morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I've been putting it off as long as I can. I'll appreciate it years from now if I write down what's in my head. Start writing. No, not that, or that. Alright, I'll start next week. The witty banter will flow through then. It never does. Screw it, today's the day.Am I ready to walk 2200 miles? Eh, probably not. I've read more about the AT than I did in four years of college and haven't had any dreams about showing up at Amicalola three months late in my birthday suit. That's a win, right? But this entry isn't about haunting nude dreams from my collegiate days. No, we'll save those for Freudian evaluation or a later entry written under hunger induced hallucinations.This entry is for the question everyone is asked, over and over. Why? Why would I leave my amazing wife, job, home, air conditioning, quick transportation, beer supply, etc. I don't have a logical answer for that. I like those things. Well, most of them. I don't need to "find myself" and nature and I are already fellowshippy. If that wasn't a word it just became one.Seriously though, why? Because it's there. Because I'm here. There's a 2189.2 mile trail out there just waiting to be walked. Am I going to be happy if I sat in my office until my 401k reaches its tipping point and I can finally chase my dreams? Life shouldn't be about slogging off to work every day. Sure, that's part of it, but there has to be something beyond the 9-5. Next year is the year and it's all I can think about. That's why I'm doing it. Well, that and the prospect of infinite honey buns.
Date: 2014-11-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I realize when I sit down to write these I flush through a couple before I actually commit. Probably not the best idea when I'm on a cell phone or computer next year. My problem is that I try to be an actual writer (thanks AP/College English!) while never giving credit that the folks I like to read (Anthony Bourdain/Karl Pilkington/Douglas Adams) don't write with some amazing 18th century prose. That being said, I'm taking Zach Davis' advice in Appalachian Trials and writing like I talk. It may be mildly offensive but, hell, let's have some fun.Today marks 145 days to go. And yes, I check it every day. At this point it seems surreal. I sit and listen to cheesy upbeat music in my car and try to picture walking out of Amicalola instead of driving out like I always have. But hey, let's take a minute to talk about what's in my head at this point. Am I nervous? Not yet. I feel prepared mentally and I'm trying to find the motivation to get the physical side squared away. The gear is mostly done and tested. I know how to live in the woods. I'm not afraid to be alone or to make friends and for once in my life stubbornness will be a virtue. Thanks Granddad! I'm feeling great about this though. It's been like skydiving was for me. More anticipation and excitement than fear or hesitation.One of the things that I don't want to do is write how big this dream is and how amazing I'm going to be out there. I don't think it's real to most of my friends/family that 75-80% of people fail but it's very real to me. I know the level of suck that backpacking can bring and I know the amazing highs. I'm ready for that.Despite all the questions about what people think I fear the actual list looks more like this:1) Major injuries2) Lyme Disease3) West Nile Who knows what will happen next year. I'm ridiculously ready to find out though. Either way it will be fun. I think all the time of climbing Katahdin and touching that damn sign. I can't believe I have the opportunity to attempt to live that.
Date: 2015-03-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Two weeks. Two weeks from today (3/30) and I'll be on the trail. It's becoming more real by the day. The number on my board at work said 4 this morning. Four more days of work. Wow. Sleeping has even become more difficult. I lay down and my mind races with things I need to do before I leave. Which is why I'm up at 10:17 writing this. Not because I need to but because my mind has made it's way back to the AT and I'm awake. So you'll all have to read my late night ramblings and like it.So, two weeks out and what's going on. Well, the first thing is the people. I didn't expect the interest in all of this. It's always been my thing, something I pined over privately year after year as I read journals, Whiteblaze, and watched mediocre trail movie after mediocre trail movie. I've always thrived when told I can't do something and I expected atleast some negativity when my plans became reality. It hasn't happened. The overwhelming support from family, friends, coworkers, strangers, etc has been amazing. The second is that I'm still lazy. Yea, I've been hiking with a pack on and walking but the pull of finishing up House of Cards and a couple of video games has taken up valuable gym time. The first couple weeks are going to make me regret those decisions, I'm sure.Finally, the finishing touches on planning. I don't want to say I've been overwhelmed lately but more just continuing the lazy trend. I need to get a final list of what needs to be done but oh look, the fifth season of Archer came out on Netflix. I'll get to REI next week. Well, I'm running out of weeks. I'm not worried about it that much, but I feel like I should be more focused. Hooray for ADD I guess.Alright, this is my last post before I leave (I think). To everyone that has wanted to be a part of this process, thank you. I wish I could convey how much the support truly means to me but honestly, I suck at that. Through my sarcasm and toilet humor just know that, as much as my selfish personality wants to, I can't do this alone.   And no, I'm still not bringing a gun. And don't ask me the number of pairs of underwear that are currently in the bag either. Because either way, it's gonna be sexy.
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: few clouds

