morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-10-06
To: Just a little down, and confused
Miles today: 0.0

I've spent the last couple of nights trying to tune what I am packing and the weight. I keep coming up with between 38 and 41 lbs total for everything. Food and water included. I know I will be starting first of March, and the potential for really cold weather is a reality and more likely the norm. So I am starting with a heavier sleeping bag, and a few heavier items like thermals and a fleece jacket. I have taken into account the laying system for clothes. The weights I am coming up with are still shy of 1/4 my body weight. Is it normal for more colder weather to have a bit higher pack weight? It's not totally uncomfortable, and seems to be doable but I'm not kidding myself, lugging that for a few months might get old quickly. Well I'll keep trying to find ways to shave a few pounds out of it somehow.
Date: 2014-10-07
To: a HUGE thank you to family
Miles today: 0.0

I can't begin to express how much it means to have support in "home base". Everyone within immediate family, and extended, has been supportive and expressive. (<----that is another topic altogether) But for the most part very positive. I wish I had a way to highlight the efforts my tireless wife has supported this undertaking, along with my adult daughter. Both had concerns, but I did my best to minimize them,(the concerns) and have them involved in the process. Well...back to what Trail Pilgrim admonished...I'm trimming my pack
Date: 2014-10-10
To: ...a worthy cause
Miles today: 0.0

Attended the 2014 ATC fund driver kickoff in DC last night. Incredible evening with a tireless group of volunteers and leaders. The guest speaker was Guy Gardner "AstroGuy", 2014 thru hiker, who just completed his hike 9 days ago. I am so energized by the impact that these volunteers leave us with. Well, I sincerely hope that everyone's prep plans are on course. The start time for me is rapidly approaching and my 'must do' list around the house still needs attention. So I will post more later. See everyone out there on the trail.
Date: 2014-10-10
To: the 'Why', and other reporting questions
Miles today: 0.0

Who, what, where, how....why?When asked these questions, I really never have a satisfactory answer. Not for the person asking, or even for myself many times. I will understand the "why' part for me, after I can explain the "how". I can't do that until I discover, experience, taste, curse, embrace, enjoy, cry, laugh and share the "what", "who", and "where". Either way, I will know more after than before.
Date: 2014-10-11
To: looking for CDMA phone
Miles today: 0.0

it was a bit of a let down to realize my T-Mobile smart phone is basically worthless along the trail. So will be shopping for a pre-paid, contract-less CDMA phone before I start. I've read from many other's that Verizon has the best access along the trail. Plan on having a calling card info with me as well.
Date: 2014-10-14
To: Drop boxes ready
Miles today: 0.0

Think I have my tentative schedule planned out (could and most likely will change based on mileage and where I end up), but all is packed and ready. The first few I know are for sure, beyond that, they will be sent out as I need and where I want them after notifying. Still taking care of last minute home items and getting in loop hikes around here in Prince William Forest. They have about 34 miles of loop trails and some great hills. I go out to Sugar Loaf Mountain also for the tougher hill climbs as well.
Date: 2014-10-15
To: In The Zone...winter wait
Miles today: 0.0

Hello all, hope everyone is doing well and finalizing the preps for those starting in early March. There's not much more I can do prep wise until end of Feb '15 gets here. Anxious to start as I know everyone is. Have made a few minor gear changes to reduce weight. Changed out my water filter for what seems to be the hot ticket and very functional Sawyer Squeeze. Change out the hard Nalgene bottle for the Platypus collapsible/rollup one. Replaced the MSR dromedary bag, for the Osprey hydration bag. Fits pack better, and is much more compact, lighter. Pared down my late winter clothing and it's now at 3.4lbs. I am happy at finally reaching 34 lbs with gear/food/water. I can live with that.I will be taking Amtrak from Union Station here in D.C. on Feb 28. Wife is accompanying me to the station early for the farewell. Boarding time is 6:30PM. 13 hours later, I arrive in Atlanta, GA. Somewhere around 8:30 or 9AM, I meet my sister and she is taking me up to Amicalola Falls Lodge where I have a cabin rented for the night. Hopefully my brother will be with us. Plan on doing the approach trail. I know it's not the start, but just want to include it. How is everyone else that is NOBO starting out? Getting to start trail? Just curious
Date: 2014-10-17
To: First of March Start...
Miles today: 0.0

