morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2002-12-12
To: Post surgery
Miles today: 0.0

Well, my staples got removed, my shoulder hurts but is doing great.My range of motion is better than expected & all signs say I will be OK faster than I thought. Almost had a hike ending event today (before I start)... I was walking thru my attic & mis stepped... sigh..... Before I knew it my leg & butt were sticking through the second floor ceiling & I was laying in blown insulation hoping I didn't fall the rest of the way through.... Luckily, I was able to get up & only bruised my ribs a bit. When I landed on my right side, I stretched out the shoulder I had surgery on. The only damage was that my range of motion is now MUCH better (I should have tried this sooner..). I am getting physical therapy on the shoulder twice a week, and feeling great. So far I am able to carry a 5 pound pack on a 5 mile hike (ahead of schedule already). Can't wait for my ULA P2 pack to get here so I can practice with it instead of a cheap day pack.
Date: 2002-12-17
To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 2.0

Finally got most of my cold weather gear & took it out to Hot Springs , NC to test it. The night time temperature was about 32 degrees. The first night I slept in a Nomad lite tent, a Mountainsmith vision +15 bag (750 down), and inside I had a silk Jagbag liner. Under my bag I had a 3/4 length Ultralight Thermarest. I used a fleece jacket as a pillow. I was wearing Patagonia Exped Wt top & bottom, and smartwool socks. I found that I felt the cold seep up through the Ultralite Thermarest, and I also needed something under my feet & head to keep the cold at bay there too.This was expected, I just wanted to feel it for myself. The next night I slept on a reguler 3/4 length Thermarest, and was warmer. I will use some sort of foam padding to protect the rest of me (or put my feet up on my pack).As for sitting around outside in the 32+ weather, I was warm most of the time. I have Patagonia:Puffball vestExpedition Weight Capilene top & bottomStretch EW capilene TopR1 regulator tightsFleece jacketMarmot Precip Jacket & pantsOrange knit cap (with thinsulate).Fleece lined gortex mittensHeavy Smartwiool socksLowa Tempest Mid bootsI never wore all of the clothes & was comfortable sitting around the camp area and the campfire. Lots of good tests this weekend, lessons learned in a controlled environment. I only used gear I will have on my Thru hike, but had backup gear in the car if needed (it wasn't).Had a nice short hike up the mountain, heading North up the AT out of Hot Springs.... Felt great to be out there.
Date: 2002-12-31
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Well, it's New Years eve. It's really starting to sink in.... I'm hiking the AT in 2 monthes....WAHOO!!!I'm sitting here trying to sort through all the data I have collected over the last month. I have mail drop & town data from Jack, Weather Carrot, POG & the AT-L folks (Yes, I listen to you all, even as I complain..).. I have the new data book & all the ATC Guide books & maps (Special price at ATC). Now comes the big job of picking out the data I need & ignoring what I don't.... With more work to come when the AT Companion is printed & delivered. It seems overwhelming sometimes, but then I remember that I don't really NEED all this information, I can just start walking North & still enjoy my hike. This puts things in perspective, and I can relax and enjoy the preparations for my hike (God I'm having a great time). I have met so many wonderful people as I pumped them for AT info, or listened to them talk about their hikes, or just chatted with them as they planned their hikes... There are some pretty great people out there who really care about my hike, and I really care about them too... Pretty amazing..... Lots of fun stuff to come... Stay tuned...
Date: 2004-01-13
To: Post trail whining
Miles today: 0.0

Well, it's january 13th. My weight has been staying around 195 pounds forthe last month or two. That's about where I want it to be, but 190 would be better. I haven't backpacked since I got off the AT, and I only hiked once (up Max Patch to see what it looked like without snow & 50MPH winds... Nice.). I walk 5 days a week (15-30 miles total), just to keep my legs in some kind of shape. I'm still unemployed, and finally realizing that SC doesn't pay much to blue collar people. After 20 years doing white collar work, I find myself looking at blue collar jobs, and not finding them either. I've been out of my field for 17 months and don't feel comfortable with my chances of getting a job in the Software field anymore (but I keep applying). A classic underpaid example I saw today in SC... An armed security guard... $7.50 an hour.... crazy.... Sounds like burger flipping pay to me.... Greenville, SC was rated # 10 in the country for jobs lost in thew last year... This makes me a little feel better, it's not just me, it's everyone... But it's still gettig to me a bit (unemployment sucks after a while). I was making good money when I got laid off, and it hadn't made me happy, so maybe it was time for a change anyway. We'll see... Back to a little journaling, and packing for the Southern Ruck (maybe I will get in a little hiking there).
Date: 2004-04-16
To: Journal complete 3/1/03 - 9/11/03 
Miles today: 0.0

