morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-10-23
To: Same as Yesterday
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 96Monday 10/23/17Same as yesterday Today I rested, iced, compressed, elevated and stretched. I also had a chance to start planning and preparing for how to get a jump on the future during my month off & planning for my 2nd phase of the hike with different weather and logistical challenges. I can't wait to see my family and spend some awesome quality time with them. Just 3 more days!!
Date: 2017-10-24
To: Same as Yesterday
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 97Tuesday 10/24/17Same as yesterday As I get to rest and recover, I have had A LOT of time. Being away from home and not being able to hike has forced me to slow down and I would say stop. When you actually stop moving through life you get a chance to reflect, critique and plan for the future. I'm glad to have this time and thankful for Adam to open his home to me, but I am ready get moving again. Another lesson in patience. I probably should remember this season and insert it into my life from time to time. Who am I kidding, I won't do this myself but I'm sure life will force me into this "rest" again and again. I (we) must embrace this and everything we get experience here on earth. And have some fun! We only get to experience the present once (unless you believe in reincarnation. Then none of this means that much at all)
Date: 2017-10-25
To: Same as Yesterday
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 98Wednesday 10/25/17Same as Yesterday Last night we went to Aubrey's (Adams's son) wrestling club practice. I was never a wrestler and really don't understand how it all works. I can appreciate the workout these boys went through. They worked for almost 2 hours running, sprinting, flipping, and wrestling each other. The age of the boys was around 7 to high school. One of the last things they did was three 3 minute rounds of jogging and sprinting. There was one little boy who was around 10 years old that caught my eye. As they were running the laps he was holding his side and crying. He had 6 more minutes and I was sure he was not going to make it. I was wrong. He kept running and crying the whole time. No one was making him do this, he just wanted to finish.After practice was over I walked over to the boy and he was expressing to his mom his disappointment in himself. I went over to tell him way to hang in there and that he did a good job. In his mind he had failed because he thought he was the only one struggling. The reality is that he was the most impressive boy I saw tonight. Not only because he finished but he gave it his best effort. Hmmm....
Date: 2017-10-26
To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Day 99Thursday 10/26/17Mile 1043Harper's Ferry, WVTowns Inn - BedToday was a day that had been marked on the calendar in my mind for a long time. Today was the day that in was supposed to meet up with my family again. Today is also the day that Gray Beard was finishing the the trail. And today was the day I would have been officially half way through with my hike as Harper's Ferry is the ceremonial half way point on the AT. The real one is the woods somewhere and there is not much to celebrate with out there.Well most importantly, I got to reunite with my girls!! I was very excited and nervous before they arrived. I had been in Harpers Ferry for most of the day and they did not arrive until 2:20pm. The feeling of seeing them was love, gratitude and relief. Because my trek is on pause, I was not that emotional (I did not cry). I knew I will go home with them. I guess the best way to put it is that all is right with my world and everything is back as it should be. Love!Gray Beard did walk his last mile into Harper's Ferry complete with speeches, interviews, pictures and sparkling grape juice. He was very thankful and proud and who can blame him. Yesterday I realized he is actually older than the AT itself. I know what he went through first hand and I'm nearly half his age. At 82 years old he hiked 2189 miles continuously. Congrats my brother on your major life accomplishment.I did not get to the half way point and there were many of my counterparts that were here today that did. So on that note, this was a bittersweet day. This is the time of year I looked forward to hiking most. The weather is cool, the leaves are changing and I was ready. Plans are made all the time but the Great One determines the steps of life. I'm looking forward to those next steps.
Date: 2017-10-27
To: Home 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 100Friday 10/27/17Mile 1043HomeThis morning I got to take my family for a hike on the trail and as there always is, the trail never disappoints. Somehow it knows what you need and gives it to you. The girls were very intrigued with battle scars from the civil war, following the white blazes and seeing 5 deer just feet away from us. I will hike this piece again when I return to the trail and I¢m sure it hold a special time for me then too.We left Harper¢s Ferry and drove home. It was 6-7 hour drive and we stopped at a zoo in VA called the Natural Bridge Zoo. The animals at this zoo were the most active and visible I have ever seen. We had a great time. When we walked in a cougar (the animal kind) growled and hissed at us. There was a bird exhibit that you actually walked into and they landed on you. The big ticket animals (tigers, bears, an elephant, a python and giraffes) all were out and moving around and doing what you would think they should be doing. I got spit on by a lama, fed a giraffe but no monkeys threw there poop at me. So yeah, it was a good zoo experience.When I go home I went to my brewery for one beer and got to see a lot of friends and people from my little slice of the world. It was cool to see everyone but surreal as well. There was some culture shock. I have either been in the woods around the same 5-10 people or in town where i knew no one. It was almost a sensory overload to walk in a tavern where everyone know you and knows where you have been. I miss my world, but I wasn¢t quite prepared to step back into it.
