morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-09-06
From: Front Royal, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I stopped in to Bear's Den hostel after two nice easy days out of Harpers Ferry. The weather has been scorching hot but absolutely gorgeous/ blue sky days. No complaints about the weather. Finally into Virgina which is great and the signs of wildlife are everywhere. Saw several deer today along with one of the biggest rattle snakes I have ever seen...HUGE!!...Kind of a scary thought that it was just lying lazily on the trail..not willing to get out of my way. I guess he was just letting me know that he was the king out here in the woods..with no threats. Bears den hostel is a really nice place to stay. It was a very wealthy doctor's mansion before he passed away...then the ATC bought it and turned it into a very nice accomodation to thru-hikers. It is wayyy too nice for us thru-hikers. They have an amazing thru-hiker special with a bed, pizza, Ben and Jerry's icecream, gatorade, coke, and laundry for $25. I took up the offer to spoil myself. Off to bed to try to make it to Front Royal on Saturday before the post office closes....mmmmmmmmmmm delicious
Date: 2007-09-09
To: Wayesboro, VA
Miles today: 53.9
Weather: clear sky

Sweet Tea arrived in Front Royal yesterday. He needed to pick up new socks from the post office. He is ready for the last half of the hike...new shoes, socks,shirt and shorts. He sent back more pictures of his trip from Duncannon, PA to Front Royal, VA. They should be here this week. All is well. He will be in the Shenandoah National Park this week and plans to get to the post office in Waynesboro, VA for a drop from his grandparents by the end of the week.Thanks to anyone who has written in his guestbook. He loves hearing from you!!
Date: 2007-09-10
To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Seet Tea made a quick call tonight. He is between Front Royal and Waynesboro, VA. and saw 3 bears and at least a dozen deer today. As he and Quasi were hiking, they met back up with Lady and the Tramp. The Tramp is Lady's Lab/German Shepherd Mix that is traveling with her. Lady and the Tramp invited them to her uncle's house nearby for the night. They met up with Brit, Smoky, and Stoker who are joining them for the night, as well. The group is enjoying staying in a home, especially as rain started just as they left the trail. They may slack pack tomorrow and have another night of "luxury"....maybe even a chance to swim in the pool or do a little trout fishing. Taking it a day at a time and loving it.
Date: 2007-09-14
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Troutville, VA
Miles today: 107.1

Wow. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous this past week. Winter is just around the corner. The chilly air is crisp in the morning and the afternoons have been picture perfect. A fall wind and blue sunny skies. It seems as though all my updates have been nothing but positive about the weather...and that is the truth. We have been truly blessed!! The last thing to describe the past week of hiking would be to say I have been "roughing it." Just the opposite actually. Times have been spent doing slack-packing during the "picture perfect" days and coming "home" to eat a full course, hot meal and a comfortable place to sleep. ( Lady and the Tramp's uncle's place) It has definitely been relaxing and replenishing!!! Oh, and I must say I have fallen in love with the Shenandoahs. Beautiful wilderness filled with blackberry milkshakes(yummy) and tons...TONS of wildlife....bears, cubs, deer, wild turkeys. The views are also magnificent. It has just been great. Two weeks until I meet up with the parents down in southern Virgina. I am really looking forward to that! Thanks for all the comments. I really love hearing from you all. Oh and I almost forgot. I finally got some really good sweet tea today. MMM to be in the south again is one great feeling. Hastas lluego.
Date: 2007-09-23
From: Troutville, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 132.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Arrived in Troutville tonight. Grabbing a Subway Italian double meat sandwich for dinner and looking to camp near the post office. Smoky and I will pick up packages at the post office in the morning and head out. Hope to resupply in Daleville in the morning with plans to be in Pearisburg, VA on Friday. The weather has gotten muggy and the streams are dry. It is very difficult to get water....went 18 miles today with no water. There was a group of birdwatchers out counting migrating hawks that supplied an apple and some water. Grateful for that!
Date: 2007-09-29
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 93.7
Weather: clear sky

