morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-01-29
To: Final pre-check
Miles today: 0.0

Ok almost ready or should I say comfortably prepared. I have packed and repacked my pack too many times to count. I am using compression sacks to compress the soft stuff way down so everything will fit inside my pack. The compression sacks are also waterproof so I hope to keep as much as I can dry even when it's raining, Nobody wants to put on wet clothes or sleep in a wet sleeping bag. I did say hope to keep some things dryI have purchased 3 pairs of hiking shoes and have worn them all around home just to break them in. When I need a new pair on the trail, they will already be broken in.The bags in my pack are: Clothes, Sleeping bag, Sleeping pad, Food, Jet-boil, Water filter and break bag. The break bag holds stuff I only need when I get into town like the phone charger etc.
Date: 2011-01-29
To: Resupply boxes
Miles today: 0.0

Resupply boxes consist mainly of food: 29 boxes total. I have 8 boxes with 3 days of food, 5 boxes with 4 days of food,, 7 boxes with 5 days of food,, 6 boxes with 6 days of food,, 1 box with 7 days of food,, 1 box with 8 days of food, and the last box #29 with 10 days of food. All but the last 2 are completely ready. 1 days food is: 2 Pop Tarts, 1 Hot Chocolate, 1 Oatmeal, 2 Soup, 1 Scrambled eggs with bacon, 5 oz. of home made Trail mix, 1 sweet & salty bar, 1 coffee and 1 dinner.Also included in each box are vitamins, maps, hand sanitizer, tooth paste, disposal razor, Q Tips, wipes.I am mailing out the first 5 on Feb 5th. Boxes 6 thru 11 get mailed March 1st., 12 thru 16 get mailed April 1st., 17 thru 19 get mailed May 1st., 21 thru 24 get mailed June 1st., Boxes 25 thru 29 get mailed July 1st.
Date: 2011-02-05
To: My friend Oakley
Miles today: 0.0

A big Thank You to my friend and fellow Thru-Hiker (class of 1993) Jim Oakley AKA Big Bear.It is your friendship and guidance that put this thru-hike idea into my head many years ago. You constantly inspire me to be a better hiker and to do things right BUT still don't forget to have a good time along the way.So now because of your inspiration I set off on this journey believing I will make it to Maine. I look forward to all the wonderful experiences and people I'll meet along the way.Like you have always told me "if your in a hurry; why are you walking?"Thanks again Oak.
Date: 2011-02-05
To: Final Pack
Miles today: 0.0

With just less than 1 month to go I am so ready. Final pack hanging on hook weight is 39 lb..That includes 3L of Water, 4 days of Food, Sleeping Bag & pad, Clothes, Hiking poles, Camera, Everything I am taking with me except the clothes on my back and the shoes on my feet. I feel pretty good about that. I'll see what works and what doesn't and send home anything I really don't need.Check out my Gear List and photos to see what I'm taking.
Date: 2011-02-14
To: Birthday Hike
Miles today: 0.0

Probably my last warm up hike before I leave for Georgia. A demanding 11 mile hike through crusty snow with my full pack.(39 lbs.) The snow was usually 12" deep with a 4" icy crust. I was the first and only person on the trail. When starting out in the morning the crust was mostly firm so I was able to walk on top of the crust but I had to be really careful since many times my steps went right through the crust twisting and turning my ankles. I made it to the bottom of the hill (about 850' down) before lunch, paused for a short time, then back up again. On the return trip the weather had really warmed up so the crust was now not so firm and I had to post-hole my way back up the hill. Yes my legs were a little stiff, my ankles were sore, my calf muscles were starting to cramp up and I was overall a little tired by the time I returned home, but I was happy.
Date: 2011-03-02
To: Link to interactive map
Miles today: 0.0

Copy the entire link below to go to the map. link starts with http:// and ends with Map.htm To see where the Shelters are, just click the box next to "Shelter:"......http://www.appalachiantrail.org/hiking/find-a-hike/interactive-map.......The attached picture is a screen shot of the map. When you use the link to get to the map just double click or use the slider on the left of the map to zoom in. You will see very good detail of the terrain.
Date: 2011-03-04
To: Last Meal @ Home
Miles today: 0.0

