morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-08-05
From: Shaw's Hostel

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

I did not have enough cash to last me till my Baxter Park stay. And all the places between here and there only take cash. So I planned on hitching to Greenville today after my famous breakfast at Shaw's to get some money. The morning stated off with breakfast. It starts at 6:00am. I didn't wake up until 6:26am so I dressed in a hurry and walked over to where it was served. They had a full house of about 20 people with SOBOs, NOBOs, day hikers, and section hikers. Actually it was good timing as Keith Shaw was ready to cook our order. I ate the 2x2 and had two more french toasts along with fresh orange juice and milk. I finished breakfast, cleaned up and did some packing. I thought I had better hitch early not knowing how long it might take for a ride. I started hitching about eight and the second vehicle picked me up. I got a ride right to Greenville with a retired IBM manager. He took me right to the bank. I got there at 8:30am but the lobby didn't open until nine.While waiting for the bank to open, I went to the grocery store to stock up until I get to the next hostel. I then headed back to the bank, got an advance on my credit card and hitched back.I checked with the post office and to my surprise the last bounce box came in with that morning¢s delivery. There are some other hikers here and I'll give them the little bit of extra I now have.The rest of the day was relaxing. I spent the day planning for the wilderness. They are having some bluegrass music in the general store tonight so I'll even have entertainment after dinner. Yes, I also had my pint of B&J today too.I'm really finding it hard to believe the hike is just about over. I don't want to miss or forget anything. When I'm hiking now and take a break I keep trying to remember everything. I'm so glad I did the journal. Today at the library I read some entries from months ago and it triggered a lot of memories from the hike.After dinner I stopped at the general store and listened to the music. It was a regular hoe down. There were 10 people playing and about 20 or so people in the store watching and listening. Everyone was having fun including me, but no singing for me. If I did they wouldn't let thru-hikers back in. I'm having so much fun I wish some days wouldn¢t end. Yes, I did take pictures but I wish I had a recorder to go along with them tonight.I should be summiting Katahdin between August 12 -14th. I think the 13th is the most likely date. It will just depend on how the 100 mile wilderness goes. I may get to send some emails at White House Hostel. I won't know until I get there. Otherwise the next time you hear from me may be after I climbed Katahdin......
Date: 2005-08-06
From: Shaw's Hostel

To: Long Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Today was my first day in the 100 mile wilderness. I finished breakfast at Shaw's and started the day with. I was also on time for breakfast which meant I was fed first.After that it was back to the room so I could pack. I made one of those silly decisions and decided to see if I can make it through the entire AT on only two pairs of shoes. The glue job on the second pair was still pretty much in tact so I kept them. Just in case, I'm also carrying another pair if the second pair does not make it. My summer pack weights the most it ever has due to the seven days of meals in it. I am carrying an extra meal in case something goes wrong. If I don't eat after an hour or so I just have no energy at all. If I eat I'm okay. Now I have all sorts of snacks to eat throughout the day for energy. The hitch from the hostel didn't take to long. The same fellow that gave me a ride to Greenville picked me up and took me to the trail head. He was going back to his farm from breakfast and was nice enough to give me a ride. He pointed out his farm on the way since it was on the way. I got there a little before 8:00am. I started and soon found Snail and Cotton Joe camped next to a pond. They had stealth camped there for the night and were just getting up. Snail hiked most of the day with me.This section was easy and we made fairly good time. There were two river forges during the hike to the shelter. We both wanted to do 19 miles to the next shelter. We got to the first shelter at 5:45pm. It had taken us 3 hours to do 4.7 miles with no big climbs. The next shelter was only 4.0 miles but it was all climbs. Due to the time and expected terrain we decided to stay here and only do 15 miles. The first river forging of the day went OK. We both took off our shoes and crossed that way. No near falls or anything and we stayed dry. The second one was even easier. I found a place to walk across the rocks and was two steps from shore when I realized I made the wrong choice. I went to take the next step and slipped leaving me standing in ankle deep water with my shoes on. Now I have wet shoes and socks and gained nothing by crossing on the rocks.In addition to Snail, Cotton Joe, Stealth and Ninja, there are two SOBO section hikers and two NOBO section hikers here at the shelter. Stealth and Ninja just made it here as it was getting dark because of their late start.I'll need to do 19 miles tomorrow so I'm going to try and get up early and hope the climbs are not too bad.Time to turn in.
Date: 2005-08-07
From: Long Pond Lean-to

