morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-02-19
To: Preparation#6
Miles today: 0.0

On the previous journal entry there is a photo of my backpack fully loaded and ready to walk. Thought I would mention how the contents of the pack are arranged. I use an internal pack liner that weighs 3 oz thus eliminating the need for a pack cover. In 05, I used a ULA P2; however, in efforts to reduce weight I'm using a new ULA Circuit backpack. The first to go in situated at the bottom of the backpack are my 15 degree sleeping bag in a compression sack. Next to my bag at the bottom is my rolled up inflatable sleeping pad (luxury item). Also at the bottom is my trash bag. Above my sleeping bag and pad is my food bag minus the food I plan to eat during the walking part of the day. Next to the food bag is my Jet Boil stove which I use only in the morning and evening. Stuffed in spaces around the stove are my headlamp, extra phone and camera batteries in a ziploc. Above the food bag is my light clothes bag. Above the clothes bag is my tent body in a sack as it is always likely damp and next to the tent is my Down 7 oz jacket in a stuff sack. At the very top just folded are my wind jacket, rain jacket and rain pants. Also, my small first aid sack.On the outside of my backpack in the netting in the back are the tent fly and poles. My experience is that the fly is always wet and this gives me a chance to hang it out to dry during a break. Also in the back netting is my 2 liter empty Platypus bag, 4 liter water tank, snacks for the walking part of the day and a temporary trash bag. The side mesh pockets are used for my 2 one liter water bottles. In my hip belt pockets goes my biodegradable TP, Aquamira, ipod, camera, cell phone, hand sanitizer, and ear plugs.In my back pant's pocket go my guide pages in a ziploc. Front pant's pockets go my small Gerber knife, Brunton Firestorm lighter, and Brunton ADC Weather Pro.I'm sure I left out a few items, but that's the general idea. If you repeat the packing process over and over you know right where everything should be. Especially when searching for items in the dark.I'm sure others do it differently, but this seems to work for me and my backpack.
Date: 2009-02-22
To: Preparation #7
Miles today: 0.0

Just six weeks left to the start of my walk and I just lost my transcriber for my trail journal. I canvassed my close inner circle of friends and all are busy with their own endeavors.So if there is anyone out there who maybe interested in serving as my transcriber for this hike I would be interested in hearing from them. Kindly provide me with a little background info and any specific terms if you have any. You can read the first journal page of my 05 hike and find out pretty much who I am.Shenandoah River bridge
Date: 2009-03-01
To: Preparation #9
Miles today: 0.0

After I lost my transcriber for this year¢s hike and was struggling to find a replacement, I came to the conclusion I would likely have to keep my own journal finding computers along the way. I know typing your daily journal on pocketmail or a phone in the darkness of your tent or shelter is time consuming. There were many days in 05 I was so tired and sore at the end of the day I had no interest in doing anything but sleep. Moreover, when you are in a trail town the last thing you want to do is have to search for a computer to make your journal entries. There are too many other important things to do like eating, eating and more eating.So I took a chance in my last journal entry and asked if there was anyone out there who might be interested in serving as my transcriber for this year¢s hike. I received a response from an individual who had planned to hike the AT this year as well; however, had to cancel his hike for personal reasons. After exchanging some emails it turned out we both had some common associates. Small world! He has agreed to help me out this year and serve as my transcriber. I¢m fortunate and blessed to have his help. Thanks KingKrawler!
Date: 2009-03-17
To: Preparation #10
Miles today: 0.0

