morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-10-24
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Rte 9 Bennington VT
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: broken clouds

Slept until 6:30, up for breakfast of oatmeal. I packed up the half-burned trash I found last night - I had a couple of large zip-loc bags which kept it insulated from the other contents of my pack. With a light pack and a short hike down to the road it seemed like a good opportunity to do something on the leave no trace theme. The privy at the shelter is relatively new, large and well designed, and had a bag of chips to throw in a handful. I appreciate the effort that went into bringing in the material and setting it up in the woods. The hike consisted of a relatively level three miles, followed by a steep descent with a lot of stone step work. There were some views, with small patches where the sunlight broke through. I met a number of day hikers, who were mostly concerned with the terrain for their planned hikes. One of them asked me where I'm from, and then remarked on the CT plate on my car in the parking lot. It's always reassuring to know that your car is where you left it, and in good condition.My right knee didn't like the step work going down, and I favored it as much as possible. Driving back toward Bennington, I stopped at Papa Pete's, which features breakfast all day. I had sausage and eggs for lunch, with home fries and toast, delicious. I was looking pretty shabby, with grease and soot all over my pants from tending to the fire. I cleaned my plate, and the waitress made a remark to the effect that I could take my time and lick it if I wanted to. She was kidding and being friendly (I think).On these short outings I'm practicing good calorie management which means that when I get a chance to eat real food I go for it. Back home the tale of the scale was, I'm still gaining weight and only about 10 lbs less than optimal. With a clean bill of health from a gastroenterologist and good results from a bone scan the doctor sees no problem with me hiking. I'm tentatively planning another section hike in VT this year, from Rte 9 Bennington to 11/30 Manchester Center. Studying the bus schedules it will be possible to spot my car at the destination and take low cost public transportation back to the starting point. The five day forecast looks pretty good, mostly sunny with only a 10% chance of rain, temperatures will go down at night but not much below freezing. Speaking of planning, the ATC has a link to a website maintained by David and Cyndi Rohland that shows all the parking spots and has links to Google maps. My next destination at VT 11/30 was available in street view, including a number of hikers standing by the side of the road. Then using Yahoo I was able to see the bench in Manchester Center where I will sit waiting for the bus to Bennington. Rohdale's site is a terrific resource for section hikers.
Date: 2013-10-29
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: clear sky

