morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-01-14
To: Growing Excitement
Miles today: 0.0

Moving further into 2014 is only increasing my longing for the trail. My injuries suffered this past year have all but healed. I'm back to regular working out and walking. Every once in a while I'll get out my gear to reflect upon the usefulness of each item in light of my hike last March. Still satisfied with nearly everything. The only item I know that I'll have to replace is my rain jacket. But that is about all.Can't wait to begin reading of the trail adventures among the 2014 class once more of them get started. Have volunteered to serve as a transcriber for two men from a nearby area of Mississippi as they begin their walk in March. It's amazing the number of things you continue to learn via the experiences of others. Even after all these years of hiking, I still consider myself a novice out there with more mistakes and failures under my belt than successes. But the trail keeps calling us back, right?And so we begin the long countdown -- roughly fourteen months for me -- until I can resummit Springer Mountain, turn 180 degrees and head north. Who knows, perhaps this time I'll even choose to begin down at the State Park and hike the approach trail. Maybe eight long uphill miles will be just the thing to slow me down and keep me from making the same mistake I made this past March -- starting out too fast, going too far, too soon and incurring a crippling injury. We will see.Was facinated by a tread I saw by some hiker wantabe who was asking if it might be possible to hike the AT with no money. Did y'all see that one? Amazing! Appreciated the advice one person offered that the trail is not meant to serve as an escape from responsibilities and problems. In most cases, those same things will still be there waiting once the hike is over. So, facing the situation -- whatever it may be -- always seems best to me. However, I agree that there is something awfully therapeutic about the trail. It does give one time to think and, in the process, solutions can be found. I have found the hiker community, over the years, to be a giving, caring and helpful community. I appreciate that about the folk I run into on the AT. But let's not take advantage of it and go out there intent on subsisting off of the generosity of others.Well, all the best to those who are heading out in the coming months. If you leave early, go prepared for some cold weather. Learn from the experiences of us who suffered the cold, wet spring of 2013!
Date: 2014-02-02
To: How Much More Winter?
Miles today: 0.0

Well, the old groundhog has made his prediction. Yeah, that's right. Six more weeks of winter! That doesn't bode well for those brave (or foolish?) souls who dare to hit the trail early this year -- especially without the proper equipment. But who knows -- he could be wrong -- AGAIN! Why last year this time, the great pronosticator told us that Spring would come early. You remember that? Well, those of us who hit the trail last March, thinking that the worst of winter was over were dead wrong! Winter was not through with the mountains of north Georgia and some of us nearly froze out there. But hey, perhaps this years' prediction will be more correct and the hikers of 2014 will listen and go prepared.Have been forced to get nearly all my walking in on a treadmill as of late what with one strong blast of Artic Freeze after another -- even here in the deep south. But that's okay. Donning my daypack with 20 lbs and putting in five miles or so setting the machine on 'hills' is a good workout. Then I normally switch over and do an hour on the stair climber. All in all, I'm pleased with my progress with still over a year to go before I can give it another try.Hey, I might have a chance to see something of New England this coming summer as my wife and I plan to make a trip up there to celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary. Don't have the plans worked out yet, but it should be fun. Anyone wanting to suggest a specific town or attraction are welcome to write.Well, fellow anticipatory hikers of our class of '15, hang in there with your own workouts and mile-slogging. It will pay off! Thanks to all who have written to encourage me.God bless!
Date: 2014-02-15
To: Heavy Snow in the NC Mountains
Miles today: 0.0

I wouldn't have wanted to have been caught out there on the trail when the southern mountains got hit with this most recent storm. Man did it bring back cold memories of last March. For those hikers who were inclined to start their pilgrimage early, I can only hope they were warned as the storm approached and were able to take shelter in some town. Stepping up my training and continue to be pleased with conditioning. Big B'day coming up this week -- big 62! That only reminds me that I'll be 63 (the Good Lord willing) next year before I step back onto the trail for another try at hiking to Maine. I'm sure this year ahead of me will be filled with interesting work and wonders and will go by quickly.
Date: 2014-02-26
To: Spring Is On the Way!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Ah, the Buttercup! What a wonderful harbinger of Spring! Here in the 'Deep South' the signs are everywhere. The forsythia is almost in full bloom and the crocuses and hyacinths are sprouting up all over the place. The squirrels are chasing each other around the yard and the blue birds are scrounging about looking for nesting material. I know that we haven't seen the last of Winter yet, but surely Spring is on the way! It's time for all good hikers to heed the call to 'Head North, young man, head north'. Wasn't that the direction Horace Greeley encouraged? I mean, who wants to head West, anyway???The temps here were so inviting today that I just couldn't stay inside. Was able to get in about eight good miles with pack today. It felt great!Celebrated the big '62' last week. My wife is springing for a new rain jacket. I'm waiting until my next trip up to our cabin in North Carolina in April to hit the outfitter for that purchase. My daughter gave me a titanium long-handled spoon which will come in handy. And best of all, my wife baked my favorite cake in all the world -- German Chocolate! It was incredibly delicious. Wish I could figure out a way to carry that in my food bag when hiking. We didn't put 62 candles on it, however, as we didn't want to melt the icing.The more I think about it, I think I could just about live off of snicker bars and Nutella and German Chocolate cake. Hmmmm -- do I sense a common thread there???I see that my friends, Andy and Chet (Mississippi) are down to their last few weeks of preparation before heading north. I also met another young man here who is to set out from Springer on March 1st. I also hear that the Mississippi Mule is back on the trail this year. So, all in all, the Magnolia State will be well represented in the Class of 2014. Good hiking to you all. Be sure to get your fill of fried green tomatoes and cheese grits before you reach the Mason-Dixon Line.Take care everyone.
Date: 2014-02-27
To: Leki makes good on lifetime warranty
Miles today: 0.0

