morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-10-14
From: Apple Orchard Falls Trail

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

What I feared would happen did. I'm using my old Osprey pack and now I'm too skinny for it's waist belt. I had hoped I could go the whole month before that happened. So now I have to get off the trail. I could buy another pack in Dalesville, but am waiting for a new pack called the AARN packs to come out. They are made in New Zealand and have two really large pockets along the front of each shoulder strap, allowing you to carry a lot of your weight in front of you instead of all of it on your back. They don't start shipping until late Oct here in the USA. This being only mid Oct, means I have to wait a couple weeks. So close. Plus my phone, for some reason, can no longer access email or text messaging. Anyway, I'm getting off the trail tomarrow at Rt 614, Jennings, VA. Hopefuly my friends Happy Feet & Nails got todays phone message and will pick me up sometime Friday. I'll get a motel room Thursday night. Todays hike was a bit cold, with a high of about 45 degrees. Plus it has been raining all afternoon. It's not too bad, I'd keep going if it weren't for my pack and broken phone.Next hike will be the Florida National Secnic Trail with Nails, Wounded Knee and SanabelSandyPaws (we think). We're starting mid Nov or Dec, depending on the weather.
Date: 2009-10-15
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Hwy/Rt 16
Miles today: 3.7

Short day. I was a little cold last night, but I was fine as long as I was in my sleeping bag. Ther problem is it's a little hard to stay in a sleeping bag from 3:00 pm yesterday until first light this morning. Still cold this morning, about 42 degrees. It only took a little over two hours to get to the road. About half way to I81, got a call from Happy Feet. They left their hike up north due to snow. They picked me up about thirty minutes later. Then we had lunch at the diner near I81 and then left for home. It was a nice ending to a summers hike.
Date: 2010-06-26
From: Florida

To: Vermont
Miles today: 0.0

Well, we didn't do it right the first time, so we gotta do it again. For those who remember, last year we kind of got blown out of the Whites by the weather. So, Trail Gator and I are going to try again. We plan to start on July 6th, 2010 on the top of Mt Washington and hike south to Franconia Notch. Then we'll go back to the top of Mt Washington and hike north to Gorham, NH. We hope to be done by July 16th or so (yes, we're slow - that's why we can hike together). Some may think of doing it this way is cheating, but - we don't care what you think! So there ...
Date: 2009-05-06
To: AT-Fever
Miles today: 0.0

It's official. As of now I am officially planning a 2010 northbound thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail (Georgia to Maine). While my planning may be in its "official" stage, that doesn't mean I'm officially going yet. It's a year out and a lot can happen during that time. After some extensive soul-searching in trying to determine my path after graduation, the stars aligned and the opportunity presented itself. I'm still considering grad school, but since I graduate in December, I'll be free spring semester and summer before I would potentially start in the fall.The plan is to leave in March and be finished by mid-August. I didn't really want to have a time schedule as the trail takes an average of 5-7 months to complete but I also want to be frugal and limit my town stays (hotels, hostels...etc.). So with a mileage a little above average (~15 mpd) I believe I can attempt the 2175 miles of the AT.Now, at this point some of you readers may be wondering if my husband, Erik will be accompanying me. Well, he cannot because he will be in school still and I'm pretty sure he's o.k. with that. He is, however, very much concerned for my safety and that's why I'll be hiking with a friend of mine and her dog. While Erik and I will miss each other very much, he has been nothing but supportive and of course I would not go if he didn't want me to. We are already in talks of his visit during my trip.This has been a dream of mine since I backpacked a small portion of the AT when I was 16. I have, essentially been planning this for the last 13 years of my life. And I know if it doesn't work out this time, it will someday.I've got a lot to think about and plan but overall I think this will work.
Date: 2009-05-09
To: GEAR: The pack = Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone
Miles today: 0.0

