morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-07-27
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: White House Landing Wilderness Camp
Miles today: 13.8

Mon Jul 27, Day 139. [Transcriber's note: Maybe the 100 Mile Wilderness isn't that wild after all - picked up a voice mail from Spokes at 1235 today with this update.]Got up at 0400. Little bit of thunder this morning with rain showers, they stopped early. Trail was very muddy. No black flies, but a lot of mosquitoes showed up to try to use us as snacks. Made it into the White House Landing Wilderness Camp. It's a private camp with lodging and meals we reached by taking the Mahar ToteRoad 0.2 mile to Pemadumcook Lake, then following the lake shoreline south 1.0 mile to boat dock where you give one airhorn blast for the boat to come pick you up and take you across the lake to the camp! Very rustic place, no electricity here except for a wind generator. They have propane for cooking, all the supplies have to be brought in (and trash taken out) by 4WD, and the nearest grocery store is a far piece from here!I had two (2) of their lunch specials - one (1) pound cheeseburgers! Mmmmm. Later in the afternoon I had a pint of Ben and Jerry's. Supper was half of a 14 inch pizza (I saved the other half for tomorrow) and washed it down with quatros cervezas. It's like...so good.We had a pretty close encounter with a moose, got some good pictures as one grazed near our cabin. There has also been a bald eagle circling around, probably looking for some supper too! Remarkable indeed.We are excited to be well past the halfway point of the 100 Mile Wilderness. About 31 miles left in the Wilderness, here is the plan for the rest of the week:Tuesday - 17.9 miles to Rainbow Stream Lean-toWednesday - 15.0 miles to Abol BridgeThursday - 9.9 miles to The Birches, a campground designated for thru-hikers only (12 slots) at the foot of Mt. Katahdin.Friday 7/31 - 5.3 miles (and 4,188' of climbing) to the summit of Mt. Katahdin (5,268')As with previous plans on this trek, it is all subject to change depending on the weather and a bazillion other things that could affect the daily mileage. Just in case you've been thinking about getting in shape...The picture below is a comparison of what Spokes looked like at the start of the adventure and one of his more recent pictures. Great demonstration of what it means to "walk yourself into shape"! What a difference a couple of thousand miles makes!
Date: 2009-07-29
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Pines Camping Area
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wed Jul 29, Day 141. Made it to Abol Pines which is a little state run camping facility across from the Abol Store at Abol Bridge. Right after we got here it started to rain, rained for about 2-3 hours. Only 15.1 miles to the summit of the Greatest Mountain!
Date: 2009-07-30
From: Abol Pines Camping Area

