morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-02-27
To: Less than two weeks to launch
Miles today: 0.0

9 days to dot the i's and cross the T's. Excited and scary at the same time. I have a transcriber for my journal due to my lack of keyboarding skills. I don't want to waste time clunking on a keyboard on a beautiful day. Phone connections(yes, I finally consented to carry one) and letters will keep you posted as long as Bonnie dosen't throw me under the bus after I leave!!Dr. B gave me scripts for lyme and giardia battles today and tomorrow night I'll camp out(25F) to test my new Gossamer gear 1/8" ThinLight Insulation Pad.Last time I slept on frozen ground my hips and shoulders were cold by 5AM. Thanks to forum posters for this solution. I have the 3/8" pad if necessary.I'm going out now to do a few miles on a sunny, windy, and cold late afternoon.Sandman
Date: 2006-03-05
To: prehike party
Miles today: 0.0

A surprise dinner party was held at the Aegean Restaurant in Framingham, MA. All 3 sons, attended with grandchildren(minus Kathryn and Alexsandra who were home with their mothers). Chris, Tammy, Jenna, Dick, Annette and Bonnie rounded out the guest list. can I find Lamb Souvlaka on the AT? Me thinks not.came back to our house for a kick butt dessert. see photo
Date: 2006-03-05
To: back in the woods in preparation
Miles today: 0.0

Returned to my regular 5ish mile hike with weight. My wife, Bonnie accompanied me today. She's going to miss me and I'll miss her after Thursday, March 9, 2006. Trying to work out the kinks and too much food yesterday. Set up the tent again today in the back yard to test a Gossamer Light 1/8" insulating pad on frozen ground. I never got around to it last week. The wind was blowing and if I have this much trouble in a rain storm I'll be soaked!! trying to get the ground cloth down to cut it to size was funny and frustrating. Improve or perish sandman, but keep smiling!!
Date: 2006-03-08
To: ballooning to 39 lbs
Miles today: 0.0

How the hell can 32 pounds get up to 39 in 1 day? I know the answer, I did it today. It took all day to do it with everyone calling and visiting. I leave at 6:30 AM tomorrow. The quality of today's problems were: buy camera card, repair kits for stove and mattress, peanut butter, make up a first aid kit, get mad money and test ATM card. No worries mate!!Then I had to try to get everything into my pack. With water bottles full, 5 1/2 days of food, poles attached I'm tipping scales at a whopping 39 pounds!!Too much for an old man. Hiring sherpa or donkey are out of question, so I'll ditch the magazines after the train(24 hours) and mail home the manuals for my camera and new cell phone, eat the pound of peanut butter tomorrow and trim some of my writing pages. Maybe I should only bring half as much toilet paper?I'll reweigh at Hiker Hostel friday night. I've been corresponding with Turtle, through trailjournals connection, who is starting the same day,but he is beginning on the approach trail. Going at it one day at a time, God willing and if the creek don't rise!! lease sign guest book, thanks, sandman
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Framingham, MA 

To: Gainesville, GA
Miles today: 0.0

Bonnie drove me to the train station in Framingham and waited with me 'til departure at 6:43 am. Train was packed, standing room only...full of commuters - somebody's got to work!I arrived South Station and went to the ticket office to pick up mytickets for Washington, DC to Gainesville, GA. Spoke with a conductor in the station who instructed me to go the the AMTRAK First Class Lounge and he would call me around 8:15 in time to board for DC. I enjoyed the peace and quiet of the lounge, read the paper and had a cup of coffee. Looked at my watch and noticed the time was 8:25 and there had been no announcements...Thought about it but figured there must have been a delay. Just as I began to get uncomfortable and going to check the door opened and when the conductor saw me he gasped "I forgot to get you"! I thought he was joking. So much for "first class"!The irony is: I had a seat on the later train and changed it, weeks before my departure, to insure less chance of missing my connection in DC.Oh well!I got a seat on the train I was originally scheduled to take departingSouth Station around 9:20 am and the good news is we arrived DC before the earlier train! I was surprised with "hugs 'n kisses" when met by a friend in DC.Bonnie, don't worry they were the Hershey's variety! We visited 'til I boarded the Gainesville train. I was happy to have the company. I found my sleeper car, unloaded my pack, had dinner, met my first "trail angel" in the dining car - got a name and number to call for food and lodging and went to bed. It's been a long emotional day. Don't know what's in store, but I'm up for the adventure!    Adventure is worthwhile.   - Amelia Earhart -
Date: 2006-03-10
From: Gainesville, GA

