morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-02-23
To: What the Hell Am I About To Do?
Miles today: 0.0

Finish To-Do List. Check. Final Gear Assessment and Send to NC. Check.Complete Mileage Plan Which Will Inevitably Not Be Even Close To Reality. Check.Send Out E-Mail To People Telling Them I Don't Intend To Be A Good Correspondent For A While. Check.Unregister From Twitter Since It Is Annoying. Check.Grudgingly Keep Facebook Account Open Against Better Judgement. Check.Attempt To Convince Myself That Walking 2K Miles Is In Some Way Normal. Check.Have A Stern, But Loving, Talk With The Boys About Responsibility While I Am Gone. Check.Express Heartfelt Appreciation To My Wife About Allowing Me To Follow This Path. Double Check.Stop Micromanaging My Trip. Not really.Embraces and Tears. Not Yet. That'll Be Saturday.The most accurate description of what I am feeling right now is, "This s#@t just got real." I don't know if any of the rest of the Class of '12 feels this way, but for some reason over the past couple of days the magnitude of this odyssey has been hitting home. I'm edgy, anxious, excited, worried about things at home while I'm away, wondering generally whether I will complete the entire thing (my own assessment is 60/40 against), wondering specifically if I will make it to Gooch on the first day without breaking, and concerned about having the right gear. And then there is the whole issue of being even more numbingly mindless than I usually am and stepping on a rattler in PA.But do you know what gives me real concern (besides relying on Pasta Sides, tuna, and jelly beans for my nourishment)? Being in my own head for so many hours per day. What will that be like? Will it be delightful as I negotiate a whimsical stroll through a romanticized sylvan landscape with light foot and even lighter heart, crafting poems and odes as I proceed? Or, and this is far more likely, will it be more like enjoying positive spikes of euphoria from time to time caused by my full immersion into the deep green and the renowned quirky trail culture - only to be countered at other times by the occasional troubling pits of sweaty, smelly, hungry, gritty, lonely drudgery? On balance though, when all is said and done, after fantasy meets reality, and reality wins, I expect this journey to be an exercise in gripping coolness. Let's do it.
Date: 2012-02-27
To: Delights and Serendipities in Durham
Miles today: 0.0

They say the trail has its own internal logic. They say it will take care of you as if by magic. It would be ignorant to rely on this of course, but daft to dismiss it when it seems to happen. Coincidences are bewildering. Sometimes they are just coincidences, products of quotidian rhythms, patterns and probabilities. Other times they really make you wonder if there is some underlying coherence to things, some highly complex and seemingly chaotic matrix of connections which exist far beyond the realm of our comprehension, yet align with some meta-encrypted order. Delightful if true. (BTW, I saw the pilot episode of the new FOX series, Touch, with Kiefer Sutherland. Sutherland plays a character, Martin Bohm, who explores this same idea. Further, if you are interested in this stuff, check out the work of David Bohm, the quantum physicist/philosopher/mystic. I'm convinced that's where they got the name of the Touch character.....)I'll be stepping off the day after tomorrow. I arrived here in Durham, NC to hang with my good friend Jonathan and his fantastic uber-girlfriend, Rebecca. Both of these people are highly gifted and talented polymathic renaissance folk. He is a technical writer, custom furniture crafter, gourmet cook, outlaw country growler, and loving son to mother spritely and fey. Rebecca is also a writer, a Durham musical institution (Rebecca and the High Tones), and the conscientious and insightful Chief Community and Safety Officer of an online world populated by several million inhabitants. Sweet gig. So I got here late Saturday night. JJW and I raged and roared a bit, and then woke up to a very nice invitation to brunch at the neighbors' house, 2 doors down, David and Elin. Lovely people, delicious food and funnily enough, very close friends of yet another AT thru-hiker going by the name of Trail Magic, aka Joe Liles. TM did his trek in 2009 and wrote about it in a cool journal.   He's a terrific writer. David is letting me read his signed copy of Joe's book - I am almost through with it, and I commend TM's work to you.   Here is the link:   http://joeliles.chunkyboy.com/ This book should be on any thru-hikers bookshelf. I wish I had known about it earlier.Turns out that TM is from Durham, and got a ride down to GA from here to Springer with a good friend. That is exactly what I am doing. Funny, but I have a strong feeling I will be encountering many more of these pleasant little moments as this thing moves along. I'll let you know as they happen. The past two days have been terrific and I can think of no better way to begin the trail, and to ease the angst and sadness of leaving my family. Thanks to Jonathan and Rebecca for their hospitality, shared laughter and sublime conversation. Thanks to my wholly supportive wife, Carol, my three sons Alexander, Ben, and Ethan, and my overly worried Italian Mom who does not want me to get too thin, for allowing me this indulgence. I am one fortunate guy to have you all in my life. Heading out to Springer tomorrow. Staying at the Amicalola Lodge tomorrow night and then on Wednesday morning, off I go.Be well.
Date: 2012-02-28
To: Mike Muses on Moving Mountains
Miles today: 0.0