I'm here in Pearisburg, Virgina with the parents. Its hard to believe that it had been over 3 months since I had last seen them at Katahdin. Wow, Time has just flown by so quickly...almost too quickly it seems. Weather and landscape has been breathtaking and almost surreal. The only problem with the weather seems to be that all the springs and water sources are all dried up. Over the past few hundred miles, a good source of H20 is few and far between..sometimes going over 15-20 miles with not a single drop of water...not too much fun. Picked up a package from my Aunt Laura in Troutville..which was greaatt. Smoky and I got into Troutville on Sunday night, so we grabbed some food and decided the 'stealth' camp behind the post office for a quick mail-drop grap in the morning. Some great meals that her and Ashley found were delicious and easy to cook. THANKS a bunch!!! The hunger of a thru-hiker at this point in time cannot be put into words....best described as a bottomless stomach. From there it was a few days of some BIG mile days in order to get to Pearisburg in order to meet my mom and dad. It was an absolutely beautiful section of hiking. Tinker Cliffs and McAfee Knob were some of the best views I have seen since southern Maine. Took a bunch of time at both of these to try to grasp the beauty that surrounded me. A 24 mile day mixed in with hours and hours of 'down' time at the views caused us have to hike into the night a bit. Not too big of a problem..but we were both tired and THIRSTY! Oh, and Smoky almost stepped on a Timber Rattle snake during our night adventure...a scary thought. The next day I got up early and took off to try to pull off a BIG mile day to put me just outside of Pearisburg on Friday. I love getting up just before daylight and watch the forest come to life as the sun rises just above the mountains. An experience that I believe that everyone should have at some point during their lives. As the forest came to life, I saw about 15 wild turkey, countless bucks, does, and fawns. The birds were singing their usual morning songs while the sun put a heavenly orange glow on the newly changing fall leaves. GORGEOUS! Ended up staying at Rice Field Shelter that night...31 Miles later! A wonderful shelter on the top of a bald mountain with a sunset cascading across the distant mountains. 7 miles into town yesterday and spent all day relaxing and hanging out with the parents. Great to see them. Staying at the Holiday Motor Lodge in town again tonight..and then off to hike closer to God's country(GA) tomorrow.
Date: 2007-09-30
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Sweet Tea's Parents here:We had a great time visiting Sweet Tea and his fellow Southbounders this past weekend in Pearisburg, VA. It was great finally meeting Brit, Stoker, Smoky, Botch, and Lady and the Tramp.The picnic at the Holy Family Hostel was a lot of fun for us. And of course, we loved having a chance to spend some time with Sweet Tea. More pictures from Front Royal, VA to Pearisburg, VA have been posted.
Date: 2007-10-06
To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 87.3
Weather: broken clouds

Made it into Atkins, VA, with Quasi and Lady and the Tramp, on the way towards Damascus. The weather has been hot and finding water is tough. We did get a couple of days with some rain, so, hopefully, that will help with the water problem. Plan to do laundry and stay in town to enjoy the all you can eat breakfast available here. Football Saturday may be a reason to take a zero day today! will have to decide on that. Nevertheless, plans are to be in Damascus this next week.
Date: 2007-10-10
From: Damascus, VA

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 75.3
Weather: clear sky

Alas. Here I am in the most "hiker-friendly" town on the trail...DAMASCUS. And it has certainly been that ever since strolling into town yesterday evening. Wow, the past few days have been some of my favorite days on the trail so far. The Grayson Highland stretch was ever-so beautiful...endless views all around, feral horses, and the extravagant colors of the fall leaves. Took a zero day in Atkins to watch college football all day...something I have wanted to do the entire trip...it was a lot of fun..but sad to see Georgia play so poorly against the terrible Tennessee Volunteers....arrggg..3 days later I come into Damascus. Only three miles shy of TN!!!! I am feeling closer and closer to home. Taking a zero mile day today and taking care of all of my "town" things today. Only around 450 miles left...Springer here I come
Date: 2007-10-17
From: Erwin, TN

