morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Springer

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Well, here I am...in Georgia. I haven't been much of a sleeper lately so I guess it's no big surprise that I'm up and at 'em--totally dressed and ready to go at 6am when I went to bed at midnight and breakfast isn't served for another hour and a half. The flight down was quick and easy. I had some concerns that my pack would get damaged, but despite being stuffed to capacity--including having my pole in there which I thought surely would punch through the bottom--it made it through the checking and cargo process and was one of the first bags out on the conveyor belt.Once I got off the plane I had to catch a train that took almost an hour to meet up with the shuttle from the hostel I'm at in Dahlonega, GA. One of the owners, Josh, was there to pick me up and had a fella named Brian who is from Rochester with him. Brian is also starting today, though I suppose since I'll be hitting my 1000mile mark after my first 5 miles that technically I'm not just starting... The ride from the pick up point to the hostel took another hour, during which a combination of economic/political conversation and sitting in the back of the van had me on the verge of vomiting all over the place. It was 10ish by the time we arrived at the hostel so a Clif bar became dinner. When Clif bars become acceptable as meal-equivalents I know I'm back on the Trail.I had to fit everything inside my pack for it to be checked on the plane so last night first order of business was to break it down and re-pack it appropriately. It's been over 5 months since I've done it, but despite time past and a few minor gear changes, I fell back into the old riutal seamlessly. Everything still goes in the same place, in the same order. Believe it or not, I don't think I forgot anything. I only weighed my pack once last time around, right before I left. It had weighed 52 lbs without water or a mess kit and subsequently wreaked havoc on my body. Though I'd sworn off weighing it for fear that the number would break me mentally, I felt Ihad to weigh it again this time before I left too...31 lbs. without water. It would appear I've actually learned a lesson or two.The weather isn't going to be so hot (literally) for the next few days. It was in the 70s here yesterday, but today and the next two days after that are supposed to swing between the 20s and 40s. And there is a bit of snow in the forecast for today so my dreams were riddled with images of blizzard like conditions and cold wet gear. Welcome back Sled Dog...The only thing left hanging at the moment is whether or not to do the approach trail (which is nearly 9 miles to the beginning of the AT at Springer Mtn) or to take the shortcut which is just over 2miles to the same place. Sounds like a no brainer but for most the appraoch trail is the path of choice. It'll be a game time decision...
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neel Gap, GA
Miles today: 0.0

Howdy! I made it to Neel Gap about an hour ago and I am feeling great. The first few days back have been wonderful. After some coffe on the porch at the hostel in Dahlonega and a nice breakfast, the van took off for the trail. After much deliberation I decided to take the Springer trail rather than the Approach Trail from Amicolola Falls. Why? A number of reasons. I realized that I am hardly "approaching" the trail at this point. The impending weather made me want to get as far out there as I could. Also, as predicted, despite sitting shot-gun I got extremely car-sick in the van so that pretty much sealed the deal--I jumped out at the first stop. The trail down here is beautiful. Lots of pines, rhodedenderon, and mountain laurel. The first day I made it 15.1 miles to Gooch Mountain Shelter. It snowed/hailed a bit (snailed?) and was cold enough that I wore my tshirt, silk shirt, wool sweater, and rain coat the whole day. The shelter was pretty full, but I fit. There were two levels and about 13 of us in it, plus a handful who tented around the shelter. Upon beginning dinner I realized that I did in fact forget something--the wind screen for my stove! Due to strong wind and cold my beloved alcohol stove did not quite cook my rice, or even boil my water. I ate a pot full of water and raw rice, but I must say I truly couldn't care less. I was too happy to be there. Everyone at the shelter was nice. It was in the mid-upper 20s that night so I was completely mummied-up in my sleeping bag. I had a mouse scamper across my head and some racoons sitting on the ledge above me throwing someone's dirty socks at my head, but I found this all too amusing. I woke up to an inch of snow which was really neat. Yesterday I was on the trail by 8:30 which is late but I was in no rush to get out of my bag. I added another layer to my ensemble--my primaloft jacket-- bc let's face it...it's wicked cold here! It snowed almost all day and the winds were about 25 mph. I didn't stop all day because I just wanted to get to my destination. I made it 12 miles to Woods Hole shelter. Only 4 other people joined me as most people abandoned the woods for civilization. By the time I got to the shelter, based on what my senses were registering, I no longer had a face nor hands and I was pretty wet and cold. I didn't even bother trying the stove again because it was windier and colder than the day before. I ate a cheese sandwich, went to the bathroom then got into my sleeping bag by 4pm where I stayed until 7am (not counting having to get out to pee at 2:30am much to my dismay). I slept pretty well and really didn't suffer from the cold too terribly. I made it out by 8am today, up to the top of Blood Mountain by 9, and down here to Neel Gap by 11. It's warming up today and tomorrow is going to be back in the 70s. I'm staying here at the hostel at Walasi Yi for the night. I'd say I earned it after surviving the tundra. I am sore and my hip will soon be very swollen again but I am lovin it Hope all is well at home!
Date: 2009-04-21
From: past Davenport Gap

