morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-01-15
To: Update
Miles today: 0.0

It has been awhile since I updated here.I had my stent removed without any problems and headed to Fla. Once I got to Fla I made the mistake of looking at houses. So instead of hiking I did a lot of running around house hunting and ended up putting an offer in on a house. If all goes as planned the house deal will close mid Feb., which will not interfere with the starting date for my hike. This time when I go to Fla I WILL do some hiking. In the mean time it is back to walking and trying to catch up the lost time preparing for the hike. It is hard to believe I have only 46 days left until I leave for Georgia to start the adventure of my life time.These next 46 days will be spent getting the mail drops set up and giving my sister the mailing schedule, going over the gear again(and again)and making FINAL decisions on what stays and what goes. This will be in addition to working on getting in shape. I am extremely anxious to get on the trail and to meet, in person, many of the people I have "talked" with on the various forums. To all of you starting your thru this year the best of luck and hope to see you on the trail.
Date: 2009-01-28
To: 33 days and counting
Miles today: 0.0

Time is rapidly approaching for my departure. It is hard to believe that in just thirty-three days I leave for Georgia.I have made my last ¢big¢ purchase for the hike, my camera. I purchased a Canon SD 1100 IS. I had considered a Pentax Optio W60 but after reading some reviews I was concerned about picture quality and camera shake. My brother, Iceman (GA>ME 07) has a number of Canons and has always had good luck with them. In addition to the good reports the Canons have received, I found the SD 1100 IS on sale with a 2GB card. It was the sale price that was the final decision maker for the Canon.In addition to the camera arriving today I also received my copies of the 2009 Appalachian Trail Pages. I bought two copies, one bound and the other loose pages. The bound one will stay home and the loose pages will carried with me or sent in my drop boxes.I am still dehydrating various foods for my drop boxes. I have the technique for the spaghetti sauce down. I have also been dehydrating pasta, Italian sausage, apple sauce, veggies and apricots. I will be bringing some of the dehydrated meals with me and my first drop box is schedule for 14 days into the hike. Between drop box points I will be ¢buying as I go¢. Reading the different forums one can feel the excitement growing among the people planning their thru hikes. It will be really great to get out on the trail and start the adventure!
Date: 2009-02-04
To: Packing the drop boxes
Miles today: 0.0

I have decided to use a limited number of drop boxes. With the departure date rapidly approaching it is time to start getting them packed. I am still schedule to be in Fla. on 2/17 for a house closing and then get back to New England to drop my truck at my sister¢s house. I then catch the train from CT. to GA. on 03/02.There is not really a whole lot of time to waste!I have been dehydrating different meals, buying the ¢mandatory junk food¢ (as evident in the picture), getting maps and pages from the guide book sorted and generally checking my list twice.The first two boxes I will mail the morning I leave for the train. Thankfully my sister will handle the mailing of the rest, and hopefully the USPS service plan to reduce the number of days mail is delivered won¢t adversely affect my mailings.
Date: 2009-02-10
To: Additions to Journal
Miles today: 0.0

I have added a gear list and a list of my planned mail drops with the ESTIMATED dates that I will be at those locations.Approximately half of the mail drops will be used for resupply of food. The others are for mailing myself trail maps and the pages of the guide book for the section of the trail I will be hiking. If you decide to send any correspondence to any of the mail drops please remember these are ESTIMATED dates. Make sure you have your return address on the envelope just in case it arrives at a location AFTER I went through.
Date: 2009-02-18
To: Short Prep Hike in Fla. 
Miles today: 0.0

I needed to be in Florida for business and took advantage of the free time to do some prep day hikes.The closest trails were in Oscar Scherer State Park so that is where I headed. The trail was an easy 5 mile loop trail with no elevation gain, but as you can see from the photo there were other obstacles to worry about!
Date: 2009-03-01
To: Final preparation
Miles today: 0.0

On the morning of the March 2nd I am taking Amtrak from Hartford, CT to Gainesville, GA., arriving early morning on March 3rd. There I will be meet by the shuttle from Hiker Hostel and will spend the night of the 3rd at the hostel. After breakfast on March 4th I will be dropped at the trail and start my adventure north.Presently the forecast for tonight (03/01) and tomorrow is a major snow storm for the entire eastern seaboard. Hopefully Mother Nature will be kind and not let her weather adversely impact train service.I will attempt to keep this journal updated when the opportunity presents itself but will not become a slave to it.I just want to take this opportunity to thank all that have extended their best wishes and encouragement to me. Later
Date: 2009-03-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I arrived in Gainesville this morning and was met at the station by Leigh of Hiker Hostel.The train ride was basically uneventful except for my connection in DC. We arrived in DC about 10 minutes after the schedule departure time of my connection. Then the conductors could not get the exit stairs to fold down. They were frozen in place with ice and snow. It took about another 10 minutes to free them. When I finally made it off I asked a "red cap" about my connection. He got on the radio and asked about the train. He said it was still in the station and then he gave me a ride over to it. After that it was smooth sailing.I will spend tonight at Hiker Hostel so this will be my last "preparation" entry - from here on it will be entries from " on the trail".
Date: 2009-03-04
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

