morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-25
To: New Gear
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Since school ended and my summer vacation began today I went to the local hiking store and updated some of my gear. Hopefully, the Vasque Juxt shoes with SuperFeet insoles I purchased will be my final foot gear solution. I can't wait to put some miles on them and see how they feel. I also got some OR short gaitors, a Black Diamond Storm head lamp, a Snow Peak short titanium spork (even though I'm not cooking on the trail I may need it to Yogi some food)and SmartWool lightweight hiking socks. I had to back order my luxury item -- a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite air mattress. My last thruhike I only took a three-quarter length mattress and it was not comfortable. This new one is a full six feet long and only weighs 12 ounces. My most exciting buy is my new Tarptent Notch that should be delivered in a few days. The tent is very light and will reduce my pack weight by a pound and a half from the tent I took in 2005. I still need to replace my Frogg Toggs, buy new camp shoes, hiking shirts and shorts and mend my Gossamer backpack. With ten months to go I feel I'm way ahead of the game!
Date: 2012-06-25
To: Too Hot!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today's 10-mile hike in temps over 100 degrees remind me I have a long way to go until I am in peak hiking shape. I had flashbacks of the hot, sticky days in Maine with the seemingly constant uphill battles. The problem is I am training in Kansas and there are no uphills. Tomorrow I'll practice the uphills by climbing stairs at the University of Kansas. Keep on training my 2013 cohorts!
Date: 2012-08-12
To: Changing starting date?
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I'm thinking of moving my starting date from the 22nd to the 13th of March because I want to make it home by my grandson's 4th birthday on July 6th. Pros: Less crowded (although the spring break crowd may still be an issue); no leaves on the trees (makes it much simpler to navigate unless there is blown snow on the whiteblazes); I can take an extra day or two to acclimate instead of pushing big miles from the start. Cons: Possibly much more snow (which makes it harder to hike); colder nights which mean far less sleep. I still have a few months before I need to decide and purchase an airline ticket to Atlanta. My gut feeling tells me to leave earlier. I just pray I don't have to hike Roan Mountain again with snow on the ground like I did in 2005. Keep on training class of 2013!
Date: 2012-09-05
To: Gear Procured
Miles today: 0.0

