morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-19
To: Post Post
Miles today: 0.0

Once again, it almost always seems like this journal thing is behind, but here goes. I'm still here in Tallahassee working for Fish and Wildlife. I love it there - it keeps me extremely busy and frequently on the road. It's been great to see new places around the state that I would not have normally been able to visit. They even sent me out to Reno, NV the week before last to the national trail builders conference. It was a great opportunity to meet and learn from some of the best folks in the business from all over the country.I'm finally moved into my new apartment and have everything more or less setup. After a huge hassle with Comcast I also finally have a highspeed internet connection. I took some time this evening and uploaded a handful of pics from one of my CDs I burned from the hike. Enjoy. I'll try to get some more of those posted sooner then later. My weekends this spring have been full with mountain biking, jeeping, geocaching, fishing and generally messing around in the woods. So far the fishing hasn't been great, but it hasn't warmed up enough for things to really start picking up. I've recently discovered that I can ride my bike from my apartment to Tom Brown Park along a route that's 3/4 dirt single track. So in about 20 minutes of riding I can be at one of Tallahassee's largest collection of mountain biking. *sweet!*It's been great to hear back from some folks that we met while hiking. It's always nice to see what folks are up to since meeting them. I've already started getting hooked on a new Trail Journal for this season's NOBOS. Chris Porter is a friend of mine who I met while working at Philmont in 2002. He's doing NOBO thru hike and will hopefully be keeping up with is TJ as he progreses. Good luck Chris!!That's all for now. Maybe I'll see ya'll out on the trails - dave
Date: 2005-10-03
To: SECTION HIKE PART ONE
Miles today: 0.0

Well folks - I don't think anybody actually reads this thing any more...but just for kicks, I'm gonna do a write-up.It's been a long time coming but I'm headed back to the trail! Not as a thru-hiker this time, but as a section hiker. Let me tell you, it sure feels good to have gear strewn across my living room and a maildrop of food all boxed up and ready to go. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! It's feels great to be headed back...I'm headed up to the Georgia mountains on Thursday with plans to hike most of the state over the next week. So about 70 miles or so...I'll keep up my journal on the trail and try to get it onto this site when I get back.I don't expect to see any SOBOS this far south yet, but who knows...maybe I'll run into some! Capt Salty returns in '05
Date: 2006-02-24
From: Post Post

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So, it definitely has been a while. Dave's been doing some section hiking here and there - slowly knocking away the miles till 2000. He's also working on a graduate degree at Florida State University. I've (Jill) been working - for a while in St. Augustine at the Department of Health and now back in Tallahassee with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. I'm in the very early stages of planning my own section hikes - I'll need to get some new gear but I'm hoping to do some hiking up in GA - probably sometime in the fall. We still hear from Night Rain and Four Winds once in a great while and sometimes from Tinkerbell (or her mom) too. We'll keep ya'll posted on any progress we make!
Date: 2003-10-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This is to make official my plan to do a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail nextyear. I have wanted to go since Summer 2001. I wasn't able to get my plans together in time to go in 2002. Then in 2003 I though I was going to be able to do it but my car caught on fire and that made it financially impossible to go. In 2004 I will go, not even a fire will stop me this time. I have a tentative starting date of Feb. 29, 2004. This can and probably will change. My best friend is planning on hiking the first month with me. So we will have to see what time works out best for both of us. I am not going to delay my start past the end of March though. I want to start when it is still cool out. I'll keep this updated as the date gets closer and my plans become clearer.Andy
Date: 2003-12-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

