morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-29
To: Trap Rock Training Trek
Miles today: 0.0

Went out for a training hike today, 8 miles on the Mattabesset Trail, up and down the traprock ridges. I was carrying 35 lbs, weight is becoming an issue and I worked on adjusting the pack so it would be more comfortable. The hip belt wasn't taking any of the weight, I have this pot belly and love handles, it was hard to tighten the hip belt up enough. I finally shortened the straps at the shoulders, that raised the pack enough so that the belt would rest on my hips and it fit better. That leaves a little bit of pressure on one vertabrae that sticks out more than the others, probably adjusting the curvature of the pack's internal support will help that. When I started buying gear I told the people at REI that I intended to go Springer Mountain in March, as early as possible. So they sold me gear that was suitable for colder weather, but seems a little heavy now when I will be starting in early April. The sleeping bag and pad are heavier than what is needed now that the risk of freezing weather is minimal. I can't get comforatble with the ultralight idea, it makes sense but I really like the security of knowing I will be warm and dry enough under adverse conditions, the idea of sleeping in a bivy sack during a rainstorm isn't that appealing. I went on a Boy Scout camping trip with my son Eric years ago and with a light sleeping bag and no pad I very nearly froze to death. Never again. Anyway the hike went well, I'm planning two more before I head for the AT, tomorrow and Monday.
Date: 2013-03-30
To: More Training
Miles today: 7.7

