morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-01-31
To: Good Day to Hike
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I hiked today. Just finished 14.8 miles on the Pine Mt. Trail . I'm tired. I've changed into dry clothes, put on my new camp shoes, and had a snack. As I sit here on the tailgate of my Explorer, I'm thinking how I'll feel at the end of a day on the AT. I'm also amazed at how well auto correct works on this iPhone. So If you're reading this you will know that I successfully wrote, copied, and pasted in trailjournals.Today was a day that I wanted to check our a few things. I've been debating whether or not to carry rain pants. So when I began my hike this morning I decided to try out some Frogg Toggs. With the temps in the high 30's and a chilly wind, I walked for almost ten miles before I shed them for running shorts. Surprisingly I liked them. They breathed well and were only damp around the waist.The hike today consisted of the 7.8 mile Big Poplar Loop plus a 3.5 mile each way out and back to Dowdell's Knob. Terrain was easy to moderate with more easy; however, there were still some areas that reminded me of the AT. At one point there were so many rocks that I thought I had momentarily been transported to Pennsylvania. I also noticed how important it is to concentrate late in the day. On three occasions I slightly tripped just because I hadn't raised my feet to avoid a rock.Again like many other weekday hikes up here, I saw no other people for the entire hike. I know that will never be the case on the Appalachian Trail. It got a little lonely at times. I rarely hike with music, so it was just me and my thoughts for over six hours. That can be good and bad. Would've been nice to share them with someone. I didn't even see any wildlife, not even a squirrel.I thought a lot about my upcoming AT venture and about other hikes on the trail. At one point I remembered something that happened at Bascom Lodge on Mt. Greylock in Massachusetts. A thru hiker from Maine, who Alton and I had met a few days earlier, showed up in the late afternoon. We had gotten ahead of Junior because he had taken a zero day back in CT. After we persuaded him to join us for a salmon meal as our guest, he then hoisted his pack to make the next shelter even though it was almost dark. Junior could smell the end. He was ready to be finished. Even when we offered to pay for his bunk he declined, stating that he needed to make more miles before sundown.As I sit here with sunset approaching, I wonder how I'll feel if I get that close to completion. So today was a good day to hike.....not too cold, just cold enough to be comfortable. It would be a good night for a campfire on the AT. For me, it's a half hour drive back to a warm home, a hot shower, a hearty meal, and a comfortable bed. There will be time enough for camping once I arrive on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2013-02-07
To: Porcupine on the AT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Before I began section hiking the Appalachian Trail, one critter that I had never seen in the wild was the porcupine. That changed on the second day of our Vermont hike in 2007. Alton and I had begun the day from the Melville Nauheim Shelter with plans for a 12.8 mile day which would take us to the Kid Gore Shelter. I had remembered reading somewhere that if you wanted to see a porcupine on the AT, Kid Gore was the place. Since Alton and I had no desire to share a shelter with a porcupine, we both pitched our tents in a grassy area maybe twenty yards from the shelter¢s front. Not wanting to crowd our tents, however, we left our packs hanging from a knob in the shelter. After a meal, we turned in early, shortly after dusk. Just as I was about to fall asleep I heard a noise from the shelter. There had been no other hikers around as we settled into our tents a short time earlier, and even now there was no conversation from that direction. When the noise continued, Alton asked, ¢Did you hear that?¢ When I answered that I did, we both decided to investigate.With headlamps affixed, we quietly crept towards the shelter. At first it appeared that the shelter was empty. Then, at the same time, we spied the prickly fellow in the corner. He seemed unaware of our presence and continued gnawing at the salty wood. We moved a little closer to the critter and watched his movements for a while. Not seeming the least bit intimidated, he worked on at his task as we watched. Before retreating to our tents for the night, we removed our packs from the knobs, not wanting the packs to become something else that the porcupine might decide to chew on.My only other porcupine siting occurred in Pennsylvania. It was mid-day as I remember, and I was hiking alone when I heard something in the underbrush to my left. Out came a porcupine, heading for a tree. He climbed slowly, so I was able to take out my camera for a close-up before he made his way on up the trunk. I moved up the trail, eyes gazing in both directions, hoping that other porcupines might appear. They did not. So as I attempt my 2013 thru hike, I certainly hope I¢ll have at least once close encounter with a porcupine on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2013-03-16