Just wondering what to expect weather wise...I know it will be cold. But how much precipitation, etc.   I just don't know. Have been reviewing past few years of other hikers that had same start date, and as I expect yes, lots of cold nights and even frozen days. Or is that daze? I keep going over my contents of my gear, expecting something to change...lol, but it is what it is. Plan on making adjustments as I go. I read an incredible journal today that just totally enlightened me on so many levels. From WAG, very impressive. I am enjoying everyone's posts and getting to know a little about each, adds to the excitement. Hope to meet you all!!!
Date: 2014-10-17
To: Small change adds UP
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We all have our ways to save, squirrel away, put aside...etc. I have always been a type that drops my day's end change into a jar...over the course of a year...you'd be amazed at how much "change" that chunk turns into.Since the last quarter of 2010, I have been dropping every cent that falls out of my pocket into that "trail hole" of a jar. I can barely hoist it now.It has always been my intention that it becomes my start fund. I know it won't cover all of my expenses, but is sure is nice to have that extra amount in hand before I start expensing from my savings.There really is no point in this post other than I kept my change. Hmmm...that really isn't a change, then...but another topic. Smiling....see you out THERE in 2015!!!
Date: 2014-10-21
To: Pause and reflect
Miles today: 0.0

I had the pleasure of reading two recent posts, and replies that made me pause and reflect. I really appreciate what DOUBLE A posted, and how he posted what he was asking. I personally don't have a guided answer to provide, but I think he has a strong internal guidance system that will help him reach the conclusion that is best for his situation. I admire where he's been to get to this point and wish that he see's it through. So much of what is often shared here ignites things beyond what the originator could ever really know. I hope to cross as many of these paths as I can in the very near future.
Date: 2014-10-21
To: I'm as lost to knowing how to get there as most
Miles today: 0.0

I admit, I have no great outdoor experience that an adventure of this magnitude demands. But I also recognize that enough brave souls before me, have done the same, under the SAME conditions. And succeeded. So I press on. I don't have all the answer's for myself. I'll learn from those around me. From those willing to show me. I won't let what I don't know stop me.there are some really experienced people here...and they know who they are.I, and other's appreciate the information they share.I hike my own hike...yes, we all do in the end.Can I tailor my hike to theirs? NO. Can I learn from? yes.I am so torn, vexed, and challenged, but it is myself that I need to walk with.and I shall.
Date: 2014-10-22
To: it's all sweat and mud, blood and faith
Miles today: 0.0

Believe in yourself. trust your gear. and just MOVE forward.It doesn't matter what you fear. Just keep moving forward. one   step   at   a time. the destination in your mind DOES NOT WEAR A WATCH. Challenge only thyself. Time is on your side...if you only listen to it. There are a million trail prophets...glean from them what you will, but remember, it is YOU who will get YOU where YOU want to go.
Date: 2014-10-25
To: I'm DIRECTION challenged. 
Miles today: 0.0

I am SO SORRY I missed an opportunity to meet up with an excellent, and experienced hiker today. We should have exchanged vital info i.e. cell numbers prior...DOH   <---- on my part, didn't think of. I just feel awful that once again my wife is right. I can't follow a map if God himself gave it to me. So, I'll be the first color blind, LOST AT hiker.DOUBLE A, I feel awful.
Date: 2014-10-29
To: It's taken over...
Miles today: 0.0

Well it's 119 days before I start up the Approach Trail. Anxiety up a notch with each day that passes.Had a lost moment last weekend hooking up with another '15er named "DoubleA". But we plan on doing it again on Nov 8. Great guy, and a great attitude. Headed to Chipley, FL tomorrow for my mother's 80th birthday. Will be a great time because she will have all of her kids there together at one time at the SAME time. I think she told us (my brother and sisters) it's been over 40 years.Tell me time don't fly by. It does. But anyway, just to show everything else has taken a backseat almost as I go through the final preps for my hike. Instead of booking a hotel room, I ask my sister if it's ok if I set up a small camp area on her property. Told her I'll be outdoors in a few months ALOT, and it won't bother me if it doesn't bother her. And the best part of it all, it was wife's suggestion. Since we missed our regularly scheduled camping this past summer. So off to Florida for some outdoor time too. Just hope everyone is doing well, and that all of your plans are coming together for whenever your start time is in 2015. Love reading everyone's posts and information. Don't stop, keep it coming. See everyone on the trail in 2015!!
Date: 2014-11-02
To: spent some time with family
Miles today: 0.0

