morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-01-16
To: Rambling..
Miles today: 0.0

I was out today for a training hike and to test out some new gear. I hiked a 7+ mile loop on the ridge trail in Bigelow Hollow State Park. This, in my opinion has got to be one of the prettiest places in Connecticut. The tail system in CT is quite extensive and well maintained by volunteers in coordination with the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA). The Blue Trail system consists of over 700 miles of trail.Ironically, back in the early 1800's a small percentage (25%) of CT remained forested, yet today forests are the overriding natural vegetation. Oddly enough, Connecticut is the fourth most densely populated state, but ranks 13th in percentage of forest cover. I guess I'm just trying to say, this is a great state to hike in!The piece of gear I was test driving today was a new pack I purchased the other day. I was debating with myself if I should upgrade my Kelty Red Cloud, a 6lb 5500 cu pack with something lighter and smaller. I had my eye on the Osprey Atmos 65 and had read good reviews on this pack. Well the debate ended abruptly when I walked in to EMS the other day and saw this pack on sale, 30% off. I don't buy on impulse, but that day I walked out with a new pack.So I loaded it up today and went a walkin' The verdict: this is one nice pack indeed! The suspension, combined with the open mesh back panel make this one comfortable piece of gear. The smaller volume (4200 cu.) will also force me to make wise choices on other gear I put into it. Ultra lite it isn't, but it is respectable weighing in at 3lb 13oz. There are 2 options for storing a hydration bladder. It can be inserted into an internal sleeve or hung inside the cavity formed between the mesh back panel and the suspension. I tried the latter option with a Camelback hydration bladder. This worked fine, but I think the camelback was a bit too long and a shorter / wider bladder would have been better. I'd like to hear if anyone has some experiences with this pack, and in particular their experience with the hydration bladder storage.The hike was a good one, yet something was wrong, something was missing. Think about it.... this is the northeast and we're in the middle of January... any ideas? Yes, NO SNOW! This just isn't natural folks. I have never experienced a winter like this. I'm thinking either we will be hit with some serious winter weather in Feb. and Mar. to make up for it, or this year will go down in the record books. Of course I should have known this would happen, when I purchased my first (yes only) snow thrower back in the fall, which has since remained parked in the shed collecting dust. I just hope this doesn't mean we will be in store for a brutally hot summer (please no).Hope all is well and preparations are progressing nicely for the rest of the 2007 crowd. See ya out there soon.
Date: 2007-02-01
To: Motion
Miles today: 0.0

I was out walking tonight, getting ready for a hike on the AT and I got to thinking...One foot placed in front of the other foot, slowly at first and then steadily the pace increases. One arm swinging forward, the other arm swings backward, rhythmically coordinated with the movement of each leg. Increasingly the blood courses through each vein and artery, each capillary, bathing muscle and ligament with a nourishing, life giving elixir. As the pace increases, the extremities scream out for the oxygen, carried so efficiently by this pulsing fluid moving through its complex distribution network. MOTION....the body in motion. At first all of this is consciously driven, coordinated, chosen by the foreground thought process which carries it along. An effort is made to make it happen. As the body continues in forward motion, and muscles warm, the motion is eventually and gradually directed by background thought. The physical process goes on automatic pilot, and finally is pushed completely to the recesses of the mind. One gradually loses the sensation that the motion takes effort. The brain makes constant fine tuned calculations, directing each foot over and around potential obstacles effortlessly. The conscious mind then takes over to solve troubling problems, to see new visions, and suddenly become acutely aware of new insights. As the movement continues the senses are heightened. Minimal layers of clothing are just enough to provide a level of comfort, but entice the cold air of the night to make one feel on edge and quite alive. The smell of wood smoke wafting from chimneys is intoxicating. The eyes adjust to the moonlight, which illuminates the barren fields, the distant tree line, and the path ahead. All is good, and the motion continues. Eventually muscles tire and the blood drains from the brain to the extremities. A subtle light headed feeling is noticeable and physical fatigue sets in. The motion ceases for today. But then there is tomorrow, and another opportunity to walk, and experience the emotion of motion. And you ask me why I want to hike the Appalachian Trail?
Date: 2007-02-22
To: Old Friends / New Friends
Miles today: 0.0

