morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-01-25
To: Musings of a Moron!!!(Not really!!!)
Miles today: 0.0

Well I've been posting like a mad man huffing gasoline over on WB lately, and said to myself, hey you've got this journal thingy that you are supposed to be typing, heck, you might have the most journal hits for the least miles hiked, so people must like to sit at your feet and listen as you wax moronic!!! Anyways, I recently received a new title over on WB for going after the "Great" Warren Doyle, and not to get into the depth of our disagreements needless to say I have been dubbed an internegator, or his term for those who attack others in forums on the internet, the funny thing is he really means those who attack him. I must admit it was only after he started by calling me out and calling me names, but hey, we were both moronic and childish. That brings me to my valid and wise point of the dya for some of you contemplating or preparing for a thru-hike who see some of the postings on trailforums or WB and start to think man this is a judgemental, hateful group of people...not really. For the most part we all would get on famously in person, but it seems many of us have internet personalities that take over when logged on to whatever forum we are entranced with at the time. For the most part I am the same person regardless, except for I might be a little less vocal in groups preferring to listen and take in their "wisdom"...or listen to get dirt to poke fun. Either way, it's fun. Anyways, I am starting to get these offers to join some people who will be hiking this spring. I'll probably do an overnight from Springer with MinnesotaSmith starting on the 11th of February with Dances with Mice. Nice easy hike from top of Springer to just past Hawk Mountain, my brain is farting away right now and I forget the name of the gap there. From there I will probably join another hiker possibly for another start of the AT, or we'll just get together for a drink before he starts. After that I have to decide where I am hiking during Spring Break. Right now I am thinking Standian Indian Campground where I ended in the summer to the NOC or Fontana. We'll see how ambitious I am feeling. Set your sights low, and if you succeed then it's all golden, my friend! The same I think will be for the summer as I know it will probably be Virginia that I will hike in. I could start at Dickey Gap and go north, but that would mean 16 mile days with no time off for thirty days to hit Harpers in a month. Don't know if I want to...I could knowing the terrain is easier than Ga or NC, but the idea is fun...not big miles. Saying that I probably will start closer to Pearisburg, now I just have to figure out how to get there. If I finish early enough at Harpers I may just hike up to Md/PA state line, and go back to Harpers, but we'll see, as I have yet to make up my ever whirring mind! Anyways, I have to go get ready to coach right now, one of these days coaching will be over for a few months! For now though I am off!!!
Date: 2006-02-06
To: Funny?
Miles today: 0.0

You know it's funny as I sit here and think of the past year as I prepare to begin my training for my summer hike. I don't know if I would say what I have is Springer Fever as my mind has started traveling northward to Virginia where I plan on hiking this summer. In fact I think I already have all the rides I will need lined up. Right now, however, I will be returning to the beginning this weekend as I plan on staying up on Springer the 11th, I will be up there with MinnesotaSmith who is starting his through, and Dances with Mice, who like me will simply be out for an overnight. The plan is to hike with MS down to Hightower Gap where we'll leave one car to shuttle us back and out for...work the next day. Seven months of coaching straight and now my time is my own again...what to do with myself. Time to start hiking! It's kinda weird but I'm not feeling like my normally witty self, maybe it's the weather as we have been spoiled in the ATL lately, except today is just god awful miserable.Oh yeah, on the plus side I went out yesterday and picked up some new shoes, Montrail Hardrocks, it's about time I start hiking in something lighter than the walking rocks I put my feet into usually. Oh yeah, I almost forgot I also picked up a Jetboil as I near my goal of lightening my load/making things easier for me on the trail. I'll finish this later, I'm outta here!
Date: 2006-02-07
To: I am so out of shape!!!
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I said I am ready to begin my training, and oh god do I need it! I have completely gone down hill since my Tgiving hike as I haven't worked out at all since, and I have smoked every now and then since. This means I am unflexible and out of shape. It also means my trail legs are somewhere up in Damascus where I left them in November. Now I know I'll get back to where I need to be, but I was sitting here trying to decide earlier if I should start working out today or wait till next week. Knowing how my legs react when I start out I have opted to next week as I will be hiking a little this week and I don't want my legs feeling like rubber this weekend, so the fun will be when I try to button my kilt...I think it might be pants for me until I lose about 10lbs, which shouldn't take me long, but still it sucks to be getting flabby. On the plus side I have new hiking partners coming out of the woodwork. A guy I teach with has decided he wants to section hike the AT, I guess my encouragement has rubbed off. Then there is the guy who lives in the same town as me, who PM'd me on WB about hiking together sometime. BTW Dave if you read this, I look forward to meetin ya'. Wow I just realized between myself, Worries and the new Dave that makes three Daves. It brings me back to Gooch Shelter last March when we had 7 Daves staying at the shelter one night. Oh yeah and some other good news found me today as I found out my buddy, Orangebug is getting hitched to his Lady Fair. Had to call him and wish them well, he said he's trying to set up some hiking in Md for their Honeymoon, wow! But if his plans go off it should be a great time as he wants to slackpack and stay at BnB's along the way. I am feeling a little bad for those starting their hikes this month as I am beginning to think that this month is gonna be a cold one down south. That being said having never slept in a shelter I may make the mouse plunge this weekend depending on where the other guys are sleeping, so we'll see on that front, but I have been thinking if the girls can do it, then surely this big 250lb football and wrestling coach can...but one thing, I hate mice!!! And to top it off I would be ohhh sooo pissed if a mouse ate a hole in my $360 down sleeping bag. So we'll see on that front as it only takes 5 minutes to set up my tent. Anyways, I think I'm gonna go spend some time with the missus, catch ya' later!
Date: 2006-03-02
To: I'm Going Crazy!!!
Miles today: 0.0

