morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-07-22
To: tent site outside Hanover N.H.
Miles today: 6.0

Long time no entries.Been juggling equipment issues for 3 weeks. I've been through numbers, Luke, Deuteronomy, John and 1 Peter.Tried keeping a private journal for spiritual growth and much prefer it to this app. I can only upload while near town. But a excerpt from 1 Peter struck me today so I'll shareA message for shepards and everyone in The Royal priesthood to lead by example not personal compulsion:1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:1-11, ESV)
Date: 2019-03-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Living in Australia makes for some added complexities with the logistics of my thru hike attempt.I have the excitement and trepidation of travelling to a different culture.There is the sense of regret and sadness of knowing that I will shortly leave my loved ones. There is the knowledge they will be so physically far away. The Pacific Ocean is a fairly wide ditch to jump over if I need to head home in a hurry.And there is the need for a visa!This is not as straightforward as I would have hoped but it is one of the challenges to be met.Normal tourist travel for many visitors to the USA means a visa upon entry .. for 3 months maximum. 3months for a thru hike is doable by some but not a realistic time for me. I¢m figuring I¢ll need right on 6months.Once the 3 month visa limit was not too difficult to overcome... travellers could skip over to Canada or Mexico for a few days then return and get another 3 months. Alas those days are past!Instead I must attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate, provide details of my trip, prove I am a bonafide traveller, pay a fee, and generally vouch for my authenticity. There are no guarantees but provided all goes well a 6month visa may be grantedIt¢s a sign of our times and the need to be secure.For me that meant lengthy interstate travel to Sydney, overnight stay which turned into a week, and of course the ¢interview ¢I was nervous, particularly as there was no guarantee I would get a visa.On the day I arrived early and presented at the 10th floor of a large downtown Sydney Office. I joined a queue and went through a very thorough security screening. I removed my watch, my phone and all metal objects.Then a guard whisked me up another 40 floors or so to the formal consulate.As it turns out the interview was not as intimidating as I imagined it would be.I was asked why I wanted to go to the USA for 6months. When I said I wanted to attempt the Appalachian Trail the officer seemed a tad incredulous that in my physical shape and vintage I would actually be contemplating such a venture.¢You mean the whole thing?¢ He said.But I pleaded my honest intentions and that was it!¢Congratulations!¢ He said. ¢You¢ve been granted a Visa to visit the United States!¢So that¢s one task I have ticked off my list to get done.The drawing I did as I was walking along the entrance to Sydney Harbour.
Date: 2019-03-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am not having a shakedown hike!Not withstanding I totally agree with the benefits of taking a trail run. It¢s a chance to try on the pack with all the equipment I will use; to test it out; to understand my expectations; to find my right combination of food requirements; and so to dial in what¢s right for me.The trouble is that it is so darned hot where I am in Australia right now, the Antipodean terrain and vegetation is unique and totally different from what I expect to find in Georgia!We¢ve not had decent rain in months now and forget snow or ice!So I¢ll be heading out with a new pack, new sleeping gear, new clothes, new shoes, new socks all of which I won¢t wear or try out until I arrive at Amicalola Falls.I do have memories of past back packing trips so have a pretty good idea of what I need, plus with all the advice and descriptions of gear on the internet I think I will be making some reasonable decisions.But for this trip anyways a shakedown hike is not going to happen.Silly maybe, but I figure if everything turns disastrous there will always be the outfitters at Neel¢s Gap.Hopefully I won¢t be one of those ditching their shoes in the limbs of the tree there!My drawing is of the view from our balcony. Currently there is Cat 4 cyclone ¢Trevor¢ heading towards Blue Mud Bay. So the waters are getting a bit more choppy!!!
Date: 2019-04-02
From: Australia

To: Amicalola Falls
Miles today: 0.0

It¢s amazing how much I can get done (and not get done) the day before and even the hours before I have a deadline. When there is a month to go before crunch time I can be all ¢ho hum¢ thinking I¢ll have plenty of time. Then the target date gets close and frantic activity emerges!It was no different this time although I did make a conscientious effort to improve my innate ability to put off what could be done tomorrow.Lists were assembled, reorganised, added to, rejected, completed and finally ticked off. It was such a flurry of activity.My visa status meant that I was flagged for questioning a number of times upon entering the USA. But all up, the process went remarkably smoothly. In these times I support more security, safety checks and interviews... it may take a little longer to get in but that¢s a restriction I¢m happy to accommodate.Once in Dallas I was met by an amazing friend John. I haven¢t seen him in 28+ years and I think we both were thinking of what we looked like back then and not what we were now. We had heads of hairs then, not chrome domes, and in my case I was many kilos lighter! I walked straight past and it was only when I called out ¢ John, John¢ that we made contact and surveyed how we had patina-ed over the years.I had a few days in Dallas to meet so many dear friends that I had not seen in so long. It was a chance to reconnect, remember and retell old tales with superb embellishments!I have been so lucky to have met them all.My next leg was a flight to Atlanta where I was met by another running buddy John where more great tales were regaled.From there it¢s on to Amicalola Falls!My visa stamp provides a definitive time limit for my AT attempt. I have until September 27 to get my walk done. Here¢s hoping I can meet the deadline with days to spare!
Date: 2019-04-03
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.2
Weather: clear sky

