morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-12-19
To: Rain, part 2
Miles today: 0.0

CHAIRMAN posted an entry in my guest book regarding the use of a tarp pitched over the spot where you plan on setting up a tent in the rain. That sounds like a great idea.But here are some thoughts about such a tarp: I'd want it to be a silnylon tarp to keep the weight down. I'm wondering if the silnylon tarps have very many grommets for tying them to nearby trees? If they don't, would one of those grommet kits work on silnylon?Also, CHAIRMAN mentions using hiking poles where trees aren't available. Is that viable? Unless the poles are really solidly in the ground, I'd think they would fall over.Of course I'm being too critical about all of us. The purpose of the tarp is just to keep your tent dry long enough to pitch it. So I think I will give CHAIRMAN'S idea a try. Works for me.On another rain-related note: I'm such a warm hiker (that means a heavy sweater) that it seems impossible to wear a rain top for long without getting everything soaked under it. Soaked from sweat, not rain. This issue does not seem to happen with the rain pants. I've tried both the Marmot Precip and the Sierra Designs Hurricane jackets. Both are great jackets but both cause me to sweat something terrible.I've heard someone say that my problem is normal until you get down to around 50 degrees. Then you can stay cool enough under the jacket. I've tried using the vent zippers - not much luck.Some friends suggest trying a poncho - which I probably will one day. But the poncho can't do one thing that the rain suit can do very well - serve as a wind blocker. Since I'm starting my hike next month (regardless of how warm the winter may turn out to be) I want them for wind blocking. If you have ever gone over some of the high balds, you know what the winds are like.Now don't laugh, but I have thought of one other possibility with the sweating issue under the rain jacket. What about (if not too cold) just not wearing anything under the jacket? There would be no clothes to get wet. And, although you would still be sweating, it would be mostly warm sweat (for a period any way). Has anyone tried this?
Date: 2007-12-21
To: Some ideas about winter gear
Miles today: 0.0

I know that in one of my earlier journal entries I said that I don't like to plan for a hike - just get out there and "do it." Well, that's not really true - especially when we are talking about a winter thru-hike.So here are some thoughts about winter gear.During the winter you really need to plan on carrying more "stuff." It may be true that the winter weather has been more moderate in the recent past. But take a read of Hydro Heidi's thru journal from a couple of years ago. She had almost zero snow all the way through the Smokies. But when she got into the Roan Mountain/Mt. Mitchell area the snow was sometimes up to her knees. At that point it becomes hard to even tell where the Trail is. Even white blazes can be covered by blowing snow.So, it makes good sense to at least have available the clothing and other items you would want in low temps and frozen precip. I say available because you may be able to do without certain gear in sections that are moderate. If and when you need more clothing or crampons for ice, or whatever; you can have someone send it to you. Or you can have it all packaged and bounce along the trail. Remember, you don't always have to use Post Offices. Hostels and Outfitters may also accept packages.There are good opportunities to ship/bounce gear from Neals Gap, Hiawassee, Franklin, NOC, Fontana, Standing Bear, Hot Springs, etc. If bad weather strikes, you should be able to get to your package within 3-4 days max.The one, big exception to the 3-4 days is the trip through the Smokey's. You really need to anticipate your needs at Fontana and carry what you will need. There can be times that U.S. 441 is closed and you can't get into Gatlinburg.If you opt to carry all of your gear, all of the time, during winter, it would seem very difficult to carry any less than say 35 lbs. That's assuming perhaps five days of food. For the Smokies, I'm thinking a minimum amount of 6-7 days food. Yes, you may be able to hike out of the Park sooner. Or bail out into Gatlinburg. But there may be the chance of weather turning bad (meaning a heavy snowfall) and you find yourself stuck at one of the shelters for a while. That's why, whenver possible, I'll try to carry an extra days of food.If I'm carrying a tent through the Smokies, it would seem to be useless weight since you are supposed to sleep in the Shelters. But what would you do if caught in heavy snow a good ways from the next shelter? I'd use the tent in that case.In Trail Forums I've mentioned the pack I use - let me say so again. The Osprey Aether 70 is a relatively large capacity pack that weighs a little more than 4 lbs. But, boy is it durable. If you have to carry a winter load of more than 35 pounds, this is a fantastic pack. I know, everyone has their own "fantastic" pack - but the Osprey is worth looking at.In my next journal entry I'd like to share my thoughts on stoves for winter use. And by the way, I know there are not many of you who will be doing a winter thru-hike, but maybe some of these opinions/ideas can be useful in other seasons.
Date: 2007-12-26
To: Small change in plans
Miles today: 0.0

