morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Erwin, Tennessee

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 138.9

Trail Followers:Current Mileage completed: 340 MilesI've made it into Erwin, TN, this Friday morning. Just in time for an expected rainy weekend (and potentially upcoming week of rain). At least I can say I am getting used to the rain and walking uphill. Went over Big Bald Mountain (Elev 5516') yesterday in 30 mph winds and saw nothing. At least I'm saving the battery in my camera.I met up with Chestnut, a 3-time thru hiker from Rhode Island and we've hiked together for a few days. I chewed his ear continously for hints and his perspectives. Rather than hiking hard early through the early afternoon, he recommends a more measured pace with longer rests and going later into the afternoon. Yesterday we hiked 20.7 miles and finished around 6 pm. Lunatic has not embraced this new pace, so we may seperate over time, though we see each other sometimes at the end of the day, for now. Another benefit is the animal activities increase in the late afternoons. I'll do anything to see more than a garter snake!Tomorrow I start another 4-5 day stint with no cellphone/e-mail coverage. Don't worry, I'll post again, asap. I still don't have a full understanding of the status of the NCAA BB tournament. Don't worry, it isn't really that important.See you all up the trail.
Date: 2009-04-25
To: Montebello, Virginia
Miles today: 94.8

Friends and Trail Followers:It was a long, strange trip of hiking from Pearisburg, Virginia this past week. I left Sunday morning with the Karma Police, Lunatic and we were soon joined by Penn-J. The gang was back together again!We hiked from Sunday to Friday, over 92 miles and experienced rain, gusting winds, hail, snow flurries and finally 85 degree temperatures on our final day coming into Daleville in central Virginia. Funny thing, after beautiful views and sunny skies on Thursday and Friday, the early-week memories were. easily forgotten. Today, Saturday is a 'zero' day. Sunday morning, Penn-J and I head north for another week of hiking. The 80s temps are expected to stay with us for the early part of the week.Lunatic took off this morning, heading for Waynesboro to meet up with a friend. The Karma Police left today, after their 12-day 'section hike.' They have been doing the Appalachian Trail together since 2003 and try to knock out 150-200 miles during their hiking vacations. They think they can finish in less than ten years! Section hiking is actually more common than thru-hiking. In some ways it is harder. By the time you build up your 'trail legs' your hike is over. The Karma Police were great guys and we were together for over a week.The best part was that only two days ago I found out their occupations. Probing questions are sensitive issues on the trail and are always handled cautiously. Well, Chris and Dave turned out to be thirties-something Catholic priests! They said that they learned not to be too open with this fact, because of some dramatic and negative reactions they have encountered. Sorry that some bad apples in the Catholic Church, have kept these two guys from being themselves. I can honestly say that Chris and Dave were solid citizens that I will gladly introduce as my friends. As a Catholic, I'm glad they have made the commitment that they have chosen.They will be embarrassed to read this, but hey, nobody picks up a dinner check on Da'leader!The upcoming weather is going to be HOT! This will soon make all the AT hikers long for the cold. I am prepared with electrolyte tablets and plan on carrying more water. Penn-J and I plan on doing 95 miles for the week, as we make our way north and east. In two days we will begin to parallel the Blue Ridge Parkway. Tomorrow wewill pass Mile 725, one-third completed! I will fall short of my originial target, Waynesboro, by next weekend (Mile 852), but I will exceed 800 miles before I jump off the trail for some R&R.As some of you know, Kate and I have planned a week-long Alaskan cruise, starting next Wednesday, May 6. I will have a couple of days at home before we take off for Vancouver. C'mon, what would you do if you wanted to rest your feet after 800 miles?!Do you think I'm stretching it if I put vacation pictures up on a AT Trail Journal? It may be my first real opportunity to post a picture of a bear!When I get home in a week, be prepared for another Journal entry and some great pictures. Have a great week and I'll keep you posted on my travels.
Date: 2009-05-27
From: Snickers Gap

To: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Miles today: 274.3
Weather: mist

