morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-10-01
To: Planning begins
Miles today: 0.0

Planning for an AT section hike in 2010. Starting at Springer and seeing how far north these old legs can get me in 14-16 days on the trail. My weekly day hikes are for field testing my gear and myself, and to relish in the joy of being in the woods. Running and biking for the cardio, eating better to trim down to trail weight. Looking forward to spring.
Date: 2009-11-16
To: Equipment and tips
Miles today: 0.0

Went to an outfitter's store in Bloomington, IN to check out equipment and one of the store salesman had thru hiked the AT in 2006. so he had lots of information and tips to pass on. Also helped me with gear selection do's and don'ts. Only bought a few small utility items for now, but got a better idea of which way to go on tent, bag and pad selections.
Date: 2009-12-10
To: Tent and bags
Miles today: 0.0

Found a good deal on the tent I've had my eye on and it will arrive tomorrow. Don't know what I'll put up first, it or the Christmas tree. I decided to go with the Sierra Design Vapor Light 2. At only 3lbs 6oz it gives me much more room than a solo tent at only a few ounces more. I've got two bags to decide between, a synthetic Lamina 45 or an Arrow Rock 30 down. Guess it will come down to what the weather will be in the Georgia mountains in mid April.Hope to start working on my gear listing soon and will add some photos too.
Date: 2009-12-18
To: Logistics and learning
Miles today: 0.0

Now that I have most all of what I will take on the trail, I have been concentrating on planning the getting to and getting off the trail details. The shuttle to the start on Springer has been arranged and have several options selected for the return shuttle depending on how far I get.I am constantly picking up tips from other hiker's journals and have kept notes on what works and doesn't work(at least for them). One interesting problem I read was how it was difficult for one hiker to get used to sleeping in his bag for the first week or so. I think I'll try some "campouts" in the house this winter to feel more at ease with my bag and pad.Right now my pack weight sits at about 24 pounds, less food and water. But I think I can whittle it down another pound or two with some lighter gear and clothing options. A new digital camera will weigh 8 oz less than my old 4 megapixel one, so that is on the "after Christmas wish list".I will do a lot of experimenting this winter with food choices and preparation options, pack loading, and clothing/layering combinations.Can't wait for April to get here!
Date: 2009-12-22
To: Gear entries
Miles today: 0.0

I have begun to make my gear entries, and will modify my comments on each item as I determine how it performs in the field. I was surprised at how much I have learned from other's journal gear lists and their comments. I was particularly drawn to those entries made by Bison, AT 2009. He did a great of gear analysis at various stages of the hike and with a final review at the end. I think it would be easier for gear selection if I were thru hiking, because of the element of time. When section hiking, particularly for a relatively short duration such as I am doing for two weeks, there is more emphasis on getting it right at the start. I don't have the flexibilty to say, for example, at day three, I get to Neels Gap, and it is suggested that I go with a smaller backpack, I don't dump the one I have for another since I'm not looking at a multi-month consequence of a lighter weight. But what I am looking for is that information from others by their example and my experience with what I am carrying to make future year's section hikes better and more efficient.
Date: 2010-01-13
To: Winter conditioning
Miles today: 0.0

I've been able to get in some cross country skiing over the last couple of weeks due to some recent snows here in Indiana. But there is a thaw in progress over the next few days and I'll be able to get out hiking again by this weekend. I'll also be able to get in some running again while the pavement is clear. I'm starting to do some rigorous exercise routines here at home to help develop better upper body, back and core strength.
Date: 2010-03-05
To: 5 weeks to go
Miles today: 0.0

It's been about eight weeks since my last journal entry and during that time I have been able to get in some long day hikes and xc ski outings to try and keep my legs in shape. This has been a lousy winter in Indiana with lots of annoying snows, you know, the one to two inch type followed by cold weather and strong winds. Not enough to xc ski on, too much to safely run on(at least in my town)and just enough to hide all the frozen footprints in the trails at the state parks where I go on my day hikes. I've been reading the journals of those already on the AT and can't help but feel for them with their struggles to overcome the snow and blowdowns. As such, I'm glad I'm not starting until April when it should be a bit warmer, less chance of snow, but higher chance of rain. But I'll take above freezing temps any day!I plan on doing a couple of 2-3 day shakedown camping trips over the next few weeks to get use to the equipment and find out what works and what doesn't. I'm still working to shave off as much as I can from my pack weight which sits at 24 lbs without food or water. But where do you draw the line? I could spend $100 to upgrade a few items of gear to save 16 ounces, but I could really use that money for a warm night and good meal in a trail town.   Right now, I'm leaning toward saving the money, hiking slower, and learning from others on the trail how to make future section hikes easier.
Date: 2010-03-29
To: Getting anxious
Miles today: 0.0

