morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-11-27
To: Experiment 1 !
Miles today: 0.0

I wanted to test out my new tent and decide which of my down sleeping bags to take on the AT. I really want to take my light bag. It is only rated at -2 degrees C. But Rab bags normally do more than it says in the info. My other bag would keep me warm whatever the weather, but I know that it will be too warm most nights - I hate being too hot when sleeping, I easily over heat. There is nothing like waking up and realising you¢re soaked with sweat and have to cool down, you can never get comfortable again! Also it would save me the trouble of having to change the bags over after a few weeks into the trail.Well I picked what was predicted to be a cold night, little knowing that the possible light sleet showers, turned into 8 inches of snow. I was warm enough during the night, but did not sleep to well because the tent was slowly accumulating snow and sagging, so I had to clear it several times during the night. It may not look like it but I had plenty of room, and am happy with the tent, but it was probably only around -2 C. I will probably do another night out on a colder night before making a final decision, -6 degrees C would be good, but without the snow!! I also used my Neo Air bed & found it very comfortable.Well roll on Christmas - it will soon be 2011!!
Date: 2010-12-31
To: Happy new Year!!
Miles today: 0.0

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas. I am increasingly focussed on next year and am now wishing the time away. I think the next 2 months will go slowly. I have now got all the equipment I need sorted. My travel insurance is sorted. My transport is sorted. So the only thing to do is keep working on my fitness. I will need to do some test packing to work out where to keep things, although this will vary dependent on the conditions. I decided to buy some new boots, so will need to break them in over the coming weeks. But I am pretty much ready. I was contacted by a 2000 miler, of the class of 2005, who met Kevin. She is called Socks, and was kind enough to offer support during my coming hike. It is so nice that people take such an active interest in the trail, and it really makes it feel like being part of something bigger than myself. I think that is a major appeal of backpacking, the way you become a part of a mobile community, developing friendships and supporting each other towards a common goal.Best wishes to you all, for this very special New year of 2011!!Jon
Date: 2011-01-17
To: 2 month to go!!
Miles today: 0.0

I couldn't wait any longer to gather all my gear together. I took over kevin's bedroom as my AT op's centre, it looks a lot when spread out, just hope it fits in my pack! It's been a difficult time recently due to a personal issue, which had me wondering whether I could do the trail this year. But after a few sleepless nights, and a lot of encouragement from friends and family, I concluded that I should stick to my plans. I don't know if others find this, but I am getting more worried about getting ill or an injury, this close to my adventure. I just want to get started! I have written this entry on my phone. On the trail I will write each entry as an email, and save to drafts. When I have a signal I will send to my email a/c and upload on to TJ when I have access to the internet. It is easier than doing it on my phone as the internet is very slow. Anyway it seems to work ok. Bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-02-07
To: Cannot wait!
Miles today: 0.0

Well I couldn¢t resist it any longer, so I packed everything into my pack. I had problems with a few items which didn¢t want to play ball. But after a few attempts I think I have found the best way to pack everything. I am sure I will change things around as I get used to this new pack. It is making the best use of the web pockets, and putting things in order of when I will need them that is the challenge. I included 6 days food & 1.75 litres of water and a full gas canister. Although there were a few small items missing it came out at 21 pounds...fantastic!! I hope it will not rise above 22 pounds. I am really happy with this weight it feels very comfortable on my back for an ultra-lite pack. This week my brother will arrive from New Zealand to stay for 3 weeks. When he goes it will only be 2 weeks to my start date!! Having him here will keep me occupied and make the time fly bye. The training is going well, although I cannot say I really feel any fitter, only the trail will show me if I have done enough. Over the last few days it seems as if the folks at work have just realised that I will be disappearing for 6 months. It¢s as if they never thought it would ever actually come, and now all I get is, ¢your going for how long!!¢, ¢your walking how far!!¢, & ¢your going on your own!!¢. It has also amazed me how many people in England, where the most dangerous thing you are likely to encounter is a vicious sheep, are such experts on bears! If only I had a pound for every time their mentioned, I could really do the AT in style. I do want to say a big thanks to all those who have welcomed and encouraged me both personally and via this site. Your support is very welcome, and I would like to apologise to the few that have had to listen to me going on about the trail, your forbearance is appreciated!Bye for nowJon
Date: 2011-03-04
To: Sad Time.
Miles today: 0.0

