morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-26
From: Newfound Gap

To: Gatlinberg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up to Guano's dogs Kona and Karo barking, but was ready to rise. I got out of my tent to a very dark sky. Jane told us a storm was on the way with hail and strong winds- a zero? Okay!We hung out a while and then went to the Little House of Pancakes where we gorged ourselves on all sorts of goodies. From there we went to town, visited the NOC, and strolled town. It was crazier than I remembered. As we were walking the rain started falling and even hail was hitting the ground. After ducking into McDonalds so Guano could use the computer to update his Blog all sorts of craziness went on outside. After it calmed down we got back in the car and headed for the grocery store. There were cars with tarps on their windows and after a little bit of talking we found out we just missed an epic weather event. Baseball sized hail had fallen taken out many car windows and even broke through the grocery store roof. I am glad for the sake of Guano's family car we were not there. After our resupply we went back to the campground to pack up.Blis and I decided it would be good for Guano and his family to have some together time. So we ended up going back to town to join the rest of team Chick-Fil-A in their hotel. It was sad to say goodbye to John and Jane, their kindness was amazing and everything they did for us will never be forgotten. They are wonderful people, true trail angels and I am so lucky to have met them. Thank you both!After the ride back into town Blis and I worked on drying out our gear. The gang had found a really nice hotel suit with 2 bedrooms and a common room. We relaxed for a bit then headed out to find Pizza. It's always great to enjoy a sit down meal with your trail family.Another late night, heading to bed much later than planned, but I am really happy we zeroed.
Date: 2012-05-17
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: clear sky

