morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Clemson, SC

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0

My my my, what a ride! Rifle is still alive and kicking, and this time without gray fingertips! The past 5 weeks were not exactly what I had planned, but then again, does life ever give us exactly what we plan? Even though I didn't accomplish any miles during this time I still count it as part of my AT thru. It's been beneficial in so many ways! Financially I was able to earn enough money to finish my trip, my fingers are all but completely healed, and I've spent alot of quality time with good friends. At first I was only going to take 2 weeks off, and then that turned into three. Then a package I needed arrived late, so I had to wait for that. Then I couldn't work out the logistics of getting to the trail on a weekday, so I was delayed until the weekend. Then another package came late....long story short, for one reason or another I haven't been able to leave for the trail until tonight. That's right, I'm finally getting back on that horse. I must say, I've been extremely antsy and anxious these past 5 weeks. I wake up thinking about the trail and go to bed thinking about the trail. I've analyzed my gear hundreds of times. But you know, I really believe that this was all part of God's plan. Because of how long I've been off the trail I was able to spend Valentine's with my gorgeous girlfriend, work for some cash, nurture friendships, attend church several times, go to a Bible conference, and re-do my gear. Thanks to the extremely generous help of a friend I've lost nearly 12 lbs from my pack weight, putting me at a very respectable winter base weight of 21 lbs. I'll keep his name anonymous, but let's just say I was blessed in a big way by a fellow hiker.Down but not out. Frostbite was just a little bump in the road. I've only done 1/6 of the trail, and I CAN NOT WAIT for what else lies ahead! I love and crave adventure, and I count myself blessed and fortunate to be doing what I'm doing. God's got me. He's proven it over and over again. I've got nothing to fear and everything to look forward to! From here on I will resume my regular postings. Thanks for all the prayers and support. I'll see you on the AT. Leaving in 2 hours!!!!
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Campsite below Unaka Mountain

To: Apple Orchard just past Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 9.4

What a beautiful and refreshing way to resume my thru hike. My wonderful girlfriend, Scrunch, hiked with me yesterday and today. Her first time ever backpacking, and she handled it like a champ. Her company was splendid, but all good things must come to an end, and we parted ways tonight. We camped at Uncle Johnny's Friday night and hiked a tough 12.5 miles up, up, up and out of Erwin to a campsite just past Beauty Spot. I was pretty weighed down with our 2 man tent and plenty of food for the both of us, so I was just as grateful for the break as Scrunch. This morning started with a strenuous but gorgeous hike up Unaka Mountain. We climbed 1,045 feet in just 1.5 miles, but the dense spruce forest, moss, ferns and remnants of snow made it all worth it. It was so peaceful and beautiful. Even had a snowball fight Scrunch and I parted ways at Iron Mountain Gap tonight after a trip into Erwin for dinner, a Bible studay and many tears. I love that girl.I'm now camped 9.4 miles past last night's location. I'm back to my light gear - sitting at 30lb total weight. Feels great. I'm pleasantly surprised how little conditioning I've lost. I feel strong as ever, and with my pack as light as it is I feel ready to fly. 20.9 miles planned for tomorrow. Gonna shoot past Roan Mountain, TN and aim for Hampton, TN in 3 days. Well, it's almost midnight, and I'm ready for a good night's sleep. Oh, I almost forgot. A big shout out and thank you to Mango, a fellow hiker who came to the rescue last minute and gave Scrunch and me a ride from Iron Mountain Gap to Uncle Johnny's, saving us a $35 shuttle fee. Thanks! Well good night. Rifle signing out.
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Apple Orchard just past Iron Mountain Gap

