morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-05
From: Springer Mountain, GA

To: Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Greetings, it is now two weeks away. I guess it is time for me to get serious about packing my stuff. Today's entry will go over some of the gear considerations. We will start with the big-ticket items. for a tent, I am using the tarp tent squall2. It weighs 32 ounces, which is pretty light (2-person). It should serve me well. For footwear, have decided not to use hiking boots this time. I will be using trail shoes, made by OBOZ, a company out of Montana. As soon as I tried them on at REI, I was sold. I anticipate having no serious issues with breaking them in. My sleeping bag is heavier, it is a western a mountaineering bag, a heavier 20-degree bag. That said, this is a particularly cold winter. And we will, after all, be in the mountains of Georgia at the beginning of this adventure. Will probably keep it until early May before sending it back. At that point, I will use either a summer bag or an army poncho liner, both of which way no more than about a pound. A lot of up ultralight backpackers use ultralight sleeping pads under their bags. The ones we talk to on the trail complain about achy bones and having trouble sleeping. I therefore will start out with my standard "Rubber lady", the big Agnes. I also have custom orthotics. They're going to take a little getting used to.   More to follow.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Springer Mountain, GA

To: Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We leave tomorrow, so I drove down to Atlanta today. We've been graciously hosted by a member of Al's family. (Thanks!). I finally got everything packed yesterday, and we whittled down our excessive quantities of food this evening, and prepped bounce boxes to mail to ourselves. Thanks to all who have expressed well wishes.
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Franklin
Miles today: 12.2

We have to stop in Fraklin, NC tomorrow for supplies. I write this next to a campfire at a little after 1AM. My gatoraid bottle fu of boing water that I was using to keep my feet warm exploded at the bottom of my sleeping bag. I hurriedly attempted to throw it out of the tent, forgetting that I zipped up the bugnet (more out of habit, not too many bugs out in this cold). Naturally, the uncapped bottle bounced off the net and all over me. Don't you just hate that? So I put on what dry clothes I had and revived a fire someone had been using earlier. (hope I'm not disturbing them, too much, hard to be quiet walking around collecting firewood) Since I had just taken an ambien, I laid down near the fire and dozed. Woke to discover that this wood burns pretty fast. Sposta start raining in a few hours. It's 12 miles to franklin, will have to figure out the sleeping bag issue. Will turn the phone off now, conserve battery power. Will send as I'm walking, depending on when we have service. If we don't have a ride back or my sleeping bag isn't dry, we may spend the night in franklin, but won't be taking a zero day. Our next stretch before re-supply is six days, the longest. We seem to be making good time. > 2 miles/hour.
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter (Mile 144)

To: Cable Gap Shelter (Mile 159.2)
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Last night was fun. As I had lost my tent pole, was planning to sleep in the shelter, but when I went to sweep the "dirt" off the floor to throw down my stuff, I realized it was rodent droppings. I therefore sought a fairly level place in the forest, thought I had an OK one. However, during the night, I continuously slid off the plastic sheet and my sleeping pad into the wet leaves and mud, and therefore bagged it up around 3 AM and (reluctantly) moved into the shelter for the remainder of the night. Today's terrain was a little better, although "Jacob's Ladder", out of Sweetwater Gap was ridiculous. About an 8-or-900 foot climb over < 2 miles. Tonight I found a great spot that is really flat, and it's not too cold, and the night is clear. Hoping for the best. Chatted w "Right Here" for a while. We listened to the minstrels that we see at many of the shelters. They play each night and they're really good. They have a facebook page and reportedly have links on You-Tube as well. On FB their page is "Toast and Woo's Extended Ramble".Hands getting cold, will sign off for the night.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana, NC
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: few clouds

Hiked into Fontana today, by the time we arrived, we had to stop because we wouldn't have made it to the shelter in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The shelter here was full, so we went halvsies on a room at the Lodge. Laundry and showers, food. Was good to dry out. Al updated his blog while I contacted my family. We had a beer and chatted with Viking and Soaring Eagle, some fellows from the Warrior Hike (Walk off the War). Was sorry to hear that quite a few of the fellows in the program have dropped out of the hike. It is a great program, sponsored by gear companies, but well-supported by professionals including a psychologist. We ate dinner with our friends, and met a photographer, CW, who has done some great shots all over the world. You can see his work at http://www.thewildernessgallery.com/. Dome really vivid colors. He uses a special camera made of wood and titanium, and special Fuji film. Can't wait to start the Smokys tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Fontana, NC

