morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-01-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A good writer could blend the last day of the year with the preparations for a thru-hike. Wish I knew one.My serious preparations started last fall, with a few day hikes with about 35 lbs in the pack and one overnight trip, solo. The overnighter gave me a good chance to test old gear, decide what needed to be replaced and what didn't. Fortunately, it started raining as I was breaking camp and continued until I got home, which gave me another opportuntity to test gear and methods under wet conditions. Besides working out at the gym (with pack on stairclimber), that's about all the physical prep I'm doing.My equipment prep is ongoing, expensive, and often frustrating. My old tent and sleeping bag are being replaced, but the antique Svea stove is still on the list. The aluminum alcohol stoves are tempting, but when dish, windscreen, and fuel are factored in, I don't think they're that much lighter. Also, folks tell me that they take longer to boil water, so therefore require more fuel. And what happens if you accidently step on one? A ready-for-recycling beer can. Step on a Svea and twist your ankle, but no damage to the stove.My largest remaining gear decision is water treatment. The options are numerous, expensive, and mostly heavy. Pump? UV? Pills? I've read lots of other hikers' journals and have lots of different suggestions. The clothing is coming together - some new, some old and recycled as hiking gear, e.g., a pair of threadbare light wool suit pants. The cold doesn't scare me much, since we get plenty of acclimation here in the ET mountains.Breaking in one pair of boots and have another pair on order.Since this is my third entry, I guess my very own Trail Journal page will show up soon.Happy New Year, y'all.
Date: 2006-01-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today saw some more progress toward getting ready to hike the AT. First, I found the instruction sheets for seam-sealing my tent, which had been hidden by the gremlins. Second, I bought a digital camera for the Trail - a Canon SD 400. It's small and very light; just hope it's durable. I intend to take an extra battery (and have a third at home being recharged at all times) and two memory cards of at least 1/2 gig each.I have also started roughing out the schedule, at least to Newfound Gap, where Jane will meet me for the first time, we hope.Finally I played 18 holes of golf. We had great weather for 4 Jan., I walked, and I carried my clubs. Not quite as good training as hiking up a mountain, but much better than watching daytime TV.
Date: 2006-01-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today I finally stopped procrastinating and sealed the seams on my tent (Warmlite 2R). I had been putting it off for weeks but couldn't think of any more excuses. The tent is set up in the basement, which is warm and dry and well-lit, but the concrete floor is tough on my hips and knees.My daughter has offered me access to a vacuum sealer, if I buy the plastic bags. I'm thinking about making up several one-pot meals in individual servings, so all I have to do is add water and butter. This way I can pre-add extras like freeze-dried veggies, bouillon powder, freeze-dried chicken or beef, bacon bits, powdered milk, spices, etc. to instant rice, pasta, mac & cheese, or instant potatoes and have a little variety with fewer packages and perhaps less weight. This could also work with breakfast foods like grits and oatmeal. Has anyone out there tried this approach for at least some meals?My physical training is going pretty well; 30 minutes on the stairclimber with a 35 # pack is getting easier, so I guess I'm making progress. Water purification is still up in the air. One day I decide to get a pump, the next I lean toward my steri-pen (which I've used once in the field but not sure I trust it for extended periods). Right now I'm leaning toward iodine tabs, because of weight, expense, and effectiveness on giardia and crytosporidium. One reader e-mailed that I should use Aqua-Mira, but my info is that chlorine dioxide is not effective against giardia and/or cryptosporidium. Otherwise, I'd be an easy convert.And congratulations to the Lady Vols, who beat UConn today in Knoxville. Props to the L. Huskies, though. They played UT much closer than I thought they would. Bye for now.
Date: 2006-01-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

