morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Erwin, TN

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up and had the Continental Breakfast. Ran into Bean and found out she needed a ride to Uncle Johnnies. I went back to my room, took a bath and packed up my stuff.    I met Bean near the front door and took her to Uncle Johnnies. We had a good discussion about the trail. She really wanted to get a new backpack. i suggested she look into the Osprey Exos 46 or Aura 50. I should have suggested she look into the Gregory Sage 45 or 55.   At Uncle Johnnies I saw Achilles and said goodbye to him. Then I headed for home.   I went home by way of Huntsville and left Jarod's computer at the Huntsville MHO. Made it back to Bham by 5pm. Good to see my wife, daughter, and son, again.
Date: 2012-06-15
To: Reflections on the hike
Miles today: 0.0

Gear:    I like my new Osprey Exos 46 pack, my hammock/tarp system, food choices, sleeping pad, and clothing choices.    I am still not sure about my new Black Diamond Gismo headlamp, MSR Hyperflow filter (cartridge clogs too quickly, possibly issues between hikes. Seems to do well when new for entire hike.) Sleeping bag was OK but too big and heavy.    I am not happy with my Boot/Sock/Insole combination. I had no heel blisters this time (FITS thinner but tougher sock). I had no foot sole problems with my Aetrex Insoles. I did have blisters between my toes again and for the first time on the knuckles of my toes. I think this has to do with my slender foot and the thinner sock not keeping my foot from sliding down into the toes of my boots. The extreme continual ups and downs of this section didn't help any either.Distance: I think I was out too long. It took me a while to recover physically. I was on a high while out on the trail and loved every minute of it, but it took a toll on my body trying to do too much in the time I had. I believe I will do a shorter 65 mile trip next time. If I do a thru-hike, I will need to start slowly and build up to the mileage I was doing on this trip. Long for a newby, but not Thru-hiker distance.Shuttle Service: Ronnie McGaha was perfect. If you need a shuttle service between Fontana Dam and Erwin, I think he could be your guy.Hotel: I was pleased with the service I got at the Erwin Holiday Inn Express. It was a bit pricey, but with multiple people wouldn't be too bad. Outfitters: Bluff Mountain Outfitters in Hot Springs was very good. Helpful, free drop box service, had almost everything I needed. Unfortunately they had run out of MSR Hyperflow replacement cartridges. In their location, I suspect that replacement cartridges are a nightmare and it is hard to keep them in stock. I got some Aquamira as a long term substitute and it worked well for me.People: All of you that I met were really fun. I wish I could have spent more time with you. Although Matt probably doesn't want that. Especially, Jarod, 3 Moons, Aaron and Jackie, Achilles, and Bean. I hope Jarod will want to try again with me in the Fall.Weather: This was a good time to do this section. I would have preferred to do it a week earlier, but this worked out well. There was only one rainy day and one Hot day. I think that is a pretty good average.
Date: 2012-03-03
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Springer Mtn
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: few clouds

Left Amicalola Falls after a warm nights stay at the lodge and a buffet breakfast. Karen bid me farewell at 10:00 a.m. and I hiked to Springer mtn. My pack weighed in at 32 lbs. Weather-Clear and 43 deg.
Date: 2012-03-05
From: Sassafras Mtn

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Good weather though a little cold and windy. 30 deg. Met fellow thru hikers Birdman, Waldo, Chris and mom Jean and Jake aka Smiley. Had an enjoyable camp with a group of about ten folks and ate supper by a warm fire.
Date: 2012-03-06
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Traveled through Blood Mtn wilderness. Very beautiful Could not camp because of bear problems. Stayed the night at Neel's Gap at the Mountain Crossing hostel Lots of fun. The hostel grilled chicken with beans and salad for dinner and then we all watched the great film "Blazin Saddles". The next morning we were surprised with a pancake breakfast. Made my first mistake...left my sleeping bag liner.
Date: 2012-03-09
From: Tray Mtn Shelter

To: Dick Creek's Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Made a mostly downhill trek into Dick's Creek Gap. Immediately caught a ride with Ron Have who carried us ti Hiawassee for a night at the budget Inn. I ate a country buffet for dinner, washed my clothes and myself and a great breakfast before we caught a shuttle back to the trailhead.
Date: 2012-03-10
From: Dick Creek's Gap