Years later - 2014 I have realized I was crap at sharing my section hike journal with others. So here are my last few thoughts.Start: Springer Mountain, GA April 5, 2012Finish: Damascus, VA May 17, 2012.Total Trail Miles: 475.9Total Days: 44Amazing friend met: Tons.Team Chick-Fil-A: Blis, Guano, Wild Bill, Detective, Long John, FedEx, Cheetah, Mange, and Tall Oaf. People go to the trail for all sorts of reasons, but I choose to go because it is a better place. It is one of the last places you might find total strangers looking out for you, risking their lives for you if you were in need. It's the best of humanity. The people really make the trail, the whole experience so wonderful. My favorite views were those shared with others. I am going to miss these people my new family. I will miss their laughs, the smiles, and most of all their stink I am so lucky I got to meet these wonderful people. this most amazing cast of Characters.Life after the trail, now that is way more challenging than any day on the trail. So long AT, it has been a pleasure. Something I will always cherish. For those out there who tell themselves someday... say now. You will never feel more alive, more hopeful, and happy then you do on the trail.Thanks for being part of the journey.
Date: 2011-06-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am sitting at the house waiting for rain to stop. Had my retirement party Saturday night. It was a great time, many fantastic people showed up with well wishes for my future. If you judge a man by the company he keeps,,well I must have went out on top because there were some fantastic people at the party. The wife and I have been shopping for a small camper lately. Looking forward to taking some long weekends with her and do some camping.I came up with a very kool idea to motivate me to stay on the trail once I begin. With LSP, there is a state "Grant a Wish" program for terminally ill children. I am going to get the 10 affiliate troops' Grant a wish program to pledge at least a dollar a mile for every completed mile of the Trail. Hopefully at the end of my journey, i will be able to donate at least 20k to the Grant a wish program so other dreams can come true. I plan on pledging a dollar for every mile I don't finish as a safety measure. Two great motivations to stay on the trail if you ask me.
Date: 2011-06-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, stopped by my old workplace today. The upcoming thruhike is beginning to be very intriguing to the guys at the workplace. They seem to be asking more questions and some have even been doing some reading about the appalachian hike. I am glad to see that. Steve, if you are reading this, you are going to owe me that two cases of coors light. You see, Steve seems to be the only on that just refuses to believe that I will complete the thruhike. Steve, you forget, I once told you something about work that you would have bet your house against but what happened? huh, huh,,... The wife and I are heading to the Smokies next Friday. Looking forward to getting away for a while. The heat down here in South La. has been relentless. It may be hot in TN but it will be cooler than here. We are going to take a two day loop with a backcountry camp planned. It will give me a chance to try all of my gear that I have gathered over the last several months. Well, that's it for now. Hopefully I will have some more to log after the Smoky Trip. I may even have some pictures to start posting.
Date: 2011-07-19
To: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Just got back from a week in the Smokies. The wife and I stayed in our new camper in Elkmont campground. While there, we decided to take a short two day hike with an overnight camp at one of the backcountry campsites. It was a poor start. The campsite which we chose, required us to drive about an hour to get there. Upon arrival, we discovered the campsite was closed due to the tornado they had in April. The trail going in was open, however we wanted to hike to Abrams Falls thru the back trails which were also closed. Soooo, we had to backtrack back towards Cades Cove. Got a late start hiking in but it was only a 2 mile hike with a gradual incline to the campsite. We ended up camping with only one other person in the area. He turn out to be a section hiker that started in Va. and hiked into the Smokies. He had been in camp around 4 days waiting on a maildrop delivered in Townsend. Poor ole fellow gave up and had planned to hike back north. We actuall contacted his family for him so they could send him another mail drop to a town two weeks north of him. He was hiking in heavy army boots which were beginning to rip!! It had been raining in the Smokies most of the week so he was pretty soaked, trying to dry out his gear when we saw him.Anyway, the short backcountry hike was great. I got to try out my gear which I plan on using in March on the thru hike. Was very impressed with the Rainbow 2 Tarptent. It had two small leaks each were along a seam where the ties had been added. They were very small and did not present much of a problem. The tent is very easy to set up and since the wife and I were comfortable, I am expecting it to be very roomy on the thru for just me.We woke the next morning to a bad thunderstorm which came in with a good bit of rain. As we hiked out that morning most of the gear was wet but the rain had stopped. I had to set the tent up at the campground and let it dry. I took that opportunity to spray it down with some waterproofing and also used some seam sealing silicone to weatherproof the seams. I hope I get to try it out again prior to hitting the trail in March. We are planning to do a 3 day loop in September. After the short hike in the rain, I decided that the gear I have will be more than efficient for the thru. However, I would like to add a waterproof bivysack to my down sleeping bag. I'm thinking I should take an extra step to keep this thing dry. Still planning on sleeping inside the tent as much as possible, just need a little insurance I guess. other than adding that, I think everything is ready.
Date: 2011-08-21
To: prep
Miles today: 0.0

Ok, today the wife and I have stepped up our training. We have been walking all summer and began running several weeks ago. Today, we have started running the high school football stadium. Since we live in southeast LA, we are basically at sea level with absolutely no hills. Running the stadium should build up the leg muscles making the hikes somewhat easier. Brought back old football memories since I was running the same bleachers I had to run when we were practicing high school football. Actually, that was usually punishment for something we screwed up during practice. Anyway, several months of this now and I will be ready to begin my thruhike in March.
Date: 2011-10-26
To: Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Miles today: 0.0

Decided to see what all the fuss was about when people speak of the smoky Mountains in October. We drove into the National Park late in the evening to find an unbelievable array of colors. The park road was a literal tunnel of bright vivid colors. Now, I always believed if you've seen leaves change, than how different could it be anywhere else right ? I will post pictures and you can see for yourself.We hiked different areas of the park, including Fontana Dam area and Chimney Tops. I made the climb to the top of Chimney Tops. It was pretty incredible and not at all easy.   No telling how many people actually get seriously hurt attempting to get up there. We also hiked a small trail just outside of Elkmont Campground. During the hike a bear decided to share the trail with us. Pretty kool experience. I've seen several bears from the car and while in Cades Cove area but this was the first encounter on a trail. He was about 50 feet in front of us.We later decided to do Cades Cove on bikes. That was neat. It was tough on the uphill climbs because we kept having to give the road up to cars. They stopped closing the Cove on Saturdays to vehicle traffic back in December. Well, very nice trip. I would recommend you see the Smokies in late October, it is well worth the trip.
Date: 2011-10-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just trying to tie up some loose ends. I have been trying to set up a facebook page so people can link into trail journals from that page. Also I requested a direct link through this site. It was approved but when you try to use this link it states that no journal is found. Frustrating. I login in and can see the journal. For now I am using a different link from facebook. That link works like it should. Oh well. I am making this entry just to see if it may help.
Date: 2011-11-12
To: Arkansas
Miles today: 0.0

