morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-30
From: Golden Road

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 15.4

Final third bests (1461-2189)Hitch - Butch and ElizabethBreakfast - Pete's, Monson, MELunch - Dynasty Buffet, Gorham, NHDinner - Little Red Hen, Andover, MEHotel - Hampton Inn, Rutland, VTHostel - Lake Shore House, Monson, METrail Magic - Wade and Sandra, Canandaigua, NYLibrary - Rangely, MEShuttle - Shane, Farmhouse Inn, Rangely, MEViews - Katahdin ascent, summit, and descentHiker (m) - Rolling ThunderHiker (f) - Bright SideDay 173, 7/29Got a late shuttle out to the trail and began hiking into Baxter State Park at 11:30. We kept the pace comfortable. Checked in at the ranger station as NOBO thru hikers number 130 & 131. Tented at The Birches and prepped for the morning.Day 174, 7/30Up early and on the trail at 5:30. It didn't take long for the trail to become very challenging. Toughest terrain on the entire AT. Plenty of great views on the ascent. Got to the summit around 9:30. Spent a half hour taking pictures, smoking celebratory cigars, enjoying the view, and chatting with a few others who'd made the early climb. Descent was very difficult. Took almost as long as the climb. Once down, we headed out to the park road and tried hitching. We'd hoped to get to Millinocket tonight and then would try for Medway and Bangor tomorrow. No luck until Butch & Co. pulled over and we climbed into the back of his truck. We'd seen them on the trail earlier. As we talked with his daughter, Elizabeth, Butch drove through Millinocket, past Medway, and all the way to Bangor! Refused gas money. Hands down the best hitch of the dozens we've gotten.Notes:Bill, we "sprinted" through the H.M.W. in five and a half days. That put us on track to wrap it up much sooner than planned.Plenty of pics from the Katahdin climb. May take a little time to get them all posted on the blog.Look for a wrap-up journal entry once we've made it back to Texas.
Date: 2016-01-22
To: New Old Pics
Miles today: 0.0

Posting some pics from February of '15 on my blog. Longhorn took these with his GoPro. They take a long time to put onto the blog, so I'll be putting a few up here and there whenever I get a chance. Trying to put them up in the order taken. Off to the district swim meet this morning, so only a couple for today.Blog url: http://zipperthruhike.blogspot.com/
Date: 2016-04-03
To: Postcards
Miles today: 0.0

Reminder:Some of the folks who'd like to follow your 2016 thru-hike aren't on computers. We had three of those last year. I wrote down their addresses and bought a bunch of postcard stamps before leaving. Whenever we'd hitch into towns, I'd try to find some postcards to send them. It wasn't always easy, but they really appreciated it.
Date: 2016-07-01
To: Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0

Did a little hiking yesterday. We stopped just short of the gateway. Ryan Johnson and company were at campground when we were leaving for the day. Asked if they were thru hikers and then opened up the cooler and snack bag. They didn't seem to mind that the candy bars were half melted. They're probably well up the mountain by now (8:10 eastern).Ryan's YouTube link:https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCYNd1bnkqt3KvZFz0yttcSQ
Date: 2013-08-06
To: Philadelphia, MS
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

As part of my coping strategy for dealing with my disappointment in my hiking performance this year (2013), I will try to turn the page and begin to look ahead to the next real chance I may have to get back to the trail.In retrospect, I thought that I had done everything possible to prepare for this year's (2013) thru-hike attempt. For over a year I had labored to get into shape and logged in many miles (with my pack) as preparatory hiking. So it was with great optimism that I stood on the summit of Springer Mountain this past March 15th.But it was not to be. A number of factors -- not the least of which was my own eager, but foolish mistakes -- led to an early injury that made it impossible for me to continue.I've had time to reflect on the experience and hopefully will be the wiser for it, making this next try in 2015 (the Lord willing) more of a success.It's a long, long way off. Wish it might be possible to go next year (2014) but just can't swing it. But perhaps the months of waiting and preparing will instill in me the caution and wisdom that I perhaps lacked this past time around. We can only hope!
Date: 2013-08-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Have had the pleasure of conversing with several of the hikers already listed among the Class of 2015. Curt and BootBanger and Gorp-Gobbler. It will be wonderful to continue our conversations over the coming months. I will certainly need plenty of encouragement to keep focused on this target goal so far away in the distant future.Don't expect to get in much real hiking or camping between now and then. The up side of that is that all my gear should still be good to go then. I really was quite pleased with every item I had chosen to take with me this past spring, with the possible exception of the wood burning stove. This year just turned out to be so wet that it made it impossible on a number of those early days to find any dry wood at all. So, I'll go back to my Pocket Rocket for future hikes, at least until the dryer summer months arrive.Anyway, looking forward to swapping preparation ideas with the lot of you.
Date: 2013-08-08
To: Dealing with the Uncontrollables
Miles today: 0.0