Its the hardest thing I ever had to do. Up until last night I wanted nothing more than to hike the AT. Sitting in the Holiday Inn in Dahlonega I was ready to come home. 2200 miles without my Wife seemed too much to handle. She's my best friend and the greatest person I've ever met. She's the one who told me to go and she's been my biggest supporter. I just hate leaving her. This morning she dropped me off at Amicalola, we said our goodbyes, did horrible jobs of masking tears and I set out under the arch. It didn't take long for reality to set in as I climbed the stairs up the waterfall. Halfway up I met my first fellow thru-hiker, Christina from Long Island. She was with her Dad so we took pictures to celebrate and I moved on.I've always heard bad things about the Approach Trail but I enjoyed my new found freedom and the views through the trees from the ridgeline. I left the park at 9:45 and was on top of Springer by 2:00. Not a bad 8.8 miles. After about 45 minutes I left and clocked 2.8 official AT miles by 4:00. So, here I am in my tent at Stover Creek Shelter. The group here tonight has been fun and getting to know people is beyond easy.   One guy even has a fiddle and is amazing with it. He suggested my trail name be "Rock Boat". I'm giving it serious consideration due to the uniqueness. We'll see.No bears yet. Saw a mouse when I was getting water though. Heard rumors of a 70 lb pack but I missed that one. Had a hilarious conversation with a 65 year old lady. Long story but she's lived a way cooler life than me.Alright, that's it. 11.6 total miles today but only 2.8 on the AT. Should've packed bourbon but I'm good otherwise. Good thing someone here has us covered.
Date: 2015-03-31
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up today a little before 7:00, had breakfast, made a trip to the privy, and packed up. Was on the trail at 7:40. Up to Long Creek Falls the trail was easy and the falls were great. Hawk/Sassafras/Justus mountain were a nice kick in the pants. A lot like the Approach Trail and some pretty steep climbs. I typically enjoy climbing but the descents are knee killers. How some are doing this without trekking poles I'll never know.We made it to Justus Creek around 2:45 and had a solid 30 minute foot soak. Slow Hand and Fiddler are here tonight as well and I heard Mutter petered out and stayed on top of Sassafras. There was a long stretch today without water and he's in the middle of it. Hopefully he got enough earlier. I haven't seen any others from last night.On the water note, we came down from Sassafras and were greeted with a water buffalo courtesy of some Army Rangers. Not only was I thirsty but not having to filter water was great.Alright, planning to go to Lance Creek tomorrow since anything between Jarrard and Neels Gap requires a bear canister. That will put us with 7.4 to Neels on Thursday. Not bad. Things are good. Fiddler is playing us some music and all the camp chores are done. Legs are tired but healthy and the gear is working great.   Excited about the short 9.9 mile day tomorrow.
Date: 2015-04-01
From: Justus Creek

