morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-06-21
From: Tigger's Tree House

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

This was a long difficult day for me with tough climbs. This, in light of my painful left knee finally showing signs of a bone on bone cartilage situation. Toughest part was climbs up Moose Mountain South and North peaks, the long descent down to Goose Pond Rd, back up to Holt's Ledge and then back down again to Trapper John shelter.
Date: 2019-06-22
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Fire Wardens Cabin
Miles today: 6.9

For me this had been the toughest climb of all thus far this section hike....Smarts Mountain. The 2nd toughest... Killington Mt. The day starts out early at 5:30am with a steep 4 mile descent off the Fire Warden's Cabin and down to the Grafton Turnpike. This took a toll on my knee. Because of this I had to take frequent stops to ease the pain.Staying that night at the cabin was a woman from Southern England whose trial name I do not recall and another male thru hiker. As I was about to leave the cabin for the days hike, another thru hiker came through the door of the cabin at about 7 am. I asked if he'd just arrived for the day or a zero and he said he'd slept that previous night up in the Lookout Tower. Hard ti imagine since the tower shaked slightly with the strong winds that night.
Date: 2019-06-23
From: Fire Wardens Cabin

To: Ore Hill Campsite
Miles today: 12.8

I considered slowing my pace to save my knee by stopping after 5 miles at the Hexacuba shelter. I felt, however that I needed to hike my originally planned 12.8 miles to the Ore Hill Campsite in order to manage my food supply and keep a good pace for what was to come in the White Mountains. After starting out at 7 am I made it to the campsite at 6:45pm and accomplished my goal, however at a cost. I clearly sensed from the knee pain that my hike the next day to Glencliff, NH would most likely be my last for this trip.When I got into camp I was greeted immediately by Tom from Brooklyn aka Slow Dog who I had been shadowing the last 3 days. The ascent to and downhill from Mt Cube proved tough but I was grateful for no rain and an beautiful day. Several other hikers had also set up camp at the site. This site was very remote and difficult to find. It was the site of a shelter that was destroyed by fire in 2011. The night was free of rain and except for the ever-present bugs, it was restful. The only discomforting feeling that evening was sever cramps in both legs that lasted about a half hour.
Date: 2019-06-24
From: Ore Hill Campsite

To: Hiker's Welcome Hostel, Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 7.6

