morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-02-14
To: Front Royal
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke to a light rainy morning and hit the road at 7:30. Northern Ga. has a heck of alot more churches than they have restaurants, and resorted to stopping for fastfood coffee again. Realized I missed my turn off in Knoxville, but recovered quickly. A big storm is coming, so this will be a race north--heavy snow for several hours. Saw one big pile-up on the southbound side, with traffic backed up for miles. Had to stop occasionally to clear snow built up on the wipers. No venturing off I-81 as I had hoped. Damascus will have to wait to meet Brown Bess under better conditions. Should have pushed all the way to Fall's Church, but stopped at an over-priced dumpy motel in Front Royal for the night.
Date: 2003-02-15
To: Fall's Church
Miles today: 0.0

Went to the motel office to turn in the key and get the advertised free coffee and doughnuts. Locked, and no one around--obviously another scam. Swept a couple inches of wet snow off the truck, and headed for the frreeway. Stopped at the interchange McDonald's to get unfree coffee, but they weren't open. Evidentally the help couldn't venture out to work. Seems Front Royal is pretty stingey with their coffee.Cruised into Fall's Church, stumbling unto its namesake, and called for directions to the house. Finally found it, and a cup of coffee.My sister, Barb, gave me the lay of the immediate land tour. We went to two outfitters and just browsed. There is a large REI nearby also. I am not used to the sensory overload, nor the mindset of a big city: too much stimuli, too many choices. Barb casually pointed out a couple spots to avoid being murdered. This isn't anything like the lily white small town rural north that I have been sheltered in the past thirty years.
Date: 2003-02-16
To: Amused
Miles today: 0.0

The big snowstorm is definitely here--I could have stayed in the Upper Peninsula for this. It has been snowing steadily since Friday night. Only these are amateur snowmen living here. Should have brought my snowblower--could have made enough to buy a new one, and pay for my whole trip to boot, in one day!! Shovelled the driveway once, and it continues. We are amazed at the number of people driving around, and poorly at that. They don't bother to clear their windows or turn on their lights here. What is so pressing that they need to be out on the roads?? Justifying that SUV I guess. The weather is all that is on the tv--non-stop, every channel. Everyone is running around with a yardstick to measure the snow...at home they would be using 8 foot sticks. I am used to this occurring half a dozen times every winter. They are used to this occurring here half a dozen times a century. Barb baked homemade bread and made a big pot of soup. We are suffering.
Date: 2003-02-17
To: Snow What
Miles today: 0.0

Still snowing and sleeting--the whole area is shut down. I went back to bed for a while. Breakfast was pancakes with maple syrup I brought that I make at home. Started re-doing the driveway--the neighbor down the street has a snowblower!! Barb chased him down and talked him into coming over later to finish the job. By afternoon he hadn't returned, so I resigned myself that we were left to our own exertions, and began working toward the road. After half hour, he came over to say he be there shortly. In twenty minutes, he did what would have taken two hours by hand. Barb gave him a loaf of her bread, chocolate chip cookies, and way more money than I thought appropriate. She says I better get with big city life.They have the mass hysteria scare of the week here. Last week was terrorist attack week--which precipitated a run on duct tape and plastic sheeting to seal yourself in your house. The store shelves also were cleared of canned goods and bottled water. This week is collapsing-roof-due-to-the-snow week. All the people who entombed themselves last week will helplessly be crushed this week when the roof caves in. Sad. Bet there isn't a roof rake within 100 miles....bet they don't even know what a roof rake is. Dang, I could have made two years salary this weekend!!!Next week promises to be basement-flooding-due-to-the-snowmelt week. Get your shop vac today or you will surely die in your plastic lined collapsed home due to drowning in the basement. Film at eleven.
Date: 2003-02-27
To: Inctivity
Miles today: 0.0