Ten days and a wakeup before I set foot on the AT to start my section hike and I've got to admit I have mixed emotions. The equipment is ready and tested. The logistics are all in place or ready to be checked off the list. And two weeks away from work has been negotiated. But it's me I'm not too sure of. I suspect many section and especially thru hikers go through the thoughts of self doubt regarding their ability to make it to the end, or even through the first day. The desire to hike the trail started when I was young and it has remained the same even as I have gotten older and wiser. So my only concern is how this nearly sixty year old body will respond to the rigors of the trail. I've run half marathons and done one day hundred mile bike rides but nothing can train for hiking like hiking, so I've done a lot over the last six months. But the flat land of Indiana doesn't compare to what lies ahead. So I'll just take it easy and enjoy each day. I expect to be tired and sore, hungry and wet, hot and/or cold, but I never expect to regret being there. There is something special about that connection between nature and the soul that lifts the spirit and restores one's faith, and that's what I will seek on my adventure.
Date: 2010-04-07
To: Arrive in Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

I left Indiana a day early because of the prospect of driving down the next day in rain the whole way. I arrived at Mountain Crossings at Neels Gap in early afternoon and decided to get my pack shakedown by the staff there before I started on my hike. Ended up changing a few things, leaving a few things out and reorganized it well enough to get the tent on the inside instead of strapped to the top. Final pack weight was about 35 lbs. I got myself a bunk in the hostel and had a chance to talk with several of the hikers and staff during the evening about the trail and their experiences.
Date: 2010-04-08
To: Blood Mt Hike
Miles today: 0.0

The weather forecast was for rain most of the day, so I stripped my pack down to the essentials needed for a day hike, put on the rain gear, and headed out from Neels Gap southbound on the AT to climb Blood Mt. Met lots of hikers heading down. The wind driven rain worked its way through the layers until I was completely soaked, but was staying warm enough. Stopped for a brief snack break in the Blood Mt shelter, then continued southbound to catch the Freeman Trail near the Slaughter Creek campsite. Took the Freeman Trail back to the AT north of Blood Mt and came back down to Neels Gap. Hike totaled about 6.4 miles and was a good tune up for starting out at Springer the next day.Headed down to the Hiker Hostel where I had reservations for the night. Got my clothes dried, went out for supper and got the pack ready to start out in the morning.
Date: 2010-04-09
From: Springer Mt

To: Hawk Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.8

We had a full van leaving the Hiker Hostel, dropping folks off at two other road crossings before we arrived the parking lot below Springer Mt. Anxious and exicited about finally starting my hike. It was cool and windy but mostly sunny as we began our 0.9 mile backtrack up the AT to reach the starting point on Springer Mt. Took some photos, found the log book and signed it, helped others take pictures then headed back down the mountain on the Appalachian Trail. It was fairly easy going and I wasn't having too much trouble adjusting to the pack weight. Lots of nice scenery along the way, especially the rhodedendron groves and the streams that crossed the trail.Reached Hawk Mt shelter and found a good tent site not far from the shelter and set up camp. Went to the spring to fill up water bladder then went to fix supper on the cooking shelf at the shelter. One guy was facinated by my homemade alchohol stove/windscreen/pot arrangement that he took pictures of it. The stove setup worked well and had my Lipton meal ready in a few minutes. The freezer bag method makes it nice with nothing to wash up expect the spoon. It was getting cold so I put on the down vest and gloves and visited a bit with others. There were probably about twenty-five tents scattered about the area and a few sleeeping in the shelter.
Date: 2010-04-10
From: Hawk Mt Shelter

