morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-01
To: Hope springs eternal.
Miles today: 0.0

Spring training baseball games started this last week in Florida and Arizona. I am a huge Detroit Tigers fan and I told myself that since I would be unable to follow the Tigers during the season that I would not give much attention to them in the spring and my interest would wane. However, I find myself constantly checking out the latest bits of news and info. At this time of year, fans of nearly every team are filled with hope that this is the year their team puts it all together and has an amazing season. The dissapointing memories of past years are forgotten and promise and potential takes their place. I can't help but compare that to the views of us hikers preparing to or starting to hike this year. Stats tell us that a small percentage of us will finish but we are optomistic in spite of the odds. The many factors that say we won't make it are ignored and our crazy hiker imagination and dreams take their place. Spring training is a magical time that every baseball fan loves and enjoys. It should be relished and the possible agony of a losing season can be dealt with later. I'm trying to take the same approach with the preparation time leading up to my hike. I enjoy the thrill of opening my pack and trying it on immediately after shutting the door on the UPS man...I enjoy feeling like a genius finding an item that will shave a couple ounces off of my pack weight. I'm going to do my best to enjoy the good and bad of my hike whether it is a week, month, or the 6 months and 2175 miles that I am SURE I will hike. The trail might shorten some of our hikes but it shouldn't dampen our anticipation and enjoyment regardless of the final results.
Date: 2009-03-04
To: Practice
Miles today: 0.0

Here is a typical get in shape session for me....I climb on the treadmill warm up a bit then crank the incline up to 10 for those steep hills and mountains on the trail and put the speed at a quick walk or mabe even running speed. I start huffing and puffing and sweating a bit and I think 'maybe I should prepare for the gradual inclines and declines that I'm sure are found somewhere along the trail.' So I crank the incline down to about 3 and keep going. Then I think 'well what if I come upon a slow hiker that I want to chat with......maybe I should be prepared for those times.' So I slow the speed down to a slow walk and catch my breath and let the sweat dry. Ok so this is just a humorous story but the truth is I could have used more hiking time and more treadmill time and etc etc. I have a hard time with practice. I remember in high school I would be much less interested in practice if we didn't keep score in our scrimages than if we did. I guess because the miles aren't counting toward the AT I am less interested in racking them up. I read a trail journal of a former marathoner and he talked about building a base - going for hikes with your pack for a period of months - then doing some work with weights then giving your body total rest for a week or two before your start date and you would be raring to go. I was eager to follow this plan but never did.So I am putting more stock in the sayings like a marathoner and a couch potato are in equal shape after a month on the trail or there is nothing you can do to simulate walking the trail day after day. Just kidding. I realize the seriousness of a 6 month hike and don't want to give the impression that I think preparation is not needed. I do have a couple things in my favor...i'm in decent shape and worked a fast paced physical job for the past 6 months. I'm also going to take it easy the first month or so on the trail and let my body adjust and try to listen to it when it is tired. I've tried to work on strenthening my joints and my balance. So you marathoners get your laughs in now and we will race in a month. For those who put the miles of prepation in, I know you have an advantage on me. I also think it will be mental toughness making me go on the many days when my body would rather not. Its warming up here in southwest Michigan and it is really increasing my hiking fever. Can't wait to be out there!
Date: 2009-03-24
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

I'm going to post mileage and sleeping sights on my journals for the next week so my mileage will add up accurately. I'm writing daily journals and mailing them back to my girlfriend Leah who will edit and update these with a more detailed daily journal. (this is the updated part...finally )Stayed at a Comfort Inn in Blue Ridge, GA last night. My dad drove me up here. We took the Forest Access Road and walked 0.9 miles to the top of Springer Mtn. The mountain top was cloud covered. Took pictures with the two plaques....I'm pretty sure these pictures are required of everyone that starts from Springer.Started out at 9:57 on March 24th. Todays hike went up and down and crisscrossed a creek. Ate lunch on a smooth log with the sounhds of the creek in the background.(Peanut Butter, tortillas, and pudding)In the middle of hiking today I started thinking that I get to do this for the next 150 or so days and I got a big smile on my face! I'm sure all days won't be as pleasant as today, but it was a great start.Tenting at Hawk Mtn. Shelter tonight. About 15 people are here and most plan to hike to Maine. We are a pretty varied crew. All ages from all parts of the country. It's cool that the A.T. appeals to many different people.
Date: 2009-03-25
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

