morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-16
To: My Most Memorable Backpacking Experience
Miles today: 0.0

Everyone has their own "most memorable" backpacking experience. I thought I would share mine. Last year after my son returned from Officer Training Camp, I convinced him to go backpacking with me. He was not very confident of my abilities and thought he would show me that I should rethink a hike on the AT. We headed out late in the afternoon to the Somerville Trailway. This is a 13 mile trail between two state parks located on Lake Somerville in south central Texas. I have hiked it quite a bit and am familiar with its querks. One of those querks is that one primitive campground is mismarked on the map as being after a trail turnoff, when it is in fact before the trail turnoff. It is on a short side trail and not visible from the actual trail.Any way, we headed out with Steve in the lead hiking about 3.5 miles per hour. Now, at my age, I don't hike that fast, so I was a good bit behind. Every so often he would stop and wait for me. I could tell that he was impatient, but I told him that this was not a race, it was a hike! After about four miles we came to the area where we were to turn off for the primitive campground. Steve insisted that this was not the place, since the map showed it was still up the road...He had been here before with a group of guys from Texas A&M. He was sure this was not the place. Okay, I went along with him, not wanting to deflate his masculine ego. So, on we hiked.It began to get dark. Now, you can't just camp anywhere in the park, you have to use a campground and there are only a few. The next one wasn't for miles and it was DARK and the mosquitoes were awful! Finally, we came upon a picnic area with tables overlooking the Flag Pond. This area was for bird watching. But it was concrete and covered and we were desperate, so we stopped.I began to cook dinner on my pocket rocket stove by the light of my photon. Steve was amazed at the amount of light I got. (He was using a heavy army issue light with about four different lenses) We had a great tuna noodle casserole. Then we tried to figure out how to set up our tents without any stakes. Steve put his pup tent over a bench from a picnic table, but I decided to just use my sleeping bag on the table. We went to sleep almost immediately. But the mosquitoes were winning the battle. My head and face were being constantly bombarded. So I put up my Zoid1 tent without the poles, leaning against the bench. So much for the mosquitoes. I slept like a baby.The next morning, we hiked back a bit so I could show him the campground, grinning all the way. Then we headed out again. He came upon a tiny rattle snake about 12 inches long and began to poke it with his hiking stick. When I came up, I reminded him that where there is a baby, there is usually a mama. We left the snake to crawl back into the woods. The rest of the hike was uneventful, but we had a great time bonding, mother and son. After it was over, he had to admit that I knew my way around the woods. (Although he still complains that I go too slow) I wouldn't give anything for that night in the woods with my son.
Date: 2003-05-23
To: Finishing Touches
Miles today: 0.0

Just finished repacking my backpack for the umteenth time. I weighedmyself on the bathroom scales without the pack, then with the pack. Thedifference was less than 30 lbs. including 5 days food. Wow! With waterI should still be under 35 lbs. That was my goal. I'm sure I can stillimprove, but this seems good for a start.Here is how everything is organized:Basics: Backpack - Mountainsmith ChimeraSleeping bag - Backside 20 in compression bagSleeping pad - Thermarest ultralight 3/4 rolled around the bagLiner - Jagbag silk liner (These are restuffed into a garbage compacter bag along with a pair ofrunning shorts and a t-shirt for sleeping, then placed along the bottom ofmy pack)Tent - Walrus Zoid 1(Tent lays on top of sleeping bag in its own sack, poles and stakes are insmall bag standing up in the front of my pack with a pair of sandals oneither side of the poles)MSR dromedary 4L(empty) fits in the hydration slot - to be used forcarrying water to camp in the evening.Kitchen:Stove - MSR pocket rocket and canister of MSR fuel (sits insidepot)Cookpot - Evernew Titanium .9 liter pot with handlesSpork - titanium sporkFirestarter - Bic lighter and waterproof matches(These all go in a silnylon sack for my kitchen kit on top of the tent)Extra Clothing:Noname fleece pulloverSilk long underwearextra hiking socksfleece hatfleece mittens(these are put into a compression sack and placed next to the kitchen sack)Five days food goes into my food bag along with 25 ft of nylon rope forhanging.That is everything inside the main part of my pack.In the top of my pack I keep the rest:Toilet Kit: toothbrush and toothpastebaby hair brush with extra band on handletiny pack of listerine dental flossfresh mouth drops2 oz soappacktowelseveral days baby wipesEmergency kit: insect repellantSunscreenlipbalm2 photon lightsminimultitoolextra hiking socks in baggyaqua miraExtras in baggy:small spiral for journalwrite anywere penBibleIn the two side pockets are:Aqua Mira Bottle for drinkingPotty Kit (trowel and TP in baggie)My Marmot shell and bandana will be easily accessible attached to my pack.I will wear:Moving Comfort underwear and braColumbia zip off pants with lots of pocketsDuofold T shirtVasque Hiking bootsWicking hiking socksOR short gaitersColumbia hatcompasscheap throw away camera And, of course, I'll be walking with my Komperdell hiking poles.I have refills of everything in a "bounce box" in the RV my husband isdriving. I'll see him every four or five days, clean up, resupply, andhead out again.   Guess that's about it. I can't wait!
Date: 2003-05-26
To: Why Am I Doing This?
Miles today: 0.0

