morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-10-03
From: Shelter at The Birches Campground - Day 198

To: KATAHDIN - Day 199
Miles today: 5.2

Katahdin!!! Because we know we are SLOW hikers, we set out at 7:00am for the summit. The first mile was a fast 30 minutes. The next 1.5 miles was a mild boulder field up, not more difficult than anything the trail has presented so far. Then we hit the BIG CLIMB! It was the hardest part of the trail. Being short does not help! I had to push, pull or crawl up the rocks. The fog had covered the mountain and I am glad that I could not see up. I was terrified enough! It was the steepest I have ever seen. After that, we reached the Tableland, the final leg to Baxter Peak. The last mile was easier. Poophands was coming down and said, "I cried like a baby." That did it! The dam broke and I cried the last quarter mile up to the sign. When I finally stopped crying, we celebrated and got our summit pictures. I especially wanted a picture of Dick's poles on the sign because he was excited that his poles would be on Katahdin. I couldn't help photobombing one of those pictures. We knew several Thruhikers: Ghost Buster, Pizza, Blade and Bad Apple. It was special summiting with friends. The climb down was just as difficult as the ascent. One place, I could not figure my way and a section hiker talked me down. "Place your right foot here, then you left foot there. Grab the re-bar and let yourself down." I would not have had the arm strength to do this six months ago! We had a time constraint: the shuttle back leaves the ranger station at 4:30. If it took as long to get down as it did to get up, we would miss the shuttle. After the steepest descent, we were able to increase speed enough to make the shuttle. We are spending the night in Millinocket. It was a great time at the restaurant, seeing our friends. I ate my first ever Maine Lobster. Then I looked up and saw Reptar and Uncle Spider, who I hadn't see since May! I knew they summited a couple of days before, so I was very happy to see them again.Trail Talker and I decided to zero on Tuesday. We need the rest! I made my phone calls to my family and my scribe, Cathy, my best supporters on this journey. Goodnight at hiker midnight. My Official Hiker NumberWe are approaching the Summit. On the horizon you can see the FAMOUS SUMMIT SIGN and other hikers.Jill Photobombed at the Sign with Dick's PolesPizza, Bad Apple, Ghost Buster & Blade. Tennis ball is for Scout (Varina), not allowed on KatahdinThe Following Photos are Descending KatahdinSketch & IWOXMiss Janet & SunsetDoc, Reptar, IWOX and Uncle Spider (Does anyone else notice that Jill looks like a heavenly nurse in this photo?)
Date: 2016-10-06
To: Post Hike Tour in Massachusetts, Connecticut and N
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After a day of rest in Millinocket, Trail Talker and I boarded a bus to Bangor. She would fly to Colorado Springs and I would transfer to a Boston bus. We said our goodbyes with a few tears.My plan was to rent a car and visit friends, the first one would be Rightlane who lives north of Boston. It was great to see him. He summited 10 days before me. His beard is very long! I arrived at his house at 5:30 pm and we talked for 5 hours! Thursday morning followed with another 5 hours of talking. Hikers have a lot to share. I met his wife and two of his three sons. I also got a nice tour of Newburyport. It was a great visit, and I'm looking forward to Rightlane and Kathy visiting Tim and me, hopefully next summer.I contacted another hiker, Y-Knot to have lunch on Thursday. He lives 25 miles from Boston. He had driven two hours to see me in the Whites and we missed each other. I was so honored at his effort, I wanted to see him if at all possible. We met when he thru hiked in 2009. He stayed at my house and I saw him again at Trail Days in 2010. We had a fantastic visit catching up. My next visit would be with my Aunt Janet near Bear Mountain in New York. But I had an idea about the route I would take. Ever since White Owl had seen the possible meteorite on July 28, I had been scheming to get it. It was on the way to my Aunt's. I studied the guidebook and pinpointed the location, the trail-head out of Cornwall Bridge, CT. I was nervous. Would it still be there? Did I have the right location? Friday morning, I hiked down the trail. I could see the rock right where White Owl put it on the creek bank! I carried it back to the car. It is heavy! My tour continued to Highland Mills, NY. I had a great visit with my Aunt and her husband. They are not able to drive much and they were not able to meet me on the trail, so I went to see them.Next stop would be White Owl's sister's to ask her to deliver the meteorite. Lettie's home was on the way back to Massachusetts. She was very surprised to see me! She is a great partner in my scheme to give White Owl the rock. We had a super visit before I headed on to Williamstown, MA for the Gathering. The rock is proudly displayed on her mantel until she delivers it.That ends my tour. The next entry will be The Gathering. Rightlane and his wife KathyRightlane's Son AndrewLook How Thin Rightlane Is!Y-NotAunt Janet and MacIWOX and LettieThe Meteorite
Date: 2016-10-07
To: The Gathering
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Starting at 5:00pm Friday, my friends, AT Gracie was the first one I saw. She is such a Trail Angel! She had driven two hours one way to see me in Maine. She and I just waited around as more people arrived, looking for our friends. Along came Lauralee, the Trail runner in Shenandoah. As I was talking to Tim, Bob Peoples walked up, I told Tim I had to go. Bob thought it was great that I hung up on my husband when he came by. Laurie and Dick were there, so I could return his poles. Miss America is the Trail runner in Maryland, I had met her on the Trail. I was thrilled to see Garlic Man, I did not know he was coming. Wingheart was there: I met him on a section hike in 2008, and we have been friends since. Finally, I saw Hippy Kippy, the CNU professor who inspired my Daughter to hike the Trail, so indirectly he is the reason I hiked. I asked him once if I was the first parent of a student to hike and he said yes. Finally, I saw Sunset and Miss Janet. She was a great encouragement to me every time I saw her on the Trail. She gave me so much good advice!The only disappointment was that not many 2016 hikers were there, about 20 and I only knew 1. Friday evening's program was a tribute to Baltimore Jack. Five of his friends shared many fun stories about Jack. Most were funny. It was a nice memorial. Saturday morning a wave of homesickness hit me hard. I just had to get HOME. Since I didn't have a schedule, I was able to book a flight and fly to Richmond by 10:00 pm. The Trail is not over! News from Tim, 10/10/16:Jill made a spur of the moment decision to fly home. Ipicked her up in Richmond, got back early this morning.She got up @3:30 for a bathroom break. She thought shewas still on the trail. She peed on the floor in the cornerand covered it with leaves. Later in the day I heard aloud noise in the bathroom. She was stomping on thefloor! I asked what for? She said she was checkingfor bees before she used the toilet!!!Breakfast at the GatheringSaying Goodbye at the Gathering
Date: 2016-11-01
To: An Attitude of Gratitude
Miles today: 0.0