It was a cold morning. My thermometer read 15 degrees, and the ground was frozen solid. The area around the shelter was beautiful as the sun rose, with a strong contrast between the somber colors of the firs that were still in shade and the brighter colors as the sun hit them. There wasn't a cloud in the sky.The day's hike didn't involve a lot of elevation change. I paused at the observation tower at Glastonbury Mountain but didn't climb it. The foundation of a small cabin is nearby, with the remains of a cast iron stove. I passed a number of beaver ponds (in pictures), all of which had a thin glaze of ice. The cold gave some relief from the mud, since most of the muddy patches were frozen solid. Occasionally a deeper section would give away and my foot would go into it, but it didn't wet the boots very much. I stopped for lunch at Kid Gore Shelter. There's an open space in front of it with a nice view. The water had a sign suggesting that it be chemically treated or boiled before use. I used the SteriPen but ran it twice, because it isn't as effective in the cold.Around mid afternoon I took a fall while going downhill on a rough and rocky section. I hooked a toe and fell forward. Instinct cut in and I wound up cushioning my fall with my left forearm and landed on my side. I had the usual difficulty getting up with a pack on. After I stopped swearing, the only thing that hurt very much was my side/ribs. Breathing was OK, but using the pole was somewhat painful.The sun was starting to set when I arrived at the shelter. City Slicker was having dinner, and I joined him at the table. He keeps his food with him in the shelter so I figured there was no point in me hanging a bear bag so I didn't. He's an experienced hiker and has done a through hike. In his early forties, he's hiking south and plans to continue on to Georgia. He's well equipped for the cold.We talked about having a fire but neither of us was very enthusiastic about doing the work. It was still cold so we both turned in early.
Date: 2013-11-04
To: Wrapping It Up for 2013
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This is the final entry for 2013. I started the day with a doctor visit, to go over the results of my most recent bloodwork. I'm mildly anemic, and he gave me a work-order to have a number of tests done six months from now, to see if the situation improved or not. There's nothing to prevent me from being as active as I want to be in the meantime.I've been hiking locally, with a day pack, a sandwich, and two bottoles of water. Over the weekend I climbed Ragged Mountain, in Berlin, CT. The views were extraordinary. The elevation gain at 500 feet was not much, but the terrain has an incredible amount of up and down, it's pretty much corrugated. It was a sunny day and there were numerous hikers enjoying the last few days of good weather. Going back over my experience hiking the AT this year, the key areas that I plan on changing for the future are 1) pack weight and 2) food weight. By going to a lighter pack and a down sleeping bag I can save another 4 lbs and by using that for extra food I can hit the trail at about 30 lbs total with more food per day than I was carrying when I checked in at 36 lbs. "Real food" has to be a priority, any time you can get some, even if you have to walk or hitch a bit, it should be done. I treated all my water and didn't come down with norovirus, in spite of sharing my phone with several who were sick and being around a lot of peopole that had it. I wore sock liners and managed to keep my feet dry most of the time, tending to hot spots promptly. I didn't raise any blisters. I got twinges from my knees from time to time, but by using the poles to take some of the weight and by avoiding too many large steps in either direction I didn't have any knee problems. That style of hiking slowed me down. Motivation was not a problem. I sort of got on a mission and probably continued a little longer than I should have when my weight got below the critical point. I enjoyed both the camaraderie and the solitude, and I was still having fun the last day of the through hike attempt. For the rest of this year I will continue hiking locally in Connecticut, day hikes exploring trails I haven't taken before, plus a selection of my favorites. I lost some upper body strength which I'm in the process of regaining, paying attention to doing some pushups and situps every day. There are gyms where you can go month to month, and I may get a membership for a while so I can use some Nautilus machines. Long-term that kind of stuff bores me and I don't keep it up. Next year in early April I will pick back up in Tennessee where I left off, just north of Watauga Dam. If I can avoid excessive weight loss I might stay on the trail for an extended period of time. Because of my age, it would be a good idea to do New Hampshire and Maine fairly soon, so trying to avoid the no-seeums I will plan to complete most of those two states next year. It was a wonderful experience. I still sit with my phone and look at the pictures every once in a while, I was there, I saw that, I did that. Thanks everyone for reading my posts and happy trails to all.
Date: 2013-02-07
To: Intro
Miles today: 0.0

So I've decided to take a HikeI decided to do a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail, a 2,178 mile hike from Northern Ga. to Maine! I have the Flight and Hiker Hostel reservations for 12MAR13 so that means I have five weeks to before starting!I must be crazy!                                                         I decided that I wanted to do it last year but it too late for an early start and waiting until my 65th birthday at the end of April would be too late to start. I had penciled in 21MAR13 for a "Start with Spring" hike! Something I have wanted to do since I first heard of it in 1970! Almost did it in '99 but got sidetracked going to AK. I am in excellent health and the only barrier I can see would be physiological!My trail name will be Two Stix, at least for the start. When training for the '99 hike, I used two pieces of PVC pipe as hiking sticks. When talking with someone in the neighborhood, he said, "Oh, you're the one I see walking with two sticks!". I liked it, and was going to use it then but never made the hike.I ordered a one year subscription to Back Packer magazine last year but I don't thinks it has been a lot of help.My biggest problem, or advantage, is that I am not a planner, tho I have been researching gear and prep tips, foods to carry, and reading a few journals of hikers.More about me and my hike as time goes by!H--
Date: 2013-02-09
To: Colorado River
Miles today: 0.0

