morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-08-20
From: Maine 27

To: East Flagstaff Road
Miles today: 16.7

I slack packed going South bound. It was a really nice walk. It was raining most of the time. I made good time. We went over the Bigelow Mountain, just stunning stuff. We got to the first peak and it was so windy, I could hardly stand up. I have every piece of clothing on, my raincoat, my wind gear, my hat. The wind was just blasting sideways through clouds and fog, so fast that the windside of me was completely soaked from the clouds smashing into me, and the other side of me was dry. We headed downhill and went back up to the second peak. I sat there for quite a while. I was just in a cloud, and suddenly the fog would break away for a few seconds, and I got these stunning, stunning 360 degree views of everything. When I was standing on the peak, it looked like I was in an airplane. There were clouds flying by hundreds of feet below us. Beautiful views of the lake and town below us. We made it back by 2:15. The day actually was almost 21 miles because no one wanted to stop and pick me up in the rain, so I ended up walking back to Stratton.
Date: 2005-08-26
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was not an easy day. It took me 7.5 hours to do a little over 15 miles, which is about 2 miles per hour. I thought I was walking pretty quickly. This section is considerably more difficult than the last 50-60 miles. I don't think that the rest of the wilderness is going to be this rough.It's not that there were alot of elevation gains, although, the first thing this morning I went up 2,000 feet. It's just that everything changes from minute to minute, there is no consistant Trail. We go from mud to bog to open rock to rock steps, then to pine forest. It just changes constantly. You're also changing direction constantly, not only laterally, but up and down. It all lends itself to slowing you down. As I mentioned before, Trail maintenence is non existant here, so there are alot of obsticles in the way. It appears that I'm not the only one that thought that this was a surprisingly hard section compared to what the elevations looked like. I read the register for the shelter and alot of people are saying, "Wow, I don't know what took me so long to get here" and "Wow, that was alot harder than I thought it was going to be".At any rate, I am once again the first in the shelter. Old Yeller might show up here, Dream Catcher might show up here too. I would say that both of them might reconsider that after 10 or 12 miles today and give it up and do something else. It's a tiring piece of Trail. The countdown continues, 88.5 miles to go. Gosh, that's a drop in the bucket. Tinkerbell left this shelter minutes before I got here. So, he's dead ahead of me somewhere. The watersource on this shelter is way downhill. As a matter of fact, I had to follow 18 North straight downhill 60 feet, down through rocks and stuff. (Just a tip for future through hikers, when you get here.)That's it for today.
Date: 2005-08-30
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up and started walking at 6:30. I ran like hell. I got to Abol Bridge at 11:30 and immediately started eating. I went inside, grabbed 3 different sandwiches and pigged out on them. I also grabbed a 6 pack of Long Trail, I guess I won't be seeing that again for a long time after today. I sat at the picnic table here for a while with Razz and Ten Bears. They were both saying the were going to go ahead to the Berkshires and summit tomorrow. After a few beers, I talked them out of it. It's kind of silly. It's going to be raining all day, so why go up in the rain? We ended up getting lots 38 and 39 from the lady here at $8 a piece for tent sites. The amazing thing was, it hadn't rained all day yet. There were 6 of us that showed up and stayed here. Ten Bears, Matt, Trip, King Alobar, Razz and I had a pretty good time. We got some wood, built a fire and made some hot dogs. We drank alot and hung out. Jersey Fresh and Tinkerbell got here but elected to go to Millinocket and come back in the morning and finish the rest of it. That's it for today.
Date: 2005-01-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello Everyone,I'm just now getting my journal up and running. I'm planning on beginning my nobo thru-hike on February, 26. I've been reading many of the journal entrys posted on this site, and it has really got me excited about my approaching adventure. I can't wait to get started on the Trail, and the start date will be here very soon. I'll do my best to keep this site updated.
Date: 2005-01-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I repacked my pack today for about the fifth time. I've got the pack weight down to about 28 pounds without water. I also picked up some jerky that was on sale for half price at Sam's Club. I decided to leave the keens at home, so I picked up a cheap pair of "bati slides" by Nike, from the local Mervyns. They are as light as flip-flops, but without the toe stop.
Date: 2005-01-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Twenty-four days left until we head south. We'll be leaving southern Michigan on February 24. We plan to make it a two day drive and spend the night of the 25th. in Dahlonega, Georgia. We'll get up on 26th. and head to Springer Mountain, where I will begin my hike. The weather here has been in the low 30's during the day and the mid teens at night. I'm looking forward to some warmer temperatures.
Date: 2005-02-18
To: Final Stages
Miles today: 0.0