Date: 2017-11-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

On the 2nd week of my break from the AT I have gotten used to being at home. Driving to get somewhere, sleeping inside, drinking coffee every morning, a beer or two every night, and being around my family and friends will make going back on the trail a little mentally tough but there is a part of me that is ready to get out there and see if I can finish. To my thru hiker counterparts, keep digging. I know this rain and cold has sucked lately but you are getting closer. Smell that finish line!On the Mend and Back in the Saddle:My foot/leg is getting better there is no pain when I walk or even workout. I went for a short test hike at a near by mountain this week and although it was not the distance or steepness I will be facing, everything seemed to hold up nicely. My plan is on schedule. Hey Grandpa!I went to school to have lunch with my 2nd grader this week. We had a great time eating popcorn chicken, corn, and salad. All the little ones love it when big people come to visit.  One of Olivia's little friends even asked me if I was Olivia's dad or grandpa. Damn!Save Our School!My wife asked me to go to a school board meeting this week to give our opinion on shutting down our elementary school that was built over 60 years ago. The plan is to move our kids to the next town over. I know right. I even used a thru hiker experience to express my point.Reconnecting with Friends:I have had a chance to sit down and hang out with some pretty cool people, my people (lunch, dinner, a beer or a game) these past couple weeks. My friends mean a lot to me. This has been a special part of coming home. It is awesome to be though about and loved.Something to Say!For the 2nd week in row, I went to a Toastmasters meeting. This is a club/organization that focuses on public speaking and leadership training. This is a big part of the Switalski master plan for the future.4 birds with 1 stone :I packed up my hammock and my daughter and headed to the gym this Sunday. Bird #1: I got a rowing workout in. Bird #2: I set up my hammock and figured out how to keep pertinent gear from freezing. Bird #3: I got some cool dad points for allowing Olivia to play Minecraft and drink soda in my hammock. Bird #4 (most important): I gave my wife a little break from mom duty.Until next week....
Date: 2017-11-22
To: Home 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

With my departure back to the AT less than a week away, there are definitely some mixed feelings. There would be something wrong with me if a part of me did not want to go back out in the beginning of winter. It's going to be colder than a hiker's balls in brass underwear. I also have really enjoyed my time with my family and friends. I have been able spend more time with Joy, Mia, and Olivia, as well as see my buddies who have been supporting me through this whole adventure. Call me crazy, but life is pretty good from where I'm standing.I Got ThisI also want to go. I am up for the challenge of the colder weather and less populated trail. I actually like when days are short and the nights are cold. I love the snow and really want to finish the trail. I would love to be able to do both but my heart knows what I need to do. Leaving something undone without giving it my best just isn't me and isn't real effective for what I'm trying to teach and live.One Step At A TimeMy leg is about 90% healed and I don't see it being an issue as long as I'm not an idiot and pay attention to my body. I have gone on a couple of test hikes and on the last one I felt no pain at all. I have sought the council of a PT and a qualified friend, and have been given my "marching orders". I'm Rrrreeaady!Mr. MomI have been enjoying just being a husband and daddy while I'm home. In fact, there is a new appreciation for being a part of my family. Joy and I take the girls to school and then head to the gym together. I got to take the girls to their swim practice, church activities, and shopping for Joy's Christmas gifts.Just Good BeerSo This Is ChristmasBeing home during this time I have had the chance to experience some holiday festivities. This week was the annual Lighting of my towns Christmas Tree, complete with a fireworks display. The following day is the Concord Christmas Parade. My family has attended these events for years now and although crowds and low budget floats are not my favorite things, I was so thankful to get to be here at this time. Thanks Big Man!!Thanks!!I'm somewhat surprised of the amount of people who have been following my journey and actually want to hear my story. This is good thing since this is how I plan to live my life when I return home. I am excited about what the future holds and hopefully many of you will be as well. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Date: 2017-11-26
From: Duncannon PA

To: Darlington Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 93Sunday 11/26/17Mile 1054 (11miles)Darlington Shelter Hammock Well folks I'm back on the trail. Started back where I left off about 5 weeks ago in Duncannon PA. I wish I could tell you I was excited or I had a great day. I should be excited and I should've had a great day. I'm out here getting to do something I love. The day was absolutely perfect (sunny and 45 degrees). I am prepared and even though I lost some physical conditioning, I only hiked 11 miles and the terrain was not too bad. I should be feeling pretty good right about now, but I don't.When I started this journey I set out to always shoot you straight. I want this hike to be authentic and inspiring. I wish I could explain how confused I feel. All that I know right now is that I feel like I'm not in the right spot. I do not doubt my physical capability or my mental strength. I am not scared of the trail that lies ahead. I'm as prepared as I could possibly be to finish the AT. I want to be an example of setting and reaching a goal. I know there has to be a struggle if I want to achieve greatness. I want to use this journey as platform to help, inspire, and influence people. Part of me thinks that if I decide my hike is over I have failed at what I set out to do. The other part of me says you have accomplished what you set out to do and just because a group of people determined the length of the Appalachian Trail doesn't mean that had to be length of my hike.This adventure was never a test of my endurance, a bucket list item or midlife crisis. I wanted to achieve greatness, teach my girls that anything is possible and figure out what the next chapter of Switalski family is going to look like. It looks like this is going to be a lesson in how to make important decisions. Life is not easy and I don't really want it to be. I wish someone could tell which way was the best way. I would do it! Unfortunately, this is my decision to make alone.
