morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-10-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

151 days until our hike starts.Time is flying by.Time is standing still.There is so much to do in such a short time.Is all this real.And I know that this is going to happen.Its all so surreal.I really don't know how to explain it..But we have started to train a little to try to breakin our poor unsupecting bodies.By training I mean we are trying to do as we will be doing on the AT.We go down to this cool little trail close to our house,put on our packs loaded with gear and we hike.We are only doing 3 to 5 miles for now,and we really feel it.Man we really need to get in a little better shape,and we will.We would rather train now that be hurting so bad when we first start out.At least thats the plan,we'll see how it works out.
Date: 2005-11-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well we still have a few things to get before will are ready,but MAN are we ready.We are counting down the days till we can start this trip of a lifetime.We are still going down to our little trail down the street from us.Its a really cool little trail.We are getting down to it as much as we can,about 4 times a week,4 to 6 miles each time.We are starting to get used to the weight on our backs,and we are starting to feel like we are getting into trail shape.I have heard that you can't really do much to prepare for the hardships of the AT.But we think that we can at least get our bodies used to carrying around that ex weight.The other days Kim and I were taking a little break on the trail and up walks Squirrel Meat-SOBO '03.I thought that it was pretty cool to actually meet a thru hiker on our little trail.We talked for a few minutes and said goodby,but as we were walking on down the trail a hundred questions came to mind that I wanted to ask him.Oh well we would have probably bored him to tears,I'm sure he has heard it all a million times.But if will meet again I'll be sure to chat a little more.   LOOKING FOR A COOL SPRING DAY
Date: 2005-12-07
To: party of 3
Miles today: 0.0

Introducing Nick(Malibu's most wanted)....Our son Nick has decided to take a little time off from school and take the big HIKE with us.We really like the ideal of Nick coming with us,he has always showed a great love for the outdoors.Now we just need to get him outfitted.He already has his tent(ebay),that just leaves...everything.New day and I are still shopping around for the reminder of our gear.We pretty much know what we want,just trying to find the best deals.Some gear,like our tent,we have changed our minds and will be getting a new one.The one that we were going to take with us we just sold on ebay.Love Ebay...Still trying to train,we are still going down to our little trail with our packs and knock out some miles,but it really gets dark early,so we have only been getting down there on our days off.But its helping,so hopefully the first couple weeks on the AT won't be so bad...Its just over a hundred days till we head to the TRAIL.Man we are all so excited,waiting is really hard,but there is still a lot to do which makes time go by even faster,and wow time is really flying by.Its almost Xmas baby....The only people that really isn't happy about all this is our familys,they think that we are crazy.They are taking bets on how long we will make it......what can I say.........A BAD DAY ON THE TRAIL IS STILL A DAY ON THE TRAIL....
Date: 2005-12-20
To: merry chrismas
Miles today: 0.0

We wanted to wish all of you on trail journals MERRY CHRISMAS.WOW its xmas time already.It won't be long now,we will be on the trail in less that 90 days.We have most all of our gear,just a few things left to go.We have been changing out some of our gear.I have added treking poles to my gear list,after trying a pair out on our little trail I could really see the up side to using them,not to mention I could also feel the up side to using them.They are pretty cool,its like you can really power up those hills.New day couldn't get used to them,just don't like them or whatever.She will be using a hiking staff,she picked one up today from the outfitters,its nice,and she loves it.....Less than 90 days to go,I have plenty to do in that time,so it will pass very fast..I watched TREK last night.I think they did a really good job making the movie.Really gives you a feel for what is coming.GA to Me Baby......Wow,Its starting to sink in,I am starting to get a little scared,this is such a big step.Moving out of our house and putting everything in storage,leaving our jobs for six or more months,all to go walk 10 to 20 miles day,live outside,shit in the woods,drink from creeks,rivers.All but a few people think that we are insane.Our own moms and pops,sisters, brothers,and even our own kids think that its funny.We were talking to Mom today about the hike,and all she wanted to do was laugh,they say they are taking bets on how far we will make it.Mom says that she will come to pick us up after our hike,(I thought how nice)then she added that Georgia wasn't that far of a drive.She's a funny lady...But its comments like that that will keep me walking when I'm feeling like I might quit.I WILL NOT LET THEM SAY... I TOLD YOU SO.So barring injury I will make every effort to stay on the trail all the way to Maine......Looking For A cool spring day.......
Date: 2006-01-04
To: happy new year
Miles today: 0.0

