morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-11-24
From: BlackBerry Lodge, Elijay, Georgia

To: BlackBerry Lodge, Elijay, Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

Vandy lost their last 3 games to miss a chance to go to a college football bowl game. As my cousin Andy says, "there is always next year." We say that around thanksgiving this year versus when we usually say it in October,                                                                                                      FAQ #51)How much does a thru hike cost or how much did you spend on your hike? Again, what is your over all philosophy about hiking the trail and the comforts of modern society. If you hit a hotel for a day or two evertime you come into town; you will probably need $10,000. If you totally rough it and only take showers in towns or other spots; you could make it with $2000. You would have to be totally commited to your budget and stay in your tent, free somewhere versus giving in to the temptation and getting a bed. I know your thinking, that seems like alot of money; but, think about it. every 70 miles or so; you need a shower, do laundry, resupply, a beer, and toget "csught up". Let's say your incredible and will only spend $30 in each town. That's 2175 total miles/70 miles travelled between resupplies=31 total resupply stops. And 31 supply stops times $30 spent per supply stop=(Anyone, Anyone?) $930. Now "Cuatro" told me that he was so upset with himself for getting "snookered" into spending $30 at the PADDLER"S PUB in Hot Springs, NC. He ordered a 2 draft guiness, onion rings, and a the large wings. Then throw on the tip. When I met him in Pearisburg, VA for the 2nd time; he said that he has only spent $400 in 620 miles. I dont know of any one that professes to doing it cheaper. Have as much money as possible when you start out. It is probably the reason people quit later in the hike. This starts in Va for those not prepared. You never know if your going to have a large chunk of your cash taken away: bus, plane, train, automobile rides; long hotel or hostel visits due to injury, sickness, weather, supplies; or you need new boots(you will need at least two); your pack breaks;
Date: 2007-11-26
From: Somewhere in Pennsyl-tuckey

To: "YDG"'s House, Liverpool, PA
Miles today: 1.0

Tried jogging today, to try to stay in shape.                     FAQ #71)would you do it again? No! Not for awhile anyway.? Not the same way, or direction? Maybe a southbound!?2)would you do trail journals again? Yes, the online journaling adds so much to the hike; but, it is also alot of work; but, built in zero days!3)Seen any "Crazies"? Yes, about everyday. The craziest ever was a younger white guy that said he was a Rastafarian legend, "BaBa An-Jai". At night he would talk to himself. He said that he would travel each night to his exes. She was trying to put subliminal spells on him in his dreams. He would talk to her in his own voice and then talk like a little girl when she responded. It took "Roni" and I, 2 days to get away from him in August 2006. He was real spooky.4)Did you train for the trip? No, some people do. Nothing will get you totally ready, unless you hike The Pacific Crest Trail first.5)Are you married? no, divorced 10 years.6)How much weight did you lose? At least 30-40 pounds.7)How old are you? How old do you want me to be?8)How many miles do you do a day? My trail journal stats say about 11. I have done a 32 mile day.9)How many "zero days" did you take? About 3 months worth.10)Dont you get lonely? Yes, for a women companion. There are alot of other hikers around to toak too; so, you are not ever really starved for human conversation.11)Do you carry a radio? No, mine broke and I did not replace it. I did miss the weather reports and NPR radio.12)Do you carry a cell phone? No, I did at the end for family & friends. It made them feel safer when I carried it. 13)Do you carry a gun? No, I might in future hikes. Too heavy, though.14)When do you think you'll finish? At first, I said around the first of July and that changed all the way to Ice climbing in January 2008.15)what do you use for water treatment? Polar Pure, might use a very light weight, sturdy, and easy pumping filter in certain localities in the future.16)what are you going to do when your done? I dont know: write, teach, counsel, try to get grounded?17)Where are you going to call home? Wherever I hang my pack, I hope that is on a beach.
Date: 2007-01-01
To: Happy New Year!
Miles today: 0.0

