morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-02-21
To: Food: A Taste Testing
Miles today: 0.0

I ran a few errands today, purchasing running shorts on discount and stopping by Target before coming home just to see what they had in stock. I like the shorts - navy blue polyester with pale neon green stripes sloping from middle to front down the sides, running just behind the pockets. But the shorts' story can wait. Today, I'm excited about food.As I was driving around, I realized one of the things I'm most looking forward to about the hike is eating. I like food. I'm not picky and I don't really have any dislikes (except for a certain Okinawa "delicacy" - bleh!). I just like eating.I walked into Target today with no shopping list. I wanted to see if they had any inexpensive items that I'm still looking for. After entering the store, I turned left down the main aisle behind the cash register lines and walked to the end of the lane when I found the grocery section. "I could use some cereal," I thought and started my search. My first detour occurred when I passed the baking goods section. Before I knew it I had a basket in hand and was filling it up. Flour, peanut butter, three boxes of cereal, a bottle of apple cider vinegar (for cleaning purposes), two pints of blueberries.Browsing, I stumbled upon the instant foods aisle and happily picked up four varieties of Idahoan instant mashed potatoes. I'm excited to try their buttery homestyle, loaded baked, roasted garlic, and four cheese flavors. I can already envision myself huddling over my cooking pot fighting a chilly evening with the hardy aroma wafting upwards, my patience being tried. I'm not too keen on their use of partially hydrogenated oils and corn syrup, but I'm not sure of a better option at the moment.I emerged from the aisle when I glanced up to see a sign reading "trail mix." Jackpot! I snagged three different varieties for experimentation - the standard-sounding "simply trail," a test of flavors and textures in "chocolate cranberry crunch," and what is sure to be my favorite, "dark chocolate espresso."Depending on how these rations fare, I'll be deciding which to buy again and include in a few mail drops that I have planned for the hike. I'll be sure to report back soon.
Date: 2013-02-23
To: Food: Choose Your Own
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

After the previous post on food, my good friend Whuppinstick made some suggestions on mashed potato varieties - Southwest and Baby Reds. I'm looking forward to trying them as well, if I can find them. I just hope they're marketed on the east coast.I also thought I should clarify that my purchase of the trail mix packages was for my own taste research. I know what textures and flavors suit me the most, but there's always room for experimentation.A good trail mix has to have chocolate. It's one of the most satisfying flavors for me (though a hot summer's day is a good exception to that rule). It also needs to have nuts (almonds, peanuts & cashews are nice) and some dried fruit (raisins and cranberries are on the top of that list). One of the varieties I purchased, the dark chocolate mocha, includes coffee beans. And since they're covered in chocolate, they're a perfect addition.Later today I'll sign up for a membership at one of the wholesale food clubs and start looking forward to perfecting my trail mix.
Date: 2013-03-05
To: Into March
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