So I know they say you are supposed to gather all your gear before you purchase your pack so you know how much weight to expect your new pack to hold. Well, I did do some prior calculations, but I figured if I aim to be under the goal weight of the pack that I wanted, it is a good incentive to go a little lighter. I really have been debating this topic for a while now, and after reading accounts of many others dropping pounds of gear like a bad habit, 30 miles into their hike at Neel's Gap, I figured lighter at the start is better and worth the extra money. I am in no way (at least not yet) an ultralight obsessed hiker cutting off toothbrush handles and clothing tags (like I said...not yet), but I do love spreadsheets and weight calculations. Alas, the Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone has been my first thru-hike purchase. It holds 3800 cubic inches and 40 lbs and weighs 3 lbs. I purchased it on sale for $140 through backcountry.com outlet. It comes with straps in a particular size (that can't be selected there) so I may need to buy new ones after trying it a few times. I have read good reviews on this pack and seen many on trailjournals.com using it as their pack. I shall report back.
Date: 2009-05-10
To: Torn...hopefully not any of my gear...
Miles today: 0.0

So what I really mean is that I'm torn between studying and planning for my trip, checking out gear, etc. Any hiker embarking on the jouney of a lifetime can probably relate. There is really no option here as I have to study. Planning is just more fun! So here goes- So here is a first of (probably) several gear entries:Let me preface with: I am a student, I don't have a lot of money, and I already have a backpacking setup. HOWEVER, it is not optimal to be carrying for over 2000 miles, so I have been trying to eliminate weight by kicking around the "big 3" - sleeping system, shelter, pack. I currently own a women's (older) Osprey pack ~7 lbs, a Big Agnes sleep system 0 degree Ethyl and pad = 5 lbs 13 oz, and a Sierra Designs clip flashlight tent = 3 lbs 14 oz (this used to be all the rage because it was considered "light" at the time - circa 1990). This total weight is about 16 lbs 11 oz. The pack is just too heavy and while VERY comfy, the bulkiness of the sleep system is unecessary and difficult to maintain (who wants to blow up their sleeping pad every night for 5 months?) The SD clip flashlight tent I purchased used several years ago and has treated me well, but I'd like something more reliable and lighter.I'm obviously a sucker for a gear sale, especially those that have liberal return policies - rei, backcountry.com, etc... So I've purchased a Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone pack on sale for $140 (full price $230) weight = 3 lbs. I've just ordered a Marmot (women's) Helium 15 degree down bag for $240 (full price $365) weight = 1 lb 13 oz. I am also looking into the Tarptent Rainbow (2 lbs) and a Thermarest Z Lite (10 oz). So...I'll be going from:16 lbs 11 oz to 6 lbs 7 oz. Over 10 lbs saved!!!
Date: 2009-05-31
To: Intermission - Work Trip
Miles today: 0.0

So after a few weeks away from AT-obsessing, I am finally back. I took a 2 week work trip to 7 national parks. I'm conducting research for a firewood and insect study. I can't complain, 7 national parks with some time to explore and hike: Arches, Mesa Verde, Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon, Zion, Bryce, and Capital Reef. I loved the trip but it sure is good to be back. I took along some AT books with me thinking it would be a great time to research, but I had no desire to plan a 2000 mile+ backpacking trip when I was having a great trip of my own. I, instead, opted to read "Into Thin Air" by John Krakauer. I am somewhat fascinated with the Everest-obsession but could never imagine my body being able to endure the altitude demands and obviously could never afford the price you pay to be "taken" to the top. However, I was recently, presented with the opportunity (of a lifetime) to do the Everest trek to basecamp. This probably won't happen until after my AT journey, but exciting nonetheless. While I had an exciting and adventurous trip, I look forward to being out of school for the summer (and just working), and planning my AT journey.
Date: 2009-06-18
To: The Push and Pull
Miles today: 0.0