Hard to believe two weeks ago it was 60* here and people were sitting out on their patios and decks. Since I have been here, it's been nothing but snow, snow, snow, rain, wind and more snow. Being immobilized is getting very, very frustrating. If shovelling snow is good pre-hike activity, then I am ready to go....I apologize for not making many entries lately, but I cannot find much interest in relating only mundane day to day chores. Beside the mental image of me vacuuming in my underwear isn't pretty...you don't need that branded into your gray matter. While the company is good, the food great, and the surroundings comfortable, I am not achieving any of the things I had hoped to accomplish here, which doesn't bode well for the start. It WAS a great idea. It just never came to fruition. I'm not sure what I am going to do.
Date: 2003-02-28
To: Same old story
Miles today: 0.0

Went to bed early last night, since it is snowing again, and we may have to clear the driveway before Barb goes to work. Didn't sleep very well, and arose at 4:30 to find seven inches of new white stuff. While Barb got ready, I shovelled the driveway to permit her exit. Took a short coffee break, and finished the sidewalks on her corner lot. Made a sausage, egg, toast breakfast as a reward, while listening to my new friend Howard Stern ramble nonesense.Cruised down to the food store and picked up a few things we were low on. It is the one place I can go and find my way back from easily. played on the computer awhile, sending emails and such. Then got bored quickly with the treadmill.I was glad when cocktail time arrived, and had another great dinner afterward. Watched the too short "Boss" special on tv, while eating ice cream. (I am supposed to be in training afterall!!) And that was my big exciting day...way too many of these the past couple of weeks.
Date: 2003-03-01
To: Froo-froo
Miles today: 0.0

We're having company tonight! Barb invited a couple to dinner, so she is in her glory. She loves to cook and entertain. Last night she worked up the menu and shopping list. So when she went in search of fancy fixings, I took a shower and cleaned the downstairs bathroom in "good enough" guy fashion. Then the major preparations began: pre-cooking, cleaning, dusting, arranging and rearranging. All this orchestration is a tad too much for me, so I just try to stay willingly available, yet out of the way. I can handle a small skirmish, but wish to avoid being sucked into the main battle.I have hopes of this being a tolerable encounter, when Barb tells me they both smoke. I ask her what she is going to do while we are all out bonding on the front porch. From what I have seen, it is foreboden to smoke inside a residence here. We, the unclean, are driven to huddle at the stoops of all structures to practice our nasty habit. Puffs of smoke billow from half open doors as bed-clothed shivering outcasts exhale their miserable lives away up and down the block.After a quick nap, the pace quickens. Soon there enough candles lit to rival the grotto at Lourdes. Anticipation grows as the upscale dinner and hors d'oeuvres are finished. This is no six pack and bag of chips affair. Barb even made a lemon meringue pie for dessert--no doubt a bribe, so I won't say the f-word too often, or otherwise embarrass her. When Katy, the office manager, and her husband Danny arrive, we have cocktails and a delicious dinner.Later we watch home movies of their Canadian cabin. An awful lot of froo-froo in my opinion, since they are nice, funny, unpretentious people, but a nice pleasant evening, just the same.
Date: 2003-03-02
To: So close..Yet so far away
Miles today: 0.0

Slept in a little later than usual today, since Katy kept me up too late last night--lol. I finally got ahold of my friend Jack, per telephone. I was a little worried, when I couldn't get a call through to him. His wife has been pretty sick since December, and it's been tough for everyone. I regret that we couldn't go to breakfast one last time before I left the U.P.Barb decided it was time to get out of the city, and I heartily agreed. We headed west toward the mountains, taking some back roads. Opened the sun roof, and enjoyed the warm sunshine, for a change. Alot of hawks were seen drifting over the fields, often in groups. The sounds of the fast running creeks was like music, and we stopped at one area with a concrete spillway. This was also a blue blazed trailhead, meeting up with the AT near Skyland, in Shenandoah, about nine miles to the northwest. There was still a good ten inches of wet, heavy snow here. A group of six day hikers emerged, and said they had gone up to some falls, but were frustrated by snow and deep water, and unable to complete their circuit hike as planned. We wandered into Syria (the town, not the country), and stopped at the general store for drinks. Reluctantly, we worked our way back through rolling hills and small towns. Pretty soon we were back in heavy traffic, and Barb's kid calls on the cell phone. So here I am, hurtling through traffic in a big SUV, with the driver chatting on the the cell phone. I feel like a mercenary. An hour ago, I was in relaxed and comfortable surroundings--and now it feels like a foreign country. Later the brats blast in for dinner, and retreat just as fast, when the food is gone. A little tv caps an unusual fun weekend.It is supposed to get cold again tonight--hmphhh!
Date: 2003-03-06
To: Housing Development
Miles today: 0.0

