morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-01-18
To: Black Canyon Trail
Miles today: 0.0

I decided to push it a little this weekend and test my knees and some of the new gear. The plan is to hike 3 days in row. The first day on a day hike and then the next couple days on an over-niter with different friends who are fresh and can push me.I day hiked 10 miles with a good friend, Ghost (Mogan), on the Black Canyon Trail (BCT) on Friday. The BCT is one of my favorite trails, it has just enough elevation gain/loss to get your heart pumping, has some great views, very well maintained and not used by many people. The BCT is currently 73 miles long and runs north from Carefree Highway past Mayer, where the trail maintenance stops. The first section is bad, the second is okay, and the remaining sections are all great. Maybe this has kept it from being over used, if people tried the southern sections first? We hiked a loop from the Table Mesa trail head at about 3 mph and tried to push it. Ghost and his great stories made the hike. After we finished we drove into town and got a big Smash Burger and fries. It always amazes me how good food taste after a hike.
Date: 2013-01-20
To: Superstition Mountains
Miles today: 0.0

The next morning, Hobbit, Tiny (Travis) and myself left to conquer the Superstition Mountains. They are about 15 miles east of Apache Junction in Arizona. If you have ever heard of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine this is where it is rumored to be. We of course found the mine but being proud of our low pack weights we left the gold. We started hiking about 1:30 from the Peralta Trail head. The plan was to take the Dutchman trail, then the Whiskey Spring and finally the Red Tank trail to take us to Charlebois Spring where we were hoping to find the Spanish Map which are hieroglyphs. The Dutchman has some great views. This is the most popular trail that is closest to the trail head. We ran into many day hikers who all asked, "Your gonna stay back there". At a great summit, with a wonderful view, which is the end of many of the day hikers journey, you can take the Whiskey trail. This was a great trail that has it all. Some climbs, a little rock scramble, cats claw to push past and several springs with Cottonwood and Popular trees. We switched to the Red Tanks after getting into the canyon. After a couple miles on Red Tanks trail (10.5 total) it started to get dark and we decided to camp. The trail was new to us all and we were about .75 miles past were we thought Charlebois was supposed to be. I believe we camped next to Music spring named because it is so loud. For the record, it still did not block out Tiny's snoring. That night we were not bothered by any wildlife, I think they were afraid of Tiny.
Date: 2013-01-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

