morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Fontana Dam Shelter (Fontana Hilton)

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

The dreaded climb from Fontana Dam into the Smokys was bad but not unlike the climb from the NOC. The coolest part was how Garrett just straight up decided to say screw it to the blue blaze trail around the dam-which we were supposed to take on account of the dam being under repair. We walked down to the dam, saw the men working, noticed the police line and then Garrett-after I triple dog dared him-started walking right on the dam, right past the workers, and kept on going. He saved us 2 miles or so of extra rail and we got to follow the actual AT. The days hike was uneventful. Little patches of grass and wild flowers were the only differences we found in this section compared to Nantahala. Well, that and more switchbacks and squirrels. Here at Mollies Ridge Shelter with 13 bunks full and one person tenting. Got a big day tomorrow. Vultran
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Here at Groundhog Creek Shelter because I wasn't up to 8 more miles. I stepped on a rock a little funny which has led to me having some left foot trouble. No big deal though...just need to take it easy. Saw an incredible bald today on top of Snowbird Mountain. I called my mom from up there as I sat with my back leaning against a post nailed into the ground with a white blaze painted on it and my front staring at mountains and balds and valleys beyond. It was a long hike up but all the same it was just another day on the AT. Garrett was telling me about possibly taking the train into New York City when we get there to take a few zero days and stay with a couple of his friends-yes, there is a train station on the AT near NYC that will take you to the city. I think that we are going to try and make it happen. I would like to give a shout out to Mystique as I'm sure by now they are about an hour and a half down the road to Dayton, OH for Worlds...Congrats on the season. Nothing like a hard season to show perseverence and dedication. Congrats! Looking forward to Max Patch tomorrow-I bought a frisbee specifically forit. If you don't know what a bald is and by now you might be confused...it's exactly like it sounds-a big bald spot on top of a mountain. The Max Patch is famous for its size so I can't wait-I like balds almost as much as I like creeks. Speaking of which Garrett and I spent about 20 min. just sitting at the water source here at this shelter because of how beautiful it is. Looks like the tributaries feeding Trammel Creek out in Kentucky. I would like to say goodnight to my brother, Emily, Aidan, Tim Dahl, mom, Allison, Evan, Boatman, George & dad. Love you all very much.Vultran
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

The rocky terrain at the beginning of the hike was a surprise, but a good one. My legs feel up to the challenge and every step after was no problem. I got to a firetower on top of some mountain and not to my surprise there was a young couple smoking pot in it. "Happy 4/20" they said to me as I entered their pot lair. They offered me some. I said no. I asked them if that was their truck. The guy said yes. I waited till they left and then I pee'd off the firetower. The day went on and then I reached the Spring Mtn. Shelter. The only other person there was a lady who goes by the trail name Mustang Sally. The party grew larger over the next hour and so I ate some dinner, helped with the bear bagging, and read my new book: 'The Road,' by Cormac McCarthy. Tomorrow is going to be a bid day...so time for bed.Vultran
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Street Gap/Johnson City, TN
Miles today: 4.7

So we have decided to get off the trail for now. We got to Street Gap and just decided that we were happy about how much we had done but were not having a great time hiking every day. So far we have decided to catch a bus back to Nashville, TN and take a week or so to rest and then decide from there what we are going to do.Possible plans include either coming back to the trail or taking a trip out west.
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Street Gap/Johnson City, TN

