morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-29
To: Like They Say, Just a Walk in the Woods
Miles today: 0.0

Back in Florida. According to my scales I lost 10 pounds. That should be good for the cycling! One problem is that I am still hungry all the time, but I will have to work on that carefully.The walk in the woods was great. Even the wet weather, wind, and below freezing temperatures did not deter me or the friends I met and hiked with. On the whole the weather was pretty good for the AT. I will try to keep up with the ones I can follow online. If any of you want to contact me use the guestbook or my e-mail.Springer - Erwin 339.9 milesThanks to all the Thru Hikers who shared the journey and a big thanks to everyone who did Trail Magic. Without that Trail Magic there is no telling how much weight I would have lost!
Date: 2010-10-18
From: Home

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

October 18, 2010I have spent some evenings (after Bryson and Siler are fast asleep) working on a poster-map of my upcoming section of Central Virginia and the Southern section of Shenandoah National Park.Well, here is the ¢big picture¢ can you tell? I started this map back in September and have enjoyed using a U.S. Atlas along side a strip map of the Blue Ridge Parkway (and of course Appalachian Trail Guide Maps of sections 5 and 6); as well as a National Geographic Map of Shenandoah National Park.The purpose of drafting up a map you may ask? After all, I am only going to section hike 200 miles or so¢¦Along with the map that I draw, reading the guide book and ¢Appalachian Pages¢ (written by David Miller) I get a feel for what I am getting ready to embark upon.I get to learn the geographic features, land marks, gift shops and or food re-supply and scenic views.What is so awesome is that with all of this preparation¢¦. there are still thousands of surprises from an awesome camp site found, a surprise water source, trail magic left behind and an easy climb when the profile map shows it being something of another sort.Fraser FirAppalachian TrailGeorgia to MaineYear SevenStart:         696.9 Va. Rte 311-CatawbaFinish:        911.4 Big Meadows- Shenandoah National Park
Date: 2010-10-19
From: Home

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

October 19, 2010Fraser FirAppalachian TrailGeorgia to MaineYear SevenHere is an up close and detailed shot of the Peaks of Otter area. I want to go by¢It¢s a Wonderful Life Campground¢ in the immediate area. I would like to just to check it out.Anyone who would name a campground, ¢It¢s a wonderful life¢ has got it going on for sure.I have labeled every shelter and feature that I can fathom in this section so that I can hike from a better understanding of what may lie next.Virginia has been absolutely wonderful. The folks of this beautiful state have been wonderful as well.These maps will become an annual tradition- getting ready for the next section.
Date: 2010-10-20
From: Home

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

October 20, 2010Fraser FirSection HikerAppalachian TrailGeorgia to MaineYear SevenAnticipated itinerary of Day One through Day FiveDay One-Travel day from Georgia to Virginia 696.9         Va. Rte. 311-Catawba712.7        Tinker Ridge- Hay Rock15.8 milesDay Two712.7         Tinker Ridge-Hay Rock732.8        BRP mile 95.3-Harveys Knob20.1 milesDay Three732.8        BRP mile 95.3-Harveys Knob754.4        Black Rock21.6 milesDay Four754.4        Black Rock774.4        Rocky Row Run20.0 milesDay Five774.4         Rocky Row Run798.0        Bald Knob23.6 miles
Date: 2010-10-21
From: Home

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

October 21, 2010Fraser FirSection HikerAppalachian TrailGeorgia to MaineYear SevenAnticipated itinerary of Day Six through Day TenDay Six- 798.0         Bald Knob823.5        Harvey¢s Creek Shelter25.5 miles- whooo looks good on paper doesn¢t it????????????????/                 we will just have to see once we get a goin!! Hahh!!Day Seven823.5        Harvey¢s Creek Shelter850.5        Rock Fish Gap!! Food-air conditioning-oh, never mind, I will be sleepin outside!!27 miles           awful ambitious- 27 miles!! may just have to cut part of day seven off and                 make it an eleven day trek instead of ten. I will keep myself open and                 flexible so that the end does not become the means. In other words, I do                not want to be heads down pushin so hard ahead that I miss everything                 around me!!Day Eight850.5        Rockfish Gap870.0        Skyline Drive mile 87.2019.5 milesDay Nine870.0        Skyline Drive mile 87.20891.9        Hightop Hut21.90 milesDay Ten891.9        Hightop Hut911.4        Big Meadows19.50 milesBased on a ten day trek: 21.50 miles per day.
Date: 2010-11-06
From: Home