To: Gooch Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.3

I awoke wondering how my body would feel this day after yesterday's hike. But to my grateful surprise there were no aches to speek of and the soreness in my feet did not return when slipping on my boots. I broke camp, ate my poptarts and was on the trail by about 8:30. It was warmer today and I eventually had to zip off the trouser legs and put on the sock gaiters. The trail began to show it's true character that was expected in Georgia, with many ups and downs in elevation and the first big climb of the hike up Sassafras Mt. The woods are still quite void of leaves at this time of year and at this elevation, so the sun was unhindered and I had to put on the suntan lotion/bug repellent as this heat also brought out a pesky biting fly. I stopped at a stream just before the shelter to refill my water bladder and have a quick snack.Several others had past me during the day's hike and I had to scout around a bit to find a somewhat level campsite. I always try to find some sort of natural seating nearby and this one also came with some shade and some great low limbs upon which I strung my clothesline. I took advantage of the great weather and warmth to do some laundry. Dr Bonner soap + ziplock bag + water + clothes. I did several small loads and then hung to dry. Many of the others I had started out with also stopped here for the night. Fixed supper, made up my bed, layed out clothes for tomorrow, and tried to plan out the next day's hike and destination. There was suppose to be a good campsite with water at Lance Creek(about mile 23) so several of us decided to head for it on Day 3.
Date: 2010-04-11
From: Gooch Mt Shelter

To: Wood's Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

The goal for today was to do about 8 miles or so again and camp with some others at Lance Creek, but it ended up being a much longer day than expected. I got started about dawn and was making pretty good time. Took a long break at Woody Gap to eat and refill the water bladder and bottle. There were several nice views along the way before the decent to Lance Creek which I reached about 2 pm. I waited for about an hour for the others to arrive but they didn't show so I decided to press on to Wood's Hole Shelter. I made it to the shelter at about 5 pm exhausted and sore. I didn't feel like cooking dinner so I just ate some crackers, meat & cheese, some trail mix and a liter of gatorade I mixed up. Also too tired to set up the tent and there were only three of us in the shelter and three others in tents. Got to bed at dark and was amazed at how light it was in the middle of the night from just the starlight.
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Wood's Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

I didn't sleep very well in the shelter due to concerns over mice chewing on my gear or waking up to a large furry visitor, both of which had been mentioned as happening lately in the shelter journal. And sleeping with earplugs to muffle the snoring made it also difficult to hear any activity around us. But no visitors came by last night. Took my time getting started this morning since I only had a short hike to Neels Gap and didn't have the tent to pack up, so I fixed some hot chocolate to have with my poptarts.   Since I had already stayed at the Neels Gap hostel before starting my hike I decided to get in touch with The Hiker Hostel to see if I could get a shuttle back to their place. I called from Blood Mt to see if they had a space then again when I got to Mountain Crossing so I had some time to kill. Priority 1 was a hot dog, chips and cold drink, Priority 2 was getting some souvenier items that I could leave in my car when I got back to the hostel.    Leigh picked me up at about noon and I jabbered all the way back to the hostel, she said she enjoyed listening to those that were exicited about their hiking experience. Priority 3 - A hot shower and clean clothes. Priority 4 - A big juicy hamburger. I took two other hikers with me from the hostel into Dahlonega and found a nice little place on the square where we had burgers, onion rings and a beer. Priority 5- Restock food items at the Walmart. The photo shows what a typical day's food ration is comprised of. This shopping trip allowed me to also get more instant Gatorade which helps to replenish the salts I'm losing each day. Priority 6 - Wash my clothes and reevaluate those that I'm carrying. Went to bed feeling refreshed, full, clean and and with a few less clothing items in my pack that I could do without and leave behind in my car.
Date: 2010-04-13
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

After a good night's sleep and a great breakfast at the Hiker Hostel, Leigh took me up to Neels Gap and I was on the trail by about 8:30. This section of trail contained lots of ups and downs, but after my near-0 day before, I felt good and had little difficulty although the climb up from Tesnatee Gap seemed pretty steep.   The weather was sunny, as most of the days have been so far, and with little to no canopy yet, it was quite warm hiking in the sun and I was drinking a lot to stay hydrated.   I was often passed by faster hikers and I would occasionally pass a couple during a day's hike and sometimes would leapfrog with a hiker as we passed each other while on a rest or meal break. I was about fifty yards behind a hiker I had passed before and as I came over a rise I noticed he was off the trail but along side it going through the scrub trees and asked him if something was wrong as he appeared quite aggitated and looking back toward the trail. "There's a rattlesnake by the trail! It scared me and I fell down!" My response was, "Oh, cool!", and reached for my camera. I slowly approached the area and you see above what I saw, and it was laying immediately next to the right side of the trail. I got my picture, backed away and thought, "Now what?" I could walk around it like the other guy did, but the next hiker along might be at risk due to its closeness to the trail. I could have easily hit it with my treking pole if I hadn't known it was there. After eliminating all other options(note on tree, three rocks(ie, danger), and sitting there till it left and to warn others, I realized it had to leave. So I went back to the snake and began to try and coax it into moving on by gently prodding it with my pole, but it wouldn't move so pushing a little harder got the rattle up and going but it still stayed. I remembered the old Jeff Corwin shows on Animal Planet and all he ever used was a stick to lift snakes off the ground, so I figured I'd give it a try. I gently worked the mud cup up under its body and as soon as I began to lift it he decided to uncoil and move off into the woods. I was surprised to see how big its body diameter was, about the size of a baseball bat, and how quickly it tapered down to a small head and tail sections. I guess it was about four feet long.   Got to Low Gap Shelter, set up my tent next to Avatar's, ate some supper, and called it a night.
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