After nearly a month off the Trail, I am realizing my life is forever changed. I wake up every morning dreaming about the hike. I want to now express my thanks. First, I thank God for the privilege of this experience: I met so many who were not able to complete the Trail. I am blessed. I am grateful to my family. My husband Tim managed the home front, my children supported me, my Mom prayed for me every day, my Brothers and Jeff's kids and their families. Thanks to all the rest of the family. Cathy Benton: you are the best scribe, and an even better friend! We received so many compliments about this journal, but it was more than that. It has been a connection to keep friendships and make new friends all over the world. Thanks for being my inspiration to write every day. Thanks also for your many suggestions that added new dimensions to my entries. Thanks for the Trail Magic you gave at road crossings in Virginia. And thanks for all the time you spent at the computer doing the updates and linking Facebook (that really bumped my numbers up!)Thanks to the Trail Angels: I want to list here those who gave us lodging:Kim (Ken's Wife)Russell and RebeccaSarah and MorganJohn and AnnJohn and GinaBabuFiddlerJeanette and ChuckLaurie and KevinMaggie and ThaiLettie, Nancy and LuciaJim and MariaPhyllis and MikeMeredith and Sweet FishLisa Kim and Fish to complete the AT at Clingman's DomeAdditional Trail Magic:Larry and Brenda!!NancaLipstick (as stated above)Y-KnotAT GracieThank you Trail Angels!To my hiking partners, all 21 of you! KenSouthpawZackChicken FeetJeffForget-Me-NotRightlaneBig BirdLimeyTrain WreckSpiceyDown UnderRacoonPackratTick TockWhite OwlTrail TalkerCrusherNora and TurnipFishI loved hiking with you, talking about our lives and our hike, singing, telling jokes. I miss you!Finally, to all my friends and strangers who read my journal: thank you for your prayers, thoughts and words of encouragement. I said many times that no one had more fun than me, they may have had as much fun, but not more. I now say no one was more blessed on their hike. The following are the last few photos taken at the Gathering.Bob PeoplesIWOX, Lauralee, Mt. Laurel & HardyLauralee is the Shenandoah National Park Trail RunnerIWOX givng Garlic Man a KissAT GracieMiss America and AT Gracie
Date: 2016-03-06
To: Appalachian Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

