morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-03-01
From: Franklin NC

To: wayah bald shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Well rested and well fed the trail coming out of Franklin was fairly easy. The lack of snow and the easy grade made for a quick start. We made it to the first shelter which I believe was 4 or 5 miles in under 2 hours. We all stopped for lunch then headed onto out final destination, ways bald shelter. Almost immediatly after leaving the first shelter the snow drifts became pretty deep. I had snow up to my thighs and it took over 3 hours do to the last three miles...I can't wait for my snowshoes which will hopefully be at fontana dam when I arrive. After a very slow second half of the day we got to the shelter which was pretty nice. The temperature dropped pretty quick and so we cooked dinner ans jumped in out sleeping bags. the temp only dropped to about 20 which has been pretty warm compared to what I have been experiencing. Condensation again formed on my bag I need to figure out a way to address that. I think I will try sleeping in less clothing. Overall the trip has been great. The snow has been frustrating a deep. The cold never let's up and is always there. Its easy to see why so many people that start this early drop out. Today was the first day I even considered going home but topping wayah bald and seeing the amazing view those thoughts quickly left my head. I constantly find me reminding myself that I am living a dream the hundreds if not thousands of people only wished they could do. I've made it this far and as long as my gear holds up and I don't get hurt I truly believe that finishing the trail is well within my limits. As mentioned earleir I have my snowshoes coming to fontana dam. I had to order them from a company out of California. I hope that they will make the miles slightly easier. The snow in the smoky mtns will push me and my gear to the limits. There is a groupf of four of us going thru the smokies whish will help keep all of us safe. Well I've got a big day tommorow, 17 miles, going into NOC so I'm gonna get to bed.Hope everyone has enjoyed reading...until next time.
Date: 2010-03-09
From: wayah bald shelter

To: gatlinburg tn
Miles today: 81.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello everyone, sorry for not updating my journal in a while but hiking is consuming all my time. So I'm going to write one long entry as opposed to several smaller ones. As I mentioned in my last past I did 16.2 miles into the NOC where we spent the night. We all woke up the next morning and the snow was falling. Coming out of the NOC there is a 7 miles uphill climb. On a normal day, in normal conditions that would take about three hours...however that was not an ordinary day. It ended up taking 6.5 hours to do 7 miles. We reached the shelter at dark, ate, and hit the sack. And so it goes...heading into Fontana Dam the conditions stayed the same. Will and I took a Zero day at Fontana Dam then hit the smokies! The first day going up to Mollys Rudge shelter wasn't too bad. There was 4000 feet elevation change but it was very gradual. I ran out of water around 12:30 ans some how I managed to skip the next two water sources which made the next four hours pretty tough! The shelters in the smokies are pretty nice. They used to have chain link fence on the open side to keep bears out...then hikers found out that you can actually hand feed the bears THROUGH the chain link. Needless to say the chainlin has been removed!!! After leaving Mollys ridge the going really got tough. The snow was the worst I've seen yet but that was to be expected as the smokies are the highest elevations on the trail. Yesterday we hiked for 11.5 hours and completed 18 miles. Got a ride into Gatlinburg TN where we will take a zero. If all goes well we will be in Hot Spring NC is 5 days. Thank you again for all the comments on my guest book. I hope everyone is doing well, talk to you later...
Date: 2010-04-01
From: gatlinburg tn

To: damascus va
Miles today: 263.0
Weather: few clouds

Well just in case anybody was wondering...yes im alive! The past couple hundred miles have been nothing short of amazing. Coming out of Gatlinburg TN the snow was the worst i have seen yet. The snow was so deep i only managed to get five miles in one day. I had made up my mind that i would go home and let some of the snow melt so i stopped the day short and curled up in my sleeping bag. I woke up the next day and hikes another 4 miles in waist to chest deep snow when all of the sudden i saw the actual trail. The snow on the southern side of the mtn had melted and finially i was actually able to walk instead of turdge throught the snow. I did 18 miles that say and put the smokies in the rearview mirror!Since then the trail has been wonderful we are starting to do longer days, out longest being 24 miles. the weather is getting better, and all in all i am a very happy camper. My spirits are great and im am looking forward to what lies ahead. Im sorry i havnt been updating but hiking 20 mile days doesnt leave much time for journaling...Hopefully i will be able to catch up with everyone and fill them in even if its one person at a time. I hope everyone is doing well and in good health until next time adios!
Date: 2010-02-01
To: Spring, Texas
Miles today: 0.0

