morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-11-21
From: Wayah Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 34.3
Weather: clear sky

Apple and I woke up this morning and looked at the temperature. 11 degrees. I'm glad I was in Apple's circus tent and got a night out of the cold. Today is Friday and the last weekend I will be in the woods. This is definitely a weekend I wish I was out of the woods. I'm tired, I'm cold, and I'm hungry. But more then that, today starts the weekend my friends call "Best Football Weekend Ever". It only happens once a year in Chautauqua NY. Some of the guidelines of BFWE are that only football jerseys can be worn, all food eaten has to be fried or grilled, and the only beverage consumed is beer or shots. Oh yea, and no girls are invited. It's a great tradition and I'm sad to miss it.
Date: 2008-11-22
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was the coldest night yet. Four layers of long sleeves, hat, gloves, and two sleeping bags couldn't keep me warm. My shoes were so frozen in the morning I couldn't get them on. I had to bring them back inside my sleeping bag for 15 minutes to thaw them out a bit. The rumor is that there are record low temperatures sweeping the South. It was supposed to be colder tonight so I'm staying in town. Besides, it's college football day. I'm in Georgia!!!!!
Date: 2008-11-23
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: clear sky

Georgia is looking easy. However, my body is finally breaking down. I know I'll be done in two days so I'm finally letting myself realize how tired I am. The last month I have killing my body averaging well over 20 miles a day in order to finish by Thanksgiving. The last month I have hiked 650 miles compared to only 250 miles from my first month out here. It's the final stretch but I am physically beat.
Date: 2008-11-24
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: light rain

In 2004 a hunter stumbled upon and shot a mythical creature called ¢Hogzilla¢ in Georgia. The giant hog was 12 feet long and weighed 1000 pounds. I was hoping to leave Georgia witnessing something incredible like Hogzilla but my time here is about over. Tomorrow is my last day.From the time I woke up this morning to the time I¢m going to sleep it has been raining. And it¢s not the warm summertime rain I grew accustomed to in Maine and New Hampshire. This is the 35 degree freezing rain which requires you to wear all the clothing to keep warm and know matter how waterproof your equipment is everything still gets wet. Ideal conditions for hypothermia.
Date: 2008-11-25
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: SPRINGER MOUNTAIN!!!
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: few clouds

Last night was the second worst night of sleep I¢ve had. My clothes and sleeping bags were completely soaked from the rain and the weather dropped well below freezing. But that didn¢t bother me because today is hero day. It was an easy 15 miles to the summit of Springer Mountain. The sun also came out and brought the nicest weather in weeks. Three of my friends from Atlanta met me a mile from the finish on the forest service road. The four of us walked the last mile together. Matt Wirth, Squintz Rappole, and Georgia Kloss were there for my finish.I thought there might be a chance I would cry on Springer. I didn't come close. In fact I have never cried in my life. This confirms the fact I am too tough to cry.
Date: 2008-01-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

"You're going to do what?"This essentially summarizes the response I got from my wife Michelle when I told her exactly how I planned on spending the 5 1/2 months between March and August 2008. The seed for this idea was planted more than 20 years ago as a motley, inexperienced group usually including my father, brother, my friend Greg and various friends and family members slugged around the White Mountains in our waffle stompers. Doing little sections of the Trail, I was fascinated by an unbroken footpath extending from Georgia to Maine. I wanted to hike that Trail. Life sometimes gets in the way of plans and I didn't create the opportunity then. But in the spring and summer of '07, when it became apparent that the bank that I was working for was not going to survive either it's self-created fiscal problems or the problems of the market in general, I knew there was an opportunity to do something more than just move onto the next job. Michelle and I planned on both taking some time and travelling together. Complications from her job has delayed that idea, but was there still an opportunity for adventure? When the axe finally fell in October, I knew the timing was right to take the shot. After getting Michelle onboard (she has been very supportive), I had to get my act together quickly. Three months later, gear has been purchased, tested, returned and repurchased. Logistics are being finalized. I am earnestly trying to get my 41 year old body in some semblance of physical condition to withstand the rigors of the hike. There is still a great deal to do, but we have set a date and will be ready to go!
Date: 2008-01-18
To: The Good, The Bad ....
Miles today: 0.0

