morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-02-05
To: Appalachian Trail Northbound
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

One of the challenges I will face on this hike is maintaining my gluten-free diet. I have celiac disease, which means that I cannot eat anything containing wheat, barley, or rye. I have been on this diet for almost twenty years, so it isn't a question of getting used to something new or figuring out what I can or cannot eat. I just need to be able to obtain gluten-free products, and I am not sure what might be available in trail towns. Although finding gluten-free products has gotten much easier in the past twenty years, I don't know what I will be able to find along the trail. For this reason, I expect to have to rely on mail drops to get the food I need. I realize that this may make my schedule a little less flexible than I would like, but I don't see a real problem. With good planning, and sending supplies with a fair amount of lead time, I should be able to get my mail drops without having to worry about speeding up or slowing down too much just to get my supplies.I plan to eat GF instant oatmeal (Glutenfreeda brand) along with Starbucks Via coffee for breakfast, and Alpine Aire freeze-dried entrees for dinner. I also will carry a variety of GF protein bars (Think Thin and Pure Protein) for snacks.   Fortunately, several traditional trail foods such as raisins and peanuts are OK for me to eat. I like cashews and PlumSweets, too. The real problem is that when everyone else is ordering out for pizza and beer at certain stops along the way, I will be a little envious. However, most pizza places can also deliver a good chef salad, and I will try to find a nice Pinot Noir whenever the opportunity arises.Four weeks from today I should be hiking the Approach Trail. I know that no matter how much planning I do, it all comes down to getting out there and walking. And walking, and walking, and ...Next time: Mental preparation.
Date: 2014-02-12
To: Appalachian Trail Northbound
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

