morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-01-29
To: Work Place Send Off
Miles today: 0.0

Well, the past few days has really cemented the fact I am way past the point of no return. I attended the Florida Ruck and gone to three ¢Going ¢Away¢ functions including two breakfasts and a luncheon. Everyone has been so nice and encouraging about this undertaking. Some of the presents I have received are:-        A mini roll of toilet paper from my boss (this will go with me!)-        A flask for those cold nights-        An American Flag towel that can be hooked onto my pack-        A mini shaver that is actually a lighter (I wouldn¢t have known it looked so real).-        A big sign with an ¢X¢ on it that says, ¢Robby is here¢, in case I get lost!-        A ¢Monsters of the Mid-day¢ towel. My favorite local radio station-        A set of rules or hiking service codes (I work in a very documented organization)-        An actual ¢mini-mini¢ copy of our operating procedures to read on lonely nights - right!-        Ingredients to make trail mix-        A cross to wear during my travelsMy organization even sent out my Trail Journals website address to all the neighborhood centers. The heat is on! I have to reflect back on how gifted I have been during this pre-hike stage. My wife, Jeannie, has been totally supportive, my boss, Tyra, generously has given me a leave of absence, the 2003 and 2004 hikers I have met, experiences and fellowship shared with them have risen my expectations beyond my beliefs. The support I have received from all my friends has given me a new confidence about how fortunate I really am!I think the best ¢nugget¢ of information I have gotten in the past month or so was the answer to a question I asked to Wench, Subman and AWOL at the Florida Ruck. The question: ¢What did you do when you wanted to quit the trail and go home?¢ The answer, from all THREE, ¢It wasn¢t an option, it didn¢t even enter our minds.¢ This is what it takes to become a thru hiker!However, after all the talk, all the preparation, all the gear, it comes down to the fire within to finish this goal. On a negative note, some of recent trail journals I have read are now delving into politics, religion, one-sided hiking philosophies and egging on arguments. What this has to do with hiking the AT is beyond me. I have stopped reading most of the new journals and will stick to those I know and / or met. Only 28 days to go! Good luck to us all!
Date: 2004-02-12
To: Oh So Short
Miles today: 0.0

Like many others I am counting down. I¢m doing all those things literally hundreds of others are doing right now. My partner, Doug ¢Kinloch¢ is visiting his mother in New York and recovering from severing off the top of a finger in a freaky accident. My wife is trying to coordinate visiting some long lost relatives after she drops us off at Springer. Its reflection time now. Days are short. Here is what I have been thinking that I will miss and not miss:I will miss:My wife ¢ most of allMy relativesMy Church groupMovies and dinners with my wifeMy friendsMy neighborhoodWork ¢ the peopleMy wife ¢ most of allI will not miss:Driving to work and visiting three sites a dayWork ¢ in generalDrivingTelephonesBill boardsCrowds, big crowdsShopping mallsJunk mailTV and radioWorldly problems and newspapersWeb sites on hiking gearDeadlines and reportsThe deadly weekly routineSitting behind a deskMaybe I should have given this a little more thought. So many people on Trailjournals now. The list has multiplied four fold. Some people have already dropped out without setting foot on Springer. This isn¢t just a little walk in the woods; it¢s a commitment of your life and everything about it. A great adventure waiting to happen, a lifelong memory, I need this to happen. Some journals simply are daily dairies of the authors, that¢s getting old. Well, I am ready. Ready to attempt this quest, ready to start writing hiking journals rather than pre-hike babblings. I would be more than happy to accept any prayers or well wishings, as I believe I will be challenged in ways I have never been in the past. And thanks to all who have signed my little journal, it really means a lot to know you are with me on this!
Date: 2004-02-24
To: Leaving Home
Miles today: 0.0

The last Pre-Hike JournalThat's right, it's Tuesday, Feb 24th and I am less than an hour from getting into the car and heading to Atlanta to pickup my partner Doug. Not without some last minutes scares and possible changes, but it all worked out. Now all we have to be concerned about is getting to Springer (snow is in the forecast).It's all good, however! Jeannie isn't too happy but somewhat understanding. Although she has said "Don't come back unless you finish!" Umm, a little pressure goes a long way.Difficult to believe what has transpired from a chance telephone call from Doug (hiking partner) almost two years ago that eventually led to this exact day. Well, I think I have prepared well, think I'm mentally and physically OK, just get me through the first few weeks and things should be good to go!See you on the trail! Look for my journals entries middle of next week.Robby
Date: 2004-02-27
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawks Mountain
Miles today: 7.6