Preparations have been going well and I have most of my gear together, save for a few loose ends. Well, that is not entirely correct. The reality is I probably have enough gear for two people to hike, but that is nitpicking. The current problems that I am trying to solve are in no particular order: * I decided early on that I wanted to use a Pocketmail device to communicate with my transcriber (Dad). Apparently, Pocketmail is a smaller didvision of a large multinational that wants to focus on Uranium mining or somesuch instead of supporting my email needs and is trying to sell the Pocketmail division. This should have been my first warning. ANYWAY, the bottom line is they have no devices for purchase and won't have any for several months. Fortunately, 2007 thru hiker Iceman sold me the device he used on his hike. Sweet. The bad news is I am still trying to get the unit activated through Pocketmail's notoriously sketchy service. More to come. * My recently retired Dad has agreed to operate as Chief Support Coordinator and Transcriber. We have worked out a maildrop schedule that we hope will work, some food but mostly maps and data. He also plans on meeting me at several intervals along the way. * I am struggling with my sleeping bag. My first choice was a Wesetrn Mountaineering Alpinlite. Beautiful bag. Rated at 20 degrees. Less than 2lbs. Also apparently designed for someone about 5'10" and 175lbs. The problem is the shoulder width (known as the Girth in bagspeak; I am becoming an expert)which at 64" is inconveniently enough, nowhere near big enough to accomodate my 6'3" 230lb frame. Crushed, I then ordered the Big Agnes Zirkel. Also 20 degree rated and only slightly heavier at 34oz. A 72' girth should be plenty, right? Well, at least I was able to get the zipper closed on this one. The folks at CampSaver.com have been awesome and so I exchanged my Zirkel for the 15 degree rated Summit Park, size Fat Ba*****. That is the good news, the bad news is I picked up 30 ozs of bag weight in the process. ugh.More to come!
Date: 2008-02-04
To: The Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Originally conceived by Benton MacKaye as a series of wilderness camps and work farms where city dwellers could reconnect with more natural surroundings, the Appalachian Trail (or AT) is a 2,175 mile continuous footpath constructed between 1923 and 1937. The southern terminus of the trail is Springer Mountain in Georgia and it winds through 14 states before terminating (for Northbounders) at Mount Katahdin in Maine. The trail is designated by two-inch by six-inch vertical white paint marks (known as "blazes"). Blazes are painted on trees, signs, roads, rocks and any visible object a hiker could see. Approximately 165,000 of these blazes mark the trail. The AT is currently protected along more than 99% of the trail. Throughout the length of the trail there are shelters and camp sites available for hikers. The shelters, sometimes called lean-tos or huts, are generally open, three-walled structures with a wooden floor. Shelters are spaced less than a day's hike apart, most often near a water source and with a privy. They generally have spaces for tent sites in the vicinity, as well. In addition to official AT shelters, many persons offer their homes, places of business, or inns to accommodate AT hikers.Trail hikers who are attempting to complete the entire trail in a single season are termed thru-hikers; those who traverse the trail during a series of separate trips are known as ¢section-hikers.¢ Most attempt to thru-hike northbound and are referred to as ¢NOBOs¢ (likewise southbounders are SOBOs). The trail's rugged terrain and cold weather conditions during the spring and fall make thru-hiking an extremely demanding experience. Only about 15-20% of those who make the attempt actually report to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy that they have done so. Completion of the trail generally requires five to seven months, although some have done it in as little as three months.
Date: 2008-02-06
To: Coming Together
Miles today: 0.0