Rain started last night and kept up all day. UPDATEDPretty wet day today. Started the middle of last night and only stopped for a while early in the afternoon. Hiked through fog and cold shrouded woods all day. Pretty surreal. I could only see about 100 feet in front of me most of the day.There is an army ranger training camp near here. Saw a ranger in full gear on the trail yesterday, then blackhawk helicopters flew low near our shelter site last night.I was the last one out of my tent this morning. The rain and the short hiking day made me stay in my tent as long as I could. Got up about 9:30 and headed out around 11. Some steep climbs slowed me down and made me realize that I don't have my hiking legs yet. One hill gained 700 feet in elevation in one mile. I was out of breatha lot and had to stop a few times. I'm sure I'll get in better shape.Doing 12 or 13 milestomorrow, then a short day Firday and will be sleeping a bed at a hostel on Friday! Should feel good.
Date: 2009-03-26
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Very long day. I probably did more miles than I should have but the rain isn't supposed to end any time soon and a dry bed sounded really good, so I pushed on. UPDATEDRained off and on throughout the night. Tented again but was on just enough of a slope to make me slide to one side of my tent after a couple times of rolling over. Didn't sleep too well at all. Woke up about 7:15...on the trail at 8:30.There were 2 shelters about 12 and 13 miles down the trail and a hostel (hiker hotel) at mile 15.6. A dry and warm bed sounded better and better as the conditions wet from damp to wet to pretty drenched. I kept pushing on and finally made the hostel at about 5:30. The last 3-4 iles about did me in. The trail went up Blood Mountain-a steep, rocky, boulder covered mountain that was the scene of an indian battle that left the slopes blood covered, hence the name. On the very top of blood mountain is a shelter built in the 30s, mad of stone with a wood floor. Really cool place.Staying at the Walasi-Ya hostel tonight. Had supper provided by a local Baptist Church. VERY good after 3 days of trail food. Might head out tomorrow or might stick around and do a zero (no miles) day and give the body some R and R.
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Neels Gap

To: Goose Creek Cabins
Miles today: 0.0

There is the Mountain Crossings outfitter and the Walasi-yi Hostel here at Neels Gap. I stayed at the hostel (hiker hotel) last night. Woke up this morning to more rain and a sore body so decided not to head out. Moved down the road to Goose Creek Cabins and was able to watch a little March Madness.UPDATEDPain, sore muscles and the Mountain Crossings Otfitter kept me from heading out today. Took the chance to let one of the guys at Mountain crossing give me a 'pack shakedown'. They go through your pack item by item and try to help you trim pack weight. On average, they reduce each hiker pack by 12.5 pounds. They only suggest things and give advice. Nothing is actually pried from your hands.All in all, my equipment was good. I sent a few items home, and maybe trimmed 1 or 2 lbs. I passes on a couple suggestions simply because my pack is at a good weight and the weight reduction wasn't worth the cost. Picked up a pack cover, pair of socks, and a dry sack for my heavy coat. Switched out my sleeping shirt for something without cotton.Here is the do-at-home equivalent of a 15 mile rainy day on the Georgia A.T.Roll out of bed after a cold, damp, lousy night's sleep. Eat breakfast on the front porch while avoiding rain drops. Put on a 30 lb pack and get on the treadmill. Alternate inclined treadmill, stair master, flat treadmill, and slow motion lunges (downhill). After 1 hour step into a shower for a couple minutes to simulate puddle soaked shoes and sweaty clothes under rain gear. Take as many rest breaks, snacks and breathers as you need, BUT, finish the 15 miles...so just saying it's not all fun in the sun out here. The entire experience has been good but there have been "What am I thinking?!" moments also.
Date: 2009-03-28
From: Goose Creek Cabins

