morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-01-25
To: Physical training Begins
Miles today: 0.0

For the last two weeks I"ve actively begun my 2015 AT training routine. Wish I had stayed in better shape from last years hike; but, alas, that did not happen. So again I start form a point where I need to lose weight and strengthen muscles. Actually I am enouraged after just two weeks. I feel better havng lost 7 pounds already and some lingering aches and pains have subsided. Notably, foot pain and knee soreness. I'm thinking that eliminating long walks on pavement and getting into the woods instead has helped both feet and knees.The week before last I exercised 6 consecutive days. That included walks in nearby woods (sans backpack) and numerous gym visits for weight machines, elipticals, stair steppers and Body Combat classes. This past week I additionally completed three training hikes with backpacks in nearby Hitchcock Woods. First hike was a 3 hour one with a 24 pound pack. It sure felt good. I understand the "ultralites hikers" who push so hard to get the pack weight down that low. It was not as if I had a pack on at all. Second hike was with an increase to 4 hours and 28 pounds. Again, not too bad. Wish I could get by with that weight on the AT. The final hike was for 3 hours with a 32 pound pack. That is starting to get my attention-even with the lack of mountains here in the South. Last year my typical fully loaded pack weight was about 37 pounds. I do not see being able to get by with much, if any, less weight this year. I've reviewed nearly everything I pack and feel I either need it or want it. There is a frequent saying among backpackers. "The less I carry, the more I enjoy hiking. The more I carry, the more I enjoy camping." I guess I'm of the type that does not want to compromise my comforts (physical or mental) for easier hiking. I am seriously considering a training/shakedown hike before heading out in late March/early April. There is one section of my 2014 AT trek that I was somewhat disappointed in. That was entirely missing the ponies in Grayson Highlands State Park. Thus I think I'll hike from Damascus, VA to Marion, VA a distance of about 65 miles. GHSP is in the middle of this section. This time I'll make sure to find the ponies. Last time I learned afterward that they were on a side trail ( .5 mile off the AT to the top of Mt. Rogers) when I went through. Hoping weather is good in late February/early March to allow this trip. The terrain in this section looks to be more challenging than what I'll encounter when heading out later. That will be a good experience to top off training efforts.So, until I post again, I'll be busy getting in better shape. I really expect to begin this years hike in the range of 7-10 pounds less than 2014. And more importantly, stronger leg muscles for those dreaded uphill monsters.
Date: 2015-02-11
To: Envying 2015 Thru-Hikers
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Almost daily I look at Trail Journals of hikers attempting to engage in a 2015 thru-hike attempt. As I do, I recall how I felt at this time last year. I was so pumped and eager to get going...yet, full of anxious thoughts as well. To those having already started out and those yet to start, best of luck. If you're anything like me, you'll enjoy it greatly. Sure, you have times (almost daily) where you say, what am I doing out here. But, the thrill of being responsible for your own well being, interacting with so many others your meet, being part of nature and ticking off the miles daily will make it all well worth it. It probably will be one of the best experiences in your life and will get in your blood.As for me, I am still targeting a mid to late March start of my continued NOBO progress starting near Bland, VA (mile marker 582.3). The actual start date will be dependent on the weather forecast. I'll be chomping at the bit and ready to take off as soon as I see a reasonably good 10 day weather forecast for that area. Of course I know that this does not guarantee continued good weather. But, I'll continue to watch it and potentially get of the trail for awhile if nature dictates.In spite of a bad cold (or possibly mild flu, since I had a shot) that hit me last Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I am progressing with training. Over the last few weeks I've been exercising 6 days a week (less the sickness days). I am feeling stronger and do believe that I am now about where I was at Springer Mountain time last year (March 19th). Generally, I go into nearby Hitchcock Woods three times a week. I've been increasing both pack weight and duration. On Tuesday (the first time out after the cold) I did 4.5 hours with a 37 pound pack. Earlier today I cut back to 2.5 hours WITH A 41 POUND PACK. That is hopely several pounds above my anticipated AT weight; but, I want the real hike to be a relief verses what I am practicing with. I am also firming my plans for a training/shakedown hike. Shooting for a 5 day hike starting March 3rd on the Foothills Trail in northern SC that also goes into NC for awhile. The entire trail is about 70 miles. I plan on starting on the west end on going about 25 miles in. Then retracing back to the starting point and my waiting car. The elevation gain is about 1,300 feet, something missing in my home area. I had considered starting on the East end; but, it has an elevation gain of nearly 2,000 feet in the first 3 miles. I want a good test; but, I'm not that crazy!!! Todays picture of the most prevelant wildlife I see in Hitchcock Woods. There are numerous nice housing areas that back up to the woods. So, when you're on the perimeter areas you see lots of homes with horse stables. This is one of them.
Date: 2015-02-21
To: Training - incremental growth
Miles today: 0.0

