morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-11-10
To: Preparation #2
Miles today: 0.0

Musings about GeorgiaPeople keep asking me why I would want to give up a comfortable bed and head out on the trail. I remember my first three days of hiking in Georgia last March when it was a challenge to keep water and fingers thawed. Perhaps time and distance make the heart grow fonder, but this is what I remember about my third day on the trail when I hiked between Stover Creek Shelter and Gooch Mountain Shelter (encountering the first challenging climbs of the trail: Sassafras Mtn, Justus Mtn, and Phyllis Spur):Sassafras, Justus, and PhyllisI walk alone beneath frozen fingersof curled rhododendron leaves.I dip my cup in cold shimmering watersof a creek that tumbles from around a bend.I leave footprints in the snow at water¢s edgebeside those of raccoon and deer.I struggle up a steep winding pathto discover gardens of holly and pine.I slide and tumble down the rocky spurand come to rest in a tranquil brookside grove.I lay down on leaves beneath bare treesto see stars glimmering between the clouds.-iTrod
Date: 2009-11-11
To: Preparation #3
Miles today: 0.0

Lessons learned at the 2009 ALDHA GatheringI had the unique opportunity to meet several ultra long distance hikers while attending the Gathering. These were folks who had 10,000 or 25,000 or even 48,000 miles under their boots. Kinda made my quest to go 2,175 miles on the AT seem rather insignificant. I was amazed to find how "low tech" they were when it came to equipment. For some, Wal-Mart was the outfitter of choice. Their attitude, resourcefulness, and motivation far eclipse the importance of what they carry on their backs. Warren Doyle, founder of ALDHA, and all-around trail wizard gave a workshop on how to successfully thru-hike the A.T. He spoke of flowing with the trail and cooperating with the trail rather than trying to control it. Combativeness is to be avoided at all costs: it is counter-productive to fight the trail and attempt to make it conform to the one's expectations or needs.Learning how to carry less is an art. Fear of the unknown and demand for creature comforts increases pack weight, decreasing one's chance of success. Professor Doyle does not fear giardiasis or dysentery and drinks freely of the springs and streams along the trail. I don't know if I can ever get to that level of oneness and comfort with nature, but I will try. I know from experience that most of my suffering while on the trail resulted from carrying too much weight or from combative behaviors. I would get angry if I could not maintain a 2.5 MPH pace, reach the next summit on schedule, or if the walk into the next town was taking too long. I know that it will take effort, but I will do my best to flow with the trail.Thanks, Professor Doyle.Professor Warren DoyleBlackboard from Warren Doyle's Trail StoriesThat which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly. -Thomas PaineThank you, God, for this good life and forgive us if we do not love it enough. -Garrison Keillor
Date: 2009-11-15
To: Preparation #4
Miles today: 0.0

Trail LiteratureRecommended ReadingIt is easy to get lost in the details of gear and gear weights during the preparation process. The one message that hit home while at the ALDHA gathering was that mental and spiritual preparation for a thru hike is way more important than the food, gear, or route planning aspects. Details of the tangibles remain important, but what really counts is confidence, motivation, attitude, and trust/acceptance in providence. I must be flexible and accepting of the changes that the trail demands, and receptive to the new experiences and encounters that the trail provides.In that light, I continue to read books about the AT. I just finished reading Gene Espy's The Trail of My Life. Gene was the second thru-hiker of the AT who completed his NOBO hike in 1951. A man who is at peace with himself and the world, he injects a sense of elation and wonder in all of his pursuits. Clearly he loves life and life loves him. He will be attending the ATC open house in December. I hope that I can make my way to Harpers Ferry for this event as it would be great to meet this trail legend.I am currently reading the recently published book by Mountain Crossings' Winton Porter: Just Passin' Thru. I had difficulty putting his book down in order to make this entry. Winton is a gifted writer who has chosen to live deliberately, and in doing so, has amassed a wealth of great stories. The insight, humor, and wisdom contained in this volume are unparalleled. In a just universe, Winton's book would outsell Bryson's A Walk in the Woods. I pray that the universe is just. Winton deserves an audience that extends beyond the hiking community.A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.-Lao TzuAny man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves. -Albert Einstein
Date: 2010-01-24
To: Preparation #6
Miles today: 0.0