If you are already a thru-hiker or have read others' journals, you can skip this entry of FAQ's. Here's mine, with answers.Q. Will you start in Georgia and go north?A. Yes.Q. Who's going with you?A. Just me.Q. Really? You're going by yourself?A. Yep.Q. Are you taking a cell phone?A. No. Q. Why not? A. The weight, plus I don't own one.Q. But won't everybody will have a cell phone?A. Great. I'll borrow their's.Q. What about GPS?A. Nope.Q. Why not? What if you get lost?A. I spent my entire career making and using maps. I'm not worried.Q. Are you taking a gun?A. Nope.Q. Why not?A. Too heavy and dangerous.Q. Aren't you afraid?A. Only of shooting myself in the foot.Q. Seen "Deliverance"?A. Yeah, and I'm practicing squealing like a pig.Q. How far is it to the end?A. About 2,170 miles.Q. And you're going to walk the whole way without stopping?A. I'll stop to eat and sleep.Response. Oh, that shouldn't be so bad, then.Q. When will you finish?A. In mid- to late-August, I hope. I have to be back by 2 Sept for the Cal game.In all fairness, I get lots of very intelligent questions, too, from experienced hikers and campers. There are lots of very knowledgable folks around here. I just wish I had some very intelligent answers.
Date: 2006-01-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This entry has very little to do with the Trail. My wife Jane and I just got back from a trip to Nashville to see the Rau collection, a collection of European art that is touring the US. A wide variety of styles and periods - some unimpressive to me and some take-your-breath-away great - Renoir, Monet, Cassatt, Sisley, ... On the way down and back I refined my "things to do" list, amended the tentative schedule for the first 30 days from Springer, and read some of "Complete Walker IV", a Christmas present from my son James.I hope to get a few photos posted soon, and enter the gear list. Y'all come back now, y'hear.
Date: 2006-01-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today's topic is physical training. Instead of reading here about the best methods, go to Whiteblaze.net and read the forum topic and responses. Some pretty good stuff there.For me, I've been on the stairclimber at the gym with a full pack 3 to 5 days a week, up to 45 minutes at level 3. With some weight training for upper legs and trunk, it's a routine that produces a lot of sweat and a noticable increase in stamina and strength.However, I've decided to give cross-training a shot. Instead of climbing that d*** stairclimber, I'm going to try a different workout. Tomorrow, my wife & I are going to the beach for 2 weeks. Golf, shrimp, and adult beverages sound like a pretty discipled regimen, don't you think?Other preparations are going well. Winged Foot's book arrived, as did some freeze-dried veggies and meats from Nitro. Anybody tried this stuff? Also, I have finally decided (for at least 2 days) on water treatment. What the world needs is the safest, most reliable treatment method, at the lowest cost, and at the least weight. There's a Nobel Prize in Physics for the winner.
Date: 2006-02-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, the cross-training went very well. For two weeks we enjoyed golf, shrimp, crabs, oysters, fish, beer, bicycling, and walking on the beach. The weather was terrific for January - mild and mostly sunny. I only walked the beach with a full pack once, but I did walk the golf course and carry my clubs some, so that should count for something.Preparations now begin in earnest. I have a list several pages long of things to acquire, things to do (e.g., file income taxes), people to contact, favors to ask, etc.My main equipment goals now are replacing the gasket in the fuel cap on my Svea 123 and testing out some new equipment in the field. Since I'm starting in early to mid-March, I know there'll be some cold and snow in the mountains, but I'm too lazy