morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-10-23
From: Unicoi Gap

To: White Oak Stamp
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

I weighed my pack when I left the Top of Georgia because I think I have too much food in it but it only weighed 27 lbs! Fully loaded with water! Had a great breakfast and said goodbye to Buttercup and was on the trail at 9:30. No views today. The only real hard part was the beginning straight up Blue Mountain. What a boring day today! Boring is good sometimes. I didn't take hardly any pictures but I have to show one of the fall colors! So gorgeous! Lots and lots of people out section hiking. The squirrels are out of control. I have never seen so many in a day and I set up my tent at 5 pm they are foraging all around me. Today was 10 days without rain. I have 39 miles to go but I think rain may be here Sunday. It has been so wonderful doing this section.
Date: 2015-10-24
From: White Oak Stamp

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 12.8

Well my food bag made it through the night! First climb, Cowrock Mountain. Warm up for Blood Mountain. People are out hiking today. It's Saturday and I was told that's what folks from Atlanta love to do, hike Blood Mountain. Got down to Neel Gap and had a coffee and a hot pocket before heading up the mountain. Big shoe sale going on and the parking lot is packed. I absolutely loved going up Blood Mountain. It was kind of hazy but beautiful. The shelter up on top is so cute. It is even packed with backpacks. Campers are everywhere. I hiked down to Jarrard Gap and found a spot and an hour later a huge boyscout group set up near me. Ugh. They weren't too noisy. 26.7 miles left to Springer!
Date: 2015-10-25
From: Jarrard Gap

To: Top of Justus Mountain
Miles today: 13.9

It was hot today! Left camp early. Nice view at Big Cedar Mountain. Took a break at Woody Gap. Lots of people again. Then hiked on toward Gooch Gap. Took a bath in the creek since it was way off the trail I knew nobody would come down there. Lots of people camping at Justus Creek so I carried extra water to camp on top of the mountain. Nice little spot up here tonight. Springer Mountain tomorrow!
Date: 2015-10-26
From: Top of Justus Mountain