To: Murfreesboro, TN
Miles today: 0.0

It's a very heart breaking and sad state of affairs when you find yourself stuck in a position where staying on the trail just doesn't seem like the thing you really want to do after all of the dreaming and preparation. I miss the trail but at the same time I am ready for something else. I am lost...that is the only truth I know at the moment for where I am.
Date: 2008-02-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today is seventeen days from my planned start on the AT. I feel like I've done a huge amount of preparation (at least thinking about it and talking about it and getting gear ready), but there still seems like a lot to do. I've still got to get a lighter tent, a foam sleeping pad and make and try out an alcohol stove. Nancy is concerned that she doesn't know how and when to mail food to me. I don't either, but have got to figure it out in the next two weeks.I talked to my friend, Paul O'Shield, today. Paul is, or used to be, an avid backpacker. Health issues have sidelined some of his activities, like backpacking. He is in the hospital now, with pneumonia in one lung, but plans to come to my AT sendoff gathering on Sunday.On a lighter note, I saw a great bumper sticker on a car today. It said 'Great Minds Think a Hike'
Date: 2008-02-29
To: Amicalola Falls
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I attended a backpacking conference at Amicalola Falls State Park today. It was well organized with lectures/discussions by people that do a lot of backpacking, with a heavy emphasis on through-hiking the Appalachian Trail. The stories and the pictures they showed were impressive.One of the highlights was meeting Mr. Gene Espy, the second person to through-hike the AT - back in 1951. His talk was fascinating. He showed us some of his gear, which looked fairly primitive by today's standards. His pack was an Army Ski Patrol surplus pack that cost him $ 5.00. He is very sharp at some 80 years of age and his talked was laced with gentle humor. I later had a chance to talk with Mr. Espy and asked him about how it felt to be the second through-hiker. His answer was inspiring; that he is, he said that, to him, it didn't matter if he was second,tenth or 50th to do it, he just wanted to hike the Trail!!There were some 50-60 people in the shelter, and many of the faces changed from speaker to speaker. Although the majority of speakers were in their 40's or 50's, most of the through-hikers were 40 or below, including Mr. Espy who did it when he was about 22. Humor was probably a hallmark of the day - virtually every speaker included a lot of humor.The day left me more inspired to do the Trail.
Date: 2008-03-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today, we had a party (organized by Nancy)to celebrate my planned trip on the AT. My daughters and brother and his family came, as did quite a few friends. It was very heart-warming to have all those folks here to see me off. Nancy billed it as the 'Let's Send Ed Packing Party', and it was fun. At one point, they asked me to talk about the trip, and I did for about 10-15 minutes. They asked questions, and probably the hardest question is 'why are doing this hike'? I did not have a good answer for it. Myra has asked me this question, and I just don't have a good one. Perhaps, during my time on the Trail, it will reveal itself to me.One aspect of having a party causes me a bit of apprehension. That is, I know that many people start the Trail (maybe 2000) and only about 200 finish. Since my party was to celebrate me through-hiking, I am conscious that that there is an expectation, by my friends, and myself, that I finish. Having talked about this before my family and friends, will certainly increase my motivation to complete it.
Date: 2008-03-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

