morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-09-05
From: Rt. 15, Monson Maine

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 70.0

45 miles separates me and the summit of Mt. Katahdin. Maine started with the Mahoosic Range, arguably the toughest sixty miles on the AT, and the trail has gradually eased up after the first two days of constant climbs, chilly winds along with nonstop pond views. Quite the contrast to today and most of yesterdays hike which consisted of lightly rolling hills surrounded by clusters of ponds, lakes, and bogs. Hardly a speck of civilation excepting an occaisional sea plane flying by, another hiker, and one logging truck barreling down it's own road at 40 miles an hour. In fact, I'm the only one here at "The White House Landing" as of 2 PM. Take the Mahor Trail 2/10's of a mile towards Pemadumcook Lake then follow the blue blaze trail another mile or so and sound one quick blast on the air horn when you arrive at a small dock. I had just taken my shoes off, laid my Therma Rest sleeping pad on the dock and was going to take a siesta when the motor boat on the otherside of the lake reved up and stated making it's way over to pick me up.   Already havng hiked 15 plus miles today, I'm now lying down on lake front grass with the sun wrapped all around me. I am flanked by a bag of Budweisers on one side. A pint of Cherry Garcia, a loaf of homemade zuchinni bread and a Coke on the other as I watch the clouds do a whole lot of nothing but mix in real well with all the blue. The loons are swimming for dinner, there is the rythmic sound of a small tide breaking on the shore and the windy hum of an old lawn ornament with propellers. This just may qualifly as "quietude". It is said that there all types of ways to hike the trail. This is my way. Today anyway.
Date: 2007-09-07
From: White House Landing

To: Baxter State Park
Miles today: 40.0

Mt. Katahdin stands tall in the New England twilight but does not look invitng. Tomorrows climb is 5.2 miles (10.4 round trip) and has been described as natures "Stair Master" by fellow hiker and Maine ATC member "Stuntman".   The park has segregated the sleeping quarters of long distance hikers and stashed us out a bit. The logic may be to allow the hiker one last feel of tranquility before the post winds of Katahdin blow us back to reality. I,for one, would prefer to be among the "weekenders" right now. The thought of sitting around talking about places we've all hiked is appealing. Especially with an icy cooler close by and perhaps the sharing of some home baked goodies. In hiker speak that's called "Yogi'ing". But for now, the anticipation is running high and at day break this camp called "The Birches" will start to see the six hikers here begin to make their ascent. Since the hike finale is an "out and back" the park encourages hikers to leave non essential gear back at the ranger station to lower pack weight. Hauling 15+ pounds seems a better fit for the four thousand foot climb than the normal 35+ pounds. And as the roots and rocks were navigated these last couple days the trail was cursed by me more than once. Having to twist and turn and pay atention to the detailed placement of every foot step does get old. But that same hiker who has cursed the hills has also been sitting on mossy rocks that share the forest floor with mighty hemlocks and admiring the wild beauty of Maine.
Date: 2007-03-19
To: The AT addiction
Miles today: 0.0

I just quit my job on friday! I went camping and climbing this weekend. Now, I'm frantically trying to get my gear together and get out to the trail before I chicken out. You know it's hard to leave a nice soft bed, And the weather here in Arizona is really beautiful this time of year. But the trail has this magical magnetism that overpowers my mind's logical abilities. It nothing short of an addiction. I love the lifestyle, the physical challenges, and the comaraderie. I love the smell of the trees, the fresh air, and endless vistas. It's all I could think about all winter long. So, I'm off. Off to see what's new this year.
Date: 2007-03-20
To: Kayak Kickoff
Miles today: 0.0

It's a strange way to start my 2007 AT journal, I know, but then again, every other year has had a strange begining. A couple future thru-hikers are coming over tonight to practice kayak rolls with me, before I head out to the trail. Pheonix Rising and Kermit. At the moment, and it changes momentarily!, my plan is to head out tomorrow from Phoenix and drive to NOC. Play on the river a few days, then join Bare Bear to help with his trail magic from April 1 to April 15th. Then, if all goes well, I will start hiking from Springer and try to get to trail days on schedule. I'm jumping in with hardly any planning and hoping my past experience will get me thru. One thing I can say about the AT. It gives you wings! A few basic lessons and a whole lot of confidence. Let's hope its enough. Anyways, I got to get packing.
Date: 2007-03-23
To: Still on the Road
Miles today: 0.0