This final day of my hike was nice weather wise, about 70F. With my knee getting worse, the climb up to Mt Mist from Ore Hill was strenuous and the hike down off the mountain although in itself not a difficult descent, was painful. I thought for a moment that I could zero an extra day at the Hikers Welcome Hostel in Glencliff but thought better of it by listening to my body, set up a game plan for next year, train for it, and come back rejuvenated and in a a much better position to actually enjoy the remaining 392 or so miles remaining to Kahtahdin.My game plan will consist of meeting with my primary and orthopedic doctors, take their recommendations for coping with the remaining miles including the most effective exercise/training approach. I will also for the first time most likely slack pack as much of the Whites as I can. I've always been a purist when it comes to carrying your own weight but with the damage to my knee and inclined to avoid surgery, I think this is a wise as well as necessary option. Finally, I look deep and hard to shave at least 15lbs from my 44 lb pack load. It would feel great to get it down to 30 lbs or less including food and water.Can't say enough about the Hiker's Welcome Hostel. A great resting spot for hikers with all the basic amenities needed for a well deserved rest during what many contend is the toughest section on the AT. My thanks to both Caretakers Rily "Mumble" Scaife and Trey "Buffalo" Holden for their assistance and enthusiasm. Final thoughts....I knew my knee would likely be the only obstacle to finishing off the AT this section. However, a 2 week hike/climb of 108 miles many would be proud of. So with that thought in mind as well as setting a confident future game plan, I'm very enthusiastic about next year's effort and wish all you fellow hikers peace and a great times ahead!
Date: 2017-02-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi! I¢m Opa, and I¢ve been dreaming about thru-hiking the AT for quite a few years, and have been planning the hike in earnest for the past several years. I will be starting my hike in early Feb. 2018, shortly after I retire at the age of 66. I¢ve done a fair amount of weekend backpacking and hiking in my home state of New York, primarily in the Adirondack Mountains ¢ and have also completed some sections of the AT (primarily in New Hampshire and Maine), but have never tackled anything even remotely as ambitious as a 2,189-mile backpack! I don¢t know how my body is going to hold out, but mentally I feel I¢ll be able to deal with whatever the trail throws at me. Time will tell.I am very fortunate to have the support of both my wife Kayanne, and my family. Kayanne initially wasn¢t thrilled with the idea of me being away for 5-6 months, but a couple years ago she graciously gave me her blessing to pursue my AT adventure. Thank you Kayanne, I couldn¢t possibly undertake an AT thru-hike, let alone have any chance of completing it, without your support. I am a luck guy! My family has also been very supportive. Several family members have even volunteered to join me along the way and complete a section hike to keep me company. I will miss my family a great deal while on-trail, so having them join me along the way will be a delight!For family reasons I plan on being off-trail during the summer. My plan at present is to hike from early Feb. to early June starting at Springer Mt., then return to the trail (at the same location where I got off) in late-August to complete the trail and finish on Katahdin. My understanding of the criteria is that as long as I complete the entire AT in a single calendar year, then it counts as an official thru-hike. I am a goal oriented type of person, so it¢s important for me to complete my hike in a manner that qualifies it as a thru-hike.I plan on posting to Trail Journals as often as I can while on my hike. I am still a year away, but it will go quickly. In the meantime I will continue to plan for, and dream about, my hike.
Date: 2017-03-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've accumulated some nice backpacking gear over the years, but there's a few items of new/replacement gear I need before undertaking my 2018 AT thru hike. Whenever I discuss a new piece of gear with Kayanne, I tell her "....but Schatzie, this is essential gear, it may save my life....." she just rolls her eyes and tries to ignore me. Anyway, I've decided to buy a new pack for the AT. I own an Osprey Aether, and don't get me wrong it's a great pack - just a little heavy, and a bigger pack than I need for the AT. I need to cut weight wherever I can. I've been researching packs, and have decided to go with a pack from Gossamer Gear, the Mariposa 60. I ordered it this weekend, can't wait. It has received great reviews, has all the features I want, and only weighs 33 oz.
Date: 2017-04-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've been reading a fair number of books about the AT over the past couple of years, and have really enjoyed the varying accounts/stories. Some make you want to laugh, and some to cry - but they are all interesting, and I feel myself both enriched and better prepared when I eventually set out on my own AT thru-hike in 2018. My thanks to the various authors who have taken the time to share their experiences. I've read a few differing opinions as to whether or not you should "advertise" the fact that you'll be attempting a thru-hike. There's one school of thought that says you should not tell a lot of people, this way if you fail you won't feel quite as embarrased. The opposing school of thought says that you should tell everybody - family of course (Kayanne would really be ticked if I just suddenly disappeared for 6 months w/o telling her), but also relatives, friends, co-workers, casual acquaintances, the checkout clerk at the supermarket, etc. etc. The idea with telling "everybody" is that you will be less inclined to quit, on those days when you are really having a tough day and are tempted to cry uncle. Well, I've decided to align myself with the school of thought that says "advertise" - part of the problem being that I really enjoy hiking, I can talk your ear off about hiking, and I'm so excited about my upcoming AT thru-hike that I can't help myself and just blurt out to everybody I know that I'll be attempting a thru-hike in 2018. I guess I've really set myself up for embarrasment should I have to end my hike before Kathadin. I'll take my chances.
Date: 2017-05-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well I took a short backpack today on the Finger Lakes Trail, Letchworth Branch. Wanted to see how my new Gossamer Gear pack felt with about a 30 pound load. It felt great, I am very pleased. Am in my tent now, very comfortable, will hike out tomorrow. All is well with the world.
Date: 2017-08-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