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: moderate rain

Rained a good bit of today but I felt really good after the rest yesterday. Since the rain started, the woods and mountains I am hiking through are cloud and fog covered so not much scenery.UPDATED....After a zero day yesterday, I headed out about 9:30am from Neels Gap. Rained for the first 3 hours, then off and on after that. The day off did everything I hoped it would for my body. Felt really good today and kept a steady slow pace and didn't even have to stop on any uphills. Reached shelter at 3:30pm. Starting to recognize a lot of the people at the shelters. The bad weather has kept everyone camping at shelter sites even if they have to sleep in their tents, so between towns or hostels, you tend to stay with the same group of people each night.A little about my hiking pace....so far I have yet to average 2 miles per hour, but I am average or above average speed. The mountains, wet rocks, mud, and uneven trail all do their part to slow hikers down. Today I hiked 10.8 miles in about 6 hours with only a 10 minute lunch break. I'm sure speed with increase in time, and there will be easier sections of the trail ahead
Date: 2009-03-29
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Trey Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

The sun does shine in Georgia! It appeared only briefly today but was clear for a change. A cool day and supposed to get down to 30 tonight. Came to a road crossing today and a couple from Florida were doing trail magic (random acts of kindness done to hikers). Ate snickers, banana and had a coke. That gave me a boost of energy for the 1,000 foot climb up Trey Mountain. Sleeping in a shelter for the first time tonight. UPDATED......Rain stopped and sun shone (a bit) today-Great views! Hiked 15 miles and felt pretty good. Much better than 15 mile day Thursday. About 9 miles into todays hike, came to a parking lot at a road crossing and there were 2 people there doing trail magic!Trail magic is random acts of kindness done for hikers. Those doing it are called trail angels. Marvin and Michelle had driven from Tallahasse, FL to dot rail magic and hang out in the area. They had candy bars, apples, bananas, water and coke in the back of their car. They had a son, Joe, who hiked the trail last year and they were doing this because of nice things that he had done to him (you raised great parents Geoff). Michelle took our names so she fould follow our hikes online and said she prayed frot he hikers on the trail each morning. What wonderful people! That is the first time I can remember deciding if I should shake hands or hug two strangers when saying goodbye 15 minutes after meeting them.This is what I see as I hike the trail each day. For the most part the woods in Georgia haven't started to bloom yet. The only green is pine trees, rhododendrums, and a handful of poinsettas. Only a few plants have started to gro. I have seen a few flowers but I think a few days of sunshine will bring out a lot more after the recent rains. On rainy days, I walke trhough a clouded Mountain with visibility only a hundred feet or so. The mountain top views are a white sheet of cloud. Today however, I could see for miles. the closest mountains are a dark brown with roads snailing through the valleys below. Farther ou the mtns appear black and then become lighter and lighter shades of blue until they meet the white of the horizon. Beautiful!Eleven fairly smooth miles to the Blueberry Hostel tomorrow.
Date: 2009-03-30
From: Trey Mountain Shelter