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, so much for my 20.9 miles. Today was harder than I expected. Some tough climbs, but the summit of Roan Mt. was worth it. Very reminiscent of the Smokies - boulders, spruce forests, snow, ice, wind. Very beautiful. At lunch today I met two section hikers who were checking the weather forecast. Looks like a mixture of snow and rain all week with daytime temps in the 40s and 20s at night. The weather was ugly today. Dense fog and insane humidity - the kind of weather where it feels like it's raining all around you but nothing is actually falling from the sky. Instead the rain just hangs suspended in the air. I arrived at Roan High Knob Sheler at 3:30pm and stopped to eat, warm up, and get some water. While I was eating I noticed the rain starting to pick up, and I heard thunder. I realized that if the weather forecast was correct it would be foolish to camp with my Big Agnes Fly Creek. Snow and strong winds aren't friends of my 3 season ultralight tent. So I chose to stay here for the night, which proved to be a wise decision. A few hours later I witnessed an odd mixture of precipitation. The sky was pouring rain, dumping snow, blowing wind and producing fog at the same time. Strange to watch.I'm not the only one seeking shelter here tonight. In my company are two section hikers, Chris and Robin, along with their dog Mischa, two thru hikers, TK and Maggie, who started in mid February, and 6 other section hikers who came in as a group around 7pm. Full house! Which is a shame because I realllly have to pee. I will now have to go through the painstaking process of navigating around the bodies, climbing down the ladder, dodging some more bodies without stepping on any faces, opening the noisy door, peeing in the cold, and then doing the reverse process - all while waking everyone and making my neighbors mad...sometimes I wish I wore a diaper.Weather pending I hope to be in Hampton, TN on Thursday. But at this point my progress is solely dependent on the weather. Man, it's really good to be back in the swing of things. I love the AT, and I love backpacking. Time for some sleep!
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Campsite between Laurel Falls and Hampton, TN
Miles today: 17.8

I learned a very valuable lesson last night, perhaps the most valuable of my trip thus far: if you're going to buy mac 'n cheese, only buy the name brand stuff. A whole box for 80 cents?! Trust me. Skip it. If there was ever a contest for the worst tasting, most vile mac 'n cheese ever made, I would've won 1st, 2nd and 3rd place last night. It was all I could do to choke it down. And that's sayin' something because I'll east just about anything. I was also ravenously hungry after what was easily my biggeset day yet - 25.3 miles. I feel accomplished. I feel unstoppable. I feel sore...The horrendous weather from the previous day broke over night and revealed a clear blue sky. The sun was shining by 8am, and I was up at 6 so that I could be on the trail by daybreak. I hiked at 5,000+ feet for about 12 miles, and even though it was a clear day it was still very cold and unbelievably windy. I'm no expert at gauging wind speeds, but I'd be surprised if there weren't 60mph gusts coming up Hump Mountain. I was almost knocked off my feet several times, and I couldn't hear anything but the ferocious roar of the wind in my ears. Hump Mountain was quite a climb, and it put up a good fight. It's above the tree line, and so it's completely exposed to the wind. It also offers a breathtaking, unobstructed 360 degree view of mile after mile of mountains. I so badly wanted a picture, and I debated for a while, but I came to the conclusiton that it would be wise to keep my gloves on and keep moving.Long story short, yesterday was challenging but worth it in so many ways. I found myself belting songs and grinning like a silly man all day. There were so many big climbs, technical sections, great views and landmarks that I just can't recount all of it in this journal entry. Suffice it to say that you sure can see a lot in 25.3 miles. I have 17.5 planned for today, and I should be able to accomplish it with relative ease because the terrain has calmed down considerably. Just a few bobbles up and down and a whole lot of flat. I plan to camp just outside of Hampton, TN tonight and do my resupply in the morning. Thanks for reading!
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Campsite above Damascus, VA
Miles today: 25.4

Well, I'm here One of the biggest milestones of the trail - Damascus, VA. Got here last night, as planned, and camped. Unfortunately my new gear set up isn't fully working for me, so Scrunch graciously offered to drive up and meet me with my backup gear. Gonna swap a few things, do some laundry, take a shower (I REEK!), and probably pull a zero day. I'll stay at one of the hostels tonight and push on in the morning. Thanks for all the support!
Date: 2013-03-25
From: The Place

