morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-21
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Fort Montgomery
Miles today: 8.9

Departed the shelter at 5:45am leaving the kids who were all still sleeping. Tough day felt kinda like a mountain goat most of the day. A lot of rock climbs and some tough ups and downs. Even the kids who have hiked over 1300 miles were commenting on the degree of difficulty. The Maine Train caught up to me on top of Bear Mountain at the summit. Also there was Bear Can, Maddog and Pilgrim, we all just sat around talked and had some snacks. In all there were about 13 of us. The 2 plus mile climb down from Bear Mountain was a real knee buster and by the time I got down I was not sure if I would be able to continue or not. After a brief rest the knee felt better and after some lunch at the park I was able to hobble into Fort Montgomery. The rest of the crew was going on to Graymoor for the night. Until later, good night.
Date: 2006-06-22
From: Fort Montgomery

To: Graymoor Pavilian
Miles today: 6.3

Left Ft. Montgomery at 8am and walked the 2 miles back to the trail which was the Bear Mt. Bridge. The walk over the bridge was great and there was a nice breeze blowing, little did I know that this would be my coolest part of the day. As expected the climb after the bridge walk was tough. Once again I made the right decision to stop when I did the night before. After getting to the top a thru-hiker by the name of "Snapper" caught up with me and after a brief conversation she was again on her way. A short distance later I found her sitting on a rock having a snack. I stopped and we had a nice chat and a well earned rest. Real nice gal and a real pleasure to converse with. She stated that she would be getting off the trail in Kent to visit with a friend whom she had not seen for some time. Might get to see her again if I don't get to far behind. The old body is pretty sore today so I decided to stop at Graymoor Friary as opposed to trying to go further. A cold shower felt good and at least a roof should it rain. Had some ramon noodles with tuna added for lunch, yum, yum. Its a hiker staple and not really to bad when you are hungry. About 2pm two young gals showed up who were south bound doing a section hike and who were getting off at the bear Mt. bridge the next day. They were "Coon Slick" and "Andromidus" who I renamed later as "Bug Bite" because of all the bites she had recieved during the day hiking through the woods. "Switchback", "Gene" and "Grasshopper" all stopped for a cool shower before continuing on. Grasshopper was going home to the city and was catching the train. The other two were continuing up the trail. By 5pm "Bear Can", "Stigmata", "Grizzeley", "B.P." and "Pebbles" all showed up to spend the night. Coon Slick and Andromidus even had this old man out playing Fisbie for a short time. These kids have excess energy even after hiking a 12 or 15 mile day its no wonder they can hike so fast and far each day. I think I once had that kind of energy but its been so long I can't remember for sure. Well thats about it for today time to hit the hay, we elders need all the rest we can get, good night.
Date: 2006-06-23
From: Graymoor Pavilian

To: Dennytown Road
Miles today: 8.2

Well I got out of camp around 6:15am and made my way back to the trail a walk of about one half mile. The trail for the most part was not to bad. The worst thing was a lot of ups and downs which after a while takes a toll on your old body. I had not slept to well at the pavilian. After lying down for the night about dark the biting insects swarmed all over you. I decided to get up and set my tent up which I did only to find that it was twice as hot once in the tent and it took a couple of hours until it finally cooled down to the point where I could get to sleep. As the day progressed it got harder and harder to stop for a break because the woods were teaming with biting things that were waiting to eat you. Once in the woods you become a part of the food chain. They just continued to have there way with you even with an over abundant amount of repellant on. Road crossings seemed to be the only place you could take a break without being eaten alive. I also found myself wondering off the trail on several occasions and I was not sure if it was because of poor markings or lack of concentration on my part. I had planned on getting to N.Y.301 and going into the Clarence Fahnestock State Park, there was said to be hot showers good camp sites and hot dogs to be had. But by the time I had gotten to the Dennytown Rd. crossing I had made my mind up to once again leave the trail. My drive, determination, and what ever else it takes to be out here had faded and I only wanted to get back home. The first car by stopped and picked me up and I was wisked into Fishkill and dropped at the Holiday Inn. Contact made with home and arrangments made for pickup. After only being home for a day I already miss being out there and will most likely get some more of the trail done before we go away in sept. I also am still thinking of going south bound in the fall in an attempt to get as musch completed this year as possible. I guess I will no longer be a thru-hiker but will revert to a section hiker to get the trail completed. Hopefully I can get it done on the two year plan. I would like to thank everyone who has been follwing along and supporting me in this endeavor. Some things you just don't have a lot of control over, such as broken bones and such. I have no doubt that had I been able to stay on from the beginning that we would have had a better outcome. Stay tuned though the year is not over yet. Until later luck, love and happy hiking to all.
Date: 2007-04-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A big hello to all of my loyal followers, stay tuned we're getting back on the trail 04/06/07 where I had to get off in Franklin, N.C. Root and I are going to give it another shot at getting it done or at least some of the southern end while we're both still able. This will be almost 2 months later than my start last year so we're hoping for a little bit better weather. It feels like we have never even done this before, the nerves and all the other jitters are still afoot. The packing and unpacking has continued every day with very little results. Bottom line is you just have to get back at it and sort things out as you go. Leaving home in the morning, picking up Root and heading for Tenn. We will leave my vehicle there and get our ride on down to our jump off point. Hope to have some new photos and journals coming up soon. Can't wait to get at it again, although I'm not looking forward to all the PAIN that will once again be coming our way. Back in the GA-ME, all the best to all my old friends and am looking forward to making many more.
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Gap
Miles today: 5.8