It's a few days into March and in my mind that means there's only one month to go until I start hiking, though it's more like six weeks. It's a notable month, however, despite the waiting.On Sunday, I turned 33. It's coincidence, but I always liked the idea of turning 33 on 3/3. My brother certainly won't ever be turning 625 on June 25. Regardless, we walked to a neighborhood Japanese restaurant and I had a meal reminiscent of my time spent abroad. I ordered edamame and miso soup, a roast pork cutlet for dinner, and then devoured a plate of fried bananas with vanilla ice cream. I imagined myself a few months from now, eating the same quantity of food and thinking, "Is that all?" I was surprised to find that they offered Orion Beer, a mainstay of modern Okinawan culture, especially considering it's hard to find on mainland Japan.This week also marks two smaller milestones relating to the hike - gear purchases.I ordered a Warbonnet Blackbird 1.1 double-layer hammock thereby solidifying my choice of shelter. When I started researching for this trip, the idea of hiking with a hammock never crossed my mind, though I have had great success using one in my tropical adventures. Initially, I was thinking of buying a tarp tent. They are typically light-weight single-wall tents made of a tarp-like material such as SilNylon. They are often supported with trekking poles, thereby facilitating pack weight reduction by removing the need for tent poles.I'm glad I took my time to read about all the available shelter options, because I think hammock camping will be a great fit for me. I particularly like the idea of being off the ground and I'm sure it will be a nice feeling during those wet nights where I might otherwise wake up in a pool of water and a damp sleeping bag. A built-in bug net, a small storage space, and a ridge line capable of supporting light loads add to the utility of the hammock as well. If the weather threatens, I'll rig up my tarp (which I have yet to purchase) and sleep easy under the sound of pattering rain.The second purchase, and one that should be arriving sometime this afternoon, is a Marmot Atom 40F down sleeping bag. This bag will replace my Marmot Helium 15F after about a month or so on the trail. I like the model names, too - it fits well with my trail name Half-Life. I've checked average seasonal temperatures along the trail and a 15 degree bag is useful to start and finish, but is excessive during the humid summer. I also tend to be a cool sleeper, so the idea of sweating under a thick down bag in temperatures above 60 degrees doesn't strike me as comfortable.With these two purchases complete, I need only to buy a tarp and some other miscellaneous items including replacement shoes & socks, first aid supplies, and some other items I can't recall right now.I'll be on the trail in 43 days and I'm excited to get going.
Date: 2013-03-20
To: Four Weeks to Go
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Four weeks from today I will be hiking northbound on the Appalachian Trail, or the approach trail from Amicalola Falls State Park. I haven't decided yet.Regardless of where I find myself, I will have begun my five month journey mostly north and a little bit east. I will be on the back-end of AT thru-hikers, but I don't think I'll be hiking strictly by myself. According to a list put together on Whiteblaze.net, the premier AT forum, it seems like there will still be a good number of folk starting the hike after me. And if my fitness level and acclimation to hiking with a pack don't give me any problems, I hope to catch up to a few of the March starters. My preparations are almost complete. I placed an order for some miscellaneous gear on Amazon yesterday and am awaiting the delivery of my Warbonnet Blackbird hammock which should arrive in a week or so. That gives me about two to three weeks to fiddle with it and familiarize myself with the suspension, tarp setup, and all the other details that will become party of my daily life. I never could have imagined that knowing how to tie a trucker's hitch or a prussik knot would come in handy.In the mean time, I'm poring over my detailed gear list. I've eliminated some items that I deemed unnecessary and found ways to trim weight on items that I will need. At the moment, here is the breakdown:Clothing & Items Worn: 2087 g / 4.60 lbs (inc. shoes, poles, etc.)***Other Clothing:      1639 g / 3.61 lbs (lighter come summer)Shelter & Sleeping:   2027 g / 4.47 lbs (not complete)Cooking Supply:         337 g / 0.74 lbs (food and water separate)Small Essentials:      627 g / 1.38 lbsPacking               1658 g / 3.66 lbs (pack, liners, stuff sacks) Subtotal: Base Weight 6288 g /13.86 lbs (not inc. worn, food, water, fuel)***Water @ Start (2L)   1890 g / 4.17 lbsFood @ Start (4 days) 3629 g / 8.00 lbs (estimated)Fuel @ Start (12 oz.)   331 g / 0.73 lbs (estimated)***Total Skin-Out Weight 14225 g /31.36 lbs (my life for 5 months!)Considering this is my first thru-hike and a venture of this magnitude, I'm happy with my (almost final) weight. The remaining items (sleeping pad, liner gloves, globe compass, guy-lines, stakes, first aid, water purification, etc.) will probably push my base weight over, or quite close to, 7 kg / 15 lbs, but I still feel comfortable with how light that is. And considering that water, food, and fuel will diminish as I hike between resupply points, a total around 15 kg / 32 lbs sounds good to me, especially when hearing stories about hikers starting with 50 lbs(!) or more.With four weeks to go and lots of time to think about and test out my setup, the numbers might change, though I doubt by much. At this point, the best thing I can do is get myself - and my feet - accustomed to walking with the extra weight.I'll post or link a detailed gear list once the final goods arrive and if anybody has some input or advice, I welcome it. Until then, I'm getting really excited!
Date: 2013-04-14
To: Toothaches
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I went to the dentist last week because one of my molars was feeling very sensitive. I was worried that it might have been something more than that, like a cavity, so I was willing to pay the expense for the peace of mind (I don't have insurance at the moment). I've never had a cavity so I wasn't sure what it would have felt like.It was a long overdue checkup, five years in the making. The dentist's assistant was shocked that I had waited so long and the dentist agreed, stating that I should make more regular appointments. Considering that it had been five years I have to say it wasn't bad.After the x-rays, there was lots of cleaning. The assistant was pulling off some serious buildup and I did my best to stay relaxed and not tense up when she went to work on the tough spots. It turned out well and even now, several days after the fact, my teeth still feel smooth and clean. Now I just have to keep up a good dental hygiene routine on the trail! The prescription toothpaste should help.Pro-tip: did you know that flossing can actually be more beneficial than brushing? And that toothpaste is unnecessary, because the brushing motion does the most significant amount of cleaning? It's amazing the things you can learn just by asking the right questions but also listening to the good answers.
Date: 2013-04-15
To: Final Preparations
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm a little nervous about this whole adventure, but it's a good thing. I know that once I'm on the trail I'll find my pace, figure out the little things, and really enjoy being outdoors.I'll get wet, I'll get dirty, I'll get hungry, and I'll smell badly, but it's all temporary.I'll worry about ticks and bears and snakes and boogiemen, but I'll feel more at home every day.I'll worry about how much to eat, how far to walk, and where to hang my hammock and tarp, but I'll sleep soundly from the exhaustion of walking all day.Meeting new people, sharing stories, passing and being passed, and all the things I can't even predict for this hike will be part of my small adventure and a continued part of what makes hiking the Appalachian Trail such an enjoyable experience for so many - not only those who hike, but also those who support the hikers.Am I all set to go? Almost. I've got to organize a few more belongings, pack them up, and make sure I've got everything I need for a good five months on the trail. It's going to be pretty great and I hope you'll keep following along as I go.From here on out, my forum friend and transcription volunteer, atraildreamer, will be the one in charge of this account. I can't thank him enough for taking charge of my journal while I walk. Smart phone technology, while ubiquitous, isn't in my budget so I'm sticking to pen and paper. I think I'll enjoy looking over all the pages I scrawled when I'm finished, too.To all the other hikers out there, whether it be for a day or for a thru-hike (or more!), good luck, good spirits, and good weather to you!PS - check out my buddy Whuppin' Stick's blog as he makes his way on the Continental Divide Trail this year: http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=14668
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Final Preparations