Heading into Arkansas today to do some hiking/hunting in the mountains in the northern area. Going to try my new Hennessy hammock and try to keep the journal while up there for five days.   Just got back from Arkansas. We were in the Quachita National Forest. I tried out the new Hennessy Hammock. It seems to be pretty comfortable but I had a problem with the first mat I tried. Seems to be to small and would stay in the Big Agnas Sleeve. What I was really impressed with was how rain proof it is. It rained two nights straight, STORMED, maybe 3 inches each night and it stayed dry. No rain entered the hammock. I downloaded some pictures. I am about ready for the Thruhike. Probably will start with the hammock.See Ya.
Date: 2012-01-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, less than six weeks before the beginning of my thru. Everything is in place and now I anxiously await the start. The wife is going to do the approach trail with me and we are going to stay at Len Foote the night before I start. I have been taking pledges now for about a week to begin raising money for my charity. Grant A Wish for terminally ill children. I have almost 2 Grand pledged and promises of much more. Thanks to everyone for pledging. If anyone would like to pledge, you can sign my guestlist here on trailjournals and leave your email address along with your pledge so I can contact you at the end of the hike. 100% of the donations will be mailed directly to La. State Police/Troop L Grant A Wish. It is a great cause.
Date: 2012-01-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok, so some would say that it's a great self portrait and who did I get to hold the camera. Another prep day today. In Louisiana we have a very liberal hunting season. Deer begins Oct. 1 (primitive weapon) ends the end of January. So, since the season is winding down, I now must begin preparations for my thru. This includes taking care of some honey do projects that I put on hold for a few months. I have to finish these before leaving for the thru. I hope everyone is keeping up with the journal. If you have any suggestions please feel free to sign the guest book and leave your comments. Take care and see ya soon on the trail.Swamprat
Date: 2012-02-04
To: Clark Creek
Miles today: 0.0

