morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-10-31
To: Washington DC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up early and finished packing the rest of my gear. I had spread everything all over the room to dry, and was mostly successful. After breakfast in the hotel lobby I met Don Raines for a shuttle to the Blacksburg airport. The airport turned out to be private aviation only. However, the reason I was there was the Enterprise car rental counter. I picked up the car I had reserved a few days earlier for a 1-way rental back to Dulles Airport. Don provided excellent shuttle service door to door, good conversation, and a reasonable price for his fine service. Nice guy and great service. From Blacksburg I drove to Daleville, then east to the Blue Ridge Parkway; taking the scenic route down the James River valley east to Charlottesville. It was interesting to see the route of the BRP, much of which I had spent days paralleling on foot, which by car took only a few short hours. I stopped for nearly 2 hours at the Harvey's Knob Overlook at the hawk counting site. There were five watchers today, and the winds had switched to the northwest. We saw a handful of Red-tailed Hawks, one Red-shouldered Hawk, and a half dozen Sharp-shinned Hawks. They said the winds were right for a Bald Eagle and they hoped one would appear anytime now, but I needed to move on. It was an interesting drive down the James River valley, through Lynchburg, and on to Charlottesville. I thought about stopping at the Appomattox Courthouse historic site because the courthouse and museum had been closed on my last visit here, but there simply wasn't enough time left in the day. The rest of the afternoon was spent in a clinic in Charlottesville getting a blood test for Lymes disease. After a night in a nearby hotel, I spent the entire next morning at Thomas Jefferson's Montecello estate. It was a fascinating look at the home of one our most ingenious and inquisitive founding fathers. The man who wrote about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in the Declaration of Independence, and yet also owned hundred of slaves his entire life. He read books in four languages, sent Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery on their famous westward expedition, invented many unique devices to make life a little easier for the common man, sold his immense library to the government to restore the Library of Congress after the first one had been burned by the British in the war of 1812, and died deeply in debt. The grounds of the estate were in full fall colors and turned out to be some of the best color I had seen the entire trip. It was a fascinating look at life in Colonial Virginia. That afternoon I drove back to DC for a quick visit with Laurie, Peter and Nick. We had a wonderful dinner at a French restaurant, but the flu-like symptoms I had been fighting the past few days had returned, and I had to leave early the next morning for my flight home. Although brief, it was a wonderful visit with family in our Nation's Capitol, and a great way to end my autumn adventure on the AT!
Date: 2013-05-25
To: Introduction
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

When I was young I was filled with a desire to seek out new worlds. This took the form of reading a multitude of books. I started to explore the world through bicycle touring but always loved the moments I spent camping. Nature still draws me. Hiking the Appalachian Trail has been sitting there on my bucket list for quite some time. The problem lies in finding the time for such a grand adventure. Instead of waiting for everything to line up perfectly, I decided to embrace a shorter adventure (otherwise called a section hike).Having never backpacked before, I am somewhat apprehensive. However the communal nature of the AT seems to be one of camaraderie and compassion. While I don't know how many others I will see on the trail since I am starting out late in the season, I still plan on dropping off the trail and into towns/hostels to meet the local culture.I have embraced this new direction and read many journals and books. I plan on bringing along The A.T. Guide as my trail reference. I hope to witness some of the places I have read about. Miles spent hiking through the mental challenge of the AT will hopefully steer my spirit inward towards the cool water of my soul.
Date: 2013-05-26
To: Trail name origin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

The Dustyfoot Philosopher is a song that K'naan sings. The idea is that a dustyfoot philosopher is one who is poor but lives life in a dignified manner philosophizing about things that well read people understand. However they ponder from a humble and authentic perspective based upon how they witness the world around them.I've put my own twist to this. I see living out of a tent for the summer, whether on my bike or backpack, as a way of embracing simple living. I strive towards this goal as much as I can because when your mind is cleared of the sway of desires associated with our materialistic world one is able to move deeper into appreciating the essence of life and its questions. So I am choosing to live on the trail, surviving on what I can carry, opening myself to the wisdom that comes from the natural world all around us and yet is so common that it is overlooked.I moved down this philosophizing path on a bike tour a few years ago. Adam led our small band of cyclists in evening ponderings. I felt like I found something important - something needed. I spent the last few years challenging myself into questioning the world around me. Of course this means that I stumble around but perhaps the best way to go is on the path that wanders along as it makes it's own path.So my feet will be dusty and I will ponder and the miles will go by day by day.
Date: 2013-05-27
To: Starting date set
Miles today: 0.0

