morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-02-15
From: Springer Mtn. GA

To: AT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I took a short hike at a quick pace Saturday in Shelby Farms (approx. 8 miles) mainly to continue breaking-in my boots. Muddy but great hiking weather. Mainly trail runners and bikers on the trail. Most of the trail was flat (it's like that here in Memphis) and those sections that weren't flat were under water due to the melting snow run off. Oh yeah, Rusty (my border collie) loved the mud and water sections. My wife Diane ran a practice half marathon so we met up following our run/hike. Today I went to the gym for aerobics and the stairmaster, since it's so flat here it's really the only way to prepare for the mtn.'s. Tonight volleyball with the group.
Date: 2010-02-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I took a 22 mile practice hike yesterday morning w/fully loaded pack. I left on the Wolfe River trail at Shelby Farms, and went from the Agricenter to Summer Ave. and return. My feet were a little sore, but no blisters, my dog Rusty was a mud pie when we were done. I had volleyball at the Y at 7pm, and was a little tired but not too bad from the results of the hike.
Date: 2010-02-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Entered a few waypoints (tentsites) on my gps from the backpacker website, it's not the most user friendly website to download from but BP hiked the entire trail so advanced notice on upcoming tentsites should be helpful. I use the Triton 2000, it includes a camera, clock, compass, sunrise/sunset times,audio recorder, mp3 player, flashlight, etc., and of course GPS w/Nat Geo. Took a 5 mile walk today w/out backpack, then volleyball tonight.
Date: 2010-02-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I went to Shelby Farms yesterday for a quick 5 miler w/my day pack loaded with 40 lbs of weights. It was a beautiful day, so there were lots of people out enjoying the park. I also spent a few hours downloading some CD's to my Nano including some audio books for tent/night time use. It's now just two weeks until I start, so the reality of spending the next 160 or so days away from the comforts of home is starting to set in. Pack weight is still a concern, but I feel I can handle 41 lbs although my knees may not agree. Besides the variables of when/where to send resupplies for the AT, my brother and our hiking group from CA have planned the annual hike into Yosemite for June so I may leave the trail to hike in Yosemite, then immediately return to the AT. I'd like to go to Yosemite as we have a blast there every time, and the group and scenery can't be beat. We usually start out at a High Sierra Camp then hit the trails for a week and always followed by a good burger and beer! The logistics for the Yosemite trip are daunting, since I'd have to pre-purchase a plane ticket without being 100% certain which airport I'd be near, nor exactly how to get there and back from/to the AT. Also, by mid June I'll most likely be with a few AT hiking buddies, only to see them walk on, while I would have to meet up with a group of "established" AT hikers.
Date: 2010-03-02
From: Springer Mtn. GA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It's now 12 days and counting. I'm spending the few remaining pre-hike days finishing up the majority of the spring/summer prep work around the house, tuning the lawn mower, leaf blower, etc., preventive maintenance on the vehicles, fish pond, and labeling the garage items for quick access. I might even clean all the exterior windows and wax the cars? I reweighed my pack and with all gear, 2 liters of water, and a weeks worth of food I'm in at 39 lbs. I'll continue to read-up on the AT, visit whiteblazedotnet regularly and give more attention to my 9 (so far) pre-planned mail drops. I'm sorting out my other "convenience items" to pre-pack in the boxes with attention to the seasonal changes. My freeze dried meals were a GREAT bargain thru costcodotcom (7 day emergency food kit) coming it at roughly $3.92 per pouch vs. $5.38 average elsewhere on-line. I use these meals when/where ever I've hiked and these are more than adequate and at this price the additional mailing fees are cost effective. The data on the Mountain House food is as follows:Breakfast Entrees16 pouches of Granola with Blueberries (8.0 oz. Each Prepared) 12 pouches of Scrambled