morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-05
To: Wherever I can get in 8 or 10 days
Miles today: 0.0

This year I will be trying a new hiking diet. Since I am never hungry when hiking, I will be using products from Hammer Nutrition to fuel me during the day. These products are used by athletes (runners, bikers, etc.) as a convenient source of fuel during long distance events. The products I will be using are: Perpetuem Powder (add water) - Protein, carbohydrate, fat mix for balanced nutrition; Hammer Gel - Carbohydrate gel for energy boost; Fizz - Electrolyte tab (add to water) for hydration; Hammer Bars - balanced nutrition (something to chew); Recoverite (add water) - Protein, carbohydrate, L-glutamine, antioxidant, electrolyte mix for muscle recovery and prevention of lactic acid build-up. In addition, I will eat a hot meal in the evening. I have various meals cooked by my wife (thanks, Jenny), which I then dehdrated. I think that this will be a fairly complete diet and has the added benefit of being very light in weight. Stay tuned for trail reports on expected condition of health and happiness, or, alternatively, a possible near-death experience.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Big Stamp Gap

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: broken clouds

On Sunday,we got up early at my brother's house near Clarkesville GA and headed for the hills. We found USFS 42 without too much trouble and made our way up to Big Stamp Gap, arriving at about 8:30. The thermometer on Sam's truck read 46 degrees. Oscie (rhymes with Posse) and I put on our packs and headed south for Springer Mountain. After a cool and pleasant hike, we arrived at the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The sun was just breaking through the morning haze as we stepped out onto the overlook. We dutifully signed the roster in the drawer under the rock and took pictures along with another couple, both humans, who were already there. Then, we headed back the way we had come. During the next few hours of hiking I used all of the products from Hammer Nutrition as planned, even though I never experienced any hunger or desire to eat. We arrived at Hawk Mountain Shelter mid-afternoon and set up our little camp before anyone else arrived. Others began to trickle in during the afternoon and evening, and before it was over, we must have numbered 12 or 15. There was all the usual chatter around our small camp fire - previous hikes, gear, what lay ahead, etc. I ate Jenny's Spaghetti and Oscie ate her re-hydrated meal, even though she seemed dog-tired. I let Oscie get into the hammock since it was supposed to drop int the thirties during the night; normally, she sleeps on her own bed. We were cozy but a little crowded in my ultra-lite hammock. I think Oscie slept better than I did.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was another day of cool weather, great for hiking. We hiked over Sassafras and Justus Mountains. Both were steep but not too high. Oscie is a different dog on the trail, giving those we happen upon a wide berth. She is very wary.We arrived at Gooch Mountain Shelter in the mid-afternoon. We could have gone farther, but it seemed wise to take it easy for now, since the map showed some hard hiking ahead. Many of the same hikers came wandering into camp as the day wore on. Most had acquired or chosen trail names - Joker & Shutterbug, Glider, Turtle, Steady Betty, Stripper, Winnie, Giant Bear, Slow Roller, and Mouse were some of them. I had heard rumors of a hiker named Maytag who carried a refrigerator sized backpack as well a front pack, for counterbalance I suppose. There are pictures of many of these characters in my photo section. I ate some of Jenny's Chili for dinner and then retired for the evening. Since the night was turning rapidly colder, I had company in the hammock again.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 8.5

Oscie and I hiked the day away the way we always do - alone. Everyone leaves camp at different times each morning, so I suppose everyone else does the same. We crossed over Big Cedar Mountain, which was the steepest climb yet, by far. At one point, we rounded a bend in the trail and came upon a young man standing in the shade by a stream. He said that he had become extremely overheated and dehydrated. He said that he felt better now, but that he had been hallucinating. I gave him a couple of electrolyte tablets to put in his water and moved on. He said that his name was Maytag.  We set up camp at Lance Creek, which had good water and campsites. We shared a nice fire and chatted the evening away pleasantly. I decided to get up and away early since Blood Mountain lay ahead and the day was expected to be the warmest yet. Blood Mountain is the highest mountain on the AT in Geogia, so I intended to get most of the climbing done before the heat. Company again in the hammock - I fear I have created a monster.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Lance Creek

