morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-25
To: Yosemite, Gear, Etc.
Miles today: 0.0

"How strange that nature does not knock, and yet does not intrude!" - Emily Dickinson It's been a couple of months since I've had an entry. This is part of my attempt at PATIENCE...which most anyone will tell you I have precious little of. First, our trip to Yosemite was great! 1st day arrival was 74 degrees at the lodge. We took a couple of days inside the park, then hit the National Forest's to get away from the crowds. Yosemite is completely circumvented by public land, four National Forest and several Wilderness areas. I would love to go back and backpack the region one day (bucket list). Only had two mornings of hiking due to the time constraint, but enjoyed both. Hiked one morning near Fish Camp to a waterfall. That was about 4 miles round trip. Next was a loop trail where I started at daylight and hiked 11.5 miles in about 4 hours. Starting at daylight, and reading the signboard about Mountain Lions, and what to do if attacked, and that they are most active as dusk and DAWN, and that you are most vulnerable alone, caused this South Alabama boy two hours of hair standing on end with every sound. I eventually calmed and continued the astonishing hike. The scenery was beautiful! This hike is where I literally ran into bears. A momma and two cubs shot across the trail 50' in front of me. Then the cubs, which were less than a foot long, clambered up a tree, leaving me in awe. I quickly came to reason after 3 photos, and high-tailed it back down the trail. I went flyfishing (no guide) in the National Forest, and had decent luck. I caught and released 3 Rainbow Trout one afternoon, and the next day 4 Rainbows, and a Brook trout. One of the Rainbows was a nice size trout of 11.5 inches! First time trout fishing with flyfishing gear.   On to new gear. Settled on a Go-lite Odyssey pack, which holds almost as much as my old one, at 5500 cu. in. But, it only weighs 3.5 lbs. vs 7.5 lb old one. I can use to same raincover I think. I will load and check that soon. Have received a couple pair of wool blend socks (Icebreaker Hiker Mid Crew) and a set of Icebreaker layers. (Oasis Bodyfit 200)   I am on target to come in with a pack weight of about 24 lbs. (winter gear) and around 20 when I exchange for hot weather. I should never be over 35 lbs, with food and water, (which was my goal) even in the Smokies and 100 Mile Wilderness. For my next entry, I will try to answer some of the more common questions that I've recieved, such as; why I want to hike the whole trail, why am I carrying or not carrying certain items. I will also cover my hiking style, or philosophy. Less than 8 months and I will be on the trail!
Date: 2010-11-06
To: The planning continues!
Miles today: 0.0

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn." - John MuirWell, actually the planning hasn't stopped in the three months since my last entry, only slowed a tiny bit. Since that entry, I have lost my paternal grandmother, Mamie, who lived 102 years. And what a grand lady she was! I also lost my Dad five weeks later to cancer. These two deaths not only took two of the most beloved people in my life, but also the two biggest influences of the the love of the outdoors in my life. They are and will continue to be missed dearly. And for teaching me the love I have for the outdoors, I will dedicate this expedition in their honor, for without them I truly believe I wouldn't have the desire to go on this journey. Wow! Four months and one week, and I'll be hiking the A.T. I have been busy with preparing mail drop boxes. I have 25 boxes, and have been buying and filling them slowly. I am trying to be selective on the food choices because I love to eat, and don't want to have bland meals. I ordered a huge shipment from Minimus.com which specializes in small quantity stuff. Things like the condiment packits at a fast food restuarant. But also small boxes of washing powder, toothpase tubes, etc. I will eat well, that's for sure! Here's a sample list: Salt and pepper packits, mayo, mustard, ketchup, hot sauce, ranch, balsamic vineger, brown sugar, honey, peanut butter, butter buds, jelly, lemon juice, soy sauce, duck sauce, and several more sauce varieties all in packits, to spice up meals. I plan of mostly freeze-dried meals from Mountain House, Alpine Aire, etc., for my supper (or dinner) depending on which region of the country you're from. For deserts, mostly instant pudding that I can mix in a ziplock, wait until set, and then eat from the bag. Lunches will consist mainly of tortillas and pita bread laced with all kinds of goodies (peanut butter and honey, avacadoes and/or tomatoes the day out of town, canned and pouched meats and fish, with all those sauce packits). Breakfast will be mainly instant oatmeal with freeze-dried fruit, honey, brown sugar, etc., or instant grits with butter buds. Instant coffee, which is quite tolerable after a few days of initiation. Hot chocolate for evening drink in cooler weather. Snacks are a variety of trail bars, some candy bars, pop tarts, a variety of nuts, and honey shots. I have also bought a case of MRE's that have the heater in them. I will put one in every other drop for those evenings when the rain won't let up, or my timing to camp is a little late, or I am just plain beat. I know you ultralighters are cringing at the thought (they are a bit heavy), but a little convenience is a necessity.Of course, all these meals will be supplemented with most every restuarant within walking (or hitching distance from the trail). Establishments who sell hot wings and pizza...you have been warned!
Date: 2010-11-07
To: request
Miles today: 0.0

