morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-02-09
To: No Turning Back Now
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Well, I submitted my 4 week resignation today and honestly, don't feel as nervous as I imagined I would. I work in the type of industry where you are usually told not to come back after giving notice, but it didn't go down like that at all. My boss and co-workers have all been supportive, and I am very appreciative of that Jim, Cindy, and Terri. It seems I will be working out my remaining month with the exception of the last week when I will be using some of my saved vacation time to tie up loose ends. At this point, I'm pretty much jumping out of bed in the morning with anticipation of the day, and what it will bring. Anybody who knows me, knows that I like to sleep in, and so this is quite a new, but good, habit for me. Over the next three weeks I still have much to do before my move back to Atlanta. I need to do my taxes, sell my car, get all of my things in to storage, and scrub the house I've been renting from top to bottom. It seems like so much to do in such a short amount of time, and it has me more stressed than the trail itself. I'm looking at a final shake down hike March 20th-23rd. That will leave me two days to make my final preparations before setting off from Springer Mountain (I've hiked the approach trail half a dozen times) on March 26th. I am so excited I can hardly contain myself. 45 days and counting...-Andy
Date: 2015-02-10
To: Test
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

This entry is about tests. First of all to test the theory that my posts are being bumped to the date of my previous entry, and not to the date of my current entry. The other test is for all of my gear. My friend Louis and I are going to do a two night trip on the AT March 20th-22nd. We will set off from Neel Gap on Friday morning and expect to get to Unicoi Gap by Sunday morning or early afternoon. This will be my final shake down hike, and I will then have two days to rest and make any last minute changes to my gear. If anyone starting in late March or April wants to join us on the trip, please let me know and we can make plans to meet. 44 days and counting...-Andy
Date: 2015-02-24
To: Pre-Hike Update
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm sitting here on this cold, rainy day out, and can't help but think about how in just 30 days, I'm going to be out and exposed to these elements. A big part of my preparation has been to imagine and set expectations for days like today. Days where I am cold, wet, tired, hungry, and hurting. It's all about having the right attitude, and if I can keep positive while staving off hypothermia, it will only increase my chances of a successful hike. At this point I am almost completely packed. Just a few odds and ends left to put in to boxes, and pieces of furniture to wrap in cellophane. The movers are coming on Friday the 27th to transport a majority of my possessions in to storage. The following day my brother will be flying one way down from Atlanta to help me load my remaining effects for the drive north. Once I get to Atlanta, I really only have two goals. First of all, I'm listing my car for sale on Auto Trader. I will be asking a reasonable price, and am fairly confident I can get it sold prior to leaving for Springer. Second of all, I will continue to refine my gear, and pick up a few final things from REI. I've put off buying several items due to a lack of backpacking outfitters in Savannah. Much of my gear I've been able to order via the interwebs, but certain things like clothing and shoes are best purchased in person to ensure a proper fit. At this point, my winter base weight(that is the weight of all my gear except for food and water) is going to be around 17lbs-18lbs, and subtract 3lbs when I send my winter gear home in Virginia. This means that with 5 days of food and a liter of water, I should come in around 30lbs. This is my primary weight goal. My secondary weight goal is to get that down to 27lbs with the same amount of food and water. This will be a challenge without changing my big 3(that is pack, tent, and sleeping bag) and sleeping pad. Those 4 items come in at 9.5lbs and likely won't change prior to the trip. I'm happy with all of my gear so far, and feel like it works for me. I'm not a gram weenie(yet) and am not competing for the lightest pack on the trail. However, the lighter my pack, the better my chance of success.The more people that learn of my trip, the more questions I'm getting about the trail, and what life will be like. I'm going to put together a FAQ entry for my friends and family that my not be as familiar with life as a long distance backpacker. If there is a specific question you would like for me to answer, please feel free to text, email, call, or sign my guestbook via the link to the left of the journal entry, and I will make sure I address it. I hope everyone in the class of 2015 is as excited as I am, and I'm looking forward to meeting you all out on the trail in a month. -Andy
Date: 2015-03-05
To: A Big Change
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

