morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-02-13
To: TRAINING HIKE
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday I did my first training hike with backpack (loaded to only 15#---didn?t want to overdo it) and new duds. I met Robb McDonald, his friend, Carol, and Maggie (his lab) at the parking lot near the base of Turkey Mountain. This is the highest point in Tulsa, at least 500 feet!We hiked 4 1/2 miles in 2 hours. The treking poles were a big help, didn't fall once. The boots really are waterproof. I had trouble getting my 1 liter water bottle out of my backpack---had to take it off to get at it?I was tired, but it was a good tired. I am thinking I just might do this thru-hike thing. Got up this morning with only a minor ache in my lower back. No blisters or hot spots---all good news.Can someone tell me how to embed a photo here in the text? Thanks.
Date: 2011-02-14
To: LOST-TURKEY MOUNTAIN
Miles today: 0.0

I know it's hard to believe, Turkey Mountain is not that big. Bounded on the North by the 51st Street bridge and the 71st Street bridge on the South. The Arkansas River on the East and Elwood Ave. on the West. In total about 2 square miles.There are 3 trails---red, blue & yellow. I planned on hiking the 4.4 mile yellow trail but somewhere along the line I would up on the blue trail. I backtracked and went down another trail but there were absolutely no markers. I knew I was going in the wrong direction so I took a path made by mountain bikes and guess what? Before long I was back on the yellow trail. I hope the blazes on the AT are better than these.About halfway into the hike I felt I really needed to rid myself of some of my morning coffee. Nobody else was in sight so I dropped my drawers and relieved myself. During the process I passed a little gas and I had this uncomfortable feeling that perhaps I had experienced a little blow-by. Darn, I hate when that happens. Next time I'll be sure and include a roll of toilet paper in my pack!By the time we finished Joe Tucker was worn out and slept the better part of the afternoon.
Date: 2011-02-15
To: 2004 TRAVEL JOURNAL
Miles today: 0.0

This isn't the first time I experienced a wunderlust. In 2004 I took a 101 day journey around the perimeter of the lower 48, well not exactly the perimeter, but at least passing through every border state.When I got back I thought I would write a book using my travel journal as a basis. As an engineer I had only one English class in college (it was mandatory) so I was a true neubie when it came to writing. I went to some seminars and joined a writers group. I pretty much had it thrown together in a year but to be honest, it was a piece of crap.The written pages sat in a file cabinet for the next five years but when I decided to do the AT I got thm out and dusted them off. "I need to finish this before I head out and start another journal." I told my wife, Laura. So, I have been furiously re-writing, editing, etc for the last six months. Just this morning I did my final read after my editor (no, I don't have an agent or a publisher----almost impossible for someone like me) gave me her blessing. I plan to self-publish and have arranged to get help from a local firm that will do the layout, help design the cover and a few other things.So now I am givig you a heads-up to look for "Where's Wilson?", hopefully to be listed on Amazon.com before I leave Tulsa the end of March.
Date: 2011-02-16
To: THEM BOOTS ARE MADE
Miles today: 0.0

"THEM BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKIN", yep I've got these Vasque fully waterproof boots---been wearing them around the house for a couple months. On my last two hikes on Turkey Mountain in the snow, mud and water they have done all that was advertised.I bought them at Backwoods here in Tulsa with the help of one of their expert salespersons. I didn't worry about cost because I have read so many accounts of hikers with poor fitting boots or boots that just didn't stand up. Blisters, black toes, cracked ankle bones and loss of toenails can be a hiker's nightmare and I wanted to do my best to eliminate or at least reduce these problems.I bought a size 9 1/2 although my normal shoe size is either 8 1/2 or 9 depending on the make and style because I'm told a thru hiker's feet will swell at least 1/2 size due to the day after day of hiking on rough uneven ground.I'm also going to start applying some TufSkin a week or two before I start just to add some callouses to my feet. When I do experience a hot spot I'll use the lifesaver---duct tape. I understand it works better than any of the store bought foot aids.I'm gaining confidence now and I think one or two pairs of these boots will walk me right to Katahdin.
Date: 2011-02-17
To: 5,000,000STEPS
Miles today: 0.0

