morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-02-07
To: Support
Miles today: 0.0

Thanks for all the good feedback! I went to Doctor about my back and ended up with a perscription for my lungs? I'd been fighting a bout with the flu (didn't get the flu shot) and thought I was getting over it. As I began to talk to the doctor about my back I hacked up part of my lung which he found alarming. After checking my lungs he thought it would be wise to take it easy and rest up. He gave me the name of a back specialist, but seemed to think that if I took it slow I'd be alright. I had to vent in my last journal entry about a few things that were festering. I guess being a little under the weather didn't help my mood much. Thank you again for the positive words. I'm impressed by the good will of others. In order to stay motivated and to help when things are looking grim, I've decided to download a bunch of pictures that I find inspiring into my journal. These are pictures of places I've been and people who are dear to me. The picture of my father (who I'm hiking in memory of)and mother, is one of my favorites. As a kid, when I was up to no good, my father would give me this look. It was a half, what the heck were you thinking and half this kid is full of adventure (proud) look. I remember telling my father some of the crazy things my friends and I had done (climbing, ice climbing and hiking in the mountains) and he would just shake his head and give that look. It's hard for me to believe he's gone, but I know he's giving me that look everytime I'm up to something! I already know that I'll be giving my kids that same look. In fact I think I do already.
Date: 2007-02-07
To: Sprained Rice
Miles today: 0.0

Today I spent the afternoon picking the brain of "Sprained Rice" aka Bill O'Brien. Bill has hiked the A.T. twice and has helped organize and host the Hikers Rendezvous. I met Bill thorough my friend Scott who works third shift and watches his daughter during the day, just as I did with my kids. There were many days that we helped each other stay awake. Well, as fate would have it, Scott and Bill work together for the Waterbury Republican (Death of a Salesman town). Bill came over and showed me great slides of his past hikes and I fired off a bunch of questions (mostly about food drops and places to stay). He also had some great slides of the John Muir trail, which were spectacular. We shared stories of our different adventures and some of the many characters I might run into while on the A.T. We also talked a little about the whole light weight thing and Ray Jardine. Bill had hiked through the smokies in mid March with about a foot of snow, but was well prepared! You just never know what you're going to get for weather.
Date: 2007-02-27
To: Shake down?
Miles today: 0.0

I was able to get away for a few days to go ice climbing / winter camping (freeze my back end off). This was supposed to be my shake down hike, but it was more like ¢try not to turn to popsicle¢ hike. I didn¢t use any of my gear with the exception of my quads which I may need to turn in for a new pair. About a month ago I got a call from one of my college buddies, Jeff, who I¢ve know for over twenty years. He asked if I would be interested in going out for a few days to do some ice climbing. I jumped at the opportunity to get out and test my endurance.   The last time I had swung an ice axe was almost ten years ago. I also figured if we were camping out I could try some of my new gear.
Date: 2007-02-27
To: Shake down?
Miles today: 0.0

Fine and DandyWell, my twenty degree bag was useless in the single digit temps. My pack was too big for ice climbing and my tent was too small to fit both of us in. My legs were spent after slogging the three and half miles up hill to the base of Huntington¢s Ravine and the winds began to gust up to seventy miles an hour. The average wind speed was fifty miles an hour with temps at five degrees. Combined, the temp was around minus thirty.Despite the conditions, we were able top out safely, thanks to Jeff, who did all the leading. We made it back to Pinkham Notch by 6:00 p.m. drove back to our campsite, set up camp, cooked dinner, attempted to dry our hats, gloves and boots and crashed around 10:00 p.m.
Date: 2007-02-27
To: Shake down?
Miles today: 0.0

The next day we opted for some easier climbing conditions and drove over to Crawford¢s Notch. After walking down an old railroad track for about half an hour we found the start of a small gully. We solo climbed up hill, through snow and ice for over an hour until we came to the base of Hitchcock Gully. The climbing was great and the views into the Notch were beautiful. After topping out we were able to rappel quickly to the base of the climb and then walk/ glissade the rest of the way down. We made it back to the car by 5:00 p.m. packed up and began the long trek back home.Throughout both days of climbing, hiking and sleeping out, I kept thinking that in less than five months from now, I would hopefully be hiking through this same area. Hopefully in much milder conditions!
Date: 2007-03-13
To: Thank you
Miles today: 0.0