At my going-on-the-trail party yesterday, Leslie N. gave me our cycling friend, Barbara C's, phone number and suggested I call her. Barbara C. hiked most of the AT in 2007, until she ran out of mental and physical energy.I called Barbara today and she talked to me at length about what kinds of things to expect and how to prepare. Her first point was to 'go into town and eat every chance you get, even if you've just stopped in a town in the last day or so' She emphasized this, in order to keep up my energy level.She helped me to finally decide on a water treatment method on the Trail. I had just about decide to take my water filter (which weighs about a pound), because there is so much confusing information. Barbara emphasized that water purification tablets (like Aqua-Mira or Aqua-Pur) work best, as they are light, require no batteries and are easy to use (this is the same method that Myra espouses). I quoted what folks at REI told me, that it took 4 hours after putting a table in the water, before it's ready to drink. Nonsense, she retorted. It takes maybe 30 minutes (I later learned that the 4 hours is for Virus destruction, which is apparently not much of a threat in Eastern U.S. waters).Her main point of the whole discussion is a good Mantra: 'Keep it simple'(Thanks, Barbara)Added motivation today for the AT: I opened a wrapped foil Dove chocolate, with one of the cute sayings. It said: Test your own limits and keep going!
Date: 2008-03-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The Alcohol StoveTrail Magic happened to me today, courtesy of my friends Sam S. and Laurie S. Or,I should say Pre-Trail Magic happened, since I'm not yet on the Trail. Trail Magic is some unexpected act of kindness or generosity, such as someone leaving chocolate or beer in a cooler on the Trail for through-hikers, or taking you to their house and letting you shower.Anyway, my Pre-Trail Magic actually started on Tuesday, March 4th. I had been stressing about what kind of stove to take. I have a very fine MSR Whisperlite stove, but everything that I've read or heard says that alcohol stoves are really the way to go on the AT. They are simple (no moving parts), literally a tuna can with strategically placed holes, and the fuel (typically denatured alcohol) is easy to get along the Trail.REI did not have any alcohol stoves, and I was contemplating building one. (Those of you who know my mechanical skills probably gasped at the previous statement.) I will be kind to myself and say that building things is not one of my strengths. Nevertheless, I was looking on the Internet at plans (the plans didn't look simple to me) and I was trying to figure out the best option.Then, I got an e-mail from Sam wishing me well on the AT, and out of the blue, offered me his alcohol stove. I don't know how he knew that I needed one, but he somehow did.Anyway, I went and met Sam and Laurie today and got the stove. Actually, two stoves. His alcohol stove and accompanying equipment is a wonder to behold - it all fits together. He made a small wire mess potholder that fits around the stove, a windscreen that fits around the potholder and a 2 cup plastic cup (to eat or drink out of) and an approximate one quart metal pot. Everything fits in the metal pot, and Sam made an insulated bag to hold it. It all weighs about 12 ounces (very light) and works marvelously.I am much appreciative of Sam and Laurie's coming to my aid on this!
Date: 2008-03-07
To: Walasi Yi Center - Neel Gap
Miles today: 0.0

The Equipment UpgradeToday, I made the trip up to the Walasi Yi center at Neel Gap. Mountain Crossings operates the center there and do a fine job with through-hikers and other hikers. I went specifically to see Winton Porter, one of the owners. He fitted me with a great pair of Montrail boots about a year and a half-ago. Since I've lost some weight and got in better shape, I wondered if I possibly should be in lighter boots (such as low-cuts). Plus, some other hikers, usually those about 23 years old, have questioned if I were going to use such heavy boots. I have very wide feet (EEE width!) and finding boots or shoes that wide is very challenging.I went to see Winton with two objectives in mind: 1) determine if the boots are still okay, or some other shoes are needed and 2) if my Kelty external frame pack fits okay.The boots were relatively easy. Yes, I should be wearing these boots to start for the stability. He did say that when I wear this pair out, I would want to look at lighter shoes then.As for the pack, he thought that it was okay, but had much too much capacity for a through hike. Plus, it is heavy, maybe 7 1/2 pounds. He showed me some other packs, but then suggested that I use my existing pack to start and then, when I got to Neel Gap (about 30 miles from Springer Mountain), consider another.Okay, I got 'lighten-up fever'. I decided to get a new Osprey pack (about 1/2 weight of the Kelty), an new tent (Big Agnes Seedhouse Series, SL2), and splurged on a light-weight packable insulated jacket, for the colder days in March and April. I also decided to go with Aqua-Mira water purification tablets, instead of taking my water filter.The weather of today might have influenced my decisions a bit. It was rainy, foggy and cold. See the picture I took of the AT coming down off Blood Mountain to cross the road at Neel Gap. The through-hikers I saw today, did not look happy today. To match that, I read an interesting tag line in the Hiker sign in journal: No Pain, No Rain, No Maine! That pretty well says it all.
Date: 2008-03-10
To: Walasi Ye Center- Neel Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Walasi Yi ReduxI went back to Mountain Crossings at Neel Gap today. Over the weekend, Nancy and I hiked with our backpacks on, and I developed some developing blisters. I went back to ensure that I have the right socks and the shoes do indeed fit okay.After checking the boots, Winton (Porter) suggested a using lighter wool socks and lacing the boots in a particular way (intertwining the laces around each other in the top three holes), they should work fine.The big surprise was my pack. I had loaded it with just about everything I will be carrying and they weighed it, and it came in at 26lbs!!! Even adding a few things, as I am likely to do, it still should be about 30 lbs. Quite a difference from the 40 lb fully loaded pack that I had in mid-December.I saw several through hikers there. They looked much happier today, with a beautiful day, than the last time I was here and it was raining. I met a woman, 'Slow Barbara' (her trailname) that is closer to my age than many of the folks. This is her second time starting the AT.I did see a couple of through hikers that I don't think will make it. They had too many complaints and ailments, even as early on the Trail as Neel Gap.
Date: 2008-03-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm Ready!It's the night before my hike and I'm both nervous and excited. I believe that a great adventure is about to begin.I've done much planning (although probably not enough), got in shape (although probably not enough) and arranged my life so that I can get away for a these months on the Trail.I've had great support from my family and friends, and especially my wife, Nancy. Without her support, I could not do this.Both North Georgia and Maine beckon me. North Georgia to start the Trail at Springer Mountain, and Maine to climb glorious Mt. Katahdin to finish.So, the preparation is done, and now the actual journey begins!I'M READY!
Date: 2008-03-15
To: Ellijay, Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

