morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-30
To: Goin' solo
Miles today: 0.0

I went on a hike with one of the local hiking groups this past Monday (Memorial Day). I must admit, it re-enforced my decision to make my thru-hike a solo one. I realize I'll meet people on the trail, and I won't be alone at the shelters. I'll most likely even meet someone with a similar pace and hike with them for a bit. But as far as a hiking partner, I won't be looking for one.The group with which I hiked this week went way too fast. There was no time to enjoy the peace of the woods, or the wildlife that was all around us. At the bottom of each hill, the hike leader would pause and call for "runners." A few individuals would then run up the hill and wait for the rest of us at the top. The pace on the downhill and level parts of the hike was akin to a jog. Those of us at the back of the pack got no time to rest or catch our breath. On the rare occasions when the leader paused to let us catch up, he headed off again (at the same jog-like pace) as soon as we were in sight of the group. During the one full rest we had (at the middle of the hike) I apologized for my slow pace, mentioning that we were going more than twice my normal speed, and that I preferred to hike "in" nature, and not "through" it. The response I got was, "We are in nature. We're in the woods, aren't we?" So I asked if they had seen the wild edibles along the trail, or seen (not just heard) the woodpecker we passed, or seen the eagle that flew over us as we passed along the shoreline. "I heard the woodpecker," was the response.I am by no means out of shape. I finished the hike with no problem. I hike, often with a 50 pound training pack, at least twice a week. Sometimes 5 miles (the length of the hike on Monday), sometimes 10 or more, through hilly terrain. But I take the time to experience the nature through which I pass. Maybe this pace isn't the best for everyone. But it suits me.I'm allowing eight months for my hike. I doubt it will take me this long, as I have a good pace, am training well, and can hike at my pace for long periods. But I don't want to come off the trail with regrets that I didn't see that waterfall, didn't explore that town, didn't have the time to take that side trail to see that view, or didn't smell that flower. I want my hike to be a series of "did's," not "didn'ts."My favorite story growing up was Ferdinand the Bull. While I "hike my own hike," I intend to follow his lead, and make sure to stop, and smell the flowers...
Date: 2013-07-09
To: Still Preppin'
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Here it is July 9th, and I haven't been out on a trail in two weeks. Not for lack of desire, nor impetus. Rather, it's been raining every day. I know I'll be hiking in the rain on the trail, but I thought it best to stay off the trails when they were so wet to reduce wear.I've been working with my packs, and it looks like I'll be able to get the summer weight down to about 35 lbs. My winter weight is still at the 50 lb mark, but I don't think I'll be able to do much about that. At least I won't have to carry that for too long.I'm headed out to the western edge of the Adirondaks tomorrow for a short overnighter. 6 - 10 miles depending on the route I take. Just a chance to shake down some of the gear in an actual camping situation. There's a lean-to in case the hammock doesn't work out, though I have pretty good confidence in it.If you don't hear from me, look for bear poop with a LOT of beard hair in it. Plus, he should have a black eye; I ain't going down without a fight.
Date: 2013-07-12
To: First Daks overnighter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, I finally made it out for some REAL hiking and camping this Wed/Thurs. I hiked in to the Middle Settlement Lake lean-to. Not a particularly long hike (only about 4 miles), but a couple of rock scrambles, swamp crossings, and a stream to ford. My plan was to try out my hammock set up in the field, but when I got to the site there was some pretty rough weather rolling in, so I decided to stay in the lean-to instead. Proved to be a wise choice, as shortly after dark a wicked thunderstorm rolled through with heavy rains. I slept well, using only my pad and woobie (a military poncho liner). The mosquitoes were brutal, not surprising as it has rained nearly every day for the last two weeks. I hiked back out Thursday morning, wanting to beat the heat. The "stream" from the hike in was now more like a river. There was no way to rock hop it or hike around (it's in the middle of a boulder field, the boulders being the size of your average living room), and I could cross in about four steps, so I went for it. The water was mid-thigh deep, and I went with haste. Came out the other side none the worse for wear. Due to well waterproofed boots and full gaiters, my socks got a little damp but not wet. The hike out was a bit more moist than the hike in due to the rain. Looks like I'll be spending some time on boot cleaning this week...All my equipment worked flawlessly. My summer pack (the Marmot Odin 50) was comfortable, and carried my 40 pounds of gear well. I'd prefer front access, as on my Lowe Alpine Contour. It's a bit of a hassle unloading everything to get to something in the bottom. I can't say enough about using hiking poles. They saved my butt (quite literally) more than once, and were instrumental in getting through the swampy bits as dry as possible. I could see footprints of those who had proceeded me down the trail, and some were in four inches of sticky, heavy muck. As I was able to use my pole to check, I could find the most firm ground and avoid the worst of it.All in all it was a good trip, everything worked the way it was supposed to (including me!), and it was nice to be out in the woods again. I'm looking forward to some more trips into the Daks.
Date: 2013-08-15
To: Bear Canisters - Pros & cons
Miles today: 0.0