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Stayed at Fontana Lodge last night, contacted our families. Received a tent pole in the mail to replace one that somehow fell out of my pack. Some other hikers reported seeing it on the trail, but nobody picks up stuff on the trail, since most folks are carrying > they want, anyway. The postmaster at Fontana crossing was gracious enough to stop at the post office in another town on her way to work to pick up my package, since it wasn't due to get in til after lunch on the truck. Thanks to her, we were able to get pretty much a full day of walking. It was nice to have my tent back! Today we entered the Smokies, after walking across Fontana Dam. It was a beautiful but warm day. Right out of the gate we encountered a steep uphill climb. A 3,000 foot climb over 7 miles. I slow up considerably, stopping sometimes every 50 - 100 yards to hide from the sun behind a thick (or thin) tree. Halfway up I drank my Butterfinger candy bar and was careful to hydrate frequently. Leapfrogged w a few familiar colleagues, to include knafles (sp?), which is short for "knifeless and falls down a lot", Atlas & Sunshine, Swashbuckler, little spoon, and others. We skipped the first shelter, which we'd have been compelled to sleep in by Park personnel, and was gratified to discover that the second shelter, Russell Field, only a few miles further, was full and we were therefore cleared to stake our tents. It is on a windy ridge line. As I arrived at dusk (around 7:40 PM), Al cooked a dinner of mashed potatoes (garlic flavored) and tuna fish. We chatted with our friend Terry and "Jo-Hawk" (a Kansan). Our other friend, "Right Here" is "right here" as well. Our friend Steve didn't make it this far. He's camped at the first shelter. His partner (Guardian, an older gentleman) had to stop. I was hoping to call my wife and kids, but there's no service. Will have to try from to top of a hill tomorrow. Will also have to postpone posting this to the blog. Now that I am getting more organized, I'm hoping to do better with keeping this up. Al sets a high standard. I think of him as the "Blogemator". The nights have been warm now. Rain predicted tomorrow. The plants are nice, and some of the trees grow in funny shapes. I hiked alone for most of the day, listening to audiobooks. Just finished "Elmer Gantry" yesterday and got through a good chunk of "We can do better" by Senator Bill Bradley, which is a well-thought out prescription to get the country back on its feet. Will need to download some new audiobooks soon.
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap (Mile 206.8) -- near Gatlinburg
Miles today: 11.0

Tried to dry off the rain on my tent, only to discover that it was frozen. Packing wet tents sure make them heavier. Today was a great day for walking, we passed over Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the Appalachian Trail, and we made it to the Gap around 2PM, linking up with Bob, a friend who drove us around to take care of business today. When we got to the parking lot, we were greeted by a couple, the Bridens, who were serving food to hikers from their truck. A real throw-down, including sandwhiches, chips, fruit, sodas, and gatorade. Trail angels, dispensing yet more trail magic. Very welcome. After spreading our stuff out to dry at the hiker hotel, we grocery shopped and grabbed dinner. Another trail angel, Jason, even paid for our dinner! Back out on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Newfound Gap (Mile 206.8) -- near Gatlinburg

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter (mile 222.4) 
Miles today: 15.2