Eggs with Bacon (8.0 oz Each Prepared)Dinner Entrees4 pouch of Rice & Chicken (16 oz. Prepared) 4 pouch of Beef Stroganoff (16 oz. Prepared) 4 pouch of Pasta Primavera (16 oz. prepared) 4 pouch of Beef Stew (16 oz. Prepared) 4 pouch of Chili Mac with Beef (16 oz. Prepared) 4 pouches of Spaghetti with Meat (16 oz. Each Prepared)4 pouch of Noodles & Chicken (20 oz. Prepared) 4 pouch of Chicken Stew (20 oz. Prepared) 4 pouch of Sweet & Sour Pork with Rice (20 oz. Prepared) 4 pouch of Mexican Chicken with Rice (20 oz. Prepared) 4 pouch of Lasagna with Meat (20 oz. Prepared) 4 pouch of Turkey Tetrazzini (20 oz. Prepared) 4 pouch of Mac & Cheese (20 oz. Prepared) 12 pouches of Green Peas (8 oz. Each Prepared) 16 pouches of Corn (8 oz. Each Prepared)My concerns about the hike are few (snow, lack of actual AT resupply experience, rain) and I still haven't felt "woohoo" excited about the journey at this time. I guess I'm feeling more of a cautious optimism about the hike rather than unbridled excitement. I believe it's better to remain low key about this lengthy walk than build it up into too big of a thing, since after all it's just a long walk. Now that I think about it, I'm probably just going through some pre-separation anxiety over leaving Diane. She has been 110% behind this adventure for me and supportive to a fault, but I'm bummed of the thought of leaving her for so long. I know she'll handle everything around the house while I'm gone (probably better than I), but I still feel a little guilty about tasking her with everything. Our daughter Tiffany is heading to Spain for a job, and I'm sad to say I'll miss her departure since she's in Norfolk VA right now and won't be back to Lakeland for a few months.
Date: 2010-03-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well it's Sunday, and that means this time next week I'll be finishing up my first day on the AT. The weather forecast shows a week long rain storm ending on Sunday afternoon, so I'll get my first taste of the AT with a splash of water (no snow let's hope). I guess this will give me a good idea of how water proof and resistant my gear really is. The bright side is the next two days are supposed to be in the low 50's and plenty of sunshine (fingers crossed for good luck). I just returned from Little Rock AR today where Diane just finished her half marathon AND with her best time yet!!!! While we were there, the trade show preceeding the race had all kinds of cutting edge light weight clothing (read expensive). I did see a product however that made great sense for a hike so I tested/tasted a few then bought it/them. They are similar to the lozenge strips you place on your tongue for colds, only these were developed with electrolytes similar to Gatorade. Although they were developed for runners, I couldn't resist their light weight (less than an oz.) for the hike, with 3 strips equaling a bottle of gatorade. Now all they have to do is work.I'll be busy this week, doing my final prep work around the house, reviewing everything with Diane, going over my few maildrop boxes again and finalizing all legal doc's while I'm away. I'll be playing volleyball with my friends on Monday and Tuesday, followed by some goodbye beverages with the "Another Pitchers" gang! Wednesday is a piano move, followed by some pizza and more goodbye beverages, then Thursday it's out to dinner with our friends and neighbors Ron and Sue. Diane and I are headed to Nashville on Friday night, then onto Helen GA on Saturday. Diane will drop me off on Sunday morning then I'll disappear into the woods like the Bigfoot.Then the journey begins,,,,,
Date: 2010-03-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Preparing to head to Nashville tomorrow morning on my way to Springer Mtn. Had a great time last night moving the piano with Taylor, Curtis, Ken and Longhair. Taylor's home brews were the best I've sampled and we all agreed it should be included at his wedding reception. I was going to get a prehike haircut, so I got out the clippers last night and I ended up with a buzz cut which I'm blaming on Taylor's beverages. It will be months before I need a haircut, and I fit in perfectly with Ken and Curtis. Check out the photo section. Diane is going to update my journal throughout my hike, so check in occasionally and wish me luck!
Date: 2010-03-15
From: Springer Mtn. GA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.2

