morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-02-28
To: And Here I Sit
Miles today: 0.0

If all had gone according to the original plan, I'd be enjoying a great dinner at Amicalola State Park and Lodge right now and later on probably fussing with my gear one last time, anticipating an early start in the morning, up the Approach Trail.As it stands, I'm in my favorite chair by the fireplace, petting the dog, poking around on the 'Net, and congratulating myself on how well that bratwurst did on the grill, especially with the onions and tomatoes sizzling next to them.And, occasionally, I'm still unceremoniously hacking up gunk.I made the decision Monday night to push things out one week, mainly because I thought it was foolish risking bronchitis or walking pneumonia and possibly aborting the whole endeavor only a few weeks or even days into it. After so much planning and rearranging my life and, let's not forget, some gear purchases, it just made no sense to start out if things weren't at least ninety percent.Naturally, I'm second guessing my choice -- the weather (at least here in North Carolina's Piedmont region) was spectacular and I can only imagine what the views may have been out on large parts of the trail. As it was, I knocked out a few errands I would have left undone and got to enjoy one more day in the little log cabin on the lake (see pic, above). The dog and I bopped around town, windows down in the car, and generally enjoyed ourselves.I will say that the delay, while tormenting me, has got my mind going in overdrive and at two in the morning today, when the dog and his elderly bladder needed to go out, a thought came to me. I immediately returned inside, walked over to my pack, worked a little magic with my gear selection, and lopped a pound off my gear weight, thereby bringing my pack's total weight (minus food and water but including fuel) under 15 pounds.Also, when I called Amicalola State Park and Lodge to move my reservation by one week, I discovered that they had my check-in date as the 27th rather than the 28th. I can only imagine my frustration and reaction had I arrived tonight and discovered that my reservation had come and gone (as I'm sure my money would have) and that they were fully booked.So, rather than lamenting the lost week and agonizing delay of my hike, I'm going to chalk it up as fortuitous. And, once I'm underway and out on the trail a couple of weeks, I think no one will remember that I started with a one week delay -- I'm pretty sure I won't care. It's not like the Appalachians are going anywhere.
Date: 2012-03-01
To: And Here I Sit, Part 2
Miles today: 0.0

Grrrrrrr.The weather is absolutely gorgeous outside. While I should appreciate the view from my upstairs window I can't help but think how much better the view would be from somewhere on the trail.With five days to go (again), I am more impatient than ever.At least I haven't touched my pack or other gear in two days, so maybe that's an indication of some amount of resignation that the trip will start at some point, I just have to sit back and let things come to me.What I have done, though, is revisit my iPod and add some new albums. Of today's acquisitions, there's:Love Snuck Up, Buddy Miller & Julie MillerWritten In Chalk, Buddy Miller & Julie MillerSatisfied At Last, Joe ElyLive In Europe, James McMurtySuper Extra Gravity, The CardigansMy Favorite Things, John ColtraneMy Kind of Blue, Miles DavisWhile I don't think one should drown the entire trail in MP3 mayhem, it doesn't hurt to have a little something tucked away for tough climbs, slow nights before falling asleep, and for sharing with others.I don't know if it'll amount to anything, but I applied some [tent] seam sealer to my favorite Rockports last night, so I guess that counts as trip preparation. Other than that, I am in a holding pattern until Tuesday morning.
Date: 2012-03-02
To: Katahdin is That-a-way!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I am not making up the following conversation, freshly spoken this morning:"Yes, my name is ___ and I'd like to make a change to our [web & database] hosting account." "Sure thing, Mr. ___. Let me bring up your account. Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. ___, only the account's primary contact can make changes.""Uh, I see. Who is the primary contact?""Let me see. --- Okay, Mr. ___. the primary contact is blank.""What?""It's blank -- no one is listed.""Okay. Can I change that?""No. I'm afraid only the primary contact can make any changes to the account, including who the primary contact is.And this is why the Appalachian Trail is so dang appealing to me right now. Simplicity. Sure, there's challenges, but I think one of the last things standing between someone and a successful thru-hike would be bureaucratic silliness. As long as someone can stay warm, feed themselves, stay sheltered at the appropriate times, and keep putting one foot in front of the other safely, then the goal should eventually materializeHang on -- my call is very important to _____ and I'm only number 3 in line...
Date: 2012-03-05
To: A Word About Mail Drops
Miles today: 0.0