4-6-07 5.8 miles Winding Stair Gap to Wayah Gap. Root and I departed from Winding Stair Gap at approx. 9:30 AM and arrived at Wayah Gap picnic area at approx. 2 PM. The trail for the most part was good with no real surprises. The weather was already turning colder with a wind that would blow so hard at times that it was hard to stand errect. We decided that it would be in our best interest to remain at a lower elevation for the night as apposed to climbing another mountain where the wind would be even more vicious. Our first hour on the trail approx. 10 to 12 hikers zoomed by on there mission. It was later learned that some of these same hikers were picked up on Wayah Bald after having survived the night. When we awoke on Saturday morning we found that the inside of the tent was covered with ice from the condensation over night. We had sealed up pretty tight because of the high winds and cold temps, however we should have still ventilated a little more. Upon looking outside we also found that it had snowed several inches, goody-goody.
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Wayah Gap

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After getting things together and having a hot drink it was decided that to continue at this point could be life threatening and that we would start walking down the road towards Franklin once again in hopes of getting a ride. The trail would have been extremely difficult to traverse under these conditions. After having walked for about 10 min. along came Gordon Zane and a friend on their way into the Franklin area with an injured four wheel vehicle in need of repair. After a brief conversation as to the weather conditions Gordon had us on our way into town once again where he dropped us at Haven's Budget Inn. After many thanks Gordon even made arrangments to come back and pick up Pockey-Hontas and deliver her to the N.O.C. where she was supposed to get a ride back home on Monday. Good luck to Pockey, she had already thru-hiked once in 94 or 95. She had also spent the night where we were and I don't know how she survived the night. We later walked on up to the Saphire Motel because the Budget Inn was already full. It seems most all hiking with any sense were getting off the trail for a couple of days, smart move by all. Conditions were such that unless you were there you would not get the full severity of the situation.
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Happy Easter to all. Decision was made that we will be departing Franklin for the last time to continue our Hike. Being holed up in a motel room gets old real fast we both feel like the trail would be to our liking. Most of the snow will have gone bye, bye, and the temps should only get down into the teens a few more nights with a slow warm up on the way, can't wait. Plan on having Easter Dinner at the local steak house, they have an acceptable buffet so its not too bad. Plan on departing for the trail sometime in the AM but with Ron you are never quite sure what time departure will take place, he runs many shuttles every day and is a real busy guy this time of year. Until later have a great Easter.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Wayah Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, Day 2 of hiking, we were dropped off at Wayah Gap at approx. 9am and started our trek North once again. The weather was cool but sunny and no wind which was a real blessing considering the conditions when we were last in the area. We wound our way up out of the gap on a fairly dry trail considering what the weather had been like a few days before. We passed by several scenic vistas as well as Wine Spring and arrived at Wayah Bald and the stone observation tower at around noon. After a brief stop for photos and a breather we then continued on to Licklog Gap for lunch. After a nice break, which our old bones needed we then continued on to Cold Spring Shelter. The climb up from Burningtown Gap a distance of only 1.2 miles seemed like it went on forever. Those climbs late in the day are hard on us old folks. I later learned that we were not the only ones who felt that way. By days end we had six of us in the shelter, cozy, and another six or eight camped in the tent area. The night stayed mild only dipping down into the high 20's, low 30's which felt real good considering our last night at Wayah Gap was near zero or only single digits at best. Good night for now.
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: N.O.C.
Miles today: 11.4

