morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Brown Fork Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 13.0

Well, we knew the rain was coming, but we had conflicting reports. I was just hoping it would hold out until the afternoon. And it did -- sort of. I heard the dreaded plop, plop, plop on my tent at 6 am. I was up in a flash and started packing my sleeping bag away. I put on my rain gear and before I was dressed, the rain stopped. So, I lay back down in my tiny tent and propped my booted feet on my loaded backpack. I decided to rest until sun up. I got up and had cold coffee and pop tarts at first light at 7 am, and I packed up my wet tent and was on the trail by 7:30. I hiked the first mile with my headlamp until it was light enough to see the faded and infrequent white blazes on the stretch of trail. It was a pretty winding stretch, but with intermittent rain all day the rocks were wet and the trail was muddy which made for slick and slow going as well as frequent stops for raincoat on, raincoat off. Raincoat on, raincoat off... I saw the beautiful blue water of Fontana Lake and made my way around to the dam. I got under the eaves at the visitors center (closed for the winter) and the thunderstorms hit for real. Huge flashes of lightening and the guys working at the dam had to come in under cover to wait out the storm. I feel lucky to have missed the worst of the weather that day, but I feel bad for the hikers out there.Annie and Ellie picked me up a few hours later and we checked into a cabin at Fontana Village where our friend Wayne from Chattanooga will meet us and I will resupply before heading into the Smokies.
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0

Spent a nice day hanging out with Picasso, Molly and other hikers. Even Dozer was there. I last saw him when he passed me at the NC/GA border 60 miles ago. I did laundry and played ball with Ellie. Wayne got here and we hung out while Annie drove the hikers into town for resupply. It was a nice relaxing day with friends old and new.Shout out: Wayne for driving all the way from Chattanooga to share my adventure! AND for bringing farm fresh eggs, Benson's smoked bacon and oranges : )
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Fontana Dam

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

After a delicious hot breakfast, Annie, Ellie and Wayne walked me across the dam bright and early in the morning. It was quite chilly out, but I started climbing right away and would spend the next few hours climbing from 1700' elevation up to 4500' and reach 4900' by the end of the day. I saw Leo the Lion coming down off the mountain that morning, but mostly I was hiking alone all day. Dozer and I leapfrogged each other a few times and we both ended up at this cool tree wrapped around a boulder late in the afternoon. Then we hiked into the shelter together. We put out our socks and boots in the dwindling sunlight to try to dry them out, then we changed into our dry camp clothes and fixed our supper. There were about 8 young men and women's from the University of Maryland who were hiking the Smokies as a group for Spring Break. They were all nice and made room for us in the shelter. Smooth Sailing breezed into the shelter and we began discussing the weather forecast and plans for the next few days. The weather forecast called for clear, cold weather tomorrow, but freezing rain starting midday Friday. So, we made a plan to hike to Newfound Gap and get a ride into Gatlinburg, TN by Friday. Smooth Sailing got a wonderful fire going in the shelter and everyone hit the hay.Shout out: Wayne! Thanks for breakfast
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