to pack up and go up to the local mountains for an overnight or two with snow being forecasted. I've decided to use chemical water treatment - some iodine and some chlorine dioxide. All methods have pros and cons, but alternating these methods (with taste-enhancers like Tang and hot chocolate) will have to suffice. The weight and questionable reliability of a pump are major drawbacks.I'm also starting to plan maildrops and assemble food packs. I'm vac-sealing freeze-dried meats and veggies with seasoning powders, pasta, rice, etc. for variety when cheeseburgers aren't available. Look pretty good, I must say. One other equipment note I forgot to mention. My old pack cover of urethane coated ripstop is wearing away, so I special-ordered another from Dancing Light Gear, who made my rain suit. Actually, I bought 2 pack covers, just in case. Monday, back to the stairclimber at the fitness center. Sure wish I was still at the beach.Good luck to those who are starting in February. May you have mild weather and rain only at night.
Date: 2006-02-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear Audrey,Like all thru-hikers, I'm getting the itch to get going. My gear is about 95% in order, I've either bought or ordered bulk plenty of trail food for variety, and your grandmother and I are scouting the places where we'll meet up for resupply and reacquaintance.Today we were in Gatlinburg and stopped by Park HQ at Sugarlands to verify protocol in the GSMNP. The Park tries to accommodate thru-hikers at shelters by reserving a few spaces each night for them (us). In fact, the Park even has a definition of thru-hiker - (n): a person who is hiking the entire length of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in a single trip; or a person who begins a hiking trip on the A.T. at least fifty (50) miles outside the park, hikes the A.T. through the Smokies, and finishes the trip at least fifty (50) miles outside the opposite boundary of the park. I'm going to be defined - cool, huh?Thru-hikers have to obtain a permit (no fee) and are entitled to stay seven (7) consecutive nights to hike in the Smokies without designating at which shelter he/she will be staying. Northbounders can obtain a permit at Fontana Dam; southbounders at Hot Springs (Wingfoot's "Trail Guide" says also at Big Creek Ranger Station at Davenport Gap, but the NPS brochure doesn't mention this.) Fortunately, side trips to Gatlinburg for shower, laundry, supply, and spousal visits do not count against you. I also found out that thru-hikers can stay in tents outside a shelter, but only if it is full. This way, hikers can get to know the bears on a much more personal, one-to-one level. Almost like communing with some honest to goodness nature, eh?I love you and will miss you terribly. Maybe you can come along when M-Jane comes to meet me up at various places between Hot Springs and Damascus.Bye for now,Gramps, aka Mango
Date: 2006-02-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Two weeks from today is the Start Day. Apparently, my mood is typical of pending thru-hikers - anxious to get started. I continue to tweak gear decisions, take care of personal business, and make dozens of "things to do" lists, some of which I can find.My 2005 tax return is ready to mail, my 1st qtr. est. tax voucher is ready to mail, and my wonderful wife has had several tutorials on how to add journal entries, download photos, et al. We are also driving to various pick-up locations in NET / WNC, so she'll know where to find me in a month or so. Laugh if you want, but I'm getting ready to go out on the back porch to spend the night and test various gear items in combination. Low tonight will be about 32 F., and the back porch is a reasonably good simulation for a shelter. If I don't wake up tomorrow, remember me on Springer.
Date: 2006-03-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

