morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-11-17
From: Scottish Inn- Fayetteville, PA

To: Scottish Inn- Fayetteville, PA
Miles today: 0.0

This morning I was still was not feeling much better and shortly after getting up I got sick again. At this point I knew for sure that I was not going to be able to hike for several days. There was just no way Tagless and I were going to get to Duncannon by Thursday with me in this condition. After talking to Tagless it was decided that we would secure transportation back to our homes and abandon our hike for this year. We were able to get Amtrak tickets for Sunday out of Harrisburg to Chicago for me and Atlanta for Tagless. Mega bus would get me to Indy and him to Chattanooga. We called ¢Junker¢ for a shuttle to Harrisburg in the morning (recommended). I really wanted to get all of PA finished on this hike and unlike last fall the weather has been great. But it takes a great deal of energy and endurance to hike this trail which I probably won¢t have for a couple of weeks. I will hopefully return sometime next year to continue my northward journey.
Date: 2012-11-18
From: Scottish Inn- Fayetteville, PA

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Sunday 2 pm.   I am now at the train station in Harrisburg waiting for my train to Chicago. In the last 36 hrs. I have been able to eat 2 egg sandwiches and 2 egg salad sandwiches so maybe I¢m on the road to recovery. I¢m not looking forward to the overnight ride to Chicago as I know I will get little if any sleep. But I am looking forward to getting home and recovering from this bug I picked up somewhere. I hope my appetite will return before the Thanksgiving meal Thursday. So that wraps up my AT hiking for this year. Thanks to Tagless for going along with me on this short hike. Sorry it didn¢t go as planned. But as they say "the trail will still be there next year."
Date: 2011-01-07
To: Let it Begin
Miles today: 0.0

I have been mulling over a Thru-Hike of the AT over the past year. At first, it was just an 'off the cuff' thought or comment, now it has become a driving force to be reckoned with. I have decided that this is the planning (and saving) year and I will set Spring of 2012 as the launch date. I thought I would start my Trail Journal now and possibly document some items prior to the hike. Although I am not the most computer savvy person, I like the format of this site and the information/inspiration that it provides. I will do my best to document for my own benefit and possibly others.See you on the trail!
Date: 2011-02-27
To: To the Pinnacle and Overnight
Miles today: 0.0

Just got back from a short hike and overnight. Yesterday, I started on the AT at the Reservoir Rd Parking area in Hamburg Pa, just south of the Windsor Furnace Shelter. I hiked up to the Pinnacle and had a gourmet lunch of Ramen Noodles while taking in the awesome view. It was also nice to try out my White Box Stove for the first time (worked well!). After hiking back down I was undecided whether to stay for the evening due to the freezing temperature in the forecast. While I was deciding, I drove over to a local bar/rest and had an order of wings and a couple Pints. After talking with my best friend on the phone, who now lives in TX, the talk (and maybe the beers) inspired me to stay out for the evening. I headed back to Windsor Furnace Shelter.I still have not purchased a cold weather bag, but have been eying up the Moutain Hardware Ultralamina 15 degree long bag (or maybe the 0F bag?). This decision will wait for my REI dividend check and 20percent off coupon. Working with what I have, I used my Golite RS (25F/40F) again with my silk liner. This time, I also brought my summer mummy bag to try out as a liner. It was 40F when I went to bed using the silk liner in my bag. I was heavily layered in my polartec pants, mid-weight thermal top, thin fleece top and my Marmot Down Vest. Even with all the layers, I woke up during the night cold. My thermometer read 32F and I decided to swap out my silk liner and for my summer bag inside my Golite RS. I was much warmer like this, although at times slightly uncomfortable. I believe that being a 'side sleeper' I tend to expose my back/bottom and am not as insulated underneath. This contributes to my tendency to sleep 'cold'. I also found out that the polartec pants were overkill for my bottom/legs. Although cold overall, I was sweating a little below the waist. Now here I go again tossing back and forth a warmer 0F bag for the coldest nights. Is it needed or worth the extra weight on parts of my thru?The shelter was clean and this was the first one that I stayed at that did not have resident mice. This may be due to the cold/winter, but it was a pleasant rodent free evening. I did have a nice campfire and enjoyed the quiet solitude.About a total of 9 miles hiked and a cold night...Not bad for a Saturday Afternoon/Evening in February!It's all good!
Date: 2011-03-01
To: Sleeping System
Miles today: 0.0