Despite the weather forecast for clear, cold weather, we woke up to several inches of snow on the ground and extremely cold temps.  A ranger came by the shelter and reported that the temp was 10F! I'm guessing the ranger was checking on everyone, since a hiker died of hypothermia in one of the shelters about 2 months ago. Dozer set out, determined to make the nearly 25 miles to Newfound Gap today, while Smooth Sailing and I set out and decided to assess our progress at the next shelter over 6 miles away. It was rough going because it was so bitterly cold. We tried to keep moving, but avoid working up a sweat. It was a struggle to keep our hands and feet warm and I worried about my feet still recovering from frostbite, but at this point I needed to focus on hiking my way out of the Smokies.When we reached the shelter we needed to warm up, so we had some food and hot water and Smooth Sailing even made a fire so we could try to warm up. We headed back out and reached the next shelter quickly, so we pressed on the short way to Double Spring Gap Shelter. It was only 3:00 in the afternoon but we were both beat. The sun was shining, so we tried to dry our things out and warm up. We decided to make hot drinks and Smooth Sailing went down to the spring to get water, but he slid into the spring and his foot submerged. He hobbled back up the hill to the shelter and I could see from his face that he was in trouble. He yanked his boots and socks off and jumped into his sleeping bag. His boot began to freeze right away. We ate and tried to get warm. We prepared for what looked to be a long, cold night alone in the shelter. We tried to find some twigs and branches for a fire, but we had little success. The plan was to wait until dark - about 8 pm - to make the fire to try to warm ourselves enough to sleep. We were in our sleeping bags by 7:00 and finally at 7:45 we heard familiar voices! It was Molly, Ian and Shepherd. And they said the University of Maryland crew were right behind them! I was glad to have extra bodies to warm the shelter and for company. The Maryland crew arrived and went out to collect firewood! They made a schedule to tend the fire all night and they huddled in front of the fire chatting quietly all night. What a great group!Lesson: Mother Nature does not care what your weather forecast says, so always be prepared for the worst.Shout out: the hikers from the University of Maryland for helping us keep the fire burning most of the night.
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.8

We were all slow to get up in the morning, not wanting to leave our warm sleeping bags and face another bitterly cold morning. After staying up all night to tend the fire, the University of Maryland gamg didn't even open their eyes as we bustled about the shelter. Picasso and Snow Frog passed through before we even left camp. Smooth Sailing had tried to dry out his frozen boot in the fire, but he melted the rubber sole. We all hit the trail with a single minded focus on getting into Gatlinburg because we were still expected freezing rain and freezing temps to hit midday. Right away we made the climb to Clingman's Dome, which  at 6655' is the highest point on the AT. A few patches of blue sky and sunlight made us giddy. We snapped a few photos, but quickly got off the summit tower where it was very exposed, windy and bitterly cold. On the way down the other side of the mountain much of the trail was a frozen stream and I slipped and slid my way down. I could feel my feet starting to swell from the cold, just as they had when I got frostbite a few months ago. While there were some patches of sunlight, we could see dark clouds rolling in, so we moved fast to get down to the gap before the rain started. We were in Gatlinburg by late afternoon for a hot bath, a hot meal and a warm dry bed.Lesson: once you are in the Smokies you need to be prepared to hike your way out over a day or two.Shout out: Smooth Sailing was awesome to hike out with. Thanks for your friendship and support in some pretty challenging circumstances.
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Newfound Gap

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I checked the weather forecast again this morning and it looks like more freezing rain and temps in the teens and 20Fs for the next 10 days. My feet are a bit swollen, and I am not going to risk doing more damage to them. So, for now I am off the trail. I'm not sure what I'll do, but this hike has been a blast. I covered 206 miles in just 2 weeks.It's a huge accomplishment, I've learned a lot, and I met some incredible people. I am happy for this experience and I know that this decision will just be a speed bump in my journey.Happy Trails to everyone whose still out there, getting ready to start, or just following the journey!
Date: 2012-10-08
To: Why 50/50
Miles today: 0.0

Ok, people have asked why the trail name 50/50? Not real deep, I am directionally challenged! OK, I've admitted it. My wife has had a good laugh about my directional or lack of directional skills, for 35 years. If given a choice when driving, to take a right or left, 50% of the time I'm wrong. It could be said that 50% of the time I'm right! I'm going with this one. Yes, I do realize that I will be considered a "NoBo"! I also have excepted that I probably will hike several unnecessary miles due to this affliction. Anyway's, that is the story of my name. See you on the trail!
Date: 2012-10-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

