morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-01-16
To: The Devil is in the Details!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare" - the words of Juma Ikangaa when he won the NY marathon in 1989.As my start date approaches I am embroiled in preparation. Refining my planned schedule, but not getting too attached to it, because once I hit the trail I need to be flexible and the plan WILL change! The day by day plan helps me envision what sort of pace I might keep for each section - lower mileage to start, bigger miles through the middle, time off at the halfway point, then lower mileage as I hike through my home state of NH and the fierce White Mountains. It also helps me gauge when I might finish - in July for a total of about 5 months on the trail.I also went through my food and did detailed menu planning for about 2,800 calories per day. This means I need to carry about 1.4 lb of food for each day between resupplies. The most food I'll carry at once will be about 7 days, or about 10 lbs of food!!!My gear is pretty much squared away - I'll be carrying just under 10 lbs of gear. I am still wrestling with my footwear selection. I got a little frost nip snowshoeing in my trail runners here a few weeks ago, so I want to play it safe on the AT. I'll wear trail runners much of the way, but I may start with (or switch to) Goretex mid heights if there is snow on the trail (Great Smoky Mountains National Park).
Date: 2013-01-24
To: Training & packing & partying oh my!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

As I get closer to my AT thru hike start date I'm more focused on training and preparation. The weather here in New Hampshire is definitely not cooperating with my training schedule. Temperatures here have been in the single digits or below 0F for 2 weeks now! So when I go out to train I just keep telling myself if you can make it through this you can make it through anything.Yesterday I hiked up the face of the old ski mountain through deep snow. The temperature was minus 10F! As you can see from my picture I look like a popsicle, But I made it to the top and then I quickly scrambled back down. When I got home, I spent nearly an hour in a steaming hot bath tub. They have bath tubs in all the AT shelters, right?I'm finalizing all my meal plans and my good friend Sharon is coming over on Saturday to help me bag up my meals for my mail drops. I'm excited and nervous all at once and I'm not sleeping much at night because my mind is churning with thoughts.I'm starting with the fun process of going to send off parties and saying goodbye to everyone for the next 5 or 6 months. I appreciate the friendship and support of my family, my friends and everyone who is reading this journal.
Date: 2013-01-29
To: Hurry up and wait!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was nearly set to go. Gear... Check. Logistics... Check. Food... Check. But now I've hit a slight speedbump.Remember the frost nip on my toes from snowshoeing a few weeks ago when the temp here in NH was like 20 below zero? Well, 3 different doctors looked at it yesterday and they're calling it frostbite. Not mild, but not severe. So, I need to let my toes heal for the next few weeks and avoid temps below 32F for the next 6-12 months in order to prevent long term damage.As long as I follow doctors' orders, this will just be a slight speedbump on my journey. My plan is to head south and visit with friends and family over the next 2 months, do some warm weather training, and start my AT thru hike in early April.It's funny how sometimes a setback can cause you to reevaluate a goal and either give it up or become even more committed to achieving it. Everyone keeps asking me if I'm frustrated or bummed. I'm not either. I'm determined. I'm not going to give up on this dream. I'm going to fight for it.
Date: 2013-02-07
To: The start of my journey!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

