morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-10
From: Close To Dennis Cove Rd

To: Laurel Creek Campground
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: overcast clouds

   Got up early hoping to get a jump start on the bugs, but they were already buzzing around the tent door at first light. Loaded up the pack and headed for the road. Brew and Ian came up and passed me shortly after I got going. When I got to Dennis Cove Road, turned right and road walked to the campground. Quite a few staying here--a lot are out on slackpacks right now. I'm sharing a little cabin with Wounded Knee and Roam is in the cabin next door. First order of business was a couple cups of coffee and a cheeseburger. Then took a much need shower and did the laundry, hanging most things out on a line to air out. Spent the day lounging around, catching up on the trail news, and getting the gear reorganized. In the evening got into the shuttle to go to town. There were 13 hikers packed in the back of a van with no seats, with John driving. We went a couple miles up the twisting, turning, narrow mountain road when we ran out of gas. So here are thirteen homeless refugees standing around a van covered with grafiti in the middle of the road in the middle of nowhere. We tried pushing the monster but that was short lived and futile. John caught a ride to go get some gas while we directed traffic, joked and added a few more scribblings. We eventually did make it to town and most of us went to the Chinese buffet with a quick trip to Winn Dixie next door. I had to buy a spray can of bug repellent since that was all they had. And to think I passed on a full bottle of REI max Deet out of a hiker box in Newland, not knowing I had none, and talked Lion King into taking it. Well, it is better than nothing until I can replace the heavy can with the smaller, lighter more concentrated stuff. We waited, waited and waited and finally John came back to pick us up. So the 13 of us plus many bags of supplies, a few cases of beer, and bags of ice crawled back into the van for the return trip. With all that weight and oversized tires on the back, the tires were rubbing on the wheel wells on every turn. Figured we'd be changing a tire on the return trip, but we made it back without incident. This is a very nice place with bunkhouse, cabins, and grill and very attractive surroundings on a rushing trout stream. There are 37 people staying here tonight. All the activity is up in the bunkhouse kitchen. but we turned early.
Date: 2003-05-11
From: Laurel Creek Campground

To: Laurel Creek Campground (Zero Day)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

   Was debating whether to slackpack today, but when I got up and saw the weather forecast for more strong rains, that cinched a no go day. Had breakfast as it started to come down. By the time it quit, there wasn't enough time to do the slackpack, as slow as I am. Called Marge to wish her happy Mother's Day--not very appropriate to do it collect, but it is good to hear things were okay there. It became very windy this evening, but it blew out the humidity.
Date: 2013-04-26
To: Lessons and Reflections
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I am healing faster than the first time I had to get off trail but that's understandable, given the fact that I didn't aggravate it this time by hiking while injured. I have had some time to think about what a month on the trail meant to me. I learned a few hiking tips but more importantly, I learned some life lessons and some things about myself. Below is a list of lessons and reflections from my hike:Lessons learned while hiking the ATDon't blame the trail for the elements. Rain, snow, cold and wind are also part of Nature as are sunshine and warm breezes.Slow down and enjoy the journey. It even helps to stop every now and then and experience the moment.Time is what I make it. I will measure it in friends and experiences not hours or miles.Life can be simple. Everything I need to survive can be carried on my back and in my heart.Being alone does not mean being lonely. Anyone can be with me if I think about what they mean to me.Prayer can be a conversation with whomever. It need not be a recitation.Problems are opportunities that need a solution. The solution is obvious when I open up my mind.Planning is important but a plan can change.Be honest with myself and everyone I meet. It is less complicated than the alternative.Family and friends are the trump cards I hold. I will keep them close to my heart.Reflections after hiking the AT My family is my purpose in life. I love them more than I love myself. I still believe in God. Although my church-going days are few, I found comfort in my religious upbringing and have reconnected in some way with God. I have more friends than I ever imagined. I am thankful for everyone I can call a friend and want to widen the circle of friendship. Trust in myself. I never felt I couldn¢t solve a problem while hiking the AT.I need not be afraid. I never once felt frightened not knowing what was around the next bend.Enjoy the present. My past is a memory and my future is unknown. I don¢t want to let the past or future take away from the present.I need to appreciate the small things and celebrate the important things. I need to practice patience whenever possible.I am happy. Life is good.I have been blessed with much to be thankful for.Paddyman
Date: 2003-05-12
From: Laurel Creek Campground (Zero Day)

To: Laurel Creek Campground (Slackpack)
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