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 120.8
Weather: clear sky

In Erwin, TN for the night. Great place to stay at Uncle Johnny's place. Man, I am sure feeling closer and closer to home...when you start recognizing the area you are hiking because you have previously hiked it...you definitely know you are getting CLOSE...just over 300 miles left on this journey..wow, I have truly been blessed by God on this trip and he continues to bless me and teach me day after day...how grateful I am to be constantly in His presence. The beauty and peacefulness of the wilderness is a constant reminder of God's presence and power. Absolutely loved the section I just got finished hiking from US 19E to Roan Mountain...very very gorgeous...Lauren...you and Davis need to reeellaaxxx...just hold off another 300 miles...Hope all is going well..It is so great to hear from you all. Next stop will be Hot Springs, NC. Another stepping stone closer to God's Country.
Date: 2007-10-21
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 68.0
Weather: clear sky

In Hot Springs, NC for the day...Life is still going well. Got one day of rain between Erwin and here...wasn't bad on the hiking, plus is was much needed rain. The leaves are changing more than ever and the scenery is breath-taking. Each day is unique to its own and full of pleasant surprises. Water is still serious issue out on the trail...BUT, Thank you to all you who have been so helpful and generous to leave water by the road crossings!!!!!!!!!! This has been our only sources of water lately, and to be honest, our trip would be made almost impossible if it weren't for your help. THANKS A BUNCH! Most of my time out here is spent alone, but as of lately I have encountered bear dog after bear dog and hunter after hunter. WOW at the hunting going on right on the trail. A scary thought for us hikers...but sometimes a good conversation with a hunter is refreshing...and you hear updates on what is actually going on in the world in which I am detached from. Staying At Elmers place tonight...very home-like atmosphere...very similar to Shaw's up in Maine. Off to resupply and relax..oh yeah..and Thomas I did finish the Skillet for 2 in town this morning after hiking a quick 11 miles into town...it was delicious..and very filling...kinda like a cement block in my stomach..hope the Ironman went well..it sounded as though you were doing well when I called.ohhh yesss..and congrats to Matt & Lauren..and new BABY Davis. 270 and counting...
Date: 2007-10-29
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Unicoi Gap, GA!!!
Miles today: 109.2
Weather: clear sky

Sweet Tea has had a terrible time getting a phone signal and getting access to internet. He is also disappointed with the possibility that he may have lost close to 100 of his pictures from Pearisburg, VA to Hot Springs, NC. As told by Sweet Tea: He is glad to get out of the rush and all the tourists in the Smoky Mtns. He met up with some great friends- Jay, Jimmy, and John- all students at UGA who had a fall break and met him to hike into Fontana Dam, NC. He loved having the opportunity to visit and hike with them. Upon arrival into Fontana Dam, the Hiker Inn was full. That was disappointing but Jay stayed overnight before heading back to Athens, GA. They got a room at the Village Resort, split the cost of a room and enjoyed watching the last game of the World Series. Nights have gotten cold, water is still a problem, but the good news......he's meeting his 2 brothers and Dad this weekend as he heads into Georgia. He hopes to see his grandparents on Sunday and be summiting Springer Mountain in 7 days!!!!!
Date: 2007-11-02
From: Unicoi Gap, GA!!!

To: Springer!
Miles today: 98.4
Weather: broken clouds

Crossed into Georgia today! Met my brother,Thomas(Stumbles '05) to hike for the weekend. Will be meeting up with Dad and brother, Landon tomorrow, going into Unicoi Gap, GA. Looking forward to extra special food the family is bringing in. 63.1 miles to go! Plan to finish the hike on Tuesday.Added a few pictures from North Carolina
Date: 2007-11-06
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: SPRINGER MOUNTAIN, GA
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