Thought I would chime in here quick while I had a little time. I am currently on day two of nicotine withdrawal, or what I like to refer to to as my second day in hell!!, as I attempt to quit smoking once again. Really though, it's not so bad if you like to be irritable, tired, and constipated. However, the whole reason to do it is because I will be much better off in the long run if I can do it now.As far as hiking goes....well, since the other week when there was snow I haven't been out on the trail. I have started working out and that should serve me rather well with a hike once a week up on and around the AT. I know some say..."There is no great training for hike other than hiking...but I say that is BS. Core Training is the key, that with flexibility allows me to hike long and far throughout the day without injury.Anyways, I have picked up a new camera for the trail. Should get it today from the UPS man. A Sony Cybershot 7.2 megapixel camera. I have wanted one for a awhile because my old camera doesn't allow me to take great pictures of small items.   Now I'll be able to. I also just got my REI dividend and can't decide what I should buy as there is nothing that I really need right now...this would be a totally want based shopping spree!!!. I think I'll go hit the trail on Saturday for a few hour hike as I need to try hiking in my new shoes. I'm still on for my April hike north of Franklin and so April 2nd begins my section hiking for the year officially!!! We'll see how it all goes. I'll chime in a little later, I need to get up and move around, the nic withdrawal has me all beat up at the moment, but it's for the best.
Date: 2006-03-07
To: Excitement
Miles today: 0.0

For some reason keeping a journal doesn't seem to elicit the same amount of excitement as last year. I read hikers' journals who are getting ready to hit the road and I find it funny in a way. Their excitement and their view of this mystical journey. I grant you when I first started thinking about what I wanted to do I was right there with them, but since then I have been snowed on and rained on, chewed up by bugs, and I have ceased to see the AT as some sort of mystical journey. Now that is not to say that I do not have a great love of the trail since last year I have been a member of the ATC for two years and a member of the AHS for this year. I have attended the SoRuck and made many new friends. I think you get out of the trail what you put into the trail. It isn't so much about the nature to me...although I love sunbathing on a rock outcrop as much as the next person. It's about the peace and camaraderie you can find out on the trail.
Date: 2006-03-13
To: Ouch...My Ego!!!
Miles today: 0.0

