morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-08-07
To: 183 to 501
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday I joined in on an Allentown Hiking Club Hike that Kathy C. from Whitehall led. It was a 9.2 mile southbound hike in PA between Rt 183 and Rt 501. We dropped off the Family Truckster at 501 then car pooled to the start at Rt 183. Besides Kathy and myself, Wayne from Alburtis was the only other participant. This was a very flat section (relatively speaking) with no major elevation changes. We stopped for lunch at a very nice camping area called Hertline Campsite. What was so nice about it was the dammed water that was a few hundred yards off the trail. I embraced the opportunity to remove my shoes and wade into the water to cool off. The water was very cool (spring fed I'm sure) and refreshing. After lunch we started hiking again and within the hour we heard the rain starting on the trees. Out came my pack cover and it began to rain. It rained steadily the second half of the hike, but was still enjoyable due to the warm temperatures. When we got back to the trailhead, we drove back and I dropped off Kathy and Wayne at the other car. I saw a BBQ/Rib trailer at the bottom of 183 near Rt 78 Entrance. I had worked up another good appetite and couldn't resist the Rib/Rice/Bean Platter. My body held up well to the 9 miles and I did not experience any foot/knee pain at all. It was nice hiking with Kathy and Wayne and I can now check off this small section on the AT in PA. I would like to finish off PA by the end of the year. I guess it is not critical though, due to the fact that I am going to do it all in the 2012 summer anyway.
Date: 2011-09-04
To: Bike Hike
Miles today: 0.0

Last Saturday, I was planning on Hiking over at the Lehigh Gap, but Hurricane Irene decided to come and visit instead. Lots of rain (nine inches over the weekend) where I am located, and some minimal water damage. Never lost power though and it could have been a lot worse than what it was.Yesterday, My daughter and I joined in on an Allentown Hiking Club 'Bike Hike'. This bike trip was a short 12 miles over on the Bartram Trail near Hamburg. This is another nice converted Rail Road Trail. Ron and Mercedes lead the trip and there was a total of 8 participants. It has been a while since I rode my bike for any length of time and I have come to the conclusion that I need to look for a 'comfy seat'. The leisurely two hour ride was enjoyable, but I was ready to dismount prior to getting back to the car. There was a festival going on in Hamburg, PA and since we were right there, we stopped in briefly and enjoyed a large burger topped with BBQ Beef Brisket (yum!). I have been slowly putting together some basics for my three resupply mail drops and am in awe at how soon this trip is coming up. Just seven Months to go! There are many loose strings that I am starting to tie up. Scary how real it is beginning to feel! It is going to be a awesome trek!
Date: 2011-09-11
To: Duncannon Flood Clean Up
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hearing of the Flooding in Duncannon and seeing this picture posted at WhiteBlaze, I called up Vickey at the Doyle on Friday. After inquiring about their situation and asking if they could use a hand, I drove out there Yesterday and helped clean and move things back to the first floor.Obviously you can see by the picture taken from the Doyle the amount of water that was in town, but they were calling for close to an additional 5 feet that they did not receive. This was a blessing, but a lot of prep work/moving was completed when they could have gotten away with sandbagging instead. Frustrating for Pat and Vickey, but still a blessing.I worked most the day with Pat, Vickey, Charlie & Mike. There were a couple other people in and out briefly, then reinforcements came in around 4pm to help finish with moving the large items (cooler, back bar, fryer etc). I am glad that it was not worse for them and that this does not look like it will be a game changing event. They should reopen in a few days after getting hot water and gas restored. I look forward to seeing them and the Doyle again in 2012 on my thru!
Date: 2011-09-25
To: AHC Hickory Run State Park Hike
Miles today: 0.0

Great little day hike yesterday with Allentown Hiking Club. Jim lead this 7 mile hike up in Hickory Run State Park and participants included Richard, Terri, Ron, Mercedes and Myself. Overcast and humid for most of the hike. The spider webs across the trail indicated that there were very few hikers, if any, before us that day. Good company and a lot of rain recently provided many enjoyable little stream/creek to fjord. The view from the picture shows the other side of the Lehigh Gorge where early in the year we had taken a beautiful snow covered hike. I carried my full summer pack (less some food weight) and had no issues, pains or soreness today from the short hike. Roughly 6.5 months in the countdown. Enjoy!
Date: 2011-10-02
To: Planning ALDHA Gathering & Ruck
Miles today: 0.0