   It¢s time for another update since my departure is fast approaching. I¢ve been quite busy the past couple of weeks trying to tie up the loose ends here at home, before I leave for the long trail. Those loose ends include but are not limited to some of the following: Oil changes for the lawnmower, snowblower, and automobiles. Completing and filing the dreaded income tax forms. Working with my wife on household maintenance, journal transcribing, and possible mail drops. Altogether, I think things have been going very well, and we should depart here right on schedule.   I received a couple of messages the other day from two guys, (Big Daddy D, and Oldyeller), who are starting the trail just before, and just after I start. I¢m looking forward to meeting them and all the other northbounders that are starting around the same time that I am.   A good friend of mine, Rollin, put together a send-off party that occurred last night. It took place at one of the local brewpubs, and I think everyone had a fun time. There was much talk about naked hiking, (which doesn¢t sound half bad, weather permitting of course), and the inevitable bear stories. I was a good lad and didn¢t overindulge, so I feel pretty good today. It was a group of my biker friends and some of them are also hikers. You couldn¢t ask for a better group of people. I¢ve done bike rides with all of them and they are all remarkable. Some of them plan on joining me on different sections of the trail, and doing a few miles or a few days with me. I think that would be great, and I am looking forward to it. I¢m posting some of the pictures from the party for your viewing pleasure. Some of these pictures I took, and Jon, another good friend that was at the party, also provided some. More postings to follow.
Date: 2005-02-23
To: Twas' the Night before Departure
Miles today: 0.0

Well, the countdown is over, and the trip that I have been planning for several years is about to become a reality. A wide range of emotions has been running through my head, and my body is saying, ¢let¢s get this show on the road¢.   My pack is completely loaded except for water, and it is weighing in at around thirty-four pounds. That weight also includes all of the clothes that I will be wearing. I have about a five-day supply of food; I¢ve always found that it is better to have too much food, rather than too little. I remember a gift of a pop tart that made the difference between finishing a hundred-mile bike ride, or dropping by the wayside. Thank-you Jenn. We will be leaving Kalamazoo early in the morning, and are hoping to find the road conditions good for traveling. Once we arrive at the State Park at Amicalola Falls, Georgia, I will weigh in with, and without my backpack at the visitor center, where I will also register as a thru-hiker. We will then check out the Forest Service roads for access to the different areas around the park. Then, we will check the access road that comes to with-in one mile of the Summit of Springer Mountain. Depending on the condition of this road; our plans will be made accordingly. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my family, friends, and strangers, who have given their support and encouragement for this tremendous challenge, which I am about to undertake. I really enjoy reading your comments in my guest book, and any suggestions you wish to make, will be considered and greatly appreciated. I would also like to especially thank everyone that has offered a helping hand to my wife, Marilyn, with any problems that she may encounter during my absence. Your gestures of friendship and kindness mean a lot to both of us. Happy Trails!
Date: 2005-02-25
To: Springer Mountain Summit
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We left Kalamazoo on Thursday, February 24, at 7:00 AM. The weather was good until we reached Ohio, where it started to snow. It didn¢t quit snowing until we got into Kentucky. We continued on until we reached Dalton, Georgia, where we decided to call it a day. We figured twelve hours on the road was enough. We left Dalton this morning, and took scenic route 52 for about 50 miles until we reached Amicalola State Park. At the park I signed the thru-hikers registry, and had my picture taken by a Ranger, which is to be posted along with all the other thru-hikers. They also had a very impressive display of poisonous snakes that are found along the trail in Georgia, including a Timber Rattlesnake, and a Copperhead. After we left the State Park we drove to an access road that comes to within one mile of the summit of Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The weather was absolutely beautiful with temperatures in the 60¢s blue skies, and no wind. We hiked uphill to the summit and also signed the trail registry that is located there. Tomorrow morning we go back to the access road and I begin my hike where I left off today. I¢ve been wondering a lot lately about the woman I am married to. What kind of a wife would drop their husband off in the middle of a deep, dark forest, and just leave him? My kind.
Date: 2005-02-26
From: Springer Mountain Summit