To: Hiker Hostel, Dahlonega, GA
Miles today: 0.0

I arrived in Atlanta today, took the MARTA to North Springs and met three of my fellow hikers. We were picked up by Hiker Hostel owner/operator Josh, picked up another couple who were doing some shopping, and finally made our way back to the establishment.It's a beautiful cabin from which the first major ridge of the AT is visible. Though we were not the first to arrive, we weren't the last either. The hostel eventually filled up and now it looks like around a dozen hikers will be starting from Springer Mountain tomorrow.(I'm skipping the approach trail, reason being why start a 2,180 mile hike with 9 miles uphill?).I'm pumped, the people are cool, and I'm ready to go!
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Hiker Hostel, Dahlonega, GA

To: Springer Mountain Summit
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

Took off from the Hiker Hostel at 8:30 today. Got to Springer at 9:30. Actually, we were dropped 0.9 miles form the summit and had to backtrack, but we got into a good rhythm early. Fell in with a few people B,D and M. The company is good and fun, and while we don't have a set plan, I can see us being together for a while. I'm really enjoying it for just one day.Looking forward to more, though we were taking it slow to spare our feet, shoulders, etc. Tomorrow, maybe will make around 13 miles, but we start uphill which could be nice to get out of the way early. Camp is dry, so we have to hike to water. Tomorrow, hopefully, an early start means cooler weather. I'm curious to see how the hammock works - setup was slow; I'll get faster.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Springer Mountain Summit

