morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-10-19
From: Wood's Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

A good night's sleep and hardy pancake breakfast hadn't changed my decision regarding ending my hike. A couple of the other hikers were planning to slack pack down to Pearisburg and since the weather was beautiful and I was headed that way anyway I decided to join them. The plan was to hike the 10 miles into Pearisburg using smaller day packs loaned to us by the hostel. The others would be picked up by the shuttle in Pearisburg and brought back to the hostel. My plan was to have the shuttle bring my full pack to the rendezvous point and then I could rent a car in Pearisburg and head for home. The hike was great! Several great views and the lighter pack proved beneficial in reducing the pain in my shins. My three hiking companions were Bill "Switchback", Mic "One More" and Jim "Gramps Slow-Mo". Great guys and wonderful hiking partners. We arrived in Pearisburg around 2:30. After swapping packs and saying goodbye to the others I walked to the nearby Enterprise. To my surprise, this location didn't allow one way car rentals. Now what? Luckily Bill had picked up his vehicle in Pearisburg and volunteered to give me a ride. I called Ashton's grandparents in Salem and they agreed to meet us in Christiansburg. Less than 2 hours later I was showered and working on a puzzle with Ashton's grandparents. It was clear that I wouldn't be going home today but at least I'll be sleeping in a bed. After some serious internet searching it was clear that finding a way home was going to be more difficult than previously expected. My options were car rental, flight or bus ride. Each had their drawbacks and cost. Regardless of the kinks that have been thrown into this "perfect" plan, I'm blessed to have family and friends that are willing to help out. -Josh
Date: 2010-02-15
To: Planning just about over
Miles today: 0.0

This is my first entry. After more than 30 years of hiking the AT and dreaming of a thru-hike it is soon to become a reality. I will hike with my son Funk who completed a thru-hike in 2002. After thousands of miles on the AT and countless nights in shelters and tents the time has come to stop the section hikes and go NOBO. We will start March 1st and hike until the 16th when I have to return to work the last 2 weeks in March. We will resume our hike on April 2-3 where we left off and it will be off to Katahdin.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-02-21
To: Getting close
Miles today: 0.0

We leave for Atlanta in 2 days where we will fly to Reno to attend a wedding at Lake Tahoe and return to start the trail on Monday March 1st. The gear is piling up as we take all foreseeable equipment and supplies for the 6 month journey. I have thought about this day for so many years that it still seems more like a dream than a reality. Despite hundreds of days and nights on the trail since 1978I feel like a beginner again. It is always good to feel like a beginner.I have thought of the following bit of prose for many years and included it in Funk's book from his 2002 thru-hike.    "Once the journey begins there is no turning back. The journey kidnaps you with images of its end. With each step North you picture yourself climbing the great stone face of Katahdin."Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-02-24
To: Atlanta
Miles today: 0.0

Funk developed acute gastroenteritis last night so we did not leave for Atlanta. I went to the ER and picked up 3 liters of IV fluid and hydrated him at my house. He is still feeling miserable so I will drive down to Atlanta today. I fly out of Atlanta tomorrow to Lake Tahoe for a wedding returning to Atlanta Sunday night. Funk will drive to Atlanta Saturday or Sunday to meet me so we can start on Monday March 1st.Not a very auspicious beginningSpirit Walker
Date: 2010-02-25
To: Reno
Miles today: 0.0