I said that I would talk about my mental preparation in this entry, but let's talk about the weather first.This morning I walked to work, as I do every weekday. The temperature was 8 below zero, but the sun was shining and there was little wind. My fingers, and the exposed skin on my face, were a bit cold, but it wasn't that bad. I thought about my hike (also, as I do every day). I was pretty sure I wouldn't have to hike in this kind of cold, but I kept thinking about the current weather in Georgia and North Carolina. More freezing rain, and record snow in some areas of nearby South Carolina. Heavy snow is predicted in the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. Power is out in many areas. The weather channel says "They don't have many plows here in Greenville, South Carolina." Huge traffic jams near Raleigh, North Carolina, due to snow and ice. 12" to 18" of snow predicted for the mountains near Roanoke, VA. Government offices and schools already declared closed for the day tomorrow in DC.OK, you get the idea. The weather is going to be bad for a few days. What does this have to do with mental preparation for a thru-hike? I have read many journal entries describing bad weather, whether it be constant rain, thunderstorms, or heavy snow. The central theme is almost always the steady decline in attitude as weather gets worse. I keep wondering how this will affect my hike. It is one thing to walk for a few miles in sub-zero temperatures knowing that in a short while you will be warm, dry, and well fed. It's something else to know that you may have to hole up in a shelter or a tent with snow, sleet, freezing rain, or rain for who knows how long, or walk for hours and hours being absolutely miserable. I don't know if there really is any way to effectively prepare for the inevitable wet, cold, windy, snowy, icy weather that is sure to happen in the early part of a thru-hike. And then to know that you will most likely face similar challenges over and over again in the next several months makes it that much more difficult to feel ready to begin this adventure.Maybe the answer is to stop watching the weather channel, and to stop reading all those trail journals that tell you what you are likely to experience in the near future. Or maybe the answer is to keep doing those things and realize that people do, indeed, meet these challenges and successfully complete a thru-hike.I guess I will do the latter, but that's not going to stop me from hoping that I have perfect weather for the entire hike. It seems to me that hope and a good attitude go a long way to prepare for the worst that nature throws at you.
Date: 2014-02-16
To: Appalachian Trail Northbound
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Every morning recently I wake up and the first thing I think of is what it is going to be like to wake up in a shelter or tent on the AT nearly every day for the next five or six months. It is so easy here at home. My house is warm (well, relatively so). My clothes are clean and dry. The floor is clean and dry. The water is clean and wet. There are no bugs to speak of. The coffee is ready in minutes, and the microwave is ready at the touch of a button. There is unlimited hot water.I really wonder how far I'm actually going to get on this hike. Right now, even making it two weeks seems difficult. Ten years ago I had a great time spending two weeks on the trail doing a section between Albert Mountain and Hot Springs. Now my confidence is not nearly what it was then. Maybe it's just age and arthritis, but I have some real concerns.I'm re-reading Zach Davis' book, and I'm still reviewing the journals that I followed last year.My conclusion is that this hike is going to be very hard. OK, I already knew that, but I have pushed it to the back of my mind as I focus on the physical prep and logistical planning. I really need to focus on how I am going to deal with day to day mental crises like homesickness, boredom, frustration, missing my family, worrying about physical limitations, being wet and cold and miserable, etc.
Date: 2014-02-23
To: Gluten Free Goodness
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The photo shows my basic 3-day mail drop. Everything is gluten-free.When I look at this, I think there is no way I can eat all of this food in three days. Note that I have doubled the normal serving of oatmeal, and the Alpine Aire freeze-dried meals are intended for two people. But the Calorie count is not that high. Only about 2300 Calories per day. I'll certainly supplement this with town food at my stops. Maybe I'll even get some trail magic!
Date: 2014-03-02
To: Almost ready!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Three days to go! I fly to Atlanta on Tuesday. I am spending the day updating my plans, making sure I have everything I need, questioning equipment decisions (I guess that never stops), working on maildrops, worrying about my pack getting damaged or lost on the flight, printing my GSMNP permit, and taking care of some last minute business.I had the opportunity to attend a great presentation this past Thursday by Lady Grey. She gave a very entertaining talk about her 2013 thru-hike to a standing room only crowd of about 75 people. I learned a lot from reading her trail journal last year, and it was nice to meet her. Actually, it turns out that we had met back in the 80's when she worked in the same building that I do at UVM. This is not at all surprising, though, because Vermont is a very small place.Also, a shout out to Nor'easter (fellow Vermonter). I'll look you up when I get back to Vermont during my hike.
Date: 2014-03-04
From: Vermont

To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Got up at 4:30 a.m. to make my flight to Atlanta via Philadelphia. It was -6 F at the airport in Burlington. But the first leg of the trip was fine. The views of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain were absolutely gorgeous. When we got to PA we flew almost directly over Lehigh Gap, which is fairly impressive even from the air. It was sobering to realize that it would take me almost three months to hike back there. The second flight was fine, but the views were somewhat limited. The weather wasn't exactly warm when we landed. It was only about 39 degrees. I took MARTA to the North Springs station, and was picked up by Leigh and driven to the Hiker Hostel along with three other prospective thru-hikers. There are about 16 hikers here tonight, with quite a few starting thru-hikes tomorrow. Unfortunately, one had his pack misplaced by the airline, and he is still trying to locate it as I type this. I am anxiously looking forward to starting my hike tomorrow morning at Amicalola Falls State Park. The weather looks like it will cooperate, with high temps near 50. It also looks from here like there will be some warm weather at the end of the week.
Date: 2014-03-05
From: Amicalola State Park