5,000,000 steps, thats the quoted number to hike the AT. If that is true then at 2,179 miles it would be 2,295 steps per mile. And at 5,280 feet per mile that would be 2.3 feet per step. However if you are short like me---my average step is not quite 2 feet, then it will take me closer to 6,000,000 steps!!!!!That's a lot of walking. I don't think I will overtrain---I've only got so many so many steps left and I plan to save as many as I can.Oops, I decided to check my stride and it came out to 28 inches which is 2.3 feet, so I guess 5,000,000 steps will do it.
Date: 2011-02-25
To: BACKPACK
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I've been hiking with my new Osprey backpack, style Atmos 65. It has a 65 liter main pocket and numerous others, some of which were hidden and only recently discovered. One complaint is that the 2 places to store a liter water bottle, one on each side, are just a leeetle tooo far back for me to reach around and get to them, especially with considerably less limberness than I had 30 years ago. You'd have to be "Rubberman" to access them with ease.I had to go back to Backwoods to find out how to adjust all the various straps. Once strapped in it was an act that would have made Houdini proud to loosen them and get out of the pack. But, I'm learning and expect to have everything under control by "D-Day", April 1st.
Date: 2011-02-26
To: HIKING WITH 
Miles today: 0.0

Today my 14 year old granddaughter, Ariel, hiked Turkey Mountain with me. You may wonder why I call her "G". That started a year ago when I took her to play in some summer golf tournaments. She is a pretty good little golfer and is on the Jenks HS Varsity Golf Team. When I hollared encouragement it took a full three sylables to spit out Ar-i-el so I started calling her Girl and then shortened it to "G".I'm up to carrying 22 pounds in my backpack, only have to add 13 more to make my goal of 35 pounds.
Date: 2011-02-27
To: LAURA
Miles today: 0.0

I leave with my wife, Laura's permission, although with some hesitancy. We've been through this before when in 2004 I left for 3 1/2 months to travel the USA. But that time she was able to book a flight and visit on four occasions. This trip will be a little different, there aren't that many flights that take you right to the AT and I don't even know where or when I'll be there.She has threatened to completely refurnish the house while I'm gone. Don't know if that will happen but one thing I'm pretty sure of is that the 3 dogs will be sleeping on the bed with her when I return rather than outside where they spend the nights now.I'm really lucky to have her and we do plan to meet up in Washington DC when I get to Harper's Ferry.
Date: 2011-03-04
To: PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS!
Miles today: 0.0

As the saying goes, "Getting old is not for wooses!" I've developed a leeeetle problem with my left sciatic nerve. I'm still moblie but when I looked on the Internet the recommendation was to "rest and avoid walking up and down hills". That ain't gonna happen. I'll get out of Georgia if I have to go in a wheel chair. My doc has referred me to a physical therapist which I hope to see early next week. I've got to get a handle on this before I leave.I'm planning on a 10 mile overnight hike with a couple buddies, Joe & Steve, this weekend. They are veteran hikers/campers so hope to learn a lot. Probably a good idea to find out how to set up my tent and cook a meal on this expensive little stove I bought.
Date: 2011-03-08
To: IT'S ALL ABOUT THE FEET
Miles today: 0.0

Call me crazy. I'm scheduled to start PT for my sciatic nerve problem which could end my dream of a thru-hike. And yet a week ago I bought a second pair of boots!Everything I read and hear tells me I am going to get blisters, infections and lose toenails because of the constant hiking up and down mountain ridges. My feet will swell and I'll get black toe because my foot will jam into the toe of the boot when going downhill.Guess I'm optimistic though because this second pair of boots is a half size larger and I'm planning on Laura bringing them to Wash DC where I hope to meet up with her when I get to Harper's Ferry. Think I'm one of those "A" Type persons?A bunch of my buddies have formed a pool, betting on how many days I will last on the AT. I don't know what there guesses are but I was told not one, not even one thought I would make it to Katahdin! I guess we'll just wait and see.
Date: 2011-03-11
To: FILTER PUMP
Miles today: 0.0

