morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-11-23
From: U.S.7 Great Barrington, Mass

To: U.S.7 Great Barrington, Mass
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I didn¢t go to bed last night until 2 A.M. and was awake at 5 this morning. That¢s about the time I usually wake up but I¢m usually in bed by 6 P.M. I stayed up cleaning gear and washing clothes and journaling. I went back through my journals and found that I had taken 6 true zero days, and 3 nero days. So I actually had 37 days of hard at it hiking. That averages out to about 12 miles per true hiking day. I noticed some golden arches shining a couple of blocks down from the motel last night so I took advantage of the dollar menu. It is surprising how good double cheeseburgers taste after you haven¢t had any for a while. And ummm, that sweet tea. Two large glasses of it was probably why I couldn¢t sleep last night. I also went down for breakfast this morning. The clothes are clean and the gear is nearly packed so I am waiting for Diana to arrive this afternoon. This will be my last post until I get home to wrap this thing up for this year.
Date: 2013-12-20
To: That's it for this year
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I guess it¢s time to wrap up this years journal. I had a great hike this year and am already putting some thought into next year. I have ordered and received some new tent stakes and ground cloth from Tarptent. I found out there are limitations on driving tent stakes into rocks. I have also received some new clothes and pole tips from Campmor. The one item that I haven¢t replaced is my hiking boots. I talked to North Face about what boot they replaced the Jasper Canyon with but what they recommended does not appear to be close to what I have. Jasper Canyons fit me so well. I have 1200 miles on the first pair I bought with only a couple of ripped out seams and are still wearable but certainly leak. The second pair that I wore this year only has about 700 miles on them but is totally shot due to the P.A. rocks. The toe is ripped out and the sole is coming off one boot. Several boot companies don¢t offer boots in size 14. Yeah, I know. But I will work that out soon. I would like to finish the A.T. in 2014 and am hoping to do a spring and fall hike. My main concern looking at the next section through Mass., VT, and part of N.H. is how early I can start next spring. Being from the Midwest I am not at all familiar with the spring weather in that area, especially VT. where I have heard the trail is not in very good condition in spring. So I would be open to any suggestions, experiences, or opinions on that subject. So, thanks to all that followed along this year and watch for a 2014 journal to be started soon. Just maybe, I say again maybe, 2014 will be the year I will summit Katahdin.
Date: 2011-03-14
To: Maine
Miles today: 0.0

There are a lot of variables that must fall into place before anyone can realistically begin a thru hike on the AT. First there is consent of family. Unless you're a gypsy, somebody has to hold down the fort for the inevitable re-entry back into society. I know, many will comment that the AT is oftentimes the Times Square of trails, and that the AT is not wilderness (unlike some trails, you can just walk off the AT and get home in a couple of days) but none-the-less, a thru hiker will be gone for several months and likely create a void in the lives of loved ones.The next big variable is arranging time off from work. There are many ways to deal with this issue. Many walkers begin their journey after college and before their career starts in earnest, i.e. one last ditch effort to avoid the grind). Another popular time is immediately upon retirement when all of a sudden there is an abundance of time. For the vast majority of hikers, arrangements have to be made for a job to be waiting upon return. For me, the approach was extremely simple, direct and quick. I got fired. Oh well!
Date: 2011-03-18
To: 2 Weeks and Counting
Miles today: 0.0