Well, looks like I have decided about a cold weather bag. I just ordered a Mountain Hardware UltraLamina 0. I will plan to carry this bag in the beginning and end of my thru hike. I wanted to wait until my REI Dividend and 20% off coupon that is due later this month, but REI does not offer the Ultralamina 0 in a 'Long'. So I found a coupon code on line for $40 off the bag at MooseJaw (with free shipping). I figured I wouldn't beat price by too much so it is on the way.I will trade off for my GoLite after I get through the freezing temperatures. Then when it is hot, I will swap that out for my Lafuma Summer Bag.I really like my NeoAir Trekker Large Torso Sleeping Pad. I also carry 5 sections of a Z-Lite to use as a seat as needed, padding when kneeling and I put it under my legs/feet at night. I have been considering carrying (only in the cold) an additional thin roll out pad for more insulation in below freezing weather. The Neo Air Trekker only has a 2.0 R Value. I will wait for my Ultralamina to come in and try it out before the warm weather gets here.There are a numerous situations and issues that could make me want to get off the trail. One is Comfort - or lack of it. A warm and comfy night sleep should go a long way to healing a taxing day. Back to listing my equipment in the Gear Section
Date: 2011-03-12
To: Testing, Testing 1 2 3
Miles today: 0.0

Just a quick note. I tented out last night with my Six Moons Design Lunar Solo and New Moutain Hardware UltraLamina 0. It rain very lightly and got down to 35F. Even set up so it was well ventilated I had noticeable condensation inside my Tarp/Tent. The UltraLamina 0 (actually a T limit rating of 14F) performed well and has ample room for my 6'2" 225lb Size. I did notice that it was almost too warm zipped all the way up when I went to bed, but when the temp dropped, it was perfect. On a side note, I signed up to lead two hikes with the Allentown Hiking Club. Most the hikes were day hikes and I wanted to do more backpacking. Feel free to check out the website at:http://www.allentownhikingclub.org/db_list1.php?featuretype=eventMost all hikes are open to the general public except if they cross privately owned land. The two overnights that I am leading are 04/2/11 and 06/25/11. The first is just an easy hike and overnight so that people can dust off their equipment. The second is a challenging 17+ mile hike one day and then 4+ the next day. Feel free to check it out and join in! See the link for specific details.That's all for now, Enjoy!
Date: 2011-03-20
To: AHC Nockamixon State Park Hike
Miles today: 0.0

Went on a short 5+ mile hike with the Allentown Hiking Club at Nockamixon State Park today. Beautiful out, but was quite chilly especially with the cold wind off the lake. Hiked on the paved path, then on the muddy horse paths back where one of the old Stover Grist Mills once stood. This hike was only 15 minutes away from my house and I talked my daughter into going with. The 16 participants started at 10:30am and even with a leisurely walk and multiple breaks, we were back prior to 1:30pm. Also, REI Dividends came out last week. I used my 20percent off coupon towards a Katadyn Hiker Pro Filter and my Dividend$ for a Petzl Tikka2 XP Headlight and Big Zip 3.0L Platypus. Christmas in March .Enjoy!
Date: 2011-03-27
To: AMC Rausch Gap Backpacking
Miles today: 0.0

Back from an overnight trip with the Appalachian Mountain Club. An Allentown Hiking Club member alerted me to this since it was local. Nice time with more nice Hikers. Ron and Cindy led the hike and Jude and Dan were also participants for a total of five of us. This was my first AMC Hike. The Delaware chapter sponsored it.We started at PA 325 and passed by Horse shoe trail, Yellow Springs Trail (coal mining village ruins/foundations), the 'General' and Camped by the water near Rausch Gap Shelter. It was a cold, but beautiful 11.4 hike. The sun was dancing off the ice on the trees and there was practically no wind. Temps dipped into the low to mid 20's overnight and most of us boiled water to put in our nalgene to accompany us in our sleeping bags. The morning was also cold but clear. We hiked 4.4 additional miles to PA 72 & PA 443 near Lickdale, PA. I usually associate sunburn with the beach in the summer, but I learned it can be had in freezing temps when there are no leaves on the trees.I will look for more upcoming AMC hikes to balance out the AHC and solo trips.Next weekend is the AHC short backpacking trip to Allentown Shelter. I have been getting numerous phone calls and emails, it will be interesting to see how many turn out for this short hike. Thats all for now...
Date: 2011-04-03
To: AHC 'Shakedown' Backpacking
Miles today: 0.0