To: Bly Gap NC
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

Mostly uphill walk in beautiful sunny weather. Walked with Waldo and camped with some section hikers at Bly Gap just across the Ga/NC border.My campsite for the night was not level. and I slid downhill and collapsed my tarp tent. Reset up in the middle of the night but lost one tent stake.
Date: 2012-03-11
From: Bly Gap NC

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

A long but beautiful hike. Crossed over Courthouse Bald (826 foot climb) and then standing indian mtn (5498 ft). Hung with Waldo all day and made Carter Gap at around 6:00. Very tired. Went to bed right after supper.
Date: 2012-03-13
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: light rain

Easy day. Reached the gap at 10:00 and Waldo and two other thru hikers had found a ride to Franklin NC with a hiker from South Carolina. They held up leaving until I arrived and 20 minutes later I am checking in at the Microtel Hotel This is a beautiful place with coffe all day cookies and breakfast. Cleaned up all my gear and myself and washed my socks. Bought a new pair of shoe inserts at the local outfitter to replace my threadbare inserts. While I was shopping a voice called out "hey Beeman". It was a young couple Brian and Beanie from Vermont who I had met at a spring. What a nice surprise.
Date: 2012-06-25
To: Big Dog's Back!
Miles today: 0.0

NOTE: In case you're interested, I just posted my journals from my 1 week hike in October, 2011. You can read them by going to the lower left hand column and clicking on My Other Trail Journals (2011). Then again in the upper left hand column, change the date to 10/14 to begin reading.THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!So ¢Big Dog¢ is heading back to the trail. Last year I got off at Old Stage Road, about 20 miles shy of the VT/NH border, with exhaustion. This year I am starting at the Route 9 trail head near Bennington, VT and heading North Bound (NOBO).   I will be repeating most of Vermont in an effort to get my ¢trail legs¢ and to cover the 40 miles I missed due to hurricane Irene. Unfortunately, with tons of time to get into good physical shape, I have not. Oh...I¢ve gone to the gym...done a few ¢Cross Fit¢ sessions with Haunani...been walking in the park with my pack...but it's still not enough. I could have done more. This is one of the reasons for repeating VT to get into good physical shape for the rugged states of NH and ME.I had lost 50 lbs by the time I got off the trail last year. This year, I hope to balance the inevitable weight loss by paying better attention to nutrition. I know I talk a lot about food, especially when I hit the towns for real food and resupply. When in the towns, you do your best to resupply, but it's not always with quality stuff. This year, all my resupplies are being shipped so Haunani's in charge of my nutrition. Note how she's trained me to think of food as nutrition and fuel?! I still get to have my fritos, a habit I picked up from Minutia and she's cut back my beloved spam to an occasional packet 'cause I resupplied myself with too many on the trail last year. Since I am a ¢gear head¢ I had to tinker with my equipment. First of all, I am switching from an Osprey Atmos 65 to a custom built MacHale pack. I received the MacHale as a Christmas gift from my best friends, Matt & Sylvia Breidenthall. It nearly stopped my heart, I was so ecstatic! Although it weighs 5 lbs (1.25# heavier), in my opinion, it has the best suspension system on the market today. I believe this will pay dividends in comfort when having to carry extra water or making long climbs.   I've already noticed the improved comfort in my practice hikes.I'm also switching cooking systems from the Jet Boil to an Alcohol Stove. The Jet Boil is faster, but is heavier and relies on a fuel cannister, that you can't tell how much fuel is left. The lightweight home made alcohol stove is extremely light but takes longer to boil water. Since I'm boiling a minimum amount of water (< 4 cups a day), the weight of the alcohol for fuel is less as well and I can see how much fuel I have left.I¢ve ditched the gravity filter system (double bladders with hose) for a 1 liter water bottle and 3 soft sided liter bottles and Chlorine Dioxide tablets and drops.   Definitely a lighter system!
Date: 2012-06-26
To: Hiking Buddies
Miles today: 0.0