2 weeks and counting. Emotions are running high, and it is difficult to distinguish between anxiety and excitement. Add some fear and anguish, and you have a washing machine of emotions. Lots of turbulence. Lots of churning. Lots of spinning around and going nowhere. It all adds up to agitation. How's that for a metaphor? I know Lisa will like it since I've "come clean" by admitting to the turbulence that is going on in my life right now. Many of you can relate to the great anticipation of Christmas morning as a child. We were consumed by the belief that Santa was bringing presents, and we probably drove our parents nuts. Well I'm driving Lisa nuts and I'm driving myself nuts. Pretty soon people are going to be calling us Nut and Honey. There is no question who is which.
Date: 2011-03-20
To: They Keep Asking Why? 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Everyone wants to know why I¢ve decided to attempt to walk the 2200 mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. There are plenty of reasons, so here a few: It¢s on the bucket list; It¢s something I always dreamed about; I have something to prove to myself; I¢m mad at my feet; I miss my twenties and last week some guy named Ponce-de-Leone told me there was a secret spring along the trail; I need to quench my thirst for adventure; I¢ve gained 15 pounds in 2 years and feel fat; Two NYC Marathons were just not challenging enough; If my mother can start college at age 50, I can go for a walk in the woods at age 51; My knees, back, ankles, et al may not make it at 52; I¢ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness and nobody knows (that last one was just to see if anybody actually reads this stuff); I walk therefore I am; I got fired and am out of work; A tribute to Charlie Rudd; Because social networking websites exists; I¢m hoping to run into the guy that gave me my trail name back in 1978; Outside of American Idol and Jersey Shore there is nothing good on TV; I¢m auditioning for a part as survivorman¢s understudy; Deadliest Catch turned me down; If my father can get stabbed by a marlin in Guatemala check out the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2NvLPGDV5c) then I can walk in the woods; and not last and not least¢¦..My wife will let me. Oh Yea, can't forget Alfred E. Newman's favorite saying. If you don't know ask a hippie.
Date: 2011-04-01
To: Seeing is Believing
Miles today: 0.0

April 1st in New Jersey can be a beautiful sight. Hopefully the sights encountered along the Appalachian Trail will be just as awesome. Flying out of Philly on Sunday Morning. Very nervous and driving Lisa and myself crazy. Locked the keys in the car twice last week and lost the cell phone a lot too. Good thing I remember my own phone number.
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Seeing is Believing

To: Black gap shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

DAY 1Woke up at 3:00 am, 3:15 am, 3:30 am, 3:45 am. Well you get the point.... At 7:30 am breakfast at my hosts, the Hiker Hostile was served.8:30 am: Enroute to the State Park and the Approach Trail to southern terminus of the AT.11:00 am: After signing in with the Rangers and a few pictures, were my first steps. Walked 7.3 miles to a shelter and good thing. One of the worst mountain storms ever. Camped with 4 guys aged 17 to 20. What a flashback! Glad to see they still talk about the same things.After 1 day my plans are still intact. Begin the journy north tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-05
From: Black gap shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

The trail actually started on Tuesday with another 7 + mile day. I'm taking it relatively slow in the beginning. Met 2 brothers hiking, both 70 something guys using the trail names Jalapeno and Habanero. Aka the Tabasco Brothers. They were formerly called The 3 Blind Mice, but the third passed away & the brothers were on a memorial hike. We have something in common. The Tabasco Brothers took me under their wings and taught me a lot about hiking in just the few hours we were together. By the end of the day they had out hiked me by a few miles and we departed great friends. I hope to run into them again. Reflections: I'm old enough to realize that I can learn from the experiences of others, and that I do not have to make all the mistakes myself. I am also wise enough to recognize when somebody knows more than I do.
Date: 2011-04-09
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Blood mountain Cabins at Neels Gap
Miles today: 8.0

At a low point between the mountains there is a place called Neels Gap. There is a hiker hostel , cabins nearby and a great resupply outfitter. There were also about a dozen women volunteers from a local church that cooked and served hamburgers with all the trimmings. When I got carried away over the sight of real lettuce, one woman quizzically asked what other type of lettuce is there? " Why freeze dried of course" I replied. I'm glad she laughed and gave me another burger. The trail was very tough today. A lot of very steep ups and downs on the hottest day so far. We were all out of water and exhausted. Thank God for cool springs and church ladies that cook hamburgers.
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Cheese Factory Camping Area

To: Town of Hiawassee, Georgia
Miles today: 50.8

Tonight we camped in an area called the cheese factory. The combination of nearby mountains, terrain and vegetation keep the area somewhat protected from the elements. We ( Hobo, Indy and Truckin) decided it would be in an ideal location considering the omnious weather forecast. I am continually impressed with the impeccable decision making considering were all rookies. I know it's hard to believe, but we really did not walk 50.8 miles today. The daily mileage rate has to be fudged (just a little) to make the total mileage accurate. I really did walk 76.3 miles. NOT ONE OF THEM FLAT!
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Hit King