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

November 06, 2010Fraser FirSection Hiker Appalachian TrailGeorgia to MaineYear SevenAnticipated Start: Friday, April 29, 2011.We will just have to see about the exact start date. It is way too early to tell.I have had a few curve balls thrown at me in the way of finances.This year:Addition to the house (my father in law paid for in full) thank you Harry!Flooding to Bryson¢s room- need new carpet.Specifically on my car- 1993 Ford Taurus New tiresNew transmissionNew Clutch with drive shaft, clutch plate, etc¢¦A/C unit work doneNow, just last week in Dahlonega, I broke down and I will need a new Clutch Slave Cylinder.Thank you Jim for all of your hard work to keep my car going. At some point, I may have to weigh the options if it is worth it or no??   I hit 300,000 miles on it just over one week ago.
Date: 2010-11-07
From: Home

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

November 06, 2010Fraser FirSection Hiker Appalachian TrailGeorgia to MaineYear SevenAnticipated Start: Friday, April 29, 2011.We will just have to see about the exact start date. It is way too early to tell.I have had a few curve balls thrown at me in the way of finances.This year:Addition to the house (my father in law paid for in full) thank you Harry!Flooding to Bryson¢s room- need new carpet.Specifically on my car- 1993 Ford Taurus New tiresNew transmissionNew Clutch with drive shaft, clutch plate, etc¢¦A/C unit work doneNow, just last week in Dahlonega, I broke down and I will need a new Clutch Slave Cylinder.Thank you Jim for all of your hard work to keep my car going. At some point, I may have to weigh the options if it is worth it or no??   I hit 300,000 miles on it just over one week ago.
Date: 2010-11-08
From: Home

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

After my section hike in late April of this year, I hiked some in North Carolina.Winzer and I spent the night on top of Wayah Bald on the longest day of the year. (The summer solstice) and had an amazing sun set to take in. It was around 100 degrees F in the valley, and cooled off to around 60 degrees F that evening. Winzer is thirteen now, so we parked at Wayah Crest and did the five miles up to the tower area and made camp.Wild hogs were everywhere that night. They did not bother us but they sure did dig up the soil. In addition, a friend and I (John Hoffman) hiked from Low Gap (over near Standing Indian) all the way to Glassmine Gap. It was pretty hot in the valley and we were feeling it in the mountains as well! We had a great night on top of Standing Indian with views galore and spent the second night near Albert Mountain. After hiking the Dragons Tooth, Albert Mountain is not so bad. I can hardly wait to get to Maine and get in touch with some of the technical hiking up there. no doubt. Have a great day. Thanks for reading my journal!
Date: 2010-11-21
From: Home

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I went to visit my father at his home at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.He is not doing well.He has lung cancer and cancer in other organs as well. The prognosis is not good at all.His spirits are good: considering the awful situation that he finds himself in.He took delight in the fact that Bryson and Siler were there to visit with him.While I visited with him, I ran on the beach and used my stunt kite that I bought at the outfitters in Franklin, NC some time ago.That kite was a vital tool in me "busting" into my car after I had locked my keys in it some time ago.I will dedicate this year's hike to my father.Every day-every hour in life is so precious.I love you Dad...
Date: 2010-11-22
From: Hilton Head Island

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

On a heavy side, my father passed away yesterday. I have returned to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.I want to thank Kokopelli for signing my journal.During early hours, I continue to run to keep my weight in check and get prepared for late April 2011.You will be missed Dad. Again, I dedicate my section hike 2011 to my Dad.Peace, Love, and Grace..
Date: 2010-11-30
From: Home