Nice trip overnight at the Allentown Hiking Shelter with new people. I lead this short 'shakedown' 8 mile round trip overnight with the AHC. There were a total of 5 that backpacked and an additional 6 that utilized it as a day hike. I 'encouraged' my daughter to come along on this one as well. Crash and hikerhobs from Whiteblaze, Jean from the AMC, myself and my daughter all stayed over. Dick, Gene, Gabe, Sparky, Cindy & her son dayhiked it on Saturday. Brian and Chris from Hammock forums also were utilizing the shelter area for the evening.The weather report was dicey, but it turned out to be beautiful. The combination of conversation, a beautiful view (no leaves on the trees yet) and warming campfire made for an enjoyable hiking experience. Thanks to all participants!
Date: 2011-04-10
To: ATI Planning
Miles today: 0.0

No hike this weekend, slacked off and took a trip down to Atlantic City instead. It was nice seeing the ocean, it seems to balance me like the mountains do. I did use this weekend to firm up my May trip down to Warren Doyle's Appalachian Trail Institute. http://www.warrendoyle.com/ATI.htmlI figure that I should be able to pick up a thing or two to from someone who has hiked the AT 16 times. I made reservations down in Erwin, Tn the two nights before the 5 day class. This is a little past where I need to go, but I have not visited the area before (9+ hours drive from me). I have not decided exactly what I will take in, possibly white water rafting or just go see some local attractions. I may shoot down to Hot Springs or over to Gatlinburg. I currently only get two weeks vacation, so I will make the best of what ever experiences that await me. For a stop over on the drive home, I made a reservation in the Salem/Roanoke area as well. This I am learning that if you want to do something, just pencil it in on the calender. If you don't, it will never get scheduled and opportunities for experiences will just pass you by. I guess that also relates to thru hiking the AT. If you don't put a start date/year on the calender, It will be another dream gone by. Enjoy!
Date: 2011-04-15
To: White Blaze Duncannon 24
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Just getting packed for a short weekend over above Harrisburg PA. It is with members of WhiteBlaze.net ...The Duncannon 24. We will meet up tonight at the Doyle Hotel to socialize, stay overnight, then in the morning be dropped off 24 miles south (at PA 74) to make our way back. Officially just a day hike, it will be my first 20 plus mile day since last summer. Some will then stay overnight again at the Doyle and drive home in the morning. Should be a good time and I look forward to meeting new faces. The forcast calls for a steady rain in the afternoon, so I will be trying my 'Packa' for the first time.Also, I will get to try out my new pack. I purchased an Osprey Exos 58. I love my Gregory z65, but am trying to shave off as many ounces as I can. This pack is 1.5 pounds lighter. It definitely feels lighter and initial thoughts are that it is not as 'heavy' duty. There are always trade offs. I haven't decided if I am going to take a full pack or not on the 24 mile hike, but either way it should give me a good feel for the new pack. I will plan on checking in for a follow up journal entry when i get back on Sunday. Enjoy!
Date: 2011-04-17
To: 24 Follow Up
Miles today: 0.0

