morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-12-12
To: Prep
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Todays prep: splitting wood with a maul for 5+ hours. Had a few large blocks (200-300# range) that 20-25 blows didnt faze them. Use steel wedges tomorrow.   They will be defeated!What I have learned in the last 60 days reading and searching for thru hiker info:A - first timers cant read too much, IMO.   Accumulate info and use what you think will WORK for you.B - #1 MOST important piece of gear - your SHOES (more on that later)B1 - #1 Most important thing for attempting this walk - TAKE CARE OF      YOUR FEET.   I believe I will follow the suggestion in the Ultimate Hiker Book & wash my socks midday and put on a fresh pair. Loop washed socks on pack to dry (obviously when it aint raining) C - best book I have read - the Ultimate hikers gearguide by Andrew Skurka   (mainly because of importance of shoes and foot care)D - gear, most peoples favorite subject. IMO, dont rush purchases or GO TO an Outfitter to buy what is available. RESEARCH & then look for COUPONS and buy 0n-line (unless the outfitter has Price Match. Now for the shoes: have short/wide feet with matching bunyons.   I looked on-line for EXTRA wide hiking shoes. Found a couple I liked & then went to an outfitter and tried them on. Settled for Merrill Moab Ventilator (and glad I didnt decide on the waterproof ones cause now I know there is NO SUCH SHOE).Bought them online & saved the sales tax.   Fit great and will not require breaking them in.   Great for splitting wood too.   ANYWAY, was planning on buying a 2nd pair and searching for deals on-line. FOUND a site with coupon for 30% OFF. WOWSER!!!!   1st pair cost 90.   2nd & 3rd pair 63 clams.So I should be set for shoes (hopefully)   I suggest to LOOK around on-line for deals and save $$$$ for more/better trail FOOD. Got some incredible discounts: -50 on Hubba tent, -40 on Pro-lite Thermarest, -40 on Jetboil, Prana Mojos (my main hiking shorts) for 11 clamsBottom line: pay retail or search out dealsE - probably this should be item B in importance. While getting in decent/great physical condition is important, I believe that preparing yourself mentally is 90% of the battle.   THERE will be:COLD RAIN & WIND, Cold temperatures (most likely), MUD, Bees, Snakes, bugs, sukky food, body aches of all kinds, da da da. Its the job of the thru-hiker to COPE WITH THESE elements and make the best of the situation and prepare for the next day & MOVE ON. Motivation should be EZ because only about 7-8000 people have completed a thru hike in 1 year. F - food   still undecided here, but will COPE as needed and re-supply at closest points to trail.   Fortunately, I like oatmeal and kinda wondering if I can eat it 100 days straight in the morning.   Been searching for high calorie/oz food and have found that ADDING butter is the easiest way to juice up the calorie intake. Also, nuts are on the high end and plan on eating them for snacks when available.   Fortunately I eat almost anything and have the mindset that if you are hungry enough you would eat the AH from a billygoat. Think I go sharpen those steel wedges Now~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 2013-01-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Nice way to start off the next year with a short hike/run in 4-6" of snow.Nice that the 800 feet up the steep power line required no stops and raised pulse to 130 + for about 25 minutes. Didn't plan on any running today but the cool mid 20 temp begged for it, so I jogged most of the last 4 miles. About 2-3 more circuits should allow for a continuous trail run with my goal still sub 1 hour for the 6 miles and almost 1000 feet of gain. In the snow and on the tral ice, anything sub 1:20 with no falls will be great!Planning on taking 3-4 college guys to Harpers Ferry tomorrow to visit the A T C.Back to prep Thursday at daylight.
Date: 2013-01-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Went to the A T C @ Harpers Ferry & met a 3 time A T Sobo.   Talked for about an hour and gained not only tons of information & guidance, but also my trailname:   RokkSo I want to thank this fine gentleman for everything and wishing him well for his next successful adventure:   a Bike trip across the U S (hopefully this spring)So, here is a shout out and big THANK YOU to Cody Bateman, a 2002,03, 08 successful SoBo r.Also, took a short power walk up to Luden Heights overlooking historic Historic Harpers Ferry and the confluence of the Shenendoah & Potomic Rivers.Had my College Son, & 2 of his buddies along.   All 3 have some decent day hiking experience - same as me.   Perhaps 1 or all 3 will join me in Mid-May (and end of their 3rd year of college) for parts of my PA portion on the trail. TWT
Date: 2013-01-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Todays prep was my normal 6 mile circuit with about a 1000 feet of elevation change.   Decided to trail run/hike with no pack. With the snow, only about 1 1/2 miles is decent and without total ice/snow covering. Running up the Power Line is not an option even in perfect conditions so that stretch constitutes the major walk/hike portion & about 800 feet up in 1/2 mile. Its north side facing so no melt yet and hence only snow - making it somewhat.Fell only twice on the ice on top and only option in some spots is complete flatfoot running, which isnt all that much fun. With mid 20 temps, air was great.Time 1:21:10   Quite amazed with all the ice.   Thought perhaps 1:20 with snow/ice would be the limit.   naddatomorrow will break that with new goal simply to beat the previous Best.Might try 30# pack Monday to set a benchmark time and mix things up.
Date: 2013-01-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Continuing prep with trail running on nearby 6 mile loop.   Have hacked off 11 minutes last 10 days and approaching sub 1:10.   Thought this wasn't possible with all the snow & ice on the power line & ridge top.   Cardio coming along, so goal of breaking 1 hour prior to Springer is within site now.Plane ticket purchased.   All gear (except Packa) aquired.Might do another short (15-20m) A T section here is PA next week.
Date: 2013-02-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Finished todays 6 mile trail run in light snow flurries and was thinking the whole time: this is getting old - lots of running and getting no where.Thinking about moving start date to early March. Imagine there are plenty of others chomping at the bit to start their journey northward.Been searching out hi cal per oz foods to pack. Want to keep evening chow as simple as possible on the prep side. Also have decided to use my Jet Boil for only boiling water, hence, ZERO cleanup. Looking for the cheapest, lightest, & most industructable bowl. Ruled out plastic bag eating. Tried it and had no problem really except I thought it would get quite old after about 1 week.So it looks like:Lots of oatmeal and wholegrain cereals, power bars, nuts, dried fruits, hard salami & any other foods @ 150+ cal per oz.   Fortunately I eat just about anything.   I can see leaving town stops with a bag of carrots & apples, but am willing to adapt to whatever it takes for required body fuel.   If that means adding 2 oz olive oil to breakfest cereal, so be it.BTW, discovered that slim jims are about 570 cal per oz so will grab a handful of these every stop.Still some ice on my loop and will be quite happy when its all gone.   1 thing is certain, wont be any snow or ice by July 4th.   I have made a mini snowman on July 4th on Sepulcher Mountain in Yellowstone and forced down from Mt Brown in Glacier same day due to uncontrollable shivering in snow flurries.   Not that I hate snow,   just dont like it for training runs where 1 bad fall could be nasty while running & alot less likely just hiking.I know that snow in Ga Mountains or Smokies very possible/likely in March, but then the trek is ON and adapting to those conditions would be AOK and quite frankly, a refreshing experience!
Date: 2013-02-13
From: Halfway Dam @ R B Winter State Park

