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

Just a quick update, I had another doctors appointment and things went pretty well. My bone scan was negative for a stress fracture (Thank goodness, I was really stressing, no pun intended about that), so I had an ultra sound of the hamstring tendons. The doctor said the tendons looked good enough that he didn't want to put any cortisone in them. So it's off for more rehab to hopefully shake this problem.I think I'm ready for the adventure to begin I've got my train ticket, my Hiker Hostel reservation, and my bag is packed and ready. I had hoped to be putting in some serious training, but my injury has held me back a little. My wife and I were able to get out for an hour and a half snowshoe today. I carried my pack and we did have to break some trail so it was a good workout. There are only six weeks left before I leave so depending on what my Physical Therapist says I'll plan on increasing my conditioning so I can make it to the top of springer without collapsing. My fully loaded pack has been running about 32 pounds, which I'm pretty pleased with because I know it will decrease once warm weather arrives. That's it for now, again thanks for reading and I'll be joining the class of 2011 real soon.Alan
Date: 2011-01-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I thought I would get my third entry up so as to be included in the list of 2011 hikers.I don't normally blog, tweet, I'm not on facebook, heck I don't even text with my phone, so for me to decide to do an online journal was a big step. By journaling it will allow me to have a written record of my adventure, which I think will be important as time fades some of the details, plus family and friends can follow along. Over the last several years I've picked out a few interesting journals to follow and enjoy. I find the journals that are often updated and tell the whole story no matter how it turns out are the ones I like best. So with that in mind I'm going to try to chronicle my trip everyday, and I promise I won't just fade away. I'll update you whatever happens. Once I get on the trail most of my entries will be transcribed by my wife from the written journal pages I've mailed home. This will be both good and bad. The updates will be slightly delayed but the sentence structure, grammar, and spelling should improve as she is much smarter than me when it comes to these things.I started out planning in great detail, but found the task overwhelming. Trying to guess how many miles I'd do on any given day, where I might want zeros, allowing for weather. So I finally decided to just wing it. I'll plan on 3 days to Neels Gap, then I'll just plan on the trail depending on how I feel. I do have some idea which shelters I may want to stay at and I do have a couple of maildrops for items to be shipped from home, but overall I'm going to try to remain very flexible. I'll be resupplying on the trail so that should help by not committing me to any particular town for a maildrop.Well it's getting late so bye for now.Alan
Date: 2011-02-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So maybe winters not over yet. Two days ago you could see a little dirt finally in our driveway. The snowbankings were looking kind of dirty, and it generally had the feel that old man winter had finally lost his grip. Surprise, 10 to 12 inches of fluffy snow, now it looks like a winter wonderland again. Southbounders won't be starting anytime soon. Here in central NH we have more snow on the ground than any time so far this winter. At least 3 feet, and I'm not in the mountains. This means put away the hiking boots and back to the snow shoes.   It has been a busy couple of weeks. My wife received some free tickets to Saddleback Mountain, so the whole family spent the night in Rangeley Maine and went skiing at Saddleback the next day. This week is school vacation so my wife and I and our youngest son went to Killington Vermont for a couple of days skiing. Our oldest wasn't able to attend as he is a ski instructor at a local ski area and couldn't get time off during vacation week. I realize in two weeks time I'll be on the train to Georgia. The closer it gets, the less real it seems.   I've been reading several journals and it's good to see everyone going through similar emotions. Usually I consider myself in pretty good physical condition, but when I read so many journals of people hiking with 50 pound training packs, and hiking 10 to 15 miles a day already, it makes me a little nervous. Oh well, I'll survive. I might be sucking a little wind the first couple of weeks, but what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.   Congratulations to all that have started, and good luck to all that will start over the next several weeks. AlanPS. I figured out how to add pictures, so I added one of me trying out the "packa" during our most recent snowstorm.