To: Gooch Shelter
Miles today: 14.7

T-Rex is on his way to Maine. He started his hike on Saturday, February 26th, at 8:30 A.M., the weather was clear and sunny, temp. was 36 degrees with a high of 60 degrees in the afternoon. I was happy to see four other hikers also starting that morning, it helped to relieve my "Deliverance" feeling as I watched him walk off into the mountainous wilderness alone. I probably won't hear from him until he goes off trail, cell-phone reception was little to none on the mountain. More information for Feb. 26th; Rex hiked aprox. 14 miles to Gooch Mountain Shelter, hiking and weather were excellent, he followed a stream most of the way. He met another hiker at Gooch Shelter. The next morning on the trail they found a cooler and inside was cold beer and soda, its called "trail magic" local residents or maybe hikers leave food and drinks, for fellow hikers.
Date: 2005-02-27
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Sunday Feb 27th, Rex hiked 12.7 miles to Woods Hole Shelter, the weather took a turn for the worst, is was cold and windy all day. He slept in the shelter that night, instead of his tent, because it was raining. The temp. was 30 degrees.
Date: 2005-02-28
To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 2.2
Weather: light snow

Monday Feb. 28th, Rex hiked 3 miles, climbed Blood Mountain, according to legend, two Indian nations fought a battle on the slopes of the mountain, there were so many dead and wounded that the ground ran red with blood, hence the name. This is one of the most visited spots on the A.T. south of the Smokie Mountains. Back to Rex, for the climb the weather was cold with freezing rain. He called this afternoon with all his updates, he will be staying at Neels Gap tonight at a Hostel, he said it was time for a shower and a cheeseburger. It was great to hear from him, he was very positive about the hike, even though the weather has been like home. Keep walking T-Rex.
Date: 2005-03-01
From: Neels Gap

To: Tray Mountain
Miles today: 22.06
Weather: broken clouds

T-Rex left Neels Gap Tuesday morning, hiked to Low Gap in snow 1 inch to 1 foot deep, the trail was very slippery, difficult and treacherous. Daytime temp. was 25 degrees, that night he slept in a shelter with other hikers, they hung their tent tarps over the opening to keep out the wind, he wore everything in his backpack plus being in his down sleeping bag to keep warm, overnight temp. was 19 degrees. In the morning the water in the tubing for his water reservoir was frozen, his camp stove wouldn't stay lit because of the cold and wind, he ate cold oatmeal, put on freezing cold boots, he said it was like wearing ice blocks on his feet. Wednesday March 2nd, he is between Unicoi Gap and Tray Mountain, temp. improved today with a high of 40 degrees, he is staying in his tent off trail tonight, no other hikers are with him at this time. Tomorrow he will finish his hike to Tray Mountain which is known for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Keep hiking T-Rex.
Date: 2005-03-03
From: Tray Mountain

