morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-10-15
To: Two Steps Forward
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Its another beautiful day mid October in Arizona. As my time for preparation dwindles, the anticipation builds. I have done plenty of mental preparation. Between the thousands of gear choices and trail journals, I have gathered about as much information as humanly possible. The endless opinions from self proclaimed experts rattle across the Internet. The sheer amount of material related to the Appalachian trail available to the public amazes me. The information is immense and widespread in style, and varies so much it can be hard to identify who has useful knowledge.When it comes down to it, you can hike the trail anyway you choose. Whether you are an ultralight gear junkie carrying 25lbs, a hulk hiker trucking around with 50lbs of gear, or somewhere in between, someone has most likely successfully hiked with a similar setup. During the last few weeks I have spent quite a bit of time in the local Hualapai Mountain range learning my gear, and how my body responds to different pack weights. So far my pack is far from ultralight (Although containing numerous "UL" gear items). I intend to carry about 35-40lbs, which is including a backpacking guitar and other personal items i refuse to leave behind. First test weight was 40lbs, which felt light at the bottom of the mountain. By the time i got to the top my back was a little sore, but I felt strong, and could have doubled the total 10 miles that I covered that day.The following week i tried with 30 lbs of gear, exact same hike. To be completely fair I did do squats in the gym that morning, however i was noticeably tired and weak compared to the earlier, heavier hike. All in all I believe I can and will complete a my 2016 NOBO Appalachian trail through hike. What i can't believe is that in six short months I will be making this dream a reality.
Date: 2015-11-10
To: Jigsaw Falling into Place
Miles today: 0.0

Another step closer!Three and a half months of work and I will be at the mercy of the trail! It has been some long hard days at work. The A.T. is my light at the end of the tunnel, what I'm working for and towards. My pack has remained very similar to what I initially started with.The big three being -MHM divide pack-Sierra designs Back country bed elite/Big agnes UL insulated Q-core pad-Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 2I added a 'essential' to my pack with 3.5 lb Martin Backpacker guitar.Now i need to figure out how to make a lightweight, waterproof case/bag to keep it in!Till next time!
Date: 2015-12-29
To: Grand Canyon
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

The two month countdown has not officially begun, but the trail is right around the corner. My pack is becoming more impressive as I near the start of this adventure. Slowly but surely the remaining required/desired items are finding their way into my hands. Just some of the things I have recently purchased: Salamon Speedcross 3's Trail running shoes, Water proof pack cover, A few miscellaneous Sea to Summit Dry-sacs, Platypus Big Zip 3L, Couple pair of Darn Tough 3/4 Merino Wool, Patagonia Nano-Air jacket, Patagonia Torrentshell Rain jacket, Snow Peak Titanium cookset, Icebreaker 3/4 zip wool baselayer... The list goes on and on. Along with the continuation of weight training and running, Physical preparation has also included plenty of hiking. For my sisters 21st birthday my family and I hiked the Grand Canyon, 23 miles and 4,800 ft. in elevation in two half days of hiking. The weather at the top of the South Rim was a bone-chilling 14 degrees, paired with 30 mph winds when we arrived on Saturday afternoon. The weather I could handle, the impatient swarm of foreign (and domestic) tourists I could not. After two shuttles (We hiked down Kaibab and up Bright Angel, which have different starting points along the south rim) and some Disneyland-ish lines, we finally arrived at the trail head. Carrying my entire pack (Save a bit of food weight) I started down the trail. Starting with a snow pack trail and slowly shifting to mud, and then dry dirt, the trail was steep, but well maintained. I focus not on speed, but reducing the stress on my knees. With so many beautiful views it is an easy hike down to Phantom ranch. We finish with a mere 9.5 miles under our belt, and are eager for the morning hike.After a night of drinks and and games we hit the sack at 10 o clock. The 5:30 wake up call comes to soon, I regretfully rise and stuff my face with as many carbs as my weak morning stomach can handle, and we head off to Bright Angel trail. We hike for an hour and a half before the sun shows its face. Already across the Colorado river and about 2 miles in we are making great time, but Bright Angel trail is longer, and we do a scenic loop adding another 3 miles. The switchbacks are never-ending, and the weight is wearing me down. We slug onward and I gain a second wind. We make it out at 1 o clock. The hike was wonderful, I look forward to refining my pack and my methods, and starting the hike with full knowledge of my gear.Till next time!!
Date: 2016-02-10
To: My Broken Body
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hello again!I'm fairly certain it is a direct result of anticipation, however my body is rebelling. Since my high school sporting days, I have had some level of pain in my back. In high school it was lumbar specific pain, however the last few years have been solely around the right shoulder blade. The pain level have peaked in recent weeks, making me a little uneasy. Hours of daily stretches and massage type therapy cannot touch the pain. I also think it has something to do with my broken collarbone on the left side. I never had it repaired by surgery and as such causes my left shoulder to sit slightly higher and feel out of balance now and then.I managed to roll my ankle playing hoops which adds to the drama as well. I can feel it during some stretches although it is usually just an irritation not really a pain. However my walk feels strong, as do I. The work week drags on as I look ahead to adventure.My gear has continued to evolve into a respectable thru-hiker setup. My familiarity with the gear has doubled from the overnight stays I have been taking (Which Nikita (my dog daughter) has greatly appreciated!). I worry about leaving her for so long. She is my shadow! However, I firmly believe leaving the burden of caring for another life is better left in the warm comforts of home.Till next time!- "Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose"
Date: 2016-02-23
To: This Is Why We Prepare
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