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

So last night we had the pleasure of a 2 year old at our campsite. A family on an overnight carried her over 5 miles from Woody Gap to Justus Creek. She wasn't very excited and cried (screamed) pretty much all night. Yay. Take your kids car camping before hitting the backcountry, folks.Whatever. Cambo and I were up and on the trail by 7:40. Same time as yesterday. I met Cambo (Hunter) yesterday as we flipped flopped all day up Sassafras and Justus. We camped last night and decided to hike together today and onto Neels in the morning. Fun fact, I gave him that trail name. That's a trail first for yours truly.Hike was good today and MUCH easier than the first two days. Big Cedar Mountain was our first WOW view of the hike. Not a bad climb and completely worth it. I even got to talk to the Wife at Woody Gap right before that. But, here we are at Lance Creek. Lots of us here tonight ready to hit the first sign of civilization tomorrow and possibly grab a shower. Supposed to be raining at 8 AM so I'm hoping to be packed and out before it starts. Carrying a wet tent is the worst.Fiddler, Slow Hand, and Airlock (she has a trail journal so check it out) are here from last night. Someone has a ukulele and a didgeridoo so we went down the hill to the other campsite with Fiddler for some music. Oh, and Cambo and I agreed in front of our dinner pals to take our trail names. I'm officially Rock Boat. We named another girl Vista during the same session.Alright, it's 8:05 and officially bed time. We hope to be up and over Blood Mountain (7.4 miles) by Noon so we can get a shakedown for Cambo's pack and a place to sleep tomorrow. Thunderstorms forecasted tomorrow night so we'd like to be inside for once.Realization of the day: Trash cans are like gold to a thru hiker. Leave no trace is better when you have a chance to lighten your load.
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.4

You know those times when you wake up at 3:30 in the morning with a sour stomach and you angrily waddle to the bathroom? Now picture that same issue with nothing but a big hill to climb up in the dark, briers to dodge and a hole to dig. It was nothing but romantic while holding that tree and basking in the early morning moonlight. This journal is real life, people. Give your potties a hug for me.The rest of the night involved a roaming coyote and an extremely low flying C-130. The C-130 has been the obvious hot topic of the day.Cambo and I got up around 6:30 and were out by 7:15. We made amazing time and covered the 5 miles (1600 foot ascent) up Blood Mountain by 9:15. It started raining in Jarrard Gap a few miles before Blood and by the time we got to the top it was completely socked in. No views. I've been there before so I wasn't really bummed. The descent down to Neels was extremely tough over wet boulders. We finished the last 2.4 by 11:00.Cambo went to Mountain Crossings for his shakedown and I roamed down the hill to Blood Mountain Cabins to grab a place for the night. The hostel at Mountain Crossings didn't seem too inviting with a bunch of wet hikers.So, here I sit waiting for laundry to be done but with a ton of drinks/candy/hotdogs in my belly. Oh, and I had a shower. I almost feel human again. Everything is still great. My legs are getting stronger everyday and climbing mountains is getting easier. Were heading out tomorrow to either Low Gap Shelter at 43.2 or Poplar Stamp Gap at 44.6. It really depends on when we get up and there won't be a rush tomorrow.I have a ton of pics on my camera but my phone doesn't like the file system of that SD card. I'll put some up whenever I run into a computer.Oh, and if you have any random questions about the AT/long distance hiking/etc feel free to put it in the guest book and I'll respond in an entry. Those entries come straight to my email and I seem to be able to get emails well before Facebook responds.That's it. Its an early day but were soaking up civilization. Looking at being in Hiawasee on Monday.
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Neels Gap