I am at the point in my researching and excitement that I feel I have to keep myself from reading too many journals or looking for that better deal on a piece of gear. Can someone be too prepared? I don't want to read up on too many AT journals because I want my journey to be a suprise. I don't always want to know what to expect. I have to be honest and feel a little bit like I'd rather be thru-hiking the PCT or CDT because the views are just outstanding. My heart is in the mountains of the west but I know I have some unfinished business in the Appalachians. I know if all goes well with the AT, I'll trek west. Even though the AT is supposed to be pretty tough, I still feel it's a good intro to the long-distance backpacking that I'm looking for. It's the large number of people hiking with me and the frequent resupply points that make me feel like it is a good beginning.I just feel like there is a draw that exists that is pulling me towards the Appalachians. It's hard to think that I'll miss out on my favorite time of year in Colorado - spring. The mountains are fresh and green topped with melting snow cascading down from their peaks. The rivers run fast and the wildlife is abundant. I just hope the "green tunnel" is as inspiring and that I get my feel of deciduous trees, something I have missed since living in Colorado. Sometimes I think of the things I could do with the money I'm saving for the trail, but I always feel like I'm still supposed to be doing this. I wonder if I'll get bored. I wonder how many times I'll want to quit. I wonder how homesick I'll get. I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for anything that may come my way. I think I'm determined but I wonder what would make me crack.So I had another work trip, planting trees and firewood surveys at the Great Sand Dunes. It has been amazing going to all these places that I have never been. I just hope my AT journey is as exciting and fulfilling.
Date: 2009-07-02
To: Shoe Trials
Miles today: 0.0

So I've officially decided on trail runners instead of boots. Okay, well, that was never really a decision to begin with. That's what I always hike in these days and every time I wear my Asolo boots I end up with blisters. Now, which trail runners is the real question. I ordered and recieved a pair of Vasques prior to my Rocky Mountain trip. They fit like a glove and got in about 25 miles or so of hiking with no blisters. I'm just wondering if I should go ahead and buy another pair.
Date: 2009-08-03
To: Falling into Place
Miles today: 0.0

Update on the planning progress:Things are starting to fall into place. I'm finished traveling for my job this summer. The last trip consisted of Yellowstone, Tetons, Durango, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP. I loved visiting all of these places but it's good to be home. Being away from home so much was a good trial for next summer. I got to hike a lot, but since I've been back, my physical training has been reduced to walking to work (at least until school starts). Other things are progressing. I'm seeing a dentist and I'm changing my medication that needs refrigeration to something that doesn't. I still need to make a few other appointments to get such things in order. Money is still a bit of an issue, but I think it will work itself out.In gear news, I got a good 2-week trial of my new sleeping bag and pad in while in Wyoming. The sleeping bag, Marmot Helium, was great. The pad, Thermarest Women's Prolite, was nice, but seemed a little larger than necessary...well, for me and my 5 ft body maybe. I am happy to report that it did work great as a floatation device! Still thinking about the Z-rest though. I also orderded a Tarptent Rainbow, but didn't receive it until after my travels. I set it up once and was feeling guilty for the amount of room it provides! I think I can go with something smaller like the Tarptent Contrail. Hmmm, will have to decide what to do with that. I also love my new Vasque trail runners, but could potentially see some foot pain in the rocky sections of the trial. I also realized that I won't be stocking up on shoes prior to the trip since your feet tend to increase in size throughout the trail!In other gear conundrums, I have been trying to decide what to carry as my stove and water purification system. I'm torn between carrying what I already own to save money and buying something lighter. I have a Jet Boil which is fantastic and has spoiled me but is obviously heavier than a alcohol stove. I already own the MSR miniworks filter and was seriously considering Aqua Mira or a gravity filter. I don't trust the Steripen to work all the time when I need it to and I can't take Iodine because of my Thyroid. But why buy something new when what you have works? Ahhh, what to do, what to do?
Date: 2009-09-21
To: School's in but I want to check out!
Miles today: 0.0

