morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: few clouds

More miles equals more smiles, that's the theme of the past few days. Well ... sort of.We did 5 miles out of Daleville, after having a rather slow morning and afternoon. We celebrated Cinco de Mayo yesterday evening across the street from the motel at a mexican restaurant called Rancho Viajo. Needless to say, we had a couple of drinks with the meal and had fun hanging out with the guys that worked at the outfitter we'd visited earlier in the day.I'd had the great idea to flamb©e bananas in the woods, and bought all the necessary ingredients. Turns out I had it backwards and plantains are infact much harder than bananas.... whoops, so that failed. I made an awesome sauce to go with the oranges though, and kept the run as a nightcap. ONe to go when I get to a kitchen, for sure! (along with the rest of the list that is growing in the back of my journal)Big 27 miles the following day, half my pot stand decided to melt and turn to paper (I'm pretty sure it's made of aluminium .. apparently that melts in the woods. Managed to swim in the creek and take it easy that day but still put in big miles, I swear getting up and out is the key. I try to get up and out within 15/20 minutes, and then I hike for about an hour before having breakfast. I'm not going to pain myself so I eat whenever I start getting hungry, but it's a great way to get some miles done before you even realise you are awake!Saw a bear 40 yards away today, full face - I could see eyes, ears, nose, the lot. It looked up at me for a couple of seconds before running away. I wonder how many times I've been within 0.5miles of a bear out here, probably a lot more than I think.I did the calculations in my head for daily milage needed to reach my finish mark if I was to go to Trail Days this weekend, it works out as something like 18miles a day average, and I know for a fact that many of those days will be way over 20 with the terrain and gradient that is coming up through the Shenandoahs, you are supposed to be able to fly easily with 30+ mile days not impossible. I'm going to Trail Days!
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: John Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: clear sky

Big miles today, [cough]. Had a fun time in Natural Bridge though!Planned on a quick resupply, breakfast then back to the trail, turned out to be: Resupply > Breakfast @ Country Cafe > Natural Bridge > Indian Village > Waterfall > Toy Museum > Wax Museum > Gift Shop > Country Cafe > Trail.The natural bridge is impressive, the horrible tourist vibe it gives off are not, I took a photo of the gift shop, a complete monstrosoty which had the same number of people wandering around the isles aimlessly as the actually attraction had. Apparently you have to buy something to prove that you've visited a place. Oh, and the bridge has a ton of seats so you can watch the light and music show at dusk .... oh dear. We'd been given free tickets ($90 worth in total) by a lady who gave us a hitch to breakfast at the cafe and worked at the attraction so I couldn't really pass up something free.It was strange to be in the woods on a well paved trail which led to the waterfall and be surrounded by tourists, this felt like my home, what were people visiting it for? And to see sections that were roped off? What is a rope doing in the wilderness, I will explore whereever I want!
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Waynesboro reached! And on target for getting to Trail Days! I hiked 29.5 miles yesterday, my biggest day yet and it actually felt good. My boots were complaining more at the end and the stitching has come apart in the same place on both from the repeated use, also the heel on the inside has started to wear down and I could feel it with every step - surely this would give me a blister if I hiked on it for too long. Time to have the second set mailed I think, hopefully they will be here in Waynesboro on Monday when I return from Damascus.Yesterday I also saw a bobcat! Really rare, much more so than a bear, I'm really lucky to have seen it! The wind was blowing strong in my face so the noise and smell was probably travelling in the other direction. It was walking right down the trail towards me, only 20ft in front!! Big thing, over 2ft long and standing 1ft tall. I could clearly see it's catlike face and powerful hind leg muscles, I wanted to make cat noises and call it .. but the thing could probably have killed me if it wanted. Good job they are naturally afraid of humans and ran away.Reaching Waynesboro earlier than everyone else, I was met by Walter at the trailhead who was just sitting there waiting for AT hikers to come through so he could offer them a ride (thanks Walter!) who gave me the tour of town and dropped me at Weasies Cafe for all you can eat pancakes. I ate 6, not a huge number, but they were big and I'd eaten 4 packets of oatmeal before leaving this morning. Still I got my moneys worth (yes I sadly worked out the individual cost vs. the AYCE cost).This evening we are staying with Ken, a friend of Samurai's father who took us to Texas Steak House and is putting us up for the night, thank you very much to Ken - your hospitality has been fantastic. It's also meant I've been able to catch up with lots of online journaling!I made a couple of calls to see about Trail Days rides and have secured a ride with Jill through the local outfitter here, she is picking us up tomorrow morning at 7am and we'll be down in Damascus setup and ready easily by midday! Yes! It's going to be so fun to have time off from the trail, a whole 3 days of it, but will be strange to revisit a trail town south of here. The possible update will probably be from Front Royal, 4/5 days hiking north of here, so in over a week - unless I manage to snag some time on a PC in Damascus, but the town will literally be HEAVING with people so no promises.Oh, my phone also got wet and won't turn on now ... not so good. I hope it is just the battery and I might be able to get a new one, but realistically I won't know for a while. I hope it's not bust forever, as I like having it to txt, as well as it's music capabilities - but it's not essential for hiking by any means.
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Pen Mar Park
Miles today: 17.8

