morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-02-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I want to keep my pack weight at thirty pds. without putting myself in danger. I plan on using a tarp, Outdoor Research basic bivy and twenty degree bag. I'm going with the inertiaXframe pad, which I've tested and can live with. I have hiked long enough to have learned the more you lug up a ridge the less enjoyable the experience.      I will look for a weather window around March1 looking for a good start. I'm not sure if I'll hike up the approach trail or go straight to 42, alot will depend on weather condition's when I arrive in Georgia.      I'm hiking with a full pack now and climbing some steep ridges, I want to do all I can to be in reasonable condition at the beginning.      I shared in my last post my reason for the journey, I have no illusion's as to the difficulty, with my age being 61, and a heart bypass at 48. I have hiked long enough to know thing's can happen to end the journey, health wise, and especially mental challenges. I will do my best and start positive and accept the trail as I meet it... trailmovin
Date: 2013-02-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

   I've decided to go with the big agnus, I've learned if ur cold all night u don't sleep. Agnus is heavier but still should be around 30 pds. I know the north Georgia mountain's can be cold in March. Thank's for the kind guest entry, look forward to sharing this experience with other's as I move north...trailmovin
Date: 2013-02-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked up Flat Top this morning 3.6 round trip..1.8 to the summit with an elevation change of 1600 ft. over the 1.8 miles, no flat spots on that climb, also climbed next ridge over Harkin's Hill. I carried a full pack,and set my tarp up on the summit, will also have a 20 deg synthetic bag and gore-tex OR basic bivy, and tyvek ground sheet. I hope to finish my final preparations.... testing of equipment, conditioning and personal affairs over the next couple of weeks and then it's down to Georgia...I remember the North Georgia Mountain's from 98, not many switch backs, just up and over..CU on the trail..
Date: 2013-02-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm feeling alot of emotion over this trip, not sure if it's because of my love for the trail, or the memory of those I hike to honor, but it feels like something inside me is being released. I've held deep feelings for my failure's in combat situation's, and it has affected my ability to interact well with other's. I want so badly for this hike to be a positive change in that area, and in my outlook on life as a whole.
Date: 2013-02-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I really want a base weight of 15 Pds... weighing everything, and going with homemade tyvek bivy, which weighs just ounces, and serves as emergency shelter and ground cloth. I will cut ounces on everything.... except my sleeping bag, if you're cold you don't sleep...if you're tired it impacts your ability to hike. I'm also taking a ziplocked "dry" set of clothes if everything you're wearing is wet, and its raining, windy and cold (March)...you can avoid hypothermia. I'm finishing my final preparation's, and hoping for good weather for the start..cu on the trail...
Date: 2013-02-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I won't post much more before I leave for Springer. I climbed up to Fulhardt shelter to work on tarp set-up in high wind's.. I've been carrying 30 Pds. for a month now and will back off training just a little when I have a week until going south. I will post when I can, but it won't be a priority until I get into town's. Please keep me in your prayer's.
Date: 2013-02-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I hiked in single digit wind chill values this morning, coldest morning of the year. I was very cold and on the north side of the ridge I turned back, if on the trail I would stay in place. The wind really changes things. I learned alot from that experience and it will help me on the trail to better understand my limitation's, and when to stay put, and not hike.   I leave a week from today for Georgia and will carry a little more warm clothing than original plan. I'll carry the extra three pounds and be safe. I've made a few changes to shelter system. I'm going with a feathered friends bag, sil nylon tarp, and home made tyvek bivy for heavy rain and a ground cloth. I should be at 28 pds with four day's food about eight pds. cu on the trail...
Date: 2013-02-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I may carry my North Face asylum bivy after the single digit windchill I experienced yesterday,   the enclosed shelter will be safer, but heavier. I wanted to go with a tarp but concern over combination of cold, rain, and wind makes me not trust a tarp, it could fail me when I need shelter the most, so my pack weight at 30 pds. is growing, as I'm adding another upper body layer, but I'll be safer, and enclosed. I want to be light, but most important I want to be safe, as I have to live with my decisions. I climbed another ridge today in the James River Wilderness overlooking the James River, I think I'm ready and excited as my time to travel south qui,ckly approaches.
Date: 2013-02-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Training now complete leaving for Georgia mid-week, although not sure I want to keep a journal...don't seem to be much interest. I will hike, journal or not...I have not had much encouragement from family and friend's, although I've worked so hard to give myself a chance at success. I guess i must realize I'm not hiking for family and friend's, I've given my reason for my hike...
Date: 2013-02-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