Jan 1st 2007:HAPPY NEW YEAR!what better way to start the new year than to take a hike with friends?thats just what i do....after a few hours of work (yes...i had to work on New Years day!)...I meet up with "D-bird" (Donna, my lovely wife) & we head to Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, Tennessee about an hour West of downtown Nashville. we'll meet up with several members of the TTA (TN Trails Association) Clarksville chapter which includes my bud (& hikin' mentor) "Model T", "DragonFly", "Too Tall", "Spunky", "Jumpin'Jack" & many more...We arrive a few minutes ahead of the TTA group (most driving from Clarksville,TN) & start donning our backpacks...meet another hiker from Nashville that plans on getting in some mountain bike miles after he hikes today.The TTA group arrives about 10:15am & we're on the trail about 10:30a.m.....WOW!...a group of about 25 or so...we travel the eastern loop of the perimeter trail...only doing 7 miles or so today...we ford a few streams...pass by Wildcat shelter & stop for a short "breather"...i take off my pack & one layer...(i have 3 layers on!)we travel on....around ridges & then onto the old logging road...then by the backside of the golf course....then towards one of the three lakes in the park....we stop here for a Jan 1st lunch....black-eyed peas, cornbread & all the fixin's (eating black-eyed peas supposedly gives you good luck if eaten on New years Day!) wooooooooooo-hooooooooooo!"Spunky" (Merri Hinton) & "DragonFly" (Suva Bastin) & "Model T" (J.R.Tate)& I cook the black-eyed peas....everyone else puts out the "spread" which also includes cookies,cakes, sandwiches, mash potatoes & just about anything you can name....yummmmmy!after lunch...we pack it all to "pack it out" (most of it in "Jumpin'Jack's" backpack....hehehehehehe!"D-bird" & I head out first....heading back to the visitors center area...good pace, fast pace...we make it back around 2pm....just under 4 hours time (total hiking time).a GREAT way to start off a NEW YEAR...with a HIKE!i highly recommend it....approx. 7 miles today!see ya'll UP the trail!
Date: 2007-01-11
To: the Ride!
Miles today: 0.0

Jan 11 2007:Santa brought me a couple gift certificates....one from my favorite bicycle shop: "The Jolly Cyclist" (Hermitage,TN)...so, i head there after work ....& browse for a few minutes....drool on the NEW 2007 model bikes.....slobber,slobber.....then decide on some cold weather long Pearl Izumi tights (long pants to keep me warm in cold weather).i get home about 3pm...change into riding clothes....(Yes!....i'm gonna do it)....grab a water bottle, my cellphone (in case of an emergency)....& pump up the tires on my Hybrid bike (Mongoose Placid) & hit the road....gonna stay close to the neighborhood....its clouding up a bit....the wind is gusting....maybe up to 15-20mph...of course it feels stronger as i head into it...temps about 50 degrees..i donned my long sleeve hiking shirt underneath my bicycle jersey (my Ben & Jerry's)...its a bit cool...but, i dont have on a jacket....after warming up....i should be okay....gonna try to get in about 5 miles....if i dont freeze out here...around the neighborhood...then behind the neighborhood....checking out the newest streets...the latest houses being built.....ahhhhhhhh....its cold....the miles pass by.....warmed up....but still a bit cold....up top....4 miles....5 miles.....home stretch...every rotation of the pedal is gravy now...6 miles.....i turn around off the main road...then back toward the house.......ahhhhhhhh.....just over 7 miles for my 1st ride of the brand new year....never got cold on the lower part of my body....my upper body...a bit coool.good first ride....7.175 miles.sweeeeeeeeeeeet!
Date: 2007-01-26
To: the ROAD!
Miles today: 0.0