Springer Mt to Hawk Mountain ShelterDistance: 7.6 milesSpringer Mt to Hawk Mountain ShelterDistance: 7.6 milesWell, after a snow delay we were finally able to hit the trail. We spent two nights at the lodge at Amicola Falls. The first night the snow came, about 3 inches or more depending on where you were. Checked out the trailhead the next morning but conditions were too difficult for a two-wheeled-drive vehicle. So, the next day, Feb 27th, the road was clear. Doug, "Kinloch", myself and Jeannie headed towards the Springer Mt. start point. The trail was covered in snow but passable. We all touched the plaque, took the pictures and headed to Hawk Mountain Shelter. It was so difficult to leave Jeannie in the parking lot. She had done this part of the trail in the past but not this time.The conditions were OK, snow mixed with mud and wet snow dropping off the trees. Temperatures were in the low 30"s. Going was slow and the legs were beginning to let me know this wasn¢t Kansas. We arrived at the Hawk shelter which was in very good condition. There were several other hikers but we were the only two thru hiking. Night came fast, temps in the low 30"s. Sleep didn¢t come quickly, many "what ifs" seemed to pop into my mind. I missed Jeannie, my legs hurt, my ankles were asking "what¢s the deal?" No mice, no bugs, just crisp cold weather and day one on the Trail came to an end."Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-02-28
From: Hawks Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.1

Start: Hawk Mt.ShelterFinish: Gooch Mt. ShelterDistance: 7.1 milesTough day! Two big mountains to cross. Last night was very cold due to wind, probably 15 to 20 mph with a temp of 34 or so. Still getting my mountain legs. I find it very difficult to do journal when it¢s in the 30s with a strong wind blowing. Met Gavin, a former Marine., who is now a firefighter and a thru hiker. His dog, Buck, is accompanying him until NOC. After due discussions with Kinloch (my hiking partner) we trail named him "RED DOG". By the way he has very red hair; Gavin, not his dog Buck.As usual it was off to sleep at 7:00 PM. Tomorrow, a big day for me, about 11.9 miles to Woods Hole. So far legs are sore but recovering. Gotta keep the miles down. Forecast not too good, possible rain and strong winds.It's nice to be hiking when the leaves aren't on the trees. You can see the far mountain ranges and the dramatic steepness of the gaps and ravines. How people traveled these mountains without trails is well beyond my imagination. Well, until the next entry!
Date: 2004-02-29
From: Gooch Mountain

To: Woods Hole
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Journal 3 Feb29 Date:        3/2/2004 8:42:34 AM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)Feb 29, 2004From:Gooch Mt.To: Woods Hole ShelterDistance: 11.9Long day today. Again, many challenging mountains, mud, and cold winds. However, the views were great. More and more hikers are out. My legs are still getting accustomed to the rigorous trials that I am putting them through. Most of the snow has melted. Just a little peak of the sun!Doug and I have settled into a routine. I leave camp first, he catches up, we discuss a meeting point or a time a few hours up the trail to meet. After that, we usually say "meet you at the shelter." His is a faster hiker than am I, but we both like to hike alone. It seems to be working out.The shelter was full and two hikers had to tent. Each night RedDog (the fire fighter) has made us a blazing campfire, very nice.On the downside, I missed the shelter sign causing me to put in about a 13 mile day, not good. I SAW THE TWO BLUE BLAZES AND LOOKED AHEAD, I SHOULD HAVE LOOKED 20 FEET TO THE LEFT. Oh well, such is the trail.Tomorrow, Blood Mountain and meeting up with Jeannie! "Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-01
From: Woods Hole

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: scattered clouds

From: Woods Hole ShelterTo: Neels GapDistance:4.1 milesCold and windy, rained at the top, completely fogged in. Very tough weather, visibility to 50 feet at times. Made for some interesting hiking. The downside of the mountain hammers your ankles and knees but I knew Jeannie would be meeting us at Walasi Yi Center.Made it down and Doug and I both had Winston, the storeowner, go thru our packs to reduce weight. Mine was at 30 pounds after three days, still had some food and one canteen full of water. Doug had his reduced quit a bit. He stayed in the hostel; Jeanie and I got a cabin. That night, we all (Red Dog) and a section hiker, Jack, went into town for a great meal.The hostel was full, the thru hikers are beginning to clump together, and several had to tent. The crowds are coming. So far things are OK with me. Sore legs and ankles, two manageable blisters but morale is good. Several have already finished their hikes.Well, off I go. "Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-02
From: Neels Gap

To: Whitley Gap
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: light rain