For the last 2 weeks I've facilated between buying a filter pump or using purification tablets or bleach. Finally decided to buy the Katadyn Microfilter. I'm glad I did. Took it to Greenleaf State Park today for my first overnight hike with a couple buddies, Joe & Steve. Just suck that water out of the lake and drink, amazing.
Date: 2011-03-12
To: GREENLEAF STATE PARK
Miles today: 0.0

Drove down to Braggs, OK yesterday and started hiking a 10 mile loop at Greenleaf State Park. We went 5 miles to Mary's Cove where we set up camp. Not too bad a hike but with 30 pounds in my pack I realize I don't want to go much heavier. First time to pitch my "Hubba" tent, try out the filter pump, and cook on the MSR Reactor stove. Joe & Steve salivated over that stove which is the best. It is designed such that there is virtually no loss of heat due to wind and boils a half liter of water in 1 1/2 minutes.The hike back this morning was more challenging, going up and down some steep elevation changes of maybe 250 feet. I understand that's like an anthill on the AT yet all three of us were whipped puppies when we got back to the car.
Date: 2011-03-20
To: TRAIL LEGS
Miles today: 0.0

I've heard that after week or so you get your trail legs. That's good,but what about trail shoulders? My legs are adapting as I have gradually increased my pack weight---I did 5 miles last Friday with a 35 pound pack and today I increased it to 37 pounds. Boy, does that extra 2 pounds make a difference! I have got to keep it to 35 pounds or less.It's my shoulders that are killing me. I've got aches where I didn't even know I had muscles. I found a couple more straps that will bring my pack a little closer to my upper body---maybe that will help? Look at all the stuff I have laid out to get in my backpack! I hope the zippers are extra strong! think I'll have to hang more stuff on the outside.
Date: 2011-03-23
To: TECHNOLOGY
Miles today: 0.0

I went to the Apple store to buy an iPhone because I was told it would do everything I needed while on the trail. Nope, the young man told me I needed an iPod because the battery would last 10 hours instead of the 2 hours for the iPhone. I got one but the display is small and the keys are tiney winey---too difficult for me to work. And I found out it only works with Wi-Fi which I don't think is going to be readily available on the trail.Did some research and went back and got an iPad with 3G capability. Should work most places (guess I'll find out) and I can type my journal entries much better. Weighes nearly 2 pounds with the protective carrying case! Oh boy, I'm going to have to ditch some other things in my pack to stay within my targeted 35 pounds.
Date: 2011-03-24
To: PHYSICAL THERAPY
Miles today: 0.0

Charlotte, my PT, has been giving me numerous stretching and core strength exercises to do before I leave and while I am on the trail. The stretching ones are to lubricate and stretch out my sciatic nerve. The strength ones are to add core strength and increase the blood flow to my lower spine and nerve area.She has me in a variety of positions, some of which are almost impossible for me to achieve. A lot of them are yoga type positions, one called camel/cat?At my last session Charlotte told me "I've done all I can do, now it's up to you!" All my life I've been told "It's up to you."---and I guess that's the way life is. You can be told how or why but when it comes down to it, it's up to you---education, sports, career, etc. Okay, I'm good with that.
Date: 2011-03-28
To: MEDS & PILLS
Miles today: 0.0

I really didn't think I was a hypocondriac until I put all these pills in there little baggies. It looks like one of those multi-colored sand sculptures. The big horse pills are Glucosomine w/Chondriton for my joints. My doc says there isn't enough confirmed studies to indicate that they work but my PT thinks they do and I have to say I am convinced they help me.I only have three prescriptions but by the time I included multi-vitamin, baby asprin, and some penecilan pills for emergencies I have almost a pound of pills which will take care of me for 3 months
Date: 2011-03-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