Time to Get Serious! Kevin models my North Face Thunder Jacket in Fort Myers, FLI got busy organizing gear today and packed my old reliable Osprey Aether. It looks like my pack weight is going to be about 39 lbs. at the start of the hike. This is about 10-12 lbs. lighter than it was on my shakedown hike in Georgia last year. I am probably packing too much cold weather gear, but the first night on Springer Mountain left an impression on me (10 degrees Fahrenheit, 40 mph winds, 4 inches of snow).I think the task thru-hikers dread most is mail drop planning. Figuring out what you will want to eat several months ahead of time is a daunting task. Likewise, it is difficult to predict one's consumption rate of toothpaste, contact lens solution, toilet paper, and AAA batteries. The fact that I worry about this is a sure sign that I have too much time on my hands. I suspect in the end, I will just randomly throw a bunch of stuff in each box and hope for the best. One must take care not to overdo the planning when it comes to adventuring.Oh well, I've got about nine days of working in the slave world before I retire from my 20+ year career. I am a free man as of March 2nd. Soon after, I will join the ranks of the AT NOBO's (or is it hobos?). I look forward to meeting the other Tenners in my class.Catch you down the trail...And I said, oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness.~Psalms 55:6-7
Date: 2010-01-29
To: Preparation #7
Miles today: 0.0

Official GA->ME 2010 Card Yet more evidence of way too much time on my hands. Heeellllp....March 9th cannot come too soon!Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you. ~Carl Sandburg
Date: 2010-01-31
To: Preparation #8
Miles today: 0.0

The Planning Process Continues...Well, I packed up my first two mail drops. I decided to call the locations that I plan to send them to just because I am paranoid about this stuff. I had a rude awakening when I called the Hiawassee Inn where I was going to send Mail Drop #1. The phone number listed in the guide was not in service. "Crap", I thought, "can't these guide books get the phone numbers right?" I checked two other guide books and the internet and found the same number. I also found another number, called it...also disconnected. After posting a thread requesting information on Whiteblaze.net, I learned that the Hiawassee Inn is closed. Bummer, I enjoyed my stay there last March. They even provided shuttle service and washed my stinkin' laundry. This is a big loss to the A.T. thru-hiking community."And the winner is..."During my Front Royal to Duncannon section hike last year, I used Bob "501" McCaw's THRU-HIKER'S HANDBOOK. I found it to be very useful and particularly appreciated the trail elevation profiles and liked the way trail distances were formated. The town maps are also quite good. I met David "Awol" Miller at the ALDHA Gathering in Gettysburg and got a chance to look at his A.T. Guide. I liked what I saw and decided to order the 2010 copy. As I member of ALDHA and a fan of the Thru-Hiker's Companion, I also purchased this year's copy of that weighty guide. Each of these guides have their merits. The Companion is comprehensive and even includes some historical information. The other two guides are a bit leaner and thereby easier to carry on the trail. I really like the trail elevation profiles presented in THE HANDBOOK and The A.T. Guide. Ultimately, I felt the efficient layout of Awol's guide would serve me best when out on the trail. I also felt that it would be easier to disassemble (in fact, an unbound edition is available). I tore off the cover and divided it into four sections, so I don't have to carry the entire book at the beginning of the hike. I will include segments in mail drops as I need them. Additionally, I believe it is a tradition to discard pages that are no longer needed as one moves ahead.Catch you down the trail...We burn daylight.-William Shakespeare
Date: 2010-03-02
To: Billville Winter Warmer
Miles today: 0.0

