morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-17
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Clingman's Dome (Gatlinburg)
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: light rain

   I don't know how I made it to Clingman's Dome. I struggled all day--every step was painful and it was all uphill again. I just kept telling myself,"I can do three miles." After two hours of agony, this young guy comes flying by me and chirps, "Isn't this a great climb?" I wanted to wish him well in falling off the mountain and breaking his leg in three places, but only replied,"Yeah, great.", with as little enthusiasm as I could muster. (You must realize I'm a little irritable, not having had a cigarette in two days now.) When I got to the Clingman parking area, Shaggy and Brew were there trying to get a ride. It was cold and blustery with light, stinging rain. We managed to get a ride to Newfound Gap in the back of a pickup. Man, it was cold but we were just happy to be moving. When we got dropped at the Gap, there were a lot of people about. We started walking down to catch another hitch when a young woman, her husband and kids asked if we were thru-hiking. When we said we were, she asked our names. When I replied, "Brown Bess", she got all excited and said she had read my journal, which was pretty cool. A few minutes later a mini van already loaded with a couple of guys, four kids and packs stopped, rearranged and crammed the three of us with packs in until we looked like the circus clown car enroute to Gatlinburg. On arrival I had two ibuprofen left, three peanut butter crackers and a useless Bic. We got dropped at the outfitters, where I bought a large coke whose carbonation almost exploded my esophogus. Shaggy and Brew took off looking for their friends and I hobbled off to the Grand Prix Motel to get a room. I dumped my pack and headed for the nearest store for pain pills, beer,coke and smokes. Back at the room I showered, shaved and the sink backed up and there was water leaking onto the floor; but after a handful of pills, soon I was napping in clean sheets. Later, ordered delivery pizza and caught up on the news. It began raining shortly after I got here and continues into the night....
Date: 2013-08-27
From: Moxie Bald Mountain

To: Monson Lake Shore House Hostel
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: light rain

Due to the lack of cell phone services this is my approximate location. I will update this day when I return from Katahdin!At Monson Lake Shore House Hostel.Journal Updated for this day.As we left the shelter we took one last look out on the pond and we saw a female moose and her young calf feeding from a distance. The mother didn't take her eyes off us for one moment. Our destination today is to a town called Monson. This place is the last stop before entering the Hundred Mile Wilderness. North bounders know this portion of the trail as the last test of AT fortitude before the big climb of Katahdin. Many years ago this area was truly stepping into a hundred mile stretch with no contact from civilization for at least eight to ten days. Which mean packs are heavy and planning your days and supplies is very serious. "Bearbell" and I have sent a box forward because we knew that the general store would be closed. I have asked Diane to send me a few supplies such as Mountain House food, power bars, etc. When we arrive at Lake-shore Hostel we are greeted by the waitress at the pub. We enjoy a cold beer and some pot roast before settling in at the hostel. There are quite a few hikers here tonight. "Chick-a-dee", "Bamboo", "Morning Child", "Mash" to name a few. Everyone is full of anticipation; talking about being so close to end. Poor "Bearbell" can't join in this because he is flip-flopping. He started his journey at Harpers Ferry and will go south bound after Katahdin. In the evening we all sit around the little twelve inch TV to watch a VHS tape of Blazing Saddles. My age shows because I remember going the theater to see this movie and most of them probably weren't even born yet. But this is another reason the trail is such a great community. All ages, nationality, demographics can come together for a common goal. Hike 2185.9 miles, very cool!!!
Date: 2003-04-18
From: Clingman's Dome (Gatlinburg)