I seemed to have solve the last of the gear issues. I received my new Big Agnes bag and, amazingly enough, it feels great. I give up 18 oz but I really had no choice. After many phone calls I was also able to get my PocketMail device activated. I have also picked up the last pieces of clothing (new socks) that I will need. I am still fiddling with my watch. I had purchased a HiGear altimeter in November but that turned out to be crap so I returned and bought a more expensive Suunto watch. Got that last week and it has already locked up on me twice. The early verdict is this is probably crap also. Ugh. Other than a time piece, the gear is in order and set to go.Probably the biggest change made in the last week has been with the food resupply plans. After much debate with the Trail Support Coordinator (TSC), we have concluded that outside of a few remote stops, it is probably better to resupply in town than have stores of food mailed ahead. It is just going to be to hard to determine what my appetite and nutritional needs might be. This plan is also much easier on the TSC.
Date: 2008-02-13
To: Counting Down
Miles today: 0.0

I have been in full Gatherer mode. I made a tub of GORP (an acronym for 'Good Old Raisins and Peanuts') and if you know anything about me it is that peanuts and raisins alone just weren't going to cut it. I added lots of good things to get me through the day. I also repackaged a whole mess of freeze dried veggies and chicken. My plan is to use them to supplement a steady supply of Ramen and other such 'just add waters' that can be picked up in town stops (Thanks to Mango for his suggestions!). I am at 19 days and counting!BTW - the Suunto watch was a bust and went back to REI today.
Date: 2008-02-19
To: Hurry up and....wait
Miles today: 0.0

Since I have most of the heavy lifting (for now) completed, I have turned my attention to wrapping up all the loose ends. This has become more nerve wracking than any gear selection or equipment testing. It is amazing when you think of all the ¢little things¢ that you do on a daily or weekly basis that you either need to make arrangements to cover or shift the burden to your spouse or partner. I honestly don¢t see how hikers with kids work it out; I feel guilty enough asking my wife Michelle to fend for herself in the kitchen and manage the maintenance of the household. Not only do they have the anxiety of watching a loved one take off for 5 months to the woods, but they also have to pick up the slack when you¢re gone. In many cases, they also have to act as the support person for the hiker on the trail. That being said, I have been loading all the financials, insurance, passwords, etc into files for Michelle. This is for her piece of mind as much as anything. I should have fairly easy access to most stuff but this certainly makes it easier for her if I end up bear bait or something.Also saw Doc Morrow and got all my immunizations up to date and some helpful med advice. Thanks Doc! OK, 13 more days of anxiety nightmares and I will be set to go.
Date: 2008-02-25
To: One Week To Go
Miles today: 0.0

After debating whether or not to adopt a trail name, I decided that it was probably inevitable and part of the fun of the hike. That being said, I will probably be better off assuming a name rather than being labeled by someone else after one of the many stupid things that I will likely do in the coming months. Since my wife thinks I know lyrics to every obscure song that *she* has never heard of and the fact that I am opting to carry an 80g iPod on this trip (some things are not negotiable), JUKEBOX it is. I had a great sendoff with friends from work on Thursday (thanks to Kathy for getting everyone together) and it was good to see folks again. Lots of good questions from everyone, but I am starting to detect some patterns so I thought I would tackle a few for everyone's benefit, particularly the non-hikers. Feel free to tack on your own "are you nuts?" or "are you insane?" at the end of each question as this is how it is usually asked: 1. Are you going alone? Yes, I am by myself but with everyone else starting in the next 2 months, I doubt I will be alone for very long. I also think that unless you are hiking with a significant other (even then) it is difficult to keep a pace that everyone is happy for long. 2. Where will you sleep? There is an extensive shelter system on the trail that usually signifies a reliable water source, sometimes a privy, but always a place out of the elements, either in the shelter itself or tenting nearby. These shelters sleep anywhere from 6 to 24 people and range in quality from beautiful and well cared for to mice infested and decrepit. 3. Is your wife going with you? Despite several attempts on my part, my wife has absolutely zero interest in this type of trip. As a workout fiend, she is in terrific physical condition but she is not about to sleep outdoors, much less take care of other bodily functions au natural. 4. Are you going to carry a gun? Absolutely not. Too heavy! Seriously, I don't carry a gun in downtown Atlanta or Baltimore, why would I carry one on the AT? I mean, have you seen The Wire? Thanks to everyone who has signed my guest book. I appreciate your support. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email. I will be checking periodically.------------------------------Allow us to help those in need, sell back your spare PocketMail and make some extra pocket money.
Date: 2008-03-02
To: And we're off
Miles today: 0.0

