morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Abingdton Gap Shelter

To: Damascus Va.
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I made it to Virginia, guess many didn't think I'd make it this far, I'm having serious issues with my feet and nutrition. I'm really getting tired of the empty calories trail food offer's. I can feel the effects of poor nutrition from empty calorie's. I'm going to do some soul searching here, the thru-hike could very well become a long distance section hike, as I may go to Roanoke take care of personal affair's and pick the trail up south of Roanoke, we'll see..I have serious concern's with my heart and my current nutrition, hiker food is sodium and sugar. I'm hiking alone and don't have alot in common with all these twenty year olds out here. I find it amusing at every town we reach they seem quite amazed to see me come into town right behind them...must be all the pop tart's and snicker bar's..lol On a more serious note, I'll have a few day's in Roanoke to decide my next move...I know my brother's in combat will have my back, whatever I decide to do.
Date: 2013-04-10
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm pulling the plug on my hike, I learned alot about how much abuse my body could take physical and mental. I've never felt that cold for that long, and I've never fallen that many times in such a short period of time, most all because of slick ice. I stopped mainly because of concern for my heart issues and poor nutrition option's, as well as serious issues with my feet. I want to thank all the many hiker's I had the chance to hike north with for their friendship and guidance in challenging weather condition's. I wish to say a special thank-you to Blue Moon for a special friendship, it's amazing how people become closer when the challenge becomes difficult. I want to address the reason for my hike, which most know was to pay honor to those I lost while in my care while seving as a medic in Vietnam, I felt their spirit walking with me many of the hardest day's, as for the healing I sought, time will tell. I did my best while not putting my life at risk, although the second night out in single digit windchills I had a cardiac event, I was scared, I thought that might be my time, but it wasn't, I guess the troops were looking over me,as well as my God. I also wish to thank those who signed my guest book with word's of encouragement and advice, it helped alot.   I'll keep my journal active, as I'll be section hiking for extended period's as thru- hiker's move into SW Virginia, and my home area, between Catawba Hwy 311 and Punchbowl Shelter Blue Ridge Parkway. Thank's to all...Happy Trail's
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 15.0

Hiking near home, I live 30 min from the trail, around mile 769.4 . I hiked from Bryant Ridge Shelter to Petities Gap about 15 miles, amazed to see Northbounders coming through already. I plan a long section hike soon, to see many hiker's I know. I added some pic's of the snow and cold from March. I also added a pic I took today of the guillotine, north of Apple Orchard Mt.   Happy trails..
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Climbed Rocky Row at 501 Glasgow Va. today, offers a beautiful view down to the James River..I thought I'd see Ayce, Dovetail, Bluemoon, Moose....but after checking the register noticed they'd already moved through, guess I'll have to go up to Waynesboro and hike south to see them. My feet are much better after a long rest, really miss the sights and sounds the trail offers when you live on it..Happy Trails to all..
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I can't seem to get north of Blue Moon, he's averaging twenty miles a day, and I missed him again today at Maupin Shelter just north of Three Ridges Mountain. I stayed at the shelter for the night, and hiked out with Roswell and Patches. I gave them a ride into Waynesboro to meet family they were expecting. I will continue my search for the elusive Blue Moon.
Date: 2013-05-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I found out from hikers that Blue Moon had just entered Sheandoah Park this AM and it looks like I may finally catch up with him around the Blackrock Hut in the park. It would be nice to see him and give him a word of encouragement, he's doing so well, and we went through so much together in the cold in March..
Date: 2013-05-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well, finally ...Blue Moon came into Blackrock late in the evening, and seemed suprised to see I had took the time to find him on the trail. We talked about the cold we endured, and his success as he approaches the nine hundred mile point of his hike. I'm impressed by his determination and endurance to this point. We talked, and I offered to support his hike, the details would need to be worked out. Blue Moon is very deserving of the support, as he's been hiking big miles, and has a wonderful attitude and a joy to be around. A special thank-you to Moose and Wideload for guiding me toward's Blue Moon. I also enjoyed seeing Nomad who has been supporting hikers moving North for quite a while now. I also saw Ayce a quality young man with a great attitude and a love for the trail that shows as he also approaches nine hundred miles.
Date: 2013-03-20
To: Appalachian Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hey all, my name is Josh and am getting ready hit the trail. With a April 5th Springer Mnt. start date, I am putting the finishing touches on my hike of the Appalachian Trail. This journal is for those who wish to vicariously follow along while I am out on the trail. I have a couple goals for this upcoming hike: 1. Stay healthy so i can finish 2. Experience the through hiking culture 3. Challenge myself mentally and physically 4. Try and finish under 60 days. I will not be updating this journal myself, but will have friends and family doing this for me from voicemails and phone calls they receive. I am starting this adventure with my climbing partner and fellow coworker whose name is also Josh. The plan is to average 36mpd for 60 days, some days more, some less. Ideally, one would wait till the summer to attempt this to avoid the snow/mud of the northeast but I can't wait due to time constraints. I have 11 maildrops along the way and will not be stepping into a car at any point during my hike. More to come later, Josh
Date: 2013-03-25
From: Appalachian Trail

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It has been quite the process figuring my food system out for this hike. There has been lots of counting calories and resupply locations. Fortunately, I have some amazing people supporting me with my food scene. The folks at Nuts About Granola and True North Granola have generously donated all of my granola and breakfast needs. On the energy bar front Amazinggrass and U Rawk have provided calorie rich bars that I will consume on my many snack breaks during the day. And for dinners I will be eating dehydrated beans with crushed up corn chips and olive oil. The folks at Readybeans hooked me up with some tasty refried pinto salsa mixture. When planning for a trip like this and relying on so many mail drops you better know and love the food you are gonna eat day in and day out. I will use 11 mail drop resupplies and 6 town resupplies. My longest cary is around 160 miles which comes out to around a little more than 4 days of food at 2.25 lbs per day and around 4500 cal. I will be looking forward to town stops where I will make up for calories burned as ice cream and pizza will be staples.
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Appalachian Trail

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Training and GearOther than food, the other 2/3 of my prep have revolved around my gear and training. I had a slow start to my training, as I suffered a bad bus accident in Africa this winter. Luckily all ill effects from the accident are behind me now as I am focused on the future. My training has revolved around putting in longer walking days paired with shorter but more intense trail running days. Ideally I would be training in the Catskills of NY to get the most amount of elevation gain and loss, but it is a bit out season with late Spring snow storms. Instead I have turned to sections of the AT near the Hudson river. My latest training walk took me from Rt 22 in NY to the Hudson River, a bit over 40 miles. I look forward to covering new terrain as I have only hiked small portions of the AT in Mass/Conn/NY. It will be comforting when I make it to the Northeast into familiar territory. The light and fast mantra is near to my heart from all my years alpine climbing, so I recognize that this will be a critical factor in this hike as well. My base weight (everything I will be carrying in my backpack) is some where around 6 lbs and my food hopefully will never exceed 12lbs. Everything I can do to make it easier on my body will suit me well as my body grows tired from day after day of walking.
Date: 2013-04-04
To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Thursday, April 4¢My hiking partner, Josh (yes, both of us are Josh), and I met at the Atlanta Airport. He came from Colorado, and I from New York. The car trip to Springer Mountain took about 3 hours. It was a good thing my parents rented a Jeep - the last 10 miles were on muddy, narrow, steep forest roads. Later I learned that the road had been closed just the week before. As we headed to the north side of Springer Mountain where the AP Trail is only .9 miles from the top, the temperature dropped from the forties to 33 degrees. It was sleeting, and there was a cold wind. Branches were covered by frozen droplets. We quickly changed into our hiking gear and donned our rain equipment. We left the parking lot and family at 3:20 pm. When we got to the shelter on the way up, we set up tarps for the night and had some dinner to prepare us for the next day. My fingers became hard to move while trying to tie and attach the thin strings for my shelter. It was still winter there with hail and sleet.
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Springer Mountain

To: Wolf Laurel Top
Miles today: 35.4

Friday, April 5 (Day 1)¢We awoke at 7:30, had some granola, and headed to Springer Mountain¢s summit. Our AP Trail adventure officially started at 7:45 am as we began hiking north. During the first half of the day, we crossed some cool bridges and stands of mountain laurel and rhododendron. These were followed by stretches of pine trees. Green nature was beginning to bud all around us. The trail was not difficult at this point. At the end of the day we climbed and descended a challenging Blood Mountain, passed through Neel¢s Gap, and ended up staying at the base of Mountain Laurel Peak. Total for the day: 35 miles.Josh Garrison
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Wolf Laurel Top

To: Cowart Gap
Miles today: 36.0

Saturday, April 6 (Day 2)--Today started off in an interesting way. When we came in last night around 8:45, ate, and fell asleep by 9:30. Later that night as I was sleeping, I was awakened by a bear drooling over my sleeping bag (and me in it)! Thinking it was a squirrel or rabbit, I scared the bear away. As it left, it almost stepped on Josh's head. As the bear faded into the dark, we packed up quickly and headed up the trail another mile and a half with our headlamps lighting the way. Later, we rose at 7 am and started hiking again. Today was a bit harder with lots of ups and downs. Luckily, we met a guy called Dale (his trail name "Omega") and a girl named Nicki who ran a hot dog stand at the base of the mountain. What a meal we had--2 hot dogs, 2 krispy kremes, and a coke. We are both feeling some aches and pains, but we are walking through them and adjusting. We walked a little bit longer in the dark for the last bit.Josh Garrison
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Cowart Gap

To: Near Glassmine Gap
Miles today: 32.6

Sunday, April 7 (Day 3)¢Up and out by 6:45. This is a nice time to hike because few are on the trails at this time. Most hikers get up around 10:00 and then move out. We are both beginning to deal with some injuries. I have an Achilles¢ tendon problem, and Josh has an ankle problem; but things are pretty good. We made it across the border between Georgia and North Carolina. I passed red-bellied woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, chickadees, and trillium (a sure sign of spring). The terrain was more gradual and the weather more friendly than our previous two days. One thing we are looking for is a substantial water source in which to soak our feet and bathe. My goal is to get close to Bryson City, NC so I can pick up my first resupply box at NOC.
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Near Glassmine Gap

To: Grassy Gap
Miles today: 36.2

Had a super early start in the morning¢in the dark. I passed many people sleeping and wanted to sleep myself. My partner¢s ankle was getting worse, and we had a difficult decision to make. Our decision was to part ways. It was super fun hiking with him. There aren¢t too many people who would sign up for an adventure like this and jump on ship. We shared lots of laughter together about our sufferings and had some good deep conversations. He is a really good guy to be in the mountains with. So hopefully I will catch up with him later at some point, and he can blast back. I made it to the NOC in time to get my resupply. I enjoyed my soak in the river after a hard, 2-3 thousand ft. descent. It was tough on the body. At the end of the day, I was a little past Grassy Gap¢mile 140. I am looking forward to the future and getting my feet dirty in the Smokies. Overall, a super-solid day.Josh Garrison
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Grassy Gap

To: Birch Spring Gap
Miles today: 31.5
Weather: clear sky

Woke up early again and was on the trail in the dark. Tried to stop and talk with more people, especially since my partner left. Met a man whose trail name is Noodles. He talked a lot about the Sierras and Scott Williamson who had completed the Triple Crown of hiking, which is hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, The Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. Also, I had a good conversation with a girl named Hawaii. Since it was hot, I was looking forward to making it to the Visitors¢ Center for a Gatorade, but found it was closed for another month. Went by Fontana Dam, an impressive structure. During the day, it was very hazy¢¦maybe a fire in the Smokies. At mile 171.1, I came to Birch Spring Camp and spent the night. Not much water.
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Porter Gap

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 38.0

Got up in the night again because of the heavy rain and thunder. Couldn¢t sleep. So instead did time on the trail. No one was hiking on the trail because of the weather and darkness. Hiked all the way to Brown Gap (which is near Hot Springs where I could resupply and meet my partner Josh the next day). His mom came out from Colorado and had his ankle checked at a sports injury place. I am looking forward to seeing him again, he is hoping to continue with me soon. When I was in the Smokies, there were no bear sightings; but I did meet up with some feral pigs. Luckily, I could scare them away. The trail was beautiful with triliums in bloom. Tomorrow night I might meet with Matt, whom I met on the internet. He will be hiking the trail in the summer from north to south. He might possibly hike with me the next day.
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Brown Gap

To: log cabin drive
Miles today: 39.6
Weather: moderate rain

On the trail early and left for Hot Springs. Made good time and arrived by 1 pm. Reunited with Josh and met his mom. They brought me my favorite food: fruit. Spent some time with them just relaxing and talking. Since Josh had to be careful with his ankle, I continued my hike down the French River at a leisurely pace with his mom for a short while and then took off on my own on some mellow terrain through rhododendron tunnels. Towards evening, I met Matt Kirk, (a.k.a local hardman) really strong hiker from North Carolina. We hiked some and then camped at Log Cabin Drive. He suprised me with some pineapple and banannas. It walked until it got dark and set up camp as the sun was setting. We shared some stories of past adventures then eventually dozed off to bed. It feels nice to be with someone again sharing laughs and just having good company.
Date: 2013-04-13
From: log cabin drive

To: Whistling Gap
Miles today: 38.3
Weather: scattered clouds

we woke at 6:15 then were walking within five minutes. We had a 3 mile uphill section to start the day. we made it to the top of a ridge to see a beautiful sunrise and were able to see Bald Mountain, which was 30 miles in the distance. This was my goal for later that day. it was super fun walking with matt over an exposed ridge and letting him tell me about all things hiking related. we stopped to do some bouldering that i couldn't pass up. Matt left at 10 am after having taken some videos of us walking and talking. The links to his website will be on my page. I Arrived at Big Bald Mountain at sunset. I sat and had dinner in a grassy field watching the sunset - one of the highlights of my trip. I headed down the trail and met a couple (Crystal and husband) and their dog (Sydney) from Charlotte around a fire. They offered me some steak, which I could not refuse and boy it was tasty. I descended from around 5000ft to lower elevations to sleep so it would be warmer. in a matter of minutes my highpoint of the day quickly became overshadowed by an intense pain in my achilles. It was strange because this was the first time I had felt it going down hill before. Not a good sign. I was hoping to get another 40 plus mileage day in but had to cut it short because of the pain. Not a good sign.
Date: 2013-04-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The past two weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions. This is not how I envisioned our hike of the AT the start; first with Josh leaving the trail and me continuing, and now me leaving the trail and Josh heading on by himself. Josh seems to have healed and is on the road to recovery (fingers crossed) after lots of icing and rest. I knew I had to stop when my achilles started to become inflamed and deformed with a protruding lump and I could not imagine covering 1 mile nonetheless 37. I will be back to hike with josh as I wish I was out there hiking with him right now. It's a shame- I was feeling great, as I was just getting my trail legs. in the end, over 10 days i averaged a little more than 37mpd. Thru hiking is something new to me but it is something I know I will try again. Josh
Date: 2013-05-09
From: waynesboro