Subj:        Journal 5 Date:        3/5/2004 3:38:33 PM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)From: Neels GapTo: Whitley Gap ShelterDistance: 6.2 milesAfter leaving my wife Jeannie, who was able to meet us at Walasi Yi Center, we were ready to head out. It was going to be a late start since the night before was dinner out with Red Dog, Kinloch, my wife Jeannie and Jack, who is hiking to Fontana. Some last minute purchases at the store, and we headed out. Headed out into rain and cold mountain winds. It wasn't pretty or fun. Everyone was soaked to the skin. Could have been a dangerous situation if you weren't prepared.The shelter was completely filled. We had to make room for two young thru hikers from Mass. Wet clothes hung from every possible nail, hook, or nitch. The shelter smelled like a big wet cat. Nothing dried out since the humidity was 100%, it was hung wet and put back on wet.The hike in was quite dramatic, wind and rain blowing, fog rolling thru. The essence of knowing what you should be doing in that type of hiking conditions is critical. We quickly changed clothes and got something brewing up fast.Kinloch startled four pheasants while slogging on the trail. He was as surprised as were they.Well, tomorrow is a long day, going for 11.6 miles. Now all you former thru hikers don't snort and say "11 miles! I did that before breakfast." We are going slow and easy. Our first week should be about 60 miles and a zero at Hiawassee.Gotta go, its 7:30 PM and lights out in the shelter. Oh yeah, LWPO snores like a freight train.Aloha,"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-03
From: Whitley Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Subj:        Journal 6 Date:        3/5/2004 3:38:10 PM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)From: Whitley Gap ShelterTo: Blue Mountain ShelterDistance: 11.6 milesWell, cool weather and overcast conditions made for a long but not too strenuous hike. Kinloch and I seem to have worked out a good routine, I go out first, he catches me, a time is set, usually 2 or 3 hours, and we meet up. In fact, we were supposed to meet just short of the shelter a few miles but I had feeling he would press on since it was close -- I was right. He figured out I would just press on since the terrain wasn¢t too difficult. We were both in sync on our thought process.Again the shelter was full to include a young man whose partner hiked on ahead seven miles to the next shelter. Problem was, not only was this not in their established hiking plan, his partner had the food and tent, they were sharing gear, but not talking too well together. This guy was up and gone at 4:00 AM hot on the trail of his "partner." Well, tomorrow, "Attack of the Killer Mountains" don' miss it!Aloha"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-04
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Subj:        Journal 7 Date:        3/5/2004 9:36:37 PM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)From: Blue Mountain ShelterTo: Tray Mountain ShelterDistance: 7.7 milesMan, be prepared for a place called Unicoi Gap, the stairway to hell! Tray Mountain may be higher and longer, but Unicoi Gap leaves you breathless and seeking the meaning of life. The weather was great, mid-50's, breezy, overcast. The legs screaming for relief, the ankles cursing every irregular rock in my path. Your feet should be flat on the ground, not at 45 or 90 degree angles!Kinlock and I arrived at the Tray shelter early, about 2:00 PM, opting for a 10+ day hikeout to Hiawassee tomorrow. Until about 4:00 PM we were alone, by 5:30 the shelter was full and three tents pitched. The herd that started the 28th, 29th of Feb were catching up. Many young men, all thru hikers, all blasting 12-18 mile days. More power to them, slow and steady will get us to the goal. We anticipate a 66.8 mile first week with a good balance of short and long. We plan our first zero day the day after tomorrow.Well, gotta go, tired, cold, difficult to keep things interesting.Aloha!We were up and out by 7:00 AM. Trying to stay ahead of the oncoming rush."Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-05
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Subj:        Journal 8 Date:        3/5/2004 9:36:40 PM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)From:Tray Mountain ShelterTo: Dicks Creek Gap (Mulls Motel) Distance: 10.6 (Dicks Creek Gap \ US76)A long, long, 10.6 miles. Weather in mid-50's, cloudy, windy with never ending ups and downs. Doug and I got a little too separated which caused both of us some concern. A few knee screaming mountains throws off the meeting times. Particularly if you think "It's only 2.2 miles to the hitch hike road" but it takes 3+ hours to get there. I lost my perspective regarding time vs. distance and I thought I overshot US 76. Even though I had not crossed a hard surface road, I was ready to turn around. One of the problems of hiking alone. Commom hiking sense kicked in and I knew I couldn't have covered 10.9 in 6 hours flat. Sure enough, within a few minutes I heard road traffic and knew I was on track.Met Kinlock at the road, we got a ride from another thru hiker¢s dad and checked into the classical Mull's Motel with the same elderly lady whom I am sure she was the lady who checked in Jeannie and me 10 years ago. Same old easy chair, same pics on the wall, and I think she was wearing the same old bathrobe!LWOP and several other thru hikers here tonight. Will write more tomorrow, just ate at Daniel's Steak House (also an AYCE) place. Stuffed, tired and ready for a zero day!A good first week, sore legs, ankles, doubts, but still heading north!Aloha!"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-06
