morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-08-03
To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

After decades of donating blood to the Red Cross and to local blood centers, I decided it was about time I saw what it was like to receive some. Hence the stop at the Emergency Room of Fairfield Hospital in Great Barrington.Well, no, actually what happened was that last night my wife talked me into getting to the ER to have my fatigue and shortness of breath on any uphill portion of Trail checked out. As we all know, there are several uphill portions here on the AT. I had surmised it was mostly a dehydration and electrolyte issue. She thought it was something more. She won.It was very serious anemia. As in critically low hemoglobin requiring a blood transfusion and an overnight stay in the hospital. [Speaking of hospitals ... why isn't that one of the options to select from for my "Sleeping Location" here on Trailjournals.com?]And now there's the minor issue of having to get off the Trail and go all the way home in order to figure out the etiology of the anemia. I'll be back, of course, but don't know just when.Great hospital, by the way. I'd recommend it to anyone in the area.There follow six or seven weeks of visits to doctors at home for various tests in hopes of nailing down the actual cause of the anemia. Nothing is pegged as the absolute villain. It appears that taking daily iron pills will keep my hemoglobin and other numbers where they ought to be. But the testing period uses up the balance of my leave of absence at work.So I slowly come to peace with taking 300+ zero days in a row before getting back on the Trail in 2016 and finishing my walk to Maine.
Date: 2015-02-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So here it is...after several years of collecting and sampling gear, a number of hikes, short and long, throughout Missouri and a couple along the southern tip of the AT, I am jumping into the deep end.I have made my flight reservations to Atlanta, and my overnight and shuttle reservations with The Hiker Hostel...and come February 25th, I begin my thru hike!!!Still have lots of details around the house to address before leaving for nearly 6 months - its amazing all of the "stuff" to consider, plan for, and take care of, knowing you will be gone nearly two full seasons of the year!I am fortunate to have a loving wife who is supportive of my desire to do this hike. Although she doesn't understand my attraction to it, she is accepting of it (or at least moving in that direction!).Well, I need to go continue working on my pack weight and my mail drops...
Date: 2015-02-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've completed my hike plan (with little expectation of strick adherence), and compiled all but the last 3 of my mail drop "packages" (ran out of product, expecting delivery on Sunday - thank you Amazon!).Still sorting thru my gear, clothes, etc. Pack weight with all but water is still too high (30 lbs), so will continue evaluating needs versus wants. I know that most of the extra weight is due to heavier winter wear, as I am a bit concerned about the Smokies in mid March, but would still like to come in at 25lbs tops (even lower once I swap out the winter stuff).I read once that you can tell someone's fears by what they pack in excess...obviously, I am afraid that I will either starve, freeze, or run out of TP...Have a great day!
Date: 2015-02-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Most of the day was spent tackling several home projects on the list, trying to get everything done so I can relax with my family the last week before my hike. Replaced first of several screen windows on the back deck while also trying to wrap up a carpentry project.Plenty more to do on the list, so things will be crazy busy the next couple weeks! Oh well, nobody said it was going to be easy!
Date: 2015-02-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I've noticed on several other journals over the years that an explanation of "why" is typically included. I am impressed by several for their openness in describing very personal reasons for taking on this adventure. To all fellow hikers - class of 2015 and future - I wish you great success in reaching your goals, and hope you find what you are looking for in your hike!What is my "why"? Well, I would not classify this as something that I have dreamed of all my life, as it has surfaced only within the last several years. Nor is this trip meant to serve as a means of finding myself, or recovery from a failed relationship or career, or a penance for some wrong committed years ago...no, nothing so grand. Quite simply, hiking the Appalachian Trail has become something that I just want to do. I hate the fact that to accomplish this challenge I will be away from my wife and daughters, family and friends, for nearly 6 months - basically putting my "regular life" on hold while I go take a walk in the woods. But on the flip side, I am looking forward to the solitude of the walk, seeing something new (to me) around each corner, marveling at the views atop the mountains and the sights and smells throughout the forest, and at times even enjoying the company of strangers around the campfires at night. I know it will not all be so glorious, but its the complete adventure that I am looking forward to.Plus, belonging to the thru-hiker club will have great meaning for me - I may even end up with a tattoo to celebrate!There is a quote from Robert Louis Stevenson that says it well, and I've added it to my signature line:"It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air, that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit."Enjoy!
Date: 2015-02-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Guess "Gear" is always a good topic for discussion, as I will be using/relying on such for the next several months.I've collected a fairly good assortment of "things" these past several years; some good, some bad, and a few rather "ugly".Here's some of the basic gear I will be starting with on the hike (a.k.a., the "Good"):- Hennessey Hammock Explorer Deluxe. Love it. I have never been a big fan of sleeping on hard surfaces even with a sleeping pad, and found my hammock to be extremely comfortable. I had some challenges (rather, I was slightly challenged) in the beginning as I experimented with different methods of set-ups designed for speed and ease of set-up/take-down. The method I use now is super fast and strong.- Quilt and Underquilt by Hammock Gear. Very satisfied how they perform, and I keep very comfortable in my hammock, especially when I include a sheet of inexpensive heat reflective fabric purchased from Lowes hardware (it crinkles a bit, but really helps reflect body heat). I will be using a full sleeping bag (REI Radiant) and a sleeping pad through the Smokies, but will switch back to my hammock & quilts once I leave the park.- MSR Pocket Rocket. Small, lightweight, simple to use, and the flame is adjustable. I am also bringing a couple Esbit biscuits for backup.- ULA Catalyst. I've logged a couple hundred miles with this pack, and am very pleased with how it fits and carries. Downside is that it forces me to be smart in organizing and loading my gear...then again, that may also be an upside!I will work to add all of this and more to my Gear page, and tally up my final weight. My goal is under 30 lbs with food and water, but that may not happen until after the weather warms up...Getting anxious...less than 2 weeks!!!Enjoy!
Date: 2015-02-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