To: Swaim Gap
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: clear sky

We got up early, as planned, and packed up by the light of the headlamp. We were on the trail as dawn was breaking. The hike up Blood Mountain was not as difficult as I expected it to be, although, we did nothing but climb for most of three hours. It was nice to come around a small bend and see the shelter standing there, as it had done since 1934. We stripped off our packs and proceeded to enjoy the view from the overlook. Fifteen or twenty minutes later, Glider came gliding in. We made coffee and climbed up to the big overlook above the shelter. It was a very enjoyable moment - good coffee, good view, and good company.We parted ways and headed down the other side of Blood Mountain a few minutes apart. The descent was steep and I proceeded slowly, in order to take it easy on my knees. It was beginning to get hot and I felt for those who were probably toiling up the mountain on the other side. When I arrived at Neels Gap, Glider was already sitting there enjoying a well earned rest. I spent the next couple of hours washing laundry, showering, and wandering around the outfitters store that was there. I picked up the care package that I had sent to their mail drop and refilled my food bag. Then, I bought a hot dog for myself and one for Oscie. They were good. I was clean, repacked, and had recharged my phone when the next wave of hikers came stumbling in from Blood Mountain. They were sweating profusely and looked completely exhausted. Note to self - Get up early more often. Everyone else decided to stay in the hostel, but Oscie and I moved on. She didn't want to stay in the kennel.We had been climbing for about an hour (already sweaty again), when we happened upon a hiker hustling along the trail. He told me that his father was up the trail a ways, exhausted. He said that he was going after more water so that they could make it through the night. He told me that his father was a pastor and asked me to look in on him.We had hiked for another hour or so when we came upon the pastor lying on the iside of the trail with his hat over his face."How are you doing Pastor?" I asked."I'm okay, I just need some rest," he said, from under the hat."Do you need some water?""No, I'm fine." He peered out from under the hat."Pretty dog," he said.We moved on and camped alone.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Swaim Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: broken clouds

We proceeded on to Low Gap Shelter, spending the day going up and down, up and down, repeat. The camping area was spacious with stream access in multiple spots. I was warned away from the privy by Shutterbug, who said I didn't want to go there. Also in camp were Joker, Giant Bear, Glider, Turtle. Mouse, Steady Betty and Tall No Name.  Oscie seemed tired and was walking around in quite a gingerly fashion - her feet were beginning to bother her from walking on all the rocks. Some of the others asked whether she was alright. She was becoming something of a fixture among them and they were concerned about her. I figured a good nights sleep in the hammock might do her some good and briefly considered sleeping on her bed myself.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

In the morning Oscie felt like a new woman. She was zooming all over the place, chasing critters, digging, and generally having a high time. Joker said her recovery showed that she was a real trooper and he gave her the trail name Trooper. The day's hike was generally level and it was nice to have a day of easy hiking with Tray Mountain coming up. It was to be the last night for some of our party (Joker, Shutterbug, Glider, Turtle, and Steady Betty), as they had to get back to their former lives after reaching Unicoi Gap. There were some others, sort of new to our camp, who would end up taking their places for a time. Sleepwalker, and Chuck Wagon were two hikers who had started later than we had, but had caught up to us in time because of the miles they were covering. Chuck Wagon received his trail name around our camp fire that night for the 20 lb. bag of food that he was carrying in addition to his backpack.   A young guy named Ian was trying to do the trail in about 100 days. He would have to cover 23+ miles daily in order to accomplish that feat. He had no stove and intended to eat "snacks" the whole way. There were also three fellows from somewhere up north, Illinois, I think. Good luck to all.
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

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

It rained much of the night, and we arose to a morning of dense fog. We descended Tray Mountain in the fog, mist, and sometime rain. The trail was slippery, but the hike was cool and enjoyable. When we reached Unicoi Gap, we said our good-byes to those who were already there waiting for their rides, took final pictures, and headed up out of the gap. We slowly reeled in Rocky Mountain and then Tray Mountain, walking in the fog all day long. The view from the top of Tray Mountain was supposed to be spectacular - I guess it was, in its own way, if you like fog.We arrived at the Tray Mountain Shelter after a long and exhausting hike. I was thankful that the day had been cool at least. We set up camp and immediately began gathering up material, all of it wet, to make a fire. The fire making turned into something of a community project. We lit a fire under a small mound of damp twigs, with the help of a little alcohol. Sleep Walker, Chuck Wagon and I took turns keeping a small flame alive, with our constant blowing. Others gathered up a nice sized pile of firewood. After a very long time, we had a small fire going, and then a larger one; one that stayed alive by itself. The fire cheered up what was, otherwise, a grey and dreary day. A trail runner, named Razor, showed up at our camp and kept everyone entertained with his many trail tales. He was an interesting fellow, but Trooper and I were worn out, so we turned in early. We drifted off to sleep listening to the sounds of trail talk and laughter around the fire that we had worked so hard to kindle. It was very rewarding.
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: scattered clouds