I am at the Atlanta airport after the 1000 mile drive from CT. Very little sleep and a fine for using a radar detector in VA for my efforts! I fly to Reno for a wedding at Lake TahoeI return Sunday. Funk will drive down starting Saturday to meet up in Atlanta. He seems to be recovering from the stomach flu but is still pretty weak. We will head up to Dahlonega to 50/50's cabin to start Monday. 50/50 my long time hiking partner will join us for several slacks the first week. He cannot get up to the trail until Tuesday so we will do day 2 first from Cooper Gap to Woody Gap It is just 8 miles but we will be pretty tired from all the traveling. The next day 50/50 will be able to find all the back roads to Springer as I am not excited about the approach trail.. From there we will head north. I have to return to work the 17th to the 31st then I will be free until we summit the Great Mountain in Maine. I have a herniated disc in my neck which is slowly getting better, so I plan to do as much slacking until I leave the trail on the 15th. With the extra time off from the 17th to 31st I should be OK with a full pack in April.I was asked about my trail-name. When my son's were little we started hiking the AT when they hit age 6. At that time I was Packman since I had an 80+ lb pack with everyones gear. As the kids got older I took my name to reflect what the AT does to my spirit. From the first step on the Trail in 1978 I have been smitten. I find such peace and beauty on the trail and my spirit seems to soar as I walk. So over the years I have done many section hikes and for many years 50/50 and I would do a few weeks in GA or NC to witness the enthusiasm of the new thru-hikers. Over the years I have made many a good friends as I think the "linear community " of the AT is incomparable. I just love the diversity of all the adventurers who attempt the trail. Funk my son did the Trail in 2002 and I did about 600 miles with him that year and had a great time. He still comes back to the trail and is lost if he does not keep up with his AT fixes. Fortunately we live near the AT in CT so it is easy accessAs for me I am a physician ( Nephrologist ) and getting extended time off has always been difficult.There always has been some insurmountable problem that has prevented me from starting. I am 64 so I feel the pressure to do it before my body gives out. I stay in shape all year, hiking with a 30 lb training pack so I am in good enough shape to start. I am in a 4 person weekend coverage group so I will have to return to work a 3 day weekend once a month which is why we are trying to get this 2 week head start before I take off for good April. I had planned to do the trail alone which is usually the best plan as it is difficult for groups to match the pace and agenda of others. But Funk offered to come. We hike so well together and what father would not be delighted to spend 6 months with his son on the AT?I wish all my fellow 2010 AT hikers great success and good adventures. Remember that wisdom comes with miles on the TrailSpirit Walker
Date: 2010-03-01
From: Cooper Gap

To: Woody gap
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was the day!!!! This was a trail day not a prep day. Since 1978 I have planned for this day After thousands of miles of section hiking and hundreds of nights on the trail and after 4380 prep days today was the first thru-hike day. We did it as a slack, an easy hike between Cooper gap and Woody gap. Tomorrow we start at Springer with 50/50. The forecast is for freezing rain and snow so it will be a great initiation!We have the pleasure of staying at a beautiful log cabin in Dahlonega, where 50/50 and Eleanor live and they will help with slacking to Dicks Creek. Since I have done this section 4 or 5 times I am content with slacking until my neck heals. Once we get into NC the terrain will change and "mountain miles" will become real.This period of time is a transition for me. Someone once said you have to lose yourself to find yourself and I believe that is what my hike is about. I am blessed to have my son with me. Funk GA-ME 2002 is a reminder of life's greatest gifts and a true companion. We have hiked together since he was 6 and fortunately he has hiking in his blood as I do so his presence will be a true gift.For over 30 years I have felt the pull of the trail deep within me , calling me with a soft lamenting voice. Urging my heart to ignore the forces of my life and risk it all for the homecoming with my spirit on the trail. I am Spirit Walker and as the days and months go by my spirit will soar and expand and who knows what I will be when I land on Katahdin.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-03-02
From: Springer Mtn

