morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-02-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Its about two months until I start. I bought my airline ticket and am now totally committed to the hike. I've also been buying gear and have spent more than I want but if I'm getting lighter, its money well spent. And of course training has also been on going.It has been a tough winter for outdoor training. We¢ve had a lot of cold and windy weather with a little less snow than average, until recently. A cold snap hit on Christmas Eve and lasted for two weeks followed by a couple of warmer days and then more cold. I have been trail running and had about 6-7 runs in a row with temps below zero and a couple of them at 20 below. While I¢m running in that weather, I try to visualize what it will be like hiking in the heat of summer. For the past two months, I've averaged about 3-4 times a week trail running and twice a week strength training. I'm now beginning the pack hiking phase of my training. I will be carrying a 25-30lb pack and hiking the local streets and trails, targeting hilly areas. Hopefully I can ramp up the pack hiking before I start.Along with the physical training, I've also been focusing on the psychological and emotional side of the hike. From everything I've read, it can be an emotional roller coaster and a primary reason people drop out is because they didn't handle the mental aspect of a six month hike well. There will be times when the hike is not fun. I will get cold, wet, sore, hungry, lonely and homesick. I need to prepare myself mentally as well as physically. One exercise I read about suggested that you list the reasons that you are taking on this hike. Below is my list.I am thru hiking the Appalachian Trail because:I want to experience a landscape at human speed. I like the logistical challenge. I want to improve my mental toughness. I like the physical challenge. I want to see the entire trail. I want to do something significant. I want to make friends along the trail. It¢s the next big challenge. I will have lots of time to contemplate my next career move ¢ both professional and volunteer opportunities.When times get tough and I think about quitting, I'll look at the list and remind myself why I'm taking on this hike.In my next post, I will describe the gear I will be taking.
Date: 2018-03-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Its about a month until I begin my hike. Lots of things are starting to come together and I¢m starting to feel more focused. That doesn¢t mean there aren¢t times of being overwhelmed by the details. The lists continue to be written and I¢ve been checking stuff off on a daily basis.Training continues and I¢ve started to do more pack hiking. I bought a new pack for the trip and have filled it with 30lbs of gear and have been hiking through Hartley Park near my house. My hike yesterday covered eight miles. I want to get up to about 12 miles before I go. I¢ve also been continuing with strength and core training twice a week and still doing some running. I¢m feeling pretty good about being ready to hike in a month.I¢ve also been doing some travelling, spending a weekend at my daughter Heather¢s place in the Twin Cities and last weekend going on a winter camping trip in the BWCA with friends. While in the Cities, we went to REI and I bought a new pack and a few smaller things. In the next two weeks I will be going camping again and another trip to the Cities where Heather and I will be attending the NCAA Frozen Four and a Twins game. Lots going on prior to my departure date.I have purchased much new gear for this trip. My new tent is a Big Agnes Copper Spur which from what I read is one of the most popular tents on the AT. My new pack is an Osprey Exos 58, again another popular choice among AT thru hikers. I bought a Thermorest Neolite pad and I put a long pillow case around it so I can sleep directly on the pad on warm nights. My sleeping bag is a 10 year old Montbell down 30 degree bag that weighs about 1lb 4oz. I¢ll be using a Sawyer Squeeze water filter, a mini Snow Peak stove and titanium pot. My base weight (all gear besides food and water) is around 20 lbs now as I debate a few small items. Things like a first aid kit, vitamins, and personal hygiene items are still in flux.   This is much lighter than my gear for my Superior Hiking Trail thru hike last fall.I made reservations today to stay at the HoJo in Daleville VA on the night before I start. Details are coming together and I¢m sure the next month will fly by. I¢m starting to bounce off the walls with excitement. Some of my next tasks will be to organize mail drops for my first few stops. I don¢t plan to do a lot of mail drops but in a few places where resupply options are few, I will send myself supplies. I will follow up with a post about my food and nutrition plan for the hike.
Date: 2018-04-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My travels went well after an odd start. The TSA in Duluth pulled my pack off to the side and tested my Pro Bars and Cliff Bars for explosives. I flew to Chicago with a friend I hadn't seen for a while. It was good to catch up and tell him about my hike. I caught a shuttle from the Roanoke airport to Daleville and he also brought me to the outfitter for fuel and the grocery store for more food. He them drove me to the HoJo. I met a few other thru hikers while checking in. I picked up my mail drops and organized my pack. I'm now having a cold beer and trying to relax. It's hard to not get overly excited since I've been preparing for about four months and it's hard to believe that the start is so close. The plan is to start slowly and be patient. Thanks to all my friends and family for your support and encouragement.
Date: 2018-04-25
From: Daleville