As I stated this trip was to test some new gear so here is the gear review.TentWe have been using a Seedhouse 2 for about 18 months on many trips so I will compare it to that.Zpacks is 19.8 oz vs 50 oz.Zpacks has more square footage.Zpacks allows more drafts in. Zpacks requires a bigger footprint meaning you need more space to set up. Not only is the square footage bigger but you also have guide lines and stakes that are not needed with the Seedhouse2. The Seedhouse2 appears less flimsy and at this point I would trust it more in windy conditions.The Zpacks is supposed to be easier to repair and absorb less water from rain/dew.The Zpacks cost twice as much.So the jury is still out, I will take it out several more times before the trip.Sleeping bagThe challenger is a Zpacks sleeping bag and the one I have been using for a couple years is the Marmont Arroyo.Zpacks is 26 oz, Arroyo is 33 ozZpacks has no hood and is a 10 degree bag, Arroyo is a 30 degree mummy bag.The night was cold enough to partially freeze water in a Nalgene bottle. I was warmer in the Arroyo in similar conditions. This has me worried as the Zpacks is supposed to be a 10 degree bag.The draw string for the neck area on the Zpacks was restrictive and kept waking me up. It also let cold air in near my neck. Overall not nearly as warm or as comfortable as the Arroyo. Maybe I have been using Mummy bags for so long I am just used to them. The Arroyo is also 2 inches wider at the shoulder area and this may make it more comfortable since I am a big guy (6'2" 230). Sorry but the Zpacks may be going back.StoveOld stove a Primus micron vs the new one, a Soto.Primus weighs 3.3 oz, the Soto is 2.7 ozFound that the Soto has a better igniter.Soto is available with a small windshield that weighs 0.7 oz.The Primus appeared a little more durable although neither have broken.Both stoves worked well but I think I will keep the new one.
Date: 2013-02-27
To: Cave Creek #4 and Skunk Tank trails
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I have been trying to do day hikes a couple times a week and some great friends of mine and my niece Kate got to do an overnight backpack this last weekend. It is a great hike because the trail head has 2 trails that meet .3 miles from a great campsite. If you are a beginner you could take the easy trail or if you felt like challenging yourself you could take the more difficult Skunk Tank. This was Kate's second backpack and we have decided we need to start thinking about a trail name for her. Some people are suggesting "Shoeless" as she keeps forgetting things. This time you guessed it her hiking shoes. Thanks to Casey who was able to pick them up last minute. Shoeless' friend Michelle also came who I have met a couple times now and seems like a good kid. My long time friends Donkey and Casey (also needs a trail name) were able to join the wife and I on this hike. We had a great time, no one was hurt and we camped by a stream in a wonderful canyon. There was some wind which caused a few problems. The funniest being as we were breaking camp, Casey removed her tent stakes and then walked over to her pack to store them. The wind gusted, picking up Casey's fully set up Copper Spur tent and blowing it towards her. She didn't know her tent was flying across the campsite and almost at the exact time she turned back towards the campsite her tent hit her in the face. The look of surprise was priceless. It happened so fast there was no way to warn her. Tent and Casey were not hurt but boy was it funny.
Date: 2013-02-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I think I have a pretty good handle on gear for the trip. Still deciding if I should go with my heavy Jet boil pot or my cheap walmart special for the trip. The Jetboil actually boils water in 35% less time and is so much nicer to use but it is 5.9 oz heavier.Also bought a new Princeton head lamp, Donkey loves his and it has gotten great reviews so I hope it works out. This should be the only piece of gear I am using for the trip that I have not field tested. I will try to update my gear section before I leave.
Date: 2013-03-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sorry for not writing before this but I would have just thrown the computer. 10 months of planning out the window. Amtrak is still going which is great! He is flying out and found a friend to get him to NOC to start his hike. I wish him the best!!What to do??? Well, I decided not to get surgery. They have repaired my left knee twice before in the past and that does not seem to keep it from happening again, so I am gonna try rehabbing and rest this time around. I hope I am well enough to get on the trail on the 29th with my wife, Hobbit. Maybe we will not do as many miles as we initially planned but if I take it easy I should be able to go shelter to shelter at the least. I was able to walk today without crutches for the first time...send me good vibes so I can heal quickly.
Date: 2013-03-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I am starting to get excited!!! Starting to believe again I may be able to actually go this time. My mom is staying at the house to watch the animals. It sure makes me feel better knowing someone will be looking after them and the house.I have my pack done...weighs 26.6 lbs with 5 days food and 65 ounces of water. Hobbit is carrying about 22 oz of gear I normally carry when we hike, I argued but she said she would kick me in my knee if I didn't shut up and let her help me. Decided to listen to her and check "some" of the male ego at the trail....I drive out in 2 days to Damascus where I will be shuttled by Ron from Highland Shuttle service to Hot Springs. Plan on staying at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn. Hobbit flies into Knoxville and is also using Highland to get her to Hot Springs. We will be starting out first thing on Friday March the 29th. Wish us luck and think good thoughts about my left knee.
Date: 2013-03-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Leaving tomorrow and I can not wait. Decided to post my gear list...Neo Thermarest Air mattress12.7 ozPack rain cover4.1 oz Mason line 50¢0.4 ozArroyo Sleeping Bag33.5 ozZ-Packs Tent19.8 ozGatorade (pee) bottle 1.8 oz Nalgene bottle6.3 ozWater bladder7.4 ozZ-Packs Waterproof food bag1.5 ozZ-packs Waterproof clothes bag1.0 ozCribbage Board/Cards11.7 ozBase layer merino shirt7.2 ozSynthetic Columbia shirt9.2 ozExtra Exfolio underwear 3.4 ozExtra socks x23.8 oz (total)Go lite Malpais rain jacket7.9 ozSteripen and extra batteries5 oz Multi tool1.9 ozPot, Jetboil11.5 ozSoto stove & windshield3.7 ozFuel Canister7.0 ozHankerchef1.1 ozMed/emergency kit5.4 ozCamp shoes 2.7 ozTP1.3 ozToothbrush/paste1.3 ozPhone/charger5.9 ozID/DebitCard/cash/pouch0.5 oz Guide book1.5 ozPrinceton headlamp2.9 ozCar Key 1.0 ozSpoon0.4 ozGloves(waterproof/gripper)3.3 ozGolite Skull cap2.7 ozCanon waterproof Camera 8.0 ozEar plugs and gal zip bag0.5 oz2 mini carabineers0.2 oz (total)5 and 1/2 days Food 108.5 ozWater 64 ozOsprey Aether pack82 oz
Date: 2013-03-27
To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well the last couple days have been great. The miles flew by while driving. I was so excited to get started and the audio books I borrowed from Derek (thanks) kept me going. The only slight downer was I attempted to stop at a few restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Drives. I printed google maps of how to get there and thought I was good.First stop for glorious food was in Albuquerque. They were closed on Mondays. No worries if you first don't succeed try again. Next stop Oklahoma City. Not to be fooled again I checked times online and they were open 7-2pm Monday thru Friday. Got some sleep at a rest stop and arrived at 8am. They were closed, but wait sign says you should be open. I called a number I found online and the owner, Nic answered. He stated he had hurt his back and would not open today. I wished him well and thought, "Strike Two". Okay on to Nashville and my last try for a DDD restaurant. Not wanting to have any more issues and called the third place. A lady answered the phone and I asked, "When do you close?" she responded, "3pm" Well since I was arriving at 6:30pm I figured I would get a hotel then eat breakfast and push on. Found a great place to stay at Vanderbelt university and I showed up the next morning at 7:30am and the place was closed but someone was inside. I talked to them and they stated, "we open at 10" I quickly realized I never asked what time they opened. Strike three and I was out. Too funny, so much for trying to eat at DDD. Got some food and drove the rest of the way to Damascus and stayed at the Hikers Inn. Loved the owner and place. Clean and friendly. Got my car dropped off and being shuttled to Elmers in Hot Springs by Ron, a really nice guy, where I will meet up with my wonderful Hobbit. Everyone here just keeps talking about how this is the coldest winter in decades. Hope we are ready for it. Snow is everywhere still.
Date: 2013-03-29
From: Sunnybank Inn