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: light rain

Now I can officially say I have done HALF of the entire trail! I set out to do 72.4 miles across the Smokies, and I end up doing half of the entire AT! Who hooo! It feels good. Had a great journey and loved meeting all the great folks out there.
Date: 2015-02-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hard to believe the wait is almost over. Over 40 years ago, upon seeing the first white blaze I had ever seen and at that time not knowing what it was, a seed was planted for this endeavor. Due to the length of time involved I knew I could not attempt a thru hike until after retirement. Living within, as the crow flies, three miles of the AT I have managed to keep this desire quenched by many day hikes, multiple overnights and several cycling tours of both the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway. Since retirement, back in Sept.2014, the mental and physical preparations involved in planning and actually achieving a thru hike have completely consumed my daily thoughts and actions. But now the wait is almost over. There is almost nothing left to do but the actual picking up and putting back down of the boots. Reservations at Amicalola Falls Lodge have been made for March 9-10. I will began the Northern journey by starting on the approach trail March 10. See you in the mountains.
Date: 2015-02-04
To: Blue Ridge, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Roubaix decided he needed to continue to test equip. out... especially since there aren't that many test days left. He is sleeping with "Big Agnes" Copper Spur and his Western Mountaineering Ultra lite 20 bag tonight out on the deck. I may leave the door unlocked...Guess it depends on how cold it gets - but then again it wouldn't matter how cold it gets because as stubborn as he is he wouldn't come in even if his feet were frozen solid. Weatherman is forecasting 23*. Brrr. I know one thing for sure... I can't be certain but I would like to think I cuddle better than Agnes does. Regardless I better not hear any comparing of Agnes and myself... Or he may be starting his hike sooner than planned. He also decided he needed a new stove today. Still trying to shed pack weight. He went to his second home, Outdoor Trail store, and bought the snow Peak Gigapower stove and of course that led to buying new pots, Snow Peak Trex 900 titanium.   Now he can actually "adjust" how he cooks. He won't just have it all ON or all OFF. That I'm sure will help with frying. Considering the amount of money he has spent the past 6 months he probably could have bought a car to drive to Maine. I really don't care how much money he has spent as long as the equipment keeps him warm, safe and brings him back home to ME! He is so looking forward to his start date. I will continue to try to keep him and his wallet under control till then. Good luck to all you 2015 thru hikers this year. Look out for one another, as I know the trail family does. I envy you guys. V.
Date: 2015-02-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Info for anyone who cares, I didn't freeze to death during a test sleepover with Big Anges. My wife has nothing to worry about, Anges did not cuddle, in fact she's downright cold!!(Low got down to 27* in the tent). I did sleep warm in my ultra lite 20 bag, that is until I had to take a pee break. Slept somewhat chilled for 2 hours after that. Thankfully not cold just chilled. I must let on that I am very cold blooded, much prefer hot weather over cold. Today at my gym (Anytime Fitness) I asked the owner Dwight about taking a six month leave of absence. We discussed life in general and the benefits of trying to lead a healthy lifestyle. I know without a doubt that if I had not physically prepared for this hike over the past few years my thru hike dream would never have made it this far. As for me, I feel I need to be "in the best shape possible" in order to give myself the best probability of reaching Katahdin. I know you get in "trail shape" only by walking the trail; but I hope that all the hours I spent in the gym, putting miles on the bike or going on regular hikes will certainly/hopefully help! I thanked Dwight for providing a great place to work out and prepare. He turned it around and told me, Well yes the gym was there; it would've meant nothing if I hadn't make it a priority to be there! (***This is why I really like Anytime. Thanks Dwight!) I am starting to receive some guest posts on my blog, thanks for those. Some eagerly anticipating thru hikers of 2015 and a few who are just staying in touch with that side of their trail passion have responded. I have for the past several years picked out a few thru hikers at the first of the season and followed them in their journal posts as they made their way to Katahdin. I at times felt their joy when all was right and also felt their sadness and despair when they wrote about a bad or troubling day. That being said you know one thing I have noticed on trail journal pictures? Everyone is always smiling. The old clich© must hold true, a bad day on the trail is always better then a good day at work.   Another observation. Almost without fail after telling anyone about my thru hike plans they leave me with a thankful feeling by saying, "Do you realize just how lucky you are?"I do indeed. Hope to see you in the mountains.
Date: 2015-02-09
To: Blue Ridge, VA
Miles today: 0.0