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

After breakfast at the HoJo I hit the trail at 8:30am. The first 3 miles were easy and then a 2 mile climb to the first shelter where I had lunch and a cup of tea to fight off the damp chill. It was down a steep hill and then I had to take my shoes off to cross a creek. Made it to Wilson Creek shelter by 4pm. There are two groups here from GA and SC five people total. Early night as the others are in bed at 7pm. I feel good after today's hike and will take it easy tomorrow.
Date: 2018-04-26
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Cove Point Shelter
Miles today: 13.8

Some observations after my second day of hiking. There is a noticeable difference between how green the valleys are compared to the ridgetops. The valleys are lush and green and the Ridgewood are just seeing some buds on the trees.  Virginia is not flat in this area. The trail builders did a good job of routing the trail through this rugged terrain. Switchbacks help take the edge off the uphills.I'm at a shelter that doesn't have a water source so I had to carry 3 liters of water for 3.4 miles including up a long hill. I'm camped with three other thru hikers all around my age. Good conversation around the fire. Since rain is forecast I'm going to sleep in the shelter tonight. Hopefully the snoring is at a minimum.Tomorrow looks to be wet so I will hike a shorter distance. I'm still slow packing up in the morning and need to improve my routine. I'm sure in time I will get faster.
Date: 2018-04-27
To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: moderate rain

This post is a day late due to lack of cell signal.Given the shelter spacing I decided on a shorter day after almost 14 miles yesterday. After seeing the Bryant Ridge shelter I knew I made the right decision. It is a beautiful two story structure with lots of deck space for cooking and it's located between two creeks. We had a full shelter with about 12 sleeping inside and a few more in tents. It was a lively crowd of mostly people in their 20a and a few 50s. We were up late - about 9pm. Good company as I met many new people.
Date: 2018-04-28
To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to a chilly clear day as the first of the large group starting packing up. Had breakfast and chatted with others about their plans for the day. Lots of people looking at another 20 plus mile day. Not me, I'm trying to be patient and not injure myself early. It was up a steep hill to start and I gained over 3000 ft over the day. We passed over Apple Orchard Mt which has a FAA tower on it. I crossed another trail that had a 50km race going. They were at the 45km mark and most people were walking given the warm sunny day. After much climbing and a warm day by MN standards 10 miles felt like enough. Looking to make my first town stop in Glasgow on Monday.
Date: 2018-04-29
To: Matts Creek shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Very cold and windy in the morning. I had ice in my water bottle. Good thing I brought my water filter in the tent. It was really cold hiking in the morning with temps in the 30s and the wind blowing over 20 mph. There was some rough trail at the start of the James River Face Wildnerness. It was mostly downhill at the end of the day to Matts Creek shelter which is a really nice shelter site. I love sleeping by moving water as it makes it easier to fall asleep.
Date: 2018-04-30
To: Glasgow
Miles today: 2.2

Another beautiful morning and not as cold at lower elevation. I packed up in preparation for my first nero, which is a term for a near zero mileage day. It took me about an hour to hitch a ride to Glasgow but the nice gentleman have me his card and told me to contact him when I flip back down this way later this fall. I picked up my maildrop bought some resupplies and was disappointed when the nearby pizza joint was closed on Mondays. I plan to stay at the town shelter tonight and hit the trail again in the morning.
Date: 2018-05-01
To: Punchbowl shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