This is the hardest entry to write. This week my sister, Julie, passed away. She had a very aggressive form of ovarian cancer. This was why I had considered cancelling my trip, when I heard back in January. But my sister was insistent that I carry on and live my dream. I had decided to start the trail and come home if needed, but I never expected her to be taken so quickly. I'm sure I will have a lot of time to reflect on her life over the coming months. Because of Julie's illness and having all the family around to see her, plus now trying to sort out her funeral and final wishes, the AT has been far from my mind. But this week I will hopefully be able to start to re-focus and make my final preparations. I am really ready for the peace of the woods, my mind needs a rest.Mayo
Date: 2011-03-13
To: Almost there!!
Miles today: 0.0

Only 5 days before I fly out to Atlanta! I still find it hard to believe that next week I will finally be in the woods, living the dream I have had for so many years, it¢s so close. The last week has been hectic, but not due to AT preparation, but with issues around my sister¢s estate. There is so much to sort out, and I am not going to be there to help. So I have tried to get as much done as possible, but these things take so much time..I have a number of ¢leaving do¢s¢ this week, with friends, work and family, so will be busy most nights. Will be glad to leave so I can have a rest! I intend to do one final prep entry at the Hikers inn and then it¢s the real thing!! Cannot wait!! I am so looking forward to meeting people, especially those who have been so supportive via this site. I want to wish all the class of 2011 my best wishes, its great to read about some who are already out there.Roll on Friday!!See you out there!!Mayo
Date: 2011-03-18
To: Almost there!
Miles today: 0.0

So the journey begins! Roy and Cathryn dropped me off in Norwich. The bus left at 10.15. 6 hours later I arrived at Gatwich airport, London. Now just waiting to board jet for my 9 hour flight to Atlanta. Well I arrived in Atlanta, passed through customs ok. And on to the Marta, my pick up was delayed, but Leigh picked us up and I was very happy to get to the hikers inn ,eat and shower, and hit the sac, 38 hours without sleep. Tomorrow the trail !!!
Date: 2011-03-19
From: Spriger mountain

To: Stover creek shelter 
Miles today: 2.6
Weather: clear sky

This morning I realised I needed sun cream so nature boy drove us to chemist on the way to drop us off at Amicalola falls SP. Good job because temp was 26 c on top of spriger mt. I started off with Tom a 23 year old american guy. The climb up the falls was beautiful, but very hot work. After that it was easier, but on the final climb to Springer my lack of sleep over the last few days started to catch up with me. Reaching the top was a special moment for me. The weather is great, if a little too warm for hiking. Tonite at Stover decided to camp, hoping for a good sleep. Not really hungry but may cook up some cous cous later. This first day could hardly have been better. Met some great folks already, including 4 iron, Thimble and Not Natasha a TJ buddy. Tony and stylin started at Springer so are a litte ahead of me, may see them tomorrow, hope so they are great people. Tonite we will be having a camp fire so should be good fun, it will also,keep the bugs away! So far feet are fine, although my back has been aching, but that is from the journey not the pack, which has been great. The only downside is my filter which is playing up, might see what options there are at mountain crossing which comes up in 3 days and is the first shopping place I will pass on the trail. Anyway everything is rosy, good night.
Date: 2011-03-20
From: Stover creek shelter 

To: Gooch mountain shelter.
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Last nlght we all sat around the fire. Tom said he had picked up the wrong fuel, he decided it would a good idea to throw it on to the fire. Until it nearly scorched us all. He then decided to put it in a hole. I wanted to give him the trail name petrol, not sure he likes it. Didn't sleep to well, still not worked out a comfortable pillow. Everything dry this morning. So had my musali and tea, then packed slowly. Left at 9.00 but only planned 11m. Temp 10c so cooler and therefore easier walking conditions. Climbed Sassafras mountain at 3320ft, coped well. Rest of walk was fine. I decided to go a little further to Gooch shelter, but Tom not hear so not sure where he went. Tony and Stylin here, she has sprained her ankle, so is struggling. I find it hard to remember everyone's names, really great people out here. Campsite is muddy and sloping so had real problems setting up the tent, it really needs a flat site. Hope to sleep better tonite. Feet are good, a few aches caused by the pack, it usually takes a few days to work through these pains. Going to cook pasta tonite, and have an early night. Weather predicted to be warn for next few days, but no sign tonite as it's pretty cool. Bye for now.
Date: 2011-03-21
From: Gooch mountain shelter.