To: Hall of Fame
Miles today: 10.0

The journal entry originally scheduled for today has been postponed to honor one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Today is Pete Rose's 70th birthday. Yes I know there are some ethical issues, but he holds the record for the most hits of all time. Nobody else is even close. Pete also holds many other impressive records, like being the only player to start in the All Star Game at 5 different positions.Today should be a national holiday.With all that being said, now I pray I do not forget my sweetwife's birthday.
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Town of Hiawassee, Georgia

To: Georgia State Line
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Farewell to the State where dreams begin and end for 20 percent of thru hikers. Many of my companions have not made it past the state line due to sprained ankles, twisted knees, or various other afflictions. Farewell to the 900 ft up hill climbs and the side mountain trails so slippery and steep that were far more treacherous then I want sweetness to know. Farewell to the sweet people that go out of their way to accomodate thru hikers because their economy depends on it. Farewell to the mountain thunderstorms, wind and torrential rains. HELLO NORTH CAROLINA!!!
Date: 2011-04-16
From: Georgia State Line

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 12.0

The first mile of NC was nice and flat. This was going to be an easy state I thought. WRONG!   The second mile was an unwelcomed very steep vertical assent. A few miles later the trail crossed a gravel parking lot used by dday hikers and picnickers. What a great place for a rest.I must have looked very tied and hungry (I was), because a family gave me a ham and cheese sandwich and a bunch of home made cookies. Yes I ate the H&C and loved it.About 2 miles later, at the Standing Indian Shelter, a group of students from a christian high school were making brownies over a campfire for the thru hikers. What a wonderful state North Carolina is.NOTE TO SELF: Walk slower thru North Carolina.
Date: 2011-04-22
From: Nahtahala Outdoor Center

To: Somewhere In NC
Miles today: 15.0

These guys, left to right are 70, 93, & 76 years old. I met them on the trail during their first day of a 30 mile hike over some of the most unfriendly terrain encountered in North Carolina.   The 76 year old walked a little ahead of the others and I had the privilege of walking with him for a mile or so. The 70 year old and the 93 year old didn't make it to camp by nightfall and were forced to make camp along the trail during an exceptionally windy and rainy night. The next day when they finally arrived in camp with undaunted spirits there was a sigh of relief. There was a joyous round of Happy Birthday, because the 93 year old became 94 years old! It was a very inspiring moment!
Date: 2011-04-24
From: Somewhere In NC

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 16.0

Diet As a thru hiker on the AT, we frequently encounter day hikers, especially if there is a scenic overlook. Since the number of thru hikers has drastically diminished, we have become sort of an attraction.One of the most popular questions outside of ¢where are you from?¢ or ¢how far are you going?¢ is ¢what do you eat?¢Well here are a few secrets revealed!Instant oatmeal is by far the most popular breakfast meal. Sometimes, the more creative thru hikers will mix in some dehydrated fruit. Breakfast cereals are also popular (more with section hikers), mixed with powdered milk or eaten dry, then washed down with water. Freeze dried eggs have made an appearance, along with bacon bits or the real thing precooked. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it!My preferred breakfast is a home-made brownie (thanks to my wife's recent mail drop) & a cup of instant Starbucks. However (sigh), brownies don't last long on the trail, so I've developed a favorite breakfast brew; here¢s the recipe. In a Nalgine bottle, mix 1 envelope of instant coffee and 1 envelope of instant oatmeal. Add 2 cups of boiling water and shake vigorously. Place the bottle in any available pocket to keep body warm while packing up. Drink the watery solution anytime during the day. Any straggling oatmeal can be consumed by adding more water during the day.
Date: 2011-04-26
From: Fontana Dam