Breakfasted w Bob, Right Here, and Jo. Ate as much fruit and vegetables as I could to make up for not having them (much) on the trail. I (unsuccessfully) attempted to repair my OBOZ sawtooth trail runners, as the tip on one has separated from the shoe. Upsetting, as we've only gone 200-plus miles. I wrote the manufacturer, have yet to receive a reply. Thanks to Bob for bringing me some Liquid Nails to at least try. We finished packing and Bob dropped us off at the trail at Newfound Gap. The terrain was fairly level, and it was a great day for a walk in the woods. We were accompanied by Jo, although I walked most of the day by myself listening to audiobooks ("Team of Rivals") after spending some time stopping on various hilltops trying to get a signal. While the original plan had been to stop at Peck's Corner Shelter 11 miles in, we felt pretty good, and still had enough daylight (barely) to make it another 5 miles to the next Shelter "Tri-Corner Knob Shelter". As the shelter was full, we were green-lighted to stake our tents. Unfortunately, darkness and rain were coming fast, and we were unable to find flat places to set up our tents. I therefore type this in a tent set up on a hill, hoping the rain doesn't run over the edge of my bath-tub floor and flood my humble abode. Fortunately, I have a trash compactor bag lining my pack now, and think I can keep my stuff dry. I was glad we walked the extra today, as tomorrow calls for 100% chance of rain. Better to walk that terrain dry instead of muddy. Track our progress: http://cna.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StorytellingTextLegend/index.html?appid=61f4de053eed4eb79af4917ff2e53b3c
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter (mile 222.4) 

To: Standing Bear Hostel (mile 240.8)
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: moderate rain

Well, the Tarptent "Squall 2" is certainly an apt name! While it does OK in light rain, we got pounded last night and it was virtually raining inside the tent. I tried putting the lower half of my sleeping bag in a large (lawn-sized) plastic trash bag, and covering the top half with my rain jacket, the water simply ran down the rain jacket into the bag, soaking my poor sleeping bag again. Unsuccessfully used my pack towel to try to dry the inside of the tent walls... eventually, I realized it wasn't going to get better. So between 3 and 4 AM I packed up and was once again sleeping in the shelter, although really just resting and keeping warm til time to move again. We walked in the rain all morning, the trail was a virtual river, and mud was heavy. Our feet were soaked. Afternoon a little better, although the winds were ferocious. I was walking on a narrow ridge, leaning into it to keep from being blown over the left side, when it occurred to me that if the wind stopped, I'd fall over the right. Made it to a nice hostel (http://www.standingbearfarm.com/), where we showered and dried out our stuff. Had some pizza and a beer and called it a night. I will have to figure out how to stay dry at night.   Track our progress: http://cna.maps.arcgis.com/app...
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Standing Bear Hostel (mile 240.8)

To: Campsite at Mile 259.3 
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

Great day of walking, nice steady uphill, walked over clearing ("Max Patch Summit"), although all that walking in wet shoes produced a heel blister and a few "hot-spots", which I taped for preventive purposes. Sorry for the short entry... didn't take notes, so this entry is compsed a few days after the fact. Track our progress: http://cna.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StorytellingTextLegend/index.html?appid=61f4de053eed4eb79af4917ff2e53b3c
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Un-named campsite at approximately mile 259.3