To: Slaughter creak
Miles today: 12.4

Slept a little better but the slope meant I nearly rolled off my mat several times. Site also muddy so kit a little dirty already. Away by 9.00, but its still dark at 7.30. Early on felt really good, made good time to Woody gap. There got my first trail magic, 3 guys givivg away goodies, I got coke, chocolate bar and an orange. By midday the heat was building 25c, With a few miles to go I was suddenly really tired. I realised I need yto eat more during the day. Will be passing through Mountain crossing outfitters tomorrow so will see what they have. They also have showers and lundry so will spend some time there but not sure if I will stay. Called home Sheila told me about the 5 dogs she has staying! Glad to miss that.Mayo
Date: 2011-03-22
From: Slaughter creak

To: Baggs creek gap 
Miles today: 7.3

Slept poorly again due the slope and the wind blowing all night. Got packed quickly and away by 8.15. Climbed Blood mountain at 4461ft highest polnt in Georgia it was an easy climb with great veiws. The weather was hot 25c clear blue sky. Dropped down to mountain crossing hostal. There was trail magic, had 3 burgers and a hotdog, plus drinks. Did lundry and had a shower, felt so good to be full and clean, but hay everyone here smells. Left with Tom, Denam, mike with Ben arriving later. We hiked around 4m and made camp. This was a great day after the way I felt last night. I really need to eat more. Did change a few small things in my pack, the bear rope was driving me mad by getting tangled. So got some thicker cord. Also changed to the aqua mira drops to treat water, my filter was hopeless. Anyway I feel great today, pains in my hips, back and shoulders are starting to fade. Tom was trying to give away a ton of food, so I named him Deli, but he doesn't like it. Well another 3 guys have arrived so going to join the chat round the camp fire. By the way I have a flat pitch!! No excuse for not sleeping, except a bear visited this site 3 days ago and took all their food!
Date: 2011-03-23
From: Baggs creek gap 

To: Rocky knob
Miles today: 12.9

Last night around the camp fire we mainly seem to talk about food. Tom said Denum was the token colored person on the hike, so his trail name is Token. Ben said his head felt like velvet, so that is now his name, you have to be careful what you say. Didn't sleep great, too worried about bears I suppose. Adam found a mouse in his tent so caused quite a commotion. I was off just after 8.00, and made good time. Weather was cooler today 15c, mainly cloudy, but still no rain. I did the miles, and reached camp before everyone except Tom. Felt tired today, think I hiked to fast, in camp by 15.30, need to slow down. Pasta tonite for dinner,and a hot chocolate, yum yum. Tomorrow I will probably do less miles but there is a lot of hard climbs. Well bye for now.Mayo
Date: 2011-03-24
From: Rocky knob

To: Tray mountian shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: few clouds

A storm came through over night, strong winds and driving rain. It was so noisy I got very little sleep. Tent stood up to it really well. I fell ill in the morning, headache and sickness. So packed up and walked the mile to the Blue mountain shelter, made coffee and rested for about an hour, then I felt better. I walked out with 2 section hikers, down to Unicorn gap, where I got some trail magic, coke and candy bars. Took a short day due to all the climbs, but got into camp at 15.30. Made pasta for dinner and because of a really cold wind I hit the tent early. Into town tomorrow.Mayo
Date: 2011-03-25
From: Tray mountian shelter