One thing I have learned over my years of hiking (and especially during my 2013 failed attempt) is that no matter how hard you prepare, there are a great number of things that can arise over which the hiker has little or no control. We make the best decisions we can, based upon good-faith efforts to surround ourselves with the best information available. But sometimes it's not enough. There will be surprises.Leading up to my hike in March of 2013, I watched the weather closely. There were hikers who set out in February who enjoyed weeks of relatively nice weather. I kept thinking: 'Have I erred in waiting until the middle of March?' The groundhog did not see its shadow leading us to believe that we'd have an early Spring, and the conditions seemed to support that prediction. But then the 15th arrived and I was dropped off near the top of Springer Mountain. The sun was out and I was thankful for that. But the wind was howling and it was cold! I hiked up to the top and signed in. Snapped a quick photo and headed back down as it was just too cold to remain up there. I should have suspected that very first morning that perhaps all the predictions may be proven wrong.As it turned out, the bulk of us hikers were run out of the mountains (for the most part) no less than three times over the next couple of weeks by Old Man Winter. Extending on from those early days in March, the 2013 Season turned into one wet hike for most all up and down the footpath as storm after storm drenched the mountains. I was talking to an owner in one of the Outfitter stores in the Asheville, NC area (a man who has thru-hiked the trail himself) and he opined that he thought that anyone in the Class of 2013 who finished the trail ought to get double credit for it. It's been that tough out there.I say all that to warn myself and others -- there will be factors for which we cannot adequately prepare. Little things like which tent or pack to take or which stove to use. Underestimating the financial cost of the expedition because you are forced off the trail and into motels more often than planned.And then, there are the injuries and the loneliness and the seemingly limitless things that can happen back home among the ones you love which put pressure upon you to get off the trail and go back home.More than ever before, I greatly admire those few who are able to stick it out. Yeah, I have to believe that for many of them a whole lot of things fell into place and the pieces came together at just the right time. But still, it was a struggle and I admire their tenacity and stick-to-a-tive-ness!My hope is to give it another go. I hope and pray that circumstances will conspire to help me along in 2015 or that the Good Lord provides me with a hiking companion who can encourage me along the trail, especially on those days when you seem to be surrounded by doubts and hurts.
Date: 2013-08-09
To: Mulling Over Options
Miles today: 0.0

As I look ahead to 2015, the question of whether to try again from Springer or just push on from where my section hikes have left me is one I must face. I've plenty of time to consider it, but there may be something to starting out from north of Damascus, VA and trying, at least, to finish the trail. Then, if successful, I could always drop back and hike south from Damascus and finish that portion for a completed Thru-hike. We'll see. Starting over from Springer also has advantages in that you're able to fall in with other hikers bent on the same objective. I'll save that decision for later on.The question of $$$ has surfaced. I must now begin saving as much as I can for this next quest. I do believe that past experiences have taught me a thing or two which enable me to cut down on the cost in some ways. Even for the attempt in 2013 I had worked up a plan where I could avoid being sucked into towns (especially for extended stays), opting rather for in-and-out quick trips to resupply, eat a meal, and do laundry. I'll have to do some more planning but hope to perfect this method and cut down on cost.Another thing that helps is trying to stop at inexpensive hostels and avoid the towns where more costly motels are the only option. Sometimes this can't be avoided. I would love to hear from others on this whole subject. My attitude is that I'm out there to enjoy the woods -- not the towns. So, whenever I can eliminate overnights in towns is a plus.I've learned that I normally carry too much food and that some of what I carry (thinking it looks good from home) is wasted. I've got to cut down on this too. BTW, one of the best things I've come up with to eat is: strips of bacon, string cheese, and tomato on tortillas. The bacon you can get in packages like jerky and require no refrigeration. The cheese lasts quite a while out there. I used the smaller italian tomatoes when I could find them. Just store them in an unused bottle or cup so they won't get smashed. It also helps to pick up those packets of mustard and/or mayonaise in the convenience stores or Subway on your way out of town. I have also found that if I layer a round piece of waxed paper between each tortilla they won't stick together in my food bag. Try it!Again, -- many questions to sift through. Looking forward to imput from others that may shed light on my conundrums.
Date: 2013-08-21
To: Learning As I Go
Miles today: 0.0