It¢s St. Patty¢s Day and exactly three weeks from my plane ride to Atlanta, GA. It¢s seems like I¢m running out of preparation time as the days are just flying by. However, I¢m actually in good shape as you can see my gear is in a box ready to be shipped to the Hiker Hostel. I keep wrestling with myself over whether I should include this or that, but in the end my go light hiker ego wins out and I just say NO!I was looking over the gear and clothes I took on my 05 hike (starting in June in Damascus)and thought I would mention a few comments regarding what worked and didn¢t work. Probably the most idiotic piece of clothing I took in 05 was a 100% cotton T-shirt. It weighed 9.8 ounces dry and about 5 pounds wet.   I took a Seattle Sombrero rain hat. I think I wore it once. Took a homemade water filter. First time I used it for dirty water at the Hurricane Shelter it clogged up so bad it became trash. Took a hydration system. It leaked. A pack towel I never used. Teva Proton water shoes. They were OK as camp shoes, but way too heavy. Hurricane matches. Switched to a lighter. Took several waterproof Aloksak¢s for my camera and phone.   Don¢t spend the money. Double zipper Ziploc¢s are better. Started with a Thermarest Z-Lite sleeping pad. It was like sleeping with no pad. I also took knee high gaiters. They were Ok, but hot and stupid looking. And lastly, a tyvek ground sheet for my tent. It was just something else to wash when in a trail town. None of the above items are going on this hike.What did work and are going on this hike. My Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 tent. It stood up to many mountain top thunderstorms. Leki hiking poles. Saved my butt numerous times. Two pair Exofficio hiker shorts. One for hiking and one for camp. The hiking ones stay wet all the time from rain and sweat. Only taking one pair to start. Capilene 1 hiking T-shirt. Dry¢s quickly. Capilene 1 upper¢s and bottom for sleeping. Jetboil stove. Fast, efficient and simple. I can set it up in any condition and have boiling water in 4 minutes. And finally, Bodyglide. Don¢t leave home without it.Since I started in June in 05, can¢t comment on winter gear as I took none.
Date: 2009-03-24
To: Preparation #11
Miles today: 0.0

Well, two weeks from today I fly from Houston to Atlanta. Like most, I¢ll take the MARTA north to the end of the line and get picked up by the fine people from the Hiker Hostel. Looks like they¢re having a very busy season. I¢ll mail all my gear ahead of my arrival so it will be waiting for me when I get there. Don¢t want to chance what happened in 05. When flying to Damascus the airline lost my pack and all my gear. They did finally find it and I got it a day later. Also, when returning from Katahdin I flew from Portland, ME to Dulles. In Portland, I carried my hiking poles (taken apart of course) on to the plane because they would not fit in my checked box with no problem. However, when changing planes in DC the TSA went nuts over the poles and told me to check them. I went back to the ticket counter and the airline refused to check them saying I had already checked in. I went back to the TSA and they did not know what to do with a retired FBI agent carrying poles on a plane. In the end they just said get on the plane. What a hassle.I¢ve been reading many of the journals of the horde of hikers that have started in recent weeks. Some are getting sick and don¢t know exactly why. I remembered in 05 that personal hygiene is paramount on the trail. Tiny cuts and scratches seem to get infected quickly. You need that Triple Antibiotic ointment. For the most part, privies are pretty much disgusting. I¢d much rather dig myself a hole than enter some of those things. Never let anyone place their hand in your trail mix bag! Also, one of the biggest culprits on the trail that causes people to get sick is the shelter pen and register book. It¢s something everyone touches that passes through even the sick hikers. So bring your own pen and always use a hand sanitizer immediately after handling any shelter register.
Date: 2009-04-05
To: Preparation #12
Miles today: 0.0

In two days I fly to Atlanta to begin my walk north. Been watching the weather closely and wishing for a good weather start, but the forecast for my arrival in Atlanta is snow showers and lows in the 20's. Ouch!This past week has been hectic. Doctor visit for tetnus shot, but he did write me a prescription for a few pills to help me sleep while starting out. Dentist visit. Everything was OK and some advice just in case a tooth comes apart. Flat tire going 70 mph on the freeway. Thought my hike was over before it started. Played my last few rounds of golf with the gang. Getting ready to close the house up. Some food boxes ready to be shipped. Instructions and itinerary for my support person.That's it. I think I'm good to go. Two wake-ups and a plane ride to snowy Atlanta. See ya out there.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Preparation #13

To: Preparation #13
Miles today: 0.0

One more entry before leaving for Atlanta, GA. Hopefully the Spring snow storm headed for Atlanta won't interfere with flight plans. Tuesday night temps are forecasted to be in the low 20's; however, no rain scheduled for my Wednesday start. Cold weather gear will get an early test with Wednesday night temps to be around 30 degrees. I'm not a fan of the cold. Always wondered how I survived 13 winters in Chicago.A year's planning is over and time for the show to begin. No turning back now.Time to start walking north. Let's get it on. Next post from the trail.
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Springer Mountain