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 18.5

hiked 15 (??) miles to Hot Springs, NC. Uneventful hike, decent terrain. Was raining all night, but stopped around 7AM as we awoke. We started walking as soon as we were packed, around 8. Stopped after about an hour of uphill climbing for the rest of our breakfast (Carnation instant breakfast mixed w powdered milk... Phase I of breakfast on "no-cook" mornings is pop-tarts consumed as we're walking out of camp). Listened to "Team of Rivals" audiobook while I walked, stopping around 1 for a 10-minute lunch break ( tortilla w tuna fish). Arrived in Hot Springs a little before 4PM, had made reservations at a hostel, which affords inexpensive lodging and meals. The Hostel is in an old house built in 1840. The first thing I did after getting my bunk assignment was to spread out my tent to dry in the sun. Fortunately, it did not rain heavily the night before, so I did not have the same problem with leakage. As I type this, I sit in a coin operated laundromat on the other side of town wearing only my rain pants, every other article of clothing is in the machine. Aside from the rather mundane details of the day which is developing into a routine, I have had a tremendous amount of time to think about things. I decided to embark on this adventure primarily because I wanted a personal challenge. A chance to develop my skills in this area, get physically fit, and mentally transition from one phase of life to another. I acknowledge that there are plenty of was to do that without going to this extreme, but I am fortunate to have the means to do so. Among the challenges, it's learning to go without some of the luxuries we encounter in our normal day-to-day activities; how to prevent (and treat) blisters I lanced a blister on Al's foot a week or so back... I've got some, too, but have had some success with taping hot spots to prevent them... All was actually going well until the day before yesterday, when we walked many miles in a torrential downpour, with rivers running down the trail and turning it into mud. It must have been the walking all day in wet shoes and socks that created the conditions favorable to blisters. I've been impressed by the spirit and determination of our fellow thru-hikers, many who are pushing through despite various injuries or personal l hardships. Naturally, the one unpleasantry I've experienced is missing my family. It has been somewhat frustrating at times, mainly trying to contact them in the evenings, typically we are out in the backcountry where there's no reception. Have tried a few times from mountaintops, with varying success. Spoke with my daughter today, she said that she is planning to try to link up with us and walk with us a little bit on the trail weekend after next. Looking forward to that, as well as seeing her husband and baby. A few other people have expressed an interest in walking with us, so I am starting to send the links with maps to where people can meet us on the trail.Track our progress: http://cna.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StorytellingTextLegend/index.html?appid=61f4de053eed4eb79af4917ff2e53b3c
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Taking a day off of walking, our legs could use a little rest, maybe give blisters a chance to heal up. We were fortunate enough to have made reservations and snagged bunks yesterday at Elmer's "Sunnybank Inn" (http://www.sunnybankretreatassociation.org/about.html), a hiker-friendly hostel in a magnificent historic mansion (constructed around 1840). Aside from the fascinating architecture and great decore (antiques were everywhere), we had a nice dinner last might with Elmer, Jesse, his assistant, and our fellow hikers. The dinner was a delicious vegetarian meal, with lentil.butternut squash soup, a colorful salad, Spinach lasagna, and best of all, pecan pie. Was good to eat some real food, and healthy at that. Getting ready to plan our next few days and go re-supply. Hitting the trail iin the morning!Track our progress: http://cna.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StorytellingTextLegend/index.html?appid=61f4de053eed4eb79af4917ff2e53b3c
Date: 2014-04-11
To: Campsite at Mile 290.2
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another night at Elmer's Sunnyside Inn. Great place, nice hospitality. I puttered around til midnight cleaning my gear and organizing my stuff. Last evening we had a very nice community dinner for hikers. I sensed this is a big part of their economy. We were heading out today as they were stating their big hiker weekend. While there are gear manufacturers and give-aways, I think it was mostly a chance for the town to sell some stuff (I already had everything I needed) and hikers to relax and socialize (well, maybe consume some beer, too). We stopped to have a cookie and some coffee at the hiker ministry center and weigh ourselves and our packs at the local outfitters, which was somewhat excessively priced. I did purchase a can of waterproofing spray, hoping that will solve the rain penetrating my tent fabric. Gave it two coats. Hope it wasn't intentionally porous for ventilators purposes. Guess we (well, I) will find out this summer. I didn't expect to lose much weight. I was 163 at the start and I was 160, so looks like all the high-calorie junk food I've added, primarily as trail snacks, is meeting my (higher) caloric needs. The pack was hard to close today, and with 4.5 days worth of provisions, it was at it's heaviest yet -- 31 lbs. tried to front-load consumption of the heavier items. Not sure what compelled me to purchase pistachios, since the shells are a substantial amount of dead weight, but I put a pretty good dent in them.Got walking a little after 11AM. Lots of uphill today, but it was good that our legs had a day of rest, and my blister and hot spots are pretty well squared away. Mid afternoon, we smelled smoke. I was starting to worry about entering an area where a forest fire was active, but some fellows from the Forest Service came by and explained they were doing a controlled burn. Turned out we were forced to make a detour as a result. Initiated worried it was going to lengthen our walk, turned out they clipped off a part of our path. Consequently, I was disappointed that they didn't force us to skip more of the trail, since it would have been no fault of our own. We covered ~ 16- plus miles today, not bad for a late start. Tomorrow we break the 300 - mile barrier. Workin' it!
Date: 2014-04-12
To: Flint Mountain Shelter (Mile 306.2)
Miles today: 16.0

