morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-12-21
To: December
Miles today: 0.0

It seems as if I can never get enough free time, or can not get the priorities set right so that the right stuff is getting done. I have been shoveling snow, but then I keep thinking why not wait until spring and it will all be melted. If I wasn¢t shoveling snow, I could be doing something more important as in drying food and getting stuff ready for the March start. But then I remember I need to get to town to buy food and I can not get to town if the snow is in the driveway. It has been a busy around here. Back in November, Brother John was here and we have part of the underground irrigation system installed, but the cold wave hit and the ground froze solid as a rock. So the irrigation system is on hold as the cold weather has been too low to allow gluing pipes. Guess the irrigation system will get done sometime in the future after the snow melts. Mrs. Limestone and I have been back and forth across the Cascade Mountains for thanksgiving and shopping. The domestic water system did not pass the last bacteria test so that needs correcting. After the cold and snow moved in, we started on the indoor work and we have the upstairs bathroom torn apart getting ready to remodel. We are waiting on parts as in new sinks and fixtures. There is a lot to do get completed before March and I am now down to less than 70 days¢but then who is counting. Ha, Ha. But, bit by bit I am getting in shape. I keep hovering about 180 pounds which is an 18 pound drop from when I started to get the weight down. This is a good thing, just about the weight of my pack. I have been doing fairly well on the daily walks as the training pack is now at 40 pounds and the snow has allowed the use of the snow shoes. I do like some aspects of snow and by walking with snowshoes there is some extra weight on the feet. Based upon past experience, we well seasoned folks (as in old) need a good dose of training to survive the first several weeks without too much pain. So this training is all to the good.We have reworked the previous AT excel data spread sheets and have the food drops and town days worked out from beginning to end. We are on a plan that will put us leaving Harpers Ferry the first of June and then the final summit in mid September¢more or less. This is based upon Limestone keeping his act together and getting from Springer the first of March and hiking to Harpers Ferry by the end of May.   A lot can happen in those first 1,000 miles.Next up is the holidays. We will be traveling back and forth across the state as we visit our family. The big task will be to keep the consumption of the food and merriment to a reasonable level so there is not too much damage to the weight loss program. Then it will be back home to finish up the various undone projects and get the food dryer cranking out the meals for the next 6 months. We wish every one who follows us along a merry holiday season and happy new year. Keep away from the egg-nog though as it has way too many calories¢¦¢¦¢¦
Date: 2010-01-28
To: Minor inconveniences
Miles today: 0.0

The dehydrator just died. For 25 years, it had a good life. Lots of yummy food to suck all the water out. The real set back is the 8 shelves of food that are only 1/2 dry. So, the food went into the freezer while I sort out another plan. Time is getting short here--March 2 approaches and much food still needs to be packaged up because in two weeks, some of it needs to be in the Post Office on the way to sweet Georgia.A couple items off the check list. Flu shots and dentist check up. Just need to see the eye doctor and have my shoe inserts recovered and I will have all the medical stuff done. Last fall, I had the annual physical and the daily med's prescriptions were renewed so that is done until I finish up in Maine. Getting two flu shots at once reminded me of the Army, just slowly walk thru the station while medic gave you an arm full of what ever they felt you needed. Very efficient. Move along, move along. Next! I can only imagine the battery of shots our troops are getting before tours in Iraq and Afganistan. I probably don't want to know. Just know they need all our support!There has been a mountain lion (or two) crossing back and forth across my snow shoe tracks along my walking route. Sort of exciting and I have been really close to seeing one of them as I pushed it out of a nap in the sun and it circled in behind me. You know its close when you walk a loop route in 20 minutes and see no tracks in the fresh snow on the first loop and the second lap has cat tracks in your snow shoe tracks. I sure hope I get so see them before they move on. Since they have been here just about every day for a week, I suspect they either put down a deer, or found a deer road kill that managed to travel a short distance off the highway before passing on. The crows have been around as well, but I have not been able to find any dead animals. But then, maybe the cats may have it stashed up in one of the big pine trees. A few years ago, an elk died just across the creek from the house and there were all sorts of criters here for the feast. Lots of entertainment....I received my "Thru Hikers' Companion" and checked my mail drops (planned using an old Companion) and found that a couple hostels are no longer open. Then I went on line to check the updates since the Companion was published and found another motel that accepts drops caught on fire in December and is closed. It's a drag when you box goes someplace that is no longer open. The good news, I found the errors before I mailed the boxes. Guess it was money well spent for a new Companion.I also found some mileage errors in the new Companion so I notified the web site. Not that it makes a whole lot of difference, but when you leave Waynesboro going north, you are losing miles as in going backwards. I guess you get to walk this section without credit. There are a few other errors as well...but in the grand scheme of walking 2,175 miles, whats a mile or two here and there.........Time is passing to fast on me, still have chores to do. Cheers, Limestone
Date: 2010-02-18
To: Start date adjustment
Miles today: 0.0