I recently sent a widespread email to many people briefly anouncing this upcoming thru hike. It's not like I haven't in my mind, fully committed to this goal, but when one announces something like this, to just about everyone they know....well there is no turning back. But that is good. I was really amazed by the followup responses I received from that email. All were very encouraging, supportive, and willing to offer some helpful advice. A few thought I was crazy, but still supported my craziness all the way :-) The best part of the whole exercise of "announcing the thru hike" was the opportunity to connect / reconnect with friends and family and share a little bit of this dream with them. I have to admit, I'm not much of a letter writer (or should I say e-mailer), but lately I've taken it to a whole new level. It feels good to catch up and renew neglected relationships. Already I see positive things coming from this grand adventure and I have not even set foot on the trail yet.When I do start this journey I am also looking forward to making new friends along the way. I have a feeling that the new friendships will be bonded by the sharing of a commom goal and all the hardships and joy that go along with it. I anticipate that these new friendships will be quite enduring.Looking forward to "walking the walk".
Date: 2007-03-04
To: Challenges
Miles today: 0.0

I have been closely following a fellow thru hiker's journal on this site. His trail name is Hobbit. He started on Jan. 31 and has already hiked about 350 miles of the trail. Jan. 31 is a very early start and not many hikers are on the trail at this time. Hobbit has been maintaining a very good journal, and has been open and honest about his day to day experiences and feelings. Just recently he communicated the lonliness he was experiencing on the trail, since there are few hikers hiking now (the majority will start this month) and he is also moving along at a fast pace. The lonliness of not seeing anyone on the trail, only compounds the feelings of missing loved ones at home.I started to think about this, in the context of my own hike. I will be in a better position than Hobbit, since I am leaving much later than him (April 17). There should be plenty of other thru hikers on the trail then, and I will also be very fortunate to be hiking the first two weeks with my older son. Yet, I still think I will be faced at one point or another with the feelings that confront Hobbit now. Thru hiking the AT is a lifelong dream coming true, and I am very exited and anxious to begin this journey. I still need to keep in mind that life is life no matter where you are or what you are doing, and the ups and downs (no pun intended /\/\/\), still need to be dealt with on the trail(maybe to a greater extent). I certainly don't shy away from these challenges while I'm out there, and quite frankly I do look forward to them. Part of this journey, is all about pushing the envelope a bit, extending myself, and growing as a person. I hope I also have the capacity to express these experiences and feelings as best I can in this journal.After reading Hobbit's latest journal entries I am happy to say that, after a layover in Erwin TN. he seems to be his old gregarious Hobbit self, and is back on the trail moving steadily north, living his dream.
Date: 2007-03-21
To: Inspiration
Miles today: 0.0

The other night Dan came over and had dinner with us. Dan is the son of a couple we are friends with in town. He thru hiked the AT with his brother Luke in 2000. I have to say, my wife and I had a very enjoyable evening listening to the many stories and experiences Dan shared with us about his thru hike. He also brought with him 3 very large photo albums filled with some fantastic photos which taken alone, painted an accurate picture of his hike on the AT, with Luke.This was also an opportunity for me to ask him many questions I've had on my mind about my upcoming hike, and get some straight and honest answers. As much as we enjoyed Dan's visit, I also had the impression that at the end of the night, he also ejoyed telling the story of, and re-living a lifetime adventure he shared with his brother.I can only hope that I will be able to share my story with someone longing to thru hike the AT, and inspire them the way Dan inspired me.
Date: 2007-03-25
To: Waiting....
Miles today: 0.0