To: West Branch of Pleasant River
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day two in the wilderness turned out to be another short day. The goal for the day was 19 miles but again we only did 15 miles. The same group as last night are all camped here tonight. They all had big plans for a 22 mile day but it wasn't meant to be. The climbs were harder than any of us expected. We had to cross Barren Mtn (2672'), Fourth Mtn (2383'), Third Mtn (2065') and Columbus Mtn (2326'). We all made the first shelter within a few minutes of each other and figured out that it had taken us over seven hours to do a little over 10 miles. At that point we all knew that no one was going to do the 22 miles. Snail said he had 22 miles in him just not on terrain like this. We talked a little and knew there was trail magic at a road just before Pleasant River so we all decided to go there. It was only 4.1 miles but took everyone 3 hours to get there. We were all so tired we just sat there for a half hour having cokes and discussing how hard the day was. The climbs weren't long, but there were lots of them. The heat didn't help either. It¢s supposed to be cool in Maine. I would bet it was in the eighties. You could really feel it anytime you were not in the shade. Tomorrow looks about the same based on what the guide books. It¢s going to be 17 miles to the next shelter. I think most everyone will also end up there. After tomorrow, that should leave only one more hard day.We all have new trail name for the wilderness. Poppa Smiles, (Dad's Grin), Escargot (Snail), Polyester Pete (Cotton Joe), Stealth and Ninja changed theirs as well. I'll have to see what they decide on.Time to get much needed sleep for tomorrow.
Date: 2005-08-08
From: West Branch of Pleasant River

To: Stealth camping next to a sping. 
Miles today: 18.5

I got an early start before everyone else. I knew it was going to be a long day and I would need the extra hiking time. The river forging today was easy. The water depth was only a foot and a half. Tourists even cross there on their way to see a water fall nearby. The trail was flat until the first shelter and I made good time. I ran into some SOBO's and asked about the trail ahead. They said it was difficult with rocks and climbs. I asked about hand over hand climbs and they looked at me kind of funny. It was then that I realized that they have only been on the trail 4 or 5 days. Starting from Katahdin and until now they have had pretty much flat terrain to work with. I just laughed to myself and thought about some of the terrain they will have to deal with. Just like yesterday I had to go over four mountains, Gulf Hagas, West Peak, Hay Mtn and White Cap Mtn. Compared to the day before they were much easier. They did not have as many rocks or roots and were not as steep. From Hay and White Cap I could see Katahdin. I knew what it looked like because I had seen it days earlier. Katahdin just keeps getting bigger and closer now. Somehow it felt like I could just reach out and touch it even though it is still 72.8 miles away. I passed a 64 year old women who has been doing section hikes over the last four years. She is heading to K to complete her hike. Her trail name was Two Hats.Because of the easy hiking we all decided to do extra miles after the shelter. With the change in terrain we all felt we could do 21 miles tomorrow and make it to White House Lands Hostel for the night. Not to mention they make a one pound hamburger and have cokes. You also get breakfast if you spend the night. I will have to leave here by 5:30am to make sure I get there in time. This will also cut a day off my schedule. I was originally planning on taking two days to get there from here.We all had to camp in the woods because there is no camp area by the spring. It¢s not level and it¢s not smooth. As tired as I am it doesn¢t make much difference.
Date: 2005-08-09
From: Stealth camping next to a sping. 

To: White House Landing Hostel
Miles today: 19.7

Forget about what I told you yesterday about today being an easy day. It wasn't. I woke up early and was on the trail by 5:40am. Stealth, Ninja and I started together and flew to the first shelter. We did six miles in two hrs and 20 minutes. It was already hot and I knew at some point the heat would be a factor in the hike. I reached Potaywadjo Shelter at 1:45pm, eight hours after the early start. I still had 2.4 trail miles to go and .9 miles walk to the dock to get picked up for White House. All of us are suffering the same problem. If we are not eating we have nothing left to hike with. Our bodies have used every available ounce of fat we have and we must eat constantly for energy. We all needed to buy extra snacks here at White House. I ate the famous one pound burger they serve here and drank my normal number of cokes (Editor¢s Note: That number is now up to eight cokes per meal). Tomorrow we get an AYCE breakfast and that will also give us much needed energy for tomorrow¢s hike. The weather for the next three days calls for rain and scattered thunderstorms. The good news is there is only one small climb between here and Katahdin. I should be able to stay in shelters until the end so only my clothes will be wet. I'm used to it now and have been for some time. 45.9 miles left and three days left.
Date: 2005-08-11
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I made it through the night and was glad I didn't try and push on. It would have been around 8:30pm before I got to the next campsite. As hard as it was in daylight to get done it would have been worse in darkness with a headlamp. It would have been nice to have gone the extra miles and summit Katahdin tomorrow. The weather forecast calls for afternoon showers on Saturday. I'll just hope I reach the summit and am down before any rain starts. I will make an early start so I can try and avoid the rain if it comes in the afternoon.Rainbow Ledges, the last mountain before Katahdin, was an easy climb. I hardly knew I was on it. Also, it was loaded with blueberries. I picked quite a few handfuls and ate them as I went across it. They were some of the biggest ones yet, as big as store bought berries. There was one final view looking back where I had been the previous days. It seemed so far away. I got to the campsite and proceeded to have my fill of cokes, an ice cream bar, and a sandwich. I'm sharing a campsite with another thru-hiker named Ray (He didn't take a trail name). He started April 1st! We both plan to summit on Saturday.The site itself is right on the Penobscot River. It¢s full of kayakers and vacationers. They all have trailers or motor homes. One even has a plane here to. The best part is our site has a clear view of Katahdin. We have a picnic table here and I've been sitting here just looking at my last climb. I just can not believe I'm here. I had time to get all my gear dried too. I hope I can just keep it that way for one more day. I also got a shower and then used the soap to wash my shirt and shorts. I faced my tent so I can see Katahdin for my night and morning view. It's going to be a very emotional day for me when I get to the top. I don't know what I'll do.WOW, 15.1 miles left! I can also tell I'm close to the end-- I didn't try and yogi a meal last night.
Date: 2005-08-12
From: Abol Bridge Campground