I am focusing today on my mail drops. I plan on supplying only about a third of my trip via these mail drops, the rest will be purchased in towns along the way. This way I can experience a greater variety of dehydrated delicacies...and who knows what else I may find!I also received some good news this morning. On a hike last October, I met a father/son team (Greg and Luke) hiking the same section of the trail. We hiked together for a couple of weeks, until they had to leave to return home. Great people, and the good news - Greg is planning to hike with me out of Damascus for a week! Really looking forward to his company.And on another note...thanks to all of you that have signed my guest book - your kind words of encouragement are greatly appreciated!Less than 2 weeks to go...its a wonder I can concentrate on anything right now :-)Enjoy!
Date: 2015-02-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Freezing temps in the Midwest, with significant snowfall expected in the St. Louis area. As I stay warm and comfortable in my house, I worry about those currently on the trail. Hope everyone is safe and staying warm!Hard to believe how close I am to starting my adventure. Will be visiting family and friends in northern IL early this week (my hometown), wrapping up the items on my to-do list, and then enjoy time with my wife and daughters before my departure. Nervous, anxious, excited...but mostly, ready. See you on the trail!Enjoy!
Date: 2015-02-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am updating the Mail Drops section of this journal today. The majority of my drops are prior to Damascus. These stops are primarily about food, however a couple are planned gear and clothing swaps. I hope that by Damascus I will no longer need winter clothing (if that proves to be incorrect, I will be spending money at the local outriggers!).It appears that the weather continues to be a concern (pain, issue...fill in the blank here) for those currently on the trail. Hoping you all are safe and keeping warm!My adventure starts on the 25th. Excited to get going!Enjoy!
Date: 2015-02-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

My wife and I are enjoying dinner tonight with close friends at one of our favorite restaurants in St. Louis (Soulards). Saturday night will be dinner out with our two beautiful daughters and son-in-law. Unreal how close it is to my start. Watching the weather closely, but committed to the 25th. I think I have repacked at least a hundred times, going over every piece to determine if needed so as to get the weight down. Looking forward to meeting all of the hikers who will also be at the Hikers Hostel next Tuesday as well as those I will meet on the trail!Enjoy!
Date: 2015-02-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My last "prep" entry, for tomorrow I hit the trail!Rather uneventful flight to Atlanta and MARTA ride. Derrick from The Hiker Hostel met me at the rail station, and we had a great conversation during the drive to the hostel. He has hiked both the AT and the PCT so I listened closely to his advice!The hostel filled by the end of the day. I met Voltron, Silverback and Mingo, whose journals I have been following, and several others staying here tonight.Breakfast early in the morning, then on to Springer Mt!Will be looking at a short day hiking, as another snowstorm expected to hit by tomorrow afternoon. Should be waking up to a beautiful snow-filled landscape come Thursday morning!Enjoy!
Date: 2015-02-25
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

A big thank you to our hosts at the Hiker Hostel - Josh & Leigh, Derrick & Shannon (I hope I spelled names correctly!). Great folks who really know how to take care of their guests!After a big breakfast at the hostel, we set out on our way to the trail. A group of us were dropped of at Big Stamp Gap - Voltron, Mingo, Holcomb, Amy, Rebecca and me. After a quick walk south up Springer, we reached the summit, signed the register, took pictures, then started our epic journey! Relatively easy hike, and we moved quickly to make Hawk before the forecasted snowfall started. About 2 miles from the shelter, one of our hiking partners took seriously ill, and Rebecca and I stayed with him until EMS arrived. Another thanks to Leigh at Hiker Hostel for facilitating the call to EMS! By then, the snow was really falling, and Rebecca and I pushed to the shelter quickly. Set up my hammock, cooked a quick dinner, then hit the hay. A bit noisy of a night with the snow, then skeet, then back to snow hitting my tarp. But sleep I did!
Date: 2015-02-26
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Justus Creek Campgrounds
Miles today: 6.3