To: One Week Countdown
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Much has happened over the past three weeks as I continue to prepare for my upcoming thru hike of the Appalachian Trail. With only one week remaining before I depart from Springer, I find myself constantly going over a mental list of what still needs to be done on the home front. My gear is ready, I think I'm prepared physically, and I've begun to say goodbye to those who I'll miss while away. Now I just have to wait for seven more days.Two weeks ago, my son Sam was home for the weekend, and we were able to get in 9 holes of golf on a very cold Saturday morning. In fact, we even had a brief snow flurry during the round. My good running buddy, Kevin, joined us on the Oxbow Creek course. As usual I finished third in the threesome. It's always good to spend time with my son and a great friend.Last weekend my wife Linda and I visited our daughter Rachel in NYC. Even though it was a brief trip this time, we did manage to get in some fine dining and a broadway show. I thought often of the similar trip we had taken with Don and Lisa two years ago just before Don's diagnosis. Those memories brought smiles to all of us.Earlier this week I was given the opportunity to speak at a luncheon at my church regarding my hike. The "Prime Timers" mainly consists of the older members of our congregation, many of whom are in a Sunday School class I teach on a rotating basis once a month. I'll miss those folks while I'm away; however, I will be blessed many times by their prayers. The luncheon also gave me the opportunity to provide a birthday cake for my mom. She will be 88 next Thursday, two days before I begin walking northward. Despite her concern for the health and safety of her lone surviving child, I think deep down she is very proud of what I am trying to accomplish.Today we celebrated a second time at lunch with Lisa, Brent, and Lori, (Don's wife, son, and daughter-in-law). Lisa's sister Val and her husband Freddy also joined us. Much of the talk around the table centered around my hike. Brent and Lori plan to meet me somewhere along the way, and Lisa promises a celebration in Maine if I make it. Certainly provides me with more incentive.So, it's been a great last three weeks as I get ready for that final seven day countdown. I'm still reading daily others' trail journals and can't wait to be out there hiking with them. I greatly appreciate all who have found and read my journal, and I thank sincerely those who have signed my guest book or sent me an email. Over the next few months I hope I'll be able to provide all with an insightful as well as entertaining portrayal of trail life while I pursue an adventure on the Appalachian Trail. And each day that I walk I'll often remember that Don loved the woods.
Date: 2013-03-22
To: Signing in
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light shower snow

Well I suppose it's time to let the adventure begin. A good former teaching buddy, Scotty Brooks, took a day off from his position as media specialist at Phenix City Intermediate School to drive Linda and me up to North Georgia today. Lisa drove herself up and met us in Dahlonega, where we're staying the night. After a trip to Amicolola Falls State Park, where I signed in as official AT thru hiker number 590, we spent the duration of the afternoon walking around the tourist town, winding up at the Back Porch Oyster House for an evening meal. On the square several vendors were setting up tents in preparation for an Appalachian Trail Fest, which begins tomorrow. I received a favorable weather forecast from a young man who was preparing an exhibit. After I informed the fellow that I was beginning a thru hike tomorrow, he stated that he had begun his thru hike four years ago on March 25. I felt that meeting Catfish, an AT 2000 miler, just might be a good omen. He wished me well as I walked on to catch up with Linda and Scotty who had headed into a chocolate shop.IOverall, the day has gone well. I'm packed, well rested, well fed, and quiet frankly, ready to begin walking north. Several times throughout the afternoon I thought that I'd really rather have gone ahead and started today. I need to be patient, however. There will be plenty of time for hiking over the next few weeks. Tonight it was important to enjoy special time with family and a good friend.I thought about Don many times today. Brent called to wish me well. He loved his dad dearly, just as Don loved him. Many people sent text messages; others commented on Facebook; some called. I appreciated all those who reached out to offer support and prayers. I will need them every day as I make my way north.So it's late and I need to sleep. Morning awaits as do the 2185 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light rain