All of my AT journal has been transcribed on to Trail Journals.3/1/03 - 9/11/03I will now go back and add more pictures as I get the time. My next project is to rewrite the whole journal, so much more happened than what is in my journal, but I was either too tired to remember, or too tired to write it all. Now as I go back through my journal, it triggers my memory and I add more as it comes to me (I better finish this update before I forget everything). FYI - As of 4/14/04, I am still not working, and my only prospect is a Home Depot floor sales job (and this is not definite). I'll keep you posted.Russ/hotdogI added more Katahdin summit pictures on 11/14.Added new pictures (shenandoah through ATC) 2/9/04 Added pics from my 2004 Springer to Neels gap hike 3/25/04 - 3/29/04Now adding text for the hike under 3/25/04hotdog
Date: 2004-07-18
To: Foothills Trail (SC178 to Table Rock State Park)
Miles today: 0.0

I will add my Foothills trail journal here later.Wench Thruhiked the Foothills trail, I hiked the last 3 days with her from SC178 to Table Rock State Park. I missed hiking with her!Totals:Date of hike 7/18/04 - 7/20/042 bear cubs2 rattle snakesLOTS of bees and night noise makers (and a few battling owls).Journal & pictures will follow
Date: 2005-01-31
To: Journal re-write (UPDATE) & 2005 hikes
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I put it off as long as I could, but now I have to get started.My AT journal needs to be rewritten, there are so many memories missing from the notes I wrote on the trail. I was just too tired & sore to write it all down (or even remember it) while I was on the trail, and now as I am reading my journal (for the first time... ) I am making notes on what is missing. Reading my journal brings the trail to life again...I need to capture it all before it is gone from my memory. It will be a long process, I hope to have it done by the end of this year (or whenever I get it done)....Yes, I know. I need to add lots of pictures too. I'm working on it....1/31/05Well, the journal is STILL being rewritten/added to. So far I have updated March and April, and am slowly working on the rest.I'm working part time at a Sporting Goods store & going to the Gym to lose some of the weight I put back on. I stared the trail at 222 pounds, and near the end I was 172 pounds. Now I am 212 pounds & trying to work 10-20 more pounds back off before hiking season.Hiking plans for 2005A couple of hikes north from Springer to Neels to meet 2005 Thruhikers.Maybe do the Approach trail too. Maybe a Springer to Dicks creek gap hike.Some hikes on the foothills trail in SC, maybe a foothillls thruhike.Later in the year, maybe a trip to Kayahdin... We'll see how it goes.
Date: 2006-02-01
From: An over due return to my Journal

To: Journal revisited
Miles today: 0.0

Well, it's been a while.I haven't added any pictures or text in quite a while. Not sure what happened, but, hopefully I will put up comments and pictures from my last short AT outing soon. I'm currently recovering from my latest knee surgery, and am recovering quite well. Had my left knee worked on again, I had the joint smoothed out, the meniscus resected (again), and a microfracture procedure performed (to regrow cartilage). Hopefully I will finish my AT03 journal rewrite this year (a couple years later than I hoped). I am currently working as an Operations Manager at a local sporting goods store, which took up ALL my time over the Holidays. Now that the Holidays are over, I have more time to dedicate to unfinished tasks. We'll see if I spend the time wisely.
Date: 2003-04-05
From: Laird HIll TX

To: Dahlonega
Miles today: 0.0

We arrived in Dahlonega, Georgia. It was a quick haul up from Texas but am so excited. We drove around town because we plan on doing the tourist thing for a couple of days, and I always like to find everything first.Decided to go to Springer Mt. to see how long it would take to drive there Monday morning. Glad we did. It wasn't that far away; but, with the winding roads it took longer to drive then we thought. It means leaving at the crack of dawn Monday instead of after breakfast.After driving 6.5 miles on a narrow gravel road, we reached the A.T. Decided to go ahead and walk the .9 miles to the summit of Springer Mt. and get proof, in the form of pictures, so I could start out from the parking area Monday. Met the Ridge Runner, and he said that 11 through hikers started today. Met 3 through hikers. I will probably catch up with them somewhere along the way. Am off to do the tourist thing until Monday morning.Go DiamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Springer Mt.