If you'll notice, I have a number of mail drops planned.In most cases, I'm not actually mailing things to these points. Instead, I'll be using the list for just in case situations and, thus, have addresses and mileage worked out ahead of time. In some cases, I'm mailing some possibly-hard-to-find goodies. In others, I'm mailing batches of maps. In nearly every case, a mail drops coincides with the beginning or end of a section.So, that's the story with all the mail droops.
Date: 2012-01-16
To: Let it snow
Miles today: 0.0

   Well we waited for it to snow here,it finally did but not til Jan. Sure was crazy weather here last week. Had 50 degrees one day and 4 inches of snow thw next. Makes it harder to walk on the shoulders of the roads. Living outside of town walking on not so traveled roads is great.I think the snow will be here yet when we leave fr Ga.
Date: 2012-01-17
To: SPRING???
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Ok,so,it got up to 43 degrees yesterday. There is no more snow on the trees. It is melting fast. January thaw? We have not even experienced winter yet. Our walk yesterday was a sunny one and we were way overdressed. The back roads are clear and most of the snow was melted. Today it is raining BUT suppose to get really cold and change to snow. Know what that does to the roads? Anyway, we are 7 weeks away. Til next time, Tagnalong
Date: 2012-01-17
To: It's Baaaack!!!
Miles today: 0.0

What a day. This morning we headed out to do a presentation on the P.C.T. and it was sprinkling and 39 degrees. By noon it was sleeting and when we left the presentation at 2:00 the snow was falling heavily. When we finally got home after sliding around on the roads there was another 3 inches of snow in the driveway. The temps were dropping and the wind is picking up. We even got stuck in the drive up to the garage. Got the John Deere out. Threw some snow around and finally in the garage. Welcome to Michigan weather. Suppose to get more snow tonight and the temps in the 20's. Throw another log on the fire. Ah, the heat of a woodstove. It's great being in and looking out. It is beautiful you know. 7 weeks til we leave. Thats it for now. Think I will go and play in the snow. Til next time, Headnout and tagnalong
Date: 2012-01-18
To: IT'S COLD
Miles today: 0.0

Walking our 5 miles was cold this morning. The sun came out for a while and the wind was pretty calm. This afternoon however was a different story. Very windy and cloudy and snowing. It sure was pretty looking out my window at it all. I even went out and took a slide down our homemade sliding hill. It was very slick as it had a layer of snow on top of the ice from the pelting rain yesterday. Our pond is frozen but not enough to get out the ice skates yet. Maybe I should not try that this year. I do not need to cancel my hike because of a broken leg or something else. Well, at least it is one day closer to March. Til next time, Headnout and tagnalong
Date: 2012-01-19
To: BBBRRRR!!!!!!!!!
Miles today: 0.0

I really did not think we would get out and walk today. We got another 3 inches of snow last night and the temp was 23 this morning. BUT, we decided to bundle up. Good thing because the wind was blowing about 20 miles an hour. Of course you walk into it. My face was numb within minutes. The sun peaked out now and then ,so that made it nice. The snowplow had com through so the shoulders were good. It was still very slippery. Guess I should have my crampons on. It takes us about 2 hours to do the 5 miles. We try to get it done first thing in the day. am looking out the back of the house and my yard has about 15 turkeys under my birdfeeder. Maybe I will go sliding. Til next time, Headnout and Tagnalong
Date: 2012-01-20
To: winter sets in
Miles today: 0.0

another beautiful winter day. walking today was great with no wind blowing against our faces. We actually unzipped our down jackets. very cloudy but the sun peeked through. Suppose to get another 3 inches of this white stuff tonight. Our Grand-daughter who just turned 13 is bringing some friends up tomorrow to slide. We are counting down the days when we leave. 46 more days.
Date: 2012-01-23
To: WHAT ????
Miles today: 0.0

I cannot believe this crazy weather. Saturday our Granddaughter and friends were here going down the sliding hill. Now, no snow. It had thunderstormed last night and rained hard. It was still raining this morning so we held off our walk,besides we had Drs. app. at 11. We stopped and got me some new hiking boots for the trail. They are tevas. I have a low-cut pair that I like and so when I found these I was happy. Tomorrow I will wear them on our 5 mile walk. It is still raining but the temps are dropping . There will be fresh snow tomorrow. I am sure the roads will be nasty. We are going to send the stove and water-filter ahead to Amocalola Falls where we are staying at the lodge for 2 nights before we start out on March 8. 43 days and counting. Til next time, Tagnalong
Date: 2012-01-24
To: GLOOMY DAY
Miles today: 0.0