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Well, the last few days have been interesting. I headed into Smoky Mountain National Park Saturday morning. The day was beautifully warm and sunny. About 3.5 miles in there is a fire tower just off the trail. I dropped my pack to check it out. The view was spectacular, could see for miles. The tower was especially high, and I managed to shimmy my way onto the roof above the observation deck. Unreal... of course, it was only upon getting up there that I realized I didn't quite know how to get down and my mild fear of heights kicked in. The missing shingles and rotting wood roof were not very reassuring. Got some great pics though Once I got to the shelter, the bugs descended in swarms. Terribly little black gnats that like to bite the tops of my ears. I put on my rain coat, cinched down the hood, and basically wore it for the rest of my time in the Smokies because basically from that night on it rained. The second day not only did it rain, but the wind was strong and cold. Toward the end of the day I was getting a bit nervous about the elements getting the best of me. I made it to the shelter, but was very wet and freezing. Putting those clothes on the next morning was hard... Since I knew the weather wasn't going to get better, I decided to just crank miles to escape the mountains. Today the weather was better, but still touch and go. All in all, I managed to get a couple good views when the clouds would part for a moment. I didn't see much wildlife--no bears, wild boars, or salamanders-- because let's face it, the wildlife has better sense than to be out traipsing about in inclement weather. Thru-hikers on the other hand, not so much... II don't know if I was imagining it but, the majority of the hike through the Smokies was uphill. All I could think of was that joke about how back in the day my grandparents had to walk to school uphill in the rain, both ways. Only now can I truly appreciate what life must have been like for them... Oh! So I have come upon a handful of NoBo guys who I'd met last season up in New Hampshire. They're out, hiking up to Trail Days in Damascus. Too funny... great guys, very entertaining, good to see some familiar faces.Should be getting into Hot Springs ina couple days.
Date: 2009-06-06
From: FRONT ROYAL, VA

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Hey yall! Hope all is well back in society. I'm hanging out in Front Royal, Virginia having made my way through Shenandoah National Park this week. Things have been great. Last Friday I rode from Waynesboro to Front Royal. My fella arrived later that night, and Saturday we got our stuff together and rode back down to Waynesboro to start our trek through the park. The weather had been hot for the days leading up 'til then, but Sunday through Wednesday it cooled off and was down right gorgeous. Sunny, warm, breezy, clear. The terrain through Shenandoah isn't too rough. It's well graded and well maintained so Eric was able to come in and pull 20 mile days from the get-go. We saw some wildlife which was neat. The deer remain entirely unphased by our presence so we got really close to some. We saw a doe with a fawn that couldn't have been more than maybe 2 days old. It could hardly walk, didn't seem to be able to see, and was calling out these amazing squawking cries looking for it's ma'. We only saw one bear which was about 70 yards off trail in the woods. We did, however, see a bobcat which was awesome. It poked up in the tall grass right next to the trail, walked across, then disppeared into the grass on the other side. Stealthy little buggers... And speaking of tall grass, the first couple days we pulled a few ticks off including the tiniest deer tick I've ever seen in my life. I thought it would be a concern all week but the weather turned and took care of the tick issue. Wednesday night as we came over the Pinnacle, thunderstorms which had been looming in the distance made there way overhead. Luckily we were within a half mile of the shelter and we were able to literally run the last 200 yards to escape the onslaught of hail and rain which swept in. The shelter we arrived at had an indoor fireplace where another hiker had already gotten a fire going so it worked out beautifully. Thursday and Friday it rained, but not miserably so it actually helped make the experience a little more diverse and fun. Oh, and how could I forget? Throughout the park there are waysides, which are like little rest areas, that sell souvenirs, food and groceries so we certainly weren't roughing it in the dining arena. In fact, I am pretty sure I put on a few pounds this week. It's happy fat...So here I am. I have just over 200 miles left. It should take under 2 weeks. I'm itching to come home. Tomorrow Eric leaves and I'll take off on the the last official stretch of this journey. Unreal....
Date: 2009-06-09
From: Harper's Ferry, WV