I'm now in Georgia staying the night at the Hiker Hostel and the journey begin's tomorrow morning. The weather appears to be giving a cold start. I can see the ridge line only a few miles away and realizing the reason for this trip is emotional to me, to honor those I couldn't keep alive and find healing and come to terms with it. I walk for them....
Date: 2013-03-02
From: Hawk Mt shelter

To: Gooch Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Very cold, light snow overnight, tarp walls sagged underweight snow, had concern over my sleeping bag getting wet which could be a lifethreatning situation. Lightsnow all dayhiking to gooch shelter, very cold with high wind. A good start but very cold.
Date: 2013-03-03
From: Gooch Shelter

To: Lancer Creek
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

Dangerous cold several hikers suffering from mild hypothermia, cold wet with high wind's. This has become a life threatning situation with action neededat the shelter to warm hikers with wet clothes, one man made to get in shelter after seen dazed outside his tent. I have seen three serious situations today..I'm fine somewhat dehydrated, hard to drink water in weather so cold
Date: 2013-03-04
From: Lancer Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: few clouds

Total miles 31 into Neels Gap, first resupply point. I'm tired the cold has taken alot out of me I'm grateful for a hot shower and good meal after the frigid cold. Snow on Blood Mt. highest climb so far..warmer today..but more moisture tomorrow.
Date: 2013-03-05
From: Neels Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

I will rest a day here at Neels Gap as rain, cold, and high winds approaching late day and tonight. I may be hiking in snow and high wind tomorrow, but my body needs the rest. The combination of very cold, mild dehydration, and mild hypothermia caused my heart to beat irregular during the worst of the cold stretch. I'll need to monitor very close over the next 40 miles to next resupply. I felt good going over Blood Mountain, but Sat. night in the 0 windchill scared me. I hope the weather will moderate this week making the hiking easier. The weather has caused many to leave the trail at Woody Gap. I'm hiking with former long distance hiker's with experience. I must say it becomes like a family with strong support. It was a survival situation over the weekend and we all looked after each other.
Date: 2013-03-06
From: Neels Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Unable to move today due to 50 mph winds and snow behind thunderstorms and rain. The weather has been a challenge, wet, cold, and high winds a dangerous combination. I will move north tomorrow, and it appears weather will moderate over next several days. I hope to reach Dicks Creek Gap at Hiwassee Ga. by Sun. I will update journal then...
Date: 2013-03-09
From: Neels Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 38.0

Trouble with cell signal so this will be section from Neels Gap to Dicks Creek Gap a total of 38 miles which I did in three days finishing with thirteen miles into Dicks Gap today. I feel stronger now that it's warmed up, but must be alert for changing weather condition's. I remember every day as I climb up and down these beautiful ridges why I'm walking and who I'm giving honor to. I feel they walk with me, and their spirit's urge me on. I cried today because I knew their spirits were with me , I could feel it. The next section is fourty miles and difficult.Please keep me in your prayer's.
Date: 2013-03-12
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

What a day...everything was wet when I broke camp today,and I mean everything..it felt like a ton of bricks. I went over little albert mt. today which was hard with everything in my pack wet. I decided to stop early to dry everything out, which I'm glad I did as it turned cold. This is a new shelter and the company was good. We had a fire and good conversation. Thru Hikers are unique people, driven by their determination and love for the trail, with such a diversity of people from all walks of life. OK it's into Franklin tomorrow. I remember why I hike,and I know they're watching over me..I just know they are..
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Franklin N.C. Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 8.0

That was the fastest eight miles I have ever hiked, we wanted to make the road in time to catch a shuttle into town and we made record time off the ridge line down to the road, so it's into town resupply food, laundry, hot shower and catch up my journal. I hope my friend Blue Moon catches up tomorrow I miss his company. My brothers in combat hike with me ,and push me on, I'm never alone for they surround me,and guide me...I know they're with me, just like I know my God is with me...I may walk alone at times...but I'm never alone. I'll update when I can, please be patient with me,it's sometimes difficult to get a signal...
Date: 2013-03-14
From: Franklin N.C. Winding Stair Gap