Way too much snow and cold for ol' Limestone. And more predicted. Just changed my start date to a warmer period of time, as in April 1. April Fools day! My memories of skating down the back side of Clingman's Dome on river of ice are not good. I've been there and done that on a couple of previous trips and it changes the mood of the hike from fun to misery (and hazardous). So the preparation gets an opportunity to do some adjusting. I plan to keep most of my winter stuff for a few weeks. Probably at Damascus it will be shipped home. I should be into Damascus toward the end of April, first of May and the bite of winter should pretty much be tolerable. The gear was all packed up and ready to ship. The pack weight is about 25 pounds and the skin out is about 6 pounds. A bit heavier than needed, but the cold has generated the need to pack a bit extra. Near as I can determine, I will drop 6-8 pounds at Damascus. Nice plan, but who knows! Off to update the gear list for the very last time.I have been following the journal of our early Tenners as they head north in the cold--tough sledding. I wish them well.
Date: 2010-02-19
To: More snow?
Miles today: 0.0

The el nino forecast was updated yesterday. Good news that it has stopped gaining strength and is pretty much unchanged from last month. However, the estimate of weather is for continued below average temperatures and above average precipitation. These forecasters hit it right on last month..maybe they should call for clear skies and normal temps so we all enjoy the hike a bit more.   I also checked the regional snow cover maps for the southern appalachia region and today it has 63 percent snow cover. Average depth is 6 inches, but maximum depth is 64 inches. The nice colored maps show most of the snow from Fontana north thru the park, especially over Clingmans Dome. Not really surprising due to high elevation. I am thinking it could be some time before all this melts off. Hopefully it will melt slowly so there is not a bunch of flooding.While it took some deep thought to change my travel plans, I am thinking I am on the right track. It's not a lot of fun to be holed up in a Hostel or town (expensive) as I get cabin fever really quick due to the pull of the trail and passion to be hiking.The gear list was updated yesterday for the last time. It was pretty much ready to mail before the plan change. I might make a tweak or two, but by and large this is 99 percent. For now, I am thinking I will keep my winter gear to start and maintain it until I get to Damascus where I will evaluate the weather (due to Roan Highlands). If the weather forecast sounds good for a week, all the winter gear will be sent home. If not, it goes along until Daleville. I suspect it will all be mailed at Damascus. Depending upon decisions there, I could be better than 5 pounds lighter. Guess I'll go paint some walls......
Date: 2010-03-09
To: Something learned
Miles today: 0.0