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy new year.......Its 2006,we will be on our journey in no time....we have just about everything that we need to hit the long trail.We are starting to pack up our stuff for storage...The loose ends are being tied,final plans are being made,last visits to the outfitters are near..Theres no turning back now,nor would I ever want to,this is something that has to be played out.We WILL see SPRINGER soon....A BAD DAY ON THE TRAIL IS STILL A DAY ON THE TRAIL.
Date: 2006-02-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm sitting here in the Chesapeake Pubic Libary,my computer,everything that I have except my hiking gear and a few things that I need for now,is in storage.We are just killing time before we leave.We are working out our notice at work.Trying to bank that last little bit of money.Taking care of all the loose ends.Sometimes it seen endless,all the shit that has to be done,our lives have become so complex,it will be a true joy to finally, hit the trail that has been calling for the last seven years.Seven years I have been dreaming of this,the last year I have been planning,buying gear,replanning,re buying gear.Now all I have to do is wait..Its killing me.But the time is almost here.My next entry will be from the trail about mid-March,so until I write again......A BAD DAY ON THE TRAIL IS STILL A DAY ON THE TRAIL
Date: 2006-03-02
From: amicalola state park

To: springer
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: 0

We did the 8.8 mile trail to the top of Springer.I have heard that it was hard,but man it put the beat down on me.But we are finally out here.Old School..... And now from the pen of New Day......what can i say about the trail up to springer mt.oh my god you have to be kidding!I can't belive i agreed to this.my pack is heavy and i'm way out of shape.sure hope Ican hold on.
Date: 2006-03-03
From: springer

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.02

our first day on the AT we got .02 miles to were we tented,close to the Springer.Old School....now from New day...I still don't know about this but I'm up for the challange.we had a little snack at the shelter and met Crow for the first time.we also met a ridge runner Mini sleeps.He stays up there 3 mths out of the year.what a great guy he was.It was real windy and I was getting real nervous.I told mini sleeps I was scared and his reply was there's nothing to be afraid of in the woods.Didn't make me feel better but ok
Date: 2006-03-04
From: springer

To: hawk mtn shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: 0

We woke to the low 20's It was so windy last nite that I had to tie the tent off to some trees so that it wouldn't blow down.I was so cold that I woke up and put my pluff jacket on for the rest of the nite.We made it to Hawk Mtn Shelter at about 4:00,found a great camp site and pitched tent.New Day made some great dinner,we got water and filtered it,hung our food bags and then it was chill time in the tent.Old School......From the pen of New Day..cold isn't the word for it freezing is more like it.I'm so glad the wind stopped!After B-fast we started our day.B-rad has a good pace but old school & I are slow & steady.I got off by my self and didn't like it kinda strange being alone w/ your thoughts.I mainly thought of the kids we left behind.We were at the shelter about 4:oo and had mac&cheese w/tuna it was real good.I'm so sore hope it stops soon
Date: 2006-03-05
From: hawk mtn shelter

To: gooch mtn shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: 0

I pitched the tent close to Gooch mtn shelter,It was a hard 7.3 miles to get here.The ups are a killer.I'm about the slowest thing out here,but in about a month I should be able to hang with the best of them.Its really great to be finally out here.The trail is great,amazing.The only animals I've seen so far is a hawk flying really close.My pack is too heavy,I will be triming it down soon.and now from the pen of New Day...got up early but took awhile to get movin.I boiled water for oatmeal & grits and a good cup of coffee.after the b-fast we started off.I must say the ups are insanity!My legs and feet hurt so bad.We got to the shelter just as rain moved in.We had chicken & rice and it was so good I had to make 2nds!After that I took my 1st tent bath.a bandanna & baby wipes!If my mom could only see me now.After the guys did water we retired to our tent.My mp3 player is loud enough for everyone at night.Old School went to sleep early and B-rad & I played cards.What a way to end the day!
Date: 2006-03-06
From: gooch mtn shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 8.2