Been about two weeks since my last post.   Nothing different about my plans (i.e. a mid to late March NOBO Section Hike starting from around Bland, VA). I have been steadily progressing with physical training. Besides the twice a week Body Combat aerobics classes and weight training at Golds Gym, I have expanded my training hikes in nearby Hitchcock Woods. Over the last two weeks I've done several local hikes with my 42 pound backpack. I'm hoping that the load which now includes 4 bricks wrapped in towels will be at least 4 pounds more than my real hiking weight. And that the real hike weight will be a pleasent surprise later on as I haul it up and down the AT mountains. My biggest day was Wednesday when I hiked for about 11.5 miles. Sure was tuckered out that night. I had for years thought about walking or hiking around the entire perimeter of Hitchcock Woods. Now it is in my "done" column. And today I did about a 6 mile hike (again with 42 pounds) after my morning Body Combat class. First time I've combined a hike and other exercise in the same day.By my next post I will have removed the 4 bricks from my pack and replaced it with all the gear I plan on taking. Really curious to see what it turns out to be. When I started at Springer last March, I was at 39 pounds fully loaded with 2 liters of water and about 5-6 days of food.   Most of my basic equipment is the same; but, I hope to cut out some of the smaller little extras to bring it down somewhat. Todays pic is a part of Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken, SC that borders Hitchcock Woods in some places. For you golfers, it is one of the oldest Golf Clubs in America. Unfortuneately, it is private....so I've never played it. For many years Ben Crenshaw (being a history buff of the game) arrived in the area early for the Masters in nearby Augusta, Ga and played this course.Til next time, I'll be continuing to exercise, reading Trail Journals of other 2015 hikers daily and eagerly watching the weather forecasts. Still hoping to get in a 5-6 day training/shakedown hike on the Foothills Trail in upper SC before the AT adventure begins.Achin
Date: 2015-03-04
To: Training Continues
Miles today: 0.0

I continue to follow many AT Trail Journals and hear about all the bad weather woes involved with the early starters. I do feel for them. However, I doubt one of the local sandhill area of South Carolina perils ever occurred to most of them. We may not have to worry about high elevation snows or black bears down here; but, take a look at the pic at left. It is a posting on one of the local trails I practice on.      Still waiting for the right time for my 2015 AT adventure to kick off. Have to wait until reasonably sure the weather from Southern VA northward is good enough to start. In the mean time still trying to be better prepared physically. Have been continuing hikes in local Hitchcock Woods with an insane 45 pound back pack. (Sure hopes it makes my realistic 38-39 pound pack feel light when I finally do get to step out for real). Today I did a 9.25 miler. I think tomorrow I'll take out the 15 pounds of bricks currently in my pack and replace it with the rest of my actual hiking gear/food/water to get my real weight. Mentioned last posting that I've been doing an estimated 11.5 mile course a few times. Well, on todays hike I used a smart phone app called "mapmywalk" which is pretty neat. As a result, I find I am hiking further than my estimates. I'm now thinking the 11.5 estimeate is probably more like 13 to 14 miles. Won't know for sure until I do the complete course again using the app. Today I cut the hike short thinking I was going to leave tomorrow morning to head upstate to hike a portion of the Foothills Trail for 6 days. Then when I get home and check the latest weather forecast for that region, I decided to delay it one day. No need to hike in certain rain when I can delay one day and avoid it.So, until next time, I try to patiently train and live the trail through other hikers entries.
Date: 2015-03-24
To: Final Training Hike
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I completed what is my final training hike, in local Hitchcock Woods. I was using a new app with my phone called MapMyWalk. It calculated that todays distance was 13.8 miles. My pack is very close to what it will be live on the AT starting out.....39 pounds. Actually I was dismayed last night when I weighed it. I was expecting 37 pounds. Now I realize the 39 pounds includes 9 full pounds of food. Before I leave I think I'll cut that back to at least 7 and thus start with a 37 pound pack. I was considering also taking out some clothing; but, looks like the first two nights on the AT are going ot be quite cold. The nearest town is predicting 25 and 24 degrees. So, I think I'll stay with my full clothes array for now.As I was hiking today I recalled the estimated steps on the entire AT being 5 million. So I've already completed about one quarter of the trail and therefore easily over 1 million steps. I'm ready to get on with the 2nd million. Thursday, the 26th Wendy and I will be driving to Bland, VA (about 5 hours). My NOBO hike will begin on the morning of the 27th. I've researched and found what is expected to be a real good Italian Restaurant about 15 miles from Bland. Already know I'll be getting a big plate of spaghetti and meatballs. I'm expecting the trail to be quite lonely in VA this time of year. Another Trail Journal I've been following is "Otis". He is in the same area, probably about 100 miles in front of me when I start. He made a comment that he is seeing nothing but rocks and trees.So tomorrow and Thursday morning are final preps and crossing off the last of the honey do items.My next post will likely be a short one on Thusday evening just prior to hiking.Achin
Date: 2015-03-26
To: Hike Eve
Miles today: 0.0