I finally got to set up my new tent. Found just enough space next to the deck, where there was bare ground/shallow snow to try it out. After coming to the conclusion that my original tent was just plain too heavy, I ordered this Arapaho Solo from Dancing Lights. It cost more than all my other gear combined, but at only 27 ounces actual weight, I couldn't resist.My hiking poles (cross country ski poles, actually) don't adjust, so I took two sections of some old fibreglass tent poles, restrung them, and will use them for tent poles until I break a pole, which is inevitable. Then I'll get a pair of regular adjusting hiking poles, and jettison the tent poles, and some more weight. The tent is sil-nylon, which is very thin, slippery material, and has a 4'x8' floor space, with a 44 inch height. I had Rainmaker, the builder, put in velcro doors and seam seal it to insure it was done right. I didn't get a chance to play with it like I had hoped, out on the trail under real conditions, so I'll let you know how it performs later. I picked up a couple of PVC pipe end caps to place under the ground end of tent poles, so they won't sink in. My tyvek ground cloth won't fit this tent, but I have a footprint that will, and weighs about the same, so I'm not making another one of tyvek. Dawn, my connection in Georgia, got called up to active duty by her reserve unit. I knew this was a possibility from the beginning, but originally thought it remote. Luckily, she isn't going to be shipped anywhere presently, and when contacted, assured me that it will pose no problem. I have been hoping to get on the trail before the action starts, and that is likely. I certainly didn't want to be here, no matter how amusing reactions may be.
Date: 2003-03-07
To: Shopping
Miles today: 0.0

Today was spent sorting, selecting, resorting gear. I purchased a different sleeping pad at REI. The Stratarest, although great in comfort, was great in weight also. It has been replaced with a Ridgerest Deluxe. Not anywhere near as comfortable to ly on, but much more comfortable to carry. Everything is a trade off.While rummaging through a clearence racklooking for a cheap poly t-shirt, we found some underwear trhat had been repeatedly marked down. When we checked out, they rang up at 83 cents!! Disposable underwear--how cool is that?? Should have gone back and bought a couple more at that price, but wouldn't take them along anyway.Ended up buying the t-shirts at Walmart--one short sleeve and one long sleeve, that, at $3, couldn't pass on. Also found Snickers for 38 cents, so bought about 3 pounds worth. Most won't make it to Springer--too heavy. :)Went out to dinner with Barb, her son, Peter, and his friend, Bert. Peter and Bert are leaving for 'spring break' tomorrow. They are both students at Marymount, and played some basketball there. We went to a brew pub near campus. Looked like the type of place you see on 'West Wing', with alot of yuppies and students. The stout and food were pricey, but good.
Date: 2003-03-08
To: Closer
Miles today: 0.0

Tried repacking the backpack, but whatr arrived in it, wouldn't fit back in!!??? More choices, and rearranging, and a few obsceneties....ended up dumping alot of food, probably half of what I was going to take. Now I'm afraid to remove anything, fearing that it will never go back in. Good...that means I'm packed. No more changes, no more fretting. If it's in there, it's going. If it isn't, it isn't.Barb cut my hair out on the deck. Drastic change. Last time my hair was this short was my first day at boot camp. That was a couple of feet ago. Then to completely dazzle the crowd, I shaved my beard also. If you thought I was ugly before, you should see me unplugged! We went to Fresh Fields for the fixings for my 'last supper'. Fresh Fields is a hoydy toydy supermarket with a bend toward the richly organic crowd. They have some amazing stuff there. We got some cheeses, mussel salad, shrimp...a whole bag full of expensive goodies.If I die on the trail, I want to be re-incarnated as a rich guy with hair. Thanks.
Date: 2003-03-09
To: Evacuating the city
Miles today: 0.0