We did 8.2 hard miles today and we are camped next to a stream,its a great little camp site.The ups were hard for me today,new day and b-rad are always out front.But thats OK I'm going to Maine,and I have got 6 monthsI was dogging it up one mountain today and it gave me my first real view.WOW.After we camped we hung out with shlub around the camp fire.Then it was time to hang the food bags and call it a nite....and now from the pen of New Day...well we started late today and it looks like rain.it did rain last night and our tent held up great.We had lunch at Woody gap.I had my 1st brush w/death today.I almost fell off the side but my staff saved my ass.I'm really missing the kids I left behind.I can't wait to call them.We are camping beside a stream today and it's real peacefull.I'm looking forward to a real bath.I'll get one tomarrow.Got to tackle Blood mt. first
Date: 2006-03-07
To: walasi-yi center
Miles today: 7.4

woke again to the low 20's,the hike today was great.After about 30 minutes I was down to my shorts and short sleeve shirt.It warms up pretty fast when you are hiking these Georgia mountains.Blood mountain was great long up with these cool Fred Flinstone steps,and the down was our longest so far.New day picked up some treking poles at the walasi-yi center.After 30+ miles she can see the up side to using them.We are going into Blairsville to spent the nite ..later old school......NOW from the pen of NEW DAY......well all i have to say about Blood mt. is please tell me they don't get bigger than that!but of course they do.When we got to the walasi-center they were having water problems so we hitched a ride to Blairsville.The sweetest couple gave us a ride and took us right to a motel.We waited too late to do laundry cause the whole town seems to close at 8pm lol.But we ate at b.king and did our resupply.in the a.m. I'll get the clothes washed.My bath was great and all back home is good so now I can rest.
Date: 2006-03-08
From: walasi-yi center

To: Whitley gap shelter
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: 0

While in town we resuppied,washed clothes.Packes full,too much food,the belt buckle on my pack broke today,made a temp repair.Going to stay our first nite in a shelter tonite.NOW from the pen of NEW DAY.......woke up and went to b-fast at the hole in the wall.laundrymat opens at 8 a.m.caught a ride back to the trail our packs are a little lighter now that we trimmed them down.but I'm still too heavy so i guess I need to find lighter food.To our surprise Crow was leaving the trail.We left late so at the end of the day we stayed at a spooky shelter and was all alone.It was real scary.You hear all kinds of things.We stayed real close and prayed for the best.
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Whitley gap shelter

To: low gap shelter
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: 0

woke up at 5:30 in the shelter,got up and made a fire.It was cold and windy.New day make some coffee and we started to pack up.Only made it 4.4 miles today New day has a little shoulder pain going on,so we will have a easy afternoon.We camped close to low gap shelter.........NOW FRON THE PEN OF NEW DAY........well we got through the night and we are off.we didn't get far though cause i started having neck & sholder pain so we called it an early day.we are expecting thunderstorms tonight.i hope the tent holds up!
Date: 2006-03-10
From: low gap shelter

To: blue mountain shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: 0

It rained last nite.Our tent did a great job.We were dry&warm.Packing up a wet tent sucks.Our 7.2 miles today were easier than the past couple of days,the ups were not as steep and a little flat as it went around the mountains instead of over.A nice change of pace.The trail in Ga. is truely amazing.Hard ups, hard downs ,cool shelters, cool camping sites,nice cold steams,a lot of rocks.I recommen boots they help a lot.First trail magic today Tatar brought some colds cokes up the shelter,so cool.Well its chill time....NOW FROM THE PEN OF NEW DAY.............what a tent!it was a bad storm but we got through it.very scary though.at the shelter we ran into a few that we knew.rat puke wild boy,grey fox,baloo & cassie.at about 4 pm our first trail angel showed.his name is tater.he had ice cold sodas.it was the best soda i've had in a while.my muscles are still sore and i now have blisters on my ears from sunburn.i'm doing my best not to cry but it's so hard.i'll stay strong .
Date: 2006-03-11
From: blue mountain shelter