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi all,I spent a relatively quiet night high on a ridge. There was a howling wind occasionally, but other than that it was a good night with a low temperature of around 30 degrees. I got started on the trail about 8:00. It was a nice day for hiking, and going over Tray Mountain wasn't nearly as bad as going over Blood Mountain. The day was partly sunny with temps in the upper 40's. I wanted to try to make it to Hiawassee, but by the time I got to Deep Gap, I was ready to call it a day. I stayed in the shelter with a mouse nest as big as a basketball. I left my bags open so the mice could look inside for food without gnawing holes in any of my gear. Another hiker named Pace came in about 6:00, but he didn't want to stay in the shelter because of the mice, so he put his tent up outside. We both hung our food bags on the cables provided to discourage any unwanted visitors. I haven't seen any bears yet, but there are plenty of signs of them. One group of hikers told me the bears aren't out yet, while another group told me that bears do not hibernate in Georgia. It was a cool clear night and I slept well, although as soon as it got dark I could hear the mice scurrying around my pack, and all over the shelter.
Date: 2005-03-04
From: Deep Gap

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: clear sky

I slept good last night, and after inspecting my gear it looks like the mice found nothing they liked. I was in a hurry to get to Hiawassee, so I skipped breakfast and got started on the trail. I've been seeing lots of scat that looks like coyote and bear. The bear scat has hiker's whistles in it. I only had to do about 3 1/2 miles to get to the road that leads into Hiawassee. It is eleven miles from the trailhead to the town, so I stuck my thumb out. Talk about nostalgic moments; I haven't hitch-hiked in over 40 years. Three cars passed me by, when a car coming from the direction of town pulled into the trailhead and stopped. The passenger got out and asked me if I needed a ride into town. I was on my way in less than 15 minutes. When I got to the car, Scarecrow, another thru-hiker that had stayed in town the previous night, introduced himself to me, as did Corsican, the driver of the car. After Scarecrow started on the trail, I got in the car with Corsican and we headed to town. He told me that he did the trail in 1999, and he moved to this area after he retired, because of his love of hiking. On the way to town, Corsican told me if I needed to use his car today I was welcome to it. Of course I turned him down, but the hospitality was incredible. He took me to the motel where I am staying tonight, and refused a gratuity when I offered it. After I checked into the motel, I had to walk a few blocks to the laundromat. I checked with the owner operator of the laundromat about a lunch place, and he recommended the Mexican Restaurant next door. After my laundry was done, I had the biggest and best Fajita ever, chased down with a Negra Modelo. After I dropped the laundry off I came here to the library to update the last couple of days and read entrys in my quest book. I want to thank all of you for your comments and support, I appreciate it very much. I've got some pictures to download but this computer won't recognize my usb connection, so I guess it will have to wait. When I leave here I am going shopping to re-supply my empty food bag. I'll write more when I get the chance. T
Date: 2005-03-05
From: Hiawassee

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: light rain

March 7th, Message from T. He's at Rock Gap, 40 degrees this morning, windy,he climbed Mt. Albert which had an elevation gain of 1000 ft. in a half mile,thats like straight up for a 1000 ft, I can feel the pain. I love you Rex, don't forget to look at the stars, you know how close they seem when your up on the mountain. Merlin
Date: 2005-03-06
From: Coldspring Shelter

To: Nantahala
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

March 8th, T-Rex is spending the night at Cold Spring Shelter, Elev. 4920, just north of Burningtown Gap N.C. he hiked 20 Miles today, no blisters, making his total 122 miles from Springer Mt. GA. The morning started out with good weather, by 2:00 it was going down hill fast, rain turning to snow, 20 degrees and windy, sounds like home. He crossed over Siler and Wayah Balds (a Bald is a grassy or rock field on top of a mountain, no trees) he was going to bed at 7:00 P.M. (no T.V. or computer). Sweet dreams T. check out the stars.March 9th, T. was up at 5:30, it was the coldest morning so far, 14 degrees, he started hiking early, lots of elevation changes, high 5100 ft. low 1300 ft. that should warm him up, he hiked aprox. 11.5 miles. T. is spending the night at Nantahala Out Door Center. The NOC has a winterized base camp "hostel" open for hikers. The area is known for whitewater rafting, mountain biking and horseback riding weather permitting.
Date: 2005-03-11
From: Nantahala

