morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The last bomber was caught yesterday! Last night we all watched the news as the bomber was caught in Watertown alive. I couldn't help but feel an intense feeling of pride as I watched the police parade down the streets of Watertown to the cheers of the residents. Never been prouder to call myself a Bostonian.In the hiker world Nate, myself, and Ross (now going by the trail name borrower instead of carjacker)went to the hospital to get or several maladies checked. Borrower is alright and headed out today but I was told I have tendinitis in my right ankle (tendinitis is starting to turn into the norovirus with how quick everyone is getting it) and Nate has a bad shin splints in both his legs. Because of this we are now currently the injured hikers traveling with Nomad doing trail magic. For those of you who don't know who Nomad is, Nomad is a former thru hiker from this season who stopped bought a van and is now going around doing trail magic and takes in hikers with minor injuries to help him so they don't have to waste money on hotel rooms. Nate and I will be traveling up and down the trail with him until Monday when we will return to Pearisburg to meet up with the Canadian vegetarians (Camero, her dog Chevy, Zach, and Smuggles). Smuggles will sadly be heading out west to do some hiking in the rocky's (he was never thru hiking just killing time until his trip out west) but we will most likely head out on Monday with Camero, Chevy, Hoosier, and Zach. We hope to catch up with our old group as soon as possible and it already sucks to be separated from the especially Ross and Panch (who is now called Patches) who we have been hiking with side the NOC (well over 400 miles). We will of course dearly miss Tarzan, Coffee Pot, Dirty Mike, and Matt ( now called Partang). If you guys are reading this we will catch you guys as soon as we can! Now it's time to relax, heal up, and enjoy the ride.
Date: 2013-04-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Greetings yet again from Woods Hole Hostel. Nate and I are back at the hostel along with Coffee Pot, Camero (and Chevy), Smuggles and Zach. Turns out Coffee Pot is also injured with fluid in her knee so she joined us today to do trail magic with Nomad. Last night was also fun as well. We ran into Z again who celebrated his 28th birthday with us at a Mexican place in town. Today though we headed back to Woods Hole to do trail magic where we met up with the others. We decided to stay at the hostel again and I am very happy to be back in this beautiful place. Yesterday we headed out to a rt along the AT with Nomad and ended up chilling there for the day waiting for Nomads group. Although I hate not hiking and not being on the trail (after a few days I can feel a slight physical difference) I am enjoying the time that I am spending with everyone and I have to admit....it is nice to relax the body for an extended period. Looking forward to getting back on the trail on Tuesday with Nate, Coffee Pot, Camero, Zach and Chevy on Tuesday after my ankle heals up. Also just so everyone knows I am currently in the process of setting up a Tublr account for photos. Hopefully in the next few days ill have it ready but I might need to just skip uploading a lot of photos from the first quarter of the trip until I get home.
Date: 2013-04-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well I am back in Pearisburg.......again. I would be lying if I said these injuries were starting to grow on me and frustrate the living hell out of me. It isn't fun sitting around and waiting for injuries to heal and it sucks even more to know that I am not moving anywhere. AND it also sucks that Nate and I have been seperated from our old group especially Ross and Panch who we had been with since Fontana (well over a month). However Nate and I are hanging in there and are planning to head out tomorrow hiking slowely. I need to send out a big thanks to Nomad. He took Nate and I in when he and I were facing an expensive rest off trail and kept our minds off the injuries. For everything else he has done for myself, Nate, Shutterbug, G, Camero, Zach, and of course Smuggles and everything he will do THANKS!!!!! Well my feet are getting itchy and I am excited to be back on the trail rain or shine. The Trail is a calling folks and I don't plan to keep it waiting anymore!
Date: 2013-04-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Been a while since I have written here. Basically frustration from injuries continues to grow as I added another injury to the growing list. This time while coming down from dragons tooth I landed badly on my left knee. Ill have a better idea over the next few days of this will be a long lasting injury or not but since I'm already doing slow miles I'm not going to worry about it to much right now. Currently myself, Nate, Camero, and Coffee Pot are at the Four Springs hostel. Zach is not far behind us and Tarzan should catch up with us today after visiting a friend at Virginia tech (being the only one in the group not injured he should be able to catch pretty fast). My gear has also decided to cause me some issues. One of the support straps on my bag decided to break as did the bottom of one of my poles. With a bit of luck I can get these fixed when I get to Daleville. Soon I also hope to get my summer gear as well which is much lighter then my winter gear. I have started to put a tumblr account together with photos from the trip. Past photos have been difficult to put up and might need to wait until I get to a computer. Until then ill update it with current photos whenever I can. Here is what I have currently:http://www.brich1988.tumblr.com/
Date: 2013-05-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well it has been a long time since I wrote which as always I'm sorry for. I had to make some tough trail decisions about whether I was going to stay on the trail or go work at my summer camp in New Hampshire for some security money but after talking to some people and family members I have decided to stay on. Currently a lot has changed. Coffee pot, Camero, and Chevy have all gone back to Daleville Virginia to restart their hike after being off with their injuries. I am very upset about this because unlike the others who I plan to catch, there is a good chance I won't see them again. Luckily coffee pot goes to school in Rhode Island so we will see her again after the trail but camero lives in Manitoba Canada so we may not see her for a long time. On top of that Pack Rat has had to go ahead to harpers to catch a ride with his parents to his sisters graduation. However there is some really good news. Nate and I will be meeting up with pyro (Matt Bruno) at harpers who will be hiking with us for two weeks and we will also be meeting up with the Tobin brothers (camp gentlemen as well) at harpers as well. While in Shenandoah's I am hiking with the sisters Ye' Blaze and Cricket as well as Crickets dog Roscoe. We have had pretty bad weather recently and are happy for some sunshine in this beautiful part of the trail. However the slight bummer is that the norovirus is back and we have all be in contact with people who have had the virus. All we can do is wait and see and in the mean time enjoy the park.
Date: 2013-05-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Been a while everyone! But I won't be updating this blog that much anymore. I have started using a tumblr account for photography purposes and iv been loving it much more then Trail journals. I was never much of a writer and I love doing photography a million times more than writing. I will still update this blog every once in a blue moon but my updates will mainly be on tumblr (I can put text stuff in as well which I will start doing soon but only short texts). Www.brich1988.tumblr.comIn recent news I'm out of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and I'm currently entering northern Pennsylvania. I hiked with the sisters Ye'blaze and Cricket for several weeks before deprecating from them at the half gallon challenge. However after another (yes another) injury this time to my foot they will catch up to me today. Pack rat has hiked ahead to make his high school reunion and we will reconnect in Massachusetts.
Date: 2013-03-16
From: Springer mountain