After much planning today was the day. After a good nights sleep and breakfast at Hiker Hostel we head to the trail. With a short hike to the summit of Springer I was ready to embark on one of my life goals.After signing the trail register and taking pictures it was time to head north. After a snowy train trip getting here Mother Nature let her light shine. It was a cool sunny day perfect for hiking. It was warm enough that a jacket wasn't need but cool enough that I didn't overheat and have to worry about a sweat.There is a large "bubble" of hikers at the shelter location. In addition to the 11 tents set up there are 4-5 people sleeping in the shelter.Not everybody is a thru hiker. At least 5 of the people are doing sections.Tonight it is going to get cool - very cool. There is still snow in many places but the weather is only going to be getting better over the next feW days. Tempsare supossed to be in the mid 70s and nighttime temps in the upper 40s.
Date: 2009-03-05
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

Today was another fantastic day for hiking. The temps were perfect and there was just enough of a breeze so I didn't overheat climbing the hills.It looks like I will be by myself tonight. Some of the crowd from last night stopped for the night at Gooch Mountain Shelter and others have pushed on past here.I stopped here because I really don't want to over do it the first few days and burn myself out.
Date: 2009-03-06
From: Woody Gap

To: Corbin Horse Stamp
Miles today: 13.9

Today was another good day. It was overcast and cool most of the day. When I crossed Blood Mountain visibility was limited do to fog. I actually have a good picture and once I can figure out how to transfer them from my camera to my phone I will get some posted.I was a little quick in stating I was by myself last night. Right after I posted my journal two thru hikers, Mule & Groovy, arrived. Mule decided to move on but Groovy stayed. Then shortly after that three section hikers arrived.Tonight I am camped at a very small spot with room for only one more tent. Also now it is well past dark so I am not expecting company.So far the equipment is holding up okay with only two minor failures. The zipper on one of my gaiters blew out and a small carbiner broke. I used a piece of my bear bag cord to make repairs to the gaiter. I can't complain, it is probably 20 years old. The gaiters are the only equipment I didn't replace. They are like old friends and I hope they make it to Maine with me.
Date: 2009-03-07
From: Corbin Horse Stamp

To: Chattahoochee Gap
Miles today: 12.5

Today was the warmest day yet. It was in the mid 70s I am sure. From the rumor mill this weather is supposed to hold for at least a few more days.A large number were stopping at Low Gap Shelter. I was there around 2:30 and felt it was to early in the day to stop so I pushed onto here. Dinner is "cooking" as I am typing this. Dinner tonight is spaghetti with peppers and Italian sausage. Meal that I had dehydrated.There are 3 college kids camped a short distance up the trail.Technology is pretty amazing - I am posting this from the woods using my Blackberry!Well I want to save battery life so that is all for today.
Date: 2009-03-08
From: Chattahoochee Gap

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I know I am starting to sound like a broken record (scratched CD for the younger crowd) but it was another great day!Today when I crossed the summit of Tray Mountain I could see Fontana Lake which is over 107 trail miles away. I figure I won't get there until around March 20th.Today I also experienced my first "trail magic". A group of ladies were out doing a day hike and one of them gave me a half dozen chocolate thin mint Girl Scout cookies. They certainly helped me going over Rocky Mountain. Thanks Mud Butt!!Well that's all for now - want to keep a little juice in the battery.Just want to say thanks to everybody who has signed the journal - it is appreciated. And a big thanks to Silly Lily (yes I know you are not silly)Later
Date: 2009-03-09
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a short day. At Dicks Creek Gap I got ride into Hiawassee, GA.The wind really came up during the night but it stayed warm. This morning all of the peaks were fogged in so there were really no views. By the time I got to Dicks Gap the sun was out and it was another warm day. It was time for a shower, laundry, food resupply and to charge batteries. All of this modern technology requires batteries.I got the picture from Blood Mountain emailed to Iceman who unloaded it for me. Thanks brother.We have a shuttle set up for the morning to get us back to the trail - beats the 11 mile road walk.
Date: 2009-03-10
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Water Oak Gap
Miles today: 13.7