To: Harper's Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0

...West Virginia!I made it out of Virginia, alive and well. The last couple days have been good ones. Sunday my fella departed, which was difficult. Since I was unable to concoct an excuse good enough to convince either of us to just allow me to go home with him, I sucked it up and forced myself to walk. I did 11 miles from 3pm-7pm and got to Manassas Shelter where I decided to call it a day. I was considering going the next 4 to the next shelter but I am not carrying a tent anymore and didn't want to risk getting there around 9 to potentially find a full shelter. Manassas was a nice spot--good water, solid shelter, some good people. Rumor had it that sometimes there are snakes in there, but I didn't see it any so it was all good...until as I was reading through the shelter log and found out that they tend to be up in the rafters. Sure enough, there was a large black rat snake on the beam just above my sleeping bag. Aaaargh... I actually slept well despite thoughts of cuddling snakes.Yesterday I hit what is affectionately called "The Rollercoaster," which is a stretch of 10 miles with about 8 or 9 significant climbs and descents. It wasn't as bad as everyone said, which is pretty much par for the ourse out here. People love to tell sob stories, and I love to get all psyched out about things only to find it's no problem in reality. I made it to the Bear's Den Lodge and Hostel. Great set up-- $25 for a bunk with a mattress and sheets, shower, laundry, internet, longdistance calls, pizza and a pint of Ben Jerry's. As of this morning I am in West Virginia. Right now I am at the Appalachian Trail Conference office in Harper's Ferry. For standard NoBo's this is considered half way. For me--9 days to go! Wonder of wonders, miracle or miracles... All I keep thinking is "Darn, if only I had listened to Jill and finished out the strecth from Pine Grove to Harper's with her in October. I'd be done!" Oh well, soon enough...
Date: 2009-06-13
From: Carlisle, PA

To: Carlisle, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Look at me, I'm in Pennsylvania...again! I've made some serious progress in the last few days. Basically, I made it through 4 states in 4 days-- Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, into Pennsylvania. Last I left you I was in Harper's Ferry. I dodged a big thunder/hail storm that evening and headed out Wednesday morning. I got into Maryland straight away. That night I ended up at a shelter with a man who had SoBo'd part of the trail last year named Moses. He'd come off in NJ because of a wicked case of lyme disease but is back to finish this year. I had heard all about him last year because he makes these beautiful dream catchers out of material he finds along the trail. Such an interesting guy, real salt of the earth. I'm really glad I got to meet him. That was all that Maryland had to offer really, not too exciting. Thursday I made it to PA. My hiking pole broke but I managed to fix it McGyver-style, using 2 bobby pins. Sometimes it's good to be a bit of a girly-girl out here. My hair may suffer for it, but at least the pole works. Yesterday I got to Pine Grove Furnace, the more official halfway location, as compared to Harpers Ferry. Pine Grove Furnace is home to the "half-gallon challenge." What better way to celebrate walking 1092.2 miles than to gorge yourself on a half-gallon of low quality ice cream? I'd been back and forth on whether or not I'd participate. I finally decided to give it a go. I selected cherry jubilee for my flavor and at 7:17pm I got started. At 7:32 I discarded about 1/4 gallon of ice cream in the garbage can in front of the general store. I mean, come on...let's get serious. I feel much more pride for not making myself sick from eating an ungodly amount of ice cream than I would if i made myself violently ill by succeeding in the challenge.It's good to be back in PA. The terrain is nice. The mosquitoes have been vicious though. This morning I was up and out early and I must be in a pocket between hikers because the first 7 miles I was the only one to have gone through. How do I know this? Because of the spider webs. The mindless little creatures spin webs across the trail every night and if you are the first hiker through you have the joy and honor of walking through them. Seven miles of walking through webs while swatting at mosquitoes. This morning was not my finest. That aside, PA is full of honeysuckle and blackberries so it smells good and i'm munching my way down the trail. I've made it to Carlisle though where my cousin graciously picked me up, fed me wonderfully, and is putting me up for the night. From here--3 more days!
Date: 2009-03-17
To: NONE
Miles today: 0.0