Here we go! Joining the class of 2010 hiking the AT Appalachian Trail. Will be flying into Atlanta on April 6th and getting picked up from the North Springs MARTA Station by the Hiker Hostel who will shuttle me to the trail on April 7th. Thanks to NedtheFed AT hiker in 2005 and 2009 for his time in going over what to expect on the trail...and a detailed overview on equipment, clothing, etc. His main emphasis was pack light!!! Still in the process of getting all of my gear together...it is now crunch time with a little over 2 months to go. Planning to do a Prep journal entry at least every week leading up to the start of the hike. While on the trail I am looking at two ways to update the journal. My wife got me a Droid for X-Mas. It is a great piece of technology...phone, camera, video recorder, web browser etc. (For those who know me I've have been using a basic cell phone for years...it made calls and that was it.) So I may update my journal on the trail...the only drawback is the keyboard...tough to type more than a few sentences. I may end up doing it the old fashion way...pen and paper then update the journal when I get into a town. We'll see how it goes.
Date: 2010-02-01
To: Spring, Texas
Miles today: 0.0

Right now I am working on getting into decent shape before starting the hike. Some people hit the trail without doing much prep work in advance and do fine... others say being in shape at the start increases your chances of completing the thru-hike. Right now I'm in that camp...we'll seeing if it helps. Running has been a habit for me for over 20 years...5 days a week running at least 3 miles a day. Lately my left knee has been giving me trouble...guess 20 years of running on concrete will do it. Our family doctor (knows I am hiking the AT...he is an avid hiker too) was talking to my wife on her last visit said I should put my running on hold for now...until after my hike. While it is hard to do...the running shoes will be getting a 7 month break. Right now walking 8 miles a day will have to do. Planning on increasing that weekly getting up to 15 miles at least 5 days a week...including pack. Also plan to start climbing the local school bleachers...since there are not any hills here in Spring, Texas (just north of Houston) Thank you for following along on my journey. Please sign my guest book!
Date: 2010-02-01
To: Spring, Texas
Miles today: 0.0

After reading many trail journals...and discussing with NedtheFed...planning to go stoveless. The only thing I will miss is hot morning coffee...my mom used to drink ice coffee...so air temperature instant coffee couldn't be that bad...right? We'll see. Also not planning on doing any mail drops. Mail drops are when you prepackage your supplies and have them shipped to certain points along the trail. Plan on just making do with stops at towns along the way. For me it is just one less thing to have to deal with...I'm big into the KISS method...hopefully I do not have any regrets on the trail. My goal is to keep my pack weight below 35lbs including 5 day food supply. Also plan to tent vs. using the shelters...but this could change as the hike goes forward.
Date: 2010-02-09
To: Spring, Texas
Miles today: 0.0

Less than two months to go. I continue to get my gear together...goal is to have a pack including food and water below 30lbs...it will be challenging. I will post my gear info for those interested before I head out for my hike. Continuing to try out different things for my feet. I tried the Dr. Scholl's Custom Fit inserts...you know the ones they advertise on TV...where you go to the store and stand on a machine. My left foot inset works terrific. Not so lucky on my right one! I may try out the Super Feet product. Also trying out Body Glide liquified powder...this has worked great so far...no blisters after walking 2 1/2 hours without a break. I will continue to experiment to get the right combination. I think I got my wanderlust genes from my Grandfather Rollins. He put together a journey across country in 1929 with my grandmother, great grandmother, and two great aunts. They made a trek from Jersey City, New Jersey to Los Angeles, California in July 1929 staying in camps along the way (they were like little cabins). They all drove together in a 1920 something Buick...luggage and all. My grandfather kept a journal of their trip which took nearly 20 days. While they stopped for a few hours each day to do some sight seeing most of their days were filled driving and looking out the window! The roads then were primarily dirt and gravel. One excert from the journal "rain is coming down heavy and the road is terrible the car is just skidding and sliding all over the road. Holding the speed down to eight miles per hour. Up ahead cars are having difficulty getting up the hill most sinking deep into the mud." This road sounds a lot like what people have described the AT after a rain storm. My grandfather's journal also made me think of the many journals I have read on this website. Every day he talked about what they ate...and discussed what the food plans were for the next day. Also their evenings were very simple...sitting on a porch or bench reminiscing about the past day. I am looking forward to these simple times on the trail.
Date: 2010-02-24
To: Spring, Texas
Miles today: 0.0