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Got to the historic Sunnybank Inn and explored Hot Springs while I waited for my wonderful Hobbit to arrive. Elmer who has owned Sunnybank for almost 4 decades serves family style veggetarian meals. I had a great time eating with all the other hikers (Smooth, Not-it, Blue Moon, Rocky, etc) Elmer asks questions of everyone building a sharing experience. I thought it was Soup and Salad so ate my fill when Elmer brought out a great pasta dish, I didn't know there was a third course. It was really good so I eat some and then he brought out key lime pie made from scratch, which of course I ate a piece. I was so stuffed I didn't eat breakfast. Hobbit arrived on the shuttle at 10:30pm, it was sooo great to see her. She was still caughing a little, guess she hasn't completely kicked her cold. Luckily there is a dollar store across the street that opened at 8 am so we got her some cold medicine and hit the road. Other then a little caugh she seems fine. As we left town we crossed the Frenchbroad River and climbed Lover's Leap Trail. Very nice views of the city and the river. After climbing a small mountain we entered an area with plant life that reminded us a jungle. As we continued down and then more up, down then up etc on the trail we started to see some snow on the ground. By the time we reached our first shelter snow covered most of the ground and the shelter. (I will upload a photo later). The shelter holds 5 people and 9 people showed up. It started to snow heavily and this changed to rain about 2am so we squeezed 7 people into the shelter and the last 2 people there Tracker and Rooster tented outside. Actually, Rooster has a hammock/tarp but he swears he was not cold. We shared the shelter with Commander, Lil Bit, Fire Hands, Kat and Rocky. Really had a good time talking to everyone and the entire day!!
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a challenging but great day, started with news that tomorrow is going to snow and rain most of the day so we decided to push it today and make it further than we initially planned. This way tomorrow we could take it easy and hike less in the bad weather. We started down towards Allen Gap and during a sharp downward slope I slipped and started to slide down the side when I broke one of my hiking poles. Short time later, I slipped and fell again. I seem to be alright and no lasting injuries but hiking with only one pole is a little harder. After crossing the highway on a neat bridge we got water from Paint Creek and had some food. Started up towards Camp Creek Bald. We stopped at Little Laurel Shelter and took a break. Someone had left some trail magic at the shelter (Nutty bars and Snickers) Us and the other hikers really enjoyed them. We continued up the mountain, (2,500 feet climb total so a good workout).We then went up and down a great ridgeline which has incedible views at Fire Scald. This included a 1.5 mile boulder scramble with ice and snow on the boulders which caused the climbing to be slippery. Very challenging but rewarding with the views, which are on both sides. I will try to post a picture later. At about 7pm after hiking 15.4 miles up and down thru the snow, mud and slush in wet clothes/shoes, we were worn out. As we saw the shelter after hiking all day we were pretty happy, then we realized this shelter had a fire place and another hiker had started a roaring blaze. What a great feeling!! Hobbit's cough was a little worse tonight and with the storm moving our plan is to take easy tomorrow and only do 5.9 miles. We will see, type more later.
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: light rain