The days are numbered!Flying into Atlanta on the 8th of March. Words cannot accurately describe the anticipation. I have about 95 % of the gear I plan on starting with, which is a big sigh of relief. I had previously planned on working just through February, but i tacked on another week (till the 4th of March!) to help with funds and preparation. Dirt-bike is going up for sale as well (Get to keep my Harley though! woot woot!)Still have not got around to weighing my pack, I'm afraid of what I will find! Still working on getting my phone trail proof. I have exhausted myself preparing my itunes for this trip. Which may seem a bit strange but coming from a music nut its about as essential as anything else. Still have one DIY project to complete before I go and that is to create a waterproof(ish) bag for my martin backpacker. Which is another music-nut endeavor but is important none the less.As soon as I will try to upload some pictures of the my gear as well as the weight! Cannot wait to meet some new friends and get started on this adventure."From the northwest corner, of a brand new crescent moon, While crickets and cicadas sing, a rare and different tune."
Date: 2016-03-06
To: Catfish Jon
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

"Mama said, "Don't go near that riverDon't be hanging around Old Catfish JohnCome in the morning, I'd always be thereWalking in his footsteps in the Sweet Delta Dawn"Take me back to another morningTo a time so long agoWhen the sweet Magnolia blossomedCotton fields as white as snowCatfish John was a river hoboWho lived and died by the river's bedLooking back, I still rememberI was proud to be his friendBorn a slave in the town of VicksburgTraded for a chestnut mareLord, her never spoke in angerThough his load was hard to bear "Originally performed by a country artist, Catfish John appeared as an outtake on the Grateful Dead's Terrapin Station. I bounced around between "Dire Wolf" "Cosmic Charlie" as well before settling on Catfish John, which I changed to match my spelling. BOOM. Trail-name. See you lovely people soon!
Date: 2016-03-06
To: In Absentia
Miles today: 0.0

