morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Cabin in the woods/Stecoah Gap

To: ???
Miles today: 0.0

It is pouring rain and we are holed up in the Cabin in the Woods--snug and dry for the moment. We might be tempted to take a zero day... more later!Meanwhile, I spotted this sign while taking a walk yesterday in the neighborhood--at least the neighbors have a sense of humor!Here's some more humor for fellow-hikers who are stuck in their tents today in the pouring rain...YOU CAN TELL YOU'VE BEEN ON THE TRAIL FOR QUITE A WHILE WHEN YOU:>> automatically look south down the trail when you stop to pee in the woods>> you pick up stray M&M's on the trail dropped by another hiker and eat them>> in town for re-supplies, you shop by weight, not price>> you check your phone to see what day of the week it is>> you have a whole new set of friends with strange names like Three Shoes, Twinkle, Mudpie and Gumbie>> you find yourself donating all your packets of oatmeal and ramen noodles to the nearest hiker's box>> and the #1 sign: you have decided that going poop in the woods isn't such a big deal after all.
Date: 2014-04-17
To: home
Miles today: 0.0

Friends:Just a quick update from Seattle. I (WY) came home last week, as scheduled, after reaching Fontana Dam. My brother (WYNOTT) kept hiking north by himself, but unfortunately, he left the trail yesterday and is returning home today--after doing 275 miles (he reached Hot Springs, NC). Wynott has very wide feet, and he has been experiencing foot pain for weeks. In the past few days, it has become excruciating, and he decided to come home and get his feet healed--and try to figure out what footwear might work for him. We are already talking about a section hike on the PCT next summer.It was GREAT to meet many of you on the trail, and I had a fantastic time hiking part of the AT! I am left wondering about Big Spoon, Hawkeye, Tater and so many others.... where are they now? I wish that I was still on the trail, so I could chat with you!All of you on the trail were such an inspiration. I love seeing people chasing their dreams.... Godspeed on your continued hiking northward! ! !
Date: 2014-04-18
From: home

To: home
Miles today: 0.0

Friends:Today I got together for coffee with "Trip the Light" whom I last saw at Mountain Crossings over five months ago. He's also from Seattle, and just completed his thru-hike on Katahdin about two weeks ago. It was great fun to hear his "trail tales" and share his excitement about completing the trail. He has also done most of the PCT and has one last section--the couple hundred miles just south of the Canadian border. He invited me and my brother to join him next summer when he does that section, and we'll definitely have to consider that invite, as my wife says that's one of the most beautiful sections of the entire PCT.I have really enjoyed keeping up with all of you thru-hikers this summer as you've headed north on your epic AT adventures--I've especially enjoyed reading the blogs of people on this site who started about the same time I did (mid-March). Happy hiking, everyone! Hope to see some of you on this site in future as you hike the PCT! ! !
Date: 2013-07-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