Date: 2011-03-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today is the day I decided to pack my bag as if I were hiking up the approach trail. (after all I do leave in 9 days) So I bought 3 days worth of food, stuffed the sleeping bag into it's dry sack, stuffed my down coat, organized all the other items and proceeded to make the pile of gear fit into the pack. It did fit in but, just barely. I have a new respect for the ultralighter's with their 15 to 20 pound packs. Once I put everything in with 3 days worth of food and 1.75L of water my weight was 37 pounds. Not undoable but I would be much happier around 30 pounds. I'll mull some items over but I don't have anything right now I'm going to leave behind. This will probably change by the time I hit Neels Gap. I recieved my maps in the mail the other day, and even though they were pricey, I'm glad I purchased them. I just love having a good visual reference of where I am and where I'm going. I also organized my first 4 maildrops that should get me to Waynesboro. I'm doing Fontanna Dam, Hot Springs, Damascus, and Waynesboro. This should give me a good start and my wife can pack and ship anything else out to me once I have a better idea what I need and want. My hamstring is feeling pretty good. As long as I keep stretching I think it will continue to get stronger. I think I'm ready, the only thing I'm missing is the pair of Black Diamond poles I ordered, but they should be here in a day or two. The only thing I can think about now is the trip so it's very hard to get all the little odds and ends done around the house that need doing. I'll keep plugging but before I know it the 12th will be here. I've been reading all the journals of my fellow classmates that have already started, but this only serves to make me wish I was out there with them now. Well off skiing tomorrow but if I have time I may post my gear list just so I'll have it written down.Thanks Alan
Date: 2011-03-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I'm on my way. I'm writing this from central Virginia while on Amtraks 19 crescent. I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone back home because without their support I wouldn't be able to undertake this hike. First my wife Mary. I can't thank her enough for making this possible. She'll be the one with the difficult job of holding down the homefront while I'm off playing. I also need to thank my two sons Nathan and Kyle because I know both will step up in my absence to help keep things running. Last night I realized again how fortunate I am to have such good family and friends. As luck would have it my sister-n-law was visiting from TN, so much of the family stopped by my house to visit with her before she headed back. My wife also invited a couple of our close friends over for pizza. The support offers to the family, along with the well wishes I received remind me that I'm truly blessed. I can't thank you guys enough. (and you guys know who you are) I also should mention that everyone brought a couple of powerbars or candy bars, so I should now be able to survive on those alone for a month, if need be. A special thanks and "poke" to Megan for the chocolate chip cookies for the train ride, they were good. This day started about 4:00am and it's now 9:30pm so I'm going to try to attempt so sleep.P.S. The train was about 3and a half hours late getting in to Gainesville so I didn't get in until 10:30am, so I'm actually entering this from the Hiker Hostel while I'm relaxing getting ready for tomorrow.Alan
Date: 2011-03-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Since many people have asked when the journal would be updated, I decided to give a brief update. I have not received a written journal yet, and will properly update the journal when I do. Just wanted to let everyone know that tonight he will be staying at the Blueberry Patch Hostel in Hiawassee, GA. Last night he spent the night in his tent about 4 miles beyond Tray Mountain. He started the hike on Monday March 14th via the approach trail. Some of the others who started the hike with him were Mike (Shutter), Mammoth, Walkin Wally, and Flutewalker. He spent the first night on the trail at the Stover Creek Shelter, the second night at Gooch Gap, the third at slaughter creek, and the fourth at the Mountain Crossings Walasi-Yi Hostel.
Date: 2011-03-13
To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Josh picked me up at the Train Station and we stopped for Subway on the way to the Hiker Hostel. Some of the others who are also at the Hostel tonight are Walkin Wally, Mammoth, Mike, Joe, Rambler, Karen & Lee, Ashley & her Dad (Enzed), and Chris & friend. Nice to have a shower, take a short nap, and prepare for the hike. To bed at 8:30.Alan
Date: 2011-03-14
From: Approach Trail/Amicalola Falls