As I sit waiting in eager anticipation of my March 26th start date, there is something bothering me. No matter how hard I try, I can't shake the idea. It isn't keeping me up, but it's on my mind constantly. I feel my backpack, while very comfortable, is too heavy. I've been racking my brain trying to figure out how to cut weight, and am at the point where the only way is to buy new lighter gear. The only piece I can really replace without spending an obscene amount of money is my pack. After much deliberation, today I decided to purchase the Osprey Exos 58 liter pack from my local REI. My previous pack, the Osprey Atmos 65 is a great pack and one that I will probably end up keeping. I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to cut 21 ounces without sacrificing comfort. For those of you new to backpacking or don't know. Osprey is basically the Cadillac of the sport. Very comfortable, yet fairly heavy. Typically it is a trade off, but this new pack is a good compromise. It is considered ultra light while maintaining most of the comfort Osprey is known for. I just knew it was going to bug me until I made the switch. After packing up all my gear and going for a walk around the neighborhood, I'm very happy with the decision. At this point, I am ready for my final shake down hike next weekend. It has been very cold and rainy for the past few weeks here in Georgia. Hopefully old man winter is getting tired and gives way to some Spring conditions come late March when I shove off from Springer. I'm still compiling my list of questions to answer, and will try to get that out this weekend. Exactly 3 weeks left and it can't get here soon enough. See you on the trail.-Andy
Date: 2015-03-25
To: Hike Postponed
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

My self-proclaimed start date is tomorrow. but I've run into a problem outside of my control that is causing me to push it back to an undetermined date. It is a personal medical problem that has been causing me some pain in my ankle for the past few weeks. I've been on a strict diet of medication and rest, and am feeling much better now. Though I could probably go ahead and get going and hike through the discomfort, I'd prefer not starting off at less than 100% in one of the most difficult sections of trail. At this point, I'm unsure of when I will feel "healed". It could be a couple of days, or a couple of weeks. I'm hoping that I will feel well enough soon so as to take advantage of the current 8 or so day stretch of great weather in the forecast. I will say that it is very frustrating waking up every morning and seeing my pack with all of my gear ready to go, and knowing that I can't get started. On a positive note, I sold my car yesterday. I knew it would be very difficult to conduct this kind of a transaction from the trail, and am grateful that I was able to find a buyer prior to my departure. At this point, I feel completely prepared and just need my health to cooperate. I don't anticipate having any issues while I out there, but I guess anything can happen. So for now, I will try to keep my anxiety under control and enjoy my last few days of laziness while I can. I'm looking forward to getting out there and meeting all of the 2015 hiker class. Take care all and happy hiking.-Andy
Date: 2015-03-27
To: Progress
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

To say that I was nervous when I woke up this morning would be a huge understatement. Today I would go on my first hike in almost 2 weeks to test my sore ankle. If all goes well, I could see myself getting on trail as early as Monday or Tuesday of this coming week. If not, it could be a couple more weeks yet. Well I'm happy to report that as of 1 hour after my hike, I'm feeling pretty good. My ankle did not give me any pain during my 2 hour, 4.5 mile hike. I was carrying a fully loaded pack weighing around 28 pounds. This will be my starting weight with 4 days of food and a liter of water. I did have an "Oh Shit" moment during my first mile. I was determined to stay focused and consciously think about each step, but inevitably my mind started to wander and I stepped on an exposed root that I didn't see. My ankle turned pretty good and with an initial shot of pain up my leg, my immediate thought was, "well that's it, I've set myself back a month". Fortunately, the pain quickly subsided and I felt fine the rest of the hike. The terrain was mostly flat with just a few ups and downs totaling maybe 400 feet of elevation change, but I feel like it was a good welcome back hike. Though I still feel mild discomfort when I stretch my ankle hard, I really didn't feel it at all while hiking today.   I honestly think that it could be several more weeks before I am 100%, but feel like that 90% is good enough to get on trail. I mean, If I can hike all day without the need for ibuprofen that's a good thing, right? Please correct me if that is bad logic, but I don't think that anybody on trail is 100% all of the time. Now assuming that I feel good tomorrow and on Sunday, I'm going to go on an 8 mile hike up and over a local mountain for my final test. If all goes well on that hike, I will be getting on the AT Tuesday, March 31st. I am very appreciative of everyone's help, especially my dad who is going to serve as my primary support here at home. Also my brother, who has graciously taken on the responsibility of caring for my dog while I am away. The excitement is real folks, and I am so incredibly anxious to get started. Take care all, and I'll see you on the trail. Happy hiking!-Andy
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Springer Mountain Parking Lot