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 60.0
Weather: light rain

March 11th, Rex Called this evening, he at is Fontana Dam Inn, it was another hard day on the trail, lots of snow and very windy, he did 16 miles today. When he arrived at Fontana Dam there is a shuttle telephone by the trail for hikers to call for a ride, it wasn't working, no in service until March 14th, so he had to walk a little further. There are no other guests at the Inn, no food available to purchase, his own food supply is very low. I mailed a six day supply of food yesterday, it's supposed to arrive at the Post Office Saturday (maybe). T. may have to stay put for a few days and ration his meager food supply, at least he is inside where it is warm, he has a 10 channel TV to watch and he can do laundry in the sink. All services are closed for the winter season. The food coming by mail is for his hike through the Smoky Mountains. Maybe a few days rest will be a good thing. March 12th, Bad news the food package didn't arrive at the Post Office today. Good news, the registration person at the Inn gave Rex a name and telephone number of a person who would drive him to Robinsville, 20 miles from Fontana, to a grocery store for supplies. The mans name is Gene, he's a retired construction worker and he helps hikers by giving them rides, he also gave Rex a tour of Fontana Dam. At 480 ft. its the highest dam in the eastern united states, there is a 54 mile hiking trail around the lake, it is a popular recreation and fishing area in the warmer season. A special thanks to Gene for his kindness. Rex also met two other hikers at Fontana today, OPa and Doc Holliday. Tommorrow Rex will begin his hike through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the second most-visited national park, and it is also the home for between 400 and 600 bears that become more active in early spring, and have developed a taste for the food humans carry. I'll leave you with that thought.
Date: 2005-03-17
From: Fontana Dam

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 64.0
Weather: light rain

March 17th, Rex called this evening, he's at Cosby Knob Shelter, in the Smoky Mt. Nat. Park. The weather was cold with freezing rain, snow and fog. Elevation 4,700 ft. He has blisters on both heels from wearing wet socks and boots. Friday he will hike to Davenport Gap (8 miles) he will stay at Mountain Mama's hostel and store, do laundry, dry out his boots, and give his feet a rest. At one of the shelters on the way he saw sleepings bags and gear from the hikers that were taken off the trail last week for hypothermia. I'll back-track to Sunday; he left Fontana Dam and hiked to Russell Field Shelter, 16 miles, 65 degrees, elevation 4,000 ft, two deer greeted him at the beginnig of the trail. Monday, he hiked to Derrick Knob Shelter, bad trail conditions, lots of mud and water on the trail. Tuesday, hiked to the top of Smoky Mt.-Clingmans Dome, elevation 6,643 ft, hightest point on the A.T. stayed that night at Mt. Collins Shelter, elevation 5,900 ft. Wednesday was cold and rainy, again the trail was in bad condition, horses use the same trail making it rutted and muddy, (mud over the top of boots deep), helping to contribte to blisters. I think Rex will be glad to get out of the Smoky Mountains. No bear sightings, thats probably a good thing. Time for a zero day to heal his blisters. Love from all of us!
Date: 2005-03-19
From: Davenport Gap

To: Hawk's Roost
Miles today: 12.0

March 19th , This picture was taken with his cell-phone camera at Mountain Mama's. It's a picture of her husband's car that he drove 20 miles per hour to Washington D.C. in Jan., the sides have Bush/Cheney yard signs taped to them, the back has an american flag hooked to it. I talked to Rex last night, he's ready to hit the trail again, his feet and spirit are much improved, I guess dry socks/boots, cheeseburgers and fries help.
Date: 2005-03-20
From: Hawk's Roost

To: Big Rock Spring
Miles today: 14.0

I got a late start today, I just didn't want to get out of the bag. After I started hiking the day turned out to be beautiful. I hiked to Big Rock Spring and set up my tent. I like staying in the tent when the weather is nice because it is more like home. I also get tired of the mice runing all over me looking for some tasty morsel, as soon as it gets dark.