As I've had several inquiries regarding my decision to carry a bear canister, I thought I'd address the subject here. There are pros and cons to consider, and I firmly believe each person must decide for themselves. For me, the pros outweigh the cons. Here's how I see it:Pros:1) Easier to deal with than hanging a bear bag every night2) The BV500 I have holds 7 days of food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)3) Weight is nominal (2 lbs, 9 oz)4) Makes a convenient camp stoolCons:1) It's bulky (size, not weight)2) I'll still have to carry it, even when it's only got 2 or 3 days food in it3) Have to use a larger pack for it to fit in (larger = heavier)4) Might have to play the fun and exciting "Where'd the bear hide my canister?" pre-breakfast game.Keep in mind, there are alternatives, like the Ursack. You can rent bear canisters at a few places, so if you're thinking of getting one you might rent before you buy to see if it works for you. They're required in many areas of the Adirondaks (where I do my prep hikes), the Smokies, and elsewhere. And bears aren't the only threat to your food. Bear bags, even properly hung, have been known to fall prey to raccoons, squirrels, and other critters. Bear canisters also help seal in the smells, so they're less tempting.As I mentioned, mine holds 7 days of food: 7 Mountain House dinners, a 10 pack of burrito skins, a small (8 oz) summer sausage, 3 packs of tuna (6 oz each), grits, oatmeal, cocoa, hot sauce, olive oil, salad crispins, 7 Clif bars, 3 squeeze packs of fruit, plus my toothbrush, toothpaste, and a small bottle of Dr. Bronner's soap. That's the most I'll ever have to put in it, but it's nice to know it'll all fit. I have the BV500, which is the large size (700 cubic inches). They also make a smaller (440 cubic inch) size, which I probably could have gotten by with. I like things to serve more than one purpose, though, so I wanted it to be tall enough to sit on. Plus the smaller one weighs about the same (2 lbs, 1 oz).I modified mine by adding florescent and reflective tape (to help if I have to search for it). I've also heard that they can be tough to open if it's very cold, so I'll try that this winter and report back.Anyway, there's my two cents worth. Hope this helps.
Date: 2013-09-24
To: Training
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Through careful consideration, planning, testing, and practice, I've gotten my pack weight down to 38.6 lbs, which includes 7 days of food and 2 liters of water. I don't intend to carry 7 days of lunches (my most heavy meal by far) unless absolutely necessary. My dinners (Mountain House Pro Paks) are the only meal I'm carrying 7 days worth. I believe in covering your bases, and worse case scenario, I'll have a little extra food, for me or anyone who needs it. Hint: Buy the #10 cans of dehydrated food, then vac-u-seal them into your own bags. Get a few "official" ones, and save the bag. You can use it to "hiker nuke" your vac-u-sealed ones. Don't use the same bag too many times, as I'm not sure what the breakdown of the bag is. I've used the original bag for the first heating, plus 2 more, and as far as I know I don't have cancer yet. Nitro-Pak.com has the best prices I've found so far. I'll be posting instructions on making a Koozie for the bags a soon as my sister and I work out the pattern.A note on training: Get your ass in shape. In this, I mean literally "your ass," not you. I hiked a fair bit, albeit without a pack, for the better part of a year. Thought I was in pretty good shape to boot. The path which originally took me 4 hours to hike carrying only a Camelbak or a knapsack, I could complete in 1.5 hours. Then I hiked it with a pack. By the end of the hike, my gluteus maximus was on fire, and not from the Frank's on my Ramen the night before. Climb stairs. If you work in an office building, bring your pack to work and leave it in your car. At lunchtime, don it and hike the stairs. Make sure it's your "hiking" weight," plus 5-10 pounds. Better to train with more weight than you'll carry, than get on the trail and realize you've gotta carry an unbearable weight all the way to the NOC to mail it home. Once you've hiked the stairs with your pack weight, and realized it's way too damn much, you'll be better able to assess what you really need. When you've finally trimmed your pack weight down, that's when you add a few ounces/pounds. Decide what's most important. For me, having those extra few dinners was my "comfort." They only added an extra few ounces, but they provided the security I wanted; a hot meal at the end of a tough day, extra calories/carbs, the opportunity to provide some trail magic.At the end of the day, as in life, HYOH. Yeah, I hope my mistakes will make your hike more joyful. But, as Benjamin Franklin said, "Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other." Kinda wish I'd read THAT earlier...
Date: 2013-11-25
To: And the preps continue...