On April 1st 2014 I plan on thru hiking NOBO on the Appalachian trail.I have a friend from the navy that has been telling me for years to hike the Appalachian trail with him. I retired last year and now have the time to hike but my friend has a bad back and cannot do the hike. I feel bad because he is the one that put this dream in my head and now I'll have to go without him. I'm not a hiker, or a backpacker, but I have started training a few months ago by hiking at the state park. We really don't have mountains here, hills yes, so it's a start. I've been carrying a 25 lb. pack and will kick it up some this week. I hike 8-12 miles 1-2 time a week and walk 3 miles 2-3 times a week. I've started buying some gear but still have a ways to go.
Date: 2013-07-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well it's about nine and a half months before I start my journey, Not sure if I can finish this hike but I will do my best and go as far as I can. I'm not one to give up and I'm not planning on changing that. I've been reading a lot of journals of 2013 hikers, mostly guys about my age (63) to see what's going good and what's not. Checking what kind of gear they have and what I need. Open to suggestions and tips, like I said I'm not a backpacker so I've got plenty to learn. Looking forward to meeting some of the 2014 hikers that have started their journals. Hope to see you on the trail.
Date: 2013-07-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My wife (Nancy) and I visited some friends in Kentucky the other day and we talked about hiking the AT. Now he wants to hike the AT with me. I don't know if he'll be able to or not but he's thinking about it and I'd put money on It, he'll find a way. He's younger than me and will be a challenge for me. The problem as with many hikers is money and time. It's hard to take 6 months off and still be responsible for your bills back home and all the expenses on the trail. Hopefully he can get it all together and make this epic journey.For a trail name my wife suggests "Hey George" that's what she calls me a lot to get my attantion, so that's the name I've taken at this time. we'll see, it might change on the trail. I've been reading a lot on hiking the AT and getting more excited everyday. Nancy is even starting to take more interest in my hike. Hope to see yo on the trail
Date: 2013-08-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well only about seven and a half months left before I start my journey. It's amasing how fast time goes by. Went for a 12 mile hike monday and the trail was so muddy since we had storms saturday and sunday. I know it was nothing like the AT will be and monday was only one day, we'll have lots of days like that during our hike. Just something else to look foward to. Had 31 lbs in my pack and I did good, a little slower from all the mud but overall it was a good hike. I've decided to buy a new lighter pack so right now I'm looking at a granite gear cown vc60 that only weighs 2 lbs 4 oz. problem is REI doesn't have any to try. These packs are not adjustable and I'd really like to try one to make sure it's a good fit before I buy. Hopefully with this pack I can keep my pack weight down to 30lbs with food and water. Decided to not do any mail drops and just buy my food as I go avoiding having to be in towns at a certain time and day for the post office to open. Still keeping up with trail journals and learning alot from the 2013's and looking foward to meeting some of the 2014's. see ya on the trailHey George
Date: 2013-09-30
To: Approach trail
Miles today: 0.0

