morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Spent the past few mornings reading a few chapters of "Appalachian Trails" and recognize the need to "get my mind right" before I endeavor on this venture. The idea of "hiking my own hike" is reminiscent of "running my own race." Recently talking to a thru hiker Jim Dolan "Santa" who advised me that I need to enter into this with a mindset of "one-step-at-a-time!" During my trek I do plan to use my technology (iPad Mini) throughout my migration Northbound (NOBO).Today, in my hometown, we had some snow (3 - 5 inches), Punxsutawney Phil's prediction for an EARLY spring may be inaccurate. Then I have to ask "what is, IS?" Maybe Punxsutawney Phil was speaking specifically about Gobbler's Knob!During my time living in the south I can truly say that I do miss that "southern hospitality!" I can taste the cheese grits already. Already starting to set some goals, the first being a nice HOT bowl of GRITS! Just a few more weeks until Springer Mountain.
Date: 2013-03-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Reading some of the journals of a few of the Thru Hikers and other hikers it is easy to see that this is going to be a test of human foundations, and a journey to the breaking point (mentally & physically). During my cross fit training I think it is the goal of the instructor to make me inexhaustible, enabling me to negotiate the slopes along the AT enroute to Mt Katahdin. A country boy at heart, I am being besieged with questions about bears? Interesting enough I am more concerned by the mice eating my chow that playing Davy Crockett with a bear. I am thinking that I need a musical pipe similar to the "Pied Piper" without the pied clothing, of course. Albeit mice are different from rats, if it prevents infestation at the shelters I am all for it."After months of want and hunger, we suddely found ourselves able to have meals fit for the gods, and appetites the gods might have envied." ~ Ernest Shackleton.
Date: 2013-03-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Preparation continues, this afternoon I used my Neti-Pot to give my sinuses a cleansing (muy body's first line of defense)! WOW! IF you have EVER used this device you understand what I mean when I say WOW! That coupled with regular acupuncture treatments (cupping an spooning) has assisted me in rounding the corner on some minor aches that I have felt over the years.My cross fit training, twice/week, continues to challenge me physically, however, I can only susspect that I would be physically in very sad condition IF I did not have this particular type of physical training. The strength in my left knee has improved exponentially per this training regimen. Although I still intend on wearing my knee brace my confidence that my knee is ready to go improves.This evening my ole jogging buddy (Dave Liddick) is visiting me this evening for dinner and a movie "Running the Sahara." Dave thinks that this movie of a team of three men, from around the world, running for 111 days, traveling over 4300 miles (6,920 kilometer) is just the motivation I need to reach Mt. Katahdin. He was correct!!!Komperdell Pure Carbon Trekking Poles (Sierra Trading Post) arrived today. Tomorrow, I plan on practicing my poling technique to give me that 20% advantage and remove any inefficiencies with my technique while harnessing my energy. Final visit with my orthopedic surgeon followed by a visit to the dentist and I will be "good-to-go!"
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Springer Mountain

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

As my departure time draws near I have completed my annual physical (January2013), tetanus shot (January), semi annual dental appointment (March), cortisone shot left knee (March 2013). Upon receiving my cortisone shot yesterday Dr. Pat Carey (Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine) drained ONLY a little fluid from my knee. WHAT A RELIEF!!! Over the years Dr. Carey and his staff have been extremely helpful and I am TRULY grateful. The next 3 days, I am taking a few days off from training and unnecessary walking to allow the cortisone to "work its magic!"Last night I put together my first six meals (Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Snack, Dinner). Although I do not anticipate consuming everything before I hit my first resupply, at this time I have planned for the calories.Since a number of people know my departure date I am finding that all my friends having been ensuring that I keep my "feed bag" on and my "sweet tooth" is satisfied! Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, I think they are trying to turn me into a "food blister!" Needless to say I am enduring ;-) At the local gym one of the patrons (Roger) provided me with some Tyvek and saved me from purchasing an entire roll for $103. He was my "Hero" that day. My excitement level is growing as I read the journals of those attempting the AT at this time as well as those preparing to attempt the AT. Next week I shave my head (recruit style/"burr") or get a "Quo Vadis" style haircut. I am ready to go!PS - thanks for the WX updates, I am adjust my equipment based on your observations!
Date: 2013-03-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