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, the preparations continue. As I write this, I hit the trail in 93 days, 17 hours, and 54 minutes (I downloaded a countdown clock onto my phone). I only work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so that makes for 36 more working days before the start of my "Grand Adventure." I appreciate all the support from my family and friends, and especially the journal entries.I have a three month at a glance dry erase calender on the wall, and today I finally put December, January, and February on it, so the start date is finally up there. I've been waiting to do that for over two years now. I even drew a little "AT" symbol on February 27 (my start date).One of my customers at Home Depot gave me a great idea. In my early posts, I mentioned I wanted to raise money for a charity on my hike. Due to circumstances beyond my control, that didn't pan out. But my customer said, "If you complete your hike, I'll give you $100." I asked him to donate it to his favorite charity instead. His $100 will be going to the Wounded Warrior Project. Mine will be going to a local no kill shelter. I'll be on the trail for roughly 250 days. If you set aside 50 cents a day, you could donate $100+ to your favorite charity as well. I think this is the best way for me to raise funds on my hike. I hope those who read my journal will join me in this endeavor. If you're at a loss for a good cause, there's always the ATC. One last word on the bear canister, and let's put that one to rest. I've weighed the pros and cons, and for me the weight (pun intended) outweighs the cons. I won't go into them here, as I've done this in a previous post. It's just another example of HYOH. Don't get me wrong; I appreciate the concern. After all, we gotta look out for each other out there. And yes, I'll share my food with you if a bear gets yours. But only if you help me find my canister when a bear steals it. BTW:When I tell people I'm going to hike the AT, I invariably get three questions: "You're really gonna walk all that way?" You're really gonna go by yourself?" "What kind of gun are you carrying? You know, for the bears?" I'm sure every other person planning a thru gets this as well. Plus the stare like you have three heads. One of them cross-eyed and drooling... I'm often tempted to reply: "No. I plan to lure in a sasquatch with Jack Links and ride him north." "Well, me, and the other voices in my head." And, "Same one I've got right now. By the way, where's your wallet?" God bless 'em, but most folks really need to get out into the woods more.
Date: 2014-01-10
To: Almost time...
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, folks, this will be either my last, or next to last, post before I hit the trail. As I type this, it's a mere 47 days, 10 hours before I walk into the woods for half a year. All the preps are done, the mail drops planned, and the equipment bought (and tested).Speaking of which, I tested my last addition the other day; an underquilt for my hammock. It was 23 degrees out with a mild breeze, the sun was almost down, and I was set up in the shade next to the canal. I set up my hammock without the tarp (for ease of access, in case I needed to tweak the anything), attached the underquilt, and climbed in. Wearing only my thermals, my hiking clothes, and my light jacket, I lay in my hammock for about an hour. I was nice and warm (well my backside was, anyway), even without my sleeping bag, top cover (a woobie), or tarp, so I'm fairly confident I'll be ok on the trail. If it's too windy/cold/icky, I can always hide out in a shelter, after all. It's not like I'm banned from them. Yet. I'll revisit that after a month of eating freeze dried chili mac with beef...So, to all the class of 2014: I look forward to meeting you on the trail, and the memories we'll make. To my friends and family who have supported me through the planning stage (and will continue to do so during the course of my hike): Thank you. This hike is as much for you as it is for me. Only I'll do all the walking. :-) To everyone following me: Thank you for sharing this adventure with me. Keep in touch.And last, but certainly not least.To my Mom:Without your love and support, I never would have made this journey. Or this hike.Love you, Mom.
Date: 2014-02-27
To: Amicalola Falls Lodge, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, here I am, sitting in the dining room of the Amicalola Falls Lodge. It's 8:45 AM and service is a bit slow, so it's looking more and more like I'll hit the trail tomorrow instead of today. My pack weighs more than I'd hoped, but who's doesn't?My sister and I did the hike from the Visitor's Center to the top of the Falls, then on a bit more to just past the turn-off for the Hike Inn. I took the pack, with about 20 lbs of gear, and all was well. Gregory Packs swapped out my medium shoulder harness and waist belt for a large set, so I'll be setting out with those (my torso is 19", which is a "medium" in pack size, but my chest and hips are "large"). I'm sure I'll be fiddling with it for the first couple weeks.
Date: 2014-02-28
From: Amicalola Falls Lodge, GA