The lower sections on my hiking poles were damaged last year in my hike. I am so glad that I had invested in Leki poles. Their fix, repair, or replace policy is fantastic. And dealing with them was a pleasure. So, today my replacement sections arrived. I've installed them and am good to go. Listen fellow hikers -- if you haven't made you purchase of poles yet, you can't go wrong with Leki. Well, enough of the unpaid recommendation. The weather has been very Spring-like here in the South as of late. Everything is in full bloom. It has been great getting outside for long walks. Other than a nagging injure of my left Achilles, everything is working well and I feel great. Can't believe I have to wait another twelve months but the time will fly by. Am enjoying the journals of some of the older hikers in this years' class. I. Looking forward to learning some useful tips via their hike. Greeting to all of you in our own 2015 Class!
Date: 2014-02-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Greetings All! Man, this winter just seems to be lingering around, doesn't it? Kinda reminds me of my own experience on the trail last year. I started out on March 15th and thought that winter was surely over. Man, was I wrong -- and I wasn't alone. Those first couple of weeks we just kept getting run out of the hills by one wave of winter after another. I sure hope those out there this year fair better. My own buddies, Chet and Andy, are less than a week away from their start. I hear that the Smokies just received another coating. Maybe by the time they get that far in a couple of weeks the temps will have warmed up a bit.A friend here is introducing me to a new passtime -- Disc Golf. He and his son have really gotten into it and it sounds like a lot of fun. So, I went out and purchased some of the most basic equipment. The three discs (frisbees) in the photo are pretty much all one needs. There is a long distance disc (the Driver), and then a mid-range disc, and then a short-range disc (or putter). I'm sure the learning curve for me will be high as I haven't thrown a frisbee in years. Hope my reconstructed shoulder holds up to the tossing action. Anyway, they say that cross training is good for any sport. Who knows, this disc-golfing may even help improve my hiking!
Date: 2014-03-01
To: Just 365 or So Days Away
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A Big "Spring-ee" Hello to all of my fellow hikers and hike planners! Have you been following the class of 2014 like I have? The weather has been nearly as crazy for them as it was on us last year. And the drop-out rate seems to be about as high. Being one of the disappointed many from last year's class, I certainly can empathize with those who didn't feel they could continue on due to injuries or illnesses. That crazy trail does take its toll on you. I hope and pray that my next effort will meet with more success.Those of you who may have followed my hike last year, no doubt, will be quite surprised to hear that I'm re-thinking which stove I'll use next time around. I came off the trail last Spring and swore that I'd never leave home without my MSR Pocket Rocket again after spending too many wet and cold nights without the ability to fire up my wood-burning stove and heat water. But I just love this little stove! I really do. I've just got to figure out a plan for carrying some tinder or fire starter which might enable me to get the stove started on rainy days. After that, it should burn twigs and small sticks which are slightly damp. I don't know. I've got a whole year to experiment and figure it out. But the idea of not having to carry fuel is intriging. It just makes me think I'm going more rustic, if you know what I mean. Also, I just love sitting down at the end of the day beside my own little wood fire. Plus, the smoke tends to help keep the mosquitos at bay. Well, not really! But it's nice to imagine that it is helping.On the home front -- was glad finally to see the rain in our area move out this afternoon. I didn't imagine that I would get to walk at all today, but the rain finally stopped sometime after noon. I threw on my pack around 3 PM and was able to get out and log in five miles. It felt great.Wish I could join the group from our Class for the gathering in Ohio. I just can't swing it. But I hope those who go have a great time and perhaps they will share with the rest of us some of what they learn from each other.Okay ,take care everyone. I'm off the day after tomorrow for a week up at our cabin in the North Carolina mountains. Can't wait!
Date: 2014-03-29
To: Retirement Possibilities?
Miles today: 0.0