Unfortunately, this is the second time typing this journal, I only now noticed it missing. So much has been happening!I sold my dirt bike to add some comfort cash to my trips budget. Along with that and the kindness of others, which I will dive into momentarily, I am well stocked for my journey.I have added plenty of additional gear to my pack. Switching out my homemade alcohol stove for Titanium Vargo stove (that can burn fuel tabs, fuel gels, as well as alcohol) and paired it with a folding windscreen it was a definite upgrade to my cooking system. I finally purchased a new set of Aquamira, and being a Nervous Nancy I decided to also bring a Lifestraw, in case I'm feeling impatient. If I feel i can go with just Aquamira purification method I will send the LIfestraw home. After reading some save your feet articles, it appears to me that sock liners can reduce blisters. So i got a few pairs of the Injinji toe liners to test out. If i don't like them they can catch a possible ride with the Lifestraw. Some other less exciting additions include my homemade first aid kit, bear bag line, a feather-lite sunhat, and camp shoes. I could not get over the fanny pack clad, dad image that comes to mind with crocs. Plus, my inner flower child was already set on Bedrocks sandals.Pack weight was originally 25 llbs, which was a pleasant surprise considering I had my guitar, hiking poles, and every ounce of clothing i would have. But after some renegotiating with my self I had it down to 23.5 Not to shabby! Last Friday was my last day of work, which was bittersweet. I will miss them, however with so much going on getting ready for this hike its hard to look back even momentarily. One of my last days at work, an incredibly kind aspiring thru-hiker asked which watch i would be hiking with. I explained I had none, and he offered up his hiking watch. An awesome compass, barometer wielding Pro trek. Thanks for the loan Ray!!! Momma bird also helped me make my waterproof guitar bag out of a food sealer bag. Looks like it was made for it!Flying out on my birthday! What a great way to start another year. Staying with some friends in Atlanta for an unknown amount of days before starting the hike. Somewhere around the 11-12th.Loving it.Catfish Jon
Date: 2016-03-10
To: Peachtree Blues
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hey everyone! Sorry it took so long, it has been an exciting couple of days. Tuesday night my and the folks went to Vegas to finalize a few items, and at 11:10 that night I boarded my red eye to Atlanta. Took a uber to my buddies where I have been for the last few days, relaxing, and getting ready for the long haul ahead. My gear feels good, and ao does my body. Seems like the stars are lining up. Also, Atalnta is a pretty cool place. I am going to stay in the hiker hostel the night before I start, which still might be a day or two, don't want to start in a storm! Catfish Jon
Date: 2016-03-12
To: Comfort Behind, Adventure Ahead
Miles today: 0.0

Today was the last day in Atlanta for me. I said goodbye to Matt and Paula (Again, thanks for everything!!) who were kind enough to let me in and show me around. II hitched the Marta train to North Springs and from there I met Philip, and another incredibly kind thru hiker. We were then picked up and shuttled to the "Hiker Hostel" which has been amazing as well. A lot of kind people.Tonight is relaxing, and I am ready for the difficult climb up the Amicolola Falls tomorrow. I will eat breakfast at the hostel and join a few other thru hikers who are starting tomorrow. Some from the approach, some from Springer. I chose the approach trail even though not technically part of the AT. Although I am not starting. On the AT tomorrow I definitely will take my first steps on it.Right now I'm relaxin round a fire less fire pit. Jamming my little fingers away alone in the dark. Life is good. -Catfish Jon
Date: 2016-03-13
From: Amicolola Falls State Park

To: Springer Mountain 
Miles today: 8.8

Feels great to be writing my first on trail trail journal, although you will be reading this a day behind (Sprint sucks in the east coast so far). Started the morning off with some good deep stretching. It was either the daylight savings recoil, or the build up of excitement to finally set foot on the AT. Mike from Virginia, super awesome vet of the Air Force, and another couple from Louisiana are the only ones of the coming down from the hiker hostel to do the approach trail. The vigorous uphill journey to springer mountain starts from Amicolola Falls State Park. Steep and crystal clear, the falls were definitely sight to see. Once on top you finally reach a more 'typical' AT scene in the south. Lots and lots of trees, and lots and lots of hills. Mike is great company, about half way up the 8.8 mile incline however we separate and I meet another thru hiker, he's nineteen and into bike touring. He is a good match for my pace and we stay together for a bit. The trail is exactly as I imagine, in all its winding wet glory. We reach the summit of Springer Mountain swiftly. There are some thru hikers and section hikers that are at the lookout. People are all very nice, we share stories while I cook my first trail meal. Spicy beef Mac, a simple meal to fix but with the view it is a meal for a king. I contemplate hiking farther than Springer mountain shelter but my friends are here, and I am content to take it easy on the first day of many. It's Christmas, all the gear I initially invested in is finally used to its full potential. Even filtering and purifying water is interesting. I chat for a bit, about 20 people spread out through the shelter and campsites. I pitch my tent with maximum visibility for sun up.More to come. Catfish Jon
Date: 2016-03-14
From: Springer Mountain 