It poured all night again, so in the morning the fire pit was just a soggy, blackened, remnant of its former lively self. Trooper and I waited to pack up while it poured some more. The more hardy souls packed up and moved out in the rain. Once we got going, we walked in foggy, wet conditions for a second day. The going was not too tough until we reached Kelly Knob, and then we had a very steep climb indeed. There were actually about two level steps at the top before the trail went back down sharply. At the very bottom, we found Deep Gap Shelter and Giant Bear. It was good to see him again after losing sight of him for a few days. He had pushed himself too hard and was resting his knees with a zero day. I think he was glad to see us too, particularly Trooper. While we were at Neels Gap he had come out of the store smiling, something in his hand. Then, he opened his hand to proudly reveal a rubber ball he had bought for Trooper. I put it in her backpack for a keepsake from Giant Bear, and she still has it now, a thoughtful memento from her hike. We camped there with two others, whose names I can not remember, and who, the next day, walked out of our lives just as quickly as they had walked in. That is life on the trail.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We left camp fairly early in the morning. At least, we left before Giant Bear. We said our good-byes, in case we didn't see each other again down the trail. We hadn't hiked too long until we saw a sign along the side of the trail that read "Vista." We hiked on for a few minutes and then I decided that, since we had hiked all the way up there, we should at least take the time to see a vista. I'm glad we did. We turned back, walked up the clearly marked side trail and saw one of the most beautiful sights we had seen since starting the trail - mountains as far as we could see, with banks of clouds nestled in between. There was a lake, name unknown, shimmering in the morning light. I wish now that we had taken the time to make a cup of coffee, and sit awhile. We descended into Dicks Creek Gap and met two men unpacking their gear from a car.   "A man and a dog," one of them said, stating the obvious.  "Yep," I said.   "A guy came through here not long ago," he continued, "asked if we had seen a man and a dog."  Giant Bear. He had obviously passed by us when we were at the Vista.  " Thanks," I said, and we moved on down the trail. Trooper and I walked into Plumorchard Gap Shelter pretty late in the day. It looked like we were going to be alone for the evening, so I put up my hammock inside the shelter in order to avoid putting up my tarp. Of course, another hiker, Argo, came walking up just as soon as we had gotten settled in. She told us that we were not in the way, and she set up her sleeping area against the wall, near where someone had taken the time to install the plastic cover plate to a wall socket. Funny. We chatted, like you do on the trail, while we prepared our dinners. She was a surgical nurse who worked at the Cleveland Clinic. She had been overseas, to Dubai I think, in her capacity as a nurse. She had put all that aside for a time, in order to fulfill her dream of walking the trail. I hope that it is all that she hoped it would be. Checking the register, I found that Winnie had passed through a day or two before. Go Winnie! I planned to let Trooper sleep on her bed under my hammock. I told Argo to let me know if Trooper bothered her during the night, and, if so, I would put her in the hammock. I heard the rustling of some critter during the night, but nothing else.
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Deep Gap, USFS 71
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