Why am I doing this?As every hiker knows, the most frequent question never asked is "Why?".People ask lotsof other ridiculous questions and you know all they are really thinking is"Why?". I reallydid not have a reason that I could explain until yesterday. At church the sermon was titled: "Our Defining Moment" from the book ofNehemiah.Here are the Sermon Notes:Along life's path there are moments that come our way that make us who weare.These moments define and shape us and cause us to come face to face withwhat we willbecome. At one point or another, we will all face a situation that willbring us to amoment of decision. A decision to act with courage and faith or bow to fearandcomplacency. The courage to act begins when we allow God to stir thepassion of ourheart. (Nehemiah 1:3-4)The courage to act is not the absence of fear, butcarrying fearinto the unknown by faith. (Nehemiah 2:1-3)We will never experienceanything of greatconsequence if we wait until we have no fear. The courage to act is notbased oncarelessness. (Nehemiah 2:4-8) The courage to act follows a God-givenvision.(Nehemiah 2:11-12,17-18)The courage to act will always attract doubters.(Nehemiah2:19-20) Okay, so I'm not building Jerusalem like Nehemiah. But I know that thepassion to hikethis trail comes from God. I have thought of virtually nothing else for twoyears. It hasbeen on my mind waking and sleeping. I came to a point where I had to actin spite of myfears and the doubts of others. I have planned carefully for the experience. I am prepared for theunknown. I amprepared to hike in spite of doubters. This is a "defining moment" in mylife. Thanks toBrother Troy for explaining what I couldn't say.
Date: 2003-05-30
To: Hays, N.C.
Miles today: 0.0

I'm off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of trails! Warren Doyle has hiked the trail 12 times for over 26000 miles on the AT. He has led a number of groups of thruhikers. Now he offers classes for aspiring hikers. I am excited to get to be in his next class starting June 2nd. So today, as soon as my grades are submitted and my checkout complete, I head out of town and down the highway towards North Carolina. The RV is packed and I am rip-roaring to go! Sunday night we should be there. Monday, my dear husband will drive me to Warren's where I'll undergo my training.Yesterday my friend Dare, who hiked the AT in 2000-01, came by to give her good wishes. She already had helped me fine tune my pack and given me a few pointers on things I would(like a packcover)and would not(extra water bottle)need. She lent me a packcover, a small piece of z-rest for sitting, and capilene long johns (better than my silk). The best was that she gave me her AT bandana. It's already been from Harpers Ferry to Katadin. Thanks, Dare!She is my inspiration for starting this journey.Now it's time to put my foot to the metal and move on down the road...
Date: 2003-06-02
From: Hays, N.C.