Hello fellow hikers. Hope everyone had a great Merry Christmas and will have a safe New Years.Right now it looks like my start is going to be pushed back to either the last week in January or the 1st week in February. It's always hard to handle the anticipation of a thru-hike start. But maybe this is for the best - maybe the water situation will have improved somewhat by the time I start. I think I'll still plan on carrying 2-3 liters of water at all times, and enough containers to hold up to 6 or 7 liters.By the way, Wingfoot's old internet site has a few, new forum entries - one of which reports on the current status of water between Springer and Neels Gap; Neels Gap and the NOC; NOC to Fontana; and initial part of the Smokies. Might want to take a look (www.trailplace.com).I've decided that even though most of the shelters will be empty with a winter start, I'm going to commit to carrying my MSR Hubba tent. It just seems a bit warmer in a tent than a shelter and most importantly, you don't have to make miles every day to get to the next shelter. Of course if the rain is pouring and a shelter is right ahead - guess I will choose the shelter.
Date: 2007-12-27
To: Some post-Christmas thoughts
Miles today: 0.0

Just heard that former PM Bhutto was assasinated. What does that have to do with hiking or Trail Journals? Not much, really. Just that she was trying to bring a more Democratic government to Pakistan - something we have had in our country for a long time. Instead of having to worry every day about staying alive (yes, 9/11 changed some of that) we have the opportunity to hike the Trail. Worth remembering.Well, I got another update from Wes Wisson (shuttler in Georgia) regarding the water situation. Doesn't seem the recent rains did much good with the creeks and streams. I cannot believe that large stream behind Stover Creek shelter (the old one) has dried up. Unbelievable.Jeff and Nancy at Hike Inn said the main problem in their area is from the NOC to Cheoah Bald; and the first 22 miles from Fontana into SMNP. Seems like there have been a lot of trail angels pre-positioning gallon water jugs at various locations. Although I sure would not blame them, I do hope the southbounders left some of that water as they passed. I'll tell you what, if I find one of the trail angels that has been supplying the extra water - he or she is gonna get a free dinner on me in the nearest town (of course I may depend upon the trail angel's vehicle to get us to that town!!).In the past I was so wrapped up in posting trail journal entries that I'd make a point of detouring into towns that had libraries and on-line computers. Then it seems like I had a great excuse for spending money at an overnight motel/hostel and a lost mileage day on the trail. Not this time. No more. I'm gonna write my personal journal notes on paper and mark what part should go into Trail Journals. Then mail the notes home as often as I can find a post office (or someone I trust to mail for me). My poor wife will have the "honor" of transcribing the contents into my journal online. Hopefully, that will work out okay.I read some sucessful thru-hike journals from last year. I noticed that a number of them really concentrated on their feelings and expressions and thoughts while hiking. It can be difficult to put that type of thing down on paper (at least for me). But I'm gonna try this year. After most folks get started on a thru-hike there is less and less discussion about gear. Less talk about where to resupply. Or about stuff that few people care to read about. But there is a real interest in writing so that others that are not hiking can experience, as much as possible, what it is like in your head and heart hiking on the Trail. That is going to be my goal.
Date: 2007-12-28
To: Initial Logistics
Miles today: 0.0