I've been pretty busy lately so I haven't had a lot of time to think about the AT, until today. While I should've been getting a head start on studying for my physics exam, I was playing with my new Tarptent Rainbow. I don't have much of a yard so I haven't been able to set it up outside yet but hopefully will soon. It will take a bit of practice but I think that it is the perfect tent for its weight.I spent the remainder of the day doing further research and getting excited all over again. What a strange happening, but my friend, Liz who will be joining me (and who I haven't talked to in a long time) called me today to give me an update on her AT situation. Things are sounding like a go to her too! How coincidental that she called to talk about that today and I kicked up my enthusiasm a notch and started thinking about things again.I learned I should probably get either a Smartwool or Icebreaker tech tee for my main shirt since they don't absorb as much odor as synthetic versions. I have a smartwool long-sleeved shirt that I love so I'm sold. Just need to find a good deal now! I ordered a half-priced Patagonia R2 to see if that's something I want to take. I'm all about down because it's so warm and light but I'm thinking it might be good to have a warm synthetic layer for those cold, wet days. Even though I thought I'd settled with my inflatable Thermarest, I'm thinking I might start with a Z-lite and have the Thermarest mailed if I can't manage the Z-lite. After reading some accounts of those who have completed the trail this year, it seems like the non-inflatable padding gets great use as a seat and it's lighter. I figured that one would probably be so exhausted by the end of the day that it wouldn't even matter how soft the surface was that they were sleeping on!I've also decided (at least at this point) to start with my Jetboil and if I decided to loose poundage I'll aquire a cat can stove along the way. I'm also going to start with my MSR miniworks filter and if I want to loose the pound, I'll try aqua mira. Iodine is out of the question due to my thyroid issue. It's been great reading how Rocket, Loon, Gangsta, and Wags have finished. I have especially been following the females and always look forward to their entries. Congrats to all of you! I have appreciated any post-hike entries regarding gear, advice, etc...Time to start planning food and mail drops. Thinking about a dehydrator...
Date: 2009-11-05
To: The Daily Grind
Miles today: 0.0

Thought I'd give an update since it's been a while. Trail planning has been put to a slow, slow...okay, nearly halt. Not by choice of course! I'm really trying to focus on school to get through to the end without severe senioritis. I have found that if I start to do anything trail-related, I will be highly distracted for hours and it takes precedence over studying. I've got a bit of time because today ended up being a failed day: 2 hours at the license branch and then a near emergency with one of our cats. So I decided to take the night off instead of forcing myself to work.If anyone's noticed, I've started my gear list page but it is a work in progress. I've got a pretty good idea of what I'll bring (all nicely organized in an excel spreadsheet) but I still haven't finalized everything. I have a postal scale that I've been using to weigh items which I hope to have more time to do in the near future. I've been debating on how many mail drops to do and how much food to send to myself. I think it'll come down to cost which I still need to calculate. I did get asked by a close family member if I am going to carry a gun and I don't think my answer went over too well! We may have agreed on something else but I don't think that conversation is over!I hate to admit that I have competely ceased physical activity (aside from the usual bike ride to school/work and back). Ok, I've been doing a bit of yoga too, but not much. Oh, and a bit of snowboarding. I keep saying, next week I'll have more time, and then, ohhh yeah I've got that 100 page paper due.We did get our first big snow (18 inches) of the season last week. But it's been so warm here now that I've been wearing sandals the last couple of days. Arrrg. Just 2 more weeks until "fall" break. Then I'm on the homestretch!Thanks to those of you who have signed my guestbook! It's nice to have the support!
Date: 2009-12-05
To: Exciting Times are to Come...
Miles today: 0.0