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

Trail Angels make it easier to make this journey, they support hikers in so many ways. Fresh Ground a trail angel has supported thru-hikers since woody gap. I'm very grateful for all he has done to help in cold. I'm glad to meet up with Blue Moon again I missed him, and we will likely go thru the Smokie's together.   I passed Wayah Bald today and the views were really good. Expecting sleet and rain tonight hope to be in NOC by Saturday.
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Longest day so far at 15.5, and crossed 30 mile section from winding stair gap to NOC in two days. My feet hurt along with other parts of my body. A day of rest and then on to Fontana Dam for our entry into the Smokie Mountains late next week, please pray or me, I always remember why I'm out here hiking, and who I honor, I also pray for God's strength and blessing as I journey North.
Date: 2013-03-16
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Sasafrass Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Crossed road at Natahala Outdoor Center, resupplied, got my permit to enter the Smokies and very steep climb up out of the Natahala gorge, to the shelter. I'm feeling good and looking forward to entering the Smokie's with Blue Moon. He's a day behind me, visiting his son, but expect he'll catch up by Fontana Dam, sothern entry point into the Great Smokey Mountain's.
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Sasafrass Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I hurt all over, but most of all my feet and ankle's, but I'll be ok and will hike through the pain. Twenty two hiker's at the shelter today and most under 25 years old. They have shown me great respect, for hanging tough. I'm holding my own and staying with them from shelter to shelter which is actually amazing. I'm getting stronger on the up hill climbs, we crossed a section today called Jacob's Ladder which another hiker warned me about as I approached it. I must say it was brutal, straight up, and relentless. I hiked over 15 miles today in very demanding terain, so I'm hopeful about the Smokie's which will be my biggest test so far. I remember often through the day my reason for this hike, and I'm driven with determination, seeking healing and closer. I've been haunted by my failure's in trauma situation's in combat for so long,not able to accept the death's of those I fought so hard to keep alive, and it's caused a deep sadness for much of my adult life, I find it ironic I sense they are hiking with me, giving me strength when my body hurt's the most, and the ridge to climb is so steep, and the wind is howling and cold. I will make it one step at a time, this is very difficult, and demand's attention to the small detail's.
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, it's down the ridge line to Fontana Dam, for a rest while I wait for my hiking partner Blue Moon, as we prepare to enter the southern end of the Smokie's. We have eight day's to get through the park, which is seventy miles long, I believe we can do that, I just worry about the cold at elevation's of six thousand feet. I will hike through with Blue Moon, so I won't be alone, and I know my God will be with me as He has been for all the thousand's of mile's I've hiked alone over the year's. Please... pray for me, this will be my hardest test so far..
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Tough climb up to ridge line entering the Smokie's. The weather is cool but sunny great hiking weather in this beautiful national treasure. The trail is in excellent condition and the hiking comfortable with such beautiful views. I look forward to moving through the park but I'm wary of changing weather condition's at such high elevation's. The troop's push me on up and down these steep ridges, and inspire me when I'm tired. I continue to ask you, keep me in your prayer's.
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Siler's Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, the nice weather didn't last long. The wind picked up over night and we got a couple inches of snow. The air temp was 10 deg. over night, my shoes were frozen so hard I could barely get my feet in them, my water bottle's frozen solid as a rock, and my finger's just don't want to work while stuffing equipment into stuff sacks. I shivered when I got out of my sleeping bag, just so cold at these elevation's. The shelters in the Smokie's are stone, and they have fireplaces and tarp's. The exposed shelter's on many part's of the trail just wouldn't work up here      These condition's test hiker's determination, I heard yesterday a ranger said 40% of the hiker's that started in Georgia around March 1 have left the trail because of the weather condition's we have faced.The hiker's pictured, Chris and Casandra from Porthsmouth Ohio both nurses at a local hospital in their area. They set a wonderful example of what young people can be.
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Siler's Bald Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

The snow makes going downhill dangerous, it's so slick and I've fallen twice but not hurt..maybe my pride, lol. I understood when I came out here I would be challenged mentally and physically, it's ok, I know why I hike, and if you've been following this journal so do you. I owe them all that I have without putting myself at risk, although weather conditions change so fast at these elevation's you're alway's at potential risk. I can see the stress level rising on the hiker's around me, please understand in extreme cold it's hard to drink enough ice cold water to stay hydrated, and even the small thing's take such effort to carry out. The cold also requires more calories, so eating to fuel the furnace in your body is critical especially at night when it's coldest, you need fuel in your body to help keep you warm. I'm eating 3,500 calorie's a day and still have lost 5pds. We burn alot of calorie's each day, pray for me..I believe in prayer...and thank's to everyone holding me up in prayer. I have fallen six times so far, but have no serious injuries. I will get up and continue to move North.
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The cold has a way of wearing you down, it stresses the body, but today we drop down off the ridge to Newfound Gap and into Gatlinburg for resupply, before starting the last leg of the Smokie's. We've completed 40 of the 70 mile's to reach the northern end of the park and drop down into Davenport Gap by the middle of the week. I'm concerned over weather reports of moisture through the period we will be moving towards Davenport Gap. The steep up and down's are hard on the feet, ankle's and knee's. I must say the body hurt's. I'd also like to thank those following my journal and those leaving words of encouragement which I read when I need them the most. I hike to give honor to those I lost in combat, I may fall, I may hurt, but you can be sure I will get up and hike again...Thank-You
Date: 2013-03-24
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Melting snow continues to be a problem, falling alot going down hill, can't get a cell signal so update's will be brief. I should exit the Smokie's at Davenport Gap tomorrow, expect a foot of snow monday night,I must get down tomorrow.
Date: 2013-03-25
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: snow