I started in Glasgow this morning leaving the shelter at 8am. It took me an hour to hitch a ride back to the AT. The trail follwed a stream for a while before starting to climb slightly. I got water at the last creek crossing as the trail climbed steeply for about two miles. It started to get very warm as I worked hard to carry my heavy pack with about ten pounds of food. After that the trail went up again for a total of about 2700 ft. We found out that the temp got up to the mid 80s. I was a sweaty mess as I got to camp about 5pm. It was by far my hardest day. We have about six of us in camp. One section hiker and the rest thru hikers. I continue to be passed by waves of thru hikers who started between Feb 20 and about March 10. Most are young hikers covering around 20 miles per day. Its fun to camp with new people each night and hear their stories.
Date: 2018-05-02
To: Brown Mt Creek shelter
Miles today: 9.6

It was another really warm day, again in the mid 80s. I'm not acclimated to the heat and decided to do a shorter day. I hiked pretty slowly and got to camp by 3pm. I hung out by Brown Mt Creek with some hikers I met previously and was able to wash up some.It was a reflective day as it would have been my Dad's 85th birthday. He passed away a little over a year ago after battling Parkinson's. He showed a lot of courage and character and had a never quit attitude. He and my Mom inspired my love of the outdoors and travel. I was fortunate to have the opportunities they provided.I ended the day camped next to the creek as I always sleep better with the noise of moving water.
Date: 2018-05-03
From: Brown Mt Creek shelter

To: Seely-Woodworth shelter
Miles today: 15.8

It was hot again and I hiked my longest day yet. It started with a 2700ft climb over the first four miles. After some shorter steep ups and downs the trail went through some blazing hot meadows with no shade and little breeze. The shelters are spaced pretty widely in this area and water can be scarce and far off trail. I looked at a campsite a few miles before here but chose the hike on. One more hot day forecast and then some rain on Saturday. I need to get to Waynesboro by Monday as my food is running low. Only one other guy in camp so far. I've seen people hiking in the dark and have talked to a few who like night hiking.
Date: 2018-05-04
To: Harpers Creek shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

It was another hot day with temps in the mid 80s in the higher elevations and over 90 in the valleys. I stopped at the Priest shelter which is named after the mountain it is located on. There are some very funny confessions written in the log book that made for good reading during a snack break. Going down Priest Mt was very rocky and hot and took it's toll on my feet. I got my first blister. After another shorter steep climb I camped at Harpers Creek shelter which has a decent pool in the creek for a bath. I felt clean but still stunk. I've been turning around on the trail while hiking to see where the bad smell is coming from and no one is around. It can't be me. Rain was predicted that evening but only a few drops fell. I camped with some fast young nobo (northbound) hikers.
Date: 2018-05-05
To: Maupin Field shelter
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: overcast clouds

There were supposed to thunderstorms and showers most of the day but they never came. The morning started with a 2200ft climb and I hurried a little so I wouldn't get caught in a thunderstorm. I didn't have to worry as it remained dry. Since my feet were sore from the day before I decided to stop at the next shelter. There were lots of people out for the weekend or day hikes. I had my first yogiing ecperience. To yogi is a hiker term for getting people to give you food without asking for it. I was talking to a large group of day hikers answering questions about my hike when they asked about my food supply. I said I thought I had enough but it would be close. They then started giving me candy bars, granola bars and other snacks. Very kind and friendly people. One of them said he would be coming through Duluth this summer on the way to the BWCA. He said he needed a place to leave a vehicle in Duluth for two weeks and I told him he could leave it at my house.
Date: 2018-05-06
To: Paul C Wolfe shelter
Miles today: 15.8

The cooler weather finally came with overcast skies and temps around 60. The trail was quite rocky with only moderate hills.I wanted to get to the last shelter before Waynesboro. I saw lots of people on the trail mostly thru hikers getting ready for a town day. The shelter was a really nice two story shelter with space for ten and it was located by a nice creek. We had a full house and another 8 people in tents. A crew of hikers I met before came in just before dark and it was good catching up. They had been off trail for a few days. I picked up a cold a few days ago and have been very congested and having sneezing fits at night. Some rest on town will do me well.
Date: 2018-05-07
From: Paul C Wolfe shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 5.0