After a day's delay, started hike from Springer Mtn. Had some challenges getting to the mountain, starting with a detour on Roy Road. Since the directions we had were all based around landmarks, for example, turn at the second stop sign, it makes it a little challenging when getting off track. We took Forest Road 42 to the parking area near Springer. Everything that we had read said that it was suitable for all vehicles. However, we got a few looks at the top of the mountain after taking the Cadillac "mudding" for the 6.6 miles to the top. If you are planning on making this trip, I would recommend using one of the shuttles to the top if you don't have a reliable truck suitable for 4-wheeling. Diane was a little stressed, and luckily met some nice people at the top who volunteered to make sure she got down the mountain safely. We hiked to the top of Springer and signed the log, and started off.Sarted hiking with Earl from Iowa, ex Marine Recon, mid-thirties. Camped on top of Sassafras mtn., too tired to hike further. VERY COLD that night and in the morning.
Date: 2010-03-16
From: Sassafras Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.1

Started the morning at Sassafras Gap. See picture of sunrise coming over the mountain. Camped early at 4 PM. Had a great campsite by an overlook, ate a hot meal and started a nice fire. On the way passed a real Hillbilly. Seemed very surreal as he came running out of the woods at us - wearing no jacket, carrying a buck knife, a bow and ten arrows. As he got closer, realized he had only one tooth. He was Irish and had some kin in Memphis and was "huntin me some food." Interesting!
Date: 2010-03-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 9.6

Hiked to Neels Gap. Stayed in my first hostel - cost 16.00. Had gotten some good reviews. I would not recommend - smelled, loud and no water the next morning. Best part was a hot fresh meal. As Earl and I approached the hostel, there was church group outside with free Bar B Q. Free hamburgers and spaghetti (best ever).
Date: 2010-03-18
From: Neel's Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.3

Long tiring day. Earl and I didn't plan to hike so long but needed water. Hiked to two separate water sources - and they were both dry, so had to keep going. Made a fire and had a good hot meal and then early sleep. Mountains are really tiring. So far, knees are holding up, but feet are really sore and my shoulder is giving me some problems. Also, met first "Trail Angel" today. Guy who leads a hiking group out of Atlanta. He was just set up on the side of the trail - with chairs to sit in (that was a treat) and bananas, sodas, and oatmeal cookies. Would have stayed longer, but it is still very cold, especcially just sitting.
Date: 2010-03-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 6.4

Hiked into Hiawassee, GA. Easy, R&R day. Looking forward to a real bed, doing some laundry, and shower. Hike is a lot more strenuous and physically challenging than anticipated and can see it would be very easy at this point to walk away. Definitely, the hardest physical challenge I have had. However, anticipated the first three weeks to be the hardest, so am still planning on seeing it through to Katahdin.
Date: 2010-03-21
From: AT, Hiawassee GA

To: Plum Orchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

Out of the city and into the rain, wind and cold. Chose to use a helster for the first time so the gear and clothes would be dry. Big shelter with lots of room and mice. Shared with Bucksnort 72 yrs, Wildman, On the Loose, and Earl. Departed 0600 to the next shelter.
Date: 2010-03-22
From: Plum Orchard Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light snow

Rain, wind, cold, snow!!!! Made it to the shelter early and put out our gear and then jumped into the sleeping gear and bags. +25 ppl showed but no room, VERY COLD NIGHT 21 degrees. Made it into North Carolina. Thought about quitting the AT for the first time. Need more layering to fight the cold, screw the weight!
Date: 2010-03-24
From: Old Carter Gap Shelter

To: Wallace Gap
Miles today: 12.8

Clear, sunny and in the low 60's. GREAT HIKING DAY. departed at 0400 foggy and snow covered ground, no wind. went to the top of the fire tower on Albert Mtn. great views. Camped in tent at the end of the day but there were 5 ladies (previous hiking buddies) providing trail magic of hotdogs, chips, soda, apples.
Date: 2010-03-27
From: Franklin NC

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Departed at 1130 on the shuttle from Franklin to the trail. Hiked until 1730. Tented next to the Wayah Shelter. Made a fire in the hole where a tree had fallen. Most of the day was sunny (for a change) in the low 50's - great hiking day. Took pictures at Swinging Lick Gap, Wine Spring, and Wayah Bald - to be uploaded soon.
Date: 2010-03-28
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: moderate rain

Departed about 10:00 and stopped around 3:30. I got a late start waiting for hiking buddy, Earl, who didn't show. So, hiking on my own for now. Rain, Rain, Sleet, Rain, Drizzly, Cloudy and cold - low 50's throughout the day. Highlight was talking to Diane at Rocky Bald Lookout. Everything was wet. Wishing for some better weather.
Date: 2010-03-29
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: light rain