Wendy and I are at the Big Walker Motel in Bland, VA. Arrived at 8pm after stopping for a really good Italian meal in Wytheville, about 15 miles from here. It just started raining a short time ago and is forecasted to continue over night and changing to SNOW for several hours in the early morning through about noon. However the temps in town are not suppose to be below about 38 degrees. So Wendy should be fine driving home. However I do not know what to expect at higher elevations. In any event rain or snow should end around noon. Hopefully the AT will not be too inhospitable to me. I have a shuttle set up for a 7am departure.And so it begins.
Date: 2015-03-27
From: Hike Eve

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

Two year mileage total = 592.4[pEverything was good today....except for Wendy driving off and leaving me to hike again. Always hard saying goodbye.[pI believe the hiking today may be one of the best in my AT experiences. The trail was smooth and dry without many rocks, roots and any severe inclines/declines. Temps were on the cool side(38 up to 50 degrees) with occasional snow flurries.[pMade it to the shelter at 12:15. If I were not just starting out, I may have gone on 10 miles to the next shelter. But wisdom says to take it easy on miles until your body gets used to it.[pDid not see anyone while hiking unless you count the cars and trucks spied on I77 as I crossed over it. Did meet 2 thruhikers( Gator and Tadpole) as they stopped at the shelter to use the privy.[pForecast for tonight is 25 degrees with snow showers. Decided to shelter rather than tent since the winds appear not to enter the open face of the shelter. And won't have to carry a wet tent tomorrow.[pAchin out for now.
Date: 2015-03-28
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

Two year mileage total = 602.1[pWoke up to a half inch of snow this morning and cold temps. Actually got up at 10pm for a potty break and it was snowing then. And to top it off, I had a heck of a time getting my bear bag down. Somehow the rope got twisted and caught up on a carabiner. Ultimately I had to improvise using a long wood stick, hiking pole and duck tape to rig up an apparatus to free the line. All told it took 45 minutes and was quite frustrating in the cold.[pHiking today was good; but not as pleasurable as yesterday. It was sunny when I got my late start at10am. Hiked in the snowy path for about 2 hours before it was melted away. It was very windy all day with a cold wind on the top of a ridge. When the trail dipped down on the east side it was calm and warmer. Too bad most of the day was on the west side or along the top. It did make for nice views of valleys and further mountains on both sides.[pStaying at a shelter tonight; but in my tent. It is suppose to be even colder tonight(18 degrees in town, here?). Another thruhiker is here tonight. A guy named Dusty from SF, CA.[pI can't tell how cold it really is. Knowing it was going to be cold I packed a little thermometer I had for years. Come to find out it never goes below 50 degrees. It is now in trash bag.[pAchin out for now.
Date: 2015-03-29
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 3 Two year mileage total = 616.6[pBig hiking day today. It was long but not too tough. Started out with to frozen solid water bottles. Each was only partially full and I had remembered to lay them on their sides overnight so ice would not form at the opening. So I was able to get at least some fresh water in them for breakfast and the early hiking.[pWas VERY cold starting out but was able to shed layers through the day as it warmed nicely. Took a side trail of .3 miles each way to have lunch by Dismal Falls. Sure glad I did...was beautiful and relaxing.[pNote to buddy RW who suggested camping there. I had planned on it; but it was only 1pm and decided to go on to the next shelter to avoid tenting in the predicted overnight rain.[pFor the 2nd night had the company of Dusty; we are sharing the shelter tonight. And it will be the first night it does not get below freezing. YEA!!![pAchin out for now.
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 4 - two year mileage total = 623.8[pNice to wake up to above freezing temps. Left about 8:30 knowing it was a low mileage day. The AT Guide book I'm using seemed to indicate a 1400 foot incline and then flat or downhill. Problem is the flat & downhills were quite rock filed. That definitely slows things down and takes more energy. Not good for your attitude either. But, you have to take what the trail gives you and keep on going.[pStaying at one of the storied hostels on the AT - Woods Hole Hostel. I'm in a shared room with Dusty and Montana. And there are 3 other hikers here as well. Looking forward to a great dinner and breakfast before taking off for the town of Pearisburg tomorrow and a zero/resupply day.[pHaven't mentioned that there is nothing blooming up this way yet. All trees are bare. When I left home less than a week ago, trees were budding out or blooming and the azalea's were blooming as well. I'm ready for springtime in the mountains....as long as it doesn't get too warm.[pAchin out.
Date: 2015-03-31
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg,VA
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 5 - Two year mileage total = 634.9[pA great day for hiking sunny and upper 30's to start and got up into the low 70's. A few uphills but the most significant change was a long 1,900 foot downhill into the town of Pearisburg , Va. Was not too steep but it went on forever. [pThere were several absolutely spectacular views from way up looking down onto valleys and the town of Pearisburg.[pI felt strong today. Must have been the good nights sleep and good food at Woods Hole Hostel. I highly recommend it.[pThe above daily mileage does not include .5 mile uphill from the hostel to the AT, about .4 mile on a side trail to get water and finally nearly a mile from the AT down into town. So almost 2 miles that doesn't even count.[pSpending the night with Dusty(CA)and Chris(FL). We all had all you can eat Chinese buffet along with Montana(MT).[pWas thinking of taking my first Zero tomorrow; but, now thinking of heading out in the morning.[pAchin out.
Date: 2015-04-01
From: Pearisburg,VA