To: Hawk Mountain shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

My parents and my girlfriend , Samantha, headed to Amicalola falls to stay at the park the day before I set out. We had a great meal at the Oar House in Dahlonega to celebrate the trip. Got started this morning. We walked the 0.9 miles to the trailhead where I signed in on top of Springer. Great view of the surrounding mountains. It has not hit me yet that I am not going back with my family. Walked 8.1 miles today to Hawk Mountain shelter . I got there 3:30 pm. Going to take it slow for a few days until I get into the rhythm of the hike.
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Gooch mountain shelter 

To: Neels gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: mist

Colby set out at 8:30am and hiked in the rain all day. With the bad weather and the bear canister area ahead he decided to push for Neels gap. This is his furthest hike so far, 15.9 miles. He is lonely and wonders if this why he wants to do. He says the physical part is not so bad but the isolation is wearing on him. He says he will give it another week and decide what to do. Trent
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Neels gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Colby sounded much better today ! He said he had a bad day yesterday. Spent last night at the hostel at Neels Gap. He got there and there was no room. Crestfallen he resigned to put up his tent when one of the hikers left. What a stroke of luck. A good nights sleep and a warm meal seemed to revive his spirits.    He received our first Dropbox. Will have to be careful though because his pack soared to 40 lbs. we sent his running shoes but he is scared wear them just yet. He has turned his ankle a couple of times and credits the boots with protecting it. Trent
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Colby has a trail name! When some hikers asked his name, Colby paused and said, "My name is Huckleberry." Colby has been hiking with a new friend whose trail name is Fred Bear. Fred Bear's dad picked them up from Unicoi Gap and took them to Hiawassee. Colby is spending the night at the Holiday Inn. He was looking forward to a hot bath and a buffet. He and Fred Bear will pick up at Unicoi Gap in the morning. The good news is the sleeping bag that Colby is using is warm. He has had several nights where the temperature has dropped into the 20s and he has been comfortable. He has asked for my wool hood with the face mask which I will send.   So far, the gear that Colby selected for the trip has been working well. Colby also received trail magic today in the form of cold soft drinks.   Colby has been mixing Gatorade powder into his water which has been giving him a boost. He is still having trouble getting enough calories especially early in the day. We are trying to come up with some high calorie breakfast ideas. "Pap Finn"
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dick's Gap
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Fred Bear's dad dropped Colby and Fred Bear at Unicoi Gap to resume the hike toward Hiawassee. They left their heavy gear at the room and hiked with day bags. This is known as slack packing. Colby carried only 2 liters of water and 4 Kashi bars. They made the 16.7 mile hike in 7 hours! Then it was back to Hiawassee to the all you can eat rib buffet!They plan to leave Hiawassee in the morning and head toward Franklin, NC which is 40.2 miles away. This should take 3 days. One concern is the weather. It is snowing on parts of the trail. They encountered some snow in the higher areas today. Pap Finn
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Dick's Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Fred Bear's dad dropped Huckleberry and Fred Bear at Dick's Creek Gap. They hiked 9 miles to Bly Gap crossing into North Carolina. They now have their sights set on Franklin, North Carolina. However, it looks like they are going to need the rain gear.Huckleberry's Mom
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Bly Gap