Today I started out again from Dicks Creek Gap. I actually got a late start. The shuttle was supposed to been to the motel by 9:00AM but was a little late due to car trouble.The weather today was sunny and hot, being about 15 - 20 degrees above normal. It is suppose to cool down and get about 10 degrees below normal with rain for the weekend.Today was a bit of a "landmark" day as I crossed from GA into NC!Tonight I am camped at Wateroak Gap. Also camped here is a section hiker whose hike today completed GA for him.So far there has been no problem finding water sources along the trail
Date: 2009-03-11
From: Water Oak Gap

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today the weather was cooler and better for hiking. The morning started out cool and overcast.The trail wasn't bad except for one section. The section going up Big Butt Mountain was narrow with steep drop offs. Then climbing up to Albert Mountain fire tower was steep - almost 500 feet of elevation gain in 3/10 of a mile.I spent the night at Big Spring shelter site. Tomorrow I will stop in Franklin for resupply and take care of a couple non trail related problems.
Date: 2009-03-12
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather this morning was cool and cloudy but great temps for hiking.Today was a short day. My sister, who is my base support, left me a message that I might have had a "fruad" on my credit card so that was something I needed to take care of. All taken care of with no problems.When I got to the parking lot at Winding Stair Gap I had my second experience with "trail magic". The Macon County Baptist Church Association had a tent setup with all kind of goodies - for me the best was the hot coffee. Since we were on a time schedule to catch the shuttle this morning it was a cold breakfast so the coffee really hit the spot.Ron Haven met us (Peanut, Clo from BC, Justin, and another guy from TN whose name I didn't get) at the trail head and shuttled us into town. I am staying at Ron's Sapphire Inn tonight.Miss Janet stopped by the Sapphire to see if we needed a shuttle prior to Ron's daily 4:00PM run to all of the necessary stops for a hiker.The trail has been in really good shape. A lot of the mud has dried up but there is still plenty of water for drinking. Today was another "landmark" day for me - broke 100 trail miles today!!For all of those that have signed my journal "Thanks" - I am totally surprised at the number of people that have signed and wished me the best - it is appreciated. Well it is time to get the resupply packed and think about getting some sleep. The shuttle will be here at 9:00 AM. I have found that I sleep much better on the trail than I do in town.
Date: 2009-03-13
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was the first day that we had real inclement weather. It was very cool and cloudy with rain moving in.We made the decision to stop at Wayah Shelter at around 2:30. We no sooner got to the shelter when the rain started so we called it a day.We all had stayed in Franklin last night and all took the 9:00AM shuttle with Ron Haven. He is a tremendous support to the hikers.The group is Canada Clo, Presco, Peanut and myself. We had all stayed at Hiker Hostel the night before we started our trip.
Date: 2009-03-14
From: Wayah Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: moderate rain

Today it rained all day. Our plan was to hike to the A. Ruffs Morgan Shelter. When we got there there was a hiker already there with his dog. He was waiting for the rest of his group to show up, plus his parents. At that point the decision was made to go the next 8/10 mile into NOC.Even though it rained all day it wasn't that cold, just very wet.We all got a bunk at the hostel for the night so we could get our clothes dried.No pictures today due to the rain and fog.
Date: 2009-03-15
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was another short day after yesterday's long one into NOC.It is also another rainy day so we got to Sassafras Gap Shelter and called it a day. Even though it was a short day it was basically all uphill.Besides the four in our group a bunch of others also stopped for the day. In the picture L>R are Canada Clo (blue hat), Peanut to left of ladder, Outloud, Evergreen, Giggles (behind Evergreen), Topo and Presco up top in the sleeping bag.
Date: 2009-03-16
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

This morning I was greeted with a white washed gray sky that went from horizon to horizon merging into the sea of mist which was broken by the dark brow of the ridges with their nude trees that were seeking the elusive sun. Instead of the sun the trees were greeted by the nourishing rain that will supply the needed moisture for their canopy of green.Today made me a believer in hiking poles. With three days of rain the trail is becoming a mixture of slick mud and well ground leaves. I know I can't dance but I certainly proved. myself wrong on a couple of occasions today. Without the hiking poles I would have been doing a few good old fashioned butt slides.Tomorrow we should hit Fontana Dam for laundry and resupply and the next day enter the Smokies.So far the trip has been going well and the miles have been rolling past. Even though it has rained it has not diminished the great feeling of being out here and experiencing this wonderful thing called the AT! It is something that cannot be explained - it has to be lived. To stand on a mountain top and look over the country side, to smell the freshness of the forest during the rain or just to let your mind float in the mist and not think at all and to be "one" with your surroundings.
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Double Spring Gap. 16.4 milesToday was an important dayIt is the first time the Big KIs less then 2,000 miles away.Today the weather was nice most of the day. A cold rain moved in for the afternoon.Presco, Peanut, Canada Clo, Evergreen, Big Boots and myself at the shelte
Date: 2009-03-20
From: Double Spring Gap