I awoke at about 7am to find Root standing in front of the shelter with pack on and ready to go. She had tented while I spent the night with the snoring contingent in the shelter. Hike, Live and Learn, I knew better! By 8am we were on our way having packed up and eating enough to get us started. The trail proceeded to Copper Ridge Bald with vistas and a spring and campsites nearby. We then dropped down a little over a 1000' into Tellico Gap where we were able to rest on a nice grassy area with the sun shinning brightly down on us. Boy did that ever feel good. From there it was back up again to the Wesser Bald Fire Tower where I succeeded to get Root to climb up for a photo opp. and a look at the views, which were great. From there to what is known as the Jump Up the trail had numerous pain in the neck ups and downs that only added to the already strenuous day. The Jump Up is the area where the 4 mile decent into Wesser,N.C. and the Nantahala Outdoor Center is located. This is one of the hardest areas on the trail because its all down hill. There are steps along the way as well as boulders and stones one must climb over. Mrs. Pinky can attest to the degree of difficulty having taken a header enroute down, photos to follow. Her trail name might have to be changed to "Shiner" or "Bruiser" depending on what the rest of her body looked like. Upon arrival down and a 9 hour day needless to say we were all wiped out and looking for showers and a warm bed. We had an excellent meal which we were hardly able to stay awake to eat. But, with that done, it was an early turn in.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: N.O.C.

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The next morning after talking it over and talking to family (obligations do pop up to foil the best of plans), it was decided that we would call for our pick up and head back home for now. My back also entered into the equation as I had experienced some severe muscle spasms and pain the day before on our decent into the N.O.C. The pain was extreme at times. Being that time was not an issue in our plans, I felt that having time to recover was in my best interest and could best be done at home. I felt real bad for Root since she had already done this section and we were going to go on in hopes of getting through the Smokies, but I guess it will be at a later time. I also want to express our deepest thanks and gratitude to "Cedar Moe", GA-ME 2006, for all his help in getting us places to stay and all the transportation involved. I'm looking forward to paying him back on his next adventure which are now in the planning stages. This will be a cross-country endeavor on his part--maybe more later. As I write this the back is feeling better and I'm already thinking of getting back on the trail, maybe the end of April or 1st of May for another section. Maybe from Pine Grove Furnace, PA South ---- Stay Tuned.P.S. Cedar Moe, the mustard is on the way.
Date: 2005-06-27
To: Great minds think alike (Kathy)
Miles today: 0.0

In the shower this morning I get a crazy thought. With our business PowerSum now down to one employee (my husband Greg) and with our dear Box gone, it creeps into the shower stall as I focus on my hair. With eyes closed against the shampoo I see it before I actually think it. Why don't we take this "down" time and hike the AT next spring? But the thought is fleeting as I must get myself to work on time especially since just coming back from vacation.That evening as we settle onto the back deck with cocktails, Greg announces, "Now I've got an idea about what to do,you know, now with what's going on with the business and all. I want you to let it settle in before you say we can't do it. Just think about it.""Ok go ahead" I say, promising myself to keep my mouth shut and my idea shooter in its holster."Well, Greg hesitates, how about if we take this time and hike the AT?" I'm shocked and quickly relate my shower thoughts and the journey begins...even though I haven't had a chance to talk to my supervisor about taking a 6 month hiatus...even though we haven't even said we are going to hike the AT...it has begun...K.
Date: 2005-10-17
To: The Dry Season (Greg)
Miles today: 0.0

The "Dry" Season. I guess that's what you can call it. We have a food dehydrator and it has been running almost constantly for the past month or so. We have been buying food in bulk, mostly frozen stuff, and drying it during the week. Everything from veggies, mushrooms, and fruit to different meats, fish, and of course, jerky. On the weekends we are home we package all this into dinners, usually 2 meals per recipe. These can be all sorts. We're trying to vary as much as possible avoiding the "Lipton Noodles N Sauce" as much as we can.There are a couple of books out there on the subject but "Lip smackin backpackin" has been the most helpful so far. We started out saying we would trail test most of these meals beforehand, but there just isn't enough time to do that. The recipies include the amount of calories and weight per serving so that we can distribute the meals according to what kind of week we plan on having. For example some weeks we will be hiking around 20 miles per day. Those days you'll want to load up on the carbs. Other times will be short weeks between resupply so we can afford to carry the heavier meals (like the Oriental dinner that weighs almost 3 pounds!).It is a bit overwhelming when you think about the entire task at hand. As of today I think we have about 15 dinners made. Not including the store bought freeze dried dinners we still have over 60 dinners to make. And that's just dinner. There's lots of Oatmeal left to buy; granola to make; breads and cookies to bake, package, and then freeze.All this should pay off in the long run though. The more food planning ahead of time means less time spent in towns shopping and that means more free time relaxing with a cold one, making friends at the local watering hole. It also means we are not at the mercy of what's available at the local gas station to carry us through to the next town.As colder weather is approaching, Kathy and I are planning on getting in as much hiking in as possible before it gets insane. Anyone wishing to join us is more than welcome. If you would rather car camp we can arrange to meet with you.So long for now...G.
Date: 2006-01-23
To: Counting Down the Days (Greg)
Miles today: 0.0