It's Getting RealAfter reading many TJ's over the years, many folk's said that at some point you need to let your friend's and family know that your planning a thru-hike of the AT. By doing this, it moves you from just thinking about it, to, I'm really going to do this! That said, I've finally shared my plans with many of my friends and family. Most are excited for me. Some don't get it. Fortunately, my immediate family all support and understand my dream! As for documenting my preparation and hike, I think I've decided to use my new IPhone 5 while on the trail. My concern is, I'm not real tech savy, and it takes me forever to type anything, fat fingers, mispelled words, etc. After much deliberation, I finally decided to change my pack from an REI Osprey to a ULA Catalyst. This was a big decision for me. Not because of weighing the differences of the packs, but, because in my final decision process to hike the trail or not, this was the "no turning back" decision point. This may sound crazy, but in my mind, I made this the final determiner of whether I was serious or not.Decision made; hike on!!
Date: 2012-11-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Blisters, Blisters, Blisters!Well I've been doing some training walks daily, trying to break in my new Garmont boots. I expected some blisters, which I have, but I didn't expect them after walking 4.1 miles each day for the last week! I switched back to my Merrill hiking shoes and they felt like walking on air! I'll keep trying to break them in and see what happens. It has been nice talking via e-mail with all the folks who are also planning a 2013 thru-hike. Preparation wise, I still need to decide whether I want to do mail drops, or just resupply on the trail? Still have decisions to make as far what clothes to carry. My biggest concern is not over-packing but still being able to stay warm enough at the beginning. I've lived in Florida the last 10 years since retiring from the Air Force, and haven't had to deal with the cold. Any suggestions on proper layering, multi-functional clothing? Decisions, decisions, decisions! Can't wait to get started though! I think I've read every book there is on the AT over the years, and now just want to get this adventure started.God Bless50/50
Date: 2012-11-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The help I have received from so many successful thru-hikers has been awesome. Special kudo's to "DocBoom", (Seth) who thru-hiked in 2011. He really took the time to screen my equipment choices, offerred pro's and con's, without selling out to any particular method. Just very helpful advice!! I have so many folks to thank for there help, too many, to list here. I hope to reciprocate some day. I've just about completed my prep, and have been working on getting physically ready. Breaking in boots, getting blisters! Ha! The best advice I've gotten from everyone is "be prepared to lose the pack weight", be flexible, and don't worry about trying to having the perfect plan. I'm going with this plan! Anything I don't know I'll figure out on the trail! I've also decided to forgo the mail drop plan, except for a very few comfort drops! This decision was made after talking to so many other thru-hikers. Again, I appreciate all the advice I've gotten.I did have the opportunity during Thanksgiving to hike "Camelback" in Phoenix. Wow, I'm out of mountain shape! Living at sea level is no help!! It was fun and I do realize that it will take a few weeks to get my trail legs on! Slow and steady. See you on the Trail!50/50
Date: 2012-12-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just returned home from Christmas break with my daughters family. Great time visiting and celebrating the season with my grandson Eli! On our flight home, we flew over the Appalachian Mtns and I believe some of the Blue Ridge Mtns. The mountains were covered with snow! I can't wait to get started on my thru-hike in March. Picked up some last minute gear and I think I am as ready as I will ever be! Soon I will weigh my pack and determine how "over-weight" I am!! I've tried real hard to select gear considering function and weight. I have a feeling I will be sending stuff home, once I get to Neels Gap! I've enjoyed reading other 2013'hiker journals. I'm looking forward to meeting so many of you. As far as physical prep, I continue to fast hike, ride my bike, and will soon start training with the pack on. Unfortunately, no hills here in Florida to train on. I plan on taking the advice so many successful thru-hikers have given me, which is to start out slow and steady!
Date: 2013-01-15
To: Continue with Prep
Miles today: 0.0

I continue to fine-tune my preparation. This is a test of my new iPhone five phone to see how it will do journaling. It seems to work fine, I'm trying to use the speaker mode a little bit to see if that will work, also to see if that will speed up the process. I hope this works, because I'm very slow at trying to make my journal entries with my fat fingers.
Date: 2013-01-16
From: Trip Reservations Made