To: Stone Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Classes begin promptly at 9am. Unfortunately, Warren was returning from a hike at Delaware Water Gap and has underestimated his driving time. His father welcomes us and puts on a video - "Circle of Dreams."When Warren arrives, we jump into his "book". His philosophy and psychology of the trail are a "given". This is not about gear. This is about taking a dream and turning it into a task.We move on to the Data Book. He visualizes every mile post and we make notes in our books..."steep climb,very difficult,beautiful view." I am amazed at him. He uses no notes, he just knows every inch of the AT.We break for lunch, then return to work more on the Data Book. It will be invaluable to us. About 3:30 we head out to Stone Mountain for a 4.5 mile hike. This hike will give us a feel for parts of the AT. The .75 mi climb to the summit is all rock. Warren tells us that 215 miles of New Hampshire and Maine are like this. As we celebrate at the summit, we are reminded that we would have 214 miles to go.We descend to a gorgeous waterfall. There are none as high on the AT. I wish I had brought my camera. Warren says we will be back later this week.We hike on down and finish about 6:30. Four 1/2 miles in 3 hrs. Not bad, and we have learned to save our knees. Hike smart. Even one mile per hour can do fifteen miles a day from sun to sun.We stop for dinner, then another video - "Five million steps on the AT". About 9:30 we head to bed. Day One at the ATI is done.
Date: 2003-06-03
From: Hays, N.C.

To: Hayes,N.C.
Miles today: 0.0

Day 2:We begin at 9 with the Data Book. Now in the Smokies, we get Warren's philosophy of rules and regulations. There are two kinds of rules: those to protect the land from us and those to protect us from the land. We should all protect the land. But we are animals on migration and really do not need protection. We must not be confrontational, we must walk.We note details in our data books until after 1:00 when we head out for lunch. Lunch today, as yesterday, is at a local cafe, Fairlin's. The food is great, but the waitress alone is worth the trip. Nicole is a bright recent high school graduate with a keen sense of humor. She keeps us laughing through lunch.After lunch, we head out to the nearest Superwalmart. Warren is out to prove that gear and food can be purchased reasonably. As we mosey down each aisle, Warren points out possible food choices. Look for calories, short cooking time, and price. He says he can survive on a big box of Little Debbie Brownies. He eats three per meal and one for a snack. That adds up to over 3000 calories!We head to the clothing dept where we find some wicking shorts with liners for under ten dollars. In shoes he pcks up a pair for $10 that he says will last 500 miles or so. In the camping section, he carefully examines an external frame pack ($70). I am surprised to find that this store also carries hiking poles ($10).I am also surprised that Warren does not know about the grease pot ($7). When I show it to him in housewares, he is impressed. He shows us some great water bottles with wide mouths and drinking spouts. Then it is off to the first aid section. All you need is some bandaids and triple antiseptic creme. He says ibuprofen is fine for sleeping, but not for walking.After shopping, we make the long drive home, have dinner, and watch a long (3 hr)video - "How to hike the Appalachian Trail". So ends day 2.
Date: 2003-06-04
From: Hayes,N.C.

To: ATI Day 3
Miles today: 0.0

ATI Day 3. Today we spent most of the day on the Data Book, beginning at Damascus. Warren knows every swimming or bathing place on the AT. (Bathing means you can sit in the water and cool off) This is important for those hot summer days. He also knows which stores and meals are worth the extra hike and where to find ice cream. We note areas that may be safety zones due to road access and which areas are difficult due to rocks. Now I know where to plan to speed up and where I need to take my time. Warren's experience on the trail will make my Data Book the only book I need. After we get to Hanover late in the afternoon, it's time for equipment. "equipment is an illusion...in our attempt to become comfortable, we make ourselves more uncomfortable"Warren shows us how to use a tarp. Then we spend the rest of the afternoon going through his basement stash of gear. Clothing is usually polypro picked up at the thrift store. There are several light weight fleece jackets and a couple of wind suits. Socks are synthetic and wool. Boots and sneakers of all kinds line his shelves. Many of them will be given to members of his 2005 expedition.Warren hikes a complete section hike every four years and a thru-expedition every fifth year. 2004 will complete his 13th hike, 2005 his 14th.But I digress, back to the basement. Tarps (7x9) are cut from old tents. Fleece blanket wraps become sleeping bags. Closed cell pads are purchased at Walmart. Packs are usually external frame. Ski poles do nicely for hiking. Everything is so simple. He tells a story of a couple with expensive color coordinated gear sitting in a shelter because they did not want to get wet. people who get to Maine put on a garbage bag and walk in the rain.
Date: 2003-06-05
From: Damascus