October is Here! Fall has brought with it some great cooler hiking weather. This week I joined the ALDHA and signed up to attend the Gathering next weekend in North Adams, Mass. Details can be found at http://www.aldha.org/gathring.htm I am looking forward to interacting with different hikers and meeting others that are planning their thru hike for 2012. I am not sure what to expect from the programs and seminars, but they should be informative. The drive up should only be 5-6 hours depending on Friday Traffic. I will tent out with the masses Friday and Saturday Nights.I also signed up for the PA Ruck (actually being held in VA again) January 27-29th at the Bears Den Trail Center in Bluemont VA. Details of the Ruck can be found on Whiteblaze.net October has also brought with it the 6 month countdown. It is no longer just the planning stage, decisions and changes are being made. I have not mentioned much about my personal life and plan to keep it to a minimum when posting in this forum. As far as housing, I sold my house a couple years ago during my divorce. I have been renting, but obviously don't want to have rent and utility expenses while I am away hiking. This month, I will give notice to my landlord and move out at the end of November. My 14 year old daughter and me are moving back in with my parents until I am back from my hike and hopefully employed. My folks will be helping out with her during April-June while she is still in school, then she will be spending the summer at her Mom's. It is definitely feeling more real and closer when major changes like these are happening.My job is another topic that I will approach in another journal entry.Hope to meet some of you at the Gathering this weekend!Enjoy! PS- 'Gear' has been updated
Date: 2011-10-09
To: The 30th Annual Gathering
Miles today: 0.0

Wow! What a great weekend!I attended my first ALDHA 'Gathering' and had a great time. It was the 30th Gathering and held this year up in North Adams, Massachusetts nearby Mt Greylock. I arrived Friday around 4:30pm to the Campsite in Williamstown, set up my tent then headed over to the MCLA Campus to register. Opening session was at 7pm then headed back to the campsite and conversed by the fire prior to bed time. The weather was clear, but due to being in the field there was a lot of condensation. When I was packing, in my haste, I neglected to take my Thermarest Inflatable sleeping pad. A kind neighbor had an extra few sections of a Zrest that helped with insulation from the cold/damp ground.There were scheduled hikes on Saturday along with about 40 seminars/talks/programs available between 4 different session times. First, I attended a Basic Trail First Aid Instructional Talk by Dr David Gwinn. For my second time slot, I attended 'Class of 2011'. This was a moderated discussion with current year thru hikers and hikers that are still in the planning stages. There was a break for lunch and I took the advice of a passing student and tried out Jacks Hot Dog Shop. GREAT Hamburgers and good cheese FF at a very reasonable price. Yum! After Lunch, I took in a program and slide show of the Florida Trail by George Meek. I also got to meet David 'Awol' Miller at his booth selling his book and trail guide as well as Model T signing his books. Then for my final Saturday session, I attended the two hour 'Planning the Dream' presented by 'Baltimore Jack'. All the classes were interesting and informative, with 'Class of 2011' providing the most applicable info second only to Baltimore's Jacks advice. After dinner at a local Pizza Place, I attended the Feature presentation by Andrew Skurka and was amazed by his most recent 4700 mile, 6 month Alaska-Yukon expedition. Now that's some wilderness hiking!Another night at the campsite brought another campfire and good conversation with many seasoned hikers. In the morning, I packed up and headed up to Mt Greylock. I have a few pictures added into my photo section (Tenting & War Memorial), but the one in this posting is what I was looking at while sitting down and eating breakfast at the Bascom Lodge on top of the mountain...Beautiful! The Gathering is actually going on into Monday, but I needed to return to get ready for the work week. A lot of interaction with so many experienced hikers (most specifically oriented toward the Appalachian Trail) has added much to my thoughts and plans for April!
Date: 2011-10-24
To: AHC Old Geezer Backpack
Miles today: 0.0