Finally decided to start a journal for this years hiking season. What the heck.Last year I managed to cover slightly over 800 miles of the AT, split up over three trips and sections, south, middle and north. This year I will be going back to Virginia and picking up more or less where I left off there last year, just north of Damascous. Since I need three posts to show up on the journals page, I'll make two more!
Date: 2009-03-17
From: NONE

To: NONE
Miles today: 0.0

2nd Entry:Getting to Damascous isn't easy. No direct bus service to that small, out of the way town. So, I'll take the bus here from NH to Marion, VA - a 36 hour ride if I remember right - and then hike south on the AT to Damascous. There I will turn around and go back north, but taking the old AT, now called the Iron Mt trail. This will bring me back to where I started quite a bit faster, as it is a short cut around the Grayson highlands. I will go as far as Rockfish Gap, the entry point of the SNP, but might go as far as Harpers Ferry, the next good place to get off the trail. No matter how far I go, I will have completed from that point south to Springer at least twice and much of it three times. I expect it to be a little lonely in VA this early in the season, going down there in early April. I will be well ahead of the thru-hikes, many which just started in late March or early April. No doubt there will be a few other hikers around - I hope. Don't want to be too lonely! One reason for going the VA in early April is to get ahead of the crowd, though the numbers have thined out quite a bit by there anyway. The other is to beat the heat. I'd rather be hiking when it's still a little chilly out than when its too blasted hot.
Date: 2009-03-17
From: NONE

Miles today: 0.0

I didn't buy any significant new gear for this trip! After 5 years of spending a lot of money on new gear for each trip, I'm finally to the point where I have enough. Too much in fact. How many packs, sleeping bags and tents does one person need anyway? Okay, one never has enough of a gear selection, but there is a limit! I just can't see spending another 500 or 600 dollars to get my pack base weight down another pound or two. My base weight is about 17 pounds, which isn't all that bad. Seems I'll never be one of those supper ubber light hikers with a 10 pound pack. I like some creature comforts! I did buy one new piece of gear, a PDA with GPS built in. I did't get it specifically for this trip, but might take it along as it's a whole 1 oz lighter than the one I used last year. The reason I bought it is to use it on my next trip next year, which will be American Discovery Trail, walking across America from the Atlantic ocean in Delaware to the Pacific in Cal. It should be one heck of a walk! The ADT isn't as well marked as the AT and goes cross country through some really remote areas of Utha and Nevada, hence the need for GPS to keep from getting hopelessly lost. A lot can change in a year, so hope that trips pans out. Seems every year I have dental problems before I leave on a trip. This year I needed a tooth extracted as part of it fell out while eating dinner last week. Of course, some other problems were discovered and had to be taken care of. Glad it happened now instead of once I was on the trail. Not a good thing to have tooth problems while your out in the woods and far from your own, trusted dentist! Guess thats about it until I get on the trail in 3-4 weeks.
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Marion,VA