Beautiful day here in Atlanta, 70 degrees and sunny. We are taking advantage with one of our impromptu porch parties as a quasi-sendoff. Hopefully, the weather is a harbinger of fair skies ahead. All set to go for tomorrow; our friend Billy is going to join us for the 1st mile. Michelle and Billy are going to hike with me to the top of the falls and then send me on my way. I will get updates to the Trail Support Coordinator (TSC) hopefully by midweek. Thanks to everyone for the support.
Date: 2008-03-03
From: Amicalola St Park

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

At 9:05 a.m. this morning under sunny skies and temps in the 60s, I departed from Amicalola State Park with 40 lbs of pack. Michelle and our friend Billy walked to the top of the falls with me. The old approach trail has been replaced by an 800+ stairs trail. It is a beautiful hike but a much harder approach trail than the old one. Said goodbyes and it was dusty start up the trail but I muddled through. Caught up with "Backwater" about a mile up the trail. We walked together a bit and it turns out we graduated from the same high school 9 years apart. It truly is a small world. I made great time today and got to Stover Creek Shelter about 2 p.m. At the shelter with me were "Bananas", "Cannibal", and "Backwater". The forecast is for rain and cold tommorow and it is already gettting brisk. I got something to eat and hit the hay early. JUKEBOX
Date: 2008-03-04
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: moderate rain

I tented last night hoping the forecasted rain would hold off until morning. No chance. The skies opened up about 3:30 a.m. My tent held up great and I had no problems other than packing a wet tent this morning. I hooked up with "Wasabi" as we were leaving the shelter area and we agreed to try to make Gooch Mountain Shelter despite the bad weather. Many folks were waiting to start later for good reason. It was absolutely raining cats and dogs all day. We were both soaked thru after only one hour into the day. Being that temps were in the 40s and the wind was gusting up to 30mph, we were both aware of hypothermia risks so we kept a close eye on one another. We passed Hawk Mountian Shelter about 10 a.m. and found a group there just getting started for the day. Earlier at the top of Springer Mountain, "Many Sleeps" had told me that 51 hikers had started on Saturday March 1. I suspected that we may be catching up with some of them tomorrow. Turns out we actually began catching up with some of them this afternoon and more this evening when we arrived at Gooch Mountain Shelter. The shelter was packed to overflowing. As such I had to tent out again. It was cold tonight but I was dry. I should have a good chance to dry some things. I am dry however and I hit the hay early again. JUKEBOX
Date: 2008-03-05
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

The temperature really dropped last night and everything that was wet promptly froze solid including my boots. Lesson #1 has been learned on the trail---loosen your laces before turning in for the night. Trust me, it is very difficult putting on frozen boots with frozen, cinched laces. It was tough getting going this morning because of the cold. Wasabi and I hit the trail about 8 a.m. We wanted to do the 15+ miles all the way to Neels Gap. Neels Gap would give us an opportunity for a hostel stay and resupply and a good chance to dry out. Although the day turned out to be a beautiful one for hiking, it was a day where layers were in order. It was either sunny and 50 degrees or snowy and 35 degrees depending on which side of the mountain you were on. We made it to Neels Gap about 4:45 p.m. and we were waxed. It was definitely a case of "too much, too early" but I am glad that we did it. When we arrived at Neels Gap, I got a message from another hiker I had met earlier named "Squire". Squire had found a cabin at Goose Creek just down the road from Neels Gap!!! So that is where we are tonight. We were able to get some laundry done and a hot shower. Tommorrow should be a lower mileage day as I need to slow my pace down some until I am better acclimated. I have some minor physical issues such as sore feet and chafing that I need to be attuned to. All for now. JUKEBOX
Date: 2008-03-06
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Last night was a welcome relief from the trail. Ate 3/4 of a pizza and got a great nights sleep at the cabin shared with Wasabi and Squire. This morning full of carbohydrates and new energy the three of us headed out. After resupply and rest we were in the mood for a leisurely day. I also pulled my first bonehead move of the trip by leaving my micropuff down jacket at the Goose Creek cabins this morning. I will work on recovering it in the next few days. Good weather and good hiking. We arrived at Low Gap Shelter area this afternoon. I am having some minor aches and pains with a few blisters but I think a change of sock type at Neels Gap has helped. Tomorrow I am going to get off the trail for a day when I reach Unicoi Gap. Michelle is coming up from Roswell to meet me and I am going to take a zero day in Helen. I had planned on taking a zero day at Hiawasse in a few more days but the weather has changed my mind. Heavy rain is due in tomorrow and then very cold with some snow thereafter. Just seems like a good time to take a short break. JUKEBOX
Date: 2008-03-07
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: moderate rain