To: Springer Mountain Summit
Miles today: 0.9
Weather: broken clouds

Well, today was the day I decided to start my journey. March 30th at 7:30pm, I said my goodbyes to my father at the Springer Mountain parking lot and began my hike up to the summit. The sunset was amazing. I took the blue blaze side trail to the shelter and set up camp. I met several other hikers while hanging my food so the bears and other critters don't get into it. Later i joined them next to a camp fire and we chatted briefly before going to bed. Everyone seemed eager but apprehensive for the journey ahead. It's a very nice evening, and not as cold as I thought it would be up at the summit. Tomorrow I'm going to the summit for pictures and to sign the register. From there, the plan is 8 or so miles to hawk mountain shelter where I will likely quit for the day. Time for bed. I'll check back in soon.
Date: 2015-03-31
From: Springer Mountain Summit

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

Restless first night on top of springer mountain. I wasn't able to fall asleep until 1:00am and woke up a dozen times before crawling out of my bag at 7:00am. A combination of excitement and getting used to sleeping outside again. I saw a lot of people leaving this morning that I didnt see last night. After some coffee and a pop tart breakfast, I hit the trail and summited Springer Mountain. It was a clear beautiful morning and i got many good pictures. My hike today was 8.1 miles to Hawk Mountain Shelter where i met many knew people. A group of 10 or so of us sat around the campfire and socialize, before a pop up thunderstorm sent everyone scrambling for their shelters. Tomorrow should be a tough day going up and down two mountains before making camp for the night. Take care all.Andy
Date: 2015-04-01
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Today is day 3 and it started with a wet tent from last night's rain. It took me a while to get out of camp this morning. The better part of 90 minutes Id say.                                                      Todays hike was very challening up and down two major mountins and a series of other PUDS(pointless ups and downs). The mileage was only 7.7 miles, but it took me a while to get it behind me. The highlight of the day was a stream about 1.5 miles from the shelter. I took my shoes off and soaked my sore feet for close to 45 minutes. My body has been holding up well, but I hurt all over. Its going to take some time to acclimate to theRigors of hiking these difficult mountains, but I'm confident I'll be cruising up them in no time. Take care all.-Andy
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was the best day so far, but the night wasn't great. There were lots of people at Gooch Mountain Shelter and a gentlemen that will remain nameless was forced to set up directly next to me. He snored very loud and it was difficult to fall asleep. I also woke up around 3:00am looking for calories. and particularly protein. I ate some   sliced pepperoni from my food bag and layed back down. I only slept for an hour the rest of the night.This morning I broke camp down and headed out around 9:00am. Right as I hit the trail it began misting and drizzling. I was hiking through the clouds and there weren't any views. The temps were perfect and the terrain was easy this morning. I made good time and was at Woody Gap before noon.Due to many circumstances, not the least of which being an 80% chance of thunderstorms caused a group of us to head in to Dahlonega for the evening. Four of us split a hotel room where we got warm, cleaned up, and dried out gear. Tomorrow will be a long day as I am shooting for 11 or so miles to Neel Gap. From there I hope to get a resupply and maybe even some trail magic if we are lucky. Check back soon. -Andy
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Woody Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Today was a long day that started at 9:00 am ride back to the trail. When I started the day I felt good and covered the first 5 or so miles relatively quickly. The mid part of the day was capped off with a summit of preacher rock and a wonderful view. The second half of the day was dedicated to Blood Mountain. Blood Mountain is the tallest peek on the AT in the state of Georgia. It was a very challenging climb, but the views were spectacular. I'll try to post some picture when I get in to town. The day ended with a 3.7 mile down hill hike to Neel Gap and the home of Mountain Crossings. This is usually the first chance you have to mail home or acquire gear. They also have an incredible resupply, and offer lots of tips to hikers. I purchased a few items to get me through to Unicoi Gap.Because of my long day, I was late getting in and all of the lodgings were taken. We were allowed to camp behind the building, so I pitched my tent and had a snack before bed.                                                                Around 10:30 the thunderstorms rolled in and it pored on me for 3 straight hours. I fell asleep in the middle of it because I was so exhaused. I was awoken several times by gusting wind brought in by the front, but my tent held strong. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. I've heard some very good views lie in wait. Take care all.                                                               -Andy
Date: 2015-04-04
From: Neel Gap