To: Gatlinburg (Zero Day)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

   Went down to the laundry room and did the wash, and had some coffee in the motel office. I pointed out their plumbing problem, which from the look on their faces, was nothing new. Anyway, I asked for a different room if a similar one was available. They moved me to a spacious double with a full bath and balcony 'for the same price'. We'll see when check out time comes. Went down to Shoney's for the breakfast buffet. I had been dreaming about eggs, potatoes and sausage for days. The biscuits with gravy, country ham and coffee were just an added bonus. Took the tram bus back to the motel. In Gatlinburg they have buses that run different routes around the area and it only costs a quarter....handy and cheap entertainment. Gatlinburg is like Wisconsin Dells with an accent. Never seen so many big motels crammed in one small area. I don't have easy access to email and addresses, so I just want to express my thanks to those that have sent news and well wishes.....even though it is a one way conversation. Eventually, I may catch up, but for now I just want you to know I appreciate hearing from you. I don't write much about the people I meet out here. First, I am bad about remembering names, and secondly, I don't want to embarrass them or myself, and thirdly, most of them I only meet for a few minutes and then never see again as they leave me in their vapor trail. Coming into Gatlinburg though I have travelled for three consecutive days/shelters with Brew, Shaggy and their friends. Brew says my snoring keeps the mice at bay in the shelters. He likes to read and devours anything he finds left along the trail, often with his headlamp at night in the shelter. I saw Red Rover and Peregrine today too. They have been a couple days ahead all along since back at Goose Creek Cabins (Neel's Gap). That was a month ago. It's so strange to see someone weeks later that you recognize, don't really know, but you're happy to see non-the-less. Hope to be back on the trail tomorrow if I can get everything organized.
Date: 2013-08-28
From: Monson Lake Shore House Hostel

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: haze

Due to the lack of cell phone services this is my approximate location. I will update this day when I return from Katahdin!At Wilson Valley Lean-to.Journal Updated for this day.Day one in the Wilderness. I have prepared my pack for this eight day stretch with mostly Mountain House dehydrated food, protein bars, cliff bars, and instant oatmeal. Mainly things that I have are pretty light weight but with high calories. I feel I did a good job because my pack has been much heavier in the past with many fewer days worth of food. I estimate my starting weight is probably thirty five pounds with food and water. And the good news is each day it will get lighter. The trail starts us off with ten miles of rolling ups and downs. We past lots of water scenes: ponds, waterfalls, brooks. This is very good news because that means carrying less water. At Little Wilson Falls we meet some section hikers who are doing the Wilderness. One guy has a St. Bernard with him; he is huge. About two hours before we get to the shelter the rain that was on the forecast begins. So we get wet, soaking wet, before getting to the shelter. When we get to the shelter we find the shelter is full and we have to tent. My first day in the Wilderness seems to end in a soppy wet mess. And to top it off I seem to have a poison ivy rash on my stomach. Not sure what that came from but I itch all night. I sure hope things get better tomorrow.
Date: 2003-04-25
From: Max Patch Rd

To: Walnut Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

   Today started lousy--rained steady starting a little before seven. I rolled over and went back to sleep. Packing up a wet tent is a chore. About ten, I decided if I was going anywhere today, I had better get moving. I was finally underway about 11 o'clock--but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. On the way up to Max Patch, the sun broke out for my summit. While it was very windy, the views were spectacular. I may have missed the Hobo Central trail magic, but I had my own today as I moved along: Max Patch, then a beautiful apple tree in full bloom, then a long, gradual downhill following and crisscrossing streams with chutes and small waterfalls. Hillsides were covered with trilliums again: white, pink, white with pink centers, the beautiful dark red variety and also some pale yellow. During a short break, I spied some tiny white bleeding hearts. Add in the streams and hemlocks, and it was just a great day. I took a break and ate at Roaring Fork Shelter, debating whether to stay or go a bit farther. I decided to gamble on finding another place to stay. I wasn't even sure if this shelter was even here anymore, since it isn't on my map. But I was glad to see it. I have the tent hanging to dry and it is still pretty breezy. My knee felt a little better today, but remains painful. Beautiful white dogwoods in bloom everywhere today.
Date: 2013-09-04
From: Hurd Brook Lean to