   Started from Watauga Dam Road slackpacking back to the campground. Got a rather late start with the shuttle, and the route is supposed to be rough in parts. The first half went well and my legs felt strong going up the gradual hill to Pond Flats from the backside. Coming down was another matter--steep and rocky. The azaleas were in full bloom--lavender, orange, white and yellow. Once down at the bottom, I followed Laurel Fork with the water going over many chutes and slides. Lovely spot to take a few minutes to enjoy the beautiful day. With lower humidity, cooler temps and strong winds, it was a perfect hiking day. Didn't have to deal with sweat or bugs anyway. Near the end of the day I came to Laurel Falls. When I arrived there was no one there, and I climbed down and took a long break, enjoying the spectacle of the water cascading over the rocks. Following the trail along the river was tricky in spots, but luckily I had been forwarned by others who made that stretch earlier. The climb up out of the gorge was arduous, up rock steps all the way to the top. Steps are the worst! When I got to the road, I stuck out my thumb at the first SUV to come by, and caught a quick ride back. One interesting moment occurred today. Not being from snake country, I have no ingrained slither consciousness. So when I spotted a coiled garter snake along the trail, I realized that I at least am developing some sense of awareness. But before I get too cocky about my observation skills, I must confess I almost walked right into a downed tree that was jutting head-high over the trail. I don't know if I was deep in thought, or "in the zone", but smashing my face on the end of a log would have been a classic.      Wounded Knee and Roam headed north this morning, and surprisingly we didn't pass each other. I expect to see Wounded Knee again farther north, but Roam will be departing the trail in Damascus. It has been enjoyable to share part of the trail with them the past few days.      Sat on the porch of Mick's cabin, next to mine, tonight and chatted and had a few beers with him. We watched the trout jumping in the stream as dusk fell. This is a very relaxing place to stay.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Lessons and Reflections

To: Post after visit to Orthopedist
Miles today: 0.0

I went to see Doctor Oliver yesterday. He is an orthopedist with excellent credentials and reputation. I had visited him a few years ago and was willing to wait two weeks to see him for my knee. The swelling in my knee was still present 18 days after I got off the trail and came home. I was nervous because I didn't know what he would say. I was still limping and unable to straighten my knee without pain. Doctor Oliver examained my knee and had the technician take a series of X-Rays. His diagnosis was a streched medial collateral ligament. On the plastic model he showed me what this was. Simply stated, it is is one of the four major ligaments of the knee. It is on the medial (inner) side of the knee joint. Because I had streched it, my right knee had more lateral movement than my left knee. Good news though, it was not going to require surgery. Instead, Doctor Oliver drained some fluid from my knee, gave me a cortisone shot for some arthritis and prescribed physical therapy. He also said I had no limitations in what I can do but within reason as I recover. Good news in my opinion because I can fully recover, strengthen my knees and be back section hiking in mid-June or early July at the latest. I laid awake last night thinking about where I would start back on the trail. I have 2,000 more miles to go and now that I am looking at the months ahead, I can plan to hike where the conditions are best. I have some planning to do along with my physical therapy and conditioning but I could not be happier that my accident did not keep me from doing some more serious miles this year. Life is good!!Paddyman
Date: 2003-05-13
From: Laurel Creek Campground (Slackpack)

To: Laurel Creek Campground (Slackpack)
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

   Had a longer slackpack today. Went with Finkerbell, Two Dog Night and the Mutts, and IB. By the time we arrived at the first shelter, I knew we were already behind schedule to make our pickup time in the evening. Walking south, I encountered all the northbound traffic, including Roam and Wounded Knee again, Brew and Jenn, and Shaggy, Rusty and Elizabeth and dozens of others. Resisted chatting too much since we had to average over 2 mph to get to the end on time. Passed Grindstaff Monument and pondered my own destiny briefly. Saw blossoming may apples with their single white blossom hidden under the umbrella of leaves, more vari-colored azaleas, and the first blossoming pink rhododendrons. The views were good as the weather remained cool, clear and breezy. I could see down over Lake Watauga from far above and across the valleys. I took only a couple of brief breaks, trying to stay close to the others, but started getting tired toward the end. Ran into Molasses with only a couple of miles left to go. Stopped and chatted and never got back into rhythm. I think I surprised an oncoming hiker by how many expletives I could include in just asking "how far to the road?" Was very happy to see the van at last. We spent three hours chasing around looking for a hiker John was supposed to pick up. IB even ran 4 miles of trail at dark trying to track her down and he did eventually find out she had already gotten a ride hours ago. We got back pretty late after a McStop. I think we were all pretty tired. I had figured to devise a plan for my siege of Damascus while hiking today, but never developed much of a strategy. My feet are a little sore tonight, and a little stiffness is setting in, but I feel good about accomplishing today's distance.
Date: 2013-01-04
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hello and welcome to my trail journal!This March, I am planning on dropping out of the world as I know it and hike one of the longest continuous trails in the US - The Appalachian Trail. I'll be hiking Northbound, which means I'll be starting in Georgia and finishing in Maine. Inbetween are 12 states - North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire. (Total them all up and you get 14 states!) The trail is in a state of flux and the mileage changes every year -the NPS lists it as 2,184 (Nov. 2012). Definitely blows my mind!This has been something I've wanted to do for a long time and there is no better time than the present. Feel free to come along - it's sure to be a grand adventure...
Date: 2003-05-14
From: Laurel Creek Campground (Slackpack)