Friday Jan. 26th 2007: Sunshine all day today...i get outta downtown Nashville.....head to Springfield...head to grocery store, get the car's oil changed..then head home....WOW....only 3:30pm....I have time to hopon the BICYCLE for a short ride!Let's GO!It's just under 50 degrees...so i don my long cycling pants (with bike shorts over top) & my new Novarre (from REI) top Winter Cycling Jersey...complete with reflective threading & lines on back...& over that i put on my BEN & JERRY's jersey (see above photo).Let's ride!I got in a 7 mile ride earlier this month...(one of my New Year's resolutions is to RIDE each month of the year in 2007!)...Sooooooo today...i'm going for @ least 7 miles...maybe more.I'm a member of the VELOTEERS Bike Club & we're very competitive when it comes to putting in Road miles....i finished in the Top 10 (# 6 out of 35 riders)in 2006..with 1,563miles.hoping to better that this year...(by @ least 1 mile).i start the warm up around the neighborhood streets...as they continue to build new houses behind our area...of course, they have to build NEW roads....which gives me more pavement to ride.....SWEEEEEEEEET!I get in about 5 miles before i get out of the neighborhood....i'm riding my Mongoose 26" bike ("Placid")today....havent gotten my TREK Madone out of its winter hibernation yet....might do that on the next nice 50 degree day.Up & down Oakland Road....its getting late & the car traffic is picking up....everyone is getting home from work.Have to be a very defensive driver out here....our bike club had 5 riders go down (crash)last year....when a car hit them....luckily none were killed....one cyclist did have some extensive head injuries & was comatosefor a while...my friend, H.A.Hearn ("EarlyRider") has already been hit while riding his bike this year. Not only is he a friend & fellow cyclist...he works @ my favorite bike shop: "The Jolly Cyclist" out in Hermitage,TN.Get Well, H.A.!I tear down a hill onto Old Greenbrier Pike...doing about 29 miles per hour...then onto the road & travel another mile or two....turn around & pedal back....then up thru the Legacy Golf Course area (on Legacy Drive)....pedal,pedal, pedal....Sun is going down now.....i pedal the last mile or so to the house....winding down...look @ my odometer.....11 miles.....weeeeeeeeeeeeee!that'll look nice on my bike journal!....& it puts me in # 5 place so far this year. (most bike riders wont start til March or April...which is what i normally do).Good way to get some excercise...strengthen the legs....(for hiking..its good cross-training)...& build the lung capacity.Good Ride.                  11.40 miles today!See ya'll Up the trail!
Date: 2007-01-27
To: Nashville WhiteBlaze Ruck 2007
Miles today: 0.0

Sat.Jan 27, 2007today i take a 15-mile bicycle ride after my saturday morning chores, etc...very windy on the ride..but, always good to get some exercise on the pedals...grab a shower & head to Brentwood (about an hour from my home in Springfield),TN.i'm joining several other hikers & WhiteBlaze.net members for dinner @ an O'Charleys in Brentwood...gonna be FUN!i arrive @ 5pm & as soon as i exit my car...i hear:....."Hey Jaybird!"its' "NEO"....then another "Jaybird"....i look across the parking lot...its "LilRedMG"...as we stand in front of the restuarant... a load of other hikers join us...including "Model T, "DragonFly" "Spunky" & Wayne.then the rest of the gang arrives including the instigator: "Rain Man"."Fishbone","Karo",Brandon,"Little Foot", "Tractor","Ewker", "HikerHead" (who drove down from Roanoke, VA), "Puddin'" & Allen.We all talked hikes & hiking, WhiteBlaze, etc. & took some photos.After dinner we all caravan to REI for a NEW gear workshop......sweeeeeeeeeeeet!We all had a great time...& a BIG THANKS to "Rain Man" for the idea & getting all together!   Maybe it can become an anuual getogether...hint, hint, hint!see ya'll UP the trail!
Date: 2007-02-06
To: Beaman Park
Miles today: 0.0

Tue.Feb 6thtemperatures are to hover above freezing today (woooooopeeeee!)for the first time in a week or so....so, i get off work @ 1pm & on the way home...i take the scenic route...& stop by Beaman Park for a day-hike.get in a few miles when i can..either on the trail or on the bicycle pedals.i arrive just before 2pm & don my REI Morningstar pack (filled with a few energy bars, a litre of water & my old sleeping bag just to fill out the pack)...still havent hiked with my new Granite Gear Vapor Trail yet....might do that on the next day-hike.lets hit the trail...i decide (since i have the time)to do the Ridgeline trail...its a One-way...so i have to hike there & then turn-around & head back....Beaman Park is the latest addition to the Nashville Park system...& has plenty of land to accomodate more trails in the future (not soon enuff fer me!)I start up the trail & notice there's still snow & ice on the trail...hike by the creek (Little Marrowbone) that has sheets of ice still on top of the running water underneath....hike, hike, hike...its cloudy & a slight breeze blowing...i'd guess its about 40 degrees..maybe...i have my jacket on & a cap.didnt bring a camera today...Sorry!did good time getting down the Ridgeline trail...in fact i did 2.7 miles in 55 minutes....not bad.now lets get back...no other hikers today...guess its a bit cold for the day walkers/hikers...a few Hawks spotted on the way back & a few birds with their winter plume on.i make it back...but not before slipping & sliding a few times on some ice along the trail...as i exit the trail...a woman & her small child (4 or 5 years old maybe) were about to hit the trail for a short walk....ahhhhhh...my first hike in February....felt good.5.4 miles today!see ya'll UP the trail!
Date: 2007-03-13
To: Montgomery Bell State Park
Miles today: 0.0