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Pulled a zero in Damascus yesterday and stayed at "The Place," a church run hostel with no heat that only requests a $6 donation. I took full advantage of my opportunity to sleep in this morning, and after my food resupply I finally hit the trail around 1 pm. I can't lie, today's hike was no fun. It's been snowing all day with temps below freezing and some rather unfriendly wind. My hands were the coldest they've been since the Smokies. And for whatever reason my motivation and joy were both on vacation today too. I tried to keep a good attitude, but I was relieved to arrive at Saunders Shelter after only 10.1 miles. Speaking of miles, I was humbled today. On my way up the mountain I met a family of five coming down. Two parents, a dog, and three kids, the youngest of which was seven. The other two were probably around 9 and 11. During our conversation they mentioned needing to go back and do a 23 mile section, to which the younger of the girls chimed in, "that could be a day hike." Thinking she was just all talk, I smiled and said, "that's a good attitude you have about it!" Without missing a beat she said rather indignantly, "Well our average is 18." My response was "Wow, that's really good!" but what I was thinking was, "Dang...my average is only 13!" Leave it to three kids with packs on their backs to put me to shame Saunders Shelter is very nice, and I have the place all to myself. I'm going to shoot for 18.6 tomorrow which will put me at Thomas Knob Shelter - best known for the wild horses that live around it and frequently come visit. Hopefully I'll get to meet them! And only 2 miles after the shelter is a spot I've heard much about - the Fatman Squeeze - which is a rock tunnel that is apparently rather snug. That's my kind of fun :D Well it's time for a Bible study and a call home, then bed. I have everything valuable and liquid in my bag with me tonight. Cold...
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: light snow

A very rough day. The most miserable, most draining day so far, in fact. I didn't sleep well last night. The floor of the shelter had large cracks between the boards, and I could feel the cold in strips coming up through the cracks and through my sleeping pad. My NeoAir X-Lite isn't quite cutting it in anything below 25 degrees. Even though my bag is rated to 0 it isn't getting much help from my pad. I've heard several times that sleeping without clothes makes you warmer in a down bag, so I'm going to try that tonight. It's been below freezing and snowing all day. And in spite of all my good clothing and mittens I ended up wet from head to toe. My hands haven't been able to catch a break all week. The worst part about today was the weight of the snow on the trees. 80% of my section today was covered in rhododendron - I mean covered. The snow caused the shrubs to bow over the trail, completely blocking it mile after mile. My hiking consisted of shoving branches out of my way, getting hit in the face, crouching, crawling, getting completely covered in snow, and a substantial amount of whining and complaining. My attitude was terrible. I think I woke up sour, and the terrible hiking conditions just tanked my mood. Even though it didn't make anything better I tried to keep reminding myself that I got myself into this. I signed up. I heard the weather forecast in Damascus but chose to leave town anyway. I've no one to blame but myself. Long story short, 4 hours was all I could take, and I set up shop here at Lost Mountain Shelter just 6.4 miles in. For the first time in almost 500 miles I wanted to quit today.
Date: 2013-02-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have dreamed about doing the Appalachian Trail my entire life but the prospects of it actually happening started becoming more apparent as my retirement from the Air Force approached in 2010. I was a pilot in the AF and we were taught at an early age to do proper mission planning. Consequently, I read several books on hiking and the AT over the past few years. In fact I have bought the Thru-hikers companion, Data Book and AT Guide three times over the last 5 years along with other items. Now I think the time has arrived for me to move into execution. I have coordinated for my family to drive me up to Amicalola Lodge on 7 March for a start date of 8 March.I'm looking forward to the challenge, the scenery and the people of the AT.
Date: 2013-02-22
To: Two weeks to Go
Miles today: 0.0

Today I did a little walk around town in my boots but with no pack. Since I'm in Florida it wasn't very representative of the trail since it was a balmy 85 degrees and there were no elevation changes. I still did 8 miles in about 2.25 hours just to see how the boots were performing. These are the same boots I used on the second half of the Long Trail and the Vermont Cross Trail but they are still in great shape and should be fine for a while. My feet felt fine but I'll do a few more trips around town to toughen them up a little more before I hit the AT.I'm 2 weeks out from starting my journey so final prep is close to complete.
Date: 2013-02-23
To: More Physical Fitness Prep
Miles today: 0.0