To: Smoky Mountains
Miles today: 20.0

The Ominous Smokey Mountains¢¦.from the beginning days on the AT, the Smokey Mountains are a looming threat. For the hikers that were fortunate to make it out of Georgia, the next big hurdle is the Smokeys. The terrain is difficult on its own, but nothing we haven't experienced already.The challenges precipitate from the weather (nice pun if I may say so), and the wildlife. It is rumored that during April, nighttime temperatures can turn to sub freezing in a matter of minutes, followed by a pea soup fog so thick that even sleeping bags tightly wrapped in garbage bags become saturated. This can be catastrophic when you¢re a few days from civilization!As for Bears, it seems they are so accustomed to hikers with food; they actually stalk hikers and wait till their backpack is unattended for the briefest of moments, then pick them up and run away. Bears, they say, are the least of the worries.The woods, they say, are teaming with savage Wild Boars. They have no fear of humans, are very territorial and very large. I saw a hoof print the size of a horse today! If one charges, my solution would be to use my trekking poles to beat it off. The locals found this very amusing, and suggested running away as fast as possible as the preferred solution.As if that's not enough, the Black Widow Spiders, the Recluse Spiders, the Pygmy Rattlesnakes, and Scorpions all seem to like hiker boots!When I hinted disbelief at the various stories serving as examples for the above, my host simply stated "Some stories are much better being listened to, rather than told.¢I think I'll walk as fast as possible through the Smokeys!!
Date: 2011-04-28
From: Smoky Mountains

To: Out of Smoky Mountain National Park
Miles today: 72.0

Farewell To The Smokies¢¦the Smoky Mountains are now a thing of the past. The fact that I am still alive proves to me, albeit to nobody else, that my skills as a woodsman are indeed finely honed. The Smokies were easily tamed by my 72 mile, 5 day, 'Walk in the Woods". Only Bill Bryson could make it look easier. (To understand the pun, you have to believe the rumors that Bill Bryson never really stepped foot on the trail). My advice to anyone who wants to hike through the Smokies is to take a leisurely stroll. Enjoy the scenery. Forget about the bears, wild boars, poisonous snakes and severe weather. Forget about the endless miles without water and the limited places to make camp. Forget about the stories of danger and don't be intimidated by stories meant to create legends. I say, laugh in the face of danger and poppycock to the omnious Smoky Mountains. But, please do me a favor; don't tell anyone you were reading this journal. Just in case you die.
Date: 2011-04-29
From: Out of Smoky Mountain National Park

To: Smoky Mountain Epiloge
Miles today: 21.0

Epilogue of the SmokiesThird of a Three Part SeriesMy first two journal entries dealing with the Smoky Mountains were tongue in cheek, and hopefully somewhat entertaining. The tone of this entry is decidedly more serious. The photo at left is one of the miraculous views from a mountain top. A photograph can never convey the dramatic beauty and vast expanse of land. The mountains and forests just seem endless as they fully surround you 360 degrees.Notice the dead trees in the foreground of the photo. It seems the ecosystem of the American Forests, including the Smoky Mountains are in great peril. The photo illustrates the death of conifers at high elevations due to air pollution which weakens the trees making them more susceptible to insects and diseases. Conifers are not the only species affected. There is the southern pine beetle, the hemlock woolly adelgid, and dogwood anthracnose. Visibility in the park has dropped from 93 to 22 miles on a clear day. The park officials have documeted 32 species of vegetation affected. While walking the Appalachian Trail, I noted a lot of big majestic tree trunks, 48 inches diameter, but when I looked skyward, the remainder of the tree was either dead or completely gone. Our national forests are dying a slow death. It has been said that in the next 20 years our forests will not appear as they do today. Chestnut trees which once dominated our forests are gone, the American Elm is no longer common, and the Hemlock may never return. An old television commercial comes to mind. It is the one of an American Indian standing beside a highway with a tear running down his cheek. It is hard to keep the tears out of my eyes as well. I'm just glad I've been able to meld with the forest before it's gone forever.
Date: 2011-05-02
From: Smoky Mountain Epiloge

To: Charlies Bunion
Miles today: 60.2

There is an old saying that all men put their pants on one leg at a time. Well, that is not necessarily true of hikers getting dressed inside a one man tent. All hikers do however put their socks on one at a time.Among hikers, the trials and tribulations of foot care is a very popular topic. The biggest blisters are often legendary. It seems everybody knows somebody or heard of someone with a blister the size of Rhode Island. Well I decided to take it one step further by announcing a contest for the biggest blister. First prize was a highly coveted Butterfinger. Immediately everyone started showing me their feet. Not necessarily for the prize, but for bragging rights. The biggest blister would guarantee a place in the Hiking Hall of Fame. The response was unbelievable as the hikers lined up.I'm happy to report that my friend Hobo from PA, whose picture is shown, won first place. I'm happy because now I know someone important, and will forever be remembered as 'the friend of the guy with the biggest blister'.
Date: 2011-05-03
From: Charlies Bunion