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

What a day! With all the hikers to be shuttled around we did not get to USFS road until 10 am. It was 25 degrees out, but a nice 25 degrees. With snow and ice on the trail we hiked south .9 miles to Springer Mountain, signed the register and started walking north at 10:51 am. The first 4 miles were fairly easy; then we hit some mild ups that sucked the air out of out-of-shaped hikers that walk horizonal all the time. My quads were burning up and I was running out of gas. We pushed on hiking right through an Army detail practicing LZ drop offs and pickups by helicopter. They were polite as we passed. With legs buring we arrived at Hawk Mountain Shelter at 3 pm. The weather turned out great today. There have been many reports of bear activity all along the AT in GA. No dinner tonite. Knew that would happen. Met lots of nice people today. 30 degrees tonite.The start of my journey on Springer Mt.
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was the first hiker up at 6 am. There must be about 20 tents in view around the shelter including the couple that came in and set up next to me and ran their traps for three hours. Don't they know when hiker midnight starts!I was packed up and ready to go, but the two gentlemen I was hiking with (Bob from Panama and Steve from upper NY) were still packing up so I decided to get water. I found the water source on Blue Blaze trail behind the shelter. I filled my two one liter Aquafina bottles from a PVC pipe sticking out of the stream. I walked back to the campsite and mixed up some Aquamira and poured it into each bottle (big mistake here).We started walking north at 8:41 am. We had several tough climbs over Sassafras and Justice Mountains. It was pretty much stop and go for me on both mountains. I did not eat anything yesterday except for some trail mix and only drank a half liter of water. Not very prudent! Justice Creek was very nice and a perfect camping spot, but we moved on.Panama Bill & Chris at Hawk Mt. ShelterWe reached Gooch Mountain shelter about 3 pm along with a young trio. Two youngsters who just completed their M.S. degrees from VT, and an Aussie. With bad weather in the forecast, we decided to move on a bit.I was pulling up the rear out of sight from all when disaster struck. I suffered an uncontrollable episode of explosive diarrhea. There was absolutely nothing I could do! I could not even get off-trail even though there was no cover anyway. I basically filled up my base layer with you know what. I stripped down from the waist right there on the trail. I put the Capilene bottoms with all its content into a large Ziploc. I cleaned myself up using some Purell best as possible and moved on feeling very ill. I was very fortunate that no hikers ventured by to view my crapping situation. I slowly moved on and finally found my fellow hiker friends who had set up camp on a nice grassy area just past Gooch Gap near USFS 42.I moseyed in and collapsed on the ground for a nice rest after my ordeal. All the other hikers were basking in the late afternoon sunlight; some reading books. It took all the energy I had left to set up my tent. I dove in with all my gear and rested some more with little energy to do even the simplest of tasks. While the other hikers ate dinner by a nice camp fire bantering away, I remained in my tent awaiting darkness. I still thought I was dealing with over exertion diarrhea. With thunderstorms predicted for later tonight and tomorrow, I was not looking forward to the near future.
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Gooch Gap

To: Dahlonega
Miles today: 3.6

We all got up early around 6 am with no rain falling overnight. I felt so-so and was able to pack up with little discomfort. Just as we were nearly packed up, it started to pitter patter rain drops. We all started walking north and I quickly fell way behind, feeling nauseous with absolutely no energy in the tank. This morning would be a test of my mental fortitude and will to find help.I searched my mind for the reason for illness and concluded it must have occurred back at Hawk Mountain shelter when getting water. I remembered that when preparing the water treatment Aquamira for my water, I did allow for the solution of chlorine dioxide to set up before placing into my water bottles. I¢m suffering from a waterborne pathogen, hence, the explosive diarrhea.The 3.6 miles to Woody Gap were probably the most grueling episode in my life. In thunderous rain and lightning, I trod step by step thinking I would not make it. It was that serious! I prayed there were no serious ups, but of course there were. There were times I thought about going to sleep on a rock, but I knew I could not. Near the end of my 3.6 miles to Woody Gap, Joe Kelly passed by and realized my situation and gave me an oatmeal bar which I think helped me get there. I knew I was in real trouble when I could not even get my jaws to chew.I finally reached Woody Gap and was sitting on a bench by the road when a guy drove up and asked, ¢Are you Ned?¢ It was Survivor Dave. He said Joe Kelly told him of my situation. Thanks Joe!! Survivor Dave drove me to the Super 8 in Dahlonega where I write this entry. Bottom line is that I was so severely dehydrated and ill, I was totally unaware of my condition. I drank four gallons of water at the hotel and still did not pee until 11 pm. I'm staying Saturday night too, as I still have cramping. Medical zero. I have to remember to eat when not hungry and drink when not thirsty!!! Back to the trail Sunday.
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Dahlonega