My Friend Andy just sent me this photo he took recently in Dahlonega the day before he and Chet set off on their northward bound excursion toward Katahdin. He suggested that I consider this as a possibility after I retire from my present vocation, saying it was all set up and ready for me. Ha! Well, perhaps -- afterall, I did trim some hair back in my college days. It kept me in poker money. So, perhaps this is an option as long as I have customers who aren't picky about the outcome.Another beautiful day here in the Deep South! I should be out walking but have too much to do to get ready for our trip to North Carolina. Can't wait to get back to the mountains. I want to spend as much time as possible just sitting out on our deck and watching the early leaves burst out on the trees. It may still be too early for that this year. Also want to harvest some more stone on the property and work on my firepit a bit more. That and several other projects should keep me busy.Have to make a trip to the REI store to replace my rain jacket. That gift card is what my wife gave me for my birthday this past February.Take care everyone!
Date: 2014-04-06
To: Running into a Stray Moose
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Finishing up a wonderful week in the North Carolina mountains where I ran into this big guy. See all you hikers, you don't have to wait until Maine to encounter moose. If you're quiet you might just slip up on one at the most unexpected time and in unusual places. This monster I came face to face with in the Moose Cafe in Hendersonville. Great trip. Not too much work done around the cabin. Fantastic weather. Made me wish I had my gear and could hit the trail. But alas, no time for hiking on this trip.
Date: 2014-04-07
To: Gear Replacement
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was necessary to replace my old rain jacket as the inner lining was breaking up due to the rubbing of my backpack. So, with some Birthday money from my wonderful wife I made a visit to the REI outfitters near Asheville and browsed their selection. I settled on the REI Rainwall and I think I'm going to love it. It has pit zips and mesh pockets which help with ventilation. It comes with an adjustable and detachable hood. It's relatively light weight and it packs up into its own pocket. This way I can use it as a pillow -- unless it is wet, of course.I think that will be the last piece of gear that I will need to replace with the exception of shoes. I'm sure that I will wear out my present shoes logging in all these practice miles this year. So, sometime next February it should be necessary to purchase a new pair.Oh, and I will have to pick up a few more pair of Injinji socks. How I love the way these protect my feet (especially my toes) from blisters!Hey, did y'all hear the forecast for 2015 is calling for a great deal of rain? It seems that El Nino (sp?) is returning and will impact our weather beginning this Fall. The weather folk (for whatever they know about it) are saying that 2015 will likely be a wet one for us out there on the AT. Well, I guess we'll just have to learn to love it, right? No Rain, No Pain, No Maine. Isn't that how it goes?
Date: 2014-04-19
To: Another Training Walk
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I had a little companionship out on my training walk today. This little fella just may have been the only thing that was slower than me on today's trail. You can't see too much of his head. He was acting a little camera shy about getting his picture taken. But we were out there -- in the warm sunshine under clear blue skies right here in the great Magnolia State of Mississippi. Hey, looks like nearly all of the Class of 2014 has hit the trail (at least the NOBO's). It has been great entertainment reading of their walks. Some of the photos have been good too. I wish them all well. Speaking of hiking, I just finished reading the bio on Grandma Emma Gatewood. Wow! What a tough old lady! I can't imagine what she endured at the age of 67 hiking in Keds tennis shoes and carrying her gear in a gunny sack over her shoulder. My feet hurt on those rocks and mine are wrapped in vibram. Hey, if you get to Damascus, go into the MRO Outfitters and over in a corner inside a case are a pair of Grandma Emma's worn out shoes. What a wild woman! Wish I could have met her. God bless you all and a Blessed Easter.
Date: 2014-04-20
To: Another Person Sold on the AT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I'm at a dealership today getting my car worked on. I'm wearing my AT T-shirt so it wasn't a surprise that a man came up and began talking. Seems that he and his wife had just returned from a quick trip to Virginia and he spoke of how excited his wife got just by seeing an AT sign beside a roadway. She got out a map and began directing her husband to turn here, drive up this road, turn there -- all to reach a few places where the trail crosses various roads. At one place they got out and walked a whole half of a mile on our beloved trail. Sometimes that's all it takes. He said they are both hooked. They can't wait to go back and hike a section. As I listened to him, I couldn't help but feel the tug of the trail on me too. I, too, can't wait to get back-- to climb up the hi away from the trailhead and not come down. Till then, happy hiking to you all!
Date: 2014-05-12
To: Creepy Companion
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Greetings, fellow hikers. The days have turned warm and muggy here in the Deep South. In this humidity the sweat just rolls off of me. By the time I finish up my normal six to ten miles I am totally drenched from head to foot. I walk and dream of the less humid mountains along the AT. Although things can get rather unpleasant even there in the mid-summer months. Hey, Trail Days is coming up this week in Damascus. Wish I could be there this year. I'll just have to look forward to hiking into Trail Days next year. Thought I'd post today's pic of a slithery companion I ran into along my hike this morning. I nearly stepped on it. Sure sets the heart to thumping and inspired me to hug the middle of the path for the remainder of the hike. Also, as my friend Andy said, tends to make you look twice at every stick, root, and shadow. Anyway, safe hiking out there to you all!
Date: 2014-05-29
To: Hot Preparation Miles
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