All packed up and heading south!I've still got almost 2 months until I start my hike, but I stuck to my original plan and I left home today!I spent the past week finalizing gear for both cold weather and warm weather and packing up my mail drops. I'll be sending food and supplies to about 8 spots: Hiawassee, Fontana Dam, Hot Springs, Erwin, Damascus, Pearisburg, Waynesboro, Daleville and Harpers Ferry. Half of these will be personally delivered by my pit crew (Annie & Wayne) and the other half are going USPS priority mail. I put the "if it fits, it ships" to the test, cramming snack bars in the corners of each box. It took two of us to hold the boxes closed to tape them up!For the next 2 months I'll make my way south visiting my brother for his birthday, visiting friends in Carolina and doing a shake down hike to test my gear as a system, and heading to Florida to visit my parents. I'm bringing my puppy with me and I'm looking forward to taking her to the dog beach in Florida so she can swim in the ocean for the first time!We'll also do lots of training in the warm weather to make sure I am 'trail ready' come April!It's an exciting time. I am so happy to finally be in motion after a year of planning and 30 years of dreaming!
Date: 2013-02-18
To: Visiting friends in North Carolina & getting snow!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I stopped off in North Carolina for a week to visit friends. The weather was good - cold, but clear most days. Except for the day we got 2" of snow! I got some good training hikes in with my dog, Ellie. We hiked the 3 miles up and 3 miles back down Crowder's mountain 3 different days and I carried a 30# pack, while Ellie carried her little pack, stuffed only with towels. It was a good workout for me - especially the upper stretch of stairs to the summit. Every time I did the stairs I thought of the stairs I will soon hike on the AT Approach Trail leading up to the AT trailhead atop Springer Mountain. Ellie seemed to enjoy a sense of purpose carrying her pack too.It's been great reconnecting with friends here, but I am definitely eager to start my AT hike.
Date: 2013-02-22
To: A stop in Florida before I hit the trail
Miles today: 0.0

I'm in Florida now, visiting my parents. It's really warm here - like 85F which is a huge change over the snow we saw in North Carolina last week. I'm getting out early in the morning to train before it gets hot. It's really nice to run again and I've got a 4 mile loop that I do. We spent the afternoon at the Bonita dog beach. There were lots of dogs there and they were all happy and playing well together. My dog, Ellie had the best day of her life seeing the ocean and frolicking in the surf for the first time with dozens of playmates. It was a really fun experience and so nice to see the joy and harmony between the dogs and between the people. Everyone was happy and getting along.It seems like this has nothing to do with my AT hike, but it's actually all connected. My upcoming AT hike is what brought me here from NH and I feel so happy to have the opportunity to spend time with far flung family and friends. And when I am out on the AT in the coming months and I feel lonely I can play back the happy memories I am making right now and they will comfort me like a hug from a loved one.I'm watching the weather - looking for moderate temps in the Smokies - and itching to hit the trail.
Date: 2013-03-03
To: Dress Rehearsal
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a dress rehearsal hike for me. I packed up my backpack and put on my hiking clothes and went out for an 8 mile hike. My dog, Ellie, did the first 4 miles with me, then after a 15 minute break I went back out for another 4 miles while Ellie went home to nap.I still get some minor swelling in a few toes since my frostbite 2+ months ago, so I have had some blisters, but not today. My Salomon mids were comfy, but my feet got hot and tired despite the mild Florida weather: 60F but windy. My pack feels good. Not too heavy, but it rubbed a little until I got it adjusted right. I feel strong and I feel ready to begin my journey.It has been wonderful seeing family and friends over the past month. I know that they love me and want me to be happy, but they don't really understand why I want to thru hike the AT. People may worry, or think it's stupid or even be jealous and I understand that, but I feel so fortunate to have the chance to live out this dream. It's going to be a massive challenge and a great adventure.Thank you for reading my journal and for being a part of my journey.
Date: 2013-03-07
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Big Stamp Gap
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: broken clouds

First day on the trailCompleted 9.8 miles - 8.8 Approach Trail + 1.0 down from Springer Summit to Big Stamp Gap / Springer parking lot.What an awesome first day! As we drove toward the Approach trail I has all sorts of misgivings - what was I getting myself into? Why was I doing this? Was this a mistake?I arrived at AFSP around 11 am and registered as hiker # 222 for 2013 with a pack weight of 20 lb. There were a few others registering at the same time. I hiked with my yellow lab, Ellie, today. It was nice to have the company and the bonding, but I'm glad she won't be on the trail with me after today. Water was scarce and I worried about her getting enough, plus with all the mud on the trail she got filthy.We had a wonderful hike today - 9.8 miles with bright blue skies and sunshine, but temps only around 50F and very light snow on the trail - perfect hiking weather. It didn't take long for me to remember how much I love to hike and that's why I'm doing this. We hiked to Springer parking lot, just 1 mile down from the summit, where Annie met us and drove us back to AFSP. We met lots of people on the trail and enjoyed some nice views. Ellie is resting in front of the fire now, in our cute little rustic cabin back at AFSP while I sip wine and smell my steak cooking on the charcoal grill outside. So far, hiking my first official mile on the AT is loaded with creature comforts.Tomorrow they will drop me back at the trail and I head out for real.
Date: 2013-03-08
From: Big Stamp Gap