Another from my Personal JournalMonday, May 7, 2012So much fun, lets do it again! Went into the park (Canyon Lands NP) this AM, got my permit amended for an overnight hike, 20 mile loop down to the river and back with 2000 feet elevation loss to the river and regain coming back to the top. Plan to leave about 0800 tomorrow and back topside by 1700 the next day.We also did the main drive loops an overlooks. Shafer road (trail) was being graded, or repaired, when we drove by. H. Tuesday, May 8, 2012Hike two, day one, ...Going down! What a day. Dead tired at 2030. I just finished dinner and clean up and set up tent. I had to rest three hours before I could do anything! What have I gotten into?The hike down was very scenic, lots of photos. Six miles to Zeus & Moses, two rock formations. I saw them and at first didn't realize what they were, then it dawned on me how far I had hiked down. About a mile later I got in some much needed rest, under a big rock for shade, and a Gator Aid punch drink. Revived, I was ready to go again. While getting into harness a lady went by on a bike, a group followed not far behind.Saw a collard lizard, took 25 photos, 2 came out good, rest were just a little blurred.Got to the river @1500, had to fight my way to the water, filtered about five liters but it still had lots of sediment. Hiking along White Rim Road, I found the wash to follow back up. I made about one mile from the river, through deep soft sand, and with ten pounds of extra water, it was tough, so I started looking for a camp site. I found one around 1645 or so, and then I just collapsed. Thirteen miles was bad enough, but, to end it with ten extra pounds of water and then trudge a mile in deep sugar sand was just too much. I just took my shirt off to use as a ground pad and rested thirty minutes before I unrolled the tent and laid the sleeping pad on top of it. It was three hours before I could set up camp and fix dinner then to bed. Midnight before was rested enough to go to sleep. Stars were nice until the moon came up to dim them out. H
Date: 2013-02-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Looks like it is down to one month, and a short one at that. Twenty eight days. I am walking about four miles every other day now and will add a pack in the next few day. I have been making up MRE day packages in freezer bags consisting of listed items for mail drops.   Looks like they weight in 17 ozs and 1600 calories. I know I will need about twice that amount per day. Still looking for ideas. I will take five or six to start and have the first Mail drop sent to Fontanna Dam and by the time I get through the Smokies, I should have an idea of I need to change or keep the same. (Did I mention how much I hate planning?) I plan to buy most of supplies on the trail but as of now have no idea of what all that will consist of. Guess that is what on the job. Suggestions welcome!        MREs                                Item           Calories   Carbs        Fat gs        Protien gs                                Nuts              300      138   27        6 Gatorade        125        125        0        0 Gatorade        125        125        0        0 Noodles        380        234        14        10 Fig Bars        220        164        5        4 Potatoes        180        153        0        3 Tuna              70           0   1        16 Oats              100           56        2        4 Oats              100        56        2        4                                Totals              1600        1051        51        47H --
Date: 2013-02-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

16FEB13Working this week on MRMs (Meals Ready to Mail). Looks like I have about eight drops of six meals each, with around 3,000 calories per. Lots of repacking and sealing. Each drop weighs it at about 9.3 pounds. I added one of those to my pack today for my first training hike with a backpack. The backpack also had my sleeping bag, pad and tent and came in at 9.3 pounds also. It was the first time I had actually weight my base gear together. Was very pleased with it as my goal was to be under ten pounds. So, with 18.6 pounds, I did my four mile training hike which is just 1.5 miles and back, but I looped on the one short hill section and extra four times to make it four miles total. I was surprised that I did it in the same time as without the pack, one hour and ten minutes, but I am lots more tired. I have been doing four mile every other day for a couple of weeks now. My old dumb phone died last week, or maybe I killed it, anyway we each ordered new touch screen phone, not real smart phone, but, not really dumb either, and are going to give Tracfone a try. If it works out it will be lots cheaper. Will activate them on Monday, or maybe Tuesday due to Presidents Day. Mine has Wi-Fi and will not be so bad on batteries as my Nexus 7 for checking e-mail and such. It also has camera so I can take grainy low light photos and post them on FaceBook. I think there must be a rule of some kind on FB that requires that! (It¢s a joke, people, don¢t get upset,) All for now, I¢m tired! H.
Date: 2013-02-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