Yes! One more week of school, and then finals, and then I'm done! I have family coming for graduation and then it's back to Indiana for more family and friends time for the holidays. AND then, Banff snowboarding trip! Then more work and AT planning, and then I'm headed to Springer! I can hardly contain myself!!!I officially decided that I will not attend grad school in Fall 2010. It's just too soon and I would like to have some time off between the trail and heading back to school if that's the decision I make. This way I will no longer have a specific time to be back by and no pressure to try to keep up my daily mileage. Unfortunately, I will have the added stress of not knowing what I'll be doing for a job when I return, but I'll figure it out. This also means I may not have to have as early of a start date as I'd planned. Liz and I planned to leave Colorado at the beginning of March but we may decide to leave a little later. We have a bit of a journey to get to Springer. Blueberrie the dog is coming with us so we are driving to Massachusetts to drop of Liz's car and then renting a car to drive to Georgia. Talk about epic cross-country road trip! That's the plan anyway at this point. Anyone need a ride to Georgia from Massachusetts (or anywhere in between) and would like to pitch in for the cost of the rental?In other planning news: I've ordered some books that should help with food planning. I've also ordered a couple of fun reads since I will no longer have to read textbooks! I have not revisited gear issues since I'm waiting on a potential Christmas present. New gear is on hold for now but hoping to update the gear list once this school hoopla dies down.I've been using my new backpack for assorted different things, but no overnight trips yet. I've upped my physical activity ever so slightly. More snowboarding, the occasional yoga session, the occassional treadmill and stairmaster session, a small snowshoe trip and a few day hikes (once in the mud and snow with a little bit of ice thrown in). I have a slight concern about my left knee which gave me some trouble last snowboarding season. It does seem to do better when I am actually doing physical activity. I hated to even mention that here because I sure hope that it's not the thing to send me home over.Eating LOTS of garlic. That's not part of my planning process, but I'd thought I'd throw that in there! I love it! And I swear that's why I have avoided illness (including the dreaded swine flu) ALL SEMESTER! And you know college campuses are full of germs and sickness. I will probably be carrying bulbs with me on the trail so watch out vampires!Okay, that's enough. I'm really just trying to make it seem like I'm actually moving along with my planning. I just haven't had time! I can't wait though until I can really get going with it. Soon enough.
Date: 2010-01-25
To: I'm back and ready to focus...almost
Miles today: 0.0

I have returned from my whirlwind of a new year! I graduated at the end of December and then took off for Indiana to see family for the holidays and finished up with a snowboarding trip to Big Sky, MT and Lake Louise, Alberta. All the while, rushing to turn in grad school application stuff. I still have to take the GRE, which I'll be doing this Thursday. And then...finally I will be able to devote every waking hour (that I'm not working, of course)to trail planning. The preparation entries will finally start looking that way!My dentist appointments are looking like they'll be done before I leave (good thing). However, we will be pushing our start date a few weeks later due to other unforseen circumstances. It's now looking like late March/early April. Hey, it won't be as cold, right? It's becoming much more real now and very exciting! Next entry will be filled with preparation accompishments...I promise.
Date: 2010-02-07
To: How is all this stuff supposed to fit on my back?
Miles today: 0.0

Tonight I broke out all of the gear I have in my possession at the moment that I'll be taking or may be taking. I did it to take inventory and to start making decisions. It's wildly spread out around my living room and I'm wondering how it's going to all fit in my bag. I tried to do a trial run and pack the bag but I got about 75% finished before I realized how much work it would be to start gathering all of the little things. But from what I can estimate so far, I think my pack will weigh about 33 lbs with food and water.So I've finally updated my gear list. It is still a work in progress though. I'm so back and forth about several items. Some of them I've gone ahead and listed and others I'm still pondering. But it's way past my bedtime and I've stopped making good decisions so I'm going to throw in the towel tonight.   In other news I've started my "rigorous" walking schedule. I walk to the gym (with 15 lb pack), walk on the treadmill on an incline and hit the stairmaster at the gym, walk to work (with pack), and walk home (with pack). I'm averaging about 5-6 mpd so far (not including stairmaster). I will increase mileage and backpack poundage as the weeks go by. It is definitely looking like Liz and I will be hitting the trail the last week in March. We are still working out logistics of getting there though.I also did my taxes and realized I'll be getting more money than anticipated Yay for extra cash!