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

Left the Lodge today at 9:30. Caught a shuttle with another hiker. We got dropped off at the Springer Mtn parking lot, donned our packs, and headed up. At the summit, we took the obligitory photos, signed the register, and headed back down on our way to Hawk Mtn shelter. Unfortunately, about 6.2 miles into the day my new hiking partner was unable to make the last couple of hills, so we parted ways (He sent word later that he was fine). I made it to the shelter, hung my hammock, and after hanging out with some of the other campers, had a great night's sleep, even though it was quite windy and the temperature hung around 27 degrees, with sleet, snow, rain, and such. I was comfy and warm in my hammock, with my underquilt and using my sleeping bag as a top quilt.
Date: 2014-03-01
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I waited at the shelter for Richard (or news at least) until about 10:45, as was our plan when we split. I later ran into a couple of other hikers who had seen him at Hawk Mountain Shelter after I left and he had them get word to me that he was ok. I ran into Jackson, a young man from Texas, and we leap-frogged all day, winding up at Gooch Mtn Shelter together. We're thinking of making Neel's Gap day after tomorrow; he's getting a mail drop, and I need to shed some gear. Today was rough, shorter miles but tougher hills, plus I neglected to take my meds this morning. My left knee is causing me some discomfort, and I'm thinking of taking my first zero day soon. Thus far, the Trail has been a great experience; cold nights, long days, and lots of hills. Wouldn't trade it for anything.
Date: 2014-03-02
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it to Woody Gap. The "Leap Frog Caf©" was there, run by Fresh Ground, one heck of a good guy. If you run into him during your hike, call it a blessing. Great food, and he does it all for donations. I had two of the best hot dogs ever consumed by man, and he got Jackson and I the number for a new hostel, as the Hiker Hostel was already full. We got a shuttle to Wolfpen Gap Hostel, as both Jackson and I were having trouble with our knees. Nice little place, above a convenience store, and they make a killer pizza (plus there was beer!). We checked in, cleared some gear out of our packs, and met our roommates: Texas Tornado and her daughter, June Bug. by chance, I over heard Tornado telling her husband that she had received trail magic just when she needed it: some burrito skins and half a summer sausage someone had left at Gooch Mtn Shelter. That was me. After dinner, we all hung out for a bit then decided to take a zero tomorrow, as an ice storm was coming in.
Date: 2014-03-04
From: Wolfpen Gap shelter

To: Woods Hole shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it to Woods Hole shelter. The start of the hike was interesting, with everything covered in hoarfrost. As the day warmed, the frost fell off the trees, sometimes in big clumps that hurt a bit when they hit you. By the time I got to the shelter, all the wood was wet. Still managed to get a fire going, which was welcomed by all. Planning on making it over Blood Mountain tomorrow, then stealth camping near Hogpen Gap.
Date: 2014-03-05
From: Woods Hole shelter