To: Interstate 80
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

After tiring of the same 6 mile loop run & falling on ice I decided to change up.Didnt even know (until last nights) there was a Mid State Trail here in PA that goes from Maryland to New York.   The best part is it's 22 miles away. So today I packed up (including the wet sand plastic jars) and headed off for the Mid Penn at full pack weight. Joining me was my sons 2 year old German Shepard, already a season vet.Trail is marked with Orange Blazes and ez to see.   Change them to white an anyone would think A T.   Couldn't find any mileages listed and didn't know if   I - 80 destination would be had with 9:15 pushoff; however, made it north and had lunch over looking all the truck traffic from a bridge over the highway.   If you don't know this section of PA, there is nothing there but rolling ridges/mountains.   Not 1 vehicle passed while I was there to no surprise. On the return south, picked up the pace and humped it hard. With my guide always on trail, even in the couple rocky washes, I never had to look for a blaze - just Felix.Anyhow, was great 7 hour workout while crossing 4 ridges making it 8 ups & downs.   Track was 80% snow and feet soaked upon return, but not a bit cold.Figure about 17 miles & I am going to get some maps for this trail for more prep shakedowns so I will know the distance (s) in the future. Monday or Tuesday (maybe sooner) I am going south from the dam, figure I go for 4 hours and then hump it back.Right shoulder very testy for about 2 1/2 hours after finishing but feels fine now.   Prep must be working & my thinking remains:Pain before Springer allows for less pain on the way to Maine.
Date: 2013-02-16
From: Halfway Dam (R B Winter State Park