To: Mooney Gap
Miles today: 19.8

Huckleberry and Fred Bear camped last night at Bly Gap. They had rain and some snow during the night. Huck says no matter how careful you are it is impossible to not end up with moisture in the tent let alone the condensation.    They kicked it hard today with a grueling 19.8 mile hike. This also included Standing Indian Mountain (5,498 ft). Huck says these are real mountains, no sissy Georgia foothills here. One climb went on for a couple of miles. As far as scenery not much with rain and fog. Each time they summited the view was limited.    Fred Bear's dad picked them up at Moonie Gap and took them to spend the night at the Sapphire motel in Franklin, NC. They had a feast at Mickie D's. Huck ate two double cheeseburgers, fries, and an order of chicken nuggets. He told Mom to stop sending the Kashi bars, can't stand to look at one now.    They plan their first zero day tomorrow . Colby says his feet and right knee are toast right now and hopes a day off will help. They paused their hike at 98.4 miles...Not bad for their first week on the trail.Huck told he met a two guys on the trail known as "Yo-Yoers." These are people who hike the trail back and forth. They literally live on the trail. Each has thru hiked over five times and counting. One left his family to stay on the trail. They had beards that would make Moses proud...Olympic outdoorsmen . Pap Finn
Date: 2013-03-24
From: Mooney Gap

To: Mooney Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Huckleberry took his first zero day today. He sounded rested and in good spirits. He watched a couple of NCAA basketball games and ordered a large pizza delivered to his room which he proceeded to shred. Tomorrow he will gather supplies in Franklin, NC and pick up at Mooney Gap. Huck says many people he met the first couple of days have dropped out already. Fred Bear's dad will return them to Mooney Gap.
Date: 2013-03-25
From: Mooney Gap

To: Winding Stair
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: light snow

Today Huckleberry and Fred Bear slack packed from Mooney Gap to Winding Stair. Fred Bear's dad was kind enough to drop them off at the trail. His dad has been very supportive with the hike. They encountered heavy snow today. Compared to hiking in full gear, Huckleberry said it was actually fun. Huckleberry hiked in the snow in running shoes and says he will be sending the boots home with us when we visit this weekend. Even though his feet were wet, he said the wool socks kept his feet warm. He made better time with the running shoes finishing the hike in about 4 hours. Huckleberry was excited about finding some new meal choices at Three Eagles Outfitters. It's going to be Mountain House Chicken and Rice for the next few days. These are the larger sizes with the three portions per bag.They are hoping to reach Fontana Dam on Friday which is 54.8 miles.
Date: 2012-02-09
To: Countdown > 1 year
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today is Feb. 9th, which means I am now officially (per my plan) less than a year away from retirement or LOA for the thru. I plan on my last day of work to be Feb. 8th 2013. Then start at Springer 4 to 5 weeks later. I will be 66 and 5 months when I start the hike. I put my countdown on a paper calendar at 106 weeks and had been counting down mentally for months before that. It is now at 52 weeks. This should give me a little time to get everything purchased and tested. Already got pack, a Deuter Act-Lite 65+10, sleeping bag REI Radiant 20 that is 650 down, since I sleep cold I will add a liner for early on. I have never used trekking poles but hear they are a great help on long distance hikes so anyone with suggestions let me know. BTW I am still learning how to do these entries so bare with me.
Date: 2012-03-06
To: Gear questions!!
Miles today: 0.0

I am one year and two days from hike date. I hope to start walking from Springer on 3-8-13. Will be getting a bonus in a week, a part of which I plan on spending on gear. I have been reading and viewing tents for a year now and am leaning to the Big Agnes Fly Creek II. I am 6'3" and 233 that's the reason for a two person and I just like a little extra room. The Seedhouse I or Copperspur I are 10 inches narrower but 6 inches longer so it is still a debate. Like the idea of the side entry on the Copper Spur and the weight is only a few ounces more. Anyone out there with experience in both or either a little input please.I will be doing a practice hike in the second week of April in the Bitteroot Wilderness either on Meadow creek or the Clearwater river for three to five days. Rambling Rex hope to see you out there next year.
Date: 2012-03-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Off work today. Started with physical theraphy for slighly torn meniscus. Then to library at BSU (Boise State U.) to check up on this years thru's and see if any of my 2013 folks made any new entries. Next stop was REI which is 2 miles from house, as is Cabela's.         Bought a Q-Core sleeping pad the 25x5x78 with Rating of 5. A little heavy but warm and comfortable. Also, an STS Event compression bag and put both the 20° down sleeping bag and the dowm coat, worked great. Then home to test the new Evernew DX stove...love it. I will take both the Evernew and the Snow Peak giga on my vacation hike into Bitterroot wilderness in 3 weeks, one of many shakedow/elimination hikes over this next nine months. Received my 2012 AT guide by Awol (read his book last year), AT data book and Thru hikers companion, and Appalachian Trials by Zach Davis. Can we say obsessed? Today is the 21st, this time next year I will have been on the trail for 13 days. Counting down the days. Looking forward to meeting and hiking with many of you. All for now.
Date: 2012-04-22
To: Wilderness solo backpack.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