To: Hikers Lodge near Springer Mtn.
Miles today: 0.0

Slept ok overnight, but must admit there was barely enough room for me and my pack in the sleeping compartment! Got to get rid of some stuff/weight. I'll figure it out!Train arrived early AM in Gainesville, GA - the station reminds me of Framingham. Weather is warm; mid-70s and it feels good. I'm waiting for the van to pick me up and take me to the lodge near Springer Mtn. which is 50 mi. away. Got a call from the van driver who's running lateand will get me around 7:30 AM. Hope to get some good tips today before setting out. Have lots of questions and will take all the help I can get!It's almost tomorrow...
Date: 2006-03-11
From:  Springer Mtn.

To: Hawk Mtn.
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

Yesterday was a day of shared information. Packing and repacking.No question goes unanswered. Every problem has a solution.All is well.Had a good night. Can¢t believe I¢m here and am full of anticipation.Breakfast was delicious - ¢It¢s all about the food¢ and that¢s about to change!They¢re packing the van to take us to the trail at Springer Mtn. ¢ elev. 3,782¢ our ground zero.Trailmates: Scott, Jen, Cindy - Manchester or Portsmouth, NHAble Jack ¢ PhiladelphiaLarry ¢ Boise, IDTim (Taggin¢ Along) and Nancy (Headin¢Out) ¢ Kent City, MIRailroadCritterNomad ¢98Jolene (Jo-Jo Smiley)Ted ¢ Ft. Lauderdale, FLPaul ¢ ORJaimeAll aboard!
Date: 2006-03-12
From: Hawk Mtn. Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Journal Alert:Next few entries will be very brief. In addition to very limited phone service ("can you hear me now?")- I am without pen or pencil. Yep, I didn't pack either! I was given a pen by another hiker, but it doesn't work. Between disconnects on my cellphone I've tried to give Bonnie brief details so anybody who's following me will know where I am. Spending the night at Gooch Gap Shelter which is about 8.3 mi. from starting point at Hawk Mtn. Shelter where I spent 1st night on the trail. All is well. One step at a time I can do anything.
Date: 2006-03-13
From: Gooch Gap

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Spoke with Bonnie briefly from Woody Gap this morning while on our way to Woods Hole Shelter (elev. approx. 3300') - Severe weather conditions overnight: high winds, driving rain and it was exhausting.Nobody wanted to set up their tent because of the weather and the shelter was full. I could sleep on the floor or the picnic table. I chose the floor.Climbed into my bag around 6:30 and before I was settled several other hikers arrived and squeezed in making for very crowded conditions. High winds caused driving rain which soaked my bag. There was no avoiding it! Resigned to the fact that I wasn't going to sleep, I spent 12 hrs convincing myself that I was at least resting and could sleep another time. You know the expression "quiet as a mouse"? Well I had several of them running over me and they weren't quiet!This is a lifelong "dream"?
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 4George called this morning from Neels Gap (3,125') US19/129 which is only 3.7 miles from Woods Hole Shelter where he spent last nite. Our conversation was very brief as cell service is unreliable at best. Will have to wait to find out today's details and will report them when I know.
Date: 2006-03-15
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

COLD COLD COLD night tenting. My bag is rated -20 deg. and I know it's cold even though the overnight temps are low 30s with wind chill it feels 0 deg. Put on my hat, 2 layers of thermals and hunkered down in my bag - was fine.
Date: 2006-03-16
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Rocky Mtn.
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Called Bonnie tonite to report my whereabouts - she was grocery shopping."Talking while shopping" - we swore we'd never be those people!   I am spending the night in my tent on Rocky Mtn.(4,017') camping with trailmates Tim "Taggin' Along" and Nancy "Headin' Out". Wish I could report more details, but can only spit out fragments 'til I find a pen or pencil. Life is good, all is well and I'm looking ahead.
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Rocky Mtn.

