morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-03-08
From: Dahlonega, GA

To: Dahlonega, GA
Miles today: 0.0

Greetings,So I have yet to officially start hiking the AT. I arrived on Tuesday afternoon in a snow storm, stayed in the Amicalola Lodge for the night, then marched up toward Springer Mt. in the pre-dawn hours of Wednesday. After a very cold night at Black Gap, I made the decision to hike back down and wait in the comfort of a motel for about a week. The conditions were livable, but not very enjoyable for me (frozen socks, water source is frozen/buried, water bottles frozen, etc). So I am taking this time to reconsider my pack and have my brother ship me a few things. The plan is to hike out later this week, hopefully in the rain (and not snow). In any case, my impatience to get started is going to cost me a chunk of money, but the shakedown hike was helpful and it's good to be down here.I was apprehensive about my sleeping bag (Ultralamina 15), since it seems to have very little loft. But it held up well and I was warm as long as I was cocooned inside it. My legs also held up well, although I was travelling very slowly and am doing short days.On the other hand, my pack is quite uncomfortable and heavy. My girth has increased considerably since my last hike, and I don't seem to be able to put much weight on the hip belt. Hopefully this situation will resolve itself as I slim down and become more acclimated to being a pack animal. I have a smaller pack at home but was not planning to use it until summer, if at all since I'd like to leave room for a quitar. By the way, there is a nice little guitar shop here Dahlonega called Vintage Musical Instruments. It's a cozy little place filled with fiddles, mandolins, ukuleles, etc.I'm about to be booted from the library computer so the bottom line is: waiting for a parcel and hope to leave Wednesday, or more likely Thursday/Friday depending on the approaching storm.Cheers.
Date: 2010-03-09
From: Dahlonega, GA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So, back at the public library and it's another beautiful day. There is rain on the way but it looks like the weather has turned so that I have the 10 additional degrees I have been hoping for. At this point I am waiting for a parcel, but I am considering hiking out tomorrow regardless of whether it arrives -- the items are of marginal importance and expense.My task for the day is to resolve the guitar issue. In 1995 I carried a Martin Backpacker from Springer to Port Clinton, PA, but I found I did not use it much until the summer. This year my plan was to pick one up around Damascus or Pearisburg with the rest of my summer gear. However, on my first day here I was delighted to find a small guitar shop, and I bought a child's guitar to kill some time. The idea was to pick up something very cheap and toss it or give it away once I started hiking. I would have bought a Martin Backpacker had the shop owner offered one, and had it shipped it to myself down the trail. However, he holds those guitars in such low regard as to not carry them in stock and I don't disagree (in fairness, I do feel that Martin does the best job of balancing the contradictory criteria of backpackers and guitarists).So the issue is: Can I pack a Baby Taylor? Will the shop owner cut me some slack on a Baby Taylor if I trade my current one? Is it worth the extra money, bulk, and weight to have a better sounding guitar?The second question is beyond my control but I will answer it shortly (the shop had yet to open when I last passed through town). The last question is purely subjective but I am leaning toward a "yes" given my experience with other guitars, and since I hope to play quite a bit in the summer months. I am pretty sure the answer to the first question is yes, and that it involves duct tape. I have met only one thru-hiker, in 1995, who was carrying a Baby Taylor, and I never actually saw him on the trail (we met at Trail Days). Basically, there is no doubt that I can pack the guitar, but I am concerned about its safety. I am pretty hard on gear.Anyway, cheers to all. It may be some time before my next post, but it should come from somewhere north of here.
Date: 2010-03-27
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well I was going to leave Hiawassee on Tuesday and take a few days in Franklin. However, there was snow on the ridge and basketball on TV, so I decided to take a few days in Franklin now, then shuttle back to Hiawassee next week.I bought another guitar, this time a full sized Oscar Schmidt for $85 at a pawn shop, and have been picking around Ron Haven's Budget Inn. I am told that I cannot play guitar in the south without knowing Wildwood Flower, so I copied an arrangement from the internets and am about to pour over it in my room.Curse you eastern time zone! I've been living on the west coast for over a decade and it simply did not occur to me that the games start at 7:30....7:30 PM! Tonight's Cornell - Kentucky game (two EST teams) starts at 10:00 PM -- this is an outrage.Anyway, I'll be back on the trail early next week.
Date: 2010-04-02
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 37.0
Weather: clear sky

