morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-12-18
To: Beginning Journal
Miles today: 0.0

Many years ago(30 years)mind you, I hiked short trips on sections of the A.T. and developed a taste for the outdoors and the out of the way places. I've spent the last 25 years floating some of interior Alaska's wild and scenic rivers. Getting out and away from the confines of the normal and often mundane similarities of everyday life helps me return to that with a fresh look and better attitude. The many years spent in the outdoors has taught me to be prepared for the worst and to expect things to go against me. I'm confident going into this that I am prepared to give this thing a go. I appreciate being in the outdoors in remote places where ones skills and preparation dictate the flow of the day. I'm also curious to see how I am able to handle the mental and physical challenges over the course of the 2175 miles and the 5 to 6 months that its expected to take. I will walk. When it becomes a burden I will end the journey and move forward in another direction. Lets hope that will be on the backside of Katahdin.
Date: 2009-12-19
To: March 6 2010
Miles today: 0.0

Another day getting ready for the hike. Living life by holding down a job and am really dragging my feet about facing another winter. I am pretty sure I have everything I am going to need to begin my hike. My mail drops have been identified and I am already making up boxes that will be ready to be mailed on predetermined dates. All my gear has been tried and somewhat tested. I haven't spent to much time in a long or hard rain in my tent yet so that will be something to pay close attention to when I get on the trail. Last week I did 10 road miles in -20 temperatures. Walking with all those cloths on and in heavy boots makes short walks seem longer than they are. The air from traffic was noticable and rather unpleasant. My training is about to move up the hill where I can get some exercise away from traffic. The crosscountry ski trails around town provide many opportunities to get out. The temperature is slowly creeping out of the negative numbers and expected to give us atleast a week break. Better get out and take advantage.
Date: 2009-12-21
To: Solstice Greeting
Miles today: 0.0

The earth has turned another corner and I am glad to say that I am here once again to see it happen. I never did pay much attention to either the solstices or equinox's before I moved up to the north country. Up here folks are well aware when the tilt of the earth is about to shift in their favor. Not everyone realizes that we have gained 5 seconds of daylight over yesterday but they do know that from now until June 21 the sun will be climbing higher and staying longer in the sky. Today is going to be another dark and cold winter day with a total of 3 hours and 42 minutes of daylight. The last minute Christmas shopping pressures are building but the talk around town will be that we are indeed gaining daylight. YAHOO. HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE. The after Christmas specials are on my shopping list and I'll try to score some good deals for a few items that I am considering upgrading for the hike. A warmer sleeping bag and a down sweater/light coat tops that list. We are heading into a warming trend with daytime temperatures expected to be above zero. Our hills and trails recieved a generous snowfall which will help recreation conditions for the holidays. I better get on out there. 76-days      strider
Date: 2009-12-23
To: Gear list
Miles today: 0.0

I began adding my gear list to my trail journal. Wow was that time consuming for a 1 finger typist. I don't expect to take all those cloths at the same time as I will be sending some at times by mail drop. The next step is to post my mail drops as I believe I have them all picked out. I found 11 in all. I hope to avoid them as much as possible without traveling to far off the trail to resupply. All suggestions are welcome for ideas on my planned drops and for those that I might have overlooked. My plan is to eat foods that are ready to eat or dehydrated needing only hot water to prepare. My jetboil heats water just fine but doesn't like to have food prepared inside it to much. I have about a 1.5 lb food supply for each day with about 3500 to 4000 calories. I'll be on the lookout for lighter and better supplies, cloths and gear from now until I leave. Most of what I have chosen has been recommended by a past thru hiker from the many forums on the topic. Going from the high and colder part of the trail in March and April to the warmer months will require sending on much of my warmer cloths. I do expect some gear changes to happen also.
Date: 2009-12-26
To: warmer weather
Miles today: 0.0