I was up about 4 AM. Scared myself when I looked in the mirror, and saw somebody else looking back. Forgot about the haircut. Sent emails and chilled til Barb got up.After breakfast, I said farewell to her, and gave her a few numbers and addresses she might need (or not). She is by far the most generous person I have ever met--sometimes to a fault.Taking only the clothes on my back and my gear, I headed out to retrace the miles I had driven a couple of weeks ago from Georgia. Before I went a dozen miles, I saw a dead beaver on the shoulder of the freeway. He was so out of place there...not unlike me. I don't think I could get acclimated to that type of environment and lifestyle. I never want to live anywhere they give a traffic report every ten minutes during rush hour. I'm used to a traffic jam being two pick ups meeting on a logging road.The trip was much more enjoyable than the last time through here. The mountains were beautiful, but intimidating. Soon all traces of snow were gone--finally--and for good, I hope. Continued south past where Bono and Rocket must be now. Saw a few deer and woodchucks along the road. Southern Virginia turned into Tennessee--and it was warm, and turning green, with trees budding on rolling hills, and mountains--lovely country.I decided to stop for the night about sunset in Athens, Tenn. at the Ingleside Motel, which touted itself as an "award winning property for quality and service". Contrary to the exterior, it was dumpy inside, but at least it had clean sheets and plenty of hot water. A week from now, such a place will seem like an extravagant spa, I am sure. It had been a long day and I turned in early.
Date: 2003-03-10
To: Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Slept very well last night. Checked the weather channel, and they warned it was cold --"so wear your winter coat this morning!". I was comfortable in a long sleeved t-shirt. Everything is relative.Driving south into Georgia, came into terrain with more pine trees. Some of the lower areas had marsh and sloughs--which made me wonder whether beaver built houses here, or not. Shortly thereafter, I spotted a beaver lodge, and answered that question.Found Dawn's house with ease, thanks to a map I had downloaded. I was struck by how much she resembles her mother. She didn't recognize me--understandabley. She gave me a tour, and settled me into the basement suite. Unfortunately, she had to go into work (army) unexpectedly, and left me to lounge gloriously in the sun and catch up these last few entries.
Date: 2003-03-11
From: Springer Mt.

To: Near Long Creek Falls
Miles today: 5.0

   Should have gone to bed earlier, because 6am came too quickly. Reheated some coffee and checked the computer-- returned downstairs and put a few last second items in easy to get to spots.   Eventually Dawn and Matthew got up and she gave him a ride to school while I showered and donned my hiking attire.    She had originally suggested we go to breakfast but I didn't feel hungry at all. We loaded the gear in the SUV and we were off. Dawn stopped for gas and bought breakfast burritos. I reluctantly ate one, only to be polite, as the old stomach, along with the rest of me was a little nervous.                  Headed up FS 42 and it was dry and solid. Arriving at the parking area, we found eight cars already parked, with some of the occupants milling around. I downed a half gallon of water, took a couple of pictures, and then unceremoniously started my ascent to the Springer summit, heading south. I was already puffing after a few hundred yards, and got passed by everyone on the way to the top. It was steeper and rockier than I had anticipated, and I was wondering what I had gotten myself into. Half way up my waist buckle pulled free and I had to stop and fix that. Arriving at the top, I found about twenty people hanging out. I signed the register, rested a few minutes and headed back down. I was slow and deliberate--wouldn't do well to twist something on the first mile.   Recrossing the parking area, I found the trail was better, less rocky and not quite so steep. The uphills were getting to me though, and I think miles are longer here than in Michigan. Hiked alone pretty much. Planned to stay at Long Creek Falls, but then a shoulder strap broke--the bolt let go. Fortunately I have a couple extra. Finally had to stop to do the repair and figured this was enough for today. Only went about five miles, not counting the mile up to Springer. I'm just off the trail, really stealth, but it's okay. Just threw down on the ground, no supper or fire tonight. Entry by headlamp. Getting dark so I'm going to get some sleep and get these boots off. A lot of hemlocks in this section today and there is plenty of water along the trail.
Date: 2003-03-12
From: Near Long Creek Falls