I've been working out my resupply logistics for the first month of my hike. Assuming of course I don't injure the body and the weather doesn't get totally terrible.From past hiking experience I know I can get to Hiawassee in about 5-6 days. I'll start with just 3-4 days food and buy a couple of days at Neals Gap. I'm just trying to keep the first few days a bit lighter as I get back in to the routine. I've been told, and believe, that on average a day's worth of food will weigh around 2 lbs. That gives you a way to estimate the food weight you will be carrying. But for winter hiking (even if it's just cold and not much snow) most folks are going to burn more energy because of both the weather and the heavier pack. I know that applies to me. I just have to accept the additional weight for the additional calories. I guess at some point there is some kind of "balance" between amount of food carried and amount of calories burned.Overall, in the past I've hiked best if I took a zero (on average) every 10 days or so. That doesn't have to mean getting off the trail and crashing at a hostel. In good weather it's very pleasant to take a zero around a shelter, kick back, read a book, let a sore body part recover, etc. But during winter months I deviate a bit and will crash for the night in some towns. It can make a BIG psychological and physical difference to "come in from the cold" to a warm room, maybe soak in a tub, get your down bag into a dryer, etc.In Hiawassee I've pretty much always stayed at the Hiawassee Inn. I'm not recommending it and there are other good options. But the Blueberry Patch does not open until the middle of February and the Holiday Inn costs a bit more. Anyway, I called the Hiawassee Inn - they are open and they will pick up hikers at Dick's Creek Gap (they also pick up from another location - can't remember where though). Okay - this journal entry is getting to be too long. I'll continue in the next entry. Take care, everyone.
Date: 2007-12-28
To: Pictures from Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0

I thought some of you might enjoy looking at some photos from Trail Days, in Damascus. They are in my photo section.If you haven't been to Trail Days - you really should try to make it. You may not be hiking through the town at that time, but there are many shuttles both north and south that can get you there and back.There are so many activities over the three days that they print out a schedule to help you out. There is a "tent city" at the rear of the town for those tenting or tarping (or I guess even those who are "cowboy camping"). A number of gear manufactures are there to help you with problem gear. I even saw a pack manufacturer with heavy duty sewing machines. They would reattach straps, etc. Hiking pole manufactures will replace worn tips at no cost.Each day, in their small city park, there is live entertainment from various bands, singers, so on. There are also a number of exhibitors of hiking gear and many will offer a hiker discount.Inside the old schoolhouse you can watch a AT version of Jeopardy (Trail Jeopardy) where teams compete to answer trivia questions about the trail. That year Miss Janet was present to moderate the event.Without any doubt, the highlight is the Hiker Parade. Yes, all the past and present thru-hikers, section-hikers, and other hikers take part. And yes, there is a gigantic water gun/balloon fight between both the hikers and the pedestrians watching. But the really nice thing about this parade is that the ENTIRE town gets into it. I mean the cops and the fire department and the scouts are all involved. The local school elects a "Trail Days Queen". Folks make parade floats. That's pretty special when an entire town gets that wrapped up in something like Trail Days. Other towns have very nice versions, but Trail Days in Damascus is a unique event.
Date: 2007-12-31
To: New Year - New Hikes
Miles today: 0.0

Well, here we are, New Years Eve, 2007. I hope it's been a great year for all of you. Of course, for those about to start their hike soon - it should be an even better 2008.Although they don't need it, my best wishes to Stumpknocker and Sgt. Rock who will be heading out in January. I imagine Stumpknocker is already on top of Springer since he starts his thru-hike on January 1st.I've been busy taking care of business before I leave in the second half of January. I hated doing so, but I paid a visit to my dentist. I knew I would probably need a crown and I wasn't wrong. Better to get it done now than wait six months. It's just all of that pain after the novocaine wears off! I guess I'm a weanie.Over the weekend I took a look around the local REI. That's a dangerous thing for any hiker to do because it makes for an empty wallet very quickly. But I remained resolute and just looked over the hiking poles. I've used Leki's in the past but decided to take a look at the Black Diamonds. I kinda like their locking mechanism. Didn't buy any but sure did give them a bang or two to see how durable they are.
Date: 2008-01-01
To: Washington DC
Miles today: 0.0