Bad weather today, gonna just hike to the next shelter. Hobbit's cold is getting worse, this is a good day to take it slow and give her a break. Had a full shelter with a lot of interesting hikers. Gher is 67 years old and seems like a strong hiker who is keeping up with all the 20 somethings. He snores loud but nowhere near as loud as Amtrak. Glad I brought earplugs. Really great stream about 120 yards from the cabin. Rained hard most of the day, after the snowing stopped. Rained hard enough and long enough the mice never emerged. Have quickly learned every shelter is different. This one has a table and room for 8 inside. Built in 1988. One of the hikers, Leprechaun, saw fresh bear tracks, large prints in the snow crossing the trail. He took pictures and showed us. Also camped with, 12 ounce, Fly, Moxie, Biscuits and gravy and Chinstrap.
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 6.0

Hobbit is really sick, not herself at all. As we descended into a gap we crossed a road and saw a house. Hobbit asked if we could figure out a way to go into town. I talked to the owner and their son, Austin, agreed to drive us into town for $35. Got her to urgent care, the doctor looked into her throat and said, "You have your tonsils still? Oh there they are I couldn't see them behind all the mucus. I haven't seen this much mucus in a long time." They gave her a shot, and some anti-biotics. Gonna do a couple zero days while she gets better. I haven't seen her this sick in a long time.Decided to stay at a real hotel instead of a hostel so she could get some rest and have a bathroom close. Camera battery is dead, realized I forgot to sleep with the battery and cold must have gotten it.
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Erwin TN

To: Erwin again
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hobbit still isn't any better yet, I am sure that will change soon...thanks for the well wishes in the guest book...tracked down our drop box so now we have a phone charger but still can't charge the camera. Gonna put together a box of stuff to mail ahead. On a side note, this town only has a Diari Ace, McDonalds and 3 pizza places to eat.
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Erwin again 

To: Erwin again again
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hobbit is feeling much better, I think the antibiotics are starting to work. She and I are going to walk into town to get Dari-ace tonight. (3+ miles round trip) And we plan on getting back on the trail tomorrow. Thinking to take it easy at first, we shall see how she feels and go from there. Appears the weather has broken, rained today but no snow. Forecast looks real good for the weekend.
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Erwin again again