I see my husband getting ready for this hike every day. (I'm not complaining mind you. I feel better knowing that he is REALLY prepared versus knowing if he weren't) He's getting more and more excited. Staring off sometimes and I know that he (not yet in body but definitely in mind) on the trail. These are the times that the magnitude of this endeavor crashes over me. I'm pretty self sufficient and I don't mind being alone occasionally. But I've not been away from my husband for 4 to 6 months at a time. There are times when I wake up in the middle of the night with the realization that soon he won't be here...and snuggle in as close as possible. I wonder how am I going to be "home" or "base" control?? Am I strong enough for this??My oldest son enlisted in the Army last October. He went to boot camp in Missouri, AIT in Texas and has been to Germany. Currently he is back in Texas while they determine where he will go next... (Dear God, Please keep him in country?!!) I was so proud of him when he joined and thought that my love for him the pride I felt for him would counter any sadness (my not seeing him or talking to him daily, like I did when he was home). Yeah right!! It didn't. Those times I couldn't reach him because he was "in the field" made it seem like he was even father away than he was. There are going to be times when I can't speak to Richard anytime I want to. I know ... there have been times when we've been hiking and couldn't get a cell signal for days. Am I going to be able to hold it together when he calls and the phone cuts in and out and it takes two days to get a 3 minute conversation in? It is going to be hard ... but I'm so excited for Richard and I am so PROUD... He can do this and that means I can do this!!All you out there, worrying about what you've forgotten or do I really need this or that item?? Do your planning. It's important. All those worries; I can guarantee you that you have someone else worrying about the same thing you are. When you're excited... WE are excited. When you have time (limited as it may be) hug a little tighter. Because WE are going to miss you like CRAZY when you're gone.   When you hear your girlfriend/boyfriend, husband/wife, kids, etc. give you a little encouragement make sure you give a little back... We need to know that WE can do this too!! When you're on the trail... we are going to right there with you(in spirit at least!!!) You can better believe when you reach your little milestones or celebrate you're little victories...we will be celebrating with you!!To all those other Ground Control folks... Hang on, Be in control so that they can hike on ...Love you Baby and I really am so happy for you and proud of you! Every second even more!!V
Date: 2015-02-14
To: Blue Ridge, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I know no one ever said this thru hike business would be easy (quite frankly I've never expected it to be) but I haven't even left home yet and I am already "sick and tired" of the wait.   After forty plus years of working towards this happening... it is time to get this show on the road! I mean, there are only twenty four more days to wait. I have packed and unpacked my pack too many times to count. I have set up the tent and slept in it in the freezing cold weather. I have tried out my other gear (like my stove) to make sure it works and I'm familiar with it. Since October, I have put in over 150 miles; either on the AT or others trails that are close to my home in Blue Ridge, Virginia; such as Sharp Top (at the Peaks of Otter) or the Read Mountain Preserve. I'm trying to gain some kind of an physical edge or some resemblance of so called "trail legs". I have continued going to the gym on days when the weather wouldn't cooperate for anything other. Cycling? I don't want to try and guess the number of hours spent on my bike. Father time and I have been battling for years and I continue to try holding back his wrath.   I'll continue to read trail journals everyday and post my support to those who have already started. I'll continue to visit the outfitter store and hike around home to get my daily fix until my highly anticipated March 10th start date. I'll work to tie up lose ends here at home. The wife and I will continue to work out a trail town visiting schedule, and trail box mailing system. I anticipate only having a couple as I understand it's fairly easy to resupply. Spending time together has always been important to us both; but we know that during the last few weeks we have left together it's more important than ever. We continue to encourage the other. I've got her back and she's got mine. Thanks for reading my posts...I hope to see you in the mountains.
Date: 2015-02-15
To: Blue Ridge, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Living in small town America it's unusual for us to go somewhere without seeing someone we know. Where we live is also close to a designated "trail town" so everyone around here knows what the AT is. If you've lived in a small town or maybe even in a bigger city but in same area for more than a year or two, you might be familiar with this scene.We are at restaurant and our waiter in making small talk mentions that he hasn't seen us for awhile. How were we doing? The easy answer Richard (ahem sorry Roubaix) gave was to say; You know, life, just been busy, etc. Of course then I quipped in (Women just do this btw... It's not our plan to be annoying it just happens, sorry!) and said that's not why we've not been here it's because Richard has been preparing to hike the AT! The waiter responded, Wow that's great! How exciting! Roubaix replied saying, Yeah, It is and I really am looking forward to it! (With a big old cheesy ear to ear grin!) Once the waiter left our table, Richard says to me, "Vickie!! Why are you always telling people about the hike. I mean I haven't even started it yet. ** mumbling, grumbling and such.*** My answer, I'M PROUD OF YOU!! He's like "but what if I don't finish it"... another easy answer, YOU WILL!! So if you are preparing to thru hike and your significant other is going around telling EVERYONE what your plans are... if you're lucky, maybe this is why they are talking you up. That's why I have/will continue to tell everyone.V
Date: 2015-02-16
To: Blue Ridge, VA
Miles today: 0.0