(A)T minus 4 and counting. I mailed my first maildrop to Hiawassee today, so I'm committed, I guess.Most of my food vac-sealing is done and the packs organized. Now I'm watching the 10-day forecast on weather.com and trying to finalize what clothes to take. Slept out back again this week, testing tent, sleeping bag, etc. under similar weather conditions to what I will find on the trail.Yesterday was Audrey's 2nd birthday party, and a good time was had by all, especially the princess.
Date: 2006-03-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We leave tomorrow for SE Tennessee, then Springer on Tuesday. I have pretty much finished my packing, unpacking, and repacking. I was pleasantly surprised to find that my pack, with food but without water, weighed only 30.5 lbs. That means my initial weight will be under 35#, my top-end goal.My wife Jane will be updating the journal as I send or call info to her. Wish my knees good luck.Jim, aka Mango
Date: 2006-03-07
From: Springer Mtn

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 1 Tuesday, 7 March 06 Hawk Mtn Shelter   Jane and I spent the night at Mom's in Athens, TN, then drove down to Amicalola Falls St. Park, arriving about 11:15 AM. Bill and Mindy Campbell met us at the Visitors Center; we did the sign-in, took the photos, and met 2 NOBO hikers (Dave from MN and Kim from OH), and Crazy Horse, who had just finished a South Bound hike and was turning around to head back north (??!!).                                                                                                                                                      Bill and Mindy drove me up to the parking lot near the Summit of Springer. We walked the 0.9 mi. out to the Summit for the obligatory pictures. We met Hatteras Jack and Smiley - a section hiker who is in law school at Vandy.                                                                                                                                                      The weather today was perfect for hiking - sunny (i.e., no rain), light wind, temp in mid 50's. I walked in just a tee shirt and light shirt (and pants, of course) and felt fine the whole time.It was 3PM before I left the parking lot near Springer to start north. My goal was to get Hawk Mtn. Shelter, 6.8 miles away. I was afraid of arriving after dark, so I walked faster than I probably should have, but my pre-hike training did me well. Got to the shelter at about 5:30 with no blisters or leg problems. A little tired, but nothing serious. Caught and passed some other thru-hikers: a couple from PA, Brains and Braun, and Mark from Missouri. The last mile I caught and walked in with Hatteras Jack - a neat young man from Boulder, CO, College of Charleston, and the Navy.I expected the shelter to be full, but most folks tented, so I slept in the shelter with Cimmaron, an 83 year old hiker who took his last radiation treatment for prostrate last Friday.I had laughted at somebody's trail journal account of going back after 1 day because he forgot his food. I'm embarrassed to admit that I forgot to pack drink mixes in the food bag - no Tang, no hot chocolate. At least I remembered the food.
Date: 2006-03-08
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 2 Wed.AM- Hawk Mtn. Shelter I slept okay-not great, not bad. My shelter-mate was up multiple times, which woke me up, too. I didn't have to get up, fortunately.                                                                  Yesterday I went almost 8 miles after 2 PM, and today's goal is 8 miles to Gooch Mtn. Shelter. So I have plenty of time to pack up and walk at a relaxed pace. It's cool and sunny-should be a good walk.      12:30 PM- lunch break at Cooper Gap...notes on the trail itself. The 1st day's walk was not difficult at all- very few steep ups or downs. The trail went through high ridges that were mostly hardwood, and creek bottoms with lots of rhododendren, laurel, and old growth hemlocks. There is lots of evidence of recent trail maintenance- Thanks G A T C ! So far today the trail has all been on high ridges with good long views of the mtns.   3:30 PM Arrived at Gooch Mtn. Shelter. Sure is nice to get to camp early enough so you can eat and clean up without having to race dark. Hiked some today with Nick & Erin, a young couple from ME who stayed at Hawk Mtn. last night. Dave (MN) and Kim(OH) caught us and passed us-they are flying-but stopped at Gooch Mtn also.
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

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

Day 3 Thursday about noon Lunch at Woody Gap. Nick and Erin hitchhiked into Suches for a rest-his knee is really hurting. The big news so far today is my dumb ...mistake; I left Gooch Mtn. Shelter without my 2 full water bottles. Two miles up the trail, I realized my mistake and had to back track. Fortunately for me, Turtle had brought them along with her. They were at Gooch Gap so my double-back was only about 1/2 mile, each way. I carried her pack a few hundred yards in gratitude to give her a break and to say "thanks". Weather is cool (40's) and the sky is overcast. Scuttlebutt is that a storm is coming in tonight. 5:30PM Finally got to Woods Hole Shelter...a long day with lots of climbs. Only 6 guys here so far; 4 from Gooch last night and 2 new guys I haven't seen before...Bravefoot from FL and Alexander from Louisville. I didn't cook supper-nothing to cook. Filled up on pita bread, peanut butter, slim jim, cheese, gorp. Almost hiker midnight ( 6PM) and time for bed. The wind is strong and cold.
Date: 2006-03-10
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neel's Gap- Walasi-Yi hostel
Miles today: 3.7