8 days until I begin this epic journey North. Coordinating ALL the home / personal logistics is keeping me busy! I have CROSSED THE RUBICON!Today, I was signed off on the Diamond 40 aircraft, unfortunately, I do not believe that time will allow me to take advantage of my check ride. I do have from Sunday to Wednesday after my FINAL shakedown hike, if the weather is good. Alex Minium (Energy Aviation - Wiliamsport, PA), my instructor, has been VERY thorough in his instruction providing OUTSTANDING overview of the aircraft and particular the Garmin 1000. VERY COOL. Checking this block is another feather in my cap as well as a morale booster! Cortisone, I cannot say ONLY how much relief I feel after receiving the cortisone. Although I am not a fan of drugs, I needed this along with the acupuncture and the required rest before the trek.After an "OUTSTANDING" flight, now I am attempting to get my most recent Apple Software update squared away. This is the second time my iPhone has shutdown as a result of an update! Currently with customer service at ATT & iPhone technicians. Apple says that I may lose my data unless it is on the iCloud. This is just FRUSTRATING, however, I know there is a solution. Mary Ann (Manager) and her staff have been very helpful, "HENCE" this AT&T visit could be successful.
Date: 2013-03-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Completed the FINAL shakedown hike this weekend! Learning to walk with the Komperdell Carbon Ultralight trekking poles was challenging, to say the least. Enjoyed a lunch with my two elementary school buddies (Robert Fremberg & Malcolm Erb) this afternoon, as we have done for the last few years, and it was GREAT as always. We have reminisced about our childhood more than the average persons and I feel good that I live in a community that allows me to meet with my "ole school chums" on a regular basis. Bob is worried about me and my ability to survive a "snakebite." This weekend I saw a "white" deer and a "piebald" deer. Ahhh, the joys of living in Pennsylvania. Who knew? A first in my memory and as I sorted to the folklore I discovered that I am going to have REALLY good luck or I am going to have REALLY bad luck!This evening I am meeting with a few former colleagues for some chow. Just weighed myself this morning, at the gym, and I see that I lost 2.00 lbs! I am not quibbling over the amount(s) and I lost some weight! Final Cross Fit training session with Carrie Stiller tomorrow before my departure.
Date: 2013-03-29
From: Atlanta, GA

To: Mt Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0

29 March - I was required to "abandon" my small Gerber pocket knife at Harrisburg International Airport (PA) by TSA; NEW rule NOT in effect until next month. Flight delayed, however, I did make my connection in Charlotte, NC. Harry White was at Atlanta International to pick me up and take me to get a GREAT evening meal. We ate at Applebee's Restaurant (Steak). When we arrived at his very nice condo, I weighed in at 182 lbs.
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Mt Katahdin

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

30 March (Saturday) - Atlanta Georgia Departed: Springer MountainHarry White transported me from Atlanta to Amnicola Falls. Enroute to the Amnicola Falls we stopped at Waffle House and had an outstanding breakfast. Registered as a Thru Hiker and skipped the hike to Springer since the mileage did not count and quickly realizing that the books and pictures pait a different story than what I am actually experiencing on the ground. Beautiful day on top of Springer Mtn! Met Jim "Flipper" and his wife (Sandy) from NC. They lived near where I lived, close to Methodist College. Is this world small or what. Flipper was also wired for the Army Special Operations Command (ASOC). "Feeding" - when a group of people provide you with an ungodly amount of food, FREE! Shed Cemetary Pavilion was a haven for food. Rainy Evening, set up for the evening adjacent to the cemetery. Big Agus tent w/o silicon treatment provided the Dry Magic I needed to weather the storm. Marmot Helium 15 Degree Sleeping Bag had me sweating, I had to get "Nakie, ALL time Nakie!" Joe (68 y/o) Linda (wife) formally at the pavilion, I passed them on the trail carrying entirely to much equipment. During my conversation with James, I related my story about my knife being confiscated by TSA. James gave me his! WOW! Papa Smurf and Hot Choclate hooked me up with some propane. WOW!Dinner - Fried catfish, chicken, Breakfast - Fried egg sandwitch, bacon, hot teaExercised (50 push-ups, stretching, 7 pull-ups) Hydrate! StretchedHikers I met today: RainmanJoshArrived: Shed Cemetery
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Shed Cemetery