The end has come. I am currently sitting in a house and am a good 4/5 days behind with my journal. I want to get everything up to date and get a few more posts up here for people to read, but because I am no longer progressing on the trail, it is hard to find the motivation.The photo is the Mason-Dixon line, it marks the border between MD and PA. I have walked every step from Springer Mountain GA to here, completing 6 states but not stepping one foot in PA, this adventure will be continued.The AT experience has been one which I will NEVER forget. To everyone I know still following the white blazes - Finish Strong guys. It's time for me to move on to a new chapter, the AT will be revisited, I know that for sure.I will write more soon I hope, until next time.
Date: 2010-01-13
To: First Post
Miles today: 0.0

Testing.. This is the first post for the long awaited Appalachian Trail Thru-hike. My start date is planned for March 12, 2010. I will be starting at Springer Mountain, GA and hiking north to Mt Katahdin in Maine. I hope to make the trip in about six months. I do not have a targeted finish date or schedule. However, I definitely want to avoid the October weather in New Hampshire and Maine. I've been thinking about hiking the AT for most of my life. Now, it's hard to believe I'm actually going to attempt it. I'm stoked!57 days and a wake up!More to follow...
Date: 2010-01-15
To: Training HIkes
Miles today: 0.0

I've really enjoyed getting out on the trail the past two days. The weather has been bad the past few weeks with severe cold. Finally, we got a break this week and I jumped at the chance to do some hiking with a full pack. I've now gotten most of my gear together and continue to tweak things a little. Currently my pack with 5 days provision, water, and winter gear is weighing in at 38 lbs. I'd like to think I can reduce this but I doubt it will happen. If anything, I fear it may go up a pound or two with comfort items like a book, a pocket radio, and perhaps a slightly heavier, more comfortable sleep pad. I hiked 8 miles yesterday and 10 today in the snow which was fun, but treacherous at times with a lot of icy patches. I was fortunate in that I only fell once dspite several near misses. Trekking poles are a life saver! I've now hiked about 50 miles with my new pack, an Osprey Aether 70, and I'm very pleased with it. It is far more comfortable than my old external frame. I was a die hard external frame fan for a long time... I'm now converted. More random thoughts to follow.
Date: 2010-01-18
To: To Do List is getting shorter..
Miles today: 0.0

I ordered the new 2010 AT Guide yesterday so that's done. I still need to order the trail maps from ATC. The guidebooks out now are so complete some hikers go without the maps, but I'd like to study the topography and area I'm walking through. I will be ordering a "Peek" this week also. It is an devise for email only. I plan to use it to send location updates and journal entrys. My daughter, Kim has agreed to transscribe my journal entrys and post them for me while I'm on the trail. Hope she spells better than I do.I'm considering a new sleeping pad. I have a 3/4 length Thermarest, but I have heard the Big Agnes insulated inflatable pads are really comfortable. The Thermarest is OK, but not great when sleeping on a wooden platform in the shelter. I guess I would get used to it, but I really want to make sure I get the proper rest. These things have become more important as I get older.Speaking of shelters; they are a blessing in the pouring rain, but I prefer tenting whenever possible. Less crowded, no mice, and no snoring (if far enough away from a shelter). I'm not planning to do many mail drops so I don't feel the pressure of planning for those and trying to predict what I'm going to want to eat weeks in advance. Instead, I plan to re-supply along the way via local stores, hostels, etc. most of the time. I definitely want to avoid using the Post Offices for mail drops for fear I will arrive in town over the weekend only to "cool my heels" until Monday morning to get the mail.That's about it for the hiking... I'm making good progress. Now, the list of things left to do at home before I leave is a different story. That list is growing and I seem to lack the same enthusiasm about getting these done:-)52 Days and wake-up. Then I'll be....
Date: 2010-01-21
To: AT terms and slang
Miles today: 0.0