Haven't had time to post anything last few days. Was my mother's 80th birthday yesterday and all of her children arrived to celebrate. It was a great time. Almost a family reunion. First time in 40 years we siblings were all together at the same time. It reminded me, time goes by toooo fast. More later, just wanted to say hi to every one
Date: 2014-11-05
To: Ready for a Fall Hike with fellow 2015'r
Miles today: 0.0

DoubleA and his hiking partner invited me out this weekend for a two-day hike on the Tuscarora Trail in PA. Looking forward to it very much. Really enjoying these Fall days and the opportunities to get out and do some walking. I know that this winter will go by fast and March will be here all too soon.Again, have been enjoying everyone's posts and sharing of their preps for the upcoming start for 2015. Last weekend I was in Chipley, FL with my wife attending a birthday get together for my mother's 80th birthday. We took advantage of the trip and camped on my sisters 12-acre site. She has a great location about 10 miles out of the town and secluded. We were surprised with the sudden weather change, and endured the upper 30's with high winds at night. I now know what it must be like to sleep next to a freight train. Wife did very well considering. Woke with frost on tent and ground. Lesson learned. Bring a warm cap to sleep in. the bags did a very decent job of keeping us warm, but the face and head really gets chilled.
Date: 2014-11-06
To: Watching the days, finalizing things
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

at just a tad less than 4 months before I hit the approach trail, I'm trying my best to tie up ends here at the home front. And at the work end. All of my focus is on getting started, and it's difficult to focus on things that still need attention before I leave. But I have my list and I'm keeping spouse in loop of what is both about to happen, and needs to happen. We don't always see the same situation with the same level of urgency, but it gets done. To her credit, she's the calmer one.I'm going to be testing out a different sleep pad arrangement this weekend on the Tuscarora Trail. I have the Exped air mat, that I like, and it packs small. But worried about punctures..etc. So I got a Solite insulated mat to compare. anyone have some input on an air over solid foam? I know with this I will have to latch on to outside of pack. Not a problem, see that many do that.
Date: 2014-11-06
To: Question for eyeglass hikers
Miles today: 0.0

One of the last items on my prep is getting a new pair of glasses. (I'm overdue for a pair) But I was wondering...has anyone used the Crizol(sp?)lenses? And has anyone that wears eyeglasses had a problem with on hike? I'm pretty good at keeping mine intact, clean, and all...just would like to have some feed back.I never wear sunglasses...though I should...and I really don't like transition lenses....Elvis I'm not.
Date: 2014-11-06
To: I'm not going to freeze..so yeah...I'm overweight
Miles today: 0.0

No, serious..I can send stuff home later. When things warm up. But I am not going to be miserable and cold during the first few weeks..or extended weeks.I don't have ultra-nano-nothing gear...close, but not near the mark.And I will be carrying a few days more supplies to extend my actual distance before re-supply. Only factor I need to watch is water. HYOH...I am....what the heck does a 3,600 calorie food bar look like? and is it difficult to chew?
Date: 2014-11-10
To: More to experience and learn from
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