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Annie dropped me back at the trail and I heard Ellie crying to come with me as I hiked away. That little dog loves to hike as much as I do.It was another beautiful day on the trail with blue skies, sunshine and temps in the 50Fs.  I hiked a short ways with Tommy Hawk and his brother Goat - really nice young guys from NY. I saw Quaker often. I'm not sure how old he is, but he's a skinny little guy with wild curly white locks and a white Amish beard.He seems like an elf, showing up everywhere with a kind smile.The biggest climb of the day was Sassafras Mountain, but I enjoyed lovely long views all day. It was a long day getting in to the shelter around 5:30 and then scrambling to put up my tent and cook supper before dark. These were new tasks to me, since I'm not much of a camper. Well, I got a most excellent pitch to my tent so it was roomy and comfy inside with no sagging or fluttering, but because I was late into camp the few tent spots were taken so I ended up on a slope. Not good. Slid down hill all night, but with a full stomach. Dinner was a success. My home made concoction of freeze dried peas, carrots, mashed potatoes, beef bits and paprika was absolutely delicious. It was packaged to be about 700 calories, but it seems like a huge amount of food and I had little appetite.Lesson 1: pitch your tent on a flat spotShout out: thanks to my family and extended family who's love and support makes this journey easier to undertake.
Date: 2013-03-09
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up, excited for another day of hiking. I feel so fortunate to be put here hiking the AT, with the opportunity to see the east coast on foot! I saw Quaker and he said he planned to push thru to Neel Gap. Since that is active bear territory, backpackers must either lay up early or push thru extra miles which means climbing and descending Blood Mountain after already hiking 14.5 miles! I felt good, so I was pushing thru! I leap frogged up with Quebec who's about my age and from Quebec. We met some fun people on top including Clever Girl (who has awesome purple hair), Her boyfriend, DumpTruck and Apollo. I was happily skipping down the steep descent when they called to me: "HIKING HOME!  The trail goes THIS way!!!" I rolled my ankle on the way down, so I took it easy the rest of the way down.We got to Neel Gap together and I checked I to the hostel, but found the windowless, basement bunk room too hot and stuff, so I moved my gear outside and pitched the tent. I got a great, taut pitch and I selected a perfectly level spot on a little ridge.  Rut Roh. Around midnight the wind kicked up and pounded me all night. Supermom and her 3 sweet kids and dog, Charley were camped below me and the next morning she gave me a tip to cram all of your gear around the base of the tent to ward off drafts. She was very nice. I had another great supper though - freeze dried turkey dinner, with peas, carrots, mashed potatoes and thyme! It was like Thanksgiving dinner.Lesson 2: Don't pitch your tent on a windy ridge!Shout out: Thanks to everyone who has left a message in my guest book. Your comments motivate and inspire me. You are with me in spirit on this journey.
Date: 2013-03-10
From: Neel Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: scattered clouds

