morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Smoky Mountains

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers,This is gonna be quick because I'm on a hotel computer and I'm not even sure where to begin... We've had rain for about a week straight. We entered the Smokies two days ago, and with the exception of yesterday afternoon have seen nothing but clouds and fog. The terrain has been the most challenging yet. The first two days in the Smokies, by far the most challenging of the trail. At the shelter two nights ago a momma bear and her two cubs strolled through camp a few times. It was awesome, and I was thankful to be at an older shelter that still had a chain link fence up over the front of it! Today, we hoped for sunny skies after the weather finally turned beautiful late yesterday. But alas, we woke up to high winds and rain. What's new? Clingman's Dome was a huge letdown, seeing as the weather was too horrible to even want to stop and take out a camera. Visibility was also only about 200 feet. Prediction of winds of up to 50 mph, lightening, hail, and potential tornadoes made us rethink our decision to bypass Gatlinburg. After a bit of peer pressure and promise of good food and drink, it was an easy decision. So, here I am, in the amusement park-esque town I swore I'd never voluntarily come back to, but gosh it feels good.Today was the hardest day I've had mentally, with the cold wind and rain wearing me down. But the most incredible trail magic awaited us at Newfound Gap. Beers, Vernors ginger ale, sandwiches, oreos, and a ride in the back of a pickup truck to Gatlinburg, and money for our hotel stay. Trail angels are incredible and turned my worst day on the trail into the best in a matter of minutes. Thank you all!!!!! It feels good to be clean and dry. The storm front should pass through tonight, so it's back on the trail tomorrow for a few days til Standing Bear Farm. I wish I could write more but our Fast Food restaurant crawl is about to begin! Also, there may be yet another trail name change but I don't have time to get into it now. Maybe my next entry if I can get back on before leaving tomorrow...Happy Trails,Alias (for now...)ps- thank you to my mom for posting pictures from my memory card!!!!!
Date: 2009-04-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers,One more entry before we hit the trail. Our 18 hour refuge from weather in Gatlinburg has been nice and much needed. Last night, after getting a old-fashioned photograph taken we played some black light mini-golf, then went to Ripley's Believe It or Not, took a gondola ride, bought airbrushed t-shirts with our trail names on them, then stuffed ourselves silly with ice cream. Haha, JUST KIDDING... well, all but the ice cream part.Wind advisories and more rain are predicted for the next few days. Temps are also supposed to drop as a cold front moves through, so there is potential for snow. I forgot to mention that despite yesterday being my "lowest" day on the trail, I also hiked my favorite part thus far. It was a half mile stretch before Clingman's Dome when the brown forest we've been walking through for weeks turned into a lush, green, pine tree, moss covered wonderland. And, best of all, it smelled like CHRISTMAS TREES!!!!!!!! Everything is okay when the wonderful sweet scent of Christmas in enveloping you. And, it was flat terrain! The first half mile stretch I can think of that had no elevation change since I started at Springer. It was truly a magical ten minutes.Okay, a gentleman just offered us a ride to the trail head in ten minutes so I gotta go. Maybe you'll hear from me at Standing Bear farm in a few days!Happy Trails,Alias
Date: 2009-04-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

YOU KNOW YOU ARE A THRU-HIKER WHEN...-You consider a snickers bar the perfect breakfast-If you are not hiking, you are wearing crocs-You prefer stream water over tap water-A load of laundry from the past week consists of one days worth of clothes-After doing laundry the armpits of your clothes still stink-A stick of deodorant is not worth its weight-You have either a big beard or hairy legs-Earplugs become one of your most valued possessions-Peanut and Granola products make up 80% of your diet-You think raman noodles are the greatest thing ever-You consume 5 days worth of calories in an 18 hour town stop-You have the legs of a body builder and arms of spaghetti-You look at weight, not price of an item before buying-You wear merino wool, you know it's expensive, and you know its worth it-Anything under 15 miles feels like an easy day-You could have cared less about and had no money riding on March Madness results-You arrange your hiking schedule around the hours of All You Can Eat buffets -You crave Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies -You would pay an outrageous amount of money for a Chipotle burrito (maybe that's just me...)