To: Laurel Creek Campground (Zero Day)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

   Ran out of trail to slackpack, but decided to stay here and shuttle to Damascus for Trail Days. It is nice and comfortable here, and reasonably priced. With everyone else headed to Damascus or out slackpacking, it is quiet here. Helped clean up the bunkhouse kitchen and did a few chores just for something to do. Looked up some of the flowers I have seen in a book here. What I had thought were white bleeding hearts were actually squirrel corn. Later spent the evening talking with the other hikers when they returned.
Date: 2013-01-05
To: A Little About Me
Miles today: 0.0

So - to give a little background - I'm of the Baby Boomer generation (not another one!), born and raised in the Midwest (the Ohio lands). I'm not a true flatlander, I claim to live in the foothills of the Appalachians; but, it's more accurately the toes. I won't be terribly lost in the woods. My father dragged my sisters and me along when he went mushroom hunting - I must have loved it the most. At least, I'm the only one that continued the tradition, dragging my kids along when I went mushroom hunting. One should always know how to spot an edible morel!My understanding is that a thru-hike is more a mental game. That's a relief. My plan is to put one foot in front of the other and, hopefully, look up one day and voila! There's Katahdin. (okay - I'm a little more grounded and know there is more to it than that).I am so looking forward to meeting my fellow 2013-ers. I love the trail community!
Date: 2003-05-15
From: Laurel Creek Campground (Zero Day)

To: Laurel Creek Campground (Zero Day)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

   Took the shuttle up to Damascus this morning to check out Trail Days. I was amazed at how few people were there. Talked to some of the folks I knew. Ran into Gazelle and Firefeet and hung out with them for awhile. Firefeet talked to MSR about her ziplock Platypus hydration bag. The little company rep filled a bag and stood on it to show it wouldn't leak under pressure in a pack, but we laughed saying she only weighs about 90 lbs. So I said if it would hold me, then you have proof. Let it be known that Brown Bess is now the industry standard for hyration system strength! Firefeet's concerns were quelled, as were the company rep's, when the bag didn't explode much less leak a drop. We caught a ride back to town, and I went over to where the dealers were supposed to be set up. But there wasn't anything going on over there, and it began to rain. Went to Dollar General and bought a cheap plastic rain parka since I didn't bring a jacket with me. Met up with Gazelle again and we walked to The Place, where she was staying, since I wanted to check it out. The hostel was full, of course, with many tents pitched outside. Went up to the Dairy King and had a strawberry shake and then headed back downtown with a large cone for the grueling three block journey. With my ice cream jones satisfied, I just hung out talking with other hikers I knew, and meeting some new ones. John came and picked me and Spitfire up in the van and returned to the hostel. I was rather disappointed--maybe I was expecting too much in my initial Trail Days experience.
Date: 2013-01-07
To: My Training Regimen
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

For my readers that are new to the idea of long-distance hiking, you may imagine that hiking 2,000+ miles is no 'walk in the park'. And, you would be correct. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the governing body of this wonderful National Scenic Trail, keeps stats on the number starting out, number that make it to the half-way point, and the number that complete the trail. They are reported for Northbound (aka NOBO, which is what I am), Southbound (aka SOBO, starting in Maine and walking to Georgia), or Flip Flop (start in the middle, go one way, 'flip' back to the middle and finish up).Here's the stats for NOBO and SOBO 2012: 2012 Hiker Counts (updated December 6, 2012) Northbound (Georgia to Maine) Springer Mtn., Ga.               2500 Harpers Ferry, W.Va. (1,017 miles) 1017 Katahdin, Maine (2,184 miles)      397 Southbound (Maine to Georgia) Katahdin, Maine                  330 Harpers Ferry, W.Va. (1,167 miles) 162 Springer Mtn., Ga. (2,184 miles)   27So, you get the picture, many try, few succeed.My training to prepare for this endeavor is very modest. It is difficult to get walking in when you work full time during the short days of winter so I try to walk on the weekends and do a little treadmilling now and then (which I am not too keen on). I've been encouraged by previous successful thru-hikers that I feel started out in the same position - not uber-athletic, but in good general health and aware of their physical limitations (I'm thinking of you, right knee!). I really hope I'm not proved wrong - there is nothing better than Maine in the Fall!
Date: 2003-05-16
From: Laurel Creek Campground (Zero Day)

To: Laurel Creek Campground (Zero Day)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