To: Poplar Stamp Gap
Miles today: 12.9

Had a great night in the cabin. Nicole got in late and dripping wet so we let her stay with us. While there we named her Hasher for various reasons we don't talk about on Trail Journals. A mouse snuck in and tore into her food bag during the night. 30 miles in the woods and our first mouse issue was in a cabin. Go figure.We checked out of Blood Mountain Cabins at 8:15, walked the quarter mile to Mountain Crossings for a small resupply and were on the trail by 8:45. I saw quite a few folks this morning that I hadn't seen in a while though. Peggy, who I passed on the approach trail had made it. She's now Advil. I finally met Kansas who is hiking with the long lost Mutter. Glad to see he's good. The three of us along with Zip Code make up the Raleigh/Durham contingent out here. The 700 feet up Levelland Mountain were enough to wake the legs up and the ridgeline walk over to Cowrock Mountain was one of my favorite stretches of the trail so far. Tons of clouds in the valley and some nice viewpoints.We had to come down to Tesnatee Gap and straight up Wildcat Mountain. After that the morning shower was meaningless. We could see straight across the valley to where we were looking out on Cowrock. I got pictures of both. Rest of the day was ridge walking with a couple quick/tough climbs.We made it to Poplar Stamp Gap around 4:00 after a stop to sign the trail register at Low Gap. Gnats are bad today so I'm in my tent waiting for them to go away before I cook dinner.Some new faces tonight but Cambo, Airlock, and Leigh are here from previous nights. Most of the regular crew stayed down at Low Gap including Fiddler and Spot of Tea (formerly Slow Hand).Supposed to rain overnight so the rain fly is on. Looking at the Cheese Factory site for tomorrow at 12 miles. That's it. Time to throw on the bug spray and make dinner. Things are still great. Skittles = thru hiker gold.
Date: 2015-04-04
From: Poplar Stamp Gap

To: Cheese Factory Site
Miles today: 12.0

Last night was tough. The gap we were in was more like a flat spot before the summit. Usually it's a great call. Last night not so much. Around 10:30 it started to rain and the lightning ended up at our campsite. Around midnight I woke up to a wet foot, a torrential downpour, thunder/lightining, and a strong wind. After stumbling around for a second I found that a tent stake had come up and the rainfly was not covering that part of the tent.I spent around 30 minutes trying to fix the problem from the inside because it was still raining/windy and I was able to get a good part of the water up. It stopped raining altogether about 30 minutes later.This morning it was 40 degrees colder and the wind was still strong. Getting out of a warm sleeping bag to pack up a wet tent was not the best sounding idea. Cambo came over a little later and suggested we take our time getting up so we left at about an hour later at 8:00.It wasn't the best of mornings. We eventually reached the top of Blue Mountain and survived the steep/muddy/rock-covered descent. In Unicoi gap a 60 year old guy was finishing a 19 mile trail run over those same mountains. Unreal. Apparently he's training for a 100 mile trail run later this year. I only note this because he walked over and filled all our water bottles before he left.   Remember what I said about not having to filter water?We made quick work of Rocky Mountain and over to the Cheese Factory site. I spent the first hour with my tent hung in a tree to dry. My tent is on grass though so I'm pretty excited.Fun group tonight including a guy we met today. Airlock, Cambo, Leigh, (now Star Crunch after we debated Little Debbie's last night) Fiddler, Double Back, Goose, Moosehead are here as is Cherokee who's been hiking with Fiddler. We have a fire going, some tunes from Fiddler (I finally made a video of it and will upload when I get a chance) and some good conversation.Spirits are far higher than they were this morning. Not everyday can be roses. We felt like the AT was treating us too well and it kicked back overnight. We'll be going over Tray Mountain first thing in the morning and are looking at  short day (9ish miles) to get Deep Gap Shelter. That should leave us a nero (3.5 miles) into Hiawassee on Monday.Oh, and Jamie. Thanks for the addition to my food bag. Cambo and I enjoyed having a treat this evening after a tough night/morning.
Date: 2015-04-06
From: Holiday Inn Express - Hiawassee