I feel like I'm still working. I'm still driving the interstates, except I'm not getting paid, and I have to pay for fuel, Ouch! But, otherwise, I'm still cruising down the interstate listening to the xm radio, stopping to walk the dog, and sleeping in the back. Same sleeping bag, same cooler, same most everything, but the truck is smaller. Anyways, I'm almost there, I am in Tennesee tonight, and I've changed the clocks twice already. So, I'll soon be on AT time! I can't wait.
Date: 2007-03-27
From: NOC

To: Kayaking the Nantahala River
Miles today: 0.0

Today I found two other hikers to float down the Nantahala River with me. Stitches and Boat Drinks each rented a ducky and I used my hideous dagger freefall Lt to successfully navigate about 8 miles of class II river. Well, all but the last class III rapid. I did manage to roll back up on my third try.
Date: 2007-03-31
To: Stecoah Gap/Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hey, they need an option for car camping or RVing on the sleeping location options, don't you think? I've been enjoying the egg foam mattress in the back of my pick up! Anyways, Yeah, sorry it has been a long time since internet. I got to NOC on Saturday night and went straight to bed. Then, Sunday, I met a guy who had a canoe and rode up the put in with him. It worked out great, Mark, was very experienced on this river and knew it well, he and I played in all the play hole, he rolled his canoe many times, and I managed to get in a couple good rolls too! Yes, I biffed the Natahala Falls all three days! But I always rolled up. Haven't swam yet! Anyways, I gave him a ride back up to get his truck and the next two days I took the NOC bus ride to the top. Monday was just rafters, but Tuesday I found two hikers that rented duckies, Stitches and Boatdrink. We had a ball! So, yeah, great weather, great hikers, probably 25 that I talked to and more. Got a package from Phx Rising! Thanks, so cool. And then I slacked about 6 hikers up over Stecoah and stocked up in Robbinsville for trail magic at Stecoah Gap. Bare Bear showed up right at 3:00 and it has been a non-stop traffic of hikers. Awesome people, most are thru-hikers, a few veteran hikers and then last night Willow and Switch and Mummy Toes all rolled in. (The class of AT 06 Reunion) We celebrated with margaritas of course. Now, I will really have to hike my A.. off to Damascus! It's really cool to see the scrapbooks and photo albums. I really needed a trail fix badly. Anyways, I'm here today in Franklin, thanks to a lift by Willow to check out the trail fest, then back to Stecoah Gap. Happy trails to all I've met so far! Will let you know when I actually get hiking! And see you at trail days if not before!
Date: 2007-04-06
To: Wow! Lots of Hikers
Miles today: 0.0

Yes, I know, I need to update more often and I wish I had time to upload all the photos from the Stecoah Gap Trail Magic. It is just so much fun to meet all these great hikers! I'm having a blast, and there's maybe 25 to 30 hikers everyday. There is almost always 2 or 3 and as many as 15 hikers at a time. SO much fun sharing photos and filling them with hot food! Anyways, I just made a run into Fontana and checked my mail, THX PHX Rising, You are a wonderful friend! Hey and happy hiking to all those going thru the smokies now! Hope you are all warm and dry! I'll be on the trail myself on the 15th is the plan!
Date: 2007-04-11
To: Headed for Springer
Miles today: 0.0