a chinook wind blew into the interior and the temperatures rose up into the 30's. Storms- usually large storms that come up from the south pacific bring moisture and warm air. The moisture gets trapped on the south face of the Alaskan Range. The warm air pushes over the range and gets sucked into the vast valley between the Alaskan Range and the Brooks Range 500 miles to the north. Fairbanks sits in the middle of both. The wind and warmer weather knocked the the nice fluffy snow we just had and the remaining dead leaves and birch seed to the ground. Messing up the ski trails. Lucky enough I got out on the trails yesterday and began some cardio work(about time). I need to take advantage during the warmer spells because the -10 and colder temps make it less fun. The temps are to be above zero all week so a little snow to cover the messy trails will be nice. Later
Date: 2009-12-27
To: Test drive
Miles today: 0.0

That chinook that blew in has moderated temperatures for the whole week. Today was about 15 above. The trails are still a mess with all the tree debris that fell with the strong winds. I did an around town 7 mile hike on newly plowed sidewalks. Had to walk gingerly across some intersections as the traffic slicks the ground. Today I basically tested some gear that I believe will be my cold weather hiking gear for the beginning of the trail in early March. I've considered replacing my Loki jacket and my +20 sleeping bag with warmer and lighter brands. Its about a $450.00 investment that I'm not convinced that I need to make. I believe my bag is borderline +20 at best but if I slept in the gear that I have I should be just fine. I have not had overnight temperatures below +20 that I have slept out in with my Big Agnes SL Zirkel bag. I'll be sure to give that a good test if the overnight lows rise to about +10 from now till March. Otherwise I am very happy with the rest of my gear which is all listed under my gear list. I was and have been very pleased with my Asolo hiking boots. I use a liner and a heavy pair of smart wool socks for the +15 temps and my feet stayed warm and comfortable. I am planning for some of the worse that the apppalachian can throw at you during March and April. I hope it will be enough. A warmer sleeping bag is still a strong consideration. I've been cold before and I do not like it. More testing to come.
Date: 2010-01-04
To: 62 days to go
Miles today: 0.0

Had the pleasure of spending the last hour of 2009 and the first hour of 2010 soaking in a friends hot tub. From high above the city of fairbanks we enjoyed the sights and sounds of exploding fireworks near and far. It was a clear blue moon sort of a night. Great friends, good food and a wee to much wine. It was good fun and a fitting end to another day and another year. It was a reminder of what we have accomplished and the many comforts that we enjoy. It also reminded me of what I will do without while on this hike. Accepting this hike is setting myself up for a most difficult, strenuous, mental and physical challenge. Making do by doing without is the name of the game on the trail. It becomes a what are you made of endevour. You really get to put that guy that you have been looking at in the mirror to the test. A physical challenge and a mental test. Being away from family and friends. How will I handle the difficulties? What will I discover? What will I learn? Only one way to find out.   Then its that way I go         strider
Date: 2010-01-05
To: Walking the dogs
Miles today: 0.0