 Most people use one of their first journal entries to say why and when to hike the Appalachian Trail. I can't come up with a simple answer to that question. I first became interested in the Appalachian Trail sometime in the late 90's. I was fascinated by the fact that someone could walk all the way from Georgia to Maine. After doing some research on the trail I decided there were several things that would keep me from being able to do a thru-hike. First, there are mice in the shelters. I have an unnatural fear of mice so I couldn't possibly stay in the shelters. Second, you have to get your water out of streams or springs and purify it. I couldn't do that. Third, you have to go to the bathroom in the woods. I couldn't do that either. So I gave up on that dream for a while. Then in the summer of 2001 I read an excerpt from Bill Bryson's book "A Walk in the Woods". I re-examined my reasons for not going on a thru-hike. 1. A fear of mice. I still have it but I can get over it. 2. Having to drink water from streams. I drank water purified with bleach for 3 months in Guatemala and never got sick(at least not from the water..I think) so I can handle the water. 3. Having to use the woods for a bathroom. I've since been in situations where I didn't have a choice and it wasn't that big of a deal. Going to the bathroom in the woods will not be a problem at all. My reasons for hiking. First, I think I will enjoy both the solitude and the camraderie of the trail. Also I'm about 40 pounds overweight so it would be good to lose some of that and get in better shape. Not having to work for 6 months is also one of the big reasons I want to hike the trail. There are more reasons than this but those are some of the major ones. I have decided not to start my hike on Feb. 29th. It will be too cold then. Living in Texas and Las Vegas for the past 7 years has made me pretty wimpy when it comes to cold. I'll probably start in late March/early April. Andy
Date: 2004-02-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've had some bad luck since last I wrote but I'm planning on leaving for Springer Mountain on March 19th and starting my thru-hike on March 20th. My car broke down last month so I had to quit work two weeks earlier than planned, plus my car was basically unrepairable so I lost two weeks of income and whatever more money I could have sold my car for. I don't have the money I had hoped to have but I should have enough if I'm careful. I'm now staying at my Mom's house while finishing my preparations. I'm basically ready to go but I need to finish my degree first. I'm taking two tests on March 10th which should complete my degree requirements. I'm doing a medical study which finishes on March 18th and I should be on a Greyhound the next day.Andy
Date: 2004-03-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It is hard to believe that next week I'll be on the trail. Time is going faster than I thought it would. I have not done much in trail preparation the last couple of weeks. My grandmother died last week and there was family to visit, a funeral to attend,etc.; all things more important than preparing for my hike. I'm sad that my grandmother died but she was suffering and she was ready so it was for the best. I'm glad that I was at home still so I was able to be at the funeral. I told all my relatives about my hiking plans so now I'm obligated to go through with them.I have gone on a couple of preparation hikes. I went on a 7.5 mile day hike in the rain and my rain gear performed well. I haven't had any problems with any other gear either, I hope that doesn't change. I have been trying a couple different stove options. I tried using fuel tablets but the tablets I have don't burn very long. It took two tablets to cook my mac'n'cheese. The tablets also cost too much to use long term. I'm probably going to go with an alcohol stove or go stoveless. I'm still experimenting with alcohol stove types but I'll probably just take a very simple stove. I tried to sleep outside last night in my tent but couldn't get to sleep. I was warm enough even though it was below freezing last night. I just couldn't get comfortable. I sleep on my side and the ground was putting too much pressure on my hips. It would probably be more comfortable to sleep on my back but I have a hard time falling asleep that way. I think I'll get used to it on the trail. I don't really have any more planning to do because I'm not really planning my hike. I intend to just plan from resupply to resupply. I have plenty of time to finish my hike so I don't see the need to plan too far ahead. I do plan on going to my college graduation in Albany, NY on July 16th. I'll make plans for that when the date draws nearer. I have done some research and it looks pretty easy to catch a bus in New York and the New England states. This is all assuming that I passed the two tests I took Wednesday which should finish my graduation requirements. I won't find out the results for four weeks. Hopefully that will be good news for me when I call from somewhere on the trail. This is my strategy for hiking. I intend to keep my stays in hostels and motels to a minimum. I also hope to take very few zeros, I plan to take nearos instead. I'm not worried about finishing my hike quickly but I do have a tight budget so I need to keep moving. This strategy could of course change once I actually start hiking. My friend Daryn is going to give me a ride to the trailhead or at least near the trailhead. He is a trucker and is going to find a load going to Atlanta or somewhere east of there and drop me off on the way. My start date therefore might change a day or two but for now it still looks to be March 20th. I looked up the forecast and it should be in the 60's with no rain on that day. That would be an excellent day to start a thru-hike.Andy
Date: 2004-03-15
To: Gear
Miles today: 0.0