To: Birches Thru-Hiker Campground, Baxter State Park
Miles today: 9.9

Thu Jul 30, Day 142. [Transcriber's note: This update based on voice mail from Spokes at 1746 today.]Heavy rain today. We had an early detour, a high water alternate route around the Katahdin Stream. The stream was swelled wtih the heavy rainfall and was flowing too fast and dangerous to try to ford. Continued on and made it (around 1100) to The Birches, a campground in Baxter State Park set aside for Northbound thru-hikers.Wes and Carol Payne made it here, that was a big surprise. They¢ve even got hats imprinted with ¢Spokes Recovery Team¢, hilarious. Great to see them.I plan to be on the trail by 0500 tomorrow for an early summit. The weather looks good for tomorrow. Mixed emotions about the day ahead, but I am eager with anticipation. Once again, this quote by Charles Lindbergh says it best:Within the hour I¢ll land, and strangely enough I¢m in no hurry to have it pass. I haven¢t the slightest desire to sleep. There¢s not an ache in my body. The night is cool and safe. I want to sit quietly in this cockpit and let the realization of my completed flight sink in¢¦ It¢s like struggling up a mountain after a rare flower, and then, when you have it within arm¢s reach, realizing that the satisfaction and happiness lie more in the finding than in the having. Plucking the flower and having it whither are inseparable¢¦ I almost wish Paris were a few more hours away. It seems a shame to land with the night so clear and so much fuel in my tanks.And finally what I have to look forward to tomorrow morning, from Earl Shaffer, the Appalachian Trail's first thru-hiker:The glory of Katahdin lies in its dual beauty: to look at, and to look from.Stay tuned for summit pictures!!A PLEASE from the Transcriber: If you have just a minute or two, please sign the Guestbook. It's easy to do and doesn't take long, so click on the SIGN button on the left side of the screen under Guest Book. If you don't like leaving your real name, substitute something, he'll figure out who you are! It would be so cool to have a ton of Guest Book entries waiting for him as he closes out this Great Adventure. Thanks.
Date: 2009-03-14
To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Well, tomorrow I plan to start my trip from Springer Mountain to Katahdin. Just sitting at home double checking my gear today. Writing emails and wondering how on earth I am going to get my Taxes done while on the trail? Why try and hike the trail? Here are my reasons:1. I have always wanted to and it seems like a personal accomplishment;2. I could use the workout, i have gotten out of shape and need a serious turn around;3. Work is slow anyway and probably will not improve over the next few months;4. To understand myself better;5. To grow. It's amazing about how much uncertainty is involved, I have planned out the first couple of weeks but it seems like a waste to plan much further. I will need to start slow to get into shape but once I hit Virginia, if i make it that far, i will have to start counting miles. I would like to be done in early July.
Date: 2009-03-15
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Amicalola Falls Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

I made it to Amicalola today, the falls are neat. AT hikers everywhere, all shapes and sizes. I registered at the visitors center and am #226 for the year. Given the long drive and late hour of arrival (4:30), I elected to stay in the lodge, have real food, and try to meet some hikers.My wife drove me down and is heading back to Walland tonight. We are high school sweatharts now in our 30's. Separating any length of time is hard on both of us. I have 5 days supply to get to Neels gap, that shouldn't be hard, its 37 miles, although it seems I have a sinus cold that might slow me down.Do you think the NOC will be running kayaks down the Natahala? If it's not to cold that might be my first day off.
Date: 2009-03-16
From: Amicalola Falls Lodge

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.7
Weather: light rain

Rain, Rain, and more Rain. I meet Singlespeed, Hurrying Hosier, Fire Cracker, and Peanut Butter. I like the shelter on rainy nights, you get to know several other hikers and learn a few tricks. The Hurrying Hosier taught me how to count cards, cool guy.
Date: 2009-03-17
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

My legs have alot of breaking in to do. I hiked most of the day with Peanut Butter and Fire Cracker. Fire Cracker has done the Wonderland Trail before and she really knows what she is doing. I am taking a few lessons from her. Yogied my first smores from some HS kids camping with their mom. I taught them how to build a fire, so they rewarded me.
Date: 2009-03-18
From: Justus Creek

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: broken clouds

This one felt like a long day. The problem with tents is it takes almost an hour longer in the morning. You have to dry the fly, get your own bear bag hanger, and nothing is at a comfortable height. This creek only has a couple of camp sites and an old railroad bed next to it. Still hiking with Peanut Butter and Fire Cracker. A new guy joined us Creep, a younger guy from outside Chicago. I got some phone signal today, finally.
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: broken clouds

Not a bad day, the trip up Blood Mtn. isnt bad. The views are very nice. The Hostel at Neels gap is a little hectic. I think it is full almost every night. I and Creep ended up in the bunk house down the road. Washed my clothes for the first time, man they needed it. Other guys in the bunk house were Cool Breeze and two of his buddys.
Date: 2009-03-20
From: Neels Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

   On the 20th i bought some gear and realigned the pack. Molly came down to see me and we went to Helne GA, staying at the Hofbrau Riverfront Inn. Intresting place, they take the bavarian theme seriously (it's even on thier police cars). It's a fun town. I was oringinally told it was a poor man's Gatlinburg, but i think that's too hard on the little place. Its more like a Gatlinburg that hasn't grown so large. Good german beer and food, ummmmm. I might need to get a boot glass and some lederhosen for the trail.   Going back to the trail on Sunday the 22nd. I am going to spend tomarrow with my wife and let my blisters heal. I cut 15lbs out of my pack at Neels and I bet in the months ahead i will cut some more. I am stocking for 10days for Sunday. My next stop is the NOC on a good day or Franklin on a bad day. I love this stuff!
Date: 2009-03-21
From: Neels Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