AT=Appalachian Trail   (duh!)Nobo=Northbound hikeSobo=Southbound hikeGAME=GA to MaineMEGA=Maine to GAZero Day (or zero miles day)=A rest day or no hiking dayThru-hike or hiker=To hike or someone who hikes the entire AT in one calendar year.Section hike or hiker=To hike or someone who hikes sections or all of the AT over the course of two or more years.Flip Flop=Hiking part of the trail in one direction, and then skipping to the end to hike back the other direction to complete the trail. Some hikers do this in order to avoid getting to Maine (Baxter Park) after it closes on October 15th.Yo-yo=To hike the entire trail, then turn around and hike it in the opposite direction. Blaze=2¢ by 6¢ painted marks on trees, posts, or rocks indicating the trail. The AT is white blazed. Side trails or alternate routes are generally blue blazed. UPDATE: The following link contains an extensive list of AT terms and slang.http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=8115
Date: 2010-01-24
To: Freezer Bag Cooking (FBC)
Miles today: 0.0

Last night I attempted my first meal utilizing freezer bag cooking. Donna is out of town visiting her sister in New Mexico so I¢ve been ¢bacheloring¢ for the past week. Well, not totally. She knows I am virtually lost in the kitchen so she pre-made a number of meals for me requiring nothing more than reheating or minimal prep. Last night I decided to go it on my own so I tried FBC.First of all, what is FBC? It is preparing a meal by heating water to about 200 degrees on your camp stove, then pouring it into a quart zip-lock bag containing either freeze dried or dehydrated food such as ramen noodles, Knorr pasta sides, instant mashed potatoes, etc. Once you add the water, seal the top and allow it to sit 5 to 10 minutes to re-hydrate the food. Very simple really and the best part of it is there is no clean up required other than washing the spoon :-). So, last night I went out on the deck and started my Pocket Rocket canister stove and heated 2 cups of water in my cookpot. In the bag I had chicken flavor ramen noodles. After adding the water and letting it sit for about 5 minutes, I added a small can (4oz) of chunk chicken to the bag. I then tasted and was very pleasantly surprised. It was much better than I thought it would be. It was more than I wanted to eat, but I¢m sure it would be about the right amount after a day on the trail. Test was a success. I¢m planning to test a few more meals with FBC. If I can create a meal by only boiling water, I think I can survive :-). The fact that I was successful in my first test of FBC is quite telling¢¦ so easy a caveman can do it!
Date: 2010-02-05
To: El Nino is starting to worry me!
Miles today: 0.0

It snowed 18 inches right before Christmas¢¦. 2 more snow storms since then¢¦ and now we¢re expecting 20-24 inches or more here in Winchester today and tomorrow. Looking at the maps, it appears the southern Appalachians will get hammered. I¢m worried about the early starters that are already on the trail. Hopefully, they heard the warnings and are hold-up in a trail town somewhere. According to some predictions, this Spring is expected to be a little cooler and wetter than normal¢¦ possibly the effects of El Nino. March 12th is only 34 days away now and I¢m beginning to feel like I may be starting in the dead of winter! In reviewing my clothing and gear again, I think I have enough. But, I¢m not prepared for hiking in 2 feet of snow! That will definitely slow the progress. I plan to closely monitor the patterns, plan more food for emergencies, and resist the urge to keep charging ahead if the forecasts indicate heavy snow. The higher elevations along the trail can get snow throughout April and early May. The first 6 weeks will hopefully get me beyond Georgia, the Smokys, and the Grayson Highlands in Virginia. Hopefully by then, the weather issues will be limited to rain and mud. If I was confident I could average more mileage on a weekly basis, I would delay the start a few weeks and perhaps avoid the worst weather. Unfortunately, as an older hiker, I will need the full six months or more to finish so I¢m planning to keep the date for the early start.Where¢s that Global Warming?
Date: 2010-02-16
To: I'm ready for warmer weather.
Miles today: 0.0