T - 2 weeksTime is getting short. Last week I came down with a stomach virus, I guess that's what it was, and was out for a few days. Training suffered, but I'm back at it now.Over the weekend I did my tax returns and got that out of the way. It is the first time, EVER, that I completed that task before April. I have been known to get them finished just in time to mail on the Tax Day. But, don't loose faith, I will hold onto them and mail them in April. (Taxes due)!I have most of my meals in boxes done. I am planning on eleven drops and one "carry on" to start. Each box will have six days rations. Will not seal them up just in case some last minute things are needed and can be shipped in the same box.Driving to PHX on the 11th and spending the first night in a Motel 6. Fly to ATL on the 12th and spend my second night the Hiker Hostel, them head for and depart Spring Mountain on the 13th!Sounds like a plan!Two Stix
Date: 2013-03-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Carrying the load! 03/02/13I have been walking four miles each day with my pack. I did two days with 18+ pounds, and two days with 23+ pounds. Amazing the difference five pounds make! Will add another five pounds in the next few days. My aim it just to get my muscles used to the load and elevation gain so they will not get so sore when I start the trail. I'm counting on getting my trail legs and building up my stamina in the first two to three weeks on the trail itself. Not many days left until I head to PHX on the 11th then fly to ATL on the 12th, and start my hike on the 13th. I have twelve boxes of food that weight in at around ten pounds each ready for drop shipping and one box full in my pack. Just have to get the kitchen and clothing in the pack and it's ready to go. Been working getting things at home ready for my departure. I sprayed Weed Impede today. We get very little rain here and the only things that grow are the weeds. We have gravel around the house, or what I like to call Arizona Sod. Helps keep the dust under control, but the weeds come up very quickly because of the mulching effect and retaining what little moisture there is. Our domestic water tank is topped of and I will do that again just before leaving and leave a load on the trailer that M can transfer after two or three weeks. If she need more water she can have a tank full hauled in and that should last until I get home. Everything seems to be coming together for an on time departure. Now if the government can just keep the shy from falling until after my flight to ATL everything should go as scheduled!H
Date: 2013-03-06
To: Ready to hike
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Still in training. Pack weight just under 30# with no water and a few little things to add to it.Wheels up one week from today. Looking at the weather for Northern GA and it looks like perfect hiking weather for a start of 13MAR13. High of 60 and low of 38-39 for the first three days. Couldn't get much better than that for a start! Looks like the last few day have been kinda rough for the now on the trail! Looking at start dates of the journal keepers and I guess I won't be alone... for the first day any way. May lag behind after that. Maybe the ones that start after me wont pass me by too quickly!Funny thing, last week I had my anxious moments dreams two night in a row. First one I was withing 20 miles of the trail head and all the other hikers left without me, and for some reason I couldn't start! Figure that one out! The second one was airline related, missing flights and losing luggage and that kind of thing. Looks like at my age I would know better!!H
Date: 2013-03-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My first night on the trail should give a good view of Comet Pan-STARRSThe weather looks to be clear with a near new moon!http://news.yahoo.com/comet-pan-starrs-dresses-night-skies-visible-naked-193717048.html------..."Northern Hemisphere sky-watchers will get their chance to see the comet beginning on Thursday, though the best views may come later in the month......The comet should be visible in the direction of the setting sun just after the sun slips below the horizon. Twilight and moonlight may make viewing the comet difficult. The best opportunity to see it may be on March 13 when the comet appears just beneath a thin crescent moon, astronomers said...."-------What a send off!H
Date: 2013-03-11
To: Wheels up in 22 hours
Miles today: 0.0

0600 MST. Last week it would have bee 0700... darn DST!Spending the night in a motel near PHX.Question! Just how many little bitty item, less than an ounce, can you find at the last minute to cram into your pack. I have the cinch straps stretched as far as I can without breaking them!Anxious to meet the Lucky 13th crowed. Do we just love to temp fate, or what?My pack comes in just over 30 pounds without water. I do have a few items that will come out while on the trail, and a few that will go in. But hey, I have to carry them all anyway, right? A hat weighs the same on my head or in my pack, right?TwoStix
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Amicalola Falls - Georgia State Park