To: Gooch Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

31 March (Sunday)Departed Shed Cemetery 0905Met the following Hikers:Earth Dog (Thru Hiker 1994) & Streamer (daughter)Y Not 2K (3 time AT Thru Hiker)Turtle (65 y/o)StoryMallory For NowSassafras 171 beats / minute Gooch Shelter FULL! Need to start getting to the shelters earlier IF I expect to take advantage of the outdoor accommodations. My observations are that the young men and women are NOT taking care of the trail, leaving debris everywhere. Enjoyed my FIRST dehydrated meal on the trail Mountain House Pro Pak Chicken with Earth Dog. I know that I would enjoy Thru hiking with him. However, he and his daughter ate only here for a few days. Ranger School Night Ambush - In the wee hours of the morning the Ranger trainees launched an night ambush near Gooch Shelter. Man, did that bring back memories of my days of Ranger training (January 1979 [Dahlonaga] Mountain Phase). Hearing them warmed the cuckolds of my military. "Rangers Lead The Way!"
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Gooch Mtn. Shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

1 April (Monday) - rained all night! My big Agnus UL Platinum "Sample" is holding up just fine. Chilly/Cold this morning. However, I do not have to share my sleeping bag as I did in Ranger School. That was my first experience sharing my sleeping bag with another man and it would not be my last during Ranger TrainingDeparted: Gooch Mountain0945 On The Move (OTM)Hikers I met today:Wendy & Troy + dog (Missouri)Spice (Dog), Zephyr + BoyfriendArizona "Trust Baby" - talked about the Lord and was a little "out there!" He went into town at Woody Gap, I need to shake him. KatlynCareyTrail Magic - Papa Smurf was at Woody Gap/Suches with some MORE Trail Magic. (water, 1 can of Coca Cola, Kettle cooked chips, Rice Crispy Bar, chair to sit in and Grainola Bars) , an April Fools Day humor - trial closed from Woody Gap/Suches TN, "... a bear attacked a hiker and has not been found!" He got my attention! OUTSTANDING lunch break!Blood Mtn - great vistas, extensive downhill (2 miles)Lance Creek overnight with approximately 10+ hikers,Clean / Dry gear, Wash cloth in creek / cleaned some my gear, Strung hammock, Mtn House Rice & Chicken, Bear line hung, Water, BETTER ORGANIZED. Assisted in building with my laundry lint /Army Ranger Training ( perfect)Arrived Lance Creek
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Lance Creek

To: Bull Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

2 April - Tuesday Departed (0910) Lance Creek and Crested Blood Mtn 4,450', beautiful vistas. Met Sandy (Fayetteville - husband "Flipper") descending Blood Mtn (Slack Packing) she was to Neel's Gap. $45 later I departed Neel's Gap enroute to Bull Gap. Katlyn, Carey "Tinkle" Wyatt "Sideshow", "Jim Brick". (7.5)Right knee swollen. Blood Mtn was a long decent. My descents are slow. I want to thank the following military organizations for preparing me for AT:-US Marine Corps for teaching me the lessons that General Jackson practiced in the Shanondoahs during the War Between The States - stop after 10 / 15 minutes adjust your equipment; walk 40 minutes rest 10 minutes; then walk 50 minutes rest 10 minutes the remainder of your hiking day, less lunch. -US Army Ranger School for he instructions on how to survive in your environment (building a fire and the value of having your own sleeping bag instead of sharing with your Ranger Buddy at the same time it was during this training I learn the REAL meaning of "asshole to belly button." This trading provided me with a brief orientation to the Georgia Mtn (Dahlonaga) which I seemed to have forgotten!-US Army Special Warfare Center & School for Survival Escape Resistance Evasion (SERE) training. I learned the difference types of interrogation "soft, medium, hard!" These Georgia Mtns are "interrogating" the Hell out of my body using the afore mentioned techniques. -Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF) for providing me the opportunity to use a privy (55 gallon drum, cut in half, with 12" - 18" side barriers (plywood) which included a hole to sit on, in the middle if the desert, for ALL to see (male / female) eliminating ALL modesty!Tomorrow I need to get to Low Gap Shelter. Arrived: Bull Gap
Date: 2013-04-03
From: Bull Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