This weekend was an excellent opportunity for me to learn about what to expect on the trail come March. Had a great time with fellow trail journal member DoubleA and his girlfriend Hanna. They had their dogs with them which added an excellent dynamic to the hike as well. I really enjoyed the hike. And I was fortunate to be with a couple that really knew what they were doing and made it all seem so natural. There were quite a few times I just couldn't muster the speed or stamina to keep their well defined pace, but they both were excellent hiking partners and were patient. Thanks, guys. My major lesson from this particular outing: CUT THE WEIGHT. I say that for me. I'm challenged mostly on the uphills, and have to watch the downhills for my left knee. I attribute that to the weight and just needed to condition more. But I am convinced I need to rethink a few items and just drop some things. I stayed warm, slept warm so no problem there. But the feet got totally soaked, the wool performed admirably, but not pleasant to put on again. I can deal with it. THANKS DOUBLEA!! had a great time.
Date: 2014-11-16
To: plans go amiss
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I was so planning on doing a follow up on my last weekend hike. My intended hike was about 11.3 miles in the Seneca Back country. A much more subdued trail that I will have to do next weekend. I have enjoyed reading and getting to know the latest group of individuals presenting themselves for the upcoming through hike for 2015. I find each and everyone of them unique and inspirational in their own way. I really enjoy reading the posts, and insight they each offer.
Date: 2014-11-16
To: Anxious, testing, re-testing, doubting, fixing
Miles today: 0.0

Sigh....I thought I was ready. One can almost overthink anything. That can be a good thing or a bad thing. I'll take the positive end of that spectrum for now. Having been given some good advice from Double A, I rethought some of what I was packing. If it doesn't multi-task, toss it. So I did. Saved myself about 4 lbs of useless stuff. Thanks, Double A.Re-configured my sleep gear and bag. Saved another 2 lbs. I may be on the colder side of comfort, but I can deal with. Most of these changes have to deal with the colder start, and just dealing with that.
Date: 2014-11-19
To: Still tweeking
Miles today: 0.0

Well, it's a week before Thanksgiving. The holidays are a coming, fast and furious. My list of final wrap-ups at home are finally come to an end. (for the time being). And I'm as anxious as ever for March to get here. I'm still futzing with my pack and gear. Having been socked with this early bout of winter like just about everyone, I'm thinking...well...light is one thing...warm and survivable is another. What to do?
Date: 2014-11-28
To: I'm STUFFED
Miles today: 0.0

Thanksgiving is over, and I'm feeling like that BIRD. STUFFED. Think I might need to break out the walking poles just to move about the house. Hope everyone had a great time with family and friends. Discovered a great site for gear:   www.mountainwarehouse.com They really have some great stuff. sure wish I had found them before I got most of my stuff. But I have swapped a few things out. They are in UK, but they ship faster than some here in the USA.   Just passing it along for anyone that may be looking.Later,T
Date: 2014-12-01
To: Just dipped below the 90 day step off
Miles today: 0.0

As I woke this morning, I realized that today marked the first day below the 90 day mark before I actually begin what has taken so long to actually start to become a reality for me. A few days prior, just after the Thanksgiving Holiday festivities, family sharing, visiting and yes overeating at times, I experienced a personal feeling of not really panic, but overwhelming internal emotion and reflection. I have done everything to prepare myself but have I done everything to prepare those closest to me. Support and acceptance is there. But there really is no way for me to know how several months of being away will actually play out. It's almost like the journey I'm beginning. A parallel journey begins at home too.I am trying to use the remaining time to become more physically conditioned for the demands ahead. Nothing drastic or epic, but certainly prudent for myself to add just a little more assurance that I can be prepared. I know the trail trains us all in some way. I look forward to that. I hope everyone's plans are on track and that all is going well for you. These remaining days will certainly race by and before long, the walk begins and the meeting and greeting of so many that shared here will begin in person. I can't wait. T
Date: 2014-12-06
To: sub-90 days to go..and WoW!!
Miles today: 0.0

after slipping beneath that 90 day window, things have been heating up.Mostly internal. Last minute gear check,again, and ...again. Home front conditions checked....and checked...and yes...OK. Finances squared away...check.doctor visit...hey what's that!!! over there...did you see that...any way..everything is going as planned. yes, dear...
Date: 2014-12-13
To: 75 days to launch - and still learning
Miles today: 0.0