To: Hawk Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.0

Left out on my through hike to Maine. All I see is fog everywhere. I scared up 4 deer in the first thirty minutes. This has been a very hard day. I guess I should have started getting in shape a little sooner then I did. I am out of energy like you wouldn't believe. I got the Hawk Mt. shelter about 12:30. I am going to stay for the night because I am give out. Gooch tomorrow. I only put in 7 miles today.
Date: 2003-04-08
From: Hawk Mt. Shelter

To: Gooch Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.1

Left the shelter at about 8:45 this morning. Walked the 7.1 miles to the Gooch Mt. shelter. It was a pretty rough day. There was a lot of up and down. I have learned that I don't like ups. They hurt quite a bit. Am having a hard time getting my breath at this altitude. We are only at 3000 feet at Gooch Mt. shelter. I am sharing a shelter with Sparrow, Crow Dog, Flatlander, Prarie Chicken, Ben and Kelly, Toto and others. There are 12 of us in all at this shelter. Am getting to where I want to see the sun. It was foggy all day yesterday and has been foggy and rainy all day today. I got to the shelter about 1:30. It was raining and about 55 degrees. It is now about 4:30 and 48 degrees. Tommorrow is going to be a long day: about 11 miles worth. I figure that it will take me about 11 hours.We managed to squeeze 1 more hiker in. There are now 13 of us at Gooch shelter. It is still foggy and rainy so I am going to crawl in my sleeping bag. Talk to you tomorrow.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-09
From: Gooch Mt. Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.0

Walked 11 miles today. This is the third day of cold, fog, and rain. Ean is from Birmingham, England. He is having trouble with his knees. The 11 miles today were very difficult; but, I survived with the Lord's help. Tomorrow is kneels gap. It is about 4 miles from here. It shouldn't take but about two and a half hours. It was about 11.2 miles here, and I made it in six and a half hours. From Kneels Gap I will stop somewhere and pitch a tent. I don't think I can make the Whitley Gap shelter. The weather made it a miserable way to spend to a birthday; but, I wouldn't trade it for the world. Loving it all.There are 7 of us in this shelter. Ean, Flatlander, Kelly and Ben, Toto, Rascal, and myself. May the Lord watch over us. Praise the LordGo DiamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-10
To: Walasiyi
Miles today: 4.0

Left out at 9:30 this morning in the snow. It started snowing about 7:30 and kept snowing until after we started down the back side of Blood Mt. Blood Mt. was beautiful in the snow; but, I didn't get to take a picture. I was miserable at the top of the Mt. Today was a 4 mile day. Two and a half of it in the snow. Am staying in the Walasiyi Inn hostel tonight. I have to resupply. Luckily there was a bunk open. It is $16 a night and worth it. It feels good to be clean, dry, and have on clean clothes.Flatlander bought 15 pizzas for everyone in the hostel to share. Domino's doesn't deliver out this far; but, he talked them into to it. After all it was 15 pizzas. Yum, Yum.So far it has been 4 days of bad weather with no sun. All our attitudes are good though and our spirits are high. Loving life on the AT.We were watching the weather channel and right now this is the only place in the US that has miserable weather. Still life is good in God's country.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Walasiyi