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I started with the intention of making it 11.5 miles to Low Gap sgelter. The trail was up and down all day with a really tough climb at the end doing 550 feet over .7 miles. I was whipped afterwards. I met a couple day hiking. They told me that trail magic was at the bottom of the mountain so I was motivated to get down and see what was going on. The church group had already packed up and left. The very nice couple felt bad and gave me a granola bar and a couple slices of pizza. I only ate one slice and offered the other to a couple of hikers passing by. It just so happens those hikers had given me a lollypop earlier in the day. What goes around comes around out here, and we take care of each other.Made it 7.8 miles, rather yhan the 11+ I was hoping for. I was just out of energy. I'm camping in a stealth unmarked location With two other people for the night. I ate dinner, got my trail chores done, and watched the sun set over the Georgia mountains. It's so beautiful out here, and there are many great people to share the experience with. I can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store for me. Take care all.-Andy
Date: 2015-04-05
From: Stealth Camp

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Last night was the best night's sleep I've had so far. I slept for 10 hours and woke only a few times to change positions. I also slept in until 7:45. It was about 35 degrees and I didn't want to get out of my sleeping bag. Today was another great day weather wise and fairly easy terrain. I knocked out the first 4 miles by 11:00 and was at camp by 4:00pm. Not a lot of great views today, though I did eat my lunch consisting of peanut butter and jelly on a tortilla wrap and some Wisconsin smoked cheddar cheese, that I picked up at Mountain Crossings, by a cascading creek over looking a large draw.                                                 I'm staying at Blue Mountain Shelter tonight and it is packed. There must be at least 30 people here. I was told by a Southbound hiker that 60 people were staying at the next shelter.Tomorrow will be a short day in to Unicoi Gap where I'll get picked up and driven to Hiawassee for the night. I need to resupply my food, do laundry, and visit the outfitter. I am going to fashion a way to access my water while I'm walking. Currently I have to take my pack off and it gets old. It's been a great Easter Sunday hike, and I'm looking forward to tomorrow's easy day. Take care all.-Andy
Date: 2015-04-06
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 0.9