After several attempts to thru the AT, I learned that the TJ is a really great source of data about the conditions of the trail--duh! You would think that would be obvious, but I am thinking more about the refinement of information. In Feb, I was reading the weather web sites and it says snow and strong winds which does not tell you much about the trail conditions. But, the information about the blow downs, deep snow drifts and ice comes only from the advance party of Tenners who are out there now and for that I am really gratful for their posts. Back in Feb there were not too many Tenners hiking and I was reading the weather thinking this is not looking too good so it was a pretty rough call on delaying my start date. My mind kept thinking about the Easter dinner at Kincora in April when we were holed up due to cold weather conditions and folks were being all but evacuated off Overton Mtn with frostbite, etc. My experience was sending me caution vibes. So I was going more with a gut decision rather than a rational one--but what is rational about delaying a grand hike. I now know that was a really grand decision as the Smokies are all but impassible. Best estimates posted by the hiking Tenners is that will be so for another 2-4 weeks and many are getting into Fontana with a huge wait on the agenda. So three weeks from now I depart on plane for Atlanta and maybe 2 weeks of hiking to Fontana to start the Smokies. Bottom line, I should just about miss the worst of the weather and be able to get thru without too many delays. This assumes the weather cooperates a bit more and warms up. Short term weather forecast seems to be a bit on the cool side so melting snow may be slow. I did get the walls painted, and am still finishing up on bathroom remodel which gives me lots of time to think about "I ought to be hiking". The weather here has been just grand, lots of sun and cool temps which are great. All this just makes me more excited about the AT. The dealy just adds more time for the excitement to build.I have one more meal to dehydrate and then all the Springer to Harpers Ferry food drop boxes are ready to be packaged up. I need to print off some maps to replace the ones used for notes and fire starting on last AT attempt. Most everything else is set and ready to go--come on April....Good luck to the hiking Tenners and I am enjoying your journal posting. Thanks.
Date: 2010-03-20
To: Packing up
Miles today: 0.0

Glad to see the snow is melting down some and finally a few Tenners are making it thru the Smokies. It still sounds like tough hiking due to the remaining ice and snow drifts. Everyone keeps mentioning blow downs along the trail caused by all the ice storms. I guess there will be plenty of firewood for evening campfires....something good as it is getting scarse around many of the shelters.The panic and anxiety mental attitude have clicked in. Lots to do before I leave and I am anxious to get going. Spring is here...27 elk on the hill behind the house last week, spring flowers are pushing up everywhere, tweaty birds abound and it's time to be out hiking.Just checked the recent monthly update of the long term weather forecast and El Nino continues meaning the SE may see above normal precipitation thru June. At least the update does not mention below normal temperatures, but it will be cooler just because of the additional precipt. Good thing I bought new rain gear for this trip. I was considering using my old stuff but figured it would get worn out before the trip was over so might as well get the good stuff...which is a good decision. Since I have hiker in snow the end of April on the AT, it could still be a bit wintery. One of the food boxes and the gear boxes have been mailed to Hiker Hostel; and, one of the food boxes have been mailed to Neels Gap. I will take one carry-on with me on the plane so will avoid the baggage surcharge. I am now down to the serious final preparation. I still have a few more things to add to all the other food boxes, but the boxes are mostly done. Just minor tweaking that should be done next week. I have less than two weeks until I leave Springer Mtn.
Date: 2010-04-01
To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After an all night flight, I am safely at Hiker Hostel. Have unpacked my boxes and filled up the back pack with way too much stuff. This is not good as way to much stuff is way too much weight. And I am trying to keep things a bit lighter. Everything is in order except that a seam has ripped out of the top pocket of my pack so that is going to need some modification as I get going. Probably just remove the top of the pack and forget about it as this will help reduce the weight.   People have been coming and going all day so I am not certain how many folks are actually staying and how many are going to start a thru hike tomorrow. The jet lag has made me a bit rummy and it is hard to keep track. I'll know tomorrow when we all get in the van and head for the trail. The weather can only be described as hot and sunny. Glad I brought along the sun screen as it will be needed tomorrow. The forecast is for the temperatures to be in the 80 degree range.I am going to bed early tonight and see if I can catch up on some of my sleep. It is 9-10 days to the next computor so it may be some time before I do an update. Cheers to all the Tenners who go before me.
Date: 2010-04-02
From: Hiker Hostel