Valentines Day is in 9 days. My last day of work is Feb 19. That will give me 1 week to tidy up last minute things. My wife and I will spend a week in Florida visiting friends before I embark on my journey. On March 6th Eileen will fly back to Fairbanks and I will fly into Atlanta. Then shuttle my way north. The Hiker Hostel operates a shuttle that will pick me and others up on the outskirts of Atlanta and bring us north to Dahlonega Ga. On the way they will stop and allow us to purchase the few items that still might be needed. I reserved a bunk for the night and will be transported to the beginning of the trail in the morning of March 7 2010. I already mailed 3 of my 9 mail drops. They are expected to arrive about 3 weeks before I do. Mailing drops from alaska should be done well in advance. I have the remaining drops all boxed, labeled and ready to go to the post office on already determined dates(subject to change). Family and friends have my projected itinerary and have been invited to meet me any place on the trail. I havn't had any commitments yet for such a gettogether. I think some might be considering it but are cautiously gonna wait to see if my long distance prospects are any good. Long distance athletic feats are usually accomplished by well trained persons. This fact has me a bit concerned. Physically I feel and believe I'm mostly capable. My shoulders and back repeatedly get me through each day without any trouble. Asprin helps. My legs get plenty of action in the course of the week. My only real concern that will require some special attention is my ankles. Mostly its the left ankle that gives me periodic difficulties. They have a tendency to roll. I always wear a 6" hiker boot for that very reason. Recently i have been testing ankle wraps. I'm looking for one that is not to uncomfortable on the bottom of the foot. Thin with strong stabilizing properties. I will use caution and hope to prevent a serious twist. I have never used hiking poles before but they are now part of the gear I will be carrying. Perhaps I will gain some stability to help the ankles out. My training has been consistent but not too intense. A cold January kept me inside doing about an hour on the eliptical. Rather boring actually but its been to cold and the air quality has been poor. I have been able to get out for a ski and a couple of walks on the few warmer days that we have had. The dogs also get house bound at -20 and are itching to get out and smell roses so to speak. One dog is 5 and the other is 13. We move at the 13 year olds pace. We don't get much accomplished on those walks. Not many walks left. I wonder if they know or sense. Will all the clutter, packing and repacking of gear and the preparation of mail drops make sense to them after I am gone. After a while will they think that I am not coming back home. They will miss me. I will miss them. That concept shouldn't weigh to much but I'm sure it will.
Date: 2010-02-12
To: trouble with bugs
Miles today: 0.0

Up here on the outskirts of the Arctic Circle we are about to enter our 5th month of winter. Winter is long and dark around these parts. The only substantial reprieve for animals and humans alike is the absence of those little and fast biting insects. Mosquitos (recognized as Alaska's state bird) and the black flies that will remove a chunk of your flesh every chance they get are now fast asleep. Winter has a way of completely shutting down the summertime bug problem. They and their eggs have adapted in various ways in order to winter over and be ready when the warmer temperatures return. Then we and the animals must once again live amoungst the onslaught of the marauding swarms. We do have methods to defend ourselves and an outdoors person does not venture very far in wooded areas without a supply of bug dope, headnets and complete coverage from head to toe leaving absolutly no skin exposed. That will usually do the trick. The conditions on the A.T. with the much percipitation that has been falling will provide prime breeding grounds for the little buggers as hikers reach the warmer climates further into spring and summer. A long hot dry spell will help eliminate some breeding grounds and curb the population. My 28 years here in Alaska has taught me to be prepared for the bugs(bug dope), unexpected and very cold rain(rain gear),animal and human dangers(bear spray), ice cold rivers(life jacket), getting lost(GPS)and leaving a travel plan with detailed information of where you are going and when you'll be back. Now I am getting very close to my departure date and have been busily rounding out my gear by adding and subtracting, packing and repacking the pack, last minute shopping and preparing of my mail drops. Some days I feel like i am ready to go and other times I feel like its coming too fast. One thing that I didn't think to much about was getting sick. Not anymore. I forgot about the most troubling bug of all. That dang flu bug.I woke up yesterday in the middle of the night and my joints were aching. My knees and hips were hurting so bad that I tossed and turned until I found a somewhat comfortable position with my pillow wedged between my legs. When I finally got out of bed to inform work that I wasn't coming in my chest and throat joined the attack. The chest and throat dreaded each cough. My first bout of illness this year was a strong dose that included joint pain, chest congestion, sore throat, stuffed sinuses and body chill. Last night was even worse. I have 23 days to shake this thing. Moral of this story is that you can't be prepared for everything and to expect the unexpected. Just when you think all areas of concern have been covered and accounted for something will appear. Keeping those summertime bugs at bay will require the right gear but this bug might need a doctor.
Date: 2010-02-23
To: 13 days + a suggested food drive
Miles today: 0.0