Conplectaris BillvilliumYesterday, I ended a career that spanned over 20 years. Appropriately it was a on Monday, and this day felt like many other Mondays: hectic and stressful...but I made it to the end.Thankfully, I was energized after attending the 7th Annual Billville Winter Warmer the weekend before. The Warmer is three days of hiker fellowship, beer drinking, story telling, more beer drinking, music, more beer drinking, poetry, even more beer drinking...(well, you get the point), and tours of not one, but two local microbreweries: Troegs and Appalachian Brewing Company.Welcome to BillvilleThe Historic Doyle Hotel hosts the 7th Annual Billville Winter WarmerTrail Legends and Billvillians: Bag "o" Tricks and Baltimore Jack TarlinMatthewski and TankChomp: Annoying and Confusing the Humorless since 2000Jack Gets EvenAfter blinding Matty with the orange juice, Jack takes aim at Tricks. He has not quite gotten over the Cheetos and acrylic paint prank of Friday night.Billvillians pose in front of the Troegs Malt Silo Baltimore Andy, Tank, Over the Edge, Sasquatch, iTrod, Two Step, Chomp, and J.B.Andy Likes BeerTrail Angel Mary!Thanks for Breakfast!In Summary...I pledge not to miss another WarmerYou can only be young once. But you can always be immature.Dave Barry
Date: 2010-03-08
To: Preparation #10
Miles today: 0.0

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go...Well, more precisely, my mail drops are packed and ready to go. Tomorrow, I board a plane bound for Atlanta. I have made a few last minute purchases including ear plugs for anyone sleeping in the same zip code. I don't want to spark another international incident as I did last year with my snoring. Really, I try not to snore.Otherwise, I am trying to enjoy the things that I will miss while on the trail. We were blessed with a beautiful sunny and warm weekend. I dusted off the Harley and headed down a country road for an early March ride. It was exhilarating! Live to ride...Ground Control cut my hair last night. I felt like an inmate on death row getting his last haircut. It is finally sinking in that I will be away from home and loved ones for the next six months. This time around it's the Real Deal, not just another two week section hike. After dropping off a load of hikers near Springer Mountain last year, Josh of the Hiker Hostel was asked for his insight on how to become a successful thru-hiker. He recommended not thinking of oneself as a thru-hiker, but rather breaking the hike into sections. "Set your sights on the next town." It is daunting to confront the reality of the entire thru-hike at any one time. Thanks Josh, for this great piece of advice! I will do my best to take it a day at a time, to define the moment, and flow with the trail.There is no question that the transition from the planning process to the "gettin' 'er done" stage is fraught with worries and anticipation. However, I am ready...Mail Drop CentralSpanky in ReposeCaught up in the excitement of the momentAh, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp. Or what's a heaven for?Robert Browning
Date: 2010-03-09
To: Hiker Hostel Dahlonega, Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

Made it to GeorgiaI had an uneventful flight to Atlanta. I met Zeno and Llano at the MARTA North Springs Station where Leigh picked us up and brought us to the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega. It was great to see Josh, Leigh, Stacy, and Maggie again.The Hiker Hostel is unquestionably the only place to stay before embarking on the big adventure.Tomorrow, I head up the Amicalola Falls approach trail. It is supposed to rain, but I am happy.Catch you down the trail...The flowers bloom, the songbirds singAnd though it be sun or rain,I walk the mountaintops with spring,From Georgia north to Maine.(6/14/48: note left in a Connecticut lean-to) -Earl "Crazy One" Shaffer
Date: 2010-03-10
From: Hiker Hostel Dahlonega, Georgia

To: Stover Creen Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: moderate rain