Date: 2009-04-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 56.0

Dear readers,Well, we made it to Erwin, TN in two days after an incredible Easter Sunday with the Nelson's. The weather continues to be dreary, but that can't last forever, can it? Supposedly, the next few days are supposed to be nice. Frankly, I've learned you can't believe a thing anybody says around here. Especially, when it comes to weather. I'll just plan on rain for the next 5 months and that way I won't be disappointed.Speaking of, today is my one month anniversary on the AT! WOOOO HOOOOO! In some ways, it feels like it's been a long time. I feel like I have known the people for longer than 4 weeks, but at the same time, the first month has passed in the blink of an eye! Despite the lousy three weeks of weather we've had, everybody's spirits are still high and we're still having a great time. I have to think that the first month is the hardest? If that's really the case, then I feel pretty good! The terrain levels out a bit as we move northward and nice weather is hopefully headed this way soon. With each passing day of rain, we're one day closer to sunshine, right?I can already sense the terrain changing. We are crossing more balds and seeing more farmland. The strenuous ups and downs of the southern mountains are lessening as are the dense woods. It's refreshing and makes me feel accomplished. And soon, hopefully wildflowers will start coming up! Crossing into Virginia will feel good... a definite milestone! We're about 10 days away.With all of the rain has come a lot of mud, and you will be proud to know I took the grandest spill anyone has yet to take on the AT in 2009 yesterday. It entailed slipping on a downhill, doing a somersault or two with my pack on, and landing face down, covered head to toe, in mud with my pack on top of me, unable to move. It was great. Luckily I wasn't hurt one bit, and nobody peed their pants from laughting so hard. Being able to laugh at yourself is one of the most important qualities to have out here. It had me laughing the rest of the 14 miles into Erwin yesterday. Luckily, nobody had cameras easily accessible. Alright, time to get going. We've got a long stretch of nearly 80 or so miles before we hit Kincora's Hostel. I'm looking forward to weeklong stretch of trail ahead of us. It seems like we were hitting towns every 2-3 days. Not that that's bad, but I hardly felt like I've been on the trail! Overmountain shelter is two days from now and is supposed to be beautiful. As is Roan Mountain. KEEP FINGERS CROSSED FOR NICE WEATHER!!!! We have yet to cross a bald or view without it being fogged in or rainy. I apologize for sounding like a broken record when it comes to the weather. Mother Nature has been one, too.Happy Trails,Sport
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Kincora Hostel, Hampton, TN

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hello Readers.....Amy's mom here with a brief update from Amy who has finally experienced some sunny weather this past week which was most welcome. They passed their 400 mile mark yesterday and as they progress northward are noticing that the terrain is changing to more pastures, gradual hills, lower elevations. They can tell they are leaving the mountainous regions behind and entering the rolling hills of the middle Atlantic states. Amy and her crew, Gangsta, Hermes, Saint, Windup and Rusticus continue to hike and go off-trail together. Tonight they are at a hiker favorite, the Kincora Hostel and plan to reach Damascus, VA by Friday where she hopes to write her own TJ update for you. Meantime, please enjoy the new photos I just posted for her (April 20,2009).
