morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-02-04
To: Gear!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This past weekend Barb and I attended a hiker clinic at Bill Jackson's Outfitter in St. Petersburg. It was VERY informative and well worth the time. On Friday night Richard Smith aka "Dad's Grin" did a slide show presentation and talked about his thru hikes on the AT, PCT & CDT (Triple Crown). I knew it would be interesting and it certainly was. And, the staff of Bill Jackson's had a lot of different samples of pre-packaged food, like Mountain House.Saturday was the gear clinic. They covered all the various gear items. The clinic spanned four hours and they could have used six! The staff served us a lunch of hot dogs, chips, soda and chocolate chip cookies. How cool is THAT?!Sunday was "gear day" for us. I ordered all of my stuff online, mostly through Amazon. We returned to Bill Jackson's and Barb bought her sleeping bag. I bought a few small items. That was Barb's first major gear purchase and man did she get excited! We had Jeremy as our salesman/gear guru and he was great. Last year he did about 1300 miles of the AT until he had a knee injury and had to get off the trail. Jeremy had assisted during the gear clinic so we were ready to seek him out! I'll be on the lookout for FedEx, UPS and the mailman over the next couple of weeks!We are slightly more than two months away from our April 10th start date. Woohoo!Treasure Hunter
Date: 2013-02-10
To: Almost A Full Backpack
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I told my wife Jenny that my feelings run the gamut from a total rush of excitement to total concern (for things such as warmth, having enough food, looking like a rookie, etc.). Maybe others go through this as well.I have almost everything I ordered through Amazon. I am just waiting on the tent and a couple other small items. When something arrives, I gather the family around when I open the box. We talk about the item and its use when I take it out. I don't think I will ever lose the amazement at how small some things can pack down - and how light it is.Oh, this is funny. When I opened a box on Friday evening I reached in and grabbed a smaller box that I thought was the tent (Big Agnes SL2). I thought I had made a BIG mistake ordering this thing because that box was heavy!!! At closer inspection, the box contained 250 individual serving mayonnaise packets! I share the love of mayonnaise with Stumpknocker (multi AT thru hiker and avid journaler on TJ). He said a few years ago that mayonnaise packets are a premium on the trail :-)Yesterday Jen and I went back to the outfitters (Bill Jackson's) and I got a second pair of shoes. These are really nice trail runners. I'll be starting with my Keen boots and Jen can mail these to me when the boots wear out. They are Oboz Sawtooth. Very comfortable.Jen and I also went to Walmart and Publix and picked up my first four days of food. That was fun! I'm glad I had Jen there to offer nutrition advice :-)Treasure Hunter
Date: 2013-02-11
To: Last Piece Of Major Gear
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Our tent arrived today. Barb decided to try rooming with me. We'll see if it works out. She might head straight for the tent section at Neel's Gap proclaiming "I can't take it anymore - show me what you got!"When I got home from my daily walk I saw the tent box next to the front door. It struck me as funny to think that the box contained a teeny teeny tiny version of the house it sat in front of!I had the tent set up within five minutes of getting it inside the house. But, I admit, I watched a set-up video on YouTube 3-4 times :-) It seems like it will be an awesome tent.Barb is coming up from Englewood this weekend for another gear purchase extravaganza. I'm looking forward to it. She is getting her backpack this time.I must do a shout out to Beach Bum (AT 2007) for signing my guest book. His words meant a lot to me. I missed his journal back in 2007 but I am reading it now. I like his style.Treasure Hunter
Date: 2013-02-12
To: Four Days Worth of Food
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This entry submitted by Treasure Hunter¢s wife, Jenny:Ray and I went food shopping, with a very specific list of items Ray wanted to have for the first four days on the trail. We went to two different stores, compared sizes, talked about nutrition (protein throughout the day, necessary carbs, fiber, etc.), deleted some items from the list, added a couple of things, and headed home with the booty. Once we had it all laid out on the dining room table, we figured out four days¢ worth of food, measured and separated stuff into snack or meal-sized portions, bagged them up, weighed each item, and started packing everything into the critter-proof food can. (Well, we think that it¢ll be critter-proof. That¢s the plan, anyway.)Road block. There was no way all of that stuff was going to fit. Everything came back out, and we went over it again. We combined things to create a plan for meals and snacks for each day, and then reevaluated the plans. We removed Day 1¢s food, figuring that those things could go separately since they¢ll be consumed on trail and at the first shelter.   Okay, that made it a little better, but it still didn¢t work. Next, we nixed the cereal that was weighed out and bagged for easy snacking. That stuff is too bulky for the amount of calories it will provide. Not worth it. We finally got it all to fit in the can, but at this point, my mind starts going toward not just nutrition, but calories. Each day¢s supply of food was so small! Even with staples such as Spam (Ray actually likes the stuff), each day¢s caloric provision was only 1200-1500. A hiker using 6000 or more calories per day will shrivel away very quickly with this ration!Now, Ray would be the first to tell you that he could stand to lose a pound or two. The weight has crept up bit by bit since he retired last summer. He and I are currently supporting each other on a dietary regimen to lose weight and improve health. But THIS¢¦ This was different. Looking at the food lain out by day, calculating the calories, and seeing how little he will have¢¦   >GASP!