To: front royal
Miles today: 0.0

Just reunited with josh in the shenandoahs. My Achilles is not 100 percent but the urge to get back on the trail was just too strong. We had a crisp day of spring weather, followed by a bunch of rain. Stopping at various lodges on the trail provided us with refuge from the wind and rain and allowed us to consume enormous amounts of calories. We pushed through the night seeking to get out of the rain and ended up bivying in a national park service abandoned shed. The terrain is much mellower than the Georgia, nc, and tenn sections of trail I encountered. So far our days have been 28, 35, and 20 miles and the Achilles has held up decently well. The terrain only looks to get easier so looking forward to that. My legs are sore again, just shows how taking two weeks off of walking means you no longer have your trail legs. We decided to spend the night at a hotel and get out of the rain. The poncho tarp does not quite do the trick in this stormy weather. In our push yesterday in efforts of staying warm enough we ended up walking without breaking for 6 hours. At this point I do not have much desire to complete the AT in sections but to come back and attempt it from the start, the flame has been ignited. Harpers ferry is next up. Stay tuned
Date: 2013-05-10
From: front royal

To: harpers ferry
Miles today: 0.0

Past couple days have been spent trying to escape the rain, the results have been fairly unsuccessful. The "roller coaster" out of front royal was filled with wild life sightings: towhees, scarlet tanagers, blackburnian warblers, trillium, wild geraniums, rat snakes, and turtles. We managed to score some good meals which have enabled us to push through the cold dark rainy nights. When there is an option for a warm meal josh and I become single minded and push hard for food and don't pay attention to shelter locations which are crucial when it is raining. More than a few times we are forced to bivy in less than optimal locations because there are no shelters near by. Tonight we are sleeping under a lone ponderosa pine in the middle of a field...prime time! Looks like a week of good weather plus grand and extravagant plans for Josh's bday
Date: 2013-03-12
To: Atlanta, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

It is my plan to depart from Harrisburg International Airport, 29 March and arrive in Atlanta, GA remaining overnight before getting a ride to Springer Mountain. At this point I need 3 items before I depart (Trekking Poles, Sleeping Pad, and Steri Pen). Remaining on my reading list is "Appalachian Trails" by Zach Davis to assist me in getting through the psychological challenges that I may face during this trek as well as set my ". . . goals."
Date: 2013-03-14
To: Atlanta, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Physically things seem to be falling into place, doctor appointments, massages, acupuncture, and weight training. I continue to train (weights & cross fit) and walk (Asolo Hiking Boots), daily, as I move toward my start date (30 March) 2013. Although, I will say that I am backing down, what I consider HEAVY weightlifting, and doing more repetition. The Cross Fit instructor (Fitness Factory) that I train with twice a week, is working me hard recognizing that I have but a few more days before I depart. Certain days, the magnitude of this undertaking makes me ask myself "Why am I attempting to walk the AT?" As I read in "Ten Million Steps" ". . . it is a journey that we ALL depart on at some point in our lives" and deal with the burdens, that I face. There is a point-in-time that I will be able to capture the total purpose my trek. No more imaginary hiking boots, soon it will be time to get down to business. One of the many inspirations are the journals that my fellow AT hikers (past, present, future) are posting in 2013. WOW! I have experienced variety of experiences in my careers and life, however, I do not believe that I have investigated, researched, and processed so much information than I have preparing for this trek!My last piece of gear that I have to purchase is Tyvex (that is made only in Kentucky) for my tent footprint/groundcloth. Tomorrow (15 March), I will pick that item and the equipment side of this trek will be finished.
Date: 2013-03-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

As I continue to prepare to embark on a that that will truly be epic, I am not focusing on getting my mind as prepared as my body. Last night I spent time continuing to answer the following questions:   "Why Do I Want to ATTEMPT the Appalachian Trail?"   "When I SUCCESSFULLY Thru Hike the AT I Will"   "IF I Give Up on the AT I Will"I have several friends (Stanley Gray, Henry Gobar, Jim Williams) that seem to think that I will return a changed man (Forest Gump)! Although they continue to provide words of encouragement they are standing by to conduct rescue operations "Dust Off" in the event that I loose communications with them. They are Good Marines.Well, my first attempt at purchasing Tyvex, I was told that I have to purchase and entire roll of Tyvex in order to obtain enough for my "footprint!" That is not going to happen!