To: Baxter State Park
Miles today: 17.8

Due to the lack of cell phone services this is my approximate location. I will update this day when I return from Katahdin! Baxter State Park. Tomorrow will be the climb up to the top of Katahdin!!! Journal Updated for this day.Day Eight in the Wilderness.We camped last night with "Chick-a-dee" and her dad, Travis. It was a rainy night and the tent sites were not the best. I eat my last packet of oatmeal and a Clif Bar to hold me over till we got to Abol Bridge. There is a general store and a restaurant which is about eight miles from our campsite. The trail is relatively easy but we did have two rivers to cross that were running high due to the recent rains. One of them is too high for us to cross on the rocks so we take off our boots and walk across in thigh deep water with a pretty strong current. The second one had some high rocks to jump across. After that it was just the last miles to finish. My thoughts keep racing through my mind about the many places and people I have seen over these six months. It is almost hard to wrap my mind around the enormity of this journey. Before I know it I am at the ranger station looking for my friend Deirdre and my Mom, who is coming all the way from San Diego to see me at the finish. When we pop out of the forest we don't see anyone so we walk to the ranger station and they are there waiting for us. What a great site. I was glad that I made reservation for a cabin as for today we do not have to worry about where we are going to sleep. My trail angle, Diane, is also here with all of her trail magic. We enjoy the Subway sandwiches that Deirdre and my Mom brought up and loads of snacks and drinks that Diane brought. We chat all night and finally go to bed around ten o'clock. I am so tired I look forward to a good night rest for my big climb up Katahdin tomorrow. It so surreal too actually be here. It feels like a dream.
Date: 2003-04-26
From: Walnut Mtn Shelter

To: Deer Park Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

   Not much sleep again last night--the wind was rattling the tin roof on the shelter most of the night. When it finally subsided, it began raining. About nine o'clock it quit and was very foggy. I packed up and tried to decide what to wear. Ended up in shorts and the nylon jacket. Headed up the trail a little after ten and it began raining shortly thereafter. Once you are wet, you have to keep moving to keep warm, for I was soon soaked to the skin. Climbing Bluff Mountain was a struggle, but after that it was mostly gradual downhill. Walked in the rain about three hours. I was hoping to get to this shelter and I was moving better today. Arrived here about four o'clock. Strider, Firefeet amd Molasses are tenting here. I am going to brave the mice again, as it is threatening rain again. Only about three miles to Hot Springs and town luxuries. Also need to get more insect repellant--the bugs weren't too bad today but can really be annoying. The bites(blackflies), of course, last many days.   Mark, a young section hiker, just came in and will be sharing the shelter with me. He has done quite a bit of hiking in this area in the past. Nice, relaxing evening sitting around talking until dark. Coyotes howling on the ridge next to ours--sounds like a family.
Date: 2013-09-05
From: Baxter State Park