To: Justice Creek
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

After a long day I finally reached my planned destination. I am now 14.5 miles from the southern terminus at Justice Creek.I awoke on Springer with fresh legs, despite the Amicolola falls. Deciding to do some decent miles I set my eye in the range 12. The trail is a slip and slide at first but quickly becomes a hiker highway and I start flying. Before to long I have hiked 7 miles and I was ready for lunch. Just so happens a waterfall appeared as my stomach was growling. So I pulled off to enjoy a meal with a view. After a huge meal. I am back on the trail. It is green and rich with water for the first half of the day.Which leads me to second half. Two really steep climbs. These are silly steep inclines, instead of switchbacks it's natures staircase. Up up up until I can't go any farther. Finally some "justice" when I hit justice creek. I go to set my tent up and it starts dumping rain, fortunately good enough with my tent that I get it up without getting too much wet, however much of the night is spent returning things to their original dryness. I talk to another Mike, who is hiking to Fontana Damn. He like most, is great company. We BS for a while, and then I show him my bear bag method. He is impressed and jumps on my line.Truckin on,Catfish Jon
Date: 2016-03-16
From: Justice Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 17.3

Two for One3-15 I did not write a journal, this will cover both days. From Justice creek to Neel gap.Sassafras kicked my ass. I wake up dry, and have a really slow morning. Make coffee, and oatmeal. And head out. It is the hottest day, and I am exhausted. I remember reading about Suches, GA, and as such, I am dreaming of Taco Bell. Or anything a small town might have in regards to food.After a difficult climb reach Neel gap. I try to hitch hike and eventually just call the outfitter. I meet an awesome guy named vanilla. He goes through a "pack explosion". Which means he makes sure you have proper gear, and gives advice. (Vanilla already completed an AT thru hike). Most all my gear matches Vanilla's gear, I decide to send a few items home anyway, rain pants, life-straw, and a water bottle hit the road along with my iPod. There is a convenience store where I eat a large pizza, three sodas, a milk, and a Milky Way. Hiker hunger is REAL.I get dropped off at woody gap where I camp for the night. The next morning I am up at six packing and making coffee. The weather is foggy and chilly. I decide to take off. The wind quickly blows over and reveals a summer day. It is beautiful, and the trail is easy. I make great time and before you know it, I have summited Blood mountain. There was more people on the summit of blood mountain than I have seen on the trial in the last three hours. I take a few pictures and down I go.Was only forty minutes down the backside before I hit Neels gap and the famous Mountain Crossings gear shop. I take a load off and am excited to see Mike from Florida again. After a while of poking around the gear shop, I get a new shirt and send my cotton Circa Survive shirt home. My pack weight is down to 33 lbs with food. After drinking a few more sodas, I hear people talking about cabins being 72 bucks for a night. Sweet deal! Me and mike split one and have an amazing little set up. Over looking to mountains to the Southwest.I feel good, I am happy with my progress, and I am stoked to get back at after a slow cabin morning. Life is a box of chocolates, and this one is my milk chocolate caramel.Catfish out!
Date: 2016-03-17
From: Neels Gap

To: Low gap shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Sitting around an unlit campfire in Low Gap, 43.2 miles from Springer Mountain. Made somewhere around 11 miles from Neels Gap. Woke up in the luxurious Blood Mountain Cabins. Mike headed out early, where as I took the lazy morning approach. Made a delicious cup of coffee, and had a steak burrito fresh from the microwave. Soon I have resupplied completely at Mountain Crossings, but half my day is gone. I set my eye on Whitley shelter which sits a leisurely 5 miles or so away. The climb is steep but rewarding, as you all some amazing view facing the north east. I take my guitar out and entertain a few hikers who seem please with my takes. Pushing onward I hit whitely gap in stride. I decide it's much to early to rest and push forward to the next shelter. I meet up with three older folk that I stayed with at the Hiker hostel, nice people., and also run into Mike who I slip the cabin with last night. I stride ahead and after a lot of false peaks I wind up at Low Gap shelter. Met and awesome dude named Jake (the snake) and set up camp next to him.Plan on another decent day tomorrow, the weather is supposed to take a dive on Friday. Only time will tell! Catfish.
Date: 2016-03-18
From: Low gap shelter