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked the Approach trail/Amicalola Falls to Springer. (8.8 miles on Approach Trail) Decided to continue on a little further. Tonight I'm at the Stover Creek Shelter. Also here are Mammoth, Mike, Flutewalker and Geek. Great first day. No rain. Walkin Wally is staying at the Springer Shelter. My hamstring was a little sore at the end of the day, but not bad. I debated whether to fight the mice in the shelter or set up the tent with rain possible. When the first mouse wandered by I thought I made a mistake, but a couple hours later when it started down pouring and continued all night and into the morning I realized we made the right decision.Alan
Date: 2011-03-15
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: light rain

Got kind of a late start because of the weather. It misted and was foggy all day. Left at 10:15 to hit Hawk Shelter five miles away for lunch. We arrived about 12:15 to find a packed, muddy, cold, wet shelter. Mammoth decided to hike on and eat on the run. Mike and I stayed to get water and have a quick cold lunch. We decided to try for Gooch Shelter. I got ahead of mike going up Sassafras Mountain, but it really kicked my butt. About three miles away I came across Mammoth sitting on a log looking dejected. He had run out of water two gaps ago and was spent. I split the rest of my water with him, but I only had 3/4 of a liter. We started off again but he started falling back. Shortly thereafter I found a small spring I could get the filter into and filled up, Mammoth came around the corner and was very happy to see the trickle of water. He also filled up, but told me he was done for the day and was camping on the first flat spot. When I arrived at Gooch Gap the shelter was full as were all the good flat tent sites. While I was searching for a flat area in the woods both Mike & Mammoth made it which was nice. I finally found a good spot for the tent and got set up, but by the time I went to tell the others Mammoth had started to set up his tent on a horribly uneven spot and said he wasn't starting again. I told Mike & Flutewalker, who both joined me. Flutewalker was grateful as she too had an undesirable spot. Ate, washed up, checked out tomorrow's options, and even went over to the shelter where they had a fire going for some socializing. It was a good end to a dreary, tough day.Alan
Date: 2011-03-16
From: Gooch Gap

To: Slaughter Creek Campsite
Miles today: 12.4

Another late start at 10:15 after we dried out things. Mike (Busch) and I hiked together until Woody Gap where we got trail magic from Carol (Lil Engine 2010 thru-hiker) and her friend Gail. I enjoyed an orange, a chicken salad sandwich and a bottle of Gatorade. They even packed baggies to go with bars, mini snickers, Capri sun, and Blistex. Great treat! The weather was bright and sunny with just a light breeze¢perfect for hiking. Quite a few little hills today and I got separated from Mike after lunch. Never did catch or see Mammoth as he left before us today. Ended up camping at Slaughter Creek campsite on Flutewalker's recommendation¢glad I did, it is a great spot, nice sunset, and I'm at a nice site by myself. I'm sure we'll all hook up in Neel's Gap tomorrow as I'm only about 3.5 miles away. That's it for now, it's 10:15 and I'm exhausted.Alan
Date: 2011-03-17
From: Slaughter Creek Campsite

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: clear sky

Finally managed to get up early, up at 6:40 and on the trail by 8:20. Blood Mountain was great in the early sunlight. Into Neel's Gap by 10:00. Registered at the Hostel and took it easy today. Got a shake down by Mt. Crossing, really didn't do too bad. They think I'll be fine without the z-lite under the neo-air, so I shipped it home with a few other small items. Watched a lot of shake downs today. Many people dropped a lot of weight and money. Nearly everyone is caught up or passing through today. Mike (Busch), Mary (Flutewalker), Joe (California), and Nate all at the Hostel. Mammoth and several others moved 5 miles up the trail. Will be back at it tomorrow for an eleven mile day. Should be a good stretch of weather for the next few days. Almost forgot to mention that when we arrived at Neel's Gap a church group was grilling hamburgers for the thru-hikers on St Patty's Day. I had 4 over the course of the afternoon.Alan
Date: 2011-03-18
From: Neel's Gap