To: Justis Creek
Miles today: 13.8

Got up about 6:45 am and packed up my stuff. Breakfast of french toast, scrambled eggs, hot cereal, and all washed down with juice and coffee. Eleven of us paid our bill and climbed into the van headed for Springer Mtn, route 42 trailhead. Lots of excitement on the hour long trip to the trailhead.Many thanks to HH for the great assistance getting me on the trail.At the trailhead, previous thru hike Twig watched my pack (and others) as we scrambled up Springer Mtn only to turn around and head north. So we walked 1.8 miles and get credit for 0.9 miles of AT. Previous thru hiker Many Sleeps was at the top of Springer Mtn enjoying the view and interviewing thru hikers for data collection on AT use. One of many volunteers to make the AT such a great place. Many thanks...I don't recall all of the thru's at Springer, but a couple stand out: Chris from Australia, Landfill who was on the top bunk above me, and Maple from California. Thanks to Landfill for sleeping on the top bunk so this old guy could enjoy the bottom and not have to get to high so soon on the hike....I stopped at Long Creek Falls for lunch and found trail angel with chocolate brownies and sodas soon after. Starting a hike with chocolate brownies is a good sight this is going to be a great hike. Thanks.Did not see any wildlife today, except for knats.   Blood Roots are already blooming. Met Ultra White and North Wind along the trail and ended up camped next to Ultra White at Justis Creek.Today was sunny and warm--meaning snow on Clingman's Dome is melting which is really great news.The trail down into Justis Creek has been relocated, a bit annoying to me as the really good camp spots no longer exist.
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Justis Creek

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

The highlight of last night was a flat air mattress--not good. Today when packing up, the top pocket on my pack split a seam so it no longer functions and is essentially dead weight. It was a warm night last night, did not even need my sleeping bag. I was up around 7 am and hiking about 8:45 am which is sort of a slow start. Things will pick up as I get the system down. Hiked on to Wood Gap meeting an elderly couple (a bit more elderly than I) who were out for a bird watching day. I saw a couple turkey vultures from our 09' hike lizard rock location.Woody Gap was a mob scene with lots of people--way too many to even count but there were 25 who passed me along my exit out of Woody Gap.Ate lunch on top of Big Cedar Mtn where Brian and I camped in 05'. Met Mischief and Mayhem climbing Big Cedar. Hiked on to Woods Hole where I am in shelter and two guys (section hikers) are tented outside. After today, I expected to see a huge crowd at the shelter, but it was not to be.
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: White Oak Stamp Gap
Miles today: 11.0

Easter. Thankful to still be able to hike....Last night, I was kept awake by shelter mice that soon gave way to owls over head. The mouse population decreased and the owl noise increased. Such a treat.Packed up and headed to Neels Gap and passed several camps of thru hikers along the approach to Blood Mtn. Meet Justin at spring and again at top of Blood Mtn. Took another picture of Blood Mtn shelter to add to the collection.At Neels Gap there were lots of people, but it thinned out fast. I took a shower and did laundry. Then, I picked up my hiker box and ate free lunch of hot dogs and veggie bugers. Very great trail majic, many thanks.It is really hot and I am packing extra water. Such a surprise that I do not expect to last forever. I talked to Carla and tried to explain how to shut down the air compressor I left fully charged and ready to spray paint....old age is killing my memory. She is headed to Mom & Dad's for Easter. There is snow on the ground at home and I could use a bit of it here.Hiked over to Whit Oak Stamp Gap and am camping by myself. At dark, Rider stopped by for a chat before he hiked on. He is going to hike some more in the moon lite night. Owls are calling as I wrap this up.
Date: 2010-04-05
From: White Oak Stamp Gap