It has been several years since I made the decision to thruhike the Appalachian Trail. I have been purchasing and testing gear for the last year. For those of you that have hiked it or those preparing to hike it, I am sure you know how this works. Buy gear, try gear, buy more gear, sell gear and it goes on. You would think, since it's a month away before the start, that all would be tested and true. NOT !! After today though, I believe I have it right. Backpack, Going to start with my second purchase, an Osprey atmos 65. (Don't like the pockets for water bottles but it will have to do, sticking with it.) The pack fits well and it's comfortable. Tent is a Henry Shires Double Rainbo. I have also purchased and tried a hammock. I like it, however, I don't think I am ready to handle the cold weather in it. Therefore, I will be starting my hike with the tent. Very satisfied with it. My sleeping bag is 800 fill down Big Agnes. Decided to go with the down, hopefully I will keep it dry. Shoes, LOWA trail runners. This is actually the third pair of shoes. First was patagonia, decided to shelve them only because they were gortex. I don't want gortex, great for keeping light hiking feet dry but they will get wet on the A.T. After they are wet, they take to long to dry. Second pair was a pair of Lowa low cut boots. Toe box was too narrow. They hurt my feet after a full day of hiking. So, third pair are Lowa's trail runners. Great shoes, had them soaked today and the wore well. Seemed to dry quickly also. They will start Springer with me.   Stove is MSR, and I will be filtering my water from a Bladder system.   That's pretty much it for the gear. Clothing items are pretty standard. I will be using an REI poncho/tarp to cover pack and me while in the rain. The pack is lined with an extra large ziplock! Works great. I don't plan on worrying about trying to cover the pack itself. I have three layers of protection from rain. Poncho tarp, ziplock liner and compression sacks for bag and clothing. So, that's it for now. I am looking forward to the start. Excitement running high. See ya,Swamprat
Date: 2012-02-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I failed to mentions something yesterday about the equipment I have chosen. There probably is nobody out there that is harder on equipment than I am. Just ask anyone that I have worked with or any family member. I can literally figure out a way to tear up an anvil. This is very important for those who plan on carrying a camera on their hike or anyone that just wants a good camera to use in rain, snow, mud, in short, terrible conditions!! So I thought it was important enough to add information about this camera. The pentax optio WG-1 is worth its weight in gold. Yesterday while hiking in the rain and mud, I brought along the new pentax. While hiking I took a pretty tough fall down an embankment. The pentax was attached to my outer pack with a caribiner. After the fall, I looked at the camera. It was covered in water and mud. Basically the mud was rubbed into the camera during the tumble. I took the camera to the creek and submerged it to clean it off. I continued taking pictures the rest of the day. I would highly recommend this product to anyone planning on using a camera during their outdoor activities. Well that being said, guess I will sign off for now. Thanks for all that are following this journal and for those who have taken the time to sign my guest book. For everyone out there beginning their thru this year, I look forward to meeting you on the trail. Good luck,Swamprat
Date: 2012-02-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today I decided to empty my backpack and go through an equipment check. My base pack weight is around 27 pounds. I have ditched a few items that I really don't need. (I hope!!) Here is a list of gear which includes pretty much everything.BackpackTent (stakes,poles)Sleeping BagSleeping PadStoveFuel BottlePot/cupSpoonGatorAid Bottle for waterGravity Water FilterGrey Water reservoirCamelbakSmall First aid Kit (moleskin,bandaids,medicines,etcSmall daily kit contains (matches,duct tape,seam sealer, tweezers,bodyglide,comb)Medium Base layer top and bottom with med smartwool socks for nights Two pair of socks with silk liners/will have 3rd pair onTwo extra underwear/3rd pair on1 long sleeve wicking shirt1 long sleeve marino wool shirt/fleece top1 800 fill down puffy jacket1 hard shell/rain jacket1 Beanie cap1 pair gloves1 poncho/tarp cover1 pair convertible pantsBrunton electronic charger for cellphone/updating journals when I can (AT&T?)Parachute cord for hanging food.If you read this and think of something I should add or ditch, let me know. Also thanks for the words of encouragement in the guest book, thanks. Now I have to get all this back in the pack!!!See ya,Swamprat
Date: 2012-02-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My last large people gathering before I head to Georgia. Mardi Gras, 2012. Only in New Orleans can you experience this. Wild and crazy. Do ya think there will be this many people at trail days?? Had a great time with wonderful friends this weekend. All are wishing me a safe journey. I am looking forward to experiencing other cultures along the 2000 miles.   I just returned from visiting my old place of employement. I wanted to see how the pledges for Grant-A-Wish were coming. I have reached about half of my goal of 10K dollars. For those that are reading this for the first time, I have chosen to raise awareness and also take pledges from friends and local businesses for this charity. Every donation made, will be mailed directly to Grant-A-Wish. I feel the need to make sure you understand that all (100%) donations will be sent directly to the charity by the donor. I will take pride in doing this and use this as a motivational factor to stay on the trail on those wet, cold, rainy, miserable days when I will ask myself why am I doing this.      For all of you that have been following this journal, I did manage to get all that stuff back into my pack!! As someone stated in my guestbook, I did have trouble with the recliner, it just wouldn't fit!! I have however went over my projected pack weight of 35 pounds. My total weight is now 40 pounds. I could ditch a few items and save a couple of pounds, however I want those items. HYOH, right? I have decided to use a bounce box. I may end up placing a few items in that, we will see.    This will probably be the last entry I make until the wife and I leave on the 10th. I am getting very excited about the trip. Two weeks to go!! See ya,Swamprat
Date: 2012-03-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A friend of mine decided to give his wife a surprise birthday party. He invited me and the wife about two weeks ago. Of course we will go, they give great parties and he is one hell of a cook. He even sends me a text a few days ago reminding us not to be late, be at his house at 630. His wife's sister will have her home at 7 and SURPRISE, right. Great plan. Hell, yesterday, we (the wife and I) even go shopping for a birthday present. Do you see where this is going? So yesterday evening, I tell the wife we can't be late. We don't want to get there late and risk the guest of honor seeing us, wouldn't want to ruin the surprise. Anyway, we leave yesterday evening early to make sure we get there early. Great move, UNLESS,,,,,,, So the wife begins stalling. She passes up the entrance to the subdivision where our friends live. No big deal, she finds a place to turn around. Good tactical move right, wrong!! She turned on the wrong side of a boulevard. Yep, oncoming headlights and all. We get turned around and back in route. As we are getting close to the house, we see cars around the driveway. Great, we don't have to park far away. But, I'm thinking, wow. They sure went through a lot of trouble to keep this a secret just to park a bunch of cars around the house. I'm figuring his wife will just think' "hey Brad must be having a bunch of company". At this point, I probably should have realized what was beginning to shape up. Nope, still no clue. We park and walk up to the door. We walk in and I see people standing against the wall and my buddy with a camera. I'm thinking, OH CRAP, hurry up and get inside, she must be right behind us,,, oh NO!! We ruining here surprise anyway........Then I see a banner about the Appalachian Trail 2012. Hey,, this is neat. They even going to have a party for me too. What a great idea. Along with her suprise party throw me in as lagniappe. Then, and only then, I realize I see my son and his fiance and yes, the birthday girl. Well damn, we late anyway, she is already here. I'm telling you. I was a little slow on this one!!! I was the lone guest of honor. First surprise party in my life. They got me hook, line and sinker. To sum it up, we had a great time. It was a great send off before I begin. We had good food, a few beers and some good cake. I felt like I was fattening up before I go. I'm closing now, I have a small headache. Must be a bug coming on. I only drank a couple, really.   See ya'll on the trail. Swamprat
Date: 2012-03-12
From: Appalachian Trail Approach Springer Mt.