Started around 9 after an oatmeal breakfast. Lots of uphills today, but one section in particular was rocky and strenuous. I missed the side trail leading to our planned lunch location, camp creek bald lookout tower. I therefor lunched by myself, spreading my sleeping bag out to air out. Took shoes and socks off, too, but sun was strong so the break was a short one. Arrived at Flint Mountain Shelter around 6:30 (??). Set up tent and ate dinner. Now typing out my blog. Some good conversation with Al today about music, discussing the merits of various instrumentals in some of our favorites. We agreed to do a 5-or-10 song playlists with what we consider the best. There are some scouts here at the shelter starting a "50-miler", something we are eminently familiar with. Hooah for them!
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Flint Mountain Shelter (Mile 306.2)

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We left early this morning to take advantage of some well-advertised "trail magic" someone serving food to hikers at Sam's Gap, about 10 miles away. When I got there, I did not see the party, so I kept going. Interestingly, there was a sign providing details, including directions, a few miles before the place. Unfortunately, I neglected to read the entire sign. That said, it was a long day, and we covered 19 miles to Bald Mountain Shelter. We washed ourselves and a few key clothing items, threw down some dinner pasta sides and salami, chips, cookies, and a cup of tea, and called it. I also forgot to deposit my trash in a public wastebasket by the parking lot on the road, so I was irritated, since I¢ve been policing up micro-trash at the various campsites we¢ve occupied. Will definitely be more careful about that.This trip continues to offer spectacular experiences. Beautiful scenery, interesting and friendly people, including several vets, and lots of personal challenges to overcome. Mainly some hard miles. The Smokies were perhaps the most intense from a landscape perspective. The contrast of colors was remarkable. Giant walls of shale with black, blue, and copper colors are one example of the unexpected. The various shades of green and blue in lichens and moss were great. And the bright shade of red -- like sienna provided more fascinating contrasts. Not the mention the blue sky and different colored rock formations. It was great to see so many volunteers out maintaining the trail, too. Sadly, acid rain and an invasive species of boring insects have decimated whole stands of trees.Track our progress: http://cna.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StorytellingTextLegend/index.html?appid=61f4de053eed4eb79af4917ff2e53b3c
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, TN (Mile 341.5)
Miles today: 16.4

Interesting night (last night). Although there were high winds all evening, it was so loud I took a king-sized Ambien. Around 3 AM, it blew my tent stakes out of the ground. I got out and was unable to locate the stake in the dark, so I used a stick and went back to sleep. A little whole later, another corner came unstaked, and I repeated the process. The third time, I started to figure out the ground was too soft and the wind too high, so I went looking for large rocks to place on top of the stakes/sticks; and that did the trick. (fortunately, found the missing stakes next morning) Was a little slow getting moving, had carnation instant breakfast and powdered milk with a Starbucks via for starters, and a walking breakfast of pop-tarts. Covered 16.4 miles into Erwin, TN, where we decided to stop for resupply and shower/laundry stop. Found an inexpensive hostel for hikers and now we're going to hit the grocery store for resupply and its back on the trail tomorrow. Was able to get the phone recharged and spoke with the family. My daughter and her husband are planning to link up with us around Hampton, TN, My wife may come down to care to Kevin while we're doing the hike, which means we'll get to be together on our 36th anniversary. Track our progress: http://cna.maps.arcgis.com/apps/StorytellingTextLegend/index.html?appid=61f4de053eed4eb79af4917ff2e53b3c
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Erwin, TN (Mile 341.5)

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 12.0

Ten (trail) miles today. Made it a little past Indian grave gap, but the weather turned pretty fast. Rain was predicted, but it was mostly snow, which is actually better for hiking. Terrain was good today, pretty steady uphill for most. We decided to go back maybe a quarter of a mile to the road and walk a few (3) miles to Rock creek recreation area. Jeremiah graciously stopped and offered us a lift. Al wisely called this one, as we'd have had to walk almost 4 more miles w no water. We had a nice dinner of snacks, mashed potatoes w bacon, and hot tea. Really cold, going to shut down for tonight.It's been fun hitch-hiking again, as that was my primary mode of transportation for many years during the 70's.