To: Beartreegap
Miles today: 11.6

I actually hiked this southbound, as part of my class. We had two options,6 miles or 11.6. I chose the latter. That meant that I hiked the last 5.6 mi solo. My first day on the trail was perfect. The sun was shining, and the temperatures were comfortable.   The mountain laurel, rhoddendrons, and azaleas were blooming in the lower areas. The trail was everything I hoped it would be. The 11.6 miles were finished before I realized it.I met a number of thruhikers. First was Mitch, a Tom Selleck look alike with a heavy pack. He had just spent a week in Damascus with a knee injury. He had raced another hiker to town.Then there was Moss and his girlfriend Robin. She was hiking a few days with him. Next came a guy wth a dog who had his own pack. He didn't stop to talk, but his brother, Rock Steady did a few minutes later.Finally along came Duff wearing a Simpson's hat. He had stopped for a late lunch in town. Everyone was very nice. As I descended into town, I spotted an ice cream place, so I endulged. I proceded into town where I met the group at Mt Rogers OutfittersFriday I moved my support basecamp (my husband) up into Virginia before the rains came.
Date: 2003-06-07
From: Beartreegap

To: ElkGardens
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: moderate rain

My second day was wet. It rained off and on all day and I loved it. It was a gentle rain at first, but got hard at times. It was not cold though, so I just hiked in my shirt and shorts. I stopped for a quick lunch at the Lost Mountain shelter. Several hikers had already called it a day and were cooking soup in the shelter. I took my Marmot Alpine jacket out of the top of my pack toget to my food sack. I ate a couple of poptarts,then forgot to put the jacket back. I left it laying there. I'm sure someone thought it was a hiker castoff as it is a bit heavy, but I loved that jacket!I went off to make my climb up 2200 ft to 5100 ft. By the time I realized the jackt was gone, I was miles away. There were lots more thruhikers today. KOOP (KEEP ON ONE PACK) was an interesting oldtimer. Moses was a very nice young man who sat visiting with my husband while he waited for me at the road at Elk Garden.I still enjoyed my day very much. Hiking in the rain and mud is slower, but still enjoyable.
Date: 2003-06-08
From: ElkGardens

To: Fox Creek (Va.603)
Miles today: 16.9

I figured that this would be about a 9 hour hike, so I started early, a little after 8:00. The first part was climbing up Mt. Rogers and climbs are pretty slow. There were a lot of day hikers out since it was Sunday and the weather was gorgeous. After a couple of hours I came to the point of decision. Should I climb the extra .6 miles up to the summit or not? I decided to do it, how often does a person get a chance to say they climbed the highest mountain in Virginia? It took me an hour to get up and down. Then I headed off towards the Thomas Knob shelter for lunch. There were the wild ponies waiting for me at the shelter. A couple of rangers were also there so we talked and I ate, then we headed off in opposite directions. The next few hours were climbing through rocks and rhododendrons. It was beautiful, but exhausting. I passed a lot more day hikers out to see the Sunday sights. When I finally got to Massey Gap at the Grayson State Park, there were ponies and people everywhere! I saw a sign that said it was 8.1 miles to the shelter. I knew that my destination was a mile past that, so I was way behind in my time. I shifted into cruising gear and began hiking. About 5:00 I finally came upon another section hiker, Worm, and we talked for a bit at the Wise shelter. Then he decided to call it a night and camped on top of a beautiful bald. But I had miles to go before I sleeep, as Robert Frost said. And on I hiked.About 6:30 I saw a horse camp out in the distance. Wow, I thought, I must be making great time! My destination was right across from a horse camp. But when I got down, I found it was the wrong camp and I still had about 4 miles of hiking to go. There were thru-hikers there, and I was invited to stay, but I couldn't worry my husband, so I went on. I was at the shelter before 9:00 but it was starting to get dark. I took out my photon to hike the last mile. It is hard to see the blazes in the dark and I was concerned about getting lost. I said a prayer for guidance and on I went. My feet were really hurting now, in spite of several changes of socks (it was very wet from yesterday's rain). I decided to take off my shoes and hike in my fake Teva sandals. Everytime I came to a stream of water, I soaked my feet as I crossed. Finally about 9:30 I saw the headlights of my husband's truck. I stumbled out into the light. My 9 hour day had become 13 hours. It was the most beautiful day on the trail, but I had overestimated my hiking speed. I had done more than 18 miles in all, counting the climb up Mt Rogers. What a day!
Date: 2003-06-09
From: Fox Creek (Va.603)

