morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-02-16
To: home, Utah
Miles today: 0.0

Wow! Only a little over 2 weeks to go. I've been real busy getting ready. Doing taxes today. My list of things which must get done is getting shorter. I've quit going to the gym and started hiking almost every day. My plan is to toughen up my feet and ankles at home while there are still long hot showers and a soft bed. Decided to train by elevation climbed and forget miles. Going up is what makes the my achilles tendons sore. Going down is what makes knees sore. I'm lucky to have countless peaks right out my window. My 4 week plan to get in shape: Week 1 Climb 15,000 ft, Week 2 climb 10,000 ft, Week 3 climb 21,000 feet and Week 4 only 5,000 ft with lots of stretching and resting.So far I made my goal the first and second weeks mostly hiking in the foothills north of town. I've been going to Avenues Twin Peaks most days about a 5 mile round trip. Also went up Little Black Mt a few times. Made it almost to the top at 8,300ft once. Lots of animal prints in the snow. I was excited to see Bobcat prints mixed in with coyote, elk, deer and rabbits. Also discovered the West side of Grandeur Peak. This is just across the freeway from REI. It's only 2miles to the top with 3200 ft of elevation gain. One of the steepest trails in the Wasatch. Very convenient and not too much snow on the lower sections. Only made it to the top once. It took 5 hrs round trip for 4 miles. Soft wet snow gave me a going over.. stuck to my feet so much it looked like a snowman's head attached at the bottom of each leg. So far it seems like the arthritis in my toes and heels is going to be ok. I've been using Voltaren gel. It's fairly new and quite expensive, but really seems to work.
Date: 2011-02-17
To: home, Utah
Miles today: 0.0

This is my dog, Molly, and my son, Michael. I'm hoping Michael can join me for part of the hike, but Molly is too old. She's been the best hiking partner I ever had. She kept me company on countless hikes as I recovered from having my hips replaced. Sadly Molly's hips are shot also, but she is too old for surgery.She can handle one to two miles a day, but needs to stay off steep stuff with the snow. She blew her knee ligiments out right before Thanksgiving. I had to carry her up and down the stairs for several weeks. But she has come back better than the Vet believed. Her nose still works so I let her take all the time she needs to investigate all the smells. Molly will turn 14 shortly after I start the AT. I hate to leave her so long at this age, but my wife EE and daughter, Kathleen will take great care of her and give her all the love she needs.Michael is plenty strong, but he may be too busy trying to jump start his career as a film maker and photographer. He plans to be in South America next summer working on ski movie with a group called Sweetgrass.
Date: 2011-02-28
To: home Salt Lake City, UT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This my first entry from new iPhone. I am ready??? to go? Glad to read journals that other bikers get the jitters. As departure approaches...LESS THAN A WEEK!! I'm excited and getting reservations at the same time. I get wet and sweaty and dirty and cold on training hikes, then in10 min home in dry house,dry clothes, hot meal, warm cozy slipper and beautiful loving wife, EE. I have to admit near zero experience winter camping close to 50 years ago, miserable freezing experiences w boy scouts. Survived and fondly remembered. I've packed my gear in box to check on flight to Atlanta. Even have my clothes to wear laid out. Wallet pared down toDL +3cards in ultra light nylon wallet. Pack weight crept up to 30 lb fully load w 5 day food, 2week meds, 2litre water, fuel and whiskey. Added compact binoculars 9oz after down loading app "ibird" After seeing 2 golden eagles soaring over Grandeur Peak, I know there will be no regrets. Also included a full set of dry wool and fleece shirts for cold weather ( added set packed). Got chilled after train hikes even in heated car & house. Get soaking in sweat even temps in 20s with tee shirt. Body internal thermostat not so good at 60. Also added camera, charger and iPod in addition to this iPhone...at least till we see battery life is on the trail and picture quality on phone.   It's been 36 years since leaving my beloved Blue Ridge Mountains for Utah. Odd to think I'll be in Virginia now homesick for my Wasatch Mts!HAVE NOT FOUND   HOW TO LOAD PICTURES from iPhone 4 directly to trailjournals. Help?"My bags are packed, I'm ready to go. Don't know when I'll be back again." Peter, Paul and Mary
Date: 2011-03-06
To: Hiker hostelv
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