A week from today marks 6 months until I fly to Atlanta to start my thruhike. It's amazing how my hiking philosophy has changed since 2005. Back then I purposefully gained about 35 pounds before my hike and now I'm dropping 25 pounds to become lean before I start at Springer. Trust me, gaining weight is much easier than shedding it. When I weighed my pack at Amicalola Falls it was a staggering 31 pounds. This hike my pack will weigh less than 24 pounds, and that includes 3 days of food and a liter of water (2 pounds). I dusted off most of my equipment from 2005, including my beat up Gossamer Gear Mariposa Ultralight Backpack (1 lb, 9 oz), my Western Mountaineering Ultralight Sleeping Bag (20 degree bag -- 1 lb, 13 oz), and my Ursak bear resistant food bag that I'll use until I depart the Smokies (12 oz)and replace it with a 3 oz, rodent-resistant Grubpack food bag. New equipment includes a Tarptent Sublite (1 lb, 4 oz), a NeoAir XL 72 inch air mattress (12 oz), new Frogg Toggs rain gear and new camp shoes which are Crocs knockoffs. My new headlamp is a Black Diamond Spot Storm at 4 oz. My biggest philosophical change is NOT carrying cooking equipment. My less than an ounce Snow Peak titanium spork is my only eating utensil. My water purification system is the same -- a 2 oz plastic bottle of liquid chlorine bleach. For camp I'll carry a 2 liter platypus water tank that weighs 2 oz. My plan is to fill up the tank at night and drink a liter in the morning and carry a liter in a AquaFina bottle. I have purchased 3 pairs of Vasque Juxt shoes and will have my wife ship them at the 700 and 1,400 mile points. My only other mail drop is at the start of the Smokies at Fontana Dam. To keep bugs out of my eyes in the warm weather I'm wearing amber colored Bobster anti-fog motorcycle sunglasses and modifying a baseball cap with some mosquito netting. Learning from my friend Pacer, I am also going to carry a watertight, plastic map case on my neck to quickly refer to the guide book page(s) for the day. I can visualize myself on top of Springer on March 13th, getting a self portrait picture and turning North and becoming immersed in the great outdoors! I hope you will join me on the journey, either in person or via this website. God Bless.
Date: 2012-11-18
To: Missed Training
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Many of you know that I have a 40% disability rating from the military for back, hip and knee problems. Since I was in much discomfort during my last thruhike, I decided to see a chiropractor for about 2 months (while NOT training)to see if I could resolve some of my health issues. Unfortunately, not only did I miss valuable training time and deplete much of my hiking savings (insurance doesn't cover treatment), but my back is worse than when I began treatment. With less than 4 months until my start date I am going to press on with training (hiking stairs and riding the stationary bike)regardless of my health concerns. I just notified my school district that I am taking a leave of absence without pay starting on February 1st so I can have a full month of intensive training (alternating days hiking in the woods at least 10 miles with a full pack and climbing at least 80 flight of stairs with a full pack). I sprayed my 3 pair of Vasque Juxt hiking shoes with four coats of silicone sealer to help make them "somewhat" water resistant. This week I will seam seal my tent. The only major items I need to buy is a 2013 equivalent of the THRUHIKER HANDBOOK (which I hear is not published anymore) and my one-way plane ticket to Atlanta. One last thing -- I need to make room for a 5 ounce cell phone that my wife is INSISTING I carry. Personally, I think it is nothing more than unnecessary extra weight!
Date: 2012-12-31
To: Phase 1 Training Complete
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm glad to say my first month (of three)of training is complete. I braved the cold and the snow and drove up to the university to climb 48 flights of stairs (without a pack). I climbed at least 45 flights of stairs four times a week during December. January will bring on phase 2 -- 90 flights of stairs four times a week. Additionally, the next two phases focus on losing about 20 pounds of weight. I want to thank all those who have signed my guestbook. It was great to hear from Paladin and Early Bird who I shared some of the trail with back in 2005. To the Class of 2013 -- KEEP ON TRAINING! Happy New Year to all.
Date: 2013-01-31
To: Phase 2 Training Complete
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

My second month of training is behind me -- climbing 90 flights of stairs four times a week (without a pack)and doing 100 pushups every morning. I've dropped almost seven pounds of weight in January and hope phase 3 training will allow me to drop another 13 pounds. Starting tomorrow I will alternate weekdays with hiking, at least 10 miles in the woods, and climbing 90 flights of stairs (all with a full pack). I will also break in the two pairs of Vasque Juxt shoes that my wife will send me during my hike (probably at the 700 and 1,400 mile points). I was feeling a little melancholy as I started my last day of work today. Those feelings quickly changed as I was shocked by the outpouring of going away cards, gifts and a huge spread of food to commemorate by last day at Sunflower Elementary School. A big THANK YOU to all involved, especially the special education teachers who coordinated the entire thing! I will miss the students and staff, but I know they will be cheering me on during my big adventure. The biggest shock of the day came when the principal notified me that the school district had changed their minds and rescinded my resignation and will allow me to take a leave of absence without pay. My airplane ticket is bought for March 12th and I'll begin my second AT journey on 3/13/13. To the 2013 hiking class -- all the training you do up front will pay off exponentially on the trail. KEEP ON TRAINING.
Date: 2013-02-08
To: Pack Weight Set
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