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

Long day of travel. Started out with "Taggin Along", "Headin Out"and "Turtle". Taggin Along and Headin Out are from Kent City, MI and have been married for 43 years. Turtle who's 66 and from Boise, ID is carrying a pack that weighs about 50 lbs. I'm glad it's not on my back! He's called Turtle because as he says, "nobody's slower than Turtle"! They are good people and we are well suited hiking partners as we are all around the same age and none of us considers this a sprint. We're all in it for the long haul and taking each day as it comes. We pray the wheels stay on the bus...Today was my longest day on the trail and I covered more mis. than I thought I would. I started walking about 8:30 AM and stopped around 6:30 PM. My legs were tired and telling me it was time to call it quits! My hiking partners decided to stay back on the trail at Deep Gap Shelter, but I continued on the extra 3.5 mi. to Hiawassee. They will come in to town tomorrow.I left the trail at 66.6 mi and was walking the road when a fellow stopped and asked if he could give me a lift. He said he lived a couple of mis. from where he picked me up. I gladly accepted and told him to let me off wherever it was convenient. He insisted that he'd take me into Hiawassee which was approx. 11 mi from where I left the trail. He dropped me at the Holiday Inn Express and disappeared as quickly as he appeared 11 mi. earlier. I am grateful for his kindness.I called Bonnie and explained that my pack was causing me pain as the straps were cutting into me. I am going by van back to Neels Gap tomorrow to have the straps sewn down hoping that will correct the problem. When I spoke with the outfitter he explained there was a design flaw with the straps on this pack and many people have had the same problem. The pack is fine, but the straps are flawed. If the problem still exists after the "fix" is made, the manufacturer will ship another pack with "old style" straps to me at some place further north on the trail. It will be resolved one way or another.A hot shower, some Mexican food and a good night's sleep is what I have planned. Tomorrow will be a bright new shining day - Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Hiawassee

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Today is a "Zero" day...no miles on the trail. I had a 72 mi round trip by van to Neels Gap and back. The straps on my pack have been "fixed" and I'll know the end result once I start to hike again. It was a beautiful weather day and I enjoyed my rest. Tomorrow starts forward motion once again. I've resupplied and am energized. Life is good.
Date: 2006-03-19
From: Hiawassee

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

Had a nice conversation with Sean last nite. Turtle, Taggin Along and Headin Out spent last night in Hiawasse and we started the trail again about 8:30 AM. My pack is riding well since the straps were adjusted and I'm moving slow. My hips are sore because the pack now sits differently on my body - over time this will rectify. I stopped for lunch about 1:00 at Plumorchard Gap Shelter mid-way between Hiawassee and Bly Gap - just me and 2 nuthatches that were running up and down a tree. It was beautiful and peaceful. Turtle, Headin Out and Taggin Along kept walking. I'll meet up with them later. It was getting cold and cloudy - a prelude to the forecast for heavy rain tomorrow and light rain this afternoon. I decided to hike 5 more mis. to Bly Gap and set up. Tonight I'm going to sleep with "Big Agnes" - my TENT! Arrived 4:30 at Bly Gap (3,840') which is .2 mi. across the NC/GA line. I've now hiked 75.4 mi. on the trail and that doesn't include the extra steps to water sources and roadways. I'm gonna be a lean, mean hiking machine!Called Bonnie about 7:00 (before going to bed). She was with Dick and Annette at the Cape. Dick sang a very bad rendition of "Happy Trails", but I enjoyed the serenade! It was nice to say hi to them. Don't know how far I'll get tomorrow. Depends on weather and body conditions!I've come a long long way and even if my progress sometimes seems slow it's a long way from where I was. I pray for the courage to continue.
Date: 2006-03-20
From: Bly Gap

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Cold freezing rain all day walking from Bly Gap to Beech Gap (4,4460'). It sucked! There were icicles everywhere. My pack was frozen and my clothes were soaked. This is a "situation" not a problem and I will make the adjustment. I set up in the rain, cooked dinner, crawled into my tent, tried to phone Bonnie, closed my eyes and was thankful for another day. It's not the destination; it's the journey...
Date: 2006-03-21
From: Beech Gap

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to a cold, damp, cloudy morning. The ice is still with me! Made breakfast, packed up and headed out. Stopped for lunch at Carter Gap which is at 90.7 miles on the trail. Looks like a gypsy has taken up residence. I've spread my wet stuff out over the rocks all around to try to dry them - pants here gloves there. My fleece appears to be okay.In this spot where now I rest, there are ice covered rhododendrons eveywhere. I wish you could see them. Even though the weather is awful, the panorama and the valley below are beautiful. My spirits are not dampened, but my belongings are soaked! A brief break here will energize me for the next several miles. If all goes according to plan, this day will end at Big Spring Shelter 10 days and 97.5 miles from step one at Springer Mtn. I am amazed and humbled by my surroundings. And, there are miles to go before I sleep...
Date: 2006-03-22
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