My Start Day - NOTThe day that I have planned for six months to start on the Appalachian Trail did not work out.After awaking to violent thunderstorms, Nancy and I packed and drove toward Ellijay, to get to the Trail. After phone calls from Kirsten and from Myra, warning of violent weather, we went to Myra's house, and made the decision to postpone the start by a day.We spent a most enjoyable day with our friends Myra and Edna, at Myra's house. We did a bit of last minute shopping, had some great conversations, and went out for a Mexican restuarant dinner. We stayed over at Myra's with the plan to start the next day.
Date: 2008-03-16
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawks Nest Shelter
Miles today: 7.8

The Real Start DayAfter a great breakfast at Myra's, Nancy,Edna and I set out by car to Springer Mountain (the Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail, and the start of the hike for me (Myra could not go as she had other commitments). It was a beautiful day, sunny but cool.We parked at the Trailhead and hiked the .9 miles up to the top of Springer Mountain. After checking in wity Many Sleeps (trailname of the Georgia AT contact person), taking pictures and signing in the Journal, we took off.We hiked about 3.5 miles and then stopped for lunch. I said goodbye at that point to Edna, then Nancy and I hiked on for another mile or so. Then, she turned back (which was a tough moment for me), and after I watched her walk out of sight, I hiked on.   It felt very strange, but good to be on the way.I stopped at Hawks Nest shelter, and put up my tent. There were approximately 30 people there that night, all first day hikers. We talked and had a pleasant time.Since I had arrived at 3:20 PM, fairly early, I thought of hiking on. I met a guy, trailname Tarpinator (think Arnold Schwarzzenegger as the Term.. well, you know), who counseled me against it. He was starting a throughhike for the second time. He had started two years ago, and hiked so fast (and hard on his body) that he blew out his knee after about 200 miles, and had to leave the Trail. He had surgery and has recovered and is back again for another go. He recommended that I do some 8 miles a day for the first week, to get trail-acclimated. He said that I had 'Mileitus' meaning I wanted to lots of mile right away, which is not prudent. His recommendation makes sense. We'll see how it goes.
Date: 2008-03-17
From: Hawks Nest Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Camping Area
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

St. Patrick's Day HikeMy first full day hiking!Left Hawk's Nest Shelter about 10:20 AM and arrive at Gooch Gap camping area about 4:00 PM. Sassafrass Mountain, at 3320 feet, was my first introduction to a lot of climb (about 700 feet in a half a mile).There I met the Tarpinator and his friend, Geek. Geek had through-hiked the AT in about 1990. This time he was providing Trail Magic for his friend Tarpinator and other hikers. He had beer which was great at the end of the day!There were three young guys there also, one of whom was named Sergei (unclear of spelling). I had met Sergei, along with his dad, Michael, on BRAG last year. Sergei said that he had met my wife, Nancy, on the first day. Sergei and his friends were using the 8 mile per day logic for the first week.Cool evening, so I went to bed early.
Date: 2008-03-18
From: Gooch Gap Camping Area

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiking Third DayI left Gooch Gap camping area about 10:20 and arrived at Woods Hole Shelter about 3:50 PM. As you may be able to discern already, I am a late-leaver. It takes me a couple of hours to get going.It was a cold gray day today.I went a bit more than my 8 mile plan, but I wanted to get to Woods Hole shelter for the night. The shelters are nice because there are 1) other people there; 2) bear cables (to put your food up on at night and 3; moldering privies.Bear cables are lines on pulleys, on which you attach your food bag, and hoist it up to about 18-20 feet and secure the line to a hook on a tree. It keeps the food out of the bears, and raccoons, reach.A moldering privy is a a very fundamental wilderness toilet. It is essentially an elevated wooden structure, constructed by the US Forest Service, or by a Hiking Club. It looks like a raised out house, and air and natural forces (like earthworms), decay the 'mass'.There are some 18 people here tonight. Saw several people that I knew, including Q and Wild Bill, and met some new ones.My legs are sore, but holding up. No foot problems yet.Rain is predicted tonight.
Date: 2008-03-20
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

First Day of Spring! (Since this is a Leap Year)Had breakfast at the cabin and then we all drove up to the Walasiyi Center. There, I had another cup of coffee and two excellent homemade biscuits (which had been brought from Ma Gooch's restaurant in Cleveland). After stocking up on some groceries, I took off.I left Neel's Gap at about 10:20 AM. Leaving Neels Gap is a psychological milestone. I've been there so many times to get equipment, a talked to a lot of through-hikers, I feel like it was a milestone to leave Neels Gap. As Alpine, who works at Walasiyi says' the 30 miles from Springer to Neels Gap is a very humbling hike'. And, it is.I had a pleasant hike and arrived at Low Gap shelter about 4:30. A number of folks I know are there, including Q, Wild Bill, Bob and Mike, T-Bone and Tye-Dye. I also met Wingit and Peanut (two girls hiking together), Adam and Old Turtle, Retread and Retread's daughter, Linda. Two young guys, Solo and Kong, came hiking in, using headlamps, about 9:00 PM.There is a somewhat humorous story I have about Wild Bill. Bill did not have a Trail Name, since he said, he had not been on the Trail long enough. At Low Gap, Q suggested that we call Bill, Honey, as in Honey Bear, since he had bought a jar of honey at some stop. I nixed that, since I said that I was not about to tell my wife that I was calling somebody "Honey" on the Trail, especially a guy!!!We had a fine fire near the shelter and had a good time talking around it. I feel like now I'm truly on my way.
Date: 2008-03-21
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

Good Friday Hike!It was cold last night. Could not get comfortable in my sleeping bag. Owls hooted all night long. It was a great sound.I left Low Gap Shelter about 9:40 AM. It was an easy uphill for about 5 miles, then I went up (tough) Rocky Mountain. I arrived at Blue Mountain shelter about 2:00 PM.I decided to stay there for the night, as my hip joints are hurting and I decided to give them a rest.Blue Mountain Shelter is a very nice shelter. It's up on ridge, with 360 degree views. Catwoman08 and Wild Bill were there, and met several other folks. Catwoman is a woman fair amount older than I, I would wager, who is attempting the Trail a second time. She started last year and hiked to Unicoi Gap and got off. Her name derives from the fact that she loves cats. She is courageous in her second attempt.By the way, mice have not been too much of a problem at the shelters here to for. Someone speculated that there may not be enough through hikers in the Winter to support the mice. Someone asked where the mice might go in Winter - the obvious answer, to Florida, to stay in there condo's, of course!!