I did another 8 mile hike around town and through one of our State Parks for a little hiking warm-up. It was another warm and muggy day here in Florida and still mostly flat. My only elevation change was the 100' descent into the park sinkhole. Anyways after 16 miles in 2 days, I feel good about the boots.I'm also getting all my affairs in order and today I filed my taxes. I'm trying to make sure my wife will have little to worry about while I'm gone.I also got all my Long Trail gear out and will do a thorough check tomorrow to ensure it is still functional.
Date: 2013-02-25
To: 11 Days to go
Miles today: 0.0

As the departure date approaches, I'm trying to ensure everything is ready. My concern though is not my hike preparation but my home preparation. I want to have all the finances, paperwork, chores etc. covered so my wife doesn't have anything to worry about. I'm setting up some automatic payments, online access to accounts and cheat sheets with operating procedures for her to use.Gear Review:Sleeping Bag: I've decided to take my North Face Hightail 15 degree goose down bag (34 oz.). I've used this one several times on nights below freezing and it kept me nice and toasty.Sleeping Pad: I'll be using the bag on top of my ThermaRest Z-Lite pad (13 oz.). I like it because it can't be punctured, it folds up well and it is fairly light. I carry it on top of my pack so I can easily use it to sit on when I take lunch or an extended break.
Date: 2013-02-27
To: 9 Days to go
Miles today: 0.0

Today, I applied a little waterproofing on my outer gear which consisted of my rain gear, pack cover and tent. I did this on the Long Trail and my stuff stayed relatively dry.Gear Review:Tent: I'm using my MSR Hubba tent which I enjoyed a lot on previous hikes. I like that it is a free standing tent that I can just pick up and move a few inches when the ground underneath me is a little uneven to find that perfect sleeping spot. I also used it in rainy conditions and I never had rain or condensation in the tent. The inner mesh netting was nice in clear conditions and kept the bugs away.
Date: 2013-03-02
To: 6 Days to go
Miles today: 0.0

Accomplished another shakedown hike today around a state park for about 7 miles. The purpose of this hike was just to ensure my gear was functioning. I wore all my hiking gear and had the rest loaded in my pack just as it would be on the AT. Pack weight was just under 30 lbs with 2 liters of water and three days of food so I'm feeling confident with that weight.During the hike, the pack rode well on my back and all pockets and zippers worked well.Gear Review:Water Filtration: I'll be using my SteriPen for water purification. I find it light (5 oz) and very easy to use. I keep it in my hip belt pocket and when I get water that needs treating, I just stick it into the Nalgene, turn it on, stir and wait 90 secs. Presto--water is ready to drink with no chemicals.
Date: 2013-03-03
To: 5 Days to go
Miles today: 0.0

More home prep as the day draws near. My wife has me doing a few errands and I stocked the house with supplies so she has little to worry while I am gone. Gear Review:Stove: I will be using my Jet Boil Flash as my stove. I have had good experiences with it in previous hikes. It uses canister fuel that is readily available, it boils water fast, it is reliable and it also serves as my bowl. At 15 oz it is not super light but since it is also my bowl, I find it acceptable.
Date: 2013-03-04
To: 4 Days to go
Miles today: 0.0