To: The Birches
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

My last day before I summit. I'm sitting here on a gravel road trying to get a hitch to Millinocket. It shouldn¢t be a problem getting out, but I need to be sure I can get back.Easy hiking again and didn't even have to make a early start. As I was leaving Bones came walking up the road. I hadn't seen him for almost two months. He is planning on summiting today. With his pace and long legs he'll make it in plenty of time.The trail followed the river almost all the way to the campgrounds. When I got here I went to the ranger station and was going to register but I have to wait until 4:00pm. What a day they are going to have! They have great weather and clear blue skies. The climb is considered a class II day because of the possibility of thunderstorms this afternoon. That means hiking above tree line is not recommended. The latest forecast for tomorrow calls for 70% chance of showers tonight and 40% tomorrow. I'll just keep hoping for the best. At least I have a Lean-to tonight and my tent will be dry.No luck getting a ride. Plenty of people offered a ride into town, but weren¢t coming back this way. There are three of us here at the shelter- Ray, Cotton Joe and myself. Cocoa Bean is in a reserved lean-to with her mother and a girlfriend who hiked the wilderness with her. We should all summit tomorrow. Ray and I had finished dinner and when a couple walked up and asked if we would like some snacks and cokes. My final trail magic I think. Burning Boots and Jay Bird thru-hiked last year and live in Bangor. The had cokes, cheese, chips, nachos, pepperoni, beer, cookies and candy. We all helped ourselves and talked for about an hour and half. It was a nice way to spend my last night. When I finally did register this afternoon, Stealth and Ninja were just coming back. They had left a miniature Canadian Mist Whisky bottle in the shelter for someone and I told them I had found it and was taking it to the top with me. The couple that brought the magic also left two bottles of Champaign for tomorrow. It seems very strange that after tomorrow I won¢t be getting up to hike anymore. And I will also be eating real food again. No more pop tarts, burritos and rice, snickers bars and all the other junk I've been eating. I don¢t care if I ever eat tuna fish again. Time to turn in and try and get some sleep. We¢ll see what one final day on the trail will bring me. I'm sure it will be a day like no other.
Date: 2004-12-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hey there,Anything worth doing inevitably turns out to be hard. I have a good idea about how hard the Appalachian trail will be, how I figure it out is taking the longest trail I have ever done and multiplying it by about 9. However when im stacking the shelfs at the supermarket I long to be on move, out there on the trail living a nomadic life, exploring! When I am sitting curled up on the couch watching some aweful soap about divorce and secret babies, eating a micro-wave meal while my mother makes me a hot chocolate, all I want is to be chatting round a camp fire engaging with new people. And one thing for certain is when I'm walking to work I wish I was on the A.T living what has been a dream for the past two years. however walking to work in 'rush hour' is very fun as I love overtaking the cars stuck in traffic, gives me a kind of morale victory. I am moving faster than you, despite your polluting engines and air conditioning....ha haI have always walked everywhere. I infact own no other mode of transport, not a car, bicycle or even a skateboard. Inless you count my dingy which me and a good friend take out on the local rivers till we inevitable sink. For the last 2 years I have been planning this walk, to me it means so much, it's a symbolic symbol of something which i can't quite pinpoint! IN my last years of study everyone asks you what you want to do, what you going to be? Like hell I have all the answers, and as I have found out most people double my age still dont have answers to them impatient questions. I remember the exact moment I said to myself 'lets do it'. I got back from canada after staying with a great guy and girl I met on the Pennine Way in England, He was a 2000 miler and invited me to his home the following year. I watched videos, read his journal and spied his A.T photo albums but only when I got home It became so clear. I'm going to travel starting with the A.T. I finally had a answer to those infamous questions, I'm going to the university of life my friend! Going to see the world, talk to people from all walks of life and make myself a better person. The reply being 'SO your not going to university then' 'dont think so' I would reply. So in a nutshell the A.T gave me direction, something to work towards and I think it has changed me already and despite not taking even one ant sized step on it I feel I have been on the journey for a while now. With all my flights booked, visas acquired and funds in place, The dream will soon be a reality. Kev
Date: 2004-12-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I'm sure you all understand the feeling I am about to discuss. Every so often when I get something important to the my A.T effort or hit a milestone I get a warm buzz of excitement. Well recently I got the confirmation of my flight : Gatwick to Atlanta departure at 12:00 on the 2nd of April. yippee. For the first time I can say not just the exact day Im leaving but the hour. And if thats not enough to boil the water, Its only 4 months to lift off! I have finally however, regained my composure. Still 4 months to go, and thou its not a long time, I still need to focus on the tasks at hand. My gear is nearly sorted except for the odd thing and funds, visas, flights are in order. I just need to get my insurance, prepare for the hike, and go. I've decided once Christmas is over I will work more overtime to get as much cash together as possible despite the tiresome nature of my jobs. I also plan to start some light training mainly to prepare myself mentality and give my body a warning of things to come. As always I am excited about the trail, Its in my thoughts more so now than before and If it wasnt for my Dad I think I would explode. Me and my Dad have hiked all other the UK together, so he is great to discuss trail issues with from cooking to taking a dump ( I hear vaseline is great, speeds things up).My parents have been very supportive throughout the whole preparation and I feel I will be doing this walk for them as much as for me. 4 months to go!!!dandy
Date: 2004-12-05
To: All for one, one for all
Miles today: 0.0