Date: 2009-05-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 42.0

Dear readers,It's only been a few days since my prior glorious hotel stay, but already I find myself in Pearisburg, VA! Cities creep up quite fast when you do 20 mile days. Not to mention, it's been raining since we left Bland. Man, was it hard to walk away from that nice hotel as the rain was coming down. I think Gangsta's dad felt a little bad leaving us out in the bad weather as he drove away. It's been raining for the past three days, and it's supposed to keep raining for the next 5. Every morning we're packing up wet tents and damp gear.With the crew, also commonly referred to as the "Goonies", a day ahead of us after our zero in Bland, Gangsta and I were on our own and we found ourselves amidst a new group of hikers who we hadn't met before! It's amazing how much difference 24 hours on the trail can make in terms of hiking buddies. We spent the next couple nights camping with Young Gun, Sir Richard, Cricket, Narwall, and Truckin. It was refreshing to be around new people, although always leads to me having to explain my trail name...This morning I pulled a nero into Pearisburg in time to have breakfast with the Packadivas! WOOHOO! They are great and I'm looking forward to catching back up with them in a few days. They were heading out of town shortly after breakfast today. I think we'll all be at the Homeplace- the all you can eat southern restaurant on Sunday!I'm staying at a very classy motel in Pearisburg that brings you back to the 1970's. It was only $34 so I don't mind the time warp. I'm looking forward to some quiet time tonight - television, letter writing, and reading. It's funny how so many of us set out on this thru-hike independantly yet solitude is something we rarely encounter.My new shoes are breaking in nicely. No blisters after 2 two twenty mile days! I am also wearing some small gaitors I've had at home that keep the tops of my laces and socks clean and dry. They are a nice addition. My summer sleeping bag is fantastic... it's SO tiny, I am in awe at how much more space I've got in my pack these days because of it, however, it's come at the sacrifice of toasty warm nights. I've been boarderline warm, although temps have been pretty low lately. And I could use my liner, which I haven't been, that would help. My most exciting discovery recently (thanks to Young Gun!) is what I did with my extra insoles from my new boots. I replaced the Keene factory soles with SuperFeet and didn't know what to do with the Keene ones... until Young Gun suggested I put them in my Crocs! AMAZING. Who knew they could get even more comfortable?Thats about it from this end. Not much to speak of since Bland. Just rain... The crew is back together as of tomorrow since everyone who didn't zero in Bland is zeroing here in Pearisburg today. We'll all hit the trail again tomorrow. I feel as though it's never "goodbye" on the AT, just "seeya later". Feel free to send any sunshine my way, it'd be greatly appreciated.Happy, Muddy, Trails,Wags
Date: 2009-05-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 100.0

Dear readers,This is gonna be a quick one. Life has been good, but wet on the AT. It's rained at some point every single day (and night) - except yesterday- since Bland, VA, 10 days ago. At least it wasn't constant, more like scattered showers each day, making it more bearable. Nonetheless, I am really sick of packing up a wet tent. The one night I decided to sleep in a shelter, I was glad I did, despite the poor sleep, because we experienced our first burly thunder storm. But guess what makes 10 days of soggy hiking conditions all better? Bringing a 40 oz. Blue Moon into the bathroom with you when you a take a long hot shower. Yes... I am a happy camper now! It had been 7 days since a shower and 10 days since laundry. In the words of Wind Up, our clothes smelled like "toxic waste". The bright side to the rain is that it is now warm enough that we don't usually bother with rain gear. It's kinda like showering...Yesterday (Mother's Day) was the one day we were blessed with beautiful weather! Many families were out celebrating the holiday by taking day hikes. I think it all made us miss our families a bit more than usual. Our day kicked off bright and early at 3am. Okay, maybe it wasn't bright out yet, but it was early! In honor of the full moon we got up to do some night hiking and were at the summit of Dragon's Tooth for sunrise. It was awesome! Then we pulled into the Homeplace restaurant by 10:30am (after 12 miles of hiking). I was sleep deprived,and hungry (not a good combination), but was confident it would all be worth it. And it was! The food was delicious! All-you-can-eat fried chicken, roast beef, ham, mashed potatos, green beans, pinto beans, biscuits, sweet tea, lemonade, corn, and cobbler. Afterwards, we laid out our thermorests on the Homeplace's beautiful lawn and chilled out, enjoying our food comas, while families gave us funny looks as they waited for their tables all dressed up for Mother's Day. It was glorious.Around 4pm we took off for another couple miles. Little did we know that what awaited us was McAfee's Knob! One of the most photographed sights on the AT. The weather could not have been more beautiful, too! After hanging out there for a bit and taking the famous "legs dangling over the edge" photos we pushed on one more mile to a shelter. It was a long day, 17 miles of hiking and a huge meal, all on less than 5 hours of sleep. I crawled into my tent at 8pm exhausted and feeling like the happiest girl in the world. Last night was the best sleep I've had in a long long time.Okay, got to run. Maybe I'll get another entry in before we hit the trail tomorrow. If not... it'll probably be another hundred miles or so before I get to a computer again.Happy Trails,Wags