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Last night it turned really cold, down to -2c.. I struggled to stay warm. In the morning tent was covered in frost, and my hands went numb trying to pack up. I hit the trail at 8.00, and with perfect clear blue skies I soon warmed up. I made good time reaching Dicks creek gap by 13.30. As I was deciding whether to hitch or walk the 3.5 mile to the hostel, a car pulled up and a woman asked me if I needed a lift into town. She dropped me at the Blueberry Patch, this place is great, they have showers, do your lundry for you, provide lifts into town, and breakfast, for nothing! They let you leave any donation you want. I went into town with Tom, re supplied and had a subway. We hitched out and rode in the back of a pick up with this big dog, wind blowing, just like the movies. Later Tommy walk in to the hostel, with his wife Lynn who had baked us an applepie we tucked in. I told her she would be Applepie when she joins Tommy on the trail, she's looking after her dad, who is in hospital at the moment. Will hopefully stay here tomorrow and take full zero. Weather set for rain next 2 days, nice. Thats all for now.Mayo
Date: 2011-03-26
From: Hiawassee

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It started raining with thunder during the night, felt good to be indoors. In the morning went over to the house, to have breakfast, Gary and Lennie said grace then served us the best food, all home made. I was so full by the end, these people are the best. They leave it to you to give whatever you want. Around 10.00 a load of very wet hikers arrived, and it became obvious that we would need to move out, so I rang Mull's hotel and got us a room. I am sharing with Tom and his friend Peter. Around town we met all the guys, wondering around doing re suppy. There was no internet at the hotel, so I walked up to the Holiday Inn and used their internet to up load the first few entries. At least the system works, but I do find coverage for email real patchy. I made a wind shield for my stove out of a baking tray, not sure if it will work. We are going to get a shuttle back to the trail head at 8.30. Rain is expected tomorrow but I cannot expect sun all the time! Time to sleep.Mayo
Date: 2011-03-27
From: Hiawassee

To: Muskrat creek shelter.
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We walked up to the Hiawassee hotel, to try get a lift back to the trail. Tommy and his wife Lynn were there and offered us a lift. Lynn is hoping to join Tommy on the trail soon. From the gap it was a real long climb, and I was struggling for the first time. I developed pain in my right leg on the climbs. No real views today as it was low cloud with limited visibility. There are a load of hikers here at the shelter, Tom, Peter and I decided to camp as it is a small shelter. I will need to try one soon, but I like my tent. Crossed the Georgia North Carolina state boarder today, first state down 13 to go! Later the sun came up and we followed a local blue blaze to the cliff edge and got a fantastic view. Mayo
Date: 2011-03-28
From: Muskrat creek shelter.

To: Carter gap shelter 
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It started to rain during the night and poured down most of the day. Had to break camp in the wet and cold, my hands were freezing, and everything was damp. I was happy to start hiking to warm up. No views,just plodding through the mud. At the shelter I was gutted that it was full. Tom and Peter decided to sleep under the shelter. It was wet and cramped, and I decided to put my wet tent up. Peter managed to get a great fire going, even with the wet wood. We all gathered around, it was a great group, with lots of laughs. Finally had to face bed, it was really cold, but did get a little sleep. Hope for better weather tomorrow.Mayo
Date: 2011-03-29
From: Carter gap shelter 

To: Franklin
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Packed up quickly this morning and away for 8.30. Planned a big day to get to town. Weather sunny all day, perfect for walking. Climbed Albert mountain at 5,250ft and got fantastic views. There was an amazing cloud inversion, with mountains just showing. I climbed the forest tower and got 360' views. Had lunch and dryed out my wet tent. I am getting sciatica down my left leg which is worrying me, but other than that no pains to report. We had hoped to stay with Peter's friends, but cannot get in tonch so we will have to split a room. I need to do lundry and resupply, plus send a box ahead to Fontana for the Smokies. Rain expected tomorrow.Mayo
Date: 2011-03-30
From: Franklin

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Slept really well last night, although I was awakened by a thunder clap which rocked the room. This morning we got picked up by the local baptists and taken to breakfast. Pancakes, bacon and cake. With coffee and orange juice, its a hard life this thru hiking!! We then re supplied and I packed a box and took it to the PO to be delivered to Fontana ready for the Smokies. I also bought a fleece blanket for extra warmth at night as its due to be around zero for the next few nights, plus we will be above 5'000ft most of the time in the Smokies. I have been a little cold some nights. We decided to take a zero due to Tom's foot problems. Tomorrow we will get back on the trail, after visiting the baptists again!! I had a good chance to correct the many mistakes on my journal, but it is difficult on this little screen to type correctly.Thanks for all the messages of encouragment your support is welcome.Mayo
Date: 2011-03-31
From: Franklin