All in all, it was a very good first day on the trail. The journey began with a drive up a series of mountain roads with the destination of Big Stamp Gap, one mile north of Springer Mountain. Unfortunately, however, after Scotty made a wrong turn somewhere along the way, we wound up at Nimblewell Gap, at the 6 mile mark of the approach trail. So rather than a 9.1 mile day, I hiked 10.9. Officially though, I'm at the 8.1 mile mark on the AT. As a result of my good buddy's navigational error, I might be the only thru hiker ever to begin a hike at Nimblewell Gap. It proved prophetic in a way because I met former thru hiker Hopeful on the way up to Springer. He had hiked in 2003 and again in 2011. I had read his journal, so it was a real treat to be able to meet and chat with him. I also appreciated the advice he offered.Overall, the terrain of the hike today was fairly easy, at least by AT standards. I thought of Don often. I also met several other hikers along the trail including a family of four from Asheville, two section hikers from St. Augustine, and a few thru hikers. Lucky is a young fellow from Ireland who is traveling with a hiker from the Netherlands that he met at the Hiker Hostel. Daypack, who also thrued last year, is here tonight as well. All together there are around 25 hikers at the campsite.I'm tenting next to a couple of retired army officers who have kept me laughing the entire time I have been writing this with a variety of stories from their pasts and some interesting planing strategies for the next few days. Dave and Phil seem like some genuinely nice guys who served their country in Vietnam. They plan to hike about 700 miles, so hopefully our paths will cross again over the next few weeks.Well, the campfire is blazing, so now I have to decide whether to remain in my cozy sleeping bag and listen to some music or join the younger hikers by the fire. Since it sounds like light rain is beginning to fall on my tent, I suppose I'll stay put. Before closing for the night I want to thank my beautiful, supportive wife Linda and my wonderful sister-in-law Lisa for sending me off in style. I'm truly blessed with a loving family. Only one day has passed, but if today is any indication of what is to come, it's going to be a wonderful adventure on the Appalachian Trail.Don loved the woods.
Date: 2013-03-24
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 13.1

It was a dark and stormy night. As we negotiated the forest roads in our search for the start of the AT yesterday, I kidded with Linda, Lisa, and Scotty that at some time during the hike I wanted to begin a post with Snoopy's opening sentence for his novel. I just didn't know it would come so soon. Folks, it deluged last night. As my granddaddy Harry Andrews would have said, "it came a gullywasher." The thunderstorms commenced around midnight and didn't subside until dawn. They were relentless. Lightning lit up the sky like a bomb exploding. I envisioned that line of dark red on the weather radar. Needless to say, I slept little.At first light I began to pack up. Water had crept beneath my tent despite my meticulous placement of the tent at what I had thought was the ideal camping spot. So after packing a damp sleeping bag, wet clothes, and a partially soaked sleeping pad, I ate breakfast and then took down my drenched tent. Therefore, until the sun comes out, I'll be carrying an unusable wet tent.The hike today was a lot more strenuous than yesterday. Due to the rain, there was a considerable amount of standing water on the trail. The streams were rushing as well which meant that crossings were also a bit challenging. At one point there was no other choice but to step directly in the water. I thought about changing socks but decided to forgo the stop. In addition, mud was everywhere. I slipped several times; however, so far I have been able to follow my good running buddy John Cobis' advice, "stay vertical." Tomorrow going down Blood Mountain will be the biggest challenge thus far.Along the way today I hiked briefly with two fire fighters from Winston Salem and also stopped to chat with a south bound section hiker Pilot, who is from the Boston area. I stopped briefly to eat and rest at Gooch Mountain shelter where I shared some info with a young couple from Indiana. After a tiring final 5.3 miles I arrived at Woody Gap in a dense fog. I was able to hitch a ride to the Hiker Hostel with Kayleen and her husband (whose name I can't remember). They were dropping off another hiker and gladly offered me the ride here. My first trail angel.Josh and Leigh, the owners of the hostel, thru hiked in 2000. They are really great folks, answering questions and providing advice when asked. Josh took me in to Dahlonega to get a meal at Captain D's. After returning to the hostel I was able to talk to some of the hikers here about Don. All listened with compassion. Among those are Kathy Sanders, who is on trailjournals, Cliffdiver, Ratchet, Lance, Alex from England, and four hikers from Maine. It has been great exchanging stories with all.Tomorrow morning, after a hearty breakfast at the hostel, I'll head back to the trail to resume my hike at Woody Gap, with Neel Gap and Mountain Crossings as my destination. Like I will sign every register, Don loved the woods.Until tomorrow....