After recently following the journals of some thru hikers on this site, who have already started their journey, I just had to get out and hike today. I was fortunate to have a hiking partner. My wife Kathy and I use to hang out with a group of people a while back, and gradually lost contact with some of them as the years went by and family became a higher priority. Toni and Jim were a part of that group, and I was surprised to receive an email from Toni not long after I got this journal started. Toni also has a desire to one day thru hike the AT, and discovered my journal on this site. We sent a few emails, and agreed to meet for a hike and talk about the Trail. We hiked a 5 mile loop at Bigelow Hollow State Park. Other than 1-2 inches of slushy snow, the trail conditions were good. It was a bit challenging though, on the downhill sections. I hiked with my fully loaded pack (now about 35 lbs - ouch!) and it felt comfortable. We had some good conversation about the AT and hiking in general. One topic that made me laugh was the talk related to the reactions we have received from some people after indicating we want to thru hike the Appalachian Trail. We both agreed, it is a tough thing to try and explain, and sometimes it is best left unexplained. Can't wait to get going! 22 days to departure!
Date: 2007-04-08
To: Getting Closer
Miles today: 0.0

The time is quickly approaching... It won't be long before I take that first step, both literally and figuratively, into the unknown. Although by now, I have a very good understanding of what the Appalachian Trail is and for the most part, what to expect, there is always an element within any new undertaking, which can never fully be anticipated or predicted no matter how much preparation or planning one has done.This, of course is what will make this thru hike come alive for me and add some meaning and clarity. Achieving a sense of clarity through the unknown doesn't initially make much sense. However if one accepts the unknown and has faith in a Power outside of our self, to see us through it, then we can accept and welcome it.9 more days to go....Happy Easter everyone.
Date: 2007-04-12
To: Maple Street School
Miles today: 0.0

Today I gave a brief talk about the Appalachian Trail and my planned thru hike, to the 5th graders at Maple St. school in Rockville, CT. My wife works there and mentioned a couple of weeks back that the 5th grade class was currently studying about the United States. She thought it would be interesting to integrate the idea of the Appalachian Trail with their lesson, by bringing in a map of the AT and showing where the trail passed through each of the 13 states. Of course she sort of volunteered me to come in to school with my backpack on, hiking poles at the ready, and talk briefly with the kids, so they could make a connection about the AT and what it actually meant to thru hike it. I was reluctant at first, since I've been running around crazily trying to get ready to leave soon. But then I thought this would be a great way to help them understand what the AT is, how it relates to their lesson on the States, and also drive home the idea of the value and the need to protect the trail for their generation and future generations.The talk was delayed a bit by a power outage at the school (figures), but I was able to squeeze in about 20-30 minutes with each of the 2 5th grade classes. I was really impressed with the knowledge of the States and the AT these students had already mastered (their teacher had prepped them well). So once I walked in with that pack on they were all eyes and ears, a very well behaved and attentive group. They asked many well thought out questions and genuinely seemed quite interested in what this thru hiking thing was all about. When the session ended, I was quite happy I had the opportunity to speak with these students, and was hoping maybe I planted in a few young minds the idea of hiking some or all of the Appalachian Trail one day.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Amicalola Approach Trail

To: Springer Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 0.2
Weather: clear sky