Went out and did a 7.7 mile hike in 5 hours, it was the Mattabesset Trail South of Rte 68 in Wallingford, CT. Involves climbing to the top of the Metacomet Ridge and then walking along it, in this case it is interrupted by a number of gaps and there is quite a bit of up and down. The pack is an issue. The Gregory Baltoro 75 has plenty of room and numerous places to put things, but I have trouble adjusting it to where I'm comfortable. Before going out on the hike I read and reread Gregory's instructions on fitting and adjusting the pack. Jeanne measured my torso and it seems that the shoulder straps weren't in the right slot for my torso size, so I moved them from the top to the bottom. There was some improvement in the ability to transfer weight to the hips. I'm still having trouble with the pack pressing on one of my vertabrae that sits a little higher, the frame is made ridgid by an aluminum bar that runs parallel to the spine. If it isn't curved properly, or if the padding isn't firm enough, the bar can press against the spine. Other makers use different systems, it may be that I will have to go for something else. It was a nice warm Spring day, I went through 1.5 liters of water and had a coke as soon as I got home. With no leaves on the trees, and very little breeze, the sun warmed everything and I was tempted to convert my pants to shorts so I could cool my legs a bit. I hiked a lot in cold weather since the first of the year, it's a little more tiring in the heat. Tomorrow is Easter and I will take the day off, then do one more training hike on Monday. Years ago I did a road race on Easter, the Vernon Rabbit Run, and it turned into a scorcher, I completed a 10k run and got fairly dehydrated, didn't realize how hot it can get with no leaves on the trees. Tuesday will be last minute shopping and preparations, then I head for Georgia on Wednesday. I'm resisting the urge to do my gear over, a different pack and lighter stuff to take at least 5 pounds off of my base weight.
Date: 2013-03-31
To: Thinking About Food
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Slept well last night after two days of training hikes. Jeanne was asking me what I would like to eat for the last few days at home, I told her fish chowder and beef stew, the type of home cooking that I won't be eating for a while. I plan to go off trail about every three days, and like everyone else I will be gorging on real food, but the question is, what to eat while on the trail. The plan is, oatmeal or pop tarts for breakfast; jerky, trail bars/mix for lunch/snack breaks while hiking; and for dinner, a certain amount of Mountain House or similar, mixed with ramen, pasta or rice sides like Knorr, supplemented by the addition of jerky and dried vegetables. Probably about half bought locally and half by mail drops from home. That and peanut butter. One a day vitamins. Since I swore off icecream last year, and more quickly after I started serious training in January, I've lost about 30 lbs, so theoretically when you add my pack I'm back to carrying the same weight I started at. I've been browsing journals here, I notice that hikers who have been on the AT for several weeks are reporting some serious weight loss. I really don't want to lose much more weight, anything over 10 lbs would be a cause for concern. So after very uneventful training I woke up this morning with symptoms of plantar fascitis, my heels hurt when I got out of bed. I've had hints of it on and off, but nothing I couldn't tune out. Went to the Mayo Clinic website, they suggest stretching exercises, the same as you would do while running, so I started on that. I've been working on a list of possible UPS or mail delivery points, it's hard to plan very far in advance until I'm on the trail and see how reliable I am as far as doing the distance. For now I will head out with 4 days worth of food and mail what I would want for another four days before I leave.One more thought: after browsing the journals here, I'm very glad I didn't start earlier. They have more than a foot of snow in places, many hikers are holed up in town waiting for the weather to clear, and those who are hiking are contending with snow, ice, and meltoff.
Date: 2013-04-01
To: Gneiss Training Hike
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Took my final training hike today, the Mattabesset Trail from Old Blue Hills Road in Durham, Ct.to Millers Pond State Park and back, 9.9 Miles in about 5.5 hours. The underlying geology is Gneiss, as opposed to the traprock in Meriden and Wallingford. The footing is quite a bit better, and there is less of the steep up and down. If you get going across the grain of the ridges and vallies, it's more of a washboard effect. I weighed myself twice before I left the house, with and without the pack, and the pack was 36 lbs including 4 days worth of food and 1.5 liters of water. It started off pretty hot, I drank all the water I was carrying and stopped to filter some more. Unfortunately, last year in the winter the filter on my MSR froze, and I had not cleaned the replacement as recommended. The result was gray water, loaded up with specks of carbon. I poured it out and elected to continue the hike without the additional water. I got caught in some rain on the way back, put on my pack cover and rain jacket in time and didn't get very wet. The pack was less troublesome, I guess I have it adjusted right and my back didn't bother me very much, just a twinge from time to time. Kept the weight on my hips as much as possible. The first time I did this hike, it was raining heavily and I was testing my raingear, that was in August last year and it turned out to be a sauna bath. I got to the overlook where you look down on Millers Pond, and I said to myself, I'm not going down there because I will have to climb back up. This time, carrying much more weight, I went down to the pond with no reservations, climbed back up fine. That got me thinking about the tactic of bailing out when a hike gets difficult. I've done it from time to time, to include one exit from the AT in CT when I wasn't properly equipped for rain and elected to bail out down a road and back to the car. I came back and did the missing miles the next week. The hike went a little longer than intended, the original plan was to take a shortcut involving a road walk at the end of the hike. Then when I thought about it I didn't want to end my training with a road walk so I went back the way I came, which was longer and had more up and down. So I finished my training on a good note. Jeanne had trouble last night, it turned out that the dehydrator we are using wasn't giving any heat, so she wasted the day trying to dry some food for my hike. I was able to fix it, so she can get some jerky and dried veggies done before I leave.Tomorrow is a final gear run, I'm going up to REI with the objective of taking 5 lbs off of my pack weight. I've been reading other people's journals and checking out their gear and it looks like I have room for improvement. I was very comfortable with 30 lbs and if I can get down to that for the full pack with 4 days food and maybe 2 liters of water my hike will go a lot better.
Date: 2013-04-02
To: Lightening My Load
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

