morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-02-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Exactly one month until I'll be hitting the approach trail in Amicalola Falls State Park for an eight mile hike in order to reach the summit, and official start of the Appalachian Trail. The image of the (semi-ridiculous) stone arch and cobble stone pathway which will mark the start of my journey is etched into my dreams. The two plaques located at the summit of spring, as well.Less than a week and I am through with winter session. I've gotta pack my bags and head on home this saturday. Then it's twenty days for final preparations, mail drop arrangements, last minute gear purchases, and travel logistics before I fly down to Atlanta on the 26th.I got a good bit of necessary stuff out of the way today. Besides taking a spanish exam, I have drafted up a list of courses to take next fall and posted them privately to the blog (that way when it's time for me to get that sorted out, at least I'll have a starting place), also me and my roommates have signed a lease and now officially have a place to stay for the upcoming school year (finally!).Affectionately known as "Skid Row" here at the University of Delaware is where I will lay my head at night for the ensuing journey following my hike. Despite what many who have never ventured within the walls of Skid may tell you, it's not a bad place at all. In fact, it's pretty large compared to other housing options, it's cheaper, and the location is possibly the best possible off campus location one could ask for. So, why the derogatory nick-name for the strip of houses that I anticipate calling "home"? Well, Skid has a reputation for, alternative residents. It is more common than not when walking past the strip to see at least one resident relaxing on the porch, often with guitar in hand. Skid is notoriously the place of artists, musicians, and other eccentrics. Also, it is of relative importance to state that "Skid Row" is home of the bi-annual jam festival, Skidfest.Anyways, I'm very pleased with our choice for housing in the upcoming year. As usual, things took a while to fall into place, but it worked out. In fact, I believe this option was perhaps my favorite option, it just took the longest to make an appearance. I've also went ahead and ordered a pair of crocs to use as camp shoes and foot wear for the occasional stream crossings (when deemed necessary). As with my luck, the only color available in my size was bright yellow. That's fine by me though, I aint never been one to set a fashion statement while living with my entire wardrobe, and I didn't imagine I'd start doing so on the trail anyways.Time marches on, and my plans have been progressing accordingly.
Date: 2010-02-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I made it home yesterday. Due to the "snowpocalypse" the University was shut down on saturday. This did, however, let me get home for the weekend, see some family and friends, and then head back down to school sunday evening. So, I can't really complain. Took my final examination Monday afternoon, packed up, and drove on home.It feels good to get away from school and the rest of my regularly scheduled routine. It's also exciting to be at the point where there is nothing outside of final preparations standing between myself and the start of my trip. And I have wasted no time getting things in order now that I am home. I was up early this morning, dropped my dad at work, and then stopped over at a Effinger's Sporting Goods and Eastern Mountain Sports to knock off a few things from the list of items I still need. While I'm happy with what I picked up, I must say, outdoor clothing and equipment costs a fortune. Enough complaining, however.Tonight, (pending my brother's availability) I'd like to go through a few things with him. I intend to position him as my main contact back here at head quarters. He doesn't know this yet, though I imagine he has some idea that it's been coming to him. He'll be responsible for dropping my mail drops at the post office as well as altering them if need be. Any time I need some support from HQ, he'll be the man. I've also purchased two memory cards for that camera I mentioned a while ago. The idea being, I can start with one, and then when I reach my first mail drop, it will include the second card, and I can mail the first card back to my brother. No promises, but I may be able to convince him to now only empty that card onto my computer and then get it ready to be sent out in the next mail drop, but also upload the pictures onto the blog. As always, when dealing with my brother, it'll be a battle. In the end, we both know he'll do it, but he'll try and milk whatever he can out of the situation. It is for that reason, that I have a few secret bargaining chips. (If he happens to read this before I get the chance to talk to him, then I'm really in trouble). I figure in return for his help, I can offer him the use of my laptop while I am away, as well as allowing him to borrow my entire cd collection. Yes, he could always just take these things while I am wandering around in the woods and I'd have no idea, but nevertheless it'll make good backup incentive if necessary.I attempted to post a map of the Trail to this post. I realize that outside of the vague terms "Georgia to Maine" many do not know exactly where the trail stretches. So, there ya have it.