To: Campsite near Lost Creek Falls
Miles today: 4.7

Only three of the 16 hikers who stayed at the Hiker Hostel last night decided to do the Approach Trail. Charlie and I headed up the approach trail after the obligatory photos at the arch. The other hiker had to get something from the lodge, and we did not see him again. Going up the stairs at .the Falls was great, and the rest of the way up to Springer was a very pretty hike. The climb up to Springer Mountain was strenuous. We stopped by Springer shelter just to see it, but were planning to continue on to Stover Creek shelter. When we got to Stover Creek it was still early, so we kept going to a campsite near Long Creek Falls. Very nice weather all day long.
Date: 2014-03-11
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We had a great time at the Blueberry Patch Hostel. Gary and Lennie are just wonderful people. We also had a delicious breakfast of OJ, pancakes, sausage, eggs, potatos, and coffee. Gary drove Fisherman, Two Forks, Frodo, Chase, and me back up to Dicks Creek Gap, and we started up the trail just before 10. It was sunny and about 50 degrees in the gap, and it just got warmer all day. It was near 70 most of the afternoon, and it was very warm on the leeward sides of the mountains. The trail was again very smooth walking much of the day, but there were some good climbs. The highlight of the day was reaching the Georgia - North Carolina border! One state down, thirteen to go!After the state line is Bly Gap, and then the trail climbs very steeply for over a mile. The difficulty of this climb really lived up to the hype. It was hard.I am here tonight at the Muskrat Creek Shelter with about two dozen other hikers. Only for are staying in the shelter, and there are tents everywhere. There is a good fire going in front of the shelter, and people are talking and telling stories. It's a regular party. However, I'm very tired, and it's time for bed at 8:40. Good night.
Date: 2014-03-12
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: BettyCreek Gap
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: snow

It rained lightly all night. When I got up it had tapered off a bit, so packing up wasn't so bad. It started raining steadily just as we started hiking, and it didn't stop until after noon. I was actually fairly uncomfortable in the morning because it was about 50 degrees and I started sweating with my rain gear on. The afternoon wasn't too bad. It was breezy, and the temperature didn't change much. We arrived at Carter Gap shelter at about 3 p.m. and decided to continue on 3.7 miles to Betty Creek Gap where we are tenting. Only three hikers are here tonight since everyone else decided to stay at the shelter. It is very windy since a cold front is moving through, and it is sleeting. It's supposed to get very cold over night. 7:03 p.m. and time for bed. Trying to get an early start tomorrow.
Date: 2014-03-13
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

I didn't sleep well again last night, but at least I was warm in my tent and 15 degree sleeping bag. The wind roared through the gap like a freight train for a good part of the night. We got up at 5 a.m. because we wanted to get to Franklin early in the afternoon so that we would have plenty of time to get our chores done. However, at 5 a.m. it was pitch dark, the temperature was 18 degrees, the wind was still blowing steadily, it was snowing, and it was extremely uncomfortable trying to pack up our packs with freezing fingers. Our boots were practically frozen solid so it was hard just to get them on. We skipped breakfast, and got on the trail as soon as we could, which was about 6:30. It was still very dark so we had to use our headlamps. It was very cold hiking. Despite the cold,we had a good hike up Albert Mountain, and were able to watch the sunrise as we climbed. The upper part of Albert Mountain is very steep, and it was a challenge. We didn't make it to the top before the sun was already up, but we had a few brief glimpses of the view from the fire tower before the clouds moved in. It was still in the teens at the top so we didn't stay too long. The rest of the day's hike was not too bad, although it never really warmed up much. We got to Winding Stair Gap at about 1:30 p.m. We were able to get a shuttle into Franklin, and Two Forks and I split a room at the Budget Inn. The first thing we did in town was go to a coffee shop and get something hot to drink. After doing our laundry and taking showers, we had an excellent dinner at the Cafe Rel. There are a lot of hikers here at the motel as well as at the hostel across the street. Some of them were smarter than us and came in last night! We plan to take the 9 a.m. shuttle back to Winding Stair Gap in the morning.
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: few clouds