After carrying 35 lbs for 4 practice hikes, I felt as if I was much more comfortable at 30 lbs or less. That, and the Gregory Baltoro 75 was becoming an issue, it's a heavy pack and the aluminum center stay was digging into my back.I took my gear list to REI and went over it with Dan, he suggested I stay with the Marmot 15 degree bag and the Exped SynMat 9 (R 6.6) until the weather is definitely warming. At that point they can be swapped out for a saving of about 2 lbs. The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent I'm keeping for the duration. The Gregory is replaced with a Deuter ActLite 65+10, for a 2 lb saving. Plus, the padding goes on both sides of the spine and leaves the spine with nothing to exert pressure. The cross bracing construction means there is no center stay to bother my back in any event. An MSR Miniworks EX Water Filter was replaced with a SteriPen. An MSR DragonFly Backpacking Stove and Fuel bottle were replaced with a Snow Peak Gigapower which operates on canisters. The two items together saved almost another 2 lbs. This little bit should help for now, then the sleeping bag and pad can be changed when the weather is warmer.
Date: 2013-04-04
To: Getting There
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Yesterday I took the bus from New Haven,CT a 24 hour ride to Gainesville, GA, where I was picked up by the people from Hiker Hostel. It was a mistake to go by bus, plane would have been better. For shorter distances the bus has the advantage of getting closer to the trail. As we went South the trees were beginning to flower, and there was the beginnings of the soft light green that makes Spring so pretty in the woods. Today was cold and rainy, tomorrow is expected to have some rain and then the next few days will be clear. I planning to hike the approach to the Appalachian Trail tomorrow, it's 8.8 miles and features about a 2,000 foot gain in altitude, to include a stairway that is 604 steps long. Amicolala Falls is a great scenic attraction, I'll take some pictures of it tomorrow. I did some laundry, the clothes I traveled in, so for today everything is clean and dry.
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Springer MOUNTAIN
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

Before leaving the Hiker Hostel, I saw a bluebird, which seemed like a good omen. Weighed out at 36#, heavy with food and water. The approach is 8.8 miles and includes an altitude gain of 2000 feet. The first part is quite steep and includes 600 steel grid steps. That is a lot more than at Watkins Glen where Jacob's Ladder is 110 steps which used to seem like a lot.Somewhat more than I had trained up to, apprehensive to start. The final climb to Springer Mountain is a series of switchbacks. I experienced very strong gratitude for the strength to finish this leg, got a little bit weepy and made it to the plack. There was no crowd, just two girls writing in their journals. I asked one of them to take my picture, which she did. Headed to the shelter but slept in my tent, which I prefer.
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Springer MOUNTAIN

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The hike from Springer to Hawk Mountain is idyllic, through rhododendron, mountain laurel. Pine and hemlock. You are seldom far from the sound of running water. There are numerous stream crossings. The hike is less strenuous than the day before, a welcome change of pace.
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: scattered clouds

This was tougher, quite a bit of up and down.Many hikers are seeking a transformative experience. The trail will change you. At Amicola Falls I met Doug, who is deaf but not mute. A recovering alcoholic, he found sobriety on the trail, and now has two years. I told him briefly of my own experiennce and sobriety, then continued my hike.Some are between jobs, relationships, at loose ends. Others are longterm hikers or marathoners, very fit people who are drawn to the experience. Sometimes the idea is to build character through the rigors of the trail.Trailnames are ideally bestowed by fellow hikers. From there, asking for the story behind the name is a way to get acquainted. I was struck by the number of senior citizens. Retiirement brings the opportunity to do things that were put off while working and raising a family. Most of them hike at about my speed.
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Lance Creek Campground
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

At Gooch I became a little forgetful and careless about my destination. Started out with no clear objective and learned that because I was not carrying a bear canister I couldn't camp further North than Lance Creek. The scenis highlight was Preachers Rock. This overview extends across miles of mountains, cloaked in mist when I was there, similar to a Japenese water color. The kingdoms of the earth in a moments time would make a good text for the would be preacher. There is a very good campsite there, nice spot for a young couple. It was occupied by a father and son, so I moved on.Lance Creek is heavily used. The highlight was the need to hang my bear bag. The other campsites/shelters had cable systems. I had studied the instructions for the PCT method, which involves the use of a long cord, a carabiner, a bag, a stone, and a small stick. It was late, I just sat there for about 15 minutes before I could remember how to do it. The best tree had a path to it, a bare spot under where the bags hung, and a bare spot here you need to stand to throw the bagged stone over the branch.
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Lance Creek Campground