Wow. Spectacular. This week has been one of the best backpacking trips of my life. I suppose my experience is conditioned somewhat by the rain and snow from earlier in the month, but the weather, graded trail, abundance of trail magic, and scenery made for a great hike. Not to mention the fact that Michigan State keeps winning (although this may crowd out some of my hiking for the next few days).Ron Haven, who is hosting me and most of the other hikers in Hiawassee and Franklin, has organized an Annual Hiker Bash which takes place this weekend and I am about to shuttle to it. In fact, I need to get ready for my ride so I'll post a recap shortly.
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Michigan State lost last night so I am heading out this morning. I don't have much time to post so here is a quick recap:Monday. Hiked to Bly Gap under overcast skies and had a chilly but friendly night there. Wally, who I had not seen since Woody Gap, was there and that brightened things up. Like me, he had taken a week off to let some weather pass.Tuesday. Beautiful weather although I did not do many miles as there was much pre-hiker bash partying on the trail. Camped alone on the summit of Standing Indian Mt. and had a stunning sunset as I ate dinner.Wednesday. Easy, lazy day to Betsy Creek. I took my time coming off Standing Indian and didn't want to go over Albert Mt. late in the day, so I crashed at the base of that climb.Thursday. The power of a pizza compelled me out to Winding Stair Gap (also Rock Gap didn't look like a very good campsite).That put me in town where I have been attending the Hiker Bash and watching Basketball, both were fun although the referees interfered too much in the first game. The shuttle to Winding Stair Gap is coming soon and I need to prepare a bit, so, with apologies for the short post, I must sign off. I'm not sure when I will have internet access again, but surely by Gatlinburg (or Cherokee, I haven't decided yet).
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Newfound Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I just rode all the way up to Newfound Gap and realized I left my hiking poles at the hotel. I hiked a few yards up the trail and felt very naked without them, so I came back to Gatlinburg. It's a good day to be hiking, but I could only make the first shelter at this point so I'm staying one more night. Hiking in the Smokies has been spectacular, but the camping regulations are a significant drawback. The rules state that we must stay at the shelters so my choice is limited to a 3, 10 or 15 mile day. Outside the park we generally hike until we feel like stopping, then simply pitch our tents at the next decent spot. I have no complaints about the rule, since it is the most visited park in the U.S. and the trail would deteriorate tremendously without it. As a practical matter for today, however, it means I can do 3 miles and hang out at Icewater Spring or stay in town one more night. Icewater spring actually sounds very good, but I am also nursing a very nasty sunburn below my right shoulder so I think an additional rest day will do me some good.The sunburn caught me by surprise and has been on my mind the past few days. I have a somewhat dark complexion and usually do not have much trouble with this sort of thing, so I was pretty nonchalant about it leaving Franklin, NC. When I arrived in Franklin I was wearing a fleece pullover and sweating profusely, so I made it a point to pick up a t-shirt and promptly cut off the sleeves, redneck style. On the way to NOC my upper arms were scorched, with the back right, just behind the armpit, taking the most damage. Since then I have taken better care of my skin, using SPF 40 sunblock, and a fellow hiker who is a health care professional applied a strong antibiotic cream to it. So I suppose an additional day out of the sun will do me some good.By the way, I know that "cotton kills" in cold weather but I really love cut-up cotton tees in the heat. They keep the moisture on my skin, are slow to dry, and they seem to clean easier than the synthetics. The plan was to wear my standard "Rusty's Hard Time Hollow" hiking shirt but I didn't think I would want it until much later in the hike, so it's still sitting at home. For now I'll stick with Ron Haven's hiker bash shirt and switch to synthetic when the weather changes.Sorry for the rambling post, I guess I'm a little bored now that NCAA basketball is over. Maybe I'll go to the wax museum...
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Sam's Gap