I wanted to thank everyone that has helped me prepare for my hike. I have recieved a great deal of support and I want friends and family to know how much I appreciate them. I also want to thank my wife Carissa for being understanding and caring enough to let me attempt this journey.This will probably be my last entry or second to last entry before I am on the trail. Saturday Carissa is having a send off party for me where I will be able to see and thank people personally. Thanks to all of you who have made donations to the "Hike Against Cancer".Last weekend we went to my mother's for her birthday. I know I have mentioned my father several times in my journal (Hiking in memory of him) so I would like to mention my mom. To sum her up best, I guess you could say she is a Saint. While my father worked for many years, my mom was home raising all seven of us. To top it off, she gets along wonderfully with my wife who loves her dearly and often wonders how in Gods creation she raised all of us Locketts. I want to thank her for being a great mother, mother in law and grandmother (Situ). Situ, we are looking forward to seeing you at John and Michael's in June. Last but not least, I want to thank friends from work. I have been concerned lately with the well being of one of my good friends. About two months ago he began to have problems with his digestion. He then became jaundice and began to develop liver problems. At this time he is stable and at home, but has not improved. I'm worried about him and his family. I'm hoping for good news and will keep him in my thoughts and prayers. Good luck to us all who are adventerous enough to begin this journey.
Date: 2007-03-19
To: Send off
Miles today: 0.0

This past weekend Carissa organized a send off party for me. We had about fifty people consisting of family and friends. The day turned out to be beautiful considering the day before dumped about eight inches of snow and sleet in our area. We were concerned that the roads would not be plowed and we would have to postpone or cancel.The food was great along with the company! There were lots of kids running around and friends that I don't often get to see. I've posted a few pictures in my photos for those who would like to check them out.Some of the kids went out sledding while others built dream catchers or ran around playing chase and hiding in my tent. I'm going to miss all those little crazy rug rats! I guess I couldn't have asked for a nicer day. Thank you Carissa and thanks to all that attended. I also want to thank everyone again for their donations to the American Cancer Society.   This will be my last entry until I am on the trail!
Date: 2007-03-31
To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A series of unfortunate events....Before we even boarded the plane, we knew our capacity for stress would be tested in the next few months. We had no idea what we were in for. We somehow managed to get across the tarmat, kids on one arm, their shoes in our hands, only to be seated in the least child-friendly cabin- EVER. Mike endured a severe stomach bug on the first night at Mandy and Brian's house, and slept through our first day of "vacation".We weren't worried, there was still plenty of time for him to recuperate and besides, we were still waiting for his pack to arrive. His backpack, which was sent 3 weeks prior to our departure, had traveled the East coast four times and was damaged in route. After many phone calls to our new friend, Bill at the UPS store, we discovered it had been returned to our house in CT and our concerned neighbors pulled it in off the porch. On Friday morning, when the backpack made it's debut Mike immediately inspected the contents and everything appeared in working/functional order. It wasn't until 7pm that he discovered that his fuel tank was leaking. So a quick, late night trip to REI to purchase another stove and tank was required. Despite all the small tests of character and will, Mike was able to remain incredibly positive and optimistic.   On Saturday morning we drove him to Amicalola State Park so he could access Springer Mountain and the start of the trail. We recognized lots of other people from their journals and it was great to put some faces to the entries. Mike was the 409th person to sign in as a thru-hiker for this year and his pack weighed in at a delicate 45 lbs!! Starting off around 9:45am on an overcast 54 degree day, Mike and our friend Brian(aka: Sherpa or Pack B#@!%) made it to the shelter by 3:30pm!   They spent their first night on the trail hanging out with other adventurers, and a young local couple who brought their 10 month old up the mountain for the night.?!He is doing well and sends his best to everyone!
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Springer Mt. 

To: Hawk Mountain
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: light rain

Mike checked in tonight. Another strong day of hiking under his belt and no major physical ailments to report! He, and his gear, dried out from yesterday's rain. Today was a day of firsts. I met my first trail maintainer, hiked my first mile on the A.T. and walked through my first rhodadendron tunnel.Last night was sleepless, Little Violet started crying around three and kept going for a good two hours. Brian wished me luck and got a ride down with Violets Mom and Dad. I also had some donuts and juice from Mt. Squid. Weather was very wet today, but comfortable to hike in. Brian, everyone enjoyed your company and hope that you will continue to be the good Sherpa.
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Hawk Mountain

To: Gooch Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Weather cleared up as the day progressed. Lots of people at Hawk Mt. Shelter last night. Thank goodness many of them were tenting. Things were a little damp but dried out quickly. We did some fairly big climbs but they were not to difficult due to the amount of switch backs. Saw lots of wildflowers, Violets, Columbine, Blood root, and Trillium. Spring is trying to make an appearance.Helped a father and daughter get to the next shelter. They were totally out of water and had eight miles to go before the next water source. I gave them all my gatorade and some of my water. I hope they made it out okay?Heading to Gooch Mt. Shelter.
Date: 2007-04-03
From: Gooch Mountain 