so where is the sun these days? Taking our walk today it was windy . Temp was 28 and the windchill was 22. It is great how walking keeps you warm.I was trying out my new boots. They seemed to be alright. The down jacket I got from Santa only weighs 1 lb. It is really nice. Thanks Santa. We are preparing to send only a few drop boxes. When we hiked in 2006 we did not have any, and had no problem buying food along the way. We also hit the hiker boxes at various places where they had some. Hikers leave their excess food behind because most of them do not want to carry it and they are sick of the same ole thing. Also the trail angels are such a great help. They always are offering to take you to a town to resupply or they have something to give you. Finding many trail angels in 2006,we were blessed many times. Hoping to walk again tomorrow. It is suppose to snow. Maybe the sun will shine. Til next time, Tagnalong. 41 days and counting.
Date: 2012-01-25
To: new route
Miles today: 0.0

When you heat with wood it is not good to have a crack in the glass on the door. we let the fire get cool then took the door off to take it to the stove shop. Got in the car and it would not turn over. Dead battery? we did not think so. Called the ins.co.for a tow to take it into town to the Ford dealership. One hour later he was here, only had to come 10 miles but at least he showed up.Anyway, he put the tester on the battery and sure enough it was dead. He jumped it and then left. Ok, on our way but did not dare to turn off the car off for fear it would not start again. Stopped at NAPA $114.00 later,new battery. Ouch,did not see that coming. On to the woodstove shop. Dropped the door off and decided to take our walk while we waited for it to get fixed. Oh, wait we did not have breakfast yet. On to the restaurant. Had a great omelette and then off to find a route that would take us 2 hours to walk. We left the car at Wesco,a gas station and headed out. I was a little concerned about leaving the car there. There just happened to be a sign,vehicles left here will be towed away at owners expense. Out on the country roads,we had a little trouble with ice. Lots of ice. Hard walking so we tried walking on the banks of snow. Not doing well. It was sure a workout. 2.5 hours later we were back to the car. It was there. Yippee. Tim decided to put the new battery in and then we went back to the woodstove place to pick up the door. We had to wait for it,and when all was done another $159.00. Another ouch.well all in all we did make it home in time to get a fire going before it got cold outside. It had been another 40 degree day. As I submit this it is toasty warm in the house and a cool 33 outside. I wonder what tomorrow will bring. 40 days and counting. Til next time, Tagnalong
Date: 2012-01-26
To: PACKING ALREADY
Miles today: 0.0

AS I SIT HERE DOING THIS JOURNAL IT IS GLOOMY AND 36 DEGREES AT 4:00 In the afternoon. WE TOOK OUR 5MILE HIKE THIS MORNING. IT WASN'T MUCH DIFFERENT.THE ICE IS OFF THE ROADS AND THE SHOULDERS ARE BARE. NO SUN WHATSOEVER. THIS AFTERRNOON WE DECIDED TO START GETTING TOGETHER OUR GEAR,WONDERING WHAT WE STILL NEED. WE HAVE PLENTY. WE REALLY WANT TO GET OUR PACK WEIGHT DOWN. IN 2006 WE WERE WAY TO HEAVY. MY AVERAGE PACKWEIGHT WAS 40 LBS. AND TIM'S WAS AROUND 50-55. WE DO NOT WANT TO DO THAT AGAIN. I GOT A NEW PACK, A GOSSEMER GEAR WEIGHING IN AT UNDER 2 LBS. I ALSO HAVE A 2 LB 13 OZ,MARMOT HELIUM 15 DEGREE DOWN BAG. THE LAST PACK I TOOK WEIGHED 6 LBS EMPTY AND MY SYNTHETIC BAG WAS 4. I CARRY ALL THE FOOD ,SO I NEED TO KEEP THE REST OF THE STUFF DOWN.MY RAIN GEAR IS A MARMOT PANTS AND JACKET WEIGHING 20 OZ. ALL IN ALL I FELL BETTER ALREADY.SO NOW MY JOB IS TO WORK ON TIM'S PACK .HE IS A PACK-RAT.THINKS HE NEEDS EVERYTHING. TIL NEXT, TAGNALONG
Date: 2012-01-31
To: Michigan Winter
Miles today: 0.0