Below is a list of all the gear I plan to take on my hike. After that I give some more information on some of the items.backpack- Great Escape Journey 3lbs 6ozs $50 from overstock.com I'm very happy with this backpack.sleeping bag 20 degree- 3 lbs 8 ozs with stuff sack $45 on overstock.com. Was supposed to have a carry weight of 3 lbs. and is not very compressable and it is very difficult to fit in my sleeping bag compartment. On the plus side it does keep me very warm.tent/bivy- 2 lbs 13.7 ozs $30 on ebay has been fine so far, a little condensationsleep pad- ridgerest $9.50 at bass pro shops outletfirst aid kitvitaminspotable aqua and vitamin cpot (cooking)-$1.88 at Wal-Mart works fine and cleans up easilyesbit stove-to use as pot holderalcohol stovefuelknife and fork-plastichatshort sleeve synthetic shirt1 pair hiking socks-wool/synthetic blend1 pair liner socks-syntheticlong underwear-polyprolenerain suit1 pair regular underwear-synthetic2 running shortsgloveshat1 sweater-wool/silk blend,lightweightwatchheadlamp flashlightsmall flashlightmatches and maybe a lighter toocompass/whistle combo-$1 at dollar store, has thermometer also but I think it is just painted on because it is always 65 degrees, compass and whistle do work thoughparacordhand sanitizerhand wipestravel toothbrush and toothpastecamp soap2 compactor bags-for pack linertroweltphandbook-2002 edition from when I first planned to hike, have updated it using the online handbookwill wear the followinglong sleeve synthetic shirtpants- nylon and polyesterfleece jackethiking and liner socksunderwear-synthetichiking boots-$5 at Just for Feet, have hiked many miles in these boots with no blisters, probably my best gear bargain.This seems like a lot of gear but I have probably forgot something. I didn't spend a lot on gear because I don't have much money but most of my gear seems to perform well. The real test will be on the trail. The total weight is only about 20 pounds. This is determined by weighing myself with and without my backpack on the bathroom scale. Therefore it may be off a pound or two but I am satisfied with the weight so far. I know the pack will be much heavier once I add food and water but I hope to keep it under 30 lbs. Andy
Date: 2004-03-18
To: Last Minute Update
Miles today: 0.0

I'll be leaving for the trail either tonight or tomorrow morning. It just depends on when I can meet up with Daryn. I'm so excited that this is finally going to happen. I think I have everything ready to go. I bought a camera, bandanas, and some food yesterday but I still feel like I'm forgetting something. I'm sending a mail drop to Walasi-Yi so I won't have to carry too much food to start. My pack with everything but water weighs approximately 23 pounds. Even though that is pretty lightweight my pack is completely full. It has a capacity of 3600 cubic inches but I think that includes the extension collar. I need to figure out a better way to pack everything. That will probably come with experience.My friend Daryn is going to hike with me for the first few days. I'm really glad he was able to start with me. I think it will make the experience even better. My next enty should be from the trail (yeah!).Andy
Date: 2004-03-22
To: Black Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, I didn't actually get started until the 22nd rather than the 20th. Started off from Amicolola about 11:00am. The first mile was extremely difficult. I was thinking there was no way I was going to make it to Springer, much less Maine. After Daryn and I took a 45 minute break at the top of the falls, I felt a little better. The rest of the trail was somewhat easier, but I was still struggling.We spent the night at Black Gap Shelter. We got there about 3:45pm, but decided to stop since we were so tired. Also the forecast was for lows in the teens so we wanted to make sure that we were in a shelter.The night was very cold. Although we went to bed around 7:00pm and didn't get up until 6:30am, I doubt I got more than 4 or 5 hours sleep. My water bottle was frozen when I got up. Was later told that it got down to 14 degrees. Should be warmer tomorrow night. After last night I know I can survive the cold, and 30 degrees should feel warm.Steve from Boston and sisters Heidi and Holly from Vermont were the other thru-hikers in our shelter last night. We had a good campfire going which helped keep us warm until bedtime.Had an upset stomach today so I didn't eat much. Ate 2 poptarts, 1 granola bar, and 1 package cheese and crackers.Andy
Date: 2004-03-23
From: Black Gap Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