To: Hairy Johns State Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Couldnt wait til next week for another prep hike with full pack.   Decide to push the envelop and try for this section hike on the PA Mid State Trail estimated to be 11-12 miles one way. As usual Felix was leading, which is good because I seldom need to look for a blaze - just his tail up ahead.First 5 1/2 miles were cake, mostly flat and covered it in 1:45. Then the trail crossed 3 ridges (Mountains here in Central PA) and things slowed quite a bit. One section of about 100 yards was insainly steep and of course north facing & snow covered. Hadnt been on anything close to this since some glaciers on Middle Teton. Anyhow, made Hairy Johns in 4:18 and had no time for lunch if I wanted to get back to car before dark. Ate my 2 bananas and Felix had a couple treats and off we went with the short 10 minute stop. If was 1:40 PM so it would be a test of stamina to make the car by dark. Didnt drink much on first leg, but 3 - 1/2 liters on return (filling at small snow melt streams).Still wasnt enough because I drank 1/2 gallon within 2 hours of returning home.Going to force myself to drink more from now on. Best part of return was NOT falling on that slippery steep pitch and thats kinda startling when Felix was sliding down portions of it.   Got back to the midpoint where the flat stretch started in only +2 minutes from going out time and back to car in exactly 2 minutes longer.   It was dead 6 PM and within 10 minutes is was very dark in the brush.   According to markers it is 11 miles each way for a 22 mile day. Thats 5 miles further than Weds hike which was my longest day hike. The 35 minute drive home allowed the joints to really tighten up but after eating and rehydrating felt pretty good. Ankles are what stiffen up the most. Took about 3-4 minutes this morning to loosen up but feel very good and no doubt could go for 7-8 hours again today.Whats this add up to? With about 30 days left til Springer, prep and conditioning proseeding nicely. To me, its not about how many miles covered daily, but are you willing to spend the 7-10 hours hiking north each day?   If so, the miles will take care of themselves and success is a given!
Date: 2013-02-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Looks like Monday - Tuesday will be the overnight shakedown with conditions close to those expected upon A T start. 15 miles to Poe Valley Lake for overnight with low temp around 30. Cant go back to warm bed so coping/improvising a must. Snowing right now on that section (already snow covered) of the Mid State trail so conditions will be a good challenge. Best part is calling for snow midday Tuesday. Should have about 5 hours before snow hits so likely to finish last couple miles in snowstorm.   Again, cope & deal with it cause Nasty weather a given late March & April heading north from Springer (so I have read). Gunna set pack weight @ 30# which is heavier than I will carry.Must be making progress on conditioning because recovery time from trail runs is down to a few minutes now. Monday night should be quite interesting cause I havent slept in a tent in over 40 years!   Either you cope and deal with your circumstances (especially the weather) or there is no reason to head for Spinger Mountain and I plan on launching northward bound and determined.
Date: 2013-03-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Countdown is on til flying to Atlanta & prep is continuing.Got lots to do. Prune apple trees, prepare mowers (7 acres to cut), clean up winter downfalls, Bla Bla Bla. Set new personal best (for this year) for trail run today so conditioning still improving. Still snow on ridge top & figure just that increases time enough that perhaps I can set a new personal best with 3 years added!   TWTThink I decided on next prep hike.   Ravensburg State Park to I80 & back on the PA Mid State trail.   Plenty of elevation change with the starting section looking like 800 feet in 1/2 mile.Total distance of 25 miles is more than I care for at this stage, but certainly a challenge.   Figure we (Felix no Ill effects from porcupine) start at daylight (6:45 ish) & turnaround by 12:15.   Have a long 11 hours of daylight now so @ 2.6 mph average should have enough time. Will trim backpack weight down to 22 pounds for this extended prep hike.   Looks like Tuesday but might get too antsy and go Sunday.   Envious of all those that have started, but not the conditions of hard windsWith rain @ close to freezing temps. Research shows all-time lows are about 16 degrees for the first couple hundred miles in late March. That would test my ability to cope overnight even with all clothes on.   Hopefully that isn't the case & the normal averages of low 30's prevail. Again, eitherCope, adjust, or compromise or don't leave for the trail head!
Date: 2013-03-08
To: Ravensburg State Park
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: clear sky