Another interesting day on the trail! Seriously, every day presents a new set of challenges to overcome and today was the most challenging yet. I woke at 3:00 a.m. to wind and thunder. The rain came shortly thereafter. I got up at 6:30 a.m. and of course it was pouring down rain. I have actually been pretty good at getting packed up in the rain. . The only problem is when you are tenting(as I am) your tent becomes much heavier when wet. Wasabi has been up since 3:30 a.m. and has been trying to catch some zzzs in the shelter. He had packed up his tent when the rain started. Wasabi's feet are really hurting and he is talking about getting back to Neels Gap to address his boot issues. I told him that Michelle was meeting me tomorrow and we could give him a lift. I also touched base with Squire who, given the weather forecast, thought it would be best to get off the trail today also. So the three of us slogged off in the rain and fog to hike the 9+ miles over Blue Mountain to Unicoi Gap. We made great time and arrived at the gap about noon. Squire and I got on the cell phones and tried to get a ride into Helen, GA. I finally got through to Patsy's Cab Co and they promised a cab within an hour. After over an hour and no show from the cab, I called back. They said there was no driver available and could not get to us until 4:00 p.m. It was raining and cold and the three of us were starting to show early signs of hypothermia. I called the Hiawasse Inn in Hiawassee, GA and they had someone arrive and pick us up within 15 minutes! The hospitality of the folks at Hiawassee Inn was outstanding. They have really taken care of us. So the three of us are drying out here in Hiawassee. Wasabi and I plan on taking a zero day tomorrow. Squire thinks he might try to do some more miles. The weather forecast(after tomorrow) looks great for the rest of the week so I am looking forward to some dry days. JUKEBOX
Date: 2008-03-08
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The bad weather combined with my need for some rest led to a zero day today. I think I may have pushed a bit too much too fast because my body was screaming for rest yesterday. In particular, my left knee has been killing me on the downhill sections of the trail. I talked with KTR when I was at Low Gap the other night and he says that he has the same exact pain. He has been tremendously helped by "patella straps" that fit just below the kneecap. So I picked up those at an outfitter today and hopefully they will provide some relief. Michelle arrived at Hiawassee this morning and after breakfast with Wasabi and me we ran some errands. We drove back to Neels Gap where I picked up the jacket I left there and Wasabi had a chance to get his foot blisters squared away. We dropped him back at Hiawassee this afternoon. Michelle and I went on to Helen to spend the night. The plan is for Wasabi and I to both start up again at Unicoi Gap tomorrow. He plans to do a lot more miles than me tomorrow but hopefully I will catch up to him on the trail later. With good weather forecast I plan to slow down a bit and enjoy the hiking a little more. JUKEBOX
Date: 2008-03-09
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: clear sky

After a late breakfast, Michelle dropped me back at Unicoi Gap about noon. We said our goodbyes and I set out up and over Rocky Mount. It was a picture perfect day for a hike. It was clear and cold with a little wind. I stuck to my plan to do a short day today and things went well. Between yesterdays rest and the new patella straps my legs felt much better today. These patella straps may have saved my hike, my knee was hurtng that badly. So the plan is now for 11 miles tomorrow and a stay at Cloud 9 Hostel where I can pick up my bounce box. No rain, no pain, no Maine. JUKEBOX