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 11.0

It was COLD last night! The temperature got to around 30 and the shelter was at 4200 feet and it was very windy all night. Slept in two layers of pants, 2 pairs of socks, a long sleeved shirt, winter coat, hat and gloves. Woke up to ice in the water bottle this morning. It was very hard to get going and the cold brought out several aches and pains after the long day yesterday. Warmed up as the day went on and walked out of the woods in t-shirt and shorts. Staying tonight at the Blueberry Patch Hostel near Hiawassee, GA. The hostel is run by a Christian couple Gary and Lenine and is famous for the blueberry pancakes they serve for breakfast. My hike has went pretty well so far. The weather has been far from perfect but as the saying goes, 'no rain no Maine.' It is definitely hard. The uphills make my legs burn and leave me gasping for air and the downhills make my feet and knees hurt. So far no blisters on my feet so that is a big plus. I have sore muscles but those will go away in time.I have met lots of great people. The trail appeals to people of all different ages from all different parts of the country. Some of them probably shouldn't be out here hiking, but that is for them to decide and I apploud them for their effort. Whenever I feel tired or the trail is really hard I try to think of someone I have seen who is a lot longer shot than me to make it to Maine but they are out here trying.I'm going to get my every 3 day shower, do my laundry, get a couple town meals in me and head back out tomorrow. The short journals from the first few day will be updated when Leah gets what I wrote on the trail and mailed. Thanks to everyone who has written in my guestbook.
Date: 2009-03-31
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel

To: Plumorenard Shelter
Miles today: 4.5

The Blueberry Hostel was fantastic! It is run by Gary and Lennie Poteat as a donation only ministry. Gary felt called to start a hostel on his '91 thru hike. The poteats are great people and are famous for their pancake breakfast with blueberry syrup.A town day usually inolves a low mileage day in or out of town. While at the hostel or hotel doing laundry and getting a much needed shower are priority, I also need to resupply the food and try to get as much restaurant food in me as possible. After that it's R+R till time to hit the trail again. I headed out about 12:00 today and did the 4.5 miles to the shelter. Full house again with 4 or 5 tents. About 30 more miles will put me in Franklin for a resupply on Friday.
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Plumorenard Shelter

To: Standing Indian Mountain
Miles today: 13.7

Crossed the Georgia/N. Carolina line today....one state down! NC greeted us with a steep climb, but smoothed out a bit after that. The morning was foggy and cool but the sun burned off the fog midday and we probably had our warmest hiking day yet. I had in mind to stop at a shelter about 12 miles into my day but since it was clear I pushed on to check out the view from the top of Standing Indian Mountain. I'm camped at the summit now. Almost 5500 foot and the view and sunset have been great.The hike today had a bit of an international flavor. Walked off and on with not-so-crazy, a brit. Caught up a couple of times with Tin Man and his friend, who are canadian. Met Misha and Urshala, both from Holland on the trail and they are camped here now.The trail seems really busy right now. Ithink everyone is getting grouped up between the towns of Hiwaswee and Franklin. Passed a guy walking southbound today who was counting the NOBO hikers he passed. I was # 40 at 2:00 and I'm sure he passed another dozen or so after me.Another day and a half into Franklin and I will be picking up my pace when I head out of there.
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Standing Indian Mountain

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

Woke up to the more typical cloud covered Mountain today. No views to see. Left about 9:15. The miles came easy today with much more gradual grades. Only one steep climb up Albert Mountain but it was over quickly. Made the shelter at about 6:05 so a record pace and above the 2.0 MPH. It all depends on the trail.About 10 minutes after getting here, someone shouted that there was trail magic at the road about 200 yards from the shelter. Donna and Indiana Jones, retired school teachers from Evansville, IN had come all the way here to feed hungry hikers. About 14 of us stood around the back of their vehicle and ate cheese sandwiches, chips, snickers, peanuts, apples, ding-dongs and drank coke. Later in the shelter, we joked how to the casual observer driving by we must have looked children-of-the-cornesk as we wandered out of the mountain to eat and then disappeared back into the woods. The town of Franklin is having an annual hiker welcome this weekend. That's why everyone is bunching up on the trail. I've heard that hotels are already booked solid for the weekend. Ironic that a celebration thrown in honor of hikers leaves the ordinary hiker with no dry bed to crash in. It sounds like the town will still accomodate us as much as possible so I will be in Friday and back out Saturday. Passed the 100 mile point today.
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin Hotel
Miles today: 3.8