Friday night 3/4/11, my last night @ home for a while. Several friends, including Oak (Big Bear) and my sister Ceal came over and joined Gerrie and me for one last great meal together, I am truly fortunate to have these people in my life and I will surely miss them during my hike. Of course I will still stay in touch as often as I can but I will still miss them a lot.
Date: 2011-03-05
To: On my way to the starting line
Miles today: 0.0

Saturday 3/5/11, OK we are now on our way. Tomorrow we arrive at our friends Carolyn & Bill in Richmond VA. We'll stay 1 night and then on to Concord NC for 1 night then onto the Amicalola Falls State Park. We will stay there 2 nights and Wednesday 3/9/11 I start my long anticipated journey north. Of course it is expected to be raining on Wednesday, but WTF the old hikers motto is No rain, No pain, No Maine so I might as well get used to the rain right away. This way all I have to look forward to are better days ahead. The weather is also expected to get colder, somewhere around 38 degrees, at night with mid to high 50's during the day, and yes that is cold for GA this time of year. Since the temperature was only 12 degrees in PA just last Monday morning with a high of only 25 during the day, 38 and 55 will seem like spring to me :-) Onward to Maine I go.
Date: 2011-03-10
From: Approach trail

To: Day 1 Springer Mountain shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

I left the lodge today about 9am the weather was terrific so I was  wearing shorts and a tee shirt. Within 4 miles the weather had taken a turn for the worst and it started getting colder, so i had to stop and put on some warm clothes. It kept getting colder an colder and by the time I reached the Springer mountain shelter it was freezing. Then the wind & snow started and the temperature dropped some more. I decided to stay in the shelter and not my tent. Not the best choice. I went to the second level to avoid the snow blowing in on me but the wind was blowing so hard that it blew up under the roof and I was covered with snow by the morning. It was the coldest I have ever been while hiking. By the next morning all of our water had a good layer of ice. What a way to start. The good news is I am meeting great people and having a great time.
Date: 2011-03-11
From: Maine

To: Day 2 Hawk Mountain shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Tonight I'm at Hawk Mountain shelter in my tent. Today was a good day of hiking I left Springer mountain shelter 9 am.  It was still very very cold so i had on all of my winter gear, every bit of it. I arrived around 3 pm. A normal day will be wake up, get dressed, let air out of sleeping pad while getting breakfast breakfast is scrambled eggs & bacon with a cup of hot chocolate.  Start by taking off the tent fly so the tent gets more air then packing everything up into the stuff sacks and finally packing the pack.  Now take down the tent and put it back into the tent bag. Attach the tent to the pack and go.  Of course this a simplified version of what actually happens. All in all it usually takes about 1 hr. From the time you first get out of your tent to the time you leave camp.
Date: 2011-03-12
From: Maine

To: Day 3 Gooch Mountain shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Today was a great day of hiking. Left Hawk mountain shelter 9am arrived Gooch mountain shelter by 3pm making it a 7.3 mile day. Todays challenge was Sassafras mountain, and just a hint of what's to come. Large crowd here tonight with spring break just starting trail is full of Hikers.
Date: 2011-03-13
From: Hawk Mountain shelter

To: Day 4 Woods Hole shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: few clouds

Well with the time change I got a late start today and didn't leave camp until 10am.  The weather was going to be in the 70's so it was back to shorts and a tee shirt right out of camp.  Being such a great day to hike I went a little further than the 8.2 miles I had planned and hiked on to Woods Hole shelter for a total of 11.9 mile day making it my first double digit day.  Not actually staying at the shelter but at a camping site just where the shelter path leaves the AT.  After the long day and I was going to sleep in my tent anyway, I just didn't need to go the extra .4 miles to the shelter.  So I don't know how many Hikers were at the shelter.
Date: 2011-03-14
From: Day 4