With three days of food and one liter of water, my pack weighs in at just under 17 pounds. Once I leave the Smokies I will send home my nine ounce Ursak bear bag to lighten the load even more. Training is going well. Climbing stairs in a nine story building ten times with a full pack three times a week is very tiring. I'm getting quite the odd looks from the University of Kansas students as I walk through campus to go to Haworth Hall to climb the stairs. I'm sure some must think I'm homeless or worse. I've learned long ago not to judge someone by their appearance alone. Hiking the trails around Clinton Lake is also going as planned. My first 10-miler with my pack was a little challenging because I forgot my hiking poles. Poles make hiking so much easier. This unseasonably warm weather brings on another challenge -- hiking in MUD. Mud really slows me down. Each shoe feels like six pounds. I had the pleasure of talking with a young lady that thruhiked last year. She works at the local outdoor and bike store and just finished reading Odyssa's book about her 2005 thruhike experience and was thrilled when I told her I hiked with Odyssa and was in her book under the name "Chuck Norris." Class of 2013 -- keep training and enjoy the journey.
Date: 2013-02-13
To: Chino's Rules
Miles today: 0.0

I was recently reminded by a fellow 2005 hiker of my many rules for thruhiking. Although there were initially eight rules, I could only remember the following:Rule 1. Don't get killed. I've almost violated this rule at least 4 times in 2005. This hike is very difficult at times and NOT a walk in the park as many of you may think.Rule 2. Never trust another hiker's opinion or interpretation of distance ("It can't be more than 20 minutes from here"), difficulty ("you can easily do two 25 mile days out of Kincora.") or map reading in general ("looks like all down hill today."). One exception: mosquitoes. If someone tells you they are bad through Jug End in Mass. ¢ believe them and apply generous amounts of DEET. Rule 3. You are going to do it anyway. Regardless of the terrain or degree of difficulty, you are still going to hike. Don¢t get bent out of shape by the hikers in the shelter that are alarmed that there are two big climbs today. Like the Nike commercial says ¢ just do it. Rule 4. Stop hiking BEFORE you look around to enjoy the vistas so you don¢t run into a tree or fall into a ravine. Rule 5. Treat each day with this motto: my job is to hike from Georgia to Maine. Get up early (I set my clock for 6:00 AM so I could leave the shelter NLT 7:00 AM) and start hiking. You¢re NOT camping your way to Maine. You are hiking your way to Maine! This especially pertains to the winter time when the number of hours of daylight is limited. Rule 6. ALWAYS remember rule 1.
Date: 2013-02-24
To: Training Complete (Not by choice)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My three month training program had to be cut short by one week because I somehow injured my right ankle during a 14-mile training hike (Of course I kept training for another day or two because I didn't think it was that bad). I'll need to recuperate before my March 12th departure to Atlanta. The injury doesn't appear that serious, but my achilles is very sore and rotating the ankle is difficult. At least it happened during training and not on the trail. I am using the RICE principle -- Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, as well as a series of stretches and strengthening exercises. I'm hoping and praying for a quick recovery.
Date: 2013-03-01
To: Gear Sent
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I just sent my pack and gear to the Hiker Hostel via UPS (I was stunned by the $126 cost). It should arrive on the 5th, one week before I show up. The last three months have flown by. Even though I've done this before, I am very nervous and excited. I want to take this opportunity to thank my wife for letting me go on a four month spiritual journey. May our time apart go by quickly and let there be no large, unexpected emergencies that she needs to deal with. Being a military spouse I know she can handle anything that comes her way. A big thanks in advance to everyone rooting for me and praying for me. I look forward to getting together and sharing some "tall" tales (as long as it doesn't involve a bear).
Date: 2013-03-10
To: Two Days to Go
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It is hard to believe that I am getting on my flight to Atlanta in only two days. The UPS package with all of my gear has been delivered to the Hiker Hostel. The attached photo is a test using my cell phone's camera. My next journal entry should be from the trail. Expect about a five-day delay in journal entries since I will contact my wife with updates when I'm in town. A BIG thanks to everyone cheering me on. I really appreciate the support. My right ankle is about 85% healed. My hiking plan is to start off a little slower than previously thought. I paid for and printed off my Smoky Mountain thruhiker pass which I had to pay $20. The trail awaits -- let the journey begin!
Date: 2013-03-12
To: Arrived at the Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