I finally got a decent night's sleep last night, but I still woke up several times. My hip was a but sore, so that made it a little uncomfortable. We got up at 7 a.m., and went to a nearby convenience store for coffee, got packed up, then caught the 9 a.m. shuttle back to Winding Stair Gap. We got on the trail at 10 a.m.It was 24 degrees in Franklin when we left, so it was a cold start to the day. We warmed up quickly, and it turned out to be a good day for hiking. It got up to about 55 degrees our so in the mountains, and we were in t-shirts for a good part of the afternoon. There were almost no clouds for most of the day. Highlights of the day included climbing up to the top of Siler's Bald where we could see back to Albert Mountain and ahead to Wayah Bald. We ran into Sun Bear, Canary, Jules, Grease, Bismarck, and a couple of other hikers there. We crossed paths with some of them several times during the afternoon. When we got to the Wayah Bald Tower there were great views to the North and East. We could see back to Franklin, and we could see ahead to the Smokies where we will be in three or four days. The last four miles of the hike were pretty easy down into Brownington Gap. Tonight we are staying at the Aquone Hostel, which reminds us of a ski lodge. It is really nice; probably one of the nicest places we will stay on the whole trip. Surprisingly, Two Forks and I are the only two hikers at the hostel tonight. Looking forward to a good breakfast in the morning, and then on to the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a pretty good night's sleep last night at the NOC, even though the accommodations are rather sparse. That's three nights in a row in a hostel. I am certainly getting spoiled.Today made up for it though. This was a long, hard, cold, wet hike. I was beat when we finally got to the shelter. The day started with the huge climb out of the Nantahala River gorge. The outdoor center is at about 1750 feet above sea level, and the summit of Cheoah Bald is at about 5050 feet. The climb covered about 7 miles. And we did this climb in the rain and wind with the temperature hovering around 45 degrees. There was absolutely no view from the top. It rained steadily until around noon, then there was fog and drizzle the rest of the day. We were soaked inside and out. There were also a bunch of other climbs of varying heights and distances. The last climb of the day was up this steep, steep hill called Jacobs Ladder. We were quite miserable and exhausted by the time we reached the shelter. To be quite honest, another day like today would make me question why I am doing this. However, I am now comfortably ensconced in my tent with dry clothes and a warm sleeping bag. Here's hoping the weather improves tomorrow. We will be heading into Fontana Dam. The day after that we enter the Great Smoky Mountains.
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Deep Gap, Little Paint Creek Trail

To: Jerry Cabin
Miles today: 13.6

Amazingly tough hike over Big Firescald Knob with high winds (40-50 mph) blowing across the ridge. Spectacular views, but hard to appreciate in the cold and wind.Today was a much more challenging day than expected. I got up at 5:30, and cooked right in my tent vestibule to stay out of the wind and cold. It was about 28 and breezy, and my toes were cold before we started. We didn't get started until 8:30. We descended into Allen Gap and on to Log Cabin Drive, and then started our big climb for the day; 2400 feet in 4.6 miles. Once we reached the ridge the footpath became rocky, and this slowed us down even though there wasn't much change in elevation. Then we reached Firescald Ridge, which was extremely rocky and, by then, the wind was howling. The wind increased all day, and is still blowing hard as I write this at 8 p.m. The wind must have been a steady 30 mph with gusts to 50 or so on the ridge. It was a difficult hike. In addition to the challenging terrain we had to walk in snow, slush, and mud in many places. The temperature didn't get above 50, and was lower on the higher ridges. When I got to the shelter I decided immediately to stay even though it was only 4 p.m. I was beat, and the shelter was protected from the wind, so it was a no-brainer. The shelter is full with 7 people inside, and two or three people tenting. Hoping for a good night's sleep.
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Campsite near meadow four miles past Hogback Ridge

To: Uncle Johnny's hostel in Erwin, TN
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: moderate rain

Longest day yet! Decide to push 5.7 miles past No Business Knob shelter to get to Erwin, but it poured for an hour after I left the shelter. I was very happy to get to the hostel at about 7 p.m. I got a hot shower and a warm bed, while the folks back at the shelter got a few inches of snow overnight. They are all here today, though.Long, hard day. Feet are a bit sore.
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Erwin, TN

To: Campsite near Indian Grave Gap, TN
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: broken clouds