Day 4 8am Almost ready to leave Woods Hole Shelter. Rain and windstorm last night, but we stayed dry. No one tented. I'm sleeping better but still not straight through the night. Goal today is to get to Neels Gap in time to call Jane by 1 PM. Have to climb over Blood Mtn first. 1PM Life is good! I have showered, eaten lunch, and talked to my honey in Johnson City. Now my clothes are in the washer. The Walasi-Yi Center is a stone building with outfitter, limited groceries, hostel, laundry, and various other hiker services-especially showers. I have a bunk with mattress($15 @ night) and expect a good night's sleep. The climb up Blood Mtn. was much easier than I expected, and the top was spectacular. The sky is clear and sunny,but breezy up on top. My advice to future hikers is not to stay at the shelter on Blood Mtn. It is stone, cold, windy, has no privy or water source. On a clear day, though, it would be great for lunch. 8 PM Went to an all-you-can-eat(AYCE)place in Blairsville tonight, with Mark(Spoon), John and Lilly from ATL, Brian(hs student from Los Alamos, NM), Frosty(whose wife signed my trail journal), Ranger Cortez and Turtle, 2 girls travelling together from New England. We got a lot of strange looks from the locals, but we were treated very nice, and we ate a lot! Time for bed.
Date: 2006-03-11
From: Neels Gap

To: past Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Day 5 Saturday Countdown with Keith Olberman- The TOP 5 News Items of Day 5 #5 After a long, steep climb out of Testnatee Gap, at the top were jonquils and crocus in bloom. Thank you to the anonymous gardener for a little color in a gray/brown world. #4 The second camera battery is going or about gone. I might not be able to take another picture till Hiawassee,GA-battery charger in bounce box. #3 Physical condition- I am improving in strength and fitness level, and no blisters yet. Did about 13.0 miles today with my heaviest pack(food). #2 Camping in the tent for the first time. Did not want to stop at Low Gap Shelter because it is kind of a dump,is small, and I was there by 2 PM and wanted to push on so I can get to Hiawassee earlier on Monday. And the #1 news story of Day 5- Walked in dripping fog almost all day. Had no scenic vistas, but walking in foggy woods was cool in its own way. It makes you feel even more alone in the wilderness, it's quiet, and it is different. Camping along the trail(Stealth camping) with Parker(20 yr old guy from GA-goes to West GA College-was at hostel last night), and Tybee Pete-a 65 yr old guy who is heavy, friendly, and going at a slow pace and apparently enjoying his life.
Date: 2006-03-12
From: past Low Gap Shelter

To: Steeltrap Gap
Miles today: 14.2

Day 6 Sunday 10:40 AM Arrived at Blue Mtn Shelter for a rest. Hope to get within 6 or 8 miles of Dicks Creek Gap today, so I can get to Hiawassee earlier tomorrow. Thought of Sunday school class and Contemporary Service. Prayed for Jane and Cammie. 7:05PM Steeltrap Gap- I think. Camping alone, about 1.7 miles past Tray Mtn Shelter. Leapfrogged with John and Lily most of the day, but they went on. I like stopping at a shelter late in the afternoon to eat, get water, wash dishes, use privy, etc., then walk another mile or 2 or 3 to camp. Makes the next day shorter,especially when it's a maildrop day in Hiawassee. I may take 2 or 3 showers. First time for Trail Magic today. Glen and Tyree and daughter Merideth were at Unicoi Gap with a cooler of soft drinks and sweet snacks. I had an RC, a doughnut, and a chocolate Little Debbie. They're from Gainesville, GA-Great folks! Thanks. 2 anonymous dayhikers gave out GatorAid at Tray Gap. Full moon but cloudy most of the time. Almost dark-I'm beat. Did about 14.2 miles today and 13 yesterday. Feet and knees still good to go.
Date: 2006-03-13
From: Steeltrap Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 7 Monday I'm at Deep Gap Shelter for a food, water, and privy break. It's about 10:30 AM. Hoping to get to Dick's Creek Gap by 1:30 PM, then hitch into Hiawassee. Thinking about Cammie. 4 PM- Hitched in with Lone Wolf (later Nor'easter) and Doogie. A Georgia Bulldog fan gave us a ride. For one week, I will say nothing bad about the Dawgs. I'm at Hiawassee Inn, in a room by myself - thank goodness. Have had a shower and a haircut. Going to another AYCE tonight. Both maildrop boxes arrived. I have too much food and may send some ahead. Good weather, but rain and cold are predicted.