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Subj:        Journal 9 Date:        3/6/2004 1:40:48 PM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)From: Tray Mountain ShelterTo: Dicks Creek GapMiles: 10.6 milesType shelter: Mulls Motel, Hiawassee, GALong walk, cool, breezy weather with some killer downhills and brutal uphills. After 30 minutes I am soaked thru, nothing is dry, keep moving or suffer the cold. Just about everyone is in the same situation. The Boy Scout motto "Be Prepared" should be ingrained in all hikers.Many people are letting the miles dictate the day. Too many are setting reasonable mileage standards and than exceeding them (myself included). Many seem to be following faster hikers trying to maintain someone else¢s pace---not good. But, it¢s all too easy to do. And, all the advice being given would lead one to believe that 20 miles a day was what "they" did on a short day. Bottom line, hike your own pace, take breaks, eat well to fuel the furnace. This is really not just a "Walk In The Woods"; it is the AT, all 2,172 impersonal miles.However, Doug and I are taking a zero day while others came into town, resupplied, and took off to the trail (and it rained this morning). Sorry, this old man needs his rest. Trail magic started early for us. We went to the coffee shop next to Mulls Motel for breakfast and began talking with the server. Her husband, a retired Air Force Officer, knew my brother, a retired AF Officer as well as another close friend of mine. After much discussion, this evening we are going to their house for steaks and a hot tub; not too bad!Well, today is rest and resupply. Tomorrow we start two tough days followed by a shorter hump into Rainbow Springs Campground. My legs are still aching, ankles throbbing but if I leave early and go slow and steady, it seems to be tolerable. Well, gotta go shop and call Jeannie.Thanks for all the e-mails, Kinloch and I greatly appreciate them.Aloha!"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-07
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Subj:        Jornal 9 Date:        3/10/2004 7:59:49 PM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)Start:Dicks Creek (Mulls Motel)Finish: Muskrat Creek Shelter Distance: 11.6Dropped off by friends of my brother, after a steak dinner at their house (Trail Angle 1).We hit our second state at mile 5.4 miles, only 12 more states to go! Then the weather started to drastically change, from nice to severe winds, rain and later a light snow. The tempin the shelter was 28. The shelter was maxed out with about 10+ tenting. It was just bruta. Doug and I had EVERY piece of clothing on, and I mean every single item in the bag. All together I would estimate there were 20 thru hikers there. It was the type of cold that your breath lingered on long after you stopped talking.Not too much conversation and lights out at 7:00 PM. I was still very cold in the bag, even thought I was lost in some type of cocoon and was gasping for air (my jacket was wrapped around my neck)!Next morning, the "expedient pack" method was used --- cram it all in as fast as you can and get walking.Walking was tough, the earth was brittle and icy, not too much snow (see next entry).Still you can see more mountains than one would if they started in the summer. It is just beautiful, all the gaps, gullies, ridges, all of them are there for the hikers¢ pleasure.Still haves sore ankles and sore knees. Doug and I still working as a team. Although, he casually mentioned his best marathon run was a 2.26--what did I get myself into?Next journal --- the weather really gets serious!"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain
Date: 2004-03-08
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Subj:        Journal 10 (Sunday, March 7) Date:        3/10/2004 7:59:55 PM Eastern Standard TimeFrom:        lopaka@pocketmail.comTo:        mizcahill@aol.comSent from the Internet (Details)From: Muskrat Creek ShelterTo: Carter Gap ShelterDistnce: 12.5 milesVery cold start, but warmed up. We went over Standing Indian Mountain, not a great deal of fun. Met second Trail Angle that day. Funny thing, I told Doug my Sunday School class would be praying for us today around 12:00. Jokingly I said "The Lord will Touch us today!"About 12:15, a few minutes later, I ran into a woman, on a trail access road, grilling hotdogs and handing out cold sodas. So, what do you think?When we finaly got to Carter Shelter, we found out there were actually two shelters--one, 1950's vintage ,the other new one. All the younger hikersopted for the new one and the elders, the old. We had roaring fire going, ate chow and hit the rack. Most people in good spirits although several have dropped out from thier thru hike Too fast, too much peer pressure to press on with the crowd. Doug and I still hike alone meet up, hike alone and meet at the designated shelter. I do hold him back but think he aprecites it--we have a long way to go."Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain