morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-29
From: Hot Springs, NC (Slackpack)

To: Hot Springs, NC (Slackpack)
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

   It was overcast this morning. Ran to the store for coffee and we set out early. Dale dropped me at the same spot as yesterday, only today I was headed north because it looked easier on the profile in that direction. I had my water bottle, filter, cookies, a jacket, insect repellent, smokes and emergency toilet paper--all the basic necessities, and, of course, my hiking poles. The poles really help with balance more than anything. Sometimes you are walking along the edge of a mountain on a path a foot wide, slopping toward the edge. If you ever went over, you would go a long, long way down, maybe 500 to 1000 feet down, unless you were lucky (or unlucky) enough to hit a tree. In a lot of places it is so steep that you would not be able to get back up to the trail. I don't want to try it. Today I had someone ask me again if I was from Canada. That's at least a dozen times I've been asked that. Evidently I talk funny, but then they are usually from southern areas, and don't know any better. Maybe it is because I use so much slang. When you meet a hiker on the trail, the most frequently asked questions are: Where are you coming from today? Where are you heading for today? Where are you from? When did you start from Springer? And, How far is it to_______ (water, shelter, road, pizza)? Today I took a break. I'm better at sitting than I am at walking. It was so beautiful and peaceful--I could have sat there for two hours just enjoying being on a mountain in NC or Tenn (depending on what side of the trail I was sitting on) on a sunny spring day. When I got to the rendezvous point, I had just taken off my pack when the truck pulled up. Back at the campground, I took a quick shower and headed up to the outfitters to use the computer but they must have just closed. I walked up to the diner and got some food and then back to the campground. Saw a few hikers wandering around but none I knew. Tomorrow we are planning on finding a cheaper place to stay farther north, maybe in Erwin. I have stuff strewn all about the cabin, so I had better get everything organized before dark. I'm really tired tonight--but good tired. One beer and I'll be zonked out for sure.
Date: 2013-01-28
To: Learning My Part
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Learning My Part: Planning, Training and Getting PsychedI have always had my wife to train along side of me for our ¢High Toppers¢ hikes. Our goal is to hike the highest peak in each state. We know there are some that we won¢t likely do but we have some great memories of the ones we¢ve done including Mt. Hood this past year. Training for that hike was hard. We knew we had a lot invested in attempting this particular summit and we worked hard prior to the hike. When we started training I admitted she was in better shape than me and there were times I had to beg for a day of rest. It was one of our most exciting and rewarding hikes and I appreciate all she did to get us ready. In mid-May I plan to take a week of zero days and meet up with my wife and our ¢hiking buddies¢, Bob and Margaret. We plan to do six High Tops in six days, some of which I will have just completed as part of the AT. I am looking forward to it and have built it into my AT planning. Training for the AT is different than training for the High Tops. I am doing most of the training alone because I will be starting my AT hike about the time my wife will get serious about her training for the six summits. A few years back we invested in weight vests and I have been wearing my 20 pound vest for hours each day as well as on walks in town. Lately, it has been so cold I have been wearing the weight vest on the treadmill. I have been working out seriously for months now and can¢t wait to take my first steps on Springer Mountain. Planning and training are easier to measure than the psychological preparation. I lay awake at night thinking about what it will be like to be totally immersed in the day-to-day. I think about everything I do now and how that will be different. I know I can meet the challenge mentally. Having no one but myself to push me is one of the things I like best about attempting the AT. This is my choice and I want it. Being away from my family and friends will be the hardest, but I think of all the men and women serving our country and how they meet this challenge with pride. I admire their strength and will use them as models when I feel lonely. Hopefully I will have done all my prep well enough that I am fully prepared for whatever comes my way. If not, I¢ll figure a way to adapt. Paddyman
Date: 2003-04-30
From: Hot Springs, NC (Slackpack)

To: Erwin, TN (Slackpack)
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: few clouds

   Today was kind of a crazy day. Dale dropped me off to slackpack the last section to Spivey Gap, then went to Asheville to have his ankle rechecked. When I got to Spivey Gap he was waiting for me and we headed for Erwin. I had already heard that Miss Janet's was packed. Besides I was looking for a quieter place, a space of my own. The doctor had told Dale that he was being too active and he decided he should head home. He dropped me off at Uncle Johnny's, which is just a few yards off the trail. I hated to see him go and I don't know how things would have turned out if I hadn't run into him.      I thought Uncle Johnny's would be a bigger place than it is. The hostel and rooms, along with the bathrooms and showers are quite nice and very reasonable. The large deck out front is the gathering spot and activity center. They run shuttles and take their guests into town for errands and meals and are very accommodating. And it is right on the Nolichucky River--nice spot.      I just settled in and hung out on the deck for the rest of the day and evening. I saw Miss Janet's van pull up across the road looking for some slackpackers, but they had already come off the trail earlier. I walked over to tell her and introduced myself. She is very nice and friendly, and does a lot to help the hikers in this area also. Went into town to eat at a Mexican restaurant, and picked up some glucosamine to see if it will help my knee. I've heard quite a bit about it, and figured it would be worth a try. The knee is improving some--not carrying the weight of the pack probably helps, and I hope the trend continues. I plan to slackpack this section too, and then after that see what happens. This afternoon I was out on the deck when a big storm came through. Heavy rain and dime-sized hail pounded the area--a lot of poor hikers got caught up in that.
Date: 2013-02-14
To: The Show Is About to Begin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The Show Is About to BeginI am retiring on March 1st. WOW, that sounds as frightening as saying I am going to begin hiking the AT on March 16th. That¢s right ¢ put it on the calendar and it will happen. I¢ve held off giving a start date because I wanted to have my retirement date set before I went public. Everyone at work has been awesome! When I tell them I am retiring and then tell them I am going to hike the AT two weeks later they say, ¢Makes sense; knew you would do something like that¢. I can¢t believe I hesitated telling them what I was going to do. Everyone has been so supportive and encouraging and now that I know I will have many more folks following me, I feel even stronger. I still have butterflies but the good kind ¢ like an actor before a big performance.I am going to fly to Atlanta on March 15th and stay at the Hiker Hostel the first night and begin hiking March 16th. My first week on the trail will include St. Paddy¢s Day, the first day of spring and my sister¢s birthday ¢ a few solo celebrations but something to think about as I begin. I have a few loose ends to tie up in the last month before I start. I don¢t think anything of significance so I suspect my next journal entry will be my first from the trail. Paddyman
Date: 2003-05-01
From: Erwin, TN (Slackpack)

To: Erwin, TN (Slackpack)
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

   Uncle Johnny ran me up to Spivey Gap and dropped me off to walk north back to the hostel. Last night the train kept waking me up--the whistle really reverberates through the river valley. I borrowed a day pack and just carried a jacket, water and pump, and my hiking poles. I took the first climb really slow and easy, and most of the rest was downhill. A large group of other slackpackers soon passed me and I knew a few of them. It was threatening rain again, and there were a few light showers but nothing worth putting the jacket on for. When I was approaching the last knob before the descent to the river, a large dark cloud neared. I slowed down a bit, and when I got to the top of the knob, I watched the lightning after it had passed without getting wet. It was a pretty good show. When I got back, cleaned up and put on fresh clothes before heading for dinner. We went to the River's Edge, a popular BBQ place, but we caught it on a bad night. The service was slow, the orders mixed up--it was just a bad scene. But the food was good, at least mine was. Turned in early, going slacking again tomorow.
Date: 2013-03-15
To: Hiker's Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The Overture: Springer Mountain minus 1I left home today at 7:00 for my flight to Atlanta. The hardest part was saying good-bye to my wife. We both wrote each other letters to be opened tomorrow. I'll open mine on Springer Mountain. It will be a great way to start this journey. She'll be with me in spirit every step of the way. The flight from Boston to Atlanta was uneventful and the ride on the MARTA was the same. I met two other hikers staying here at the Hiker's Hostel. One is from Florida and one from Hawaii. Roy from Florida has a trail name of Snafu but Eric from Hawaii is going to get his trail name on the trail.Josh of the Hiker's Hostel hiked the AT in 2000 with his wife Leigh. A few years later they opened this hostel. It is absolutely beautiful! I don't just say that because it's going to be the last bed I sleep in for awhile. Check it out yourself. There are some pictures of the place on their website - www.hikerhostel.com. There are about 7 other hikers staying here. We've been on our own since arriving about 4:00PM. Breakfast is at 7:30 tomorrow and we leave for the trail head at 8:30. The weather is good and should be good for the next 4 days. It's happening. I am psyched! Let the show begin!!Paddyman
Date: 2003-05-02
From: Erwin, TN (Slackpack)

To: Erwin, TN (Slackpack)
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

   Must be getting used to the train, because I slept really well. Went into town for a big breakfast, then got shuttled to Indian Grave Gap to walk south back to the hostel. It was strange to go south and pass the people you had seen yesterday going north. Ran into 3/3 and got caught up on their latest news. It was great to see him again, and I hope everything works out okay for the Smith Family. The trail was generally gradual and smooth downhill as I made good time. Unfortunately I spent too much time chatting with people along the way and got caught in a heavy downpour less than a mile from Uncle Johnny's. I got caught up on a bluff above the river, and the wind and rain were so fierce I could hardly see the footing on the trail. In some places there was 2-3 inches of water to wade through. I came in completely drenched. I was surprised that Brew, Red Rover and Peregrine had checked in during the day. A hot shower felt really good after getting wet. Went into town and picked up a sub sandwich for supper and brought it back to eat. A couple came in after dark in the rain. They reorganized their gear and rigged up for the rain. They were planning on camping under the other end of the bridge for the night. These hikers are a resilient and resourceful lot.
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Springer Mountain

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 31.7
Weather: broken clouds

First Four Days Later today is the start of spring. Based on the weather forecast, it sounds more like winter. The forecast is for 20 degrees with winds 25-30 mph. Wind chill is below zero. Based on the forecast, four of us are getting a cabin in Goose Creek. It's a zero day I didn't plan on but it's early and I can make up the mileage when I am further down the trail.So far, I have had 3 beautiful, sunny days and Georgia has been good to us. Saturday, (first day) was a good 8 miles. Stayed at Hawk Shelter and met some thru hikers that are on the same pace as I am. Sunday, St. Paddy's Day was some good trail magic. I hiked past the Goose Shelter and stayed at Goose Gap. There was beer, corn beef and cabbage and some music. I skipped the food because I haven't gotten my hiker hungries but I couldn't pass up a beer on St. Patrick's Day! 8 more miles. Monday was rain and the forecast was for severe thunder storms later in the day. I held up at Lance Creek and got a great spot to ride out the storm. Did 8 miles on day #3. There was no way I was going up Blood Mountain in that weather. Tuesday was a nice sunny day hiking up Blood Mountain. Great views and will post some pictures later. Stayed last night at Mountain Crossing with 16 other hikers in the hostile. Another 8 miles.That's my update for now. Gotta get off this computer but will post when I can. I know folks are asking when I am going to post next and all I can say is - it depends. Thank you all for following me. It means the world to me. Paddyman
Date: 2003-05-03
From: Erwin, TN (Slackpack)

To: Erwin, TN (Slackpack)
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

   Caught the morning shuttle along with Red Rover and Peregrine. They were going to go big miles and I was going to return to where I started yesterday. I started out badly, and things never got better. For some reason I just didn't feel good all day, and this was no bunny trail. The middle section was steep and rocky. We had even figured extra time, but even with that I was 30 minutes late into the pickup point. There was one nice stretch atop Unaka Mountain with dense spruce and flat pine needle-covered trail--nice but brief. Later I got lost coming off Beauty Spot--missed where the trail continued. Took me twenty minutes of searching and backtracking to get headed the right way again. When I finally reached the van, John and Charlotte greeted me with a cold Coke--that and the view from Beauty Spot were the two highlights of a rough day.      Was glad to get back and cleaned up. Did a little journaling and turned in early. The bed felt so good!
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Neel Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 37.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I haven't been able to update for awhile. The weather took a turn for the worst and I have been dealing with snow for the last couple of days. I decided to take a nero day (low milage) and come into Hiawassee once again. I was here Friday night after staying in Low Gap Thursday night. Saturday was my first zero day and the weather forecast was bad back then. I did hike Sunday and made it to Sassasafras Gap. I tented in the rain and woke up to snow. Hiked Monday but only to Deep Gap shelter. Got there at the same time as Bamboo and we swept out the snow and claimed the loft in the shelter. The shelter was full by 1:00.   Today I got off at Dicks Creek Gap and caught a ride in from a nice couple who were dropping off a hiker. Total miles so far is 69.6 miles. Not where I wanted to be but should be in Franklin, NC by the weekend - Easter weekend, and able to talk with family. Honestly, the past couple of days have been challenging because of the weather, but I do feel I am adjusting to the demands and happy to say there are many younger hikers who are facing the same challenges as me, some with more serious injuries. My only injuries are a couple of blisters, an ankle bruise and the start of a burn in my heel - another reason I stopped today.Figuring out the right food and water intake has also been challenging. I am finally starting to get truely hungry and want to eat. According to other thru hikers, this is a normal thing and I am right on schedule. I do want to lighten my pack as I am carring about 38 pounds. There are pleanty of water sources this time of the year so I may cut back the amount of water I carry. It's all a learning curve and I think I am doing okay. It will be nice to ditch some winter clothing as well.Bamboo and some other hikers just asked me to join them for some pizza so I am signing off until Franklin, NC. Be safe and let me know you are still out there. I wish I could reply to all of you individually, but do know that I think of each of you as I am hiking.
Date: 2003-05-04
From: Erwin, TN (Slackpack)