The snow remains in Winchester with nearly 3 feet in our front yard. The roads are now cleared, but too narrowly to allow safe running. And, the trails are too heavily blanketed to hike so...... I'm getting a little stir crazy! I'm ready to go...well not really, there are still a number of "to dos" at home but I'm getting close. I've assembled all my equipment including guides, maps,etc. so all I need is some nice spring weather to arrive in Georgia around March 12th. At last count, there will be at least 3 of us starting together and we will also be joined by 3 or 4 fellow "Trailplace" friends for the first few days. "Trailplace" and "Whiteblaze" are online hiking forums which have been very informative and enjoyable and I've met (online) some really nice folks there. Robbie F, a lifelong friend since high school, is also planning to join me a few days starting at Neels Gap. It's been several years since we last hiked together so I'm looking forward to it.According to the journals posted by those currently on the trail, the ice and snow has created some real delays for them. I pray things improve soon and they can continue.As for me, I planning to stick with my original schedule unless the forcast is calling for major snowstorms the first week.
Date: 2010-02-26
To: Two Weeks !!
Miles today: 0.0

Holy Crap! Two weeks from today, I will be starting from Springer with numerous others on the adventure of a lifetime. I¢m excited, anxious, nervous, ready to go, and a little scared all at the same time. I¢ve dreamt of this for decades, now it is finally a reality. I still have a number of things to do at home. However, it is difficult to stay focused on anything except my checklist, the guide book, maps, and the weather forecasts. Truth be told, I¢m a basket case at this point. I need to get on that trail to bring sanity back. The weather on the trail in March is unpredictable, but it appears the temperatures are beginning to rise and the major snowstorms are staying north for a change. The journals from those currently on the trail reflect some really tough hiking thus far, but the snow is melting and they¢re beginning to make some progress again. This remains one of my biggest worries. I continue to check the ten day forecast for Suches, GA. In another few days, I get a first look for March 12 and beyond. In the meantime, I need to check the maps and repack the pack¢¦.. again. 14 days; then I¢ll finally be¢¦.
Date: 2010-03-10
To: Georgia Bound!!
Miles today: 0.0

The day has finally arrived!! The pack is packed, the boots are waterproofed, and, as usual, I'm carrying too much stuff so we're ready to go. Donna and I are driving down to Georgia today and plan to stay in Dahlonega this evening. She will be dropping me off tomorrow morning at Amicalola Falls State Park so I can hike the Approach Trail tomorrow. Assuming all goes well I will be camped on Springer Mountain tomorrow night and starting the Trail Friday morning. The weather forcast for the next few days isn't the best, but it's not going to "dampen" my enthusiasm (sorry):-)
Date: 2010-03-11
To: Springer
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

The day finally arrived and I hit the trail. I did the Approach Trail. Tomorrow I actually start the Appalachian Trail.I started around 10 am after saying good bye to Donna at the Amicalola Falls State Park. It was a little emotional as I said good bye and turned to walk up the trail. I was thrilled to start a lifelong dream, but sad to be leaving her for so long. So, with a few tears along with the rain in my eyes I passed through the arch and began the ascent to Springer. The hike up to the falls was tough but well worth it. The remaining 8 miles to the summit of Springer Mountain was nice as well, but would have been more enjoyable without the heavy rain. Tonight I am staying at the Springer Mountain shelter. I'm staying here with 13 other people so it is crowded, wet, and a little stinky. I met Labrat at the shelter tonight. He and I had met online at Trailplace and will be starting tomorrow.We will be meeting two others at the start in the morning...... RA Wizard and Mcrich. Tomorrow I begin...
Date: 2010-03-12
From: Springer