I hope that the little amount of actual hiking that I have done to prepare for this hike doesn't work to much against me. I took a 6 mile hike 3 miles up and 3 miles back with a 1500ft elevation gain. The actual hike was a respectable pace that took 3 hours to complete. I had the full pack weighing in at 33lbs. My body felt good and the gear I needed on as I climbed became less and less. When it was all said and done I felt little wear and tear for my efforts. Until I woke the following morning. I did experience some soreness in the legs and some stiffness in the back. Got back on the (horse) trail yesterday and worked out whatever discomfort I was still feeling. Each day I will attempt to get out with the pack on if only to get used to the feel of it. As it will become a permanent fixture here very soon. I am very much interested in the conditions on the ground at the beginning of the trail and very much hope that a serious blast of warm weather moves in and has a substantial melting effect. I saw some pictures that Second Stage has taken as she is already on the trail. What those photo's show is a quantity of snow on the trail and I hope to not share in those same conditions. I have only found a few journals that show that the hiker is on the trail and I wish them the best of luck. The snowy trails will get icy and become very dangerous so a caution to take it slow and be safe goes out to all who are out there and those who are soon to be.I have 4 more days here to get whatever I need to get done before I leave it all behind for about 5 months. Then spend a week in Florida before heading up to Springer Mountain to find out what it is exactly I was thinking about when I decided that I wanted to toss my life into a bag and carry it 2175 miles. The only thing that I did not get done was to set up a way to put walking all these miles to a better cause. My thought was to suggest from any who thought the cause worthy enough to donate 1 can of food to any needy organization for every 100 miles that I walk. That would equate to about 25 cans of food for each person that chose to participate. If I could get 100 people to accept that challenge that alone would add 2500 cans of food for those in need. I guess that this could be an unofficial "Hike for food" kick off campaign.Make it simple and save the accummilated cans and when the post Office letter carriers have their food drive put it out where they will pick it up and get it to the food bank. The bigger the number of participants/donated cans the more of an incentive it will be for me to keep going. A win win. Just go to my guest book and say hello and that you saw this and have accepted the challenge. Together we can make a differance.Then if all 2010ers did the same thing we could not only make a differance as individuals we coulkd make a huge impact as a group. Just a thought. Strider
Date: 2010-02-26
To: Moving Out
Miles today: 0.0

When this fine -18 degree day comes to an end I'll be getting on an airplane to begin my trek to get to the trek. The map quest has the road miles as 4850 but that will be a bit less from the air. As the wheels lift off the ground I suspect that the accumilated weight of all that needed to be done will begin to also lift. Its been a laborious task to put it all together and now I've arrived at the junction of ready or not. I have had many hits on my Guest Book view counter but very few bother to sign. I do hope that I am able to convince or inspire some to sign on to the "hike for food" challenge. Please refer to the preparation entry dated 02/23. Just an idea to add a higher purpose to my hike. Thanks in advance.   The hikers now out there are reporting some of the spring like conditions that we look forward to here in Fairbanks. What could be better than some waist deep fresh snow with temperatures climbing above zero during the day. As each day passes the sun has a noticable tendency to swing a little higher in the sky and stay up just a little longer. At the end of each day we can be assured that each tomorrow has greater promise than the day before. Comforting isn't it? In reality those that are out there have their hands full. The daily mileage count is very low and it is indeed a slow going process that requires a great deal of effort to make little progress. My thoughts have been on the tenacity of the early "tenners" and I hope that they are blessed with some favorable conditions really soon. The Carrington's, Fahmah and Second Stage have had to deal with the worst of what one can expect out there. Let their example be an inspiration to us all.      Strider
Date: 2010-03-05
To: one more day
Miles today: 0.0

Orlando to Atlanta in the a.m. and then to Dahlanega to Springer Mt to however far these legs and back are willing to carry me. A huge thank you to all those who are following me and who have joined the "hike for food" drive. My visit to Naples Florida was not the rest and relaxation stop that I was expecting. Tried to purchase a condo but after a long drawn out (felt like) song and dance it flopped at the last minute. The offer from beginning to end lasted just 3 days but the haggeling,information and vauge 3rd party communication made it a very stressed failed transaction. Maybe for the best. Now I can concentrate on the reason that I headed down here.Eileen and myself will fly off in differant directions. She will help keep you all posted from my den refered to by her as the "man cave" until I get to a place where I can update my travels. Thanks again for signing my guest book and showing an interest in my hike. Strider
Date: 2010-03-09
From: gooch mt