I was nervous with anticipation to be on my way. And the time passed quickly. Before I knew my host John was driving me through the picturesque Northern Georgia farmscapes with all its classic timber barns and agricultural scenes.My plan was to start at the AT registration which is actually 8 miles downhill from the official southern terminus of the trail at Springer Mountain. The folks there request that hikers start there rather than drive the dirt access road nearby and I was fine with that. What is an extra 8 miles when I already have 2190 to go?At the AT registration centre I met with Bob who set me up with my formal through hiker red triangular disk - I¢m # 1789 . Lots of hikers in front of me and more to follow no doubt. I think there must have been over 60 register yesterday but less numbers today.I had my portrait at the arch then nothing more to do than put one foot in front of the other and be on my way. It was 12:46.Weather was perfect-sunny, crisp and no forecast of rain for a few days yet.From there it was up and up and up with a few downs thrown in to make it interesting.I met my first fellow hiker 2 miles in half way up a steep rise. Backed against a tree was a huge pack with an equally huge bedroll and tarp strapped atop that, and then 15yards in front of that an equally large man who was panting and sweating profusely. I asked what¢s up and he said he¢d got half way up the rise then his legs gave way and he started going backwards. If it wasn¢t for the tree he would have rolled back down the mountain!We chatted for awhile. He was here ¢to loose 100lbs¢. But after his out of control reversing down the hill he was having second thoughts of completing a thru hike! I gave what encouragement I could whilst quietly thinking that we hadn¢t yet even made it to the official start!!From there I pushed forward being passed my a number of fast fleet footed younger ones and being surprisingly able to pass a number myself.My pack felt good, confidence was okay, but just before the summit my foot snagged a tree root and when I freed it up my leg went into spasms of cramp. It seemed every muscle group took a turn. I was in agony for a while there. Leg cramps are something I have a trouble with. I¢m not sure if it¢s not enough hydration, too much hydration or a combination of both. Anyways it is a sign to take a breather and relax so that¢s what I did.I made the summit at just past 5pm. The climb itself had taken 4 hours which I¢m told is a reasonable pace.I spent a whiles contemplating my adventure at the formal first white blaze of the AT .Just below the summit is a hut and camping area and I headed for that. There were about 20 tents scattered in the scrub, 4 or so folks in the shelter and even a fellow Australian! Great comradeship. But I was tired so I headed to my tent as the sun was setting. I could feel my legs cramping up again. It was my body telling me I needed to rest so that¢s what I had to do!
Date: 2019-04-03
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawke Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1

Perfect WeatherToday¢s weather was absolutely perfect for hiking. Crisp in the morning, then in the afternoon sunny but not too warm. And no rain.I had had a tough night. My legs took it on turns to cramp and then when they decided to combine I¢d had enough!! But with meditation they settled down and I slept soundly. I was tired for sure.Packing up was a slow affair - I didn¢t hit the trail until 9:40 and decided that I was content to take it slow. First stop was the Springer Mountain parking lot and there was trail magic! Banana cup cakes and they were scrumptious! As a double bonus some missionaries were even offering prayers for safe travel.From the lot it was a very gentle downhill path to Stover Creek shelter. The way was a carpet of damp moss, leaves and gentle loan - perfect for strolling so my legs rejoiced!!A fellow hiker stopped me to encourage a side trip to Long Falls. His recommendation did not disappoint so I made an extended stay by cooking a miso soup whilst enjoying the view.From there it was an easy climb up to Hawke Mountain Shelter where I am camping tonight. There are about 15 tents scattered around, a great water source and friendly conversation about the fire pit. Life is sweet.
Date: 2019-04-04
From: Hawke Mountain Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.9