As I sit here in my dry, warm, home looking out the snow falling (along with the temperature)one thought keeps running through my head...What in the hell are you all thinking? I understand becoming one with nature! I love being outdoors. I enjoy hiking and backpacking...for a couple of days at a time, when the weather is suitable. Don't get me wrong... I understand that you can only see certain things in certain conditions. You'll never know of the beauty of waterfalls frozen solid if it's 80 degrees. We've hiked to Apple Orchard falls when there was an inch of ice on the ground as we going up and it was worth it to see how beautiful it was with the sun glistening off the ice. I don't consider myself to be a "pansy" per say, I went camping and woke up to snow covering the ground and falling outside the tent. But I've also been when it's so cold that you've lost feeling in your toes, your fingers are so numb that you can't open a pack of oatmeal or even pull the spout of your water bottle open. You get home and your cheeks stay a nice rosy red for a couple of days AFTER you've stopped hiking. Those times when in afterthought that that particular time it may have been just a little too cold!The time and effort you will have to exert... the many months before leaving preparing...4 to 6 months ... every day (unless you take a rare day off)...getting over the momentary times when you will just want to stop...cold...hot...bugs/mice...hurting...hungry...alone with 10-20 people around you...But when your done...Completing something that until then has been a 40 year dream...Oh the stories you will have to tell, the sights you will have seen, the friends you have made along the way, the proud feelings you will have, the satisfaction of KNOWING YOU DID THIS!! Ok never mind, I get it...V
Date: 2015-02-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Started out the day with an appt. at the podiatrist for nagging foot pain that has raised its ugly head. Old age equals old feet.Doc's diagnosis ? Bone spur and tight Achilles tendon.Treatment ? A shot in each. Shoe orthotics are ordered. Plus recommendation of no hiking today, which I so wanted to do after being snowed in all week.My recommendation ? A 5.3 mile hike in snow and ice today post appt.My hats off to all the diehard hikers on the trail right now. Hiking in the snow/ice is no joke. It's downright hard. Add a single digit temp with cold NW winds and you have a recipe for disaster if ones not extremely careful. Was warm as long as I was moving, stopping for any length of time made for 'not stopping for any length of time again.' Preparation is the key. Best to learn to do it now opposed to waiting to learning it on the trail.Have been closely following the northern progress of those already on the trail.GOOD READING! I envy them in some ways and in some ways I don't. As I lay in my warm bed at night I picture them in my mind and pray for their safety. It has been for some miserable conditions out there recently. But o the pictures some have posted have been just beautiful!Long range weather forecast, so far, calls for much warmer temps. around my 3/10 start date. They certainly will be warmly welcomed. I've been concerned about that. Did not especially want to delay my start date.Will continue to tie up loose ends at home, hike whenever I can, go to the gym on the non hiking days and continue to fret about the weight of my filled pack, right now at 30 lbs with food & water. Mountain Crossings' pack shakedown will advise on that.Continued thoughts of will I need this, should I leave that. Bounce box with what in it? Have I done enough physical training, mental preparations? Whiteblaze fever has me in her grips. She's acalling and I'm acoming. I hope to see you in the mountains.
Date: 2015-03-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Arrived at Amicalola Falls State Park this morning after staying at Fontana Dam Lodge last night. After check out this am we drove to the top of the dam and saw where the AT trail comes out of the woods and passes directly over the dam. It is a site to see...especially at dusk or dawn. This weekend was the 2015 AT Trail kickoff. V and I spoke with the world famous author and first person to thru hike the AT back in 1951 Gene Espy. We also met David "AWOL" Miller who stated he hoped his trail guide doesn't get me lost this summer. That comment cracked me up! Also here giving classes and speeches was Bill "Skywalker" Walker, the one and only Ms. Janet who is known for her trail angel fame. The current owners of Mountain Crossing at Neels Gap also were here pushing their hostel and outfitter.Today V and I walked the Approach Trail to the base. Tomorrow I plan to finish the 8.8 mi. Approach Trail up to the top of Springer Mountain. I'll actually sign the thru hikers register and of course take several pictures. From there I'll walk to the parking lot at forest service road 42, where V will pick me up to return back to Amicalola Lodge. Is it obvious yet that I'm just a little excited ? Oh and have I mentioned yet that tomorrow is my birthday? Wow what a birthday present!Tuesday 3/10 V will return me to the parking lot on FS road 42 where I will actually begin my thru hike heading north towards VA. From there she will have a seven hour drive back to our home in Blue Ridge VA. The next time we'll see each other will be sometime in April somewhere around Newfound Gap on the NC/Tenn. border.From here out V will making my blog updates. Please pray not only for me, but for her also as I walk the miles and she handles all home base operations.As I've said before, I hope to see you in the mountains.
Date: 2015-03-09
From: Amicalola Lodge