To: Wolf Laurel Top
Miles today: 7.3

Only made it to Wolf Laurel Top. Wanted to go a bit further, but Texas Tornado had had enough. As June Bug wouldn't abandon her mom, we stayed at Wolf Laurel. Nightmare night; cold, and I measured a 50 mph wind when I got up to pee (that wasn't the strongest gust). I was amazed my stakes held. Rough night by all accounts. Wind blew hard enough my hammock was turned sideways so I was looking down into the valley and town below us. Headed for Low Gap shelter tonight.
Date: 2014-03-06
From: Wolf Laurel Top

To: Low Gap shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it to Low Gap shelter. Texas Tornado bailed at Hogpen Gap, as the trail has been rougher than she thought. The shelter is full, as there is more bad weather coming in. Headed for Unicoi Gap tomorrow, then we'll get a shuttle to the Budget Inn in Hiawassee.
Date: 2014-03-08
From: Hiawassee

Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a good night's sleep (in an actual bed!). Headed out to the Georgia Mountain Restaurant for the AYCE breakfast (they had fried balogna steak). Hit the grocery store for resupply, then back to the room to split everything up and repackage so we don't have to pack out so much trash. Tex wanted to try out the bear canister, and I wanted to move my food up higher in my pack, so I got a dry bag. Amazingly, the bear canister fit in the sleeping bag compartment of Tex's pack! Spent the rest of the day farting around town. We'll catch the 9 AM shuttle back to the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2014-03-09
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Tray Mountain shelter
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Short hike today, though there were two tough hills. My knees are causing me some concern. Kind of funny, as we (the family and I) all thought my back would be the issue (read my "about" page for details). Hung the hammock, and it's an incredible night. Nice enough that I didn't have to put up the tarp, so I get to sleep beneath the stars. Above me is a waxing half-full moon and Orion. To my left, an entire town is laid out in the valley below. I couldn't ask to be in a better place at a better time. Sure, there's lots of pain during the day what with my knees and all; long hills (up and down), sweat, thirst, hunger, etc. But nights like this are why hikers miss the trail when we're in town. And why nobody who's not hiking can understand why we do.
Date: 2014-03-10
From: Tray Mountain shelter

To: Deep Gap shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: few clouds

Hiked from Tray Mountain shelter to Deep Gap shelter. Cool shelter with a loft (where I slept). There were several mentions in the shelter log about mouse problems, and Texas Tornado and Sky (a hiker I had met earlier) both had visitors during the night. I was left alone, possibly because I had told the mice I had gone to bed hungry...
Date: 2014-03-11
From: Deep Gap shelter

To: Plumorchard Gap
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: scattered clouds

My intention was to hike to Plumorchard Gap Shelter, but the two hikers I hooked up with at Wolfpen Gap Hostel (Tex & June Bug) wanted to make a run for the GA/NC border. I was game, so we did. We cut it close, as the sun was going down as we made it into Bly Gap campsite. Plan is to sleep in as bad weather is coming in, then have a short day to Muskrat Creek Shelter tomorrow. Lots of people in the campsite, all happy to have completed their first state. Hung the hammock, ate some dinner, and crashed out.
Date: 2014-03-12
From: Bly Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: light rain

Short day today. Rained all night, so everything's a bit wet. Still raining as we pack up, and I realize I forgot the hood to my rain jacket. As I hiked, the wind and rain got worse. At times, I had to stop and turn my back to the wind to avoid getting blown over. The uphills so far (GA and now NC) are rough, as they don't seem to be fans of using switchbacks. Sometimes you're standing at the base of a mountain looking at the trail going straight up. Sometimes the guy at the top waves. Sometimes he falls over dead from exhaustion.
Date: 2014-03-13
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Deep Gap/Franklin, NC
Miles today: 3.9

Wow. Coldest night on the trail thus far by a wide margin. Overnight low was 2.5 degrees. It rained all day yesterday, so everything was wet when I got to the shelter. Suffered a touch of hypothermia, but huddled in my sleeping bag (covered by my underquilt) for a while and warmed up enough to cook some dinner. I managed to dry my pants by the fire last night, but my shirt and boots were frozen solid this morning. Tex, June, and I are getting a shuttle from Deep Gap to Franklin, NC, to zero at the Budget Inn. My pack weight is an issue, so I'm having my sister send me some gear to swap out. My knees have been bothering me for a while now, so I might take more than just a single zero.