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin, NC

To: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

It felt good to sleep in a bed last night; however, I still awoke somewhat early, a little after 7:00. Needing to get several tasks accomplished today, I made a list and set out about 8:30. The first stop was at Bojangles for breakfast. Even though the motel provided a light fare, I wanted something more substantial. I thought about the time last fall when Linda and I had dined at a Bojangles, while vacationing in the Western Carolina mountains.After breakfast I walked to a nearby UPS to mail the old tent, sleeping pad, and a few miscellaneous items to my good buddy Scotty. I had planned to toss the tent; however, when I asked my friend if he wanted it, he said he did. Perhaps he can figure out a way to make it sleep worthy again. It served its purpose well for me over the past ten years of section hiking. Now it's time for an upgrade in the tent category. Next, I visited the Three Eagles Outfitters to invest in a new sleeping pad and look at their tents. Uncertain still of just what tent to buy, I decided to wait until I get to Natahala in two more days in order to do some more research. I did purchase a Big Agnes pad with 2.5 thickness and a 4.1 R value. I should expect more comfortable nights ahead in the shelters. In addition, I decided to buy a camp towel to replace the standard hand towel I was carrying. Camp towels are lighter and dry much more quickly.When I finished at the outfitters, I stopped by a Kerr Drugs for some more necessary items. Among those were travel size sunscreen and deodorant. I also picked up some whole milk and Don's favorite, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Then I headed back to the motel where I visited in the lobby for a while with Jolly, Nimble, Highlighter, and Wrong Way. Jolly, originally from Northern England, now resides in Westchester County, NY. I also set up a shuttle for the return to the trail tomorrow morning.For the remainder of the afternoon I've been returning and sending emails and text messages, researching tents, and resting. It has definitely been a relaxing day; however, I' m already getting a little restless to resume the hike. I'm looking forward to watching some baseball tonight, but I'm even looking more forward to tomorrow and putting in the miles on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was one filled with many ups and downs......in more ways than one. While eating my two blueberry pop tarts for breakfast, I couldn't help thinking of an old saying by one of my kinfolks, "if I had any ham, I'd have some ham and eggs, if I had any eggs." Needless to say, a trail breakfast never stacks up to a town one. And as a result of poor nutrition from the onset, I struggled for much of the day.A climb over Rocky Top awaited me shortly after today's hike began. The views at the top were among the most spectacular I've experienced up to this point. Looking back toward the west, Fontana Dam was visible in the distance. I only paused for a minute, however, due to the high winds. So after a couple of pics, I hiked on. For the entire day, I hiked solo.Throughout the morning my energy level quickly dissipated. Within the first two hours I was passed by Rocket, Whiskers, Postman, and Puffy, who had all stayed at the shelter previous to mine last night. A little later Grinch and Kermit also sailed by. By the time I reached the Derrick Knob shelter, I was definitely struggling. I took a break to eat and try to rehydrate. Apparently, however, the food was not enough. About a mile after hiking on up the trail, I had to stop for another rest. While sitting on a log, drinking water and eating peanut butter, Grinch and Kermit stopped to check on me. Grinch gave me some jellybeans and both hikers refused to move on until I assured them I was OK. I've hiked in the vicinity of these two young men from Marietta, GA for over a week. They are a good representation of how folks on the trail look out for each other. Before hiking on they encouraged me to make it to the shelter where they were