To: Day 5 Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Well because I went extra miles yesterday, today was a short day only 3.6 miles into Neels Gap and right into the Mountain Crossings Hostel.  Although it was only 3.6 miles and it took me almost 3 hr. I went over the highest mountain in Georgia, Blood mountain @ 4461'.  The hostel was great and all 16 bunks in the bunk room was full by 4pm.  Pirate cooked up a great meal of sloppy joes and chips.  At the outfitters many of the Hikers, including me had their packs checked and extra weight reduced and sent back home. Many purchased new gear including shoes. My pack got reduced by 3 lbs. It might mot sound like much but it will be to my back on the trail. Tomorrow I am going to try to get to Low Gap shelter 10.9 miles away.
Date: 2011-03-15
From: Neels Gap hostel

To: Day 6 ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Low Gap ShelterÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ 
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: light rain

3/15/11 After a good breakfast form Pirate of pancakes and coffee it was back to the trail only this day it was cold (around 40) and raining, but off we went.  The we are NZed, Tyler and myself. HiFive and Forest Gimp would catch up to us shortly.  We quickly found our own pace and as usual, I walked most of the day alone, and that's OK, only to meet up once again at the shelter.  Not everyone that was at the Hostel last night will stop at the same shelter tonight.  It's only by chance that we 5 are here. I quickly setup my tent and crawled inside to keep dry. From Neels Gap Hostel to the Low Gap shelter is 10.9 miles, another double digit day.  Before I forget,  the store at the Mountain Outfitters was really well stocked with everything a hiker could/would need, and I mean really well stocked in all areas, tents, shoes, packs, cooking equipment, and food.  Boy do they have a wide choice of hiking food. That place is great.  Two of the hikers I mentioned in my last post that bought shoes were Tyler and Forest Gimp and Tyler bought a new tent, One other comment about the Hostel, if you plan on sleeping there, bring earplugs.  Many Hikers snore.  The trail here in Georgia is really well maintained and it's a pleasure to hike here.  A big THANK YOU to all the folks who maintain the Appalachian Trail. And one last thing tonight, I really appreciate everyone's warm encouragements especially on a cold wet night like tonight.  Thank you all.
Date: 2011-03-16
To: Day 7 Rocky Mountain Summit
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I left camp this morning around 9:15 it was still around 36 degrees and really really damp and hiked 10.7 miles stoping at the summit of Rocky Mountain,4027' around 3:30. With me tonight are Tyler, Book Smart, Sugar Daddy, Cotton, & Natty.  We all watched the amazing sunset then sat around a roaring campfire. It's a clear night with almost a full moon but there's a cold breeze blowing up the hillside.  I think the temps are going to fall to around 28 tonight. What a difference from last night's cold and rain.  What a great day to be hiking.  I'l try to answer your questions next time I am in town. (Friday night)
Date: 2011-03-17
From: Day 7 Rocky Mountain Summit

To: Day 8 Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

I got up early to see the sunrise and yes it was worth it.  The temperature never got below 32* but the wind blew hard all night so it felt colder.  I was on the trail before 9am, it was already 40* and another great day of hiking  was underway.  Today I hiked 11.9 miles, a path that took me up and down a couple of 4000'+ mountains.  Like I said the day started around 40* but by noon it was over 70*  Water sources are scarce in this area so when you did get to water you filled up.  Of course the water source were mostly in the gaps so I would start each climb with extra water weight.   With the leaves still not out, the 70* felt like 90.  I really enjoyed coming around a bent in the path and be blasted with a stiff breeze.  What a day!  I stopped for the night at Deep Gap shelter and pitched my tent.  Only Book Smart and Sugar Daddy also stopped here, the others continued on into town.  I am really tired tonight so it was a quick dinner, hang food bag and off to bed.  Tomorrow it's 3.6 miles to Dick's Creek Gap and US76.  From there I will find a ride into Hiawassee GA, where I'll pick up my next resupply box.  I'll get a shower, wash clothes, eat a real big meal and sleep in a bed for the night.
Date: 2011-03-18
From: Day 8 Deep Gap Shelter