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Wow, Damascus at last! It felt great to cross the state line yesterday although my feet were barking from a 25 mile day, my longest thus far. I'm not going to post much at the moment as I will be in town for a couple of days and have much to relate. I need some time to collect my thoughts then will make a fuller post, possibly tomorrow.Trail Days, a large Appalachian Trail festival held each year in Damascus, is already underway and culminates this weekend with great revelry and debauchery. I will be in town for that but may do some hiking between then and now. My guitar has arrived but I am still awaiting a lighter pack, once it arrives I will need to devise a new packing system, hopefully dropping some weight.Yours in truancy,P.S. I am still trying to figure out a way to post photos, hopefully that will be resolved soon.
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Rock Gap, VA 601

To: Unkown
Miles today: 200.0

Greetings all, and sorry once again for the long delay in posting.I'm in Pearisburg, VA at the Holiday Motor Lodge but have been slack-packing for a couple of days. On the trail I am actually at Rocky Gap (mile 661.2 of the trail going north) and should be in Cawtaba, VA very shortly, then Daleville, VA by next Friday.I suppose I've come down with a bit of the Virginia Blues and have been moving rather slowly. Somehow I lost my wheels at Trail Days and have had some difficulty getting them back. The humidity, heat, frequent thunderstorms, and rocks contribute greatly to this malaise, but I think too many town days is the main cause. A joke on the trail now is that I am pregnant since I literally have morning sickness--too much greasy town food makes me queasy in the mornings.In any case, I've been slacking with a group and we decided to take a lazy morning then shuttle back to the trail with fully loaded packs this afternoon and backpack into Daleville. The weather looks relatively dry for the next few days and I am optimistic about the mileage. I'll post more details about the hike later but as Alpine said (you can find her journal on this site) sometimes it just feels like "trod, trod, trudge, trudge". On the other hand there have been several cool spots (Grayson Highlands, Chestnut Knob, several ridgeline fields, etc) and some very fun moments (the snake that I had a stand off with while slowly collecting water from a trickling pipe was made of rubber and strategically placed by Big Ooh, for example).In response to Inch Worm: the really juicy details would certainly cost me some friends and, if I am completely honest, may be particularly embarrassing to me. Also, I have fallen behind the herd somewhat, or at least most of the people I know, so I am a little out of touch at the moment. So the bottom line is that I will continue to abridge my posts.To Shrutefarms and all my WoW friends: First, I am very sorry to hear about your account being hacked, Shrute, and I hope that gets sorted out soon. Second, would you believe I met another gamer out here? Ok, that was not hard to believe. But would you believe I met another player from Anvilmar (from Ravage, no less)? His main toon was on a different server but I did meet a tank from Ravage here in Pearisburg (although I am not sure whether he tanked or DPSed in Ravage -- Plagueheart a DK, by the way, and I am not sure about the spelling). I think about raiding quite often while hiking and have to confess that it is what I miss most about being out here. In fact, I am spending a lot of time plotting my next raid and very much looking forward to Cataclysm. Hopefully I will see you guys in the fall!Off for now, cheers.
Date: 2010-06-22
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Dutch Haus
Miles today: 0.0