Hiked about 4 miles to US 64. Trail magic snacks provided there by a local Baptist Church. Got shuttled into town by Ron Haven-owner of a couple of hotels in Franlkin and organizer of the hiker welcome. Had a great burger and fries at Cody's Roadhouse. Never made it to the hiker bash...ran out of time getting ready to head out Saturday morning.
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Franklin Hotel

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Caught the 9am shuttle to the trailhead. Warmed up quickly with nice views. Spent some time at Wayaj Bald-5300 feet mountain with an observation tower on top. Had a panoramic view of where we had been and where we are headed. Really great view and glad we caught it on a clear day. Sleeping in the shelter along with canoe, snarl, stuff sack, ewok, and Sarah. A few more tenting out. clear weather expected for a few days, but it's supposed to get cold Monday. Found about three blisters on my feet while in Franklin so guess I'm not immune to them. Will just name to keep an eye on them.This is Leah's note. Don't tell him I put this on here, but, Josh was incapable of just 'keeping an eye' on the blisters. He just HAD to pop them. What a goof.
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Near Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Headed out about 8:30 this morning. The day warmed up fast and ended up in the mid or upper 70s. the heat took a lot out of the me and I was dragging by the end of the day. Saw some great views again. Ended the day at the N.O.C.- a rafting and kayak outfitter that is right on the trail. Ate at the River's End Restaraunt. Great to sit down to something besides trail food at the end of a long day.I was thiking how great the sense of accomplishment is at the end of each days hike. Even if the hike was hard or I was slow, by the end of the day, I can say " I walked X amount of miles today" It's always a good feeling to be a little farther up the trail. The NOC is the lowest point so far on the trail. Today we descended about 3300 feet, so tomorrow we have to go back up about that far. The trail climbs 3000 feet in the first 6 miles tomorrow. For me going up is easier because the downhill hurts my knees, but I don't think 3000 feet uphill is easy for anyone.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Near Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Brown Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: light rain

Stayed outside of town last night at the house of a guy another hiker knew. Five of us were able to tent on his property. Got a ride back in this morning, had the one lb. burrito for breakfast at the Rivers End Restaurant, and headed out about 11:00 AM. Snow started falling about noon. Most of the hikers were getting off the trail and packed in a shelter about 7 miles up the trail. I pushed on and reached the Brown Gap shelter about 7 PM. It was full but they squeezed me in. The snow is still falling and it is windy so we are in for a cold night.Being in town or like last night at a road crossing with a restaurant and a couple stores is always nerve wracking in comparison to the daily routine of hiking because I'm thinking 'what food do I need to buy?' or 'what town food should I eat?' or 'what else do I need to do while I am here?' Then when I head back out on the trail everything calms down...what I have in my pack is all I have and I'll have to make it work. If it rains or snows or the sun shines, I'll deal with it as it comes. The morning and evenings fall into a routine of getting ready to hike or settling down to sleep. When walking back into the mountains from town, the traffic noises slowly subside after a couple miles and I start to tune in the sounds of the woods.
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Brown Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

Winter came back to N. Carolina yesterday and today. After walking through flurries the 2nd half of yesterday, the snow piled up last night and I awoke to 6 or 7 inches this morning. I headed out about 9:15 and thankfully someone else was ahead of me breaking trail. The snow was drifted knee deep or higher in many places. I usually am thrilled when it snows back home but it is not fun to walk through. It made the hiking slow and made my feet wet and cold.Made it to Fontana Dam (the largest dam east of the Mississippi) about 4:15. Was all set to stay in the 'Fontana Hilton' - a 24 person shelter with a bathroom and shower facility nearby but 2 other hikers, Black Cat and Lost Acadian, had a room in town and offered to let me stay with them. It sounded much better than sleeping in 30 degree temps, so I took their offer. Had trail magic dinner provided by Hikers for Christ from northern Indiana. I ate a hot dog, ham sandwich, PB & J, 2 bowls of fruit cocktail, 3 helping of chips, a boxed apple pie, and an orange and could have eaten more. Delicious!