It's official..I am now a successful AT Southbound THRU-HIKER. And it sure feels great, sitting in the comfort of my warm home, to say I did it...not just part of it...but ALL OF IT. I stayed at Hawk Mountain shelter last night after meeting one of my great friends Scott at Woody Gap. As one might imagine, a lot was going through my mind. As happy as I was to see my dream unfolding right before my eyes, I was also saddened to see it all come to and end. So many great things have come from this trip, when I first left Katahdin on the 12th of June. I believe I have grown a lot from this trip, both mentally and spiritually...I guess I must add in physically as well...Yes, times out here have not always been easy..but I have overcome injuries, discouragement, and the recent cold in order to accomplish one thing..The same thing I came out here to do....To hike a thru-hike from Maine to Georgia. The times of discouragement were most definitely outweighed by good. I have met the most amazing people out here and seen the most glorious sights..Everything from Maine with its crystal clear rivers and ponds and countless moose to the deer and birds that watch you curiously as you wonder through the woods in solitude...God has created a marvelous world in which I am sure of that He wants us to explore...and exploring is exactly what I did. Each and every day I was reminded of God's power, wonder, and beauty. Spending 4 1/2 months (mostly) alone in the woods gives you lots of thinking time...LOTS of it! I mean, I had the same thoughts twirling around in my mind...and from all my quiet time with God, God seemed to throw one thing out there stronger than any other thing the entire trip...and it seemed to correlate to my favorite scripture coming from Proverbs 22:1 "A good name is more desirable than great riches: to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." Sometimes its hard to find a place to fit-in during life whether it's your job or your friends or whatever..but if you have a good name to yourself and you practice integrity....both morally and spiritually then you will be going in the right direction towards God. This a lot of the time might cost you...losing a 'good' friend or maybe even losing a job, but doing the right thing isn't always rewarding....random lesson that I believe God has really placed on my heart while I have been out here. Just thought I'd share it with you all.I would like to thank anyone who has been a part of this trip whether you family, friends, hikers, or just been keeping up with my journal..Your encouragement has meant the world to me. It is so hard to explain to all of you the thoughts and feelings I have experienced while I have been gone....they go beyond what words can describe...Sweet TeaSoBo '07
Date: 2006-12-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello everyone! Thanks for checking out my online journal. I hope you enjoy following along with me through this journal as I make my way North on the Appalachian Trail.   I've been planning this hike for about four years now, however, hiking the AT has been a dream of mine for much longer than that. I came to a place in my life in 2003 where I had the opportunity to attempt a thru hike of the AT. I started at Springer Mountain on March 17th, and hiked to Pearisburg, VA. While on the trail during those two months of hiking, I had the greatest time of my life. I loved being on the AT. I enjoyed the snow, the rain, the shelters, the ponies in the Grayson Highlands, and especially all of the wonderful friends I met along the way.That first attempt at a thru hike was a learning experience. I learned about gear, trail life, and how important it is to take time while hiking to enjoy trail life. During that hike, I hiked with a partner and had a blast. Although hiking with a partner can enrich the trail experience, it can also complicate it. When my hiking partner's schedules/deadlines became entangled with my own, and they were forced off the trail due to education obligations, so too was I. At the time, leaving the trail after 600 miles was the right thing to do. I left wanting more. I left the trail before becoming tired of it. After shedding a few tears over the question of whether to continue on alone or stop with my partner, I decided I had made the correct choice. The day after deciding that my thru hike attempt was over, I began planning my 2007 adventure.In 2007 I will be fortunate enough to be at another place in my life where I will have the opportunity to attempt a second thru hike. My first attempt took place after graduating from college. This second attempt will be taking place between jobs. I am grateful for the opportunity to take several months off to go hiking before continuing on in my career with a new employer.   I love being outdoors. I love rock climbing, hiking, skiing, you name it. Since getting a taste for the AT in 2003, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. When it rains outside, I think about the sound of rain on the shelter roof. When I'm at work, I dream of being in the woods. March can't arrive soon enough for me. Although I still have two more months of work left, I feel like I mentally checked out long ago. Thanks for taking the time to read a little about me. I look forward to meeting all of the other 2007 hikers out on the trail.
Date: 2006-12-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm getting married! I'm so very lucky to be engaged to the greatest woman in the world. How many women out there would let their fiance quit work and go run around in the woods for several months while she prepares for the wedding!? Yes, I'm getting married in August! I'll have that extra motivation to get to Katahdin and finish my thru hike in time to get married. I met Nita well after I had started planning this hike. She understands how much I've been looking forward to this hike and has been nothing but supportive. I'm looking forward to seeing her at various points along the way. I might even convince her to spend a few nights on the trail with me! (this would be huge for those of you that don't know her.)After graduating from Appalachian State University, (back to back 1-AA National Champions I might add) I've spent the last three years serving as a police officer in Winston Salem, North Carolina. On March 1st I will voluntarily resign from my position and head South to Springer Mountain. I'm very fortunate to have this opportunity to hike the AT in the time prior to continuing on in my career at the federal level. On March 1st, I'll be vacating my apartment and beginning an extended vacation! I'm counting down the days now. All the plans are made and the gear purchased. It's down to being patient and trying to contain my excitement!
Date: 2006-12-30
To: Trail Name
Miles today: 0.0