So,here it is the last day in Jan .and we have 50 degrees. The sun is shining and the 4 inches of snow we got over the weekend is disappesring fast. It was very nice to walk today with no heavy jacket. Just a windbreaker. It was a little windy but the sun was shining bright. Not suppose to get any more snow til next week. Days like today makes us wish we were on the trail. It won't be long . 36 days and counting. Til next time, Tagnalong
Date: 2012-02-02
To: Ground Hog Day
Miles today: 0.0

   Ok,so we are to have 6 more weeks of winter according to the cute little guy that pops out of the ground every year at this time. What does he know. Today we meet some folks who live not too far from us that are hiking the trail this year too. Lots to talk about and when we left them it made us even more excited to hit the trail. March seems a long way off seenings it is only the second day of Feb. We do have one thing going for us, it only has 29 days. Leap year.    We left for our walk late today. It was 4:00 and we knew that we would have to hurry to make it home by dark. We added a mile to our walk because of a new month. 6 miles, pretty much the same route and it takes us 2 hours. Of course we stop and pick up cans and we have 6 horses we bring treats to. It was just starting to get dark. It was 38 degrees while walking but was nice. No sun ,little wind. We are not to have any snow til next week with the temps in the mid 30's. The snow is almost gone. We are way behind in the snowfall. Have only had 32 inches so far and we average 98. Sooo, we are wondering when its coming. Maybe March.Til next time, Tagnalong
Date: 2012-02-08
To: Getting Ready
Miles today: 0.0

      I decided today it was time to get serious about packing the backpack. Hoping to get the weight down. The food was all over the table as we looked to fix some drop boxes. We did not have any maildrops when we hiked in 2006. We bought so much food that we decided to send most of it ahead. The first one to Hiawassee, then to Franklin. Our daughter will send one to Fontana Dam so we will have 8 days of food through the Smokys and then Standing Bear. I cannot believe that we have so much food.      The weather has been great for walking. Today we had sunshine and clear blue skies. It was a cool 37 degrees but we were ok with it. This is the first day of sunshine in 4 days, so it was great to see it shining bright. Tomorrow it suppose to get in the 40's and then this weekend they are predicting snow with frigid temps. Thats Michigan. Our snowfall has been really low this winter. Very unusual.      So, with the food,sleeping bag,pad,clothes,toiletries,and a few odds and ends my pack weighs around 27 lbs. I cannot believe it. Headnout says he is sure I forgot something. He is probably right. Til next time,Tagnalong
Date: 2012-02-14
To: Valentines day
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Valentines Day to all. We had a drs. app. today and I got a pedicure. Getting my feet all prepared for the hike. Only 21 dsys til we leave. Its amazing how the time flies when you stay busy. We did not walk today as we got back late from the Dr. and the weather was really crappy. Light rain. Tim as been getting a series of shots in his knee for pain. The shot is like a gel put into his knee filing the gap between the bones in his kneecap. He had this done before when he got back from the P.C.T. in 2008. It really works.He was afraid it was something else and was relieved when the Dr. suggested the shots. He also has a sore throat and a cough. I need to nurse him back to health. We will probably take it easy for a couple of days ,especially if the weather is bad. More snow and cold weather in the forecast for the rest of the week. After all ,it is only Feb. and we have not had a typical winter.   Getting maildrops ready and packing our packs. Hope we do not get too heavy.So, another day to the countdown. March will be here before we know it.
Date: 2012-02-17
To: Counting down
Miles today: 0.0

WOW!!!!! ITS ONLY 17 DAYS TIL WE FLY TO ATLANTA. I CAN HARDLY WAIT. I HEARD THAT IT HAS BEEN IN THE 60'S. AWESOME. OUR WALK TODAY WAS A VERY SUNNY ONE WITH TEMPS IN THE HIGH 40'S. THAT WAS THIS MORNING . BY THIS AFTERNOON IT WAS SNOWING AND GETTING COLD AND THE SUN WAS GONE. WELL ,THATS MICHIGAN. TOMORROW ANOTHER SNOWY DAY BUT NOT TO MUCH ACCUMULATION.    IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT FEBRUARY IS HALF OVER. THE WEATHER SURE DOES NOT SEEM LIKE IT.WELL,I GUESS THAT IT IS WHAT IT IS. WE HAVE OUR FIRST 3 MAILDROPS READY TO GO. WE ARE NOT USING POST OFFICES AS THEY ARE NOT OPEN IN LATE AFTERNOON. WE FIND IT MUCH BETTER TO SEND IT TO A MOTEL OR THE LODGES. WE ARE ONLY SENDING 5 MAILDROPS AND PLAN TO RE-SUPPLY ALONG THE WAY. THIS WORKED VERY WELL FOR US IN 2006. SO, ONCE WE LEAVE AMICALOLA FALLS WE WILL BE ON THE TRAIL TIL HIAWASSEE WHERE WE WILL STAY THE NIGHT. THAT IS THE PLAN BUT WHO KNOWS. TIL NEXT TIME,TAGNALONG
Date: 2012-02-20
To: Counting the Days
Miles today: 0.0