Today I have solidified my starting arrangements. I'll arrive in Atlanta and get shuttled over to the Hiker Hostel on Sunday. They will shuttle me over to Spring Mountain on Monday morning, June 03, and my adventure will begin. It will be great to start out at a place I have heard so much about. I have boxes of food that my trail support team (i.e. my parents) will send out to me. As a vegetarian I worried a bit about food supply. I have dinners of couscous, textured vegetable protein and other dehydrated vegetables and seasonings. My breakfasts will be oatmeal with protein powder mixed in. These are easy - just add water - meals. Dried fruit and nuts will be mixed in with a variety of bars and peanut butter to make up my food while hiking. I even have some tofu jerkey thrown in every so often. I find that I do much better eating small snacks as opposed to a sit-down meal at lunch.I plan on supplementing my food as the hiker hunger sets in. Adding things from the local stores to my meal plans will provide for some variety.
Date: 2013-05-29
To: Maildrop Set Up
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I brought over to my parents a variety of boxes. Each one to be mailed to a different location on the trail. It is strange having to plan most of my food intake for the summer before I even set off on the journey. Or perhaps the preparation is also part of the journeying process? The hours spent combining couscous, dehydrated vegetables, textured vegetable protein and spices into dinner zip locks, enhancing instant oatmeal with vegan protein powder, and preparing the various other needed items (vitamins, medications and the like) have made this trip really sink into my reality. Each food box represents a portion of the sustenance to allow me to hike over more mountains and into unknown adventures. The mail drops also give my dad something to occupy himself with during his recovery from an injured tendon. Food is a unifying force when you consider the potential of the "hearth room" drawing people to it during a party. It is also brings a deeper sense of connecting your mindset to your body. It is amazing how a good meal can rejuvenate your body as well as your spirit.Hopefully each of these boxes will arrive where I will be at a point where I need the benefit of their contents. This is a venture begun in hope but it also seems like that hope will fuel me along the trail.
Date: 2013-06-01
To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

This morning my parents drove me to the airport. I was nervous about the flight and all my gear coming with me but it was unnecessary. Security was cleared and I was at the gate within half an hour. It is strange how going into the plane, enjoying a smooth flight. And upon exiting I am in a new place. Atlanta is a big airport and I made use of the plane train to get to the MARTA line (city train system). 2 hours after landing and John was picking me up and shuttling me to the Hiker Hostel. This place is beautiful. However getting here was a bit adventurous. We drove through a full force thunderstorm with lightning. The driving rain reduced visibility significantly and the wind pushed the big vehicle around. We stopped at the local outfitter so I could brave the storm to get some stove fuel. Once nearing the hostel the rain abated. This gave me a chance to glimpse the ridge line that the AT follows. It's hard to believe this is happening. This was especially true having seen one of my students in the airport. Luckily she was on her way to Cancun with her family and not on the way to class (but I thought it was an evil dream for a moment until I convinced myself that school really is out for summer). I am looking forward to hitting the trail tomorrow even if that rain stays around.
Date: 2013-06-03
From: Hiker Hostel

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light rain

Josh dropped me off after a great breakfast of french toast and oatmeal. It was exciting seeing him drive off. This trip is really happening. If you get a chance to stay at the hiker hostel its a great place. The trail was all uphill. Think breaks park river trail. Signed the book, took pictures. It cleared up just as I was getting ready to leave. Down was easier. I kept thinking of how many feet have went down this trail. I am embarking on a grand adventure. There were a father and son at the parking lot but they didn't want to talk. The trail was an easy rolling terrain. Gave me a chance to get into a hiking mood. Met smokey, weederman, and eyeball at a shelter. Had a snack and talked for a bit. They seemed to challenge me with negative vibes about the toughness of the upcoming few days. Heading out the trail was easy rolling and then some serious uphill. I was slogging it up. The few straight parts after the ups gave me a chance to recover. The flies buzz constantly around my head. This might be one of the things that are tough. Hawk mountain shelter tonite. 5 young guys already here and the dad/son and another couple showed up but they might have moved on. It's getting darker and I'm eating dinner. Here the privy is bad but I will check it out. Brush away the spiders and all is good. Smell wasn't bad at all. Maybe it's better if people exaggerated so it is better than expected.
Date: 2013-06-04
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Lance Creek campsite
Miles today: 16.2