This is my second zero in a row. my blisters are fairly well gone and my muscles are not sore. I am also very well fed. Went to Anna Ruby falls for a short day hike but the falls were closed for construction. I have bought way to much food for the trail. I am going out tomarrow with 10 days supply, that's probably too much. About 1/4 to 1/3 of my pack is food weight. I am going to shoot for the NOC by next Friday. I will have to add 5 more miles per a day to my average. I think that means earlier days and later nights. I feel a little weakness in my knees since coming down blood but its not bad, the pack weight is hard on ligaments.Molly is putting my extra food and supplies in the back of her car. When she catches up with me I will be able to resupply. She is doing a little more shopping for me while I am out on the trail.Last week i managed 30.7 miles, next week is 77 miles, its going to be a hard week.
Date: 2009-03-22
From: Neels Gap

To: low gap shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

Wow that was an awesome pace for me. My legs held out and I made it all the way. The couple of days off did wonders.My original two traveling companions have all split up. It looks like peanut is struggling. I am worried about his foot. I did the hike from 12:30 till 7:15.
Date: 2009-03-24
From: rocky mountain

To: deep gap shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

Beautiful day, I love tenting in the wilderness by myself. That is really the way to do it in good weather.A sectioning day hiker Melissa (Melissaonthetrail.com) stopped by last night. (Thanks for the cheery conversation and tangerines , Melissa, see you on the trails.)The deep gap shelter is nice, four walls, two levels. First of many nights of rain.I meet Obi, he covers 15 miles on a leisurely day, ha. I hope to be there soon. To be fair, he has been walking since Key West. Cool.I have been hiking with a father and son duo today, I think the son is ready for dad to leave but dad is having fun.
Date: 2009-03-25
From: deep gap shelter

To: Plum Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

In the rain a hike takes on a new dimension. I like tenting but not on heavy rain days. So to get space in a shelter you stop early, way early.I don't like the strategy but it works. I meet up with pickel, trusty, moose, and buddy today.Buddy is Moose's dog, an American pitbull. Nice protective dog, big head, and he's having a problem with chafing. Don't know if I want to bring one of my dogs on the trail.The Plum Orchard shelter is crazy big, three levels.
Date: 2009-03-26
From: Plum Orchard Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: heavy intensity rain

I had an awesome start today, I was out the door by 7:00! But around 10 I did somthing to my right ankle. Later on I figured out it was my boots are causing the problem.Stopped short for my feet issues and rain. Camped with tax dollar, trusty, buddy, moose, pickel and another guy who I didn't catch his name.I did make it out of GA and I didn't have squeal like a pig The NC side of the trail needs some TLC from a chainsaw. Down trees all over the trail and the shelter isn't one to write home about.
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: moderate rain

A hellish nero (near zero) day. I needed a some rest from the rain.Only 4 mi on the trail. About 2 mi on Kimsey Creek trail then I lost it in a parking lot. Their weren't any more blue blazes? So I hit a forest service road for 6mi in the rain. Hitched a ride to Franklin.
Date: 2009-03-30
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: winding stair gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Nice day, the sun finally came out. After getting to Winding Stair I got a ride from the county comissionar tothe Saphire motel. I like the Franklin a little better but they don't have a trail shuttle. Grabed dinner and a shower back on the trail tomarrow at 8am.
Date: 2009-04-02
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