We had a full shelter plus a number of tents as people were getting ready for a town stop. I hiked the five miles to Rockfish Gap where we found trail magic, a cooler with cold drinks and assorted snacks. As we walked toward the highway crossing a trail angel was dropping off a group of hikers and offered us a ride to town. Ann filled is on on the location of rrestaurants and stores. She dropped ua at Stanimals hostel where I had a much needed shower and started laundry. The rest of the day was filled with eating out having a cold beer and socializing with other hikers.
Date: 2018-05-08
From: Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0

I slept well on a real bed. I paid an extra $5 per night for a room with two queen sized beds and nobody rented the other bed so I had a private room with my own bathroom. I closed the door so l wouldn't hear snoring from the other rooms down the hall. Five of us from the hostel borrowed a car from the hostel owner and drove to the outfitter store where I bought a new stove, lighter weight shirt and a new food bag. My old stove was turning itself up so I decided to replace it. My old food bag had lost some of it's ability to repel water. I picked up my drop box at the post office and mailed home the items I replaced. After taking inventory of the mailed food I went grocery shopping and bought too much food. I packed and repacked my food bag and then took some out and put it in the hostel hiker box. Hiker boxes are where hikers leave surplus and unwanted items. Some frugal hikers can do much of their resuppling from the hiker box. Some lucky hiker will find the large amount of food I left behind. I'm looking forward to getting back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2018-05-09
From: Waynesboro

To: Calf Mt shelter
Miles today: 7.7

I felt really good this morning and was excited to get on the trail again. The rest in town was good for me and it was fun to experience the hostel life and hang out with hikers I've met along the trail. I planned a shorter day today based on the shelter and water source spacing. I hiked slowly on a nice sunny day with temps in the 70s. I'm at a shelter site that is pretty full with about ten tents and four people in the shelter. The people range in age from early 20s to late 70s. Tomorrow there is no water source after the first mile until the next shelter 13 miles away. I will be carrying lots of water and a heavy food bag fresh from resupply. Tomorrow's forecast calls for rain. We need some as the trail is dusty and the water flow slowing.
Date: 2018-05-10
From: Calf Mt shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Not all 13 mile days are created equal. Yesterdays hike was pretty easy. Not too many hills and the trail was mostly smooth. A thunderstorm hit shortly before I got to camp. I got to camp early and took a spot in the shelter because more trail was forecast. More and more people kept coming and tents were being set up on some pretty poor spots. I counted over 20 tents and I think there were almost 40 people in camp. More rain crowded people into the shelter and under the roof overhang. I'm hoping this big wave of hikers gets ahead of me.
Date: 2018-05-11
To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Not a very restful night at Blackrock shelter with so many people. I waited until most of the crowd left before hitting the trail. I stopped at the Loft Mt camp store and are lots of junk food and a banana. The ice cream hit the spot on a warm day. I stopped to soak my feet in a creek. That is one of my favorite activities and always recharges me. We had only about a dozen people in camp and it was a much quieter crowd. Asleep by hiker midnight (9pm).
Date: 2018-05-12
To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 17.8

Shelter spacing dictated a 7.7 or 20.6 mile day. The other choice was to stealth camp for the first time. I tried to set a pace to do a 20 but it got really hot and humid after 10am. The first big hill did me in. Late in the day when it was apparent I wouldn't make the shelter I stopped at a spring near an old cabin. I cooked dinner on the picnic table and then found a place to camp about a quarter mile away. There is another camp store about two miles up the trail and I will stop there for something to eat. There are also wayside restaurants in Shenandoah NP and I plan to stop at them for a meal and their famous blackberry milk shakes. Rain forecast for tonight and tomorrow but it has to be better than this heat.
Date: 2018-05-13
From: Stealth Camp