To: Trail Town 
Miles today: 16.0

The Trail intersects many roads and on occasion will lead into a town where laundry, a shower, groceries and accomodations can be found. Some towns are extremely hiker friendly and the Trail plays a significant role in it's economy. One such town is Hot Springs, NC. There is a laundry mat, the post office and a few places to book white water rafting excursions. For hikers, resupply is mainly the outfitter, and groceries can be purchased at the Dollar Store or The Hillbilly Market (actual name).Walking into Hot Springs, the first building is the Smoky Mountain Diner. I struck gold. After finishing two complete breakfasts (total cost $9.00). It was time to explore the rest of the town.There were numerous places to spend the night. I chose a hiker hostel named the Sunnybank Inn, largely because it was across the street from the diner and the Dollar Store. The Sunnybank Inn is an old house built in 1840, and lives up to any of the images one could conjour up then add dust and a few spider webs. The food served was all vegetarian and all ogranic. In fact, they use duck eggs instead of chicken eggs because the former is supposed to have a higher nutrional value.It was very hard to leave Hot Springs, but there are 1909 more miles to go.
Date: 2011-05-09
From: Trail Town 

To: Pond Flats
Miles today: 68.0

Every week, usually on Monday, I send a photo home just to confirm I'm still alive. This week the photo is shared with all visitors. Some statistics:First 100 Mi took 14 days.Second 100 Mi took 9 days.Third 100 Mi (300 total) took 7 days.Last 100 (400 total) took 7 days with down time to rain and resupply, and trail magic.Depending on the scale, total weight loss is somewhere between 25 & 30 lbs.Pack weight still pushes 40 lbs with full food and water. I'll shed a few pounds now that I can send the longjohns home.Have I learned anything? Yes! Stay tuned...
Date: 2011-05-10
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Let me begin this journal entry by confessing that some entries have not exactly been in chronological or geographical order. Some of the followers that have walked the trail have likely experienced an event similar to what I am about to describe.On day three of this journey, I spent the night in the Hawk Mountain Shelter. I had walked all day, didn't have an appetite and certainly did not have my trail legs. In the middle of the night, I was awakened from my trance by a very loud rat-a-tat-tat-tat. At first I thought it must be the nuisance snoring of one of my co-hikers, but NOBODY can snore that loudly.   It didn't take me long to realize that it was machine gun fire from not very far away. Then I heard the deafening THUMP, THUMP, THUMP of a helicopter right over the shelter. Could the dude I accused of snoring really be Osama Bin Laden?Lucky for us, the Navy Seals were hot on Osama's trail in Pakistan, and the Hawk Mountain Shelter is located near Camp Frank D. Merrill, a US Army training facility.   Whew, that was a close one!
Date: 2011-05-12
From: Pond Flats

To: Trail Days, Damascus VA
Miles today: 22.0

What do you call 30,000 hikers descending on a town with a population of less than 1,000? No, it's not a weekend in Belmar, NJ or a Jersey Shore reunion.It is the 25th anniversary of the Trail Days Festival; which is the largest organized backpacker event in the world. At least that is what the Mayor of Damascus says in the Trail Days Guide Book, which is an impressive guide to the Town, with a schedule of the week¢s events.When I arrived in Town Thursday after hiking 16 miles, the top priority was to find the Baptist Church that offered free showers and free dinner. You could say I answered a ¢calling¢ of sorts. In a crowd of 30,000 hikers, all I had to do was look for a congregation of clean, bearded men that looked sedated. It was rather easy.The second priority was to find accommodations. Since being close to free showers and free food seemed to be a logical choice, I pitched my tent on the front lawn of Kyle & Pam; two former hikers that are paying it forward. See photo. And, by sheer coincidence, my temporary abode was just down the block from the volunteer firehouse offering free breakfast. Is this a hiker paradise, or what? Quick, somebody pinch me!My third, fourth and fifth priorities were to get a beer. After achieving perfection and batting a thousand for the day, I crawled into my tent and fell asleep by 8:00 pm. It was a perfect day for a hiker!