I have already had a call from a family member, an email from a hiker, and a couple of other comments about the condiments I mentioned, mainly from Minmus.com. So here's a full listing and comments on them where necessary. I also added a few others from various places. Some are not condiments. but are self-explanitory. Mini 1 load box of Surf washing powder in drops where I will be washing colothes. Small packits of honey roasted peanuts and nut medley to eat by themselves or in a meal. Butter buds. 400 each salt and pepper. Mayo mainly for lunch. Ms Dash seasoning packs. Malt vinegar. Tang sport drink packs to add to bottled water (I also have a large can of gatorade to divide into ziplocks). Ancho chipotle sauce packits. Creamy caramel topping. SueBee honey packits (shots). Guldens spicy brown mustard. Kraft ranch dressing. N'joy brown sugar melt. French's yellow mustard. Jalapeno cheeze squeezers. Marconi organic extra virgin olive oil packits. Marconi balsamic vinegar. Sunkist lemon juice. Kraft parmesan cheeze. Justin's peanut butter sqeezers. BettyLous peanut butter balls (snacks)Justin's chocolate hazelnut butter squeezers. Frank's red hot buffalo sandwich sauce. Kraft bbq sauce. A variety of mini toothpaste tubes. 2 oz hand sanitizers (also great fire starter). Soy sauce. Duck sauce (very hot). Pizza hut's parmesan and romano packits, and crushed red pepper packits (just ask manager). Texas Pete hot sauce packits. A variety of bbq creamy jalepeno, buffalo, chipotle, ranch, picante, salsa, and polynesian sauces from various fast food places (thanks to family members). Grape jelly packs. Alot of each of the Taco Bell sauces - mild, hot, and fire (just ask manager). Note: most of this can be obtained from fast food places, but if you want a sack full then you'll probably need to talk to a manager. I ordered from minimus for a variety. I don't consider myself a gourmet cook, although have taken a few classes, but I do like flavorful foods. I also want to say here that I believe in leave no trace. I will be taking Dr. Bronners peppermint soap and the lavender castille soap. They are bio-degradeable. Also taking Shaklee's basic-H which is also bio-degradeable (bought the 2 oz refill bottles on ebay). Speaking of Shaklee (well known for organically grown crops for their supplements (vitamins, etc.) I am taking a daily group of 10 different supplements (multi, b-complex, c, joint health, ginseng, herblax, zinc, calcium and mineral, saw palmetto, and cor-energy) divided into little mini zip bags I found...where else, but Ebay. Hope this answers some of the questions, and/or gives fellow hikers some ideas.
Date: 2010-11-28
To: cold weather test
Miles today: 0.0