It was a very long day traveling from utah. The day flew by despite a 3 Hr layover. There are 19 jokers plus hosts Josh and Leigh already in bed as I try to unwind. A lot of interesting good people about half around my age, the rest youngsters. I recognized Ron Grimm and Currahee sp? from trailjournals. Ron is a whitewater canoeist, his stories of the Chattanooga etc got me excited to be here in GA.Called my sweetheart several times to ease the separation.   I am already looking forward to our reunion almost the same as this adventure.
Date: 2011-03-07
From: Amicalola park via Hiker Hostel drop off

To: Springer park lot, official mile post, .9
Miles today: 0.9
Weather: overcast clouds

After pretty good sleep in bunk room with lots of snoring even barfing, I am indebted to my personal trail angel, EE. She gave me some of her ear plugs.Got dropped off with 3 nice 20 somethingKids, Moonshine(from Franklin Co, VA as in book "The Wettest County"), Kate, NH and Hellion who is very nice engineering student Virginia Tech.I enjoyed the challenging hike up the Falls crosses back and forth up incredibly high falls. Got to show off my toughness though also highlighted egotism. All the other geezers skipped the approach, so I had only the kids to irratate. Hellion (Tyler?) was most patient and gracious he is a gentleman.Kate and Moonshine hung back with another young woman in pic. I was worried that Kate had 57 lbs! She looked pretty tough, a skier, but small. Feel guilty about not going back to check, haven't seen the gals since. They must hike their own hike. Hope Kate shed stuff at Neel's Gap outfitter, and is now enjoying paradise in N Ga.Macho Libre jimdog took Springer Mt terminus pics and saw Gordo staring back from inside the camera.So great weather for 8.8 approach miles and .9 mile official.
Date: 2011-03-08
From: Springer parking lot

To: Gooch shelter
Miles today: 14.2

Hiked alone till I caught up with Hellion at the stream just before goofy sheltr. Nice 2 level shelter packed. It's hard to relax w big storm coming. Josh showed up a few min later having gone backto springer for his official start.BI got rhythm and pulled away the group thankful of the quiet and to be free free of all the "Katzes" (A Walk In The Woods, Bill Bryson). I was feeling pretty cocky... by mid day I had passed pretty much all the hostel people who started the day before. "Jimdog, hell, I should be "Top Dog" or at least "Big Dog". I was cruising in top gear thinking how effortless, when my left knee suddenly acted up. Knees are about my only body part somewhat intact so I was surprised. Slowed from 3+ mph to 1.5 and got new groove with smoother stride. After yesterday, reminded my self it's not all about me. No way my beat up body can do wout help. From my friends, energy from the beauty of the Mts. Cosmic energy, God's Grace. Prayers , power shared passed on by dead friends and ancestor. The smell of forest reminded me of my youth and put me deep in meditation. The mile flew by only subliminally aware of my surroundings. Will God be mad cause I'm not seeing the incredible beauty laid out before me? But I feel it in a powerful way as recalling vivid scenes from my youth in VA. I decided I will end this trip an artist, no longer just an engineer. A lover of life, and if not a religious man at least one not afraid to live and to die. Decided if clear my mind, God will finally let me learn to make music. So far the only material thing I've missed is my guitar. So I decided to carry one. Really dumb but I have a feeling. Heck I can always stealth camp and pick to my heart's content without annoying anyone.Plus I have a feeling about Josh NH who is already packing 6 strings and drumsticks.
Date: 2011-03-09
From: Gooch Shelter

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 15.5

Hiked all day in heavy rain. Quiet, sweet. Most of time w Josh. Met Chopper and Converse at top of Blood Mt. Waiting for Josh. Everyone assumed he was my son. Flattering, he reminds me a little of my son Michael. Trail at top of Blood very beautiful ..... Like a cascading river over granite steps. 2 miles down to Neel's tough due to water pooling and pouring over rocks. Josh showed up as I was checking in we got 2 of the last 4 spots. Chopper and Converse didn't get in. Hostel full of interesting people, almost everyone there had zeroed due to rain. It must have rained at least 4 inches. Josh and I were glad to confront our fears of rain right off and stayed safe, comfortable while getting soaked to the bone. I wonder how his travel guitar felt about it though.No pics today all electronics triple bagged in pack.
Date: 2011-03-10
From: Neel's Gap