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Big thunderstorms last night, kept me up, woke me up. Had trouble falling asleep but felt like I got enough to make a good dose of mileage ¢ almost 14.Water purification has been great. Aquamira tastes great and is easy to use. Drank a gallon, or more, today, and will probably drink another liter before bed.Met two more hikers at camp ¢ B + L. Super cool and even played some tunes for dinner. We got a pit fire started for a bit; it was a nice camp feeling.Its getting chilly and tomorrow is supposed to rain in the afternoon. It might be a good day for a town visit / stay depending on how it goes.Feet feel good, right knee is just barely having small pains, and my right hip flexor got painful near the end. As the pack lightens as I eat, it¢s feeling better already.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Lance Creek

To: Mountain Crossings
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

Miserable weather all day. Rained from 7:30, after leaving camp at 7:00. Hiked steadily for 4 hours and made it past Blood Mountain, arriving at Neel Gap at an early 11:00 AM.B, D and I were the first to check in, M walking in right behind us. B + L are here too. The bunkroom isn¢t full yet, but the staff expects it to fill up tonight based solely on today¢s bad weather.It¢s nice to dry off and clean up. The true test of my hike will be when I don¢t have a dry place to stop. It¢s going to happen eventually - not today!We¢ve been relaxing for a while and now I¢m feeling questionable. I hope it¢s just mild dehydration which I can solve with a few liters of water and a short sleep before dinner. I¢ll try and write more to update on today¢s activities.
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Mountain Crossings

To: former Rocky Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

So, to recap yesterday, we had a big rest day, cleaned and dried our gear, received some truly amazing generosity in the form of lasagna and garlic bread and desserts, all prepared by a local church group, and met some of the other thru-hikers making their attempts. Today blew my mind. We woke up to blustery winds with temps in the 30s. I hiked all morning in three layers, even some tough uphills ¢ I just couldn¢t be warm enough.We made 12 miles by 12:30 after our routine 7 AM start. Following a nice, long, lunch break, we made about another 6 miles before setting up camp at 5:30. Tomorrow, we¢ll bring it down a notch (I think all our feet are feeling it) and then have a short day in town on Monday, where my bucket waits for me. I need more duct tape!It was long but a great day. Maybe I¢ll see some meteors tonight.
Date: 2013-04-21
From: former Rocky Knob Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: few clouds

Today was some of the toughest elevation changes that Georgia had in store. After a short hike, we had an 1100 foot decline in 1.5 miles followed by the inverse, then more downhill, etc. My knee is feeling it; good thing tomorrow is a short 6 into town. B + L didn¢t make it where we are now, but Heads (the dog) and Tails (the owner) are with us for a second night. It¢s neat to see how he keeps 10-20 yards in front of her, scouting the trail. Speaking of which, I was bestowed a name by one in our group ¢ ¢The Giver¢ ¢ It stems from my apparent generosity: pound cake, M & Ms, and caramel creams at the Hiker Hostel; summer sausage and Jolly Ranchers on the trail; and other items, as needed.B is ¢Daddy Long Legs¢, for his stride and no use of trekking poles. M is currently ¢Spitfire¢ for her red hair and tent model. D is tentatively ¢My Goddamn Self¢ after exclaiming that was likely how he¢d be named.* *Hammock is working well, but the nights in the 30s are making me consider buying a thicker pad for my butt. I might even splurge for an underquilt.Drank first untreated water today from a clean spring. It¢s a new experience for me and makes me feel a little more official.9:22pm, getting late (Ha!). Goodnight. Tomorrow, first hitch?
Date: 2013-04-22
To: Hiawasee, GA
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

Perhaps the worst day I¢ll ever have on the trail! Woke up about 2 AM with an urge to vomit. It wasn¢t long until I was doing so. Luckily, the hammock allows for easy vomiting ¢ just roll over and let loose. I also had a bout of diarrhea, followed by more vomiting. Throughout the night I puked 5 times. I shivered as I tried to sleep, the heavy wind combining with a fever to create the most uncomfortable night imaginable.I couldn¢t hold anything down, not even water, so its pretty unbelievable that I hiked 6.3 miles to the place we hoped to get a ride into town. No water, no food in my belly, little sleep and six miles to go was thoroughly demoralizing. Thoughts of giving up crossed my mind. But they say never stop on a bad day, so I didn¢t.After making it to town, we booked rooms and I slept. My face was sunburned and hot, my body shivering, despite wearing my down jacket and covering up with all available sheets and blankets. I eventually took a long, hot shower and that made all the difference. I slept well over 12 hours, but that leads me to Day 7, a ¢zero day¢, which I¢ll get into with my next entry.
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Hiawasee, GA