The clime out of the NOC is a tough one, over 2,500 feet in a few miles. We had a big storm coming in that night so I bunked down early. Hiking with Pickle and her gang. Its interesting, solo female hikers build male harems, it appears to be a security thing. But the idea is each member of the harem has a distinct contribution to the group. like the bear bag guy, or the gadget guy, or the map guy, or weather radio guy. The members are somewhat chosen based on conversation, good humor, pace, and trust principles. The female serves as functional coordinator for the group, essentially picking the conversation topic with questions. A pair of females seems to follow coupling principles, just like a married couple, or boy/girl friend, or father/daughter, but not father/son or boy/boy couples. groups (3+) of females will be seen as well but they don't operate like the harems. Strong individuality, conflict, and a heavy emphasis on self expression are present in the female groups but they come to basic decisions as a group.    The father/son couples seem to have a natural tension. The son is either looking for approval or individuality. The father seems to be looking for authority position or unity, so they have conflicts. The boy/boy groups have one unifying factor as the basis of the relationship. Some of the ones I have noticed : age, sexuality, substance abuse, ....
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Good haul today. I would have liked to have seen 20.1 on the board but I started late and had friends at the shelter. My feet were burnt up at the end of the day but my spirit and legs were willing. My legs are great on flat and down hill but the up still seems like a challenge. Its a great little camping spot, next to a river in a well protected gorge (no wind). The NC shelters could all use some TLC, its a little embarrassing for the state.
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Fontana Dam

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Went back to Fontana today to pick up a hiking buddies dog. He cant take it into the Smokeys, and Molly agreed to foster it for a week or two till he gets past the park. We are also arranging to get the dog fixed. Molly likes to talk about possibly fostering dogs, so i thought this could be a good learning experience.
Date: 2009-04-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yea, I am racking up the zeros. but I am itching to get on the trail. I re-geared today. New pack, the Go-Light Pinnacle (2 lbs and 4,000+ cu in). My old pack was 6.1 lbs so I cut 4.1 lbs, thats huge. I also picked up a titanium pot, pricey but i cut a few oz and added a lid. Titanium's thermal properties are what sold me, it cools down fast so i can use it as a mug without getting burned. I also changed lighters and saved 2.5 oz! I also picked up a altimeter watch, after seeing Trusty use his to track location on hill climbs, I had to get one.
Date: 2009-04-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Last zero for a while. finishing up taxes and other loose ends. re-packing and going to a play tonight rather then camp in the snow. from a conversation with an outfitter, their will be trail magic at Newfound Gap this Friday and Saturday! The outfitter is also going to be doing free trail repairs. Dang, I am sick of sitting around and i don't like to see me going back to my old habits.
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: few clouds

Back on the trail. It snowed the night before and we have snow drifts as high as 3 ft on the crest of the mountains. It was beautiful down at the dam but once we got some altitude things started to change and the snow showed up. I came in late to the shelter, it was full but no overflow.
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Spencer Field Shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: broken clouds

Quit early today. This morning the trail had frozen over the night before and i didn't bring my ice scrunches for my boots. I feel fairly early in the morning and hit my back, ouch. Although the latter half of the day turned out to be awesome. I figured resting my back was a smarter option then pushing for miles. I meet some interesting people while resting. Tax Dollar was at the shelter when I arrived. He is doing well and pushing on, glad to see that. A south bound flip-flop stopped in for her 3rd lunch, Itch. She had been on the trail since Harpers Fairy and was fully trail rounded. I was surprised to learn that she forages for vegetables to subsidize her diet.
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Spencer Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Respectable milage today given the horrible trail conditions. A thunderstorm came in at 8:00 am and was done by 10:00 am, that is when i left the shelter. Made it to Derick Knob (6.9mi) by 3 pm. Most people in the shelter were bunking down preparing for a rough night. I pushed on and got caught in a thunderstorm . Although possibly stupid altogether an exciting event. At a distance lightning is yellow but as you get closer it has orange tones as well. Even closer and it turns purple. At one point I heard the thunder rolling seemingly down the trail and crack right next to me! A thunder storm is far more threatening when you are standing next to it.
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Silers Bald

To: Clingmans Dome
Miles today: 4.6

My feet have been cold and wet for three days straight. I have a personal limit to being cold and wet, it seems to be around the three day point. Me and an Australian made our way into Gatlinburg and I am going home for a zero. I know another zero. But I am right next to home so its simply to easy to do. Goggle took the Smokies off since he did that as a prep hiker earlier in the year, so he ran trail magic for us. Thanks Goggle. The outfitter Happy Hiker provided hospitality and information for us, thanks guys.
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Clingmans Dome