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well its getting real! I made my lodging reservation for my wife and I. Decided to take a couple of days and stay in Helen, GA before my adventure officially starts 15 March. It will be good to have a couple of days just to spend time with my best friend and wife of almost 35 years! She has been so supportive of my dream and will be taking on a lot of work and home responsibility while I'm gone. Did I say, she is awesome!A lot of last minute organization and chores to get done before I leave. Tax prep, home maintenance, etc.. The number one question I keep getting from everyone is; you mean your going alone? I try and explain that your never really alone on the (AT), that a lot of great people will be sharing the experience etc. They feel better knowing that! Ha! I really can't wait to meet so many folks I've only communicated with through Trail Journals and e-mails. For those that are still trying to answer the question, "should I or shouldn't I", know that your not alone. It's a big decision and ultimately only you can answer that. I just know for me, that I didn't want to get to the end of my life having not tried. My decision was much easier knowing I had full support from Nanci. Anyway's, that is about it for now. Good luck everybody!
Date: 2013-02-04
To: Getting Ready
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Wow! It's getting close. Just a little over a month before I start my epic journey! Well Epic, for me. I've waited so long and now the time is almost here. I have a little anxiety, a few jitters, and a lot of nervous excitement. I find myself thinking,"all things trail"! I have been dreaming about the AT since my senior year in High School. Suffice to say, a lot of years. I jokingly started a piggy bank over 16 years ago, using a huge glass bottle to save my change. I always said for the most part, this is my savings for the AT. Anyway's, yesterday, my wife said, the time is now to empty the jug and add it to the AT fund! Ha! It was bittersweet, I tried talking her out of it a few times, but she wouldn't have it! It seemed a little sad to see my "piggy bank" empty after all these years. I'm sure there is a lesson in all of this, such as "don't store your treasures" etc.. But, it was my piggy bank! As far as training, starting to carry my pack in all my training walks. No, I haven't done a final weight check yet! I'm feared, petrified, mortified! Peer pressure! Those dang "ultralighters"! I'm almost 55 years young, I will not be pressured! Ha! Seriously, I'll will weigh the darn thing, someday, soon, maybe! See You On The Trail
Date: 2013-02-07
From: Food for 3 days ordered