Today's hike was 2.3 miles down Blue Mountain in to Unicoi Gap in the rain, where I waited 10 minutes or so for my shuttle to the budget inn, in Hiawassee. When we arrived, the proprietor told us the water was out. No showers, no laundry, no staying. I walked a half mile up the road and grabbed a room at Holiday Inn Express. After check in, I immediately walked to the nearby AYCE buffet. I proceeded to est a plate of salad, meatloaf, fried chicken, greens, corn, mashed potatoes and gravy, and rolls. If that wasn't enough I had two bowls of banana pudding and 4 cokes. Hiker hunger is kicking in I'd say.After waddling out of Daniel's, I went to the save-a-lot and purchased a few odds and ends for my resupply. Then I went back to the hotel to do laundry and get organized. I wish I could say I had been more productive, but truth be told, I didn't do a damn thing except get caught up on "Better Call Saul" on AMC. I was so exhausted and the soft bed felt too good to get out of. Bed time after the basketball championship game. Take care all.-Andy
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After a chance to rest my muscles a little yesterday, I felt great this morning when I hit the trail. There were two big mountains to start the day. The first one was Rocky Mountain. It was a 1000 foot climb and almost that much coming back down the other side. It was a sloppy, muddy mess after last night's rain. Also, they don't call it Rocky Mountain for nothing. The second was Tray Mountain which was 1300 feet over 2.5 miles when you factor in all the lead up. Two of the most difficult mountains so far and I did them back to back. My body handled them very well and I really felt strong climbing them. The rest of today's terrain was uneventful and led to me stopping around 4:30pm to make camp after 8.6 miles. My legs still felt strong, but my feet, and heels in particular, were aching so badly. My feet hurting is the reason I stop most days. Tonight I'm sharing a stealth Camp spot with a guy who doesn't appear to be having much fun. He only did 3 miles today after being out in last night's rain. He is wet head to toe, and the khaki pants he is hiking in are ripped exposing his entire back side. To top it off, he is probably 350 pounds. He said he is hiking to Maine, and I certainly wish him the best.Tomorrow I think 8.1 miles gets me to Dicks Creek Gap which is where I'll go back to Hiawassee for a full resupply of 5 days food to get me to Franklin, NC. I'll also be only 9 miles or so from the GA/NC border. I can't wait to get Georgia behind me. It has been an ass-kicker. Off to bed to wait out the probably thunderstorms tonight. Take care all.-Andy
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Stealth Camp

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a hot one. Over 80 degrees at one pojnt. I got a little too much exposure during my 8.1 mile hike. I woke up at 7:00 as I usually do in the woods. After packing up camp and eating two pop tarts for breakfast, I hit the trail. The first few miles were ups and downs, but not too difficult. I stopped for lunch around 11:30 when I saw some friends I hadn't seen in a few days. Out here, it doesn't take long to develop deep bonds with people. If you haven't seen them in a week, it feels like a year. Once you reconnect, it's like finding a long lost friend. After catching up for a bit, I climbed the toughest mountain of the day, which was 750 feet of vertical elevation change in a mile. It was a difficult climb, but just like all the other difficult climbs so far. You hike as far as you can, then stop and rest.I made it to the gap at 2:00pm, which is much faster than I've hiked to date. I feel I'm getting stronger with each hike, and once I get in to some easier terrain, I'll up the distance. I feel like 8-10 miles through Georgia is a good pace. I don't feel quite as wiped at the end of the day either, but it still hurts. I do a lot of stretching in the evenings to keep the muscles loose.Tonight's town stay is my third, but I haven't zerod yet. I won't until Franklin which is a 5 day hike starting tomorrow morning. My food bag is very heavy and I'm not looking forward to carrying the extra weight, but it's a necessary evil. Off to bed now. Take care all.-Andy
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I took my time getting up this morning knowing that my shuttle back to the trail didn't leave until 11:00am.   I ate breakfast consisting of an apple danish, and then a pack of crackers before I hit the trail. The miles were difficult to come by today. There was a lot of climbing, and my pack is heavy with 5 days of food to get me to Franklin, NC, where I get my next resupply. Food has been a learning curve for me. It's really hard to predict how much I'm going to eat, and what I'll want for the next 5 days. Tomorrow is going to be a wet day with 100% chance of rain and thunderstorms. Hiking in the rain isn't so bad, but setting up or breaking down camp in the rain is awful. Also in that category is being in a thunderstorm on top of a mountain. The saying out here is No Rain, No Pain, No Maine! Well I've already had a lot of the first two, and I can't wait for the third. Since I'm discussing a different state, it just so happens I will be starting a new one in the morning. Pretty early in my day I'll cross the GA/NC border. I'm very excited to change states and see what NC has to offer. It's a quiet night in the woods and I'm ready for bed. Take care all.-Andy