Date: 2010-02-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

One week remains until I head down to Georgia. I have certainly got my fingers crossed that the weather will straighten itself out yet before March 1st. Record breaking snowfall and frigid temperatures have absolutely been pulling a number on those who set out early on the trail. I've been following a few blogs, Second Stage and Fahmah's primarily, and the conditions they have been dealing with have been more like an arctic expedition than anything else, so far. Ice (both on the ground and falling from trees above), snow (sometimes up to their waists), incredibly low temperatures, wind, and plenty of blow downs, they have been taking it all. While snow is not uncommon during the early portions of a thru-hike, these amounts and temperatures are. Hopefully conditions will at least begin to improve by the time I head on out.I've done a lot of toying with my gear lately. It's looking like I'll be able to set out with a starting weight (without food and water) of about 22 lbs. I can't complain about that. With food and water and should put me right about at 30 lbs, which is where I was hoping to hit. Once warmer weather comes through, I'll be able to mail home a good deal of my cold weather clothes which will allow me to drop further weight.Yesterday night I experienced the coldest haircut of my life. I'm a man of many hair styles, you name it, and I have likely had a go with it at some point. Lately my hair was what I could only describe as a "curly mop". Not long enough to be "long curly hair", but definitely too long to just be "short" or "curly" hair. I figured it was time for a cut, so that I could start this adventure off fresh and without the hassle of having too much dirty hair to deal with. I also figured that in order to make the smallest mess possible, it would be a good idea to sit shirtless outside in our garage for this event. I also also figured a buzz cut aint all that easy to mess up, and so I'd just get my friend James to do it for me. Let me tell you that that was without a doubt the coldest hair cut I have ever experienced. Let me also tell you that James aint much of a barber. Something about the back of my head just aint right. But, nevertheless, the new cut has already proven to be easier to maintain. Hair is hair, and one thing I know about that, is it'll grow back quick enough. (The photo above not only features the new cut, but also my wonderful new footwear. I gotta say, I love the crocs. I have a feeling the picture is going to sideways. I fiddled with it, and I don't know how to fix it. Sorry guys.)
Date: 2010-02-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, there ya have it. The obligatory picture of all sorts of gear sprawled out for planning purposes. That is just about what I'm taking in it's entirety (plus food and water). The only things I can think of off hand that aren't pictured is my Thru-Hiker's Handbook, journal, camelback, and clearly my camera. I may also pick up a bag liner for some extra warmth to toss in with my twenty degree bag. While it does look like the weather is improving, I'd rather carry a little extra than be caught with not enough on a cold night. It also looks like I may be in for some rain come March 1st/2nd. But, we all certainly know how reliable ten day forecasts are, so we'll see what happens. I'm going to get rained on plenty, so it really doesn't matter much, but it would be nice to have a few dry days to kick things off.I went through all sorts of details with my brother, Doug, today concerning the hike. He will be my main contact here at HQ. So, I spoke mail drop logistics with him as well as how to upload the photos I send him. He's agreed not only to toss them on my hard drive, but he will upload a handful of choice photos to the blog as well. You can be expecting six updates from him with photos of the whole shebang. Thanks again, Doug.For those wondering (not that anyone really was wondering, but you may find it interesting nevertheless) according to current trailjournals statistics it's looking like 21 other people are starting the trail March 1st as well. That's 21 trailjournals members, but of course there will be people who are not using the website starting as well. So, I will be in good company for the start of my hike, that is certain.I've got my flight scheduled for friday morning, and so now I am pretty much just in wait mode until then. I'm anxious, excited, and nervous. But, itching to get going. I'm thinking tomorrow I may get out for a hike.
Date: 2010-02-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hopefully I'll be headed to Georgia tomorrow. I've got my plane ticket departing from Newark headed to Atlanta. I'm as confident as I ever imagine I would be with my equipment selection. I've got all my gear packed and ready to go (I do worry about baggage handling and all sorts of accidental mistreatment of my pack and gear while it is out of my sight, but I'm sure it will be just fine). I've said my farewells to friends and family. And I have been watching the snow fall all day long. Don't worry, there is still more shoveling to be had before I get on with the journey....So, I've got my fingers crossed that things go relatively as planned. Flight delays, fine. I understand. Nature is certainly in charge of this trip I have planned, and why not reiterate that very point right now? I don't mind sitting around in an airport for a few extra hours if need be, but I'd rather not have to roll back my flight until Saturday. Sure, it won't affect the start date of my hike. As I'll have the weekend to hang out and enjoy the company of my parents before I start on the 1st. But, I've already said my "good byes" and taken care of what needs to be taken care of. I am ready to go.I'm anxious and exited. I'm also nervous. As far as I can tell that's exactly the way things should be, and so I'm alright with that. If I wasn't slightly nervous about a six month backpacking trip stretching from Georgia northwards to Maine I'd probably have to be crazy. Or, I mean to say, slightly crazier than I'd like to be. If I wasn't slightly off, I wouldn't be headed to Georgia in the first place.People have been asking me how often this here blog will be updated once I hit the trail. It's hard for me to say for certain. I'll update when I'm in town and heading into the local library is convenient, and I'll update when staying at a hostel or other place of lodging that offers computer/internet access. If time goes by between entries, don't assume that something awful happened. What it will mean is that I've been scaling far too many mountains and putting in such ridiculous amounts of miles that I have absolutely no time for silly things like online journals.Well, it's looking like it's about time to run back outside for another exciting round of "shovel the driveway".