Date: 2009-05-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 2.0

Dear readers,This is my third and final entry posted today (dated them the prior three days for organizational purposes), which brings me to today.The trail has felt relatively empty the past few days due to Trail Days taking place in Damascus, VA. It's been nice. We've had shelters to ourselves and feel like we are the only ones out on the AT. I hiked solo for 20 miles earlier this week and didn't encounter anyone! We were too far north to consider going to the festival. Maybe a reunion next year!? The peace and quiet on the trail has been a welcome change. I wonder if it will feel crowded when we set out again tomorrow? If so, it will be with hikers who were a good 3-4 days ahead of us, which will be exciting, since we'll have been seeing their entries in registers up 'til now.WHO BROUGHT BACK THE COLD!?!?!?!?! Okay, remember how I was just talking about how the grass is always greener on the other side? Two days ago, I was wishing for cooler weather and well, we got it. A cold front swept through, delivering 30 degree temps to a bunch of unprepared thru-hikers who had sent most of their winter gear home. Luckily, I held on to my fleece jacket and a set of long underwear. I was wearing everything I owned in my sleeping bag last night. I wasn't quite shivering, but I was cold enough to feel like I never fell asleep. Thankfully, we only had a two mile morning planned to nero on into the Dutch Haus Bed and Breakfast. For those two miles, we donned clothing that we hadn't hiked in in over a month! I was wearing polypros under rainpants! If I had a clean pair of socks, they would have been on my hands (I didn't). It felt like winter. And it was not fun. We sat in a big cuddle puddle in the shelter waiting for it to warm up before getting out of our bags. Rusticus refused to get out of bed until he couldn't see his breath anymore. He was still there when we left and we haven't seen him since... It was cold, and proved that yes, the grass is always greener on the other side. So here we are, warm and cozy, maxin' relaxin' at the Dutch Haus B&B which we'd heard great things about. While our laundry dries on the clothesline outside, we are hangin' out in terry bathrobes! Life is good. Louis fed us an incredible beef stew lunch and I'm sure and equally delicious meal will be served for dinner in about an hour. Each room has it's own TV which excites Gangsta and I greatly, as we have big plans to watch the season premiere of the Bachelorette tonight! It's supposed to be just as cold tonight as last, so we're thankful to be indoors. Hopefully warmer temps will come back tomorrow. We'll be hitting Waynesboro by Thursday, but for now, I'm enjoying the luxuries of life in a fuzzy robe, internet access, and TV in bed.Shoutouts this week go to Jim and Sharon (Smoky Scout) for giving us a ride back to the trail from Glasgow! Also, to TMax and Top of Gothics for replacing my filter for me! Much appreciated! TMax, maybe our paths will cross again...Til Waynesboro.Happy Trails,Wags
Date: 2009-05-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers,Shenandoah National Park, here we come! I'm stoked. We all bought fake tattoos out of a vending machine at Arby's that we'll be sporting for the week. I was hoping for something that made me look hard core and intimidating, but alas, ended up getting the glittery pink dolphin one. Oh well. Next entry will be from Front Royal, VA. Til then...Happy Trails,Wags
Date: 2009-05-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello Readers.....there are new photos on Wags' TJ which I have just posted. Wags and the crew are in the Shenandoah National Park which is treating them well. The trail was very crowded with day trippers over the 3-day Memorial Day weekend and they didn't quite feel as "special" b/c no one recognized them as thru-hikers! They are now over 900 miles into the hike and expect to be in Harpers Ferry, the unofficial halfway point early next week. Posted by Momma Wags (aka Amy's mom).
Date: 2009-06-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers,I'm in Harper's Ferry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dang, it feels good to be here. Who knew all the Goonies that started on March 15 would be getting their photo taken at the half way point on June 1st together? We passed the 1,000 mile mark yesterday, too! This is an exciting week for sure. I see my parents for lunch tomorrow, then will see them again for two zero days over the weekend. Gotta run, I'm using the ATC computer but wanted to write a brief entry. Weather is beautiful, I'm smiling, and there's a spring in my step today! Life is fabulous.Happy Trails,Wags
Date: 2009-06-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers,Check out the posted videos! I can't figure out how to embed them in an entry, so I guess you just have to click on "Videos" on the menu on the left. They are all listed...I'm enjoying my second zero day to the fullest. Gangsta and I are still in pajamas (it's almost 1). My butt hasn't really left the couch except to go get a doughnut. I watched Federer win his first French Open, got some post cards written, caught up on emails and am contemplating taking a shower. It sounds like a lot of effort, though. I still need to shave, too! It was such a big deal the first time I did it, but now, I don't really care. I'm not even sure it's worth the effort. My mom told me to do it outside so I don't clog the drains of this old house. I think we're about to watch some Office season 4, too. Can't complain. I'm gonna go get another doughnut...Happy Trails,WagsPS- I know I'm dating these entries into the future... its simply to keep them in order. It's kinda like Dwight sending himself faxes from the future... Gosh, I miss The Office.