Did a long prep hike Tuesday that turned into a 44 hour nightmare, but ended well.The hike was 12 1/2 miles south to I 80& back to the Park with nearly 4800 vertical change.Everything went fine until 1 mile from finish when Felix takes off ( I presume) after a deer.6 pm & getting dark on the north side of a steep ridge leading back to the park. Couldn't call him back & 20 minutes later could NOT find my car.   It was that dark. Got some help from a fellow I flagged down to find car.Not going into the details of the hellacious next 44 hours except I made 3 return trips to the park & finally got a call that Felix was found. Of course no cell service in the park, so to get messages had to periodically drive to mountaintop for service. It's all mountains in this 12 mile stretch and Felix was found about 8 miles from the park & aok.So how do you feel after 25 humpin miles when not in prime trail shape?Somewhat tired but toes sore from all the steep downhill sideways trekking from the crusted snow and icy trails. Legs fine, back fine - toes sore.   Would have been difficult to repeat a full 10 hours weds but 7-8 doable.   Anyhow, relieved when reunited with Felix and physically ready for Springer start in ten days.Will now go back to 6 mile loop and trail running to maintain condition and keep feet toughened up. There is no doubt in my mind that all the pounding of the last 2 months of the trail running toughened up the feet.   Lucky the wideMerrill Ventalators fit my feet so well & haven't got nary a hot spot yet.Don't know how a daily pounding of 15-20-20Etc will work out, but excited to find out. Hopefully the warmer north Georgia weather melts all the snow & the recentl 2 foot of snow in the Smokies is gone to.Of course that most likely means mud and slop in return.TWT but after the 25 mile day, I know for sure there will be plenty of high mileage days while on the trail.   still would like to stand atop Katahdin July 4th.Only 1 way that happens - committing to long hours every day.That's why the 25 mile prep hike.   Do it once - do it again & again & again....
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Springer Mountain

To: Gooch Mtn
Miles today: 15.8

Before I type, I have something important to say:Thx to a great wife Peggy for allowing this to happen,I love you lots and will see you in about 50 odd days.Thx to 3 special people in Canton, GASteve, Michelle & especially Sydney Reynolds.   I love you guys as well.Also, back in PA, KC, Ryan, & Bob - thx for your support and pointers/advice.As for grammar, punctuation, spelling, complete sentences & such - won't happen folks. Lying in my tent things won't be perfect or proof read. Hopefully you get the message of this journey.Today was great, starting with great Breakfest by Michelle & then Steve, Michelle, & myself headed to The Springer parking area and all 3 went south 1 mile to the Springer Mountain Summitt & starting point.   Took some great pictures & returned to the parking area for our goodbyes.   Thx again Steve & Michelle.Starting northbound @ 12:48 & arrived @ Gooch Mountain Selter @ 6pm.Made excellent time pushed on very hard. Passed 48 hikers enroute.The rolling mountainous MidState Trail in PA prepared me well for this (I hope).Tomorrow should be more difficult with Blood Mountain. The decent into Neels Gap is very step.Summing up. Day 1 was EZ & ended with dry feet.   First hike of 2013 ending with dry feet, although tired.   Hopefully get our of here early tomorrow to hike in the crisp low temps.Sun setting and I might just be able to fall asleep - so adios til ma±ana !!
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Gooch Mtn