3 April - Wednesday Departed: Bull GapTinkle dropped today. It was sad to see her leave our camping group. Pressed on (0853) to Low Gap Shelter around 1500 (10.4 miles) Sandy is in our campsite, Low Gap Shelter is FULL. Flipper is supporting her on her way to Mt. KatahdinThe open spot I gave to Katlyn in spite of the 90% chance of rain tonight and tomorrow. At this point-in-time I prefer to live out of my tent even recognizing that IF I did stay in the shelter my gear would be dry. Trail Magic today (Water, 2 Hot Dogs, Coke, Banana, Nutrigrain Bars) damn everything tasted GREAT. Story caught up from Gooch Shelter. Sideshow, Jim Brick, were here along with Y Not 2K. Sandy, Rainman and his crew arrived after I was set up. Batteries are low and I need to conserve IOT call Betty & Howard Lovingood. Preparing for tomorrow at which time expect to pack up wet gear and make my way toward Blue Mtn Shelter (7.3 miles)Getting better organized, rolled dry clothes into my shirt making a pillow! Heart rate getting lower and I feel I am in better hiking condition. Next Tuesday / Wednesday I expect to bump up my mileage to 12 miles / day. My right knee is swollen an has been for a few day after hiking. It feels as if I have fluid on that knee, interesting enough it does not hurt to walk, however, I can feel the pressure when I bend my right knee. Left knee more flexible. Feeling some aches & pain this evening. Arrived: Low Gap Shelter
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Low Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

4 April - ThursdayDeparted: Low Gap ShelterArrived: Blue Mountain ShelterWindy and rainy. Moving towards the Blue Mountain shelter I encountered ice on the trees and bushes. It was very cold on this mountain and the shelter was facing into the wind. Constructed some when barriers over the shelter area with the assistance of YNOT2K. Some "Day Hikers" came to the shelter after many of the Thru Hikers were in their sleeping bags and wanted to eat lunch in the shelter area. I told him that the shelter was full and he responded that I "... must not have been doing this very long there's always room in the shelter!" Just didn't seem to be very prudent to have day hikers get in the shelter in order to eat lunch. Bubba was near hypothermia, fixed him some hot tea and we insured he got into his sleeping bag! This was a tough day for many hikers as he just couldn't get warm Because of the wet cold. We put eight people in the shelter and those hikers that came after continued down to Unicoi Gap to get rooms for the night.
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Dick's Creek
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

5 April - FridayDeparted: Blue Mountain ShelterArrived: Tray Mountain Shelter8.1 milesHikers I met today:PaulGray Beard 13By the time I arrived at Tray Mountain I was out of water and worried about water being available.   Unfortunately, I pasted plenty of water, however, I did not take the time to filter. Although there was plenty of water, I was in too much in a hurry to get to Tray Mountain. I met a great couple at the site that told me to filter the water from the stream and not to worry about the water from the PVC piping, This water was from a well. They also stated that they been hiking these Georgia mountains for 43 years. This campsite was outstanding. I was able to watch the sun go down, and the sunrise early in the morning.Enjoyed dinner with Gray Beard 13
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Dick's Creek