Silently one by one,in the infinite meadows of heaven,blossomed the lovely stars,the forget-me-nots of the angels.-Longfellow, EvangelineLast night the temp got to 29 degrees as forecasted. I thought it might be a great night out to do a first test on the new MSR Hubba HP tent and the Western Mountaineering Alpinlite 20 degree down bag. I also went out with what I would be sleeping in mostly, which is a silk base layer. Intially I had socks and fleece top on, as well as a beanie to keep head warm. The fleece top came off in 5 minutes and the socks sometime during the night. I also never closed the drawstrings around my head. I kept the zipper slightly open to vent after I opened a handwarmer and placed it down by my feet to find out it's effects. The handwarmer is nice and I believe I'll carry a few during the cold weather miles at the beginning. Although, I believed it added to the condensation which forms in the tent, which I'll address next. But, as far as the WM Alplinlite bag, I was toasty warm and couldn't be more pleased with the selection I made! There was substantial condensation this morning when I awoke, but that was my fault entirely for not paying closer attention to tent setup. Let me explain: There was no breeze last night to help the condensation factor. Also, the ground was soaked from two previous days of rain. But, I was at fault for setting up tent in the open (hey, it was a backyard test). Also, the rainfly on this tent has a much tighter fit than my old one, so I must vent the top, and open the entry fly enough to get more ventilation going when it's not raining. I will test them a couple more times. I want to test the new bag in 18 to 20 degree weather, which should perform great. But more importantly, I want to test the Hubba in a significant rain.I have been testing the Whitebox alcohol stove outside in varying temps and wind conditions. Mainly to see what fuel level I will need to boil water for different meals and hot drinks. I forgot to mention my training routine. I have stepped it up, back to early summer's level. My plantar fasciitis is under contol. Only problems are created by me not wearing supportive shoes for my high arch. I walk 5-7 miles, 4-5 days a week. And I work out at the gym 2-3 more days. I will stepp that up even more later, but it's a harried life we lead. Brooks' basketball games, remodeling our guest house (the Love Shack), and all the duties associated with a wife, 4 kids, and 3 dogs. I am still working on my mail drop boxes, and I am about 60-70% complete. My mail drop and buy on trail schedule is complete, and I will post that soon.And...a big thank you to all of you that have signed my guestbook! Thanks for the support!Hoping to get in another shakedown hike next month. Only 3 & 1/2 more months! The time should fly by...
Date: 2010-12-04
To: More gear and updates
Miles today: 0.0

"Nature puts no question and answers none which we mortals ask. She has long ago taken her resolution". Henry David Thoreau   I just finished inputting all my mail drop locations. I have 25, plus I will buy supplies in 13 more of the larger towns on or near the trail. This will allow me to resupply every 4.6 days on average, to lighten pack weight. My Hubba HP tent with thru 3 inches of rain without a leak, ut the bottom was damp from moisture. I believe it rained so hard at one time that the whole ground was a lake. I was careful to tuck all footprint under the tent, but with so much water flowing around, there was bound to be some to find it's way in between. But it was just damp, no puddles in the tent.    I have added several pieces of gear and clothing. Mountain Hardwear Mesa pants. I did not go with the convertible Mesa's because I am rough on clothing, and have had two other pairs of convertible pants in the past, which have not stood up to my abuse. I will switch to shorts later up the trail. I updated my rain gear (Browning goretex) which weighed a whopping 3.4 lbs, to Marmot precip pants and Marmot Aegis jacket, dropping right at 2 lbs(Y-E-A-H!) I am also carrying goretex gloves from Cabela's and an Outdoor Reaseach goretex rain hat (5.5 ozs). So total rain gear weighs less than 2 lbs. I bought an Under Armour hi tech fabric in their 'coldgear' line which will replace my fleece pullover, also saving a 4.1 ounces. Added a couple of the S-binders made by Nighteze. I replaced my bacalava (fleece) with a hi-tech fabric one to save an additional 3 ounces. With these weight savings, I will be able to comfortably carry my Canon EOS Rebel XT with 70-300 Macro telephoto lens. The last items were some new stuff sacks, since I definitely need to organize my pack better. Organization has never been my strong suit, so I need all the help I can get. I have spent lots of time in the past digging through my pack. Less than a hundred days to go!!!!! - Moondoggie
Date: 2010-12-08
To: The total weight is revealed...
Miles today: 0.0