Left Low Gap Shelter this morning with the expectaion of staying at Blue Mt Shelter that night, but I arrived at that shelter so early in the afternoon that I decided to press on to Unicoi Gap and try my luck at hitching into Helen. I guess I'm getting my trail legs and becoming more comfortable with the pack weight since the mileage is increasing and the soreness is decreasing.   Got to the gap and called the Super 8 in Helen to check on a room. They gave me the number of Cool Breeze as a possible shuttle source into town. So I stood on the roadside with my thumb out(for the first time in my life) and on the cell phone with the other hand. And then trail magic happened. As two other hikers hooked up with me to try and reach Helen, a big old Buick responded to my thumb and slammed on the brakes. It turned out that the older gentleman driving was just driving around trying to find the AT crossings because his daughter was on her thru hike somewhere south of us and he was learning his way around so he could meet up with her in a few days. He already had another hiker in the front seat that he was going to drive to Gainesville and said he fit all of us in his car, packs and all. So we took the winding road to Helen and I got a motel room. Took a walk across town to restock at the only grocery store, did all my laundry in the sink and hung to dry, and then went out for some pizza and and a beer. Helen is a neat town and I'll return someday with my wife to check it out completely.   Arranged for Cool Breeze to pick us up in the morning and take us back to the trail. Had a good night's sleep.
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Had a quick breakfast at the motel in Helen and was ready to go when Cool Breeze arrived to take us back to the trail at Unicoi Gap. Bones, Spock and I were on the trail before 8am and heading up the steep climb on Rocky Mountain. Followed by another gap and then another climb up Tray Mt. Stopped for lunch and water at Tray Mt shelter then pushed on through a long series of little ups and downs to Sassafras Gap we set up our tents for the night. Later in the evening we were joined by Wilbur and Monkeyback.   Had to search around a lot for a good tree for the food bag. The rock bag and line I brought worked fine.   During the day I had taken off my boot to shake out what I thought was some debris I felt in there and that evening when I took off my socks I found blisters on the back of both feet just above the heel. Checking my boots I could feel where a bump had developed and was protruding from the back of each boot between the leather and the goretex liner. This was the first time I had gotten blisters in these boots and the first problem I had with the boot's durability. I probably only had about 150 miles on them at the most.    I had left Helen with five days food supply so I could continue past Dick's Creek Gap and make my next stop in Franklin, but I knew I couldn't continue much further with these boots. My only option now was to get to an outfitter, get some new boots and get back on the trail as soon as possible. I was disappointed that the boots had let me down and that it was going to be a costly change of plans both in time and money. I would have to have Cool Breeze pick me up at Dick's Creek Gap and have him take me to get some new boots.   Fixed supper and turned in early due to a light rain.
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: few clouds

Last night's light rain didn't last long so everything was pretty much dry in the morning. Ate breakfast, broke camp and headed out before the others. I'm a bit slower and need to get to Dick's Creek Gap before 11am and had about 6 miles to cover. It was a tough, steep climb up Kelly Knob but there was a nice breeze and cool temps below 70. There was limited water along the trail and I couldn't take the time to add a half mile to get water at Deep Gap shelter so I ended up running out with about 1.5 miles to go. The moleskin I'd put on my feet that morning to protect the blisters wasn't staying put.   Cool Breeze picked up me and Spock and Bones. He suggested I get some new boots at the store at Neels Gap. So I got dropped off there while he took the others to Hiker Hostel since they had decided to call it quits on their section hike. Griz helped me find some boots that we hoped would work and some additional insoles with more support for my arches and cushioning for my heel spurs. Cool Breeze picked me up and took me to the Hiawasee Inn.   Got something to eat at the DQ nearby and a shake, then headed back to the room to do some laundry. Checked out the morning shuttle schedule, bought a few snack items for trail food at the gas station and a gatorade to start out on the trail with tomorrow. Had a footlong, pop and chips from Subway for supper and settled in for the night. The forecast is for 50-70 for Sat and then 40-70's thru Wed.