About ten years ago my sons Matthew and Gabriel went to the Naval Academy for a Water Polo camp. If you have not had the opportunity to visit the site it is a must. Lot's of history and it is just stunning. Another parent and I decided to go site seeing and ended up at Harper's Ferry, which also happens to be the halfway point of the AT. I did not know much about the trail, my companion told me a bit about it and recommended a book, "A Walk In the Woods", I read it and I was intrigued. Read a couple more books about the trail and it became to number one thing on my list after I retire. Well I am retired, so now you know how I came to this. I am not crazy, just curious!!!!!
Date: 2016-03-07
To: Appalachian Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I've done a lot of research and asked a lot of questions so why do I feel unprepared??? Oh yeah, because I have no experience backpacking and have not trained carrying a loaded pack often enough. Well I guess spending time with my running friends at the least kept me in shape. All my gear is packed and my pack weighs about 40 lbs with food and water, hope to get that down to at least 35 lbs by the time I start Friday morning. Tomorrow I will fly out to Atlanta with Yvonne. We will spend the nite with cousins and then head to the area of the AT trailhead. My cousin David will be driving up to meet us there. David is quite a character to be around. Some of you may know what I mean. Time to go finish packing.
Date: 2016-03-08
To: Appalachian Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Fun facts for my friends & followers of El Tejano's hike...:-)The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world, measuring roughly 2,180 miles in length. The Trail goes through fourteen states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian mountain range from the southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia, to the Trail¢s northern terminus at Katahdin, Maine. Known as the ¢A.T.,¢ it has been estimated that 2-3 million people visit the Trail every year and about 1,800¢2,000 people attempt to ¢thru-hike¢ the Trail. People from across the globe are drawn to the A.T. for a variety of reasons: to reconnect with nature, to escape the stress of city life, to meet new people or deepen old friendships, or to experience a simpler life.The A.T. was completed in 1937 and is a unit of the National Park System. The A.T. is managed under a unique partnership between the public and private sectors that includes, among others, the National Park Service (NPS), the USDA Forest Service (USFS), an array of state agencies, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and 31 local Trail-maintaining clubs.FUN FACTS¢¢ The Trail is roughly 2,180 miles long, passing through 14 states.¢¢ Thousands of volunteers contribute roughly 220,000 hours to the A.T. every year.¢¢ More than 250 three-sided shelters exist along the Trail.¢¢ Virginia is home to the most miles of the Trail (about 550), while West Virginia is home to the least (about 4).¢¢ Maryland and West Virginia are the easiest states to hike; New Hampshire and Maine are the hardest.¢¢ The total elevation gain of hiking the entire A.T. is equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 16 times.¢¢ The A.T. is home to an impressive diversity of plants and animals. Some animals you may see include black bears, moose, porcupines, snakes, woodpeckers, and salamanders. Some plants you may encounter include jack-in-the-pulpit, skunk cabbage, and flame azalea.HIKERS¢¢ About 2 to 3 million visitors walk a portion of the A.T. each year.¢¢ The A.T. has hundreds of access points and is within a few hours drive of millions of Americans, making it a popular destination for day-hikers.¢¢ ¢Thru-hikers¢ walk the entire Trail in a continuous journey. ¢Section-hikers¢ piece the entire Trail together over years. ¢Flip-floppers¢ thru-hike the entire Trail in discontinuous sections to avoid crowds, extremes in weather, or start on easier terrain.¢¢ 1 in 4 who attempt a thru-hike successfully completes the journey¢¢ Most thru-hikers walk north, starting in Georgia in spring and finishing in Maine in fall, taking an average of 6 months.¢¢ Foods high in calories and low in water weight, such as Snickers bars and Ramen Noodles, are popular with backpackers, who can burn up to 6,000 calories a day.¢¢ Hikers usually adopt ¢trail names¢ while hiking the Trail. They are often descriptive or humorous. Examples are ¢Eternal Optimist,¢ ¢Thunder Chicken,¢ and ¢Crumb-snatcher
Date: 2016-03-09
To: Appalachian Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Made our way to Ellijay which is near the start of the AT, nice small town and holds the annual Georgia Apple Festival. On the way we had a nice lunch with Yvonne's college friend Dawn. My cousin, David, drove in to meet us in Ellijay. David, from Galveston, will be joining me on the AT for the first 110 miles.
Date: 2016-03-10
To: Appalachian Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Today Yvonne, David and I went to an outfitter at Neel Gap, which we will cross in 3 days. They did a great job of checking out our gear and backpacks to help us get rid of what we didn't need. Talked to some hikers and got some tips. Everyone has been very nice and helpful. We drove to a parking area where David left his truck. Hopefully we can cover the 110 miles and reach the truck safely.
Date: 2016-03-11
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light rain