To: Old Rocky Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.1

I got to meet Pirate, a trail legend who runs the Hostel at Mountain Crossings at Neels Gap. He cooked up Green Rice & Chicken for St. Patty's supper. Later on I sampled some Gatorade that had something added; fortunately I didn't have too much because I wanted to get going in the morning. Some stayed up later sampling and were pretty slow to get going in the morning. After a breakfast of tea, bagels with cream cheese, and a blueberry poptart provided by "Pirate" I was on the trail about 7:30. Some pretty good ups and downs but great scenery. Best views today and excellent weather. I hiked in a t-shirt and shorts all day. Actually, the middle of the day was quite hot and I got a sunburn on my arms. I cruised the 10.8 miles into Low Gap Shelter around 2:00. After soaking my feet, cleaning the sweat off my face, back, and legs I felt much better and decided to move another 2 to 3 miles down the trail. I had trouble finding a campsite with water nearby even though the map showed several. Consequently I went 3 hours more and nearly 7 miles, so I got my first 15+ mile day. Just when I arrived "Checker" came in for the night too. Two kids from Germany and another guy supporting a thru-hiker came in later. I also met two boys on Raven Cliffs looking for Rattlesnakes. They carried what looked like old golf clubs with the head broken off, and the shaft bent up, apparently to handle them. They asked me if I had seen any on my hike down the mountain. They said it was a good place to find them. I looked where I was putting my feet more after I encountered them. It was a nice sunset and nearly a full moon. I love my tent much better than shelters. I'm off to sleep, hopefully I feel good in the morning.Alan
Date: 2011-03-19
From: Old Rocky Knob Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Great start to the day, good weather though hot. Left at 8:30 which is bad since I tented. Good fortune today on the way down Blue Mountain. I met a nice day hiker with his dog. We chatted for about 15 minutes; he makes walking sticks and gave one to fellow thru-hiker "Checker" because he didn't have one. His trail name is "Speed Bump" because he slows everyone down to talk. His dog's name is Oreo with a trailname of "Speedwagon" thus he is "Oreo Speedwagon". As I left him my stomach was already growling at 10:15. As luck would have it when I arrived at Unicoi Gap 10 minutes later "Mellow Yellow", a 2010 thru-hiker, was leaving a tub of trail magic done by him and "Turtle'. The box was full of Snickers, chips, cookies, cupcakes, jerky, all things hikers dream about. There was also a tub of soda he was bringing up (Mello Yello of course). I thanked him and enjoyed my magic in the parking lot. While I was finishing low and behold a taxi pulls up and out jumps "Mammoth" who had gone to Helen for a mail drop. So we hiked on together which was nice. After climbing up Blue Mountain, which was tough, and starting down the other side, suddenly I could smell cheeseburgers cooking. You guessed it, more trail magic put on by "Southpaw" and friend. "Southpaw" started a thru-hike in 2010 but had to leave in Maryland due to finances. He was cooking up cheeseburgers & hot dogs and had chips, soda, water, and snickers bars to go. Thanks "Southpaw". Only two more miles up the trail we ran into Chris & Kay Walker who were handing out hot dogs, snacks, and first aid. Chris & Kay's son had thru-hiked and they have been doing trail magic for a couple years. We finally stopped eating and kicked it into high gear and managed to make it to Sassafras Gap to a campsite where I'm camping with "Mammoth", Philip & Max, Checker and a few others. Had a nice fire, got to bed by 9:30. A front came through and it got colder and the wind blew all night. I was warm and cozy in my tent all night.AlanFor those of you wondering where Earl Grey is today (March 29, 2011) as I type, he spent last night at the Fontana Lodge and will head into the Smoky Mountains today.Mary
Date: 2011-03-20
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Hiawassee/Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Going into Hiawassee for resupply today. 6.2 miles total of up and down. Arrived at Dick's Creek Gap around 11:00 just in time to find two couples setting up trail magic of Chili and cookies. Cheryl & Hal Brady, and Nancy & George Launius of Georgia. One of their sons had thru hiked in 2007 I believe, and they have been doing trail magic since 2008. Another great bunch of people. I was able to find a young couple from Peterborough, NH that was camping at Dick's Creek; they were willing to give me a ride to the Blueberry Patch Hostel. I'm at the Blueberry Patch writing this now. What a great place, they seem to wait on you hand and foot. They even wash and fold your laundry and bring it back to you. So far everyone I've met has been wonderful. However, there was the one hiker with two pitbulls, one named "Demon". That's a story for another time as he seems to be getting quite a reputation out here.
Date: 2011-03-21
From: Hiawassee/Blueberry Patch Hostel