Took in a nice Backpacking Trip with the Allentown Hiking Club this past weekend. Sparky led this 'Old Geezer' titled hike up in 'Thunder Swamp' in the Poconos (north of Stroudsburg, Pa)around the Delaware State Park. This was a five mile hike in and then we set up camp. There were eight of us plus two day hikers. I took my heavy pack (read comfort/camp pack) that included my over sized two man tent. It was nice to have a little comfort on this lesiurely hike. A campfire was made and poor to moderately funny jokes told. Good time had.In the morning we took a three mile or so hike around the loop before packing up the camp and heading back to the cars. Well before we returned to the cars I was wishing for my lighter pack that I have been accustomed to. Nice weather and the tail end of the leaves changing added to this weekend.Note:Gear Updated
Date: 2011-11-19
To: Pinnacle Hike
Miles today: 0.0

Great 9 Mile Pinnacle Hike today with the AHC. Al Schwartz led this hike that provided excellent views and clear weather. I believe the hike was also listed with the Sierra Club and AMC. There was a great turn out of 15 hikers. Although the temperatures were cold, there was very little wind and no precipitation. Good views were had through the trees as they have shedded most all their leaves at this point. After the hike 9 of us met at CJ Hummels in Lenhartsville to partake in some additional conversation, good eats and a few pints of holiday cheer. I enjoyed the hiking as well as the conversation.Less than 5 months until the start of my thru-hike! Just over three months until I need to inform my work and discuss possible options. Its interesting looking back at different planning stages. It obviously started with an enjoyment of hiking. Then went into the dreaming stage. After that I started testing different gear and my whole focus was on that. Then, logistics and additional planning. Now reality with moving out of my place, making sure loose ends are ties up and getting financial/bills in order. I am really looking forward to actual hike! Enjoy!
Date: 2011-11-28
To: Green Lane Park Hike
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday I went on a shorter hike over at the Green Lane Reservoir. I managed to get my daughter out for the hike and we enjoyed the mild weather that we have been having in PA. This is at the northern end of the Perkiomen Trail in Montgomery County. A nice trail system that I will be exploring further in preparation for my hike. Just in Green Lane park there are 25 miles of trails to be had! This is less than a half an hour from my house and I look forward to many more visits. It is amazing how many different trails are SO close to my house that I have never hiked! The countdown continues...
Date: 2011-12-03
To: Blue Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Went out again to Green Lane Park. Today I did the Blue trail which was a very nice hike. Some ups and downs but no real elevation changes hiking around a reservoir. Cool Clear weather with highs around 40F. Since this is close to home, I was able to drop my car at one end and get a ride to the other. The map stated that it was 7.5 miles, but it seemed like less. Granted, I was moving a good clip and did not stop, but I finished sooner than anticipated. After I got done, I drove over to check out the Orange trail and hiked some of that. The Orange was MUCH muddier due to it being a horse trail as well. I have been trying new gear over the past few months and am honing in to what works for me. I was impressed today with the Marmot Variant Jacket and it's fast wicking ability of the Polartec Powerstretch that encompasses the back, sides and sleeves. This has made it onto my current gear list, but that is obviously subject to change (again and again).I may go back out tomorrow to hike another trail at Green Lane.
Date: 2011-12-26
To: Happy Holidays! ...& Resupply
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Holidays!No hike this Holiday weekend, but I used plenty of hours to go through my tentative agenda and resupply schedule. It feels good to know exactly what towns I need to go into and how many resupply days worth of food I need at each stop. I utilized information at White Blaze from Baltimore Jack (2007) along with the info that I received from Warren Doyle at his ATI Class back in May. (A Big Thank You to both of them!) I cross checked most the info with the current AT Guide and mileages with the 2012 Data Book. I have it in spreadsheet form and plan on carrying a small laminated copy with me on my hike. I also changed (shortened) my estimated hiking schedule. I still am leaving from Springer Summit on 04-12-12 but estimate a summit of Katahdin 135 days later around 08-25-12. This still leaves me numerous Zero Days and Bad Weather Days factored in, but I will need to 'earn' them and be ahead of my hiking schedule to take any. This is based on the pacing guide from Warren's ATI Class. I do not have a schedule planned for each day as that would be thrown out within the first week. Instead, I have numerous short term goals with reference points that I need to check and see about picking up the pace or being able to take that zero. This new resupply schedule has changed up my mail drops some. I now have a total of five drops planned. Two are basically for gear and three for food. There are still some logistical concerns due to the possible closing of certain Post Offices. Specifically the Fontana Village location (Fontana Dam). I may be utilizing the Hike Inn for a mail drop and stay if that Post Office closes.I did plan out the beginning on the trail in a little more detail, due to the fact that my best friend will be joining me for the first week. He will be flying into Atlanta and taking the MARTA to North Springs Station. More than likely, Survivor Dave will be picking him up and shuttling him. I talked to Dave today to get some details and for planning. My friend will hike with me up to Hiawassee then take a shuttle back down to the MARTA station then back to ATL Airport.It has been just shy of a year now since I started this trailjournals and seriously planning for the thru hike. Wow time flies. It is great though not just to be talking about it, but actually doing it. Life is to short not to go for it every so often! Looking forward to the hike and especially meeting everyone along the way... Enjoy Your Holidays!
Date: 2012-01-02
To: New Year
Miles today: 0.0