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 6 - Two year mileage total = 646.0[pAnother beautiful AT hiking day. Started off in the 30's and got up into the 60's and sunny.[pHad an early Hardee's breakfast with Dusty and Chris. They were going to take a shortcut through town, skipping a section of the trail. I chose to remain a "purist" (i.e. Walking by every white blaze on the trail). Don't know about Chris; but it backfired on Dusty as he got mixed up on the Pearisburg streets and ended up walking 4 extra miles. He caught up to me at a shelter for lunch. I also had a directional problem. Had a 3/4 mile uphill walk to get to were I got off yesterday. In the dark I missed it and went an extra 1/2 mile on the road. A man on the way to work helped me out and gave me a ride back down the 1/2 mile. So I actually started on the trail at 7am.[pIt was about a 1,700 foot climb out of Pearisburg to get back up on the ridge line. It was long and steady uphill but not too bad. Then it was a ridge line walk with minor ups and downs the rest of the day. I stopped to camp on top of a grassy field with fantastic views into a valley and mountains beyond. Looks like I'll be camping alone tonight. Been fun watching out of my tent as the sun sets and changes the various hues on the mountains, hills and valleys below.Achin out
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Stealth Campsite

To: Baileys Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.3

Day 7 - Two year mileage = 658.3[pStarted out from my mountain top camp site after waking to a great sunrise. Got quite windy over night and thus took a little more work to get the tent stowed away.[pSaw 4 southbounders today. Two were older guys out for a 8 day hike. The other two were thru-hikers who started in Harpers Ferry going south and will jump back there going north when arriving on GA (called a flip flop)[pForgot to mention yesterday that I saw deer and saw more today. Also the first butterflies were spied. Spring can't be far away.[pCompleted my first week out here and am enjoying it. Glad to be seeing other hikers - was afraid I'd be lonely. Sharing a shelter tonight with Chris. aka Nacho Libre. And have no physical ailments that I'm worried about.[pAchin out.
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Baileys Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 8 - Two year mileage = 672.9Longest mileage day so far at 14.6 miles. Today was a long, hard and off/on rainy day. It always seems harder when facing s big uphill at the end of a day (1,700 ft).Not a happy sign is that I saw my first snake today. It was just a small ( about 8") brown colored one; did not expect to start seeing them yet. Last year it was May before the first sighting.Sharing a shelter with Nacho Libre and 2 north bound section hikers from NC tonight. In the shelter because of s threat of rain.Achin out.
Date: 2015-04-04
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 15.1

Day 9 - Two year mileage = 688.0 (estimated due to tenting in a stealth area).A shout out to 2014 hiking buddy Paul Bunion. Tag you're it. Today I passed your departure point of last year. So now the onus is on you to catch up. And since I have your attention, happy birthday tomorrow. Another 2015 personal high for daily mileage of 15.1. I'm shooting to reach a hostel tomorrow in time to catch a ride to a storied AT hiker restaurant on Sunday evening. Day started out as cloudy and windy, later turning into warm sunny day. Met 3 south bound section hikers today and met up with Nacho Libre at a shelter late in the afternoon. He had met up with an AT Trail Crew and stopped to help them repaint white blazes and other maintenance projects. He was getting a ride with them to the hostel I'm trying to reach tomorrow and going to the restaurant tonight. Was offered the same ride but declined thinking I can wait one more day to get there.I kept on hiking a couple more hours to set up a reasonable distance to make the hostel & restaurant tomorrow. Ended up tenting alone on top of a wooded hill part way up a large mountain. Today's hiking was fairly hard with a lot of rocky sections. That means slow going and more effort. Also, after seeing the little snake yesterday, the trail crew informed me they had seen a rattlesnake earlier in the day.Achin out.