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It has been a tough week to say the least. I am pushing on but my father passed as we were "on the mend"I know: you do not have to tell me that this journal is about hiking but part of my hike for the last few years has been about some of the pain that I have kept inside regarding an estranged relationship that I beheld with my dad.We were working in the right direction and he passed and then we had two funerals and it was ugly and the rest I will keep to myself.I can hardly wait to get on the trail with my children and my wife sometime in December and I cannot wait to get back to Virginia.There's something deep insideThat keeps my faith aliveWhen all you can doIs hide from the fearThat's deep inside of youSomething, something, somethingSomething, something, somethingTo hold me close when I don't knowThere's something deep insideThat keeps my faith aliveJohn Cooper- Skillet p>
Date: 2010-12-01
From: Home

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I have been running quite a bit during the past few weeks to get ready for my hike in April.I bought some new shoes at Wal-mart of all places for $15.00. The purpose of the cheaper shoes is to retain my North Face Hiking Trail Runners "in tact" without having to destroy them.Stephanie can tell you how tough that I am on shoes!!Last week, at the beach, it was totally awesome to run on the "low impact" sand and actually to get into the ocean as well.The day time highs got upwards of 75 F and the water was so warm. Like warmer than the Nantahala.I am aching and longing to get going on my section hike so bad.I want to express my love to my wife and say hello as well as to my beloved boys: Bryson and Siler.I want to give a shout out to my brothers: Neil and Christopher; my great friends Judy and Christopher Wisener and to everyone that I come into contact with each and every single day to make this world a better place.Peace, Love, Grace and Hope-
Date: 2010-12-06
From: Home

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Fraser FirSection HikerATGeorgia to MaineYear EightCount down to section hike 2011: approximately 138 days.I ran four miles this early morning. The temperature was twenty five degrees.Yes, it can get cold in North Georgia, even down in the valley.The preparation for this year's 208 mile section continues.I want to get down to around 180 pounds.There will be some gear to buy; but very little.As soon as we have a warmer day, I am taking the boys up to the mountains for a day hike.
Date: 2011-01-09
From: Home

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I ran a few miles this morning. The temperature was around fifteen degrees and after a mile or so, it was not all that bad.I have enjoyed running for the past few weeks in anticipation for my late April Section Hike.Yesterday, or the day before, I ordered the Guide Book and strip maps for Shenandoah National Park. It is hard to believe that I have been section hiking in Virginia since March of 2008, when Siler (my two year old-soon to be three year old son) was born. Next week, I will start calling around for shuttle service. Up to this point, I have always had someone "forward" me a recommendation on the next section of the Appalachian Trail. In addition, I am going to check some books out at one of my favorite places: the local library on cooking in the backwoods. Last year, I got burned out on pre-packaged meals. I want to "experiment" if you will.Any suggestions?? let me know.In anticipation for this year's journey, I am so grateful for even having the opportunity to continue north. Besides my relationship with God and my family, it is one of the things that I treasure most.
Date: 2011-02-07
From: Catawba

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

February 07, 2011Fraser FirGeorgia to MaineSection HikerYear Started: 2004Miles completed: 700Anticipated start date: sometime around 25 AprilCatawba to Big Meadows. Approximately 210 miles.I have not taken off the weight that I would have liked to have taken off by now.Running three to four times a week has done a great job in increasing my appetite, as I have been eating everything in sight.My section will begin in less than three months. I have decided to revert back to wearing a heavy pack in my neighborhood and walking one hour per day- six days per week .This is a win-win situation:1) Walking with the heavy pack helps me get conditioned for the steep ups and downs that I will face in the Pedlar district.2) I can go ahead and pack up my pack as I see fit and see what I can ¢shed¢ and what must be kept. This way, there are no surprises when I get dropped off in Catawba and start climbing. (including food and water and tent, etc¢¦)3) Walking is better than running. Shin splints start to nag me and besides, I will be walking up steep hills in the mountains of Central and Northern Virginia. I will not running on tarmac.4) Winzer is done running for good. However, even at thirteen and a half, he can walk every single day with me up and down the hills of our neighborhood and sleep the rest of the day.Next topic of discussion: what I will eat in 2011 on my section. It will be different that any year before.I want to give a big shout out to Snowman, who I met near I-77 last year and to my shuttle driver who thru hiked in 2002. He has an immense amount of knowledge. I love it when I shuttle with a hiker instead of just a "shuttle driver"Happy Birthday Siler Le Conte Little!! You are now three years old! We love you so much!
Date: 2011-02-16
From: Catawba