An official entry from the Sandman. Sitting in the Sapphire Motel, Franklin, NC. Backtracking one day...Yesterday afternoon was beautiful, although it got very cold as I approached Albert Mt. I came upon a very large tent on the side of the trail and heard a generator, thinking they were blowing up a mattress. Then I saw a red bandana with a trail magic sign, walked through the openning and there were tables with FOOD, a fire pit with a huge saw blade sitting on a tripod with rice and black beans and coffee. Trail angels, Gatorade and Fish'n Fred were the hosts. They were setting up for a month of trail magic!! much appreciated by the Sandamn. Head'n out and Tagg'n along had told them that their father was just behind them! I do look scruffy. 40 minute break in a camp chair, coffee and cake to wash down the burritos and an apple for the road. A steep 1.5 miles over Mt. Albert before arriving at the shelter. It was snowing and freezing rain. Awoke to 19 F this morning. The water froze as I tried to rinse my oatmeal pan. Gray water had ice in it as I drank it. Practicing leave no trace. Left shelter at 8:50 and hiked alone until I caught up to Head'n Out and Tagg'n Along before noon. At noon we came to a road with more trail magic, via angel Crutch, hiked AT last year and he was wearing a Red Sox hat. Gave us bologna sandwiches, soda and fruit. Best part - he grew up in Whitman,MA, had Jim Spinale as an 8th grade science teacher and his brother took Jim Spinale's job when Jim retired. Remembers from Jim's class learning that he had a red/green color deficiency. That would be Jim of the Jeanette, Jim and Ben trio of famous science teachers!!! MME folk from way back! Crutch filled me in on the Patriots trades of yesterday. See we do have a grapevine on the AT,it works by word of mouth.Got a ride to town for resupply and chowed at all you can eat steak buffet. Out tomorrowmorning by 8:30. Rain predicted in the afternoon and snow at night - hopefully after I get into my tent!! 106.6 miles out of the way and hope to add 11 tomorrow. Wheels are still on the bus, but the pack is still uncomfortable when only one shirt layer is under the straps. GA-ME O.D.A.A.T. sandman
Date: 2006-03-23
From: Franklin, NC

To: Licklog Gap
Miles today: 12.3

Brief entry with few details. Another great day on my journey north. Left Franklin this morning about 8:20 arriving Licklog Gap in time to cook set up, eat and crawl into my tent. Lightly snowing again - about 1/2 in. on the ground reminding me spring is in a dress rehearsal. The rhododendrons are smothered under the crush of winter's icy weight. Temps are frigid at night and early morning. Will get some good photos of the snow in the morning. By the way, I've been taking photos and have mailed a card home to be downloaded. Bonnie's going to have to figure that out - good luck! I hope that soon you, too, will be able to share in the beauty along this road less traveled. I plan to be at Nantahala River(1,740'); Wesser, NC in a couple of days and there is the chance that I might get there tomorrow if my legs can take me those 15 miles. Each step a heartbeat pumping life into my dream...
Date: 2006-03-24
From: Licklog Gap

To: Wesser Bald 
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It's been snowing for 3 days! Headin' Out, Taggin' Along and I left Licklog Gap and traveled some steep ups and downs that were very slippery. We called it a day early as the weather was not favorable to long trail time. Wesser Bald is at elev. 4,627' so you can imagine the temp. changes. We set up our tents at Wesser Bald.Nobody's seen Turtle for a while and Jen and Scott have turned back. She's got an achilles problem and he's got a bad case of diahrea. I'm just taking it one day and one step at a time hoping that all conditions continue in my favor. Life is good, I am fine and tomorrow is another day. Life on this trail is simple, but it's not easy and with each step I wonder about those who have gone before and beckon me to follow...
Date: 2006-03-25
From: Wesser Bald 