Friends and Trailfollowers:Just wanted to quickly report to all of you that I have arrived at the Appalachian Trail Headquarters in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. This feels like the half-way point on the AT, though the official marker (Mile 1,088) is shortly over the Maryland border in Pennsylvania. The feeling today was great crossing the Shenendoah River into town.I had a great 19 mile hike today. The first 13.5 miles were guided by two friends, Blaine ("Clydesdale") and Eric (trailname - TBD). They guided me from Snickers Gap over the tail end of "The Roller Coaster" and along the ridgeline parallel to the Shenendoah River. While overcast, our views were limited, but our conversations made the 5 1/2 hours fly by. It was thoroughly enjoyable; thanks, guys.The last 5.6 miles were pure adrenaline rush to reach Harpers Ferry.I write this from the AT Headquarters and need to finish and let them close up shop. A nice hostel in town and then a good meal are enough to satisfy my immediate needs and send me on my way into Maryland tomorrow.Cheers to all and see you all down the trail...
Date: 2009-06-22
From: Beckett, Massachusetts

To: Cheshire, Massachusetts
Miles today: 91.4

Friends and Trail Followers:Today was the third consecutive day WITHOUT rain! Now that is big news, given the previous weeks could never string three good days together. It is amazing how weather changes a hiker's attitude. The enjoyment factor goes up and the danger of falling on wet rocks decreases. You can't imagine what it is like to walk in flowing streams along the trail, as the rains take the path of least resistance. You stop trying to 'rock hop' and just walk straight through the water. Depressing...But the weather has changed for the better. I tell you one of my favorite feelings on the trail is to get out of the shower at the hostel after scrubbing a couple of days of sweat off your body. I found the Wayside Hikers Hostel, here in Cheshire, MA in my AT Companion. What a find! Jim and Kathy Johnson have done an incredible job in converting a barn and some outbuildings into a B&B/hostel to rival the best I've seen on the trail. After this posting, I'm off to bed and then out early tomorrow.Tuesday, June 30, I will traverse Mt. Greylock, the tallest mountain in Massachusetts. It will be a tough 21-mile day. Greylock has a borel forest on its peak; meaning the trees grow away from the wind! They say it is like a Canadian mountain in the state of Massachusetts. I look foreward to the challenge. When I'm done tomorrow, I will be in Vermont, 11.5 miles short of Bennington. On Wednesday afternoon, I will meet up with my parents in Bennington, who will be delivering my daughter, Shannon to the AT. Shannon and I will then hike 8 days (about 100 miles) up to Killington, VT. When we're done, we'll meet up with some family, for a little reunion. After that, Shannon heads home to North Carolina and I head toward New Hampshire.By July 12 or 13, I expect to be in Hanover, NH and will be at the Appalachian Trail's equivalent of the 20th mile of a marathon. I will need to bear down and push those last 440 miles. Wish me good luck and positive Guest Book entries.
Date: 2009-07-14
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: Glencliff, New Hampshire
Miles today: 108.2

Friends and Trail Followers:After a short morning hike starting at 6:19 am, I made it to the Hikers Welcome Hostel. I was in desperate need for a shower and laundry. Tomorrow I hike over my first of the big New Hampshire mountains, Mt. Moosilauke (Elev. 4802'). Today is a planned rest day before the start of 120 miles of NH mountains.From Glencliff, I have 398.5 miles to Katahdin. By my calculations, a 13 mile per day pace gets me to the summit by August 15, my original target. The mountains in New Hampshire and southern Maine will make 'half marathon' days real accomplishments. Further north in Maine the terrain returns to 'rolling' hills, allowing me to exceed 13 mpd. My calculations do not include any 'zero' days, which may be necessities.Hiking with The Flying TigressMy daughter, Shannon (aka Flying Tigress) and my 8-day, 93 mile hike through Vermont from Bennington to Killington was an overwhelming success. Shannon never slowed me down and even put in a 19-mile day, which included the traverse of Stratton Mountain. That feat was met with great respect by the other thru hikers on the trail, especially for a newbie on her third day out. Shannon also experienced the rain and mud that all hikers have lived with from New Jersey to New Hampshire. She even developed some 'sympathy' blisters to make her ol' man feel better about his own.As a father, I can't tell you how valuable eight days alone with your teenage daughter can be. She even left her cellphone behind. We always hiked within ear shot of each other and talked most of our time on the trail. It was great to have her experience what I have been doing for the last four months. I'm already trying to figure out where my son, Chris and I are going to hike together next summer!Shannon and I concluded our hike by spending the evening at The Amee Farm Hostel in Pittsfield, VT. What a great new addition to the hostel network on the Appalachian Trail. What made it really special was the addition of some family members for our last night together. My Mom and sister Mary and her daughter, Maddie joined Mary Pat and Stefan Underhill and their daughter Kerry for a wonderful reunion. It was difficult to say good bye to my recent hiking partner and leave my family, on Friday, July 10. My push into New Hampshire was ahead of me. I only had 4-5 days of relatively 'flat' terrain to bank some miles. I put in days of 16.6, 20.4, 22.5 and 19.1 prior to today. Now I stand at the foot of Mt. Moosilauke.I'll keep you posted.
Date: 2009-07-24
From: Baldpate Lean-to