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 7.4

The hike involved climbing Blood Mountain. It is named for an epic battle between the Cherokee and Creek tribes, a day when the mountain was red with blood. Nearby stands Slaughter Mountain, and the trail crosses Slaughter Creek. The hike is quite strenuous, as the peak is @ 4, 500 feet. The stone shelter is a well known image, built by the CCC. The climb down is steep but not dangerous, if you fell you would get up, not too quick, cursing and swearing.At Neel Gap, I picked up my maildrop. The owner noticed the Armistead name, we discussed George Armistead, who commanded the defense of Fort McHenry. It was his flag that was immortalized as The Star Spangled Banner. Louis Armistead was a Confederate general who died in Pickett's Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg. From there to the Blood Mountain Cabins, very good accommadations, two full size beds, one downstairs and one in the loft, a living/dining/kitchen area, and a clean bathroom for a quick shower. I stank, so the shower was a relief. They do you laundry free. All this for $60. Tomorrow is a zero day, no hiking.
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Neel Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day, hot dog for lunch, supper was spaghetti with Marshall, Angela and Bear Bells who shared the Squirrel Cabin with me.Bought a write in the rain type journal, manual is best for notes. The phone uses too much charge and input is slow. I made sure everything was fully charged... Tomorrow I will shoot for Low Gap, about 11 miles. Rain is predicted.
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Out on trail, two hikers returning for food bags, they had los theirs to bears. They were careless how they hung them. The bears have figured out that if they claw the rope where it's tied to the tree, the bag comes down. PCT method would help. Deer sighted, not very wary, they were curious, permitted me to approach. Then they turned broadside,offered me a perfect shot. I pretended my trekking pole was a gun, "bang bang you're dead." They moved away.Thunder and lightening are predicted for 2:00 pm, so . I am glad as I pass various high points.By 3:30 I was at Hogpen Gap, from there it is 4.4 very easy miles to my destination.Tired ad made it to Low Gap about 7:00. Set up my tent and put the pack inside. Around 11:00 the skies opened, thunder and lightning, very heavy rain. Food got wet but it is all double bagged. Tent wet and muddy, I set it up in a low point.
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: moderate rain

Out of Low Gap in a mist, gradual upwward climb on a smooth dirt and gravel path. No phone service, you can only make calls from the summits in this part of Georgia.Much of this portion is on an old road, it runs sideways along the mountains and has dry laid masonry to deal with the creek crossings. Easy walking, no steep grades.The last 2 miles miles before Blue Mountain very rocky. The warm sun and strong wind made it very easy to dry things out. I had everything out in the sun held down with rocks.Potential problem is I rub out of gas pretty early in my daily hike. Nothing hurts but no pep.Cold night, I slept with two layers on lower body, three on upper and fleece as snuggly and pillow. Grateful for the 15 degree bag.Bear Bells has the same Gregory Baltoro I had, suffering pain in his neck, could be adjustment problems. I told him what happened to me.Turned in at 8:00.
Date: 2013-04-13
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Site
Miles today: 6.1

Up at 5:30, hunger set in, I was thinking how nice it would be to have an English muffin with jelly. Toast and honey, pancakes, or Denny's Grand Slam.Left at 8:30, hit Unicoi Gap at 10:15, in good order. Most of those I was hiking with decided to go to Hiawassee, injuries and/or fatigue. 2:00 pm made Indian Grave Gap, 3 miles to Cheese Factory. Starting to work on blisters to toes, changed socks, not good. Stopped at Cheese Factory, nice rhododendrons and good bear bag hanging. Too tired, fely I have been pushing too hard, need rest. Bear bag hung up, the stone bag, lost it and 20 feet of line. Hung it elsewhere, a little low I thought, hoping for the best.
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Cheese Factory Site