Tuesday March 13th:In prepping for my upcoming 11 days on the Appalachian Trail (April 25-May 6)...i head to Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, TN (just West of Dickson,TN)about an hour from downtown Nashville.2:30pm   After a frustrating, 45 minute back-up on Interstate 40..i get to the park & decide to head out on the Eastern side of the park..up the Perimeter Trail (known to most as the Montgomery Bell Trail)...i wasnt a mile into the hike when i spot a small snake slithering across the trail....it was dark..almost black.   Dont know what kinda snake it was...but i didnt wait around to see if Momma snake was right behind baby!i hike on...by the campgrounds...very barren...one camper...no one else...cross over the first of many streams...(on a nice foot bridge)travel past some of the ore pits (some 6 feet deep..some up to 30-feet deep)left by years of digging for ore.Laurel Furnace (an iron ore furnace owned by Montgomery Bell) was located here many years ago & the Park visitors' center has some artifacts from the site.i see a few birds ( i couldn't identify)sparrows & finch, most likely.pass by the first shelter(Hall Spring) ...then by Woodhaven lake (one of 3 small lakes inside the park)several large white-tail deer scurry as i approach them..i saw about a half dozen or so for the whole hike.two young deer approached me within 20 feet or so...just curious i guess.made it to the half-way point...then down the old logging road...its been drizzling rain for a few minutes...a train passes by...i hike on...stop by Woodland shelter (have never seen this one)...a bit nicer (a new roof) than the Hall Spring & Wildcat shelter...& a man & his two young kids were camping out here...we talked for a few minutes & then i'm back off...this shelter is about a 1/2 mile off the main trail...(why dont they put these shelters closer???)...cross over a few more streams...hike by the Wildcat shelter...cross the last stream & head up the last couple of miles...good hike...approx. 13 miles today!see ya'll UP the trail!
Date: 2007-03-27
To: Beaman Park
Miles today: 0.0

Tuesday Mar.27th 2007gonna be a nice, partly sunny day today with highs near 80-something....less than a month til i'm on the Appalachian Trail for my annual section hike with partner "Jigsaw".....so...........let's take a hike!i drop by BEAMAN PARK in Joelton,TN (north of Nashville)on my drive home from work on this fine day & decide to take a short DAY-HIKE.hey...all hikes & all miles count...i put on some walking shorts & a tee shirt, my new Vasque Velocity trail runners, & my Granite Gear Latitude Vapor backpack on (w/ approx 20lbs inside)& i'm off...i head out from the parking lot @ the Creekside trail-head...i walk by Little Marrowbone Creek for about a half mile or so...water is low...due to lack of rain lately. (i think we're about 5 inches of rain below average for the year)turn uphill...from creekside....hiking @ a good pace...i'd guess 3+ miles per hour....starting to sweat....take my cap off...attach it to my backpack belt...keep walking.i stopped just before getting to the park & purchased 2 litres of water...for the obvious, thirst & for the weight...(since i'll be carrying 2 litres on my actual hike)...get to the top of the ridge & the trail winds along the ridge from here til the end...i notice all the "redbud" trees are now in bloom....very pretty!also Dogwood trees are starting to bloom....& the wildflowers are starting to awake from their long winters' nap...peeking thru the brown bed of dead leaves along the trail...i see a few chipmunks scurrying as i pass them...several birds...no deer...i get to the end of the trail (its a ONE WAY!)...rest for a few minutes...2.7 miles in 1 hour...not bad....then head back out....un-eventful walk back....i try to keep up a good pace....for the exercise & getting my feet used to the NEW trail runners/shoes (see photo)...i get back to the car & its exactly 4pm....ahhhhhhhhhhhh...NOT Bad...2 hours exactly for over 5 miles...good hike...                              5.4 miles today!see ya'll UP the trail.
Date: 2007-04-16
To: Hike prep continues!
Miles today: 0.0

Saturday Apr 14th:i worked late last night (till 11pm), got home around 12 midnite & had a 62-mile bike ride scheduled for today....but it's RAINING!....lots of RAIN!the bike ride is in Winchester, TN..over 2 hours away...weather forecast is for up to 3 inches of rain with possible heavy downpours & lightning in the Winchester area....i decide to sleep in!11 days til the 2007 "Jaybird & Jigsaw" Appalachian Trail Adventure!Need to get a few more hikes before heading out to the trail...see ya'll UP the trail!
Date: 2007-04-18
To: packing the bag!
Miles today: 0.0