Well my start plans have definitely firmed up. Later this week I'm heading up to the Washington DC area with some friends. They have family in DC and I plan on spending about a week with them.Will be taking an Amtrak train from DC to Gainesville, GA. on January 22nd. I have this personal aversion to flying. Plus the airlines won't let you carry any fuel and I would have to check my pack in luggage. Don't really want to do that. I have taken the bus when I went up to Katahdin in the past - not a very fun experience. So it will be Amtrak.Scheduled to arrive in Gainesville early morning of January 23rd. Wes Wisson is shuttling me to Springer. Should have enough time for a full days hike. Keep in mind there is not supposed to be any water on Springer. But Stover Creek is supposed to be running.In the past I have hiked the Approach Trail so many times, it seems. I'm going to skip it this time. It just doesn't mean that much to me anymore. I guess I'm just getting old.If anyone can send me up-to-date weather or water reports I'd really appreciate it. Once hiking I will be checking my journal in Hiawassee and Fontana (can you check at the kiosk at the NOC? Think it is no longer working).Take care and Happy New Year!
Date: 2008-01-01
To: Water in SMNP may be approving
Miles today: 0.0

Just wanted to post a quick note about the water situation in the Smokies. The web site listed below is to the SMNP site that lists locations with water sohrtages. On prior days, the SNMP was stating there was no water for the first 23 miles from Fontana north on the Trail.However, when I checked the site today, they are no longer mentioning those 23 miles as not having water. So they have definitely updated the conditions in that area (the web page says it was last updated on 12/29/07).That could mean they made a mistake and there is still a lack of water in that area. Or, that conditions are improved. Regardless, the drought could indeed return and dry everything up between now and when you hike the area. So keep checking as often as possible.http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm
Date: 2008-01-02
To: Gear I Will Be Carrying
Miles today: 0.0

Per request, I'm listing out my gear for the January 23 hike. I'm not listing individual weights because my gear brands are probably different from yours. Also, I'm more concerned with the total weight on my back. The "dry weight" total for all of the below is around 29 pounds. Each liter of water adds two more pounds (and water amount carried depends upon the current availability). Each day of food is about two pounds. I'm normally trying to carry no more than 4 days of food. The exception will be in the Smokies - 6 or 7 days.I'd like to explain the purpose/why I carry some of this gear - and why it is important to me. I'll share those thoughts in my next journal entry. UNKNOWN HIKERS GEAR LIST - WINTER THRU-HIKE:Osprey Aether 70 packMSR Hubba tentHubba footprintMount Hardare Phantom 0-degree down bagFleece bag linerZ-rest pad - full lengthThermarest Pro-3 short padBlack Diamond Contour hiking polesStove padJet Boil stovePot scrubberLeatherman Micra knifePlastic spoonLighters (4)Storm-proof MatchesFuel canisters (2)Bear bag hangarRag-wool socks (1 pair)Blue hiking shortsPatagonia Puffball jacketBlack poly stretch pantsGray Poly/wool pantsBlack fleece pantsOrange fleece jacketBlack poly stretch topBlue poly stetch topPolypro liner socks (1 pair)Wool socks (3 pair)O.R. windstopper glovesManzella glovesOver mittsOR rain hatDown bootiesFleece hatHalo II headbandFacemaskSierra Designs rain topSierra Designs rain pantsMoleskin & BandaidsOver-the-counter meds Toothbrush ToothpasteYellow pack towelMSR Pack Towel - mediumBleach (purifying water)Toilet paperWriting pen & pencilJournalStamped envelopesGuidebookID & cashBookCamera & SD cardsPhone & chargerMP3 playerMidland HH50 weather radioAlarm clockTriptease cord Nylon cordDuct tapeNeedles & dental flossVelcro strips AA batteriesAAA batteriesPetzl lightSnap links - large (2)Snap links - small (2)Trash compactor bagsOrange mesh bagMedium silnylon bagLarge silnylon bagZippered silnylon bagPack hipbelt storage bag4-liter Playtpus camp water bottle1-liter water bottle (2)
Date: 2008-01-03
To: Update on Water in SMNP
Miles today: 0.0