Date: 2017-11-27
To: Boiling Springs PA
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 94Monday 11/27/17Mile 1069 (15miles)HostelBunkI slept great last night and stayed warm in below freezing temps. The weather is perfect for hiking, sunny and cool. My hike today was also set up to be perfect. I had one mountain to descend and then flat to slight rolling hills through pastures and farms of the Cumberland Valley. Too bad I don't want to be here. Why do I not want to be here? Is this different than last time I started? What am supposed to do?Here is what I do know:I'm disciplined I'm not a quitter I love backpacking I love fall/winter I've already hiked 1069 milesI spent my whole day trying to figure this thing out. Then it came to me (well it came to me through a pod cast). My life or my hike is not determined by 2189 miles. I came out for several reasons and had achieved all them before I left because of my injury. We tend toward getting all wrapped up in this country with grades, medals, destinations, accomplishments and not paying enough attention to why we learn, win and compete. I'm very goal oriented and I am normally totally focused on reaching my destination. My character would be to gut this hike out so I could finish.
Date: 2016-11-22
To: Getting Ready!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hi,My name is Dave and I will start my thru-hike on 24 February 2017. I know I'm starting just a little bit earlier than most people do but I need to be done by Aug 15 due to another commitment. I'd really like to hear from others who might have advice for me on clothing and shoe (and any other equipment) needs for this time of year.Hiking the Appalachian Trail has been a dream of mine since I was just a boy. My friends and I often hiked and camped on the weekends and sometimes even for a week at a time and we often talked about hiking the AT. But life has a way of taking over. I graduated from high school, joined the military, got married, raised a family, and continued my education but never forgot my dream. Now's the time. I think I'm going to go with 1st Sgt as my trail name. I've been called that as well as Shirt, Top, Diamond 1 (my call sign in Iraq) and Chief by my friends for years. Of course, I might get out on the trail and end up with a totally different name.I've been planning for the hike for more than a year now and have purchased most of my gear. I've done several weekend trips and two longer hikes to test my equipment but suspect I will still be making changes and improvements up until the day I leave for the trail. I did my first "Longer" hike on the Lone Star Hiking Trail in Texas in March 2016. The trail is 96 miles long (but by adding all the loops you can do as many as 126 miles). I tried to do 100 miles even but due to high rain and a washed out bridge I ended up doing 107 miles in 8 days. I completed the River to River Hiking Trail in Illinois on Oct 29 2016. It was 170.4 miles and took me 12.5 days to complete. The R2R was much more difficult than the mostly flat Lone Star Trail and I suspect the AT to be harder still.I've got 93 days left before I begin and I'm starting to feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning.
Date: 2016-11-23
To: Getting Ready! Part II
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The area I live in here in Texas is very flat. I've done several preparation hikes but other than one day hike, none has had much elevation change. I suspect the ups and downs along the trail are going to kick my butt until I get my trail legs. The primary thing I've been doing to prepare is walk on my treadmill. I know its not enough but with my work, right now its about all I have time to do. I do 10 miles at least 5 times a week with 3 of the miles at a slow jog. My goal has been to walk the distance of the Appalachian Trail on my treadmill prior to getting on the trail. Right now I have about 300 miles left to go. I'm hoping to reach my goal just prior to my kickoff date. Starting Friday (the day after Thanksgiving), I plan to increase the incline of the treadmill 1 position on the scale each week. I also plan to restart my diet on Friday. My goal is to drop at least 20 lbs before my start date.