Wed. Apr 18th:this time next week...i'll be slurping some coffee heading to the airport......but, for now....i have to figure out how to squeeze all my gear into my new Latitude Vapor backpack! a real chore!7 DAYS TIL MY a.t. HIKE!MORE LATER!
Date: 2007-04-24
To: Last minute packing!
Miles today: 0.0

April 24th:Less than 24 hours til I leave for this year's 11 day trek on the Appalachian Trail w/ "Jigsaw"(my bud from Lee, Mass.)lots of last minute things to do before heading out..get some cash from bank...(also taking plastic!)drop off my bicycle @ bike shop (not hike related, i know!)get home & cut the grass...(i hate that job!)last minute items into the NEW backpack...hope it all fits...my buddy, Suva "DragonFly" Bastin, called me yday to wish me good luck & "happy hiking!" she knows all the wildflowers...i told her i'd think of her when i see beautiful flowers along the trail.....& cant identify them! hehehehehe ;0) "My hiking mentor & friend, "Model T" emailed me well wishes this morning...as did "TeePee"(my best friend), "Spunky" & "Puddin" & a whole load of WhiteBlaze folks!i'm getting excited about the trip!stayed tuned & hang on...i'm sure i'll have plenty to tell & many photos to post when i return!this just in...just weighed my pack....27 lbs (w/ water & 6 days of food!)woooooo-hooooo!
Date: 2007-04-25
From: home

To: Jennings Creek,VA
Miles today: 3.7

April 25th   Day 1Today is the start of my 2007 Appalachian Trail journey...11 days of hiking with pal, Jim "Jigsaw" Curtin (from Lee, Mass)...sweating & stinking for days without showers & its.....FUN!4am woke up, showered & headed for the airport.."D-bird", my lovely wife dropped me off (gonna miss her) & after checking my backpack (& hoping it makes it to Roanoke the same time i do) i get pulled out of line & frisked @ the security check point (i had ankle braces on...i guess i looked like a terrorist)finally got on the plane & flew to Chicago-O'hare (1 1/2/hr lay-over) & connected to my flight to Roanoke...arriving around 12noon-ish."Jigsaw" & Del (our shuttle guy & all around great guy)was waiting for me in front of baggage claim...i grab my backpack (its all in one piece...than goodness!)...Del drops us by the local outfitters to purchase our fuel cannisters for our MSR Pocket Rocket stoves) & convenience store for water...then the drive to the trailhead @ Jennings Creek (our jump-off point last year).We pass thru Daleville, Troutville, & Arcadia on the way to the trail...all small little communities along the trail...i change into trail clothes, take a few photos & we're off!its gonna be an easy first day...we're hiking to the first shelter which is only 4 miles from the trail-head...it wasn't long til we had out first wildlife encounter...a very, large big black snake! (see photo) At this very moment i realize i'm missing a water bottle (needs my H2O)..so, i drop my backpack & head back to find the bottle..."Jigsaw" stays here & tells me later that the black snake slithered closer, & closer to him & grabbed a field mouse, squeezed it & swallowed it...right before his eyes! WOW! a National Geographic moment....& i missed it, darn!i find my water bottle & hike back (more steps than i needed...(that dont count!)..i had feared that it had rolled down off the trail into a ravine & lost forever...ahhhhhhhhhhh...good luck, this time.Put our backpacks back on & we're off...trail is feeling harder...but, its probably the 20 pounds i'm carrying on my front (my belly)...we arrive @ the Bryant Ridge Shelter around 5pm...take a few photos, grab some water from the nearby stream to cook with..."No Joke" a thru-hiker from Atlanta,GA joins us a few minutes later...interesting fellow.   He started on Springer mtn Feb 12th but took some time off with shin problems.This shelter is a double decker with a unique design & privy nearby.I'm cooking Mountain House (freeze-dried) Chicken Chow mein for supper...yummmmmmmmy! Let's eat!I'm tired (flying makes your tired)...short day.                           3.7 miles todayP.S. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" to my brother, Wayne Swafford& also to my pal & co-worker, Greg Baldwin.