Woke to a beautiful scenery of several inches of the white stuff. It was a cold morning, so took extra time warming up with a cup of coffee while slowly breaking down camp. I believe it was shortly after 9 by the time our band of hikers (Voltron, Amy, Rebecca, Holcomb and I) sporadically headed out. The snow was thick and heavy, and the trail extremely slippery with patches of ice underneath. My goal was Gooch Mt shelter, but I was just cold and wet enough by the time we hit Justus Creek that I decided to make camp at the campgrounds just north. It was a good decision for me, and it felt good to get out of the wet clothes and into my hammock/sleeping bag. Early night for me, looking forward to catching up with the gang in the morning.
Date: 2015-02-27
From: Justus Creek Campgrounds

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: broken clouds

A good nights sleep, but a cold morning to start the day. Took longer than I'd like to break camp, and my frozen boots and cold, wet socks did not a happy hiker make. Headed out around 9am, following the footsteps in the snow (and the white blazes on the trees, just in case!).Stopped in at Gooch Mt. Shelter with the intention of a quick coffee and snack break. Was surprised to find Rebecca still at the shelter (all others in our group had left hours earlier). She was still trying to dry out and warm up her feet. We managed to get a small fire started, warmed up a bit, then both got back on the trail by noon.A great weather day, especially with the sun out most of the afternoon (reminder - I need to buy sunblock!). The snow became very wet, like walking thru a slushie...making my boots even heavier. A short day, but very tiring. Decided that I would get off trail for a day to warm up and dry out, make some changes to my gear choices, and let the snow melt a bit more.Will be shuttled back to Woody Gap on Sunday morning to continue my adventure!
Date: 2015-02-28
From: Dahlonega

To: Dahlonega
Miles today: 0.0

I know, I know...rest comes on the seventh day, not the fourth. But I had the need to dry out and warm up some very cold feet! Not to mention that the 3rd season of House of Cards was just released...I took today as a zero, did my laundry, small resupply (I ate all my snacks watching TV!), and most importantly picked up some bags to keep my feet dry these next days (thanks, Voltron, for the tip!).Will be shuttled back to Woody Gap in the morning to start again on my journey. I received a great fortune in the cookie with my Chinese meal tonight (see picture), so am excited to get back to the trail!Shout out to my sister and her two wonderful children (Julie, Courtney and Adam) for their love and support, to my sister-in-law Terri and her husband Tom for all of their encouragement and help, to my good friend Patricia (I love your shirts! :-) ), and especially to my wonderful wife, Diane, well, for everything. And thanks to all who have signed my guestbook - your words are greatly appreciated!
Date: 2015-03-01
From: Woody Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 10.9

A great day today! I was dropped off at Woody Gap and was on the trail by 9am. There was a light mist in the air, the temp was probably in the 40's, and I was facing Blood Mountain as my biggest challenge. I felt refreshed after taking the day off yesterday, and pushed on to the summit, a distance of nearly 9 miles covered by 2pm. A great workout for me, uphill thru snow, slush and ice.Coming down from the mountain was a different story. Several of the white blazes on top were still hidden under snow, making it tricky to find the right path down. But the biggest pain was the snow and ice on the trail - there was a great deal of slippin and a slidinnn...I made it to the hostel by 4pm. Checked in, did my evening chores, and am now ready for a good night's sleep!
Date: 2015-03-02
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

The day started out cold and windy, and stayed that way thru most of the hike. A good amount of ice and snow on the trail was cause for many an awkward dance step in order to remain upright during the morning half of the walk. Fortunately, the temp stayed above freezing and most was melted by lunch. Add to the melt a pretty steady mist all morning and you get a trail with the consistency of chocolate pudding. And back to the awkward dance steps... But the temps are climbing!The hike today included several good climbs - Levelland Mt., Cowrick Mt., and Wildcat Mt. I'm still trying to keep the daily mileage down these first several days...and thank goodness for that, cause I was beat by the time I got to the shelter.There was a strange occurrance late in the afternoon. The clouds cleared slightly, and over the horizon appeared this orange ball of light. The hikers were at first skittish, fearful of this foreign ball of brilliant light, but soon recognized the light as good, and basked in the warmth of it's beams. Alas, the rejoicing was shortlived, as the object quickly disappeared behind the mountain. Other than that, fairly typical end of day - set up hammock, fetch water, cook/eat, then on to bed.
Date: 2015-03-03
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: light snow