I was just reading the journals of some folks I met a couple of weeks ago at Gooch Shelter. Some got it right and remembered my name, they all remembered the vodka I left, but some just remembered me as a "dayhiker" OUCH!!! My ego is hurt don't they know I am the great Almost There, section hiker extraordinaire...at least in my own little universe I am!!! To be honest two weekends ago I had a great hike from Cooper Gap to Gooch Shelter. I met Sunshine, Pinky, TybeePete...and some others who had yet to receive trailnames. Yes it was I who left the little bottle of vodka with them in order to try and corrupt the youth on the trail. It wouldn't be much but a swig here and there for them...but hey it's not my fault that there were so many of them at the shelter!!! Anyways on my way back to my jeep I ran into Chief and Xmas, two very fine older gents. I agreed to drive them to the Hiker Hostel if thye made Gooch Gap by the time I drove back by that way. They had just made it as I came driving up so I packed them into my jeep...Yes a jeep wrangler will carry three people with full packs!!! I happened to wander up to Mountain Crossings this past weekend with the wife and there were a few folks who had just gotten in around 3pm. No hiking however as it was my lovely wife's birthday...and I am in the midst of a sinus infection which will probably set my prep back as my weight keeps climbing. Perhaps if I don't watch it I shall be dubbed the Tubby Hiker, although with the shirt and shorts I wore the other day...if I hadn't had a trail name I think the girls at Gooch Shelter would have dubbed me Flower or Tulip. Anyways, I have three weeks left before my section hiking begins for the year and I hope some of my new friends might be able to join me. Anyways I will type more later...I have to go cough up a lung now!!!
Date: 2006-03-28
From: Home Prep

To: Franklin/Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 136.4
Weather: overcast clouds

(Note: Mileage reflects section hikes from last year, does not include any repeated mileage)Well I figured I would turn my journal to hiking now, as I leave Saturday for Franklin with a coaching buddy of mine. The plan is to hike Winding Stair Gap to the NOC. I thought of being ambitious and hike to Fontana...but Phil hasn't been hiking in years and I don't want to kill him on his first AT hike. So the plan is to go nice and slow starting on Sunday and hit the NOC on Tuesday around lunchtime. Saturday should be great as we're staying with Ron at the Sapphire Inn, he's having his Hiker Fool's Bash and there should be some fine Hiker Trash partaking in the celebration. I figure why not throw Phil right into the mix.Phil's about my size so I am lending him some of my gear...of course he gets to carry the heavier gear which includes the bigger tent...but hey, he didn't have to pay for it!Anyways, I was over on Whiteblaze earlier and it's funny to see many are getting the base 4 down to 5-6lbs. To me that's insane but to each his own. I also saw an awesome tent for sale by Henry Shires called the Rainbow. I believe it's under two pounds and looks very similiar to the Hubba which I carry with the exception that it's single walled. Might have to buy a new toy next year...but single walls have always scared me as I carry down bags. Down+water=bad things!!!I've had a sinus infection rear it's ugly head this week which means...my heart and lungs will be running up the trail ahead of me this hike. I already know it, thankfully I'm hiking with someone fatter than even I! Seriously though this is my next attempt to quit my ugly habit of smoking. 4 days, no smokes...can I withstand the temptation upon returning home??? Got to, or I will die in June. On another note I hope to indoctrinate a nice young girl into the world of Hiker Trash come June. She's never done more than an over night but wants to get involved in long distance backpacking so I invited her along for two weeks in June. She seems very nice...and so I get to play protector, which is fine, my size has to be good for something! Seriously though she probably would have nothing to worry about, but if I can help ease her concerns and make her feel more comfortable her first time out, then that is awesome! Anyways, just wanted to drop a quick note...and I'll post again after I get back next week.
Date: 2006-05-30
From: Home

To: Nowhere
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I sit here as some of my students take their final. In less than three hours I will be free from all students until August...HOORAY!!! Today marks two weeks before I set off for my Central Virginia hike. The plan is to do Pearisburg to Rockfish Gap, I know originally I was planning on going all the way to Harper's Ferry, but responsibility will draw me home sooner than that, as I still need to go up north to visit family and friends this summer. On the plus side I have found a hiking partner for this hike and so we shouldn't have to worry about taking buses or shuttles, simply park a car near where we start and where we end...My friend, Sprout, has graciously found a place for me to park my car, and she will shuttle us to Pearisburg. Unfortunately, it's looking more and more lik I won't be able to hike the Pine Mountain Trail with her as I was planning on doing, but it will be dependent on time as my oldest friend is coming to Atlanta at the end of June and I haven't seen him in 4 years...so it's kinda important to me that I don't miss him.Anyways, I thought I would write more but I gotta go take care of something, so I'll update again before I hike. See ya!
Date: 2006-06-06
From: Nowhere