Had a chance the other day to visit with Andy and Chet, two men from nearby Grenada, MS who are planning their own thru-hiking adventure next year. They hope to leave around the first of March and conversing with them surely made me want to tag along.Don't exactly know how much help I was to them in their quest to get questions answered. But if one can learn from the mistakes of others, then I've certainly a lot to offer most anyone -- for I've made a lot of mistakes.As we discussed gear selections (both of them have a few more items to collect) I couldn't help but wonder what I could do before my own next hike to lighten my pack weight. Don't get me wrong. I'm pretty pleased with what I've done already and am fairly satisfied with my stuff. But still, I think I can go lower, and if so, how much more enjoyable future hikes might be? Can I pare down on the food I normally carry? Can I do without that one-pound rodentproof sack to protect my foodbag near shelters? If I start later in the Spring, to avoid winter, can I leave out several items of clothing that I had to take along this past March? These are just a few of the questions I will seek to answer in the coming months as I look ahead to getting back on the trail.Anyway, I can't wait to follow Andy's and Chet's progress up the trail next year and look forward to the posting of their own journals in the near future.My own plans for getting back to the AT remain in limbo. 2015 is so far away and so many things have to fall into place before I could take off on the trail even then. But it's possible and setting the date certainly gives me something to shoot for.My injuries continue to improve. I was on the stair climber at the local fitness center yesterday for 30 mins of sweating. It felt good.Hang in there the rest of you. Our turn will come.
Date: 2013-09-06
To: Rehab Hiking
Miles today: 0.0

Still working my way back from my injuries but seeing significant progress. In fact, I'm quite pleased with where I am and feel that I'm on the way to regaining what was lost in strength and stamina.Was able to get in some good miles today, even in the 95 degree heat here in Mississippi. And the humidity was high too. I do believe that you could almost reach out with both hands and squeeze water out of the air in front of you. It was that humid! But hey, sweating is good!Had a special treat today as I was hiking in that I came across a wide growth of scuppernong grapes right beside the path. I actually could smell them before I saw them. Man were they good. Was able to pick a good handful in seconds and pop them in my mouth as I hiked along. Just one of the marginal blessings associated with Fall hiking here in the South.Hey, I also came oh so close to catching my first leaf of the Fall Season. It has been so dry here as of late that the leaves are beginning to drop off the trees and I had one right in my hand before it slipped elusively away. Aagh!! But, there's always another day. The game is on!Okay, take care out there all your hikers -- wherever you're walking!
Date: 2013-09-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I think tomorrow is the official first day of Fall, but it's been feeling like it for a couple of days now. The humidity has been dropping and at least the evenings are cooling off a bit here in Mississippi. Why, we even got some rain last evening and today.One of the things I enjoy about hiking is the fall are the colors and smells. I mentioned in my last entry about smelling the wild grapes along side the path I was on even before I saw them. That didn't happen with these persimmons, however, as I had already made note of where these trees stood. I've been watching the little orange balls closely as they ripened. I wanted to get to them before the 'possams'. Well, yesterday I took along a small sack with me and paused in my hiking long enough to pick up a qood quantity of them -- came home and strained the pulp out -- and today (right at the very moment as a matter of fact) my wife is baking up the first Persimmon Cake of the season. Wahoo! Wish you could smell what I am smelling! It's wonderful.Looking forward to getting together in the coming week with Dory and Andy, two new friends who are setting their sights on a 2014 thru-hike. Always fun to swap ideas and talk gear with other enthusiast. My own plans for 2015 are moving forward. It's still so far off but dreaming and anticipating is part of the joy.The leg (knee and hip) continues to improve -- as I increase miles and also hit the stair climber at the gym. I'm thankful that everything seems to still be functioning.Am enjoying Paul Stutzman's book on his AT hike, 'Hiking Through'. I'd encourage any who have not yet read it to pick up a copy. It's a good read.Take care all.
Date: 2013-09-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It has been great fun reading the journals of a number of hikers who are even now reaching the end of their long 2013 walk from Georgia to Maine. Some of these men and women I started out with back in March way down in Georgia and how I wish it could have worked out for me to be one of their number in the end. Oh how I dream of one day climbing to the summit of Katahdin, celebrating the end of a long, long pilgrimage.Scenes like this one are numerous down in Georgia and North Carolina -- that early section of our beloved trail. In those early days it's hard to imagine this narrow ribbon of a walkway stretches on for 2,182 miles. In those first days it's about all one can do to muster the strength just to make it over that next rise. But somehow you do it with a sense of wonder and anticipation of what lies just over that next hill. There is always something special -- even if it's just a tiny blue flower or the fleeting glimpse of a deer. Yeah, it's a special trail, alright. And I can't wait until my next chance to climb up away from the trailhead and lose myself along that path. Hopefully, next go around I'll be wiser and more careful and will find myself included among the fortunate, persevering few who achieve that elusive goal of touching that sign on Katahdin.To all who pursued the dream this year -- I congratulate you -- no matter how far you walked. For a great number of us, injuries or pressing family commitments forced us to put our own pursuit of Katahdin on hold until another year. But for us all, I'm confident that our days on the AT will haunt our memories for a long time to come as we recall the rainy day walks, those late March snowfalls in the south, the lightning storms which may have caught us up on an exposed ridgeline, those shelters crowded with new-found friends, all the campfires, all those delicious(?) one-pot meals at the end of a long day, the night sounds of camping beside a tumbling stream, the smell of the Mountain Laurel and Rhodo blossoms, the taste of trailside blueberries or wild cherries. For sure, those images will never leave us but will only serve to draw us back to the trail one more time. Congrats to the Class of 2013!
Date: 2013-10-28
To: Enjoying October
Miles today: 0.0