To: Dahlonega
Miles today: 0.0

Medical zero day. Spent the day at the Super 8 in Dahlonega recuperating from severe dehydration. Drank about four gallons of liquids before the first trickle of pee. Still had cramps this morning, but gone by 6 pm. Back on the trail tomorrow morning. Two big climbs early that will test my metal and current health situation. Just wanted to say my gear is performing great! I will elaborate later, but nothing disappoints so far. One major bright spot is my shoes. Absolutely no foot pain whatsoever. In 05, I had such daily foot pain, it limited my everyday mileage. I might also mention that I had the lightest pack weight by one pound at the Hiker Hostel. Some were carrying in excess of 50 pounds. My pack weighed in at 33 pounds with two liters of water.Tomorrow Blood Mountain. Weather is supposed to be high in 60's and sunny.
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Dahlonega

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Started walking north from Woody Gap about 8: 45 am. Did not know what to expect as my GI tract was still growling from whatever caused my illness on Friday. It was a nice easy walk over Big Cedar Mountain and it was evident I was a lot stronger and had better wind since leaving the trail on Friday. It was a sunny Easter Sunday and I was feeling really good. I made the half way point to Neels Gap in less than 3 hours and took a nice break at Jarrard Gap. I next challenged Blood Mountain, the highest mountain in Georgia on the AT at 4400 feet. Now, most trail journal readers know the significance of climbing 700 feet on the AT, but for you slumdogs at Augusta Pines, climbing 700 feet on the AT is the equivalent of climbing a 70 story building, dogs! I made it up and over Blood Mountain and to Neels Gap by 3 pm. A better day than anticipated. Thanks Buttercup for the call. You were right!Staying at the Goose Creek Cabins. Great little cabins built by the CCC in the 1940's.Rain and thunderstorms forecasted for tomorrow. Picture is of the Goose Creek trout pond. If last Friday was my crappiest day, today was glorious!
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Neels Gap

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: light rain

Heavy rain gusty winds prevented an early start, so while everyone else was holed up wherever they were, I decided to slack pack from Hogpen Gap back to Neels Gap. Slack packing is just carrying a little food and water to get you from point A to point B. It was pee soup with visibility about ten feet when I was dropped off. It was cold and blustery, but the rain had stopped. This upcoming 6.4 mile section is where the bears have made off with many a hikers food bags. The fog made for an eerie walk and conditions would not change the entire way. I made steady time and was feeling stronger than the day before so my wind and stamina are coming around, but still have a long way to go. The weather was pretty miserable; however, I was warm and comfortable while moving. I'm still nagged by an unsettled stomach. At least when the big D came today all I had to do is step off 60 meters into the dense fog and I was out of sight.I started hiking about 10:55 am this morning and finished at the Walasi-yi Center at Neels Gap at 2:10 pm. The power to the center was out, but it was open. They gave me a head lamp to look around the store for food. While a few people were hanging around, I heard someone say I'm Model-T!!! What? Model-T author of "Walking on the Happy Side of Misery"? I turned around and sure enough, in the darkness of the room it was Model-T. Wow! What a pleasure to meet. We talked and he remembered autographing a book for Nedthefed in 05 given to him by Phoenix. We talked for awhile and took a few photos. Glad I decided to do some hiking today or I would have missed this wonderful encounter. It made my week.Will head north from Hogpen Gap tomorrow morning.Bear alert on Blood Mountain
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Hogpen Gap