I got up early to give myself enough time to get to lance creek. Getting wasn't a problem since I tossed and turned all night. Breakfast was a mix of 2 instant oatmeal with vanilla protein powder and instant via coffee. It tasted like chocolatey goodness. I was still hungry so I snacked as I hiked. I was on the trail by 8. Some very rough mountains today. 2 very steep ones (up and down). For those who have gone on the Appalachian Mission Project with me - think Breaks National Park and the river trail. By the end of today I did the equivalent of 3 to 4 of that trail with a full pack don't forget to do that final vertical wall a whole bunch of times. The downs only made things more delicate. I didn't want to lose my footing or twist an ankle.The whole day was spent reminding myself that this is the Appalachian trail. Thousands of people have embarked on this grand adventure. This is sacred ground. I kept wondering how many have walked this path? This Legacy kept me going and the day wasn't bad - until the miles started piling up. I met Mousebear at Horse Gap. She was packing up but stopped to talk for quite awhile. I consider this trail magic. She brightened my day with some good conversation. At gooch gap Met up with the father and son team who stayed at hawk mountain with me last night. We ate some food and talked. I thought they were coming to lance creek with me but they are not here. Perhaps they wisely stopped earlier. After Woody Gap I met a dad on his way to meet his boyscout troop. We shared our thoughts on the steepness of the trail but it is worth it as one looks out at some of these overlooks. We hiked together until lance creek and then he continued. I set up my tent in the newly installed secton. The old part is closed to let nature clean it up a bit. I thought this would be my first solo night but a woman showed up around 7. She is at the other end so I am still pretty much alone. If I would have walked that way earlier that is where I would camp. It's a beautiful place. My toes are starting to show signs of wear. The downhills jam them around a bit. Tomorrow I will wrap them up but tonight I'll let them air out. Time to get one last snack and then hang my bear bag. First time trying this too.
Date: 2013-06-05
From: Lance Creek campsite

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 7.4

Today's theme is enjoying the climb. I think I slept a bit last night which was very needed. Took my time packing up because I am thinking of stopping at Neel's Gap hostel. I caught up with the father and son from Indiana. We go about the same pace so we leap frogged as we rested or paused for a photo. It was nice having others going the same way.Blood mountain is a big one. Uphill sections were like stairs. There were some surprising level parts but the trend is uphill. It started off at a manageable incline. That is to say I was still breathing heavy and losing a lot of water. The humidity must be 100 percent because we are hiking in the clouds. With little evaporating off me I was blessed with streams running down my face. This is the stuff I love. Putting in the long hard miles and knowing it through the tired muscles and soaked shirt. I cool off on the downhills but they are sparse until the top of the mountain. There was one point where things leveled off and the vegetation was about shoulder high. The trail was cushioned with leaf fall. This was just perfect. The fog rolled in and out. Animals and birds speaking. It didn't last long enough. The top of Blood Mountain is beautiful. I couldn't see the overlooks because of the fog but the large flat rocks nestled amongst the vegetation is amazing. I could see carrying up a large load of water and hanging out. Plenty of places to seclude yourself and ponder life's mysteries. The three of us met the woman who camped at Lance Creek with me last night. There were a few others too. We took a short break and started down. This was an entirely new experience. Large flat rocks sloping sharply made up the trail. Thankfully there were frequent markings on the rocks to show the way. At some points the trail appeared to go right off the edge of the mountain. This was also south fun. Scrambling over the boulders, going through skinny passageways, what a great hike. Eventually the large steps started up again. These are taller than my knee and meant that we all slowed down. It was a great hike through and through. After the long day yesterday I was ready to stop at Neel's Gap. The bunkhouse has many guests. I wonder how this will go. I'm hoping for some sleep. With so many upcoming days in shelters I thought it would be good to try out a shelter. Another first (like hanging the bear bag yesterday and most everything on this trip). Now I will enjoy a lazy afternoon and let my body take it easy.
Date: 2013-06-08
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It's awkward waking up in a shelter for early risers. I put my stuff outside and began getting ready. Everybody was up already and just resting in their sleeping bags. Strider headed out before me but we might meet up to go into Hiawassee together. There were a couple of views that peeked through the vegetation and I loved seeing the mountains layering upon each other. The trail went downhill but there were a couple of steep uphills thrown in. I met up with Strider as he was coming up from getting water. We hiked the rest of the day together. Our conversation traveled from careers to world issues. People say that I am hiking in the wilderness the week before I left 15 people were shot in one night. Strider had an ordeal with a drunk cop. It feels like we have left the wilderness to come to a place that lives in harmony. An animal will attack if its hungry or scared. It won't strut it's authority or randomly kill others. This is a peaceful place. We met a trail caretaker using a hand sickle to clear the trail. A "train" of day hiker blew right by. A few other groups out hiking for the day too. We were lost in conversation and missed the place to call for a ride. At Dick's Creek we discovered you can hold your cell phone up to the wooden information sign and get enough signal to call for a ride. A short wait and TJ picked us up in his pickup. A room at the Budget Inn is just perfect today.
Date: 2013-06-09
From: Hiawassee

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I took my time waking up this morning. I ate some leftover pizza and then did the laundry. Taking a day to rest my feet and knees seems like a good move. Town is walkable so I got a few things and brought back some Subway (it's great to find veggie patties at remote subways). Arrangements with TJ for a 10 AM shuttle back to the trail. I still hope to get in 12 miles tomorrow but we'll see how it goes.
Date: 2013-06-10
From: Hiawassee