l did a 4 day backpack on the Nez Perce NF. When I called the ranger station to get details I was told they didn't think anyone had done the Meadow Creek trail yet this year. I think she was right.There must have been over 100 blow downs to deal with. Fantastic trip though. The only voice I heard for those four days was my own.Tried out all my new gear, hiking poles saved many times. The Big Agnes Fly Creek II was fast easy and light. The canister stove was easier and faster than my alcohol so the jury is still out on which comes on the AT. Trail food is definitely going to be a challenge. I also had a brand new steripen, with triple a batteries to put in....yeah right it called for double a. Boiled water and was very thirsty most of the time.Can't wait to go again. I am doing this on my phone and I am slow, till next time.
Date: 2012-08-22
To: Another backpack prep trip to Sawtooths.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Just finished reading Woody's most recent entry to his 2013 journal. I can perfectly agree with each and every one of those mental/emotional/motivational and 'what was I thinking' moments that we will face on next years thru hike. This three day trip into the Sawtooths started with an 11 mile up, with very little level and miles of switchbacks much of which was scree. I read a lot of journals of folks prepping that don't have any elevation to practice with, that is definitely not a problem here. If I survive the rest of the wait period I should be able to survive the period on the trail in Georgia and North Carolina until I get my trail legs. In reality in my case it will be lungs that need it more than legs, also cardio.I was looking at my 'plan' for next year and I would have summited day before yesterday. Counting down the days to jump off on 3/6/13, 196 to go.Still have a few items to get for the start. I have tried both Vasque and Patagonia trail runners and Merrill low cuts. I am beginning to think I am not going to find the right shoe/boot. Also need precip pants, seems everything else is good to go. Oh! FYI REI is having a big labor day sale. Anyone out there have experience with the Vasque Breeze boot, wish they made it in low cut. Any thoughts from any gear geeks would be appreciated. My trail name is Rambling Rex and I seem to be doing that I will sign off now. Till next time then.....looking forward to meeting you guys out there.
Date: 2012-11-12
To: 113 days to jump off
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well I have not entered anything since back in August so here is an update. I spent a while cleaning up my gear list on the journal and ditching all the previous unsucessful half a****d attempted entries. I'll tell you if you look at everything you purchased and put together for this little sojourn in the woods ( btw not 1/5 of it listed) you could take a cruise with this investment. However, I am sure this will be much more fun and adventuresome than any cruises I have been on, that includes my 2 years on the USS Jonas Ingram DD-938 (DD for destroyer). Say fellow 13er's am I expecting too much? Let me take this one, from the many journals I have read and half dozen and still counting thru hiker books (thanks, Model T, Awol, Skywalker, Zach to name a few)I am confident this will be the experience of a lifetime. It will be abundant with every conceivable emotion and sensation you can imagine. Well using the word 'every' may be a stretch, but many and varied I am sure.I discovered 'meet ups' groups after I retired in May and have joined three, all of which are hiking/backpacking related. They are Boise Trailheads, Idaho Hiking Club and Treasure Valley Backpackers, these are the greatest thing since sliced bread. It is a great way to meet people with the same interest and there are multiple hikes every week, almost every day someone is leading a hike or a trip. Hence, I have no excuse for not being in tip-top form when I start in March. Well there is one drawback, I suppose I am holding on to a little of the lazy, not too much just a little. I am sure I will be ready by the end of March. Note that date is three weeks into the real thing, should be getting into shape by then, nothing like the real thing to sinch the deal.There sure are a lot of newbies on the journal in the last few weeks, fantastic! To those of you that I have signed and you have returned the favor thank you very much, and to those of you I have not gotten to yet, I hope to soon.Some of my retirement time is taken up by school. I am working on second degree at Boise State University, BSU to the football fans out there. My wife is on staff there at the library and I get a humongous discount off tuition, the books are a lot more than the tuition if that gives you some idea. Taking Anthropology as the major this time (finance was my first) and am enjoying it much more. Human Behavioral Ecology, go figure. No more excuses I do need to get back to climbing Tablerock, a 1200-1500 ascent, a few times a week to get my legs in shape.Enough for now since I am starting to live up to my trail name of Rambling. Sign my journal and let's get to know a little about each other before we meet on the trail....see you out there!!!