Forty-two days to go! I now have most of my gear...need to start practicing with it...for instance my water purifier. I am using the MIOX Water Purifier. It is currently being used by our soldiers in the middle east and is supposed to kill everything in the water. Here is a link that has a video of how it works http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpGDQkC81gw. Also need to be able to set up the tent in the dark...and in the rain. Plus have my packing system down. Bottom line I do not want to be fumbling around out on the trail.Went for a 10 mile hike yesterday in a cold rain. Got to try out my new rain coat. It is a Lowe Alpine rain jacket...a Gore_Tex product. It worked well during my 2 1/2 hour walk...high and dry. Hopefully this will be the case on the trail. The walk reminded me of how invigorating being in the elements can be. I have been going fishing in Northern Canada for the past 30 years with my college fraternity brothers. I always enjoyed the cold rainy days being in a boat fishing...then returning to camp...motoring across the lake with the cold rain peppering my face and hands...sure makes you feel ALIVE! Feet update...I am sold on the Body Glide product...it eliminates any friction which causes blisters. I rub a little between my toes and the balls of my feet. Then have been using duct tape (has a million uses) on my heals (tried body glide but my heals slipped too much. Using a sock liner with one pair of heavy Smart Wool socks. Plan on getting the super feet insoles this week to see how it works.   I have had a lot of people say...are you afraid of the bears? From what I have learned from other peoples journals...they are out there on the trail but they are just as afraid of you as you are to them. Only occasionally will you have a bear come into camp looking for food. As long as you do not have any food in your tent you will be OK...just need to hang your food bag every night in bear country. A good friend emailed me his experience on the trail...it is hilarious...I have had to edit to keep this journal at a PG level. "A word of warning, watch out for the bears Rollie. Dave and I spent a couple days camping in the Smokies. We fell asleep leaving our food out. About 2:00 AM we woke up with a family of bears raising all sorts of hell outside our tent. Luckly my feet smelled so bad the bears left our tent alone. One bear did push the side of our tent in with his nose until he smelled my feet or maybe it was the c#@p in our underwear. Any way, watch out for the bears and never wash your feet."Thanks for following along!Rollie
Date: 2010-03-02
To: Spring, Texas
Miles today: 0.0

Next month...can't believe I can finally say that after planning this journey for the past 10 years+!Recently my only uncle's health condition has gone downhill. He now appears to be in the last stages of Parkinson's disease. My sisters,brother and I are his only family...we all live 1000 miles+ from him which makes it difficult to manage his care. Fortunately he has a lot of very good friends...people I will always be grateful too! I have been going up to see him more frequently lately trying to get his final care situation taken care of...before I hit the trail. He is only 74 years old. Both of my parents died very young...my Mom at 58...my Dad at 64. They were just beginning to really enjoy life...after raising 4 kids...sacrificing to give us the best. I think that is the main reason at 40...I decided along with my wife...to retire early at 55. The old saying "life is too short" really resonated with me. I have been working on a "bucket list" for several years and now have the time to start checking things off. The Appalachian Trail is a biggie on it!Just was online getting some final gear odds and ends. Most of my stuff is packed away in a closet...I now need to get going on pulling everything together...it is now crunch time!
Date: 2010-03-25
To: Spring, Texas
Miles today: 0.0