This year, I'll be hiking with two friends ¢Minutia¢ and ¢Stylin¢.   Minutia and I hike off and on much of the trail last year together. We found we have similar hiking styles and enjoy each others company. Over the last year, Minutia and his wife Helen have become good friends.   I meet Stylin and her husband Tony, several times along the trail last year. They are the folks that arranged for a taxi into Helen, GA that plucked us from a forest road after we were soaked by a nasty thunder storm.   I meet them again at the Natahala Outdoor Center (NOC) and later in Damascus, VA. She hiked some of the trail in NH last year with two other ladies and in PA and part of NJ with ¢Flute Walker¢.   Comment by Haunani: I absolutely love his hiking buddies. I think Big Dog and Minutia sometimes behave like an old married couple...hilarious to watch how they carry on! Stylin's got her hands full with these two...she'll be the peace maker and keep them in their place! She may be small in stature, but the woman can hold her own...just sayin!
Date: 2012-06-27
To: T-Minus 1
Miles today: 0.0

We leave tomorrow! The excitement and anxiety are different somehow this year, I am excited to start and finish the journey, but the naive wide eyed wonder of starting the AT at Springer Mt., GA, is long gone.   The anxiety is different too. Last year it was about ¢if I could measure up¢ to the challenge. This year, it's more about leaving Haunani for two and a half months. She's watched as I cull the internet for hours (being the gear head that I am), humored me as I make my case for yet another piece of equipment and listened patiently as I go on ad nauseum about the minutest detail. She's listened so well that she can remind me why I've made a particular decision! Anyway, it's been pretty hectic and busy getting everything together the last two weeks. We've only packed 5 of the 14 boxes that Haunani will send to resupply me. However, we have a system, with of course a spreadsheet list that she can follow and we've stocked up on the necessary supplies and incidentals. My backpack is packed and I'm ready to go!Comment by Haunani: I agree with Big Dog...the anxiety is different this time for me too, and I can't put my finger on it. I am greatly comforted that he has two very experienced hiking buddies who will watch each other's back. In 2011, I drove to meet up with him every 5 - 6 weeks. In 2012, I'm sending him re-supply boxes instead so I won't see him until he's done. At least we'll be in regular cell phone contact. Perhaps I'm just feeling his anxiety because I sure do believe in him!
Date: 2012-06-28
From: VT 9 Bennington, VT, MP 1603.3

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter, MP 1604.8, VT
Miles today: 1680.4
Weather: few clouds

Long drive on such a beautiful day. Haunani drop us (Stylin & Minutia) at the route 9 trail head around 2:30 pm. We then hiked the 1.5 miles to Melville Nauheim Shelter MP 1604.8, where we planned to tent for the night. One and a half miles is not far, but since it's our first day out, it's our shake down day. We're trying to pace ourselves, so we're sticking to our schedule.We all had a lot of last minute jitters and availed ourselves of the privy at the trail head, some of us, twice.   After assurance that I would make "good, smart decisions" I hugged Haunani goodbye.   I miss her already! The hike was ALL uphill and soon, I was huffing and puffing and regretting I hadn't got into better shape. However, the new MacHale custom pack performed wonderfully. I was hiking more upright while climbing and it is soooo very comfortable even with 35 pounds on my back. Thank-you Dan MacHale!!! THANK-YOU Matt & Sylvia for the Xmas gift!!! Made my first successful meal on my alcohol stove...was a little nervous, but think I'll get the hang of it. Note to Matt & Sylvia: I sure wish I had brought the Little Debbie's you gave me for "trail essentials"...they sure would have tasted good.
Date: 2012-06-29
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter, MP 1604.8, VT

To: Goddard Shelter, MP 1613.3, VT
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: few clouds

Goddard Shelter, MP 1613.3 for an 8.5 mile day.Left this morning at 6:30 with Stylin and got here at noon. Minutia decided to take his time and left at 8:00 so arrived at the shelter at 1:30 pm. Our goal for today was this shelter, but with so much daylight we could easily make the next shelter, 4.5 miles away. It was a hard decision to stick to the plan. Good, smart decisions is the watch phrase. While we waited for Minutia, several hikers came into the shelter.   Two older guys doing the Long Trail (which the AT follows for quite a distance) and a guy from VA (Cardinal) who has been section hiking for the last couple of years. They're all moving on to the next shelter or beyond. Later, a NOBO Scout comes walking in. Nice young man who lives in VT. He left March 21 and has only taken 4 zero's.   He tells us we might have up to 7 hikers. We've decided to stay in the shelter tonight because there are no good tent sites here.   It rained when we got up this morning, but by 10 am the day turned into a sunny, breezy day. Health wise, my feet are fine, my knees are fine, but I have no wind power.   I had to stop several times to catch my breath on the last climb to the shelter.   Sorry Purple Haze...I just couldn't keep moving. Note: Purple Haze hiked with Big Dog for about a month last year and taught him to keep going, slow, and steady, one step at a time, one foot in front of the other and just keep moving. In another week or two, Big Dog will get his trail legs on and the wind power will increase. Starting in Springer, GA during March last year was much cooler and BD started at a very slow pace. It's much, much hotter in VT, so that's why they're deliberating doing smaller miles to begin with.
Date: 2012-06-30
From: Goddard Shelter, MP 1613.3, VT