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well I made 12 miles today. I made it to Low Gap. It is so cold. the wind has been blowing, and it has been cloudy but the sun has peeked out occasionally. Only in America would someone be able to quit their job, put on a backpack and walk in the woods of their own free will. After walking for 5 to 7 hours everyday, we have to set up our camp or shelter spot. Then we get our water so we can cook. We cook then we get our gear ready for the next day so we can do it all over again.Sparrow, Blueberry (Kelly) & Pinot(Ben), Winging it, and about 15 more are here at the shelter and campsites. It is supposed to get c-o-l-d tonight. This shelter is full of mice so have hung the food on bear cables. I am 41.3 miles from Springer Mt. Am going to try and make 15 miles tomorrow. I have everything ready and all I have left to do is put my Bible, journal, and trail book in my pack. I have opened all my pockets so the mice can get in without having to chew their way in. Praise God for the wonderful day that he has made.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Low Gap

To: ?
Miles today: 15.6

Well I am tired today. Yesterday we made 12 miles and today we did 15.6. I am now 56.2 miles into the trail. It is 8:50pm and I am just getting to where I can write in this here book. I am going to have to mail my flop hat home because it is too hot and heavy to wear. Hate to do it because I bought it specifically for the trail. I am probably going to get rid of the tent also because it is a little small; but, I will try it a few more times. It took me 9 hours to walk the 15.6 miles. The bad thing is that I did the first 9.6 miles in three and one half hours. It took me five and one half hours to do the other 6 miles because it was all uphill.Had my first trail magic today. Those last 6 miles made about a 2000ft. climb. When I had gone about a mile up I met the woman that takes care of this section of the trail, and she gave me an apple and 2 muffins. That apple was so-o-o good. So were the muffins. I don't know what kind they were but I ate them.I am going to stop in Hiawassee.Closing now as I am about to pass out. Keep your powder dry.Go diamondLive the dreamHike onPS: I am dropping down to IB instead of IB Wallkin because everyone just calls me IB.
Date: 2003-04-13
From: ?

To: ?
Miles today: 5.0

Had a short day today. I only did 5 miles and still have a good climb in the morning before I go to Hiawassee. I have a spot on my left ankle that really hurts so I will stay the night in a motel.I hit the best trail magic a hiker could wish for today. There was a group at Addis Gap that had all the food you could possibly eat--or want. Pasta, eggs, sandwiches, tuna, cake, apples, bananas, oranges, spagetti, and cold drinks. You name it; they had it. They have been doing this for 10 years. When you are exausted and you come across something like this, you know that God is good. These people do this for us--the thru hiker--at no charge and ask nothing in return. Been a good dayGo diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-14
From: ?

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, I had another short day. I only made 6 miles then had to hitch a ride into Hiawassee GA. I am about 65 miles into my trip. I am a little behind; but, am going to change the way I am doing my hike. I am hurting myself by trying to pull 15 mile days so I can make 2 shelters. I am going to try and camp between shelters on occassion.I am about 12 miles behind where I should be. My leg still hurts so I am going to soak it in a tub of hot water tonight. I am eating the most awfull combination of stuff. I started eating at 4:15 and have had 1/2lb of spicy ham, 1 strawberry gatoraide, 1/2 a bag of lays potato chips, part of a cherry coke and 1/2 a can of peanuts. It is only 6. All of it will be gone in about two more hours. It seems like you can never eat enough at one time. I am hoping to be at Brown Fork shelter about this time next week. That means I need to go about 80 miles next week. Well, I better go soak my leg.Thank you my Lord, my God for such a beautiful day.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Hiawassee

To: North Carolina
Miles today: 10.0

I hiked about 10 miles today. I am now into N. Carolina. I have hiked about 75 miles of the AT. I had to wrap my left ankle today for the last 5 miles. I don't know if I have pulled a muscle, tendon, or bruised the bone. My leg is in serious pain but oh well. I will see how it goes tomorrow. Attitude is good. Body will hold out. Life is good. Thank God. Tomorrow is another day.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-16
From: North Carolina