After a plane trip, train ride and a car ride I finally arrived at the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega, Georgia. The place is packed with thruhikers: Two Stix, Gamecock, Pete, Pathfinder, Globug and many more. The place is fantastic! Everyone is ready to start their journey. Breakfast is at 7:30 and then it is an hour ride to within a mile of the trailhead at Springer Mountain. Let the hiking commence.
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Springer Mountain

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light snow

Day 1 - After a ride to USFS 42, I had to hike .9 of a mile to the starting point. It was very windy on top of Springer. Someone took a quick picture of me, I signed the registry and headed north. The trail was packed and the day was long. I'm sleeping in the upstairs of the shelter net to Gone Walking. He thruhiked back in 1973. I ran into a young couple from Lawrence, KS! I filled up my new 2 liter platypus with water and put it in my pack for the morning. Unfortunately, it leaked and my pack is soaked. Oh, well! What a day one.
Date: 2013-03-14
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter 

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 15.9

Day 2 - Last night was FREEZING -- mid-teens at best! Since my bag is rated at 20 degrees, I was so cold. The winds were gale force and seemed over 60 mph. My water bottle was totally frozen until past 10 AM. I couldn't feel my toes for over an hour. Today was tough, especially the big climb up Blood Mountain. First blister on back left heal. Since it should be very cold tonight, I'm staying in a bunk at a hostel in Neels Gap. I hiked up Blood Mountain some with Orion. It reminded me of my second grade student and all my supporters at Sunflower Elementary.
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Neels Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 3 - Last night a church group brought dinner to the hostel. I didn't know they were coming, so I already had 4 sodas and 2 hot dogs. I got an early start at 0735. I ran out of water about an hour before Low Gap Shelter. I ran into a nice, young college student named Crew who was hiking during spring break. I refilled my water, purified it, guzzled it and refilled again. The next 5 miles were very easy. The last few to the shelter was much rock scrambles. Nice day -- shorts and T-shirt by 1300. Ran into Triple Step (Cracker in 2005). We caught up at the shelter and he and his wife are big into dancing, hence the new trail name.
Date: 2013-03-16
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

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

Day 4 - Trail magic at first 3 road crossing -- UNBELIEVABLE! Two retired Air Force guys from Warner Robins provided hot dogs and soda. A Baptist church provided hot dogs, chips and soda. The last person provided sodas and candy bars. A big thanks to all. The climb of the day was tough. My hips are really tight and painful. I stretched for about 25 minutes at the shelter. Hopefully, I'll feel better tomorrow. Double decker shelter is full of hikers.
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Shelter 
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 5 - I woke up this morning with my head and chest totally congested. I feel terrible. The smoke from the fire pit filled the shelter with a burning, acrid smoke. Today's hike built MUCH character. The climb out of Bly Gap was wretched. It would NOT end! I was sick and tired. Six people in the shelter and all are complaining of the big climb.
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 6 - Woke up to rain and it did not stop all day. Hiking in rain gear is very difficult because you retain all the heat and perspire at a huge rate. I thought I saw my first hunter sitting down with his gun over his lap. As I thought of what to say, I looked up and realized it was only a tree. Thanks to Ramblin Rex and Tracks for giving me some cold medicine (although it was little help). At the end of the day was a huge climb up Albert Mountain. On the way up I was caught in a hailstorm and at the summit and descent I was caught in a thunderstorm. I almost violated hiking rule #1 -- don't get killed. When I got to the shelter I was fighting hypothermia and attempted to get into my bag as fast as I could. A big thanks to Quaker for keeping an eye on me.
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Longbranch Shelter

To: Wayah Gap Road (pickup for Aquone hostel)
Miles today: 13.2

Day 7 - My plan today was to go about 18 miles,but I ran into Lady Grey on Siler Bald and she told me about going into Aquone Hostel. At first I told her I was pressing on but on the descent I decided I needed to get some medicine to help this upper/lower respiratory infection. While waiting at Wayah Gap Fresh Ground had quite the setup and provided me with hot chicken noodle soup and hot chocolate. I'm at the hostel with 17, Sondriven, Lady Grey, One Foot and Fortune Cookie.
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Wayah Gap Road 