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

We arrived in Dawsonville, GA on March 10, 2012. The next day we traveled to Amicalola Falls State Park for Randy to sign the official Thru Hiker Register (he was #245). It was a beautiful day so we decided to hike to the top of the falls. There are 604 stairs to climb to reach the top but it was worth every step! On March 11, we met our shuttle driver, Ron, at Amicalola Falls State Park and followed him to the parking lot at Springer Mt. Ron drove us back to the Park and we begin the 5 mile hike to the Len Foote Hike Inn (Ron was great and we highly recommend his shuttle service if you need a ride). The Len Foote Hiker Inn was amazing! The staff was very welcoming, the accomadations were very nice, and the food was delicious (we highly recommend the Hiker Inn too!). We had two days of picture perfect weather on Saturday and Sunday and, of course, Monday morning when started hiking the approach trail it was raining. We met many hikers along the approach trail and when we reached the top of Springer Mt. We met a super nice guy from New Orleans. Our hike ended in the parking lot on Springer Mt. I cried like a baby when I told Randy goodbye and left him on the mountain to start his adventure. Randy hiked 13 miles and stayed at Hawke Mountain Shelter Monday night. He hiked approximately 8 miles today and is tent camping at Gooch Mountain Shelter Mountain tonight. Randy will update his journal on a regular basis.
Date: 2012-03-13
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

It was very bittersweet because I want Randy to have fun and finish the trail but I also miss him and want him to come home. I know Randy is going to be o.k. and going two days early helped alleviate many of my concerns and fears (we met so many nice people and the trail was beautiful). I talked to Randy this morning and he had a good first day despite the rain. He hiked 13 miles and stayed at the Hawke Mountain Shelter last night. He is planning to hike to the Gooch Mountain Shelter tonight and will update his journal on a regular basis.