We started out with a good breakfast this morning then made our way to the starting point at Springer Mountain. Yvonne navigated the jeep along a 6.5 mile, very bumpy, winding, almost one lane, dirt road to get to our starting spot. We hiked the 1.05 miles BACK to the beginning of the trail where David and I registered. We met 'Bombadil' and 'Boots and Books' at the start. No doubt we will see them again during hike. We hiked back to where we parked, loaded our gear on our bodies and took off, 11:00 a.m.We took a nice side trail to Long falls and had a snack, break, and face dunk. That was soooo refreshing. Although we were tired we were glad we visited it.  David off loaded some stuff...and didn't load it back on!! I feel like David is that character from "A Walk in the Woods". Ha ha!  Got to Hawk Mountain shelter at 4:15 p.m, pitched tents and had red beans and rice, while visiting with some other hikers.
Date: 2016-03-12
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The night was pretty restful. We walked to Justus Creek where I took a dip. The water was definitely cool but sooo refreshing. We met a couple from Colorado and a lady from Australia. It is interesting the mix of people that are here. We met a man from New Zealand yesterday and when we caught up with him today, he told us he had sprained his ankle 2 hours into the trail. We used bear cables tonight to prevent the bears from getting to our food. Check out my photos.Here I am filtering water out of a stream. It is a really slow process but we are not in a hurry. We met this man tonight, Jack Daniels, thanks to a friend. He is really a good guy!!
Date: 2016-03-13
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: light rain

It rained all night but we stayed dry inside our tents. It was hard to get all of my gear together and in my backpack while in my tent but I did it. I put my rain gear on then went outside to pack my tent. When we got to woody gap and the rain had stopped, I lay out some of my things so that they could dry off.David, my cousin, was feeling under the weather today and his heavy backpack was not helping things so he decided to end his hike...for now. No doubt we will meet on the trail later.I am at Lance Creek for the night. I pitched my tent and enjoyed the campfire that some of the other campers made. We had a really nice evening sitting around the campfire with Pokey, Nicole, Sperry, Amanda, Kyle, Justin, Simon and Ryan. There were a few others but I did really well remembering all of the names I did! We laughed a lot and enjoyed looking up at the stars. Time for bed soon.
Date: 2016-03-14
From: Lance Creek