I awoke in the morning at first light. I invited Trooper up into the hammock for a pre-hike snuggle, as is our custom when she sleeps outside on her bed. After awhile, I went to fill our water bottles, and when I returned, Argo was up and packing. She said that Trooper had come over during the night, and slept alongside her. I gathered that she didn't mind. Once Argo had gone, I took a long hard look at the map. It seemed as if we could make it to Deep Gap, if we hiked hard. The trail ascended over 2,000' during the next ten miles, with barely a step downhill until the final descent into the gap. Oh well, we would hike hard. The day was warmer than usual, hot, really. We pushed on, mile after mile, until finally, we arrived at the tree that held a sign which read, simply, "NC/GA." A little farther on, we happened upon the famous Gnarled Tree. What a pair of milestones! I felt very gratified, but a lot of trail still lay ahead, so, after a couple of brief photo-ops, we got back to work.  I tried, intermittently, to reach my brother on the phone. There was no signal, and my battery was nearly spent. I tried again and again as we hiked, quickly turning off my phone between attempts. Finally, at the very highest point above Deep Gap, we made contact. His voice sounded so good, I can not tell you. It's funny - once I had made my mind up to quit the trail, it became an all-consuming passion. I didn't want to spend another night on the trail ... and I wasn't going to have to. Trooper and I descended into Deep Gap, and set up the hammock one last time, to relax while we waited for Sam to arrive. We napped happily for awhile, and then heard the crunching of gravel as Sam's truck rolled up.  "Come on, Oscie," I said, "let's go home."
Date: 2013-06-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I wanted to make one last entry for those who might have been interested in the nutritional aspect of my hike. As stated earlier, I completed my hike using nothing for nutrition except products from Hammer Nutrition and homemade dehydrated meals (also ate 1 hotdog at Mountain Crossings). All in all, I was extremely happy and well satisfied with what was certainly a minimalist type diet. Let me say though, that, I can and do survive on just about anything, even at home. So this may not be the diet for picky or voracious eaters. My usual day went something like this: I had two small plastic jars into which I divided my daily supply of Perpetuem (based on the recommendation from Hammer Nutrition for my body weight). I added water to one of the jars for sipping on throughout the morning. The other jar was for afternoon use, so I did not add water to it until then. I usually used different flavors for morning and afternoon to add a little variety. I found the Perpetuem to be very tasty, and it completely satisfied my need to eat throughout the day. Even though I was not hungry, I usually ate a couple of HN's energy bars each day - normally one for breakfast and one for lunch. For hydration, I added a Fizz electrolyte tablet to each quart sized bottle of water that I drank. The flavors were very mild and pleasing, and also added a little fizz to the water, which was refreshing. I really think the tablets helped with my hydration needs, and after getting "bear caught" the previous year, I believe that they (or some other electrolyte mix) are a wise addition to any hikers arsenal. For quick energy, I bought the Hammer Gel in bulk bottles and re-packaged into individual packets ( I saved used packets of drink mixes that my kids use, re-filled with Hammer Gel, and heat sealed with my daughter's hair straightener). Usually, during a tough climb, I would make a small hole in one end of the packet, put the packet in my mouth like stogie, and nurse on it for ten or fifteen minutes as I climbed. That turned out to be a great way to keep my energy level up for an extended period. Finally, after the day's hike was done I would drink a mixture of Recoverite before setting up camp and preparing one of Jenny's dehydrated meals.This hikers diet may not be for everyone, but I think that most hikers could tailor at least some of these products to their own needs. I certainly am not trying to convince anyone to use any of my techniques for hiking light, but am just putting this out there for what it is worth - I hope someone will benefit. At any rate, as each season goes by, I am learning more and more to HMOH.
Date: 2014-01-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Oscie and I are beginning the always exciting process of preparing for our next stretch of the AT.   With Oscie's help, I have been repackaging all of the Hammer products into individual servings from their bulk containers and dehydrating and packaging meals. Oscie is good about cleaning up anything that might come her way by way of fumble. She's very thoughtful like that. This year I decided to change my meals from 5 ounces to 4 ounces since it was hard to finish some of my meals last year. I will start dehydrating Oscie's food next and then we will be all but ready. Believe it or not, I was satisfied with all of my gear last year, so I will not be making any major purchases this year. Hallelujah! The final step will be to see what I carried last year that I can do without this year. I will shave every last ounce that I can and am looking forward to the lightest backpack ever. We should start back at Deep Gap during the first week of May - hope to see some of you along the way.
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Deep Gap, USFS 71

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

It's official. Oscie and I will resume our hike at Deep Gap, NC where we left off last year. Our start date will be May 11th. I have gotten my pack weight down to 22 lbs. with 6 days of food - just add water. See you on the Trail.
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Deep Gap, USFS 71

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Oscie and I spent the night at bro' Sam's house where we had a good meal and night of rest. We got up early and drove up to last year's end point at Deep Gap, arriving at 8:30. Oscie and I said our good-byes and started north up the Trail. The morning was cool, and once we got out of the gap, sunny - a beautiful beginning. We hiked the morning away happily, but by noon I was already starting to feel the aches that are characteristic of the break-in process (or is it the break-down process?) of hiking on the Trail. I had developed a nagging ache in my right hip that throbbed with every step. I decided a break was in order, and quickly set up the hammock. In a few minutes Oscie and I were fast asleep... Ahh, the joy of hammocking. A quick power nap was just what the doctor ordered and before long we were back at it, minus the aching hip. By late afternoon, we were setting up our first camp near the Carter Gap Shelter and going about all of the housekeeping processes so familiar to all who hike. Others came trickling in over the next couple of hours and did the same. Oscie made friends with a Bassett Hound named Lilly while I chatted with some young men who were attempting a thru-hike. The evening was cool and everyone turned in early, as usual. It was nice to be back.