To: Cooper gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: snow

Today was the real beginning as we did day 2 mileage yesterday. Getting to Springer was a challenge. A veritable white out as we drove up forest road 47, a narrow winding dirt road with steep drop offs without guard rails. We finally made it to the Springer parking lot. I have added a photo of the sign from the lot. We made fresh tracks up to Springer. The photo op at the top was limited as everything was covered with snow and snow was swirling around us. We managed to get a fellow Thru-Hiker to snap Funk and I in front of the monument and we quickly descended. I have added several photos from today to the photo library. The hike from the Springer lot was very much like all my winter hikes in VT. A winter wonderland with 6-8 inches of fresh snow and trees bent to the ground from the weight of the wet snow. Funk met the other Spirit Walker on the trail after I left early after our lunch break. I hope I get to meet her at some pointI met a 62 year old hiker from Chicago at the 7.8 mile mark. He was exhausted and was thinking of quitting. I encouraged him to hang in until he got into better shape and acclimated to his pack.We made good time and got to Cooper gap at 4:30. It is a 30-40 minute drive back to Springer to get the van and then another hour to get off the forest road. About 10 minutes into to drive we got stopped by an army Hummer. There were military exercises with a group of Rangers ahead and we could not proceed.We waited an hour as the snow piled up even more until we could pass. The drive out was harrowing as descending the mountain road was a challenge at best. We made it back where Eleanor cooked a beautiful dinner and we had a most relaxing hot tub! Another hard apres AT evening!!I appreciate the anonymous entry advising to look up at the full moon and let go of all that has been before me and let my journey begin now. While this entry has been more like a travel log I can feel the layers of my life begin to loosen and I for-see that they will peel away exposing the soft underbelly of my essence. I look forward to the process. I have waited a long time for this moment!Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-03-03
From: Woody gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Another eventful day on the AT!! We started out early to drop a car off at Tesnatee gap. The road to the gap was closed because of the heavy snow. We bypassed the closed sign and struggled up the mountain road. There was several feet of drifting snow. It felt we were at Mt Washington in December. We finally got to Tesnatee and headed back down arriving at Woody gap at 11:00. We started our trek thinking it was going to be a sunny 40 degree day. Well it stayed in the 20's with a biting wind. We had not quite prepared for such drastic weather especially the deep snow which made the going very slow. We encountered 2 foot drifts and as we climbed Blood Mountain our legs felt like jelly. We were depleted by the time we landed at Neel gap. By the way all the signs on the trail and maps say Neels Gap but the sign at the entrance way through the building says Neel gap. Which is correct? Image added to photos. So Eleanor rescued us and tomorrow we will do a Nero to Testnatee. We ended with a great dinner and another hot tub. Not much time to think today as I tried to stay warm and keep my legs movingSpirit Walker
Date: 2010-03-04
From: Neel Gap

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: few clouds

Still dealing with the big dump of snow. Today was sunny and warmer but there were still drifts and some deep foot-holes to follow. We were only going to do 5.5 miles as the car was supposed to be at Tesnatee Gap. When we got to Tesnatee no car! Turns out in the deep snow the day before we left the car at Hogpen Gap which was 1 mile further north. We saw some road bikers and they confirmed our car was at the next trailhead north. So we set out with some enthusiasm and made it back to the car if full warm sun. Finally some warmth on the AT!Earlier in the morning Eleanor took us to an auto service station as the brake light was on in the van after our harrowing experience on the forest road to Springer. They will look at it tomorrow. I hope it is an easy fix as waiting for parts will be a bummer.We all have directionality in life- east west north and south. We are always heading one direction or another. We are North bound on the AT but I think there is a 5th direction- inner which I believe is the direction many Thru-hikers seek. Despite hiking with Funk i have much time to think as we go long periods in silence and sometimes I will head out early after lunch or a rest break and he will catch up an hour or two later so I have more time for reflection. It is early in my journey but my thoughts are expanding and the incredible connection with nature on the AT is broadening the layers of my awareness.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-03-05
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