You know how things are when you are planning a big vacation and it seems like a lot of things just keep popping up making it seem like you will never be ready to go...that has been me lately. I have been back and forth to New Jersey taking care of my Uncle who was in then out then in then out of the hospital. The doctors were wanting to put in a feeding tube because he was not swallowing...this was not what he wanted. So we brought him home...and lo and behold he is eating just fine...he just does not do well in a hospital! In the meantime there was a big storm in the area which knocked out power which caused my uncle's basement sump pump to stop working...thus the basement flooded (18 inches)damaging the heater, washer and dryer...plus whatever was laying around. The insurance company says there is no coverage for water backup. Oh well it could have been worse. Had a great past weekend...a reunion with my college (Miami University in Oxford, Ohio) fraternity brothers. I had not seen many of them for 30 years...within 5 minutes it seemed like old times. The weather was terrific allowing us to play some golf. It was a memorable golf outing...my first eagle on a par 4...I like to play golf but am only average...as evidenced by my 9 on the previous hole. As you can see from the picture I am packed and ready to go...well almost...I need to pick up a few more things...like earplugs (in case I sleep in a shelter with a heavy snorer), a lightweight camera plus a few food items.NedtheFed (check out his 2005 and 2009 trailjournals...they are terrific) spent the afternoon with me yesterday going over all of my gear. I was able to shave off a couple of pounds of weight with his suggestions...I figure my final pack weight with water and 5 day food supply will be right at about 30lbs. He also provided me with notes on first aid, foot care, and what to put in my bounce box. A bounce box is loaded with supplies like TP, medications, vitamins, batteries etc. The plan is to continue to mail it ahead of you in order to resupply your pack. In talking to Ned you can tell he has a great appreciation and respect for the trail. Thanks again Ned for all of your help!!!Less than 2 weeks to go!
Date: 2010-03-28
To: Spring, Texas
Miles today: 0.0

My son, Eric, will be my transcriber for my trail journal entries. The plan is to email via my Droid daily along with camera phone pictures. I will also use my digital camera and will email those pics to Eric when I get to a town.Here are some AT facts:...In 2009 1425 hikers started from Springer Mountain Georgia - 365 finished the trail at Mt. Katahdin Maine hiking 2,176 miles...The trail was constructed in 1936...In 1948, Earl V. Shaffer became the first to report a thru-hike. He also completed the trail in 1965 and at age 79 in 2004...Grandma Gatewood thru-hiked in 1955 at age 67, and did it again at age 69...More than 9000 people have hiked the entire trail....A thru-hike takes about 5 million steps...The highest point is Clingsmans Dome in Tennesse...The trail crosses 14 statesSince I began training for my hike a few months ago I have lost about 13 lbs. I will need to eat heavily on the trail to avoid looking like a scarecrow when I finish. Rollie the Rookie AT Hiker
Date: 2010-04-01
To: Spring, Texas
Miles today: 0.0

In less than a week I will be hitting the trail. I got my last minute supplies and gear today. Tweezers, a smaller bottle of hand sanitizer (reduced my weight by an ounce), Johnson & Johnson Tough pads in case blisters develop and my food. Here is my menu for the first 4-5 days...Flour and Corn tortillas which will be served with either peanut butter or pepperoni and processed cheese, a large bag of gorp, almond flavored granola bars, and everyone's favorite beef jerky. YUM! Everyone says you do not have much of an appetite for the first few weeks...my wife would be shocked if this occurs...she says I am constantly eating (it's more like frequently). I plan to mix up the menu when I resupply. I am reserving cooked meals for when I get to towns, saving me some pack weight. I weighted my pack today...with food and water I am at about 32lbs. Planning to go through all of my gear again this weekend to see if I can shave any more weight.   Yesterday NedtheFed spent some time with me going over what to expect on the trail. It has been great to have him as a sounding board. He completed all but about 60 miles of the trail last year...a knee injury prevented him from finishing. He plans to finish those last miles in the summer. Good luck Ned and thanks again for all the help you have been!
Date: 2010-04-05
To: Spring, Texas
Miles today: 0.0