Finally on the trail! Whoo Hooo. Kathy and I drove down on Fri. from Ct to Raleigh, NC. A very long 10 hour drive! We checked into the hotel in the morning and hooked up with Jesse later. The next 2 days were spent visiting with Jesse and our grandson Cooper. It was a joy being around Cooper. He is a very inqisitive, intelligent and loving little boy, a fine compliment to his mom and dad. We were also treated to some very nice hospitality by Jesse's mom.On Mon. we had another long drive to Dawsonville GA. where we were staying in the Amicalola Park Lodge. We arrived around 4pm and checked in. I highly recommend this place. Great accomodations and meals, beautiful location and an overall great value. On Tues. Jesse and I were up early, but decided to get a later start since we all wanted to see the sights around the park. The Amicalola Falls were spectacular! By 12:00 we gathered our gear and headed to the visitor center. We weighed our packs (37-Jesse, 38-me...too much) and signed the register (I am the 551st thru hiker leaving the Lodge this year). After what seemed like 3-4 dozen photos by Kathy, Jesse and I said goodbye to Kathy (that was tough), and headed up the Approach Trail. The Approach Trail is 8.8 miles to the top of Springer Mtn. and does not officially count as AT miles. The first mile was gradual and when we reached the road we were surprised to see Kathy there waiting to take more photos. After a break and more pictures and a final goodbye...hard again we were on our way.The the Approach Trail was moderately strenuous. The nice thing was that most of the climbs were switchbacked (the trail goes back and forth up the mountain rather than straight up). The weather was perfect, sunny in the 70's with a nice cool breeze. We arrived at the summit of Springer Mtn. by about 4:30 and took many photos. Very quiet at the top. We only saw one other hiker (doing a section to VA). We then hiked .2 miles down Springer to Springer Mtn. Shelter, where we had dinner and camped for the night. A great 1st day on the AT!
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Springer Mtn. Shelter

To: Hawk Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We were awake by 7:30, had breakfast and were on the trail by 10:00. We will need to work on our morning routine to get an earlier start, but were not concerned today since we were only hiking 7.4 miles. So far I have loved hiking the trail here in GA. The switchbacks really make it easier on the elevation gains and the trail for the most part is hard packed dirt free of rocks and roots. I know it will get tougher as we head north. The climbs were a bit steeper today, but our energy was high. The day was overcast and rain was expected, but held off until we arrived at Hawk Mtn. shelter at about 2:30.We were settled in the shelter when it sprinkled a bit, but then stopped. I was happy the rain skipped by, since the shelter had an old thatched roof and from the loft where we were, I could see a few small holes in it. Shelter life is interesting. Very close quarters, so hiker etiquette is a must. Tonight there are about 7 in the shelter including Jesse and I, and about 7 tenting. We have sort of already formed a group. Joe, Colby, Tray and Huckleberry (Glen) are all thru hiking and 5 Eyes (Craig) is section hiking to Damascus. Colby has a prosthesis, a titanium leg, and will be attempting to thru hike and raise funds for the Shriners hospital. I was amazed and quite humbled, and will be thinking of him when I encounter the tough times ahead. His charity web site is www.hikers-for-charity.com.Sleep in the shelter was sporadic due to the hard floor, and I think I will tent as much as possible this hike. When I made a bathroom call around 4am I was treated to a clear sky filled with thousands of bright stars...beautiful! A great hike so far!
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Hawk Mtn. Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Just about everyone was up by 7:30, having breakfast and packing up. One by one we all departed heading today for Gooch Mtn. shelter. Jesse and I got on the trail by 9:30 and were moving well. The hike today was much like yesterday, with a few more harder climbs. The trail out of Cooper Gap (yes Julie, Kathy, and Renee, we did get a picture of the sign) and up Justus Mtn., was a heart pounder. But for the most part, the hiking was enjoyable today. We did learn the hard way yesterday that we need to eat more throughout the day and drink loads of water to keep our energy up and stay hydrated.By 1:30 we made it to the shelter, so we made a decision to eat our main meal there and hang out for a while, and then move on 2 more miles to a campsite at Gooch Gap. 5 Eyes (Craig), Colby, Joe, Huckleberry (Glen), and Tray decided to do the same thing. We are all camping together in a nice grassy meadow, with the temperatures