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: moderate rain

TJ gave me a ride to the trail but he wasn't ready until 10 AM. This gave me a lazy morning packing and watching the weather. Once on the trail the rain was being held by the leaves. Every once in awhile they would dump their load. It was still not enough to put the raingear on. I passed a couple women going to the closer shelter and then it started raining enough to put my coat on. Hiking in the rain is a beautiful thing. It wasn't a full storm. The gentle drops isolate you and direct your focus to what is right here in the present. I sloshed through mud as the trail became a stream. The rain eventually ran down my legs and into my boots. Every step squished water around my feet. Once the rain stopped, off came the rain coat. I found a log to perch on and wrung out my socks. The wool really keeps them warm even when wet. I briefly celebrated crossing the Georgia and North Carolina border, took a picture of the old gnarled tree and started going up. Very few switchbacks make the trail steep. Keeping my eyes open paid off when I came across the poisonous snake. No rattle but the head was pointed. It wouldn't move for me maybe it was too cold?) so I carefully checked around for siblings or parents and dodged it through the brush on the side of the trail. This isn't so easy when the trail is as wide as your shoulders. I made it to the shelter to find 5 others here. Strider was sitting with 2 others I met before. There were also a couple of mountain men looking guys. We got a fire going to try and dry out some clothes. Rain came again in the night and the temperature dropped so I am reluctantly laying in my bag writing these thoughts. I guess it's time to get moving but it's not too exciting to put on cold, damp gear. Life on the trail persists.
Date: 2013-06-11
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

It rained during the night so it canceled plans to night hike to see the sunrise I've standing Indian mountain. We took our time getting up because the rain was to stop mid morning. I headed put first and enjoyed the solitude. Hopefully I'll met up with the group at the next shelter. This was an easy stretch compared to Georgia. The climbs were gentle. The rain left notice of it's passing though. I hiked through rivers that were contained in the path. On the way up to Indian mountain met a couple in the parking lot who set up base camp and were day hiking. They gave me a heads up on the trail. The way up the mountain was slow and steady. At the top I was liking forward to the view. A family was there and they told me there wasn't anything to see (in retrospect I should have gone to look because the others took some beautiful photos). The way down was beautiful. There were a series of cascades some of which were full sized waterfalls with a powerful flow. It was interesting to walk through the water flow and stand in the middle of the tumbling water. I made it to carter gap shelter and found some Boy Scouts set up across the path in a tenting place. I went to the shelter and found a father and son. It seemed sedate so I set up the tent. Another couple came in and then Strider and Three Wolves Howling and John with his dog, Duke. The other two from last night went on further. We have a nice group here and time passed quickly until bedtime. I am looking forward to the views from the firepower atop Albert mountain tomorrow.
Date: 2013-06-12
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

It was great sleeping in the tent. No rain and cool temps made good sleeping weather. I packed up and planned for an early start but I couldn't find the liner socks. I unpacked everything and still couldn't find them so I put on my dry camp socks and took off. (Spoiler alert: they were rolled up in my tent and the thick camp socks gave my toes an extra blister) Hiking alone on the trail is wonderful. You have space to contemplate and even go at your own speed. A short distance out I came upon a rare overlook. There were some scouts there so I didn't stay too long. Seeing the big picture is useful when trying to keep perspective on the magnitude of this adventure. All I could see was rolling mountains a d green trees. Up close as I hike the ecosystems are constantly changing. They move from deciduous leaf strewn forest to fern combed mountainsides to wildflower spotted greenery. The view is always changing and continues to inspire me. I talked with a group of trail maintainers for a bit and heard stories of when they went to Chicago. They had a two person hand saw as well as sickles. There were also lots of scouts out. I hear there is a badge for hiking 50 miles. It's a good section to hike. Albert Mountain was the challenge today. The trail started off gentle but eventually got more involved. At points the trail clings to the side with a drop off of several hundred feet straight down as rock wall. Right before the top you are required to use all four appendages to move up. The going is really that steep. The view from the top was worth it. You can only climb partway up the fire tower but it gets you above the tree line for a 360 degree feast for the eyes. The way down was not at all like the way up and winded lazily on its way. The site of a former shelter is being preserved so no camping there. A couple miles more brought me to long gap shelter. This was so new you could smell the fresh cut cedar. I met up with Strider and we decided to go further onto the next shelter even though we heard it wasn't great. The lure of a quick dart into the town of Franklin is calling to us. A couple hours and we found ourselves at Rick gap shelter. I squeezed my tent in and we made some dinner. As I was eating I could see the mice dodging amongst the rock walls. Glad I'm staying in the tent. The mice kept me up I the last shelter. This one is right near the road but with a couple of us here we should be safe enough. We heard a man was lurking around after being chase off by the authorities. Tonight is an early one and then tomorrow we only have 4 miles and then need to find a ride to town. It's a big one so we are thinking of hitching to save some money.