To: Nowhere
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Devil's Day! Funny how many women induced labor or received C sections so that their child wouldn't be born on 6-6-06. Taking things seriously is what gives them power over you...that's why I don't take anything seriously!!! Seriously though, I will be leaving for my hike on Thursday and have so much to do, and have done very little of it. I just can't bring myself to plan and plan...and so I don't! I'll be driving up to Miss Janet's Thursday night so I can partake in her breakfast the next morning, from there I will mosey my way up through Virginia to Waynesboro/Rockfish Gap in order to meet Megan, the gal who I will be hiking with. I will probably stop and have a beer with Wolf in Damascus on the way. Once in Waynesboro, we'll leave a car in the area and head back down towards Pearsiburg as I have a friend, Sprout, who lives nearby. We'll crash with her and her hubby and she'll drive us over to Pearisburg in the morning where, dum da da dum!!!, we start hiking north!So what have I been doing since the last post? School ended, and so for the next couple of months I will be a bum, at home, on the trail, and for a few days at the beach!!! Who says tons of money makes you happy? Well, I haven't been hiking, other than a 6 mile loop over Blood Mtn, where my Hardrocks, which I had planned on wearing this summer, gave me a blister and ripped it off in a little over an hour. I hiked at good speed, but discovered that I need another knee brace, which should be here tomorrow, as it could be very bad if it doesn't come before I leave. On a plus note...I can fit into my kilt again!!! Aren't all the trail folk lucky?!? This is gonna be a great hike, wish my wife could be going with me, but she's gotta work. One of these days we'll head out together. Anyways, I'll post once before I leave, gotta go make dinner!
Date: 2006-06-10
From: Pearisburg

To: Symm's Gap
Miles today: 11.1

(Well, here it finally is. A week behind schedule, but that's good for me! I didn't get near as much mileage as I originally planned, but I learned to be flexible while hiking with a female on this hike...and above all I had fun. Attitudes change and with them my approach to hiking the trail. It's about having fun and not suffering while out there, if I am ever to get Erin into doing this then I have to keep that in mind. Anyways, here it isWith expectations high we set off hiking at around 10:30am and it was quickly apparent that my lungs were not where they needed to be. However, I plodded on and we walked into great views at Rice Field, ate lunch and pressed on to Symms Gap. The gals took off ahead of me as my knee was getting bad. It was getting late as I was gimping along and I see Sprout heading back my way...WE WENT TOO FAR!!! As we head back to the campsite...RAIN! Sitting in my tent after dinner. Sprout gave me some pain pills and they just kicked in! Good night!
Date: 2006-06-11
From: Symm's Gap

To: Wind Rock Overlook
Miles today: 15.2

15.2 miles today...WOW!!!All things considering this was a pretty good day! Started out from Symm's Gap after a night of rain. My knee felt a little better, but quickly got worse with the first steep climb. I had to keep it locked up on uphills. We finally made it down to the road where Sprout was meeting her hubby and ate lunch as I was seriously contemplating shortening the hike with my knee being screwy. Headed up to Bailey Gap after a 1.5 mile road walk and it was to become the hike uphill as my knee began working!!! I caught up to Megan and together we continued our daring ascent. Neither of us had much left and I ended up in the parking area where I took a load off and waited for about ten minutes. One more mile? Heck No! We're camped right up on Wind Rock! Tomorrow hopefully my knee cooperates and we make Sarver Shelter. G-Night.
Date: 2006-06-12
From: Wind Rock Overlook