Short update again because of poor cell signal, made it out of the Smokie's before big storm, will update more complete in Hot Springs, but I made it safely out of the Smokie's will,rest at Hostel and check the weather,snow in the forecast again, will it ever warm up? I never forget why I hike, and who I honor,I've had alot of support from other hiker's who understand my reason for this hike.
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Heavy Snow trail unpassable at Max Patch, word came some hikers turned back. I'll rest here and let the youngster's break trail before going out tomorrow. I heard the Smoky Mountain park has closed entry due to heavy snow. I've never hiked in more dangerous condition's in my life as coming through the Smoky Mt. Park.
Date: 2013-03-27
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Ground Hog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

I'm finding it difficult to hike in this drifting snow, it's cold, wet, and everything freezes at night when temperatures drop into the tieen's. I find it hard to put my shoes on when they're frozen solid,and the laces are so stiff there's no need trying to tie them. I've also noticed you could knock someone out with wet socks that have frozen overnight. I smile and go on,because I haven't forgotten why I hike, and who I honor with this hike. Pray for me...
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Ground Hog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Creek Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

This last 100 miles has hardened alot of us, with all the cold weather, and hiking in deep snow has been a real test. I've been cold and wet for so long I'm actually getting used to it, seems spring will never reach the highest elevation's as we continue to move North in cold, and snow slipping, falling and struggling to keep our balance as we move up and down steep and uneven terain
Date: 2013-03-29
From: Walnut Creek Shelter

To: Hot Spring N.C.
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

The cold makes even the simple thing's so hard, for example I went down to get water last night only a short down hill from the Shelter, but the snow drifts went up to my knee's and what should have been easy became difficult. When you live and sleep outside in these condition's it changes you, it makes you enter a survival mode always taking care to assure your equipment will protect you and function properly to protect you. I rose in the cold at 5:30 this morning, and another hiker friend and I headed down the mountain using our headlamps for the 13 mile' s into Hot Spring's. The moon reflecting against the snow was beautiful as we hiked before dawn. I may take a zero day in Hot Spring's as hiking in ice snow have made my feet wet for so long they are hurting alot. I hike with pain in many part's of my body, my finger's and toe's are numb much of the time, but I smile for I never forget who I hike to honor.
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Hot Spring N.C.

To: Erwin Tn.
Miles today: 70.0
Weather: clear sky

I went to the Podiatrist today in Erwin, it appears the numbness is not serious, and I can continue my hike, after applying medication. I have decided after talking to the doctor who is a hiker, to pick up my hike from here, and come back in October and do the 70 mile's at that time. I thought hard about it, but I can easily drive down and finish the section on my birthday, October 7.   So my hike will proceed north tomorrow April 1 from Erwin after applying medication on my feet for 24 hours, but let me be clear...I will come back and do this section.   This change will put me ahead of the bubble I was hiking with, but the youngster's will catch up quickly, and I'm sure I will make new friend's and see some of the faster hiker's who went by me in the Smokey's.
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Erwin Tn.

To: Roan Tn.
Miles today: 34.0
Weather: broken clouds

Lot's of trouble with cell signal, made the section from Erwin to Roan Tn. crossing the beautiful Roan mountain bald's. I hope to be in Damascus Va. in 7-10 days. I'll do a better update when cell signal allows...pray for me
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Roan Tn.

To: Dennis Cove Rd.
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

Well, my feet are hurting butI continue on, will start ibprofin Vitamin 1 for the pain, feels like I'm walking on nails. I'm taking a zero day in Hampton, before the push into Damascus Va. I'll be in my favorite part of the trail as I move North towards Roanoke. I can't believe, even with the seventy miles I'll make up, I'm this close to Virginia and Roanoke. Roan Mountain was hard on me, with dangerous ice, I fell seven times in two day's but no major injuries. I'm starting to average 12-16 miles a day maybe that's why my feet hurt, but you can't reach Katadin without that kind of average. I'll upload pictures from Roan Mountain soon. I never need to be reminded why I'm out here hiking, it's created a personal determination....pray for me
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm 25 miles from Damascus Va. will use the zero day end of the week as bad weather is expected. Watauga Lake was beautiful this morning,started hiking before dawn with a head lamp. 2,000 ft elevation change today but up to the ridge line now and will not drop back down until Damascus mid week. I remember daily why I hike, and their sacrifice for our country..pray for me.