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Icewater Spring Shelter.   13.8 milesAfter last nights rain it got cold. This morning was a clear cold windy morning with heavy frost.Today was another day for a small landmark. Went over Clingman Dome today, the highest point on the AT.The shelter is over crowded tonight with section hikers.
Date: 2009-03-21
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri Corner Knob
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: broken clouds

FANTASTIC! That is the only word that comes to mind to describe today. The weather and views were unbelievable.I just want to say thanks to Troop 1 of Jackson, MS. for doing the fire last night and a special thanks to the leader for the fuel. You were all a great representative of what scouts should be.At the shelter tonight are:Presco, Canada Clo, Peanut, Lighting, Big Boots and myself.Heading for Standing Bear tomorrow for my next drop box.
Date: 2009-03-22
From: Tri Corner Knob

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

Today was another great day for hiking. Left Tri Corner Knob this morning about 7:45 AM and took a nice leisurely stroll to Standing Bear Farm, stopping often to enjoy the views.The temps were again cold this morning at the higher elevation but once I dropped down into Davenport Gap it got hot. Flowers at this elevation were already in bloom and the leaves are starting to turn the woods green.I have finished hiking the section through the Great Smokie Mountains and they were awesome to see. New views lie ahead,Here is something for you all to think about - You don't need to post your answers here and at some point before I reach the Big K I will post the answer (maybe ). It is a simple riddleThe person that makes it doesn't want itThe person that buys it doesn't need itThe person that needs it doesn't know itWhat is it????????????????when I get a chance I will send Iceman a picture to post into todays entry.Later
Date: 2009-03-23
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Left Standing Bear Farm and had a l-o-n-g uphill climb. The weather today was warm and fairly humid. Water wasn't readily available on this section. Book said there was water at Brown Gap but I couldn't locate it.Max Patch again offered great views, but it was hazy so the mountains didn't show up in the photos.At the shelter is the same crew I have been hiking with for the past couple of weeks.
Date: 2009-03-24
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was another good day for hiking. Weather cooperated with mostly clear skies and warm temps. Spring has arrived in the south. Flowers are blooming at the lower elevation and even the butterflies were out today.Stopped at the shelter for the night then we are heading into Hot Springs early for breakfast. Then the rest of the day will be taken up with resupply, laundry, some time in the hot springs and dinner. A terrible way to spend a day!
Date: 2009-03-25
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.4
Weather: light rain

This morning it was cool with rain. It was a quick hike into town for a big breakfast.After breakfast it was time to resupply and do laundry.The afternoon was spent packing the food and then it was time to enjoy the hot springs. After a hour in the hot springs we all went out and had a nice relaxed dinner. Sadly the Paddler's Pub has closed since the tragic death of the owner.The forecast for the next eight days is rain so it sounds like it will be wet hiking from here to Erwin or beyond.
Date: 2009-03-26
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: moderate rain

I left Hot Springs at around 9:30 and took my time doing the climb out of town.The weather was rain showers on and off most of the day with all of the ridge tops fogged in. The temperatures were warm enough that even though I was wet I was still warm hiking in just my shorts and T-shirt.
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: light rain

It was dry starting out this morning, but with all of the ridge tops and peaks blanketed in fog and mist. At times it was almost like walking through an Ansel Adams photo. At the higher elevation the leaves still have not given any indication of coming out.Today we were all going to do the "Canada Plan" (Canada Clo's idea) of 20 miles. Well it turned out that Peanut and I were the only ones to do it. The rest stopped 9 miles earlier.In addition to Peanut and myself there are three section hikers tenting at the shelter.
Date: 2009-03-28
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: moderate rain

Shortly after leaving the shelter this morning the trail was flanked by an old fence line. some of the posts were upright, some were leaning and some were flat on the ground. It reminded me of a lost and forgotten picket line of the souls of a Civil War platoon, trying to hold their own, even though they were suffering from lack of food, waiting for the final order to charge.I had every intention of doing another 20 mile day but the weather and trail conditions changed my mind. The rain started shortly after leaving this morning and the temps dropped. Crossing Big Bald the wind was driving the rain, mixed with sleet, sideways making it hard to see.After mulitple days of rain the trail footing was like walking on well lubricated Teflon tilted at a 45 degree angle. I am not a dancer but I did some phenomenal moves to keep from going from a vertical to a horizontal plane. At other times with each step I would gain an extra foot or so by the "slide factor".I arrived at the shelter around 12:30 and after a change into dry clothes and lunch with hot tea and honey this ol' boy was feeling pretty content.