After the time change last night I got a late start at 9 am, so I set my sights on Low Gap Shelter 11.5 miles away and set off at a relaxed pace to make sure my ankle would be ok. I dislocated it about 5 years ago and it's been weak ever since. I made Low Gap by 3 and felt good. Some other folks were there and they decided to push on to Blue Mountain Shelter and I decided to do the same. I'm glad I did because it was a lovely, gradual hike for the next few miles reminding me of hikes we did around Globe, NC. The last few miles were more like Linville, NC with steep rocky hills and narrow, drop off trail. I was running short of water and there was a very high cascade wall you could touch from the trail. It was green and slimy, but flowing like a fire hose. So, I opted to dip and sip. I took a good long pull on the cold water and paused. Ruh Roh! I had a swimmer in my water bottle! I pushed on to Blue Mountain and was rewarded with a fresh, cold, CLEAN stream. There was space in the shelter, but since the weather was calling for rain, I chose to work on my tenting skills in rain. So, I found a spot in a little dip, shielded by trees, I lay dow to make sure it was flat, and I threw leaves in the air to check wind direction. I pitched the tent and went to cook my dinner. I enjoyed a delicious meal of freeze dried sausage, peppers and refried bean flakes with chili seasoning. A warm and hearty meal after a very long hike. I got back to my tent and the wind had shifted after sunset a full 90 degrees! Foiled again! So, I turned my tent then turned in. I did not sleep much but a I stayed warm and dry despite howling winds and rain and I used Supermom's "stuff your gear in the drafty spots" trick.Lesson 3: if it ain't spring water, treat it with purification dropsShout out: Supermom, of course!
Date: 2013-03-11
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Hiawassee, Barefoot Cabin
Miles today: 2.4

Since today called for more rain I decided to take a "nero," or low mileage day. I was concerned about the combo of wet gear and cold temps on my feet which are still recovering from frostbite. I was supposed to meet Annie for a night off trail tomorrow, but it seemed like a good idea to get in out of the rain today, so I called her and she drove up from her parents house. I've been hiking with Winnie the Pooh, so I invited him to join us. So, we are hanging out in a lovely cabin with great views and a hot tub. It's been raining like crazy all day long but we are warm and cozy in front of the fireplace. I feel so happy to be able to share this day with Annie, Ellie and our new friend Pooh!Lesson: enjoy every good thing which comes your way - like Barefoot CabinShout out: Thanks to everyone who supports and maintains the Georgia AT!
Date: 2013-03-12
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Yesterday's "nero" left me refreshed and ready to hike today. My ankle was swollen last night after rolling it a few days ago, but I put arnica gel on it and wore my compression socks and it was good to go this morning.Winnie the Pooh and I headed up the trail around 8 am in bitter cold temps with the trees iced over and the wind howling. Tray Mountain was the high high point of the day at 4430'. It was a good climb, but it was so foggy there was no view to reward our efforts. On the way down Tray Mountain it started to warm up and the ice melting from the tree branches starting pelting me in the head.I saw familiar faces - Clever Girl and the boys - met some new folks - Whistle and Outside Dog. I hiked with Trekker some. He's a retired guy from LA and he keeps a good pace. He asked me how I keep my pant legs so clean slogging down the trail flowing with mud. I said "I walk on water!" He got a good laugh.Annie and Ellie hiked in a few miles from Dicks Creek Gap parking area to meet me. It was wonderful to see that little yellow dog running up the trail to meet me. One more night in the cabin tonight and then it's back to trail life for me.In the meantime, we are heading over to Helen, GA - a little German town - for an authentic German dinner at the Bodensee restaurant.
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: light rain

A super big day today! Lots of climbing and a cold and very windy day. Several major milestones. At milepoint 78.5 I left Georgia and crossed into North Carolina. I am so happy to have experienced the beauty of the Georgia mountains.I stopped for lunch just over the border and fixed my cold oatmeal and the craisins in it were frozen! I wolfed it down as Dozer, a young guy from NC and an App State grad, flew past me. I set my sights on camping at Standing Indian but I found myself on top of the mountain at 5498'. Silver Fox came up behind me and I asked where the shelter was? He said "It's back there, halfway down the mountain!" It's just as well since I don't think there are good tent spots there, plus it would be colder at that elevation. So, I went a few miles down the other side of the mountain to camp at Beech Gap and met Woodsman from CA. He was super nice to go back up to the spring to collect water for me. Silver Fox came into camp and we fixed our supper. I enjoyed another yummy freeze dried concoction of sausage, veggies, curry and coconut butter. I am so happy with my homemade food mixes. Really delicious and nutritious after a long day of hiking.It was super cold all night. I barely slept, shivering in my tent. My 30+F quilt was great at 35F last in GA, but was not adequate for temps in the 20Fs. It was a good day, but a rough night.
Date: 2013-03-14
From: Beech Gap