To: Sinking Creek Valley/Route 42
Miles today: 13.1

Woke to rain as we had one heckuva storm last night. Started hiking in mist and fog, and quickly made our way down to where the weather cleared up. Met Mummy Toes near War Spur Shelter and proceeded forward. The climb to Kelly Knob was something I could be punished in hell with as the climb never seemed to end. I felt like complete krap after the climb and we decided to do lunch on some rocks with a great view. I still wasn't feeling good as we descended to Laurel Creek. We eventually came to the spooky Blair Witch House, and from there moved briefly onto private property where we watched a dog flushing Wild Turkey. Walked through some nice wildflower fields as we approached 42. The stiles were giving Megan a rough time as her legs were done. It was becoming obvious she needed a zero day. With a climb looming I gave her options and we were off to the store on the map. Sticking her thumb out, a lady, Kathleen, finally stopped to inform us the store was not there and hadn't been since 1986!(The ATC needs to really update their maps!!!) She drove us to Newport where we drank soda and scarfed junk. Trying to get a ride to the Interchange or Blacksburg was rough. However, being out hiking with a gal has it's advantages as two contractors offered us a ride to Blacksburg. Hotel was too much money and finally while eating pizza we got a hold of Dell. Dell came and got us and we found that we had some mutual friends, so he cut us a great deal on the shuttle. It's late but we're finally at the Econolodge and it's a zero day tomorrow.
Date: 2006-06-13
From: Econolodge, Rte 81 Interchange

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

We decided that we are just going to start hiking from here tomorrow. I know we are missing some great sites, but the great thing about section hiking is that I am not skipping a section, rather I am leaving it to do another day. It was a great day bumming around, getting laundry done, and a great Mexican dinner with Margaritas!!! Spent the evening out by the pool with some thruhikers and they fawned over Megan, I guess they haven't had many females around. I actually found it kind of humorous, as I see her more like a buddy or little sister...but then again, I am married and notice no other women, other than my wife!!! Anyways, the plan is to get more food tomorrow and get out of here after lunch.
Date: 2006-06-14
From: Route 81 Interchange

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Got started around 1:30pm today, and it was a pretty good day as we are now hiking amongst some thru-hikers. Refreshed we made some good time. 5th day w/o smoking and I'm feeling pretty good. As usual we started dragging the last hour, but still made it in decent time. Nothing truly eventful in this short day. Wildlife seen: 1 turtle, 2 deer. Camping near the shelter with a buncha folks. Some here are: Mummy toes(we yellow blaze, and he is still ahead of us!!!), Milk Dud, Slippy?, Dogwood, and some others. 48 Leaves and Chunk camped down near the creek. Hope to make Jennings Creek tomorrow. A lady also informed us, no hotel at Glasgow. So Buena Vista or Montebello it is. Should finish a week from Friday. Looking forward to seeing my baby, again! G'Night
Date: 2006-06-15
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Jennings Creek/Campground
Miles today: 16.9

(Haven't updated recently due to being out of town visiting my folks, for some reason I am never in a hurry to update. God Damn I wanna get back out there, but won't be able to for awhile with football starting.)Well can we say ambition kills. We are not where the thruhikers are yet and that being said we pulled 16.9 miles by 4pm. Not Bad! Granted after hitting the Blue Ridge Parkway we made great time, but we stopped often for photo ops. (Yes, I am Blue Blazin' Hiker Trash!) Took lunch at Bearwallow Gap around 12:15 and saw 48 Leaves and Chunk come out of the forest. After a water re-up we got going around 1:15 and climbed up exposed hillside in the sun. Saw my first Copperhead on the trail as we climbed up/downs until finally hitting Jennings Creek around 4pm. We spent an hour swimming with some other hikers and then had a decision to make. I was for hiking on to the next shelter with a desire to get my first 20 mile day in over ten years under my belt...but Megan said she was done, and so it wasn't hard to talk me into heading for the Campground down the road where we could get some real food. Megan put one thumb out and we had our ride to the campground. Once there we had some decisions to make...Burgers or Corndogs!!! It was also decided while here that Megan has shown great ability to hitch and henceforth shall be known as "Magic Thumb". It was also decided that from here on out we're just gonna have some fun and so we will be skipping ahead to the James River, leaving us still 77.6 miles to hike. Still respectable and we won't die doing it. Anyways, getting picked up by Ken at 9am so it's time for bed!