To: Story Spring Shelter, MP 1622.2
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today, we hiked to Story Spring Shelter MP 1622.2 or 8.9 miles.Last night, we three were the only ones sleeping in the shelter. Stylin slept on one side, while Minutia and I slept side by side on the other side. Stylin did this so as not to disturb us when she gets up at 4:30 am. However, last night Minutia's air matteress sprung a leak and he was up several times pumping it up causing quite a racket! We all eat breakfast and hit the trail by 7:00 am. After a short steep climb we reached the Glastenbury Mountain Lookout Tower. I climb to the top to take pictures and try to call home (drat no signal!). It was very windy but the 360° view was awesome and well worth the climb! It was a beautiful day for hiking with sunshine and a cooling wind. We saw beaver ponds today for the first time. At lunch, we talked of going further then planned, but by the time we reached the shelter we were all tired and decided to stick to our schedule. I truely wish I had lost more weight and exercised harder.   I did climb all the hills today non-stop, but I was breathing really hard.This evening, there are several NOBO thru-hikers staying near the shelter. "Mouse" from TN, "Sitting a Bit" from NH, "The Dutchman" from TX, and "Dr Dave" from ME. All older folks like me.   While we eat, we talked, compared notes, and told stories.   These folks are very amazing. They covered today what we did in two days and they will cover tomorrow what it will take us two days to do. The Dutchman averages 20 miles a day!!!Oh! One more discovery! I read in the shelter log that Sarge and Weaver are hiking a couple of days ahead of us. They are finishing the last section they skipped last year! We won't catch them cause they are getting off in Manchester, but it sure would've been great to trade stories again with them.Note: If you're a North Bound (NOBO) thru hiker, you started at Springer, GA in Feb or Mar and hiked your way to this point by doing 10+, 15+, 20+ mile days, like BD did last year. When you're still trying to get your trail legs on, it's hard to remember that you, too, would be doing their mileage if you'd been hiking for 4-5 months. BD is hard on himself, but I know he's progressing well.
Date: 2012-07-01
From: Story Spring Shelter, MP 1622.2

To: Straton Pond Shelter, MP 1632.6, VT
Miles today: 10.4

For some unknown reason I couldn't fall asleep last night so this morning I feel a little fatigued.Stylin left camp at 6 am and I left at 7:30 am. Minutia left about an hour and half later. This was our longest day yet, 10.4 miles to Stratton Pond shelter MP 1632.6. We climb our highest point, Stratton Mountain elevation 3936 feet. This was about a 1,500 foot climb. Stratton Mountain is were Benton MacKaye concieved the idea for the AT. A year or so before this, another gentleman (?) concieved the idea for the Vermont Long Trail.While on top of Stratton, the two caretakers from the Long Trail Hiking Club gave me an apple and a plate of macaroni with beans, olives and some other things I don't normally eat. Great trail magic, nonetheless. I also climbed the fire tower to take some pictures. Beautiful view but windy.Met a thru-hiker named 65. He is doing the Eastern Continental Trail (which includes the AT) from FL to Canada. He is 74 years old and thru-hiked the AT when he was my age, 65! He has also thru-hiked the PCT and several other major trails in the west.Stratton Pond Shelter is a fee for stay shelter with tenting in designated areas which means not near the shelter. The tent sites are a long way around the lake. There is supposed to be a caretaker who collects the fees and generally maintain the shelter and surrounding area. This is a seasonal job and no one is on duty as of now. In my opinion the shelter which can sleep 12 is a dump. It is dark and dirty. Minutia, Stylin, and I all decide to stealth camp near the shelter. Stylin puts her tent up near two young ladies (Dot & Meg) who are hiking the Long Trail. Minutia and I find a spot further away to erect our tents together.It's raining as I write this in my tent. It's been a tough, tough day, but tomorrow we will hike 10 miles to VT 11 & 30 and catch a shuttle to Johnny SeeSaw Lodge for showers, food, and resupply. Can't wait!
Date: 2012-07-02
From: Straton Pond Shelter, MP 1632.6, VT