Oh, this has been so much fun, but I'm now off to Springer Mountain, to begin my own hike northbound. Yay! I met so many new hikers and even saw some old faces. I will try to post them when I get a faster internet connection! They are priceless! anyways, Bisbee and I will start from Amicalola falls on the 12th I'm hoping. I want to see all you guys at trail days in Damascus. Hope you stayed warm in the Smokies. Thank you to Willow, Switch, Mummy Toes, Shufflefoot, Charles, Lamar, and everyone else who helped Bare Bear out, It was amazing, we saw at least 350 hikers go thru and I heard there were like 231 hikers who started on April 1st. It's a busy year for sure. Between the snow and rain and sunny days, wow, what an experience. It was great therapy for the springer fever and trail withdrawals from last year's hike. I ate so much magic on my hike it was a great feeling to give back. Anyways, once again, I'm on the trail and should be posting soon! I'm staying at the AT Hiker Hostel and it's wonderful.
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Springer Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Friday the 13th! Whoah, was it windy last night! and a bit chilly too. Probably 35 degrees. I put my down coat on Bisbee to keep him from shivering. The shelter floor is harder than I remember from last year, guess I just got used to it! Anyways, I got up and packed so I could meet Josh at the springer parking lot. He carried down the extra gear so I could mail it to Dilley when I got back to the hostel in a couple days. He dropped off a new batch of hikers including Red Hat, who I had met at the hostel the night before. I headed down the trail, glad to have dry sunny conditions and remembering all the rest stops Uncle chuck "Lost Yankee" and I had enjoyed in 2005. I ran into a kid and his father packing up camp near stover creek and we hiked down to see the Long Creek Falls. First time I took the time in 3 years of hiking this section. (In case, you didn't know, 2005 I did 800 miles. I consider it my "Practice year", In 2006, I thru-hiked successfully completing every mile, and this year? Well, for now, I'm calling it a victory lap.) I'm planning to continue to trail days for sure, then see how strong the thru-hike urge is. I may just have to keep going, it's just that kind of a life, I can't get enough of. Though, the mosquitoes in New Jersey may have some say about that! We'll see. For now it's Jellybean proceeding on GA-? '07. Anyways, I kept on hiking, stopping for lunch at Hawk Mountain Shelter, where I met Brian, Nate, and Mike and then ran into Bill from San diego. He gave me a whole bunch of tips for my PCT hike next year. There was a local looking for military souveniors that told us of the severe weather alert for tomorrow afternoon and the next day! 100% chance of rain is pretty good! with thunderstorms and tornados expected. I plan to be at Woody Gap tomorrow and ride out the worst in the best little hostel in Georgia! Hiked up over Sassafras and got a great shot of today's hikers all sitting on a log at the top of the hill. Got a much needed gulp of water at Justus Creek and then settled in for the night at Gooch gap shelter where I caught up with Spud and woolly. I'd met them at the hostel 2 days ago. Keith came in a few minutes later. Failure was sound asleep up in the loft snoring. I guess he didn't sleep too well in his 60 degree bag last night! Anyways, it was so good to be back on the trail, eating ramen and hot cocoa. Bisbee was layed out on the gravel looking very content to take it easy after a long day. He hasn't got much exercise this winter either. Like me, we spent a lot of time looking out the window of a big rig, watching the world zip by at 63 mph, but no longer. We're alive and on foot and tired and sore and hungry all that good stuff!
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Woody Gap (AT Hiker Hostel)
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Only 5 miles? It sure seemed like more, what? am I getting lazy now? I know, but I liked the hostel so much! It seemed a shame to pass it by, especially with the severe weather coming in. And just a few minutes later, there was Josh, just on a hunch that I might be there that early, drove back by way of woody gap and gave me a ride in to the hostel. In the car was Diem Carper, who had planned to start at springer today, but had left behind some gear and was going to start out again tomorrow. Then the coolest surprise! Javiel had found his way to the hostel with the father & son I had met yesterday! So I reunited him with his gear and we rode in to Neel's gap to mail it home. He let me keep the bar-b-que grill and the grappling hooks which I found so ingenious. I mailed them to myself. I want to thank Short-cut and George for the ride in. Diem Carper and Rob went as well and we enlisted the help of Cornbread and Felicity to help with pack shake downs and mail! Then enjoyed Dave's hiker feed in the alley way of chilli mac, coleslaw, and strawberry shortcake, Oh, and delicious homemade pickled beets. I have to say, Javiel is going to have quite a following, too bad he doesn't journal himself. So far, everyone who has met him, has been so inspired by his ingenuity. I think he's a dead ringer for the homemade gear contest at trail days! Anyways, we checked out the hiker boxes, he bought an alcohol stove and a disposible camera, and he is planning to back track from the parking lot to get a start photo from springer! Texas flag and all! Go Javiel, you know if you need anything, you have many friends!And of course, to finish the day, It did start to rain, hard, very hard, and you can't imagine how Bisbee hates thunderstorms. He gets along so well here with Maggie and Andrew's dog Jesse. Hope I got the name's right. Anyways, the three of them are in dog heaven. They tore up Maggie's dog toy playing tug a war and having so much fun. Anyways, spent the evening watching Diem Carper downsize her pack and rounding up good stuff for Javiel.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Woody Gap (AT Hiker Hostel)