To: N.O.C. (Nantahala Outdoor Center)
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 8- The Aquone Hostel is beautiful and our British hosts were great. Unfortunately, I'm still coughing and NOT sleeping. I've been popping Mucinex to no avail. I need real prescription medicine. The dinner and breakfast were great. What a full day of hiking. Lady Grey, a guidance counselor from Vermont, and I hiked a whopping 21.6 into the N.O.C. I tweaked my right knee and it really swelled by the end of the day. The 3 thousand foot descent was very challlenging at times. We ate at the River's End restaurant and soon realized there were NO available bunks. Katie, a staff member, was huge in tracking down two rooms in Bryson City and gave info for a pharmacy where my Doctor (in Kansas) could send a script. Thanks to the couple who drove us, out of their way, to Bryson City. Big Kudos to my wife for calling my doctor and coordinating the script. What an adventure "off" the trail.
Date: 2013-03-21
From: N.O.C. 

To: N.O.C.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 9- Absolutely zero sleep at the hotel. I walked into Bryson City (a long way along a busy highway) in freezing temps to get my medicine at a pharmacy. I was anxious since the pharmacist was delayed so I stayed in the store and resupplied for 5 days of hiking through the Smokies. Big relief when I got my Z-pac (antibiotics). It will take a few days to fully kick in. We got a ride back to the N.O.C. and I decided to get a bunk and have a zero day of hiking. Other than have an early dinner with Pound Puppy, I stayed in my bunk and rested best I could. For the next 18 hours I spewed out most of the disease in me.
Date: 2013-03-22
From: N.O.C.

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 10 - Theme of the day is CLIMB. Four and a half hours to climb up to Cheoah Bald. On the climb, I was met unceremoniously by Carly, the dog of Roman. The dog charged at me from about 40 yards, kept barking and showed his teeth. If it wasn't for my hiking sticks he would have bitten me. I yelled for the owner and he eventually got out of his tent. The last couple of miles were torturous. Jacob's Ladder was a steep climb up the spine of the mountain -- UGHH! Unusual -- I didn't pass anyone hiking and no one hiking passed me all day. 17 was at the shelter when I arrived. Other finally arrived and camped outside. Since it was only the two of us, we put our bags parallel to the back wall. Unfortunately, I must have slid up against the wall during the night since I felt mice hopping and crawling on me. I quickly moved over about a foot to give them space to move. Either yesterday or today I had my first fall. I was descending into Stecoah Gap and the trail was mudddy. My shoes built up some mud on them and all of a sudden I was down with my left foot bent under my right. Oh well, won't be the last fall in the journey.
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Brown Fork Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 11 - It rained very hard last night and it was cold. I had to wear my long johns, 2 pair of socks and both long sleeve shirts in my sleeping bag. I had my bag in true mummy configuration -- only my eyes showing. I actually slept well and probably got around 12 hours of sleep. Seemed like more ups than downs today. My left foot (outside mid-sole) was very sore for about 2 hours. I could barely put weight on it. The last 3 miles was a continual descent into the Fontana Dam complex -- a huge hydroelectric facility. I took the 3 dollar shuttle into the village with Wild Blue. I ran into Lady Grey and the three of us pigged out. I had 2 sausage dogs topped with onions, slaw and cheese. The lodge had internet access so I updated my journal and took the shuttle back to the shelter. Tomorrow the Smokies!
Date: 2013-03-24
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 12 - Theme for today: MUD. Many people at Fontana Shelter but most were not going to hike because of the weather forecast. About 0600 a mouse jumped right on my forehead. I remained awake until the alarm went off at 0630. It poured rain all night. I left camp in the rain and it didn't stop until 1300. Rain, freezing rain and sleet -- yuk! Mud was everywhere. Slipping and sliding like an ice skating rink. I finally could take my rain gear off at 1400. Although I planned a 23 mile day, walking in rain gear exhausted me and I had to cut my miles for the day. At the shelter was K-Fox, Wet Dog, Wild Blue and some section hikers named David and Cole. They are college students out for some hiking during spring break.