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

My campsite was only a couple miles from the Lewis Mt campground. I stopped at the camp store for breakfast and lunch all in one meal. After that it was a slow warm walk to Rock Spring hit. There were six of us in the shelter and another 10 sleeping in tents. Rain is forecast for tonight and also a good chance tomorrow. I'm thinking about a hostel stay tomorrow night in Luray VA. I'm in need of a small food resupply.
Date: 2018-05-14
To: Open Arms Hostel Luray VA
Miles today: 14.1

After a number of rainy forecasts that turned out to be dry, it rained really hard this evening along with high winds and hail. I had decided to stay at a hostel because I needed a food resupply and some rest after some harder days. The day started easy as I took my time hiking through a pretty area. I had some long views of Luray VA and the surrounding hills. I even saw my first bear. I called the hostel from a picnic area and had to hustle the last 6 miles to make the 3:30 shuttle. The next pickup was at 5:30. I'm glad I made the earlier pickup because the rain hit at 5pm. I was really glad I wasn't hiking or camping in the heavy downpour. Tomorrow I will mail home some extra warm clothes and my puffy jacket as well as pickup some food. I'll them hit the trail for a short day.
Date: 2018-05-15
To: Open Arms Hostel Luray VA
Miles today: 0.0

After the nasty storms last night It was hot and humid. I got my errands done in the morning. I sent home warm clothes and went to the grocery store for a small food resupply. I was planning to get back on the trail around 3pm. I checked the temp in the shade at the hostel and it was 88 degrees with more thunderstorms forecasted. I decided another night in an air conditioned room would be a better idea. I had dinner at the local Mexican restaurant and got things ready to hit the trail at 7am.
Date: 2018-05-16
To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: light rain

It was a good day for hiking, cool and overcast. I made good time to Elkwallow Wayside which has a grill and a store. I had a cheeseburger fries and a milkshake. I met up with one of the AT's biggest characters. A gentleman from Indiana with the trail name Loner Bohner is 77 years old and is attempting to complete the trail for his fourth time. He started on Jan 28 and is almost halfway done. As I was heading for the shelter it started to rain. Luckily when I got there I was able to get a spot in the shelter. It ended up raining most of the night. We called ahead and reserved space in a hostel for the next night.
Date: 2018-05-17
To: Mt Home Cabbin
Miles today: 13.7

After 23 days on the trail I finally got my feet soaked today. They had been damp but I have been really lucky with the weather. The weather is now turning really wet. We've had lots of rain the past four days including about an inch today. Tomorrow's forecast is for a couple more inches of rain. I decided to stay at a hostel again tonight since it was located right next to the trail. Tomorrow's plan is to slack pack about 15 miles with two other hikers and stay in the hostel again. Saturday's forecast looks a little better and I'll hit the trail with my pack.
Date: 2018-05-18
From: Trico Tower Trail

To: Mt Home Cabbin
Miles today: 12.3

Today was my first slack packing experience on the AT. Slack packing for those not familiar with the term means hiking with just a small day pack. We left the big packs at the hostel and got a ride up to a trail access and walked back to the hostel. It rained most of the day and the trail was very wet with water running down the trail. In the evening we went out to eat and I went o the grocery store for resupply. I'll hit the trail tomorrow where I was dropped off today. Hopefully the rain will let up tomorrow.
Date: 2018-05-19
From: Trico Tower Trail

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: moderate rain

After picking up my new gaiters at the post office in Front Royal, Scott from Mt Home hostel drove us to our starting point. We started down the flooded trail. It was overcast with a little rain but much better weather than the past few days. I heard from someone on the trail that storm damage has closed the AT in Harpers Ferry and the beginning of Maryland. I heard it may open in a few days. I will be getting there on Monday and there may be lots of hikers backed up. I'm trying to get more info so I can decide if I need to skip ahead and do that section later. The storms that have rolled through dropped a lot of rain. I hope the trail damage isn't too severe. I'll post more when I get more info.