< Suddenly the reality of this whole thing hits me, and the over-protective mommy in me starts protesting. The man for whom I have prepared meals every day for the last 19+ years will be in the woods, starving! No, no, no, this won¢t work. Off to the store I go. Later¢¦Me: ¢Look! Clif Protein bars! High calorie! Lots of good protein, carbs, and vitamins, AND they small!¢ Ray: ¢Which meal will they replace?¢Me: ¢Well¢¦ The cereal that you got rid of.¢Ray: ¢I don¢t have room for those.¢ Me: ¢Make. Room. You¢re taking them.¢Ray: ¢I don¢t have room.¢Me: ¢This isn¢t over.¢ I have a feeling that I lost this one. I¢ll just have to convince myself that he can take care of himself. He IS a big boy, after all. At least for now.
Date: 2013-02-17
To: Mini Test Hike
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We slept well in our tents last night. Our sleeping bags performed admirably and were snuggle warm. I slept in just a t-shirt and shorts. I also liked my sleeping pad a lot. Barb has the same one. She deflated hers during the night. She said that she felt like she was on a pool float and kept trying not to roll off! She tried to deflate it just a little bit but that didn't work either. However, she did say that she will still bring it along.After we re-packed our gear we decided to head out to a hiking trail to try out our packs. We hiked for an hour and a half in one of our favorite preserves just to the north of Tampa. We felt pretty good afterward!Barb headed back home after we got back. It was a great two days of preparation.Treasure hunter
Date: 2013-02-21
To: Myakka River Kayaking
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today Barb and I took another trip down the Myakka River near Venice, FL. It was stellar weather for an easy 10.3 mile paddle. We took our time and it took 6 hours. We did stage a van at each end again to make things nice. It was really cool that we had our lunch on the same bench as yesterday! Neat that it worked out that way. Oh, and check this out. There is a place along the river called Snook Haven. It is a bar and restaurant with entertainment. We beached the kayaks and got a beer to go! I'm glad I brought along my hiker wallet (plastic baggie with cash, credit cards and drivers licence). Treasure Hunter
Date: 2013-03-03
To: Another Gear Run & Test Hike
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Barb drove up from Englewood this morning and we headed back over to Bill Jackson's Outfitter again. Barb bought another pair of shoes and a pack cover. I bought a waterproof stuff sack for my down items. My pack canisters are waterproof - but I wanted a second layer of protection for my sleeping bag and down jacket.After a quick snack for lunch at home we headed out to the preserve just north of Tampa for a short hike before dinner - about and hour and a half. My pack is at full capacity (base weight, food and water) at 26.66 pounds. It felt okay. Barb did develop a small blister with her new shoes :-( But, she bought them now to break them in before leaving. These are her replacement shoes that Jen will mail to her down the trail.Toward the end of our hike we noticed a park ranger vehicle slowly following us toward the parking area. I have never seen a ranger vehicle at this preserve before. We wondered if someone called about seeing two backpackers there :-) This preserve is day use only. No worries though - he said hello to us at the parking gate and all is well.In the evening we had a really nice dinner, compliments of Barb! She needed to lighten up her freezer at home and brought some food for us. Thanks Barb!Barb and I are both getting eager to start this hike. I'm reading many of the journals of hikers that have started already. They are running into a lot of snow and cold. They all seem to be in high spirits and able to move along well. It will be fun to read their shelter journal entries too.Treasure Hunter
Date: 2013-03-16
To: Hike with Eric
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Today my almost 14 year old son Eric and I went for a nice hike and overnight stay in JB Starkey Wilderness park in New Port Richey, FL. There are three remote primitive sites here and we are in site #2 - the furthest away from the trail head. Eric sported a 13 lb pack and did really well. The hike lasted 2.5 hours. It should have been 15 min shorter but we had a little diversion with a poorly marked turn. :-( We arrived about an hour before dark and set up camp. Then we had dinner. After dinner we played a few hands of Rummy. The last two hands we played in the tent due to the evening bug brigade. :-)Right now it is 830 pm. Eric is snoozing next to me. Outside the night sounds are soothing. There is a nice quarter moon in a starry sky. I can see it nicely while lying on my back with the front flap open. The night air is chilly but not too much. Good night!Treasure Hunter and Eric
Date: 2013-04-06
To: It's a Party!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today Barb and I attended a wonderful going away party in our honor. It was co-hosted by my Mother-in-Law, Judy, and my wife, Jen. The party was held at Judy's house.There was food, spirits and lots of great conversation. Barb and I had our gear on display and answered questions from friends and family. Everyone was so interested in our journey. It was heartwarming.I would like to say that I got to bed early for our trip to Amicalola tomorrow. But, I didn't. I'll be a tired traveler for sure.Thank to everyone who attended. And, thanks SO much Judy and Jenny. Much love to you both.Treasure Hunter
Date: 2013-04-08
To: Jenny
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