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked out of Gooch Gap with Ronin and W.T.F.(Diana). Today was our longest day, twelve miles with lots of climbs and descents. Everyone was moving slow and feeling it. We tried to get an early start and left the shelter at nine, (not bad). About five miles into our hike we took a break at Woody gap with about a dozen other hikers. We talked to a few we had seen before and we all enjoyed a little trail magic, beef jerky, dried apples with sugar and other snack foods to help get us to Woods Hole Shelter. Overall, I would have to say this was my toughest day. My legs feel good but my feet ache by the end of the day. My pack is still pretty heavy but tomorrow I'll have the crew at Walasi-Yi Center give me some suggestions.Tonight I'm using my bivy sack and not sleeping in the shelter. We had a short thunder storm last night but then the temp. started to drop and it cleared up. It should be a good night to sleep out, not much of a choice because the shelter was full!Meet a bunch of new people. One younger kid from Glastonbury, CT wearing a Red Sox hat (I don't think it was Matthew's). Everyone was very relax, cracking jokes and swaping stories. Before everyone retired for the night we saw a great rainbow that touched down in the valley below us. I love you Carissa, Matthew and my little princess Emelia. Hugs and kisses!!!!
Date: 2007-04-04
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To:  Blood Mountain 
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We Climbed Blood Mt. this morning, great views of what we have already accomplished and what we have ahead of us. The descent was long and hard on the knees. When we arrived at Walaisi-yi everyone was happy to see a little civilization. After getting a cabin to stay in we meet up with other hikers whom we hadn't seen for a few days, one in particular was Robo. This guy is a real character. Since day one he has taken our little group under his wing. I'm not sure if this is good or bad but he has never lead us astray.The staff at the center were giving people advice on how to lighten their packs up and other helpful advice. None of us had eaten since breakfast so we got a bite to eat. Ronin and WTF were drooling as they waited for hot dogs to finish cooking. I had to laugh because they wouldn't move away from the hotdog rack as if staring would make them cook quicker.After we ate some we went to the cabin and spread out all our gear so it could dry out. Afer all our chores were done we went back up to the center for dinner. The hostel had a cookout for all the thru hikers for a small donation. Everyone pigged out. Afterwards everyone sat around swaping stories other hikers they had met and how they weathered the previous days lightening storm. Around this time a young kid came in and tried to explain to everyone how he had gotten soaked and decided to pack up his gear in the outhouse to stay out of the rain. He had been accused of sleeping in the outhouse by some other guys and he was trying to dispell the rumors. To make a long story short, no believed him and he was given the trail name Privy Winks. This is a good example of why you should give yourself a trail name and not wait for others to give you one. After some good laughs we all retired for the night.Tomorrow will be my first zero day. I'm going give my knee a day of rest, get food, send somethings home and possibly look at some better fitting packs. I love Carissa. I will talk to you on Fri. Me
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Blood Mountain Shelter

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

Took a zero day to rest my joints and attempt to reduce my pack wieght. After going through my pack, I was able to drop around five pounds. My total pack weight with food and water is now where I originally thought it would be, between thirty- five and forty pounds. Even losing six pounds has made a big difference.I'm still hiking with WTF and Ronin which has been helpful in many ways. Mostly just slowing my pace and going easy on my knees on descents.I ran into Hippy, an 05 hiker, and he said tons of hikers end up with knee problems- sometimes having to take weeks off at a time. I'm hoping to avoid this at all costs. I love you honey!
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Neels Gap/ Walasi-Yi 

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Neels Gap after resting up and resuppling for the next three to four days. Put in some good miles and pulled into Low Gap Shelter this afternoon. Met lots of new people there since our old hiking group is now a day ahead. Probably about thirty people total. The temp. dropped drastically and by the time the sun went down temps were in the low thirties. Over night the temp. keep dropping and I started to get really cold. I put an extra layer of clothing on but the temps. dropped into the single digits making it difficult to stay warm. By morning it was snowing lightly at ten degrees.I highly recommend using a sleeping bag rated to zero degrees. There have been a few people who were not prepared for the drastic weather changes and had to get off the trail.I love you guys tons!!!
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked out of Low Gap with cool temps and steady winds all day. On the lee side of the mountains the hiking was warm but as soon as we skirted to the windward (North Western side) of we were blasted by cold winds. Lots of ice and hoar frost and rocky trails. It was a long descent to Unicoi Gap and that was difficult for everyone. Once at Unicoi, we chose to get picked up by the folks at Cloud Nine Hostel for the night. W.T.F.'s knee was killing her, Ronin's blisters were in fair shape and my knee was acting up again.Around 6pm a guy named "Big ole Boy" pulled up to the turn-off to give us a ride. He was attempting a thru hike but ran out money and landed a job care taking at the Cloud Nine hostel. This guy was another character. He drove like a bat out of hell and told stories as well as any Italian from Hamden that I know (hands waving all over the place). Once at Cloud Nine we were given the run down and then sat down to one of the biggest home cooked meals I've had in awhile. I crashed early while others stayed up and caroused. Tomorrow we will get dropped off back at Unicoi Gap and continue on.
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: few clouds