To: woody gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: few clouds

Spent Saturday night at the Hiker Hostel. A wonderful place with wonderful owner/operators. I weighed my pack before catching the shuttle to the trail and was deeply disappointed when it weighed in at 52lbs. The entire ride up to the begin point I systematically went through my pack wondering what I could get rid of. Natureboy who is on his 3rd thru hike said his pack weighs in at 28lbs with food and water. I was devestated and have thought of nothing else but how can I trim my pack down. So far I have 20 miles down. The 1st day was a very icy and slippery day. I lost 1 of my yaktrax (shoe grips) within 1/4 mile at the start. The trail from the drop off point is .09 miles up to get to Springer Mountain and then you begin by going down the same way you came up. THANK GOD because I was able to retrieve the yaktrax and put it back on. The right way this time. I would have been in deep trouble without it because it kept my feet from slidding out in front of me. A few hikers had already injured themselves because of the slick terrain. I moved slow but steady and was passed by everyone. The 1st night I made it to Hawk Mt and was more than glad to get there as was the other 30 hikers that decided to call it a day. The 2nd day the trail was drier and easier walking but there was a combination of ice, snow, sleet and mud but much, much better than day one. Only 20 hikers were at the Gooch Mt shelter area and I was one of the last and ended up getting a less than level piece of ground for my tent. Both nights I set up, ate and settled in my tent for the night as soon as it got dark. I only had a 5 mile hike into Woody Gap as I had made prior plans to spend another night here. Good idea. This is where I am right now and have lighted my pack considerably. Took a shower, did laundry and will fatten up with pizza and beer tonight. My feet, legs, back, shoulders and hips felt a bit better today and I made it down the mostly dry trail in about 3.5 hours. Had my 1st trail magic today as Natureboy (who is waiting for the shoulder deep snow to melt further down the trail) who hitched into town and brought up the mountain a pack full of mountain dew and chocolate bars. He made many hikers happy. Have met many hikers already from all over the country, young and old and most are attempting a thru hike. All have been very friedly and eager to chat. A rain storm is expected to move in over night and is predicted to last a couple of days. My goal for tomorrow is to make it to Blood Mountain. Its a little over 8 miles but mostly up hill. I tried getting phone service at the shelters but without any luck. Those with verizon seem to have better luck than the AT&T users. Until next time. Strider  Thank all of you for signing in and joining the "hike for food"
Date: 2010-03-10
From: woody gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: moderate rain

Got started out of Woody Gap about 9am. On the shuttle back up to the trail I saw a turkey on the side of the road. There was a 1/2 dozen of us starting at the same location and once again in the rain. The trail was in pretty good condition for a good part of the day. The rain came down hard at times and the fog was thick all day. It was a steady hike up and up and up. My plan as I went was to get a hot lunch (top ramen) when I got to the 7 mile for the day. When I got there and started down the blue blaze trail to Woods Hole Shelter .5 miles off the trail I ran into Redhawk who informed me that the shelter was facing the cold wind that was blowing up through the valley below. I decided on a couple of snickers and granola bars and continued up the now rain swollen and muddy trail. Up and up and up I slowly went. I was able to continue to make ground as I baby stepped along. If I kept my steps short I was able to climb without too much pain in my groin. I also had both ankles wrapped and the left one was sore. As the trail ascended over the 4000 ft level the ice and snow became tretcherous as the still falling rain made it very slippery. A consideration of calling it quits for the day at the Blood Mt Shelter was short lived as the place was an ice box. The shelter is made of rock and is surrounded by ice and the wind was blowing the rain through the open windows. I took a short break and headed down the mountain with the intention now of making it to Neels Gap. Darkness was settling in as Redhawk, Soul Searcher and myself split a $60 cabin at a place called Blood Mt Cabins. A warm building to warm ourselves and dry off our wet clothes and gear and best of all a nice hot shower.