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 7.6

2:00 am, some idiot got his truck stuck in the mud, road near camp, his buddies were towing him out. He dug a two foot hole in the muck, dumb yahoo.I think I need to go to Dick's Creek Gap at a measured pace. Combination of heat/cod (weather), lack of normal food and heavy exertion is draining me. 10:30 Summit of Tray Mountain, fine view. Stopped at Tray Mountain Shelter to draw water at the spllring, it's excellent, boxed and piped, a way from the shelter. My Steri-Pen's batteries went. I had left my pack behind and it was an extra trip to get the spares. Good thing I had them.Cool gray day, windy, solitude cuts in - one NoBo hiker so far today.Stopped at Addis Gap, It was 3:30 and I was bushed. It woould have been several tough miles to Deep Gap. It started to rain, I set up the tent and threw everything in. Then another half mile for water. Cooked supper in the rain, hung the bear bag and holed up in the tent. Wind very strong, died out in the morning.
Date: 2013-04-15
From: Addis Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain stopped so I took down the tent in good order. Set out for Dick's Creek Gap. The hike up over Kelly's Knob was strenuous. From there I took it easy and made it to Dick's Creek around 3:00. I had been talking to two ladies who were day hiking. They passed me just a little bit before the Gap and offered me a ride. I tried to tell them to go slow but they said if I couldn't keep up no ride. So I bounced down the trail after them like Wile E. Coyote in his Acme Trail Runners. They dropped me off at the Budget Inn where I got the last room. Got my mail drop, to include an extra charger for the phone. Showered and went to Subway for a sub. Such luxury.Supper at Georgia Mountain Restaurant. "Bar" means buffet. $10.00 including tax and very good.Hung around ourside my room talking to Harvey and Laura as well as Little Spoon and Chuckles. Broke up early and so to bed.
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Took a zero day. Went to Ingles for groceries. They have a Starbucks with free WiFi. Updated my journal, bought fruit, olive oil and dried cane (sugar). Strategy is to eat the things I normally would that are too heavy for the trail. Apples, bananas, yogurt. Try to avoid loading up on salty/greasy because I've heard it can cause digestive problems, it's about electrolyte balance and hydration.Marshall and Angela came in this morning, so we're in sync again for while.Got my laundry done and dried out my bag.It turns out the batteries for the SteriPen are good for 50 liters, less in cold weather, so you have to carry spares. Replaced the bear bag with a waterproof stuff sack.Tomorrow I will head north again. The plan is to get to Franklin, NC in 5 days. Set up a mail drop with Jeanne.
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Campsite after Blue Ridge Gap
Miles today: 6.7

Started off messed up, got off the shuttle at Unicoi Gap and started up the trail. Got a strange sense of deja vue, I did this section several days ago. Got lucky and a pair of hikers who had a shuttle let me join them, the driver took a small detour to drop me off at Dick's Creek Gap. Slow climb, close and humid. Stopped at Cowart Gap, the tall pines give a cathedral feeling. There was trail magic at Dick's Creek, grabbed a pastry and at it for my break. The wildflowers are starting to come on strong. I saw many I couldn't identify, also bluets growing alongside the trail. Made it to Plum Orchard Shelter OK and got water. It's the Taj Mahal, 3 stories and room for 14 hikers. Not far enough so I continued on past Blue Ridge Gap to a spot with camping and water. Marshall and Angela were there when I got there. I got caught putting up my tent in a thunderstorm, Marshall helped me stake it and I pitched everything in. Thunder and lightning directly overhead. The decision to use a campsite rather than a shelter looks bad when the weather doesn't cooperate.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Campsite after Blue Ridge Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Being very close to the GA/NC border, my original plan called for me to start stepping up the miles. That's not realistic right now. The accumulative up and down changes of elevation is more than I anticipated. Plan to continue into NC at @ 8 miles/day. Because I trained thoroughly, I may not get the "trail legs" boost that some others are looking for. We'll see what happens. By mid morning the wind freshened, looked like rain, I put on my rain jacket and covered the pack. Made Muskrat Creek Shelter mid afternoon and Fritz, Annie and Jason were leaving. Said Marshall and Angela were worried because I have been operating a little short on food given my slow pace recently. They plan to leave some extra food at Standing Indian Gap Shelter. Muskrat Creek is small, heavily used, and has no bear cables. I decided to set up my sleeping bag, have a meal, and take a nap. By the time I ate my oatmeal (with 4 tablespoons of cane) I started to thinking that the AWOL guide says the first few miles toward Standing Indian Shelter are easy. Plus Muskrat Creek is a pigpen. I set out for Standing Indian and made it by about 6:30 pm. Set up and went to bed after talking briefly to the other hikers. I was tired, twice during the hike I became concerned that I was going in the wrong direction and checked with other hikers. Once I was right, once I was wrong. Probably frustration at my slow pace and the confusing weather pattern. Emotional decision making, not good.