Ok here we go! The countdown is on. We are less than 15 days til we leave. The 6th of March is right around the corner. We are still enjoying the warm weather, well at least it is warmer than it should be. In the 40's. Sunny and bright blue skies. Are we sure it is Feb? Getting the pack ready. How many times does one have to pack and unpack before we get it right? I keep putting the same stuff in and it all goes in. So, why do I not trust myself to know that I have everything.    The maildrops are ready to go. We took the ones to our daughter to mail. She will be sending 2 boxes to Fontana Dam and 1 to Standing Bear. We will be mailing 1 to Hiawassee and 1 to Franklin before we leave.Our stove and water filter and a few other things will be sent to Amicalola Falls next week.    We are excited to read other journals especially about those who are already on the trail. Boy, the weather sure has been nasty for some. Hope it clears up and stops raining and snowing before we get there.Til next time, Tagnalong
Date: 2012-02-23
To: GETTING CLOSE
Miles today: 0.0

I cannot believe that 2 weeks from today we will be hiking the approach trail.We will also be celebrating our 49th wedding anniversary that day. Hoping to make it to the first shelter and more if the weather is good. Oh, and if we are able. Not rushing th trip and plan to take zero's. Hiawassee is the first scheduled one where we will also pick up a maildrop. It is a 11 mile hitch into Hiawassee and in 2006 it took us 45 minutes to get a hitch. We did not have a cellphone but will this time. Wondering about service. Oh well. The weather here is still unbelieveably mild. 40 degrees and the snow is all gone. They are predicting 3 to 7 inches of snow this weekend. The ski slopes will be busy. We are going to back down on the training next week. Backing down to 5miles a day instead of 6.Til next time, Tagnalong
Date: 2012-02-29
To: IN THE SINGLE DIGITS
Miles today: 0.0

      Raining this morning as I am doing my journal. It's 36 degrees and the wind is blowing hard. The snow is disappearing and the forcast is rain most of the day BUT snow this weekend. Looks like it will be decent weather when we fly out on Tues,       I cannot believe we are now looking at a week from tomorrow we will be heading up the Approach Trail. Seems like we have been waiting a LOOONG time for this Month to get over. The last day of Feb. Can it be? Our packs are looking at us here in the great room as if they are calling us. I have packed and unpacked so many times. Head-n-outs pack is mostly empty as all is stuff is laying around. Why hurry? I told him today that he has to finish and get his pack organized. NO, not just throwing it in.       We mailed our stove and a few other things to the Lodge at Amicalola Falls so it will be there when we get there next Tues. Next Monday we mail a box to Franklin and Hiawassee. We are not using a P.O. as we have no idea when we will get into town and do not want to have to wait for it to open.          Antsie to hit the trail to enjoy the outdoors. Til next time Tag-n-along
Date: 2012-03-02
To: 4 DAYS AND COUNTING
Miles today: 0.0

Ok,so we are almost ready. Tim is slowly packing and I just need to get the meds together. We have 8 lbs of food ,with snacks to hopefully get us to Hiawassee. Hopefully we won't have to re-suppy at Neels Gap.    We are so anxious to get going. I called the shuttle guy this morning and he is still counting on us. I double checked the flight to make sure we were still scheduled to be on it. I went to the Credit Union to get some cash and Tim got a haircut yesterday.I get mine done on Mon.   Saturday we are going to have a supper at our friends house from church. Sunday I am having the kids and grandkids and mother-in-law and 2 others for dinner. Lasagna etc. There will be 17 of us. Monday is also the first Monday of the month which means Pizza Ranch with the relatives. Tues ,very early ,4 A.M. we will be picked up by our daughter and son-in-law to take us to the airport. Our plane leaves at 7.    Our 6 mile walk was very windy today and rather chilly. Suppose to get BIG snowstorm tonight and through Sunday, BUT weather on Tue. good and a high of 50. Dawsonville, Ga. is suppose to be sunny and 58 when we start next Thurs. Perfect. Til next time, Tagnalong