Another great day!It had rained overnight, nothing too severe but enough to highlight another of what I am sure will be many "learning opportunities" - don't hang your hammock over a patch of mud...very difficult to get boots on while sitting in a hammock, without slopping mud all over yourself. A chilly morning perfect for hiking, so I quickly packed up while enjoying a freshly brewed cup of instant coffee made with the finest of filtered creek water. Despite my best effort, seems I cannot get packed and on the trail before 8:30am...maybe when it warms up a bit more I can get myself moving faster.The hike for the day included a steady but gradual incline for about seven miles, then a steep walk up Blue Mountain. The weather was damp and chilly, so I took a break at the shelter to enjoy lunch and a hot cup of coffee. Cheese spread on a soft flour tortilla and a Snickers bar for dessert. Just the fuel I needed to get me thru the rest of the day!The next leg of the hike was a fairly steep mile and a half decent over an incredibly rocky terrain (slabs of rocks, jutting out at all angles). A carefree approach would have been to quickly hop from rock to rock, like a beachball bouncing from fan to fan in a crowded stadium. So yeah, I carefully and strategically placed each step so as to not take a fall. A beachball I am not!*** Greg - no hornets this time...guess they were smart enough to stay out of the cold and wet!As I reached Unicoi Gap, decided to end my day and catch a shuttle to the Top of Georgia hostel for the night. Hoping for a dry day tomorrow!And thanks, everyone, for taking the time to read this journal and signing my guest book. Greatly appreciate all the words of encouragement, the prayers and best wishes. Long journey ahead, hope you enjoy riding along with me.And thanks, Rick, for remembering...I know how tough that is for you these days! (Ha!) But seriously, appreciate your note!
Date: 2015-03-04
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

Yet another great day!Today was a day of firsts for me - my first slackpack, my first 16+ miler (16.7 to be more exact, even more if you count the hikes offtrail to fetch water and visit the shelters), and it was the first time I actually caught up to a group with whom I had previously hiked!There are a number of hikers out here who are putting in incredible miles each day through some tough territory. There are also several early starters who are accomplishing this while trekking thru ice and snow in the Smokies. While I hope to reach that capability within the next several weeks, my limit is currently in the 10 - 12 mile range. But today I blasted past that limit.For my friends and family not familiar with all the hiking terms yet, slackpacking is a method of hiking whereby someone drops you off at a starting point and picks you up at a predetermined destination, and that someone holds your pack and gear for you. Typically you carry only food, water, and possibly a few other items depending on conditions (I also carried my water filter and my rain poncho). With the lighter load you can usually cover more miles. The Top of Georgia hostel provided the slackpack opportunity.Well, it sure sounded easy - just a walk in the woods, without a 35lb pack on my back. And it definitely was a great walk, especially the first 10 miles. But even without a pack my feet were responsible for transporting a 240lb payload (maybe a few pounds less by now), and they were wearing out. There were several really great climbs made much easier without the pack, but I was very thankful when I could hear the sound of traffic at the gap, signaling that the end of my hike was near!The weather today was good, warm and for the most part dry. Sky was overcast and threatened to rain but never really did. Is Spring finally here?Every now and them something happens that really reinforces my interpretation of the quote I chose as my "signature" to end each journal entry. Today, as I hit the summit of Tray Mountain, the cloudy skies gave way, ever so slightly, to provide a view of the valley below. And for one brief moment the wind stopped howling and it became perfectly still, eerily quiet, as if time stood still while I took in the enormity of the mountains I am climbing and the beauty of the lands around.That is the "subtle something" that makes this journey exciting for me.
Date: 2015-03-05
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Rested today at the Top of Georgia hostel. Great people, the place is nearly brand new (they celebrated 1 year on March 1!). Highly recommend staying here.Will be hitting the trail early tomorrow morning...not certain yet of my final destination other than "further north". My plan is to push forward to the NOC before another off trail break, and the weather forecast is promising.I will update again the next time I have internet access!
Date: 2015-03-06
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muscrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Another great day!After a good rest at the Top of Georgia hostel, and hugs and best wishes from a very thoughtful and caring staff, I returned once again to the trail.The day started out pretty much the same as always... Cold and gray. Except, this morning was exceptionally cold, and the frost on the trees was so thick (how thick was it?), it was as if I had walked into Narnia and the witch had cast her spell all around. I had never before seen frost so thick and covering that much territory - a fellow hiker describe it ad if we were walking thru a freezer.Today's hike included several decent and steep climbs, totaling nearly 12 miles. This cold weather, plus the weight of all the winter clothing and gear, is definitely a drag. But warmer days are coming! Did I mention we crossed into North Carolina? One state down!