A beautiful sunny day! Not as many snow drifts and the tread-way was thinning out making hiking a lot easier. My long time hiking buddy 50/50 shuttled us to Hogpen and we were on the trail early for a change without any new adventures. We met a section hiker without a trail name using a mobile assist dog with a trail name-Bandit. The dog helps him climb by giving him 20 lbs of forward torque. Not sure what his disability is as he seems fairly intact. 50/50 hiked back to us from Unicoi gap. He let us go another 2.6 miles North past Unicoi up Rocky Mtn and down to Indian Grave Gap and picked us up at a forest road to allow us to get our first 16+ mile day.Then vans breaks are all fixed and we have it back!As I reflect on my hike I think back to a decision I made years ago- to try to stay in the moment appreciate events as they unfold rather than project the future or linger in the past. I remember Sam Keen's words " Being present requires a double movement of attention- we must silence the familiar and welcome the strange" That is what is required of the daily assault on the mountains. To celebrate our journey with every step we take we must remain constantly aware of staying in the moment with each step. To hear the crunch of our boots on the snow, or the call of a bird or the rustling of branches as the wind channels through the gaps is all present and in our immediate consciousness. What is really exciting is that todays moments once observed become seeds for tomorrows moments and just think how many more days I have to go until I reach the Great Mtn! I am reminded of a Sanskrit poem         Yesterday is already a dream and tomorrow is only a vision, but today well lived makes every               yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope, Look well to this day          for it is life.With that I will leave you Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-03-06
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Dick's Creek
Miles today: 14.0

Last day of slack packing. Next we go in from Dick's Creek with full packs. We did the ridge from Indian Grave Gap to Dick's Creek with at least 6 major climbs 3 over 4000 feet. 50/50 dropped us off and drove to Dick's creek and hiked in toward us. Weather was warm but still dealing with snow. The snow covering the trail was soft slushy, slippery and treacherous. Much sliding, slipping an picking a path North. Early in the AM before it softened the ice layer was a real challenge! Two interesting experiences today. First the AT makes a trail tunnel through Rhododendron bushes that was absolutely incredible. I had experienced these tunnels in VA in full bloom and they are miraculous. Toward the end we descended through at least a 1/2 mile of a Laurel tunnel Every June I hike through Laurel tunnels in CT and it is a Messianic experience. I could only imagine was they would be like here in GA when it gets warm.The day before we met a couple Thru-hiking together. I asked if they had trail names. Not yet. I advised them to select names before the acquired them from fellow hikers. We passed them today and they picked Sturdy and Miles!Final thoughts. Knowing what is possible at any given stage of your life and reaching for that goal gives meaning to your life. I find great meaning on the AT.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-03-07
From: Dahlonaga

To: Hiawasee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero Day. Means no hiking. Drove both cars to NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center ) and drove back to Hiawasee and stayed at the Holiday INN. Express. Said our good buys to 50/50 and Eleanor for all their hospitality. Got our packs together and ready for the first overnight. I am still worried about how my neck will hold up with a full pack. We will find out soon!
Date: 2010-03-08
From: Dick's Creek

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Our first day with full packs. I have been concerned about the nerve pain I have been having in my left arm which comes from a pinched nerve in my neck. Over the past 6 weeks I had stopped using my 30 lb training pack and the problem seemed better. The start up Buzzards Knob caused a little numbness in my arm off and on but the day went pretty well. The morning was very slippery as the slushy snow froze overnight and our feet kept slipping off the trail. The sun finally came out and we were in T shirts without gloves for the first time. We crossed over into NC with great fanfare. 13 more states to go! We got to Muskrat Shelter at about 4 with Cake and Stilts ( still wearing shorts and no shirt despite the 40 degree weather!) I told him he should have been named zip code because he was missing a digit! After about a 30 minute rest we took the challenge and did the next 5 miles to Standing Indian Shelter arriving at dusk for a total of 16.8 miles on our first day with packs. Difficult night for me ask I kept waking up with pain and numbness down my left arm. A very bad sign for the first day with a full pack! We will see what the next day brings.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-03-21
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 51.0
Weather: light rain