Actually hiked 9.1 miles, but the first 1.5 miles to Springer didn't count. The hike to Springer was easy. It was great to finally reach the summit and see the first white blaze after planning this trip for so long.Today was easier but still tough. Stopped at Hawk Mt. Shelter since it was 8 miles to the next shelter. We arrived about 2:00pm so we had plenty of time left in the day.There are lots of hikers here today. There are 7 in the shelter and about 10 in tents. Steve and the Vermont sisters are here tonight. Also Sheila from Mass. and a couple from Lorena, Tx. Many more whose names I can't remember.My stomach felt a little better today. Ate 2 poptarts, 1 package cheese crackers, 1 granola bar, 1 tortilla with peanut butter, and about half a lipton diner. Had to use Steve's boiling water because my alcohol stove isn't working right. That's all for tonight. Feels warmer than last night but still cold.Andy
Date: 2004-03-24
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was an interesting day. Decided to hike past Gooch Gap Shelter and camp out at Gooch Gap. Sheila from Mass. was already there. A little while later Josh from the Hiker Hostel showed up looking for a sick hiker. He helped us set up Daryn's tent and showed us how to counter-balance our food bags to protect them from bears.A little while after that One Leg's wife and 5 of their kids showed up. Also with them was Frederick Gefman documenting One Leg's hike. One Leg is an amputee who is attempting a thru-hike. One Leg and his son made it to camp about a half hour after that. All of his kids rushed to him. He stayed and talked with us for awhile and Frederick got us on film.It was my first night tenting out and it went pretty well. The night was not too cold. It was a great day for hiking. I didn't eat much today because my stomach is still bothering me. Also am having a hard time stomaching the iodine water so I'm no drinking enough. Have to change that.Andy
Date: 2004-03-25
From: Gooch Gap

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a different day. I was fatigued and dehydrated from not eating and not drinking enough water. Have decided to get a water filter at Neel's Gap. I struggled all day to keep moving and hiked very slowly. I was so happy to finally see the sign for the shelter. The trail to the shelter seemed to take forever. I found out it was almost a mile off the trail. This was my first double digit hiking day.There were quite a few people at the shelter. I was going to tent but one of my poles broke so I had to cram into the shelter. Daryn, Steve, John Russo, and the Vermont twins were all there. We seem to be hiking at a similar pace so I should see a lot of them.I felt a little better after resting. Will be in Neel's Gap tomorrow so that should cure all.Andy
Date: 2004-03-26
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a short hike into Neel's Gap. Decided to stay overnight in the hostel at Walasi-Yi. Felt much better after showering. Also did laundry and picked up maildrop.Spent a lot of money on juice, gatorade, sandwiches, and snacks to eat today. Had dinner at the Cookie Jar restaurant AYCE buffet. There were a lot of us there; we were only charged $3 each for the shuttle. Sheila, Steve, Daryn, John Russo, Frank, and the Vermonsters were all part of the group. Feel much better now that I'm full and rehydrated. Should sleep well tonight.Andy
Date: 2004-03-27
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Hiking was great today. I felt refreshed and the weather was beautiful. Left Neel's Gap a little after 9:00am and made it into Low Gap around 3:30pm. Daryn had to go back to work today so this was my first day hiking alone. I enjoyed the solitude and the ability to go at my own pace, but it became somewhat boring at the end of the day. Steve and John are here at the shelter. Everyone else in our little pack of the first few days has pushed on.Andy
Date: 2004-03-28
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

Started off today with what they call the easiest 4 miles of the AT. They were the easiest I've done yet. Arrived at Unicoi Gap at 1:30pm. and decided to hitch into Helen.It took me half an hour to get a ride into Helen. Helen is a funny little town all decked out like an Alpine Village. Many hikers don't like Helen because it is a tourist town, but it has cheap motels and all the services hikers need.I rented a room at the Helendorf River Inn for $30. A lady at the welcome center whose grandson did a thru-hike recommended it to me. Ate a lot of food from Wendy's, washed my clothes, and basically lazed around watching TV the rest of the day. I'm glad I came here but it is going to be difficult going back into the woods tomorrow.Andy
Date: 2004-03-29
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: broken clouds