Greetings,First, grats to Amo on the Lich King kill. To Inch Worm: I will endeavor to be more candid and will conceal identities when appropriate, but I honestly don't have many juicy details to report since I have lagged so far behind the herd. I¢ve been stressing irrationally over the October deadline at Katadhin in fact, and this contributes to a general malaise that I¢ve felt since Damascus. We've had some nice days and good hiking, but the heat and humidity have also taken their toll on me. I too often find myself drifting into a negative mood--angry at the trail, bugs, incessant and ubiquitous sweat. Note: on a second reading that paragraph sounds much worse than I actually feel. Let me put this way: I really do not want to hike the next 40 miles, but I also do not want to skip a section of trail. I am looking forward to the Shenandoah and easier miles beyond, but there have been several days where I have had to force myself to hike.In any case, I am at the Dutch Haus, 40 miles south of Waynesboro, and will be taking pleasant day here, then slacking back for another night.   After that I will certainly stop at Rusty¢s (I have heard that he is open) for one night, then trek on with a short stay in Waynesboro. If I get too far behind, I¢ll flip-flop a section somewhere in PA, NY or NJ.I plan on posting more shortly, but I need to hang my laundry and wander around the grounds for a bit.Cheers
Date: 2010-06-25
From: Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 170.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Greetings all.Well, as I stated in my last journal, I had no desire to do those last 40 miles into Waynesboro and as it turns out I didn¢t. There were many reasons for this, but mostly the heat, humidity and terrain lead me to take a couple of days off from hiking but I don¢t want to lose time either. So I am an unrepentant yellow-blazer. If I make it to Katahdin and feel the need, I will make up this section in the fall when it¢s cooler.Purism. The fact that I skipped a 40 mile stretch brings up the issue of ¢purism¢. However, this issue is beneath contempt and, due to the pettiness and stupidity at it¢s core, is impossible to explain to an intelligent person unless they are intimately familiar with the trail. The use of the term ¢purity¢ is unfortunate and inappropriate, and should be a red flag as to the substance of the issue. In fact I have decided to stop using it but haven¢t thought of accurate substitute. It will give me something to think about while hiking.Rusty¢s Hard Time Hollow. One the reasons I skipped these miles was that I wanted to spend time at Rusty¢s but didn¢t feel I could afford the days off (recall that I took a day off at Dutch Haus and I have chores in Waynesboro). Rusty¢s, despite falling dramatically in popularity since I was last there, is still the coolest place on the trail thus far. I don¢t have time, and likely the skill, for a good description so I will leave it for the reader to google (there is a also a facebook page for it although it is not administered by Rusty). There have been many differences between my hikes in the mid-90¢s and now, surely the saddest of them is that so few people go to Rusty¢s. Rusty¢s Hard Time Hollow, when filled with the energy of a summer of thru-hikers, is simply one of the most unique places in our country, let alone the AT.Anyhoo, I¢ve only got seven minutes officially left on my computer so I need to rush. The hiking has been pretty good actually, notwithstanding the 16 hour sweat bath that I take every day. I drink water by the gallon but it just pours out of me in the 90 degree heat and humidity. Imagine having someone pour a bucket of water over your head every 60 seconds all day long. I am like a sponge in the desert trying to stay wet. Also the bugs are relentless. They call them ¢no-see-ums¢ but I swear they fly straight into my eyeballs. I am going to buy some swimming goggles before I go back out. Still, the hike is getting fun again¢¦thanks Rusty!Sorry to be abrupt but I am getting booted.
Date: 2010-06-27
From: Waynesboro

To: Ypsilanti, MI
Miles today: 0.0

Nona,I agree that it was too defensive and also very unclear. I still don't like the term "purity" in this context, but it is not the concept of hiking every blaze that I consider beneath contempt. In fact, I also admire people who hike every blaze, although it sometimes borders on obsessive compulsive behavior in towns and shelter loops. What I disapprove of is the notion that people who are not "purists" are not really thru-hikers or are "impure", and the silly arguments that follow.As it turns out, I am going to skip much more than 40 miles, since I returned to Michigan today and I'm not sure about my plans for the remainder of the summer. I will likely take a break then rejoin Coopa, Big-Ooh and Yahtzee. Certainly I am section hiking this year. I will explain more fully soon, but I just drove from Charlottesville and need to get some sleep.
Date: 2010-03-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I am making it official as of today. Although I probably should have done it yesterday when the reservation for a site at Katahdin Stream on July 1st came in the mail. But I am going to attempt a southbound hike. I've had it in the works for a while, and really thought I would go in 2011. But some book contracts fell through and the time opened up for me to go this year. And so mad preparations are underway to make this a reality. Because of the late start and not wishing to deal with snow, etc in Dec. I am endeavoring to finish all of Virginia southbound before the actual southbound hike start in Maine. I plan to hike a big section of VA next month. For now I am trying to heal up an achilles tendonitis flair-up from changing running shoes a few weeks back. But I am in pretty good shape with gear and hopeful for another adventurous time in God's creation.
Date: 2010-03-14
To: Achilles problems
Miles today: 0.0