To: Day 9 Questions answered 
Miles today: 0.0

Answers to some of your questions:Items sent home were: 1 pair of pants, 1 short sleve shirt, fire starter kit, water filter, Deet. Since there is lot of clear water on the trail I only have to treat it not filter it. Filter was 1 lb.Name: No not pain in the A#$ but "Pioneer in Trail Adventures" but lately trail buddies have renamed it "Problem in the Afternoon". I start out well but by late in the afternoon I am slowing the group down. I think I will stay at my own pace and take the flack.I am doing well but I am going to look at my schedule I need to rearrange my plans so I am closer to town the night before I arrive. I had planned each daily to be around 7-8 miles but that would get me into town in the late afternoon and little time to get anything done. So I am going to review my plans and adjust where needed.
Date: 2011-03-18
From: Day 9 Budget Inn Hiawassee GA

To:  Day 9 Budget Inn Hiawassee GA
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: clear sky

Getting up @ sunrise I quickly hiked the 3.6 moles to the highway.  I wasn't waiting long when I was offered a ride into town by Bob & Beth a local retired couple out for a morning hike. I got to the motel, showered, shaved and headed out to find a drug store and get lunch.  After lunch I returned to the motel to pick up my resupply box and set about to get organized for tomorrow. I had ordered a stickpic and it was there waiting for me. The stickpic is a camera mount that goes on the end of a hiking pole so I can get into the picture.  It worked great, I can't wait to try it on the trail.  For dinner i walked 1/2 mile to The Georgia Mountain Restaurant for a real home cooked steak and yummy desert. Now it's off to bed the shuttle back to the trail leaves @ 8:30am.  I really appreciate everyone's interest and comments they really help me keep going.
Date: 2011-03-19
From:  Day 9 Budget Inn Hiawassee GA

To: Day 10 Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

I caught the 8:30 shuttle and was on the trail by 9:00.  A quick note about the shuttle, Ron Havens, owner of the Budget Inn provides free shuttle service from the trail crossing into town and back again in the morning even if you are not staying at his Motel both here in Hiawassee GA and in Franklin NC, now that's nice, so of course I'm staying at the Budget Inn in Franklin.  Leaving town, my pack is full of food and water so it's plenty heavy and of course the trail was mostly uphill all day and again over 74*. This is  almost perfect hiking weather.  By 1:30, I was at the GA / NC border, that's 8.4 miles in 4-1/2 hr, not too bad.  Somehow there is always a big climb just before the shelter or at least it just seems that way. Maybe I'm just more tired in the afternoon and all climbs at the end of the day seem big. Today I ended up at  the Muskrat Creek Shelter which made it a 11.7 mile day. At the shelter are Tyler, Book Smart, Gipcgirl,Just Dave, Uncas, Sugar Daddy, Alias, Tyler2, Sam, Raingear, Dexter and several others.  The shelter is full and there are many tents and hammocks.  There will be a big full moon tonight, I doubt any of us will see it, everyone's tired. (there was a big climb just before the shelter) maybe thunderstorms after midnight.  Onward
Date: 2011-03-20
From: Day 10 Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Day 11 Carter Gap shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: light rain

Well it didn't rain last might but the day started out very cloudy and cool (42*) As usual, I left camp around 9:00, it was pretty level hiking most of the day except the climb up and down Standing Indian Mountain.  The climb up Standing Indian Mountain started at Deep Gap, 4341', and rose to 5498', that's 1158' in only 2 miles then continued down over 6 miles with little ups and downs, lowest was Coleman Gap @ 4226'  ended with 4520' at the shelter, for a total of 12.8 miles today.  While at the summit it started to rain, so it's stop hiking, get on the rain gear and pack cover then get going again only this time the rain only lasted 10 minutes still it is better to be protected than being wet.  Tonight at the shelter it looks like couples night, Blue & Snail, Forest Gimp & Nzend, Gipcgirl & friend, so I pitched my tent a good bit away.  I found a nice soft spot under a grove of decades old rhododendrons whose long arching limbs, each tipped with rich green leaves, stretched out over my tent  making me feel Mother Nature herself was taking me in her arms for the night. Later after dinner I made a small fire to keep myself warm while I completed today's journal. It's almost Hikers midnight, 8:00 so it's off to bed for me.
Date: 2011-03-21
From: Day 11 Carter Gap shelter

To: Day 12 Big Spring shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: clear sky