To: Bull Gap
Miles today: 8.5

Last night I had the best night's sleep since I started the trail. I woke up with fewer pains...my body is adapting. I opened my tent up and watched the sunrise. Very pretty. I had a small breakfast and got going around 9 a.m. I climbed Blood Mountain but at 4461 elevation, I was above the clouds. I have heard that the view is awesome from up here but I couldn't see it today. From here I headed to Neel Gap where I met David, my cousin. He greeted me with a Pizza and a coke...a welcome sight.I spent most of the afternoon with David then got back to the trail and hiked to Bull Gap. I set up my tent and sat around with a lot of familiar faces, Simon, Kyle, Ryan and others. Some students joined us from the University of Tennessee who are hiking the trail for Spring break. A lot of our conversation centered around one particular hiker. Everyone had a story about him. More about him later.
Date: 2016-03-15
From: Bull Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Last night I had another good night. I woke up feeling good and ready for action. I started out at 8:51am....Two and a half miles later I reached Wolf Laurel and I got to see some nice views as the day was pretty clear.There are some wonderful people that come on the trail called Trail Angels. This is what they do (see photo). They come to the trail, 'camp out' and give weary hikers food, snacks, clothing and whatever useful things they think we may appreciate. I ate a lot of snacks!! The dried food I have is really good but there is nothing like the traditional snack! I even got a cap!There is also this thing called Trail Magic. That is when people leave things along the trail. They 'magically' appear like the 2 bottles of Heineken and Cliff bars I came across today. My friends back home...you will be shocked to know that I passed on the beer!I am sure that you all realize that the trail is very mountainous so in a mater of hours I can change my elevation a couple of thousand feet in either direction. I didn't have a big change in elevation today but the climb to Wildcat Mountain was pretty tough.I reached Low Gap Shelter by 2:30 p.m. Pretty good time! I had in mind to go another mile and a half but I am whooped. This is it for me for today.Dinner tonight was Pad Thai. It was very good for dried food.Goodnight.
Date: 2016-03-16
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Site
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Another good night. I started out at 8:55 this morning and I am hiking along steadily making good time. I have done 6 miles and it is only 10:30 am. I met a physician this morning who seems to share a lot of the values of Brandon (son). I think they should talk.After the first 5 miles there were a lot of ups and downs. That part was hard going but when I stopped to catch my breath, there were lots of beautiful views. I walked on and off with Junco, Simon and Right Foot. We ended up stopping at the Cheese factory campsite. We had another campfire night with Simon, Justin, Ryan, Right Foot, Rachel from Houston, Nick and brother and sister, Firecracker and Simba. I shared some good red beans and rice with Justin tonight. My nightcap was a cup of black tea. Yvonne has rubbed off on me!
Date: 2016-03-17
From: Cheese Factory Site

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

It was a little chilly this morning but nonetheless, it was a beautiful day. The sun was out but it wasn't as hot as it has been the past two days. It was very clear today so I was able to take in some fantastic views.Today I walked by myself for the most part. I met up with Simon and Right foot a few times and ended my hike at Deep Gap Shelter. There are lots of people here. One of them, Sarah, is ending her hike as she turned her ankle. That appears to be a common thing here...spraining your ankle... understandably so given the terrain. In order to see the wonderful views you literally have to stop otherwise you may trip. It really forces us to focus on the beauty of nature. I have met up with other hikers from Germany, and Quebec. The Appalachian trail is a melting pot!
Date: 2016-03-18
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I met Rock Kicker. Yes, he got his name because he kicks rocks! He is part of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, a group that maintains the Appalachian Trail. Rock Kicker walked the trail in 1984 and ever since then he has maintained one mile of the trail. Sometimes he walks more than the one mile. He is about 70 years old (I am guessing) and a very nice and interesting man.I got off the trail today at Dicks Creek Gap and took a pre-arranged shuttle to Hiawassee, GA where I had a motel room waiting for me. (Thanks Yvonne). It was soooo good to be able to take a shower. I have been bathing in the springs daily but the water is really chilly. I ate a BBQ lunch with Nick and Jaime. I had to resupply my meals and I figured that I would send home whatever I haven't used in this first week. I obviously don't need those items. Every ounce helps me have a lighter backpack. I was able to do some laundry also. I walked around town and ran into Junco at the grocery store. I met up with a couple of guys at a beer tasting place (see photo) then went back to the motel and hung out outside with Nick, Jaime and a few others.I am looking forward to another real shower and a real bed tonight! Even though I say that, I have not been craving a bed or shower. I am very comfortable with what I am doing. I am living my dream out here in the wilderness. It's been great!
Date: 2016-03-19
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I crossed into North Carolina. Another milestone! The next one is to reach 100 miles!! North Carolina has not been nice so far. It has been straight uphill for about 4.5 miles with an increase in 1700ft elevation. On top of that, it is cold. 45 degrees cold and it will be colder tonight. I will let you know how I do with that tomorrow.I met a couple of nice kids who are on spring break. They made burritos for lunch. I also met a very nice couple who live in Florida. He is a fellow Aggie...Whoop!!! He also lived in Baytown after he graduated in the early 90's. I also met up with Gwen who had to backtrack a few days ago. There are a few familiar faces and many new ones at Muskrat Creek Shelter. Junco is here too. It is too cold to stay out and socialize much. It was supposed to rain today but it held off. We just had a few sprinkles.