March 31Packed backpack last night with everything I needed--- it weighed in at 49#. My son, Rob, and I started tossing outa few item that I could, would do without and got it down to42#. Last night I tossed more items and weighed in at the park office --- 41#. Traveled by air to Atlanta and rental car to Amacolala State Parkwithout incidense. Decided to drive the 45 minutes to see where an old dirt road intersected the AT at 0.9 miles from the summit of Springer Mtn.Laura, rob, and I hiked up to the summit where the trail begins and then hiked the first 0.9 miles of the trail . Glad to get that out of the way----it was steep and very rocky,wet, and muddy. Laura made it in less than 2 hours, I was really proud of her.Laura will be putting pictures on my site if we can get the technology worked out.Tomorrow is the big day, I'm kind of skeered!!! These mountains look daunting.
Date: 2011-04-01
From: Springer mountain

To: hawk mountain shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

April 1Before leaving the park we stopped at the Amacalola Falls,the highest East of the Mississippi. It's a Cherokee name meaning " falling water" the Cherokees were forced off their land because of the discovery of gold---they wer part of the trail of tears that wound up in Oklahoma.Started the trail at 10:45 after giving big hugs and kisses to Laura, i'mreally going to miss her. A big hug for Rob and I headed North.Surprisingly the trail was pretty easy today-----thank you Benton Mckaye! There were a couple of steep inclines that wanton forever and got the ol ticker a good workout. I definitely would notrecommendthis to anyone with a heart condition.I'dhad so much to drink before I left---2 cups of coffee, a couple glasses of OJ and a liter of water that I had to stop and pee before I had gone 30 minutes, then again, and again__I am definetlynot dehydrated.Got to Hawk Mtn Shelter around 3 in the afternoon, I was tired.No wi-fi or cell service up here so willsend these when I get to a town or somewhere that I can connect to the Internet.
Date: 2011-04-02
From: hawk mountain shelter

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

April 2I reached Gooch Gap Shelter around 4 today, Took me longer than yesterday's hike due to several mountains that got in my way. The first one, Sassafrass Mtn was a 659 foot climb that flat wore me out. That was followed by 3 more significant climbs. I had to stop often to catch my breath and the downhill was at times worse, my legs would tremble during the steeper sections but I took my time and did not fall, so that was good. I took 2 Advil before I set up my tent, my back is sore today. Hooch Gap is on the side of a hill and you can't find a level spot to pitch a tent! Should be an interesting night sleeping.Last night I had just gotten to sleep when a bunch, seemed like a bunch of helicopters flew over us. Turns out there is a Ranger training site a couple miles away. They were practicing search & rescue maneuvers and came so closethatthe ground shook. Never new they could make such a noise! Every tiMe they would leave I thought now I canto back to sleep however they seemed to enjoy making another pass at us every 15 minutes or so.I was able to call Laura today and leave a message but still cannot get on the Internetso guess these journals will have to get posted when I am in a town.Hiked the last 3 miles with a young man with the trail name of GPS --- those happen to be his initials,he is Lithuwainian ( my spelling won't be too good because I am typing fast to save battery time and I don't spell good either---don't think this thing has spell check.Got to cook dinner now, more later.,
Date: 2011-04-03
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: clear sky

April 3Got an early start this morning---9 O'clock, hiked again with GPS for the first 5miles, then we ran into Trail Magic. At Woody Gap three trail angels hadcomeup from Atlanta. Biscuit sausage, Krispy Kreme donuts, bananas,apples, etc, The really good newsis that one of the ladies was able to get reception and ca,,ed Laura for me, I spent an hour there before pushing on, today waseasierthanyesterday---8 miles to Lance Creek, no shelter but tent sites and wTer, I'll try hanging my bear bag for the first time tonics---the shelters had wire cable suspended to hang your food,Met Rusty Bumper on the trail today, another personontrailjournals who I hademailed with---he is 63 and just retired, These trail names are interesting, one of the trail angels thru hiked in 2003---her name is Mud Butt (I didn't ask how she acquired the name, Bear Knife has a huge knife that his friends insisted he take to ward off the bars,
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