To: Cooper Gap
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Long day. Got a late start due to heavy rain and meeting up with a few guys to start the adventure together. Labrat and I met R A and McRich at the top of Springer around 9:30, then met Mumbles and Tater at FS 42 parking lot. We then continued on to Hawk Mountain shelter by early afternoon for break, snack, and water. We encountered a series of ups and downs this afternoon ending with a tough time getting up Sassafras Mountain toward the end of the day. I renamed it.....won't repeat it here.Made it to Cooper around 5pm and pitched the tent in a downpour. I was soaked. Tonight I'm warm and dry in the tent. Don't want to think about putting on those wet clothes in the morning :-) All said, a pretty good first-day despite the weather. After hiking the Approach Trail yesterday and today in a steady downpour, I'm hoping for sunny skies ahead.... May not see it for a few days more.Tomorow, I hope to make it to Lance Creek or beyond..... And stay dry.
Date: 2010-03-13
From: Cooper Gap

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

All types of weather today. Rain, brief shots of sun, sleet, snow, then rain again this evening.Mumbles and Tater had to leave the trail today as Tater's father in law is very ill. They got a shuttle at Gooch Gap around noon. They had planned to hike with us to Neel's Gap. Sorry they had to leave and my thoughts and prayers are for Tater's family.Tonight RA and I are camped at Lance Creek. And, it's still raining :-)There are three other hikers here tonight. Although it is a rainy night, it's nice to listen to the creek which is really rushing.Hope to make to Neels Gap tomorrow. My hands are cold so I'm cutting it short.Good night.
Date: 2010-03-14
From: Lance Creek

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I got a later start this morning than I wanted due to wet conditions and wet gear. I packed as quick as I could and headed out in light rain. The rain turned to snow as I gained elevation going up Blood Mountain. By the time I reached the summit, there was a few inches on the ground. The woods were really beautiful, but the trail was slippery making the climb a little more difficult.I'm sure the views from the top are great on a clear day. Today it was soaked in fog so I couldn't see a thing. I stopped at the Blood Mountain Shelter to get out of the rain a few minutes. Then, descended, very carefully, down to Neels Gap. I had planned to meet Robbie Floyd at the gap so we could continue north today and hike together a few days. When I called him from the mountain to say I was late, he said the rain at Neels Gap was still pouring, but was supposed to stop. It didn't. When I got to Neels, I was soaked and wanted to get dry. Not seeing Robbie and Betsy, I called the cell. Great news! Knowing how late I was and seeing the weather, they rented us a cabin a quarter mile away. Wow! It was great.... Hot shower, fireplace, dry clothes, dry bed...it was awesome. To top it all, Robbie and Betsy had gone shopping so we had subs for a late lunch, steak for dinner, salad, and all kinds of goodies. They are true trail angels!!This evening, I'm like a bug in a rug.... Enjoying a nice fire and a great time with an old friend. Unfortunately, Betsy had to go back home this evening. She will meet us on Wednesday with lunch when Robbie leaves the trail.Oh, and one more thing: The lady that owns the cabins did my laundry... Doesn't get any better.
Date: 2010-03-15
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

A cool, crisp day today with no rain..Yee haa! Robbie and I left Neels Gap at 8:30 in windy conditions and cool temps. It was a clear day for the first time and it was great to be able to see down into the valleys below. It was slightly above freezing so the ice on the trees was dropping like small missiles on my head whenever the wind gusted. I kept thinking "incoming" and ducked my head whenever I heard the russle of an approaching gust. Much more fun than the previous days rain.I felt really well today with no real aches or pain. Robbie also felt good, so we had a very enjoyable day. Tonight we are camped at Low Gap. There are a lot of hikers camped near or in the shelter here tonight. RA, Granite Gorilla, Set in Stone, Moonpie, Zipcode, Slingshot, and several I don't know. Trail names.....what a hoot. BTW; Despite my earlier plans to retire my "Quarterpounder" handle, it's still with me. It's now too hard to change... Too many folks out here have already latched onto it from the trail forums and journals. So, that's it... I remain Quarterpounder.A very good day and a nice evening tonight around the fire with a great group.We're planning a short day tomorrow hiking to Blue Mountain Shelter.