My grandson Link and I were in the Adirondacks for a few days in mid-August. What a grand time we had, completing 2 day hikes and summiting 3 high peaks (Giant, Rocky Peak and Big Slide). We stayed right at the ADK Loj, they do a great job there. Link just turned 8, and has now summited a total of 7 of the 46 high peaks in the Dacks. Link was a real trooper on the trail, no complaing at all when the going was challenging. I am so proud of him!!!! No sooner had we completed our hikes, when we both started discussing next year's trip. It truly warms my heart to think that I'm helping instill a love of hiking in my grandson!
Date: 2017-09-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I cannot believe that in less than 5 months I'll be on the AT. How 'bout that! I remain committed to, and obsesive about, my pending adventure. I've read that before embarking, one should write down a list of one's reasons for wanting to complete an AT thru hike. Well, here I go with my reasons.Reason No. 1: I want to prove to myself that I can meet this awesome challenge - both physically and mentally. A 2,190 mile backpack completed in a single calendar year is one heck of a challenge, and I've got something to prove!Reason No. 2: I want to complete the AT for my wonderful grandkids. Maybe someday, at a time in each of their lives when they are faced with their own challenge, they'll be inspired by their old Opa. Maybe they'll say to themselves that Hey, if Opa can hike the AT, then I can overcome my challenge as well. Who knows, maybe they'll someday even be inspired to undertake their own AT thru hike - now wouldn't that be grand!Reason No. 3: I am at a point in my life that a thru hike of the AT will provide a very nice transition in my life - from working full time, to being retired. I'll be able to ponder what to do with the rest of my remaining years on this earth - however long the good Lord decides to grant me. Heck, I'll probably be thinking such deep thoughts on my hike that I will have discovered the true meaning of life. Kayanne, you better be ready for me upon my return, because I'll be loaded to the hilt with all kinds of wild and crazy ideas for how you and I can spend our retirement!Reason No.4: It is my understanding that there's just over 500 people 60 or older that have completed an AT thru hike. That's a relatively small number. I'd like to add my name to that list!There you have it, my list of reasons for wanting to successfully complete an AT thru hike. I of course love to backpack, and the sense of adventure that will come with being on the trail. I also look forward to meeting new people, seeing new sights, and just being out in the woods away from the busyness of the world. All true enough, but when the going gets tough, and the chips are down, I will come back to my 4 Reasons to remind myself why I need to keep going and finish. Can't wait to get started!
Date: 2017-10-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Needed a new pair of hiking boots. I debated a long time whether or not to go with/without GTX, I've worn both over the years. GTX certainly helps keep feet drier longer, although my experience is that if hiking in an all day rain and the trails are muddy and running with water, feet eventually get wet. GTX also takes a long time to dry out. Nevertheless I went with GTX mid height boots, my reason being that when starting out in Feb. I want the benefit of GTX.Purchased this week a pair of Vasque Breeze III GTX at REI. Why is it that boots always feel more comfortable in a store setting??? Went for a short hike today and they didn't feel all that great. Oh well, I have plenty of time to break them in.
Date: 2017-10-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Took advantage of the Columbus Day holiday today, a day off. Did a short hike, maybe 6 miles or so, at Letchworth State Park. Letchworth was voted the no. 1 state park in the country a couple years back. Anyway my new boots felt much better today, and my footing was solid on a wet, muddy and leaf covered trail.
Date: 2017-10-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