After reading Chuck Wagons journal entry about the approach trail I became a little concerned if I'm preparing properly for the hike. We spent last week in Florida and decided to stop at Amicalola Falls State Park on the return trip and hike the approach trail. We arrived Friday evening and at the visitors center that was already closed so we went into town to find lodging. Wouldn't you know it, of all weeks there was a bike race and every motel was full, on to Cumming Georgia where we finally found a motel and settled in for the night.Saturday morning I arrive back at the visitors center after a 30 mile drive and signed in for my hike, they say the approach trail takes about 6 hours (8.5 miles one way) and recommended that I hike to the "Hike Inn" which is only 5 miles then go another mile and reach the approach trail and take that back to which is a total of 11 miles. Since it's already 10:30 I decide to listen to them and that's going to be my hike for the day. Let me tell you that Chuck Wagon wasn't kidding about the trail being tough. I started off at the visitors center and hiked to the top of the falls climbing all 604 stairs. That was the worse choice of the day. DON'T TAKE THE STAIRS!!! Ever time I went to step over a rock or log my legs just killed me. I believe my sore legs were mostly from climbing the stairs. By 4PM I finished my hike and had walked down 604 stairs again. That's when I found out it was an additional 1.25 miles each way from the visitors center to the top of the falls parking lot making my hike 13.5 miles. I finished in about 5 and 1/2 hours so that wasn't to bad, just sore and tired. The temp was about 75 but still hot enough for a good sweat. I did carry my 25lb backpack but forgot to bring my hat and bandana but remembered to bring a lunch. During the hike my feet felt like my socks were bunched up under my toes but when I stopped for lunch at the Hike Inn and checked they were ok and my insoles must need replaced because on the last half of the hike I could feel every rock and stone I stepped on. Overall this was a good trial hike and shows me I need to get better prepared and practice climbing stairs. The trail didn't seem to much different than what I usually do except the climbs were longer and lot more rocks which did make it tough. I had to stop a few times to rest and had plenty of close calls stumbling, Thank goodness I didn't forget my trekking poles.
Date: 2013-10-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Recieved new backpack, Granite Gear vc60. Sent first one back due to wrong size pack and to large a belt. Belt seems to run a little large so had to settle for a medium size belt. I was alittle concerned about returning the backpack but Backcountry Edge return was very simply and quick. I really like this pack. Have been carrying 30lbs and it fits and feels great. Since my last journal entry when I was hiking at Amicalola Falls State Park and the stairs really kicked my butt I have started climbing stairs at the county fairgrounds grandstands. They don't seem as bad but should be good training. Going to try and do this everyday plus hiking when I get a chance.I've been reading of the 2013 hikers finishing their thru hikes and wishing then all the best. Hopefully next year at this time I will Summit Mt. Katahdin along with many other 2014 hikers.Hope to see you on the trail
Date: 2013-10-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I know this entrie is not my normal update about gear or training or reading trail journals. It is however a request to my family of hikers and journal readers to do something for my family. My son and his girlfriend just had a perfect, beautiful little baby girl, everything went as planed with the delivery, baby and mom seemed to be doing fine. It was just one week and mommy (30 years old) was having migraine headaches, went to the hospital and was admitted. The hospital did everything they could and finally sent her to another hospital by ambulance. Just shortly after arriving there and being admitted to her room she had sever head pain and complained of her face feeling numb and started to slur her words, luckily her sister was there and got help. She did have a stroke but only by the grace of God she was there at the hospital and they were able to take care of her. She has bleeding on the brain so they have her in an induced coma until that has stopped. They also found an aneurism but at this point the stroke is their main concern. The stroke was in the area of brain that controls the speech so there might be some problems with that for awhile. She is able to move her arms and legs when the meds are wearing off but they put her back in the coma once they check her over. Overall the doctors think she will have a full recovery but it will take some time. They are expecting her to be there in the hospital for 4-6 weeks. My son is just beside himself on how he is going to be able to take care of a 4 year old and a newborn and keep his job. Her family is there with them and are really helping in everyway possible. Between the two families we will find a way to get them thru this. Friday they are suppose to try and take the breathing tube out and see if she can breath on her own. My request is simple, just keep them in your prayers that is more powerful and helpful than anything. They are going to need all the prayers they can get. Thanks and God bless you.
Date: 2013-12-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We sure had a lot to be thankful for. First of all I want to thank everyone for all your prayers. My son and family are doing great, they still aren't out of the woods yet but looking better everyday. The baby is doing just fine and his girlfriend is home and recovering but does need to have surgery soon for an aneurism.I can't believe it's only 4 months till I start my thru hike, and I still have a lot to do around the house before I go. I have most of my gear now but still need just a few small things. I've been slacking off on my training this last month, haven't been hiking much but still climbing stairs at the fairgrounds. Next week is deer season so after that I need to hit the training really hard. I like hunting in the snow so I'm looking forward to hiking in the snow. It just gets boring hiking the same trails day after day with no new views and the snow will change all that. I went for a short hike with my 8 year old granddaughter Thanksgiving day and she really enjoyed it, she had gone with the girl scouts just recently on a night hike and she was telling me everything about it. We had a good hike and lots of talking. Then yesterday I went on a four mile hike at Salt Fork while Nancy was at a craft show. That was a really nice hike, weather was in the 30's but perfect for hiking and still had about 4 inches of snow so it was a little slick. There was no one else out there but then the Michigan and Ohio State game was on. I wanted to hike for more than just the hike itself and felt I could help others by hiking so I've decided to hike for a charity in Ohio, It is the "Oaks Family Care Center". They are a community centered, faith based non-profit, non-political social service agency created to serve Medina County, Ohio. Pregnancy related services are offered to the community without charge. You can go to http://www.oaks-family-care.org/ and read all about it.   It's always harder to quit something when people are depending on you and that is going to give me more reason and determination to finish and hopefully more support and encouragement which I know I'll need. That's it till next time.Hope to see you on the trail.