Just got back home following an extended time up in our beloved NC mountains. The leaves were beautiful and the temps were ideal. One evening it got down below freezing at the elevation of our cabin. That was great following a hot Mississippi summer.As always when we go to the cabin, I've a number of projects to attend to. This trip I was able to collect enough native stones from the property to construct this fire pit. We sat out by the fire late into one of our evenings there. It was wonderful.Also, was able to roust around in the woodshed and find the lumber to construct the bench seen here. It is so sturdy it ought to last a number of years.On future trips I hope to continue to work on the fire pit, building it wider and higher so that you can actually sit on it. May even build up the back side to serve as a natural reflector of the heat. We'll see. That would involve the harvesting of a lot more stone which is back breaking work. But one thing we seem to have in abundance is stone!Anyway, October is my favorite month of the year and the absolute best time to be in the mountains. Didn't get in any hiking on this trip but was content to just be up there.
Date: 2013-11-02
To: Pondering the What If's
Miles today: 0.0

It's a cool Fall day and I'm enjoying it. Had a great conversation with DixieGrits yesterday and got caught up a bit on his 2013 Thru-hike attempt. My, how I admire his tenacity and sticktoativeness! He started the last day of February and continued on until well past mid-way through October making it as far as Gorham, NH. I think he also told me that he did skip ahead and climb Katahdid. Anyway, I hope to get together with him in the coming weeks to discuss his hike and perhaps learn some things that will help me be more successful next time around.I know it doesn't serve any real purpose to waste a lot of times wondering over the 'What If's' of life, but as I reflect on my attempt this year, I can't help but wonder if I had only done some things differently or if I had only been wiser and was able to curb my initial enthusiasm and take those first days a bit slower -- perhaps then I might have made it or, at least, had been able to remain out there longer. But, all we can do is learn from our mistakes, right?But this cool Fall weather -- the crispness -- surely puts within me a longing to be back out there. October is my absolute favorite month to be hiking. Not to mention that it's a great month to surge ahead in the 'Leaf Catching Game'! Perhaps I'll lay aside all I had planned for today and at least head out on a local trail for a walk in the woods!Those fortunate ones in the Class of 2014 are surely getting excited about now as their own starting dates draw closer and closer. Perhaps a few are looking forward to Santa bringing them a crucial piece of new gear even as I was about this time last year. I wish only good thing for you all and may 2014 not be quite as wet as 2013 and may Winter not cling to the Georgia and North Carolina ridges quite as long as it did this past Spring!
Date: 2013-11-22
To: Just Putting in some Miles
Miles today: 0.0

The rain which had been falling most of the day finally broke around 4 PM and I was able to drive over to a nearby park to get in a few miles of walking before dark. There is just something about walking in the woods following a rain -- you know what I mean? And because of the weather I had the trail all to myself. I love the way the dark tree trunks show up so vividly against the pale shades of color in the remaining leaves. Especially the Beech trees. It's hard to explain. Why, there is almost an iridescent glow about the leaves of the Beech at this time of day. Or perhaps there is some inherent ability in the Beech to catch the little remaining light of twilight and reflect it back. It was magical!In any event, I was content simply to be out there -- all alone with my thoughts -- shuffling along over a pathway that was literally carpeted with color. I had no lamp with me, however, and soon the darkness began to overwhelm me and the woods around me. My thoughts jumped back to this past March on the AT -- my second day on the trail when I tried to cram in too many miles and got caught in the dark coming down off of Blood Mountain. I guess I could have stopped for the night up on top, but if you've been there then you know that there is nothing at all appealing about that cold, damp, and mouse-infested shelter. Also, I did not have the bear cannister which was required of hikers for that section. So, my only option was to keep going and try to make it down the mountain to Neels Gap. But coming off of Blood Mountain can be a little tricky in places. In any event, I took a tumble and suffered an injury which for all intents and purposes ended my hike. Yeah, I was able to limp on through Georgia and into North Carolina but the pain in my leg never left me after that fall. Come to find out later that I had suffered a small break in the top of my Tibia.Oh, well. Those things happen. The hike was ended but not the dream. I continue to pray and work towards a second attempt in 2015. These little end of the workday forays into the surrounding countryside, just like today, help to stoke the fire of that passion to fulfill my dream and cover the trail all the way to Maine.Take care out there!