It was nice to sleep in a real bed last night. I bought food to send to Fontana Dam this morning. Was offered a ride while walking through town and arrived at Unicoi Gap about 11:30am.Received trail magic at Unicoi Gap. There was a large white cooler full of snacks and sodas. Helped myself to a Mountain Dew and an oatmeal creme pie.Hiked faster today with a full stomach and a good nights sleep. Arrived at Tray Mtn. shelter about 3:00pm and decided to push on to Deep Gap shelter. Got there about 7:00pm, just as it was getting dark. Was just enought room for me in the shelter. Wanted to stay in the shelter because rain was forecasted.Andy
Date: 2004-03-30
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Plum Orchard Gap shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: light rain

Got a late start waiting for the rain to pass. Finally started about 9:00am.. Was tempted to go into Hiawassee but didn't since I was just in town.I hiked slow today, I arrived at Plum Orchard shelter about 3:00pm and decided to call it a day. Tomorrow I'll be in North Carolina. One state will be done.Only three of us in the shelter and no one tenting. Very unusual, my shelter mates are Snowman and Miami Jim.Andy
Date: 2004-03-31
From: Plum Orchard Gap shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

It rained some last night but looked like a beautiful day in the morning. Headed out on the trail intending to go 12.2 miles to Standing Indian Shelter. A little before I hit the GA/NC line it started raining and sleeting. I decided to skip taking a picture of the state line and hike on.Upon entering NC I was greeted with a steep climb and snow. The snow started coming down hard and I was worried about losing the trail. I was getting cold because there was a cold wind blowing in my face.Finally the snow stopped and I made it into Muskrat Creek. The trail was easy to follow but I decided to stop for awhile, that was a mistake. As soon as I stopped I started getting cold. My rain gear had trapped my perspiration making my clothes wet. I crawled into my sleeping bag and tried to warm up. About an hour later Cat and Wag (her dog) showed up. She suggested I put on my dry clothes. That should have been obvious to me but I hadn't done it yet. After changing clothes and crawling back into my sleeping bag I finally started to get warm. Later Steve(Saltlick), Sheila, Hightrailer, Geezer, Turtle, Radar, Bucket(sp), Treefrog, and a couple others came into the shelter. Steve, Sheila, and some others had spent 2 nights in town.I had a cold night sleeping. I didn't look forward to hiking in the cold again. One of the hikers told of a shortcut to Rainbow Springs. I decided if it didn't warm up I was going to Rainbow Springs.Andy
Date: 2004-04-01
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Deep Gap (Rainbow Springs Campground)
Miles today: 4.0

I woke up cold and didn't want to get up this morning. I decided if it wasn't warmer by Deep Gap I would take the shortcut into Rainbow Springs.I followed Hightrailer out and we both took the Kimsey Creek Trail at Deep Gap to go to Rainbow Springs Campground. I probably won't see Steve or Sheila again as they planned to go to Carter Gap Shelter.The Kimsey Creek Trail was 3.7 miles and led to Standing Indian Campground. From there it was another 3 or 4 mile road walk to RSC. It was great staying at RSC. I took a hot shower and filled up with a cheeseburger, pizza, 2 quarts of Gatorade, and a can of Pringles.The Vermonsters, Cruise Control, and Dave B were all there. They wondered how I caught up with them. I explained what I did and I will go back to Deep Gap and continue hiking. The hiker hostel is really cool. I had never been in one before, but it is very comfortable. It will be hard to leave here tomorrow.Andy
Date: 2004-04-02
From: Deep Gap (Rainbow Springs Campground)

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Took the Kimses Creek Trail back to Deep Gap today. It was 3.7 miles that didn't count, but at least I didn't have to roadwalk today. When I started up Standing Indian Mountain it was snowing. I hiked fast to stay warm and made it to Carter Gap Shelter in about 3 hours. It was strange that Standing Indian Mountain was covered in snow but at the lower elevation of Carter Gap Shelter there was no snow. It was still cold at the shelter. Only 4 of us in the shelter. Besides myself there was Hitrailer, Homer, and a guy whose trailname was a city in Alabama which I can't remember.Andy