To: Sassafras Mountain
Miles today: 5.0

Water was scarce after Hawk Mountain---nice stream there and took a break. Had a snickers and some cashews for breakfast and a quart of water. Pretty warm today, put on sunscreen but it just clumps up when I sweat. By mid-afternoon I was anxious about finding more water. Had Sassafras looming in front of me and only one quart left before the next source. Sassafras Mountain did me in. I knew I had to keep moving, but it was mighty slow going. Nearing the top, I had to stop. I was dehydrated, so drank almost all of the water that I had left. Tried to eat a snickers, took two bites and almost puked. I did finally make the summit but it had taken almost two hours to get up there. I had to start looking for a place to camp, and finally found a pretty good spot. I have a couple of miles to go in the morning before I get to water--not a good situation to be in. Too tired to eat. At least it is warm this evening and I am not putting the tent up again tonight.
Date: 2003-03-14
From: Gooch Mtn

To: Zero Mile Day
Miles today: 0.0

Had a fitfull night, sleeping only for short periods of time. Morning was windy, overcast and threatening. I also awoke with shaking chills and diarrhea--not unlike dysentery. It could be the aftermath of yesterday's dehydration. I feel really weak. Between potty breaks I lounged and smoked--yeah, I know!--but there's nothing else to do. Was going to head out once the stomach stopped rumbling, but then the rain came. I'm staying put til morning. Water is across by the shelter somewhere and I may wander over there if the rain lets up before dark, but that seems unlikely. I have been playing slip and slide on my Ridgerest on this sil-nylon floor. Unless you are perfectly level, and maybe even then, you move around a lot and have to readjust the mat constantly. Of course, I toss and turn a lot anyway. But it is a pain. The blackflies have been good today--the last couple of days they have pestered me as I don't move fast enough to get away from them. Even had to use Deet on my legs. Was also glad I brought sunscreen--shade is at a premium except in a few areas where there are hemlocks, although that wasn't a problem today. I think the temps are going to drop tonight--I just hope tomorrow is a better day for me.
Date: 2003-03-15
From: Gooch Mtn

To: Big Cedar Mtn
Miles today: 6.5

   Finally disengaged myself from diarrhea ridge. Took down the tent and packed in light rain. Rolled the tent into the ridgerest which I carry on the outside of the pack. Put on the pack cover and was on my way. Went over to the Gooch shelter where there were four guys doing chores, preparing to headout. Went to the spring and pumped water with the filter. I am thinking that using the chlorine to treat the water may be the cause of my distress. Maybe it killed the bacteria in my digestive tract also. I have about ten squares left of a third roll of toilet paper and I asked one of the guys if he would trade some of his TP for some of my food or snickers. He and his partner each had a full roll with only two days left to hike. So he gave me a full roll. I was most grateful and offered reciproscity again but he said no. There can't be much left inside me for I haven't eaten anything. I tried the privy at the shelter, and, of course, there I couldn't go.                     It was raining and misty most of the day with a stiff wind. If I stopped for long, it got chilly. So I tried to keep moving. I was surprised how few birds are around. I saw a few pileated woodpeckers. The uphills are still killing me. Any incline is a real challenge and if there are rocks or steps--ugh!      Made it to Woody Gap--only one mile to go, but all uphill. I'm struggling along when this young woman, about 20 yrs old, goes flying by me up the mountain. She isn't even breathing hard! Oh, to be young again. I finally got to the top and looked around for a campsite--not many level spots. I kept going until I found something that would do. It is damp, foggy and misty. It collects on the trees and when the big drops fall on the tent, it sounds like popcorn popping. Everything is damp and there is quite a bit of condensation in the tent. I'll be glad when I can dry everything out but one hiker told me the weather forecast is for rain and more rain.
Date: 2003-03-16
From: Big Cedar Mtn

To: Bird Gap
Miles today: 5.7

   A lot of condensation in the tent last night. Heard ruffed grouse drumming during the night and saw one on the trail this morning. Met a lot of people on the trail today, going both ways. Heard there was 35 people at Gooch Shelter last night-yikes! Wood's Hole Shelter is just down the trail .3 mile and many were headed there. I got some water and came back here to camp. Nice spot! Hope to dry out a few things before I turn in. Uphills are hard on me--must be the altitude. Surely not the smoking, or extra weight, or inactivity. Getting cool, so I'm going to bed--big climb first thing tomorrow. Ouch!! Big moon out.