Date: 2009-06-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers,It's almost time to hit the trail yet again. I can't say I'm very anxious to leave this wonderful vacation home, but the trail is calling. In a weird sort of way, it will feel good to get back to the comfort and familiarity of life on the trail. These past two days full of being lazy, good food, television, and loved ones was exactly what I needed to refuel me for the second half of the trail. Gangsta is spending one more night in civilization with James, but we'll meet back up tomorrow. It's gonna be an easy 7 mile afternoon for me today. I feel no need to crank out big miles any time soon. I'm looking forward to not being on a schedule or having to stick to a strict itinerary, which was the case the last week due to our zero day plans.Also, now that we're two days behind the rest of the Goonies (well, probably 1, they were gonna zero in Duncannon), I am really excited about who I will meet on the trail. Since writing in registers only works one direction, you have no idea who is behind you. Hopefully I'll run into some old friends who I haven't seen in awhile -like people who got off to go to Trail Days- and meet some new thru-hikers that started after me! It feels like a fresh start. Thanks for all of the emails and guestbook messages full of support and encouragement. It's crazy to think that "Miles from Katahdin" is now smaller than the "Miles from Springer" column in my guidebook. I've been counting the miles up since March 15. Does this mean that I can now start counting back down to zero?Time to hike!Happy Trails,Wags
Date: 2009-06-10
To: somewhere PA
Miles today: 0.0

In Duncannon, PA staying at the famous Doyle Hotel. You stay here for the experience, not the college housing-esque rooms. Gangsta and I are a few days behind the Goonies now and so are meting a whole new cast of characters. It is fun and refreshing. Between Traveler, who is Scottish, Micha from Holland, Western, who is deaf, and a couple others, it is an eclectic and entertaining bunch of people we are enjoying getting to know.It has been thunderstorming everyday since we got back on the trail. We are taking our time, not doing big miles if we don't feel like it and enjoying hanging out all afternoon at a shelter simply to get out of the rain. Not having an itinerary we need to stick to is a wonderful feeling. Oh, and G just got an iPod from her sis for her birthday loaded with Sex and the City episodes. Watching them has become a nightly ritual on the trail. Life is good.Happy Trails,Wags
Date: 2009-06-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers,Good morning from the church hostel in Vernon, NJ. With only three of us here last night, it was relaxing and quiet- just what we needed! The church has been a wonderful stay - free laundry here, compete with DRYER SHEETS!, a great bathroom stocked with awesome shampoos, conditioners, and body wash, not to mention tons of big fluffy bathtowels that smell so good (dryer sheets are a luxury we're not used to), television, computer, and fully furnished kitchen and hiker fridge/freezer. I was overwhelmed at the grocery store knowing I had access to a kitchen. I bought lots of fresh fruit and veggies! Yes, it's been wonderful and now all of our clothes are finally clean! We hadn't done laundry in a week and in the hot, wet weather we've been having, things get pretty knarly. Everything has been damp for days and smelling of mildew. It infiltrates the entire pack. Yes, carrying gross, smelly, wet socks for 6 days has it's consequences. Gangsta learned to not keep them in a sealed ziplock or things start to grow. Yuck. I much prefer the scent of Bounce.We're headed out today, although it's currently raining outside, so it might be hard to leave. We've got 18 miles planned, so it might be a late day of hiking, but terrain looks really flat. We'll be in Bear Mountain, NY in a few days where we're taking a day to hang out at a summer camp where a good friend of mine, Adam, from Sage Walk is working this summer. It should be a great change of pace, one I'm looking forward to! After that, it's on to Kent, CT where we'll be zeroing with my extended family, the Blazars! Alright, my fruit-filled breakfast in the fridge is calling me. Time to go. Til next time. Happy Trails,Wags