave me free food, use of their internet, and as much beer as I could drink. I'm going to pack up tonight and an awesome breakfast tomorrow at 7:00 am and head out towards pearisburg. signing off...From My Myspace blog:Appalachian Trail - Update 5Greetings from Damascus Virginia...Mile 459. It was a long, brutal hike into Damascus, but well worth it. I busted butt the past few days so that I would only have 10 miles to hike into town today. I got here about 10:00 am and already found a b & b to stay at. They do my laundry, have free snacks, internet, and give me free beer. Like I said though, I earned it. I did 29.5 miles yesterday, and 34.5 the day before that (a personal record). From everything I have seen, it looks as though there's about 100 more miles in Virginia of tough mountains before things even out. So I guess I'm not to the easy stuff just yet. I had a set back with my antibiotics. The place they were sent to were closed the day I got there, so I couldn't pick them up. My toe hasn't really gotten any worse, but not any better either. I asked the place I sent them to, to forward them to the Damascus PO. Hopefully they are here. I'll know in about 30 minutes.I am very glad to be done with North Carolina and Tennessee. Now I have Virginia to deal with for a long 550 miles. I will say the few mountains I climbed after Roan Mountain were probably the most amazing yet (Specifically Hump Mountain).I hope all is well with everyone back in C-town and Rochester. I miss everyone. I am still planning on taking at least 5 days off in mid june when I get to Harper's Ferry (the half way point). I have taken a lot of pictures and short videos with my camera and will upload them to my johnfegy site as soon as I'm on my break (roughly June 18th or so)I still can't believe I've walked almost 459 miles straight. It occurred to me that I've basically walked from Cleveland to New York City. 459 down, 1715 to go.I'll write again soon...but at worst, in Pearisburg 7 days from now.-john
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Damascus, VA

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 28.0
Weather: broken clouds

I did a quick 28 out of Damascus today. had an awesome breakfast at Augusta's. Looks like I finally started catching up to the big crowds too. The shelter tonight is jam packed with 15+ people. I am planning on hitting the Relax Inn in Groseclose in 2 days from now. I'll miss Damascus...it was a nice little town. Definitely going back next year for trail days. Going to try and take it easy the next couple of days.signing off....
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: light rain

Today was a pretty average day. Met a lot of hikers. My toe isn't really feeling any better yet...even with the antibiotics Tonight I'm staying in Trimpi Shelter with one other guy. Apparently the next shelter "Partnership" has showers and you can order pizzas too. I know what I'm doing for lunch! signing off....
Date: 2007-05-25
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: The Relax Inn (Groseclose VA)
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: light rain

Today was a very short day. It flew by. I was at the interstate by 2:30. I decided to get a room here and hang out for the rest of the day and night. I've done my laundry and I am just taking it easy now. I am shooting for 23-25 tomorrow and Pearisburg in 4 days. I'm officially closer to Harpers Ferry now than Springer Mountain. Almost 25% of the trail is now complete. My cell phone actually works from here so I am going to go make some calls now. Shooting for a big breakfast tomorrow....-signing off
Date: 2007-05-26
From: The Relax Inn (Groseclose VA)

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Today started at the Highway. I ate breakfast at the Red Barn Restaurant....got the "2 by 4" special. Good stuff. I hiked up hill pretty much all day. It was a very tough day overall. I made it to a shelter perched on top of a bald mountain...very beautiful. It is again busy though....10+ people. gonna shoot for 24 tomorrow...and pearisburg in 3 more days. signing off....
Date: 2007-05-27
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 33.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a long, but easy day. i figured with a relatively flast profile, i would try to bust out extra mileage. This way, I might set myself up for a pearsiburg nero. I am going to stop tomorrow at Trent's grocery if I have time before doing about 22. This will leave me 8 to pearisburg. Staying with another large group tonight. Most are tenting though. gonna read a little and then get some sleep.   signing off...
Date: 2007-05-28
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Memorial Day!!! Today went ok. Got to Doc's Knob pretty early and have a short 8 into town tomorrow. My toe is getting really bad. The amoxicillan did nothing. I think I'm going to see a doctor when I get into town tomorrow. I'm starting to get really worried. I sincerely hope I don't have to quit because of a stupid toe. signing off....