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Fraser FirGeorgia to MaineSection HikerYear started: 2004- Springer MountainThis Year: Catawba to Big Meadows -211 Miles.Anticipated (projected) start date: Monday, April 25, 2011.I received some very good news from Buddy Witcher. Mr. Witcher is going to be my shuttle driver for my upcoming section hike. The last time that I had someone so friendly and knowledgeable about the trail was a few hundred miles south at Kinkora. (my friend Bob Peoples)Mr. Witcher is not only going to get me on the trail, he is going to meet me a few days later near the James River Footbridge and bring me re-supply.This is awesome because I will only carry two nights worth of food until we meet at the lowest point on the trail (so far) from Springer Mountain to here.Once I meet up with Mr. Witcher again, I will carry enough food to get me to Waynesboro. I will re-supply in Waynesboro and hike on into Big Meadows.Sounds good on paper does it not?? I am going to continue to hike up the hills in my neighborhood and start shopping for food and drink mix.It is a beautiful day- everyday is a beautiful day.Praise Jesus Christ.
Date: 2011-02-27
From: Home

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

02-27-2011Fraser FirYear Eight of my section from North Georgia to Maine on the A.T.Running up and down the hills in my neighborhood has been ¢humbling¢ to say the least.I will get running and eye a land mark, let us say, like a mail box.For motivational purposes, I always try to run a little further up a hill than the day before. Land marks are great tools. Ask my thirteen and a half year old dog: Winzer.At a forty percent grade, I will start looking for that mail box; maybe half way up the hill and when I get to it, I will ¢dive¢ toward it, like I am heading into the end zone of a college football field.Many logistics to still sort out:Wins from last year: duct tape and foot cushions, Gatorade powder and beef jerky. Mp3 player. Cell phone for texting my family/friends. Extra telephone battery. Snicker bars.Things to leave at home: possibly the novel. I will bring a small version of the Book of Proverbs. (message version). Last year, I brought a Dekker thriller but really did not read it until the last day as I had extra time on McAfee Knob. Prepackaged ¢just add water meals¢. I am done with those. Pudding packs (just way too heavy)Siler and I have been taking our shovels down to the lake and working on a huge sand castle.It has the same topographical features the Dragons Tooth, hence we have named it that. Pretty cool that I brought my landscaping shovel to the beach at the lake.Not playin around.
Date: 2011-02-28
From: Home

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

02-28-2011Fraser FirYear Eight of my section from North Georgia to Maine on the A.T.I hope and pray that all of this running will pay off in a few week!!I continue to shift my start/ end sights for each evening.I use small stickers of candy canes to use and starting/ending points.Keeping that bag to less than thirty five pounds is so critical!!Many of the ending points for a particular day are three to four miles from water.Shifting those ending points around may become necessary because I do not want to be carrying water up- hill for three to four miles at the end of a twenty ¢two or twenty ¢three mile day.Either way, it is all good.Now back to the running. Does a body good!! Hahhhh!
Date: 2011-03-01
From: Home