Happy NEW Year!Took a short 8 mile hike with the Allentown Hiking Club on Saturday. It is their annual New Years Eve Day Hike to the Allentown Hiking Club Shelter. This was a four mile hike in, some socializing then four miles back out. This hike marks my one year with the Hiking Club. Everyone packs in some sort of food item to share (my kind of people ). This annual hike gives more of an impression of an eating club with a hiking habit. Great crowd of over 30 people attended this hike! On a side note: I changed reservations from Dahlonega to the Lodge at Amicalola Falls for the night before the start of the approach trail. This will allow us a good nights sleep and breakfast, right at the start, so we can avoid the extra 18 mile commute in the morning.I heard a line in a movie today that struck a chord with me. Someone that had been sleeping for a while, and out of sorts, woke up and asked what day it was...the answer was that it was 'someday'. They were no longer waiting for a point in the future where things would be different or better. No longer waiting for happiness or fulfillment down the line. They were embracing life in the present. Now is my 'someday'!I wish You a Healthy, Happy and Fulfilling New Year!
Date: 2012-01-12
To: Welcome to One's Trail Journal
Miles today: 0.0

Welcome to my Trail Journal! I appreciate you stopping by for a visit. My name is Al (aka 'One') and will be Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail just three months from today. I am a recovering couch potato and currently reside in PA about an hour north of Philadelphia. I will be starting the trail in Georgia on April 12, 2012. This Journal was started for my own benefit and record as well as a portal for family and friends to keep in touch with current events related to my hiking adventure. This opportunity comes only with much help and understanding from many of you. My Northbound trek will cover the complete 2184.2 miles of the Appalachian Trail and end on Mount Katahdin located in Maine. It is amazing that this trail is here in this day and age. Equally amazing is that the trail snakes through such a populated corridor and many are barely aware of its existence. What a huge undertaking and commitment by so many. The AT (Appalachian Trail) was the brain child of forester Benton MacKaye in the 1920¢s. Although it was completed in 1937, sections were open to the public as early as 1923. The trail crosses through 14 states and is one of the world¢s longest continuous footpaths. The average hiker takes 5-6 months to 'thru hike' and complete this journey. If you are not familiar with the AT, there are multitudes of excellent books, articles and websites available for your enjoyment. I will not get into detail with the history or possibly bore you with too much background information about the trail. I have many other ways of doing that.This journal was actually started over a year ago now. If you look to the left of the screen you will see different items to click on to explore this journal. You can view previous postings or look up a specific date by clicking on ¢List¢. You can also just use the 'Previous' and 'Next' above. Take note of the date of the posting near the top of the page. You can also just start at 'First' and read all the entries. Feel free to play around with the others such as ¢Gear¢, ¢Photo¢, 'About', ¢Mail Drops¢ etc. Don't forget to stop by and say Hello by Signing the Guest Book. I enjoy hearing from everyone and hope to see some of you out on the trail! Thanks again for stopping by!
Date: 2012-01-29
To: PA Ruck - The Ruck
Miles today: 0.0