To: Erwin, TN (Slackpack)
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: broken clouds

   Got a rather late start today--shuttles going all over. Got dropped off with a hiker named John, after we we left his vehicle at the end point. John is a stronger hiker than I am--so the challenge was to try to stay close. I told him to take a lot of breaks. The views from Little Rock Knob were great--clear and sunny for a change. The trail was a little more civilized than yesterday, and I tried to keep moving along. Met all the same hikers as the past couple of days--probably twenty of them. Caught up on the trail gossip and news. John was ahead of me twenty minutes all day--and he was dawdling, while I was trying to move faster. He ended up at the truck a hour before I did. He gave me a ride back to the hostel after we stopped for some cold drinks. There is supposed to be a big storm coming tonight, and it is cool and windy this evening. A whole new batch of hikers is here tonight--none that I have met before.
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 95.0
Weather: clear sky

I am in Fontana Dam, NC. Got here yesterday afternoon and need to do some problem solving. Hiking on March 31st, Easter Sunday I wrenched my knee trying not to fall in the mud. Now, 45 miles later my knee is giving me a lot of trouble. Total miles so far is 164.6 miles and I can tell you, these have been demanding miles. Lots of ups and downs and elevations of 5,000+ feet. By New England standards that's high. Coming down the mountain yesterday I was only able to go at a pace of one mile per hour. I'm not complaining. I've actually had some grest experiences and I don't want to stop, but I have to figure out what to do about my knee and a couple of blisters that just won't heal.My plan is to rent a car and go to my daughter's house in Blacksburg, Virginia for R&R. I am going to lay low today at the Fontana Dam shelter and do a little more research and leave tomorrow (Sunday). If I can get a few days rest in Blacksburg I will start hiking south bound and come back to Fontana then go back to Blacksburg and start from there north bound once again. One of the things that is nice is the fact that I am on no one's schedule but my own! It's the plan for the next couple of days so let's see what happens. While I am in Blacksburg I also plan to add more journal entries of what has happened since Franklin, NC so those of you still following me can share more of my experiences. Once again, thanks for all the words of encouragement. I think of all of you as I plug along.Paddyman
Date: 2003-05-05
From: Erwin, TN (Slackpack)

To: (Soggy) Erwin, TN (Zero Day)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

   Awoke to heavy rain this morning with strong storms predicted for all day through tonight. So I went into town and had a big breakfast. I just hung out all day and generally felt restless. But when you are someplace that is warm and dry, you don't walk out into a storm unless you absolutely have to, and I absolutely don't.
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: R&R
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It's funny how things just seem to work out for hikers on the trail. Seems like, when faced with a problem on the trail the solution just unfolds before your eyes. I have had other hikers tell me the same thing. So last Saturday, when faced with what to do about my bum knee and learning that I needed to go to Knoxville, TN to rent a car to drive to my daughter's in Blacksburg, VA; it just happened to unfold as follows. A few days earleir I had a voice mail from American Airlines that I had 50K plus miles that were going to expire on April 12th or I could pay $107 to reactivate them for 18 months. Since I was headed to the Knoxville airport to rent a car, I realized I now had another option. I got a ride from Gene's Shuttle Service - a trip I won't forget! Gene himself, an 85 years young man drove me down Devil's Tail and to the airpport. The road is a haven for motorcycle enthusiasts as it winds down and around the mountain - more turns than the Road to Hana in Hawaii. When I got to the airport I decided to check in at AA. I got some information and learned I could fly home for $5 and 12,500 miles AND my remaining miles would be good for 18 months. So here I am at home recovering.I went to my doctor on Monday and am happy to report that i did not tare or damage anything but that I have a serious strain that I need to let recover. I also found out that the tingling in my finger tips and toes is frostbite! I guess it doesn't have to be freezing to get frostbite. So I plan on doing my R&R at home for a week or so and then head down to Blacksburg, VA to start hiking south to Fontna Dam where I got off trail. This will allow me to see many of the friends I started with and those I met on the trail. I'll decide where to start next when I finish in Fontana Dam,   I have to keep telling myself that I am retired and on no one's schedule but my own! It's not a race. It's an adventure so enjoy it.I'm still in the game and anxious to get back on the trail with some better weather!FYI: I added some photos. You can view them from the menu on the left. I'll add some more journal events later as well.Paddyman