Departed camp at 5:15 and arrived at the NOC at 10:00. Drizzly and cloudy again. I was going to keep going at the NOC, but decided to do laundry and charge my cell phone. Had chili and chicken tenders and fries. Picked up my mail drop of freeze dried foods and a refresh on Motrin. Having some problems with my right knee, specifically on the down hill. Talked to a guy who has done the AT before and he said this year is the worst weather they have had in quite a few years. Usually some rain, but not this constant. Planning to get a start around 7 am tomorrow. Rumor has it that the next few days our rough - a lot of elevation challenges. Hoping to make it to Lotus Cove Gap which is 10.5 miles, but the first 8 miles tomorrow is supposed to be bad. Praying for some good weather for the next few days, especially into the Smokys. Weather is not helping with the motivation!
Date: 2010-03-30
From: NOC

To: Stecaoh Gap 
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Left at 6:45. Still dark out. 50's and sunny and clear. Bucksnort broke his ankle at 9:30 am - no one could make it to get him until 3:30. Stayed and chatted for 30 minutes. Makes you think about an emergency situation.
Date: 2010-03-31
From: Stecaoh Gap 

To: Entrance to Smokys
Miles today: 14.9

Left at 7:45. Tented at the entrance to the Great Smokey Park. Went into Fontana Dam. Bought a phone card - but no pay phones around. Fontana Dam is a really cool little resort town - would be a nice place to spend some time in the future. Stopped at a gas station - talked to an interesting guy who ran the shop.
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

Headed out at 6am. Hiked to Newfound Gap Road. Hot sunny day - but all day in snow. Up to 8'drifts of snow still on the ground. "post-holing" all day through day. Walking along and realized I was walking on a "snow bridge" over a 12' drop. Slipped on ice - rough, rough day.Hitchhiked from trail head to Gatlinburg with group. BREAD and I caught the first ride into town from two guys from the Smokey Mtns Hiking Club and it was amazing to see the thousands of tourists visiting the park on spring break. Bunked w/Take This Bread then met Akido Joe, Trail Trash and Easy Hiker for some well deserved food and micro beverages. Over our last beers my hiker name became official "RON BURGUNDY" of Anchorman fame, since I was going by Ron, and happen to wear a burgundy "in town" shirt, so I spent the remainder of dinner listening to movie quotes from Ron Burgundy.
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Gatlinburg

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

Bread and I had the complimentary biscuits and gravy and plenty of juice at the hotels continental breakfast. We headed to the new NOC outfitters store to get a ride back to the trail. Akido Joe, Trail Trash, Easy Hiker, Bread and myself were the first five there which was a good thing as the manager could only take 5 until 12:00 PM. Back on the trail it was the obligatory climb out of the gap, and headed to Icewater Spring Shelter the climb was fairly easy with small patches of snow, but as we continued the climb the snow got worse. At times we were walking on a narrow ledge next to a sheet of slippery ice with a lengthy drop over the edge. When we weren't hiking in snow we were in water. The melting snow made the trail a cold wet mud pit and occasionally a flowing stream of water.
Date: 2010-04-05
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Through the Smokeys!!!!!!!!! The morning started out with more ice and snow, but it was manageable except for a few cartoonish spills I took trying to walk on uneven ice with my backpack, slanted terrain, steep drops etc., (looking back - NOT TOO SMART). Trail Trash and Easy caught up with me in the aFTERNOON AND QUICKLY PASSED AND GAve the new extended destintination of SBF. Paid $20 to tent, shower, launder my clothes (dryer broke after my load) Frozen pizza, 4 sodas, doritos were dinner YUM!!! Having continued issues with my cell phone batteries as phone will not charge them, so very limited ability to contact Diane and the outside world.
Date: 2010-04-06
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Walnut Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 20.3