(This entry is written by Jenny, Ray's wife. I will be Ray's transcriber for the entries and photos, and occasionally writing an entry on my own. This one is from me, as I haven't received a full update from Ray yet.)Day 1 on the trail! Well, actually, Ray and Barb hiked the 604 steps of the approach trail yesterday, with our kids, Claire and Eric. (See his entry from yesterday.) Today, we all walked with Ray and Barb to the beginning of the next section of the approach trail. We took lots of pictures and gave lots of hugs. After we all dried our eyes (mostly), Ray and Barb started off down the trail, waving their hiking poles and calling out goodbyes.They left at 8:00 am, and got to Springer Mountain at 2:00 pm. He sent me a picture and said that they planned to continue on to Stover Creek Shelter, another 2.8 miles, then stay at that shelter for the night. We were headed back to Tampa, so I was driving when he sent the text. I wasn't able to text him back, but I asked Claire to respond for me. After all the mushy stuff from the kids and me, Ray said he needed to turn his phone off to conserve battery, and get on their way.I love this picture of Ray. He looks so happy!!Can't wait for the next update with all the details from Ray and Barb. (It will take some getting used to, trying to remember to call them Treasure Hunter and Catskill. Be patient with me!)
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Justice Creek Campsites

To: Woody Gap (Dahlonega Hiker Hostel)
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: clear sky

Today was my Dad's birthday. Happy Birthday to him. He was a great family man. I felt a little better this morning. I even had a little something to eat. Then we got on trail and I started to get progressively worse again. Dehydration again - even with plenty of water sources. I would filter and top off at streams and springs. Then drink a bunch while there. I would hike for a short while and deplete my additional supply (60 oz) in no time at all. And, with my stomach completely full of water it made me nauseated on the uphill climbs. Appetite gone again. Barb was so patient with me. Heavy rain is expected tomorrow. And, with me feeling so poorly - we opted to stay at the Dalhonega Hiker Hostel tonight and tomorrow night. A shuttle picked us up at Woody Gap at 2:30pm. While we were waiting at the Gap I texted back and forth with Jen. She was looking up things regarding dehydration on the computer at home. So helpful. Bless her. At the hostel I took a shower and then took a nap for about an hour or so. When I saw a kitchen sink with running water I felt much better. I knew I wouldn't run out. And there were only stairs to climb (albeit painfully). Barb took a shower and then started our laundry. Could one ask for a better sister?We ordered Chinese for dinner - they deliver here. For the first time in 2 days I felt like eating. What a relief. Good night. (Jenny here. Yes, Ray and I texted a bit and I knew he was going off trail, but I didn't know how Ray was feeling after getting to the hostel. I didn't know if he had cell coverage or if he was sick... I was so happy when he texted me this evening to let me know he had sent the journal entry via email, and we texted a bit more. When I read the entry, and got to the part where he said they had decided to stay TWO nights at the hostel, I cried. So relieved. I know that after getting dehydrated, no amount of water will get you back if you keep pushing yourself. I'm so glad they are allowing a full day to let him get back to normal before heading back to the trail. Smart hikers.)
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Woody Gap (Hiker Hostel)

To: Woody Gap (Hiker Hostel)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Feeling much better today. I have been overwhelmed and grateful to all of you that signed my guest book. I never realized how important that is to us. Thanks for the well wishes. We went into town and made a couple store stops. I changed out a few food items to better help me with hydration.We had lunch at a place called The Front Porch. We both had a Chicken Sandwich. It came with a pickle (sodium!). While here I contacted Bruce Warren at LuxuryLite. My pack "hook" belt had a plastic piece on it that had cracked. It still works but I was concerned. He is going to mail me a new updated version of the belt to Franklin NC. Awesome guy!Treasure Hunter
Date: 2013-04-12
To: Jenny
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Ray told me that he and Barb are having a GREAT day! He sent this picture at 2:00, saying that they are at the top of Blood Mountain, and had just had Subway sandwiches for lunch. Sounds like they were planning to continue on further today, after resting for a bit. He'll send the journal entry later and I'll enter it tomorrow, since the kids and I will be out tonight for an all night camp-out event at Claire's school. While I'm chaperoning, staying up most of the night, and wishing I were at home in my own bed, I'll think of AT hikers, sleeping under the stars.
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Woody Gap (Hiker Hostel)