To: Holiday Inn Express - Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0

Oh zero day. Both awesome and not awesome at the same time. I got up at 7:00, had breakfast and ran upstairs to do laundry. I even got a bunch of fancy pictures up and a video of Fiddler on YouTube. I miss the trail but I love No Reservations reruns. It's quite the conundrum.After a visit to the hot tub, Cambo, Peas, Burnsides, Moosehead and a guy were looking for a trail name for headed to lunch. He's leaning towards Forrest Gump so I spent part of lunch trying to teach him how to talk like him. I have two talents. Talking like Forrest Gump and, well, you'll have to ask Mrs. Rock Boat about the second.I came back from lunch to inventory the food bag and plan the trip to Ingles. Honey buns made the cut this time because I'm already tired of pop tarts. I saw Fiddler, Cherokee, and Airlock at the store.   They all stayed at Deep Gap Shelter and moved on to Top of Georgia Hostel for tonight. On the way back I ran into Star Crunch and Double Down. They're both at Top of Georgia as well. Star Crunch bought some star crunches at the store and sent a picture. Why you'd waste your money on those when nutty bars are within reach I'll never know. We've been having this Little Debbie debate for a few days now. Star crunches are the sad step child of the delicious Little Debbie line. You'll never convince me otherwise.The plan is to watch the basketball game tonight and catch an 8:30 AM shuttle back to Dicks Creek Gap. Tomorrow is a big day. I'll keep it under wraps for now but if you know the AT you can probably guess. I'm more than pumped to hit the trail.Forgot to add, had a couple questions in the guest book. (Fellow Rock Boater and two year flip cup teammate) Libby asked about the trail magic. Trail magic is a sort of tradition on the AT. Usually it's former thru hikers or people some way connected to the trail. Typically they post up at gaps that have a road running through them but hitting one is mostly luck. I had heard of some happenning behind me over the week but this was the first time I actually came across it. The people I met come to the same gap every Easter weekend and feed hikers. They were not in a typical accessible location but liked that location because they could drive in and camp. We never expect trail magic but holy cow is it amazing. Trail magic is generally something unexpected that helps you along. The guy that gave me water at Unicoi was doing the same thing, just on a smaller scale. He was just being nice but made my day. No matter how small, it makes our hikes that much better. People out here are awesome.Lakin was talking about the trail now vs Grandma Gatewood's time. Its funny that we STRESS over ounces now. I didn't buy dried strawberries at the store just now because they weighed too much. People will tell you that at a certain pack weight you'll never make it. It never bothered Earl Shaffer. Those that came before us were far more hardcore than us. Not to mention the services we have access to when we get to roads.I think that's it. If there are any more just let me know.
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Holiday Inn Express - Hiawassee

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

No late sleep today. Woke up a little before 7:00, grabbed a shower, had breakfast and packed up. Shuttle was there for us at 8:30. It was an interesting ride back to Dick's Creek Gap with a driver that really didn't care for people. We spent the last half of the trip letting him vent and I think it made him feel better. Cambo, Burnsides, Moosehead and I were ready to start hiking by 9:00.Its been a foggy, wet day and the trail was slop in some places. I had considered going a little further today but we left Dick's Creek Gap at 2675 feet and I'm now camped at 4580 feet. I'm beat. So, big day today though as we finally LEFT GEORGIA! I'm happily typing this from my home state. Pictures and high fives were had by all at the GA/NC sign. Theres a lot to learn in those first 78.5 miles. Im glad to be done though. We'll be in North Carolina for a while and will straddle the Tennessee line once we get to the Smokies.I have to say, I've always heard the first climb out of NC was tough and my experience was no exception. We climbed over 800 feet in the first 1.3 miles. The last part was closer to straight vertical than flat.I'm at Muskrat Creek Shelter tonight. Well, I found a side trail that leads to a ridgeline right before it and I'm on the ridge instead of in the hollow. I can hear everyone down there though as its only 100 yards away. Maybe I should tell them about the 4G coverage up here. Maybe.Everything is great. I'm exhausted and the hike today was tough. What a morale booster crossing the state line was though!I havent checked on anyone else's plan but I'm eyeing Carter Gap Shelter at 93.9 or Betty Creek Gap at 97.6 for tomorrow. So, either way Wednesday will be 100 mile mark. We also will go over 5000 feet for the first time at Standing Indian Mountain.