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

6 April - Saturday Departed: Tray Mountain Shelter*OTM 0815. This morning i could not eat breakfast (oatmeal, raisins, honey) because Graybeard 13 (80 years old) had in his possession my titanium cup, sport, propane which somehow he seemed to think that I misplaced after dinner with him last night. Instead I had to eat my snacks for breakfast leaving me nothing to munch on during my trek! It troubled me that he saw me searching for 1 hour for my gear and did not say a word about it. When I finally approached thenEast side of the shelter and saw him with Meyer gear he stated that I "... you forgot where I put it?" Needless to say I am finished with him at any of the campsites that I may run into him. Upon reaching the top of Kelly Kmob (4276') a hiker"Tator" was at the top of this climb with his dog, a can of soda for the Thru Hikers! Unbelievable, I had a choice between a cold Mountain Dew or a regular Pepsi! I took the Pepsi and drank it further down the trail during my scheduled 10 break. That ice cold drink dug me out of that hunger hole I was in temporarily. Dropped off at subways ordered half of a tuna sandwich! Very good!My motivation has been to link up with my Marine Corps friends (Howard & Betty Lovingood [married 50 years] to get my gear cleaned up, wash clothes, shower, charge up devices, and eat dinner (Chinese - Shrimp Egg Foo Yong, 2 glasses of Coke)Physically, i feel good coming off the trail. I know that I will be taking a zero day tomorrow to prep getting back on the trail. Weighed in after dinner at 184 lbs. my right calf is larger than my left other than that my body feels a little stiff. Dinner was GREAT and it certainly was OUTSTANDING catching up and hearing about "Ole" friends and acquaintances and what is happen inning in their lives. We watched Syracuse vs Michigan (ice on my knees) in a nail biter. When I went to bed I was tired. Arrived: U.S. 76, Dick's Creek Gap / Hiawassee, Ga
Date: 2013-04-07
To: Murphy, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

7 April - Sunday - Zero DayNapoleon Bonaparte said that a "... Army marches on its stomach" making the point that a soldier needs a food supply to keep fighting. Understanding that principle and apply it to Thru Hiking I can honestly say that my metabolism has been re-activeated. I am amazed at just how much I can eat these days. Inventoried / Cleaned ALL my gear! I know I need to lighten up my pack. Brasstown Resort & Spa Buffet 1330 - I took pictures of everything that I consumed: Lemon Merengue pie, Lobster & Shrimp salad, Prime Rib, Shrimp, Roasted Potatoes, Blacked Tilapia w/Balsamic Glaze and Basil Oil, Baked Chicken w/Bourbon Sauce, Sweet &Sour Pork, Shrimp, Egg White Omelet (mushrooms, cheese, green peppers, tomatoes), small waffle w/strawberries. This evening "Betty K" ensured that I had enough oatmeal for breakfasts, Granola Bars and Nutrigrain Bars for snacks. I had to keep reminding her that I had to carry all she was giving me! She had NOTHING BUT LOVE for me. Gail (niece of Betty Lovingood) & Bucky Kelly. Bucky may link-up with me in Franklin, NC at some point in time after his VA appointment.
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Dick's Creek

To: Plumorchard Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

8 April 2013Departed: Dick's Creek 1130Staying in Plumorchard ShelterHikers I met today:EvanRoyBaby Bear - lost his crew!Woke up this morning took a shower packed up the remainder my gear and paid some bills electronically. Howard and I agreed that I would be good to get on the road approximately 1000 hours. As we departed I was able to see the rest of his property and his neighbors. Very nice stone homes and I know I could live in this community. It was difficult saying goodbye to Howard Lovingood today! We reminisced about our times at The Basic School and it reminded me how much I enjoyed working with him. The Lovingood's have always made me feel like FAMILY! I wish he was going with me. Before departing I stopped by the Dollar Store to pick up toothbrush toothpaste and some trail mix. Along the way we stopped at Subways and I purchased a 12 inch tuna with bacon for the road. Once we reached my drop-off point I ate half my sandwich and carried the rest to Plumorchard Shelter. Damn it was good. Since hiking I have developed this ferocious appetite and can eat almost anything. My trek today was easy and I realized that I am less than a day from the Georgia / NC border. It was refreshing to have all my gear clean, it felt like I was just starting! Caught up with some of the Thru Hikers that I had previously hiked and it was good to see that many are still enroute North. Brother Bear was a handful last night, I do not think he stopped talking. The shelter was a disaster, SNORING, I think everyone sleeping in the shelter was snoring except me! I just never thought I would ever hear so many versions of snoring. Woke up about 0115 and continued reading until I fell back to sleep. It is hard to believe that I will be crossing into NC! NICE!!!Arrived: Plumorchard Gap Shelter 1500 hours