To: Trimpi
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

D0A word of warning :NEVER travel on bus during the night of a full moon! It was an interesting ride. Details are not important, although it seemed we not ever get to Marion, VA the bus did indeed get there on time. I walked over to the taxi place from the bus stop, about a mile, and got a ride up to the trail. $20.00, with tip, but worth it so not waist any time.Got hiking about 1:30 PM, arrived at Trimpi shelter about 6. Not bad, seeing I had just done a 30 hour bus ride with very little sleep during that time. Meet 4 thru-hikers on the way in going north and 2 more at the Trimpi. More than I had expected to be this far already. Weather was good and trail reasonably easy or I wouldn't have made it.
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Trimpi

To: Cherry tree, IMT
Miles today: 10.0

D1Cherry tree shelter, Iron Mt trail.4-10-09Slept soundly once I finally fell asleep. Between the full moon and forcing myself to stay awake for so long, one would think it would be an easy thing to do, but it isn't .Morning was a little over cast. Forecast was for T-Storms latter in the day. On the trail about 8:30. About 10, it started to rain. Put on the rain gear, but it didn't take long for it to start soaking through. Took two spills before long too. First one nearly took my left knee out, slipping on a rock step and the second put my butt into the mud. That's the way it goes sometimes.Found a connector trail from the AT to the Iron Mt trail well before Thunder hill shelter, so decided to take it. I think it saved several miles but was fairly exposed. I was nearly at the point of hypothermia when the rain tapered off and the sun started to poke out. Once that happened, warmed up and started to dry off quickly. At that point, it turned out it was only another 3 miles or so to this shelter, getting here by 3 PM. No one here and it would be surprising if and one did show up, as this place is definitely off the beaten path. This shelter is one of few remaining original CCC constructed shelters on the AT. Pretty neat. I did pass another half-dozen hikers going north before I turned off onto the IMT. It's only 18.6 miles to Damascus from here, but I will break it up into two days, so can get into town at a reasonable time. Got plenty of food.
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Cherry tree, IMT

To: Sandy flats, IMT
Miles today: 10.6

D2Sandy Flats shelter Iron Mt trail It started raining again at dusk. Even had some thunder and lighting for a bit too. Another chilly night. Woke up to pea soup outside. Procrastinated getting up and out hoping it would clear some, but the best it would do was not to actually rain. It stayed that way most of the day. Pretty easy trail, so made good time. Missed the Straight Branch shelter on the way here. Was in the fog and in a windy meadow, which I crossed quickly. Didn't see a sign, but it must have been there. I meet a woman going north a little was up from that place and when I said I must be close to the shelter, she didn't know what I was talking about. Seems at that point, the nest shelter was this one, nearly 4 more miles away. So, had to take breaks trail side.Got here to Sandy Flats shelter about 3. Sun finally started to break out, enough to take the dampness out of the sleeping bag and put some charge into the PDA here. A father, son and dog wandered by the shelter, but looks like one last quiet night by myself before getting back onto the AT super highway. Tomorrow is apparently Easter Sunday, so will be interesting to see what is open and if I can get any chores done or not. 8 more miles into town, hope it is nice and sunny!
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Sandy flats, IMT

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

D4The Place, Damascus, VA4-12-09It got cold last night! Not quite cold enough to freeze water in the bottle, but darn close. Since I was in no rush to get anywhere today, stayed in the sack until the sun got high enough to warm it up a little. Once I got going, warmed up quick enough. Another easy stretch of trail for this last leg into town. Took a 1 mile side trail down to the VA creeper trail, then followed that into town. Lots of bikers out on the creeper, Most of who don't give any warning they are about to pass. My old boots have been banging my left big toe something fierce, so looked at what the outfitter had to offer. Bought a new pair of Montrails, same brand as the old ones, but these give me more room. Looking at my toe tonight, looks like I got new boots just in time. If I had tried to keep going with the old boots, would have hard real trouble in another few days. Pretty quiet here in town today, meet 3 hikes heading out on the creeper as I was coming in, then another 3 leaving "The Place" here. A guy named "Guns" drove in this afternoon, someone I meet last year here. It was with his car I left the trail in last year!(another hiker "Cool Breeze" was the driver)There is a big storm heading this way for tomorrow, so will likely stay another day. The storm might linger a couple of days, but will have to push on. By the time I get up to the Grayson highlands, hopefully the worst will have passed, as that's an area where it would be nasty to be at in bad weather.