To: Springer Mountain parking lot
Miles today: 8.8

First of all I want to apologize for being so far behind on my updates. I am hoping to have it caught up very quickly. That being said I will give all of you an explanation - no not an excuse, ok well maybe it's that too. ANYWAYS...once I got home I had to put out mini fires that happened while I was away. Then I think I was a little moody bluesie so I didn't start on the updates right away...then to make it even more behind I wasn't able to get the journal updates to save. So there you go. Sorry I know if there is anyone that is truly following him (or wanting too) it was difficult to do when there was NOTHING posted.Ok so on the 9th Roubaix did the 8.8 miles to the parking lot at the top of Springer mountain that he alluded to in his previous post. I met him up there and brought him back to the lodge. I wanted to spend one more night with him, especially since it was his birthday. I had a little surprise. After dinner, we went back up to our room where he decided to unpack and pack his pack one more time. While he was doing that I snuck out of the room went down to the lobby restaurant and ordered a piece of pecan pie heated up (one of his favorite things). I took it back up to the room and added the lit candle, and knocked on the door.He opened the door to my singing... standing there with a "birthday cake". **I am no American Idol but he appeared to like it and even had the appetite to eat the pie - Shocking I know but I am glad I did it For those of you that thought my surprise was something adult in nature...shame on you for thinking I would tell about it LOL!Thanks all,Vand
Date: 2015-03-10
From: Springer Mountain parking lot

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Dropped Roubaix off at the forest service road and watched him walk away from me. So mixed with emotions right now. I want him to complete this hike and take in every new breath of air it brings, but I selfishly want it done now. Back to his journal¢¦ Roubaix left this morning at approximately 7:30. Once we got to the top of the service road it started raining just enough to be a nuisance. He put on his pack cover but no other rain gear. I got a phone call at around 1:15pm and wouldn¢t you know it my phone had slid off the seat and was in the passenger floorboard and I couldn¢t reach it. So I officially missed my ¢first¢ update call. SOMETHING I SWORE WOULD NOT HAPPEN!!! He was kind enough to leave me a voicemail update and said he would try calling again after things settled for both him and me. (I was still driving home and he wasn¢t going to put the phone away for the night till he either heard from me or at the least got a text saying I was home.The voice mail said that he had a pretty easy day and had made it to Hawk Mountain Shelter. He said he considered going on because it was still pretty early but decided against pushing it. (YAY!!) As I was coming up the road to the house I got another phone call¢¦ He had went down to get water and wanted to check on me. I let him know I was home and was glad he was in for the night. He said it started raining and others are at the shelter tonight but looked forwarded to tomorrow. You could hear the excitement in the air behind him in the form of chatter.PS¢¦ I may leave out important events and or there may be some *MINOR* discrepancies but I will do my best to be as accurate as possible. Thanks All, V
Date: 2015-03-11
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light rain

Roubaix left Hawk Mountain Shelter it was rainy or misty and foggy so there wasn¢t a lot to see but he was on the trail so he was happy even though the day was wet, cold at times downright miserable. He said he thought about continuing but decided against which I think he was very glad of his decision not long after he stopped. He made it to Gooch Mountain Shelter and secured shelter space and was able to get settled in. Thankfully that was the case because within minutes he said the skies opened up and the rain started to pour.   Thanks all, Vand