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

It was a long walk yesterday and there's 2-3" of snow on the ground and I was freezing last night. The extra pad I ditched several mi. back to save some weight would have made the perfect 2nd layer of insulation. I didn't sleep because I was so cold. I tried putting my fleece under me, but it didn't do the trick. I've got to get another layer if this weather is going to stay with us. The only thing worse than being cold is being wet and cold! It doesn't matter whether you're in a tent or shelter because the floors of some shelters have big gaps and the cold air below just sucks the heat right out of you.Along the way today we ran into "Goliath" who hopes to be on Mt. Katahdin to celebrate his 21st b'day. His dad met him on the trail and surprised him. He was offering beer and cold drinks. Another random act of kindness - it's truly amazing! I think I'm getting spoiled.
Date: 2006-03-26
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: broken clouds

I was given a piece of insulated padding this morning by another hiker. Now I just need to figure out a way to hook it to my pack. Although it's thicker than what I ditched it might be just what the doctor ordered to keep me warm. Snow's on the ground and it's cold, but it's a beautiful day. Clear sky and fair weather so far. Headin'Out, Taggin' Along and I plan to be on the trail around 9:30 or so. Have had breakfast and packed my gear. Just waiting to use the bathroom (what a bonus!) before heading out. We have a steep climb at Cheoah Bald (5,062') about 1 mi. from Sassafras Gap followed by some long flats. Will journal more when this day's done and will report my final destination for today...
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

A great big thank you to Rob and Tim Donlan (sp?) father and son who gave me the extra insulated pad yesterday morning before departing Sassafras Gap. Your kindness will long be remembered...I was actually sweating last night and slept like a baby!The 11 plus mi. I walked today with Headin'Out and Taggin' Along were very slippery and slow as the snow melts and the ground thaws. There is an icy layer over muddy frozen ground and it makes for precarious footsteps. It was very slow going in many spots, but the wheels are still on the bus and that's a very good thing! The sky was filled with sunshine - the 1st in 3 days and there are holly bushes everywhere. The views are absolutely beautiful with layers of mtns. as far I can see. We arrived Fontana Dam around 4:30 PM and got rooms at the Fontana Dam Village Resort which is being totally redone. The hiker rate is $39.00. I showered and did laundry. Also, had a hearty meal of fajitas, salad, crabcakes, coffee and chocolate-chocolate-chocolate cake - it cost me almost as much as my room! I'm losing weight, but still have my "love handles". My sons would say that's too much information or my filter's gone!I should mention there are several other trailmates here with me: Goliath, Phoenix (66 yrs. old and in much better shape than me!), Scott and Jen (who turned back a couple of days with health issues) and Cindy. I thought about a zero day tomorrow, but decided to head out into the Smokies tomorrow morning between 10:00-11:00 after picking up my first trail box at the post office. My trip thru the Smokies will be a bit like a forced march as a 7 day permit is all a hiker can have. You must stay in a shelter and you can't stay in the same shelter 2 consecutive nights. It's 71.6 mi from here to Davenport, TN - the eastern boundary of the Great Smoky Mtns. Nat'l Park. At least 5 of us will head out together and will average 10 mi a day for the next week. Every day's a memory; I must pay attention...
Date: 2006-03-28
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Picked up my first mail drop at Fontana Dam Post Office. Bonnie did a good job, but I had to ditch some of the weight. Even though she sent exactly what I requested for food I had to give some of it away. Don't worry, I'm not starving, but I've got to keep things as light as possible. Today's long tedious walk began at Little Tennessee River, Fontana Dam which is southern boundary of Great Smoky Mtns. Nat'l Park 1800'. Hiked through Shuckstack, Birch Spring Gap, Doe Knob (4,520'), Ekaneetlee Gap (3,842')finally arriving at Mollies Ridge Shelter 10.6 miles from Fontana Dam. This old man wants to tell you it's strenuous and seems like it's ALL uphill. If you don't have your hiking legs by now - good luck! Am I happy? You bet I am...
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Nob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Sky was blue, weather was good but it was a long and strenuous haul yesterday over snow, slush and running water. And, I'm telling you the ups are very hard!Spent the night with Phoenix, Centipede, Sleeper, Beer 30 and Goliath. Will all leave tomorrow morning and hope to cover the 14 miles over Clingman's dome (6,643') UGH - to Mt. Collins Shelter (5,900') - AAHH! If it's too much, I'll make a detour at Clingman's Dome and get a ride into town. Did I tell you that the shelters in the Smokies are caged to protect the hikers from bears. One step at a time...these boots were made for walking - maybe running depending on the wildlife!