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Thanks so much to Journey for helping me with food prep questions. I ordered just enough food to get me to Neels gap for the first part of my hike. I continue to train with my pack almost full. I am sore in places that I haven't been sore in years. Ha! I feel good about my training preparation but I also know that there's no replacement for actually hiking the trail to get in shape. I appreciate all the help I've received from fellow hikers and look forward to meeting many of you on the trail this year.
Date: 2013-02-18
To: Ready, Set, Go, in less than a month!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Ready, Set, Go!Well less than 30 days to go. Garmont boots, Merrill shoes broke in. Not sure which I'll start with. May be a game day decision. I feel good about my selections, but time will only tell.I have been reading about the class of 2013 early departures. Be safe, good luck and have fun! Oh, I did order a NewTrent charger for my iPhone recently. I hope this will work. They say it will charge my iPhone up to three additional times. I hope this is the case, because I plan on using my phone for journaling, pictures, etc.. I'm still practicing using my iPhone for journaling. I still find it a little difficult with fat fingers to journal very fast, without spelling and grammatical errors. I did purchase a stylus that I have tried with little improvement! Oh we'll, I'll do my best. See you on the trail
Date: 2013-02-22
To: A little of 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Decided to leave Florida early and head to Virginia to visit my Grandson Eli and family before Nanci and I head to Springer for my start on March 15! I have been reading fellow 2013'ers, sounds really cold on the trail. I'm anxious and excited to get started, and a little nervous.I was thinking I hope this is everything I've been dreaming about all these years. I do not expect this to be easy, and know there will be many obstacles to overcome. People have asked many times, why do you want to do this. It is kind of hard to explain in words. I have always loved the woods, mountains (grew up in WV), love the smells, views, sounds of the woods! Love the feeling of accomplishing a long hike, the physical tiredness, at the end of a long day. Good thing, because I'm in for a lot of those feelings! I've always been goal oriented, whether in my military career, earning my degree, or for the last 12 years, in business. I've never been afraid to change directions, careers, or move to another location, state etc.. My wife say's I have a lot of Gypsy in me. I guess growing up in the Air Force (Dad retired from the AF), and then I spent 20 years and retired from the Air Force. So we moved around, different States/Countries quite a bit. I really didn't know anything else. And so now, as I close by business, I'm ready for another career change and a 6 month adventure on the trail! I look forward to meeting other folks and hearing there stories. I come to this with a moderate amount of experience, but by know means an expert. I have reached out and greatly appreciate all the great advice people have shared with me. Now, its time to learn and figure this out for myself. I know this will be a mixed bag of fun, pain, emotional highs and lows. I've prepared for this the best I knew how, and am sure I could have done more. But it is, what it is! For those who will be following me on "Trailjournals", just know, spelling and grammer mistakes will be many, as I use my fat fingers to document this adventure with an IPhone. I'm sure I will be really tired at the end of the day, so some entrys may seem slightly incoherrent. Please feel free to send me e-mails from the journal. I will try to answer your e-mails, but they may be slow in response based on cellular access. Just know in advance, I appreciate your encouragement! I hope to include as many pictures as possible to give you a feel for the Appalachian Trail.Some have asked if they could send me "care" packages. Yes it can be done, just let me know and I can explain how, and what to send, and where I'll be. Remember, think light-weight, as I have to carry everything on my back! Most importantly, prayers would be greatly appreciated. Specifically, for safety, health, and injury free. I will explain trail jargon, terms, and little facts about the trail, in my daily journal entry's. Great information is available on www.Trailjournals.com, www.whiteblazes.comSee Ya on the Trail!
Date: 2013-03-04
From: Final Entry Before Start

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Well this is my final prep entry before my start on March 15.   Everything is set, all packed up, and ready to go! First, visiting daughter's family and my grandson in Virginia before heading to Springer.Attended church yesterday, and was happy to have Pastor John and Pastor Joe pray for my trip. I will miss Calvary Coastline, but will try and watch on-line when I can. I look forward with much anticipation to experience the next 6 months on the trail. Many people talk about "finding, or figuring out", who they are etc.. I don't fault them, but at almost 55 years old, I know who and what I am. I know that if not for the grace of God, I would not be saved! I do look forward to hearing the quiet voice of The Lord. I've labeled my hike, "a walking conversation with Jesus! I pray for all of us on the trail, for safety, health, and peace. I'm sure everyone is hiking for there own reasons and purpose. May everyone find it! I want to thank my wife of almost 35 years, the most important person in my life, for encouraging and understanding my dream from the start. Without your support, and love, this would not be possible! Thank you! 50/50
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Awesome start! Great weather, couldn't ask for a better start. Nanci dropped me off at the trail head after checking in at Amicalola Falls visitors center. Signed in as the 404 thru-hiker. Weighed pack, 40 lbs! Ugh! Definitely have to lose some pack weight.Very sad to see Nanci drive away, but I'll see her in a few months in VA. First part of hike I had to head South to Springer, then turn around and head North. Didn't seem right, going the wrong way, but I should be use to it! (50/50)! Ha!This time I was heading in the right direction. Met several thru-hikers, Woody, Condor, and several others. Hiked with Condor the rest of day. He can hike! Someone asked, how do you take 6 months off to thru-hike, with job, etc. At first I said, well I'm retired Air Force, just closed business, etc... Then I thought, no the reason I can do this is I have an awesome wife, who understands a d supports my dream! This is the answer I will give from now on! Thanks! End of a great day! More to come.