You must not know too much, or be too precise or scientific about birds and trees and flowers and water-craft; a certain free margin, and even vagueness - perhaps ignorance, credulity - helps your enjoyment of these things... ~Walt Whitman, Specimen Days, "Birds - And a Caution" (Thanks, Corinne)   First, the pic shows my bear bag hanging setup. It includes 50' of paracord (probably could get by with 40', but extra for emergency); a biner (cheap one will do); a rock bag (mine is a sexy, velvety red one that once held a powder puff or something??? If you really need to know just ask my wife); a piece of brick or rock of similar size; and finally, a stick. I do not carry the rock and stick, just find one wherever I hang the food bag. Paracord and biner store in the bag. I use the PCT method of hanging my food, which is quite simple really. Google it and watch a video. I never needed any practice, although I would recommend it. You don't want to be doing this for the first time in freezing weather after dark without practice!   I have weighed every single item including stuff sack, if appropriate. The final pack weight includes everything but what I will wear leaving Amicalola Falls, and food of course (as the food weight will vary). My winter gear weight is 22 lbs. 14 ozs. Just under 23 lbs!!!!!! Yeehah! My goal was 25, but that was before I decided to take my heavy canon camera (almost 3 lbs with battery charger and memory card reader), Ipod, & DroidX. I should have an average pack weight of 31 lbs, with 4 days of food, heading up to Springer Mtn. Water weight will depend on availability.    I can live with that, although I may tweak this here and there. May find I can live without something, or just gotta have another item.
Date: 2011-01-01
To: Happy New Year
Miles today: 0.0

A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it.-- George Moore   As you can see from the photo, and from the quote, I have been struggling with the realization that I will be away from my family for 6 months. This, the mental process, will be by far, the hardest part of the journey. I am feeling a bit selfish, also. For the last few weeks, as departure time gets closer, I have these thoughts daily. Am I singular, or do all potential thru-hikers struggle with this? I dearly love this family of mine. It is my hope that this absence bonds us even tighter. Barring an emergency, I know they can handle the day to day life. It is my choice to leave for 6 months, not theirs. But I will put a mental burden on them as well, and for that I have sorrow. Knowing this, I WILL still hike to Maine! I will take the approach of hiking it in sections, and at the end of a section, say from Springer to Fontana, if I am overwhelmed to see them, I will. Then, after a few days I will continue North. We have a couple of planned meetings somewhere north of the Smokies, and again at Harpers Ferry. Thank You so very much, family, for enduring my dream! I don't, and will not take any of this for granted.   On a gear note, I have been wanting to try a hammock. I think this would probably be a good fit for me. Maybe in a future hike. I didn't want to have a huge learning curve to start with, and I knew I would have limited trials with one. So, I will stick with the new MSR Hubba HP. It is one of the most used on the trail, and has high reviews.    I have continually worked on drop boxes, mostly food items. And I received the ATC guide books and maps! (except for NJ-NY which I think is being updated) And I ordered David Miller's guide too. I will use the 2011 data book and 2010 companion also. I know, I know, the horror of carrying extra anything (right ultralighters?) But I will carry only the section I am on. And I will have plenty of fire starters :-)   See you up the trail!
Date: 2011-01-11
To: War Eagle!!!!
Miles today: 0.0

A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.- Oliver Wendell Holmes   OK...OK...so what does college football have to do with hiking the trail? Well...it's a sport? It takes dedication? I love them both!!! For those of you that don't follow the sport, War Eagle is the Auburn Tiger's battle cry. Great game last night!   On to hiking...I have about finished my drop boxes and almost ready to tape them up. They are labeled, cataloged, and very heavy. I decided to go 2/3 mail drops and 1/3 buying in trail towns. The main reason is that most previous years journals state all the running around and time wasted in towns going to various places to outfit the next leg. I saved the 1/3 buying for towns where everything is close and easily or readily available.    I only lack putting in my individually packed vitamins (in 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" ziplocks), and maps and guidebooks. I am waiting for David Millers handbook and the NY-NJ maps and guidebook, which haven't been sent yet. Then I will compare Miller's with the ALDHA's companion and data book to see which one I will take. I may divide them up by tearing out the section I'm hiking and take all 3, along with the maps for the upcoming sections.    I still am unsure as to how I will update trailjournals. I was going to have my 16 y.o. son do it. But, He will have to be the man of the house while I'm out there, along with spring football pratice, golf team, baseball team, and the start of fall football in August, and dating, and being the fact that He's a 16 year boy. I think that may be a bit much for him! I am gonna take my Droid and will probably do that myself (and just edit all the mistakes later). The only problem will be the pics that I will take, and what how to handle the memory cards.    Oh well....I still have two whole months to figure that out. 61 more days!!!
Date: 2011-01-17
To: Less than two months to go...
Miles today: 0.0