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

03-01-2011Fraser FirYear Eight of my journey from Georgia to MaineI can confidently say that I will be sectioning next month.It would seem as though the pressures of work life would attempt to impede on my ambition. That is my ambition to hike over two hundred miles starting on Monday, April 25.I keep thinking about what Benton MacKaye envisioned when he came up with the idea of having a trail run from New England to the mountains of the South East. Escape from the dregs of work and the toils of normalcy.It is refreshing to re-read books written such as ¢On the beaten path¢ by Robert Rubin and ¢Awol on the Appalachian Trail¢ by David Miller.I am still around twenty pounds heavier than I would like to be but I really have not had a consistent exercising program since last summer. Some weeks I have exercised three days and some weeks five.With the countdown just over six weeks away, I pledge to exercise six days each week until departure to Mr. Witcher¢s home in Daleville.The weather has been beautiful for the past few days and I am looking forward to a beautiful spring in North East Georgia.Have a wonderful day- we are so blessed to have it amoungst us!!
Date: 2011-03-02
From: Home

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

03-02-2011Fraser FirYear Eight of my journey from Georgia to MaineI am still recovering from one of the most brutal colds that I have ever had.Running up thirty to forty percent graded hills have been humbling to say the least.Way to go to thirteen and a half year old Winzer for hanging with me.When I get running up a very steep incline in my neighborhood, I drop his leash so he can walk up the hill at his leisure. Some times this means me turning around and coming back after him. After these types of exercise routines, Winzer is pretty much done for the day. It would appear as though maybe I am done for the day as well.Alternating between running up and down the mountains in my neighborhood and carrying a thirty pound pack are good preparation.As I stated yesterday, without sounding like a broken record, I anticipate, on averaging around twenty two miles per day in the Pedlar Ranger District and Shenandoah National Park.Mr. Witcher is going to bring me re-supply at the James River Foot Bridge in the middle of day three.I am going to organize re-supply in Waynesboro on day seven, wash clothes and take a much needed shower.I plan on cutting down on pastas and stuff that I have to cook on this trip. I plan to eat my main meal everyday around 4:00 p.m. and hike until 8:00 p.m. or so each evening.Some mornings, I may sleep in as late as nine or so, like I did last year on my 150 mile plus section.A big shout out and thank you to Mr. Homer Witcher. He has been more than accommodating and very enjoyable to speak to on the phone.Mr. Witcher reminds me that the trail is in us. It gets in our blood. I love it. Have a wonderful day and enjoy everything in it. It is yours.
Date: 2011-03-03
From: HOme

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

03-03-2011Fraser FirYear Eight of my journey from Georgia to MaineNow to some of the logistics: (again)I have read and re-read the Appalachian Trail Guide to Central Virginia.I am in the process of reading the Appalachian Trail Guide to Shenandoah National Park.Reading the trail guides requires a bit of attention to detail because a north bound hiker has to read the book from back to front, not front to back.I will call this afternoon to mail order a permit for Shenandoah National Park.I have already confirmed my start date with my initial shuttle from Mr. Homer Witcher of Daleville, Virginia.I am going to contact folks in Waynesboro to see about a side shuttle into town for groceries and re-supply. My second option is a mail drop into Waynesboro.On day one, day three, and day seven (re-supply or start dates) I am going to experiment with stuff like cheese sticks and chicken salad (perishables).I only anticipate eating out in Daleville on day one and Waynesboro (or close to it) on day seven.To prevent dehydration and muscle fatigue, I may add small amounts of salt to each bottle of water that I drink and probably go through eight to nine small Gatorade packets per day.Unfortunately, one of my favorite snacks, chocolate pudding is off the plate this year. It is just too heavy.My north face gore- tex hiking shoes (trail runners) are in pretty tough shape. I am going to go with them for several reasons: I am low on funds, they are broken in and I know them. I will borrow a second mp3 player from my brother and bring possibly, a second cell phone battery so that I can text family and friends without concern of going through my battery. Much of this will depend on how much everything weights.My brother-in-law will loan me his back pack again. Yes, I need to buy a back pack, but maybe next year.(I have two packs but neither is designed for fast packing and Jeremy is in his first year as a non-resident and working a lot-not much time off to hike)Oh, by the way, on Valentines Day, Stephanie told me that we are expecting a third child! Yeeehaaaahhhh. I am already trying to come up with girl names and boy names!!! How exciting!!!!!Baby Little number three is due to arrive October, 13. I had better get hiking quick!!