To: tray mountain shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: 0

More trail magic today,Tatar set up down the trail and was serving hot dogs and chips cold drinks,really cool.I didn't think that we would get there before he left for the day,But he waited on us.Tatar is a real cool dude......I'm sore,I need a bath,I filled up our water bag and went in the woods and washed up,man that felt good. Some of the people that I have met on the trail,Crow,Squrril,Crumbs,Sasparella,Sparrow hawk,Brave foot,GRey fox,Heather,peacepipe,chainsaw,Baloo,Tatar,Wild boy,Rat puke........NOW FOR NEW DAYS PEN..............well it wasn't hard to get movin today cause tater gave us inspiration.he was gonna be in trey gap at lunch w/hot dogs.oh what a treat.we didn't think we would get any though cause we are so slow.b-rad went ahead cause he is faster and no reason why we should all miss out.but to our surprise he waited.i was so surprised.what an angel!we can't thank you enough!
Date: 2006-03-12
From: tray mountain shelter

To: near dicks creek gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: 0

good day today,9.4 miles.A lot of ups today,Kelly Knob just kept going and going.Some good downs.We are camped about 1.5 miles from Dick creek gap.Made a nice big fire.Its a long way to Maine but I am going anyway..Old school.......now for NEW Day.......let me start with happy b-day mom!sorry we missed it.i'm gonna do my best to call her today.any way kelly knob was a bitch i didn't think we would ever get up there.b-rad is getting a little cranky.he needs to go to town but we didn't quite make it.so we camped .07 miles from the rd.not a good idea but we were running out of daylight.so we had a roaring fire and good conversation.in the morning it's on to hiawassee!time for re-supply and a call to mom.hope it will be a better day for b-rad
Date: 2006-03-13
From: near dicks creek gap

To: Plumorchard gap shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: 0

After we broke camp,we walked to Dicks creek gap,then hitched into Hiawassee,Ga to buy more food.WE picked up about 4 days of food to get us to Franklin,N.C.WE should be to the NC border by lunch time on the 14th.OUr first big milestone.Met Freefall today,nice guy.I'm tired,its chill time....NOW FOR NEW DAYS PEN.........well today is a good day!going into town to re-supply.there are so many good people out here.outside of ingles a man walk over and gave b-rad $20 said it was to help him along on his journey.we had lunch at d.q.and went back to dick's creek gap.it was a long day and we were exausted when we reached the shelter.it was chicken w/ stuffing and gravy then off to bed.we should be in n.c. by lunch tomarrow and it will be 1 down and 13 to go!
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Plumorchard gap shelter

To: Muskrat creek shelter
Miles today: 7.24
Weather: 0

WE hiked into NC today,It was a great feeling to hike into state #2.I'll say this about those Ga. mountains,they put the beat down on my ass.But I kept going now its almost time for the smokies.The trail up to this point has been well maintained.The Ga folks do a really great job at keeping it up.We pitched tent close to Muskrat creek shelter,its cold and windy we are huddled up in the tent just chilling listening to the mp3 and talking about the hike.A BAD DAY ON THE TRAIL IS STILL A DAY ON THE TRAIL..now for NEW DAYS PEN.........what a day.we finally reached n.c.!and may i just say that mt.after bly gap was no joke.funny how such a big climb manages not to have a name!so i called it you've gotta be kidding me!!i've made it further than i thought i would.70 miles and counting.my muscles don't hurt quite as bad but the neck pain is awlful so b-rad rubs my neck at night.what a great kid.
Date: 2006-03-15
From: Muskrat creek shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 4.9

New day doesn't feel too good ,cutting it short today to just chill....FROM NEW DAY.......o.k. i'm not doing to good today.my neck hurts and now i got some chaffing going on.that's not good when your doing so much walking.i had a break down threw my poles and sat my ass down in tears.i told old school i couldn't do this any more and i want to go home.so we called it a short day at standing indian shelter.it's so cold out here.temps in the 20's are no fun.but winter will soon end and beautiful spring will be here.i can't wait till it gets warm but not hot.
Date: 2006-03-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 7.6