   Decided to go back into Damascus today, primarily to get my hiking poles cleaned and checked. Dennis, the former owner here, and his buddy Al gave Spitfire and myself a ride in the back of their Lexus. When we exited at the camping area, Spitfire, in her hula skirt, drew some attention. I dropped my poles off and the Leki reps were really nice, and promised they'd be done by the end of the day. Wandered around the camping area but didn't see many people I knew--it was pretty quiet. Walked to town and over to the dealer area. Ran into 1/3, who I hadn't seen since Franklin, and got caught up. Chatted with Molasses and Firefeet while they had lunch. Firefeet had returned her tent and gotten a hammock. I went over and talked with Zipdrive and Radar at the trailjournals.com tent. Then I went up and down the row of dealers. Climbed into one of the hammocks just to try it, and found it quite comfortable. I would like to have one but my tent weighs less and has already proven itself. I was hoping Rainmaker, who made my tent, would be there, but he wasn't. And no Smartwool, free trade in socks--darn! I walked down by the Old Mill and some other areas of town I hadn't seen, then sat in front of the outfiters and chatted with Roam, Stretch and DocVapor. I went back and retrieved my poles, which were ready as promised. The rep that cleaned them said there was moisture built up inside them causing corrosion, and that I should pull the sections apart to let them dry routinely. Whether that was because of using them inverted as tent poles, or from immersing them when crossing streams, I'm not sure. But a good thing to be aware of. I caught a ride back to town to wait for John to pick me up. I had been looking for a cheap hat all day, and Groovy gave me a hat he got from Leki that he didn't want--perfect timing there.      When John's truck appeared, a young guy that he had picked up coming into town, got out and asked if I was J.T. It was Ian, who I had been looking for since I started in Springer. I was shocked!! We had chatted at trailjournals.com regularly, long before our hikes. And now we finally meet on a street corner in Damascus. I would've liked to have talked to him for a couple of hours instead of this all too brief coincidental encounter. He is quite far ahead of me, but maybe one day we can share and compare experiences. Later I wished I had just grabbed him and his stuff and dragged him back to Laurel Creek with us.
Date: 2013-01-09
To: Walking In My Daughter's Footsteps
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

You can imagine what a surprise it was when my daughter announced in 2010 that she was hiking the Appalachian Trail the next year (Socks GA-ME 2011). Seriously, she was never even aware it existed before she had to listen to all my updates on the hikers I was following as they progressed North (and, even then, she thought I was nuts to be so into it). My first thought was 'hey - you can't do that! That's my idea!'. You know what they say about parents trying to live their dreams through their children. I can ASSURE you, that was not the case. Well, after the initial surprise, I was on board with the idea - lock, stock and barrel!She was my guinea pig and a willing one at that. She relied a little too much on my enthusiasm - the selected pack was too heavy, both #1 and replacement #2 (sorry, Socks)- but, she also made some good choices - a Clark Jungle Hammock is one of the coolest hammocks made! And, most important, she learned and adapted along the way. I hung around Georgia for five days - just in case she decided it wasn't for her, I didn't want to have to drive back from Ohio. It was unnecessary.I had gotten an Excalibur dehydrator that year (love it!) and so offered to send her maildrops. Free food, what hiker turns that down? I know there are pros and cons to doing total maildrops (and I respect them all) but I will say this, we never lost a box and she never had to wait for one to arrive. That said, I was also totally burnt out on getting maildrops together by the end of her hike. It really is a lot of work - more on my plans in that area later...She is shown here on her Summit Day - with her hiking partner, Hoop, whom she met in Virginia (now life partner). It is one thing following a hiker's journey through their posts on trailjournals or another blog, it is quite another thing following your child's hike! I'm a worrier, I try not to be and I am well aware that she had what it takes to be safe on the trail (aka good sense), but I couldn't help it. All was well.So, here I go. Walking in my daughter's footsteps, literally. How many parents have a chance to do that? She is my mentor. I have so many memories of things that happened to her along the way, places where we met up, etc. I am sure I will be mentioning them, so I wanted my readers to know.One of the best things to come out of this - when I met them up at Baxter Park, ME before their summit, I had them write their final pack list - the things they had at the end. I know many people list their beginning list, but I always was curious about the ending list - what was really important and essential to carry to the end? Stay tuned, I'll be listing both Socks list and Hoops list. You'll be surprised at how little you need, a minimalist lifestyle.Their big day was September 30, 2011. Conditions were ideal! Oh, happy day!
Date: 2003-05-17
From: Laurel Creek Campground (Zero Day)

To: Laurel Creek Campground (Zero Day)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

   Today was just a wasted day. I didn't have any desire to return to Damascus....and with the weather threatening, hiking didn't appeal to me either. I played on the computer for a bit, got a box ready to ship, organized my pack, caught up on my journal and ate ice cream to pass the day away. Tomorrow is supposed to be stormy, but I'm going back on the trail....I've been here a week already!! When I went back to my cabin for the night, the rain began falling.