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 15.9

Howling wind last night, but not cold. Will NOT be placing tent on slope again.All tent pads takin.   Got up at daylight & hit trail at 0800.Got into Neels Gap @ 14:08 so made good time considering slow decent off Blood Mountain.Newsflash - I would rather work hard and puff going uphill than down steep rocky trail.So far the trail floor has been very soft compared to the rocks & roots on PAs Midstate trail.If it doesn't get harder than this there will be some BIG mile days in the near future. So why am I sitting here with so much daylight left?This was a scheduled resupply point (as soon as I post this), But experienced hikers all said the same thing: DONT push it early on and if ILeft here i would pound out a 25 mile day on day 2.So, I got a bunk at the Hostel (15 clams w/shower) & will have Lasagna (church group cooking for a donation) & will leave at first light (0700)Next resupply in 78 miles, so it looks like 25ish, 20+, 20+& into Franklin, NC on Monday morning.   That's 10 miles from the road crossing but a very ez hitch with the southern locals very friendly to hikers.Speaking of friendly, got my first Trail Majic today as there were about 6 sodas on the trail @ Woody Gap.   Locals do that a lot.   Picked up a coke that really hit the spot.Lots of Rock seeps and streams here in the north Georgia Mtns - so dont need to carry much H2O.Updates next 3 days only if cell coverage from my tent. And won't be nearly this long,July 4th, Katahdin.   Only 2153 miles left.Not sleeping much in tent yet, so I have plenty of time to picture that view.KC, keep the stove hot for our dinner July 6th!!!Adios amigos!
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Neels Gap

To: Northward
Miles today: 28.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I once heard that a man has to know his limitations!Perhaps before July 4th, I will as well.Today started with a free pancake & coffee Breakfest thx to Pirate & the Walasi-Yi Hostel.Pushed off @ 0723 for a long day.   Right away was the 800 foot climb of Levelland Mtn.   Today's trails were very good for the most part and the miles steamed by. In the North Georgia Mtns there are lots of 'hollers' which means lots of ups & downs by the trail trys to swing around many of them.   Got some trail magic again from Folks from Dalton, GA who's son is thru hiking.   One great brownie & a power ade. Blue Mtn topped out at over 4000 and the decent at mile 21 to GA 75 was rather steep, but NBD.   Lots of folks hitch into town here but it was still early and o wanted to push on.   Next was the 1100 foot climb up Rocky Mtn, but halfway was a nice stream and I used a energy rush in a liter of water (they are drink mixes high in caffeine) and in about 15 minutes I got a huge 2nd wind & powered to the top. What comes up must come down & 900 feet to Indian Grave Gap followed by 1300 feet up Tray Mtn - nice way yTo finish off a long day. From Tray Gap remained the last 600 feet and I was still feeling very strong so I timed myself. Under 20 minutes. Had to follow the blue blaze trail beyond Tray Mtn Shelter for water & return to A T. Camped somewhere past the Summit in a slight gap and a couple others came in last 45 minutes. All told covered 28 miles in around 10 1/2 hours.Weather was great - low 30 to mid 30' no wind.   Got to make hay when sun shining and hike long in good weather.   Mission accomplished.Storm moving in tonight with 80% chance rain followed by 90 tomorrow & Sunday.Guess I have to make a plan depending how hard it rains.   Should be good and hopefully dry. Maybe I get some sleep soon - got maybe 3-4 hours tops since leaving Springer.Tomorrow another day, but I got my wish to no rain first 3 days and a good start.Forgot, met Joe El, girl from Conn. By far the fastest girl I have seen. She chased me north on pace for quite a few miles. And of course, Cooper (White Lab) and his master - 2 more very fast hombres!Try for some sleep now as some cold air just dropped In here. No wind though, unlike the howling wind @ Gooch Mtn that everybody was complaining about - except me.I take what mother nature dishes out & nothing is slowing this steam locomotive going northward !!Adios amigos ~~~~~~