Date: 2016-11-24
To: An Early Start
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My plan is for my wife and I to fly to Atlanta, rent a car and drive to the Amicalola area on the 22nd of February. I originally planned on doing this alone but she wants to see me off and it certainly makes the logistics simpler even if it's more expensive. On the morning of the 23rd, she is going to drop me off at the parking lot near the southern terminus of the trail and I'm going to hike back past the starting point and down the approach trail and meet her back at the archway at Amicalola Falls State Park. The next morning, she will once again drop me off at the parking lot and I will officially start my hike.I know I'm starting a little bit earlier in the season than most people start but I really want to be done by 15 Aug. On 21 Aug 2017, a total eclipse is going to cross the United States. The path of totality will cross through SC across the U.S. and finally through Oregon. There has not been a total eclipse of this magnitude to cross the United States in more than 500 years. My little home town, in Southern Illinois is within just a couple of miles of being at the very center of the event. It will be dark longer there than anywhere else in its path. I have reserved a pavilion at Ferne Clyff State Park and have invited all of my friends to attend and watch this once in a lifetime, two and a half minute, eclipse take place. Climbing Katahdin and finishing my hike on the 15th of Aug should give me just enough time to make it to Illinois and prepare for the party.
Date: 2017-02-22
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

My wife and I arrived at Amicalola Falls State Park today after an 1100 mile drive from our home in Texas (half the distance I plan to walk in the next few months). I plan to hike the approach trail tomorrow. My wife will pick me up and we will spend one more evening at the lodge. She will then drop me off at the top of Springer Mountain on Friday. We drove up to the parking lot near the starting point this afternoon just to check it out and to make sure it was passible in my truck. It has been raining here for the last couple of days but we had no real problem with the road in two-wheel drive. It was so foggy on the second half of the trip up that we couldn't see more than about 50 feet in front of the truck but I never felt the need to place my truck in four-wheel drive and there was even a couple of cars in the parking lot.Several people today asked me if I was a thru-hiker. Even though I answered yes, I was hesitant in my response. To me, it seems a little premature to claim that title yet. For the foreseeable future, I think I'm just going to tell folks I'm a day-hiker. I just plan to do it every day for about the next 170 days. Right now, I have conflicting emotions about this grand adventure. I¢m excited to get started and am looking forward to the challenge, but at the same time, I¢m nervous and fearful of just about everything. Have I forgotten anything I can¢t do without? Do I have the physical ability and mental fortitude to do this? I know I¢m going to miss my wife, children, and grandchildren but also know I have their support. As I¢ve tried to teach my children¢¦.all you can do is your best. I just have to keep in mind that this is not the hardest or grandest journey I¢ve ever undertaken. I¢ve helped to raise 5 children and they all came out wonderful.Tonight and tomorrow night, my wife and I are staying in the lodge at Amicalola Falls. We are safe, dry, and warm and if the restaurant downstairs is any good, soon to be well-fed.
Date: 2017-02-23
From: Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge

To: AT Approach Trail and Back to the Lodge
Miles today: 1.0

I¢d like to claim that I spent the day hiking on the Appalachian Trail but most of the day was on the approach trail. Only about a mile of my day was on the actual trail. The ¢Official Appalachian Trail¢ starts and ends in the middle of the woods. Here in Georgia, there is an 8.3 mile ¢Approach Trail¢ starting at Amicalola Falls State Park. Some hikers use the approach trail and others start at a road crossing about a mile into the trail, walk south for a mile, and then turn around and head north. In my opinion, neither way is incorrect as long as you walk the entire trail and pass every "White Blaze". As in just about every hobby, hiking the Appalachian Trail has its own language, known by other hikers but mostly unknown to the general public (muggles¢¦if you are a geocacher). A "White Blaze" is a a white rectangle about 6 inches long usually painted on a tree (or a rock, a post, even the bottom of a canoe) that signifies you are on the AT. Another common acronym/phrase on the trail is ¢HYOH¢ or ¢Hike Your Own Hike¢. This basically means ¢do things your own way¢.This morning, my wife dropped me off at a road crossing about a mile from where the trail starts and I hiked south on the trail for about a mile and then followed the approach trail back to the park. Tonight we are back in our room at the lodge. Tomorrow morning, she will drop me back at the road crossing. I will head north on the trail and she will drive back to Texas. Even though my wife is not too thrilled about me doing this hike, she was willing to take the time off work, come with me all the way from Texas, drive my truck on wet, slippery, steep, very narrow mountain roads (with big drop-offs), shrouded in fog to pick me up and drop me off and then drive back to Texas alone shows just how much she supports me in this adventure. I don¢t expect to see her again for about a month when she plans to come visit me somewhere along the trail.So tomorrow, my adventure really begins. For the next few days, I will sleep in shelters or in my tent as I work my way north For the first one hundred miles or so, I plan to try to go about 10 miles per day and, as I get my ¢Trail Legs¢, I hope to gradually increase to an average of 15 miles a day. I want to end this post with a phrase used by ¢Slipknot¢ on all of his posts last year during his successful thru-hike. "Tonight I¢m safe, warm, and dry." Goodnight.