It's a rainy day here in the Deep South and I'm taking the day off from my walking. I know. I know. I just a whoosh of a hiker, right? Actually, I've been very pleased with my training, logging in a mimimum of six hot and humid miles daily with a nine or ten thrown in once in a while. This far out from Springer, I don't want to peak too early, right? I just want to get through these nearly unbearable summer months and then pick it up a bit in the Fall.Hey, great article in the latest Backpacker on quick and easy trail smoothies. I think I'll try to experiment in the coming days just to try out some of the recipes. On several of my earlier section hikes I have bought and taken along breakfast smoothies purchased from Packit Gourmet. They were super! I particularly enjoyed the 'Eat a Peach' flavor. But, at $3.99 a pop they are only practical on short section hikes. So, I'll see what I can come up with using Protein Whey powder, one Strawberry Clif Shot gel, a packet of Justin's Almond Butter, a packet of Carnation Instant Breakfast, and whatever else I may find to toss in to top it off. I already have the BlenderBall whisk which I can toss into a nalgene bottle with the above ingredients and water -- shake vigoriously -- and we will see how it taste. I'll give you an update report on my findings.Getting back to my daily training -- I consider myself fortunate to have several large parks nearby in which to do my walking. The wildlife found in these areas is amazing. The other day, as I walked, I was serenaded by a vast number of red-winged blackbirds. They must have had nests hidden nearby in the trailside weeds for if I got too close they would circle overhead and scream. I was never dive-bombed but I anticipated it happening a few times. Also, the storks and geese and cranes are just plain fun to watch as they wade in the creeks, dipping their heads in the water for food. These creatures are amazing fishermen in their own rights!Well, the 2014 season is slipping forward. I just heard from my friend (50/50 of the Class of 2013) and learned he is getting back on the trail again. He has gone back up to Front Royal where his injuries last year forced him to retire and he hopes to finish his hike atop Katahdin in September. I wish him well! I'm also enjoying keeping up with Stumpknocker's around the country summer cycling tour. His photos are great as is his humorous account of his daily discoveries. Be sure to add his journal to your summer reading!Well, take care all of you. The days, weeks, and months are ticking off. Soon it will be our turn!
Date: 2014-05-30
To: Rainy Day Hike
Miles today: 0.0

It was rainy nearly all day today. Didn't imagine I would get out for a walk and that was just as well as things seemed to mount up on me at work. But along about 5:00 PM I thought I saw a break in the cloud cover and decided I'd rush out and try to get in a few miles before dark. I hadn't gone more than a mile when the clouds moved in again and it started to drizzle. It never occurred to me to bring along my rain jacket. All I could do was reach into my day pack for a large trash bag, pull out my pocket knife and slit it up the sides, make a hole for my head, and walla -- improvised rain gear. It would have been nice to have my rain skirt along as well. But then again, I'm not so sure the good folk here in Mississippi are quite ready to see a grown man out walking in the rain in a skirt! I'm not sure but I think you can get arrested down here for such behavior.The longer I walked, the more threatening the clouds on the horizon became. Hearing thunder in the distance was enough to convince me to cut my walk short. But all I could think about was how cool and refreshing it was to be out there. The wind-driven rain was a blessed relief after all the heat we've had lately. I didn't even mind those cold drops which seemed to fall with such precision down the back of my neck when under tree cover. I was reminded of just how much I truly enjoy hiking in the woods on rainy days. Weird, huh? There is just a fresh, earthy smell to things, along with a quietness that is soothing. Even the animals seem to hole up somewhere leaving the trail to me alone. I love how the tree trunks take on a darker appearance when wet. And I love my waterproof Merrells. They certainly came in handy today as water was running several inches deep in many places along my path. All in all, it was a great, albeit short outing.Happy Rainy Day hiking to you all!