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It is 3:45 and I have been at the Standing Indian shelter for about 2 hours. Sparrow came through but she is headed to Carter Gap shelter which is another 7.6 miles away. My ankle doesn't hurt as much today as it did yesterday; but, I am trying to take it easy. I only hiked about 8 miles today. As I am writing this I am also waiting for my water treatment to activate so I can treat my drinking water. Did not have any luck with the filter punp that I had so I ditched it when I was in Hiawassee. I am hoping to get to Big Spring shelter tomorrow. It will be a 14.4 mile day, and it all depends on my ankle. I just treated one bottle of water and am working on the other one. It will be 30 minutes before I can drink any of it. That is the price you pay when you do a trek like this.It looks like I might be the only one at the shelter tonight. I have to cook supper so I am going to go for now. I just praise God for this wonderful experience.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-17
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I left Standing Indian shelter at 7:30 and got to Big Spring at 2. It started raining about 2:15. It is a little cool. This shelter is at 4940ft. It was a heck of a climb to get here, but it was worth it. I had to literally use my hands, knees, and feet to get up the mountian. When I got to the top, there was a research tower so I got to get some pictures from the tower. I did not go all the way to the top; but, I got some good pictures anyway.I hiked 14.4 miles today. I feel pretty good. My ankle still hurts some but it is ok. I took a spill today. Thank God I didn't land on a rock or a root. I skinned both knees and my right elbow; but, I will survive. I am cooking noodles and Ramen noodles get old after a while; but, I do enjoy a hot meal when I finish hiking. I would say it is about 48 degrees right now but I don't know for sure. Am listening to the radio to see how cold it is going to get and how long the rain will last. I just heard them say that it is about 30 degrees warmer in the lower elevations.Liz and slowpoke pulled in about 3. They were at Standing Indian with me last night. Will have to resupply at Rainbow Springs Campground.God bless everyone on the trail. Praise GodGo diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-18
From: Big Spring shelter

To: Rainbow Springs Campground
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: light rain

I only did 5.3 miles today. Cold and rainy. I stayed in the bunkhouse. I need to resupply and keep on going; but, it is hard to pass up such a spot when it is wet and cold. It just feels good to be clean and have on clean clothes. I am going to try and start doing 15 mile days from now on. Today I did the 5.3 miles in 2 hours. Not too bad. I will probably leave before morning light so I will have to walk the mile back to the trail. Sparrow went to Franklin, NC today. She is probably going to get back on the trail at Winding Stair Gap. It is 4:15 and I am going to go because I will be asleep by 8 or so.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-19
From: Rainbow Springs Campground

To: ?
Miles today: 0.0

Am one tired puppy. I got into camp at 7:30pm after a nearly 20 mile day. My dogs are barking. I need to resupply at NOC tomorrow. I will head on to Fontana Dam from there. Am hoping to do a few 13 to 15 mile days to Fontana. A lot of ups today. Am so tired, I am going to go to bed now.Thank God for a wonderful day.Go diamondLive the DreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-20
From: ?

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Well I hiked into Nantahala Outdoor Center today. It was about 11.5 miles. Hurting pretty good on my way down. Wasn't going to stay; but, I need to resupply and since I hurt so-o bad... My next resupply is at Fontana Dam about 29 miles away. Tomorrow we have a 3000ft climb in a 6 mile stretch. That is going to be painful.I will probably only do 6.9 or maybe 10.5 miles tomorrow. There will not be any more 20 mile days for me for a while. I'll go for now.Oh Yea, I met Kangaroo today. She is an older lady who is hiking the AT for two weeks at a time every year. The only reason I say 'older' is because age has nothing to do with hiking the AT. It is an attitude. A mind set. Praising God everyday for quite an experience.Go diamondLive the dream Hike on
Date: 2003-04-22
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Cable Gap shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Well I made it a little farther than I expected. I am at Cable Gap shelter. Today was a 15.2 mile day. I feel pretty good except for being so tired. I got here at 4:20pm and it is 5:45pm now. I have already gotten a line hung for my bear bag, set my mat and sleeping bag up, written in the trail log, treated some water, and eaten one supper. I am cooking my second batch of Ramen noodles now. So far I am the only one here; but, I figure Sparrow will show up in a little while. Jay said he was going to come this far, and I bet that Wide Load makes it also. Everyone is ready to get to Fontana Dam so they can be in the Smokies. It is going to be cold there. I have to decide if I am going to buy some capoline or not. I may just get a capoline top. At least is didn't rain today. It has been a little cool though. The sun came out about 1:00pm and that made things a little better. I only have to do 6.6 miles tomorrow so I ought to be in Fontana by noon. Alison, Sparrow, Jay, and Wide Load made it. Am going now.Praise God for this most wonderful experience.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on