To: Woody Gap (AT Hiker Hostel)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Already taking a zero day. It's supposed to be really windy and 4 inches of rain, I thought I'd spare the dog! It did snow too! and I guess it hailed on those that braved the woods over blood mountain! But it was a great day at the hostel. Delicious breakfast of eggs and french toast and I have company coming to town too! The power went out so I couldn't do much on the computer, but tried out Javiel's new alcohol stove and upgraded his bear rope and trowel to hiker friendly versions. Short-cut and George picked up Shorty from the Walmart and we ate mexican take out. Back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Woody Gap (AT Hiker Hostel)

To: Cow Rock Mountain
Miles today: 15.3

Ok, last night of spring camp at Josh and Leigh's. Shorty's off to Texas, and full on pancakes and eggs, I hiked out from Woody Gap up and over Blood Mountain on a beautiful, but very windy day. Bill from San Diego had also taken a zero and I soon caught up to Harry Truman. Icicles on the waterfalls. Stopped at Neel's Gap and met Coldylocks, got fuel, Saw Rose and Rueben, Forever Ambler has decided to get off and he gave me some left over food. The clam chowder was great. As I headed up the trail, I met Trapper James, I couldn't believe he has over 400 pounds of gear, He makes 4 trips and says he's been on the trail since January! Sounds crazy to me. Got water at the spring which was hidden in the leaves blowing around, and camped on a beautiful mountain with great view. Watched hawks soaring as the sunset. Bisbee doesn't like the wind much, but slept fine in the vestibul. Truman showed up and camped next door. Or next clearing I guess! Wow, this is a cool campsite!
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Cow Rock Mountain

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful sunrise. I took photos from under the vestibule. Still windy. I only have a half a bottle of water to get me to Low Gap Shelter. Bisbee will have to drink from the streams. Ate breakfast on the look out! very nice, out of the wind. The wind didn't stop till Low Gap Shelter. Finally, I can take off my raincoat, gloves and warm hat. Now, it's almost too warm. I came across Short cut and George sitting on a log, over a bee's nest. Very warm now, kept going, crossed over and under and through many blown down trees. Scarry at times. Pumped water for the night and settled into Blue Mountain Shelter with Short-cut and George my only shelter mates. They shared some of their abundant food supply and I was especially grateful the next day!
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Another great sunrise from Blue Mountain Shelter, then it went back behind the clouds and made for a great hiking day. The wind is finally gone and it's cool. Perfect hiking weather. Harry Truman arrived at Unicoi Gap when I was ready to head up the trail again. Traded photos, Saw 3-4 sobos, then caught up to Spud. We hiked over Tray Mountain together. Caught Wooly just before Swag of the Blue Ridge, and met Magor Tom and Moon Dog at Deep Gap Shelter. Truman went on into town, but the rest of us stopped for the night. There was a strange guy up in the loft that was snoring when I got there and dropping food down below. No one stayed in the shelter, we all tented. Anyways, it was a good evening. Bisbee crashed on a log and fell asleep.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 3.1
Weather: few clouds