GA-ME on!The adventure began even before we reached the trailhead. Following record snowfalls in Georgia, the forest service road that intersects the A.T. one mile north of the Springer Mountain summit was slippery and treacherous. The trip was somewhat akin to "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride".Thankfully, Josh is a skilled driver, and we made it to the trail intact. During one of the more harrowing stretches, Josh declared: "I firmly believe that poor decision making is the basis for better stories". After dropping off three of the Suburban's occupants at the parking lot near Springer Mountain we headed back down Winding Stair Road to the Amicalola State Park Visitors Center.I signed in as thru-hiker #200 starting from the approach trail. I donned rainpants and put the rain cover over my pack. Even though it was raining, I had a better view of the falls that cascade into the narrow gorge. Last year, fog obscured most of the view. I plodded up the hundreds of steps in solitude and the climb seemed more arduous than before. The adrenaline and excitement that I felt a year ago on this approach trail escaped me. Perhaps it was the burden of the many miles that lay ahead. Is this what happens when a dream, an obsession becomes a reality? Was it all a mere infatuation, or is there something deeper behind the dream? Stay tuned...I arrived at Springer Summit in the rain. Signing the register was nearly impossible as the notebook pages becames soaked by raindrops within seconds. I stopped at Springer Mountain Shelter briefly and then headed down the other side to my destination: Stover Creek Shelter. It was a long day of hiking in dispiriting cold and rain, but I made it! I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,from whence commeth my help. ~Psalms 121:1
Date: 2010-03-11
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: moderate rain

It Ain't a Day at the OfficeIn spite of the rainy day, my feet were dry and, thus far, blister free.I spent last night in a crowded shelter, thanks to spring break at some of the area colleges. I was the first up and out on the trail. The trees around Stover Creek are large and very old. Huge rhododendron thickets overarch the trail. This year, it isn't as cold and the rhododendron leaves fan out proudly. There is much beauty in the dormant forest, even in the rain. I feel privileged to be here.As I am walking down the trail, I hear a voice call out "iTrod". It is Big Riggs who I met on the trail last year. Unfortunately, he turned his ankle again on the slippery muddy terrain and was getting off the trail for the second year in a row. He will likely take another shot at a thru-hike next year.The climb over Sassafras Mountain really tested me this year. After descending Phyllis Spur, I noted that the trail was unfamiliar and did not cross Justus Creek where I remembered. I had no choice but to soldier on. I was completely surprised when I hit the blue-blazed trail to Gooch Mountain Shelter. There, I met Landwalker (spelled lndwlkr) who told me about the trail relocation that resulted in the confusion. Nice group at the shelter tonight including a group of four going by the name "Traveling Circus" who are making a video documentary about their journey. Also present was Ink who started the approach trail with me, but hiked at a much faster pace. He plans on attending grad school after hiking to the new A.T. Museum in Pine Grove Furnace State Park in PA. He had hiked the northern half of the A.T. in 2009. There was a mother and her 12 year old son, who traveled from Germany to hike the trail. They were having a rough time of it and were carrying large heavy packs. They were planning to hike 5 miles to Woody Gap where Josh could pick them up.It was a long day of hard work, slogging through slippery mud, wet and cold much of the time. But it sure as hell was better than a day at the office in the slave world.And I said, oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness.~Psalms 55:6-7
Date: 2010-03-12
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Slaughter Creek Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 12.4