After an enourmous breakfast, we packed up and were dropped off back at Unicoi Gap. The climb out of the gap was very long and steep, but we only stopped two or three times and we were at the top in no time. Some really nice views with warmer temps. At lunch we bumped into some younger thru hikers that we later found out were also from CT, it's a small world. After cruising just below the ridgeline we started to drop down into a few small gaps (small valley). As the saying goes what goes up must come down, well it also works in reverse when you're hiking. If you hike into a gap you have to hike out of it. Hikers call these climbs P.U.D. pointless ups and downs. After a few necessary ups and downs we reached our camp site. The water was a half a mile away and there was no shelter (lean-to) which meant I would be using my bivy sack to sleep under the stars. After I got water for our little group we quickly cooked dinner, set up our sleeping bags, hung our food bags (keep them safe from bears), did our hygiene and hit the hay.I was warmer than my last night out, but not warm. The stars were out until about four a.m., but then the clouds started to roll in. I woke up at six and immediately hiked down to get water and to warm up. By eight we were packed up and hiking out to Dick's Creek Gap for resupplies. Love you, hang in there.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a ride into Hiawassee by a previous thru hiker, Indiana Jones. She dropped us off along with Tortuga (another thru hiker) at Cloud nine. Cloud Nine is the same hostel that we had stayed in so we settled in quickly, washed our clothes, went into town to resupply and then relaxed. Cloud Nine is a unique place, not only do they take in hikers, but they also run a trout farm. The owners, Fran, (originally from Wales) and Laura are whirlwinds of energy. Many hikers have trouble leaving this place, kind of like the hotel California, Ha,Ha. Big ole Boy, who I mentioned before, cooks these enourmous meals that stay with you no matter how far you hike the next day. Tomorrow we head back out until our next resupply.
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Hiawassee

To: Muskrat Creek
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Left Cloud Nine after another huge meal! Hit the trail very late with twelve miles to cover to Muskrat Creek Shelter and lots of climbs. After about eight miles, we crossed the Georgia border into North Carolina, one state down thirteen to go!Georgia was a great place to start out. I've heard numerous hikers say that Georgia is boot camp for A.T. hikers. I would have to agree. None of the climbs were overly difficult nor were the miles, but the weather and descents taught some hard lessons.Spring is trying hard to make an appearance, at times I see a variety of wild flowers and birds, but just as quickly the temps. drop and the woods are dormant again. Most of the hills are forested with scrub oaks and a mix of rhododenrons and mpuntain laurels. The rock is a mix of Gniess and metamorphic rock with large pockets of white and rose quartz. I'm looking forward to what North Carolina has to offer. I want to thank everyone for their kind words and support.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Muskrat Creek

To: Carter Gap 
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Last night, WTF, Ronin and I decided to sleep in the shelter due to chances of thunder showers. But the shelter was already full when we arrived so I had to crash on the ground, at least I was out of the rain. Woke up to rain and cold temps. As I've said before, this is a dangerous combination that can easily lead to hypothermia. We ate breakfast packed up and headed out for the next shelter, twelve miles away. We stopped once for a quick lunch and kept moving. At three-thirty we reached Carter Gap shelter, our destination for the night. The same bunch of hikers from the night before were already in camp and had once again filled the shelter. We all managed to get a spot to sleep out of the rain and get some warm food in our bellies.Tomorrow will be another eleven or twelve miles with some moderate climbs.As for the weather, more of the same for tomorrow from what I've heard. We are also supposed to get some snow, just in time for the Smokies. I will most likely be getting a warmer sleeping bag so I won't freeze to death.Hopefully, I will be posting some pictures soon.I love you Locketts!
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Carter Gap 

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Skies cleared up over night and temps. rose from the forties into the sixties. We did a nice steep climb to the top of Albert Mt. and then climbed the fire tower for a great vista. Coming downhill, we passed a dad and his son hiking up. All I could think about was my little guy. I can't wait to meet up with Carissa, Matthew and Emelia in Maryland!Earlier, we ran into three older gents doing trail maintance from the Natahala Hiking Club. I have a lot of respect for these guys. As we hiked down the trail that they were working on, we noticed all the equipment they had carried in. One guy was pounding two inch diameter rebar into rock that his buddy had drilled holes into with an enourmous Bosh drill. The third guy told us he was the director, but was standing next to a large portable generator that also had to be carried in. We made sure we thanked them and we asked them if we could get a photo of them working to post in our journals.We took a break at one and ran into a hikernamed 86. After lunch we hiked to Rock Gap Shelter, but decided to go an extra four miles to the road so we could stay in Franklin. Our total for the day was 15.9 miles, this was our longest day yet. Tomorrow we will resupply, run errands and hit the trail. We are supposed to get some more rain & cold weather so we are hoping to make it to Natahala Outdoor Center before we get hit.