I departed early. At the top of Snow Bird Mountain where there's an FAA communications tower so I called Diane and we talked with good signal. Trail Trash and Easy passed me then left me a message at the Roaring Fork Shelter that they were planning to go all the way to Walnut Mountain and if I couldn't make it they would see me the next day in Hot Springs.It was 7:30 when I completed the steep climb to Walnut and saw Easy and Trash above the shelter already tenting out. I was VERY TIRED but happy to have completed the 20 mile day over tough terrain.
Date: 2010-04-07
From: Walnut Mtn. Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was windy, all night long wind gusts! The hike was a hot one today with lots of stops for water. No filtering at high elevations with moss, clear water, and few signs of wild life above the source.As usual I left earliest and Trash, then Easy passed me later in the afternoon.Trail Trash headed out to secure bunks at Elmer's. It is an older home listed in historical registry. Easy told me that he called Bread, and that he had gotten off the trail and made it into Hot Springs. We made plans to meet for supper. Bread says he is hiking tomorrow but the rest of us think he needs more time to heal. The rest of the day included a good lunch and dinner preceeded by showers, laundry and small re-supply. Easy said the weather report is for light misty rain tomorrow. We'll see.
Date: 2010-04-08
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Walnut Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: moderate rain

Elmer rang the bell for breakfast and we all gathered in the dining room. There was coffee and hot tea to drink. We also had granola, pancakes and cantalope. Elmer serves all the meals family style and everyone has to introduce themself and of course we discussed today's hike and weather. As we were finishing up Aikido Joe walked in. He and Roughing It were staying in town. This morning was a overcast, and as soon as we hit the first switchback the rain started. It was a cold, damp, rainy day. The rain stopped last night but everything was wet. My head hung out slightly from the shelter. Heard lots of mice last night, but the shelter sure beat setting up and taking down a wet tent in the pouring rain. Easy stated it would be misty rain today and he was right, but he fogot to add the sideways rain, the upside down rain etc., ala forest gump. I was lucky that one of the shelter residents Smoke Stack gave up his shelter spot to me so he could try out his new hammock, or the night would have been much worse.
Date: 2010-04-09
From: Walnut Mtn Shelter

To: Shelten Graves
Miles today: 18.9

This morning was a cold wet start in foggy conditions. I mwt an injured Heart walker at Little Laurel Shelter and gave him some extra strength motrin and candy while awaiting the ranger to help him off the trail. Tonight we are camped near a Confederate grave site, and it was cold and windy, so I set up my tent and ate early then went immediately to sleep as I was exhausted. It took a while to set-up camp due to the wind and the numerous dead trees and potential widow makers. It is half way between two shelters, and locating a good water source was a problem in this area as the water was a considerable distance off the trail and not very near the campsite. Tomorrow we will cross Sam's Gap. We are now over 300 miles from Springer Mountain.
Date: 2010-04-10
From: Shelten Graves

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Tonight Trail Trash, Easy Hiker and I are camped near Big Bald. There was plenty of water but the tent sites weren't the best. We met two hikers and one was the guy with the dog and the bogus Medical Canine patches, and they left soon after stopping in camp. I was exhasuted again so I ate early and slept early for a planned 0500 departure. It was clear and cold and I needed my sleep.
Date: 2010-04-11
From: Low Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: clear sky

Bread was supposed to be in town at the Holiday Inn Express, but wasn't so I booked a room and immediately laundered my clothes, then went and showered. Bread was heading into town so I was surprised to learn he booked a room instead of bunking with me. We had Mexican food for dinner courtesy of Bread and his van. Diane is supposed to meet me for a zero day tomorrow and I can't wait to see her. I'll try and catch up with the group by the end of the week.
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Erwin, TN

To: Civilization
Miles today: 0.0

I'm off the trail. My uncle in NC has passed away, and as my mom was visiting him from California prior to his death she had a heart attack and I've been with her at the hospital in Raleigh NC ever since. If she is well enough to be transported back home to California by the end of May I plan to return to the trail.
Date: 2010-09-23
From: Katahdin Stream Campground, Baxter State PArk, ME

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

First day of SOBO journey. After a two-week vacation in Maine, I am hitting the trail again and walking home to Tennessee.Picked "Bread" up in Bangor yesterday and checked in at the Katahdin Stream Campground in Baxter State Park. Checked in with Ranger Betsy and picked up a day pack for the hike up to Katahdin. Betsy warned us to get an early start, so we hiked out this morning at 5 AM. Katahdin was rough, especially since I have been off the trail for 5 months and lost my trail legs quite some time.   Once in a lifetime experience. As soon as we got past the tree line, it was cold, windy and rocky.   Getting to the Katahdin Terminus was somewhat anti-climatic as a SOBO and made me full of regret that this was the beginning vice the end that it was supposed to be. Bittersweet, but at the same time exciting to be starting my journey.