Ramrock Mountain Car WashI headed out on the trail a bit after Landwalker. We had a brief reprieve from the rain, but the forecast called for thundershowers and high winds (great to have the internet while on the trail). As I trudged down the trail, in my usual head-down manner, I noted intermittent pictures and slogans drawn on the dirt of the trail with a hiking pole. There were smiley faces, A.T. logos, and "GA-ME 2010 YEAH" marked on the trail. I suspected that Landwalker was behind this as he was the only one ahead of me. As I passed these examples of trail art, I would smile and chuckle outloud. He was trying to encourage all that followed, lifting our spirits as we slogged through the gloomy wet wood.The lightning began to crack and the thunder boomed as I climbed up Ramrock Mountain. The high winds blew heavy rains horizontally, rinsing the accumulated mud from my rainpants. I made it to Woody Gap which had garbage receptacles, pit toilets, and picnic tables. Ink, who had passed me on Ramrock, was preparing a hot lunch on one of the tables. He looked wet and cold (like the rest of us, I suppose). I stopped briefly after consuming a granola bar and packet of honey, and started the ascent of Big Cedar Mountain that framed the other side of the gap. This year, there would not be any views from Preacher Rock that juts from the side of Big Cedar Mountain near the summit.As I continued along the ups and downs that followed, more thunder storms rolled through. There was only a second or two of silence between the flash of the lightning and the resounding boom of thunder. Motivation to move more quickly. I heard the characteristic creaking and cracking followed by the boom of a tree falling in the woods around the next bend.Later in the afternoon, the storms diminished and there were only intermittent waves of showers. Over the last few days, I was exposed to a wide variety of rain which hitherto, I hadn't quite appreciated. I bypassed the Woods Hole Shelter trail, as the shelter was small and it was a half mile downhill. I headed down the Slaughter Creek trail mistakenly, thinking that the Slaughter Creek Campsites were located on this trail (real men never refer to maps or guides when unsure). After about three quarters of a mile, I realized that I was probably wrong about this assumption. I found a nice flat spot a few feet off the trail near the cascading creek and set up my tent between waves of showers. A few minutes after climbing into my tent, a violent thunderstorm erupted, dropping a layer of pea-sized glistening hail over the forest floor. I was grateful that my tent was standing up to the pelting onslaught. To pass the time, I called Ground Control from inside the tent. "Can you hear that thunder?" I asked. "No I only hear static" was her reply.The storm passed after an hour. I heard the yelping of a pack of coyotes off in the distance as I drifted off to a deep and restorative sleep.All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.-Friedrich Nietzsche
Date: 2010-03-13
From: Slaughter Creek Stealth Site

To: Neels Gap/Mountain Crossings
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Mountain Crossings RevisitedWhen I climbed out of my tent, I saw blue sky streaked with a few clouds. The first few beams of sunlight were warming the mountain high above. The watch thermometer that was suspended in my tent read 41 degrees this morning and I felt comfortable. "I guess I am getting used to living outdoors" I thought. I was suddenly distracted by a loud cracking sound and turned to see a large tree fall on the slope above the trail about 50 yards ahead. Now most folks fear black bears, rattle snakes, and the occasional Deliverance-style psychopath when spending time in the woods. Personally, I fear trees. They scare the bejesus out of me. I quickly scanned the trees around my tent to see if there were any potential "widow-makers".The news up and down the trail was Winton Porter's annual birthday bash at Mountain Crossings. I also heard that they were having the usual water and sewage problems that occur when their historic building is overrun with hikers. Showers and laundry facilities were clearly in jeopardy. Therefore, I called Blood Mountain Cabins at about 7 AM for reservations. The cabins are located about 300 yards down the mountain from Neels Gap.The slog over Blood Mountain wasn't too bad. The trip down was dicey. I ran into several dayhikers who asked if I was walking to Maine. I proudly replied in the affirmative. It was great to be recognized as a thru-hiker.Mountain Crossings was a beehive of activity. A church from Savannah, GA was providing hikers with huge grilled hamburgers with all the fixins (trail magic!). Pack shakedowns were underway in the store. I saw Winton and complimented him on his recent book. He mentioned that the book was nominated for several awards. I bumped into Baltimore Jack Tarlin outside of the store. He appeared harried as he was preparing food for a hundred or so hikers that night. He saw my pack laying on the ground, quickly picked it up and grimaced, apparently unhappy with the weight. I protested that my tent was soaked and the pack contained wet clothing. Jack abruptly bid adieu and scurried off to work on the chicken.I headed down the hill to the cabins. A very nice woman provided me with a key and and explained that she would do my laundry as part of the rental. I took a long overdue shower, and distributed the wet contents of my pack across the railings and beams of my cabin.The day was complete after enjoying grilled hot dogs, chicken, and various other delicacies that evening at Mountain Crossings. Jack is one of the best chefs on the A.T.!On the mountains of truth you can never climb in vain: either you will reach a point higher up today, or you will be training your powers so that you will be able to climb higher tomorrow.-Friedrich Nietzsche