Days are clicking down. Only 56 days to launch and there is still tons of stuff to do. Kathy has taken care of some of the financial stuff and I have been gathering things. I find with each passing day it is getting harder and harder to focus on work. Looking forward to when the planning stops and the walking begins! It will be here soon enough. I can't get over this weather we have been having. It's probably gonna get cold right about the time we head to Georgia.
Date: 2006-01-24
To: Details (Greg)
Miles today: 0.0

We discussed odds and ends last night. When you start to iron out the little things it starts to overwhelm you. For example, how much toilet paper should we pack in each mail drop? Am I going to shave? If so how many razor blades? I found out, by the way, the Mach Three razor blades have a little tab on them so you don't actually have to carry the handle. That handle weighs like an ounce and a half! Batteries you ask? Well my camera uses AAs. I thought about bringing rechargeable but who wants to carry the charger? The PDA, (the Pocket PC thing we will be using to write our journal) has a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. We are hoping to get about a week's worth out of it before it needs a charge. I'll be carrying an extra battery and the charger which only takes about 45 minutes to charge. Now the PDA, keyboard, extra battery and charger (lest we forget the waterproof case) all together weighs 1.5lb. The small luxuries that come with a big price. We should be able to use the PDA to edit photos, listen to music, even download ebooks. It is WiFi enebled so whenever we find a public library or wireless hotspot, we should be able to send/receive email and upload our journal and pictures to the web site. Of course, that's the plan. It may turn out to be a hassle, if so, my father has volunteered to maintain the web site. If we ditch the whole PDA thing we will need to find someone to transcribe hand-written journal scratch. If interested let us know. Be advised I am left handed and went to public school, and Kathy's penmanship isn't much better.
Date: 2006-01-27
To: Breaking through (Kathy)
Miles today: 0.0

Major breakthrough today! I actually think that I am going to be able to complete all of my ¢to do¢s¢ before I hit the trail. I'm even making progress at work and we are knocking out things at home (food for 6 mos.,what to bring, what to leave behind, what to do with the the house, how to pay bills, etc.) before we go.My lists finally have more lines drawn through then not. I'm a listmaker. When I finish something, I knock it off my with a thick blue or black marker. Take that! It may sound silly but it prevents me from getting overwhelmed. And all this planning, what to do about this and that, can be daunting. But as long as I¢ve got the Power of the Marker, I can handle it. Only 52 days to go! K.
Date: 2006-02-07
To: February 7th, 41 Days to launch
Miles today: 0.0

I found this web site, www.freeaudiobooks.com that lets you download thousands of audiobooks for free. I can take along books to listen to while hiking or in the evenings. We have a splitter that allows both of us to listen at the same time. We did that on our 100k in a day hike. It's ok for just walking on level terrain, but the wires are too short for hiking. Some books I have already copied from the library include Don Quixote, and books by Nevada Barr. She wrote a bunch of mysteries that take place in national parks. I have lots of music copied to my PC; some is transferred to mini disc (that's the format we'll use instead of bringing CD's). I still have a bunch to do. This past weekend we passed an important milestone in our preparations. We realized we have enough food for our mail drops! Actually we still have to get about 15lbs. of coffee but that's about it for food anyway.
Date: 2006-02-11
To: February 11 Kathy 
Miles today: 0.0

The plan is finally coming together! We've met with our support team...my Mom for monitoring our mail and keeping an eye out for anything important we may have forgotten, my father-in-law to help us keep up the web site and my sister and brother-in-law for mail drops. All those many little details that two weeks ago loomed as huge tasks are now minor details barely visible under the strike out line on the task list. The food is done! Yes done. It's amazing how much food two people will eat (or estimate to eat) in 6 months. But I'm sure that it will still be less (expense wise) than 6 months eating at home but in terms of quantity will be a whole lot more.I know that all these many details that I tend to fret about (did I actually use the word fret?) will dissolve away a soon as I close my front door in March and head down to Georgia. Life (at least the details) will become so much simpler while the actual living of life will become so much more joyously complex.