To: Andover, Maine
Miles today: 63.2
Weather: moderate rain

Dear Friends and Trail Followers:It has only been a few days since my last posting, but with future computer access potentially limited, I figured to give you a short update.I'm at Mile 1921.7 with 256.6 miles to Katahdin. My plan is still to average 13 miles per day and to summit Katahdin on August 15.I have exited New Hampshire, in the rain; and continue into Maine - in the rain. All hikers' daily mileage totals have dropped as wet conditions, slippery rocks and plenty of mud have combined to slow us down. Just a quarter mile from Maine, I took a spill on the Mahoosic Trail and cut my palm and scrapped my leg. Nothing too bad, but a warning to be cautious.Maine has not let up with its contours, mountains and rockfaces. The White Mountains of New Hampshire get all the press, but Maine is also tough. It is expected to be like this through the Bigelow Mountains (Mile 2004).The one benefit of this rainy weather has been the cooler temperatures, staying in the 60s for the most part. This keeps the hikers cool, especially needed on those long uphills. The mud continues to be a challenge and an occasional source of comedy. Yesterday I was hiking with Snuggles (Shannon and I met her for the first time in Vermont) going through a mountain-top, alpine zone. The AT typically installs two-plank 'bog boards' over these marshy areas. They protect the alpine vegetation and also attempt to keep the hikers out of the mud. Well, Snuggles came to the end of one bog board thinking that another was just slightly submerged, but right afterwards. Unfortunately, there was a gap and Snuggles went in, up to her waist! She yelled for me to come back and pull her out with my treking poles. Needless to say, she was in need of a bath at the end of the day. Too bad she didn't get to a shower until today.There is a small group of AT Northbounders hiking around me. Snuggles, Canada, Ninja and T&A (Tom and Anna) always seem to be within a day of me. Left Toe (the camera savior) has sped ahead to meet an early August deadline. The AT telegragh informs us that there is a large pocket of NOBOs not too far behind us. The Southbounders continue on by us. Some of them have starting days in early July. We give them encouragement and don't forewarn them of the trials and tribulations that will face them over the next five or six months. Hopefully, they are as naive as we were back in March. They will eventually get those special days that make the 'walk' all worth while. But, they will soon realize that they have to earn them (by putting up with the what the trail gods throw at them).I keep telling myself to enjoy '13 mile days' and the last three weeks on the trail. It's still too easy to get wrapped up in daily and weekly mileage goals. I still have time to see some more bear and moose.There are only a few more towns to stop in for resupply before the end. I will do my best to get on a computer and update my journal, but understand my options will be limited. But just think, the sooner I get done, the quicker I can post my moose picture!See you up the trail!
Date: 2009-08-01
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-To, Maine

To: Stratton, Maine
Miles today: 68.9
Weather: few clouds

Dear Family, Friends and Trail Followers,Just a short update for you all.I came into Stratton, Maine this afternoon. I have completed 1990 miles and have just under 188 miles to go.I have teamed up with Trail Thinker, a section hiker who is completing his hike, which he began in 2001. He is an environmental attorney who also lives in North Carolina (New Bern). We met about a week ago. He wants to finish around 8/14 or 8/15, which works for me. The problem is that he is nursing a sore knee. I promised to 'coach' him along and to push, as needed. I feel like a jockey, not wanting to pull out the whip too early!There are only two other trail towns for north-bound hikers before hitting the "100 Mile Wilderness." Resupply and logistics are on all hikers' minds.I feel good and ready to push forward. I look forward to my last two weeks of hiking. The weather forecast for the upcoming week looks very good, though, as always - subject to change.Thanks again to everyone for your encouragement and kind words. I will do my best to keep you all posted on my progress.As always, I will see you up the trail!
Date: 2009-08-06
From: Monson, Maine