Trail Magic, to me, is when an unexpected gift is offered along the trail. It can come in many forms. It can be a simple smile from a passerby; an unintended serendipitous provision or a more elaborate planned event. Today I had all of these.My plan for the day was quite ambitious. I wanted to see if I could push out a 16mile day to the Lance Creek campgrounds.  There is a requirement that hikers wishing to camp beyond that would need a bear canister which I don¢t have. Logistically then it would mean a reasonable following day to Neels Gap after which bear canisters are not required.However I do not have my trail legs yet! My pace is easy and defiantly dawdling at times. The truth is I like to take in the sights and breathe in the mountain air!Anyways I thought I¢d get up early see how I felt and do the best I could!I managed to get up and going out from Hawke Mountain just on early dawn. The sun was just beginning to rise as I crested the first ridge before the first serious climb for the day: Sassafras Mountain. Surprisingly I found that climb relatively easy so perhaps I must be building some walking legs now. The path down was smooth so I was on a roll!At the next gap which is a saddle between two mountains I came across my first trail magic. The US Army Corp had graciously parked a mobile water trailer there so I was able to get a needed top up of fluids. It was unexpected and whilst I had ¢camelled up¢ (ie drunk lots and lots of water prior) I was starting to get thirsty.The walking was easy but I could feel my legs beginning to tire. Just after Gooch Gap a very steep hill ( later I worked out it was called Black Mountain) loomed steeply in front and I was thinking ¢Oh no, I¢ve got to go over that ... I¢m too tired¢But the trail gods must have been kind today because the path contoured around the mountain to Woody Gap.There I was met with seriously organised Trail Magic. Indiana Jones and her friend Blue Sky completed their section thru hike in 2000 and since then have been giving back to the trail by providing trail magic for one week at this spot every year. They come a long way to do this and to me that¢s an amazing commitment. Thank youThey had all sorts of food and for me that was Pizza and coke.It was just what I needed and I ambled along to Lance Creek with a good amount of time to set up camp and enjoy the fading evening light.Indiana Jones told me that 50 hikers had come through that day but for most of my day I was hiking alone. When I did meet people they were always smiling and this was trail magic of a simple form which kept me hiking positively.
Date: 2019-04-06
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: mist

My plan for the day was to walk from Neel¢s Gap to Low Gap Shelter. According to Guthooks (which I don¢t entirely trust after yesterday¢s adventure with the brambles ) this was 11.2miles with an Ascent of 2899ft and a Descent of 2968ft. In other words a hilly day.The esprit de corps in the bunkhouse was laughter, exuberant and satisfied after completing what was the first milestone for many of the Appalachian Trail.I took advantage of the coffee and sandwich supply in the shop then headed out at a bit after 9:00am. It was foggy with some slight misty moisture and enchanting conditions to walk in.The day started with a 750ft climb out of Neel¢s Gap and I took it easy. My legs felt good and I am in rush to race as that¢s a recipe to get an injury.Coming down into Tesnatee Gap a trail runner coming the opposite way told me that I¢d like the Trail Magic waiting for me. He wasn¢t kidding.Bobby and Mitzi have been coming to this spot since 2014 to provide sustenance and fellowship for the thru hikers. Spread on several trestle tables with red checker table clothes were all sorts of beverages and foods including pulled pork, greens, slaw and the most amazing tasting brownies. In a semi circle were camp chairs to relax in. I certainly had a great time and my belly was full!Which was good because straight after that was a 500ft climb up Wildcat Mountain. Mitzi had a pickup truck loaded with backpacks and she offered to slack pack my gear up to Hogpen Gap thus avoiding the climb. At this stage I¢m not ready to do that although it was tempting!Descending from the climb intro Hogpen Gap was more Trail Magic - cold drinks! I felt so lucky.From there, it was fairly gentle ups and downs all the way to Low Gap. I took my time and thoroughly enjoyed the easy day.
Date: 2019-04-08
From: Old Cheese Factory Site