To: Unicoi gap
Miles today: 9.7

Sitting at the Top of Georgia Hostel. Resting and relaxing after a relatively easy 11 mile day. Low gap was comfortable last night, not sure what the temperature was. Woke up around 7 with the sun, feeling rested and restless. I got up and started the teardown. The switch from my footprint to the Tyveck mat is proving valuable, I use it to organize and pack in the morning. After the usual coffee oatmeal breakfast me and newly named Wahoo! are set to take off on our morning hike. Before the shoulders start to ache we hit red clay gap. It feels great to know that we have made such progress. We set our eyes on Unicoi gap. The climb was easy, however coming down from blue mountain slippery, with uneven boulders taking up quarter mile sections. Although the are not big enough to have to scramble around, they are ankle breakers, so my pace is slow. That is until I hear of trail magic nestled at the bottom of the gap. Barn-sour, I accelerate down and meet the lovely angels blessing me with BBQ and Powerade. After hearing of thunderstorms, Wahoo! and I decide a day in a hostel would be nice, and wouldn't ya know a Top of Georgia shuttle pulls in behind. With fate on our side we get to go into Hiawassee and resupply. In addition we make room for an all you can eat buffet as well as some micro brew! Taking a zero tomorrow, resting up for the charge ahead.Catfish Jon
Date: 2016-03-20
From: Unicoi gap

To: Dicks Creek
Miles today: 16.0

Writing this in my sleeping bag, at camp with Wahoo! and GPS. It's around 20 degrees at 10:00 pm.3-19-16 was a day a of rest. I decided a zero was in my future. Took advantage of the rest in the form of hops and supplies. Weighed my pack at the Top of Georgia hostel, it was 31 lbs with food and 1 liter of water. Not too bad after all. After some tweaking of the gear, some other thru hikers and I went to town. I meet up with Puma, and his friend Flipper. Puma is a percussionist and as such we hit the community instrument collection. 3-20-19After some food, good laughs, and plenty beer I awoke from the zero with a new skin (shower didn't hurt). I set my sights on 16 miles to go from Unicoi gap to Dicks creek. This is a task considering the climbs in between.Wahoo! had a lot of fun the previous night and as such is falling a little behind at the hand of the 30 degree incline. GPS is close most of the time until the very top when I step ahead slightly. It is much colder today, so cold I'm regretting my short shorts for hiking attire. It is, however, easier to continue on and keep the blood flowing, rather than stop and change. The climb is tough but we are rewarded with a Steven King type fog rolling in 360 degrees around us. We continue on to lunch at a blue blaze to some water. I settle on a pasta side and get cooking. After some more miles we realize we might make the sixteen after all, that is until it starts hailing, and then snowing. We push through until we finally hit our destination. Tired but in good spirits the fire making commences, along with more food, and then bear bagging. Bed following shortly after.Hope to stay warm, no one likes a stinky dead Catfish. North Carolina tomorrow! Border hopping never felt so good!Catfish Jon
Date: 2016-03-21
From: Dicks Creek

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Sitting in my tent at Muskrat Shelter campsites. Did around 12 miles today after starting at 11 am.Slept decent considering the 18 degree low for the night. I wrapped up plenty layers before getting out to see snow scattered about.I forgot my beanie and was fortunate enough to get it back from the Top of Georgia hostel. It was needed in the cold morning. After building a fire and breakfast of coffee, oatmeal, and poptarts I headed on my way and left Wahoo! And GPS behind. It as I punched miles away in my short shorts to stay warm. The first four miles came easy but the middle and last sections were at times 45 degree grades and snow! It was a hard 9 miles to the first hurdle, the border of Georgia and North Carolina. It was a quick picture next to a small sign and I pushed on. Not to long after I heard my name in the distance. To my surprise it was GPS. He had left an half hour after and caught up when I pulled of to stretch. We pulled off, at some food, then continued up the hardest incline yet. The peak was 4666 elevation, the highest so far on the trail. GPS fell back at the last mile or so as I cruised into camp to find my buddies Puma and Flipper! We caught up and enjoyed a nice view from the scenic rock near camp.Ate some food, cleaned up, now time for sleep.Movin along,Catfish Jon