ATJournal 10/16/17I am getting more and more anxious/excited with each passing day - not only about the start of my AT journey, but also about my rapidly approaching retirement. My last official day of work will be 01/19/18. No longer going to the office, being involved with projects and interacting with others will be a big adjustment. Glad that I'll be on the trail hiking to keep me busy!I gave a presentation last week to the Adirondack Mountain Club Genesee Valley Chapter on winter mountaineering. I've been a member of the Rochester Winter Mountaineering Society (RWMS) for about a dozen years, and have had the good fortune of leading their annual January Intro Trip the last 2 years. The presentation was well attended and there were many younger ADK members in attendance, which was encouraging. RWMS, like many organizations, is in need of younger members to fill in the ranks after old guys like me start thinking about taking it easy. RWMS is having its annual trip planning meeting for the 2018 winter season on 11/09. I plan on attending, we'll see where it goes.
Date: 2017-11-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I decided to weigh my Big Four today: pack (Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60), sleeping bag (Western Mountaineering Versalite with a Sea to Summit liner), tent (Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo with stakes and a ground cloth) and sleeping pad (Thermarest Neoair). I was very pleased with the result: 7.5 lbs. They say that you want to keep the weight of these 4 items under 10 lbs., so I think I¢m in good shape. If I can keep my total pack weight under 30 lbs including water and 5 days worth of food, I¢ll be ecstatic. My pack and sleeping bag are both recent purchases. I now own 3 backpacks and 4 sleeping bags (a very lightweight 45 degree synthetic, a 20 degree synthetic, a minus 20 degree down for my winter trips, and now this new 10 degree Western Mountaineering down for my AT through hike) but they each serve a purpose for the right kind of trip. My sleeping bag was a bit on the expensive side, but hey, this is a once in a lifetime trip for me so I figured it was worth it. Kayanne just kind of rolls her eyes whenever I pick up a new piece of gear, but she¢s overall a good sport about it. I tell her ¢...Schatzie, this new piece of gear could save my life...¢ but I think I may have gone to the well a few times too often with that one!
Date: 2017-12-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am a member of the Rochester Winter Mountaineering Society (RWMS), which is a great group of very knowledgeable and experienced winter mountaineers that embark on primarily weekend snowshoe trips in the Adirondacks. I¢ve learned a lot through my association with RWMS. The last couple of years I have lead their annual Intro Trip for prospective members, and will be leading the Intro Trip again this year Jan. 13-15. The plan is 3 days and 2 nites in the field, climbing  Skylight and Gray ( two Adirondack High Peaks) on the 14th. Not wanting to let any young bucks get the best of me on the trip, I¢ve been increasing the intensity of my workouts. Ugh. Reminds me of a song:  Doctor Doctor, Mister MD....Can You Tell Me, What¢s Ailin¢ Me....   I think I¢ll be fine, but it¢s getting harder and harder for this old guy to stay in shape. I learned long ago that there¢s no shortcuts. As the saying goes: ¢No Pain, No Gain¢.
Date: 2018-01-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

AT Journal 01/17/18We had a successful Rochester Winter Mountaineering Society (RWMS) Intro trip this past weekend. 7 of us total on the trip, including 3 veterans and 4 prospective members. Everyone did great,  and the prospective members all successfully completed the trip and are now full fledged members of RWMS. Congratulations!Our trip included a snowshoe back into a campsite just past Colden Dam on Saturday, where we spent a rather brisk nite (minus 20 F) in our tents. Sunday included a climb of Mt. Colden (elev. 4714), back to camp to break everything down, and snowshoe out. We arrived back at the parking lot Sun. nite about 6:30 pm. A full day, but everyone enjoyed it. Clear skies afforded awesome views from Colden¢s summit, we could see all the way over to Vermont. For a couple of the new members, it was their first time in snowshoes and crampons. We drove home Sunday nite after first stopping at the local pub in Long Lake for burgers and fries to replenish our fat reserves, HaHa! A long day but a great day with a great group!
Date: 2018-01-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