To: Blue Mt Shelter
Miles today: 18.1

Started at 9:45 after waiting for dryer too impatient too wait for washer like Josh did. Drizzle stopped shortly. Then cold front high wind sleet, snow. Hiked fast and long to regulate body heat. Would have made shelter 1 1/2 Hr before dark, but needed to call Utah Cancer Specialist that for my test result. Stood on hold with numb hands trying to protect my precious IPhone the storm intensified as soon as I got it out. On hold 20 min... Receptionist finally picked up .... On hold 15 more min for nurse. Can I call back? I have only 1/2 bar it has sucked juice down to 10%. No I can't hold .. I'm borderline cold as only thin fleece to avoid sweating as I power up the mt.   Five. More min, I eat a whole 8 oz jerky to maintain core temp. Can't work touch screen w gloves... Can't work any way w numb hands. Finally! Blood tests aren't back call back tomorrow .. Except phone now dead. I pretty much run up the mt, pumping my arms and hands.   Almost dark 3/4 mile before dark, I hear call for help from two tents. A gent in his 60's say's his buddy threw his back out misstep on ice. Two size 14s sticking out where moaning comes from. They have sturdy tents warm dry bags and a roaring bonfire safe. I'm still thinking shelter w roof over table to cook out of storm. Don't want to test my ultra light tent tonight.Pull in to shelter 15 min before total dark . Terry is moving into a 2 man tent w 2 locals set up inside the shelter. Enough space for mine too, but it's not free standing hard to set on wood floor. I've tested my bag to 6F w no tent so I know I'm good. Cook a huge hot meal and feel good. The ultra light spring breakers who passed me so effortlessly show up hiking with headlamps in the snow and ice. They don't want hot food need to 21/2 m to gap. Gear not warm 20F. Wind and snow blowing thru shelter. They reception and call a 24 Hr shuttle.   They do accept sip of maker's mark. Off they go. Iced my sore feet sitting on my bag barefoot out reading Doug Preacock's book till heat of dinner wore off.   Took a while to heat up bag with ice cold feet. was comf though damp down bag w snow on it not as warm. Still had 3 wool shirts in reserve.
Date: 2011-03-11
From: Blue Mt shelter

To: Deep Gap shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

"Walk on. The feet will inform the soul". Doug Peacock, author of Walking It Off, Ed Abbey's friend, the real Hayduke according to Ed. A must read.I'm getting a little (more) odd. Riding converging energies. Hugging trees. Taking a trip on the inside passage. In hiker jargon PUDs are "pointless up and downs". I find this offensive. What is the point of life? North Georgia is full of countless knobby Mts. There is no continuous ridge lines to cruise on. In jimdog newspeak, climbs are "SOUL BUILDERS". I've corrected many people on this point. Georgia Mts have given opportunity to do lots of soul building. Glad to find Doug Peacock understands. I'll try to put in some nuts and bolts narrative and stuff about how great the equip I chose is, but this turning into a medicine quest.
Date: 2011-03-12
From: Deep Gap shelter

To: Plumorchard shelter
Miles today: 8.0

Got up at first hint of sunlight and packed quick. Felt like I needed to meet Gary who runs Christian ministry and Blueberry Patch Hostel. No booze allowed so finished my last 2 shot Maker's for breakfast and hiked out 3.6m to Dick's Creek Gap with Hopalong. Hitched for half Hr with no luck. 9:30 Gary arrived to drop off last nights guest hikers. He took us to blueberry Patch Hostel where Hopalong grabbed his mail drop and quickly hitched back. The hostel very nice and cozy on beautiful land, but such nice day decided get food in town and hit the trail. Since there were no guests Gary offered to do my laundry and charge my electronics while I hitched into Ingles market in town. After about 40 min hitching or basking in glorious sunlight while reading and listening to birds no rides. Gary makes excuse about needing to do errands and runs me in. Went nuts in store craving healthy fresh stuff, shopped with reckless abandon. Got about 22 lbs of fresh fruits and veg. Also felt overconfident and want to test my limits when it comes to "Soul Building". Couldn't begin to fit food in pack. Hung an XXL dry sack and other stuff outside. Carrying a quart of marinated roast garlic and peppers in on hand eating apples w other started to hitch. Doc, Tom Edwards picked me up. Cardiogost, spitting image of monkey wrenchGang Doc. All pickups in Hiawassee, he drives a Prius. He is an old friend who hasn't seen Gary in a long time. They visit and catch up while I try mash all my clothes back on/ in pack. Doc gives me fatherly advice about getting energy from people you meet on the road.
Date: 2011-03-13
From: Plumorchard shelter, NC