To: VT 11 & 30 Trail Head, MP 1643.3
Miles today: 10.3

Really stormed last night, but slept well. Stylin had a small puddle of water in her tent when she went to bed last night so she decided to move into the shelter as did Dot and Meg. However, that didn't last long cause one of the guys was a heavy snorer. Stylin then moved back to her tent after drying things out.   Meg and Dot followed soon after.Stylin hit the trail at 6:30 am and Minutia and I followed at 7:30 am. The trail was mostly up and down hill today, with no significant climbs. Yay!We hiked around Stratton Pond, which is an old beaver pond and is quite beautiful. Forgot to mention that I soaked my tired and sore feet in the pond last night. Felt soooooo good! Minutia and I hiked together all day and talked like the two friends we are.   We stopped at Prospect Rock Overlook for a snack and then pushed on to Spruce Peak Shelter for lunch. Spruce Peak is the first shelter I've seen with windows, door, and wood burning stove inside. We get to VT 11 & 30 trail head MP 1643.3 around 2 pm and meet up with Stylin who's been waiting about an hour. We've hiked 10.3 miles in 6.5 hours. If I was in better shape we could easily do 15 milers.   However, the balls of my feet are sore and another 5 miles might cause blisters. Gary, from Johnny SeeSaws Lodge picks us up in his just "detailed" Jaguar! This Lodge is very historical. It was built in the 1920's by a Russian emigrant who lost the lodge and dance hall in a poker game in the 1930's. The Army's 10th Mountain Division was formed and stationed here until they relocated to Colorado during WW II. At the lodge, we slackened our thirst with some cold brews and collected our mail drop packages. SeeSaw's is best described as a restaurant which also has some lodging. Most of their business is during ski season when they get $250/night for a room. We are staying in a cabin with two rooms and paying $50/night per room.   Minutia and I are in one and Stylin in the other. They are conveniently located near Bromley, Stratton, and Killington Ski areas, but not in a town so no resupply or laundry facilities.   We've decided to take a zero day tomorrow to rest up. It'll give my sore feet a break.We celebrated completing our first 40 miles by having a hot shower and a 16 oz prime rib for dinner. Unfortunately, the meat was tough and we sent it back. So much for high priced restaurants having great food and there are no other restaurant options. Stylin and Minutia each get 6-packs to take back to the room.It's eight o'clock and I can hardly keep my eyes open. I talk briefly with Haunani and Kekoa. Haunani is spending 4th of July with Kekoa & Crystal at Penn State.   Wish I were there...just a little homesick.
Date: 2012-07-03
From: VT 11 & 30 Trail Head, MP 1643.3

To: Johnny SeeSaw Lodge, Peru, VT
Miles today: 0.0

Sad news, Stylin decided not to take a zero today and is getting a ride this morning to the trail head. She's a strong hiker and we wish her well and respect her decision. "Hike your own hike," as they say out here. She's hoping to hook up with Meg & Dot (the ones we met 2 days ago doing the Long Trail). Since she's hiked portions of New Hampshire last year, she can skip ahead whereas we have to hike all of NH. We, (I), need a day of rest for my sore feet. A zero was planned into the schedule at every supply point with the option to not take it if we felt strong.Minutia and I spend the day doing hand laundry in the sink (a pain in my butt!), drying clothes, going over equipment, and talking to love ones. I've also spent a lot of time catching up on my journals.We had French Onion Soup for dinner and I must say, it was some of the best I've ever had and the most expensive at $8.50 a bowl. After last night's pricey and disapointing prime rib dinner at the restaurant, we prepared and ate our trail dinners in our cabin before treating ourselves to this delectable soup.Several thunder storms are predicted for tomorrow morning which means we may not get out of here till the afternoon. If it rains all day, we'll probably spend another night here. Better a dry zero here than hiking hours in the rain. Once you're on the trail and everything gets wet, it can take a couple of days to dry out if the weather doesn't let up. One thing I've learned is "not to set sail in bad weather".