stayed in my sleeping bag till about 8:30 tis morning.I froze my ass off last nite.As we starting hiking today it started to snow and sleet.Cool.our first bad weather.Two weeks in and everyone is in good spirits. the trail is great.When walking I think of all kinds of things today walking in the snow cold wind blowing about 30-40 mph and i'm walking on the wet rocks and roots,I ask myself,why am I putting myself thru this.Why?Because I got this in my head about 8-9 years ago.And I made this happen,it wasn't easy with a family,school kids,two kids in collage and one deciding to go with us.It took a lot to make this happen.Now after all these years all the planning,reseaching,talking,here we are in the NC mountains hiking in the damn snow and carrying everything that I need in my backpack.I'm walking along the trail and new day turns to me and ask if I'm having a good time.I looked at her and said that I'm having the time of my life.This is just something that I have to do.I am lucky indeed to have a wife and a son that is doing this with me.To quote MANY SLEEPS"If your are lucky enough to be on the trail then you are lucky enough..Its chill time ....FROM NEW DAYS PEN........it sure was hard getting my boys movin this morning.it was another extremly cold night.just as we were leaving the shelter it started sleeting and snowing.it was real pretty and not too bad to walk in.we got some real good milage at first cause we were ridge walking.that is real fun.and n.c. makes the climbs alot eaiser w/ the switchbacks.while taking a break we met sundancer and then at camp along came randy jeremy and brad.after sandwhiches & soup we had coffee & toasted marshmellos.that was a fun treat.the guys joined us and we had great conversation and some laughs.when we went in our tents we heard alot of noises but were a little scared to look.i was worried about our food cause the way we hike it's gonna take us to more days to get to franklin.
Date: 2006-03-17
To: rock gap shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: 0

Three big things today.First we did 12.1 miles today.our highest poinst so far Albert mountain,and our first 100 miles in the book.Met night stalker,Keith, doing trail magic today.grilled cheese and cold drinks.Man these people are so nice out here.life is good.....now from new day...........happy st.patricks day!i was very happy to find our food had made it through the night and that i shouldn't let my mind play tricks on me but i'm a worry wart from way back.had a great day today.trail magic is wonderful!and thoes angels make a good cup of coffee.right after that we climbed albert mt.and took a picture from as far up the firetower as we could.man what a view!we didn't hang long though we had a ways to go trying to get into town to get a bath,clean clothes and a warm bed!
Date: 2006-03-18
From: rock gap shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 3.8

we hiked the 3.8 miles to the road crossing to go into Frankin.Picked up by Ron,a nice guy that goes down to the trail a couple of times a day to see if any hikers need a ride into town.Going to wash clothes,get some town food..Old School.......a bath is in my near future!got to franklin to the budget inn and now it's time to do all the running around.ron is a great guy who really helps alot.thanks for all you do.next job ordering pizza & calling home.
Date: 2006-03-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.5

Back to the trail after 2 nites in a motel and 1 o day.Ron brought us back to the trail at about 9:00.It was raining.About 1 hr. into the hike the rain got harder and then turned to freezing rain.   We had been lucky up to today.This is the first day that we really needed our rain gear.It works,I stayed warm and dry.   Hiking today was hard.Had to be real carefull.All the rocks,roots everything is coated with ice.   We're camped next to the trail,pitching tent, getting into it without everything in side getting wet is hard.Its raining so hard we decided to just boil some water in the tent for coffee and eat snacks for dinner.   Going to sleep listening to the rain,Nice...But cold....Old School...Now heres New Day.....oh my god what were we thinking comming out in this crap?the mist of rain has now turned to ice.it was dripping from my fingers!i can't belive we are hiking in this!let me just say pure miseryand guess what?i don't like it!before we could set up the rain really started comming down.once we were in our tents it got better.i keep thinking about going home cause i don't think i'm gonna make it.i guess we'll see
Date: 2006-03-21
From: camp site

To: cold spring shelter
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: 0

Woke up to it still raining.About 5:00 tis 'morning it hit me!I had to go,Ah man.Its raining and I had to get out of my warm sleeping bag and go out in the rain and take a sh*t.But you do what you gotta do.   This was our first morning packing up camp in the rain.It sucks.Packing up a wet tent added a lot of weight.With all the big ups today the ex weight kicked my ass.   We've camped close to cold spring shelter.We gathered up a lot of wood for a camp fire,pitched tent,New Day made some coffee while I popped some popcorn over the open fire.New Day cooked up some Mac and cheese with tuna for dinner and some more hot coffee.Set around the camp fire til 8:00.Now tent chill time...Old SchoolNow New Day...