To: Standing Indian ridge stealth camp.
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

Total quiet by my self. Lots of climbing with heavy awkward pack like Tom Joad family's truck. Been listening to lots of Woody Guthrie and Utah Philips remembrance Long Gone. Also collect about 5 lbs of trash other hikers left. I try to leave philosophical positive sayings in all the shelter logs. This time something rather nasty about dumbasses and where they should put their trash.
Date: 2011-03-14
From: Standing Indian Ridge

To: Rock Gap shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Met a young woman from Draper , UT. Just out of Peace Corp a very smart and giving person. Her positive vibes gave me a huge boost making the steep climb up Albert Mt. I remembered that extra trash collection is great opportunity for "soul building". Fantastic 360 from tower beautiful day with rain forecast.   Got off the trail while daydreaming not following blazes. Relocated blazes stopped for photos of beautiful spring and continued happily back up the mt I had just come down until running into Lucky coming the other way! I was glad to see her. She impressed me even more when I noticed her that she struggling on the and offered to lend her EE's ultralight pack. She has her Dad's pack he which used for so many years, even carrying baby "lucky" and brother in it. What's a few extra pounds compared daughter's honoring father?
Date: 2011-03-16
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Living large in Franklin. This a terrific trail town! After 107.5 official AT miles, the hikers are getting cooler every day. Hotel owner (5), county commissioner, self promoting small town poltitico nice guy, Ron Haven is colorful in technicolor. He had my attention when he new all about Green River melons, Utah, that is. I asked if he was long line driver before returning home to retake Franklin by storm? Yes but of his years on the road were pro wrestling. Bigger than real... This afternoon he showed me how to play "Ghost Riders in the Sky" on my new "Honcho" guitar. Got from PARADISE MUSIC for 50$. Rode all over this beautiful town on junker bike w seat 4" too low. Trying to save sore toes. Foot clinic was closed Weds. Now up @ 2 am with leg cramps. Franklin is a hilly place.Ate most of the 22lbs of food picked up in Hiawassee. Also got rid of 6 or 7 lbs trash I picked up last 35 miles. Sending 2 lbs back home to EE. With 3+day food, guitar and several ex lg ex thick garbage bag=around 25lbs. Copied "Proof" (Josh NH) and made custom numbers out of old road bike tubes donated by Dave Forshee, owner of Smokey Mt Bikes. Super biking destination, Macon County, NC.Now I can almost taste the Nantaha. Hope watch "Converse" and friends run upper Nanty from roadside. So tempted to get canoe and go, but it will be SO Good when I come back after toughening hips and back w 6 months backpack!
Date: 2011-03-19
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0

Hanging out with "Chopper" licking our wounds. He has shinsplints, which are improving enough to do pt exercises today.   My feet are still really sore with chilibains. No doctor doctor diagnosis but I believe this may be caused by Lupus which in turn was started by taking Lamisil last summer. Utah Cancer Specialists have ruled out bone marrow disease and leukemia. I'm excited to see all boaters especially ww canoeist. Dave (Chopper)'s cousin, Garrick, is walking in from Franklin and plan to boat upper nanny in his ww canoe play boat. Cousins are from Luisiana but have been living in Waynesville NC in crew house doing construction work for Garrick,s dad, who lent us a truck and let us stay in very nice house. Josh (Proof). Stayed last night and is hiking towards Fontana with his cousin this am.
Date: 2011-03-20
From: NOC

To: NOC Leadbetter Creek
Miles today: 0.0

Chopper showed me a great spot just a couple hundred yards off highway along the main Nantahala run.   Great spot for low budget private boaters. Like we used to do at. Alpine Canyon before being driven out by commercials and forest service. Roaring creek and big white man campfire. Chop bought an "A" blues harp. I worked on " John Henry's Blues" in "E" which he can use the A harp. Next time I see him give my IPod set to Sonny Terry one of my all time favs on harmonica.Got some great pics to go in, but need computer. Maybe Fraklin library or Historical Society Museum.Started having people sign guitar but only do gooders volunteers, not just cool people. Green Light was first since his thru hike is a fund raiser to fight Lupus which I might have. Then North Georgia trail crew, Georgia Tech spring break vols. There is a traddition to right down names of any one who does a kindness then send pic from Katadin when you complete. Still hope me and Hondo make it, but frankly odds seem slim after foot doc said I should give up with just the chilblain, let alone other symptoms from ? Lupus?But I feel great other than the sores on feet. EE is very supportive. Want to do less miles to have more time to hang n pick in the woods. Chopper is an expert at chillin on mt time.. My mentor for now.
Date: 2011-03-21
From: NOC