Date: 2010-03-08
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Meh, I feel guilty, so you guys get a double entry today.The night before the hike started I was sitting at the Amicalola State Park lodge with mountains drifitng into the horizon as far as the eye could see, The thought that I intended to walk over all of them, and many, many more, was (and is) pretty daunting.I turned to my dad and said "This is either the worst or greatest idea I have ever had."I didn't sleep well that night. I was nervous.We got up, had breakfast, and went down to the visitors center where I weighed my pack (36 lbs, not bad, but heavier than I want it), and signed the first of many registers. I was still nervous.I stood under the archway behind the center and we took a few pictures. Still nervous.As soon as I turned around and began to walk, it came back to me. I'm only hiking, and hiking is really just walking. Not only do I like walking, but I'm pretty good at it. Couple that with my love for the "outdoor", and I was completely at ease again.
Date: 2010-03-11
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Well, the intensity of this little event has cranked itself up on me. I spent a lot of time in Hiawassee just hanging around, with the intent of having only a few miles to hike on the way out and then stopping for the night. This was not at all what ended up happening. I guess I did my town chores backwards, having re-supplied (4 days worth, which I still am over buying) with all sorts of hot foods, eating lunch, lounging around the library, and then on my way out stopping at the Blueberry Patch hostel to get fuel for my stove. Problem was, I use a Pocket Rocket stove which uses canister fuel. I like the stove, it's small, and it works. Cannister fuel, sometimes, can be hard to find. Not only did the hostel not have any, but no one in Hiawassee did.Well, that changed my plans. I had cold foods, and enough of it to make it to Franklin, but I did want to do so in a timely manner. After getting a ride from owner/caretaker of the Blueberry Patch, back to the trail, I booked it straight to the GA/NC boarder, nine miles from town, and camped out alone there. I got into camp just before it got really dark, and pitched my tent by headlight. It was a beautiful spot to camp, however. I followed that with a sixteen mile day over tough terrain (and still snow/ice), then a twelve, and today after 3.8 I have made it into Franklin. I'm tired, but feeling alright. In fact, I feel kind of guilty about having gotten a room for the night. (Though it is nice to be out of the rain.)This push forward has been interesting. I passed through the bulk of thru-hikers it seems and have been much more alone the past few days. Met a handful of new people, though. Tomorrow and in the next few days I will be rolling my mileage back a bit (since I will have fuel), sixteen mile days were too much too soon. I wouldn't mind seeing some friends from earlier in the trip, as well.Weather has been less than optimal lately. Cloudy/foggy/damp/and now rain has been the trend. After climbing Albert Mtn yesterday I went up on top of the fire tower at the peak. It was cold, windy, and white, but that's about it.On the upside, I did pass the 100 mile mark yesterday. In the realm of the trip's entirety it isn't much, but 100 miles is a good deal of hiking.It's looking like Mellow Yellow is shaping up to be my trail name. Mellow, in respect to my personality, and yellow is a reference to my signature yellow camp footwear. I'm gonna give it a few days yet and see if it sticks or not, yet.For those of you who are getting ready to hit the trail, all I can say is don't worry. Things are working out just fine for me, and the weather is improving day by day.
Date: 2010-03-26
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The Smokies have been defeated.I feel much, much, better than I did at the time of my last post. The cold has cleared up, the snow is gone, the terrain is gentler, the weather has been great (well, it is raining right now, but the past three days were amazing), and as can always be expected along the trail, good company.The last stretch of the Smokies was at least as difficult as the first stretch. In fact, my last full day in the Smokies it snowed all day through, probably about another 6-8 inches. I did run into some amazing section hikers who were not about to let the weather conditions deter them from their hikes. The great thing about section hikers, is unlike thru hikers, they have extra energy and extra food. I was treated to campfires on two of the three nights I spent in the second half of the Smokies, as well as a few edible (and drinkable) treats.Leaving the Smokies was as incredible as I had been dreaming it would be. The trip immediatly changed from survival mode, back into hiking mode. No longer was frost bite and hypothermia a serious threat. It was overcast and nasty in the morning, but before noon it was sunny and warm. The terrain immediatly felt easier. There was no snow. I had been hiking with Cameron (Cookie Monster) and Flying Turtle, but they decided to nero into the Standing Bear hostel. Once again, I was flying solo. For half a day, at least, until I met Walt, his Dog Patches, Adam (soon to be named The First Man), and JP. Had a great time with the three of them hiking into Hot Springs. Took some easy days to rest the knee now that I am out of the snow. Our ten mile day which included a four hour stop ontop of Max Patch Bald (possibly the most incredible views of the entire trip to this point), was definitely a highlight, and a needed moment to remember what this hike is all about. The four of us just lounged about in the sun, t-shirts and shorts, ate, took naps, goofed off, laughed, it was a perfect day of hiking.I stayed at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn last night, which was an incedible place. A victorian manor from the early 1800's turned hostel. Great vegetarian food, great company (again), great sleep, and then more great food. I plan to finish a few chores this afternoon, take it easy, hope the rain lets up, and then take an easy 4.5 miles to a pond a campout with Cookie Monster and Flying Turtle this evening. I'm really trying to let this knee heal a bit. I've got a long hike ahead of me yet, not need to rush things now. In fact, in order to finish intime all I need to average is 12 mile days, which is nearly what I have averaged already through the snow and difficult terrain, so I'm not worried at all about making miles.I just mailed a package home containing a set of long john's (I had two, which was overkill), as well as a memory card from my camera containing the pictures I have taken over the past few weeks. It is possible that some of these may find their way onto the blog at some point, but no promises.Bring on the warm weather and sunshine.
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Photos

To: Photos
Miles today: 0.0

I finally got the best photos from the first 271 miles up. It's everything from the approach trail into Hot Springs. Sorry it took some time. There were a few unexpected complications and it took much longer than expected. Click on the photo link to the left to check them all out. Also, the dates in the captions and titles are simply the dates I uploaded them. To see the dates they were actually taken, look at the orange print in the bottom right corner of every picture. Dan did a surprisingly good job of remembering to take pictures almost every day. So enjoy.Doug
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Pearsburg, VA

To: Pearsburg, VA
Miles today: 300.0
Weather: broken clouds

Mile 626, Pearsburg, VA.So far, despite what many people say about Virginia, it's been a great state. The Greyson Highlands have possibly been my favorite spot on the trail yet. Not only did we have panoramic views atop the balds and great weather, we also had feral ponies. Can't beat that. After the Highlands the hiking became slightly less eventful, but much flatter, which was a welcomed treat.I figure I'll give a quick rundown of a day of hiking. This way we'll all be on the same page as to what I'm actually doing everyday. I get up around sun up, make oatmeal, set aside snacks for the day, pack my bag (this in itself is a methodical procedure, everything has it's place and must be packed in the proper order), and hit the trail. Then I walk, until I feel like taking a break. At which point, I take a break. Breaks are decided based on, physical condition, location (really cool spots, or overlooks), and how tired I am. then I walk more. Eventually lunch will be had, often at a shelter, or other source, and then I walk some more. Another break, and more walking. Eventually I'm tired, and the sun is getting low, so I'll stop, usuaully at a shelter. With weather like we have been having, being in a shelter is unimportant, but they tend to be gathering places for hikers at night, and it is nice to see friends and a have a few laughs before bed. My bag will be unpacked, tent pitched when desired, water gathered and treated, dinner cooked and consumed. Then I'll hang out, shoot the bull for a while, and tell everyone I'm going to bed. Universally that phrase means nothing about bed. First off, their are no beds. Second, what it really means is, I have had enough of this company thing, and I'd like to be left alone again. And I'll get into the bag and write in my journal, do a little reading, sometimes just a little sitting, and then go to bed.That's it. It's not that eventful, it's not that exciting, but it's nice. Of course each day is different, new locations, new things to see, a change of company, different weather, but mostly it's just walking.Every five days or so, I go into town and resuplly. I also get some lunch, cause all we do on the trail is dream of real food. Once in a while I'll do laundry and get a shower. That's nice. I never could have imagined how exciting the prospect of a chance to do laundry and shower could be before this trip.I do think a bit while I walk. One thing I can say I have learned is that wherever you're headed, you'll get there, eventually. And it really doesn't matter where you are headed at all. Even when you don't really know where you're going, you'll still get there. Most times, however, it takes a bit longer than expected.