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 15.4

I got up and moving fast to try to warm up after a bitter cold night. Lots of frozen water on the trail and my water bottles were partially frozen! I stopped at a sunny, scenic overlook and Guard and another young guy had their gear spread out to thaw. Guard was so sweet - he was fixing oatmeal and offered to fix some for me! I had just eaten some oatmeal poptarts, so I thanked him and pushed on. The kindness of people along the way is so uplifting.I set my sights on the town of Franklin, NC so that I could remedy my sleep system. I had to go over Albert Mountain at 5250' first though. It was a little tricky with converging trails then hand over hand scrambling up the mountain. I thought about my Dad (named Albert) on the way up and how he's worried, but rooting for me to do this epic hike. I got to the top of the Albert Mountain and met Old Goat and Patriot (another hiker from NH!). We climbed the firetower - there's some vertigo for ya! - took pix and headed down. This also marked our first 100 miles in my first week on the AT! Woo hoo!Shout out: Guard, of course! And Laurie at the Hampton Inn who helped me with arrangements to swap out my sleeping bag, and she fed me and she was really nice at a time when I needed it. I highly recommend this hotel. It is super nice.
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Rock Gap

To: Bartram Trail Campsite
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: broken clouds

I got into Franklin late yesterday and got online to find a warmer sleeping bag. After a few searches I got into an online chat with Brian at Golite equipment. Turns out they had a 10 degree bag that sounded perfect and was affordable. It was 6 pm ET already but Brian said he would enter my order and run it down to the warehouse there in Boulder, CO so it could ship out for next day delivery! Well, I had my new sleeping bag by 11:30 am and I was back out on the trail an hour later! As I started out. Met Mainiac (from Maine) and we hiked up Siler Bald together. She keeps a good pace and we had a nice chat. I pushed on and camped with Molly and Ian. It was a beautiful clear night full of stars and a bright moon. We were all so tired we skipped dinner and hit the sack. It was cold, but no problem for me in my toasty sleeping bag!Lesson: pick the right tool for the job!Shout out: Brian at Golite! The have great, affordable products and great service, but Brian really went the "extra mile" for me.
Date: 2013-03-16
From: Bartram Trail Campsite

To: Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We got up around when full daylight hit and had a relaxed morning. I had my first hot breakfast on the trail of coffee and oatmeal and I hung out with Molly and Ian before hitting the trail mid morning. I got to Wayah Bald quickly and enjoyed seeing the old stone tower and the spectacular views. It was a beautiful crisp Carolina morning. I got down the mountain and cruised into Cold Spring shelter where I was greeted by KFox from my town in NH! I knew she was out there, but I didn't expect to catch her for a few more weeks. She looked skinny but happy. I stopped near Wesser Bald at the cistern where spring water is collected. It was fresh and delicious water. I met Leo the Lion there. He's a 72 year old guy who is hiking to raise awareness and money for Alzheimer's. Godspeed Leo!I camped with Picasso that night. He's an Art professor from Cincinnati and a wonderful guy. We hit the sack at dark and I saw headlamps coming the trail. Sure enough it was Molly and Ian. I called out that we were all going down the hill into the Nantahala Outdoor Center for a hot breakfast tomorrow. It was a great day all around.Shout out: Picasso who shared his little campsite on the stream with me.
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: snow

I was up and at 'em and down the hill to NOC for bacon, eggs and hot coffee at River's End Cafe. After breakfast I headed back out and spent the next few hours in a brutal 3500' climb over 8 miles from about 1750' back up to 5062' on Cheoah Bald. And that was just the first half of my mileage for the day! It was one of the most physically demanding things I've ever done. I pitched my tent (getting pretty good at it now) and enjoyed a delicious hot dinner of sausage, peppers and re-fried beans while the young guys in the shelter (Heart Rock, Carpenter, Tall Boy) scarfed down their Ramen and Easter candy from Heart Rock's Mom. In the middle of the night I heard the guys fighting off the mice. "Dude, one just ran behind me. Dude, he's eating the chocolate."Did I mention, I love my tent?