staying.Well, after the break I began to feel much better. I just have to keep drinking all day, especially when it gets warm like it did today. As I continued up the trail, the uphills were relentless. None were that long; they just never seemed to cease. And every uphill was followed by a downhill which led to another uphill. I walked on flat terrain very little of today's hike. Still, the often panoramic views more than made up for my difficulties.By the time I reached the Siler Bald shelter, I was feeling much better. After another short break I hiked on to Double Springs shelter where I met up with Rocket, Whiskers, Grinch, Kermit, and several hikers who I had not seen before. The campfire is going and everyone is huddled around as sundown approaches. After a difficult 13.5 mile day (due to how I felt, not to the trail conditions), I have a shorter hike tomorrow into Newfound Gap. I'm definitely looking forward to a town meal again.The Appalachian Trail presents all hikers with a variety of challenges daily. As I hiked slowly at times today, I could imagine my brother offering encouragement with every step. I made it through some difficulty today, but tomorrow quite probably will provide another day filled with great vistas, fellowship, and opportunity, as most do on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

When I heard Piddling Around piddling around at daybreak, I felt it OK to begin packing up even though most of my shelter mates were still asleep. I quickly readied myself for a short 10.8 mile day to Newfound Gap where church friends Bennett and Lynda Massey would be waiting to treat me to a night in a luxurious condo in Sevierville, TN. The thoughts of a hot shower and "real" food inspired me to get on up the trail quickly. The trail from Double Springs shelter began with a walk through a canopy of evergreen trees. The scent reminded me of Christmas while the scene brought back recollections of the forest in "The Wizard of Oz" where the scarecrow keeps repeating, "lions and tigers and bears, oh my." I knew I didn't have to worry about any lions or tigers......I'm still waiting to see my first bear on this trip. I had my camera handy all day, just in case.Within a mile Piddling Around caught up with me, so we hiked together for a large part of the day. I also hiked for a while in the afternoon with Cabo, a hiker about my age that I had met for the first time last night at the shelter. We took turns leading over the icy slush which still did not make negotiating the trail any easier. I fell three times on the ice today. That ups my total of falls now to five.   And in addition to the falls, I also literally skied down one section for about ten yards before coming to a stop still standing. How? I don't know. I suppose there's no harm in ski blazing. If not for my trekking poles, I'm not sure I would have ever made it down from Clingman's Dome. Since the observation tower was fogged in when we passed, we chose not to climb the half mile trail to the tallest point in TN. After all, my top elevation today was over 6500 feet.After I finally reached an elevation where the trail wasn't quite so icy, I made good time hiking on to Newfound Gap. As has been the custom every day for about the last week, at some time during the day Grinch and Kermit pass me. So with about two miles remaining in today's hike they zipped by. I actually hiked with them for a few minutes before they pulled away. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the two young men up the trail.With about 300 yards until reaching Newfound Gap, I looked up rounding a bend and Bennett and Lynda were walking toward me. They were the first familiar faces I had seen since starting the hike over two weeks ago. When we got to their truck in the parking lot, they had a cold soda ready and even stopped for me to get a burger on the way to the condo in Sevierville, TN. By far, these are the beat accommodations I've had thus far. Now they are about to take me out for dinner, so I'm hoping all this town food will lead to a strong day tomorrow when I continue the Smokies on the Appalachian Trail.