Right now I'm planning on starting the trail using the trail name T Mac. I won't go into great detail in this journal entry about where the name came from, (as I wrote a little about that in the trail name section of the 'about me' area to the left) I'll just say that I've had it for awhile now. I'm open to picking up a new trail name along the way. If a fellow hiker can come up with a decent trail name that reflects my AT persona, I won't be against adopting the new name in place of T Mac. (Just as long as it's nothing that will make me famous on the trail as a person who should be avoided... like Likes2spoon, Snorezilla, or RadioactiveBO.)I'm planning on a start date of March 3rd. Only 63 days until Springer! Almost as exciting is that I only have 35 working days left! I'm really enjoying following along with all of the other 2007 AT journals. See you all on the Trail!
Date: 2007-01-10
To: Counting down the days!
Miles today: 0.0

Hello all! I'm currently in Boone, NC visiting Nita. I just got back from Orlando where I participated in the Disney World marathon. The race went well, but the temperature got prety hot on race day.   I've spent the last few hours catching up on reading all of the trail journals I've missed. I really enjoy following along with everyone's preparations.   As far as my own AT preparations, I believe I am ready to go. All of my gear has been purchased, the 2007 Handbook is on the way, and loose ends are being tied up as far as work, the apartment, and finances. Things are going well, and the excitement is building. Only about 50 days to go!
Date: 2007-01-26
To: Is it time to go yet?
Miles today: 0.0

Some days time seems to creep by and my start date seems so far away. Others however, it feels like there isn't enough time left to finish tying up all of the loose ends.    As you might have guessed if you've noticed that I plan on finishing the trail in four months, I'm planning on a light and fast trip. I've learned a lot since my last attempt and am planning an ultra light trip. Some people have asked about what kind of gear I'll be taking. On my first trip, I went to the store and purchased what the "expert" at the store recommended. I had lots of really nice high-end, high dollar gear, and thought I was all set. After a month on the trail, I quickly learned that expensive didn't necessarily mean best. After some extensive trial and error camping trips in NC, I think I've got my 2007 gear picked, tested, and ready to go.   I'll be carrying a GoLite Dawn pack. My Shelter will be a Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape. The cape is a fuly enclosed single wall shelter that doubles as poncho rain gear and triples as a pack cover. For sleeping, I'll be taking a Gossamer Gear Nite light sleeping pad. I'll have a warm weather sleeping bag and a seperate cold weather sleeping bag. I'll be taking a 32 degree Montbell bag and a 45 degree Mountain Laurel Designs bag, both complimented with a bag liner from Mountain Laurel. I'll be using solid fuel tabs for cooking, and a Montbell down jacket for extra warmth/pillow. As far as clothing goes, I'll be wearing tights and/or marathon shorts, light weight tennis shoes, and various breathable long/short sleeve tops. I love golite gear and the majority of my clothing has come from their line.   Throw in a few misc. extras and my pack weight is 9 pounds before food and water. If anyone has any questions about any of the gear I'm taking or what my experiences have been with different types of gear, just ask and I'll be happy to provide more info.   Only 36 more days until Springer! I get more excited every day. I look forward to meeting all of the other 2007 hikers out on the trail!