Back from the weekend.Enjoyable wet time. Arrived Friday Evening at the Doyle ate a great burger and enjoyed a few pints with Digger then Nox, Lindsay and Jester arrived. Rolling Stone was also at the Doyle and Melanie along with her dog. Vickey was very hospitable and Pat cooks up some good eats! Around 3-3:30 I could hear Tank arriving and crashing in Jester's Room next door. We got up at 5am (except for Tank and Jester who needed a little prodding) and drove to PA 74 just north of boiling springs. We decided all to pile into Digger's Sprinter Cargo Van that had no windows or light in the cargo compartment. After a stop at Sheetz and a nauseating ride to the trail head, we got on the trail at 7:50 am.We hiked less than two hours before the rain started. It did not let up until we were walking into Duncannon. Even with the bad weather Tank and I were able to do the 24 miles in 10.5 hours. Digger had waited for Jester, Nox and Lindsay and wasn't able to quite catch back up to us. Jester, Nox and Lindsay got about 12 miles in before calling it a day. When we stopped by Cove Mountain Shelter we found a couple hikers and a dog held up there. It was Rolling Stone and Melanie that we had met at the Doyle the previous night. After another good meal, I called it an early night (before 9pm) and slept very good! A quick breakfast at Goodies across from the Doyle and I headed home.I was able to complete the 24 miles, but I am not conditioned to do that every day! My knees held up good, but ankles/feet are definitely talking to me. Also, the new Osprey Exos 58 is not as well padded as my Gregory z65. It worked well and fit well, but has left my shoulders very sore. I guess the Exos is more of the Sports car model and the z65 is the Cadillac. If I had to go 35lbs or more pounds, the Gregory would be the choice. Since I am trying to keep under 30lbs fully loaded w/food & water, I will keep with the Osprey right now.Nice meeting all the new (to me) hiker faces!Enjoy...
Date: 2011-04-29
To: Tennessee Bound
Miles today: 0.0

Just getting packed for the week down in TN. As previously stated, I am attending Warren Doyle's Appalachian Trail Institute. I changed my hotel plans up a little and am going to Gatlinburg TN to do the tourist gig for a day or two. Also going to take a short White Water Rafting Trip at a NOC outpost. On the way back I am going to stay over in Front Royal. Looking forward to the week and I will post when I return. Happy Hiking!
Date: 2011-05-08
To: ATI Trip
Miles today: 0.0

Returned home yesterday from my Appalachian Trail Institute Trip. Prior to the Monday thru Friday at the ATI, I drove down to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN. Neat to see this tourist area. It includes lots of attractions and Dollywood. I took in a comedy show and was one of the participants called up on stage. Gatlinburg also is home to a beautiful NOC store (The Great Outpost). One of the offerings that I tried, for the first time, was white water rafting. Very enjoyable! This was mainly class 2 rapids with a few 3's and 4's thrown in. One person in our raft went over into the water. I can see why people keep going back for repeat rafting trips, it was challenging but at the same time peaceful when there are no rapids. I must say that I found Warren Doyle's ATI class very beneficial. I am extremely glad that I took the time and $ to attend. Yes, he is opinionated. Yes, he can be judgmental. Yes, he is set in his ways. It would not be for everyone, but I did find that his opinions (about trail related items), judgments and ways work and seem to work well. If you have thin skin and are set in your ways (or unable to keep an open mind about alternative methods) the ATI may not be for you.There were only four of us at this ATI as three others registered, but did not follow through with attending. I believe that Kim, Macon, Paul and myself all felt appreciative of Warren's informative advice. He is definitely a minimalist as well as an advocate of not spending a lot of money on gear. I feel that everyone goes their own way, but my ways have changed some since this course. Some of the most beneficial advice came with a 'pacing guide' and step by step advice going through the data book. Some changes will be in my gear, tentative scheduling, mail drops (or lack there of), where to tent and visit.We had three 'guest' speakers during the week. Cecil who was a previous thru hiker and ATI attendee. Dan who is a current thru hiker (just going through Damascus now) and ATI attendee. And Jennifer Pharr Davis who is the author of 'Becoming Odyssya' and attempting the overall speed record on the AT this summer (currently holds the woman's record). All three speakers contributed to the excellent information that was provided this week. I did tent out M-Fri. Weather was decent with some rain and only one night at the freezing mark (ice crystals on the tent). I did have a run in with a not very pleasant dog who was sniffing around my tent then proceeded to bark and growl for 20 minutes at me. Damascus was neat to visit (trail days banner went up while I was there). I enjoyed Quincy's and even got to squeeze a Karaoke song in after a later dinner on night. On a gear note, I did purchase a new pack at Mt Rogers Outfitter. I downsized to an Exos 46 (35% off) and plan to return my Exos 58 to REI tomorrow. This saves me a half a pound and a little over $50. I now plan to take less than before so the 3000ci should be sufficient. Overall a great week that has left me even more prepared for my adventure in 2012! I hope to see Kim, Macon and Paul from the ATI on the trail this coming year.
Date: 2011-06-05
To: ReEquip & New Start Date
Miles today: 0.0