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

Another sweet day at NOC with Chopper and Converse, the "Coon-ass cousins". I've grown quite fond of them it was hard to head off in opposite directions. But until after Coverse did the main Nanty in canoe. I shot pretty clean video. Several beers later I started S at 3 pm. It was my hardest climb yet. Maybe beer is not as good as granola bars for quick energy? Finally finished Doug Peacock's book, "Walking It Off" and found a good home for it with Doug, AJ, and Jimmy working at NOC Outfitter. Doug is the first person I've found who is really a great Ed Abbey fan....so he will get Peacock.   Also promised to get AJ and Jimmy to at least read monkey Wrench Gang, before they're allowed to run Utah rivers with jimdog.Very happy to be moving on the trail again.   Wailed on Hondo, my guitar for an hour at the falls. He cooperated by staying in tune and not complaining. Met Firefly and Rocket Rick at dinner last night. I was flattered that she said I am the "existential" hiker she has been hearing about. I've also been called the obvious: "Utah" and less flattering, "Al Bundy"(Married w Children).Looking forward for at least one day of good weather going over the bales and fire towers on the way back to Franklin. Have a dr appt w Foot and ankle clinic .. They pretty much told me to just go home. If my feet continue to improve dramatically now while hiking again will cancel Dr in Franklin, but follow up with reumatologist in SLC.Will try putting Hondo in front to balance load better. Also need good Yoga/stretch session. A hot about now would really hit the spot."Walk on. The feet will inform the soul." ... Doug Peacock, Walking It Offb
Date: 2011-03-22
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

More beautiful weather. Feet continue to improve on 2nd back hiking Southbound towards Franklin to do the section I missed. Lots of people tenting and in shelter. Darvey, Prophet and Raingear all enjoyed playing "Hondo" Met Perrigrine who is about my age, an avid birder. Tented off a hundred yards from others so I could practice guitar wout bothering.
Date: 2011-03-23
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

Got up before dark and made coffee and tea. Hiked .9 miles to Wayah Bald tower in the moonlight without using head lamp. Arrived about 45 min before sunrise. Meditated, stretched, played guitar and watched/ photographed sunrise. Tried to shoot video of clouds racing in front of the moon. Wind kept blowing my tipod over! Enjoyed the tower 2 1/2 hrs to myself before moving on. Pushed to get into town ahead of storm predicted for afternoon. Got to winding stair gap at 12:45 pm with out stopping for lunch or breakfast, but the Baptist Church trail magic I had heard about was gone. Met "Doc" and Lhama with their son and three dogs. Doc is doing laps around this area on AT. Lhama went out her way to take me and "Earl Grey" into town. Rushed around Franklin on old huffy bike getting signatures on "Hondo" the guitar of people who helped me last time in Franklin.
Date: 2011-03-24
From: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0

It rained starting around 6 yesterday night. I was snug in the Budget Inn. Got up at 7 for the Baptist Church pancake breakfast. Yum+++ It cleared up but very cool morning. Played guitar on front porch sat w old man who would be homeless except for Ron Haven taking him in to "residential" part of the Inn. Paid for shuttle ride back to NOC with Bill Evans. It was more than worth the price just to meet Bill and enjoy his company on the drive. He is part Cherokee. Started a foundation to study and catalog native sites. Took me on back roads and showed me rivers, mounds, places to camp etc. Stories about wild animals local politics etc. Got to NOC and spent 3+ hrs sorting my mail drop. Having more than what fits in the pack blew my mind and did not compute. I was not alone. Met "Booksmart" who was spread out on the next bench by the river. Both of us talked to ourselves as we tried to solve the puzzle of what to do with all the stuff. Got a bunk shared room with Booksmart. EE sent 3 harmonicas along with bigger boots for more protection as my feet continue to heal. Got to try out A harp with "Raingear" doing E blues on the steps. Rain is a good guitar man, but a little shy in front of people.....Worked out well, with him playing steady progression mixed with some licks, harmonica was like driving an automatic transmission compared to learning guitar. You turn it on and it goes. Probably didn't sound so good to outside observer.