I am officially retired effective today. It¢s going to hit home on Monday I think, right now I¢m still in a state of euphoric bliss from the wonderful retirement party that they had for me yesterday. Thank you to my friends and coworkers at County DES for a great sendoff, it was more than I could have ever imagined. And thank you as well to my family for coming, many of whom had to travel a pretty fair distance to get here. I am blessed in so many ways!
Date: 2018-01-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a 2,190 mile long hiking trail that runs thru 14 states. The termini are Springer Mt. in Georgia and Mt. Katahdin in Maine. The trail has many ups/downs, some sections of which comprise steep climbs/descents, while other sections are gently rolling. The elevation along the trail ranges from 124 to 6,625 ft. In terms of elevation gain, here's an impressive statistic: completing an AT thru hike is equivalent to climbing 29,035 ft. Mt. Everest 16 times from sea level. The sections of the trail in New Hampshire and Maine are considered the most difficult. Every year about 3,000 people attempt a thru-hike in a single calendar year, with about 1 in 4 successfully completing this undertaking. Most people require 5-7 months to complete a thru-hike, and approx. 80% of thru-hikers are northbounders (NOBOs) that begin their hike at Springer Mt. Thru-hikers come in all ages and from all walks of life. More than half of all thru-hikers are in their 20s; in total approximately 500 individuals age 60 and above have successfully completed a thru-hike. In addition to thru-hikers, there are section hikers and day hikers that also use the trail.The trail is marked by 2" x 6" white paint marks, or blazes, along its entire length. There are 3-sided shelters (aka lean-tos up north) along the trail spaced on average 8 miles apart, but it is essential that one carry a tent (shelters can become full during peak season; privacy; off-trail camping as circumstances arise; etc.). Frequent road crossings provide ready access via. a short hike, hitchhiking, shuttle service, etc. to resupply points, and it is seldom necessary to carry more than 5-6 days worth of food - the notable exception being the 100-mile wilderness in Maine. Sources of water (springs, creeks, rivers, ponds, etc.) are frequent, except during periods of drought. Water must be either treated or filtered to minimize the risk of illness from water borne organisms such as Giardia Lamblia and Cryptosporidium that can lead to serious illness. Most, but not all, hikers carry a stove so they can prepare a daily hot meal. The average thru-hiker will burn 5,000 or so calories/day, and it is difficult to both carry sufficient food and consume that many daily calories. Weight loss is a constant battle.The AT was first conceived by US Forest Service employee Benton MacKaye in 1921. Completed in 1937, the AT was the longest marked footpath at the time. The first official thru-hike was completed by Earl Shaffer in 1948, although his accomplishment was met with much skepticism and disbelief. In 1965 Shaffer completed a southbound thru-hike, becoming the first person to complete a thru-hike in both directions. The AT is one of three trails that makeup the triple crown of long-distance trails, the other 2 being the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and Continental Divide Trail (CDT).
Date: 2018-01-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Now that I¢m retired I¢ve lost the ability to continue with one of my workout routines. Every weekday I¢d spend 25 minutes going up/down stairs in the morning at my workplace (CityPlace) with a light pack, then twice a week after work 45 minutes in the stairtower with a full pack. I still jog every day, but bummer, the stairtower is where it was at.Well, trying to be resourceful and not willing to pay gym membership for the few remaining weeks till the start of my AT hike, I¢ve been looking for a place to resume some climbing. Highland Park is where it¢s at now baby. Did a little scouting around there yesterday, and will be headed back there today with a full pack. Not as good as a stairtower, but it will do.
Date: 2018-01-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I got all my gear laid out today, many of the items I already had been accumulating over my years of backpacking - but admittedly several items were brand new that I had acquired recently specifically for my AT thru-hike (thank you family & friends for the Xmas/Birthday gifts and GCs to REI!!!). I must admit, laying everything out it was an impressive display. Looking at everything, I wondered to myself ¢....how is all this stuff going to fit into my Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 pack....and what is it going to weigh....¢. Well, I managed to get everything into my pack with room to spare for food, but it came in at 21 lbs. This does not include any food or water. Not bad considering I¢m hitting the trail on 02/10 and will be carrying some winter specific gear (e.g.microspikes), some of which I¢ll be able to send home after the Smokies. However, I know there¢s a few items that I can do without so I¢m going to re-evaluate, my goal being to have my base weight at no more than 20 lbs. Also my thanks to those of you that have signed my guest book and have offered me best wishes and support on my adventure, your comments are much appreciated. I was intending to respond to each of you individually via. email, but that may be problematic due to issues with the trailjournals website. In brief the email notifications do not come to my cell phone (which is new, having recently switched from a Droid to an iphone with a new number),but rather to my home email. I have tried to update my trailjournals account email several times, but it is not accepting the change. Nevertheless rest assured that I will be reading all your guest book entries, thank you.