Date: 2014-01-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Happy New Year!!!! What a great year 2014 is going to be. Best of luck to all the hikers. Spent Christmas in Missouri and did some hiking at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. They had a freezing rain a few days earlier and everything was covered in a thin layer of ice and looked like crystal. It was beautiful hiking in but got soaked when it started melting. Can't believe it's only 3 months till I start my hike. Time sure is flying by and I need to step up my home prep to get everything done by time I leave. Have been hiking more and hope to hike everyday till April. Still need to get a smart phone and figure out how to do journals from it. Hope to see you on the trail.
Date: 2014-01-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The other day a friend from the navy stopped by for a visit. He is the person responsible for getting me interested in the Appalachian trail many years ago. He would hike this year with me but his back is just to bad for that. We did some short hikes while he was here and almost had a blizzard the second day. By time we finished his back was done. He's hoping his next back surgery goes good and then he'd like to try the AT in a couple of years. The weather here is really cold, suppose to get down to a -10 tonight and only a hi of 6 tomorrow so I think I'll hit the treadmill instead of the trail.Hope to see you on the trail.
Date: 2014-01-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have reached the point of no return for my start date of April 1st. I've got my ride to Georgia, room and shuttle all booked. There are still friends that thought I wasn't serious about my hike until now. It doesn't matter if I finish or not, sure it would be a big disappointment if I don't finish but no matter what happens at least I tried and that is better than not trying at all. I wish the best to all the hikers on your journey this year, be safe and enjoy what god has made for us to enjoy.Hope to see you on the trail
Date: 2014-02-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today's entry is being done from my iPhone by voice recognition then being sent to my sister who will be transcribing it on my journal. She'll be doing this while I'm on my hike. Today I did a short hike at Salt Fork State Park. The trail is still covered with about 4 inches of snow and ice. Which makes nice slippery conditions. With the warming temperatures we've been having flooding, so I picked this trail so I would not have too many Creek crossings. Still had a few small creeks to cross got my feet a little wet but at least I didn't go swimming. Don't know how many times I would have fallen if I didn't have my trekking poles with me. Hope everyone out there on the trail is being safe and enjoying their hike. Hope to see you on the trail soon.
Date: 2014-02-25
To: Salt Fork
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Perfect day for hiking temperature 23* with light snow. I hiked 8 miles and went off the trail a couple times to check out a couple of caves. They had a small waterfalls coming over the top of the cave it would have been nice when we had all the snow melt last week. Hope to see you on the trail soon.
Date: 2014-02-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I did another 8 mile hike today. Temperatures were cold and about 20* and windy so it seemed colder. I didn't have to worry about sweating today because of the temperatures. The lake was pretty much frozen over and you could hear the ice cracking as I walked along the shore. All I needed to do was to run in to Big Foot. According to the newspaper here he's been seen lately in our area. I noticed a lot of new hikers on trail journals wish them the best of luck on their hike. Hope to see you on the trail soon.
Date: 2014-03-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Boy did the weatherman goof on the snow prediction for Sunday. Only got about 4" of snow but it was a mess most of the day. Tonight down to 2*, looks like treadmill again tomorrow. Seen on weather channel their predicting a colder spring for most of the eastern states, let's hope their wrong on this too.Hope to see you on the trail.
Date: 2014-03-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday while hiking I seen another hiker heading my way and it turned out to be one of my doctors. He told me about the Bigfoot 10.4 mile trail at Salt Fork so today I tried it out. Probably the best trail that the park has except there's a 2 mile stretch that you walk beside the road. It was really muddy and I managed to fall only once, trekking poles are great. Weather was nice and warm, in the 50's and of course the bugs are already out. Tomorrow starts another cold snap with rain in the morning but hoping to do the trail before it's to bad. I need to get use to walking in the rain anyways. Hope to see you on the trail
Date: 2014-03-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Trail journal for March 17, 2014.Last week I got my last haircut. Saturday we went to town and everywhere we stopped my wife, Nancy, tried to buy me anything I wanted and even asked me if I needed anything else. I finally realized she was trying to stall me so I told her I wanted to stop at the Kabota dealer but she didn't fall for that one.Later we went to the Golden Corral where Nancy, the kids and friends gave me a surprise going away dinner party. They even had a 5 ft. wall map of the trail and T-shirts with the trail on front. We had a great time. Thanks guys for the party. It was fun.Today I had my last doctor's appointment and last dental appointment and they gave me the okay to hike so its all go from here.Hope to see you on the trail
Date: 2014-03-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, I have just five more days until I'm on the trail and wouldn't you know it I come down with a cold. Hopefully I can shake it before I start, otherwise it could be a lousy start.I'm still trying to get things done around the house and my honey-do list is just about gone.It looks like my pack will be about 30 pounds. It's more than I wanted but I can live with it. I might still be able to shave a pound or two off.Hope to see you on the trail in five days.
Date: 2014-03-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

As the start date for my hike approaches I would like to mention again that my hike is to raise funds for a very worthy and needed charity in Ohio. The Oaks is a non-profit, non-political social service agency created to serve Medina County, Ohio. Pregnancy related services are offered to the community without charge. We are about to kick off our fundraiser with a goal of $32,274 needed to provide life saving services.They have assisted more than 1600 families and individuals each year by providing material, emotional and spiritual support for women and men concerned about pregnancy issues and/or their life style, through education in areas of: Relationships, Personal growth, Sexual understanding and responsibility. Services include: family building programs, material goods, parenting workshops & support, pregnancy and prenatal support, post abortion recovery, spiritual support, visitation program and youth abstinence programs.If you are interested in helping this much needed community resource you can make donations @https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/oaksfamily/id826855925?mt=8OR @www.oaks-family-care.org/Simply go to About Us and Fundraising and click on Norm's Walk for Life to make your donation per mile or by lump sum. Remember just a penny a mile works out to a $22.00 donation.We would like to thank all who have already donated or are about to donate to the Oaks.Hope to see you on the trail.
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Springer Mtn

To: Horse Gap
Miles today: 10.5

The Temperature today is 75*. Shuttle driver picked me up at the hotel at 7am and I was on the trail about 9am. Todays shuttle driver was survivor Dave and it was his birthday. I highly recommend Dave he is full of trail info and very helpful.I hiked with hummingbird for about 2 hours, then alone for about 3 hrs and finished with road racer. Everyone is super friendly and helpful.I stopped at Hawk Mountain Shelter @2pm and it was already crowded so I finished up @Horse Gap camp. There are 7 of us here but I don't remember everyone, sorry guys Today was a rough day and I am a little sore right now. Tomorrow we start by climbing Sassafras Mountain. Right now its 8 pm and that is hikers midnight. So good nightHope to see you on the trail.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Horse Gap

To: Preaching Rock
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: broken clouds

I started my morning with a climb up Sassafras Mountain, then on to Justus Mountain. Took a break at Justus Creek and by Noon we were at Gooch Mountain Shelter where we ate lunch and headed back out.We did a real rough climb up Ramrock Mountain and made camp at Preaching Rock at an elevation of 3195 ft.Hope to see you on the trail.
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Preaching Rock

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I started off today with a few ups and downs. Ate my lunch sitting on a log at Jarrard Gap. Shortly after lunch came our big climb for the day to Blood Mountain. Going up wasn't too bad and had great views from the top but the climb down was rough with lots of rocks and roots.Blood Mountain got its name from a fight between Indians. It was so fierce they claim the rivers ran red with blood.We then made it to my crossing to resupply and I rented a cabin with race walker and Justin who I have been hiking with the last 2 days. Today our temperatures were 75* but weather tomorrow is calling for rain. Hoping to beat it.Hope to see you on the trail.