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 132.5
Weather: broken clouds

Dear Family, Friends and Trail Followers,I thought the sign said "100 Mile Wilderness" but it really said "The 100 Acre Woods." I walked quite a distance until Tigger and Pooh Bear got me turned around!Sorry, I'm just a little slap-happy. I rolled into Monson, Maine this afternoon and am staying at the famous Shaw's Hostel this evening. Tomorrow out on the trail again and heading into the final stretch of the Appalachian Trail. The "100 Mile Wilderness" is neither all wilderness or even 100 miles. The distance from Monson to Katahdin is 114 miles and there are two places you can eat and/or resupply along the way. It is an isolated stretch, but it can't be much worse than what north-bound hikers have experienced, so far, in southern Maine.Maine has already won my prize for most beautiful state. The views from its mountaintops and some of its ponds and lakes are magnificant. August is the perfect time of year to see this state.The mud on the trail takes some of the splendor out of the hike, but that would also have to go for Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. The recent good weather has been drying things out and this has improved the footing and my hiking speed.I am still hiking with Thru Thinker, though his knee and now his shins are giving him problems. He is prepared to go on, so we will continue on toward our goal of summitting Katahdin on August 14. The terrain will be much flatter now, with only one mountain before Katahdin. This should allow us to hike more than 15 miles per day. We will build a cushion of miles, just in case the rain returns and causes us to slow our pace again.I saw two other moose this week. Neither were interested in having their photos taken. I also saw a mink getting out of Moxie Pond yesterday. Funny thing, we have seen no signs of whitetail deer and only a spattering of bear scat. Whereas, moose poop and hoof tracks are everywhere. Amazing, that animals that large can stay quiet and hidden from thru hikers.This will be my last posting before my summit. It should take six or seven days to get to the base of Katahdin and then a half-day hike up and down the mountain. I will do my best to get some photos and get to a computer afterwards. I will let you all know as soon as possible when I'm finished with my hike.May the trail gods be on my side for these last days!see you all down the trail.
Date: 2009-08-15
From: Katahdin

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Family, Friends and Trail Followers:I wanted to let you know that I completed my Appalachian Trail thru-hike yesterday morning at the top of Baxter Peak in Katahdin, Maine at 9:30 am. I started my hike at 6:15 am with glorious weather that lasted the entire day. The trail gods finally paid me back for all the rain and three snow storms I had to endure!I will pull my thoughts together for a complete recap and post it over the next few days. It still hasn't hit me, other than the fact that I'm not walking through the woods right now.Thanks for all of your support and trail magic along the way.What next?
Date: 2009-02-07
To: Appalachian Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

In less than three weeks I will begin my hike on the Appalachian Trail. At the end of the month, I am going to leave Springer Mountain in Georgia and attempt walk over 2000 miles to Maine. I just graduated High School last spring, and embarked on my first long distance solo hike during the summer on the John Muir Trail in California. On the JMT I definitely gained confidence in my ability to do a longer trail. Last fall I attended my first semester of college at UTA and worked to save money for the trail. I have taken this semester off and plan to re-enroll next fall. The need to be back for school in early September is what made me decide to leave in February. Lately I have been working a lot and frantically preparing mail drops, which I guess I'm going to get back to now.
Date: 2009-02-27
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: moderate rain