Had a slow start to the day, wife arrived home from a combo of work related travel and stopping to visit family internationally. She was concerned I filled the basement with more "stuff", "gear", etc. But I assured her, no. what is already in the drop boxes, and/or slated for the pack on departure day is it.I don't think she bought it. But what the heck, Christmas is just a few weeks away, and darn I really don't need anything. These past few days I've been reading many journals. Some of completion, some under prep, etc. And no matter how many I read, I discover a pearl of wisdom in every single one. There is always something that someone else has done, experienced, thought of, or questioned that really drives home the importance of doing at the very least some research into what other's have experienced and how they dealt with and overcame.So with my relaxed weekend I will do some more reading, and looking forward to meeting so many of these great folks getting ready for the adventure ahead.Happy Holidays everyone.T
Date: 2014-12-13
To: Launch Gear and final sort
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, it took some time and lots of advice from others more experienced than myself to help me get to the point I can be comfortable with what I am starting out with. Got every thing that I am starting out with under 40 lbs. Granted the water and maybe some extra "snacks" may push that..but not concerned.
Date: 2014-12-13
To: ..I look at the date 12.13.14
Miles today: 0.0

...and I realize, things happen for a reason.something I put off and put off due to more demanding obligations have finally allowed me to "do IT"There are things you just can't explain. Opportunities in life that beg you to say: YESI'm not young anymore, but don't consider myself ancient either, except by the standards held by my children and grandkids. LOLDreams are meant to be fulfilled.   And theretofore here I go.
Date: 2014-12-18
To: Sharing from afar
Miles today: 0.0

I had a co-worker that shared my upcoming AT hike with a friend of hers, and it led me to a former thru member of 2013 that finished #25 that year to complete his through hike. The numbers held true...he was like number 125 to begin on March 5 of 2013 and was number 25 to complete. AYCE was the trail name. He was kind enough to share some information with me and he nailed it. It's 90 percent mental. I believe that. Thank you AYCE for the support of info and giving advice from being there. And yes, I believe, you can't expect "a walk in the woods", but accept the fact, there will be PLENTY of bad days, bad weather, inconveniences and discomfort of many types. I accept that. AYCE gave me some good advice, as so many HERE have too.   I look forward to meeting everyone I can on this great adventure... see you all out there in 70 days from now...wow...I'm jacked and ready to go.   T
Date: 2014-12-19
To: Good will at home front
Miles today: 0.0

a few co-workers got wind of my "supplies" from home made stash, and over the office party, was confronted as to why I wasn't sharing. Well, I wasn't trying to evade anything...so yes...I will make a "ton" of extra leave behind good will "jerky" and smoked goods before I leave.My dehydrator has been excellent at making many of my meals and foods tailored to what I "want" on the trail.My son enjoyed getting the jerky while deployed, and I enjoy making and without mention enjoy consuming.So, I will be filling the house with the smoke-house scent of mesquite wood, garlic and cracked pepper...sorry honey, I promise...you'll miss the smell when I'm gone.*she enjoys as much as I do...the eating part, at least.
Date: 2014-12-19
To: ...the spark that ignites the inferno...
Miles today: 0.0

Years of yearning.   Years of reading. Years of planning, and most recently setting in motion. How do you describe in slow motion a dream becoming real?I don't know.   But I'm about to find out.Make or break, it all comes down to March 2, 2015 for me.I am anxious, nervous, excited, contemplative, and every other emotion you can think of.There are as many emotions pre-hike as you can imagine. So many things are going thru my mind, more concerned about have I taken care of all things while I will be away. I'm not a control freak, but also I don't want to needlessly abandon all responsibility to home front items to spouse and family. As much as I could, everything is on "AUTO", as in AUTO pay, etc. The past few years of planning this adventure are beginning to show a payoff. Everything else from this point forward is 'the adventure'.....
Date: 2014-12-19
To: when the Genie leaves the bottle
Miles today: 0.0

...you don't always get the wishes, but you do get the opportunity.Pause, and savor the moment over what you are about to undertake.Perhaps not all of us have the circumstance of this being a "one-shot" deal, but for many of us, it is. So plan on making the most of it. And I do.It's not a race. I'm not watching a clock nor a calendar. My feet are my timekeepers. If they tell me to slow down, I will. If my heart tells me to hurry up, I'll have a conference call with my feet. We'll see who wins that.So many wonderful people have shared SO MUCH, even before departure, I know that the journey that lies ahead is supported by such a network of great folks that have both DONE and DOING. One can't stray too far from goals.My next two weeks will be personally intensive to what I need to work on.And I hope everyone out there that reads this, has a wonderful holiday season.Back soon,T