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

7 miles of todays hike was a walk of shame. I could have done this part before getting off the trail but I didn't. I started at noon, so i made real good time. wet conditions on the trail, the AT for a north bounder becomes a mud trough in the rain. Side trails are nice and clean though. The shelter is packed as usual and I skipped a hot dinner, i don't want to put up with the alcohol stove. I still ate 770 calories for dinner. At 5:30 a.m. a hiker comes wondering in scared, lost, wet, and with ought gear! One of his friends was staying in the shelter and gave him his sleeping pad. Another guy gave him an emergency blanket. he laid down in the dirt floor and immediately went to sleep (and started snoring).
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: moderate rain

Ouch, my back is killing me. I stopped at 1:00 p.m. for lunch and just called it a day. I was asleep by 2:30.   I think its the new go-light pinnacle backpack that is causing the problem. I want my old, safe, heavy, and comfortable kelty red cloud back. Laughing Owl and One Step come into camp today, nice to see some familiar faces. It turns out that Laughing Owl is considering getting off in Virginia and letting One Step finish up. A group of AT section hikers came in as well, particularly Mofo. He has thru-hiked the AT before and section hiked once as well. He has also tried to summit Mount Rainier. All of this in the past couple of years!OK, back to the guy who wondered in at 5:30 in the morning. Well when everyone woke up and got their stuff together he got up as well but didn't say alot. He still seemed freaked out. His buddy tried to get him to strip down to a dry layer and get in his sleeping bag to get his temperature up but he wasn't compliant. finally an guy who was giving up on his thru-hike attempt sold him his sleeping bag (at a very good price). And he striped down and got in it. Well I left to get back on the trail. in about half a mile, in the middle of the trail i find a blue foam sleeping pad, old external frame backpack, a military surplus down sleeping bag, and a large bag of trail mix in the middle of the trail. It looked like he was eating the trail mix and decided to drop his pack (in the middle of the trail not placed anywhere). then he got his pad out and sleeping bag, but decided that it wasn't worth it and dropped them. But the trial mix was placed in the middle of the bag, i guess to await a bear?About two miles further down the trail. A very nice one man tent was setup on the side of the trail. since you can't camp where you want to in the smokeys their isn't alot of cleared spaces for a tent. so it looked like some one just decided to set it up on the side of the trail. the tent stuff sacs were set along the side of the trail as well but no one is in the tent. About 20 feet further along is a pair of crocks camp shoes which were taken off and set aside. This guy really freaked out!
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: broken clouds

Well my back was definitely causing problems at first but I was able to work through it. The sun also came out today in a few spots. I was also able to arrange a pick up by my folks for tomorrow. I think my back needs to rest at home while it can and I want my old pack back. It should be about time to return the dog Buddy to his hiking partner. Molly will want my help with that. I meet a trail maintainer today, they are volunteers and are required to only use hand saws to move blown down trees off the trail. The ridge runner is not a volunteer position, its a paid full time hiking position. the Smokeys has three full time ridge runners (full time no matter what the weather is, they hike).
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Good weather today for a mostly down hill hike. I got ten miles in by one pm. I am done with the Smokeys, thank god. I do love the Smokey Mtns but the past two weeks sucked! All we got was snow, hail, rain, lightning, and cold. Not much love from the smokeys. I received some trail magic at the end, thank you! Standing Bear is a truly free place in the world. Yes a little money is involved but the place exists under a free spirit mind set that is just amazing. One of the original thoughts about the AT was that it should have little holistic hostels or Bed and Breakfast accommodations up and down the trail. Preserving the Appalachian culture and heritage, allowing the hike to see a non-commercial side of America. Standing Bear Farm is a perfect specimen of that. From a country store operated on the trust system to hand made soap and authentic log cabin accommodations. This place is amazing.