Getting ready for the trip ahead......Tomorrow I fly to Atlanta to begin my adventure. I just confirmed with the Hiker Hostel that I will be arriving at 12:30PM...they will pick me up at the North Springs MARTA Station about 40 miles north of the Atlanta airport.Last walk with my dog Daisy......While I am very excited about starting my trek I know tomorrow will be a very difficult day emotionally. My old job used to have me on the road most weeks...and home on the weekends...but I haven't been away from my wife and boys for this length of time. I love you Glenda, Alan, Danny and Eric...you will be in my thoughts everyday!My next post will be from the Hiker Hostel!...Signing off for now from Spring, Texas.
Date: 2010-04-06
To: At the Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Arrived at the airport @ 8:30am. Checked my backpack...the ticket agent was good about making sure no loose straps...keeping my fingers crossed it arrives in good condition. Small world...met a former co-worker who is flying to Atlanta on business. He hiked 15 miles of the trail a few years ago. He said it was tough..."they don't believe in switchbacks". It was a nice start of the trip.Arrived in Atlanta on schedule. Took the Marta train to the North Springs station. There I met Rich, Mike, Todd, Mike and Matt. All of us are recent retirees except for Matt who is in his early twenties. Rich thru-hiked in1976 his trailname is Ohibro. We picked up one other hiker eroute...he thru-hiked in 2005 and his tralname is Nimblefoot. The drive to the hostel took about an hour and a half. The Hiker Hostel is run by a couple Josh and Leigh...a terrific place and nice people.We order Chinese and Pizza for dinner...some are going into town for a subway sandwitch and pick up a few beers for us. There are about 12 people staying at the hostel. Everyone is anxious to get started in the morning...it should be a sunny warm day to start the hike. The Hostel
Date: 2010-04-07
From: Springer Mt

To: Justice Creek
Miles today: 13.8

Arrived at Hawk Shelter at 2:15 took a break and picked up water. Met Brain, Red Cross, Nimble Foot and a couple of guys from Florida. Came to a halt at Justice Creek at about 5:15. 14.7 total miles if you include going up to Springer to start. The trail was tough after Hawk Shelter, there were several big climbs.Setting up camp was an effort...I was really worn out. Got some water, ate a pepporoni tortialla and hung my bear bag. Camping next to me is a deaf couple.Springer Mt. Plaque 2
Date: 2010-04-08
From: Justice Creek

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: light rain

I am sitting on the front porch of the To Wheels Only campgrounds. It is pouring rain. I started at Justice Creek and walked 6.3 miles to Woody Gap. The next campsite was another 5.6 mile of tough hiking ahead. I am very tired so I made A management decision to walk via a road 2 miles off the trail to Two Wheels Only. I thin k I made the right call.Two more hikers showed up, Stacey and Christina. On 4-01 Stacey drank too much water and got hyponatremia and was helicoptered off the trail. She and Christina just got back on today and got caught in the rain too after walking 3 miles. They both plan to hike to Maine.Stacy and ChristinaIt is 4:30pm the rain has stopped. Going to set up my tent, have an adult beverage and a chicken taco, then hit the sack.
Date: 2010-04-09
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Had hot coffee this morning ahhh! Eating breakfast at the Two. The plan today is to go to Neels Gap a little over 10 miles today. The day should be nice...blue sky, breezy and cool temps.Made it to. Neels Gap. at about 3:15. Had a fantastic day. When I was breaking camp this morning I felt tired but after 3 cups of coffee, 3 glasses of water,3 scrambled eggs with tomatos, sausage,and onions...topped with a homemade biscuit I felt like a new man.Brad Anderson who was camping at the camp with his dad and friends was kind enough to drive Stacy, Christina, and me 2 miles back to the trail. Thanks Brad! We got to the trail @ 9:15. I soon was ahead of Stacy and Christina. A few miles down the trail I met Bobby a young college student majoring in biology...he is getting credit for documenting his journey. He orinally started in early Feb, but slipped on some ice and injured his knee. This was his first day back.The highlight of the day was Blood Mt. It is the highest mountain in Georgia at 4450 ft. The views were spectacular...pictures just don't do it justice.I am now in a $35 per night room at Goose Creek Cabins...no TV but a hot shower, laundry service plus they will shuttle me into town for resupplying and dinner. So far I am the only hiker here... most are staying at a nearby hostel...I need a private room...my ear plugs have not worked...and I can't handle the snoring!View from Blood Mt.