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 5.1

Katahdin!Journal Updated for this day.The focus of our plan to climb up Katahdin is all about the weather. The forecast for today is forty percent chance of showers. Not that great of a forecast but the ranger gives us confidence that we will probably have a good day.   Deirdre, Diane, "Bearbell", and I start off around 7:00 AM. We're all excited that today is finally here. The trail quickly lives up to the hype. This is all we heard about the entire trail; five miles of rocky climbs and bouldering. The wind was really whipping as we went up the first ascent. Some of the trail had parts that were very tough to climb up that made us put our poles away. Many places had us on all fours in order to get ourselves up, which causes us to wonder how we will get down. But there is no choice but to keep going and make it to the top. Once we make it past the first set of huge boulder obstacles we stop for our lunch break near some rocks that block the wind. We enjoy my Moxie and Whoopie pies that Diane had brought and some sandwiches and chips that we had also brought with us. We still have two miles till we reach the summit, but this is on a flat table of the trail. Then the trail passes Thoreau's Stream. This is the second place that I have been that celebrates Thoreau visits. I now can see the summit.   I am walking alone as "Bearbell" is ahead and I'm also ahead of Deirdre and Diane. I'm glad to have some time to reflect on my hike. I start to become emotional and sad that my journey is about over but also very proud of completing this goal that was only a possibility six months ago. When I finally reach the summit and see the famous Katahdin sign I feel my heart speed up and fill with excitement. "Bearbell" and I have fun taking pictures with the sign. Soon Deirdre and Diane arrive at the sign and we all celebrate with a special bear Diane brought for "Bearbell" and me. And of course we take many more pictures. Sadly we finally have to leave and go back down this great mountain. "Bearbell" and I decide to go out on the Knife Edge, which is a trail famous for its sharp drop offs. It takes us almost ten hours to complete our journey up and down the mountain. As we were reaching the end of the trail Deirdre says to me, "Hey I think that is your Mom". And I'm like, "That can't be my Mom". So as we are looking down the trail, who is coming up the trail but my Mom. She had walked four miles on the campground road and then a mile onto the trail to meet us at the end of the trail. It was the best ending to this journey to have everyone there for me and to celebrate my completion of the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2003-04-27
From: Deer Park Mtn Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: clear sky

   The mice were running all over the shelter throughout the night, but didn't bother us or our gear. It was nice and warm in the shelter. Awoke to a clear, bright day. Talked with Mark a long time until he head into town. I wasn't too far behind him. Took an hour and a half to reach Hot Springs and presently I'm waitinng for my cheeseburger and fries to be served. Saw one pink lady slipper on the way in. The bugs are swarming here.      Looks I arrived at Hot Springs at just the wrong time. Tomorrow the only reasonable restaurant in town (Smokey Mountain Diner) is closed for painting and all the motels are full and expensive. I got a cabin on the French Broad River at the Hot Springs Campground. To me,$41 is a lot for a small cabin with outside showers and the bathroom across the road (at least it flushes). It is like a shelter with heat and lights but no pillow or linens!!      Met Dale Webber outside the outfitters. He was section hiking on a two week vacation and broke his ankle. So he was using crutches now, instead of hiknig poles. He was checking out of his way-over-priced motel room and reluctantly heading home. Truth be told, he was afraid to go home and face his wife, who evidently hadn't been too keen on his going on this trip in the first place. Now he was going to have to sit around and listen to her while his leg healed. I told him I was considering slackpacking, hiking without a pack, for a couple of days because of my knee. Dale said he'd take me up the road so I could walk back into town and I invited him to stay at the cabin if he wanted. I moved my stuff into the loft so he could have the lower bunk--neither of us being much in the way of ladder climbers at the moment. Then I hiked in from Tanyard Gap. When I got back, we went to the pub for a beer($3.75 for a draught Guiness!!) and bought a cheap six pack at the campground store. Dale and I struck a deal--I'd pay for beer and the rooms and he'd slackpack me until he got up enough courage to go home. By the way, I ran into a hiker I'd met at the Fontana Hilton. He' been in Hot Springs for a week!! Says he's spent over $300 on just food and beer--not counting what his room is costing him. Yikes!! Please send your non tax deductible cash contributions to.....
Date: 2013-09-15
To: Fountain, Colorado
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello Everyone! I just wanted to thank all of my journal followers throughout these last 6 months. I especially want to thank my brother, John, who helped me keep my Journal up to date. Without him I probably wouldn't have done a journal at all and now that I am home I am so happy to have this account of my trail days to go to, to remember everyday. I am finally home in Colorado now. My friend, Deirdre and my Mom, Margaret, went on a short tour of Canada, since we were so close-why not, right? After 2000 miles, whats an few more days on the road. We had a great time seeing the coastal towns and eating a lot of sea food!I will be trying to get back into normal life now. I can't seem to get to unpacking my hiking gear just yet. Ive been hanging out with my son and my grandson relaxing and enjoying the rest. I plan on finishing up my Journal with more details of my gear and costs, as I settle in and have some time to review all of my receipts and journal notes. I hope this information will be helpful to future hikers. I look forward to reading some of the other journals from people I have hike with and some who I unfortunately did not get to meet. It will be fun to remember all of the places I went to and to hear others accounts of this wonderful trail. I look forward to going back next year to do some trail magic of my own. Once again, thanks to everyone for all the support. And I don't want to forget my very special Trail Angel, Diane! I will never forget all that you did for me and hope we can hike together again someday!
Date: 2003-04-28
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC (Slackpack)
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