Made it to Amicalola Lodge. Did a quick recce up to the Springer trailhead on FS 42. Conditions are good. Rain is called for tomorrow. S'okay, though. Temps look mild. Excited to start. I hope I sleep. I received a note from my friend Raincheck (NOBO '07), today. It is intended to mark my departure in the morning. I think it might have some things to say to many of us."You are now on the journey of a lifetime and hopefully will endure andenjoy.... You are going to walk through God'sfirst temples. Nothing ever built by Man will compare. Why does Manalways place himself before all others?  The beauty, views and soundswill be what we understand as forever.  Enjoy the music and madness ofthe mountains. Time is now timeless and you are in between. Enjoy thesense of being small and part of the awe.  Now you will understand adifferent world.The landscape and wilderness will recharge your voice and brain.Wife, home and family will be there on your completion...  Youwill find a new sense of self. New ideas and joy...RC"
Date: 2012-02-29
From: Atop Springer Mt

To: Hawk Mt Shelter
Miles today: 8.1

And with a "Wellsir, I do believe it is time to walk my ass to Maine," I said goodbye to my buddy Jonathan and headed up the .9 miles to the top of Springer, the AT Southern Terminus. Then, after some snaps of the plaques, I let forth my barbaric "Yawp" and promptly, euphorically stepped off on my journey at precisely 9:15 am. One hour later I was 2.8 miles up the trail at Stover Creek Shelter having a nice conversation with Mama Bear & Papa Bear, a couple from Wisconsin. On the way here I ran into Always Fine and had a nice chat with him en route.I had originally planned on doing 16 miles today but nearly everyone I spoke to said that was too quick a start. I took that seriously and decided to stop at this place even though I got here at 1:00. Good bunch here. Eight guys, all in good spirits.Saw a deer, some juncos and a wild turkey. Also heard a woodpecker doing his thing- sounded like a war drum.   Planning on doing 9 or so tomorrow. Neel's Gap by Friday afternoon.
Date: 2012-03-01
From: Hawk Mt Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

So last night we ultimately had 19 souls at Hawk Mt. Thunder, monster winds, and torrential rains slapped the night. Those of us in the shelter were concerned about the tenters, but every one made it through okay. The people at the site included myself, Always Fine, Half Moon, Birdman, Asalon, Old Hiker, three guys called "Paul," Matt and Sean (both with red beards), Eric (who enjoys 80's music and large salamanders), Sue, and a father/son team from Singapore-Peter and Victor, and several others. I've decided to start introducing myself as Todd until Neel Gap. Then I will go with Nor'easter. I feel I need to earn it before I use it. BTW, weird convos happen at these shelters. Last night's discussion highlights included a 3 yo girl accidentally ingesting hallucinogenic shrooms, the virtues of Culture Club, unicorn steaks, and, inevitably, gear. Smart move going low mileage yesterday. I felt remarkably good this morning and decided to dial it up and do more than I had originally planned. I'll resupp at Mt Crossings midday tomorrow and push on beyond that. Maybe get 15 or so in. Very curious to see how my body feels in the am. I'm tired and hungry camper so I think I must remedy that .....   G'night.
Date: 2012-03-02
From: Woody Gap