Today wasn't too bad, considering it was my first time to hike in the rain. I was awake by 6:00, which never happens at home. The sun wasn't even up yet! I left at 7:30 and got lost before 8:00. I crossed a road and entered directly across from where I left, which turned out to be the wrong spot. Alex and Dave passed me not too long after, and I don't think I'll see them again. About that time I decided I'll probably trade my poncho for rain pants and a pack cover at Neels Gap. I feel stupid for not bringing my pack cover. After climbing Sassafras Mtn., I decided a break would be nice, but stopping in the pouring rain sucks, so I kept going. I even mastered the art of peeing without taking off the pack or poncho. My boots held out for the first part of the day, but eventually began to let in water. Around 11:00 I came to an overhanging rock with dry looking people underneath. I figured it was Alex and Dave, but it turned out to be three friendly locals. I took a very extended lunch and Charles caught up to me. Of the thru-hikers I have met, he seems to keep the closest pace to me. We had hot chocolate and then he left. I followed soon after. Got to the shelter pretty early again, but the rain wore me out so I stayed. Charles and Eric are here again as well as two other thru-hikers, Lance and Will. Lance arrived after me, but before Eric, and Will came in pretty late. His dad and cousin were going to hike with him, but quit on the approach trail. I still don't have a trail name.. :-( Tomorrow should be a slightly longer day.
Date: 2009-02-28
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: light rain

Entry by Mom: I saw Jess at Woody gap which was about 4 miles into her day. It was raining and windy and just nasty out. She came out of the woods waving and happy to see me. She introduced me to a friend she had met and then got in the car and had an apple, half a box of girl scout cookies, a gatorade and a lemonade. She told me about the people she has met so far and said that everyone has been friendly and seemed cool. There were 5 people at the shelter both nights. No problems or issues to speak of. The clothes she is wearing are soaked, but her pack and it's contents are staying dry, so she's happy. As long as she keeps moving, she isn't to cold. She's very glad that she did the JMT hike last summer (thanks again Paul) even though it never rained on that trip. She gets to the tops of the Georgia mountains a bit quicker than the ones last summer. :-)Entry by Jessica: I almost pushed Will off the top bunk last night because he was snoring so loud. He's not here tonight. I got a later start today. Didn't wake up until 7:30., and started hiking about 9:00. I figured out how to listen to my MP3 player without getting it wet while I hiked. I met my mom at Woody Gap for lunch today before she went back to Texas. She had fresh fruit and gatorade and I ate a half a box of girl scout cookies. I ran into Charles at the Gap, but he left out pretty quickly when we saw a troop of boy scouts heading North. He wanted to secure a place at the shelter. Luckily, the boyscouts aren't here. I took another very long lunch because it was difficult to get out of the nice warm car. Eventually I said goodbye to my Mom and headed on. The next climb looked difficult on the map, but wasn't too bad. After climbing 12,000's in the Sierra's over the summer, these hills seem pretty short. I'm not moving faster though, because of the weather and the rocks, which get slippery. Also the shelters are a bit restricting and I don't want to tent in the rain if I don't have to. But I have gotten to the top of mountains and wondered where the rest of it was. Tomorrow is Blood Mountain, the first hard climb. I'm looking forward to it. Anyways, I made pretty good time to the shelter tonight, at least compared to yesterday. It looked like there were probably some pretty good views, but I don't really know because of the fog. Charels and Lance are here with me now. We have all decided to stay at Neels Gap tomorrow night. I hope they have pizza. Shopping list: 3 days worth of food                  1-2 pairs of socks                  rain pants                  pack cover                  water holder                  stove cover
Date: 2009-03-02
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Journal from Downhill: I have a shelter spot. I was the ninth person to arrive and it only sleeps seven, but we managed to fit. There are at least two outside tenting. I finished paying at Neels and left around nine wearing my new rain gear and more clothes than I have ever hiked in. Everything was covered in snow and so beautiful. It was actually sunny out and I took pictures for the first time since I started this hike. There were some great views. Getting a late start turned out okay because the first hikers had to set the trail thru the snow. I just stepped in their footsteps.   I hiked quickly and didn't take a long lunch because I got cold when I stopped and I wanted to get to a better spot. I tried my new alcohol stove. It took a few tries but I think it will work.   It was cold so we all got in our sleeping bags before 6:00. WE have been talking since then, but eh conversation keeps turning either morbid or gay. I'm not sure how far I'm going tomorrow yet. One of the guys has a 40 degree bag. I have to go to the bathroom, but it's too cold out!