Got back home today from a two week road trip with my daughter. This is the first time that I took two weeks of vacation from work in a row. We started by driving down from PA to FL and took a short 4 night cruise to the Bahamas. Wow, what a great place to visit. Lots of sight seeing and R&R. Snorkeling near Freeport and a day trip to a beautiful private island near Nassau. Great experience plus the added bonus of our ship staying upright and afloat.After the cruise we headed from FL to TX and took a few days to visit my best friend and his family. Him and his wife have beautiful six month old daughter and a friendly canine family member as well. Thanks for putting us up and putting up with us. My friend's trail name is 'Big Rig' and he will be joining me for the first week on the trail. Had a great time visiting and got to enjoy Golfing, a NFL Party, nice Church Service, Good Conversation/Catching Up and Numerous Great meals. Also got out on my first Texas Hike at Guadalupe State Park. We left TX and headed through some rough weather that included tornado warnings in more than one state. It has been a while since I drove in such a downpour and for so long as the storm was headed in the same direction we were. A night in MS and a night in NC using my Holiday Inn points that I have collected by traveling for work to pay for the rooms.Friday we arrived at Bears Den Hostel in VA for the PA Ruck. I guess the name has been changed to 'The Ruck' now since this is the second year being held out of PA. Marsha did a wonderful job of organizing and we felt very welcomed by the caretakers Marie & Scott. Enjoyed numerous programs Friday and Saturday nights by varied persons including ATC reps, 2011 thru hikers, Previous Year Thru Hikers and Section Hikers. Warren Doyle also attended/presented and it was nice chatting with him again since attending his ATI class. We took a short hike Saturday morning crossing into WV to Raven Rocks and back. Nice view, but very windy when breaking out of the trees. Another highlight for me was getting my pack 'Tuckerized'(also watching others 'get their's'). This is where they go through your pack and yell at you or make fun of you for what you really don't need to bring on the trail or what is too heavy. Only kidding (mostly) about the yelling and making fun. It's all in good humor. I always enjoy interacting with the hiking community and am thankful for all the tips that I received from the Ruck.Only two and a half months. WOW! So much to do yet.Enjoy!
Date: 2012-02-13
To: Preparations
Miles today: 0.0

Hey there, a couple weeks have passed by and I thought I would post an update. I have been taking care of numerous medical, financial, technical and other preparations recently. The hike is currently only 8 weeks out. I just started writing my email requesting a leave of absence from my work. It is not coming as easily and fluid as I thought it would. I am sure I will have multiple drafts prior to a final (groveling while not sounding like I am) copy. Medical wise, I have an upcoming dentist appointment. My eye doctor appointment was last week. This past week I also had a physical and am waiting on standard blood test work results. In addition to the standards, I requested a Lyme disease test to make sure I do not have it prior to the hike. I also got a prescription for Doxycycline Hyclate to have it on hand just in case I contract Lyme disease on the trail. That way I can shorten any recovery time needed and lessen any time off the trail.I completed my food drop boxes and decided to send an additional two with my gear swap drops since i need to pick up packages anyway. This brings my food drops to 5.Other boring items completed, that needed to take care of prior to the hike:Taxes (Federal, State & Local) are all done and filed.I just paid off the last $ owed for my daughters braces.My car payment is prepaid for the extent of my hike.$0 balance on my credit card with this statement.Repairs and Carpet complete on house in Florida, now on the market to rent out.As far as physical prep, I have been continuing with conditioning hikes and walking. Weight wise, I am not down to what I wanted to be at, but at this point, the trail will take care of that. I will just need to take it easy near the beginning of the hike for my knees/ankle's sake.I also dialed in my gear a little more and will be updating that link to the left.In two weeks I will be attending the Billville Winter Warmer at the Doyle Hotel in Duncannon. Besides enjoying the festivities, I hope to pick up some last minute tips from the seasoned hikers.