To: Springer Mountian Shelter
Miles today: 0.02

3/13. Day 1, 0.2 milesDid the approach trail after a night @ H. Hostel. Roommate was down with a cold so I picked it up. 8 mile approach was hard, but very double. Enjoyed the day with hiking with Globug. Stopped @ Springer Shelter to show 0.2 official miles for the first day. Cooked and enjoyed the evening with a great crowd!
Date: 2013-03-14
From: Approach trail

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.8

3/14 day 2, 8.0 miHawk Mtn Shelter. Down to 19.x degrees last night. Lost o water bottles were frozen. Mostly same group today. GloBug' Nema' Icuras, The family w/ 9yo girl, Taylor. Got the best answer to why hike from Taylor. - "Mostly to make my friends jealous!"Held my own with the 20/30 something's... so far!
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 6.3

Up @ 0800 out @ 0930. 32*F. 8 miles in 6.25 hours. Got up yesterday with sore throat but a little better today. Fig bars an Gatoraide for lunch. V-I got me through the day. Leg museles and feet hurting and hard to move around after sitting for a while. Learned that I had left one of my small stuff sacks at last shmter, it had my trash in it! Hiked in the mid 70's today so removed vest an a base layer. Used StesdyState's roller for my legs, helped with the soreness!
Date: 2013-03-16
From: Gooch Mtn. Shelter

To: Lance Creek camping area
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: few clouds

Hiking 8 miles 7 hours to get to Lance creek and sit up the tent with our 'group'. Great place to camp. Woody gap was set for some great Trail Magic by Glenloch church (west of ATL near st. border). They were set with all kinds of food and snacks and a small pharmacy. My cold is gaining on me so I picked things for that. Also got a great foot rub and feet wrapped for my new blisters. They worked great. Legs and feet feeling pretty good for now, the soreness is gone. Eating is not a high priority with my cold and I have to make myself eat enough.
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Lance Creek camping area

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 8.0

Hiked to Neels gap and stayed @ Blood Mtn cabins with Nema, Icarus and Steady State sharing. Hike up Blood mtn was tough, but down was rougher. Got settled in and found out the store was closed. Nema and Icarus shared theirs and never did Red Baron pizza taste so good. (I went up for bagels and cream cheese next day.). A rash and shafing is starting to bother me. Nema Offer me her Gold bond and it helps.   My cold is getting worse and chills are sitting in. Miserable night for sleeping.
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Neels Gap

To: Tesnatee Gap hwy 348
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: clear sky

Feeling rough all day from my cold. Took a zero yesterday. Hardest 4 miles for me yet. Could not eat much and was very weak. Chris (Icuras) Caught up with me and stuck with me until I got to the highway and got a ride to Helen. He saved my butt for sure. Very nice room in a resort town for #35, the nicest room for the price that I have ever stayed in. Walked across the street for a Wendy's burger and milk shake. Feeling really rough so am not moving around very much, just laying on the bed and resting.
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Helen, GA

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0

Packed it up today and walked to the edge of town to hitch to Hiawassee. Picked up before too long and delivered to then budget Inn in Hiawassee. Got a Subway for lunch.Walked across the street to the ER. Got Rx for an antibiotic, cough syrup, and better OTC stuff.
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Unicoi Gap

To: tray mtn shelter
Miles today: 5.7

Got back on the trail today still not in top form, but couldn't lay out too long. Mailed my solar panel home just before catching the shuttle to the gap. I planned to hike to Dicks Cork Gap in two days and back to Hiawassee for more recovery time. Hiked in the rain for two hours or so and made it to Tray Mtn shelter. Cooked and got settled in with a nice fire. Heavy rain in the night, just glad I did not tent. Not completely over the cold, but feeling much better! (I decided not to go all the way back to Tesnatee gap, so I have about 15 miles of yellow blase to confess to. It is my hike after all.)