To: Neel Gap (Mt. Crossing)
Miles today: 10.5

Good day today. Did the mileage into Neel and got here at noon. Was thinking about doing another 6 or so but Nomad had his weather radio which forecast extremely heavy thunder storms and possible tornados for late afternoon and through the night. That means that if I made it to the shelter and the shelter was full, I'd have to tent- not smart in twister weather. Of course it would be awesome to see a crushed wicked witch on the trail. So I am here at the hostel in Neel Gap. I resupplied, ate some delicious salty snack food and am waiting for dinner tonight, prepared by Pirate, our host. I wonder what it will be. Hostel denizens are me, Matt , Sean , Alex , Travis, Vincent, Yogi, Flip, and Half Moon. Interesting thing I noted today. Many of us who do this want to immerse ourselves in nature and appreciate the views and sensations. Thing is it is really difficult to do. It seems like the majority of the time is spent with eyes front and down. Rocks and roots taken the wrong way can ruin a hike. It takes conscious effort to observe anything else. Ironic, eh?The plan is to get to Hiawasee for Monday night. Should be doable. First restaurant visit. Could be ugly. Btw, I'm officially Nor'easter now. And I'm blowin' in the wind.
Date: 2012-03-03
From: Neel Gap (Mt. Crossing)

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: few clouds

Sitting here in chilly temps at Blue Mountain Shelter. Clear views all around. A far cry from this morning which was windy,misty, foggy, and cold. Big mileage day mostly due to the fact that I was hiking fast to stay warm. Had a nice lunch at Low Gap Shelter and then ploughed on to BMS. The stay at the hostel was interesting. Pirate, the manager, cooked bean soup, sloppy joes and tacos. Delicious and most welcome. He also told us of a girl this season who over-imbibed on tequila and offered "favors" to all the men in the place. My body is holding up to the rigors of the trail quite well. Extremely footsore at the end of today, but that is to be expected, I suppose. Excited to reach the GA/NC border on Tuesday,after a stop in Hiawassee on Monday to resupply. I am starved, and now must attend to that. I will be enjoying instant potatoes and Spam, directly.
Date: 2012-03-04
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night was uncomfortably cold, getting down into the low 20's. My bag, an EMS Mountain Light 15, did not impress me. I had to don my synthetic camp jacket to augment the bag. Very bad night. Nature made up for it the next morning, however, by giving us crystal clear skies which made for magnificent views in all directions. The upside of leaving so early in the year is that the trees are bare, affording top notch views from much of the trail. Another solid day today as Redbeard, Alex, Sean, Flip and I did a very hilly 15.5 miles with total ascent of around 4200 ft. We were all tired, but enjoyed the day. Exciting doings over the next couple of days. Tomorrow is my first town stop where I will resupply and eat real food. Then on Tuesday I expect to leave Georgia and get into North Carolina. Also, I just wanted to thank all of you who have commented in my guest book.  Feedback means a lot out here, especially since most of one's day is spent alone. .  If this blog makes you smile, piques your curiosity, or compels you to get out into nature, then mission accomplished. I hope you are enjoying following along. Cheers for now. Time to visit the land of Nod.
Date: 2012-03-05
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap (Hiawassee, GA)
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Sitting here in a Hiawasee DQ typing this after utterly annihilating a half pound cheeseburger, fries, and Blizzard (Oreo). Odds Bodkins, that was good!I took a long shower, did laundry, resupplied down at the local Ingle's and am just relaxing and resting the body for the day/night. Feels good but I'm itching to get striding again. We'll head out tomorrow morning around 9:30 after a shuttle brings us back to the gap. This is called a "Nero" day, nearly zero, but some miles put in. Looking forward to crossing the state line tomorrow. That's a big milestone for me. Hmm. Perhaps I'll take another shower and a nap. Yes. I believe I shall. Until tomorrow. Be well.
Date: 2012-03-06
From: Dick's Creek Gap (Hiawassee, GA)