The time is drawing near since I am leaving Florida on Thursday. Today I ran around town finalizing a few things and getting some more supplies for the house. One important thing I got was several bags of cat food and cat litter for our 2 cats. They're mainly my wife's cats but I think I will miss them since our black cat, aptly named Blackie, likes to sleep between my legs during the night. Gear Review:Devices: This is probably the one area where I am splurging. I will be bringing my iPhone, a GPS and a Camera when I could get by with one device. iPhone 4 with Mophie Charger (8 oz): I'm bringing this to be my main communication device. I will be able to call and text back home with updates and also use it to access this journal along the way. I could use it as my camera but it is not the greatest quality and the iPhone is not waterproof so I keep it tucked away in a waterproof bag. I'll mainly use it at camp. The Mophie charger provides an additional 150% power.Oregon 550t GPS (7 oz): I'm aware that I won't need this to actually navigate but I like using it as a toy. It keeps me occupied as I watch my progression to a target or change in elevation. It also has a camera but it is also lower quality. Another drawback is bringing along a few extra batteries. I used this on the Long Trail and I had a lot of fun playing with it.Nikon AW100 Camera (7 oz): This camera is waterproof, shockproof, 16 MP, and HD video so it will better satisfy my wish to document the trip for my family. I also have a Joby Gorillapod to be a versatile tripod. It only weighs 1.5 oz and will better allow pictures of myself.
Date: 2013-03-05
To: 3 Days to go
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Last minute preparations continue. Today I got a nice and close hair cut that should hold for awhile. Cleaned up around the house to minimize future maintenance. Can't wait until we drive up to GA on Thursday.Gear Review:Marmot Micro G Rain Jacket (11 oz): I had a Marmot Mica Rain Jacket and it worked well so I decided to get the newer and slightly heavier Micro G to handle the cooler and longer AT hike.Columbia Rain Pants (13 oz): These pants worked well for me but I'll only use them when the temps are cool. On warmer days, I'll just wear shorts and get my legs wet.
Date: 2013-03-06
To: 2 Days to go
Miles today: 0.0

Last day before we drive up to Amicalola State Park. Today, I had a dentist appointment with cleaning so my teeth are now ready for the trail. In addition, I have my pack ready and I spent the day wondering if I'm missing anything. Springer is about 7 hrs from home so I can't just call and have something brought to me. As I watch the weather I'm also constantly reviewing my gear to make sure I have the right combination to cover the gamut of temperatures and conditions.Gear Review:Pack: I've decided to use my ULA Circuit for this hike. I used it on the Long Trail and absolutely loved it. It has the right combination of weight, capacity, durability and comfort for a thru-hike. I saw plenty of these on the trail and everybody raved about them. I'm looking forward to testing it out on the trail.
Date: 2013-03-07
To: At Amicalola Falls State Park
Miles today: 0.0

My wife and my son and I left Florida at 0700 and arrived at the park at 1330. We then hiked down the East Side Trail to the visitors center and I logged into the register as hiker number 229. I also weighed my pack and it was 30 lbs with 2 L water and 3 days food. I also weighed myself and I came in at 232 lbs., which is little heavy for my 6'4" body. Hopefully I'll lose a few lbs and become more lean. Afterwards we started back up the approach trail and accomplished the 604 steps that goes across and parallels the waterfall.
Date: 2013-03-08
From: At Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Stover Creek
Miles today: 2.8

We got up around 0800 and had a last breakfast with the family for awhile. After breakfast, I was checking out of the lodge and met a nice group of people from Maine who were here for the hiker weekend. They were planning to thru hike SOBO starting in June.My son and I did the approach trail and met several thru and day hikers. We made it to the top at 1315 and another hiker said there was trail magic by the register. To my surprise, the trail magic was addressed to me from the people in the lobby. What a pleasant way to start the AT. To the family that left the trail magic-Thank You!After we took the required pictures on the mountain with the plaques, we started down to the parking area. There my wife will pick up my son. She was a little late since the GPS was confusing on the forest roads. She finally made it but then I was all alone.I hiked another 1.8m to Stover Creek where there are several people and most of them are thru hiking. After some nice conversation around the fire, I am ready for bed.
Date: 2013-03-09
From: Stover Creek

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Got up at dawn and was off by 0745. The Benton MacKaye trail crossed the AT and then ran concurrently for awhile so I was seeing several white diamonds along with AT blazes. The trail to Hawk Mtn was good and I arrived at 1015. I had cell service so I did a few online checks and was off by 1045. The trail continued well but the climb up Sassafras Mtn was a challenge. After Justus Mtn the trail was good all the way to Gooch Mtn shelter where I arrived at 1515.At the shelter I met Lady Grey and Infinity. I also met Brent, no trail name yet, who did 5 yrs in the marines; so we talked a little military.One of the hikers also got a little sick on the trail and will be taking a zero at the hiker hostel with a special pick up at Gooch Gap I hope to make Neels Gap tomorrow.