For those who have no interest in gear selections, feel free to skip this entry. I have been re-thinking my gear selections. Upon review, I realized that I have been compromising on gear choices. By compromising, I mean that I have gear that not only is to be used for thru hiking, but for weekend backpacking and camping. Although this gear can easily be used for thru-hiking, I am thinking too much about comfort and not enough about simplicity and saving ounces. Lightweight will be a priority. This includes a few choices that I originally disputed and did not choose, such as not carrying a stove (cold food only). This was one choice that Warren Doyle had advocated that I discounted due to my comfort level. This is not a weekend backpacking trip, this is a 4-5 month journey that if I compromise, it could hurt my chances of completing.That being said, I have decided to rethink my shelter, sleeping bag, cookware & rain gear. My 6 moons designs Lunar Solo is being replaced by a Zpacks Hexamid Solo. My synthetic sleeping bag is being replaced by a Mountain Hardware Down Bag. I will be not carrying a stove/fuel and relying on cold food. My Packa is being replaced by a Cuben Fiber Pack Cover (and Marmot Oracle Hardshell for everyday use). These changes are lightening my load by a couple of pounds!Fast and Light The other change is my start date. I will be planning on starting my North Bound Trip the week after Easter. Currently I am targeting Wed April 11th for the Approach and Officially Starting my North Bound Trip on Thursday April 12th!This later start date will help minimize my chances of snowfall plus somewhat reduce the need for additional cold weather gear.
Date: 2011-06-11
To: Plan Ur Work & Work Ur Plan
Miles today: 0.0

I have been working on a tentative schedule for the Hike. As I posted in my last entry, my start date will be Thursday April 12th 2012. If I hike aggressively, this will put me in Damascus the week of Trail Days. I am not sure if I will stay for all the activities, but I would like to experience some of them. Damascus will be my first Mail Drop. I have decided to only plan on a total of three Mail Drops. Damascus, VA - Harpers Ferry, WV - Glencliff, NH. Obviously, I am not planning on using mail drops as a primary means of food supply. I have chosen these to exchange Cold/Warm weather gear at appropriate times. Damascus may be a few miles early for this (Atkins may be more ideal), but I plan to have a zero or two here for Trail Days anyway. I added my Mail Drops to my Trail Journal and used a 'best case' scenario for the dates as I do not want to be ahead of the date in case family/friends decide to add a care package to my gear package . Approach 4-11-12Springer 4-12-12Damascus 5-14-12(2? Zero Days at Trail Days)Harpers Ferry 06-18-12(2? Zero Days at Home in PA)Glencliff NH 07-30-12Summit Katahdin 08-31-12This is a tentative outline and is open to any and all changes that the trail decides on. Also, if any injury or major family concerns happen that pull me off the trail, this leaves the whole month of September available as a buffer zone.This 141 day schedule may seem aggressive, but as long as know that I am willing to flow with any changes, it feels good have a plan in the works. If I may quote my Father... "Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan".
Date: 2011-07-09
To: Billville Hiker Feed - Duncannon
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Just got back home from the Billville Hiker Feed that was being held this weekend in Duncannon, Pa. I really did not know what to expect as I have not attended one of these before. I was surprised how big it was and how many hikers were attending. Mainly advertised on White Blaze, Trail Angel Mary did a nice job of organizing it. I had signed up to help out (Saturday), but they had most everything under control as far as the food/kitchen went so I decided to be the unofficial shuttle driver. I purposely drove out my 'Family Truckster' - a full size Ford LTD Station Wagon and was glad that I did. Many trips from the hiker feed in the park to various places such as Mutzabughs Market for Resupply, Post Office, Laundry and the Doyle to name a few. I am glad that I had the chance to help out and it was nice talking to all the current thru hikers. Thanks to the Billville Folks for letting me tag along, it was great meeting Bag O Tricks, Baltimore Jack, Trail Angel Mary and many more. As well as seeing Digger, Tank & Jester again that I had previously met at the Duncannon 24 a few months ago. Got to use my ZPacks tarp/tent again and am still happy with it. I did notice a very small hole in the netting near the zipper and am going to talk to Joe at Zpacks to see what the best fix is for it. Next Year I plan on attending this as a thru hiker...Nine months and counting down!