I have been so busy that I have not been able to update the journal until today. Our initial plan for the AT was a little chopped up because of my work commitments but it appears to have been a blessing. We planned to hike from March 1st to the 15th and then return to CT when I would work the last 2 weeks and then be off for 6 months except for returning to take weekend call once a month. After leaving Standing Indian on 3.9.10 we did the 14 miles to Big Springs shelter after climbing 3 5000 ft peaks. With the snow it was slow going at times but the sun was out and it was beautiful on the ridges. The climb up Albert was as awful as I remembered having done it 2 or 3 times previously. My neck pain was worse with numbness down my arm. I placed extra padding on my shoulder strap and used my left thumb to pull the shoulder strap forward and off my neck which ended up causing more problems. The night at Big Springs was tough as the pain kept me up and I could not find a position to relieve the discomfort. The next day we did the 13 miles to Siler Bald shelter. Not my favorite because it sits at least .5 off the trail. Most of the snow at Winding Gap had melted on the south side and the snow going north was manageable. Cold night but less pain while sleeping and I was becoming a little more hopeful. The next day was cold with fog and freezing rain. The 8 miles to Wayah Shelter was brutal. The snow was soft and deep and we kept making post holes with our feet up to mid thigh at times. The trail was pitched in places and either you were sliding off or crashing through the snow stuck until you rescued your leg from the snow vice. When we got to Wayah we were exhausted and nearly out of water. Just stopping for a few moments we were freezing. If we stayed long enough to get water we would have to undo our packs and get warmer stuff so we could get water and likely be there for the night. We decided to hurry up and push on to keep warm and try and find water later. North of Wayah the snow was not as deep and the rain slowed and it warmed up a bit so we made much better time. We made it to Cold Spring Shelter where the water source was in front of the shelter. My neck and arm still hurt and my left wrist started to swell. The next day we made it to NOC where we had a car and drove back to Dicks Creek to get the second car then back to NOC. We were going to slack the 2 days to Fontana but I decided to drive back 2 days early so I could check out my neck and wrist. We made it back to CT late Sunday night the 14th and I saw the neurologist and hand surgeon on the 15th. It turns out I developed tendonitis of my forearm from holding my shoulder strap and the extra padding on my strap caused the strap to crush the nerve under my arm. I am getting PT and improving. Funk and I are regrouping our gear but we plan leave on the 2nd and start at NOC on the 3rd. I am hopeful that I will be ready to go.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Hot Springs

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We are back! Going to try the Hot Springs this morning then drive to NOC to meet 50/50 to slack for 2 days to Fontana then into the Park to try and tame the Smokeys. Looks like an incredible weather forecast. I am doing much better and my arm/wrist is recovering and I feel confident that I can finish the hike. Not sure I will have wireless at NOC. May not be able to post until we are out of the Smokeys. Will be home for Aaron birthday May 14th and I have ordered a 3G iPad so if it is available I will be able to post if there is cell service once we return to the Trail on the 17thSpirit Walker.
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Stacoah Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Back on the trail!!!! Funk 50/50 and I drove to Stacaoh Gap and hiked back to NOC on what could be called a most perfect weather day. Warm,full sun and a soft tread-way. What could be better! Fairly uneventful especially in comparison to those long sections of deep snow. 50/50 left for Atlanta after the 3 of us had a nice dinner along the river at NOC. I am coming down with a cold so my energy is a little drained but my excitement for beginning again sustains me. Beginning to feel part of the Trail again. I hope to feel the connection more strongly as the days,weeks and months go by. Living the dream!Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-04-05
From: Stacaoh Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Last slack before the Smokies. Once I have access will download photos. 50/50 left last night and Funk and I did the hike fairly quickly although I got a huge blister because I was wearing light hiking boots. I forgot yesterday we met a sea to sea hiker Spaz who started last June in Canada on the International AT and is on his way to Key West! Quit amazing Tonight at the Hike In with Jeff and Nancyand into the Smokies. Another great day on the AT!Spirit Walker