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Dear Georgia-You are on my mind. First, let me apologize. Up to this point I have associated you with peaches, bulldogs, bimbos, and Newt. These are all things which, in the best of times, cause me to reach unremarkable levels of ambivalence. So, sorry.But, today all that has changed. Today I have realized that there is far more to you than stultifying humidity and syrupy charm. Today I have realized that you are substantial. I'd like to thank you, Georgia.Thanks for allowing me to find my rhythm, my confidence, and my momentum as a long-distance hiker. For surrounding me with tall and strong oak sentinels protecting my path, I am grateful. I will remember your surprising ruggedness with fondness. The vast undulating indigo horizons you shared with me every day are a testament to your grace.Georgia, you gave me my training wheels. But, I assure you that they are off now and that I am well on my way North and with the wind at my back, thanks to you.As for you, North Carolina, I see how you operate. You welcome us with two miles of heart-exploding, calf-shredding steep ascent, and then reward us with a spectacular view from atop Courthouse Bald. It was kind of a bitch move, if you ask me. But that's okay; I'll play your silly games.Sincerely-Nor'easterps. And Georgia, also thanks for the chicken-fried steak.
Date: 2012-03-07
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Solid mileage over mild terrain. Nothing too strenuous apart from a sharp little scrambly climb to Albert Peak. Good times. It reminded me of hillwalking in Wales.So, today, I went over 100 miles. "Huzzah!" for those of us that reached this milestone today. Those that I know of include Sean, HT1, Aaron, Matt, and the Fudge Brothers, Alex & Bloodbeard. Well done, all.In equally big news, I experienced my first trail magic today. Ginger Snaps, a 2011 thru-hiker, now studying to be a forest ranger, saw fit to leave a huge container of individually wrapped brownies just a few hundred yards south of the shelter. The bold flavors and dense caloric composition of the snacks was much appreciated.The plan for tomorrow is to hike around 10 miles to Wayah Gap, where we hope to get a shuttle arranged to take us to Aquone Hostel about 11 miles off the trail. I'll write a review of the place if things work out as planned.Good night, good people.
Date: 2012-03-08
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Wayah Gap (Aquone Hostel)
Miles today: 9.7

Well, the good news is that our plan worked out. Me, Famous (formerly Sean), and HT1 arranged for a ride at Wayah Gap after a pretty quick nearly 10 mile hike this morning. Steve, the proprietor and 2010 thru-hiker, and his wife Maggie, run the Aquone Hostel. It is new, and I'll write a quick review tomorrow after the visit is complete. So far, so good, though. I'm currently enjoying a $1.25 can of cold beer as I write this.The troubling news is that the Fudge Brothers (Alex and Bloodbeard) got off the trail today, at Winding Stair Gap. Bloodbeard has been suffering from excruciating and tear-inducing knee pain over the past 2 days, and feels like this is nothing that will work itself out and that it is probably time for medical treatment. So his stepdad is coming down from PA to pick the guys up. This is truly sad news as these boys are very cool, and have been really fun to hang out with at night. The way it works with our little group is that we all have similar daily mileage goals, but walk at differing paces and depart camp at various times throughout the morning, all arriving at the same place at night. Consequently, we all mostly hike alone during the day.That is, of course, except for the Fudge Brothers. These guys are inseparable. They are not twins but act like it - setting up one another's jokes, finishing each other's sentences, and eating the same food (mostly oatmeal and ramen). They are real biological 20-something brothers hailing from the Lancaster area of PA, and both of whom are confectioners. They specialize in making cold-marble fudge. You may have seen this before. I saw it for the first time at Mackinaw Island, MI when I was there with my family. Basically, hot liquidy fudge is poured out on a cold slab of marble which slowly cools the stuff as the fudger uses a metal bar to keep all of the liquid under control and adds nuts, etc as it slowly transforms into the solid, slice-able, fudgy block of goodness we all know. Quite a craft, if you ask me. I asked the guys if their work makes them chick magnets, and they told me, "Yes, but that is usually only to get at the fudge." Honest, if tragic.Anyway, Fudge Brothers, I salute you and thank you for the great times on the trail as you allowed us all to watch you eat gigantic amounts of food and listen to your cutting brotherly banter.
Date: 2012-03-09
From: Wayah Gap (Aquone Hostel)