To: Hiawasee, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up feeling like a new man, though still dehydrated. Saw Daddy Longlegs, My Goddamn self and Spitfire off as they continue north, likely crossing into NC today. I¢m a bit sad I won¢t be with them after the awesome week together. I¢m staying another day in town to reach as close to 100% recuperation as possible. I¢m splitting a room with Tales (possibly sick?) and B + L are next door (B also sick?). Whatever is going around is hitting a lot of hikers and it¢s hitting us all hard. But if yesterday¢s illness was the worst thing I¢ll face on this hike, then I am so rocking the rest of this trail.Three cheers for optimism!Lots of errands to do today, so I better get started. Hopefully, my Day 8 entry has me writing from North Carolina.
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Hiawasee, GA

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: clear sky

Left the hotel today feeling like the hiker I should have been. Also stocked with four days food to get me to Franklin, NC. I¢ve purposely slowed my pace to aim for 10-12 miles a day for the next week or two. I don't think the sickness was related, but taking it easy for a couple of days can only lead to better hiking.First hitch of the trail and it took under a minute. I was with Tails and her dog, so maybe that made it easier than it should have been. The lovely lady who drove us to the trail, Mary T., was an example of how a person can give so selflessly. It was a short ride, but a deep connection despite that.Crossed into North Carolina today and set up camp just over a tenth of a mile in. B + L here, some new faces too. One day off the trail changes the whole social dynamic. It¢s cold again, but since I feel healthy and ate a 900-calorie dinner, I feel good. The extra pad I bought should also keep my butt warm tonight.One thing I should probably research at the next town is how long whoopie slings last. Mine still look OK for now, who knows?Tomorrow, 10-12 (or more if feeling sprightly) and some AM radio before bed tonight. 6:15 PM now; I see some allergy meds helping me to sleep in the very near future.
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Bly Gap

To: Carter Gap
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

My hammock was damp last night. I think the misty cold just worked its way in and saturated everything. But today was sunny so I dried out at lunch.15.3 (miles) and I felt really good. View of ¢lake of the clouds¢ from high up before the sun burned them off. Dry later on, almost felt like a southeastern desert. Cooked over open fire tonight, my new favorite method. A real boil makes all the difference.Another cold night in store and one more clear day before weekend rains. Perhaps stay in town come Saturday PM with B + L to share the costs. One of these days I¢ll have to brave the rain. It¢s just so hard to do in this cold!9:11 bedtime, 5:00 alarm set.
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Carter Gap

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 12.1

A dry morning makes all the difference. Woke rested and had a slow packup. Was bummed to find bugs in my supermarket bulk-bin granola.Big milestone today - 100 miles! The landmark for it, a fire tower atop Albert Mt was a hard spot to reach, but the view and today¢s sunny weather made it worth the climb.Feet are feeling good, blisters have callused. Left knee giving me some pain now ¢ does it go away?First shelter sleep of the trip. Sticking with B + L and likely getting a cheap room in town tomorrow to avoid a big storm, to resupply, clean up, etc.Considering upgrading to an underquilt because the pads are a pain in the butt. Also thinking how much I miss the solid floor of a tent, not to mention the self-enclosed space. The Smokies are supposed to be cold and I don¢t want my sleep system to be lacking in any way.
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Rock Gap

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: light rain

Slept well in shelter ¢ warm and dry. Probably my new go-to in rainy weather. Just have to hope they¢re not full on arrival.My left knee is painful, but I can¢t not walk. It¢s worst on downhills. No other pains to speak of really, they are so temporary.A full week of rain and occasional thunderstorms forecasted, so we¢re going to smile and walk our way through it. I have to get soaked sometime.M.G.S. sent me a text and it was nice to know those there are thinking of me. Only two days behind but it will be some time before I feel comfortable cranking out miles. Still, it would be cool to finish with all four of them not to mention seeing B + L to the summit of Katahdin as well.