April 4Quite an eventful day. Beautiful day for hiking---shorts and a tee shirt. several potential problems arose but being the Wiley woodsman that I am all were solved. The first was hanging my food bag so the bears wouldn't get to it, I managed to trow a line over a branch far enough way from the trunk and then let it hang down several feet, then tie off the line to another tree. I was successful,it was still there this morning.Next problem, after only a half hour of hiking I could feel a hot spot on the top of my right foot. Rather than hiking on I actually stopped and took off my shoe and socks. Sure nut I had a tiny fold on my inner sock---straightened that out and problem solved.I didn't go down to the stream this morning to get water as I thought I had enough, however about an hour later I noticed my urine was somewhat yellow---a possible sign of not drinking enough. I wasn't worried too much about getting dehydrated but I did not want to get muscle cramps which can happen if you don't drink enough. My map indicated water ar Jarrard Gap, just 0.3 miles West of the trail. Decided I better go for it and remembering that West means left regardless of the actual compass reading. The map didn't tell me it was straight downhill, so it took me 45 minutes to get to the water source, a small stream, use my filter pump to get my 2 liters, and pant my way back uphill.After scaling Blood Mtn----1500 feet higher than my morning start I ran into the most difficult hiking so far. The desent was treacherous---walking on solid granite at about a 30 angle. On top of that I missed a turn and went down a steep slope several hundred yards before I realized I was no longer on the trail. I climbed back up on all fours until I came back to a white blaze. I rested there until some other jokers came by and I followed them. Gol dang it was an easy mistake to make---I didn't think the trail was marked well enough at that point!The trail was rough for about a mile and just when it got a little friendlier I slipped and fell, fortunately my pack cushoned the fall and the only bruise was to my ego.Made Neels Gap around 4. That is where they check everything you have and help you decide what you don't need. Aim sending home 3 1/2 pounds of stuff. I also packed too much food and have to buy very little to resupply for the next four days. I think I am down to 35# now----that was my target, so hiking should be better than the start with 40-41# .Staying in a cabin at Gooch Creek tonite, had a hot shower, went to a restaurant and had a 16 ounce ribeye, baked potato, salad and desert----it was GOOD!!!Raing tonite and were told we may lose electricity---I don't care, at least I'm dry.
Date: 2011-04-05
From: Nebnels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: scattered clouds

April 5Very tired tonite---10.9 miles, took 7 hours! I won't bore you with the details of elevation changes but it was up and down and up all day. Took two anvil, ate dinner,going to bed,it's 7:30.Next day, just adding stuff. Yesterday knowing I had a big day I wanted to get an early start but did not get picked up for the ride back to Neels Gap until 9:30---then I tried to get on the Internet to transfer my notes to Trail Journals. No luck but I wasted 30 minutes. Then since it was 36 degrees and wind of about 20 mph I spent $8 on a bandana, got a hotdog (yes, I was already hungry), and took off at 10:30. It was COLD and since I had ditched my gloves to save weight (was told I should use a pair of socks---of course they were in the bottom of my pack so I wasn't going to stop and unpack). In fifteen minutes it started sleeting and my hands were numb----I took the bandana off my face and alternated wrapping it around one hand and then the other. It wasn't too long before I warmed up and started shedding my goretex jacket and pants. it got cold again later in the day by the time I reached the shelter. They are always full when I get there so I had to set up camp,etc. really tired and feeling a little blue. Dinner and a phone with Laura made me feel better. Spent the next 12 hours in a horizontal position!!!
Date: 2011-04-06
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

Pretty easy day compared to yesterday. Got here at 1:30 and sent up camp and took a little snooze.Each day a different part of my body acts up, today it was my thigh, yesterday the knee, feet before that. I guess I still don't have my trail legs, maybe when the aches quit but that may never happen. Well, you know I don't like to whine, just thought I'dlet you know.Bad bear incident at Blood Mtn Sht a couple nits ago----it was during the thunderstorm and bikers left there food inside rather than hanging it. They barricaded the windows (this is the only shelter that has four walls and a roof). A big bear came through the barricade and in through a window, got some food bags and scared he'll out of everyone. The bears are particularly bad this time of year because the berries haven't arrived yet----maybe you could send some in from Argentina?First time Icould get on the Internet and update the journal----go back and read prior entries if your curiosity gets the better of you.I've got a lot more to tell,but time & battery won't let me right now.