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

Late start as we got on the trail after Steve dropped us off at 9:20. They say you have good days and bad ones on the trail. True.  Despite crisp and clear weather and huge panoramic views from atop the myriad Balds we passed over (Wayah, Copper Ridge, Rocky, and Wesser), I simply did not have my hiking mojo working today . I was weary early on, easily fatigued on the ups, and I have a feeling I have the beginnings of acute Achilles tendinitis on my right heel.  My plan is to hike into the NOC in the morning and use that as a decision point. If the pain is significant then a Nero and Zero at NOC may be in order.  But, on to happier thoughts. Following are some notes regarding my stay last night......Aquone HostelHT1, Famous, and I spent the night in a very fine new hostel.  Owned by our gracious hosts, Steve and Maggie Bennett, the hostel cabin is part of their much larger cabin rental business.  Steve, a retired Royal Marine, is a 2010 thru-hiker, trail name "Wiggy."The building is architecturally stunning, inside and out. Beautiful lofty pine rafters give a very airy feel to the place and it is made to feel even more rustic with the gray flagstone wall areas.  Cots and beds are provided. Hikers are expected to use their sleeping bags. A full kitchen is also provided although we chose to pay for a home-cooked meal. It was delicious.  Cottage pie with Italian bread and butter. Two and a half helpings hit the spot. The front office has an attached  little hiker store which has all one needs to resupply enough to get to Fontana Dam, 3 or 4 days north. It also has gas, plastic bags and assorted other sundry items.  Cold beer is $1.25, btw. Costs are as follows:$20 p/p per night$6.00 for evening meal$5.00 for shuttle$4.00 for load of laundryVarious prices for resupp items The only downside to this hostel is connectivity. There is no phone signal to be found, regardless of carrier. Nor is there 3G.  That said, Steve and Maggie encourage hikers to use their office phone and computer to take care of business. I did, and even got to do a Skype call back home. I'd seriously consider Aquone as a quiet and pleasant alternative to making a Franklin stop. You won't be disappointed.  Give them a call at 828-321-2340. Their website is www. aquonecabins. com.
Date: 2012-03-10
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

What a glorious day to hike!  Conditions were perfect. No clouds, no wind, temps in the high fifties, and birds singing as the Carolina woods beckoned Spring. Famous and I started the day with a quick 6 mile downhill jaunt into the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Arriving at 10:00, I went right in to the outfitter to discuss my heel issue. The very nice lady (Tracy?) showed me some stretches to try, which I will do. I'm finding that I can manage the inflammation by adjusting my stride and my climbing technique to take the stress off the Achilles and calf and put it more on the glutes. I am also ascending much more slowly and deliberately. They say that this condition also responds well to NSAIDs, but I haven't needed to take any yet.  This is by no means a show-stopper at this point, but it is there, and I simply don't want it to get any worse. After all I have over 2000 miles to go. Leaving NOC,  as Famous opted to stay for a burger, I began a 6 mile 3000' climb up to Swim Bald. Most of it was gentle switchback,  so not as bad as it seems. We ended up at this campsite and settled in for the night. The Sun has set and the Moon has risen. Wow. Bright. There really is such a thing as a moonshadow. I'd never seen one. Very cool.
Date: 2012-03-11
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Fontana 28 AT Crossing
Miles today: 17.0

Good day again. I feel very fortunate that we have had these conditions thus far. Brisk flow as I moved through the woods to Fontana. Staying at the Fontana Lodge tonight. Sitting here listening to a bunch of thru-hikers BS-ing, slowly getting drunk. I'm eavesdropping. Probably going to hell. Looking forward to entering the Smokies, tomorrow. Brutal 3K up to start the day.
Date: 2012-03-12
From: Fontana 28 AT Crossing

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After a massive dinner (salad, wings, and a gargantuan veggie burger washed down with three pints of beer) and a heart-stopping breakfast - the Hillbilly Benedict (biscuits  covered with sausage with a fried egg on top, finished off with lashings of sausage gravy),  I took a shuttle to Rt. 28 and set off for the day. Weather is overcast but the cloud ceiling is high enough to allow beautiful long -distance views in all directions. Temps are in the 40's, which is great to hike in. I wanted to see how long the aforementioned breakfast would keep me energized. I left at 9:00 and didn't need to eat a thing until 2:20. Phenomenal. After a walk over Fontana Dam and entering the Smokies (about 3 miles), I noticed an uncomfortable rubbing behind my heel. Blisters!  What the hell? Those are supposed to happen early in the hike, not now.  So I took some time, covered them with duct tape, and it seemed to do the job for the next 12 miles.  The feet are airing out now and we'll  see how they are in the morning. I'll prob slap some moleskin on them and do my miles.  Tendonitis is still there but seems manageable by controlling my pace and mileages. I expect to spend five days in the Park exiting on Friday. This should put me in Hot Springs early on the 19th.  I cannot wait for my two Zero days hanging with Mr. Ward. The body could use the rest at this point, no doubt. Hiker midnight approaches. To my bag, then.