Well around 11:30 last night a heavy fog/cloud cover engulfs the camp and even though it's not raining, the water collecting on the rodie's leaves dripped like rain.  I went out around 1:00 for a nature call and I couldn't see 10' in front of me.  In the morning the ground and tent were soaked. I waited until the shelter was almost empty, then I moved all my gear in there to pack up.  I finally left camp around 10:00 and by then the sun was up and another beautiful day was underway. After the last few days I decided that since it was such a beautiful day I would take it real slow and enjoy the sights and sounds on the trail.  After the usual morning uphill, the trail was easy, with minor up hills and downs until I came to Albert Mountain. The climb up Albert Mountain starts at Betty Creek Gap 4300' and slowly rises 540' to 4840' in just over 2 miles. Then up another 410' to 5250' in just .3 of a mile. The last section was pretty much straight up, climbing hand made steps cut into the mountain and climbing up shear rock outcroppings, now that's a climb. At the summit of Albert Mountain there is a fire tower, and on a clear day, like today, the view is awesome.  Going down the other side of Albert Mountain was quite a breeze with an easy gentle slope. My final destination for the day was Big Spring shelter just about 1/2 mile more at which I arrived about 2:30.  The shelter was empty so I quickly opened up my tent and all my gear and the warm afternoon sun dried out everything. Total miles today 6.8.  Before long several section Hikers arrived and so did Dexter, a thru-hiker I had met just a couple days earlier, so not a very big crowd here tonight the shelter isn't even full. Then it's dinner, some chit chat and off to bed for all.
Date: 2011-03-22
From: Day 12 Big Spring shelter

To: Day 13 Franklin NC Havens Budget Inn
Miles today: 8.9

Boy what a night last might was, shortly after getting into my sleeping bag, the wind started to blow and blow and blow harder. By 11:00 it was howling and continued to howl all night long, only tonight there was no cold, no fog, no rain just lots and lots of wind I'm guessing 40 mph or better. After last nights comforting location under the rhododendrons I had chosen a similar spot tonight and again felt well protected from the wind.  Morning came and the wind was still blowing but had subsided quite a bit. Dexter was first out of camp but me and the section Hikers took our time finally leaving camp around 10:45.  With only 8.9 miles to go today before reaching Winding Stair Gap I starting hoofin it down the trail and reached the parking lot by 3:15.  Luck was with me once again because the shuttle was just about to leave when I got there.  I almost stopped halfway down the hill to see if I had any cell service but gave up and went on to the lot.  Had I stopped to check for service I would have missed the shuttle and I would have to hitch a ride to town (10 miles).  With Ron Havens at the wheel I was quickly transported to his Budget Inn and the end of my day.  I was checked in to room 12 and quickly went in the shower. Many of my fellow hikers I met along away were here so it felt like home.  Now it's out to dinner and get a beer.
Date: 2011-03-23
From: Day 13 Franklin NC Havens Budget Inn

To: Day 14 Franklin NC Havens Budget Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Ok after getting onto town late yesterday I took a zero day today. A zero day is a day with no trail miles. So I walked to a little local Restrauant, seating for 32 patrons,  for a down home breakfast of eggs, bacon, biscuits @ gravy, large OJ, coffee all for $7.00, did laundry, went to the outfitters, had lunch, a huge chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries and a beer, $9.00, went to the local dry cleaners and had my silk sleeping bag liner repaired/sewed, $4.00, and finally a large dinner. Dinner was hand cut prime rib, button mushrooms, home made applesauce, another beer, and a decadent desert with fresh coffee, $26.00. I am throughly full. One other thing, when I did my laundry I forgot to include 3 pair of socks, so I washed them put in the sink using laundry soap provided by the motel.  In a failed effort to get them to dry faster, I put them 1 at a time in the microwave  in my room. What I learned was it was ok at 1 minute on high, but any longer and the sock began to melt. (see pic in photos). So I now have 3 & 1/2 pairs of socks, and boy did the melted one really stink. It stunk so much I had to toss it away in an outside trash bin and not in my room. Also there was a tornado warning tonight and a very heavy rain storm, so I am glad I choose to stay in town today. Back to the trail tomorrow. Check out several new photos added today.  Now it's really late, 12:05 and I need my sleep.  More when I get Internet access again.