   Got up early and headed to the laundromat to do a quick load. Doesn't open until 10am!! Went back to the campground and did the wash in the outdoor sink and rigged a clothesline on the cabin porch. Grabbed some coffee and suasage biscuits at the campground store and Dale ran me up to the trail near a firetower. Another beautiful, clear day. Saw several pileated woodpeckers--they were all over this section today. Watched the turkey buzzards riding the thermals this morning--suspended forever and never flapping a wing.      I don't know if I'm really accomplishing anything by dumping the weight, but walking much farther. At least the uphills and the steps are easier without the pack. The one nice thing is not having to set up or pack up the gear everyday, saving time.      We custom fit Dale's cam walker so it was more comfortable for him this afternoon. And I even had time to NikWax my boots and repair a small hole in one of my liner socks. I've worn the same pair of liner socks (Patagonia) and Smartwool socks everyday since I've started. And I'm surprised how durable they are. A lot of people have had foot and boot problems, but my LaCrosse boots and these socks have worked well for me. I fixed the quarter inch hole with my handy dandy little sewing kit and I should be good for a while yet. It is very interesting to see all the variations in gear that different people use.   We had chili dogs from the campground store and a couple beers on the porch, while the river rapids provided the evening music.
Date: 2013-01-27
To: Introduction
Miles today: 0.0

IntroductionI remember being about six or seven years old and ¢hiking¢ in the woods behind our house. One of the older kids in the neighborhood carried a backpack with a can of baked beans. We were going to camp out! We walked about one hundred yards into the woods when we decided it was time to eat. We opened the can of beans and ate them cold, straight from the can. I don¢t remember anything else to eat or drink and once we finished the beans, the adventure was over. We got bored and went home, and now I want to hike the Appalachian Trail. How times change.I¢ve had a little more experience since those earliest years, but nothing like what I am about to attempt. My wife and I have been hiking with Bob and Margaret, our ¢hiking buddies¢ for close to 15 years. We have some great memories of pushing each other to the limit and summiting some of the highest peaks in the USA. But none of them like to sleep on the trail so I¢ll catch up with them later. I have their support and the support of my daughters and look forward to meeting other hikers along the AT.I have hiked parts of the AT and spent nights and days in the rain and cold. My nephew Chris and I met Baltimore Jack while we were doing a section of the Long Trail a few years ago. Meeting Baltimore Jack was a special moment for me because he is a legend in his own time. It was especially rewarding to see Baltimore Jack talking with Chris about his experiences on the AT and his encouraging Chris to become an Eagle Scout. Chris recently earned his Eagle Scout and as I sat at the ceremony this year I couldn¢t help but think how some events in our lives point us in a certain direction. I plan to start the AT in mid-March this year. I am scared and I am excited. I know this is a big challenge and I have made the decision on my own. I have been planning this hike for over five years.   My youngest daughter said to me one time when I expressed the slightest doubt about doing the hike; ¢Dad, at this point I would be disappointed if you didn¢t try¢. So here I am making my first journal entry and telling everyone I am going to hike the Appalachian Trail. Committing to this hike I am constantly reminded of some advice a friend of mine passed along years ago. These words have stayed with me and I remind myself every day - ¢This is your life, it¢s not a dress rehearsal¢. In other words, you can¢t go back and say, ¢next time I am going to ¢¦..¢ Paddyman