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

My First ShelterI hadn¢t stayed in a shelter yet and didn¢t have any plans to do so however the weather turned from wet to wetter and my plans changed.My previous days campsite selection at Low Gap shelter had taught me an important lesson : avoid cleared earthen sites because when it rains they turn into muddy swamps that spray all sorts of mullock over the tent walls and ultimately all over everything when pack up time comes along.Thus I was very selective about where I pitched my tent at the old cheese factory site. My setting was comfy grass and moss. It worked a treat. When it rained during the night the moisture drained quickly away without mud splash back and my tent was as clean as can be. Of course everything was still sopping wet!There is no actual trace of the old Cheese Factory ...I¢m guessing it was an old diary farm that has now since long wasted away.I made good time up the next mountain which was Tray then called in briefly to the shelter where I cooked breakfast.More ups and downs followed and it was only a short way into this that it started to misty rain. I didn¢t put my rain jacket on at first until it dawned on me that the rain was getting heavier and heavier. I was soaked thru when I finally did put it  on because did so be a wuss if I didn¢t  I knew I¢d get cold. From then on the downpour just increased and increased in intensity. The path became a stream and I wouldn¢t have been surprised if the squirrels and other animals popped out and started to make enquires as to where Noah was.My walking buddy for the day was ¢Montana Jesus¢ and we both mentally supported each other as we braved the tempest. I was quite surprised to arrive at Deep Gap Shelter to find only one other hiker. The weather showed no signs of abating and the easy decision was made to stay in the shelter. I had long since lost the bravery and gallantry required to face the elements. The shelter was a beauty with a closed in entry shielding the space from the rain and had an attic space that could take 6 bedrolls in a very very tight squeeze.Over the next few hours more hikers trundled in, each looking more drained until we looked like a convention of disheveled drained rats. The shelter became full to overflowing. It works on a first come basis and folks were desperately looking for any way to get out of the torrent.But with all the hard conditions, once in the shelter our comradeship was strong and spirits were high. I don¢t know if I made too many friends during the night as my mattress made an incredibly loud and crinkly noise whenever I moved.   That aside I slept soundly dry and warm.My photo for the day is of a sign that says ¢Vista¢ There was definitely no vista to be had that day.
Date: 2019-04-10
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 3.6

Top of Georgia Hostel and Rest!It¢s a funny thing. Although I¢m 63 and going on 64 I don¢t feel old. I remember when I was a kid 64 seemed really really old. Paul McCartney and the Beatles even sang a song about that. When I get older losing my hairMany years from nowWill you still be sending me a ValentineBirthday greetings bottle of wineIf I'd been out till quarter to threeWould you lock the doorWill you still need me, will you still feed meWhen I'm sixty-fourThe words are so amusing because as the years go by the themes Increasingly seem to apply to me!Whilst getting older is an inevitable thing it¢s not that bad ... in fact I¢m having so much fun ...  especially on the trail. And honestly whilst I don¢t feel like I¢m 21 years old I do feel like I¢m about 30. Interestingly over the last few days that¢s the age group that seems to have predominated around me.At the Deep Gap Shelter the first alarm went off at 5 to everyone¢s annoyance. From there on folks were making all sorts of noises, grunts, snorts and rumbles as they got their packs in order and ready to hit the trail.I somehow hit the middle of the bustle to leave and there was a general rush to get down the hill and towards civilisation at Hiawassee. Many characters in the group have started out way too fast or I¢ll prepared and now all sorts of aches, pains, blisters and ailments are kicking in. I¢m told that 60% don¢t make it past here and the odds significantly decrease if you are less than 64! (Ooops 63)There was a round of relief when our wounded, hobbling caravan of drowned rats made it to Dicks Creek Gap and then just past that to the Top of Georgia Hostel. Once there a transformation took place.We were all given hospital scrubs to wear and our clothes(?) were fumigated, and sent to the wash house. Then still clothed in our scrubs we hit the Mexican Restaurant in town. Yum!!Well I disgraced myself yet again with ¢cerveza grande, muy fr­o¢Actually I said ¢beer on credit ¢ and the first waitress walked away.The food was great and the beer washed it down refreshingly.That break made it really easy to teach the decision to stay on for another 24 hours. After all the ups and downs of the hills my muscles need a relax and a thorough rest.So the Top of Georgia Hostel is my first ¢Zero¢. (That is:  0 miles hiked for the day) It has an excellent views of the mountains to the north that form the border with North Carolina and where I¢ll be heading next.
Date: 2019-04-12
From: Deep Gap

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 12.2

Day 11. RainThe rain started just before midnight and did not let up until noon. It was combined with thick fog so there was not too much to see. The day was pretty much a dogged determined effort to keep on walking despite the damp discomfort and freezing temperature brought on by a chilling wind. This may sound masochistic however after a while I even begin to enjoy.Packing up was not enjoyable, but I am getting better at going most of my stuff into my backpack without it getting too wet. The conditions though are so very damp and it seems that the water gets into everything.On days like this I wear shorts (which get wet through) a merino long sleeve t-shirt (which gets wet through) low socks and running shoes (which get wet through) and a Patagonia waterproof jacket (which is not waterproof and which also gets wet through) When I keep walking steadily I stay warm despite the wet.The major climb for the day was Standing Indian Mountain. I took the side trail which goes to the actual summit and no surprises, there was nothing to see. Pride wise I was glad I had done it.I ended the day at Betty Creek Gap Campground and had the site to myself until in dribs and drabs most of the folks I had been seeing over the last few days turned up. In the end I would guess there was 25 or so. I think we all had the same plan. This is the nearest achievable site that is within a days walk from Franklin our next resupply town. We were all tired of the rain and want a little bit of town relief before we hit the trail again.