To: Neel Gap (Mountain Crossings Hostel)
Miles today: 10.7

Today Barb and I did a slack pack. We wanted to know how I would do hiking without carrying the weight. The Hiker Hostel shuttled our packs to Neel Gap (for a modest fee). They also loaned us day packs to carry water and lunch, etc. We had a beautiful day to climb blood mountain. It was cooler weather (after the storm last night) and I really felt fine. We packed out Subway sandwiches for lunch - yum! - and ate them on top of Blood Mountain. Very cool - sunny and breezy and about 65 degrees. Custom made!Tonight we are staying at the Mountain Crossings Hostel. "Pirate" (previous thru hiker) oversees the hostel and does the cooking. Dinner is paid by donation. If he gets enough donations during dinner, he cooks breakfast too! Looking forward to spaghetti!Treasure Hunter
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: moderate rain

In the early evening last night we were serenaded with a wonderful chorus of peeper frogs! Wonderful to fall asleep by. At about 2am our day of challenge began. Rain. It rained from 2am until about 3pm! 13 Hours of rain. Now for the details...We were up at our usual time (about 6:30 or so). We packed up our packs inside the tents to stay out of the rain. Then we quickly carried the packs and tents to the cover of the shelter. We then packed up our soaked tents, brushed our teeth and decided to head to the next shelter.We arrived at Standing Indian Shelter at about 11am. It was rainy, windy, and the shelter was packed. It was mostly young guys taking a zero there. We had lunch and hung out for several hours until the rain stopped. Oak arrived in the early afternoon, had lunch and pressed on. He was headed to a camping area about 3 miles north. It was nice to see him again. When the rain stopped I set up my tent and cleaned the muck off the best that I could. Barb and I tented together for a short while. Our packs and boots were under cover in the shelter. In a while the wind died down considerably so we set up Barb's tent and retrieved our equipment from the shelter. The young guys in the shelter were still having a blast after we went to our tents. They spent some time outside the shelter and even coaxed a fire into existence! At 7:20pm while reading my book in my tent, the sun came out and put a nice glow on the outside and inside - of the tent as well as me. No cell service tonight. (Jenny, here: I was very eager to hear about Ray and Barb's hike for Friday, knowing that they probably ran into bad weather. I waited patiently until almost 3pm the following day, Saturday, before hearing anything from Ray. I know there will be times of no cell coverage, but this being the first such time, I was VERY happy to finally get Ray's journal entry and know that they are safe and sound. <3 ) Treasure Hunter
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Winding Stair Gap, US 64 (Franklin)

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Beautiful day for a hike!We got dropped off by Ron at about 9:30 and started hiking at 9:35. Shortly after we entered the woods we crossed a bridge over a neat small cascading water fall. See picture. Before our climb up to Wayah Bald we encountered some trail magic! A 2012 thru hiker, trail name "Mary the Hobbit" (I think), had lots of treats. Barb had a Coke and I had a Sprite. I also grabbed a tangerine that I had with dinner. :-)Wayah Bald was magnificent. What views. After Barb and I got to the shelter and had dinner we were both amazed at how tired we were. Treasure Hunter
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter St
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I forgot to mention yesterday that we ran into Oak. He was at the shelter and spent the night there. It was good to see him again. We were up early and on the trail at 7:30am. It was a bit sunny in the morning. Shortly before lunch the clouds started to build. The possibility of rain was on the way. We stopped at Cold Spring Shelter and decided whether to press on. There was rain in the forecast. After about an hour there and having a nice lunch we decided to go. We hiked on to Wesser Bald Shelter and arrived dry. :-) We set up our tents - and the sprinkles began! The timing worked out. Oak arrived right at that point. He called on his phone and made a reservation at the hostel at the NOC - then he hiked on. Treasure Hunter
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Wesser Bald Shelter St

To: US-19 and 74 (Nantahala Outdoor Center)
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: clear sky

Today we were thinking about trying our first attempt at a quick stop (laundry, shower and re-supply) and get back on trail. However, that all changed when the word got out on the trail last night that there was going to be a freeze tonight. So, last night I called the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) and reserved bunks for Barb and myself. A LOT of the other hikers at the shelter last night did the same thing. We were the first of our group to hike into the NOC. We got there at 10:30am - check in wasn't until 3pm. However, there was an empty room from the night before so we got right in! We had a nice lunch at a restaurant here, did laundry and took a shower. The general store has slim pickings for re-supply. I'm sitting on the porch in front of our room enjoying the sunshine. Literally, while typing that last sentence, I hear this noise like a giant swarm of bees and a guy flies by 50 feet in front of me on a zip line! Wild! I took a video and will share it when I have WIFI. We shared a pizza for dinner and each packed out two slices for a trail lunch tomorrow :-)Treasure Hunter