dropping fast. I am hoping for a good night sleep. We ran into an amazing person today. About half way through our hike, we caught up to a guy with a brace on his left leg, hiking along on crutches, with some of his gear strapped to his crutches! His trail name was Dilley Wolf and he was of Mexican descent, from south Texas. He was attempting to hike the entire trail but realized that was not going to be possible, and made the decision to get off at Suches, GA. We talked with him for a while at Gooch Mtn. shelter and shared some food. He had planned to stay at the shelter but decided to join us at Gooch Gap. He arrived quite a bit later than us, but he made it. I was quite humbled by the sight of him slowly moving down the trail as he hike along on his crutches. Amazing guy! We all encouraged him to try a section of the AT, and give it another try in the future.Off to sleep!P.S. - Dear Kathy, Jesse and I both found the notes you left in our packs. Thanks so much! I love you.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Gooch Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up today around 7:30 to a very chilly morning. The temperature dropped quite a bit last night but I was comfortable and had my first good night sleep. Tray got a fire started which definitely helped ease the chill. We now call Tray "Mr. Burns" since he is good at building a campfire. We all put on a few extra layers and got breakfast going. Jesse and I usually eat 2 pkgs, of oatmeal and brew a cup of coffee for breakfast (I seemed to have been successful cutting back my usual 3 cups a day to one). Dilley Wolf started out around 7:45. The rest of the group took off one by one. Jesse and I were out last, but since we have been hiking at a decent pace we usually pass the others eventually. The first 2.5 miles today were fairly level along the mountain ridge. We took a half hour break at Woody Gap. Joe and Mr. Burns eventually caught up to us. After downing a few Caribou Coffee bars (Jesse's favorite) slathered with peanut butter, we pushed on. One side note: while at Woody Gap, where GA-60 intersects the trail, we saw many bicyclists pass through. We later learned there is an international bike race going on in this area.The afternoon took us over Big Cedar mtn., Granny Top mtn., and Turkey Stamp mtn., which had us working hard. Today we both noticed a drop in our energy level and thought it might be due to the cumulative lack of sleep. We were getting close to our stop for the night, which was going to be Slaughter Creek campsite, but right before we got there 5 Eyes was sitting on a log waiting for us. He had a proposition to push on another 3 miles to Walasi-Yi hostel which was right on the trail at Neels Gap. We were dogged tired at that point and Jesse felt a blister coming on, but the thought of a hot shower, clean clothes, and a soft bed sounded too good to pass up. So Jesse took some time to do some foot repair, we filled our water bags and off we went. It was a tough 3 miles, over Blood Mtn. and down a narrow rocky trail, but at 5:50 we reached the hostel. We ran into the outfitter, signed up for the hostel stay, and grabbed a bunch of microwave sandwiches and drinks 10 minutes before they closed for the day. We are in the hostel now and feel 100% better. Flexibility is the key on the AT.
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Low Gap Shelter

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

Wooly Bear, Huck, and I decided on a short day today since Huck's ankle is a little tender. Everyone in the shelter left at about 7:30, and we hung around catching up on journaling, drinking coffee, and planning today's hike. Huck left first and Wooly Bear and I left at 12:30. It was getting hot in the gap when we left but a cool breeze was blowing as we climbed to the ridge. I stopped for a few pictures and Wooly Bear hiked ahead. This gave us both some time for contemplation. I thought about how Blessed I was to be out here. The time spent so far with Jesse has been very good and has really drawn us closer. I thanked the Lord for this opportunity and for the loving family I am a part of at home. Just 6 days into this thru hike has given me a deep appreciation for family.The first 4 miles of today's hike was over relatively level ground. When we reached Chatahoochie Gap (I love these names) we took a break and aired our feet. One key to longevity on the AT is to take care of your feet. The smallest sign of a blister or trouble, needs to be taken care of immediately. After mile 4 we encountered about 1/2 mile stretch of non-stop rocks on the trail. We needed to really focus on our steps to avoid a twisted ankle. At about 4:00 we reached Blue Mtn. shelter, which has a very nice view of the mountains to the east. It's just the 3 of us here tonight. Our bellies are full and the fire is crackling.Life is good on the AT.