To: Blue Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

Got up to another sunny day. Hiked over past Low Gap and met Rider camped on the ridge. Nice to put a face to a name.Stopped along a spring for lunch and noticed yellow violets are blooming.Stopped at Blue Ridge for the evening and enjoyed a great sunset.Legend of a Fall and Bobby are two high school grads who are out for an adventure of their lives.Bull Dog, a school superintendant, was there and did a short video clips of hikers. Maybe I'll be famous--ha, ha.Really pretty sunset.
Date: 2010-04-06
From: Blue Mtn Shelter

To: Sassafrass Gap
Miles today: 12.6

Got up to another sunny day. Stopped for lunch at the Cheese Factory spring. Bobby stopped as well while I ate lunch he gather water and moved on. We have been playing leap frog up the trail. Met 3 guys my age hiking as far as they can get in along the trail. They told me Duke won the national championship as they made a special trip to town just to watch the game. These folks met at the senior center while playing on a basket ball team and decided to hike the trail together. They are having lots of fun.Stopped at Sassafrass Gap for the night. There is a couple from Germany here and they are very intesting. Met a lady named Putts who is section hiking and has very much of the trail completed. She is a member of a ladies hiking club who are hiking the trail together.
Date: 2010-04-07
From: Sassafrass Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

A bit cooler today, but still sunny. Hiked most of the way to Dick's Gap with Putts sharing our back gounds as we hiked. She is temporarily leaving the trail at Dick's Gap to meet a friend and then do another section. I wished her luck and continued north.I continued on to a small creek for lunch and my steripen decided to start acting up--not good, more equipment issues.Saw a purple violet today.AT Plum Orchard Shelter, Rider caught up with me and passed me later in the day.I made it out of Georgia today, a mile stone as this is the first state down and more to go. Camped at Bly Gap, with a huge climb to start the day tomorrow. This is a spot that I have always wanted to camp, but someone trashed the campsite so I am camped up on the ridge under the big oak tree.Alaska Jim is camped a bit down the ridge and a couple named Red Oak and Butter cup are here as well.Steripen is still problematic....
Date: 2010-04-08
From: Bly Gap

To: Carter Gap
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Got up to overcast skies. Hurried up the packing up and eating so I could get on the trail before the rain hits. Made a quick hike over to Muskrat Shelter just in time to be under cover when the rain let loose. Took a short break and watched the rain and lightening, then put on my rain gear and headed north. It was pouring down rain when I got to Standing Indian Shelter where there were 6 folks packed into the shelter getting ready to call it a night.I ate lunch with Alaska Jim and after he headed north, I followed. It was a wet slog up Standing Indian as the trail was a running creek so I rock hopped a lot to keep from wadding. Much, much more rain and strong winds as I crossed over Standing Indian, but the train is down in a rhoddy tunnel so the wind was not too bad. Pack strap gave way along the way so I did emergeny repairs with rope and duct tape in the rain and continued on. The cape poncho is not working as planned so I lashed it to pack and self with rope and made do. New and old shelter at Carter Gap were full of people. Fortunately, the skies cleared long enough for me to cook dinner and call Budget Inn for shuttle. Then is started raining again so I set up tent and called it a night.Alaska Jim is in next campsite and we are going to shuttle to Franklin together.
Date: 2010-04-09
From: Carter Gap

To: Rock Gap (Franklin)
Miles today: 12.1

It froze last night so it slowed down the start, but still was on the trail by 8 AM. It was windy and cold for the first couple miles and then cleared up and got really nice by the time I had climbed on top of Mt Albert. Sat on the rocks under the look out and ate lunch like a rock lizard. Alaska Jim came along shortly and headed to Rock Gap before me.Stopped at Big Spring Shelter, but no one was there so continued north. It was now very sunny and pleasantly warm. At Rock Gap, called the shuttle and a bunch of us went to Franklin.After we checked into Budget motel, made road trip to Outfitters, Walmart and Grocery store. Did some checking on my pack, but will not know outcome of repair option until tomorrow. Alaska Jim and I went out to dinner and I ate a huge steak dinner, three helpings of salad and much sweet tea. Great time.