We all got sucked in to Fresh Ground's Leap Frog Cafe.I had chili, a salad, more chili, and later an omelet.I was too full to move. We all decided to cowboy camp right there.We even watched a movie on Fresh Grounds laptop!A truly unique hiking experience.
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Campsite near Indian Grave Gap, TN

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

For breakfast I had coffee, bacon, and eggs.Finally escaped at 9:30 a.m.It was mostly sunny and warm all day.Beautiful spruce forest on Unaka Mountain.I finally took a fall today, and it was a real face plant!Fortunately, my face hit a smooth fairly dry section of trail.Still, I got a slightly bloody nose and a headache for the next half-hour.I didn't feel like I hit hard enough to get a concussion, and I felt fine later.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

I got up at 5:45, had breakfast, and was on the trail at 7:tp.It was cool and cloudy in the morning, but that was good since I had a long hard climb up Roan Mountain. The upper part reminded me of trails on Mt.Mansfield in Vermont.There were very nice views of some of the balds that I climbed later in the day including Round Bald and Jane Bald. It was very warm climbing over the balds.I got to Overmountain Shelter at about 4 p.m., and the views from there were also very nice.
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Everyone was planning on a spectacular view of the sunrise from the lower level of the Overmountain barn, but during the night it clouded up and started to rain. There was steady rain until about 8:45. When it started to let up, I left. I was only the second one to leave the shelter. I did get rained on as I hiked up Little Hump, but the rain stopped just before I got to the top. It did not rain on me for the rest of the day. The views from the top of Hump Mountain were truly spectacular, despite the clouds. I could see for many miles in every direction. Toward the south it was clearing a bit, but toward the north I could see darker clouds. I even saw a lightning flash on a distant peak, but I never heard the thunder. I did hurry a bit to get off the bald since it was a long way, and I was totally exposed if the storm moved in my direction. When I got down into the woods, I did hear distant thunder a number of times, but it still didn't rain on me. The weather cleared a bit more, and it was beautiful by the time I got to Doll Flats, which is the TN-NC border, and marks the last time I would be in NC. The view from Doll Flats is also very pretty.I arrived at Mountain Harbour Hostel at 12:15 p.m., and I was the first hiker to appear. This was fortunate because they had only one room left. I got the room, and shared it with Ginko when he arrived. Flex, Two Forks, and Alex also showed up later. Two Forks and Alex had to tent, but Ginko and I let Flex sleep in the room with us (she used her pad and sleeping bag on the floor) since she was still not feeling completely well.I spent the afternoon sitting on the porch. I called Maureen, and I think we talked for an hour. Overall, this afternoon has been extremely restful. Mountain Harbour is a great stay.
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

After a pleasant and relaxing afternoon and night, I did the 18.9 miles up to Moreland Gap shelter. A southbound section hiker and a NOBO thru-hiker (Ginko) are the only other people here. Flex moved on to Kincora Hostel (a 25 mile day for her!). Ginko is a young man from Germany.
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Wilbur Dam Rd.
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I had intended to go all the way to Vendeventer shelter, but got picked up by some trail angels in Iron Mountain Gap. Cowgirl, Radioman, Cooper, Pooh Bear, and I got shuttled down to the Watauga Tailwater Campground, where we are sharing a tentsite for a grand total of $12. This campground has HEATED BATHROOMS and FREE HOT SHOWERS. Not only that, but there are electrical hook-ups at the tentsite! Thank you Flash, Noodle, and Valley Girl for the true trail magic (completely unexpected).
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Wilbur Dam Rd.

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day from Iron Mountain Gap (Wilbur Dam Rd.) up to here. I am having some problems with my left leg just above the ankle in front. I think I am having shin splints. It was somewhat painful to walk, and it got worse most of the day. The last few miles from the road to Shady Valley were not too bad, though. We'll see how it feels tomorrow. Hoping to make it to Damascus tomorrow.