There is a information number for SMNP (1-865-436-1297) where you can check on current backcountry (AT Trail) conditions. I thought calling that number would get you a recorded message. But when I called it I got a SMNP Ranger. I asked about the current water situation between Fontana and Spence Field Shelter.He said they sent a park ridge-runner several days ago to check out the water sources. Due to recent rains the Ranger said the water sources are currently "abundent" in that area. They have updated their website to reflect there is no longer a shortage in that area. As a matter of fact, the only current water shortages are at 10 small campgrounds - all on the Tennessee side and none near the Trail.The Ranger added that they expect enough future rain (or snow that melts during daytime temps) that water should be available at least through most of February.Keep in mind that the situation could change as warmer months approach or rainfall diminishes.
Date: 2008-01-03
To: More pics & new gear
Miles today: 0.0

I've uploaded some more pictures of the Trail between Springer and Hot Springs.I have had several folks recommend using the Sea to Summit dry sacks as an alternative to the plastic trash compactor sacks. So I'm going to give them a try. Will use a couple of their silnylon bags that go inside the pack and a more durable dry sack for my tent - which is lashed to the outside of my pack. As you might guess, I'm a bit paranoid about getting my gear wet - especially my down bag, tent (the inside part) and some other things. I had a bad experience about seven years ago where my down bag got wet during the winter and then partially froze up. It lost the majority of its ability to insulate and the partially frozen bag stayed that way (and became a good bit heavier) until I got into the next town that had a laundrymat.
Date: 2008-01-03
To: Sad turn of events
Miles today: 0.0

By the time you read this most folks will have heard about Meredith Emerson. At this time the search for her is still on-going. The "person of interest" hasn't been found. After two nights in frigid weather alone - it doesn't look very promising. I hope I'm wrong, I really do.It bothers me that her friends say how she could take care of herself, was strong, and had a good head on her shouldar. I'm sure they are right about that. But an eye witness observed her and the suspect together and both intentionally releasing their dogs so they could run up the mountain. That seems to me she felt somewhat comfortable with him to be willing to interact with him.There have been times while I hiked that I was intimidated or did not feel "right" about a person I met. It could be a local hiker, weekender or thru-hiker. Sometimes you just can't tell. When I felt that way, I would/will not stop or talk to them. I do maintain eye contact, never looking down like I am intimidated. Sometimes I walk a bit and turn around - making sure the other person has indeed left the area. These actions aren't perfect (and God knows I'm not) but they can't hurt.For whatever reason, it appears possible that Meredith was comfortable around the guy. Why? Because they both had dogs? Maybe so. Or maybe she had seen him on her previous hikes? Time will probably tell.All I'm trying to say here is that it doesn't hurt to be wary of strangers - hikers or not. No one can say that they can always take care of themselves in all situations. Hopefully you can, but you may not. Be wary and at least consider hiking with another hiker. I know some folks don't like that idea, but it's worth considering. It's also safer if you somehow seriously injure yourself.It's true that I'm not practicing what I preach: I'm starting a winter thru-hike, alone, in the next few weeks. Stumpnocker is doing the same (his hiking partner is only going a short distance). Sgt. Rock is (I believe) hiking alone. But we all have a good bit of past winter experience. Even so, that does not guarantee there aren't risks - there are. Hiking alone may compound risks.We all need to be careful and we all need to look out for each other.I apologize for all the preaching. Have a safe hike.
Date: 2008-01-03
To: Meredith Emerson
Miles today: 0.0

I guess I should have mentioned more in my last entry about Meredith Emerson.There is a lot more detailed (and up-to-date) info on CNN or other news websites.Meredith is a 24-year old hiker who took her dog on New Years Day to hike up the AT/nearby trail to Blood Mountain. Other hikers saw her and her dog with a man, who also had a dog. She appeared to be talking to the man and both released their dogs to chase each other up the mountain. They were last seen walking together toward the top of Blood Mountain.By now she would be on her third night in temps close to the single digits. Searches have been made yesterday and today - nothing. The man has been decribed as a W/M, 50-60, gray hair, little or no teeth, yellow shirt and large backpack. Late this afternoon it was announced he may be driving a white minivan.Not much more is known at this time.
Date: 2008-01-04
To: SOBO Pictures
Miles today: 0.0

I've already included some pictures covering the part of the Trail from Springer to Hot Springs. Then I got to thinking that some of you will be doing a SOBO hike. So I've included about 15 more pictures that cover the Trail from Katahdin down to Monson. Most of these were taken over the past 3-4 years.