To: Cold spring shelter.
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

After breakfast we got the shuttle back to the trail. We had a long climb up to Wayah bald 5342ft, I clmbed the stone tower and got reasonable views, it was mainly clouded, with occasional sunshine. As we descended we came to burlington gap, and got trail magic. Burgers and pop, but it was so cold by this time, that I was glad to get moving. At camp we had to pitch on a ridge, pretty exposed. It is now 18.00 and is already zero degrees. Going to be a cold one. My left leg again gave me some pain, but it is managable at the moment. Anyway going to the camp fire to warm up. Bye for now.Mayo
Date: 2011-04-01
From: Cold spring shelter.

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Didn't sleep well last night due to it dropping to -10c. I was pretty cold all night. In the morning everything was frozen, including my water. I packed up quickly and started walking as this was the only way to thaw out my hands. Sun came out, but with a cold wind. After a few miles I felt warm and pushed on towards the NOC. At jumpup lockout I climbed the fire tower with Tom and Peter and got great views of the frozen forest. At the NOC the boys wanted to go into Franklin and party. I decided to stay and get a bed in the hostel. I had a great shower and food, and am now heading to the bar to join a whole group of hikers, so I may party afterall! Looking forward to a warm bed tonight.Bye for now, Mayo
Date: 2011-04-02
From: NOC

To: Brown fork gap shelter.
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After a good sleep I was up at 7.30 and headed for the shower. I then went to the cafe for breakfast, cheese and ham omlette with fries, nice. I hit the trail and had to climb 3,500ft in 6 miles. At the shelter I had lunch and then headed out, climbed up to Cheoah bald at 5,062ft, got great views. It was sunny but with a very cold wind. I pushed on and was met with more hard climbs. The final climb up Jacobs ladder was a killer and I was so tired when I reached the shelter I just had to be horizontal for a while to recover. I worked out I climbed about 4,500ft over the day. Now in the shelter, first time for me, will be interested on how I sleep tonite. Easy day tomorrow into Fontana dam. Bye for now, Mayo
Date: 2011-04-03
From: Brown fork gap shelter.

To: Fontana village.
Miles today: 11.6

Spent an uncomfortable night in the shelter. Awoke to a sunny warm day, great for walking. Felt pretty tired from yesterdays walk, but made good time. Got views of Fontana dam and lake. Just when I was thinking what a good day I was having, I lost concentration and crashed to the ground. Hit the side of my face, and landed on my wrist. I sat for a while to recover from the shock,my wrist is only sprained. I made my way down to the road and Towns called a shuttle. In the village Badger gave me a wrist support bandage which really helped. Decided to take a room with Towns. It's really nice, good shower and internet access. We are going to get dinner now. Smokies tomorrow but don't think I will be able to use my sticks, just have to take my time. I suppose I must expect something like this over such a long walk. Anyway I am fine. Bye A sore Mayo.
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Fontana village.

To: Mollies ridge shetler.
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept really well and had a shower then got packed. Walked down to the PO to pick up my supplies. Tom turned up, I was surprised to see him. He said he was taking a zero, but I told him I was moving on, need to save my zeros. My wrist was stiff but not as painful. Towns, whoop! and I got a shuttle back to the trail. We filled out our backcountry passes, and headed into the park. I decided not to use my poles and immediately found the climb hard. I passed a lady going south and we both realised, we knew each other. It was Not Natasha from TJ's, I met her on Springer she took my picture and said she would post it on TJ's, she plans to be out in the summer so may bump into her again, great lady! Made good progress, weather hot and sunny, but in the afternoon thunder storms started. I reached Mollies ridge shelter and decided it was safer to call it a day than push on to the next shelter. Good job as a big storm is now building up outside. I did see my first wildlife, a deer only 40ft away, he just ignored me and carried on eating. Plan a big day tomorrow 17 miles hopefully! I am carrying way to much food, and am considering not cooking. I may send my cooker forward to Hot springs and try it out, it would save some weight, plus the hassle of cooking. We shall see. Bye for now, A slightly less sore Mayo.