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

Left Erwin and hiked thru some of the prettiest terrain I have hiked. For about a mile we walked along a ridge that was above the Nolichucky River then we dropped into a valley where above 2 miles we walked thru a beautiful forest with countless streams. Easily in the top 5 hikes for beauty. Only thing missing was my buddy Donkey. We continued on up the mountain to Curly Maple shelter which is a great 14 person shelter. While resting some day hikers let us know Fresh Grounds was set up 4 miles away with trail magic. We hiked it and as we went thru the forest the sun was shining and the snow/ice was melting which made it seem like it was raining every so often. Very neat. When we got to Fresh Grounds we were not disappointed. He had homemade cream of potato soap, hot dogs, chips, fruit, snacks, soda, etc. He is such a nice guy we camped at his site and watched his supplies while he ran Chickadee into town to get new boots. Tomorrow he is promising to make eggs, bacon, pancakes and Dunkin Donut coffee. Can't wait...
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Old apple orchard campsite
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Had a great day!! Started off with two helpings of eggs and bacon, a banana and Dunkin Donuts coffee. Thank you Fresh Grounds!! Got out of camp and hiked up several substantial climbs the first called Beauty Spot, aptly named. We then climbed Mt. Unaka. Tough climb but the top was worth it, miles of thick evergreen forest with snow on the ground. Amazing!!! We had to walk thru some more snow but it wasn't bad. Stopped at Cherry Gap shelter for lunch then pushed on to camp in an old apple orchard. Alot of ups and downs today, tough hiking but so worth it. My favorite moment was just before our lunch, we were really tired and we had to climb over a large tree that had fallen, blocking the trail. Hobbit gets halfway over and with feet dangling on both sides starts to kick the tree. She exclaims this is the laziest horse and she needs spurs. We just fell over laughing. We renamed the trail the AMST. Appalachian Mountain Summit Trail, as the designers don't seem to know what a saddle or pass is. Just up and down to summits.
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Old apple orchard campsite

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Figured out a mouse had stolen trail mix from another hiker and stashed about 2 handfuls at the bottom of my backpack. Wonder how long I carried that weight?After 5 miles of going up and then down then up etc we climbed Little Rock Knob. Which is not little at a summit of 5,000 feet, but it does have a lot of rocks to scramble over. There were some good views.After coming down we started up Roan Mt. (4.75 mile climb). The last 2 miles the trail was covered in ice and extremely slippery. Very difficult!! There was supposed to be a restroom/trash can/parking area about 90% up but it was closed due to snow. I could tell Hobbit really wanted to take a cat bath but didn't get to. I wanted to throw all our trash away to lighten the load a little and get some water as I was out. We could not do any of these things.Slippery ice and you could see water flowing under it in some sections. Think hiking out of the Grand Canyon but the top third of the trail covered in ice where you have to use trees to pull yourself up, balance on wet mossy boulders, or make a side trail through 30 inch high snow.As we got close to the shelter we saw the sign (".1 mile") and we turned down the side trail. We were very tired. After following the trail for a while we realized we were going the wrong way. We hiked back to the sign and sure enough we had gone down the trail it said to. Looking at sign and using trail logic we figured out the sign had to be wrong. We went down a different trail and found the shelter and collapsed. Water supply was down a steep side trail and the spring was not frozen but close. Got just enough for our needs.The Roan High Knob shelter is the highest shelter on the AT. Really great 2-story shelter. It is fully enclosed with a door you can latch. Would not keep a bear out but should stop just about everything else. We climbed the ladder and slept on the 2nd story. Had a great nights sleep.Very tough day but great!! When you face an extremely tough challenge and succeed it is a defining moment.The most amazing thing was my wonderful wife kept up with me the entire way and NEVER complained or whined. Ladies she had been looking forward to that cat bath for 2 days. Getting it taken from her after hiking all day had to be incredibly hard on her. I am blessed with such a wonderful and tough woman.