To: Dickey Gap (Va 16)
Miles today: 8.5

After the long day yesterday, I was very tempted to take a zero day. Instead I decided on a shorter hike in the afternoon. I washed clothes so I had some clean, dry socks. I soaked my feet and ate lunch. Then it was off to the trail. We passed Moses on the road into Sugar Grove. He was headed into town to pick up his maildrop and groceries. We gave him a ride, Frank dropped me off for my hike, then he took Moses around and dropped him back at the Partnership shelter. He is now about 15 miles ahead of me, and picking up speed. I hope to see him again in the future. Today was a cruising speed hike. The scenery was gorgeous and no one was there but me. A rabbit ran up the trail towards me at one point, then saw me and scurried into the brush. There were lots more rhododendrons and azaleas. The weather was beautiful. The height of my day was a waterfall near Hurricane Campground. I had seen a sign that said the campground was 1/2 mile. But I never did see the campground. I was saving my last brownie to eat there before my 1.5 mile hike down to the road. I came out onto the road just at the same time my husband pulled up. It was an easy day. I know that I have to keep my days shorter for a while. Twelve miles is a good day for me. In time, I'll build up to longer ones.
Date: 2003-06-10
From: Dickey Gap (Va 16)

To: Partnership Shelter (Hwy 16)
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

June 10th 14.6 milesI had the woods all to myself today it seemed. The weather was perfect for hiking and the terrain was less difficult. Nothing about hiking the AT is easy. But some areas are less difficult. Uphill climbs are slow like low gear. Likewise, downhill descents should also be done in low gear to save your knees (your brakes). But across ridge tops are for cruising. This is where a hiker shifts gears and picks up speed. Today since I was alone so much my mind began to wander. What does a hiker think about? Family, friends, God, music, books, tv, and a million other things. Today I was thinking about "The Wizard of Oz". I was singing "Follow the White Blaze Trail". My wizard was Warren Doyle. Toto was a dog I met yesterday. The wild ponies were little munchkins. My wicked witch was a disgruntled hiker in the rain on Saturday. My tin man would have to be Moses. I don't have a scarecrow or cowardly lion yet. But all day I kept thinking how my adventure was like a trip to Oz. Late in the afternoon I came upon two English hikers going the opposite direction. "We've been looking for you, you lost your jacket" they said. They introduced themselvs as Duncan and Donuts and told me that there was a message for me at the shelter just ahead. We said our goodbyes and I hurried on. When I got to the shelter there was a message from a ridgerunner who said my jacket was still at the shelter where I left it. She said that it was only a mile off the highway and an easy hike. When Frank picked me up we drove back some 40 miles and he waited while I went to get the jacket. It wasn't there...bummer. (So I hiked back down to the truck, an extra two miles today.)
Date: 2003-06-11
From: Partnership Shelter (Hwy 16)

To: Atkins
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

June 11th 11.4 milesI started the day by checking in at the ranger station to let them know that I did not get my jacket, but to thak them for their assistance. Koop was there just beginning his day. I took the lead with him following most of the morning. At one point, I came upon a rattlesnake basking in the morning sun. At first I thought it may be dead. But I cautiously walked around it in a large semicircle. I took a picture from behind, when it turned its head to see what I was doing. So I quickly moved on. Koop said he later tried to get it to move by throwing rocks, but it only raised its head.After we stopped for lunch, Koop left me in the dust as he took off across farly level terrain. Late in the afternoon I came upon an old schoolhouse which is part of a settlers museum. I was making good time, so I went on over to the museum and took a short tour. It was very interesting as my family followed this same migration.The shelter register a few miles back read "DQ 4 mi, why are you sitting here?" Everyone coming down that mountan has DQ fantasies. Mine was for a rootbeer float. All I could think of after the museum was a float. I crossed a railroad and was surprised when a train came along just a minute later. I waved and the train blew its horn. Cool! I finally got to the Dairy Queen and had to settle for a coke float since they had no rootbeer. Great day!