I had a stray thought in the night. I realised what this site reminded me of. Earlier this year I was taking my final exams which would determine the results of 2 years of study (history, business and geography). Waiting outside the exam hall all together were the people that I had shared the many hours throwing paper airplanes at and composing power point presentations that would dissapoint a 5 year old. I'll admit that I hardly knew some of them but on that day we all had a common purpose, a strong bond of togetherness. We all were nervous and excited at the prospect of finishing our education, we all wanted to do well and past the test. Everyone was wishing eachother good luck. That bond and excitement, I feel strongly on this website. Thats why its so dam addictive!!!. We are all in it together, common purpose, common aim, to walk the A.T. The prospect of meeting all these people and experiencing american culture is very exciting and thought consuming. For those kind enough to read my journal, and my mindless ranting, I hope over the next few months you can share my joy and fears, adventures and disasters, and most of all - the beauty the A.T has to offer. dandy
Date: 2004-12-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hey there,The other day My Dad bought me a cooker/stove for my A.T trip. It will be my christmas present, so even thou I know exactly what it is, I must wait till christmas to get it and just to keep in the christmas spirit it will no doubt be wrapped up! This year I have been a bit of a humbug about christmas. I think working in a supermarket drains your soul of goodwill around christmas..ha ha.. Its true! In November All the Christmas decorations go up, Our gift sets go out, which are only bought by people who just cant be bothered to put any imagination into their purchase. Thats not even what drains me, Its the fact that the shops drag out Christmas for so long and make so much money from it...dam those three kings.However, whats different about this year is that I want christmas out the way moreso than ever because It means the A.T will come sooner. I must admit thou I do enjoy christmas day, the food, presents, family. So I'm not a complete scrouge!!!!I hear about people still preparing for the trail but there aint much left for me to do really. My pack wont be much different to what I carried on my walks this year, and most my stuff regarding the international travel aspect are sorted. My visa was the hardest part. Once I paid the application fee, filled out the forms and sent them. I had to go to London for an interview which only took 2 minutes after the 6 hours sitting in a waiting room with 200 other people!!! I am planning my training however, I'm excited about it actually. In January I'm gonna start jogging to get my fittness up and then I start doing my staircase with a pack on. Its a really good workout, I power walk up and down with 30 lbs on my back for 15 mins non-stop. I also gonna wear my boots on the way to work to harden my feet up as blisters are my biggest concern on the trail. Once my feet harden up I be fine but I have to be careful till then. Spenco gel skin is great for them and I bought loads of it last time I was up north but I cant find it now which is terribly fustrating. Its in this dam room somewhere. I also get really good mould skin from the foot doctor ( cant spell the proper name for him) but I could talk about blisters all day, they are my nemesis, and you must know your enemy! dandy