Well, facing a tough battle with acute Achilles tendonitis in my left ankle, my problem ankle now for many years after a tore it up with severe sprains. Am under a Dr's care but it seems to be getting worse. Probably just need to not walk at all, even though I have taken a few walks with the dog. Am not running like I used to (and with the shoes that likely caused the injury). Tomorrow I go for more PT and hope the guy can help me figure out what to do with it. It hurts constantly. I hope its going to be okay for my planned section hike in April, as I need to finish up VA as part of my SOBO attempt. Time will tell.
Date: 2010-04-06
To: Getting Ready for VA Section
Miles today: 0.0

Getting food and equipment ready to hit the trail next week to try and finish off Virginia as part of this year's SOBO attempt. Of course I am having varying issues with posterior tibial tendonitis (of which I have received PT, trying to get used to Superfeet insoles, and using an anti-inflammatory gel since I have ulcers and can't take medication for it). There are so many questions with this upcoming hike and if I can make it to my goal of Damascus. I guess time will tell. But for now I am posting a picture I took of the Catskills over Easter where my love for hiking was first kindled. These mountains remain a vivid reminder of the beauty that I love to see and enjoy.
Date: 2010-04-11
To: One Day at a Time, One Step at a Time
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I am ready to embark on my VA SOBO section with mixed reactions. I wish I could be excited, but with leg issues still plaguing me, and today, some sniffles like a cold, I really wonder if this will go off. Most likely the next day or two will confirm whether the section is doable now or not as I test the leg and my superfeet insoles. But this is the time I have, the weather looks good, and I have no choice but to try for it. Which is why the title for this is quite apropros.
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Catawba

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Decided to continue my SOBO section to finish a good chunk of the VA portion of this hike (as I have completed thus far Rt 522 at Chester Gap all the way to Catawba). Beautiful weather to begin, though I was anxious about my ankle and how I would make the miles for my scheduled rendezvous with my husband in Pearisburg. But deiced to go with it anyway. Trail had its decent share of ups and downs, though I found the rocky ascent up to the Dragon's Tooth formation quite taxing on a fragile limbs and with a heavy pack loaded with five days of food (there is no resupply options SOBO in this section). With effort (and pain) made it to Pickle Branch and set up my new Hubba tent which I like very much. Pleasant evening but I find myself missing my husband already.
Date: 2010-04-13
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Sinking Creek Mountain
Miles today: 14.5

Today was a tough day physically and mentally. It began first thing in the Am when I tripped over my tent and pulled my right thigh. My shoulders, hips and back were pretty sore from the new pack and the weight I had to carry. So it was already hard when my left knee starting acting up while hiking downhill. I put onn my little knee brace and it seemed to ease. Still there was plenty of hill work on the hike and the weather turned warm. Had planned to get water at a place called Cabin Branch but could not find it. Then began my ascent up the mtn and began to panic as I was nearly out of water. Then lo and behold I came upon a small stream crossing the trail and immediately loaded up. This gave me the energy to climbing Sinking Creek mtn. did pretty good but then my knee went sour on some of the slanted rocky ledges on the mtn. had awful pain in it and knew I was in trouble. I managed to hike a few more miles until I found a place where I could set up my tent. Several NOBOs cruised by all smiles for a late hike to Niday Shelter. Wish I felt like them at that pt. but I did not. But did enjoy a lovely sunset.
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Sinking Creek Mountain

To: Rt 42 Sinking Creek Valley
Miles today: 5.5

Had a pretty good night's sleep but awoke to a very foggy, cool damp day. I wasn't long on the trail when I realized something was wrong with my knee. Even the little brace wasn't helping. And downhills were torturous. I knew I could not go on with this and reluctantly phoned my husband and my good friend Signage (from my 07 hike) and she came and picked me up at the road and took me back to Catawba where I had left my car. So back home to ice and rest and hope to get back out soon and with a plan not to do so many miles, to get a better knee brace, and watch my pack weight.