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: few clouds

Great weather still, and even better experiences. Gary Poteat of the Blueberry Patch had told us the night before that the breakfast bell would ring at 8:30, so after a wake-up call at 7:45, promptly at 8:30 the bell was ringing and all 12 of us were escorted into their house where the table was set, and the juice glasses were filled. After a short blessing, Gary & Lennie proceeded to fill the table with mounds of perfectly cooked pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, biscuits & gravy, and to top everything off syrup. It was the perfect start to the day, and if you ever have a chance to stay, you'll be missing something if you don't. They really should call themselves Blueberry Patch Bed and Breakfast. Once we got on the trail it was a long uphill climb all day. I finished my first State when I entered North Carolina about 2:00. Shortly after that I got a welcome to NC with a killer uphill that was the toughest so far. One state down, 13 more to go. Today was made all that much tougher because my pack is way to heavy due to the fact that I bought way too much food. I'm tenting at Muskrat Shelter tonight. I'm sure I'll sleep well tonight!Alan
Date: 2011-03-22
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Good day, weather is still great, mostly sunny, just a few puffy clouds and a little cooler but still t-shirt weather. I take back all the bad things I said about NC yesterday. Got going about 8:30 today but the grade was much better. Even though we went over 5000' for the first time at Standing Indian Mountain, it seemed a lot easier than yesterday's steep up hills. I keep moving pretty steady today trying to catch "Mammoth", but I think he's still about 3-4 miles ahead. "Checker" and I are both tenting again tonight along with two other groups of thru-hikers. Everyone is going into Franklin, NC tomorrow for resupply. Hopefully we'll hook up with "Mammoth" there. Well it's official, as a tea drinker in the world of coffee drinkers I've been given a trail name of "Earl Grey". My hiking buddy Mike/Busch/"Shutter" and his crew that are about a day behind now started calling me that, and I think it fits. So, I guess I'll be known as "Earl Grey" for now. Well it's off to bed so hopefully I can get an early start.AlanAs I am typing this, it is snowing here and we are already at 5+ inches. Early Grey is somewhere in the Smoky Mountains (maybe he has snow too?).Mary
Date: 2011-03-23
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

Up early and out of camp by 7:30. Went right along today trying to get to winding stair gap, then into town around noon. It looked like it may rain so I skipped lunch and hoofed it as fast as I could. Descending into the gap I met "Step N a Half" who was also heading to town. When I arrived, as luck would have it, I came across a couple from NH. The husband was out on a sort of section yo-yo hike. He had hiked from Springer to Fontana Dam and now was hiking back to Springer. They said their goodbyes and she was kind enough to give me a lift into Franklin. I just beat the rain and arrived at Ron Haven's Budget Inn only to find "Mammoth" had already gotten a single room. I got a double for myself and "Checker". I then did the town essentials; shower, laundry, and figured out where to eat. For those not familiar, Ron Haven runs 3 motels in Franklin and is very Hiker Friendly. He makes runs several times a day to different parts of the trail to shuttle people to town and back. Then once an afternoon he runs his short bus to all three motels, then makes stops at the post office, the outfitter, then the Grocery + Wal-Mart. During the entire trip he tells great stories and points out all the highlights of the town, including where to eat. He'll also shuttle you back to the trail at either 9:00 or 11:00 in the morning. Franklin is very trail friendly. The church even shuttles you to a free all you can eat pancake breakfast in the morning - I can't wait.Alan