Another sunny day in Paradise! Got up early and headed for town. OMG!!! I saw a bear! I couldn't believe it! Just last night, I was talking and saying how I think the bear stories are overrated! Thank you Georgia AT club for the bear cables! Anyways, I didn't see the bear till I coughed and he started running up the hill beside me. A medium sized bear, he was too fast to get a photo. Bisbee just watched him, then looked at me like, "Am I supposed to chase that?" Then he started to, and I told him "NO!" He never barked or anything. Anyways, I left a note for the rest of the gang and headed on. About ten minutes later I reached the vista and sat looking at the view and writing in my journal. Calm, peaceful and just the right temperature. At the road, I saw Coldylocks waiting for her knife she left at the hostel. Said goodbye to Major Tom and Moon Dog who had a room in town and caught the shuttle to Cloud 9. Met Fran and Laura, the owners who also run a trout farm. They are really cool. Spud and Wooly are staying here too. Did my chores and ate from the refridgerator, and set up house in the treehouse! Soaked in the Jacuzzi, ate some of the left over trout, and my can of beef stew. Gypsy was feeling very happy! and I googled Javiel's name and found the article on his match stick sculptures. They are absolutely amazing! This is the guy I met on the approach trail hiking to maine on crutches! As a kid, he couldn't help in the fields, so he played with matches. And since then has made some really incredible peices including a life size guitar that looks real, a bicycle, oh, you just got to see it for yourself. I plan to go by Texas one of these days and visit him anyways, so it will be a treat to see them. Thru-hiker Miker came in and asked to stay in the tree house as well. He had sent a poem that was posted on the door. Then pigged out on the stuff I had bought at the store.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I didn't sleep too well in the tree house after all! The wind blows the branches which scrape across the roof and walls and mice run around inside the walls periodically, just as you are falling back to sleep. But eventually I slept. Cooked up some eggs for Bisbee and I and left the rest for the next batch of hikers along with strawberries and ice cream. My hostel chore involved cleaning the kitchen counters and stove vents and such and Laura also asked me to carve my name in the treehouse! That was a chore, I've never done that before! Anyways, Laura is a painter. And not just any 'ol painter. She brought down a painting of the sign on Katahdin that she said was ruined. It looked awesome to me. We posed by it for photos and I took a photos of Thru-hiker Miker sitting on Cloud 9!Anyways, I took a late shuttle to the trailhead and caught up to Spud eating on a rock. Wooley left a note in the trail "Saw a squirrel here, 2:20 pm, Wooly" An obvious joke on my bear note of the day before. It cracked us up. He does have a sense of humor. He is usually so reserved! Took photos of spud and I at the North Carolina Border. Yeah! Third time across Georgia! I thought of what I want to have written on my tombstone! "Here lies Jellybean, She's finally through hiking". Spud, Wooly and I are camped at Bly Gap, near the funny old tree. We ate our dinners, then proceeded to hang our bear bags.Now, all through Georgia, I had been staying at shelters and they all had bear cables so it was a rather non-event to lower the hook, hang your food bag, then raise the cable again and wah-lah! But tonight, there were no cables. Welcome to North Carolina where everywhere you look, there are signs saying "Bear Sanctuary". So looking around, there's not many obvious branches that are just the right height, strong enough to hold and far enough away from other trees that we think are bear proof, but what do we know. Wooly has no problem, after a few deft throws, he has success and proceeds to watch me and spud. Well, I aimed for a perfect branch, though a bit high up, and couldn't quite make it, but happened to make it to a smaller branch backed up by a few other small branches that bent down quite a ways making a fairly well placed bear "Pinata". Bearly out of reach! I was hoping Spud could use the same rope, but we decided it would be the straw that broke the camel's back if we tried to put both bags on it. So, she proceeded to try and throw her own rope over the branch I had originally aimed for! It began the thru-hiker comedy of the evening when her rock went flying perfectly over the branch, though the rope had come loose! Successive tries between fits of laughter involved stepping on the rope as she threw, the rope tangling and the rock backfireing. Any number of other imaginable misses before a final successful throw on a different branch!Bisbee is still cold at night and using my down jacket as a sleeping bag. Found another tick on him, not engorged! Otherwise, it's a fine night to be on the trail!
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Great weather to be hiking over Albert Mountain. It was early before it got too hot and it was a great view from the tower. I remember it being very steep, but it didn't seem to last as long this year. Down to see the Wasiki Poplar Tree and over to Winding Stair Gap. Then wait for a ride to Franklin. Dave was my very friendly shuttle driver and I can't thank him enough for the rides. He dropped me off at the Saphire Inn, because the Budget Inn was full. A helpful hiker, Elizabeth, who went to get dogfood for me on the dinner shuttle and I reclined to a nice shower, bag of ice and propped up my basketball sized knee for some proper RICE treatment. I should have probably done this 2 weeks ago, but I finally decided some rest would be good as well as some ibuprophen. It puzzles me that it works perfectly fine! I have full range of motion, no point pain, but it is bruised clear down my calf and ankle and I know I didn't hit it there! Anyways, enough about the knee, I'll go see a doc tomorrow, I'm going to bed.