To: GA 75 Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Another morning start in the fog, rain, wind, and cold. Got dropped off about 9:28 am and started walking north. Made the 4 miles to Low Gap shelter (pictured) in two hours. Signed the shelter register and moved on as it was cold and misty. The shelter was empty, but a few had stayed there last night. The trail out of Low Gap was well graded; however, it was all up hill. Made the 7.2 miles to Blue Mountain shelter while seeing only 2 hikers going north and one south early on. It was cold and the wind was whipping up the mountain. The AT Data book said the shelter was known for notorious cold north winds that blow up Blue Mountain. AT up Blue Mountain It was two miles down the mountain to GA 75 with an option to go into Helen or Hiawassee, or continue up 1050 feet to the camping area on top of Rocky Mountain. A motorist parked at the AT crossing asked if I wanted a ride into Hiawassee. OK, twist my arm. I said sure, why not. I¢m scheduled to stay in Hiawassee in two days. I always said if I have an option to spend a night in any town on a cold or rainy night, I would. So I¢m just following my word. It's only money, and the young kids have none and I do! The Hiawassee Inn was full, so I had to spend the extra nickel for the Holiday Inn Express. Ate at Daniel's Steakhouse and it was horrible.Back to the trail in the a.m. and will try to make the 13 miles to Deep Gap shelter going over Rocky and Tray Mountains at 4017 and 4430 feet, respectively. That leave's me a 3.5 mile hike on Thursday morning into Hiawassee for full day's worth of activities.
Date: 2009-04-15
From: GA 75 Unicoi Gap

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

This was probably my best hiking day yet. Started walking north at 8:50 am in 37 degree cold and gusty winds. I went over three named mountains: Rocky, Tray, and Kelly Knob, all of which were over 4000 feet elevation. I also went over several unnamed "hills" that were not in the friggin Data Book that were nearly 4000 feet as well. I hiked for 9.5 hours straight.Currently in my tent and it's so cold its hard to type. It warmed up to around 60 on the mountains and headed back into the mid 30's tonight. There about 4 people at the shelter tonight. No critter sightings today. Gear is working great. Hopefully, when I get to a desktop computer I can begin to talk about each piece of gear. Too cold to type much more right now.
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: broken clouds

It was my coldest night on the trail, registering 35.4 degrees in my tent at 4:34 am. Tough to make the transition from sleeping bag to hiking clothes, but once you start working on packing things up you warm up quickly. Made the 3.5 miles to Dick's Creek Gap in less than 2 hours as it was mostly down hill. Going down hill is still more difficult and slower for me. Sure footing is critical in efforts to avoid a spill that could end your hike.Now at the Hiawassee Inn, a great place that caters to hikers. I¢m still sleep deprived so trying to catch up on a little rest. Not much energy to do anything else. The Inn did my laundry as I plan to head back to the trail in the morning. Received my first food box from home, but really don't need a lot since I have not been eating much.>Been hiking with a brother-sister team from Alaska. Gave them a lot of food since I had extra. They were gracious receivers.I have by far one of the lightest packs I've seen on the trail at around 30 pounds, and it still feels heavy to me. Most are carrying in excess of 40 and some 50 pounds. I love it when the young kids say I don't care how much my pack weighs because I have to carry 20 days of food before my next resupply. The druggies are out here, too. They find the trail a safe haven to indulge, but they hike few miles and tend to stay for several days at one shelter as hikers come and go.Tomorrow, nine miles will end GA and begin NC. GA was tough as it goes straight up and down over mountains with few switchbacks. GA also needs much better signage to help determine where the heck you are, even with the help of the AT Data Book. My daily average mileage is down, but fret not. The miles will come, and my feet feel great, which is a big improvement over 05.
Date: 2009-04-17
From: Hiawassee

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Crossed over from Georgia into North Carolina today. Weather was great. Sunny near 65 with lows tonight around 37 degrees, Saw the snarly oak that welcomes every hiker to NC. The mountain above the snarly oak was a killerWill try to do a big day tomorrow as bad weather is forecast for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Will try to get as close to Franklin as possible, but some big mountains to cross such as Standing Indian Mountain at 5498 feet and Albert Mountain at 5250 feet.Critter sightings include a Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) and a Pine Warbler (Dendroica pinus).