The secret of life is enjoying the passage of timeAny fool can do itThere ain't nothing to itNobody knows how we got to The top of the hillBut since we're on our way downWe might as well enjoy the ride---- James Taylor   Hey...if any past or present journalers are out there...I need some help, please. I am technically challenged. I have attempted to journal from my DroidX. It finally came through 18 hours later. Does anyone know what the delay might be from? Is this normal? It shows up right away from my laptop. Next, I will attempt to send a pic from phone. Is that possible also?   Well...all my drop boxes are ready. I will make one final inspection, and try to remove some of the food. I always, always, always carry too much food!   I have realized in the last week that there is absolutely no way I can prepare everything to go smoothly while I'm gone. I don't think my boys even know when trash day is. Can they get it to the road, or will it pile up? When I get back next fall will the house and yard look like it's been abandoned? I mean, you just can't plan for everything. I pray that my family can somehow halfway function without me for a while. It will make the mental part of this easier. Does anyone else have these apprehensions? Even my one of my dogs goes into mourning when I am gone overnight.    So, I am ready and waiting. Not much to do but stay fit and will try to get in another weekend winter hike in February.
Date: 2011-01-21
To: It happens every year! **HYOH**
Miles today: 0.0

Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow. ~Henry David Thoreau   Disclaimer - I am just a recently retired, lucky as hell, 'above average guy' :*) , that doesn't understand why some people want to continuely push their ideologies on people who just don't want to hear it!!!!   Every year, it seems there is always some 'character' on trailjournals who wants to tell the rest of us how to hike. Their way is best because of this and that. If they were a past thru-hiker, then I would stand up and take notice (such as the posts that Hopeful makes...Thanks Hopeful...they are informative and very helpful to the majority of us who for years because of obligations have only been able to do a week long hike at best).   There are many reasons that one does preparations a certain way; for instance, mail drops. I gave this alot of thought and choose to do 2/3 of my supply by maildrop and the other 1/3 resupplying in towns. I don't normally feel I have to explain myself to anyone, but in this case I will for my readers who do not hike, or have this thru-hike as a far off dream.    There are items that I will just not be able to find in a trail town, or at a convenience store. If I could find it in a trail town, would I have to hitch all over that town to find it. In other words, will it be worth the effort? Especially after hiking many, many miles. I chose to resupply in the larger towns that have a variety in a few places CLOSE to where I will stay.    I eat somewhat healthy in my normal life and choose to continue that to some degree on the trail.    I also have the capability to change what I have in future drops by a simple text or phone call home. Everything that I have in my drops are items that I have tested on the trail and eat at home and I love them. And I can recieve letters, notes, and other things from my family that will help me connect while away.   ****I may fail because of the phycological aspects of being away from my family. But, let me assure all of you readers out there...I will not fail because I choose to resupply one way over another!   No, I am not the "mad hiker"! I am the one who is quiet and laid back, not the boisterous, obnoxious one who has to have an audience.    Yes, I am the hiker who is gonna hike his own hike. Gonna do it my way!**I truly support each and every one of my fellow 2011 classmates. If I can help and support you in your quest to get to Maine I will. I know how bad you want it, because I, too, have dreamed of this adventure for a long time. My hope is for all of us to pull together, as a 'community' of thru-hikers. I look forward to meeting all of you...up the trail...